Pam’s Story
In a recent email, I read about a woman named Pam, who knows the pain of considering abortion. More than 24 years ago, she and her husband Bob were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child. Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink. She went into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant.Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety and told her that the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby. She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. Pam said the doctors didn't think of it as a life, they thought of it as a mass of fetal tissue.
While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times but refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband: If you will give us a son, we’ll name him Timothy and we’ll make him a preacher.
Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy August 14, 1987. Pam’s youngest son is indeed a preacher. He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves with his father’s ministry in the Philippines. He also plays football. Pam’s son is Tim Tebow.
The University of Florida’s star quarterback became the first sophomore in history to win college football’s highest award, the Heisman Trophy. His current role as quarterback of the Denver Broncos has provided an incredible platform for Christian witness. As a result, he is being called The Mile-High Messiah.
Tim’s notoriety and the family’s inspiring story have given Pam numerous opportunities to speak on behalf of women’s centers across the country. Pam Tebow believes that every little baby you save matters. I pray her tribe will increase!May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always!Dr. Gerald B. (Jerry) KieschnickPresident Emeritus, The Lutheran Church-Missouri SynodPresidential Ambassador for Mission Advancement, Concordia University Texas
Showing posts with label Christian Courage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian Courage. Show all posts
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Why not abortion? ... Thanks Ramey!
This is for all Ohio State football fans. Urban Meyer coached the young fellow at Florida:
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani in Iran Thanks Bob Looney!
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani never practiced the Muslim faith and converted to Christianity at age 19, becoming a pastor later. But the courts say that since his mother and father were practicing Muslims, he must recant his Christian faith or die. So far, in three court appearances, he has refused to do so - RISKING EXECUTION AT ANY MOMENT. The Iranian Supreme Court often acts quickly in administering the death penalty.
According to a report, when asked by judges to "repent," Yousef replied: "Repent, What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?"
The judges replied: "To the religion of your ancestors - Islam." To which Yousef replied: "I cannot."
It's time for the body of Christ to act, to pray, to plead for the life of our Brother before Christ so that His servant may be spared.
This is what you are asked/called to do. As soon as you receive this email, PRAY IMMEDIATELY. Then call your pastor, your deacons and the people of your Church so that they may all pray too. Then forward this PRAYER REQUEST to every CHRISTIAN you know so that they may pray also.
The Bible States , "If God is with us, who can stand against us."
Skip to Main ContentU.S. Edition
October 5, 2011 4:24 PM EDT
It appears that Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani will avoid the hangman in Iran for the time being.
Nadarkhani, once the leader of a 400-person congregation in Rasht, was previously convicted of apostasy -- the crime of abandoning Islam and converting to Christianity -- but Iran now claims that the death penalty reports that circulated around the world last week were unsubstantiated.
Enlarge Close (Photo: Buzzbox.com)
Youcef Nadarkhani Share This Story
8
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“Youssef Nadar-Khani [sic] has been charged with a crime and is in a prison based on an arrest warrant issued against him,” Gilan Province Judiciary Chief Mohammad-Javad Heshmati said on Wednesday, according to Iran state news agency Press TV.
“There has been no execution order. No conviction at all has been issued yet and it is up to the court to finally decide the verdict after studying his case,” he added.
Since news of Nadarkhani's looming execution spread, Iran has been loudly decrying the pastor as "a convicted rapist and extortionist," and the Fars News Agency said over the weekend that Nadarkhani was to be executed for Zionism and threats to national security.
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“This individual is guilty and his crime is not attempting to convert others to Christianity, rather his crimes are of a security nature,” Ali Rezvani, Deputy Governor of Gilan Province, stated.
But Nadarkhani was first arrested in 2009 and until Monday, the government had only mentioned the apostasy charge for years, at least according to the court documents that have been released.
It is believed that in 2010, Iran's Supreme Court upheld the death by hanging sentence, and the filing signed by judges Morteza Fazel and Azizoallah Razaghi mentions the religious charges against Nadarkhani and nothing more.
"Mr. Youcef Nadarkhani, son of Byrom, 32 years old, married, born in Rasht in the state of Gilan, is convicted of turning his back on Islam, the greatest religion the prophesy of Mohammad at the age of 19," the document states.
"He has often participated in Christian worship and organized home church services, evangelizing and has been baptized and baptized others, converting Muslims to Christianity. He has been accused of breaking Islamic Law that from puberty (15 years according to Islamic law) until the age of 19 the year 1996, he was raised a Muslim in a Muslim home.
"During court trials, he denied the prophecy of Mohammad and the authority of Islam. He has stated that he is a Christian and no longer Muslim. During many sessions in court with the presence of his attorney and a judge, he has been sentenced to execution by hanging according to article 8 of Tahrir–olvasileh."
Nonetheless, Iran has accused Western media of "manipulating" the facts surrounding the case in order to "wage an anti-Iran publicity campaign."
"Iran has firmly refuted Western allegations of violating human rights, insisting that Nadar-Khani has a history of committing violent crimes and that he has never received a death penalty for his religious preference," Press TV asserted.
If Nadarkhani were indeed guilty of rape and of Zionism, which could be the treasonous crime of spying for Israel, the death penalty would not be off the table. Both convictions are subject to capital punishment in Iran, and the death penalty is mandatory in rape cases unless the victim forgives the rapist.
Apostasy is not officially in Iran's penal code, but is still punishable by death under official fatwas and religious texts.
The disappearance of the death penalty may be an indication that Iran, wary of more poor press, bowed to international pressure. Last week, a number of world leaders condemned the execution -- The White House, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, the Bishop of Canterbury and the European Union all issued harsh statements to Iran.
According to a report, when asked by judges to "repent," Yousef replied: "Repent, What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my faith in Christ?"
The judges replied: "To the religion of your ancestors - Islam." To which Yousef replied: "I cannot."
It's time for the body of Christ to act, to pray, to plead for the life of our Brother before Christ so that His servant may be spared.
This is what you are asked/called to do. As soon as you receive this email, PRAY IMMEDIATELY. Then call your pastor, your deacons and the people of your Church so that they may all pray too. Then forward this PRAYER REQUEST to every CHRISTIAN you know so that they may pray also.
The Bible States , "If God is with us, who can stand against us."
Skip to Main ContentU.S. Edition
October 5, 2011 4:24 PM EDT
It appears that Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani will avoid the hangman in Iran for the time being.
Nadarkhani, once the leader of a 400-person congregation in Rasht, was previously convicted of apostasy -- the crime of abandoning Islam and converting to Christianity -- but Iran now claims that the death penalty reports that circulated around the world last week were unsubstantiated.
Enlarge Close (Photo: Buzzbox.com)
Youcef Nadarkhani Share This Story
8
inShare.Related Articles
IAEA Board Passes Almost-Unanimous Resolution Against Iran’s Nuclear Program
Akbar Ahmed's Path to Peace
U.S. probes cyber attack on water system
“Youssef Nadar-Khani [sic] has been charged with a crime and is in a prison based on an arrest warrant issued against him,” Gilan Province Judiciary Chief Mohammad-Javad Heshmati said on Wednesday, according to Iran state news agency Press TV.
“There has been no execution order. No conviction at all has been issued yet and it is up to the court to finally decide the verdict after studying his case,” he added.
Since news of Nadarkhani's looming execution spread, Iran has been loudly decrying the pastor as "a convicted rapist and extortionist," and the Fars News Agency said over the weekend that Nadarkhani was to be executed for Zionism and threats to national security.
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UC Davis Pepper Spray Video: Criticisms Pour in, Chancellor Admits It’s ‘Chilling’
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“This individual is guilty and his crime is not attempting to convert others to Christianity, rather his crimes are of a security nature,” Ali Rezvani, Deputy Governor of Gilan Province, stated.
But Nadarkhani was first arrested in 2009 and until Monday, the government had only mentioned the apostasy charge for years, at least according to the court documents that have been released.
It is believed that in 2010, Iran's Supreme Court upheld the death by hanging sentence, and the filing signed by judges Morteza Fazel and Azizoallah Razaghi mentions the religious charges against Nadarkhani and nothing more.
"Mr. Youcef Nadarkhani, son of Byrom, 32 years old, married, born in Rasht in the state of Gilan, is convicted of turning his back on Islam, the greatest religion the prophesy of Mohammad at the age of 19," the document states.
"He has often participated in Christian worship and organized home church services, evangelizing and has been baptized and baptized others, converting Muslims to Christianity. He has been accused of breaking Islamic Law that from puberty (15 years according to Islamic law) until the age of 19 the year 1996, he was raised a Muslim in a Muslim home.
"During court trials, he denied the prophecy of Mohammad and the authority of Islam. He has stated that he is a Christian and no longer Muslim. During many sessions in court with the presence of his attorney and a judge, he has been sentenced to execution by hanging according to article 8 of Tahrir–olvasileh."
Nonetheless, Iran has accused Western media of "manipulating" the facts surrounding the case in order to "wage an anti-Iran publicity campaign."
"Iran has firmly refuted Western allegations of violating human rights, insisting that Nadar-Khani has a history of committing violent crimes and that he has never received a death penalty for his religious preference," Press TV asserted.
If Nadarkhani were indeed guilty of rape and of Zionism, which could be the treasonous crime of spying for Israel, the death penalty would not be off the table. Both convictions are subject to capital punishment in Iran, and the death penalty is mandatory in rape cases unless the victim forgives the rapist.
Apostasy is not officially in Iran's penal code, but is still punishable by death under official fatwas and religious texts.
The disappearance of the death penalty may be an indication that Iran, wary of more poor press, bowed to international pressure. Last week, a number of world leaders condemned the execution -- The White House, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, the Bishop of Canterbury and the European Union all issued harsh statements to Iran.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Just home from church at Xenos- SamKat
Just home ... SamKat
Proverbs- The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Xenos Cafe' Church has been in Proverbs one for four weeks. Awesome teaching or Awe is a better word than fear to me. We can accept or reject.
I have chosen to accept as so many Christians have done all over this world. Many are being challenged for those beliefs and need the strength of the Lord to obtain more wisdom along with the courage coming from the knowledge.
I also believe in the Tea Party politics because I am not a lifelong Republican. There are the rich socialists who are sponsoring the Wall Street gang who want to discredtit Tea Party at every step. I believe courage must be sought by each of us in advising all that we intend to vote this traitor out of our presidency.
There will be community organizers spurred on by o, biden, and the ilk of those kinds who support islamic terrorists more than honest citizens of the USA. I am with the honest citizens and I want to have Christian courage every step of the remaining years God grants me here on earth.
Proverbs- The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Xenos Cafe' Church has been in Proverbs one for four weeks. Awesome teaching or Awe is a better word than fear to me. We can accept or reject.
I have chosen to accept as so many Christians have done all over this world. Many are being challenged for those beliefs and need the strength of the Lord to obtain more wisdom along with the courage coming from the knowledge.
I also believe in the Tea Party politics because I am not a lifelong Republican. There are the rich socialists who are sponsoring the Wall Street gang who want to discredtit Tea Party at every step. I believe courage must be sought by each of us in advising all that we intend to vote this traitor out of our presidency.
There will be community organizers spurred on by o, biden, and the ilk of those kinds who support islamic terrorists more than honest citizens of the USA. I am with the honest citizens and I want to have Christian courage every step of the remaining years God grants me here on earth.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Aug. 10 2011 Post from Tim Wildmon, AFA
Gov. Rick Perry of Texas proclaimed his love of Christ and this excerpt is from his prayer before 32,000 Christians there last Saturday.
"We know that there is hope for those who trust in him who fills our hearts with joy and gives us life. This God who knows our imperfections, he didn't leave us to live a life in our sins, but paid the price for them. He who knew no sin, he gave his life in ransom for me. This loving, this loving and perfect God is also a personal God."
There will be the anti-Christians who complain; however, this is one Christian who would love to see the Perry/Bachman or Perry/Palin ticket to lead our nation beginning in 2012. We need never again any who would declare the USA is not a Christian nation. We are not entirely Christian by probably fourteen per cent and the eighty-six per cent are not entirely the Christians we would hope to be, but God knows the hearts of Americans throughout our existence and He knows our sins, yet He has blessed us as a nation time and again.
SamKat
"We know that there is hope for those who trust in him who fills our hearts with joy and gives us life. This God who knows our imperfections, he didn't leave us to live a life in our sins, but paid the price for them. He who knew no sin, he gave his life in ransom for me. This loving, this loving and perfect God is also a personal God."
There will be the anti-Christians who complain; however, this is one Christian who would love to see the Perry/Bachman or Perry/Palin ticket to lead our nation beginning in 2012. We need never again any who would declare the USA is not a Christian nation. We are not entirely Christian by probably fourteen per cent and the eighty-six per cent are not entirely the Christians we would hope to be, but God knows the hearts of Americans throughout our existence and He knows our sins, yet He has blessed us as a nation time and again.
SamKat
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Recent Virginia Church Service- Thanks Sarah and your brother, TJ!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: T. J. Du Puy
Date: Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 5:14 PM
Subject: Genesis 47:13-27 & Pastor's Sermon
To: "T. J. Du Puy" tjd189@charter.net
Tj
T. J. Du Puy
tjd189@charter.net
National Cell
615-202-4747
Genesis 47:13-27
RECENT VIRGINIA CHURCH SERVICE - STIMULUS SERMON
Genesis 47:13-27
I would love to give the Pastor of this predominantly black church in Virginia three cheers. This man is obviously a leader.
Perhaps we should each decide who our real leader is.....It is amazing to see
that very little has changed in 4,000 years.
---------------------------------------------------
Good morning, brothers and sisters; it's always a delight to see the pews crowded on Sunday morning, and so eager to get into God's Word. Turn with me in your Bibles, if you will, to the 47th chapter of Genesis. We'll begin our reading at verse 13, and go through verse 27.
Brother Ray, would you stand and read that great passage for us?....(reading)...
Thank you for that fine reading, Brother Ray. So we see that economic hard times fell upon Egypt , and the people turned to the government of Pharaoh to deal with this for them. And Pharaoh nationalized the grain harvest, and placed the grain in great storehouses that he had built. So the people brought their money to Pharaoh, like a great tax increase, and gave it all to him willingly in return for grain. And this went on until their money ran out, and they were hungry again.
So when they went to Pharaoh after that, they brought their livestock - their cattle, their horses, their sheep, and their donkey - to barter for grain, and verse 17 says that only took them through the end of that year.
But the famine wasn't over, was it? So the next year, the people came before Pharaoh and admitted they had nothing left, except their land and their own lives. "There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh." So they surrendered their homes, their land, and their real estate to Pharaoh's government, and then sold themselves into slavery to him, in return for grain.
What can we learn from this, brothers and sisters?
That turning to the government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery? Yes.. That the only reason government wants to be our provider is to also become our master?
Yes.
But look how that passage ends, brothers and sisters! Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt , in the land of Goshen . And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly." God provided for His people, just as He always has! They didn't end up giving all their possessions to government, no, it says they gained possessions! But I also tell you a great truth today, and an ominous one.
We see the same thing happening today - the government today wants to "share the wealth" once again, to take it from us and redistribute it back to us. It wants to take control of healthcare, just as it has taken control of education, and ration it back to us, and when government rations it, then government decides who gets it, and how much, and what kind. And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people of Egypt did four thousand years ago - as slaves to the government, and as slaves to our leaders.
What Mr. Obama's government is doing now is no different from what Pharaoh's government did then, and it will end the same. And a lot of people like to call Mr.Obama a "Messiah," don't they? Is he a Messiah? A savior? Didn't the Egyptians say, after Pharaoh made them his slaves, "You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh"?
Well, I tell you this - I know the Messiah; the Messiah is a friend of mine; and Mr. OBAMA IS NO MESSIAH! No, brothers and sisters, if Mr. Obama is a character from the Bible, then he is Pharaoh. Bow with me in prayer, if you will...
Lord, You alone are worthy to be served, and we rely on You, and You alone. We confess that the government is not our deliverer, and never rightly will be. We read in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel, when Samuel warned the people of what a ruler would do, where it says "And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.."
And Lord, we acknowledge that day has come. We cry out to you because of the ruler that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation. Lord, we pray for this nation. We pray for revival, and we pray for deliverance from those who would be our masters. Give us hearts to seek You and hands to serve You, and protect Your people from the atrocities of Pharoh's government.
In God We Trust...
****************************************************************
You may consider sharing this with others.
If you don't agree .... just delete.
Have whatever kind of day you would like.
From: T. J. Du Puy
Date: Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 5:14 PM
Subject: Genesis 47:13-27 & Pastor's Sermon
To: "T. J. Du Puy" tjd189@charter.net
Tj
T. J. Du Puy
tjd189@charter.net
National Cell
615-202-4747
Genesis 47:13-27
RECENT VIRGINIA CHURCH SERVICE - STIMULUS SERMON
Genesis 47:13-27
I would love to give the Pastor of this predominantly black church in Virginia three cheers. This man is obviously a leader.
Perhaps we should each decide who our real leader is.....It is amazing to see
that very little has changed in 4,000 years.
---------------------------------------------------
Good morning, brothers and sisters; it's always a delight to see the pews crowded on Sunday morning, and so eager to get into God's Word. Turn with me in your Bibles, if you will, to the 47th chapter of Genesis. We'll begin our reading at verse 13, and go through verse 27.
Brother Ray, would you stand and read that great passage for us?....(reading)...
Thank you for that fine reading, Brother Ray. So we see that economic hard times fell upon Egypt , and the people turned to the government of Pharaoh to deal with this for them. And Pharaoh nationalized the grain harvest, and placed the grain in great storehouses that he had built. So the people brought their money to Pharaoh, like a great tax increase, and gave it all to him willingly in return for grain. And this went on until their money ran out, and they were hungry again.
So when they went to Pharaoh after that, they brought their livestock - their cattle, their horses, their sheep, and their donkey - to barter for grain, and verse 17 says that only took them through the end of that year.
But the famine wasn't over, was it? So the next year, the people came before Pharaoh and admitted they had nothing left, except their land and their own lives. "There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our land. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for food, and we with our land will be servants to Pharaoh." So they surrendered their homes, their land, and their real estate to Pharaoh's government, and then sold themselves into slavery to him, in return for grain.
What can we learn from this, brothers and sisters?
That turning to the government instead of to God to be our provider in hard times only leads to slavery? Yes.. That the only reason government wants to be our provider is to also become our master?
Yes.
But look how that passage ends, brothers and sisters! Thus Israel settled in the land of Egypt , in the land of Goshen . And they gained possessions in it, and were fruitful and multiplied greatly." God provided for His people, just as He always has! They didn't end up giving all their possessions to government, no, it says they gained possessions! But I also tell you a great truth today, and an ominous one.
We see the same thing happening today - the government today wants to "share the wealth" once again, to take it from us and redistribute it back to us. It wants to take control of healthcare, just as it has taken control of education, and ration it back to us, and when government rations it, then government decides who gets it, and how much, and what kind. And if we go along with it, and do it willingly, then we will wind up no differently than the people of Egypt did four thousand years ago - as slaves to the government, and as slaves to our leaders.
What Mr. Obama's government is doing now is no different from what Pharaoh's government did then, and it will end the same. And a lot of people like to call Mr.Obama a "Messiah," don't they? Is he a Messiah? A savior? Didn't the Egyptians say, after Pharaoh made them his slaves, "You have saved our lives; may it please my lord, we will be servants to Pharaoh"?
Well, I tell you this - I know the Messiah; the Messiah is a friend of mine; and Mr. OBAMA IS NO MESSIAH! No, brothers and sisters, if Mr. Obama is a character from the Bible, then he is Pharaoh. Bow with me in prayer, if you will...
Lord, You alone are worthy to be served, and we rely on You, and You alone. We confess that the government is not our deliverer, and never rightly will be. We read in the eighth chapter of 1 Samuel, when Samuel warned the people of what a ruler would do, where it says "And in that day you will cry out because of your king, whom you have chosen for yourselves, but the LORD will not answer you in that day.."
And Lord, we acknowledge that day has come. We cry out to you because of the ruler that we have chosen for ourselves as a nation. Lord, we pray for this nation. We pray for revival, and we pray for deliverance from those who would be our masters. Give us hearts to seek You and hands to serve You, and protect Your people from the atrocities of Pharoh's government.
In God We Trust...
****************************************************************
You may consider sharing this with others.
If you don't agree .... just delete.
Have whatever kind of day you would like.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Carl's garden... Thanks Ramey!
IN GOD WE TRUST
Please take the time to read this. I wanted to hurry up and read it, but God slowed me down and I read the whole thing. Guess what, God does what God always does, he blessed me and now it is your turn to be blessed.
Carl was a quie t m an. He didn't talk much. He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake.
Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well.
Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us.
He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII.
Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII, he may no t m ake it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity.
When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up.
He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened.
He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked, "Would you like a drink from the hose?"
The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, "Yeah, sure," with a malevolent little smile.
As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down. As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled.
Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him.
Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it.
"Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?" the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet.
Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head. "Just some punk kids. I hope they'll wise-up someday."
His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water.
Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are you doing?"
"I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately," came the calm reply.
Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different time and place.
A few weeks later the three returned. Just as before their threat was unchallenged. Carl again offered them a drink from his hose.
This time they didn't rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water.
When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done.
Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering.
The summer was quickly fading into fall. Carl was doing some tilling when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him. He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches.
As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack.
"Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time."
The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl.
"What's this?" Carl asked. "It's your stuff," the man explained. "It's your stuff back. Even the money in your wallet." "I don't understand," Carl said. "Why would you help me now?"
The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. "I learned something from you," he said. "I ran with that gang and hurt people like you. We picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it. But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate."
He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back."
He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing wha t m ore there was to say. "That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess." And with that, he walked off down the street.
Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago.
He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather.
In particular the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church.
The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life.
In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, "Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden."
The following spring another flyer went up. It read: "Person needed to care for Carl's garden."
The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door.
Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. "I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said.
The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl.
He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take care of Carl's garden and honor him."
The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done.
During that time, he went to college, go t m arried, and became a prominen t m ember of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it.
One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, "My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's bringing him home on Saturday."
"Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. "That's wonderful! What's the baby's name?"
"Carl," he replied..
That's the whole gospel message simply stated.
Please take the time to read this. I wanted to hurry up and read it, but God slowed me down and I read the whole thing. Guess what, God does what God always does, he blessed me and now it is your turn to be blessed.
Carl was a quie t m an. He didn't talk much. He would always greet you with a big smile and a firm handshake.
Even after living in our neighborhood for over 50 years, no one could really say they knew him very well.
Before his retirement, he took the bus to work each morning. The lone sight of him walking down the street often worried us.
He had a slight limp from a bullet wound received in WWII.
Watching him, we worried that although he had survived WWII, he may no t m ake it through our changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs, and drug activity.
When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers for caring for the gardens behind the minister's residence, he responded in his characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up.
He was well into his 87th year when the very thing we had always feared finally happened.
He was just finishing his watering for the day when three gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he simply asked, "Would you like a drink from the hose?"
The tallest and toughest-looking of the three said, "Yeah, sure," with a malevolent little smile.
As Carl offered the hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl's arm, throwing him down. As the hose snaked crazily over the ground, dousing everything in its way, Carl's assailants stole his retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled.
Carl tried to get himself up, but he had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the minister came running to help him.
Although the minister had witnessed the attack from his window, he couldn't get there fast enough to stop it.
"Carl, are you okay? Are you hurt?" the minister kept asking as he helped Carl to his feet.
Carl just passed a hand over his brow and sighed, shaking his head. "Just some punk kids. I hope they'll wise-up someday."
His wet clothes clung to his slight frame as he bent to pick up the hose. He adjusted the nozzle again and started to water.
Confused and a little concerned, the minister asked, "Carl, what are you doing?"
"I've got to finish my watering. It's been very dry lately," came the calm reply.
Satisfying himself that Carl really was all right, the minister could only marvel. Carl was a man from a different time and place.
A few weeks later the three returned. Just as before their threat was unchallenged. Carl again offered them a drink from his hose.
This time they didn't rob him. They wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the icy water.
When they had finished their humiliation of him, they sauntered off down the street, throwing catcalls and curses, falling over one another laughing at the hilarity of what they had just done.
Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up his hose, and went on with his watering.
The summer was quickly fading into fall. Carl was doing some tilling when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him. He stumbled and fell into some evergreen branches.
As he struggled to regain his footing, he turned to see the tall leader of his summer tormentors reaching down for him. He braced himself for the expected attack.
"Don't worry old man, I'm not gonna hurt you this time."
The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and scarred hand to Carl. As he helped Carl get up, the man pulled a crumpled bag from his pocket and handed it to Carl.
"What's this?" Carl asked. "It's your stuff," the man explained. "It's your stuff back. Even the money in your wallet." "I don't understand," Carl said. "Why would you help me now?"
The man shifted his feet, seeming embarrassed and ill at ease. "I learned something from you," he said. "I ran with that gang and hurt people like you. We picked you because you were old and we knew we could do it. But every time we came and did something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink. You didn't hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate."
He stopped for a moment. "I couldn't sleep after we stole your stuff, so here it is back."
He paused for another awkward moment, not knowing wha t m ore there was to say. "That bag's my way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess." And with that, he walked off down the street.
Carl looked down at the sack in his hands and gingerly opened it. He took out his retirement watch and put it back on his wrist. Opening his wallet, he checked for his wedding photo. He gazed for a moment at the young bride that still smiled back at him from all those years ago.
He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended his funeral in spite of the weather.
In particular the minister noticed a tall young man that he didn't know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church.
The minister spoke of Carl's garden as a lesson in life.
In a voice made thick with unshed tears, he said, "Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never forget Carl and his garden."
The following spring another flyer went up. It read: "Person needed to care for Carl's garden."
The flyer went unnoticed by the busy parishioners until one day when a knock was heard at the minister's office door.
Opening the door, the minister saw a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the flyer. "I believe this is my job, if you'll have me," the young man said.
The minister recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet to Carl.
He knew that Carl's kindness had turned this man's life around. As the minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, "Yes, go take care of Carl's garden and honor him."
The man went to work and, over the next several years, he tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done.
During that time, he went to college, go t m arried, and became a prominen t m ember of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl's memory and kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it.
One day he approached the new minister and told him that he couldn't care for the garden any longer. He explained with a shy and happy smile, "My wife just had a baby boy last night, and she's bringing him home on Saturday."
"Well, congratulations!" said the minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. "That's wonderful! What's the baby's name?"
"Carl," he replied..
That's the whole gospel message simply stated.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Beyond the blackboard- Hallmark Hall of Fame Sunday
Thanks Judi Cole! Vales of caring!
I'll be watching - sounds like a great show!
Caring Enough to Broadcast the Very Best
By Cal Thomas
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com
Growing up, "Hallmark Hall of Fame" represented the gold standard of what we would call today "family values" television, except that TV then rarely carried anything threatening to those values. Today, Hallmark's commitment to quality television hasn't change; it even has its own cable channel, which shows films that affirm the values most of us hold dear.
This Easter Sunday, CBS will mark the 60th anniversary of the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" with a film called "Beyond the Blackboard." It's one of those "based on a true story" projects about a young woman (Stacey Bess) who desperately wants to teach, but finds there are no jobs available in her Salt Lake City school district. There is, however, an experimental program and Bess (played by Emily VanCamp), eagerly accepts the job. There's a problem, though. She is to teach homeless children in a rundown warehouse.
Stacey shows up for her first day of work wearing pumps and carrying a leather briefcase and gets a fast reality check.
Based on Bess' memoir, "Nobody Don't Love Nobody," the film could easily veer off into a political diatribe and a call for more government spending on education. It is a tribute to the restraint of the creators that it does not. What it does depict is the power of one person to make a difference in other people's lives, not with government funds, but with the currency of a loving and dedicated heart.
This storyline originally put me off. It is drenched in estrogen and Stacey's husband Greg, played by Steve Talley, seems largely passive, even irrelevant, except that he keeps getting her pregnant. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that "wholesome TV" takes some getting used to. The mind must purge itself of the sexual and the tawdry to make room for the good.
In an interview on the "Blackboard" set in Albuquerque, the real Stacey Bess recalls her first day with the homeless children: "The gentleman who greeted me at the shelter looked me up and down and all his body language was saying, 'You don't belong here. This isn't gonna work out.' And the truth is, the chance of my surviving at the beginning were just about nil. I mean, I'd never been exposed to poverty."
RECEIVE LIBERTY LOVING COLUMNISTS IN YOUR INBOX … FOR FREE!
Every weekday NewsAndOpinion.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". HUNDREDS of columnists and cartoonists regularly appear. Sign up for the daily update. It's free. Just click here.
Stacey Bess is no "do-gooder," who comes to a place she might never knowingly want to visit and then leaves after a few days. This is commitment. This is real. This matters, because she has mattered in the lives of others.
"What's the bottom line take away from this story?" she is asked.
"I think the Number One thing that Greg (her husband) and I have truly learned is step out of your comfort zone, reach out to people, you don't have to be sophisticated to love somebody, you don't have to have grand skills, you don't have to have a degree, you just have to want to care just a little bit further than what's expected. We're not exceptional people. ... I just happened to have an opportunity to help some young people, and I just happened to have a husband and children who supported me -- and really, we did it together."
That attitude has inspired "Hallmark Hall of Fame" for 60 years. One hopes that in our cynical and hyper-politicized age, it will last for another 60.
I'll be watching - sounds like a great show!
Caring Enough to Broadcast the Very Best
By Cal Thomas
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com
Growing up, "Hallmark Hall of Fame" represented the gold standard of what we would call today "family values" television, except that TV then rarely carried anything threatening to those values. Today, Hallmark's commitment to quality television hasn't change; it even has its own cable channel, which shows films that affirm the values most of us hold dear.
This Easter Sunday, CBS will mark the 60th anniversary of the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" with a film called "Beyond the Blackboard." It's one of those "based on a true story" projects about a young woman (Stacey Bess) who desperately wants to teach, but finds there are no jobs available in her Salt Lake City school district. There is, however, an experimental program and Bess (played by Emily VanCamp), eagerly accepts the job. There's a problem, though. She is to teach homeless children in a rundown warehouse.
Stacey shows up for her first day of work wearing pumps and carrying a leather briefcase and gets a fast reality check.
Based on Bess' memoir, "Nobody Don't Love Nobody," the film could easily veer off into a political diatribe and a call for more government spending on education. It is a tribute to the restraint of the creators that it does not. What it does depict is the power of one person to make a difference in other people's lives, not with government funds, but with the currency of a loving and dedicated heart.
This storyline originally put me off. It is drenched in estrogen and Stacey's husband Greg, played by Steve Talley, seems largely passive, even irrelevant, except that he keeps getting her pregnant. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that "wholesome TV" takes some getting used to. The mind must purge itself of the sexual and the tawdry to make room for the good.
In an interview on the "Blackboard" set in Albuquerque, the real Stacey Bess recalls her first day with the homeless children: "The gentleman who greeted me at the shelter looked me up and down and all his body language was saying, 'You don't belong here. This isn't gonna work out.' And the truth is, the chance of my surviving at the beginning were just about nil. I mean, I'd never been exposed to poverty."
RECEIVE LIBERTY LOVING COLUMNISTS IN YOUR INBOX … FOR FREE!
Every weekday NewsAndOpinion.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". HUNDREDS of columnists and cartoonists regularly appear. Sign up for the daily update. It's free. Just click here.
Stacey Bess is no "do-gooder," who comes to a place she might never knowingly want to visit and then leaves after a few days. This is commitment. This is real. This matters, because she has mattered in the lives of others.
"What's the bottom line take away from this story?" she is asked.
"I think the Number One thing that Greg (her husband) and I have truly learned is step out of your comfort zone, reach out to people, you don't have to be sophisticated to love somebody, you don't have to have grand skills, you don't have to have a degree, you just have to want to care just a little bit further than what's expected. We're not exceptional people. ... I just happened to have an opportunity to help some young people, and I just happened to have a husband and children who supported me -- and really, we did it together."
That attitude has inspired "Hallmark Hall of Fame" for 60 years. One hopes that in our cynical and hyper-politicized age, it will last for another 60.
The minorities must attack... I am for Chick-Filet!
I know of some wonderul gays; however must they and their liberal ilk attack pro-Chriistians? I am also very pro-American values which must be confessed to be the Christian majority.
Sam
If you have a choice, please go to Chick-fil-A.
Believe I'll go to Chick-fil-A and get some "Jesus Chicken" and waffle fries for my family at least once a week. Chick-fil-A is an American success story. Founded by Georgian entrepreneur Truett Cathy in 1946, the family-owned chicken-sandwich chain is one of the country's largest fast-food businesses. It employs some 50,000 workers across the country at 1,500 outlets in nearly 40 states and the District of Columbia . The company generates more than $2 billion in revenue and serves millions of happy customers with trademark Southern hospitality.
So, what's the problem? Well, Chick-fil-A is run by devout Christians who believe in strong marriages, devoted families, and the highest standards of character for their workers. The restaurant chain's official corporate mission is to "glorify God" and "enrich the lives of everyone we touch." The company's community-service initiatives, funded through its WinShape Foundation, support foster-care, scholarship, summer-camp, and marriage-enrichment programs. On Sunday, all Chick-fil-A stores close so workers can spend the day at worship and rest.
Over the past month, several progressive-activist blogs have waged an ugly war against Chick-fil-A. The company's alleged atrocity: One of its independent outlets in Pennsylvania donated some sandwiches and brownies to a marriage seminar run by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, which happens to oppose same-sex marriage.
In the name of tolerance, the anti-Chick-fil-A hawks sneered at the company's main product as "Jesus Chicken," derided its no-Sunday-work policy, and attacked its operators as "anti-gay." Petition drives on websites are demanding the company change and disavow their standards. Facebook users dutifully organized witch hunts against the company on college campuses.
Progressive groups are gloating over Chick-fil-A's public-relations troubles. This is not because they care about winning hearts and minds over gay rights or marriage policy, but because their core objective is to marginalize political opponents and chill Christian philanthropy and activism. The fearsome "muscle flexing" is being done by the hysterical bullies trying to drive them off of college grounds and out of their neighborhoods in the name of "human rights."
TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE: http://www.nationalreview.com/ARTICLES/258646/CHRISTIAN-BUSINESS-LEFT-S-CROSSHAIRS-MICHELLE-MALKIN
Please pass this on if you believe companies with Christian principles have a right to freely conduct business in the U.S.
Sam
If you have a choice, please go to Chick-fil-A.
Believe I'll go to Chick-fil-A and get some "Jesus Chicken" and waffle fries for my family at least once a week. Chick-fil-A is an American success story. Founded by Georgian entrepreneur Truett Cathy in 1946, the family-owned chicken-sandwich chain is one of the country's largest fast-food businesses. It employs some 50,000 workers across the country at 1,500 outlets in nearly 40 states and the District of Columbia . The company generates more than $2 billion in revenue and serves millions of happy customers with trademark Southern hospitality.
So, what's the problem? Well, Chick-fil-A is run by devout Christians who believe in strong marriages, devoted families, and the highest standards of character for their workers. The restaurant chain's official corporate mission is to "glorify God" and "enrich the lives of everyone we touch." The company's community-service initiatives, funded through its WinShape Foundation, support foster-care, scholarship, summer-camp, and marriage-enrichment programs. On Sunday, all Chick-fil-A stores close so workers can spend the day at worship and rest.
Over the past month, several progressive-activist blogs have waged an ugly war against Chick-fil-A. The company's alleged atrocity: One of its independent outlets in Pennsylvania donated some sandwiches and brownies to a marriage seminar run by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, which happens to oppose same-sex marriage.
In the name of tolerance, the anti-Chick-fil-A hawks sneered at the company's main product as "Jesus Chicken," derided its no-Sunday-work policy, and attacked its operators as "anti-gay." Petition drives on websites are demanding the company change and disavow their standards. Facebook users dutifully organized witch hunts against the company on college campuses.
Progressive groups are gloating over Chick-fil-A's public-relations troubles. This is not because they care about winning hearts and minds over gay rights or marriage policy, but because their core objective is to marginalize political opponents and chill Christian philanthropy and activism. The fearsome "muscle flexing" is being done by the hysterical bullies trying to drive them off of college grounds and out of their neighborhoods in the name of "human rights."
TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE: http://www.nationalreview.com/ARTICLES/258646/CHRISTIAN-BUSINESS-LEFT-S-CROSSHAIRS-MICHELLE-MALKIN
Please pass this on if you believe companies with Christian principles have a right to freely conduct business in the U.S.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
FW- Hail Mary... Thanks Lyle Shover!
HAIL MARY
Years ago a church group passed a framed picture of the Virgin Mary from house to house.
According to the legend surrounding the picture, this same picture had been passed from house to house since 1938 and was passed through the 2nd world war, in secret for fear of confiscation, discovery, and retaliation from the enemy.
To add to the mystery of the picture it was passed on by only one person. You gave it to that person and requested it be passed on to....and you would name the person. This was the way it was handled through the years, the idea being to protect the people receiving the picture.
Hail, Mary! Full of Grace!! The Lord is with Thee: Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, Mother of God: Pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I'M MOVING HER TO YOUR HOUSE.
Please keep the Blessed Mother moving from house to house.
Please keep the Blessed Mother moving from house to house.
Holy Mother of Jesus intercede for us.
We ask God to send you many blessings through His Son, Jesus Christ.
AMEN!
Years ago a church group passed a framed picture of the Virgin Mary from house to house.
According to the legend surrounding the picture, this same picture had been passed from house to house since 1938 and was passed through the 2nd world war, in secret for fear of confiscation, discovery, and retaliation from the enemy.
To add to the mystery of the picture it was passed on by only one person. You gave it to that person and requested it be passed on to....and you would name the person. This was the way it was handled through the years, the idea being to protect the people receiving the picture.
Hail, Mary! Full of Grace!! The Lord is with Thee: Blessed art Thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, Mother of God: Pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
I'M MOVING HER TO YOUR HOUSE.
Please keep the Blessed Mother moving from house to house.
Please keep the Blessed Mother moving from house to house.
Holy Mother of Jesus intercede for us.
We ask God to send you many blessings through His Son, Jesus Christ.
AMEN!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Born again Christian Ronald Reagan... SamKat
My brother, George, regards Harry Truman as our greatest President and I certainly respect the straight forward honesty of President Truman. My favorite President of American history is Ronald Reagan.
As merely one privileged to be a citizen of this United States, I always admired the man in his acting roles and loved his speeches above all. He had Christian courage although he never touted his Christianity, he merely displayed it by his actions. I nearly winced when he said: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." in speaking of the Berlin Wall. The wall came down later for the good of this troubled world.
President Reagan referred to himself as a "born again Christian".
I realize that Governors Kasich of Ohio and Walker of Wisconsin are mimicking the conservative principles of President Reagan. These two gentlemen are making unpopular moves toward restoring our state governments to become sound entities. It will hurt a lot, but must be begun now if we are to get through this torturous bit of American history into sound and representative government once more.
The liberals and the ACU have had their way for far too long and the USA is becoming unrecognizable when compared to the days of the eighties during Ronald Reagans Presidency.
This "city on a hill" of the USA and Canada must return to it's rightful place as the lasty great bastion of freedom to the world. It will require more people of Christian courage to step forward.
Please God, bring forth those courageous leaders. If they come from the Tea Party or wherever let them stay the course.
Personally, I am 78 and not scared of dying except that this world which is consuming our children and grandchildren needs Christians with a compassion for all of the world's six billion plus people.
Am I Preaching? Yes I guess so. I, and so many of my acquaintances, share the title of "Chief among sinners" with Paul of the New Testament scriptures. What my grade will be, I do not know, but a C in Heaven is much preferrable to an A in Hell. I am safe by my acceptance of the forgiving nature of Jesus Christ and His Father's great plan for the humanity He created.
Bring it on, people of courage, and bring the USA and Canada back to a worthy spots as cities on a hill!
As merely one privileged to be a citizen of this United States, I always admired the man in his acting roles and loved his speeches above all. He had Christian courage although he never touted his Christianity, he merely displayed it by his actions. I nearly winced when he said: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." in speaking of the Berlin Wall. The wall came down later for the good of this troubled world.
President Reagan referred to himself as a "born again Christian".
I realize that Governors Kasich of Ohio and Walker of Wisconsin are mimicking the conservative principles of President Reagan. These two gentlemen are making unpopular moves toward restoring our state governments to become sound entities. It will hurt a lot, but must be begun now if we are to get through this torturous bit of American history into sound and representative government once more.
The liberals and the ACU have had their way for far too long and the USA is becoming unrecognizable when compared to the days of the eighties during Ronald Reagans Presidency.
This "city on a hill" of the USA and Canada must return to it's rightful place as the lasty great bastion of freedom to the world. It will require more people of Christian courage to step forward.
Please God, bring forth those courageous leaders. If they come from the Tea Party or wherever let them stay the course.
Personally, I am 78 and not scared of dying except that this world which is consuming our children and grandchildren needs Christians with a compassion for all of the world's six billion plus people.
Am I Preaching? Yes I guess so. I, and so many of my acquaintances, share the title of "Chief among sinners" with Paul of the New Testament scriptures. What my grade will be, I do not know, but a C in Heaven is much preferrable to an A in Hell. I am safe by my acceptance of the forgiving nature of Jesus Christ and His Father's great plan for the humanity He created.
Bring it on, people of courage, and bring the USA and Canada back to a worthy spots as cities on a hill!
USA, Canada and Christian values... Thanks Luis flores!
PLEASE READ AND PASS ON BE SILENT NO MORE
Pray if you want to!
CBS and Katie Couric must be in a panic and rushing to reassure the White House that this is not network policy--re: Andy Rooney's commentary on prayer.
Folks, this is the year that we RE-TAKE AMERICA & CANADA
********* Get Ready *********
Keep this going around the globe. Read it and forward every time you receive it.. We can't give up on this issue.
Andy Rooney and Prayer
Andy Rooney says:
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin , but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.
Yes, and this is the United States of America and Canada , countries founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.
And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome .....
But what about the atheists? Is another argument.
What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humour us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, "You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honour Him. That is your right, and we will honour your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!"
God bless us one and all...Especially those who denounce Him, God bless America and Canada , despite all our faults, We are still the greatest nations of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
Let's make 2011 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. And our military forces come home from all the wars.
Keep looking up.
If you agree with this, please pass it on.
If not delete it.
Pray if you want to!
CBS and Katie Couric must be in a panic and rushing to reassure the White House that this is not network policy--re: Andy Rooney's commentary on prayer.
Folks, this is the year that we RE-TAKE AMERICA & CANADA
********* Get Ready *********
Keep this going around the globe. Read it and forward every time you receive it.. We can't give up on this issue.
Andy Rooney and Prayer
Andy Rooney says:
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin , but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.
Yes, and this is the United States of America and Canada , countries founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.
If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.
If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.
And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome .....
But what about the atheists? Is another argument.
What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humour us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.
Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying.
God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, "You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honour Him. That is your right, and we will honour your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!"
God bless us one and all...Especially those who denounce Him, God bless America and Canada , despite all our faults, We are still the greatest nations of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God.
Let's make 2011 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. And our military forces come home from all the wars.
Keep looking up.
If you agree with this, please pass it on.
If not delete it.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Jesus' Death a must read.. Thanks Tom and Carolyn Lynch!
Jesus' Death - 60 seconds to understand
60 seconds with God...
For the next 60 seconds,
set aside whatever you're doing and
take this opportunity!
Let's see if Satan can stop this.
THE
(SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS
At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty.
At the time crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion, Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hands and feet.
Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long.
The nails were driven into His wrist.
Not into His palms as is commonly portrayed.
There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder.
The Roman guards knew that when the nails
were being hammered into the wrist,
that tendon would tear and break, forcing Jesus
to use His back muscles to support himself
so that He could breathe.
Both of His feet were nailed together.
Thus He was forced to support Himself on the single nail
that impaled His feet to the cross.
Jesus could not support himself with His legs
because of the pain, so He was forced to alternate
between arching His back then using his legs
just to continue to breathe.
Imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering, the courage.
Jesus endured this reality for over 3 hours.
Yes, over 3 hours!
Can you imagine this kind of suffering?
A few minutes before He died,
Jesus stopped bleeding.
He was simply pouring water from his wounds.
>From common images, we see wounds to His hands
and feet and even the spear wound to His side...
But do we realize His wounds were actually made in his body.
A hammer driving large nails through the wrist,
the feet overlapped and an even large nail
hammered through the arches,
then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear.
But before the nails and the spear,
Jesus was whipped and beaten.
The whipping was so severe that it tore the flesh from His body.
The beating so horrific that His face was torn
and his beard ripped from His face.
The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp.
Most men would not have survived this torture.
He had no more blood to bleed out,
only water poured from His wounds.
The human adult body contains about 3.5 liters
(just less than a gallon) of blood.
Jesus poured all 3.5 liters of his blood;
He had three nails hammered into His members;
a crown of thorns on His head and, beyond that,
a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into His chest.
All these without mentioning the humiliation
He passed after carrying His own cross for almost 2 kilometers,
while the crowd spat in his face and threw stones
(the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part,
where His hands were nailed).
Jesus had to endure this experience,
so that you can have free access to God.
So that your sins could be "washed" away.
All of them, with no exception!
Don't ignore this situation.
JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU!
For you, who now read this e-mail.
Do not believe that He only died for others
(those who go to church or for pastors, bishops, etc).
He died for you! It is easy to pass jokes
and false witness statements by e-mail,
but when it comes to God,
sometimes you feel ashamed to forward to others
because you are worried of what
they may think about you.
Accept the reality, the truth that
JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD.
God has plans for you, show all your friends what
He experienced to save you.
Now think about this!
May God bless your life!
60 seconds with God...
For the next 60 seconds, set aside what you're doing
and take this opportunity!
Let's see if Satan can stop this.
All you have to do is:
1. Simply pray for the person who sent
this message to you:
2. Then, send this message to others.
3. Others will pray for you and you will make
that many people pray to God for other people.
4. Take a moment to appreciate the power of God
in your life, for doing what pleases Him.
If you are not ashamed to do this, please,
follow Jesus' instructions. He said (Matthew 10:32 & 33):
"Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others,
I also will acknowledge before My Father in heaven;
but whosoever denies Me before others,
I also will deny before My Father in heaven."
If you believe, send this message...
But send it only if you believe in
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Yes, I love God.
He is my source of life and my Savior.
He keeps me alive day and night.
Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13.
This is the simple proof.
If you love God and you are a believer
and trust in salvation through Jesus Christ,
send this to all those you love.
60 seconds with God...
For the next 60 seconds,
set aside whatever you're doing and
take this opportunity!
Let's see if Satan can stop this.
THE
(SCIENTIFIC) DEATH OF JESUS
At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty.
At the time crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion, Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hands and feet.
Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long.
The nails were driven into His wrist.
Not into His palms as is commonly portrayed.
There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder.
The Roman guards knew that when the nails
were being hammered into the wrist,
that tendon would tear and break, forcing Jesus
to use His back muscles to support himself
so that He could breathe.
Both of His feet were nailed together.
Thus He was forced to support Himself on the single nail
that impaled His feet to the cross.
Jesus could not support himself with His legs
because of the pain, so He was forced to alternate
between arching His back then using his legs
just to continue to breathe.
Imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering, the courage.
Jesus endured this reality for over 3 hours.
Yes, over 3 hours!
Can you imagine this kind of suffering?
A few minutes before He died,
Jesus stopped bleeding.
He was simply pouring water from his wounds.
>From common images, we see wounds to His hands
and feet and even the spear wound to His side...
But do we realize His wounds were actually made in his body.
A hammer driving large nails through the wrist,
the feet overlapped and an even large nail
hammered through the arches,
then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear.
But before the nails and the spear,
Jesus was whipped and beaten.
The whipping was so severe that it tore the flesh from His body.
The beating so horrific that His face was torn
and his beard ripped from His face.
The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp.
Most men would not have survived this torture.
He had no more blood to bleed out,
only water poured from His wounds.
The human adult body contains about 3.5 liters
(just less than a gallon) of blood.
Jesus poured all 3.5 liters of his blood;
He had three nails hammered into His members;
a crown of thorns on His head and, beyond that,
a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into His chest.
All these without mentioning the humiliation
He passed after carrying His own cross for almost 2 kilometers,
while the crowd spat in his face and threw stones
(the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part,
where His hands were nailed).
Jesus had to endure this experience,
so that you can have free access to God.
So that your sins could be "washed" away.
All of them, with no exception!
Don't ignore this situation.
JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU!
For you, who now read this e-mail.
Do not believe that He only died for others
(those who go to church or for pastors, bishops, etc).
He died for you! It is easy to pass jokes
and false witness statements by e-mail,
but when it comes to God,
sometimes you feel ashamed to forward to others
because you are worried of what
they may think about you.
Accept the reality, the truth that
JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD.
God has plans for you, show all your friends what
He experienced to save you.
Now think about this!
May God bless your life!
60 seconds with God...
For the next 60 seconds, set aside what you're doing
and take this opportunity!
Let's see if Satan can stop this.
All you have to do is:
1. Simply pray for the person who sent
this message to you:
2. Then, send this message to others.
3. Others will pray for you and you will make
that many people pray to God for other people.
4. Take a moment to appreciate the power of God
in your life, for doing what pleases Him.
If you are not ashamed to do this, please,
follow Jesus' instructions. He said (Matthew 10:32 & 33):
"Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others,
I also will acknowledge before My Father in heaven;
but whosoever denies Me before others,
I also will deny before My Father in heaven."
If you believe, send this message...
But send it only if you believe in
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Yes, I love God.
He is my source of life and my Savior.
He keeps me alive day and night.
Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13.
This is the simple proof.
If you love God and you are a believer
and trust in salvation through Jesus Christ,
send this to all those you love.
Friday, March 4, 2011
TN 's anti-shariah law heats up One-News Now
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BusinessChurchCultureEducationLegal-CourtsMissionsNational SecurityPersecutionPerspectivesPolitics-Gov't
TN's anti-sharia debate heats up
Chad Groening - OneNewsNow - 3/3/2011 4:00:00 AM
A radical Islamic group is pressuring Tennessee lawmakers to drop legislation aimed at keeping sharia law out of The Volunteer State.
Â
According to The Tennessean, the anti-sharia initiative has been introduced in the Senate by State Senator Bill Ketron, and in the Assembly by State Representative Judd Matheny. The twin bills are aimed at providing a powerful counter-terrorism tool to state and local law enforcement by allowing for civil and/or criminal penalties against anyone providing material support or resources to terrorist organizations.
Â
But recently the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a front group for the terrorist organization Hamas, held a news conference attempting to use scare tactics to convince the legislators to drop the bill.
Â
Guy Rodgers is executive director of Act! for America, which supports the legislation. CAIR, he says, has terrorist ties. "They are an organization that supports terrorist types of activities, such as through Hamas, and they're an organization that supports sharia," he says.
Â
According to the Act! for America spokesman, CAIR's national communications director, Ibrahim Hooper, has made statements indicative of that stance.
Â
"He wished that the government of America would be Islamic sometime in the future," says Rodgers. "So as we are taking on sharia law and its consequence, which is terrorism, not surprisingly these people are standing up -- they're screaming, they're yelling, they're saying it's a violation of freedom of religion. It's not."
Â
Rodgers says his organization believes the Tennessee legislation has been written to withstand constitutional scrutiny.
BusinessChurchCultureEducationLegal-CourtsMissionsNational SecurityPersecutionPerspectivesPolitics-Gov't
TN's anti-sharia debate heats up
Chad Groening - OneNewsNow - 3/3/2011 4:00:00 AM
A radical Islamic group is pressuring Tennessee lawmakers to drop legislation aimed at keeping sharia law out of The Volunteer State.
Â
According to The Tennessean, the anti-sharia initiative has been introduced in the Senate by State Senator Bill Ketron, and in the Assembly by State Representative Judd Matheny. The twin bills are aimed at providing a powerful counter-terrorism tool to state and local law enforcement by allowing for civil and/or criminal penalties against anyone providing material support or resources to terrorist organizations.
Â
But recently the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a front group for the terrorist organization Hamas, held a news conference attempting to use scare tactics to convince the legislators to drop the bill.
Â
Guy Rodgers is executive director of Act! for America, which supports the legislation. CAIR, he says, has terrorist ties. "They are an organization that supports terrorist types of activities, such as through Hamas, and they're an organization that supports sharia," he says.
Â
According to the Act! for America spokesman, CAIR's national communications director, Ibrahim Hooper, has made statements indicative of that stance.
Â
"He wished that the government of America would be Islamic sometime in the future," says Rodgers. "So as we are taking on sharia law and its consequence, which is terrorism, not surprisingly these people are standing up -- they're screaming, they're yelling, they're saying it's a violation of freedom of religion. It's not."
Â
Rodgers says his organization believes the Tennessee legislation has been written to withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Real G.W. Bush... Thanks Sarah Rapp!
----- Forwarded Message ----
This one is worth the time to read through to the end!
----- Forwarded Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2011 1:40 PM
Subject: The Real GW Bush
WHAT AN AWESOME TRIBUTE TO GEORGE W BUSH! PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE STORY NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PERCEPTION IS OF HIM. YOU WON'T REGRET IT...
Story by: Bruce Vincent
For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts about our former President, here is an excellent piece -- worth every minute it takes to read it. This story is from Bruce Vincent of Libby , Montana who had gone to the White House with others to receive an award from the President.
He writes:
I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends.
Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When the President was told that we were from Libby , Montana , I reminded him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts about Governor Racicot.
I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office. First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God."
I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our vote.
I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment -- that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream.'
Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and, standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group. He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a sta tement about the President, and Mrs.Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought te place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one.
After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees, shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family." He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you -- and God bless you and yours as well."
On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him your regards."
I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr. President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you."
As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it." I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell , Montana , having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes.This explains it."
From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery.
He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer."
As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace.
He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and his.
As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office. George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting accounts. Each time I read them I hoped them to be true and not an Internet perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true. I was there. He is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day -- and yet he is tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart. He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son, husband-to-husbad, Christian- to-Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.
NOTE: If you decide to forward this story... please do not add to it. Let Mr. Vincent's encounter stand as he wrote it.
This one is worth the time to read through to the end!
----- Forwarded Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2011 1:40 PM
Subject: The Real GW Bush
WHAT AN AWESOME TRIBUTE TO GEORGE W BUSH! PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE STORY NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PERCEPTION IS OF HIM. YOU WON'T REGRET IT...
Story by: Bruce Vincent
For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts about our former President, here is an excellent piece -- worth every minute it takes to read it. This story is from Bruce Vincent of Libby , Montana who had gone to the White House with others to receive an award from the President.
He writes:
I've written the following narrative to chronicle the day of the award ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release but the White House press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it. When the photo comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll understand the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close friends.
Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When the President was told that we were from Libby , Montana , I reminded him that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm thoughts about Governor Racicot.
I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering the office. First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The President later shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the room prepared to tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon entering, the atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were "Oh, my God."
I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second, the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged, disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man. I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through our vote.
I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by the moment -- that the person and the place could not meet the lofty expectations of my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem for President Bush but just my practical realization that reality may not match my 'dream.'
Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and, standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy, informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group. He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It is traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a sta tement about the President, and Mrs.Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.' President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with hope. He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he said that he thought te place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was blessed with a strong one.
After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend. The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees, shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my hand I said, "Thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family." He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his handshake and said, "Thank you -- and God bless you and yours as well."
On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him your regards."
I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him, "Mr. President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also know you to be a man of strong faith and I have a favor to ask of you."
As he shook my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it." I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell , Montana , having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it. I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it in your eyes.This explains it."
From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?" He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier cancer and that, if it is, they can get it all with this surgery.
He said, "If it's okay with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned the folks to step back or leave. He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer."
As they left he turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional prayer stance -- standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid-back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful embrace.
He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked into the eyes of our president. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me and my family would continue praying for him and his.
As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell you that all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and believing. I so hoped that the man I thought him to be was the man that he is. I know that our nation needs a man such as this in the Oval Office. George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the President praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting accounts. Each time I read them I hoped them to be true and not an Internet perpetuated myth. This one, I know to be true. I was there. He is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his plate each day -- and yet he is tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed' something heavy on my heart. He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to seek God's blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father, son-to-son, husband-to-husbad, Christian- to-Christian prayerful embrace. He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.
NOTE: If you decide to forward this story... please do not add to it. Let Mr. Vincent's encounter stand as he wrote it.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Loyola of Chicago for Jill Rappis!
Tommy- an atheist student, perhaps an A student.
Thanks Clay Vice!
GOD Will Find YOU...
Father John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago , writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy:
"Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith.
That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders. It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped.. I immediately filed Tommy under 'S' for strange... Very strange.
Tommy turned out to be the 'atheist in residence' in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with each other in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.
When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a cynical tone, 'Do you think I'll ever find God?'
I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. 'No!' I said very emphatically.
'Why not,' he responded, 'I thought that was the product you were pushing.'
I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out, 'Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you!' He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.
I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line -- He will find you! At least I thought it was clever
Later I heard that Tommy had graduated, and I was duly grateful.
Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office, his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe.
'Tommy, I've thought about you so often; I hear you are sick,' I blurted out.
'Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks...'
'Can you talk about it, Tom?' I asked.
'Sure, what would you like to know?' he replied
'What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?
'Well, it could be worse.
'Like what?
'Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the real biggies in life..
I began to look through my mental file cabinet under 'S' where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject by classification, God sends back into my life to educate me.)
'But what I really came to see you about,' Tom said, 'is something you said to me on the last day of class.' (He remembered!) He continued, 'I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me Then you said, 'But He will find you..' I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.
(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)
'But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God.. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven.. But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit
'Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn't really care about God, about an afterlife, or anything like that. I decided to spend what time I had left doing something more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: 'The essential sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.''
'So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad.. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him.. 'Dad. 'Yes, what?' he asked without lowering the newspaper.
'Dad, I would like to talk with you.'
'Well, talk. 'I mean . It's really important.'
The newspaper came down three slow inches. 'What is it?'
'Dad, I love you, I just wanted you to know that.' Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him. 'The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me..'
'It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other. We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years.
'I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long. Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.
'Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.''
'Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me! You were right. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him.'
'Tommy,' I practically gasped, 'I think you are saying something very important and much more universal than you realize. To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a private possession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.' Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you in class you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now. Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have just told me? If I told them the same thing it would not be half as effective as if you were to tell it.
'Oooh.. I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class.'
'Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call.'
In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.
However, he never made it. He had another appointment, far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision. He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined.
Before he died, we talked one last time.
'I'm not going to make it to your class,' he said.
'I know, Tom.'
'Will you tell them for me? Will you . tell the whole world for me?'
I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best.'
So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy, as best I could.
If this story means anything to you, please pass it on to a friend or two. It is a true story and is not enhanced for publicity purposes.
With thanks, Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola University , Chicago
Thanks Clay Vice!
GOD Will Find YOU...
Father John Powell, a professor at Loyola University in Chicago , writes about a student in his Theology of Faith class named Tommy:
"Some twelve years ago, I stood watching my university students file into the classroom for our first session in the Theology of Faith.
That was the day I first saw Tommy. My eyes and my mind both blinked. He was combing his long flaxen hair, which hung six inches below his shoulders. It was the first time I had ever seen a boy with hair that long. I guess it was just coming into fashion then. I know in my mind that it isn't what's on your head but what's in it that counts; but on that day I was unprepared and my emotions flipped.. I immediately filed Tommy under 'S' for strange... Very strange.
Tommy turned out to be the 'atheist in residence' in my Theology of Faith course. He constantly objected to, smirked at, or whined about the possibility of an unconditionally loving Father/God. We lived with each other in relative peace for one semester, although I admit he was for me at times a serious pain in the back pew.
When he came up at the end of the course to turn in his final exam, he asked in a cynical tone, 'Do you think I'll ever find God?'
I decided instantly on a little shock therapy. 'No!' I said very emphatically.
'Why not,' he responded, 'I thought that was the product you were pushing.'
I let him get five steps from the classroom door and then called out, 'Tommy! I don't think you'll ever find Him, but I am absolutely certain that He will find you!' He shrugged a little and left my class and my life.
I felt slightly disappointed at the thought that he had missed my clever line -- He will find you! At least I thought it was clever
Later I heard that Tommy had graduated, and I was duly grateful.
Then a sad report came. I heard that Tommy had terminal cancer. Before I could search him out, he came to see me. When he walked into my office, his body was very badly wasted and the long hair had all fallen out as a result of chemotherapy. But his eyes were bright and his voice was firm, for the first time, I believe.
'Tommy, I've thought about you so often; I hear you are sick,' I blurted out.
'Oh, yes, very sick. I have cancer in both lungs. It's a matter of weeks...'
'Can you talk about it, Tom?' I asked.
'Sure, what would you like to know?' he replied
'What's it like to be only twenty-four and dying?
'Well, it could be worse.
'Like what?
'Well, like being fifty and having no values or ideals, like being fifty and thinking that booze, seducing women, and making money are the real biggies in life..
I began to look through my mental file cabinet under 'S' where I had filed Tommy as strange. (It seems as though everybody I try to reject by classification, God sends back into my life to educate me.)
'But what I really came to see you about,' Tom said, 'is something you said to me on the last day of class.' (He remembered!) He continued, 'I asked you if you thought I would ever find God and you said, 'No!' which surprised me Then you said, 'But He will find you..' I thought about that a lot, even though my search for God was hardly intense at that time.
(My clever line. He thought about that a lot!)
'But when the doctors removed a lump from my groin and told me that it was malignant, that's when I got serious about locating God.. And when the malignancy spread into my vital organs, I really began banging bloody fists against the bronze doors of heaven.. But God did not come out. In fact, nothing happened. Did you ever try anything for a long time with great effort and with no success? You get psychologically glutted, fed up with trying. And then you quit
'Well, one day I woke up, and instead of throwing a few more futile appeals over that high brick wall to a God who may be or may not be there, I just quit. I decided that I didn't really care about God, about an afterlife, or anything like that. I decided to spend what time I had left doing something more profitable. I thought about you and your class and I remembered something else you had said: 'The essential sadness is to go through life without loving. But it would be almost equally sad to go through life and leave this world without ever telling those you loved that you had loved them.''
'So, I began with the hardest one, my Dad.. He was reading the newspaper when I approached him.. 'Dad. 'Yes, what?' he asked without lowering the newspaper.
'Dad, I would like to talk with you.'
'Well, talk. 'I mean . It's really important.'
The newspaper came down three slow inches. 'What is it?'
'Dad, I love you, I just wanted you to know that.' Tom smiled at me and said it with obvious satisfaction, as though he felt a warm and secret joy flowing inside of him. 'The newspaper fluttered to the floor. Then my father did two things I could never remember him ever doing before. He cried and he hugged me. We talked all night, even though he had to go to work the next morning. It felt so good to be close to my father, to see his tears, to feel his hug, to hear him say that he loved me..'
'It was easier with my mother and little brother. They cried with me, too, and we hugged each other, and started saying real nice things to each other. We shared the things we had been keeping secret for so many years.
'I was only sorry about one thing --- that I had waited so long. Here I was, just beginning to open up to all the people I had actually been close to.
'Then, one day I turned around and God was there. He didn't come to me when I pleaded with Him. I guess I was like an animal trainer holding out a hoop, 'C'mon, jump through. C'mon, I'll give you three days, three weeks.''
'Apparently God does things in His own way and at His own hour. But the important thing is that He was there. He found me! You were right. He found me even after I stopped looking for Him.'
'Tommy,' I practically gasped, 'I think you are saying something very important and much more universal than you realize. To me, at least, you are saying that the surest way to find God is not to make Him a private possession, a problem solver, or an instant consolation in time of need, but rather by opening to love. You know, the Apostle John said that. He said: 'God is love, and anyone who lives in love is living with God and God is living in him.' Tom, could I ask you a favor? You know, when I had you in class you were a real pain. But (laughingly) you can make it all up to me now. Would you come into my present Theology of Faith course and tell them what you have just told me? If I told them the same thing it would not be half as effective as if you were to tell it.
'Oooh.. I was ready for you, but I don't know if I'm ready for your class.'
'Tom, think about it. If and when you are ready, give me a call.'
In a few days Tom called, said he was ready for the class, that he wanted to do that for God and for me. So we scheduled a date.
However, he never made it. He had another appointment, far more important than the one with me and my class. Of course, his life was not really ended by his death, only changed. He made the great step from faith into vision. He found a life far more beautiful than the eye of man has ever seen or the ear of man has ever heard or the mind of man has ever imagined.
Before he died, we talked one last time.
'I'm not going to make it to your class,' he said.
'I know, Tom.'
'Will you tell them for me? Will you . tell the whole world for me?'
I will, Tom. I'll tell them. I'll do my best.'
So, to all of you who have been kind enough to read this simple story about God's love, thank you for listening. And to you, Tommy, somewhere in the sunlit, verdant hills of heaven --- I told them, Tommy, as best I could.
If this story means anything to you, please pass it on to a friend or two. It is a true story and is not enhanced for publicity purposes.
With thanks, Rev. John Powell, Professor, Loyola University , Chicago
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Franklin Graham denounces anti-Christ Tuscon service
Thursday, January 20, 2011
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Franklin Graham: Spirit of Anti-Christ Is Everywhere
Thursday, 20 Jan 2011 05:28 PM Article Font Size
By David A. Patten
The Rev. Franklin Graham says just mentioning the name Jesus Christ in the public square is increasingly frowned upon and warns: "The spirit of anti-Christ is everywhere."
The Samaritan’s Purse founder and son of beloved evangelist Dr. Billy Graham voiced his dismay at the rapid secularization of society during a Tuesday chapel service at John Brown University, a private Christian university based in Siloam Springs, Ark.
Graham, who was banned from a Pentagon national day of Prayer event last year for expressing his opinions about Islam, told students: “Even in our government today, you can't pray to Jesus in many public meetings. You can pray to God or a god. You can mention Buddha or the name of Muhammad -- but you can't pray to Jesus Christ.”
The president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association criticized the recent memorial service for the Tucson shooting victims.
Unlike the memorials held after the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11, he said, the Tucson program did not include an official prayer or mention of God. Graham noted gratefully, however, that President Barack Obama did quote scripture from the biblical book of Job.
The one religious dedication on the program came from a member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, who delivered a peroration that among other things called out to “"Father Sky, where we get our masculine energy" and "Mother Earth, where we get our feminine energy.”
Earlier this week, Graham penned an op-ed in the Washington Times saying it was “a shame” that the University of Arizona had failed to put God anywhere on its program.
“How sad,” the Graham op-ed stated. “Father Sky and Mother Earth can do nothing to comfort Capt. Mark Kelly, who had been at the bedside of his wife, Rep. Giffords, wondering if she'd ever leave her bed. Or Mary Stoddard, who was only alive because her husband sacrificed his life by shielding her with his body. Or the family, classmates, teammates and friends of little Christina, whose life was snuffed out before she could play another season of Little League.”
Graham told the university students what was missing from the memorial: “There was no call for God to put His loving arms around those who were hurting,” said Graham. "Why did they leave him out? They scoff at the name of Jesus Christ."
Graham predicted the persecution of Christians will get worse in coming years, and he encouraged students to use the new media and the Internet to spread the gospel.
"I'm going to build an army of young people," Graham said, according to ChristianPost.com. "We're going to find out how do you infiltrate every language of the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and do it on the Internet."
© Newsmax. All rights reserved.
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Read more on Newsmax.com: Franklin Graham: Spirit of Anti-Christ Is Everywhere
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I do NOT support obama's re-election!@
Latest: Do You Want Obamacare Repealed? Tell Congress Here — Make Your Voice Heard!
Franklin Graham: Spirit of Anti-Christ Is Everywhere
Thursday, 20 Jan 2011 05:28 PM Article Font Size
By David A. Patten
The Rev. Franklin Graham says just mentioning the name Jesus Christ in the public square is increasingly frowned upon and warns: "The spirit of anti-Christ is everywhere."
The Samaritan’s Purse founder and son of beloved evangelist Dr. Billy Graham voiced his dismay at the rapid secularization of society during a Tuesday chapel service at John Brown University, a private Christian university based in Siloam Springs, Ark.
Graham, who was banned from a Pentagon national day of Prayer event last year for expressing his opinions about Islam, told students: “Even in our government today, you can't pray to Jesus in many public meetings. You can pray to God or a god. You can mention Buddha or the name of Muhammad -- but you can't pray to Jesus Christ.”
The president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association criticized the recent memorial service for the Tucson shooting victims.
Unlike the memorials held after the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11, he said, the Tucson program did not include an official prayer or mention of God. Graham noted gratefully, however, that President Barack Obama did quote scripture from the biblical book of Job.
The one religious dedication on the program came from a member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe, who delivered a peroration that among other things called out to “"Father Sky, where we get our masculine energy" and "Mother Earth, where we get our feminine energy.”
Earlier this week, Graham penned an op-ed in the Washington Times saying it was “a shame” that the University of Arizona had failed to put God anywhere on its program.
“How sad,” the Graham op-ed stated. “Father Sky and Mother Earth can do nothing to comfort Capt. Mark Kelly, who had been at the bedside of his wife, Rep. Giffords, wondering if she'd ever leave her bed. Or Mary Stoddard, who was only alive because her husband sacrificed his life by shielding her with his body. Or the family, classmates, teammates and friends of little Christina, whose life was snuffed out before she could play another season of Little League.”
Graham told the university students what was missing from the memorial: “There was no call for God to put His loving arms around those who were hurting,” said Graham. "Why did they leave him out? They scoff at the name of Jesus Christ."
Graham predicted the persecution of Christians will get worse in coming years, and he encouraged students to use the new media and the Internet to spread the gospel.
"I'm going to build an army of young people," Graham said, according to ChristianPost.com. "We're going to find out how do you infiltrate every language of the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and do it on the Internet."
© Newsmax. All rights reserved.
Get the Desert Cap, Worn By Our Troops
Arthritis Revolution: New Options to Reverse Joint Pain
The Shocking Truth of a Vitamin C Megadose
Doctor Discovers Prayer's True Role in Healing
Newsmax.com
America's News Page
© 2010 Newsmax.com All Rights Reserved
Read more on Newsmax.com: Franklin Graham: Spirit of Anti-Christ Is Everywhere
Important: Do You Support Pres. Obama's Re-Election? Vote Here Now!
I do NOT support obama's re-election!@
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Miss America "I'm defined by God" OneNews.com
New Miss America says God gives her a purpose
Associated Press - 1/18/2011 10:25:00 AM
LAS VEGAS - The newly-crowned Miss America, 17-year-old Teresa Scanlan, is a mostly home-schooled Christian who pointed heavenward when she was announced as the winner Saturday night.
According to the new Miss America, she wasn't the only Christian contestant in this year's pageant. "We know why we're here and what we're doing," said Scanlan, "and we have a passion for it because we know it's what God wants us to do. And so every person that I meet I know God has a reason why I'm meeting them. I just want to embrace that as much as I can this year."
Scanlan told reporters that she and other Christian contestants had been at peace waiting for the judges' decision, confident that it was ultimately in God's hands. "We knew that whatever happened is His plan," she shared. "And so whether I won or not, I just knew that the right person would be in the right place. So I guess I'm in the right place -- and now I'm just so excited to see what He has in store."
She says she and many of her fellow contestants are purpose-driven Christians. "Many of the girls who made it very high [in the competition] had a strong faith because that shows...the substance and purpose behind what we're doing -- and that's why we're driven."
The former Miss Nebraska said she believes her faith was an advantage in the competition, since she didn't have to think through and sort out her convictions beforehand. Scanlan said, "That's the whole purpose behind who I am. I'm defined by what God has created me to be."
After her year as Miss America, Scanlan plans to attend Patrick Henry College -- a Christian school in Virginia -- where she'll study government and work toward a career in law or politics.
Associated Press - 1/18/2011 10:25:00 AM
LAS VEGAS - The newly-crowned Miss America, 17-year-old Teresa Scanlan, is a mostly home-schooled Christian who pointed heavenward when she was announced as the winner Saturday night.
According to the new Miss America, she wasn't the only Christian contestant in this year's pageant. "We know why we're here and what we're doing," said Scanlan, "and we have a passion for it because we know it's what God wants us to do. And so every person that I meet I know God has a reason why I'm meeting them. I just want to embrace that as much as I can this year."
Scanlan told reporters that she and other Christian contestants had been at peace waiting for the judges' decision, confident that it was ultimately in God's hands. "We knew that whatever happened is His plan," she shared. "And so whether I won or not, I just knew that the right person would be in the right place. So I guess I'm in the right place -- and now I'm just so excited to see what He has in store."
She says she and many of her fellow contestants are purpose-driven Christians. "Many of the girls who made it very high [in the competition] had a strong faith because that shows...the substance and purpose behind what we're doing -- and that's why we're driven."
The former Miss Nebraska said she believes her faith was an advantage in the competition, since she didn't have to think through and sort out her convictions beforehand. Scanlan said, "That's the whole purpose behind who I am. I'm defined by what God has created me to be."
After her year as Miss America, Scanlan plans to attend Patrick Henry College -- a Christian school in Virginia -- where she'll study government and work toward a career in law or politics.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Australia says NO! Thanks good anonymous friend!
Australia says NO - Second Time she has done this!
AMAZING You must read it !!!!
She's done it again..
She sure isn't backing down on her hard line stance and one has to appreciate her belief in the rights of her native countrymen..
A breath of fresh air to see someone lead. I wish some leaders would step up in Canada & USA ...
Australian Prime Minister does it again!!
This woman should be appointed Queen of the World. Truer words have never been spoken.
It took a lot of courage for this woman to speak what she had to say for the world to hear. The retribution could be phenomenal, but at least she was willing to take a stand on her and Australia's beliefs.
The whole world needs a leader like this!
>
Prime Minister Julia Gillard - Australia
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote:
'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'
'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'
'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!'
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here.
You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted YOU.'
Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves in Canada, USA, UK & Europe, WE will find the courage to start speaking and voicing the same truths.
If you agree, please SEND THIS ON and ON, to as many people as you know
Where are our MP's etc. No worry of equality or human rights worries in Australia.
SEND THEM HOME.
AMAZING You must read it !!!!
She's done it again..
She sure isn't backing down on her hard line stance and one has to appreciate her belief in the rights of her native countrymen..
A breath of fresh air to see someone lead. I wish some leaders would step up in Canada & USA ...
Australian Prime Minister does it again!!
This woman should be appointed Queen of the World. Truer words have never been spoken.
It took a lot of courage for this woman to speak what she had to say for the world to hear. The retribution could be phenomenal, but at least she was willing to take a stand on her and Australia's beliefs.
The whole world needs a leader like this!
>
Prime Minister Julia Gillard - Australia
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote:
'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'
'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'
'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!'
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here.
You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted YOU.'
Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves in Canada, USA, UK & Europe, WE will find the courage to start speaking and voicing the same truths.
If you agree, please SEND THIS ON and ON, to as many people as you know
Where are our MP's etc. No worry of equality or human rights worries in Australia.
SEND THEM HOME.
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