Okie Rambler

BeerJourney

2011-07-26T04:30:00.000-07:00

In the sojourn of life, I have also started taking another journey; that is the journey of trying and liking different types of beer.

For a long time, I stayed away from beer simply because of the taste, however like Cole slaw and pickle relish, as I got older my tastes changed so I again tried beer and discovered it wasn't half bad.

Since then I've tried Blue Moon, SawTooth, and several different types of Sam Adams, not to mention Guineas.

Don't go Baptist on me, nowhere in Scripture does it say one shant have a drink. Scripture only condemns the practice of getting drunk.

Now I need to ration my beer drinking since not only are the high in calories, but can be quite expensive to purchase.

Either They're Agenda Driven or Just Plain Stupid

2011-07-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've heard the usual murmurings from the Left that seem to occur anytime a Conservative Grown Up wants to do anything remotely close to reigning in spending, cutting waste, and/or limiting the scope of government.

With the copious amounts of examples not only form human experience, but history as well as examples from our own day, and common sense, it should come to no surprise to anybody remotely willing to think the Welfare State does not work. On the contrary, not only does it fail those it claims to help, but has adverse affects on society at large. Allow me to site an example.

At my previous job, I was an adjuster for Illinois work comp. It was my job to review claims, and pay those deemed work related. As part of my job, I was also responsible for paying those whose doctors took off of work; this was called Temporary Total Disability or TTD. There was only one problem. IL, as other states is very liberal in its work comp policy. The claimant can choose their own doctor, so long as they don't go over two choices, and unless the company sends the claimant to an Independent Medical Evaluation, which we almost always did, we had no choice but to pay the claimant for being off of work.

Many times, the IME would tell us the so called injured person could work, at which time, they almost always hired an attorney, which meant us paying a settlement, even though they could work with little lasting affects.

Which leads us to the problem. Those who abused the system were given no reason to not do so, while those who were rightfully injured and owed settlement were forced to have their cases drawn out while we were investigating possible bogus or exaggerated cases.

With so many companies having to pay little more that what could be called shakedowns, said companies left IL in droves. Per the attorneys we hired, IL's economy is in shambles since no industry will go there to do business. Those who do, are subject to draconian Work Comp regulations.

This was something I saw everyday where I worked, and led me to the obvious conclusion. If you make it easy for people to sit on their rear ends and not work, people will do so. Again, I'm not talking about actually hurt, I'm talking about those abusing the system.

This is but one example and with it and others, I am left with only two conclusion about the Left.

1. Either they are completely stupid, devoid of learning from the mistakes of other countries around the world who so foolishly bought into the Socialist lie, history, common sense, or human nature or.....

2. Beginning with Barrack, and his Merry Band of Marxists, the Left doesn't give a rat's butt about the "poor" but instead is wiling to allow more and more people to become slaves to the government so advance their agenda of more government.

Not many other options.

Been a While

2011-07-24T06:14:00.000-07:00

I was going through some old bookmarks and came across this blog, and frankly, didn't realize how long it had been since I posted. To be honest, I wanted to, but with time and such, the posting was just put off longer and longer.

It also didn't help that in December of 2009, I started a new job, which, to my dismay was not much of what I thought it would be. The commute was long (I was aware of this)and the hours and workload expected were much larger than I anticipated. Frankly, because WW and me both took a job at this location, we both would come home from work and just veg because we were so tired from the stress of our chosen line of work. Thankfully, those days are gone as the both of us have found new employment. The pay may be much less, however, the stress level is NOTHING compared to the last job, plus, I NOW HAVE A LIFE which means, God willing, I will have time to blog. Oh, and lest I forget, the new work seems to have much more room for advancement, and the benefits kick the previous' employeer's "benefits, out of the ball park.

A lot has happened since my last post. I have gotten back into cycling, which I have done off and on over the last twenty or so years, my wife and I took a trip to another country, I have been the victim of a crime, switched churches, and last but not least, both of us have taken on career changes.

Provide I learn to manage my time, more posts will be forthcoming.

Stay tuned.

My Journey to Manhood is Now complete

2009-05-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

Note: This is not what you think

I always felt I was different from the other guys. I could never put my finger on the issue, but something just felt different. As we purchased our new house and had a larger yard and covered patio, the yearnings and desires grew. As much as I tried to fight it or put off dealing with my issues, I knew sooner or later, I would be forced to complete the summer rite of passage into manhood.

A few weeks ago on a moonlit night, I finally took the final step and gave in to my feelings.

I GOT A GRILL!!!!!!!!!

Not just any grill, mind you, a duel mode grill. One side is for propane grilling, the other charcoal. Since I could not decide on what kind to purchase, I decided to get the best of both worlds. Since my joke to people is "my journey to manhood is now complete," I've taken to calling my grill a Mangrill.

That night I had a cookout where myself and a more seasoned grilling veteran cooked some hamburgers and hot dogs. Since then I have cooked burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and pork chops. Wednesday I got some husked corn to try . Just last night, I grilled a couple chicken breasts for WW and me. When they were done, I basted them with BBQ sauce. She had no complaints.

Sooner or later I want to try some veggies, shrimp, and some salmon. My dad is a Grill Master of the umpteenth degree so I'll be asking him his advice. Oh lest I forget, steaks are also on my to-grill list too.

I've had a few setbacks learning the art of becoming a Grilling Master. A church member put it this way. "Grilling is easy once you get the hang of it, but every once in a while, you have to offer up a few burnt offerings" The worst I've done is offer up six burger patties to the god of grilling. But hey, it's a learning curve, you can't walk before you learn to crawl. Thankfully Mardel's had a Weber's grilling book on sale. I not only got some good recipes to try, but this book has several guides to cooking meat, how long, what temperature, etc. It has proved very useful.

Any you grilling vets have any suggestions, I'd be glad to hear em.

Christ Will Come Again

2009-04-22T05:25:00.000-07:00

Ac 1:11 "Men of Galilee," u they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back v in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)

"He shall come again to judge the quick and the dead." (Taken from the Apostles Creed)

Let us remember the Ancient Liturgy.....Christ Has Died

Christ has RISEN

Christ Will Come Again!

Not only did Christ die and raise from the dead. This same Christ, the victor over sin and death, will one day return to to forever defeat this enemies.

Christ's first advent, he was the Suffering servant. When he returns, he will be the Conquering King.

What will the Second Coming of Christ be like?

The Second Coming will be literal. Christ did not raise as a spirit, nor is the Resurrection symbolic; I already discussed that on the last post. If his raising and Ascension were literal, so will be his Second Coming. This was made clear in my introductory verse. Those who witnessed Christ's literal Resurrected body were told that, just as Christ literally ascended to heaven, he will return "in the same manner." Think Christ's Second Coming is symbolic? Then explain his coming in Revelation 19.

Rev 19:11 I saw heaven standing open c and there before me was a white horse, whose rider d is called Faithful and True. e With justice he judges and makes war. f
Rev 19:12 His eyes are like blazing fire, g and on his head are many crowns. h He has a name written on him i that no one knows but he himself. j
Rev 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, k and his name is the Word of God. l
Rev 19:14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, m white n and clean.
Rev 19:15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword o with which to strike down p the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." 23 q He treads the winepress r of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
Rev 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: s

Now, let's proceed, but, lest we think Christ is anything but the Son of God, the second person in the Triune God, check out his title.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Rev 19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds u flying in midair, v "Come, w gather together for the great supper of God, x
Rev 19:18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, y free and slave, z small and great." a
Rev 19:19 Then I saw the beast b and the kings of the earth c and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse d and his army.
Rev 19:20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet e who had performed the miraculous signs f on his behalf. g With these signs he had deluded h those who had received the mark of the beast i and worshiped his image. j The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake k of burning sulfur. l
Rev 19:21 The rest of them were killed with the sword m that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, n and all the birds o gorged themselves on their flesh.

Wow. That's an awful lot to symbolize. Other parts of Scripture make it clear that the Second Coming of Christ is literal.

Not only literal, but Christ's Second Coming will be VISIBLE. There is nowhere in scripture to indicate that Christ will come "spiritually" When he returns, EVERY eye will see him.

So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
Mt 24:27 For as lightning e that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming f of the Son of Man. (Matt 24 26-27)

Now, I'm not talking about the Rapture, I am one who tends to think there will be a Pre Trib Rapture, that is a different conversation. What I am talking about will be the visible Coming of our Lord. Here's another.

Rev 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, u and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; v and all the peoples of the earth will mourn w because of him. So shall it be! Amen. (Rev 1:7)

Christ will come and REIGN. His coming will set up his kingdom. Revelation says he will rule the nations with a "Rod of Iron" This is not original material. Check out Psalms 2.

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son 4 ; j today I have become your Father. 5 k
Ps 2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations l your inheritance, m the ends of the earth n your possession.
Ps 2:9 You will rule them with an iron scepter 6 ; o you will dash them to pieces p like pottery. (Ps 2:7)

Christ's Kingdom will begin with his thousand year reign on earth. This reign will be a holy one. Justice will be swift and perfect and, according to the Old Testament, the word of the lord will go out to all the nations.

Those whom peirced him (the unbelieving Jews) will come to faith in Him. His kingdom will be a time when Israel will be blessed with the convenant due them as God's chosen people. For the church, we too will enjoy blessings thanks to our Savior.

It is also important to remember Christ's Second coming has not yet occurred. Church History is full of those who wish to "date set" He has not come "spiritually" in stages, nor will his coming be secret. Trust me, we will KNOW when Christ returns.

We are told to observe the Lord's Supper till Christ's Secomg Coming. Why continue to celebrate the Lord's Supper if Christ has already returned?

As a Believer, my job is to live for Him. I look forward to seeing Him face to face. I also anticipate seeing all those who have gone before. What a joy, talking with the saints of old! But until then, I am to live my life sharing the Gospel and witnessing through word and deed.

Until that wonderful day, let us again recite the ancient liturgy.

Christ Has Died
Christ Has Risen
CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN!

Amen.

Christ has Risen

2009-04-13T05:34:00.000-07:00

Jn 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes s in me will live, even though he dies. Jn 11:25.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Mt 28:5-6.

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia! (Hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Charles Wesley)

Let us remember the ancient liturgy, Christ has died,
Christ has risen.....

HE IS RISEN

CHRIST THE LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD!!!!!

DEATH IS VANQUISHED!

OUR KING LIVES FOREVERMORE!!!!!

That's right, cults and false teachers may deny this truth, but regardless, their statements cannot change this very fact.

He is risen!!!!!

Who has risen?????

CHRIST HAS RISEN!!!!!

CHRIST HAS RISEN INDEED!!!!!

This day our salvation was paid for. This day, when Christ was raised from the dead he proved, once and for all, not only that he was God. he also proved God, the three-in-one Triune God of Scripture has power over sin and death.

Christ rising from the dead is the same Resurrection in store for all of us on the lat day.

Christ was indeed dead. He did not pass out on the cross, nor did he fake being dead as some critics claim. Check out the following passages. The first is a description of his death.

I'll take you back a little ways. Because the next day was to be the Sabbath, the Jews did not want anybody hanging on the cross because it was unlawful. to follow their Sabbath laws, they had asked that the condemned legs be broken. This was a common practice in Roman crucifixions to speed up death. If not done, the criminal could languish for days.

But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. JN 19:33-34.

Notice the "sudden flow of blood and water" the blood was beginning to separate. This is what happens when a body dies. Christ was already dead when the Roman solider thrust his spear. Now, look at Christ's own words where he himself says he was once dead.

Rev 1:18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! i And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Get that? "I was ONCE DEAD and am alive FOREVERMORE. I love our Lord's last words....."And I have the power over death and Hades" Sorry Christian Scientists, you'll have to go somewhere else if you want to prove your false notion that death is only an illusion.

Not only did Christ literally die and raise from the dead, but his Resurrection was BODILY. The Resurrection account is not symbolic nor did Christ raise as a "spirit being" Here is an example of Christ breaking bread with two on the road to Emmaus.

Lk 24:30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.

Last I checked, spirits don't break nor eat bread. Christ was a resurrected body. Here is another passage of Christ appearing to the disciples.

Lk 24:36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
Lk 24:37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. d
Lk 24:38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
Lk 24:39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; e a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
Lk 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
Lk 24:41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"
Lk 24:42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
Lk 24:43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
Lk 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: g Everything must be fulfilled h that is written about me in the Law of Moses, i the Prophets and the Psalms."
Lk 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Lk 24:46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer l and rise from the dead on the third day,
Lk 24:36-46

Notice, Jesus said himself he was not a ghost. His body is a glorified body that is different (and ours will be too) than the shell we inhabit here on earth. Also, last time I checked, spirits cannot hold nor eat fish. Here is the famous "doubting Thomas" passage where Christ actually asks Thomas to TOUCH his body.

Jn 20:24 Now Thomas q (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
Jn 20:25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." s
Jn 20:26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
Jn 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Jn 20:28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jn 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; w blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

How can somebody touch nail and spear marks if the deceased is a ghost? Thomas was seeing Christ in his BODILY form. Sorry Jehovah's Witnesses, you'll have to look elsewhere to prove your false teaching that Christ rose as a spirit and not a body from the dead.

I find it amusing that many who deny every supernatural facet of Holy Scripture want to then cling to the name of Christ. You can't pick and choose. Just like Christ's Virgin Birth and the miracles, The Resurrection is part and parcel of the Gospel message.

1Co 15:12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection x of the dead? y
1Co 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
1Co 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, z our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
1Co 15:15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. a But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.
1Co 15:16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
1Co 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. b
1Co 15:18 Then those also who have fallen asleep c in Christ are lost.

If you follow Christ but deny the Resurrection, you're an idiot. Think I'm being too harsh? Check out the scriptures. The Bible also tells us that our having Eternal Life is tied DIRECTLY to Christ raising from the dead. Christ conquered death by himself raising from the dead. Because he conquered death, he has conquered it for us. Check out where Paul continues to explain this. It's long but lays out the case for The Resurrection nicely.

1Co 15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
1Co 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits f of those who have fallen asleep.
1Co 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
1Co 15:24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1Co 15:27 For he "has put everything under his feet." 45 Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ.
1Co 15:28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, u so that God may be all in all.
1Co 15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?
1Co 15:30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?
1Co 15:31 I die every day —I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1Co 15:32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus z for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." 46 a
1Co 15:33 Do not be misled: b "Bad company corrupts good character." c
1Co 15:34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God —I say this to your shame. 1 CO 15:12-34.

Other leaders of great religions are dead and gone but Christ is alive and has defeated death.

HE is risen.....
WHO is risen.....
CHRIST is risen.....
Christ is risen indeed.....

Christ Has Died

2009-04-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

"Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world. John 1:29

Jesus called out with a loud voice, i "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." j When he had said this, he breathed his last LK 23:46.

Let us remember the ancient liturgy. Christ has died.....

"Man Owed a debt he could not pay. Christ paid a debt He did not owe." Anslem.

"How deep the Father's love for us,How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One,Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom (How Deep the Father's Love for us, Stuart Towned)

When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died,My richest gain I count but loss,And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,Save in the death of Christ my God!All the vain things that charm me most,I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,Sorrow and love flow mingled down!Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,That were a present far too small;Love so amazing, so divine,Demands my soul, my life, my all. (Hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Isaac Watts pub 1707)

Today is Good Friday and is a day every Christian should have a heavy heart.

This day marks the observance (can we please have one thing that is somber in our modern church?) of Christ's death for the sins of the world.

Christ was arrested, tried by a kangaroo court and put to death. His death was the method of a common criminal.

Amazingly this was foretold centuries before it occurred.

Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel.”

Perhaps one of the longest passages comes from the prophet Isaiah:

“Who has believed what they heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors” Isaiah 53:1-12).

Think all the Psalms are Happy clappy songs about our victory in the Lord? Think again. This is part of Psalm 22 which depicts the way Christ would die.

Many bulls w surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Ps 22:13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.
Ps 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. c My heart has turned to wax; d it has melted away e within me.
Ps 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, f and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; g you lay me 41 in the dust h of death.
Ps 22:16 Dogs i have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced 42 j my hands and my feet.
Ps 22:17 I can count all my bones; people stare k and gloat over me. l
Ps 22:18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots m for my clothing.

The prophet Daniel, writing cir. 536 B.C. foretold that Christ would be "Cut off" meaning he would be killed. This was one of the important events relating to his famous seventy weeks prophecies about the end times.

After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off k and will have nothing. 32 The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: l War will continue until the end, and desolations m have been decreed. n

When Christ died, he took our place on the cross. As a wonderful hymn says "Every sin on him was laid" (In Christ Alone) sums it up nicely. When Christ died, not only did he die an extremely painful death, but he took the entire wrath of God in our place. All this so we may have Eternal Life through Him.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

And check out Romans 5: 6-12 which gives the reason and results of Christ's death for all those who are saved.

Ro 5:6 You see, at just the right time, s when we were still powerless, t Christ died for the ungodly. u
Ro 5:7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
Ro 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. v
Ro 5:9 Since we have now been justified w by his blood, x how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath y through him!
Ro 5:10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, z we were reconciled a to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! b
Ro 5:11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. c
Ro 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, d and death through sin, e and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned f —

But how is one to have this precious gift? The only way is by God's Grace through faith. In other words, by putting faith in Christ death for your sins, ergo, trusting that he is all you need for salvation will turn you from a Child of Sin to a Child of God. Here are some verses.

9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 2 TM 1:9

5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5.

That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10

:Eph 2:8.
For it is by grace v you have been saved, w through faith x —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Eph 2:9 not by works, y so that no one can boast. z

All this because Christ paid such a high price so many years ago. Am I thankful he did? Yes. Am I somber and with a heave heart because of what it cost God's son?????

You bet.

Safe?

2009-03-13T06:49:00.001-07:00

Disclaimer: I have never ridden or driven in an electric car. This point of view is based simply on visual observations.

Last night, WW and I attended the Home and Garden show. We thought, there is no better place to get some home improvement ideas.

While there, I stumbled onto particular booth. To be honest, I don't even remember the sponsor, that's not important. It was what was on display that was the cause for my curiosity.

I asked WW if that was one of those electric cars whereas she replied "yes" I had to double back because I never saw one up close. Allow me to give my thoughts.

The car, kinda of purple/pink was SMALL, I mean, modern looking box on wheels. I thought to myself "there is no way in hades I could get anybody but myself, and WW in this thing" I guess they guy either saw the look on my face or others had the same issue because the person manning the booth said "it is bigger than it looks" After touching the hood, which didn't feel very durable, and still trying to wrap my head around the small size, I blurted out to a couple of ladies what was on their mind too. This was the real concern I would have driving one of these small Ken and Barbie cars. I said "I would not feel safe either driving or riding in one of these things." They both replied they felt the same way. Then I blurted out "This is an Eco loon car" (You know, it's electric and more "green" than an evil gas guzzling car). I walked away partly perplexed partly disgusted.

As a husband and father, there is no way in hell I'd put my family in one of those things no matter how many spotted crapbettles driving one would save.

Sorry Eco loons, I do not buy into your global warming nonsense.

I also feel, no matter how many trees will feel better me driving an Eco Lon car, I have a bigger responsibility. That is to put my family in something I have total confidence is safe on the road.

Didn't Take Long Did it?

2009-02-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

WW and I were at the mall Thursday night when I saw a bumper sticker with the following.....

"Don't blame me I voted for McCain"

Didn't take very long for those bumper stickers to show up.

Where can I get mine?

I don't exactly want to brag I voted for Amnesty John but I can say when the Spendulius Bill hits the fan, don't blame me, I didn't buy any of Barracks "Change" BS one bit.

Rock and Roll All Nite (And Work Everyday)

2009-02-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

In recognition of our achievement, my work pays its employees an annual bonus. I was very thankful to get one given the shape of the economy.

After the government redistribute my wealth (er, contributing to the common good) I had enough to pay off some bills and splurge a little.

WW and I decided to purchase a game consul and a game we wanted for some time.

I am now the proud owner of Guitar Hero World Tour.

Unless you've lived under a rock for the last four or five years, you probably have heard of it. You play a guitar (or a base, or drums, or vocal if you bought the entire band set, which I did not) and rock out to a song. The game allows you to progress and earn money there by unlocking other songs.

I used to play this quite a lot when we would go to Best Buy. WW would look at her stuff and I would leave saying "Honey, I'm going to go play with the band" At first she thought it was the stupidest game until she started playing it at our friend's house. After that, she was hooked.

I am now able to play guitar (of sorts) and make a complete ass out of myself.

Not being marterialistic, just looking for a way (besides excersing) of relieving stress.

What Jesus?

2009-02-16T06:02:00.001-08:00

Christianity is about doctrine, pure and simple.

Our view of all human life precious in the eyes of God stems from what God himself says about life in the Holy Scriptures.

We love others because Jesus commands us. Why do we take the words of somebody who lived 2000 plus years ago so seriously? Why not listen to Buddha, Mohammad, Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russell or your inner light? Why Jesus?

We follow Jesus because of WHO Jesus is, pure and simple. Let me pause on Jesus for a moment; we'll get back to Him.

This post is about a pet peeve I have. I'll get to it, but first, I need to make an argument defending the necessity to believe cardinal doctrines of Christianity. These doctrines have been held throughout the history of the church.

Something sadly lost on too many of today's Christians is that in order to be considered orthodox, certain beliefs must be held. Compromising or flat out denial of one of these will compromise others.

For example, if you deny salvation by grace alone through faith alone, you deny the effectiveness of Christ's death. You also deny, whether you know it or not, the sovereignty of God. How can God be the complete sovereign of the universe if he does not have complete victory over sin and death? if his death on the cross was not payment enough does this mean Satan has some power God does not have? How can God keep you unto himself once you come to faith if he cannot completely defeat sin proving he's not sovereign? This denial also elevates humanity higher than it ought, it says "God needs our help (again compromising God's sovereignty) so we must help him, and, after all, we're not too sinful if we can corporate with God."

Take the scriptures. How many Christian leaders pay lip service to scripture but then turn around and say some of the Bible contains errors? The statement goes something like this....."The Bible CONTAINS the word of God rather than IS the word of God.

If this is the case, might I ask what parts contain errors and could they please tell me how they came to this conclusion? If one part is erroneous, even though Paul tells us in his writings, that ALL scripture is God breathed, than how can we have complete confidence in the rest of the Bible? This is not to say I understand completely Holy Scripture, and I don't have questions. This does not also mean I do not hold certain doctrines such as Christ's full Deity and humanity or God electing some to salvation but man's responsibility to respond, in tension. What it means is God's ways are not my ways and he has given us more than enough evidence to trust in faith the truthfulness of his word.

One other unintended consequence of compromising Scripture is obvious. When you second guess its reliability, you must also second guess the DOCTRINES found therein. If the flood did not occur, is God really sovereign? If Daniel did not write Daniel and his prophecies were fakes as liberals claim (despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary) Does this mean Christ was not God since he referred to Daniel as a prophet? And if the miracles done at the time of Moses and Joshuah were fakes than does this mean Christ was not born of a Virgin? How can Christ be the sinless lamb led to the slaughter if he was born no different than you or me? Wouldn't that make him just a man? Can his death be payment enough since Romans tells us "All have Sinned and have fallen short of his glory" If we compromise the Virgin Birth, who's to say Christ rose from the dead? After all, if other parts of the Bible are not reliable, what says this part can be trusted? If I take this approach, I might be inclined to question my own salvation and what God says about keeping me unto himself not letting me fall from His grace since those are all found in Scripture. Denying parts of Scripture would cause my faith to unravel like a ball of yarn in the hands of a kitten. I think I've made it pretty obvious. There is no middle ground; either you take ALL the Bible or you take NONE.

Our faith is based on foundations found in Holy Scripture. This means certain doctrines must be taken and accepted if one is to call themselves a Christian. It is the responsibility of the church to, rather than avoid these doctrines, to teach it's members what they are, why they are to be believed, how to convey these beliefs to a lost and hurting world, and how to apply these beliefs in their lives.

Which brings me back to Jesus and quite frankly, one of my pet peeves. How many have heard the following statement? It is dressed in the guise of sounding more "spiritual" The person will stand up and say, "You know, I don't understand all these doctrines, and I don't need them.....(Then you hear the keyboard do a nice musical trill of notes) I just want to love Jesus." (More trills ) Doesn't it sound soo cool? More "spiritual" that somebody just wants to love Jesus? I mean, who could argue with that? Don't get tied down with all these gosh darned doctrines, just "love Jesus"

I hate to rain on their "spiritual" parade but I have to ask one question. Which Jesus would they like to love because I can provide several for them to choose from. Allow me to name a few.

One can love the "Jesus" of the Watchtower Bible and Tract society, aka the Jehovah's Witnesses. This Jesus is not God but Michael the Archangel. He was the first and greatest creation of Jehovah God and is only the son of God because he is the first creation. This "Jesus" came down to earth as only a man, died on a torture stake (not a cross) only for Adam's sin, and rose as a spirit being from the dead where he has already returned to our planet as a spirit, not a body.

Then there is the "Jesus" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, aka Mormons. This "Jesus" was the brother of Lucifer, both of them were born of Elohim, the God worshipped on earth who has a body of flesh and bones just like you and me. Christ came to earth, was born to Mary through a physical relationship between her and God. Anybody who converts to Mormonism can become a god just like Christ did.

We also have the "Jesus" of the "Jesus Only Movement" This group, like the Jehovah's Witnesses, denies the Trinity. To the Oness group, "Jesus" is actually a "mode" of God. Rather than God existing as one but three persons as orthodox Christians hold, the Jesus Only Movement holds that god reveals himself in three different "modes" much the same way an actor changes consumes in a play.

One can love the "Jesus" of the liberal church. This Jesus is simply a man, nothing more. To the liberal church, Christ was not born of a virgin, did not die for the sins of the world, nor did he raise from the dead. Jesus' bones are buried somewhere in Israel.

Last but certainly not least, a person can love the Jesus of Historic Christianity. This Jesus is the second person in the Triune Godhead. He is the Alpha and Omega proclaimed in scripture. His coming was foretold thousands of years before the incarnation. The Jesus of the Bible is the Great I AM, the one who holds the keys of death and hades . He will wipe away every tear and whose death and Resurrection holds victory for all who have faith in Him. This Jesus is not Michael the Archangel, a "spirit" brother, a mere man, or a player in God's cosmic magic show going from mode to mode. This Jesus is the sovereign creator of the universe who has paved the way for salvation. THAT is the Jesus one should love.

But how is one to know the right Jesus to believe in? I have shown at least five different "Jesus es" who would hardly recognize each other. Simple, the only way to tell is to familiarize yourself by knowing what the Bible says, i.e. getting your doctrine right.

One last item, just because there are cardinal doctrines does not mean there is not room for genuine disagreement between Christians. Our faith is not an "all or nothing" religion. Whatever one's view of the proper mode of baptism, whether Christ and Israel will reign on earth, the sign gifts, or the type of worship music, remember, those are secondary issues. I may not attend a church because of some secondary issues, but I would not exclude them from the fellowship of believers based solely on non essentials.

We, as Christians need to have an intelligent faith. The world is asking what we believe in and why. Hopefully I've demonstrated an "I love Jesus and live for Him" is not enough. What Jesus do you love, and why do you live for him?

Closing Complete

2008-09-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

I had visions of our closing day being rather uneventful. The bank would call the night before letting us know we were good to close, WW and I would be up half the night excited about the home purchase, then we'd spend all day Friday sitting around the house counting down the hours till 11 when we'd run to the title office cashiers check in hand to close on our house.

WRONG!!!!!

The bank, starting Wednesday morning, decided they did not have enough information. Every time we'd fax something to the underwritter, her loan processor would call back wanting something else. This went on until Friday afternoon. So haphazzard was the ordeal we had to postpone closing till Friday afternoon, possibly till Monday. We did no even know what to bring to close until about 15 minutes before closing.

It all worked out as we received a call from our realtor informing us we were closing at 4 Friday afternoon. The entire process took about an hour and a half. After siging all necessary papers, we were presented the keys to our new home.

C L O S E D

2008-08-23T04:26:00.000-07:00

We finally closed on the house last night.

We were supposed to close @ 11 but the closing was pushed back to 4 due to some last minute documentation the bank needed to finalize the financing.

It came through and we are now homeowners.

We move in a week from today.

48 Hours

2008-08-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

It is Wednesday August 20th.

We are scheduled to close on Friday August 22nd.

Less than 48 hours till we own a new house. Myself, WW and WD are all three excited.

We drove by the house, the new roof has been installed, and the "For Sale" sign has been taken from the front yard. WW noticed the realtor box, the universal code box agents use to access the property, is also gone.

One week after we close we will be moving, So far, a friend of mine from high school, two of WWs co workers, and our pastor will be helping. Another church member may be able to assist but he will let me know closer to the date. Once moved, we will start a new chapter in our lives as homeowners.

As I said earlier, I'm not counting down at all.

Please do not accuse me of counting down the days again. :-)

S O L D

2008-08-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

We drove by the house WW and I are buying and noticed a wonderful sight.

Where the For Sale sign sits in the yard, right under the realtor information, was a big SOLD sign.

We're set to close in less then two weeks.

No, I'm not counting down the days at all.

Liberal Childishness

2008-08-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

This last weekend, I (again) discovered a truth in life.

Liberals do not like to argue issues. Not in the way gorwn-ups do anyway.

My second brother (I am the oldest of three, the liberal I'm blogging about is 21 mos younger, the other who seemed to just recite what he was told is 14 years younger) is almost as liberal as I am conservative. Of course with all his liberalism comes all the liberal hang ups. Let me explain.

Now, let me state for the record I do love both my brothers. If they were in need, I'd be at their side in a New York minute, but younger bro (the liberal) and I are as different politics wise as night and day.

Saturday the family gathered at my father's and went out to celebrate his birthday. The talking soon went to politics where, of course, I offered my opinion. while I was talking with my little brother (14 years younger) he recited the same liberal speak about Bush screwing up the country, we don't need to be fighting terrorists, the war is a losing cause, etc. I asked him to qualify his comments, that is, do something liberals can't stand, provide facts. My other brother, the liberal, then jumped in saying I parrot everything Bush tells me to say. Not once in our conversation did he ever offer to refute my points. The closest he came was when youngest brother and I talked oil. After blaming Bush for the high gas prices, I corrected him giving him facts that, no little bro, it's the Eco loons that have driven up oil by not letting us drill or build refineries. My other (liberal) brother countered that if we did that "all it would do would increase our addiction on oil" I think I might've asked him what his solution was. That or was amazed at the thinking of that comment. Of course, it did not address the issue of higher gas prices. I asked both what their solutions were again. Liberal brother could do nothing but accuse me of not thinking for myself and/or parroting everything I hear. This brings me to two observations about liberals I noticed in my younger liberal brother.

1. Liberals have a condescending attitude to anybody who does not share their enlightened way of thinking. It doesn't matter that their ideas don't jive with history. (more on that) To lefties, you are no better than a child if you hold different views, especially conservative ones. Doubt me? Watch the evening news or read our daily paper. To my younger, uninformed brother, I was a simpleton, devoid of thinking for myself.

2. Liberals can't or won't argue facts. Of course this is impossible because anybody studying history will see how Liberalism is one big failure. If one starts arguing from the lessons of history, their religious convictions, or pointing out liberals ideas of "rights" (e.g. killing one's baby, gay "marriage" "gun control" or giving rights to terrorists) are nowhere in the Constitution, they will answer with scorn. You will either be branded a right wing nut job, religious bigot, just plain stupid, or all the above. It doesn't matter if the liberal is in government, a collage kid reciting what his professor told him to think, or church leader. Liberals are the same. I confirmed with WW, not once did my liberal, uninformed younger brother offer any counter points to my positions.

That's why I titled this post "Liberal Childishness" An adult realizes the discussion can't move forward when one side either does not argue facts or is reduced to calling the other side names. To any adult, that's child's play. It's "Liberal Childishness"

Of course, I got mad, challenging both brothers to do just that. Start thinking and acting like adults. That didn't go over too well but my point was made.

I don't appreciate my younger brother thinking I'm an idiot, but, then I just have to sit back and laugh, knowing it's just a product of him being a liberal.

It's his (and theirs) liberal childishness.

I Don't Trust em.

2008-08-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

I came on in the middle of a conversation between Pat Campbell and City Councilor Bill Martinson. The Councilor was discussing the expensive streets package voters will need to approve.

I am sorry Bill but until I see city leaders do an acceptable job managing what we already give them I'm voting no.

The fact this same council voted to move City Hall, our mayor threw over 7,000,000 at BOK, and said mayor has more than once raised our utility rates makes me not trust our elected leaders when it comes to our money.

It didn't help that the package was laden with pork. (fixing city buildings, building trails, etc)

You guys are gonna to have to do better with our money before you regain my confidence. That's why my new strategy will be to vote NO on any new tax hikes that go on the ballot.

New House.

2008-08-04T05:34:00.000-07:00

Our household has been very busy the last several weeks.

WW and I are in the process of purchasing our first house together. Needless to say, we are excited to finally live somewhere we OWN.

I know home ownership carries with it responsibility. We both are aware a house contains several big ticket items that, when malfunction, can cost quite a bit of money to repair/replace.

However, both of us are excited to finally have a large back yard for my German Shepherd. We're also looking forward to finally have the yard space to entertain family and friends or play yard games when people visit

I grew up on a corner lot so I am glad WD will have more yard for her and her friends to play. I've already promised her she could invite friends over once we're through unpacking and she is also excited.

I will be paying closer attention to politician's stances on property taxes since I'll soon be a homeowner.

I do already but will have more due diligence.

Christmas in August

2008-08-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

WW, WD and myself spent the weekend shopping for clothes thanks to the tax holiday.

Both malls were the busiest I have seen them since Christmas. In fact, Woodland Hills was so crowded I had to leave because I started feeling claustrophobic.

You know? This proves when people have more money they spend more. If they spend more, that's money put into the economy. Gee, am I missing something? If we lower taxes, people will spend more, invest more, and put more money in the market place. In a time of a slowing economy, what better way to jump start the economy than to.....

Lower taxes.

Makes too much sense; that's why it won't ever get done.

What Now?

2008-08-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sally will now face off against Karen Keith in the November general election. What can Bell do to defeat a well financed candidate?

Bell should not run away from Bell's. She shouldn't focus on the eviction, but use the park as an object lesson for the voters. Show the public what happens when County Government gets too powerful. What better example of this than the forced eviction of a family owned business who has been a Tulsa fixture for more than 50 years?

Although Bell needs to be civil, hold Karen Keith accountable for past stances she took. Remember, Keith was a PR person for Mayor Misfortune. As such, Keith was for Vision 2025 and higher taxes. Ask the public.....do you want more of the same in Karen Keith? Didn't you just vote out Randi Miller who was also for higher taxes and back room deals?

Make it clear there is a difference between her grass roots campaign and the campaign of Karen Keith. Although likable, Keith is for the higher taxes and enlargement of County Government that got our city in the mess it's in now .

Remember we Tulsans have a choice. More of the same or real change.

Why Randi?

2008-08-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Or: What lessons can elitists learn from Randi's defeat?

Reform minded citizens of Tulsa got a shot in the arm last Tuesday when Sally Bell defeated incumbent Randi Miller in the Republican primary. What lessons can other elected officials learn from the debacle that was her reelection campaign?

It would be shortsighted to dismiss such a large (81% Bell 19% Miller) margin on vengeful voters disgusted with the part Randi played in the eviction of Bells. I am sure many voters saw the election as payback for Bell's, but rather vengeance, I believe most voters saw the eviction as an eye opener. Before Bell's eviction this blogger was unaware of many of Randi policies. I knew a few stances she took and disagreed with some, but not until Bell's were my eyes opened. Once I saw Miller on the news leading the charge to force Bell's out I not only started paying more attention to her antics, but researched her past positions. By the time Randi was cheer leading for the River Tax I was better informed. I knew about the double standard between Big Splash and Bells. It was discovered Randi received a sizable donation from Murphy Bros. making her do their bidding. From there the public learned of Big Splashes inability to pay rent; no actions taken against the water park and Randi's attendance record. Oh, did I mention Big Splash was owned by the same Murphy Brothers that gave her such a sizable campaign donation?

All this to say Randi lost touch with the base. Somewhere along the way she started paying more attention to those who had power and money than the common folk. When caught, there was always an excuse but the more Randi talked, the worse of a liar she proved to be. By the time of the election July 29Th, most Republicans in her district had enough. They were tired of the secret meetings, back room deals, Randi's inability to stand up for them, and her constant love affair with higher taxes.

Other elected officials better take notice. Tulsans are slowly getting sick of being taxed higher and higher while seeing their utility rates go up. Our leaders better look to the defeat of Randi and learn from it. Even KIT in her multi million dollar mansion is not immune from getting voted out of office.

Remember elected officials. Different areas of the county also killed three different tax hikes.

It's worth repeating. Tulsans have had enough.

Randi Miller Out

2008-07-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

I know there were other elections on the ballot but the one that caught my eye was the Republican primary for County Commissioner. If you are just waking up Randi Miller was defeated by Sally Bell in a landslide. I figured Randi overplayed her hand, supporting every tax increase, evicting Bell's with no good reason, and showing more interest to her good ole boy buddies than to those who put her in office. Those kind of actions will one day catch up with you, so I wasn't surprised to see her go. What I was surprised was the margin of her defeat. At last count it was somewhere in the 80/20 margin.

The wide margin should be a wake up call not only to Randi Miller but to others who are more interested in lining the pockets of their buddies than doing their civic duty. Mayo Taylor are you listening? It sounds like the public, sick of the corruption, had little tolerance for Randi's excuses.

It ain't over yet though. Now Mrs. Bell faces a well funded opponent Karen Keith in November.

Let's not lose focus. Maybe we can get a real grass roots County Commissioner who for once has our back elected in November.

Congratulations Sally Bell on a well deserved victory.

Vote

2008-07-29T05:26:00.000-07:00

Today is primary day. I'll be casting my vote for, among other candidates, Sally Bell for the Republican candidate for County Commissioner district II.

I don't want to get my hopes up too high, but Sally Bell may have a chance. I've noticed a great deal of Bell signs but only two or three Miller signs. It looks like people may have had enough of Miller's antics. We shall see.

Vote (for Sally Bell) July 29th.

That is if you're in her district.

If not, do your duty and vote anyway.

Bell V. Miller

2008-07-23T06:20:00.001-07:00

KFAQ had a debate between Sally Bell and Randi Miller. For the record, I am biased towards Sally Bell but I did my best to give the debate a fair hearing. All in all it was very interesting and I felt Ms. Bell carried the day offering satisfactory answers while County Commissioner Miller was stuck in defensive mode.

I have noticed a pattern the last several times Randi Miller has spoken. She will either get very defensive and/or start sounding like she's scolding a child. Both were on full display during the debate.

Besides defensive behavior, Randi also did a great deal of either avoiding the subject or flip flopping.

Hopefully Sally Bell will carry the day July 29th.

Goodbye Tony Snow

2008-07-12T17:37:00.000-07:00

Today Former Press Sectary Tony Snow passed away from colon cancer.

He was diagnosed in 2005. After a brief remission, his cancer returned claiming his life.

I remember first hearing Tony Snow as a fill in on the Rush Limbaugh show, later his role on Fox news. I also remember reading his colums. He truly was a man of talent.

Just a side note, Fox news also had a clip of him playing the flute; I must admit, he was quite good.

Keep the Snow family in your thoughts and prayers.

Something's Fishy at 21st and Yale

2008-07-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

It has been revealed there are some not so honest dealings at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

Let's take Big Splash. No so long ago they flunked the safety inspection. When ordered to fix rotting wood on their water slide, they did not. No eviction. Now we learn they are (or were till they supposedly paid up) one year behind on their rent. In fact, the rent check was held at the bottom of homebody's desk. Again, no eviction.

Compare the treatment Bell's Amusement Park received. For no good reason, County Commissioner Randi Miller, with the help of the Fair Board, gave this family owned business a very hasty boot. So fast, in fact, Bell's was unable to take some of the park inventory. Nor was it able to say goodbye to legions of Tulsans (this blogster included) who have many memories of spending childhood summer days at Bells.

It's upsetting really. Randi and her fair board buddies have not given a satisfactory answer as to the double standards employed. I do not know why Bell's was forced to leave, seeing they had credit enough to purchase a new ride while Big Splash, who was a year behind in rent until a day or two ago, is allowed to stay.

Since Randi won't answer Tulsa's questions, I guess we need to follow the money. Big Splash is owned by Murphy Bros. Murphy Brothers also gave at least $5,000 to candidate Randi Miller as an election contribution. This same Murphy Bros. was allowed to sign an exclusive non competitive contract with the fair.

Am I too paranoid when I say it sounds like Bell's was evicted because they were too much competition with the Murphy Brothers run fair?

Support Sally Bell

2008-07-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Sally Bell, who's family owns Bell's the amusement park who was unjustly evicted from the Tulsa fairgrounds, is running against Randi Miller for County Commissioner.

If you do not appreciate the secret going ons which included the double standard, evicting Bells for no reason while giving Big Splash one pass after another, vote for Sally Bell in the Republican Primary July 29Th.

Explosion

2008-06-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

A news blurb on Al Mohler's radio show was interesting.

A new report shows Christianity in China, which has undergone severe persecution, growing at an unprecedented rate. If you want to know the extant of Chinese persecution, check out my link to The Voice of the Martyrs. Dr. Mohler cited an interesting figure. Some reports sate there are as nanny as 70 million Christian in the Communist state. FYI, that's as many members as in the Communist Party. In fact, some reports even state members of the Communist Party are converting. to Christianity.

That last part of the story about bowled me over. Communism hasn't been friendly to Christianity. In fact, Communism has murdered more people than any other regime in world History, many Christian martyrs.

One reason given for the conversion rate is Christianity offers a moral bedrock Communism cannot.

Talk about taking the Gospel to the gates of hell. Christ's own words come to mind here. "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail."

The Ancients

2008-06-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

Our church is doing a three week series called The Ancients.

Each week, Pastor Harvey is preaching a sermon delivered by an early Church father and giving us some background information.

Last week the sermon was from Ambrose. It amazed me the relevance of these pieces of ancient wisdom. As the Good Book says "There is nothing new under the sun."

Here is the link to last weeks sermon. http://www.calvarytulsa.org/Home.mvc/The_Ancients

I hope Harvey plans on doing series like these in the future. They are worth the time to listen to them.

New Mower

2008-06-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Since my older mower is not working, we are in the market for a new one.

We don't have a large yard so I couldn't justify spending a bunch of cash on a gas powered mower. Plus, with the rising cost of gasoline, I wanted to save money where I could.

After shopping around I broke down and bought a cheap, push reel mower. Now, let's get one thing straight, I'm not trying to go "green" nor do I think using my gas mower is going to send earth into a global warming holocaust. I just want a worry free, quiet, non gas guzzling mower. WW, who does not mow tried her hand on the front yard and loved it. I mowed the back yard and it looks great. It's more work but hey, I've got a gut, I think I can use the exercise.

As long as I don't let my grass get overgrown, I think it will work fine.

Good Christian Music

2008-06-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

Anybody who's known me longer than fifteen minutes knows I dislike most modern praise music. I have several reasons. The constant repetitiveness, lack of depth, the me-orientates where much of this music focuses more on what God can do for us instead of praising him for who he is and his saving us from sin just to name a few. Even the performance of this music in church is me-oriented. I can tell you how many times, even in our own church, the lights go off, the spotlight goes on, and we are treated to a mini concert where a music minister sings a solo. Whatever happened to corporate worship where the ENTIRE body of Christ is edified through singing theologically rich songs? Before I go on, I know there are some praise songs that are worth singing just as there are some hymns concerned more with feelings than theology. I'm just giving a general description.

The me-oriented, happy-clappy, 7-11 (7 words sung 111 times), 7-up (Seven words up on the screen) music has caused me to become disillusioned with modern worship. I began thinking only good Christian music is music from the past. In my mind, gone were the Martin Luther's, Charles, Wesley's, Issac Watts, etc. What was left was music more akin to cotton candy than meat.

Not anymore. Several weeks ago I was introduced, through listening to Al Mohler, to songwritters who add much to modern Christian music. If you are like me and have become tired of the same ole same ole, give Keith and Kristyn Getty a try. You have probably heard of some of their songs. One of their most famous is the wonderful hymn "In Christ Alone" The first time I listened to the words, I commented to WW, "These words sound like they belong in one of the great creeds".

Here is the youtube link to the Getty's. Go down the list and listen to their songs. http://youtube.com/results?search_query=Keith+and+Kristyn+Getty They also write with another great songwritter Stuart Townsand

I've learned a valuable lesson. Hymns aren't dead and there is modern Christian music that includes ancient truths worth listening to.

Silver Platter

2008-06-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

A couple of stories on KFAQ this morning. If handled correctly, these are sure to hand the election to the Republicans on a silver platter.

The first story involves oil. President Bush (about time) is going to lean on congress real hard to get them to approve drilling off shore for oil. For those unaware, oil is what is used to make gas. You know? The stuff that's hovering close to $4.00 a barrel; in other places much higher.

Not to be outdone, Nancy Pelosi is coming out against the measure saying it sounded like more rewarding the oil companies.

If I were a Republican, I'd jump all over this story. For once, hold the libs feet to the fire. Make them accountable for refusing to lessen our dependence on foreign oil, especially during a time of war. Put it real simple to the American people. Those not voting for domestic drilling and petrol production are putting the agenda of radical environmentalists above the needs of families striving to make ends meet. Even Amnesty John is warming up to the idea of off shore drilling. Come on Republicans, stop playing nice with the libs and make them answer for their votes or lack thereof.

The second story involves Barack Obama's view on Public Terrorist #1 Osama Bin Laden. If captured, he states, OBL should be brought to the United States to receive a fair trial in our civilian justice system. I guess military justice and a hanging OBL from a gallows wrapped in pig skin is too much for Mr. Obama/Chamberlain.

I hope Republicans use this story to show the obvious lack of experience the Democrat candidate has on foreign policy. Somebody please remind Senator Obama our enemies aren't a gang of misunderstood youths needing correction. These terrorists, who murdered three thousand Americans on 9/11, are possessed by a satanic hatred of all things western. Theirs is a violent, bloodthirsty religion who will stop at nothing in conquering the entire world for Islam. If we put OBL on trial here in the states, we might as well paint a bull's eye on our country for every homicide bomber. My gosh, we've already put ourselves in enough danger with the stupid SCOTUS ruling giving constitutional rights to terrorists, how much more danger would our country put itself in bringing their leader here for trial?

These are issues real Republicans need to take note of. Real conservatives need to push the RINOS out of the way and work hard showing a difference between liberals and themselves.

But, in the past, Amnesty John has shown a disregard for conservatives. I honestly would not put it past him to, even with these issues handed to him on a silver platter, put his dislike of real Republicans above winning the White House therefore making these two issues missed opportunities.

I sure hope I'm wrong.

Unintended Consequences

2008-06-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

There is an absolute in this world. When laws are passed (I'm referring to idiotic laws) unintended consequences occur. I was reminded of this while calling my cell phone provider.

My invoice has always been easy to read even without my glasses. Well, I take a look at my invoice and the print is twice as small with less pages. Calling Customer Service, I find out the company is trying to "go more green" and so they wish to print less pages by making the invoices double page, two pages on one piece of paper instead of one (and making it MUCH more difficult for me to read)

At my work, to help prevent "global warming" all vending machines lights are turned off. Mother Earth will be saved, but me, a lousy, carbon footprint making, harmful to the beautiful earth, killer of trees and animals, is unable to see what is in the vending machines for purchase or the prices.

Yeah I know, I'm being selfish but like I told the rep at my cell phone company, God CREATED the earth and we humans, though entrusted with its (notice not HER) stewardship, are its keepers. In other words, trees, animals, natural resources, and other gifts God, not earth gave us are OURS to use for humanity's good.

I don't think my desiring larger print or wanting to see what is in the vending maching is going to send "Mother Earth" into a "global warming" holocaust.

Thankfully I was able to get the billing print reset to the normal larger print.

Any way we can have some serious adult oriented ecological common sense measures?

What the Hell are we Fighting For?

2008-06-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Why are we fighting in Iraq? What's the point?

This isn't some anti war screed but my question remains. Also, why are our service men and women putting themselves in harm's way killing or capturing ememies of our country only to see them awarded "rights" by the Supreme Court of the United Stated?

Thursday in a 5-4 decision SCOTUS declared terrorists had the same constitutional rights you and I enjoy as American citizens. For the first time in our nation's history, not only do we have to Mandaraize captured combatants, we have now bestowed certain rights to enemies of America. Rights, I might add were NOT bestowed on captured Nazi and Japanese POWs and war criminals

I can't believe I would see the day where members of our highest court would deal such a blow to our war effort. Furthermore I can't believe SCOTUS would simply discard not only rulings from other courts (including their own) but our Constitution as well. but, hey, they have been doing this going on forty years.

I guess if we lose the War on Radical Islam, it won't be because we were outfought, it was because of the liberal elites at home.

God only knows how this will affect the security of our country.

My question remains. If we have no support from leaders sworn to protect and defend the constitution of the United States, what the hell are we fighting for?

Pray for the Kennedys

2008-05-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

It was revealed yesterday Senator Ted Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor; the prognosis of which is not good.

For the record, I am not a fan of Senator Kennedy. His leftist politics, whether overspending on our public schools, trashing the Armed Forces, and his teaming up with Senator Amnesty John McCain in an attempt to grant amnesty to millions of illegal aliens are not in our best national interest. His personal life has also been one of disgrace. One need only remember the Chappaquiddick Incident where, after driving a car off a bridge, Senator Kennedy waited till the next day to call authorities. The accident resulted in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. Even more sinister is that evidence exists Ms. Kopechne survived some time on an air bubble. Had Senator Kennedy called authorities that night, she may have survived.

But, I have also seen first hand the affects of brain cancer. My mother was diagnosed in May of 2005 and went to be with the Lord November 21st that same year. Between May and September, she lost her ability to walk and had trouble speaking. Her left had (she was left handed) could not move, and by the time of her death, she was completely bedridden. I can honestly say, politics aside, I do not wish this on ANYBODY. Whether you agree with Senator Kennedy or not, keep him and his family in your prayers.

I pray for healing but most importantly, I pray Senator Kennedy comes to a saving faith in Christ and gets right with the Lord.

The Kennedy family will have many challenges in the days and weeks to come.

Proud of the President

2008-05-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

I can say the President did something I am proud of.

In Israel, President Bush blasted the appeasement crowd equating their ideas with foolishness. He then went on to cite examples from history talking about the situation pre World War II.

What have Democrats, particularly those in the Barrack (Husein, that's his middle name after all) Obama camp done? Have they countered Bush's statements with explanations and rebuttals denying Obama will NOT dialogue with terrorists; he's serious about prosecuting the War on Radical Islam? Not at all. In a sound bite on the news this morning, Obama, Clinton, and Kerry all claimed Bush was taking a cheap shot. It was a political dirty trick they say.

When a side refuses to defend its position and immediately accuses those holding different opinions of playing dirty, that ought to send up red flags. This is a favorite trick of the Left. You know, when a minister calls certain behavior sin, liberals call him a "bigot" or "hate monger" When a conservative speaks out against killing unborn babies, they are accused of "denying a woman's right to choose."

I question Obama and the rest of the Democrats who, instead of defending their position, heap accusations on Bush for telling it like it is. It makes me think they are either not being sincere with the American people, or cannot defend their indefensible position. (They can't by the way, history has proved this time and time again)

Kudos to President Bush for telling the truth about appeasement. Keep it up Mr. President.

Tax Hike Proposal Fails

2008-05-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

Heard last night the TCC Tax Hike proposal failed. The margin was between 10-12 % for both propositions.

hhhhhmmmmmm. Maybe people have had enough. With the rising cost of gas, food, and other necessities, maybe taxpayers are tired of paying higher and higher taxes? KIT, County Commissioners, City Councils, anybody listening?

VOTE

2008-05-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Because my daughter had a school play, WW and I had the day off. After watching the performance, grabbing breakfast, and running errands, both of us voted.

It took a couple minutes, from signing my name in the registry, picking up my ballot, and making my mark to vote NO.

don't forget to vote today.

A Bad Habit that is Hard to Break

2008-05-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

For some time our City and State governments have been practicing a bad habit. This habit has gotten pretty expensive to the average taxpayer and (hopefully) will cost some elected officials their jobs.

Oklahoma and locally Tulsa have practiced the nasty business of money mismanagement, or a more general practice, when there is a problem, throw money at it hoping it will solve the issue.

Take our state. Our legislature, with the help of many Republicans I'm ashamed to say, voted to give roughly $60,000,000 (notice the number of zeros) of tax payer (read YOUR and MY money) to a bunch of rich businessmen to relocate the Super Sonics to Oklahoma City. To add insult to injury, the team will be named the Oklahoma City Super Sonics. Check out Michael Bates and Mad Okie's blogs for more information. Why is our state in the practice of favoring one type of business over another? Let all those zeros rattle in your head the next time you drove over a pot hole marked road. BTW, how many roads can 60 odd million fix?

Our City government is guilty of the same crime. Whether it's Corporate Welfare approved in the Vision 20/25 packages a few years ago, or our leaders, unable to control or prioritize their spending, decide to raise utility rates, the result is the same. Hard working Tulsans, already tapped out by the rising cost of gas and groceries, are expected to pick up the tab by paying more taxes. I've even heard our government wants to raise taxes to fund rode maintenance. Noble gesture doing what government should be doing in the first place, but why not look for other solutions FIRST and not last?

Now the powers-that-be are at it again. On May 13th, Tulsa Community Collage is asking for a property tax increase for higher education. I've lost count how many commercials I've seen begging hard working Tulsans to fork over more of their money to fund TCC. Even News Channel 2 has gotten in on the action. A couple weeks ago they ran a story about the petition generated by TCC. Of course, not one part of the story was devoted to the opposition. For more information, check out Michael Bates blog.

I'm really sick and tired of our leaders in both parties seeing me and the rest of the taxpayers as nothing more than a piggy bank. Tulsa, and the rest of Oklahoma, you have a choice. Either settle for the status Que and pay higher taxes or send a clear unmistakable message to our elected leaders. Tell them you're sick and tired of them giving money to pay for their pet projects.

Vote NO May 13th.

Next time your elected official is up for reelection, check their voting record. If they are wasting your money on projects government has no business doing, send them packing.

Remember, it's YOUR money, not THEIRS.

Help our elected leaders break the bad habit of not spending your money correctly. It can be done.

Rain

2008-05-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting here while WW is watching American Idol and all day it has done nothing but rain.

We already had to dope up one of the dogs and my German Shepherd has taken to the bathroom, her place of solace during a thunderstorm.

I know rain is good and we will probably be wishing for some in August but I'm ready for some sunny weather. I hear a golf course calling my name.

My backyard is gong to look like the jungles in Nam after all this rain.

Election 08

2008-05-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

This whole election has been, from the git go, strange to say the least.

First Republicans nominate Amnesty John, who it seems, has pretty much given the finger to his conservative base. I could blame a bunch of people for this blunder. First off, the states who have open primaries allowing Independents and Democrats to vote in what should be a Republican primary. Of course you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out the Dems. They will simply vote for the weakest candidate; one who will alienate the Republican base causing them not to vote ergo handing the election to the Dems. You know? Somebody who has made a carreer of smoozing up to liberals and endorsing issues contra to a good conservative's concience (Hint think Amnesty John)

I am also amazed at the number of "Republicans" who at the drop of a hat have endorsed Amnesty John. Some of these are clearly RINOS, but others like Frank Keating and Tom Coburn should know better. Way to go Republicans. You nominated a canidate who will have the hardest time beating Obama or Clinton.

On the elephant's side, this is an interesting race indeed. Will Conservative Republicans trust McCain? Will he succeed in uniting the Republican party? This is a going to be a huge undertaking as many, including this blogger, simply don't trust him. Infringing on our First Amendment rights,siding up with liberals like Ted Kennedy to peddle amnesty and chiding North Carolina Republican grassroots for running a commercial taking Obama's racism (in the form of his pastor) to task doesn't help his case. Time will tell.

Not to be outdone, the Democrats have also run an interesting primary. First, you have Hillary, somebody with more baggage than a frequent flayer. Even riding on the coat tails of Cigar Bill isn't enough for Hillary to clench the Dem ticket; then again, maybe that's her weakness.

Now it looks like the Dems will hand the ticket to Barack Obama. This Senator, besides earning the title of one of the most liberal senators, doesn't think we ought to engage the terrorists. OK, I need to type a retraction; Obama does believe we ought to engage, he just thinks we need to TALK instead of taking the fight to them. It's no wonder he's been dubbed the Neville Chamberlain of the 21st century.

But Thar's not all for our little naive senator. For the last twenty years, Obama has sat under the feet of a blatantly racist pastor. This pastor, who has abused his Pastoral duties by using his pulpit to spew hatred is the one Obama has aligned himself with. Maybe I've been too busy watching DVDs but I don't hear many on the donkey side asking hard questions of Obama like oh, why did he sit under the teachings of this hate monger for so long?

I tell you, it's gonna be an interesting election.

United Methodist Courage

2008-05-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

Recently the United Methodist Church held their General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Thanks to the efforts of Godly UM delegates and renewal groups sickened by the church’s continued move towards the left, the GC, in a vote of 517-416, voted to maintain the church’s biblical stance on homosexuality.

Al Mohler had a radio program devoted to this subject and his guest host was Mark Tooley. Mr. Tooley, who is head of a UM Renewal group, discussed the victory. Mr. Tooley discussed the importance of this victory and predicted this was the last great hurrah for the UM lefties. First, many of the churches that are bastions of liberalism are in the Northeast and West Coast; both areas have experienced dramatic decline for some time. Simply put, these areas do not have enough manpower to mount much of a liberal offense. Secondly, many of the stalwarts for Biblical truth are delegates coming from Africa and the American South. Not surprisingly, these regions are experiencing dramatic increases in church membership. In layman’s terms, it’s a numbers game, we have more people than they do.

This fact was not lost on the Left as several liberals tried to decrease the influence of international delegates.

This behavior shouldn’t surprise anyone. Liberals are the same the world over. Whether they are in the Public Schools, Colleges, government, or in the mainline denominations, the Left can’t stand the free exchange of ideas. If they don’t like what you say, they do their best to muzzle you by enacting “hate speech” laws, monopolizing what’s taught in school, or limiting the influence of those who disagree with them. When a side can’t compete in the marketplace of ideas, they will try to silence the opposition.

Kudos to the UM church for not compromising their Biblical stance on human sexuality. Let us continue to pray not only for the UM church, but ALL churches who are in a fight for their denominational soul.

Click on the link http://albertmohler.com/ Click on the radio tab at the top of the page to listen to the program.

Wisdom From the Mouth of Kids

2008-04-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

I was talking with my daughter about a meeting we had last week at church. The pastor asked us to think of ways to increase membership. We talked about a few options when she said she wanted a separate church service for the Youth because church can sometimes be boning. I explained why our church wanted the youth to stay in the church service; that sometimes services may be boring but there will come a day when she will appreciate the time our church has taken teaching them the foundations of the faith. I told her there are some things about our church I'm not crazy about; but no church is perfect citing the music could be better. What she said next about knocked me over.

Daughter: "I was thinking I don't like the music either. They need to sing songs like hymns"

Father (gasping) Oh?
Daughter "Yeah"
Daughter: "they keep singing the same words over and over and I think, yeah I get the point, let's sing something else."

Father: "Can you learn anything when they sing like this? "
Daughter: No it's like Mass. (she used to attend a Catholic school) they would say the same thing over and over and I'd think, yeah I get it, it becomes boring"

Amazing how my daughter understands the need to sing music with meaning but many Worship leaders don't.

Yes I asked DD if she was copying what her father said and she assured me no.

Henry's Coat of True Colors

2008-04-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

Just heard on KFAQ; our Governor is endorsing Obama.

More proof of our Governor's true colors.

Let's trace the bread crumbs...First Governor Henry wants to expand government giving out (read spend more of YOUR money) more entitlements.

Then Henry vetos Tort Reform after claiming he wants "Texas Style Legal Reform"

Next Henry vetos two Pro Life bills that would save countless lives and provide real choice for women.

I'm sure there are more but these are the only ones that came to mind.

Now our Governor endorses Obama, who's pastor is a racist, himself a left wing, cut and run, tax us into oblivion, unfettered abortion on demand who's wife has said she's ashamed to be an American. (I think the quote went something like.....For the first time, I'm proud to be an American) candidate for President.

Henry might want to remember Obama also insulted traditional values and small town folk. In case he forgot, most Oklahomans share those traditional values.

Brad's name ought to be changed to Joseph.

Proven Right again

2008-04-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

I don't mean to sound like a braggart, but I was proven right today at work.

This afternoon, I stumbled upon a conversation between a liberal and conservative. I was asked who I'd vote for and when I responded Amnesty John, the liberal came undone. When presented with the facts that, yes, liberals do raise taxes, and no, don't believe them about only the "rich" (which is a relative term because somehow the amount that makes you "rich" keeps getting lower and lower) paying taxes, she resorted to little more than name calling.

I tell you, I've said it before, liberals can't handle facts. When presented with them, they will run like the wind like my co worker did this afternoon. That is, after calling you a couple of names.

Primary Update

2008-04-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Per the CBS Evening News, it looks like Clinton is the winner of the Pennsylvania primary.

Yeah Obama, when you have racist pastors as your spokespersons, run down small town folk, and bash traditional values, people (some anyway) won't vote for you.

Earth Day

2008-04-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Today's Earth Day.

I frankly don't care.

Instead of naming it Earth Day, let's call it: "Stupid Environmentalist Wacko Policies Based on Myth More than Fact that Tree Huggers Want to Implement that Destroy Our Civil Rights Day"

I agree a little long but more honest.

True Colors

2008-04-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Our governor is showing his true colors.

Not long ago the Oklahoma House and Senate passed HB 1878, a sweeping Pro Life bill that would, among other things, regulate RU 486, the abortion pill, protecting the conscience of healthcare providers who are against the pre -meditated murder of children, and allowing for a woman to view an ultrasound of her unborn child before he/she is aborted.

Of course our governor, ever loyal to the abortion industry vetoed the bill.

However, both House and Senate have overwhemingly overridden his veto.

First it was vetoing Tort Reform after he said he wanted "Texas style Tort Reform" now he vetos Pro Life legislation.

We are seeing Henry's true colors.

Then again, maybe they were there all along?

Earth Hour

2008-03-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

We can all make a statement in support of Mother Earth.

At 8:00 PM tonight, everybody is asked to turn off all unnecessary electric appliances for one hour. The point? To make a statement about "Global Warming."

No thanks. In fact, I think I'll turn on all my lights. Heck, my house may be lit up like an airport runway.

Loony Tree Huggers.

You all are welcome to join me.

Coffee

2008-03-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

For years, I have enjoyed the taste of coffee.

And my (coffee) drinking has evolved over time.

My first step in my evolution occurred ten years ago when I purchased a blade-type coffee grinder. I would drink fresh ground coffee on the weekends and at work, drink the company blend.

All that changed on our trip to Eureka Springs where, after reading all the positives, bought a French Press coffee maker. I've been hooked since my first cup and I now take my own freshly ground coffee to work and make it in my new press pot.

Now, I even have a brand new French Press for home thanks to a sale at Ross's. Say goodbye to the fifteen year old drip coffee maker.

WW says I'm turning into a coffee snob.

This is Why I Chose My Arm

2008-03-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

A little interesting note:

WW's company was bought and they had their orientation meeting yesterday afternoon. In addition to compensation, which is better, there are some new changes coming down the pike.

Her new employer has a much more conservative dress code policy. For esample, beards and open-toed sandals are no-nos. Something that cuaght my eye is their policy towards tattoos. In short, if you have one, you either have to get it removed or covered up.

I'm all for covering up tattoos so I would have noe problem complying, but this goes to show you why I got mine in a hidden place, my upper arm.

Liberals

2008-03-27T05:21:00.000-07:00

Last night I was listening to The Patriot a radio station dedicated to Conservative talk. I didn't catch the background but what sounded like a twenty-something college age kid was interviewed. The question was asked "What is the most important issue for you during this election year?" Based on her answers, I knew she was a lefty. Who could be this ignorant but liberals.

Answer: "We need to completely withdraw from Iraq without condition. This war is costing us too much money".

When asked if there was anything else, she said she wanted a more "Constitutionalists" government. She was upset that Bush was abusing the Executive office and wanted a president who would respect the office. (Like Clinton did with his girlfriends I guess?) When asked about Gun Control and the case before the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of the DC Gun Ban. (For those unaware, it is illegal to own a handgun in DC; one can purchase a permit for a rifle or shotgun but it must be disassembled and locked up at all times) her response about floored me.

Answer: "I don't see anything wrong with banning certain handguns.....Despite what statistics may say, I don't believe gun ownership curbs crime; those statistics can be twisted....." After awhile, she went on to talk about how guns hurt people, especially children.

This goes to show liberals know about as much about history as I know how to see 20/20. (For those unaware I'm legally blind)

As for the war costing too much money, when did liberals suddenly become concerned about spending? Are we spending too much on their "War on Poverty"? How about Government Schools? What about the Government Health care liberals are touting? nuff said.

Also, If we withdraw from Iraq without condition, we give the terrorists a victory which will embolden them. Remember Vietnam? What happened after we withdraw from South Vietnam? The North marched in and took that country over and our country was demoralized for years to come. How about Munich 1938? Did Hitler stop invading countries after appeasement? Nope, it took a very bloody World War and the murder of millions to stop him. Did the Ruskies fear us while Carter was playing nic? (answer, NO) Regardless of what the left thinks, based on facts, the surge IS working. Granted, I think we ought to be fighting this war more like we fought WWII, but regardless, cutting and running isn't an option. If we do that, we will have multiple September 11ths. Bottom line: The left can't wrap it's collective head around the fact we were attacked and regardless of what you may think of Bush, we're at war. They also can't come to the realization if we give in to dictators, it sends the wrong message.

It also goes to show you liberals know NOTHING about our Constitution. As much as I disagree with President Bush on certain issues (amnesty for illegals, reckless spending, kissing up to Mexico, his love affair with outsourcing American jobs) how has he abused the Executive branch? I doubt this lefty could provide facts proving her point. My Sister in Law is a Democrat and she tried to tell me the same thing without providing evidence. Sorry libs, I need concrete facts, not the latest screed from Moveon.org.

I also wonder what part of the Second Amendment this liberal doesn't understand? For somebody who wants to a "Constitutionalists" president, she's sure willing to play fast and loose with it. When cities try to ban handguns, that is infringing on some body's right to own a gun. Sound pretty unconstitutional to me. Truth is liberals want "Selective Constitutionalism" Simply put, if it's not in there (like abortion, protection for gay marriage, absurd "rights" given to criminals, protection for sodomy and limiting expressions of religion because of "Separation of Church and State, not to mention race quotas etc) they add it. If there is an amendment they don't like (the First and Second Amendments for example) it's ignored or stupidly interpreted.

I got a kick out of her statement "facts can be manipulated" Her statement can be translated....."We know if we argue facts, you right wingers will demolish us in the arena of ideas, so we'll just revert back to the your-facts-are-twisted argument and call you names like sexist, racist, homophobes etc"

If I don't laugh I'll cry.

Choice?

2008-03-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Apparently the Pro Abortion establishment is mad. Just so you know, if I can be called an "anti abortion activist" I'll turn the tables and call the Pro-Abortion group the way I see them .

There is a bill that would require all abortionaries to provide an ultrasound and a picture to anybody of their unborn child before the abortion can occur. The doctor would be required to give the woman information on what they see on the ultrasound screen.

Of course, Planned Parenthood is against the measure. The representative said even if a woman chose not to look at the picture she would....."have to listen to the doctor give details about what they see in the ultrasound."

And there is the crux of the pro death, anti life camp. You see, it's not about choice. If it were about a "woman's right to chose" I'd think they would be all for a woman getting ALL the facts. Of course, it's not about any choice whatsoever. As long as the uninformed woman kills her child, that's all they matters. Agendas come first.

I think the Pro Abortion/Anti Life camp know the truth. If women knew exactly what they were killing and the consequences of their actions, many would think twice before going ahead with the procedure. Of course, many in the Pro Abortion/Anti Life movement are themselves abortionists so if a woman chooses life, their business if finished.

You know, it's funny, Pro Lifers are accused of exploiting women and "denying them the right to choose." Who is exploiting these women? One side wants to give them ALL the facts; the other wishes to deny providing these facts to women about their unborn child. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who is really "Anti Choice" here.

Inked

2008-03-09T04:25:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE: The following account is based on MY experience. Depending on one's tolerance for pain, and where the tattoo is placed, their experience may be different. Much of this may be subjective.

So what's it like getting a tattoo? Is it as painful as they say?

As I said in my last post, I was more than a little nervous and considered calling the tattoo parlor and canceling. I didn't because I've been talking about getting one for several years and knew it was time to put up or shut up. I also know myself and knew if I chickened out, I'd regret it so I said "what the hey" and wen through with my plans. Plus, WW went from "not a snowball's chance in hell to "I'll support you if you get a tattoo." I'd hate to think I'd wasted all that time persuading her.

I'll answer my two questions and more with this post.

Upon entering the parlor and getting the paperwork out of the way (signing the release and paying) the artist Jodi asked what I wanted and where I wanted it placed. Because I'm a Christian and would be one the rest of my life I wanted something which would express my Faith. Hey, God chose me to be His, and I can't lose my salvation so an expression of my Christian faith was a safe choice. I've heard it said many times and they are right on this point. Choose wisely what you want and where you want it on your body. For example, I'm a Republican but may not be one the rest of my life. Remember, Reagan was a Democrat and when they got wacko liberal, he hit the door. I may also in the future work somewhere where tattoos are frowned upon so whatever I got, I wanted it in a place I could easily cover up if need be. Besides work, I may, in the future, serve in a leadership position at church. My tattoo may be offensive to somebody. Although I have no moral qualms about what I did, the last thing I want is to cause offense to a fellow brother or sister.

Besides an expression of my Faith, I wanted a simple design for a first-time-tattoo so I chose the triquetra. (Spare me the BS about it being a pagan symbol, so were Christmas trees, but like trees, God created these symbols, if we Christians want to take something paganism uses for evil and Christianize it, we can) This is a symbol of the Triune God composed of three interlocking triangles that form one shape; the representative three-in-one doctrine of God. As for where I wanted it placed, I decided to go with my upper arm instead of my shoulder blade. In addition to the upper arm being less painful than other parts of the body, I wanted a place I could cover up easily but also somewhere I could show off. Hey, I wasn't getting a picture of a naked lady. :-)

While I was sitting off to the side Jodie prepped her station taking all needles out of the packages and mixing her ink. I also saw her grab some clean gloves, paper towels and face mask. You know you're in good hands when you hear your tattoo artist say "I've done several triquetras before." so I was confident. After choosing my design and size, Jodie showed me the color I chose and what it would like on my skin. I must admit, she did a remarkable job of mixing a dark green that would stand out on my arm.

After shaving the area, spraying my arm with a couple of solutions, tracing the design on my upper arm, applying the gel so the needle would glide easier on my skin, and (again) reassuring me it wouldn't hurt too bad, it was time to get started. Jodie warned me when the needle would hit the skin and although I had some discomfort, I've had worse pain skinning my knee or burning myself. Honestly, I did grunt a couple of times and flinched when the pain got more intense, but I didn't have to bite on a lead bullet or take a slug of whiskey. The procedure was pretty straight forward; Jodi would apply the needle, stop, then wipe excess ink (and I'm sure blood although I didn't see any) from my arm. The entire time, Jodi talked, telling me about herself and asked where I was from. She did an excellent job taking my mind off the pain. After about 25-30 minutes she was through. Before bandaging my arm, she had me take a look at the finished product in a full length mirror.

Once bandaged, I purchased some antibiotic lotion and she went over the aftercare procedures. I have to keep it clean and apply the antibiotics several times a day for the next four days and over the next week or two, keep it moist using over the counter lotion.

So am I glad I got inked?

Yes, I like the design, and the pain before and after wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. If you were to ask me, I'd say it felt a lot like cutting myself shaving, though a little more intense. Besides a little pain, which resembles a sunburn, my arm is fine. The only restriction I have is for the next week or so, I can't submerge my upper arm in water; showers are fine, just no baths. I think I can manage.

Remember, this is MY experience. Everybody's experience may be different. Also, like I said earlier, the upper arm is not as painful as other parts of the body. I'm sure the pain would have been more intense if I'd gotten tattooed by my ankle blade, lower back, or lower arm/hand. All in all though, the descriptions given to me by Jodi and Carrie (the shop owner) were accurate.

I was in a state of shock after the entire procedure. First, I was amazed how easy it was getting the tattoo (lack of pain). Second, I still couldn't believe I went through with it. WW was looking in a novelty store when I called and she brought me in and told the shop owner what I did and that I didn't chicken out. The lady pulled up her shirt (tastefully) revealing a tattoo on her lower back.

Of course, everybody I've talked to that has gotten inked will say the same thing.....think carefully what you want and where you want it. Remember, tattoos don't wear off after a few months. If you get tattooed, you've got it for life so make sure you're happy with your choice. That is why I have no problem echoing this advice. Besides doing plenty of research, wisely select your design considering placing your tattoo somewhere, where, if need be, can be covered up.

I'm glad I got inked, but I'm as glad it was done after many months/years of consideration and not a little bit of research.

I still have one other arm and two shoulder blades. Maybe I'll get another one?

Maybe.

Road Trip Day III

2008-03-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

After WW got a massage and I took care of some business in town (more on that later) we met up and spent the rest of the day driving/walking around Eureka Springs. We both enjoyed the Bed and Breakfast we've been staying at and would gladly come back. If you are interested in getting away for a couple of days, give Evening Shade a try. Our room, which was large with a king sized bed and two person hot tub in the corner, was very nice. Each day, the owners bring a breakfast and an afternoon desert to your door. For the price of the package, we got a good deal. For both of us, this was a much needed get-away. I'm glad we got to vacation, but I'm ready to get back into the normal swing of things at home.

As for the business I had in town? Well, let's just say I did something which had serious consequences. WW and I will have to live with my decision the rest of our lives and everyday I will have a reminder of the choice I've made. Taken rashly, this action would have a serious affect on my job and future career choices. It was (a little) painful and more than once while undertaking it, I had second thoughts. It was a grave undertaking fraught with long hours of research and self reflection. More than once, I had second thoughts and considered calling my contact and cancelling my appointment. However, I decided to throw caution to the wind and continue with my plans. Needless to say, I (or a part of my body) will never be the same.

I GOT A TATTOO!!!!!!!

That's right, I got inked. This is something I wanted to do for some time. Let me start from the beginning.

For several years, I've considering getting a tattoo but did not know what to get or where to put my art work. I did my research and talked to several tattoo artists. All in all they had very good advice (think carefully what you get, and where you put your tattoo, the pain depends on where you get inked, don't get one spur of the moment etc) Remember, this was before Oklahoma legalized tattoos so if I went through with it, I'd have to go to another state. I almost got tattooed several years ago on an Arkansas trip but a shortage of funds and time put a stop to my plans.

After choosing a design and getting an estimate, I called Tattoos Done Eureka Style and told them if I choose to get one, I'd stop by. Due to business, I had to schedule a four o'clock appointment so I spent the day anticipating (and worrying) about my date with destiny. The artist, Jodi, was very patient with me and answered all my questions. If I wanted to know why she was doing something, she happily explained that part of the procedure. She reassured me I'd do fine and the pain was not as bad as people said it was. The parlor was a very clean and professional establishment. In fact, I later learned the owner was going to school to pursue a career in medical work.

I was very happy with the finished product. If I needed my tattoo updated or got another one, I'd go there again.

You'll have to read the next post if you want to know what tattoo I got and where I got it.

Road Trip Day II

2008-03-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

This morning, after checking out of our motel and looking at a little used book store we ran across in Fayetteville, we started our second leg of our vacation. We made reservations at a local B&B and were very impressed with the room. Of course, no trip to Arkansas is complete without a trip to AQ Chicken House. We tried the location in Fayetteville, but several people told me the one in Springdale was better so I took this opportunity to try them both. I found the chicken in Springdale had a better flavor and wasn't as greasy. Both, however are very good, but if I had to choose which one I'd eat at, it would be Springdale.

On the road we made a stop at the Pea Ridge battlefield which, unbeknown st to us, was fought March 7th and 8th 1862, one hundred forty six years ago to the day. What's interesting about the battle of Pea Ridge isit was the largest Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River. General Earl Van Dorn set out to try and draw Missouri into the Confederacy. Both parties met at the battle site, and after Van Dorn's forces were defeated, Missouri was securely in the Union and the tide began to turn in the Trans Mississippi theater. I've been to Par Ridge several times, the first time hiking the battlefield with my Boy Scout troop when I was in fifth grade. WW and I learned they are going to have reenactors Sunday so we may try and stop by there again. I'm a big Civil War buff and every time we visit, I learn something new.

Both WW and myself have always loved Eureka Springs. We were married there in 2001 and have been back several times. Even though I don't buy into the New Age mumbo jumbo and the politics are a little liberal for my tastes, the peaceful settings make this a favorite destination for the both of us. We were able to get some tickets to a show free of charge, but we both decided to just stay indoors and just relax. I'm blogging, she's watching a movie.

As for the snow? What snow? All traces melted out before we even left Fayetteville so it is smooth sailing.

Road Trip

2008-03-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

This morning WW and I loaded up the car and began the first leg of our three day stay in Arkansas. Day one, we're staying in Fayetteville, the next two nights, we'll spend at a Bed and Breakfast in Eureka Springs.

We arrived in Fayetteville around 11:00. After checking in and going swimming in the indoor pool ,WW and I headed out to check out Fayetteville our last stop a favorite restaurant of ours, AQ Chicken House. I've never spent the night in Fayetteville, but so far, I like what I see. This may be a place we visit more often.

As for the weather, it's started snowing, but so far, it's not sticking.

And the Winner Is.....

2008-03-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

For the Republican nomination, Senator John McCain, aka Amnesty John. The Democrats, the jury is still out.

I'd like to say I'm happy Amnesty John is our candidate but I'm not. We'll see if he is serious about reaching out to Conservatives.

If he doesn't, get ready for a President Clinton (or Obama)

New Computer

2008-03-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

I came home from work and discovered UPS had delivered my Best Buy gift card. I now have a brand new laptop. Although a bit smaller, the screen is brighter making it comfortable on my eyes.. Nothing is perfect though as I even at times had to hold my '17 up close for better viewing. The keyboard is also smaller and the layout different, but with a little practice, I should be typing (read blogging) like a pro.

So far, it looks like a well built computer.

Yes, I did purchase the extended warranty.

Computer Woes (What I learned from Best Buy)

2008-02-27T05:54:00.000-08:00

So what did I learn from all this? Several lessons really.

1. Companies must be kept accountable. That is why I named Best Buy. This wasn't meant as slander. I appreciate the assistance the executives gave, but why did I have to climb their corporate ladder? Why did I have to employ the help of a local news station?

2. Sometimes it's necessary to take a stand. Folks it's simple. There are times in life when one must stand up for one's self. Maybe nothing will be done, but you don't know until you try. Whether it's an unnecessary river tax, amnesty for illegal aliens, or a company giving a customer the run-around on a defective computer, the powers-that-be sometimes want us simpletons to shut up. Only by raising a little h-e-double-hockey-sticks will those in authority be held accountable. Oh, yeah, and the more who raise said hockey sticks the merrier.

3. Don't waste time on those who can't help and pick your battles. During this ordeal, some words or actions said or did by Best Buy, I just let go. Stand your ground when you know it will help, and if somebody can't help you, go to the person who will. That's why WW and I enlisted the help of Channel II.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for what you feel you deserve. When I talked to the executive, his first offer was not enough to fully compensate for a similar laptop. Had I not asked, I would not have gotten the amount I ended up getting. I'll say it again. You won't know what you'll get if you don't ask. Remember, all they can say is 'no".

5. Know when to accept. Or, know when to say when. As much as I wanted a cool, '17 Blue Ray playing computer, the fact was I was not going to get one. Truth is, I shouldn't have as I did not buy a laptop that expensive. Be fair but be firm, and learn to figure out when you have a good deal and accept. By the way the BB executive spoke ("Letting me know I could pay for any difference in the computer costs") was a big enough hint for me. Oh, FYI, the offer he gave me WAS generous. It was enough to cover the cost of the computer and extended warranty.

Thank You Channel II in helping me get this issue resolved.

Computer Woes (Dealing with Best Buy) Pt 1

2008-02-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

I haven’t posted in a while because my hard drive crashed for the second time in three months. Here's what happened.

During the last six months, I have replaced my computer twice and the hard drive crashed on the third computer two times.

Because I purchased an extended warranty, Best Buy repaired my computer free of charge. The silver lining (I’ll give credit where it’s due) was my hard drive. BB has a policy of replacing either like for like or if one is not available, they will upgrade, NEVER downgrade. I went from a 160 GB to 250GB.

Because I purchased an obvious lemon, I asked management that an exception to the no-returns-on-computers-after-fourteen-days be made. Neither the store nor district managers would comply. The district manager told me all necessary exceptions have been made and BB would just continue to fix my PC. When I asked to speak to someone in higher authority, his response: "Our executives don't talk to customers."

When WW heard this, she fired off a complaint to Channel 2’s Problem Solvers who interviewed me on camera. Shortly thereafter, a Best Buy executive called asking if I would pick up my computer. If I wasn't happy with the work completed, he would see about getting me a replacement. I wasn't satisfied because I was given a much smaller hard drive. After relaying the info to the BB exec, he agreed to replace my computer, plus a new extended warranty, PLUS, a little extra for sales tax.

Dog Show

2008-02-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the first night of the A.K.C. Westminester Kennel Club dog show.

Being a dog lover, I watched as much as I could. If you love dogs, I recommend watching the contest. You will see many breeds you've never heard of and see many of your favorites. I was especially glad to see the 15 inch Beagle Uno win the Hound group. I do not know who won the terriers and as of this writing, the Non Sporting is in the ring.

I'm a German Shepherd lover so I'm pulling for the GSD to win the Herding Group.

Update: The Standard Poodle wond the Non Sporting group. FYI, I CAN'T STAND POODLES!!!!!.

FIGHT FIGHT!!!!!

2008-02-11T18:40:00.000-08:00

WW's company gave away free hockey hockey tickets to Friday's game. Since we had no plans we made an evening of it meeting a group of her co workers at Mexicali then heading to the Convention center for my first hockey game.

The seating wasn't bad; we sat a little high, but with the white ice, I didn't have much trouble watching the game. Because hockey is so fast paced, I gave up using my binoculars because by the time I located the puck, it was already at the other end of the rink.

Yes, there were about three fights and I last count how many of the Oilers had to sit in the penalty box.

Tulsa defeated Rio Grad Valley 4-3. (I think, it may have been 4-2.)

I enjoyed the game and would go again depending on the price of tickets.

Amnesty John's Cheerleaders

2008-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

I’m amazed at the number of people claiming to be conservatives, who vilify Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham for asking tough questions about Amnesty John.

To their line of thinking, Amnesty John is the nominee and we all need to get behind him. We who want answers from AJ are called to “tone it down”, or “reach out.”

What are these people thinking?

I expect this type of behavior from RINOs but conservatives? It makes me wonder if they know what a conservative is.

All Rush and Laura (and the party base) are doing is holding Amnesty John accountable by asking tough questions. If he’s so conservative, why does he favor limiting free speech, giving wholesale amnesty to lawbreakers, buying into the global warming myth, opposed the Bush tax cuts, giving terrorists constitutional rights, tough approaches to interrogation (AJ’s opposed to water boarding), teaming up with the Gang of 14. (These 14 senators worked behind the scenes deciding which judges would get a approved instead of letting them go to the Senate floor for a vote), and flirting with liberals every chance he gets? Heck, Amnesty John was even considered as a running mate to John Kerry. (I guess Senator Kerry decided to drop AJ after he decided to pick him) Oh, did I also mention he considered leaving the GOP in 2001 during a time when the GOP barely had control of the senate? This move would’ve put control right back in the hands of the Democrats.

I wish somebody would remind Amnesty John’s cheerleaders the proof is in the pudding. Just because somebody says they’re conservative doesn’t mean they are.

If Amnesty John wants to unite the GOP, might I suggest he reach out to conservatives? The truth is, we conservatives don’t feel comfortable with many of Amnesty John’s positions. We need proof he will listen to the party base and govern as a conservative.

In short, I want Amnesty John making promises to conservatives and keeping them.

Mitt Out

2008-02-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

This keeps getting more and more depressing for conservatives.

According to Fox news, Mitt Romney is quitting the Presidential race.

http://www.foxnews.com/

Looks like the way is paved for Amnesty John.

Picking Up the Pieces

2008-02-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

With Amnesty John in the lead for the Republican nomination, a lot of good conservatives are asking…What do we do now?

Many people have said they are sitting out the election. In their mind, a vote for Amnesty John is unthinkable. Because he has betrayed the conservative movement so many times, voting for him would be rewarding him.

There is also another line of thinking. This one goes something like this….. We either don’t vote or vote for the liberal. When they get elected and screw up the country and people see liberals true colors, we can elect a conservative who will set everything to rights.

There are two flaws to these lines of thinking. First, I don’t think voting for Amnesty John is rewarding him. Rather, it is voting for the lesser of two evils. We had a chance to voice our concern during the primary and we failed. You can blame a lot of things (Lord knows there is enough blame to go around) but what’s done is done. We now must vote for the most agreeable of the two choices.

Second, not voting or voting for the Democrat may hand the election over to the other side. What in the heck do you think a liberal like Hillary or Obama will do to our country? Do you think the damage done can be erased in four years after a conservative wins the election? (Provided they do) Remember folks what the stakes are. A liberal in the White House will hand the Supreme Court to the liberals. It will be the 60’s Warren court all over again. You can bet we will see more activist rulings from judges who think the Constitution is a “living document” By the time they’re done, the only people with rights will be terrorists and criminals. There is also the “Fairness Doctrine” If you think a liberal president won’t push for passage you must still believe in Santa Claus. If it's challenged, how do you think a liberal judge, nominated by a liberal, will rule? Can you imagine a Commander in Chief Hillary? (or Obama) What do you think he/she will do to our effort to defeat radical Islam? Both have stated they want troops out of Iraq ASAP. Yeah, that will send a message to our enemies. Sad to say, it will be the wrong one. Can you say Vietnam redo?

I’ve never been one to sit out a vote. I take my Constitutional rights VERY seriously. Many Americans, including, soldiers and minorities, paid a high price (some dying) so we can vote. . What would Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony and the many war vets think about this misguided thinking?

I think it’s time for conservatives to get back in the game of educating the American people. Why are our ides better than liberals? Once we educate the masses, I’m confident we will prevail. Conservatism just makes too much darn sense. Plus not giving a rip what the media thinks of us will help us too.

Once we educate, it’s time to hold Amnesty John’s and the rest of our elected officials feet to the fire. Remember, and this was brought up on KFAQ, Bush wanted amnesty for illegal aliens. Because of the national outcry, amnesty was stopped dead in its tracks. Let Amnesty John feel the heat; once he does, he may have a bona fide Come to Jesus moment.

I understand people’s anger and frustration at our Republican leaders. Believe me, I do, but the solution is not to chicken out of voting or voting for somebody we all know will do worse than Amnesty John.

I thought it was the liberals who wanted to cut and run?

I Voted

2008-02-05T19:24:00.001-08:00

Though it looks like Amnesty John won Oklahoma.

Although Amnesty John took several states, Huckabee isn't going down without a fight. He has secured several states including Alabama, Arkansas, West Virginia, and I think Tennessee just to name a few.

Romney won some states too including Massachusetts and Utah. These lists aren't exaustive, just showing not every state is going to Amnesty John.

Last time I checked, Huckabee was winning in MO. That race is still pretty close so all bets are off.

Let's hope Amnesty John is stopped in his tracks before the nomination. I really don't want to have to vote for the lesser of two evils. (OK, I will be doing that anyway, but the others are much better than McCain)

Update: Fox 23 news just called Oklahoma for Amnesty John. He took 37% of the vote. One simple observation. That isn't anywhere near a majority. Even if you factor voters uniting behind one canidate, can Amnesty John unite the conservative base?

We'll know more when results from the western states come in.

More ORU Going Ons

2008-02-04T19:25:00.001-08:00

I haven't blogged about it lately, but there is a lot of news coming out of ORU. To be honest, I don't remember, nor can I blog about it all as it's been coming so fast but there are some notable happenings that deserve our attention.

The Board of Regents accepted the $70 million give- or- take- a- few dollars and the strings attached. This is a good first step for the university as it is much needed tough love.

Also, the Board of Regents will or by now may have been disbanded (I've been out of the loop) and the government transformed to what sounds like a more honest, transparent form of government. It sounds like this will help the university in staying accountable in the way it's run.

Also at least two Word Faith ministers, Benny Hinn and Creflo Dollar have left the Board of Regents. I can't say how happy I am to see the university part company with Oral's shady pals. What I discovered while researching Mr. Dollar is his blatant heresay. Don't believe me? Think I'm being too hard on Mr. Dollar? Check out the following link and read for yourself. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creflo_Dollar and here is Mr. Dollar explaining Christ's imperfection while on earth. In layman's terms, Mr. Dollar, in saying Christ was not perfect when he came to earth, teaches Christ wasn't God. This teaching goes against the teachings of Scripture in many places. Actually it sounds like a heresy known as Adoptoptism, where Christ was "adopted as God. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JONZ4BVcFo8. I am amazed that Oral, and Richard, both claiming to be anointed prophets, getting their teachings direct from God himself would allow someone holding such heretical teachings to sit on the board.

I heard this morning Richard is moving out of the lavish house the Roberts' have lived in for some time.

Kudos to ORU for distancing itself from the unbiblical teachings of their WF buddies, accepting the accountability that comes with Mr. Green's money, and insisting (however it was done) Richard vacate his lavish house owned by ORU.

I do pray ORU will recover from the recent scandals. More important, I pray they will recover and surround themselves with orthodox Christian leaders as professors, supporters and university leaders.

Super Tuesday

2008-02-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

Be sure to go vote tomorrow for your choice for the presidental nomination. If you're a Republican, and don't want the nomination to go to Amnesty John, PLEASE vote.

I'm hoping Amnesty John doesn't win, but if he does, I'll vote for him over Barack or Hillary; he is a better candidate, not by much, but better none the less.

Let's keep him from getting the nomination by voting against amnesty, ripping our constitution to shreds, flirting with liberals, and a candidate who has made a hobby of telling conservatives to go to hell.

Daniel Lesson

2008-02-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

Today I had the honor of teaching a class on the book of Daniel (no, I don't mean the sacrilege that died a not-too-quick death on NBC after two or three episodes) This is the real deal, Daniel, as in the lion's den. Although nervous, I thought the class went rather well. I was able to cover chapters 1-4; next week I will finish up the history section with chapters 4-6, then spend the next couple of weeks discussing the prophecies given to Daniel by God.

If you haven't read or studied Daniel, I recommend you do so. Get yourself a good commentary, one that explains the text and does a good job giving a thorough argument for Daniel's authorship. The New American Commentary does an excellent job of doing both these things. For example, liberals believe Daniel didn't write the book but that it was written by a Jew during the second century B.C. The NAC explains how that is incorrect using both Biblical and historical/archaelogical sources.

Pray the rest of my lesson goes well and the class is able to learn about this great book.

Oklahoma You Still Have a Choice

2008-01-31T17:02:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed at the number of Republicans (many probably took part in flooding the Senate phone lines expressing outrage over amnesty for illegal aliens) who are supporting John McCain.

Senator McCain, henceforth called Amnesty John, has the lead in the Republican nomination for president. What in the !@#% are we as a party thinking?! Remember folks, and especially you conservatives, this is the same senator who teams up with liberals every chance he gets (the McCain Kennedy Amnesty bill for illegals), gave a big finger to the United States constitution (limiting when political ads can be aired due to his "Campagin Finance Reform crap) and shows a constant disdain for conservatives. Oh, Amnesty John also voted against Bush's tax cuts and flirts with imposing measures to control "climate change"as well as imposing taxes on businesses. In short, Amnesty John is as conservative as Joseph Stalin was a saint.

Oklahomans, we still have a choice. I am not a big fan of the pick but there are better choices than Amnesty John.

It's also worth remembering our party nominated moderates in 76, and 96. Also, look at how conservative W has turned out to be (not). What am I saying? 76, and 96 elections were lost by the GOP. If our leaders would run conservatives as conservatives and spend more time educating the American people at to what conservative values are and why they're good for the public, conservatives would win.

It worked with Ronald in 80 and 84.

Magster 5000 Version 1.0.

2008-01-02T05:44:00.000-08:00

We have a problem. With winter, our house has become a haven for mice. I was in the kitchen and saw their handiwork. Although we purchased an electric mouse trap that has killed many mice, let me tell you about a unique mouse trap that, unbeknown st to us, we've had for about 4 1/2 years.

The Magster 5000 Version 1.0, manufactured by Miniature Dachshund industries. This trap is effective in ridding the home of unwanted pests. To date, she has sent three mice to the nether regions. (hell)

Specs: Color Brown
height: approx. 5 inches at the head
length: 15-17 inches
weight: approx. 9-11 lbs.
Maintenance: feed one to two handfuls of Authority dog food once a day, provide water as needed and reward with the occasional treat. Provide warm place to sit and sleep.

Very affectionate, loyal, and the only mouse trap that I am aware of that barks, licks, and loves to sit in laps.

Reflections on Christmas

2007-12-27T07:33:00.001-08:00

I love Christmas. As a youngster, it was about presents and eating. (OK, I still like presents and LOVE to eat) but as I have matured, I am reminded of the significance of this time of the year.

This is CHRISTMAS season, not holiday, X-Mas, Yule, etc. Whatever pagan origins many of our traditions came from, our God is the creator of the universe. It was God the one true God who created items (trees, Yule logs, rituals etc) others may have used. Whatever paganism may have perverted, we can easily Christianize traditions and rescue them from the dark and superstitious errors of paganism.

With that said, why celebrate Christmas? Most importantly, we celebrate the birth of Christ. I will discus Christ later. (Saving the best for last.)

I also reflect on the faith of those seeking Him. I think of Mary. This girl was no more than thirteen or fourteen when God chose her to bring the Savior into the world. When given the Divine Decree, she humbled herself before God, calling Him her savior. Compare the Biblical Mary to the Mary invented by the Catholic church giving attributes to her not found in Scripture. These myths include her conception without Original Sin (Immaculate Conception), her bodily assumption into heaven upon her death(Glorious Assumption), prayers to her (Rosary) her interceding with Christ on our behalf, and unbiblical titles given to her such as co Redeemer, Queen of Heaven, Full of Graces, etc.

I think of Joseph who was given the responsibility of raising the God Man as his own. What must have he thought when he first discovered Mary was with child? The Bible tells us he was about to divorce her when an angel told him not to. Joseph submitted to God, acting in faith, steeping up to the plate to fulfill his duty God gave him. Would that more men would follow the example of this Godly man when raising their children.

We have the story of Simenon the priest and Anna the prophetess. Both waiting and rejoicing when Jesus was born.

Let us not forget the shepherds, outcasts in society who were given the privilege of worshipping the King.

Last of all, I think of the Wise Men. No doubt these men's ancestors heard the story of the coming Christ and believed. A commentary I have says it's possible Daniel was the one who gave the news to these gentiles. They in turn passed it down to their descendants. Luke tells us when they saw Christ laying in the manger, they worshipped him and gave gifts to Mary.

How can we not get excited about this time of year? Rich with theological truth, Christmas tells us of our sins and God's gracious sacrifice for us. As we reflect on this time of year, I'm reminded that because of the price Christ paid, I, my wife, daughter, and all those who have trusted in Him have everlasting life. I will see my mother again because of the debt Christ has paid. Scripture tells us not only did Christ die for our sins, but he will come again to execute judgment and those who trust in Him will reign with him.

Let us as Christians celebrate these truths not only during the Christmas season, but all year long.

Another lawsuit dismissed

2007-12-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

Another lawsuit attempting to thwart the will of the people has been dismissed. You can read the story here. http://www.tulsabeacon.com/Story.php?id=142 I'm sure the Professional Victims, who probably have deep pockets, will try again soon. All we can do is wait and see.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

It's a day late, but Merry Christmas. Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.

The Odyssey

2007-12-18T07:15:00.000-08:00

Now that the power is back on at my house, I can tell you all where we stayed the almost eight days we were living out of suitcases.

WW and I both had to be at work Wednesday so we made arrangements with two friends, one kept our three dogs, and the other loaned us his house. The first night at Tom's his heater needed to be repaired so we slept in his house without any heat whatsoever. I wasn't even able to use my CPAP because the air, even with my CPAP's heater cranked up almost full blast, was so cold it felt like I was breathing ice daggers. Also, condensation built up in the hose (this is called rainout) because my breathing was warm, the air inside the house was cold, causing water buildup. When I'd breath in, it sounded like a soda can filled with pennies, making sleep all but impossible. The good news was Tom had the heater repaired so we had heat the remainder of our stay

Even though the outage was frustrating and I will have to replace all my refrigerated food, I have a lot to be thankful for. While staying at Tom's, the only exception the first night without heat, we had adequate warmth. We even had the house to ourselves since Tom was out of town. It wasn't lost on me that during the entire outage, not once did we have to stay somewhere without power. I thank the generosity of my family and friends for this. Heck, we even had a place lined up Tuesday night in case our power was still out. I also didn't have to worry about my dogs as they were taken care of . As for my food? ALL of it can easily be replaced. WW, myself and WD all came through this without harm.

About the dogs? All three were very happy to see WW when she picked them up and were more than ready to go home.

I can honestly say God did provide for our needs, even though much of the time, I was a little too frustrated to see his handiwork.

Boy if that ain't an example of His grace (continuing to provide for us even though we were frustrated and sometimes didn't see Him in all this) I don't know what is.

Back on the Grid

2007-12-17T19:33:00.001-08:00

After seven days and eighteen hours without power we're back!!!!!

We came home from work to check the house and found the porch light on; a neighbor confirmed power was restored around 2:30 this afternoon.

WW and I started getting things back to normal; I cleared out all the food in the fridge and both freezers, she went and got our stuff from the friend's house where we were staying waiting out the power outage.

I called PSO and we were supposed to be back on by 10 PM Tuesday. Thank you PSO restoring our power over a day early. Thank you also for the quick response in getting our city's power back on.

FYI, I just heard less than 25,00 in Tulsa are still without power. That's down from 300,000 in Tulsa when the ice storms hit.

Winter Wonderland Part II

2007-12-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

After going to the motel lobby for breakfast, I noticed several groups wanting rooms due to the power outage. After reserving our room for a second night we headed out to run errands and take care of our dogs. Once home, we saw the extant of the damage on our street. One branch was in our yard and there was so much debris in our driveway we had to park along the side of the curb. Our next door neighbor had several tree limbs in both his front and back yard.

Once finished with our errands, we went and got food from a store near our motel room. When we got there, we found the power was completely out so I went downstairs to get our money back. The attendant would not give me cash telling me "when power is restored he will put the charges back on my credit card. " (Don't get me started) WW and I spent the next hour or two looking for a place to stay with no luck. I finally decided we'd head to my father's house in Cherokee County where we are now.

Both WW and I have tried to call our offices to find out if they were opened tomorrow (Both were closed today) we discovered the phone lines have been down for some time.

I'm thankful we have a place with electricity but I'll be glad when the power to our house is back on. God only knows if I will be able to salvage any of our foodstuffs in the fridge and deep freezer.

P.S. Our three dogs are fine; they are at a friend's house who has heat.

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-09T20:39:00.000-08:00

Here in Tulsa, we're in the middle of a large ice storm. I got up, and, after arriving at church discovered services were cancelled due to power outages. WW and I were hoping we'd get lucky and not lose power, but around 8:30, the lights went out and we spent the next half hour packing by candle light. As of this posting we've checked into a Howard Johson waiting for our power to come back on. Earlier WW learned her office was closed. I won't be surprised if mine is too. We both work in the same building but different companies in Owasso. I doube I'll be in tomorrow.

Nothing to do now but wait.

I've never blogged from a Motel room, first time for everything.

Moral Troubles

2007-12-07T18:12:00.000-08:00

Our Attorney General is having a crisis of conscience.

"It was my obligation to defend this. I only have to argue the legality of it. I’m very grateful I do not have to argue the morality of it.” http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/articles/2007/12/04/news/state/news843.txt and http://www.kswo.com/Global/story.asp?S=7447219 Being the inquisitive young man that I am I ask our AG.....

Why the sudden crisis of conscience?

Oklahoma didn't see this new conviction when the AG's office threatened legal action against the Boy Scouts. Their crime? Their organization felt it would not be good allowing gay men in their ranks leading young boys. Our AG, seemed to think otherwise.

There was no moral outrage from the AG regarding legal reform. Our leaders tried to pass sensible reform but Brad (Trial Lawyer) Henry, with the AG holding his hand vetoed the measure. I smell a (Trial Lawyer) rat.

Where was the AG when prosecutors tried for years to put Gene Stipes behind bars for his criminal activities? Even now, any progress is no thanks to Edmondson's office. He has been strangely quiet over this entire affair. For the People's Prosecutor, this is disturbing.

Where was Mr. Edmondson's moral compass when a conservative political activist was arrested and jailed Nazi style? Why? Because he supports a Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Here are the articles http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/204728-edmondson-wants-activists-jailed-over-ballot-signatures and http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/204861-activist-expects-ham-sandwich-justice-from-okla.-ag

And why does the Attorney General have no trouble elevating one crime victim over another because of skin color or other Politically Correct criteria? FYI, I am disabled and am probably a "protected class" person and I find the whole idea of "hate crimes" sickening. Check out this op ed. http://newsok.com/article/3177547/1196906427

It appears Mr. Edmondson's scruples are selective at best.

Or are these "morals" reserved only for causes the Attorney General agrees with?

Hopefully the citizens of Oklahoma will wake up and see Mr. Edmondson's true colors and, come next election, send him packing.

Pandering to Fear

2007-12-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

Did you know if you support 1804, not only are you in favor of ruining our states economy but you are also a racist?

That is according to Senator Harry Coats. KFAQ has the story. http://1170kfaq.com/artman/publish/article_15329.shtml I'll take the two issues and address one at a time.

Citing the hardships (read loss of cheap labor) on the construction industry Senator Coats, who himself is a construction consultant, wants to water down 1804. If we don't he alleges, it will cause an unprecedented state wide depression. I have some questions for Senator Coats and his ilk. Why must we the tax payers support illegals through education, social services and free medical care so the business owners can make a buck? Why, dear Senator, are you so intent on screwing the rest of us so your buddies can line their pockets? Why did the construction companies hire illegals to begin with? Why should we feel sorry for lawbreakers? Could it be you and your kind don't care about the cost of financing illegal aliens? Do you not care about the consequences to taxpayers or the exploitation of illegals? Is it simple GREED that is causing you to dislike enforcing the law?

The senator went a step further calling senator Terrill and others who support 1804 "racist". So now the construction consultant turned (RINO) senator is dealing out the race card? Who first mentioned race Senator Coats? I don't remember hearing it from 1804 supporters. If I remember, it was YOU who first used the R-word. Dear Senator, allow me to explain something. We law abiding taxpayers are sick and tired of subsidizing illegals so you can keep your cheap labor force. We are tired of seeing our border unprotected and the Federal (and those like you in the State) government do nothing to solve the problem. Black, brown, white, purple, green, Tye dye, it doesn't matter. If you are illegal, you need to go back and play by the rules PERIOD.

Creating an atmosphere of fear is something I'd expect from Democrats, not us Republicans. No Senator, nobody is racist, nobody that has any compassion wants to deny ANYBODY life saving medical treatment, despite your statements to the contrary. What we want is enforcement of our laws and those that break them (including your business buddies) held accountable.

Is cheap and exploitable labor that important Senator?

If In Doubt, Raise Taxes

2007-12-06T06:46:00.000-08:00

What is the solution to all our city's ills? Why raise taxes of course. The Blue Ribbon Roads panel, or whatever they're calling themselves proposed this solution.

We should not be surprised.

I know our roads need fixed, and MAYBE, due to mismanagement, the only recourse is a tax increase; but why is it the only solution to EVERY problem is to raise taxes? Why don't city leaders (of both parties) look at a tax increase as the LAST resort instead of the FIRST?

IF, and I mean IF a tax increase is the only solution, we citizens deserve an answer and those responsible (if they can be) should be held accountable.

For example, Why did KIT and her yes councilors vote to spend millions of dollars moving City Hall? Why did same city leaders side with Chairman Miller and friends in raising taxes (or tried anyway) for "river development" but ignore our roads? Why in the world do we have an arena downtown but no attention given to our streets? Before you blame the county, don't forget it was Mayor Misfortune and other city leaders who were kissing up to the county. (Remember the Billy Bob team?)

Other examples can and should be raised but I've made my point.

I'll say it again, before taxes are to be raised, our leaders need to take a look at the budget. In other words, treat our tax dollars like they are spending THEIR money instead of ours.

IT'S OVER!!!!!

2007-12-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

The dinner theater production that is.

I've really enjoyed participating but WW and I are glad to be getting our lives back!

Who knows, maybe we'll participate next time?

Justice Denied Part II

2007-12-03T07:56:00.001-08:00

UPDATE: According to the NBC news article in previous post, the Saudi Government will review the conviction and prison/lash sentence of the rape victim.

How does one go from rape victim to convicted criminal? Saudi Arabia is an Islamic state with a strict interpretation of the Koran. According to this interpretation, it is immoral for women to be out in public with another man not their husband or male relative. Since the laws of the Koran (Sharia law) are also the laws of the state, the rape victim was a lawbreaker. When the sentence of ninety lashes and prison were handed down it was appealed. On appeal (judges can do this in SA) the punishment went from ninety to two hundred lashes and prison

Justice Denied

2007-12-02T10:19:00.000-08:00

A sickening event from our Mid East "ally"

A Saudi Arabian woman gang raped by seven men was sentenced to six months prison and two hundred lashes for "being alone with a man not related to her" The sentence was issued on appeal. I guess the judge didn't think the ninety some lashes handed down at trial was harsh enough.

The seven men were only convicted of kidnapping but not rape which could land the men the death penalty.

Here is an article and video from NBC's web site. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22006417/

And another article from the Associated Press: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5itRFLIdKb8OnJpiQRpQl1tHq0oGAD8T8U0UO0

Seeing all courts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are Islamic Courts, I guess this is yet another demonstration of the"peaceful" tenants of this religion.

Opening Night

2007-12-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Last night was the opening night of our church drama "The Christmas You've Always Dreamed of." Overall, the play went very well and from what I saw of the audience, they enjoyed both the dinner and performance.

I've enjoyed helping and participating in the play (I have one scene and a whopping one line) Although I wasn't happy about many of the late night rehearsals, I'm thankful God used this event to move me out of my comfort zone. This was a much needed spiritual lesson. Many times God may want his children to serve where they may not feel qualified. In ourselves, we are unable to accomplish His will, through Him, however, all things are possible. This is what Paul meant in Phillipans 4:13, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."

I'm also thankful my daughter is able to participate in the production. She is one of the Christmas Tree dancers. She told me she has enjoyed performing for the church and is looking forward to participating in the future. She is also looking forward to her mother coming tonight for the second nights performance.

I pray many lives will be touched and those who usually are not in an area to hear the Gospel will be changed by God's grace. All glory goes to God in this production.

Historic Happenings

2007-11-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

My jaw about dropped when I heard the latest developments coming out of ORU. In short, the regents accepted Richard Roberts' resignation, he will hold a "spiritual" post on the board but both father and son have no voting power whatsoever; they are merely advisors. The big news, however, is ORU and the ministry are going to be separated. Here is the press conference. http://www.kjrh.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=51870@kjrh.dayport.com&navCatId=3

Whether any doctrinal reformation can be achieved at ORU time will tell. I was a little concerned when the spokesperson described contributions as "seed faith gift" and stated both ORU and Oral's ministry will be "spiritually connected" but maybe I'm just nitpicking; change takes time.

Later on, Mart Green, owner of Mardel and Hubie Lobby announced his family will donate 70 million to ORU. There are, of course, strings attached. Eight million is unconditional but if the university wants the other 62 mil, certain conditions must to be met. Some include greater transparency in financial dealings, new leadership (achieved with Richard resigning), and the possibility of new regents.

I couldn't be more pleased. Look folks, it's simple and Mr. Green said this very thing. Trust has been violated and ORU is in serious debt. In order for the ship to be righted, new leadership must take over. One other comment, Mr. Green made clear his family had no intention of taking over ORU, in fact, he said it's possible in a couple of years, they may not even be needed. To what extent new leadership will be sought, and how all this will shake out only time will tell.

I was also happy to hear Mr. Green describe the problems @ORU not as financial, but as spiritual. Whether "spiritual" he means a lack of trust, or something deeper like doctrine, who knows, but I was energized hearing him say once the spiritual issues are resolved, this in turn will resolved the financial issues.

Please continue to pray for the ongoing issues facing ORU. They are to be commended for the step taken separating the ministry and university.

Screw Me Once...

2007-11-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

Shame on you, screw me twice, shame on me.

Or better put, shame on Israel, our State Department, Sec. of State Rice, President Bush, Colin Powell, and the bunch of stupid liberals that have not learned from the pages of history.

They're at it again. Prodded by Sec. Rice and our State Department, Bush, hungry for a legacy, is pushing a "peace conference" Why do I think it's the same ol same ol, Israel, give more land, PA, you don't have to do a darn thing (except kill more Jews)

Really, this is the same group who has yet to live up to one promise they made at the 1993 Oslo peace summit. Heck, their leaders even deny the holocaust, are as corrupt as the day is long, and breed hatred through anti Jewish vitriol in the school textbooks. They also make a habit killing as many Jews as possible. Remember also, Israel won this land in (several) wars they didn't even start.

In case you've forgotten the West Bank was the scene of happy dancing in the streets the day we were attacked on 9/11. I know, I remember after we left work early that day seeing it on the news.

Cal Thomas has an excellent peice about this very subject, notice the way he spells "peace" it's fitting. http://www.townhall.com/columnists/CalThomas/2007/11/27/another_piece_summit

I especially liked this little quote.

The so-called Palestinian side brings nothing to the table. It has yet to fulfill a major pledge made at previous summit meetings. If the Palestinian side were applying for a bank loan, they would be turned down for defaulting on prior loans. Only in the twisted logic of Middle East "diplomacy" is their credit undamaged.

That about sums up the whole deal, Israel pushed to make peace, the PA promising, then before the ink is dry, every promise is broken. Of course Israel must accept part fo the blame for giving in every time. He then points out the danger of appeasement to the US.

Having destroyed Israel, it won't end there. Crazed Islamic fanatics will sign up in droves for the "honor" of coming to America to blast away at our foundations. In fact, according to our ludicrously named Department of Homeland Security, they are already here because we willingly let them in under the same misguided creed that guides U.S. policy in the Middle East. If we just show them how welcoming and wonderful we are, they will see we mean them no harm and change their minds about killing us.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Hell Week

2007-11-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

Wednesday through Sunday will be "Hell Week" for WW and me. Friday through Sunday our church is doing a dinner theater production and Wednesday and Thursday are the last two days the cast can rehearse. I don't have a big part, but going from work, having about an hour to eat dinner, feed the dogs, then head off to church will take it's toll. I'm enjoying being in the play, but I'll be glad when the whole thing is over.

Sunday School went a lot better. It still got a little out of control, but just starting on time made a huge difference. Hopefully the teacher(s) will put their heads together to figure out how to reign in the talkers. After talking to a fellow church member who also has plenty of experience teaching, I have a new perspective on the talkers. I'll admit, I can be cynical thinking some are there just to talk and socialize. He reminded me everybody there wants to get something out of the class and to draw the class into discussion and specifically asking the talkers questions. It sounds like that may help and when it's my turn to teach Daniel, I just may try that. I appreciate his advice as it has caused me to have a better attitude towards the classmates. I still think sometimes it may be necessary to privately talk with those who are insistent on being disruptive, but this action should take care of a lot of the issues.

Ok, breaks over, now it's back to work.

Am I the only One?

2007-11-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

Who thinks Sunday School is for learning?

My wife and I belong to a Sunday School Class where the teachers are not only dedicated to teaching God's Word but mak an effort welcoming all in the class. However, some issues have arisen that are a cause of concern for my wife and me. Over the last several weeks, the class has gotten more and more out of control. One of our participants brings her teenage kids to the class and these kids have become disruptive. When prayer requests are taken, they have gotten longer and longer to the point where hardly any time can be dedicated for the lesson. When the lesson is finally given, not much time is left for adequate teaching, and the students are too busy talking, people's kids are running around, and it all breaks down to nothing more than a big free-for-all. It got so bad last week I talked to both the teachers expressing my concern and let it drop if matters weren't corrected I would not think it too drastic to take this matter to our pastor.

You see, I believe Sunday School is more than simple fellowship. Yes, it is that but it is much more. Sunday School is a time when Christians get together to fellowship, bear each others burdens, and LEARN. It concerns me many SS classes are more interested in gossip and talking than teaching their students invaluable lessons found in God's Word.

We'll see if anything is resolved after one person's kids were getting up and talking with their parent, prayer requests went way over long and a four person conversation (while the teacher was trying to teach the lesson) involved all four gawking and gabbing at a fellow student's newborn she brought in the class but did not take to the nursery.

I sure hope this issue gets resolved, I'll keep you posted.

My Thanksgiving

2007-11-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

I hope everybody had a nice Thanksgiving. We made it to my Aunt and Uncle in Tahlequah a little late for dinner but were able to enjoy some nice fellowship with my aunt, uncle, cousin Amy and her family, my dad, brother his wife and two year old niece. I swear, my aunt can cook! She fixed a ham I'm STILL tasting in my mouth. My dad told us he wanted to have Christmas at his house I said I'd attend only if we were having ham. (kidding of course) That evening both WW and me broke down and purchased winter coats because the zippers on both our coats were broken.

Friday and Saturday we did nothing but sit and watch football. I'm happy to report that as of this writing, OU is well ahead of OSU. The upset was Friday where Arkansas defeated LSU in triple overtime.

Monday is back to work but I can't complain. I'm thankful I have my job, a wonderful wife, great kid and my health.

Richard Roberts Resigns

2007-11-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

I heard Richard sent in his letter of resignation to the regents. It looks like he is no longer the boss.

I think this is a good step for ORU. Too much controversy is following Richard (four seperate lawsuits have been filed), and it's time for new leadership.

My prayers are twofold. First I pray that Richard and family will repent of any wrongdoing. I also pray for healing between the Roberts' and those hurt by their behavior. Second, I pray the leaders @ ORU will evaluate the theology held by many of the regents.

I've said this several times, it's not happenstance that ORU has the problems it has given many in the leadership are involved in the Word Faith movement. Remember, it isn't just Richard that is accused of lavish living. Time and time again, investigators have uncovered many high profile WF ministers living like kings and queens. My wife's nephew worked at a Hotel in OKC where Benny Hinn was holding one of his crusades. He and several others were responsible for serving Hinn's entourage. The curious little thing about Hinn's company is he had his own food taster. Another article disclosed a minster who graduated from a famous WF minister's school of preaching. (I think it was Morris Cerullio but I am not sure) this particular minister took a trip to Africa for one of his shows (err crusades) while addressing the crowd, he was dressed in a suit of green and sat on a gold throne. These two examples (one can find more, all they have to do is a little research) should go to show Richard's behavior and lifestyle are by no means unique in the "Name it and Claim it" movement.

Oh, one other thing, Ministry watch .org, http://ministrywatch.org/mw2.1/H_Home.asp has given most of those in the WF movementfailing grades for transparency regarding their funds.

Let us continue to pray for those involved on both sides of the ORU scandal. May God be with all parties and may they find healing and direction on doing His will.

UPDATE: I heard on KFAQ this morning Richard Roberts may still be head of ORU Ministry. Also, the Profs are paid by ORUM, this makes for an interesting development in the ORU sags. Who knows how this will turn out.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

It's Thanksgiving. Take time to give thanks to God for the blessings he has bestowed on you. Even though you may not think you're doing so well, there is always somebody who has it worse than you.

While you're at it, pray for the staff at ORU. I've been pretty hard on President Roberts and his lack of theological discernment, but I do want this whole mess straightened out. It looks like Richard is out, which is good The university needs new leadership not connected to scandal and excesses. My prayer is that the staff and regents @ORU will examine the errors of the WF movement, and disassociate themselves from these teachings. I hope where there is a need for repentence, those needing to repent will do so and experience the wonder power of God's grace. Then and only then can healing take place. I have faith ORU can be a university dedicated to Christian Higher education.

Until next time, have a happy and save Thanksgiving.

No Confidence

2007-11-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

No Confidence;

In a vote of no confidence, the professors of ORU have expressed their lack of trust in Richard Roberts.

One comment on Michael Bates' blog caught my eye. It sums up perfectly the (partial) problem and (partial) solution.

“If ORU is to recover from it’s current problems, it can no longer be or even seem to be a hereditary monarchy where the whim of the royal family is law.”

Professor Don Vance was interviewed on KFAQ where he described the atmosphere as a "culture of fear." King Richard ruled by Royal decree. If one disagreed with him, one risked his Royal warth. It sounds like there may be more to this story than meets the eye.

How much of the scandal could be from faulty doctrine held by the Roberts family? (The doctrines of the Word Faith Movement)Something to consider.

Random Thoughts

2007-11-11T04:35:00.000-08:00

WW and I were out running errands Tuesday when we decided to stop at Furr's and grab a bite to eat. Our waitress was very attentive and dedicated to her job. I did, however, notice, she was a little slow. I asked WW and she confirmed and she said they had a practice of hiring disabled people.

I have one thing to say to liberals and Professional Victims who want to make everybody a ward of the state.....LEAVE DISABLED PERSONS AND THE REST OF US ALONE!!!!! What right have I saying many disabled persons can and should work to the best of their ability? Aint I just a mean, right winger, hate mongering, Christian bigot? I'll tell you why . I am disabled.....That's right, DISABLED; I am legally blind. I was born with cataracts, a weak retina, and weak optic nerve. I have never, nor, baring a miracle will ever drive a car and sometimes need larger print. I must also use a large monitor, and cannot see or do some things the rest of you mere mortals take for granted.

However, I thank God I was born into a home where my parents felt legally blind didn't mean legally stupid. I was pushed to work as hard as my fully sighted brother never being allowed to use my disability as an excuse. I remember a lady talking to my mother and she was amazed she would (my mom) allow me to get a job with my grades (I wasn't the best student) My mom said she wanted as normal childhood for me as possible, hence the reason she was OK with me working. Were my parents perfect? No ( I wanted to learn self defense in Jr. High since I was picked on and they said no), did my mom admit in Jr. High I should have gone to a private school, yes and she was probably right. Life was and is not always easy. I rememember feeling awkward in our church Youth group and was picked on a lot in Jr. High and it was difficult not able to drive while all my other friends were getting their first cars, but truly "All things work for good" God has blessed me not only with godly parents (my mom, deceased, and my father still alive) but with good friends, one in particular let me drive his car (VERY slow in an abandoned parking lot) and a wife who has NEVER made me feel she resented me for her being the only driver in our family. I thank God my parents did help me with my disability, driving me places and getting me the tools I needed for school and making sure I sat in the front row so I could see the board better. Because of my upbringing, I have many hobbies that may seem hard to believe. I like to play golf, and can play as long as I have somebody to help me find my golf ball, read a great deal, and enjoy playing (though I haven't in a while) my soprano saxophone, and of course, I have taken up the hobby of blogging just to name a few.

So, where am I going with this? Simple, unless a person absolutely cannot work, disabled persons must be made and allowed to work the best of their ability. Even if it's a small job, working and fulfilling the normal need God gave us to be tasked, gives a person a sense of accomplishment. No Government program can do that. I do realize each disability is unique and that not everybody can work forty hours, but, let those that can, work as much as they are able. Give them that sense of purpose. The young lady's dedication at Furr's proved to me what happens when disabled persons are allowed to WORK. Those that can (including myself) should.

All Glory, praise, and Thanks go to the infinate Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for providing me with godly parents, a supportive wife, and wonderful daughter. Without the parents, I would not be who I am today, and without my wife I would not have the support a disabled person needs, and without my daughter, I wold not know the joys of fatherhood.

Celebration

2007-11-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

It was a great football Game at TU where the Golden Hurricanes routed Houston 56-7. My daughter enjoyed the last game we watched (TU-SMU) so we made sure to attend the last home game of the season. I'll be honest, I thought it would be a closer game but from the start, TU came out swinging and wouldn't let go I chalk it up to excellent playing by both the offense and defense, and the stupid penalties Houston brought on themselves. Anyway, pay attention to TU, they have the makings of a respectable football team. Congrats to Paul Smith who had a record day. After the game I took WW out on the field where she got a couple of the player's autographs, one was Paul Smiths'. My impression of the young man is that he seems very personable, not letting his college success go to his head. While signing autographs, he talked to the kids and asked if/who was going to church tomorrow. Later that night, WW told me he was a Christian. Mr. Smith, you earned your victory. Here is a word of advice, put the Lord first, then your wife. Love her like an Ephesians husband and the rest of your life will fall in line.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Eph 5:25-33 (NKJV)
Channel II and some other radio stations were also at the game. It was nice to see the news and weather personel and it was especially nice for TU to honor our veterans and hold a Toys for Tots toy drive. Those donating toys received a free football ticket. Anyway, congrats to TU and Paul Smith on an awesome game. You earned your victory.

Reformation Day Part II

2007-11-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

What were the beliefs of the Reformers?

The Reformers wanted to answer four basic questions. How is a person saved? Where does a Christian's authority lie? What is the church, and what is Christian living? To answer these vital questions, they developed five "solas" which, taken as a whole, form the bedrock of the Reformation. I will summarize each of them.

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) In matters of teaching and doctrine, the Bible was the final authority. The Reformers were not opposed to tradition or looking to the past, what they were opposed to was making these equal with Scripture. Martin Luther said it best. "Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason...My conscience is bound by the Word of God....." To him and other Christians through the ages, Scripture was what was used to measure all teachings. It was "the norm that normed all other norms."

Sola Fide (Faith Alone) The teaching is simple, one is justified (declared right before God) through simple faith ALONE. The Roman Church had no problem with salvation by faith, the problem came when the word ALONE was added. This flew in the face of the Romish doctrine of salvation by faith plus works. The Reformers were aware of the importance of good works, but they affirmed the Biblical teaching that works come AFTER salvation and not before or to attain it.

Sola Gracia (Grace Alone) We did nothing to earn God's grace. God saved us simply because he chose to. By grace ALONE and through faith ALONE we are saved. God's grace imputes his righteousness in us declaring us "not guilty" of our sins. This is called "Imputed Righteousness"

Sola Christus (Christ Alone) Christ's death and resurrection are enough for our salvation. The Bible teaches this wonderful truth that when one puts his faith in the death of Christ, that is enough to attain eternal life. The hymn writter said it best "I need no other argument, I need no other plea. It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me." Any church that puts anything after Christ's death as payment enough for sins is not a Christian church.

Sola Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God Alone) As much as this goes against our egos, salvation is by God alone and for His glory alone. As Christians we are to live our lives glorifying God.

The Reformers, contrary to Roman Catholic apologists, did not "invent" new doctrine. All five of these truths are rooted in Scripture and form the backbone of orthodox Christianity. What the Reformers wanted was simple; a RETURN to Biblical Christianity. These brave men and women held comon beliefs with the Historic church (e.g. the Trinity, Christ's virgin birth and raising from the dead, the Bible as the word of God, etc) Even the Roman Church of Dr. Luther's day, which resembled little of the Church founded by Christ, held, at least in theory these same teachings.
http://www.gotquestions.org/Protestant-Reformation.html

Reformation Day Part III

2007-10-31T19:54:00.000-07:00

Why concern ourselves with what happened four hundred ninety years ago? We have our Bibles, why bother studying history and theology? Don't they just divide the church unnecessarily?

The Reformation is a vital part of Church History. All Church History must be taught and learned by Christians. By remembering the Reformation, we can see what the Church did right, and in many cases, did wrong. Modern Church Growth movements, revivals, and "new" revelations from God can be compared with the success of the Reformers. (BTW, this can also be done using other successful times in Church History, not just the Reformation)

One of the most important reasons we should remember the Reformation is the lesson on discernment. Do you really think the unorthodox teachings (prayers to the saints and for the dead, indulgences, purgatory, salvation by faith plus works, the elevation of Mary that would continue even after Martin Luther and the near worship of saints and angels) just appeared overnight? Nope. These teachings were gradually inserted over time. What was introduced in an early church council was, by the time of Luther, doctrine. Why? Because tradition was elevated to the authority of scripture. As time went on, scripture became less and less important. The Reformers wanted a return to Biblical Christianity, using the Scriptures as the FINAL authority. They were not opposed to tradition per se, but anything that conflicted with Scripture was to be discarded. To the Reformers, the Scripture was "The norm that normed all other norms". This is why so many doctrines were abandoned by Luther and his followers. Let us continue, using the Scriptures, to discern true and false doctrine.

The Reformers wanted their people knowledgeable of Scripture and doctrine. To this end, not only did Martin Luther translate the Bible from a dead Latin to a living German (his language) but published a catechism for the training of small children and new Christians. Others would continue his practice till everyone, regardless of one's language would be able to read and interpret the Bible for themselves. If more churches would remember their history, maybe so many in the pews would not be so ignorant of vital church doctrine; ignorant and/or unable to defend it to an unbeliever or seeker. No wonder the cults have made such inroads in our churches. How many of our churches worship services are more about entertainment than doctrine? How many have replaced theologically rich hymns with repetitive praise songs with little substance?

The Reformers had a rule "Semper Reformenda" "Always Reforming." This doesn't mean we can reinterpret the Bible or invent new doctrine like the liberals or cults do. What it means is we, as a church, must always go back to the Scriptures for instruction. If a church is in error, reform itself, using the Bible.

Reformation Day

2007-10-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

To most people, including Christians, October 31st is Halloween. More important, on this day, Martin Luther nailed his 95 statements to the Wittenberg Castle Church, starting the Protestant Reformation. You can read the statements here. http://www.carm.org/creeds/95theses.htm. But why should we know about the Reformation? Why was this event so important? Let's take a closer look.

For at least three hundred years, maybe more, the Christian church slowly became more and more corrupt. Tradition became as authoritative as Scripture. Teachings that were introduced at the close of the Roman Empire became established dogma to be believed by every Christian. Check out these two paragraphs from Canon I of the Fourth Lateran Council 1215:

There is one Universal Church of the faithful, outside of which there is absolutely no salvation. In which there is the same priest and sacrifice, Jesus Christ, whose body and blood are truly contained in the sacrament of the altar under the forms of bread and wine; the bread being changed (transsubstantiation) by divine power into the body, and the wine into the blood, so that to realize the mystery of unity we may receive of Him what He has received of us. And this sacrament no one can effect except the priest who has been duly ordained in accordance with the keys of the Church, which Jesus Christ Himself gave to the Apostles and their successors.
But the sacrament of baptism, which by the invocation of each Person of the Trinity, namely of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is effected in water, duly conferred on children and adults in the form prescribed by the Church by anyone whatsoever, leads to salvation. And should anyone after the reception of baptism have fallen into sin, by true repentance he can always be restored. Not only virgins and those practicing chastity, but also those united in marriage, through the right faith and through works pleasing to God, can merit eternal salvation.

http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/lateran4.html These two paragraphs barely scratch the surface, but they set down or reaffirmed several familiar doctrines of the Established Church. By the time Luther came on the scene, the church had invented such teachings as indulgences, and purgatory and simple salvation by faith ALONE was substituted for a long list of works. To raise money the Pope sold indulgences (get out of purgatory passes) and priests and popes had many mistresses and children. One Pope in Particular, Alexander VI had several bastard children and lived like a king. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Alexander_VI# This was hardly unique. Remember, the Church made it clear, outside the church there is NO salvation. Not outside the invisible church, outside the VISIBLE church so whatever the church said, was true.

Even Dr. Luther tried to earn God's favor by becoming an Augustinian Monk. After studying scripture, he discovered when one had faith, one was already justified (declared righteous) by Faith ALONE. Dr. Luther began to see many of the errors of his church and became convinced scripture alone was sufficient for faith. On October 31st, he nailed his arguments to his church door.

Thus began the greatest return to Biblical Christianity the church has ever known. By the time of Luther's death in 1546, he had stood up to the Pope, translated the Scriptures into German, and wrote and preached countless books and sermons. Others would follow to continue the work he started, many dying as martyrs but the seeds for true reform had been laid.

Luther was used by God to bring his church back to Him. He was not perfect. He was not charitable to the Jews and was many times hostile to others holding different views, but he was a man used by God to help bring his church back to Him Let all Christians remember a Man of God this Reformation Day.

Time For Truth

2007-10-26T18:34:00.000-07:00

I'm amazed at the howls of outrage directed at Rex Duncan and other members of the legislature after they (politely) declined copies of the Koran.

The Muslims and their enablers are leveling the usual charges. The members of Congress are closed minded, unamerican, divisive, and tampering on their rights.

I'm sorry, how is refusing a group's literature infringing on their rights? By this same logic, I'm trampoling on the rights of Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses when I refuse their literature. BTW, I've studied both and have come to the conclusion through research and talking to members of both both are outside historic Christianity so I'm not being closed minded. Furthermore, Rep. Duncan POLITELY declined a copy of the Koran. I ask again, how is that being abusive, mean, divisive, etc?

I think it's time to turn the tables around and ask the Muslim leadership for answers to the following questions...

Why do we not hear more Muslims speaking out against terrorism? Why are Muslim groups such as CAIR sympathetic to terrorism? Who is bombing Israeli targets? You guessed it, Muslims. What country is funding anti American Islamic schools? Why that would be the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an Islamic theocracy. Whether it is Spain, The Netherlands, Indonensia or 9/11, all of these acts of violence have been committed by Muslims. Ok, let's say they are radicals who've "hijacked" the Koran, why aren't more Oklahoma Muslims speaking out? The one instance where one did resulted in his being expelled from his house of worship.

Muslim leaders, do not fake anger or outrage. Rep. Duncan was polite when he refused the Koran. He simply offered some advice you would do well to take. YOU are the ones that owe us an explanation.

I'm not letting area Muslim leaders off the hook in the name of "tolerance". They need to be held accountable for the actions of those practicing their religion.

P.S. Yes, a if somebody murdered an abortionist in the name of Christianity, I would speak out against their crime. The Bible forbids murder. The Koran, in some parts, does not.

P.P.S. I am not for violence against Muslims. If I met one I would share the Gospel with him/her and would show them the love of Christ. Several years ago when I had to take taxi cabs to and from work I met three Muslims that were very friendly and hospitable. Nevertheless, despite my love (or in spite) for Muslims, I must be honest about the silence directed towards terrorists by members of this religon and the the bloodthirsty tenets found in the Koran