There are a lot of nuts in this world. Most of them are friends of President Obama's or members of the president's administration.
On Easter, Obama actually went to church. It's only the fourth or fifth time he's been to church since taking office. But of all the churches in Washington, he went to one with a radical racial-activist preacher. Obama seems to be attracted to nuts like that. Remember Jeremiah Wright, Obama's loony preacher in Chicago? Now, Obama is associating with the same kind of radicals in Washington.
It's no coincidence that Obama chose to hear this goofy preacher. I think Obama agrees with this racial and anti-American garbage. Why else would he stay with Jeremiah Wright for 20 years? Obama definitely has some nutty views himself. He didn't even issue a proclamation for Easter from the White House, but he recognizes every Muslim holiday. I'm not saying he is a Muslim, but he hardly acts like a Christian.
Franklin Graham said it best when he said Obama thinks going to church makes him a Christian. It doesn't. As Graham said, it takes much more than going to church. It takes a daily commitment to live for God.
Obama has surrounded himself with other nutty people, too. He has appointed many of them as "czars" in his administration. Most of these czars are real kooks.
Obama's friend and nominee for "regulatory czar" was Cass Sunstein, who is a raving animal rights nut. This guy believes that animals and trees, flowers and birds should "have their own attorneys" to protect them. I believe in protecting animals, too, but give me a break. This guy's a real nut job!
Then, there's Obama's safe schools czar Kevin Jennings, who wrote a foreword to a book called "Queering Elementary Education" that calls for elementary school children to explore their sexual identities and for teachers to incorporate homosexual themes in grades K-5. How crazy is that! It's outrageous. Jennings must be a fruit and a nut. He needs to be expelled as safe schools czar.
Another Obama czar, Harold Koh, does not support the sovereignty of the United States and the supremacy of the U.S. Constitution as the law of the land. He actually supports the introduction of sharia law into the United States. This isn't just a crazy man. I believe he's dangerous.
I could go on with the many other imbeciles Obama associates with, like his first political mentor, Frank Marshall Davis, an avowed Communist. Or Bill Ayers, the domestic terrorist, who helped start Obama's political career.
Obama has tried to pass himself off as a post-partisan, post-racial president, who will bring all Americans together. But his connections with some of the most radical figures in politics prove otherwise.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Celebration
It was a good Easter weekend, spending time with family and going to church. We had a pretty high church attendance with the visitors and the C & E crowd (Christmas and Easter) there.
We saw a human video, and Pastor Ben gave a neat illustration with the cross and a mirror. He had hung the mirror on the cross. When we went forward to receive Communion, we passed by the cross with the mirror and there was our face staring back at us. It was a powerful reminder that it should've been us on that cross, but Jesus took our place. I've never seen that illustration before, and it really stuck with me.
After service, we had lunch at the church and an egg hunt for the kids (big kids and little ones). It was a good day of celebration!
*****
I always think of Easter as the real start of spring. Even though we have seen snow on Easter, and even had snow as late as May, it's usually this time of year when it really starts warming up. I'm not a fan of hot weather. I would like it if it was in the 70s year-round. That's the ideal temperature for me.
I was really hoping for rain yesterday. It is so dry. Governor Perry has called for people to pray for rain. Many already have been praying for rain, but we really need it. We've had only an half-inch of rain since the beginning of the year. The normal is over three inches at this time of year. I thought we were going to get some yesterday, but it went to the north. We have another shot at it today.
Except for the dry conditions -- and the wind -- the temperatures have been pretty nice. I've been to several of the parks lately for an afternoon ride, and it's nice to be outside again. I just hope we get some rain -- soon!
We saw a human video, and Pastor Ben gave a neat illustration with the cross and a mirror. He had hung the mirror on the cross. When we went forward to receive Communion, we passed by the cross with the mirror and there was our face staring back at us. It was a powerful reminder that it should've been us on that cross, but Jesus took our place. I've never seen that illustration before, and it really stuck with me.
After service, we had lunch at the church and an egg hunt for the kids (big kids and little ones). It was a good day of celebration!
*****
I always think of Easter as the real start of spring. Even though we have seen snow on Easter, and even had snow as late as May, it's usually this time of year when it really starts warming up. I'm not a fan of hot weather. I would like it if it was in the 70s year-round. That's the ideal temperature for me.
I was really hoping for rain yesterday. It is so dry. Governor Perry has called for people to pray for rain. Many already have been praying for rain, but we really need it. We've had only an half-inch of rain since the beginning of the year. The normal is over three inches at this time of year. I thought we were going to get some yesterday, but it went to the north. We have another shot at it today.
Except for the dry conditions -- and the wind -- the temperatures have been pretty nice. I've been to several of the parks lately for an afternoon ride, and it's nice to be outside again. I just hope we get some rain -- soon!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday
Dear Jesus,
It's Good Friday, and I'm thinking about you and what you have done for me. You've done so much. I know I can't thank you enough, but I am grateful. When I think about what you went through on the way to the cross, I can't imagine how much you had to suffer. They beat you and spit on you. They mocked you and wanted you to die. They didn't believe you are God's son.
I can only imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering... and the courage you had that day. You did it willingly. I know you could've set yourself free, but you went willingly because you knew I would need a savior.
I think about the humiliation when you had to carry your own cross while the crowd spit on you and threw stones at you. Then. they put that crown of thorns on you and mocked you. That soldier stabbed you with his spear. And I can only imagine the pain you felt when they nailed you to the cross.
On the cross, you endured even more suffering. All your blood was spilled out, and you had to endure that pain for over three hours. Most men wouldn't have survived the torture. It was the worst kind of death. Yet, you did it willingly.
When you were up there, you thought about me. You knew every sin I would commit, and you didn't want me to be punished from them so you took the punishment. You told your Father that you would take my punishment. You died for me. That amazes me... that you would die for me. You had to endure that horrible death so I can be free... so that my sins could be washed away. All of them... without exception!
Thank you for saving me. Without you, I would be lost with no hope. But because you loved me, I am forgiven and have the promise of eternal life with you. I put all my trust in you, Lord. You alone are my rock and my salvation. Thank you, Jesus, for who you are!
Love, Chris
It's Good Friday, and I'm thinking about you and what you have done for me. You've done so much. I know I can't thank you enough, but I am grateful. When I think about what you went through on the way to the cross, I can't imagine how much you had to suffer. They beat you and spit on you. They mocked you and wanted you to die. They didn't believe you are God's son.
I can only imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering... and the courage you had that day. You did it willingly. I know you could've set yourself free, but you went willingly because you knew I would need a savior.
I think about the humiliation when you had to carry your own cross while the crowd spit on you and threw stones at you. Then. they put that crown of thorns on you and mocked you. That soldier stabbed you with his spear. And I can only imagine the pain you felt when they nailed you to the cross.
On the cross, you endured even more suffering. All your blood was spilled out, and you had to endure that pain for over three hours. Most men wouldn't have survived the torture. It was the worst kind of death. Yet, you did it willingly.
When you were up there, you thought about me. You knew every sin I would commit, and you didn't want me to be punished from them so you took the punishment. You told your Father that you would take my punishment. You died for me. That amazes me... that you would die for me. You had to endure that horrible death so I can be free... so that my sins could be washed away. All of them... without exception!
Thank you for saving me. Without you, I would be lost with no hope. But because you loved me, I am forgiven and have the promise of eternal life with you. I put all my trust in you, Lord. You alone are my rock and my salvation. Thank you, Jesus, for who you are!
Love, Chris
Monday, April 18, 2011
WOW....
WOW... That's the only way to describe my weekend. It was a double-header of blessings on Sunday. I'd already planned to go to Amarillo for the Michael W. Smith concert on Sunday night. Then, I decided to go over early because the church I went to in Amarillo was hosting The Glory & The Fire ministry.
Glory & Fire is a traveling production, similar to the Heaven's Gates/Hell's Flames play. Both are very stirring and powerful presentations of the gospel through music and a drama about what heaven and hell will be like... and who will go there.
God was really moving in people's lives. During the five nights of the production in Amarillo, about 80 or more people were saved or rededicated their lives to God! Pastor Nickell said he hasn't seen that kind of response since the old-time Pentecostal revivals. It was really something.
The play really stirred my heart, too. Seeing that glimpse into what hell will be like, I wanted to make sure my life was right with God before I left there Sunday morning. Anyone who sees that and doesn't respond in some way must be very cold-hearted. If you ever have a chance to see The Glory & The Fire, GO! It will change your life.
After church, I ate and messed around at the mall until it was time for the concert. I miss all the fast-food variety in Amarillo. I indulged in one of my favorites: Wendy's. And I had a cookie from the Cookie Store in the mall. I was good, though. I ate just one cookie.
The Michael W. Smith concert was awesome. The first half was a mix of old favorites and new songs. For the second half, he changed out of his suit and tie and into jeans for a time of leading the audience in worship songs. That's what I was waiting for. Michael is one of the best worship leaders. It was a neat time. I really enjoyed myself and the worship.
It was a full day, and I know I probably overdid myself. But, like I always say, you have to go while you're able to get out and go. Even my doc agrees. He tells me to get out and stay as active as I can, and he tells Mom not to worry about me when I go. Good advice!
Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful and blessed day.
Glory & Fire is a traveling production, similar to the Heaven's Gates/Hell's Flames play. Both are very stirring and powerful presentations of the gospel through music and a drama about what heaven and hell will be like... and who will go there.
God was really moving in people's lives. During the five nights of the production in Amarillo, about 80 or more people were saved or rededicated their lives to God! Pastor Nickell said he hasn't seen that kind of response since the old-time Pentecostal revivals. It was really something.
The play really stirred my heart, too. Seeing that glimpse into what hell will be like, I wanted to make sure my life was right with God before I left there Sunday morning. Anyone who sees that and doesn't respond in some way must be very cold-hearted. If you ever have a chance to see The Glory & The Fire, GO! It will change your life.
After church, I ate and messed around at the mall until it was time for the concert. I miss all the fast-food variety in Amarillo. I indulged in one of my favorites: Wendy's. And I had a cookie from the Cookie Store in the mall. I was good, though. I ate just one cookie.
The Michael W. Smith concert was awesome. The first half was a mix of old favorites and new songs. For the second half, he changed out of his suit and tie and into jeans for a time of leading the audience in worship songs. That's what I was waiting for. Michael is one of the best worship leaders. It was a neat time. I really enjoyed myself and the worship.
It was a full day, and I know I probably overdid myself. But, like I always say, you have to go while you're able to get out and go. Even my doc agrees. He tells me to get out and stay as active as I can, and he tells Mom not to worry about me when I go. Good advice!
Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful and blessed day.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Verdict's In
In our justice system, we are innocent until proven guilty. In the kingdom of God, though, we are born guilty and made innocent when we come to Jesus and accept Him as lord and savior. Because of Adam, we're born with a sin nature. We're guilty right from the start. But Jesus came to free us from our sin and guilt.
With Easter now only a little more than a week away, it's a good time to think about what this season really means. It's about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But if we go back a little farther, we see what Jesus went through to make us free.
Jesus came into the world for one reason: To go to the cross and die for our sins. He suffered a cruel death so that we can be forgiven and be innocent when we stand before God one day.
Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God is a just God, and He will not let sin go unpunished. Sin leads to death. We deserve to die because of our sin. But God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to take our place in death. Jesus served our death sentence. If we come to Him and turn from our sins, we will receive eternal life instead of a death sentence.
That's so amazing! If we broke the law and our justice system sentenced us to prison, or to death, it's doubtful that anyone would come forward to pay our fine or serve our time for us. But that's exactly what Jesus did when He went to the cross. He paid the penalty for our sins. He died for us.
Jesus didn't stay in the grave, though. He rose on that Resurrection Day, and He lives to intercede for us. Through Him, we can find forgiveness and be made righteous and innocent before God.
This is just something to think about as Easter gets closer. When you stand before the Judge, God, will you be guilty or innocent?
With Easter now only a little more than a week away, it's a good time to think about what this season really means. It's about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But if we go back a little farther, we see what Jesus went through to make us free.
Jesus came into the world for one reason: To go to the cross and die for our sins. He suffered a cruel death so that we can be forgiven and be innocent when we stand before God one day.
Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God is a just God, and He will not let sin go unpunished. Sin leads to death. We deserve to die because of our sin. But God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to take our place in death. Jesus served our death sentence. If we come to Him and turn from our sins, we will receive eternal life instead of a death sentence.
That's so amazing! If we broke the law and our justice system sentenced us to prison, or to death, it's doubtful that anyone would come forward to pay our fine or serve our time for us. But that's exactly what Jesus did when He went to the cross. He paid the penalty for our sins. He died for us.
Jesus didn't stay in the grave, though. He rose on that Resurrection Day, and He lives to intercede for us. Through Him, we can find forgiveness and be made righteous and innocent before God.
This is just something to think about as Easter gets closer. When you stand before the Judge, God, will you be guilty or innocent?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Soul Surfer
I saw another great movie over the weekend. It's rare that we have a good, clean movie with Christian themes in the movie theater. But we've had two such movies in the theater this month. Last week, I saw "The Grace Card," which has a powerful message about overcoming racism. This time, I went to see "Soul Surfer."
It's the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer who summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack when she was 13. The movie follows her struggle and reveals her strong Christian faith and optimism that gets her back on the surfboard just weeks after the attack.
This is an amazing movie, but the actual life story of Bethany Hamilton is even more amazing. I saw her interviewed on the Huckabee show on Fox News, which made me want to see the movie.
While she was laying in a hospital bed after the attack, Bethany quotes Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." It's that faith that helped her continue pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a professional surfer.
In an interview, she said, "I guess how it (faith) got me through is just knowing that God loves me and He has a purpose for my life and He wants good to come out of this."
The movie showed how she briefly questioned why God let this tragedy happen to her, but in the end she discovers that God had a purpose in it. After she lost her arm, she was able to influence other teenagers by sharing her faith and testimony. She says she's been able to reach more people than she ever could have with two arms.
We can all take a valuable life lesson away from this movie. Whatever happens to us, God can work it for good if we have our faith firmly in Him. Bethany has gone on to become a pro surfer and competes with some of the best women surfers in the world. And she continues to inspire thousands through her testimony.
It's the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teenage surfer who summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack when she was 13. The movie follows her struggle and reveals her strong Christian faith and optimism that gets her back on the surfboard just weeks after the attack.
This is an amazing movie, but the actual life story of Bethany Hamilton is even more amazing. I saw her interviewed on the Huckabee show on Fox News, which made me want to see the movie.
While she was laying in a hospital bed after the attack, Bethany quotes Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." It's that faith that helped her continue pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a professional surfer.
In an interview, she said, "I guess how it (faith) got me through is just knowing that God loves me and He has a purpose for my life and He wants good to come out of this."
The movie showed how she briefly questioned why God let this tragedy happen to her, but in the end she discovers that God had a purpose in it. After she lost her arm, she was able to influence other teenagers by sharing her faith and testimony. She says she's been able to reach more people than she ever could have with two arms.
We can all take a valuable life lesson away from this movie. Whatever happens to us, God can work it for good if we have our faith firmly in Him. Bethany has gone on to become a pro surfer and competes with some of the best women surfers in the world. And she continues to inspire thousands through her testimony.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Unusual Politics
Donald Trump has been all over TV lately. I don't know if it's all a publicity stunt or if he's serious about running for president. The scary thing is the more I listen to him, the more I like him and think he might actually be a good president.
Trump was on The O'Reilly Factor last week, and Bill O'Reilly grilled him on everything from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the budget and immigration. Trump gave pat no-spin answers. He seemed to have a solution for everything. That's more than most seasoned politicians have.
The Donald stirred up a hornet's nest recently when he brought up Obama's "missing" birth certificate. He challenged Obama to produce his birth certificate and put the issue to rest once and for all.
I think the birth certificate issue is silly. Obama's supporters think he was born in a manger in Bethlehem, and his opponents think he came straight out of hell. Either way, it's too late to do anything about it now. We should be focusing now on making sure Obama is a one-term president. Then he can go back to Hades or wherever he was born.
Trump was dumb for raising the birth certificate issue. But on most other issues, I liked Trump's answers. He's pro-life, and he's against same-sex marriage. He has a good plan for reforming the tax code, and he wouldn't keep running up the national debt.
He's very popular in the polls, running second in most polls right behind Mitt Romney. With his name recognition and popularity, Trump might have a pretty good chance of winning. I hope he does get into the race. Just imagine how exciting the presidential debates would be! I'd love to see Trump debate Obama one-on-one.
I'm still not sure if I'd vote for him, but he would make a great candidate. And if he does win, he has promised to deport Rosie O'Donnell....
Trump was on The O'Reilly Factor last week, and Bill O'Reilly grilled him on everything from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the budget and immigration. Trump gave pat no-spin answers. He seemed to have a solution for everything. That's more than most seasoned politicians have.
The Donald stirred up a hornet's nest recently when he brought up Obama's "missing" birth certificate. He challenged Obama to produce his birth certificate and put the issue to rest once and for all.
I think the birth certificate issue is silly. Obama's supporters think he was born in a manger in Bethlehem, and his opponents think he came straight out of hell. Either way, it's too late to do anything about it now. We should be focusing now on making sure Obama is a one-term president. Then he can go back to Hades or wherever he was born.
Trump was dumb for raising the birth certificate issue. But on most other issues, I liked Trump's answers. He's pro-life, and he's against same-sex marriage. He has a good plan for reforming the tax code, and he wouldn't keep running up the national debt.
He's very popular in the polls, running second in most polls right behind Mitt Romney. With his name recognition and popularity, Trump might have a pretty good chance of winning. I hope he does get into the race. Just imagine how exciting the presidential debates would be! I'd love to see Trump debate Obama one-on-one.
I'm still not sure if I'd vote for him, but he would make a great candidate. And if he does win, he has promised to deport Rosie O'Donnell....
Monday, April 4, 2011
Oh Baby...
The news is already out, so I'll announce it here, too... My niece is having a baby! Michelle and her husband made the 21-hour drive all the way from Florida to deliver the news in person. They were here only a few hours on Saturday before they had to start the long trip back.
So I'm going to be a great-uncle. And Karen's going to be a grandma! I love saying that. She doesn't want to be called 'Grandma' and is already trying to decide what she wants to be called. I can think of a few names... Granny, perhaps.
It was great to see them, even if they were here only a short time. I didn't even know they were coming until Saturday morning. They surprised us with the trip... and then their big news. I'm excited for them.
*****
On Sunday, I went to the first indoor wheelchair soccer match for a new organization here in Pampa. Wheel Times, Inc. is a wheelchair sports and recreation program for children with disabilities and their families. I was glad to go show my support for this new group. I think it's going to be great for the kids. I wish they'd had something like it when I was in school.
It was so neat to see the kids out there competing and having so much fun. They used a 42-inch beach ball for the game, and volunteers helped race the wheelchairs up and down the court. The kids got so excited when they scored a goal. There was a good turnout from the community, too. Lots of people came out to show support or volunteer.
The group is planning other activities, such as wheelchair softball/baseball and track and field events. Kudos to Brad Pingel for organizing this great group!
*****
I also saw a great movie this weekend, The Grace Card. It has a powerful message about playing the 'grace card,' instead of the 'race card.' Everyone should go see this movie.
Busy weekend. Crazy weekend. 90 degrees on Sunday and snow flurries and wind this morning. Only in the Panhandle!
So I'm going to be a great-uncle. And Karen's going to be a grandma! I love saying that. She doesn't want to be called 'Grandma' and is already trying to decide what she wants to be called. I can think of a few names... Granny, perhaps.
It was great to see them, even if they were here only a short time. I didn't even know they were coming until Saturday morning. They surprised us with the trip... and then their big news. I'm excited for them.
*****
On Sunday, I went to the first indoor wheelchair soccer match for a new organization here in Pampa. Wheel Times, Inc. is a wheelchair sports and recreation program for children with disabilities and their families. I was glad to go show my support for this new group. I think it's going to be great for the kids. I wish they'd had something like it when I was in school.
It was so neat to see the kids out there competing and having so much fun. They used a 42-inch beach ball for the game, and volunteers helped race the wheelchairs up and down the court. The kids got so excited when they scored a goal. There was a good turnout from the community, too. Lots of people came out to show support or volunteer.
The group is planning other activities, such as wheelchair softball/baseball and track and field events. Kudos to Brad Pingel for organizing this great group!
*****
I also saw a great movie this weekend, The Grace Card. It has a powerful message about playing the 'grace card,' instead of the 'race card.' Everyone should go see this movie.
Busy weekend. Crazy weekend. 90 degrees on Sunday and snow flurries and wind this morning. Only in the Panhandle!
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