I noticed something at Youth Camp this year. Teens, and lots of them, are turning into coffee drinkers.
When I was younger, drinking coffee was not cool, and only the old fogeys drank it. Now, thanks to Starbucks, coffee is cool for the younger set.
During breakfast at CFYC, the cooks could not keep up with the demand for the stuff. The kids were drinking more than the adults were.
To be fair, the kids were filling the cup about half full of coffee, and the rest with flavored creamer and sugar.
Which, by the way, is how I prefer mine. That's right, I am now a coffee drinker. And that is truly my wife's fault. See, I never used to be able to even stand the SMELL of the stuff, let alone putting it to my lips.
And then, after we were married, my wife would occasionally get a Cafe Vanilla Frap at Barstucks. And, I would take a sip now and then just to be able to tell her how bad it tasted.
As Paul Harvey would say, you know the rest of the story. After a while, it did not taste so bad.
I started ordering my own Frap. And I have tweaked it to make it even better. Venti Cafe Vanilla Frap, with an extra scoop of vanilla, and add carmel to the frap itself. YuMmY!!!
And then, two weeks ago, David Fulton was our guest for a week as he was the evangelist at the Adams County Camp. Of course, we made coffee for him. And, I hated to see all that "expensive" coffee go to waste. So, within two weeks, I became hooked.
The fella that always said the stuff even smelled awful, is now a two-cup-a-day coffee junkie.
Thanks, David Fulton.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Ouch!!
I love dumb crook stories. Here is a great one from Chuck Shepherd's News of the Weird:
Police in Mesa, Ariz., chased driver Christopher Psomas, 38, in May after his companion, Ashley Strahan, 20, allegedly tried to pass a forged check at a business. The pair's car ran red lights at high speeds to get out of town, then left the road near the Salt River Reservation, and when the car became disabled, kept going on foot. However, they ran smack into a bed of chola cactus, becoming virtual pin cushions. At Banner Desert Medical Center, as nurses plucked the needles from his body, Psomas, in pain and in tears, said, "I am so stupid. This is what I get for trying to run from the police."
Police in Mesa, Ariz., chased driver Christopher Psomas, 38, in May after his companion, Ashley Strahan, 20, allegedly tried to pass a forged check at a business. The pair's car ran red lights at high speeds to get out of town, then left the road near the Salt River Reservation, and when the car became disabled, kept going on foot. However, they ran smack into a bed of chola cactus, becoming virtual pin cushions. At Banner Desert Medical Center, as nurses plucked the needles from his body, Psomas, in pain and in tears, said, "I am so stupid. This is what I get for trying to run from the police."
Monday, June 23, 2008
Central Friends Youth Camp
I love youth camp. And, I love the fact that at 38 years old, I still get to go to youth camp. How cool is that?
I love to see teens grow spiritually. And that happens a lot as a result of Youth Camp.
This year, we had around 70 teens. That is quite a lot for a staff of 11. Beyond the 70 or so, we also had a dozen or so Bible College students that were absolutely invaluable.
Let me say something about those students. I was and am impressed. Very impressed.
No griping about doing dishes.
No complaints about the rooms.
Not a slacker in the bunch.
Prayed with our kids.
Gave good advice to our kids.
Were great all around examples to our kids.
And, yes, I have already sent one e-mail to a Bible College President, and am going to send more. I think that they should know when their students do them proud, not just when one of them happens to mess up.
And then, there was our evangelist, Rev Mark Avery. He is from Overland Park, KS. Bro Mark spoke to our kids on some very serious subjects, and got into those subjects very deeply. He did it in such a way that any kid who wanted to, understood it.
In the last service of our camp, Bro Mark spoke as clearly and correctly about Holiness as I have ever heard it preached. After the message, kids flooded to the altar. Several testified to being sanctified.
And this 38 year old who still gets to go to Youth Camp stood on the platform with tears in his eyes as one young person after another put down spiritual roots.
I love Youth Camp.
Can't wait till next year.
I love to see teens grow spiritually. And that happens a lot as a result of Youth Camp.
This year, we had around 70 teens. That is quite a lot for a staff of 11. Beyond the 70 or so, we also had a dozen or so Bible College students that were absolutely invaluable.
Let me say something about those students. I was and am impressed. Very impressed.
No griping about doing dishes.
No complaints about the rooms.
Not a slacker in the bunch.
Prayed with our kids.
Gave good advice to our kids.
Were great all around examples to our kids.
And, yes, I have already sent one e-mail to a Bible College President, and am going to send more. I think that they should know when their students do them proud, not just when one of them happens to mess up.
And then, there was our evangelist, Rev Mark Avery. He is from Overland Park, KS. Bro Mark spoke to our kids on some very serious subjects, and got into those subjects very deeply. He did it in such a way that any kid who wanted to, understood it.
In the last service of our camp, Bro Mark spoke as clearly and correctly about Holiness as I have ever heard it preached. After the message, kids flooded to the altar. Several testified to being sanctified.
And this 38 year old who still gets to go to Youth Camp stood on the platform with tears in his eyes as one young person after another put down spiritual roots.
I love Youth Camp.
Can't wait till next year.
I Love Our New Washer and Dryer!
Strange way to start a post, right?
We finally got home from youth camp last night (Sunday). Wow, I am tired.
We were at youth camp for 5 days. Well, I was. Monica and Janae left on Thursday for Zanesville for Monica's cousin's wedding. I stayed until YC was over, then left for Zanesville, otherwise known as the armpit of Ohio.
I left YC at 10 minutes after 10:00 Friday evening. My friends Don Bates and Dan Plemmons kept me awake via cell phone for most of the trip. (Thanks!) I arrived in Zville at 10 minutes till two (AM).
Wedding festivities for me started at 11:00 am and lasted until 8:30 pm. Tired, tired, tired.
Then Sunday, Monica had to work, so I drove all Sunday afternoon to get Monica close to Muncie, where she is an RN at Ball Hospital.
We stopped at the CYM Campgrounds, she went on to work in the car, and Janae and I drove Dad's motor home to our house.
And, this morning, I have unloaded all of the laundry from the week.
How many loads do you think we have?
Well, with our old washer and dryer, it would be at least 9 loads. At least.
Last fall, our old washer blew up, so we splurged and bought the best set made. It is a Whirlpool Duet front loading system.
Total loads from YC?
3. Three. Trey. Just 3 loads.
They tell you in the manual for the washer that you get the best results when you fill the washer almost to capacity. Each load in the new washer is about 3 in the old washer. And, even at that, you use less than half the detergent that you would have used in the old washer.
Now, someone reading this is asking, "John does the laundry?" Yes, I do. Almost all of it. I am very OCD about how it gets done, so I do it.
I love our new washer and dryer.
We finally got home from youth camp last night (Sunday). Wow, I am tired.
We were at youth camp for 5 days. Well, I was. Monica and Janae left on Thursday for Zanesville for Monica's cousin's wedding. I stayed until YC was over, then left for Zanesville, otherwise known as the armpit of Ohio.
I left YC at 10 minutes after 10:00 Friday evening. My friends Don Bates and Dan Plemmons kept me awake via cell phone for most of the trip. (Thanks!) I arrived in Zville at 10 minutes till two (AM).
Wedding festivities for me started at 11:00 am and lasted until 8:30 pm. Tired, tired, tired.
Then Sunday, Monica had to work, so I drove all Sunday afternoon to get Monica close to Muncie, where she is an RN at Ball Hospital.
We stopped at the CYM Campgrounds, she went on to work in the car, and Janae and I drove Dad's motor home to our house.
And, this morning, I have unloaded all of the laundry from the week.
How many loads do you think we have?
Well, with our old washer and dryer, it would be at least 9 loads. At least.
Last fall, our old washer blew up, so we splurged and bought the best set made. It is a Whirlpool Duet front loading system.
Total loads from YC?
3. Three. Trey. Just 3 loads.
They tell you in the manual for the washer that you get the best results when you fill the washer almost to capacity. Each load in the new washer is about 3 in the old washer. And, even at that, you use less than half the detergent that you would have used in the old washer.
Now, someone reading this is asking, "John does the laundry?" Yes, I do. Almost all of it. I am very OCD about how it gets done, so I do it.
I love our new washer and dryer.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Brandon Miller Sleeps with a Teddy Bear!!!!!!
Brandon Miller is at my house all week helping me with the duties of the camp. So, in the best way I know how, I will express my thanks to him by posting this picture I took this morning. Do ya think I should let the folks on MyHoliness know about this?!?!?!?
Trying to Get to Camp
As reported earlier, we are in the middle of Adams County Holiness Camp. It was to start Monday night, but...
Monday evening, at about 5:40, we left to get to camp. As we were getting into the car, a storm was rolling in from the southwest. Nothing to worry about, I thought, so we quickly left to "beat the storm."
We had gotten about 4 miles down the road, when all of a sudden, the storm hit. With a vengeance. I thought we were in the middle of a tornado, something with which I have had too much experience. A semi headed the other way was leaning mightily, and the back end of the trailer was skidding off the road.
We turned left onto US 27, and the storm got stronger. Much stronger. A motorcycle was blown off the road, and crashed. I stopped to try to help, but could not back up to get to him for fear of someone rear ending us.
I called 911 (What's the number for 911!?!?!??) and reported the crash. We got disconnected. So I hung up. I had to immediately call back because some very large power line poles were snapping off at the ground, and were dangling by the wires over our heads.
We decided to try a country road to get away from the power lines, but had to turn back due to a tree that had fallen across the road.
Mom called to say that their road, our only other way to try to get to camp on time, was blocked in three spots by trees. One of those trees was a pine tree in my parents front yard that was blocking the road.
I decided to drive to mom and dad's, knowing my mother can, well, exaggerate the story at times. Not this time. She was right.
As we came to my parents house, we saw that the wind had pushed a 2 ton fertilizer spreader from behind my dad's barn clear out into the road.
My parents had 6 trees either totally gone or severely damaged.
In the midst of all of this, Tim Cole, our song evangelist, called from the campground, saying that the storm was hitting there, and as they were surrounded by tall trees, they were leaving!
So, I called everyone I could think of, and we cancelled the first night of camp.
David Fulton, myself, my older brother Tim, my dad, my uncle David, Brandon Miller, and one of dad's neighbors then spent the next two and a half hours cleaning up tree branches, and cutting up fallen logs, and raking, and... well, you get the picture.
And, no one got hurt.
Ain't God good?
Monday evening, at about 5:40, we left to get to camp. As we were getting into the car, a storm was rolling in from the southwest. Nothing to worry about, I thought, so we quickly left to "beat the storm."
We had gotten about 4 miles down the road, when all of a sudden, the storm hit. With a vengeance. I thought we were in the middle of a tornado, something with which I have had too much experience. A semi headed the other way was leaning mightily, and the back end of the trailer was skidding off the road.
We turned left onto US 27, and the storm got stronger. Much stronger. A motorcycle was blown off the road, and crashed. I stopped to try to help, but could not back up to get to him for fear of someone rear ending us.
I called 911 (What's the number for 911!?!?!??) and reported the crash. We got disconnected. So I hung up. I had to immediately call back because some very large power line poles were snapping off at the ground, and were dangling by the wires over our heads.
We decided to try a country road to get away from the power lines, but had to turn back due to a tree that had fallen across the road.
Mom called to say that their road, our only other way to try to get to camp on time, was blocked in three spots by trees. One of those trees was a pine tree in my parents front yard that was blocking the road.
I decided to drive to mom and dad's, knowing my mother can, well, exaggerate the story at times. Not this time. She was right.
As we came to my parents house, we saw that the wind had pushed a 2 ton fertilizer spreader from behind my dad's barn clear out into the road.
My parents had 6 trees either totally gone or severely damaged.
In the midst of all of this, Tim Cole, our song evangelist, called from the campground, saying that the storm was hitting there, and as they were surrounded by tall trees, they were leaving!
So, I called everyone I could think of, and we cancelled the first night of camp.
David Fulton, myself, my older brother Tim, my dad, my uncle David, Brandon Miller, and one of dad's neighbors then spent the next two and a half hours cleaning up tree branches, and cutting up fallen logs, and raking, and... well, you get the picture.
And, no one got hurt.
Ain't God good?
Monday, June 9, 2008
God Knows What He's Doing
Last November, I was sitting in an Olive Garden in Lafayette, IN. Around the table were Steve and Kim Waggoner, my brother Todd, my wife's sister Melissa, and my family.
We had just gotten our food when my cell rang. The caller ID said it was my father in law. Nothing unusual about that, we talk frequently.
This time, it was unusual. "John, Alfred Newman is gone" "Gone? Waddaya mean, gone?"
At the young age of 76, my wife's grandpa had passed away very unexpectedly. Very. We all thought he was in great health. Sudden massive heart attack, they said.
I would like to say that a great revival broke out at his funeral. I would like to say that many of his relatives that need the Lord got saved as a result of his death.
But, I cannot say that. So far, that has not happened.
Then, more recently, Sharon Cassady slipped away, aged 57. Too young, in my book. Too much more was needed from her in this life, IMO. There are grandkids that are now too young for them to be able to remember Sharon after they are grown. Sad.
And then, this past Sunday morning, sitting in church, Jonathan Walden calls me to tell me about the mess in Columbus, IN, with all the flooding. And, he passes along the info that Gene Davis's brother was killed in a wreck.
I do not know Gene and Angie all that well. I only have met them on occasion. But, my heart breaks for them. I cannot imagine what they are going through.
I asked Jonathan on the phone if Gene's brother was saved. Jonathan said he did not think so.
And, then, I read with sheer delight Angie's Blog. 1 hour before he left this world, Gene's brother told his mother that "if any thing should happen to me, I am ready for heaven."
Wow.
I do not know why God chose to take these people when he did. Is there some grand cosmic reason? Will we know all about it when we get to heaven? Will these instances be the impetuous for souls getting saved?
You know what? I don't know. Could be, but we don't know.
But, I rest in this: God does ALL things well. All things.
God knows what He's doing.
And, as much as I would like to know what God is doing, I have come to the realization that I don't NEED to know what He is doing.
I just NEED to trust.
We had just gotten our food when my cell rang. The caller ID said it was my father in law. Nothing unusual about that, we talk frequently.
This time, it was unusual. "John, Alfred Newman is gone" "Gone? Waddaya mean, gone?"
At the young age of 76, my wife's grandpa had passed away very unexpectedly. Very. We all thought he was in great health. Sudden massive heart attack, they said.
I would like to say that a great revival broke out at his funeral. I would like to say that many of his relatives that need the Lord got saved as a result of his death.
But, I cannot say that. So far, that has not happened.
Then, more recently, Sharon Cassady slipped away, aged 57. Too young, in my book. Too much more was needed from her in this life, IMO. There are grandkids that are now too young for them to be able to remember Sharon after they are grown. Sad.
And then, this past Sunday morning, sitting in church, Jonathan Walden calls me to tell me about the mess in Columbus, IN, with all the flooding. And, he passes along the info that Gene Davis's brother was killed in a wreck.
I do not know Gene and Angie all that well. I only have met them on occasion. But, my heart breaks for them. I cannot imagine what they are going through.
I asked Jonathan on the phone if Gene's brother was saved. Jonathan said he did not think so.
And, then, I read with sheer delight Angie's Blog. 1 hour before he left this world, Gene's brother told his mother that "if any thing should happen to me, I am ready for heaven."
Wow.
I do not know why God chose to take these people when he did. Is there some grand cosmic reason? Will we know all about it when we get to heaven? Will these instances be the impetuous for souls getting saved?
You know what? I don't know. Could be, but we don't know.
But, I rest in this: God does ALL things well. All things.
God knows what He's doing.
And, as much as I would like to know what God is doing, I have come to the realization that I don't NEED to know what He is doing.
I just NEED to trust.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I Find Myself in a Unique Postition, Take 2
This time, I find myself agreeing with the ACLU!
WASHINGTON (AP) - Stung by an outbreak of violence, including eight killings last weekend alone, police are taking the unusual step of establishing vehicle checkpoints in a crime-ridden neighborhood in the nation's capital.
Starting Saturday night, officers will check drivers' ID and turn away any who don't have a "legitimate purpose" in the area - a plan that has drawn swift criticism from civil liberties groups.
"The Constitution and the Bill of Rights should not become the next victim of the street violence," said Johnny Barnes, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union for the National Capital Area. "This plan will treat every resident of that area the way criminals are treated."
WASHINGTON (AP) - Stung by an outbreak of violence, including eight killings last weekend alone, police are taking the unusual step of establishing vehicle checkpoints in a crime-ridden neighborhood in the nation's capital.
Starting Saturday night, officers will check drivers' ID and turn away any who don't have a "legitimate purpose" in the area - a plan that has drawn swift criticism from civil liberties groups.
"The Constitution and the Bill of Rights should not become the next victim of the street violence," said Johnny Barnes, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union for the National Capital Area. "This plan will treat every resident of that area the way criminals are treated."
Obama Wants to "Block" the religious Right
We need to take faith seriously not simply to block the religious right but to engage all persons of faith in the larger project of American renewal.
- Barack Obama; The Audacity of Hope; p. 216
Do you want this man for President?
- Barack Obama; The Audacity of Hope; p. 216
Do you want this man for President?
Church Camps
I love going to church camp. I love the atmosphere, I like the idea of shutting out the world for a few days. I like almost every thing about church camp.
My first camp of the summer starts this coming Monday. Adams County Holiness Association's annual camp meeting. For the past several years, I have been the President of this camp.
Our speaker this year will be Rev David Fulton. Our singers will be the Tim Cole Family. Looking forward to this.
That camp ends on Fathers Day, (Hint, hint ladies!) June, 15th.
The very next day, on Monday the 16th, our Youth Camp starts at Central Friends Campground near Muncie, IN. The speaker for this camp will be Mark Avery, the Editor at Harold and Banner Press in Overland Park, KS. Mark also happens to be my wife's uncle.
I am on the Youth Camp Committee, so even at the ripe old age of 38, I still get to go to Youth Camp.
Youth Camp ends on Friday that week, and the very next night, my wife's cousin gets married in Zanesville.
Then, July 25th, Central Friends Camp starts.
Whew, I am tired just thinking about all of that!
Please share what camps you all will be attending.
My first camp of the summer starts this coming Monday. Adams County Holiness Association's annual camp meeting. For the past several years, I have been the President of this camp.
Our speaker this year will be Rev David Fulton. Our singers will be the Tim Cole Family. Looking forward to this.
That camp ends on Fathers Day, (Hint, hint ladies!) June, 15th.
The very next day, on Monday the 16th, our Youth Camp starts at Central Friends Campground near Muncie, IN. The speaker for this camp will be Mark Avery, the Editor at Harold and Banner Press in Overland Park, KS. Mark also happens to be my wife's uncle.
I am on the Youth Camp Committee, so even at the ripe old age of 38, I still get to go to Youth Camp.
Youth Camp ends on Friday that week, and the very next night, my wife's cousin gets married in Zanesville.
Then, July 25th, Central Friends Camp starts.
Whew, I am tired just thinking about all of that!
Please share what camps you all will be attending.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Obama
As I have said in a previous post, Barack Obama scares the daylights out of me. The people that have surrounded him in the past, and the comments of his wife convince me that he is not fit for the office that he seeks.
Check out this video:
Warning: This "preacher" uses one swear word in his "sermon."
Something about this clip really bothers me. The people in the congregation stand and shout somewhat like the CHM does. And, yet, their shouting and hand waving are in response to politics, not salvation, or any thing at all to do with Christianity. We saw this also in the clip from this church from former Pastor Wright.
It seems that liberal politics became this church's religion.
And the reason this is important is because Obama sat in this mess for 20 years. His protestations of late about this, and even his recent pulling of his membership from this "church" seem to be much too little, much too late.
Now, this Pfleger is yet another preacher that Obama has listed as a "mentor." This guy, along with Jerry Wright.
The Dems who are in favor of this guy love to point out that he is a professing Christian. But, do some research into the Church of Christ, and see what they promote. They promote most of what we conservative Christians stand against.
Why are the Dems falling at this guys feet? I just do not get it.
Check out this video:
Warning: This "preacher" uses one swear word in his "sermon."
Something about this clip really bothers me. The people in the congregation stand and shout somewhat like the CHM does. And, yet, their shouting and hand waving are in response to politics, not salvation, or any thing at all to do with Christianity. We saw this also in the clip from this church from former Pastor Wright.
It seems that liberal politics became this church's religion.
And the reason this is important is because Obama sat in this mess for 20 years. His protestations of late about this, and even his recent pulling of his membership from this "church" seem to be much too little, much too late.
Now, this Pfleger is yet another preacher that Obama has listed as a "mentor." This guy, along with Jerry Wright.
The Dems who are in favor of this guy love to point out that he is a professing Christian. But, do some research into the Church of Christ, and see what they promote. They promote most of what we conservative Christians stand against.
Why are the Dems falling at this guys feet? I just do not get it.
I Am a Promise
I thought I might need to post something for the gentler gender amongst us. Here it is:
The other day, for lunch, it was just Janae and I. Monica had worked all night the night before, and she was sleeping. For those of you who do not know, Janae is our three year old.
As I was in the kitchen getting things ready, I heard Janae say, "DADDY!!!!!!"
Well, the latest catastrophe in the life of dear daughter was that she had spilled a small cup of water. When I walked into the dining room, there was water running off the table onto the floor. After one quick look at the mess, my response was, "Oh, Janae....!"
To which she responded, "But, Daddy, it wasn't my fault." I said, "Janae, you were the only one in here, I would say it was your fault."
To which she again responded, "But, but, but DAAAADDDYYYY, I am a promise, I am a possibility, I am a promise, with a capital P..." and she proceeded to sing the rest of the song.
Now, I ask you, what would you have done? Me? I laughed my fool head off. :)
The other day, for lunch, it was just Janae and I. Monica had worked all night the night before, and she was sleeping. For those of you who do not know, Janae is our three year old.
As I was in the kitchen getting things ready, I heard Janae say, "DADDY!!!!!!"
Well, the latest catastrophe in the life of dear daughter was that she had spilled a small cup of water. When I walked into the dining room, there was water running off the table onto the floor. After one quick look at the mess, my response was, "Oh, Janae....!"
To which she responded, "But, Daddy, it wasn't my fault." I said, "Janae, you were the only one in here, I would say it was your fault."
To which she again responded, "But, but, but DAAAADDDYYYY, I am a promise, I am a possibility, I am a promise, with a capital P..." and she proceeded to sing the rest of the song.
Now, I ask you, what would you have done? Me? I laughed my fool head off. :)
Snopes.com
Snopes. It's a good thing.
Ever heard of it?
Snopes is an urban legends reference encyclopedia. They verify or prove false most urban legends.
"Yeah, great, so what does this have to do with me?" you may ask.
Glad you asked.
Ever send forwards on to all 387 of your nearest and dearest friends and relatives? Ever wonder if those forwards were true, or did you just take them at face value?
That is where Snopes comes in. Save that address in your favorites, and check out that newest Citgo boycott before you send it on.
Forwards are a big pet peeve of mine. Mainly because only about 1 in every 1000 actually turn out to be true. Ever get the one about Dr Dobson pleading with people to call the FCC to tell Madalyn Murray O'Hair that we Christians will NOT STAND for her trying to take the word "God" off of Touched By and Angel?
Yeah, so did Dr Dobson. And so did the FCC. So much so that Dobson had to go on his national radio show and tell people that there was no truth to it. And please stop using his name to make it sound valid!
See, the idiots that sent those e-mails on forgot a few things. Number one, Touched by an Angel was no longer in production. The show was canceled when the star, Della Reese, quit.
Number two, there is this little thing call the First Amendment that would prohibit this from happening in the first place.
Number three, and maybe most importantly, Madelyn Murray O'Hair is pushing up daisies. That's right, she's DEAD. The authorities found her bones out in the desert some where a few years back. With forensics, they proved the bones were hers.
And, still, even recently, I get those silly e-mails, and scratch my head.
We make us Christians look really silly when we do these things.
Snopes. Snopes. http://www.snopes.com/. It really is a good thing.
In the words of my political hero, Ronald Wilson Reagan, "Trust, but verify."
Ever heard of it?
Snopes is an urban legends reference encyclopedia. They verify or prove false most urban legends.
"Yeah, great, so what does this have to do with me?" you may ask.
Glad you asked.
Ever send forwards on to all 387 of your nearest and dearest friends and relatives? Ever wonder if those forwards were true, or did you just take them at face value?
That is where Snopes comes in. Save that address in your favorites, and check out that newest Citgo boycott before you send it on.
Forwards are a big pet peeve of mine. Mainly because only about 1 in every 1000 actually turn out to be true. Ever get the one about Dr Dobson pleading with people to call the FCC to tell Madalyn Murray O'Hair that we Christians will NOT STAND for her trying to take the word "God" off of Touched By and Angel?
Yeah, so did Dr Dobson. And so did the FCC. So much so that Dobson had to go on his national radio show and tell people that there was no truth to it. And please stop using his name to make it sound valid!
See, the idiots that sent those e-mails on forgot a few things. Number one, Touched by an Angel was no longer in production. The show was canceled when the star, Della Reese, quit.
Number two, there is this little thing call the First Amendment that would prohibit this from happening in the first place.
Number three, and maybe most importantly, Madelyn Murray O'Hair is pushing up daisies. That's right, she's DEAD. The authorities found her bones out in the desert some where a few years back. With forensics, they proved the bones were hers.
And, still, even recently, I get those silly e-mails, and scratch my head.
We make us Christians look really silly when we do these things.
Snopes. Snopes. http://www.snopes.com/. It really is a good thing.
In the words of my political hero, Ronald Wilson Reagan, "Trust, but verify."
The Smoking Gun
There are several sites on the web that I check religiously. I read Dear Abby everyday. Yes, Dear Abby is a 7 day a week column, at least on the web.
But one of my favorites is a site called The Smoking Gun. Every Friday, TSG has a weekly roundup of unusual booking photos of criminals from various police departments across the country.
Now, far be it from me to make light of another persons calamity. But, some of these you just cannot help laughing at.
The link that I have provided offers pics of some rather interesting people. Such as the guy in the first photo dressed like Fred Flintstone. Or the guy with the spiky mohawk. Or the guy with the UPC code tattooed on his neck. (I wonder how much he would ring up for at his local Wal Mart.) But, watch out for the guy who's eyes you should not stare into for very long!
Any way, for your enjoyment, I present to you yet another way to waste time on a computer.
But one of my favorites is a site called The Smoking Gun. Every Friday, TSG has a weekly roundup of unusual booking photos of criminals from various police departments across the country.
Now, far be it from me to make light of another persons calamity. But, some of these you just cannot help laughing at.
The link that I have provided offers pics of some rather interesting people. Such as the guy in the first photo dressed like Fred Flintstone. Or the guy with the spiky mohawk. Or the guy with the UPC code tattooed on his neck. (I wonder how much he would ring up for at his local Wal Mart.) But, watch out for the guy who's eyes you should not stare into for very long!
Any way, for your enjoyment, I present to you yet another way to waste time on a computer.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Gas Prices
Several years ago, we sang for a week in the Cayman Islands. That in and of it's self is an entire post, but I will save it for a later date.
While we were in Grand Cayman, I was astonished at what the Caymanians were paying for gas. At that time, they were paying, *gasp*, over $2.50 a gallon.
At that time, here in the US, we were paying around a dollar.
I remember thinking, "Wow, I do not think I can make it if we ever have to pay that much."
Yesterday afternoon, I became "friends" on Facebook with Adam Profitt, a GBS alum who lives in Cayman. I asked him what the current gas price was there, and his reply was that for diesel, they are paying $5 a gallon, and for gas, $4.70 a gallon.
Now the first thing I noticed is how much closer we are to them in what we are paying. In my area, we are paying $3.999.
But then, Adam threw in a fact that I was not aware of. They are paying $4.70 for an imperial gallon.
Now, why does that matter? Because an imperial gallon of gas is 5 quarts. Not 4.
So, for a quart of gas in Cayman, they are paying 94 cents. At $3.999 per gallon, we are paying a dollar for a quart of gas. So we now pay more for gas than what they are paying on the little island of Grand Cayman.
And, on top of that, our dollar is worth 22 cents less than their dollar. So we are paying significantly more for gas than they are.
The reason they gave for the high gas prices in Cayman when we were there was that it cost so much more to transport it in by boat than what it did for us here in the US.
So, what changed?
While we were in Grand Cayman, I was astonished at what the Caymanians were paying for gas. At that time, they were paying, *gasp*, over $2.50 a gallon.
At that time, here in the US, we were paying around a dollar.
I remember thinking, "Wow, I do not think I can make it if we ever have to pay that much."
Yesterday afternoon, I became "friends" on Facebook with Adam Profitt, a GBS alum who lives in Cayman. I asked him what the current gas price was there, and his reply was that for diesel, they are paying $5 a gallon, and for gas, $4.70 a gallon.
Now the first thing I noticed is how much closer we are to them in what we are paying. In my area, we are paying $3.999.
But then, Adam threw in a fact that I was not aware of. They are paying $4.70 for an imperial gallon.
Now, why does that matter? Because an imperial gallon of gas is 5 quarts. Not 4.
So, for a quart of gas in Cayman, they are paying 94 cents. At $3.999 per gallon, we are paying a dollar for a quart of gas. So we now pay more for gas than what they are paying on the little island of Grand Cayman.
And, on top of that, our dollar is worth 22 cents less than their dollar. So we are paying significantly more for gas than they are.
The reason they gave for the high gas prices in Cayman when we were there was that it cost so much more to transport it in by boat than what it did for us here in the US.
So, what changed?
Forum Moderation
I have been a member of quite a few forums. Those were the things that were so popular before Blogs came along.
I have loved the forums format. I liked the idea of "community" that the forums provide(d). There is something about bouncing ideas off of one another, and just to be honest, I love a good debate.
Almost all of the forums that I have been a member of have had one recurring problem: over moderation.
For the uninitiated, moderators on any given forum have the ability/responsibility to delete posts they deem objectionable. Yes, I have had posts deleted, and even had an entire thread deleted. And, you know what? I am fine with that.
The problem comes in when the moderators of a forum begin taking the job too seriously. Like a web site Barney Fife, they over moderate a forum.
For instance, one forum I am a member of has a very strict rule about "bumping." Bumping is posting on a thread just to bring it back to life, or to bring it back to the top of the thread list.
Now, that rule is fine by me. There are threads that have long since died that need to be left, well, dead. But, if you happen to be a new member on that forum, and go find an old thread and post on it, the moderators will nail your hide to the wall. And two infractions will get you banned from the site.
One site that I am a member of, sogospelnews.com/forums , has moderated it's self almost clear out of existence. They at one time had literally thousands of posts per day, and now, due to, IMO, over moderation, they can go for a few days and no one posts. Period.
On that site, they recently shut down entirely the Religion portion of the site. Had the moderators not interfered, I think that everything would have resolved it's self. But, they "had" to step in, the problem escalated, and, viola, that section is now closed.
Why do moderators do this? Well, of course, I have an opinion. It could be a power trip. It could be that bad choices were made in who was named moderator. Or, as I stated earlier, they could just be taking the job too seriously.
Now, what does that have to do with my little home on the web? Well, should this little site take off, I will let any one say what they want to in my comments section, except for profanity, and only if the will give their name and thereby take responsibility for what they say.
I am new to this, so one person was able to make a comment anonymously. That one will be the last.
So, join me for a discussion. Grab of cup of your favorite hot beverage, and let's talk.
And remember, I love a good dabate!
I have loved the forums format. I liked the idea of "community" that the forums provide(d). There is something about bouncing ideas off of one another, and just to be honest, I love a good debate.
Almost all of the forums that I have been a member of have had one recurring problem: over moderation.
For the uninitiated, moderators on any given forum have the ability/responsibility to delete posts they deem objectionable. Yes, I have had posts deleted, and even had an entire thread deleted. And, you know what? I am fine with that.
The problem comes in when the moderators of a forum begin taking the job too seriously. Like a web site Barney Fife, they over moderate a forum.
For instance, one forum I am a member of has a very strict rule about "bumping." Bumping is posting on a thread just to bring it back to life, or to bring it back to the top of the thread list.
Now, that rule is fine by me. There are threads that have long since died that need to be left, well, dead. But, if you happen to be a new member on that forum, and go find an old thread and post on it, the moderators will nail your hide to the wall. And two infractions will get you banned from the site.
One site that I am a member of, sogospelnews.com/forums , has moderated it's self almost clear out of existence. They at one time had literally thousands of posts per day, and now, due to, IMO, over moderation, they can go for a few days and no one posts. Period.
On that site, they recently shut down entirely the Religion portion of the site. Had the moderators not interfered, I think that everything would have resolved it's self. But, they "had" to step in, the problem escalated, and, viola, that section is now closed.
Why do moderators do this? Well, of course, I have an opinion. It could be a power trip. It could be that bad choices were made in who was named moderator. Or, as I stated earlier, they could just be taking the job too seriously.
Now, what does that have to do with my little home on the web? Well, should this little site take off, I will let any one say what they want to in my comments section, except for profanity, and only if the will give their name and thereby take responsibility for what they say.
I am new to this, so one person was able to make a comment anonymously. That one will be the last.
So, join me for a discussion. Grab of cup of your favorite hot beverage, and let's talk.
And remember, I love a good dabate!
True Story
I live in an Amish community. I have worked for them extensively in the past. I am more familiar with them than I really care to be. But, some of the things they do are hilarious!
This past week, an Amish fellow, 36 years old, with 12 children (!), was admitted to the Stress Center near our home. Part of his treatment was group therapy.
During one group session, the counselor asked everyone in the group to draw a picture of themselves. Then they were to draw a picture of their "support system."
The Amish man drew a picture of himself...sitting on his horse. His "support system."
The counselor asked him where his family was. He said, "In the house."
Now we know why he is in the Stress Center.
This past week, an Amish fellow, 36 years old, with 12 children (!), was admitted to the Stress Center near our home. Part of his treatment was group therapy.
During one group session, the counselor asked everyone in the group to draw a picture of themselves. Then they were to draw a picture of their "support system."
The Amish man drew a picture of himself...sitting on his horse. His "support system."
The counselor asked him where his family was. He said, "In the house."
Now we know why he is in the Stress Center.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
I Find Myself in a Unique Position
That position being that I find myself pulling for Hillary Clinton. Oh, not to win the national election, of course.
But, oh, how I want her to win over Obama.
Why? Because that man scares me as no other candidate has. Ever.
His association with the radical fringes of the left, his pastor, his "church," his wife, and, you get the picture.
I would not want Hillary to be Pres. But, if it were to come down to a choice between Hillary and Barack, I would take the known quantity of Clinton over the unknown specter of Obama any day of the week.
Guilt by association? You bet. You will never convince me that Obama does not hold to the same ideology as his pastor and "church."
But, oh, how I want her to win over Obama.
Why? Because that man scares me as no other candidate has. Ever.
His association with the radical fringes of the left, his pastor, his "church," his wife, and, you get the picture.
I would not want Hillary to be Pres. But, if it were to come down to a choice between Hillary and Barack, I would take the known quantity of Clinton over the unknown specter of Obama any day of the week.
Guilt by association? You bet. You will never convince me that Obama does not hold to the same ideology as his pastor and "church."
Evangelists Pay
So, how do you like the $4.00 you are paying for gas right now? Making the budget tricky? It has affected my family significantly. (I may post more about that in the future.)
Now, what if you were a full time evangelist in the CHM, and your livelihood depended on what the local church decided you were worth for a week?
I know of an evangelist that travels full time in a truck pulling an older trailer.
Truck uses diesel. For some reason, diesel is now more expensive than gas. $4.73 cents is what my friend paid for diesel to get to his current meeting.
His trip was somewhere around 460 miles. He gets 10 miles to the gallon. That would be 46 gallons of diesel to get to his date. 46 X $4.739 = $217.99. Just for fuel to get to the meeting.
This does not count wear and tear on his rig.
This does not count food on the road.
This does not count insurance for the truck and trailer.
Or tires.
Or...well, you get the picture.
And, if we go on the old pay scale for the CHM, he might get $500 to $700 for the week.
And then, he will spend half of that getting to his next meeting.
So, care to be a full time evangelist?
My point is, we need to be re-thinking what we pay the evangelist when he comes through town. $100 per day is just not enough.
Now, what if you were a full time evangelist in the CHM, and your livelihood depended on what the local church decided you were worth for a week?
I know of an evangelist that travels full time in a truck pulling an older trailer.
Truck uses diesel. For some reason, diesel is now more expensive than gas. $4.73 cents is what my friend paid for diesel to get to his current meeting.
His trip was somewhere around 460 miles. He gets 10 miles to the gallon. That would be 46 gallons of diesel to get to his date. 46 X $4.739 = $217.99. Just for fuel to get to the meeting.
This does not count wear and tear on his rig.
This does not count food on the road.
This does not count insurance for the truck and trailer.
Or tires.
Or...well, you get the picture.
And, if we go on the old pay scale for the CHM, he might get $500 to $700 for the week.
And then, he will spend half of that getting to his next meeting.
So, care to be a full time evangelist?
My point is, we need to be re-thinking what we pay the evangelist when he comes through town. $100 per day is just not enough.
I Love IHC!!! (But, let's change one little thing...)
Really, I do. No, really, I really do.
I love it. I love the fellowship. I love the atmosphere. I like going to the Spaghetti Factory and not being the odd ball out.
I love the services where God moves in. I want to be in that atmosphere, and I want my family to be there to experience it. I want my daughter to know what that is like.
I even liked the guy who always grabbed the flower pot, and ran with it on his head.
I think that Bro Sankey has done a WONDERFUL job in leading IHC, and I think James Plank is the RIGHT man for the job that he has taken.
The 2008 Convention was one of the best in recent years, maybe even THE best in recent years.
But, (you knew that was coming, right?)
If I could change one thing about the Great Convention, (as a friend of mine calls it, always while imitating Bro Sankey), I would change...
Ready for this?
The Building for Keeps service.
Whoa, I thought Bro Sankey called that the favorite service of the convention?!?!?!
Yep, he did. And, at one time, I would have agreed with him.
So, why don't I like it any more?
Well, as the old saw goes, the old gray mare ain't what she used to be.
It seems that only the most sensational stories, with the most gruesome, horrific details make the Building for Keeps docket these days.
Get divorced, have an affair, get back with your wife? Come tell us about it.
29 family members and the dog got killed all at once? Dog came back to life? You're up next on the platform, come on down!
Killed a guy in a drug fight? (Yes, this one actually has been told @ IHC. More than once.)
See, when it first started, this was not the thrust of the service. I remember hearing Dale Darr talk about adopting Kelly from a South American country. I heard about God keeping families together through the hardest of circumstances. I heard about ways to keep the family together in "these times."
And, they were uplifting, God honoring services.
Well, I may have opened a can of worms. Thoughts?
I love it. I love the fellowship. I love the atmosphere. I like going to the Spaghetti Factory and not being the odd ball out.
I love the services where God moves in. I want to be in that atmosphere, and I want my family to be there to experience it. I want my daughter to know what that is like.
I even liked the guy who always grabbed the flower pot, and ran with it on his head.
I think that Bro Sankey has done a WONDERFUL job in leading IHC, and I think James Plank is the RIGHT man for the job that he has taken.
The 2008 Convention was one of the best in recent years, maybe even THE best in recent years.
But, (you knew that was coming, right?)
If I could change one thing about the Great Convention, (as a friend of mine calls it, always while imitating Bro Sankey), I would change...
Ready for this?
The Building for Keeps service.
Whoa, I thought Bro Sankey called that the favorite service of the convention?!?!?!
Yep, he did. And, at one time, I would have agreed with him.
So, why don't I like it any more?
Well, as the old saw goes, the old gray mare ain't what she used to be.
It seems that only the most sensational stories, with the most gruesome, horrific details make the Building for Keeps docket these days.
Get divorced, have an affair, get back with your wife? Come tell us about it.
29 family members and the dog got killed all at once? Dog came back to life? You're up next on the platform, come on down!
Killed a guy in a drug fight? (Yes, this one actually has been told @ IHC. More than once.)
See, when it first started, this was not the thrust of the service. I remember hearing Dale Darr talk about adopting Kelly from a South American country. I heard about God keeping families together through the hardest of circumstances. I heard about ways to keep the family together in "these times."
And, they were uplifting, God honoring services.
Well, I may have opened a can of worms. Thoughts?
MyHoliness
I have long been a member of MyHoliness. I have been a very frequent poster in the past. 1500 posts, to be exact.
At one time, I loved the site. Logged in many times a day. Too many.
When the site started, I was under the impression that the site was specifically "for" the CHM. I liked that. I liked having a place to go on the web that I did not need to be constantly defending the CHM. I have had to do that in enough other places.
Things have changed. It seems as if anyone posts any conservative viewpoint, be it theologically or politically, it will be immediately pounced on, torn apart, ridiculed and scorned.
Here is my question:
Why would all of these people that have left, or never been a part of, the CHM, join a CHM website, and then try their best to invalidate all that we believe?
That would not be so much different then me joining a site dedicated to CCM music and telling all that I find wrong with said music. Why would I do that?!?!?!?
Do the aforementioned people think that they are more enlightened than we in the CHM? Do they think we need their vast, infinite wisdom?
What do they think they are going to accomplish?
As it is, they have shot to smithereens any enjoyment I have gotten from being a member there.
Maybe that is what they wanted in the first place.
At one time, I loved the site. Logged in many times a day. Too many.
When the site started, I was under the impression that the site was specifically "for" the CHM. I liked that. I liked having a place to go on the web that I did not need to be constantly defending the CHM. I have had to do that in enough other places.
Things have changed. It seems as if anyone posts any conservative viewpoint, be it theologically or politically, it will be immediately pounced on, torn apart, ridiculed and scorned.
Here is my question:
Why would all of these people that have left, or never been a part of, the CHM, join a CHM website, and then try their best to invalidate all that we believe?
That would not be so much different then me joining a site dedicated to CCM music and telling all that I find wrong with said music. Why would I do that?!?!?!?
Do the aforementioned people think that they are more enlightened than we in the CHM? Do they think we need their vast, infinite wisdom?
What do they think they are going to accomplish?
As it is, they have shot to smithereens any enjoyment I have gotten from being a member there.
Maybe that is what they wanted in the first place.
The Curse of the Singing News Article
I love the Singing News. I read it cover to cover. And I have noticed something.
If you read the SN, have you ever noticed how often a group being written about will make some sort of comment like this:
"We (the members of any given group) are all on the same page." Or, "This group will be together for a long time." Or, as two members of Greater Vision recently said, "We are here until we retire."
And, invariably, within a year, someone leaves the group.
15 years ago, the members of Palmetto State Quartet were Jack Pittman, Jack Bagwell, Harold Gilley, Brion Carter, and Woody Beatty.
And, they were all interviewed for the SN, and were telling how they were going to be together for many years to come.
6 months later, 3 members had departed.
3 years ago, again PSQ, newer members, same story in the SN. "We have gelled, we will be together for a long time." A year later, all members but one had departed, and they had "reorganized."
2 years ago, Dixie Melody Boys were written about. they too talked about being on the "same page," and how they were all so happy to be together. Today, all three of the members that were travelling with Ed have departed.
And now, less than a year after saying that he was going to be with Greater Vision "until I retire," Jason is departing the group.
So, what do we gather from this? Are you doomed if you let the SN write about you? Are the groups lying when they say these things?
Does anybody really care????
If you read the SN, have you ever noticed how often a group being written about will make some sort of comment like this:
"We (the members of any given group) are all on the same page." Or, "This group will be together for a long time." Or, as two members of Greater Vision recently said, "We are here until we retire."
And, invariably, within a year, someone leaves the group.
15 years ago, the members of Palmetto State Quartet were Jack Pittman, Jack Bagwell, Harold Gilley, Brion Carter, and Woody Beatty.
And, they were all interviewed for the SN, and were telling how they were going to be together for many years to come.
6 months later, 3 members had departed.
3 years ago, again PSQ, newer members, same story in the SN. "We have gelled, we will be together for a long time." A year later, all members but one had departed, and they had "reorganized."
2 years ago, Dixie Melody Boys were written about. they too talked about being on the "same page," and how they were all so happy to be together. Today, all three of the members that were travelling with Ed have departed.
And now, less than a year after saying that he was going to be with Greater Vision "until I retire," Jason is departing the group.
So, what do we gather from this? Are you doomed if you let the SN write about you? Are the groups lying when they say these things?
Does anybody really care????
First Blogging Post
Well, here I go. My first blog post. I doubt many people will care to read it, but, who knows?
It is my goal to post things here about Southern Gospel, the Conservative Holiness Movement, politics, the church world in general, and anything else that piques my interest on any given day.
Please feel free to comment. I would love a dialogue.
It is my goal to post things here about Southern Gospel, the Conservative Holiness Movement, politics, the church world in general, and anything else that piques my interest on any given day.
Please feel free to comment. I would love a dialogue.
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