Make a Commitment!

Staying true to our commitments! One of our most important commitments is when we take our marriage vows. Married couples, in most cases, start off with a true devoted feeling of love for each other, and a commitment to love and adore until death. Most couples are then blessed with a loving family, and then more commitments begin. Our children are given to us as one of Gods most precious gifts. I always looked at childbirth as one of God's wonderful miracles. Parents, stay true to your commitment in supervision and guidance of that son or daughter. Let's not let that special closeness between mom and dad and son and daughter ever cease to exist. Too often, we adults fail to stay true to commitments we make. When your teenager seems to be out of hand, don't give up. Ask for help and assistance to get them back on track. Let's continue to try to give them a purpose for staying in school and getting that education. How well I know, how it is to be on your own as a teenager. It's not easy! I wish there were more school counselors in our high schools, who could recognize our students who might need that special advise. Know one wants our students to fell. If our upcoming, young adults fell in being educated, our great country slowly fells. I plead with all of our young people living in and around the Dothan area. Take advantage of the well trained and concerned teachers you have in your school. They care, and applied themselves while going to school themselves, to be qualified to train and teach each one of you. There is nothing wrong with every teenager, between the ages of twelve and eighteen, to make the same commitment your parents made to you. Take charge of your future!

A Word of Love for Our Family

Subject: A Word of Love for Our Family!

The months leading up to March 8, 2012 was a trying time in the lives of so many love ones in our family. A beautiful, sweet wife and sweetheart of Jess, four daughters and two sons, and all other family members who was close to Jess, could see daily, how much pain was in Jess's life because his inability to get out of the house and take Shirley for a walk in the mall or go to fun places they always enjoyed together. They were sweethearts to the end for sure! I can remember back in the days when they were both in prime condition, even then, they liked to hold hands when out for a walk. I know back when Shirley was in the hospital in a coma, Jess would say to me, "I don't know what I'll do if I lose her." Life want be the same! I have seen over the years that this family has been a special, loving and supporting family at all times. I don't need to call names, but all the sons and daughters have shown their love for Jess and Shirley on a daily basis. Jess told me many times how much God had blessed him over the years, in his prayers being answered for God to guide his and Shirley's children, and to watch over and guide Steve and Pam through their daily lives. These last few weeks of going to the VA hospital with Jess and making sure that Shirley's needs were met, made me very proud of all you guys. You did well, and showed so much love for your parents. Carrie and I are proud and we love all of you very much. Uncle Jake

Our Commitments!

Our Sunday School class has been studying about the importance of "staying true to our commitments".  One of our most important commitments is when we take our marriage vows. Married couples, in most cases, start off with a true devoted feeling of love for each other, and a commitment to love and adore  until death. Most couples are then blessed with a loving family, and then more commitments begin. Our children are given to us as one of Gods most precious gifts. I always looked at childbirth as one of God's wonderful miracles. Parents, stay true to your commitment in supervision and guidance of that son or daughter. Let's not let that special closeness between mom and dad and son and daughter ever cease to exist. Too often, we adults fail to stay true to commitments we make. My wife and I attended a 60th. Wedding Anniversary last week of a Mr. and Mrs. Dean, given to them by their daughter. I want mention their first names, they might not invite us to their 70th., but this is what I'm trying to say. The love for each other and the love and appreciation their daughter showed, was very prevalent. Staying true to their commitments.
I read in my teachers adult commentary, that "Christians are not immune from facing challenges to their commitments. They may even be tempted to break commitments in serving God. God is pleased when people commit to serve Him. He is honored when they stay true to those commitments."

"Just Give It Away!"

Christmas is just around the corner! Check your garage, attic and all areas for items such as old bikes, TV's, stereos and such. You get the idea! There are so many little boys and girls who just might need those items. If you can't find those old items, then go to your favorite store and purchase at least one item and "just give it away"! "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." Have a garage sale and clear out those items you'll never use, and transfer what you receive for those goods to someone who could really use that little gift. Work through your Church or donate to the Columbia Baptist Association and they will pass those items on to someone who might have a need. Think for just a moment, how very blessed most of us are just to have a place to live. We call this place, "home". Let's ask ourselves this question! "Where does my obligation end, as far as being concerned for those who might be a little less fortunate?"
 
One of the first questions raised in recorded history was, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). Do I have moral obligations toward others? Everyone have a Very Happy Holiday and,
 A Very Merry Christmas.  Jake and Carrie

Forgiveness

God calls us to forgive as we’ve been forgiven. It’s the only way to be free from hurt and bitterness in our heart. If we allow bitterness to remain in our lives, then unresolved anger will take over. Stress will kick in and then health problems. We need to take steps to replace anger with forgiveness. What better time of year than the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and my favorite time of year, Christmas. God was betrayed, falsely accused, beaten, and humiliated, and while he suffered, his last plea was: “Father, forgive them.”

We all might get angry from time to time. Knowing families, who do not speak to each other for years at a time, is just heart breaking! Pride steps in sometimes and keeps us from making that first effort to make things right. Family is everything. The part about “turning the other cheek” has always been hard for me to grasp, but maintaining a loving harmony among family members, is so important in maintaining a happy and healthy family. Anger and bitterness among adults affects the little ones as they grow. Sure, we will always have mountains and valleys. Let’s not wait until Christmas to get it right! Thanksgiving is an ideal time to reflect on all our blessings. Take a moment and reflect on how things are between family members and maybe a friend or two. It's not really that hard to say--"I'm sorry." Let's go into Christmas, giving the best gift of all. Settle all family "hang-ups" with the, I'm sorry approach. An inner feeling of happiness will fill those empty holes of sorry.  May God Bless, Jake and Carrie

Remember!
Family Is Everything.
 

We Need Vibrant Leadership

The election of 2012 is approaching fast. The problem is not, are you a Democrat, Republican or Independent. The problem is, will we as Americans make the correct decision in what's best for our great country. We have questions about the healthcare plan Congress passed in 2010. I am concerned if Congress will restore the $500 billion in Medicare benefits for seniors the Obama plan might cut, if not already. We should all be concerned about this administrations desire to give 12 million illegal aliens amnesty and a path to citizenship. After all this time of discussions of top priorities for this administration. Cutting spending, cutting taxes or paying down the national debt just doesn't seem to be their priority. What about "vibrant leadership"? All of our leaders in Washington are not "Apprentice"! They have been there for years, doing the same thing, year after year. Living the "good life" with good pay and great upcoming benefits for life. Why was it allowed to let our factories and other companies move to other countries? G E is a great example. Go shopping and check the racks of clothing in most of the stores in Dothan, AL or any retail store in America and look for "made in the USA" labels. I did just that last week in one of our largest local stores. Checking about twenty five racks, I did not find any USA made clothing. Toy counters were the same. Let's get back to the "American Way" of doing things and put America back on the map of being the greatest and most powerful and yes, continue to be the most compassionate country on earth. America, it starts with having a "vibrant leader." A person with moral values and a broad vision for the future for America. Oh Yes! Forgot one thing! Someone who respects the American Flag!

First Priority, Our Children

I knew at an early age that more than likely, I would always be a simple man, and that is who I am, a simple man.  Growing up in the country on a small southern farm, life was simple.  My birth took place in a little frame house a short distance from a small town called Jakin.  Things were less complicated back then and neighbors looked out for neighbors.  Everyone went to church twice on Sunday and prayer meeting on Wednesday night.  We knew where the needs were with our family and friends and were there to assist when necessary.  What happened between then and now, some fifty or sixty years later? “Things” happened!  A simple man does not need to explain the “things” I am talking about in this letter.  Guess what!  When the things continued to come over these past years, we became less dependent on each other and most of all, on our daily prayer to our God. 

Our speaker at the Brotherhood meeting had a message directed to the men in our church.  He explained how important it was, for every man to take charge of his family’s knowledge of what’s right and wrong, according to the Bible.  Some states have already made it law to teach things in our public schools which are not approved, according to God’s teachings in the Bible.   Maybe these teachings are “old school” to many of you.  If not, then this message is to all men here in the area of Dothan.  Sit your children down often, and ask questions about things going on in their school life.  Some of these teachings have not reached our area as yet, but it’s only a matter of time.  I am not allowed to copy and reprint this article, but the information was published by:  usatoday

I truly believe that all of our children can be educated together, regardless of race or status of their parents in the community.  I do remember the early years when we were separated as to color.  I felt it was wrong then as a little boy, and I think it would be wrong today.  We are all God’s children and “He” still wants us to care for each other, as He cares for us.

Brief History of Jakin School, Jakin, GA.

In 1880 Mr. T. S. Minter gave land on which was built Mid-Way Church and our first School. The School was improved in 1921, when Mid-Way and Jakin School was consolidated. A two-story brick building was erected in Jakin. A larger district called for arrangements to be made to transport the students and our first School bus was started in 1928. In 1932 Jakin suffered a great loss and the School building and equipment was destroyed by fire. A new building was started the same year.
Progress continued and the year 1934 another grade was added and this made a total of eleven grades. In 1937, Home Economics and Agriculture was added. In 1942 Springfield was also added to the Jakin district and more classrooms were added. Jakin School existed over eighty years and trained and graduated many well qualified students.
 Many years have passed since the doors were closed. Books, records, sports trophies, old desk and fixtures were packed up and hauled away. A few years passed and the old Alma Mater was torn down and the land was sold. Years have passed and the old School site is filled with trees and grass. Leaving nothing left behind to remind the thousands of students who passed through those doors of learning. Only memories are left. Over the years many classes have tried to keep the memories alive by having their class reunions. I truly feel the education students received from Jakin High back in the 50’s and 60’s qualified our students to go on to College or make their way successfully in the work place.
Jakin High School, over the years had many great principals and teachers who devoted themselves to training boys and girls from the Jakin district. One of those principals was Mr. C. L. Brooks, who now lives in Bushnell, FL and celebrated his 100th birthday this past April 23, 2011.
We can look back to our heritage and memories of Jakin High! The plays we put on for the community. The old time cakewalks around the walkway of the auditorium. The 8 mm movies we were able to watch once in a while in the auditorium. The old dirt basketball courts we played and practiced on for many years. The new gymnasium and boy did it make a difference. One thing for sure! Even back when we did not have the modern equipment and we brought our lunches in a lunch box, we still had our devoted teachers and caring parents.
Someone wrote in the “appreciation” pages of our annual: “As a token of appreciation, we thank our parents for their helpful counseling, understanding patience, their sincere interest in our trials and accomplishments, kindness, much needed sympathy, and most of all, for the opportunity to graduate from this school, Jakin High School, just located in the lower corner of South Georgia.

Note: The Jakin history was researched from old archives off the Internet. The personal comments came from the heart of someone who still loves the old South and Jakin, GA., my home town. I graduated from Jakin High School in 1957. Many of our classes have been holding our class reunion in Jakin or close by, and three classes have stayed together in our "memories" reunions for many years. Our last reunion was Aug. 9, 2009 at the Jakin Baptist Church fellowship hall, thanks to Johnny Miller, who still lives in the Jakin area.

I wish someone could locate our School trophies, which are now in Blakely, GA. school system, and if not destroyed, relocate them to our outstanding Jakin Library. Many thanks to the individuals on the Jakin City Council and others in the past, who have remodeled and gave a facelift to our old city in order to make us proud. I will never forget my roots! Will you?  by Jake Cannon

'It is really a shame'

  "Shall We Gather At The River!" The Jordan River that is! This is my recommendation for Congress, The White House and everyone involved in trying to make a decision to save our nation, America. This great nation operated for many years, following the Constitution of the United States and incorporating the Ten Commandments in our way of life. Our leaders, our President and his administration should meet at that "River" and take a real bath of forgiveness for the "off track" leadership they have presented to this country.
  The wasteful spending and uncontrollable, self-indulgence, self-gratification and thoughtlessness for the American people should be addressed. Every person in the past, (listen to this AL Gore)  who had anything to do with transferring Social Security and Medicare funds into the general fund to use as they please, should be prosecuted. Even the people who have passed on, should be dug up and tried.
It is really a shame that the best entertainment on TV nowadays is seeing and hearing our leaders come to the podium and disagree with each other on every problem confronting our country.
  Joseph Addison Alexander wrote: There is a line, by us unseen, Which crosses every path, Which marks the boundary between God's mercy and his wrath.

A Special Prayer, for You

Should you go first and I remain,

to walk the road alone,

I’ll live in memories garden, dear,

with happy days we’ve known.

In spring I’ll wait for roses red,

when faded, the lilacs blue.

In early fall when brown leaves fall,

I’ll catch a glimpse of you.

I’ll hear your voice, I’ll see your

smile, tho blindly I may grope,

The memory of your helping hand

will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain,

one thing I’ll have you do:

Walk slowly down that long long

path, for soon I’ll follow you.

I want to know each step you take,

So I may take the same.

For someday down that lonely road,

you’ll hear me call your name.

Your Mother Is Always With You

She's the whisper of the leaves

as you walk down the street.
She's the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks.
She's the cool hand on your brow
when you're not well.
Your mother lives inside your laughter.
She's crystallized in every tear drop.
She's the place you came from,
your first home...
She's the map you follow
with every step that you take.
She's your first love and your first heart break...                                                                                       
Etta Cannon

Merrell and Marie

and nothing on earth can separate you.
Not time, Not space...
Not even death...
will ever separate you
from your mother...
You carry her inside of you...
Author Unknown


Etta Cannon

Merrell & Marie

Mother's Day

A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.  We know there is much more to being a mother than worrying about, if there will be enough pie to go around.  Mother's Day is May 8th and will be a great day to say "Thanks Mom", for all your hard work and loving care for our family.

Many of us never had the blessings of having a mother wake us each morning, tucking us in bed each night, reading to us when we were small.  Holding us close and telling us how much she loved us when we were hurt or having problems with our school lessons.  I always felt that my friends mothers were someone very special in the family.  I could see the concern and love shown each and every time I visited one of my school friends.  I missed that warmth in my life as a young boy.

Let's give thanks to all our mothers and those special people who might be filling in for our real mother.  Say something or give a special mother's day card expressing that special love for these special people.

America Might Be Off Track

I do not wish to be friends with radicals who wish to kill me and destroy my country. How many more "corruption" areas of this and past administrations will the American people overlook? This group in Washington, as far as I am concerned, has reached the end of the road. We have many of our own States beginning to fight back for one reason or another. I thought this kind of uprising was reserved for countries under the rule of a dictator. Has America lost the respect by other countries around the world? Yes! And! We still continue to send $$$$$ of support to countries who hate us. Please start asking questions such as: Has our leaders, who we voted into office and sent them to Washington, deviated from our constitution to no end? Our forefathers left this country with guidelines to follow in the operation of this great democracy. "A government in which the supreme power is held by the people." The policy makers can't make up their mind as to "God's plan." Did they ever read about Adam and Eve, the first man and women! One man, one women, in marriage was God's plan. If two men or two women wish to live together in some type of union or what ever you wish to call it, so be it. Our Government does not have the authority to change God's plan. The Democrats, Republicans, Independents and the rest, who are undecided are walking a tight line. This country is way off track. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, gasoline, food prices, home mortgages, drugs coming across unprotected boarders, unemployment, and the policy makers in Washington getting away with very bad decisions being made in the housing market. These are all problem areas that effect our lives now and in the future. Funds have been dipped into for years and placed into the general fund, and now our leaders have no idea where the funds ended up. The House and the Senate must be held accountable.
"Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence."

Thank God For Little Girls!

I wish I knew when you reached that time in life, when people would say: he's now over the hill!  I just took a long look at my two daughters on the front of my blog.  I was instantly reminded how blessed my wife and I are and have been for so many years as a family.  Mother's Day is this coming May 8th and I am so thankful to my wife for giving so much of her time to our girls while they were young.  We have never been so proud of our daughters as we are today.  God has truly blessed and answered prayer many times.  Thanks Julie and Jolie for being who you are...your loved very much!         

Keep The Faith

"I have been driven to my knees many times, because I had no other place to go," Abe Lincoln.  Not a bad place to go, if you need some type of guidance in your life.  I don't think anyone in America would disagree, with the fact that our country is going through difficult times.  We see daily, where other countries are fighting in the streets, looking for some kind of stability in their lives.  I hope and, yes I pray that our country is not heading in the same unrest among the American people.

Some friends and I were discussing our life back in the forties and fifties.  We had no health insurance, no medicare, no social security, no tax deductions, no checking and saving accounts, no indoor plumbing, and in many
family homes, no electricity.  We were not blessed with one-a-day vitamins, fish oil, and we have more over-the-counter supplements than Carter's liver pills.  Oh!  We did not even have "stool softeners,"  We had "Grover's chill tonic", which I think was made out of the ashes from the fireplace, and Castor oil.  Keep those pipes clean, and everything runs better.

The great thing is; the seven types of taxes we have in the complicated tax code.  There is the "Income Taxes", "Property Taxes", "Consumptive Taxes", "Corporate Taxes", "Payroll Taxes", "Capital Gains Taxes", "Inheritance or Estate Taxes".  Of course, these taxes are broken down into other taxes, such as county, city, gas and so on and so on. 
Benjamin Franklin once said, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes."  While few people relish paying taxes, everyone enjoys having good schools, roads and services.  In the end, taxes improve our overall quality of life.  I think! A little "serious" and a little "funny" never hurt anyone!   Keep the faith Dothan!

God Is Waiting for Your Return

 I was thinking how great it would be, if correcting our countries mistakes over the past few years was as simple as using a Spell Check on our computer.  The stress level for many Americans is rising daily.  Jobs are hard to find in all areas of the country.  We hear each day how the cost of our daily needs are increasing.  It is unacceptable for Washington to be building a debt in which our children and grand children will be paying for in the future.  I am not saying anything that is not well known by everyone who might read this article.  This article may not be accepted by the Dothan Eagle.   If it makes print, and people in the Wiregrass area needs someone to talk with, please read the next two paragraphs.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Today, God is present within the hearts of believers. No miracle of medical science can scan our hearts and detect the divine Spirit. But, like Solomon, we can lavish concern on providing the Lord with as beautiful and holy a residence as possible. Through the beauty of our lives others may sense the reality of the God within, who is the source of all our love and godness.

God promises to hear, to forgive, and to heal. God remains on the mountaintop, as His presence remained in the Jerusalem temple.  However deep our valley, God invites us to turn, and climb back to Him.

"Baptist Men's Day", Jan. 23, 2011

“Worry makes you old---Grace makes you grow.” I found those words written inside my Bible. It must have come from one of Bro. Russell’s sermons years ago. That phrase came to me while I was trying to put a few comments together for “Baptist Men’s Day.” Growing in God’s grace must be a priority for each one of us. How do we grow in Grace? One of the most important ways is: To be a daily witness for Christ. Telling others about Jesus. Live, so God’s Love can be seen in our life. We can’t expect a G.P.S. to get us to heaven. Those directions are given to us in God’s word.

“Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; But is passed from death unto life.(John 5:24).

As a Christian, we may sometimes feel down, and say that life's challenges are completely out of our control, like an illness, job loss or some other obstacle in our life.

Rev. Billy Graham wrote: "The Christian life is not a constant high. I have moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'" Even Rev. Billy Graham, during his long ministry, constantly ask God for his guidance.

I can’t wait to remind everyone, including myself, how important, as a New Testament Christian, it is to be able to pray this prayer with someone who is lost! Romans 10:9, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” When we are blessed with a prospect, Have the prospect bow his head and repeat this prayer, one sentence at a time.

“Oh God, I acknowledge to thee that I am a lost sinner. I believe that Jesus died for me on the cross. By faith I receive Him as my savior, my Lord, and Master. Forgive me for all my sins and give me assurance thou has received me as one of thy children. In Jesus’ name----Amen

The opportunity for lay-men and women to speak in front of the church body is normally to give your testimony--what God has done in your life--the results of your prayer life--give an account of prayers God has answered. We don't need to be ashamed to tell others that God has answered prayer. It's true! Many people think our Churches worship an invisible God. These people call themselves "atheist"--One who denies the existence of God.

This is why we need men like Bro. Ricky and Bro. Russell, who answered God's call to dedicate themselves to teach God's word. You and I may not be trained and qualified to present a well-organized message from God's word, but after receiving Christ as our personal saviour, God wants us to be a daily witness for him. This is when we just might have the opportunity to pray this prayer with a lost soul. That is why we should apply ourselves by studying scripture and being able to present the plan of salvation.

Bethel Church has truly been a blessing to me and my family over the past 28 years. I feel the time spent in Sunday school with my "Brothers in Christ,"has been a great plus in my life.

This past September I was ask by our Open Men's Class if I would go full time as a teacher. I accepted after praying about it. Mac Woodham, our other teacher who has been teaching almost 40 years, encouraged the class many times to find something within the Church we would enjoy doing. I guess I prayed too many times for God to give me a spot. I just wanted a little spot. By the way! The teacher I replaced has only been teaching 42 years. So, get ready young adults, for the 20 plus teachers our church will need in the near future.

You know! Fear does stand in our way many times. Fear is our most insidious enemy. It keeps us living in the shadows. It keeps us from freedom. It keeps us from our destiny.

That's why the Word says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment"(2 Timothy 1:7).

It has been a blessing the way Bro. Ricky has been using the last few Wednesday night services to give so many a chance to pray for loved ones and friends in need.

If you are missing the Wednesday night service, you are really missing a great time of fellowship and prayer time.

I read an article about how a Christians nature should be different. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is, the victory of Faith!

How many has lived on a farm or knows the workings of a farm?

This "Nature" article I read was:

Fancy yourself on the farm. It is hot mid-summer. Nearby is a big mud wallow. Here comes a pig. He grunts with contentment as he wades into the slime. You say, "Mr. Hog, why do you want to submerge in that filth? Why do you not seek a cleaner environment? " That pig has not the slightest interest in your ideas for his betterment. He loves the mud. Now watch a sheep with long white wool. The moment a sheep notices mud it heads toward safer ground. Why? The sheep has a different nature. So has a New Testament Christian.

A new Testament Christian is not a patched-up job. There is a new will; there are new affections; there is a new purpose, because there is a new nature.

I wrote this article Jan. 01, 2008, thought it could apply in 2011.

"Start The New Year Off Right"
Do you need a "second chance?" Maybe a chance to square things with a love one. A mom or dad you had words with a few years ago. Hurting words spoken, sometimes go for years unresolved between two people who really love each other. We can feel sorry deep inside about things we might say or do to a friend or love one, but if we put that pride aside for a short moment, and explain why or say I'm sorry, our "second chance" begins. The bad feelings inside no longer exist. A new beginning is offered for those friends and love ones we care about so much.

Let's search our hearts and clear up any overdue, unresolved family and friend problems. Life is so short and I think we all deserve a second chance. In my book, a caring family is everything. I challenge all moms and dads and family members, as the New Year begins,make sure all little "hang ups" and family problems are resolved. Start the New Year off with a "new beginning" and a "second chance" to get it right.

In Closing! Psalm 18:6 -{ I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ears.}

We all have time to think of ALL the blessings He has given to us through prayer and many times, just for being faithful to Him. We can know that God hears our cries when we bring our afflictions before Him. We can rest assured that God is still in control of events and is able to help us in our afflictions. Because God never changes we know the same power by which He created the heavens and the earth is available to help us in our afflictions today.

" If we stop and think of, maybe just one privilege we have in our lives today, could it be: “Being included in God’s family? I feel it is the highest honor and the greatest privilege we will ever receive.” "Being included in God's family".

Would you humor me and repeat after me, my 2011 "year resolutions"? It's only three!

#1-Keep the Faith! #2- Pray daily! #3- Stay in the Word! and, God Will Bless!

Decisions In 2011

Our Sunday School lesson this past Sunday was: "Anatomy of A Grave Decision". Who we are "inside" determines our decisions; and our decisions help make us who we are. How is it liberating for Christians to make decisions based on who God wants us to be? Remember! It's never too late to hear and obey God's guidance. These words came from my Adult Leader Guide, but I truly wish everyone could have had access to this lesson. So many decisions are being made daily in Washington that affect all Americans. Why can't God be included in these life-changing decisions? I truly feel that our country needs this kind of "guidance" more than bailouts, more than stimulus packages, more than "forced" health insurance. The list just goes on and on. You know! Pork this and Pork that! Let's ask the questions such as Whom will this decision affect? What type of system do we have set up in each state to identify families in need of real help? How many young boys and girls start to school for the first time and need glasses and dental work? Just a couple of statements.


Everyone with a computer, go to this web address, and weep! http://www.nypress.com/article-21342-the-making-of-manhattans-elite-welfare-farmers.html. The system is broken! Our government can make all the TEA, hot or cold and it will not help.

Something to Think About

We deeply want a revival of domestic religion. The Christian family was the bulwark of godliness in the days of the Puritans, but in these evil times hundreds of families of so-called Christians have no family worship, no restraint upon growing sons, and no wholesome instruction of discipline. How can we hope to see the kingdom of our Lord advance when His own disciples do not teach His gospel to their own children?
...Oh, Christian men and women, be thorough in what you do and know and teach!
Let your families be trained in the fear of God, and be yourselves 'holiness unto the Lord.' So shall you stand like a rock amid the surging waves of error and ungodliness which rage around us.

Great reading! C. H. Spurgeon said these words many years ago. He died in 1899! It's still good advice today!



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Callaway Gardens Family Vacation/Oct. 13--15, 2010

Our family planned and spent three days at Callaway Gardens this past week.  The Southern Pine Cottage was fully furnished and the meals were great.  I grilled hot dogs the first night with the trimmings and cooked very good steaks night number two.  We attended the "Birds of Prey Show" and the owl's left wing touched the right side of my hair as he or she passed over our heads.  The "Butterfly Center" was a treat and pictures were taken.  We visited the Memorial Chapel the 2nd day and Pete and Julie read the bible to put us in our place.  The Vegetable Garden was nice and best of all, the Horticultural Center was just beautiful.  Jolie   took us on a, supposed "short cut", and we almost ended up in the FDR state park.  The walking and bike trails were nice and the flowers were still blooming.  We stopped and fed the two pound bream and I really wished I had brought my pole.  Our girls and their hubs enjoyed the hot tub and the cold water in the large pool.  Carrie and I left about 10:00AM and Pete and Julie stayed  longer and walked around the beach.  All in all, I think we really enjoyed spending this time together.  I know wife and I had a great time, just being with family.  I really enjoy looking back sometimes at the "good times" and great memories.  I think this trip to Callaway Gardens will be one of those times.  Love you guys.  Mom and Dad