Christ Be Beside Me

A friend sent a link to this YouTube video. I had never heard the song.  At the bottom of the video there was a note that said the song was adapted from the words of a prayer called "St. Patrick's Breastplate".  Since  I was curious to hear the whole prayer  I looked it up.  It is beautiful!   ( I also looked up the meaning of "bind" and liked these definitions-- to put under an obligation <binds himself with an oath>; to make a firm commitment; wrap tightly; to encircle something to protect and strengthen it.) Not only is this St. Patrick's declaration of his commitment to Jesus and His sacrifice, but also recognition that in the binding he is wrapping himself in Jesus' provision to be strengthend and protected.

Here is the poem:

St. Patrick's Breastplate

I bind unto myself today

The strong Name of the Trinity,

By invocation of the same

The Three in One and One in Three.

I bind this today to me forever

By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation;

His baptism in Jordan river,

His death on Cross for my salvation;

His bursting from the spicèd tomb,

His riding up the heavenly way,

His coming at the day of doom

I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself the power

Of the great love of cherubim;

The sweet ‘Well done’ in judgment hour,

The service of the seraphim,

Confessors’ faith, Apostles’ word,

The Patriarchs’ prayers, the prophets’ scrolls,

All good deeds done unto the Lord

And purity of virgin souls.

I bind unto myself today

The virtues of the star lit heaven,

The glorious sun’s life giving ray,

The whiteness of the moon at even,

The flashing of the lightning free,

The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,

The stable earth, the deep salt sea

Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today

The power of God to hold and lead,

His eye to watch, His might to stay,

His ear to hearken to my need.

The wisdom of my God to teach,

His hand to guide, His shield to ward;

The word of God to give me speech,

His heavenly host to be my guard.

Against the demon snares of sin,

The vice that gives temptation force, 

The natural lusts that war within,

The hostile men that mar my course;

Or few or many, far or nigh,

In every place and in all hours,

Against their fierce hostility

I bind to me these holy powers.

Against all Satan’s spells and wiles,

Against false words of heresy,

Against the knowledge that defiles,

Against the heart’s idolatry,

Against the wizard’s evil craft,

Against the death wound and the burning,

The choking wave, the poisoned shaft,

Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name,

The strong Name of the Trinity,

By invocation of the same,

The Three in One and One in Three.

By Whom all nature hath creation,

Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:

Praise to the Lord of my salvation,

Salvation is of Christ the Lord.

Could this kitten be any cuter?

Milky Way's kitties are getting adventurous--and they are all available for new homes.  :o)

'Noah' Review

From Breitbart News

'NOAH' REVIEW: BRILLIANTLY SINISTER 

ANTI-CHRISTIAN FILMMAKING

by JOHN NOLTE 28 Mar 2014

     When atheist director and co-writer Darren Aronofsky promised that his epic "Noah" would be "the least biblical film ever made," that was not hyperbole. "Noah" is a brilliant, compelling, beautifully-mounted, beautifully-acted piece of storytelling conceived for the sinister purpose of leading people to believe that Christianity and Judaism are something they are not.

Continue reading this review here.

Will Rogers Quote

     I came across this quote from Will Rogers in a book I was reading today.  It is so good that  I wanted to remember it.

"Go out on a limb--that's where the fruit is."

Useful Tech Hints for iPhone, iPad & Apple Computers

     Our daughter sent this link to us since we have iPhones.  Of course, there are so many things an iPhone can do that we don't know about so I was glad to have this information.  I thought some of you might find a new use for your phones in this article, too.  When I went to the webpage I found a link to another article on 19 things you can do with your iPhone and iPad.  There was some duplication, but also more good ideas, so I am posting both links.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicamisener/things-you-didnt-know-your-iphone-could-do?bffb

  This one specifically says it is for iPad, also. http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/mind-blowing-tricks-every-iphone-and-ipad-user-should-kno.   I will have to experiment to see if the hints in the first link work on iPad as well.

     Last week my sister showed me how to take a screen shot on an iPhone.  For those of you who don't know--press the "home" key at the same time you press the "off" button.  The screen shot goes to "Photos".
      I am so glad to know this.  I use the screen shot capabilities on my Apple laptop all the time. (FYI:  hold the "command", "shift" and "4" keys and then drag the lines around whatever you want to take a picture of and release the keys).  The screen shot stays on your desktop unless you decide to save it in Documents.

     If you know of other tips on how to get the most out of iPhone usage, I would love to hear from you.  Email me, or better yet post the ideas in the "comments" to this blogpost so everyone can benefit.

I wonder if this is true...

Heaven Is For Real

I hope everyone sees this movie!  I believe it will be a great faith builder and an effective tool in dealing with skepticism.  I loved the book!

 Aimee Herd - Breaking Christian News:

BCN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: "HEAVEN IS FOR REAL's" Todd Burpo—Father Whose Son Experienced Heaven—Talks About His Story and the New Movie

The movie, "Heaven Is For Real" opens in theaters on April 16th!

Having recently screened the new movie adaptation of the book, "Heaven Is For Real," I spoke with Colton Burpo's dad, Todd, about all that his son experienced, and what he thought of the movie that tells their story.

Aimee Herd: As you've written the book and now the movie is finished and set to be released, do you feel it was accurate to what Colton and you and Sonja experienced?

Todd Burpo: That was one of the big concerns and overwhelming questions as we started this project; [because of legalities] they had to create a town and create some characters... I asked, "How do you avoid the legal obstacles and still tell the same story?" I really struggled with that, but at the end of the day—three years later—they really accomplished that. They did create characters who were compilations of [real] people, but they had all the same conversations that Colton had—just different characters, but the same events.

Of course our family was the same, and especially when it came to the family dynamic and interaction, even people who have read the book, and who have seen the movie (in a pre-screening) really love it, because it's so true to the book and what really happened.

AH: That's good to know, because I loved the book, so I admit to feeling a little doubtful prior to the screening, but once I saw the movie, I was really impressed.

Tell us about Connor Corum, who played the role of Colton; he was an amazing little actor, and I thought he did a phenomenal job, but you're Colton's dad, so what did you think of his portrayal of your son?

TB: Well, you almost have to understand how God brought Connor to this movie. Conner has never acted before. It's miracle after miracle in the way that God selected Connor—God had to find a kid who was just like Colton. My wife and I were having lunch one day with Connor's parents (he was with them), and while we watched him and talked with him, we said, "This is Colton!" When Colton met Connor, it was like him meeting his "mini me." Essentially, Connor was not acting. In the scene where Connor holds the spider at the butterfly pavilion, he was really scared—he was not acting—we didn't know whether we would get him to hold the spider or not. (Laughs) But at the same time, that's why Connor does an incredible job [in the movie].

AH: When your son Colton first began to speak about Heaven, how long did it take before you were sure that his experiences were real, that he had truly experienced Heaven?

Milky Way's Kittens Are Growing

       Milky Way's kittens are getting so cute!  She has 5.  Two of the gray ones look like twins with almost the exact same markings on their faces.  All of them will be looking for new homes in about 4 weeks so if you know of anyone who would like a free kitten, let us know.

 This little buff colored one might be my favorite. 

Would you help us out?

      I received this email announcing the opportunity for Martinsville On The Move to receive $5 for each customer who shops at AmazonSmiles this week. (This is in addition to the donation of .05% of the cost of the purchase.)  The offer ends March 31, so I thought I would ask if you are considering making an online purchase through Amazon.com would you instead consider shopping through AmazonSmiles and choosing Martinsville on the Move as the charity you would like to support?  (We are a small 501(c)3 that was formed to help keep our small town from dying.  Since we rely on donations to fund our projects this program through Amazon is a great bonus for us.)
     You, of course, may decide to choose some other charity to support if you don't wish the donation to go to Martinsville On The Move.  Since the funds are available free of charge someone might as well be receiving the help so I am posting the information to let you know about it, if you weren't already aware of the opportunity.

Dear Charity Administrator, From now through 3/31/2014, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate an extra $5 for each customer who makes an eligible purchase at smile.amazon.com in support of Martinsville On The Move. This is in addition to the regular donation of 0.5% of the purchase price. Up to $1,000,000 extra will be donated to eligible charities as a result of this promotion. To take advantage of this offer and increase your AmazonSmile donations: 1. Put the message below in your email newsletter. 2. Post the message to your Facebook and Twitter accounts. 3. Announce the promotion on your website. Shop at AmazonSmile now through 3/31/14 and Amazon will donate an extra $5 to Martinsville On The Move. Click on this link to get started: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/27-1192842 See promotion details    Go to Org Central

May The Lamb That Was Slain Receive The Reward Of His Suffering!

      Last week I heard Bill Johnson tell a story about the Moravians.  He said some were so surrendered to Christ they sold themselves into slavery so that those slaves who wouldn't otherwise have a chance to hear could learn of the love of Christ.  When their families stood on the shore as they were sailing away, knowing they would never see each other again, they would shout, "May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of his suffering!" Do we love Jesus that much?
       I couldn't remember the exact wording of the cry so I googled it.  I found this wonderful article by John Piper.  I have included some of it here, and a link to continue reading it on the Be Strong In The Lord website if you want.

“May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of his suffering!” – Moravian Missionary Cry

The reward of His suffering:
The Holiness of His people (Ephesians 5:25-27)
The zeal of His people for good deeds (Titus 2:14)
The passion of His people for World Evangelization (Revelation 5:9)

The reward of his suffering is also:
The forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7)
Justification by faith (Romans 5:1) and (Romans 5:9)
Reconciliation with God (Romans 5:10)
Cleansing of conscience (Hebrews 9:14)
Final victory over Satan (Revelation 12:11).

- From John Piper 5/7/89
http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/at-the-price-of-gods-own-blood
The following is the whole message:
At the Price of God’s Own Blood - May 07, 1989 | by John Piper | Topic: Pastoral Ministry
Series: Eldership: Serving the Lord with Humility, Tears, and Trials

Acts 20:28
“Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God which he obtained with the blood of his own Son.”

I have been moved deeply recently in reading about the life of Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. Many of you know about him. Some don’t. He was a German, born in 1700, who founded a community of earnest Christians called Herrnhut (“The Lord’s Watch”). The community became part of the Moravian Church and was best known for its unparalleled missionary zeal.

Zinzendorf’s Commitment to the Blood of Jesus
In 1727 the community started a round the clock “prayer watch” that lasted unbroken for 100 years. There were about 300 persons in the community at the beginning, and various ones covenanted to pray for one of the 24 hours in the day. In 1792, 65 years later, with the lamp of prayer still burning, the little community had sent out 300 missionaries to the unreached peoples of the West Indies, Greenland, Lapland, Turkey, and North America. They were utterly, and radically dedicated to making Jesus known.

I mention this not only because I dream of a church saturated with prayer and sold out utterly to Christ and ready to leave everything for his call. I mention it this morning because behind this community at Herrnhut there was an experience of deep humbling, and cleansing, and power based on the blood of Jesus.

After Zinzendorf had finished the university, he took a trip throughout Europe looking at some of the cultural high-spots. And something very unexpected happened. In the art museum at Dusseldorf he saw a painting by Domenico Feti entitled “Ecce Homo” (“Behold the Man”). It was a portrait of Christ with the crown of thorns pressed down on his head and blood running down his face.

Beneath the portrait were the words, “I have done this for you; what have you done for me?” All of his life Zinzendorf looked back to that encounter as utterly life-changing. As he stood there, as it were, watching his Savior suffer and bleed, he said to himself, “I have loved him for a long time, but I have never actually done anything for him. From now on I will do whatever he leads me to do.”

For the rest of his life the blood of Jesus had a central place in the doctrine and devotion of Zinzendorf and his community at Herrnhut. And the story goes that when the first two young missionaries boarded the ship in Copenhagen to sail for the West Indies, perhaps never to return (20 out of the first 29 missionaries to St. Thomas and St. Croix died in those first years), they lifted their hands as if in sacred pledge and called out to their friends on shore, “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of his suffering!”

The Question Before Us Today
My message is going to be short today because I want to save a good portion of time to worship the Lord and to pray together before we take the Lord’s Supper. And the question I want you to ask yourself and ask the Lord as you prepare for the Lord’s Table is this: “Has the Lord obtained the reward of his sufferings in your life?” When you think about the blood of Jesus running down his face from the thorns, and from his hands and feet and his pouring side, are you content with what he has of you? Has the purchase that he made been obtained freely from your hand. Or are you withholding any of the reward of his suffering?

What God Purchased at the Price of His Own Blood
To help us answer that very personal question, let me take a few minutes and meditate with you on the blood of Christ. What did God purchase at the price of his own blood?

Continue reading here

Meet the Most Powerful Woman In America

      Click here to read an article on World Net Daily that I found very interesting-- a new(to me) perspective on the influence of Valerie Jarrett on Barrack Obama.

Golda Meir Quote

"We can forgive the Arabs for killing our children. We cannot forgive them for forcing us to kill their children. We will only have peace with the Arabs when they love their children more than they hate us." Golda Meir 

I Am Excited!

         Construction of the Linn Park Amphitheater has finally begun!  It has taken almost 2 years to raise the money and to get the plans done right and the approval of authorities.  I don't know whether if our committee had known all the headaches associated with the project that we would have taken it on.   I guess it is sort of like having children.  You have no idea what you're in for when the child is first conceived.  But in the end you are very glad you started down the road.  I am believing that will be the case with the amphitheater--that the benefits will far outweight the difficulties. 

       I can't wait till it's done and we can have our first concert!

"Noah: One of the Most Moral Stories Ever Told" by Dennis Prager

I like this article by Dennis Prager and it was written just in time for the opening of the movie, "Noah."  I agree with Dennis, hopefully the movie has even a fraction of the wisdom as the original Biblical story.

Noah: One of the Most Moral Stories Ever Told 

by Dennis Prager

Tuesday, Mar 18, 2014

Next week, the film “Noah” opens.

Having taught the Torah (the Five Books of Moses) from the Hebrew for more than 40 years (hundreds of hours are available by download through my website), I consider the biblical flood story one of the world’s most profound moral teachings. As I will show, it means that God cares about goodness more than anything else.

Let me explain by answering the most frequent challenges to the story.

Q: Why did God destroy the world?

A: Because “The Lord saw how great was man’s wickedness on earth. … And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth and His heart was saddened” (Genesis 6:5-6).

When God created the world, He announced after each day’s creations, “It was good.” But only after His final creation — the human being — on the sixth day, did God say, “It was very good.” God was particularly pleased with, and had the highest hopes for, this creation, the only one created “in His image.” This is not about man having God’s physical attributes (God is not physical). It is about humans being infinitely more precious than all other creations; and only man, like God, has moral knowledge and therefore moral free will.

When God saw how cruelly human beings treated one another, He decided that He would start over. Once people reach a certain level of widespread evil, life is pointless.

Q: Why did God destroy animals as well?

A: In the biblical worldview, the purpose of all creation is to benefit man. This anthropocentric view of nature, and indeed of the whole universe, is completely at odds with the current secular idealization of nature. This secular view posits that nature has its own intrinsic meaning and purpose, independent of man.

All of creation, in the biblical view, was to ultimately prepare the way for the creation of man. But one does not need the Bible alone to hold this view. A purely scientific reading of the universe is in keeping with this view. Everything — every natural and physical law — is exquisitely tuned to produce life, and ultimately man, on earth.

Q: Isn’t the biblical flood story just a fairy tale?

A: Two responses:

Continue reading on Dennis' website:  http://www.dennisprager.com/noah-one-moral-stories-ever-told/

Books Of The Bible

      I came across this helpful tool recently that clearly defines the categories of the books of the Bible, so I took a screen shot of it.  Click on the picture and it will enlarge so you can more easily read the print.  Click here for a link to the original.

How St. Patrick Won Dublin to the Lord

This is interesting--and something I didn't know:

How St. Patrick Won Dublin to the Lord (Patrick A.D. 389-461) From "Celtic Flames"

As Patrick came near to Dublin, at that time a small village, he prophesied, "This village which is now very small shall hereafter become very eminent. It shall be enlarged in riches and dignity. Neither shall it cease to grow until it has become the principal seat of all the kingdom."

When the people of Dublin, having heard of the great signs and miracles that were done through Patrick, and when they saw that he was coming to that village, they went out to meet him.

At this time, Alphinus was the king over Dublin. He and all the citizens were in great sorrow, for the death of the king's two children. The king's only son, called Eochadh, had died a sickness in his bedroom. The king's daughter, and a sister to the young prince, had just been drowned in the adjoining river, now known as the Liffey.

She had ventured into the deep part for the purpose of bathing. Her name was Dublinia, and from her Dublin is thought to have derived its name (Joceylyn note). The young lady's body was drawn out of the waters after some considerable search and laid by her brother's corps in order that their funeral rites might be solemnized together.

According to the superstition of the Druids, the tombs were prepared. In the meantime, news was spread over all the city that "St. Patrick, the powerful reviver of many dead persons" (what a reputation!!), had been seen in the town. For He, who burst asunder the gates of death and of Hell, smoothed the path for his servant.

The king and the people, who before had said to the Lord, "Depart from us, we will not acknowledge any of Thy ways," were so cast down, saddened with grief, that all of their rebellion and all their barbarous rudeness, and all the pride of their idolatry, were utterly subdued. The king had previously rejected the Gospel because he had his druid wizards, who were pretty powerful. And so the king, hearing of St. Patrick's arrival, sent messengers to ask him to come in where his two children lay dead.

When Patrick came to the room in which the two children were laid, the king asked him if he could do anything. Patrick replied that he could, but if the children were raised then he would do it in the Name of Jesus – and told the king that if God did this for him then he would have to promise to serve his God, the God of the Christians. The king agreed before all those present, that if God restored his children to life, that he and all the citizens would become Christians.

Seeing such a gain of souls in the sight of the king, his nobles, and all the common people, Patrick raised from death to life those princely children, whose bodily resurrection co-operated much towards the spiritual resurrection of their father with the rest of his people.

The king and all his subjects, being astonished at this great miracle, turned away from the worship of Druid idols, and they were baptized in the river, Liffey.

From that day the king and all the people worshiped God and gave liberally to Patrick, so that he was able to give to the poor in that place and other places, and have enough to build churches.

From Celtic Flames by Kathie Walters. Celtic Flamescontains accounts of the ministries of Patrick, Brendan, Columba, Comgall, Brigid, Cuthbert. Ref. Lives of the Irish Saints - O'Hanlon. Ecclesiastical History of Ireland, Rev. Dr. Lanigan. Sexta Vita S. Patricii, Joycelin notes.

Kathie Walters
Good News Ministries
Email: kathiewalters@mindspring.com
Website: kathiewaltersministry.com

Let's Pray America

     Have you signed up to join Dale Gentry in daily praying for our country and the world?  If not, you can go to LetsPrayAmerica.com and enroll.  Today's email has many good points of prayer.

Faith Declarations-Wednesday by Dale Gentry Good Wednesday morning everybody. It's time to pray America! Please pray this prayer out loud with me today. And don't forget to make your faith declarations by clicking on the link above. Father God............we pray this morning for Hobby Lobby as they prepare for their Hearing before the United States Supreme Court next week..............we pray for them and every other Christian business that is refusing to provide abortion procedures for their employees..................we pray that You will give Hobby Lobby favor as they present their case to the highest court in the land...............we pray for anther spiritual awakening in America as we continue to view the moral downfall that is taking place in America...............we cry out for revival from the White House to every house...............we pray for a spiritual hunger in this land..............that this country will turn back to You Jehovah God...............we pray today for each county sheriff in our land.............knowing they are the only elected  law enforcement officers in America............we pray for their safety and that they will continued to stand in defense of their constituents.................we ask that You give them favor today...........may each of us pray for our county sheriff and let them know personally that we are praying for them...............we pray this morning for acting president Turchynov of Ukraine.............that You will give him wisdom and boldness to lead his country during these turbulent times...........we pray for this Godly man.............that he will be courageous during these days when his nation is being threatened by their Russian neighbors...............we pray for Christians around the globe who are suffering severe persecution..............we pray for Christians in North Korea, many who have been recently murdered as well as those being tormented in Nigeria and in other parts of the world.............we pray for Christians in the American military who are being persecuted for their faith............we ask You to forgive us as a nation for taking the Bible and the name of Jesus out of many of our Armed Forces units ...................we ask today that You will raise up an army of intercessors in this nation today who will call on You Lord on behalf of our land............standing in the gap.............asking You to heal America and restore us to the foundational principles that we stood for in the beginning..................we realize today that we will either by governed by God or ruled by tyrants.............we need Your help this morning Lord...........we ask these things in Jesus name............amen."

From the Patriot Post - So much for Global Warming

U.S. Winters Cooling It's been a brutal winter for many, and winter refuses to loosen its grip on a good chunk of the country even as spring rapidly approaches. But despite what climate alarmists want you to believe, this season's bone-chilling cold wasn't and isn't some fluke; in fact, according to Meteorologist Joe D'Aleo, average temperatures across the United States in the December-February period have dropped by 2.26 degrees Fahrenheit over the last two decades based on data from the National Climate Data Center. This occurred despite some notably warm winters. Call us crazy, but that sure doesn't sound like global warming to us; in fact, Earth as a whole hasn't experienced any warming for more than 17 years. No wonder they're now calling it "climate change."

Bush In Retirement--A Man Of Character

      I found this article discussing what George & Laura Bush have done since his presidency interesting.  As the article states, you may not have agreed with his policies but it is difficult to fault his intentions and his character.  Even though many in this country no longer care about character, I am inspired to know there are still men (& women) for whom it is important.

     http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/03/17/Bush-in-Retirement-Man-of-Character

Another Mychal Massie Quote

     I love Mychal Massie's way with words!  I often must seek help from the dictionary for the definition of some of the words he uses--like 'transmogrification' (transformation--especially in a surprising or magical manner) but that's one reason I love his writing.  He stretches my vocabulary and shows me new ways to use words while imparting truth and reality.
     Here is a quote from his most recent article:

"Race-based affirmative action is not synonymous with fairness; it is the transmogrification of a merit-based, skilled nation into a color-coded, government-dependent one."

Concealed Carry Class

      This past weekend I did a most unusual thing--at least for me.  I took a Concealed Carry Class.   Our sons and Country Guy had planned to take this class and asked me to, also.  I knew it would be good for me to at least know how a gun operates, but I had absolutely no desire to do it.  In fact, I had a major fear of guns and therefore stayed as far away from them as possible.  Since I had never even shot a gun before I signed up this was a major stretch for me. (The weekend before the class I shot about 10 rounds so I would know what it felt like when a gun went off.)
     The class was 16 hours of mandated-by-the-State of Illinois-instruction from a certified trainer which had to be completed before you could apply for a concealed carry license, so it lasted 2 full days!  I had no desire to carry a gun, but knew that if I took the class I would be forced to learn much about them.  As the time approached, I began to dread it more and more.  Many times I considered backing out, but kept reminding myself it would be good to at least learn about guns even if I didn't want to carry one.  Even after beginning the class on Saturday I was tempted to quit.  It took much help from the Lord to continue.  I prayed much about attending this class and about continuing, and I knew a friend was praying, also.
     I am so glad I didn't give up.  I learned much about guns and how to handle them safely which helped to conquer my fear of them. I learned how to take them apart for cleaning.  I learned how to be certain they were empty but to always treat them as if they were loaded.  I learned about mental preparedness in situations that are becoming much more common in today's world.  I gained a new perspective and respect for our county sheriff and his department--the class was taught by the sheriff and one of his assistants (who were excellent instructors).  And I learned to shoot a target with considerable accuracy at 5, 7 and 10 yards with a handgun.
     In fact, a miracle happened.  I had one of the highest shooting scores in the class.  I praise God who answered our prayers and used my weakness to show His strength.  Praise His wonderful Name!!  Thank you, Jesus!
     If you live in our area and are interested in this class, contact Masters At Arms Weapons Training.  They have a Facebook page where you can find more info, if you are interested.  I highly recommend this class to everyone because you will learn much about protecting yourself and your family not only with a gun, but by being mentally alert and prepared for threatening situations.
      And now I'm in the process of applying for the Concealed Carry License.  As I said--a miracle happened!

My, How Times Have Changed!

     This was sent by a friend today.  It was purported to be included in the 1949 Singer sewing machine manual.  Isn't it amazing how times have changed?  There seems to be so few people who even sew now, but I'm sure they don't follow these instructions which seem so amusing to us today!

John Adams quote

     Our Founders understood what it would take to keep the freedoms for which they fought valiantly.  This quote from John Adams reiterates we must be a nation with a moral, vituous foundation which would include moral leaders (and the electorate) if we want to be a free nation.  Spiritual Revival is our only hope!

"The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a greater Measure than they have it now, they may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty." --John Adams, letter to Zabdiel Adams, 1776

One Man by Francis Frangipane

     Prayer is so important, but we lose sight of that fact because answers are often very slow in coming, or the answers don't look like we thought they would look.  This word from Francis Frangipane encourages us to continue in intercession for our cities.  Our prayers are important and effective.  We must not give up!

One Man God's Response to Redemptive Intercession When Abraham was confronted with the possibility of Sodom's destruction, he did not immediately jump on the "Destroy Sodom" bandwagon; instead, he went before the Lord and prayed for mercy for the city. Abraham's prayer is an amazing study on the effect a mercy-motivated intercessor has on the heart of God. Indeed, my objective here is to gaze into the heart of God as it is revealed in the discourse between the Lord and Abraham. When we look at Abraham's prayer, we discover an amazing power granted us in intercession. And what is that? God is looking for a mercy reason that would justify Him delaying or canceling wrath. We must not belittle this principle, for in it is great hope for our land as well. The mercy reason for delay is found in the compassionate prayer of an intercessor. Let us consider the Lord's initial response to Sodom's sin. First, He revealed to Abraham, His servant, what He was about to do. Why? Wasn't the evil so dark that it deserved to be destroyed? Yes, the wickedness in Sodom fully deserved divine wrath. Yet that is not why the Lord revealed to Abraham the pending judgment. The Lord informed Abraham of what was coming not so His servant could criticize, but so Abraham would intercede for mercy. Remember, God delights in mercy (Mic. 7:18) and takes "no pleasure in the death of the wicked" (Ezek. 33:11). The Lord always seeks for opportunities of mercy. Therefore, let's take note of how Abraham approached the Almighty: "Abraham came near and said, 'Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?'" (Gen. 18:23-25). Notice, Abraham did not pray from a place of anger. He never said, "God, it's about time You killed the perverts." There was no finger-pointing vindictiveness in Abraham's soul. Somehow we have come to believe that non-compromising Christians must also be angry. Abraham never compromised with Sodom's depraved culture, yet he was above fleshly reaction. In fact, throughout his prayer, Abraham never mentioned what was wrong in Sodom. He appealed, instead, to the mercy and integrity of the Lord. This is vitally important for us, because Jesus said, "If you are Abraham's children, do the deeds of Abraham" (John 8:39). One of Abraham's most noteworthy deeds involved his intercessory prayer for Sodom, the most perverse city in the world!

C.S. Lewis Quote

Sundays Are The Worst (website)

I came upon this website accidentally.  It was started by a pastor who noticed that many Christians do not treat the people who wait on them in restaurants as Christ would.  He felt the servers needed a place to vent where they wouldn't have to fear losing their jobs.

If you are a Christian I thought you might be interested in reading some of the stories so you will be reminded that there is always someone watching to see if what you say you believe affects how you act.  As the saying goes, "You may be the only Bible some people read."  I want to be a reflection of Jesus, not a deterrent to Him, don't you?

http://sundaysaretheworst.com/stories/

Here are a couple of the many stories that have been posted.

"I worked as a server for 15 years while raising my children as a single mother. I made good tips, enough to keep a roof over their heads and kept them from going hungry. Every Sunday my children and I were in church and after church we always went out to eat as our one day a week treat.  I was asked to work one Sunday for a friend that was sick and thought a Sunday of church people would make some really great tips. WOW in 15 years I have never dealt with such rude, condescending, holier-than-thou people. A group of 12 which ran me to death, complaining about everything from the lack of seasoning in the food to the fact their soft drinks didn’t have enough fizz. After spending 2 hours moaning and groaning about everything they leave. It took me 20 minutes to clean up their mess and they left no tip. As I was leaving that evening I found a note on my car that started out they had noticed I didn’t wear a wedding band but had a picture of kids on my badge. Obviously to them I was a Jezebel doomed to burn in hell along with my illegitimate bastard children. These were the exact words these “Christian” people used. Since they were nice enough to leave the note on the back of their church program I made sure I was at their church the following Sunday. Long story short by the time service was over there were a lot of red faces in that congregation. Too many people leave their Christianity at church and act as if they are better than others when they eat out after service. I am a Christian and I treat all people with respect but I refused to ever work another Sunday after that experience, I even quit church for awhile all because of 12 hypocrites that call themselves Christians."

Here is another:

"It has been a few years since I have worked as a waitress but I can tell you that when I did it was the church crowd I hated waiting on more than any other group.  They were rude, condescending and poor tippers.  When approaching the table and talking to them, a lot of the  time they wouldn’t look at you and were just unpleasant.  I was missing church because my job required I work on Sundays  and then I had to out up with their arrogance.  I always thought  to myself about them  listening to the sermon that day and how they must not have thought  the sermon was for them.  Anyone who waitresses  or has ever waitressed  will tell you this is their experience on Sunday.  I always thought it was  sad  that fellow Christians treated us that way."

Do you know your State's Preamble?

    A friend sent this to me today.  Very interesting!  It seems our ancestors recognized that without God this country could not have come into being.  It is obvious where we've gone wrong, isn't it?  We have allowed special interest groups and the news media to brainwash us into no longer acknowledging God as our creator and sustainer.  Isn't it about time we return to Him?

Do you know your State's Preamble?

Alabama 1901, Preamble We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.. 

Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land. 

Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution… 

Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government… 

California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom… 

Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe… 

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut , acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy. 

Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences. 

Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution.. 

Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution… 

Hawaii 1959, Preamble We, the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance .. Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government. 

Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the State of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution. 

Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution. 

Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..

Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy. 

Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction. 

Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty…

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction 

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution. 

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings: 

Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work. 

Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness. Establish this Constitution… 

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..

Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution. 

Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution… 

New Hampshire re 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. 

New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors. 

New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty.. 

New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings. 

North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those… 

North Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain..

Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common. 

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this 

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences 

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance..... 

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing…. 

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble We, the people of the State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution. 

South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties . 

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience… 

Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other 

Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution 

West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ... 

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility….

Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!