Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, Cal), Speaker Elect of the U. S. House of Representatives announced a few minutes ago that the Democrats will pursue the "6 for '06." Included in this is the pursuit of Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Shame on the Democrats who desire to murder innocent babies in the name of "research."
Please contact your congressional representative and express your feelings against this initiative. Find your representatives at: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/
The voters of Missouri have approved embryonic stem cell research. May God forgive you for the murders of the babies you are about to commit.
More from the book.
"If we cannot see ourselves as heaven sees us, we cannot see ourselves." p. 117
"Someone has said that Satan knows nothing at all about pleasure, his specialty is amusement. Only God knows geniune pleasure." p. 136-137
"Genuine pleasure is ordained by God and intended for our deep joy and delight. It can only be captured by knowing God, realizing He knows us, and being at reqast in His presence." p. 137
"Learn to praise God regardless of your personal circumstances, and you'll see miracles occur. Your heart and mind will be renewed. Your perspective will widen panoramically. And your attitude toward God will never be the same." p. 144
"O, Lord my God, I cried out to You,
And you have healed me.
O Lord, You have brought my soul up from the grave,
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit." Psalm 30:2-3, p. 149
"Problems encourage isolation, and isolation nurtures misconception." p. 183
"An old African-American preacher once commented... 'There's no living in the land of the living like living in the living God!'" p. 190
"Great works are done in deep waters." p. 206
"A devoted believer will pray for God's deliverance from problems, but a wiser one will pray for God's use of them."
"If you're weathering a storm, you can be certain the winds are no random weather front. They blow for a clear purpose. As you're caught up in a tempest, ask God to help you be caught up in His purpose."p. 208
"Unfortunately, prayer seems to be our last port in a storm. It should be the first." p. 209
"God knows, even if we don't, that we're not self-sufficient. He loves to bring us to our knees in fresh depoendence on Him." p. 211
"You are safer and more secure in the tempest with Jesus than you could ever be in the calmest place without Him." p. 213
From Mr. Jeremiah's journal:
"Lord, never let me forget that my mind must be fixed on You. I think of You so much more now than the time before my cancer arrived. I have become more sensitive now to Your will and to the process of becoming holy. I want my life to honor You. I want to live for You. I want to serve You wholeheartedly. In these days when I face an uncertain future, my heart would be troubled; help me to remember that 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.'" p. 236
Some of the things David Jeremiah does in the book is use the stories of others who have gone through live changing experiences. One of those people that shares his story is a surgeon named Dr. John Hovey. Dr. Hovey contracted Parkinson's disease. The following is some of what he shared in his story.
"Was my identity as a doctor more important than my identity as His disciple?"
"Since my retirement... the Lord has been more than faithful in showing me that His grace is sufficient. He has allowed me to identify with Jesus in the practical joy of being a carpenter and to develop a more disciplined study of His Word. He has allowed me to be availalbe to assist the many people He puts in my path. He has given me the joy of increasing my participation in church activities and of giving more of the Lord's money back to him."
"This has been the bottom line for me: more time with the Lord, more time with His Word, and more time with my wife and family. Would you believe it if I told you that I've come to be truly thankful for Parkinson's disease? It's the truth." p. 57
"Someone said the the problem with life is that it's so daily." p. 90"
"...Lord, out the light back in my eyes." Isn't that a fascinating thing to put in our prayers? Put the light back in my eyes."
(King)"David says, "O Lord, I have no hope. Please see me and hear me---and put the light back in my eyes." What a moving prayer this is."
"He addresses his Lord as Jehovah Elohim."
"Jehovah reflects God's promises; Elohim reflects God's power."p. 95
"We can find tremendous hope of victory in the midst of the deepest pits life can drop us into. But it's no simple process. There isn't a handy, guaranteed formula for hope in the midst of suffering. It takes absolute, fall-on-your-face humility and genuine, gut-wrenchingly honest prayer." p. 96
I have been reading "A Bend In The Road: Experiencing God When Your World Caves In" by David Jeremiah. David Jeremiah is the Sr. Pastor at the Shadow Mountain Community Church, El Cajon, California. He is a cancer (lymphoma) survivor, also. This book is about his journey from diagnosis through remission and beyond and is very similar to my own journey. Many of his thoughts and experiences were/are my thoughts and experiences.
The next few posts I'm going to share some of the passages from the book that I "felt" and meant a great deal to me. They touched me and I hope they touch you, also.
"... God uses disruptive moments to help us keep things in perspective." p. 11
"God is up to something when He sends difficulty our way." p. 51
"If you don't know Christ, you must enter the battle without weapons or armor. You fight in your own strength, and you fall on your face.
Why? Because God is the only One who can help us when trials come into our lives. And He does more than help us. He is our rock, our fortress, our hope, and our confidence." p. 52
San Francisco Police Department Press Conference
Background: San Francisco Police Officer Nick Birco was killed July 26, 2006 when his police car was struck by a stolen van occupied by suspects who had just committed an armed robbery and were being pursued by SFPD units. This video was of a press conference given by a member of the SFPD brass and demonstrates how our leaders should act.
http://mfile.akamai.com/12948/wmv/vod.ibsys.com/2006/0728/9591734.300k.asx
“At the end of my life, when I face God, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could tell Him I used everything You gave me.” Erma Bombeck, Author & Humorist
"Bloopers happen," Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean told reporters in Burlington, Vt.
Apparently, Kerry doesn't know how to say "I apologize," so he sends Howard Dean to call his statements "bloopers."
What a shame! Mr. Kerry needs to stand up and be a man. He has shamed our forces who are defending his right to "be a blooper."
Mr. Kerry should resign... you don't deserve to be Commander In Chief of our forces!
"You know, education - if you make the most of it - you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq." Democratic Senator John Kerry
The man who would like to be President of the United States; and he calls this a joke!
"who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began" 2 Timothy 1:9 (New King James Version, www.BibleGateway.com)
Last night we went to the visitation for Clint Johnson. The line to get in the church was over one block long standing 3-4 deep. He was truly a unique and special young man that had won several honors and scholarships and was an Eagle Scout.
While standing in line I eaves dropped on conversations around me and heard many loving comments about Clint. It was obvious that he made friends easily, considered no one an outcast and made everyone feel very special. As a result, everyone that met him loved him and he will be missed by all of his friends and family.
If it is true that "a man's riches are his friends and family," then Clint was one of the richest. We can only aspire to be as "rich."
From Paul Berry an...
Paul Berry was one of the most faithful, sharing, intelligent and interesting people I have ever known. Not only was he one of my very best friends, he was a friend to Cheryl and Cory. I got to know Paul living in Hutchinson, attending the same church, serving on church committees together and having children close to the same age.
Even before he moved across the country from me he became my personal minister and confident. After he relocated he continued to minister to me and many others via email. I could always rely on Paul to deliver an apt message for each holiday and numerous messages for Lent and Advent. Many of these messages I still have and use.
Paul had many life experiences and many of these he shared. At one time he had a ministry around the Grand Canyon that was accessible only via airplane; he had High Tea with the Queen of England (of course there were many others there, but that was unimportant); he had a great love of books and art.
I know that Paul will be waiting inside the Pearly Gates with our Saviour and he will be ready to volunteer to show me about.
"When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with
Him in glory." Colossians 3:4 (Nelson's NKJV Study Bible)
To my Missouri friends...
You have an important vote coming up in less than two weeks. Amendment 2 allowing embryonic stem cell research will be on the ballot. Expect one brief paragraph describing the sections of the Missouri Constitution that will be changed. The actual Amendment is five (5) pages long. You need to read the entire Amendment prior to going to the polls.
There is a lot of miss-information being broadcast on television. The type of stem cell research that is being voted on is embryonic stem cell research. In order to do this an embryo must be killed or the embryo must be "cloned." Proponents claim the Amendment bans cloning, but when you read the fine print it doesn't ban. In fact, the fine print makes it illegal to do anything that discourages embryonic stem cell research!
Of course, a lot of this will end up being worked out in the courts. That means for you that your taxes will be paying for much of this.
I'm writing this because I am a stem cell transplant recipient... my own stem cells not embryonic. There has never been any person who has been cured by embryonic stem cells. There are no therapies or "trials" using embryonic stem cells. The cures, therapies and over 1,000 trials are from adult stem cell research.
As a Christian there is no way I could ever accept or approve of killing a human embryo. I hope you agree with me and vote NO on Missouri Amendment 2.
"I would rather be spiritually correct, than I would politically correct." Bobby Bowden, Head Football Coach, Florida State Seminoles
From a recent email:
And in the end...
Ready or not, some day, it will all come to an end. There will be no more surprises; no minutes, hours, or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass on to someone else. Your wealth, fame, and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses, that once seemed so important, will fade away.
It won't matter where you came from or what side of the tracks you lived, at the end. It won't matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant. Your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So, what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many people will feel lasting loss when you're gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom, and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a loving life that matters. Lovingly open your eyes to the abundant possibilities, and dive gently into this beautiful moment.
Several posts ago I commented that the 9/11 Commission recommendations needed to be adopted/enacted by Congress. It's political season. Tuesday morning it was reported on local news that Kansas Congressman Dennis Moore has called for the same.
Republicans have made a big mistake in not enacting these recommendations. Democrats have made a big mistake by not making the recommendations a political issue.
Are our Congressional representative really working for our protection?
The weather if Kansas City has finally acknowledged that fall is here... beautiful, crisp, cool mornings. They say we may have a light frost later this week. We have light showers and north wind this morning. I'm sure that in just a few weeks I will rue the cold and desire warm weather once again. The trees have slowly started to turn and drop. I'm sure the weather this week will speed the process.
"In all their afflictions He was afflicted,
And the Angel of His Presence saved them.
In His love and in His pity He redeemed them;
And He bore them and carried them
All the days of old." Isaiah 63:9"But now, O Lord,
You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand." Isaiah 64:8
(Nelson's NKJV Study Bible)
Leonard Hinkle was one of those truly nice and upbeat people that was such a joy to be around. He was always interested in others and their lives. He was one of those people who led quietly, politely and through strength. He showed is love and trust of Jesus Christ and encouraged other to do the same. Even in his final days on earth he was upbeat and positive to me and expressed his love of Jesus Christ. He was an inspiration and a true example of a "man."
"And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him." Acts 8:2 (New King James Version, www.BibleGateway.com)
Cheryl is not only a "giant" of faith and character she is the love of my life, my wife, my companion, my champion, my partner, my smiles, my tears, the mother of my son, Grandma to Reilee, a success in marriage, mothering, Grandmothering, business and life. Her word is gold, her faith true and strong, and her attitude is always positive. She is a woman who knows who she is, an inspiration to all those who know her and respected by all. If all that isn't enough she is beautiful, fiery, thoughtful and kind. No wonder she is a "giant" in my life!
"...In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and you shall not do any work ... For on that day he shall provide atonement for you to cleanse you from all your sins before the L-RD." -Leviticus 16:29-30
Judaism 101: Yom Kippur (http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday4.htm)
sunset October 1, 2006 - nightfall October 2, 2006 ~ Yom Kippur is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services on this day.
The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement," and that pretty much explains what the holiday is. It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and God, not for sins against another person.
Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath; no work can be performed on that day. It is well-known that you are supposed to refrain from eating and drinking (even water) on Yom Kippur.
Friday afternoon I went to pick up Reilee at the day care so she could spend the night with Grandma and Papa. Wondering around looking for the day care I found a Messianic Temple. I don't remember not knowing that there are Jewish temples all over Kansas City, but I am unfamiliar with "Messianic Jews." So, I had to do some research. I went to: http://www.menorah.org/mjews.html. Take some time to visit this site; it's informative and interesting.
The way I understand Messianic Jews believe in the Torah and it's teachings, but also believe in Yeshua (Jesus). This brings a question to my mind... Will the 144,000 come from the Messianic Jews?
Revelation 14:1
"Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads." (NKJV ~ Biblegateway.com)
Something I agree with that was in an email I received today:
Regardless of your feelings about the crisis between Israel and the Palestinians and Arab neighbors, even if you believe there is more culpability on Israel's part, the following two sentences really say it all:
If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence there.
If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel there.
