Walking with Jesus

Sometimes I write lists. I write "to-do" lists, shopping lists, project lists, and people lists. I like having a visual reminder of what I want to accomplish. Generally, the lists contain more than I can actually accomplish, and most of them end up lost before I work all the way through them. This morning I found a previously lost list. It's a different sort of list. It's a list of changes I would make (or like to see made) in our government. We've fallen away from our principles, and new immoralities are filling the void. Some of my ideas may seem extreme, but what can I say? They are. They are also (I believe) better than where we are going now. So, here's my list... * We need to outlaw pornography, 'no-fault' divorce, sodomy, adultery, elective abortion, telemarketing, and personal income tax. * We need to enforce our immigration laws, demanding proof of citizenship and/or eligibility required for all employment, closing any buisiness knowlingly hi

The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.

When did it become ok to say sin is ok? I understand that sin has always been a problem, but at least in our past we recognized it as a problem. How have we fallen so far? How have we lost sight of God's standards so completely? Please don't hear me hating anybody. That isn't my heart. But, I'm only 34 years old and I can't even begin to count the number of people I've known who have not only been trapped by one sin or another, but have surrendered to it completely in the vain belief that it's somehow not really wrong. It's the same lie that's been tripping us up since the very first sin: "You shall not die. You shall be like God." The truth is that some things are sin, no matter how we feel about it. Some things are sin, no matter if they are "natural" or not. Some things are sin because God sets the standard for holiness and perfection. I have personally known people who have surrendered to the following sins, and each time it

I believe God loves me. I believe God is good. I believe God is faithful and will not fail to keep His promises. I believe God wants me to find Him in all the aspects of my life. I believe that my belief is not up to me; it is a gift from Him. I believe this gift is available to anyone who accepts it. How it must break the heart of God when we refuse Him. It is not as if He needs us, or fears our rejection. God simply wants us. He created us for fellowship with Him. He loves us and knows that only He can fulfill us. Yet, God will not force us to find Him. " Love is not love unless it is chosen ." Therefore, God restricts Himself, forcing Himself to wait and watch despite the longing of His heart for us to find our purpose and meaning in Him. He makes room for our free will, knowing that many of us will always choose something less. His heart breaks, but it breaks for us. We're in a waiting time. Olivia and I have seen God fulfill so many of His promises. We've been s

James Montgomery Flagg’s patriotic poster “I Want You for the U.S. Army” was created in 1917 to support the American effort in World War I. It brings to mind ideas of joining something larger than oneself, contributing to the common good, fighting for the just cause, and surrendering oneself to another for the betterment of all. Conceived at a time of uncertainty about America's role in the European war, "I Want You" offered icy, heroic resolve as an antidote to ambivalence and as an argument against pacifism. The poster attested to the marketing and propaganda power of the government and paved the way for the success of conscription under the Selective Service Act of 1917. It also helped create a climate that forestalled the type of draft riots that had accompanied the Civil War . ( New York Times ) This image stirred a nation to action. It brought unity and purpose to our country as nothing else had. The result was selfless giving, strong corporate identity, and engagem

" 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find

I love my wife. Some of the things I love about Olivia are her... ...laugh, smile, spirit, passion, sense of humor, compassion, passion, desire to learn, heart, talent, intelligence, singing, creativity, photography, courage, friends, family, Gracey, story, heritage, faith, tenderness, feistiness, adventures, desire to travel, love for children, love for animals, love for Jesus, love for me, the small of her back, nicknames for everything, desire to help others, shoe size, belief in me, morning glories, tenaciousness, morality, modesty, artistry, thoughtful gifts, dreams, needs, differences from me, similarities to me, sense of contentment and appreciation, walks, encouragement, blogs, quirks, little flirts, face, eyes, style, outspokenness, honesty, thoughts on God, cooking, freckles, love for my family, songs, notes, notes from Gracey, dislike for just sitting around,... Yeah, I love my wife.