War Drums Beating in Iran

Well, here's an interesting story about Iran from CNN. They seem to be concerned about an attack by Israel.

Report from Florida

I have a friend in the choir who's been in Florida since Charley cleared out. He works for an insurance company and has been out helping the folks with their claims. Needless to say, he's been very, very busy. We hadn't heard from him in a while, so I e-mailed him to see how it was going. His reply:

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"One more storm. These poor people can't take much more. We lose power, then get power, then lose power again. Those trees that weren't damaged before are being rainsoaked and are now uprooting so the landscape looks quite ominous now.
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"I'm fine, just bouncing from area to area: Tampa to Melbourne to panhandle back to Orlando. I know this state quite well now.
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"Just want to get home so I don't have to think about it again."

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Let's keep R in our prayers. But let also remember in our prayers the people of Haiti, Grenada, Cuba, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida (and those in areas I may have missed but hurricanes did not).

A Thought From Iraq

This is from an e-mail I received today:

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A thought from Iraq - "Doom & Gloom about Iraq's future....I don't see it from where I'm sitting."

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[For those of you who haven't gotten my "Thoughts" before, I'm a Major in the USMC on the Multi-National Corps staff in Baghdad. The analysts and pundits who don't see what I see on a daily basis, in my opinion, have very little credibility to talk about the situation - especially if they have yet to set foot in Iraq. Everything Americans believe about Iraq is simply perception filtered through one's latent prejudices until you are face-to-face with reality. If you haven't seen, or don't remember, the John Wayne movie, The Green Berets, you should watch it this weekend. Pay special attention to the character of the reporter, Mr. Beckwith (the Journalist in the movie). His characters experience is directly related to the situation here. You'll have a different perspective on Iraq after the movie is over.]

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The US media is abuzz today with the news of an intelligence report that is very negative about the prospects for Iraq's future. CNN's website says, "[The] National Intelligence Estimate was sent to the White House in July with a classified warning predicting the best case for Iraq was 'tenuous stability' and the worst case was civil war." That report, along with the car bombings and kidnappings in Baghdad in the past couple days are being portrayed in the media as more proof of absolute chaos and the intransigence of the insurgency.

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From where I sit, at the Operational Headquarters in Baghdad, that just isn't the case. Let's lay out some background, first about the "National Intelligence Estimate." The most glaring issue with its relevance is the fact that it was delivered to the White House in July. That means that the information that was used to derive the intelligence was gathered in the Spring - in the immediate aftermath of the April battle for Fallujah, and other events. The report doesn't cover what has happened in July or August, let alone September.

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The naysayers will point to the recent battles in Najaf and draw parallels between that and what happened in Fallujah in April. They aren't even close. The bad guys did us a HUGE favor by gathering together in one place and trying to make a stand. It allowed us to focus on them and defeat them. Make no mistake, Al Sadr's troops were thoroughly smashed. The estimated enemy killed in action is huge. Before the battles, the residents of the city were afraid to walk the streets. Al Sadr's enforcers would seize people and bring them to his Islamic court where sentence was passed for religious or other violations. Long before the battles people were looking for their lost loved ones who had been taken to "court" and never seen again. Now Najafians can and do walk their streets in safety. Commerce has returned and the city is being rebuilt. Iraqi security forces and US troops are welcomed and smiled upon. That city was liberated again. It was not like Fallujah - the bad guys lost and are in hiding or dead.

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You may not have even heard about the city of Samarra. Two weeks ago, that Sunni Triangle city was a "No-go" area for US troops. But guess what? The locals got sick of living in fear from the insurgents and foreign fighters that were there and let them know they weren't welcome. They stopped hosting them in their houses and the mayor of the town brokered a deal with the US commander to return Iraqi government sovereignty to the city without a fight. The people saw what was on the horizon and decided they didn't want their city looking like Fallujah in April or Najaf in August.

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Boom, boom, just like that two major "hot spots" cool down in rapid succession. Does that mean that those towns are completely pacified? No. What it does mean is that we are learning how to do this the right way. The US commander in Samarra saw an opportunity and took it - probably the biggest victory of his military career and nary a shot was fired in anger. Things will still happen in those cities, and you can be sure that the bad guys really want to take them back. Those achievements, more than anything else in my opinion, account for the surge in violence in recent days - especially the violence directed at Iraqis by the insurgents. Both in Najaf and Samarra ordinary people stepped out and took sides with the Iraqi government against the insurgents, and the bad guys are hopping mad. They are trying to instill fear once again. The worst thing we could do now is pull back and let that scum back into people's homes and lives.

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So, you may hear analysts and prognosticators on CNN, ABC and the like in the next few days talking about how bleak the situation is here in Iraq, but from where I sit, it's looking significantly better now than when I got here. The momentum is moving in our favor, and all Americans need to know that, so please, please, pass this on to those who care and will pass it on to others. It is very demoralizing for us here in uniform to read & hear such negativity in our press. It is fodder for our enemies to use against us and against the vast majority of Iraqis who want their new government to succeed. It causes the American public to start thinking about the acceptability of "cutting our losses" and pulling out, which would be devastating for Iraq for generations to come, and Muslim militants would claim a huge victory, causing us to have to continue to fight them elsewhere (remember, in war "Away" games are always preferable to "Home" games). Reports like that also cause Iraqis begin to fear that we will pull out before we finish the job, and thus less willing to openly support their interim government and US/Coalition activities. We are realizing significant progress here - not propaganda progress, but real strides are being made. It's terrible to see our national morale, and support for what we're doing here, jeopardized by sensationalized stories hyped by media giants whose #1 priority is advertising income followed closely by their political agenda; getting the story straight falls much further down on their priority scale, as Dan Rather and CBS News have so aptly demonstrated in the last week.

Another War on the Horizon?

Both Israel and Iran seem to be gearing up for a showdown.

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Iran has pretty much thumbed their noses at the world and continue to develop their nuclear capability for what they claim to be peaceful purposes. We also know that they hate Israel.

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The world isn't buying it, especially Israel, which just purchased from the U.S. a bunch of bunker-busting bombs. These would be perfect for punching through the steel and concrete structure of a nuclear reactor. And if you remember your history, Israel has already done something like this - against an Iraqi reactor in 1981.

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One of the prophecies regarding Israel states that the Temple would be rebuilt and that is where the Anti-Christ while set up his abomination (Daniel 9:27). Only one problem (well, several). There's already some mosques on the Temple Mount, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque (one of, if not the largest in the world), and an underground mosque carved out in the mount where Solomon's Stables once stood.

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But the temple mount may not remain intact too much longer. In fact, it's in danger of imminent collapse. This has been a problem for a couple years, and all sides have been bickering over what to do about it. There have been bulges forming in the walls which Jordanian engineers have been working feverishly to fix. But it may not work. In fact, some (myself included) believe that the imminent collapse could be the very Hand of God at work.

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By the way, even if one wall should collapse, it would destroy everything on the Temple Mount, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

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For years Muslims have been excavating under the the Temple Mount, probably plundering and destroying Jewish artifacts, but also building an underground mosque that can hold some 30,000 worshippers. Israeli officials have tried in vain to warn of the dangers. The Muslims claim that the Israelis just don't want them worshipping there (which is also probably true).

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Anyhow, can you imagine the fallout (no pun intended) if the Temple Mount collapses? With all the saber-rattling going on already, I believe this could be the flashpoint of the next Middle East war.

Joyful Noise, the Ministry, and Opportunities

Our praise band Joyful Noise played at the luncheon after church. We debuted some new tunes and reworked a couple of others we had done sporadically in the past. All in all I think we were quite pleased with our performance. I even heard someone humming one of our tunes afterwards (that's always a good testimony).

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My friend B has recently made it official - he has started the process of becoming a minister in the United Methodist Church. His calling came during the ordination service during Annual Conference; the still small voice in his heart said, "You should be here." So now he's heeding the call.

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B is no stranger to what's involved - his dad served as a minister in the United Methodist Church in Montana for many years. B's family seems okay with it, too. My prayers are definitely with B and I think that I shall enjoy watching him go through this process.

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I've had a few suggest that I should go into the ministry. Maybe someday. I've even envisioned myself serving as a chaplain in a hospital. But for now I just tell folks that I'm already in the ministry. I think a professional ministry for me now would be too distracting. I don't feel that my circumstances could warrant me making a career change. I also don't believe my faith to be strong enough to take on something like this.

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By saying that I'm already in the ministry is because I'm part of the priesthood of all believers. We are all called upon by Jesus Christ to minister to one another. Yes, some are called to be pastors - those who are called to shepherd many. But I'm not so sure that's what God has planned for me.

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My involvement in the music program at church is my first love. It was what God utilized to get me into the church in the first place. I have been blessed with a wonderful talent and a tremendous desire to use it. There are times when it gets taxing and I don't want to do it, but fortunately that doesn't happen often, and I always hold on to my first love.

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But I do think God is leading me at least in the general direction of the ministry. I've always had a heart for the choir's spiritual well-being, and currently I serve as chaplain to the Sanctuary Choir. It is a tremendous blessing to shepherd - even if it's just a little bit - this flock that God has entrusted to me.

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I've also become part of the Stephen Ministry. I felt that I had the spiritual gifts needed for this vital ministry and that I could learn some more about myself, particularly whether or not God was leading me into the ministry. It certainly has become a learning experience, one that has made me bolder in my faith. And besides, I have seen that what I do as a Stephen Minister can make a difference.

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So what's next for me? I believe the next step for me is training as a Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church. Perhaps that will show me whether I desire to pursue going into the ministry or if I'm happy enough doing what I can as a layperson. We shall see.

The Heart

Here's a story I received via e-mail from both our daughters - please feel free to pass it on:

"Tomorrow morning, " the surgeon began, "I'll open up your heart..."
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"You'll find Jesus there," the boy interrupted.
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The surgeon looked up, annoyed "I'll cut your heart open," he continued, to see how much damage has been done..."
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"But when you open up my heart, you'll find Jesus in there," said the boy.
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The surgeon looked to the parents, who sat quietly. "When I see how much damage has been done, I'll sew your heart and chest back up, and I'll plan what to do next."
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"But you'll find Jesus in my heart. The Bible says He lives there. The hymns all say He lives there. You'll find Him in my heart."
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The surgeon had had enough. "I'll tell you what I'll find in your heart. I'll find damaged muscle, low blood supply, and weakened vessels. And I'll find out if I can make you well."
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"You'll find Jesus there too. He lives there." The surgeon left.
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The surgeon sat in his office, recording his notes from the surgery, "...damaged aorta, damaged pulmonary vein, widespread muscle degeneration. No hope for transplant, no hope for cure. Therapy: painkillers and bedrest. Prognosis:, " here he paused, "death within one year."
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He stopped the recorder, but there was more to be said. "Why?" he asked aloud. "Why did You do this? You've put him here; you've put him in this pain; and You've cursed him to an early death. Why?"
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The Lord answered and said, "The boy, My lamb, was not meant for your flock for long, for he is a part of My flock, and will forever be. Here, in My flock, he will feel no pain, and will be comforted as you cannot imagine. His parents will one day join him here, and they will know peace, and My flock will continue to grow."
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The surgeon's tears were hot, but his anger was hotter. "You created that boy, and You created that heart. He'll be dead in months. Why?"
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The Lord answered, "The boy, My lamb, shall return to My flock, for He has done his duty: I did not put My lamb with your flock to lose him, but to retrieve another lost lamb." The surgeon wept.
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The surgeon sat beside the boy's bed; the boy's parents sat across from him. The boy awoke and whispered, "Did you cut open my heart?"
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"Yes," said the surgeon.
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"What did you find?" asked the boy.
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"I found Jesus there," said the surgeon.

Like An Angry Cat

When I was a boy, we had this white cat. Although we loved him dearly, he was the meanest cat I've ever known. It was not uncommon for him to come home a little beat up after a cat fight - which in most cases he won. We even saw him chase after dogs!

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I still have some scars to attest to the vicious nature of this cat. As most little boys do, I played with this cat, and sometimes it was a little rough. He didn't like that, and he would let me know. Usually it wasn't a little scratch or bite either. This cat would latch onto you with claws fully extracted and teeth chomping.

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As I got a little older, I got a little wiser. No, I still teased the cat. But I found I could sometimes disarm him by holding him down on the floor by the scruff of the neck. After a few minutes, the outcome would be: (1) he would calm down, (2) my dad would rescue me, (3) I would let go and make a hasty escape or (4) I would let go and get clobbered anyway (the most likely outcome).

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I see our involvment in Iraq in a similar fashion. American and British military forces, along with a small collection of other nations' forces are currently holding an angry cat by the scruff of the neck. Occasionally a paw comes out and takes a swipe. The possible outcomes are similar. I don't see this cat calming down. I also don't see us able to let go and make a hasty escape.

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One last scenario poses an interesting thought. Remember how my dad would rescue me? All I had to do was call out to him. Perhaps we, too, should call out to our "dad" - yes, God. That's all we have to do, call out to God and ask Him to deliver our troops from their dangerous situation. But sadly, I don't see that happening either.

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I also shudder to think what Iraq would be like in a total state of anarchy, a huge base of operations for terrorists to strike anywhere around the world at any time. Imagine a few men who are empowered by Satan inflaming millions who already follow a lost religion.

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It is like an angry cat - ready to pounce.

Another Banner Day for Islam

Well what can I say? More and more people were victimized by Muslim fundamentalists in Iraq today, including another American who was beheaded.

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I just have a couple of questions: If Islam is supposedly the peaceful religion that some would debate that it is, then where is the outrage? Why aren't Muslims around the world taking to the streets and demonstrating against the evil that is going on in Iraq? Why is Al-Jazeera glorifying their bloody deeds, giving air time to the agents of Satan? Why is the battle cry being given out by the religious leadership?

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It seems the Muslim world - as usual - is ominously silent. How sad. How very sad.

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Why is it that the likes of Maqtada al-Sadr, Musab al-Zarqawi, and Osama bin Laden send their pawns to commit suicide and murder scores of innocent people in the process. Who gave these people that kind of authority? If they want to set an example, why don't they themselves volunteer for these suicide missions? Because they're cowards.

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Why, if they're so proud of killing unarmed, bound, civilian hostages, do they cover their faces? Why not show themselves? Because they're cowards.

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These cowards hide in schools, in hospitals, in mosques. The United States has been very careful not to target innocent people (although that proves difficult, if not impossible at times). We have been very careful to cause as little collateral damage as possible. Munition dumps cause a tremendous amount of collateral damage when hit - that's why we don't target Muslim holy sites.

Is it Fall Already?

Gee, it's not yet the first day of Fall, but it's starting to feel that way already. The clouds have blown away and it's nice out! Of course after a summer here, 85 degrees feels quite nice.

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Well, I have lots on my mind, including some good news regarding S's pancreas, and lots to comment about on religion and politics which, unfortunately, make a deadly mix in Iraq.

Weather, Sinuses, New Toys, and Die Hard

It's been an okay week for me although I didn't feel too good yesterday morning, so I couldn't meet the guys for breakfast. Real bad sinus headache. The weather's a-changin'.

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Currently we're under the remnants of Hurricane Javier. It's been fun to watch the rain come down, especially since we need it so badly. It has been rather sticky, though. I can do without that. A cold front should be passing through tomorrow which may trigger more thunderstorms, then it'll push all the moisture out. After that, it'll be a little cooler and a lot less humid. I might just fire up the evaporative cooler this week.

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I bought a new tool for the computer room Friday. You see, S wanted me to get the scanner hooked back up to the computer. Oh, and would I please get another black print cartridge? Well, I showed her. I bought an HP PSC 1315xi All-In-One (Printer/Scanner/Copier), which also has a digital camera interface (and it included a black and color print cartridge). We both love it and it's one less USB port to contend with. And it was only $89.99 at Costco.

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I have some music to get ready for our praise band (nice to have a copier at home now). I think we'll be ready to play at the church luncheon next Sunday, but I would feel better getting another rehearsal under our belt. I've decided we'll actually play Sunday's program on Wednesday. So some of the folks will have to hear it twice - could be a treat if we do well!

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Church was good this morning. We were processing in to Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (different words set to the fourth movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony). I cracked up some of my fellow choir members by saying, "Cool! - the Die Hard theme!" What?!?

Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ Now Available on DVD and Video

Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ
is now available on video and DVD.

Passion Shows the Great Extent of Jesus' Love

In case there was any doubt in your mind how much Jesus loves you, Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ should wipe out any such doubt. In case you didn't catch it in the theaters, this film is now available on video and DVD. I got a smokin' deal for it at Walmart for $14.88.

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I did catch it in the theaters during its first week. The Passion of the Christ has left an indelible mark on my soul and has strengthened my faith as a Christian even more. I must say that after seeing this film, I will never take communion the same way again.

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Yes, it is quite bloody, and hard to watch. I found myself shuddering each time Jesus was struck while he was scourged nearly to death. When the Roman soldiers whipped him as he carried the cross, I wanted to yell out, "Leave him alone, already!"

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I am thankful that Mel Gibson chose to get real when portraying the Passion. Too often the Passion is treated in a sanitized, girly-man manner. The fact is that Jesus bore so much of the agony that we ourselves deserve. That is what becomes so obvious in this film.

Recommended Reading Material on Prophecy

As I wrote earlier, I'm a strong believer that Jesus is coming back, and I think it will be sooner than most folks care to admit. Here are three very interesting books on the topic.

Democrats Who Supported the War in Iraq

Okay, I warned you...the gloves are coming off.

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The following is from an e-mail I recieved from a friend:

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Subject: Where Bush Got His Marching Orders:

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One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line.

- President Clinton

4 February 1998

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If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program.

- President Clinton

17 February 1998

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Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face.

- Madeline Albright, Secretary of State

18 February 1998

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He will use those weapons of mass destruction again, as he has ten times since 1983.

- Sandy Berger, Clinton National Security Adviser,

18 February 1998

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We urge you, after consulting with Congress, and consistent with the U.S.Constitution and laws, to take necessary actions (including, if appropriate, air and missile strikes on suspect Iraqi sites) to respond effectively to the threat posed by Iraq's refusal to end its weapons of mass destruction programs.

- Letter to President Clinton, signed by:

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI),

Sen. TomDaschle (D-SD),

Sen. John Kerry ( D - MA),

and others

9 October 1998

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Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of massdestruction technology which is a threat to countries in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process.

- Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA)

16 December 1998

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Hussein has...chosen to spend his money on building weapons of mass destruction and palaces for his cronies.

- Madeline Albright, Clinton Secretary of State

10 November 1999

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There is no doubt that...Saddam Hussein has invigorated his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United States and our allies.

- Letter to President Bush, signed by:

Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,) and others

5 December 2001

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We begin with the common belief that Saddam Hussein is a tyrant and threat to the peace and stability of the region. He has ignored the mandate of the United Nations and is building weapons of mass destruction and the means of delivering them.

- Sen. Carl Levin (D, MI)

19 September 2002

We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country.- Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power.

- Al Gore

23 September 2002

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We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developingweapons of mass destruction.

- Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA)

27 September 2002

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The last UN weapons inspectors left Iraq in October of 1998. We are confident that Saddam Hussein retains some stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and that he has since embarked on a crash course to build up his chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Intelligence reports indicate that he is seeking nuclear weapons...

- Sen. Robert Byrd (D, WV)

3 October 2002

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I will be voting to give the President of the United States the authority to use force-- if necessary--to disarm Saddam Hussein because I believe that a deadly arsenal of weapons of mass destruction in his hands is a real and grave threat to our security.

- Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA)

9 October 2002

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There is unmistakable evidence that Saddam Hussein is working aggressively to develop nuclear weapons and will likely have nuclear weapons within the next five years. We also should remember we have always underestimated the progress Saddam has made in development of weapons of mass destruction.

- Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D, WV)

10 October 2002

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He has systematically violated, over the course of the past 11 years, every significant UN resolution that has demanded that he disarm and destroy his chemical and biological weapons, and any nuclear capacity. This he has refused to do.

- Rep. Henry Waxman (D, CA)

10 October 2002

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In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapon stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will keep trying to develop nuclear weapons.

- Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY)

10 October 2002

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We are in possession of what I think to be compelling evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of weapons of mass destruction.

- Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL)

8 December 2002

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Without question, we need to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator, leading an oppressive regime. He presents a particularly grievous threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation .. And now he is miscalculating America's response to his continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons of mass destruction. So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons of mass destruction is real.

- Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA)

January 2003

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SO NOW THESE SAME DEMOCRATS SAY PRESIDENT BUSH LIED, THAT THERE NEVER WERE ANY WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, AND THAT HE TOOK US TO WAR UNECESSARILY!

Hmmm.

Joyful Communion

What a joyful week this has been! Three people who formerly worshipped at our church came back this week.

M and M showed up at the Wednesday night service. M (I'll let you guess which one) asked if he could sing in the praise band again. I asked, "When can you start?" It was nice having him and his voice there again.

R showed up for choir rehearsal on Thursday. She sang with us several weeks ago at the memorial service for our associate pastor's wife. Other than that, we hadn't seen or heard much of R for quite a few years. Our choir was suddenly in desperate need of altos, and R's voice would definitely add some nice oomph in the alto section. We had hoped she take up the invitation to come back to us. Well, praise God, she did!

Our church's Stephen Ministry team offers communion every Sunday after the 11:00 service. Today was my turn to serve. I asked R how long it had been since she had last taken communion, and when I saw how long it took to answer, I invited her to join me in the chapel after church.

Pastor D had already preached on the parables of the lost coin, lost sheep, and the prodigal son. [Luke, chapter 15] I was already experiencing the joy in finding those that were lost. I apologized to R for not having a fatted calf. It was a joyous communion!

Three Years Later...

I often wonder...
have we already forgotten?

THE DISCLAIMER - A.K.A. Discussing Religion and Politics in Polite (Politically Correct) Society

Well, here's a hot potato. Another good reason to blog.

During an interview on A&E's Biography, J.K. Rowling, author of the immensly popular Harry Potter series, was asked about those who criticized her work, saying that it promoted witchcraft, the occult, etc. She stated that if they didn't like Harry Potter, then they shouldn't her books.

Thus my disclaimer: If you don't like what I have to say here, then don't read it. Build a bridge, get over it, and move on. After all, I listen to all your opinions and you don't hear me crab about it. It's a free country (thank God) and you have the right to express it whether I agree with you or not. Now if they ever take away that freedom, then you'll hear me crab about it.

Politics: I typically don't discuss politics. It's not that I'm not interested. It's just too emotional and potentially devastating. I was visiting my grandmother years ago and, as usual, she was muttering at the evening news (I think Dan Rather was on). I mentioned that the country's problems were because of all the damned liberal Democrats in Congress, to which she replied, "I'm a damned liberal Democrat!" Oops. Since then, I've vowed never to discuss politics with friends and relatives and otherwise polite company.

Well, now I've let the cat out of the bag and you have a pretty good indication where I stand politically. Or do you? In my first presidential election, I voted for John Anderson (that was 1980 - when Reagan defeated Carter). I also voted for H. Ross Perot (whatever year that was). I'm not always content with the status quo, but I'm not always content with the strongest challenger.

Overall, I consider myself a moderate conservative, and I tend to vote Republican as I get older. Go figure.

But what's really important here is that each of us should vote with our conscience. Know what you stand for, research the candidates and issues, and vote for those who share your opinions.

There's still a lot of griping over the 2000 Presidential election. I truly believe that if the voter turnout had been higher, the result would have been different. If you were over 18 and didn't vote, you have only yourself to blame. So quit your whining and get to the polls.

Religion: I am a Christian, and some might say I'm fundamentalist in my beliefs. I believe the Holy Bible to be the very Word of God, written by those divinely touched by God. I believe that there is a reason for each and every word written in the Bible.

There are some around me who may not share the same theological views as I do. As in politics, I tend not to discuss these differences with these individuals. Perhaps my faith is not strong enough to have emboldened me to do so? Perhaps God has not called upon me to do so? I don't know. Maybe I don't want to rock the boat. Maybe these are just excuses for me to cop out. But perhaps it's just the guidance from that still, small voice of Jesus Christ in my heart that says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31)

Along with that strong belief in the Bible, you'll note that I'm a strong believer in prophecy in regards to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Did you know that in the Bible there more five times more prophecies regarding Christ's second coming than there are regarding his first? That's amazing! In fact, some of those prophecies have already come true and we have witnessed others being fulfilled in our lifetime. I truly feel that we may see the Second Coming in our lifetime. Some of the signs are here already (Matthew, ch. 24; Mark, ch. 13; Luke, ch. 21)

So that's my religion and politics in a nutshell (yes, I may be a nut, but I like me this way).

What's on my mind?

You know, I've done blogging before, but it's been a while (I know - I just checked out my profile here). With everything that's on my mind, I figured I needed to get down to business and just write down my thoughts. This way, any of you folks who want to get to know me (although I can't imagine why) can do just that.

Anyway, it's a pretty quiet weekend so far (although I'm going to be busy getting this blog set up. Tomorrow should be fairly busy also as the Stephen Ministry will be doing a publicity push.

S (my wife) is taking it easy this weekend. Her pancreatitis is still bothering her but she manages to work through the pain. I just pray she can hold it together until we get her fixed better. She's scheduled to see Dr. H at Mayo on October 6. Dr. M has pretty much said in so many words (and deeds) that she can't really help her. That's okay because we can move on. Dr. H. did find things last April that could cause S some problems. Well, she's got problems. But at least we know where to go from here.

We got lots of prayer support from the Emmaus community during the Gathering last night. That's always a good thing. After all, she needs a miracle right now. As for me, I'm doing okay.