Fishing with Charlie

American Economics

2008-10-06T10:51:00.004-05:00

I'm inside due to the rain, as I usually mow the yard on Mondays, my regular day off during the week.

I was reading a college student's post about political economics, and then reading the comments she was being bombarded with in regards to their understanding of economics. First, I was really impressed that this young lady would put this out there, only to be ripped a part by those "in the know."

I'm copying her post followed by my personal response to help prop up her argument. I realize folks are hurting. My prayer is that this mess is straightened out, people who want to work are back at work, and people buy lots of chicken (that's for me). Laura's post is as follows:

"TO ALL MY FRIENDS....LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE...FYI only.George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years. The first six the economy was fine especially after the Bush tax cuts rejuvenated the economy after 9-11. A little over one year ago:1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%. 4) the DOW JONES hit a record high--14,000 + 5) American's were buying new cars,taking cruises, vacations overseas, living large!... *BUT American's wanted 'CHANGE'! So, in 2006, they voted in a Democratic Congress and yes-- we got 'CHANGE' all right. In the PAST YEAR: 1) Consumer confidence has plummeted ;2) Gasoline is now over $4 a gallon & climbing!;3) Unemployment is up to 5.5% (a 10% increase); 4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS and prices still dropping; 5) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.6) as I write, THE DOW is probing another low~~$2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS HAS EVAPORATED FROM THEIR STOCKS, BONDS & MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS! YES, IN 2006 AMERICA VOTED FOR CHANGE...AND WE SURE GOT IT! ....REMEMBER THE PRESIDENT HAS NO CONTROL OVER ANY OF THESE ISSUES, ONLY CONGRESS.AND WHAT HAS CONGRESS DONE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.NOW THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT CLAIMS HE IS GOING TO REALLY GIVE US CHANGE ALONG WITH A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS!!!!JUST HOW MUCH MORE 'CHANGE' DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STAND?"

My response to help keep her standing:

"Here's my 2 cents, after all, the American Dollar is so devalued within the world, it's all I have left.As I sat here pondering the wisdom of others, I had to wrap duct tape around my head, so it wouldn't explode. It's amazing how well we have taught our children and adults the basics of economics. Our government schools have sold us out to teachers' unions bent on doing the minimum necessary to keep budgets inflated and students lagging in the world. Thus, mismanaged education leads to ignorance in daily life management, and HERE WE ARE TODAY. Politicains only pander to people's wallets. Really that's it. It's always about money for politicians, and when it's not, its still about MONEY. Politicians have scampered for money so much that it has left the country trillions in debt, and use donating greenbacks to companies building wooden arrows. Perhaps, the politicians believe the wooded toy arrows are the best way to get Osama in his Pakistani cave, who really knows. Yet, our government education system has put us here by educating today's and tomorrow's politicians. They've done such a good job of it, we sit $6,000+ per American in debt as citizens and taxpayers, not counting our own personal domestic spending debts.Now that we have the real root of the problem out there, we need a plan on developing young minds into ones that will produce rather than be a slave to their debt and others. Sound economic teaching, that is exciting and fun, is the only to stave off future calamity.Let me give you some ideas, and hopefully, you're still reading, cause economics generally reads like a Ben Stein commercial. I qualify all this by being a business professional with NO business debt, no real personal debt other than my house and a car, and that includes a $0 balance on student loans.

"Let's start with the oil debate. Granted the Republicans say drill now and Dems say it would be 10 years before anything hit the market. OK, this is a good start to economic teaching being lacking in the U.S. When a push for drilling here (Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay less) started in July, markets saw oil futures, just at the thought the U.S. would even consider tapping into it's own resources, drop. Since July, because of a hypothetical, Oil has dropped from a high of $147 per barrel to $90 today. It will continue to fall just based on that hypothetical. Should POLITICIANS decide to stop discussing it, oil will rise. WHY? It's all supply and demand. If supply goes up it will keep demand regulated and prices will fall. This is the main argument in adding refineries in the U.S. Our old refineries produce at a reduced rate (unproductive to toady's standards for employee and product productivity) and if we could build new, streamlined refineries, then gas prices would plummet due to the ability to flood the market with more product, thus driving the price down. Another way to understand price increases in oil could be gained by looking at storm effects on production. When a storm such as a hurricane (Katrina, Francis, and Ike are good examples) threaten oil producing regions, what happens? You see your gas cost go up. Why? No supply. No supply or less supply equals higher cost.

"I like educating my employees on Minimum wage. For those making minimum wage (which I have few if any), they get all excited cause we businesses HAVE to , by law, give them more per hour. For those who have worked hard for the increases they've earned (not given by government stipulation), I always feel bad, and so do they, especially, if they've been through my economics class. Now if the cost of doing business goes up, what do you think happens? If you said consumer prices go up, then you're getting an "A" in economics right now. Let me explain how minimum wage really hurts the worker. Considering that when wages go up, prices follow, and deducting that it's a net gain of zero due to price inflation, what happens to employees making more than minimum wage? Most often, their wages remain the same and consequently, due to price increases reflective of minimum wage increase, they, ironically, end up paying more for products, thus, it could be said, they are making less. Because some slacker making minimum wage got a government subsidy in a simulated wage increase, those who worked hard, attained new levels of hierarchy within their jobs, end up losing, and at what cost? Being Fair. that's really what Fairness doctrine is all about. It is a cornerstone to Marxist thinking. Considering that it doesn't matter how hard you work, because some slacker will have an opportunity to make more by closing the wage gaps in inflated minimum wages, then what incentive is there for those who work hard to make more. Conversely, what incentive is there for slackers to work any harder. The answer is NONE. This is one of the main reasons the Soviet empire crumbled. War didn't beat the Soviets, economics beat them.Don't get pulled into this bologna that it's everyone else's fault. I finally rejoiced when Governor Palin said in her debate with Senator Biden, that we as Americans need to take responsibility for ourselves. Finally, a politician, although, considering what I've seen of her lately, that might be insulting, has said the most important thing to our recovery, we have to do it ourselves.

"I'm not looking for any handouts on days my business is less than stellar, and you shouldn't either.The POLITICIANS who put us in this place, whether Dems or the GOP, should be in jail and not running the country, or ruining our future and those that follow.Let me also add this about personal responsibility, as a country, we will do ourselves some real good, if we stop looking over our neighbor's fences and craving what they have, especially when we can't pay cash for it. When we learn how to live off 80% of what we really earn, save 10% of it for our personal future, and give the other 10% to charity, then this country will once again rise into the prominence of yesterday.God Bless the U.S.A. the greatest country the world has ever known, and good luck to anyone willing to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. You'll be better for it and make America better."

I hope you made it though one of the most bland topics to ever discuss. I also hope you follow, Malachi's challenge, to give that 10% going to charity to your local church. If you don't have a local church, find one and get involved for Jesus' sake. If you can't find one, then I'll see you a Eastpoint next week!!

Just A Little Something Special

2008-10-03T19:23:00.002-05:00

Today, I had the priveledge of teaching a Chapel service today to some very special people.

Oh, by the way (BTW for my texters), I'm sorry I've been gone from blogging for a while. Life in the Fall is so busy, plus the Lord has really been blessing my business.

So, anyway, I took the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus Wept," (John 11:35), to show my friends how, even though, Jesus was God in person, things such as death affected Him so much that Jesus Sobbed uncontrollably. I used it to illustrate how Jesus feels pain when we feel pain. He hurts when we hurt and He knows the pain the loss of a loved one can bring. The best part about this particular passage shows us Jesus' victory over death and pain. Just when you think and event is complete and total, Jesus can change it. You just have to give your life to Jesus.

So, how you feeling today? Has the economy hurt you? Has a friend hurt you? Perhaps, life is really painful right now. Jesus totally understands, and He wants you to give all that pain to Him.

If I missed you in church this Sunday, that really blows. If you didn't come, then you really missed out on an incredible blessing. Not to worry, Sunday is just a few days away. I'll See you in Church this Sunday!!

Never Forget?

2008-09-07T19:00:00.002-05:00

I think we have forgotten. The news networks refuse to run ANY scene of the planes hitting the World Trade Center because of the emotional distress they believe it will cause us, but I believe they refuse to run the images because they hated what we were becoming...UNITED. A United States is strong in the world, but a divided USA is vulnerable to radicalism and calls of "what about ME."

I hate it!

9/11 took away our freedoms, our innocence, and our friends (even I lost one). I have copied a story from my friend's wife and widow, to which she dives into this very topic and does so very eloquently. Check it out here http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080907/OPINION03/809070367/1008/OPINION01 .

By the way, church was awesome today. We had a few more decisions and did 4 more baptisms.

Have a wonderful day, and I hope to see YOU in church this coming Sunday.

Obama, The Merciful

2008-08-21T20:02:00.002-05:00

I know, I'm sick of it, too. However, I need to write, just in case it motivates one person to run away from their infatuation with Obama The Great, "The One We've All Been Waiting For."

I've already posted my concerns with regard to Obama's connection to and his lived out Communistic beliefs. If that didn't convince my fellow comrades to run away and vote for a different candidate, then perhaps his stand on the next subject will.

Most already know that Obama, is a Pro-Choice Candidate, a candy-coated way of saying "For Abortions." For some of my friends, they may have found this as a pill not easy to swallow, but one they would swallow if it meant great change.

Did you know that Obama doesn't just believe in abortion, but is O.K. with Infanticide? For those that don't know, infanticide is the process of giving birth and then leaving the baby alone to die. If this happens on the street, young mothers are arrested for it. TheseNo food, no medical help, nothing...it's not wanted, let it die. I know some of you may think I'm really over the top on this one, but I'm not kidding. This guy scares me. So where's the proof, Charlie?

Here's a passage from transcripts of the Illinois legislature. On pages 32-34 of the April 4, 2002 session, Obama debates an abortion bill on the floor of the state Senate.

Obama states, "The only plausible rationale, to my mind, for this legislation would be if you had a suspicion that a doctor, the attending physician, who has made the assessment that this is a nonviable fetus and that, let’s say for the purposes of the mother’s health, is being — that — that labor is being induced, that that physician (a) is going to make the wrong assessment and (b) if the physician discovered, after the labor had been induced, that, in fact, he made an error, and in fact this was not a nonviable fetus but, in fact, a live child, that the physician, of his own accord or her own accord, would not try to exercise the sort of medical procedures and practices that would be involved in saving that child.
"Now, if — if you think that there are possibilities that doctors would not do that, then maybe this bill makes sense, but I — I suspect and my impression is, is that the Medical Society suspects that doctors feel that they would already be under that obligation, that they would already be making these determinations, and that essentially adding a — an additional doctor who the has to be called in an emergency situation to come in and make these assessments is really designed simply to burden the original decision of the woman and the physician to induce labor and perform an abortion.
"Now, if that’s the case –and — and I know some of us feel very strongly one way or the other on that issue — that’s fine, but I think it’s important to understand that this issue ultimately is about abortion and not live births. Because if these children are being born alive, I, at least, have confidence that a doctor who is in that room is going to make sure they’re looked after."

This bill is being debated after doctors at a hospital in Illinois, Christ Hospital (of all places), were, in fact, leaving babies to die after live birth abortions with no oversight. He knows it, that's why the bill was proposed. He decides to debate it in a manner that looks the other way, and turns the decision to save the baby back over to the very physician attempting the abortion. That's like asking an executioner to give you CPR if you live after the hanging. That's not what they're there to do.

Let me put it this way, this politician is saying that it would be too much trouble to burden another doctor to give life saving care to a baby born alive during an abortion because it would conflict with the mother's decision to have the abortion in the first place, AND, if that doesn't rot the bottom of your boat, it might affect the health of the mother. WHAT? Saving a baby that's born and out of the womb, not connected in any manner to the mother, could kill the mom?! That spin is ridiculous.

I'm sick! Is this the guy we've all be waiting for? What do you think he'll do to senior citizens on Universal Health Care when they become a burden to the taxpayer for their care?

I'll blog something nicer next time. Be careful who you support.

See you in Church Sunday!

Ah dang.

2008-08-12T19:52:00.002-05:00

Ah dang, I really hate when you hear something from the pulpit that makes you adjust your position in the seat. That just means the Holy Spirit found an area of your life that He wanted to focus you on to, in fact, make you a better disciple of Jesus Christ.

Such an occurrence happened this past week. Such an occurrence was set up by circumstances surrounding a spiritual struggle I've had with some brothers. In fact, we haven't spoke in about 18 months. They haven't called me and I have called them. We've talked about each other, to others and on the blogs, but we haven't talked to each other. In fact, at times, we've been down right childish.

Recently, I was made aware of another rant on a blog about a minister I work with, and it was not entirely accurate. It came second hand, and rather than address it personally, it was blogged about. The blog was put out there to build one up, and tear the other down. I've been just as guilty in the past. Frankly, I was going to put in my 2 cents after I read it, but I really couldn't write and felt no desire to write. For sometime now, I have asked the Lord to fill me with the same Grace He showed me on the cross. Isaiah says He went to the cross like a lamb before her shears is QUIET. As quiet at Jesus was, His actions have spoken to me...VERY LOUD!

Granted, since the post and the incident inciting the post, I've really wanted to give that blogger a piece of my mind. Yet, nothing to write...nothing to say...quiet. Then a pastor at the church I attend, David Schorejs, shared some incredible verses this week. Romans 12:14, "Bless those that persecute you; bless and do not curse." SLAP! RIGHT IN THE FACE!! This is in a section of Romans where Paul is writing about love.

God -- "Hey Charlie!"

Me -- "Ya, Lord"

God -- "Chew on this one...BLESS THOSE THAT PERSECUTE YOU; BLESS AND DO NOT CURSE."

Me -- "Ah dang. Lord, Forgive me!!"

Right between the eyes. So, if you saw me moving, uncomfortable, squirming constantly, I didn't have a rash, I had the Holy Spirit. David nailed me with the following quote, "Build up the body of Christ," and sited Ephesians 4:11-13.

David's not perfect, and while some believe he's capable of walking on water, I've seen him sink in it. He's not even capable of changing water into wine, contrary to reports. Like me, full of faults but saved by grace.

Lord, Bless my brother's ministry, and help them to be lights to a dark world. Help us to work together for Your glory. Help us to stop being childish. The world deserves better of us.

If you didn't know it, this is Eastpoint Fellowship's 5 year anniversary celebration this Sunday. We'll have tons to do and some wonderful speaking this Sunday. I'm sure Brother Ken has another action packed worship service planned. I'll see you in church this Sunday!!

ObaMessiah

2008-08-06T20:44:00.002-05:00

I cannot fathom what happened to America, that she would be so desperate, so jealous of others, that she would elect a Communist as her president. I just can't believe it. While the other candidate isn't my favorite either, I can't fathom voting for Communism. It really frightens me.

Communism, in a nut shell, is the state deciding what is enough for anyone to have, and distributing the remainder of what is not "needed" by an individual to others. It's an effort by the state to keep everyone on an even playing field financially, mentally, and physically.

This crap of class envy will kill us all, rather we should, if we envy that which an upper financial class has, ask questions and learn from what they did to get there. Most will openly share their story and secrets. Yet, most in lower classes are lazy and rely on primarily three ways to collect what they believe is too much access for the upper classes. They vote for politicians who will TAX it out of them, or they Sue it out of the upper class. Some try to use government to get rich quick through , what I call, the poor man's tax, the state lottery. Then what happens? Because the winner had no training on economics or financials, and it didn't take any pain in training to attain this newfound wealth, those that were lazy and won the lottery, in an effort to get rich quick, end up bankrupt. Then bankruptcy is just another way to redistribute wealth in a backwards way. It just takes away from those who worked hard and now have to eat the bills for products you purchased and enjoyed. You had fun and we're left with the bill.

This is exactly what the Obama nation wants. If your successful, you should have to pay for the faults of everyone who is not successful. This is communism.

Let me leave you with something to think about. There's an old lady on the park bench who is cold and hungry. I have decided to pass her by (not the Christian thing to do, but I'll press that issue in a second, so hang with me). You decide to stop me, put a gun to my belly and demand that I hand over the money in my wallet, $200. I do. Then you proceed to take the old lady to eat and give her warm clothes and shelter with the money you took from me. Is what you did right? NO! You still stole and committed armed robbery with a firearm; this is a felony punishable by 10+ years in prison. So then what is the difference if I decide to pass this lady by and you decide the government, through it's taxes should take $200 out of my wallet to help this lady (welfare, etc) and if I don't, then they'll come with guns and threaten me with jail. It's still stealing. Now, as Christians, we should be tithing and presenting offerings to our churches and mission organizations, OR stopping, in person, to help. It should be of our own free will, just as when we accept Jesus as Savior. Just as coerced salvation will ever stand up when we get to heaven (we have to want Him in our lives), we have to want to help the needy. In fact, when we do stop and help, the blessings are so much more personal and bountiful then when we decide as a mob, to take from someone who really doesn't want to help.

The world will only become a better place when we stop forcing people to help, and start teaching them the benefits of helping of their on free will. Jesus would be so proud to see you step up and help the old lady without bullying another person that they should help too.

Be sure to inflate those tires and say no to the "O!"

I hope you find someone to help, and I'll see you in church this Sunday!!

Chaz Burton Crusade 2008

2008-07-24T19:02:00.004-05:00

"Chaz Burton, a young and dynamic preacher will bring his knack for speaking mixed with hillarious comedy to Eastpoint Fellowship Church on Sunday, July 27, 2008. He's speaking at 8AM, 9:30AM, and 11AM. You will not want to miss his relevant message.

Rolling Stones Magazine, if they ever got to see him, would call him a "chuckle of fresh air in the pulpit." US Weekly would call him, "Rivoting, not able to get enough of this pioneer for Jesus," and when asked about Chaz Burton and his preaching style, Jack Nicholson replied, "Who!?" Who, not many people can say Jack Nicholson called them "Who."

Join the growing Chaz Burton Crusade...it's not about Chaz Burton, it's about Jesus Christ!" From our Facebook add for "I'm going to the Chaz Burton Crusade"

Here's what today's message ENCOURAGES...
--Remember, it's not about Chaz Burton...It's about Jesus Christ! So here we are, it's Thursday. I started to hear some excuses from some good friends of mine. "I can't make that the first day I go" or "Who's this Chaz Burton Guy anyway" or "Did I eat that or rub it on my face; my back hurts...Hotttttt Pockets!"

Just so you know, I had a baseball coach in high school that said, only losers make excuses; winners celebrate!" I'm down with that philosophy today. For too long, even I have made excuses as to why I would not OUTWARDLY share and express my faith in Jesus Christ. I was such a loser! Here's this guy; He loved me so much (in fact, I can't even remember our first face to face meeting, but the Bible says it happened sometime in my mother's womb), that He became my sin, died on a cross for that sin so I could live forever...and I was worried about what people would think of me if I celebrated in front of them? That's not the nature of a winner. Winners woot and holla, toast champiagn, raise trophies, hug, and CELEBRATE. I made excuses. "They'll see the way I live and ask me about it" or "They're busy this week" or "I think they already go to church" or a good/bad one, "It'll ruin what we have now." PLAUH! I make myself gag. Grace sets in and.......I'm O.K!

Are you making excuses this week? I hope you're inviting the WORLD to come see Chaz speak this weekend. He has so many nitwitted stories to share about himself and others in the Bible, but most importantly, he just wants you or your friends to meet our Savior. He's speaking this Sunday, July 27, 2008, at Eastpoint Fellowship (a link to the church website is provided) at 8AM, 9:30AM, and 11AM. Who are you going to bring with you? Who are you going to bring that just might want to spend eternity partying with a bunch of winners?

So Who are you bringing? See you in church THIS Sunday! I CAN'T WAIT!!

Where You Shouldn't Be

2008-06-29T21:33:00.002-05:00

Earlier this year, in May, when I was busy getting contractors lined up for the rebuilding of my North Carolina home, I had to venture down to Atlanta for some training at Chick-fil-A's home office. I had my wife drive up and meet me after my training, and we stayed in Atlanta for one extra day. We had some comp tickets to go to Six Flags as a perk for selling Coca-Cola at Chick-fil-A. We really needed a day to get away from the insurance stuff and the rebuilding stuff, and Six Flags hit the spot. ALL of my kids had a great time. In fact, Candace got to ride a roller coaster for the first time. She went on the tallest one there...FIRST. I was so proud of her (Jordan, too...Brady will have to wait a few more years, but I'm sure he would have done it given the opportunity).

In Gotham City, they have a roller coaster adequately named "The Batman Roller Coaster." We all, minus Brady, went on it. I distinctly remember telling Candace while in line, "Nobody gets hurt on roller coasters." It's easy to remember because of the way we were making our way around the park, she chickened out of going on the next roller coaster cause it had two loops. She got in the seat and freaked out (Ever see Final Destination 3...just like that). So Jordan took her place and she watched. The next roller coaster was next door, and it was the Batman one. Liz and I calmed her down, let her get her bearings, and let her watch a few times as the Batman coaster completed its ride cycles. "See, no body's dying. No body's getting hurt." She kept watching the coaster as it completed its ride cycles as we moved through the line. She said, "Every body's fine daddy." I said, "Sure they are, they do everything they can to protect us so it's fun."

All that said, yesterday, a teenager dropped something while on the ride, jumped a fence to retrieve it, and lost his life as he was decapitated. What went wrong? Lawyers will jump in and probably say that the TWO 6 foot fences were not enough to keep people out of restricted areas, and collect money; all the while, we should look to the terrible mistake of a young man not obeying the rules and posted signs. As awful a tragedy as this is, and the tragic end to a life that could have showed so much promise for the world, fingers will be pointed and it won't solve anything.

When fault lies with you, accept it, learn from it and GROW. So many times in life, we end up in places we shouldn't be in, because we didn't obey life's warning signs. Speeding Tickets Piling up? WARNING SIGN...how about the sign posting the speed limit. In Debt? WARNING SIGN...credit card and its statement or how about gambling when you need the money for other things (it gets even worse when you gamble in an attempt to pay back debts, whew, what a nightmare situation). Marriage Falling Apart? WARNING SIGN...hanging out with other ladies or men. Addictions? WARNING SIGN...Can't get through one day without one fix. So many signs, yet we go right by them cause we believe WE know better when in fact we don't know better; That's the reason for life's signs.

Pray for this boy's family. Pray that through this awful tragedy, some will come to know the Lord.

Church was awesome this week as more and more people are visiting. Our new Worship pastor starts this week, and we will be building a new worship center soon. David Schorejs will be preaching this next week and he's always a wonderful teacher of life's lesson's and warning signs. Obey the signs of life this week and stay safe (especially when lighting those firecrackers this upcoming 4th of July). I'll be in North Carolina finishing up the repairs this weekend, so I'll miss you this Sunday, but there's a whole lot of other people would love to see you in church THIS Sunday.

I Want To Be A Clone?

2008-06-24T20:09:00.006-05:00

I remember when the ole iXo college group at my old church would do "Drive-by Preaching." You'd have someone driving, and some lunatic, leaning his entire torso and head out the window yelling at strangers on the sidewalk, "Jesus Loves You!" or "Jesus died for You!"

I'm not sure we got anyone saved this way, but it sure was fun.

So what are you doing in church life that's fun and not getting people saved? Are you in it for the fun, or the niche you're comfortable in? Are you a lunatic that strangers write off because you didn't take the time to get to know them? Just asking.

Just like drive-by shootings can leave a hail of bullets and someone dead, so can a method of drive-by preaching. Get to know 'em; their lost and want to be found. I'm just saying, do you want to be a clone?

See you in Church this Sunday!

Sold Out

2008-06-22T20:45:00.002-05:00

I really believe our politicians have sold us out, both sides of the aisle, especially in the area of fuel charges. We're all getting squeezed at the pump, unless you're lucky enough to drive a vehicle powered by compressed air (which is out there). So we keep importing oil from clown dictators in the Middle East and Venezuela (Citgo) and we pay higher prices at the pump.

Here's how we decided to become "energy dependent" in the past. It was discovered that corn was an energy source and could be turned into ethanol. The ethanol would be used as a substitute for gasoline or as an additive to assist gasoline in burning cleaner. As the world craved more energy, the United States included, more gasoline was needed, and thus, we needed more ethanol. More ethanol meant we needed more corn, far more than farmers could grow and grow fast enough. Economics starts to kick in here; where there's a large demand and short supply, prices tick upward, sometimes at inflation busting levels. Now with higher corn prices, the cost of food goes way up because we need corn to feed the cattle and chickens we eat, thus food goes up from higher feed and we get the DOUBLE WHAMMY of the cost of corn used in ethanol to transport the food to market. RESULT: Milk way up, meat way up, fast food way up, and GAS WAY UP (and cars are breaking down)!

It's insane! We have enough oil within the borders of the United States, let alone in ANAWR, to put Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries out of business, yet our politicians sit around doing NOTHING. Their only solution to date has been a windfall profits tax, which, in case you don't know how companies and businesses work, would essentially get passed on to the consumer to pay (Corporations, contrary to what taxes you think they pay, really pay NO taxes...You do it for them when you purchase a product, they pass their "tax cost" along to you in the retail cost of the product). This happens when the government raises the minimum wage, too (just think about the last time a restaurant didn't raise it's prices when minimum wage went up...never happens). Why? The restaurant passes the cost along to the consumer through higher prices on the menu. This happens with fuel, too.

If you want lower prices at the pump, at the restaurant, at the grocery store, at your electronics store, where ever you shop, sign the petition through the web link I provided on the right side of my web page titled, "Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less." Cuba and China our drilling off Florida's cost right now, yet Florida will not let the U.S. Companies drill...INSANE!!! One other fact, did you know, there's oil in the Rocky Mountains in the shale that could be turned into production oil for as little as $80 a barrel...we're paying over $130 a barrel for terrorist funding oil. Stop the insanity and sign the petition.

Thanks for listening to this rant and rave. Sign the petition.

I sure hope I catch you in church this Sunday!

Past and Present

2008-06-15T21:24:00.004-05:00

Today was an amazing day of being a DAD. It was a lot of fun, and I'm so grateful for my children and for my DAD.

Today, I watched my daughter, Candace, put on a gymnastics show for me. She has practiced and worked so hard. I was reminded, as she turned cartwheels, of a friend of mine while she did them. My friend, Matt Taylor, preached on occasion at an old church of mine. If you ever get to see him preach, he preaches with such passion and conviction that it easily convicts you. His sermons would leap off the stage and into your heart, as though, the Holy Spirit vaulted out of his mouth and into your heart. That's divine inspired preaching I love. He prepared well, and always sold out to his sermon.

I don't get to see him preach, as he was called to the pulpit in Missouri, but on occasion something reminds me of him. Whether it be an old Chris Farley skit doing his Matt Foleydeal, or my daughter doing cartwheels, I am reminded of the passion in which he preached and encouraged us to live for Jesus.

So, today, as my daughter turned perfect cartwheels, I saw Matt doing cartwheels and toe-touches on stage for Jesus to the music, "Eye of the Tiger." It was awesome to reminisce and to be reminded by a little girl to live my week for Jesus with the passion in which Matt preached.

Here's to hoping that this week you live for Jesus with passion and it's contagious.

I hope to see many more of you in church this next Sunday; it's going to be awesome!

Peace in the Storm

2008-06-10T18:50:00.011-05:00

I told you in the last post, and many that check me out on Facebook have seen this plus, if you're on a prayer e-mail chain I subscribe to, then you know where and what I've been up to over the last month.

Last month, Liz and I, as I blogged about, went to Hawaii for my wife's Birthday. It was my gift to her and our second time visiting those beautiful islands. We went to Oahu for 2 days and stayed on Waikiki Beach and then went over to the Big Island (Kona) for some Volcano exploration for 4 days. We spent a lot of time hiking and laying around the beaches. It was a very special getaway for Liz and I. In fact here are some pictures:

This is Honolulu and Waikiki Beach from atop Diamond Head Crater, an extinct volcano that is very prominent from the beach. We hiked to the top it....whhhhhhheeeeeeew, OXYGEN; I need oxygen!

Here, I stand in front of our favorite place to eat, not only in Hawaii, but in the world, Cheeseburger in Paradise. This is the best hamburger ever put together in a great atmosphere right on the beach. I would have eaten here for all meals had Liz let me. Plus, if you've eaten at any Cheeseburger in Paradise within the states, it doesn't come close to the ones in Hawaii, particularly the one in Maui. However, since we weren't in Maui this time, the one on Waikiki Beach did nicely.
Here we are on Waikiki Beach at sunset following a Luau.

Here we are flying in a helicopter over an active volcano.

Here, Liz stands in the middle of a major hwy, yet she doesn't have to watch out for any cars. It was overrun by a lava flow 4 years ago. Pretty neat!

We're standing at an observation post about 2 miles from the volcano, and it is cold. The Big Island of Hawaii has like 8 of the world's 10 temperate zones. In fact, you could go from a deluge of rain to the dessert in 2 minutes to the top of Mono Lea in an hour covered in snow. Plus, there's no trees around this active volcano so the wind whips in for miles off the ocean, thus it's windy and cold, but awesome!

Then with a day left, we got a phone call at 1AM Hawaii time which equates to 7AM on the east coast. Needless to say it was some terrible news. 3 trees had fallen on our home in Black Mountain, North Carolina doing significant damage. Its over $52,000 in repairs, and the insurance company has drug its feet all along. So pray for us as we still are negotiating with the insurance company to live by their slogan and Be a Good Neighbor.

Here's what the damage looks like:

The trees hit with so much force that the siding on the opposite side of the home exploded right off. We have 8 holes in our roof, and 6 trusses and the gable are completely totaled. The master bedroom was a complete loss. So pray for us as we work through this storm. We travel back up to meet with contractors tomorrow and will be back home on Saturday. Just the travel back and forth has put a serious dent in our fuel budget. It was cheaper getting to Hawaii than it has been in going back and forth.

Thanks for the prayers and support. So many have called and asked to help which has been awesome. You have been the peace within the storm.

If you missed Eastpoint Fellowship this past Sunday, you missed a lot and I'm sad for you, but you can make it up...See you in Church this Sunday (cause we'll be back)!

Where have I been?

2008-06-08T07:54:00.002-05:00

I'm so sorry for my absence on my personal blog. I've been posting on some other blogs thoughts and comments, some long enough to be blogs. That's been a lot of fun.

I have been crazy busy of late that hasn't allowed me to be here. Between numerous trips to North Carolina to fix the 2nd story from the trees that fell on the house, to incredibly wonderful sales increases at my restaurant, to church and little league volunteer work, I've been a little swamped. Add to that the time my family deserves, and I haven't had time to blog or do much else on the internet this past month.

Needless to say, the reconstruction on my home in North Carolina will begin next week, so once again, I'll be in North Carolina for part of the week. I've missed everybody, but things are good and the Lord has done well in taking care of us as He always does. Thanks for the prayers!

See you in Church (TODAY)!

1 Year ago

2008-05-16T05:36:00.000-05:00

Today, it's been a year since I started blogging. I've had my share of explaning to do. There's somethings I would do and not do differently. However, I have left it all out here in cyber space for you to see. It's been a real honor growing with you. It's been tough at times, but those tough times have sharpened me.
Today, I'm up at my home in Black Mountain, North Carolina working on lining up repairs for my home. Mother's Day night there was a severe wind storm here that caused 3 trees to fall on my home destroying the vast majority of the upstairs.

So, what's the deal, Lord? This was a question I asked at 1am Hawaii time when all my wonderful neighbors in North Carolina started calling me to let me know of the tragedy that had taken place (Hawaii is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in which North Caroline lies). I was not as upset as you might think. Stressed, yes. Upset, not really. Why? That's easy; this home isn't mine, it belongs to the Lord. As I have stated in the past, none of what I have is mine. I am just a steward of what belongs to the Lord. Sure, I can be frustrated at events like these. Likened to when I was school, I didn't like going to school because of the work and energy involved, but it was necessary to make me smarter and, hopefully, wiser. Tests were hard and required a lot of work and study. In the end, school, as hard as it was at times, made me a better and more productive person for society.

The same can be said for trials like the one I am going through now. It can be said for a trial you might be facing now. It may not be easy, but God's plan for your spiritual educataion is perfect. If you ever think your trial is too tough to bear, just spend an hour reading the book of Job in the Bible.

So many times we put God in a box. He has such a desire to bless you, even in those trials. Like a loving parent who may toss a child who doesn't know how to swim right into the pool. Terrified, the child struggles to gasp for air as their arms and legs frantically whale in every direction. The parent watched for signs of drowning, yet roots for the child to swim. Sometimes the distress is aparernet and the parent reaches in, pulls the child out. However, when the child has caught their breath, right back in the child goes. After diligence, the child will begin to tread water as the parent cheers the accomplishment. After a while, the water, once a source of terror, becomes the source of fun. (This is how I learned to swim).

God doesn't want us to drown in our trials. He's rooting for us to master them. don't go half way or make deals with God. Don't box him up in a 90 day campaign where you say "O.K. Lord, I'm committing to this for 90 days, and if I don't see results, it must not be true." That stuff and line of thinking will frustrate your walk with Him for a very long time, because He'll keep tossing you in the pool til you've got it.

Let me give an example of what I mean and I'll be done. I speak on tithes and offerings a lot because I believe it is the number one way to show obedience and faith. So many times, I've been in church services where it will come that time of year, usually in January, when tithes and offerings drop off. People over spend for Christmas, and in order to catch up on their bills, they "cheat" God. Inevidently, the pastor and church administrator see this happening so the pastor puts together a sermon series on "the tithe" or something to that effect. Many times, in the past, I recall campaigns such as "prove the tithe" or "put God first." This year, I had a chance to speak on the tithe in my church, a huge honor. This year, church leadership decided not to put a box around a time period we thought people needed to commit to. Instead, we taught, in a soft manner, the truth...God gives us everything, none of it is ours, and He only asks us to give back 10%. That's quite a deal. We explained that the blessings don't always come financially but in many other ways. The church responded in a way that has been far better than a 30, 60, or 90 day campaign. They keep giving because they like giving and it shows. The church as a business is in the black, even when we've over spent some of the budget. The church, as an entity, is gowing in number by leaps and bounds, and its growing spiritually in its muturity. For the most part, the vast majority has gotten it, and they've seen the fruit begin to bloom. When we keep God out of a box, His blessings are as the stars in the sky, limitless.

So, as I deal with my new "tree house," I am excited about the new things God is teaching me (yesterday was patience with the insurance man). Who knows what today will bring. I still have 3 trees on my house, but God has given me so much more than this small challenge. For one, I have the gift of eternal life.

Pray for my safe travels back to O-Town on Saturday; I look forward to seeing you in church this Sunday.

Hard Look at One Self

2008-05-02T19:35:00.002-05:00

There I am, it's all there. As I gaze at myself in the mirror, I notice all my imperfections. The scar on my neck from disc surgery 8 years ago still hasn't disappeared. I have more skin surrounding the small layer of fat around my neck than I did in high school. I definitely have more skin surrounding a larger area of fat surrounding my abdominal region. It seems as if I have less hair on my head, especially above my forehead, and what's left of it seems to be beginning a metamorphosis into gray highlights. It really can make you sad.

Then I started feeling a bit spiritual and looked at it as the way God looks at us as we grow and as we sin. Sin ages us before the Father. It adds blemishes to a body created for worship. It turns something very beautiful into something old, saggy and ugly, and, just like sin, we do it to ourselves. The scar is a result of a major accident, just like some sin can leave visible scars from catastrophic failures in our lives because of the poor choices we've made. The fat is likened to that of habitual sin, over time we keep doing it, and it just starts to show, and we look uglier because we don't show self-control. The hair...well I'm not sure how to equate that right now, but maybe some of you can help me with that one.

Here's the cool thing. It's all fixable, the scar included. Jesus forgives us when we ask for it...its really just that simple. However, there also has to be repentance...not so simple. You see, repentance requires us as believers to turn from our sin, to make a concerted effort to leave a sinful nature that entices us into quick thrills but leaves us feeling hungover. If we accept Jesus as our Savior, then we must accept Him as Holy, an therefore, we, in order to be with Him, need to be holy. This can be achieved through forgiveness and repentance.

The scar, we apply B-12 to and lotions to help it blend into the skin. A month after my surgery, the scar was enormous and very prominent. After working on it, it has gradually begun to dissipate. The fat, well that takes more work. I have to exercise. I have to lift weights, stretch, discipline myself to exercise and to eat better while watching my portion size. Just like repentance, it requires a decision to turn from my old habits and follow a new road.

I hope all that makes sense. Why am I writing about this today? Last month was my wife's birthday, and I got her a trip to Hawaii. This is our second visit. It's an incredible place to visit, filled with history and beauty. Before her birthday, she was watching an infomercial on T.V. and was suckered into buying a product. Ordinarily, especially had I not gotten the trip, I would have been annoyed that she purchased this product. The product? P90X Extreme Home Fitness! one week before she was surprised with the trip, the dvds and guide arrived. Now before this program arrived, I had sort of plateaued in my workouts. I lost 40lbs last summer before a cruise, but I had stopped progressing. I was still doing the same stuff ,and doing the same ole exercises but their effect was not as noticeable as before the cruise. Because my regular routine had stopped having the the effect of looking like I had lost 40lbs, and because I knew I was going to Hawaii, an earthly paradise, I decided to help make my body more acceptable to look at on the beach, so, to my wife's astonishment, I said I would do the program with her (remember, she didn't know about the trip forthcoming). [Special Note: This is the way it should be with repentance...exercising our souls for that trip to paradise...Heaven]. One week later she got her surprise. One week later I had dropped a few pounds and was looking a little leaner. After 4 weeks of work, I've lost 2 inches off my waste, added two inches to my chest, and added one inch to my arms. It has NOT been easy, but the results are telling in the mirror. I now have pecks and don't have man boobs. My stomach shows off a canyon from my rib cage to the belly button and the top two abs just below my rib line are visible with the creases that show my new "2 pack." I'm well on my way to a six pack, something I haven't seen since high school. I sweat. I hurt. I'm sore. I look better. I feel better. I am better. I hate it, but I love it. I thought I'd miss the buffets. I thought I'd miss eating out regularly. I thought I'd miss flopping on the sofa and filling my brain with mindless drivel on T.V., but I don't. I haven't missed a workout, some of which can take 1.5 hours. I actually look forward to them now because I like what I see happening in the mirror. I'm doing the same spiritually. Life is a beautiful gift and it shouldn't be wasted. Neither should we waist the beautiful gift of Grace.

I hope this finds you well, and that it has encouraged you today. If you're looking to better yourself spiritually, find a good church and some spiritual workout buddies to help keep you accountable. If your looking to better yourself physically, then I HIGHLY recommend P90X. You do all kinds of high impact workouts that include: Back and chest, shoulders and arms, legs and back, back and biceps, chest/shoulders and triceps, yoga, kenpo, plyometrics (intense), core synergistics (extremely intense), cardio, and don't let me forget the most notable exercise in the program, Ab Ripper X which has 349 ab exercises pumped into a gut busting 16 minutes of highly intense exercise (most intense of the program), which you usually do after doing an hour long weight lifting workout that has you already gassed. Did I mention, "you hate it, but you love it." It's so true, but so worth it. If you're intersted chect it out here... http://www.extremebodyworkout.com

I have one more Sunday before our journey to Hawaii, so I hope I see you in church this Sunday. I hope to see you "ripped."

Hey! Isn't that B.........

2008-04-24T19:12:00.003-05:00

Wooooooo! I almost over corrected coming down the 408 Expressway yesterday. Had I continued turning out of the spin, I probably would have rolled my truck several times. I remembered the lesson and wisdom the movie Cars taught (my son, Brady, makes me watch it like every other day) where Doc tells Lightning to turn Right to go Left, in order to drive in a slide.

So what happened? Honestly, I got caught up looking off the road rather than on the road, where my eyes should have been. As I drove east, I saw some activity on a billboard. Guys were working hard to put the finishing touches on a new billboard on the side of the expressway. I was entransed. Then...bumpppppppppbbbbbrrrrrrrrrrppppppppp.........rrrrrrrrrrrrrttttttttt! BEEP, BEEEEEEPPPPPPP! Rrrrrrrtt!

I took my eyes off the road.

Isn't this the way it is with Jesus. So many times, we get caught up in the periphery of the road and forget to look at the road and where it's taking us. When we look to the side, we drift from the road's plan. We drift to the shoulder of life, risking a blow out or, even worse, totaling our vehicle, throwing our precious cargo, and getting ourselves seriously injured or killed. However, when we follow His plan for our lives, the road will takes us to His willed destination for our lives, keeping us safe within His plan.

Watch out! Satan wants you to look away, and it only leads to destruction. Keep your eyes on the road, and as Brian Regan says, "SHOWHORSES! 10 and 2; 10 and 2!" You'll have to catch his act to understand that quote.

See you at Church this Sunday! I can't wait to see you and your friends!!

Feeling Depressed?

2008-04-18T18:13:00.002-05:00

Man, I can't take the gas price increases anymore. It'd be nice to have $2 Gas again, and I can't believe I'm saying that. This week it cost me $84 to fill up my truck. That'll last a week and I'll have to do it again. Now do the math for a month...it's getting tight.

Tom Feeney sent me this e-mail today to put things into perspective, and it sent chills down my spine. He wrote,

"A market bubble is created by easy-money policy and speculative investment followed by a collapse in market values. Our economy teeters on recession. Politicians reward big labor with new powers at the workplace. Large government programs are proposed to create taxpayer-funded jobs. Entitlement programs for seniors and the poor are initiated. Temporary "stimulus" packages are passed to placate seniors, farm workers, unions and the unemployed. Presidential candidates and congressional leaders attack free trade, vow to instate an estate tax on the rich and increase taxes on corporations, individual taxpayers and stockholders. Foreign countries' economies grow at accelerated rates while American jobs disappear. Regulations are imposed to crack down on Wall Street, while state and federal governments bring lawsuits against demonized corporations for various offenses. Private companies are more heavily regulated to "protect" the public. Next, the Democratic governor of New York condemns the "increasing concentration of wealth and power." Outcries against excessive executive salaries on Wall Street become widespread."

He hits it right on the head. Sure sounds like we're in trouble, but he's not writing about 2008. This was a history e-mail for me. It refers to 1929-1935...The Great Depression!! GASP!! Both parties are selling us out and we the people are going to get hurt.

Be sure to VOTE for the right person (not party) this year.

See you in Church this Sunday!

TAXES!!!

2008-04-15T20:46:00.003-05:00

Romans 13:6-7
"This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Today I paid my due taxes. The majority of which came from winning a truck and a trip. That made the whole prize a little less fullfilling. Nonetheless, I still paid my taxes, and since the government says that I have until April 15, I decided to keep the money in the bank earning interest (I wasn't procrastinating...I had my taxes done before February 15th, it's important to keep a good accounting of what the Lord has entrusted you.

Jesus said to give to Caesar what is Caesar's. I still just don't understand why, if 10% is enough for God, does our government, need about 25 - 33%...that's just ridiculous. In the future, God will still only ask for 10%, yet the government will try to increase what it believes is it share of the money you earned. Thank God I realize it's not my money, and that government will have to answer to God for why they were such POOR stewards of His money. I look forward to seeing that day.

Rest easy, the governement is "giving" you back a stimulous check this summer. I found that one humorous, too, since it was not there's to begin with, yet THEY are GIVING it back to me. How thoughtful!

Let me climb off my soap box and encourage you. Jesus loves you, and no matter what government does, it's all His to begin and end with. So let Tax Day go.

See you in Church this Sunday!!

It'll ALWAYS catch up to you

2008-04-01T09:15:00.004-05:00

I can't say it enough, BE HONEST in who you are, were, and what you say. I've dealt with this issue in the past but I cannot emphasize it enough. In particular, if you sell yourself off as something you're not, or that you have never been, it's going to burn you.

Check out this story breaking today After a Life of Lies, Man Admits He Was Never an Oakland Raider - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog . This type of stuff will not only embarrass you, but it'll embarrass your family, your business, and those that have supported you. Phony diplomas, embellished resumes, and stories at the "water cooler" that just aren't true will haunt you forever. People do not forget a lie someone tells them. Why? People desire to trust and want to be around trustworthy people, however, when lied to, they automatically throw up a defense that guards them from frauds. Hillary Clinton, I'm paraphrasing here, said that the nation's people want to trust their politicians again. Then, she made some errant statement about being under fire in Bosnia on a trip to visit the region as First Lady. It turned out to be false that she was under enemy fire and it ticked off the secret service and the military (they would never let a First Lady disembark in a precarious situation like that). In fact, there was video proof that this event happened in an entirely different manner. Can I trust Hillary now? No. You might forgive, but, unlike the Lord, you always remember that this person or friend said this to you and lied. They become a liar, and they're tagged with that moniker for a very long time.

I recently had a relationship with a "friend" who was saying stuff he wasn't. He even went out and bought some "accolades" that many of us, honestly and devotedly, work years to achieve. He used the accolades to sell himself as the right man for a job and a position of immense authority, yet, when things weren't going his way, he blamed everyone else but himself. Considering the level of what he stated was his educational background, a Bachelors degree, a Master's Degree, and even a Doctorate, it didn't make sense that he would look at everyone else. After years of that type of education, somewhere along the line you learn how to problem solve on a higher level than a "It's not my fault" level. (Personally, the first person in my business I look at when things aren't going right is ME.) Then, I and others checked into his credentials and they turned out to be fraudulent. In fact, the State of Florida calls each instance a 3rd degree misdemeanor, punishable by one year in prison and a $1,000 fine for each count. Granted nobody's perfect and we all have our deficiencies, but to live the lie is definitely not a deficiency, its dishonesty, and in this particular case...criminal. Flaws, friends live with and work together on supporting each other. Fallacies tear friendships apart.

I love the way "God's Word Translation" puts Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is more desirable than great wealth. Respect is better than silver or gold."

This "friend," to this day, is still pointing fingers at others, including those that once supported him only to be called betrayers. Definitely not the case and, in time, his current followers and friends will have a day when they, too, will wonder why he would not trust their friendship or relationship enough to resort to embellishing the facts about himself or other events surrounding his life. Today, he may be a little more wealthier, but it cost him trust and respect, and the moniker will travel with him for a great while.

So, to my friends, to my colleagues, to my leaders, lying will cost you more than friendship, it'll cost you respect and trust. They are not easily re-earned. Can we forgive? YES, ABSOLUTELY! We have to. Can we forget? Not easy at all. In most cases, that's only something God can do.

Keep your good name. I hope to see you in church This Sunday!!

God's got this one!

2008-03-26T21:17:00.002-05:00

For my good friend!

Mat 5:10
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Mat 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

It's been a long time

2008-03-19T05:42:00.003-05:00

Hey gang!

Sorry for missing the posts for the past 9 days. This has been a month where I'd write something, read it, and say, "Dang! I don't want to say that." The reason...I just want to set the record straight, but I don't think it will matter here on earth as much as it would pain my Father in heaven.

Last year, around this time, was one of the most stressful, unbelievable times in my life. A person I trusted, betrayed that trust with half truths and mind bending comments directed at me and some friends. Fortunately, I had a group of men surrounding me who prayed for and with me during this trial. They also kept me accountable. If I was wrong, THEY LET ME KNOW IT. I grew tremendously over the year spiritually because of it, and I learned to trust my friends rather than those who wanted a position of power seated next to those who had worked hard. Those who wanted to use other's positions within life's journey to set themselves on a higher pedestal while never truly working hard for it. Those who like to name drop "friends" names to give themselves credibility, I learned who they are.

Palm Sunday marked a day when I went to the alter during the service at FBC/Orlando and sobbed. I sobbed so hard at my seat that a puddle of tears was under me. Why God? Why am I experiencing such anger, such disbelief in mankind, in a "man of God." Thankfully, FBC/Orlando welcomed me for a few weeks to heal. Pastor Uth was terrific and perfect for soft words of healing. FBC/Orlando was my home after I became a Born-Again Christian and the place I learned most of the Biblical principals I practice today (or try to practice). It was awesome how the Lord brought me back "home" after such a trial.

This month is known as March Madness. I felt it, not because of basketball, but because of events last year. Now, even as I move about my neighborhood, I struggle with certain people I come across in daily life because I know who they are now after an incredible coming out party. I struggle with forgiveness, but constantly ask the Lord to give me the strength to offer the same grace He offered me at Calvary. Pray for me. I'm still struggling with forgiveness for some. As the Lord has forgiven me, I, too, need to give grace freely, relax and get by it. I ask today because in 2 days, about 2000 years ago, He had the strength to LET mankind put him on a cross, die for MY sins, and ask the Father to FORGIVE ME. I need to practice my Savior's grace.

Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

See you in Church this Easter (He lives)!!

Some inspiring stuff

2008-03-10T12:05:00.001-05:00

2 Timothy 1:9
"Who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time."

Ahhhhh, forgiveness! It's so sweet! I'll leave it with that alone.

See you in Church this Palm Sunday!!

Word has it...

2008-03-09T13:14:00.004-05:00

So, I've been informed that an unauthorized biography has being written about me and some of my friends (including those in ministry). I've had my fair share of people asking me about it and all I can say is "I don't know." This comes from my general perspective of "know what you know, and know what you don't know." So, we'll see in due time. No worries here. God's grace is enough for me, and I'm excited about what He's doing in my life and the lives of people around me. I believe this is the devil trying to pull me and others back to a year in our spiritual walks we'd like to build on rather than fall into the trap of bitterness, rage, hate, and unforgiveness (oh, that would be awful). I said I was moving on, and I'm trying to do so, this is just the devil's way of trying to take the focus off an incredible healing and movement. Even today, I saw the tears of pain from a tough time, but He's taken us through.

For those of you who have asked, my Chick-fil-A business is still doing well. The remodeled look has increased our guest's satisfaction and sales have followed. We're STILL renting our our home in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and we have a link on this blog if your interested in a cost effective week long vacation in a beautiful and relaxing setting with the amenities you're used to having at home. Liz and I are extremely active at Eastpoint Fellowship. Liz is serving in the nursery and sitting on the building committee (growing into a new multi-use building is exciting). I'm serving on the Praise team (drums), nursery (at times), and on the finance and personnel committees. I know I said I wasn't ever going to do the finance committee thing again after my last stint at another church, but the Lord has an incredible sense of humor and He put me right back on the finance committee in another church...that's some funny stuff. I'm still umpiring baseball for Florida's 24th district and playing softball for the Chick-fil-A Thunder on Monday nights (to date we're 2-1). Liz is busy working with me at Chick-fil-A, usualy on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and she's busy year round with TMA Cheerleading. She's the head coach for middle school and took her squad to a 2nd place finish for the Southeast Region in January (I'm very proud of her work).

The kids are growing, Jordan's almost 11, Candace is 8 going on 16, and Brady is a fiery 2. Candace is deep into Horseback riding with an English saddle and she's becoming a good gymnast. Jordan has lost interest in baseball (broke my heart), but he said it's only for the time being. He is big into football now, which takes the baseball sting away, just a little. I've put on my football coach's hat and begun instructing him in the basics of football. He really enjoys it. Brady just likes anything with a "Cars" theme. He thoroughly enjoys watching NASCAR, especially when the camera angle takes us to a turn where the cars can be heard vrrroooming by. He, also, enjoys the pit stops, always pointing at the action.

That's a little about me and my family to date, authorized. Don't let the devil pull you backwards. Look to today and tomorrow. Don't worry about it...our God is in control. From a Charile Hall cd...“May God Bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.”

If you're not in church or not in a church family, come see me and I'll plug you in right away. See you in Church next Sunday.

A Season of Time

2008-02-24T13:57:00.003-05:00

For me, a season of time seems to have passed. Sometimes the season is brought back to the forefront of my life, but the Lord has placed, in His perfect timing, individuals in my life that have been incredible. They've allowed me to be transparent, to cry, to vent, to listen, and even to challenge or rebuke me. The best part is that they pray for me.

Last Sunday night, I had an opportunity to be with Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio. Louie even let me know that it was his dad that created the Chick-fil-A Trademark "C" icon that we all see today, and that it only cost Chick-fil-A about $350. Who knew?! Louie and Chris talked about their mission to young adults, particularly college students and the revival that's hitting colleges across America which has really ticked the devil off...just look at the violence and killings at VT and NIU. There's a movement that needs to continue, and I can even see it in my college employees, all of whom haven't known the Lord when they came to work for me, but some now have turned their lives over to Him.

Louie stressed to me to be true, be honest, and know your place. If you've seen Louie speak then you'll understand what I mean when I say the Louie really made me feel "small." I can honestly say that position was awesome, and that I needed to hear it.

Chris was fabulous, as well. I've been performing songs in church, and really had no clue how many of them were his. I just never paid attention. I think Chris likes it that way. He said it's for God's glory anyway. That's awesome. So grounded. I've known other artists, even within the Christian faith that come off...proud or arogant. Not so with Chris, and he has the awards (I checked this week) to live that way, but he doesn't. It was really refreshing to see these two guys this past Sunday night.

If you ever get to see them (which may be in a while cause they were on their way to Korea and other parts of Asia this past week), go and let the Lord speak through them. They had a memorable impact in my life and encouraged me to enojy God's grace and invite more to enjoy it, as well.

Tonight, at Eastpoint, we will Baptize 28 new believers. It's been awesome being a part of the movement in East Orange County this past year and it wouldn't have happened had I just sat back and was "comfortable" in my place. God really sifted me this year, and I'm better for it.

See you in Church Next Sunday!!

Sick of the lies!

2008-02-13T21:32:00.002-05:00

I've had my fair share of this over the past year, and frankly, I'm tired of those in high places spinning lies into a little bit of truth. It's really begun to frost me. All it does is hurt people.

In the Roger Clemens case, this guy, innocent or not, needs to be a man, and tell the whole dang truth. The same thing goes for his trainer. I believe both these guys are telling bits of truth to lend credence to their side of the story. In the end, they both look like jibber jabbers.

I understand Roger made about $100Million after he alledgely started being injected with HGH. That translates to higher ticket prices at venues the taxpayer has paid for with his hard earned wages throwing fish, chopping wood, welding steal, teaching a class, etc. I can understand why he did it, if he did it, to keep up with the "JONES" and stay ahead of the chicos down on the minor league farm. I got that. What I don't understand is this...WHY ON EARTH, WITH ALL THAT IS WRONG AND SCREWED UP IN THIS WORLD AND THIS COUNTRY DOES CONGRESS GET INVOLVED?!!! This blows my mind. We have hearings that amount to a bunch of puffed out chests and photo ops for these clowns, both players and politicians, yet we can't have a fair discussion about the Fair Tax, Rising VIOLENT crime, Health Insurance costs, the falling value of our national currency, the fence on the border...BUT THIS, WE GOTTA KNOW WHETHER ROGER HAD A B-12 OR HGH SHOT IN HIS BUTT! I mean, this is lunacy. I'm sick and tired of all these clowns. I work too hard to have this "productive government" stealing my paycheck to ask Roger Clemens whether or not he's lying about taking steriods while playing baseball. What's even more ridiculous is that it appears we, the people, are going to put more of these clowns right back into our presidency, whether it be Barak, Hillary or John. WAKE UP AMERICA...THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT US!

Define for me...INSANITY. Get out the Duct Tape as my head is about to explode! ARRRGGHHHH!!!!!

I'm sorry this wasn't a "build ya up or encourage ya to do" type of post. If you want that kind of encouragement, come to Eastpoint Fellowship this Sunday and hear me speak in all three services about "the Tithe." See ya in Church this Sunday!!