I’ll Pass on the Mass!

HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!

Thanks to Martin Luther on this day 480 years ago…We protestants broke free from the Catholic Church! To learn more about the Reformation click here. Don’t celebrate Reformation Day with trick or treating, costume parties, or scary movies…instead, fire up some sausage, heat up the sour kraut and read Luther’s 95 Theses as a bed-time story! HAPPY REFORMATION EVERYBODY!

Ten Steps to Consider

I read this list today from another blog called the outflow. This is really cool. Hope you enjoy it.

10 Tips For Preventing Scandal
1. Live a humble, transparent life.
2. Stay open to correction.
3. Audit your actions regularly.
4. Stay in touch with the real world.Ministry is about loving people. But you will never develop compassion unless you are close enough to the grass roots to smell the poverty, lay hands on the sickness and cry with those who are in pain.
5. Don’t allow people to make you a celebrity.
6. Make family a priority.
7. Live modestly and give extravagantly.
8. Don’t build your own kingdom.
9. Develop keen discernment.
10.Maintain your spiritual passion.People who experience moral failure almost always lose their spiritual passion first.

Not only are these tips good for preventing scandal but they are just good principles to live by. Living this type of lifestyle is what God is calling us Jesus Followers to.
What do you think? Would you add to the list?

G.I. Joe the Non-American Hero?

Well I was listening to Glenn Beck this morning and was pretty mad as he was at Hasbro’s desire to change the emphasis on the classic G.I. Joe’s “Real American Hero” to “Global Integrated Joint Operative Entity” WHAT?????? An “American” company is going to rid itself of being American! The new G.I. Joe will answer to the UN! Beck sees the danger in making our kids grow to love the U.N. and answer to them and not being American! Shame on you Hasbro…I don’t have kids but I along with Beck will not support (buy anything) from them. How can you as an American support American companies like this who are throwing away our Pride, Heritage, and Dignity? Let’s hurt Hasbro this Christmas season by boycotting them…maybe they’ll change!

“I hate Hasbro…and the U.N.”

Stuck In The Book Of Job

Hey guys! I think I had mentioned before that I am reading the Bible straight through from cover to cover. I have studied all the books before but actually have never taken the time to read them in order. All the books aren’t necessarily in chronological order but I think the reader gains a deeper understanding of the New Testament by reading the Old Testament first. After all, Jesus was the fulfillment of the O.T. so why is little emphasis given to it? I seldom hear sermons based on Old Testament passages. I try to incorporate the O.T. with the N.T. fulfillment when I preach.

For that last few weeks I have been stuck in the book of Job. Besides the fact that it is a very long book and I’ve read it before, I have had difficulty getting through it! This book is probably one of the vital, must read, spiritual uplift anyone can lay eyes on in the Bible and I’m just not motivated to finish it. I have had no discipline in my spiritual life lately. I hate excuses but I do have some. I have been so caught up in the events of my ministry to set aside time alone with God. for the last few weeks I had been stressed out about my cat’s failing health and then dealing with putting her to sleep. Perhaps the biggest excuse is that I have been too lazy. Looking back for the past few weeks, I have spent time watching T.V. I have spent time online, reading magazines, playing Guitar Hero 2, etc. but have had no desire to dive more into God’s word and finish the challenge of reading the whole Bible.

Distractions are a tool that Satan uses to tempt us to fall. Laying all excuses aside, it is time to get refocused and finish the race. Sometimes it takes something like a pet’s death to make you realize how much of your time was devoted in the care of it and how little time you actually spend alone with God. Is anyone else struggling with distractions or having the desire to get into God’s word? What are some things you do to keep yourself on track?

In Memory of Our Precious Princess Kitty

Lucy Marie Blackrick 2005-2007

Lucy Marie Blackrick – Born March 17th 2005 (St. Patrick’s Day) left us eternally October 25th 2007 in Bradenton, Fl. Lucy, a domestic short-haired multi-color house cat will be missed by all who loved her and took care of her. Although your time here on earth was cut short, your life will go on in memories never forgotten, pictures scrapbooked, and hairballs to be found in future cleanings. Lucy’s life was that of constant struggle, being orphaned at birth she was adopted by her loving parents Bill and Jessica Blackrick, both of Bradenton, from the Humane Society of Bradenton, Fl. Lucy lost a three month fight for life from her immune deficiency disorder. Lucy was very fond of taking naps, chasing bugs, smelling flowers, looking out the window, cuddling under the covers at night, and playing fetch with her toys. Her purr could be heard from across a room and her nose was very cold and wet when she kissed. Her cuteness and very lady-like personality will be deeply missed. Lucy always enjoyed new company and would always want to be the center of everyone’s attention and lap! Lucy’s favorite foods were tuna, liver, and chicken. Her favorite T.V. show was “I Love Lucy” her favorite song was “Forgetful Lucy” by Adam Sandler. Lucy lived up to her name which means Light. Lucy brightened each day for everyone she loved on. Lucy’s family wishes to thank all the doctors and staff at Pet First Animal Hospital for their dedication and hard work. Lucy will be cremated and services will be private. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Bradenton, fl. Final arrangements entrusted to Belspur Oaks Pet Crematory.