Justice Served

Well, I said I was taking a break until after the new year unless something major happened. Saddam being executed definitely fits that standard. While I prayed for him often over the last couple of years and hope at the last minute he called out to Christ, I highly doubt he did, so may he burn in hell as deserved!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

I've decided to take a holiday break from blogging (unless something major happens), so see everyone next year!!!

Prescription for Surrender

I've been listening to all the analysis of the Iraq Study group report trying to form my thoughts. Then I read Newt's newsletter (if he doesn't run for President in '08, I'll be extremely disappointed) and it completely captured everything I was thinking, especially concerning Iran and Syria, so I'll just link to it. Also if we leave Iraq in any capacity before they are able to fully defend themselves, we will pay for it big time in the future.

Trip to NYC

I surprised Mimi with a day trip to NYC this past Saturday. She had never been there to see the sights, so I planned a whole day to rectify that. We took the train up and had a great time, despite the below freezing temps.

Check my MySpace page for a slide show of the rest of the pics from the day =)

Will Gore Stop Eating Beef?

A new report shows that cows along with all other livestock produce more greenhouse gases than cars, planes and all other modes of transportation combined. So, if Gore is really serious about stopping "global warming," he will immediately call for a ban on all cows and other greenhouse gas producing animals. We must destroy all animals that produce these gases to save our planet!

As my friend Horace says, "If God didn't intend for us to eat animals, he wouldn't have made them out of meat!" Now we can even say that we are doing our part to save the planet and all the vegetarians need to do their duty as well. It will take a combined effort to divert this impending bovine disaster! How's that for irony. The very liberals who think they are saving animals by not eating meat, are actually destroying the planet.

Homeowner

I am now officially a homeowner...WHOOOHOOO!!! =) Will take some pics and post them after I'm moved in. For those in the DC area, save the date, Jan. 13, for a house warming/gumbo eating/Children's Cup night. More details to come soon in an Evite.

A Harbor of Courage and Remembrance

Sixty-five years ago, as young soldiers lay asleep in their bunks, dreaming of a life far removed from war, America was awakened to one of the worst nightmares in its history--the attack on Pearl Harbor. In two short hours, the Japanese launched wave after wave of crippling assaults, all but destroying the headquarters--and spirit--of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Today, the remnant of brave men who survived that day gathered to remember those who did not. More than 500 veterans were expected to make the trip to Hawaii, as they do every five years, to share stories, shed tears, and salute their 2,400 fallen brothers. Many of those who passed away in the hulls of their ships were young teenage sailors. As one writer said, they were boys who died before they had the opportunity to become men, get married, and build lives. But let us not overlook what they did build--a stronger, more united nation.

Unfortunately for many, this year's trip of remembrance will be the survivors' last. With their numbers dwindling and health in decline, they decided to make 2006 their final farewell. As one historian remarked, "We are seeing the passing of a generation," though I pray that we have inherited their great courage. While America confronts a modern war with enemies bent on suicide and warped by imperial ideas, let us continue to abide by the commitment of those soldiers to protect and defend faith, family and freedom.

From FRC's Washington Update

Blanco's Last Stand

Nick over at the Conservative Cajun just posted a very pointed portrayal of LA Gov. Blanco's complete lack of honesty in dealing with the offshore oil revenue sharing bill.

Personal Police Disciplinarians

After calling the police to arrest her son for opening a Christmas present early, the mom should be charged with obstruction of justice and be forced to pay a fine equal to the cost to the county for having to respond to such a ridiculous call.

Merry Christmas from IJM

Most people in the world have a hard time believing in a loving God because their life has no signs of such love. A ministry I've started to support this year is changing that.

International Justice Mission (IJM) has a four fold purpose:

• Victim Relief - Relieve the victim of the abuse currently being committed.
  
• Perpetrator Accountability - Bring accountability and just consequences under the law to the specific perpetrator(s) of abuse.
  
• Structural Prevention - Prevent the abuse from being committed against others who are also at risk by strengthening community factors that are likely to deter potential oppressors, reduce the vulnerability of at-risk populations and empower local authorities to stop such abuses.
  
• Victim Aftercare - Provide access to services to help victims transition to their new lives and to encourage long-term success.

Here is a Christmas card they just sent out to highlight what they are doing and give you an opportunity to find out more about them.

Another Good Man Lost

Less than a month after the election and we have now lost two incredibly talented men. First Rummy and now Bolton. Thanks to the libs who blocked his nomination as UN Ambassador, we are even weaker now on the world stage.

Here is list of just a few of his accomplishments over the last year:

• Led the successful negotiations that resulted in unanimous Security Council resolutions regarding North Korea's military and nuclear activities.
• Built consensus among our allies on the need for Iran to suspend the enrichment and reprocessing of uranium
• Led efforts to promote the cause of peace in Darfur resulted in a peacekeeping commitment by the United Nations

Championship Weekend

While I'm sad LSU isn't playing tomorrow for the SEC Championship, two of the games being played could effect our post season.

First is of course the SEC Championship, Florida vs. Arkansas. If Florida wins then they go to Sugar and Arkansas is definitely out of BCS mix. However, if Arkansas were to win, then they would go to Sugar and Florida could potentially bump LSU from the BCS mix, so.... GEAUX GATORS!!!

Second one is the USC vs. UCLA game. While I have no doubt USC will win this game, if UCLA were to win it would potentially set up a very fun game between LSU and USC. By USC losing they would go to the Rose bowl instead of the BCS Championship and if the reports are true, LSU would be there waiting for them. That could be the game that should have been in 2003, so.... GEAUX BRUINS!!!

Now for one fun game. I've never really been a huge Army Navy game fan. However, after nearly a year working in the military environment, I have a new found appreciation for the game. This week at the Pentagon has been lots of fun with all the school spirit stuff going on. Yesterday, the Navy pep band, cheerleaders and mascot circled around the E Ring followed up by the Army band, cheerleaders and mascot doing the same today.

There have also been lots of "notes" left around the building. One for example said, "Navy thanks the Army for making it look so good in football." I'm a little torn though. My employer is the Army, so I could be a little biased in my decision. However, if I go purely on school spirit here at the Pentagon and even when I was in Iraq, creativity and just down right fun I have to say.... GEAUX NAVY!!!

Nice Help in Fighting Terrorists!!!

More evidence showing that Iran is actively working against us in Iraq by supplying militants with brand new weapons. Yep...let's rely on them to help us in Iraq!

Broken Promises Already?

One of the most talked about things the Dems said they would do if they took control was to implement ALL of the 9-11 Commission recommendations. Well, looks like it was just campaign rhetoric because they are already refusing to do one of the Commissions most vital recommendations, Intelligence Committee control of funding.

My how quick the flip flopping has begun. I thought they would at least wait until January!

Profile Arabs

I'm in a lazy blog mood today, so I'll just post Coulter's weekly column for your consumption =)

So Much for Free Enterprise

San Diego city council has voted to ban Walmart from building Supercenters in the city. I'm getting so sick of Walmart bashing. Looks like the people of San Diego will have less options for cheap prices and more jobs.

Fox Guarding the Hen House???

Iran is saying it is willing to help Iraq security. How about this...STOP SUPPORTING TERRORISTS!!!

Iran is the biggest backer of terrorist and for them to say they will help in Iraq is ridiculous. They are the main reason things are still bad in the Sunni region because of Iranian and Syrian backed Shiite terrorists.

Any effort to give Iran any more influence in the region than it already has will only make things worse.

Nah...Not a Cycle

Hurricane predictions for this year were way off. It was the calmest season since 1997 with only 9 named storms and only two making landfall, none being hurricanes. Not holding my breath though waiting for Gore and his ilk to rethink their gloom and doom predictions.

Thank You US Military!!!

The Family Research Council's Daily newsletter's Thanksgiving email nails it. As it says toward the bottom, please remember in your day with family and friends to say a prayer of thanks and protection for our troops who fight to keep us free.

There isn't a link, so I'm reposting it in full:

Facing the greatest test of American resilience, President Abraham Lincoln's first Thanksgiving came at a pivotal point in his life--and in the history of his torn country. In 1863, with the nation embroiled in war and dark shadows cast on the prospect of peace, President Lincoln revived a tradition of thankfulness at a time when there seem little to be grateful for.

As he walked among the shallow graves at Gettysburg, mourning the thousands who fell, President Lincoln asked his countrymen to lay down their arms and pray. After delivering his famous battlefield address, Lincoln reminded the people that although they were divided by many things, they were still united by the American ideal. There, in Gettysburg, Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving proclamation, setting aside one November day for people of the North and South to join together, and with one voice offer their praise and gratitude to God. The country, though shattered by war and broken in spirit, would observe its first Thanksgiving since the great Revolution.

"In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity... order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict...

"Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship... notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

"No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God... It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people... I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also... fervently implore the imposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purpose."

Today, our prayer is not unlike President Lincoln's--that, at a time of war abroad and a bitter conflict of interests at home, the Lord would heal the wounds of this nation and increase its years of peace.

This Thanksgiving, as American families celebrate life's bounty, may we remember the men and women on the fields of battle who are eating meals under enemy fire. As we sit on sofas swapping stories, they sit in humvees, patrolling streets. While we gather around televisions watching football, they huddle under cover watching snipers. In the face of these great challenges, may we, like Lincoln, put gratitude first.

The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving

As we get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday and all that goes along with it, here is a great article from Newt sharing the history of Thanksgiving and its relevance today.

Here are two great quotes for the article:

In 1789, George Washington issued a proclamation calling for a day of "public thanksgiving and prayer" -- a day for Americans to acknowledge "the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Lincoln acknowledged that the nation was "in the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity." But he focused instead on the nation's blessings, urging his fellow Americans to remember that "No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy."

No Surprise...Right Out Gives Left

A new book is coming out next week showing that conservatives far out give liberals to charitable causes and helping the needy across all income levels. No surprise there whatsoever.

Is Your Home Next???

A city in CA has just passed the most sweeping anti-smoking ban in America. It is illegal to smoke anywhere expect single family homes. It is only a matter of time before that right is taken away too if the liberals continue to have their way. I mean come on...I'm sure there is some baby to protect from abusive smoking parents!!!

Imagine the Sore Losers

Can you imagine the cries from the Dems of fraud and intimidation had Allen, Burns or Talent won their respective races by the margins the Dem won? The three combined lost by less than half of what Kerry lost by in Ohio:

Allen lost by 7,217
Burns lost by 2,847
Talent lost by 41,537

Kerry lost by 118,559

No calls for recounts, no claims of fraud and intimidation at the polls. Instead three gracious statesmen accepted defeat and moved on. Allen was even legally allowed to have a recount by VA law paid for by the state and he didn't even ask for it saying the voters have chosen. What a difference between the parties.

Rightometer

A friend from my blogroll, Matt Lewis, has started a new site with Human Events. It is called Rightometer, and it will be a daily briefing on conservative blogs. As everything Matt does, I'm sure this site will be top notch and a great way to get out the conservative message. Be sure to check it out on my blogroll and consider adding it to yours as well.

Also for those of you that do political posts, Rightometer is looking to feature a wide variety of conservative blogs, not just the big ones. So, go to the site and send Matt links to your posts for consideration whenever you have a post you think he may be interested in adding to his daily brief.

Thanks!!!

Microfinancing

I was invited to a dinner this past Saturday hosted by Opportunity International. Their tag line is, "Giving the Poor a Working Chance." They are the pioneers in what is called microfinancing, which just won the Nobel Peace Prize.

Basically they set up a trust bank and provide loans to people in poor countries to start their own business. The stories they told of the success were amazing. One was from a $100 loan to start a sewing business, a lady now owns a sewing company, a taxi company and a cattle farm, all of which now employs several hundred people in her community. All that from just $100!!!

Our missions ministry at Frontline, Global Impact, has partnered with Opportunity with a goal to fund 5 trust banks. You can read about that here and hopefully if you feel so led, help the drive. I'll say more about this later, but I'm excited about being asked to lead a trip next summer to Africa where we will be able to see first hand the impact of microfinancing.

Defaulting to the Pro

I'll let someone, Rush, who is way more qualified than me to analyze yesterday's election. However I didn't too bad of a job when looking at his analysis compared to mine =)

First Thoughts

I'm obviously disappointed with the results. However, if the Dems push their hand to hard, they will be in for a rude awakening. Will they cater to the far left who wants us out of Iraq now which make us and the region less safe? Or, will they be held in check by all the more conservative Dems they put up to win seats.

I haven't done a full analysis yet, but one early thing I see is that blue states have become more blue. It will be interesting to see how all this plays out over the next two years. There were some major defeats in red states, Ohio for example, but overall it looks like blue states are more blue and red states are still red.

One thing I'm fully convinced is that Repubs did themselves a lot of harm by moving to the center and forgetting their base ideals that brought them to power. Hopefully this will be a wake up call to get back to our values and not run from them. That's what I'll be working hard for the next two years.

Those Who Fail to Learn From the Past...

"More than half of the battle is taking place on the battlefield of the media. We are in a media race for . . . hearts and minds. The aftermath of the collapse of American power in Vietnam--and how they ran and left their agents--is noteworthy." - Ayman al-Zawahiri, al Qaeda's No. 2 man

"The Americans will gather their belongings and leave this region - the entire region. They have no future whatsoever in our region. They will leave the Middle East, and the Arab and Islamic worlds, like they left Vietnam. I advise all those who place their trust in the Americans to learn the lesson of Vietnam, and to learn the lesson of the South Lebanese Army with the Israelis, and to know that when the Americans lose this war--and lose it they will, Allah willing--they will abandon them to their fate, just like they did to all those who placed their trust in them throughout history." - Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah leader

The enemy thinks we will leave before the job is done just like we did in Vietnam (btw...they also cite Beirut, Mogadishu and Iraq '91 in their propaganda to incite fear among the Iraqis). I wonder where they get that idea from??? Thanks LIBS!!!

Go Vote!!!!

I'll give my thoughts on two states. My home state of LA and my current resident state of VA.

Nick over at the Conservative Cajun has a very good rundown of LA issues on the ballot. I agree with all of his amendment choices except #8. I would vote Yes on Amend #8 because it gives the local government control over its school system and takes the power away from EBR and the state. It is a great school choice amendment. Baker and Zachary have done the same and the results speak for themselves.

I also disagree with his choice for the 3rd district. I agree with his assessment on the two in his comments section and any other year I would probably lean toward Melacon, however, ultimately this year it comes down to control of the House. So, with that in mind, I would vote for Romero. The two main issues for me on that front are Iraq and taxes, both of which, based on their rhetoric and past actions, would be disastrous with the Dems in charge.

In the Virginia elections here is how I voted:
Amendments:
#1 (Marriage Amendment): Yes
#2 (General Assembly limitations): Yes
#3 (Tax Relief): Yes

Bonds:
No on any and all bond requests.

House: There aren't any real close races in the House, so I won't waste ya'll time on those. I voted for Tom Davis in my district.

Senate: George Allen

I've had several friends even through last night unsure of who they would vote for in the Senate race and while I think Allen has done a great job and will continue to do so, some think Webb would be a pretty conservative Dem. Ultimately again I gave the same reason I gave above for Melacon/Romero, even though in this case I am a very strong supporter of Allen and would not personally ever lean towards Webb in this case.

If you have any specific questions on races or issues in your state, feel free to ask and I'll try and check periodically throughout the day. This year more than any other...when in doubt, vote Republican =)

Knowing the End of the Story

Last night I had a very comforting thought.

I watched the first half of the LSU game at home, but I had to leave at halftime when we were down 10-7. Then before I got to where I was going, I heard that Tennessee scored a touchdown right at the beginning of the second half to go ahead 17-7. I wasn't a happy camper.

Then I wasn't able to get any updates until after the game was over. My brother (thanks bro!!!) had texted me the highlights as they happened and so by the time my event was over I had the news that LSU had won 28-24 in the last seconds of the game.

I Tivo'd the game, so when I got home later I watched the second half. When the interception went for a touchdown, I wasn't worried. When later they went up 24-17 with less than 3 minutes left, I wasn't worried.

Why wasn't I worried? Because I knew the end of the story. I knew that we won before starting to watch. I had complete assurance that the end of the game would be in my favor.

That is the same with how I live my life as a Christian. I know the end of the story. I know that if I die before Christ returns, I'll spend eternity in Heaven with the Father. Despite all the bad things that are happening in this world, I know in the end, it will all be set right and good will overcome evil.

That is how I can post my previous post. That is how I can go to Iraq and other places I plan to go in the future. I know that as long as I continue to trust in Christ, I know the end of the story and have complete assurance in that.

If you don't have that same assurance, I pray that this maybe gave you a reason to think about it. If you have any questions, please ask. He doesn't want anyone to perish without knowing Him:

2Pet 3:9
He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish , but everyone to come to repentance. (NIV)

Full Circle

Yesterday marked 5 years since I left Louisiana to move to DC. I was pondering on that a couple of days ago and realized for whatever reason, I never looked exactly where I was in the Pentagon in relation to where the plane hit on 9-11.

I'll give you one guess???

Yep, I work in the exact spot where the plane hit. If I had been here working in my office on that morning, I very likely would not be here today. It really got me thinking how things have transpired over the last five years.

For those who don't know, I originally came to DC on 9-13 with a group from my church in BR to cook Cajun food for the Pentagon relief workers. And now I'm working in the exact spot where those relief workers were working around the clock to try and find survivors.

Some may ask, "Doesn't that scare you any or worry you?" Well, I honestly have to say, not one bit. I've seen so many amazing things happen in my life these last five years, that I'd be foolish to worry. Besides if something did happen, I'd just beat ya'll to Heaven and get to spend more time with my Savior =)

Who knows...maybe 5 years from now I'll be working in NYC on the top floor of the Freedom Tower.

Stuk n Irak

Pic credit: Drudge Report

Once again Kerry is defaulting to his base operating procedure of bashing the troops. He is trying to back track saying it was a botched joke and really meant to attack the President. Maybe he was for the joke before he was against it? Here is the video. You decide, but I think the troops pictured above have made their decision.

Newt's Big Three...Part Three

The last two weeks I've posted the first two parts (1 & 2) of Newt's Big Three issues that if all three are driven home before the election then Repubs will maintain control of Congress. Here are the three as a recap:

1. Promoting a proven economic prosperity agenda of lower taxes and pro-growth policies vs. the failed policies of higher taxes, more regulation and bloated bureaucratic structures of the past.
2. Left-wing San Francisco radical ideas vs. the values held by the rest of America
3. Defeating terrorism and the dictatorships who threaten America vs. appeasing and being defeated by them

Here is the third of the points in full:

The North Korean nuclear test was a powerful warning about how dangerous the world is becoming.

The United Nations' speeches of Iran's Ahmadinejad and Venezuela's Chavez are reminders of how much they hate us and how much they are determined to defeat us.

The continuing brutality and violence in Iraq is more evidence that we have real enemies who want to kill us.

The London bombing plot to destroy 10 airliners included a husband and wife who the London Telegraph reports "allegedly planned to take their six-month-old baby on a mid-air suicide mission." Imagine an enemy willing to kill their own six-month-old baby if that would help them kill us (the opposite of the story of King Solomon and the two mothers who argued over the baby and the real mother proved her love by being willing to give up the baby to save its life).

In the face of these dangers and this hatred, the Democrats would make the person
third in line to be Commander-in-Chief an authentic representative of the policies of weakness and appeasement, which Ambassador Jeanne Kirkpatrick described in 1984 as "the San Francisco Democrats." Ironically, this new potential Commander-in-Chief really is a San Francisco Democrat.

America vs. the Pelosi Record Abroad

Consider the following national security votes by a would-be Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
-On Sept. 14, 2006, Pelosi voted against building a fence on the border to protect America from terrorists;
-Before 9/11, Pelosi repeatedly voted to cut intelligence (in 1993 by $500 million) and after 9/11 she has still voted to cut intelligence (in 2004 she voted to
withhold 25 percent of intelligence funds);
-When you ask why we were not more prepared for 9/11, remember that six months before Sept. 11, 2001, Pelosi voted to decrease proposed defense spending by $65 billion;
-The next time you think about North Korean nuclear tests and North Korean efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile to reach the United States, remember that in 2002, Pelosi voted for an amendment to the FY 2003 Defense authorization that would block FY 2003 funding for space-based missile defense programs;

-Pelosi led a faction of 124 House Democrats who voted against final passage of the Patriot Act's reauthorization;
-Pelosi voted against the $87-billion Iraq/Afghanistan supplemental that included extra money for body armor for our soldiers;
-Pelosi voted against creation of Homeland Security Department;
-Pelosi was one of only 33 members to vote against prohibiting U.S. citizens and companies from conducting any financial transaction with countries that have been identified by the State Department as active sponsors of terrorism; and
-In 2004, Pelosi voted against House passage of the intelligence overhaul bill, which reorganized 15 intelligence agencies under one Director of National intelligence.

Pelosi also supports immediate troop withdrawal from Iraq, saying that "[I] myself support the course of action that Mr. Murtha has put forth." And let's be clear about exactly what Mr. Murtha is for: withdrawing from Iraq and leaving it to the terrorists.

The future with Alcee L. Hastings as chairman of the Intelligence Committee based upon the historic record...

If all of this were not extraordinary enough, Nancy Pelosi has made clear her intention, if the Democrats gain the majority, to force ranking Democrat Jane Harman (Calif.) to step down and replace her with Alcee L. Hastings of Florida as the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

Hastings is a former federal judge who was indicted in 1981 for influence peddling, then impeached by a vote of 413-3 in the House and removed from his judgeship by subsequent conviction in the Senate on eight articles of impeachment. Hastings' conviction was only the sixth time that the Senate has removed a judge from office in an impeachment trial. It is not clear why Pelosi would place her trust in an impeached former judge to lead the oversight of our nation's intelligence agencies.

Never in American history has a person with such consistent an anti-defense, anti-intelligence and anti-security record been allowed to be third in line to be Commander-in-Chief. Every Democrat running for Congress should be required to defend their decision to vote for a person who believes in such weakness, appeasement and withdrawal policies to run the House.

Time is short. Only one week left! If you have free time over the next week and want to make calls for candidates that are in the battle districts, let me know and I can get you some numbers and a script. This election is way to important as these three posts have said to sit back and do nothing.

Our safety, the economy and the values we hold dear will be in major jeopardy if the Dems win control. We can't afford to "teach" the Repubs a lesson by staying home. As much as you may be upset with the overspending and other disappointments, the policies the Dems will enact will be way worse. The time to teach the Repubs lessons is during the primary season not the general election. The stakes are just to high.

New House

I'm venturing into uncharted territory. I'm buying a house!!! To be more precise, it is a two bedroom, two bath town house. But it will be all mine...no more wasting money on rent!!! As you can see from the listing, it has lots of great amenities and being it is a buyer's market right now, I was able to do some really good negotiating on the price.

As long as everything continues to go as planned, I close on November 30. So, if you are in the DC area, keep a look out for a fun gumbo house warming party coming soon =)

Love

And the greatest of these is Love.

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

The topical word study:

LOVE

The high esteem which God has for His human children and the high regard which they, in turn, should have for Him and other people. Because of the hundreds of references to love in the Bible, it is certainly the most remarkable book of love in the world. It records the greatest love story ever written-God's unconditional love for us that sent His Son to die on the cross (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10).

Love is not only one of God's attributes; it is also an essential part of His nature. "God is love," the Bible declares (1 John 4:8,16) - the personification of perfect love. Such love surpasses our powers of understanding (Eph 3:19). Love like this is everlasting (Jer 31:3), free (Hos 14:4), sacrificial (John 3:16), and enduring to the end (John 13:1).

Two distinct Greek words for love appear in the Bible. The word phileo means "to have ardent affection and feeling"-a type of impulsive love. The other word agapao means "to have esteem" or "high regard." In the memorable conversation between Jesus and Peter, there is a play upon these two words (John 21:15-17). Jesus asked, "Simon, do you love [esteem] me?" But Peter replied, "You know that I love [have ardent affection for] You." Then Jesus asked, "Simon, do you love [have ardent affection for] Me?" And Peter responded that his love was agape love-a love that held Jesus in high esteem and which was more than a fleeting feeling.

The warm word agape is the characteristic term of Christianity. This word for love is used several different ways in the Bible.

1. Agape love indicates the nature of the love of God toward His beloved Son (John 17:26), toward the human race generally (John 3:16; Rom 5:8), and toward those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:21).

2. Agape love conveys God's will to His children about their attitude toward one another. Love for one another was a proof to the world of true discipleship (John 13:34-35).

3. Agape love also expresses the essential nature of God (1 John 4:8). Love can be known only from the actions it prompts, as seen in God's love in the gift of His Son (1 John 4:9-10). Love found its perfect expression in the Lord Jesus. Christian love is the fruit of the Spirit of Jesus in the believer (Gal 5:22).

Love is like oil to the wheels of obedience. It enables us to run the way of God's commandments (Ps 119:32). Without such love, we are as nothing (1 Cor 13:3). Such Spirit-inspired love never fails (1 Cor 13:8) but always flourishes. (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

LOVE
(Heb. 'ahaba; Grk. 'agape). Chiefly represented in the Scriptures as an attribute of God and as a Christian virtue. Its consideration, therefore, belongs to both theology and ethics.

An Attribute of God. According to the Scriptures, God has feeling, affection, although rationalistic theologians (e.g., Schleiermacher, Bruch) have asserted the contrary. We must derive our conceptions of God from the special revelation that He has given of Himself, and this declares His love as strongly as His existence. It is held by some to be inadequate to speak of love as a divine attribute. "God is love" (1 John 4:8,16).

The Scriptures contain no equivalent statements with respect to other qualities of the divine nature. Love is the highest characteristic of God, the one attribute in which all others harmoniously blend. The love of God is more than kindness or benevolence. The latter may be exercised toward irrational creatures, but love is directed toward rational, personal beings. The eternal love of God has never been without its object, a fact upon which we receive some light from the Scripture revelation of the threefold personality of God (see Trinity; see also Matt 3:17; John 15:9; 17:23-26).

The gracious love of God to men, even to sinful men, is most strongly declared in both the OT and NT (e.g., Ex 34:6; Isa 63:9; Jer 31:3; John 3:16; 1 John 4:10). The love of God underlies all that He has done and is doing, although many facts exist that we cannot reconcile with His love on account of our limited understanding. The highest disclosure and most complete proof of divine love is in redemption (see Rom 5:8; 8:32-39; 1 John 4:9-10). The reality and power of this love are properly apprehended only under the influence of the Holy Spirit. "The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Rom 5:5).

A Christian Virtue. Love (Grk. 'agape; NASB and NIV, "love"). The only word in the Bible translated charity means love. It is affection, tender and passionate attachment, a sentiment of our nature excited by qualities in a person or thing that command our affection; a virtue of such efficacy that it is said to be the fulfilling of the law. Its absence invalidates all claim to the Christian name. It is the antithesis of selfishness. Luther calls it "the shortest and longest divinity." It is active, and dissatisfied if not blessing others. Christian love is piety, the greatest boon that God can give, for "God is love." "In it all human duty is summed up" (Matt 22:37-40; Rom 13:8; 1 Cor 13:13). Love is the first named element in the composite "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22).

Charity, in modern speech, has other meanings: first, that sentiment that prompts us to think and speak well of others, judge their acts kindly, and make them happy; second, generosity to the poor; third, that which is thus given; and fourth, a benevolent foundation.

Love is the preeminent virtue inculcated and produced by Christianity. The whole law is summed up in love, not in the sense of rendering all other requirements as inconsequential, but in the sense that love is fundamental, expresses the spirit of all others, and with enlightenment will lead to the observance of all others (Matt 22:37-39; 5:43-48; John 14:15,21; 15:12-14; Rom 13:8; 1 Cor 13:1; Gal 5:14).

Accordingly, love is declared to be the chief test of Christian discipleship (John 13:35; Matt 5:44; 1 John 3:14). Also, love is the highest motive or ground of moral actions. Without this all other motives fall short of furnishing the true stimulus of Christian living. As all sin roots itself in selfishness, so all virtue springs out of love; and yet the love that is presented in the NT as the mainspring of holy living is grateful love as distinct from the love that is wholly disinterested. "We love, because He first loved us" are words that rightly express the whole matter (1 John 4:19; see also 2 Cor 5:14; Rom 12:1-2).

The contention of Fenelon that true Christian love should be disinterested, that we must love God exclusively on account of His perfection, so that if He did not bless us, but were to cast us off, we would love Him still, finds no support in the Scriptures. It contains a measure of truth inasmuch as it emphasizes the warning that we are certainly not to love the gifts of God more than the Giver and that we are not to love God wholly on account of His gifts. In reality, grateful love includes adoring love, or that which loves God for His own sake. Christian love, it is also important to note, is made possible only by divine grace. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22; see also 1 John 3:14). (The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.)

Father, You are Love. Your word says, “We love, because You first loved us.” Help us to always show Your love. Your word says, “We could have all the fruits but not love and what good would it be.” You showed the ultimate act of love by sacrificing Your Son for us. Help us daily to being willing to sacrifice every and anything we hold dear in order to show Your love.

1 Cor 13 sums up love the best:

13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not
love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of
prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith
that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I
possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I
gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (NIV)

Previous Posts:
Self-Control
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Goodness
Kindness
Patience
Peace
Joy

One Nation Under...Judges???

Once again liberal judges have over-stepped their constitutional authority in order to make laws. The NJ Supreme Court has mandated that the NJ Legislature either legalize gay marriage or civil unions in 6 months or else. They even said they can find no place in the constitution for such a law however they "feel" it is time to stop being intolerant.

Since when have we become a nation of feelings as opposed to laws???

So It Is a Baby???

There is a slight uproar in England over a hospital burning the aborted babies (they use the word fetus) in the trash incinerator and how undignified that is. However several times the fetus is referred to as a baby. Once even by a woman who had an abortion and is now "furious" over how her baby was treated with such indignity.

So let me get this straight. People are furious and outraged about where an aborted baby is burned...seems to me this wouldn't even be an issue if they hadn't aborted the baby in the first place!!! What a tangled web we weave.

Newt's Big Three...Part Two

Last week I posted Part One of Newt's Big Three issues that if all three are driven home before the election then Repubs will maintain control of Congress. Here are the three as a recap:

1. Promoting a proven economic prosperity agenda of lower taxes and pro-growth policies vs. the failed policies of higher taxes, more regulation and bloated bureaucratic structures of the past.
2. Left-wing San Francisco radical ideas vs. the values held by the rest of America
3. Defeating terrorism and the dictatorships who threaten America vs. appeasing and being defeated by them

Now here is Truth #2 reposted in full:

Any conservative who is considering staying home this fall has to consider the
consequence of their not voting.

The Democrats are set to put as third in line to be President the most liberal leader they have ever had.

These positions are so unpopular that virtually any Republican candidate, even in a
very moderate district, ought to be able to sharply draw the contrast.

If you go back to my newsletter of September 5 on the American Eleven, you will see the kind of solutions that are supported by the vast majority of the American
people.

Contrast that newsletter with Nancy Pelosi's voting record.

Nancy Pelosi legitimately represents the values of her liberal San Francisco
district.

They are simply not values most Americans can support or feel comfortable with in the powerful position her party is willing to give her.

America vs. the Pelosi Record at Home

Consider the following votes (all opposed by the vast majority of Americans):

-On July 31, 1996, Pelosi voted against the historic Welfare Reform Bill and later voted against its reauthorization;

-On July 19, 2006, Pelosi voted against protecting the right to say "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance;

-On Sept. 20, 2006, Pelosi voted against requiring that voters be identified so we could ensure only legal citizens are voting;

-On July 13, 2006, Pelosi voted against requiring English on ballots;

-On June 30, 2005, Pelosi refused to side with homeowners against the Kelo decision that allows cities to seize private property for profitable ventures, even though 365 members voted to stop cities from taking private property.

-Pelosi has voted at least 12 times against the death penalty;

-Pelosi was one of only 67 House members to vote against the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA);

-Pelosi has voted at least eight times against banning partial-birth abortion, at least three times against the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (Laci's law), and scored a perfect 100 percent rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America;

-Pelosi voted against a bill that would "[b]ar the transportation of a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion without the consent of a parent, guardian or judge;"

-Pelosi voted at least 31 times for using local or federal taxpayer dollars to fund abortions;

-and Pelosi received an "F" rating from the National Rifle Association.

If the Dems win the House in two weeks, Pelosi will be the new Speaker and these are the values she will bring to that position. If you are as much against these positions as I am, then it is very important that you vote for the Repub in your district and also make sure you get as many of your family and friends as possible to do the same.

Joy

Today’s fruit is Joy.

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

The topical word study:

JOY

A positive attitude or pleasant emotion; delight. Many kinds of joy are reported in the Bible. This makes it difficult to give a simple definition of joy. Even the wicked are said to experience joy in their triumphs over the righteous (1 Cor 13:6; Rev 11:10). Many levels of joy are also described, including gladness, contentment, and cheerfulness.

But the joy which the people of God should have is holy and pure. This joy rises above circumstances and focuses on the very character of God. In the Psalms, for example, the psalmist rejoices over God's righteousness (71:14-16), salvation (21:1; 71:23), mercy (31:7), creation (148:5), word (119:14,162), and faithfulness (33:1-6). God's characteristics as well as His acts are the cause of rejoicing.

The joy required of the righteous person (Ps 150; Phil 4:4) is produced by the Spirit of God (Gal 5:22). This kind of joy looks beyond the present to our future salvation (Rom 5:2; 8:18; 1 Peter 1:4,6) and to our sovereign God, who works out all things for our ultimate good, which is Christlikeness (Rom 8:28-30). This kind of joy is distinct from mere happiness. Joy like this is possible, even in the midst of sorrow (1 Cor 12:26; 2 Cor 6:10; 7:4). (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

JOY

Usually some form of Heb. gil, to "leap," or "spin around" with pleasure; a stronger term than simha (Ps 30:5; etc.); masos (Job 8:19; etc.), rejoicing; Grk. chara (Matt 2:10), gladness; the cause or occasion of joy (Luke 2:10; 1 Thess 2:20).

1. Joy is a delight of the mind arising from the consideration of a present or assured possession of a future good. When moderate it is called gladness; raised suddenly to the highest degree it is exultation or transport; when the desires are limited by our possessions it is contentment; high desires accomplished bring satisfaction; vanquished opposition we call triumph; when joy has so long possessed the mind that it has settled into a temper, we call it cheerfulness. This is natural joy.

2. There is a moral joy, which is a self-approbation, or that which arises from the performance of any good actions; this kind of joy is called peace, or serenity of conscience; if the action be honorable, and the joy rise high, it may be called glory.

3. Spiritual joy is called a "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22); "joy in the faith" (Phil 1:25). Its objects are God Himself (Ps 43:4; Isa 61:10); the promises (Phil 3:3; 1 Peter 1:8); the gospel (Ps 89:15); the prosperity of Christ's kingdom (Acts 15:3; Rev 11:15,17); the happiness of a future state (Ps 16:9-11; Rom 5:2; 15:13). This spiritual joy is permanent (John 16:22; Phil 4:4) and unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8). (The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.)

Father, thank you so much for this fruit. I can’t imagine living a life without joy. As everyone who knows me knows, my goal is to always do my best to make sure others around me experience joy or happiness or just plain fun when I’m around. We have so much negative in the world, I made it a goal long ago to not add to it if I can help it. However, it is an empty joy if it isn’t based on You. I would have been drained of my joy long ago were it not for You renewing my joy on a daily basis so that my well never runs dry. Help all those who know You always have a joy that attracts others to You with the question, “Why are you always so positive and happy?” Then let them use that opportunity to tell the person about You.

Previous Posts:
Self-Control
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Goodness
Kindness
Patience
Peace

Mistakes of 1974

John O'Neill has written a very interesting article about the mistakes and subsequent results of the 1974 election and the possibility of repeating the same mistakes this year. It is an interesting read and warning that definitely merits attention.

12,000!!!

After the dotcom bust, 9-11 attacks, the business scandals, two wars and constant efforts by liberals and the media trying to deny the truth, the DOW closes above 12,000 as another example of the strong economy.

Peace

Today’s fruit is Peace.

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

The topical word study:

PEACE

A word with several different meanings in the Old and New Testaments.

The Old Testament meaning of peace was completeness, soundness, and well-being of the total person. This peace was considered God-given, obtained by following the Law (Ps 119:165). Peace sometimes had a physical meaning, suggesting security (Ps 4:8), contentment (Isa 26:3), prosperity (Ps 122:6-7) and the absence of war (1 Sam 7:14). The traditional Jewish greeting, shalom, was a wish for peace.

In the New Testament, peace often refers to the inner tranquility and poise of the Christian whose trust is in God through Christ. This understanding was originally expressed in the Old Testament writings about the coming MESSIAH (Isa 9:6-7). The peace that Jesus Christ spoke of was a combination of hope, trust, and quiet in the mind and soul, brought about by a reconciliation with God. Such peace was proclaimed by the host of angels at Christ's birth (Luke 2:14), and by Christ Himself in His SERMON ON THE MOUNT (Matt 5:9) and during His ministry. He also taught about this kind of peace at the Lord's Supper, shortly before His death (John 14:27).

The apostle Paul later wrote that such peace and spiritual blessedness was a direct result of faith in Christ (Rom 5:1). (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

PEACE

PEACE (Heb. shalom, "peace, health"; Grk. eirene, "unity, concord"). A term used in different senses in the Scriptures. (1) Frequently with reference to outward conditions of tranquility and thus of individuals, of communities, of churches, and of nations (e.g., Num 6:26; 1 Sam 7:14; 1 Kings 4:24; Acts 9:31). (2) Christian unity (e.g., Eph 4:3; 1 Thess 5:13). (3) In its deepest application, spiritual peace through restored relations of harmony with God (e.g., Isa 9:6-7; 26:3; Luke 2:14; John 14:27; Acts 10:36; Rom 1:7; 5:1; Gal 5:22; etc.). (The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.)

Father, thank you so much for Your peace. Thank you for giving us the ability through Your Holy Spirit to have a peace that surpasses all understanding in our lives as Your children. I pray for those who don’t yet know Your peace in their life. Bring them to You. Use me to show Your peace and thus attract others to You.

Previous Posts:
Self-Control
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Goodness
Kindness
Patience

Newt's Big Three...Part One

Newt Gingrich, in his weekly newsletter, has posted three truths, if driven home over the next 21 days, that will help Repubs maintain control of Congress. Normally I would just give the link, but this information is so vital I wanted to make it as easy as possible to get the info. Over the next three weeks, I'll post all three parts of his newsletter.

The three truths he discusses are:

1. Promoting a proven economic prosperity agenda of lower taxes and pro-growth policies vs. the failed policies of higher taxes, more regulation and bloated bureaucratic structures of the past.
2. Left-wing San Francisco radical ideas vs. the values held by the rest of America
3. Defeating terrorism and the dictatorships who threaten America vs. appeasing and being defeated by them

Here is truth #1 republished in full:

The First Big Truth: America Can't Go Back to Tax Increases, Big Bureaucracy, Slow Economy, Rising Unemployment and Liberal Policies

It should be easy for Republicans to make the case that your wallet, your job and your country's economy are at stake in this election.

If you think you have too much money in your family budget, then you have a party to vote for, because Democrats will gladly raise your taxes shifting your money from your family to Washington bureaucrats.

On the other hand, if you think you can spend your own money better than a
Washington bureaucrat, then you, too, have a party to vote for, because Republicans will stop Nancy Pelosi and Charlie Rangel from raising your taxes.

The future with a Speaker Pelosi based upon the historic
record...

The Democrats' record is clear.

Nancy Pelosi voted against every Republican tax cut. She voted for the largest tax increase in history.

Nancy Pelosi voted 19 times against eliminating the death tax.

Nancy Pelosi voted five times for raising gasoline taxes.

Nancy Pelosi is so pro-high taxes she was one of only 27 members to vote against tax relief for poor neighborhoods in the inner city (presumably including her constituents in San Francisco).

The Future with Charlie Rangel as chairman of Ways and Means based upon the historic record...

Charlie Rangel is the perfect Ways and Means chairman for a Nancy-Pelosi-San-Francisco-values majority. Rangel recently said he "cannot think of one" of President George W. Bush's first-term tax cuts that deserve to be continued.

As the Washington Times noted: "Mr. Rangel, of course, voted against the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, he voted against the 2006 measure that extended the 2003 cuts from the end of 2008 to the end of 2010, and he has vociferously opposed making the 2001 and 2003 cuts permanent."

Failure to sustain the tax cuts would have real impact on people's lives. As the Heritage Foundation reported, the Rangel position would have the following results:

-Tax rates will rise substantially in each tax bracket, some by 450 basis points;

-Low-income taxpayers will see the 10-percent tax bracket disappear, and they will have to pay taxes at the 15-percent rate;

-Married taxpayers will see the marriage penalty return;

-Taxpayers with children will lose 50 percent of their child tax credits;

-Taxes on dividends will increase beginning on Jan. 1, 2009;

-Taxes on capital gains will increase, also beginning on Jan. 1, 2009; and

-Federal death taxes will come back to life in 2011, after fading down to nothing in 2010.

Heritage estimated that these tax increases would lead to the loss of "more than one million lost jobs each year between 2011 and 2014; more than $100 billion less in economic output per year; slower wage and salary growth; and slower savings growth."

So Which Future Will It Be?

The choice presented by the first big truth is very clear and very simple:

If you want to go back to high taxes, high interest rates, high inflation, slower economic growth, more unemployment, fewer savings, shorter vacations and more bureaucracy, then you have a party in the Democrats -- because the Democrat record proves that Democratic policies will produce these results.

On the other hand if you want more take-home pay, more jobs, more economic growth, more time with your family and more savings with lower taxes and smaller bureaucracy, then you have a party in the Republicans.

It really is that simple and direct. Republicans just have to focus on, make the case for, and then win the argument with the historic record.

As much as liberals try to hide from their record and downplay the booming economy, this shows how clear the difference is between the two parties on the very important issue of taxes and the economic success of the nation.

Finally Working

Well it only took 13 days for me to get access to my computer and start working. Can you imagine taking that long in a private company...people would get fired in a heartbeat...however with government workers it is business as usual. Government bureaucracy never ceases to amaze me. Now if I can get a building badge by the end of this week and stop having to ring the door bell to get in the office and walk around with a visitor badge, I'll be completely good to go.

Patience

This post will cover my weakest fruit, Patience (some translations use long-suffering).

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

The topical word study:

PATIENCE

(pa'-shens) (hupomone, makrothumia): "Patience" implies suffering, enduring or waiting, as a determination of the will and not simply under necessity. As such it is an essential Christian virtue to the exercise of which there are many exhortations. We need to "wait patiently" for God, to endure uncomplainingly the various forms of sufferings, wrongs and evils that we meet with, and to bear patiently injustices which we cannot remedy and provocations we cannot remove.

The word "patience" does not occur in the Old Testament, but we have "patiently" in Ps 40:1 as the translation of qawah, "to wait," "to expect," which word frequently expresses the idea, especially that of waiting on God; in Ps 37:7, "patiently" ("wait patiently") is the translation of qul, one of the meanings of which is "to wait" or "to hope for" or "to expect" (of Job 35:14); "patient" occurs (Eccl 7:8) as the translation of 'erekh ruach, "long of spirit," and (Job 6:11) "that I should be patient" (ha'arikh nephesh). Compare "impatient" (Job 21:4).

"Patience" occurs frequently in the Apocrypha, especially in Ecclus, e.g. 2:14; 16:13; 17:24; 41:2 (hupomone); 5:11 (makrothumia); 29:8 (makrothumeo, the Revised Version (British and American) "long suffering"); in Wisd 2:19, the Greek word is anexikakia.
In the New Testament hupomone carries in it the ideas of endurance, continuance (Luke 8:15; 21:19; Rom 5:3-4, the American Standard Revised Version"stedfastness"; 8:25, etc.).

In all places the American Revised Version margin has "stedfastness," except James 5:11, where it has "endurance"; makrothumia is translated "patience" (Heb 6:12; James 5:10); makrothumeo, "to bear long" (Matt 18:26,29; James 5:7; See LONGSUFFERING ); the same verb is translated "be patient" (1 Thess 5:14, the Revised Version (British and American) "longsuffering"; James 5:7-8, the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) "patient"); makrothumos, "patiently" (Acts 26:3); hupomeno (1 Peter 2:20); anexikakos is translated "patient" (2 Tim 2:4, the Revised Version (British and American), the King James Version margin, "forbearing"); epieikes, "gentle" (1 Tim 3:3, the Revised Version (British and American) "gentle"); hupomeno (Rom 12:12, "patient in tribulation"). For "the patient waiting for Christ" (2 Thess 3:5), the Revised Version (British and American) has "the patience of Christ."

Patience is often hard to gain and to maintain, but, in Rom 15:5, God is called "the God of patience" (the American Revised Version margin "stedfastness") as being able to grant that grace to those who look to Him and depend on Him for it. It is in reliance on God and acceptance of His will, with trust in His goodness, wisdom and faithfulness, that we are enabled to endure and to hope stedfastly. (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

PATIENCE

Forebearance under suffering and endurance in the face of adversity. Two Greek words are translated as patience: makrothymia (Heb 6:12; James 5:10) and hypomone (Matt 18:26,29). The former word generally expresses patience with regard to people. It is also translated longsuffering as a quality of God (Rom 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) and is listed by the apostle Paul as one of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22).

The second word, hypomone, generally expresses patience with regard to things. It may be described as the quality that enables a person to be "patient in tribulation" (Rom 12:12). The Christian has for his example the patience of Jesus, who "endured the cross" (Heb 12:2). The Christian is challenged to run with endurance the race that is set before him (Heb 12:1). (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Father, help me to continue to learn patience. In the times in which we live and especially the city in which I live, everything is a get-it-know mentality. Please help me to learn to be patient and wait for Your timing and Your will for the direction of my life. To many times I want to take control of my life thinking it isn’t going fast enough for me. However, You know what is best and when it is best. Help me to make a willful decision to trust Your timing in every decision I make.

Previous Posts:
Self-Control
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Goodness
Kindness

Out of Air America

Looks like liberals are learning you can't buy listenership even though you throw tons of money into the project. Liberal radio station Air America files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. So much for the liberal's answer to Rush and Hannity and all the other great talk shows who took years to build up their programs and loyal audiences. Gotta love capitalism.

Kindness

My next installment on the fruits of the spirit covers the fruit of Kindness.

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

Here are the topical notes:

KINDNESS

God's loyal love and favor toward His people. In the Old Testament, the word translated as "kindness" or "lovingkindness" refers to God's long-suffering love-His determination to keep His promises to His chosen people in spite of their sin and rebellion (Deut 7:12; Hos 2:14-23). This attribute of God was shown through His divine mercy and forgiveness toward sinners when payment of sins through the sacrificial system was no longer effective (Deut 22:22; Ps 51:1).

In the New Testament, the Greek word translated as "grace" best represents the idea of God's kindness or lovingkindness. Because God has been gracious toward believers, they should treat all people with kindness or grace (Luke 6:35). All people are created in God's image and should be treated accordingly, no matter how badly they have twisted and deformed that image (James 3:9). Kindness is not an apathetic response to sin, but a deliberate act to bring the sinner back to God (Hos 2:14-23; Rom 2:4). (Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

KINDNESS

KINDNESS and Loving-Kindness (Heb. hesed, "desire, zeal"). Zeal toward another in a good sense: (1) Of men, as shown in doing mutual favors, benefits (Gen 21:23; 2 Sam 10:2); compassion for the afflicted (Job 6:14; "pity," KJV). The formula to "show kindness" is frequent in Scripture (2 Sam 3:8; 9:1,7), and in 2 Sam 9:3 there is the expression "to whom I may show the kindness of God," i.e., "like that of God," or "for the sake of God." (2) Of God toward men, as shown in mercies, benefits, and so on (Ps 31:21; 107:43; 117:1; etc.). Kindness is also the rendering of the Grk. chrestotes, "moral goodness," and so "benignity" (Rom 2:4; Gal 5:22; 2 Cor 6:6; Eph 2:7; Col 3:12). (The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright © 1988.)

Father, just as you have been kind to us, help us to be kind to others in order to mirror You to them. Let our kindness not be determined by how we are treated, but based on the fact that You love everyone and desire them to be with You. Those who don’t know You don’t care what we know until they first know we care. Being kind, especially when not warranted, will point directly to You. Help us to overlook offenses and show your loving kindness to those who don’t know You as their loving and kind Father.

Previous Posts on Fruits:
Self-Control
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Goodness

New Cube

Here's my new work space. Now if only I could get my badges so I could actually start working it would be nice. 8 days and counting!

Visiting Washington on Columbus Day

Had a great Columbus Day holiday with Mimi (for those of you who don't know yet, we have been dating just over a month now and she blows my mind daily with how incredible she is). We spent the day at Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington (the whole day was a complete surprise for her). I hadn't been since my ninth grade trip and she had never been. It could not have been a more beautiful day to be there...the weather was absolutely gorgeous as you can see in the pics. (rest of pics in Slide Show on MySpace page)

Started off with a Colonial Style lunch...then a river cruise...tour of the grounds...mansion tour (wasn't allowed to take pics inside)...then relaxing on the lawn watching the sunset. Finished the night with dinner at The Chart House, an awesome restaurant on the river in Old Town Alexandria. It was a perfect day!

Bring Back the Good Ole Days

Yep, the Iraqis were a whole lot better off when Saddam was in power...NOT!!!

Goodness

In case anyone thought I forgot to finish the fruits of the spirit, let your heart not be troubled. Here is the next fruit working backwards, Goodness.

Gal 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

Here are the topical notes from PC Study Bible:

GOODNESS
— in man is not a mere passive quality, but the deliberate preference of right to wrong, the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good (Easton's Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

(good'-nes): This word in the Old Testament is the translation of Tobh (Ex 18:9; Ps 16:2, the Revised Version (British and American) "good"; 23:6), etc.; of Tubh (Ex 33:19; Ps 31:19; Jer 31:14; Hos 3:5), etc.; of checedh (Ex 34:6), "abundant in goodness," the English Revised Version "plenteous in mercy," the American Standard Revised Version "abundant in loving kindness"; "The goodness of God endureth continually," the Revised Version (British and American) "mercy," the American Standard Revised Version "loving kindness" (Ps 52:1), etc.

In the New Testament it is the translation of chrestotes ("usefulness," benignity); "the riches of his goodness" (Rom 2:4; 11:22, thrice); of chrestos ("useful," "benign," "kind," in Luke 6:35); "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" (Rom 2:4); of agathosune (found only in the New Testament and Septuagint and writings based thereon), "full of goodness." (Rom 15:14); "gentleness, goodness, faith" (Gal 5:22); "in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Eph 5:9); "all the good pleasure of his goodness," the Revised Version (British and American) "every desire of goodness." (2 Thess 1:11).

The thought of God as good and the prominence given to "good" and "goodness" are distinctive features of the Bible. In the passage quoted above from Gal 5:22, "goodness" is one of the fruits of the indwelling Spirit of God, and in that from Eph 5:9 it is described as being, along with righteousness and truth, "the fruit of the light" which Christians had been "made" in Christ. Here, as elsewhere, we are reminded that the Christian life in its truth is likeness to God, the source and perfection of all good. 2 Thess 1:11 regards God Himself as expressing His goodness in and through us. (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The quality of being good; praiseworthy character; moral excellence. The Bible speaks often of the goodness of God (Ex 33:19; Rom 2:4). God's goodness consists of righteousness, holiness, justice, kindness, grace, mercy, and love. Goodness is also one of the fruits of the Spirit that should characterize Christian believers (Gal 5:22). Christians are called to goodness, even as God the Father is perfect and good (Matt 5:48).(Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

Father, first and foremost thank you for your goodness, without which there would be no hope of life with You after death. Help us each and every day to display Your goodness with our family, friends and co-workers. Let our character become more and more like Yours every day. Let it not be a passive quality but instead a quality we actively look for ways to express to others so that they may come to know You more.

Previous Posts:
Self-Control
Gentleness
Faithfulness

Don't Talk About the Economy, Stupid

No wonder Dems are hoping that the Foley story has the legs to last until the election (my prediction is this is going to backfire on them big time as more and more evidence surfaces that shows it was actually the Dems and their allies who kept the facts secret until it suited their political agenda which put more children in harms way) as more and more great news comes out about the economy. The deficit drops again on huge record tax revenues. Amazing how that works...you cut taxes...and the tax revenue goes UP. Just imagine how much stronger they would be if the tax cuts were finally made permanent and thus putting off the fear of investors that taxes might be going up in a few years.

Then throw in another drop in unemployment, more growth in new jobs, gas prices continually dropping and the record setting stock market and it is easy to understand why the Dems of today want nothing to do with Clinton's economic tag line of '92 as the economy is the last thing they want to talk about this election cycle.

Renaissance Festival

I went with some friends to the Maryland Renaissance Festival this past weekend and had a blast. If you live in the DC area and have never been...it is a must do event!!! We had so much fun seeing all the outfits. I'm definitely dressing up next year!!! Check out my MySpace page for a slide show with lots more pics.

MIA and Loving It

I've been very MIA over the last few weeks since I've gotten back from Iraq. The main reason is I've been spending lots of time with family and friends. I've been loving every minute of it. Living 1000s of miles away in the middle of a desert and warzone really puts things in its proper prospective when you get home.

Also due to not having any real schedule for this last month, I haven't spent much time on my computer or home for that matter, so I've been rather MIA on here as well as visiting the sites on my blogroll and commenting.

So, with the start of the new job tomorrow, and a regular schedule again, hopefully I'll be back to my normal posting and commenting patterns soon, then again...maybe not...we'll see how it all plays out =)

Pentagon Bound

As some of you knew, I was waiting on three contracts my company was bidding on back in Iraq to decide if I was going back or not. Well, as of Tuesday, we lost all three, so there was no contract vehicle for me to go back on.

Next phase was to start looking for other contracts with my company in the DC area, mainly the Pentagon and local Army bases. I started that look on Wednesday and accepted a position at the Pentagon today that starts on Tuesday. God is sooooooo faithful!!!

My official title will be Senior Strategic Communication Strategist to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations and Environment (ASA-I&E)...gotta love DC titles...lol

My duties will mainly include assisting the Assistant Secretary in delivering messages using several types of media; preparing briefings, speeches and press releases; preparing Congressional testimonies; and serving as the office's Congressional liaison. It was a no-brainer as it fits perfectly in line with what I have done in the past and what I would like to do in the future.

While I'm a little personally disappointed I'm not going back to Iraq, I'm totally at peace with this next move. There are many great reasons that I'm also excited to be back in DC. As always, I take life one day at a time, completely trusting that if I stay in God's will, He will continue to guide my next step.

Faithfulness

Part 3 in my "Fruits of the Spirit" posts will cover Faithfulness.

Gal 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (NIV)

Here are some great cross-references and topical notes on faithfulness:

Dependability, loyalty, and stability particularly as it describes God in His relationship to human believers. The faithfulness of God and His Word is a constant theme in the Bible. It is particularly prominent in Ps 89 and 119.

God is "the faithful God who keeps covenant" (Deut 7:9) and chooses Israel (Isa 49:7); great is His faithfulness (Lam 3:23).

It is not surprising that this aspect of God's nature should also belong to the Messiah, who would be clothed with faithfulness (Isa 11:5) and who is described as the Faithful one (Rev 19:11), the "faithful witness" (Rev 1:5; 3:14), and the "faithful High Priest" (Heb 2:17; 3:2).

God's faithfulness is the source of the Christian's deliverance from temptation (1 Cor 10:13); assurance of salvation (Heb 10:23); and forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9). He is faithful to His children because He is first of all faithful to Himself (2 Tim 2:13).

God's faithfulness should be so deeply reflected in the lives of His people (Gal 5:22) that they can be called simply "the faithful" (Ps 31:23). The New Testament speaks of the faithfulness of Paul (1 Cor 7:25), Abraham (Neh 9:8), and Moses (Heb 3:5).

Faithfulness is also expected in Christian believers. Faithfulness to one's fellowman is seen especially in relation to fulfilling an office. A steward must be found faithful (1 Cor 4:2), just as Daniel and other persons in the Bible exercised their faithfulness toward God (Dan 6:4; 2 Tim 2:2).(Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)


Father, I pray for a renewed focus and dedication to faithfulness among Your children. Faithfulness takes work, but it also brings great reward. I pray for marriages due to the lack of faithfulness of one of the partners. I pray for missionaries struggling to fulfilll Your call due to the lack of faithful supporters. I pray for the faithfulness of those believerss who are being tempted away from Your call on their life. Renew their strength and lead them back to You

Father, thanks so much for always being faithful in my life. Many people will probably think that last line is crazy for me to say based on the last year of my life. However, those that know the full story know that a more accurate statement could not be uttered. You have been so faithful to me through all the struggles and continue to be today!!! It would be insane for me to think otherwise. Please continue to show your faithfulness to Your children as they are faithful to You, in Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Previous Posts:
Self-Control
Gentleness