As I have already made a Facebook post, I wanted to take this short time to elaborate on some things.  Monday, November 11th is Veteran's Day.  Veterans Day always means a lot to me each year.  It reminds me not only of Those who have served our Country in the past but those who currently serve.  It reminds me of Those who I have had the privilege to serve with as well.  I am a Vet!
  There have been times when I would go into a store or some place and they would notice that I am a veteran.  You see, in the State of Arkansas, if you are a Veteran, it is noted on your driver's license.  Folks would notice that in some way and thank me for my service.  I would feel a little awkward and tell them thanks.  I remember once while I was still in the U.S. Navy, had come home on leave and had attended a function at the local school here in town where I had graduated from.  I was in uniform that evening for some reason that I can't remember and after arriving there, I received a standing ovation.  I was embarrassed but at the same time very proud to be serving.
  I guess what I am trying to say is to all Veterans, You should be proud when someone thanks you for your service.  Receive what rightfully belongs to you.  A Great Big Thank You!!  May God Bless you and your family.

As you notice the videos that I have posted below are in regards to the Bay Public school system that are from Region 8 News.  It all seems like things are all over now but that is far from the truth.  As I have mentioned before, It's not about just this issue.  It's about our school, our kids, our teachers.  It seems that it has been determined that there are funds available but now we need to make sure these funds are available for what they belong for.  Our classrooms! The sad part is, what checks and balances do we now have in place to make sure that the needed supplies are made available?  That the money is actually being used for the things that are needed in our classrooms? It's sad when you hear a Teacher tell you that they have been told that they are not to put in any requests for supplies because it will not be approved but we don't want to be a name dropper in fear for the teacher getting retribution from the administration.

KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

Just let The Holy Spirit Move.

Church is an important part of a Christian's life, or at least it should be.  But what really bothers me is when I see or hear other Christians force Jesus down other peoples throats.  They take it upon themselves to let it be known to all others that those who have missed Church for whatever reason is wrong and then they get a sermon preached to them of the importance of Jesus in their lives and that they should be in Church.
     Please understand, I do believe it is very important for us to be in Church and be involved.   We as Christians should let those that miss Church know that we have been missing them and ask if there is anything we can do for them.  Otherwise, we risk a possibly hardened heart to be further hardened.  We need to help prepare their hearts for the Holy Spirit to move.  Remember, it's not what we say or do that makes a non believer accept Jesus.  It's the move of the Holy Spirit that does that.  You CAN'T force Jesus on someone.  You CAN'T make someone go to Church by what you say or do.  You can always let them know that they are missed or they are invited, whichever the case may be and ALWAYS Pray for them.  There is only One that knows what is going on in their lives and it's not us.  It's the Lord.

Cup of Coffee: Why South Africa?

Cup of Coffee: Why South Africa?

Why South Africa?

  As some of you know, I will be leaving for South Africa the first part of October of this year for a mission trip. Many have asked the same question as I have. Why South Africa?  I wanted to take time to explain the events leading up to the decision of going to South Africa for this mission trip.  Here is my story.

  You know, sometimes the Lord will tell you specific things.  When you hear those specific things, you want to ask questions.  A few years ago, the Lord had laid it on  my heart to go to South Africa on a mission trip and asked the same question as most others have.  Why South Africa?  Well, I put it in the back of my mind thinking that it is just my mind playing tricks on me.  I asked the Lord that if he is telling me to go to South Africa, to keep bringing it up to me and to show me specifics.  I know.  I should not ask the Lord.  I should do what he tells me to do.  Reminds me of my kids.  They don't need to ask why, just do what I have told them to do, when I tell them and how I tell them to do it.  The Lord knows me to well.  Time goes by, and where I work, I had a customer come in to ship a package.  As I was processing the package, I noticed that it was going to South Africa of all places.  I had never seen this customer before.  Never saw this customer again.  So I acknowledged the Lord in him showing me that I need to go.  But again I asked him to keep showing me.  (me of little faith).  A few months go by and yet a different customer comes in and to ship a package to South Africa.  I asked the customer, South Africa, huh?  He told me that Yes and that I needed to go there.  I was shocked of his statement and asked him why I needed to go there.  He explained that people in South Africa need to hear what I have to say and that they need to see someone like me that has a heart such as mine.  This customer has come in from time to time but never really visited with him and he didn't know of my dealings with the Lord on this matter.  So it seems that it is pretty specific that the Lord has called me to South Africa.  But yet I still ask the Lord if he was sure...Weeks go by and as I pull my till from the register to close it down for the day, I find a South African Rand coin in my drawer.  Those don't just show up around here very often.  Actually this is the first coin from South Africa that I have ever seen.  If that wasn't enough, weeks later a customer comes in and wants some prints made and some of the prints were about South Africa, so I begin to tell her my story.  She thought that it was wonderful and reminded me of Abraham in the Bible of the time that he was instructed to pack up and go and wasn't given specifics but left on faith and followed the Lord.  She mentioned that maybe the Lord wanted me to go so that he could instill in me a fire in my soul that would be needed  when I got back home and to carry out his work when I got back.
  Whatever the case, I know that the Lord has instructed me to go to South Africa.  I will be going the first two weeks of October.  I will be meeting up with a group that is already stationed there.  I will be working with children in Vacation Bible school where they normally have over 300 kids come.  I will also be helping distribute food to the local communities.  I have gotten my passport ready to go.  I am so excited to follow Jesus in what he has in store for not just me but everyone we come into contact with. I hope that each of you will be excited with me.  I still have to raise $3,000 more dollars for the trip but I know that the Lord will provide.  If you are led by the Lord to donate towards this trip, please feel free to contact me.  You can reach me at (870) 273-6357 or you can mail your donations to 445 CR 634 Bay, AR 72411.  Please be in prayer with me over this trip that the Lord will be so high and lifted up. That HE will receive all of the Glory for what takes place there.  I look forward to sharing so much more about this trip when I get back.  I will keep you all posted.            God Bless!!

Strange Times

I hear my parents tell me often that the end times are near.  When I hear that, I reflect back to my younger days when I would hear my beloved Grandparents talk about how times are tough and that the end times were near.  I would hear that at the young age have a sense of worry but wasn't scared really.  After hearing my Grandparents talk about the end times being near and now all of these years have passed, I then hear my parents say similar things.  Generally speaking, I would just blow it off since nothing has ever happened.
  Now that I am watching all of the things taking place around the world and even taking place here in the Great USA, I now start to understand.  I have read and studied the Bible and have not really been "focused" on the end times even though I have read Revelations.    I am starting to see so many things take place.  I have read about where Christians would be persecuted but I am seeing many persecuted.  Not just Christians.  But I feel that this is just preparing Christians for their persecutions.  I really do not want my Children to be scared of what is going on but they are of an age that they will hear all about it.  We have to ensure that not just us as parents know the Word of God, but our Children are also aware and know the Word of God and not to be afraid but be prepared for what is to come.

My God Reigns!!

  I just wanted to post something kind of quickly.  I am not sure if this is happening to everyone but here is my short story.  I normally go to the bank and make a deposit through the drive through.  I never take the time to look at my deposit slip that is returned to me.  Actually, I don't have any deposit slips.  I had asked my bank for deposit slips on a few occasions and they always tell me that I don't need any because they will fill one out for me.  So, I always just endorse our checks and put our account number on the back of them so that they will have the information to do the deposit.  On one occasion,  My wife went to the bank to deposit her payroll check.  Went through the drive up window.  She decided that when she got her slip back from the teller that she would look at it.  As she pulled forward and quickly glanced, she noticed that the deposit slip that was returned from the teller had shown the deposit was put into a different name and account.  She went inside the bank and showed the teller inside and he fixed it.  I thought that it was just a one time mistake.  A Few days ago, I went through the drive up window at the same bank.  Went to deposit a check and decided I too would look at the deposit slip that was returned to me from the teller.  It was deposited into my account but noticed instead of being $500+ that should have been deposited, it only showed like $22.  I asked the teller about it and she asked for me to return the slip so she could take a look at it.  She did and apologized for the mistake and corrected it. She said she guessed she thought that the 5 for the $500 was a dollar sign and just keyed it in wrong.
   Mistakes happen.  But we have to double check to make sure that what we are doing is taking place.  Not just about banking but about everything we do in this world.

Things Aren't What They Seem!

Well, it has been only a few years ago that I had decided to run for School Board.  I had been on the school board for a full year and then it hit me.  I am not a politician.  So I quit.  I resigned my position.  Simple enough.  
  Just before I resigned my position, the school board voted to cut the Volleyball program.  It was a unanimous decision.   I voted to cut the program for three specific reasons.  I didn't want to cut the program because my daughters wanted to play.  Things could have been different.  The school my kids go to are all about sports.  I am all about education, but I do understand the importance of sports in school.  I just wish that schools didn't exist just because of sports.  I could go on but I think you get the point here.  
   I could be like a lot of people and go on facebook and make a statement as to why I resigned my posistion on the school board.  But if people really want to know why, I feel that they should come talk to me about it.  I am not a gossip or rumor spreader.  What I am upset about is the fact that my oldest child has to suffer for some of the choices I have made.  Now she is getting harassed by some boys that feel that they have the right to pass judgement.  Well,  I have since file a complaint at the school for bullying and Harrasment against these two boys and I understand that it is a he said/she said kind of world.  But I do think that I did get someones attention.  Enough said for now.
   

Back To School

This week is the first week of school.  At the time of this writing, it is actually day 3.  The kids have enjoyed it so far but it is early.  I have no doubt that they will have an awesome year.  So let’s begin.

  Lexi has a busy school year.  She is a Freshman this year.  Volleyball started off hard this week.  If she doesn’t have a game, then she has practice.  Something every day.  Plus, she had homework last night.  I don’t remember her ever having homework before.  But now High School starts off with a bang.  She is a smart girl and will do just fine.  She has grown up to be a beautiful girl. 

  Allison stated that on her first day of school that she LOVES 6th Grade.  I asked her why and she said that it was because it was less stressful.  You see, she is the type of person that is organized but gets stressed out when she is reminded about deadlines and such.  She said that it is more laid back for her.  It is at this grade level that they start letting you keep up on your own and give you a little more independence.  She will do great.

  Bradley was so excited after his first day of school.  He said “Dad, they even let me chew gum in class!”  I explained to him that I was certain that it was up to each teacher to decided.  He wanted to play basketball this year but this year they do not have basketball for the boys until 4th grade. Maybe next year.   I was surprised that they let the kids in his class bring bottled water to have at their desk if they bring it from home so that they will not have to get up for a drink.  My Little Fella is growing up fast.

  In the meantime, I have taken vacation this week so that I can take the kids to school in the mornings and pick them up after school.  I have done this for the past several years.  I enjoy being with the kids and getting them up in the mornings so that they are not stressed out.  I fixed them waffles this morning.  They seemed to enjoy it.  It’s also great when they are gone to be able to relax a little.  I do have a list of things (that my wife helped me make, LOL) to get done this week so it keeps me busy.  But I do enjoy the times when Michelle is off work this week with me so that we can sit on the couch and watch those movies that we have recorded on the DVR.  Michelle asked me if I wanted to be a stay at home Dad because the last few mornings, I have gotten up early and cooked breakfast for everyone.  I think one morning, I had even made Michelle a Cappuccino with her breakfast.  I told her that I could really get into it.  She thinks that I might get board but if I stayed at home, the days would get away from me.  I love my Wife and Kids so much.  I could really enjoy being with them everyday and getting them ready for school and picking them up each day and going on the field trips and such, but Work starts back for me next week.

OH, THE SWEET THINGS IN LIFE!

Civil Unrest!!!

DHS Stocks Up On Riot Gear In Anticipation of Election-Related Civil Unrest…

The Department of Homeland Security has ordered masses of riot gear equipment to prepare for potential significant domestic riots at the Republican National Convention, Democratic National Convention and next year’s presidential inauguration.

The DHS submitted a rushed solicitation to the Federal Business Opportunities site on Wednesday, which is a portal for Federal government procurement requisitions over $25,000. The request gave the potential suppliers only one day to submit their proposals and a 15-day delivery requirement to Alexandria, Virginia.

As the brief explains, “the objective of this effort is to procure riot gear to prepare for the 2012 Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the 2013 Presidential Inauguration and other future similar activities.”

The above article just proves my point/belief or prediction if you will.  My prediction is that When Obama finds out that he is not re-elected for President, he will decide before the inauguration of the new President, to declare Martial Law for the “Security of the Nation”.  Then he will activate the special forces that he has initiated to arrest U.S. Citizens for the so called “Security of the Nation” and put them in concentration camps that he has set up around the country.  Scary?  Be prepared!

Arkansas fires coach Bobby Petrino following scandal - USA TODAY

from Google News

USA TODAY

Arkansas fires coach Bobby Petrino following scandal

Well,  I used to say that Coaches were like Preachers, People need to follow what they stand for and not follow the person.  Well,  Not in the case of the Arkansas Razorbacks.  So Let me re-phrase,  Follow the team and not the coaches and not individuals.  But you know what?  I really like Arkansas State Redwolves.  Just sayin.

Weir Computing

Weir Computing Help Desk

Great Beginnings

 

 

  Well, it is the beginning of the school year and so many things to look forward too.  I had the awesome privilege to Baptize my two daughters a few weeks ago.  It was such an awesome experience.  I just don’t think that I can put it into words. 

  So many things that will be going on in the next few months.  Volley Ball games with Lexi and the list will go on and on.  I ran for school board again this year but this time I ran unopposed.  So, needless to say, I made it on the school board.  I hope everyone’s summer vacation was awesome and will try to post more later.

Don’t be Misled

Below is the “meaning of Allah” according to Wikipedia online.

Allah (English pronunciation: /ˈælə/ or /ˈɑːlə/;[1] Arabic: الله‎ Allāh, IPA: [ʔɑlˈlɑː] ( listen), [ʔalˤˈlˤɑː]) is a word for God, mostly used in the context of Islam. In Arabic, it is the standard word for "God," used not only by Muslims, but also by Bahá'ís, Eastern Catholic Christians, Maltese Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Mizrahi Jews and Sikhs.[2][3][4]

From what I have read, it is stating that Allah is a word for God but mostly in context in Islam. As I research the Islam part of it, it states that Muhammad is the messenger of God or Allah.

And there we go. That is what separates the two. We serve GOD not Allah. Christians serve God and not the other. If you go with the Christian part of it then you must follow the Christian belief. That God is God. The Word of God does not say anything in it with the words “Allah” in it. Not mine anyway. ( I am sure you can buy a translation that will say what you want it to say) If you go with the Islamic part of it then you must believe the part of it that says that Muhammad is the messenger of God. Again, The Word of God does not mention Muhammad as being the messenger of God. The Word does mention that the only way to God the Father is through Jesus Christ. That is who I serve and worship and that is why I and My family have eternal life. Jesus is the Reason.

In the world today, you will read and hear lots of things but you cannot believe everything you read and hear. It has to line up with the word of God. One example is that a web site trying to teach the reader that Allah and God are the same. It has a statement on the website that says:

On page one [1] of Genesis in the Old Testament, we find the word "Allah" seventeen [17] times.

Well, I am not sure what translation of the Bible they are using but none of my Bibles have that in it. Be careful of what you read and hear. Don’t be swayed. Serve God through Jesus!

Summer 2011

  Summer is just beginning but is also moving at a fast pace.  It won’t be long and the summer will be over.  The kids are out of school but will be back to school in a little over a month now.  You know, it’s the typical “I’m Bored!” kind of situation for the kids.  The picture above is a night baseball game that we went to.  Michelle and I took Bradley to see the Red Birds play in Memphis.  He really loved it.  Lexi left yesterday to go to Joplin, MO to help out on a mission trip with the Church youth group.  She will be home tonight.  Then she will be going to Church camp in another week.  Allison hasn’t had much going on but she has spent a few nights at some friend’s house from time to time and to her, it seems that she is satisfied with that.  Bradley is like his Daddy. He is a “home body”  He just asked me a few minutes ago if we had anything going on today.  I told him no.  So he asked if we were going anywhere today.  I said nope.  He said, so we are staying at home all day?”  and I said yes.  His reply was typical.  He said oh yes.  I have been working overtime most everyday and it seems that when I get home, I just want to stay there and do nothing.  Michelle explains that my “ do nothing”  idea is actually playing on the computer.  I am a geek or nerd so I guess that is what I do.  I just got my Google+ invite yesterday so I am still playing on it and trying to figure it all out.  I know Michelle gets bored with that and would rather us be able to do something together.  I will have to figure that out and fix it.  Not sure what we will do.  I do have my vacation starting in about a week. I am looking forward to that but also plan on getting some stuff done around the house.  It’s just too hot to go camping.  The kids would be satisfied with staying in a local hotel for one night but what is the point of that.  Just simple I guess.  Easily amused. I guess I will go for now but want to actually create an article on here that will talk about some geeky stuff like some of the Google tools that are available and other thoughts.  We will see how long that will take me to complete that.  Have an awesome weekend.