Packers and Vikes to Settle the Score---Go Brett

Big interest brewing in the Packers and Vikings game. Many people are mad at Brett for playing for the Vikes. And then many love Brett for all the great joy he gave while at Green Bay.

Although, I am a Packer fan; I feel the Packer top brass really treated him quite underhanded. Brett probably made a few mistakes as well. But the guys was our hero and won so many games for Green Bay---he deserved better.

The Packers did the same thing to Big Mike Holmgren. They could have given him what he wanted; they did that for the next guy who took his place. This general manager for the Pack has to go. He doesn't fit what the Packers stand for.

On this night, next Monday, I will be rooting for Brett.

It is What You Bring to the Table

The longer I live the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, and than successes. And what other people say or do.

It is more important than appearance, skill, or intelligence. It will make or break you, a company, a church, a family.

The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day the attitude we will embrace for that day. We can't change our past. We can't change the fact that people will have their own attitude---good or bad. We can't change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on what we have and that is our attitude. I am convinced that is life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it. We are in charge of our attitudes----it will be what you make it.

But Whose Going to Pay the Bills?

But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The Bible says that My God shall supply all your needs. It doesn't say the Government of the U.S. will supply them. It doesn't say that your boss, or your business will supply them. It says My God will do it. So if someone lets you down it really doesn't matter. God never lets you down.

God often uses man as the means , but God himself is the Source. All other sources are instruments only and will never be anything else. God will always be the source.

Jesus looks on a need in a positive way. To Him a need exists to be met. God shall supply all your need. The word need is strong, it is emphatic. It means it will be done. The moment your need faces you, God's shall supply promise goes into effect.

You give God your best as He says in Luke 6:38; then ask Him for His best. When done with a sincere heart, God moves.

If The Shoe Fits Wear It

Smith Wigglesworth was one of the great men of God during the modern era. In fact, in my opinion he was the greatest man of God. He died in 1947 at the age of 87, yet his memory lives on and books about him are still in print. I think I have every one of them, at least 13, but I keep handing them out because they are so powerful and helpful to those in need. From time to time I will be talking directly about Wigglesworth, the man, the ministry, and the miracles.

Oral Roberts said that he and his fellow evangelists owe Wiggleswortha debt beyond calculation. Wigglesworth was an outstanding man of faith who taught and inspired people world wide. The impact of his ministry swept over this nation, and we are still feeling it today.

Wigglesworth was once asked if he spent long seasons in prayer. He said that he didn't often pray more than a half hour at a time, but then said that he rarely went more than a half hour without praying. Prayer was his life. It is what he liked best of all and the true secret of his great power.

Ok, to the first Wigglesworth story. I know that many of you aren't going to believe it, your problem. It is true.

Wigglesworth was staying in the home of a curate of the Church of England. He and the curate were sitting together talking after supper. No doubt the subject of their conversation was that the poor fellow had no legs. Artificial limbs were crude in those days.

Wigglesworth said to the man quite suddenly (which he often did when ministering), "Go and get a pair of new shoes in the morning."

The poor fellow thought it was some kind of joke. However, after they had retired to their respective rooms for the night, God told the curate, "Do as My servant hath said," God was identifying Himself withWigglesworth.

The next morning the curate went to the shoe shop and waited for it to open. When it did, a man came up to the curate and asked if he could help him. The curate said, "Yes would you get me a pair of shoes, please?"

"Yes sir, size and color?" The curate hesitated and the shoe store man said, "Sorry sir, we can't help you."

The curate said, "It's all right, young man. But I do want a pair of shoes, size 8, color black."

The man went to get the shoes. A few minutes later he returned and handed them to the man. The curate put one stump into a shoe and instantly a foot and leg were formed. Then the same thing happened with the other leg. He walked out of that store with not only a new pair of shoes but a new pair of legs.

Wigglesworth was not surprised. He had expected this result. He often made remarks like this: "As far as God is concerned, there is no difference between forming a limb and healing a broken bone."

The point is this: Wigglesworth did not pray for the man; he told him what to do and the man did it.

Wigglesworth was a man of extraordinary faith; because of his almost continuous prayer and fellowship with God, reading of the Word (the only book he ever read), he absolutely possessed no unbelief, trusted God to the very fullest. I don't believe any greater faith existed in modern times.

We rarely hear of miracles like this because our churches typically don't teach about healing; and they don't personally possess this kind of faith or fellowship with God. These answers to prayer are available from God; all we have to do is believe.

This story is taken from the book Smith Wigglesworth----The Secret of His Power

Which One Are You---Take the Inventory

People live in one of two houses; the content house or the house of discontent.

• the contented person looks beyond circumstances
• the discontented person looks at circumstances and sees no way
• the contented person understands the purpose for which they were born
• the discontented person looks at others' success and is filled with disdain
• the contented person has placed his values on things that will last forever
• the discontented person puts his values on things that soon will past
• the contented person counts his blessings
• this discontented person counts other's blessings and thinks he has no fun
• the contented person has peace
• the discontented always in a frenzy
• the contented person exudes love
• the discontented possess anger
• the contented person foregives
• the discontented holds a grudge and looks to get even

We all have the choice between the two, it's ours to determine which way were going to be. In all honesty, from time to time, we may tend towards the negative, but realize it, and go the opposite direction. Jesus would always represent the positive aspects above, and when we become saved we start to be changed into his image.

Smith Wigglesworth-----One of God's Greats

Smith Wigglesworth was one of the great men of God during the modern era. In fact, in my opinion he was the greatest man of God. He died in 1947 at the age of 87, yet his memory lives on and books about him are still in print. I think I have every one of them, at least 13, but I keep handing them out because they are so powerful and helpful to those in need. From time to time I will be talking directly about Wigglesworth, the man, the ministry, and the miracles.

Oral Roberts said that he and his fellow evangelists owe Wigglesworth a debt beyond calculation. Wigglesworth was an outstanding man of faith who taught and inspired people world wide. The impact of his ministry swept over this nation, and we are still feeling it today.

Wigglesworth was once asked if he spent long seasons in prayer. He said that he didn't often pray more than a half hour at a time, but then said that he rarely went more than a half hour without praying. Prayer was his life. It is what he liked best of all and the true secret of his great power.

Ok, to the first Wigglesworth story. I know that many of you aren't going to believe it, your problem. It is true.

Wigglesworth was staying in the home of a curate of the Church of England. He and the curate were sitting together talking after supper. No doubt the subject of their conversation was that the poor fellow had no legs. Artificial limbs were crude in those days.

Wigglesworth said to the man quite suddenly (which he often did when ministering), "Go and get a pair of new shoes in the morning."

The poor fellow thought it was some kind of joke. However, after they had retired to their respective rooms for the night, God told the curate, "Do as My servant hath said," God was identifying Himself with Wigglesworth.

The next morning the curate went to the shoe shop and waited for it to open. When it did, a man came up to the curate and asked if he could help him. The curate said, "Yes would you get me a pair of shoes, please?"

"Yes sir, size and color?" The curate hesitated and the shoe store man said, "Sorry sir, we can't help you."

The curate said, "It's all right, young man. But I do want a pair of shoes, size 8, color black."

The man went to get the shoes. A few minutes later he returned and handed them to the man. The curate put one stump into a shoe and instantly a foot and leg were formed. Then the same thing happened with the other leg. He walked out of that store with not only a new pair of shoes but a new pair of legs.

Wigglesworth was not surprised. He had expected this result. He often made remarks like this: "As far as God is concerned, there is no difference between forming a limb and healing a broken bone."

The point is this: Wigglesworth did not pray for the man; he told him what to do and the man did it.

Wigglesworth was a man of extraordinary faith; because of his almost continuous prayer and fellowship with God, reading of the Word (the only book he ever read), he absolutely possessed no unbelief, trusted God to the very fullest. I don't believe any greater faith existed in modern times.

We rarely hear of miracles like this because our churches typically don't teach about healing; and they don't personally possess this kind of faith or fellowship with God. These answers to prayer are available from God; all we have to do is believe.

This story is taken from the book Smith Wigglesworth----The Secret of His Power

The Christian Church In America Has Failed!

You know many pastors especially denominational pastors are more concerned with not rocking the boat and cruising in until retirement. They teach a nicely prepared, friendly message; one that doesn't provoke any deep thought, self examination, or action. It's what they are comfortable with, not what the Holy Spirit wants them to say.

Churches are often measured by the size of their congregation, the larger the better. The quality of their devotion to the Word is often overlooked cause most people don't want to change anything about their life and don't want their parade rained on. So don't irritate anyone.

I recently attended a church who had a decent size congregation. However, the pastor was not lead by God, but by himself. Instead of calling the sick to come forward for healing, they served coffee. The pastor's voice always stayed in a nicely practiced monotone. There was no fire, no conviction, just a pleasant message and home you went. Oh, by the way, say "Hi" to the people around you as you are leaving.

This church was so dead in spirit no one would ever feel the need to examine themselves, make a moral inventory, change the way they treat people, or study the Word. The Holy Spirit plain and simple was excluded. Christ is the head of the church, not the pastor. And when He left to be with the Father, He sent the Comforter who is to lead the church through the pastor. The gifts of the Spirit should be evident, not absent.

If you are in a church like that you need to consider leaving as it is backsliding and you are as well right along with it. Who do you want to please; people or Jesus. You won't please Jesus by being in a church who is deaf to the leading of the Spirit. Remember, "by their ignorance, they perish."

Many times it's the smaller, non denominational churches that are hot for God. Who count on Him totally and Spirit led. God loves everyone the same, saint or sinner, but He especially delights in those who totally depend on Him. Do you? Does your church?

Recently a survey of evangelicals, 85% said they experienced nothing of God last year. Are you one of those?

Four percent of today's youth it is reported have God centered lives. Whose fault is that? It is the fault of their parents; and it is the fault of the churches.

It seems that the biggest single issue in church is money. It might not get the time that the actual sermon gets, but over a years time, it is the biggest single topic. What a shame.

Love My Enemies---Are You Nuts?

Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you great only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

Jesus not only taught this message but lived it. He experienced misunderstanding, ingratitude, and rejection. But, He was never bitter, discouraged, or overcome. To Him every obstacle was an opportunity:

• brokenhearted--a opportunity to comfort
• disease--an opportunity to heal
• hatred--an opportunity to love
• temptation--an opportunity to overcome
• sin--an opportunity to forgive

His uncommon responses to the problems He faced caused those around Him to ask "What manner of man is this?"

How do we react when criticized? Some people find fault as their primary natural response. Whether criticism is just or unjust, a person shows his true mettle by how he or she responds. It would help us to realize that there are times when we make errors and display shortcomings. In our relationship with God, we don't need justice, we need mercy.

In our relationship with others we should be quick to give mercy and slow to demand justice. However, the opposite is more the rule than the exception. This is true in many churches as well.

When treated in an unChristian manner or tempted to react in such. We need to realize that:

• everyone is fighting a hard battle with all the uncertainties in the world
• reacting in a positive, reassuring manner will produce better results
• there is no better way to represent Christ than with Christian reactions

So we need to not react to those situations that get to us, but do as Jesus would do---love, forgive, heal, and comfort.

Take Up the What???

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Luke 9:23

"Take up his cross..........................." A good everyday explanation of the cross is giving. The cross is something you do. Every time you give, a little bit of you dies. You die to self. A little bit of the part of you that wants to run your own life...........the part that wants to leave God out and not include others........dies. Every time you give of yourself...........love, energy, talents, time, or money........a big part of you comes alive. After the cross comes the joy of the Resurrection.

"Follow me......." The miracle of conversion take place in an instant---in that moment in time you become a Christian. But it takes a lifetime to become a follower; a disciple, of Jesus. A disciple of the Lord learns of Jesus and follows Him, day in and day out. Every day is a new day in the now. You measure your life by Christ's life. You are like an iceberg in that about 1/7th of you is above the surface. Underneath the surface, hidden from view is the real you, your personality, your deep longings, your likes and dislikes-----your secret sins.

At conversion, most of you is still submerged. But as you meet conflicts, needs, and problems you emerge and grow in your Christian life. Christ can give you the miracle of a changed heart. For that miracle you must pick your cross and follow Him.

Ever Feel Empty

The Roman overlords levied taxes but they sold a tax franchise to different people. A man could agree to pay Rome so much money and then he would levy taxes in his district to collect the money. He could keep what he would collect over what he owed Rome. Tax collectors took advantage of the people and made big money.

A man named Zacchaeus was a tax collector who took advantage of people by overcharging the people for their taxes. But he found that no matter how much he got, he felt empty inside; he had an awful restlessness. No peace.

Only Jesus can fill that emptiness in a man's life. "For Jesus was to pass that way." Christ always passes your way. He comes to you at the point of your need.

Jesus looked up and said, "Zacchaeus (Jesus called him by name). We are living in the computer age and sometimes we feel so isolated from one another; we think nobody cares, nobody thinks of us as a person.

But Jesus identified Zacchaeus as a person with a name. I think everybody hears Christ call him by name at some time. You feel God is very intimate with you, very near.

Zacchaeus said, "Lord, behold I will give half my goods to the poor and if I have taken anything from any man by false methods I will restore him fourfold............When you truly meet Christ, He shakes you up. This Man turns you around and you take on the characteristics of Christ himself.

All at once, Zacchaeus saw the kind of man he had been. He said, "I am going to start giving and restoring and loving. I have been trying to take a man before he took me.

He had found the Source for his life and the joy of giving. He found that more important then getting, it was giving. Jesus said to him, "This day is salvation come to this house."

Wouldn't this country be something if that was the rule rather than the exception?

When Does A Life Become a Life?

As we all know, the term fetus is used to describe one stage in the development of a human being. While still in the womb, he is called a fetus, but once born (delivered) he is no longer called a fetus but as a neonate, a newborn, or the more familiar term, BABY!

In the Clinton regulation, HHS has used definitions substantially the same as those established in 1975. A fetus is defined as . . . the product of conception from implantation until a determination is made after delivery that it is viable. Let's repeat that. Until a determination is made after delivery that it is viable. So, according to this agency of our government, a mother does not give birth to a baby. She gives birth to a fetus whose status as a human child has to be determined by somebody saying he is viable.

A nonviable fetus is defined as a fetus after delivery that, although living, is not viable. He is born, he is alive, but he is not viable so he s still a fetus even though his mother, who isn t familiar with HHS regulations, thinks she just gave birth to a baby.

HHS defines viable in the regulation in this way: Viable as it pertains to the fetus means being able, after delivery, to survive (given the benefit of available medical therapy) to the point of independently maintaining heartbeat and respiration. If a fetus after delivery is viable then it is a child as defined by Sec. 46.402 (a). Evidently this means that babies confined to neonatal intensive care units, who cannot breath on their own and who need extraordinary care to maintain other bodily functions, are not officially recognized as babies or children by the United States government, but remain fetuses until designated viable by somebody whose status the regulation does not make clear.

We all know that the life of a fetus is not protected under the law in our country because, as the Supreme Court said in Roe v. Wade, he is not a person born or naturalized and therefore does not come under the protection of the Fourteenth Amendment. We now have discovered that for 26 years, babies who are delivered alive but considered not viable according to HHS are designated as fetuses, not children. Is that the answer to how unwanted little babies at Christ Hospital can be legally abandoned and left to die? While millions of loving parents have and will pay any price for the finest medical care for their precious premature babies, what about those who are poor, frightened, alone and without insurance? Are their babies being allowed to die?

In a letter dated March 14th to Secretary Tommy Thompson from Reps. Joe Pitts (R-PA), Chris Smith (R-NJ), James Barcia (D-MI), and John Shadegg (R-AZ), the Congressmen said, If this rule is allowed to proceed, the position of the federal Department of Health and Human Services with regard to human research subjects will be that babies born alive are not necessarily children. This cannot and should not be the position of an agency tasked with defending children and protecting life.

Fifty million babies later and we still are making decisions on human life that are not ours to make.

The Pit----Fear Greatest Weapon of the Deceiver!!!

If the devil has another name, it is fear. He strives to enter our minds and put a fear in us that is a living thing. It nags us. Nauseates us-----literally makes us sick. Follows us. Torments us.

Jesus dealt with fear by pointing to faith as the answer. In the height of the storm on Galilee, His disciples were overcome with fear. Then they asked Him a question that only increased their doubts and fears: "Master, carest thou not that we perish?"

Jesus did not withdraw from the human stream, from the misery and torments that we pass through. He developed a way of life, a rhythm of seed time and harvest, a faith in God as the source of supply, a relationship with God that gave Him strength on the inside so when He was in these problems He could rest. He could have a calmness of spirit.

After Jesus calmed the storm, He asked the disciples, "Where is your faith? Why were you so afraid?" He was saying, "the very faith I have in My Father you can have (we all can have). The very fact that I was able to find strength to relax and be strong means that you can have the same strength. You don't have to be afraid. Why are you so fearful when you can have this relationship with God, when you can open up yourself and expect a miracle. Where is your faith?"

Our feelings will lie to us. In life we are dealing with reality, not just feelings. When we analyze the problem of fear, nine times out of ten we find that we are guilty of wrong believing. We are believing that God doesn't care what happens to us. That is what Satan, 'the father of lies" would have us believe. Faith and fear both come from our believing. Wrong believing brings fear. Right believing brings faith. Trusting in God brings faith. Trust God and fear will run like a bunny.

Stress---Take Charge Or Will Kill You!!!!!

All of us experience stress in our lives. Some people find stress stimulating and necessary to accomplish their goals. But for many people, stress has a negative on both the mind and the body.

Stress can cause actual physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and insomnia. It can also produce psychological reactions including anxiety, irritability, and concentration problems. Instead of providing energy for facing a challenge, stress can interfere with life's enjoyment. It can even in large doses cause strokes and heart attacks.

Stress is not something you need to completely avoid. The key is to strike a balance. You need enough stress to motivate you but not to much that it keeps you from reaching your potential.

Here are some ways to strike the right balance:

• Reevaluate your priorities, don't take on more than you can handle.
• Do things you want to do, not just things you have to do.
• Learn to say no.
• Set realistic goals and deadlines, be flexible.
• Get organized.
• Ask others for help.
• Don't put off.
• Don't get distracted.
• Take deep breaths.
• Stretch often.
• Pray.
• Don't think you have to know all the answers, you are not God.
• Turn over your problems to Him, but don't run from them.
• Take breaks.
• Cry.
• Love yourself.
• Love others.
• Realize who made you in His likeness.
• Be humble.
• Get joy out of giving.

People who have a relationship with God are happier than those who don't.

Desceived----Life Doesn't Begin at 40!!

Ok, folks, let's get to the heart of matter.

• Does a pregnant woman have a life in her at the exact time that she becomes pregnant?
• Does it happen later on like in a month or six months?
• Or is it a life when it comes out of the womb?
• When does it become a life?
• And how do you know, is it relative to your moral code that gives you the answer?
• What does God say about when a life becomes a life?

I think we have to address this issue truthfully and stop beating around the bush. And who are we to decide the matter anyway.? My complaint is this, why am I paying for something I believe to be wrong. Why am forced to pay for it.?

I think the democrats need to look past their own intellect and consult what the Creator says on the matter. After all, He made us and everything around us. He would have a clue, in fact, He most definitely has the answer.

Let's quit deceiving ourselves and just give the issue an honest look. I mean we have only killed 50,000,000 million babies. And we have the nerve to talk about Hitler. Hogwash.

Obama's Big Error---Sunday Morning Blitz

This morning Obama will be pushing his healthcare program on five different shows; everywhere except Fox TV in which he has ongoing spats. Monday night, he will be the only guest on David Letterman to keep pushing.

In regard to the healthcare program, most Americans just don't plain understand it. All they hear is innuendo that this is going to be cut, seniors are going to take a hit on medicare, and your choice of doctors and care will be very limited, plus, plus. There will be real concerns about the aged who are about to die as most of the money is spent in their last year of life. Government can save money if they can reduce last year expenses.

Medicare is supposed to run out in 2017! What then?

The Whitehouse says you can't miss the President this morning unless of course you are in church. It is Sunday morning, the traditional time for Americans who do to worship the morning. Bad choice, Mr Obama.

Biblical Based Standards----Almost Gone

In my parents time, 65% of the people had Biblically based standards. Didn't seem all that good at the time, but compared to today, it would a miracle. In my day, it had already dropped to 35%, and today's generation has dropped to 4%----a shocking 4%. Whose standards do they adhere to know, well it's there own. Going to have a lot of lost souls leading this country in the future. Glad I probably won't be here when the 4 percenters get in power.

Now isn't that something? This generation defines their own morality. My pastor says that if you don't have God in your life, then you have chaos. I think that hits the nail on the head. We not only have chaos in our lives, but in schools, churches, hospitals, and of course government is as chaotic as it gets. Most of those groups threw God out a long time ago and opted for what they thought was a better system-----man's intellect-----which is the intellect of fools. They thought God was out of date cause He is so old. And He is no fun either. If they knew Him better they would know that those are just words of deception which is the root of all of this.

Who is to blame for this radical decline in standards (morality)? Well the previous generation has a part cause they didn't teach us better standards (the boomers) and consequently since we were poorly taught; we really dropped the ball in teaching our kids who are the parents of the young generation. So we all are to blame.

I don't believe that the tide can be turned. When you have 4% for, you probably have 96% against. And those 96% are persecuting the 4%.

Let's face it Biblical morality is gone from this country and without the supernatural power of God, it's not coming back. A shame. It's a strong sign of cultural decadence when man decides he knows better than His creator. Civilizations have already declined past the point of no return by the time that fact is realized.

Billy Graham said it was happening over 50 years ago. We should have paid attention. He believed in the use of the hickory stick in raising his kids. Now they would throw Billy in the whose ghoul. And no one is going to convince me that Billy didn't know how to raise his kids. He raised them by the Word of God, the only way to raise them.

Cougars Reported Near Wausau, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin DNR is investigating reports that a cougar is roaming just south of Wausau, Wisconsin. Many reports have been made. The DNR is skeptical.

Cougars are the largest cats in North America and can attack and kill a human in a flash.

I understand the DNR's reluctance but they are also known to poo-poo the truth as was the case when I reported seeing a cougar in northern Wisconsin almost 20 years ago. They told me that we didn't have cougars in that area and looked at me as though I was nuts. However, less than a year later, the fact that we did have them there was documented and published in the Milwaukee paper who ran a big article with the confirmations.

My advice is until proven otherwise, believe it and watch your kids and dogs. If there is one there it will be confirmed in due time, either by siting or tracks. No dog, coyote, wolf or otherwise can be mistaken for a cougar by any sane person.

It is wild enough in the Wausau area that a cougar who are wary to begin with can remain largely undetected for some time. And the DNR is not going to put a lot of manpower on the issue. Their idea of investigating is to drive through the area and if they don't see one, then they are not there.

Muslim Haters

The school year started off with a bang in Florida when a grade school student showed up wearing a T-shirt with this printed on it, "Islam is of the devil." To their credit, the administrators sent the child home. The local church responsible for this action is Dove World Outreach Center and they are not sorry for their actions.

Under the first amendment , Dove has the right to proclaim it's views. They have also erected a sign stating the same hate message. Since 9/11 this is an all to frequent stance and signifies hatred. This muslim bashing threatens American muslims and undermines what the Christian church stands for. The next step is violence.

It has been stated by Charles Hanes that Rod Parsley and Pat Robertson have blatantly condemned the muslim religion on their TV shows.

Why is this wrong? According to God's Word, we are to love everybody----point blank---everybody. Who are we to judge other peoples. I believe the majority of muslims who live here in this country are peace loving folks and they are entitled to practice whatever faith they choose.

And, God said, "Take the plank out your own eye before you worry about the speck in your neighbor's eye." We all have the same blood regardless of culture and God loves us whether we are muslim, budhist, new age, or whatever. That doesn't mean that they are saved, it just means he loves them as much as He loves me. So respect that and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Amen.

This hypocrisy is what drives folks away from our churches and keeps many of the youth from even coming in the first place. If preachers would just preach the Bible, we'd be a lot better off. The Word will draw people like flys on a dead calf. But cynical hypocrisy will keep them away in droves. So straighten up way word churches and do what God tells you to in His Word.

Serena Williams Does Complete Meltdown and Losses

In every facet of life there is ethics and a code of conduct. Last night Serena Williams did a mental melt down and forgot them all. She is human you say and will screw up. Yes that's true, but she not only hurt herself, but the sport, her fans, and the young women who aspire to be like her. She sent the wrong message to everyone who watched the event.

It seems she through tirade filled with everything including a death threat to consistently foul language and a total disregard for the game that has given everything she has. It started over a line call. But the real culprit was Serena thinking she was above the rules and standards of the game. That she warranted special attention. Believe, they will be keeping a close eye on her behavior at future events because her terrible behavior could destroy the game.

Tennis is not a new game, been around a long time. It is steeped in integrity, tradition, sportsmanship, and class. Serena needs a brush up course. I think she should be fined and also sanctioned. It was that serious, just watch the replay. In fact, which it should rightfully, cost her the match.

Going Back to College From Retirement---Teachers Could Be My Kids

I returned to college this fall for the first time in over 40 years with the exception of a miscellaneous bouts with book learning for such endeavors as pilot license, real estate salesman and brokers license acquisition. Those were easy but you did have to take the time.

If you don't know it already, school has changed. The first big change was that it cost be 9 bucks for a salad, chicken strips, and some watery cheesy broccoli soup. The salad was good, the rest was not.

I am taking web site development courses and it's all taught on their interface which is the most difficult part of the course--------learning their system. But persevering will pay off. The material is easy and they seem to coddle more than they did in the old days. However, the teacher is awesome. A serious candidate for teacher of the year-----the national award---not the state level. She has all the tools.

I see a lot of folks in their 40's and 50's getting reeducated in various other fields cause they lost their jobs. I admire their dedication and upbeat attitude. This is what makes this country what it is on the bright side. We still have some people who do believe in working, and our willing to invest in themselves.

I told my wife that I was going out for football, she looked at me crooked for a brief spell and then went back to her work. Yeah, soon as I get over my strained shoulder from throwing 50 pound cuts of oak firewood up on to a pile. Don' t throw things upward, believe me it can hard on you.

Anyway, where I live, the taxpayers have shelled out a pretty penny for top notch schools to educate those who are willing. After all, who do you think pays for these things, we do.

Oh, almost forgot. The cleavage, I would not have been able to concentrate a lick back then if the cleavage was as apparent. As I remember back to the days of raging hormones four decades ago, it was tough enough and our gals were all bundled up. It is a much more liberal generation. It's like, hey, look at mine.

Well, back to my homework. One final thought, there is usually a senior discount or you go free. I got 90% off and if you will settle for audit, many schools let you go for free. The books are a bit steep along with the lousy food. But close enough, take a bag lunch.

Wednesday Night at U.S. Open---Melanie's Plight

Melanie Ouden lost first set to Woznacki 6-2, and is behind in the second set 1-0. The young phenom from Georgia is looking nervous and making many errors. She looks off her game, and not just a little but in a major way. She is missing shots long, she is missing shots wide. However, she has the ad in the second match, now it's at deuce. Just tied up the second set at 1-1. Maybe she can come on now, putting away the big name nerves.

After this game, it's Roger Federer. Going for his sixth. Good luck Roger.

What is amazing to me is the superb conditioning of these athletes and the need to remain injury free and the will to play through it when it does happen.

Whether Melanie wins or not; she has been a bright spot on the U.S. tennis scene; enduring fans to here from all over the country. Nothing like a fresh wholesome face to brighten the horizon.

Caroline up 2-1 in second set. She has still got the big mo going her way. Sorry to say it could be a short match if Melanie doesn't get it going. As I leave you, it's 2-2 in the second. Maybe, just maybe.

Happy----Which One?

Would you say it's better to make your friends happy and displease God? Or is it better to make God happy and displease your friends? It sounds easy, but the reality is that making your friends unhappy is a huge price to pay, the may no longer be your friends. And it's not always easy to take the heat from friends that we have made unhappy for whatever reason.

So what do we do. Please our friends, or please God. Go with God every time, He was the one who:

• created you
• gifted you
• saved you
• healed you
• forgiven you for your sins
• loved you so much that He gave His Son for you

None of your friends could accomplish any of the above. And you know what, if you have the right kind of friends, then if you make God happy, you will most likely make them happy as well. And if not, you better take a serious look at your relationships, what are they based on?

We Get What We Say

For a long time, I had been confused over the fact that in my life and the lives of others there was a continual sense of defeat and failure. I read about Hebrews 4:14 which says, "we are to hold fast to our confession."

What confession are we to hold fast; the absolute integrity of the Bible. I am to hold fast to the redemptive work of Christ. I found it difficult to hold fast the perfect healing when I had pain in my body.

I had been making two confessions. I had been confessing the absolute truth of God, and yet I was making a confession that I was not healed.

If someone had asked, "are you healed?" I would have said yes and yet I would have said that I have pain in my body. The second confession nullified the first one. I had two confessions which were opposed to each other.

Faith holds fast to the Word of God. Sense knowledge (the pain) holds fast to physical evidence. If I hold fast to sense knowledge, then I nullify the Word of God.

When storms come, many Christians give into the sense knowledge; and that knowledge is not of God but of the adversary. Everytime you confess sickness, weakness, defeat; you magnify the devil over God. You destroy your faith in God.

You are to hold fast to your faith and your confession. You are to study the Word so you know what your rights in God. Blessings and hang strong in the Word and victory will be yours.

Doctors-----How to Handle Them

Ever feel like your doctor was in charge and he really doesn't care what you think?

Here are some points that may change that balance:

• Take charge of your health.
• Always ask for written material about your condition.
• Be assertive, if you have questions, don't leave until they get answered.
• Look up the information about your meds on the net. Dr. doesn't always know.
• If you the Doc doesn't like this, switch docs.

The days of the authoritative doctor and the passive patient are gone.

Did Jesus Come With a Club?

Jesus did not come with a club, but with the most loving heart that the world has ever known. He was moved with compassion. "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:17

There is no substitute for the love of God. You have that capacity to love as He does. All the action of the Spirit has it's secret there. "Such a hope is no mockery, because God's love has flooded our inmost heart through the Holy Spirit He has given us." Romans 5:5

Love is the number one answer to everything!