goodbye

due to a total lack of interest in anything I write (not that I'm anyone important), this blog is officially closed. I will re-surface in some other fashion some day. Goodbye, and I pray that you know God through Jesus Christ, the only way to Heaven.

pressure can be a good thing

Since I bid farewell, I have been pressured to continue the blog by a few people. I didn't know anyone was reading it, they said they didn't think to leave comments. So, how would I know anyone reads it if no one says anything? But, I don't necessarily write it to receive comments, my self-esteem is ok.

I may change my mind and continue, but will most certainly change the name. JHyde's Blog doesn't Maybe, in thinking of congressmen up for re-election, call it "Send 'em Packing" .blogspot?
Or maybe NObama.blogspot, but I'd bet that one is taken.

Summer camps have ended. 1700 attended, 205 received Christ as their Savior. Glory to God!

If I receive at least five "keep writing" comments, I will consider it. That's four more than I have ever received before.

it's done

I lead a very active life running a Christian camp. An average work week is 70-80 hours. There is precious little time for writing anything.

As no one has ever made a comment about my blogs in the last almost year-long run, I am ceasing operations and looking elsewhere to get the message out about my book and related works.

What's the point of poignant writing if no one ever reads it?

Therefore, this blog is officially over. Goodbye and may God bless. Not that anyone is out there to say goodbye to.

thieves top to bottom

The week at camp began with a theft of property, our Kawasaki mule, two four-wheelers belonging to the camp in residence this week, personal property of staff, shop equipment, and 50 gallons of gasoline. Not fun. A man was caught in a local town riding the streets at 3 am on a 4-wheeler, evading attempts to stop him. Turns out to be the guy. He's in jail, but not talking much, others were involved, including kids who unwittingly rode the stolen machine. We felt so violated. I have run camps 30 years, never anything stolen. We were so trusting, believing that our cause was so good, so noble, so holy and righteous that no one would do such a thing to us. The perpetrator, a long-time drug addict, did it to support his habit among other things.

Turn now to the current administration. Waltzes into office with many bowing at his feet. He seemed so likable, so trusting, so right. But it wasn't long before the outright thievery began. First it was banks taken over, then automobile companies, then segments of housing and insurance, then student loans and now efforts to steal away private healthcare. Yes, I am calling it theft. The government has no right to come in and take things from the people, but we are seeing it happen right before our eyes. When will it stop? Will all our property and our rights be taken away before the people finally awaken?

Thievery is nothing new. It originated in ancient days. The evil one, known as satan, the deciever, the devil, and you know more names, has come to kill, to steal, and to destroy. God threw him out of His holy heaven when satan rebelled, puffing himself up to challenge God. Arrogance is common among thieves. They take what is not theirs to take, and then challenge you to do something about it.

If you were bought with a price, if you are truly a child of God, paid for with blood through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, stand up. Demand that this thief cease and desist. The Bible says to resist the devil and he must flee. Resist the thief. Speak up and speak out. Forget "People" magazine and become "We The People" again.

Look up, for our redemption draweth nigh.

Not much time to blog with summer camps going on. This one's serious enough, however, to take a break and write it.

I am deeply concerned for our country as are millions of us conservatives. The administration currently in power is systematically destroying all this country has been for generations. Never would I have thought I would see our government grabbing up all they can under the guise of "saving it". What they have done with GM, banks, Chrysler, much of the financial industry, housing, and soon healthcare if they have their way is no less than a nationalization of these industries in order to completely control them.

The strangest thing is that there is barely a whisper from the public. Maybe it's because the state-run media won't allow the public to have much voice. Time magazine this week shocked many by reporting that the stimulus plan isn't working. Oh, no kidding. When is the last time you, deeply in debt, ran out and borrowed more money and then gave it away hoping to improve your financial status? It's impossible. We are now trillions in debt and going for more.

Taxes are coming by the boatload. If healthcare passes, you won't get care for months and months, if at all. And who's to pay for it? The rich? That's what Obama proposes.

If you're young, you'd better open your eyes, because you're not going to have a country to inherit for long. If you're older, you'd better be looking to get into survival mode. This is the most serious threat to ever come our way. Obama is bent on one thing: the destruction of America as we knew it. Don't be fooled. Look at what is happening and then tell me if it's for our good as a nation. There's lots of slight of hand going on here. Did you hear him say the other day that "he's putting us on notice", and that there was a lot of "chatter" while he was out of the country?? EXCUSE me, Mr. President, I don't think we work for you, I think you're supposed to work for us. And you clearly don't have our best interest at heart. You're about to ruin this once great nation, you and all the Democrats. And you Republicans in Congress better be standing and shouting to the rooftops about what you're seeing.

The Bible has spoken of this time we're in. Don't count God out just yet. If the people of the church would turn from their wicked ways and repent, God would hear from heaven and heal our land. But as long as the church looks just like the world, then forget it. We may be going down.

I don't plan to give in that easily.

King of pop

Sure, it's always sad to lose someone, and a person who is seemingly bigger than life as Michael Jackson was is a big loss to all his fans. But there's more to this story. For many years, Michael seemed to be hunting for something to make his life meaningful. It gradually turned to weirdness. I read an account recently that he was quoted as saying he had this huge void in his life. Clearly, money and possessions didn't fill that void. Neither did ultimate stardom.

The Bible tells us "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his own soul?" I think this applies to Michael, and so many others who attain celebrity, yet self-destruct in some way. About 35 years ago, I sent Michael a personal letter explaining the need for salvation through Jesus Christ to him. I just sent it to Neverland, California, I think. Obviously I never received a response, and I doubt that he personally read the letter. Too bad. He might have taken it seriously and his life might have been different.

The lesson here is that the world can offer you everything it has, but in the end, it never can satisfy the heart's longing for a relationship with God. Only Jesus can do that. Too sad, Michael, that you never found the answer to your pursuits.

Not much time for any of us

Not much time to post with summer camps in full swing. Come to think of it, there may not be much time for any of us considering the world's stage. Jesus promised to return one day when the time was right. He told us we could recognize the season, but no one would know the exact time. He told us to live expectedly, as if He would return at any minute. Some of the writers of the New Testament thought it would be right away, yet some 2,000 years have gone by.

I participate with Facebook, originally to help promote my book, but that isn't working out. People who post are mostly young, but some adults also. Judging from comments, most live for themselves day to day, with comments about movies, or taking silly quizzes, or little snippets about their crazy day-to-day lives. How many are really expecting the return of Christ, I can't say. I try to live with that certainty, and wonder what Jesus will find me doing when He returns. I hope I am serving people in the camp ministry when it happens. I love doing that, seeing the smiles on the faces of the many youth and kids who come my way. I keep building the camp more and more to accomodate the ever-increasing numbers. Many find Christ for the first time while at camp, meaning they surrender their lives to Jesus, accepting Him as their personal savior. A concept many don't seem to really understand. When you turn your life over to Christ, you then live for Him, and not yourself. That's difficult for many to do, for they want to live just to please themselves.

Scripture talks about this time, as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be in the coming day of the Lord. People just scurrying about, living like they always have, paying no attention to the signs of His coming. Are you ready for that day? I believe it is imminent. I'm ready!!

are we looking??

Summer camps have started for me, some 11 weeks non-stop of week-long camps with retreats sandwiched in between. There's isn't much busier work on the planet than this.

At night, briefly, I fly through the internet for news, weather, a quick check on the general state of things. So tonight, I read something forwarded to me supposedly by a Russian blogger and writer for Pravda, the Russian paper. I don't know if it is authentic or not, but it does make you think. It's his take on our rapid descent into Marxism. Might or not agree with all he says, but something to look at. His name is Stanislav Mishin, you can google him.

There can be no doubt that Americans are having a great deal of things done to them which can't be good, and that many of us are too occupied with "other" to notice. I notice on Facebook that most people are taking silly quizzes and already wondering how to fight summer boredom. Never have I had a problem with boredom in my lifetime. There's always too much to do, or too much going on. But, I pay attention to things. And I don't like what I see. We are indeed being taken for a gigantic ride. And many don't even know it.

My prayer is for people to wake up, young, old, and all in between. Our government is sticking us with debt we can never repay, nor can our kids or grandkids, if any are even around by then. Politics is perhaps at it's worst right now. But are we looking?

Any Memorial for You??

Tomorrow is Memorial Day, not to be confused with Veteran's Day. Memorial Day is to commemorate those who have died in service to our country, Veteran's Day honors all Veterans alive or passed. What will you be doing? Cooking on the grill, playing with the kids, maybe sleeping in for a while since it's a day off from work? Will you stop at least for a while to think about your freedoms, courtesy of the thousands of war dead?

I had an uncle I never knew. He was the middle of my grandparents sons on my father's side. They all grew up in poverty, Uncle Merrill joined the service as soon as he was mature enough, at 17, I was told. He soon found himself in the Army Air Corps, later on to become the U.S. Air Force. Flying mostly in East Asia, they saw light combat, usually did supply runs. On his last mission, they were headed home to the U.S., flying over the Indian Ocean. The plane's engines quit, crashing into the ocean. As my grandmother told the story when I was young, my uncle managed to save all the crew by swimming them to pieces of the aircraft that would float, only to drown after he had saved the last of the crew.

This was a man who learned early in his life to serve others, as his older brother was stricken with polio when only 10. Uncle Chester had to fight for every breath at times until adequate medical care was finally given. I knew him as a man in braces and crutches all his life, but with a very powerful grip with his huge hands. Uncle Merrill cared for him....well...like a brother.

Thousands upon thousands of men and women have died in service to our great land, from the Revolutionary War in the late 1700's right on up to Iraq and Afghanistan today. Do we care? Do we take time to honor them? Do we even realize the freedoms that we enjoy are courtesy of those great heroes? I think most people in Iraq are grateful for the freedom of bondage under the cruel dictator they once suffered under, courtesy of our American military. I don't quite think we Americans feel the same. We take freedom for granted, having always had it.

However, if you've grown up as a baby boomer as I have, you've seen some freedoms slipping away, courtesy of our liberal leaders. I don't think we're quite at the point of staging another armed revolution, but I do think we should all be standing watch, always vigilant, at the ready should an attack upon our homeland come.

Take time Monday to be thankful in some way.

keep those tests coming!!

So, today Iran tests yet another missle, right in front of the world, while they also continue to openly discuss the destruction of Israel, some Iranian general saying they can completely destroy Israel within 11 days. And the world stands by watching. Israel, meantime, is planning their defense by planning their offense. Read your Bible lately?

The final conflict, Armageddon, is a war certain to take place. Will it happen soon? Seems like much of the ingredients are rushing together. Most people don't want to hear "end times" talk, it's scary to them. If you know Jesus as your Savior, it shouldn't be scary at all. Knowing that you may soon be with God forever should be comforting. I've followed Bible prophecy for many years, and I'm prepared to be raptured at any moment, as you should be also.

Instead of running to the hills and hiding in a cave, I try to live every day for God, being positive to people, sharing Christ when given opportunity. One reason I wrote the book was to help reach thousands I could never reach in person because I believe time is so short.

Meantime, I know millions are all excited awaiting the announcement of the winner of "Idol" tonight. They will tune in, plop down on the edge of the couch, and breathlessly await the end.

Can the same be said for the return of Jesus Christ??

angry

I fell into a conversation on Facebook early this morning, maybe last night, all the same, as to why Christians were leaving Israel. I think it's because they get shot, mostly. Another person commented they couldn't understand why the middle east problems couldn't be resolved. I commented that no one could ever understand them, much less solve them. Then along comes someone accusing me of bashing the person who said they didn't understand the mess....???? I asked how I "bashed" them, and the person said something like "you said neither they nor the Pope could ever understand!!" and this person went on to bash me....geez, I think there's an anger issue here. I simply pointed to my book to help clear up some of the misunderstandings, and man did I catch it again...I stooped lower than the lowest to promote my book on someone else's site.

So, I conclude that this person has extreme anger about something, I am thinking she's Catholic because she said the Pope is Peter and she was really hacked that I said anything about him. Well, if I remember my Bible right...Peter denied Christ three times just prior to His crucifixion. Don't see how Peter then was the first Pope....I blogged earlier about what Christ meant when he said "upon this rock, I will build my church". Hint...he wasn't talking about Peter....

So, anger will get you....not much....I bowed out of the conversations, realizing I had wasted a whole bunch of time on someone so angry with certain things that I was going to be talking to a brick wall anyway.

Reminds me of scripture which says they have ears, but never hear.....

way off base

Some of the conservative talkers are way too hung up on Miss California's problems. Ok, she's been smeared badly by liberals. Big surprise. Any outspoken Christian would be. Was she a Christian when the racy photos were taken? We don't know. But her stand now is no cause to be ripped to shreds by liberals, especially gays. We all know they preach tolerance but don't practice it.

Is this the best our news networks (some) can do? Aren't there more pressing issues to deal with? Certainly, but our society in general is celebrity fixated to a fault. (Why do you think American Idol, Dancing, etc. is so popular). We look to others to live out our lives vicariously (that means in our place).

I know someone who did that for me, His name is Jesus. He took my place and paid the penalty for my sin. I suppose the liberals would rip into Him as well if He were here. (Oh, that's right, they DID). They were called Scribes and Pharisees back then. Christ made them very uncomfortable, so they had him killed. Today, Christians make liberals very uncomfortable, so they try to destroy them. Nothing new here. Sadly, in their tearing down of others who don't share their worldview, liberals miss the most important message of all...that Christ died for them as well.

I still wish the news would move away from Miss California and get on weightier matters, like how are we gonna pay for all this mess our administration has gotten us into? And I hear today that they've attacked Cheerios?? No! say it ain't so.....

vaious ramblings

Ok, I started this blog because my marketing agent said I needed to. So far, I think one comment in three months. Leads me to wonder if anyone is reading it. Maybe, probably, most likely NOT. So, if no one is reading it, I can say whatever I want to. I think we still live in a wonderful country, but many people are dog-determined to destroy it. Just pay attention. Oh, you're too busy watching "Dancing with the Stars". That's right...selecting the right couple is oh so important to our country. Ok, maybe you're watching "American Idol", right....gotta get the best, cutest singer!! It's ok, you can watch those things all you want, we're free, remember?? Quick, who is the vice-president?? If you didn't answer immediately, then your head might be filled with rocks. Ok, who is Speaker of the House? This time...HER head is filled with rocks...does that give you a clue?

Do you know your Senator or Representatives? Or Governor? Maybe you think...who gives a rats hiney!! Oh, some do. Those trying to preserve this great land. But it looks to me like we're losing. Or at least that's what the media would have us believe. I took a journalism course over 35 years ago..only book I remember reading..."The Medium Is The Message" by Marshall McLuan. It was during early Vietnam, and the media was definately skewing the message. We had a camera crew visit Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, I was a fish (freshman). They shot video for two days, countless interviews, smiling, shaking hands, it was nirvana. THEN the report came out...showed us as war-mongering haters who couldn't wait to get to 'Nam to kill women and children. It made us livid!! Oh...the reporter?? A young fellow just starting out...named Dan Rather.....

So, all you kiddies out there who are loving your ipods and iphones and all the wonderful diversions to real life...enjoy it while you can!! Soon you will enter the real world, and you'll go...geez...what the heck is going on here!? Did I miss something?? Oh yes, you did, a revolution took place and our freedoms were pretty much taken away while you were on the tube or the social networking things. But at least you have a glimmer of hope....you aren't yet being locked up for what you believe!

a conspiracy??

In doing some research for my second book, or maybe third one...easy to lose track, I come across pretty reliable-looking information that certain groups thought it would be good many years ago to use the then brand-new thoughts about possible global warming as a vehicle to usher in world government on down the road. This club, shall we say, thought they could weave a net of famine, global-warming, energy shortages, and pockets of wars to create enough hysteria that all of we little people would demand that the world's governments would come together to solve all our problems. This was way back in the early sixties. At that time, there was also discussion of the coming ice age. Seems like they couldn't decide which one it would be.

The time is coming when people will clamor for a world government, and it will be given to them. If you pay scant attention to the news lately, you can hear a cacophony of voices from various places calling for this world governance to hasten it's arrival. There is talk of one currency. Talk of one language. Companies are being nationalized and merged with others from other nations. Seems like even our current leader might go along with it.

The Bible speaks of such a time. There will be a time of trouble such as the world has never seen. One crisis after another will leave nations clueless as to how to surmount them. Finally, a leader will step forward with all the answers, seemingly. He is referred to in scripture as the Anti-Christ. But really, don't an abundance of Anti-Christs walk the earth now? The Bible says that we are either with God or we are opposed to Him. There is no middle ground, much to the chagrin of millions who love to have one foot in Heaven and one still in the world.

That time may be upon us sooner than we think. Are you ready? Have you made your decision for God? Time is fleeting.

why the panic?

The president is about to speak, I suppose of his first 100 days (time flies when you're having fun!!). Someone on the tv today talked about why there is all this sense of urgency....quick!! we have to pass the TARP or the country will falter!! Hurry, we must save the banks, they're too big to fail!!! Scramble!! The housing industry is pulling us all down, somebody do something fast!! OH NO, the auto industry is in trouble!! Bailout! Bailout! OOOOH WOOOOW, get this budget out quickly, it's full of stimulus to revive our cardiac-arrested economy!! Hurry before anyone reads it!!!

Now along comes swine flu....maybe a world-wide pandemic!! Kill the pigs!! (don't confuse that with those who hate cops). They're really doing that in some parts of the world. Seems strange to me there are just not all that many cases, they're scattered here and there, and sure, we need to be concerned and take measures, but doesn't any run of the mill flu season sometimes kill 100,000 people world-wide in any given season??

Let me just suggest this....if there's any panic to be had, I think it should be from those who don't yet know Christ. There should be ample warning by now that something's up. And it might just be that the return of Christ is far sooner than you think. And if you don't yet know Him....now there's a reason to panic!

flu epidemic

With the swine flu sweeping (?) through parts of the world, I am reminded of verses in Revelations which talk of the end times. There are plagues that an angel will release as well as other destructive actions that will happen. The pestilence and death that is released by the breaking of the fourth seal will result in the death of a fourth of the earth.

Previous seals have to do with wars and the economy. The breaking of six seals all occur during the tribulation, a time of great judgment of the earth.

Could recent events worldwide (wars, economic mess, famines, diseases) be a precursor or warning to us that cataclysmic events are about to occur such as the world has never seen? Possibly so.

Further reason to be prepared for what's ahead. Reading my book will give you the peace you must have in these trying days.

who's the rock here?

I was asked to expound upon a statement I made in my book about the conversation between Peter and Jesus found in Matthew 16:18. I discussed this briefly in Chapter 3, page 48.

Jesus had just asked Peter who he thought he (Jesus) was. Peter responded by correctly stating that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus then said that Peter was blessed because flesh and blood had not revealed this to him, but rather the Father who is in Heaven.

Then Jesus says "you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it".

Now, many take this to believe that Jesus founded the church upon Peter, which means "rock". However, Jesus used the word "petra" in the original text, a feminine form of rock, not the name of a person (Peter). Then Jesus said "I will build my church". I, obviously being Jesus. "Will build" is future tense. So, Peter being a mere human being could not possibly be the foundation for the church, nor could he build the future church himself. This is so simple to understand, yet millions have been led to believe that Peter established the first church in Rome, and was in fact, the first Pope. Nonsense, I say. Read the scripture again, and again if necessary. Jesus built the Church (that's us who are believers) Peter went on to deny Christ three times, remember, just before the crufixion. Not too solid a foundation for a church founder to go on and deny Christ, wouldn't you say?

Thanks for the question. I hope that is now clear.

real hope and change

The tea parties were brewing all day long, much to the dismay of the left. Thousands across the land were rejecting the president's version of change. Where's the hope in spending trillions that we can never repay?

Real hope and change, as described in my book, has to occur within the heart first. Establishing a relationship with God through Jesus is our only real hope for change within our own lives, and this hope then transcends to others with whom we interact.

No amount of government action can affect the human heart, except maybe to provide grief and grumbling through ever-increasing interference in our lives.

Seeking REAL change? Eternal hope? Read the book. It's not rocket science.

is anyone seeing this??

Ok, no no one is reading the blogs, it's ok, who am I anyway?? At least no one is leaving comments. Maybe they are speechless?

If we keep listening to the media, we are doomed, you know. Everything is so pessimistic out there. (that's negative). How about some optimism for a change? We voted for change, you know. How about believing that there is a God that loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us, and pay the penalty for our sins. If we believe in and follow Him, he gives us eternal life with Him. How's that for optimism? And the rest follows. We can live victoriously no matter what. I didn't say we wouldn't have problems, we just conquer them through Jesus. Victory is already ours. We have won before we go into the fight. We can't see that sometimes, most of the time, in fact.

I just experienced victory today....won't go into all the details, but because of the ministry of Christian camping I've been in for 30 years, I've taken many hits, some near fatal. But God has pulled me out each time. He did it again today. I don't know where this scripture is, ashamed to say...."If you will humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, He will lift you up". I did and He did.

That's it....if WE as people of God will humble ourselves in the sight of God, He WILL lift us up. This is so simple....no more doom and gloom and destroying the planet with our SUV's and so on. When you're lifted up, you see the big picture. And it's awesome! God loves us, He has a plan for us, and it's not doom. It's ZOOM. As I said earlier, ZOOM and BLOOM!!

Are you game?

what are we hungry for?

I hear it daily, people are confused, mad, they feel like they have been deceived, they've lost so much....on and on it goes. Satan comes to steal, kill, and destroy, according to scripture. Are we so surprised then?

Where is that hope and change we were promised?? All I hear is spending out of control with money we don't have, talk of higher and higher taxes, government takeover, loss of freedoms, and that's just for a beginning. There's hope in that?? I think not. I know not. The only hope is in turning to Jesus Christ for salvation. There is no other savior for the world's ills. Not even our president.

If one percent of the country read "What's the Problem With Jesus?", I believe we would see a groundswell of change...the right kind of change. But, people will go on blindly, more concerned with who will win American Idol this year. Or worse, the daily smatterings of Octomom.

When will we get hungry enough for the real solution that lies within our grasp? Jesus calls to us, with real hope and change....and love.

there is hope

After spending a week with 35 high school students and several college leaders along with two adult youth leaders, there is hope for this country.

These kids are hungry for more of God, they praise Him in all they do, they experience His presence. Many of the college kids hope to go into various ministries to reach others. All week, they have worked their hearts out at the camp I run; helping with construction, painting buildings, clearing brush, cleaning many accumulated junk piles (I'm a packrat with construction materials), cleaning the insides of our buildings (yes, they do windows). I haven't heard a single complaint and I see bodies sunburned, scratched, bitten by insects, and yet the kids trod on.

You hear a lot of things about kids going bad, the mischief they're in, criminality among youth, etc. Not these kids. They are inspiring to be around. And they do it for love. Love that God placed in their heart. Wow!

there is a way out

Such doom and gloom in the news everywhere. You would think the world is about to end. In fact, predictions of that seem to be on the upswing. A prominent, well respected Christian leader says God has told him calamity is coming. It certainly is, and to a neighborhood near you. This is nothing new. The Bible has foretold the end times for centuries. We can't know when it will happen, only the season.

I tell you there is a way out, by that I mean, a way out of doom and gloom. There is actually a way to zoom and bloom. If you know Jesus Christ as your savior, that is, you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus, then no matter what happens down here, you can be at peace.

I go into this is great detail in my book, "What's the Problem With Jesus". Zoom and bloom. It just came to me.....

facewhat??

So, my marketing agent for the book nags me into getting on facebook...my goodness, what has she wrought?? I get home, open emails, and two pages of people begging me to be their friend, or maybe it's the other way around. I start looking and thinking "who ARE these people??" I recognize a few. My son said it was an automatic thing that it would pull from my email list. Still, I don't have a clue who some of these folks are, and I get a few messages back wondering who I am.

Time was, you'd sit on your porch and visit the neighbors, have a few friends at work, a few at church, and that was about it. We all did fine, it seems. Now, since there aren't many porches on houses anymore, someone has come up with this computer thing for friends. Man, oh, man, you can have hundreds of friends and never lay an eye on them. Social networking, they call it. And some of the things you see...."I bathed my cat Spritz today...got several deep scratches.." Like I need to know that! And people play tag, too. So and so got tagged today. Well, I never seen the likes of this....and I'm not that old yet.

Might take some doings...and a whole lot of patience.

who's to blame?

Drought in several states, unemployment hitting record highs, layoffs by the thousands, etc. etc. Who is to blame for all this? Seems like we always want to point the finger at someone else. I think we're all accountable. For the last 40 years or so, we have allowed liberals to chase God out of our society in every way imaginable. You read the stories....top graduates are censored if they mention God in any way. You can't pray in school. "In God We Trust" is under attack from this or that group or individual. And on and on it goes. I think God has pulled back and said, "OK, you want to see what it's like without me behind the scenes....here you go!" Or words to that effect.

What is amazing to me is that we have allowed very few individuals to drive this country in the wrong direction. I know, everyone wants to blame George Bush, but he's out of the picture now, so who's to blame this time? Look in the mirror. What is your relationship with God, if any? If you refuse to acknowledge God in any way, and be totally in charge of your life, fine, it's your choice, but to whom are you going when disaster strikes? (and it will, sooner or later)

Who's to blame for our mess? We are. Jeremiah 33:3 is our answer.

is it soon?

I haven't posted in a while, busy with my work, and I think...why post if there are no readers?? I'm told to hang in there, sooner or later someone will stumble across this blog. Stumble is probably right.

So I am listening to all the news coming out of our wonderful gov'mt leaders, and things don't look good. According to them. Much of the media isn't reporting the truth about what is being done to us. I think if people quit watching American Idol and paid scant attention to the fiscal mess, there would be a revolt coming. Maybe there will be.

The Bible speaks of this...a time of trouble unlike anything we've ever seen. I'm sure many periods in history thought the same thing when they went through colossal trials. But this one is different in that the whole world seems to be experiencing the same things. Economic meltdowns, job insecurities, weird weather, strange events. Jesus promised to come again one day. Is it soon? We may be in our very last period of history. Lots of things fit prophesy. In fact, most, if not all, has been fulfilled.

The Bible speaks of someone who will appear on the world's stage, seemingly with all the answers. The whole world will buy into his solutions. We may be witnessing a forerunner of that person now, someone with mass followings who cling to his every word. It shows how foolish people can be to think that some other person can solve all their problems.

Is it soon? Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Fixing what's broken

I heard Limbaugh say yesterday, about the economic meltdown, that nobody can fix it, "God can't fix it". I beg to differ. Jeremiah 33:3 would be my response if I could talk to Rush. Of course, the verse begins with the giant word "IF". We are a stiff-necked people, we Americans. The particular verse only addresses Christians, however. "If MY people,which are called by my name..." If the Christians could get it right, then God would heal our land. But we're too busy living worldly lives, caught up in fads, materialism, worthless tv programs, and ourselves.

How to fix what's broken? The same as when Jesus came....give our lives to Him, and then watch things begin to happen. Healing comes. Nothing new here. But will we?? What do you think?

pc world

As mentioned in an earlier blog, Texas is experiencing one of the worst droughts in years. I often write letters to our local paper and am usually published. I don't make a habit of it, just commenting on some outrageous thoughts of others, usually.

A year ago I published a request for people to pray for rain. It was published, but then promptly ridiculed by a few. Big deal. This year, I wrote again, asking those who believe to call upon their pastors and leaders to pray for rain within their houses of worship. I also elicited a response from non-believers, asking them to express their concern in whatever manner they thought best.

Didn't get published this time....perhaps I stepped over the line by mentioning the distinction between believers and non. Whatever the reason, I will fuss at the editors anyway. What's the matter with a simple request for prayer when in critical need? Not politically correct, I suppose. It's sad that this country has come to this point when believers have to be whacked across the knuckles for expressing their beliefs. But what the newspaper doesn't realize is that God is not dependent upon their little paper to act upon the prayers of those who love Him.

time off

I'm often thought of by a few as being a workaholic. Not true. I love my work as a Christian camp manager so much, I don't think of it as work. It is never the same day to day, I build, I maintain, I take care of campers, variety abounds. It's mostly having fun. Putting up buildings is much like an artist with a canvas, the structure evolves according to what I think about at the moment.

However, even the staunchest of workaholics finally need a break. My wife and I took the weekend to travel to Austin TX, one of the most lovely parts of the world, with all the hills and valleys, lakes, streams, and mostly short trees. It's a place of not-too-abundant rainfall, sort of a transition between the timberland east and the mesquite and cactus covered west part of Texas. The area, as is most of Texas, is suffering from a long period of drought, with Lake Travis down some 30 feet.

I got to thinking, my life has suffered a long period of drought as well. My wife remarked to a couple we had met on a train ride that I didn't know how to play. Not really, I responded, as I consider my work playing. But she had a point. I'll try to do better. But probably won't, habits are hard to break. Still, I promise to try. Drought leaves things stunted, and life is too full for it to become stunted. Maybe your life could use a little rainfall as well??

I'm following you, you're following me.....

As mentioned in my first official blog, I am new to this social networking stuff. I've had several people indicate they are following me and invite me to follow them. I'm just not sure about this. Most of my life, I've not been one to follow other people. I'm pretty independent. What's to follow? I'm sorry, it seems a little arrogant for someone to say I should follow them. I know, it's certainly not meant that way. One person said he hoped he could add some value to my life. I'm sorry, but I live a pretty full life and don't lack for value as I find that as a child of God through Jesus Christ. Add value? Does this mean my life needs value? I would never mean to offend this person, but I'm ok, thanks anyway. I responded, but didn't hear from him again. Probably because I asked if he was a leader of a cult that I should follow him (joke, joke...)

I clearly have much to learn about twitter and such. What does twitter mean anyway?? I've used that word concerning birds. They're all a twitter fussing over their nest of young ones. Maybe we're supposed to be all a twitter over one another? Again,I'm as independent as one comes, so social networking isn't coming easy for me. But I'm working on it.

ONE last thing....how am I being found anyway? No comments on any of my posts. I didn't even know I was on twitter. Maybe my marketing agent did it for me. I'll have to search for me. Funny, I didn't know I was lost.

economic mess

Someone asked me recently my thoughts on the economic mess and what's going on in Washington, D.C. Space doesn't permit all I think but basically it's a reflection of where the heart of man is. Nothing new about that. The Bible is clear that where our heart is, there our treasure is also. So many lust after mammon. Materialism. Got to get the latest PlayStation, or upgrade this and that. We are no longer content with what we have. We spend and spend like there's no limit to our money. Debt is choking us. I know a lot about that, but am recovering.

How can our govt. spend trillions of our money when our deficit is through the roof already. Lust for more power, greed, control and imagined self-security are some of the reasons. The real problem is within the heart. Change we need, but not the way our leaders are going about it. As mentioned in my book, they try to fill the hole in their heart with more and more of the things of the world. It is creating an enormous sinkhole that is bound to suck us all down with it when it opens up.

A heart change is what is needed in Washington, and thank God there are a few Christians up there, though probably not many. We need to pray for them to be strong. For those who don't know Christ (and they seem to be legion), we can engage in combat. Not with guns and swords, but with the power of prayer. For we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with powers and principalities. The god of this world, satan, has the political leaders right where he wants them. His mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. He's very good at it.

But, we must remember that greater is He that is within us. This really is a spiritual battle. It's all-out warfare to the very end. Time is short. Pray for heart transplants to sweep through the country. It's our best, and likely only hope at this time.

Addictions

Someone asked me if I believe God can overcome various addictions that people have. I have never personally had any kind of addiction, but can cite a couple of cases. As I mentioned in my book, I once hired a man who had a smoking habit, and I told him that before he could work for me as a maintenance man on the camp I was operating, he would have to stop smoking. He readily agreed, stating that it had long been his wish to do so. We prayed about it then and there, and he said his addiction left him immediately. He never had the desire for nicotine again, in fact, could not stand the smell of cigarettes after that.

Another case involved my father. Long a smoker, he would go through a couple packs a day. As he aged, he developed emphysema. Many times he tried to quit, but developed severe shaking fits each time he denied himself the drug. He did manage to cut back to less than a pack a day. Finally, I prayed with him that God would heal this addiction (it's actually the one and only time I ever prayed with him, long story). Within two weeks, Dad passed away on the surgeon's table after bypass surgery. The surgery was successful, but due to his damaged lungs, he couldn't purge the CO2 from his body and literally was asphyxiated. Was he healed? Well, he died. But, with the certainty of his arrival in heaven, I know the addiction was forever cured.

If you personally have an addiction, or have family or friends dealing with any type, do you not believe that Jesus can take that away? Faith must be employed. Take the addiction to Christ and let Him deal with it. He will. One way or another.

What's the problem?

I am new to blogging, I am not even sure why I am doing this....other than I am trying to promote a book I have written that is available at the major chain bookstores. It's called "What's the Problem with Jesus". I am an older guy, and have witnessed a tremendous change in this country in our collective attitude towards God, or perhaps things "religious", and it has not been for the better.

The hope for this book is to create change. Hope and Change....sound familiar?? The only real hope we have as human beings is found in Jesus Christ, and the only real change that can occur is when we believe in Him and accept what He offers to us: forgiveness. Forgiveness? For what? How about we exchange our sin for his forgiveness? Christ gave his forgiveness to us on the cross 2,000 years ago. He paid the penalty for your sin and mine.

By God's grace, I was forgiven and changed at the age of 13. That was 46 years ago, and I have never regretted it. Check out the book.