Prayer Request

Folks

An on line friend of mine is apparently facing some medical challenges. Please keep him in your prayers.

Church or Business?

Yesterday I had an interesting discussion with someone on Usenet. This gentleman had made some derogatory comments about organized religion which hit a little to close to home. The short version is that while he was growing up, they moved from a house which was right across the street from the church, to a house which was further away. This was at a time and place where they had no auto, and bus connections stunk. After a month, they got a letter from the church stating that the church understood that because of the move that they were not able to attend as often, but that they had fallen behind on their contribution, and that they needed to continue to send that money in. This, of course, offended the family. They had been a very active family, and the message they saw was that the church was more interested in their money than in them.

Folks, no one is perfect, but this sort of thing is inexcusable. All to often, our churches seem interested in everything under the sun, except the proclaiming of the Gospel. We then wonder why so many people avoid us like the plague.

Remember this the next time your church gets on a stewardship kick, or wants to spend a lot of money on something which is nice, but does not advance the ministry of the Church.

Correction

It is Devan Cole Frederick, not Devon.

What other Choices?

Like a lot of people, I have watched in dismay this past week as the US Senate ignored the will of the people, ignored their duty as our elected leaders, and disregarded what is right for the nation. In passing the Abortion of an immigration bill, the Senate has put the USA on the fast track to the same "has been" status that much of Europe revels in.

As I have fumed, one thing has become very clear. As badly as the Republicans are screwing up, the Democrats are doing even worse. The Democrats have absolutely no alternative plan for improving things, they have no leader who stands a ghost of a chance at being elected, and they are loosing big in the fundraising stakes.

What this means is that unless some ambitious third party, with deep pockets, and a determination to win, comes along, the Republicans will be in control come January. What is the answer? I 'm not sure. One solution would be for the conservatives of our nation to vote third party, even if it means that the Republicans loose. This would get the attention of the Republicans, and they will either get their act together, or they will become the minority party. The ideal solution would be for a third party, such as the Constitution Party, to become the dominant third party, and perhaps they could win enough seats in the Congress to put them into a power brokering position. Unfortunately, I don't think that will happen this cycle.

One thing is certain. My Senators, Thad Cochran and Trent Lott, have received the last votes they will ever receive from me. If this means a Democrat Senator this year, so be it.

Devon's Picture

Cute isn't he!

Challenges

Folks,

I am currently taking a course at one of the Memphis area LCMS churches on "teaching the faith". This course is nothing more than an overview, but it has given me a whole new appreciation for those who teach, and for those who pastor. If you are one who is active in church, tell your pastor how much you appreciate his efforts, and then keep an eye on him to ensure that he doesn't overdue it and burn out.

Oops!

I didn't realize until last evening, that the comments section had not been turned on. My apologies. We now have coments.

Update on Devon

As of 1430 this afternoon, Devon and his mom are doing fine. The blood sugar problem has corrected itself, and he will be going home tomorrow.

Telling it Like it is!

I applaud this man for having the backbone to say what needed to be said. I am troubled, however, that his fellow students would be so rude as to heckle him. These kids, by their conduct, have shown that they are indeed, immature.

Welcome Devon!

At 0030 this morning, Devon Cole Frederick entered this world. Devon's trip into this world was an eventful one, at least for his folks and grand-folks. Mom had this vision that a home birth, attended by a midwife(who appears to have little respect for medical science) would be superior to giving birth in a state of the art hospital, attended by a physician with years of training and experience. At about 2330 last evening, Mom finally decided that enough was enough, and told Dad to take her to the Hospital. Dad called 911 and while on the way to the Hospital, the Ambulance had to pull over to deliver Devon. Currently, except for a low blood sugar reading, Devon and his mom are doing fine. Grandpa (me) is enjoying the idea of another grandkid, and the midwife seems oblivious to any problem.

If my information is correct, Devon's blood sugar problem is an indication that his mother suffered from gestational diabetes, one of the things a real medical professional will check for. In other words, this quack, by her lack of knowledge, is responsible for a possibly serious health issue!

Folks, Seldom in my life have I suggested that government regulation is appropriate, but if our society is going to liscense and regulate doctors, nurses, dentists and the like, then these "midwives" ought also be liscensed and regulated!

In the meantime, please keep Devon and his family in your prayers.

These Kids get it!

Check this out:

Prayer at graduation

This is one high school graduation class which actually learned something while they were in school!

Growth in the Church!

This evening our church held it's 4th Saturday evening worship service. We began this service as a way to reach those who's schedules do not allow them to worship on Sunday morning. As a trial, we decided to use a more "contemporary" format. The fantastic thing is, that our total weekend worship participation has gone up about 10%, and that is in only 4 weeks.

Local Police Department gets it right!

Folks,

I actually thought that this would be something which I might post to once or twice a week, but on the first day I myself posting.

On this evening' s news, it was reported that the police department of Olive Branch Mississippi is teaching women how to use firearms! I can't wait until the local goons try to take on one of these ladies.

New Blog

Hi folks,

This is a new endeavor for me.

While my participation in on-line discussion groups goes all the way back to FidoNet, this is my first attempt at any sort of web presence. As the you might be able to guess from the blog's name, I enjoy discussing the two things people say should not be discussed in polite company. Hopefully, I can use this site to get my ideas out, and just maybe stimulate some folks to think.

If I got my timing right, I will be able to brag on the birth of my latest grandchild(due any hour now), and maybe post a couple of pictures.