Senator Kerry Finds Himself All Alone In Iraq

Senator John Kerry found himself all alone on his recent visit to Iraq. Reports from soldiers say no one even paid him any attention. Sen. Kerry was forced to cancel a press conference because no one showed up! He was seen working out alone while others in the room didn't even approach him for a handshake or autographs. The picture above shows Sen. Kerry eating breakfast with a couple of people that are obviously not troops.

Bill O'Reilly also recently made a visit to Iraq to meet with American Troops. His greeting was much different as troops stood in line for two hours to get O'Reilly's autograph and shake his hand. I wonder who the troops appreciate more!?!?

"Sounds of Sunday" Garners Another Positive Review

Once again the Dixie Echoes latest CD, "Sounds of Sunday" recieves a positive review! This time the review is courtesy of David Bruce Murray over at Musicscribe.com. Here's what Dave had to say:

CD Review: Dixie Echoes (Sounds Of Sunday)RATING: 4 Stars

Producer: Randy Shelnut

Song Titles: "If Jesus Is There," "Up To The House Of Prayer," "Praise The Name Of God," "I Won't Have To Worry," "Welcome Home My Child," "New Born Feeling," "The Last Mile Of The Way," "Ole Brother Noah," "If We Never Meet Again," and "After The Sunrise"

Sounds Of Sunday is characterized by a simple, classic approach to production, arranging, and song selection. "If Jesus Is There" and "Up To The House Of Prayer" set the tone for the project, with Randy Shelnut's expressive lead voice carrying these two cuts. On "Praise The Name Of God," Scoot Shelnut gets in a couple of lines to contrast his father and Dallas Rogers (who is often compared to Archie Watkins) hammers the ending home. Next, Scoot sings the first verse to "I Won't Have To Worry" in a true baritone range, yielding the melody to his father on the chorus. Rogers takes the second verse and makes the most of it, which makes the more subdued second chorus with Randy on the melody feel anti-climactic...at least until Rogers resumes the melody on the tag. Tracey Crouch sings the melody on the second verse of "Welcome Home My Child" with the Shelnuts stacked over him in a Smoky Mountain trio style.

The second half of Sounds Of Sunday features more of the same type of classic singing. Lee Roy Abernathy's "New Born Feeling" features Scoot. Randy is showcased again on "The Last Mile Of The Way." Crouch isn't a particularly deep bass singer, but he drops down to a low B-flat with confidence on "Ole Brother Noah." He knows his limits and stays within them, which indicates a level of maturity that's lacking in many bass singers, including some who are twice his age. Sounds Of Sunday closes out with the well known Albert E. Brumley song "If We Never Meet Again" (featuring Rogers) and a lesser known tune written by J. R. Baxter and Eugene Wright titled "After The Sunrise" that gives each group member a few exposed lines.

I should also mention that the entire project was recorded by one studio musician, David Johnson, and members of the Dixie Echoes. Stewart Varnado played piano and organ, with Scoot adding bass and drums, and Randy contributing on guitars. Johnson, of course, plays every stringed instrument known to man...plus harmonica.

With only ten songs totaling 24 minutes, some fans may feel shortchanged due to this project's brevity. On the other hand, if you prefer music that is generally up-tempo, you may not care that the overall length is less than average. The Dixie Echoes are sounding great with this line-up. Crouch and Rogers blend with the Shelnuts better than the Hodges/Todd combination of a few years ago. At the same time, each vocalist knows when to add some cut to their tone for emphasis without going overboard or hurting the blend.

A Warning Label For Bibles?!?!!!!????

If you don't think we're living in the last days then you obviously haven't been paying attention to the events and things that are happening in our world today. When I saw this news story on the Netscape website this morning it gagged me. We as Christians had better dig our heels in for a long fight thats going to get alot worse before it gets better! Unfortunately satan isn't going to give up until he 'thinks' he has won the fight. Thankfully we know that he has already lost the battle but he's going to take as many people as he can straight to the pits of hell. Growing up we've heard about the coming persecution of the Church and Christianity in our own country like we've never seen it before. I hate to say it, but I think that day has arrived. All I can say is PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, and when you're done with that, PRAY some more...

McCain Sponsors Bill To Silence Bloggers!

D. Martyn Lloyd-Morgan over at The Libery Sphere brings us this interesting piece of information...

U.S. Senator and potential Republican Presidential candidate John McCain has taken aim at independent bloggers. The Senator has introduced legislation that will make bloggers legally responsible for comments and copyrighted material posted on their websites, including fines up to $300,000.

In an obvious attempt to silence the voices of individual, private citizens on the Internet, McCain has once again thrown his weight behind legislation that enhances the power and influence of the wealthiest among us while robbing individuals of their right to free speech. The Senator has been down this road once before. As a co-sponsor of McCain-Feingold, which was passed into law, McCain became a champion of robbing citizens of free speech, creating a 'zone of protection' for political candidates in the days leading up to an election.

This has prevented groups such as the NRA from running ads prior to elections that inform the citizens of the voting records of incumbents with regard to 2nd Amendment rights. Yet a handful of organizations with deep pockets, underwritten by billionaires such as George Soros, have found a loophole in the law allowing them to funnel millions of dollars to organizations that run campaign ads through what is known as '527 groups.'

In short, McCain-Feingold has done nothing but silence the voices of citizens while giving more power and influence to the wealthiest among us who can do their damage through 527s.

And now, McCain is at it yet again. Perhaps the Senator fears the voice of the people. Why else would he wish to make vulnerable individual bloggers, the majority of whom are not paid? To threaten an individual citizen who makes no money from blogging with the possibility of a $300,000 fine will do nothing but silence the voices of Americans who exercise their free speech on the Internet.

Yet groups that are bankrolled by the likes of George Soros will not blink an eye at the new legislation due to the fact that, one, a fine of $300,000 is chump change, and two, they have the means to adequately protect themselves legally from any charge of false accusations, character assassination, or any other infraction.

An individual, independent blogger usually has neither the time, money, nor the resources to provide themselves with such protection. The net effect of this legislation will be individual bloggers being hauled to court by frivolous lawsuits, potentially bankrupting us.

The fact that John McCain has now 'outed' himself as the enemy of free speech is quite disturbing. Many believe that he is one of the most viable candidates to face Hillary Clinton in 2008. But his stance on this issue, plus the McCain-Feingold debacle, raises serious doubts about the Senator as a Presidential candidate.

My fellow independent bloggers, if you value your right to free speech and your freedom to share your viewpoints on the Internet unhindered by stupid legislation, the time is NOW to contact Congress. In fact, contact John McCain's office and tell them how despicable this legislation is.

If you were considering supporting John McCain for President, the time is NOW to let his office know that as a blogger who values liberty and free speech, you cannot in good conscience support his Presidential bid UNLESS he withdraws support from this asinine legislation that is in clear violation of every known Constitutional principle.

Even if you are not a blogger, this attack on our First Amendment rights should send chills up the spine of any red-blooded American.

Christmas-Gloom or Glory?

Standing in the checkout line waiting her turn to pay for the Christmas gifts she had picked out the women blurted out to the person in front of her, "I can't wait 'til Christmas is over!" This is the not the sentiment we expect at Christmas, but this is how many feel. For some Christmas brings memories of hurt, loss, or loneliness making it an unwelcome depressing time. Still others caught up in all the devastation, degradation, and disarray in our world see Christmas as a foolish sense of false hope. Unfortunately Christmas is a season of gloom for many people.

It must have been much like that for Joseph; at least at first. Matthew tells us in the first chapter of his gospel that Joseph was pledged to be married to Mary. In his day the engagement was as binding and sacred as the wedding vows. Surely he was excitedly awaiting the wedding day when his betrothed would become his wife. But his anticipation turned to agony when he found out that Mary was pregnant. He knew that he wasn't the father. His world caved in. His fiancee had been unfaithful. She had brought disgrace to both of them. His heart broke. A glorious celebration turned into heart breaking gloom.

But, God came to Joseph. He came into the midst of his disappointment and pain, bringing news that transformed everything. The situation did not change, but Joseph was given eyes to see through the gloom to the glorious gracious reality - "What is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:20-21) Mary's pregnancy was not disgraceful, but holy. He could take her to be his wife without any concern or misgiving. After receiving the news Joseph gloried in the Lord and did as instructed by God's messenger. He took Mary to be his wife and when she gave birth to her firstborn son he gave Him the Name Jesus. He and Mary rejoiced along with angels, shepherds, and magi: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." (Luke 2:14)

What happen to Joseph still happens today. As difficult and discouraging as our times may be right now, God has come to us! As immoral and broken as our world is, God has come to us! The Gospel is still the "Good News," which brings hope, love, grace, and transformation. The hype and commercialization of Christmas, nor all the devastation, degradation, and despair in our world can overshadow the Glory of Christmas. His light penetrates the darkness revealing the glorious reality His love and grace. God's favor is upon us! Christmas is a time to revel with awe and wonder of God's coming to us, giving to us what we desperately need but can never merit or achieve - full salvation. Beloved, let us all join in the celebration. Allow God to give us eyes to see through the gloom to the Glory! "Unto us has been born a Savior, He is Christ The Lord!" (Luke 2:11)

Keep Close To Jesus

Pastor Gerry

A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome.

Christmas Miracles

Always believe in MIRACLES!! Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a picture of a little girl.

"Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling. "Your friend? Your sister?"

"Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he said sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw her dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

"She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!"the child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face, asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.

When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.

"What is it?" Santa asked warmly.

"Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but .." the old woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors. "The girl in the photograph... my granddaughter well, you see ... she has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there any way, Santa any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa."

Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see what he could do. Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what he had to do. "What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he thought with a sinking heart, "this is the least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening, he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was staying. He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's Hospital.

"Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face.

Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier that day. "C'mon.... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the hall.

Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and saw little Sarah on the bed. The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead. And another woman who he discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly,and Santa could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and concern for Sarah. Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered the room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!"

"Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed to run to him, IVtubes in tact. Santa rushed to her side and gave hera warm hug. A child the tender age of his own son -- 9 years old --gazed up at him with wonder and excitement. Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore tell tale bald patches from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he had to force himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the room.

As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully, whispering "thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining eyes. Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good girl that year. As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding hands. Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in angels.

"Oh, yes, Santa... I do!" she exclaimed.

"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you," he said. Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed. He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing softly, "Silent Night, HolyNight.... all is calm, all is bright." The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at them all. When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own.

"Now, Sarah, "he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at Mayfair Mall this time next year!" He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had terminal cancer, but he "had" to. He had to give her the greatest gift he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.

"Yes, Santa! "Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright."

He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed between them and they wept unashamed. Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and rushed to Santa's side to thank him.

"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly. "This is the least I could do." They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap.

"Hi, Santa! Remember me?!""Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling downat her.

After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always make each child feel as if they are the "only" child in the world at that moment.

"You came to see me in the hospital last year!" Santa's jaw dropped.

Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest. "Sarah!" he exclaimed. He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her cheeks were rosy-- much different from the little girl he had visited just a year before. He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed--and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle ofhope.

This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered, "Thank you,Father. 'Tis a very, Merry Christmas!

Forsake The Troops-This Guy Is A Moron!

WOW!! Someone please take this guy and drop him in the deepest part of the ocean! How in the world a person can be so ignorant and ungrateful is beyond my comprehension. I'd be more than happy to purchase this guys one way ticket out of this country and apply 12 inches of leather boot to his rear and honestly that the absolute kindest thing I could think of...what a moron!!!

No matter what your viewpoint on the war is, support our troops because they're our neighbors, brothers, sisters, moms, dads, they are our family and they're fighting for the right for you to enjoy the freedoms and liberties we all take so for granted. Kudos to Sean Hannity and Alan Colmes for ripping this guy to pieces. In my opinion he is unworthy to be a citizen of our country. Watch for yourself!



Forsake The Troops - video powered by Metacafe

In The Christmas Spirit

Visit this link, it'll help get you in the Christmas mood and put a smile on your face!

Merry Christmas!!

http://badaboo.free.fr/merryxmas.swf

Fight Brewing Between Pigs And Mosque

Residents use pigs to deter building of mosque

Residents don't want group in their area.

By Ted Oberg

(11/29/06 - KTRK/KATY, TX) - There's an awful lot of exciting news when you round the corner on Baker Road. One of two big yellow signs announces a new neighbor is coming soon.

K.I.A., that's the Katy Islamic Association, plan to build a mosque here.

"It's not an appropriate place to have a mosque or church," said resident Barbara Simpson.

It isn't going over real well.

"As a house of worship, they shouldn't be disturbing the peace and tranquility of 15 homes," said resident John Wetmore.

Neighbors tell us they're concerned about traffic and drainage and a little fear of the unknown. Some of the homeowners even offered to buy the land back for more than a million dollars. The K.I.A. doesn't seem very interested in the offers.

"We're not going anywhere," said Katy Islamic Association member Alvi Muzfar.

So it seems the community at the end of Baker Road has a pretty good fight. But this fight has gone much farther than many between two neighbors. You see in these fights, sometimes neighbors throw mud at one another. In this instance, they're wallowing in it.

Craig Baker owns pigs. He's the guy behind the second big yellow sign on Baker Road. That's the one announcing Friday night pig races.

"What does it matter, I can do whatever I want with my land right," asked landowner Craig Baker.

Sure can. But aren't pigs on the property line racing on a Friday night a little offensive to a Muslim neighbor?

"The meat of a pig is prohibited in the religion of Islam," said Katy Islamic Association member Youssof Allam. "It's looked upon as a dirty creature."

Yeah, there's that and also that Friday night is a Muslim holy day.

"That is definitely a slap in the face," said Allam..

Now before you go thinking Craig Baker is unfair, or full of hate, or somehow racist, hear him out.

Baker has long roots here. His family named the road and when the new neighbors moved in, he tells us, they asked him to move out.
"Basically that I should package up my family and my business and find a place elsewhere," said Baker. "That's ridiculous, they just bought the place one week prior and he's telling me I should think about leaving."

The new owners deny they ever said anything like that, but Baker isn't budging.

Baker admits the pigs are a message he is not leaving.

The 11-acre property is sandwiched between a pricey subdivision and Craig Baker's business.

K.I.A. eventually plans to build a mosque, a gym and a school there. There's no date for the groundbreaking ceremonies, or the first pig race. (Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

Shopping Mall Terror Plot Foiled

Courtesy of The Smoking Gun

FBI: Man planned "to disrupt Christmas" with "acts of jihad"

DECEMBER 8--An Illinois man plotted to set off hand grenades at a Chicago-area shopping mall in a holiday season terror campaign that was thwarted by federal investigators. According to an FBI affidavit, Derrick Shareef, 22, told a confidential source that he wanted to "commit violent acts of jihad," and spoke of killing judges and blowing up public buildings. A copy of the affidavit can be found below. Shareef told the snitch that he sought "to disrupt Christmas," adding that, "I swear by Allah man, I'm down for it too, I'm down for the cause, I'm down to live for the cause and die for the cause, man." The document does not further describe the supposed cause of Shareef, who was named today in a federal felony complaint. Shareef is quoted telling the FBI source, "I probably would have eventually ended up stabbing the shit outta some Jews or something. Just stabbing them niggers with a steak knife...Because during that war with Hezbollah, man, I had already started to look at synagogues out here...I was doing MapQuest." In advance of a planned attack on a Rockford mall, Shareef prepared a martyr's videotape in which he let the "enemies of Islam" know that "the time for jihad is now." He added, "This is a warning to those who disbelieve, that we are here for you, and I am ready to give my life...May Allah protect me on this mission we conduct." Shareef was arrested Wednesday afternoon, moments after trading a set of stereo speakers for four nonfunctioning grenades provided to him by an undercover agent. (11 pages)

Read the entire affidavit HERE

A New House!!

For those of you who actually read this blog(thanks mom!), you may have noticed a lack of updates lately. This is due to the fact that we just moved! Last week we finally exited that little apartment in Pensacola and moved into this brand new home in Milton, Florida, about 25 miles east of Pensacola. We've been here just over a week and are loving it. I had the internet and phone installed last week, but due to circumstances beyond my control(i.e. dumb rules at Bellsouth), I was not able to use my internet until this week! So now I'm back and playing catch up but reporting to you from a new and improved location!!(with high-speed DSL 6.0!) So I just thought I'd share that tidbit of info with you and hopefully I'll get back on a regular schedule of updating my blog!

Still In Danger

This Is A Christmas Tree!!

This is a Christmas tree.

It is not a Hanukkah bush.

It is not an Allah plant.

It is not a Holiday hedge.

It is a Christmas tree.

Say it... CHRISTmas , CHRISTmas ,

CHRISTmas....

Yes....
CHRISTmas -

Celebrating the Birth of

Jesus Christ!!!

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Red Skelton on the Pledge of Allegiance

Several years ago I listened to a sound clip of Red Skelton reciting his take on the Pledge of Allegiance, but had lost track of it till this past week. So I thought I'd share it with you! Now more than ever we as Americans need to take a long hard look at true Patriotism and where our allegiance is given. Too many people in our country are being allowed to demean and trample the name of our country and what she stands for. All this in the under the "Politically Correct" umbrella. This political correctness crap can take a hike! Either you're for The United States, or you're against us. The way things are going I'm afraid in the future we're going to once again find ourselves fighting for our own freedom and liberty. And as long as we as a country turn our back on God don't expect things to get any better and don't be surprised when God turns His back on us!

As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton's teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own.

I - - Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge - - Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance - - My love and my devotion.

To the Flag - - Our standard; Old Glory ; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.

United - - That means that we have all come together.

States - - Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic - - Republic--a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation - - One Nation--meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible - - Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty - - Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice - - The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All - - For All--which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to theRepublic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?

Red Skelton