Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Fwd: JERSEY AIN'T ALL BAD

The're many t'ings that I miss about Jersey and many I don't

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Merideth Date: Jan 30, 2008 12:04 AM
Subject: JERSEY AIN'T ALL BAD
To:


If you've ever lived in Jersey...you'll appreciate this!!!

New Jersey is a peninsula.

Highlands, New Jersey has the highest elevation along the entire eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida.

New Jersey is the only state where all of its counties are classified as metropolitan areas.

New Jersey has more race horses than Kentucky.

New Jersey has more Cubans in Union City (1 sq mi.) than Havana, Cuba.

New Jersey has the densest system of highways and railroads in the US.

New Jersey has the highest cost of living.

New Jersey has the highest cost of auto insurance.

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation.

New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to

as the "Diner Capital of the World."

New Jersey is home to the original Mystery Pork Parts Club

(no, not Spam): Taylor Ham or Pork Roll.

Home to the less mysterious but the best Italian hot dogs and Italian sausage w/peppers and onions.

North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world, with seven major shopping malls in a 25 square mile radius.

New Jersey is home to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Passaic River was the site of the first submarine ride

by inventor John P. Holland .

New Jersey has 50+ resort cities & towns; some of the nation's most famous:

Asbury Park , Wildwood, Atlantic City, Seaside Heights, Long Branch, Cape May .

New Jersey has the most stringent testing along its coastline for water quality control than any other seaboard state in the entire country.

New Jersey is a leading technology & industrial state and is the largest chemical producing state in the nation when you include pharmaceuticals.

Jersey tomatoes are known the world over as being the best you can buy.

New Jersey is the world leader in blueberry and cranberry production

(and here you thought Massachusetts?)

Here's to New Jersey - the toast of the country! In 1642, the first

brewery in America, opened in Hoboken.

New Jersey rocks! The famous Les Paul invented the first solid body electric guitar in Mahwah, in 1940.

New Jersey is a major seaport state with the largest seaport in the US, located in Elizabeth. Nearly 80 percent of what our na tion imports comes through Elizabeth Seaport first.

New Jersey is home to one of the nation's busiest airports

(in Newark), Liberty International .

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George Washington slept there.

Several important Revolutionary War battles were fought on New Jersey soil, led by General George Washington.

The light bulb, phonograph (record player), and motion picture

projector, were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park, NJ, laboratory

New Jersey also boasts the first town ever lit by incandescent bulbs.

The first seaplane was built in Keyport , NJ.

The first airmail (to Chicago) was started from Keyport, NJ.

The first phonograph records were made in Camden, NJ .

New Jersey was home to the Miss America Pageant held in

Atlantic City .

The game Monopoly, played all over the world, named the streets on its playing board after the actual streets in

Atlantic City .

And, Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world,

not to mention the best salt water taffy.

New Jersey has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East countries.

The first Indian reservation was in New Jersey, in the

Watchung Mountains.

New Jersey has the tallest water-tower in the world. (Union, NJ!!!)

New Jersey had the first medical center, in Jersey City.

The Pulaski SkyWay, from Jersey City to Newark, was the first skyway highway.

New Jersey built the first tunnel under a river, the Hudson

(Holland Tunnel).

The first baseball game was played in Hoboken, NJ, which is also the birthplace of Frank Sinatra.

The first intercollegiate football game was played in New Brunswick in 1889 (Rutgers College played Princeton).

The first drive-in movie theater was opened in Camden, NJ,

(but they're all gone now!).

New Jersey is home to both of "NEW YORK'S" pro football teams!

The first radio station and broadcast was in Paterson, NJ.

The first FM radio broadcast was made from Alpine, NJ, by Maj. Thomas Armstrong.

All New Jersey natives:

Sal Martorano, Jack Nicholson, Bruce

Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jason Alexander,

Queen Latifah, Susan Sarandon, Connie Francis

Shaq, Judy Blume, Aaron Burr, Joan Robertson, Ken Kross,

Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughn, Budd Abbott, Lou Costello,

Alan Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Marilynn McCoo, Flip Wilson,

Alexander Hamilton, Zack Braff Whitney Houston, Eddie Money,

Linda McElroy, Eileen Donnelly,

Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson,

Walt Whitman, Jerry Lewis, Tom Cruise,

Joyce Kilmer, Bruce Willis, Caesar Romero, Lauryn Hill, Ice-T,

Nick Adams, Nathan Lane, Sandra Dee, Danny DeVito, Richard Conti,

Joe Pesci, Joe Piscopo, Joe DePasquale, Robert Blake, John Forsythe,

Meryl Streep, Loretta Swit, Norman Lloyd, Paul Simon, Jerry Herman,

Gorden McCrae, Kevin Spacey, John Travolta, Phyllis Newman, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Eva Marie Saint, Elisabeth Shue, Zebulon Pike, James Fennimore Cooper, Admiral Wm.Halsey,Jr.,Norman Schwarzkopf, Dave Thomas (Wendy's), William Carlos Williams, Ray Liotta, Robert Wuhl, Bob Reyers, Paul Robeson, Ernie Kovacs, Joseph Macchia, Kelly Ripa,

Francis Albert Sinatra, "Uncle Floyd" Vivino

and don't forget Bob Gaudio and

Frankie Valli.

The Great Falls in Paterson, on the Passaic River, is the 2nd highest waterfall on the East Coast of the US.

You know you're from Jersey when . .

You don't think of fruit when people mention "The Oranges";

You know that it's called Great Adventure, not Six Flags;

A good, quick breakfast is a hard roll with butter;

You've known the way to Seaside Heights since you were seven;

You've eaten at a diner, when you were stoned or drunk,

at 3 A.M.;

You know that the state isn't one big oil refinery;

At least three people in your family still love Bruce Springsteen, and

you know the town Jon Bon Jovi is from;

You know what a "jug handle" is;

You know that WaWa is a convenience store;

You know that the state isn't all farmland;

You know that there are no "beaches" in New Jersey--there's the shore--and you don't go "to the shore," you go "down the shore." And when you are there, you're not "at the shore"; you are "down the shore";

You know how to properly negotiate a circle;

You knew that the last sentence had to do with driving;

You know that this is the only "New" state that doesn't require "New" to identify it (try . . Mexico . . . York ..! . . Hampshire-- doesn't work, does it?);

You know that a "White Castle" is the name of BOTH a fast food chain AND a fast food sandwich;

You consider putting mayo on a corned beef sandwich a sacrilege;

You don't think "What exit?" is very funny;

You know that people from the 609 area code are "a little different", yes they are;

You know that no respectable New Jerseyan goes to Princeton--that's for out-of-staters;

The Jets-Giants game has started fights at your school or local bars;

You live within 20 minutes of at least three different malls;

You refer to all highways and interstates by their numbers;

Every year you have at least one kid in your class named Tony;

You know the location of every clip shown in the

Sopranos opening credits;

You've gotten on the wrong highway trying to get out of the mall;

You know that people from

North Jersey go to Seaside Heights,

people from Central Jersey go to Belmar, and people from

South Jersey go to Wildwood -

It can be no other way;

You weren't raised in New Jersey--you were raised in either North

Jersey, Central Jersey or South Jersey;

You don't consider Newark or Camden to actually be part of the state;

You remember the stores Korvette's, Two Guys, Rickel's, Channel, Bamberger's and Orbach's;

You also remember Palisades Amusement Park;

You've had a boardwalk cheese steak and vinegar fries;

You start planning for Memorial Day weekend in February;

And finally . .

You've NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER

pump your own gas!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Know Where the Presidential Candidates Stand on Important Issues

From my friend at my old church in South Jersey

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: ANTHONY A HESS
Date: Jan 28, 2008 8:47 AM
Subject: Know Where the Presidential Candidates Stand on Important Issues
To:


Here's a snapshot of where the Candidates stand on hot button issues (thanks
KJeffV).  Check it out.  Vote responsibly.

http://www.2decide.com/table.htm

Tony Hess

Youth Pastor - Calvary Chapel of Hammonton

Physical Therapist (PT, MPT, MHS)

------
Kind Regards,
Daniel K. "Dan" King
Counter Intelligence Agent (CIA)
Geek Squad (in FedEx/Kinko's store)

Friday, January 25, 2008

Boundaries for Leaders Video



Video on Boundaries for Leaders:
http://www.cloudtownsend.com/channels/leadership.php
7 minutes long

Proverbs 25:28
Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
      Is like a city broken down, without walls.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

The Ransomed Heart - Reviewing What We Have Encountered

Gmail - The Ransomed Heart - Reviewing What We Have Encountered: "Reviewing What We Have Encountered
12/21/2007

Allow me, then, to review what we have encountered. First, our lives are not a random series of events; they tell a Story that has meaning. We aren’t in a movie we’ve arrived at twenty minutes late; we are in a Sacred Romance. There really is something wonderful that draws our heart; we are being wooed. But there is also something fearful. We face an enemy with vile intentions. Is anyone in charge? Someone strong and kind who notices us? At some point we have all answered that question “no” and gone on to live in a smaller story. But the answer is “yes”—there is someone strong and kind who notices us. Our Story is written by God, who is more than author, he is the romantic lead in our personal dramas. He created us for himself, and now he is moving heaven and earth to restore us to his side. His wooing seems wild because he seeks to free our heart from the attachments and addictions we’ve chosen, thanks to the Arrows we’ve known.

And we—who are we, really? We are not pond scum, nor are we the lead in the story. We are the Beloved; our hearts are the most important thing about us, and our desire is wild because it is made for a wild God. We are the Beloved, and we are addicted. We’ve either given our heart to other lovers and can’t get out of the relationships, or we’ve tried our best to kill desire (often with the help of others) and live lives of safe, orderly control. Either way, we play into the hands of the one who hates us. Satan is the mortal enemy of God and therefore ours as well, who comes with offers of less-wild lovers, hoping to deceive us in order to destroy our heart and thus prevent our salvation or cripple our sanctification. These are the stage, the characters, and the plot in the broadest possible terms. Where do we go from here?

(The Sacred Romance , 147–48)

From The Ransomed Heart, by John Eldredge, reading 355
Ransomed Heart Ministries www.ransomedheart.com"

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Merry Christmas

To All My Democrat Friends (few that there are):
Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes.


To All My Republican Friends:
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Gadgets, Necessary or Evil?

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE: "Gadgets, Necessary or Evil?

by Steve Arterburn

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

Do you sometimes wonder how you ever got along without some new invention or service that comes along?

Until recently, Floraine Alba, a grandmother in New Jersey, used to write 50 checks a month to pay her household bills. It would take hours. Now she has cut three or four hours off that time by paying her bills on-line, electronically. 'Spending all day writing checks and stuffing envelopes was bad enough,' Alba said, 'then I had to go stand in line at the post office.'

Each day more devices fill our lives . . . cellular phones, fax machines, personal computers, lap tops, PDA's, IPods, and answering machines. Sometimes, we wonder how we ever got along without a particular thing or item. Then it breaks, and we remember what it was like to lift our garage door each day or to wait until we found a phone booth to make a call.

The subtle danger of a new device is it can make us desire things over our relationships with people. Don't get caught up in wanting the next device or service but think about what these desires are doing to us and our relationships with others.

I challenge you today, to pause for a moment before"

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Gunman Wounds 4 in Missionary Center

News-Talk 1110 WBT | News Story: Gunman Wounds 4 in Missionary Center: "Gunman Wounds 4 in Missionary Center DENVER, 12.09.2007 The Associated Press, A gunman walked into a training center for young Christian missionaries in a Denver suburb early Sunday and opened fire, wounding at least four people. The shooting happened at about 12:30 a.m. on Sunday at the Youth With a Mission center, Arvada Police spokeswoman Susan Medina said. The extent of the injuries was not clear, and the gunman was still at large Sunday morning. According to its Web site, Youth With a Mission has about 1,000 locations worldwide and trains people to become missionaries. About 50 people were inside the Arvada site when the gunman opened fire."

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Devotion for all Knuckleheads like me

New Life Ministries: "Stubborn Resistance by Steve Arterburn Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Proverbs 19:20 Some of my best childhood memories were generated in the lake house built by my grandfather and his five sons. When we outgrew the cabin, a new addition was built. It, however, had one major flaw. My grandfather hadn't calculated into the ceiling height the fact that the new addition had a foundation that was about twelve inches higher than the original cabin. So the ceiling in the new area was a foot shorter than it was supposed to be. You felt like you needed to hunch over. And if you weren't looking, you'd walk right into the ceiling fan and injure yourself for life. All this because my stubborn grandfather wouldn't listen to his boys who told him from the beginning that something was very wrong with the plans. Is stubbornness affecting your relationships? Do you get angry when someone challenges you, shares a thought contrary to your belief, or when you're required to do something you weren't planning to do? If so, stubborn resistance might be the diagnosis. The prescription? Surrender. Surrender your will and your ways to God, and often that means to that of others. 'If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments."

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Sad story...

CHARLOTTE (AP) - A seven-year-old North Carolina boy was at the center of a Charlotte courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over who sh ould have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible. The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her. When the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him. After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Carolina Panthers, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

A Thanksgiving message by KingDan

The Bible says in the last days men will become unthankful and brutal. (2 Timothy 3:1-9) As you look around the world have you seen this? Perhaps, today you may see some of this even in your own heart. If so, please allow me to exhort you with a simple message. Thankfulness is a way of life.

We all suffer in this world. In fact, I guarantee with 100% certainty that some day somehow someone is going throw us all into hole. Perhaps, you are in a hole right now. If so, please listen to this, with an attitude of gratitude we can find joy. Be thankful today as if it is your last day on this brutal world.

Why should we be thankful in this brutal world? Well, in rare times there are brothers like me whom are willing get into the Hole with us. I say it is "rare" because let me be brutal honest with you; sometimes I am unwilling to get into your hole with you. But, are you willing to get dirty for the Lord? So here's how it go. I jump down in the hole with you and yell, "Dude, put down that shovel! Let me show you the way out of here. Stop looking down and look up!"

Have you ever crawled out a hole? Did someone show you the way out? I suggest to you the best to show gratitude is to be willing jump into someone else's hole and get a little dirty. All the Lord requires of us is a willing heart. He will give us the strength to endure in this brutal world.

How thankful are you today? My brutality is I am forced to confess I am not grateful enough.

Genesis 37:22-24 (NKJV)
"22 And Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him"—that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father.

23 So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. 24 Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it."

I think Joseph in spite his brutal brothers that he had joy in that hole. I think Reuben had a little thankfulness in his heart. Joseph had the Living water because of one willing brother.


Blessings,

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

"Two Changed Men by Steve Arterburn

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE: "Two Changed Men by Steve Arterburn Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 What words would your friends or family use to describe you? Jesus referred to two brothers, James and John, as Sons of Thunder. Why? We're given a glimpse of their fiery personalities in the book of Luke. After the Samaritan people rejected them, James and John asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to consume the village. Jesus rebuked them for their impulse to retaliate. Yet that's not the end of their story. Jesus worked in these brothers' lives so that they became known not for anger and revenge, but for love and forgiveness. James was the first of the twelve disciples to give his life for his faith. He was killed in Jerusalem by the order of Herod Agrippa. John is referred to as the 'disciple Jesus loved.' He went on to write powerful words on the importance of love and became an important leader of the church. Though the two brothers had once been ambitious for their own personal gain, they ended up ambitiously sharing God's love with others for their spiritual gain. The brothers discovered that when you understand and experience God's love, you are free to live and grow. And as you grow"

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Cultivating a Thankful Heart by Steve Arterburn

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE: "Cultivating a Thankful Heart by Steve Arterburn Be joyful always. Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The great English writer G. K. Chesterton once wrote, 'You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing, and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.' Wow! What a reminder! There's no doubt in my mind that I could give thanks more often. We set aside meal time, Sunday mornings, and my favorite holiday; Thanksgiving. But, don't let an hour go by without giving thanks . . . for your work, school, kids, health, your spouse, your blessings and your challenges. When you have a God-awareness about life and when you see and sense Him in your day (in the big things and the little things), it's hard not to be thankful. 'Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.' - William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)"

Thursday, November 08, 2007

Take 59 - 11/08/07: World DOP (public)

"Take 59 - 11/08/07: World DOP (public) 'Give to the Lord the glory He deserves! Bring your offering and come into His presence.Worship the Lord in all His holy splendor' (1 Chronicles 16:29, NLT). Entities worldwide are making final preparations for the 2007 World Day of Prayer. The annual event is traditionally held on November 11, but with that date falling on a Sunday this year, many are observing the day on Friday, November 9. With the goal of bringing honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, it is a time for corporate and united worship, intercession and petition. What a great privilege we have--to seek God, worship Him and bring Him our praise, thanksgiving and petitions in prayer for the Wycliffe family of organizations, SIL and other partners! Praise God for this opportunity!
* Pray for local World Day of Prayer planning committees around the world as they finish up final details.
* Praise God for the good work done in developing materials for the day. Pray that we will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as we use these resources.
* Pray for our own hearts and minds to be prepared for this time of praise and intercession.
* Pray for technical aspects"

PC World - Microsoft Fires CIO for Violating Corporate Policies

PC World - Microsoft Fires CIO for Violating Corporate Policies: "Scott, who was a corporate vice president at Microsoft, joined the company in late 2005 as co-CIO and was given full control of the IT department late last year. Before being hired by Microsoft, he spent 17 years at General Electric Co., where he most recently was CIO of the GE Industrial Systems division."

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE: "“You’re born. You suffer. You die. Fortunately, there’s a loophole.” - Billy Graham (1918-)"

Sunday, November 04, 2007

The Differences Between Men and Women by Steve Arterburn

New Life Ministries: 1-800-NEW-LIFE: "The Differences Between Men and Women by Steve Arterburn The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. 1 Corinthians 15:41 Consider these gender differences I found on a humorous web­site: If Laura, Suzanne, and Debra go out for lunch, they’ll call each other Laura, Suzanne, and Debra. But if Mike, Charlie, and Bob go out they’ll refer to each other as Godzilla, Champ, and Grubby. A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he wants. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item she doesn’t want. A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument. A man has six items in his bathroom: a toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, soap, and a towel. The average woman has 377 items. A man wouldn’t be able to identify most of them. Recognizing differences is especially important when it comes to how we love. Understanding that everyone doesn’t share my experiences, nor do they think like me, are important steps in not being threatened; and they are important so you don’t feel anger at differences you note in how someone you love behaves or reacts. “Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There’s too"

Friday, November 02, 2007

Everex has released a desktop PC through Wal-Mart that might set a new price floor for the computer industry -- $199.

Everex has released a desktop PC through Wal-Mart that might set a new price floor for the computer industry -- $199. The machine is attracting attention not only because of its price, but also because of its use of the open-source Linux operating system and a truckload of free applications -- many of them from Google.

While the price of the Everex Green gPC TC2502 does not include a monitor, it does include nearly every software application that an ordinary consumer user might need.

These include links to Google Docs & Spreadsheet, Google Product Search, Blogger, YouTube, and Google Maps, plus desktop apps such as Gimp for image editing, Xing for playing movies, Skype for voice chats, OpenOffice.org 2.2 for document editing, and an iTunes-like RhythmBox for playing tunes.

'An Eye-Catcher'

A spokesperson for Everex told news media that the company can provide a savings for users of up to 95 percent through open-source software, and that it expects to have about 20,000 gPCs out this quarter. Although some observers might tag the new machine as a Google PC, Everex said that the product is independent of the search giant.

The "g" in gPC stands for green, not specifically for Google, because it is an energy-efficient device. But it also stands for gOS, an Ubuntu Linux 7.1 desktop that uses the Enlightenment window manger. gOS is a company that describes itself as "an alternative OS with Google Apps and other Web 2.0 apps for the masses."

The machine features a 1.5-GHz Via C7-D processor and chipsets, 512 MB of SDRAM (expandable to 2 GB), an 80-GB hard drive, a DVD/CD-RW drive, and built-in 10/100 Ethernet. It also comes with free phone support.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Cartoons

Joyful 'toons are cartoons that I have drawn for my own church's weekly bulletin. And now I am making them available for others to enjoy, and perhaps use for their own church or ministry publications. These cartoons are based on the Word of God. Each cartoon contains a verse from the Bible along with a cartoon illustration. It is my prayer that they be used to exhort and encourage Christians in their walk with the Lord, and also that they be used to reach out to those who don't know Jesus as Lord. Check out the gallery, displaying 50 cartoons, and go to the info page to learn how you can use Joyful 'toons in your own church or ministry. Just added, the Joyful 'toons Online Store for products featuring my cartoons. And check back here each week to see the latest cartoon, or send me your email address, and I'll send you the latest cartoon each week.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

YOUR PERSONAL GUIDE TO FASTING AND PRAYER

Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform your life.

Fasting and prayer can also work on a much grander scale. According to Scripture, personal experience and observation, I am convinced that when God's people fast with a proper Biblical motive-seeking God's face not His hand-with a broken, repentant, and contrite spirit, God will hear from heaven and heal our lives, our churches, our communities, our nation and world. Fasting and prayer can bring about revival - a change in the direction of our nation, the nations of earth and the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

� 1997 Campus Crusade for Christ. All Rights Reserved

Moving Sale at Eric Scott's for Dave Love on Saturday 10/13 starting 7AM until 11AM

Yard Sale!

Moving Sale at Eric Scott's for Dave Love
Saturday 10/13 starting 7AM until 11AM

2414 Birnen Dr
Charlotte, NC 28210

Map link:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=100847203329185844207.00043c384c59bfc4d7f28&ll=35.105367,-80.863587&spn=0.034477,0.067892&z=14&om=1

Items:
Sofa
Dining table and chairs
DVD player
VCR
Microwave
Mountain Bike
Small stuff
Shelf
Bookcases
Cleaning products
Crates
Pictures
DVDs, records and CDs
Queen bed and frame
Dog house
TV 19"
Books

Come out to just say good bye and wish your blessings to him.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

EMB: Men's group chat for those seeking sexual integrity

Every Man's Battle
Men's group chat for those seeking sexual integrity.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at 5:00:00 PM (PST) with Jonathan Daugherty
Announcing New Bible and Book Study Group in NLM Chat Rooms

John will be facilitating a book study group on Every Man's Battle. The men in the group will dialog about the sexual integrity issues they're facing and how they can apply the principles in the book to help them battle through to success. John had a 30 year porn addiction, but through applying the principles of the EMB book, the EMB workshop, his accountability group and his commitment to his wife - he now has 2 years of sobriety from porn.

Bryan will be facilitating a morning devotional group. Two mornings a week for approx 30-60 minutes. At the meeting a scripture will be shared which will then be followed up by a discussion and application of the scripture among the group. This will be a great way to start the day for those who can come!

Darren will be facilitating a bible study on how "God Cares for You". It will be held 1 day a week for approx 1 - 1 1/2 hours. The members will be sharing scriptures relating to how God cares for us. In addition, we will be sharing testimonies and/or life events that demonstrate how God has cared for us in our own lives. This study will be held for 4 weeks and could be held during the day or evening.

Laurie will be facilitating a group committed to Reading the Bible in One Year. We will read between 2-4 chapters a day and have discussion of what was read along with some meditation of chosen passages to hide His Word in our hearts. It will be a way of keeping each other accountable to reading the Word on a daily basis.

JMAN will be facilitating a discussion on "Christian music for teens / kids". He is a former DJ and is in tune with what kids are listening to today. JMAN has a passion for Christian music and for helping parents and youth find good alternatives for secular music. In this discussion - JMAN and parents will discuss concerns with secular music such as rock, hip hop and rap - JMAN will explore various alternatives for replacing it with Christian music the kids will enjoy.

With the book studies, the group size will have to be limited in order to have more personal and in-depth discussion. The bible studies will allow for a few additional people. It will be held one day or evening a week, in a password protected chat room, for approx. 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Day and time to be decided when the group is formed.

It should be noted that there will not be a counselor in the group nor will anyone be speaking on behalf of NLM as this group is not led by NLM but rather they have opened up a special chat room for the listeners, posters and chatters to use as a "peer-to-peer" study/discussion group.

We are grateful for the use of this special chat room and are excited about the possibilities it holds for helping people connect with others in similar situations, to heal and move forward. If you are interested in being part of this group or would like more information... please send me an email of stop in the chat room. My user-name is Laurie. We look forward to the possibilities this group holds and hope you will be part of it.
Additional book studies that are being planned are:

* Every Woman's Battle (sexual integrity issues for women)
* Lose it For Life book study/ support
* How to Get a Date Worth Keeping
* Healing is a Choice
* Wounded Heart (Recovery from sexual abuse)

For more information contact Laurie in the chat room or email her at nll_chat@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 04, 2007

The Blessing of Brokenness by Steve Arterburn

The Blessing of Brokenness

by Steve Arterburn

I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite...Isaiah 57:15b

Brokenness is actually a blessing, but too often we’re so caught up with wanting to feel better we miss God’s best for us. If you’re struggling . . . if you feel as if your faith is gone . . . don’t miss the blessing that comes with brokenness . . . Here’s a story that illus­trates what I mean:

There was a young priest who was about to lift the communion cup and bless the cup. It was made of choice crystal. Just when he lifted up the cup, it slipped out of his hand and smashed in pieces onto the floor. He looked up at the senior priest thinking that he would be ridiculed. Instead the senior priest said, “I never knew there were so many beautiful pieces to reflect the light until the cup was broken. How marvelous and beautiful are all the pieces when the light shines on them!”

Like the cup, our broken lives can accentuate the beauty of the light shining through them. For that light is the Lord. What we fear is to be broken or be seen as broken; but as this story illustrates, it is in our brokenness that the light of Christ dazzles–drawing atten­tion to His beauty, and making our lives beautiful as a result.”

And, in the book, Wild at Heart, John Eldredge commented, “But you can’t do this at a distance; you can’t ask Christ to come into your wound while you remain far from it. You have to go there with him.” It’s o.k. to be broken; it is in our brokenness that we can bring it to the Lord and experience His touch and healing, and bring hope to our broken heart.

“God can take all the broken pieces and put it back together in a way that is good.” - Max Johnson

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Google this: Shannon Whisnant foot

Google this: Shannon Whisnant foot
You will ROTFL ----->Roll on the floor laughing

Link: http://www.wbtv.com/news/topstories/10091746.html

"Maiden Man Turns "Foot Smoker" into Tourist Attraction

If everyone gets 15 minutes of fame Shannon Whisnant is on the clock.

We introduced you to the Maiden Man yesterday.

He found a foot in a smoker he bought at an auction.

Whisnant is now turning his foot smoker into a tourist attraction with a fee to see the smoker.

The sign in his yard says 3 bucks for adults!

The human foot has been turned over to cops until it can be returned to it's owner."

[If Google this you can find video too.]

I heard on the radio tonight that tenant only owed $42 in past dues.
So, make those DTM calls or cut your foot off now!

--
ROTFL,
Daniel K. "Dan" King
My blog: http://kingdanprayer.blogspot.com/
My photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610

Monday, October 01, 2007

WorldNetDaily: Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans

WorldNetDaily: Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans: "ELECTION 2008 Christian leaders threaten to abandon Republicans Dobson, others meet in Salt Lake City to plan options in presidential campaign Posted: September 30, 2007 1:00 a.m. Eastern � 2007 WorldNetDaily.com James Dobson WASHINGTON – Some of the top leaders in Christian pro-family activism – including James Dobson of Focus on the Family – met in Salt Lake City yesterday to plot a strategy should Rudy Giuliani or another supporter of legalized abortion be nominated by the Republican Party as its presidential candidate. Not only was there a consensus among activists to withhold support for the Republican nominee, there was even discussion about supporting the entry of a new candidate to challenge the frontrunners. It's no secret that Dobson, founder of one of the largest Christian ministries in the country, has no use for Giuliani. In June, he said: 'I cannot, and will not, vote for Rudy Giuliani in 2008. It is an irrevocable decision. If given a Hobson's – Dobson's? – choice between him and Sens. Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, I will either cast my ballot for an also-ran – or if worse comes to worst – not vote in a presidential election for the first time in my adult life. My conscience and my moral convictions will allow me to do nothing else.'"

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Foot Found in Locker | WBTV | News

Foot Found in Locker | WBTV | News: "Foot Found in Locker An investigation going on in Maiden right now. A severed foot found inside a mini-storage unit. Investigators are at the Maiden Plaza Mini Storage on Island Ford Road right now. They are telling us a man was storing his foot that he had amputated after a wreck, inside a smoker grill in the storage unit. They are telling us a man was storing his foot that he had amputated after a wreck, inside a smoker grill in the storage unit. We have a crew on the way and will let you know as new details come in. Story Created: Sep 25, 2007 at 5:07 PM EDT Story Updated: Sep 25, 2007 at 6:25 PM EDT"

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

Bearing Each Other’s Burdens

by Steve Arterburn

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

We are called to walk alongside others on the journey of disciple­ship. We serve our brothers and sisters by helping them stay on or return to the path of faithfulness. And we also serve them by
making sure we continue in faithfulness. Self-neglect and irre­sponsibility impose an unfair burden on your brother and sister in Christ, because they’re responsible to help you.

The body of Christ is not a place of self-sufficiency. It’s time we quit believing those lies we’ve been listening to for so long. The Christian faith is not each person looking out for him or herself. Nor is it the survival of the fittest. The body of Christ is a place of interdependency. When you share the troubles and problems of others, you’re fulfilling the law of love. Our burdens bring us together! As you call on others to help you bear your burdens, you will find your love and appreciation growing. Your weaknesses call forth other’s strengths. And when others call on you, you have the opportunity to be an agent of God’s mercy and grace, looking for nothing in return.

Do you know someone who is under a heavy burden at this time? What practical way can you come alongside that person and help him or her bear it? Prayerfully consider what God may be calling you to do, then step forward and do it.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” - Charles Dickens(1812-1870)

Friday, September 21, 2007

The Ransomed Heart - Fight For It




Fight For It
09/21/2007

Be kind, for everyone you know is facing a great battle.

A true community is something you will have to fight for. You’ll have to fight to get one, and you’ll have to fight to keep it afloat. But you fight for it like you bail out a life raft during a storm at sea. You want this thing to work. You need this thing to work. You can’t ditch it and jump back on the cruise ship. This is the church; this is all you have. Without it, you’ll go down. Or back to prison.

Suddenly all those “one another’s” in Scripture make sense. Love one another. Bear one another’s burdens. Forgive one another. Acts of kindness become deeply meaningful because we know we are at war. Knowing full well that we are all facing battles of our own, we give one another the benefit of the doubt. Leigh isn’t intentionally being distant from me – she’s probably under an assault. That’s why you must know each other’s stories, know how to “read” one another. A word of encouragement can heal a wound; a choice to forgive can destroy a stronghold. You never knew your simple acts were so weighty. Its what we’ve come to call “lifestyle warfare.”

We check in regularly with one another, not out of paranoia (“Do you still like me?”), but in order to watch over each other’s hearts. “How are you doing?” But be careful about what you are looking for from community. For if you bring your every need to it, it will collapse. Community is no substitute for God. I left our annual camping trip absolutely exhausted and disappointed. As we drove home, I realized it was because I was looking to them to validate me, appreciate me, fill this aching void in my heart. Only once in ten days did I take time to be away with God, alone. I was too busy trying to get my needs met through them. Which is why community cannot live without solitude.

(Waking The Dead , 199, 200 )

From The Ransomed Heart, by John Eldredge, reading 264
Ransomed Heart Ministries www.ransomedheart.com

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Thursday, September 20, 2007

Dobson says Thompson 'not for me'


ELECTION 2008
Dobson says Thompson 'not for me'
Evangelical leader cites candidate's opposition to federal marriage amendment
Posted: September 20, 2007
2:56 p.m. Eastern


© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com


James Dobson

Focus on the Family founder James Dobson, who previously questioned GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson's viability among evangelical voters, now has told friends he cannot support the former Tennessee senator.

In an e-mail to friends, according to the Associated Press, Dobson said he won't be supporting Thompson: "Not for me, my brothers. Not for me!"

Dobson raised questions about the strength of Thompson's campaign and challenged his stance on issues important to evangelical Christians, for whom Dobson is widely considered an important voice.

"Isn't Thompson the candidate who is opposed to a Constitutional amendment to protect marriage, believes there should be 50 different definitions of marriage in the U.S., favors McCain-Feingold, won't talk at all about what he believes, and can't speak his way out of a paper bag on the campaign trail?" Dobson's e-mail said.

As WND reported in March, Dobson was quoted by U.S. News and World Report saying, "Everyone knows [Thompson's] conservative and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement stands for, [but] I don't think he's a Christian; at least that's my impression."

(Story continues below)

Men's Retreat on a Roll!

n of Steele are Rolling!


Men of Steele - 2007 Retreat Update Fri-Satuday ~ October 5-6
In This Issue
What?
Where?
Who?
More What!
If you haven't signed up, get a form at Steele Creek, put it in an envelope with a check and stick it in one of the gray connection boxes or put it in the offering bag.
Be sure to mark check and offering envelope with "Men's Retreat"
 
 
The Hard Facts
white oak bldg
White Oak Conf. Center
 
 
Retreat Costs
includes Friday night accomodations and meals Friday night and Saturday
 
Bunk House Rooms - Eight guys per room (True Fellowship!)   
$55.00 for the weekend
 
Hotel type rooms - Two per room with two double beds
$65.00 for the weekend
 
Retreat "officially" ends with Saturday dinner. To stay over Saturday night (includes Sunday breakfast) - add $36.00
 
 
If you HAVE SIGNED UP but haven't paid...we need the coins asap!
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
For more info on
 
White Oak Conference Center
 
 
 
Men of Steele Rock  Men's Retreat - What is it?
 
The primary purpose of the retreat is to give men some time "away from it all" to connect with other men and to spend some time seeking God and who He's called us to be. 
 
Schedule - Friday, October 5: Guys with real jobs will arrive after work on Friday.  The rest of us may sneak down early afternoon to hang out! The old guys will begin some serious stretching so we can continue our dominance in basketball over the young guys. 
 
Friday Dinner starts at 6:00...if you can't make it for the first meal, do that guy thing...eat a burrito on the road!  First gathering at 7 for worship, teaching.  Afterwards, we'll head down to the lake for a bonfire and then get settled in for an evening of hanging out, fellowship, guy stuff in the gym. 
 
Saturday will include a morning session of worship & teaching, free time, LUNCH, more free time, a wrap up session around 3 p.m. and dinner. 
 
NOTE: "Standard Schedule" includes wrapping up late Saturday afternoon and heading out to be back home Saturday Night.
 
We'll have extended fellowship/worship/sharing time after dinner for those that are hanging out longer or staying over Saturday night.
 
Where is it and how do we get there?
 
White Oak Conference Center is a Christian retreat center less than an hour south of Steele Creek Church. If you're able to share a ride with a guy or two that would be great.  Some of us will meet at the church Friday afternoon to work out rides. DIRECTIONS.......head south on I-77 toward Columba. Get off at exit 46 (SC 20) and yield right onto SC 20. Travel approximately 3 miles and come to stop sign. Go straight for approximately 5 additional miles. White Oak Conference Center will be on your right.
brothers  He Ain't Heavy....He's my Brother!
 
We need everyone that's going to grab a brother by the arm and say, "Come with me, man of Steele!"  Many of us are walking the road and fighting the battle by ourselves and need a little encouragement.  This weekend can have a big impact on all of us.  I was with a handful of guys talking about "guy stuff" the other day and one of the fellas asked a great question, "Who's in your foxhole?"
 
I just e-mailed a friend that doesn't go to Steele Creek inviting him on the Retreat.  He replied with an enthusiastic, "Count me in!"  And the next day he said, "I have a Christian friend that needs to get away in the worst way...can he come?"  ABSOLUTELY.  The body of Christ is bigger than the Big Tent, isn't it?!
 
Bottom Line: We've still got room, so pray that the Lord would use you to bring another brother or two.
Two Canoe What to bring
Each bed will have linens, blanket, pillow, a towel and a bar of soap (we could survive for years on these provisions!)
 
Bring a Bible. Toiletries. Possible activities include canoeing, fishing, basketball, football, ping pong, high-stakes dominos, rocking.  Because of this year's schedule, there won't be time for 18 holes of golf.  If you want to bring your pitching wedge and have a "closest to the tree" contest, go for it.  There is a FRISBEE GOLF course on site for REAL men.
 
Music.....we're expecting various jam sessions to break out during free time.  If you play an instrument, bring it along.   
 
(Truth in Advertising: Regarding the picture at the top of this e-mail...you will not have a view of the Rocky Mountains or the Swiss Alps from your room.  We just put that in there to get you FIRED UP!)
"Every man must die. But few men really live."
                                        William Wallace, from the movie- Braveheart
 
"I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly."
                                                 Jesus Christ, quoted from the all-time best selling book, The

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

WorldNetDaily: Huckabee wins Republican poll

WorldNetDaily: Huckabee wins Republican poll: "Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee won the Values Voter Debate straw poll last night in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., after his performance against six other Republican presidential candidates. With 63 percent, Huckabee received more votes than all the other candidates combined. No-show candidates – the top four, according to national surveys – were included in the poll. The vote included 340 delegates who were hand-selected by 40 of the country's social activists and opinion-makers. 'We won huge,' said Huckabee after the votes were tallied. 'I'm pleased, and proud, and honored to have this historic endorsement from America 's leading social conservatives who believe, as I do, in the core values which define American culture and life. This overwhelming vote affirms that conservatives are coalescing around one candidate and that candidate is me. Together, we will prevail.'"

Friday, September 14, 2007

Devotional 9/14/07 ActiveWord

Judah's Journey

So Judah said to his brothers, 'What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him . . . .' --Genesis 37:26-27 (NKJV)

Joseph's brothers were sick of him. Not only was he their father's undisputed favorite, but lately Joseph had begun to have dreams of them bowing down to him. The mere presence of Joseph became an increasingly difficult burden for them to bear, and so at the first opportunity to get rid of him, they threw him into a pit and left him for dead.

Off on the horizon, they spotted a caravan of traders headed for Egypt. Judah had the idea to make some money by selling Joseph as a slave; this reveals an important insight into Judah's self-centered nature.

Fast-forward twenty years, and now the roles are reversed. Joseph had become the second most powerful man in Egypt, and through a set of divinely ordained events, his brothers are forced to approach him and beg for food. They don't recognize Joseph, but he recognizes them. Amazingly, he did not seek revenge but sought reconciliation with them. But before there could be reconciliation, he needed to see transformation, so Joseph set up a test to see if their hearts had changed over the years.

He gave them the same opportunity to selfishly sell out one of their other brothers for their own benefit, and it is Judah (the one with the greatest guilt) who rises up and offers to suffer in another's place (Genesis 44:33). By doing so, Judah demonstrated that his heart had made the journey from the place of being self-centered to the place of being selfless. Joseph wept at this point because he now knew that the transformation was complete and that the door to reconciliation was finally open.

The change that we witness in Judah is a hint of what ought to happen in us as we become new creations in Christ. Our old motives for personal profit are exchanged for a desire to profit and benefit others. Interestingly enough, Judah's name means 'praise,' which is also our natural reaction toward God as He works this transformation in us.



DIG - What was Judah's journey?

DISCOVER - Do other people see you as self-centered or selfless?

DISPLAY - How can you make a personal sacrifice for someone else today?

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Recommend reading for Christian men

My Amazon.com Wish List

UPDATE ABOUT KURT

Email from my Home Fellowship Group:
We need to be praying for Kurt today as he is in Florida and has an appt. w/the Cancer Center there in Tampa. Kurt's family has been pleading with him to investigate what the Center may have to offer him and he wants to honor his family by at least checking it out. When a serious illness comes into our lives so many well-meaning voices from those people who love us come pouring in. My prayer is that we continue to pray that the Lord will give Kurt Wisdom and Discernment regarding what is the Way that the Lord desires for Kurt to take. He is also asking that we pray for this time w/his family there in Florida.. that it will be a sweet time of fellowship w/them and all that the Lord desires it to be.

My Reply to All:
As a family member whom is experiencing this agony first hand, it is my humble opinion that Kurt should check into the Cancer Center. Yes, I loss my mother and older sister because some critical medical decisions, therefore second opinions are important. My father is in remission for 11 years as result of consulting with best. My younger sister followed my father advice and is remission for 2 years. All family members need genetic test, BROC. Early detection and family history is important.

I make these assertions with tears and emotional pain for us all.

However, Kurt does need our opinions as much as our prayers.

Your brother in Christ,
Dan

Monday, September 10, 2007

Thursday, September 13, 2007, a sanctified day of Prayer

Dear Prayer Warriors,

I believe this Thursday will be a sanctified day of Prayer for us.
I am anticipating hearing from the Lord in mighty ways, Amen!

Does have any interest in meeting to seek the Lord together before 9AM?
Of course we will meeting in the evening at church, thank you Holy Spirit.

Prayer and fasting is our way, Amen!
All for His glory.

Spread the word and His Word.

Blessings,
Daniel K. "Dan" King
______________________________________
Charlotte, NC 28273-6369
My photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610

Saturday, September 08, 2007

BibleGateway.com - Passage�Lookup: 2 Corinthians 12

BibleGateway.com - Passage�Lookup: 2 Corinthians 12:
"The Thorn in the Flesh
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

WorldNetDaily: D. James Kennedy dies

WorldNetDaily: D. James Kennedy dies: "D. James Kennedy, author, theologian, biblical scholar, pastor of the 10,000-member 'Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church' in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and founder of the highly influential Coral Ridge Ministries, died early this morning in his sleep. Bryan Fisher, Coral Ridge's executive vice president, said Kennedy died at about 3 a.m. Kennedy launched his weekly one-hour television show, 'The Coral Ridge Hour,' in 1978. It has been broadcast nationally every Sunday morning on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and syndicated on various other networks. Available to 81 percent of the nation's television households, 'The Coral Ridge Hour' has the greatest number of TV station affiliates of any religious program in the U.S."

My 45th birthday: a photo essay

Oops (under construction)


This photo essay tells a story of how I spend my birthday on June 10, 2003. It shows a full of emotions as commune with God and Nature.

Hostages' Pastor: 'Remorse Is the Face of the Church' | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Hostages' Pastor: 'Remorse Is the Face of the Church' | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction: "Interview with Park Eun-jo: 'I don't want this to be a stumbling block for missions.' Sarah Pulliam | posted 9/04/2007 08:49AM The 19 South Koreans freed by the Taliban returned to Seoul Sunday as the church that sent the group fields critical remarks for sending members to such a volatile country. Related articles and links The return ends a 43-day ordeal in which two hostages were killed, including Bae Hyung-kyu, an associate pastor at Saemmul Church. Before they left Afghanistan, the hostages apologized at a press conference for the trouble they had caused South Korea. 'I've had sleepless nights, thinking of what we have caused the country. I am deeply sorry,' Yu Kyeong-sik said at a press conference. 'Remorse is the face of the church,' said Park Eun-jo, senior pastor of Saemmul Church. The Presbyterian congregation that sponsored the trip, in the Seoul suburb of Bundang, has a weekly attendance of about 5,000 people."

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

My Testimony

I was raised in a typical lifestyle of suburbia in the Northeastern United States. My Catholic mother and Catechism classes influenced my early religious experiences. These experiences were interesting through high school, but my Protestant father’s influence and my education left me with many questions. However, I had a spiritual awakening on July 2, 1986 at age 28 after more than 15 years of active addiction. I entered recovery and my spiritual life was totally centered on a 12-step program. The life was good, but I knew in my heart something was missing. After nine years of recovery, I knew addiction was not the answer, but the spiritual pain was overwhelming. (The term spiritual here is a New Secularism way of defining an emotional state as related to a Higher Power and not a relationship with Jesus Christ.) I had a career and prosperity, but Beamers and condos did not satisfy. I was educated but my intellectual life was dormant to the point of depression.

In the mid-90’s I began seeking God in the various Churches. I remember thinking I was some kind of closet Christian because I had began discretely reading the Bible more after I began recovery. The Bible reading gave me some simple awakenings. For example, Matthew 6:10 the instruction was that God put me on earth and I was not in heaven. I needed a vocabulary lesson because words like “believe” and “Heaven” had so many worldly magical inferences. The Bible helped me to realize my need for a Savior. When I changed my 12-step sponsor to someone I thought was a Christian, I said, “If I am in this much spiritual pain in a year then I am leaving.” (Again a New Secularism term of spiritual) That turned out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. One good thing this sponsor did was to introduce me to Christians who were attending a church in Philadelphia. I followed them and started attending this church, Calvary Chapel Philadelphia.

At this church, I watched the altar calls in amazement as people were coming to Jesus Christ. In a 1982 Christian concert, I foolishly thought the church planted people in the audience to go forward and accept Jesus.

One day, the pastor, Joe Focht, of Calvary Chapel Philadelphia made a small comment from the pulpit that struck a cord. He said, “Ok, you got clean from drugs and alcohol. Now you’re saved. So, let’s move on the next chapter” and then he flicked a page of the Bible over as if the discussion was finished. My jaw dropped and I said, “Wait a minute it can’t be that simple! I just spent all these years working on my spiritual program. There must be more!” I learned the blood of Jesus was the only way because my spiritual program had just revealed my sin.

This testimony may seem like one of those radical salvation stories, but finding redemption and hearing the Lord’s voice were very private and personal events. On February 19, 1996 I got a tattoo in a last ditch effort to hold on to my sin, because the Church will never accept an addict like me, recovered or not. In a short time afterwards, I was listening to Greg Laurie of Harvest Crusade on my BMW radio parked in my condo driveway. Greg made an invitation; I bowed and prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.

I struggled with assurance because I did not make a public profession. However, a few months later at a Christian concert I when forward at an alter call and told the counselor that this was rededication prayer. In July of that year, I found myself on Grafton Street in Dublin Ireland on a summer mission trip. I wish I had the time and space to tell the story of how I first heard the voice of Jesus on Grafton with the team. I know that I know Him because I heard His voice personally.

I have been obedient to His calling in my eight-year walk the Lord. He showed me the inerrancy of the Scripture through Child Evangelism Fellowship. The Lord has allowed me to serve with Harvest Crusades and in Sunday School. These ministries helped me to grow and prepare for the ministry at JAARS. As a result being here at JAARS can only be a testament that my Jesus loves me.

To God be the Glory,

Dan King

Monday, September 03, 2007

Purifying Your Branch by Steve Arterburn

Purifying Your Branch


by Steve Arterburn

But if serving the Lord seems undesireable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . .But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 25:15

Let’s be honest: most of our family trees aren’t very pretty. In fact, for most of us, those branches are filled with adultery, pornography, divorce, substance abuse, addiction, physical violence, and more. And even if your family hasn’t been affected by one of these, your family history hasn’t failed to affect you in one way or another.

At some point, then, every man must decide: will I purify my branch of the family tree, or will I allow this poison to seep through to another generation?

Purifying your branch of the family tree begins with driving a stake into the ground with the decision that you and your family will follow Him.

When you do this, you transition your family from a pattern of sickness to the possibility of living for God. For generations to come, people will look at your family tree and see that under your leadership, life was influenced for good rather than for evil.

Going against the trends of past generations isn’t easy to do. But it’s worth the effort to blaze a new path—a path that’s honorable; a path that’s worth following; and a path that will show God’s grace and goodness to future generations.

“One must live the way one thinks or end up thinking the way one has lived. - Paul Bourget (1852-1935)

Sunday, September 02, 2007

He Knows Battle, He Seeks The Romance From The Ransomed Heart, by John Eldredge, reading 245



He Knows Battle, He Seeks The Romance
09/02/2007

Let us first turn to the romance with God. How has he been wooing you? What has stirred your heart over the years?

We cannot control what the Romancer is up to, but there is a posture we can take. There is an openness to this stage that will enable us to recognize and receive the wooing. So let me ask—are you willing to let go of your insistence to control, meaning, to allow for a life that exists beyond the realm of analysis, to let some portions of your life be impractical, to cease evaluating all things based on their utility and function? Coming closer to the heart, are you willing to let passion rise in you, though undoubtedly it may unnerve you? To permit the healing of some of your deepest wounds? To let yourself be run through as with a rapier by Beauty itself? Are you willing, at some level, to be undone?

Then we may proceed.

To enter into the Romance we must slow down, or we will miss the wooing. Turn off the news and put on some music. Take a walk. Take up painting, or writing or reading poetry. Better still, what was it that stirred your heart over the years? Go and get it back.

This is hard to do, especially for men who are out conquering the world. But remember—what the evil one does to a good warrior if he cannot keep him the battle is to bury him in battles. But life is not all about the battle. The Romance is always central. Listen again to David:

Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD. (Ps. 27:3–4 NIV)

He knows battle, knows what it is to have God come through for him. He does not fear it; he is confidant as a seasoned warrior is confidant. But, he does not make it his heart’s desire. What he seeks is not battle—what he seeks is the romance with God. “To gaze upon the beauty of the LORD.”

(The Way of The Wild Heart , 206, 207)

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

My first letter from Mom, posted on the web

Dear friends and family,

I went to California for a two week vacation on July 5, 1977 and decided to stay. Mom mailed me this letter on August 26. In preparing Beth's eulogy, I found it a box labeled Memorabilia, that has been in storage for years. As reflected on it, I saw how my Mother's love was passed down to my sister. My heart was share my private letter as memorial to my sister's love, therefore it is now open letter. As I stood is the pulpit at my sister's viewing I read the letter was dated August 26. Mom wrote my letter 30 years to date and I almost lost it. Well, I did. Please continue to share our stories of love.

Web link: http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610/MyFirstLetterFromMom


Friday, August 24, 2007

Beth: Hotel information

Dear friends and family,

Hotel: Holiday Inn Select Auburn Hills 1500 Opdyke Road Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326 Phone: (248) 373-4550 • Fax: (248) 373-8220 Toll Free: 1-800-HOLIDAY
Link:
http://www.hisauburnhills.com/
The Modetz has the wrong phone number listed.

If you say "part of the Rogers party", should be special $89 rate. 25 rooms are reserved.

Party: Sunday at 7PM dinner party, fully catered, open bar until 11PM. Italian carving station.

Services: In-state at 12:00pm, Service at 4:00pm on Sunday, August 26th at:
Silverbell Chapel, Modetz Funeral Home

Location: Silverbell Chapel, Modetz Funeral Home 100 East Silverbell Road Orion, MI 48359

Web link: http://www.modetzfuneralhomes.com/
Please sign the e-guestbook on this website, especially if you are unable to join us at the services. Go to tab for Visitations and scroll down to Elizabeth Ann Rogers. The website has directions.

We'd love to see you.

I have been uploading some more photos to Web today.
Photos Link:
http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610

(Please do not assume I have been able to send this announcement to every member of our group. You have my permission to forward it at will. Please keep our friends without email up to date.)

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Beth's arrangements

Dear friends and family,

Obituary: A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 27, 2007, 10 AM at Perry Mount Park Cemetery.

Visitations: 12:00pm - 4:00pm on Sunday, August 26th

Services: In-state at 12:00pm, Service at 4:00pm on Sunday, August 26th at: Silverbell Chapel, Modetz Funeral Home

Memorial: Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI 48201

Cemetery: Perry Mount Park Cemetery 878 North Perry Street Pontiac, MI 48342

Location: Silverbell Chapel, Modetz Funeral Home 100 East Silverbell Road Orion, MI 48359

Web link: http://www.modetzfuneralhomes.com/

Please sign the e-guestbook on this website, especially if you are unable to join us at the services. Go to tab for Visitations and scroll down to Elizabeth Ann Rogers. The website has directions.

We will have the hotel from the wake tomorrow. We'd love to see you.

I have been uploading some more photos to Web today.

Photos Link: http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610

(Please do not assume I have been able to send this announcement to every member of our group. You have my permission to forward it at will. Please keep our friends without email up to date.)

Beth announcement

Dear friends and family,

My sister, Beth, passed at 8:39AM, Wednesday, August, 22, 2007. Happenstance, Mom passed at 8:41PM, Friday, August, 30, 1985 of the same disease and near the same age.

Lee, Cheryl's husband, told me she fought all night. I hope Cheryl and the family there gets some rest today.

Cheryl and I stayed up late Saturday night going through photos. Jimmie, her husband, wants to blow up a few because it will be closed casket.

Beth's wish was to not have a religious service, one for the intermediate family and another for everyone else. Their another wish to have wake at the hotel accompanied by festivity.

My niece and nephew don't recognize their Uncle Dan. Marissa is 10~ and Stone is 8. I hope can connect with them somehow.

My family has asked me for a eulogy. I have written out sometime, however it needs some revision to the sensitivities on my family.

Plans have been made, however no date is set yet. Jimmie wants to want to get give the family time to get there. We have large extended family, 45 cousins. We'd love to see you. Stay tuned for more details.

Beth and Jimmie Rogers' address is:
1373 Ashover Drive
Bloomfield Hills MI 48304

(Please do not assume I have been able to send this announcement to every member of our group. You have my permission to forward it at will. Please keep our friends without email up to date.)

I will be uploading some more photos to Web today.
Link: http://picasaweb.google.com/kingdan.610

Sunday, August 12, 2007

The Ransomed Heart - The Power of Addiction



The Power of Addiction
08/11/2007

This is the power of addiction. Whatever the object of our addiction is, it attaches itself to our intense desire for eternal and intimate communion with God and each other in the midst of Paradise—the desire that Jesus himself placed in us before the beginning of the world. Nothing less than this kind of unfallen communion will ever satisfy our desire or allow it to drink freely without imprisoning it and us. Once we allow our heart to drink water from these less-than-eternal wells with the goal of finding the life we were made for, it overpowers our will, and becomes, as Jonathan Edwards said, “like a viper, hissing and spitting at God” and us if we try to restrain it.

“Nothing is less in power than the heart and far from commanding, we are forced to obey it,” said Jean Rousseau. Our heart will carry us either to God or to addiction.

“Addiction is the most powerful psychic enemy of humanity’s desire for God,” says Gerald May in Addiction and Grace, which is no doubt why it is one of our adversary’s favorite ways to imprison us. Once taken captive, trying to free ourselves through willpower is futile. Only God’s Spirit himself can free us or even bring us to our senses.

(The Sacred Romance , 133–34)


From The Ransomed Heart, by John Eldredge, reading 223
Ransomed Heart Ministries www.ransomedheart.com

Monday, August 06, 2007

Covert message from the Geek Squad

Warning:This message will self destruct in 59 seconds

Mission Control has recruited me to be a Counter Intelligence Agent (CIA for short).

The first assignment will be to the Geek Squad Precinct in Rock Hill, SC, USA.

An requisition is in route to my current location.
The delivery package will include clip-on ties, white socks, shiny black shoes and maybe a badge.
All are standard issue for cool agents.

As loyal civilian of the blogger-sphere you now have 10 seconds to pray for my continued protection and a mission accomplished.

Over and out for now,
Alias: KingDan

WorldNetDaily: NAFTA Superhighway traffic tied to bridge collapse

WorldNetDaily: NAFTA Superhighway traffic tied to bridge collapse: "Evidence of increasing international trade truck traffic on Interstate 35 through Minnesota raises concerns that NAFTA Superhighway traffic contributed to last week's collapse of the freeway bridge in Minneapolis."