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United States, Tennessee, Humboldt, English, Katie, Female, 30-35, Christianity, Bible Study, church, mom with two kids, full-time student.

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:: Friday, March 21, 2003 ::

Email from Dennis Rainey
"Putting our trust in God"

Here is an awesome email that I just got in from Dennis Rainey, a well known Christian author.

"Dear Friends,

As a young lad still living at home in the midst of the Cuban missile crisis, I cannot recall ever having a discussion about the theology of war, the rightness of war, or how to view war as a young person. Now, as a man, a husband, and a father, it's fascinating to me how events of recent days have forced me to evaluate a biblical perspective on war.

I believe it is important for us to understand that God placed government and our governing authorities with a purpose to protect the people and punish evildoers. When a military operation like a terrorist group, or a nation that is representing evil strikes out, we must fight to stop the evil.

I agree with the 'Just War Theory,' a document that has been in existence for 1600 years. It states that a war must have just cause to defend or protect and that those involved in war must have just intent, seeking peace for all men. It is a last resort, but it is obvious that this enemy wants no diplomatic end to this.

So, how does a nation and a people face difficult moments and days likewe're facing now? Over and over again in the Scriptures, we find God reminding us to trust in Him and to remember that man has no power over us. Psalm 56:3-4 says, "When I'm afraid, I will put my trust in thee. In God whose word I praise. In God I have put my trust. I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?" What we need to do is fear God. When we stand in reverential awe of God and yield to him, we realize that
in Him we can take refuge and find hope and encouragement in the midst of these days.

But there are actions that we can take in the midst of such a crisis. The most important thing we can do is pray. Pray for our president, that God will give him wisdom. Pray for victory, for safety for our young men and women, and that God would use these days to create a spiritual awakening and a revival.

As Barbara and I have watched the news reports coming in from Kuwait and other locations, we've noticed that every chapel service is full--standing room only. Perhaps God is getting the "spiritual attention" of our nation through the young men and women who are contemplating the possibility of death. They are listening. Are we?

1 Timothy 2 says, "First of all then, I urge that in treaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men--for kings and all who are in authority in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." This is a great opportunity for fathers and mothers to give spiritual leadership to their sons and daughters by encouraging the family to gather around right now and pray. Second, we need to discuss war with our children. Parents need to answer questions, "When is war right?" or "When is it appropriate?" We must teach our children God's purposes for government authority and the reasons for war. This can help your children have a good clear response to those around them who have questions or who question any war.

Third, we must be ready to personally share the Gospel and be ready to share our faith with those who have spiritual needs. With war comes a fresh, spiritual receptivity that we need to seize, and I want to encourage every believer and the church as a whole to be ready to tell others how people can come to know Christ.

For the most part, I believe we missed that opportunity after September 11. This time we need to be ready to speak to men and women about their eternal destiny and about their souls.

I believe the Scripture teaches that one of the purposes of peace in a nation is so that men and women can proclaim the gospel--that there's forgiveness in Jesus Christ, and there is salvation in none other. Now is the time for you to reach out to a neighbor, not only by praying for them but also by reaching out and giving them hope.

Above all, let me remind you as a believer to be mindful that these wars that we experience here are but a prelude to a war that will some day put an end to time as we know it and usher in eternity. Until that day, no matter what's going on in the world, it is only in Christ that we can continually walk in peace. May God give you the wisdom to know how to live in these days. Pray for our President and our leaders."

Amen

:: Katie 3/21/2003 07:28:32 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

The sirens are sounding again.....

My heart hurts. Father, I pray for the innocent in Iraq, that they will have justice and freedom. Be with them now, today, tomorrow, and in the future. Draw them close and reveal Yourself to them in a fresh new way. I ask that You comfort them and provide the strength and endurance they need to get through these horrific times. I ask that You protect those who fight in the name of freedom and deliverance. I pray that You destroy those who have evil intetions to bring harm to the innocent. I pray for the freedom fighters... that they seek Your wisdom and discernment with each step that they take. I ask this in the name of the One who died to set ME free.

Amen

:: Katie 3/21/2003 02:19:11 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

Eating and Stinking

Why can't I go out to eat without coming home congested and smelly? It's not bad food or body odor. It's cigarette smoke! I have two favorite resturaunts that I frequent for breakfast. I love the food and service. That's why I continue to give them my business. However, I don't eat at one of the places as much as the other because it doesn't have a no smoking section (not that it helps much to have one, but it does make it easier to breathe). I get up, take a shower, fix my hair, put on make-up and I go out to eat. I sit in the hazy resturaunt wondering if I should stay. As I wait for my food, I begin to smell and taste it. It's not the food I smell and taste. It's cigarette smoke. Soon, I begin to develop a headache. I manage to get through my meal and make a quick exit. When I get home, I still smell it! My head still hurts from polluted sinuses and the coughing begins. If I don' t take another shower, I have to smell and feel this way all day. I go to church and smell like smoke. That's okay though. Chances are, some of the non -smokers at church have eaten out that day and they smell bad too! Should I take comfort in that?

Anyhow, I used to be a smoker. I used to make people suffer like this. I used to go around smelling like they do. I have a relative thatl smokes and one day I commented to her, "I wonder if my breath smelled like that when I smoked." She replied, "Yes, it did." I am so glad I quit! But, now I stull run a risk of getting lung cancer because of all the second hand smoke and I recently heard on the news that second hand smoke is suspected for causing tooth decay. Yep. Apparantly, some experiments and studies have been done and the results were that children raised in homes where smokers lived, had a higher number of cavities. Who knows?

I understand that quitting is so difficult that some people would rather die than quit....and some do. That is a choice they make. I chose to quit. Yet I risk getting the same diseases that smokers risk because of those who don't care about the people they smoke around. They only care about getting their 'fix'.

Whether or not tests and studies are accurate, I know one thing for sure. SECOND HAND SMOKE STINKS! IT MAKES ME STINK! IT MAKES ME FEEL SICK! NOBODY SHOULD BE FORCED TO SMOKE! SMOKING SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN CLOSED IN PUBLIC PLACES! I should not have to suffer the consequences of somebody else's bad habit. I do not dislike people who smoke. I have close friends and relatives (like my parents) who smoke. I love them! However, I don't appreciate people who smoke without consideration to others who desire to breathe fresh air. I think it is very selfish for inconsiderate smokers to cause other people to suffer the consequences of their nasty habit. Talk about rights! Should smokers have the right to smoke where ever they want around whoever they want? Should non smokers have to step outside in order for smokers to have a cigarette? Think of how that would affect the retail business, hospitals........airplanes! Many places have made it illegal for people to smoke in public buildings. I applaud you! Much of the state I live in, however is a bit behind the rest of the world (surprise surprise). I think the fact that it is a major tobacco producing region may have something to do with it, who knows?

Regardless, I have a right to choose not to smoke. I chose that 12 years ago. Yet, this right is taken from me when I am forced to breathe smoke against my will simply because I want to eat out on occasion. What's wrong with this picture????

There, I finally spoke my peace. I've been wanting to do this for a long time.

(I'm in trouble again aren't I?)

:: Katie 3/21/2003 01:48:28 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

Women of Faith

Katie and I attended the Women of Faith Conference in Memphis last weekend. As expected it was awesome! Not only were the speakers and musicians so great, the fellowship with our sisters in Christ was an added bonus! A good number of women from our church attended and it was so fun to worship with all of them and to just hang out together! I can't wait until the next conference in August 2003 when the Women of Faith will come to Nashville! Woohooo!

This year we attended the "Hope for a Woman's Heart" pre-conference and it was presented by Patsy Clairmont and Kathy Troccoli. It was so wonderful to hear Kathy Troccoli share more of her testimony (I've heard Troccoli 4 times in the past year!) with everyone and it was so encouraging. Patsy was challenging us to think of others more than ourselves and the one main point that stuck out to me was that maybe that "difficult person" in your life is there for God to use as you grow in Him. Patsy reminded us to be sure to tell those we love how important they are to us. Sometimes we assume that our loved ones "just know" we love them, but it is of utmost important that we tell them. We sang together, laughed together and worshipped together. It was a very enjoyable day and I am thankful to Mississippi Blvd. Christian Church for providing their space to us for that day!

The Conference itself began Friday night and we heard from Shiela Walsh and Babby Mason provided some music for us. As usual the Women of Faith Integrity Singers were great and I really enjoyed their music. Nicole Johnson...WOW THAT WOMAN IS GIFTED...always gives us things to ponder about God's grace in her creative presentations.

Then came Saturday. The first speaker we heard from was Patsy Clairmont. She is only 5 feet tall, very petite, but VERY SPUNKY, PLAYFUL AND FUNNY! That woman had me roaring with her story about her friend having a gift of hospitality and sacrificing her own comfort for a relative that brought along their pet chicken. Yes, I said pet...chicken. Chicken...as in beak and feathers, as a pet. You had to be there...IT WAS HILARIOUS! LOLOLOLOL If you get the chance, GO! If only to see Patsy Clairmont!

We heard about God's faithfulness from Thelma Wells who had the 98% caucasion audience singing "Great is Thy Faithfullness" "black". Really! She said "sing it black!" We tried, but it just doesn't come out black! LOL Thelma shared that even when we doubt and aren't full of faith, that God is forever faithful to us.

We were treated to a guest speaker in Jennifer O'Neill, actress, I understand who is best known for her role in "The Summer of '42". I didn't know of her, but she has an AWESOME testimony about God's faithfullness in her life. She had so much to share and as I had heard at the pre-conference, confirmed that God will take you right where you are. One woman on Friday shared "God will take you right where you are, and I was stoned!" That cracked me up and stuck with me, but it just shows how faithful He really is!

Marilyn Meberg shared a story about mint tea and making the best of any bad situation. Her first opportunity she had to be a hostess in the house she and her husband bought years and years ago she decided to use the mint that was laced throughout the garden in her backyard. She made mint tea. Ignoring the directions she proceeded to add 22 leaves to the tea, when she should have added only 2. She was going for the pretty green color it was making in the tea. Never having tasted it, when the first "victim" did, he spewed it out of his mouth immediately. At first she was quite offended...I mean "how rude!", but then was able to laugh about it and as each new guest came to the party, they would see people standing around with glasses of mint tea as part of the "joke". Each and everyone who tried it spewed forth! LOL It was kind of an "initiation" thing after that I guess. Anyway, Marilyn shared about the heartaches in life and how we can grow through those messes in life. We can see humor and find healing.

Luci Swindoll told of her adventures. She likes to travel and has set foot on each continent. She also likes to take a lot of pictures, some of which she shared with us from her trip to Antartica. She was on board ship hoping to see a whale, in fact she said she prayed to God to send her a whale so she could get a good picture. As they came near to an iceberg, she saw a penguin. Feeling disappointed that she wasn't getting a whale, she thought to reach for her camera and as a consolation get a picture of the penguin who was standing there looking at her with this "hey! what's wrong with taking a picture of me?! Here I am!" and when she looked up there was a whole family of penguins to behold! Luci told us not to "miss the penguins looking for the whale", to enjoy the simple things that come our way and not miss them because we are waiting for something bigger and better. Luci had some great words of wisdom to share with us and I took it all to heart.

The highlight of the conference for me was Cece Winans. I am not too familiar with her music. I do own 3 CDs from her and I love that song "Alabaster Box". That song when I first heard it brought tears to my eyes and I rushed home to share it with Katie a few years ago. I haven't listened to it in a long time so I was anticipating her performing it live. I was speechless.

That woman brought that arena to a place of worship like none I have experienced. It was like she herself went to the throne of God and brought us in with her. She glorified God that day with song. God blessed me big through her voice and her song too! She, oh, I still have no words. It was an experience I can not describe.

Artist: CeCe Winans
Album: Alabaster Box
Title: Alabaster Box listen
Lyrics:
The room grew still
As she made her way to Jesus
She stumbled through the tears
That make her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper
There's no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the master
From her box of Alabaster

CHORUS:
And I've come to pour
My praise on Him like oil
From Mary's Alabaster Box
Don't be angry if I wash His feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair
You weren't there the night He found me
You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped His loving arms around me
And you don't know the cost
Of the oil in my Alabaster box

I can't forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days
Poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box
I thought I found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul with the wonder of His touch
So now I'm giving back to Him
All the praise He's worthy of
I've been forgiven and that's why
I love Him so much

CHORUS

:: Susan 3/19/2003 07:30:47 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

Well Said!

The following came from the "Insight" page, or letter to the editor page, of my local newspaper. Ivy Scarborough is a well-respected citizen/lawyer/politcal expert/writer/commentator in this area. I have met him when he was a humble customer in my store and my roommate Katie met him when he was willing to offer her some free legal advice during her divorce a few years ago. He is a man of great integrity and his words come from much education and experience.

President's address shows decisive action in face of world's failure to perceive dangerous realities

Comments by Ivy Scarborough

International affairs and terrorism analyst Ivy Scarborough said Friday that the "President's address to the nation represented decisive action in the face of the world community's failure to fully perceive - much less address - the dangerous realities of our time."
Scarborough, who has traveled in eight war zones, including Afghanistan with the mujahadeen in 1985 during the war with the Soviet Union, had predicted in print and TV commentaries in the 1990's a "major and potentially catastrophic terrorist attack on the US in the foreseeable future".

He has viewed the response to the threat of Saddam Hussein's regime as another illustration of "a world largely out of touch with the reality of our times." "Though", Scarborough says, "there are historical precedents to nations and even whole civilizations losing touch with the grave realities of their time, we are faced with an unprecedented set of historical circumstances in view of the gravity of the threat in the 21st Century."

"Most of humanity and most political leaders of the world do not fully grasp the danger much less the great risks and hard choices that must now be assumed in order to face it."

"My concern has been that we may be faced with a phenomenon seen many times before in history: Major and perhaps repeated trauma inflicted on a nation or nations before there is full recognition of a dangerous reality. In view of the weapons now available that trauma will be beyond anything previously seen. Sept. 11 should have made this apparent, but there is an abiding reluctance to surrender the comforting assumptions of the past."

"The President has demonstrated courage. Regardless of one's views of his policies, there can be no doubt that he is sincere in his convictions and prepared to sacrifice his political future in upholding them."

"His resolve is formidable and was demonstrated in a less obvious way by his warning about war crime prosecutions. His caution that assertions by any Iraqi that he was 'only following orders' - known in international law as the Nuremberg defense - would not shield anyone from punishment, further illustrated how determined he is."

Scarborough is an attorney from Jackson, TN, a former adjunct professor of international studies at Union University, and a writer and TV/radio commentator on a variety of current issues, including terrorism, foreign affairs, national defense policy and American government. He has done extensive reporting and observation in various countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, El Salvador, Israel, Russia, Georgia, Somalia, Sudan and Bosnia. He is used by the military as a lecturer on topics such as the Afghan war, international crises, and terrorism. Immediately after Sept. 11, 2001 he conducted briefings for the TN National Guard officer corps.

For several years prior to Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Scarborough had predicted in newspaper and television commentaries that there would be a major and potentially catastrophic terrorist attack against the United States. Mr. Scarborough has lectured for the military at the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, California and Ft. Benjamin Harrison on the Soviet - Afghan war and international crises.

:: Susan 3/19/2003 06:17:56 PM ** ** [+] ::
...

This is Great!

To all those who support our President and to all of those who don't, here is an awesome message I received in the email today:

This is outstanding. This lady tells it like it is.

Last week, the Shelby County Alabama Legislative Delegation hosted a "Stand Up for America Rally." More than 1,200 people attended including featured speakers Chief Justice Roy Moore, Adjutant General Mark Bowen and Alabama State Auditor Beth Chapman. This is a copy of Mrs. Chapman's speech, which resulted in five standing ovations, tremendous applause and an encore. It's a short read and well worth it.

I hope you enjoy it as we continue to "Stand up for America!"

Stand Up for America Rally Speech By: Beth Chapman

"I'm here tonight because men and women of the United States military have given their lives for my freedom. I am not here tonight because Sheryl Crowe, Rosie O'Donnell, Martin Sheen, George Clooney, Jane Fonda or Phil Donahue, sacrificed their lives for me. If my memory serves me correctly, it was not movie stars or musicians, but the United States Military who fought on the shores of Iwo Jima, the jungles of Vietnam, and the beaches of Normandy. Tonight, I say we should support the President of the United States and the U.S. Military and tell the liberal, tree-hugging, Birkenstock-wearing, hippy, tie-dyed liberals to go make their movies and music and whine somewhere else. After all, if they lived in Iraq, they wouldn't be allowed the freedom of speech they're being given here today. Ironically, they would be put to death at the hands of Sadam Husssein or Osama Bin Laden. I want to know how the very people who are against war because of the loss of life, can possibly be the same people who are for abortion? They are the same people who are for animal rights but against the rights of the unborn. The movie stars say they want to go to Iraq and serve as "human shields" for the Iraqis. I say let them buy a one-way ticket and go. No one likes war. I hate war! But the one thing I hate more is the fact that this country has been forced into war-innocent people have lost their lives - - and there but for the grace of God, it could have been my brother, my husband, or even worse my own son. On December 7, 1941, there are no records of movie stars treading the blazing waters of Pearl Harbor. On September 11, 2001; there are no photos of movie stars standing as "human shields" against the debris and falling bodies ascending from the World Trade Center. There were only policemen and firemen - -underpaid civil servants who gave their all with nothing expected in return. When the USS Cole was bombed, there were no movie stars guarding the ship - - where were the human shields then? If America's movie stars want to be human shields, let them shield the gang-ridden streets of Los Angeles, or New York City, let them shield the lives of the children of North Birmingham whose mothers lay them down to sleep on the floor each night to shelter them from stray bullets. If they want to be human shields, I say let them shield the men and women of honesty and integrity that epitomizes courage and embody the spirit of freedom by wearing the proud uniforms of the United States Military. Those are the people who have earned and deserve shielding! Throughout the course of history, this country has remained free, not because of movie stars and liberal activists, but because of brave men and women who hated war too. However, they lay down their lives so that we all may live in freedom. After all - "What greater love hath no man, that he lay down his life for his friend," or in this case a country. We should give our military honor and acknowledgement and not let their lives be in vain. If you want to see true human shields, walk through Arlington Cemetery. There lie human shields, heroes, and the BRAVE Americans who didn't get on television and talk about being a human shield - they were human shields. I thank God tonight for freedom - - those who bought and paid for it with their lives in the past - - those who will protect it in the present and defend it in the future. America has remained silent too long! God-fearing people have remained silent too long! We must lift our voices united in a humble prayer to God for guidance and the strength and courage to sustain us throughout whatever the future may hold. After the tragic events of Sept. 11th, my then eleven -year-old son said terrorism is a war against them and us and if you're not one of us, then you're one of them. So in closing tonight, let us be of one accord, let us stand proud, and let us be the human shields of prayer, encouragement and support for the President, our troops and their families and our country. May God bless America, the land of the free, the home of the brave and the greatest country on the face of this earth."

Well said Beth Chapman!

:: Katie 3/18/2003 08:06:07 AM ** ** [+] ::
...

Who Wears Short Shorts?

Today I took my daughter to Wal-Mart because she needed some shorts. We searched for what seemed like hours to find a pair suitable for school. My stomach turned as I sifted through endless racks looking for something that wasn't skimpy. What is really sad about the whole situation is that I was looking IN THE CHILDREN'S SECTION!!!!!!!! It appears that the latest sexy fashions are focused toward children 10 and under!!!! What is wrong with this picture??? The shorts were all wayyyyyyy below the belly button on the waist line or should I say hip line. In fact the waist line and the bottom of the shorts were just about in the same place!! I talked to the woman who was putting out the clothes and she (a christian lady) said that it's only going to get much worse. The tops are all stringy, revealing, low neckline, tight bra type tops. Tight and skimpy......that's the fashion for today's children. Ohhhhhhh and there are things on the buttocks of the jeans as well, which cause a person to focus their eyes on that part of the child's body. There were these pants that were so cute on my daughter. Then she turned around and there is a huge star on her butt! Come on! Where is the world going? This is sick!!! How can we say that the child pornography has to stop when we're promoting it at the local department stores? What is a person supposed to do? Mary Kate and Ashley need to start putting their clothes out to an older crowd. They aren't children anymore and their clothing line should NOT be sold in the children's section anymore either. In fact, it shouldn't be sold to anybody under age 18 without the consent of a parent! I'm not saying that all of their clothes are bad. They do have some cute clothes but, most of them are not things I would want my child wearing.

I can't say that I'd think much of any mother that would allow her child to wear these things. A parent is supposed to protect thier child, not expose them. I'm so frustrated. I know that there is absolutely nothing I can do but pray that the trends will change. Then again, like the woman at Wal-Mart said, they will probably only get worse.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-23)


:: Katie 3/17/2003 06:52:52 PM ** ** [+] ::
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