Preview of Vice Presidential Debate?

I do like Governor Palin and I hope she holds her own in the upcoming debate, but this video is pretty funny. I had watched a clip of her with Katie Couric and thought she struggled a bit and than I thought briefly about the famous Miss South Carolina contestant video. Then the very next video I select is this - lol!

His 1st Day of School

It's offical: My son, Preston, is now in kindergarten. It happened a few weeks ago, but a neighbor just sent this picture from that first day. We took our camera to the bus stop but our batteries were dead (I hate it when that happens)! Fortunately our neighbor had her camera (with good batteries). I think the pic is pretty cool myself. He was off on his first ride on the school bus and the good news is --- he likes it! School is going well for him (& his big sisters too). I remember my first day of school and I recall being much more of a baby than he was.

One of them will be President of the U.S.A.

300 million

of us

and

this is

best we can do

???

I don't feel good about this...

As I type I'm listening to President Bush in the background trying to reassure Americans with his "economic rescue package." Why do I not feel so good about this? Lets' see...I thought the recent stimulus checks were supposed to whip the economy into shape. Don't misunderstand - I appreciated the extra cash, but it didn't seem to turn things around. So, here we go again. Is this more government? Yes. Is it good government? I don't think so, but I hope I'm wrong - I really do. It looks like more power for the so called "Federal Reserve" and that is never a good thing!

PETA Urges Ben & Jerry's To Use Human Milk

"The fact that human adults consume huge quantities of dairy products made from milk that was meant for a baby cow just doesn't make sense," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Everyone knows that 'the breast is best,' so Ben & Jerry's could do consumers and cows a big favor by making the switch to breast milk."

Thanks, but NO THANKS!!! Just in case, WTBW? is now officially endorsing Häagen-Dazs®

Just Wondering...

Just wondering if I should turn WTBW? into a 9/11 debate blog. Okay, okay - I'm kidding. Really I am. But I have noticed that the 9/11 stuff really generates the comments! Seriously, I wrote what I thought were two relatively insightful posts (for me anyway) about the "gender gap" in the church (which is an increasing problem) and gals serving communion (which I'm cool with) and exactly how many comments did they generate? A big fat 0! Okay one more time: ZERO! Not that there's not usually a dearth of comments around here. I guess the 9/11 comment volume was raising my expectations. Maybe these "great posts" dripping with deep insights just got buried by the hot topics: does God exist, Christians & politics and who was behind 9/11. Or maybe they weren't as insightful as I thought! lol!

I hope some of my regular visitors haven't been frightened off. I'll get back to what you've come to expect around here: shallow insights, weak attempts at humor, a little preaching and a lot of what I'm talkin bout!

Themes, Series, and Expository Teaching

Arminian Today hits another one out of the park. Maybe I should stop blogging and just redirect everyone over to his blog!

A Tip...

If you decide to use the windshield washer fluid feature on your car...and you drive a car with a sunroof... DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT LEAVE THE SUNROOF OPEN when using this feature. Just a tip. You're welcome. I'm glad I could help. Have a good one.

Ron Paul on 9/11 Truthers

I couldn't have said it better myself. You go Ron! I wonder if Larry is still going to write your name in come November. Obviously Ron must be losing it because he isn't walking in lockstep with "truthers."

Btw, I like Dr. Paul and I definitely agree with him on the issue in the video.

DEBUNKING CONSPIRACY THEORIES OF 9/11

With all the 9/11 CONspiracy stuff being mentioned on my blog I thought I'd share a couple of videos. Well, they're more like "audioes" but they're good nonetheless.

DEBUNKING CONSPIRACY THEORIES OF 9/11 PT 2

Here's another one if you're interested. If you aren't that's cool. If you've visited WTBW? lately you may have noticed some input from Larry of "The Real Truth Online" blog. We went to college together and both supported Ron Paul in his bid for the republican presidential nomination. I have watched several videos from Larry questioning the "official story" of 9/11. I have been to his website many times, but I remain unconvinced by his arguments and reject the vast majority the views expressed on his blog. Feel free to pursue the truth yourself.

Ravi: How do you know there is a God?

Ravi Zacharias has much more in depth information available, but I thought I'd share this brief yet thought provoking video. Ravi is one of the foremost Christian apologists today. He's also quite likeable (IMHO). He's seen here with the late D. James Kennedy.

Separate but Equal?

Titus 2:1-8: 1You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

6Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

In my opinion we in general have failed miserably at implementing the ideas expressed in this passage. Honestly, we've practiced a sort of "separate but equal" approach for the last generation. I for one am as guilty as anybody. Think about it: we segregate by age throughout the body of Christ - a sort of "ageism." This is particularly eveident in the transition years from highschool to adulthood. We lose 90% of the youth within two years of their highschool graduation! We have kept them separate for 18 years - from the nursery to teen church - away from the boredom of adult "churchy" stuff. The result should be expected. What do we do? We create "grown up youth group" experiences and try to get them to stick around in familiar territory thus prolonging their inevitable departure in most cases. The problem is we unwittingly reject the dorectives of Titus 2 and miss the blessings thereof.

Back in the day young folks grew up more quickly. Now adolescence (a 20th century) invention goes on for some (guys especially) into their early thirties! Why grow up? Hey get a room in mom's basement - she does the laundry, cooks the meals & pays the bills! This means more time and money (from your part time job) so that you can purchase and master all available game systems! Not for from the truth in many places.

Our culture says worship youth. It says old people step aside and far too many seniors are willing to oblige. Hey it's just the "generation gap" (another recent invention used to divide). But, I am convinced that we need to figure out how to reconnect generationally in the body of Christ. We need every part of the body working together for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. I suggested several ideas in church yesterday and I'm sure you can come up with many good ones if you pondered it for a few minutes. We know God desires unity not fragmentation - generations working together. That's obvious from the verses above. It will only get worse unless we intentionally swim against the cultural tide. It will require deliberate efforts on both ends of the generational spectrum.

Seniors have to re-engage, take a break from nationwide RV trips and weeks in Branson and "un-retire" from kingdom work (and loosen up a little). Young folks have to stop seeing older folks as dinosaurs and instead be will to listen to them and solicit their counsel (a tighten up a little).

I could write more, I'll post the sermon link later.

Here it is.

Well this is better...

Obama appears to be to the right of Kennedy! Okay, actually he's not and that's saying a bunch because T.K. is the poster boy for the far left.

When you thought it couldn't get any worse...

Oh no! It appears Obama is even to the left of Jesse Jackson!

No God, huh?

Sometimes I get irritated with people who don't believe in God. Just being honest here. Many throw out these time honored yet bogus and reflexive arguments like... "How do know the Bible wasn't written by some man somewhere?" or "If there is a god why is all this bad stuff happening?" or "The Bible has too many contradictions". or "How do prove God?"... I could continue with the list, but I think you get the gist. (A little rap moment for my hip hop fans). It should be noted most people with such arguments have no genuine interest in an answer. It's just an effective way of stifling believers.

Let's consider the alternative of unbelief or atheism for a moment. First let me concede that we all operate with faith. As uncomfortable as that might be for some to acknowledge it is nonetheless true. NONE OF US was there at the beginning whatever your view is.

Now, let me get this straight... there was nothing...okay, actually there was something - some stuff - from somewhere (from where we don't know)... and then BOOM there's an explosion followed by billions of years & billions of mutations...and here you are reading my blog. AND YOU THINK CHRISTIANS ARE NUTS? Your god is the holy trinity of Time, Matter & Chance: a whole bunch ot time (How much? Apparently not important) + some matter(where it came from is apparently immaterial) + a unfathomable amount of random chance (The evidence? Let's not trouble ourselves witht that!) = US? You believe in the eternality of matter/stuff. And in your ignorance & arrogance (a deadly combo by the way) you think I'm the only one with faith. Yes I do have faith. But, frankly, I prefer tp place my faith in the real trinity: Father, Son & Holy Spirit. And I believe in the eternality of God.

Ultimately, where does the un-God view necessarily lead? Nihilism that's where. Seriously, if all that exists comes from this "natural" explanation then what really has meaning. If I thought this way, honestly I'd be tempted to jump off the James River Bridge. Why? Why not? Like the old song says, "Nothin from nothin leaves nothin - you gotta have somethin..." But you have NOTHING in the end (Oh, except your everlasting stuff). Again, if there is no God why care about anything? Additionally, since there is no right or wrong (who can say since it doesn't matter anyway?) every thing is just an opinion and the opinion really means nothing. All views are equal - nazism, fascism, conservatism, liberalism, libertarianism, sexism, racism, humanism, et al. - equally meaningless. You can deny this by immersing yourself in a social cause or poliltics alledgedly trying to better the future, but why? Your definition of the past robs your future of any potential significance. Sure, you can embrace some sort of cultivated humanistic reasoning like "respecting the rights of individuals", but why? You might even see your roll as passing on your DNA and the survival of your progeny, but again, WHY?

Yeah, I'm one of those Bible believing neanderthals your science professor warned you about.

The Road Less Traveled

I highly recommend Aaron Saufley's blog: The Road Less Traveled. It gets the highly coveted and much sought after WTBW? Seal of Approval. Aaron is a good brother doing a good work. Pray for him as he will be making a move to Greenvillle, NC in the months ahead.

I really got his latest post "G-Vegas: Funding" It's a crash course on how to plant a church. It should be required reading for all would be church planters (IMHO). Aaron & the folks at Discovery in Harrisonburg have been doing unique, interesting and innovative kingdom work. Their micro-church concept is very biblical and may the wave of the future. I certainly find it much more authentic & desirable than the megachurch wannabe trend. I suggest you dig through some of Aaron's older posts - there's some really good stuff to be found.

Sermon Blooper

I've certainly had my share of bloopers. If you talk enough you will eventually goof up. I feel for this guy because I've been there and done that. It's funny when it's happening because you notice that people start looking at you funny and then...and then you realize why (usually). Ah, man! I hate it when that happens! You realize you misspoke and then it kind throws you for a moment or two. A little embarrassment goes a long way! By the way, this preacher's theology is actually quite solid on the point he is making.

More Than a Slogan

I didn't grow up "attending church" so I don't have a lot of the traditional baggage of some. (I have acquired some preferences for sure!). Typically we see the Lord's Supper being distributed to seated congregants by men. Why? Is this some sort of s t r e t c h interpretation being applied to the situation involving the widows in Acts 6? That's about the only possible "biblical evidence" I can find and it is most unconvincing. Did Jesus (or an apostle) say much about how the communion elements are distributed? I find no mention of shiny trays, mini-shot glasses or chiclets! Not to mention how it's served or who can serve it. Yet, I have noticed a very passionate resistance by some of my conservative brethren to the idea of women being involved in serving communion in a Christian assembly. I even heard one of my favorite preachers say women weren't supposed to serve communion in the church because they were to "be silent." Huh? Frankly, that's eisegesis not exegesis!

Here's my philosophy: We must not allow what God prohibits & we must not prohibit what God allows. Of course local elders must make a call on matters of expediency. So, can women serve communion next Sunday? If not, why not? My readers know I'm a committed complimentarian (It is the biblical view). But why is it that women can serve chicken in the "fellowship hall" but can serve communion in the "sanctuary." Why can she pass the plate to the brother beside her, but she must not stand up and pass it to the entire assembly? I understand church autonomy and I respect the right of brethren to do things differently when the Lord has not spoken specifically on a matter.

Here are my concerns... Could it be that we think serving communuion is somehow equivalent to "teach or have authority over a man"? Wow, that's bad theology. Perhaps it is rooted in the practice of elders and/or deacons only serving communion. Hence, people might think we have women elders. C'mon, is this really the problem? But, what about the question some ask about "where it will lead?" "Next thing you know she'll be up there preaching!" Spare me the non sequiturs. I say we speak clearly on gender roles (& kick the men in the seat of the pants a time or two). The irony is that many churches think nothing of allowing a woman to teach the the adult Bible School class but would never let a women serve communion! Friends, this completely backwards!

Finally, PLEASE DON'T LET THIS ISSUE DIVIDE US. We have enough division already. Do they preach the Bible? Are they faithful? Then who serves communion is their call. Let's not run off good brethren because their practices do not mirror our antiquated traditions. Here is an old slogan that needs revisiting...

"In Essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love"

More good stuff on the role of women...

From the folks at Pulpit Magazine: God’s High Call for Women

100 Miles!!!

Mrs. WTBW? and I tackled the Surry Century Ride this past Saturday sponsored by the Peninsula Bicycling Association. A Century is a 100 mile ride that is something akin to a "right of passage" for cyclists. I was planning on doing 50 miles (I hadn't been training much) and then catching up on some reading. My wife convinced me to go for it and we made it! There were definitely more hills than we anticipated. This is nice going down but going up is a royal pain. I was doing okay until about the 60 mile mark when I started to get hit with cramps. First the right hamstring - then the left. A couple of miles later the right one hit again really bad. Somehow I got through it. Maybe it was all of the 'fuel" junk I was eating. I was pounding down powerbars, cliff bars, sports beans, gue, bananas, gels, electrolytes, gatorade, water, etc. At the end I was craving cheeseburger. I was carbed up but I really wanted some protein & fat instead. We weren't alone. Tammy's sister Kim & husband Mark along with our friends Barry & Lisa from church were also there. I'm now suffering from Cyclist’s Palsy. I hope it subsides really soon because I'm supposed to play tennis tonight with my bud Dave Hileman.

When Babies Die: Four Approaches

Roy Ingle (aka. The Seeking Disciple) over at Arminian Today wrote,

"The issue of the death of an infant is always a difficult question. Where do babies go if they die? Where do aborted babies go? Where do miscarriage babies go? Anyone who has to deal with families who have lost infants or toddlers because of death know that this is a very tough ordeal on a family and the thought of the child being gone can bring tears to anyone's eyes..."

For the rest of the article click here.

Palin a Neocon?

Paul Milshine says "Palin Got Neoconned in Record Time."

Say it isn't so! I like Governor Palin, but her conversion was to be expected. She was even a Pat Buchanan supporter back in the day. But, apparently she isn't reading Pat's columns or books nowadays. I do wish, however, that she was governor of Virginia. She would be a definite upgrade around here! I still think she will pull McCain over the top in November. I just hope she retains some of her positive conservative qualities.

God, Men, Women and the Bible

Last Sunday (9/7) I preached from 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Here's a link to the audio. (Just click on the speaker icon). I meant to post it last week, but it didn't seem to be working. It still may not work for some of you, but I did successfully access it on my computer here at the WTBW? castle. Sorry about the quality and the speed. I talked really fast and it still took me almost 50 minutes.

DISCLAIMER: If you are an egalitarian/feminist, a graduate of a liberal "Bible" college/seminary or a fence straddler on gender roles in the church and choose to listen to this message, the preacher (Willis) bears no responisbility for your expected distress & certain discomfort.

A-Ha - Take On Me

This is the Greatest Video Ever (IMHO).

MacArthur on Christians & Politics (Part 1)

I'll probably make all my readers mad, but I do think MacArthur's thoughts on these matters are worthy of your consideration. This is "part 1" but I think it will suffice.

By John MacArthur

There was a time (in the days of our Puritan forefathers), when almost every soul in America acknowledged the Ten Commandments as the cornerstone of ethics and morality. Today most Americans can't even name three of the Ten.

There was also a time (not so long ago) when Americans universally disapproved of homosexuality, adultery, and divorce; they believed sexual promiscuity is absolutely wrong; they regarded obscene language as inappropriate; they saw abortion as unthinkable; and they held public officials to high moral and ethical standards. Nowadays, most of the behavior society once deemed immoral is defended as an inalienable civil right.

How times and the culture have changed! The strong Christian influence and scriptural standards that shaped Western culture and American society through the end of the nineteenth century have given way to practical atheism and moral relativism. The few vestiges of Christianity in our culture are at best weak and compromising, and to an increasingly pagan society they are cultic and bizarre.

In less than fifty years' time, our nation's political leaders, legislative bodies, and courts have adopted a distinctly anti-Christian attitude and agenda. The country has swept away the Christian worldview and its principles in the name of equal rights, political correctness, tolerance, and strict separation of church and state. Gross immorality--including homosexuality, abortion, pornography, and other evils--has been sanctioned not only by society in general but in effect by the government as well. A portion of our tax dollars are now used to fund programs and government agencies that actively engage in blatant advocacy of various immoral practices.

What are Christians to do about it?

Many think this is a political problem that will not be solved without a political strategy. During the past twenty-five years, well-meaning Christians have founded a number of evangelical activist organizations and sunk millions of dollars into them in an effort to use the apparatus of politics--lobbying, legislation, demonstration, and boycott--to counteract the moral decline of American culture. They pour their energy and other resources into efforts to drum up a "Christian" political movement that will fight back against the prevailing anti-Christian culture.

But is that a proper perspective? I believe not. America's moral decline is a spiritual problem, not a political one, and its solution is the gospel, not partisan politics.

My Dad & impatient drivers...

My Dad departed this life over 10 years ago. It seems like he's still here sometimes. I guess that's the powerful blessing of memories. My Dad was frequently irritated by drivers who were "in a hurry." One day we were at a stoplight. When the signal turned green he didn't immediately hit the gas pedal much to the disappointment of a driver behind him. The driver laid on the horn. My Dad, without missing a beat, turned off the car & turned on his emergency flashers. He popped the hood got out and checked the oil. When the light turned red again he closed the hood and got back in his car. When the light turned green the next time there were no horns to be heard.

Do you want cheese on it?

So I go to McDonald's and order a "double cheeseburger plain." I'm then asked, "Would you like cheese on it?" Is this a trick question. Am I on some hidden camera show? Duh? CHEESEburgers have CHEESE, right? Double cheeseburgers too, right? Anyway, I said, "Yes and I'd like meat and the bun too." Next time I'm going with chocolate milk with chocolate, french fries with potatoes, an apple pie with apples and of course a hot fudge sundae with the hot fudge!

Zorn & Campbell

While the political furor is still raging, let me see if I can fire up the sports fans a little. I'm a lifelong Washington Redskins fan. Admittedly, I'm less interested in football than ever these days. Honestly, does it really matter? But I did watch the first game this year. Here are my conclusions:

Jim Zorn. He might be "one and done." Dude was going to be offensve coordinator then became head coach. Huh? I don't know about this. I did like Zorn the player - winging all those left handed passes to Steve Largent. He looked a little lost the other night and had no clock management. He could save his job but only if he takes a huge step: Bench Campbell.

Jason Campbell. Seems like a nice guy, but do we really no much about athletes? So much is image, but he's likeable. That said, he needs to sit. Why? Well Jason has his apologists - He's in his seventh different offense....He's had alll these different coordinators...He has upside...He needs time to become comfrotable...He has a strong arm & is mobile too...etc. What difference does his offensive scheme from last year or at LSU have to with anything really? I don't hear anyone saying that on behalf of Alex Smith. How did Brett Favre & Chad Pennington do it this year with so little time? C'mon! Excuses, excuses. I think Todd Collins is the man for now until Colt Brennan is ready. Colt may be ready to go right now. Colt is the future (IMHO).

Colt Brennan. From the folks at Wiki...

• Some of Brennan's achievements include:
  NCAA record for most career touchdown passes (131). Achieved November 23, 2007.
  NCAA record for most career touchdowns responsible for (146). Achieved November 23, 2007.
  NCAA record for most 400 yard games (20). Achieved in 2007.
  Tied NCAA record for most career touchdown passes by a quarterback-receiver combination (39 to Davone Bess). Achieved November 23, 2007.
  NCAA single-season record for most touchdown passes, achieved in 2006 (58)
  NCAA two-season record for most touchdown passes, (96 -- achieved 2006-2007)
  NCAA record for passing efficiency (season), posting a 186.0 mark in 2006
  NCAA record for most points responsible for (season) with 385. (2006)
  NCAA record for highest pass completion percentage (70.4%).
  Third all-time in total passing yards with 14,193 behind Ty Detmer and Timmy Chang.

In Response to Laura...

Laura,

Let me respond to your recent comments here at WBTW? (You = italicized. Me = bold)

I must respectfully, but adamantly disagree. When it became clear that John McCain was going to be the Rep. party nominee I, too, was concerned. I had questions about his stands on certain moral issues. Since watching his interview with Rick Warren (I'm assuming you did as well.) and his choice in choosing a very conservative VP, l have felt better about backing him.

Not me. I love Palin, but what exact difference will that make to McCain’s policies? I’d vote for her, but she’s not the presidential nominee.

However, even if some of those issues weren't clarified, I still would have had a choice to make. Obama or McCain, period.

This exactly what the GOP is hoping for, but I for one will not be carrying water for the Republicans this year. This “lesser of two evil” jive does more to whip the sheeple into line than any other argument I know. Voting on principal (& not the lesser of 2 evils principle) is never a waste. The people I think are "most over the top" in this debate are those who try to browbeat those of us who won't support McCain. My vote is all mine and I can use it however I please whether people think I'm being "irresponsible" or not. I'm just getting a little tired of reactionary characterizations offered by the "any republican will do" crowd. You'd think Jesus was a republican & his kingdom was of this world! SO, what would you have done if McCain went with Lieberman instead of Palin? Let me guess – still vote for McCain because otherwise you’d be voting for Obama.

As much as some people would like Ron Paul to be president and feel he is *perfect* for the job..he is NOT going to win. I think Tony Wolf would make a great president, but I am not going to waste a vote on him because he is NOT going to win.

I do like Dr. Paul a lot. Whether you do or don’t is of no consequence to me. But, let's agree on this: I wouldn't vote for Tony either. He’s funny, talented & entertaining, but not presidential (IMHO). Although a Green Eggs & Ham rap would be cool at the inauguration!

Not voting at all is not only incredibly irresponsible, but it is a vote for the *obviously WRONG* candidate! It is like these "christians" who choose to waste the time God has given them on pointless activities such as boycotting things and holding gatherings at people's funerals to show how God is against them. Those things accomplish one purpose and one purpose only...to turn people off to christianity. It is offensive to me, so imagine how it is viewed by the unbeliever.

Who’s advocating not voting or boycotts or gatherings at funerals? I think that’s one of them there “straw man” arguments. I think it’s up to the individual to vote or not. I always do, but I respect brothers & sisters who believe that the kingdoms of the world are not their concern and refrain from voting.

We, as the American people, have a responsibility to our country right now, today. We have a choice to make. Saying that it would be better for McCain to lose and Obama to win just so Sarah Palin will have a chance in 2012 is beyond irresponsible. Let's give the completely wrong, immoral guy complete control of our country just so Sarah has a chance in a couple of years. Do you know the irreparable harm that could be done to our country during those four years?!

Right, Chicken Little the sky is falling. C’mon. The GOP told us Clinton would be the end of the world. And, oh, what about the Supreme Court? You might note that 7 of the current justices are GOP appointments and Roe is still the law of the land and infanticide has continued throughout all the GOP administrations since. Also, Clinton's vitcory gave us the Republican Revolution of the 90’s. Sadly, the republicans have squandered their opportunities.

Surely you did not mean what you wrote. I kept rereading it hoping I was taking your words out of context, but I believe that is what you meant.

Rereading? Try reading the first 3 words: “by Chuck Baldwin”. For the record: I’m Willis not Baldwin. Maybe you should write him.

You live in a key state...

I do and I admit it’s nice to have a little attention this time around.

Assuming you know what that means, no vote is like a vote in support for Obama. You have to choose. There will never be a perfect candidate. Remember that part where God says no man is perfect. You have to make the best choice.

So “respectfully” disagreeing comes to an end. And be careful about assuming.

Voting for someone who is not going to win, and therefore taking valuable votes away from the *better* choice is a vote FOR Obama. Not voting at all is even worse. It is showing that you frankly don't care what happens to our country. Which again would be a vote for Obama.

This is the standard “wasted vote” jive that we hear every time the GOP puts up a lame candidate. See Bob Dull & Bob Dull #2 (John McCain). So republicans in Washington DC are wasting their votes since DC goes democrat 100% of the time? Isn't that the point? If your candidate can't win then voting for him/her is a wasted vote, right? Nonsense IMHO. I guess you can continue to support the GOP and expect different results. From Reagan we have continued down a path and McCain is the worst yet. We beat up Clinton for his enormous budgets then GWB expanded government much further. I, for one, think continually voting for the lesser of 2 evils is the real waste.

I am surprised that a minister of the gospel would not only be trying to cause descention (sic) between his readers and some of our country's greatest (and most respected) religious leaders, but that you could be the cause of many in your church choosing to vote for Paul or worse, not vote at all. You have been put in a place of authority by God, and therefore need to watch your words very carefully.

Huh? This must an attempt at hyperbole. Frankly, you sound like you’ve just had a double shot of the GOP Kool-Aid. I think too many religious folks are mind numb robots who walk in lockstep with Karl Rove, are afraid to watch anything but FOX and only listen to Rush or Hannity. This is the problem with the Christian Right – they are unequally yoked up with the GOP. The GOP is changing in case you haven’t noticed. This isn’t the party of Reagan anymore. Yet, I almost always vote GOP (locally & statewide) and have never voted for a democrat, but let’s not confuse politics with the church. There is no 67th book of the Bible called “Republicans.”

Please spare me the sarcasm, start taking your responsibility as an American seriously and quit writing things that will turn non-believers off to christianity. Implying "it is over" is a quiter's verbage (sic).

Is this addressed to Billy’s response to the original post? Actually you could have "spared us" too. If your test is purely turning people on or off to Christianity then you’re in trouble because apparently many people feel that the “Christian Right” turns people off to Christianity too.

respectfully, Laura Wolf...a Christ follower and a McCain supporter (in case you didn't catch that)

Respectfully,
Willis…a Christian, an independent thinker, a “right wing extremist” and not a McCain supporter.

PS. I am a political conservative (some might say "extremist") but less and less these days do I define myself as a Republican. The G.O.P. is old but not not so grand in my estimation. Soon social/religious conservatives (whatever they call us these days) may have a most difficult choice to make: compromise and support the new direction of the Republican party OR say goodbye and let the country club attending, big spending, pro-abortion, government expanding, foreign nation building, illegal immigration tolerating, neo-con types go it without us. I'm leaning toward the latter. I've frequently seen the "mainstream" & "moderate" elements of the party both locally and statewide all to willing to switch their allegiance when a real conservative gets nominated. So I say, "What's good for the goose..."

Wash Club?

This morning I stopped at a WaWa for some fuel when I noticed a business across the street: "The Wash Club". Interesting title - but what is it? It's actually the "The Wash Club - Laundromat & Grill." Different concept, huh? Some guy was probably thinking up ideas to become the next Bill Gates and, aha, the "Wash Club" concept popped into his mind. Hey this could be the next big thing. You gotta eat (see Rally's) and you gotta wash clothes! Combine them and the synergy will make you rich! Something, however tells me this won't be the next Google or Apple or Amazon. How does this work anyway?

"Hey, honey you want wanna grab a bite to eat?"

"Sure sweetie, where did you have in mind?"

"How about the Wash Club Laundromat & Grill?"

"Sounds great, just let me grab my purse and a load of clothes."

By the way, if you're interested, the special today is 3 wings & a roll for $2.99

Good Job Fed!

Last night I was playing doubles tennis and lost in 3 sets. Meanwhile back at the farm Roger Federer defeated Andy Murray, 6-2, 7-5, 6-2, to win the U.S. Open and his 13th career Grand Slam title. That puts him one back of Pete Sampras for total slams. I'm glad for Federer. I really disliked him when he first came on the scene, but over the years I've warmed up to him. The guys is simply phenomenal on the tennis court. When Nadal appeared to recently to overtake Federer and move to #1 in the world I was a little disappointed. I wasn't ready to see Federer fade away and he hasn't yet. He will, one day, but not just yet.

Saw this over at PyroManiacs

Can Two Walk Together Without Agreement?

by Chuck Baldwin
September 3, 2008

John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate was exactly what he needed to do to make himself competitive against Barack Obama in the November elections. (For the record, I predicted three weeks ago that Palin would be his choice.) As a result (and right on cue), conservatives throughout the country--especially Christian conservatives--are now fully supporting McCain's candidacy for President. Even James "I-will-never-vote-for-John-McCain" Dobson has endorsed McCain.

By all appearances, Governor Palin is a true conservative. She is pro-life. She is pro-Second Amendment. Alaska is one of only two states (Vermont is the other) that recognize the right of their citizens to carry handguns without a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit. She was rightly critical of the invasion of Iraq, once calling it a "war for oil." Speaking of oil, she believes we should drill for oil in Alaska and throughout the U.S., and is critical of the federal government for allowing America to become dependent upon foreign oil for our energy needs. She even heaped praises upon the Republican that Republicans love to hate: Ron Paul. Beyond that, Lynette Clark, the chairman of the Alaskan Independence Party (the party under which yours truly is on the Presidential ballot this year) reports that Sarah Palin was a member of the party back in the early 90s. This is very encouraging in that the AIP is a patriotic, states' rights party that holds strong sentiments opposing the New World Order propensities of the two major parties. In essence, Sarah Palin is everything that John McCain isn't. Which leads to the question that was asked long ago by the Hebrew prophet: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"

When the no-compromise constitutionalist, Ron Paul, was asked by CNN's Wolf Blitzer if he would consider being John McCain's running mate, he said no. His reason for that was that should McCain do something fundamentally counter to his constitutional convictions--such as bombing Iran without a Declaration of War (or other possible unconstitutional actions that Paul knows McCain is predisposed to)--he would have to resign. Knowing this, he (Paul) could not in good conscience accept a McCain invitation to join his ticket (not that McCain would ever ask him to be his running mate; Ron was not even invited to participate in the Republican convention, for Pete's sake).

Herein lies the problem for Sarah Palin. How can a principled conservative support the policies and actions of an unprincipled globalist such as John McCain? As Vice President, Palin will be required to promote and defend McCain's big-government, liberal, and globalist plans. For example, what will she do when John McCain proposes amnesty for millions of illegal aliens, which he is certain to do? What will she do when McCain proposes to close gun shows, or at least the private sale of firearms at gun shows? What will she do when he proposes to increase federal spending for abortion providers (which he has done numerous times as senator)? What will she do when he promotes federal spending for embryonic stem cell research? What will she do when John McCain proliferates Bush's police state machinations by expanding the Patriot Act and similar legislation? What will Palin do when McCain decides to nuke Iran (and who knows what else), not only without a Declaration of War by Congress, but also without provocation or justification? What will she do as John McCain expands the Security and Prosperity Partnership with Canada and Mexico? What will she do as McCain opens the door of the NAFTA superhighway and the North American Union? What will she do as John McCain allows the United Nations to dictate and manipulate America's foreign policy? Again, can two walk together except they be agreed?

Let's face it: John McCain is using Sarah Palin as inducement to trick conservatives into accepting his liberal, big-government, globalist candidacy. And, sadly, it is working.

As I have said before, today's national Christian leaders are among the most gullible people on the planet. They are so desperate to be invited to sit at the king's table that they will compromise practically any principle. But accepting John McCain was a not only a bitter pill, it was a BIG pill, one they could not get down without a major dose of syrup. And that is exactly what Governor Palin brings to the table: sweet syrup to help conservatives swallow John McCain.
Unfortunately, the things that make Palin so attractive (her conservative principles) are the things that she will be forced to surrender in order to be John McCain's running mate. The best thing that can happen to Sarah Palin is for John McCain to lose the November election. This would allow her to go into the 2012 elections as perhaps the Republican Presidential frontrunner. If McCain wins in November, and Palin is forced to serve at the pleasure of this globalist insider for four years, she will be forever ruined as a genuine constitutional conservative. Remember, "No man can serve two masters." One cannot be faithful to the Constitution and a constitutional apostate such as John McCain at the same time. That is an absolute impossibility.

What our conservative friends need to wake up to is the depth of duplicity and wickedness that permeates Washington politics (in both major parties) today. There is nothing that these globalist insiders at the Council on Foreign Relations (of which John McCain is a longtime member) will not do to fulfill their power-mad plans. There is nothing too evil, too sinister, or too iniquitous, including using, abusing, chewing up and then spitting out good people such as Sarah Palin. Even more unfortunate and sad is the fact that the James Dobsons of this world are too blind to see it.