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.

Hanover

I visited with a church about an hour awau last night. Being with the Hanover Church of Christ was a very cool time for me. Here is what they about themselves on their website:

We are Hanover Church of Christ, a group of believers dedicated to the Lord’s church the Lord’s way. In the summer of 2005, after a year of praying, planning and careful consideration, about two dozen Christians began formally meeting at a private home two or more times per week for prayer and Bible study. Most of us live in the Mechanicsville, VA, area. Our vision is to have a congregation established that will reach people in an area north of Richmond, near Ashland, VA. We also intend to obtain a facility that will help us in our goal. The unfortunate fact is that many congregations are more interested in promoting their traditional practices rather than the traditions of Christ. There is a difference.

We met in a home which was very comfortable . Billy Dyer was in the house and I always enjoy talking with him. We fellowshipped with burgers & hotdogs. We sang praise & prayed. Su Nguyen (in the pic above) taught from the Scripture. And we shared together in the Lord's Supper. I love new churches. I love the frontline work in new churches. I love the excitement & enthusiasm. I'm excited for these brothers and sister as they look to move forward and take the next big step toward reaching the Ashland, VA area with the gospel.

The Bare Necessities

One of the great movies from the old Disney. I loved watching Jungle Book with my children. This song is one of the best parts too. It's a simple message, but a good one nonetheless.

Your church might be apostate (or getting close) if...

I thought I'd have a little fun, so here goes.

Your church might be apostate (or getting close) if...

• the "pastor-preacher-bishop-apostle-reverend" guy wears a robe or a double-breasted suit.
• the "pastor-preacher-bishop-apostle-reverend" guy isn't a guy or it's not really clear.
• the name of the church is named after some historic dude or if it includes words/phrases like: rhema, word of faith, fire, international, worldwide, house, center, ministries or incorporated.
• there is reserved parking for the pastor & the "first lady."
• the "pastor-preacher-bishop-apostle-reverend" uses the NLT, LB, the Message, RSV or NRSV as his/her primary "Bible."
• most of the congregation is less than affluent while the pastor & co-pastor (aka. "first lady") park high end automobiles (Escalades, BMW's, etc.) in their reserved parking spots.
• when you get sick it's because you lack "faith."
• you hear lots of quotes from people named Kenneth, Gloria, Jesse, TD, Benny, Joyce or Rod.
• you support TBN financially.
• experience is more important than truth.
• you're not sure about this "truth" stuff anyway.
• you light a bunch of candles.
• your "pastor-preacher-bishop-apostle-reverend" guy wears a lot of hawaiian shirts (& usually sports a goatee too).
• Communion happens annually.
• the "pastor-preacher-bishop-apostle-reverend" guy suggests you read books by Brian McLaren & Rob Bell.
• the "pastor-preacher-bishop-apostle-reverend" guy is a metrosexual.
• any of your elders are called "Mrs."
• 1 Timothy 2:11-14 is understood as just "Paul's opinion."
• "Bible studies" consist mainly of questions like "How do you think Moses felt?" or "What would you be thinking if you were Samuel?"
• "Bible studies" are reading questions from a Max Lucado "Life Lessons" book and letting people share their answers (opinions).
• a muslim imaan is invited to address the assembly.

OK, I'm done. There are more, but that's all I can ramble off for now!

Dyer Thoughts

My buddy, Billy Dyer, is on the web with his new blog: Dyer Thoughts. Billy is a young brother who is strong in the Lord and His word. I encourage you to check him out.

Whatcha Talkin Bout Willis?

Not too much lately, but I'll try to get going again soon.

Pawleys Island

We are off to Pawleys Island, SC for some much needed "r & r." I'm ready to head down and kick back. We're hoping for nice weather too. A few years ago we went down and it rained every day. We're also going to try to do some bike riding down there. My wife and I rarely get to ride together because one of us has to watch the children. We're planning on getting up really early while everyone is asleep and heading out. My mom & sister will be there so the kids will be fine. I may update the blog while I'm there, but then again...

Funerals...

I recently went to three funerals in four days (Two I "officiated"). They were all for believers and that does make a difference for sure. Also, all them were very advanced in age and their deaths were somewhat expected. It's interesting to be at funerals and see the wide range of people...young and old - generations together. Some dressed up, pthers casual. Ecclesiastes 3:8a: "a time to weep and a time to laugh" always comes to mind. At funerals (memorials, celebrations of life, homegoings, et al.) you see people who haven't seen each other in years enjoying a laugh over a good memory while others weep in sadness at the loss as they too remember. These same people might switch roles moments later. Together: Tears & smiles, mourning & rejoicing, weeping & laughing...and somehow it just makes sense. Thank God.