Do You Hear What I Hear?

Scripture

For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6, NLT

Quote

The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light.

~Noel Regney [1962]

I love good Christmas music and one of my favorites is “Do You Hear What I Hear?” This song was written in 1962 by Regney and put to music by his wife, Gloria Baker. It was released just after Thanksgiving 1962. When I got home from the Christmas Eve service, this song was playing in my head.

Landon and I made some 15 visits yesterday and this is what I heard. Strong faith in Jesus Christ, good will, joy and yes I heard sorrow. There are a lot of hurting people and many of them are grieving the temporary separation from a loved one.

Then the LORD in gracious fashion capped of a memorial day with a sweet communion service. Yes, I saw the star dancing in the night, with a tail as big as a kite…I heard  a song high above the trees with a voice as big as the sea….I know the child who shivered in the cold who deserves much more than silver and gold. I know the CHILD sleeping in the night has brought us goodness and light.

• With a heavy heart, I report to you that Gary Garner in now in ICU at DMH. Pray people every where.
• Merry Christmas

Christmas Not For Everyone

Scripture

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

~Luke 2:7, NLT

Quote

Let us pray, and as we pray, let us make room for Jesus in our hearts.

~Dwight L. Moody

If you listen to 96.9 FM you have heard this story. Some children were reenacting Luke 2 from the stage. The little boy playing the end keeper did not stick to his lines. When the child playing Joseph ask for a room in the Inn, the kid hesitated and then said, “Sure, come on in, we have plenty of room.” Joseph had to be quick on his feet or this play was going South in a hurry but he saved the day by saying, “Come on Mary, this place is a dump, I had rather sleep in the stable.”

This tender hearted child could not endure the thought of rejecting Jesus but for the adult population, it is no big deal. Even the Jews rejected their Christ, the glory of Israel. The Jews have some thing that no other ethnicity has, a Savior, but they crucified Him.

You can’t expect to experience love, joy and peace unless you make room for Jesus. The only possible way that God can give you love, joy and peace in through His Son. Make room for Jesus this Christmas.

• Gary Garner is in DMH [Decatur Morgan Hospital], room 510 but his blood counts are rock bottom. He doesn’t need company as much as prayers. If you go, you must wear the mask for his protection.
• Buford was sleeping. He did wake up for a prayer. Going to Dot and Buford’s is like going to Mother and Daddy’s. There is always a crowd. You will not get lonely at Dot’s.
• Lord willing, I will make my CHRISTMAS EVE TOUR into the Promise Land today…Lord willing. These days, I have to take it a day at a time and I never know if I’m going to be able to go until I get up.
• Folks, this has been a strange week. I came home around 3:00 yesterday to get a hot bath and some rest. Well, I dozed off and had another weird dream, a horrible dream. I never have good dreams; they are all night mares. Seth was in a Birmingham hospital and I was going to visit him, three ladies and myself got on the elevator and then the elevator got stuck on the 7th floor. Somehow, I got the ladies through the bottom of the elevator and we started down the shaft. Of course, I was the hero but not without risk and a lot of fear. When I saw the rescue team coming from the bottom, I rejoiced with exceeding great joy. By using a rope, I lowered the women one at a time to safety. When I got to the bottom, two women where waiting to thank me and third had disappeared. The third was young and attractive so I was a little upset that I didn’t get a hug. Oh well! I decide to get a snack before going up to see Seth and my wallet was gone. I knew in a flash, that the young woman who disappeared had taken it. So I have no money. I go to the lost and found department to see if they have my billfold and they had one but it was the one I carried 40 years ago. It had my grandmother Blackburn’s picture in it. To make bad matters worse, I had also lost my cell phone and my keys. On top of that, I am wondering all over the hospital without any money, keys or phone and I can’t find Seth’s room. Everyone shuns me because they think I am crazy. Thank God, I woke up. I have never been so thrilled to wake up in my life.

A Holly Jolly Christmas

Scripture

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

~Luke 2:10, NKJV

Quote

“Oh by golly, have a holly jolly Christmas this year.”

~Burl Ives

In spite of all the sad things that have happened on and around Christmas, I still believe it is the best time of the year. My grandmother [Halbrooks] was promoted on Christmas Day 1972. Mama, as we called her, embodied the spirit of Christmas; thus Christmas has not been the same since. Then Daddy departed this world on July 5th 1995 and although he tried to play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge at Christmas: we discovered rather quickly that he was the glue that kept our family together. Then my brother in 2009 and Mother in 2010. In my time alone, I grieve their passing. I miss them more every year which I don’t understand: you would think it would get easier. In the presence of my children and grand children, I am jolly. I don’t want a single grandchild left with the memory that their Granddad was a wet blanket at Christmas.

This week has been a strange week. I have met at least one new family each day. With each new acquaintance, there is a story. I’m going to put yesterday’s story in parable form to protect the innocent.

A certain young man who came from a good family got married and began making a home and family. He was very particular; his goal was to be independent. He didn’t want to be indebted to anyone not even his parents. In took great pride in being debt free and saving money. When a caring family member questions his core values, he said, “I have enough money to get what I want, I don’t owe anyone and I don’t need anyone’s help.” Yet this young man was miserable and worked to make everyone around him miserable. Even on Christmas, he refused to let his children go visit their grandparents. No pictures, no cards, no parties and no family get to gathers. How would you like to be his child or wife?

Please, for the sake of your children and grandchildren, give your misery a break during the holidays. Don’t be guilty of imposing your misery upon a child. For Pete’s sake, let them enjoy their childhood.

• I was so tired when I got home last night, that there was no EXTRA but I want to wash some feet tonight. First of all, I commend you for all that you have done this Christmas to help children. I’m not sure, but I think you sponsored 13 children and they all got a whale of a Christmas. Jason’s class did more than one and so did Charles’ class. We had four women who did the others. THANK YOU FOLKS–YOU MAKE ME PROUD [in a good way].
• LORD willing, Shohn and I work to noon today but this has been a crazy week. My back, for some strange reason is much better. The problem now, is not overdoing it. I don’t understand but it began getting better Saturday evening. I bet someone has been praying for me and so I am going to give the LORD the credit for my improvement.
• Remember, no service tonight but we do have CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION tomorrow night at 6:00.
• There were 4 different unspoken request on the prayer sheets this week and I can add a couple to the list. I don’t know what they are but I will guess: [1] Substance Abuse, [2] Domestic Conflict, [3]Ungrateful adult children, [4] Irresponsible Adults [folks who keep blaming others for everything that goes wrong in their life], [5]Family Conflict, [6] Financial Bondage and [7] Spiritual Indifference. So pick out a number and pray for that mountain to fall.
• I am so thankful for Buford’s baptism on the 13th. Buford is tired; he has very little energy. I am fairly certain that Buford is packing, taking care on all details, in view of his promotion. I told him yesterday how much he has inspired me. I love Buford and his family. The entire family has the gift of hospitality.
• Seth is home {PTL} but his is disabled for three months and he is not happy about it. On the other hand, we are very happy that they saved his toe and that it was not worse. He has a very good boss [which is good] and between him and his mama, a lot of friends. He had to go 9 hours without eating [before the surgery]. Dr. Gomez wrote on his post opt orders…”Feed the boy.” He said he had never written those orders before.
• When the grand mother told me her story yesterday [about not getting to have all her grandchildren at Christmas], I got stirred up. I am an advocate for children. I don’t remember who it was or where, but some one told me in the last few days about a good divorce…he said concerning someone else, “She is happy now and he is happy now.” My knee jerk reaction, “How happy are the children?” [two children involved]. He said, “Your right, I hadn’t thought about from their perspective.” Neither have their parents! How can any parent be happy when their own selfishness has destroyed their child’s sense of security and threatened their peace of mind and happiness?

Christmas Joy

Scripture

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12, NIV

Quote

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.”

~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

I saw the above verse on a Guidepost calendar today. It seemed so fresh, it was like I had never seen it before. It took me a few minutes to find out what translation it was from. It is the NIV and I love it. Notice the phrase, “Be joyful in hope.”  Joy is most definitely a CHRISTMAS WORD.

• Matthew 2:10– When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
• Luke 1:44–When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.
• Luke 2:10– “Don’t be afraid!” the Angel said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”
• Luke 2:34–“This child {Jesus} is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him.”

I suppose Matthew 2:10 in the NKJV says it best...When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. In other words, they were completely overwhelmed by joy. The joy in the wise men erupted like an artesian well and it was overwhelming: they were captured, enraptured and dominated by joy. It took control of their emotions, they mind and their body. Their joy was visible and vibrant. It could not be covered or denied.

Do we see that kind of JOY in our worship? Most Baptist look miserable in worship. Their expression says…Do I have to be here?…This is painful… I am bored…I’m not interested, so shut up and let us go home.

Isn’t it sad that most professed believers do not understand that Joy is the serious business of heaven. I borrowed that last thought from Jack, {Clive Staples Lewis} who’s nick name was Jack. If I had a name like Clive Staples, it would be a joy to be called Jack. Amen!

• Gary Garner has already had his 5th treatment. I thought they were going to give him the holidays off but they didn’t. He will not be able to have company this weekend. In three weeks, he will have his 6th and final treatment we pray.
• Buford Burgess had one bad night and day this week but he was feeling a tad bit better yesterday. I made a new friend, Buford’s great grand son Elijah. He did some stand up comedy for me. I got a chuckle but I don’t think his grandmother or great grandmother were that entertained. Kids didn’t make Christmas but it was made for them. I would never want a Christmas without kids. Someone gave Buford a singing Turkey. The bird is hilarious.
• Our readership has been down for a while; for some reason, I cannot post it to Tweeter and Facebook with the one click as I was able to do for some years. It’s time consuming to do them one at a time and I just don’t go to the trouble. I know those who really want to read the devotion will find it. It is simple to find. I think this is one factor, there are probably others. It takes more time than I have to produce a good devotion. We have about 35 solid readers and I appreciate everyone of them. I’ve thought seriously about giving it up lately but it has nothing to do with the drop in readers. Sometimes, a lot lately, I feel overwhelmed by my own sins and transgressions and I fell unqualified to write a blog. I just want you to know I appreciate you and I wish I knew more about computers. I am horrible about responding to comments.
• I got to ranting last night so I will try to keep this one short but I am going to share with you and email from Bobby Stork and dedicate it to our Marine grand son [Jonathan Seth Fagan].

TWO TERRIORIST AND ONE MARINE

Two Terrorists boarded a flight out of London. One took a window seat and the other sat next to him in the middle seat. Just before takeoff, a U.S. Marine sat down in the aisle seat. He took it upon himself to make sure these two did not become a problem. After takeoff the Marine unlaced his boots and kicked them off, he wiggled his toes and was settling in for some serious rest when the terrorist in the window seat said “I need to get up and get a coke.” “Don’t get up,” said the Marine, “stay in your seat. ‘I’m in the aisle seat, I’ll get it for you.” As soon as he left one of the terrorist picked up the Marines boot and spat in it and mumbles ‘stupid infidel.’ When the Marine returned with the coke, the other terrorist said, “That looks good.  I’d really like one too.” Again, the Marine said, “don’t get up, I will get it for you,” and he gets the second terrorist a coke. While he was gone the other terrorist picked up the Marines other boot and spat in it saying, “Dumb American swine.” When the Marine returned, he sat back and enjoyed the flight. As the plane was landing the Marine slipped his feet into his boots and knew immediately what had happened. He leaned over and asked his Muslim neighbors,  “Why does it have to be this way? How long must this go on? This fighting between our nations…This hatred…This  animosity… This spitting in shoes and urinating in cokes?”  

• THE  FEW. THE PROUD. THE CHOSEN.

• Simper Fi

Christmas Hope

Scripture

My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to Me and wait in hope for My powerful arm.

~Isaiah 51:5, NLT

Quote

Man can exist without hope but he cannot live without hope.

~Ya’akov

Can you imagine a world without Christ? I am very grateful to be living on this side of the cross. We have so much more than our O.T. counterparts:

1. We have access to the throne of grace. They had to approach through a priest.
2. We have a High Priest who can be trusted. They had the likes of Caiaphas who was rotten to the core.
3. We have the printed word of God including the words of Jesus. They a limited number of scrolls but not the O. T. as we know it. The bible is a huge blessing.
4. They had Passover but we have Easter and Christmas. No comparison. I had rather celebrate the birth of a Lamb than to slaughter one, hadn’t you?

For centuries, the Jews waited on the Promised One, the Messiah, the Seed of woman who would crush the serpent, the great Prophet who would speak for God, Isaiah’s great Light and Prince of Peace. He would be the Son of David who would rule with fairness and justice. He would be the Liberator of the oppressed and the hope of nations.

The one thing that believer’s have, in any set of circumstances, is HOPE. Never think lightly of hope, it is the key to living sucessfully.

• Gary Garner got good news. They are going to do two more treatments as a precaution but his PET Scan was good; THANK YOU JESUS!
• Heath’s surgery went good. He went to ICU but should get a room today. It’s a tough surgery that leaves one feeling miserable [said the Doctor]. That is not his exact words but its a good translation. He should begin to feel better in a few days.
• We have found a violinist: Beautiful Hannah Marie Clardy Garnett is a violinist and I did not know this until yesterday. She also knows Haley’s brother: the two have performed professionally. One tiny problem, she and Hunter live in B’town. I told her she had a standing invitation to play the violin at DBC. Maybe we will get to hear her during the holidays.
• I forgot to talk with Adam last night but there is a change that we will do Jace’s baptism this Sunday.

Christmas Wars

Scripture

“Where is the newborn King of the Jews?  We saw His star as it rose and we have come to worship Him.” King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.

~Matthew 2:2-3, NLT

Quote

Christmas has always been a disturbing time for Christ haters.

~Ya’akov

I grew up just North of Athens, Alabama. What little shopping we did was in Athens. In the 50’s and 60′ half of the merchants on the square were Jews. Ben Jaffe’s for one but there were others. At Christmas time they would have signs in the show windows saying happy X-mas. Of course these Jewish merchants did not complain about the profits they made during the Christmas season.

Christ-haters have been around for as long as I can remember but these days, it seems like the intensity is much greater and their numbers seem to be growing. My conclusion is that we are getting close to the end and Christ-haters are coming out of the wood work. The left-wing, Christ-hating liberals want to have the holidays but they want Christ removed. They want to celebrate  the winter solace. God forgive but all liberals are stupid. Who in their right mind [Other than deer hunters, God bless them] wants to celebrate winter? Are all liberals idiots or all idiots liberals? Obama and cooperate America are is full step with this tree-hugging, baby-killing, left-wing, Christ-hating agenda. Show me a person who is more concerned about a spotted owl than they are a precious baby and I will show you a tree-hugging, left-wing, Christ hating liberal. Sorry folks, but no one who loves Jesus advocated the whole slaughter of the unborn. There is a major spiritual problem with that view.

Is there any hope? I believe so. I do not believe that Christ will ever be left without a visible presence in this world. The church may not appear triumphant but there is no way the name of Christ will be erased from the center of history. Christmas is under attack but this assault is coming from the Herod’s of this world. These Christ-haters want to be their own king. God, in His grace and mercy gives them a lot of liberty in the present but in the future, their choices will become fewer and fewer. In the end, they will have no choice, just the consequences of making the wrong choice.

• Our Nephew Heath is to have surgery this morning at HWC. I’ll be riding to Huntsville with Joe David.
• Hannah Marie Garnett’s grandfather’s COLS is today at 1:00. Visitation from 11:-1:00. I don’t have a name but here is a picture of Hannah with Grandpa at her wedding.

• I am doing as little as possible but I am trying to fulfill my duties and major responsibilities. I tried the office yesterday but had to give it up around 10:00. I am good for 50 steps or 2 hours sitting. I do hope that Dr. Ward does something Thursday night. Joe David and I will be gone for the entire morning and Mandy has some church business that she has to take care of in town. If you need us, call our cell.
• We will have the GATHERING tomorrow night which will be our last before the CHRISTMAS BREAK. Tyler is out of town on work so if David has to work late, we will be having a songless service.
• Very few people are upset about Obama’s insane immigration plan. I asked one man to contact his congressmen the other day and he said, “It’s too late.” It is not too late but if we do not have a tax payer revolt in the next few weeks, it may be very well too late. I don’t think you folks understand what it is going to be like when it is “Too late.”If  You have a computer: email Mo Brooks, Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby today and once a week until we see congress do something. Mo will respond: I haven’t gotten anything back from Shelby. I wonder if he is still alive. They have changed their Facebook policy. You can see what they post, but you are not allowed to post but you can email them. Just say: I oppose the immigration of Muslims–close the borders. We are helping needy people, we are enabling our mortal enemy to accomplish his mission of global domination.

Peace On Earth

Scripture

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

~Luke 2:14, NASB

Quote

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself {Jesus Christ}, because it is not there. There is no such thing.

~C.S. Lewis

The talking heads on radio are saying John Lennon’s “So This Is Christmas” is becoming an all time favorite. It ended with a repeated refrain, “War Is Over.” It is good music and I like the sound but liberals are so misguided and naïve. Jesus said, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” What Jesus promoting war? No, of course not-He was simply stating a fact. Man has an evil bent and until he gets his heart right, he will be aggressive and violent. There will be wars, violence and crime.

The liberals think the solution to war is for all the good guys to lay down their weapons. Let me ask you a question: if the police disarm themselves, will all the criminals turn themselves in? In the same logic which means both ideas are absurd. I have been convicted about calling  liberals stupid idiots, so let’s just call them insane.

Liberals write songs about peace but deny the Prince of Peace. I hate war and violence: I don’t know any born again believer who doesn’t but we live in a sin cursed and broken world where Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is the only answer. Until Jesus returns and makes all things right: we must have law and order-otherwise the human race will self-destruct.

• I’m not worrying about short blogs anymore; I am down to 10 readers but they are highly intelligent. I have changed my target–I am shooting for the intellects.
• I am sure you have heard the arrangements but just in case: Visitation for the Randolph family is at DBC, 5:00-9:00 tonight {Friday} COLS is Saturday at 2:00 at DBC with the body lying in state from 12:-2:00. The visitation for the Roylean Lewis family is Sunday at Heritage in Hartselle from 12:00-3:00 with COLS at 3:00.
• If you need some excitement in your life, let Big Mama drive you to Decatur after dark. She avoided the 4-lanes for some reason and runs off the edge of the road every time she meets a car. If you ride with her at night, you will get all your sins confessed. I do have to brag on her, she has been a terrific nurse but I think I’m about to wear her out. She usually proofs the blog but last night she was wore out and crashed. The MRI was successful last night. We are hoping to see Dr. Ward the first of next week.
• When you get my age, you think a lot about your parents and grandparents at CHRISTMAS.

Nine in the Pic have departed

Spiritual Immaturity

Scripture

“It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!”

~Exodus 14:2, NLT

Quote

Immaturity is a state of being not fully developed or grown; acting in a childish way; having or showing a lack of emotional maturity.

~Daniel Webster

Three days prior to the scripture above, the Israelites had marched out of Egypt like and army, they were in columns and it took them hours to march down  the main street of Rameses with shouts of victory and fist raised in defiance. They were acting like a conquering army. Three days later they are petrified with fear: afraid to run or fight.

In their fear they lash out at Moses, the servant of God, with a barrage of questions, each accusing him of poor leadership.

• Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness?
• Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt?
• What have you done to us?
• Why did you make us leave Egypt?
• Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt?

They conclude with this statement: “We ask you to “Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!”

The marks of immaturity:

1. Implication: somehow this was all Moses fault. He was to blame for everything. 
2. Irresponsibility: not only did they blame Moses, they wanted him to fix the problem for them.
3. Insecurity: they were eaten alive by fear. Afraid to die, afraid to fight, afraid of freedom and afraid to live by faith.

Although the LORD had freed them from Pharaoh, they continued to think like slaves. It took them 40 years to get this slave mentality out of their system. Although we have been saved, sometimes we think and act like sinners. It is hard to get the old ways out of our system. Don’t be too hard on the Israelites, we are a lot like them.

• Gary Garner has completed his first round of chemo but his blood levels are down and he cannot have company.  His counts are slow in rebuilding but this time it seems like slower than usual. He goes next Tuesday for PET scan and MRI. Pray for Gary.
• David Wood has been trying to restart the INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY which I am for but keep forgetting to mention. There is a sign up sheet at the welcome center.
• Golden Girls and Senior Adults Christmas today at Cracker Barrel in Hartselle. {9:30 am}
• I have a new app on my Phone for the phone message: I didn’t think the first one went through yesterday because after an hour or so, I didn’t get a call but my phone was on silent. I am pretty sure I called you twice: sorry about that!
• We have a couple of handicap ramps to build and I am out of commission but I think I can get Felton to lead the project. We will meet Sunday. One of them will be very simple. I have not measured for the second. He could use one or two helpers. Joe David will help and we could use one more.
• Ray Edwards is better: the meds worked and I got a little bump from the steroids. Still can’t walk any distance but I am better. June drove me yesterday so I could visit the hospital. Buford Burgess had a bad night, didn’t not get to come home. Mrs. Roylean Lewis is very low, her family was with her yesterday. 

 

O Come Let Us Adore Him

SCRIPTURE

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

~Matthew 2:10, NKJV

QUOTE

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

~Charles Dickens

No commentary tonight; just a word of praise and thanksgiving. For the 19th straight year, I was privileged to visit old friends and family in Limestone County along with some our folks in Hospitals, Nursing homes and battling cancer. It was a good day and I must give thanks for the ability to get out and go. A lot of changes from last year and massive changes since 2010. On my way home from Athens and en route to Kenny’s, I did some thinking. Joe David most repeated quote is: “We are definitely not in control.” This truth was bearing heavily upon my mind. There are two things that no one with an ounce of brains can argue with: [1] Infinity and [2] Infirmity [we are weak and helpless creatures at God’s mercy]. I was dreaming of the power to confer peace on earth and make everything right: no suffering, no cancer, no hungry children–a world-wide Christmas truce…I was dreaming of heaven, wasn’t I?

By the way, Kenny was sitting up in bed writing Christmas Cards to family and friends. Do you believe that! How many of us are that unselfish? I don’t write Christmas cards and I’m not sick. 

I also praise the LORD for a wonderful candle light communion service on CHRISTMAS EVE.

A couple of praises: Russ and Katie got to bring Preston home today and all our grand children are getting to spend Christmas at home. THANK YOU JESUS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tis The Season To Be Jolly

SCRIPTURE

If you have the gift of giving, give with generosity; if you have the gift of leading, lead with enthusiasm; if your gift is doing acts of kindness, do them cheerfully.

~Romans 12:8, JEV

QUOTE

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”

~Charles Dickens

I’ve used the Dickens’ quote before but couldn’t resist. I also like Emerson’s quote on acts of kindness…“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” I love list’s and in Romans 12, Paul gives us a list of exhortations and I have translated some into ACTS OF KINDNESS that we can do not just at Christmas but any day of the year. Look through the list and pick out at least one project to do between now and Christmas.

1. Demonstrate to someone that your love is real.
2. Be truly affectionate in showing love for one another.
3. Compete with each other in showing respect. Try to out respect them.
4. Be fired up and enthusiastic about the LORD’s work.
5. Help someone who is suffering.
6. Help someone financially. Pray for God to put a person on your heart. It could be a believer.
7. Make an extra effort to be kind to strangers.
8. Bless someone who has been ugly to you in the past year. Say nice things to them and about them.
9. Work for peace in your family or circle of friends. You may be the only person who can call a truce. Peace in your family may depend on you.
10. Do an act of kindness to a person who doesn’t like you.

It’s a tough list, is it not? It is a challenge for me. You could make a huge difference in someone life with a simple act of kindness. Why not give it shot, after all, its Christmas.

• When I was a kid, it was the children that looked forward to being out of school for Christmas, summer or anything but now days it is the teachers who get the most excited about school being closed. Elect me Governor and we will cut out some of the school business; I’ll give you more holiday’s, fewer tests and restore real food to the lunch room.
• I think Preston Roberts may get to come home today. I hope to find out more as the day progresses. Kenny had another tough day yesterday. He had two procedures at DGH but is back home. Please pray for Kenny.
• Concerning the family you helped at Huntsville Women and Children: Katie said they were thrilled with your gift. Mandy got all the other things to the proper families yesterday. I really appreciate what you did for children this year. I know we have always helped a few but you went above and beyond this year.
• Today is my baby sisters birthday. I’m not going to mention her age but I was 10 when she was born.
• After Christmas, I plan to run the top ten cartoons for 2014. If you want to vote on one, my email is jack@danvillebaptist.org. or just text me.
• I tried to preview the post at the office and it dated it as December 22 so I had to copy, paste and redo pics. Now I am tired and no telling how many mistakes you will find. Hopefully, this one will be dated right.

B’day Girl on Right

Very Red Santa

Very Red Santa

This article is not for the faint of heart…Full article can be read on JAG HUNTER

George Everett “Bud” Day

George Everett “Bud” Day (February 24, 1925 – July 27, 2013) was a United States Air Force colonel and pilot who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, including five years and seven months as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. Day was a recipient of the Medal of Honor and the Air Force Cross. As of 2013, he is the only person to be awarded both medals.I got shot down over North Vietnam in 1967, a Sqdn. Commander.

Before his death, he spoke of the Presidents view on torture…

After I returned in 1973…I published 2 books that dealt a lot
With “real torture” in Hanoi . Our make-believe president is
Branding our country as a bunch of torturers when he has
No idea what torture is.

As for me, I was put through a mock execution because I would not respond..
Pistol whipped on the head….same event. Couple of days later…
Hung by my feet all day. I escaped and a couple of weeks later, I got
Shot and recaptured. Shot was OK…what happened afterwards was not.

They put me in the rope trick, trick…almost
Pulled my arms out of the sockets. Beat me on the head with a
Little wooden rod until my eyes were swelled shut, and my unshot,
Unbroken hand a pulp.

Next day hung me by the arms…rebroke my right wrist…wiped
Out the nerves in my arms that control the hands….rolled my fingers
Up into a ball. Only left the slightest movement of my left forefinger.
So I started answering with some incredible lies.
Sent me to Hanoi strapped to a barrel of gas in the back of a truck.
Hanoi ..on my knees….rope trick again. Beaten by a big fool.
Into leg irons on a bed in Heartbreak Hotel.
Much kneeling–hands up at Zoo.
Really bad beating for refusing to condemn Lyndon Johnson.
Several more kneeling events. I could see my knee bone thru
Kneeling holes.
There was an escape from the annex to the Zoo. I was the Senior
Officer of a large building… because of escape…they started a mass
Torture of all commanders.
I think it was July 7, 1969…they started beating me with a car fanbelt.
In the first 2 days I took over 300 strokes…then stopped counting
Because I never thought I would live thru it.
They continued day-night torture to get me to confess to a non-existent
Part in the escape. This went on for at least 3 days. On my knees…
Fan belting…cut open my scrotum with fan belt stroke. Opened up
Both knee holes again. My fanny looked like hamburger…I could not
Lie on my back.
They tortured me into admitting that I was in on the escape…and
That my 2 room-mates knew about it.

The next day I denied the lie.
They commenced torturing me again with 3- 6- or 9 strokes of
The fan belt every day from about July 11 or 12th..to 14 October
1969. I continued to refuse to lie about my roommates again.
Now, the point of this is that our make-believe
President has declared to the world that we (U.S..) are a bunch of
Torturers…Thus it will be OK to torture us next time when they
Catch us…because that is what the U.S. Does.
Our make-believe president is a know nothing fool who thinks
That pouring a little water on some one’s face, or hanging a pair of
women’s pants over an Arabs head is TORTURE.. He is a meathead.

I just talked to MOH holder Leo Thorsness, who was also in my squadron,
In jail…as was John McCain…and we agree that McCain does
Not speak for the POW group when he claims that Al Gharib was
Torture…or that “water boarding” is torture.