Closed countries???

I'd seen this quote before, but it struck me anew today.

There are no closed countries if you do not expect to come back. 

- Larry Poston

Massive Toad

This is a picture that my family sent to me. It is my dad holding a large toad (not frog) on a regular 10-inch paper plate. He does this whenever he finds a big one. :)

What is true Love?

This is an old definition of love that I've heard for years but can never remember, so I decided to post it, thus giving me a way to reivew it.

"Love is a desire for and a delight in the well being of the one loved, leading to active and a self sacrificing effort of their behalf."

Worshiping while sacrificing

I was reading Gen. 22, Abraham sacrificing Isaac today; I was struck again by Abraham's saying "we will go and WORSHIP and then we will come again." He was going to sacrifice his son. So I was reminded of the song that I heard a while back: When praise demands a sacrifice. Ponder the words.

The call to go to Mount Moriah came to Abraham
But the offering placed before the Lord was not a lamb
He bound His only son and when the knife was raised
A sacrifice became the price of praise.

CHORUS
When praise demands a sacrifice, I'll worship even then
Surrendering the dearest things in life
And if devotion costs me all He'll find me faithful to His call
When praise demands a sacrifice.

The call to go to Calvary came to God's own son.
An altar waited for the lamb He would become
His hands reached up to Heaven as the cross was raised
And with His life He paid the price of praise

REPEAT CHORUS

God hears the words of praise we lift, yet I have found.
He's honored more by what I am willing to lay down.

REPEAT CHORUS

Christian leadership tainted by politics?

  It's a good thing that most Christian leaders aren't scrutinized by the media for what they do and their connections as much as Republican politicians. If they were, we would be able to look forward to the fall of several prominent evangelical leaders in the next few months for association with Mr. Jack Abramoff, that person who is presently making so many Congressional politicians squeamish as he prepares to testify in court. Those Christian leaders who would be indicted for indirect, but guiltful, association would include such people as James Dobson of Focus on the Family, Phyllis Schlafly, and American Family Association head Don Wildmon. If you are interested in the whole story check it out here. Basically, these are people who got used for political purposes without their knowledge, intriguing eh. And yet, one wonders if those mighty politicians in Washington ever find they have been used inadvertently but get knocked down by the media anyways. Ah well, what goes around, comes around.