Franklin Graham - Offensive! Really?

Evangelist Franklin Graham, son of Rev. Billy Graham, has officially been "uninvited" to speak at the National Day of Prayer interfaith event at the Pentagon.

Why? Because he has actually had the NERVE to voice concerns over the dangers of the teaching of Islam and have the AUDACITY to hope that muslims would come to know that Christ died for their sins. I can honestly say there was a day when I thought something like this would never happen in America.

What do we do in this culture of destructive political correctness?
First, get into God's Word. Read it and know it. They are Words that lead to life.
Second, Get informed. Hear from those who have escaped the oppression of Islam and found true freedom in Christ. Just a few places to start:

"Son of Hamas" by Mosab Hassan Yousef is a MUST READ!
Visit www.hesetsfree.org will give you good and basic insight into the fastest growing religion in the world.
Also, check out www.koomeministries.com brings to life the need and the way to reach out to muslims.
Lastly, do what we do by setting www.onenewsnow.com as your news source. Get the news from a Biblical perspective. Much of it you will not get on mainstream media. You will be able to follow the Franklin Graham story.

Finally, Pray.

Education is the Key

I happen to agree with the statement that education holds the key to freedom, success, contentment, etc. However, not in the way we think of today. Many think that if we just keep throwing money at the current system it will get better. But nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the Bible says that the knowledge of the truth is what will set us free. Free from what? Free from the want and poverty that always follow right behind deception. All truth comes from God. But what if you live in a culture (like ours) where there seems to be less and less room for God in the public square. Without God, how will government operate? What will our children learn in school?

Today we had Congressman Pete Hoekstra on the show and talked about the importance that Christianity played in our history. There is a great event coming May 1st at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville. David Barton, Founder and President of Wallbuilders, will be speaking during this breakfast. Chris & I are so excited because David Barton's work was a significant part of our kid's homeschool curriculum. His research into historical and constitutional issues helps us to stand against current philosophies which undermine our freedoms, faith, and families. He underscores the great importance of holding on to our Christian religious and constitutional heritage as the basis of government and society.

If you have never heard David Barton speak before, make plans to the get your tickets and come to the breakfast at the Pinnacle Center, May 1st. Or go to www.wallbuilders.com

Save the Planet?

As if I didn't have enough on my list of things to do. Now I am supposed to save the planet. Time Out! Have we really gone so far as to believe that we hold the existence of the entire planet in our hands. Last I checked, that was a God thing. Are we really that arrogant to believe that with nuclear weapons, natural disasters, and diseases like aids and cancer, we are really saving the world by using plastic instead of paper - uh - er, or is it paper instead of plastic. I can't remember!!

Earth Day is this Thursday and supposedly we should all become enlightened on the subject. Since we can no longer use terms like Easter or Good Friday for our holidays, we now celebrate things like "Spring Break" and now "Earth Day". Since we are being asked to celebrate these pagan holidays, let's take a closer look at them. After doing a little reading on the topic of Earth Day, I quickly came across an article with these suggestions for you to take part in "saving the planet". These are actual suggestions from the list.

1. Buy wooden, lead-free paint, biodegradable toys.
2. Go see a movie like "Oceans".
3. Use an energy efficient microwave to heat up your tea or coffee.
4. Go to dinner at a resaurant that has locally grown products.
5. Buy some cool waste bins.
6. Get a book to that will teach you how to "save the planet".

Could they be serious? Go to a movie, out to eat, buy toys, and read a book with your latte. In other words, to save the planet - hang out at the mall more!

Now that you see the irony, I have a suggestion. Instead, go to God's word today and He will show you that the world is a gift to us from Him. Everything in it belongs to Him and He reveals himself through it. Make Earth Day a day of praise and thanksgiving for the world he gave us and so graciously holds together by his hand.

Black and White

The issue couldn't be more black and white. Black shoes - black socks. Brown shoes - brown socks. White shoes - white socks. I don't know why, but on occasion, Chris gets this confused. It's never more obvious than when he pairs his blue jeans with black shoes and WHITE SOCKS. When I look at him I feel like I'm watching an old "All In The Family" episode.

Just when I think I've made some headway, like the checkered flag at a Nascar race, I catch alternate flashes of black and white as he walks down the hall. He could stop a train with that ensemble. I've tried to explain how it looks very Archie Bunkerish, but he doesn't see it. I also tried to point out that by and large this simple rule is observed in both the NFL and the NBA. All to no avail.

For whatever reason, Chris likes to wear his black shoes with white socks. Since it is not a daily occurrance, I guess I will just look on the bright side. Next to his black shoes, my whites look even whiter!

Name the Ducks

Congratulations to Sheryl! She picks up two tickets to the Mark Schultz concert for naming the Lake JQ ducks. It was a toss up. We couldn't come to an agreement, so we asked Jeremy to help decide. He "helped" by adding a third name to the list of potential winners. So, what else could we do but ask the listeners. After the votes were tallied, the Lake JQ ducks now go by "Babs & Scooter".

God's Vitamins

GOD’S VITAMINS Anxious? Take Vitamin A. (Romans 8:28 = And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.) Blue? Take Vitamin B. (Psalm 103:1 = Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!) Crushed? Take Vitamin C. (1 Peter 5:7 = Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.) Depressed? Take Vitamin D. (James 4:8 = Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.) Empty? Take Vitamin E (Psalm 100:4 = Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.) Fearful? Take Vitamin F. (Isaiah 41:10 = Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.') Greedy? Take Vitamin G. (Luke 6:38 = Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.") Hesitant? Take Vitamin H. (Isaiah 52:7 = How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!") Insecure? Take Vitamin I. (Philippians 4:13 = I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.) Jittery? Take Vitamin J. (Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.)

Use the Tools!

We were hanging wall hangings around the house this week and the whole job was much easier thanks to my new handy little gadget. It's a level with a laser light beam that stretches across the wall to make sure everything is level and centered. We wonder why life gets so off balance sometimes, yet we have a great tool right at our fingertips. God's word gives us direction, guidance, and it sheds a ray of light to the road we all must walk. And even though the road can get rough or we have to figure how to get around the next bend, God's word will navigate us through keeping us on the straight and narrow. God's Word is more than self-help book. It really leads to life.

Triple Play Madness Champions!!

By just three votes, Casting Crowns takes home the trophy. It was such a fun competition as everyone filled out their brackets and played to win. Whether you made it to the open house breakfast at the JQ studios (breakfast courtesy of Hudsonville Grill), or voted by phone or email, we appreciate everyone who played along.

Grandma Green made it in for the breakfast. Her bracket had Toby Mac going all the way, but since it was her birthday yesterday, she chose "Lose Your Soul" for the bonus encore I win second song.

Until next year, Casting Crowns holds the honor of the Triple Play Madness Champion!