Two things you don't talk about . . .

Update on Steve – he came through the surgery just fine. His wife gave me a call around 4:30 p.m. Praise God.
I do not know anything yet concerning Mark Johnson following his surgery, but we continue to think about these two and pray for a speedy and complete recovery.

Check out this saying sent to me by Darlene:
"We are not Human Beings going through a Temporary Spiritual experience.
We are Spiritual Beings going through a Temporary Human experience".

I have been battling the ‘funk’ on and off all day. As a result, not much was accomplished other than doing the dishes, wash/dry some clothes and nursing all of the animals. I did have several good times in prayer today, yesterday was better - I had a really moving time with the Lord. I broke out the guitar and played some worship songs, the few that I can play and it was like He showed up in my house in person. Such is my life at this point – each day is different – but much appreciated and I thankful to still be here.

I am going to get that picture of the new 'surprise(s)' tomorrow. I’ll need some sunlight to do it right.

Two things you don’t talk about – well here are both in one:
I am having a problem with some of our present world events related to Islam and the idea that Islam is a religion of ‘peace’. Correct me if I am wrong, but from what I have read, Mohammed was not just a prophet, but a warrior/statesman who promulgated his new religion both by the word and by the sword. The Koran is full of violent rants for those who are ‘infidels’. (Yes, I have read the Koran)The funny thing is, who decides who the infidel is and is not? Who is the Grand Inquisitor? As a result of the vague interpretation of ‘infidel’, Muslims are killing Muslims. True, the religion has been hijacked by some really severe nut jobs, but you cannot start a fire without fuel. Do you think you could twist the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament to the point that you could justify cutting off heads, blowing up innocent women and children and forcing women into roles no better than a dog? (Yes, I am aware of the Holy Wars a thousand years ago – those could not be backed up with New Testament scriptures even if you tried). In the Koran, one verse says to treat all people of all faiths with justice and fairness and then a few verses later, kill anybody who does not believe and follow the Koran. Huh? Is it any wonder there is such confusion in the minds of so many Muslims? Especially the younger ones? I believe that any educated, sincere Muslim and I have much more in common than not. Moral and ethical issues we would probably agree upon 90% of the time. Examples would be faithfulness to our own Holy Book and it’s teachings, praying, loving, giving, tolerance for others we disagree with, morally sound living, forgiveness, the expectation of modesty from our women as well as respecting and elevating them to a position of love, equality and respect – we may disagree with this last one, depending on which branch of Islam you consult. I could go on. The difference between the Muslim you can live next door to in peace and the one who wants to kill you, is in the understanding that you cannot force people to live a life according to how you think they should. Communism is a perfect example of this. It lasted for what - 70 years? And after its fall, the remaining states are still trying to recover and get their own political ‘legs’. Forcing people at the end of the gun and keeping them under a constant threat of punishment for ‘misbehaving’ only brings external obedience, not internal transformation (such as what Jesus taught about – the ‘new birth’ through faith in Him - in the Book of John, Chapter 3). I have no problems with Muslims who are for real and yet are not ideologs (or is it 'ideologist'). I do pray that those Muslims fighting to protect the ‘peaceful’ version of Islam will succeed - for the World’s sake. I pray even more so that Jesus will reveal Himself to them in ways that they can understand and that they will come to know him not just as a prophet, but as Lord and Savior.
I could go on, but I have said enough for one day. God help us all to live according to His design for each of us.
Disclaimer: I do not hate or dislike Islam or Mulsims - I respectfully disagree on many points, but there is no hatred in my heart - just in case anyone was wondering.

The last word: When things are not going right (or even if things are going great), start praising God for Who He is - start thanking Him for all He has done, is doing and is going to do. Invite His presence into your home or your job – wherever you are and whatever you are doing – no matter what the situation is, Praise Him!

Psalm 145:2-13
2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
[8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. ]
[9 The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. ]
(There is a beautiful song using the lines of verses 8 & 9)
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made (that includes me and you).

This is your weekend with beautiful weather in store. Do everything you have been wanting to do – and just have not had the time - don’t put it off.

God bless you and go, be a blessing.
George.