A Day in the Life of the Imperfect Christian

Where Can I Find The Right One?

2012-01-14T13:34:00.000-05:00

OK the human in the imperfect one says, now he is in favor of the death penalty. Forgive Your imperfect child (me) Lord for allowing the hate in others fuel such an evil thought in Your imperfect child.

Mindless people taunted this little girl, they placed horrible images on various social networks of her. What could a child possibly do to encourage someone to such hatred. You know the imperfect one has seen some kids that are well deserving of correction, but to torment a little girl with an illness and especially a critical one, warrants a critical punishment in this imperfect mind. Lord again forgive Your imperfect child...

In Gods' care rests little Kathleen now, but her family may not rest well for sometime. Please lift them in prayer. Please lift your imperfect brother in prayer. He is in dire need of it.

Tim Allen has a new sitcom called "Last Man Standing." On the show he had a conversation with his (on show) daughter. She said something to the affect of his acts needing to be more loving, and kind, like Gods'. Tim's character said whatever happened to the acts of God that involved the lightning strikes, and the earthquakes to take care of worthless people? Well those were like thoughts of the imperfect one concerning the matter involving little Kathleen!

Abram asked God if he could find enough men that were righteous in the city, if He would spare the city, and GOD could not find one outside of Abram (Abraham)! Only Abram, and his family were spared. Unfortunately everyone in Abram's family, but his nephews wife was spared. Lot's wife looked back and was not spared. Note to self, don't look back when you ask GOD to spare your city (house), and when He says press forward do so, and remember that the one He spares just might be you!

http://news.yahoo.com/video/detroitwxyz-20910802/taunted-girl-dies-from-fatal-disease-27867302.html#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fdetroitwxyz-20910802%252Ftaunted-girl-dies-from-fatal-disease-27867302.html

Peace, Blessings, and Joy in Christ... that real PB & J

Do You Remember The Best Part?

2012-01-12T12:43:00.000-05:00

Do you remember what the best part of the cake was? Did you savor it, and enjoy every morsel, or just remember that it was good?

The imperfect Christian stood by his great-great grandmother's bed side and held her hand as she died. After that day, he was fearful of death! The imperfect Christian thought about it as a youngster on a daily basis. As an adult that fearful memory was refreshed, but this time in fear for his children. The imperfect one as a young newly crowned father, had a dream that his infant son (oldest son and no longer an infant) walked out of a skyscraper window, and fell several stories. The imperfect one scrambled in the dream and forced himself to sleep, and to continue the dream, until he could catch his son before he fell to his death.One of the imperfect ones most frightening events for sure!

Then later in his adult life, and being blessed with a girl, the imperfect Christian was sent a message from an angel to give to his little angel. She woke up one night, screaming, and daddy flew to her rescue! She told her imperfect daddy something that tormented him. She spoke of a horrific death that she dreamed about... her own! The imperfect Christian fought back tears until after he talked with her. He thought about the times he dreamed of himself drowning as a child. By the grace of God he swims very well now, and survived childhood by that same grace. So we speak no such curses about death, when it is our time, it is our time. The Word that the angel gave to this imperfect father, and imperfect Christian was... "baby you don't dream of dying, you live, and dream of living!"

Life vs. Death, Heaven and hell, an eternal living God vs. a lying deceitful devil... Who wins, which do we seek most? You see we give in and let evil take way too much from us. We think about the doctor saying, "You are going to die in six months." We don't hear him say, "You have six months or longer to live!" We don't hear GOD saying, "I have prepared a place for you," or "I am the God of the living." We hear that we are going to die. It numbs you doesn't it? It made the imperfect Christian numb to think about hearing those words, he can't lie. How would we face those words? This is how the imperfect Christian chose to face them... See that pound cake above? The imperfect Christian can normally down a piece of cake like that in a breath! Not today, however! Today it took almost 35 - 40 minutes. He tasted the goodness of God through butter, sugar, flour, milk, eggs, and took his time with it. He felt that cake dissolve around his teeth, melt on his tongue, and hit every taste bud on the way down! It was a wonderful piece of cake, and the best part of that cake, was every part, not just the sweet, but the satisfying of sweet, and hunger, and the joy of having something to enjoy. To think someone cared enough to bake it, and share it with others. Thank You God for sharing first of all Yourself, but also the loved ones I get to appreciate on a daily basis, You are too good to an undeserving wretch like me!

Today the imperfect one wants to strive not just to see his children as good, but see the spirit (Spirit) within them, the full vibrant glow in those brown eyes, on each member. The perfect pink lips, and the wonderful white toothy smiles! The active little and not so little fingers with the dirty nails that show the indoor and outdoor activities. All the way down to those long finger toes with complimenting nails. Today the imperfect one challenges you, to savor each moment, and LIVE!!!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy in Christ... that real PB&J!!!

11:Eleven:XI

2011-11-11T09:56:00.001-05:00

On Eleven-Eleven not so long ago,

was born an baby girl w/ eyes all aglow.
The angels rejoiced and planned,

God touched you with His hands.

The "Fingerprints of God" are all over you.
To know that is to understand DW.
So on your big day, I wish you heaven,

Here to your day 11/11/11

A prize like you should not be ignored,

To precious to be put away, hidden, or stored.
Not kept like a trophy to leave sitting on a shelf,
I am so thankful God didn't keep you to Himself!

Happy Birthday DW

Worlds Fastest and Smallest...

2011-11-06T11:46:00.001-05:00

Wynky the Wooly Worm!

When Is Your Due Season?

2011-11-01T23:12:00.003-04:00

Is there a time and place for every season...

According to the Bible there is.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" Ecclesiastes III:1 (KJV)

Author of best selling literature, pastor of Saddleback Church, and multi talented Rick Warren says that we are here with a purpose driven life on this earth.

We go thru seasons, good ones, and bad ones. How can we determine how to make those transitions work in our favor? How do the good ones glorify God, and how can we find a way to glorify God in good and the bad?

Cleanliness Is Next To...

2011-10-28T19:25:00.000-04:00

The old cliche` says that cleanliness is next to godliness right? Kind of like the Gospel wouldn't you think? We keep our minds, and bodies free from worldly garbage.

The Drive Thru light is out, because the imperfect Christian did a drive by... not a shooting, but a drive by scooting. Cause he was cruising along in fine fashion.

The imperfect Christian read a story about a woman in Arizona that warned other parents at her local McDonald's about bodily fluid, and other bacteria that could be harmful to other children in the play area, and she was sent a legal notice stating that they (Mickey D's) had banned her from the area McDonald's! Yes plural "McDonald's." They wouldn't have to worry about sending a notice banning the imperfect Christians' crew! If the imperfect one walks into a restaurant, and their sanitation grade is below 95, then the imperfect Christian bans them!

So for all of you parents that just turn your kids loose, please watch the video in the link below, and watch what you put your kids through. If a restaurant or establishment does not match up spiritually and gets below a 100 in spirit (100 being good wholesome service), then that establishment is banned from the imperfect Christians "to do business with" list. Don't get the imperfect Christian wrong, but if an establishment does not treat his family right, or if that establishment exposes their clientele to a hell on earth, then they are banned. The imperfect Christians' family is not so heavenly minded, that they are of no earthly good, they are not a "holier-than-thou" family, but they are not demons in the wait either!

Do not dwell in the counsel of the wicked, but instead dwell among the wicked and counsel!
Proverbs XII:5

http://news.yahoo.com/video/phoenixktvk3tv-15751070/expose-gets-valley-mom-banned-from-mcdonald-s-27068678.html

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!

Neil Diamond made a song about me... Reverend Bluejeans & The Wise Woman

2011-10-26T23:32:00.002-04:00

For Reverend Bluejeans... Neil Diamond was a great song writer! Do you remember the Levi's commercial with Travis? Travis comes riding in, and the lady stands on the porch, and says... "Travis you're a year too late!" Well the Fourth Wiseman, was a tad late too, or he would have been included in the story of the birth of Jesus. The Fourth Wiseman missed the birth of Jesus, but understood what was going on. His peers called him, "Reverend Bluejeans." He referred to himself as the "imperfect priest." Well the imperfect preacher would have been there, but he was waiting on his sister to pick him up. Her name was Nay. She was two hours late getting to the imperfect preachers house to pick him up. This is where the term "Slower than Christmas" comes from. The imperfect preacher called her Re-Nay, cause every time he asked her if he could drive she'd say, "nay, nay!" She wouldn't let anyone hold the reigns to the XJSpitz...That's where Jaguar got there XJ series from. Nay was smart like that. That's why she was known as the Wise WOman. They were supposed to go to a funeral just before Christ was born, but Nay was late getting there for that as well. Why Nay even came to the imperfect preachers wedding late, no wait, that was the imperfect preachers fault, he didn't get the formal invitations out in time. CPT (colored people time) runs deep in this family, even in the non-colored section. Nay called an informal church service on the mountain to pray over this family curse, and you know she was late for that, and still hasn't shown up! Oops, meant to read, "She was even later for that event." This was the first week of the quest of the imperfect preacher finding the Messiah Child.

Just Simply Grateful... 11/11/11

2011-10-24T13:55:00.000-04:00

Some would not credit President Lincoln with the abolishment of slavery. Some may not give credit to President Obama for signing an end to the war in Iraq. The imperfect one is simply grateful, that God allowed this, and that, to finally come to an end, regardless of whom, signed what. Hopefully below are the words that will put into action, the reuniting of our troops with their families, our family, the American family. GOD Bless America. Remembering all that served, in every branch of service!

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT

ON ENDING THE WAR IN IRAQ

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

12:49 P.M. EDT

     THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. As a candidate for President, I pledged to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end -- for the sake of our national security and to strengthen American leadership around the world. After taking office, I announced a new strategy that would end our combat mission in Iraq and remove all of our troops by the end of 2011.

As Commander-in-Chief, ensuring the success of this strategy has been one of my highest national security priorities. Last year, I announced the end to our combat mission in Iraq. And to date, we’ve removed more than 100,000 troops. Iraqis have taken full responsibility for their country’s security.

A few hours ago I spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki. I reaffirmed that the United States keeps its commitments. He spoke of the determination of the Iraqi people to forge their own future. We are in full agreement about how to move forward.

So today, I can report that, as promised, the rest of our troops in Iraq will come home by the end of the year. After nearly nine years, America’s war in Iraq will be over.

Over the next two months, our troops in Iraq -- tens of thousands of them -- will pack up their gear and board convoys for the journey home. The last American soldier[s] will cross the border out of Iraq with their heads held high, proud of their success, and knowing that the American people stand united in our support for our troops. That is how America’s military efforts in Iraq will end.

But even as we mark this important milestone, we’re also moving into a new phase in the relationship between the United States and Iraq. As of January 1st, and in keeping with our Strategic Framework Agreement with Iraq, it will be a normal relationship between sovereign nations, an equal partnership based on mutual interests and mutual respect.

In today’s conversation, Prime Minister Maliki and I agreed that a meeting of the Higher Coordinating Committee of the Strategic Framework Agreement will convene in the coming weeks. And I invited the Prime Minister to come to the White House in December, as we plan for all the important work that we have to do together. This will be a strong and enduring partnership. With our diplomats and civilian advisors in the lead, we’ll help Iraqis strengthen institutions that are just, representative and accountable. We’ll build new ties of trade and of commerce, culture and education, that unleash the potential of the Iraqi people. We’ll partner with an Iraq that contributes to regional security and peace, just as we insist that other nations respect Iraq’s sovereignty.

     As I told Prime Minister Maliki, we will continue discussions on how we might help Iraq train and equip its forces -- again, just as we offer training and assistance to countries around the world. After all, there will be some difficult days ahead for Iraq, and the United States will continue to have an interest in an Iraq that is stable, secure and self-reliant. Just as Iraqis have persevered through war, I’m confident that they can build a future worthy of their history as a cradle of civilization.

     Here at home, the coming months will be another season of homecomings. Across America, our servicemen and women will be reunited with their families. Today, I can say that our troops in Iraq will definitely be home for the holidays.

This December will be a time to reflect on all that we’ve been though in this war. I’ll join the American people in paying tribute to the more than 1 million Americans who have served in Iraq. We’ll honor our many wounded warriors and the nearly 4,500 American patriots -- and their Iraqi and coalition partners -- who gave their lives to this effort.

And finally, I would note that the end of war in Iraq reflects a larger transition. The tide of war is receding. The drawdown in Iraq allowed us to refocus our fight against al Qaeda and achieve major victories against its leadership -- including Osama bin Laden. Now, even as we remove our last troops from Iraq, we’re beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan, where we’ve begun a transition to Afghan security and leadership. When I took office, roughly 180,000 troops were deployed in both these wars. And by the end of this year that number will be cut in half, and make no mistake: It will continue to go down.

Meanwhile, yesterday marked the definitive end of the Qaddafi regime in Libya. And there, too, our military played a critical role in shaping a situation on the ground in which the Libyan people can build their own future. Today, NATO is working to bring this successful mission to a close.

So to sum up, the United States is moving forward from a position of strength. The long war in Iraq will come to an end by the end of this year. The transition in Afghanistan is moving forward, and our troops are finally coming home. As they do, fewer deployments and more time training will help keep our military the very best in the world. And as we welcome home our newest veterans, we’ll never stop working to give them and their families the care, the benefits and the opportunities that they have earned.

This includes enlisting our veterans in the greatest challenge that we now face as a nation -- creating opportunity and jobs in this country. Because after a decade of war, the nation that we need to build -- and the nation that we will build -- is our own; an America that sees its economic strength restored just as we’ve restored our leadership around the globe.

Thank you very much.

                             END           12:55 P.M. EDT

How Gay Is It Now!?

2011-10-12T23:05:00.000-04:00

Some of you may not remember the movie "Philadelphia," with Tom Hanks, Antonio Banderas, and Denzel Washington. Dizzell's (Washington's) character was the attorney for the life partnered characters portrayed by Hanks, and Banderas. It is a very touching movie, and also a very educational movie. The scene that I think changed Washington's character most, however, was the scene where the tall, athletic football player from Penn State walked into the corner drug store, and recognized Washington's character as the famed attorney. The football player with mild conversation, asks the attorney out on a date. The attorney somewhat offended, told the football player to get out of his face, before he stuck foot to him. The football player explained calmly, to the attorney but with a high level of intensity, that he was a collegiate receiver that could bench press over 400lbs, ran a 4.3 in the 40, and took hits from other collegiate athletes that hit a lot harder than the everyday average Joe, and as the football player walked out he brushed the attorney as he walked past on his way out, and said, "I like to see you try!" Referring to the whole kick your butt attitude from the attorney. The attorney, stood in silence, and had a Jack Handy moment... he thought deeply on what had just taken place. Now that's not everyday, but that was an awesome lesson taught in a lenient way that could have been dealt out with a much more harsh reality. On the other hand, the imperfect Christian knows an attorney that is very athletic in his own right, knows Isshinryu Karate, and had earned a Black Belt if the old memory serves the imperfect one correctly, so even a big gay receiver could possibly meet his match.

This is not everyday either, but a loud mouth kid standing 5 foot nothing, and about 150lbs kept bad mouthing gay people at a gas station one morning, and a much taller, stronger looking 6 footer, walked by him at the gas station, and said something to the affect of, "Keep running that pretty yap, you are the perfect height to talk about a being gay like that!"

Again, for the record, the imperfect Christian is not a belligerent person, and does not condone sin, not even his own, but people should just be more considerate. The imperfect Christian has not been so insecure to ask another person about their preferences before allowing them to be his friend, co-worker, or hired hand. As the old cliche goes, "what you do behind closed doors is yours." What you do on the open floor, regardless of preference can get you fired, cause you to lose a friend, or possibly get you jailed if it belongs behind closed doors! Just some food for thought.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

#HaveYouEver...?

2011-10-09T01:05:00.001-04:00

This title could be a Twitter trend right? The trend starts with, "Have you ever...? then ask your question, and send your tweet. Well here's the imperfect Christians, "Have you ever..." trend:

Have you ever wondered if everyone is just a bit mental, and that even the people that seem the most sane to you, have moments of insanity?

Have you ever had someone send you a private message on a social network, then after you reply, they ask you not to text them?

Have you ever had to explain, that you didn't text them, you replied to their private message?

Have you ever sat near a group of people that was so messed up, that they felt that their crowd of 5 was as big as 55, & that qualifies them for celebrity status?

Have you ever laughed to yourself and thought, not only does no one know who you are, but no one (including the 5 you're with) cares?

Have you ever wondered what makes some people feel like they are important enough to be so inconsiderate to others, when you and they both know that no one is worth that?

Have you ever had a little girl that you do not even know, remind you of the love of Christ, by saying, "Thank you" after she allows you to help her?

Have you ever had one act of kindness override an entire days worth of foolishness?

Well have you ever?

Healing An Extreme Relationship

2011-10-08T01:53:00.000-04:00

You ever do something really bad, then think... "What the heck was I thinking, or better yet, why wasn't I thinking!" Well the imperfect Christian has been right there with you. Friends, careers, family (home and church), are all based on relationships.

So why is it that relationships hold no value at all anymore?

Family value...
Adam loved Eve so much, that he sinned against God. He listened to his wife, rather than God, and we all see where that got him right? God not only introduced Adam to Eve, He gave her to him. From his own being: flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, God blessed him, and Adam lost his mind, and more or less said, "Ok Lord, I have it from here." This wasn't the old, "My homeboy just hooked me up, dawg I owe you big!" introduction, this was ordained by God almighty. So why is it we do not value "our" relationships that way?

Career value...
We work for/with others, and/or others work for or with us. But we will treat people in our own companies like our enemies. Saul had David, and could have used his talent to make himself look (better than) good. Instead he tried to have David killed, and was the one that ended up losing it all.

Value of Friendship...
Friends are a dime a dozen right? If someone treats you well, oh well, so what, there is a world filled with people just itching to be your friend right? Why be committed to being kind to anyone that is not paying bills in your honor, or feeding every lustful desire you have?

The imperfect Christian believes a few kids need a bit more home training. Don't misinterpret now, the imperfect Christian did not say that children need abuse, but bless the Lord o' my poor soul, some kids just need a good wearing out before they get too old and hard headed to care, and end up incarcerated, or worse... dead! Don't spare the rod, spare the rubber, and if you need some new rubber, and wear a size 11 or 12 the imperfect Christian has probably got a shoe that you can wear and put to somebodies backside! Now again don't get the imperfect one wrong. Some kids have great parents. You know who you are. You are the parent that doesn't give in, the parent that can't be bribed. You are the parent that does not have the main goal of making your child(ren) your best friend, and allows your child(ren) to get by with murder. Some kids have all the upbringing in the world, and still end up rotten to the core. They are the kids that are like the "I'm good I've been water baptized bunch, so now I have a ticket to sin." Again don't misinterpret, not saying that water baptism is bad, what the imperfect one is saying, is that he learned from his Grandmama that some people go in a dry devil, and come out a wet one. (Via Pastor Baker Baptism 101)... People only lookout for #1, and don't care about anything, or anybody else.

So what do you value? What do relationships at home, at church, at work, or in public mean to you? Love thy enemy, and love thy neighbor as thyself? Or as a whole are we becoming the society that embraces the love of hate over everything? And again America, and all it's wonderful Christians wonder why the world hates us so. Hmm... nation full of hypocrites, Jesus would call us all lying, thieving vipers, and start turning tables over right now if He were still in flesh on this planet. It is a sad, sad thing! Yes, the imperfect one sees those three fingers pointing back at him (thanks Brotha Bamm Bamm for point that out, no pun intended), and only one at the accused. However, if the shoe fits... walk it out baby, walk it out!

You know the deal...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

2011-10-02T20:08:00.003-04:00

http://www.inquisitr.com/146144/saggy-pants-ban-earns-georgia-town-4000/

Detroit and Georgia now have bans on saggy bottoms. Who's singing "Pants On The Ground," right now? But a better question is, who are the authorities picking on? Are they gaining $4,000 in fines and losing $40,000 in other crimes, or in man power to enforce this law? A warning because you drawers are exposed? "Wear a belt young man/lady!" Isn't that unconstitutional somewhere?

The imperfect Christian read a blog that his immediate supervisor turned him onto. The blog is written by James Altucher. Mr. Altucher says, "If I stand in the center of Times Square New York City and said something like 'Moses didn’t part the Red Sea' or 'Jesus never existed' everyone would just keep walking around me, ignoring what I said, etc. Whatever, they would be thinking, I have things to do, very important things that have to get done. And this guy is clearly crazy so not worth my time.

But if I stood there and said, “going to college is the worst sin you can force your kids to commit”, or “you should never vote again” or “World War II was not a holy war” or “never own a home again”, I would probably be lynched on the spot."

Christians claim to be Christians, and tell you that they put God before everything, yet they will cling to a man made law over His. More people in the past three years have used the term, "It's unconstitutional," than they have used, "It's a sin, and unpleasing to God."

What are you saying? Now the imperfect Christian truly believes that God would be better pleased, if we were being modern day good Samaritan's, versus arguing over the law, both man made, and Biblical. The imperfect Christian summoning Mr. Barkley... "Charles!"

Charles replies, "I may be wrong, but I doubt it!"

So where do we go with baggy hanging off your backside pants, foul language, disrespect, and inappropriate acts altogether? When it comes to our children, the Bible says... "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

As an adult we have choices. Our home training is done, so, "Saggin, or Non-saggin?" Nuff said.

The twisting of the law to get personal gain is so pathetic, that it is sickening. The imperfect Christian doesn't agree with the saggy pants, but he does not believe that extremes will create anything but hate, heartache, and horrible heinous crimes that benefit the already wealthy and not the city.

Until the next time, you know the deal.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

News From the World of Siv P

2011-09-29T22:40:00.001-04:00

The latest news on where I've been or would like to be.

Where the imperfect Christian has been in his life:
LA is my old stomping ground, and there are times when the imperfect Christian misses it. The imperfect one was one of Sly's everyday people, he enjoyed Larry Graham's music as well, and was well impressed that Mr. Graham, and Prince hooked up to talk Christianity at one time. The imperfect Christian thinks Prince is a little more different in his being an imperfect Christian, but a searching Christian nonetheless, and prays for him each day. Like him or not, Prince is one of the most talented performers on the planet. Sly is a great performer in his own right, and it troubles the imperfect Christian to see him living out of a van, although, he claims to be happy in doing so.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/09/soul-music-star-sly-stone-now-homeless-in-la.html

Where the imperfect Christian has been today:
The DQ to get his Peanut Butter, and sugar fix! Five bucks, five minutes, five reasons to eat slower!
http://www.newcouponsfor.me/?path=28&cid=36&kw=dairy%20queen

Weather:
The 60% chance of sunshine is outweighing the 30% chance of rain for now... opppp, wait overcast, nope, suns back.
http://www.weather.com/

Sports:
College Football... good guys 2, bad guys 1. From a reliable source the UNC game could have been a lot worse, but a whole lot better!
NFL... good guys 3 bad guys 0. Yes the One Eyed Bandits to down the Jets! Monday Night Cowboys & Indians... Go Skins!!!
NASCAR... good guys in the chase, and holding their own, but the bad guy (Tony Stewart) has won two straight!
Baseball... good guys... 3 bad guys 3, but only one of the good guys have a shot at winning it all now. Come on Brew Crew! You all should know by now, that the Yankees threw the game against Tampa, so they could avoid the Red Sox... and the Braves choked... again!
Soccer... My guys on the road tonight. Git it did Mounties!
http://espn.go.com/nfl/

Inmates and Intimates (Does That Bother You? IV)

2011-09-29T13:08:00.000-04:00

Isn't it funny how one or two letters can make such a huge difference? Abortion, Capital Punishment, Taxes, the economy... how about education!? Religiously not everyone is on the same page. Nowhere is everyone on the same page completely, or at least not in the same book. Some have books, others have blood given covenants. So morally can't we find that common ground? Men and women argue everyday about what needs to happen, rather that make it happen. Did you watch the GOP Presidential debates last week? Did you observe or think about President Obama's hitting the campaign trail, to try and bid for his second term? You say you support the death penalty, one group of friends labels you as a diehard conservative. You say you somewhat support it, and they call you a hypocrite. If you do not support it, you are a yuppie scum liberal, and if you are uncertain, do not totally support it, then again you are a hypocrite!

The imperfect Christian passed a fellow cyclist on the road side and thought about Jesus' parable of the "Good" Samaritan. The imperfect one turned and went back to check on him, and you know, he didn't ask the imperfect one what had taken him so long! Amazing huh? In my grandparents generation, and generations before, society "learned" to be patient. Patience was a discipline, that served us well. Then along came my mothers generation, and we learned to pressure patience, and wanted an answer, or delivery in just a few minutes. Well good people, we now live in the iGeneration, and no longer the Microwave, or Last of the Good-ones Society! So cheer on your favorite liar, and blame anyone you can except for self, in what's wrong with our society today. Abortion, Capital Punishment, the economy, and taxes would not be an issue, nor would education if we followed two rules...
Not my two rules, but Jesus':
1. "Love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,"
2. "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Luke 10:25-37

And behold, a certain lawyer (an expert in the law) stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
He (Jesus) said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”
So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
And He (Jesus) said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live (eternally).”
But he (the expert in the law), wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal (most likely a donkey), brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii (enough loot to foot the bill in most cases, he was not worried about having to come back and give more, he had my man covered!), gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend (any extra expense the man costs), when I come again, I will repay (reimburse) you.’
So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
And he (the expert in the law) said, “He who showed mercy on him.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Prevention is better than cure! If we loved one another and taught love instead of hate, we would not have to worry about prisons, and rest homes! Here's a nicety little scenario for ya:

Place the elderly in prisons. They will get a shower a day video surveillance in case of problems, three meals a day, access to a library, computer, TV, gym ... Put criminals in nursing homes. They have cold meals lights off at 8pm, one bath a week, live in a smaller room and pay 4,000 a month !!!!! It's Pretty damn sad that we treat prisoners better than the elderly!!!!

Where are the real Christians!? All that say lord, lord, are not saved, but those that know the Lord, are. Some politicians say that they are Christians. Some people you meet everyday say they are Christians, but when they are after something for themselves, they will show you the devil. So again my Christian brothers and sisters, have you treated one another and nonbelievers as well as yourself? Where are you Christians?

Signing off, the imperfect Christian.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Do You Have Annoying Facebook Friends? And Does That Bother You? 4

2011-09-25T09:15:00.000-04:00

Do you have a friend on Facebook that everyone says that you should delete? You contemplate deleting them, then you decide not to? Why would you keep a person on your friends lists that annoys you to no end? Well one such on friend on the imperfect Christians list said, "All Black women should be banned from driving, simply because no Black woman can't drive!" He also said, "To all my Black friends, admit you only voted for Obama because he was Black, and to my White friends admit that you were just wrong, and made a huge mistake!" Does That Bother You? It bothered the imperfect Christian to the point of praying for that person, and posting positive notes about everything, and about how Gods' will is more important than any of our won't's. For the record, "won't's" is very slang and will not score you positive points in your English classes boys and girls, but goes nicely as an "opposites attract" with "the will." The imperfect Christian (obeying God) prayed as hard as possible for this person, and even told this person directly, that he would not reply on his wall, or anywhere else about him, or his ideals, regardless of how negative he became, that he (the imperfect Christian) would just pray for him, and you know what? That person deleted the imperfect Christian! It's easy to pray for those that encourage you, those you love, but how about those that don't encourage you, or give you much reason to love them? Matthew 5:44, says hallelujah anyhow! Pray anyway! The imperfect one gets a great joy in being rejected for the sake of Christ! Beaten spiritually for the sake of Christ in a sense. Let the Holy Ghost Party begin! We rejoice at suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus Christ! (Acts 5:41) The imperfect one has said it once and will say it again, "the imperfect Christian may not be the life of the party (Christ is), but man he sure knows how to get one started! Rejection, being popular, or gaining favor is not for the imperfect one. The imperfect Christian does not need to be lifted up, take any credit, or receive any glory in the matter, but because the Holy One placed a conviction upon that persons heart that made him delete the imperfect Christian, yeah that felt pretty good, and the imperfect Christian left the online Sanhedrin rejoicing on his imperfect way. Not because this man was upset enough to delete the imperfect Christian, but because he was convicted enough to delete him, and have to start his Facebook a new. Now it is up to him to use that conviction in a manner such as Paul did, and take the gospel to the world, or to let it grow calloused and go the route of Pharaoh, and be a part of the gospel that was worldly. Facebook Etiquette Rule 7section 21B... "Don't post without the Holy Ghost, cause what you post is seen by most..."

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J

Teach Our Daughters Well...

2011-09-23T00:06:00.003-04:00

We need to teach them well, so they may live well...

We need to teach our daughters to distinguish between a man who flatters her, and a man who compliments her... a man who spends money on her, and a man who invests in her... a man who views her as property, and a man who views her properly... a man who lusts after her, and a man who loves her... a man who believes he is God's gift to women, and a man who remembers a woman was God's gift to man!

Words to remember and live and die by, if you are blessed with having a daughter! Thank you for sharing the above bold print Dr. Stephers!

After watching the updates of an unarmed man being slain, and the prosecution having very inconclusive evidence, the imperfect Christian couldn't help but to be motivated to be a better father. After getting updates on a, "your word against mine, no wait a minute, I'd like to change my story trial and execution," you can't help but want to be a little better father. God forbid any of you reading this, including the writer will have to suffer with seeing, or hearing about any of our child(ren) being placed, or placing themselves in such a horrible situation. Father God, in the name of Jesus, may Your will for me be one that is blessed with longevity, love, and seeing my children blessed after me in the same manner, because I have helped lead them to You... Proverbs 20:7

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

In The News! (Does That Bother You? 3)

2011-09-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

What motivates people more than bad news? Really good news should, right?

Zig Ziglar said, “People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.”

The imperfect Christian prays that those we inspire and motivate, are so inspired and motivated in a positive way.

The imperfect Christian was motivated to do a little research about Capital Punishment when he received the news about the Troy Davis case. You see in January of 2009 the imperfect Christian was voluntold he had jury duty. One thing that still rings out in the mind of the imperfect one, is that the defense attorney asked one really great question. He said, "Is it better to allow one guilty soul to pass freely, or to imprison an innocent one." Either way is horrible. Put yourself in that position. Would you want to be punished if you had done something as heinous as kill someone? You know you were deserving of a harsh punishment, but you would not want to have to be punished. In most cases a decent person would not sleep well even if it was an accidental death, let alone a murder. So there is at least that punishment. So how would you feel if you were completely innocent? Be a pretty hard pill to swallow wouldn't it?

Bill Ball covers Capital Punishment in a very classy way! He is a great Christian man, a Theological scholar that backs his blog with scripture, and I am fast becoming a student of his. He wrote about his viewing the CBS Sunday Morning Show, and about the blood lust epidemic. The link to his blog is:
http://billball.blogspot.com/
This man has a more than compassionate heart for Christ, and His people, and his blog is a great read... Look at his September 20th post about the blood lusting. Amazing how gore, and morbid concentrations excite us so. The blog is not long, and well worth the 2 and a half minutes you would have to put into it.
Proverbs 18:17 "The first to plead his case seems right, Until another comes and examines him."

It is your word against theirs... who will believe who? The courts have turned into a game of "Survivor" The tribe has spoken, it's time to bring me your life, I mean torch, because fire on the show represent your "life!" You just got snuffed out! How could you sleep at night, eat during the day, look at yourself in the mirror or face society not knowing if you helped execute an innocent man? Well I will say it again, unless I absolutely have to, I will not even drive through Georgia or South Carolina! It is terrible to think that it's true, but it is in a lot of cases, that popularity, and socially being accepted could be the deal breaker. A Survivor contestant could be sent home because he/she wasn't sexy enough. An inmate could be put to death for very similar reasons. What do you have to offer? Bad news if your answer is: Not much.

NY TIMES: Debate over the execution of Troy Davis
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/23/us/in-debate-davis-execution-offers-little-closure.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto

This day in history President Lincoln signed the order to bring an end to slavery. This day in history sees a family and a nation struggle with more heated ethnic discussions about race being involved in a wrongful imprisonment and execution. Did Georgia's government have prejudice, and malice in their decision? The imperfect one can tell you that in NC 33% of the men and one woman put to death since 1994 were all males and branched forth from African ancestry. What is the ratio ethnically in the state you ask? The imperfect Christian will have to do a little more diligent research to give you an answer to that one. The imperfect one does not know the ratio of ethnic groups incarcerated either, but numbers do not always manifest prejudice, propaganda, and racists do.
http://www.npca.org/cultural_diversity/battlefields/150th.html

The LA TIMES reports that the convicted killer that dragged James Byrd to death says he deserves to die for racist slaying of James Byrd. Is he now truly remorseful, and honestly giving his statement? Or is this an attempt at reverse psychology in order to save his own life?
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2011/09/texas-set-to-execute-man-for-1998-dragging-murder-of-james-byrd-jr.html
The AP reports: Last Meal A Done Deal In TX! Governor Perry says no more! Should there be a last meal? Is the governor right in putting an end to the last meal, and saying that every inmate should eat the same? Answer as though it was self sitting on the short end please...
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_TEXAS_EXECUTION_LAST_MEALS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

To conclude, the imperfect one says this: From the looks of the wiki charts concerning the death penalty, he will not be driving through, flying over, walking or riding his bike in the states of GA, SC, or TX. In fact as much as he hates to admit it, if you want to feel at least safe enough to know that you want wrongfully be executed, it looks like we will all have to move to Illinois. But as many of you know the anti-christ hails from Illinois right? They to the imperfect Christians understanding are the only state in this grand union, that does not enforce the death penalty. Not to say you can't be wrongfully jailed, but at least you can rest assure, that the judge and jury are not going to condemn you to death by means of the state. Here is a map of the States that enforce Capital Punishment, and the methods they use or do not use...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_US_electric_chair_usage.svg

Tomorrow will be a sweeter blog... or so we hope. As for now, please forgive the typos.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Capital Punishment (Does That Bother You? 2)

2011-09-21T22:16:00.002-04:00

This started out with the second part of, "Does That Bother You," then a tweet changed all of that. So here goes...

Does it bother you to see a mother curse out her kids in public, and then does it bother you more to think about what more they are exposed to at home? Not just verbally, but in every manner? Does it bother you to see a younger person sit in a seat, be it a bus, a restaurant, or wherever, when an elderly person is struggling to remain standing, and not offer their seat to that elderly person? Does it bother you to hear people complain about the economy, taxes, health and moral issues, government, church, and everything else under the sun, but never - ever willing to do anything about what it is they're complaining about? It's not just the imperfect Christian, right?

The imperfect Christian had no intentions of writing about capital punishment, but now that there is death in the air he thought he would touch on some news. Nothing like the morbid thoughts of watching someone executed to start a discussion, eh? The imperfect Christian received a notice about a tweet from the NY Times. It was concerning the Troy Davis execution. Kim Severson is the Atlanta Bureau Chief for the New York Times. She currently at the prison awaiting the news of Troy Davis' stay, or execution. One Twitterpation Nation Member asked: How is it that Casey Anthony kills her child, gets a million dollar book deal, and get zero time in prison, and they can execute Troy Davis with no evidence? Well my friend, the imperfect one thinks that's a dandy question. If indeed that is the case, then imperfect Christian would to have a rational explanation, but if it is indeed the case then we all know that there is no rational explanation!

Another man in Jerry Buck Inman confessed to raping and killing a Clemson student. He was convicted and sentenced to death. This Monday the court heard his appeal. It is likely according to another former judge, Judge Watson, that his appeal will be overturned. Judge Watson said at this level, nearly 50% were overturned. Amazing how the law works, or doesn't perhaps would be a better way of phrasing it?

Killing of a relationship, after three different lead singers, or now possibly four, and thirty-five years with their label, Van Halen, is leaving Warner Bros., and moving on. What other news, is there, oh yes... the weather, nothing like perking up your day after hearing about murder, and execution, than to hear it's going to rain all weekend long. Well the imperfect one hates to be the bearer of bad news so he will close with some optimistic rays of hope... The rain should subside on Friday in his area, so the ride will be a dry one on Saturday morn, and there is still no word as to whether or not Troy Davis has been put to death. It has been rumored that he turned down his last meal. Said to believe that it is a sign of good luck, because it has worked at his last two appeals. No news is usually good gu-news! Also if there is no evidence to put this man to death, and he truly is not guilty of slaying the two people that he is accused of murdering, then perhaps this will give the Georgia Law Enforcement incentive to find the person(s) that are responsible... God bless the mothers of the victims, and the accused, and God help the soul of the truly guilty, because their just due may not come now, but if they do not confess, and turn from their wicked ways it will come later anyway, and that time will more than likely be too late.

For those interested, you can get up to the hour, and often up to the minute detailing on this case on Twitter, by keeping an eye on, or by following Kim Severson. A fellow by the name of Big Boi of the "Outkast" is tweeting as well, and getting retweets from the Bureau Chief herself! He (Big Boi) tweets, "Man, I wonder how much all that helicopter gas cost...your hard earned tax dollars at work!" Again great question fella! ;)

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Does That Bother You?

2011-09-21T00:48:00.001-04:00

Does it bother you as much as it does the imperfect Christian to know that some people would die for the well being of all humanity, while others are dying to kill you, for the sake of self?

Dude I Want That...

2011-09-16T16:25:00.000-04:00

The imperfect one loves two wheeled machines, of any kind. Bicycles, motorcycles, road or dirt in either category. As the imperfect one was looking at some of the advanced technologies online one night, he discovered that the floating wheeled, no spoked, magnetized beauty (pictured above) is back! The floating bike has been given a light kit, to give it a Tron-like feel to it on a site called, "Dude I Want That!" No guys the model is not included, you have to find your own... As a kid the imperfect Christian said that (I want that!) a lot, dude was added later during his days in the San Fernando Valley. At Christmas and on birthdays as a kid, and he says it today even... New 2012 R1, "Dude I want that!" New Trek 2012 Mtn Bike w/ disc brakes... again, "Dude I want that!?" But then the imperfect Christian had a flash back, and remembered a time when he was the only member on a missions trip to Jamaica with African ancestry. His roommate a pastor (Caucasian) from the county adjacent to him helped through his first missions work. The imperfect Christian and the pastor were given time to speak with the children at the local school. The children ranged from kindergarten to fourth grade. The older children worked, or went to different academies. The pastor looked at all of the children and asked them if they knew, and liked Michael Jordan. The children then looked at their teachers, then the other minister (the brown faced non-Jamaican/imperfect Christian), and smiled after he smiled at them, and then they shook their heads as if to say, "Yes." The pastor then said, "Wouldn't it be great to have his autograph on a ball, or a jersey?" They all looked at the imperfect Christian again and smiled and shook there heads again as if to signify saying, ""Dude I want that!" Or as the Jamaican's would say, "Yeah Mahn I'm Feelin' Dat,... Respect!" Pastor followed up with asking them if they thought he (MJ) would remember them in a crowd of ten thousand or more? They all shook their heads (but still smiling) as if to answer, "no." What came next was the "Dude I want that," of all time! Pastor said, something along the lines of:

You know who is even more important than MJ and would remember you? They all shook their attentive little heads again, to say no, and pastor said, "Jesus." The looks on their faces were priceless.

Pastor said:
I love Michael Jordan, but he cashed his check from Nike, and never called to thank me, or see how I was doing once.

To have that kind of ministry, and excite children that much about Jesus, Yes indeed, "Dude I Want That!"

We sang, and talked more, and the children wanted to know if the imperfect Christian liked America. He was puzzled at that question until they explained their inquiry. They were under the impression that most of America is Caucasian, and hated any people of African Ancestry, which they (from youngest to the oldest) were well aware of, included them. The imperfect one read from Ecclesiastes 3, and told them that there was a time and place for everything. Then the imperfect one told them a story about Abraham Lincoln, the president on the penny, that helped to abolish slavery. President Lincoln was a "White" man that saw that other good "White" men and Brown to Black men hated slavery so much that they gave their lives to end it. Therefore, President Lincoln looked to do his part and help end it as well. He didn't hate the people, he hated the hate in his country, the hate that people had toward one another. So he signed the Emancipation Proclaimation Act into order. The kids were amazed as the imperfect Christian passed out pennies to over 400 hundred children. The last question, and greatest question was asked by the youngest member of the group, and their star business major pupil. The little fellow couldn't have been more than about five or six years of age, and he asked the imperfect Christian after receiving his penny, "Is dis real money sir, cahn I get cahndy wid it?" The imperfect one told him that it was indeed real money, but probably not near enough to get candy with, but if he would come to the service that night, he would make certain that he got some candy. That kind of innocence, determination, and love... "Dude I Want That!"

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

From Beneath The Ashes To The Top Of The World!

2011-09-12T00:22:00.001-04:00

My looking back over a very memorable day... Ten years seems like ten weeks. The brevity of life amazes me. The thought of death and advancing makes me more appreciative on a daily basis. My 9/11 was not spent in a metropolitan area. My view was not from a skyscraper. My view was from the top of the world today. I washed bikes with my sweetie today. Her little pink bike sparkled, but not nearly as bright as those beautiful little chocolate diamonds that she looks up at her daddy with. I spent a little over an hour on top of the world with a great riding partner, my middle son. We were in top of the world thinking about those atop the World Trade Center Towers ten years ago. We were on top pf the world thinking about how God is the maker of it all, and this is His footstool. (Isaiah 66:1) So even when terrorist try to pull us down, and our problems seem to be out of this world and over our heads, they are just under His feet! I am on top of the world tonight, and sorry for those that are not, because the view from here is lovely! Gods' view is breath taking. That light on the mountain is not just the sun calling my name. But when I see it and get to it, there is an indescribable peace there called home, and from there I hear the voice of Almighty God. You see it's not just my mountain that makes the view captivating, but the Spirit that is within me. Now I will finish the day on top of the world by resting high on that mountain with the woman God ordained me to be with. Good night brothers and sisters, may God bless America, make his face to shine upon you all, and may He grant you all memories of perseverance, love, and true hope that stem from this day that outshine all of the rest!
Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

2011-09-10T18:19:00.000-04:00

Psalm 1:1&2
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,nor stands in the way of sinners,nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,and on his law he meditates day and night."

We as Christians should not dwell in the counsel of the wicked, we should dwell among the wicked and counsel. ~ Sivart Pooknyw

Tenth year since the attack on our nation, and still it stings. The imperfect Christian is not old enough to have been around during the attack on Pear Harbor, but can only imagine how the hearts of the men and women of Pearl Harbor feel every year that December 7th rolls around. Some of us have grandparents, or, perhaps even older grandparents depending on our age, that remember Pearl Harbor, and other events that are a sad part of our nations history. We as a nation persevere, and even in our differences come together as a people even if not completely to make a stand for one another. That troubles, and confuses a lot of other people. But it's as simple as comparing our nation to our family. Dad loves ice-cream, but is lactose intolerant. He loves football, racing, and competitive sports. Mom loves milk drinks it everyday, only loves Packer football, watched racing when the 3 car was driven by a man named Dale, and is not much on competitive sports unless her kids are playing and she's at the game. Just for grins and giggles, let's say that none of the other family members from either side care about any of that! What matters is that they are still a family, and they will still dish out or take a thumpin' for family! So if your ancestry dates back to whatever continent, the imperfect Christian says as an American, not as a shade or belonging to any department or sect, to his American family, have a beautiful "In Remembrance Sunday."

The NYT Remembering:
NYT: The 9/11 Decade: The Price of

The imperfect Christian may not agree with your religious views, choice of teams, or schools even, but he will not dwell in the counsels of those that encourage such behavior that disrespects leadership, love, or life. Hitlers propaganda had to start somewhere. Someone had to inspire Bin Laden. The way some people talk in this country I fear that the next leader of terror could very well be readying himself right here in our country. So rather than bad mouth our parents youth, rather than bad mouth our government working class America, I think we should dwell among the wicked that we talk about, and consider talking to them in love and with great discernment rather than about them... Then bust their tails if they don't listen. Hahaha! My apologies for the warped but heartfelt humor, you know the score...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Stupid News

2011-09-08T09:53:00.000-04:00

The imperfect Christians Great-Great Grandfather Chief Laughsatfools once said, "Man that knows not how to use belt properly covers much ground," or was it "covers ground much?" That's where one usually ends up (the ground) after his/her pants end up around their ankles. At any rate does this mean that Green Day will cover do a cover of General Larry Platt's song, "Pants On The Ground?"
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/09/02/green-day-front-man-kicked-off-plane-because-saggy-pants/
Tonya you have another prayer answered... someone (in the form of "Southwest Airlines") is with you about teaching people how to wear their pants! Lol!!! Bags fly free, but saggy britches ain't flyin' period! Lol!!! So is anyone else wondering if the cabby made him comb his hair before he got in? Just sayin...

French Men vs. American Men...
http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/09/06/french-man-forced-to-pay-ex-wife-a-settlement-for-lack-of-sex/?xid=rss-politics-huffpo
If this man was American, his wife would be suing him for wanting to much, and in way to wild a way! Pardon moi, kinque le stinque... which translates to, "Excuse me, but your wild behavior stinks!"

What Is Love: Stormy Weather & Brighter Days

2011-09-07T23:40:00.001-04:00

Tropical Storm Lee hits Louisiana coast | Reuters

A.B.C.D E F.G... H. Irene! First Irene, then the letter "J," JustA (Tropical Storm), then "K," Katia, and then in comes "L," with Lee... Well good people the imperfect Christian had some crazy dreams during the night when Irene came to visit his humble mountain abode. Oh top of that the imperfect one awakened his wife with his tossing and turning and in turn his wife woke him up, to check on him. The imperfect Christian is not a storm chaser, but has grown to enjoy them in some cases, not all. The storms seem to remind the imperfect Christian of Gods' glory when he finds himself in the midst of one. As Kirk Franklin would say, "The storm don't last no way." The imperfect one can hear Jesus saying to the storm for him, "Peace be still." The imperfect Christian has learned some valuable life lessons after the natural, and supernatural storms in his life.

The storm was amazing! Like a scene right out of a movie... the sound of the pines cracking in the pitch dark as the wind roared. The imperfect curtains rushing away from the window seals, and racing to the ceiling, like banners on stubborn flagpoles, ready to see their cohorts ripped away, rather than bend. Then a change of direction in the wind vacuums the drapes back in against the screen tightly, until the wind calms, and they fall back into place. This reminds the imperfect one of the crucifixion. Rather than be bent, or show any signs of flexibility, compromise, or just plainly admit that they were wrong, the disciples stayed firm in their thinking. Peter didn't think he would deny Christ, but he did, and did so three times. (Matthew 26:35) Then Judas Iscariot after asking whether it would be him that would betray Christ, led the soldiers straight to Him. Jesus called Judas friend, moments before the soldiers whisked him away! (Matthew 26:50) Thomas continued to doubt, until Christ showed up passing through a locked door drawing close to each one of them as they were in a panic, fearing that they like Jesus would also be crucified. Jesus calmed that storm to, and after the veil was rent into, there was a settling that had to take place, and then with understanding there was peace.

Some will say that God tempted the disciples, or that God tempted Pharaoh. That it was their destiny which was predestined by God, Himself... The Word says: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man: (James 1:13-14 AKJV)

So although, you have a storm that you are having to endure, understand that sunny days always seem much brighter after a storm has passed.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!

What Are U Looking 4, & What U R Hearing

2011-09-05T00:34:00.000-04:00

The imperfect Christian asked in the last blog, what it was that people were looking for. Well in this blog the imperfect one drops a little knowledge for you. When you look for Christ in that person that you are dealing with understand a few things. God is not living in, or Lord over a persons life that says to you with his/her inner person, "I only want you for my own well being."

For example, where at in the Word, or when have you ever felt the Spirit say to you, "Give me all of your money," or "I only want you for lustful purposes!"? Ladies do you honestly think that God is Lord over a mans life that only wants to be with you because he is tired of his escapades alone with satan? When that man's convinced in his own mind to do lustful things, whether it be in his mind, or in any part of his being, with or without anyone but self, then he is having physical and mental relations involving satan. So do you want satan to play a roll in your helping procreate a child, or making financial decisions for you? If not then when you see that man that only introduces his best of interests and it involves flesh, you should know that's not God talking to you!

Fella's a one liner might do it for us again... If she only has interests in the three widths, then you better, "Run Forrest, run!" Fella's if you hear, or see her interested in:
How thick the rims are on your Camaro, how think your biceps and feet are, or how thick your wallet is, you need to do like Joseph and book it! (Genesis 39:9)

See again it's just that complicated, and just that simple! The ladies paragraph is double the fellas!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J

What Are You Lookin' For?

2011-09-02T15:57:00.000-04:00

So what are you looking for? What do you see in the picture? A marble slab, a heart, or a marble heart? The imperfect Christian sees all of those and then some. The imperfect Christian sees his wife, a select friend, his uncle, cousin, and auntie. The latter three mainly because auntie installed that slab top on their kitchen island. She and my wife are so crafty! So on to the question, "what are we looking for," what do we see in people? The imperfect one can assure you that known of the above mentioned have hearts of stone, or marble, but that is an awesome top, wouldn't you agree?

The imperfect Christian worked at a factory once upon a time believe it or not, and in this factory he placed a newsletter on one of the notice boards. The newsletter asked a simple question: "Ladies Looking For Mr. Right?" It was the most popular piece on that board for at least that night. The women, married and unmarried did a double take, and turned back after nearly walking past just to see how they could find Mr. RIGHT!

The imperfect Christian did not find it fitting to exclude the gentlemen in this blog, therefore, he asks instead... "What are you (men and women) looking for in a person?"

If he/she smiles does that mean they are interested in you? Do they want more than conversation? If he/she looks at you in a way that is not so nice, are they looking for a fight? What are you looking for?

Women leave home and go to clubs every weekend talking about how much fun they're gonna have! Then they leave the club, go home drunk, or let down (if not both), and talk about how much fun they didn't have. Instead of a romantic ending with Josh Groban singing, "You Raise Me Up," she gets an ending with Josh Gropin making her sing, "You Messed Me Up!"

Then there's the fella's... God help us. The fella's hit the strip looking for action, and come back singing a different tune, yeah the Stones work here... "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." Simple minds, simple fact, easier to explain, one line for the men, and a I could add a few more for the ladies. Yes, it is that complicated, and yet just that simple.

So what are you looking for? The imperfect Christian has never met a stranger, and talks with everyone. Something he needs to practice on, however, is what he is looking for. Here's a few scenarios:

She's 5'4" 100lbs, or she's 5'4" 300lbs, makes no difference in her weight, it's all in what I am looking for.

He's wearing a bow tie and carrying his laptop like his first child, or he's wearing jeans and t-shirt carrying his Harley jacket like it's hit first love, makes no difference, it's all in what I am looking for.

In all of these people if you plan on making a true friend, a life long friend, or even a mate, you have to look for the same person in each one of them! That Person (Being/Spirit) is whom we are all patterned after, and made in His image. If we seek that Person (Christ), and not the enemy, then we will do just fine. People are crazy enough now days, we don't need to give them anymore reason to cut up even more. They don't need a reason to be crazy/crazier, they just are! Just as much as we can say that, "they are crazy," we can say (leaving out the crazy) that "God is." Shortest, most effective use of syntax in my repertoire. He exists... God is. He is everything to me... God is. You can't use that with anyone else rightfully. There is just no way to justify it, only with God. So the next time you see that rough head at the bar, or the next time you see that cutie in the grocery store, ask yourself, am I looking for God in him/her, or just looking for trouble in the flesh?

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is (GOD is!) and that He is The Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb 11:6)

So again, let the imperfect one say,"If you are seeking God in the rough head on the Harley, God may grant you a lifelong friend, that helps you grow stronger. A man might find a new motorcycle riding partner that he's been hoping for. A woman might find that protective loyal husband she seeks. Vice versa with the little cutie. You men may find a sweet loyal wife, or as Biz Markie said, "Just A Friend," but it's better than the opposite (a foe). Ladies, this young woman could be the best friend you have desired when you need a shoulder to cry on, or someone to laugh with. If you seek God, diligently He will reward you, He said so in His Word. On that note and verse, I am the imperfect Christian and I'm out!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

The Storms Expose`

2011-09-01T00:22:00.002-04:00

The imperfect Christian remembers a bright sun filled September morning, leaving home, and going to obtain a background check, from the Sheriffs Department for a new job. On the way back home he stopped to visit a friend. The friend was a very heavy sleeper so the imperfect Christian continued on his way home. When he arrived he was once again totally shocked! His wife in sheer utter shock as well, said a plane had just crashed into one of the Twin Towers in New York! Not long after that we heard people yelling in the background, and a second plane hit the second tower. The imperfect Christians wife said, "They thought that it could be terrorist, and I think that just confirmed it!" The imperfect Christian fell to his knees and cried. One tragedy per year should be more than enough right? The imperfect Christian's best friend and uncle was killed while working on July 4th. July 4th was always a huge family gathering, and on this one the family would mourn. September 11th was much the same.

Storms come in a variety of ways. They can be natural like Irene, that just hit mostly the entire Eastern Seaboard, or they can come in the fashion of a terrorist attack. They can even come in the form of a spiritual attack as well. We do not wrestle flesh, nor blood, but principalities of the dark. Regardless of the storm, the imprefect one tries to remember a few key things:

1. If we allow the storm to expose our dirt, we may go through a cleansing.
If we confess our faults one to another, and pray, then we may be healed, the fervent, effectual prayer of the righteous avails much! James spoke of of Elijah praying for the rain to cease, and then for the rain to once again fall and end the three and a half years of drought, and God honored his request. (James 5:16-18)

2. If we allow the storm to expose our hurt, then we may find strength to heal. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials-gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. (I Corinthians 3:12-15) Healing comes at a price sometimes. In order to heal, you have to have something that hurts. So is reaching Salvation, and being in Christ, like a house on fire? We are judged by the kind of "work" we do. Can you imagine as one preacher illustrated so eloquently... can you imagine your house being on fire while you're in it asleep? You wake up coughing, and on fire. Your spouse is engulfed in flames and the smell of smoke and her buring flesh sickens you instantaneously. You do not have time to go for any valuables, no pets, your kids are upstairs and the roof just caved in, and you heart broken and scared for your life go for broke, and jump through the huge bare spot in what used to be your bedroom wall, and the fire fighter standing outside says to you, "Thank GOD, at least you made it!" How devastating would it be to live a life that would only be self preserving? Can you imagine getting to Heaven and getting the news that your wife/husband and children didn't make it? Please Lord God, let the imperfect losses stop today.

3. If we allow it the storm will expose that work.
James 1:22 says not to be just hearers of the Word, but doers also. Let our work be like the precious metals mentioned in Paul's writing to Corinth, that the imperfect one mentioned in the afore paragraph. Let the fire refine, but not consume. Let us suffer no loss.

4. Finally if we allow ourselves the discipline to praise Him in the storm, the storm will expose His worth.
He that has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)
Even in the toughest of times, we must remember to give Him the praise, and not allow our spirit to fell us. We must have discipline and control. The imperfect one would love to watch the Vuelta A Spain, but baby girl in the first grade y'all (still amazed at this!) has homework. So weakened spirit, tighten up, we have work to do. We have things that need to be taken care of with house and auto maintenance, but we so desperately want to go splurge and buy a new cell phone, or latest trinket! Better yet let's play the lotto until there are not any funds left! Even in the storm be angry and sin not. Keep your mind clear, and praise Him, because just like 9/11, and Irene, that storm doesn't last always! The imperfect one's, uncle may not be present in body, but his spirit is present with the Lord, he is now in his glorified body. The imperfect one prays that along with many other family members and extended family members too see him again in his/their own glorified bodies. The storms expose` could be the greatest manifestation of a miracle that you experience, so hold tight, stay focused, and let the storm bless you, because you have a Savior mighty enough to calm it, and see you through!

Well past the imperfect bed time again! So until next time...
Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!

The Things You See...

2011-08-30T23:18:00.000-04:00

On the first part of today's ride, the imperfect Christian witnessed a sleeping young passenger, and bright lights. Then the imperfect one witnessed the oddest couple of the day, and being a less than perfect Christian, almost took a picture just so no one could call him the "imperfect liar!" The couple consisted of a man that was approximately 5'5" and a leggy gal around 6'3"! Better looking than Popeye, and Olive Oil, but not by a landslide vote from the two judges, one of them being the imperfect Christian, the other being his son. Then we witnessed a colorful Themla and Louise, cause as the Wayan's Brothers would say it, "They were colored, and happy, and you know it!" Or something to that affect. Then the top site other than the picture at the top of the blog, was Buddy the English Bulldog! Buddy waited for his buddy to climb out of the truck so he could show him who the boss really was! When his owner climbed out of the drivers seat, Buddy jumped in it and took his turn at the wheel (literally) the dog went alpha on the steering wheel! If you don't understand the whole alpha thing, the ask someone else besides the imperfect one to explain. I have said enough already. The imperfect Christian hopes this is not how NASCAR's Humpy got his nickname... The imperfect one really wishes that he could think of a clever Biblical verse, or pericope to place here, but he can't! He is road weary, and the only thing he can think of is praising God and counting his blessings. So to conclude, the imperfect one thanks God for ordering his steps today (Psalm 37:23), dropping his son off safely, perfect views (the one above especially. It is beautiful atop Clinch Mtn), and returning home safely after the drop off, in His perfect time. So until the next time...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!

Do You Have A Choice?

2011-08-27T02:25:00.000-04:00

The imperfect Christian asked himself in the last blog, just how prepared he was. Preparation is a daily thing, therefore, the imperfect one tries to keep the necessities nearby. So what did he pack? The imperfect Christian has his helmet, yes including the ones in the picture above, because one never knows when the opportunity to ride and share may present itself. The imperfect shoes, are clean and ready to go (pedal, or settle) peacefully. But peacefully doesn't always mean quietly. The imperfect Christian had a co-worker tell him not too long ago (not in the exact same words, but humor the imperfect one for just a second please), that "We The People" needed to speak out, and vote to make a change. The imperfect one believes this friend is right, and the imperfect one believes in voting for sure, he just don't fully believe in the officials that are running for office. As one Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson would say: It's a two party system, the illusion of choice.

Dr. King boycotted in Alabama, marched in Washington, and was slain in Memphis. How many of us are willing to be heard in a non-violent, lower decibel? How many are willing to give up their lives so others may have a voice. How many of us are willing to accept that if we do not have anything worth dying for, then we do not have anything worth living for? Really, would you put yourself in harms way just so future generations could vote? Is that worth dying for? The imperfect one says, "Yes!" What if Dr. King had not made a stand. What if late President JFK had remained silent, and had not asked what he country could do for his country? Would a good Christian nation be just that? A nation still segregated and filled with hate, and barriers? Would we still be a "good" nation that allowed slavery, rather than a great nation? The imperfect one hears daily about how this nation is in the worst debt that its ever be in, and still people are willing to risk life and limb just to be a part of it. What happens next? Who will we blame next? If a Republican takes office next will a Four Trillion Dollar Deficit be alright? Will we take back America rather than take her forward? Will we continue to mistreat the elderly to death, and kill unborn babies? Instead of using African descendants for slaves, will we raise up an American Hitler, one that just wants to do away with all African, and Jewish descendants? Will we put in place a leader to rid the world of its problem, one that will seek and destroy anyone in its path that is not like us (them)? We as people get so blinded by the fight that we forget who the enemy is. It's a shame.

We as a family (with an imperfect Christian dad leading the way), went to view the new Captain America movie. It is the story of Steve Rogers, a young ruddy lad, that would do anything to serve his country. Steve had horrible genes, and illnesses in his bloodline that would shame an unhealthy kid from a third world nation. Steve wanted so desperately to serve his country, that he was willing to die on the spot to do so. He fell on what he believed to be a live grenade to save his company, and was willing to go through whatever it took, to finally get on board. If the imperfect Christian, and more like him, could have a heart like Dr. King, or a heart like the fictional character (Steve Rogers) inspired by true life characters, that were willing to serve their country, to serve God with, then our nation would be a much stronger one for sure. So how do we develop this heart? How do we go through this change, or desire to be on fire for God? Are you prepared?

Titus 3:5
Regeneration... renewing... It is not by our own doing according to Paul in his letter to Titus, so how true was Calvins theory? How untrue is it. Some people use, "The Common Sense" excuse, when it comes to their faith, or to doctrine, and do so to dodge the Spirit. They do so to dodge studying the Word. You here people say all the time, "Well I believe..." You know really it doesn't matter what you believe if it doesn't line up with the truth, which happens to be Gods' Word. Do you honestly believe that most people that sin, or do bad things, don't believe that what they were doing is acceptable or satisfactory to self so much so that they just excluded God? So let's look at the Word and see if we have any say at all, or if the choice really isn't ours, even in the least way. Gods' Word through His servant Joshua said, "And if it seem evil to you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.(JOSHUA 24:15)

Now some of your law biding perfect Christians are going to argue with you regardless. Your Calvinist brothers are going to be displeased with me for sure, and it's fine by me to agree to disagree. We have the same Savior, just believe differently on how He calls us.

Where does the renewing come from. If we have no say, or no part, then why are we here? How does the renewing take place if we have no say? Why do we have a need to change if we have no say? You can't grow if you have no say. You are just a puppet, and I do not see anywhere, in any portion of scripture that says we are puppets. A mother feeds her child when the child can't feed itself, but that child has a choice in what it eats as it matures into an adult. So how do you feel the change, and embrace the Spirit, and why is it now that people run from it. Don't pay tithes, don't sing praises. Where is the link, where is the connection? So is free will a joke? How do you feel about free will? The imperfect one feels that based on scripture, we have a choice this day as Christians and non-believers to a choice. Choose this day... whom you will serve. Jesus never begged, and he never forced anyone to go one way or the other. Let the imperfect one say again that just as Joshua instructed the Israelites he instructs us today, with Gods' Holy guidance, to choose "this" day whom we (YOU) would serve. That is a free will. So what choice will be made? Joshua said: But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Make a bold stand, and be prepared to preach the Gospel in and out of season. Be armed and ready...

How Prepared Are We?

2011-08-22T09:44:00.016-04:00

Things amaze the imperfect Christian on a daily basis. People divorce over the least of things, they cheat their own flesh and blood out of a penny. They will ditch a lifelong friend over a complete stranger. Amazing right? Those stories make a biography, a tragic-comedy that is in the making, and on going. It is a book inspired by another book. Success and failure, abandonment, and complete involvement. But the question remains. Are you ready?

Have you been tried by fire(1Peter 1:7; Revelations 3:18), and come through the flood (Genesis 6)? If so did you pack? He has prepared a place for you, and said if it was not so, He would not have told us so. Therefore, if you have new residence, a new dwelling, a new domicile, my question is are you packed and ready?

What did you pack, if anything? Why did you pack it? If you haven't are you planning to? If not why? What exactly are you doing to prepare? Are you prepared for the next step in this life, and the life to come. Jesus said, that He had prepared a way for us(John 14:3). But I believe there is a place of preparation here on earth for us as well. (2 Corinthian 8:11) Are you ready? Are you prepared? Read Paul's writings and let the imperfect one know what you get. That way you can help the imperfect Christian get ready too.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Change WE Need!

2011-08-20T16:59:00.001-04:00

In the last blog, the imperfect Christian covered the cliche`: If the shoe fits, wear it. The imperfect one encouraged a change also. Wear it and the stench that goes with it, or wear it until it hurts your toes badly enough to hurt and effect your heart. If the conviction hits its target, then the heart will encourage that change. Even satan was transformed, right? But how so? He was one of the Kingdoms brightest angels, was transformed from the angel of light, lead of musick, went through a dark transformation, and became the father of lies and the angel of darkness! Pastor Baker would say about change in baptism, "He went in a dry devil, and came out a wet one!" So what transformation is taking place in your life? A you still crawling caterpillar? Don't get the imperfect one wrong, a caterpillar is at least inching his/her way to bigger and better things, but don't you want to soar to new heights, and fly above and beyond? The imperfect Christian does! The Transformer is Christ... the butterfly is me!!!

for the record, this is not an Obama add, but how much do you want to bet that some are only going to see the sign as a campaign poster, and not a blog concerning spiritual change. Again, the sign (picture) is not the message, the change of heart is what the change is about. The imperfect Christian is not a prophet, but is willing to put the imperfect neck on the line and say that at least 1 out of every 3 people that see the pic will comment on the pic, and not the blog, or the impact of the change that Christ represents in their own lives. Any takers on a friendly I told you so wager? ;)

Romans 12:2 What about the change?

Until then...

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!!!

If The Shoe Fits...

2011-08-18T21:59:00.000-04:00

Most of you have heard the old cliche, "If the shoe fits..." right? Well if you haven't it goes a little something like this:
If the shoe fits... wear it!

So what are the alternatives? The imperfect Christian came up with a few alternatives:
You could expose yourself to harmful environment and go barefoot.
You could continue to wear the shoe and continue to wear the stench that goes along with it.
Or you can get a new pair of shoes!

Sometimes we grow out of them, and at other times they just need replacing.
So today is a perfect day that HE has made for us to rejoice and be glad in. Today is a perfect day for the imperfect one (and you too), to change shoes, attitude, and spirit.

What Websters says about "Change" (Transforming)
Definitions:
1. To change the form of; to change in shape or appearance; to metamorphose; as, a caterpillar is ultimately transformed into a butterfly.
2. To change into another substance; to transmute; as, the alchemists sought to transform lead into gold.
3. To change in nature, disposition, heart, character, or the like; to convert.
4. To change, as an algebraic expression or geometrical figure, into another from without altering its value.
5. To be changed in form; to be metamorphosed.

What the Word says about "Change" (Transformation)
Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (KJV)

The imperfect Christian has this struggle daily, and the change is ongoing. I pray to see His good, acceptable, and perfect will in my imperfect life. To God be the glory in my greatests accomplishments and hardest falls. To God be the glory.

Until the next one! Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!

What Is Church To You Part 2

2011-08-17T00:16:00.001-04:00

Here's part 2 with a little spiritual algebra at the end from your pal the imperfect Christian...

What Is Church To You Part 2

A couple of the imperfect Christians life long friends commented on the blog titled "What Is Church To You." One did so via the comment section on the blog, and the other via a PM (Private Message) on Facebook. Here are some of the Q&A's that the imperfect Christian received. They are very good answers, and I encourage any reader, to comment in the comments section, below. Or send me your info, and I can PM you if you want to keep it on the down low.

1. If you could be a part of a church family, what would be the most attractive part of church for you?
A) "The Church. Not a club or being w/ the cool people. Just having church not judging others but worship however, the Spirit moves."

B) "The friendship, the support, the ability to give back, learning more about faith."

2. What is the least attractive things about church from your experience?
A) "Having a "right" way of doing things and judgmental people serving their own purpose."

B) "The politics. The cliques that eventually form.
Shunning outsiders because they don't match the rest of the congregation in some way."

3. What do look for personally from your church?
A) "Worship and teaching of the Word. People who gather not just physically but in spirit. Support-supporting each other in daily life, forgiving each other when needed and real love. Living like a real family except as the family of Christ w/ everybody trying to stay together w/ Christ as its #1 focus."

B) "Someone like Preach leading it! (I wish!) The more open a church is, the better I like it. Jesus didn't need a huge building and fancy clothes to get his message across. He recruited a bunch of fisherman on the shore (how do you think that smelled?). The focus has to be on the message, not on the church itself. And the message is for everybody."

4. If you could do one thing to help your church, what would it be?
A) "To fully be the active part of the body of Christ with the gifts God gave me to use for His glory."

B) "Make them meet outside in a tent once a month."

5. What is church to you?
A) "Worship, singing, dancing, being with the people that are wanting more and more of God and letting that one goal lead us through learning and becoming more of what He is moving us toward to fulfill our life's purpose."

B) "A place of love, faith and learning. I know that some claim to be rock-solid in faith, and that is wonderful. I just don't work that way. God has thrown me curve balls many times, and my faith has be refined, examined, tempered and strengthened each time. A church should support those changes in life."

The difference in the apologies, were that one friend started the letter with apologizing for taking so long to comment, and the other closing with almost the exact same words!

The imperfect one learned many years ago that God gave him one mouth, two ears, and two eyes for a reason. So the Spiritual Algebra is formulated as such:

2 Eyes Open + 2 Ears Open - 1 Mouth Shut = Friends 4 A Reason!

Until the next time... Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!

What Is USDA Approved?

2011-08-14T11:28:00.001-04:00

The imperfect Christian uses a different acronym for "USDA." USDA to the imperfect Christian means that "U Show Divine Approval." In other words, when you study and worship God, you manifest the Spirit within you.

Study to show yourself approved unto God,a workman that need not to be ashamed,rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 KJV

The time has come for the novice to be removed, so that the redeemed preacher may once again rise from the core and be made present in his entire being, from the inside out! On that note one hour til the meeting begins! Diligently seek Him, study Him, and become USDA certified!

Peace, Blessings & Joy... that real PB&J!

Ever Tried Loap?

2011-08-13T21:58:00.000-04:00

The imperfect Christian has a friend named Jeremiah. Jeremiah saw his imperfect friend go to wash his hands and said this: Thus shall Babylon "sink" to rinse some more (I mean rise no more), because of the disaster that I am bringing upon her, and they shall become exhausted... Jeremiah 51:64 KJV

Well here is the picture of a delirious, imperfect Christian going to the sink to rinse some more. If you use loap when you wash your hands, they stay better moisturized. The downfall is you semi-waterproof your hands with pre-conditioning them with loap. Already being tired, this does exhaust you even further... Oh and so we do not wash beyond imperfect tonight, the imperfect Christian is about to turn in. The lotion has been moved so it no longer makes loap, and the bathroom is once again imperfect Christian proofed.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J

Piggy Back Anyone?

2011-08-13T00:39:00.001-04:00

Encouragement is hard to find for some people. Why? Because most of those people have never been encouraged. The imperfect Christian was talking to one of the executives at Crossroads Music, (which also happens to be a fine pianist, better producer , and even better person) when this executive asked the imperfect Christian if he'd had a chance to watch the 2011 Tour de France. The imperfect reply was along the lines of, "Yes sir, and loved it." The imperfect one appreciates the encouragement to stay in better physical shape. Kert, and the very gifted musical talent/executive do just that. Be encouraged! The imperfect Christians' immediate supervisor tells him that he has faith in him, and encourages him to keep focused and make it happen. Encouragement is a blessing, and the imperfect one is grateful. The Lord sent an angel of a friend by to encourage the imperfect Christian as a minister. Then the imperfect Christians wife rented "Soul Surfer," and encouraged him via a movie. Soul Surfer is a great flick by the way, and the imperfect one highly recommends it. This is not the imperfect surfer blog, but the imperfect Christian digs the surf for sure! To conclude, the illustration in this pic above is my version of Footprints in the Sand. The RAV4 is Christ, and Kert represents the lost soul that Christ carried along the way. Kert has hauled the imperfect Christian around plenty this year, and the RAV has hauled them both around plenty. So I pray that you are motivated to encourage others, to be encouraged yourself (I Thessalonians 5:11), and know that when there was only one set of tracks on the road or in the sand, that God had given you that piggy back.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

What's Todays Top News?

2011-08-06T09:11:00.001-04:00

Top news internationally...
BBC News - US helicopter 'shot down' by Taliban in Afghanistan

MSN...BC another reporting of the fatal crash in Afghanistan.
31 US troops killed as helicopter goes down - Afghanistan

The LA Times included the Afghan fatalities in the title of their article...
http://mobile.latimes.com/p.p?m=b&a=rp&id=662170&postId=662170&postUserId=7&sessionToken=&catId=5217&curAbsIndex=0&resultsUrl=DID%3D1%26DFCL%3D1000%26DSB%3Drank%2523desc%26DBFQ%3DuserId%253A7%26DL.w%3D%26DL.d%3D10%26DQ%3DsectionId%253A5217%26DPS%3D0%26DPL%3D3

CNN again with the crash...
http://m.cnn.com/primary/_iut8tY-iJj1VQ3gj8

This link (below) was actually the top headline on the VZW! Way to go WI! Lol!
Security upped after violence at Wisconsin State Fair | Reuters

ESPN's top story involved Tiger Woods faltering in the most recent round at the "Who Cares" Tournament, however, the imperfect Christian couldn't pass up a story involving Sir Charles and Eldridge Woods 2.
ESPN Charles Barkley irked by Tiger Woods

Then in the Big Apple money rules...
http://mobile.nytimes.com/article?a=825352&f=19

Fox like the NY Times reports on the US credit rating.
FOX News - Top Stories - U.S. Credit Rating GetsDemoted From AAA

Yahoo has the most interesting headline yet... I fought hard not to put the Pee Wee Herman visits the Cowboys Training Camp article up!
http://m.yahoo.com/w/web/video?u=url%5B%5D%3D26200966%26lg%3Dtodaymodule&b=

The grand finale... drumroll please... The ETrade Baby is lounging w/ the Wassup Guys.
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=sQjuThvzi-Y

The moral of this story is: Most people in todays society will not take responsibility for anything and blame government, and anyone else they can for everything!

Well good people the imperfect Christian says; if the ETrade Baby hasn't given up on the Wassup Gang, then the imperfect Christian won't give up on self. Head down, motor turning, getcha game on!

What Is Church To You?

2011-07-19T14:28:00.001-04:00

From a distance things look different. For from a glance, people thought the imperfect Christian Rav had oversized offroad tires, but as they got closer they realized that they were innertubes for the river. You may or may not know of Benny Hill, but he was a prime example. Benny would do a thorough look over on a woman, and go ga-ga over her. Then when he passed her she wasn't quite as attractive as he had anticipated. Isn't that the same with any quick take, or lustful desire? Even with church right? The building, cathedral, place of worship seems immaculate, then you go inside for a closer look, and it's not as pretty on the inside. Mainly because of the heart of the matter and not because of the building itself.

Better look up close... What's inside, what is the heart of the matter, where is the heart of worship in that church?
Old - New... Can you break away from traditions, or do you need to build on them?
Time and distance changes things... The Road to Emmaus, the time that the disciples were away from Jesus, and they had totally forgotten what Jesus had taught them, and were slow to receive what He was teaching even as He walked with them.

AC/DC sang a song that built a Highway to Hell, and we all turned it into a freeway!

So what turns you on about being a Jesus Freak or what totally turns you away from His love?

Survey:
1. If you could be a part of a church family, what would be the most attractive part of church for you?

2. What is the least attractive things about church from your experience?

3. What do look for personally from your church?

4. If you could do one thing to help your church, what would it be?

5. What is church to you?Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J!

Are You Singing The Blues?

2011-07-19T09:38:00.000-04:00

The imperfect Christian at times finds himself with his family driving home late up the mountain that leads to home. At times that drive occurs on a Sunday night, and it makes him think about the times that he used to drive down the mountain to work each Sunday night. Ah to be blessed with memory and mental health to reminisce! That mountain gets at a lot of people, but the imperfect Christian used to love to drive it, especially on his motorcycle. The imperfect Christian remembers hustling in the fog, driving way too fast, or trying to make it down the mountain with snow on the roads. However, the imperfect one remembers the cool summer nights most of all. It was on those cool summer nights, that he wished that he and his motorcycle were going anywhere expect for the den of iniquity (factory) where he was working at the time.

The imperfect Christian misses a lot of the people at that old factory, and he misses the fact that physically he was helping save lives each day. Now he is grateful, and blessed to have a career not just a factory job (and yes there is a tremendous difference!), that helps to save spiritual lives daily.

So to each of you that have ever worked a night shift, have been confined to a production line, to a sterilization crew, or done any kind of house keeping/cleaning, and had to plead your case like you were on a murder trial just to go to the bathroom, this blog is for you. There is life outside of the box, and the imperfect Christian is living proof of it. Also remember this... stress leads to heart disease, and other things so, live, and live good! Don't settle for second best, or a just a paycheck, go get the joy in life!!! Let Christ lead you there! Forgive others as He has forgiven you, forgive yourself, and look for the joy in your new dawn!!! See y'all in the morning.

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life, weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5 NKJV)

Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J

Why Is Your Business Failing?

2011-07-14T21:47:00.002-04:00

The imperfect Christian got to report for WYNK iWitness News Live from the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) which was hosted in Atlanta, GA this year. There were international guest from as far away as Brasil and as close by as the Caribbean. The guest from the US touched most every continental state. The booth that the imperfect Christian was blessed to take part in was a booth set up by the company that does distribution for his company and hosted five others as well. It was a great show, however, it had its moments. With the polite, you will also find the impolite. Then Christian people wonder why non-believers hate us so. Christians also wonder why so many Christian retailers have to close their doors.

News Flash... rude is not tough, it's foolish. If you are a small retailer with limited supply, and limited service, then you doom yourself. The "Microwave Society" is no longer such. It has morphed from the, let me have a quick fix Microwave Society, into the if you haven't delivered it to me already then you are too late iGeneration!

Prime examples:
If someone walks into your store and literally has to beg you for service, you are doomed. On top of that if you don't have what they want, then you have just shoveled out your businesses grave one customer at a time. If you are really bad then you will not offer to stock the customers needed product in the immediate future, and will more than likely neglect to offer your services to ship it to them as well. Welcome to the funeral of your Christian retail business, and the birth of another online consumer.

As a buyer you also kill your chances at gaining favors for your store when you are rude? One less customer means you are now lessening your clientele, which in turn means you are lessening your commerce.

Top Five Rude Stories from ICRS (THE International Christian Retail Show).

5) The Waver
Massimo walks the floor of the Georgia World Congress Center looking for the deals of the year. His feet are tired from walking the thinly carpeted concrete floors, and he only has timet to speak to whom he wishes to speak to. There is not time to waste on being a polite Christian. He passes by an Exhibitor (a very sweet lady) offering to let him know that there is an artist signing at her booth. So what's Massimo do? He walks by waving his hand at her like that's the only limb he has, and it just happens to be on fire. This waving hand is trying to signal to her a rude phrase that was popular during his childhood, "Go away kid you bother me!" Lord just once may the imperfect Christian kick him in the shins for her? Please!? The imperfect one is hearing You Lord. Yes Sir, the imperfect Christian knows that Saint Pete cut off the soldiers ear that attempted to apprehend Christ, and he knows that kicking this man in the shin falls along the same line, but it would be so nice to see an instantaneous lesson taught here. You could let that sweet woman at the Exhibitors booth lay hands on him like You did with the soldier, and heal his bleeding shins. The imperfect Christian just asks that You allow him to shine his imperfect dress shoes on that chumps shins first... paaaahlease. Just once? OK Lord I apologize, and I am grateful that You truly know the human side of things.

4) The Humbler
Mary Jane swings by the booth to get some product. Her beady eyes fixed on her prize, she makes her move, and drats! She's greeted with a huge smile and a, "How are you ma'am?" She's reluctant to speak, and tries to ignore him completely without saying a word, which drives that rep to tell her that only stores can receive his products. When he does so, she finally speaks and explains that her friend is at the show, just not with her, and she has a store. The rep replies, "Great have your friend come see me for a demo, I pray that you enjoy the rest of the show ma'am."

3) The Humbler Part 2
Fella walks by the booth says he loves your music but can't take any into his store. It just doesn't do well for him. Hmmm so why is it that he comes back each day for additional copies? Isn't that like stealing and lying all in the same breath? Can you say shelf stocker? So why not ask him why he came back for more of what he couldn't sell. That's not rude, right? His answer, "Oh I thought these were different CD's." The exhibitors reply, "No sir, same product as yesterday, and it's the same product that will be featured all week, thank you for coming by (each day for product you love, but can't remember it from the day before!) it is a blessing to have a brother in Christ appreciate our work."

2) The Walker
The Exhibitor smiles to greet another (read this next portion with HEAVY sarcasm) pleasant Christian. "Good morning ma'am/sir." No reply. Are they really listening, or just pretending not to? Try this next time. "Ma'am/Sir you dropped your credit card." When they break their neck to look back for that card, say in your best Joel Osteen voice, "God bless you!" Don't forget to smile as they stomp away.

And last but not least... numero uno!

The Okie Doke (aka You got me!)
A woman stops by the booth and asks pointing at the exhibitors CD's, "Are these free?" Exhibitor answers, "To retail buyers yes ma'am. Plus you can sign up to win a Wii, or earn one by meeting the criteria of the distributing company that is hosting the exhibitors booth." She is not a buyer, but she wants that CD! The exhibitor offers her information about each company in a packet. She refuses saying she doesn't have room in her luggage for the folder. He counters with offering her a CD catalog with his business card. She counters with saying that she doesn't have need of the CD catalog, so he offers the business card only. She comes back with the most ignorant excuse of the day! "I don't want to inconvenience you by taking a card, I know they costs money." The look on her face was priceless when the exhibitor fired back with a compassionate reply of, "Yes ma'am they do cost money, they are also small enough to slip inside a CD case so no extra room is necessary in order to pack them. They also cost less than what it costs to manufacture the CD (that you are willing to take), and it would ride along nicely with the CD. As a market minister it would not be an inconvenience but a blessing if you would take the card, so if nothing else you can pray for the company and its rep. We believe in business, but being about the Fathers' business comes first with me." She grabbed the CD and bolted. The look on her face was priceless. I didn't want to be rude, but give her the truth in love, no matter how much it hurt.

Well dear friends, the imperfect Christian will deliver the good news in the CBA show in the next imperfect blog. Until then... peace from the Peach State, blessings, and joy!

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Life & Its Lessons

2011-07-05T13:43:00.000-04:00

The best words of ministry advice that the imperfect Christian has ever received came from a gentleman in West Memphis, AR. His words of wisdom were based on II Corinthians 3:18

"And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit." (AMP)

The gentleman told the imperfect Christian to look in the mirror, and see himself. He said, "That's who you need to minister to. Get in His Word daily, and minister to you!" The imperfect Christian had a cousin, that was once a very active minister in his own right at one time. The cousin of the imperfect one asked, "Who do you read your Bible for?" He then answered and said, "You read it for self!" He explained his belief in fact that one cannot save anyone else, nor can one save oneself, but one (you, me, & we) can find the relationship that one needs with Christ, by reading ones (our) Bible for oneself (ourself!) Obtaining His love through prayer each day will give us a bond that draws us closer. We need to look at -as Michael Jackson would say- "that meign, that meign, that meign, that meign" in the mirror! The imperfect one most definitely does (need to). God bless you all, Happy Fourth!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

What Do You Think Of When...?

2011-06-28T12:58:00.000-04:00

What do you think of when someone mentions the way they want to look? What have you thought of when people say they wish that they felt better? Well the imperfect Christian thinks of the Fernando Lamas Ministry...

Yes dahling I am about fifty-five miles outside of a city called resume speed."

Billy Crystal is one of the imperfect Christians all time favorite comedians. The imperfect Christian loved City Slickers, and Throw Mama From The Train, they are classic comedies! However, the imperfect Christian favors the Saturday Night Live Comedy of Mr. Crystal the most. Fernando Lamas was a character that was famous for his line, "Yooou looouk mahvelas dahling!" So today's blog is a tribute to looking and feeling your best. The body is a temple...

"Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19 & 20 (AMP)

The imperfect Christian doesn't suggest cult like actions or events. He also doesn't limit this to physical imorality, but definitely does not exclude it, just broadens the spectrum a bit. With that said the imperfect one would ask :

Is the everyday "Average Joe/Josephina going to die from heart disease because he/she has a steak from time to time? Is he/she going to have cirrhosis of the liver because he/she has an occasional drink of an alcoholic beverage? Don't even get the imperfect one started on sweets, if that is something that defiles the temple so badly that it sends one to satan's house for eternal dinner, then the imperfect one is doomed for sure! Y'all pray for your imperfect Christian brotha hard on that one!

Well the imperfect one is not a vegetarian, and doesn't have the perfect dietary plan, but the imperfect one feels mahvelous even if it doesn't appear that way! Say nothing all you haters! Lol! Well back to life... anyone in the mood for "Pigs In A Pancho?" That's the Mexican version of "Pigs In A Blanket..." Hey, desperate times, calls for desperate measures! When the imperfect Christian has no hotdog buns, then it's Taco Bread (as Baby Girl calls soft tortilla shells) to the rescue!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Moving On Up...

2011-06-02T10:46:00.001-04:00

The imperfect Christian was reminded that it is Ascension Day, or 39 days after Easter Sunday. Churches and individuals celebrate in different ways. I witnessed the "church crawl", in Mexico City, where people would go to the Cathedral and crawl for hundreds of feet all the way to the altar. Over a hundred meters or more on there knees on concrete. It is a very humbling experience!
To the understanding of the imperfect one, some Lutheran churches organize and worship with a special service where the Paschal (Easter) candle is extinguished and removed after the reading of the gospel on Ascension Day. Communion is not uncommon either. "Do this in remembrance," is written on a ton of AME church communion tables.

Ascension Day can be referenced back as far as circa 68 AD. It is one of the earliest known celebrations or Christian festivals after Christs' crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus met with His disciples on occasion during the 40 days after His resurrection. It still blows the imperfect Christians mind to read about how the disciples had scattered in fear of their own lives, and Jesus showed up in the upper room where the door was locked! Can you imagine!? Scholars believe according to scripture that on the 40th day Jesus took them to the Mount of Olives, where they stood to bear witness of His ascending into heaven. "And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen." (Luke 24:50-53) NKJV

Ascension Day ends the Easter season and takes place ten days before Pentecost, which in case this year would be on June 12th. So with that said, Happy Day of Ascension, or Day or Hope, and Promise. He has gone to prepare a place for us. Until we meet in that place, and at that appointed time (that only He knows!) blessings to you all. I really want to go to Corcovado, and have my picture taken by the Redeemer statue! Oh yeah and hang out with Ronaldinho! LOL!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

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Bull Dawg or Toothless Chihuahua?

2011-05-30T21:18:00.001-04:00

One of the imperfect Christians favorite scenarios for trash talkers is: A yappy little dog barking his head off as the huge dog strolls past without as much as even a glance! In simple terms: Ignore them like a Pit Bull ignores a toothless Chihuahua.

Then if it becomes more than talking my favorite saying comes via my Great-grandfather and Phil McKinney. "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog!"

Goliath talked smack to a ruddy Israeli kid named David. David later served his head on a stake! David realized that his battle was about more than just self. Somethings you just can't ignore. (1 Samuel 17:45-51)

However, if you have a battle less pressing and don't need assistance from the Devil Dawgs, or from David and his slingshot, then the imperfect Christian would go with the "ignore them like a Pit ignores a toothless Chihuahua theory." "Avoid foolish and unlearned questioning." (2Timothy 2:23)

It's just not worth losing your joy over, or allowing the enemy to steal away more time from you!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

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Do You Play Cards?

2011-05-17T20:08:00.001-04:00

The imperfect Christian doesn't play cards. His great-grandmother wouldn't even allow them in her house. The imperfect Christian has played a few hands, but is not an avid fan of any card game. Poker is out, rummy, 21, no cards for the imperfect one. But the one card he really has no appreciation for is the race card.

The imperfect Christian wouldn't falsely accuse a woman of locking her car doors out of fear just because he walked near her car. Except for the one time a lady locked her child out of her car in Florida. That was really sad. True story. The little girl looked over at me calmly, then angrily at her mother locked inside her new shiny Benz, and asked, "Mama why did you lock me out of the car!?" Her mother replied, "Hush and get in the car!" I smiled, shook my head in disbelief, grabbed my cooler and walked back into the condo. Nor would the imperfect one falsely accuse being turned down for a job because of his ethnicity. Well there was this one time when a man said, "We don't hire no niggers!" I was pretty sure he had at least thought about being racist. OK that was just a "get your attention" line, and hasn't actually happened to me. But it did get your attention right? Again to clarify the car story true, the job story untrue. The imperfect Christian is certain that the job scenario has happened to others, however.

Two ladies (of African ancestry) in the video said that they didn't think that a White (Caucasian) male would actually five finger discount a bike in plan daylight. Then the film crew asked the two women if a Black (American of African ancestry) male were to try the same stunt what the results would be? The women said they were certain that people would do something, they would be "whippin' out cell phones," or something. If you've watched the video then you know the answer. If not check it out and see for yourself now just what took place. Enjoy and again, please feel free to leave comments below the blog.

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A Tali Ban W/ No One In Command?

2011-05-14T20:28:00.001-04:00

Florida Men Accused of Aiding Pakistani Taliban - NYTimes.com

Man arrested in L.A. is allegedly part of group accused of aiding Taliban in Pakistan | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times

From the East Coast to the Left Coast, arrests are being made. Imam's in Florida and California have been accused of financially aiding the Taliban in Pakistan. The big question now is whether or not bin Ladens compound was protected by the Pakistani government, or if they were truly that incompetent militarially, and oblivious to all the goings on of the bin Laden camp three blocks down?

The men arrested could face up to fifteen years if found guilty, and if not it would be another huge shiner for the US. A good portion of the world already hates us, and the imperfect Christian would hate to think it would grow with just cause. However, on the other hand if these men are guilty, beyond the shadow of a doubt, then fifteen years is not anywhere near justifiable in the imperfect Christians' book! In fact in the imperfect Christians' book they would have to learn about the lives affected in both the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11. That would be the first phase. Then showing clips of their children being labled as victims of the next horrific event, or photoshopping false disfigured images of their family members in caskets would be the next phase. Phase Three: showing them that all that could end with the end of the evil known as the Taliban.

Please don't misunderstand, the imperfect one is not so naive to believe that there will be perfect harmony world wide. The imoerfect Christian knows the high probability of there always being a bin Laden, or an Adolf Hitler wanna be in the wait. A wanna be always, continually, and forever more in the wait. The imperfect one will prayerfully believe also, that there will always be a morally sound Allied force to bring them down. The imperfect Christian doesn't like war. The imperfect Christian believes war should be avoided at all costs. However, when lives are being taken anyway... well the imperfect eyes see a brave, and compassionate serviceman/woman, and those eyes team with a huge, humble smile, and say thank you, and God bless you!

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What Did You Do With It!?

2011-05-09T22:59:00.001-04:00

Have you ever misplaced something that meant a lot to you? Then realized that you haven't lost anything but your mind! The imperfect Christian gets so frustrated when he rushes, and forgets things! Have you ever watched the TV Reality Show, "Big Brother?" They film everything, yes everything! Showers, sleeping/night time activity, everything! Well in the imperfect Christians head you get the family friendly version, the part that you can watch for free without having part of the screen blurred, or bleeps for foul language. The imperfect Christian has this vision of himself sitting in his office, and preparing to make a call. He reaches for his phone and notices that his wedding band is gone! The initial feeling is a panicked one, you know the one that makes your face feel hot like someone just slapped you as hard as they could on both sides of your face. Yeah that's the feeling the imperfect Christian had! He moved papers and his Bible, among other articles around on his desk, looked underneath his laptop, his phone, then his desk. He went upstairs, out to his car, and did this at least three (3) times before asking around the office for a helping hand. The imperfect Christians immediate super came in and helped look through the office, and in other areas of the building. He even went thru the trash with the imperfect Christian. The imperfect Christian then experienced the next phase of anxiety, he thought about having to tell his bride that he had lost his ring, and it made him sick at his stomach in the worst way. Oh did he have to fight back being sick. It's been a long time since that feeling hit us, but today was a valuable lesson. Do not do things in a rush! On time is being ahead of time! If it's worth your time, take the time to do it right! I work for the best company on the planet, the Creator of the universe, and for the finest family a man could ever have. Now it is past due that I show them all how awesome they all are! Oh yeah, I had left my mind in call me back land and my ring on top of my candle. The label on the lid camouflaged the ring and made a blend just right to leave the imperfect Christian unnerved and blind. So to the greatest boss lady in the land, thank you for dropping by to help me look for my ring. Good eye! She found it while getting a Tootsie Roll out of the imperfect candy basket. She has always been invited to drop by and get candy, but now the imperfect Christian owes her big time! So the next time you get in a rush mister, remember this day!

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Who Are You, Who, Who, WHO, WHO!

2011-05-08T23:23:00.000-04:00

No parties mentioned, no pictures, not even a voice... Imagine if you can the illusion of choice, not being an illusion. Imagine a two party system, being a truly diverse group and more than just two parties. You don't know if you are voting for a female, or male. You don't know if this person ethnically has ancestrial background from Africa, Asia, Latin origins, or if they're from the Middle East! All you know is that they have posts expressing their beliefs. You have candidate number one, through twenty-one. No more to go on, just what they believe, and what they are willing to try and accomplish to make this nation a better one. Kinda like Jesus being a baby. You don't have people looking for the Black baby, or the White baby, a tan baby, or a pale baby, you have them looking for the kid from Nazareth. So why can't they look for the fair skinned kid among these dark skinned Egyptians!? The same reason you couldn't tell that Moses was Hebrew rather than Egyptian. It is a time where skin tone is just that, skin tone, nothing more, nothing less. A time where what you claimed you were, was what you were. So let's not make this about just race... Lets make it about party as well. No GOP, no Dems, just a bunch of kids from every livable continent on the planet, ready to get together, play, and have fun. It works for the kids, but as adults we find too many closed minds, and not enough like minds. Now don't get me wrong, diversity is good, and checks and balances are good too. Balanced, not one side attempting to bring the scales level with pulling the high side down with evil. And let's hear about all death, not just one group, and let's talk about all sin, not just one area, and see who is right for the job. Then we can ask who it is we voted for, and who we chose to hate... Yes hate, because that's what the imperfect Christian has witnessed from many over the last three years...

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:02:00.001-04:00

The imperfect Christian didn't spend time on Social Networks today.
The imperfect Christian didn't spend too much money today.
The imperfect Christian didn't even watch his favorite team fail miserably today.
The imperfect Christian DID spend time being blessed with...
A woman that doesn't need a pat on the back to be happy! But it's good when she get's one!
He DID spend the day with a woman that went to every school event that she could make it to.
Spent it with a mom that went to her inherited son's school events, ball games, and other functions even when their biological father could not be there! Not just on awards days, so she could be seen, but even when she was not seen, in order not to make a scene!

To my wife, and the most beautiful woman in the world, thank you, and I pray that, I am one day the husband that you deserve, although, that would be an enormous task! I love you!!!

The mother gave birth, but Mama raised you! To all good Mama's... Happy Mother's Day!

To the kids that make the Mama's good mama's, thank you too! Thank you Baby Girl, for the perfect pose, for your imperfect, but loves you, daddy!

What Are You Rejoicing Over?

2011-05-03T01:29:00.004-04:00

Ever heard of those people that will believe anything, their called fools... Every heard of those people that believe everything should be acceptable, again fools. They will also use propaganda, that's right, they twist the words of others to say what they want them to say. They are not rational enough to hear anything you have to say, sadly enough most don't even listen or understand a tragedy even when it hits their home, then they look to cast blame on anyone but self...

If the shoe fits wear it.
The imperfect Christian doesn't get offended when people bad mouth Bible Thumpers... he doesn't force his faith on anyone, but will share it if someone is willing to have a decent conversation. So the imperfect Christian doesn't take it personal, or get tore up over the term Bible Thumper.

Charles Barkley is a huge man from Alabama with African Ancestry, (that the imperfect one is not a big fan of) that has made some racists remarks, and even has a book that somewhat manifest his racists thoughts in the title... "Whose Afraid Of The Big Black Man?" If Charles were to run for President, you couldn't accuse the imperfect Christian of being racist in his vote, because in that election if Charles were running against a man/woman of non-African heritage you simply couldn't pay the imperfect Christian to vote for him (him being Charles Barkley). Yes, Charles, the imperfect one is certain, would call the imperfect Christian "turrable" among other things much worse. Charles would probably say that the imperfect Christian's grammar and run on sentences are worse than his as well. The imperfect one would have to disagree with him on the first half at least! The imperfect one doesn't get bothered over people calling him a racist because he doesn't associate hymnself with Sir Charles ideals concerning ethnicity, or for that matter much else.

What does the Bible say?
The imperfect Christian is not one to wear out a pericope, he prefers to reference and apply the entire Bible in his life, but some verses are better suited for certain situations. Two verses that the imperfect one has seen the most today are from Proverbs. Proverbs 24:17&18, and Proverbs 21:15. Some folks have used their concordance to find their verse for the day, and others just saw it on Twitter or Facebook. A concordance is awesome, it helps you find a verse via a key word search. The imperfect one has used them plenty. But it is also great to study to show yourself approved...

Yes it is great that most (even the non-believer) knows what John 3:16 says. It's even greater when they know what 3:17 says, and are even more intrigued to find out what the rest of that blood given covenant says.

Today the imperfect Christian has seen and heard everything from, "It's a government scam to shake up Al Qaeda," to "He (Bin Laden) got what he deserved." "This isn't the end of terrorism," and "Obama didn't get him!" The imperfect Christian has witnessed people use Bible verses, and witnessed others quote great minds all over the web, and on social networks.

So what do the two verses say:

Proverbs 24:17&18

17 "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
18 lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him," (NKJV)

Verse 18 ends in a comma, verses 19 & 20 ends that with saying:
19 "Do not fret because of evil doers, nor be envious of the wicked;
20 For there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out." (NKJV)

The lamp today, according to reports, was snuffed out...

Proverbs 21:15 Reads:

"It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity." (NKJV)
"Justice is a joy to the godly, but it terrifies evildoers." (NLT)
"When justice is done, good citizens are glad and crooks are terrified." (CEV)
"When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." (NIV)

In the imperfect conclusion the imperfect Christian would have to say this:
The killing of Osama Bin Laden may not have come from a gun that contained the trigger finger of President Obama, it may not bring back 2,977 NY Lives from September 11, and countless other lives in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Pakistan, it may not even be true at all that he is dead... however, if he (Bin Laden) is dead, it is not gloating, or even a rejoicing in one mans death, or pay back for 2,977, it is praising God for the fact, that the one dead man, will no longer be able to master mind the killing of 2,977 with less than one percent of the people that he was responsible for killing.

Freedom, Hope, Peace, Perfection wish You were here... Perfection left the physical a little over 2,000 years ago. We won't see Perfection again until He returns... until then keep Him in your heart press toward the day of Perfection.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

You Followed What & Got Where!?

2011-04-27T21:18:00.001-04:00

The imperfect Christian has been blessed with some brilliant friends that say things that manifest their brilliance. A given is that The Holy One is the most brilliant, so I am going to give Him, His just due today, and praise Him.

In times of struggle, you may hear people advise others to go with there heart. Is that good advice? Go with a heavy, already hurting, and confused heart? What does a heavy heart produce? It produces a slower beat, and an eventual anxiety that leads to a shattered heart. Who sings that song, "I'm Falling To Pieces?" The lyrics say something to the effect of "when a heart breaks, it don't break even!" So is it good advice to tell someone to go with their heart? How about going with your gut feeling? Same difference different terms? Well here's something the imperfect Christian heard from the advice column: People that fail miserably are giving advice where they have not only failed miserably, but are still failing! That is powerful! How quickly are we imperfect Christians willing to give someone advice, when we don't have things straight in our own lives!?

Well via a tweet, I read these words: "Instead of following my heart, I have decided to follow Jesus!

There is a new release of a Southern Gospel Track titled the latter. So who, or what did you follow, and where did it land you? Here's where the imperfect Christian could've been had he followed his heart:

Krispy Kreme for breakfast every morning, unhealthy and unwealthy.
The Trek store, but healthy this time, however, again without funds.
The Music Shop with a huge smile and happy, until seeing that no funds leads to not being able to pay for the necessities in life.
Eating ice cream every night for supper at a little angels request, finding me in the end unhealthy and beaten by her mother.
Or on the road all the time, never at home, and eventually without a home. The imperfect Christian and Kert, the lonely rolling stones!

Oh the list could go on, but in plan simple English, if a six year old gets it, then you in the 20/30/40/50/60 year old body with the mind of a teenager should get it!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

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How Do You Get High?

2011-04-26T08:50:00.000-04:00

What do you have with a cool Lake Michigan breeze, a Carolina Blue sky over a blessed Wisconsin home? The perfect day for a family Easter gathering. To be imperfect, and see His love poured out still.

To have the grace of hearing your children laugh with a never ending energy as they hunt for Easter eggs.
To be a part of the fraternity that is now a part of the inherited family, that sits around downstairs, laughs and gets excited over the games they're watching on TV.

To be reminded of the mercy He bestowed upon us with Easter egg devotions. To have the hostess, a great Christian teacher, an even better Christian wife, mother, and grandmother remind us that it is Him that mercifully saved us from a devils hell!

Yeah that's the difference between grace and mercy as Pastor Henson would say:
"God gives us grace by giving us what we don't deserve... and the mercy not to give us what we do deserve!"

So how does the imperfect Christian get high? It starts with a hug from the aunt that opens her door for you. It continues with more hugs from more aunts, and cousins. It's getting a kite started a mile above the grass that is greener than the green in Green Bay, for your 6 year old, then allowing her big cousin to join in on the fun. It's the football game in the back yard where no one boo's if you throw a pick or miss an assignment. It's the love unconditional that still calls you family even when you forget to send a birthday card, and now we have email and Facebook, so shame on you if you miss one! It's the passing on tradition from one generation to the next, and enjoying what God has given that makes the imperfect Christian high. I hope this trip helped you get up for another good time.

Until the next time... Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J

From the fine folks of Spiritual feeding (Quotemeal):
"If God be your partner, make your plans large!" ~ Dwight L. Moody

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Not Ashamed!

2011-04-11T20:54:00.001-04:00

It is unheard of anymore that someone would express their faith openly on a major network. Express their faith and not catch grief over it anyway! David Kim did not just hang a Cross over his car mirror, or smack on a fish emblem on trunk of his car, he prayed on National TV in a church, and dig this... he also prayed with an employee on the sidewalk during the filming of "Undercover Boss!" The imperfect Christian has to give credit where credit is due: With Chick-fil-A, Mr. Kim's company "Baja Fresh," ranks up there in the upper eschalon. Infact the imperfect Christian gives them a (Marine Corp based/themed) Imperfect Christian "The Few, The Proud & The Blessed Award!"

Mr. Kim, to this point, has been one of the most generous CEO's on the CBS hit show "Undercover Boss." David Kim gave a franchise to, the now, youngest owner in the Baja Fresh community. Yes, you read correctly, the imperfect Christian said, "gave."

He is not afraid to help others, and not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ! David Kim is more than just OK in the imperfect Christians' book.
Study to show thyself approved, a workman need not be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of God...

The imperfect Christian is now a huge fan of Baja Fresh and Mr. Kim, and is blessed to call him a brother!

Mr. Kim

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Just By Chance

2011-04-09T07:43:00.001-04:00

I returned and saw under the sun that—
The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 (Amp)

Sometimes God will not do for you what He expects to do through you. Then at other times He through His Sovereign Arrangement will show your physical eye what your spiritual eye missed, and will bless you without giving you any say in the matter. He will show you a miracle spiritually when physically all you have seen was a mishap! By chance could it be a blessing in disguise? Lord I pray so...

Peace, blessings, and joy... that real PB&J!

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Deer in the Headlight Look

2011-03-20T12:09:00.001-04:00

We may or may not see how we appear to others, but do we think about how we appear to God?

Be honest and ask yourself, before viewing Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ," how many would have seen the Fathers' view of His ONLY BEGOTTEN SON on The Cross. How many would have seen the first rain drop as a compassionate tear from Gods' eye? A tear shed for all humanities sake?

How about the movie "The Acts?" The particular scene that I am referring to is the Emmaus walk. When Jesus sat with Cleopas, and another of the latter disciples for dinner after a seven mile trek on the way to Emmaus. The Bible says, "And it came to pass, as He sat at meat with them, He took bread, blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight." (Luke 24:30 & 31 -KJV)

Honestly before that movie did you see what the rest of us saw? I saw the fleshy, carnal side of myself that limits my faith. If you haven't seen that movie you should! I will not ruin the movie for you unless you invite me to. (Smile)

So if you met an angel and knew for a fact that it was an angel would you have that deer in the headlight look? Hopefully you would not have a holier than thou look and try to use the angel like a genie. But what would you do if you had an encounter with an angel. What if Christ came back and dwelled among us for one more season? Now that's not doctrinal or Biblical concerning short term. The next time He returns it will be for the long haul. But just saying as self proclaimed faithful people do we place Christ into every action and conversation? Or do we allow ourselves to be improperly prepared and appear to be as the deer in the headlights?

Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J

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Ad-Vice

2011-03-19T16:23:00.001-04:00

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Advice. A six letter word for "injustice." To take it from a less than loving person, or to give to a foolish deaf (by choice) ear is an injustice either way.

Which way should I go? Should I do this, or that? You want my advice? Of course you don't, and if you do let me apologize now, because I simply will not have any, for anyone.
The imperfect Christian says, "Take Hwy 128, I always go there when I need to get away." Instead the person seeking advice ends up back in the den of iniquity from which they were trying to escape! Yep they jumped straight into the car of chaos, and drove themselves crazy on Hwy Zero! Why Zero? Because they are incapable of ever learning!

Here's my philosophy, not my advice based on grammatical division:

To give advice is to ad (publicly display/advertise) to the vice (evil scheme/bondage/clamp/grip/stronghold) on an already challenged soul.

I do not believe in adding to a problem, or troubling anyone more so than they are already troubled.

I'll pray that you listen to the Holy One and that when you do, that you take heed to what it is that He is saying to you. Because God knows a simple mind usually doesn't listen at all.

Peace, Blessings, & Joy...

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R.E.S.P.E.C.T!

2011-03-08T13:29:00.004-05:00

First Amendment!? It is your right!? Here's another scenario for ya! The imperfect Christian and a few other true compassionate human beings/Christians and any non-believers that will join in, take a petition, and walk through the crowd and get an email address, maybe a phone #, or perhaps even a physical address, then take this list to the killed Marines family. Then as soon as you Mr., Ms., Mrs. Protester have a tragic death in your family I invite the largest battalion in the Corp., along with the Marines family members that choose to participate and march down to your loved ones funeral and protest against hypocrisy and stupidity. Just because it's a (so-called) "right" doesn't make it right! People that call themselves Christians and then do this junk, and say (not in so many words) that they are speaking for God! News Flash! If you fall in that category, then you need to understand, that God doesn't need your voice, because He is GOD all by Himself! For those non-Christians that just need to be heard, voice your opinion to the government, not to this man/woman's hurting loved ones! If his agenda was to seek and destroy as many lives as he could, or to "start" a war all by himself, then I see your need to speak out against "him." But protest a funeral, where a person gave his/her life for your/our First Amendment right!? Come on! Take it to the courthouse not the Lords' House...

"Gods' wrath" the protesters were quoted saying. 911 was an act of God...according to one protester (a pastors -aka holier than thou devils- wife. Hmmm, I disagree, I say no, it was an act of evil, executed by evil men. "Thank God for dead soldiers..." one banner read. Gay or not, uncalled for! Hmm did God call in terrorist at Sodom? Nope. Did Gomorrah go to naught at the hands of protesters? Mmm again, nope. But because of the wickedness, the sodomy, and evil that these men forced on other men, women, and perhaps even children these small cities came to an end, to end all the EVIL therein by the hands of Almighty GOD! Not anyone else. Christians pray, and non-believers, please be peaceful non-believers. God doesn't need our advice, or help. He desires our obedience, and love. Love one another. Peace, blesssings, and joy... that real PB&J

Here are a few links:
http://www.navytimes.com/news/2011/03/ap-court-backs-westboro-in-funeral-protest-case-030211/

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/funeral-protests-criminal-father-slain-marine/story?id=10255885

http://www.wbaltv.com/r/25305223/detail.html

Nobodies Perfect Right? And That's When The Fight Started...

2011-02-16T13:49:00.001-05:00

The imperfect Christian had decided it was warm enough for a haircut. Therefore, with the sun filling the sky, and the feeling of Spring in the air, he made way to the barbershop. You can meet some very interesting people at the barber, and hear some very interesting things. Well the imperfect Christian has one for the record books. Forgot about "Dueling Banjo's!" How bout "Dueling Afro's?!" Two new preachers from local churches in the same district, meet for the same time at the barbershop. They begin talking about their churches, and their call, and for the moment all is well. Then they merge into conversation about family. Well the imperfect Christian being a family man, and at one time a not so shabby preacher in his own right sat back, smiled, and enjoyed the stories they shared with the shop, until the conversations transitioned to marriage. Preacher X said to Preacher Z, "You know it's hard to find a man or woman with good morals anymore. I never slept with my wife before I got married, did you?"
Preacher Z replied, "I don't know, what's her maiden name?"
And that's when the fight started...

OK forgive me on that one! I just needed a moment, and there it was...
Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J ;)

Are You Quitting!?

2011-02-14T23:14:00.000-05:00

The imperfect Christian was blessed with perfect riding weather all weekend!!! He rode 20 miles on the track on Friday, got a nice burn due mostly to not having any pressure in his tires, but by the grace of God, He sent along an experienced rider that had a floor pump in his car. Yes it's the little things in life that mean so much. This fella had blazed past the imperfect Christian like a greyhound with his tail on fire looking for cold water all afternoon. Which in the end helped strike up the conversation that led to the imperfect one getting the assistance he needed. Now that the imperfect Christian is no longer the shy kid that he once was, he had the audacity to approach this speed merchant, and ask a favor. The imperfect Christian complimented the rider on his speed, and technique, got a humble thank you from the other rider, and then politely asked him if he had a pump. The rider was gracious enough to point the imperfect one to his bike transporter (car), where he said he would and did indeed help him with his tire woes. As the experienced rider assisted his ailing new cycling brother, he said, "Wow! you have nearly nothing in the front, and a whopping 30 lbs of pressure in the rear! Now that we have you back up to regulation (100psi), you should go about 10 mph faster!" Saying this with a slight chuckle due to the over exaggeration, and most assuredly to his amazement that I was riding on almost flat tires. I didn't have a pump, or an adapter for the slim (presta) valve stems that are on most top of the line road bikes. What I did have, however, was a willingness to get a few miles in on a gorgeous Friday afternoon.

Saturday was beautiful as well. The imperfect one took his middle son with him on this ride, and they rode the town loop via the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the best rides that I have been on in a long time! We had the road to ourselves!!! It was great. 16 miles, and a few step climbs, but nothing major. That all changed on Sunday!

Sunday, which was supposed to be the imperfect ones day off, saw the same two father and son combination taking on an even bigger feat! Sunday we decided to try and conquer the mountain. The upside was I had someone to share the agony with, the down side was that it was really agonizing because neither of us had prepared. We didn't hydrate properly or have any lunch, and it showed when we started climbing. Anxiety set in, and the hunger made us weaker by the second. The imperfect one thought to himself as he was writing this blog... "Self we were only riding bikes, I can't imagine what those Chilean miners had going through there minds!" The miners were reported to have had suicidal thoughts, and planned cannibalism. Now the imperfect one and his son were not that bad, but it was bad enough. Plus the way the imperfect Christians kids eat, shoot... the imperfect Christian would have only made a snack for the middle son if the imperfect one would have died, and the son had to resort to cannibalism in order to survive! The imperfect ones son said, "Hey we could turn back and head down the mountain again and call our one woman with a little lady rescue team (Mama and Baby Girl)! I said let's just get a drink here and press on. It was our first climb together, and the first one that the imperfect one had been on in more than a decade and a half! Desk work will kill you! I kept hearing Coach Haskins telling Bobby Joe White, "If you quit today, you will quit everyday for the rest of your life!" So, we trudged forward!!! The imperfect one and his son got to the top, and both he and his son were fatigued and more than hungry. The One WOman Rescue Team (Mama) was concerned about her fellas, so she safety harnessed the Baby Girl and took her rescue wagon out after them early. The imperfect Christian and son were thankful that she did! The imperfect one was truly glad to see his lovely rescuer/wife, even if the first words out of his mouth were not, "Honey I love you, it's great to see you." No instead he said, "Oh praise the Lord, have you got a pack of crackers in there anywhere?" She replied, "I don't store food in here, all I have are some cough drops!" The imperfect one with no sense, or hesitation says, "Cool I'll take one." Hunger will do some crazy things to a fella. A planned fast is tough, but an unscheduled one will make you one of two things:
1. A stronger imperfect Christian, or
2. Just plain crazy!

Perhaps the imperfect Christian needs to practice his fasting and praying with a bit more due diligence? To make matters worse the imperfect one and son took money from the rescue team and rode the last two miles to Burger King. That's where they made there worst mistake... "Whoppers!" The imperfect Christian stomach still hurts today from the grease and fatty food that he has slowly but surely tried to ween himself away from!!! So don't quit! Don't give up. Stick to your ride (game plan) whether it involves fasting, or just praying, and don't stop when you get to your mountain top. There are other people that will need you, and there will be other mountains to climb.

Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J!

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Wisconsin Winter Olympic Diving/Too Funny!

2011-02-05T14:18:00.000-05:00

So what are a few things to look forward to on trips to Wisconsin? Hmmm let's see... For me extended family! Great folks to visit, and they don't openly make fun of my Southern Drawl, in fact some of them dig it as much as I dig the Northern dialect and sound. But what would a trip to Wisconsin be without cheese curds, and snow! So what do they do for fun in Wisconsin? They watch Packer football, eat cheese, drink milk - hey it is America's dairyland after all- or beer (not for me), and they have fun in the snow! This is a video of the greatests Swan Dive ever caught on video. Here's to you Greg Lou"pain"us! Happy diving sir...

Prodigal Pup!

2011-01-22T14:29:00.002-05:00

Well last night as the imperfect Christian was carting the bikes inside, his prodigal pup decided to make a mad dash into the woods. The imperfect Christian called out for him, whistled for him, and he just kept on wandering any way. So as any good father would do, the imperfect one locked his kennel, and closed off the opening on the outside dog house, and left him in the cold. You know at a certain age, kids will do what they want, they just don't fully get the consequences part just yet. Some never do, and all you can do is pray and let them learn the hard way. Well the imperfect prodigal "old" pup came back, and after shivering his tush off, he apologized at the back door. The imperfect Christian again as all good fathers do forgave him, and granted him access to his house again! Welcome home buddy! ;)

Until next time... Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Facebook Etiquette (Top 5)

2011-01-20T20:08:00.001-05:00

The imperfect Christians Facebook Etiquette:

1. Fellas a tie is not a have too, but it could sharpen your image. (Please see picture above) Joking of course, some of us gentlemen not even a tie can help.
2. Ladies, if the barn needs paint, paint it! Just know that body paint is a touch too much when that's all you're wearing. ;) Especially those of you that need extra clothes on. Again I am teasing, don't go postal on me!
3. As for communications... please do not argue on Facebook. I have a friend that works for a soap opera company that says, and I quote: "We get great ideas from right here on Facebook, and don't even have to pay these people! LOL!"
3.5 Don't assume either! That is a make shift toboggan not a turban, and if it were a turban the imperfect Christian is still just that... an imperfect Christian (that loves er'body, and agrees to disagree), and nothing else! Thank ye!
4. Also, if you just filed for a divorce, or are going through a separation/divorce, and you have some mutual friends with your spouse; then in "some cases" I can't blame you for axing a few of "their" friends. However, if you have friends that were friends before the spouse came along, and/or before the divorce took place, then in most cases it could be OK to keep the mutual friend. Again the imperfect Christian emphasizes on the "in most cases." The imperfect Christian ain't mad atcha either way, just sayin.'
5. To conclude: Spammin' and unwanted ads, or hacking could see you served up a dotted eye. Don't send junk to every friend on your friend list! Put it on your wall, and it will show up on your wall, plus the "News Feed." Don't have 500 Facebook friends waiting at your door step preparing to sabotage your computer, or worse!

OK that is a wrap on my 5 hmmmm mmmmm and a half Facebook do's, and don'ts, so now which one of y'all have a clever "BIBLICAL" scripture to close with?

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Born Again Family I Need Ya!

2011-01-19T10:33:00.002-05:00

A few prayer request please:

A great Sr. Execs wife, a very sweet lady is @ her doctors office now, God knows the need.

A fine engineers father dealing w/ neuropathy, & a spider bite, facing possible amputation.

Faith the size of a mustard seed, can move mountains, so I am calling on the mountain movers this morning. To all my born again brothers and sisters, please lift these fine folks up when you go to the Lord. Thank you.

Ronaldogho Nike ad

2011-01-16T10:02:00.001-05:00

Watch the head fake at minute marker 1:55 - about 1:59. He has mad skills Nike! Don't make me call Adidas or Puma! Lol!

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Dog yo Part II

2011-01-16T09:46:00.001-05:00

If I could only catch him when he was really feisty!

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Ronaldogho (Ronal dog yo) for my non Latino friends ;)

2011-01-16T09:43:00.001-05:00

My dog can display some mad handles when he's game! Lol. The pick it up with his mouth trick... yeah equivalent to a hand ball. He cheats like that sometimes!

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Do It 4 A Just Cause! Gitr' Done/Get'it Did!

2011-01-10T13:01:00.000-05:00

The imperfect Christian believes in doing things for a Just Cause. Some will make Kojack jokes about my "I Ride For Sticker, and others may say something derogatory, and to each their own. Most that have been in the struggle, or had someone close to them in the struggle can spot the bright yellow, and black from a great distance, and appreciate all of those that support the cause. The imperfect Christian was mistaken about the weight of his bike. The Midnight Rider weighs a mere 16lbs that feels like less than that, so I was off by a few pounds! I can say that I can't ride it where or like I want to just yet, and my addiction is growing with everyday, but I will get there.

Riding for my health, and to promote a health conscious community is my aim. I have not ridden in years, and pray that I will have an opportunity to ride daily soon. I will have to butter up my son to get out in the snow however, he has a mountain bike that would be perfect for a ride in the white stuff right about now!

The most Just Cause I have right now? Family! The imperfect Christian was blessed to have time with his Baby Girl yesterday. We rode the sleds for a good bit, and then made snow angels. The downfall, he left his phone behind, and has no camera to record or take stills with! Shame on you daddy!!! The imperfect one only wishes that he could have seen the face that matched the high pitched glass shattering squelch that she let out just a few seconds after saying this hill is going to be boring! We slid approximately 25 feet before getting to the edge that dropped about 4 feet, but it was a drop that was closer to a 90 degree drop rather than the 45 degree slope we had just traversed. The abrupt drop was similar to that of a small rollercoaster, and it was a blast! After getting blasted with snow spray, and cold wind, we tried the flat lands. The imperfect Christian daddy got his real workout there! Yes friends he pulled the little girl down the drive way running his legs off as she yelled, "Faster Daddy faster!" I believe if her mother had handed her a jockey's rod, Baby Girl would have struck me several times like a jockey in the running to win the Derby at Church Hill Downs!

We have more snow, and I'm thinking that after nap time, we may have to go out for Round 2 later this afternoon! Not all is fair in life, but God is just. Just to forgive us, and just to give us a second chance. So, my new motto isn't Nike's motto, "Just Do It!" My motto is like my God, it's an action thing, and it says, "Just Did It!" Get up, get involved, and get it did! That's the brotha's version of Gitr' Done. See I work both sides of my bloodline! ;)

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Homeless vs. Houseless

2011-01-06T12:02:00.000-05:00

Ted Williams defines the difference between homeless, and houseless with his testimony here...

We all believe in what we believe in, in our own special way. Not every Christian believes the same way, and some have a different doctrine or routine that they follow. The imperfect Christian is not a morning person, I do not get up at 5:30am and study, or have devotion. The imperfect Christian works best in the evening hours, and that is not for everyone. Some may be with me, and others are saying, "I ain't with ya brother." God love us, that's what makes us unique, and what makes us... us! This mans emotions, and his will to share his faith speaks volumes to those who will dare to listen. If he is true in his faith statement, then not only does he have the Golden Voice, but the Golden Heart as well.

There will be jokes about the hair, his eyes, his look, and his appearence, but what he confessed is no joke. In his interview he thanked God for all of his blessings. He said because of the Lord, he was now off of the streets, and had a second chance with his mother, and a second chance at life. He unfortunately did not have that same opportunity with his father that has already passed away. He said he didn't take things for granted now. I can appreciate that. When you miss out on things in your life, and are granted a second chance, it makes you grateful, and it humbles you, or at least it humbled Mr. Williams, and the imperfect Christian.

Is Mr. Williams a Christian? I don't know if he is born again, but the imperfect Christian does not recall ever hearing an extremist, or unruly fanatics use the term, "Lord," in the way that Mr. Williams did. I believe his spirit bears witness to the spirit of God. I believe that he is a born again Christian because he testifies that his finding God in 2010 made a life change, that made even this man with no house, no job, and pretty much no material possesions confess to having a good year! Why? Because in his hour he found God. He may have been on the streets at the time, and without a house, but he was not homeless. He has an eternal home if he is born again, and nobody can take that from him.

Ted Williams said, "The difference between now and the time I did have some kind of a heyday or a successful life is that know I’m more appreciative of life, I’m not taking it for granted and I’m thanking the Lord every day." Even if it hadn't happened, he said that he was still thanking God!

John 14:2 says:
"In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

To conclude I say this to my brothers and sisters in Christ that are born again: you may not have a house, or a job, but you are never homeless!

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real P,B,&J

Hybernation or Hypernation?

2010-12-20T15:34:00.000-05:00

The imperfect Christian has prayed, and asked God to move for him in a mighty way. Then the imperfect one over thinks, and wonders if God will honor his prayer. OK is it in line with His Word? Is it for His glory? God says don't limit Me, but somehow the imperfect Christian manages to (at times, not always) think of what he can or cannot do in his limited being rather than what God can do through him. Hello remember Philippians 4:13? He can do "all things" by Himself or even through an imperfect Christian like myself! We as Chrsitians may ask for Gods' provision, and ask Him to show us things in His omniscience, then look for it with carnal eyes. Yes, I believe in a science, an omni-science called The Almighty, and no not Bruce.

In order to hear the inaudible, to see the invisible, and do the impossible, we must have faith. The imperfect one is not saying to act a fool or temp God. He is saying to believe that God rewards those that diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) He is ominscient, all knowing, He is omnipresent, everywhere at once, and He is omnipotent, Almighty! He is also eternal, so you don't have to worry about Him cutting out on you like a so-called friend when the money is all gone. No "good time," no time at all.The imperfect one believes that there is time for hybernation, a time to be still and know that He is God. However, the imperfect one also believes that there is time to go into hyper drive as well. God does not want to do for us, what He expects to do through us.The imperfect Christian wanted a new guitar, a Parker Fly to be exact, so he started saving. He had a few hundred dollars and bam!... something comes up. He starts the savings over. The guitar changed to a motorcycle fund. The motorcycle fund seemed like an unintelligible/unobtainable goal so the imperfect one went for another goal. Let's go for a new bike. We start with a 1 series then a 2 series. Then decide if you're gonna be a bear, be a Grizzly! With that said we jump to the 4 series, yeah you know the one with the black matte finish, stealthy like the SR-71 Blackbird! Then another change, what if we could go to a 5 series?! All in the name of health right? Bicycle = better health, and not as costly as a motorcycle. You already have more guitars than you have hands to play them with, so... Lord let the imperfect one have a new 5.2 Trek. Then God says, "Keep working, keep saving, and use it to glorfy Me, I think you the imperfect Christian can get the perfect imperfect bike. But I will not do for you what I expect to do through you. Use this to honor Me, and raise awareness levels in health, self discipline, and work ethic in everyone that you care for, and I will bless you." The perfect reply from the imperfect guy, "Thank you Lord."From the frozen tundra to all of those who take the time to be encouraged as I am encouraged. The imperfect dedication goes to the man that encouraged the imperfect Christian to Livestrong by living Godstrong! Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J!

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Frosty's Last Stand... A Christmas Dietary Blog...

2010-12-16T15:05:00.000-05:00

Well it is that time of year again...

Packages with tins, and tightly packed goods inside arrive in the mail. People prepare for family visits, and out of town friends, or host parties for in and out of town friends and family. I, for one, am blessed with a very high metabolism, so this time of year has not bothered me to this point in life. I love it when artists send chocolates, and sweet breads to the studio! I eat at work, and then at home because my lovely girls are after it in the kitchen big time at home too! They even had one of my son's excited about helping to decorate cookies this year. He knows that helping gets him perks like licking the bowl! Yes, he has watched the sweet tooth master very well all of these years. Now I have to watch him!

The picture above is dedicated to my baby girl, for helping her mama in baking up a hot batch of Frosty, and assorted Christmas Cookies for the imperfect Christian household. The following picture is for her mother, to show how good they were!

Yes I got Frosty, and he is only half the man he used to be, or at least in this picture anyway. But God bless his soul, Frosty was really done in while jaywalking in Illinois! I tried to get my youngest son to talk to the people of Illinois about pedestrian crossings and traffic safety up there, but nooooooo.....!!! Now maybe after the most noted snowman in history was killed he will rethink his efforts, and try to help out with public safety issues... thanks for the nightmares of children world wide pal! The video below says it all.

Prayer For Emeral

2010-12-08T13:41:00.000-05:00

The imperfect Christian was driving home last evening with his pal Emeral. The imperfect Christian and Emeral ride to work together everyday. Last night was a shocking experience. Emeral was smoking so bad I had to get out of the car, and let the smoke clear. I drove almost an hour to the house, and Emeral gave out on me at Burger King. I was nearly in tears when we drove off separately. I am awaiting the news about Emerals state now. I have posted a picture of my dear friend below...

What's That You Say?

2010-12-08T10:36:00.000-05:00

I used to go to this old tower at least once a week to pray. I was crushed when I received the news about the National Park Service (NPS) taking it down. I met a good friend up there, he and I actually prayed for one another up there, and he paid for one of my missions trips after prayer in this old tower. I have had some great family memories up there as well. That old tower was my get away. I felt closer to God on that mountain top, and in that tower! Secluded and away from it all, just the hawk, God, and yours truly the imperfect Christian. Now the tower is much lower, and easier to access for those in wheelchairs, or unable to walk well. It is a good thing the new tower, I just wish that they could have built it around the old one. I miss the winters we used to have when I was a kid. This past one in 2009/2010 was great, we got a great deal of snow, and had an opportunity to sled, and play out in Gods goodness! This year we have had a couple of light snow falls, and it was a joy to see. Thinking of snow has so many things running through my mind... The fun playing in it. The newness it brings. Words like... "You don't know what you've lost until it's gone..." However, sometimes you're glad it's gone, and pray hard that it doesn't come back. You want your Florida oranges to come back, but not your busted pipes! "You can't unring a bell..." but you can sho' nuff rering one! For some strange reason I hear the woman singing now... "You can ring my beeeeeellllllll, ring my bell!"
James 3:10-12 says this:
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

In other words a true Christian can't have a potty mouth, or a deceitful mouth. Yes we would like to take back some of the things we say, or have said, and there are times when we just wish we could have changed the way we say or have said things. The wonderful thing about having a Savior is that like the beautiful snow covered lands, and snow capped mountains God gave us a Savior that can blanket, cover, and wash away all of our sins, and allow us a rebirth just like new life in a new Spring season. "Rejoice, and a-gain (both a's with the long a sound please) I say rejoice." Today is the day to renew your spirit, and you can do just that in Christ. I am getting used to the new tower, and getting used to the memories of the old one. From this imperfect well, the water is sweet for both... sweet new journeys, and grand old memories. I hope yours will be.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

DADT... How Bout DIRM?

2010-12-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

To be politically correct let me say that the message on the mirror would be about his military career and not his life...

Should the military repeal, unpeel, or appeal to: DON'T ASK DON'T TELL (DADT)? Or should it be the Does It Really Matter law? Rumor has it that some men (80% of those discharged due to DADT according to one reader) aren't gay but are saying that they are just saying that they are to avoid being deployed to Afghanistan. Rumor has it that some women get pregnant just to be discharged and avoid going to Afghanistan. So does the whole DADT really matter?

One reader (Reader A) says that we get along in society daily working side by side with those that have chosen an alternate lifestyle.

Another reader (Reader B) replied, that Reader A went to work, worked with the person that had chosen the alternative lifestyle, and then Reader A was allowed to go home. Reader B said that Reader A didn't have to have to bunk with the person in question, shower with them, or live in the same dorm with them.

So is Reader A correct in the comeback in saying that Reader B is insecure?

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/12/03/dadt/index.html?section=cnn_latest

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101203/ap_on_go_co/us_gays_in_military

OK here's a quote on a DADT Blog from MSNBC just for the fun of things... the link is below for the blog.

"12:32PM: Johnson says he does agree with McCain that matters of sexual orientation and race are "fundamentally different" but notes that leading military officials -- at the time -- also predicted negative consequences for racial integration of the Arned Forces."

The imperfect one says: Fundamentally different... ya think? Oh and is it just me or do the last two words remind you of two old timers from the country talking about a dry cleaning shop!

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/12/02/5566355-live-blogging-the-dadt-hearings?threadId=1146420&commentId=19895355#c19895355

The Sweet Innocence

2010-12-01T21:33:00.001-05:00

"Daddy will you stay in the room with me," asks my Baby Girl. Mamas iPod Touch is playing a soft ballad from a Contemporary Christian group called, Casting Crowns titled, "Who Am I," in the near pitch black room. Then a little more progressive Christian with Francesca Battistelli, "It's Your Life Whatcha Gonna Do, The World Is Watching You!" Forgive me if I butchered the spelling on the last name. Then on comes Toby Mac. My Baby Girl sighs and sits up in her bed and says, "I told mama I wanted sad music! How am I supposed to go to sleep with this rap on!" Needless to say I nearly had to bite my thumb off in the dark room to keep her from seeing me laugh.

After she's sound asleep the song that starts off "Hey eh, hey eh eh eh eh, hey eh eh eh eh, hey, hey soul sister..." or something close to that comes on, and she sings it word for word in her sleep! What are the odds I can play that again tomorrow, and have her do it again so I can record it. I'm guessing about 0% since I want it to happen. Premeditated funnies are hard to come by if a little one is involved. Their gift of using that candid craft is always best!

To my cousin RCN2, and good night...

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What I Hear and See On My Way To Work...

2010-11-28T19:51:00.019-05:00

Driving to work Wednesday morning before work, I surfed the airwaves, and heard these things. I did voice dictation, so my eyes were on the road. So any friends in law enforcement or to my beautiful bride, don't look for me in a ditch, or punch me when I get home please! Plus, the dictation was necessary, because I could only wish my memory was this good. I didn't know all of the lyrics to each song, or the titles to them all, so here is what you get..."Wanna Talk About Me" (Me..EE...EEE) - yodeling, while riding on a "Roller Coaster Of Love," "I Went Down To Ohio," and then "I went from Phoenix, Arizona, all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A., Northern California, where the girls are warm so I could be with my sweet baby, yeah! Keep On Rockin' Me Baby!" Because, "I Won't Back Down," but I will leave "Adios and Vaya Con Dios." 'Meka leki hi meka hiney ho is how you say Merry Christmas in Pee Wee Herman, HI to you.' "Do They Know It's Christmas Time At All?" Christian "Kade" Warriner was the 15th person from our region to die in Afghanistan, he was from Mills River. He signed on right after high school in 2009, married his high school sweetheart this past March and now she is widowed. "Jesus Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes..." "Dear Lord God Almighty From Above Please Look Down and See My People Through."

A self righteous song to start off with, thinking about getting through the day so I can get back home to my baby midway through the songs, and then the painful news of war, and concluding with trusting in Jesus! I don't think you could ask for a better stopping place before work...

Physically I see the picture to the first picture below on my way to work, but visually (mentally) I see the second picture below all day. Lord let me better serve You to be a better servant to You, better serve You to be a better husband, a better father, and overall a better man:

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What I Am Thankful For (Parental Discretion Advised)

2010-11-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

Some folks will be traveling throughout this weekend. Some going to see family, some just to get away. The imperfect Christian is thankful for safe travel. he is also thankful for roads so liberated, they call some of them freeways! Oh and the imperfect Christian loves to fly! He hears Lee Greenwood singing when he thinks of walking through the airport terminal, heading down the corridor nearing the TSA Scanners. Sing it Brother Lee...

Well I'm glad that I'm a flying man, cause as least I fly securely...

And I'm glad that I have a government that thinks so much of me...

so I gladly stand up, and give thanks for each flight each day...

i am glad to be a flying man God bless the TSA!!!

OK the imperfect Christian is certain that if any comments are made those of you with small children, but old enough to read, may want shield their little eyes to some of what "could" be said about the TSA song, and what is to follow. Henceforth the warning label in the title. :)

Let the imperfect one begin by giving thanks to God for everyday, every season, and everything. Yes even the bad. Without the bad we would not truly know the good. Christmas is not the only season Jesus is the reason for the season.

Some have a hard time expressing their thankfulness. Like some that are uptight, and in the church and out bash the "happy people." What other stereotype is there? Oh yes, those with an "alternative lifestyle," that's one less abrasive. Well let me -the imperfect Christian- say that I am thankful for forgiveness. Forgiveness for ever using a term, that was hateful, or called anyone out of name. For those who have forgiven me for using any wrongful terms, I am thankful.

Some are uptight because a couple, or a person decided to terminate an unborn life. The imperfect Christian is once again thankful for forgiveness. Walk in the shoes, before you throw out the Blues. The imperfect one is thankful for those that heard him say under "NO" circumstances should the hideous act ever take place. To my friend that weeps at night because of her tubal pregnancy that had to be terminated, but found it in her heart to forgive me, thank you. The "imperfect" Christian is thankful that you forgive him for not being more supportive of young women, and helping educators, in and out of the home teach young women to take care of themselves, to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and for not being more supportive of those who dealt with a tragedy in their pregnancy that had to be terminated. The imperfect one wants to protect his Baby Girl from feeling alone, or lonely enough to do things recreationally, or otherwise that could change her life forever. Imperfect, but thankful is this father.

To my brother who struggled with addiction. The imperfect one doesn't have to list them, but has felt a lot of them. Imperfect but grateful, that the addiction can be overcome! Imperfect but thankful, that living in this nation is not the greatest thing in life, but what is greatest in the imperfect life is the memories of those housed in his heart from all the years before, and all the ones to come. The men, and women who sacrificed their lives, so the imperfect one could enjoy his. From those who fought at home and abroad, armed and unarmed, the front line of the Calvary in the Civil War in 1860, to the front counter with the Civil Rights Activist at Montgomery Ward in 1960, for them all the imperfect one is thankful. I am thankful for a God and Savior who resides in my heart, and ultimately gave His life. He rose again with all power, so we could live through new birth, and have that life more abundatly. Now bring on the Yardbird, football, and family! Happy Thanksgiving from the imperfect Christian to every house, and every family.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy in Christ... that real PB&J!

Sikh with it...

2010-11-11T20:03:00.000-05:00

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/army-gets-1st-sikh-737345.html

The Link above is from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Coming from the Associated Press, it's a story that covers a soldier (singular) being granted the permission to wear his turban, and his beard, based on his faith walk. Is he receiving special privileges, or is this his Constitutional Right as an American soldier?

Is it OK to sue an organization, or a group for singling a person out, when that person has asked to be singled out and received special privileges?

Is there somewhere in the US Army dress code, or in any manual, or law anywhere that states that a turban is or is not basic attire for a soldier? If so, is there also an exception for ball caps, or substitutes other than berets for the US Army?

The above picture is what a non-uniformed, unwilling to adhere to the Geneva Conventions guide lines terrorist "could" look like. They could also go under the alias of soldier, but not technically or factually be called anything above a coward if they serve the Taliban.

She's not old enough to sign a document yet, but she is old enough to know love, and understand what that uniform represents when her daddy and other men like him wears it! I think an adult willing to sign a contract to wear, and serve in one of these uniforms should understand how it is to be worn, what it represents as well.

ICRS and Friendly Faces

2010-07-24T11:02:00.001-04:00

Some of the friendly faces at ICRS, and the new booth. You have to smile around these guys! Ones part owner of this fine establishment, and the other keeps things straight in the warehouse, plus they have contagious joy!

The last fella, well he was always behind the camera, and he's at every show, "The Official Photograhper," so why not put him on film somewhere! Say, "Cheese!" in your B-Boy stance! Lol.

ICRS Trip Lee

2010-07-23T23:43:00.000-04:00

I know that it was not a conspiracy, or was it? Notice the hat on Trip Lee's head... His rep is a fan of the bad guys (Yankees fan), and they beat the Dodgers in a comeback on Monday night! Dag! The imperfect Christian has been had! I am going to do a review on the CD hopefully this weekend, it is brilliant! If you like Holy Hip Hop, then you will appreciate this CD... He had 200 plus come by to get an autograph. Of course the imperfect Christian was blessed to get a signed copy for his youngest son,"Smiley" and not a bad flowist in his own right! Until the next time...

Peace, blessings, and joy... that real PB&J

Seven Dust The New Perfume NOT

2010-07-21T21:33:00.001-04:00

Holy smoke! The imperfect Christian has experienced, and shared some experiences that most would not want to partake in, but here's another one that I just had to share. You ever been walking through Wal-Mart, hmmm mmmm, excuse me Baby Girl and Sunshine, I mean Target, and pass a mature woman in her, let's say, 70's that smells different. I wanted to say funky, but that is a harsh term, so I will go with different. Then it hits you, that smell is the same kinda different you smell in the garden! Holy smoke it's Seven Dust perfume!!! Ladies I know some of you like a rough head. You like the dirt under the nails, and the whole "he smells like a working man grease pit smell," but please don't counter that with Seven Dust! Country boy or not, that stuff kills men as well as bugs, leave it alone! How 'bout I talk your fella into getting you some "Happy" by Clinique? Or some Honeysuckle lotion from Bath and Body Works? Don't have a man, hmmmm... let's try a different perfume besides SEVEN DUST! Leave the farm dust on the farm, or at least wear just enough of it, so he has to hug you real tight, or get as close as the ladies in the picture above to smell it. Look at where you are... you have just walked out of the store, and there are a group of smokers. A few others walk out swatting at bugs join in with them and light up. The bugs fly away from the smoke. Now here comes Ms. Seven Dust, and bam, the bugs don't bother her either. She's not picking knats out of her hair, or rubbing them out of her eyes, she's walking with a smile, and her hair doesn't move. Seven Dust the bug repelent is on the Surgeon Generals list, and the perfume should be too.

Lord I pray that I do not offend the Seven Dust District of Parfumers, but I am also praying that You will help them to tone that down just a tad. If they do not tone it down, Lord please send the rain for that crop, and let the under arm hairs, and odors be quickly harvested so the need to feel over perfuming is necessary is relinquished. I pray that whatever company makes that perfume has a change of heart, and sets guidelines for its application. Let them, Lord God, make a different fragrance, a much more pleasant aroma. Thank You Lord. Amen.

ICRS Booth (Lauren Talley)

2010-07-20T23:02:00.000-04:00

Ladies and gentlemen, the imperfect Christian presents Ms. Lauren Talley. What a songbird! She blesses me with a Madea "How ur youre?" when she passes my little portion of the Southern Gospel World in our studio. That's Tyrone McGillacuddy in the background to the right. He is the worlds second fastest Bluegrass yodler. OK maybe that's not Tyrone, but that is Lauren... so please go to your favorite Christian Retailer and bug them to no end to get her CD in if it is not on a shelf or sold out!

(ICRS) The Walk The Night Before...

2010-07-20T21:24:00.001-04:00

The New Busch Staium is a good looking facility. I used to be big on the the Card's when I was a kid, so this was a treat for me. I was a huge fan of Ozzie Smith's, and Willie McGee. Darrell Porter was there too when I saw them play the Dodgers as a kid. Good stuff! This was a pre-ICRS stroll...

There's Ozzie on the left of Enos Slaughter. Ozzie was a switch hitter, and one of the best shortstops of all time! The new stadium is really nice...

Even if you're not a Follower, who likes baseball, you have to admit, this is pretty cool!

Now if they can get the space around the stadium as fresh as the stadium, they will have something!

I remember Lou's twilight years, and films on Gibson. That man was a pitching machine!!!

The walk back as the sun sets...

My postcard shot of the old courthouse, and the gateway to the West!

The Old Courthouse by the Arch, and back a few blocks the Old Post Office! The only thing new in town was me! Haha... These pictures are dedicated to the postmaster, and his missus. Thank you for a wonderful time in Sun City... Hope grandma is recovering nicely.

NCIS of Christian Retail ICRS

2010-07-19T01:03:00.021-04:00

The imperfect Christian took to the streets upon his arrival in St. Louis. The imperfect Christian witnessed very few folks that appeared to be homeless, and the streets were much cleaner than my last visit. Now he didn't hit the hood, just the immediate downtown area, but still nowhere near the depression that he had experienced in Denver last year at ICRS. The imperfect one would have to say that St. Louis was not as active as most major cities, but all and all, the culture was somewhat diverse, and the people not too bad either. Not an abundance of people begging, not a sleeping bottle clinger at every corner, but one man that was pleading to the open air for some clean water. The imperfect Christian didn't encounter the comedic, or hostile non-believer this year either. Overall the streets of St. Louie, not too bad. Not as lively as he had anticipated, and oh man, did he just walked 10 blocks in the wrong direction!? Where can a body find a quick, yet tasty meal, that won't break the bank...? Ummmm nowhere after 7pm in St. Louis on Sunday night, hey wait a second is that a Hardee's? Yes, praise the Lord it is, and a woman waiting at the door for donations for homeless children. OK slide her some funds, and walk briskly back to that room with the help you stay awake drink maker sitting by the idiot box that puts you to sleep!

ICRS the Room

2010-07-18T12:27:00.002-04:00

OK... so one other person asked the imperfect Christian why in the world would someone put the coffee maker in the entertainment center/armoire with your TV? The imperfect one didn't have to share a room so no one was put out by the angle of the TV, and the room was super clean, so he couldn't complain. What he could complain about was the flopping going on in the World Cup. The imperfect one is still trying to figure out how it is that a perfectly healthy 150 to 200lb man can run for 90 minutes, push a whole host of players around during that time, suddenly gets knocked down my the wind from another players kick? Amazing!!!

ICRS The Official Welcome

2010-07-10T13:04:00.000-04:00

OK the pictures are inverted again! Therefore, starting at the bottom, and working my way up, here goes...

The gateway to the West, you can just see the Arch in the upper portion of the picture. You know the St. Louis Arch where Moses came over on according to Madea?

Then the Missouri Air National Guard, they guard MO airspace!!!

Air Wisconsin for Sunshine...

and it's official, even the ICRS display illuminates the airport. On to the Renaissance Grand...

ICRS Flight into St. Louis

2010-07-10T13:00:00.000-04:00

A few more shots from Air Wiscansin... In reverse order here we go...

Aerial shots of the arenas. I was not too far from the St. Louis Rams home, the Edward Jones Dome.

I was even closer to Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, which at one time was also the name of the football team, that moved to Arizona, and was replaced by the Rams formerly of Los Angeles.

The last window shot is the first shot that I took of the Mississippi River. You really get a greater appreciation for how big it is from he ground, but it is jaw dropping from 5,000 feet as well.

To wrap up. Even the smaller planes have WiFi, and all the luxuries now! My flight lasted long enough for me to boot up my laptop, and then have to shut it down again. Would you like a drink with that? Oh and the airlines should get their peanuts at Target, I think they could save their clientele a bundle! I think people would be much happier to have the $4 price of the peanuts hidden in the ticket price. From the most financially favored, to those less favored, everyone loves to hear the words, "free," or "complimentary." Would you fly for peanuts, will the airlines work for peanuts? Probably not, but would you listen when someone says, "free?" I know you would...

ICRS in the Clouds... Word of the Day... "Surreal."

2010-07-08T21:22:00.000-04:00

The pictures were not that bad, but there is nothing like flying through, or over the clouds. OK I grew up in the country so here's my Preacher Foxworthy Imperfect Christian word of the Day... "Surreal."
"I wanted to take the best picture that I could so they looked surreal, you'd think you was there."

ICRS @ 30,000+

2010-07-08T13:26:00.000-04:00

More cloud pics, one more run, and then to the airport...

ICRS Flight, Name the last pic...

2010-07-07T22:31:00.000-04:00

I call this one... Stepping on the clouds.

I like to call this one... Stepping on the clouds.

I call this one a nice place to land if you step off of the clouds.

Can you guess what I call this one?

Second Leg ICRS

2010-07-07T17:33:00.000-04:00

The layover was not that bad, and I was ready to do the last short leg of the flight... Who would I be teamed with on this flight? Doesn't even matter this time... because I have my window seat, and a beautiful Southern sky. Off to the Midwest, St. Louis here I come! I was paired with a gentleman from Wachovia. He had a BlackBerry, and made me miss mine, but wait what's that... he also has an iphone! What a dog! He was an arm rest hog too, but not bad to fly with. He read his magazine, and seemed to glance over a few times as I shot a fwe pictures. Yes I know the captain said no electronic devices but come on, the view was gorgeous. He didn't say much after takeoff, and I only bugged him one time to let me out, so I could go to the lavatory... high altitude potty for those of you that have never flown. And for those with Latin tongues the wash room in the sky. Well I guess I could post my fluffy shots next... Picture blog!

ICRS St. Louis 2010

2010-07-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

Bright Southern sky, hot and sticky already at 8am, I set sail in the Emerald Hornet, (the Green Olds) and head out to the airport with my girls. We are at the half way point, 30 minutes into the trip, and my missus gets her coupon bin out, and goes to work. She has turned into a coupon clipping, money saving machine! She finds great sales every week. The beauty in this is that at often times, she will find a great set of steaks, tender, and just right, and then gives me credit for grilling them up nice. What a gal!!! This morning she grabbed her list, and had her window down slightly, and swoosh! Her list was vacuumed out of her hand, straight out of the window! The look on her face, was one of a woman that had just lost a winning lottery ticket for a couple of thousands of dollars! It was priceless. I was praying hard that she was not going to ask me to turn back, and go after it. She looked back with a smile on her face and said, it’s on the antenna! Thank God for the decision to take the older car, with an exterior antenna. It wrapped around the antenna, and I was able to pull over so she could retrieve it.

Well we got to the airport, and baby girl wanted to lug in my suitcase. It’s as tall as she is, and was probably almost as heavy, and with the exception of the steps, she made it all the way. She was cheerful to help daddy with his luggage, but a little saddened at his leaving. Well the eyes welled up on daddy first, and mama took baby girl out to the car after daddy had a chance to kiss her whole face. I cried at the check in area, just before going into the gate, but was able to refrain long enough so my little one, and wife could not see me. Mission accomplished, I am getting worse with each departure, however! They just don't get any easier I said to the family from our local town. We consoled one another, as we cried, and said our good-byes.

On to the gates! I was greeted by a not so hostile airport security agent, that instructed me place my items on the belt, and told me that my laptop didn't need to be turned on, and the phone was good in the bin beside it. The gentleman on the other side of the gate was not as friendly, and asked me to go back through the gate until my bags had cleared. I hustled to the gate where my plane was docking.

I surveyed the lot of potential passengers, and started to pray, and sort through the good and the bad. I prayed that I would not be stuck next to a rude snobbish person, or someone just not easy to sit next to on a flight. Seasoned fliers know where I am coming from. You don't want the kid that can't be pleased, or the snoring old dude with no teeth, or the Howard Hughes that can't sit far enough away from you in his seat, of the overly friendly, that can't get close enough and uses you as a pillow! Did I miss any? Well as I sat waiting I noticed a few "can do" people, and a few "Lord please no," people. The lady across from me talked on the phone quite a bit, but had a friendly smile. OK she seems friendly enough, yeah she qualifies, as a good flight neighbor. Wait though, what if I get stuck next to the man and his son over there? He’s talking about shooting pigs, and gun models with an 11 or 12 year old. He smiles and seems friendly enough, but perhaps too friendly, and he’s a gun fanatic, and talking openly about it at the airport, please Lord, let me sit far from them. Not every gun owner is a terrorist, but not every terrorist comes in brown, or wears a diaper on his head either, as some would stereotypically think either. Speaking of stereotypes, here comes a lady with money written all over her, and she doesn’t look a bit friendly at all!!! There’s the old guy who snores through the whole flight, nope! A young woman that’s shy, and looks uneasy, not her either, please… Well they have called my zone, and it’s time to board. The ticket agent (collector/whatever they're called) took my ticket, and she was very nice, very professional. Thank you Ms. Ticket Getter.

Now to find my seat... OK I have seat 2F, and there are only 4 seats ranging from A-D… I am supposed to have a window seat, oh joy, the hateful lady is in my seat! She had 2 E. She said I have E, but I may be in the wrong seat, but it doesn’t matter to me… How could I ask her to move? I couldn’t! Wow what a soft putz! She didn't say much, and it was only a 25 minute commuter flight, so what's the big deal right? She read a magazine for most of the flight, and turned out to be pretty cool. She yawned and I said, “It’s too early for that,” and she said, “I know right?!” She has to be a young 50, and used the term “I know right.” I guess a fella of apparent African and Latin descendants having a Southern drawl was not the norm for her either, but nonetheless a good flight. God blesses me with humor to get me through the homesickness. Look out CLT here we come...

Hang on to your wallets!

2010-06-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100616/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gulf_oil_spill

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_gulf_oil_spill

Well good people, I have a bad feeling that this means hold on to your wallet time again! What is fair market value? How much is all that crude worth? Is it worth it to start building electric cars, and hybrids. Hydrogen fuel cells that combine with the oxygen to create an exhaust of H2O, hmmmmm... What is fair market value? Scientist, someone, please... Hey how bout we all get a fuel truck, and go bucket up the BP free down on the Louisiana, Bama, and Florida pan handles coasts? How can we refine that stuff, and get fair market value out of it?

Measuring Up...

2010-05-05T11:16:00.000-04:00

The imperfect Christian loved the Chevy Chase movie Fletch. The imperfect Christian thinks about one line in particular that Chevy uses in that movie. He said he was 6'3" normally, but 6'9" with an afro. Well looking at the imperfect Christian's ministry, and how it is shared with others, I am normally 5'11", but desiring to be 6'5" if not taller. So where do we measure up as ministers? We talk to people, and mention our spirituality, and some people cringe, but say nothing. Others share their faith in return, and some, well they just tell you that they are not religious at all, and that they do not want to talk about it period.

The imperfect Chrsitian spoke to a single parent one day, that said their son was in a group home. As a minister I have visited group homes before, and it is not a bad gig, and it beats prison like a drum, but it's still not home! The imperfect one said, "Well things have a way of coming out in the wash." The concerned parent asked what I meant. The reply that the imperfect one gave was something like this:

Time has a way of healing things if we let it, and if we have the right source. Upon getting a little deeper, the imperfect one explained that he believed that Christ can wash all sin away, and that in time, He heals all wounds. This parent asked, and the imperfect one told. However, even with telling the concerned parent that the imperfect one didn't attempt to force his faith on anyone, and believed that all had the choice to make for themselves, the concerned parent went from grateful, to offended. The words were, "I am not in the mood to talk religion right now." The imperfect Christian in love, said, "I gave you my heart because you asked, and I would rather offend you with non-religious spirituality, than to lie to you, or sugarcoat anything, but again I do not force my faith on anyone."

We can go to most communities and talk about politics, sex, and various other worldly issues and argue, or talk all day, but mention Christ, or your spiritual joy in Him to the wrong person, and you've either lost a friend, or started a riot.

So let's take a little off the top now shall we. The imperfect one didn't kick this person, or their feelings to the curb, but instead listened to their hurt, and pain without suffering any set backs that would cause a deeper pain for the single parent, and waited patiently. The imperfect one and the single parent talked about things working out, and the imperfect one even used scripture, but because the single parent is not a devout Christian, they only heard friendly words. "A person who has friends, must show themselves friendly..." Anyone know where that is in the Bible? It's not an exact quote from your 1611 KJV Authorized, or even an NIV direct quoted verse, but it is the Word, and close to being quoted. So I made myself friendly, then followed rule #1, and remembered that I have two ears, and one mouth. The imperfect Christian listened well, and then prayed silently, to prepare [hymnself] and this person for the love that only God can give. I am not sneaking around my faith, I am just not offending a friend, and I am giving them the Word, without talking about something that they are not in the mood for.

Most people that do not know God, or know Him as well as they should will eventually say, "You always know what to say," or "Where do you get that from?" Then bam, lookout for the seed, "It was God... He gave that to me through His Word." "Yeah I read that in the Bible." You get the picture. They may run again, and then again they may reject it totally, or they may feel the Spirit, and be moved. I am not forcing this blog on a soul, but I am telling you the reader, that I love you, and more so I am telling you that there is a God that loves you more.

Until the next time:
Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

To the Bloggers...

2010-04-22T19:21:00.000-04:00

I love music, and work with a wonderful music company. I really don't watch movies much, but occasionally we will rent a good flick. I enjoy a good book as well, and do some book reviews, thanks to Thomas Nelson's "Booksneeze," and hope to have another one in place this weekend. Some writers, write reviews that are trustworthy, and others not so much. I read a few blogs, and ever so often, I will check out a review. But do not trust many. I didn't read any reviews or blogs concerning the "Blindside." I wanted to watch it with no opinion at all going into it. Overall, I thought it was brilliant! Great story, great acting, and touched the true man's, man in a way as not to violate the man's code of ethics in watching a "Chick Flick."

The first Southern Gospel blog that I had read was "Burke's Brainwork."

http://burkesbrainwork.wordpress.com

He wrote the first article on the Crist Families "Declaration" CD that I had read. As I listened to the Crist Family Project, and read Mr. Burke's Blog, I found an immediate connection! Wes Burke calls them as they are! His descriptive writing blew me away! The analogies were wonderfully placed, and hit the nail on the head. I felt every word of the blog, and actually felt closer to the music because of the blog. So there is my prop for Mr. Burke.

Next up Mr. Daniel Mount. I have had the pleasure of meeting Daniel in a wonderful Southern Gospel studio called Crossroads. I wrote a blog about my wife, just a week or so ago, and Daniel said that it was the funniest thing he'd read all day. OK coming from a talented writer such as Mr. Mount, I was feeling pretty good needless to say. Daniel has some brilliant ideas, and his blog is dead on. When Daniel talks, you hear the writer in him. His blog link also for you Southern Gospel fans is:

http://www.southerngospelblog.com

So I was just thinking... could this duo one day be a Siskel and Ebert, or Roper, or whomever the best two in the business are now... of Southern? Time will tell. As for now, I would like to thank them for the inspiration, and for the excellence that they bring to the blog world! So thank you both... :)

Punking the Punkin' - Wife Punking 101

2010-04-19T14:04:00.000-04:00

Well the imperfect Christian is a child of God no matter of his short comings. However, he is also the same child of God, that same imperfect Christian, that likes to play jokes on people too. The imperfect Christian has his own email, both personal and work to attend to, but now he also has the email, and social pages of a very talented group called, "Voices Of Inspiration" to manage as well. With that said let's go to Sunday evening approximately 7:30PM.

The imperfect one went to the Voices Of Inspirations Faithbook, I mean Facebook page. While he was there he saw that his best friend and lovely bride was online. The imperfect one does not chat much on Facebook so he never has his IM open. However, on the VOI page it was. He wrote an IM (Instant Message for the non-Im'ers) to his bride as if he was the Pastor, and group director. The imperfect one chose his wording carefully, and deliberately so he could emulate the pastor. He told her how blessed she was to have the imperfect Christian for a husband, and how much the group wished he'd sing with them. He told her how much the group loved the imperfect Christian, and needed her too. She replied with how wonderful her husband was, and how she thought he had a wonderful voice, and to pray for them. The imperfect one replied in perfect imperfection! He said that as the pastor he always thought of them, and lifted them before the Lord daily. He also said that imperfect Christian spoke of how much he loved his bride, and that the imperfect Christian said that she had a lovely voice too, but would not use it. That the imperfect one would like for her to be with him always, and at every rehearsal, and wanted her to take on a bigger roll in their ministry. Then continuing on as the pastor, the imperfect one said, you should come to every rehearsal, we miss you when you're not here. She thanked the pastor, or so she thought, and then said "Yeah right, he lied to you about my being able to sing, though." Then she said that she looked forward to the next rehearsal, and thanked him again. Polite little booger isn't she. The imperfect one then said, well Mrs. Pastor will be looking for me so I had better go, church is out now, and I need to get home to my queen. Take care and tell the imperfect one that we love him, and know that we love you too! The imperfect Christian's bride then said, thank you take care, and I will tell him that you send your love.

The tired eyed, beauty of a woman walks into the bedroom that she shares with the imperfect Christian, and begins to tell him about what the pastor had said. The imperfect Christian then quoted a line or two, and she looked at him like no, he said... then she thought about it, and the imperfect one smiled, and she turned to walk from the room and the imperfect one grabbed her and hugged her, and said, "I love you, and should have played that one out a little more, and said something either really bad about the imperfect one, or played a favor for him!" Here are some classic play your pastor prank lines... "Has he mentioned a haircut, cause a Brown man loses his mind when he loses his hair. Samsung in the Bible, oh yeah, he was a brotha, and look at how many people he took out when he tore that shopping mall down!" Here's another one: "Pray for him Mrs. Imperfect-Christian cause he said that the Portuguese have to shave their toenails after a certain time frame... I'm telling you, you need to watch that brotha!"

Yeah I think it could've gotten even more interesting if I had played my cards right. Am I getting too soft... am I slipping!? Nah, she just does me like that! Welcome to Christian Wife Punking 101!

Until the next Punking of the Punkin's... Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

On The Bad List?

2010-04-18T10:44:00.000-04:00

Tom Gebo a 6th grader in Spencer, Massachusetts was placed on a bully list at school. His mother Danielle says that his teacher, and all involved in his being placed on the list should be punished. She feels that keeping him in from recess was an unjust punishment, and not an appropriate form of correction. Tom said that he has to report to a teacher after doing anything. If he went to the bathroom, he had to report to his homeroom teacher. Tom admits that he bullied other kids, and now he says that he's being bullied. Tom also said he knows how it feels now, and that bullying is a bad thing...

I would say, lesson learned, and thank you to whatever teacher(s) that took care of this matter, kudos to you!!! We need more teachers that are willing to stand up, and keep order in their class rooms, and care for all of their students!!!

Dr. Ralph Hicks (The District Superintendent) said that he would take care of this matter in whatever way he needed to, and would resolve the matter. Dr. Hicks I think it would be an injustice for you to do anything to your principle or her staff other than to congratulate them on a job well done!

We struggle in the US now with conduct, and with self discipline, simply because good core value, and common sense have been tossed out of the window. Parents have become lazy, and are willing to place blame on anyone other than themselves or their children for disruptions, and downfall. Tough love, understanding, balance, don't cast blame, just do something about what went wrong and do not let the same dog bite you twice! Too much government in America? Perhaps, or could it be too little parenting? Perhaps...

Kids that want to go beyond, usually seek beyond, and find great success. The kids in Hong Kong go to school for a lesser period of time, and have for the most part set higher scores scholastically than our kids. Why? Discipline, drive, determination... Take 3D out of your TV screen, and movie theatre, and apply it to life! Check the videos and be blessed.

Peace, Blessings, & Joy... that real PB&J

Friday Night FROG!

2010-04-13T14:45:00.000-04:00

Well glory be the frog is me! Got to keep that leap alive!

Fully Rely On God... Stay away from foolish conversations, and anything that will separate you from what you love, your first love!

A rare, short, straight to the point blog by the imperfect Christian.

Peace, Blessings, and Joy... That real PB&J