Where'd You Go?

A single mother walks the ridge line alone. The sun is dropping, and preparing to set in hues of oranges, and reds. The night sky follows the sun until it pushes it out of sight. The sun is out of sight, but it's not forgotten, it's just not seen anymore in this day. 

"I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments." Psalm 119:176 (NKJV Biblegateway 2015)

She walks alone and watches the sunset, and she misses it as it gets darker. She knows that for this day, that for this season that the sun is gone. However, she knows that tomorrow brings a new sunrise. There's the possibility that the sunset reminds her of a few things. She may be missing her child(ren), or the touch of her father's gentle caress against her cheek. She may miss her lovers embrace, and be lonely, but she knows that tomorrow is a new day. The commandment of the rising sun is like that of the commanded rising of the Son, there will be another rising of power. She too, must rise for her sake, and the sake of her loved ones. 

A mother/father is missing her/his child today. A lover is missing his/her helper, and earthly provider today. A child is missing his/her father today. Where are we? Are we helping to ease that pain? Are we His hands, and feet?

Some of those missing are not there by choice. The decision was made, and the absence stings. 

Some of those missing are gone by divine choice. 

The thought of hearing his/her laugh. The stories you can no longer share. It's painful to have to accept that kind of absence. 

You drive down a stretch of highway and think to yourself, "Remember when you sang that song about Snoopy, and we laughed until we cried?!" 

Then you think, "They used to sit in the seat right next to me, sat in my lap from time to time, and now I do not have that opportunity. You do remember, but the one you shared that with is gone. You can't tease them over Thanksgiving dinner about the time they sang that silly song, or when they farted at your in-laws house and blamed it on the dog. They are now just memories. So in my cutting up, let me turn back to seriousness to close, and encourage you not to be selfish, and please do not embrace recklessness, or carelessness. Share with all of your loved ones that you can. Share with blood family, and inherited, or blended family, because we are not promised one day to the next. However, as you are blessed to see another day, rejoice and be glad in it, and share that joy! 

On the flip side, you may have a loved one that needs a break from you. Go share with another loved one. Even a lapdog desires a break from you from time to time, so spread the love!  Whatever you do, and with whatever LOVED one; share, and make lasting memories that you can be thankful for. 

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

Statistically Speaking

Photo courtesy Apple Inc.

Statistically Speaking:

What if you could bet your life on something? What would it take to make you wager? What would be a great enough gain to make you take the bet? If you're smart you don't gamble, but you especially don't gamble when it comes down to your life. So let's look at the compliment of that. Let's say that there is only one way to preserve your life, and that is to take the wager. Would you be more apt to bet if that was the circumstance?

The imperfect one likes to consider himself a critical thinker, but he also enjoys simplifying. So in simple, but critical thinking, here's my conclusion on believing in something greater than myself.

If the imperfect Christian doesn't believe in God, and there wasn't a God then he's ok.
If the imperfect Christian doesn't believe in God, and there is a God, then he's not ok.

If the imperfect Christian believes in God, and there was no God, he's still ok. (Even lived a good life helping others).
If the imperfect Christian believes in God, and GOD is, then he's more than ok!

Therefore, 3 outta 4, or 75% (that's really 100%), are odds that the imperfect Christian will put his money/life on. The imperfect Christian is not the greatest statistician in the land, but he is smart enough to take the better odds, and 75-100% out class 25-0% any day.

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

Stages

 

Photo courtesy of steephill and letour.fr not for sale or reproduction for profit. 

We all go through stages. The imperfect one wishes that they were all as easy to get through as Radioshack/Nissan Trek rider Fabian Cancellara seems to make them appear in the picture above. Fabian understands that the road ahead of him is a tough one, however. No sane person, would ever tell you that all roads are smooth, and that all mountains are easy. The roads are beautiful, and the vistas incredible in the mountain stages in the Tour de France (Tour of France or TDF), but they are difficult for even the most skilled and best conditioned riders. So goes the trials of life.

Fabian won the Prologue (the opening stage of the TDF, but not Stage 1) of the International Cyclist Union's (UCI) and the worlds biggest cycling event, in doing so he also claimed the first place yellow jersey by winning the Prologue (Individual Time Trial).

Fabian is a time trial specialist. Fabian has won four UCI Time Trial World Championships (breaking the record), the opening stage (time trials) of the Tour of France five times (tying the record this year), he has won Olympic gold, other, numerous UCI races, and time trials as well. However, Fabian has never won "The Tour." He has won a ton of races, and awards. He has an impressive resume for sure, but what really makes this guy special is his selflessness. Fabian works with his team in every way possible, he takes it under his wing every year in his specialty event, the time trials, and leads them in the team time trials (TTT). This Swiss born rider with an Italian bloodline, is a team player. Fabian never goes out and says, anything about what he has done, or who he is. He doesn't have to, his actions do that for him. He doesn't have to be an, "I did that," or an "I was that guy!" He is still that person, just at an even higher level because he takes others with him. He never boasts about past achievements, he just focuses on the team at hand, and tries to make them better! He held the yellow jersey for the first seven days in this Tour, and has helped keep his team together, to pursue the team yellow now, and is doing so with no complaints. This just in, the team has the Team Yellow Jersey, and lead all teams in the TDF! Fabian has done his part, and is now on his way home to make being a great dad look easy. He's going to experience the birth of his second child. Congrats Fabi, and if you are the was that guy, here's to your change.

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

Where Can I Find The Right One?

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?

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!!!

What Is Love: Stormy Weather & Brighter Days

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!

The Storms Expose`

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!

How Prepared Are We?

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

What Are You Rejoicing Over?

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

How Do You Get High?

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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Homeless vs. Houseless

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

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

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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Blow Out, What Blow Out?

OK the one thing that I have said all along is that we shouldn't give more attention to idiots. They simply do not deserve any attention at all. That's the main reason most idiotic acts are committed. You know like kids starving for attention. One kid wrecks his bike and doesn't get hurt and everyone laughs. What follows the natural, pure, humor? Acta idiota! The idiot act is the next kid that comes along and just does a host of stupid things to get attention. So goes terrorism.


A friend sent a note with about what a Federal Judge had to say about an idiot act. I wanted to see if there was even a slight truth to the story or see if it was a hoax. I found some evidence on wiki, and other media accounts. I am glad we have wiki, she's my friend.


Robert Reid decided that he would follow a cult. He chose to sign a verbal, mental, and evil spiritual contract with a cult. He was promised by evil men, that produced a false god that this false god would grant him a false harem. He chose a path that took away choice. As an American he had the right to choose between right or wrong. Now he is incarcerated and has no choices. He as a free American citizen could have chosen to have no faith, or he could have followed a Savior that died for him, and promised him a paradise without killing. (Luke 23:43, John 14:2,Hebrews 11:16) The same Paradise that Paul spoke of to the Church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:4)


Here's to a few good men...

Judge William G. Young (say it with spunk like Fred G. Sanford) should run for President! Check this story please. I know this is somewhat contradictory, because I said we shouldn't give idiots and cowards more publicity, but I am not a major media source, and no one will remember this cats name from my story anyway.

To a true patriot, and please pass his name along as an outstanding man of justice, this one's for you Judge William G. Young! Young's run deep in my bloodline! Love myself some Young's including this Judge that tells it like it is!!! That's just another reason I am proud to post this!


Thanks Vern! Here's the post:


Remember the guy who got on a plane with a bomb in his shoe?


Did you know his trial is over?


Did you know he was sentenced?


Did you see/hear any of the judge's comments on TV or Radio? Didn't think so..!!!


Everyone should hear what the judge had to say.


Ruling by Judge William Young, US District Court.


Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to say.


His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the record, Reid also admitted his 'allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah,' defiantly stating, 'I think I will not apologize for my actions,' and told the court 'I am at war with your country.'


Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below: January 30, 2003, United States vs. Reid. Judge Young: 'Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you.


On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States


Attorney General.


On counts 2, 3, 4 an d 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutively. (That's 80 years.)


On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years again, to be served consecutively to the 80 years just imposed.


The Court imposes upon you for each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 that's an aggregate fine of $2 million.


The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines.


The Court imposes upon you an $800 special assessment.


The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it.


But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further. This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.


Now, let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is too much war talk here and I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals and care for individuals as individuals. As human beings, we reach out for justice. You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether the officers of government do it or your attorney does it, or if you think you are a soldier, you are not----- you are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice. So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I've known warriors. You are a terrorist. A species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and the TV crews were, and he said: 'You're no big deal.' You are no big deal. What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today? I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing? And, I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know. It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom, so that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discretely. It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf, have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges. We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bear any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this courtroom. Mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. The day after tomorrow, it will be forgotten, but this, however, will long endure. Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America , the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done. The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice. See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America . That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. And it always will.. Mr. Custody Officer. Stand him down.


So, how much of this Judge's comments did we hear on our TV sets? We need more judges like Judge Young. Pass this around. Everyone should and needs to hear what this fine judge had to say. Powerful words that strike home...


Richard Reid (shoe bomber) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


So Richard "I'm not so rich" Reid thought he was getting 72 women, and a luxury suite at Hef's mansion, with killing innocent people that he called infidels. Instead of 72 whores (females), the word "hur," in the Quran is masculine. Hmmm was muhammed or the allah they speak of a false prophet allowed to have a few true prophetic messages, cause where Reid is headed there will be several men waiting to do him in real good!

One Month To Live

What would you do if the doctor told you that you had only a few more days left?



What would you feel?



The imperfect Christian initially felt fear.


The imperfect Christian had this book (One Month To Live) lying around in front of his closet in the huge clutter called his bedroom. He saw a book that he had picked up from a gracious and generous distributor for free at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS). It was a book that he had never read, never even touched! Then after years of pretending to be a faithful person, he picked up this book. He read the intro and asked himself, how am I going to take this seriously? I am not dying in a month that I know of due to illness, and if I were, I certainly wouldn't spend it chasing money, be concerned with paying the light bill, or buying groceries. Heck no, bring on the beach! Give me a board, and a bike and turn me loose!!! Well just so happens God answered me immediately on this one. He allowed me to feel that experience to a certain degree through a nightmare. He has since placed others in my life to wake me up as well.




The imperfect Christian placed his fro covered noggin on his pillow in hopes of a warm, peaceful slumber only to find himself restless and tossing and turning! Into the night came a horrific vision of his aunt asking him about a spot on his leg. It's appearance was like, and pardon my graphic discription, a nubby nipple. It grew rapidly before our eyes, and my aunt being a critical care nurse said, "That is bad! The way it's growing means that it's probably in your blood stream and you do not have long to live, a couple of weeks at the most." Now of course this is a dream, and the imperfect one has never heard of a growth growing from the size of your pupil to the size of a plum in just a few minutes, but it seemed so real!!! I was initially horrified, literally scared to death! I then turned bitter. I was angry that this was happening to me. Then stage three saw me being angry enough to do something about it!!! The imperfect one that was once filled with fear, and then bitterness, was now filled with strength from the Holy One. The imperfect Christian took this news as a wake up call and said, "I will not go out like a coward, I refuse to let satan still another second of my joy! I will honor and glorify Christ even to the death!"




You ever get that, "I'll show them!" mentality? That's what I felt. I woke up that morning and started a diary, and asked a couple of friends to ask me about my experience when my month was up, and I have a story, man do I have a story. Why because it didn't end at the dream, He spoke to me through another compassionate heart, when I was wide awake. This has been some ride, and the imperfect Christian has work to do. Pray for a brotha, and if you need prayer, please do not hesitate to hit me back here in a comment!

The Hunt Continues in 2010!

The Hunt continues...

We interview Tigers friend again in search for his return to the PGA!

You look at the pretty woman being interviewed and notice her shew away someone in the distance...

I am learning that we do that to too many people we love! We shew away our loved ones everyday! Mama can I call you back = shew! After I do this sweetheart (to our kids) = shew! I don't want to do that (to our spouse) = shew!

The imperfect Christian does it to his kids, and to his parents! The imperfect Christian realized just the other day that his little girl is in school now, when it seems as though she was just born yesterday! The imperfect Christian is watching his little girl grow up through the rear view mirror! That has to stop today! The imperfect Christian is not all bad, he reads to her at night, or plays her to sleep with his guitar and sometimes a song, but what about the inbetween times. The imperfect Christians tombstone will have two dates on either side of that dash. The imperfect Christian wants his dash to be very long, and very meaningful!

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

What The Days Bring...

There are good days, and some that are better than others. One day a child is born, the next sees a child die. One day your career is soaring to new heights, the next finds you looking for work. For one group they rejoice in their candidate winning, the other panics and looks for ways to rebel.

I look at this picture of a young Michael Jackson, and I hear him singing songs like, Kansas City, Kansas City here I come! and ABC, and I'll Be There. He like all of us had good days, great days, and then again he had some that were better than others. What was behind the mask? Was there a piece of the little Michael left? How about you, is there a mask now, and if so is there a little part of the innocent child that knew no hate? Is there a part of you that is like that child that knew how to love and have fun?

God says, "You and I were meant to be..." satan says, "don't hear the part about, 'I'll be there..." satan doesn't want you to hear that part on his behalf or on GODS.'

Sports, politics, even road rage, can make you overlook the finer thing in life. Love... Some people do not know love. Some have been to blind to see it, and others to stuborn to accept it.

John 15:13 (AMP)

"No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends."

Who Really Cares!?

I almost had to be excused for the title on this one. A Marine once said in front of me as a youngster "Who shives a get," to another Marine. You know the military has a code for everything. I didn't think that would be appropriate for a family show, so I cleaned it up for the kiddies.

It's 9-11 a day that most of the world will not soon forget, and a day that some will not think twice about until something of a greater magnitude happens to remind them. 9-11 reminds me of 12-7, it reminds me of people falling hundreds of feet to escape something that they felt they could not bear. It reminds me of pain and grief. It reminds me of some that went through crisis conversion, only to fall away from God once the smoke cleared. However, as crucial as it may be, it also reminds me of a nation that is stronger than any fear. A nation resilient enough to bounce back, and a nation that has overcome more than one tragedy, and does not lie down, but gets up dust off and just keeps getting better. We grow, in size, strength, love, and spirit! We have a president that is bi-racial y'all. Honestly how many would have believed it possible in our life time? I saw American Indians laughing with Asian Indians, White, Black, Latino, humans all gathered together in one place. Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, and Christian, even this imperfect one all gathered in one place to help assure that the world would not view us as a self righteous nation with a self righteous leader. Which brings me to this: if we can overcome the racial hate, religious barriers, and status quos then can't we overcome the arrogance? Not confidence, but arrogance. Racial tensions, and hatred have not gone away, they have just succumb to the greater power of love. Which leads me to believe that the cause of the attacks on our nation was due to arrogance, and ignorance.

I will follow up on the ignorance and arrogance in the next blog, as for tonight, I must meditate, and leave everyone w/ this thought when is it cool to call someone out in public, and when should we pull someone aside as not to offend or unnerve? When should we make a bold stand and when should we just be still? Think on it, pray on it, and make a difference. Love, peace and hair grease, or is it love, grease, and hair piece? At any rate grab your thinking caps and meet me at the forum. Peace, Blessings, and Joy... that real PB&J

Daddy's Girl

This is an imperfect Christian picture of his perfect playtime with his perfect little girl. This is why I live a better life from day to day! Thank you God!!! Nuff said.

Danger Keep Away!

Have you ever watched City of Joy with Patrick Swayze? It was a movie about a doctor (Swayze) visiting Calcutta, India. He went on vacation for a spiritual enlightenment, and wound up in the poorest sector of Calcutta, and becoming a hero of sorts. He was an advisor, defender of the people, and a doctor to a lepers colony. It was a very sad, but an aw inspiring movie that everyone should see!

Those that were not leper's condemned those with leprosy. They would not allow those stricken with leprosy to go outside of their own sector more or less. Treated them like they were not human, and were just down right disgusting in some of their actions toward the poor, and disadvantaged people. Until you've been treated like a leper you usually do not think much about it. I have never had any diseases, or disfiguring that made people not want to be near me. However, some people see skin color as a deformity, and some see deformation as a horrible thing.

As a child I was afraid of people with handicaps. I was afraid until I learned that they needed to be loved just like me, and wanted to give their love just as much as they wanted to be loved. I grew out of my fear with knowledge. But with increasing knowledge also comes increasing sorrow. (Ecclesiastes 1:18) I learned that not everyone cared for other people only themselves and what they believe in. Now I am not going to get on my political soap box, because I am not a politician, but an imperfect Christian that is an American Citizen. My ethnicity like all branches back to some ancient Hebrews, my detour takes place on every continent, until it stops right here in the good ol' US of A. Nothing presents my feeling like the lepers feel more than when I have someone tell me above all other things that they are not prejudice. Not a "Hey man that's a nice jacket," or "Hey that's an awesome haircut," just "Now I don't have a prejudice bone in my body! You know that, how you been doin'?" I have bit my tongue nearly in two attempting to prevent asking how many times they have said that to a person that was not connected to African descendants.

Every time someone speaks about our President not being a US Citizen like they were the doctor that delivered him, it gives me that same feeling. When they say that he's not a Christian, like they are God Almighty themselves it gives me that feeling. I didn't get worked up over John McCain saying, "That one." But I got that same nasty feeling, when others tried to make a huge race war out of his comment. We could talk abortion, genocide, right vs. wrong all day long, and it still does not remedy the problem that we have. Bridging the communications gap peacefully and rationally would be nice, rather than barking out you're not like me, you're going to hell! I do not hate Muslims, Buddhists, or Jehovah's Witnesses, in fact I am going to invite a non-Christian to have lunch with me in the very near future. Wow, wonder how it will pan out when we eat lunch together and realize that we both need nourishment, that we are both human, and we can sit together peacefully, and not worry about our differences, but find the common ground that allows us to be civil!? I'm praying that our nation comes to that conclusion also. When we can celebrate the day that we allow our President to speak to our children and not have the school officials treat him like the strong arms of India treat the lepers!

I have seen the schools allow DSS officials to interrogate grade school children with no questions asked. Take a frightened child into a room alone with one (DSS Worker) adult, no aide (legal or otherwise), neither parent present, no family member present, not even a guardian ad litem, and not make one phone call. They will however, send a personal message home for the parents to sign, or call every home concerning our President speaking with our children. I have not yet to this day that I am aware of witnessed that before. It is also a first that a President has taken time out of an overloaded agenda to address every child in the country with a positive non partisan, no political gain involved, "National" message to my knowledge as well. So what did the schools message say to me? It said in my interpretation: "Parents we don't want to be held responsible for what your child hears from the President, we prefer to make it appear that we are giving you a choice to speak up before the event takes place in hopes that you will keep us from law suits by sending petitions of disapproval against our President. However, with no warning and not caring about a law suit we will allow an individual to request that a DSS worker intervene, and tell you how to discipline, feed, and raise your child. Tell you what they can, and will not learn because we are not above the law, we are the law! We have thrown out all moral and rational dealings because what we say stands, this is not the NBA, NFL or any other league, group or democracy there will be no review, you will just have to get over it. Thank you." What they do not tell you is that they will do this until enough people stand together and override their ignorance. So why are you still sitting here reading this? Go make plans to be at the next Town Hall meeting, and boycott whomever, has no sense. As Mix-A-Lot used to say, "If you help get the fool hired, help get him fired." If you sat and did nothing, now it is time to take a PEACEFUL stand! Be heard, and be seen, don't be in the herd and make a scene!

"It's not because he's Black, African American, what term should I use here? It's because he supports Pro-Choice!"

Again the imperfect Christian does not support abortion, especially partial birth abortion. I also do not support the belief that legalized abortion is the only or leading cause of death, I believe ignorance is.

Pour Some Sugar On Me

I had awakened and early on Saturday morning, and the days of my being able to crawl into bed with my mom, and pull her eyelids were gone. My attempting such a feat as a teen would land me, as Fred G. Sanford used to say, “Five across the lips,” while shaking his fist at Lamont. Well my mom began dating a fellow that was sort of a bully, and not very kind to put it lightly. And he had been at our house a lot, and the more time you get to spend with people the more you learn about them. He had recently lost his job, started drinking, and was sponging off of my mother. Mom finally saw that he was not the same fellow that she had first met, and asked him to leave. It was not a pleasant ordeal needless to say. But there was one bright spot in his being there. It was another life lesson for me, and has made me a better father, and helped me in the prank business as well!

Our bully had decided to go out for a run bright and early on the Saturday morning that set me off. What set me off was the fact that when he returned he ate the last of my Rice Chex cereal! He just snarled at me, like what will you do about it! Did I mention that he had lost his job? Yeah I thought so. Well I am a man that believes restitution should be paid in full. I am also a very patient soul when it comes to payment, receiving and giving if need be. Well it is better to give than to receive, and it was my turn to give. You can’t eat a brotha’s Chex and then punk him out like that! Most of all you don’t treat a Mama’s boy’s mama with such disrespect! He never gave her money, and he never cooked one meal for her!

Well our friend the bully again was there every day that following week, including the weekend. He went to the cupboard to find the cereal that was purchased without any contributions from his hand, and poured a Jethro Bodine sized bowl of Chex. Used my imperfect Christian Jethro Bowl in the deal again, and my favorite spoon! Did I tell you that he didn’t have a job, and that he hadn’t paid for any of the food that he was consuming!? I did, my bad, OK on with the facts.

He got the milk out of the fridge, again the milk that he had spent nary a dime on, and filled the bowl. Then he grabbed the sugar bowl, and put about five table spoons full on his larger than life bowl of cereal. He sat down and took a bite. Of course I had to stick around because I had grown to be a rather testy teenager. My Granddaddy told me that it took a man to dish out a beat down, and more of a man to stay in the fight and take one. Well I wasn’t going to miss this one, and was willing to take the beat down! He yelled through the house like the house was on fire and told my mom that the cereal was bad. A grown man whining to the woman of the house, the one that he was sponging off of, and had the nerve to wake her and tell her his cereal was bad. I would like to punch him in his grill to this day, for the way he treated my mama! Lord forgive me for imperfect, and unrighteous thoughts.

My mother came out to check on him. He was worse than a two year old, and said, “This cereal is no good.” My mother coming to his rescue began to investigate the crime scene. She checked the milk first. “It’s not out of date, it smells ok,” she took a sip, “it tastes ok.” So then she took some cereal out of the box, “The cereal doesn’t taste bad,” she remarked. So on to the sugar. “It tastes like salt,” she exclaimed.” Wow, probably because it is…” she said holding back tears from laughing hysterically inside! He got up and was ready to kill me, and I smiled as I walked by him with my baseball bat in hand. I praise God for allowing me to be surrounded by friends that prevented me from using another smaller Angels bat on the bully while he was talking trash to my mother. I walked past him straight to my room, and my friend had told his dad that he thought I was going to do something bad. He went into our house, and passed out drunk on my mother’s sofa. I didn’t go to a juvenile detention center, and our bully tried to come back drunk, and promptly got served a butt whoopin’ by the same man that kept me from hitting Juvy. God is too good. All stories should end well, and have a hero. Live the righteous life imperfect Christian, and God will be your hero, and the final chapter will be a victorious one!

Well brothers and sisters, be blessed with a sunny and peaceful Saturday, and give love, as you are loved, and even when you don’t feel loved. For what greater love do we know than the love that was given to us when He laid His life down for us, now that is a man who knows about the beat down!

Peace Blessings and Joy… That real PB&J