Great Messages From Chip Ingram

Yesterday while driving to work I listened to Chip Ingram message, "Love, Sex and Lasting Relationships - Wake Up World! There's a Better Way to do Relationships! Part 2". There are men of God that can make you stop and pay attention to certain subjects and when it comes to relationships, love, sex Chip Ingram has a way to teach you, convict you but in the end makes you sit back and make you realize that yes, God's way is the BEST way. In today's world this teaching will make many people shake their head and say, "This is so out of date" or "Here we go...another Jesus Freak trying to tell me how to live my life and these so called "Christians" lives are just as messed up.

Devotion & Reflection for Today

Celebrate Freedom...click here to read devotion
devotion from RBC Ministries

It's amazing when I really set back and realize how truly "free" I am. Knowing how God has truly liberated me from not only sin but has also taking away from the worry of what will happen to me once I die (yes...we all are going to leave this earth one day). I'm not being morbid at all, it's the truth. Not only does it take that worry away and believe me that is a HUGE worry but to be free to be me. For me being a Follower of Christ Jesus he lets me know that there will be trials I will have to face, people that will despise me just for mentioning His name but through it all I can still have a wonderful life.

Yesterday I was writing down the things that bring joy everyday and from reading the above devotion for today I have to put "Freedom" at the top of that list. I have to admit being African American is kind of rough in this day and age but man do I love being me. By being Black I am truly free because it teaches me that know matter how successful I will become it still keeps me humble because people, businesses will try to remind you who you are. This at times makes me angry but for the most part it makes me stronger, wiser, cautious. We have it rough from both ends from time to time. Other African Americans label us as "trying to be White" when we strive to further our education, live in a decent neighborhood and White America (and I do have to stress some and not all because in my years on this earth...all 42 years) I have come across some pretty cool, nice Whites that like me for me. They do not act like race does not matter, they accept me for who I am not try to understand me because they could never walk in my shoes and likewise) still lump us all in one barrel.

*psst...tip for some of my Whites counterparts who don't like me "just because"(Iean over very closely...we ( hard working Blacks) hate poverty, crime as well. *

White America love our music, our lingo at times, our sense of style but for some reason hate us and this I have stop trying to figure out because I can not control how someone thinks about me, just let me do my own thing and stop trying to put barriers in my way because in the end I'm going to get around them and this only makes me stronger, smarter, wiser and it's only going to frustrate you (White America) more. Like I said earlier I feel more free than my White counterparts because I'm free to like who I want, to love who I want when I want. If you like me cool, if not...your loss not mine.

To me I have the ultimate freedom, being a Follower of Jesus Christ and being African American and the top bonus...I'm a geek. When I set at my desk at work and I get a little down I can just look out the window and get aspired to take photographs, pop in my earbuds and listen to my podcast, think about what gadget I want next or to help others whether in person or through my blogs with tech tips I have learned but most important, just to open the word of God, listen to the word of God (got the Bible on CDs), listen to powerful men who teach the word of God and it reminds me that some people are free but are still prisoners within their own thoughts, their own situations not realizing that happiness and joy are two different things. I have joy and for me that's the ultimate freedom on this day, July 4 and human can take that away from me.

Be Blessed, Be Safe, Be Thankful and have a Wonderful Day

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding."
~Proverbs 4:7

Satan Lies...God's Love

"If you're too proud to submit to God, you'll never get to heaven. You may be a kind, gentle person; you may even be naturally compassionate and charitable. But if your pride keeps you from admitting your need for Christ, then you'll never accept His gift of salvation. Many people are in hell because their heart was too hard and they believed their mind was too smart for God."

The above paragraph from today's "Early Light Devotion" from In Touch Ministries hits like a ton bricks to some people. This may be hard to grasp, it may sting, you may not want to hear it...but it is the truth. Many people think they can "work" their way into heaven but we can't. Many people think just because "I'm a nice person there is no way I can be turned away from entering into Heaven"...but you will. Many people think that once you give your life to God that is it, rules, rules and more rules, but for me it's the most liberating way to live. When I gave my life to Jesus Christ so many questions were answered for me and wondering "where will I go when I die" fell to the wayside and to me that is a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders. So many things that God want you and I to bring to Him because in the end He knows we can not do this alone. When allowing God into your heart and knowing His true love for you you feel such a peace that I cannot describe.

Why is it for somethings we can put complete faith into and when it comes to the things of God we can become so skeptical? When we go and get into our car many days we go and turn the ignition knowing it will start. We go and sit in a chair at work or at home knowing it will hold us but when turning our lives over to Christ many people can not do it. We use excuses like, "those preachers on want our money" or "How can you say, He (God) is the only way?" I myself asked those same questions growing up. I was raised in church but I walked away from God. I followed many other religions, practice them and in the end I still felt empty inside. For me one thing has always stood out to me...no other has died for my sins (past, present, future) but one...Jesus Christ. Sometimes I can't wrap my mind around this concept. Why would he do this? Why would a person who knows that I will screw up whether on purpose or by accident still wish to suffer for me?

He (God) sent His only son because He know we are a falling nature, that we cannot do this alone and the most important thing is because God love for you and I and the closeness He longs for you and I. No, God is not lonely but He knows how empty we are without Him. I heard a couple a days ago that Lindsey Lohen will spend over $36,000 dollars a month in rehab...$36,000 a month! Many people do not make that in a year and that is being spent on a person has that much money to spend in rehab? How can this person be unhappy knowing that you have that much money at your disposal?

I am not putting this young lady down at all and she is in my prayers but when you think about it don't you think she would be the most happiest person in the world? It breaks my heart to see so many young people get caught in the trappings of the world and later Satan will make her feel so guilty about how she has lived her life but that has always been Satan's gift, making you and I feel like we are worthless...but He is liar. God knows we have a fallen nature but He knew when He created you and I that we would make mistakes because He has given you a free will but He has given you and I a door to come back to Him. Satan shows people the pleasures in life but never the consequences but God will always show you and both sides of the coin. From Adam and Eve until now, God has and will always show you the blessings when living a Godly live and the curses when living outside His will.

The best thing about God is that He takes you and I when we are at our lowest...Satan tosses you and I away when we are at our lowest. When we are at our lowest, God shows us we are a diamond to Him, with Satan when we are at our lowest he tells you and I God has no use for people like you and I and that my friends is a lie straight from Hell.

God loves you...always has, always will. What God hates is sin in our lives because He knows the end result of sin. God knows we are going to make mistakes, we are going to come up short from time to time but like a loving parent, He will be there for you. Now God will discipline you and I when we are outside His will but that does not mean He has stopped loving us and at times obstacles He will allow in our lives to build character in our lives and this is what grows our faith more.

When we call upon the Lord this is not showing how weak we are...but how strong we are because we can not do it without Him.

Be Blessed, Be Safe and Have a Wonderful Day.

Thank you letter to Jesus

The Fellowship Of The Cross
click here for devotion reading from rbc ministries

It's really amazing on how so many things comes back to relying on God. It's a comfort to know that Jesus Christ, who really knew from the beginning of time that he was have to become the sacrifice for humanity so we can have a oneness with the Father was again. At times when I write my reflection on walking with the Lord it feels as if I am repeating myself but the words just keep coming because having that peace within me, the peace in our home, the peace that knowing that He is in a covenant with me I really have nothing to fear.

Situation will arise, detours in my life will occur...some because of the choices I make for my life, some because my faith with be strengthen because of trials in my life. People will come and go into my life...some will be here a lifetime and some only a season but to know that Christ Jesus is there with me no matter how my life is going is a wonderful feeling.

I choose Christ Jesus because knowing His love for me will never die, he is not some fair-weather friend. His wisdom is beyond any that I can compare. I can honestly say that when I have put Him first and trusted in Him no matter what, my life has been so peaceful. I did not and will not ever say "easy" because Christ has told us that when choosing His way of living you will lose friends, family members because "His ways or not our ways", but that's okay. If I am a outcast...I'm glad I am in His camp than the world's camp.

Thank you for all your love, what you gave up for my Christ, thank you for being with me because I say with my mouth and in my heart that you are the chosen one and that you died for me because of love and not because you had to...you owed me nothing...I owe you everything.

Thank You.

Wisdom For Your Soul:
Reality Check about Discipleship ( Part 1 )

Geek Wisdom for Ya Noggin':
Windows Weekly 22: Silverlight

image: allposters.com

Devotions for Monday...Good Morning Everyone

The Choice>>>more
from rbc ministries

This devotion and scripture reading from rbc ministries rings so true. Our Lord gave you and I choices in life. He created you and I to either obey Him or not. If we do obey Him, He will give us directions, be with you and I in time of need, make a way when it seems no way is there, if we don't, when trouble comes, we will feel confused, frustrated, lost, our emotions will be a roller coaster...up and down, jolting you and I from side to side.

Many times non Christians think God is sitting up in Heaven with the gavel and as soon as we screw up His ready to pound on you and I but you really have to get to know Him(reading and meditating on His word) and like that loving parent or guardian that brought raised us.

Example, I knew my mother loved me very much but there were rules that she set in place for me as I was growing up. If I obeyed them I was fine but if I didn't follow them they were consequences to follow. Sometimes privileges were taking away from me (like being stuck in the house with no television, no company over, could play with my toys) and if I really got out of hand I would find myself getting a whoopin'(I know it's whipping but in my house it was the other word) and find myself on restriction. This taught me two things; obey my mom....good things(blessings), disobey my mom...consequences(curses). But with God it's much more deeper than our parents raising you and I because sometimes God allows obstacles so we can rely on Him and to grow you and I spiritually, mentally because let's be honest no parent likes to see their children struggle(this is why two parents should be in the home because it has to be balance, some single parent can create balance in the home but it is so much more stressful...I didn't have both parents and my mother did the best she could but she sheltered me in some ways and it hurt me down the road...and fathers can shelter their children the same way hurting them in the end).

One thing that our natural parents and guardians try to teach us, as well as God is that life is not always fair, people will be cruel just because and things will not go our way all the time. God takes it one step further, unlike our parent who cannot be with us always, God is with us at all times. We may not think He is but He's there and when you live by His commands, the blueprint he set before you and I life goes much smoother. When things get tough He has us look within ourselves to see if are doing the right thing and if we are honest with ourselves and we are living according to His word then we know there is a blessing in the end for us and we do not have go through the "shoulda, woulda, coulda" syndrome.

Living by God's principles are simple, it's not easy, I can vouch for that but my life is less stressful, painful, I don't blame others the way I used to do and for me it eases my mind as well. God has my back no matter what is going on in my life. God gave me a choice...choose blessings or curses, life or death...I choose blessings and life, not because of someone made up my mind for me but because I have lived life long enough to get the message from my way of living.

Be Blessed, Be Safe and have a productive work/school week

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Love For God's Word

"Lord, may my children regard your Word as more precious than gold and sweeter than honey".

Psalm 19:10

devotions for your spirit today:

• The Visible Soul
• Raising the Level of Our Prayer
• Someone's Watching

biblical audio teachings for today:

• A Word To Generation Next - Part 1
• God's Surprise Visits - Part 1
• The Gospel for Busy People, Part 3

tech news for Monday:

• OpenOffice Blesses Microsoft-Novell Pact
• FCC Endorses Broadband over Powerline
• Woz highlights celebration of Apple's history
• Tagging Phones to Track Traffic

audio tech news for Monday:

• TWiT 75: TWiTs at Sea
• KFI Tech Guy 291
• 60 Minutes: Texas City

for headline news: click here

image: google image

Weekend Devotion...Good Morning

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take."
~proverbs 3:5-6~

A Surprise Answer>>>more
from rbc ministries

It's amazing how God answers my prayers sometimes. From big decisions(do I find a part time job) to the smallest(Lord, help me find my blue jeans). One thing I do know, the more I talk and listen to Him, live by His commandments, the more He shows me.

It's about 4:33am right and I was writing the list of things I wish to get myself in 2007 and I was getting a little discourage because of the prices of items I wish to buy. But then just like that, my Father told me to concentrate on one item at a time, from the lowest price to the highest price (to buy in that order). To be honest, I can be a little overwhelming sometimes thinking of the things I wish to accomplish but I know if I put Him first ALWAYS, live righteous in His eyesight there is nothing I cannot accomplish. Will I get everything I'm putting on my list in 2007...maybe, maybe not but I will not get anything accomplished if I keep worrying and wandering and not take any action toward my goal.

I think in many ways this is why non-Christians get more accomplished than Christians. They are taught to be doers and many of us in some twisted way are taught to be "sitters". That is not how our Lord operates. All through the Bible the men and women were doers. They knew when to move and when to wait...and they had patience. Noah...it took him and his sons about a hundred years to build the ark. They took action and he worked on faith(remember Noah and his family never seen rain before because the water would spring from the ground to water the crops). If Noah could have that much faith and take action I think I can have faith and work toward the items that I want. We as Christians must get out of this "waiting for the Lord" to bring our needs and wants to fruition.

I have found in my own life that when I am moving around that is when my Father gives me my answers and I try to keep a small recorder or a pen and small pad with me at all times. Isn't it amazing the best ideas comes when we're in the middle of doing something else? But that is how He operates and we must be prepared at all times. God helps us in His own way and it is up to us to bend to His will, not for Him to bend to ours...His way is always the best way.

Have a Great Sunday

Be Blessed and Be Safe.

Devotions for Sunday:

• Perfect Promises
• THINK IT OVER
• Call Upon the Lord

Tech News for Sunday:

• Galaxy ring suggests cosmic shock wave
• ***Another Nail in the IT Certification Coffin
• Sites Invite Online Mourning, but Don’t Speak Ill of the Dead

netcast for your spirit:

• Understanding Abortion: A Thoughtful Analysis, 1
• The Unburnable Men, part 1
• Walk Worthy of Your Calling in Midst of Diversity

netcast for your noggin':

• The VFX Show 12: Battlestar Galactica
• KFI Tech Guy #165
• Writing 'The Office'

Devotions for Thursday...4 Down/1 To Go

When All Looks Bright>>>more
from rbc ministries

I do this from time, all Christians from time to time...forget to thank the Lord when things are going so well. I'm getting better at this now day to day. I was just thinking about how people blame God when tragedy strikes and when good times are in our lives we forget to thank Him. I had mentioned this before in one of my earlier post how the media will call some disasters "
the act of God" or "this is Biblical proportions". When things are going well do you here the media say, "This the day the Lord has made" or "This wonder weather today is of biblical proportions" they give credit to Mother Nature(makes me chuckle)

I just started a part time job this Monday night cleaning. I doing this because of Christmas, I need better computer equipment, have extra money in my pocket and most important to sow into God's kingdom. It's going on the 4th day and I will be on my own, I have worked for this company before and he's a nice for letting me come back time again because he knows my work ethic but this time it's a little different for me. I have a different mind set. The first portions WILL go to the Lord.

It is Him who is giving me the strength to work this part time job, along with my full time job, along with me writing these post everyday. I thank God he is using me to spread His Good News and the feedback I get really makes this worth while. I can forget Him because just being able to think on my own, is a beautiful thing. This is rough for me because I am not as young as I used to be but this must be done because as have and will mention from time to time, this is partnership between God and I...a covenant. I heard Joyce Meyers say something that is so true..."Do what you can and God will do what you cannot". I hold on to that each and everyday.

I am trying to get in the habit now of saying thanks to God after I eat. We have been taught to give thanks to Him before we eat but in Deuteronomy Chapter 6 the Lord commands you and I to give thanks afterward as well. I am trying day by day to just enjoy everyday, the good and the bad, we grow from the bad days believe it or not, we learn more from the bad days, our wisdom should sharpen from the rough days; but we should thank our Lord and Savior for the days when they are pleasant, smooth, trouble free. I stop saying, "Thank God It's Friday" I know people say it from time to time and I truly know what they mean when the say this...getting through the work week, dealing with the home and if you are a parents or a single parent, I know why you're saying Thank God It's Friday...my prayers are with you, you parents are wonderful. :-)

I have stop saying it because I'm learning to really appreciate where He has brought me, where He's taking me and coming to realize that Satan attacks you and I when we are feeling our lowest and our highest. I am learning to say thanks when my stomach is full, the weather is nice, my income is in the black and not in the red.

Have a Blessed, Safe, & Wonderful Thursday everyone.

read Deuteronomy 28...the Lord goes into detail about "Blessings and Curses"

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

God's Grace

"I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lords and Savior Jesus Christ".

2 Peter 3:18

other devotions for Thursday:

• Clarify Your Life
• This Is a Test
• Discovering Our Real Needs

christian netcast for Thursday:

• Testing Our Spiritual Growth - Part 1
• The Gospel for Busy People, Part 2
• Conc. of: Dealing With The Perfect Storm - Part 2

tech netcast for Thursday:

• TWiM 26: We All Love HDMI
• Engadget Podcast 093
• *KFI Tech Guy #253

tech articles for Thursday:

• Newest iPod Shuffle even tinier than before
• Pictures, With Map and Pushpin Included
• Web reaches new milestone: 100 million sites

*netcast: old...knowledge: priceless :-)

headline news>>>click here

Devotions and Tech News for Monday

The Cross>>>**more
from In Touch Ministries

I don't wear a cross around my neck, I don't deserve it and I will not trivialize it because I know what Jesus Christ had to give up for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying anyone who wears a cross around their neck is not for real about Christ because each of us has their reason for wearing one...or not.

Just knowing what God had to do from the beginning of time blows me away. Knowing that we were going to sin even before Adam and Eve walked the earth He knew He was going to have to turn away from His only son because of the sins you and I have done and will do in the future. When watching the Passion of the Christ and to see how Christ Jesus stood in my place knowing what he was going to endure makes me grateful and sad.

I had a meltdown today. I have a step son who tried to take my life about 5 years ago because I asked him to wash the dishes. Me and his mother had not been married no more than two years and it ended up with him and I getting into a argument, a scuffle (this is the result of his natural father not stepping up to the plate and not being a man from the beginning..to all the brothers out there, White and Black, if you're not willing to be responsible for a child, don't bring life into this world) and he ended up trying to take my life. I saw him today and a flood of that day came rushing back on me and I was about to do something I know I shouldn't do; I am trying to get past this, like a friend always says to me, "I am a work in progress". I have tried and tried and I say that I have forgiven him but deep down I haven't. Knowing that you treat their mother like a queen and they know I have never disrespected her in anyway you would think I would have a great relationship with them..but I don't. It's very hard to be a step parent and I have come to accept the fact they (her children from a previous marriage) probably will never accept me but there is nothing I would not do for this beautiful woman that is my wife and even though these are not my grandchildren by blood I love them just the same. This has been very hard on her as well because by him being the youngest, that's the baby child. She has not made excuses for his action but she's caught in a dilemma as well.

So to know that I am not a Jew by blood but how Christ gave His life for me to have everlasting life in heaven makes me feel ashamed of my behavior today. But i will ask for forgiveness, not condemn myself and keep going because God's love for me is real and He knew this was going to happen before I even we walked down the isle my wife and I and said "I do."

The cross for me is not just a piece of jewelry to worn around my neck, but it is my beginning, my middle, my end. His(Jesus Christ) broken by body has been my healed soul and spirit, knowing that I will reign with God forever and ever is all I need to know.

I don't need to wear a cross because it is in my heart, spirit, and soul. Keep me lifted up in prayer.

Be Blessed, Be Safe, & have a productive work week everyone.

Love you :-)

~Praying For Our Children~
from Christian Embassy Church

Faith

"Lord, help my children to fight the good fight of faith, taking hold of the eternal life to which they were called".

1 Timothy 6:12

other devotions: Ripples, People Are Watching, Temporary . . .

tech news: Security analysts: Mac attacks rare but may rise, PlayStation 3 shines in prelaunch test, *No HDTV for Me

netcast for today: TWiL 1: Hank Barry, KFI Tech Guy 294, NPR: Technology

christian netcast: The Things God Uses - Part 1, Antichrist, America and Armageddon, Trust Him - Part 3

*Article is from January 2006 but a good article
**Must read devotion

headline news>>>click here

We Made Through Another Week...Happy Friday Everyone

Responding to God’s Holiness>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

I must be getting old. I remember being in church when I was a child how I used to see older Christians cry when certain hymns were sung or when hearing the pastor preach how they would just break down and cry for joy and I could not understand why. I used to think, "it doesn't take all that to worship and praise God". I used to hear people say, "I thank God for my health" and similar quotes to that effect. Why did Christians have to be so dramatic...my have times changed.

The older I become and the things I witness, I have become one of those, "Jesus Freaks" The best way to win people to Christ is not quoting scripture after scripture, it's being real with people, letting them know what He has done in your life, living your life before Him. I try everyday to respond to God's holiness by not only living the way He wants me to but by just knowing what He has brought me through, where He is taking me, how He has carried me through life even by me not acknowledging Him, ignoring what He had for my life, how he has loved me still, just because.

It's so weird for me now because everything I see, everything I do...I see Him. Being able to do the smallest task in life I give Him honor and praise because I can truly say without Him...I am nothing, truly nothing. I was listening to one of my netcast yesterday and hearing this biologist, Richard Dawkins that is an atheist go on and on about how about how teaching children about Christianity, any religion, is some how a form of "child abuse" in a way, this just made me shake my head. The same way he feels about my Lord and Savior is the same way I feel on how people cannot see the wonders of God. but hey, this is why I love the Lord so much because He has giving us free will to believe in Him or not.

I can understand how people become angry with God sometimes and I can see how many people think many of us Christians are hypocrites because believe it or not, I think we are the most divided group in the nation. The Adrian Rogers summed it best to me, "we're the only army that shoot our wounded." But over all there is no place I would rather be than in God's loving arms. Whenever I get discouraged about how things are going or when I come across other Christians that say one thing and do another I always think of what an older Christian gentleman (Mr. Cleo Horton) taught me when I first gave my life over to the Lord, "you got to get in that book (the Holy Bible) and get to know that Man (the Lord) for yourself"; and that is what I have been doing since. There a great local pastors in your area and great pastors nationwide that teach the truth but what is important is to get to know Him for yourself.

Now I know why the older Christians shout for joy now. To know that He loves me just the way I am makes me smile and tear up with joy.

Thank you Father for loving me just because, thank you.

Be Blessed, Be Safe, and have a Great Day.

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Compassion

"Holy Father, I pray that You would clothe my children with the virtue of compassion".

Colossians 3:12

other devotions for today: A Better Idea, Peace In The Storm, Our Will or God's Will?

tech news: Wal-Mart Limits Prepaid Cell Phones to 2, Microsoft Set to Tap Non-Pro Tools Market,The best reason yet to use Ubuntu

netcast for your spirit and mind: Mark 4, MacBreak Weekly 11, The Alternative, KFI Tech Guy 290

headline news>>>click here

image: allposters.com

Weekend Devotions & Tech News

Why Does God Allow Trials?>>>more
from In Touch Ministries

This devotion digs deeper into why our Lord and Savior have you and I, Christians and non-Christians to suffer hardship and go through trials in our lives. He (God) does not get a kick out of seeing people suffer but to draw us closer to Him.

I remember when I wasn't saved and when I used to go through situations in my life and how Iwould try and bargain with God, plead to Him, cry out to Him, get angry with Him because He would allow so many things to happen to me because He did not come when I wanted Him to come. Now that I'm a Follow of Jesus Christ I know why I went through those hardships.

When growing up I stuttered really terrible...I mean terrible. I would dread when the teacher would call on me to read out loud knowing how I would do and how the children would taunt me. I was not a handsome little guy, I really never had a girlfriend while in school (I think I had a crush on some girl every other month) and this went on all the way through high school. I thought God was punishing me, I had a really low image of myself thinking how I would never find anyone. When as a child I was molested and I thought I was damaged goods. Even though I would get angry with God I know deep down that He had his hand on me, that I was someone "special".

I am a only child so many times I would be to myself and work on my humor because at the time my looks was shot to hell (or so I thought) and that would get me through. I would read many Sci-Fi books, The Hardy Boys books, Peanuts comic strips, watch old movies (Charlie Chan...I like the Sydney Toler character better than the other guy), Sherlock Holmes, The Three Stooges...those were my escape from reality at that time. Some of the programs I would watch (Monty Python, The Goodies) and the music I would listen to I would have to conceal because growing up in a small community, all African-American, you did not tell people you listened to Frank Zappa, Rush, Aerosmith, Queen, Boston, and so many other Rock groups and if you mentioned Classical or Easy Listening you were dead in the water. I use to read the album credits, what musician played on what track, who produced what song, where they recorded the album; that was important to me. I did this because it kept me going, made me feel important because when you grow up in a small community you did not talk about molestation. I never told anyone because of course as a child you think it was "your" fault.

One of the most devastating blows to me was when I used to hang out with a childhood friend. He and I was cool, his mother and family was really nice to me and I used to go to his house all the time and sometimes my mother would get upset. Now I love my mother, we have never been the closest because she has never been a person that showed affection to me, she loved me the only way she knew how because she was a single mother so this is not a knock against her.

I was headed to over to my friend's house and she just exploded. I know now what she was trying to do because sometimes you can wear out your welcome when go over to the same house every single day, and maybe if she would have broke it down to me that way I may have understood but she said is how it came out;

Mother: Why do you always go over to Doug (not his real name) house?

Me: Because that's my friend, his my best friend

Mother: People don't want you coming over to there house all the time. I know his family is
sick of you

Me: No they don't Mama

Mother: Why do you hang around Doug so much

Me: I told you Mama, he's my best friend

Mother: You two must be screwing(but she used the 'F' word) one another

I just stood there...I could not believe that they came out of her mouth. I was 12 years old at the time. Now saying this to me, knowing how I stuttered so bad I could barely get words out, how my hormones would go off the scale whenever I saw a girl, wanting a girlfriend so bad and being shot down all the time, being violated as a child would have sent some children down another path. But deep down once again I knew God had something in plan for me.

When I was in high school things did not get better. I was never in the 'in' crowd. I thought maybe if I played sports that would make me a 'babe magnet' but nope..never did. Didn't go to my Junior or Senior prom because number one...no girlfriend and number two...no car. But again I knew He had something better for me, even though I wasn't a Christian and I didn't understand His ways.

Fast forward to today. Happily married, don't stutter anymore, I have peace of mind. I know why I went through what I did now. I call it "my thorn in my side". When I see someone stutter...I have empathy, when I know someone has been molested...I have empathy (now don't get me wrong, no one and I do mean NO ONE has the right to violate a child and to use the excuse I was a victim so that's why I made someone a victim, to me that's a cop out). When someone doesn't understand computers I do not get upset because coming up I was called stupid, dumb, retarded and I wish someone would have told me when I was young that 'just because I don't get the first time that does not mean I'm stupid, the things that interest you that's what you gravitate to in your life.'

My love for music...now I get to share with the world and not feel ashamed of the artists I listened to growing up as a child. I can say this now, Thank you Jesus for what you put me through because in my trials and troubles you have made me a caring husband, a person who knows how to listen when people are hurting, loving myself, loving others, sharing with others, having empathy with others. Thank you Lord for keeping me from relationships that would have had dire consequences (having a child out of wedlock, not knowing how to treat a woman because of my hardships coming up). Thank you for not answering all my prayers God. Thank you. :-)

I am not boasting that I'm better than anyone, this is just a part of me sharing my story with people who do not understand why our Lord and Savior has us go through months or even years of torment, abuse, neglect. I love the Lord with all my heart and soul and that will never change. What He put me through has made me the man/husband/person that I am today.

Hang in there people, God REALLY and TRULY loves you.

Have a Blessed, Fun and Joyful weekend.

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Kindness

"Father, I pray that my children would be kind to each other and to everyone else."

1 Thessalonians 5:15

other devotions for today: Champions: Peter, Careless Preachers, Insight for Living

tech news for you today: Why Internet Explorer 7 Will Break the Web, cool tech coming this fall, Is Windows Near End of Its Run?

netcast for wisdom & knowledge: Thru the Bible Questions & Answers, Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott, The Alternative, NPR: Books

Headline News:

BUFFALO — Tree limbs filled with autumn colors lay broken on a carpet of white. Kids got to throw snowballs nearly three weeks before they go trick-or-treating. Boats on Lake Erie were encrusted in ice a day before many people in the area had planned to go picking pumpkins and apples.>>>more

WASHINGTON – Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R) of Pennsylvania once looked like a top-tier target for Democrats in their drive to take over the House. He's a freshman, which in a typical election year would make him more vulnerable to defeat than longer-serving members. And his district, north of Philadelphia, has an increasingly Democratic tilt to it.>>>more

other headlines news>>>click here

photo: all posters.com

Tuesday Devotions & Tech News

Shall I Go?>>>more
from Turning Point

I remember a skit on Saturday Night Live with the late Phil Hartman & Sally Field where Mr. Hartman was playing Jesus Chirst and his conversation with Sally in the kitchen. Jesus was telling Sally's character "you don't have to consult me on every little thing you do everyday". In a way he was right. We shouldn't have to ask God, "Lord, should I shower today?" or "Lord, should I get up out of bed and go to work?" We can lay there all day if we wish and don't earn an income...just don't get upset if your electricity or gas get cut off.

I talk to Jesus on a daily basis, I asked Him through out the day about different decisions, I thank Him for leading me the right directions in life or sometime which way to turn when trying to find some place (some people call it "gut feeling", I call him the Holy Spirit). But there are somethings I know I should and shouldn't do because of just plain common sense.

One of my favorite people in the Bible is Abraham. He always had an ongoing dialoge with God. When Abraham wanted to know something he ask the Heavenly Father, when God was about to send His angels to destroy Sodom and Gohmore, Abraham was so close to God where he could question His action. When I first began reading the Holy Bible and read that passage I thought Abraham was crazy question our Heavenly Father like that until I really understood what was going on, Abraham had that closeness, that covenant with God.

Once you give your life to the Lord, obey His principle set for your life, the sky is the limit.

Have a Blessed, Safe and Wonderful Day. :-)

Praying For Our Children
from Christian Embassy Church

Love

"Father, grant that my children would learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who lives in them".

Ephesians 5:2

other readings for today: Coping with Loss, Sports & Humility, The Point of No Return

tech articles: Amazon.com drops search engine features, Just One More Release Before Windows Vista Goes Gold, Is Th-Th-That All, Folks?

podcast for today: Thru The Bible: Exodus 29, Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott