Thursday, May 5, 2011

Birthers, Truthers and Now Deathers…What Next?

I have to admit I didn’t think I’d see the day when they caught and/or killed OBL.  I think that the events that followed are far more typical.  There has been controversies that have surrounded so many things over the years whether that be the JFK assassination to things surround Hitler and even aliens…let’s not forget the many controversies around religion as well…ugh, I could go on forever.  We’ve had those that believe Obama wasn’t born in this country, those that feel Bush helped blow up the trade center towers and now a whole slew of people that won’t believe Osama is truly dead.  For me I truly believe he’s dead and gone, I don’t believe our government blew up the trade centers nor do I doubt Obama was born in this country…oh yeah, and most important of all I believe Jesus Christ is the son of the living God who died for our sins and rose again from the dead that all who believe on Him and confess His name shall be saved.  Just thought I’d clear that up.  Mostly I feel that the passing of OBL or other evil men means little in the big scheme of things.  I believe this will show that nobody can hide, nobody is invulnerable to justice…the day will come when it comes knocking on your door and you will have to face it no matter who you are or who you think you are.  Kudos to the military for what they’ve done.  The thing is I believe that above this is the importance that we remember what it is to be as Christians…as Americans…there is a conflict of purposes in this world…it’s far bigger than a threat to our things that we’ve obtained in this life…it’s our liberties that are threatened.  We must fight to keep our purpose in life alive and not forget our neighbor in these times…or neighbor being whoever we come in contact with.  We must keep our faith and not allow anything or anyone to take this away from us.  Remind yourself daily what you really believe in and what you stand for and live accordingly.  I will never bow to those things that rob us of who God has meant us to be nor will I lose my humanity when it comes to treatment of my neighbor because if I lose that I lose my humanity.  Ignorance and hate walks the globe in a manner unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.  I will fight this until the day I die.  There, that was all free today!  LOL!

 

I can hardly believe that we leave for Ireland a week from today.  It will be a very early departure for us which doesn’t bless me too much.  I’m glad to go and believe strongly in our mission and that gives strength to carry on.  This is not a simple sight seeing trip or vacation.  There’s much to do and I so much appreciate your prayers and support.  I’m excited to meet our dear friends there again and to be able to minister once again in Ireland.  The pastor there is actually from Ghana and he ministered with us while we were in Ghana.  Our relationship with him and our dear friend Ade and Festus is strong and are very excited to see what God will do.  Our weather is finally starting to look more like spring.  at least during the day but in the evenings we’ve yet to have a low above forty.  The sunsets are getting more beautiful at last.  I love to see this again.  Seeing pine needles dipped in the gold of a wonderful Montana sunset still grips me and fills me with wonder at God’s remarkable creation!  My walks have gotten decidedly more pleasant as well.  The hues of the sky and the sound of Western Meadow Larks is a positive delight.  No matter what any may say I find that these things reinforce my believe in God…the author of all these things I witness with my own eyes.  Those that do not believe I do not condemn though I will do what I can to live a life that testifies in what I believe that this might shine as brightly as the sun that God has made.  We can be trees of righteousness every bit as real as the trees we see every day and like them I choose to lead a life that glorifies God.  If I screw up I will not be discouraged because by His grace I will rise again and be stronger than before.  Life is so much bigger than my own little world.  I never travel abroad, pray for another person or see someone else without being reminded of this truth.  This likely will be my last post since we leave next week.  I will be off the grid as far as I know but hope to return to share some nice pictures and some stories from Europe.  God bless and keep you all!

21 comments:

  1. Hi Joe! Glad to hear you go forth for God=]. This journey of blogging, 3 years now I have visited you...and hope many more is still in the works. Praying for you Dear Joe and wife Lovely and your 3 kids and Mom and Dad,may you have a fruitful trip =].

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  2. I agree Joe things get blown up.. and way out of wack most times.. but as you have stressed time and time again.. the most important thing to do.. is not fear.. not dwell .. but to forgive those who do wrong.. to love with out measure..and to help keep the candle of God's presence within and without our lives...
    I wish you and your family a wonderful trip.. filled with many blessings.. God speed dear friend..

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  3. Joe. I wish you and your family a truly blessed trip - God Bless you all - Nita

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  4. Wonderful and inspiring blog Joe. it's so true that when we lose our compassion we lose our humanity. Have a safe but wonderful trip Joe and God bless.

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  5. What a great post!~ Loved every line! Yes Yes and Yes again.

    Have a safe and good trip..and may it come to fruition just as you hope.

    I'll miss you.

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  6. A very good post Joe! I agree with you.

    The photos are beautiful!

    Have a safe trip on your mission to Ireland. I would love to visit there.

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  7. Have a lovely time away Joe,You have plenty of positive light to share around the world....

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  8. There will always be the doubters, Joe. You can't name one major historical event without pointing out those who believe it was all a hoax. Look at the moon landing and the holocost. I guess the human race is made up of mostly doubters. Hard to PROVE anything, isn't it??? Love your pics of the Montana sunset and all. It's so refreshing to have springtime, isn't it?!! Enjoy and rejoice!

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  9. Wonderful post Joe. I too believe he's gone and I too send kudos to those men who have to do such a terrible job. As always I just love your pictures.

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  10. We should never celebrate the death of another human being. Certainly, feelings of relief are appropriate. However, I cannot help but have felt anxious or revengeful in the first place, if that makes me a horrible person, than I guess so be it. I was reacting to a dispicable act but as the days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months and months turned into years... I found myself thinking less and less about Osama and the war on terrorism. I didn't feel the anger as much. Although his death was of top priority in this war and consequently seen as a victory, I do deep down and will remember that whether or not Osama was of evil nature, God created him.
    This is a tough place to draw a line...on the one side, a man's life has been taken. On the other hand though, a man who murdered hundreds and led many to follow him in these killings is now no longer a threat.... not only to the U.S. but to the world. I feel at peace with this news.

    “I’ve never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure.” - Mark Twain

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  11. As always, you have posted some wonderful snapshots here. Certainly we have been blessed to have such a sky that is ever changing, offering us so many colours to view. Yes, your trip is fast approaching, I find myself getting excited for you.

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  12. Joe , A wonderful post once again. As for OBL . its sad to say but he too left a legacy of human clones in his place so I heard.
    Peaceful are you words of truth and conviction.
    Your a Blessing. I Pray for you all as you get ready to leave and may your mission be as filling as your blogs are. Food for thought for sure.
    Loved your vision of the sky. Stunning.
    Stay safe in your Journey as you know anything can happen and please dont forget to take as many photos as you can.
    Hugs to you , Lovely and family

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  13. Joe thanks so much for the Mothers Day wishes.
    Plese past on my wishes to your Mom and Lovely.

    Have a wonderful Sunday

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  14. No we dont wish ppl to die or be killed.
    but there are some in the history books, doing so much evil things that no one can forgive.
    How can we say OBL is dead without feeling e relief.
    Joe i wish u and ur family a safe trip toMy europ. Ireland was in clouds these last weeks.
    I do hope the sun will shine for u.
    ( litterally and figurative)
    Here in Belgium( not far from Ireland) we have no 29C.
    so pack ur shorts also.
    cya
    MJ

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  15. Sunday is the one day of the week, that we should try and dump the work/household chores that we have for a while... and relax. Today being Mother's Day, makes it just that much more special. Special wishes go out to all...
    --> http://i51.tinypic.com/2a4zvpg.gif <--

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  16. Joe, Thank you for stopping by to say hello, and wishing me a Happy Mothers Day. I trust you all had a wonderful Day.

    Great post Joe, as always, in word, and pictures. Love the sunsets.

    May God be with you, and go ahead of you, and may His Will be done. Grace and Peace be with you, and your family as you begin another mission for the Lord.
    You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
    Looking forward to hearing all about your trip, and seeing all those wonderful photos.
    Dianne :)

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  17. Lovely photos, Joe. I've been absent a lot lately and haven't posted in about 2 weeks or more. I pray God will bless your trip to Ireland and you will reach many lost souls.

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  18. Have a great time in Ireland Joe, the weather should be lovely there this time of year... Looking forward to your photo's as always,,,
    Many blessings to ya
    Lady Jude

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  19. I hope you have a wonderful trip. I always love your photos from back home, but the landscape in Ireland is so amazing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs Carrie

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  20. Well Joe, I hope that you and yours are taking good care and are travelling safe. Looking forward to hearing about your travels and no doubt we will see some more awesome and inspiring snapshots from you.

    This weekend, all is well. If and when you get the chance to read this, I'm hoping that this greeting will find you in good spirits!

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  21. Hope your trip is going well Joe and you are having nice weather. Wish I could say the same here. Rain Rain and more rain. Love your sky shots. Hugs Carrie

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