If I were in their shoes ...

If I were in the middle of the desert, say Darfur (200K Christian refugees). With people trying to kill me, starve me, and chase me out of Sudan, this would be one of my prayers ... "O Lord Jesus, please bring us help - for we cannot help ourselves. Please place a burning fire in those with abundant resources who love you, soften their hearts, and move them into action. Thank you for another day of life. In Jesus name, Amen."

Recent Movies

I have recently signed up with Blockbuster Online for one month free and extended another month. Good deal - check out the website or the store. You also get one free in store rental each week you are enrolled.

Anyways, so I have watched a few movies recently. Kind of a binge thing. Here are some memorable ones:
Crash - No human is all good or all bad. The percentages just vary - sometimes daily.
Munich - The Middle East Conflict is over 2000 years old and will continue until the end times. Captures the emotional burdens of the violence.
Hustle and Flow - Raw, but there are two scenes that will give you goose bumps.
The Island - A human life is precious and has intrinsic significant value.

Deep Thought #2

This applies to me, maybe to you too.

If I am not actively involved in advancing the Kingdom of God, then at the very least I should not hinder (selfishness, sin, apathy, etc.) the advancement.

Leading by example

Looking back, I do not recall my Dad verbally teach/instruct us (my two brothers and I) a whole lot. Sorry Dad. However, a great lesson was learned as he dragged us out to this Lions Club community service events, and/or some church event, etc. Or as happened occasionally, we refused to go and saw him faithfully go out alone.

I guess that is how the desire to serve others was ingrained in us. All three boys are serving / have served the Lord in some fashion. The youngest is a pastor, the middle one is a deacon and was very active in Youth for Christ, and I helped start a church.

Reminds me of what Saint Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words, if necessary."

I hope and pray that the example I lead bear good fruit as well. For me that means less talk, more action.

Hamburger Stew Recipe - Camp/Comfort food

One pound hamburger meat
One packet beef stew mix
One medium sized potato
One regular can of stewed tomatoes
One small can of tomato sauce
One small package of frozen mixed vegetables

Brown meat with a little olive oil. Clean and cut up potato into small 1/2 " cubes (I leave the skin on). Add stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, the beef stew mix, and 12 ounces of water. Simmer and occasionally stir for 30 minutes on low heat. Add frozen mixed vegetables. Simmer/stir for another 10 minutes. Salt/pepper to taste. Serve over rice. Yum.

Favorite Verse

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Deep Thought #1

An excerpt from "The Barbarian Way" by Erwin R. McManus.

"We look to Jesus not to fulfill our shallow longings or to provide for us creature comforts. We look to Him to lead us where He needs us most and where we can accomplish the most good."

2006 Mantra - Live in the Now!

Live in the Now!
This is my Mantra for this year. God gives us today, so I will try and make the most of it. Love well. Paco - out