ERumors and Christians

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:
Summary of the eRumor: The email is frequently titled, “Bush’s vacation”
It is a supposedly a picture of President George W. Bush and his father former president George H. Bush enjoying a day of fishing in the troubled waters of new Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The Truth: The picture is a hoax, the product of different pictures one from a Bush vacation and the other from the flooded streets of New Orleans in 2005. The picture of the Bushes fishing appeared with an Associate Press story by Scott Lindlaw in April 2004. The Bushes had been fishing with a crew from the outdoor TV show “Fishing with Roland Martin” (ref. www.truthorficiton.com)

Something to think about:
Almost everyday I receive what is called in the world of email, “forwards”. Forwards can be stories, devotional thoughts, videos, slideshows of pictures etc. I enjoy hearing from people, as they pass things along to me for the most part but in a political year things are being sent around that should be checked out first. I understand that people have strong feelings about political candidates, their character, their patriotism etc but let’s make sure items we are passing along are truthful.
As people who represent Jesus Christ, Christians, let’s be careful not to slander our leaders/political candidates but instead let’s pray for them. Let’s be involved in helping to present issues correctly and let’s get out and vote. Are you registering to vote? But better than that hear the words from the Letter to the Philippian church:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Take the time to check out stories at www.truthorfiction.com (my preference) or www.snopes.com before we hit the forward button.
It’s something to think about.

The Day after Easter

Today during my lunch hour I went to a couple of clothing stores to purchase a sport coat. Yes, I have some sport coats and suits. It was interesting to find that the sport coats were rather "picked over". My mind quickly went to the services of yesterday. I couldn't keep from asking myself the question,"wonder how many people bought a new suit of clothes for Easter?" Then I wondered this: "Do you suppose those clothes will be worn again before next Easter?" But maybe the better question is: "Do you think those people who bought a new suit of clothes for Easter will be in church next Sunday?" You may say, "why can't you just go by a coat and let it go at that? Why do you have "preacherize" everything?" I wish I had an answer for that but it is just the way I work. I have my opinions on why folks come to church on Easter Sunday and then don't come any other time the rest of the year, but I would like to hear your opinions on the subject. Please submit you ideas by clicking on the bottom of this page, on the comment line and leave your comment. If you haven't signed up for a Blogger account in Google it is easy to do and no one will send you a bunch of junk mail. Sure would like to hear from you. My thanks to the people who commented on the last blog.

Stepping into the world of blogs

Today we have stepped into a world we have never gone before: blogging. I have thought about writing a weekly devotion for the web site but decided that wasn't needy as there are many options for that. I read almost everyday from Henry Blackaby and from Radio Bible Class, the Daily Bread Devotional, you may want to check them out. This space will be used to share with you some thoughts about current events, church happenings, etc. It also maybe a place where you can get to know me a little better. From time to time I will share stories from my past, give you a little insight on my extended family and maybe even some stories I have been told down through the years. I also will share theological views and try to help us see things in our world from an objective perspective from time to time. We need to try to understand people if we are ever going to share the life changing gospel with them.
So here we go with my first post. As you know I am from Oklahoma. I am not an Okie. I am from Oklahoma. Okie is a term that original was used to describe those moving from Oklahoma to the California and Arizona to work in the fields. The Okies were detested by the natives of California and Arizona and put the label of disrespect, "Okie" on them. I understand most folks don't know the origination of this nickname, so I won't be mad if you call me an "Okie", just be reminded I am not. My heritage I have been told is of Irish, German, Cherokee Indian, Chickasaw Indian, and Choctaw Indian. I don't all of that for sure but plan when there is extra money around the house to do the DNA testing that is available to check out my blood line. I will let you know what I find out. I think that makes me American. My first dog was named Sneezy. He was a Pekinese. You can check the spelling on that, I don't think I got it right. Anyway, he was given to me by a family that was moving to Alaska. Alaska was a territory at the time and the government wouldn't let people moving in bring there dogs. (Now that may have been something the parents of my friend told him) I don't know if I would want to move to a state if they wouldn't let you bring your dog. So Sneezy came to live in at my house prior to 1959 because that is when Alaska became a state, I think he took up residence with us in 1958. For some reason I don't know whatever happened to Sneezy, he was around for several years but sometimes I forget stuff. He had a broken tail and didn't like for you to touch it. If you don't believe that, just ask Danny Long, he pulled Sneezy's tail one time! I don't think he needed any stitches, but there sure was alot of blood for a while!
Well, that's it for today. May God richly bless you and may His face smile upon you.
Let me hear from you.