Zach and God's Perfect Plan

On Sunday night, May 22 I asked my friends on the internet to pray for 5 month old Zach, who was scheduled for an urgent surgery to have his eye removed. Will You Pray for Zach Now!?
God gives us an incredible freedom to go directly into His Throne Room to ask on behalf of others and even ourselves to ask Him to change His Plan, to suggest that He come up with a second plan that will spare someone we love, or even ourselves, a great deal of suffering.
God delights in our presence, and reminds us constantly that He loves doing impossible things, and we have not because we ask not.
But we come into His presence reminding ourselves constantly that He already had a plan. It was, is , and always will be a perfect plan. We come committed to praise Him in all things and thank Him for all things, and to not point to the finger of blame at ourselves or our brethren if God decides to continue with His perfect plan, or to pout because God did not obey our wishes and change destiny every single time we ask.
The surgeons removed Zach's eye on Monday morning. The healing process is progressing well. It appears that all the cancer was removed. Tim, Zach's father, is keeping us posted on his blog. Pastor Tim Brown's blog 
I thank all of you for taking special time our of your busy lives to pray for this urgent need. I knew I could count on you! I pray that you will continue to pray for Zach and his family, for I have resolved to never stop praying for him, and for you, my friends. But I have also resolved that I will never cease praising God in all things, even if His plan involves suffering.

Will You Pray for Zach NOW?!

On Sunday May 22 Mary and I learned that the son of one of our pastors Tim Brown at Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church has a 3 month old son by the name of Zach who was diagnosed on May 19th with "a rare eye condition in his left eye called retinoblastoma. This cancerous tumor on his eye has caused his retina to detach which is how we first became aware of the problem–the symptom is called “no red-reflex.”

Senior Pastor Alberta has asked for as many as 500 people to pray for Zach on Monday, May 23, at 9 am, Eastern Daylight Savings Time.  Surgery is scheduled to remove the eye.

Of course, I thought of all my faithful friends, many of whom are prayer warriors.

Please set an alarm or reminder and join me for 15 minutes to pray for this.

I believe that love, prayer, faith, and God's magnificent grace can make a difference.

I am willing to put my reputation and ministry on the line for this little boy. I am asking God to put His stamp of  approval on this ministry by a down pouring of His Healing grace in time to stop the surgery, so that God would be glorified.

This will put me on the line so to speak. Either God desires me to invest myself in this ministry or He does not. Either God wants me to continue publishing the Parables or He does not. An out pouring of grace would clarify the direction He wants me to go.

I long to see the name of God glorified with a clear cut intervention that will rob Satan of any chance to deflect praise from God.

I know that prayer is not a button, and God is not a puppet. It is His choice. Will you, my friends, pray with me?

Dog pack against Israel: Exhaustion?

The enemies of Israel have found over the last half century that Israel is a lion, and as such can't be defeated in a head to head confrontation with her. So they have resorted to the only strategy that could successfully defeat Israel in the decade to come.
They are resorting to the dog pack strategy.
The most successful hunters on the savannas of Africa are not the lions, but the dogs.
The strategy of the dog is to keep the prey busy with small but vicious attacks, always being ready to distance yourself from the attack if the prey, even and especially a lion, should turn on the dog and focus . That always gives another member of the pack an opportunity to attack while the lions back is turned.
A normal dog pack would never take on a Lion, but a dog blinded by insane racial hatred might.
The dog pack allayed against the Lion of Israel is using the US as a distraction, and as a wedge to get Israel to let down it's defenses so that further small vicious attacks can be renewed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/21/world/middleeast/21prexy.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&src=ig
My advice to Israel is to do what any larger cat wisely does when being circled by dogs. Nothing. Sit on your haunches, protecting your underbelly, rest for a big attack, take a few small hits or bites, lick your paws, which sharpens your weapons, and don't be distracted by meddlers.

Sunday Detroit Metro Airport Bomb Threat

On Sunday May 15, 2011, around 8pm I tweeted: Bomb threat going on NOW at Detroit Metro, not on news. Detroit close to largest USA Muslim populatiion. Don't ask how I know.

Later I posted: Nothing on the news but my source says a man was apprehended.

I also posted:Shortly after I notified all of you the first time he called to say planes were being cleared to fly and a man was apprehended.

I also posted: My problem with revealing my source is he doesn't know how well connected I am with internet friends, so in a sense he doesn't know he's a source. He hasn't made me take a vow of silence, but I'm sure if others found out he was giving me info he'd be in trouble. He's very dependable and very knowledgeable. So, don't ask.

Here is a summary of my thoughts: I've done a thorough search of the news on Google and Twitter, and nothing is posted yet about Detroit for Sunday May 15th. but there is an incredible amount of posting about activity for some time about Detroit Airport. One man tweeted that the flight attendants are searching the lavoratories every 15 minutes.


 My source said that there was intelligence that someone was planning to use the oxygen manufacturing boxes above the seats to either make a bomb or be disabled and then he would hide in the bathroom with the only working oxygen mask. Now steps are being taken to disable the bath room masks to stop that from being a refuge for a terrorist.

According to local news hoaxes and or threats are common for Detroit Metro Airport. One FBI chief says their big concern is the lone wolf attack. This was reported before Bin Laden was killed.

I can't vouch for all the reports my source is passing on, for I can't double check him or his sources. But he is very dependable and knowledgeable.

Here is what I can say for certain. A threat was perceived today, May 15, 2011, at the Detroit Metro Airport. Large amounts of airline and airport manpower were involved in checking for a bomb and in taking shelter. Flights were delayed. Shortly afterwards, an all clear was given, and activity and flights were back to normal around 9 pm.

Of course it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway. PLEASE keep the Detroit Metro Airport and Airlines in your prayers.

Bin Laden Dead? Why US Prevails

I started this blog on Sunday night, May 1st, 2011. (well before the President's broadcast) Could this report be true? I was hoping and praying that it was.

According to a New York Times report, Bin Laden was pursued to the death by an American Special Forces Unit. This was reported by 2 US Senators. President Obama made the announcement later Sunday evening.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/asia/osama-bin-laden-is-killed.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimespolitics&seid=auto


This does reveal that no one can risk the wrath of the world's mightiest nation with out facing severe consequences.
America has faced intelligent, technologically savvy, and fierce to the point of suicidal opponents before, and prevailed. They did so with the support of a smaller but politically and militarily adroit ally Britain, and a consistent but totally different politically ally, Russia. This motley crew defeated a well oiled military machine because God aided their strengths and girded up their weakness, but did the very opposite for the Axis powers.
The next day, Monday, the NY Times published two interesting articles, and I have included their links below.
The first is a lengthy obituary of Osama Bin Laden.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/02osama-bin-laden-obituary.html


The second NY Times link is a reconstruction of the events that led up to his death.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/02/world/asia/02reconstruct-capture-osama-bin-laden.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&src=ig
I have assured our US friends before that we need not worry about enemies that are technically savvy and suicidally fierce AS LONG AS GOD REMAINS OUR ALLY.
God will remain our ally as long as we are useful to Him in 3 ways. 
1. Our language, because of our economic, scientific, and military leadership, will be a stepping stone for publishing the gospel around the world.
2. Our economic engine will help poor families provide for their basic needs world wide.
3. Our military might will provide an umbrella of protection for Israel.
Of course, some day this will all end. The fierce lion with the wings on it's back will be stripped of it's wings, and will be made to stand like a man. Babylon the great city with 7 hills (Moscow? Jerusalem? Rome? Washington DC?) will fall. A new super power will step up to the plate (Israel).
UPDATE: The world is celebrating the confirmed death of Osama Bin Laden, although our friends in the Muslim world are being discrete, for fear of retaliation. An enraged Al Queda will seek out US targets, but unable to reach the hardened targets in the US, they strike at the unprotected soft targets closer to their home. US sympathizers will be an easy target.
It is important for us to congratulate our US troops and also our US President for their efforts at finding Osama. More importantly, it is vital that we thank our God for His Hand in guing their efforts. Turning our backs on God now by receiving all the praise will cut us off from His future guidance.
Here's a link to a recent news cast.
http://youtu.be/-FmHti8iBQM
I've also included a video obtained from ABC. It was taken from inside the compound where Bin Laden died. I got the heads up from one of my Resource Gold and Forever Friend tweeter @NotAJoe 
Strange that I don't watch the news, but my internet friends keep me a step ahead. But then, what are friends for? ;-)

The Navy Seals that took out Obama were minsters of God- they did not bear the sword in vain. Dr Alberta/CEPC/ Brighton MI/5.15.2011

My Home Schooled Sports Freak Grand Daughters

Allie and Libby have recently joined a travelling basketball team (not a home school team) and played their first game in Valparaiso, Indiana. Libby's team won handily, 23 to 9 but Allie's team was up against a team that my daughter said was very fast, and the score was tied all the way to the end of the game.


During overtime Allie's team won by 3 points. Guess who made the 3 points? Yep. Allie! 


There was some debate about whether Allie could continue with the travelling team because it's associated with the Public School system and Allie is home schooled, but one coach convinced another reluctant coach to keep Allie because if they didn't have her on their team, they would have to play against her.

They won the year end tourney in Mishawaka.

During their regular season the girls play for the Michianna Christian Athletic Club (for home schoolers) which has multiple teams boys and girls in basketball and volleyball. Allie is playing her last year for the elementary girls team, alongside her sister Libby.


They won the end of year tourney aginst three other private schools, and then went to The National Homeschool Basketball tournament where both their teams won first place.


Earlier in the year there was a tournament for Christian Schools Girls Basketball in Fort Wayne. At the end of the tournament Allie was picked to represent the team for the elementary Girls Free Throw Contest, while another girl from the Wildcats (our team) was picked for the Junior High Contest. Both of our Wildcats won. Both scored 9 out of 10.


Ally and Libby also play for the Junior High Girls. Libby gets to play every about every other game if there is a comfortable lead. 


Ally is a starter and lead scorer for both the Elementary and Junior High teams, and the leader in overall points in the Elementary team, while she's in 2nd place in the Junior High.


Ally won't be able to play in Elementary Girls this coming year, for she will be in 7th grade. Libby has 2 more years where she can play both teams. She's going in to 5th grade.


The girls also play soccer in at least 2 different teams, and yes, their teams have won tournaments, although last year they only got 2nd place.


Tim, their father, has been the Elementary Girls Basketball Coach this last two years.


God has really blessed me with some awesome grand daughters. 


My next article on this will be about my younger grand sons, who are also showing extremely promising signs.

Youtube adds Channel for your fans!

YouTube, recently purchased by Google,  has added a neat feature for those who store their videos and also keep track of their favorite vids.
It's called a Channel. It appears like a TV on your screen and visitors can find and play all of your uploaded videos, and all the YouTube vids that you have Favorited.
This approach fits me perfectly, since I store all my videos and pictures online, and don't back them up on my computer. 
Why? For one, I don't own a computer. I use Mary's a lot and others when I am out. I don't want to load down someone elses computer. In fact I really want to own as little as possible.
The other reason the Channel fits me well is that I like to collect things that inspire me or cause me to laugh and pass them on.
Stop by my channel and look around. Hit the play lists or view the uploaded videos of my family. http://www.youtube.com/user/hoosiergrandaddy?feature=mhsn#p/a
The channel also has stats to show how many people have viewed not only your channel, but also where they are from, percentages, and more.

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The Grace of Attracting the Best

Sainthood is an office and a state of being, a heart burning passion to follow Jesus! You are a Saint!*

Who is the Savior of the Saints? The Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God! Who is your Savior? THAT SAME JESUS!!*

God's grace is strong in you, Facebook and Twitter friends. I thank God for that!*

God says this aloud but the enemy doesn't hear: My Strength is made perfect in your weakness!

Mary and I went to the surgeon doc to follow up on her surgery, then drove to the farm to water the seedlings. We then headed to Eric’s place, a condo on Pine Lake, to feed Scooter. We had left over pizza for lunch.

Scooter developed a fetish for me. He thinks I’m verrrry interesssting (code word for weird!)

Mary had to take him from me to put him on the perch. He wouldn't step off my hand onto the perch until I hold him for an hour.

We finished up the Jet’s Pizza that was such an adventure last night to pick up.

There are two Jet’s Pizza on Orchard Lake Road. I went to the wrong one.

I departed quickly to go to the other Jet’s, only to find when I got there that I left my wallet at the first Jet’s.

Of course, I had told Mary told leave her purse at home because I was buying.

I’m very thankful for the thoughtfulness of Jet’s employees. When I got back to the 1st store, which is really now the 3rd store, they had already started preparing my order so I would not have to drive back to the 2nd store, which would have been the 4th store.

I’m also very grateful that no one stole my wallet.

I have a strange but blessed form of grace. I attract the very best people to me. Perhaps that's why the Jet's employees were so kind.

This is very evident in the women that I married, first my late wife Lynne, and now Mary.

Lynne in fact called me up to ask me out for a turn about hay ride, and on our first date, laid her head on my shoulder, and told me that she loved me.

I was in such a state of shock that it took me 15 days to clear my head. I then told her that I loved her and asked her to marry me.

We were married 40 years.

I was much more cautious with Mary. I asked her out, not vice versa. I waited 30 days before I proposed. We were married one month later.

The grace of attracting the best to me was evident while I was single and dating. Those details are none of your business.

The grace of attracting the best was evident in the churches that I pastored, and especially evident in the last church in Walkerton Indiana.

My sheep were shepherds to the shepherd, warrior lambs who stood guard over my family. They still do that.

The grace of attracting the best was evident in the way Jet’s employees were so gracious to me, watching over my wallet, helping with instructions, having the pizza ready.

The grace of attracting the best is evident in my Facebook and Twitter friends, and in those who read my blog, in other words, YOU!

I am very blessed by your participation in my thoughts. God bless you!

And friends are friends forever if The Lord’s the Lord of them

And a friend will not say never ‘cause the welcome will not end!

Debrah Smith as sung by Michael W. Smith

Be sure to stop at The Adventures of Mike and Mary Blog!
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Watering Seedlings and Babysitting a Parrot!

We often go to Eric's farm to water the seedlings in the greenhouse while Eric travels with his job with Delta Airlines. Mary waters seedlings while I keep Buster company and do my devotions, which are also #nanoS.

Mary will often lay down for a nap when we get back, and I will work on posting my blog, #nanoS, and keep up with thank yous'. (I am blessed to have a lot of friends that help me to glorify God in this unusual way!) 

I tried out a new devotional format on the computer. Found it to be very productive. I put several Bible Gateway pages up along with The Shepherd’s Journal page and just wrote as I reflected on God’s Word.

I put up my favorite Psalms 119, and I Corinthians 1-3 on a separate tab, along with Hebrews 5.

A strange thing is happening in my thinking. I’m starting to think in 140 character sentences. I normally wrote in much longer sentences before becoming a tweeter.

Scooter, Eric’s Australian Eclectus parrot, has been a social butterfly. He won't step off my hand to mount his perch when I go get him out of his cage. Mary and I often baby sit him when Eric, her son, is on a long assignment.

We often stop to pick up a Pizza from Jet’s Pizza. Not too long ago I had an embarrassing adventure! Drove to wrong Jet Li’s Pizza, then when I got to the right one, found I’d left my wallet back at the other. Jet’s Pizza was delicious, very thick toppings with lots of cheese. 10.59? for a large 8 piece pizza, and Mary and I can only finish ½. Pizza for breakfast is cool!

We miss our Keurig K-cup coffee maker when we go to Eric's. I don’t order coffee anymore when when we go out, because the Keurig coffee is so good it makes restaurant coffee taste pretty poor. I love how it makes the coffee in less than a minute. Of course, you can order it from Amazon here. Just go to the link from my blog, and I will be credit-ted. Don't forget to order the K-cups!

Devotional thoughts:

Want to be blessed by God? Walk in God's Law!*

Walk in God's Law by making every day a journey of discovery into His Word and be blessed!*

Sweet Jesus, with Your Infinite Spirit stir my sluggish heart until it is broken because of those who ignore Your Word!*

Best thing to do when when we are in political jeopardy? Meditate on God’s Word!*

Heavenly Father, I desperately need to focus on Your Word! Enable me with the infinite power of Your Grace!*

What wise man compares to the Father? What writer is a lovely as the Holy Spirit? Who is more persuasive than the Crucified One?*

When you see the asterisk (*) behind a devotion, it means I posted it. That helps me to keep track.

Be sure to stop at The Adventures of Mike and Mary Blog!
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Multiply Your Joy!

Are you longing for deeper, longer lasting, (even 60/60/24/7!?) JOY? 

Joy that persists even in your greatest moment of suffering?

 Joy that buzzes hrough your body like a shock wave, yet at the same time clarifies your focus so that you can tackle difficult taks while your are praising God?

I will share with a simple prayer that , if you pursue it, (and I double dog dare you to pursue it!) will lead to vastly increased joy.

I will share more of the logic and harmony with God's Word later. But for now, trust me that

I've done the research in a most focused, obsessive way, and I know this pray is according to the Will of God. I am also experiencing this joy!

Here is the prayer, in bold print: Lord, I ask that you infinitely increase YOUR LORDSHIP over my heart,body soul, and spirit, in the name of Your precious Son JESUS, now and forever, and do not hold back because of my fear! AMEN!

I've included these two pictures for a very specific reason. Please carefully observe the deep love between myself and my late wife Lynne in the kiss. Then look into the eyes of my sad face, taken the day of her funeral, and look DEEPLY! Even with the sadness and the pain of losing her, I was feeling an electric JOY OF THE LORD simply because I belonged to Him!