Legislated Morality

With the recent passing of Jerry Falwell, I find myself thinking about the state of our country and how far we have fallen into sin. I agree with the Moral Majority (and the Moral Majority Coalition) in saying that America has turned from God. However, that is where we part ways. More and more I find myself seeing the futility of trying to legislate morality. We cannot tell people how to live. When we do we come of as arrogant wind bags who come off as caring less, and showing a tainted picture of Christ to those perishing.

I do believe that we can voice our opinion. Although we also need to seek God, and not political leaders. Only God can change the hearts of those in leadership, and ultimately, everybody else. The answer is fasting and prayer. Our lobby is with God.

In the next week we will be starting a 40 day fast which will culminate in a massive gathering of intercessors in Nashville. The Call. It is my prayer that millions of Christians will stop trying to get the attention of politicians, and petition the Lord.

This is a call to action!

Josiah went to the Thill's house a few days ago. When he came back he had this really cool sword made from old pallets. This thing has splinters and tetnus written all over it. I am going to make a dumpster deposit as I leave in the morning. He and his friends get an A for creativity, and a C+ in health.

There was a picture here of a blue betta. I had to remove it because apparently there was a copyright infringement of some sort. Sorry to those who have the copyright. It really is a nice picture though.
Fish Update:Myah and I went to Petco to get a fish. I must have had dolt written accross my forehead because no sooner had I asked the sales associate to get a fish I was bombarded with questions like, "what kind of tank do you have?", "Sir, what kind of commitment are you willing to make?". I told the guy about our Oscar fiasco the day before and, after laughing, he showed me to the Beta fish. I remebered that Chastity had a Beta while we were dating that she had neglected. I had no idea there was a fish in the bowl because the water had not been changed in 100 years or so. Sewage treatment plants have better water clarity than that bowl did. So, a Beta it is. This thing should live for a few decades. Not even the Scott family can kill this thing.

Some Beta facts:
They are sometimes refered to as Japanese Fighting Fish. I am guessing this is the Japanese equivalent of a cock fight. The males look like some kind of Bantum rooster. Don't ask how I know what a Bantum rooster looks like.

Betas don't like to look at themselves in the mirror. This makes it economical to train them for the big fight, not that I am going to hit the circuit or anything like that.

I found out that you can buy special Beta tanks that have dividers. There is a special tinted insert to keep the fiesty little filet o' fishys from going at it.When you pull out the tinted divider it's Beta time.

All we have is a fish bowl, and I don't think that Myah has any aspirations toward fish fighting glory. I don't have the energy to become the Don King of the aquatic world. I'll be good to feed it.

Josiah went to the Thill's house a few days ago. When he came back he had this really cool sword made from old pallets. This thing has splinters and tetnus written all over it. I am going to make a dumpster deposit as I leave in the morning. He and his friends get an A for creativity, and a C+ in health.

There was a picture here of a blue betta. I had to remove it because apparently there was a copyright infringement of some sort. Sorry to those who have the copyright. It really is a nice picture though.
Fish Update:Myah and I went to Petco to get a fish. I must have had dolt written accross my forehead because no sooner had I asked the sales associate to get a fish I was bombarded with questions like, "what kind of tank do you have?", "Sir, what kind of commitment are you willing to make?". I told the guy about our Oscar fiasco the day before and, after laughing, he showed me to the Beta fish. I remebered that Chastity had a Beta while we were dating that she had neglected. I had no idea there was a fish in the bowl because the water had not been changed in 100 years or so. Sewage treatment plants have better water clarity than that bowl did. So, a Beta it is. This thing should live for a few decades. Not even the Scott family can kill this thing.

Some Beta facts:
They are sometimes refered to as Japanese Fighting Fish. I am guessing this is the Japanese equivalent of a cock fight. The males look like some kind of Bantum rooster. Don't ask how I know what a Bantum rooster looks like.

Betas don't like to look at themselves in the mirror. This makes it economical to train them for the big fight, not that I am going to hit the circuit or anything like that.

I found out that you can buy special Beta tanks that have dividers. There is a special tinted insert to keep the fiesty little filet o' fishys from going at it.When you pull out the tinted divider it's Beta time.

All we have is a fish bowl, and I don't think that Myah has any aspirations toward fish fighting glory. I don't have the energy to become the Don King of the aquatic world. I'll be good to feed it.

This is a book that I am reading right now. I have taken the advice of Randy and picked a biography. Revolutionaries still appeal to me after all of these years. I just want to know what makes them tick. My favorite revolutionary, Jesus. He has been changing lives for over 2000 years.









I am going to go watch this movie and go to bed...

This is a book that I am reading right now. I have taken the advice of Randy and picked a biography. Revolutionaries still appeal to me after all of these years. I just want to know what makes them tick. My favorite revolutionary, Jesus. He has been changing lives for over 2000 years.









I am going to go watch this movie and go to bed...

Socialist		92%
Anarchism		67%
Communism		67%
Democrat		58%
Green		33%
Republican		17%
Nazi		0%
Fascism		0%

Dare you to take this one .

Be Honest....

Socialist		92%
Anarchism		67%
Communism		67%
Democrat		58%
Green		33%
Republican		17%
Nazi		0%
Fascism		0%

Dare you to take this one .

Be Honest....

Watched part of Motorcycle Diaries last night. I fell asleep about 3/4 into the movie. I liked what I did watch. As some of you may know, I have a fondness for Latin America. That is me Mestizo . I also have a fondness for politics. That would be my mother and father in me. Freakin' rebels that they were. More dad than mom. Che has always been somewhat of an inspiration to me. I admire people that can stick to their convictions (even if they are wrong). That is something that you don't see too much in people these days. Mostly people will line up with a cause because it looks cool. Case in point, Paul McCartney wearing a white Make Poverty History band. If he wanted to make poverty history he would give it away, give it away give it away now..He would also ask Micahel Jackson for the rights to his old Beatles songs..

I am done ranting for now. I will leave with this request.

Buy me a goat!

chuck

Watched part of Motorcycle Diaries last night. I fell asleep about 3/4 into the movie. I liked what I did watch. As some of you may know, I have a fondness for Latin America. That is me Mestizo . I also have a fondness for politics. That would be my mother and father in me. Freakin' rebels that they were. More dad than mom. Che has always been somewhat of an inspiration to me. I admire people that can stick to their convictions (even if they are wrong). That is something that you don't see too much in people these days. Mostly people will line up with a cause because it looks cool. Case in point, Paul McCartney wearing a white Make Poverty History band. If he wanted to make poverty history he would give it away, give it away give it away now..He would also ask Micahel Jackson for the rights to his old Beatles songs..

I am done ranting for now. I will leave with this request.

Buy me a goat!

chuck

In 1970, my father left my mother for another woman. I was 4, my brother Andy was 3. Andy does not have any childhood memories of my dad until he was around 10. He unconsciously chose to block it out. I, on the other hand, chose to shut down emotionally. I forgot how to cry. I became bitter. I became apathetic to the world around me. This affected me spiritually as well. I looked at God from a distance, as one not worthy of being loved. As a result of this view, I became reckless.

A few years after the big divorce, I was in a bike accident and knocked myself out. I remember coming to (at least I thought) in a part of the park I hadn’t seen before. I was laying on a picnic table bench, my head on the lap of someone that did not look familiar, but seemed familiar. I remember that this man had a beautiful face. It was unlike any that I had seen before. He had long hair and a light beard. As I lay on his lap he kept telling me that everything was ok, and that I was fine. I looked at the surrounding scenery. It had become quite sunny I thought. It was bright, but not too bright. I felt comfort. This lasted for some time until I found myself feeling sick to my stomach in a doctor’s office. I wanted to go back. I had a concussion, and a very bad headache.

That moment in time was filed into some back file cabinet in my mind.

As time went on, I found compassion for others. I was still reckless. I stumbled my way through church. It was an on again, off again thing for many years. I put myself into situations that should have gotten me killed, but escaped unscathed. At times I felt invincible. I have been in car wrecks, fallen down a very steep hill, taken enough drugs at one time to kill a horse, had alcohol poisoning more than once and lived in the Mexican wilderness for a couple of weeks with little food and few bottles of rum and tequila. (There are more stories of God’s protection that I may share later.) I know that during this time I felt alone physically, but had a slight feeling that I was not alone, that there was someone with me. I know now that it was Jesus.

Some years after I became a Christian, I realized who that man in the park was. It was Jesus. He was right, everything was ok. How could I have missed that? I was so concerned with my situation that I missed the most important thing in the whole of eternity! I missed Jesus. Or did I?

During my downward spiral He was with me, protecting me until I could come to my senses. It had to be a free will thing. When I was there in that park, I was unsure of who I was with. I did not realize it until much later. I think that it was part of His plan to allow me to go through the things I did in order to minister to those in similar situations. I also believe that He allowed it to increase my faith. I have more than a bruised head to be thankful for. I have a lifetime of close calls to look back at and see the hand of God protecting me.

Reflection is a wonderful thing…..

chuck

In 1970, my father left my mother for another woman. I was 4, my brother Andy was 3. Andy does not have any childhood memories of my dad until he was around 10. He unconsciously chose to block it out. I, on the other hand, chose to shut down emotionally. I forgot how to cry. I became bitter. I became apathetic to the world around me. This affected me spiritually as well. I looked at God from a distance, as one not worthy of being loved. As a result of this view, I became reckless.

A few years after the big divorce, I was in a bike accident and knocked myself out. I remember coming to (at least I thought) in a part of the park I hadn’t seen before. I was laying on a picnic table bench, my head on the lap of someone that did not look familiar, but seemed familiar. I remember that this man had a beautiful face. It was unlike any that I had seen before. He had long hair and a light beard. As I lay on his lap he kept telling me that everything was ok, and that I was fine. I looked at the surrounding scenery. It had become quite sunny I thought. It was bright, but not too bright. I felt comfort. This lasted for some time until I found myself feeling sick to my stomach in a doctor’s office. I wanted to go back. I had a concussion, and a very bad headache.

That moment in time was filed into some back file cabinet in my mind.

As time went on, I found compassion for others. I was still reckless. I stumbled my way through church. It was an on again, off again thing for many years. I put myself into situations that should have gotten me killed, but escaped unscathed. At times I felt invincible. I have been in car wrecks, fallen down a very steep hill, taken enough drugs at one time to kill a horse, had alcohol poisoning more than once and lived in the Mexican wilderness for a couple of weeks with little food and few bottles of rum and tequila. (There are more stories of God’s protection that I may share later.) I know that during this time I felt alone physically, but had a slight feeling that I was not alone, that there was someone with me. I know now that it was Jesus.

Some years after I became a Christian, I realized who that man in the park was. It was Jesus. He was right, everything was ok. How could I have missed that? I was so concerned with my situation that I missed the most important thing in the whole of eternity! I missed Jesus. Or did I?

During my downward spiral He was with me, protecting me until I could come to my senses. It had to be a free will thing. When I was there in that park, I was unsure of who I was with. I did not realize it until much later. I think that it was part of His plan to allow me to go through the things I did in order to minister to those in similar situations. I also believe that He allowed it to increase my faith. I have more than a bruised head to be thankful for. I have a lifetime of close calls to look back at and see the hand of God protecting me.

Reflection is a wonderful thing…..

chuck

There is some uproar from the Rollling Stones camp over censorship of a few lyrics during the Super Bowl 1/2 time show. Mick and company are lucky that I wasn't part of that decency brigade. I would have saved us all the visual beating of seeing an AARP group flail around a stage like they were in their 20's. I had to fight tossing my bean dip after seeing Micks geriatric mid rif more than once. Low ride pants are a bad choice for anyone in their 60's. Hike them up like the old un's of the past. My advice for Mick, give it up, forget about it (shouldn't be hard to do ) it's in the past, move on to better, more dignified things like being a knight. Go slay a dragon or something.. I mean, really, save us the abuse.

File this one under "Only in Arkansas".
Click the link, read the story of how a woman saved a chicken by administering mouth to beak.

Chuck

There is some uproar from the Rollling Stones camp over censorship of a few lyrics during the Super Bowl 1/2 time show. Mick and company are lucky that I wasn't part of that decency brigade. I would have saved us all the visual beating of seeing an AARP group flail around a stage like they were in their 20's. I had to fight tossing my bean dip after seeing Micks geriatric mid rif more than once. Low ride pants are a bad choice for anyone in their 60's. Hike them up like the old un's of the past. My advice for Mick, give it up, forget about it (shouldn't be hard to do ) it's in the past, move on to better, more dignified things like being a knight. Go slay a dragon or something.. I mean, really, save us the abuse.

File this one under "Only in Arkansas".
Click the link, read the story of how a woman saved a chicken by administering mouth to beak.

Chuck

Chuck is on a rant again

Check out this article on Costco. I aint no ciphering wiz, but his guys gonna make more in the long run while making a difference in a lot of people's lives.

I have a different world view than most. I don't see the difference between a world leader and a small child living in abject poverty. We are all on the same level. The link to this article will make one think.

I think we have it too good, and forget that we are in the minority when it comes to the rest of the world's population. Being poor in the western world is not like being poor anywhere else. I grew up poor in this country and I do not remember going without food. We had times where we ate the same thing for weeks on end, but we did not starve.

PAPA (people against poverty and apathy) fest is coming up in June. I will make a link so anyone who is interested can check on the progress of the event. I dare you to look at this site and others like it. (like the Jesus Radicals link to the right)

In a recent conversation, I was confronted with my views on our current administration. I was made to feel that I was less Christian(not intentionally) than those who support the Right. My reply to this is pretty to the point, God is not for one political ideology, God is for God.
We end up ralling around a cause, or group and end up forgetting about God. At the end of the day, we have blown a lot wind, but done nothing to make to better(me included). The whole post modern, emergent or whatever stinking name it wants to use, has made a living out of this soap box posturing. So has the religious right.

It comes down to getting into the trenches. Doing the dirty work and, look out, getting dirty.

Now that I am done posing on my soap box, I will step down, kneel and ask for forgivness for my apathy, and pray for the strenght to actually do something..

chuck

Chuck is on a rant again

Check out this article on Costco. I aint no ciphering wiz, but his guys gonna make more in the long run while making a difference in a lot of people's lives.

I have a different world view than most. I don't see the difference between a world leader and a small child living in abject poverty. We are all on the same level. The link to this article will make one think.

I think we have it too good, and forget that we are in the minority when it comes to the rest of the world's population. Being poor in the western world is not like being poor anywhere else. I grew up poor in this country and I do not remember going without food. We had times where we ate the same thing for weeks on end, but we did not starve.

PAPA (people against poverty and apathy) fest is coming up in June. I will make a link so anyone who is interested can check on the progress of the event. I dare you to look at this site and others like it. (like the Jesus Radicals link to the right)

In a recent conversation, I was confronted with my views on our current administration. I was made to feel that I was less Christian(not intentionally) than those who support the Right. My reply to this is pretty to the point, God is not for one political ideology, God is for God.
We end up ralling around a cause, or group and end up forgetting about God. At the end of the day, we have blown a lot wind, but done nothing to make to better(me included). The whole post modern, emergent or whatever stinking name it wants to use, has made a living out of this soap box posturing. So has the religious right.

It comes down to getting into the trenches. Doing the dirty work and, look out, getting dirty.

Now that I am done posing on my soap box, I will step down, kneel and ask for forgivness for my apathy, and pray for the strenght to actually do something..

chuck

America is addicted to oil.....Ya think?!

In other news..

Chuck Scott bought tires at Walmart. He is looking for the nearest priest so he can confess this sin.

He is also addicted to oil..

So it goes.

I saw quite a few people from IHOP at Walmart. Now, imagine this, what if we were to see more people from Walmart at IHOP? That would be standing room fo' sure......

chuck

America is addicted to oil.....Ya think?!

In other news..

Chuck Scott bought tires at Walmart. He is looking for the nearest priest so he can confess this sin.

He is also addicted to oil..

So it goes.

I saw quite a few people from IHOP at Walmart. Now, imagine this, what if we were to see more people from Walmart at IHOP? That would be standing room fo' sure......

chuck

I wil post this and stop with my political ideology.....for now...

Chuck

I wil post this and stop with my political ideology.....for now...

Chuck

John O'Keefe, at ginkword has some pretty good comments and thoughts about the 'emerging church'. I must warn you that it has some possibly offensive language. My personal opinion is that we tend to look out side for answers, when all we need to do is look inward, toward Jesus. I challenge you to come up with your own opinion.

Randy has a pretty interesting post that mentions my favorite Christian icon, Pat Robertson. Pat has made some comments that have offended some. Not all of Pat's comments offend me. It is when he back peddles on his position that does. It reminds me that he is a politician at heart.As I usually do after Pat eats his penny loafers, I checked his web site for retractions. It looks as if Pat is going to stick to his guns for now. You go Pat...

I am going to the prayer room an hour late today. The ice on my truck is making it look like a glazed doughnut.


Have I ever mentioned how crazy the weather is here in Kansas City? Yesterday it was fridgid and snowing/ freezing rain. Today it will be 50 to 55 degrees. How do you plan for that?

I'm going to thaw my truck.

Chuck