Pastor Gene Mullis
Hillcrest Baptist Church
4316 Hillcrest Church Road
Monroe, NC 28110
Pastor Gene, I hope you will not mind me sharing this with others.
On Sunday evening, I told you I wanted to do a “quick summary” of your AM Sermon, and it was a “Goodun” as usual from the Word of God, your heart, and delivered from your lips. So, here I go as to “rattle off” with my remarks. I do this only because I am following up on my own “speech therapy”. I know by now you appreciate my efforts to continue to “learn how to type”!
I, too, will be out of town this weekend as my son sent me an airline ticket to fly out to Louisville KY on Thursday, December 13, to return on December 17 to visit with my son, daughter-in-law, and two grandsons. You should know that just the fact that these two boys being “my two grandsons”, these two are the “best” of the “best”. I am looking forward to hearing my two grandsons say “I want my Grandpa”, “I want to see Grandpa”, and/or “I love my Grandpa”.
As for your service, I too, fail to understand why some sickly and/or criminal “idiot” wants to get a gun, go into a shopping mall, only to start shooting humans. After service, we learned through the TV news that another “sickly or criminal one” did similarly another on Sunday in two different Christian facilities.
While we all know that sin started in the “Garden of Eden” as described in Genesis, there has been at least two historical changes in my lifetime, which these criminal and immoral activities are supported with.
1. Growing up in a very rural area of Anson County, NC, everyone in the public schools had a “Christian Devotion” in the mornings at school, and with that learning, almost everyone went to some Church, Parish, Synagogue, etc. on Sunday mornings. This was based on the fact that our US Constitution was founded upon Judeo-Christian” values. In 1963, when the US Supreme Court outlawed Prayer in schools, many our younger children were not taught the importance of “God’s Word”. With that, and without any other reminders, many saw no importance to attend any Church any more.
Now, we have raised one generation, who has raised another generation, who now are raising a third generation who see no reason to attend Church, Parish, Synagogue, etc. read the Bible, and/or do any other Biblical study. There are no religious teachings in our public school. So many of our elected politicos, Liberal members of our radio, TV, and print Medias are presenting us is such an ungodly scene as acceptable.
2. To me, a second change began when every average American watched a US President look into a camera on national TV, tell a lie, and what is just as bad, he got away with it to so many. Many of our US leaders on Capitol Hill and/or members in the media did not even criticize our President. Many of the President’s friends in Washington, DC just continued to say, “it is all just about sex”. It became almost acceptable with individual neighbors and friends, that lying is OK. Lying is not OK. Then the “big lie” started to spread and now the “big lie” is just as acceptable in the business community as started in the community as a “one on one”. We must fight to cure this illness with whatever it takes.
The US Supreme Court said it is not OK. With this simple one sentence delivered legal document, our forty-second US President is disbarred from practicing law in the US Supreme Court:
D-2270 IN THE MATTER OF DISCIPLINE OF BILL CLINTON
Bill Clinton, of New York, New York, is suspended from the practice of law in this Court and a rule will issue, returnable within 40 days, requiring him to show cause why he should not be disbarred from the practice of law in this Court.
God’s Word coming from our leaders, like you, are the message and the messenger throughout our Churches, Parishes, Synagogues. etc.
With God’s help, I will continue to fight my battle over these issues in the political arena.
God Bless you all.
Oscar Y. Harward
oharward@carolina.rr.com
Monday, December 24, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
General Election 2008, As I See It Today!
Election year 2008 is just around the corner. I believe the most important issues on the federal level will be illegal immigration, gas and oil prices, terrorism, the Iraqi and Afghanistan war, and ethics and morality.
Polls, by large numbers, show Americans continue to say: 1. Seal the border to stop illegal immigration. 2. Build the fence to continue to stop illegal immigration. 3. Remove illegal immigrants, wherever they come from. Americans welcome legal immigration; however, we must know who, where, why, and how others are coming from and what they intend to do. This is a very simple course of action. Americans do not want to give away the values so many American military members have served and died while protecting our American flag, our US Constitution, and our individual freedoms.
With oil prices approaching $100.00 a barrel and gas prices at the pump approaching $3.00 per gallon and more, and while some predict gas prices to reach upward to as much as $4.00 per gallon and more, gasoline and oil prices will be prevalent to all consumers. America must become independent from the OPEC nations. While American science is developing substitutes for gasoline, it is time for the Democrats on Capitol Hill to support drilling for additional oil resources in ANWAR and others areas of our United States. Alternative energy may be a long-term solution, but it is long term. Instead, we hear that we have an “addiction to oil”. One report suggests our US has more untapped oil reserves underground than Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Libya, or Iran. If that is true, why will the Democrats on Capitol Hill not support our American consumers?. Here again, Democrats are supporting the OPEC nations while voting against the American consumers. It must be noted that this is a national security issue as well. It is simply irresponsible not to develop supplies that are more domestic at this time. Americans need relief now!
The easy scapegoat is “Big Oil”. However, that is a red herring. Big oil is profiting of course, but if you pour all of their profits back into the system, it would really only amount to a few pennies per gallon. The real profiteer on higher prices is State and Federal Government.
In addition to excessive taxes on each gallon of gas, the government has further driven up the cost through regulation of formulas; restricting the building of new refineries; and restricting the exploration of new supplies. The blame should be placed squarely on government regulation.
Oil and gasoline prices are not being controlled by conventional supply and demand, but by artificial factors such as the US Government’s refusal to create more supply and OPEC nations mandating output levels that maximize profits. Gasoline prices are driving up all other consumer prices also. Prices of consumer goods are relevant to delivery cost of gasoline and oil prices. Gasoline prices touch every part of our lives. Not only is it needed for day-to-day transportation to school, the doctor, work, etc., it is also vital in manufacturing products and transporting the goods to market.
As for Election 2008, right now, the Democrats on Capitol Hill are beginning to start comparing the prices of gasoline at the pump from when President George Bush was elected and as to the prices today, when in fact, it is the Democrats on Capitol Hill who have voted on several different times to disallow more drilling in ANWAR and others locations. As we speak, Cuba is drilling in the Atlantic Ocean closer to our American soil than the Democrats will allow American companies to drill. Does that make common sense to you?
Terrorism must be fought and won wherever it appears. If Americans and other allied forces pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan, Israel will be the next country for terror to attack with an effort to destroy Israel as a nation. All Israelis, and other freedom loving people around the world, should take a hard look as to where the Capitol Hill Democrats are leading us.
As we speak, it appears the “surge” in Iraq and other victories in Afghanistan are being won. General David Petraeus and his team are to be commended for their leadership. The majority Capitol Hill Democrats should still apologize and personally disassociate themselves to the earlier advertisement by MoveOn.org which referred to General Petraeus as “Betrayed Petraeus”. Hopefully, as year 2008 continues, our military will be able to turn over most responsibilities to these respective governments and stand by merely as a backup support system for a Democratic Republic system of government. We must win this war for all freedom loving people of the world.
Any “gang” activity should be added to any Federal and State “Terrorism” and “Hate Crime” legislation. “Breaking and Entering” to harm any occupant or steal any possessions of the occupant while occupied in homes should be a crime carrying an increased penalty and adding even more when a firearm, of any other weapon, is in the possession of any of the person(s) participating in the breaking and entering.
“Snitching” seems to be associated to gang and/or other criminal activity. Any verbal or physical bluffing, threats, or any other threats and/or warnings of threats toward any individual participating in any effort to solve any crime must become unlawful and dealt with severely, accordingly.
The largest “silent issue” of Election 2008 is the fear of radical Islamic teachings and practicing of their own children and others that all members of the Judeo-Christian community, including Americans and Israelis are “infidels” and must be destroyed. It is time for each and every member within the Muslim community around the world to openly speak out defying these teachings.
Members in the Judeo-Christian community seem to be searching for candidate leaders whom will return America to “old time” values of yesterday. The ACLU lawyers are legally attacking and attempting to destroy our Churches, our schools, our communities, and other groups such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, or any other organization who inserts Judeo-Christian values. We are getting some newer legal help to stop the attacks. The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) www.alliancedefensefund.org, along with Liberty Counsel @ www.lc.org are example organizations stepping up to the place, and fighting and winning court cases against the ACLU. It is imperative that we help with our resources (money) to help these groups continue to win the fights.
Finally, we must support candidates who will support and appoint other nominees who currently do so, and will be determined to support Judeo-Christian values. It seems many on Capitol Hill seem to disavow the values on which our US Constitution was founded upon. A lesson could be learned to read and understand more writings of the authors of this precious document. We must restore all our original founders’ values.
God Bless America!
Oscar Y. Harward
oharward@carolina.rr.com
Polls, by large numbers, show Americans continue to say: 1. Seal the border to stop illegal immigration. 2. Build the fence to continue to stop illegal immigration. 3. Remove illegal immigrants, wherever they come from. Americans welcome legal immigration; however, we must know who, where, why, and how others are coming from and what they intend to do. This is a very simple course of action. Americans do not want to give away the values so many American military members have served and died while protecting our American flag, our US Constitution, and our individual freedoms.
With oil prices approaching $100.00 a barrel and gas prices at the pump approaching $3.00 per gallon and more, and while some predict gas prices to reach upward to as much as $4.00 per gallon and more, gasoline and oil prices will be prevalent to all consumers. America must become independent from the OPEC nations. While American science is developing substitutes for gasoline, it is time for the Democrats on Capitol Hill to support drilling for additional oil resources in ANWAR and others areas of our United States. Alternative energy may be a long-term solution, but it is long term. Instead, we hear that we have an “addiction to oil”. One report suggests our US has more untapped oil reserves underground than Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Libya, or Iran. If that is true, why will the Democrats on Capitol Hill not support our American consumers?. Here again, Democrats are supporting the OPEC nations while voting against the American consumers. It must be noted that this is a national security issue as well. It is simply irresponsible not to develop supplies that are more domestic at this time. Americans need relief now!
The easy scapegoat is “Big Oil”. However, that is a red herring. Big oil is profiting of course, but if you pour all of their profits back into the system, it would really only amount to a few pennies per gallon. The real profiteer on higher prices is State and Federal Government.
In addition to excessive taxes on each gallon of gas, the government has further driven up the cost through regulation of formulas; restricting the building of new refineries; and restricting the exploration of new supplies. The blame should be placed squarely on government regulation.
Oil and gasoline prices are not being controlled by conventional supply and demand, but by artificial factors such as the US Government’s refusal to create more supply and OPEC nations mandating output levels that maximize profits. Gasoline prices are driving up all other consumer prices also. Prices of consumer goods are relevant to delivery cost of gasoline and oil prices. Gasoline prices touch every part of our lives. Not only is it needed for day-to-day transportation to school, the doctor, work, etc., it is also vital in manufacturing products and transporting the goods to market.
As for Election 2008, right now, the Democrats on Capitol Hill are beginning to start comparing the prices of gasoline at the pump from when President George Bush was elected and as to the prices today, when in fact, it is the Democrats on Capitol Hill who have voted on several different times to disallow more drilling in ANWAR and others locations. As we speak, Cuba is drilling in the Atlantic Ocean closer to our American soil than the Democrats will allow American companies to drill. Does that make common sense to you?
Terrorism must be fought and won wherever it appears. If Americans and other allied forces pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan, Israel will be the next country for terror to attack with an effort to destroy Israel as a nation. All Israelis, and other freedom loving people around the world, should take a hard look as to where the Capitol Hill Democrats are leading us.
As we speak, it appears the “surge” in Iraq and other victories in Afghanistan are being won. General David Petraeus and his team are to be commended for their leadership. The majority Capitol Hill Democrats should still apologize and personally disassociate themselves to the earlier advertisement by MoveOn.org which referred to General Petraeus as “Betrayed Petraeus”. Hopefully, as year 2008 continues, our military will be able to turn over most responsibilities to these respective governments and stand by merely as a backup support system for a Democratic Republic system of government. We must win this war for all freedom loving people of the world.
Any “gang” activity should be added to any Federal and State “Terrorism” and “Hate Crime” legislation. “Breaking and Entering” to harm any occupant or steal any possessions of the occupant while occupied in homes should be a crime carrying an increased penalty and adding even more when a firearm, of any other weapon, is in the possession of any of the person(s) participating in the breaking and entering.
“Snitching” seems to be associated to gang and/or other criminal activity. Any verbal or physical bluffing, threats, or any other threats and/or warnings of threats toward any individual participating in any effort to solve any crime must become unlawful and dealt with severely, accordingly.
The largest “silent issue” of Election 2008 is the fear of radical Islamic teachings and practicing of their own children and others that all members of the Judeo-Christian community, including Americans and Israelis are “infidels” and must be destroyed. It is time for each and every member within the Muslim community around the world to openly speak out defying these teachings.
Members in the Judeo-Christian community seem to be searching for candidate leaders whom will return America to “old time” values of yesterday. The ACLU lawyers are legally attacking and attempting to destroy our Churches, our schools, our communities, and other groups such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts, or any other organization who inserts Judeo-Christian values. We are getting some newer legal help to stop the attacks. The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) www.alliancedefensefund.org, along with Liberty Counsel @ www.lc.org are example organizations stepping up to the place, and fighting and winning court cases against the ACLU. It is imperative that we help with our resources (money) to help these groups continue to win the fights.
Finally, we must support candidates who will support and appoint other nominees who currently do so, and will be determined to support Judeo-Christian values. It seems many on Capitol Hill seem to disavow the values on which our US Constitution was founded upon. A lesson could be learned to read and understand more writings of the authors of this precious document. We must restore all our original founders’ values.
God Bless America!
Oscar Y. Harward
oharward@carolina.rr.com
Support Free Elections And All Participants
If I had not seen it, I would not believe it. Is the Editorial at the Monroe Enquirer Journal really proposing to penalize western Union County precincts for voting? The editorial writer and the entire staff should be praising these precincts for being organized so well as to get out the voters and exercise their God given freedoms under our US Constitution. That is what a Democratic Republic of government is all about. The western Union County precincts who got out the vote should be congratulated. Thank each and every one of you and your efforts to win this and any other election, whether the final results agree with me or not. Anything less is a form of Anarchy, Socialism, and/or Communism. Surely, the EJ owes western Union County an apology. Does the EJ Editorial writer also want to penalize eastern Union County precincts for voting also?
Oscar Y. Harwardoharward@carolina.rr.com
Oscar Y. Harwardoharward@carolina.rr.com
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
From The E-Mail Bag: Breakfast at McDonald's
The following article was received via e-mail from an old friend, Rev. Floyd J. Wood, Cooleemee, NC. It did not have an original author’s name. It is a “message” which all of us should “learn by, live by, and continue to practice each and every day”, but especially during this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
From The E-mail Bag: Breakfast at McDonald’s
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, and 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called, "Smile."
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally. Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was “smiling". His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you." I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope." We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not Church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE: Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS – NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
There is an Angel sent to watch over you. In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.
An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart. God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
God Bless you all, each and every day, and God Bless America.
Oscar Y. Harward
oharward@carolina.rr.com
From The E-mail Bag: Breakfast at McDonald’s
I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, and 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called, "Smile."
The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally. Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald's one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.
We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible "dirty body" smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was “smiling". His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for acceptance. He said, "Good day" as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.
The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, "Coffee is all Miss" because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm).
Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold hand.
He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, "Thank you." I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, "I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope."
I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, "That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope." We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give.
We are not Church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God's sweet love.
I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in "my project" and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, "Can I share this?" I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class.
She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald's, my son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn:
UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE: Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS – NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.
There is an Angel sent to watch over you. In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over.
An Angel wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart. God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.
God Bless you all, each and every day, and God Bless America.
Oscar Y. Harward
oharward@carolina.rr.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)