In Tribute

I wanted to post this yesterday, but had trouble with posting.

I want to pay tribute to a couple of special veterns who have been promoted to glory.

First, my grandfather, Charles Shay. He fought in the pacfic campagin of WWII for the Army. He was shot in the back, and sent to France, where he carried out his tour of duty. He was awarded the purple heart. He wouldn't talk about his experiences, but I cherish the idea that he fought for freedom.

Second, a spiritual grandfather, Ken Perkins. He fought in the European campagin. He was in Germany when it was liberated. He played for the Army baseball team. Bro. Perkins, was also a hero in the faith to me. I felt honored to have service with him in his home the Sunday, before he died...I cherish that memory. I also got to preach his funeral. He was truly a hero in my book.

Thank God for our military.

Steve

Memorial Day

Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Throughout our history, the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States have placed the security of our Nation before their own safety. America will be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Defending the ideals of our Nation has required the service and sacrifice of those from every generation. From Valley Forge, across Europe and Asia, and in Afghanistan and Iraq, courageous Americans have given their lives so that others could live in freedom. These Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen took an oath to defend America, and they upheld that oath with bravery and decency. They have liberated the oppressed, spread freedom and peace, and set a standard of courage and compassion for our Nation. All who enjoy the blessings of liberty live in their debt.

This debt of gratitude extends also to the families who stood by our servicemen and women in times of war and times of peace. Each of the fallen has left behind loved ones who carry a burden of grief, and all Americans are inspired by the strength of these families.

At this important time in the history of freedom, a new generation of Americans is defending our flag and our liberty. These men and women carry on the legacy of our Nation's fallen heroes and demonstrate that the United States Armed Forces remain the greatest force for freedom in human history.

Those who lost their lives in the defense of freedom helped protect our citizens and lay the foundation of peace for people everywhere. On Memorial Day, a grateful Nation pays tribute to their personal courage, love of country, and dedication to duty.

In respect for their devotion to America, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved on May 11, 1950, as amended (64 Stat. 158), has requested the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer. The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated the minute beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 29, 2006, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time to unite in prayer. I also ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day. I encourage the media to participate in these observances. I also request the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

My Church

I wanted to take this post and testify about my home church Newport Church of God.
I'm not doing this for brownie points, I'm doing this because I really enjoy being a part of this church.

I have been in church all my life. I don't want to take away from these other churches, some have been enjoyable. None of them, have effected me the way Newport has. Yes, I have pastored 3 churchs and serve as assistant pastor in many others. Though, I have had the spiritual rest, I have felt since November since we started at Newport.

I believe this is because of several reasons. First, my pastor Bro. Woolum. He makes our church which is large, have the feel of a small church. He puts an emphasis on friendship and love for one another. His leadership, leads to my second reason. We have an open atmosphere in our church. People feel welcome! Third, we preach the truth. Fourth, we believe in worship. Lastly, but proably the most important we are seeing souls saved. In all the ministries of our church we have seen over 80 souls saved since January.

I thank God I have aligned myself with such a church.

Keep our church in your prayers

Steve

Taylor....The American Idol

SOUL PATROL..............

TAYLOR IS THE NEW AMERICAN IDOL............

SOUL PATROL..............



MY CHOICE ALL SEASON WON!!!!!!!!

Oprah on Auschwitz

I'm not an Oprah fan, but I watched her special on Auschwitz prision camp. It was really moving. I did not know all the artifacts that were in the memorial. For more info check her site. Oprah.com

The murder and torture that happened in those camps is unbelievible. I pray nothing like this ever happens again. Yet I see the beginnings of the same thing happening in Iran. (Check my other blog)

This is truly sad.....Thanks to all the soliders who fought and our fighting to keep our world free of terror and horror.

Steve

Domestic Problems lead to church shooting

The following story is from Fox News....

Louisiana Church Shooting Leaves Five Dead

Monday , May 22, 2006

BATON ROUGE, La. — The shooting started about the time church services were supposed to end. Five family members were killed and another was shot in the back of the head but survived.

A 25-year-old was charged with five counts of first-degree homicide in the shootings at a Baton Rouge church on Sunday, accused of opening fire at his wife's two grandmothers, grandfather, great aunt and cousin, then killing his wife at a nearby apartment complex. Police said they did not know suspect Anthony Bell's motive.

"I am very mad, and I am mad at the devil, because he had something to do with this," said Frankie Smith, a relative of the victims by marriage.

Police Chief Jeff LeDuff said Sunday was "one of the worst days in the history of our city."

Police identified the dead as Erica Bell, 24, Leonard Howard, 78, Gloria Howard, 72, Deloris McGrew, 68, and Darlene Mills, 47.

Erica Bell's mother, church pastor Claudia Brown, was wounded and in serious condition, police said, but would not provide further details. Her son, Jeffrey Howard, said she had been shot in the back of the head. She gave investigators a statement about the shooting, according to a police affidavit.

Bell faces a count of attempted first-degree murder in Claudia Brown's shooting. He also faces a second-degree kidnapping charge, because he allegedly abducted three of Erica Bell's children, released two and had the third with him when he was arrested, police said.

Investigators did not know the motive for the shooting at The Ministry of Jesus Christ church.

"This is senseless. This is a total waste of human life," LeDuff said.

In an interview, Jeffrey Howard said Anthony and Erica Bell had had some "domestic trouble" in the past. Howard hinted that Anthony Bell used drugs and had "smoked away" what money the couple had.

The small church shares space in an old warehouse with a guitar shop in a nonresidential area of Baton Rouge. Jeffrey Howard described the ministry as a "full gospel-type church" that often paid bills for parishioners who were having money problems.

Bell is believed to have entered and opened fire with a handgun shortly before the Sunday service was to end, about 10 a.m.

"To the best of my knowledge, the service was ongoing when this happened," LeDuff said.

After shooting five people, Bell fled with his wife and with three children, including an infant, police said. The two older children were found safely at a residence.

Police said Bell called 911 to report a shooting; responding officers found him at an apartment complex, holding the child. His wife's body was inside the car he had been driving, police said. Bell did not resist arrest.

Bell left a police holding facility with hands and feet cuffed, without shirt or shoes, in blue jeans shorts.

This is sad. It is a shame when even the church we attend is not safe. I realize this family had severe problems, but to see this happen at a church grieves my soul.
As children of God we need to uphold these precious saints in our prayers. These stories are getting to prevelent and common.

I'll Post again later today.....

Steve

Posting Pics

I have started making a family picture gallery. Some pics are there already more will be added later to view the gallerys click here

Da Vinci Code

I figured it was time to put some info about the Da Vanci Code on the Blog.
The movie comes out today. I'm sure it will be multi-million dollor box office hit. Even though the critics are rating this film poorly, it will be seen as an overwhelming success. This film is a far cry from the success of the movie The Passion of Christ a couple years ago.

I'm sure most of you know the premise of the movie, claiming that Christ was not divine and married Mary Magadelene, had a daughter. That the Catholilc church came up with this coverup. Da Vinci encoded secrets in his paintings reveling this truth.

All of these is fiction. People will believe what they want. The skeptics will use thsis to discredit the Bible.

Christ will stand. This is no more than a seducing spirit giving hersey.

Don't let this move shake you.

Steve

Check out this site

Mother's Day

This is a pic of Mom (Mary Farrell) and Barbara

God has blessed me with wondeful Godly parents. I am still blessed to have my Mom. She is a very special lady. This last year she has suffered some heart problems, but God has never left her. She is a avid prayer warrior, and I thank God for those prayers. I also want to say happy mother's day to my wife the mother of my kids....Paula. I love both of you.

American Idol

Ok, I have avoided the American Idol subject on my blog. After tonights resuls, I have to address the AI issue. My pick is Taylor to be the next Idol. I think Chris being voted off was so wrong. He was not the worst last night, it was Katherine.
Although, Katherine is proably the best singer...She is not the best entertainer. Taylor has the overall advantage at being the entertainer and singer. Chris was not my favorite, but definitly should not have been voted off.

This was a shame....Now we can't have the finals we could have.

Steve

Paula update.....

Today, we went to Paula's heart doctor. They tested her pacemaker/difibulator and everything was fine. They told her it has never fired, and she only had 2 episodes of arithmia (heart fluttering/racing). Dr. Suresh is recommending her to the transplant department of University of Cincinnati Hospital. They are scheduling an appointment with Dr. Wagner, the head of the transplant division. According to Dr. Suresh, she will have a series of test, and be evaluated for placement on the transplant list. This is just the start of a long process. As we find out more I will update on the blog. Please keep her in your prayers.

Do you ever feel like life is a Roller Coaster?

I am not a fan of roller coasters. I've only road one twice in my life. Now, I will try all the other amusment park rides, but not the coasters. Paula, on the other hand loves to ride them. I would rather ride a ferris wheel. Paula does not like a ferris wheel.

What am I getting at? Well, my life lately seems like a roller coaster ride. It seems like it takes forever to get to the top, and the pressure is on, while speeding downhill.

I would much rather just keep circling, at a easy speed, like a ferris wheel.

Yet, there is joy in knowing that one day the ride will stop...and will be done with the presure for evermore. Our day of rest is coming.

Steve

New pics

I thought I would included this one of me....this was taken at my favorite resturant Olive Garden.

Barbara and her bofriend Brandon going to Prom

This is our kids Easter Sunday Morning.
(It took 15 minuites to get this pose)

The Church of Christ Commerical

I don't know if you have seen the Church of Christ Commerical dealing with the inclusive gospel.

If you haven't check out this link commerical.

My friend Wayne, last night mentioned this commerical in his preaching at our district youth ralley. He brought up the point that this was no more than a slur at the church's that preach that homosexuality, and other sinful lifestyles are wrong. This commerical implys we exclude them from our churches.

The idea is that we do not want to exclude them, we welcome them, yet we do not want them to continue in sin. We want to see them converted, and turn from there sinful way.

If it makes people mad that we preach the truth...Oh well, its stil the truth. We are try to preach to get them out of the fire.

Wayne, keep preaching the truth. I'll keep preaching the truth. No matter the cost.

Steve