I Am NOT Just a Number

Take back our presents from the tree! We want our brother back is all. No drummer boy or jingle bells; Just have our hero come to call We plea for our community: Respect our badge and understand, We're servants in a suit of blue Who risk it all without demand. We do not ask for silver bells, Pay raises, carols, snow, or sweets. We only wish for silent nights... No guns disrupting darkened streets And Hark, the herald angels sing, Please take this wound and mend our hearts; And give our brother golden wings Take back our youth, take back our park. Our Christmas wish is justice served, No lame excuse or parents slack.. Removes a shrouded badge's worth Or gives us all our Christmas back -written 12/22/11 by HM ...And so this is Christmas For weak and for strong For rich and the poor ones The world is so wrong.. And so happy Christmas For black and for white For yellow and red ones Let's stop all the fight! A very merry Christmas And a happy New Year Let's hope it's a g...

This year we reflect on a powerful man who at first glance may be viewed as modern day "hero" but after closer inspection reveals a gruesome image. Sandusky is a perfect example of how many quote/unquote "mighty men" look so pale under a magnifying lens. It is a full-on war to save our children. We used to look for these monsters under beds, in closets, attics, outside windows.. Now we are forced to scan our locker rooms, church pews, and all levels of government... No one is immune... What brings these once "hidden" monsters to a resplendent view? Why is power and pain so entwined? because... Power corrupts... It is one of the main reasons the Christian Pilgrims left England for America... What they disliked was the power of one person (the king) who decided religion and beliefs for them all... and when they stepped foot on our continent, they decided then.. that.. no one person.. would have all the power.. they also knew.. power corrupts the few.. but we...

So this afternoon I decided to check out the Smith Family Corn Maize in Lakeland and I can definitely say it is worth the money. For $10.00, you get a hayride, two shots with the Corn Canon, and a corn maze to navigate through. Don't worry, you wont get lost. Price for children is $8.00. This is the first year this farm in the Green Swamp has offered the maize and they promise that next year will be even better. Also offered at this event is the "Corn Box" (a "sand" box full of corn kernels that kids love), a Jumping Pillow (the biggest bouncing area I've ever seen for kids), pony rides ($5.00), a pumpkin patch, batting cages, a small hay maize for smaller kids, a tractor pull ride for kids (called the cow train) , and several other activities. The food was excellent. I bought an ear of sweet corn covered with butter and salt for $2.00, fresh cotton candy ($2.00), and fresh boiled peanuts ($2.00). There goes my diet. They also have food available from Fred...

Last text: "97" Last Facebook status: "Rocking nirvanas Francis farmer.. I miss the comfort in being sad ... So 90s" Last Twitter post: "Church members baffled after fellow congregant found slain in woods. http://thesent.nl/o69iD5" from Orlando Sentinel Last picture I took: picture of my niece Mykaela Last picture of me: In NICU with my nephew Last TV show I watched: Americas Next Top Model Last Call of Duty score: 4 kills 13 deaths (ugh) Last app I used: Gym Buddy Last thing I bought: creamer at Publix Last thing I did: brought dinner to two coworkers Last email I sent: work request to Andy Beymer at 5:15pm Last person I called: my mom Last book I read: Jeremiah 16 Last argument: lady at the bowling league last night Last prayer: For my sister this morning Last words I said: I love you Now.. the real question is... where is my final destination.. or for you... what would your last words, texts, updates be.. are you ready to go? Do you know where your goin...

Whether we like to believe it or not, Glenn Beck was right. Over six months ago, the world watched as Egypt, Libya, and other countries "occupied the streets" with some countries managing to overthrow the government. Beck told us it was coming. Not because he is a fortune teller, but because history always repeats itself. Disorder never restores order. Chaos does not create peace. It is contagious. A small group of "activist" or "hacktivist" created the idea to occupy Wall Street and now cities in almost every state have occupied the streets to "peacefully protest" whatever cause they happen to want to sensationalize. It is amazing how quickly the world has flocked to the streets to protest. Many have forsaken their homes to sleep on the streets. What a passion and for what? Earthly goals... Steve Jobs had earthly goals.. He changed the world.. and how we see it.. He did not occupy the streets. Instead he stated "A lot of people don't kn...

So after work today, I decided to hike the new Thornhill Trail called the Marshall Hampton Reserve. Its a trail for hiking or horseback riding. The hike has two options : The 3.5 mile Acorn Hammock trail through the Oak Hammock trees or the 2.5 mile hike dubbed the Osprey Overlook Trail around the water. I chose the Acorn Hammock Trail which took me about 1 hour and 1/2 to walk. I liked that the trail was clearly marked along the way with arrows and signs. There is also a sign in book in case your hiking alone like I was. This reserve area bought buy Swiftmud claims that eagles and coyotes abound but I luckily or unluckily did not cross paths with these creatures. Because I chose to walk in the shade, I did not see a large amount of wild animals. I did see wild geese, ducks, spiders, and birds. I was able to walk the path with no problems in my work clothes and shoes with heels. Just watch out for horse droppings.. lol The trail was mixed with dirt, grass, and stone. IN some areas it c...

Author John Eldredge quotes "Violence, no matter what form, is a cover up for fear". Violence is masked many times in grandiose, but exposes a fraud when examined carefully. Violence is often a hidden ailment. Like an infectious disease, violence contaminates all those it touches. Anger and the lack of a controlled tongue is not of God. It is an evil plague that needs to be confronted and exposed. Silence never erases, fixes, or prevents a violent heart. Serial killer donned "Son of Sam" is a great example of a man, who lost his boyhood adventure in life, and decided to kill and destroy others in a violent rage. In a recent article, he was asked why he was not seeking parole. He quoted "while society will never forgive me, God has". Only God knows his heart, but God does have the power to heal. As God can forgive the most violent predator among us, He certainly can forgive you. Proverbs 19:19 A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you resc...

Nikki Sixx, the bass player for Motley Crue, came out with an album in 2006 called "The Heroin Diaries". Most of the songs are autobiographical but one of the songs called "Life is Beautiful" states "there's nothing like a funeral to make me feel alive". The chorus goes on to say "Just open your eyes, just open your eyes and see that life is beautiful". It's interesting because the prophet Isaiah preached an identical message except his was not lyrics. It was prophetical. "We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes; We stumble at noonday as at twilight; We are as dead men in desolate places." (Isaiah 59:10) Was Isaiah preaching to a group of heroin addicts, to Nikki Sixx, or was he speaking to a blind world entrenched with obstacles? Our vision maybe 20/20 or... not so much... but most of us do not have to walk around with a cane or a k-9 to guide us. However, if we take a good look at our he...

While reading through the book of Deuteronomy on an awful hot afternoon, I came across a verse about a glittery sword. Who wouldn't want a "blinged out" sword... Jewels and sparkling glitter are an interesting distraction before a sharp piece of metal plunges into a beating heart... and it makes one pause... wow... sounds like our tongue............. The Bible is replete with verses that compare a medieval sword with the human tongue... they are both sharp.. they both are capable of collateral damage.. they pierce the hearts... they definitely need a sheath... and so on... Last week, I attempted to go a whole day without complaining once.. i posted this goal for the world to see and not even two seconds later was complaining about my dis functioning computer... I wasn't even thinking about what I was saying... it came naturally... and our words... reflect our hearts... Add to our tongue some jewels and glitter... a distraction... We smile and are kind to ...

The first woman Eve has a bad rap. She is blamed for pregnancy pains, "non-pregnancy pains", sin, evil, and basically the fall of mankind. While reading the book, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, he described the story I have read a gazillion times in a whole different light. He described the temptation of Eve as a scene that Adam was very present at. I always pictured Eve alone in a garden, trapped by a slippery snake.. what woman wouldn't do whatever he said.. its a snake... I am petrified of snakes... thus I eat.. However, what if Adam was there the whole time, witnessed the exchange of conversation... but did absolutely nothing... Adam did not admonish Eve or be a "devil's advocate" (no pun intended). Instead... he ate as well... and went from witness to full-fledged accomplice... The next step after this "heinous crime" was to hideout. Adam and Eve became fugitives in their own garden. The world of perfection as they had known it wa...

Riots in London, Dow lowest today since 2008, international hackers attack US banks, governments, and Playstations...(what??) the world is angry... and peace seems unreachable... the prophet Isaiah said it best in chapter 57 stating "There is no peace says my God for the wicked". Isaiah claimed that peace could not be found because of the false hope in foreign gods or "wooden idols" that even the wind had no problem.. blowing over... We may not bow down to a wooden replica of a cow, but what does occupy 90% of our time and energy? Is it a computer, a phone, a TV, a sport, a job? What have we replaced in our life that cuts out God? Our hearts are naturally wicked... our thoughts are bombarded with jealousy, envy, anger, revenge, unfairness... How can we have peace in our lives when we focus on all these heavy burdens... We shake our fists up to the sky and curse when life is unfair... Then tragedy strikes and we get on our knees and pray to a God we barely ta...

The other day as I was "speed-reading" through the Bible, trying to make my year-end deadline, I found a chapter that was amazing (Isaiah 38). I liked it because it was desperate but authentic. ...And since I am drawn to the "doom and gloom", it grabbed my attention. This chapter is about King Hezekiah who has just been informed that he was going to die. What captured me was his response. Instead of saying goodbye he states "In the prime of my life must I go through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of my years?" (vs 10). He goes on to cry out "No longer will I look on my fellow man, or be with those who now dwell in this world". His lament brings me pause because I too have felt that way. As much as I cannot wait to see my grandfather and sister in heaven, I also want more time. King Hezekiah doesnt stop there. "Like a weaver I have rolled up my life, and he has cut me off from the loom" (vs 12). He goes on to say how he fee...

Recently, I went on my annual family vacation to the Adirondacks. It is a rural area of upstate New York surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and rivers. It is truly a beautiful place. I have been reading a book called "In the Wilderness" about how we are all looking for adventure in life to thrive upon when we put down our cellphones, computers, and other multimedia and really listen and look at ourselves. Sometimes this can be very difficult and for me it was. I am not accustomed to quiet. I have become content with chaos. I sat around a campfire, hiked a steep mountain, fished the most peaceful river, and floated down rapids. In this time of solitude, I found myself explaining how far I've come this past year, and how far I have left to go. Who was I trying to convince? I can remain cool as a serial killer at work during the most stressful of events, yet the mountain air could not muffle my anxiety. I have never been more happy with my life, but stress and the pursuit of...

Word Feud or in the Apple world (Word with Friends) is a multiplayer word game app (Scrabble) that has become increasingly popular over the past year or so. Many of us while laying in bed has heard the "now-annoying" ding, alerting us that it is our turn to form a word. Addiction is an understatement and for those of us who have moved on to better things to do with our time (such as Angry Birds Rio), we can all appreciate the power of words. It is interesting that while playing WordFeud we spend so much calculated time forming the perfect word, yet when speaking to our friends or associates, we are so flippant with them. Prov 16:1 says "from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue" and verse 24 "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones". (Yet, we use the power of our tongue to form such malicious words). Our mouths are corrupted with gossip, accusations, hurt, lies, curses, and aggravation. Our words, many times, a...

We all remember the story of the "Emperor's New Clothes" when two "sweet talkers" convinced a monarch that he could parade the town in an "invisible" suit that stupid people would be unable to see. The Monarch loved the idea and paraded through town wearing nothing. The people of the town all pretended to see the "invisible suit" for fear of looking ignorant, but it was a child that pointed out the obvious and brought the monarch to shame... with the words "He's wearing nothing at all"... Sometimes, we too, "clothe" ourselves with so much pride...we may feel inadequate but put on an "invisible suit" for others to admire.. the truth is.. like the monarch.. we are naked... empty... alone... and have fallen for the "Ultimate Sweet Talker Satan" who tells us we deserve the best.. we are better than others. and that we are more deserving.. more loyal.. and so on... This only leads to bitterness and shame...

"Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice". (Proverbs 13:10) In the information age, it is almost implied that we all be "in-the-know" about everything. Knowledge is power right? and if we don't know something, than we may be viewed as slow or inept... and so.. in the process of learning.. we are many times ostracized by the "all-knowing" teacher... If we cut out all the crap.. the truth is sometimes knowledge is saturated in pride... We want the credit... we fight for first chair... the best seat in the house..the best score... but.. we forget that the first shall be last and the last shall be first.. but when does that happen? Well... this happens in heaven.. are we willing to be servants on earth to be leaders in heaven? because as our "good deeds" don't get us into to heaven, they certainly determine what our "rank" will be when we get there... Many people believe as I did for a lo...

It's an addiction that has swept the country.. the world.. we wonder if even the angels have not expressed the same delight as we all have when we finally achieved 3 stars using the perfect flick, a toucan's soar, and a defeated pig.. Success!!! Oh the small joys of life.. and as we all have wasted hours of our lives.. that we will never get back.. or as I like to defend it "a way to beat impatience while waiting in line".. we all enjoy the small things in life that take our time and attention away from reality.. As i sit in a small garage watching the rain pour down on a darkened street.. I wonder what all the Bible has to say about birds.. and what sets them apart from the remaining phylum... the first thing that comes to mind is their wings.. giving them ability to soar above conflict.. their eyesight.. allowing them to quickly spot prey in the largest of oceans.. and their singing.. making the most silent of moments.. memorable... Birds are also very nervous cre...

None of us handpicked our family members, yet God in his infinate wisdom, chose whom we would call mother, father, sister, and brother. The memories we now look back on.. . were shared with people who all along were meant to expose us to personalities unlike our own.. and to teach us.. if our eyes were open..Even the smallest child can teach us something.. if our eyes our truly open.. As we grew older, we took the things that we saw.. the things that we learned and applied them to our world outside of home.. and no matter how far we ran or how far we moved... the lessons we were taught by our parents.. the lectures.. the needs.. never left our hearts.. they soon became our own passions.. our own lectures and our own needs.. Life flies by quickly.. the bible author James stated it clearly when he wrote " your life is like a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." With time on no one's side, it is imperative that we let the ones around us know ho...

We have so many appointments... dental, doctor, clients, lunch dates, etc... but how many of us think about our appointment with death. Hebrews 9:27 states it clearly "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment". The sand runs so quickly through the hour glass... and before we know it... the mirror reflects wrinkles in skin once known as youthful... gray hair replaces the silky black... bones become brittle and our skills that made us legends... fade into distant memories... what happened to the boring and slow Saturdays??... As we embrace aging with grace... and alot of makeup... we reflect on our past.. with our heads held high.. but we prepare for our future... we rarely slow down.. as if we are chasing the sand in our hourglasses... frantically trying to control.. to reschedule... our appointment... Many of us recently have sat in the waiting room as the appointment loomed for a loved one... the emptiness of death... the finality.. is many ti...

If you've traveled through any large metropolis in the past year, you've probably seen the billboard "Jesus is coming on May 21, 2011". Where did this date come from? and.. really.. says who??? I first observed this "prediction of sorts" at the Gasparilla parade in Tampa as I passed a large RV with the message "Have you heard the awesome news? The end of the world is almost here!" plastered in bold letters on both sides. I immediately dismissed the message as I had just read in the Bible in Matthew 24:36 that "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." This verse referring, of course, to the "second coming" of when Jesus is coming back to earth. It is also referred to as the "Judgement Day" or the "Rapture". Believe it or not, it gives us pause. And... as I want to be "in the know", I figured I'd research both sides of the story. Turns ...

Several times in the past year, I have come across occasions where my beliefs have been questioned by those with conflicting opinions. It is easy to remain silent as questions about faith and belief can be found in the delicate sections of conversation. However, many times my silence erupted due to the lack of knowledge. Being far from an expert in the "field", and more of a "cliff note" cheater I would find myself listening to an either angry or quite confident individual armed with sagacious words that were no match for me in the "philosophical duel" I had found myself in. Though I have saturated myself in the Bible over a quarter century and listened to countless sermons and lectures, it was up to me to roll up my sleeves and prepare for these "battles of sorts". (Not for sake of winning an argument because each one of us is subject to our own opinions but so that I can be confident in my own belief and accurately state my defense). I opened u...

The official countdown for Valentines Day is 20 days. As we stare at the endless rows of cards, candy, and stuffed animals, either the day of, day before, or (for some overachievers) weeks in advance, we think of where this holiday actually began. It is interesting that Valentines Day is named after three Christian martyrs with the last name of Valentine. The "Valentines" were from Rome and were killed for their Christian faith. The Roman Catholics began a feast day (i.e. potluck or dinner on the grounds) on February 14th to celebrate the life of the Valentines. As the Medieval period came and went, history buffs, opportunists, and creative authors became the catalysts for what is today known as Valentine's Day. The first recorded writing, mixing Valentines Day with love, was by Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote "For this was Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate." As time went on, romantic legends commenced and tales were told of o...

Arizona, the 48th state, (the last of the contiguous states), is back on the map... and not exactly for their tough stance on immigration.. Instead, all eyes are on a once easily forgotten man.. and a tough as nails, seemingly popular female representative.. What brought them together involved a handgun, one of the controversial stances held by many in the Copper state, yet silencing in its use... as vigils across the states were held due to its haunting and senseless exploitation... Slideshows of the characters involved.. splash TV's across the world as we all stare into the eyes of a madman whose words littered one of the world's greatest websites (i.e. Youtube).. and yet.. went unheard... until now... The haunting smile of Jared Loughner is not one we will soon forget... Jared the assassin.. will disgustingly litter the history books and websites like the terrorists before him... One man... who changed the lives of an entire grocery store parking lot.. in the second largest ...

One of the most popular articles in the New York Times recently is titled "The Happy Marriage is the 'Me' Marriage". For almost a week it has been one of the number one articles read and emailed. Published on the last day of 2010, the article talks about relationships and the need for "self-expansion". The article claims that if your partner helps expand your self-growth and you improve as a person, than you are more likely to be satisfied in your relationship. This is a far different outlook than the traditional one we are all used to but as the divorce rates continue to climb, America is desperately searching for answers. The article talks about those in a marriage that are completely unhappy and desperate. It suggests a "Michelangelo effect" in which partners "sculpt" each other in ways that help each of them attain valued goals" (see source below). "If your seeking self-growth and obtain it from your partner, than that puts ...

As we all either slept or watched the ball drop, a small town in Arkansas watched as thousands of red-winged blackbirds fell from the sky... Theories began swarming as approximately 10,000 drum fish were found dead that same day in the Arkansas river... we wont even get into the deaths of bumblebees all over Europe and Asia... but it definately makes us think... what is going on? and what a way to bring in a new year.. Some of us know all to well... we are 5 days in and though we may not find birds and fish littering our streets and rivers.. we feel like everything we know is changing and crashing around us... Christmas is over... time for the bills.. those of us who itemize our taxes wont see our checks for a couple months... our White House spokesman is quitting... theres absolutely nothing to watch on TV.. our holidays came and went so fast.. we barely had time to enjoy them.. and its back to the grind... On top of that our personal lives are put to the test daily as we literally ba...

My thoughts surrounding Christmas this year was to rediscover what Christmas was really about. I attempted to saturate myself with Christian radio, christmas music, giving, and the real history behind it all. What surprised me during this quest, was the chaos that erupted all around me that fought for my attention. I was steady sick with the flu almost the entire month and on top of that I had an incredible challenge with a person in my life that created a battle in a time I yearned for peace. Almost every day during the month of December, a new challenge would occur and my controlled chaos became uncontrollable. I was shocked that I was chosen for such testing during an amazing time of year. A battle between good an evil, forces beyond my control, fought for my attention and succeeded many times taking my eyes off who Christmas was really about and turning my focus on my own problems. Many times, I felt like giving up. This trouble was to great for me to bear but amidst it all, thoug...