Snowball

Read Ashli O'Connell's story about a pigeon that came for Christmas and stayed ... on her blog.

Peggy's Cancer

Just a few days before Christmas, my wife, Peggy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has 2 lumps and it is the fastest-growing kind so we got her scheduled for surgery as soon as possible. It will be on January 6. She will have 6 weeks of radiation and hopefully no chemo. The pathology from the surgery will determine if chemo or further surgery are needed.

We have received a huge amount of support from Facebook friends, where we first released the news, and from other close friends.

We would appreciate your prayers.

I am a cancer survivor and Peggy will be too.

Picture of "Gus" Takes Third Place in Contest

Contest: Xmas Fatal Atraction-Winners
Originally uploaded by Gabbcan

In a Flickr Christmas Fatal Attraction Contest with 138 entries, this shot of "Gus" tied for third place. Since then her name has been changed to Stormy ... or Cricket. ... And she still needs a home.

Home of Throwed Rolls

Had to take Peggy's cousin Melba and her husband, Dick, to Lambert's, the home of throwed rolls. They don't have them in Arizona.

Sunset From Maranatha Village Dec. 22, 2008

Taken from the parking lot of the apartment building Peggy's mom lives in. Springfield, MO.

Peggy's Mom's Maranatha Apartment

Cousins Melba and Dick, Peggy's mother, Peggy

An Even More Ancient Christmas Photo

Ken and Peggy back in the day

Evolution Move Over, Here Comes Global Warming

FoxNews.com reported:

In the article, Obama Left with Little Time to Curb Global Warming, AP Science Writer Seth Borenstein wrote that global warming is "a ticking time bomb that President-elect Barack Obama can't avoid," and that "global warming is accelerating."

"If the issues weren't so serious and the ramifications so profound, I would have to laugh at it," said David Deming, a geology professor at the University of Oklahoma who has been critical of media reporting on the climate change issue.

Deming, in an interview, took issue with Borenstein's characterization of a problem he says doesn't exist.

...

"The mean global temperature, at least as measured by satellite, is now the same as it was in the year 1980. In the last couple of years sea level has stopped rising. Hurricane and cyclone activity in the northern hemisphere is at a 24-year low and sea ice globally is also the same as it was in 1980."

Deming said the article is further evidence of the media's decision to talk about global warming as fact, despite what he says is a lack of evidence.

Read the article, Scientists Call AP Report on Global Warming 'Hysteria.'

And Al Gore won a Nobel Prize for this.

This is exactly what has happened with the theory of evolution. It is assumed and anyone in disagreement ridiculed.

I consider myself a moderate on ecology. But what happened to scientific dialogue? This is pc, liberal spin. And now with BO in the White House, expect more liberal media spin to bolster nonsensical actions by our woefully inexperienced new lead executive.

Memories of a Christmas Past

Recently discovered photos.

Yes, this is really Ken and Peggy.


Peggy's parents. I believe the Cabbage Patch doll was for Peggy's niece Heidi.

Earl & Janet Creps Move to Berkeley

Our good friends Earl and Janet Creps are finally on their way to Berkeley, CA, to plant a church there. We visited in our home the night before they departed. Here is a gripping interview recorded during that visit.

Vintage Christmas Shot

This photo of Peggy with her niece, Heidi, is probably from 1985.

More Bailout Outrages

Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain on Monday had the gall to request a $10 million bonus—subsidized by taxpayers—just two months after receiving $10 billion in bailout money from the federal government. Even if the company hadn't tanked on his watch, this would be brazen. I say, give him his walking papers, no severance.

Billions for billionaires threaten the viability of Social Security for my generation.

Will Congress Raid Social Security Fund for Billionaire Bailout?

If any group of people ever deserved a "bailout" (restitution is more accurate) it is those who have paid into the Social Security Trust Fund only to have the federal government loot and spend every dime of their hard-earned contributions.

We know that Congress takes the “how can I be overdrawn when I still have checks” approach to federal spending but it must measure what funds are needed to meet its obligations to Social Security and Medicare recipients. This needs to be done before another dime of taxpayer funds is thrown into yet another bailout spending binge.

In Fiscal Year 2008 alone, experts estimate that $209 billion will be borrowed from Social Security and spent on other unrelated federal programs.

At the end of January 2008, the federal government owed the Social Security Trust Fund (old age and disability) a total of more than $2.258 trillion-and this amount keeps going up every month.

Now the trust fund may be used to finance the massive bailouts of the billionaires who run the banks and car companies.

The crash comes in 2017 when the amount collected in payroll taxes will NOT be enough to pay full Social Security benefits. Instead of real assets on which to draw, the Trust Fund will contain only meaningless IOUs from the government to itself.

www.traditionalvalues.org 12/8/08

We can't trust the government to reliably disperse bailout funds. Accountability is lacking. The first billions have already been reallocated and mistakes confessed. I don't know about you, but when I'm ready to retire, the thought of an inept fat-cat CEO living it up on our $10 million while there's nothing left in S.S. to even buy Big Macs for the elderly just doesn't sit well.

I'm opposed to all big-company bailouts.

Basilica of St. James, Jamestown, ND

A recent addition to my photos of churches collection. Surprising to find this in small-town North Dakota.

December Calendar

Unexpected Help Putting up the Tree

You've heard of living nativities? Here's a living ornament.


But it became a little too active.



Video version:


We still need to find a permanent home for this darling kitty! Don't you want her?

My Most Unusual Interviews

This is one of them. I actually interviewed Buddhist priests in Cambodia. You can see the 3 spires of the wat (temple) in the background between me and the first priest.

Nature Photography

My most interesting nature shots, according to Flickr.

A Few Vintage Shots

Victory in Iraq Day

There is a grass-roots movement to recognize the victory in the Iraq war. Today's date has been chosen arbitrarily as a day of recognition.

Should We Bail Out High-Living, Inept Auto Execs?

Let's listen in to part of a conversation between Rich Galen and a fictional class:

The CEOs of what are now laughingly called "the big three" fly into Washington to make their case to the appropriate Congressional Committees. How do you think they got from Detroit to Washington?

...

If you were the head of any of the major domestic automobile manufacturing companies' public relations department what would you have recommended?

Take a commercial flight?

Good! First class or coach. Remember Ford has closed 17 plants and laid off more than 51,000 employees over the past three year.

COACH! COACH!

Yes, well. They didn't do that. Anyone else? Yes, Mr. Dimwitty?

They flew first class?

Not a bad guess but no. Someone else want to give this a shot? Miss Gotrocks?

They shared a private plane?

That, I think, might have been defensible. But, sadly, that is not what they did. Ok. I'll tell you what they did. Each Chief Executive Officer of the each of the three major American car companies took his own private jet from Detroit to Dulles Airport to attend the Congressional hearings during which they were going to beg for $25 billion.

...

They really, actually each flew in their own private multi-million dollar jet plane. The Ford guy doesn't even live in Michigan, much less Detroit. According to ABC's Brian Ross,

Alan Mulally actually lives in Seattle, not Detroit. The company jet takes him home and back on weekends.

You would think that the board of directors over at Ford might have thought it might have made some sense for the company's CEO to live within commuting distance to the office.

...

According to published reports, the average United Auto Worker union member makes about $73 per hour. How much does Mr. Mullaly make per hour? Let's do the math.

Forty hours a week times 52 weeks (ignoring vacation and holidays) = 2080 hours. If we divide 21 million by 2080 we come up with a bit over $10,000 per hour.

Ten. Thousand. Dollars. Per. Hour.

And there's nothing to indicate he can hit major league pitching.

You might think the CEOs of the three majors would be willing to take a little haircut on their salaries after getting out of their private jets and into their private limos on their way to plead for you and me to provide then $25 billion to make up for their dreadful decisions.

Are these the right people to throw billions of taxpayer dollars at?

Read the rest of this painfully perceptive article at Townhall.com.

Church of God Sites in North Carolina & Tennessee

IPPA board with our guide for the day, Dr. Beaty, at the founding location of the Church of God, dated at 1886.


Larger-than-life Ten Commandments at Fields of the Wood Bible Park in North Carolina, historic site operated by the Church of God of Prophecy.



The beautiful North Cleveland Church of God.

Two Church Headquarters in Cleveland, Tenn.

We conducted IPPA board meeting today at both locations. We were at the Church of God campus in the morning and the Church of God of Prophecy HQ in the afternoon. It was a great experience with great hospitality from both of these great churches.

At Church of God of Prophecy HQ


Church of God HQ Grounds


Executive Conference Room, Church of God HQ

In Cleveland ... Tennessee

I'm in Cleveland, Tenn., for the executive board meeting of the International Pentecostal Press Association, for which I serve as president. The meeting is being hosted by the Church of God and the Church of God of Prophecy, which both have their headquarters here. The fall colors are gorgeous here, though temps are icy.

Tonight I was at North Cleveland Church of God. It is the oldest existing CoG church, dating from 1906. The current architecture is some of the most beautiful I have seen. Heard Pastor Mitch Maloney preach. Very enjoyable service.

Cat and Mouse

Our rescued kitten with one of her favorite toys. She's still free to a good home!

Cat and Mouse from kj wq on Vimeo.

Peggy in the Hope Report (Convoy of Hope)

Nov/Dec 2008 issue.

What Is an American?

On Veterans Day, I am expressing my appreciation of the wonderful men and women who have defended this country. And I'm passing along this powerful statement about Americans that has circulated on the Internet since 2001.

What Is an American?

You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. So I just thought I would write to let them know what an American is, so they would know when they found one.

An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani, or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache, or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans.

An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them choose.

An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he will answer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God.

An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness.

An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. The best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes.

Americans welcome the best, but they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed.

These in fact are the people who built America. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers in the morning of September 11, earning a better life for their families.

So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American.

So look around you. You may find more Americans in your land than you thought were there. One day they will rise up and overthrow the old, ignorant, tired tyrants that trouble too many lands. Then those lands, too, will join the community of free and prosperous nations.

And America will welcome them.

By Peter Ferrara, an associate professor of law at the George Mason University School of Law in Northern Virginia. Mr. Ferrara's commentary was originally published in the National Review on 25 September 2001.

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters to Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

You must watch this! It is hilarious.

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

What's Ahead With Obama?

The Obama Administration (2009-2013)
by Dee Wampler

American voters have selected Barack Obama as our new president. Professing Christians who voted otherwise must now get over it. It’s a done deal. For those believing the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and who faithfully follow God’s Word--it’s time to return to work. I don’t mean let’s just go back to church, hide, and lock the door. I mean let’s go back to the culture war!

1. Christians must defend and protect all innocent babies and boldly advocate for the precious value of human life. Obama will become the most pro-abortion president ever and our nation will pay a terrible price. Obama may crush the pro-life movement as he supports the barbaric partial birth abortion procedure. Obama may expect the American people to fund unlimited abortions. It is “above his pay grade” to protect the unborn. Christians need to continue the fight.

Read the whole article here.

Attorney Dee Wampler has written for TPE. This article appeared in Ozarks Christian News, published by our friends John & Lila Sacoulas.

Pakistan Earthquake 2005

Stills taken of the destruction caused by the massive earthquake in Pakistan in 2005. I took these shortly after the quake.

Pakistan Earthquake 2005 from TPE AG on Vimeo.

Portland Blazers-Houston Rockets Amazing Finish 11/6/08

Seven points scored in 1.9 seconds!

I am a Portland Blazers fan. Actually I'm a fan of all things Oregon. It's my favorite state though I only lived there 5 years. I saw this amazing finish on tape. Three last-second shots. We pick up the game with about 10 seconds left in overtime, tied; the Rockets have the ball. Watch the full clip. It's an amazing sequence.

Christians in Iran Face Severe Persecution

Sam Yeghnazar’s father was instrumental in planting the Church in Iran’s early days with the Assemblies of God. I have been with Sam overseas. His very important report follows:

November 21-23, 2008: Three Days of Prayer and Fasting for Iran

In response to a year of persecution and the imminent passing of a law making the death sentence mandatory for all Muslim men who turn to Christ and life imprisonment for Muslim women who turn to Christ, Iranian church leaders are calling for prayer and fasting from November 21 – 23, 2008.

They know they have no influence in the courts of men – but they want to take their case to the courts of heaven.

And like Esther of old, the queen of Iran who told Mordecai to ask all the people of God to pray and fast for three days, so Iranian Christian leaders are asking the world-wide church to also set aside these three days for prayer and fasting.

If you are a prayer leader in your church, please contact other intercessors to be involved in these three days, and please approach your pastor to see if special prayers for Iran can be made at your church service on Sunday November 23.

2008: YEAR OF INTIMIDATION FOR CHRISTIANS IN IRAN

The growing church in Iran is under attack. Since April there have been at least fifty three arrests of people whose only crime is their faith in Jesus Christ. The arrests are not localized, but have happened in all of Iran’s major cities…Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, Shiraz, Kerman, and elsewhere. Sometimes people have been released the same day, others spent months in prison, some still remain behind bars. Many of them have had to pay exorbitant fees for bail and face frightening court cases. Some have suffered physically while in detention and it is believed that one elderly couple died as a result of being beaten up. These are only the arrests that get reported: it is likely there have been many more.


All of this has been happening against the ominous background of legislation going through the Iranian parliament that will make the death sentence mandatory for any man who leaves Islam and chooses another faith. Women will face life imprisonment for the same ‘crime’. Click here to read more about this legislation.

Despite the persecution, the church in Iran continues to grow rapidly. The Word of God is reaching many in the country and many believers are determined to courageously share Christ with their countrymen. Christian leaders in Iran believe that the church will continue to grow very rapidly in the next five to ten years, such is the openness of Iranians to the Gospel.

We urge Christians world-wide to pray and fast on behalf of the church in Iran.
Pray for all those who have been arrested and intimidated. Pray that the Lord will be their Rock, Deliverer and Shield. (Psalm 18:2)
Pray that despite the persecution, Christians will be “encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” (Phil 1:14)
Pray against the law of apostasy. Pray that the severe mandatory punishments regarding apostasy in Iran’s new penal code will not enter the statute book. Pray that many millions of Muslims will see the evil of this law and will hunger for spiritual truth and salvation.
Click here for more details about persecution in Iran in 2008.

Thanks you for praying for Iran.

Sam Yeghnazar
Prayforiran.org/Elam Ministries

Unexpected Eye Surgery

Sunday afternoon as Peggy and I were returning from a trip, while I was driving, my right eye suddenly went blurry, like looking through a muddy windshield. I also began seeing light flashes. Monday morning, shortly after I got to work, I got in to see my GP who rushed me to an ophthalmologist.

He diagnosed me with a retinal tear requiring immediate surgery. I had the laser surgery to repair the tear and keep it from becoming a detached retina. My vision in that eye has not yet returned to normal, which makes life difficult for a writer and editor. I also have considerable travel scheduled.

I would appreciate your prayers that my vision return to normal quickly. Thanks, all.

The Twelve Irish Tenors

There's been enough heavy stuff lately. Here's something lighter. Peggy and I recently saw The Twelve Irish Tenors in Branson. This is a remarkable show, one of the best we've seen. Here's a promo clip to give you a sample.

I Voted ...

... for John McCain and Sarah Palin ... and decency and morality.

God Is Not a Republican ... But He Is Pro-life

The “Religious Right” is a term used in a derogatory manner to discount people of a certain moral and spiritual persuasion. I would be counted as part of that group . . . and I do recognize that some segments of the group interpret their spiritual and moral positions too broadly.

But though I am a registered Republican, I must say this: God isn’t. Republicans, like Democrats, have their share of skeletons in closets; they have their share of backroom backslapping perpetuating good-old-boy networks; they take their share of all-expenses-paid junkets; and vote for their share of pork in the form of earmarks. There are good people and not-so-good people in the GOP. Many are nominal Christians, or not Christians, or hypocrites. But many are decent, Bible-believing folk of moral persuasion.

But God is not a Republican. Though I find it difficult to understand, I will concede that there are people of faith on the other side of the aisle as well. In order to be there, they must hold certain values, or planks in the Democratic platform, above the one that many, including me, think the most important—the party’s stand on abortion.

It is difficult to know if any candidate is genuine. People nearly always disappoint. That’s why it is crucial to look not at how charismatic an individual might be, but what an individual’s record has shown him to be. The IRS allows non-profits to take stands on issues . . . and I think we should stand with God.

For you see, while God is not a Republican, the Bible clearly tells us He is pro-life.

Deuteronomy 30:15-20, describing a pivotal time in Israel’s history, just may be applicable right now to the old U.S. of A.
“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (NIV)

Gianna Jensen Born-Alive Abortion: "If Obama had his way I wouldn't be here."

Staggering interview. Obama without defense.

Watch this remarkable video clip of an amazing young woman who says, "If Obama had his way I wouldn't be here."

"I was being burned alive."

"I'm unashamedly a Christian. I can't walk without the assistance of God."

Powerful clip from Hannity and Combes. Look how pathetic Combes appears while trying to defend Obama against this long-shot survivor of Obama's infanticide policies.


Gianna's ad:

McCain-Obama Voter Guide

From Wallbuilders.com This is objective information that clearly tells the story. Click image to see the stark differences larger.

The Next “Pro-life” Horror Story

He is the son of Francis Schaeffer, who was a significant Christian theologian who positively influenced evangelical conservatism.

In a bitter diatribe against conservative leaders called “Why I'm Pro-life and Pro-Obama,” on huffingtonpost.com, Frank Schaeffer, rather disingenuously claims one can be both.

Not possible.

Here is how Schaeffer reconciles the two:

“Today when I listen to Obama speak (and to his remarkable wife, Michelle) what I hear is a world view that actually nurtures life. Obama is trying to lead this country to a place where the intrinsic worth of each individual is celebrated. A leader who believes in hope, the future, trying to save our planet and providing a just and good life for everyone is someone who is actually pro-life.”

Pious platitudes. Political and theological double-speak from a supposed thinker. This rationalization is so thinly veiled, no one can seriously consider this to be thoughtful, or even articulate, writing. It is propaganda, pure and simple.

“A world view that actually nurtures life”? Save us from that kind of nurture.

Save is from that kind of “intrinsic worth.”

Save us from that kind of “celebration.”

Save us from Schaeffer’s unsupported generalizations.

“A leader who believes in hope, the future, trying to save our planet and providing a just and good life for everyone is someone who is actually pro-life.” He actually said this, I’m supposing, with a straight face.

Schaeffer is saying Obama is really a good guy.

So what if he supports the calculated dismemberment of tiny human beings; so what if he coldly refuses help or even comfort to dying, suffering children whose abortions failed, opting to let them suffer through their last feeble gasps at life in a corner room on soiled linen. This doesn’t matter. After all, he “believes in hope, the future, trying to save our planet and providing a just and good life for everyone”—everyone? So a few million tiny infants must suffer and die on his watch; he’s really a good guy at heart. Obama “is actually pro-life.”

Right.

Frank Schaeffer has departed, more than once, from the path of his famous, Godly father. One of those departures led him into the movie industry where he made B-rated horror flicks.

He’s at it again, contending against his dad’s legacy, not just with his anti-pro-life stand, but also with his lack of intellectual reasoning. His editorial reads like a script for one of his horror flicks. The evil scientist beckons: “Come into my parlor. Don’t be afraid. I am good and kindly … and actually pro-life.”

I fear the next horror story is being written now. It’s called “The Obama Presidency.”

For the sake of countless tiny lives, I hope it is never released.

Obama's First Act as President

Again, in his own words, listen to what he would do first as president.

Obama: Saving a Baby's Life Is a "Burden"

Again, Obama's own words condemn him. We shouldn't be voting for this man for PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, we should be trying him as an accomplice to horrendous crimes! How can anyone be unmoved after seeing this? Listen to how coldly he dismisses an infant's right to life.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Proof That Obama Wants to Redistribute Your Money

This has recently come to light. It got a million and a half views on YouTube in its first day up. National press is giving it exposure. Again, Obama's own words convict him. I just hope enough people hear these crucial statements from Obama's own mouth to reverse the direction this election seems to be going. If B.O. is elected, hardworking, moral people will suffer.

Pro-choice Is Incomprehensible

From Ashli O'Connell's blog:

When I scroll through [my] blog and look at the photos of my amazing children, it makes my heart sick to think that the law would allow me the right to have decided these beautiful girls were an inconvenience, or as Barack Obama so eloquently puts it, "a punishment," and that I could have murdered them if I didn't want to be bothered with them. It's incomprehensible to me that women make that choice, and that our country sits by and lets it happen.

Read the rest of Ashli's excellent, yet disturbing post.

Pro-life or Abortion: McCain & Obama in Their Own Words

Watch this, then tell me who the choice MUST be for every compassionate, moral person.

Sarah Palin: "There are God's standards"

Clip from Sarah Palin's 10/24/08 appearance at Bass Pro in Springfield, Missouri, showing that she is not afraid to talk about "God's standards," even in the midst of a heated national election campaign.

Sarah Palin Visits Springfield, Missouri

Peggy and I attended a rally for her today at Bass Pro Shop. It was moved from an indoor venue because of numbers. It was an enormous crowd and Sarah rang the bell.




Naomi Judd spoke on behalf of Palin.


Congressman Roy Blunt appeared.


Click for slideshow.

Go Sarah!

Autumn in the Ozarks

I took these a couple of days ago on the Sac River.

Peggy at the Jasper County Courthouse

I like this shot of Peggy taken in Carthage, Missouri this May.

Matt’s Evaluation

I recently had a first. As a supervisor at Assemblies of God headquarters, I fill out and sign a “Termination Evaluation” whenever one of our staff leaves our employ. The one I recently signed was the first one I’ve ever signed that listed the reason for termination as “death.”

Readers of our TPE blogs and Web site know that our longtime art director, Matt Key, was recently taken from us suddenly at the age of 49. I wish I never would have had to sign that form. But we must leave this in God’s hands and trust that He will bring good out of it and comfort grieving friends and family.

There was one section that, for the first time, I did not have to fill out—the section that ranks the outgoing employee in several areas. This section includes: ability, attitude, dependability, cooperation, quality of work, quantity of work, initiative, etc. I’d like to fill this out online for Matt.

Matt, you got the highest score in every category. You were a gift from God and we miss you.

Crazy Cat Squeezes Under Couch

This is the little cat I rescued a few weeks ago. She spends most of her time with Earl and Janet Creps. Watch the lengths she goes to to get the ball she had knocked under the couch.

My Flicker Site

A random selection each time you load this page. Click on the photo for a larger version. This will also take you to my Flickr site where I have some of my stock photography, trip shots, and personal shots.

www.flickr.com

Financial Bailout Has Already Failed

And here's proof.

Less than a week after the federal government had to bail out American International Group Inc., the company sent executives on a $440,000 retreat to a posh California resort, lawmakers investigating the company's meltdown said Tuesday.

The tab included $23,380 worth of spa treatments for AIG employees at the coastal St. Regis resort south of Los Angeles even as the company tapped into an $85 billion loan from the government it needed to stave off bankruptcy. [AP]

Bailouts are an all-around bad idea, no matter what mumbo jumbo financial pundits spew. They always amount to this—fat cats feeling they can do anything with impunity. Like taking nearly half a million taxpayer dollars for a luxury retreat less than a week after a merciful, though unpopular bailout.

Interpretation:

American taxpayers: "Here, AIG, is a bunch of money. Please try to act responsibly this time. We are giving up some luxuries to give you a second chance."

AIG execs: "In your face! We deserve this money so WE can have the luxuries."

Both sides were wrong on the bailouts.

October 2008 Calendar

Words About Matt

On this day after an amazing funeral, friends of Matt Key are connecting with their reactions.

Ashli O'Connell was our assistant editor at TPE for several years. We still consider her a part of the staff. She emailed me this morning:

"I hope that many others were inspired like me to start living my life better starting today. What an incredible man he was ... and we were blessed to work with him."

Amen, Ashli.

Jodi Harmon, our advertising coordinator, who has the longest tenure of any staff member sent this:

"After hearing again of Matt's love for missions yesterday, it was fitting when I realized his grave is next to an AG missionary..........C.W. Van Dolsen. (His son Warren and wife Laura are now missionaries in Italy. And Matt's last issue was on Europe.)"

There is a memorial website set up for Matt's friends to read and leave thoughts about him, www.mattkeywashere.com.

Matthew Sanford Key, Follower of Christ

Matthew Sanford Key, follower of Christ, loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, faithful son, dedicated brother and friend to countless others, passed away on September 28, 2008, at the age of 49. He was born November 9, 1958. He is survived by his wife, Robin Key; his mother, Phyllis Key; his children, Lucas and Karen Key, Brooke and Gabe Ash, Lindsey Key, Mckinzie Royer Key and Madison Key; three grandchildren, Jaiden Key, Deacon Matthew Key and Lincoln Ash; brothers, Sam Key and Brad Key; and cousins, Anthony Ward and Erica Ward. Funeral services will be held in James River Assembly of God at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 2, 2008. Visitation will be held in the church from 12 p.m. until service time. Memorial donations may be made to Assemblies of God Credit Union, Matthew Key Memorial Fund, 1535 N. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO 65803.

[Obituary from the Springfield News-Leader]

Funeral Service Set for Matt Key

The funeral service for Matt will be this Thursday, Oct. 2, at James River Assembly in Ozark, Missouri. Viewing will begin at noon, with the service at 2:00. Ministers conducting the service will be: Hal Donaldson, Carl Miller, Steve Adams, and Randy Hurst. I will be privileged to conduct the graveside service.

Hal Donaldson, Marc McBride and I were privileged to pay tribute to Matt this morning at a special chapel service at Assemblies of God Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.

There is a Matt Key Memorial Fund set up at the Assemblies of God Credit Union for anyone wishing to make a contribution. Just state Matt Key Memorial.

AGCU
1535 N Campbell Avenue
Springfield MO 65803
417-831-4398

Remembering Matt Key

This was an emotional day for the staff of Today's Pentecostal Evangel. Our first day without Matt. When I arrived in the morning, I walked into his office. All the little things that made this Matt's space were still there, just like he left them last week.

This staff loved Matt. The TPE staff is genuinely a family and no one was a more integral part of that family than Matt. General Superintendent George Wood, General Secretary John Palmer, and Communications Director Juleen Turnage joined our staff for prayer early this morning. We will have the opportunity to pay tribute to Matt during a special chapel service tomorrow. Later in the day, our staff gathered to process the loss together. We planned a special tribute to Matt in the magazine.

One thing we are all in agreement on: We were blessed to know Matt Key.

As hard as this is on his friends, we must all remember his precious family and what they are going through. Please continue to keep them in prayer.

Matt Key Is With Jesus

Our TPE art director, Matt Key, after suffering a severe boating accident yesterday, has gone into the Lord’s presence. Matt was a real man of God and a consummate family man. Please pray for his family and look for TPE’s tribute to our co-minister and friend.

Pray for Matt Key

Matt Key is the art director for Today's Pentecostal Evangel. I am biased but I don't think you can find a better graphic designer anywhere. Matt is also one of the finest Christian men you will ever meet. He had a boating accident Saturday and was air lifted to Springfield. The waiting rooms at the hospital have been packed with family and friends. He had surgery and he needs a miracle. Please pray for Matt, and for his family.

This is a picture of Matt with his wife, Robin.

Spider

Shot this a couple of weeks ago near a trail I walk. Spiders are really ugly when you get this close.

RK Video Clip

RK (Rescued Kitten). Still trying to get the 2 cats to get along.

Rescued Kitten

Trying to get her and Perky to coexist peacefully. Perk is actually doing great, but the kitten isn't. She likes being here but is wary of Perkitty.


Making herself at home.


Our longsuffering resident cat.

Stockton Lake Twilight

From a couple of years ago.