Election 2008 - Debate #2: VP vs. VP

Well, debate number two is in the books and I was quite impressed with Governor Palin. Senator Biden, on the other hand, was only there to discredit Senator McCain. Political pundits have already been pointing out the areas where he attempted to shed shadows of doubt over McCain but the congressional record shows Biden is nothing more than an overpaid mouthpiece for the democrats.

I realize Gov. Palin made several slips in not recognizing Obama as Senator Obama but, maybe those weren't slips. The thing that really stood out to me was Biden's flagrant disregard for the office of the President by refering to President Bush as simply George Bush. This man clearly has no respect for the office and should not even be allowed to address those that hold the office regardless of political affiliation.

I really did not capture any significant points on which to elaborate. The real differentiation I see is that Obama and Biden are nothing more than politicians taking your tax dollars without providing any real service to the taxpayer. That, in my humble opinion, is taxation without representation. Senator McCain and Governor Palin, on the other hand, appear to be real people with real concerns about the country as a whole, not just who is lining their pockets. They may not have all the answers and I am sure they will even make a mistake or two if elected. But the question I really need answered is, "Who are YOU voting for and why?". Let me hear from you and maybe the next blog will be about the American people and not the candidates.

Election 2008 - Debate #1

I have been watching the debates tonight, something I don't generally do but, I felt a need to see just who our choices are for President of the United States.

Though the pundits are touting a "great debate", I have to disagree and I am sure there are debate coaches around the country sobbing in despair. Never have I heard one man say the same thing so many times nor have I heard some one say so much without saying anything at all.

I'd like to comment on a few topics that caught my attention.

Topic #1 - The Real Estate Bailout
Neither candidate really stated their position. Too bad, now would be a good time to differentiate oneself by making a decision with possible reservations until all the details are clear. One standout comment by Senator Obama claimed that this was the worst financial crisis since The Great Depression. I beg to differ, the failed S&L's of the 80's, hundreds of them, was much more significant than this issue. The bottom line is a bailout is not going to help. Maybe insure the loans, extend the loans but the government has no business buying out the loans. The last thing we need is for the government to be in the real estate business. Make no mistake the government is somewhat responsible and they need to address the accounting laws that created this fiasco and demand accountability and responsibility for the financial mismanagement of these companies.

Topic #2 - Iraq/Afganistan
I have to give this one to Senator McCain. I do not feel that Senator Obama has the knowledge and experience required to even consider matters of military conflict. Whether or not we should have gone to Iraq or not has been beat to death. Give it a rest. Right or wrong we are there, let's finish the job. Enough said.

Topic #3 - Foreign Policy
Senator McCain gets the nod here also. Although he may not be the most charismatic person to be negotiating with certain leaders, I have to agree with him; There are a lot of nations out there that simply hate the United States. I do not believe you can reason with people who believe that entire countries should be wiped out of existence. Diplomacy will not work with those types, they seem to only understand strict economic policies and the threat of military force. All men may be created equal but we should be careful which countries we consider our equals without some show of good faith that they will work toward common goals as our allies.

Well, those are just a few things I heard. No fireworks on this one. I was fully expecting one or both candidates to come out punching. I hope this isn't an indication of their prowess as the leader of the free world.

A Visit With Dad on Fathers Day

Posted from Pinson, AL -

Dad came to see me today. No, I'm not crazy. Many of you know that my dad passed away in 2006. So, here's my story.

We had planned lunch for the dads at our house today. Some time in the wee hours of the morning I had a dream. In my dream, it seemed that I was carrying the food in from the grill and I looked up on the deck and I saw dad leaning on the rail, healthy and strong. He smiled and waved and I remember smiling and feeling in my dream a sense of happiness, contentment and just an overall good feeling. When I stepped up on the deck dad was no where to be found. Then I heard the alarm...

I really am not crazy and I don't believe in ghosts. I have been thinking about going to the cemetery all last week but I knew time would not permit. Perhaps it is my own imagination, wishful thinking if you will, expressing a desire to be with my dad on Father's Day. Or, perhaps it was God's way of letting me know that my dad is happy now and that he is proud of the son he left behind. Either way I know I miss my dad very much and it was a great feeling to see him even if it was only in my dream.

I've said it before, my dad may not have been the best dad but to me, there isn't a better one. I can only pray and ask God to help me be the dad He would have me to be and one day maybe my daughter will think I was a pretty good dad too.

Thanks for stopping by today dad, even if it was just in a dream. Whether it was of God or my own imagination, it really made my day. I love you dad and Happy Father's Day!

The Parable of the Duct Tape

Posted from Pinson, AL-

I attended a funeral for a good friend today. He was one of my Chili Cook-off Buddies and I am going to miss him. But I didn't stop in to tell you about someone you really don't know. I did stop in to tell you about the lessons my friend is still teaching from Heaven's shore.




Wade, Brad, Ragan, Betty and Chef Clayton - 2007 Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-off State Champs





Ragan's pastor, Brother David Awtrey, of First Baptist Church Pinson told us of Ragan's Duct Tape Bible. He supplied the following Parable of the Duct Tape. (Pastor, I will try to do your message justice here because it is extremely relevant and highly noteworthy).

When something is broken, the first thing that usually comes to mind (at least my redneck mind) to repair it is duct tape. Duct tape fixes everything! I recall a local morning show character, Earl Pitts, from years ago citing duct tape and a coat hanger to fix everything from a broken tv antenna to the radiator in your car. Even the NASCAR crews use duct tape to repair fenders on wrecked race cars. I mean they go to great expense to create these super fast machines yet they trust simple duct tape to hold it all together after a crash. Jesus is like the duct tape. When we are broken and beat up He can fix us. Patching us up like the duct tape on a race car, Jesus can heal the hurt, He can mend a broken heart and He can restore our sinful lives to glory through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Duct tape is also quite hard to tear. Duct tape is very durable, I mean look at those race cars. When they've been damaged the sheet metal flops around and threatens to fall off at every bump. But, once the crew starts carefully placing it on the ruptured sheet metal, the car becomes sturdy again. When we read God's Word daily, He will make us so that we don't tear so easily when the trials come. And when we have Jesus in our lives He binds us with His love and makes us sturdy again so we can weather the storm.

Lastly, Duct tape sticks to just about everything. Jesus is this way with us; He sticks by us through the storm. He never lets go of us. He told us He would never leave us nor forsake us. If we stick with Jesus, He will guide us in every aspect of our lives. He will hold on to us through the storms of life. When the wind blows and the waves threaten to sink us, He will calm the storm. We need to put our trust in Christ and stick by Him just as He sticks by us.

I will never look at another piece of duct tape the same. In fact I need a good bookmark since my last one is quite worn. Seems to me a small piece of duct tape should do the trick and last me a good long time. Not only will it serve to mark my place as I study my Bible but it will remind me of a dear friend and the fun we had at work and at play. So long, until we meet on that Beautiful Shore, Ragan! I am proud to have known you and thanks for being my friend!

Psalm 34:8

There's a Song in My Heart

I was privileged to hear an awesome Christian group on Sunday the 25th at Cross Baptist Church. Beyond the Ashes is truly an amazing group. Their music is uplifting, spiritual and encouraging. You can't help but clap your hands or tap your toe when these guys take the stage. They present the Gospel of Jesus with an energy rarely seen today. Through their songs, through their testimony and through their talent it is obvious that these men love the Lord and are ready and willing to serve Him... I had the opportunity to speak one on one with Justin for a few moments and you can just sense the Spirit of God working through these men.

So, if your church is looking for a group to come sing, I would highly recommend Beyond the Ashes.

Boogity Boogity Boogity!!!!

posted from Pinson, AL -

Well, it is that time of year again. NASCAR racing is back and judging by the Bud Shootout tonight, it is going to be and interesting season. Many people criticized Dale, Jr. for joining Hendrick Motorsports but Jeff Gordon may have made the most prophetic statement in NASCAR history at the end of last season. Paraphrased, he said that " Jr. fans are going to be real surprised next year when Dale Jr. is winning races with the best team on the track". As bad as I hate to admit it, I believe he may be right. Are we going to see Jr. in a championship run for the '08 season? Maybe, maybe not, I'm not going to put my money on it. But, I do believe you will start seeing him win races. Even Tony Stewart said he might even be better at restrictor plate racing that his daddy, the late great Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Phenomenal drivers who know racing and know how to win coupled with incredible pit crews and a team owner who believes in providing the best equipment for his team equals a winning combination no matter how you slice it. So, no matter which driver you hate the most, my prediction is that you will eventually have to hate the whole Hendrick Team. These guys are ready to race and they are out to win. Congratulations to Dale, Jr. and his crew for their first win of 2008 and to Hendrick Motorsports and Rick Hendrick for the uncanny ability to pick the cream of the crop. Good luck to all the drivers this year and have a safe racing season.

Brad Walker