In the seemingly endless supply of news surrounding Michael Jackson, I was amazed yet again by a new piece of news. Apparently, the city of Los Angeles wants to honor MJ with a 3.4 million dollar memorial and they've set up a web site and a fund for people to donate to. I'm certain there are enough idol worshipers to give some money to this, but it will fall way short of the money needed. The city of LA will then fork up the rest in a city strapped by debt already and in a state with over a 20 billion dollar deficit in their state budget. Does this make any sense at all? Of course not. Perhaps I'll be wrong and many Hollywood stars will step up to make this happen, but don't count on it. The Bible says in Hebrews 9:27-28: "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." The true object of our affection should be on the one who lived, died and was raised on the third day to provide us with eternal salvation. This tribute to Michael in the form of a memorial will rust, fade, corrode and eventually be forgotten so turn your eyes to One truly worth of praise.

I have reinitiated my study of French following my own lessons I detailed recently in a sermon I gave at our church, "Lessons learned on the road to Boston." I had the privilege, blessing and paid my dues to have run in the 113th running of the Boston Marathon on April 20, 2009 and it was quite an experience. I detailed the following in setting and reaching this goal: 1) have a sound foundation first (running 20-30 miles per week, experience in running races), 2) commit and set the goal (Habukkuk 2:2 "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets that he may run who reads it." Set your overall goal in writing, break it down into manageable smaller goals and "run" with it. 3) Don't be afraid to aim high. Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing will be impossible." Aim for Boston baby! 4) Don't take the easy route (1 Cor. 9:26-27--look it up!) 5) Rely on His strength: Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 6)Deal with distractions as they arise; and they will arise. (Heb. 12: 1-2--look it up!) 7)Run your own race: set it out, commit it to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Don't try to run someone else's race or run with their vision. 8) Finish the race strong: 2 Tim. 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

I was amazed when I clicked on the news last night per my custom around 10 p.m. to check in on the Iranian situation. I was greeted by non-stop coverage of the tragic Michael Jackson death-with not even a single mention of Iran. It is an amazing thing that in our current world, the death of a troubled celebrity can upstage the plight of an entire nation, a nation that could end up challenging for control of the entire middle east. MJ was a year younger than me and was incredibly talented and yet he became such an anomaly that he got attention, pity, perverse observations, and worship from all around the world. I hope he knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior as Jesus is the only true celebrity worthy of all the adoration poured out as we've seen. John 3:16

Welcome to by blog and my take of the world. I am a total newbie to this but I do now how to type and express my views. I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and am a born-again, evangelical, pentecostal and share this faith with millions around the world. I believe we are seeing the end times the Bible prophesies about in Ezekiel, the Gospels, and Revelations. I look forward to blogging and hearing from any interested reader and in sharing. This is my first post so I will keep it brief! John 3:16