the Centrist

Life is not about avoiding the storms, it is about learning to live in the rain.

Dear Family and Friends:

Never could figure out liberals… when I was a liberal, we enjoyed facts and debates. We met in the Student Union and discussed both sides of any issue. The original Kennedys were our heroes; LBJ was the beginning of the end for most of us… Humphreys and Jackson were our last best hope… then came McGovern and things have never been the same on the left. First the media did a 180 from the right to the left; then the left itself went from thick skin, and most will no longer even entertain a logical, factual debate. Ideology has become the driving force, rather than the good of the people. So we find ourselves in the midst of a nation going bankrupt and about to enter into at least a Carter like inflation, in 8 shoirt months we have gone from a military super power to an also ran… and nobody, but nobody on the left is even concerned. It is more important to them that we negotiate with Iran and N. Korea, than win the debate and keep the peace. The ‘process’ has become more important than the ‘outcome’. Acorn is guilty of everything from embezzlement to voter fraud and the left wants to pour more money into it (and in fact are doing just that as they gave them another $900 thousand just last week. We are being railroaded into socialized medicine… but wait, rather than continue to bellyache, read the following, then send it far and wide… thank you to Blogger and friend John B for sending it:

Let me get this straight.
We’re going to pass a health care plan
Written by a committee whose head says he doesn’t understand it,
Passed by a Congress that hasn’t read it but exempts themselves from it,
Signed by a chain smoking president who also hasn’t read it,
With funding administered by a treasury chief who didn’t pay his taxes,
Overseen by a surgeon general who is obese, and
Financed by a country that’s nearly broke.
What could possibly go wrong?

Lighter Side

Blogger Bob sends this on prayer:
The preacher asks for prayer at the end of the church service:
“Anyone with needs to be prayed over, come forward, to the front at the
altar,” the Preacher says.
Leroy gets in line, and when it’s his turn, the preacher asks: “Leroy, what
do you want me to pray about for you.”
Leroy replies: “Preacher, I need you to pray for my hearing.”
The preacher puts one finger in Leroy’s ear, and he places the other hand on
top of Leroy’s head and prays and prays and prays, he prays a blue streak for
Leroy.
After a few minutes, the Preacher removes his hands, stands back and asks,
“Leroy, how is your hearing now?”
Leroy says, “I don’t know, Reverend, it ain’t til next Wednesday!”

Grammhysammy8 on Hospital Care… Ain’t this the TRUTH!!!

A sweet grandmother telephoned St. Joseph ‘s Hospital.
She timidly asked, “Is it possible to speak to someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?”
The operator said, “I’ll be glad to help, dear. What’s the name and room number?”
The grandmother in her weak, tremulous voice said “Noreen, Room 302.”
The operator replied, “Let me place you on hold while I check with her nurse.” After a few minutes, the operator returned to the phone and said, “Oh, I have good news. Her nurse just told me that Noreen is doing very well. Her blood pressure is fine; her blood work just came back as normal, and her physician, Dr. Cohen, has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday.”
The grandmother said, “Thank you. That’s wonderful! I was so worried! God bless you for the good news..”
The operator replied, “You’re more than welcome. Is Noreen your sister?”
The grandmother said, “No, I’m Noreen in 302. No one tells me anything.”

Subject: Get your money ready

A pastor concluded that his church was getting into serious financial troubles. While checking the church storeroom, he discovered several cartons of new Bibles that had never been opened and distributed. So at his Sunday sermon, he asked for three volunteers from the congregation who would be willing to sell the bibles door-to-door for $10 each to raise the desperately needed money for the church.
Jack, Paul and Louie all raised their hands to volunteer for the task. The minister knew that Jack and Paul earned their living as salesmen and were likely capable of selling some bibles. But he had serious doubts about Louie who was a local farmer, who had always kept to himself because he was embarrassed by his speech impediment.
Poor Louis stuttered badly. But, not wanting to discourage Louis, the minister decided to let him try anyway.
He sent the three of them away with the back seat of their cars stacked with bibles. He asked them to meet with him and report the results of their door-to-door selling efforts the following Sunday.
Eager to find out how successful they were, the minister immediately asked Jack, “Well, Jack, how did you make out selling our bibles last week?”

Proudly handing the reverend an envelope, Jack replied, “Using my sales prowess, I was able to sell 20 bibles, and here’s the $200 I collected on behalf of the church.” “Fine job, Jack!” The minister said, vigorously shaking his hand. “You are indeed a fine salesman and the Church is indebted to you.”
Turning to Paul, “And Paul, how many bibles did you sell for the church last week?” Paul, smiling and sticking out his chest, confidentl replied “I am a professional salesman. I sold 28 bibles on behalf of the church, and here’s $280 I collected.” The minister responded, “That’s absolutely splendid, Paul. You are truly a professional salesman and the church is also indebted to you.”
Apprehensively, the minister turned to Louie and said, “And Louie, did you manage to sell any bibles last week?”
Louie silently offered the minister a large envelope. The minister opened it and counted the contents. “What is this?” the minister exclaimed. “Louie, there’s $3200 in here! Are you suggesting that you sold 320 bibles for the church, door to door, in just one week?”
Louie just nodded. “That’s impossible!” both Jack and Paul said in unison. “We are professional salesmen, yet you claim to have sold 10 times as many bibles as we could.”"Yes, this does seem unlikely,” the minister agreed.
“I think you’d better explain how you managed to accomplish this,Louie.” Louie shrugged . “I-I-I re-re-really do-do-don’t kn-kn-know f-f-f-for sh-sh-sh-sure,” he stammered. Impatiently, Peter interrupted. “For crying out loud, Louie, just tell us what you said to them when they answered the door!”
“A-a-a-all I-I-I s-s-said wa-wa-was,” Louis replied , “W-w-w-w-would y-y-y-you l-l-l-l-l-like t-t-to b-b-b-buy th-th-th-this b-b-b-b-bible f-f-for t-t-ten b-b-b-bucks—o-o-o-or—wo-wo-would yo-you j-j-j-just l-like m-m-me t-t-to st-st-stand h-h-here and r-r-r-r-r-read it t-to y-y-you??”

Blogger’s Corner:

A Message from Past Dan: My sermons can now be heard on the web!
It has taken some time to get this done, but it is finally here.
If you go to our website at www.fbcogt.com and click on the podcast link you will be able to download or stream my Sunday morning sermon.
Pastor Dan (of course that would be our oldest son!)
Garden of the Month in Davenport… Proud we are Marilyn and me of our close friends and neighbors… now if only they will award Marcel and Teresa the same honor for Christmas Decorations!
Congrats to Richard and Kum from our Florida Development… that is Blogger Davenport Richard… they won the Garden of the Month out of over 500 homes… not very easy, and methinks Cum did most of the gardening work, and Richard the lawn!!!

Military Traditions from the Bloggers Zauner:
Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?
Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!
The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.
The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.
The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.
The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, ‘Our Country, in dealing with other coun-tries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’
The 6th fold is for where people’s hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.
The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the val-ley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.
The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, ‘In God We Trust.’
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.
There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you’ll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Prayer Requests:

Deanna (daughter) ready to give birth any time… baby Vivian is in jeopardy because cord is wrapped around her neck… they are ready to do emergency C-section should the baby be in danger.
An Update on Phoebe W- she still has not undergone surgery, but will do so as soon as they can schedule her, the emergency status has been downgraded since they have her stabilized for the time being.
Our nation, our President, our Congress, our courts… to put the people before their ideology
From Our Norma:
Grandson, Cory, is in Buffalo General Hospital inder sedation. Praying someone will find the answer. Norma

Last week we asked for prayer for Pastor Steve’s mother (in the hospital Hawaii) and that they were going to put in the shunt and then do a half dialysis.
Update: Steve’s mother is back home and doing fairly well. The dialysis has
helped. They did get her a hospital bed so it will be easier for her to
get in and out of bed. She is eating more which is good. 89 pounds is
too thin! Thanks so much for your prayers. aloha, tricia
AE for strength to face his dilemma
Prayer for David S… wisdom in working with employee and former owner
Bless and pray for our service men and women as they seem to have fewer and fewer options as they deal with the enemy.
Friend: Shannon B had biopsy, please pray for negative results… no update
Friend Gary W to have biopsy (prostate)… please pray for negative results… no update
Friend Jimmy W having back problems… no update
Hal… prayer partner John’s brother-in-law recovering from intestinal surgery has had a setback and is in ICU… please pray for recovery… still in hospital
Friend Eric recovered from peritonitis… PTL!
Cousins Dan and Sharon (husband and wife): Dan has just received a pace maker and Sharon is planning on her second knee replacement, no further news.
Continue to pray for missionary Curtis and his children Natalie, Reuben, & Kaylie Bergman as they lost their wife and mother two weeks ago.
Maria – diabetes is critical. She had a skin and muscle biopsy and suspect small nerve neuropathy. Please continue to pray no change in her condition.
Clint: to find his son in Viet Nam and have the opportunity to present salvation to him. Clint is in hospital for esophageal bleeding, please keep him in prayer.
Pastor Neil S. (long time close friend and prayer partner) pray for God’s Will in his ministry.
Niece Rhonda is still weakened condition, but continues to work… continue to pray for strength and healing.
Brother Les is about the same, but he continues to have a Godly attitude. Yet the burden continues to be heavy on both he and Valarie. Please keep both Val and Les in prayer.
Transplants: Good Friend Keith – liver, Brother Pat – liver, Good Friend Jim – kidney … please keep praying for their well being; they all are doing well as of this printing
Sister Jane, Cousins Janet, and Karen for strength… all are suffering from MS. Janet is now home from rehab. with cousin Tom caring for her.
Unity for our family

Tolerance, Christ’s Love, and Understanding for our families, friends, and enemies
Bonnie Erbie (author accusing Christians of being knuckle draggers), prayer for salvation.
Pray for wisdom and spiritual guidance in rearing children for our family as well as the renewal of the nuclear family; pray that marriage stays as one man, one woman, but rights are extended to same gender unions.
Pray for truth in education… i.e. AIDS, abortion, evolution, and American History
Pray for our troops each evening at 9:00 pm. every night … pray that America wakes up to evil before it is too late
Pray for Nephews John and Ryan – Navy and grandson Scott a Marine.
Pray for healthy babies: Son David/Deanna – due in Oct.; Grandson Scot and Chelsea – due in Nov; Nephew Kris and Becky expecting second set of twins (girls) on Christmas Day!
Prayer partners John and Ron and family. For my dear friend Bill and Rita M’s family see above (Bill went home to the Lord in May; Rita last month)… pray for strength and blessings
Please continue to pray for health issues for five of our nieces and Marilyn.
Pastors: Dan, John, Tom, Lyell, Steve D, Ben, Estes, Gail, Sam, Whittikers, Neil, and Steve T for their ministries, ease of stress, and courage to spread the gospel; wisdom for all leadership at Yates, Greater Toledo 1st Baptist, Clermont First Baptist.

Billy Graham’s Prayer For Our Nation
‘Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, ‘Woe to those who call evil good,’ but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics.. We have coveted our neighbor’s possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!’

Clermont Sunday School: Prayer Requests:
Update: Chris’s sister had surgery last Wed… She passed away soon after this surgery; please pray for this family and especially Chris… she is in deep mourning.
Twila sent me the prayer list from yesterday. It follows:
Bill and Marilyn Bellavia health issues
Ken has a friend who has leukemia. Pray for his salvation.
Nedy’s daughter Linda is not feeling well. She has a stomach blockage.
Chris and Bob Steward and family. Her sister died last night.
Sale of Dave and Shelia D’s property in Maryland.
Thom and Twila have a friend, Kathy, who has bone cancer, but she wants prayer for her husband and mother. Kathy is at peace with whatever happens.
Pray for the Gideons and their success in giving out Bibles.
Thom and Twila’s cousin died Tuesday. Pray for her husband, Lester.
Ron and Elaine G — they’ve been very busy with family this summer but will be back soon. They have missed everyone.
Praise for Vicki and Ken’s niece Nikki’s operation, but still pray for healing and chemo.
Praise for Jack and Linda’s son-in-law who has a job, but their daughter Laura needs to find work close to home.

Yates Sunday School Requests:
Jenine – severe headaches… has improved
Doug G. dialysis
Jim- sister in dialysis
Aaron- Job hunting
Marilyn B… yea that is our Marilyn… stress test, having chest pain regularly along with a dear friend of ours Wilma B… please keep them both in prayer… Update: Both have no discernable problems, but still have symptoms.
Praise found Wed. PM leader for Family Night at Yates… thank you Mike and Darlene
Praise: Cathy’s nephew back from Iraq safe and sound
Andy Z’s co-worker Chris… searching for salvation… pray
Travel mercy and safety for Neals
Cathy’s friend to go to surgery for carotid blockage… very frightened and not a believer… she has asked Cathy to take her to hospital… pray
Joan (Jim’s sister) traveling mercies
Joyce and Shirley placed mother in nursing home…

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