Ladies and gentlemen!

Hey friends. It’s been a long time since I sent out an email….since shortly after Irene and that was just an update on my situation. I’ve heard from several of you wanting to know if I was okay and when was I going to start sending out emails again. So I guess tonight is the night.

If you noticed the subject line of this email you are probably wondering what I am going to write about. I’m giving you an early warning….I am going to get on my soapbox again so if you want to quit reading now, that is quite okay with me.

Now before I get hundreds of responses to this email telling me about all the situations that don’t fit my scenario, I realize there are exceptions to what I am going to say.

My Webster’s dictionary is very old; the copyright date is 1961. But I don’t honestly believe the definition of the two words I am going to talk about have changed since then.

Webster defines “lady” as a woman of refinement and gentle manners and a “gentlemen” as a man whose conduct conforms to a high standard of propriety or correct behavior. There are many other definitions of each word but they don’t apply to what I am going to talk about. Sad to say, I don’t know many men and women that deserve either of these titles today. And even sadder, it’s been that way for a while. I don’t often use either of those terms anymore; I can count on one hand, and have fingers left over, the number of ladies and gentlemen I know.

Most young people today don’t really seem to care what others think of them. They seem content to believe the world owes them a living and they can say anything they please or do anything they please without suffering any consequences. There is no sanctity in marriage or parenthood anymore. Men and women think nothing of living together without being married. They will tell you it’s easier; if they discover they can’t live together, they don’t have to go through a divorce. There’s no real incentive to work to keep the relationship strong. When I talk about this particular thing, I am guilty also. I lived with my husband for two years before we got married and the marriage still didn’t last. I look back now and realize how wrong it was and how both of us were cheated.

Parenthood….I don’t think many young people realize today exactly what that entails. Again, many children are born without the advantage of their parents being married. Often times, but not always, these children end up in the “system” because there is no responsibility involved. I see so many children today being raised by grandparents, and in some situations, the child is better off. There are many women that continue to have child after child because they don’t have to work and can get aid for each of these children. There are hundreds of men that aren’t taking care of their children, either in the home itself or by paying child support. The children are the ones who suffer in these cases. Several of the children that are picked up each Sunday morning by the van from my Church fit in this category. Sad to say, the only real attention some of them get is the short time they spend in Church on Sunday morning.

I got off my original subject about ladies and gentlemen so let me see if I can get back on track. I have a really hard time understanding how a woman who will wear a thong on the public beach can get upset when rude comments are made about her. Doesn’t she realize the picture she is putting out there for the world to see? They wear skirts that are so short that when they sit they have to put their hand in their lap so you don’t see their underwear; they go braless with thin shirts and think this is perfectly acceptable dress. Some of them wear their clothes so tight they look like they can hardly breathe. And a lot of these girls are still living at home with their parents, are in middle school and their parents allow them to dress this way.

Boys and men…..why do you think we want to see your underwear? What gives you the idea that this is appropriate dress? You really look retarded when you have to either hold your pants up when you walk or you have to pull them back up with every step you take. And even worse, to wear these pants and not have on any underwear. Lord, please spare me. And again, some of these boys are still living under their parent’s roof and their parents allow this. I thank the good Lord, I never had this problem in my home. TJ never wanted to dress that way and Ray tried it once and soon realized he didn’t want to dress that way either.

In case you are wondering why I got on this rant tonight, I’ll tell you. Today when I went to the post office, I saw a young man and woman (maybe in their middle 20’s) walking across the parking lot. Her skirt was so short you could see her underwear when she walked (by the way it was red), she had on a thin white tank top without a bra and she definitely needed one. The man had on a pair of pants with the seat between his knees and his underwear was white with blue stripes; his shirt was unbuttoned, which didn’t bother me too much except that he had an extremely large stomach hanging out. This couple walked along kissing, he was fondling her, she had her hand tucked down the back of his pants and she was pushing a baby stroller with a beautiful little girl in it. I just wanted to smack both of them.

I hope I haven’t offended anyone by this email. It just really bothers me to see what is and has been happening to the young people in our country. I really and truly feel sorry for them. So many of them are ruining their lives…babies having babies…and planning it. I guess all I can do is pray for them and I do. I hope you will too. As I said at the beginning of this email, I realize not all men and women are this way. There are some very nice young men and women out there; they are responsible and living a responsible life. I’m not talking about them. I just wish those I am talking about would wake up, take a good long look at themselves and change their lives before it is too late.

Sorry this email was so long. I guess I just needed to get this off my chest. I hope all of you have a great week.

We are having revival at my Church this week starting Wednesday night. Russell Bell will be bringing the messages and services start at 7:00 each night and it ends Sunday morning with the 10:45 worship service followed by Homecoming dinner. Maybe I’ll see some of you there. I can promise you a blessing if you come.

Brenda

boutlaw@carolinaregion.com

FW: He qualifies the CALLED! D&JC

 

 

 

Subject: He qualifies the CALLED!

Jacob was a cheater. 

Peter had a temper. 

David had an affair.

Noah got drunk. 

Jonah ran from God. 

Paul was a murderer. 

Gideon was insecure. 

Miriam was a gossiper. 

Martha was a worrier. 

 Thomas was a doubter. 

Sarai (Sarah) was impatient. 

Elijah was fearful. 

Moses stuttered. 

Zaccheus was short. 

Abraham was old, and Lazarus was dead! 

Now what's YOUR excuse? 

Can God use you or not? God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the CALLED!

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE...SOMEONE HAD TO PAY FOR IT


2 Chron. 7:14 in God's word he states, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

"Freedom has a taste, and for those that have fought for it,

the taste is so sweet the protected will never know..."


~ General George Patton

 

---

FW: WOW! AND DOUBLE WOW!!!

WOW AND DOUBLE WOW!!!!


What an honor to pass this along to people of faith!

A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001.

His name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were goingto have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visither sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant; my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' weboth heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out atire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed
her flight. Both very upset we drove home.

I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked whatmy wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed theflight.

My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed int the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can'tjust sit by for; I have to do something.'

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he hadnever given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mindwas made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my fathersay; he died while helping in the rescue effort.

My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quicklybecame anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I hadgone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. Myson would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at homewith my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I lookedat my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child.; The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Centerand had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had beenthe one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tearsas I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know.'

His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talkedto him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.

Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standingbeside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves .; When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honorof the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control.

We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know thisside of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know theimpact it may have on someone. God doesn't call the qualified, Hequalifies the called.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures Forever.
Psalm 136:

May God bless you, and your family,

It's been reported that 86% of Americans believe in God. We are part
of that percentage...
'In God We Trust

FW: Obituary printed in the London Times RK

Our old friend "common sense" slipped away without notice.

Date: Monday, July 25, 2011, 8:00 PM Different Spin on old idea. Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: - Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm; - Life isn't always fair; - and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights I Want It Now Someone Else Is To Blame I'm A Victim Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on.

FW: The Gray Brigade !!!! Not a Joke !! NZ

The Gray Brigade

They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are "baby boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshiped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age.. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days.We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II and fought in Korea and VietNam. We can quote the pledge of allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield.. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America , we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the 'Star Spangled Banner', 'America' , and 'America the Beautiful' by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America. Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent. It was the younger people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democrat Congress. You fell for the "hope and change" which in reality was nothing but "hype and lies." You have tasted Socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise but most are all too interested in their careers or "climbing the social ladder" to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the "great lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the kool-aid. Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the 'Torch of Liberty' and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house. Well, don't worry youngsters, the Gray-Haired Brigade is here, and on ELECTION DAY we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and next November we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the liar in the White House or to Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People", and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our country, and thank God for the old geezers of the "Gray-Haired Brigade." In God We Trust, A-Men Brothers and Sisters

Haley

My post today is about one of the things I love the most – Haley – my beagle. I’m including some pictures of her. As you can tell from these pictures, she’s overweight (like her Mom), she’s getting older (like her Mom) and she loves to go to the office (with her Mom).

I don’t know if any of you have ever watched the TV show with Cesar Milan and how he trains dogs. I really enjoy the show and have learned a lot from watching it. I admire this man and his family and what he does for dogs. He has a special fondness for pit bulls and tries to educate the people about them and other breeds that people have a misunderstanding about. I really do not believe any dog is born mean/vicious. I believe people make them that way. I also believe God put animals, especially dogs, in this world for us to enjoy…..not abuse. I get a bi-monthly email newsletter from Cesar and today the main article was about how dogs can read humans.

Now, I am pretty sure some of you are laughing at me and think I have gone off the deep end. But on the other side of that coin, I know there are some of you that agree with me. I know Haley knows the difference in my getting ready to go to work and getting ready to go to Church. I don’t know if it is because I have on a dress/skirt when I am going to Church or what it is. But she knows the difference. On work days, I have to tell her to go to her kennel; on Sunday and Wednesday, when I come out of the bedroom, ready to leave, she has already gone to her kennel. I can go in and out of my bedroom 10 times as I am getting ready for my day, but when I put on my shoes, she jumps down off the bed and goes in the kitchen. She know the difference between the tennis shoes I wear when I mow the grass and those I wear at other times. She is my confidant; she listens to all my problems and doesn’t judge; she just loves me unconditionally. If I’ve had a bad day at work she senses that and tries really hard to distract me – she will hide from me, bring me her bone, jump in my lap, etc. as if to say “It’s gonna be okay. I’m here to play with you and help you forget the day”. She’s not much of a cuddle dog, but when I am down/sad, she senses that and at those times, she just comes to me and sits quietly by me or lays her head in my lap and looks at me with those big brown eyes as if to say, “It’s gonna be okay. Tell me what’s wrong and we”ll work it all out”.

This was taken not long after I got her in 2006. 

Taken about the same time as the first picture.

This is one of her favorite places – my bed.  She sleeps with me and sometimes it’s hard to tell who is snoring the loudest.

This was taken the Christmas Santa brought her a new bed.

This is her “kennel” at my office.  I can shut the door when I have a client come in. I also have several clients that like for her to come downstairs and visit with them.

This was taken about a month ago.  We had just come in from mowing the grass and she was waiting, patiently, for me to fill her water bowl.

I mentioned earlier how she can read my moods.  This pictures shows you what she does when my “temper” comes to the surface.  She has to struggle to get under my bed – she’s too fat and the bed is too low.  But she does it.

This is waiting for the “all safe, you can come out now”.

I love my little girl very much.  I know she is getting old and I really dread the day she isn’t with me any more.  She is such a lot of company for me.  She is truly a blessing from God.

What a beautiful day!

What a beautiful day here on the sunny Outer Banks. It is hot – very hot – but the sun is shining brightly, we have a little breeze and the birds right outside my window are just singing their little hearts out. And every now and then, I hear a squirrel chattering. How great it is to be alive!

We had such a great day at Church yesterday. A new family joined with us – welcome to the Addisons; Pastor Tyler preached two great sermons. I especially enjoyed the AM service; about David. I love to take notes and as Pastor was preaching yesterday I read a note I had written in my Bible several years ago. I usually write the preacher’s name and date of the sermon but I didn’t on that particular time. But I had written these words in the margin about David: “Jesse saw his youngest son; his brothers saw a brat; Saul saw a young lad; God saw a king!”. The message just emphasized the need for Christ in our lives; how God had taken this young lad and used him to slay a giant. But the message also emphasized that without God, David would not have been able to kill the giant. All of us face giants today; not like David’s giant – men over nine feet tall. But we face giants nevertheless. Financial burdens, medical problems, loss of job, loss of homes, troubles with children, troubles with parents and the list could go on and on. But having Christ in our lives makes facing those “giants” so much easier. In last Wednesday night’s message, Pastor preached from James. Our new Sunday School program is studying James and Pastor was giving the teachers a look into those lessons. He mentioned the Beatitudes that are found in the Bible and if you ask someone about them, they would immediately mention Matthew 5 – the famous sermon on the mount. Pastor explained that Beatitudes are found in several places. And James 5:12 is one of those Beatitudes: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him”. What a great promise! Pastor said this was the Beatitude of Trials.

Recently I have been facing my own “giants”. Some of these are of my own making but some of them are absolutely out of my control. This latest “giant” had just about whipped me down to the final count. I was so disappointed last Wednesday when I didn’t get an answer, or rather the answer I wanted, from Dr. Thornton. I was discouraged all day Thursday. But Friday morning I woke up with a whole new attitude. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve known all along that God was in control. But I finally got it through my thick head that HE REALLY IS IN CONTROL! I have to just quit saying those words; I have to live them. I don’t know what kind of answer I will get Thursday when I visit the neurologist – but God knows. I don’t know if it will be bad news – but God knows. I don’t know it if will be devastating news – but God knows. I don’t know if it will be great news – but God knows. I finally accepted that. And then Pastor reconfirmed that with James 5:12. I just substituted the word “tribulation” for the word “temptation” and claimed the promise. I told a friend yesterday that I was ready for whatever the outcome. If I find that whatever is causing the constant nausea and dizziness is something I have to live with, then I will live with it. BUT I can chose how I want to live with it. I can live with it by being down and discouraged and constantly saying “Woe is me!”. Or I can live with it with a smile on my face and thanking God that I am still alive to live with it. It’s all up to me and my outlook on life. Do I want to live with those two things? Absolutely not. But I can. They don’t have to rule my life. I often forget how truly blessed I am – in so many ways. I have such a great family, two great children, grandchildren that are a real blessing, my Church family (which I wouldn’t trade for any other in the world), adopted family that I love dearly, a job that I have had for 37 years and I still look forward to working – so many ways. I am more fortunate than so many people and it’s time I quite taking all of that for granted.

I didn’t mean to get on my “soap-box” this morning. I just wanted to share my new attitude with you.

Have a blessed day everyone.

Brenda

boutlaw@carolinaregion.com