Let me begin by offering an apology to anyone who has stopped by here, only to find such old stuff.  I will only say that I have come through the storm and am now ready to resume writing on a more consistant basis.

So, it's the "day after Thanksgiving".  The day after we all eat much more than we should.  The day after we've spent a small fortune on air fair, gas or whatever form of transportation you chose to travel home to be with loved ones.  The day after the most travelled holiday in America, exceeding Christmas and Easter.   This is the day after we as a nation, stop to reflect on the goodness of the Lord and say "Thank you" for the manifold blessings we have received.

Perhaps, like me, you are thankful to see another Thanksgiving Day.  You have come through some harrowing, traumatic experience.  Perhaps, there is a loved one whom you nearly lost this past year, but yet, there they were sitting around your table for one more Holiday.  Or, perhaps, you are remembering a loved one with Thanksgiving, knowing that they are now with the Lord and have entered into their reward.

Yet, this is the day after and it has completely different meaning to the business community - this is "Black Friday"!  The official opening of the Christmas Shopping Season.  Today, the greed and materialism begins, as parents, grand-parents and others make the mad dash to get those "most wanted" gifts  while supplies last.  We have seen in years past that these can be some dangerous days depending upon the amount of hype which has been created around certain toys.  The release of the much awaited Play Station3 may cause a stir.  Is it not ironic that such a day falls right after the most reverent of national holidays?  We take a moment to give some sort of obligatory thanks but pour out in thousands and full of zeal to make sure we get the best and the most.   

It's the day after Thanksgiving and we intend to let it be another day of Thanksgiving.  Do you ever get tired or wearied by hearing your children asl for more and more stuff, expecially after you've seen them receive much in a short period of time.  Such as on Christmas mHe orning, when they've opened 15 boxes and are still looking for more.  Then let one of them say, "I didn't get,,,"  and there comes a drop in your stomache.  Not because you feel bad for the child, but because you are astonished at the selfishness (which we are all capable of)  Yet, your heart drops because instead of hearing requests or complaints for more, you were looking for, and rightfully so, an expression or thankfullness and appreciation.

Well, God is the most intelligent Being in the Universe.  Imagine His heart as He watches our behavior on the planet.  Instead of living lives that express thankfulness, we are always seeking for more.  Yet, He loves us and desires to bless us with good gifts.

Let this be the Thanksgiving Day after Thanksgiving Day!

Once again, the proponents of "The Religion of Peace", those paragon's of spiritual and moral rectitude, the veritable citadels of truth and virtue are giving all the world another glimpse into their twisted and hypocritical system of worship, otherwise known as "Islam".

Calling for the death of Robert Spencer, who has dared to lift his desk top word processor and create word phrases that, when formed seem to indicate that the prophet Mohammed was, as we all are on this planet, just a man.  Yes, a man - with flaws, appetites, and weaknesses just as we all have.  But, our contemporary practitioners of this "johnny-come-lately" world religion (in contrast to monotheistic Judaism or Christianity) seem to have a built in abhorrence for a certain little pesky concept called, TRUTH.  But nevermind the truth, let's keep the followers of this dark and blinded form of ancient Islam in fear and in the dark, while we leaders live in the lap of luxury.

Is it not the same, really, in many forms of religion, especially the more organized it becomes.  There are the few, the chosen who sit at the top and make the decisions, and enjoy the "fleece" as it were of the flock.  While the multitudes, the followers, sit and look hoping for some scrap to fall their way.

But those who are interested in the truth are those who truly have a heart for God.  It was Jesus who made the statement, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."  Muslims, give Jesus at least a nod when they claim they respect him as one of God's prophets.  But then, if he be prophet, then why not obey God's prophet.  When He uttered that phrase He was not hoping it would one day make it's way into a top selling Gospel Song, or become a catch "pop-phrase" of the seventies, or appear on a colorful bumper-sticker in the 60's.  The full quote was:

    "If you continue in my word, then you will truly be my disciples, then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free."

The condition was a continuance in His Word, meaning, a continual hunger and search for truth, no matter where it takes you.

Therefore as Mr. Spencer offers forth his latest work and exploration into the life and times of Mohammed, why should our most spiritual of all brethren be incensed to the point of violence against his very life.  Does not the Scripture even point out the short comings of it's own heroes, Moses, Jacob, David, Peter, etc?  Only one personality in the Bible passes the most scrutinizing of moral tests, that is the Lord Jesus Christ.  Truth be known - he is the only perfect One, even above Mohammed, who himself is in need of a Savior.

Yet, Jesus would not order us as Christians to execute Mr. Mohammed or any other practitioner of Islam, He would rather that we pray for and love them.  But, since they have chosen to take up sword and to attempt to wipe out whole generations, it is our God given responsibility to respond and to defend the defenseless.

But some would say, "Doesn't Jesus command us to turn the other cheek?"  Yes, He does, and we as individual Christians are to live in just that way in our everyday dealings with our fellow human beings.  But, one can not apply those principles Jesus stated in the Sermon on the Mount to the governing of entire nations.  One must use wisdom and as Jesus said, "Judge righteous judgment".

Paul goes on to say the the soldier does not bear the sword in vain, but he is God's servant delivering punishment on law breakers.  Check back again for part II of this teaching.

Until later,

God Speed!

Charles Robert Zierle

 It's that time of year again - voting time. 
I can tell because:
 
        People are knocking on my door who normally would not.  Sunday, a white-eyed young man wearing a backpack, kaki shorts, sandals, and a knit-type hat, somewhat influenced by a Mumiah-Abu Jamal wardrobe knocked on my door.  He was approx. 20-24 years of age, and was holding some political literature in his hands.  

        My television is full of mud slinging commercials that take "Playin' The Dozens" to a whole new level.  There was a time in American Politics when politicians ran on their own accomplishments, rather than the perceived or otherwise failures of their opponents.  No More!  It should be noted that it becomes an even more bleak picture when we realize that many politicians focus on the failures of their opponents because their own record is not much to highlight.  Ouch!

        Yes, it's voting time again.  So, get out your registration card and go stand in line at the library, firehouse, community center, or in our case, a neighbor's basement and exercise your Constitutionally guaranteed right, make your choice known.  We are the nation that all of thee aliens swim, run, hide, stow away, and sometimes die to get to.  Though many of them claim they hate us, not many of them would turn down a chance to live here.  We are, as Michael Medved says every day, "The Greatest Nation On God's Green Earth!"

God Speed -

Charles Robert Zierle

"Now class," the teacher started, "I want each of you as I call out your name, to go to the blackboard, pick o=up one piece of chalk, and move down as far to the left as you can, until there are five or six student across the front of the class room.  Do not begin writing until further notice."

How many remember engaging in some exercise similar to this during their tenure in school.  How many also remember that invariably someone for some unseen, almost earie reason would get it wrong and write a number 1, or their name, or some other un-reasonable mark on the board.

This site is that experience.  Each week I want to publish a question for the week on host of many different topics.  I invite all bloggers at TH.COM to stop by and render your answers, and if we can begin a dialogue among ourselves.

Let's see what happens, eh?

Charles Robert Zierle