No Bones About It

Adoption Gave Us Steve Jobs & All His Creative Wonders

2011-10-06T20:14:00.003-05:00

One simple question.

Had Steve Jobs birth mom decided to end his life through abortion, how would your life be different?

Ever used an Apple Computer back in the day? Ever play the Atari? What about iTunes, an iPhone, iMac, iPad or iPod? Ever seen a Pixar film such as Finding Nemo, or Toy Story or others? Been to Disney World lately?

Steve Jobs was in and about all of the above and so much more. He was truly an innovator; a Thomas Edison of our day. He was an entrepreneur above them all.

The world should hug both his birth mom and adoptive parents. Thanking one for not killing him which sadly many would have done. Thanking the others for giving him the chance to make his mark on all of our lives.

Abortion only has one worldly result – a selfish resolution to a child one doesn’t want. Nothing else about abortion is good. It is dark, evil, mean, cruel, ugly and barbaric.

Adoption results in all things positive – life, hope, joy, laughter, and family to name a few.

If only the world would choose adoption more often, maybe we would meet some more Steve Jobs.

Our world will forever be thankful for his contributions and grateful murder through abortion didn’t take him away from us.

Peace Mr. Jobs.

weMorn.

“Thou shall not kill." Exodus 20:13

© 2011, J. Brady

I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Abused Friends Need You to Take a Stand

2011-07-13T09:32:00.004-05:00

If you had a friend that had been abused or horribly mistreated by your own priest/pastor and you learned about it, what would you do? What if there was a pattern of this priest/pastor doing this to others for years?

If the abused party was truly a friend, doing nothing would only condone his actions and betray your friendship.

Your options would be one of three things:

1. Work to make him repent and humble himself before God and his congregation and MAYBE let him continue in his role
2. Leave the church and warn others
3. Confront him with others and force the priest/pastor to leave

Either he would have to repent, seek forgiveness or leave, or you would have to leave. It’s really that clear, yet instead, most in the situation do nothing.

A local well-known pastor has been hurting and abusing people in his own congregation for years. I personally know of nearly 10 different couples he has greatly hurt. The Bible makes it clear that Christians are to demonstrate the “Fruits of the Spirit” and certainly a man in his position should even more so. Yet, those of you still attending this church should read the list and ask yourself which of these “fruits” appears in his personal life. If you don’t know him well enough, ask someone who does.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Gal. 5:22-23.

Does he demonstrate even one of these?

Knowing and having followed this man myself for 10 years, what I see is lack of control, meanness, uncaring, rudeness, insensitive, power hungry, explosive anger, critical spirit, pride and more. Sure, we all struggle with sin. We all need to work to produce better fruit in our own lives. But when a priest/pastor fails to demonstrate even the basics of humility, grace, love and patience with his own people, but instead berates people, and runs over them emotionally, there is character issue that should keep him from being in his position.

Christians need to unite during this time and reclaim their own church. They must stand up for their friends, even if it means they too get kicked out and escorted off the property. You would have only proved the point even more that this man must go.

Doing nothing lets the devil continue to have his way. Doing nothing hurts your friends who are likely in shock that you have put this man ahead of your dear friendship. Doing nothing means it continues and yet again gets swept under the rug.

Doing nothing is NOT what Jesus did. When he saw the leaders of the church taking advantage of their followers, he responded accordingly. With righteous anger and immediate action.

Now it’s your turn. Pony up and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Though your heart may beat quickly, and fear may come on you, it is the right thing to do!

Your friends deserve it!

“Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.” Matthew 21:12

© 2011, J. Brady"

I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Time to Party Because the 4th Was Won by Friends

2011-07-02T11:28:00.001-05:00

It’s no secret that the Speers family loves to host parties. Making worlds collide and bringing friends together from a variety of circles makes for a good time of sharing memories, bashing each other, laughing and usually lots of food and drinks. Julie and I live to have everyone over. It makes the tough times easier and good times even better.

We purposefully built the home we have so we could enjoy being with our family and close friends. We made sure it had a game room, large open areas and even put in a pool, so that our place could be “your place” too. It cost us a little more than we like, but it’s an investment we won’t ever regret. Most people can count on one hand how many good friends they really have. It takes two hands for most of you in our group. We all should thank God every day that we have each other.

We look for almost any reason to gather the gangs together. We’ve celebrated end of school, various holidays, birthdays, NFL kickoff weekends, baseball playoffs and most recently the Dallas Mavericks winning of their first NBA title.

But in the scheme of things, fewer better reasons exist than to get together for Family, Friends, Fireworks and Fun in the Sun, than to honor of the birth of Freedom; the birth of America.

Last night we had a patriotic celebration with the Sherman, Jensen, Curlee, Hedger, Butler, Winter, Ermish, Ruzika, Franklin, Stroder, and in spirit with the Rinehart, Atwell, Hadash, McMahon and Novinger families. It was amazing to see all the kids cranking out giggles, pool splashes and serious hot dog eating as the rest of us sat and talked about kids, food, the NFL lockout and who will beat Obama in 2012. We ended the evening watching the Mansfield fireworks which shoot off from what almost feels like our own backyard.

The 4th just brings it all together…just like it must have 235 years ago.

Few think about this fact. But our freedom was paid for by people just like those of us that partied last night. They played together. They worked together. They schooled together. They worshipped together. They partied together. And in the end, many died together.

As we celebrate our nation’s birth and think about those we are lucky to share our lives with, let’s not forget it was people like you and me that gave it all. As the British were coming, the cookouts were stopped, the balloons were popped and the kids were all hidden. Freedom was about to be won and there was one thing each of them called the other.

Friends.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15:13

© 2011, J. Brady"

I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Class Does Win...Sometimes

2011-06-16T19:29:00.016-05:00

It is rare in a world of so much pride, arrogance and immorality to see the old school characteristics of hard work, selflessness and determination rise to the top in the sports scene. Though there is no "I" in team, the last decade has many examples of stars trying desperately to do so.

Then in 2011 the Dallas Mavericks popped onto the scene.

After a heart breaking "choke" (and they did) in the 2006 NBA Finals followed by 4 more years of bitter playoff loses, owner Mark Cuban was determined to he could build a winning team with mature, veteran, proven players. He avoided the flash of the big free-agent signings and quietly assembled a team he believed in. Coach Rick Carlisle was brought in to establish a new culture of teamwork based on selfless play with one goal in mind - winning it all the old fashioned way.

At the same time, the Miami Heat were purchasing the rights to super stars like Chris Bosh and LeBron James to go along side Dwyane Wade and the arrogance quickly grew to unworldly proportions. On their own TV special, with pomp and circumstance, fireworks and smoke, they told everyone they were too good to be beat and would roll off the next 5,6,7, or even 8 titles in a row.

Meanwhile the Mavs faded into the background of the Western Conference behind the likes of the Spurs and the Lakers and few doubted the Mavs would do much.

But class, selflessness, determination and teamwork would soon prove the world wrong.

After beating the rough and physical Portland Trailblazers, they faced the defending World Champion Los Angeles Lakers and their stars of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Even I doubted it would last long. I was right...but in the wrong direction. The Mavs quickly destroyed them in a 4 game sweep.

Then came the Western Conference Finals against the upstarts from Oklahoma City with their new confident super star Kevin Durant, the leading scorer in the NBA. Everyone again knew this was the end of the road for the Mavs. Again, the Mavs prevailed in 6 games.

Finally, the Finals rematch was set against the arrogant Heat machine with home court going to Miami. Mavs were once again doomed and after losing badly in game one, it appeared as though history was going to repeat. Cocky, rich arrogance was looking to make fools of our beloved Mavs. We could barely watch and some of us (including myself) turned it off!

Final result - Mavs win their first title in 31 years 4 games to 2, completely dismantling the Heat in the 4th quarter of nearly every game. They outplayed them, outworked them, and outlasted them. The King and his men looked stunned, confused and dazed. Eventually they gave up and called it a series.

Goliath was slain and Dallas was about to parade around with his head.

Yes, it's true that many times good guys don't win. But in the case of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, JJ Barea, Tyson Chandler and the rest, the good guys DID win it all.

In the words of Dallas' game 6 star point guard Jason Terry, "God is good and He gave us a 2nd chance to come back and win it all again!"

Great job Mavs!

"The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished." Proverbs 16:5

© 2011, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

It’s You That Rejects God, Not God That Rejects You

2011-04-24T08:54:00.002-05:00

God is love. He died for you.

Why is that so hard to believe?

Yet, the Bible makes it clear that few will believe and few will enter the gates of heaven. The road is wide that leads to hell and most in arrogance or ignorance choose the road leading to eternal suffering and separation from God and many that love them. Along many along this path will be non-believers who claimed Christians were trying to “save them” or were just being “pushy”, “intolerant” or “self-righteous”.

Their eternity in hell will not be because God didn’t love them and it certainly won’t be because He didn’t put people in your life that tried to show you that love.

It’s you that rejects God, not God that rejects you. You can either accept or reject Jesus, but you must make a choice.

Thousands of years ago the Scripture predicted the time would come when Christians would be despised by the world, when most would deny God, and most would try and earn their way into Heaven by trying to “be a good person”.

If you have a friend that’s been trying to tell you about Christ, maybe for once you should let your mind dwell on the idea that maybe, just maybe, your friend is simply trying to save your soul. Nothing is more loving than one friend trying to help another, and if you spend eternity separated from God simply because you rejected him, nothing would hurt more.

God is speaking to you even now if you’re reading this….and you know it. Stop being hard headed and accept what He offers you – eternity with Him and those you love.

Think about it….if you’re right and I’m wrong, what I have a suffered by living the Christian faith? I would have done nothing but live with peace, joy and purpose.

But, if I’m right and you’re wrong….your price to pay is pain beyond measure.

In the words of a famous old black preacher, “You say there is no God? You say there is no heaven or hell? Well, you better hope not Mister, ‘cause if there is, you’re going to go straight there.”

Make the right choice. Your time could come to an end today.

“The fool says in his heart, ‘there is no god.’” Psalm 14:11

© 2011, J. Brady"

I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Antlers, the Claw and Jesus

2010-10-24T21:12:00.004-05:00

Nothing lights a fire more than watching your baseball team compete in the playoffs.

That is unless your sports wood is wet.

For Texas Rangers fans 2010 was a historical journey nearly 40 years in the making that few in the Metroplex are soon to forget. Thanks to the help of some unlikely ingredients – “the claw”, “antlers” and Josh Hamilton’s Jesus, the North Texas baseball team finally broke free of the doldrums of the American League West and not only won a playoff series, but finished off the New York Yankees in considerable fashion in route to their first World Series in franchise history.

The Houston Astros were the first Texas team to do it back in 2005, but even they hadn’t waited in the dark for good baseball as long as Ranger fans had; just 3 playoff trips with just one win and no wins at home!

All season long this underdog, underpaid team of good guys faced transition, hardship and confusion only to fight back each and every time until their goals were accomplished one by one. Soon, two rally cries became “the thing” as “the claw” (symbolizing power and strength) and finger “antlers” (symbolizing speed like a deer) became the craze. Along side those was the incredible real-life story of team MVP Josh Hamilton, whose drug addicted, self-destructive past was turned into a modern life example of the power of Christ. Though not perfect, Hamilton demonstrated a consistent example to us all of humility and dependency on God. Standing on the stage in front of millions on TV while accepting his ALCS MVP trophy he said these words:

“First of all, all the glory goes to God and Jesus Christ. Secondly, I love my teammates,” Hamilton said. “I love them so much. I’m happy to have them. I don’t want to talk about myself. I want to talk about them. We are the reason we are here.”

If only more sports heroes were like this man. Heck, if only more of us reading this article were like him. What a difference we all could make.

Hamilton is so loved and respected by his teammates that after winning the division, and both playoff series, they reserved a special post-game celebration time for him to be sprayed and showered with non-alcoholic drinks. His teammates understood his weaknesses and respected his faith. In our world of intolerance towards all things Jesus, this was simply amazing.

The more real you are and the more you take a stand, the more those around you will embrace who you are. Even the most hardcore cynic has to admit Hamilton is one of a kind. He can cream baseballs out of every park in America and never blink about who gives him that ability. His career and life was saved both literally and spiritually by the only real thing many of us honestly hide under our bushels all too often.

During the World Series you can bet those of us in the DFW are will have our antlers up and our claws out. Only time will tell if the journey ends with a championship over the San Francisco Giants.

Regardless, baseball in Texas is giving those Cowboys a run for their money and over here in this stadium we call Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Jesus gets a spotlight.

Go Rangers!

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

© 2010, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Life Before Kids....How Boring

2010-10-15T21:34:00.000-05:00

Life before kids.

Remember it?

• Sleep past 9…every Saturday.
• Money in the bank
• Never touched, smelled or tasted poop (admit it –I know some of you out there have gotten the stuff in your mouth)
• Still “pee free”; meaning no human was yet to wet on you
• Big boy movies and TV shows were watched in REAL time most days or night
• 90% of your saved recordings weren’t from kids channels
• Milk never ran out
• Precious items around the house were fully intact and working
• Carpet was crisp and clean
• You didn’t own a mini-van

Life was good…or…so you thought.

On the way to work one morning recently I paused mentally and thought about my life with three kids, a wife and two dogs. I smiled so big I nearly wrecked into the completely stopped MiniCooper in front of me on HWY 360. (I’m sure everyone around me assumed I was texting.)

Regardless, it hit me that the life I had now was what “it” was all about. Kids truly make the world go ‘round and nothing is more rewarding than guiding another human being through the maze of it all. Sure sometimes you want to ship them off to the closest zoo but, to be honest life would be a little boring if you did.

My three kids are all 5 or younger as I write this and some of the words they use and comments they make prove my point perfectly. I’m sure you have a similar list.

Enjoy…

“Dad, why did God make brothers so mean?” Chloe asked me one day.
“CrapNCrunch” – what my son called Captain Crunch cereal for a long time
“ToothKip” –my daughter would say when she needed a toothpick
“I want to do magic so I can make Quinn disappear.” my daughter Chloe said at age 5.
“Daddy, I like when you say that.” Sidney said at age 5 with a very bashful look on her face when I told her she are pretty and she could sing well.
“Daddy, this is hard work.” my son Quinn said in all seriousness at age 3 when he was helping me rake leaves in the back yard.
“I got this bruise when I was running around the house with my shirt over my head and ran into the coffee table” Chloe said.
“Mom, that man has a lot of stamps” Quinn said pointing at a man with tattoos all over his arms at a local fast food restaurant.

I still laugh-out-loud when I think about this hilarious examples and I wish I had days to pillage through the mounds of others many of you reading this could send me.

Life might have been fun and more financially free before kids, but life without them would seem incomplete.

Many things are certain about kids, they stress you out, they break the bank, they do not use their brains often, and they stink most of the time. But only thing is certainly clear – nothing makes you understand love more than having a few.

Thank you God for kids. And thanks for letting us be yours.

Now I get it.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Psalm 127:3-5

© 2010, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

The Great Game

2010-10-01T22:57:00.002-05:00

When I hear the voice of Milo Hamilton I’m immediately thrown back in time to one of the greatest childhood memories I have; coming home from an Astros baseball game with dad listening to the final innings over the AM dial.

Living south of Houston most of my childhood, dad would take me to a nice handful of games each year at the huge Astrodome. It always seemed I would get a gift as I walked in ranging from free hats, small bats, baseballs and such, some of which I now hold in my sports collection. As the games would get late, we would leave early knowing it was usually a school night and a 45 minute drive was ahead of us. Milo Hamilton kept us informed of the action we missed and eventually I fell asleep.

There is just something magical about baseball games.

Now as a parent, I am getting joy of doing the same for my three kids as dad did for me, taking them to see the Texas Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington. Watching them cheer “Let’s go Rangers! (clap…clap…clap, clap, clap!), seeing them munch down on cotton candy, hoping “red” wins the dot race, and them asking all about the happenings during the game brings me the same joy my dad must have felt way back when.

Kids love games and baseball keeps it simple and real. A ball, a glove and a bat. And nothing is better than sitting out in the stands during a 75 degree evening cheering on the home team. The sounds of “ice, cold beer!”, “peanuts!”, and the smells of hotdogs and nachos stick in the mind for ages.

I still get down to Houston for an Astros game at least once a year. Though I usually go alone, I sit with a smile on my face cheering like I was 10 years old thinking about those nights with dad and Milo talking us home. At the age of 38 my Astros finally won the National League pennant and made it to the World Series. I can only hope our Rangers go all the way for my kiddos a little faster than the 30+ years it took Houston.

It’s said baseball is truly America’s Pastime and I have to say I completely agree. Nothing is more true. God gave us something special when we invented it over 100 years ago.

It’s a great way, to have a great time…at the great game!

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

© 2010, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

The Love of Money

2010-09-27T22:58:00.001-05:00

I have to admit it. I love me some cold hard cash. Always have. Since I was 15 and learned the lesson of working hard for myself in lawncare and stock piling the green stuff in a glass jar, I knew it didn’t buy happiness, but it sure bought baseball cards, bubble gum and Atari games.

Money makes the world go ‘round. Right? Well, sadly, it does require money to keep the lights on, to feed the family and to support God’s work around the world.

The problem for most of us of course, there never seems to be enough of it. The money runs out before the month, the debts pile high and Benjamin Franklins can be more elusive than Bigfoot.

Personally, I have experienced both the days of much and the days of little. God has used both to show me truths about life and about His provision. I know both wealthy people and poor people that love God more in ways that inspire me.

Whatever your current financial lot in life, you can know God will provide. He will meet our needs for food, shelter, clothing and most importantly joy. Life isn’t about what you can buy, where you can go or what you can do. Life is about who you are and who you spend it with.

Sure having a little excess in the money department makes life a little easier to deal with. But knowing God is on your side makes life good and peaceful even when the account is below zero.

Cold, hard cash really isn’t the root of all evil.

It’s the LOVE of money that’s the problem.

“Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.” Hebrews 13:5

© 2010, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Quinn and the Lizard

2010-09-23T20:37:00.002-05:00

I felt like a schmuck.

Here is what happened...

I came home to take over on kid duty. Getting ready to take the kids out for our favorite pizza run with good ol' Daddy.

"Everyone go get your shoes on," I said. The girls complied. As usual Quinn pretended to not hear and started wandering around.

A few minutes later...

"Quinn go get your flip flops on now!"

"But there is a lizard in there," he said with a very poor attempt at crying.

"Whatever!"

Knowing he pulls these kinds of stunts all the time, looking for any reason to not obey, I wasn't about to be fooled.

"Go get your flip flops now or we are not going!"

"Whaaa!" he started crying a little harder.

"Quinn!"

I began pushing him towards the small basket the kids kept their shoes in.

Still he refused, frustrating me more.

Finally, I gave in.

"Never mind...we don't have time for this."

I started digging around the basket for his flip flops. "See!" I proudly proclaimed, "There are no lizards in here."

Right about then he screamed and I looked down at my hand to see a large Gecko running around the outer edge of the basket!

"Holy crap!" I yelled. (I couldn't help it).

By then the girls had joined the commotion and everything ran from the scene screaming, including myself with the basket in hand.

Quickly I opened the front door and the little dude jumped off on the porch.

"I'm so sorry buddy!" I said while hugging a sobbing Q-ster. "There WAS a lizard in there!"

Thank God Father of the Year awards are later in the winter!

What a scene.

Buddha Won't Tame the Tiger

2010-09-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

Tiger Woods has been in the business of shocking the world since he first landed on the golf scene in 1996.

He is arguably the most famous athlete on the planet.

In the last 14 years he has won tournament after tournament, earned more than any golfer in history and has two cute kids after marrying what some say is the most beautiful sports wife in the world.

But in the fall of 2009 the world learned that Tiger was on the loose with a trail of infidelity that was even more shocking than any of his wins. Most of us could not comprehend the depth of the sexual depravity Tiger pursued. As a result, his life was changed forever and a year later he is without his reputation, his wife, his family, most of his endorsements and his ability to succeed on the course.

When he apologized to the world months later, Tiger stood in front of the world and proclaimed he had lost his way and that he was going to lean on his faith to start over and clean up - his faith in Buddha that is.

Over a billion people all over the world put their faith in Buddhism which teaches to focus on self enlightenment through suffering and right living. Sadly, almost a billion people have it all wrong.

Buddha won’t tame Tiger. Only the spirit of the living God has that kind of power. For any man that deals with lust and temptation (and if you are a man, you do), we know in the overly sexual society in which we live that God’s power is our only hope. The flesh cannot be tamed merely by will power or via the pathway formulate by a man that lived long ago and is still dead.

We have to depend on God and not on ourselves. For when we depend on ourselves or anything other than God, we fail. Tiger fell hard. But don’t be fooled, he wasn’t thinking this would happen to him and each of us is could fall just has hard.

Tiger still has the three things some people in the world want the most – money, fame, and power.

His price?

The thing he loved the most – his family.

Only the one that created the Tiger can tame one and it’s our job to give Him the reigns every single day.

I can only pray Tiger let’s Jesus paint him some new stripes.

"Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.” Ephesians 4:19

© 2010, J. Brady"

I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

An Age Old Christian Debate

2010-07-03T07:46:00.023-05:00

Since the days Christ walked the planet, we believers have debated theology and spirituality. 2000 years since the crucifixion and we still find the need to have about 100 different denominations of Christianity.

The debate ensues and at either spectrum lies extreme Charismatics or radical Fundamentalist. The irony being our political system here in America runs on the same tracks. Right or Left. Conservative or Liberal, etc. Very few really ride down the middle.

For me, I have spent a fair amount of time on both sides; growing up Baptist and later spending years in the Charismatic movement on staff as a youth minister. Both sides have some things figured out and certainly each can make strong scripture based cases for their views, but both extremes miss the mark in great ways if you ask me.

The extreme Charismatics focus on the "power and presence" of God, spending more time in long, emotional worship services than in actual Bible study. Prayers are long and focus on asking God for various things and begging Him to reveal His power and glory. It seems they search for God's hand in terms of wanting to see Him do something, more than they desire to know Him deeper through the main thing He gave us to study, the Bible. Leaders within this circle preach exceptionalism, God's goodness and grace, healing, joy, faith, success, with some being called "name in claim it" or "prosperity" preachers. They believe God is a friend, loves us, wants the best for us, has good things in store for His children, that we can glorify Him by being successful, enjoying life and having a good attitude, and that all bad things can work out for the better if you just believe. They point out various heroes in the Bible who had wealth and success, including Jesus who they claim was self-sufficient and maybe even wealthy Himself due to working in the family carpentry business or gifts He received as a child from local kings. Essentially, they strongly believe a better "self" brings great glory to God and the more you have the more you can bless others.

The radical Fundamentalist focus on knowing God more deeply through His word and the fellowship of other believers, spending less time in worship and more time in deep theological discussions about various books and verses in the Bible. Prayers are brief and focus on adoration of who God is and asking for insight into who He is by asking Him to reveal Himself through His word. Leaders within this circle preach the coming of God's anger and judgment, focus on God's holiness and man's failures, teach deep theological truths, studying every word of every line of scripture for deep, life changing meaning and and that sacrificing one's "self" is the ultimate goal to glorify God. Though the core belief that God is good is intact, the focus is centralized on God's holiness and essentially that man, and certainly our lives here, does not matter. They have an intense desire to be right with God and know Him more. They judge the world around them, even other believers, and seek to be "holy" as He is holy. Seeking good things here in this temporal life is a general waste of time and if we really love God we will live as Christ did, which according to them, was as a homeless/jobless man, with nothing to His name, calling out the evil in the world around Him, running from the law of the day, but serving others all along the way. Essentially, they strongly believe that denying "self" brings God all the glory and the less you have the more unhindered you are.

Ugh...can you see the mess we have?

It seems possessions, money and wealth remain a central core to this entire debate too. But let's take a look and see what we can come up with.

Was Jesus really a homeless/jobless man with no earthly possessions or money? What about the expensive gifts (worth millions) He was given at birth? What about growing up in the family business? Did we really think He begged for food, wandered the streets asking for money? Did the society of His day require money in order to survive or did He just create it with a twinkle of the eye when more was needed? Surely He worked, right....at least before He entered the ministry fulltime. Would He create us with the internal drive to "work" and provide if He didn't do the same when here as a man? In the same sense do possessions here on earth really mean a hill of beans? What IS the point? We can build pyramids to store it all in when we die, but they won't go with us, we know that. Yet, the world requires money, and lots of it, and the more of it you have, the more you can give to those in need, the more ministries you can support and the less dependent on your worldly job you are. On the other hand, money can destroy a man if he isn't careful. A quandary for some for sure.

Just food for though - one side of a story few think about - when Jesus called Peter and his men to be "fishers of men" He performed a miracle by overflowing their boat with fish to the point of sinking. Jackpot for sure. They likely sold all of that fish for tons of money. Jesus made a point while helping a brother out. The fish helped their temporal life for a few days or weeks, but their focus needed to be on the bigger things Christ was asking them to do.

Outside of America, Christianity is certainly different looking. We are so blessed in the U.S. it is hard to fathom. Other people's of the world are lucky to have bread or water for the day yet as believers they passionately worship and study His word. Possessions mean nothing. Only God is the source of any "abundance" in their lives. They seem to more diligently seek Him, spending 10-12 hours at a time, sometimes in secret studies or meetings. I have no doubt that life's circumstances can greatly affect our walk with Christ. The Israelites sought God more when in captivity than when free. All the same, when we are hit with despair, tragedy, oppression, suffering, pain, illness, death or loss we naturally seek God more than when life is just rosy. Some might even believe our American freedoms prohibit us from knowing God deeper and though I ceraintly pray we never have to live the way believers in China or North Korea do, I find it hard to argue their point.

Sad but true.

The bottom line for me is this - until Christ returns and we share His eyes so that all things become clear to each of us - believers are going to seek God in different ways and neither extreme is healthy.

Balance is really the key and here is what I can only hope to teach my kids to believe.

You can serve God with all of your heart and enjoy life here to the fullest. God is good and loves us as His children. We should trust and believe in God's grace, mercy and goodness having hope tomorrow can be better than today. God's power is great; He can heal illnesses and move mountains yet knowing Him deeply is more important than anything. We should seek His face more than His hand. Sometimes He moves in power, but Jesus did more small things to show Himself each day than perform miracles of power. Only His word can truly be trusted in terms of seeking His will and way. He can make bad things in our lives bring Him glory. God is holy and in His presence we are filthy, dirty and plain stink - thank God He saved us - and every day we remind ourselves that we don't deserve to be saved. There are both wealthy and poor Biblical heroes. Whatever our "lot in life" brings us (wealth, health, poverty, illness or the like) we should glorify Him by how we talk, act and serve mankind around us. What we do for the lost around us is going to have a greater impact on them than what we say. We can ask God for anything and we should. God is on our side. God doesn't intend to see His children suffer but if it is necessary He will allow it. We should tell others about Christ and that without Him they are destined to hell. It is more important to give than receive but if we live "giving" lives we will be blessed. We should stand up and speak out for Christ and His values in the dark world we live and yes, our world is a very, bad, bad world right now. Above all, we will be known by how we love those around us, including our neighbors and enemies.

God is love.

See? Isn't that simple? Guess that settles that!

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:12-13

Be Like Mike - A Star We Can Embrace

2010-04-08T23:58:00.005-05:00

In a day and time when celebrities and sports figures rarely accept their position of influence and act as good role models for the rest of us, it sure is nice when one comes along that we can embrace.

And boy did Dallas embrace this one.

The Dallas Stars played their final home game tonight ending a long, boring, non-playoff season on the ice. While most of the DFW area begs for Cowboys football, gears up for the Rangers and prepares for another Mavericks playoff run, in the background the Stars were slowly getting closer to another off season.

Yet this one game felt like those great games in the late 90s. The AAC was standing room only, the crowd was rowdy and loud and the game was amazing. Dallas beat Anaheim 3-2 in a shoot out...but that's not even important.

This was all about Mike Modano. Sadly, it was likely his last in Dallas and maybe his last home game ever.

In classic Modano fashion he thrilled the crowd with another assist and two goals; one the game tying and the other the game winner. Outside of Wayne Gretzky few players have impacted the sport more than he. And certainly, when people think of hockey in Dallas, they think of Mike.

The Cowboys had Roger.
The Mavs have Dirk.
The Rangers had Pudge.
The Stars had Modano.

I remember meeting Modano (briefly) at Texas Star in Euless back in 1998 along with Brett Hull and the band Pantera. I had no idea the next year they would win the Stanley Cup and win the hearts of the metroplex.

I just can't believe it has been that many years and that it is over.

As Modano stood on the ice tonight saluting the fans with tears in his eyes during one of his many long standing ovations, I too choked back some sports tears. As fans emotions are strongly tied to those that give us local civic pride. And above most others, Modano is one classic dude. He lives a quiet life. Loves his family and gives back to the DFW area more than most. He is a true role model for all of us. It's just a shame more aren't like him.

Life just goes too fast.

Dallas will miss Mike, and it was obvious tonight that Mike will miss Dallas.

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." Proverbs 22:1

© 2010, J. Brady

“I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Comments Welcome But....

2010-03-22T22:50:00.001-05:00

Please have the guts to leave REAL name and REAL contact information! Annonymous comments are cowardly. After all, I make it easy for anyone to find me!

Little Cadine

2010-01-21T20:53:00.003-06:00

Little Cadine is only a baby. Her mother and father admire her with pride. Her cute little smile, and her smooth, silky skin sheen with the hope of tomorrow.

Yet, in the twinkle of an eye she became an orphan. Now little Cadine lays on an old mattress crying out for mommy and daddy to come home.

The sad truth is the recent Haitian earthquake has taken the lives of thousands of men, women and children, forever shattering the landscape of the Haitian people. Life will never be the same and for thousands of sweet little girls and boys their parents will never return.

Can you imagine a child not having someone to call “mommy” or “daddy”? Pause a moment from eating that bowl of cookies-n-crème, turn on CNN and that reality will be right in front of your content eyeballs.

The greatest joy in life is giving, and no greater love is this; than laying down your life (as you know it now) for another. A decision you make today could change the lives of one of these orphans forever.

Consider adopting now.

Speaking from personal experience, adopting a child is one of the greatest thrills imaginable. It stretches your faith beyond all limitations, teaches you the truth about sacrifice, and fills your soul with an amazing sense of significance.

God does something magical in your life when you decide to provide an orphan a lifetime of love. You will sense His presence, His favor and His hand in your life like never before. You only live once! Are you really ready to miss out on doing something beyond your own little world? Adopting doesn’t “change” your life. It only makes it better!

You can change and bless a little Cadine today. Orphans by the thousands are arriving in the States daily. They deserve and need a family and it might very well be YOU that God is calling to do so.

People often say this to us about our son, “Ahh, he is blessed to have you!”

Our response is always the same – “No, trust me. We are the one’s that are blessed to have him!”

Contact Dillon International today!

http://www.dillonadopt.com/Haiti_screen.htm

“Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.” Esther 2:7

© 2010, J. Brady"

“I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Thanks a Bunch Day

2009-11-26T08:52:00.008-06:00

No doubt about it. Fewer days are more enjoyable in life than Thanksgiving. This morning my 4 year old twin girls and my 2 year old boy joyfully woke us up early ready to celebrate the day. Of course this had to start with the latest episode of Mickey’s Clubhouse which just so happened to center around a theme of being thankful.

Thanksgiving is one of our most important celebrations we still revere as Americans. Being thankful is a key to being humble, staying dependent on God and hopeful for the future. Nothing makes faith easier when we take the time out to recall God’s hand in the past and present. Sadly, we only have one sanctioned day to reflect and most of us, if we are honest, focus more on food and football than we do being thankful. Back in Biblical times, festivals were held throughout the year as a way of demonstrating faith and giving thanks for all God had done.

Truthfully, each of us likely has a huge list of things we can thank God for and this Thanksgiving would be a good time to start a new tradition of putting them on a list to remind ourselves of how good we really have it.

I promise when you are done, you will be thankful.

Here’s my list in no particular order (I’m sure it will grow daily as I remember it all!):

• God himself, for Christ, his Grace to put up with me and the hope He gives me
• Life – another day without a tag on my toe is another to be thankful for
• Being an American
• My incredible wife Julie
• My twin daughters Chloe and Sidney
• My amazing son, Quinn
• The country and people of Korea
• The magic of adoption
• My dogs Max and Sam
• My mom and dad
• Julie’s mom and dad
• Everyone in the Speers and Wroten families (I have amazing in-laws)
• Our church
• Our home
• Our vehicles, especially the Vette, and yes, the minivan
• My business and AdzZoo
• Our amazing friends
• My business partner
• HPU and my days in Brownwood
• Dallas Cowboys and football!
• Sports in general
• Internet and Facebook!
• Our home and the things we have
• The DFW area
• The beach
• Childhood in Houston
• My skills, talents and abilities
• My life experiences
• Pizza – especially Mazzio’s
• Mexican food
• My Papa Jack and Grandma Kat
• Grandma’s homemade rolls
• Travel!
• Disney Channel
• The Wiggles
• The invention of DVR
• Digital cameras
• My lawn guy Stevie!
• Christmas
• ChickFiLa
• Dr. Pepper
• Texas
• Various business contacts and friends
• Snow skiing and the mountains
• Memories with dad at Astros and Rockets games
• Memories with mom shopping at the mall
• Computers and technology
• My health
• Loud music
• My thick hair at 40!
• My good eye-sight at 40!
• My kids good health
• Good movies and movie theater popcorn
• Growing up in the 80s
• Mickey Mouse

I guess ol’ Mickey had it right. It’s pretty hard to think of a better title to give Thanksgiving.

“Thanks a Bunch Day” fits perfectly.

Thanks Mickey….you made my list!

“Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy...” Nehemiah 8:12

© 2009, J. Brady"

“I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

OMGosh I'm 40

2009-10-21T00:01:00.001-05:00

Just yesterday I was looking up the hill.

Today I proudly stand on top.

Problem is tomorrow I start going down.

I’m 40.

Seriously! How in the world can I be 40 years old? This just isn’t possible! Whose fault is this anyway?

Just yesterday my wife and I were in talks about adopting a child. That was already 2 years ago.

Just yesterday our twin girls were born at Arlington Memorial. That was 4 years ago.

Just yesterday I remember standing in front of a TV watching the Twin Towers in NYC collapse on 9/11. That was 8 years ago!

Just yesterday I met my wife for the first time in a singles class at church. That was 10 years ago.

Just yesterday I met my business partner Chris Novinger at the Parks Mall. That was 13 years ago.

Just yesterday I was getting my Master’s at Baylor and hanging out with friends in Fort Worth on the weekends. That was 15 years ago.

Just yesterday I was at Howard Payne being a “fella”, getting a degree and starting Club J Ministries. That was 18 years ago.

Just yesterday I was tromping around Houston, cheering on the Astros with dad, enjoying my “first love” and being a beach bum with mom and my sister. That was 24 years ago.

Just yesterday…

It’s weird how turning 40 is such a hallmark in life. Some freak out. Some do nothing and others kind of do both. For me, well, I don’t really plan to freak out, but I have spent a lot of time over the last few months thinking about my life up to now and searching for how it should be the same, better or different in my “second half”.

God always has His ways. About 6 months ago on a plane I sat next to a former pastor who nearly made me swear when I got home I would read a book called “Halftime” by Bob Buford. He said it changed his life and would change mine. Finally, a month or two later I remembered the incident and got my copy. Little did I know how it would challenge me to the core. If only I could have read this book 10 years ago…

Buford contends that we are given a “box” in life and only one thing can be in it. Whatever is in it is what our lives are truly centered on. And if only one thing could be in my “box” and I had to answer the obvious question – what is in it? In reality most of us have to admit we are the ones in the center of our own boxes. Even as Christians, many times simple things we claim are "for God", like attending church regularly, are in reality done for our own rewards. We are selfish creatures.

In short, the book challenged me to move my focus from being about me and being “successful” to becoming “significant” by truly making Christ and His work the center of my life. Everything should surround the purpose of leaving a legacy of building His kingdom – work, family, goals, church, money, etc. Only after we do, will we truly become fulfilled, happy, and know life at its fullest.

Halftime is about learning this reality and setting a new game plan for the second half of life. God has called each of us believers to more than the routine of work, kids, school, and church. We have to get beyond our own worlds and do more and as a family if possible.

Julie and I have talked for hours about what we can do in the second half. We are bored with the mindless routine of school and work during the week, church on the weekend and a date night here and there. We know He has called us to more than this American standard most Christians accept. We believe God has called our family to some specific actions that will challenge us in ways I am sure we don't even see yet.

Personally, I think I am about ready to start the game of life once again. God has things for me He wants to change - habits, sins, attitudes, and the like. And yet He is gracious enough to still use me in the process. I am eager to make the 2nd half count.

Yea, it is hard to believe driving at 16 was 24 years ago and it’s just as hard to believe it was 14 years ago the Cowboys last won a Superbowl!

It does seem the hour glass of life gets quicker as the grains pass through from one side to the other. But I think I have an idea of what kind of second half God wants from me – some plays that worked in the first half for sure, but many more new ones designed for when it’s all on the line!

Yep, I’m 40. Big deal. I’ll still be fun, loving and cute (by someone’s standards!) But truth be told it won't be long until I will be sitting here barely able to read or write trying to pen the words "just yesterday" again.

I just hope my second half is as much fun as the first and slows down just a little.

After all, there isn't another game on the schedule.

"The glory of young men is their strength, And the honor of old men is their gray hair." Proverbs 20:29

© 2009, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Had No Idea What They Were About to Do

2009-09-01T15:15:00.011-05:00

I honestly didn't see it coming. Had no idea. It totally took me by surprise.

It all started one morning when my business partner Chris called me on the phone at 7am and made my wife wake me up. I knew it wouldn't be good. He never does that.

"Man, one of our sales reps just called me panicking and told me everyone on staff is leaving us and starting another business and they are doing it right behind our backs!"

That one sentence announcement started a three month cycle of personal betrayal few have ever experienced. Despite my mind telling me this simply could not be the case, soon enough we learned it was true and less than 2 weeks later 90% of our staff had left us high and dry. Most of this occurred while I was away during our annual summer vacation on the Gulf.

In a matter of days my business world had turned upside down.

I was stunned, demoralized and frankly frozen in state of absolute denial. There was simply no way these people would do this and do so in this manner. No way.

What made the situation hardest to swallow was learning who the culprits were behind it all which turned out to be most of our upper level management team, nearly every key sales rep and most of our administrative staff. To add to it, the owner of this new agency was our own insurance MGA (Master General Agent)! An MGA is basically a mentor to a GA (General Agent) which is what he had been to us for the last few years. We had become good friends and even had a summer vacation planned together in Mexico. Needless to say, that trip was cancelled. Just two weeks before all of this he and I personally met to discuss some concerns and issues going forward. I even asked him if he had any intentions of competing with me and setting up his own call room. He totally denied the idea and reassured me he wanted no part of running one and that we in fact were the "marketing geniuses".

The other leader, was our Operations Officer who resigned suddenly just a few weeks prior to all of this. He and I had become personal friends and talked nearly daily about sports, kids and God. I considered him one of my best friends. He worked for us for nearly 6 years and lived right around the corner. When we got back from the gulf coast he was the first one I met with. At the time he acted shocked at all we had learned about this new business and claimed to have no part in setting it all up. Weeks later he became the president and co-owner of the operation and in fact, had lied to me about it all.

Following them were other long term employees, some with nearly 10 years of working with Chris and I. One of them was even Chris' brother-in-law. My wife put it best, when she said one night, "the only person you can trust in that office right now is Chris." She was right. Over the coming weeks, another 10-12 employees would leave assuming the "grass was greener". In total we went from nearly 50 employees to around 15 in about 30 days time. Sales went down the drain, morale was gone, fear was running rampant and Chris and I were in an emotional tailspin.

Shock does not even come close to describing the way Chris and I were feeling. Betrayed, hurt, angry, confused, worried and determined were all apart of the emotional pot being brewed each and every day. I hated going to the office, fearing what I would learn, who else had left and what this other new business was doing behind our backs.

A few employees involved in this scheme hid their involvement so they could remain on staff with us while working on this new business down the street. We later discovered hundreds of internal documents being sent from our offices to their personal email accounts for use at this new location! On top of that, they were calling the few employees we had left attempting to recruit them by telling them we were "going out of business" or that "this ship was sinking so get off now". It was unreal.

This new business didn't just started a competing location. That's just business. Rather, this new business had stolen nearly all of our people, all of our business contacts, business materials, training documents, scripts, marketing concepts and the like. Our name is Equal Health & Life. Their name is United Health & Life. Lacking any ability to be creative on their own, they simply took our "Coke formula" in an attempt to short cut a road to financial success. They were merely a mirror image of the company Chris and I had worked to build over an eight year period. Starting a competing business is one thing, but stealing nearly a decade of trade secrets, operational theories, documents, contacts and the like is a whole new level of deceit.

In a matter of days, they stole it all.

Now Chris and I were facing our biggest challenge yet. Our faith was really all we had left. Even the entrepreneurial spirit we had leaned on for years together was wiped out. There wasn't anything left but prayer.

And, that's when God stepped in and made Romans 8:28 come to life right before our eyes.

About three weeks into the ordeal we began to see a silver lining in the situation and He began to do and reveal things to us that still blow my mind. While reading through Leviticus one night of all things, a verse jumped out at me. God spoke as clear as day that He and He alone would make things right and, they would pay for their actions.

We recently learned our MGA behind all of this had been acting illegally in his home state and most others. He was acting without a license, his health insurance products were determined to be illegitimate and the state took over control of his operations and bank accounts. We immediately moved all of our customers to a new provider and things quickly improved. Customers began telling us just how terrible they had been treated by his company. Truth was coming out daily. A win-win lawsuit had been laid in our laps at the same time against a very large insurance company he was representing. After a month of them denying everything we had been telling them about him and them trying to come after us, they finally admitted we were correct. Sorry Charlie. A little too late. (Lawsuit City is likely a stop in our future.)

Not even 90 days later, our vision for the future is brighter than ever. We have renewed energy, a new office, better management, a stronger staff, a more cautious approach, leaner finances and a great new insurance provider in Assurant Health. Just last week we won a big contest for the numbers of new clients we have brought on over the last 90 days -during all of this! If we stay focused, 2010 can be our best year yet. Yes, God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good.

I never knew how bad betrayal really was. I never understood how Jesus felt when his close and only real friends let him down and denied their connection to him. But, now I do.

I pray I never do the same to someone else.

I have a good idea, I never will.

"God spoke to Moses: "When anyone sins by betraying trust with God by deceiving his neighbor regarding something entrusted to him, or by robbing or cheating or threatening him; or if he has found something lost and lies about it and swears falsely regarding any of these sins that people commonly commit—when he sins and is found guilty, he must return what he stole or extorted, restore what was entrusted to him, return the lost thing he found, or anything else about which he swore falsely. He must make full compensation, add twenty percent to it, and hand it over to the owner..." Leviticus 8:1-5 (the Message)

© 2009, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

People Watching is a Sport

2009-08-15T11:58:00.006-05:00

Airports fascinate me. Not just because of the incredible technology that is invoked each and every day to keep these places in action, but mainly because of the people that transverse the terminals headed quickly (in most cases) from here to there.

As I sat in the San Fransisco airport waiting on a flight home, I found myself with about two hours to kill. Nothing like watching and listening to people in one of the most diverse international transportation hubs in the nation to pass the time. People from all likes, appearances, nations and ages speedily filtered across the mundane walkways of this small airport.

My mind wondered to such thoughts:

- where is he/she headed?

- who do they know?

- wonder what's going on good or bad in their lives right now

- what's it like where they are from?

- what do they believe? Do they know the Lord?

- have they been on America's Most Wanted?

But one thought always sticks me the most - I will never see that person ever again, and have no idea who they are yet God sees knows everything about them and sees them each and every day.

That's what boggles my mind the most. So many people, from so many different parts of our incredible planet, connected to so many things I will never know, and yet that one person walking by me right now represents a life I will never know and never run across again.

Yet God does.

Amazing.

Sometimes I wish I could tap into His "global view" for just 30 seconds; see everyone and instantly know them and their lives in completeness just like I do my wife.

Right before I packed up and jumped on the place back to DFW, I watched a father and his young 3 year old daughter interact a few seats over. They were likely from Europe with strong accents and I over heard him telling her they would be home soon and mommy was waiting.

She wanted some cookies. He wanted her to behave. Perfect scenario. He struck a win-win deal (in his mind!) and she quickly agreed to his naive terms. One cookie, for one quiet airplane ride. Instantly I wondered how cool it would be to tag along as a bug on his jacket and see how his deal worked out. Lord knows they rarely do for me...

But if nothing more, it reminded me that people are people. Regardless of race, looks, age, occupation, or nationality, we all have places to be, people to see and things we love.

And like this man with his little girl, I too couldn't wait to get home.

"Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: "May you prosper greatly" Daniel 6:25

The King of Pop Idolized in Death

2009-07-08T21:31:00.003-05:00

Everyone will remember exactly where they were when they heard the news.

The King of Pop was dead.

Like the death of Elvis, the assassination of John F Kennedy or the events on 9/11, the moment in time when the learned that the crazy life of Michael Jackson had ended will forever be stuck on pause.

I was on the far west end of Galveston Island taking a break from a long day in Houston when my wife texted me the news. Having grown up listen to his Thriller album on cassette tape about 1 million times, I had a strange intertwined feeling of sadness and expectancy.

The kid from the famed “Jackson Five” thrown into stardom before most are allowed to be left alone at home, Michael Jackson never knew life the way the rest of the world does.

He could sing. He could dance. He set records. He invented style. He was incredible.

Yet, he was alone and troubled the entire time.

From allegations of child molestations, financial troubles in the millions, to drug use that riddled his body with needle holes and finally ended his life, the man who seemed to have it all, had nothing.

His was really not a life that should have been celebrated. Millions watched his funeral like he was Christ himself. People cried and nearly christened him with perfection. Celebrities stumbled over themselves trying to grab the spotlight. Even in death Michael Jackson created hysteria.

Instead the world should have paused to think. If a man-child like him could have had so much but have so little it’s pretty clear what his story reveals.

We all need God.

Like many others since his death I have spent some time updating my Itunes with many of Jackson’s hits. It’s just next time I hear his songs, I will think about what his life could have really meant and how sad it is that he is gone.

“Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:11

© 2009, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Just a Guy Next to Me on a Plane

2009-05-16T21:42:00.008-05:00

I love sports. So it only makes sense that God would use a sports tie-in to get me to slow down a little and do some introspection.

I was on a plane headed out to attend The Masters golf classic in the spring of 2009. One of our insurance providers had given my business partner and me some free passes and a free mansion to stay in for being top producers. "Hard work and success sure has its privileges!" I was secretly saying to myself. (Yea, I was a little proud of the moment.)

Normally when I get on a plane I try and chill or stay busy reading, listening to my Ipod or even working via my Iphone, but lately, I have found myself at least attempting to engage conversation with those seated near me. It has lead to some interesting meetings. The kind when you get off the plane you think to yourself, “I will never see him/her ever again in my life more than likely, but that was cool.” They go on their merry way with their own to-do lists and personal objections, while you head out to do yours.

So goes life.

On this particular flight however, God led me to a really neat man in his early 50s. I quickly learned he was a Christian and we instantly had a great connection. Turned out he was a former pastor who had entered the business banking world. Evidently work as a pastor nearly drove him into the grave. He loved the Lord, but his workaholic nature nearly cost him everything he loved outside of the church. Through some prompting, God called him to retire from fulltime ministry and moved him into the business world. As a result his business experience has led him back to help churches financially. Now he gets to reach out to those in the business world as well as those back in the church arena.

I chuckled when he told me that and said, “that’s how God does it!’

After sharing with him some of my similar thoughts and experiences in business and in ministry, he strongly urged me to a read a book called “Halftime” by Robert Buford. I am a big reader so I told him I would look it up especially after he told me some about its premise.

A little while later, we exchanged cards, shook hands and our lives parted ways. I tell myself I am going to email him one day, but something tells me that the only transaction God had in store that day was for me to read that book.

Not more than a few weeks later I did just that and it changed my life and my perspective forever.

I will be turning 40 in just a few months and my mind has already been working on me about it. People say that whoever you are going to be and whatever legacy you leave behind is established between the ages of 40-50. I have been thinking about the things behind me now and the things ahead. The future looks bright but I sure don't want to screw things up.

God is good. A simple book recommend by a simple man sitting next to me has given me some great insight into all God wants from me. The funny thing is, all God asked me to do was be nice to the guy next door.

All just a reminder, that God still works in ways we tend to overlook. Keep an eye out. He just might use the person next to you.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

© 2009, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

FOR MORE ABOUT HALFTIME: http://www.halftime.org/

Online Social Hubbubs All the Rage

2009-04-22T10:22:00.004-05:00

As I have reconnected with friends and associates from the past 39 years of my life over the wonderful website Facebook (FB), sometimes it is just incredible just to take a moment and think about the various paths everyone has taken in life.

Though some friends remain close all of our lives most of us have "phases" in life in which we run with different groups of people. Mine include growing up in Houston, high school at DeSoto, attending Howard Payne and Baylor, living in Fort Worth, working with Excel in the mid 90s, the singles department at Fielder Road and finally my current life in Mansfield and working with Equal Health.

In some instances decades have gone by with little or no contact with many of these old friends and it’s a real shock (and mostly pleasure) when those connections are remade through various social hubbubs like FB. Recently I spent some time on a college friends FB page looking at their photos and reading about their lives. Over 18 years ago we hung out nearly every day as irresponsible, fun loving, college kids. Since then adulthood took over and now here we are back in touch; kids, families and professions in tow along with us. He likely has hours full of stories and events he has experienced that I am clueless about and the same with me. Yet, once communications start up, it is as if those years never occurred.

As I near 40 I am already working on my planned mid-life crisis. It’s gonna be a party like 1999 (though more than likely I will be in bed right after Letterman’s monologue if not before). Catching up with all of these people spread out all over the nation and some even further away, it is humbling. Life just goes too fast. Next thing you know we’ll be sharing stories about being grandparents.

Oops…some already can.

Facebook is great. It makes me laugh at the days of old, smile at the good things of today, work towards making tomorrow incredible, and think deeply about how it will all wind down.

Life is good, but God is better. Let’s make this the best day of the rest of our lives.

"Love each other with a warm love that comes from the heart. After all, you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth. As a result you have sincere love for each other." 1 Peter 1:22

(c) 2009, J. Brady Speers

"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it!"

Remember When? Easter Should Remind You

2009-04-12T08:54:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it's good for us to remember...

Remember when you talked behind the back of someone you really cared about?

Remember when you stretched the truth just a little to make yourself look good?

Remember when you laughed when someone was being made fun of?

Remember when you said those words you wish now you could have back?

Remember the stupid fight you caused to prove a point not worth proving?

Remember when you promised God you'd do this, or that, if He would only....

Remember when you cussed out the car that cut in front of you in rush hour?

Remember when you tore down someone's dreams by telling them they'd never make it?

Remember when you felt so jealous of the things your best friend accomplished?

Remember when you said you pray for them...only to fail to really do it?

Remember when you took credit for something that you didn't do?

Remember when you didn't answer the phone when you knew someone needed your ear?

Remember when you didn't tithe or give more because there was something you really wanted?

Remember when you were so insecure you did things with someone you wish you could forget?

Remember when you felt so helpless and dirty?

Remember when you just wish you could forgive and forget?

Remember when you didn't let go and let God?

Remember when you were in need of someone to save you and He did?

Do you remember when?

Be reminded this Easter Sunday, because I can assure you He didn't forget. He slept in your tomb so all of these things you could forget and never remember again.

You need Him, remember?

"This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Poof! From Babies to Little Kids

2009-01-27T21:44:00.006-06:00

I didn’t hear the warnings.

Mom, dad, my sister and many friends around me told me this would happen too.

It was around 5am one morning when it all hit me. Our son was struggling through a stomach virus and woke up early needing some love and attention, and most importantly, a bottle. I headed upstairs to tend to him when it dawned on me that I didn’t get to do this very much anymore with any of my kids. Our twin daughters used to love it when daddy rocked them to sleep. My wife Julie certainly got to do it more than I, but they seemed to soak it in the first few years when it was my turn. Today, they are closing in on 4 years old and the rockings have nearly stopped. Every now and then I can slow them down enough to cuddle with them while watching the latest "Wiggles” or “Elmo”. But it’s still nothing like the days of holding them both as they were wrapped up like little human burritos in a soft blankie.

Our son is approaching 2 years old and he is getting more and more independent by the day. We already missed out on months of being able to rock and comfort him since he was adopted when he was 9 months old. This makes the times in the rocker even more special. He never slows down enough to let me do much rocking at all. It was about the only sliver of joy that came out of him being as sick as he was.

That night was special. The cold air was buzzing around outside and our heaters were humming, working hard to prepare for the annual Texas ice-storm that was about to blow in. I knew it was going to be a long day anyway so I figured before it all got rolling I would enjoy holding my little boy. He snuggled close, wrapped up in his Dallas Cowboys blanket just as I had dreamed the son I would have would years ago. It wasn’t long before his breathing was deep and little snores made their way to my ears. I just kept rocking.

Just a few hours later, the house awoke with a blur of activity; making breakfast, getting kids dressed, checking the news, taking out the trash, taking showers and the likes. I soon headed to work where business consumed me quickly.

Those few moments in the “rock-rock” might have been some of the last for me but that brief time spent with Quinn in my arms in the glider won’t soon be forgotten. God willing, Julie and I are happy with having just three kids. It means the days of the diapers, late night bottle feedings, and sadly, the need for being rocked are slowing fading away. In one sense we are excited to move past it. Yet in another it makes me realize I will never be a parent in that way again.

I’m just amazed at how fast life truly goes by.

Poof! My babies are now all little kids.

And though I’ve heard the warnings today about what is around the corner for tomorrow I am not sure I won’t be just as surprised.

“Children are a blessing from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.” Psalms 127:3

© 2009, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

The Books She Never Got to Finish

2008-09-27T23:38:00.008-05:00

This one is tough.

This one will test your faith.

Her name means “eternal life”, but little did her mommy and daddy know that such eternality would arrive so soon. She was only two.

My sister told my wife and me about her a few months ago when the little girl was diagnosed with a very aggressive leukemia. Without chemo she had no chance; with it she had a small chance. It wasn’t good. Her parents had the tough decision of letting her die or trying a risky treatment that had a good chance of keeping her alive if she could live through it. The chances of her living through the chemo were slim, but without it her death was certain.

I could sense my sister’s sadness and her own struggle with understanding it all. Even as Christians, these are the toughest of situations to witness. It quickly reminded me that the things I get bogged down with in life are so trivial. Who really cares about the next Cowboys game, or who will win between Obama and McCain, or when the next episode of my favorite TV show comes on? All I could ask myself was, “What if this was Chloe, Sidney or Quinn?”.

Then I would cry.

Her parents were related to a good friend of my sister so there was some emotional distance between us and them as we received the updates. We didn’t know them at all but as parents, Christians and fellow human beings, our hearts and prayers were with them. Since my wife and I have become parents we almost have to plug our ears and cover our eyes when a story about a hurting child comes our way. It’s just too much. We have two girls that are three and baby boy that just turned one. Only a parent can understand the tie that binds the heart of a parent to a child. Nothing is stronger. Nothing.

My sister had started spending time with the toddler at the hospital during her treatments in order to allow her parents a chance to rest. She would call us and sadly tell us about the child’s demise and how the medicine that could save her was destroying her. I will never forget the image that came to my mind when she told us about a doctor who came in to give her treatment that just stood there and cried like a baby over her. “It never gets easier”, the doctor said.

The Bible says faith without works is dead and certainly death without faith is even worse. But sometimes tears are all that faith can muster. There are no words another can say. There are no answers that make sense. And certainly nothing explains how a little girl that was reading books in her mommy’s lap a month ago is now gone. Sometimes the only thing you can do is cry and hold on. You have to depend on family, friends and even strangers for prayer, because words simply won’t come out.

For a long time Julie and I cried deep inside about this little girl. But, tonight we cried out loud.

She is now with a broken hearted Jesus; a Jesus that cried as He watched her suffer and hurt, a Jesus that couldn’t bare it anymore and called her home, and a Jesus that now holds her in His arms and weeps for the suffering of her family.

The questions we have will not be answered here and the pain many have will only slightly dim in time. But faith, even collected as tears, is an incredible guide to the life beyond the here and now. And surely, she has been restored, healed and is happy once again.

Her short but courageous life is a reminder to us to all to focus on love, the beauty of family and the strength of faith.

Though in our minds she went too early, Eternity was always her destination. And now for years to come she will be a star showing us all how to get there.

In time, she will sing and dance with mommy and daddy once again. But for now, little Skylar plays with Jesus and reads the books she never got to finish.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4

(Skylar – female, English – eternal life, strength, love, beauty)
http://baby-names.adoption.com/search/Skylar.html

© 2008, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Why All the Hate

2008-09-09T21:52:00.002-05:00

Election time never brings out the best in people.

Name calling, slander, empty promises, and character badgering are just a few of the actions you will witness on any given day beginning months if not years before election day. Politicians and supporters of those candidates go at it with no regard of the scars that could remain from such behaviors.

Yet only in America can those that once aggressively demeaned another suddenly be best of friends later. Even going as far as becoming running mates none the less.

However, as a conservative voter over the last 20 years, I have watched an unbalanced shift take place that concerns me. What was once political process and banter has turned into hate spewed speeches, lopsided media coverage and personal attacks against various candidates, especially those whose policy platforms are center-right. A line has been crossed and though both parties are to blame, a majority of the evidence lies on the side of those that call themselves liberal.

Somehow it has become acceptable for a liberal to espouse his hate of the conservative platform, getting moral support from celebrities and media outlets all along the way. Yet, how dare a conservative like me stand up, ask a few tough questions or suggest a search for truth regarding one of their own.

They fear the conservatives.

We are called “the religious right” or “Jesus freaks”, violent anti-war protestors (go figure?) show up by the thousands at our conventions, musicians write anger filled songs about us, and certainly we are viewed as intolerant, old-school and out dated. We aren’t cool.

But it makes no sense. What are people afraid of?

Us “right-winged crazies” support most things this nation was founded on. It’s nothing scary. Ideals as simple as:

1. protecting life and the right of the unborn to have a chance
2. acceptance of personal responsibility instead of governmental dependency
3. free enterprise and the ability to “live life to the fullest”
4. lower personal and business taxes so that businesses like mine don’t have to layoff workers (after all I am not going to fire myself when I have to send more to the government)
5. the constitutional right for us to have guns and protect our families from would be rapists and murders
6. privatized healthcare - our doctors are the best in the world and all nationalized systems in other nations are huge failures
7. the right to choose where our own tax dollars and children are educated whether it be public, private, charter or home schooled
8. strong military that evokes fear in our enemies yet earns respect with our allies
9. religious freedom
10. constitutional judges that refuse to legislate from the bench
11. reduce government wasteful spending on unnecessary ear-marked programs and dependency handouts

You could sum all of this up into one overall ideal; LESS government. The bigger the government, the bigger the budget and the greater the failure the nation will become. Our founders came to this land for that very reason and it’s time to empower the people again. We are a nation full of creative, smart, and hard working citizens that have the capacity to solve any problem, tackle any issue and prepare for any future. We the people, not we the government. That is where our hope lies.

Survey 10 random people if they support the listed ideals above without asking for their party affiliation or giving yours away, and you would likely hear 8 of them say that is exactly what they want in their government. It’s a no brainer. If I stood up as a democrat and gave out the same list, I might even get 10 out of 10 to agree!

Yet, because we Republicans stand for such conservative thinking, we are hated.

But it doesn’t end there.

Over the last few presidential elections the liberal left has taken it a step further by claiming that any and all personal investigations of any and all democratic candidates is nothing but personal acts of hate and racism. How dare we ask tough questions about a person running for election who might end up being the most powerful leader in the world. How dare we study and share the truths our discovery leads us to about them.

On the other hand, it is perfectly fine and expected that a liberal would spew hate and blog their anger towards all conservatives in any form or fashion. Apparently the left media now has their right to print what they want, support who they want biasedly, say what they want and interview who they want. But in no shape or form should a conservative even remotely come close to appearing to do the same.

The Obama camp says we cannot talk about his faith, his friends, his upbringing, his admitted drug use, his connections to crooks and unethical people, his wife, his America-hating preacher, his confusing Muslim/Christian past, his education, his forsaken brother in Kenya that earns $1 a month, his black liberation theology church, his easy career and even his ears.

If we do, we are spewing hate, anger, lies and personal attacks.

Yet this is not?

“I hate Republicans and everything they stand for…You know, the Republicans are not very friendly to different kinds of people. They're a pretty monolithic party. It's pretty much a white Christian party…a lot of them have never made an honest living in their lives." Howard Dean, Democratic superstar.

Since Howard Dean made those comments over the course of many months in 2005, much harsher things have been said about conservative leaders by the likes of John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Senator Edwards, Barbara Boxer, Barack Obama and nearly every other Democratic political figure outside of Joe Liberman. Throw in the nearly every Hollywood celebrity and most news commentators outside of Fox News Channel and it becomes clear why conservative values are not the trendy ideology of our day.

Their recent attacks on Governor Sarah Palin and her teenage daughter are nothing short of some of the most sexist things we have seen done in decades. Feminist should be ecstatic over her sudden rise. Yet, their true colors are coming out as they stand with Oprah refusing to admire, admonish or support her. Sadly, some in America still have a long way to go to get to the level they preach we all should be at as people in 2008.

Don’t be fooled by all of the hate. What’s right, is right.

Even if the left says it’s wrong.

“All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 10:22

© 2008, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Another Stop on the Parenthood Trip

2008-08-27T11:04:00.004-05:00

There seems to be pre-determined road stops along the path of parenthood.

First, there is Babyland where diapers abound, bottles reek, and you find your self dreaming of poop, then there is Toddlerville where the preferred language is Engble (babbling and English combined) and your goal is all about preventing an early death (yours or theirs), and other stops are seen in the not too distant future.

Each of these stops consist of various monumental life experiences too, such as getting rid of the 400hp sports car in lieu of the nifty minivan (complete with a sto-away 3rd row bench seat I may add) or trading in many hours of TV time for weeks worth of recorded shows you will never watch neatly arranged and ready on your DVR.

No matter what you do, these stops along the way are required. Those that try and bypass them usually pay a steeper price and spend years trying to repair the damage done. Only fools refuse to comply.

Recently our trip came to a stop known to many as Swingworld and by the looks on people’s faces and the laughter that follows when I explain our current location on this trip, many, many parents have seemingly made this stop, regrettably.

Our girls just turned three and when kids are three they like to swing. And they like to swing a lot. They want to be pushed, they want to be pulled. They want to stop, they want to go. The want to swing standing up, they want to swing sitting down. They want to sing dang it!

The grandparents have swings. From tree swings to huge outdoor wonder gyms complete with multiple swings, they can swing with the best of them. Our nearby parks have swings attached with all kinds of other amazing playground contraptions.

But we don’t have swings.

Until now.

Daddy caved. The word “sucker” that has been etched as a tattoo across my dad’s forehead for decades now has suddenly appeared on mine.

The swingset box arrived a few weeks before their birthday. I knew when it took a crane to lift it off the 18 wheeled delivery truck and 37 Aggies to get it into my garage, that “some assembly” was going to be required. The instructions that unfolded into an “actual size” map of China confirmed my concerns. It didn’t help that someone in China gave it their best English attempt at writing them too. The parts bags (notice the plural) that took a two-wheel dolly to move made the sweat start beading on my forehead.

Suddenly I was willing to buy another minivan. A pink one if necessary and I would drive it. Anything to avoid Swingworld.

Sorry Daddio. Get busy.

After breaking the project up into small daily tasks I got the swingset 90% complete without too many hitches. I slowly and methodically put a bolt here, a nut there, a metal piece here and another over there, and next thing you know, I had a wobbly swingset.

That’s when I realized I was missing parts.

The Joker of the Swingworld laughed in the distance as I spent hours trying to figure out how to complete this stupid thing without many, and I do mean many, important parts that the unclear instructions were very clear I had to have. After a few trips to Home Depot it was obvious a call would have to be made in order to get my parts.

A week later (after the girls birthday party I should add), the parts arrived in one large unmarked baggie. Thanks. That really helps.

After taking half the swingset apart because of realizing B should have been done before A even though the instructions said to do A before B and the highly detailed graphic instruction image clearly showed A should come before B, it was B that had to come before A. I am no engineer, but I am also not an idiot.

The girls were watching me do all of this, so I had to be careful what I said under my breath to the wonderful makers of this incredible device, but the swing had to come apart in order to be put together. Try and explain that one to 3 year old twins who have been waiting weeks now to swing on “their own swing”. They couldn’t compute why daddy was doing B before A.

Finally, a few days later, the swing set and the huge area of yard that had to be prepped for it underneath it was done. I had dug up dirt and grass, laid on my back to put in a bolt that I could swear was ¼ inch too short, struggled with a plastic ladder that appeared to be warped from its travels, prayed for eternal damnation on the inventor of the swing concept, and ended up undoing and redoing way too many steps.

But in the end, our girls now have their own little Swingworld.
The good news is I have heard you only have to stop there once. Regardless, our minivan is gonna hightail it outta here. I will never build another.

Or so I say. Sucker.

“Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (children). They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127:5

© 2008, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Never Say Never

2008-03-25T15:55:00.001-05:00

"I will never own a mini-van!" I boldly proclaimed right after having our twin girls.

Three years later.

"Great doing business with you!" I said to the nice sales rep. "This is exactly the van we wanted!"

Yes, today, we fell into line with the rest of you morons, and became a mini-van clan. Just two years ago I was driving a brand new, fast, hot, 405hp Corvette. The envy of everyone at every red light I stopped at. Plus, I owned a bright red, double cab Toyota Tacoma that made Home Depot visits a breeze.

But life is different now with twins and another child to arrive any day. The Vett was sold last year, and today the truck is on the market. All dignity has been lost. My kids have finally completely taken over. Nothing is sacred.

The mini-van clan is moving forward full-steam ahead and the forecast shows no signs of change. I feel dizzy, lightheaded and confused. My world is going dark....

What's really scary is we both actually got excited about this thing too. Before I knew it, even I was talking non-stop about all we could do with this mini-van. The trips we could take with fewer stops, the openness of the windows, the smooth ride and the family fun to be had! Almost as if I was trying to convince my male psyche that stacking bags of mulch into the back of this thing in the parking lot of Lowes really wasn't gonna be so bad.

From what I heard from numerous car salesmen, I was simply one of many men who eventually succumb to taking the proverbial walk down "Daddy Vehicle Lane". Right past the 300hp sedans, the incredible dual cab trucks, the new hot rod sports cars, all the way straight to "Mini Van Parkway".

And just like many before me, and many who too will follow, my walk ended with me driving a minivan right out of the parking lot. All the while, a timid look of joy on the face of another dad who has no idea when life as he knew it would ever return.

Now I guess I get to start saying I am the husband of one of those hot minivan moms.

Never say never.

“So he made his war-wagon (mini-van) ready and took his people (kids) with him.” Exodus 14:6 NLT

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Why We Believe

2008-03-23T15:39:00.001-05:00

Christianity is truly set apart from all of the other religious systems the world offers. Here are a few simple reasons that make it easy to believe.

1. No other religion promises eternal life based on the works of God alone. All the others are based on the works of man.

2. In other religions one must die to get to God. In Christianity, God died to get to man.

3. Unlike other religious leaders, Jesus could relate to everything we go through - stress, pain, betrayal, injustice, temptation.

4. Only in Christianity did the Savior die for its followers. In all of the others, one must die for its selfish savior.

5. Only Jesus rose again. All of the other supposed "saviors" are all still dead in their graves.

It's really that simple.

That's why we believe.

For more proof: check out this investigative report about Jesus by Lee Strobel, former Legal Editor of the Chicago Tribune. http://www.leestrobel.com/

“For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

© 2008, J. Brady

”I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

The Blame America First Crowd

2008-02-25T21:17:00.007-06:00

According to Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic hopeful, Barack Obama, America has done nothing she can be proud of her entire adult life.

According to Rev. Jeremiah Wright, pastor of Barack Obama's church of 20 years, America is a country full of hate, and again, has done nothing right. (Listen to his pastor spew rage full of hate and anti-America, anti-white racism and then cuss on during a sermon here. http://www.convervativelight.blogspot.com/)

According to them, and many like them, America needs "change". America is bad. Not good. America is hurtful. America is depressing. America is evil. America is wrong. America just sucks.

Granted, America is not perfect. But change is not the word most American's really want to hear. Improvement? Yes. A return to moralilty? Yes. But full out change?

No. Wrong answer.

The rant a rave that we are at war, that the economy is going down the tubes, that healthcare will sink us, and that poor mother earth must be saved! Therefore, it is the job of our government and the rich to save us.

Again, wrong answer. It is our job to save ourselves.

Reality says our world is full of evil and has been a part of human history for ages. Reality says the economy always has ups and downs and always will. Reality says our healthcare system is still the best in the world (name one better). Reality says we appear to be more concerned about our earth than we do our own children and unborn babies.

Reality says America is great.

Most Americans (white, black, yellow, green, purple, whatever), if they are honest, will have to admit they are happy, have good jobs, enjoy freedom, do what they want when they want, eat out weekly, see good movies, have a good social network, and in general live pretty full lives. Sure, most of us have some debts, few can splurge like Hollywood celebs but all of us can agree that life as an American is still envied by 90% of the world.

Yet for some reason a dark tone continues to run its course in the liberal policital scene day after day, year after year. It's the blame America train and it is coming to a city near you, if not there already.

According to them, you can't be proud of America. Mrs. Obama said these very words just last week in Milwaukee, "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country. Not just because Barack is doing well, but I think people are hungry for change."

Wow.

Nevermind all that America has done for people. Nevermind all that we have created. Nevermind the handouts America has given other nations. Nevermind the religious freedoms this nation provides. Nevermind the medical and scientific discoveries we have made. Nevermind the nations we have protected and liberated. Nevermind the advances in technology we have ushered in. Nevermind the fact the America is still the most free nation in the world.

And, nevermind the fact that had she said such a thing in North Korea, Cuba, Russia, China, Egypt, Iran or Iraq she would already be silienced forever.

I for one, am still proud to be an American. Unlike her and her husband, I am proud to wear and hold my flags. I am proud to say the pledge or sing the national anthem. I see a glass that is half full, not half empty. I see a nation of a diversified people that rises above them all.

Unlike them, I don't think things are really all that bad and I think most will agree.

Sure, things need to improve. We can always get better.

But change?

Change doesn't always bring about the good in people, and Obama and his clan are showing us already the truth behind their plans.

Don't be fooled by flowery words, neat sayings and big crowds for the road to what is right and what we really need is usually one less traveled.

"A malicious man disguises himself with his lips, but in his heart he harbors deceit. Though his speech is charming, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly." Proverbs 26:24-26

(c) 2008, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"

Why Huck Instead of the Liberal Republican Mac

2008-02-06T22:09:00.000-06:00

Five simple reasons why Mac needs to go back and Huck needs to go forward:

1. McCain is a consverative liberal. What I mean by that is he nearly converted to work along side John Kerry in 2004 as his VP. He is a democrat with conservative leanings. Though he has been a Republican all these years, he is not really a true conservative. He is against abortion and for the troops which is great but that is about all. Plus, can he be more boring from the stage?

2. Romney is basically done and over with. You cannot buy the nomination. He has spent millions more than the others and still comes in 2nd or 3rd in nearly every race. He is still a mormon, though I do like his leadership abilities and style. But it has never been proven that a CEO can be an effective President. I would certainly support him more than McCain, but there is bascially no way he can win it now.

3. Huckabee has done all that he has done with God's help and with little to spend compared to the others. McCain has spent $38,000,000. Romney has spent $86,000,000 and Huckabee has barely spent just $7,000,000!!! You tell me who and what has taken him from the bottom of the pile in November to having nearly the same delegates as the $100million dollar man after Super Tuesday?

4. Huckabee is not a perfect conservative. But with Romney basically done, true conservatives can support a man who has these positives on his platform: a man of faith, pro-life, agrees to build a fence and be tougher with immigration (has changed his tune on this some), wants a fair tax system so we ALL get tax breaks -not just the poor, has actually led a true government longer than any of the GOP or DEMS (Mac has only been senator) and most importantly - see below.

5. Huckabee, unlike Mac or Romney, will appoint true conservative judges. McCain will not and who knows who Romney would appoint based on his system of faith. This is the most pressing issue in this election and few are talking about it. This one issue will affect the nation for far longer than a man who might serve for 4 to 8 years as the President. These judges serve for life and could overturn Roe vs. Wade and other liberal interpretations of our Constitution.

If we want God to protect and bless this nation, we cannot remove Him from our schools and society and murder his babies by the millions. Yes, it is murder and you are just clueless if you think it isn't.

It really is as simple as that. Look at the stats since we have taken prayer and the Bible out of our American society and since we made abortion legal and try to argue with me. You will lose. God began removing His hand from this nation in the 60s and we need Him bad.

We could use a man like Huck. Sadly though, it looks like Mac is back.

Pray he asks Huckabee to be his VP. Maybe that is the "window" God will give us to get a man like him in.

"Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"

Yes, You Have to Be Called to Adopt

2008-01-25T22:18:00.000-06:00

Just over 6 months ago, I wrote this article for my first book. http://nobonesaboutit.blogspot.com/2007/06/something-must-be-done.html

Since that day, God has taken my family on an amazing journey of faith, testing, emotion, and anticipation while at the same time putting us through some of the most incredible, life-altering choices to make beyond our imagination.

Having a baby isn't easy. But adoption can be even harder.

Yes, you have to be called to do this.

Being called to do something means that once the emotion settles down a bit, you still feel the desire to move forward. It means, that despite obstacles, tough choices, raw emotions, stress or financial worry, that you believe and press on. It means that when you have doubts, get bored or can't wait, that you still walk in obedience. It means that despite all of the voices of opinion that come your way, the voice you hold to the most is the One that led you down this road to begin with.

When you are called, you know you are.

After 6 months of paperwork, appointments, fingerprinting, medical exams, more paperwork, interviews, paperwork, paying fees, waiting, seeking answers, forum discussions, researching special needs children who we might be willing to accept, paperwork, weekend seminars, losing weight (that would be me), getting emotional, paying more fees, studying the country, learning about another culture and race, paying even more fees, and getting emotional, we KNOW we have been called.

Even so, the full picture God has for us is usually unclear in life, until we stand in "today". For it is "today" and only "today" that we can fully experience and know the current picture called life. Yesterday is over and tomorrow remains behind the sun.

"Today" for us is about a decision we have to make. It is about a little boy all the way around the world whose Korean name means "to shed light on others" and "whose work goes well". A little boy who had a rough start to life, like his potential sisters did. He was born at 34 weeks, had low birth weight, low APGAR scores, and other post-birth trauma just like they did. All of this just to get his little life chugging along.

He has a purpose. He has a place. He has a smile that would eat you alive. He just needs a family to show it to.

That's where we come in.

He popped up a few days ago on a list of kids we check in on that have more special needs than other "more healthy" children. We had even looked into another boy a few months ago on the same list, but God made it clear the answer was "no" when the next day he was adopted by another family. So we moved on.

We are now only 6-7 families from being "next on the list" of getting a "healthy" baby. Yet, Tuesday afternoon when Julie saw this new boy listed, she immediately IM'd me about him. She seemed excited. I logged into the site, and before I could ask her where he was on the list I saw him smiling at me. He literrally looked exaclty like the "word picture" I had kept in my mind's eye this entire time of what my asian boy would look like. It was almost freaky. Most asian babies are full, round and big cause they are fed all day. But this little tike was skinny, small and cuddly like our little Chloe was.

Then I got choked up when I read his notes. A few minutes later our agency sent us his medical report and more details. I cried even more. Julie was teared up too. At the same exact time we were both having the same exact thoughts and feelings. This was how it all began six months ago when I called Julie and told her I thought we needed to switch from China to Korea and from seeking a girl to a boy. She was literally talking to her sister about that very thing before I called her. Yes, God speaks.

The little boy does have issues. His birth trauma could show effects later. He could face challenges later in life and there are some unknowns which means as a family we would have to be willing and ready to accept and deal with it. Doctors have already told us he could be a risk for this or for that. But other's are saying he shows no signs of anything wrong. He is bouncy, cute, funny and very charming.

So here we are. Facing a decision that will affect his life, our lives, our families and much, much more. We literrally have to decide if we are the family for this little baby boy in a land he does not know, from a world we have never seen, who live in opposite ends of the time clock. We could move on, wait for the phone call to come in 6-8 more weeks and pray he finds his forever family in the eyes of another, or we could become his forever family very soon. As in days, not weeks.

We could have a son before the SuperBowl the Cowboys should be in is played next Sunday. It's that real. It's that soon. It's that tough.

But doesn't the reward of a child outweigh the risk? I do know this, God adopted me as His child, and I wasn't just a risk. I was already diagnosed and still am in many ways a bonafide man of imperfection. Full of issues only He can handle. Thankfully, He does. His love, His grace is extended to us all.

I may have just answered my own questions by writing this. It seems more clear and a few more days and with a little more information I am sure it will be. But either way, in the end I get the blessing and honor of doing something for someone else besides me.

What about you? Have you been called?

If not, you will. And, you will know it.

"How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. " Ephesians 1:3-6

(c) 2008, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"

A God-Given Chance at the Presidency?

2007-12-15T14:48:00.000-06:00

There have only been 43 men who have led this nation as the President. With the likes of Washington, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Kennedy, and Reagan many of these men have been held in such high esteem throughout history that only Jesus himself seems more solid and sure.

Our country was founded by mostly Christian men. It's a fact and it's a waste of mental energy to argue that point. America was formed to separate the state from the church, not the other way around. Thanks to men who believed in the power of Christ and the guiding light God can provide to a willing soul, this country has remained at the top of the world for nearly 3 centuries.

In the mid 1980s there was a man some believe God raised up for the very purpose of redirecting and saving this nation from further decay. He became one of the most beloved Presidents in our history. Ronald Reagan spent 8 years in office and gave us nearly 2 decades worth of residual beneficiary worth as a country.

But those days are long behind us and yet again we are in need of God to provide us another leader we can support and trust in to take us into tomorrow. Our nation is in moral decay, taxes are at an all time high, our nation is hated, we are at a war we seemingly are not willing to win, and the nation and everyone in it is in incredible debt. Our dollar is now worth less than the euro and the Canadian dollar is now equal. We are filled with apathy like never before, ruled by political correctness and no absolutes, and we are about to enter yet another decade of murdering over 1,000,000 babies a year.

We need a God-given leader as President and I believe you will clearly see one right in front of your eyes. If you are a Christian and desire to have a leader in Washington that will truly seek God and point this nation back in His direction, then you need to read all of this and make the decision God has for you.

Here are the current top candidates and their experience plus a general summary of their spiritual backgrounds and values.

Hillary Clinton - Democrat - experienced as First Lady and New York Senator (6yrs). Supports abortion, liberalism, higher taxes, and national health care system. Big advocate of women's rights and equality. Attends church irregularly but does not promote Christian faith or talk about her faith. Has millions to spend to get elected.

Mitt Romney - Republican - experienced as governor of Massachusetts from 2003-2006 (3yrs). Successful business man with Bain Capital. Some have called him a liberal republican in the past but has since become more conservative during the current election bid. Supports conservatism and governmental stewardship. Is an active Mormon which Christian theologians view as a cult. Changed stance on abortion during recent campaign (claims he is now against it). Has millions to spend to get elected.

Barak Obama - Democrat - experienced as state senator for Illinois from 1996-2004 and then as U.S. Senator for Illinois since 2004 (11yrs). He studied Islam while living with parents in Indonesia and Christianity later. Supports abortion, liberalism and social welfare systems. States he is open and supportive of all faiths. Young, charismatic speaker who charms crowds and has huge minority following including Oprah Winfrey. Has millions to spend to get elected.

Rudy Guliani - Republican - experienced as Mayor of New York City from 1994-2001 (7yrs). Has background as attorney and has worked in various local and national government positions. After 911 went on huge speaking tour earning millions of dollars. Supports conservatism, lower taxes and smaller government. Stance on abortion has changed since his current election bid. Has been pro-choice in past but now claims he is pro-life, in MOST circumstances. Seen as great leader of the people. Has millions to spent to get elected.

Mike Huckabee -Republican - experienced as both lieutenant governor and state governor of Arkansas from 1993-2007 (14yrs). Was 44th governor of that state but one of only four republicans ever to serve as governor. States he was successful in bringing two sides together for over 11 years though his side was mainly just him as Arkansas is highly democratic state. He is an ordained Baptist preacher and has served as the president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Abolishing abortion rights is a top priority along with a new federal taxing system, smaller government, a stronger military, stopping illegal immigration and having better foreign relations with other world leaders. Speaks boldly of his Christian faith. Humorous, Clinton-esq speaker. Only top candidate that does not have millions to spend to get elected.

Our nation is at a pivotal point in history and major issues need to be addressed over the next decade. That is why each of these candidates has to be looked at seriously, beyond their charm, wit, popularity and especially their money.

The next generation needs us to choose wisely.

These are the main issues to consider in your choosing:

1. Supreme Court Appointments - These appointments are more important for our future than the President is! However, since the President is the one that chooses these judges, it becomes obvious why the election is so important. There are likely to be two Court seats open in the next 6-10 years due to death or retirement. These two seats can literally change the entire direction of the nation -either more liberally or more conservatively. Roe v. Wade could be overturned as a result, or more liberal interpretations of the Constitution could continue as they did during Clinton's presidency. Conservatives have been waiting decades to return our Supreme Court back to what the founding fathers of this nation desired them to be! They are there to interpret the laws and the constitution, not create new ones based on personal views.

2. Over-taxation - It is time both sides agree that our taxes are outrageous. Our economy is buckling as we continue to punish business owners and entreprenuers for being successful! Everyone needs a break and the current system is not working. Our dollar is no longer the leader it once was and there are better systems to consider.

3. The War on Terror and Foreign Diplomacy - Nearly everyone agrees the war in Iraq needs to come to an end at some point. If we are not going to do all we can to win, we need to do something else. Along with that, our reputation with the world needs to be repaired without minimizing our strength of will. It seems only the democrats and just one of the GOP candidates supports this thinking.

4. Illegal Immigration - We need to make it easier for people to become Americans, but they must be here legally. We have to stop the open-door policy as it is draining our resources and increasing healthcare costs.

5. Morality - Not enough can be said about this issue. Sin and outlandish crimes are at an all time high and we need a leader that has a daily, personal relationship with Christ to help set a new standard in Washington and for the nation. It does not mean that a Christian has to be the President, but if given the choice, how could one select one that isn't, or says they are in title only or believes in a false doctrine? With the current GOP candidates, there is only one that is concerned at heart about our nation's decline in morality.

This is not a time to simply make a "business choice" or decide based on one's looks, how much money they have, their appeal or experience. We need a leader that can boldly trust in God, is not ashamed to admit so, yet can serve as a strong political force that this nation has needed since Ronald Reagan.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1. Pray for your candidate. If you do not believe God cares about political matters, you do not read the same Bible I do. He does and He will give favor if asked. Jesus was a savior and a huge political player in His day.
2. Give to your candidate! Prayer is good, but money makes the world go around. People need to hear in order to know and if they do not know your candidate won't get the vote.
3. Spread the word! Start now as primaries are days away! Email friends, blog, talk at lunch.
4. Vote in the primary. The primary in your state will help elevate the candidate you have selected as the leader of your party.

The next 10 months are more important than ever. Please do not take the typical "I don't get involved in politics" attitude so many Christians say in these days. We owe it to our future, to our past and to God himself to do all we can to stand up for what is right.

You can make a difference. So start now.

"Appoint judges and administrative officials for all the cities the Lord your God is giving you. They will administer justice in every part of the land." Deuteronomy 16:18-19

"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"

The Teddy Bear Was the One Offended

2007-11-29T09:02:00.000-06:00

Over the last decade it seems the world has made every effort to accept the Islamic faith as a religious system to be admired, embraced and endorsed by all. Millions of people have converted to the teachings and ways of Muhammad.

Yet in the last two weeks alone, two outrageous stories emerged that take the mind to a place beyond shock, bewilderment and understanding. Last week it was confirmed that a Saudi woman was going to be given 200 lashes and sent to prison after being gang raped by Saudi men! Why? Because the Muslim faith prohibits a woman from being alone with a man that is not her husband. She was sentenced to more punishment for taking her story to the media.

This week, a British woman teaching in Sudan was charged with insulting a teddy bear for allowing a child to name him Muhammad. She could be punished with 40 lashes and up to six months in jail for this horrendous act.

Can you imagine if either of these stories took place under the veil of the Christian faith? Can you imagine the outcry that would occur if a teacher in Mansfield, Texas, was given 20 lashes for allowing a child to name their Build-a-Bear Jesus? What if she was sent to prison for 2 years and given 200 lashes for having lunch alone with her male co-worker?
What is we started arresting and punishing people for using God’s name in vain or saying Jesus H Christ? What if we hunted down those that opposed all things that had to do with Christianity and “let them have it” like the Muslims seem to be able to do?
Can you imagine how quick the world would react to such acts by Christians?

Sounds unreal, but Christians have been murdered over centuries for even smaller things.

Yet, the outcry with both of these stories is under the radar and the noise level is barely above a sympathetic moan. Some care, but most brush it off as just being strange ways of the Islamic faith.

Is part of being tolerant and accepting this religion allowing such stupidity to continue? I mean, what moron would embrace a faith that teaches and promotes such idiotic rules?

And, who would give a teddy bear a false prophet name anyway? That would be like naming your cat Edward. Just doesn’t work.

Our world is a crazy one indeed. After all, the big news in this latest story shouldn’t be how offended Muhammad was.

The teddy bear was the one that was offended.

“A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.” Ecclesiastes 10;15

© 2007, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

If Only Last Year Would Have Lasted....

2007-11-24T23:28:00.000-06:00

(adapted from Doubled-Over blog)

Last year our girls had their first conscious meeting of Santa.

It all happened one cool, December evening at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. It was time to get into the "spirit of the season" so we we figured it would be a great time for us to meet my sister and her family along with my parents there and introduce the girls to Santa for the 1st time that they would be aware of anyway. (You know, year one doesn't really count.)

If you have not visited the Gaylord during the holidays, it is a wonder world of Christmas lights and fun. Trains, decorations, people, music and of course a huge Santa's workshop to boot. Figured it would be a great place to get some memorable family photos and fill the brain full of laughs and gaffs.

Such are the naive thoughts of people who have been parents for all of 15 months.

Things were progressing nicely until the girls caught wind and got in eye-shot of the big old man in the all red suit. I am sure their little brains were confused....

"Take a look at this dude Chloe," I can imagine Sidney saying in her developing twin babble.

"Yea, what is UP with that?" Chloe agrees.

"Is he for real? What is he anyway, a fireman that can't find it in his heart to retire? I mean how old can this man be?" Sidney chides in.

"I don't know Sid," Chloe says, "but I do NOT like the way he is looking at us and I think mom and dad are giving us away to this bearded man. Why is he smiling?....."

"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!" they screamed in perfect Christmas harmony while kicking Julie and I in every place imaginable.

Needless to say, the picture we got of them with Santa in 2006 WAS memorable for sure. Their scream wrenched faces tell it all.

It wasn't until a few weeks ago, when I noticed this sudden affinity for Santa which seemed to come out of nowhere, that I realized how great I could have had it. But now their frightened hearts a year ago suddenly beat with excitement at the sight of the "weird man in red". Call it Christmas magic.

That's when it hit me that them liking this guy was not a good thing for the checking account of a dad of multiples.

Twice the fun, twice the price. 'Tis the season.

If only....

"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. " Luke 2:10-11

"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"

Not Sure I Will Ever Find It Again

2007-10-23T22:21:00.000-05:00

I grew up in Houston.

That should say enough, for those of you who have been there or lived there. Yes, there are huge mesquitoes, you sweat just checking the mail during the summer, and the place stinks thanks to all of the oil, gas and chemical plants located there.

But Houston has its good things too. The beach is a few miles away, the sports teams are pretty good, there is NASA to visit and it's a great place to learn freeway driving! But for me, one thing stands out more than any other during the 12 childhood years I spent in the big city and I am just not sure I will ever find it again.

I am not referring to the Astros, the Oilers, the Rockets, the space center, PipeOrgan Pizza, the Galleria, Baybrook Mall, the beach a quick drive away, the marinas, Kemah, or the former Astroworld. Certainly I have incredible memories and experiences attached to all of those.

No, I am talking about a small place of worship in the middle of it all called Heritage Park Baptist Church. Or, as I have called it for years "Heritage Park". Words simply cannot express well enough the impact this small group of people had on me, my family and many others.

My mom and dad decided our family would join this small group of believers in the early 80s. It was closer to home than our current church and it just felt right. It was where God wanted us to be. The years that followed provided us some of the greatest times we will ever know with God, our family and His people.

The church was the center of everyone's life. Not school, not sports, not jobs, and not other things. The church was where we were on Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and usually a few times on the weekend too. It was our life and each family was committed to the same. It wasn't out of tradition or some lame religious obligation either. It was because we wanted to. We loved each other, loved God, and loved doing His work. There was simply no other place we wanted to be.

We experienced everything about life together as a church family too. Potluck dinners, football games, softball teams, making stupid movies, goofy adult class parties, youth events galore, choir events, camping trips, family vacations, vacation Bible school, youth camps, retreats, beach trips, service projects, building projects and much, much more. Heck, we even took rounds mowing the church grass!

My parents friends were my "other parents" and many still feel like they are. The McMahons, the Mills, the Hamiltons, the Holloways, the Thompsons, the Kipps, and the Rices to name a few. They all had kids that became my friends. We went to school together, ran the streets of Houston and Galveston together, and drove our parents crazy together. Some I dated. Some we all dated. There was even one I thought I would marry when I was 16!

In 1986 my dad informed us that our family was being relocated to the DFW area. The time came for us to load up and drive away and it was the saddest day of our lives. I'll never forget that weekend. The church family threw a going away party for us. They sang "Friends Are Friends Forever" to us and even put it on tape and I still cannot listen to that song to this day without getting emotional about that weekend. They gave us parting gifts and parting hugs. Tears were flowing everywhere.

The morning we left town our driveway and street was full of people crying and waving by. I choke up writing this and remembering it all. We had two packed cars. I was 16 and had to drive one of them because mom was a wreck. My sister and I rode together and balled our eyes out as we pulled away and said by to a place, a people and a way of living that I have never found since.

That was 21 years ago and I have rarely missed going to church on a Sunday since. But times have changed and people aren't the same. Today Christians attend church when it is convenient and other things like sports, business, jobs and school have become what life evolves around. The world of SELF seems to be the center of it all for many. Few give their time much less their money, many are too busy to remember to pray for you, most don't miss you when you are gone and few truly love His people or His church like Christ calls us to. It's sad, but you know it's true for many of today's believers. And, I hate to admit, have fallen prey to this new way of thinking a few times myself.

Regardless, God has been good and since those days I have made many great Christian friends, have had fellowship with other great groups of believers and attended some good churches. My family attends and serves at a great church now. But, there is still just something missing...

Recently, we made the trip to Houston for the churchs' 30th anniversary reunion. It was a time to remember all that God had done yesterday and help the church prepare for tomorrow. I made fresh contact with many of those people and even a few surprises, like my piano teacher from 30 years ago! I got to hug Brother Jud, the pastor that has most affected my entire life and theology. I got to hear John Turner sing one more song. I got to have a few more hugs from people I feel like I will be connected to for eternity. The same smiles, affection and love filled the new, much larger church facilities that day. It was a warmth I could soak in for days!

Heritage Park is still alive and well and it's certainly much larger. Most of the faces I knew have moved on and some have even taken the final step and joined the Lord, yet some people from then remain. The preaching is good, the music is great and the people still love the Lord. Lives are still being changed and foundations are being laid, just like they were 30 years ago

It's not often you can find a group outside of your own family that you know would lay down their lives for yours. People that you call "family" and truly know and feel they are. People you can count on to shout when life is good or cry when things go wrong. People that really do pray for you when you ask. People that give when you need. People that miss you when you are gone. People that listen when you can't shut up. People that forgive when you cause pain. People that love when you don't love back. People that remember you when you come back.

These were real people of God. His people, who did things His way. A real church. Making a real difference in the lives of those around them and setting the stage for His return.

Why do I love God? Because of what we found He can do through a small group of people in a tiny church I still call Heritage Park.

And, I'm just not sure I will ever find it again.

"...They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person's need was met. They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved. " Acts 2:42-47.

(c) 2007, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"

We Hate Hiring Christians

2007-10-10T14:21:00.000-05:00

My business partner and I have been employers now for nearly 10 years and one of the keys to owning a successful company is having good, loyal, trustworthy employees. That is not an easy task and after years of experience I can honestly say that for the most part we...

hate hiring Christians.

Our first employee was a Christian college student. She was one of the few "Christian" employees we have ever had we could trust. She was loyal and genuine in how she worked and what she did for us. I wish we could clone her!

Today we have hired hundreds of people over the years and have about 40 that work for us currently. The people that make their faith known to those around them by being outlandish, loud and overbearing are the one's we fear. They usually cover up their lack of character with their obnoxious church-chatter. God this and God that.....church this and church that....believing for this and believing for that. It's really easy to see.

It's a sad truth but my business partner and I would rather have a non-Christian or at least a non-Bible toting believer work for us. It seems the more they profess to be a Christian the worse the behavior they bring to our company.

When it comes to good employees we look for these qualities:
1. Dependable
2. Responsible
3. Good positive attitude (no drama)
4. Does not stir up trouble or gossip
5. Trustworthy
6. Strong work ethic (works 8 hours a day or more and is not late every day)
7. Does not have to be micro-managed
8. Teachable, coachable, flexible attitude
9. Honest and has integrity
10. Goal oriented

Now, one would think these are obvious attributes for a Christian employee to demonstrate. Yet, time after time we see the opposite. Many are tardy daily, many lie and are deceptive, many have stolen from us, many lie and cheat the company work time and materials, most gossip and have poor attitudes, they stir up drama and trouble, and they are only as loyal as their next paycheck. The next time the company makes a mistake they are worse than non-Christians at trying to destroy company reputations and those of the owners.

Funny thing is that these same people expect the company, since it is owned by two Christians, to demonstrate the same qualities they fail to every day! They won't behave that way themselves buy heaven forbid the company makes a mistake. It makes no sense.

We had one "Christian" customer service manager hide work (customer letters and information) in her drawers and made up false reports to make herself look good. (A year later she sent me an email asking for us to donate to her newly formed ministry! lol) We recently had another that had a medical condition she used to take advantage of the company by getting extra time off work so in reality she could sleep in or spend time with her boyfriend that she was also sleeping with. She also used the company apartment to have sleepovers. We have had numerous "Christian" employees that have totally lied to the TWC in order to get illegal unemployment benefits after they quit or were terminated for lack of performance. One just never showed back up to work again (job abandonment) and yet said she was fired. And we have had many "Christians" show no character at all by spreading gossip about the company and giving company materials to competitors after they no longer worked for us. We never expect "Christian" employees to give us a real "two week notice" - those days are long behind us.

Of course, these same "Christian" employees are the ones running to various churches in the area to praise God on Sundays. One used to go to my church! I would expect such actions from those who do not know Christ but not fellow believers. Makes me sick. Really.

Bottom line to me is these people do not really know the Lord. Honest mistakes and failures are the name of game for the normal, true Christian. But habitual actions that show a lack of character or integrity, only to deny so later when confronted, shows me these people never really knew Jesus anyway.

If you are a Christian and you have a job remember these two simple things.

1. You are working for an audience of ONE - Christ Himself. Work as if He was your boss, because in reality He does control your Company, your earthly boss and your paycheck! Give it your all, day after consistent day.

2. Set an example for the others around you. Certainly if you are a believer you should be among the best employees your boss has. Ask yourself, "How would Christ be seen by His fellow workers and His boss if He worked here?" and practice the answers you come up with!

You spend most of time each week at work. If you can't be like Christ at work, what are you saving it for?

Step up to the plate or just make sure you don't apply to work for me.

"Servants (employees), do what you're told by your earthly masters (boss). And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work." Colossians 3:22-25

(c) 2007, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and make no bones about it!"

Are You Y2K Compliant?

2007-10-05T21:24:00.000-05:00

(2000) Just less than 330 days ago, everyone wondered if the world was going to end. Doomsayers were saying it was all but over, many technical gurus had us fall for the “Y2K Compliant” retailing heist, and world leaders did their best to proclaim this as a time of unification and opportunity of renewal.

Isn’t it funny how it all really happened? After the fireworks, glamour balls, dances, parties, prayer vigils and much more were over, the world returned to it’s ever spinning state. Here we are once again faced with another Christmas/New Year’s season; with full electricity and all PCs a blazin’!

Yep, the malls are a buz. Money’s being spent like it’s being printed in garages across the county. Scooters are the craze. The Cowboys are having another pitiful holiday season. There’s not enough Play Station2’s to go around, and kids are impatiently staring at the sky for Santa, and adults are the like!

Then again, that’s what makes Christmas the fun that it is. The music, the laughter, the lights and the smells, all bring back those hopes of what’s under the tree! I’m glad to see another come on around.

So, as the year 2000 leaves us for eternity, my challenge to you this Christmas is simple. Just enjoy it.

For once a year, the world really does come to a stop. Once a year, we think about the other person before ourselves. Once a year, we care to reach out to the cold and lonely. Once a year, we promise to make the next one better, more pure, more right.

Just once a year. So, let’s make this one count, because just a few months ago, we all wondered if God would grant us the grace to enjoy another. Thankfully the millennium came and went and we’re still here!

Knowing I’ll see you on the other side! Merry Christmas my friend.

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

© 2000, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Is He Coming Back Soon? Let's Hope So...

2007-06-19T10:36:00.000-05:00

It’s hard sometimes to not get caught up in the “worries of this world” isn’t it? I mean, who can ignore the pain this world puts itself through?

It’s also hard to argue that the stage is being set for the return of Christ. At least, that’s the hope we all have to cling to. The Bible makes it clear that in the end times two things will be happening at the same time; 1. the world will fall further away from Truth and further into darkness and 2. a revival like never before will sweep through the world.

In terms of the world getting darker I think it is clear that we are full-fledge into that process. Anybody with a brain would say it’s obvious. A recent walk through some recent headlines reveals the sad truth…

- Michigan woman gets 12 to 22 1/2 years for arranging for her boyfriend to rape her underage daughter. (Michigan)
- Cops Investigate Substitute teacher allegedly having sex with daughter’s boyfriend. (Wisconsin)
- Videotape supposedly shows suicide bomber 'graduation' (national)
- Man Molested 3-Year-Old At Grocery, Mom Says (Cincinnati)
- 130 Alleged Deadbeat Dads Arrested On Father's Day (Chicago)
- Trial date set for man who micro-waved baby (Galveston)
- Doctor sentenced to 58 years in prison for molesting stepdaughter (San Francisco)
- Officer left messages for mistress he buried in basement (Toronto)
- Woman charged with manslaughter after running over boyfriend with car (Anchorage)
- Priest sentenced for aiding rape (The UK)
- Woman convicted of taped sex with boy (Orlando)
- Police: Mom Stabbed Son, 2, To 'Kill Demons' (Florida)
- 5-Year-Old Hands Out Heroin At Day Care (Buffalo)
- Michael Moore’s bodyguard arrested on airport gun charge (New York)
- Paris Hilton Is Bored...With 6 Days Left Of Jail (California)
- Bill Clinton: $10 Million Haul for Talks (New York)

And, these were just the headlines from TODAY!

The problem is that event number two seems to be lagging somewhat doesn’t it? In other parts of the world the Gospel is gaining steam and sweeping through the area.

But, in America? Well, we’ve still got people like Michael Moore, Paris Hilton and Hillary Clinton taking center stage. Not a ton of talking going on about Christ and it makes me wonder what we are doing wrong.

Let’s all agree, if those three continue to dominate headlines, we’ve got issues. We need to step it up and take the headlines back. I’m tired of reading stories like above.

Jesus, please…send revival and let it begin with me!

Lord knows we need it!

“When you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.” Luke 21:31

© 2007 J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Something Must Be Done

2007-06-15T17:00:00.000-05:00

People say that having a child is the most amazing experience in life. It is at that exact moment, as those little feet and hands wiggle their way into this world that love in every sense is felt, understood and embraced. Only then can one comprehend God and His love. Only a fool could say such an experience is simply the logical progression of science, evolution, void of a Creator and Designer.

I know for me those 18 seconds, the time it took for both of my little angels to be pulled out of my wife's womb, literally changed my entire realm of understanding and perception. I immediately saw God, friendship, family and my purpose in a new light. I will never forget it.

But experiencing the joy of seeing life begin and the excitement of beginning to direct the journey of that soul does not have to end there. Across the world there are literally millions of unwanted children being tossed to the side. Some handed over to uncaring caretakers, some murdered through abortion, many left in dumpsters, or on the ground alone.

According to a recent story posted on FoxNews.com Asian girls are literally being slaughtered. "There is a little-known battle for survival going in some parts of the world. Those at risk are baby girls, and the casualties are in the millions each year. The weapons being used against them are prenatal sex selection, abortion and female infanticide — the systematic killing of girls soon after they are born. According to a recent UN State of the World Population Report, these practices, combined with neglect, have resulted in at least 60 million "missing" girls in Asia, creating gender imbalances and other serious problems that experts say will have far reaching consequences for years to come."

If your heart aches after reading that like ours does, then you know something has to be done. Imagine a little, helpless baby...in need of a mother's warming arms, in need of someone to help them begin their journey...instead being murdered on the spot or sent away to some home waiting with abuse and pain. This is not some horror movie script. This is really happening in our world.

Jesus calls each of us as believers to certain tasks in terms of reaching out and helping the fallen aspects of our world. Those that are considered the outcasts are those He seemed to connect with. Those who need love the most. He was the master of doing just that and He calls us to do the same.

Reach out to a widow, she is lonely. Reach out to those in prison, he feels worthless. Embrace an orphan, she needs a family.

It is time we all consider doing one if not all of the above. It's one of the marks of our faith. He makes that clear.

There is a world out there of unloved, unembraced, unwanted children. Little boys and little girls who should be laughing, playing, singing songs while being loved on, kissed and told they're the best. Yet, that's not the case by the millions.

Sure, we can wait on the world to fix the problem. But the problem exists because of the world.

In some form or fashion we need to help and here are three main ways we can:

1. Consider changing the destiny of a child by being open to adoption. Many are stepping up and doing so in the last few years. Christian singers and artists, celebrities, pastors and average Joe's. It's a process for sure, but it's not your life that should be the concern.

2. Financially give to someone you know that is adopting or support a good adoption charity. It can be very expensive - to the tune of $15,000 to $30,000 - but this should not be a barrier to reaching out to those kids. Plus, it's a direct way of knowing you made a real difference.

3. Pray for the safety and adoption of those children regularly. Prayer changes things and prayer provides protection and provision. Pray for those adopting and pray for their new child. They will need it. And, above all, pray for those globally that need a home.

My heart was overwhelmed with joy when I first saw Sidney and Chloe. We can't kiss them enough.

Now our hearts break for those little babies never even kissed once.

We're going to do something about it. Will you?

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 (the Message)

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Worth Writing About

2007-06-05T23:26:00.000-05:00

I truly believe most people miss out on the life our Creator intended for them to live.
Lives are lived and lives are ended every day.
People miss the mark. Their lives come to an expected or unexpected end with God's dreams for them dying with them.

The Bible makes it clear that we are called to live our lives like Christ. So here is the simple question to ask.

What kind of life did He live?

Was his life characterized by normalcy? Did he "just exist"? Did he lay low, live a quiet unassuming life, ended by a simple funeral processesion through his home town? Or, was his life one that was marked by all things extraordinary? I think we all know the answer.

Christ lived a life that in every way was far from normal. Sure, he did and had many things any normal person would have - family, friends, fellowship, a profession, a childhood -and he likely worked, paid bills and paid his taxes. But, still. That was simply the flour in the cake.

Christ gave us all an example. A blueprint. A formual.

And he also gave us a task.

Take a leap of faith and seek out what it is God would have you do to make a mark on this earth. Ask Him to show you what legacy he would have you leave. Don't settle for the norm. Strive to reach beyond.

Change a life. Give beyond your means. Do something great.

Go beyond the job, the house, the 2.5 kids and the dog. It may be the American dream, but that's normal. That's average. Strive for more. With God's help, you can do it.

Be the best employee anyone has ever known. Be the grandparent people talk about. Be the student people admire. Be the church member your Pastor gets emotional over. Be the parent every kids wants to have. Be the leader your community needs.

Adopt a child. Save a life. Serve the needy. Visit the jailed. Love the unlovable. Do what Christ would do. It's really that simple.

If we are called to live like Christ, it means we should all be living lives worth writing about.

God wrote about David. He wrote about Paul. He wrote about Moses, Esther, Ezra, Peter, Timothy, Mary and Martha.

And, my guess is He is ready to write about you.

Make sure, you've got a story worth writing about.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
1 Corinthians 9:24-25

© 2007 J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Flaky, Flabby but Full of God

2007-05-28T21:25:00.000-05:00

On Memorial Day, I stopped by my grandfather's grave to place some small flags. A new tradition for me to honor him as a veteran and to remember who he was to me. As I stood there watching the sun go down, I said a simple prayer that one day, in many ways I could be a cornerstone to my family and my community like he was.

It was then that God made it clear I had a ways to go. And I am not alone.

Many of God's children are flaky and frankly, flabby. They live lives that lack character and are excessive in nature. I was reminded that I too can be like this day in and day out if I am not careful. We all can get so wrapped up in “being religious” in what we do all while forgetting what being a real Christian means. Putting on the act of a believer won’t save one soul.

Let me share some real life examples - some are real people I know, others are ones I have heard of. All of this is shared in a way to, yes, protect the guilty.

How about the couple that sits on the front row of church, never missing a Sunday, with hands raised for every song? Yet, these same people have no desire to handle their kids properly when a guest at someone's home. Their kids are loud, rude and destroy the place and no apology is ever offered, much less any effort given to help clean up the place. Next Sunday, there they will be, in all their glory, hands raised high.

How about the lady that is at least 100 pounds overweight that proclaims she just "can't believe a Christian would drink wine or ever have a beer here! What a bad witness! Our bodies are the temple of God!" Saying this with bits of glazed frosting stuck to her outer lips while cramming a 7th hot donut in her mouth.

Or, how about the obnoxious know-it-all at church who quickly answers all class questions, dominates prayer request time, and suggests we bombard and bury the lost with the piles of scripture we should all have memorize, after all he has memorized the entire book of Numbers! On top of that these same people claim the lesson are not deep enough for them and complain loudly about how they aren’t being challenged. They have no idea how to extend grace and come down to the level of those around them that aren’t as spiritual as they are.

Best of all is the believer that runs around in their car with every Christian bumper sticker known to man on the back, most of which are crooked. They purposefully get in the fast lane and go 10 miles an hour under the speed limit, causing freeway pandaomonium and judging those that don’t obey every single law of the land like they do.

For decades now people (and I certainly include myself in the gang of the guilty) who call themselves "believers" have given their best late night show impressions to win over the world. And the shows range from the smallest church that baptizes one a decade, to the biggest church who might not baptize any at all.

Some claim they are closer to God because the never miss a Sunday, raise their hands higher or say their “Amens” louder. Many more have a nothing-is-ever-wrong, unreal attitude and can’t admit that they felt anger, sadness and doubt when they heard their loved one was terminally ill.

See, Jesus knew and taught, that it is not what you know or what you do that turns a person to Him. Rather it is who you are that makes the biggest difference. I don't recall reading in Speculations 1:1 anything calling us to being flaky and flabby. Yet, that appears to be the case more and more today. We are flaky and flabby, yet claim to be full of God.

I know people that appear to have it all in place. Yet, these same people take advantage of friends or family members. They might let their kids destroy a home while visiting someone else. Some spend more time in front of the TV a week than they do in being productive in other ways. Others are just terrible parents, or misuse their money and rarely tithe. They might not pay their debts, or they may cheat the IRS.

Some go as far as being lazy. Others are tardy everywhere they go. Many have bad attitudes, bad habits, and don't take care of the things God has given them, such as their cars, homes or yards. Hundreds more sit around expecting the government to help or believe "their boat is about to come in", when they can't even keep a job for more than a year. Many others cheat their company or bosses at work by being lazy, late or "sick” whenever they feel like it. (I know that one too well. Quick fact is many times we hire non-Christians more than we do believers).

What kind of witness are those things to a world that seems to care less and less about what we say? Does it really matter that our neighbors see us go to church on Sunday when our weeds are taking over their own yard? Does it matter than we have 300 scripture pictures in our cubes or on our desks and we can't even associate with a lost person at lunch? Does it matter that we blare Toby Mac with the windows down so everyone knows we don't listen to "that junk" on KISS FM? Does it really matter that we hand out 300 tracks the Friday night right after we snuck out of work early when our boss wasn't looking? I doubt it matters much at all.

Being a real Christian is simple. We just need to be the people that show Christ-like examples in everything we do, how we live, what we say, what we do and above all who we are. We don’t have to draw attention to ourselves, be obnoxious or put on a dog and pony show.

We just need to evoke this thought in others when our name is mentioned – “Now that was a person who had it all together and there was something very different about the way they lived life. I want to live my life like them. ” That’s being real and it’s what Jesus calls us to do.

So let’s cut out the flakiness and flab and agree to work on the following. Let's be people that...

* Really pray for others when we say we will....
* Do our taxes on time and be thankful we are Americans, and not Cubans.
* Keep our homes looking like we actually care and are thankful He has given us them! (Especially if we rent them, because they aren't even ours.)
* Tithe to our home churches - every time we get paid, and then give above the tithe too.
* Still have scheduled dates with our husband or wife and love them everyday, and not just on Valentine’s Day.
* If single, let’s remain dedicated to purity and high standards, though no one is watching and every other single person out there lives like those on “Friends”.
* Show up to work on time, is the best boss anyone has ever had, the best employee on staff and be-friends everyone we can, even those that say those bad words that we don't like.
* Make sure our kids are well-behaved through structure and discipline.
* Teach our kids values more by how we live rather than just by what we say.
* Respect others around us and treat their homes and possessions better than our own, especially when we are invited over or borrow something. Please, return it on time without being reminded.
* Are active in changing our communities, via being involved, serving and being politically active. (Christians are those that complain the loudest about our society, yet stats show only 40-50% of them vote when it comes time too!)
* Stand up for what is right and don't shy away from Jesus, even when it is not "politically correct" or popular to do so.
* Are good stewards with the income and money God has given us; saving for the unknown, investing for tomorrow and paying off those we owe.
* Take care of ourselves by watching what we eat and exercising more. Twinkies and donuts won’t lead people to Heaven, though we all pray hard they are IN heaven when we get there!

Quite simply put, being a real Christian is about living like Christ in every area of life - working hard, paying your taxes, saving for the future, having an attitude of joy and thankfulness in all situations, teaching values to kids, being a person of character and integrity, standing up for what is right, being dependable and on-time, witnessing to those around us in words and deeds, - all of this along with worshiping, praying and reading His word.

Our act is getting old and the world is doing nothing but mocking our show. We need to all build bridges and go over ourselves. We didn’t do anything to deserve the grace we’ve all been given. We simply owe it all to Him in return and others are counting on us.

So, get in shape, get it together, and please, be real.

“When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It's your life that must change, not your skin! And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire.” Matthew 3:7

© 2007 J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

God Doesn't Make Sense

2007-05-23T20:31:00.000-05:00

Yep, I said it. God just doesn’t make sense. He really doesn’t.

Let me prove it.

Have you ever just stopped for second and taken a good look at yourself? I mean. Those legs…that hair…that double chin….that stupid laugh…that terrible voice….that lack of creativity or skill…and those clothes. Wow. It isn’t the 80s anymore you know….

I mean think about it. Despite all of that, and I am sure much more (but I won’t say anything I promise), God still loves you for who you are!

It makes no sense!

Better yet, take another second or two and think about all you have done….yesterday, years ago, and heck maybe even 3 minutes ago. Those things you thought, that cursing you let out, that anger you spilled, that finger you gave the other drive, that woman you lusted after, that person you gossiped about, that church you criticized, that thing you stole, that pain you caused, that money you blew…..and again much, much more.

Yet, again, despite all of that, the grace of God says to us both, “My Son will cover it all! Come on in and have my love and favor anyway!”

It just makes no sense.

To many people God has to be figured out in order to be believed in. To others, if His ways are not ways familiar to their own, He can’t be accepted much less be real. The problem with both of those approaches is simple. Human reasoning and Godly reasoning rarely fit into the same square of compatibility.

Let’s get real….as soon as you can turn your bottle of Beringer’s into some pure Evian water….girl please…..

When you can explain how something like the wind can be felt, can create energy yet can’t be seen…..
When you can count the hairs on your buddies head without calling upon your bald friends to use….
When you can count the stars in the sky and know each by name….during the day
When you can explain how a King Penguin can stand for days upon end, protecting their egg, in sub-zero weather without dying….
When you can explain the reasoning and beauty of spring Bluebonnets…
When you can explain the ongoing love of an abused dog…

Then, maybe just maybe, someone might listen.

Until then, face it. God doesn’t need you….you my friend need Him.

Now that makes sense.

"My thoughts are completely different from yours. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

© 2007, J. Brady Speers

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Yes, Dreams Can Come True

2007-05-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

(1993) "You might think this is stupid," she said. "But I really think about this all the time. It's a dream of mine and one day it will be mine. I don't know how. But it will..."

As I listened to this friend of mine describe in detail how she had this one idea that was running like crazy around in her mind, I began to smile. Not in a negative way, but in recognition of her intent on seeing this event come true in her life.

Dreams can come true.

I believe each one of us, young or old, have our minds constantly filled with dreams we one day would love to fulfill. Unfortunately for most of us, we find ourselves on the routine rut of life and our dreams die on our pillow cases.

For me, the book you are reading right now began at an early adulthood age.

Dreams have always played a big part in my life. I dreamed of playing high school baseball and I did. I dreamed of being a high school newspaper editor and I did. I dreamed of getting a college degree and I did.

But why? Why do some of us attain our dreams, and others just dream about dreams? Why have mine come true and others not?

Looking back I can see a trend of success among young people as well as a trend of failure. Those that succeed find a way and work until it happens. Those that fail, stop dreaming and lose focus once was the motivating factor of life itself.

There are dreamers and there are wishers. Most people tend to be wishers. "I wish I could have a car like that...I wish that was mine...I wish I could make good grades...I wish I could date her." However, wishes can be wished away like the flame of a candle.

A dreamer on the other hand let's nothing stand in the way. Their eyes are focused and any intervening thing is recognized as an enemy. Nothing will stop them from seeing their ideas, their goals and their dreams coming to pass.

I encourage you to be a dreamer. Youth is the age of ideas, the age reason and the age of exploration. Explore your mind and prayerfully consider the dreams God has in store for you. He has big dreams for you to fulfill and see come to pass. Don't let yourself or Him down by letting trivial daily things get in your way. Knock them out of the way and say to the world..."Here I come!!!"

Remember the old true parable, if the dream is big enough, the facts just don't count!

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

© 1993, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

The End of Myself

2007-05-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

(1996) Recently I was with an Outbreak overseer and my personal friend Pastor Dick Schultz. He and I were conversing a few weeks ago about how God works in our lives and he shared this nugget of wisdom with me.

"Brady, sometimes God can't move in our lives until we get to the end of ourselves. It's there that we search for Him and then He powerfully moves in our lives."

Wow. How true that is.

Time after I time I try to fill the emptiness in my heart with things - ministry, job related projects, personal business, relationships, even just little things such as sports or re-arranging my room. Many times I find that when I'm alone or feel unworthy, I busy myself, so as to hide from the very one who can heal me.

In Psalm 4:8 David says "I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Like me, David was at the end of himself. All he knew to do was go to bed and believe God would change things as he slept. If nothing else, maybe he could grab some peace.

Ever come to the end of yourself? Ever wanted to get away? Just lie down and forget it all?

Well then. Just go do it. Let Him fill what you’re trying to squeeze other things into. Let God work on your problems and start taking the wheel in directing your life. It sure makes it all a little easier to accept; knowing He is in control.

Are you at the end of all you can do?

Then, chill and just lie down and take a quick nap.

After all, He's up all the time anyway.

"I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:8

© 1996, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Remember When?

2007-03-20T21:37:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's good for us to remember...

Remember when you talked behind the back of someone you really cared about?

Remember when you stretched the truth just a little to make yourself look good?

Remember when you laughed when someone was being made fun of?

Remember when you said those words you wish you could have back?

Remember the stupid fight you'd cause to prove a point not worth proving?

Remember when you promised God you'd do this, or that, if only He'd....

Remember when you cussed out the car that cut in front of you in rush hour?

Remember when you tore down someone's dreams by telling them they'd never make it?

Remember when you felt so jealous of the things your best friend accomplished?

Remember when you said you pray for them...only to fail to really do it?

Remember when you took credit for something that maybe you didn't do?

Remember when you didn't answer the phone when you knew someone needed your ear?

Remember when you didn't give because there was something you really wanted?

Remember when you were so insecure you did things with someone you wish you could forget?

Remember when you felt so helpless and dirty?

Remember when you just wish you could forgive and forget?

Remember when you didn't let go and let God?

Remember when you were in need of someone to save you and He did?

Do you remember when? Find out Sunday. Cause He didn't forget. He slept in your tomb so all of these things you could forget and never remember again.

Remember when you need to remember Him. It’s Easter, remember?

“…and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." I Corinthians 11:24

© 2000, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Population 2 - Our New World

2007-03-15T12:18:00.000-05:00

I've googled it. I've mapquested it. I've done all the research I can. I've tried to find out everything I can about this transitional place my wife and I have been recently relocated to.

Yep. To some, reading this will bring chuckles as you recall your own personal journey to this land. To others, who haven't restructured their lives in order to visit yet, we might get nothing more than a naïve, yet polite "hhmm" from you. But, just wait. We've already picked out a place and put your name on it.

And it seems we got here a lot faster than anticipated too; nearly a month ahead of everything the Yahoo directions indicated. So quickly in fact, that when we pulled in I was barely able to read the city limit sign as we were whisked by. In fact, when I get time, I might just head back out and see just exactly where in the heck we are - you, know….just to make sure and all.

But thank God it appears we aren't the only ones who have had the joy of being moved here recently. There are other familiar faces running around. And a few others have notified us that they are on their way. That will help. Being alone in this new place would have been totally insane. But with some friendlies out there, the "totally insane" will hopefully crank down a notch or two to just "crazy".

Now, I do have to admit, we've done a lot of reading about this place cause we kind of thought this might just happen. Funny thing is you could categorize the readings as a "foreign dramatic horror of comedy" because while reading about others adventures to this place you laugh, you cry, you freak out, and you scream. Finally, you end up in a weird trance of sorts when you realize just how close you are to taking your turn in this world of funny people.

Yep, and that's when panic takes over. You realize your number has been called and you are leaving before the grandfather clock needs winding again. And that panic leads to complete retardation. I mean stupidity reigns like no other.

Realizing that your world is going to be turned upside down once you get here, you just get dumb. You start putting on your pants backwards, do dumb things like drain the pool in the summer, or use a mower to get the snow off the driveway. Other nutty things happen too – suddenly you change your name to Ted, you start having coffee in your cereal and all you think about all day is laying down that night and getting back to your reading of the latest edition of Webster's dictionary (what a thriller). I still ask myself everyday why in the world I'd throw away one shoe from every pair I have…

But that was all before we actually arrived. It’s when we got here that things really got nutts. Though we haven't been here long, this place has some very strange people with very identifiable traits. Things you don't see, hear, smell, or experience anywhere else.

The language itself sets it apart. I mean there is more babble going on around here than you'd hear at a "speaking in tongues" training convention at Oral Roberts University. At times you'll actually make out a word here and there but for the most part, these people have to be speaking in the spirit, and someone forgot to bring the interpreter.

On top of that, there are people running around this place either halfway or in many cases completely naked. And I do mean running. It's just stupid. And like no other place on earth, if they are dressed, they can't wait to throw off their clothes and get naked. It's an obsession I tell you. They will strip down and just start laughing like maniacs. Very uncomfortable, yet kinda funny too.

Eating is another adventure here. For some reason most of the people here just don’t know how to eat without getting it all over themselves, their neighbor, their dogs, their chairs not to mention all of the leftovers they try and store in their hair. Food can be found months later, crammed inside seat cushions of cars, hidden in drawers and more crazy places. What’s even better is how much some of them love dog food for their source of protein. By the mouthfulls, too. Yuck.

As far as entertainment goes there isn’t time for much. TVO keeps life somewhat in order and we have to have “catch-up nights” for our fills of “24”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “King of Queens” or the latest sporting event I hoped to watch live but missed because of a missing blanket someone is freaking out over. But there just isn’t much time, and besides the people here are simple. They like two or three TV shows or DVDs and they want them played all the time and every time. Over, and over, and over, and over….

Drama and self-centered ideology is the name of the game. But fits of crying and rage run a close second. Anger management support groups would thrive like there is no tomorrow. When people get mad here, they throw crap, hit, bite, or they do what all of us normal people highly suggest and just throw themselves down on the floor. Doesn't matter if it's at home, in the bank, at Target, while at dinner, or even church. "If I'm ticked…..I'm going to the ground!" is their moto.

The one thing I find the most interesting is the lack of fear of harm the people that dwell here have when it comes to trying to do something. I mean, if there is something to climb, stand on, lift, carry or run with, these people do it to the point of personal injury. Sometimes over and over again, day after day. If they are stopped or not allowed to pursue this activity see the paragraph above for their reaction.

The most unreal thing that makes this place so wild is what I call the "poop factor". Nowhere else on this planet will you find as many people, boys and girls, in one place as are here running around with poop either in their pants, or in some horrific cases, actually coming out of their pants. It is unbelievable….and just for kicks, they do something to it that greatly enhances the smell of their poop as well. It's deadly, it's small and it lingers sometimes for days. It’s not normal poop.

Despite all of this. For some unknown reason, we like it here. We haven’t been here long and we aren’t sure how long we’ll be or if we will ever come back once we leave, but it grows on you in a weird kind of way. These people just seem to get you hooked in.

They laugh and laugh and laugh at things over and over again. They giggle like mad, which always evokes laughter in return. They like to poke you in the eye or in the bellybutton and then laugh or wait for your own Pillsbury "ooohoo" which always gets them rolling. They love to play hide and seek, or the "scare 'em" game. Reading a page or two from 10 books in 10 minutes is at the top of the list as well. And all of this takes place with lots of "Engble" mixed in. (That’s the term I have given to the combined languages used here of English and Babble).

There is lots of laughter and joy in this new world we now reside in. Despite all the poop, the drama, the food issues, the same TV shows over and over, the selfishness and emotional neediness, these people are actually a ton of fun to spend time with. They crack you up. Every hour there is something new and you are always either on edge, laughing or observing in amazement. It keeps you on your toes.

And, if you're lucky enough, at the end of the day, one of these people will raise their arms and asked to be picked up and held. Or, they will simply crawl up in your lap and just quietly go to sleep.

It's a neat, crazy place. You need to try it sometime.

Anyway, I gotta run. Someone just fell down trying to stand on a ball….go figure.

Oh yea, I actually remember the sign we flew by on the way in….it simply read -

"Welcome to Toddlerville….Population 2.”
Home of the Speers Twins - Sidney and Chloe

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

© 2006, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Jesus Can't Borrow Kenneth Copeland's Jet Plane....

2007-03-03T11:42:00.000-06:00

If Jesus were here today, He'd do His ministry in a $20 million dollar jet plane, with vacation stops along His routes to Hawaii, Colorado, an exclusive Texas hunting ranch and other exotic beach resorts. Forget this being real with those around Him and living in the realm of normalcy. I mean, why would He or anyone else doing His work need to be able to relate to the real guy out there?

And you can surely forget the humble lifestyle of being a normal working adult, who makes a living by working hard; say as a carpenter or something like that. I mean, come on. Jesus surely would have at least been worth more than your average business owner, right?

Well, after listening to popular tele-evangelist Kenneth Copeland, one might wonder if Jesus even bothered to read the book He helped co-write called the Bible, 'cause somewhere in there a land of prosperity, worldly riches, fame, lifestyle, favor with men, and jet planes should be part of the norm for anyone spreading His word. I mean, it's tough out there. Who can travel in a standard American Airlines 737? And the security lines and the waiting....

Well, once again, another tele-evangelist cannot explain his recent actions. ABC Channel 8 in Dallas (hosted by two Christian news anchors mind you) recently obtained the travel logs of his "ministry plane" and guess what was discovered? Ready....hold....on......drumroll please...cymbal crash....NOW!!!! Trips to Hawaii, the slopes of Colorado, and other places only rich people can afford were found all over the place. Can you believe it!!!!??? What a shock to the system!!!

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/bshipp/stories/wfaa060502_mo_copelands.3436519.html

And as usual, when questioned about his travel activities concerning his recent plane purchase, his ministry hid behind the veil of 501C corporate status. Really no different than the guys who ran the compound in Waco in the 90's and like the new cult compound getting attention out in West Texas now. They all have something to hide and regardless if it is a reporter from a worldly news station or an investigator from a Christian accountability group such as the Trinity Foundation, they refuse to answer.

According to his ministry all of these stops where for "rest and relaxation". Yea, I could use some of that and I would bet my life that is exactly how Jesus would operate if He was here in 2007. Unfortunately for me, I actually work for a living rather than begging for handouts like this guy does and I can't afford to be gone every three weeks for a seven day stay at some millionaire like resort getaway.

But it makes sense doesn't it? His own words when dedicating this plane months ago was it would "never, ever be used" unless it was building God's kingdom. Guess there is a lot of building going on in the slopes, on the beaches of Hawaii and in the hunting grounds of far south Texas!

But this is nothing new and really isn't shocking, is it? What shocks me however, are the morons that listen to these men and give them money! This guy is a thief. He says a few neat things here and there, claims to heal people and then begs people who have little or nothing to give so he can have his jet planes and $3 million dollar home in the Dallas area. Better yet, people with money give to this liar too! Yet, the Bible was very clear that in the end times MANY would follow people like them, and MANY are doing just that.

(By the way, just in case you think I'm being too tough - Jesus called men like this vipers, hypocrites, thieves, and the people that followed them fools - which in literal translation means morons).

Aren't you tired of these dudes? I sure am. I know we are all sinners, but give me a break. I mean Oprah does more to help needy people with her money than all of these men combined even attempt to do. Now, I'm not a big Oprah follower like some, but at least she helps people with her own hard earned money and doesn't use the name of Christ in order to get a membership into the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous."

Then again, maybe I'm all wrong, and Jesus himself would be a founding member of such a club and maybe His jet plane would take Him there.

Lest I regress further, for now it's clear - this plane really isn't Jesus' plane. It's Kenny's plane with a Jesus bumper sticker on the back. So if Jesus needs one, He's gonna have to borrow it from good old Kenny.

That is if it's not tied up taking a crew for yet more "rest and relaxation".

Whatever.

"It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury— how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!" Proverbs 19:10

© 2007, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Get Educated, or You Might Become a Kerry

2006-11-01T10:02:00.000-06:00

In a shocking and absurd comment made from stage, former Presidential candidate, John Kerry said these exact words about our troops in Iraq as he spoke to students at Pasadena City College, “You study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. And if you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

These were his words. Not taken out of context and there can be no other way to read or hear them. He clearly inferred that dumb people are serving in Iraq and to void being one, simply be smart.

I thought we had gotten rid of this tired-head making liberal, after the 2004 elections but apparently he is back with his ignorant rants and ravings about our country, our military and our current President. Remember, this quote comes from a man that has been in the military himself. It comes from a man who has married into the Heinz family, and who has hardly ever worked like the rest of us for a living. This comes from a man who voted for the war in Iraq yet later said it was a mistake and has faulted the President for going to war. This comes from the man who voted against providing our troops with armor saying, “I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.”

In summary, this insane remark comes from a man who can’t even relate to the real world American. He is gutless, fake, has no clue what he even talks about.

Thank God he did not win the election in 2004. I am not sure which would have been worse – the “inventor of the Internet”, Al Gore in 2000 as our President or “Mr. Ketchup”, John Kerry.

But, John Kerry takes the cake in my mind. Here are some of his recent stupid comments.

“We're all God's children, Bob. And I think if you were to talk to Dick Cheney's daughter, who is a lesbian, she would tell you that she's being who she was, she's being who she was born as.” Smart people don’t use other people’s children for political gain.

“We have to get back to the place we were, where terrorists are not the focus of our lives, but they're a nuisance.” Bombs killing people is just a nuisance?

“This President has made, I regret to say, a colossal error of judgment and judgment is what we look for in the president of the President of the United States of America.” His own judgment made him vote for the war too.

“President Clinton was often known as the first black president. I wouldn't be upset if I could earn the right to be the second.” I can’t even comment on this dumb quote.

“I'm fascinated by rap and by hip-hop. I think there's a lot of poetry in it. There's a lot of anger, a lot of social energy in it. And I think you'd better listen to it pretty carefully, 'cause it's important”. Give me a break.

To insinuate that our military is dumb and the people that serve in it are there as a result of being uneducated is about the most insane quote I have heard someone in his position ever say. Our military is made up of some of the most intelligent people in the world and most of them could run circles around this spoon-fed rich man.

Our country is protected every day by men and women who are smart, determined, educated, and more importantly, human in thought, emotion and feelings. A smart man would see this and understand comments like this should not be thought, much less ever said. A smart man would apologize for having a slip of the mind like he did.

Mr. Kerry needs to go back to school so he can learn how, when and what to speak. I guess he never learned the simple rule, “if you have nothing good to say, then say nothing at all".

Because if he did we certainly would never hear a word from him.

“Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” Proverbs 10:14

© 2006, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

9/11 - Who Will Ever Forget

2006-09-11T09:46:00.000-05:00

Who will ever forget September 11, 2001.

Who will ever forget just where they were the moment they heard two planes had been flown into the World Trade Center towers that sunny morning in New Work City?

Who will ever forget hearing Peter Jennings and the many other news anchors stumble as they tried to put words to what they were witnessing?

Who will every forget seeing the people waving flags for help from the huge, smoky gash in the top of the towers?

Who will ever forget seeing people throw themselves out of the building as the pain of the heat behind them out weighed the fear of such a horrific death in front of them?

Who will ever forget later hearing the sounds captured on video of those bodies hitting the ground with huge thuds documented on various cameras?

Who will ever forget seeing the pale, fear stricken faces covered in soot running through the streets of New York City moments after the buildings collapsed?

Who will ever forget the fear the country was in at the moment or the shocked, angry look on the face of President Bush as he was told by an aide?

Who will ever forget seeing the many different home videos of the planes being flown into the buildings?

Who will ever forget the crumbling collapse of the two largest buildings in the world?

Who will ever forget seeing the hundreds of NYPD, FDNY and Port Authority Agents running into the building prepared to save lives with most of them giving their own?

Who will ever forget hearing rumors that another plane was headed to the White House, hearing another had hit the Pentagon and hearing another had just gone down in a field in Pennsylvania?

Who will ever forget later hearing the heroic stories of those on Flight 93 and those who helped rescue those at the Pentagon?

Who will ever forget all airplanes being grounded for the first time in American history?

Who will ever forget watching the news for hours every night, for weeks as rescuers searched the rubble for survivors or bodies?

Who will ever forget knowing the over 3000 had their lives taken that day?

Who will ever forget knowing terrorist, Bin Laden, and his evil, weak, coward group was behind these attacks on America?

Who will ever forget the patriotic resolve America had those few weeks following this tragic event?

Who will ever forget the sadness and anger we all felt? The thinking the “end” might be near?

Who will ever forget hearing the horrible, sad 911 phones calls released to us just weeks ago from people in the towers who moments later died?

Who will ever forget all of this?

Many Americans will. That’s who. According to Neilson ratings, 21 million Americans chose to watch the "Manning Bowl" Sunday night between the NFL's New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts rather than the other 9/11 options being shown on ABC or CBS.

Just like that, just five years later, the country has returned to what it new before that terrible day - patriotic divide, anti-war protests, corporate sandals, a general “who needs God” mentality, immoral activities, Hollywood drama, and sports fanaticism.

America is a great land. It’s a country that offers various pleasures and exciting adventures to help us deal with things like 9/11. Sports are great. Movies are fun. Politics are the American way.

But more importantly, being an American offers each of us with the freedom to seek God in times such as this. A chance to seek the One who can set us free from ourselves and the evil acts of people like those who made this such a terrible day five years ago.

Five years ago, people were seeking Him like never before. Churches were packed, prayers were said and people were begging for help. We were all seemingly frozen in time and space. The panic and fear people were experiencing was driving them to God. His arms open wide waiting to embrace them. He has been waiting along time. God gave us our freedom in Christ 2000 years ago and for some it wasn’t until this terrible day that many began seeking Him like never before.

But freedom has a price. And now that many have moved on and would rather forget this day happened, it seems many have also forgotten just how big the price paid was on 9/11/2001. And, they have forgotten God right along with it.

Have you?

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:8-10

© 2006, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Want to be a Millionaire?

2006-07-17T07:33:00.000-05:00

How would you like to have earned an average salary of over $200,000 a year since 1999? Doing so would place you among the top 2% of earned incomes in America. Not many accomplish this amazing task.

How about controlling the funds and revenues of an organization that brings in millions a year by simply asking for it? Millionaires aren’t as rare as they used to be, but how many do you know? I bet together we could only think of a few.

To do either, you would think you’d have to own a business, be a surgeon, an executive, or a banker, practice law, claimed an inheritance or have made some real lucky investments, right?

Yet, according to recent trends in the U.S., there is one unlikely way to do so with relative ease. You don’t even have to have any formal training or special education either. A nice big, recognizable name helps, but that’s not even necessary. You just have to have some charisma, passion, a neat story or something to say, an ability to communicate effectively and then a small group of followers. And, by doing all of this, that income level 98% of Americans can only dream about can be yours, and making millions can be right around the corner!

Your dreams just might come true if you will simply start your own evangelistic ministry!

Only in modern day American Christianity can we marvel at the mighty works of these new “Business Preachers”. This trend isn’t necessarily new, but the increasing numbers of these men and women since the late 80’s is staggering. With outlets like TBN, Christian radio, name-it-claim-it, feel-good mega-churches, the Internet, and other technologies, any person with a supposed calling from God can grab a mike, set up a 501C3 non-profit corporation and literally go to town, raking in thousands of dollars in the process. Trendsetters Robert Tilton, Paul Crouch, and Oral Roberts paved the way for modern day preaching millionaires such as Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Myer, Creflo Dollar, Joel Olsteen, and T.D. Jakes to name a few.

The website http://www.inplainsite.org/ says it best, “"Christianity began as a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When it went to Athens, it became a philosophy. When it went to Rome, it became an organization. When it went to Europe, it became a culture. When it came to America, it became a business.”

These people have created a complex scheme of revenue generation, legal tax evasion, hidden records, and big time fame. Done for the sake of ministry, many of these men and women have found a secret path to worldly wealth! It’s an incredible system too. Simply do some ministry, ask for money to run the ministry and suddenly you’re making six figures! And how do they keep the funds coming in? By doing more ministry! The more they do, the more they earn. It could not be more self-serving. As a business owner myself, it’s the simplest example of “investment equals return”.

In a recent local report in the Dallas Morning News, a popular DFW minister earns a reported $300,000 in personal income, all derived from his self-named ministry that generates over $2 million a year in contributions! All of this in less than 5 years after retiring as a former Houston Oilers NFL great! He does a lot of great work for the Kingdom and I know people that know him personally. Yet, was his real reasoning behind starting his own ministry to minister, or was it to maintain a lifestyle he no longer could keep since his playing days were over? I could be real motivated myself to do some amazing things for God too if I knew I could earn more than 98% of the rest of those out there.

But let me give you some more jaw dropping examples as some of these people are doing things that most of us just cannot comprehend.

Lakewood Church in Houston, controlled by Mr. Olsteen, recently gave the city of Houston $12,000,000 to take over the former home of the NBA Houston Rockets, The Summit. Yet, on most Sundays the word “Jesus” is not even spoken from his mouth or mentioned on stage. All the while his own book, Your Life Now, sold over 2.5 million in just a few months time, topping the New York best sellers list. People like to feel good and the sales of his book plus the 30,000 members of his church are proof in the pudding. Turn on the TV. He’s everywhere and you’ll find yourself being sucked in like many have. He’s good. Real good. But there’s a big difference between being real good and being real God.

Another amazing event took place recently when Mr. Copeland asked his followers to donate millions of dollars because he felt called to own a $16,900,000 Cessna Citation X jet to transport him and his team around the world in class. I know personally someone that wrote him a check for $1,000,000 to help him do so. Few in the world can even dream about owning one of these and doing so puts one in the social class with the likes of Mark Cuban, Kenny Trout or Michael Dell. Mr. Copeland took ownership of it in March of 2006.

Recent reports by NBC Dateline and others speculate that Mr. Hinn, one of the most popular of today’s tele-evangelists, has revenues that exceed $100,000,000 a year! And he’s not even shy about it anymore. He’s been seen staying at the most expensive hotels in the world and driving around in his $500,000 Bentley. I even know the person who is personally responsible for detailing his many collections of cars in the Dallas area and he spends hundreds a month in keeping them shinny. I would hope so, what a terrible witness it would be to have some dirt on the wheels…

Common signs and ideas thread their way through many of these people too. Some include:

* naming the ministry after themselves
* having higher paid salaries than most common CEO’s
* paying numerous family members high dollar salaries
* ownership of numerous and million dollar homes
* extravagant vacations and lifestyles
* high-society social status, accepted and embraced by the world
* numerous $100,000 cars
* direct control over the finances of the ministry
* little or no outside accountability
* high paid attorneys who hide, protect and craft the legal structures of their organizations
* unwillingness to be open and honest about finances of ministry
* many are uneducated, untrained, self-proclaimed teachers, preachers, healers or all of the above

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for pastors making good money and being taken care of. In my mind few should earn more than our teachers, police officers and the pastors of every day congregations. I attend a 4,000 member church and I can bet my pastor earns $200,000 a year. But the differences between him and these others are very apparent.

First of all, the church is not controlled directly by him and nor are the funds of the ministry. The ministry isn’t named after him and was established well before he assumed the role of pastor. He doesn’t dictate his salary, the elders of the church do. He is accountable to the members of the church and the elders in all aspects of leading the ministry. He can be removed or replaced at any time. Church finances are discussed and even shared with the congregation as needed. He doesn’t preach name-it-claim-it, but preaches “pay your debts and get debt free”. He’s written three books, yet donates all of the funds from the sales of those books back to our church bookstore. His lifestyle is real….having and doing what the rest of us that work hard do. But, what’s the overall biggest difference? He has the job of being pastor of our church, not owning and running it like was his own business. It’s God’s ministry and for now he is simply in charge of leading it.

According to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (www.ecfa.org) over 1,200 ministries now choose to open their books and allow the world to know just what they do with the money that flows into their organizations. Reverend Billy Graham, someone that has led more people to Christ since the Apostle Paul, reports his income at just $200,000 a year with few increases in over 30 years of ministry despite having the most powerful Christian organization in the modern world.

With Mr. Graham it’s always been about Jesus and nothing more. Ministrywatch.com states, “In the past half-century Billy Graham has preached the biblical Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ to over 210 million people in 185 countries and territories. As a result, millions upon millions have received Christ and become His disciples.” If you want to see everything about his finances just check out http://www.ministrywatch.com/ and it’s all right there for the world and God himself to read.

Sadly, many in this new generation of “ministers of faith” are simply self-serving and their number is growing by leaps and bounds. They’ve realized you don’t have to just “work for food” if you work for Jesus. I must have overlooked it somewhere in Speculations 1:1, because I guess “work for wealth” would really be more appropriate.

Think I’m just crazy? Let’s ask SIX tough questions:

1. If Jesus ministered physically in the world today, would He drive a $100,000 automobile?

2. Would he fly across the country in his own multi-million dollar, one-of-a-kind, rare Cessna jet?

3. Would he take some of the most expensive vacations known to man and stay at the most exotic hotels in the world?

4. If he had a legal “non-profit corporation” to channel the funds of his ministry through, would he hide his numbers and run from accountability?

5. Would he take money from those that gave, thinking it would be used to reach the needy, in order to sustain a certain lifestyle he deemed he was rightfully owed?

6. Would he really own a home worth multi-millions? Maybe even two or three?

If you think so, then the “Jesus” you serve is a wolf in sheep’s clothing my friend and he needs to be shaved. The Jesus I know and love is hated by men and despised by the world. Real ministries are mocked, beaten down and abused by the media for their stance on truth.

Yet, only in America, can starting a self-named ministry…make you a millionaire.

“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." II Thessalonians 3:6-10

© 2006, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Oh, What A Crime!

2006-05-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

There are a few rules of life people just seem to forget. For example, hasn't everyone with a mother to be thankful for learned, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"? Or, what about, "Remember, there are always, two sides to everything you read or hear"?

One of them we all need a reminder of is just as important in life - "be careful to remember that whatever you do to someone else just might come back on you ten fold". Don't regret doing unto others what you would NOT want done unto you.

So is the case, in my opinion, of a certain trial taking place recently in Irving, Texas. For years now, certain high-profile "tele-evangelists" have used God's name to scam millions of people out of millions of dollars employing fake healings, promoting false doctrines and avoiding accountability by not only the IRS but even Christian based ministry accountability groups. These men have gotten away with this for decades.

But evidently none of them are afraid to help put a man behind bars for doing basically the same thing; this time stealing from those very same scam artists themselves. Apparently, Gregory Setser's import empire came crashing down two years ago when after getting various investments from people, including many rich tele-evangelists, he used the funds to support a lifestyle of luxury, boating, cars, excessive vacations and much more. How could someone take advantage of such poor, naive ministers! Shame, shame....

Now, this man surely needs to be punished for his actions of deception, but isn't it ironic that many of these men testifying against him hide behind their own non-profit, ministries to prey upon the needy, hurting and sick? Surely, not all of these ministers are criminals, but most of them do walk a fine line between the world and the role of a minister. One could only assume that birds of a feather flock together....another simply rule in life. These men say and do almost exactly the same things.

Don't like what I am saying? Don't believe me? Get real with your heart and ask yourself these questions:

- Would Jesus have millions of dollars tied up in homes around the world?
- Would He stay away from the media and scrutiny and hide behind bodyguards and attorneys?
- Did Jesus speak false prophecies and make untrue claims?
- Did Jesus tell us to draw men unto ourselves or until Him?
- Would He travel weekly and stay at the most expensive hotels in the area?
- Would He fire employees and outcast workers in His ministry who questioned things?
- Would Jesus drive $200,000 cars and own various boats, homes, buildings and airplanes?
- Would Jesus hold "healing conferences" and charge people money or ask for large donations before offering to heal you?
- Would He even have such conferences, or would He simply visit the local Children's Hospital and give dying kids healing touches and hugs?
- Would He "heal" people and tell them later "it didn't take because you lost faith"?
- Would Jesus sue someone for talking bad about Him or His ministry as Mr. Hinn did to NBC just recently?

Would He really do these things? If you think He would, you need to start reading a different Bible. Yours has some holes in it.

Benny Hinn even said in 1989, "The Spirit tells me - Fidel Castro will die - in the 90's. Oooh my! Some will try to kill him and they will not succeed. But there will come a change in his physical health, and he will not stay in power, and Cuba will be visited of God."

Didn't happen. It's 2006 and Castro is still in power and doing well. Yet daily Mr. Hinn begs and steals money from people so he can live a life most of us will never taste, claiming he is a true prophet with a special connection to God's power.

If someone wants those things in life, then being in the ministry isn't the way to do it, no more than it was for Mr. Setser to steal from these ministers. Be creative and think of a business or a career that can change the world or help people like the rest of us. I guess using God-given abilities and personalities to make money is just easier. To me it's the easy way out....using personality, people skills and charisma to manipulate and take advantage of people in great need. It takes much more to actually work for an income like most of us do....

Benny Hinn himself reportedly has revenues of over $100 million a year! Most of that coming from contributions of needy people around the world. Just think about that a second. One Hundred Million Dollars! Do a little research and you will find out fast just how he spends it and it isn't on reaching the lost, building hospitals for the sick, building homes for people who need shelter, or giving back to those in need.

When was the last time you saw him step out of his $200,000 car and help the poor and hurting such as those in New Orleans? Has he taken the time to help build walls, clean streets or tear out moldy wood as even our own President has done? No, instead he spends his money and time on himself or his elaborate and overly excessive ministry plans. Why not spend some of it doing powerful things such as what ABC does with the TV reality show Home Edition! Can you imagine the impact it would have on America had this idea been supported and started by some Christian organization?! Mr. Hinn's $100,000,000 a year income would easily allow for it too....

Other ministers like him do the same. It's a neat little operation hidden away under the realm of religious organizations. Money and material possessions have become their god. We thought the Mafia was bad, but when traveling evangelists discovered this neat little money scheme, it took hold and has been blazing a trail of deceit and fraud for decades.

One thing is certain - some of these men need to be reminded of this little rule of life....Do unto others as you would have do unto you and remember that whatever you do to someone else has a good chance of coming right back to you.

It's a tough lesson to learn. Problem is in this case, the party going to jail isn't going to include the men that need it the most.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves...In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping." Matthew 7:15 and 2 Peter 2:3

© 2006, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

The NEW Corporate America

2006-02-01T22:57:00.000-06:00

My, oh my….how Corporate America has changed. No longer is the "American dream" based on the thoughts of climbing the corporate ladder and dedicating a lifetime of service to one employer. Today's Corporate America doesn't want your lifetime commitment. Those days are long gone.

Today was a sad day for my father. After giving nearly 30 years of loyal service to Abbott Laboratories, based in Chicago, my dad was suddenly "retired out" this morning as he walked into work. He was given a pink slip and a box. No warning and no time to prepare. Just a done deal. To make things even more pleasant, Abbott also decided to make sure he was escorted out of the location and was not even given the opportunity to say bye to people he had worked around for decades. Evidently this new "policy" adopted by this failing company was to "avoid employee retaliation situations". Are you kidding me?

Dad wasn't alone this morning. Many of his other co-workers also got their pink slips and were escorted out like criminals in the same way. They congregated in the parking lot, in shock, had their last lunch together as they did for years every Wednesday, and then made their way home. Something my dad had done for nearly 30 years was suddenly taken away.

I can remember the days of being told to "find a good company…dedicate yourself to them and they will take notice. Then, you can climb that ladder of success." Both my great grandfather and my grandfather were some of the last few to ride that wave as they finished out working for Procter & Gamble and made for themselves a nice retirement, working until the age of 65. My dad got close, but Abbott decided to cut him short.

As the CEO of Equal Access Health, and as an entrepreneur, I cannot fathom how the people in command at today's corporations can make such insensitive decisions. Leading a $7 million dollar a year company has taught me a lot about making cuts, meeting budgets and working for profit. But all of those things can be achieved without running over others in the process and demoralizing those that have helped you accomplish what you have done. Cuts are sometimes a necessary evil, but there are correct ways to do such. What my dad experienced today was the epitome of the wrong turn today's corporations are taking. And, they won't succeed.

Ultimately, we cannot rest our hopes on man, our own company, an employer or even our own abilities. I choose to work for myself because I know it is what God has called me to do. But my risks are the same as any employee out there. I could lose my business as quick as anyone can be handed a pink slip and dump their stuff into a box.

The only company we all need to put our stock and trust in is the God Corporation, Inc. Only God Himself can be trusted. Despite our abilities and even though we fail time and time again, we can rest in knowing He will provide and lead us. We never have worry about getting a pink slip from Him.

He knows how to treat people.

Today's Corporate America does not.

"Masters (employers) grant to your slaves (employees) justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master (boss) in heaven." Colossians 4:1

© 2006, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Brokeback...Whatever

2006-01-18T10:36:00.000-06:00

Hollywood never fails us.

Just when things appear to be shifting back to some sense of moral normalcy, Hollywood is there to remind us of just how crazy our world is.

Providing a platform designed to promote liberal viewpoints and lifestyles, the Golden Globe Awards were held this week, giving us an unwanted, unwarranted look into the world of supposed pop culture. Winning “Best Motion Picture” was the movie Brokeback Mountian, in which two western cowboys find love in each others arms and eyes and live a gay cowboy lifestyle. It's a movie based on sin and raunchy sexual interactions. It serves no purpose and isn't worth being told. Yet, Hollywood has used it to push their sickness down our throats.

Let me vomit…thanks.

Does Hollywood really think the majority of Americans care? Do they really think we cannot see through their poorly hidden agenda of homosexual promotion?

Let’s look at the most simple of all facts……the grand total of dollars to date the movie has earned….$32,074,517 cha-ching! (http://www.boxofficemojo.com) Man, this one is raking it in! Guess I am missing something. Divide the total earned to date by an average of $8 per ticket and a whopping 4,000,000 have seen this movie. Compare to King Kong, which has to date done $204,527,090 in which 25,000,000 have seen! My guess is the 4,000,000 that have gone to see Brokeback are likely every gay person living in the U.S. today.

But my frustration here is not even the gayness of the movie. It’s the audacity Hollywood has of forcing their agendas down our throats,. They want the rest of us to approve and accept them so bad, they’re willing to take an award show and us it to promote their many raunchy ways of living.

But Brokeback wasn't the only liberal winner of the night. Ironically, Geena David won "Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama" for her role as the President of the United States in Commander in Chief. Can they be more obvious? How much is Hillary paying for this weekly show? Can you imagine a show depicting a praying, Godly President? Can you imagine the outrage? All you have do is look how the Hollywood crowd treats our current President.

To top off the tri-fecta of awards, Mary-Louise Parker won "Best Performance by an Actress In a Television Series – Musical or Drama or Comedy " for her role in the TV show Weeds. This creative show is about an urban mother who sells...yes, pot. Now that my friends is television genius.....not. A show about a mother dealing drugs. Nice.

Award shows used to be about rewarding those who the majority felt deserved the awards. Awards were given based on skill and overall popularity of the show, movie or actor(s). These days, these worthless awards events have become the feeding ground of liberal promotion and pandering. It's a joke.

Only one award in life matters anyway. It's laden with jewels and in the shape of a majestic grown. The great thing about this particular award, is that each of us can earn one, by simply accepting the truth of Christ in our lives. Then we can add to it by how we live our lives here. It doesn't get easier than that.

I don't know about you, but I'm thankful the only platform I need to win my undeserved award, is the platform of the Cross. For that, I'd like to thank, not all the small people who helped make it happen, by the One man who gave it all that I might wear a crown.

Now that's a story worth telling.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

© 2006, J. Brady"

I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Don't Be God's Slug

2006-01-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

(2006) Hard to believe we are already done with 5 years of the new Millennium, but it’s true. We are. Of course, with New Years Day come more New Years resolutions. Question is, in the words of Barry Manilow, will it be “just another New Years Eve, a night like all the rest…”?

I really believe we accomplish nothing if we don’t have road maps in life. If you have a map that leads to nowhere, you’re bound to get there. Nowhere. Goals are just that; points of reference on the road we travel. They keep us from going nowhere.

As you start out the New Year celebrating with family and friends, wouldn’t it be wise to sit down and plan out where you’re headed for the next 365 days? Should we not ask God for His blessings on our hopes, plans and dreams for next year? Do you really believe God wants to give you a life for the few years that you are here filled with joy and abundant overflowing?

Ultimately, I guess it depends on just who you are. There are three types of New Years people. Billy Buster, the over planner, who plans everything and considers God for little. Billy Brown, the no planner, who plans nothing and just takes life as it goes. And, Billy Barber, the balanced planner, who has found a way to plan, prepare and yet wait on God for His blessing. Which are you?

I know some who say, “Ah, why bother, life is a journey…let it take you where it may.”
Yet, others say, “I know exactly where I am going this next year and exactly what life is going to be like.” Really? Must be nice.

Neither of those approaches are true and both will lead to confusion. We need to remember God is in control and God will lead our lives as He sees fit. Our job is to make sure we are on His road map and follow it to a tee. Planning life without planning on taking God with you is crazy, but not planning ahead and living without goals is foolish too. Problem is I believe more of us are "Billy Busters" than any another. We live without a plan and blame God when things fall apart.

I see it all the time. People that work for me, people at church, friends I've known for years and family members. Just going through life without a purpose or plan. From one Christmas season to the next, always just talking about how fast it all goes. They get into debt without realizing it, they gain 20 more pounds without seeing it, they end up with no career objectives wondering what to do next, they have little to give and little time to serve, they find themselves getting old and talking about "those days" all day long, and many seem unhappy and unfulfilled. Sad truth is most of the people I am talking about are Christians.

Ever shopped at JC Penny? Here’s what James Cash Penny had to say about it, “Give me a stock clerk with a goal and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals and I'll give you a stock clerk.” By the way, he was a faithful follower of Christ too.

God even calls a man a “sluggard” who prepares and plans for nothing in Proverbs 6. (Sorry, I’m not real interested in being a slug bug for God). Furthermore, if we are made in His image, yet we claim there is no reason to plan and think ahead, are we not also saying then that God Himself just “takes things as they go” and doesn’t plan? He is no slug.

God wants us to think ahead and plan around what He has revealed to us as His plan for our lives. If we already know the direction He has us headed, planning correctly for the journey and hoping for great results is only common sense. Why would we expect failure if we are trusting in Him? Might want to read the Book of Proverbs one more time and ask yourself, "Is God lying or do I just need to believe?"

Here are some suggestions for your New Year:

1. Plan to spend more time with God each day…add another 5 minutes to your study or prayer time.
2. Set it as a goal to serve and give more this year than last.
3. Make it a plan to be more financially prudent; paying off debts and saving for the unknown.
4. Work harder to keep your body in the best shape possible – it is God’s temple on earth.
5. Give it your best effort to let God’s spirit help you control your weaknesses – anger, the tongue, eating habits, lust, gossip, etc.
6. Push to succeed and accomplish more than you ever though possible – God made you to glorify Him in all you do.

Finally, be specific in your plans and goals. Generic goals produce generic results. Touch on every area of life – family, spiritual, physical, mental, financial, social, recreational and professional. Write them down, think about them regularly, and ask God to help you work on making this New Year better than the many before.

After all, if we are really on a journey with God through life, what does it say about us if we aren’t moving?

Let me ask that again. Not sure if you got it.

If we are really on a journey with God through life, what does it say about us if we aren’t moving?

Know you know why God calls them slugs.

Happy New Year!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13, 14

© 2006, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Merry Stinking Christmas

2005-12-14T19:42:00.000-06:00

(2005) The fight is on and everyone is getting in on it.

The players: Pastors, civil leaders, politicians, actors, and your every day Joes.

The issue: Christmas

Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas. Take your pick and put up your dukes cause your turn to swing might be next. Everyone is in the Christmas spirit!

The ACLU vs. the "Christian Right". Each has his own take and each is stirring the pot of Holiday discontent. Cities, schools, companies and retailers are getting blasted by Christians. Fox News anchor Bill O'Reilly is on a rampage against corporations. Even President Bush can't avoid getting involved as he has taken his shots over the wording of his Christmas...excuse me....Holiday card.

People are now attacking the first vocal Christian President we have had in decades for not using "Christmas" in his card. I guess they failed to read this, which was written on the inside. "The Lord is my strength and my sheild; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him." Psalm 28:7" I know. I got one from him.

Funny thing is, have we stopped to ask ourselves, "Where would Jesus be in all of this?" As a matter of fact, as we throw our verbal punches back and forth, let me ask you, "Where is Jesus in the punches you throw?". Would He be arguing through the media? Yelling at the "left" or attacking corporate leaders for failing to make Christmas more prominent in their printings or policies? Would He really?

If He wouldn't speak a word in defense of Himself as He was falsely accused, I highly doubt He would say much about this issue of Christmas. Don't get me wrong. He put an end to the argument by what He did. He knew there was nothing He could say.

Keeping Christ in Christmas is simple. It has nothing to do with passing laws that say it remains. It has nothing to do with public displays of faith such as nativity scenes or fighting via lawsuits to force our beliefs upon others.

Don't get me wrong. I am a firm believer of standing up for what we believe. But isn't it about time our "standing up for what we believe" is less about words and more about actions? We can argue about everything, or we can start working on making the world a better and more Godly place. It starts with you and me.

Keeping Christ in Christmas is about what we do, not what we say or demand. I bet we'd find Jesus doing one of these:

* giving to your local church in order to reach out to someone
* tipping your waiter an extra $20 bucks on a cold winter night
* spending some time at your local shelter or Salvation Army depot
* buying that needy family some clothes, giving them shelter
* providing toys to those kids who are left without any
* giving someone at the local mall an encouraging word
* inviting a friend to your church for Christmas Eve services
* using your own yard to display signs and decorations of your beliefs and values

If we'd spend half as much energy doing some or all of these as we did in fighting with others, who will never see it our way, Christ would always be in Christmas no matter what the tree was called and the season was labeled by the world. No one can keep us from saying "Merry Christmas", or giving to the needy, reaching out to a friend, helping a stranger, or walking around with a smile on our face while whistling "It's the most wonderful time of the year".

Instead, what we see are Christians using their words more than their actions and the sad truth, is that this has become a trend. We argue against abortions, homosexuality, sex, profanity, and greed. Yet, what do many Christians do? They fail to vote, they spew hate toward homosexuals, they get hooked on porn, they divorce their wives, they have sex outside of marriages, they mouth off at people and many cheat on their taxes. We scream at companies for using "holiday" than "Christmas", all the while "Joy to the World" is playing in the background over the music system in the same place we're screaming at. "Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let Earth receive Her King". We just can't be happy can we?

People, "Happy Holidays" has been used for years to encompass both Christmas and New Years. Everyone knows that. It's not a big deal.

We can't legislate Christianity. It has to be who we are, not what we force people to think we are.

We need to stop ruining Christmas. It's making everyone around us sick.

As my wife put it so eloquently, why would anyone want to be a Christian when all they see us do is complain about everything?

Now that is a punch that hurts.

Happy Christmas (there....does that work?)

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievious words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1

© 2005, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Media Exposes Great Need for Much Grace

2005-12-08T22:38:00.000-06:00

(2005) What a year it has been. Some might say 2005 was a year full of fallen heros, villains and corrupt role models. After all could the sins of man be more exposed than they have this year? Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane of some of the bigger things that have happened this year various popular people:

* A California jury acquits pop singer Michael Jackson of 10 charges, including molesting a child, conspiracy, and providing alcohol to minors

*Martha Stewart wraps up prison term after being convicted of corporate fraud

* Terrell Owens gets kicked of football team after stupid comments made about teammates and loses millions of dollars

* Former Dallas Cowboy star Michael Irvin gets busted again for not paying speeding tickets and being in possession of crack pipe and drug items in his Mercedes

* Long time GOP congressman Randy Cunningham resigns after admitting bribes CIA

* House Leader Tom DeLay (R) is arrested for suspicion of contribution fraud

* Governmental leaders point fingers at each other for FEMA failures in response to to the Hurricane Katrina disaster

* Mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, curses and acts vulgar on radio media outlet

* Republican Party takes major hits for issues of integrity and character

* Deputy White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove investigated regarding concerns of CIA leak about intelligence findings

* Democratic Party continues to spew verbal hatred and unprofessional personal attacks against GOP in speeches across country with the likes of Dean and Kerry leading the way

* For some unknown reason, Saddam Hussein is allowed a trail process in and acts arrogant despite his own years of committing atrocities and murders, claiming his trail is an “act of terrorism”

* Baseball hero Rafael Palmerio loses respect after testing positive for steroids just months after standing before Congress, pointing a finger at them and saying he ahs never taken steroids.

* Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman and former HealthSouth CEO, Richard Scrushy were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of a "widespread racketeering conspiracy"

* Various WorldCom and ENRON execs receive jail time for fraud and corruption

* Brain damaged patient Terri Schiavo is allowed to die of starvation based on medical teams advise that she should could not feel pain

* Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski received 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison for his part in stealing hundreds of millions of dollars from the manufacturing conglomerate

* Teenager Jeff Weise, 16, kills nine people, many at his own high school, including his grandfather, before turning the gun on himself

* Nearly 125 years later, the U.S. Senate finally apologizes for failure to enact anti-lynching laws and issues a formal apology for decades-long failure to pass laws making lynching illegal. From 1882 to 1968, 4,742 people (3,446 of them black) were killed by lynch mobs

* In a totally hypocticial move, famous musicians urge the world to unite during Live 8 to end poverty in Africa, though most don’t give hardly any of their own money themselves to their own cause

* A federal grand jury indicts I. Lewis Libby, Vice President Cheney's Chief of Staff, with one count of obstruction of justice, two of perjury, and two of making false statements in connection with an investigation into who disclosed the identity of a covert CIA officer

* Arlington pastor, Terry L. Hornbuckle, 43, indicted amid numerous sex allegations and then later is busted with drugs and denies it all

* The pastor of East Waynesville Baptist Church, Chan Chandler, resigned after terminating the membership of nine church members because they voted for John Kerry.

* Boston Pastor, Rev. Jerome F. Gillespie, resigned of St. John the Evangelist Church, after allegedly propositioning a mother and her daughter

* A 55-year-old former pastor was indicted for allegedly having sexually abused six males over a 14-year period, many inside his Westside Victory Baptist Church.

* The Internal Revenue Service is looking into the operations and finances of televangelist Benny Hinn's organization. The ministry is estimated to raise more than $100 million a year yet begs people for money daily to build supposed “healing centers”

* MinistryWatch.com advises donors to withhold support to Trinity Broadcasting Network and calls also for new leadership

* Pastor Joel Olsteen of 30,000 member Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, steers away from talking about sin and judgment…stating he is not sure about who won’t go to heaven on the talk show Larry King Live…

KING: What if you’re Jewish or Muslim, you don’t accept Christ at all?
OSTEEN: You know, I’m very careful about saying who would and wouldn’t go to heaven. I don’t know . . .

* Teenagers David Ludwig, 18, and Kara Beth Borden involved in cold blooded murder of Borden’s parents after parents refuse to allow Ludwig to date her.

The devil is no respecter of persons. He’ll get anyone he can and it amazes me just what people will do. Day after day we read headlines like these that include people from all walks of life; athletes, politicians, business leaders, actors, and even ministers. Time after time they fail leaving us shaking our heads in amazement and wonder.

But we need to be honest here. We love seeing the failures of others, don’t we? It makes us feel better about ourselves. Yet, we need to be careful because we are treading on shaky ground. We must ask ourselves this question: Are we really any different? If we were famous, had superstar status or the popularity of many of these people, what would the media “discover” about us? What would they find in our lives?

Truth is, most of us are glad we don’t have the spotlight on our own lives. We tend to hide in the comforts of being unknown. It makes things easier to hide and easier to get away with. All of us are sinners and all of us have done terrible things. As a matter of fact, some of us will do so today.

Christ addressed nearly the same issues once in His day. A woman was popular and had a reputation that followed her. She was known for her actions and the way she lived her life. In His day, Fox News and CNN weren’t around, but Pharisees were everywhere, ready to point their finger. They kept stones readily available, so they could keep the attention on the “sinner” while acting the part of a “saint”. That was their “m.o.”. Keep the focus off of them and let others take the heat.

Do you do the same? Do you shake your head when you hear these stories like I do? I know for me, sometimes hearing another person fall makes me feel a little better. My flesh has a way of soaking in it and telling my mind, “See, you’re not so bad. At least you didn’t do what Michael Irvin did and you don’t scam people like Benny Hinn!”

There is no excuse for what these people have done or continue to do and surely there is a need to expose the fallacies of man. The media isn’t going away. I just hope they continue to not see me. I’ll be sure to avoid making eye contact.

In the meantime, I’m going to get on my knees and thank God He covers me and let’s me start each day a new. I suggest you do the same.

CNN or Fox News might be heading your way….but even if they don’t God knows it all just the same.

“They kept at him, badgering him. He straightened up and said, "The sinless one among you, go first: Throw the stone." John 8:8

© 2005, J. Brady"

I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Don't Let Frosty Melt

2005-12-04T08:23:00.000-06:00

(2004) Is there a better time of year than Christmas time? Is there any other time of year that's more focused on joy, giving, peace and love? What about the greatness of our holiday friends like Rudolph, Santa, the Elves or Frosty?

I just love Christmas.

Of course as a Christian, this time of year is truly about celebrating our freedom from sin as Christ was born. No gift will ever be more meaningful or bigger than the one He gave us 2000 years ago.

But there are good reasons many of us could scoff at Christmas these days. There is no doubt it has become too commercialized and removed from the story of Jesus. People have become too busy, chasing the best deals for gifts, waiting in line overnight and fighting over something for the kids, or running here in there busier than ever. Stores make millions in 4 short weeks each year starting the day after Thanksgiving with what they call "Black Friday". That one day in sales usually moves them from a loss to a profit for the year. It's incredible.

Yet the world isn't alone. Christians get busy too. We fall in line with the mall shopping, the craziness of travel, volunteering, rehearsing and performing in plays or musicals at church, or even being busy entertaining the family with various movies, special events and Christmas light touring. It really does get crazy.

But even so, it is still the greatest time and we need to do our part to keep the real meaning and fun in Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season and we can honor Him by making it fun and enjoying every minute of it. Nothing honors anyone more than celebrating their birth for 30 days or more! Santa, Rudolph, the Elves and Frosty (yes, even if you live in Texas) are all apart of His birthday gang. They too can make us laugh, smile and ponder the joy of all that God has given us.

If we aren't careful though, Christmas time is going to be turned into "Holiday time". The world is already working on removing the name Christmas from Christmas Tree. Jesus is being pushed into the back and it won't be long before Frosty and the rest of the gang will be standing there all alone. After all, if not for Jesus, there would not be Christmas. And if there was no Christmas, there would be no Frosty, Santa or the rest. What would be the point?

Frosty didn’t' come alive because of just a corn cob pipe. He came alive with the birth of Christ. Without Christmas, he too will melt away into the past. He isn't a Holiday character, he is a Christmas character.

So, stop today and take some time to enjoy it all. Make it fun. Laugh, smile and cry and enjoy the birthday party for Jesus! Then steal a moment away to thank God for Him and commit to Him that you'll never let Frosty melt. If we don't, the world is going to steal Christmas right out from under our feet. An if they succeed, then there will no longer be a birthday party called Christmas.

And trust me, if that happens, it will do much more than just melt Frosty.

"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy…" Psalm 30:11

© 2004, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Everyone Wants to Have It

2005-11-15T13:13:00.000-06:00

(1999) In this day age, and in a world where almost everything seems possible, or at least imaginable, one thing is still extremely hard to obtain -- success.

What is success? Is it a nice home, a fast car, loads of money, tons of friends, popularity in the community, having "connections", or status quo? For some, that is their definition of success. For the over-achievers I know, those things are only by products of true success, true achievement and true servanthood. Real success comes not in material possessions, but in intangible characteristics like honesty, respect, endurance, optimism, faith in God, giving and compassion for others.

True success is taking the punches, getting knocked down, only to get back up, over and over and over again, until the punches can be waved away and victory is attained.

Someone once said, "A man standing on top of a mountain didn't just fall there. He climbed, and climbed, slipped, and sometimes nearly fell. But one day the top was suddenly his to claim!"
Another said, "A boxer doesn't lose a fight because he gets knocked down, he loses the fight because he doesn't get back up."

Yes, success is hard. Whether it be success in school, work, a career, business, a ministry, with your kids, athletics or in some personal goal, it is not easily attained, and never will be. It requires a major price tag. For some it may cost everything you have, for others it may mean loss of sleep, muscle pain, financial cutbacks or late hours at the coffee shop cramming for that final. Whatever the cost, there will be one. I know one man who understood this basic principle. He called his home business "W.I.T." for "Whatever it takes". He saw the price tag and was willing to pay it.

Striving for success is a long road. A road full of pot-holes, curves, and seemingly deadends. Yet the weary find their rest by continuing through the struggles till the end is reached. It's something only a few are willing to try, and only a handful finish.

In the times of fear and doubt, remember who you are what you were created to be. Tim Storey once said, "I have always believed God gets more glory out of you being a success story than out of you being a failure!" God didn't call you to fail, but He will call you to prevail. In Him only, will you find the strength to make it. In Him only, will you find the resources you need to finish what He has started. In Him only, will your pathways be made straight and narrow and in Him only, will you find the will to carry on.

So hold on to your dreams, never give up and tell yourself and the world who mocks you, "With God on my side, it is possible and I will win!"

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this” Pslam 37:3-6

© 1999, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Gruntin', Tootin', and Sleepin'

2005-11-04T07:24:00.000-06:00

(2005) Gruntin', Tootin', and Sleepin'….what a life. And for me this happens everyday. To most men, this may sound like a description of some place just outside of heaven; a place where you can lay back, let your hair down and let it all out.

But, I'm not talking about some men's getaway fantasy island. No, the place where these events are as common as a democratic fraction speaking out against a conservative movement is my own home. Home sweet home has become a place of sounds and activity only a true man could respect and admire.

All thanks to Sidney and Chloe, my ten week old, twin daughters.

I've never heard such commotion from such little girls. I never knew they had it in them…and boy do they! Whew. Let me tell you. Just when you can't nearly handle anymore grunting, wiggling or crying, they let a toot sneak out and it'll run they strongest of noses out of the room. Even our Boxer, Sam, who has his own terrible variation of such things, leaves the room. It's bad. Real bad.

What a life. To be able so sleep 20 hours of the day, eat every 2 to 3 hours, stretch and grunt for 20 minutes after waking and toot all at the same time. How is it that we go from such simplicity, to such overbearing complexity as adults?

I long for the day when life is simply about living. Sure, life for us as adults is about raising a family, seeking God, paying our taxes, being a friend, some entertainment, education, and career. But won't it be great when all that we have set out to accomplish in life becomes meaningless and life itself returns to form? Finally, we will be able to relax, take a deep breath and thank God for making such a place. I'm not sure that gruntin', tootin' and sleepin' is what we will really do when we step into eternity, but if it's the next best thing to Heaven, I can't imagine just all that God has in store for us when we get there.

My girls have it made, at least for now. Life here waits for them someday. For now, I plan to help them enjoy every minute of life as they know it now. Let's be honest….I can grunt, toot and sleep with the best of them.

The house is gonna be quiet the next few days. Julie is taking the girls to Tyler this weekend; another short road trip to see Grammy and Papa Jack. I have to work, so I'll maintain the fort here at home. It just won't be the same. It'll be up to me and the dogs to fill in for the gruntin', tootin', sleepin' machines.

We're gonna miss them, but I think we will manage just fine.

"Jesus called a small child over to him and put the child among them. Then he said, 'I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.'" Matthew 18-2-5

© 2005, J. Brady

"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

One Strike Away....

2005-10-18T08:03:00.000-05:00

(2005) I am still in shock.

Nearly 12 hours later and sleeping it off hasn't helped.

All we needed was one measly strike and the 44 year drought would be over.

But oh, how our hopes were put out with one big blast.

Baseball is called America's pastime. It truly is the nation's best sport. Everyone that knows me knows I am a Dallas Cowboys freak.....I rarely miss a game and own more Cowboys keepsakes than anyone, yet, there is just something about baseball. It's the most emotional sport of them all.

After moving to Houston in the early 70s, as a child I grew up an Astros fan. Do you remember those wonderful multi-color, horizontally striped jerseys they wore along with the bright orange hats? Wow. Those were some fun times. Thanks to my dad, I learned to love the sport. We went to many a game at the Astrodome and I always dreamed of them making the World Series.

As of last night, my 30+ year wait isn't over.

In 1980 (before the Wildcard Series was introduced) they lost to the Phillies in Houston in the National League Championship Series. In 1986 they beat the Dodgers in a one game playoff to decide the Division and won, only to lose a heartbreaker to the Mets in extra innings in the NLCS, again at home. I remember my entire family being in tears watching it on TV. In 2004, 18 years later, my Astros made it to game 7 of the NLCS against the Cardinals. They were 6 outs away with Roger Clemens pitching and a 2 run lead, only to lose it. My World Series tickets had already been bought and I was ready. But no.

Then, last night, the Astros were again facing the Cardinals in the NLCS with a 3 game to 1 lead. They were at home. They got the lead late at 4-2 and had their unhittable closer on the mound in the 9th to get the last two outs. He struck out batter number one! He struck out batter number two! We were one out away! But then two men got on, bringing baseballs biggest hitter to the plate in Albert Pujols. I told my wife, "This guy is a homerun hitting machine". I was nervous and barely could sit still.

Earlier I had called dad, "You watching the game?"

"Yea," he said, "Let's hope they do it this time."

Lidge threw two strikes past him! I was fidgeting wearing my old time orange "H" hat and waiting to scream and wake the babies.

"We are one strike away!" I yelled to my wife. "One strike away!"

Lidge threw the ball and...."Whack!"

Pujols sucked the living air out of Minute Maid park and the Speers household as he literally crushed the ball well over 400 feet out of the ballpark. The Cardinals took a 5-4 lead and won the game just minutes later. Just like that it was over.

My childhood dreamed had once again been squashed. Though we still had a 3-2 game lead, the series would now go back to St. Louis and Busch Stadium would be nuts. It would be the last games in that ballpark and the Astros have only won 1 out of their last 6 there. The odds are long and the hopes are faint.

The Astros have failed me again. Just days away from being 36 years old, father of 2, husband of one, CEO of a multi-million dollar company, and here I was about to cry. My heart sank.

Fans of baseball wait years and years, each time believing and hoping this will be "their year". Yea, it's just a stupid game, some might say, but you can't help but get emotionally involved in it if it's really a part of you. Think about it. Some people are born, follow a team for nearly 80 years, and never see their team win the championship. That's amazing. Generations can go by without your team actually ever winning it. Especially if you are a Cubs, Astros or Rangers fan.

I love baseball. There is just something about it. We all need to step back in time and remember what it was like to be a kid. Put on the old garb, forget today's worries and just enjoy what once was. God gave us sports like this to enjoy the day. Give us something to remove ourselves from the trials of life and be giddy about. I wonder what jersey He wears?

Thanks dad for giving me something in my childhood to hold on to.

I just hope we both get to see them make it before my 8 week old twins girls are the ones saying, "All we need is one more strike!"

"Young man, it's wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in..." Ecclesiastes 11:9

(c) 2005, J. Brady
"I say it how I see it and I make no bones about it."

Are You Kidding Me?

2005-09-10T13:33:00.000-05:00

(2005) In the aftermath of the terrible tragedy brought upon the Gulf Coast and New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, I can't believe what my ears are hearing and what my eyes are seeing.

Let the 2005 US Blame Games begin.

It's hard to believe, but what seemed like just hours after the single, largest natural disaster in American history took place, screams of blame and racism began being shouted over the airwaves of America's news channels. Literally.

First, there was the New Orleans Mayor, Ray Nagin, saying on a radio show the next day, "You got to be kidding me. This is a national disaster. Get every doggone Greyhound bus line in the country and get their as%#s moving to New Orleans!"

Facts are, he sent people to the Superdome with no plans of provisions. No excuse my friend. None. The Astrodome in the Houston area has been prepared for years for a major hurricane by having cots, food and emergency services ready and waiting. Why? Galveston is only 20 minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico. I know, I lived there myself for 12 years. Yet, the Mayor of an on-the-water, below sea-level major city didn't even bother to plan ahead by having one cot, one bottle of water, one MRE, one bus, or one generator ready! He even refused to use all of the hundreds of available school buses to get people out, stating he would rather have greyhounds. Making matters worse, he then allowed tourists to leave from exclusive, pricy hotels before his own people, allowing them to cut to the front of the line at the Superdome. I don't need to point a finger, because all of his are pointing right back at him.

Then there was the Governor of Louisiana, Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, a democrat by the way, who began rallying blame on President Bush and FEMA for not helping quickly enough. Fact is all governors and mayors are in possession of the federal rules on evacuations involving a major disaster. The rules book is issued by FEMA – the Federal Emergency Management Act. FEMA responds after a disaster, not before. Gov. Blanco refused the urging of President Bush to enact an all out evacuation of the area, stating she wanted another 24 hours to think about it. It was in her mind an issue of authority and power. She was wrong. Dead wrong.

Then New Orleans Police Chief Eddie Compass has been ranting and raving about the poor response to the area and how decimated things are. Surely they are, but when hundreds of your own staff disobey your orders, have been seen looting, or have walked off the job altogether it makes one question your leadership ability to begin with.

But nothing is worse than the politicizing of this horrible event by liberal democrats. It really makes me sick at my stomach. Rather than focusing on helping those who are hurting and without anything, these gutless people have decided it's best to use this catastrophe for their own personal gain.

You've got Hilary Clinton rushing to the area to make her face known. Al Sharpton running to defend "his people's" rights to live in filth and disease, and the fake Reverend Jesse Jackson claiming this entire event, maybe even the Hurricane itself, was an act of 1950s civil unrest and racism. Crazy stuff. Just stupid.

I won't even bother mentioning the tons of celebrities who have come out of the woodwork, shown up for a 30 minute volunteer session of handing out water, only then to be called heroes. What a joke. Go back to Hollywood please and let those who really care help these hurting people.

The real heroes are the people of the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and dozens of other ministries and organizations who have given their time and money everyday to these people.

It's a sad, sad time. People have been separated from their own children. Others have already died in their own homes. Many others will. Pets have been left to drown, starve and die.

Blame can be placed everywhere and some day many questions have to be answered. Why did people stay when a category 5 hurricane, with winds of 200mph, was staring them in the face? Why did it take so long to get people out of the area? Why have people turned this into an opportunity to further political aspirations? Why are people blaming the President or FEMA for a response to a disaster to the magnitude that has have never occurred before? Why was New Orleans, of all cities, not fully prepared and ready for this? Why were studies and warnings ignored for over 30 years since Hurricane Camille? Why? Why? Why?

But this is not a time for whying or whining. This is time to give, love and pray.

People need our money, our clothes, our support, shelter and direction. Their lives were taken from them and nothing, if anything, is coming back for a long, long time.

New Orleans will never be the same. Neither will the rest of us. People of all colors and all races are feeling this one in the gut. It hurts and it's sad.

Let's stop the Blame Games of 2005. No one's a winner here.

"Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need." Acts 2:44-46

© 2005, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

Only Then Will You Know...

2005-09-10T12:59:00.000-05:00

(2005) How wrong abortion is. Not until you have some of your own and witness the entire birthing process. Only then will you know.

A few weeks ago my wife and I were blessed to watch our twin girls, Chloe and Sidney, join the world at Arlington Memorial Hospital. Thanks to the careful oversight of our doctor and the recommendation of a specialist we were able to avoid some possible horrible outcomes. Our twins had just begun "twin to twin transfusion", where one begins taking all of the resources from the other, when they both urgently suggested we get to the hospital and get the girls out a few days later. Thank God they did. Sidney was taking most of the food and blood, leaving Chloe much smaller and wanting. The possibilities could have been death for both of them, if things had gone on much further.

At 8:58am on Sunday morning the 21st of August, I was able to witness first hand the C-section birth of my beautiful little ones. Chloe was first, followed seconds later by her "bigger" yet younger sister, Sidney. Our doctor was gracious enough to allow me to video tape the entire process. I've watched it over and over, and still well up with tears.

The process of life is amazing. It is the strongest and only evidence we need of God's hand on us and our world. How in the world can anyone with a brain think this all began with a "big bang" millions of years ago? Or, how can anyone discount a providential hand in the process of pregnancy, when each week literally thousands of things must happen just right or the baby will not survive? I will never get it and until I had my own, it never really sunk in. Now it has.

Everyday over 3800 abortions are performed each day in the United States, according to the Agape Press. That's over 1.37 million a year in America alone!

Have we become immune to the social argument of abortion over the last 30+ years since Roe vs. Wade in 1973? Are you tired of hearing about it? Tired of being told who's right it is? Tired of being asked to pray about it or support various life sustaining organizations? Tired of the politicizing of it all?

If you're like me, I have to admit, many times it goes in one ear and out the other. Yet, isn't it sad that I can't even watch a news story about an abandoned or abused dog or pet without getting more sad and angry than ever? I bet you can relate. Anyone with a beating heart should. Yet, when it comes to the horribly painful process a baby goes through during an abortion, we shrug our shoulders and say, "Well, it's about politics" or "I don't want to tell someone what to do" or "Who am I to judge?".

Wrong answer.

It is time we get serious about these killings that happen in America. Nothing is more tragic and nothing is more painful in the eyes of God than seeing a little one be ripped apart by suction tubes, or be euthanized as they lay in the womb. Don't be fooled. An abortion is painful. Babies scream and are literally torn to pieces without anything to deminish the pain. We have been fooled by Satan himself into believing a fetus isn't a human or a fetus has no idea what is happening to them.

It hurts the baby, it hurts God and it should hurt us.

I challenge you to find a little one to hold sometime soon. Listen to the baby grunt, whimper and giggle. Look at them as they stare holes in your eyes. Kiss them when the smile. Pat them when the cry. Let God remind you of how precious life really is. Let Him remind yourself that the only reason you're alive is because you're own mother opted to keep you, rather than have you torn out.

If you are a Christian and somehow think you can support abortion, you're wrong. Do we defend pedophiles by claiming he has a right to do what he does? That would be insane. Yet, we justify the actions of abortions by doing just that!

One final point. Let me introduce you to Susan Anne Catherine Torres. She was born just a few weeks before my own. Her story is sad yet powerfully uplifting. I first heard about her on a flight to Jacksonville, when she was just a few weeks old in her mother's belly.

See, her mother was technically dead as a result of a terrible cancer. Her body functions were kept going in order for baby Susan to grow. She needed to get to at least 24 weeks, even to have a shot, and she made it. Born at 26 weeks, little Susan Anne now has a decent chance of living a mircale life. Her mother literally died giving her baby a chance to live. If only more would do the same. (http://www.susantorresfund.org for the story)

God loves every baby, and none more than his own. But even Jesus was allowed the chance to live. Thank God He wasn't born in today's world and to a modern day "Mary"

Abortion kills and that's that.

Now you know.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:12-14

© 2005, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

One Story He Forgot to Tell

2005-08-13T11:51:00.000-05:00

(2005) There are a lot of people I can say I’ve been through a lot with. Of course, none haven been there with me more than my parents and sister. But there are some friends who I’ve shared some of my life’s greatest and hardest moments with. There are others that I have shared the world’s greatest and most difficult days with.

But one person comes to mind that’s literally been through just about every major world event with me on a daily basis. Sadly, he died this week. I’m talking about long time ABC News anchorman, Peter Jennings.

Since I can remember he’s been right in front of me giving me certain facts, opinions or just a human element to make what was happening real. Even as a kid I can remember hearing him talking as I would fall asleep late at night. He was an icon of American journalism. He was on America’s TV sets for four decades, along with the likes of Tom Brokaw with NBC and Dan Rather at CBS.

I can remember him covering Hurricane Alicia when we lived in Houston in 1983 and the Shuttle Challenger explosion of 1986. I recall his words when President Reagan was shot. I remember him talking to us about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. He was there in the elections of Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush. He was there during various Olympic events and he helped us deal with the Oklahoma City bombing and the Waco compound ordeal. He brought to us other events as well such as various Mid-East conflicts, “Watergate”, and Vietnam. He helped us deal with various wars, economic struggles and social issues. He even stirred the social pot with TV specials like “"The Search for Jesus" in 2000 and "Jesus and Paul — the Word and the Witness" in 2004. I watch the news today because of him.

But no one made the events of 9/11 more real than he did. I watched, as like most of us, he cried as he tried to give what facts he knew about that terrible day. It was Jennings to a “t”. He made the news worth watching and being from Canada, he wasn’t even a sworn in American until 2003.

Despite his political leanings, Jennings was a decent representative of life itself as an American. Sometimes his comments made me mad, other times he was sincere and right. But he was consistent and was always there.

Unfortunately, the one story he never completely explained was that of smoking and how it kills. He told us in April that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Less than 4 months later, he was dead. Suddenly the face and voice so many of us had been used too as a source of comfort and stability is now gone.

Funny how his “mark” on society now has nothing to do with what he said all of those years. Now it has to do with what he did all of those years. His legacy just might be the millions who claim they’re never smoking again.

Sure, like many, I’ve had my share of smokes in my life. Sadly, during my college years, I tried a lot of things I wish I would have never heard of. My Papa Jack smoked cigars until I was in my early teens. My mother smoked when she was younger. My granny smoked her entire life. And, like many of you reading this, I have family and friends that smoke packs and packs a week. Some smoke a pack a day like Jennings did. Sure, I enjoy a cigar, a “clove” or a pipe here and there. But now I’m thinking I’ll never have another.

I don’t want to be gone 4 months from now.

Do you?

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own…” 1 Corinthians 6:19

© 2005, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

When Wrong Becomes Right

2005-08-12T12:17:00.000-05:00

(1997) This morning I began to think about all the trials of 1996. You know, the ones we heard about everyday last year - Routier, Irvin, Simpson, Clinton, and others. As I sat there thinking about them, I was truly amazed at how our society has glorified the wrongs people have done, making light of them and only adding celebrity status to those who could use a little less of it.

Every week we hear the justification of what should undoubtedly be wrong while unmercifully neglecting the victim. Letting them endure the pain most of them live through the remainder of their lives alone. The perpetrators are now the victims according to the media and many in society.

However, I was also reminded by the Holy Spirit, of how Christ, Himself did that very thing for me. Though I have done so many things wrong in life, He has brought me out of the muck and made me a celebrity in His eyes! You too! For He has taken us all from wrong to right by the power of what Jesus did. We are all celebrities in His kingdom. He was the victim of our sin, but He lets us walk free.

To think my trial should have had a different outcome brings tears to me eyes. For we all who believe, were spared a life term, and in its place given life with no limits.

We are all wrong. It's Him who makes us right.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and behold the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ...not counting men's sins against them." 2 Corinthians 4:17-19

© 1997, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

Grandma Knows Why...

2005-08-11T20:10:00.000-05:00

(1993) She was neat.

For almost a century she walked this earth; giving, loving, and sharing the joys of being a friend, a mother, a wife, a Christian, a grandmother and for a few like me, a great grandmother. In the last few years, she could barely hear, barely see and barely walk. Yet her lovable little body continually beamed like the little light of life that she always was. However, that life, which spanned a road over 92 years long, came to and end; an end that will leave many in tears and some asking why.

I guess I consider myself blessed to not only to have had a great grandparent in my life, but to have had a deep, fun, neat relationship with Grandma as well. I can remember days of going to visit her and talking to her about school, my job, or finding "Mrs. right". I remember the stories she would tell me of the Great Depression, or about her and Papaw getting married on a carriage, or even her talking about seeing him again one day soon in Heaven above. I can even remember discussing those good old Dallas Cowboys, as she would ask me if they were still winning and if "Tom" was still their coach. She liked Tom.

She was just one neat, smart, and lovable lady.

And though it's hard to let her go, I have to ask myself, who am I to keep her from the warm sun, the blue skies, and the gentle breeze of a nice heavenly day with the very Creator of our lives? For is that not the true goal our lives as well? To one day step into eternity, claim our prize and live in paradise with the ones we loved forever? How anyone could live without such hope I will never understand. How empty and pointless life must be.

Yet, even with this hope, death is still the most difficult issue we face. As we "lose" those we love or are faced with losing our own lives, death becomes a dark cloud over every emotion we bare within.

But in Christ and with God, there is victory. Though death seems so final and merciless, in reality it is the door to heaven. For as Christians, we have the assurance of knowing and saying, "Oh death where is your sting?" while claiming the victory that is ours. That is why Grandma lived and that is why Grandma died.

So now, when we find ourselves asking why, we can be assured of the truth we know and of the truth that she lived.

Like the little edge-burned plaque says, that I made for her when I was 14 or 15, Grandma would answer our whys like this...

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, and whoever believes in Him, shall not die, but have everlasting life."

That, my friends, is why.
Maude Speers...home, as of January 10, 1993.

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” I Thessalonians 4: 13-14

© 1993, J. Brady
“I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it.”

Then God Created

2005-07-24T20:08:00.000-05:00

(1997) Imagine if you will -

It was a beautiful place indeed. Tall green trees covered the land, most of them bearing some type of fruit. Birds sang in the air, while different sounds rang out - a lion, an elephant and monkeys.

A small stream slowly made its way through the area, its small rapid currents crashing against the rocks. In the sky the sun was high above sending rays of colored light through the clouds. A gentle breeze kept the day cool.

It was a splendid day.

When Adam awoke that day, his nose was filled an enchanting smell of flowers. He sat up and pondered on the smell a moment and then reluctantly went over his mental list of daily chores. After a few minutes he got up and began his daily routine; pray, eat, feed some animals and hunt for dinner.

He finished the day and slowly made his away back to his sleeping area. The sun had gone down as the day ended. Now the birds were asleep and the crickets and locust took over. A wolf in the back ground yelled its mating call and an owl pitched in its nightly tune.

Adam ate his dinner and then relaxed on the ground gazing up at the stars. As usual, he felt something was not right. He was lonely. For days he had been here all alone, doing the same thing everyday with no one to share it with. He was tired and worn out. Not from his day, but from his sadness of being isolated. Surrounded by all of this beauty and yet sometimes he would rather be dead. He sadly looked into the stars wondering about his purpose and his existence. If only there were another like he...He slowly fell asleep. This was how every night ended for the new man. Sad, lonely and crying.

Tomorrow he assumed it would be no different.

He awoke startled in the morning...something was strange. He felt it in the night, as if he was having a dream so real it seemed it was happening. Quietly he got to his feet, completely naked as was custom and looked around. He was scared, vulnerable and incapable of doing anything to protect himself. A few minutes later he relaxed and began to eat breakfast. He thought about the night and his loneliness. So, he sat there and ate and began to cry again when it happened...

Suddenly, something touched his shoulder. He jumped, screamed, turned around and couldn't believe his eyes. What he saw was more beautiful than gold. It was the most gorgeous thing he had ever seen. It had long brown hair that was gleaming in the morning sun. It had a different, enticing shape. Its eyes were as blue as the ocean and its skin as smooth as silk.

Slowly he approached it as it extended its hand toward him. He embraced it and felt love, kindness, compassion, companionship, happiness and joy. This was it! He spoke to it and he called it woman. Her name would be Eve and he knew together they would live in happiness forever and ever. She smiled at him and they embraced...kissing and crying, they held each other for days upon days.

After all of this waiting, Adam had finally received the gift of love. A gift of love from God that he would never forget. No longer was he lonely; instead he was in love. In love with the most incredible of all of God's creations...woman!

"My sister my bride, you have thrilled my heart with a glance of your eyes, with one sparkle from your necklace. Your love is so sweet, my sister, my bride..." Song of Solomon 4:9-10

© 1997, J. Brady
“I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it.”

9/11 - God Bless America

2005-07-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

(2001) As the united gathering of the men and women of Congress stood on the steps of the legislature, tears came to my eyes as they proudly sang "God bless America" and declared this country would move on, fight and stand up for freedom. Unfortunately, the most horrible of terrorist attacks had occurred hours earlier in which hijacked airplanes were crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and then another one was diverted from its WhiteHouse target to the fields near Pittsburgh.

Suddenly our eyes shifted from tax cuts, policy implementations and partisan concerns to realize that life is precious and can be taken at any moment. As tears have surfaced in our eyes and as our hearts have pounded with fear, anger and hurt, the realization of the days behind and the days ahead of never being same, have gripped our minds.

Like anyone with a human sense of concern, I have sat with my TV on in the office waiting for retaliation, waiting for news of heroes and miracles, waiting for our leader, President George W. Bush to make statements of strength and honor. Most importantly we have all prayed for God to provide those miracles, provide that strength and direct us to the retaliation He would have for such evil acts on our land.

As I heard on the news many countries have been directly impacted by the crumbling of the buildings in downtown New York City as over 60 countries lost offices and citizens in the destruction. Over 450 businesses have lost employees, friends, partners, paperwork, materials, money, irreplaceable items and documents. For many, those businesses came to a sudden end around 8:48am, PST. Later that afternoon, thousands of children waited for mom or dad, grandma or granddad to come pick them up for school. Someone had to explain to them, that this was not going to happen. How painful it must have been for the messenger and those receiving such horrible words!

Like many, I have asked, "God what can I do?"

Maybe you've asked the same. Whether we are here or there, or in another country, we can be a part of the healing. We can give blood. We can drop by our local Red Cross and give a few dollars, some clothes or canned food. We can pray everyday during lunch until this issue is resolved and everyone that can be, is found. We can teach others the promise of Freedom, here in the U.S. and concerning eternity with Christ. We can show support by putting out our flags and wearing read, white and blue.

Above all, we can prove to the world that we will not relinquish what thousands of people have fought for and given their lives for - freedom. This is America and though we have been in moral decay, we are still the country who proudly prints "IN GOD WE TRUST" on our money, and whose President reads scripture on worldwide TV. We are the United States and God's hand is on this land. For that, we all must unite, keep our prayers to God coming, and as Christians, take this opportunity to show love thousands of miles away, to the hurting, and broken; to those whose loved ones will not be coming home. This is our time to shine. Let's not let Him down.

He will bring healing. Just let Him use you to do it and I will join you. God bless America, my home sweet home...

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

© 2001, J. Brady
“I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it.”

Chasing Squirrels

2005-07-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

(2005) Dogs. One of the greatest creations God ever came up with. A true expression of His love for us. Actually, all animals are incredible examples of God's creativity and love, but there's just something about a dog.

Dogs can teach us so much about ourselves, caring for another, forgiveness and love. They wag their tails after being abused. They' lick your face when you're sad. They give you "hugs" and "cuddle" with you when you're tired or stressed. They apologize in their own weird way when they've done something wrong and know it. They run around like mad when you come home....every time, even if it's only been a few minutes or hours. They only cry or whimper when the pain is strong and unbearable. They know no stranger; everyone is a friend. They protect and defend. But best of all, when everyone else has left you, a dog will be there with a smile on his tail.

But...they don't live real long.

Some may say it's silly to be sad when your family dog dies. It's not. It's real and it hurts and unless you're not human, you feel it hard. Dogs are a part of the family.

Our pastor and his family lost their precious pal "Buffy" and he cried from the pulpit the next Sunday. Buffy had been a part of their family for many, many years. I never met the pup but I know how he feels.

My best friend lost his buddy "Brandon" years ago to an illness. He filmed a final tribute video the day they had to put him asleep. I remember him calling me in tears about it that night. He's never watched the video either. It stays in a box.

My family lost our Chihuahua mix "Sandy" while I was away in college. She joined the family as a puppy by following me home across the street when I was a kid. She lived for 19 long, fun years, but I never got to say goodbye. I still miss the times of her growling like a Lion when anyone got near her food.

Well, Ashley, a fun, loving dog with black hair and a great personality, was my wife's family dog for over 14 years and she died today. Since Julie was 16 Ashley roamed their home offering a sniff or lick and being a happy presence in the home. If not that, she was roaming the backyard looking for mystery squirrels to chase, or sniffing out trouble on the few streets around them. She was funny in the few short years I got to play with her. I'd say, "Stop breathing Ashley!" if she was panting. She'd close her mouth and stop, looking at me like, "Uhh. Ok. Not sure just why...but I will". It cracked me up.

In her old age she had some pain. She had spotty hair, arthritis and tumors, but she still enjoyed just hanging out. Though dad kept her shaved like some canine cancer patient, she'd still do her best to play and live a dogs life. One thing was for sure. She always bounded out of the house when we visited to see Julie, her lifelong pal. Her nub of a tail would go crazy with joy from seeing her again.

Dogs just love. That's what they're here for.

Some Christians say our dogs have no souls and simply die and return to the dust. But, I have a different way of looking at it. I see animals as God's creative expression to man of His love. Especially dogs. It only fits the character of God to throw them in as an extra joy of life in heaven. It would be "so God" as they say. Even the Word hints that animals will be in heaven waiting on us. Surely dogs will be there, with tails a waggin'. Julie and I share two great dogs together today, Max and Sam. They never cease to entertain or amaze us either.

There's just a whole lot we can learn from dogs.

I know we learned allot from Ashley. I can't wait to see her bounding for us again. I believe we will because I believe she's already there.

I just hope there are squirrels for her to chase. Otherwise, she might get bored waiting.

"He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air." Acts 10-11-13

© 2005, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

Punch Time

2005-07-09T23:55:00.000-05:00

(1998) Like faith comes before belief, consistency comes before results...and only action puts faith and consistency into practice.

Sounds easy. Believe me, it's not.

In just 26 short years I have discovered one thing that I am sure of: Life cannot be fully enjoyed with all of God's blessings unless we first learn to live by consistent faith and persistent action. Symmetry is the key. The two go hand in hand. One requires the other and the other the same.
However, life doesn't seem bent towards making faith and consistency easy areas of our lives to master. Life continually deals us blows; blows that for many are the knockout punch. The game's over and then time begins its deathly toll.

Success itself is learning to overcome those punches, to pick oneself up, face the enemy and fight. Consistently throwing back punches (action) knowing that, in God's time (faith) the results of those efforts will be fruitful. Consistency of action produces mental toughness and emotional stability.

But knowing the formula doesn't make the mixture easy to put together. Putting faith and action together is a real struggle for me. Sometimes life's blows take away my punch, other times my punches weaken as my faith is shaken.

Have you been there? Are you working on something you know God has called you to do, but it just doesn't seem to be coming together? Has it caused you to doubt what you thought you knew?

I know where you’re at, because these are questions that often run through my mind. As you may know, I started a ministry called "Club J" in Ft. Worth, Texas. Many times I wondered during those days, "God is this really what I should do? When are you going to help me?"
But those times and those questions were there to lead me back to Him. Time after time I would struggle and find myself back in His arms. Like a father longs to be near his sons, even more so does God long to be near us.

When the times get tough and when the doubts creep in, go to the One who made you. He knows what you need to make it.

He'll give you back your punch.

“For You have been a shelter and a refuge for me, a strong tower against the adversary.” Psalm 61:3 (AMP)

© 1998, J. Brady
“I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it.”

You'll Be Shocked at What This Mom Said...

2005-07-06T10:08:00.000-05:00

(2005) I could not believe what I hearing nor what I was seeing. I was in shock, but I was the only one.

It was a hot summer Saturday afternoon on the 4th of July weekend. I was out running some errands and trying to get things done. Time was running out as my wife and I were getting ready for twin babies. She was 28 weeks along.

Thinking about being a parent was making me nervous, getting me excited and weighing me down some all at the same time. The pressure, the responsibility and the work involved. Wow. I had a lot in front of me but I felt we were both ready for the challenge.

As I walked into a convenience store to get some water I stood in line behind a mother and her son, who was between 9-10 years old. I was waiting on them because they were taking their time trying to pick the winning scratch off games, together! Yes, this mother was asking her son for help in trying to pick the “right one” and she was intense about it too.

He didn’t seem to care and casually gave her some off hand backtalk. That’s when the second shocker of the day arrived as she said, “You’re being such a butthole today!” My mouth dropped and the others around me just kind of smirked. They paid for their worthless lottery scam tickets and went on their merry way.

And we wonder why.

I got in the car and replayed what I had heard and seen all the way home. I went back and forth between wanting to chase her down and slap her, and wondering just who and what that kid would turn out to be.

Kids look to the adults in their lives as examples. Who you are to them is likely who they will aspire to be. Maybe he was being what she called him because that was the example she had given him throughout his short life. That’s a bet I’d take any day.

The problems we have with kids today are not the fault of TV, movies or video games. It’s not even the fault of musicians, stars or athletes. It falls 100 percent on the shoulders of today’s parents. Only parents can control those outside factors that impact the lives of children. Of all people, parents certainly should be the best they can be in front of them. But many aren’t and many don’t seem to care. They shirk their responsibility onto those things I mentioned above. It’s careless and frankly, immature.

You and I may not share our lottery games with our kids and I doubt any of you have ever called a child what she did, but that doesn’t mean we’re clear of all charges either.

Have you said other words in front of them, watched stupid shows while they sat there with you, or yelled at the guy in the car in front of you? I have, and that means I’m not much different than this lady. It’s just not shocking enough to make the Howard Stern show.

Whether you’re a parent, uncle, aunt, church volunteer or just a good family friend, remember, you’re another way the see Jesus.

They sure aren’t seeing Him at the local stop-n-shop.

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

© 2005, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

Chill Out

2005-07-05T22:50:00.000-05:00

(2005) It's hard to admit, but sometimes I'm just a little too uptight about things. I know that's a shocker, but it is true.

I mean life is fun and all, but aren't we supposed to be serious, hard workers, people who don't have time to stand around and chat about meaningless things like how dumb, yet funny, the movie "Napoleon Dynamite" is? I mean come on! We've got things to do, people to see, bills to pay, tears to cry, and dreams to accomplish. Let's get with it!

Yea, well, when you get a little older, somewhere around the age of 35, things suddenly do slow down and you begin to see things little differently. See, each of our lives should be taken seriously and as if we've been given a mission to accomplish, cause we have. Yet, at the same time, God put us here on this earth for a short period of time with two main purposes. One, spread His love, two, enjoy the lives He has given us.

I know for me, sometimes I lose sight of both. As I've gotten older I've noticed it's easier to become more worried about money, illness, or death. Or, I can find myself spending too much time wondering "why this" or "why that" or simply missing the "good old days" of the past.
God didn't spend His energy and time forming the earth and all it's creatures just for the heck of it. He didn't spend his creativity putting together mankind just so we would carelessly live life. No, He gave us this place to live and the bodies we have for our enjoyment, cause that's the kind of God we serve. Like a father wants his child to have all that they can, God wants even more for us.

He wants us to slow down, take a load off, and look around. Life is to be enjoyed and should be simple. There are times we need to be focused. Times we need to be on our knees in prayer or worship. Yet, most of our time is spent in the mundane - in the rat race of life - and if we are not careful, we will lose the thrill of all He intended. Even Solomon struggled with this. At first glance he determined life itself was meaningless. "What's the point?" he argued. "To live only to die a short time later?". Yet, He too soon realized what God was whispering in his ears. Can you hear Him? He's still speaking today....

"I want you to loosen up, trust me and live life to its fullest. Enjoy your friends. Enjoy your family. Have fun seeing the world and eating new foods. Catch a funny movie, see a play or attend a good concert. Play with your dogs and rub their faces. I wouldn't have created them if I didn't know how they make you feel. Kiss your wife and tell her she's the best cause I made her just for you. Love on your kids everyday. Your days here are too short to miss one. Work hard during the day and earn as much as you can. Your dreams are only limited by what you decide I can help you do. Tell someone about the love of God and all I have given you. Give a little. Give a little more. I've given everything for you. Serve those around you. Pay your taxes with a smile. Even Jesus paid His. Save as much as you can, but enjoy what you can too. Crank up the rock and roll and dance a little. Music is good for the heart and soothes the soul. I designed it to work that way. Eat alot but eat good. You'll need the practice cause you'll be dining with me forever. It's ok to have pizza or a bowl of Blue Bell here and there. Trust me, I know exactly where Blue Bell is made! Workout and stay healthy. Be thankful and don't worry. Have a massage if you need one. Cheer on those Cowboys, Mavs and Rangers cause I am too. Think, but don't think too much or you'll get trapped by the devil's own lies. Go see the mountains, the ocean or the plains. Travel as much as you can. I created it all just for you to see. Be involved in your community. Be patriotic. Let tears form in your eyes when you hear the national anthem. Vote. It should matter to you cause it matters to me. Pray for people. Support those in need. Be available. Enjoy your favorite TV shows, just be careful what you watch. Have fun driving your cars, flying in your planes or boating around the lake. I smile when you do. Just be joyful and happy. That will lead more people to my love than just about anything you can say or do."

Do you hear Him? I do.

It's doesn't have to be tiresome and meaningless. It's up to us to make it enjoyable and meaningful.

I'm gonna start today, how about you?

"Be Still and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10

(c) 2005, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

Find the Right Solution

2005-07-05T22:39:00.000-05:00

(1999) They say you become like those you hang around. The company you keep produces the kind of character you'll be. Studies even support this idea and give some reason to believe the entire premise; that you're likely to be guilty by some form of association.

The question for us is just what will we be guilty of?

Will we be guilty of running the race with the spiritually blind? Will we be guilty of standing on the fence living by few moral standards with the rest of the world? Will we be guilty of watching the game from the stands or will we simply leave the ticket we've been given at home and casually find something else to do?

What will you, and what will I, be convicted of?

I spent many hours over this last holiday weekend with an incredible friend that challenged me in many ways. She lives by standards we all should adhere to. We talked about God and His desires to see our lives become more like Him. We discussed right and wrong and when and where lines need to be drawn. We talked about our desires to move on past issues in our lives and start walking down the right path once again. We talked about today's Christians and how so many seem careless, apathetic and overwhelmed with problems, struggles and life issues.

Then it hit me. We've been guilty by association.

Misery loves company and so many times in my own life, I've seen myself gravitate towards people rather than God. "Oh, I have this problem. Let me run over here, talk to him, talk to her and hang out with someone like me. Maybe they can help me get it together. If not, at least they'll know how I feel."

Let's just be honest. Many times we choose to be around those who help justify our actions and our ways. We'd rather remain the same than to be with God be truly be renewed and refreshed. Face it, we're afraid if we change we'll lose the identity we have that we've spent a lifetime creating.

But my friends, court is about in session and your problems, issues and fears aren't going to give you the freedom you're hungry for. It's time we be with the very One who can change us from the outside in and from the inside out.

Be guilty alright. But be guilty of focusing not on the problems, but on the solution - Jesus Christ Himself.

If He created the world and His radiance alone could make the lame walk, the blind see and the hurting joyful again, what will happen to you and me when we find ourselves with Him and in His presence day in and day out?

Makes me wonder. What will we be guilty of then?

Hhmm. Just maybe we'll actually be guilty of being like Jesus.

What an interesting concept.

"After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes become dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them." Mark 9:2-3

(c) 1999, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

My First Child Was a Dog

2005-07-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

(2005) If you've never been to the SPCA (a local shelter for dogs and cats in the DFW area) then be prepared to take a cat or dog home if you do. That's exactly what happened to me in 1999.

I had been thinking about adding to my family at the time. I was single but dating and thought a neat little dog would help me adjust my life around taking care of something. Mom had told me I had a self-centered life and needed to learn about taking care of someone besides me. I agreed.

I had no idea what I was about to get into. Thanks mom.

Upon visiting the SPCA that day I walked in a saw this cute little black dog sitting in cage. He saw me and started whimpering. They told me he was a Jack Russell mix and that he had been found outside in the rain near Longview. Apparently he was abused by his owners and they decided to drop him off in the rain along a highway. How sad. I thought he was cute but I still wanted to look around. I liked this other red haired dog too.

As I prepared to walk out I looked over and again saw this cute little black dog staring at me. He whimpered again, wagged his tail and gave me this look that said, "I'm not gonna make it if you don't get me outta here." With the passed down, family trait "sucker" written on my forehead (thanks dad), I gave in.

On the way home, I decided I needed to make my first stop at the local pet supply store. The SPCA had put the dog in this carry box, if you will, with a handle on the top. It had little holes in it so he could see out and breathe. I left him in the box in the front seat as I ran in. He didn't seem to like being in there too much but I'd only be gone a second.

Well, I came back to find the dog sitting in the front seat waiting on me with this silly grin on his face. He had literally shredded that box from the inside out into a million little pieces that were now all over my car! He did all of this in less than 10 minutes. Yep, life as I had known it was about to change...

That was the beginning of things with my first "child". He would provide me many more stories, laughter and worry over the years to come. But, I'm glad the SPCA rescued this "little black dog" for me.

He became my best friend. I named him Max.

Colossians 1:22 "...yet now He has brought you back as His friends. He has done this through His death on the cross in His own human body. As a result, He has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault.

(c) 2005, J. Brady
"I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it."

No Bones About It - Volume One

2005-07-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

I like to write. If you know me at all you know I've gone nuts with this concept of "blogs". I really have. Get me some meds quick.

Well, welcome to my world, where I hope to help show you how things in life are more than they appear. I'll make no bones about it either. I'm gonna show you how life is more than meets the eye.

Stay tuned for what is the begining of my 2nd book. "Second?" You ask. Well, yes. My first is being written, called "Seasons", but it's more for the family. It's boring 'cause it's a detailed journal of my life. Nothing more. Some of you are in it however...Actually most of you are.

This, however, will be my first printed edition and it's all gonna start right here. I hope I can share exactly what the title states - short stories with a point about anything from the realities of life, people, sports, kids, friends, dogs, politics, business, etc. that can help you in your daily walk. Some will be funny, some will be tough to read, but two things I promise; I will be real and they will all be me at my finiest!

Though most are recent, some were written years ago...you can tell by the (C) and year on the bottom of each one. I started doing this when I was in highschool. I'll eventually release an archived version called "No Bones About It - the untold stories". Probably in my "empty nest days" years from now!

Being a Christian isn't easy but all of these things can sure help us along the way. Maybe God can show us all things we've never thought of.

Come along with me. Let's have some fun.

I say it as I see it and I make no bones about it!