What is a true Christian?

Today, there seems to be a misconception of what being a Christian is. There are many ideas of what it is. Some people believe that being a Christian is to be very critical, very stern, very judgemental, very hoity toity. There are those that believe a Christian doesn't curse, doesn't drink alcoholic beverages, that Christians don't fraternise with non-Christian people, that they must go to Church everytime that the doors are open.

First, lets find out what a true Christian is NOT!

Allow me to preface that if you are NOT a Christian, the Bible considers you Carnal or of the Flesh.

In Galations 5:19 the Bible states;
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (Vrs. 20)  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (Vrs.21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before , as I have also told you in time past , that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

These are the things that Christians, that's a TRUE Christians, are NOT suppose to be doing. If you see someone doing these types of things and they claim to be a Christian, according to this scripture they would be incorrect in their assumption.

That is one of the reasons that I believe that West Fork Baptist Church has left the fold of Christianity.
I believe that they mean good but have been led astray because of their late Pastor. Christians do NOT go to funerals to debate or to demonstrate against the War.

A true Christian would be there to help the mourners to console the loss of a loved one. To Pray with those in need and to love them unconditional as Christ would.

We as Christians are NOT to be judges for that right is only in the hands of God.

So now that we know, according to God's Word what a Christian is NOT, What is a Christian?

Christians are likened to Fruit. Since we are to be like Christ, we should follow the Fruit of the Spirit!
Galations chapter 5 and verse 22 says;
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (vrs 23.) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Christians were first called that name in Antioch. It means to be Christ like.
I know that this has been commercialized but it IS true. WWJD? What would Jesus do?

Christianity is NOT a religion! Religion is what nailed Jesus to the cross during the crucifixion!
Christianity is MORE then a life style!

Christianity is a daily relationship with our Heavenly Father. Enoch walked with God. It's a Daily Walk. It's living your life everyday with a prayer on our lips, a song in your heart and the peace of God in your mind!

Phillipians 2 and verse 5 says,  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

How can we know the mind of Christ? By Transforming our minds!

I am compelled to read from the Book of Romans chapter 12 and verses 1 and 2.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

How can we know the mind of Christ?

II Timothy chapter 2 and verse 15 compells us to,  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Now being a Christian isn't the easiest things that you can do but it the most satisfying and glorious things that you can do.

You may be wondering how to start? How can one become a Christian?
Some believe that you must do good all of your life. Although that comes after Salvation that is NOT the way to become a Christian.
Some believe that if you become Baptised you will be a Christian. Although that is a sign to the world that you ARE a Christian that is NOT how you become a Christian.

First of all, you must have Child Like Faith! Simple.
Secondly, According to the Bible in Romans Chapter 10 and verses nine thru thirteen.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved . 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith , Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed . 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13 For * whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved . 

This is what it takes to become a Christian. Confession of Sin, a Belief in the Heart that God raised His Son, Jesus Christ from the Dead!

If and when that you do this, you have become a Christian. You are Born Again!
What should you do? Tell Some one! Read your Bible! As a new born, Christian you need that Milk of the Word! You need to find a fellowship of believers. Go to a Church that Believes the Bible! All of it. Not just some of it, but all of it!

When should you read your Bible? Well, how many times do you eat? Morning, Noon and Night!
How often should you pray? All the time! If you do these things you make Satan shake in his boots!
He hates it when you read your Bible! He trembles when you talk to the Lord! When you talk in your prayers you send a message to God. When you read his Word, He sends a message to you. You may not totally understand the Bible but given time you will recieve it into your life.

There are those that say, I don't understand the Bible. My response is, either they don't know the Author or it's just not their time to understand what they are reading! You wouldn't give a newborn baby steak, Right? When you read the Bible ask God for guidance and he will guide you into all truths!

Have a wonderful day! God is really there! Just call on him.

If you have questions please leave a comment. Maybe, I can be of some assistance.

Getting Old? How Bad Can It Be?

As a middle aged, 53 year old man, I'm feeling "wiser" every day! Although, when I get up from bed, I seem a bit sore. Actually, I feel as though I have been beat by a baseball bat. I go to the doctor more then I use to. I seem to come into the room and then forget what I came in there for. I'm just thankful for my beautiful wife that keeps me on the straight and narrow. She's my rock!

I seem to go to the bathroom on a regular basis. I used to drive trucks for a living and could hold my urine for hours! Not any more! It's like having to go about every two hours or so.

Today I painted some then played my music on my guitars. I have two acoustic guitars. One is an Epiphone and the other is a Fender! My Electric guitar is an Ibanez.

Sometimes I just love to get a nice bottle of red, go to my man cave and play. Oh! I almost forgot! I also play the piano by ear. I love music. I was raised up on good old fashioned Stamp Baxter Gospel. I was under the spell of the Happy Goodmans, the Hemphills, the Oakridge boys before they went country! Then I went to school and was exposed to the Classics! Of course my Aunt Peggy exposed me to the Beatles as we rode down the road in her Mustang. The rest is history! Gospel, Rock, Classical, Blues, Rockabilly, Country, Blue Grass, Jazz, Hip Hop, it all moves me in some manner! Whether it's tapping my foot, nodding my head, snapping my fingers or shaking my bootie. It's a fact!  I love music!

Dance is such a profound part of mankind. We have been dancing since the beginning of man! We danced to tell stories. We danced to began the mating rituals. We danced for love. We danced for war. We danced for joy! We danced just to be dancing! The movement, the timing, the passion is intoxicating!

King David of Israel, Danced before the Lord. King Solomon says, that there is a time to dance! No where in the pages of the Bible has it ever forbidden anyone to dance. That is a fact. Go Ahead, Look it up.

In the time that I have been alive, some amazing things have happened. The Berlin wall was built and torn down. We discovered space by putting rockets into space, landing on the moon, circling the Earth, as well as putting a space station into space and a robot on the planet Mars! Now NASA is taking applications for a one way trip to Mars.

Why would I want to do something like that? Why would I want to die on Mars? I guess that they would freeze me, so that I would wake in about ten years. Then wouldn't I just die of lack of oxygen? Lack of Water or food? Maybe NASA is looking into this WORM hole theory of traveling thru space using Fusion Power? String Theory or Einstein's Theory of Realitivity. What if he got it wrong?

Who knows? If you have followed my blogs, I have spoken about my Ant Theory. Maybe, we are getting closer to seeing, contacting or finding other species in Space. Intelligent Life in Space? You have to know that we ARE NOT alone! As vast as space is you MUST know that we are NOT the center of the Universe, the Galaxy or Space itself!

For one to ignore the facts would mean that we must go back to the caveman existance. We must go forward in our exploring.

With that being said, Why have we not put hardly any funding into Ocean Exploration? There is so much for us to find! We are always finding new species! If we are finding new species on our own planet why would there not be new species in Space?

In terms of growing older, there are so many conveniences that have come to fruition during my life time. The Abacus was replaced by computers. Computers have been replaced with laptops, Ipads, Iphones and soon it will be implants!

Televisions have gotten bigger yet thinner and with more channels! Wireless is no longer considered Black Magic! The Internet has grown from a government communications program to a global, social being! The world now lives and breaths on the internet. Governments can be topled by Social Media and by viruses that invade our bandwith.

Microwaves, Nano technology, cloning, DNA, BioMetrics and on goes the growing list of Technologies that are permeating our existance! We continue on!

After all has been said and done, one day, I will retire. I will live my life out. I will be able to create more art, drink more wine, travel when I can.

Wouldn't it be great just to win the Lottery? Would it change me? People say that it doesn't but it does!
Your out look on relationships change. You are always wandering if people like you for your money or just for you? Your idea of personal space and security changes. Your idea of how to protect your money changes. You have too much money then just to put it in a bank. You have to think about Trust Funds, Individual Accounts, protecting it from over taxing by putting it into Individual Retirement Accounts. Of course you want to take care of your children, grandchildren or great grandchildren by putting money into 429 accounts. You have to put trust in a Personal Finance Manager, Attorneys and Accountants.
Your mode of travel changes. Instead of Coach you move to First Class or maybe you just use a personal executive jet to jetset around the planet. You go from driving your personal car to a limo or maybe being flown in a helicopter. See? There is change.

I'm always amazed how people win the lottery and they make so many mistakes and then you see them homeless or worse.

I would think that you should always plan for every contingency. Include your family in your plans so that they are on board when the time comes.

Growing old also brings us closer to the portal of life and afterlife.
Personally, I believe that you should have a will in place as well as a living trust. Don't be so stupid as to die with out your family knowing what is to become of your body and personal effects. This leads to fighting and hurt feelings among family members.
Let them know how that you feel about them and what they are getting when you die. Let them know, how that you want to be cared for if you are in the hospital near death. Let them know what kind of Service that you want or if you even want a Service. Maybe you just want a Memorial Party?

These are just a few things to think about. I don't know it all and don't claim to but I know that even I need to update some things.

Guys! Let's get organized and prepare for our next Journey. The Final Journey into New Frontier.

                                                   What are your ideas or thoughts?
           
                                         Lets start that dialogue.

Art, Music and Wine! Some Things Do Get Better With Time!

I have lived over a half century. I have seen leaders as well as governments rise and fall. I have seen fashion come full circle. I have seen art and music evolve. I have changed over the years.

There was a time when I was secluded and separated by rationales and beliefs. I was extremely conservative Christian in my beliefs. I am still and always will be a Christian but I'm liberated by Christ,

My Father was an alcoholic but since he had accepted Christ he had not touched a dropped. I never even saw him smoke a cigarette. He was strict but fair. I respected him for that.

I read my Bible and my eyes were opened. There was nothing wrong with having a glass of wine but it was wrong to be drunk and do stupid things.

The same was with music. I was shielded as a child. I was exposed to Gospel music and the Classics. As I Child that's all that I knew. My Aunt Peg introduced me to the Beatles. Pandora's box was opened! I secretly started listening to Rockabilly, Country, Rock and Roll, Blues, Jazz, Hip Hop and the rest is History!

I started singing on Sunday morning on the stage of the First Baptist Church. It was just a bunch of snot nosed kids but it was exciting to get up there and sing the B-I-B-L-E!

I learned that I had a great first tenor voice and people really responded positively to my singing! My Father being and Evangelist we drove thousands of miles going from Church to Church singing all the way.

I have played the piano since I was thirteen. When I was nine, my parents bought an Organ and paid for Organ playing lessons. I went to one lesson. Upon coming out to the car my Mother ask me how I liked the teacher. I said, "Mom,she was the worst teacher of all!" "Why is that, Honey?" She questioned. I replied,"She would point at the note on the music sheet and ask me, What note is that?" I would answer,"I don't know, you're the teacher!"

Four years later, I sat down on a piano bench and started tinkering around with notes and chords. I began sitting down and practicing Everytime I saw a piano free. It would be three in the morning and I would be playing. My father would holler down into the basement where we had an old piano and say,"Raymond, I can't sleep, can you please go to bed now?"
I played in Church and loved every bit of it!

Art has always been a passion of mine. Drawing, doodling, painting, sculpting it all gets my juices flowing!

I would Doodle in school. I was always scetching something! I simply loved art class in school!

I doodled in Church, at home, anywhere where I could find paper pencil or pen!
I am amazed when I visit the Art Museum in Cincinnati,Ohio. The masters are just simply genius in their brush strokes, their lighting and color is just invigorating!

My art is some what different but to some may not be different at all. I have a ritual and a mad genius to my art. I love my camera to put things into focus but then sometimes, I go to my inner child for my pieces! You can see my art on www.Raymondvision.yolasite.com or just Google Raymond's Vision. Please feel free to visit and give me your opinion. Maybe you like to purchase a painting or maybe commission me to paint something for you!

My Thoughts on Big Foot. Are they real?

I started hearing about Big Foot when I lived in Louisiana.  I was a teenager when I lived in Rodessa, Louisiana and had heard many stories about the Faulk, Arkansas Monster. Since Faulk was just a hop and a jump from where I lived, I was very attentive when I walked in the swamps. I had been way back in the swamps and had felt as if I was being watched many times. It was one of those things where maybe a sound, a smell or just a feeling that something was watching me, making the hair stand up on the back of my neck.

I remember one night, I was walking to my friends house, who just lived about a half mile down the road. I was excited to be going there to play pool with my friends. Ervin, James, Leroy and Gary Humphrey. If you have ever walked along Highway 1 in North West Louisiana, you know how that the road is elevated with a ditch on each side and the swamp stretches for miles. So, I was walking along and it was almost pitch black. The stars were peaking thru the pines and then I heard steps to my right. Big Steps. Not four legged but two legged! I could hear branches cracking and breaking. I smelled a smell that was a bit sulfuric and musky. I couldn't see it but it was big! I could tell because of the noise that it was making. It was keeping pace with me. I was running but it was walking in big strides! Okay! To say the least I was scared! I turned down the road to the Humphries, who lived by the rail road tracks and made record time to their house! I was banging at the door with my fist! Hollering, "Let me in!"

Leroy opened the door with a smile and then saw my face! He ask me, "Dang, Ray, whats the matter? You look like you saw a ghost!" I was still trying to catch my breath. I answered him, "I think Big Foot was chasing me or the Faulk Arkansas Swamp Monster has come North!" He smacked me on the back, "Stop it! Your Bull Crapping Me!" He laughed and led me back to the Pool Table room in the back of the house. All the boys were there and I recounted my story. They, being all woodsmen and men of the world just laughed it off but suffice it to say, I had them drive me home when it come time to go.

As of late, I have been viewing the show, "Finding Big Foot." It does interest me.
                                                                http://www.bfro.net/
I have seen the video clips of Big Foot. I have seen the foot and hand prints cast that have been taken. I am a believer. If had just been the Gimble tap and that was it, then I would have put it off as being a hoax. There has been thousands of accounts of Big Foot. There are thousands of pieces of Evidence, Hair, DNA, Video, Audio tape. Even the Bible tells of Giants that walk the Earth.

This show though Finding Big Foot interest me but it also frustrates me. Renee, Bobo, Cliff and Mr. Moneymaker, all of them frustrate me. Renee, the skeptic, or is she? Her Father was a big foot hunter. She comes off as a skeptic but then when their are howls or knocks in the night, she doesn't seem like one. Bobo, who is just....a Bobo, stumbles and bumbles thru the woods which would scare the crap out of anything that is around that night! Cliff and MoneyMaker seem to be very knowledgable but also everything seems to be a big foot.

I have seen them use Guitars, Bands, Disco lights, Girl Scouts and Hill Billys to lure in a Big Foot. They use knocks and then they use Howls.

                                                      Now wait a minute! 

If you are a Big Foot, you have lived in the woods all of your life! You know every noise there is that is made in the woods. Don't you think that a big foot can distinguish between a Big Foot howl and a human trying to sound like a big foot howl?

I believe if I was going to find Big Foot, I would go into the forest about 12:00 PM when the Big Foots are asleep in a cave or in one of their little huts. I would have listening devices and movement sensors as well as cameras that circled the camaflouged encampment. We would be silent as could be with hardly a whisper.  I would put out a cornicopia of food that would be covered by cameras and movement sensors. Of course you will bring in other critters that are hungry but the word gets around that there is free food a Big Foot will show.

 I would have a tracker on my team that could track a fart in a wind storm! I would have 24 hour surveillance on the food and on the trails leading thru that quadrant. I would be there, invisible for about a month. If I was going to do a howl, I would use an Audio blast of a real Big Foot. You could also do audio blast of a deer in distress. Do NOT go stumbling around in the dark, looking for a Big Foot. They will always see you first. They can smell you. Try and use a scent that smells like doe urine. That might bring them in looking for a deer. Fry up some bacon. Couldn't hurt. You will get their pictures! Not maybe but you will! You don't want to cage these beings or hurt them. They can hurt you if they want to! You are NEVER going to surprise them. If you did, I don't think that it would end well.

Here's an idea. Since they are nocturnal in habit maybe they are like cats, who can see in the dark as well? There have been stories of them making a fire. They make little huts to sleep in. They can climb a tree. There are videos of them climbing trees. They are primate you know. They can swim. Their sense of smell, hearing and sight are impeccable. They do communicate to each other in a language. They knock to communicate where they are. They howl to let other Squatches know of their territory or as a warning. That's the reason why that when the BFRO howl the Squatches go silent. They howl when the BFRO get close to their territory. They are saying, "Stay away!" The stone throws are a warning that you are too close. The branch snapping is also a warning. It's a territorial sign.

The BFRO will Never catch one or see one because they are not patient. They are too loud and they stomp around the woods like a herd of buffalo! They don't want to find a big foot because when they do....their show is over and they get no more funding!

                                             What are your thoughts? 

                            Have you ever seen a Big Foot? 

                                     Tell me your story!

                                 Happy Safe Squatching!

The Seattle Seahawks Verses The Boston Patriots....David and Goliath?

Last week, I watched the game between the Seahawks and the Packers. I was so amazed at the comeback of the Seahawks! Everyone had written them off as the losers. Even the Packers were doing early celebration on the side lines.
I told my wife, "Sonia, the only way for the Seahawks to win this game is to get the ball back with the on side kick." I was shocked to see them do just that!
I thought that they showed so much heart and can do attitude in this game. There was no doubt who the Champions were! Between Russell Willis's prowess at Quarterback and Lynch as a legendary running back as well as their front line to protect, they got the job done! There was no Inflate-a-gate just good hardworking football.

I also watched the Patriots slaughter the Colts. Inflate-a-gate or not, the Colts had no chance of winning.  Dropped passes a plenty on the side of the Colts. Tom Brady of the Pats was legendary as Usual. I am NOT a Pats fan but they are the real deal. I believe that Tom Brady has a photographic mind. He always checks the photos of the defensive strategy and positions. You will notice how he does a lot of options when calling his plays. His Front line is legendary in the way they protect him in the pocket. I don't care how good your quarterback and recievers are if you have no time to snap the ball and look at your options down the field you can not have any luck in the passing game.

If the Quarterback can run, that changes the whole paradymn of the game! That's what Russell Willis brings to the game. You have to have a "Spy" position on the defense to keep watch on the Quarterback to insure he doesn't make the run!

The majority of the readers are rooting for the Patriots but I really like the chances for the Seahawks to win this! I believe that it will be close but the deep seated heart of the Seahawks will prevail!

What are your thoughts?
#SuperBowl

How to deal effectively with the Police.

It seems as of late that there seems to be some problems between policemen and the public. I may be mistaken but I believe that it is not so much a race problem of profiling as it is with communicating effectively and to do exactly what you are told when you are told.

All that one needs to do is to watch a couple of series of COPS on television to see how things can go down hill quick. You can sit with a tablet and make a check mark for how the perpetrator or citizen in question gets there self into trouble. Soon you are setting with a tablet full of check marks.

Here are a couple of suggestions that can help you in the future.

1. When you hear a siren behind you and see flashing lights in your mirror, PULL OVER! Nine times out of ten, it's NOT you that they're looking for. They will just pass you by. If you are the one that they are looking for here is the next suggestion to follow.
2. Sit quietly in your car and wait for instructions!
3. Do exactly what they say, when they say it! If they say Roll Down your window. Do it. If they say put your hands on the wheel or outside your window, Do IT, NOW!
4. If they say to unlock your door, Do it, NOW!
5. You do have a Civil right to know: Why they pulled you over. If you are being charged with a crime. 
6. If you are being handcuffed you ARE being arrested. If not then they are needing more information.
7. If they ask for your drivers license, give it to them. You should NEVER be without your License! If you don't have your drivers license then it is illegal to be driving!
8. If they DO arrest you, They MUST read you your Miranda Rights, which we all have seen in every Police Series or Movie. "You have the right to remain silent, anything that you do or say will be held against you in a court of law. If you do not have an Attorney then one will be provide for you. Do you understand your rights as this has been read to you?" You must say, Yes.
9. Even if you have NOT participated in a crime it is my personal opinion that you still say, exactly nothing until your attorney is present with you!
10. One thing to be cognizant of is if they come upon you and they are plain clothes police officers and they show you a badge, you need to tell them that you will be driving to the nearest police station to insure that they truly are police officers. There have been many who have been murdered by murderers posing as police with lights in or on their cars and a fake badge.
11. When they cuff you, do exactly what they say. If they say to step outside of the car and kneel facing away from them then do it. If they say to put your arms behind your back do it to the best of your ability. Do NOT resist them.
12. Your ability to defend yourself as to your innocence will not be judged on the side of the road. 
13. You will be given a chance to call your attorney or someone that you know once that you get to the confinement area or jail. This will be a short call. Tell them your name. What Jail that you are in and that it is important that they defend you in the court of law.
14. Do NOT talk to anyone about your case unless your attorney is present!

When speaking to the Police you should be addressing them as Officer or Yes Sir or No Sir or if it is a female officer, Yes Mame or No Mame. Do NOT be rude with them. Do NOT yell at them or be disrespectful.
When in Doubt, Comply. You do NOT have to talk with them other then your name, address, telephone number. You have the right to be silent.
If you have any other tips or advise please share with us.

To Venice and On to Greece!

In May of this year we took. Trip to Europe, which consisted of flying to JFK then on to Venice, Italy.  We made it to Venice and what a beautiful city! We were picked up by Limo and whisked to the water taxi port. We took a leisurely ride on a water taxi to the Molino Stuckey Hilton. I loved being in the back of that taxi! It was like in the "Tourist" with Johnny Depp and Angolie Jolie! Cruising down the canals and under bridges seeing the sights and watching the boats and people going by was so exciting. We got to the Hotel and upgraded for 125 Euros to the 6th floor overlooking the canal! This also upgraded us to the Executive Lounge where there were free snacks, bread, meats, fruits and wine! We totally took advantage of this perk! The Vino was so amazing.

The next morning I woke and looked outside to see our ship, the Norwegian Sky passing by! I grabbed the camera and started taking pictures. I waved at the people who were viewing from their balconies and they waved back! My wife, Sonia looked at me while shaking her head and said, "You know you are in your under wear right?" I smiled back and said, "But we are in Venice!"

We went down to the executive lounge and enjoyed breakfast and an Italian Cappuccino, which was so delicious! Afterward we gathered our things an a contact from Norwegian helped us get our transfer on a water taxi going to the ship. We unfortunately had to ride with another family. It was a Mother, her Son and his girl friend. The Son and girl friend were fine it was the Mother! She was what I like to call the "Ugly American!" Oh my God! She complained about everything! The airplane ride, the water taxi, the hotel everything was terrible! I could tell that her Son and Girl friend were not comfortable with this as they sat there in silence smiling nervously. So for the length of that short trip, she raped my ear with her complaints! I was so glad to be rid of her once we got to the port and checked in.
We finally were on board and got settled in so grabbed a bite to eat and returned to our cabin. We shoved off and Sonia turned on her smart phone to play Italian music while we slipped down the canal. We met our neighbors and introduced ourselves. The people to our right were from Australia and the people to our left was from Iceland. That was delightful since Sonia's Mother is from there. We learned that about fifty people were on board that was from there. We totally enjoyed this cruise! We  went to Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini, and Olympia. It was so wonderful to enjoy the history, the culture, the food and music!