The Price of Freedom

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. -John F. Kennedy

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA. -Lee Greenwood

War Battle Deaths

American Revolution (1775–1783) 4,435
War of 1812 (1812–1815) 2,260

Indian Wars (approx. 1817–1898 1,000

Mexican War (1846–1848) 1,733
Civil War (1861–1865) 214,938

Spanish-American War (1898–1902) 385

World War I (1917–1918) 53,402

World War II (1940–1945) 291,557

Korean War (1950–1953) 33,741

Vietnam War (1964–1975) 47,424

Gulf War (1990–1991) 147

Global War on Terror (as of May17, 2008) 3,619

Total Battle Deaths 654,641

Let Us Make Every Single Loss Count!!!

We Are - Because They Gave All

Until next time.....

Danny

Serving God and Country

This past weekend Cliff Payne opened an event in Augusta, Georgia featuring Lee Greenwood. Cliff, the son of Johnny and Sue Ann Payne, is in the Army and stationed at Ft. Gordon in Augusta. Cliff grew up in JSBC and has developed into a mature, well rounded young man. He has not forgotten his christian upbringing and stands tall in his walk with the Lord and service to his country.

Lee Greenwood poses with Cliff and Amy. The better part of this picture is in the middle and not on either end. She is Amy, cliff's fiance. Cliff met Amy at Warren Baptist Church and they will be married in December of this year. I wonder if Cliff ever thought his service to the Army would allow him to sing for a superstar and find his soul mate. We are proud of you Cliff!!!!!

Until next time.....

Danny

Ministry Opportunities

Pastor Jay is leading us to become more involved in missions and on May 4 JSBC sponsored a missions banquet. We were able to hear first hand about various ministry/mission opportunities. David Taylor, our class outreach coordinator, with assistace from Jennifer prepared this snap-shot of opportunities. Please consider being involved in at least one of these opportunities.

Sports Camp Mission Project (May 27 th) - JSBC has committed to preparing a meal on Tuesday, May 27 th for 300 children age 12-14. Assistance is needed to prepare sandwiches, wash fruit and pack the individual meals. Sign-up sheets have been placed in various locations around the church.

Other opportunities to minister throughout the week include clean-up, supervision of participants, financial donations (White envelope - designate to Sports Camp Mission Project). Contact JSBC Church (272-7750) and/or Laurens Baptist Association (272-0361) to sign up.

Moore Street Baptist Church (May 27-30) - FBC will conduct a VBS at Moore Street and needs individuals to partner with them. Opportunities to minister weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays contact Russ Faulk 609-1122.

Bay St. Louis,Mississippi Mission (June 1-7)- The Laurens Baptist Association will be building a home in Bay St. Louis Mississippi June 1-7. This area continues to rebuild itself from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Several from our church and our class have signed-up. We will leave the church at 8:00 am on Sunday June 1. Contact Jerry Hall or Danny Duggar if you are interested.

North Georgia Mountains (July 27-Aug 1st) - need help with construction repair work and VBS. The next meeting is June 12 th at the Laurens Baptist Association.

Habitat for Humanity (September)- Several churches in the Laurens Baptist Association will be sponsoring a Habitat House beginning the 2nd week of September. Need volunteers to help with construction, prepare and serve meals, plant flowers, and prayer. There is something for everyone.

Georgia Baptist Children's Home (Date TBD)- Assist with various project such as exterior painting, yard work, organizing clothes, etc. A Saturday trip which is still in the planning stage. Additional information to be provided as it becomes available.

Until next time....

Danny

Acknowledge Broken Relationships

Overview - Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream proved true. A season of plenty followed by a season of famine was disastrous for all the land except Egypt. Joseph, now the Governor of Egypt, enjoyed a position of prominence and power. How did this happen - from prisoner to Governor? It was God's hand at work in his life. One principle learned from this lesson is that God is in control. Do you see the evidence? His fingerprints are everywhere!! Someone once told me that God can bless His children under any circumstances and this passage confirms this principle. Do not be discouraged, take joy that God is in control.

The famine extended to the land of Canaan and Jacob sent his sons, with the exception of Benjamin, to Egypt to buy grain. Little did they know who they would meet. Joseph recognized his brothers but they did not know him. Not surprising since Joseph was a teen the last time he saw his brothers and twenty years had passed. His brothers believed that Joseph was dead. How will Joseph respond? How would you respond?

Remember Past Problems (Gen. 42:6-7,9) - What do you think came to Joseph's mind when he confirmed these men were his brothers? One thing we know, he remembered the dreams of his youth. Dreams that alienated him from his brothers. The relationship between Joseph and his brothers was so damaged that they sold him out of the family. I believe Joseph re-lived all the emotions of the past twenty years. Did he see God's hand at work? Should he reconcile the relationship? Should he seek revenge? How would you respond?

As you ponder these questions, read the following scripture:

Romans 12:19 - Vengeance
Luke 23:34 - Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14 - Forgiveness
Matthew 5: 21-26 - Reconciliation

Explore Present Possibilities (Gen. 42:13-20) - What to do? Joseph was governor, he could do as he pleased! However, Joseph became governor by being faithful to God. What would God have him do? Joseph demonstrated a life lesson that would benefit anyone faced with difficult situations. He showed reserve and patience. He did not act hastily - he took three days to make a decision. A glimmer of hope had been kindled by this encounter, his brother and father was alive. Over the years Joseph must have yearned to know what happened to his father and brother. Now he knew.......but what would he do?

Evaluate Future Prospects (Gen. 42:21-24a)- Joseph's heart was torn. He heard his brothers discuss the actions they had taken long ago. The unsolicited admission of guilt and an expression of the understanding of his pain (vs. 21) proved to be overwhelming to him. He was so moved by their words that he left their presence and wept. Perhaps he was overwhelmed with the possibility of a relationship with his family again. The brothers had no clue that the one before them was their brother. Their future was in his hand.

For Sunday - Let's discuss what can be learned from Joseph about mending broken relationships.

Until next time.....
Danny

Thump-Thud

Thump-Thud - is God checking your character? Yvonne Metzdorf sent me this from Max Lucado. Check it out to see the proper response when we are thumped by God. I hope you sing like the potters pot!!!!

Until next time......

Danny

Stuck in Gainsville, Fla

I'm not sure if anyone in cyberspace is interested in my dilemma but I am somewhat bored and need something to do. Therefore, I thought I would update the virtual world as I wait for my truck (see previous post). Instead of creating a new post, I will simply edit/update this one. So if you are interested in how things go, you will need to visit this post until I arrive at home.

12:00 Noon Check-out from the motel was 12:00 noon therefore I had to find another place to chill out for a while. This morning Jenny suggested Panera Bread Company - an excellent suggestion I might add. I am not sure why I did not think of this. One of the reasons I love Jenny so much is that she helps me in so many ways. She can read my mind (sometimes?). She knows Panera is my second favorite place to chill out, Blackbird Coffee being the first. If Dublin had a Panera, it would be a difficult choice. I googled "Panera" and discovered one less than two miles from the motel. I checked out of the motel at 11:30 am and arrived at Panera around 11:45, got a cup of java and a Bear Claw, and called to check on my truck. Still no definitive word. The FedEx truck was unloading and the lady told me she felt sure the parts for my truck were on it. The lady, Helen Freedland, has been very helpful. I told her I did not want to be a pest but needed to get on the road today. She seemed to understand and said I should check back around 3:30 pm. I sure hope my truck gets fixed today. I will chill out for a few hours here at Panera working as much as possible. At least I have access to the Internet via the free WiFi offered at Panera. One reason I like it so much.

3:10 PM - Great news - Helen Freedman called and ask if I wanted my truck back. Was I ever glad to hear from her!!!!! The technician said the inside of catalytic converters were broken-up and he did not see how the truck was still running. I am a shade tree mechanic and know what happens as the converters breakdown. The inside disintegrates and the exhaust gases cannot exit the engine. Franz reminded me the converters contain "precious metals" that can be salvaged. I asked for them - thought I could sell them and offset some of the repair cost. However the shop had to pay a core charge and would not give them to me. Guess I could have argues but I am so glad to get my truck back that it is not worth it. I'm packing up to leave Panera Bread and head to the dealership. Once there, I will turn in the rental car, get my truck and begin the trip home. I'm not sure what the final cost will be; I might need resuscitation when I get the bill. With any luck I will be on the road by 4:00 pm and home by 7:00 tonight. I can't wait to see Jenny, I sure have missed her. This experience has not been good but it could have been much worse. First, I was near a major city, close to a dealership, a rental company was at the dealership, and Helen Freedman was very helpful. Even when things do not go our way - God is there. Praise His name. Pray for a safe trip home.

9:00 PM - Arrived home safe.

Until next time......
Danny