Operation Liberty Homestead

Goodbye!

2011-04-04T21:25:00.001-05:00

This will be my last post on Operation Liberty Homestead. It is with a tinge of sadness because it was my first launch into the blogging world. But I will continue to blog over at The Call of Freedom . You will always be welcome to come over and stay awhile. I love visitors! Thank-you all for the conversations and interaction that we had here! May God bless you all!

Cartoon Wednesday

2011-02-02T06:00:00.003-06:00

Check out my new blog here!

Scripture Sunday

2011-01-16T09:23:00.000-06:00

Yes, even the man who was after God’s own heart fell into a grievous sin with Bathsheba. He was human, as we all are.

But most of all, when confronted with his terrible sin, he repented.

And after repentance, comes a great cleansing.

This is his Psalm after his repentance……

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

5. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

6. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.

7. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Psalms 51: 1-7

God grant me the grace to repent, when You reveal sin in my life………

The Call of Freedom

Solar Panel Snow Maintenance

2011-01-11T17:49:00.000-06:00

We don’t get a lot of snow here in Oklahoma so we don’t have to worry about constantly keeping the snow off of our solar panel array. But every now and then, we get a small amount of snow so we still have to deal with it.

This past Sunday was one of those rare times. We got about three inches of snow but it quit snowing by Monday morning. So before I headed out for work Monday morning, the snow needed to come off or we wouldn’t get any charge out of the panels. I just use a push broom to clear them. What little snow is left that the broom doesn’t get, will melt very shortly after the sun hits them. Fortunately, my solar array isn’t far off of the ground so they aren’t hard to clear. As you can see in the photos, I had to take the pictures before there was to much light out because I needed to head off to the ranch.

I know some folks think solar electricity is maintenance free, but as I have found out in the past 3 years or so, that isn’t true. But the satisfaction of being free of “the grid” is worth it all!

Remember, you can follow my new blog via Google Friend Connect or by signing up by email. Check it out here!

My New Blog

2011-01-06T21:32:00.001-06:00

My new blog has been in the works for a while and I think I am finally to the point of making it public. I am still working out the bugs and still doing some designing on it but the basics are done!

I wanted to upgrade to my own domain so that I have the ability to go farther and do more with it. Feel free to come on over and check it out. You can follow me there with Google friend connect, or subscribe via email. I will be posting a few more times here but will eventually completely switch over.

The Call of Freedom

Cartoon Wednesday

2011-01-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

In Loving Memory

2011-01-03T06:00:00.057-06:00

Today, the 3rd of January, is a day full of mixed emotions for me. Seven years ago today, I did one of the hardest things I ever had to do. Put my own sweet little darling baby girl into her final resting place.

I know that the One I serve is sovereign and in control of all of our daily lives. But I have to admit that on that day, my faith was fluttering like a leaf in a strong breeze. Why, God? Why our firstborn? Why now? So many questions spinning in my mind and not knowing the answers. So many unknowns. Such a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Such grief and agony.

How do you go on after your hopes and dreams have been shattered and your world has fallen down around you. How do you trust in the will of our Father when you are faced with a bigger mountain than you have ever faced in your life? How do you just go on?

But I have learned that it is in times like this that our Heavenly Father puts His strong hands under our feeble arms and lifts us up. It's in times like this that we find that His grace is sufficient. His promises certain. His ways are higher than ours. His mercy is ever enduring. His presence is breathtaking.

My Lord knew that Jacinda Belle would never take her first breath. Her first step. Never utter a word on this earth. Only be in our arms for a few hours. We didn't know, but He did, and He knew just what we would need in those moments and days following her birth. He knew that it would be far better for her to never feel the pain and grief she would have felt on this earth had she lived. And He knew, as the medical examiner said, "she wasn't meant to live here."

We had many friends and loved ones who were a great support for us through that trying time. You know who you are, and know this, we are forever grateful and would like to say Thank-you! May God richly bless you for it!

Reliving the memory brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Yes, time heals deep wounds, but the scars will always remain. Nothing will ever replace her. She will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Here is a poem I wrote on the morning of her funeral.

Jacinda Belle

Beautiful, cherished, Jacinda Belle

Oh how we love you so.

We longed for the day to see your face,

But then you had to go.

We hoped and prayed for you for a time,

Then when the time had come,

God called you home to be with Him,

Into your eternal home.

We wish it could have been different, but

God always knows what's best,

So we'll just lean upon His arms,

And in His bosom rest.

You are so happy now, but yet,

Our hearts are bleeding too.

Just wait for us on the other side,

And we will come to you.

I Love You,

Your Daddy

And yes, mothers grieve differently than fathers do, so you may also want to read about this from my dear wife's perspective. You can read her story here.

Scripture Sunday

2011-01-02T06:00:00.009-06:00

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus

Philippians 3:13 & 14

The new year is here. A chance for new beginnings. New challenges. New discoveries in His Word. A new closeness in walking with Him. Newness in becoming more like Jesus. In all I do and say.

Leaving behind the baggage of this past year (and beyond). Leaving behind unhealthy relationships. Bad habits. Fear of the future. Wrong attitudes. Forgetting times that others wronged you. Forgetting what you thought you deserved and didn't get.

He wants to walk with you and me this year. To feel His touch. To hear His voice. To understand more deeply His love for us. To understand what He went through, on Calvary, just for you and me!

Will you, will I, let Him do that?

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T06:00:00.003-06:00

Family Photos

2010-12-31T14:52:00.000-06:00

We have recently updated our family photos and I thought I would share them with you! Some of them were taken on Christmas day, and others are just recent random shots of our kids.

The Family

The 3yr. old blue-eyed girl and the 1yr. old blue-eyed boy.

The 5yr. old brown-eyed boy, the 3yr. old blue-eyed girl and the 1yr. old blue-eyed boy.

Blue-eyed boy.

Blue-eyed girl.

Brown-eyed boy.

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-12-29T06:00:00.008-06:00

Cartoon by Dave Walker.

My Up And Coming Photographer!

2010-12-27T19:10:00.000-06:00

The other day, my family and I were in our woods splitting more firewood for the wood stove. My 5year old brown-eyed boy wanted to take some pictures, so I handed him my camera and away he went. He's taken pictures quite often before, but when I saw the pictures he took this time, I was amazed! He is starting to develop an eye for detail, angles, shadows, and properly centering photos. I thought I would share some of them for your enjoyment! I was so proud of him!

BTW, I did absolutely no editing to these except to re-size them to make it easier to download.

Scripture Sunday

2010-12-26T09:03:00.001-06:00

Amos 4

1. Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

2. The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.

3. And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the LORD.

4. Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years:

5. And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

6. And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

7. And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.

8. So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

9. I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

10. I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

11. I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

12. Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.

13. For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.

It's Christmas Eve!

2010-12-24T14:33:00.001-06:00

It's Christmas Eve! Wow! It came so soon this year. Or maybe time is flying by faster. Uh-oh. That must mean the middle ages are creeping up on me!

Anyway, I thought I would share a few of our family's Christmas eve traditions with you all.

We usually start out the evening with the story of the birth of Christ from Luke chapter two. I explain to my kids about the birth of Christ, why He came, why God had to send a Redeemer, and how that God sent His Son to become a man so that He could die in our place. I simply try to make the story of salvation simple so that my five and three year old, and possibly my 11 1/2 month son, can understand.

We then pull out some special snacks that I bought earlier for this special occasion. My wife makes some homemade soft pretzels and cheese dip to go along with them.

With the soft glow of Christmas lights and candles burning, we finish the evening playing games together. We have fond memories of these times together as a family. I'm sure we will have memories of these times for years to come!

What do you say?

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-12-22T06:00:00.004-06:00

What Has Happened to My Senators and S. 510?

2010-12-21T12:44:00.006-06:00

I can't believe what I am reading! I called my elected officials on this supposed "Food Safety Modernization Act", including Coburn and Inhofe. They said they were against it and would try to stop it. And this is what I get? I'm furious!

Update!! Dec. 22nd
I called both of my Senators last night again and was told Senator Jim Inhofe voted against this measure. This is one of those rare times that I am thrilled that I was wrong! Apparently it was just a voice vote which means it will be very difficult to find out who the "ayes" and "nays" were. I still haven't gotten an explanation from Senator Coburn though. I'm working on it!

Scripture Sunday

2010-12-19T07:00:00.004-06:00

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 2:19 - 21

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-12-15T07:00:00.002-06:00

Is anything made in the good ole' USA?

2010-12-14T19:57:00.000-06:00

I'm assuming many of you have received this in an e-mail in the past so forgive me if you have. I saw it again the other day and decided to re-post it for what it's worth.

John Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock

(MADE IN JAPAN ) - for 6 am.

While his coffeepot -(MADE IN CHINA)

was perking, he shaved with his electric razor -(MADE IN HONG KONG)

He put on a dress shirt -(MADE IN SRI LANKA),

designer jeans -(MADE IN SINGAPORE)

and tennis shoes -(MADE IN KOREA)

After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet -(MADE IN INDIA)

he sat down with his calculator - (MADE IN MEXICO)

to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch - (MADE IN TAIWAN )

to the radio - (MADE IN INDIA )

he got in his car - (MADE IN GERMANY )

filled it with GAS - (from Saudi Arabia )

and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.

At the end of yet another discouraging

and fruitless day checking his Computer - (made in MALAYSIA ),

John decided to relax for a while.

He put on his sandals - (MADE IN BRAZIL),

poured himself a glass of wine - (MADE IN FRANCE)

and turned on his TV - (MADE IN INDONESIA),

and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job

in AMERICA

AND NOW HE'S HOPING HE CAN GET HELP FROM A PRESIDENT

MADE IN KENYA.

Are we kidding ourselves?

A Squirrel Named "Lady"

2010-12-13T06:00:00.008-06:00

If you have been following my blog for awhile you will know that I work on a cattle ranch here in Oklahoma. There are lots of squirrels here and when one started to raid one of our bird feeders my boss decided to start feeding the squirrel some corn dried on the cob. The squirrel then started to become used to us going in and out of the headquarters house since the feeder was very close to the front door. That was about 3 years ago and since then, slowly but surely, I've been on a quest to see just how much a squirrel would trust a human being.

I started to set some pecans close to the corn feeder and come back later to find them gone. Eventually, I was able to set the pecans on the feeder and stay close by as the squirrel would come to get it. Over the next few months, I was able to move closer as she would come to the feeder.

Then came what I knew would be the big step. Actually getting her to eat out of my hand! But that took another several months until she would even come close to me.

But as you will see in the next few photos, It may have taken approximately 3 years, but it has paid off! And I've even named her. Lady!

The pecan is in my hand.

And she's got it!

I am still amazed at what can be accomplished with much patience, perseverance, and food!

What do you say?

Scripture Sunday

2010-12-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Thus saith the LORD the maker thereof, the LORD that formed it, to establish it; the LORD is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

-Jeremiah 33:2-3

Processing Venison

2010-12-10T22:16:00.000-06:00

So I managed to kill a doe this past deer season and I thought I would share a few pics and show at least part of our venison process.

The skinning process.

With little miss blue eyes watching ; )

The carcass...

After removing the front quarters, I now cut along the spine and along the top of the rib cage to take out the two back-straps.....

Next comes the neck in one piece for simmering on the wood stove later...

After removing the rib cage and separating the rear quarters.......

it's time for the cooler, lots of ice and salt, and about 5 - 7 days to cure.....

Even 11 month old blue eyed boy is enthralled!

After curing in the cooler on ice for nearly a week, we then cut some rump roasts.... It would be nice to just let it hang and cure for awhile but it can be difficult to do in this Oklahoma weather! It rarely gets cold enough here in deer season.

We chunked most of the remaining meat (except for the back-straps, which I sliced into thin steaks), then canned it with no water and a teaspoon of salt per quart. The canned meat produces enough broth on it's own. On the left the brown package of the thin steaks is marinating so we can fry and enjoy after we are through with processing.

My dear wife then cooked off the bones and some remaining meat, which makes great sandwich meat! She then strained off the broth and canned it. Oh, I almost forgot the heart! It's one of my favorite parts! It was simmered on the stove along with the neck and the bones. Slice it for great sandwich meat! Call me a redneck if you wish, but I don't like to see anything go to waste!

Some folks don't care to do their own butchering, but we make it a family affair, (and have for quite a few years), and we enjoy it! We find great satisfaction in doing our own processing.

Do you process your own meat? If so, tell me about it! I would love to hear from you!

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-12-08T07:07:00.000-06:00

The 69th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Attack was yesterday, the 7th of December.

If you know a WWII Veteran, thank them for their service! They are becoming very scarce.

Scripture Sunday

2010-12-05T06:00:00.002-06:00

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2nd Peter 3:9

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-12-01T06:00:00.013-06:00

Scripture Sunday

2010-11-28T10:40:00.000-06:00

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalms 139:23-24

Happy Post Thanksgiving!

2010-11-26T06:15:00.000-06:00

I am hoping that everyone of you have had a great Thanksgiving Day! We had a wonderful time together with friends and family, and oh my, LOTS of great food!

Let us remember now that Thanksgiving Day is officially over, thankfulness of the heart should never be over. I am presenting myself with this challenge and hope you will join me! I am not the most grateful soul in the world but with the grace of God, that is changing.

Have a wonderfully blessed rest of the weekend and remember, we all enjoy a thankful person!

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-11-24T06:00:00.003-06:00

Scripture Sunday

2010-11-21T06:00:00.004-06:00

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-11-17T06:00:00.005-06:00

The TSA agent says,

"Sure you can bring your fish on board, but I will have to confiscate that water. By the way, where is your fish's ticket?"

Scripture Sunday

2010-11-14T06:00:00.003-06:00

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Psalms 91:1-7

Our wonderful Father really does care about the little things in our life! Can we just trust Him?

Great Video From RightChange

2010-11-13T07:40:00.016-06:00

I love this new video from RightChange.
See what you think!

Thanks For The Memories

Update on New TSA Rules

2010-11-12T06:00:00.005-06:00

The more I am finding out about these "naked body scanners" and the new TSA rules, the madder I get.The TSA has issued new rules in some airports that require you to go through one of these scanners. You can opt out though, but then you are subjected to what anyone in the real world would call molestation. They will do a "pat down", which is not a pat down, but a "grope down". If I or anyone else did this to anyone, we'd be doing time in the slammer.

I wrote a post about this a few days ago, but since then more stories have surfaced about this abuse of power. And it is an abuse of power. According to the fourth amendment of the constitution, they cannot do this. And no, I do not agree that they can do it under the "commerce clause" in Article 1, Section 8.

There are websites up and running already about this issue.
We Won't Fly
We Won't Fly Facebook Page
National Opt Out Day
National Opt Out Day Facebook Page
World Net Daily Article
Or if you are planning to fly on November 24th, (National Opt Out Day), get one of these shirts in advance!
While you are at it, you can also purchase 1984 by George Orwell from Amazon, but be prepared to be angry!

Veterans Day

2010-11-11T06:59:00.003-06:00

How about some history today!

Source -

Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislation that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
In 1968, the Uniforms Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. Under this bill, Veterans Day was moved to the last Monday of October. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holiday on its original date. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on Oct. 25, 1971.
Finally on September 20, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed a law which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of Nov. 11, beginning in 1978. Since then, the Veterans Day holiday has been observed on Nov. 11.

Celebrating the Veterans Day Holiday

If the Nov. 11 holiday falls on a non-workday — Saturday or Sunday — the holiday is observed by the federal government on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday). Federal government closings are established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management — a complete schedule can be found here. State and local government closings are determined locally, and non- government businesses can close or remain open as they see fit, regardless of federal, state or local government operation determinations.
United States Senate Resolution 143, which was passed on Aug. 4, 2001, designated the week of Nov.11 through Nov. 17, 2001, as "National Veterans Awareness Week." The resolution calls for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-11-10T06:00:00.017-06:00

To all the veterans past and present, you have my utmost thanks and respect.

Happy Veterans Day tomorrow!

Judge blocks Oklahoma's ban on Islamic law

2010-11-09T06:00:00.004-06:00

A federal judge decides to issue a restraining order on Oklahoma's State Question 755 which was overwhelmingly passed by Oklahoma voters.

State Question 755 as seen on the November ballot -

STATE QUESTION NO. 755 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 355
This measure amends the State Constitution. It changes a section that deals with the courts of this state. It
would amend Article 7, Section 1. It makes courts rely on federal and state law when deciding cases. It
forbids courts from considering or using international law. It forbids courts from considering or using Sharia
Law.
International law is also known as the law of nations. It deals with the conduct of international organizations
and independent nations, such as countries, states and tribes. It deals with their relationship with each other.
It also deals with some of their relationships with persons.
The law of nations is formed by the general assent of civilized nations. Sources of international law also
include international agreements, as well as treaties.
Sharia Law is Islamic law. It is based on two principal sources, the Koran and the teaching of Mohammed.
FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES
AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO

It's time for U.S. District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange to go.

This is no longer about terrorism!

2010-11-08T06:00:00.009-06:00

Watch these videos and tell me this is about terrorism! It is about conditioning to accept anything, including communism!

Second video from another source.

Read this story in the Los Angeles Times about this insanity. If we don't stand up now and boycott, or take some other drastic measures, they will continue to take our freedoms one by one.

Will we stand by or stand up?

Scripture Sunday

2010-11-07T06:00:00.002-06:00

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Romans 1: 20 & 21

Death of A Loved One

2010-11-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

Hello friends,

I found this post on Sowin' Love, which is my friend's wife's blog. I felt compelled to share it with you all. It is indeed a trying time for them. Keep them in your prayers. The death of a loved one is never easy.

Thanks! - Joe

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-11-03T05:00:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow's Elections

2010-11-01T07:25:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow marks the day when we as free citizens can begin to turn this country back towards the direction of freedom, and away from the stranglehold of big government, socialism, and those who would love to enslave us more.

We will be able to have our voices heard loud and clear throughout the entire nation. It will be the sound of a people who have had enough of big government solutions, which are not solutions at all! The sound of a people who are finally more prepared, (hopefully), to take personal responsibility for their own lives.

Many of us take the freedom to vote for granted here in this country. There are many across the whole world who would give anything just to be able to participate in elections such as we are about to witness. They cannot change their government as easily as we can.

It is vitally important to have an informed vote. Hopefully you have done your homework and know exactly how you will vote. I don’t know what can be done for you if you sit home and expect someone else to maintain your freedom! You may say I am harsh, but I believe if we are going to keep our republic, it will take good men and women to do their part to take responsibility for their own freedom. With freedom comes responsibility!

I believe it was Edmond Burke who said, "The only thing necessary for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing".

I am going to the polls tomorrow. Will you join me?

Scripture Sunday

2010-10-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places...........

Habakkuk 3:17 - 19

Ahhh..... Fall is really here......

2010-10-30T05:00:00.004-05:00

It's a beautiful time of the year here in southeast Oklahoma. Crisp, chilly mornings. Beautiful fall colors. The faint smell of wood smoke from a neighbors chimney, (and ours). Deer season. Squirrel season. And coyote hunting at it's finest!

It's time for a hot soup dinner, a cozy evening around the wood stove, the smell of fresh candles burning, and being able to take a breather from the craziness of summer!

The canning for the year is almost completed, the shelves are stocked with food, (though not as much as we would like). There is always room for more, somehow!

This is the time that my family and I enjoy cutting and splitting firewood together, and other little projects that were neglected due to the summer heat.

I love this time of the year! It's a time to reflect, relax a little more, spend more time with my wife and kids, and rejoice in all of God's goodness of the past year. What do you say?

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-10-27T06:00:00.006-05:00

Barbara Boxer Spoof

2010-10-25T06:00:00.005-05:00

I just had to share this! Hope you enjoy!

Call Me Senator from RightChange on Vimeo.

Scripture Sunday

2010-10-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. Galatians 6:14

Cowboy Rules

2010-10-23T11:06:00.000-05:00

Cowboy rules -

1. Pull your pants up. You look like an idiot.

2. Turn your cap straight, your head ain't crooked.

3. Let's get this straight: it's called a 'gravel road.' I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're gonna get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.

4. They are cattle. That's why they smell like cattle. They smell like money to us. Get over it.

5. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $250,000 Combines that are driven only 3 weeks a year.

6. Every person in the Wild West waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.

7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of geese/pheasants/ducks/doves are comin' in during a hunt, we WILL shoot it outta your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.

8. Yeah. We eat trout, salmon, deer and elk. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.

9. The 'Opener' refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.

10. We open doors for women. That's applied to all women, regardless of age.

11. No, there's no 'vegetarian special' on the menu. Order steak, or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham and turkey.

12. Turn down that blasted car stereo! That thumpity-thump ain't music, anyway. We don't want to hear it anymore than we want to see your boxers! Refer back to #1!

Black Powder Season!

2010-10-22T07:15:00.000-05:00

I've got my feeder out for a little while now.

My .50 caliber Thompson Center New Englander is almost ready!

It's almost time! The "opener" is in the morning. I love this time of the year!

Cartoon Wednesday

2010-10-20T06:00:00.005-05:00

I will let it speak for itself.

"The Gasifier"

2010-10-18T21:39:00.000-05:00

There are many alternative energy options and methods out there. This one had me completely fascinated!

A friend of mine who lives in Kentucky owns this very interesting piece of alternative energy equipment. A friend of his designed and built the entire system and used a 40 HP engine. This "gasifier" system actually burns wood chips and uses the smoke for fuel to run the engine.

Overall view. I believe his friend built it on an old hay wagon frame.

Here is the top of the wood chip burning compartment.

Inside of the burner compartment. You can put about two bushels of wood chips the size of your fist in here which will smolder and run the engine for hours!

There is a small hole on the side of the burner to light the wood. It only takes a few seconds to light it. If it needs an additional boost, there is a DC turbo/fan installed to give the fire a kick start. The wood needs to be completely dry or the wood smoke will not be flammable enough. It needs to be totally void of humidity.

When the chips are lit smoke pours out of the smokestack. Within a few seconds the smoke is flammable enough to light with the torch. When it gets to that point you can then shut off the smoke stack and the smoke is redirected through several "filters" before it is ready to enter the carburetor. This eliminates any moisture that may be left and depletes it of all oxygen.The engine is now ready to start.

The engine is now running. You can no longer see any smoke or fumes of any kind. The smoke is being completely and efficiently burned.

The engine has a PTO hookup run by belts and pulleys which can be hooked up to a PTO powered generator or anything else that can be run with a 40 HP engine. Here is a video of the machine running. Sorry, the video may be a little grainy. NO GAS, NO DIESEL, JUST WOOD SMOKE! Is this cool or what?

What do you think?

-scribbled by Joe

T. O. F. Y.

2010-10-16T21:00:00.002-05:00

God has blessed us with three little blessings with ages ranging from 9 mo. - 5 years old. What an incredible blessing and yet an awesome responsibility at the same time! To be able to balance the duties and activities of everyday life in a wholesome manner takes much planning, discipline, and direction.

Each child has a very different personality and therefore it is a challenge to be creative with daily chores, schooling, and just simply relating to each one individually. Especially seeing I have only had a few short years thus far to actually be a parent! I'm sure many of you could give me volumes of advice!

I spend a lot of time thinking about how I can improve as a parent and come up with new and fresh ideas in spending quality time with each one. So recently, I had a "light bulb moment" when this idea made it's way into my very scattered brain!

So what was this idea? BTW, I think it was a God thing. Why not take out a specific time slot once per month for each child, and my wife, one on one? A time when each one of them knows that this is their very own time out with Dad, (or husband). But I wasn't sure I could really accomplish this consistently over time and keep it up. Proverbs 13:12 says, "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick...." I take scripture seriously and the last thing I want to do is disappoint my family.

I talked it over with my wife, and she loved the idea! Wonder why? ;) Anyway I decided, after thinking it over for a while, that it was something I not only wanted to do, but thought it was essential. And why not? What could I lose?

It wouldn't have to be more than an hour or two, depending on the situation and what each one would want to do with Dad. Just a special time alone with me so that they can tell me anything about things they may be going through, ask advice, and/or just to have my undivided attention.

My idea was to take each one of their birth dates and use that day as their day for time out with Dad each month. For example, if one of my kids birth dates fell on March the 17th, the 17th of each month would be their day. Unless for some reason it does not work out and we give or take a day or two depending on what they would like to do. As in the brown-eyed boy's last time out with Dad, which was the coyote hunt described in my last post. That had to be on a weekend when I was off from work but it didn't fall specifically on his day.

We have now been doing this for several months and we all love it! It has given us opportunities that we would not have had otherwise. And we learn a lot about each other!

I wanted an acronym for our time outs so that it would be simple to post on a calendar or my phone so I wouldn't forget each date. So that brings us to T. O. F. Y.

T.ime
O.ut
F.or
Y.ou

I would love to hear any ideas you may have or what kinds of things you do with your kids!

- scribbled by Joe

The Coyote Hunt

2010-10-13T21:18:00.002-05:00

Several months ago my Brown-Eyed son and I started talking about fall approaching and all the hunting that goes with it. We in this household love to hunt! But the heat of the summer kinda dampens the thought of going hunting. So now that it's been cooling off nicely we decided it was time!

So this past Saturday my brown-eyed son and I went on our first coyote hunt for the year.

We decided to go to a friend's ranch for the Saturday hunt, so we left a while before daylight so that we could be sitting where we wanted to be by the time the sun came up. I took my trusty rifle, my rabbit squealer to call them with, lots of camo, and a very exited 5 year old.

We found two cedar trees close to the top of a ridge where we decided to sit down and start our calling process. A slight easterly breeze was in our faces. We were watching a small valley with patches of woods and pasture with a small creek running through the bottom of it. What a beautiful sight sitting there watching the sun come up! What an incredible feeling of being in God's awesome creation and being so overwhelmed by the wonder of it all, and to realize that we still live in a country where we are (still) free to keep and bear arms! Words cannot describe it. Those of you who are hunters will definitely relate!

Time flew by, but nothing seemed to be interested in our "rabbit in distress". Until........ I thought I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. But I thought, surely not. Where we were sitting with the ridge to our backs and facing the valley, I didn't think we would have one coming in from behind. But I slowly turned my head, and sure enough, a large, mature coyote had come in from behind, and was staring straight at me not thirty yards behind me! I was in no position to shoot in that direction, and wouldn't anyway because he was on the ridge. But he soon figured out he had been tricked and headed for the next county.

Such was our hunt and needless to say, the brown-eyed boy was very excited and full of stories to tell mommy when we got home! There will be memories in my son's heart he wont soon forget. And I realized again how important it is to spend time with my children, and to enjoy God's creation all over again!

We will do it all again in a few weeks! Maybe we will even have something to show for!

- scribbled by Joe

My Sweetheart's New Website

2010-10-06T22:02:00.003-05:00

For all of you guys out there who follow my sweetheart's blog, you can now check out her new website here!
She will phase out of her other blog and be going completely to her new website. It was time to upgrade and she can do much more by owning her own domain! Thanks and happy reading!

-scribbled by Joe

It's Time!

2010-10-02T10:03:00.007-05:00

   In the past few months we have heard a lot about the upcoming elections from many sources and points of opinion. “There’s a revolution on the way!”, “all incumbents must go!”, “our voices aren’t being heard!”, “we the people!”, “conservatism is not dead!”, “revive the constitution!”, “go Tea Party!”, and on it goes.
   Are we really on the brink of a revolution? Do our men and women in congress really not know about all the anxiety and sentiment circulating among “common folk”? Or are they simply ignoring us?
   I have a gut feeling it is too late now for them to change enough to convince the American people. I believe they are blinded, whether it is intentional or not, I don’t know. I believe it may be some of both.
   But the reality of November becomes clearer every day. What will it take for our elected officials to take notice? Will they listen? Will they choose to heed the warnings and listen to their constituents?
   There are many of you who as of yet have not been willing to join the swelling crowd of voices. What can I do? It’s too late anyway, why bother? We can’t make enough of a difference. They wont listen anyway.
   But I have a different point of view, so please hear me out.
   Change starts with you and me. We make the crowd. We are the voice of America. “We the People”, can turn this voice into a deafening roar. If I am silent, who will speak? If I am silent, how do I face my child when he asks, why didn’t YOU do anything? If I am silent, how will the Republic survive?
   We must not to be silent. We must not back down. We must do what is required of a us to stand for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We must defend the constitution of these United States. We must stand for freedom. We must vote based on the Constitution and our conscience! We must stand in the gap.
   But it is vitally important to have an informed vote. Check out the candidates. Know where they stand. If they have a voting record, see what they voted for, and against. Just because they are an incumbent does not mean that they need to be thrown out. If we throw out all incumbents, we may be putting ourselves back into the position we find ourselves in with our current state and national legislatures. We have a few good voices. Don’t throw them out! They are very important for liberty and justice to prevail.
   It is also important to be a decent and moral citizen. We cannot be a moral nation if we are not a moral people. But can we be a moral people if we deny the One who is the very essence of morality? Yes. But in the long run, it will fail. Only Jesus Christ can truly produce continuing morality in our personal lives. Call me what you want, but you still will have to reckon with the Creator of the Universe.
   But the question remains. Will you join with me? Will your voice be in this roar? It isn’t easy. But it is necessary. Absolutely necessary for liberty to succeed.
   All it takes for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing. Let your voice be heard! This is on our watch. It is time!

   - scribbled by Joe

Get Out and Vote!

2010-09-29T20:48:00.003-05:00

‘Twas the night before elections
And all through the town
Tempers were flaring
Emotions all up and down!
I, in my bathrobe
With a cat in my lap
Had cut off the TV
Tired of political crap.
When all of a sudden
There arose such a noise
I peered out of my window
Saw Obama and his boys
They had come for my wallet
They wanted my pay
To give to the others
Who had not worked a day!
He snatched up my money
And quick as a wink
Jumped back on his bandwagon
As I gagged from the stink
He then rallied his henchmen
Who were pulling his cart
I could tell they were out
To tear my country apart!
‘On Fannie, on Freddie,
On Biden and Ayers!
On Acorn, On Pelosi’
He screamed at the pairs!
They took off for his cause
And as he flew out of sight
I heard him laugh at the nation
Who wouldn’t stand up and fight!
So I leave you to think
On this one final note-
IF YOU DON’T WANT SOCIALISM
GET OUT AND VOTE!!

- Unknown Author

New Website

2010-09-23T06:59:00.005-05:00

I have been building a website for a friend of mine who is running for our state legislature. It is up and running and I thought you guys may want to check out. It is for Roger Mattox for Oklahoma State House of Representatives. You can check it out here!

Wow! Check this out!

2010-09-12T22:10:00.001-05:00

I don't know the author but this is an incredible poem! Enjoy!

Daddy's Poem

Her hair was up in a pony tail, Her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school, And she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her, That she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand, If she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates, Of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried, For her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again, She tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school, Eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees, A dad who never calls.

There were daddies along the wall in back, For everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently, Anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called A student from the class.
To introduce their daddy, As seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name, Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching, A man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,' Another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back, She heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad, Too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her, As she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher, Who told her to go on.

And with hands behind her back, Slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child, Came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here, Because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be, Since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy, And how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories, He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses, And taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes, And ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's always with me, Even though we are apart
I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up, And lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat, Beneath her favorite dress.

And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter, Who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love, Of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her, Doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down, Staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here, But heaven's just too far.

You see he is a American soldier, And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy, And taught Americans to fear.

But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes, And saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement, She witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children, All starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them, Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second, They saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,' To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers, Of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it, For each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her, Was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, By the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing, That heaven is never too far.

It's a short message to let them know, That you'll never forget them.
Take the time...to live and love. Until eternity. God bless!

GOD BLESS OUR COUNTRY AND ALL THOSE WHO ARE DEFENDING IT AND HAVE DEFENDED IT!

- Author Unknown

Peaceful Islam?

2010-09-11T11:54:00.001-05:00

   There is a pastor in Florida, namely Terry Jones, who is (or was), planning to burn the Quran at his church in Gainesville. Yes , it is a false religion, it is not peaceful (at it's core), but is burning the Quran the best way to point that out?

    I do not protest the burning of the Quran because I think it will incite violence, but on the grounds of decency and respect. Just because they may burn our flag or our Holy Bible, doesn't mean we need to stoop to that level.

   Here is an interesting read from syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin. I thought it would fit well with this and in consideration of the 9th anniversary of 9/11.

Shhhhhhh, we're told. Don't protest the Ground Zero mosque. Don't burn a Quran. It'll imperil the troops. It'll inflame tensions. The "Muslim world" will "explode" if it does not get its way, warns sharia-peddling imam Feisal Abdul Rauf. Pardon my national security-threatening impudence, but when is the "Muslim world" not ready to "explode"?

-scribbled by Joe

Amazing Cartoon

2010-09-05T09:07:00.000-05:00

This cartoon from back in the 30's seems to make the phrase, "history repeats itself", seem to be absolutely true! Take a very close look and let it all sink in. Click on the cartoon to enlarge it. The source.

-scribbled by Joe

I'm Back

2010-08-24T06:51:00.004-05:00

I am finally back to the blogging world! It has been a crazy past few weeks with normal summertime things going on such as my job, garden work, lots of canning, and many more things. I've also been busy the last couple of weeks designing a new website for our local Tea Party Coalition. If you would like to take a look, click here!

- scribbled by Joe

Solar Food Dehydrator

2010-08-01T23:02:00.003-05:00

This is a solar food dehydrator that I built a few years ago and the other day I pulled it out and dried some peppers in it. It is approximately 24 in. wide by 36 in. long. Thought you all might enjoy seeing how this works.

First I washed the peppers and cut the tops off. They seem to dry better without the tops. Then I laid them out on the bottom screen.

There are three screens so you can put quite a bit of food in it at once. If I don't have enough to fill all three levels, I always fill the screens from the bottom up. The top layer usually doesn't do as well in direct sunlight. The top screen seems to shade the bottom layers just enough.

Then the door is slid down from the top to close it all in.

There are three vents in the top of the back door and three vents on the bottom. These I covered in screen using silicon as glue. This keeps unwanted bugs out! When the dehydrator faces the sun it really heats up on the inside and the vents allow the draft created by the heat to carry out moisture from the drying food. Here's a close shot of the vent.

I have to angle the front of the dehydrator toward the sun and continue to turn it a little more every hour or two to track the sun for maximum efficiency. I tested it on a 95 degree day and the inside heated up to 136 degrees. Most fruits and veggies take anywhere from 1 to 1 1/2 days to completely dry, depending on temperature, humidity, and how moist the food is.

Did I mention this dehydrator only cost me a few dollars to build. Most of it was built from scrap. The glass was a throwaway from a 9 lite door kit. The screws, hardware, screen, and silicon were my only expense.

- scribbled by Joe

Oklahoma Primary Elections July 27th

2010-07-24T18:53:00.004-05:00

    Our Oklahoma primary will be here on Tuesday the 27th of July. If you live in Oklahoma, please get out and vote. If you know someone who lives in Oklahoma, encourage them to get out and vote. We have a host of great folks running. This is a very important election and it is equally as important that we are educated on where the candidates stand. This year, including the primary and the general election, will be a defining point in our nation's rise or fall.

   Here are my personal endorsements for some of the races here in the state.

   Governor - Randy Brogdon

Randy Brogdon is a 100% pro-life, Constitutional Conservative who will stand firmly between the people and the State of Oklahoma and an over reaching United States Congress.

He supports parent's rights and state's rights.

He kept us from having to comply with the REAL ID ACT, and stopped the NAFTA Superhighway from coming into the state.

Lt. Governor - John A. Wright

John Wright has obtained a lifetime conservative voting rating of 92% for the first 11 years of legislative service in an objective (not subjective) rating system. This group has been rating legislators for 30 years and is willing to identify the votes they used to construct the score.

Attorney General - Scott Pruitt

He believes in liberty, the rule of law, limited government, and protecting religious freedom.

State Senator District 4 - Mark Allen

Conservative

Small business owner for over 20 years.

Mark is a firm believer in God and country and the Constitution our United States was built on.

U.S. Representative District 2 - Howard Houchen

A Constitutional Conservative.

Howard has discovered a deep disdain for current government and its direction. The lack of integrity and complete disregard for the “rule book”, The US Constitution, has motivated and inspired him to take on the immorality of government and put America back on the level.

U.S. Senator - Lewis Kelly Spring

He believes in God, Liberty, and the Constitution.

He wants our government to leave us alone!

I believe these men will do what they say and start to take back our state and our country. We need the leadership that these men have shown in the past and I believe, will do in the future.I have personally met and spoke with most of these candidates and am convinced they are real conservatives.

-scribbled by Joe

Integrity And Honor (part two)

2010-07-17T23:59:00.005-05:00

Yes, I am to blame. The responsibility is mine. I cannot hand it to someone else. Point a finger. Accuse circumstances. My neglect is personal. Mine alone. I have recognized it. But where do I go from here?

Freedom. Liberty. Peace. Security. Prosperity. These are good. In fact, they are great. They are the foundations we stand on,. But remember, these cannot consistently last for long periods of time if morality is not present.

Without morality, God is out of the picture. Without God, our fixed point of reference is gone. Without a fixed point of reference, we will succumb to the wind of man’s opinion. Left to man’s opinion, we will surely fall.

What is morality? Integrity. Honor. Truth. Kindness. Honesty. Love. Joy. Peace. These are not merely ideas. Not just words. Or fantasy. They are action. To be fulfilled they must be lived. Breathed. Encompass my total being. Occupy my entire life. Emanate from my very soul. They must “be” me.

How does this come about? How does this look? What will it take? Who or what will save us? Are we too far gone?

Recognition. Awakening. A willingness to change. Then comes action. But it will require hard work. Diligence. Much sacrifice. And being surrendered to the Master, the Creator, the Lord of heaven and earth. The One in Whom is our only Hope. Our only Salvation.

Liberty is one prayer away. Freedom is found in His footsteps. Peace in following His heart. Joy in walking with Him. I cannot truly have any of these, without Him. My country will not have these, if I don’t have Him.

Yes, it cannot be separated. As I go, as “we” go, so goes the country. Christianity. Freedom. Liberty. Integrity. Honor. None of these can truly exist, without the others.

Will you come? Will you walk with me. Will you dance to the tune of the Master? Follow His footsteps? March in His army?

- scribbled by Joe

Back From Vacation

2010-07-13T19:49:00.007-05:00

It's great to be back from vacation! I'll be posting again soon. Here are some of my favorite snapshots of our vacation.

My brown-eyed boy and blue-eyed girl.

Blue-eyed girl again.

My little blue-eyed boy.

After a fresh rain.

I couldn't resist.

-scribbled by Joe

Integrity And Honor

2010-06-26T02:00:00.004-05:00

Our country is in trouble. Deep trouble. We are on the brink of disaster. Good is evil. Evil is good. If it feels good, do it. If it doesn't, tax it.

Politicians aren't statesman any longer. Their actions implicate their motives. The law is mocked. The constitution is obsolete. The Bible is a farce. Democracy is upheld. The republic is scorned. Innocent life is no longer precious. Absolutes are no longer needed. Morality is obsolescent. Integrity lies cold. Honor is primordial. Liberty is archaic. Apathy has come.

It is a slow death. A very sure death. One that began many years ago. So slow, it is hard to see. So silent, that no one could hear. So deliberate. Almost imperceptible. Yet relentless.

Where have we gone wrong? What has happened? Who's to blame? Where do we look? Is it on the hill? Is it behind the closed doors of congress? The world? The church?

It's been taken from us, you say. It couldn't be stopped. It was too big. Too powerful. It's not our fault. There was nothing we could do.

But wait. Is there more? Could there be another determinant? Is it possible? Could it be that it never was taken from us? That we gave it away? A little here. A little there. One piece of our conscience at a time. Never to gain it back.

Yes, I am to blame. I have relinquished righteousness. Neglected freedom. Just took it for granted. It just wasn't important enough. I am the culprit.

Today is a new day. A clean slate. Time for new beginnings. God is a God of mercy. The Deliverer. The Healer. The One who cares more deeply than you know.

What do you say?

-scribbled by Joe

God And Cats

2010-06-19T07:47:00.005-05:00

You say, God and cats? Are you crazy? Have you really lost your mind?

Not to worry, I really haven't!

I was watching our calico on the front porch this morning and I thought, you know, God really did have a sense of humor when He created cats! Who else would think of creating a creature that could twist in such odd shapes and still look so incredibly comfortable! It really is amazing.

How much more does He care about us and the little details of our lives.Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
Luke 12:7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (and cats!)

Our God is truly an awesome God!

- scribbled by Joe

Storm

2010-06-17T19:12:00.009-05:00

A storm is moving in. We knew it would come. It looked intimidating. Downright scary. A hush settles over the countryside. It is the calm before the storm.

But I know a man. No, He's so much more than just a man. He is the Creator of the storm. And He is the calm at the center of my storm. Do you know Him? Does He know you?

-scribbled by Joe

Randy Brogdon For Governor

2010-06-16T22:31:00.005-05:00

To all the okie folks out there. We have an awesome candidate for Oklahoma governor. I think this may be our last real chance for freedom. Check Randy out here!

-scribbled by Joe

Living Off Grid

2010-06-15T22:06:00.001-05:00

It's early morning. My alarm clock next to my bed begins it's morning routine. I am suddenly shaken into reality. Another night has come and gone. As I fully awaken, my mind drifts back three years in time. It seems in some ways that it's been much longer. In other ways, it only seems like last week.

We decided to go completely off grid when we bought our twenty acre homestead about three years ago. It was a giant step into the unknown for us as a family. We had very little knowledge about solar power, let alone knowing how to live within the parameters of limited energy supply.

So we ignored all the feelings of worry and uncertainty and began our quest to gain the knowledge needed to design and build our very own solar electric system. I had previously studied the ins and outs of solar power, but not really in the light of creating my own system. A few weeks later, investigating how to lay out, size, and assemble the system, we were ready to begin.

After several months of assembling, in evenings and on weekends, and lots of trial and error later, it was finally complete. I vividly remember when I wired the system into the house breaker box and I went through the house checking the outlets and there was electricity! I called my wife on the phone and yelled, "it works!" I was thrilled!

At the same time we were working on the system, we were also remodeling the "free" mobile home someone had given to us. It's not very large, but it will do till we finish building our house.

After we moved in came the unique experience of working all of the bugs out of the system. Needless to say, we learned many new things the books never taught us! Experience really is the best teacher, just not always the most exhilarating!

You may ask, why did you go off grid when you could have the luxury of having all the power you want at your disposal and just pay an electric bill? Well, I am glad you asked! No, I'm not one of those "save the planet by going off grid" kind! There is a vast difference between those who want to be self-sufficient and left alone by the government, and those who advocate more control through regulation and power to curb "supposed" climate change. There are legitimate environmental concerns but don't confuse that with the bigger agenda that exists, namely liberal Marxism, masquerading as "responsible environmentalists". (Maybe a subject to explore in greater detail later.)

First, there was the issue of cost for us. We live on a dirt road about one mile from the paved road. Our driveway is another 1200 feet off of the dirt road. It was going to cost us approximately 6000 dollars just to bring power to our place, on top of a monthly electric bill. We figured it was better spent on our own system. Secondly, there's nothing quite like being free of one more monthly bill and storm power outages.

But with that comes the responsibility part. Most people won't prefer this element! There is maintenance to keep up with. There is the possibility of something going wrong and you have to figure it out yourself. Unless you have a solar electric guy that you can call!

Our system is not very large, so I built it in such a way to be conducive to adding to it. We have added a little here and there as we could and will do more in the future. We do have a generator that we use for backup when the weather is not cooperating!

Living off grid can be very interesting. It has it's ups and downs, it's blessings and curses, and it's joys and sorrows! But at the end of the day, the rewards of it all defy explanation.

-scribbled by Joe

Congressman Bob Ethridge Assaults Student on Washington Sidewalk

2010-06-14T18:16:00.007-05:00

Do you think this is the kind of stuff that creates low congressional approval ratings? Go here and see for yourself!

-scribbled by Joe

Solar Electric System

2010-06-13T14:55:00.010-05:00

Here are a few pics of our system.

The solar array.

The charge controller.

The inverter.

The battery bank.

-scribbled by Joe

Faith Like Potatoes

2010-06-08T07:02:00.004-05:00

As I was digging potatoes in our garden this morning, my mind went back to the story and the movie "Faith Like Potatoes". It is an awesome story of an ordinary farmer, faith, and what God can do when He gets a hold of us. I highly recommend the movie, especially the documentary that goes along with it! I think it was the best part of it! Check the movie out here.

-scribbled by Joe

Our First Crop of Green Beans

2010-06-07T22:34:00.006-05:00

There is nothing that can compare to the joy and satisfaction of growing your very own food!

Early this morning my dear wife and I were in our garden harvesting our first crop of Blue Lake green beans!

While I went to work at the ranch, she canned seven quarts of them and prepared the rest of them in a stir fry with cabbage, onions, peppers, and some beef, all of which was grown here in our garden (except for the beef, of course, which our neighbors grew on their property!). Must I say, yummy! The kids were a great help, and had a blast, too!

Have I mentioned yet that I have an awesome family?

The finished product.

-scribbled by Joe

We The People Billboard

2010-06-06T08:28:00.005-05:00

This billboard showed up on the side of the road close to home. Hey! I think I helped to pay for it since I am a supporter of the local Tea Party Coalition! You guessed it. We've had it and we're getting vocal! GO TEA PARTY PATRIOTS!!

-scribbled by Joe

Can You Believe This?

2010-06-06T01:24:00.002-05:00

This is appalling! Go here and get involved! Bechard Family Farm Under Attack

-scribbled by Joe

Hello World!

2010-06-06T00:42:00.003-05:00

Hello to everyone! I am new to the blogging world so you may need to have a little patience with me! There are a lot of crazy things happening in our world today and I just realized I have been quiet much too long. This realization has spurred me to step out on a limb here and risk my reputation and possibly my neck. But I have three kids and I would like them to grow up in the America I once knew. We are slowly, incrementally, losing our precious liberties. Who will stand up? Who will defend? What will become of our great country? What do you say? Will you stand with me? I wish to encourage all of you who will be reading my blog to stand up and say - "I can and will do what I, by the grace of God, can do!"

-scribbled by Joe