by | August 27, 2012 · 12:30 am

A Monkey is Coming – Beware

Prepare

If you are reading this early on a Monday morning, then you should be the first to prepare. You should be thankful that you have received this warning early.

Many will see this too late. Many will not have time to prepare.

“Prepare for what?” you may ask.

Prepare to see a video so shocking, so controversial, so unlike anything you have ever seen before. It will go down in history  – for something.

Pre-Share

Don’t wait till later to tell people what you are about to see. It is Monday. It could happen at any moment.

At any second the world’s most controversial video of a polyester-furred puppet monkey offending certain humans will hit YouTube and the world wide web. You need to get the word out NOW! Don’s just share, pre-share! They must be warned!

Be in Prayer

The truth will be shocking, upsetting, and unsettling. Some will become nauseated. Others will wish they were wearing adult diapers. But a large portion of the portion of the world whose claims are disproportionately larger than their actual portion will simply be offended and reply with hatred, vitriol, and jokes that aren’t that funny.

Be in prayer that the video to be released later on this day will go viral – at least as much as “Charlie Bit My Finger” – and actually make a point…without actually hurting anyone’s finger.

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by | August 26, 2012 · 12:30 am

Slovenia

Narnia?

If you have ever read The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis, then you should be able to imagine what a real Narnia would look like. In the fictional Narnia there were beaches, green countrysides, forests, and mountains. Essentially, there was just about every kind of natural beauty in one place, and from Cair Paravel one could see almost everything.

Well, I have never been to Slovenia, but from the pictures I have seen, and from all that I have recently read, this little European country could be the nearest to a real Narnia anyone could ever find. Just go to Slovenia’s official tourism website and look at all the pictures! They are absolutely beautiful!

And if you remember descriptions of Narnia, tell me, doesn’t this description of Slovenia sound almost like the imaginary paradise?

Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising, time and again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forests, you can see the green plains below you. From upland meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrasts is a hallmark of the country. – from http://www.Slovenia.info

Real World

But no matter how beautiful Slovenia is, she is still a nation of people that live in the real world. Hidden amid all the beautiful scenery is a people that have been through many years of turmoil and governmental changes. As a matter of fact, it was only in 1991 that Slovenia officially gained its independence from the former Yugoslavia. Up until then it had always been under the control of somebody else.

However, according to the U.S. Department of State website, the Republic of Slovenia is now a “vibrant democracy” with democratic roots that go back over 1,000 years. Believe it or not, it is said that the way “Slovene farmers contractually consented to be governed by the Duke [of Carinthia] influenced Thomas Jefferson’s drafting of the Declaration of Independence.”

Unlike many small countries, Slovenia is not exactly poor. They are doing well with their economy and have good trading relations with the rest of the world.

Real Need

But Slovenia does have one need, if nothing else. Slovenia needs to hear about the freeing grace of Jesus Christ. The International Mission Board reported recently that in the capital city of Ljubljana (pop. 300,000) there is only one Baptist church. Most other churches are either Catholic or Orthodox, but there doesn’t exist much evidence of personal faith.

I have had a few hits on my blog from Slovenia, but I would love to see more. But even more than visits to my blogs, my prayer is that more people in Slovenia would echo the words of John 12:21, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

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by | August 24, 2012 · 12:30 am

Anthony’s Appetite (Big Bob’s Bar-B-Q)

Bar-B-Q

I may have known in the past, but I have forgotten what Bar-B-Q stands for. I don’t know why it is spelled that way, or why other people spell it BBQ. Some people spell it out as Barbecue, but it’s all the same – good eat’n!

If you don’t know what BBQ is, then you may not be from the South…or West…or East…or anywhere animals are smoked and cooked and eaten with coleslaw and banana pudding. One thing’s for sure, if you have never eaten BBQ, you may not be American.

Decatur, Alabama

Not long ago we went to Decatur, Alabama, which is just a few miles southwest of Huntsville, the place with space and rocket museum. Decatur is also the home of Cooks Pest Control.

Back in the mid-90’s I worked for Cooks in Chattanooga, but had to train in Decatur for a month. While at the home office’s training facility, we were encouraged to go to Big Bob’s Bar-B-Q. We were told it was required of us, in order to be good employees, to eat one of Big Bob’s stuffed baked potatoes. We did, and I never forgot it.

That is why when I visited Decatur this time with my family, it was imperative that we go back and eat another potato. You, the reader, needed to hear about it.

Big Spud

Let me tell you, if you want to eat the best Bar-B-Q in the world, Big Bob’s is out to convince you theirs is it. If nothing else, they have the awards and the big-time recognition to back up their claims. But whether or not their BBQ is the best, they have a serious stuffed potato.

This huge potato comes with your choice of pulled pork, beef brisket, or chicken. Under that is cheese, sour cream, butter, and a few other goodies. Believe me, it is a meal and a half. Just don’t eat it if you are on a carb-free diet.

Overall

I won’t say that Big Bob’s is the best BBQ in the world, but it is pretty dang good. And if you want a potato that will hold a quarter of a pig, then Big Bob’s is a place you need to try at least once. You won’t regret it.

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by | August 22, 2012 · 2:18 pm

Mere Inkling Writes…

I just felt the urge to reblog this excellent post. It was a blessing to me. I hope it will be an encouragement to you, too.

robstroud's avatarMere Inkling Press

O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Surely a man goes about as a shadow! (Psalm 39:4-6, ESV).

I was reminded this week of that terrible cloud that hangs over all humanity . . . the brevity of our lives.

The Psalmist David lived a long life. Yet, during it he experienced great trials, some of which he failed. In this Psalm, he describes the vast gap between God and his creation.

Even human beings, created in the Lord’s very image so that we might worship him and live in fellowship with him for all time . . . even we human beings, because of sin, are destined to perish. We…

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by | August 19, 2012 · 12:05 am

Madagascar

More than a Movie

I get a real kick out of the characters from the Madagascar movies. By far, my favorite are the penguins. Their can-do spirit; their ability to laugh in the face of danger; and their ability to use monkeys to piece together a crashed DC-7 and make it fly – well, they’re genius.

The third edition of the Madagascar movies (Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted) featured all the animals buying a circus to sneak across Europe. My favorite part, of course, was the part where Marty the zebra, made up like a clown, sang the “Circus Afro” song.  I want it for a ring-tone!

But Madagascar is more than a movie; it’s a country. And Madagascar is populated with talking people, not talking animals (as far as I know).

The Country

Madagascar is a beautiful, isolated island nation just off the southeast of Africa. Actually, Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world.

Even though I have never seen any talking animals, there may be some in Madagascar. Believe it or not, nearly 80% of the plants and animals found in Madagascar are found nowhere else in the world!

The People

But Madagascar is more than a movie or rare plants and animals. Madagascar is a place with nearly 21 million people, 69% of which live on less than $2 dollars a day.

It is a place with people who practice the veneration of ancestors, even digging them up for periodic reunions with family. But thanks to the London Missionary Society, 20% of the people are Protestant (while another 20% are Catholic).

It is amazing to me that anyone from Madagascar has viewed this blog. But it is even more amazing that Jesus knows and loves every person there. And because He loves them, we should love them, too.

Pray for the people of Madagascar. Pray that more may find the hope that can be found in One who was not dug up from the dead, but raised from the dead to bring them life.

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by | August 15, 2012 · 1:46 pm

Hypocrisy and Porn

Warning: the following article may not be suitable for young people.

Questions

Is it a double standard to say a thing is completely acceptable, and then criminalize the use of the thing?

Is it hypocritical to say something is protected as free speech under the law, and then prohibit someone from listening or viewing the “speech”?

If something is deemed simply natural, not immoral or subject to the restrictions of an objective moral code, then is it acceptable to restrict someone from doing or partaking in what is simply “natural”?

These are honest questions. They are not meant to be leading. They are simply questions which I have been asking lately, because the double standard and hypocrisy are evident in our laws.

No Internet

For a while I have had the opportunity to counsel with a paroled sex offender. He is trying desperately to rebuild his life. He is completely repentant and wants to be the man God wants him to be, including provide for his family. The problem is the internet.

Almost everything we do these days, from sending emails to filling out applications, is done online. There are hardly any cell phones for sale that are not internet accessible. Yet, in the case of this man, he is not allowed to be on the internet – period. No phone, no computer, no iPad – nothing that will allow him internet access. Why? Because he might view pornography.

Excuse me? I thought pornography was perfectly legal. I thought pornography was protected as free speech. I thought that porn was safe, even good for one’s marriage. I thought porn was supposed to be art. Was I wrong?

Evidently, a convicted sex offender on parole is prohibited from viewing pornography because it might cause him to want to do sexually illegal things. Really?

Told You So

Now wait a minute! Haven’t we Christians being talking about the dangers of pornography for a while? Haven’t we said Scripture advises against such things? Sure! And here are just a few applicable verses:

But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5:28 NKJV

Marriage [is] honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. – Hebrews 13:4 NKJV

I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman? – Job 31:1 NKJV

Was the Bible wrong? Why is it that Christians and their pastors who preach the Bible are considered “Victorian” and backward? “The human body is a beautiful thing,” they say, “and you Christians are just prudes.”

No, God designed sex for marriage, not the gratification of anyone with internet access. And anyone who views pornography is not only lusting, which is a sin, but he is flirting with a ticking time bomb. Pornography IS dangerous. Pornography IS obscene. And pornography can lead a man to act out his fantasies when viewing them on a computer is no longer good enough.

My question is this: if it is so wrong for a sex offender to view it, all because it might tempt him to commit another sex crime, then why is it perfectly OK for everyone else to view it?

It’s called HYPOCRISY.

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by | August 13, 2012 · 10:01 am

Monday Monkey “Dark and Early” (Episode 27)

Today is the first full day of the school year in our town. That means that the days of sleeping in are over.

The only difference this year is that Mr. Monkey thought he could handle driving a school bus. I wonder how it turned out?

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by | August 11, 2012 · 9:55 pm

Late-Nite Saturday Rant

In the Dark

I’m sitting in the dark on an empty school bus, waiting for a high school football team to finish playing. I have 29% battery on my iPhone, and I want to read my real Bible, not an app.

So, since it is dark (28%, now), I will blog in the dark. At least until I get to 20%.

Things that Irritate

A lot of people have used their blogs to gripe about things they hate, or things that irritate them (27%). Therefore, because I just heard something that irritated me when I watched a video on Socialcam, I will share some of my dislikes. Why not?

…..the limited capabilities of WordPress’s smartphone app.

…..(26%) people that won’t sing a well-known song to the beat, but delay the lyrics in order to appear more spiritual (’cause it doesn’t make them sound better).

…..when there is a hole in one slice of bread and the jelly on my peanut butter and jelly sandwich leaks onto my hand.

…..(25%) mosquitoes.

…..cat hair in my throat (or any hair) that won’t wash down or cough up, but just sticks there.

…..a sunburn on my bald head.

…..(24%) no car charger for my phone while on a field trip.

…..reporters that ask to interview me, then distort the truth, making me look bad.

Oh great! The team is done. I’m cranking up the bus. I have light!

Going Home

Well, I now have 23% battery on my phone, but now it’s time to go home. I’ve got to make sure everything’s ready for the road.

Hope everybody goes to church somewhere this Sunday. You’re welcome to visit ours and hear me preach. If you do, that will NOT irritate me.

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by | August 7, 2012 · 3:33 pm

It Does Get Serious

I Love to Laugh

All who really know me know I love to laugh. They know I love to joke around, even when it’s not expected. Sometimes I can find the strangest things humorous.

Sometimes my sense of humor can get me into trouble. My wife has given me the “evil eye” on more than one occasion. She could tell you of many times when what I thought something was funny, but others did not.

I Love Comedy

If you have seen my Monday Monkey videos you have figured out I like stupid comedy. I am a kid at heart that likes to smile. What would life be like without a good joke? What would life be like without Bill Cosby, Steve Martin, Bill Murray, Tim Allen, or Tim Hawkins? I even like Will Ferrell and Eddie Murphy at times.

I’m On Mission

But no matter how much I love to laugh and have fun; no matter how many monkey videos I make; I am still on mission for the Lord. And one thing is for sure, now as much as ever, doing God’s will, especially in the area of ministry, is not for the faint of heart.

I was working on a paper today when the words I wrote spoke back at me. The last few weeks have brought many trials and heartbreaks. Just this week I have dealt with (either personally or on behalf of others) character attacks, physical pain, financial stress, divorce, infidelity, abuse, cancer, court trials, death, and political turmoil. There is more to my life, and there’s more to ministry, than monkeys…believe me.

Sometimes life can be hard. And those going into ministry need to know that being “on God’s payroll” doesn’t make it any easier, either. That is why I found myself writing the following paragraph on the opening page of a paper dealing with conflict. I hope it serves as a warning, but also as a reminder that our God is in control, even when no one’s laughing.

“One thing should always be taught to those young men (and women) entering ministry – it’s a battle, and people will get hurt. Many enter into ministry with grand allusions of glorious and easy sailing, the wind behind their backs, and starry nights guiding the way. What they don’t know is that ahead of them lay stormy seas, contrary winds, and nights so dark no guiding light can be seen. Ministry can be full conflict; yet all is not hopeless. We walk with One who walks on waves. We talk with One who calms the winds. And when it’s too dark to see the way, we can trust the Unseen Hand.”

I serve a Mighty God who is awesome to save! He is my strength and my strong tower. In Him will I hide. Under His banner will I go forward unto victory. Praise the Lamb!

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by | August 6, 2012 · 12:03 am

Monday Monkey (#26) and the 300th Post!

Last week it was 20,000 views.

This week it is our

300th Post!

Yaaaaayyyyy!

And, to beat all, the 300th post on The Recovering Legalist is not going to be serious or controversial, but fun and educational. It’s a Monday Monkey video!

Vacation

This week my family and I went out of town for a couple of days. We went to Huntsville and Decatur, Alabama. While in Decatur we stayed at the Marriott Courtyard and had a half tank of gasoline stolen, ate barbecue, went to my old employer’s bug museum, and tried to work on several papers that need to be completed before week’s end.

Hey, for the record, I normally use iMovie to do my video, but then end of this video features a piece done on the Socialcam app.

Also, here’s a shout out and hello to Gage, a little boy we met in Cook’s Natural Science Museum. He was brave enough to have his picture made with a weird man and a monkey, but his little brother chickened out. And also for the record, his mom gave us permission to take the picture. Thank’s to the mom and granny persons 🙂

Also, on our way home, we drove by the U. S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.

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