7.30.2013

The New Book

Introduction for Knight of the Superstitions:

I had been thinking for some time about writing an autobiography for my children and posterity to try and document the many outrageous and incredible experiences I have had throughout my life. As I considered the task, my impression was that there were many lessons and principles that could benefit more than my own family. People are hungry for not just a good story, but inspiring thoughts and true principles that add meaning to our lives.

This story was just too good to keep to myself. My life has been a fantasy/science fiction novel with a twist. I felt that the best way to write my story would be to change the events around a bit, add a few things to connect the dots, and change some names and places to protect the privacy of those who may wish to remain anonymous. Perhaps I should take my own advice and keep the story to myself, but then nobody would know what really happens when our “eyes are shut.”

This book is a fictional tale about God and patriotism. Within these pages you will learn that some superstitions are based on truth. There is an unseen world that is dark and evil, but also bright, glorious and divine. Each of us is born with a mission in life and if we look for signs, we can discover who we really are and where we are going. You will also learn how to fight the Adversary, all about the unseen Spirit World around us, how to really speak with God, to protect yourself in battle, and paint a beautiful painting . . . all in one book!!

As you read, you may see some symbols that are unique to my writing. If you see / / / / / / / / / / / / this means that I felt the text was too sacred to include on these pages. If you see XXXXXXXXXXX it means I chose to leave out the bad language. (I don’t want my kids thinking their Dad writes bad words, you know.)

Each of us sees the world through the prism of our own experiences. My suggestion, if you choose to continue to read this book---try to decide where you think the truth ends and the fiction begins…and as I was told long ago…

“BE BELIEVING!”
 
The book is available at the following link: http://tinyurl.com/kqx4ouw
 
 

7.20.2013

The Word "Racist" Means Nothing Anymore

I get angry letters every day from people who disagree with my paintings.  I don't mind, it comes with the job.  But, I think I should offer a tip to those liberals who think they got the best of me.  Don't call me a "racist" if you want to sound intelligent.

We used to use the word "racist" to define people who associate themselves with groups that openly hate others based on race. For example: KKK, White Supremacist, Black Panthers, etc. 

Now, if you even appear to look cross-eyed at a black person, regardless of the reason, you are slapped with the word. Some people are so afraid to be called a racist that they defend the inexcusable and turn a blind eye. The word, "racist"now is the catcall of every liberal toward anyone who doesn't agree with them. I have Conservative black friends who are also called racist for simply disagreeing with liberalism. We see only hypocrisy now, as liberals redefine the meaning and browbeat their opponents for fear.  

I suggest we use the word how it should be used.  If someone openly says they hate another because of the color of their skin; whether they are black white, brown or yellow---they are a racist---period.  If they criticize another and they happen to look different, they are expressing their opinion; as long as it doesn't descend into racial slurs and so forth.  We all know the difference, so the next time you hear the word "racist", consider how it is being used.  Are they identifying another as a true racist, or trying to name call to win with a weak argument.



7.07.2013

What is a True Christian?

In today's world, Christianity has become diverse with over 20,000 different Christian denominations; many of which profess completely different interpretations of the Bible. The Apostle Paul taught, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5) So here we are, many of us trying our best to come to Jesus and be saved. How are we to know what "truth" is and where to go to find it?

In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus spoke of how the shepherd left the flock to find the one. Each of us is important to our Lord. If we will call out to Him, He will find us. We should not put our trust in man, but in our Father who is in Heaven. If we will do our best in this life to embrace what we believe to be true based on the words of the Master, I believe much of the misunderstandings on points of doctrine will be resolved in the world to come. God is merciful to those who love Him.
In my experience I have met with many groups of people as I have traveled. I have come to know the Catholics, the Baptists, the Presbyterians, the Evangelicals, the Jehovah Witnesses, the Mormons (this is my faith), the Mennonites, and many more. One common feature I have seen in every denomination that professes Christ is that there are truly good people who love Jesus and wish to emulate Him in there lives. But there are also those who are filled with hypocrisy and find fault in everyone else but themselves. I'm not mentioning this to point fingers...it is simply a fact of the world we live in.
Anyone can call themselves a Christian. But when has the acceptance of others ever been a prerequisite to entering the Lord's Kingdom? I believe the only thing that matters is how we stand in the Lord's eyes. In my painting, the suffering Jesus looks back as if to say, "What will you do? Will you stand as a witness of me?"
I believe God will judge us based on what is in our heart and our actions. It is true that we are saved by the grace of Jesus if we come to Him and repent. But to be numbered among the true Disciples of Christ we must truly love Him. "If you love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) And then He said, "Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self." (Matt 19:37-39) As humans, we often fall short, but if we strive to be more like Him and express that love through our service to others, we will be good Christians.
There is one more element that I believe qualifies one as a "true Christian." I like the scripture, "perfect love casteth out fear." (1 John 4:18) As a Christian, we must not fear. Even if it means that we must stand alone. And after we have done all that we can do, we must continue to stand. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matt 10:22) A true Christian's love for Jesus Christ will motivate him to stand up for his beliefs, to love others unconditionally, and to be an advocate for truth and righteousness...regardless of the consequences. That we may find the strength do so is my reason for painting this picture.