When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

What have been your favorite highlights for the Beijing Olympics?
What makes those especially touching to you?
How do you see God working through these Olympics?

I love the Olympics and what they mean to the spirit of competition, inspiration, and good will among nations. We hear so many neat stories and witness unusual twists of events that shape the destinies of not just individuals, but even nations. Today I’d like to share some of my personal favorite highlights and low points following the first 3 days of the Beijing Olympics.

Highlights of Beijing Olympics 2008

1) The Opening Ceremonies were the most spectacular ever. The synchronization of thousands of Chinese performers was incredible.

2) Record Olympic attendance (7 million people) with great sportsmanship manifested by the Chinese people. According to Ariel Rittenhouse, a synchronized diver who placed fourth, “It is amazing being here, because, in the United States, you never have crowds like this or anything. And they go crazy.”

3) President Bush’s attendance. He is the first sitting U.S. President to attend the Olympics held out of the U.S.

4) Michael Phelps first gold medal victory in the 400 meter Individual Medley

5) The comeback story of American Dara Torres. She became the oldest swimming medalist in history, at the age of 41, by taking silver with the U.S. 4×100-meter freestyle relay team. Twenty of the 31 other women in the relay Sunday were not even born when Torres first took the Olympic plunge at the age of 17 in 1984. Torres’s anchor time of 52.44 seconds was better than any other woman swimming that leg except for the 100-meter world record holder, Libby Trickett of Australia.

Torres was already the oldest Olympic female swimming medalist in history, after coming out of retirement the first time to take gold in the medley relay in Sydney in 2000. But after this latest, more improbable comeback, she is now the oldest swimming medalist of either gender. She is now the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympics and has won 10 Olympic medals, the most on this powerhouse American team, although Phelps already has nine (and counting).  On August 16, Dara goes for gold in the 50-meter race.

6) Park Tae Hwan becoming South Korea’s first swimming medalist ever by winning the men’s 400-meter freestyle at the age of 18. What a comeback for someone who disqualified in the finals in the 2004 Olympics in Athens after a false start. This was especially neat to me because my wife is a full-blooded Korean.
 
7) The story of the 43 year old woman gymnast competing for Germany in her 5th Olympics. She won the team gold medal for Russia at age 19. Her search for a cure for leukemia in her young son led her to Germany and the German team.

8) Michael Phelps got his second gold medal in his quest for eight thanks to a late comeback in the 400-meter freestyle relay by Jason Lezak, who lunged to the wall just ahead of the French anchor. The U.S. team’s time of 3 minutes, 8.24 seconds shattered its previous mark of 3:12.23 set the night before in preliminaries. This victory silenced the arrogant boasts made by the French relay team beforehand.

9) The stunning comeback of the USA women’s gymnastic team after a very auspicious start. Samantha Peszek, who had been expected to compete in all four events in qualifying, was practicing a tumbling pass when she injured her left ankle shortly before the team came out to compete. Her teammates said they heard a pop. Martha Karolyi, the women’s national team coordinator, decided to hastily rework her lineups, with Chellsie Memmel and now Peszek, both out with ankle injuries, competing only on the uneven bars.

Low Points

1) Without a doubt, the low point of these Olympic Games has been the stabbing death of Todd Bachman when he was attacked at a popular tourist site in Beijing. Todd was the father of former Olympian Elisabeth Bachman-McCutcheon and the father-in-law of the U.S. men’s volleyball team.

2) The loss of the second of two twin brothers (Paul and Morgan Hamm) for the U.S. men’s gymnastic team.

3) On the uneven bars, Liukin, a U.S. gold-medal favorite in the event, fell backward on her dismount, rolling awkwardly onto her back. Her father and coach, Valeri, leapt off the podium in disappointment.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to watch these amazing Olympic Games in Beijing. While we don’t understand the details, we know LORD that You are shaping the destinies of nations as a result of these Olympics. Bless the remaining 14 days with Your peace and good will. May there be much eternal fruit as a result. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
U.S. Gymnasts Overcome Injuries in Qualifying

Blessings to soak in the Olympics with God’s eternal perspective!

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20)

How great is your faith?
What role does journaling play in that?
What role are daily habits playing in growing your faith?

Yesterday evening, my wife and I went to DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Constitution Hall in Washington DC for our niece’s (Olivia Scott) high school graduation service. We left our home in Culpeper at 3:45 PM and didn’t get back home until 1 AM. My normal bed time is about 10 PM.

This morning as I was preparing this message, I learned this from the DAR Constitution Hall website, “Each year, over 600,000 people pass through the doors of DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C.’s largest concert hall.” What’s so unusual about this is that Olivia graduated from George Mason High School in Falls Church, Virginia, not Wash DC. This visit was especially rewarding to me because I’m like a sponge soaking up as much as possible about the true Christian heritage of our nation.

As God would have it, Olivia was chosen to be the “Queen” of the Falls Church Memorial Day parade. The Secretary of the Army presided over that. Olivia’s soccer team just won the state championship last week and Olivia was chosen as the player of the year for the region (and maybe the state). Olivia will be going to Messiah College in the Fall of 2008. She is the first of her cousins to choose to go to a Christian college.

At yesterday’s graduation service, my favorite part was when 3 people in the George Mason High School choir sang a song titled “When You Believe.” In the refrain, the lyrics “There can be miracles when you believe!” are repeated several times. That could easily be my life slogan with all the miracles I experience every week.

My UNCOMMON journaling has led to a radical faith, which has led to an UNCOMMON life – full of passion and adventure. I often tell people that I feel like I have the lead role in an Indiana Jones’ movie. I’ve come to the realization that the optimal way for me to bless millions of families is to teach and impart my gift of journaling to others through small and large groups on the web. I will make journaling disciples who in turn make other journaling disciples.

Today (4 and 8 PM EDT) is the last time Dr. Jerry Graham and I will be hosting our “UNCOMMON Journaling for Breakthroughs” class for at least 5-6 weeks. The feedback we have received from those who have participated thus far has been extremely positive.

Let me share just two testimonies. Kathy Bornarth, the Washington Area Director for Birthmother Ministries, sent me an email at 6 pm on June 10 stating, “Randy, the staff and I would like to take your class at some point, but I’m not sure when we can do it. I thought about tomorrow, but our AC has been out for the past 2 days and we’ve been working from home or are meeting elsewhere each day. I may sign up late tomorrow if the air is on. If it’s not on, will you be doing another series anytime soon?”

I didn’t see Kathy’s email until yesterday morning (June 11). When I did, I promptly sent Kathy this reply, “Thank you for letting me know. After tomorrow, we do not plan to offer any more UNCOMMON Journaling for Breakthroughs webinars for at least 5-6 weeks. I recommend you seize this opportunity.” Immediately after the webinar, Kathy shared this feedback in an email, “Hi! We did (seize the opportunity). We had 5 people listening today. It was terrific!”

Another participant (an accomplished Christian leader) shared this in the post webinar survey, “Good information, great presentation and passion for subject. Great usage of web and software. I am committed to start journaling. I used to journal all the time and have gotten away from it due to a busy schedule. Your points helped me see I need to slow down.”

Take a BIG step to grow your faith and REGISTER NOW for one of my last two FREE webinars titled “UNCOMMON Journaling for Breakthroughs!”

Thursday, June 12, 4-5 pm
Thursday, June 12, 8-9 pm

Bill Gates (Microsoft) says, “If we don’t act on a good idea within 24 hours, we are less than 50% likely to ever act on it. If we haven’t acted on it inside of days, then we are less than 2% likely to ever act on it.”

Prayer Power
Yahweh, we praise You as the God of miracles – the God who blesses those who believe in You and Your promises to be Your vessels for miracles. Grant each of us a greater measure of faith. Thank You for each person who has already participated in my introductory journaling webinar. May they choose to share the blessing and invite their friends to participate in the final webinars today. Thank You Yeshua. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Photos from Olivia’s graduation service in DAR Constitution Hall

History of Constitution Hall

Blessings to be intentional to grow your faith daily!

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

What is the legacy of General Stonewall Jackson?
How is that still impacting Virginia and America today?

In the past few months I have become fascinated with the spiritual legacy of General Stonewall Jackson and the impact he has had and continues to still have on Virginia. When Dutch Sheets and Chuck Pierce spoke at the 50 State Tour gathering in March 2004, they declared that Virginia is the “covenant root state.” Based upon it’s rich Christian heritage, Virginia was acknowledged to have governmental authority, not just for the United States, but for the world.

According to David C. McCullough, “History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” One of the many blessings of being a close friend of Virginia Morton is that she has taught me much about Civil War history as well as the history of Culpeper and Virginia. A few months ago, I watched a DVD that Virginia loaned to me about the faith of Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Without a doubt, they were spiritual giants of the Civil War.

In her email on March 28, Virginia Morton shared, “God is truly bringing truth to light pertaining to Confederate history. Thanks to Burt (Swardstrom) and the MasterMedia newsletter, I learned of the 48-minute documentary “Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story.” I then contacted Rick Williams, author of “Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man’s Friend.” The friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield will be showing the film April 4 and Rick will be here to introduce it. We were blessed with two excellent articles in today’s newspaper which I think you will find fascinating.” [See today's Link of the Day to read those.]

If you live nearby, you are invited to come to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Culpeper Virginia at 7 PM on Friday April 4 to meet Rick Williams and watch the 40 minute documentary film “Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story.”

On March 27, Robert Hartzell, founder of Fountains of Life, told me about Arthur Burk, founder of Plumbline Ministries. Robert shared that Arthur has had community transformation on his heart since 1978 and works with a lot of businessmen. Arthur believes that the spiritual gifts discussed in Romans 12 apply not only to people, but to businesses, cities, and even nations. When Arthur visits a community, he emphasizes celebrating the gifting and calling of that community rather than pointing out what’s wrong.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the God of history, the God who makes history, writes history, and uses history in Your perfect plan. Thank You for the rich spiritual heritage left by General Stonewall Jackson. Thank You for using Rick Williams to uncover part of that. Thank You that Rick is coming to Culpeper on April 4. Bless his visit and all those who meet him. Prepare the heart and minds of those who attend the April 4 gathering to understand the significance of Jackson’s life and legacy for this day and time. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Links to newspaper articles about Rick Williams and Stonewall Jackson

Blessings to understand and apply the significance of history in healing wounds of the past!

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Another side of Stonewall (Source is Culpeper Star Exponent)

Catherine Amos
Staff Writer for the Culpeper Star Exponent
Friday, March 28, 2008

 

After four years of extensive research steeped in primary documents from the Stonewall Jackson house in Lexington, Williams released his biography in September 2006. He retained film rights in the event of a possible documentary, which came to fruition last fall.

Through his research, Williams learned of Jackson’s Sunday school class before the Civil War where he taught blacks – both slaves and freed – how to read. He expands upon events in Jackson’s childhood that “planted the seed in his heart and mind for his class,” including a boyhood friend who, with Jackson, defended the right of blacks to learn to read.

“He was in close contact with his family’s slaves and they had a big impact on him,” he said.

The class grew to nearly 100 blacks on Sunday afternoons, he said, and was comprised of children and adults. This lesser-known side of Jackson, paired with Williams’ discussion of Jackson’s faith, piqued the interest of the Nashville-based Franklin Springs Family Media production company.

Williams sought producers for a documentary from a handful of companies, but the pairing with Franklin Springs “just seemed like a perfect fit,” he said. Though he initially wanted to focus narrowly on the Sunday school class, Williams said the producers suggested a wider approach to draw a broader audience.

“We wanted to both introduce him to folks and also get to his faith and other aspects of his life,” he said. “It could have easily been a three-hour documentary, but we did a fair job.”
Ken Carpenter, director and producer of “Still Standing,” said his company receives numerous manuscripts for a variety of films, but was immediately interested in Williams’ story.

“I was taken with the concept of the book,” Carpenter said. “A southern general trying to do redemptive work with slaves is a very contrary notion to what I was taught in public school growing up. Richard’s book just began to peel back new layers of understanding for me of the Southern cause, the people involved and the circumstances of the time.”

Carpenter said the filming experience was fantastic, which included shooting at Virginia Military Institute – where Jackson taught natural philosophy (physics), optics and artillery tactics from 1851 until he left to fight in the War Between the States in 1861 – and Jackson’s boyhood home in West Virginia.

“Not only was the subject compelling but getting to shoot at various historic sites around Virginia was a filmmaker’s dream,” he said. “Shooting at VMI on an autumn day when the leaves were at their height of color was just such a beautiful palate on which to craft a film.”

The Friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield group in Culpeper is sponsoring the screening to raise awareness of the battle, Stonewall’s last independent command, said board member and author Virginia Morton.

“This film is really unique in that it looks at the tender side of Stonewall,” Morton said. “It’s not all about his battles, but also is about is upbringing, his faith and his school and the impact that’s had on so many people.”

Morton said she was touched deeply by a scene showing a worship service in the church Jackson attended as a child in what was then western Virginia, now West Virginia.  The gathered congregation comprises mixed-race descendents from Jackson’s school for slaves who came together to remember his legacy.

“There are so few people in our modern world that our young people can look up to as heroes,” Morton said. “And he can truly be looked up to as a hero. It’s very inspiring.”

Catherine Amos can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 138 or camos@starexponent.com.

Want to go?
Who: Richard G. Williams Jr., author of “Stonewall Jackson: Black Man’s Friend”
What: Screening of documentary, “Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story,” based on Williams’ book
Where: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 115 North East Street, Culpeper, VA 22701
When: April 4 at 7 p.m.

———————————————————————–

Book gives unique insight on general  (Source is Culpeper Star Exponent)

Rob Humphreys
Managing Editor – Culpeper Star Exponent
Friday, March 28, 2008

The book focuses on Jackson’s little known Sunday school class for slaves and free blacks in Lexington, the Rockbridge County town where he taught at the Virginia Military Institute before entering the war in 1861.

Long story short, Jackson left such an impression on the area’s African-American community that, to this day, a historically black church in Roanoke proudly displays a stained-glass window devoted to his memory. Descendants of his Sabbath class still tell stories about how their ancestors overcame illiteracy or strengthened their faith in Christ through Jackson’s tireless efforts.

Some of those who attended his class actually begged – much to Jackson’s initial refusal – to have him as their master. Alas, that is the reason Jackson owned a small number of slaves.
Such tidbits – combined with a well-researched, thoroughly documented analysis – make “Stonewall” a heart-warming read.

By today’s standards, Jackson, who did not espouse slavery yet believed the will of God played a role in its institution, would be considered anything but politically correct. Yet for his time and place, Jackson defied cultural norms with a progressive mindset and spiritual love that transcended color.

With courage to broach a sensitive subject and always cognizant not to come across as an apologist for America’s original sin, Williams deftly guides readers through their natural reticence to believe that a slave-holding Southern general could have been anything other than the stereotypical Rebel.
And for that, “Stonewall” deserves praise.

Rob Humphreys can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 128 or rhumphreys@starexponent.com

“and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship,” (Exodus 35:31)

In what area do you want to improve to manifest excellence?
What step will you take today to move in that direction?

In my devotional on Feb 16 about the musical My Fair Lady, I committed to sharing more about prestigious Woodberry Forest School in today’s devotional. Within four hours of sending that devotional, I received an email from Virginia Morton stating, “The first chaplain at Woodberry Forest was none other than newly ordained minister Frank Stringfellow. His cousin founded the school.”

Frank Stringfellow is one of the lead characters in Virginia’s 500+ page book “Marching Through Culpeper.” Her Civil War novel, which has sold more than 10,000 copies, is based on much historical fact. Somehow, God is bringing together (converging) all this history to do something really big. We’ll have to wait to see how this unfolds.

I also found it interesting to learn that Kellye Coleman’s father is assistant headmaster at Woodberry Forest School. Kellye, a senior at Madison High School, did an outstanding job performing the lead role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Her face radiated the love of God during the musical and she publicly gave thanks to Him in the program stating, “Kellye would like to thank her Heavenly Father for the amazing gifts and talents He’s blessed her with, her family for their constant support, Mr. Blain for this amazing experience, …”

While I was working as an anesthesiologist at Culpeper Hospital for 12 years, I was always impressed by the politeness and maturity of teenagers from Woodberry Forest School who came for preop interviews. This stood in sharp contrast to the typical teenager I’d see who would hardly pay attention and often giggle instead. Andrew Earles, the son of one of my neighbors, attended Woodberry on a full scholarship about 15 years ago and graduated as valedictorian.

The mission page of the Woodberry website states: “At Woodberry Forest School, our mission is to develop in our students, under Christian principles, a high sense of honor and moral integrity, a deep respect for sound scholarship, a full acceptance of responsibility, a love of excellence, and a desire to be of service to others. We aim to help our students become leaders of and active contributors to society. We also intend to prepare them to enter the best colleges and universities consistent with their potential.

At Woodberry, we are committed to ensuring our students’ growth. We provide them a broad range of experiences to balance their academic, artistic, physical, and spiritual development. By offering students well-conceived challenges–together with support and encouragement–we instill in them self-confidence and a desire to achieve excellence throughout their lives. Woodberry is committed to helping boys acquire the strong values and capacity to reason that enable them to deal effectively with important intellectual, ethical, and social problems and to lead rewarding private lives. Our faculty is more concerned with teaching students how to think than what to think.”

Woodberry gives young men the type of memories that shape their lives forever. It helps them build strong friendships, feel secure in a supportive community, and develop a moral compass that helps them live honorable lives. This community strives for honor, excellence, and achievement with continuous support from faculty and friends both inside and beyond the classroom. Is it any wonder that Woodberry Forest School is one of the premier private high schools in the nation. And it’s just a 20 minute drive from my home?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Woodberry Forest School and its strong Christian heritage. Thank You for the many men with outstanding character the school has turned out. Bless the faculty and the students in 2008 with the best year in the school’s history. Open doors for this school to play a key role in networking Your army around the world. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Woodberry Forest School

Blessings to live a life of honor, excellence, and integrity!

‘O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds?’ (Deuteronomy 3:24)

What wonders of life are you noticing around you each day?

Late yesterday afternoon, I discovered a voice message from Peggy Walker, one of my neighbors, inviting me to go to My Fair Lady at Woodberry Forest School. Peggy told me that she and Tom Earles had gone to that musical the night before and it was outstanding. On top of that admission is free. Tonight (Feb 16) at 8 PM is the last showing for this wonderful musical. If you live nearby and are available, I highly recommend going. You can see photos from last night’s performance at today’s Link of the Day.

While I had heard of My Fair Lady, I wasn’t familiar with the plot, nor many of the songs. The story reminded me of how God is at work in each person’s life inviting them to a transformed life through Jesus Christ. By simply and sincerely inviting Jesus into your heart, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence within you to transforms you from the inside out. Essentially, He leads you on a journey to take you from rags to riches in a miraculous way.

Woodberry Forest School is located on historic Route 15 on the way from Culpeper to Orange Virginia, part of the “Journey Through Hallowed Ground.”  This scenic and historically rich landscape is recognized as the region which holds more American history than any other swath of land in the country. It is home to significant and unique historical, cultural, scenic and natural legacies. The Journey’s corridor follows US Route 15 and Route 20 on a 175-mile meandering course from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, through Maryland, and ending in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Woodberry Forest School is one of the premier private high schools in the nation and it’s located less than 20 minutes from where I live. The school is renown for reverence of sacred things, intellectual thoroughness, good sportsmanship, and its honor system. You’ll learn about Woodberry in my devotional on Feb 18. Stay tuned.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the opportunity to attend this wonderful musical at Woodberry Forest School. Thank You for all the performers and cast. Bless and protect each of them and their families. Bless every person who comes to Woodberry tonight for the closing performance of My Fair Lady with a new understanding of Your goodness and greatness. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Photos from My Fair Lady

Blessings to reflect daily on the wonders of life and the goodness of God!

Multiply
To refer a friend simply send them a brief personal email along with a link to www.yourdailyblessing.com. Thank you for helping God multiply this ministry’s impact!

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

What might happen if you stepped into and embraced your destiny?

Virginia Morton asked for me to clarify a mistake in the last paragraph of yesterday’s devotional. The picnic at Robert Duvall’s farm was limited to about 1,000 people. It was not a private party.

The “No Power Picnic” on Sunday July 22 was sponsored by the Piedmont Environment Council [www.pecva.org] to benefit their powerline campaign to stop Dominion Power from erecting huge towers to carry electric power throughout historic and scenic parts of Virginia and several other states. God blessed us with an absolutely gorgeous day. Picnic activities included live bands, organized games, and family fun.

Before leaving to ride to the picnic with the Morton’s and Ramer’s, I did research online to learn more about Robert and Luciana. I learned that Buenos Aires (Argentina) is Robert’s favorite city. He met Luciana (his Argentine wife) in 1997 when he was walking the streets of Buenos Aires while in Argentina making his movie. Robert speaks Spanish fluently. This is quite interesting because of the tremendous favor and influence that Rick Heeren and the Harvest Evangelism team have in Buenos Aires. It’s also interesting that Robert was born on January 5, 1931, the same month and year as my father.

When Robert and Luciana Duvall came into the huge open-air tent to speak to the large crowd of about 1,000 people, Virginia Morton was able to position herself about 10 feet directly in front of them.

The first thing Robert did when he spoke was share a scripture. He told the crowd he doesn’t consider himself a very religious person, but he does read the Bible about three days each week. He shared how he read Psalm 133 earlier in the day and this verse stood out – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Amazing enough, that is the exact verse that Virginia Morton chose to be the theme for Pray Culpeper and the weekly prayer articles she writes for the Culpeper Star Exponent newspaper.

After the different speakers finished speaking, people rushed over to talk to Robert Duvall. Luciana went back to the private party area reserved for special guests. I wanted to talk to her to share about Harvest Evangelism and Argentina, but the general public was not allowed in the private area.

However, eventually Luciana came back to the border of the private area. When she did, God opened the door for me to briefly share my heart and capture her heart. When I told her Argentina is a detonator country for transformation for the entire world, that got her attention. I told her about Rick Heeren, The Elk River Story, and the extremely positive influence they had on the current political leaders of Buenos Aires.

Luciana then invited me to come back with her to the private party area. She introduced me to Allen, a close friend of Robert Duvall. Robert had previously encouraged Allen to write a script, which he did and was turned into a TV mini-series or a movie. While I was talking to Allen, he asked me for one of my business cards.

Prayer Power
Holy, holy, holy Father, thank You for tremendous blessings and favor this past weekend. Thank You for opening the door for us to meet Robert and Luciana Duvall. Thank You for Robert’s humility, servant’s heart, and acknowledgment of You. Thank You for sending Luciana from Argentina to bless Virginia. I pray the blood of Jesus over the Duvall family, their home, and their ministry. May Robert and Luciana choose to join the Marching Through Culpeper team. Bless Robert to accomplish far more in the remaining years of his life than he did in his first 76. To God be all the glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Thank You Jesus. I love You so much. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Photos from visit to Robert Duvall’s farm on July 22, 2007 [http://www.yourdailyblessing.com/content.cfm?id=2398]

Blessings to be strong and of good courage to step into your destiny!

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

Who is Robert Hunt?
What is the real story behind the First Landing in 1607?

First Landing [www.firstlandingthemovie.com], a one-hour documentary-drama film, premieres TODAY on ABC Family (TV) at 10 am ET/PT, during the daily “700 Club” time slot. It will re-air at 11 pm ET/PT that night. Created to coincide with the 400th anniversary this April, First Landing is inspired by actual events and dramatically recreates the story of the voyage through the eyes of a child apprentice to the crew. Befriended by Captain John Smith and Vicar Robert Hunt, Young Master Peacock recounts the amazing tales of adventure and significance that accompany the colonists as they cross the Atlantic and laid the spiritual foundation for America upon their landing.

The following excerpt about the story of Robert Hunt comes directly from the official website for the movie First Landing.

First Landing unearths the untold story of Reverend Robert Hunt’s incredible sacrifice as expedition chaplain of the Virginia Company’s awe inspiring voyage to the New World – a groundbreaking trip that would result in America’s first permanent English settlement in Jamestown, Virginia.

The story follows Hunt’s struggle to leave his young family in order to make the arduous journey by sea in 1606. Despite being initially pinned by superstitious sailors as the cause of severe winter storms in the English Channel that were keeping the ships in a stranglehold for six weeks, a desperately seasick Hunt persuades Captain Christopher Newport to stay the course on to the new world.

With new strength, Hunt then resolves to minister to his shipmates and to persevere throughout the journey. But infighting among members of the expedition lingers, especially between the swashbuckling John Smith and the influential Edward Marie Wingfield. Smith is charged with mutiny, and Hunt becomes part of Smith’s dramatic rescue from the gallows. In April 1607, the voyagers finally reach their destination. A wooden cross is raised among the sand dunes of what is today Cape Henry, and Hunt prays for God’s blessing on the new colony and the people of the land.

In the midst of disease and the hostility, Hunt pours himself into caring for the settlers, giving little thought to his own needs. The sacrifice of Robert Hunt is a largely unknown story, coming to light 400 years later. His role in enabling the colonists to not only reach the shores of North America but to also survive those early brutal years cannot be underestimated. While most men looked to their own needs, Hunt brought much  needed unity to the frail outpost on the James River that would in time become the United States of America, one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for the people in America who are taking a stand to restore the truth of our godly heritage that made America great. Bless the First Landing movie and all those who watch it. Expose the truth and unite America in prayer. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
Commentary about First Landing movie – by News Blaze

Blessings to watch the movie First Landing some time soon!

as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. (1 Peter 2:16)

How can you help spread the word about the myth of “separation of church and state?”

Today is Religious Freedom Day. Two days ago I received an email from the Elijah List notifying me about President Bush’s recent Proclamation of Religious Freedom Day. This caught my attention immediately since Culpeper is the cradle of religious freedom for the world, where the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was birthed. Here is President Bush’s Proclamation:

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

White House/TN (Jan 14th, 2007)

On Religious Freedom Day, we commemorate the passage of the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, and we celebrate the First Amendment’s protection of religious freedom.

Across the centuries, people have come to America seeking to worship the Almighty freely. Today, our citizens profess many different faiths, and we welcome every religion. Yet people in many countries live without the freedom to worship as they choose and some face persecution for their beliefs. My Administration is working with our friends and allies around the globe to advance common values and spread the blessings of liberty to every corner of the world. Freedom is a gift from the Almighty, written in the heart and soul of every man, woman, and child, and we must continue to promote the importance of religious freedom at home and abroad.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America , by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2007, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities in their schools, places of worship, neighborhoods, and homes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for this Proclamation by President Bush. We praise You as the God of truth. In this monumental 2007 year, expose the truth about the original intentions of our founding fathers regarding the First Amendment. Dispel the myth of “separation of church and state.” Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
The Separation of Church and State by David Barton [http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=9]

Blessings to see God open the eyes of understanding of our U.S. Supreme Court justices!

Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men. (Proverbs 22:29)

When you are working or doing something, do you do it with excellence as if working for Jesus?

When I think about Virginia Morton, two scriptures come to mind – the one above about doing things with excellence and James 1:22 about being doers, not just hearers, of the Word. In my opinion, Virginia has done more in the past two years to bring unity to the Culpeper community than anyone.

I first met Virginia around 2002 at the Culpeper United Methodist Church when my daughter received the bronze Congressional Award. Many local high school students were presented their awards by Congressman Eric Cantor, Culpeper’s representative for the U.S. House of Representatives.

That year marked the 10th anniversary of the Congressional Award [www.congressionalaward.org] program in Culpeper. Because of that and because Culpeper had more Congressional Award recipients than any other community in America, Cantor came to Culpeper to present the awards. In all previous years, the recipients had to go to Washington D.C. to receive their rewards. Virginia played a key role in the success of our local program.

Virginia also was responsible for the Academic Spotlight – weekly articles that appeared in our local newspaper highlighting students who excelled in school and with community involvement.

In February 2005, I ran into Virginia at our local Food Lion store. Even though we barely knew each other, we started talking while waiting in the check out line. I was so moved by what she had to say about her “Marching Through Culpeper” book  that I asked her to share her story on the local Christian TV show I had started. A few weeks later, I interviewed Virginia. She told the miraculous story of how God had her write this book and got it published. Virginia later told me that this was the first time she had ever shared her faith in a public interview.

By sharing her faith publically, Virginia began a process of explosive spiritual growth. She became a regular and active participant of Pray Culpeper in the summer of 2005. She got her pastor and several other church members involved.

Perhaps more than anything, what has positively impacted our community are the weekly prayer-focus articles that Virginia initiated in July 2006. Each week, the Culpeper News is mailed to every home in Culpeper. A different community leader is featured each week, giving our community the opportunity to pray for his or her specific prayer needs and requests.

These prayer articles recently opened the door for an upcoming prayer walk of Pearl Sample Elementary School on December 17. More will be shared about that tomorrow. You will hear more about “Marching Through Culpeper” another day. Keep tuned!

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Virginia Morton and the positive impact she has had on Culpeper. Thank You for her humility, prayer life, and passion for You. Thank You that she does things with excellence and puts feet to her prayers and the prayers of others. Bless Virginia and her family indeed! Thank You for blessing the weekly prayer focus articles in our community. Please multiply those in other communities in Virginia and across America. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Archive of Culpeper’s weekly prayer focus articles [www.alifeofblessing.org/content.cfm?id=2164]

Blessings to do everything with excellence!