LET'S DON'T GO DOWN THAT ROAD AGAIN -- Just a Minute for Monday 01-12-09

            Howdy… it’s Monday and we have the *whole* week ahead of us…

 

            Well… the Old Farmer’s Almanac for January has hit the ice cycle on the head. I got a “Chilly Greeting” from an old friend in “frigid” Wheaton ILL… where folks are ill with the chill – well maybe not totally. Over the weekend I also talked with a couple of guys who are soon headed to Canada to drive some supplies over the ‘ice road’ used to supply places in the ‘far north’ when they need things too heavy to be brought in by air – or there’s no barge traffic that will be there soon enough… then they use the ice road – 18 wheelers running through fog and whiteouts…and trying to get all the freight moved before it begins to melt around the first of March or a little later…   Big question is *how much later* -- so it’s always a risk when you’re trying to move ‘just one more load’ … and then that one more turns out to be one too many and it’s the absolutely last load that season because truck and cargo are under quite a bit of water.

 

            I’ve done a bit of flying – actually since I soloed at 16 – but for many years didn’t have the money or need to fly. Anyway… there’s the saying there’s Old pilots and there’s Bold pilots…. But there’s no OLD – BOLD pilots. That’s a reminder to check the oil and the fuel and all the other things on the check list *before* taking off… and be prudent.

 

            Well… I don’t know how I got off in that patch of weeds.

 

            Things are ‘spinning out of control’ says one WSJ bloggerist --  And then he cites a bunch of generally useless tid bits his researchers have dredged up for him. So… we’re into the run up to the inauguration. They’ve been having ‘dry-runs’ and mock ups and dress rehearsals so things will go smoothly… You can’t count on the weather for that. But lawmakers picked Washington and they picked January (although originally it was in March… even up through FDR’s day)… so now we have had ceremonies put off a week or so because of snow.

 

            But things are not nearly as tangled as they’re gonna get when the rubber starts meeting the road of the new Administration. Trouble is the taxpayers get tagged with the bill… but we don’t seem to mind… At least not enough… or we’d make’em stop spending all that dough.

 

            Keep your eye on Dr. Tom Coburn MD … R-OK  Anyway, Sen. Harry Reid would like to can him because Coburn is genuinely trying to stop some of the foolish spending being done in DC… and like Senator DeMint says... “Reid runs the Senate like a kindergarten… “

 

Here’s part of what he put in the Senate’s Congressional Record recently” - - The American people expect us hold open, civil and thorough debates on costly legislation, not ram through 1,300 page bills when few are watching. Blocking debate undermines the public’s trust in Congress and suggests that Senators have something to hide. If Senators want to load this bill with earmarks and deepen our dependence on foreign oil, they should defend those provisions on the floor of the Senate, not hide behind procedural roadblocks,” Dr. Coburn said....

 

  I’ll see if the folks at Earl ‘N’ Lester’s Bait Shop and Sushi Bar have anything to say about that come Wednesday. Be sure to be listening.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama01-12-09.mp3

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

LET’S DON’T GO DOWN THAT ROAD AGAIN

Just a Minute -- Two problems today - one axiom: Just saying it doesn’t make it happen. 

First – as to the economy: Just saying a new plan will add four and a half million jobs, doesn’t make it happen.

Second – pressuring Israel into a cease-fire based on empty economic promises simply gives Hamas a chance to re-group as they did in Lebanon making the situation worse. Hamas agreed to a house of cards cease-fire it can knock down at will. But the same know-nothings yammer to make the same error in Gaza – where the result would be even more tragic

On bailouts: nobody knows what happens in these uncharted waters. You can’t force people to buy something they don’t want – ask Ford’s Edsel people – or those at Coke who tried to re-invent it. You just can’t push string.

            Better brains than mine say – let Hamas take the punishment it has set up for itself and let things get to a point where a real truce can be maintained between moderate Muslims and Israel. Now is no time to cave in!

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

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IT AIN'T ALL ROSES AND PEACOCKS - Just a Minute for Friday Jan.9, 2009

Howdy Everybody –

 

Isn’t this weather something… hot then cold – then hot again. Doesn’t our Lord have a sense of humor about our complaining about a draught – and then about the puddles we have to walk through… or the muddy tracks on the living room carpet.  Just try to put it all behind you and do your part of keeping the place tidy … and not making a mess.

 

That’s what I see happening in Washington. Having lived there for a period of about ten years… I know something of the way people feel in that area. There are so many ‘short-timers’ there… it’s hard to believe. In addition to the visitors… schoolkids and the like… there’s military … and so many corporations have either their Headquarters there or a large contingent especially since the government is likely their biggest client either for buying or selling. 

 

When all those forces get together – being ‘bent’ human-beings so to speak…. We have to work hard to keep down the things that cause us to ‘jostle’ one another or push in line ahead or all those things that aggravate us. That’s what’s going on in spades in DC these days. New people new things to learn… and find out that you should have gone here…rather than there… If you like that kind of life OK… but ten years is about all I could take. So I still have some friends there… but most have moved on to other less crowded places.

 

Well… today’s script is about some of the transitions that take place every two and four years. It’s the changing of the guard. It takes patience – in a way it’s inspiring – in a way it’s perspiring. Maybe we can talk about it more at another time.

 

May the Lord bless you and your family as we come up on this weekend. I hope you have a good place to worship – there are many around here…and the best thing is it makes the rest of the week worthwhile. So… Untill Monday… have a great weekend in the Lord.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama01-09-09.mp3

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

IT AIN’T ALL ROSES AND PEACOCKS.

Just A Minute – You think Obama’s having an easy time gliding from stumble to stumble? Miz Hillary is headed for the Secy. of State post but some lefties aren’t happy about that.

            Problem for Chris Matthews, who was giving up his $5mil + job on cable to run against Senator Arlen Specter, until enough Philly people said he’d be more likely  to have a July snowfall – so he pocketed his renewed cable-net contract, and will have to eke by on two million instead of five.

            Mr. Burris of Chicago eased by his new colleagues and looks like he’ll make it to the Senate, while Gov. Blagojevich fiddles and Chicago burns. But what about Comedian Al Franken’s contest against Norm Coleman in Minnesota? Those results are still uncertain – and probably will be for months. Meanwhile Obama still has Tony Rezko to explain, And Sen. Feinstein’s feathers must yet be smoothed because of the CIA gaffe.

            But – a silver lining … the Obama girls are too young to drink or drive; possibly Pres. Obama will have calm waters after all.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

 

 

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WHASAMATTER NOW? - Just A Minute radio for Wednesday 01-07-09BB#01HomerSnafu

            Howdy folks… and welcome to wet and soggy country around here –

 

            But we don’t really mind because *we need it* -- Lake Hartwell, as far as the reports I get take me, is still more than 12 or 13 feet below full pond level. And I believe that still presents hazards to boats… and probably most to sailboats with deep keels. Anyway – I hope that’s not a complication for your life today. We have enough as it is with the three ring circus going on inside the beltway, with side acts in Chicago and Minnesota.

 

            We have had turbulent times in our history I know. But it is relatively brief when viewed in the light of say Chinese history – or even England or Europe. I recall being somewhat set aback when our tour guide at Stratford describing the thatched roof – and thatch strewn floor – of the cottage which is presented as Shakespeare’s home at Stratford Upon Avon; I recall the young lady saying rather offhandedly, “This house has been in continual use for more than 400 years…”  Which set me to thinking: That takes us back to Jamestown in U.S. history… and the Brits are just ‘getting warmed up’ with theirs – when compared with some of the dynastic reigns of the Far East.

 

            I suppose the Chinese are quite right in assuming the title for their country “Chung-hwa” – the “Middle Kingdom” because indeed it was in the middle of that vast continent and counting its days in a rather off-handed way when comparing itself to the ‘barbarians’ – a convenient title to take in everybody in view who was *not* Chinese.             

 

            There’s no mistaking the barbarian nature of war. One only needs to take in a few TV pictures to get the scope of where things drift down to when there is no major power who takes a realistic interest in the battles for power and pomp in the world today – and for that matter to all the kingdoms that have gone before whose power in rooted in human strength.

 

            Sobering thoughts for a sober time. I’m not trying to spread doom and gloom, But it’s obvious the world order when left to itself seems to drift into chaos with great ease – and be brought out with much pathos and self sacrifice for the rest of us. Let us be in prayer for wisdom as the leaders of the free world ponder and if they are wise, invite the Lord into their deliberations.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

            Jack Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama01-07-09.mp3

 

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BIBLE VERSES ON THE ISRALIE CONFLICT - Just A Minute for Monday 01-05-09

            Hello Everybody… The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s monthly doggerel includes this rhyme

                        “… Snow is peltin’ – but Soon ‘tis meltin’…”

 

            I don’t know if that applies where you are… but here in upstate SC we’ve been getting some welcome rain – only light snow in the NC mountains I hear. And we’re not nearly close enough to hear.  Oh well… it sure is a little humor. But most anything’s welcome in January. We’ve already had our dollop of dreary days. But because it includes some rain everybody’s willing to put up with it.  Lake Hartwell is reported to have come up by four feet from its record low – and the paper ran a picture of an abandoned bridge that was covered over when the lake was being filled… it had reappeared… but now disappeared.

 

            What hasn’t disappeared from the nightly news is the unhappy news about casualties of children and civilians coming out of Gaza. Hamas doesn’t seem to care about civilians especially when they set up their mortar sites on top of civilian buildings. Not only is that dishonorable and cowardly  -- but I think it’s finally getting some traction in the international media that Hamas is more interested in winning the propaganda war and securing their place in Islam’s promised land than they are of giving any consideration to humanity either their own, or people they don’t even know.

 

            It seems to finally be leaking out that Hamas is despised by the Palestinians because of their rough and immoral tactics. But it’s going to take a lot to convince the other Arab states who tend to have a bumper-sticker mentality. In any case today’s script tries to put a bit of a Biblical perspective on what’s happening – but that’s not totally easy. We know the forces of darkness – Satan and his minions – are more interested in getting people killed. (after all one of his names is Abaddon – destroyer. He’s after getting them in his one way dominion – that’s why he’s so… well…. Devilish.

 

            In any case let us pray for the peace of Jerusalem – and for the soon coming of the Lord. That’s when the misery will stop.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

            Jack

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama01-05-09.mp3

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

BIBLE VERSES ON THE ISRALIE CONFLICT

Just A Minute – The Gaza Strip conflict is hot again since Hamas broke a cease-fire by launching hundreds of rockets into Israel on Christmas Day. The radical extremist group calls up WWII “buzz bomb” days during which Hitler’s forces brought terror to England.  Hamas’ rockets continue as we speak. 

These warrior Bible verses crossed my mind: Matthew (24), Mark (13) and Luke all mention “wars and rumors of wars.”’ Both Isaiah and Mica write about not learning war any more…”  King David in at least two psalms (18 & 144) sings of his hands being “taught to war…”

            We call the conflict in The Holy Land because it’s near Jerusalem, the center of Biblical history, as well as what we call ‘pre-written history’ – prophecy. To those of us who consider the Bible authentic because of its record of fulfilled prophecy, let me say, I’m not about to set a date for Christ’s return – (that’s not Biblical) but if you’re not satisfied you have a personal relationship with Christ, His history, and the record of what He’s said about these times – I’d feel pretty uncomfortable in that ignorance.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

 

 

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"A PAGE UNSPOILT..." -- JUST A MINUTE for Friday 01-02-09

            Howdy… it’ is indeed the new year… and we’re already knee-deep in it.

 

            But the main thing is we don’t know much more about where we’re headed than we did this time last year. In fact we probably knew a great deal more about the course of coming events last January… at least we *thought* we did. But Crystal Balls are known for their cloudiness and ambiguity and predictions made with 18 carat confidence last January turned out to be so much wall paper.

 

            It’s probably a lot like that this year too… it’s just that we don’t know which parts to disregard… and which potholes in the road have not yet been discovered. But as ‘tis often said by Christians who are trusting their Lord… “We may not know the future – but we know Who holds the future.” – and that makes a great deal of difference. Just consider the record of Moses and Isaiah as well as Daniel and half a dozen other prophets recorded in Scripture.

 

            I know, I know Christopher Hitchens and his gang think I’m readin’ off the wall… but Hitchens would have thought the same thing about Belshazzar if he was collected enough to be able to read the handwriting on the wall. I once attended a “Freedom School” lecture of some length in which the lecturer derided Joseph as the “First Secretary of Agriculture” – who thought he had a ‘direct line to God.’  The only problem with the good Professor’s derision was that Joseph’s predictions turned out to be absolutely correct. Which is a better record than most bureaucrats can reference.

 

            Ah well… I believe it was President Reagan who said you can get a lot done in Washington if you don’t care who gets the credit.

 

            Perhaps we can steer more closely to that line in the coming days – at least I hope so.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

            Jack Buttram

 

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama01-02-09.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt01-02-09.doc

 

 

 “JUST A MINUTE”

“A PAGE UNSPOILT…”

Just A Minute – Consider this verse by Kathleen Wheeler as we stand on the threshold of the coming year:

He came to my desk with a quivering lip – The lesson was done.

“Dear Teacher, I want a new leaf,” he said, “I have spoiled this one.”

I took the old leaf, stained and blotted, And gave him a new one all

unspotted,

And into his sad eyes smiled, “Do better, now, my child.”

 

I went to the throne with a quivering soul. – The old year was done.

“Dear Father, hast Thou a new leaf for me? I have spoiled this one.”

He took the old leaf, stained and blotted, And gave me a new one all,

unspotted,

And into my sad heart he smiled, “Do better now, my child.”

Here’s an even better verse from God’s book for 2009 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go – I will guide thee with mine eye.” Psalm 32:8  

May you indeed, have a year blessed by God.                          

<> I’m Jack Buttram

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WE'RE MOVIN' ON -- 2009 HERE WE COME

Howdy folks….it’s Wednesday again… and the last of them for 2008.  So let’s all stand up and cheer for making it this far along the Pilgrim Road.

 

Homer still thinks he has a job coming in Washington… and who knows he may get lucky – or unlucky as the case may be. I know I’ve been spared some tight spots when I *didn’t* get a job I thought I really wanted. Looking back, and seeing what I was providentially hindered from getting into… Whew… how glad I am that the song and the Bible says HIS eye is on the Sparrow… He has kept my feet away from many a slippery slope Praise the Lord.

 

Now we move to a new year… My Sunday School Teacher this past weekend said he had given up making New Year’s Resolutions a ‘long’ time ago – and then modified it to say … well it wasn’t that long ago… but he wasn’t doing well with them anyway…

 

I do think it’s good to keep a journal. I just find it hard to do. But when I have kept a fairly detailed record… and go back later to see what happened then… I find it quite instructive. I know quite a few people whose prayer lives are enriched through the journals they’ve kept over the years.  Makes me wish I was more orderly, diligent and could find things when I think I’ve put them away.                   

 

So I suppose resolution – coupled with getting rid of procrastination… well for me that would be a welcome change.  And you know who is responsible for most of that?  Obviously it is me… I can’t shuffle those responsibilities off on anyone else. C.S. Lewis was one of the most diligent letter writers as well as scholarly and literary writer too… I’m often amazed at the body of the written words he turned out. Malcom Muggeridge was another… But someone cast in the mold of Mark Twain… wrote… inspiration is really about 90 percent perspiration. Putting your seat in the seat of the chair, in front of the keyboard, and going at it diligently is the proper course -- and of course that’s correct.

 

I wish you well in the coming year – and the blessings of the Lord to be upon your home and family. God bless you all. Please be in touch.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM for 2009…

 

            Jack Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama12-31-08.mp3

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

WE’RE MOVIN’ ON – 2009 HERE WE COME

Homer: Just a Minute --   Mr. Jack – hit’s the nite b’fore Crh… Oh I almos said Christmas – hits New Yars Eve.

Jack: You’re right Mr. Leadfooter.

Homer: Why you goin’ formal on me, Mr. Jack – You allus called me Homer.

Jack: Well it’s not everybody I know that has a job lined up with the coming Administration.

MizP: Oh, Homer, do you have one… really? I never heard th’ finish of what’s a-happenin’         

Homer: Well – hit sorta looks like hit Miz Pearl – But I cain’t be sure with everbody bein’ in Hawa-ye an all.

Jack: But surely the Chief of Staff has been in contact with you by now.

BB: Yeah -- Homer – surely -- th’ fellers at the Bait Shop an Sushi Bar is a rootin’ fer ya.

Homer: Oh yeah – that’s nice… now that the lake has come up a little Ah’m glad th’ fishin’s started again.

MizP:  But ifn’ you’s goin’ away soon Homer – we gone miss you.

Homer: Oh… I don’t reckon hit’ll be reel quick… you know … security check an all.

BB: Oh yeah… I hadn’t thot about tha-ut. But whut air we gonna do without you?

Homer: Aw… that’s reely thouty of you Billy-Bob..

MizP: Ah thank so too Mr. Beelie.

Jack: I need to tell you folks about some schedule changes that are coming.

Homer: You ain’t goin’ off’n the air are you?

Jack: No – but at least for the time being we’re goin’ to cut down JUST A MINUTE to Monday’s and Fridays.

MizP: Whut about usn’s on Wednesdays?

Jack: The good news is we’ll have a bit more time to talk when we’re all here on Wednesdays.

BB: Ah’m shore glad ta' heer tha-ut – Some Wednesday’s I kin hardly git a word in edgeways.

Homer: Yeah – an some of our people say we tawk too fast and they miss what we’re a gittin at.

Jack: True. So we’re going to try and correct that.

MizP: But we air still goin’ to be on – on Wednesdays…

Jack: That’s the plan.

BB: An… n’matter where you air ya kin git hit on th’ Internet.

Jack: I think a lot of our folks don’t realize that.

MizP: Well – let’s git busy an tell ‘em.

Jack: OK.. We’ll do that Miz Pearl – and before we run out of time we want to wish every one

A blessed New Year – and God’s leadership through out 2009. <> I’m Jack Buttram.  (END)

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EXTEND A HELPING HAND - Just A Minute for Tuesday 12-30-08

            Hi Folks…

 

            I’d hoped to have this mounted earlier but here it is the end of the day… and Barb and I have a busy couple of days coming up. But the Lord will see us through it all.

 

            In the script that should appear below is contact information for China Aid Organization as well as for the PRC (China’s) Embassy in Washington.

I’d urge you if the Lord lays it on your heart to use some of the contact information there… and examine the various programs the China Aid people are doing. Today I talked with Bob Fu…who is the President of CAC… and you can read the miraculous way God got him out of China and put him in a place of leadership in trying to help the Chinese – and especially the house church movement in China. Educate yourself – because this is the biggest single group of people who are really in need of the Gospel.  They can use all the help we can muster.

 

            One other thing… be sure NOT to mention China Aid or this program or give any indication as you are contacting either the people in prison themselves or even any officials you may speak with in Washington or other places. We don’t want to give them the false impression we’re a ‘cult’ (which is a label they like to employ to defuse anyone helping the Christians. They call us a cult. Let it roll on off.

 

            We know these are Christian brothers and sisters who need support – and we are part of that body of support insofar as we can be. So be respectful of China and its government… you don’t have to agree to be respectful… As a matter of fact it’s done all the time in America. J so Keep smiling and do what God leads you to do. If there’s a good story to share – we’d like to hear about it – but mainly commit your activities to the Lord. He will guide you.

 

            Send me an e-mail if you have questions… I spoke to Bob Fu on Monday and he said if a few hundred people write or contact them… they (the Chinese government) will know they need to do something. The news is leaking out they are NOT being fair with their own people and especially with Christian believers. Here’s a chance that costs very little to have a direct bearing and benefit to folks that need our support and encouragement.  We’re not trying to overthrow their government…that’s not OUR job. Ours is to express our love for the Brethren.  Let’s do it.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

            Jack Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama12-30-08.mp3

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

EXTEND A HELPING HAND

Just A Minute – Yesterday I related the story of persecution by the Public Security Bureau of  Beichuan County,  Sichuan province in Mainland China. Today for those of you who hear the call of the Lord to help persecuted people in China I’m providing some contact information – and putting it on our web site so you can respond to whatever the Lord wants you to do.

The reason for my concern is the news reported by The China Aid Association right now is getting crowded off American media because of news from the Middle East and Eastern Europe – but we have friends too in China whose lot has not been improved despite promises from Beijing authorities they would attend to eliminating persecution of Christians in China.  

I suggest if God speaks to your heart about persecution in China you contact www.ChinaAid.org if you have internet – There’s more information if you pick up a copy of today’s script at WMUU-FM or copy from JUST A MINUTE RADIO . BLOGSPOT . COM – There are also telephone contact numbers and Embassy numbers available at each place.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

 

 

JUST A MINUTE 12-30-08 SCRIPT --- Page 2

 

 For more information call Jenny McCloy in DC at (202) 213-0506 or Katherine Cason in Philadelphia at (267) 210-8278. Either one can be reached at: Jenny@ChinaAid.org or Katherine@ChinaAid.org.

Be respectful if you write the Chinese Embassy in Washington at:

Chinese Embassy in Washington DC
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20007

Or call them at (202) 338-6688 or -- The fax number is (202) 588-9760 – Call, or fax, using just your own name – Don’t mention China Aid or Just a Minute. They’ll consider it’s only a ‘religious group’ trying to stir up trouble for them. Just communicate your personal protest of their failure to live up to their promises before the Olympics – and China’s continuing religious persecution.

(END OF FILE)

 

THE "NOT SO FREE" CHINA - Just a Minute for 12-29-08

            Hello Once Again… it’s a Monday… the last one for 2008 –

 

            I hope you’re recovering from eating too much at Thanksgiving, Christmas, the night BEFORE Christmas… and one more biggie… New Years – although perhaps by now you’re hoping you learned your lesson.  Difficult isn’t it.

 

            At our house we seem to have stacked up a few important things to do before the end of the year and my dear wife is planning on making ophthalmologists, eye surgeons, cardiologists and their technicians happy with their end of the year earnings…I’m not sure the insurance companies are in the same mood. But officially they’re cheerful.

 

            The news today is – in my book – that we’ve ignored persecutions continuing to go on in China. It’s a thorny political problem because officially we *want* to have free trade – supposedly it benefits everyone – everyone that is whose job hasn’t gone outside the U.S. borders or overseas. But that’s supposed to come back to us through lower prices for goods produced in places where the cost of production isn’t as high as it is here. Well… you can shortly see how thorny that thicket is… and if you don’t see it a union boss will come along shortly to poke you in the eye to help you see it.

 

            We could outlaw greed and selfishness… then perhaps we could make some progress – but I’m pretty sure that’s not in the script – at least it hasn’t been for the last 5000 years or so. So… we need to do two things: First – put our trust in the Lord; Second – ask Him to show us how we can love our neighbor as ourselves… then do it. An impossible job you say… Right… you need supernatural help – so do I – so does everyone.

 

            OK… I can hear you say I’ve heard all that before… But have you believed it?  Well… it’s a good question to ponder on a Monday… and if you want to contact me I’ll do my best to get you in touch with some answers that I’ve found work.

 

            Meantime – what do we do about China?  I have some thoughts I’ll put in tomorrow’s JUST A MINUTE. I ran out of time today.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama12-29-08.mp3

 

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“JUST A MINUTE”

THE “NOT SO FREE” CHINA

Just A Minute – There’s been lots of ‘peace on earth’ talk in the air the last 10 days – and suicide bombings go on as well as conflict in Israel – so news from Mainland China is crowded out. I’d like for that to change.

The China Aid Association  reports at about 3 p.m. on December 24, Christian volunteers were taking a break from helping earthquake victims re-build a damaged building when more than 40 policemen and 10 police vehicles led by Deng Changda, Chief of the Public Security Bureau of  Beichuan County,  Sichuan province, illegally raided the site. The policemen, untidy, badly dressed, reeking of alcohol … beat, swore at, and insulted the people at the scene without provocation -- intent apparently on disrupting “illegal Christian gatherings.” They threatened to demolish the house, newly re-built by the earthquake victims. They arrested people.

These and other reports of harassment and persecution just don’t make the major media outlets. To get information on how you can help -- check our website for phone numbers and ways you can voice your concerns to Mainland authorities.  [contact info below]

<> I’m Jack Buttram

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ESCAPE TO FREEDOM - Just a Minute 12-26-08

            Good Boxing Day everyone… otherwise known as the day the “toys are all scattered and broken I fear – and St. Nicholas won’t come again for a year.”

 

            [In reality, I understand the term comes from the British practice of some time back to prepare boxes of food and perhaps presents to present to the less fortunate in the villages and towns of the U.K.”  Perhaps someone who’s lived there can give me a more up to date definition or explanation.]

 

            But it’s *great* to have the family around. And we’re thankful to those who are on duty in far away places – away from their families – to whom we owe so much. Thank you dear friends! Thanks for your sacrifice that we may be free and out of harm’s way. May you enjoy the Lord’s blessings this day and all others.

 

            Today’s Just A Minute is a brief version of a Russian father – long since dead – who risked his life as well as those of his 16 comrades, in seeking freedom from Communist – Bolshevik soldiers who would have executed him and his colleagues before letting them ‘escape’ from “White Russia” where they had been isolated after the Bolshevik Revolution. A more expansive and detailed account is found in the editorial pages of the December 25^th Edition of the Wall Street Journal, and in it’s ONLINE (electronic) JOURNAL.

 

            In this account we see the privations and indeed the miracles that probably have been repeated many times in many places where those suffering oppression have escaped to freedom. It reminds us of how precious our freedoms are and how glorious are our liberties in America. Quite frankly, it’s stories like these that give us (at least me) a metric by which we should value our blessings in America. It challenges my ability to understand those who disrespect our President – whomever he or she may be – and our country. My patience grows thin – but then I just remind myself, everyone did not have the blessings of home and family that my brother and I enjoyed. It helps me regain perspective. I pray there’s a solution like that for you and your family.

 

            Enjoy and rejoice in our freedoms – and recall the sacrifices made by those who have secured themfor us. In the words of Tiny Tim: “May God bless us – every one!”

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack and Barbara Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama12-26-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt12-26-08.doc

 

If these links don’t work just cut and paste to your browser.

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

ESCAPE TO FREEDOM

Just A Minute – This is a true story of Hans von Spakovsky – former Federal Election Commissioner, and Heritage Foundation scholar whose late father fled the Communist-occupied homeland 89 years ago.

            His father had been a Russian Army officer who fought the Bolsheviks and in 1919 found himself along with one woman and 16 other men stranded in the far north of Russia with dwindling supplies and no other way to escape execution at the hands of the invaders.

            Deep in the snow-laden woods of Russia, reduced to eating beeswax candles, they skied toward Finland desperately avoiding Bolshevik patrols. On Christmas Eve they decorated a small fir tree, with blue ribbons cut from a blouse the woman carried, lit some candles, and sang hymns celebrating Christ’s birth. 

            Resuming their journey two weeks later they miraculously arrived in Finland, having skied hundreds of kilometers through the wilderness in the dead of winter.

            Mr. von Spakovsky’s family yearly celebrates his father’s determination to arrive where they could grow up in freedom and enjoy the liberty that is now their American birthright.       

<> I’m Jack Buttram

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Jebco Editorial Service

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