New Year

As we enter into a New Year, here is a good devotional from Oswald Chambers that reminds us of holds our past, present, and future in His hands. Start the New Year off the right way with God.
MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

How not to Get a Good Tip

Just returned from Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Beautiful time of year with the snow and Christmas lights still up. However, our stay kinda got off to a sour start at the newer Cracker Barrel on the lower end of town. Here is how our visit went. I was hungry and looking forward to a good, hot Cracker Barrel Bacon/Cheeseburger, we stopped at the Cracker Barrel that is just below Wears Valley Road and was real close to our Motel. Upon arrival at the restaurant, I walked up to the hostess podium and waited for the hostess. After a brief wait at the podium a hostess walked up and instead of a courteous greeting, blurted out two words, " how many." Then,, if I remember right, the next word I heard was something to the effect, "ready", I may not be exactly right on the words used but the point is that the hostess was not personable at all and was speaking in one or two word phrases. After putting the silverware down I think I heard her say have a nice day or enjoy your meal or something to that effect. The non-personable attitude of the hostess set a bad tone for the dining experience.

Part Two- The Service
Our server came to our table and was somewhat friendly and we were alright with the service up until there was delay on recieving our salads. When I order a salad, I like to get the salad a good bit of time ahead of the entree so I can eat it before the entree arrives. It took several minutes for the salad to arrive, which probably was not the servers fault but probably something wrong in the back of the house, an issue Cracker Barrel needs to work on. We finally got our salad and I was able to eat most of it before the entree arrived, my burger and fries had to sit for a few minutes while I finished my salad.

Missed Items on Order
The food was brought out by a different server, with a few things missing, no mayonnaise for the burger, a side of slaw left off, and my wife's steak was overcooked. I had the server who brought the food to bring me some mayo, but my wife was never checked back on for her steak, so she ate it anyways. Our server finally came by and refilled our drinks but my wife had by that time relented to eating her overcooked steak.

Bad Finish
Here is where the service got bad. I was half way through my burger, almost out of tea when our server gave us our check. No offer to refill my drink, no offer for desert, just a have a nice day. The server might as well have thrown in, "Don't get choked on the rest of your burger and fries." I managed to get the burger down with the ice in my glass. My wife sat across the table from me with an empty glass, while our server went MIA. My wife finally asked another server if they would get our server to bring more tea, we were through eating and my wife was disgusted and angry before the server returned. As I walked to the cash stand to pay I had the manager get me a to-go drink to wash my food down. We complained at the register and the manager did take the drinks off the bill.

Now this was not the worst service I have received and it did not totally destroy my day, but I work as a waiter and tip very well and like to be served well. My wife is a waitress and she expects to be served well. There is no excuse for this type of service.

P.S. This is not the first time that we have not been happy with the service at this Cracker Barrel. We had another experience earlier this year that was kinda sour. It is not that we are nit-picky people, but we are servers and know how to take care of guests and we know when servers are not taking care of a guest as they should.

How to Make a Last Minute Christmas Gift

For last minute Christmas shoppers who still have not bought that special gift for someone on their list, here is an idea that is inexpensive and relatively simple. Instead of wandering around the mall and going through merchandise that has already been picked over by countless shoppers, why not make a Christmas gift. One gift idea is to make a gift from a photograph. For those who have children and are looking for something to buy their own parents, consider making a picture album or framing an 8 by 10 picture of your children to give your parents, Grandparents love pictures of their grand kids. Giving a special photograph as a gift is inexpensive, simple and something that most people enjoy receiving. So for those running behind on their Christmas shopping or are running out of ideas, consider making a gift out of a photograph. All that is needed is a photograph, or photographs if making an album, and a picture frame or photo album. Put them together and you have a nice little gift.

Driving on Ice

Have you ever considered taking a drive on an icy day? Take my advice, don't, it is not very fun. The family and I went out to a movie last Wednesday afternoon and before we made it back home we found ourselves traveling on a road coated with ice. I inched my way home for a few hours before giving in and pulling off the highway ( when your vehicle changes lanes on its on without your consent it is time to give it a rest). The thing about driving on ice is that you have very little or no control over your vehicle. You can be doing well one second and the next second find yourself sliding out of control. So my advice is that if you do not absolutely have to be out on the ice, then stay at home. If you have to be out on an icy road, then go slow, stay off brakes as much as possible, use low gear and pray. Be safe and have a  Merry Christmas.

Blue Ridge Dam- Past and Present

Blue Ridge Lake is currently drawm down in order to allow repairs to the dam. Yesterday the Tennesee Valley Authority had an open house at the dam, giving visitors an opportunity to have a close up look at the dam with lake drawn down and also an opprtunity to view pictures of the original construction of the dam.

An Update on Blue Ridge Lake 5/19/2011

The lake is beginning to fill up again. Stretches of shoreline that me and the family walked back in the winter are now covered in water. Hopefully the lake will be full before Summer arrives, which is coming up fast.

Giving Ourselves to Whom We Belong

As we get ready for church and put on our best clothes, best Christian manners, and our Jesus mask, may we be reminded that we are called to so much more than a Sunday morning extravagamza of fine suits, Sunday dresses, and parading around like we are the holiest of the holy; we are called to present ourselves daily to God as a living sacrifice. That is so much more than our standard religious activity.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Horse Grants

Horses are used to treat and provide therapy for children who are facing various challenges. A recent study has shown that equine assisted activities have been beneficial in treating autism in children from seven to 12 years of age. In addition to treating autism, horses have been used in treating children facing other mental, physical and socio-economic challenges. There are child’s equine grants available through different associations to fund this type of therapy.


EQUUS Public Service Grants
The EQUUS Foundation is a national charitable foundation whose purpose is to increase public awareness of the many benefits that horses offer to society. The Foundation seeks to accomplish this through education programs and by providing grants to charities that: 1) utilize horses to benefit the public; 2) seek the well being and healthiness of horses; and 3) promote the equestrian sport. The EQUUS Foundation provides child equine grants in the form of Public Welfare Grants to help equine-assisted programs benefiting ill and disabled children and at-risk youth.

Equestrian Sports Welfare Grants
A part of the mission of the EQUUS Foundation is the furtherance of the equestrian sport. Sports Welfare Grants are issued for the advancement of the sport through the means of youth involvement, scholarships, awards, aid for equestrians in need, and through programs designed to educate and raise awareness.

2010 Gray and Jerry Fadden Horse Whisperer Grant
The 2010 Gray and Jerry Fadden Horse Whisperer Grant from the EQUUS Foundation was awarded to the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) in Buffalo, New York. The BTRC is a safe, relaxing, nonacademic facility that uses horses, volunteer workers and peers to work with children who suffer from physical and mental handicaps. Nearly 90 percent of the children who participate in the BTRC program are from economically challenging circumstances. Horse Whisperer Grants bear the name of the donor and are given to charities that promote therapeutic horse riding and to charities that promote the general welfare of horses.

Horses and Humans Research Foundation Grants
A recent study by Margaret M. Bass, Ph. D., and Maria Llabre, Ph. D., has shown equine-assisted activities to be beneficial in treating children diagnosed with autism. The study concluded that autistic children from seven to 12 years of age showed improvement in cognition, communication and motivation after taking part in equine related activities such as riding, grooming and interacting with horses. The study was funded through a grant from the Horses and Human Research Foundation. Equine grants from the foundation are made possible through donations from foundations, businesses, individual contributors and riding therapy programs across the nation.


Reference

Equine Chronicle: Research Validates that Horses Positively Impact Children With Autism

Discover Horses: Buffalo Therapeutic Gets Equus Foundation Grant

Equine Chronicle: Health Equine Care 

.Resource

The Pocono Equestrian: Home

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Making a Worm Bed for Composting

Having a worm bed is an excellent way to compost your table scraps or yard debris. A worm bed serves several purposes.
1. A natural method of food disposal that otherwise would be thrown in a landfill.
2. Provides rich soil that can be used for gardening projects.
3. For those who enjoy fishing, worms make excellent fish bait. Not only does a worm provide free fish bait, but an industrious composter might even sell worms raised in a worm bed for an additional source of income.
in reference to: Worm beds, making worm beds, backyard composting, backyard composting how to (view on Google Sidewiki)

Benefits of Composting

Composting is the process by which plants and other organic materials decompose into an earthy nutrient rich substance that makes an excellent fertilizer. As a fertilizer, compost can be used for houseplants, vegetable gardens and flower beds. Households can do their own composting by starting a compost pile or by using a compost bin. Composting is not only beneficial for those who use the compost but has environmental benefits as well.

Reduces the Amount of Waste in Landfills
It is estimated that kitchen and yard refuse comprise 30 per cent of landfill content. A compost bin is an alternative method of disposing of kitchen and yard waste as opposed to using a landfill for disposal. The utilization of compost bins or compost piles is a step towards reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Reduces Methane Gas and Acidic Leachate
Yard debris deposited in a landfill takes a very long time to decompose due to a lack of oxygen. As the debris decomposes in a landfill it leads to the production of methane gas and acidic leachate, leachate is any liquid that flows through the debris in a landfill that contains particles of the debris. Both methane gas and acidic leach are not desirable for the environment
.

Positive Effect on the Soil and Air
A compost bin gives kitchen waste and yard debris an opportunity to breakdown naturally. When this process takes place through natural means such as bacteria, fungi, insects, and worms it allows for nutrients to be put back into the soil and for carbon dioxide to be released back into the atmosphere.



Reference

The Compost Queen: 2 Good Reasons to Compost [http://thecompostqueen.com/]

Resource

Mass: Low Cost Compost Bins



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Cracker Barrel Going Electric

Evidently Cracker Barrel believes there could be a great demand for EV charging stations or there could be other motives behind this move. Maybe Cracker Barrel is just way out in front of the rest of the nation. Only time will tell. Personally, I would like to see free WIFI, so I could connect to the internet when I I am travelling.

in reference to: Tennessee Cracker Barrel Restaurants to Become EV Charging Stations | Transportation Nation (view on Google Sidewiki)

Good Morals are Not an Accident

Good morals, and a vibrant relationship with Christ does not happen by accident, it is something that believers must put some effort into. We are not saved by our own efforts, but by the grace of God, but it takes effort on our part to live up to the life we have been called to live.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Textbroker

For aspiring freelance writers or for those who just want to make a few dollars on the side, textbroker is a good entry level writing site. They are reliable, they pay, and provide a steady stream of writing jobs.

in reference to: Unique content - Textbroker.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Reality of Redemption

The reality of redemption in Christ, a reality not based on emoitions or human experiences, but on the death and resurrection of The Son of God. When believers life their live according to this reality they truly experience God.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Real Georgians know this-

Some neat facts about Georgia, kinda makes me proud to be a Georgian.
Real Georgians know this-

How to Add Someone to a Car Title | eHow.com

Adding someone to your car title, here are some step by step instructions from informational site ehow.
How to Add Someone to a Car Title eHow.com

Things Looking Up for Cracker Barrel

Things appear to be looking up for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Perhaps what looks good for Cracker Barrel is good for the overall economy. With Cracker Barrel serving a good cross-section of main-stream America. maybe it is a sign that the U.S. economy is on the rebound.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel Beats - Zacks.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Enraged About Educational Entitlements

While I admire the spunk of these students, I have to question if one has the right to be upset over the loss of entitlements. Where do people get the idea that the government owes them anything?
Entitlements are nice for those receiving them, but someone has to pay for the entitlements. If a society can afford to dole out these benefits, so be it, but if not, then there is nothing wrong with people paying their own way through innovation hard work.

in reference to: Demonstrators Attack Police Van as U.K. Students Protest Over College Fees - Bloomberg (view on Google Sidewiki)

Sometimes We Need To Lighten Up

Sometimes we are so caught up in being holy, or apperaing yo be holy that we forget that we are human. i have to confess, I have sooooooo guilty of this. so I am speaking from experience as one who had a holier than thu attitude, which tries to creep back in at times.

in reference to:

"Never show the depth of your life to anyone but God. We are so nauseatingly serious, so desperately interested in our own character and reputation, we refuse to behave like Christians in the shallow concerns of life. Make a determination to take no one seriously except God. You may find that the first person you must be the most critical with, as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself."
- My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

New Years Resolution

A lot of people do not believe in making a New Year’s resolution. They make the argument that the resolution lasts for just a little while and then is quickly forgotten after a short while. While this may often be the case, it does not have to be. There is such a thing as making a dedicated commitment to something that is worthwhile, especially something that is going to be beneficial to you.


There are a lot of different resolutions that a person might make but the one that seems the most popular seems to be the one to lose weight. I believe that as the New Year starts and we bid farewell to the old that it is an excellent time to make a commitment to eating right and exercising. Even though the focus is on losing weight, I think a new years resolution should go beyond just merely losing weight. It should be built around a healthy lifestyle of eating a healthy diet and getting the right amount of exercise.

Why do this at the beginning of the year and not just anytime?

There isn't really a physical reason for doing it at the beginning of the New Year, but there is the psychological reason. Starting a new year can seem like a new beginning for a lot of people, a good time to get a fresh start. It can be a time of mentally and emotionally turning loose of those bad habits we have practiced for a long time; it can mark the start of a healthier you.

Now if a person makes a New Year’s resolution to being healthier in the New Year they need to have some realistic goals. When we find ourselves overweight and out of shape, it is something that did not come upon us overnight. It is something that has been years in the making. So we don't need to expect to lose all of our excess weight and be fit enough to run a marathon in just a few weeks. As it took us a while to get out of shape and acquire those extra pounds, it will take some time to get in shape.

On top of setting realistic goals to being healthier in the coming year, you need to have a game plan. Do some research, shop around and get the information that you will need to formulate a winning game plan for being healthy in the coming year. There are a lot of resources out there today on fitness and you should take advantage of them. Once you have a game plan, make a commitment to stick to it (you will thank yourself later on doing it).

There is no reason why you can't make a new years resolution to be a healthier you in the coming year and keep it. The choice is yours. Make a commitment, set realistic goals and have a winning game plan. You can do it.

Eating out for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here again, seven more days until that day that some refer to as Turkey day. While Thanksgiving is a day set aside that commemorates the pilgrims giving thanks to God for His provision, it is for some a day of stress, of long hours of cooking, loads of dishes to wash, and an overcrowded house of family and friends. During all the hubbub, the true nature of Thanksgiving Day can be lost.


An alternative to having a huge dinner at home, requiring tons of work in the kitchen, preparing the meal and cleaning up afterwards is to go out to eat. Many restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day and welcome their patrons with the traditional turkey and dressing, with some offering more elaborate dishes. The prices charged by different restaurants vary, with some such as Cracker Barrel offering a Thanksgiving meal that includes a drink and piece of pie at an economic price, with others charging considerably higher prices for their Thanksgiving day offerings.

The advantages of eating out for Thanksgiving our obvious, no cooking, no clean up and no house crowded with lingering guests. The disadvantages of eating-out for Thanksgiving are the prospects of having to wait a long time for a table if this year follows history, with many taking the eating-out option for Thanksgiving dinner.

While going to a restaurant can seem like an attractive option, for those who are diehards for tradition, the traditional Thanksgiving dinner at home with friends and family gathered around is hard to beat

Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Joining a Gym

During the summer I have been able to exercise outside on my porch and ball court, but with cold weather upon us it is getting harder to make myself exercise outside. So I am considering joining a workout club to continue my exercise program. I get one to two days of Karate, but I feel that I need a minimum of three days a week working out aerobically, stretching and strength training. I was able to work out today, it was a little cold, but I dressed warm and got in some aerobics, weight training, and stretching and kicking as well. I see some obvious advantages of the gym.They are:

• Open 24 seven for members
• I want be tempted to eat out as much since I will be paying money for club membership
• I will be motivated to go since I am paying for it
• Maybe get my family involved
• It has a place where I can work on my Karate skills
• And it is warm and close to home

So I will have to make a decision before too long. On another note, the past two evenings here in Blue Ridge, Georgia have had absolutely beautiful sunsets.The beautiful sunsets on clear evenings is something I love about this time of year

Republicans Take Back the House

With Republicans taking over the majority in the house, will it be enough to stem the tide of Obama’s radical agenda.




Two years ago the American people were offered change that they could believe in, change is what they got, a change that was more like, and “I can’t believe he is trying to push that over on us.” From a national health care policy that most Americans did not want to the surrounding himself with a group of far left radicals that should make ever freedom loving, country loving American citizen shudder, not to mention his attitude towards Arizona’s governor’s attempt to secure Arizona’s borders, all these things and more show Obama the be a radical left wing president determined to push through his radical agenda on our country whether the citizens like or not. The question in the days following the victories by the Republican Party is whether or not a Republican controlled house of representatives can neutralize Obama’s radical agenda or perhaps reverse some of his policies.



Only time will tell what will happen in the days to come, but hopefully the midterm elections in an indication that America is waking up. Hopefully, America is finally seeing what Barack Obama is really all about, that he is about change, not change to believe in but change that should be feared. Maybe in two years, just as in January some representatives will be changing addresses, maybe Mr. Obama will be changing his address as well.

Cracker Barrel Doing the Leadership Shuffle

It appears that Cracker Barrel is doing pretty good these days, making changes in leadership to get ready for explosive growth. Considering the state of the economy lately, that speaks well of the Cracker Barrel corporation and the leadership team. I can say from the grass roots level, Cracker Barrel is continuely trying to improve upon the guest experience, although I do not always agree with their methods, at least they are making an effort.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel announces management shift | tennessean.com | The Tennessean (view on Google Sidewiki)

Becoming His

The clarion call of Chritiananity, to give ourselves over so fully to Christ that it can be said that we are His.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Government Financing Cracker Barrel?

Not really, follow link to see how Cracker Barrel is providing new jobs. With unemployment pushing the double digits, it is good to see any kind of new jobs coming open.

in reference to: Ask Us: How can federal money be spent to finance a Cracker Barrel | al.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Holiness

This helps to understand the meaning of true holiness before God, and reminds me of how far I am away from it.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": September 1st. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Useful to God

I guess what Oswald is saying here is that it is not so much about being busy for God, but rather letting God be busy in our lives. God is soveriegn, but when I surrender to Him in faith and obedience, I allow His will to work without the hindrance of my will.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Life of Faith

The Chtistian life is a journey of faith, Jesus is building our faith through the trials and difficulties of this life. This is a good analogy of the life of faith by Oswald Chambers. It is in Old English, but the meaning is still quite clear. May we all grow deeper in faith and closer to Christ today, may He take us up on the mountain and show us His glory.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": August 29th. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Look What The Competion is Doing

It seems that Cracker Barre'ls competition is resorting to giving away food to bring in the guests. Cracker Barrel is not giving away food, but is still offering tasty, quality food at hard to beat prices.

in reference to: Chili's Free Chips & Queso! (view on Google Sidewiki)

Good Ole Uncle Herschel

Seeing this article on the late Uncle Herschel, rest his soul, I had to post this link on my blog. Uncle Herschel is to me the Cracker Barrel Icon. To me he embodies what I want to believe is the original vision for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, good ole southern, country hospitality serrved with a smile.

in reference to: Uncle Herschel finally gets his Way - Decaturdaily.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Oswald Chambers on Prayer

This devotional is well worth reading, so many times we take our prayers before God as a wish list seeking things instead of seeking more of God Himself in our lives, which is what we desperately need the most.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": August 28th. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Change Buys van

Who says that pocket change isn't worth much. This is amazing story of a man buying a van with loose change, don't despise that jingle-jangle in your pocket, it may lead to something big.

in reference to: Chinese man buys £9500 Nissan van with loose change | Motoring News | Honest John (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cracker Barrel Number One Breakfast

Cracker Barrel is on top of its game. Being voted numer one breakfast in a Zagat 2010 consumer survey. It is good to see the CEO of Cracker Barrel giving recognition to Cracker Barrel's employees. I have renewed confidence in the leadership of Cracker Barrel, and being a long term employee am glad to see that we have a competant captain at the helm of the ship.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel Breakfast “Best” in 2010 Zagat Consumer Survey: Business Wire Business News - MSN Money (view on Google Sidewiki)

Becoming a Slave and Giving Away Our Lives

Jesus declares His mission, and reminds us of our mission as well. We are called to serve and to give our lives away for others. This may not fit in with pop culture theology, but this is the essance of the Christian life, our King Jesus came as a servant and gave His life away, He calls us to do the same. This what we have been saved for, this is the glory of the Christian life, to follow in the footsteps of our King.

in reference to:

"25(U)But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26"It is not this way among you, (V)but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28just as (W)the Son of Man (X)did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.""
- Matthew 20 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Oswald Nails it Again

Our walk with Jesus is not about emotional highs or being simply religious, even though the spirit touchs our emotions at times and we can't deny the religious aspect, but our walk with Christ is about moment by moment allowing Him to have his way in my life. It is about me trusting Him to the point that I throw up my arms in sweet surrender to His will. When we lift our hand in praise, may we also raise our hands in surrender, saying " alright, Jesus, you got me. I'm yours."

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Companies increasing their dividends

Investors who are making dividend plays may find this article interesting as in it features companies that are increasing their dividends. In a slow economy, companies that are raising their dividends are well worth investigating further.

in reference to: 9 Important Dividend Increases | InvestorPlace (view on Google Sidewiki)

For investors

For investors who are intersted in dividend investing, this article offers some utlity names that are well worth looking into.

in reference to: 11 High Yield Utility Stocks Beating the Market | InvestorPlace (view on Google Sidewiki)

Working out the details

It is easy to be so busy with life and even busy in spiritual matters that we forget to acknowledge God in all areas of our lives. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says that we shouldtrust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding and to acknowledge God in all our ways, then he will make our paths straight. We need to take the time and effort to let God be involved in all areas of life, so that our lives wil be all that God intends for them to be.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Another Cracker Barrel Location

It is good to see that some companies are still expanding in a slow economy. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has showed amazing resilency in the current economic environment.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel deal is nearly complete - Decaturdaily.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

An Interesting Perspective

In today's devotion, an interesting perspective is given on the Christian life. A perspective that goes against the grain of the way many view their walk with Jesus. If you have the time, read the entire devotion; it is well worth the reading.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Promises of God

I love reading about the promises of God. They never fail, God is faithful. When you are feeling low, and it seems like all hope has gone, just remember, the promises of God that never fail.

in reference to:

"45(AD)Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass."
- Joshua 21 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Nothing New for Cracker Barrel

Offering holiday products early is nothing new for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store's gift shop. It seems that they have already been doing this for a few years, maybe longer. I always make a joke about all the Halloween merchandise, I say " It is shame to commercialize a good pagen holiday like Halloween." Occasionally people will get the joke and laugh, and sometimes I get no response. Anyways, Cracker Barrel's gift shop is on top of things getting the holiday merchandise out early.

in reference to: Some stores offering holiday items early » Knoxville News Sentinel (view on Google Sidewiki)

If we only realized all we have in Christ

If we could only realize all that we have in Christ, what has been imparted to us by His divine power. It blows me away to think that the holiness of Jesus has been given to me, that it is in me through the Holy Spirit that live in all believers. Is the holiness of Jesus always what I exhibit? Not hardly, but on the journey of faith I am learning to let it have preeminence in my life, it is a ongoing process. I have not arrived, but praise God I am on my way. How about you?

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

We have great power in the name of Jesus

Even though it seems like there are overwhelming challenges before us and fierce opposition, in the name of Jesus we like the Ephraim and Manasseh have great power. It is true that the devil goes about as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, but the word says that greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. There is a promised land of victory, peace, and great joy for the soul of the believer in Jesus, may we rise up with confidence and great courage and take possesion.

in reference to:

"17Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, 18but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have (M)chariots of iron and though they are strong.""
- Joshua 17 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Something to Consider

This devotional is something for all believers to consider. We often use the phrase "living for Jesus", yet dying with Jesus can be a foriegn concept to us. Before we can truly live for Jesus, we must choose to die with him. The old man with its sinful desires must be delivered over to death.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Win a free lunch at Cracker Barrel

Winning a free lunch at Cracker Barrel is the real prize here. I will take a free lunch at Cracker Barrel anyday, you can even let the country star stay home, I will take my wife instead. Even though I work for Cracker Barrel Old Country store, I really love the Cracker Barrel Menu, lots to choose from and in my opinion the Cracker Barrel menu prices are some of the best in the casual dining industry.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel & Craig Morgan Say “That’s Why!” You Can Win Lunch With Craig » Got Country? (view on Google Sidewiki)

The latest Cracker Barrel Music Offering

Cracker Barrel's retail side's latest offering in music. Cracker Barrel's retail side is showing once more that as the store side of the business that they can provide current, relevent products to to Cracker Barrel customers who shop in the gift shop prior and after their dining experience.

in reference to: Photo Friday: LBT, TBP, Craig Morgan : MusicRow (view on Google Sidewiki)

The day that the Sun stood still.

This illusrates how far our God will go to give victory to His children. If God will stop the Sun and moon at the request of His servant Joshua, is there anything that He will not do for us to ensure our victory. Fight on weary soldiers, there is victory in Jesus.

in reference to:

"13(L)So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies Is it not written in (M)the book of Jashar? And (N)the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day."
- Joshua 10 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

God is in Control

An excellent devotion by Oswald Chambers today. What a blessed thought, God is in control and there is nothing that I will face that He does not know about, care about or that He is in control of. Why worry, why be in despair, for we have a Heavenly Father that loves us with an inexpessionalble and has soveriegn control over our circumstances. Praise be the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Making God our all in all.

Very good devotional, we were created for this. We were created to choose to belong to Christ. Everybody belongs to Him already, but not everybody has chosen to be His. Make it your goal to be His.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Worth reading

Todays devotional from Oswald Chambers is well worth taking the time to read and contemplelate on our relationship with Christ. The question we should ask is, is my relationship with Jesus all about Him or is it all about me?

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Everlasting Arms

What a blessed thought as we face this life, that underneath us, upholding us, is the everlasting arms of Jesus. No wonder the songwriter who wrote 'Leaning n the Everlasting Arms' wrote " What a fellowship, what a joy is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms"

in reference to:

"27"(AX)The eternal God is a dwelling place, (AY)And underneath are the everlasting arms;"
- Deuteronomy 33 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

It is a shame

Either our Commander in chief is totally out of touch with mainstream America or he really does not care. Anyways, there is no excuse for rewarding bad behaviour and punishing good behavior.

in reference to: Opinion: President Obama's Policies Reward the Bad, Punish the Good (view on Google Sidewiki)

Google Sidewiki entry by paul

Faith is embracing the reality of God in the deepest part of my soul, having that reality as a hope and an anchor for my soul.

in reference to:

"1Now faith is the (A)assurance of things (B)hoped for, the conviction of (C)things not seen."
- Hebrews 11 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Judging others

This is someyhing I need to wok on. My harsh criticism of others.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Faith

Our faith in God is not just a mental or emotional ascent of a belief in God, but is a supernatural occurance that is birthed by the living word of God. Faith is the reality of God stamped on our spirit and spreading through our soul, creating conviction and confidence in our God.

in reference to:

"1Now faith is the (A)assurance of things (B)hoped for, the conviction of (C)things not seen. 2For by it the (D)men of old (E)gained approval. 3By faith we understand that the (F)worlds were prepared (G)by the word of God, so that what is seen (H)was not made out of things which are visible."
- Hebrews 11 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Being faithful in a world that is unfaithful

It does seem like we are faced with many challenges that tempt and pressure us to act contrary to our faith, and I think this is the rub, to go against those inclinations and submit to Christ anyways. I must admit I often fail in that, but I am learning, and leaning on the mercy of our Lord. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saves a wretch like me.

in reference to:

"“Now you work it out in your life, and be faithful to Me, even though the nature of everything around you is to cause you to be unfaithful.”"
- My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)