A Conundrum Of Perplexing Possibilities

Well, now that Texas Tech lost to Oklahoma, you have Tech, OU, and t.u. with one loss each sitting atop the Big 12 South. The problem is accentuated by the lack of playoffs, etc. because only one of those three teams can represent the Big 12 South in the Big 12 Championship game. Now that wouldn't be so bad if the BCS did not exist. However, who should go? Should Tech go even though they were embarrassed by OU? Yet, they did beat t.u. Should OU go to the Big 12 Championship game even though Texas beat them? They did embarrass Tech. Should Texas go to the big game even though Tech, which was embarrassed by OU which was beaten by t.u., beat t.u.? Frustrating isn't it? That is why I say we develop a playoff system in conjunction with the bowl games. You select 32 teams (1/4 of the NCAA football teams) to enter into the playoff system (you would operate the selection process just like the basketball system). You could use the small bowl games for the first games and work up the ladder and have the big bowl games for the final playoff games. You still have all the money and bowl games everyone worries about, yet still have a playoff system. Furthermore, all three of the Big 12 South teams would have the opportunity to reach the big, BIG game against maybe a Florida, Alabama, etc.

Well, who do you think should go to the Big 12 South Championship game as it stands now. (Of course, after t.u. loses to A&M, it will be a much easier choice!!!) Whoop!

MBA of Texas – Part 6

2008 Annual Meeting – Wednesday Evening
The Evening Session was opened by the Calvary Baptist Church choir at 7:00 pm. After some wonderful, God-honoring singing, Bro. Paul Clark introduced the Missionary Speaker, Bro. Lawrence Thompson. Bro. Lawrence Thompson spoke concerning real missionary work in a church.

The Texas Baptist Institute-Seminary Report was given by Bro. Kuykendall and Bro. Brooks. The report was adopted.

The Mexican Baptist Institute Report was given by Bro. Al Valladares and Bro. Ashlock. The report was adopted.

The Heritage Baptist Institute Report was given by Bro. Carl Fitzgerald. The report was adopted.

The Central Baptist Institute Report was given by Bro. Mike Evans. The report was adopted.

The West Texas Baptist Institute Report was given by Bro. Bill Simpson. The report was adopted.

The Moderator opened the floor for miscellaneous business and then recognized the officers for the next meeting.

The 2008 MBA of Texas Messenger Meeting was closed in prayer along with a hope, unless the Lord returns, of seeing each other at the 2009 MBA of Texas Messenger Meeting in Denison, TX.

MBA of Texas – Part 5

2008 Annual Meeting – Wednesday Afternoon
The afternoon session was opened by the Calvary Baptist Church Keenage Choir.

The Texas Mission Development report was given by Director Jim Slocumb. He presented a check for over $27,000 to the mission work in Grand Prairie, TX. Due to health reasons, Bro. Ricky Knight was unable to attend the meeting. The report was adopted.

The Texas Mission Builders report was given by Supervisor Leroy Smith. Bro. Leroy Smith announced his future resignation (effective January 2009) and presented Bro. Pearson who will take his place. The report was adopted. A standing vote of appreciation was given to Bro. Leroy Smith for his many years of service.

The Youth Report was given by Bro. John Pino. Several individuals spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The Publications Report was given by Bro. Lynn Hitt. The report was spoken to by several individuals. The report was adopted.

The Benevolence Report was given by Bro. Billy Daniels. Texarkana Baptist Orphanage Home Supervisor, Mike Watkins, and several individuals spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary President was not present. Sis. Janie Clark gave an oral report. The oral report was adopted.

The Men’s Work Report was given by Bro. Mike Rice. The report was adopted.

The ABA Credit Union Report was given by Bro. Joe Bozarth. The report was adopted.

The Memorial of Preachers Report was given by Bro. Kevin Clinton. After reading the names of those who passed away in the last year, a moment of silence was observed followed by prayer. The report was adopted.

The Cyberspace & Media Report was given by Bro. John Bryant. Bro. Jerry Smith spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The MBSF Report was given by Bro. Sluggo Norris. Several individuals spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The Enrollment & Finance Committee Report was given by Bro. Michael Thompson. Several individuals spoke to the report. The report was adopted.

The Resolutions Report was given by Bro. Larry Fondren. A standing vote of appreciation was given to Bro. Kuykendall, Calvary Baptist Church, the city of Henderson, and other organizations for their hospitality.

Miscellaneous Business was brought forth, and then the afternoon session was closed.

MBA of Texas – Part 4

2008 Annual Meeting – Wednesday Morning
Opened with song, prayer, and a devotional. Out-of-state guests and new Pastors were recognized.

The following were elected to the offices for 2009:
Moderator for 2009 – Calvin Gould
Asst. Moderator for 2009 – Carol Jones (Nominations: Carol Jones, Steve Butler, & Matt Gholson)
Recording Clerks – Bobby Sparks & Paul Clark
Secretary-Treasurer of Missions – Marion Reed
Asst. Secretary-Treasurer of Missions – Bobby Sparks
Publicity Director – David Humber
2010 Meeting Place – Nevills Chapel in Mount Pleasant
2009 Annual Sermon – Jim Slocumb
2009 Annual Sermon Alternate – B. A. Morris

A special was dedicated to Bro. Ray Brooks and sung by the Mattingly Family. Bro. Marion Reed addressed the Secretary-Treasurer’s Report and a motion was made for the report to be approved with the option of individually voting on each individual Missionary and Sponsoring Pastor. All Texas Missionaries came forward and were addressed one by one.

The following men were approved:
Bro. Larry Chalker – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Jose Estrada – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Mario Gamez – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Marvin Gardner – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Rickey Payne – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Leland Acker – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Robert Boone – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Ricky O’Neal – Full Support ($3,822)
Bro. Jim Slocumb – ½ Salary ($1,911)
Bro. Marlin Freeman – Designated Funds

The salary for the next fiscal year is set at: $3,822 per month (plus insurance and housing supplied by the sponsoring church). This is a 5% increase over the previous year.

A Proposed Statement of Mission Policy was given to the messengers to take back to the churches for discussion next year. A motion was passed to establish a committee to investigate the feasibility of using surplus mission money for loans to churches and missions. Bro. James Williams was elected chairman and will recruit four committeemen. The Secretary-Treasurer of Missions Report was adopted.

The History & Archives report was given by David Proctor. The following committeemen were elected to continue in their respective positions: David Proctor, Billy Daniels, Don Britton, Leonard Milford, and Kenneth Griffith. All churches over 100 years old are asked to send their information to this committee for a compilation to be developed later. The report was adopted.

The Interstate & Foreign Mission Report was given by Lawrence Thompson. Dr. Randy Cloud spoke to the report and showed a video concerning mission work. The report was adopted.

The music report was given by John Culley and was adopted.

Before closing, it was announced that Rocky Springs Baptist Church in Dialville, TX will host the Pre-Association Meeting on Tuesday October 6, 2009. The session was closed in prayer.

MBA of Texas – Part 3

2008 Annual Meeting – Tuesday Evening
The meeting opened with “Brethren We Have Met To Worship” at 7:00 pm followed by the opening prayer led by Bro. C. E. Patton. Afterwards, Bro. Al Valladares brought the opening devotional. Bro. Steve Butler asked the congregation to stand for the presentation of the colors (U.S. Flag). The Star Spangled Banner was sung followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A special celebratory video was shown while the men of their respective units of the Armed Forces stood when asked.

Bro. Kuykendall welcomed the MBA of Texas and asked Mayor Buzz Fullen to give a welcome from the city of Henderson. Moderator Bro. Don Britton officially convened the 2008 messenger meeting. Bro. Langston gave the response to the welcome.

Asst. Moderator, Bro. Calvin Gould, introduced the Moderator, Bro. Don Britton, for the Moderator’s Address. Bro. Britton spoke concerning “Where We Have Been, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

The Proposed Agenda for 2008 was adopted. The following committees were appointed: State Missions, Texas Mission Development, Texas Mission Builders, Texas Baptist Institute – Seminary, Mexican Baptist Institute, West Texas Baptist Institute, Central Baptist Institute, Heritage Baptist Institute, Interstate & Foreign Missions, Youth Work, Publications, Benevolence, Women’s, ABA Credit Union, Enrollment & Finance, Memorial to Preachers, History & Archives, Music Ministry, Cyberspace & Media, MBSF, and Resolutions.

Bro. Ray Williams introduced the speaker for the annual sermon. Bro. Ray Brooks brought the annual sermon entitled “Continue In The Things You Have Learned.”

Nominations for the Missionary Sermon, to be brought on Wednesday night, were brought forth. Bro. Lawrence Thompson was elected.Miscellaneous business was handled. Out-of-state guests and new Pastors were recognized. The evening session was closed, set to reconvene at 9:30 am on Wednesday.

MBA Of Texas - Part 2

Pastor & Laymen's Council
The morning session dismissed at 11:35. The afternoon session convened at 1:30 pm with Missionaries sharing the work to which God has called them. The end of the session is flexible because it will dismiss when the last Missionary gives his report.

Workshop - Ministering In Today's Culture
After the afternoon session ends, a workshop dealing with modern ministry will be held from 3:30-5:00 pm. The speakers, Bros. Bill Kuykendall, Robert Wallace, and Tommy Estes, will address the audience with tangible ministry ideas for Pastors and churches. There will be a question/answer time during the workshop as well.

MBA Of Texas State Meeting - Part 1

TBI Alumni Banquet
The TBI Alumni Banquet was held last night at 7:00 pm and was a great celebration of TBI's 60th anniversary. Many former and current students were present, along with their spouses, for a total of 193 attendees. Bro. Kuykendall served as Program Committee with Bro. Matt Gholson as the Moderator and Lawrence Thompson as Asst. Moderator.
A big thank you to Calvary Baptist Church for fixing such a wonderful meal and hosting the banquet. A huge thanks goes to all churches and people who have supported TBI throughout the years.

Officers for 2009 Alumni Banquet:
Moderator - Lawrence Thompson
Asst. Moderator - Doyle Clifton
Clerk - Matt Gholson
Asst. Clerk - Kyle Clinton

Pastor & Laymen's Council
The meeting opened at 10 am with Bro. Ed Davis, Moderator, and Bro. Mike Rice, Asst. Moderator, presiding over the meeting along with the clerks. Elections were held for officers for next year. Bro. Matt Gholson and Bro. John Culley were nominated for speaker for next year's session. Bro. Matt Gholson was elected as speaker with Bro. John Culley serving as alternate.

Bro. Jason Hebert brought the morning message and did a wonderful job. He challenged all of us, especially us pastors, to be like Jesus and not the disciples. Thank you Jason!
Following the message, Missionaries spoke concerning the Lord's work in their respective areas. The meeting will close at 11:30 and resume in the afternoon.

Who's Proud Tonight?

I guess Michelle Obama is finally proud of her nation. Sad to say...I'm not.

A 44th President

Unfortunately, Barack Hussein Obama has been naively elected president of the United States. Now, I guess I can look forward to him sharing the money. Oh wait, if that was true, then he wouldn't be worried about spending millions upon millions of dollars for his coronation...er, acceptance speech and party. He could instead help families like mine who often struggle by spreading some of that money our way. I mean, let's at least be consistent.

Finally, here is the main reason for the election of Barack Hussein Obama:

- The ignorance of the masses.

Now, having ranted and raved (I guess you could say that this is my "rioting" online), we are instructed to pray for the powers that be. So let's pray and pray hard!

America's Just Reward

I'm afraid that America will be like Israel when it wanted Saul as its King. We may get what we now have asked for.

It's Iowa's Fault

Iowa is given credit for starting Barack Hussein Obama's presidential campaign. So, the question is, do we disown them now or later?

Here, Here!!!

As I've said before, the secession of Texas would probably be a good thing. Besides, we already have Schlitterbahn and Six Flags, so we're set!

Food For Thought

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this - that it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.

- John Quincy Adams

V-Day

And no, I don't necessarily mean "Victory Day." I'm referring to tomorrow being the last day to vote. I hope all of you vote and that you vote according to Biblical standards. Don't worry...I won't tell you who to vote for, but I sure will tell you what issues to vote against!

Miscellaneous Thoughts - 1

Righteousness exalts a nation; sin is a disgrace to any people.

Should've Known

VIENNA, Austria – OPEC said at an emergency meeting Friday that it will slash oil production by 1.5 million barrels to stem the "dramatic collapse" of oil prices, but crude prices plunged 7 percent anyway as financial markets spiraled downward across the globe.
Demand for crude has evaporated and the supply levers held by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries appear to have little influence in the current economic climate.
Iran and Venezuela pushed for a cut of 2 million barrels a day, but there were concerns among other OPEC members that a more severe production cut would exacerbate a deteriorating economic crisis and further destroy demand.
OPEC officials, however, signaled they were prepared to slice deeper quickly if crude continues its freefall.
OPEC is already producing 300,000 barrels a day above its own quota of about 29 million barrels.
If that overproduction is stopped, and all members comply with the 1.5-million cut, OPEC would produce about 1.8 million fewer barrels of oil a day.
OPEC officials, however, left no doubt that they were ready to slice production again quickly if Friday's decision does not end the price freefall.
The emergency meeting was initially scheduled for Nov. 18, but that was abruptly rescheduled for Friday in response to prices that have entered a tailspin since their historic high of nearly $150 in July.
OPEC President Chakib Khelil said OPEC was ready to convene another emergency session before its next planned gathering in December in Algeria "if there are further decisions that have to be made.
Analyst John Hall of London-based John Hall Associates said the OPEC decision will not have a dramatic effect, adding he assumed any upward trend would stop at between $80 and $90.
But there was no such trend Friday as markets plunged global and fear of an extended recession spread.
Wall Street joined world stock markets in a precipitous plunge, with the Dow Jones industrials dropping more than 400 points in the opening minutes of trading.
Oil futures slid $4.46 to $63.38 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.
"It's clear that the ministers are attempting to underpin at $60 a barrel," said James R. Crawford an analyst with Inter Emirates. "But where the market will settle remains open."
OPEC statement Friday reflected alarm over the erosion of revenues for oil producing nations, as did the unusually short deliberations leading to its decision.
"Oil prices have witnessed a dramatic collapse — unprecedented in speed and magnitude," said the 13-nation organization. "This slowdown in demand is serving to exacerbate the situation in a market which has been oversupplied with crude for some time.
It also warned of hard times ahead for suppliers, saying "the fall in demand will deepen" in the coming months.
OPEC indirectly asked Russia and other major oil exporters outside the organization not to undercut efforts to prop up prices.
"OPEC cannot be expected to bear alone the burden of restoring equilibrium," said the statement.
OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah El-Badri said before a meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday that he would not ask Russia for oil production cuts as global prices fall. Some analysts have said Russia was unlikely to agree to production cuts, given that it already is battling with falling output as West Siberian oil fields mature.
But others spoke of behind the scenes negotiations between Moscow and OPEC on the issue.
The fall in crude prices despite OPEC's move suggested the organization's power to raise prices by cutting supply may be fading amid a global economic crisis that has crimped demand for oil. In the past, sizable cuts in OPEC production have led to significant jumps in prices.
The latest weekly report from the U.S. Department of Energy shows that demand has fallen in 38 of the past 42 weeks. U.S. demand is down nearly 10 percent during the past four weeks year on year. The U.S. still consumes one out of every four barrels of oil produced.
El-Badri on Friday took pains to emphasize that OPEC's move was predicated by a need not to raise prices but to put a floor underneath them. Iran, Venezuela and other OPEC members have suggested that for them, selling oil under $80 was a loss-maker, and Iraq on Thursday said it would have to rethink next year's national budget if prices remain under that level.
El-Badri said OPEC could not be expected to solve the world's financial crisis — something the organization did not cause and could not cure.
"OPEC cannot bail out the problems of others," he said.

(AP article from Yahoo! News)

Consistency Is The Name Of The Game

If Barack Hussein Obama is all about redistributing the wealth, then why doesn't he take some of his $150,000,000 contributed to his campaign and give it to McCain who settled for the federal money totalling $86,000,000. If Obama is so much about change, then why is he accepting money from political groups when he originally said he would not. Furthermore, if he is so "concerned" about others, then why does he not give some of his $150 million to fellow Democrats as Harry Reid has asked him to do. It seems that what is good for us (a redistribution of the wealth, a.k.a. socialism) is not good for Obama. Maybe he's not so different from all those other politicians. Well, so much for change...

Way To Go...

Thanks to the "High Court" of Connecticut, there are now three states that have legalized gay "marriage." (If you can't hear the sarcasm in my voice, believe me...it is there.) Thanks to judges believing they are above the people, Constitution, and God, we have a country that is being run into the ground. (Oh I know - they are not the only reason, but they are at least a big one.)

We wonder why our nation is going down the drains, and then events like this happen. How in the world can anyone even argue for a gay "marriage"? That does not even fit the definition of marriage (marry = to join as husband and wife; [thanks Webster!]).

Well, while this happens, the Italian Prime Minister is now saying that the world financial markets need to close while the leaders of the world meet this weekend to form a new global financial system. Hmmm...

Well, at least Glenn Beck spoke passionately about the return of Christ on his nationally syndicated television show. Go Glenn!!!

In case you can't tell, I'm more than frustrated with our nation. I love it, but I'm FRUSTRATED and ANGRY at how our nation has been stolen from us by the socialists and de facto communists! Maybe it's time for a new revolution of the people. After all, isn't this nation based on "We the people..."?!?

More Economic Woes?

Well, don't call me an alarmist, but I've have been closely following the economic struggles of the world. Nation after nation is having to borrow money from other nations to prop up its economy and government. (Read about Iceland and how it could not even receive a loan for 4.5 billion dollars from the U.S., European Union, or the Internation Monetary Fund - all of which should be able to donate that in the blink of an eye...technically.) Now, what happens when those nations who loaned the money need it? Such practices between nations (at least at this time...) is just delaying a true crash. Furthermore, (and this is the important part), several "Central" banks have dropped their interest rates. In other words, several national banks worked in a cooperative effort to help head off a worldwide depression. Consequently, the United Nations, along with many, many, MANY, nations around the world have stepped forward calling for a global monetary policy, fund, and program. In essence, this is the first step toward a true global, one world, monetary system. Now, I know many of you are laughing at this point, but when you are reading the economic news and listening to the political/business leaders of the nations calling for such a thing, it does make you sit up and take notice. Besides, why couldn't this happen? Congress has already spent over $1,000,000,000,000.00 to help "aid" our economy (hello Socialism!!!). At this point, Congress is telling everyone that major changes are needed (including in the functioning of our government, etc.). You see, there are things happening that many people do not know about unless you are a news junkie (okay, I admit I watch too much news...).

I believe if this crisis continues much longer, there will be major changes that will propel us at the speed of light towards the return of Christ. Not that this should surprise us, but are we watching and really waiting for the return of Christ? I do not know.

Common Sense Plan by Dave Ramsey

(The following is Step 2 of Dave Ramsey's "3 Steps To Change The Nation Future". Step 1 is prayer for our leaders. Step 2 includes sending this plan to Congress. Step 3 is to send this plan to others.)

Years of bad decisions and stupid mistakes have created an economic nightmare in this country, but $700 billion in new debt is not the answer. As a tax-paying American citizen, I will not support any congressperson who votes to implement such a policy. Instead, I submit the following three steps:

I. INSURANCE
A. Insure the subprime bonds/mortgages with an underlying FHA-type insurance. Government-insured and backed loans would have an instant market all over the world, creating immediate and needed liquidity.
B. In order for a company to accept the government-backed insurance, they must do two things:
1. Rewrite any mortgage that is more than three months delinquent to a 6% fixed-rate mortgage.
a. Roll all back payments with no late fees or legal costs into the balance. This brings homeowners current and allows them a chance to keep their homes.
b. Cancel all prepayment penalties to encourage refinancing or the sale of the property to pay off the bad loan. In the event of foreclosure or short sale, the borrower will not be held liable for any deficit balance. FHA does this now, and that encourages mortgage companies to go the extra mile while
working with the borrower—again limiting foreclosures and ruined lives.
2. Cancel ALL golden parachutes of EXISTING and FUTURE CEOs and executive team members as long as the company holds these government-insured bonds/mortgages. This keeps underperforming executives from being paid when they don’t do their jobs.
C. This backstop will cost less than $50 billion—a small fraction of the current proposal.

II. MARK TO MARKET
A. Remove mark to market accounting rules for two years on only subprime Tier III bonds/mortgages. This keeps companies from being forced to artificially mark down bonds/mortgages below the value of the underlying mortgages and real estate.
B. This move creates patience in the market and has an immediate stabilizing effect on failing and ailing banks—and it costs the taxpayer nothing.

III. CAPITAL GAINS TAX
A. Remove the capital gains tax completely. Investors will flood the real estate and stock market in search of tax-free profits, creating tremendous—and immediate—liquidity in the markets. Again, this costs the taxpayer nothing.
B. This move will be seen as a lightning rod politically because many will say it is helping the rich. The truth is the rich will benefit, but it will be their money that stimulates the economy. This will enable all Americans to have more stable jobs and retirement investments that go up instead of down.

This is not a time for envy, and it’s not a time for politics. It’s time for all of us, as Americans, to
stand up, speak out, and fix this mess.

(Further explanation and usage of the above plan can be found at Dave Ramsey's website.)