The 100th Anniversary of Southern Gospel Music

Southern gospel music, as a distinct genre, was established around 1910 when the first professional quartet was formed to sell songbooks for the James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company.  Just recently the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY commemorated the 100th anniversary of southern gospel music by featuring old quartets to sing at the event.  In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of southern gospel music, I'm going to post some clips of various gospel greats over the last several decades.  I hope you enjoy them.  

Dottie Rambo "He Ain't Never Done Me Nothing But Good"  (This song came from her 1968 album "It's the Soul of Me."  She performed this album at RCA Studios in Nashville, Tennessee.  She used an all-black choir to record this album.  Dottie was a very talented songwriter.  She not only wrote and recorded traditional gospel music, but she also wrote and recorded black gospel as this song is.  She wrote another famous black gospel entitled, "I Go to the Rock")



Dottie Rambo "Don't Take My Cross Away"



Dottie Rambo "Behold the Lamb"  (Dottie Rambo confessed that prior to this particular setting she had never sung this song before.  Even though she wrote this song, she only harmonized this song.  This was her first time to sing this song.  When she sung with the Singing Rambos, Reba, her daughter sang the verses to this song.  Dottie does a great job singing this song for the first time.)



Dottie Rambo "I Just Came to Talk With You Lord"



Dottie Rambo and Jesse Dixon "I've Never Been This Homesick Before"



The Singing Rambos "Tears Will Never Stain the Streets of That City"



The Singing Rambos "I Call Him Lord"



The Singing Ramobs "Remind Me, Dear Lord"




Ben Speer "Beautiful Star of Bethlehem"



Speer Family "After While"



Dad Speer "Never Grow Old"



Vestel Goodman "These are They"



The Happy Goodmans (featuring Rusty Goodman) "The Lighthouse"



The Cathedrals "I'll Have a New Life"



The Cathedrals "Somebody Touched Me"



The Cathedrals "Sinner Saved by Grace"



The Cathedrals "Jesus Have Mercy on Me"



The Cathedrals "Plan of Salvation"



Dallas Holm "Rise Again"



The Cathedrals "Blood Washed Band"



The Inspirations "The Unseen Hand"



The Happy Goodmans "Living by Faith"



Howard and Vestel Goodman "When They Ring the Bells of Heaven"



The Sego Brothers and Naomi "Palms of Victory"

How are We Americans Utilizing the Freedom We've Been Given?

(Galatians 5:13) "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty as an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."  On Friday, November 12, 2010, Glenn Beck hosted a special show about veterans commemorating Veteran's Day the day before on November 11.  He had a group of military cadets from the United States Military Academy at West Point.  Beck was discussing the meaning of "Thanksgiving."  Thanksgiving, separated into two words  are "thanks" and "giving".  He also mentioned about the sacrifices of the veterans over the 234 year course of American history.  Beck was asking some of the cadets what their motivation was for joining the military.  Some of them had family members who served in the military.  It was very refreshing to see some of the members who had a willingness to join the military and sacrifice for our nation's freedoms.

Most of us today don't recognize how blessed we are in America.  Our freedoms are blood-bought and God-given.  It took the blood of soldiers on the battlefields to secure our freedoms in America.  We fail to recognize the sacrifice that was involved to purchase our freedom.  There's also a cost to maintain our freedom.  Eternal vigilance is the price we must pay to maintain our freedoms.  Freedom isn't cheap.  It's costly.  Somebody had to pay for it.  I was mentioning earlier about Beck pointing out that "Thanksgiving" is divided into two words.  How thankful are we in America today?  If we're very thankful, it will be reflected in our giving.  Of course, giving comes in many forms.  It comes in the form of time, our treasure, our talents, our sacrifice, etc.  One of the problems that's evident amongst many Americans, including many who claim to be Christians is a lack of thankfulness.  It's evident in our attitudes and selfishness.  We live in a generation who complains more and whines more probably than any generation that's existed in America.  Why?  Those in the age range of the Baby Boomers all the way down to the present generation have been given much in life.  People in my generations knows what it's like to be prosperous.  From a material standpoint, the younger generations knows more about prosperity than their older counterparts.  The World War II generation grew up during the Great Depression.  They didn't grow up with the conveniences and gadgets we possess today.  That generation had chores assigned to them when they lived at home.  They didn't have the luxury to enjoy the things the younger generation enjoys today.  It was due to the sacrifices of the Word War II generation from the battlefields of Europe and Japan to the technological boom that America has enjoyed unprecedented prosperity.  Many people in the younger generations didn't grow up having to sacrifice like the World War II generation had to.  Some of that generation remembers when they didn't have indoor plumbing, for example.  Some had to walk to school. 

We're a spoiled generation.  I've heard the saying that prosperity ruins people.  That's sadly true.  The reason is because we don't know how to appreciate things like we should when we weren't given the responsibility to work for the things we have.  That's why our attitude about life in general is so immature.  The younger generation didn't have to grow up sacrificing.  We've been given much.  We take things for granted.  However, as a result of all the blessings bestowed upon us, we not only have much to be thankful for, much is required of us.  Luke 12:48 says, "For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."  Those who have been given much; much is expected from them. 

This leads to the question in this particular blogpost title?  How are we as Americans utilizing the freedom we've been given?  What are we doing as Americans?  Galatians 5:13 says we aren't to use liberty as an occasion to the flesh, but by love we are to serve one another.  We're to use freedom to honor and serve God.  We're to use freedom for constructive causes.  God's blessed us abundantly.  We're such a spoiled and lazy generation.  We've been blessed far more than what we've contributed with our time, our talents, our treasure, and our service.  We have much to give.  We owe much.  There's not a generation in America that's been blessed in the manner like we have.  We have more material goods than we know what to do with.  There are Christians in impoverished nations such as Haiti and certain parts of Africa that possess more joy than those that claim to be Christians in America.  I will point out that materialism doesn't bring joy and happiness.  I would never try to insinuate that materialism brings happiness.  However, it's a shame we can possess so much and yet be so unthankful.  All the possessions we have reminds me of a God that's mindful of us and loves us.  And yet we aren't thankful. 

What do I mean what I say "thankful".  Our mentality of showing thanks is saying "thank you".  That's just the tip of the iceberg.  Thankfulness goes far beyond thanking someone for what we've been given.  A person with a truly thankful spirit will take good care of what they've been given.  They will not take for granted with what they've been entrusted with.  In today's society, we're given so many trinkets and gadgets and within a few days we've abused or misplaced what we've been given.  It shows our lack of thankfulness.  It shows we take much for granted.  We're a blessed nation.  We have a resposibility to give back to our nation.  We're to give our time, treasure, talents, and our service to our country, to name a few.  It's important how we utilize the freedom we've been entrusted with.  Our freedom was purchased with a huge price.

Within a couple of weeks, it will be Thanksgiving once again.  Between now and Thanksgiving Day I'll be featuring blogposts about the meaning of Thanksgiving.  We need to remember our nation's early heritage.  I'll be featuring a blogpost about the first Thanksgiving in 1620.  Stay tuned for these upcoming posts.

Trade Goals are Stymied at G-20 Summit in Seoul

(USA Today) Currencies, cars, and cows all blocked U.S. administration goals in bilateral meetings ahead of the Group of 20 summit of the world's top economies that kicked off Thursday night in the South Korean capital.  President Obama and Chinese leader Hu Jintao spent most of their 80-minute huddle discussing the often contentious issue of the Chinese yuan, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said.  But no breakthrough emerged on faster appreciation of a currency Washington says is deliberately undervalued to aid Chinese exporters.  Despite extensive, last-minute negotiations, Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung Bak announced that a long-awaited free-trade agreement still needs work.  The sticking points: greater market access for U.S. automobile and beef exports to Korea, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said.

According to Fox News, the group of 20 meeting of leading rich and developing nations ended Friday in South Korea with no solutions to longstanding tensions over trade and currency.  The U.S. couldn't persuade other countries to pressure China to stop manipulating its currency or limit their own trade surpluses and deficits.  The U.S. was charged with doing some currency manipulation of its own by pumping $600 billion into its economy.  Eswar Prasad, Professor of trade policy at Cornell University, said trade disputes could intensify.  He worries that there may be more "open conflicts on currency matters."  He's in essence implying that more explicit forms of protectionism could set back this "global recovery".  It was considered a diplomatic setback for the United States.  Last week the Federal Reserve stated that it would pump $600 billion to jolt the U.S. economy back to life.  The Fed says it plans to buy treasury bonds to lower long-term interest rates, spur economic growth, and create jobs.  Consequently, the Fed's intent to monetize the debt could hike inflation and in doing so could wipe out our economy.  However foreigners saw a more sinister intent: to flood world markets with dollars, driving down the value of the U.S. currency and giving U.S. exporters a price edge. 

One of the things that was evident during this G-20 summit in Seoul is that the world leaders such as Germany, China, Japan, to name a few, view America as devoid of leadership.  They don't have confidence in America's economic policies.  America is buried in debt over $13 trillion and ever growing.  There are no real signs that our political leaders are serious about reducing unnecessary spending.  We have the man-child of the universe who appears to be clueless when it comes to economic issues.  President Obama has never owned a business nor met payroll.  He's worked in the government all his life whether it be community organizer, state legislator, U.S. Senator, or president.  The United States isn't in control of its economic destiny.  The Federal Reserve controls the United States' economic destiny.  The Fed is the one responsible for pumping $600 billion into our economy.  The Fed is the one who's responsible for trying to monetize our debt.  The Fed is unconstitutional.  Nothing was solved in regards to the United States' trade deficits.  Unless we renegotiate some of our trade agreements, then the manufacturing base in the United States isn't going to recover.  If we have any hopes of reigning in spending and reducing the debt, then America needs to regain its manufacturing base.  It will be the jobs that are created through the private sector which will enable new revenue to be collected from the government.

Lou Dobbs Hired on at Fox Business Network

(Fox News) Former CNN anchor Lou Dobbs, who decided to resign from CNN a year ago, is now joining the Fox Business Network.  The network said in a press release that the former CNN anchor signed a multi-year deal with FBN.  Dobbs will develop and host a daily program premiering in the first quarter of 2011.  "Fox Business has always been about putting the the smartest, most interesting people on television and the addition of Lou Dobbs will serve to strengthen the best lineup in business news," said Kevin Magee, Executive Vice President of Fox Business Network.

"I'm excited and feel privileged to join the great team that Rupert Murdoch, Roger Ailes and Nevil Cavuto have created, and I can't wait to make whatever contribution I can to Fox Business," Dobbs said in the release.  Prior to Fox Business Network, Dobbs, 65, served as an anchor, managing editor and executive vice president for CNN, hosting various programs such as "Moneyline," which premiered in 1980 and was later renamed "Lou Dobbs Tonight." 

According to the release, Dobbs is a radio talk show host and will continue to host his nationally syndicated radio programs and financial reports, the release said. 

When Dobbs used to host "Lou Dobbs Tonight" on CNN, his main topic points were illegal immigration and free trade agreements which resulted in the loss of millions of manufacturing jobs in America.  He is an Independent.  There were a few times a few years back that I saw his CNN program and I can say that he was the best anchor they had on CNN.  It will be interesting what his topics of discussion will be on Fox Business Network.

"Conservative" Republicans aren't Going to Save America

The election last Tuesday November 2, 2010 was very historic indeed.  Voters came out to vote out many of the Democratic incumbents in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The Republicans trounced the Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives gaining possibly 63 seats.  The Republican Party hasn't won 60 + seats since sometime in the 1940's.  In 1994 during the Republican revolution, the Republicans gained 54 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to win the House for the first time since 1954.  During that year the Republicans also regained control of the U.S. Senate for the first time since 1986.  It was an amazing year for the Republicans.  Bill Clinton was elected as the Democratic president of 1992.  He led this nation on a left-leaning course and the election of the Republicans in 1994 slowed down Clinton's left-leaning agenda.  This year we had a similar repeat except the Republicans didn't regain control of the U.S. Senate. The Republicans made gains in the Senate but they didn't win control of it.  President Barack Obama was elected president in 2008 on the theme of "hope and change".  It turned out his "hope and change" was a socialist path towards fascism.  Conservative voters responded enthusiastically by voting out the Democratic party and electing "conservative" "constitutional" Republicans as they would like to call themselves in the House. 

During the Republican revolution in 1994, it was the evangelical movement with the help of the Christian Coalition that played a role in electing Republicans in great numbers that year.  As a result of that election, the media and many liberals dubbed Christian conservatives as the "religious right".  The people whom the Republicans owe their victory to is the emergence of the Tea Party in 2009.  Some have credited Rick Santelli who works for CNBC for starting the tea party when he mentioned about starting a "Chicago tea party."  Santelli was opposed to the bailouts of major banks under the Bush and Obama administrations.  (Santelli wasn't the one who created the tea party).  The Tea Party started mobilizing in a grassroots effort and their efforts payed off when it came to mobilizing voters to vote in this year's elections.  The Tea Party was opposed to the size and scope of the federal government as well as the bailouts and huge deficit spending.  There were many tea party candidates who ran on the Republican ticket.  A few of them won major Senate races such as Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rand Paul of Kentucky.  Some lost but that's just part of the normal election cycle.  Prior to the election of Barack Obama in 2008, the previous president George W. Bush (who's out on a book tour this week) and the Republican Congress nearly destroyed the conservative movement with their big government policies and open borders.  In 2009, a major magazine made the claim that the Republican Party as an endangered species.  Nobody two years ago wouldn't predicted the Republican insurgence as what we saw last Tuesday.  However, those that voted Republican didn't vote Republican because the voters approved of them as a party.  Many conservative and independent voters still remember the poor job the Republicans did when they last held power.  I'm fearful there could be a simlar repeat.  If that happens, then during the next Republican primary when these Republican incumbents are up for re-election, we'll vote them out.  Voters, including myself, are sick and tired of Republican incumbent frauds.

As thankful as I am the voters had spoken in last Tuesday's election, we as voters still need to be on our guard.  We can't afford to become complacent because the Republicans won control of the House and several governorships and state legislative races.  The same old evil, corrupt system is still in Washington.  We must put these new Republican freshmen under the spotlight of accountability.  We need to let them know as voters that we mean business.  If not, then it will be a quick exit for any Republican fraud.  I guarantee that. 

Those who are saved by the grace of God know that America's biggest problem isn't Washington, D.C., the state legislatures, or politics in general.  The biggest problem in America is spiritual.  Just because we've elected Republicans to control the House doesn't mean they will save America.  The Republicans can't save America.  They're part of the problem just like the Democrats are.  Our problems are much deeper than political.  Take a look at the incumbents we keep re-electing year after year.  The very fact that we keep on re-electing some of the same politicians over and over again such as Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), tells us the state of the electorate in certain regions across the country.  When we knowingly re-elect the same incumbent frauds who played a role in the financial meltdown of this country two years ago, for example, we are in essence getting the government we deserve.  America needs God.  Our country is bankrupt morally and spiritually.  There are many "churches" that claim to know God but they are not true Biblical, orthodox New Testament churches.  There are many so-called churches you couldn't find God with a  radar detector.  The reason is there aren't many churches that desire God's presence in them.  The Bible says that righteousness exalteth a nation according to Proverbs 14:34. 

America needs God.  That's our only hope.  The church has the responsibility to evangelize America and the entire world.  When you see a nation that's steeped in the cesspools of sin and liquor is flowing like a river, it's evident America has a moral and spiritual problem.  It's not something politics can solve.  God's people need revival as Psalms 86:5 says and America needs an awakening.  That's our only hope.  I'll close with 2 Chronicles 7:14.  "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 

Robert Ray Akins, a World War II Veteran

This is an article about a World War II veteran named Robert Ray Akins, who was the grandfather of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.  This article was from USA Today  on November 11, 2010.  I want to wish all the veterans who served our country in past wars a very happy Veteran's Day.

As with many men in their 30's, the demands of building a career and family mean my gaze and is focused on what's ahead, not what's behind.  I do, however, enjoy reading about history--especially military history.  But it took a trip to Okinawa, Japan, to make me realize the deep, if not always visible, connection between America's youngest generations and its "greatest" one.

In April 1945, Okinawa became the site of one of World War II's bloodiest battles between invading U.S. forces and the defending Japanese.  My grandfather, Ray Akins--then a 19-year old Marine from Brady, Texas--was in the thick of it.  As I walked around the island I realized I was walking in his footsteps.  I stood at the spot where my grandfather stormed the beach with the 1st Marine Division.  I imagined the noise and the death surrounding the soldiers as they first set foot on the island.

Suddenly, a rush of emotion came over me, and I had to know what my grandfather was thinking at that moment.  So I called him, from that very spot, I told him where I was, and with tears rolling down my face, I asked him to recall that day.  "I was 19 years old on April 1, 1945, and my birthday was in May.  I was just trying to live to be 20," he told me.  I will never forget that conversation, and neither will the future generations of my family.  Had a Japanese bullet killed my grandfather, I would not be here.  Nor would my sons.  When I returned home, my grandfather told me more stories about the war: the surge of patriotism after Pearl Harbor; his bootcamp in San Diego; his adventures in China and his encounters in the Pacific.  I met more veterans when I joined the board of the National World War II Museum, the New Orleans institution that Congress designated to honor and preserve the stories and deeds of the Greatest Generation for the future.  Listening to the veterans' experiences moved me greatly.  All Americans should hear them.  Especially our kids.  But they need to be heard soon.

These veterans are leaving us.  Now in their 80's and 90's, they are dying at the rate of 797 a day, according to the Depaterment of Veterans Affairs.  I urge families to seek out these veterans.  Thank them for their service.  Ask them questions.  Let your children listen. 

They will learn about battles fought in Burmese jungles and on Italian hills.  Hear of the heroism displayed on Normandy's beaches and in submarines beneath the Pacific.  And it wasn't just the soldiers.  Millions of American women streamed into the factories to build planes, tanks and ships so vital to our victory.  These women symbolized the "we can do it" spirit of the home front. 

For me, the most valuable lesson children will learn form WWII veterans is the value of teamwork and the idea that if we all pull together, we can accomplish great things.  The Super Bowl victory last year by my team, the New Orleans Saints, pales in comparison with what ordinary men and women achieved 70 years ago.  To them, it didn't seem remarkable.  But it was remarkable. 

America's freedom was endangered.  They fought for it, and they saved it.  And our children need to know it.  Our vanishing WWII vets can teach them that a nation, united and working together, can secure any victory.  As we celebrate Veterans Day today, visit with a member of the Greatest Generation and invite him or her to share some memories.  Sit. And listen.  You'll find yourself walking in the footsteps of heroes.

Marvin Edward Sholar, a Navy World War II Veteran

Marvin Edwar Sholar was born on August 12, 1912 in Grady County, Georgia, and died March 16, 1985 in Leon County, Florida.  He was the son of Samuel Curtiss Sholar and Hannah McMillan.   This is a veteran's story shared by Jim Sholar on 12/24/07.  He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II.  He was a Signalman.  This story came from the website AmericanProfile.com. 

MARVIN EDWARD SHOLAR was born on August 12, 1912 in Grady County, Georgia, and died March 16, 1985 in Leon County Florida.  He was the son of Samuel Curtiss Sholar and Hannah McMillan.  He married PATRICIA JOYCE JORDAN July of 1942.  She was born January 30, 1923 in Australia.  She died in Tallahasse, FL December 21, 2003 and was buried December 27, 2003 Roselawn Cemetery. 

Marvin served his country in the US Navy during WWII.  Marvin Sholar had served on the Northampton Class American heavy cruiser USS Houston CA-30 during WWII.  She was the flagship for a proud Asiatic Fleet at the beginning of WWII.  When the USS Houston put out to sea with the ABDA fleet (Allied Fleet of American, British, Dutch and Australian ships) to seek out the Japanese Fleet, several crew were assigned to the Dutch Ships, Java and DeRuyter.  On the day the Houston arrived in the harbor of (Soerabaja) Surabaya, Signalman 1C just prior to the Java Sea Battle.  There were at least three other US. Navy personnel who were aboard this ship for temporary duty.  They were Lt. Otto Ferdinand Kolb, Jack Wilbur Penhallow SM3C and Signalman Daniel Spiro Rafalovich.  All were assigned to assist with the translation of commands among the multi-national Allied Fleet. 

During the late evening hours on February 27, 1942, the Battle of the Java Sea raged.  Due to the sinking of several of the fleet's destroyers, the cruisers of the striking force were now without any destroyer protection.  This dangerous situation was aggravated by the fact that enemy planes continued to light their course with flares.  But Admiral Doorman's orders were, "You must continue attacks until the enemy is destroyed," and he pressed on north with a grim determination to reach the enemy convoy.

Although the Allied Fleet was suffering from the losses of either sinking or heavy damage, the fleet pressed on.  It is doubtful if he ever knew how close he did come to reaching it in this last magnificent attempt.  The convoy had in fact remained in the area west or southwest of Bawean.

At 1850 a PBY from Patrol Wing TEN had taken off to shadow it in the bright moonlight.  At 1955 this plane saw star shells above 3 crusiers and 8 destroyers on a northerly course about 30 miles southwest of Bawean.  As these appeared to be our own striking force, no contact report was made.  At 2235 our PBY found the convoy southwest of Bawean.  Twenty-eight ships were counted in 2 groups, escorted by a cruiser and a destroyer.  At this moment Admiral Doorman was headed toward this very spot, but it is doubtful if he ever received our plane's report.  At 2315 the De Ruyter signaled, "Target at port four points."  In that direction were seen two cruisers which opened fire from a distance of about 9000 yards.  Perth replied with two or three salvos which landed on one of the enemy cruisers for several hits.

The Japanese thereupon fired star shells which exploded between their ships and the Allied Fleet.  Shortly afterward the De Ruyter received a hit aft and turned to starboard away from the enemy, followed by our other cruisers.  As the Java, which had not been under enemy fire, turned to follow there was a tremendous explosion aft, evidently caused by a torpedo coming from port.  Within a few seconds the whole after part of the ship was enveloped in flames.

The De Ruyter had continued her turn onto a southeasterly course when, very closely after the Java, she too was struck by a deadly torpedo.  United States Signalman Sholar reported having seen a torpedo track on relative bearing 135 degrees.  There was an extraordinarily heavy explosion followed by fire.  Perth, behind the flagship, swung sharply to the left to avoid a collision, while the Houston turned out of column to starboard.

The crew of the De Ruyter assembled forward, as the after part of the ship up to the catapult was in flames.  In a moment the 40-mm. ammunition began to explode, causing many casualties and the ship had to be abandoned.  She sank within a few minutes.  For some time her foremast structure remained above the water, until a heavy explosion took the ship completely out of sight.  It is said that an American signalman was "blown off" the ship before being sunk.

As the battle persisted, the survivors of the sinking of the De Ruyter managed to get into an open lifeboat and spent the rest of the night floating at sea.  Lt. Ott Ferdinand Kolb was killed in action on board the DeRuyter that night.  The USS Houston was also sunk during the battle of the Sunda Strait, 28 Feb. - 1 March 42.  It was sunk by gunfire and torpedoes from Imperial Japanese Navy cruisers Mogami & Mikuma and destroyers.

The USS Houston and it's valiant crew fought until it could fight no more and in its last breath, with little fuel and ammunition left, charged with suicidal fury at flank speed into the middle of a powerful Japanese Battle Fleet.  The Houston and her lone remaining ally from the Java Sea Battle of two days before (the HMRS Perth) were blasted out of the water.  Few survived...More than 700 of the ship's complement of 1015 officers and men lost their lives.  Naval historian Samuel Eliot Morison called the Houston's fight "one of the most gallant in American naval annals." 

Along the Houston, 22 American warships were destroyed in desperate sea battles in the opening two months of the war.  Numerous British, Australian, and Dutch warships were lost as well.  These sailors and ships were sacrificed to gain time for future victories.  Only two months after the Asiatic Fleet ceased to exist, the American and Allied fleets began to build on the victories at Coral Sea and Midway.

Meanwhile, off in the darkness of night patrolling for the enemy was the United States submarine S-37.  Though troubled with leaking oil tanks and the other mechanical problems typical of old submarines, she continued to patrol as the Japanese onslaught steadily advanced.

All through the night hours the Battle of the Java Sea raged over the horizon.  With the dawn hour approaching on February 28, USS-37 closed in on a Japanese formation of two cruisers and three destroyers retiring victoriously from the scene.  A fight for depth control, however, precluded an attack.

At mid-day, she sighted a 50-foot open lifeboat crowded with 60 Allied survivors from Dutch light cruiser, De Ruyter.  Although she was unable to accommodate all of those in the boat, she approached to take on casualties.  Finding no casualties, she took on American sailors, Signalman SM1c Sholar and SM3c Jack Wilbur Penhallow SM3C but, could not take more.  The captain of the USS-37 ordered that 5 days' rations and water for the others be transferred; dispatched enciphered messages on the boat's location to ABDA (American, British, Dutch, Australian) headquarters; and resumed her patrol. 

That afternoon, she again attempted to attack an enemy formation, but was sighted and underwent a combined depth charging aerial bombing.  The fourth American survivor of the De Ruyter sinking, Signalman Daniel Spiro Rafalovich, was rescued with some Dutch sailors out of the Java Sea by a Japanese destroyer and was made POW.  He survived the war and died December 20, 1998.  After returning to duty, Marvin later received a battle commission and attained the rank Lt. Commander.  In all, he had three different ships shot out from under him during action in WWII. 

He saw action against the Japanese in the Pacific Theater of Operations and also participated in the invasion of Normandy, D-Day in France.  For his distinguished service during the war he received the China Service Medal, American Defense Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five Bronze Stars.

In civilian life, he later made residence in Tallahassee, Leon, FL.  He was an officer and a true gentleman.  Some of this information comes from the book the "Henderson and Sholar Lineages of Duplin County" and a 1st cousin named Jack Clanton as well as US NAVY sources. 

President Obama Leaves Town

(Fox News) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the statement that President Obama was envious of the Asian trip she was on during the midterm elections.  President Obama stated that as soon as the elections were over with he was "going to get outta town" (I'm paraphrasing).  Really, you can't blame him.  After being trounced in the House by the Republicans, why would President Obama want to hang around Washington, D.C. explaining why the Democrats lost control of the House and the Republicans made gains in the Senate?  Last Thursday President Obama and his wife Michelle embarked on a 10-day Asian tour--first to India then to Seoul, South Korea for the G-20 summit.  The trip is one of the most expensive trips they've embarked upon so far. 

President Obama was in India supposedly trying to promote $10 billion in trade deals in hopes of creating more jobs in the United States--possibly 54,000 jobs.  He was also trying to secure a permanent seat for India in the United Nations as well.  While Obama was down there he was bowing down to religious figures in India and even he and Michelle participated in dances with Indian children in Mumbai.  The official business was conducted in New Delhi.  His stated purpose for his trip to India and Asia was to help bring jobs to America. It is a "jobs strategy" for America, according to the President.  We'll wait and see.

One of the best things that's happened is the thrasing the Democrats experienced in the House of Representatives and many state legislatures and governorships across America.  I recognize there are numerous Republicans that are RINO's.  However, I'm glad to see many Democratic incumbents soundly defeated in many races.  I'm glad that President Obama's away for the time being.  It will give him some time to "rethink his strategy" for next year when the Republicans take charge of the House. 

From my observation of President Obama, I don't think he knows what it means to be an American.  He's a globalist.  He fits well with the "new world order" crowd.  The agenda he's pushing to transform America is a socialist/communist agenda.  By the time President Obama's finished transforming America, she will resemble socialist Europe.  I hope he enjoys his time in Asia. 

How to Obtain Wisdom

(Proverbs 19:20 "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end."  When you read the book of Proverbs, you read much about the importance of wisdom.  Proverbs is replete with wisdom.  James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, that given to all (men) liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."  God tell us that if we ask for wisdom from God, He'll give it to us.  God wants us to obtain wisdom.  God expects His children to use wisdom.  The very fact that Proverbs mentions wisdom repeatedly says how important it is for God's people to have wisdom. The online definition of wisdom is common sense; good judgment.  It also means the ability to discern what is true, right, or lasting, insight.  Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  If you are going to obtain wisdom as a child of God, you must first fear the Lord.  If you have no fear of God, then you won't obtain wisdom.  When you have a reverential fear of the Lord, then wisdom begins and progresses from there.  As Christians grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, then they'll grow in wisdom.  I can't overstate the importance of Christians needing wisdom from God. 

We've all heard the old adage "Knowledge is power."  Actually, "Wisdom is power."  I'm all for knowledge and it's vitally important we take advantage of all the opportunities possible to enrich our knowledge base.  Consequently, there are people that possess a world of knowledge but don't know how to appropriate  knowlede in their life.  Knowledge is important, but it's of the utmost that we know how to apply that knowledge.  For example, a man can spend a whole day studying an auto manual and learn all the book knowledge concerning how to fix an automobile.  However, if he doesn't know how to transfer the knowledge he learned from reading an auto manual into being able to perform mechanical work on a vehicle, how will that knowledge benefit him?  I'm all for knowledge, but we must know how to appropriate that knowledge.  This is one example of applying knowledge on a practical level.  Now we're going to speak of knowledge on a spiritual level.  A born again Christian can read their Bible on a daily basis and acquire all the knowledge that's found in the Bible.  They can quote scripture, perform well in Bible quizzing, and be thoroughly grounded in the knowledge of the Word.  But they lack discernment.  They make poor spiritual decisions.  You can be thoroughly versed in God's word but not be wise.

Why is wisdom important?  Why do God's people need wisdom?  Life is a spiritual battle.  We battle daily with the world, the flesh, and the Devil.  I'm speaking of God's people when I make this statement.  If you're saved, you have to battle with the world, the flesh, and the Devil.  As a result, it's imperative we know the wiles of the Devil.  God's people need wisdom from God in fighting Satan.  I Peter 1:7 says that the trial of your faith is more precious than gold.  We face battles in life.  We face battles that we don't understand.  The Devil will do everything in his power to confuse and bewilder us.  We would be absolute fools in not seeking wisdom from God in dealing with life's battles.  Many parents are in the process of raising children.  Parents need wisdom from God in rearing their children for the Lord.  There are multitudes of reasons why we need wisdom.  Wisdom from God is something we should seek as Christians.  There are different ways we can obtain wisdom from God.  I'm going to list some of the ways Christians can obtain wisdom from God.

1.  Prayer - James 1:5 says that if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all (men) liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  We should pray and ask God for wisdom.  We should pray for wisdom on a daily basis during our normal prayer time.  We're always facing situations on a daily basis that will require wisdom.  We should prepare our hearts so God can speak to us and give us guidance. 

2.  Read the Word - John 5:39 says to search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life.  We should be diligent in reading scriptures.  If we don't have a daily diet of the Word, we'll be lacking when it comes to obtaining wisdom.  The source of wisdom comes from scripture.  The scripture is there to guide us.  It's a spiritual compass. 

3.  Faithfulness in Attending the House of God - Hebrews 10:25 says to not forsake the assembling of yourselves as we see the day approaching (paraphrasing).  It says so much the more as ye see the day approaching.  .  As time draws closer to the coming of Christ, it's more imperative than ever that God's people be faithful in attending church.  There's something about worshipping the Lord and being in fellowship with God's people that's crucially important.  You miss out when you're not faithful to church.  God could manifest his presence in a magnificent way and if you're not in attendance in a particular service, you're missing out on God's presence.  We need to be in fellowship with one another.  There's much we can learn through fellowship.  There are many times when I've heard brethren testify about how God's worked in their lives.  God has used Christian people to speak to me about areas of my life.  We can learn from one another in the House of God.  We can obtain wisdom from being in fellowship with one another provided we're in fellowship with the right people in church.  There are some church members you can't have close fellowship with.  Those that walk with the Lord you can learn words of wisdom from them.  Those that have been faithful in serving God over the years can provide wisdom when it comes to living the Christian life.

4.  The Preaching of the Word - Another way Christians can obtain wisdom is through the preaching of the Word.  Any congregation who has a man of God that preaches the Word in spirit and in truth need to be thankful for what God has given them.  There aren't many pastors behind the pulpits today that preach the whole counsel of the Word of God.  It's imperative that God's people follow the man of God as he follows Christ.  The messages that God gives the pastor can be a help to us if we're willing to appropriate those truths in our lives.  A man of God that's seasoned and worth his salt will be preaching "words of wisdom" from the Holy Bible.  As said earlier, you can obtain wisdom from reading God's word.  You can also obtain wisdom by the preaching of the Word provided that congregation has a true man of God behind the pulpit.  I Corinthians 1:21 says that it's the foolishness of preaching that saves them that believe.  God's instrument when it comes to the conversion of the sinner is preaching.  It's through preaching that conviction comes.  God places a high premium on preaching.  II Timothy 4:2 says to preach the word in and out of season.  A man of God preaches for the purposes of rebuking, exhorting, longsuffering, and reproof.  Preaching is to help us.  Preaching is to guide us in our Christian lives.  Wisdom can be accumulated by those that hear and practice God's word.

These are a few examples on how Christians can obtain wisdom from God.  Wisdom is very needful and necessary.  You can't live without wisdom.  You won't make it in this journey in life unless you receive wisdom from God.

Federal Reserve to Purchase $600 Billion in Bonds as a Hedge Against Inflation

(The Christian Science Monitor) According to the "Christian Science Monitor", the Federal Reserve is trying to take out an insurance policy against the risk of deflation and a return to recession.  The price tag for that insurance is $600 billion.  The Fed said last Wednesday that it will spend over the next eight months to purchase US Treasury bonds.  The idea is to pump new money into a weak economy, boosting both economic growth and inflation.  Many economists expect the new policy to have a modestly positive effect on the economy, but critics say it will spark an unwelcome level of inflation without creating jobs.  Reaction in the stock and bond markets Wednesday afternoon was muted, because the Fed has telegraphed its move in public statements over the past few weeks. 

The central bank's policymaking committee, led by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, voted 10-to-1 to take new action.  The bank's mandate from Congress is to seek both full employment and a stable overall price level, and the Fed said that "progress towards its objectives has been disappointingly slow."  In its statement, the Fed's policy committee said it plans to purchase about $75 billion of long-term Treasury securities per month.  The goal is "to promote a stronger pace of economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at levels consistent with its mandate."  The Fed's monthly purchase amounts are relatively modest, not a policy of shock and awe.  The downside, for ordinary Americans, is that the policy may not provide a huge boost to growth.  On the positive side, the move's modest scale shields the economy somewhat from the inflation risks that critics see in the plan. 

Economists at the investment bank Morgan Stanley, in a note to clients Wednesday, cited several channels by which the Fed's policy may help lift growth.  The Fed begins by using its power to create money, and using it to purchase bonds.  Pumping new money into the economy can push up the price of assets (such as corporate stocks), lower the dollar's exchange rate (making US exports more attractive), and raise inflation expectations (thus reducing real interest rates).  Potentially, the asset-purchase policy could also help to revive bank lending by expanding the nation's money supply.  The risk is that it could stir up inflationary pressures, or leave the Fed with a difficult juggling act when the time comes to reduce the size of its balance sheet by selling bonds.  By printing more money, the Fed could work against its own goal of boosting the economy, critics warn.  Inflation and expectations of future inflation could push up long-term interest rates, they say.  Another risk is that the influx of monetary stimulus could fuel an asset-price bubble--with unhappy consequences when it bursts.  Currently, a declining dollar and low US interest rates are pushing investors toward assets in emerging-market nations. 

One of the biggest threats to our economy in the United States is the Federal Reserve.  The Federal Reserve is a consortium of international bankers.  They are the ones that establish our monetary policy.  It's unconstitutional.  Congress is the one that's charged with coining and regulating our currency.  We have a group of bankers that have no loyalty whatsoever to the United States making monetary policy.  The Fed sets interest rates on our currency.  It's a menace to the American society.  Nobody in Congress nor the President have the political will to walk away from the Federal Reserve.  Texas Congressman Ron Paul calls for an audit of the Federal Reserve, but we need to disengage ourselves from the Fed.  They are ruining the value of the dollar by continuously printing new money.  Our dollar is no longer backed by gold nor silver.  The Fed creates money out of fiat.  If Congress doesn't rein in spending and depart from the Fed, the future doesn't bode well for the United States.  At the trend we're going, we're going in the direction of the Weimar Republic during the 1930's when hyperinflation set in.  Customers would have to take wheelbarrows of money to purchase anything because prices were continually rising.  Congress must take control once again of our monetary system.