Tuesday, December 22, 2009

2009 INTO 2010

It's almost like a magic trick.....2009 transforms before our eyes into 2010. I'm just sitting in the audience watching in amazement that it seems to have happened to quickly. I ask myself...."Where has the year gone?". I don't know.....but it's gone. I'm not in anyway sad about it. I'm excited to see what 2010 brings. Setting aside all partisan politics......health care reform....global warming.......I'm looking for God to do great things in 2010.

My prayer for my family is for a transformation into His image.....an awakening of our spirits to a deeper love for Jesus....to walk in truth and light sanctifying our minds..... to be a true Son of God.

Anyways.....I look for 2010 to be a great year. I also look for The University of Alabama to be the BCS National Champions........it's gonna rock!

I thought this gobbler was cool. This photo was taken in Cade's Cove.

Two streams converge into one.

Deer are so graceful and serene.

Imagine having to live here. The idea doesn't sound too bad to me......of course it was only 40 degrees this particular day......I might think differently below freezing.

This guy was only 2 feet long.....but still scary enough!

Sharks are awesome!

These next 3 photos are my favorite. The beauty of God's creation astonishes me.





So as 2009 ends I am very thankful. I've seen many beautiful sights. 2010 will hold even more.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

CHANGE IS GOOD


I was just thinking.......'What has facebook done to the Blog?'.
Just wondering.
It has been a long time since I've posted anything on here. I attribute it to facebook and ....laziness. It's so much easier to go to my home page.....see what's going on and go about my way. That's technology for ya!
Denise and I have been working together now for a month or so. It has been nice seeing her throughout the day. I wasn't sure how it was going to workout at first......but it's worked out nicely. I'm seeing a new side of her. I really appreciate her attention to detail. We're at a phase where we are finishing one job and about to go to another. I'm excited about the change. The job we're finishing has been a wonderful experience. It's stretched both of us into areas that we never knew we could walk in. I'm very thankful for the experience. I never realized how much faith it takes to do what we do. Faith helps us to work hard and finish well. Like I said.....I'm thankful for the experience. I'll post before and after photos soon.
I'm looking forward to the holidays. Thanksgiving is at our doorstep and Christmas is around the corner......time flies. I guess I've been so busy with work that I haven't paid to much attention to the time. It just really dawned on me today how close we were to the end of the year. I feel like I'm just now getting used to 2009......now 2010. Like I said....I'm thankful for the experience.
I guess I'm in a reflective mood......thinking about the last year...last few months....this has been a good year.
Deut. 30:16 'For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.'
-JGR

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Goodbye Garden

I had planned to chronicle this year's garden in pictures and prose. I didn't. But, today, I picked the last of the butter beans and green beans; only enough for a meal; and thought of things I've learned.

One verse that kept coming to mind is 1 Corinthians 3:6 "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." Now, I know that Paul is speaking of spiritual concepts here; but, somehow, experiencing this reality through the garden, has brought me greater understanding spiritually.

For instance, in 2006, we were still picking butter beans by the five gallon bucketfuls in November. In 2007, the green bean vines were so laden that it would take me 3 hours to pick two medium rows. Last year, 2008, two very small rows of cucumber vines produced exceedingly well. We had freshly sliced cucumbers every meal, every day. We canned approx. 140 pints of sour pickles and 7 gallons of dill pickles. We gave away approx. 5 or 6 five gallon bucketfuls to family and friends. Each of these years, the other crops produced fairly well and one stood out.

This year has been the strangest. Nothing really stood out, though every thing that produced tasted exceptional, as always! The cucumber vines were looking great, but one afternoon, following a heavy rain, the sun came out and burned them up; no cucumbers. The tomatoes didn't do really well. The green beans did best, I suppose; we had more of them to can. We really enjoyed the corn and okra that we had, and had plenty of a variety of peppers. The butter bean vines were as big and pretty and green as I have ever seen, but produced very little.

Each year, we did all we could do; but ultimately, God gave the increase. We did what we could do, and thankfully enjoyed the increase each year, whatever it was. We didn't become anxious or strive over it because we knew we couldn't make those plants grow or produce.

I can love people. I can pray for them; intercede for them. I can even provide wonderful teachings and music for them. But I can't change their hearts. Only God can change their hearts. So, there is no reason for me to be anxious..."Have faith in God." kdr

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

STRENGTH OF MY LIFE - P.O.D.

This song came across my mp3 player this morning.....it really spoke to me.

http://

Monday, September 14, 2009

Foolish talk

Ephesians 5:4 "Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes--these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God."

1 Timothy 6:20-21 "...guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all."

Since I can remember I have always been uncomfortable with obscene stories and coarse jokes. It saddens me even today to hear fellow believers and friends engaging in these kinds of things. But this didn't stop me from engaging in foolish talk and discussions, even in childhood. Maybe it was an attention-seeking device for me, a way to relieve boredom or to appear witty, clever and cool. Or maybe it was because friends and family said I had no common sense...I was very smart in some areas but struggled in others...

It really doesn't matter. What matters is , it became a habit that is displeasing to God. Since I became aware of this among other things on March 1st of this year; much thanks to the Jackson Family!!!; I have made progress in this area, though I haven't completely defeated it. I know that I will since I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me! Because NO amount of human attention or approval or wittiness or coolness according to human standards is worth the displeasure of our God, our Father, the Love of our lives...

I have been totally undone and I will not be satisfied until, by His love and grace, I have achieved the level of holiness He is calling me to..."Come up here!"

kdr

Saturday, September 12, 2009

THE DAY AFTER ELEVEN

I'm not going to harp on this much. It's all fresh in our memories again. I remember how we came together as a nation the day after 9/11/01. We were a unit.....a big community......it was cool how people came together and the little things that normally bug us about each other were no more. And even though there were some things about G.W. Bush that were typical of any other President........he was definitely the right guy for our nation. It was amazing to see photos of him before 9/11 and to see him when he left office............the job had really aged him. I don't doubt that it's a stressful job......not at all.


But back to 9/12/01...........to see how divided we are as a nation today........it makes me long for those days when the national spirit was best described as compassionate......caring.......we stood with one another. It's quite a contrast with today. Our only true hope is God.


II Chronicles 7:14......... if my people, who are called by my name, will 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.


God is truly our only hope........

Thursday, August 20, 2009

It has been too long since we blogged; we are very busy with home projects, Jose's work and the garden; plus we are making an effort to honor God more with our time both together, and when we're apart. The thing is we don't want to stop...

I have posted some things on facebook but don't know how to embed them on the blog.

The greenbeans are the cream of the crop this year. In 'o7 it was the butterbeans, last year it was the cucumbers. Jose' and I picked greenbeans on Mon. afternoon. We broke them up from around 7:30 to 11:30. On Tuesday, I washed them and packed them and my dad pressure cooked them. There were 27 quarts! And this was the third time we've gathered this many and more. We've given alot of them away. I don't care if I don't see another green bean for awhile...:)

In some ways, things have been hard...but God is GOOD...ALL the time...

I'm gonna end with an invitation from a song called "Inner Court" by Suzy Wills Yarei and Paulette Wooten. Wish I could post a video or audio of the entire song:

"There's the highest priest, Jesus, waiting there
With His open arms calling us closer
Let's go further in with a faithful heart
Without wavering washed in His water, we

Come into the inner court
Hear the sound of the Lord
Come into the inner court
Hear the Lion roar

Come into the inner court
Hear the song of the Lord
Come into the inner court
The veil has been torn...

WOW! Who could resist such an invitation...
Who would WANT to ...

kdr

Thursday, August 13, 2009

1 Corinthians 13:1-2

(NLT) " If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing."

When I love others as God does, then my revelations and discernments won't lead to self-righteousness and will truly be relevant...kdr

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Something Told The Wild Geese By Rachel Field

Something told the wild geese it was time to go,
Though the fields lay golden
Something whispered, "snow. '

Leaves were green and stirring, berries, luster-glossed,
But beneath warm feathers
Something cautioned, "frost."

All the sagging orchards steamed with amber spice,
But each wild breast stiffened
At remembered ice.

Something told the wild geese it was time to fly,
Summer sun was on their wings,
Winter in their cry.

Monday, August 03, 2009

Good Story!

A Demonstration Of The Kingdom by Rick Joyner from The Harvest VolumeII

"One of the greatest demonstrations of the Spirit that I have ever witnessed was not a miracle-it was the demonstration of profound peace and thoughtfulness in an airline ticket line. Because of problems with incoming flights and other delays, the line to one connection had grown to many more people than could be processed in the short time before the flight was to depart. Strife and impatience were rising to the point where I seriously thought that it was going to get out of control.

At the worst possible moment, just after more bad news had been announced, two large, boisterous women, each carrying two large suitcases, started pushing their way through the line demanding to go to the front. I do not recall ever witnessing more obnoxious attitudes in aanyone, much less in a situation like this. I was watching, fully expecting someone to deck them both. Then, to my dismay they headed right toward my friend who was in line for the flight. As the clamor behind him grew, he turned to see what was happening.

As others were actually beginning to jostle the two women, my friend instinctively raced to their assistance, asking if he could help them with their bags, and offering them his own position near the front of the line. This action was so contrary to the prevailing spirit in that place that it stunned everyone. A great quiet came over the entire scene. I looked around and almost everyone was staring at my friend with obvious amazement. As he picked up his own bags and moved to the back of the line it seemed that every eye was on him. The two women seemed undone by the unexpected, and unquestionably undeserved, act of kindness. A powerful peace came over the entire line.

The agents, who had also witnessed the scene, suddenly became agreeable and somehow the flight was delayed enough to get everyone on it. I have witnessed many miracles, but that airport scene still stands out to me as one of the greatest demonstrations of the kingdom I have ever witnessed. As hell was fast gaining control of a volatile situation, and moving it towards potentially serious strife, it seemed Satan brought in two of his biggest guns in the form of a couple of very ill mannered women, aimed them right at the Christian, who quickly and easily disarmed the enemy and his entire host with one genuine act of kindness.

We have been given this same power, in every situation. When strife arises in our family or at the office, we can join the side of the enemy or the side of the Lord. Who gains the victory in that situation will almost certainly be determined by our choice. If we join the Lord it does not matter if anyone else joins Him with us. One person and the Lord always makes a majority. If we allow the fruit of the Spirit to prevail in us, He will ultimately prevail in any situation we find ourselves."

kdr

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Bible Study (NLT)

Romans 2:29 "No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people."

-We need to cry out from our hearts for God to change our hearts by his Spirit.-

-When our hearts are truly changed, it won't matter to us if our family and others don't praise us or our efforts.-

Romans 4:3 "For the Scriptures tell us, 'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.' "

Romans 4:16 "So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, IF we have faith like Abraham's..."

Romans 4:20-24 "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous IF we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."

-Faith is not just a matter of believing in God; that there is a God; but BELIEVING GOD; believing his promises.-

-We cannot receive the promise if we don't believe God will do it in his time; against all odds.-

-If we do waver in believing God's promise, that is sin; so repent and believe.-

Romans 8:1-2 "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death."

-The promise is that there is no condemnation if you belong to Jesus; so, stop living in condemnation. If you feel condemned because of sin in your life, BELIEVE that the Spirit has freed you from the power of sin and stop sinning. When you sin inadvertantly or out of habit, repent immediately and cry out to God to deliver you from sin and to change your heart.-

1 Corinthians 10:13 "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure."

-The promise is that you CAN overcome temptation; just ask God to show you the way out!-

Friday, July 17, 2009

Embracing the Power...

2 Timothy 3:5

KJV "...Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away."

NLT "...They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!"

Have you ever heard an elderly person say "I'm too old to change; I'm set in my ways."? Or maybe a younger person say "Well, that's just the way I am."? Neither of these are good reasons to stay the way we are, when the way we are is wrong. Most people who say these things have actually tried to change themselves only to fail; so they give up eventually.

I have tried to change in my own strength and failed. But as a believer, I have the power of God available to change me. When I cry out to Him; He will change me by His Spirit. I have experienced this and am currently experiencing this; I recognize things in me that need change and I really want these changes. I still have a long way to go, but I am aware that God's power is truly working in me and the changes are coming. I see it in little ways and I am encouraged.

Zechariah 4:10 NLT "Do not despise these small beginnings..."

Embrace the power of God for change.

kdr

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

"I Was Only Joking..."

Ephesians 6:23 "Honour thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it might be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."

So often I hear children of varying ages speak disrespectfully to their parents. Some parents attempt to correct their children, the child responds with "I was joking", and the parents accept this explanation. Other parents will just excuse their children, saying "Oh, that's just how we relate; I know they don't mean to be disrespectful."

I wonder if we are doing our children a disservice in teaching them it's really ok to be disrespectful if they're only playing. This stood out to me so clearly that I asked God, "What is it I'm doing?"

Uh Oh ...I do seem to remember times when I say something disrespectful to my husband and yeah, I'm only joking...

Forgive us, Lord!

kdr

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Roots



I recently planted some radish seeds in the garden; later, when hoeing weeds and morning glories, I realized I wouldn't recognize the radish plants and might hoe them as well. I meant to look in the produce section at the store, but forgot. So I watched the posted video.

I already knew that the roots grow down as the leaves grow up, but never really thought much about the roots. For years, I spent most of my energy trying to push through that top layer of soil and produce some nice green leaves. I wanted people to recognize that I was a good, useful plant.

But those roots; they don't care what people think, they're not even seen; they're intent on going deeper and deeper into the soil to provide a strong, sturdy foundation for healthy growth.

Who knew I could learn from a radish?!!!

kdr

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Two Prayers

The Bible is loaded with wonderful prayers; and over the years I have made many of them my own; simply because they so adequately expressed things in my heart that I had been unable to put into words.

At this point in my life, two prayers stand out for me. One is the prayer of Jabez. I had heard of it and seen books about it, but had never read any of them. Some friends brought it to my attention recently and I found it to be a concise way to express the desires of my own heart. It can be found in I Chronicles 4:10.

"Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!" kjv

"Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" new living translation

The other is near the end of Psalm 19.

"Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me; then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression."

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer." kjv

kdr

Monday, July 06, 2009

ANYWAY [anon.]

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere, people may cheat you;
Be honest anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous and resentful;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may never be recognized by mankind;
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them, anyway.

kdr

Saturday, July 04, 2009

The Voice of Wisdom

As I listened to Sarah Palin's speech yesterday, I was struck by the wisdom with which she spoke. I was reminded of Deborah, a judge of Israel long ago. Her story is recorded in the book of Judges in the Bible. Barack, a man of her time, respected her wisdom and listened to her words from God, and so Israel was delivered once more.

I wish that the Barack of our time would likewise listen to the Voice of Wisdom, that we would be delivered as well.

Happy Birthday, America!

kdr

Monday, June 29, 2009

A STORY ABOUT DALTON

My mother recently forwarded me a story written by Thomas Lake of the Atlanta Magazine. It's a little long...but it's was worth the read. It's been 14 years (or so) since I've lived in Dalton. I grew up in Dalton....and even though I don't know the city as it is now.....I remember it the carpet mills, streets, people and places....and the way it used to be. The story touched me.......

http://www.atlantamagazine.com/june2009/dalton.aspx

Saturday, June 27, 2009

MOTOWN 25th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL



I remember sitting at home on the floor playing with my toys watching TV. I never knew who Michael Jackson was....until this moment. He had been singing a song or two from his youth...then all of the sudden he changed......he had stepped out on his own. I remember being in the 3rd grade and I somehow managed to get the Thriller album. I took it to school the next day and showed it to all of my friends. We were all so excited that my teacher Mrs. Woodsworth let us listen to the album in class. Those were the days.........

GOATS AND HORSES



This is my first attempt at uploading a YouTube video.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

KING OF POP

We just heard that Michael Jackson just died a few minutes ago (just after 5pm). It's incredibly sad news. Whether or not you were a fan or even liked the guy.......the man had talent.....a gift.......and an ability to entertain and create. I personally believe this was a gift from God. Denise and I were just discussing the Motown Special that aired in the early 80's. He went from being a member of the Jackson Five to Michael Jackson with one song....Billy Jean. That TV concert made an impression on me as a child. To hear this new is sad. Our prayers is that he reached out to Jesus.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

TOOS-DAY

The garden has been planted. I'm still amazed at how things work. You plow the ground up. Cast a seed and it grows. How cool is that. From one little seed comes a plant with the potential to produce food. We'll post some photos as the garden progresses.

This is Bear. I'm not sure how old he is......he's still a kitten. He's probably 2 months old. He's a cool cat.....has a personality like Garfield. He's a bobtail. He loves our guitar cases. I don't know why......but he does.



My Grandmother passes away several weeks ago. My sister Carol made this collage for the family. If you squint hard enough you can see (in the middle picture) my sister and myself sitting with my Grandmother. I remember those days. They almost seem like another life. I was always curious when I visited my Grandmother's house. She had so many interesting nicknacks and trinkets. As a child it seemed that the house was so big and the walls were covered floor to ceiling with photos. I remember the smell of a wood burning heater. Like I said....it seemed like another life......so long ago. Outside....I was just as curious as I was inside. Her yard was fun to play in. She had a yard full of flowers. Most of which I never knew what they were called. I remember lots of roses and elephant ears. My Grandmother is survived by many children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. From one came many.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Saturday, May 30, 2009

WHAT A WEEK!

This week has been a full week.

We've had family in the hospital.
(They're doing well now)

We've had family to graduate.

We've had to travel out of town.
(Ate at the Olive Garden *YuM*)
We've been sick. (We're recovering)

We've worked hard.

We've farmed.

We've suffered loss.

We've been to the movies. (UP was good)


It's been a very full week.

And I'm glad it's over.
A new week begins.

There are somethings that I just don't think about anymore. One of those is High School. When I graduated.......that was the last time that I set foot in that school. I was shocked years later to find out that the school had metal detectors at the entrances. I couldn't believe it. Things change and evolve naturally over time. I think that's good (but maybe not in this case).

I never really kept up with any of my friends from High School. It's been 16 years since my graduation. Wow! Time has flown by. I remember being excited about college. I didn't know what to expect.....other than it had to be better. It was. I enjoyed my college years. So in the spirit of celebrations we CONGRATULATE THE GRADUATES!


Friday, May 22, 2009

NOT MUCH TO SAY

Lately it seems that I've not had too much to say as far as blogs go.

We were both doing a blog a day (sometimes more) for a while. I guess the reason is that we've been busier lately.....work has picked up some......I've had lots of projects to complete around the house and we've been getting to go to Florida next month.

As far as business goes....I've been taking on smaller jobs (and been thankful for it). It seems that there are lots of big time contractors out there who love the larger jobs. But you know what? I like smaller jobs. You see results quickly and people seem to be easier to please. Plus it's less of a headache.

We've been trying to plant a garden all month long. As thankful as were are for the rain.....I wouldn't mind it slacking up a bit and allowing the ground to dry up some. Hopefully we'll get it in the ground before we head to Florida.

At the barn it seems that we're overrun with baby goats. I love'em. They're growning like weeds too. Those born in December/January are now weaned and ready to go to auction. To our suprise we had two born a week ago........we were really suprised. Yesterday was Rosie's birthday. She was born 2 years ago (May 21st 2007). Boy has she grown! She's as big as her mother.

I've been reading The Half-Blood Prince in preparation for the upcoming movie. Even though the movies are a bit altered from the books........we still enjoy them. Speaking of movies...... lately we've seen Star Trek and Wolverine. We enjoyed both. I wasn't expecting Star Trek to be as good as it was.......a top notch movie. Today we took the little girl to watch Night At The Museum. It was good...had some funny moments.....cool special effects.....action......good family movie. I love a good movie...........

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Excerpt from "A Tale of Three Kings" by Gene Edwards

"Why. David, why?"

The place was another nameless cave.

The men stirred about restlessly.
Gradually, and very uneasily, they began to settle in. All were as confused as Joab, who had finally voiced their questions.

Joab wanted some answers. Now!

David should have seemed embarrassed or at least defensive. He was neither. He was looking past Joab like a man viewing another realm which only he could see.

Joab walked directly in front of David, looked down on him, and began roaring his frustrations.

"Many times he almost speared you to death in his castle. I've seen that with my own eyes. Finally, you ran away. Now for years you have been nothing but a rabbit for him to chase. Furthermore, the whole world believes the lies he tells about you. He has come, the King himself, hunting every cave, pit and hole on earth to find you and kill you like a dog. But tonight YOU had HIM at the end of his own spear and you did nothing!

"Look at us. We're animals again. Less than an hour ago you could have freed us all. Yes, we could all be free, right now! Free! And Israel, too. She would be free. Why, David, why did you not end these years of misery?"

There was a long silence. Men shifted again, uneasily. They were not accustomed to seeing David rebuked.

"Because," said David very slowly (and with a gentleness that seemed to say, 'I heard what you asked, but not the way you asked it'), "because once, long ago, he was not mad. He was young. He was great. Great in the eyes of God and men. And it was God who made him king-God-not men."

Joab blazed back, "But now he is MAD! And God is no longer with him. And, David, he will yet kill you!"

This time it was David's answer that blazed with fire.

"Better he kill me than I learn his ways. Better he kill me than I become as he is. I shall not practice the ways that cause kings to go mad. I will not throw spears, nor will I allow hatred to grow in my heart. I will not avenge. Not now. Not ever!"

Joab could not handle such a senseless answer. He stormed out into the dark.

That night men went to bed on cold, wet stone and muttered about their leader's distorted, masochistic views of relationships to kings, especially mad ones.

Angels went to bed that night too, and dreamed, in the afterglow of that rare, rare day, that God might yet be able to give His authority to a trustworthy vessel."

Friday, May 15, 2009

AHHH....THE YOUTH OF TODAY

This is so funny........

Sunday, May 10, 2009

The Gods of the Copybook Headings by Rudyard Kipling

This poem was published in 1919. A copybook was an exercise book used in schools to practice penmanship. The pages were blank except for the horizontal rulings to write on and the headings printed perfectly at the top. The headings were usually proverbial in nature. The gods of the copybook headings in the poem represent wisdom to me; while the gods of the marketplace represent beautiful lies and demoniacal doctrines. Written long ago, it has a feel of today, in my view. Oh, Stilton is a specific cheese made only in a few places in England.



"As I pass through my incarnations in every age and race
I make my proper prostrations to the Gods of the Market Place.
Peering through reverent fingers I watch them florish and fall,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings, I notice, outlast them all.

We were living in trees when they met us. They showed us each in turn
That Water would certainly wet us, as Fire would certainly burn:
But we found them lacking in Uplift, Vision and Breadth of Mind,
So we left them to teach the Gorillas while we followed the March of Mankind.

We moved as the Spirit listed. They never altered their pace,
Being neither cloud nor wind-borne like the Gods of the Market Place;
But they always caught up with our progress, and presently word would come
That a tribe had been wiped off its icefield, or the lights had gone out in Rome.

With the Hopes that our World is built on they were utterly out of touch,
They denied that the Moon was Stilton; they denied she was even Dutch;
They denied that Wishes were Horses; they denied that a Pig had Wings;
So we worshipped the Gods of the Market Who promised these beautiful things.

When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace.
They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would cease.
But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "Stick to the Devil you know."

On the first Feminian Sandstones we were promised the Fuller Life
(Which started by loving our neighbor and ended by loving his wife)
Till our women had no more children and the men lost reason and faith,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "The Wages of Sin is Death."

In the Carboniferous Epoch we were promise abundance for all,
By robbing selected Peter to pay for collective Paul;
But though we had plenty of money, there was nothing our money could buy,
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said, "If you don't work you die."

Then the Gods of the Market tumbled, and their smooth-tongued wizards withdrew
And the hearts of the meanest were humbled and we began to believe it was true
That All is not Gold that Glitters, and Two and Two make Four-
And the Gods of the Copybook Headings limped up to explain it once more.

As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man-
There are only four things certain since Social Progress began:-
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire;

And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins,
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn,
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!"

Sunday, May 03, 2009

A Merry Heart

Proverbs 15:15

KJV "All the days of the afflicted are evil; but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast."

NAS "All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast."

NIV "All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast."

Amp. "All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]."

CAP AND TRADE?

Cap and Trade......Kyoto Treaty part two.......

Al Gore strikes again......

Friday, May 01, 2009

THE LORDS PRAYER (1973)

by Sister Janet Mead.......I believe she was a Nun.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

RIVER MONSTERS

I've started trying to watch a new show that comes on Animal Planet on Sunday nights called River Monsters. Basically the host travels the world in search of legendary freshwater river fish. This particular episode he's in Europe searching for a catfish that attacks humans. I was shocked at the size of this fish (being that he caught it on a rod/reel). Other episodes he caught a 100+ pound Alligator Gar....swam with piranhas....caught a 100+ pound catfish in South America.....etc. Personally I don't think that I would want to catch a fish of this magnitude. Probably freak me out and I'd never fish again or I'd get grossed out (face it.....fish tastes good but isn't always pretty out of the water).

Friday, April 24, 2009

1982

1982.......just a year after the debut of Mtv.

I remember that.....most people do.

Back in the day when Music Television played 'Music Videos'........(now a thing of the past). I think the last time I watched Mtv was in the 90's. Anyways.....it's 1982 and I'm watching music videos. Men Without Hats had their only chart topping hit (that I know of)......

To me it was a fun song. A silly song. Made me want to get up and dance. The songs no Beethoven's Fifth.....but that's ok.....it's just a fun song. Enjoy.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

"Tilly"

"Tilly" is a book written by Frank Peretti. It is not a long book, but it is a powerful one. In it, a woman is somehow translated inside her home to heavenly realms. She is married and has two living children. But, during her experience, she meets Tilly, her aborted daughter. Tilly is overjoyed to spend time with her mother, but is also hurt and confused that she was not allowed to experience life on earth with her family. The book is about forgiveness, healing, reunion and reconciliation.

Some of my friends had chosen abortion and were remorseful; other friends had experienced the sorrow of miscarriage. I had never thought of these little ones as being in heaven; it had just never occurred to me. This book was encouraging and hopeful.

Later on, a friend related her story to me. With her permission, I am relating it as best I can, as it is along this theme.

The woman had borne two children. She had also had two abortions. One was at the urging of her doctors and her husband, as, because of some complications, it was doubtful if either she or the baby would live. The other was because, during a time of separation from her husband, she had an affair. She had reconciled with her husband, not realizing she was pregnant.

Years later, when both children were grown, the woman begin to experience health problems. She was scheduled for a delicate surgery in which the odds were, by no means, certain. In talking inwardly to God, she felt He asked her if there was anything she wanted as she prepared for surgery. She responded that she wanted her children with her. Her request was granted as they were both able to be there and at her side in the hours preceding surgery.

After they were asked to leave and she was given anesthesia she had another experience. There were two strong, young men in the room beside her. She thought they must be her guardian angels. She spoke to them; one was responsive and friendly while the other turned his head at her greeting. "Why are you mad at me?" she asked, as the anesthesia took its full affect.

After a successful surgery, she often thought of this encounter, and would frequently ask God, "Why wouldn't the one angel talk to me; why did he seem to be mad at me?"

Tears streamed down her face as realization struck full force, and remorse, love and gratitude filled her heart. Those weren't angels. God had fully granted her request.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

IT'S BEEN 3

People have their song......their movie......and even their restaurant.


We have our tree.

Three years ago today Denise and I were married under a Dogwood tree at Noccalula Falls. It was about 2 in the afternoon.......we were married by Richard Trader. It was a beautiful day. I know many of you guys have been married years...maybe decades longer.......but 3 years have flown by so quickly. One thing I can say about being married.......there are no voids in my life. Everyday is full of life. Nothing like being happy and having a good wife!

Proverbs 18:22


He who finds a wife finds a good thing And obtains favor from the LORD.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Sunday, April 12, 2009

HEROES

There are still heroes out there. Most real heroes are never awarded medals.....never recognized....but they are heroes none the less. I'm not talking about those on TV....in Hollywood.....but real men and women working 9 to 5 and serving others with a passion in their heart. I was inspired by Capt. Richard Phillips heroic sacrifice for his crew. How he was held hostage for days and had a nation behind him...praying for him. We were so happy this afternoon when we heard of his daring escape and freedom from pirates. Real heroes.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Friday, April 10, 2009

EASTER AND TAXES

Coming upon Easter I reflect on many things. This year Easter, taxes and our anniversary fall within a few days of each other. With taxes behind us now.....I'm thrilled to be able to focus on the other two.

This year (on the 15th) it will be our third anniversary. I can't believe it has been that long. Time has flown and I could not have been happier.

Growing up I was a fan of Easter because of the candy and the candy. It wasn't until I got older (in my 20's) that I started attending church regularly. I never fell under the conviction of having to dress up on Easter (suit and tie) in the church I was attending. I'm thankful for that. Now being in my 30's I can enjoy the kids who love their candy on Easter, see them dressed to impress (they are really cute) and appreciate the real reason for Easter. Without the Resurrection.......we'd be lost.

John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live:

John 20: 1-18 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. So the disciples went away again to their own homes. But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.

I believe at that particular point Jesus made a bridge between us and the Father. Forever making us apart of His Kingdom.

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

The Sea Declares His Majesty



"Who shut up the sea behind doors
when it burst forth from the womb,

When I made the clouds its garment
and wrapped it in thick darkness,
when I fixed limits for it
and set its doors and bars in place,

when I said, 'This far you may come
and no farther;
here is where your proud waves halt'?"

Job 38:8-11

"They that go down to the sea in ships,
that do business in great waters;
These see the works of the Lord, and
his wonders in the deep.

For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind,
which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again
to the depths:
Their soul is melted because of trouble.

They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man,
and are at their wits end.
Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble,
and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves therof are still,
then are they glad because they be quiet;
So he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Psalm 107:23-30

Sunday, April 05, 2009

The Right Kind of People by Edwin Markham (1852-1940)

Gone is the city, gone the day,
Yet still the story and the meaning stay:
Once where a prophet in the palm shade basked
A traveler chanced at noon to rest his mules.
"What sort of people may they be," he asked,
"In this proud city on the plains o'erspread?"
"Well, friend, what sort of people whence you came?"
"What sort?" the packman scowled; "why, knaves and fools."
"You'll find the people here the same," the wise man said.

Another stranger in the dusk drew near,
And pausing, cried, "What sort of people here
In your bright city where yon towers arise?"
"Well, friend, what sort of people whence you came?"
"What sort?" the pilgrim smiled with lifted head;
"Good, true, and wise."
"You'll find the people here the same,"
The wise man said.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

EAST WEST

Another mp3 tread mill song.....

I've only seen these guys once in concert....and I have to say that they were among the nicest guys I've ever met. Don't let this song fool you.......these guys are screamin' metal heads. This is a good song......

OLD SCHOOL METAL

Another song I listen to on the tread mill.....

SAVIOUR MACHINE

THE CHAMPION


Friday, April 03, 2009

TWINS

Wednesday our pygmy goat Cleo had her babies. We've been waiting for a while for her to have her kids. She had gotten so big and seemingly uncomfortable.......we expected them a month ago. According to a site search I did on Google.....a pygmy goats gestation period is about 5 months. Both kids are male and mostly white. I honestly didn't think that she would get pregnant because she's so small and the billy we had was so tall............I guess where there's a will....there's a way! We also worried about the size of the babies......again because she's so small and Boer babies are larger than pygmy babies at birth. We're proud of the babies. I'm going to try to play with them a lot as they are growing so they'll make good pets. Being that they are both boys.....we won't be able to keep them. We'll enjoy them all that we can.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

The Beauty of Submission

John 13:2-5 "The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."

Matthew 26:36-39 "Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray.' He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.' Going a little further, he fell to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.' "

Philippians 2:1-8 "If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing; taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and become obedient even unto death-the death of the cross."

1 Coritnthians 6:7 "The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you have been competely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?"

Ephesians 5:21 "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

The willingness of my heart to submit, to what degree; the level of maturity.

kdr

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

I JUST KNOW

I've been listening to my mp3 player while working out at the gym. I pulled out my CD cases a while back and downloaded songs onto my player. I've rediscovered so many treasures from my past. One of these is Disciple. I was just coming out of the world and felt lost (musically). I didn't have any new music to listen to and at the time didn't like most Christian music. The church I attended had some awesome worship songs......and that was cool.....but I still loved heavy bass driven solo screamin' loud rock music. These guys were a breath of fresh air.

Disciple is a Christian rock group originally out of Knoxville Tennessee. Back in 2000 David Hopper, a good friend of mine, invited me to hear them at Wallace Hall here in Gadsden. These guys preached. Their songs were heavy with scripture. The music was worshipful for me. I got fired up for God.

I had a new favorite band.

The band started out as a trio. And they ROCKED! It didn't take me long to buy all of their albums. This Might Sting A Little was the first CD I bought. Two of my favorite songs from the album are 'I Just Know (Jesus is the way)' and 'Big Bad Wolf'. I also purchased their first CD My Daddy Can Whip Your Daddy and their second What Was I Thinking. I eagerly awaited their fourth album By God....which is awesome.....and their fifth album Back Again. I believe the last time I saw them was in 2005 in Boaz Alabama when their fifth CD was released. Since then I've heard that they've gone more commercial and added new members and lost some original ones. They've had a few more albums as well. But for me.....this song is the reason I fell in love with their music.

THE GADSDEN FLAG

I ran across this article today. This was all new to me. I love this flag....especially now with all that's going on in this country. Today it became even more endearing.
An Article by: Chris Whitten
I like seeing all the American flags. I do have my complaints about the American government, especially about how intimately the Washington D.C. politicians feel they should be involved in the daily lives of their subjects, I mean, citizens. But the flag isn't just a symbol of the American government. It's a symbol of shared American values -- especially our highest common value: freedom.

When it comes to symbolizing freedom and the spirit of '76, I do think there's a better American flag. With all due respect to the stars and stripes, I prefer the yellow Gadsden flag with the coiled rattlesnake and the defiant Don't Tread on Me motto.
The meaning of Old Glory can get mixed up with the rights and wrongs of the perpetually new-and-improved government. The meaning of "Don't Tread on Me" is unmistakable.
There's also an interesting history behind this flag. And it's intertwined with one of American history's most interesting personalities, Ben Franklin.


Benjamin Franklin is famous for his sense of humor. In 1751, he wrote a satirical commentary in his Pennsylvania Gazette suggesting that as a way to thank the Brits for their policy of sending convicted felons to America, American colonists should send rattlesnakes to England.
Three years later, in 1754, he used a snake to illustrate another point. This time not so humorous.

Franklin sketched, carved, and published the first known political cartoon in an American newspaper. It was the image of a snake cut into eight sections. The sections represented the individual colonies and the curves of the snake suggested the coastline. New England was combined into one section as the head of the snake. South Carolina was at the tail. Beneath the snake were the ominous words "Join, or Die."

[Benjamin Franklin's woodcut from May 9, 1754.Newspaper Serial and Government Publications Division,Library of Congress.]

This had nothing to do with independence from Britain. It was a plea for unity in defending the colonies during the French and Indian War. It played off a common superstition of the time: a snake that had been cut into pieces could come back to life if you joined the sections together before sunset.

The snake illustration was reprinted throughout the colonies. Dozens of newspapers from Massachusetts to South Carolina ran Franklin's sketch or some variation of it. For example, the Boston Gazette recreated the snake with the words "Unite and Conquer" coming from its mouth.
I suppose the newspaper editors were hungry for graphic material, this being America's first political cartoon. Whatever the reason, Franklin's snake wiggled its way into American culture as an early symbol of a shared national identity.

The snake symbol came in handy ten years later, when Americans were again uniting against a common enemy.

In 1765 the common enemy was the Stamp Act. The British decided that they needed more control over the colonies, and more importantly, they needed more money from the colonies. The Crown was loaded with debt from the French and Indian War.
Why shouldn't the Americans -- "children planted by our care, nourished by our indulgence," as Charles Townshend of the House of Commons put it -- pay off England's debt?
Colonel Isaac Barre, who had fought in the French and Indian War, responded that the colonies hadn't been planted by the care of the British government, they'd been established by people fleeing it. And the British government hadn't nourished the colonies, they'd flourished despite what the British government did and didn't do.

In this speech, Barre referred to the colonists as "sons of liberty."
In the following months and years, as we know, the Sons of Liberty became increasingly resentful of English interference. And as the tides of American public opinion moved closer and closer to rebellion, Franklin's disjointed snake continued to be used as symbol of American unity, and American independence. For example, in 1774 Paul Revere added it to the masthead of The Massachusetts Spy and showed the snake fighting a British dragon.

[Paul Revere's modified "Join or Die" snake from the mastheadof Thomas's Boston Journal, July 7, 1774. Newspaper Serialand Government Publications Division, Library of Congress.]

[The seal from a 1778 $20 bill from Georgia. The financial backing for these bills was property seized from loyalists. The motto reads "Nemo me impune lacesset," i.e. "No one will provoke me with impunity."]By 1775, the snake symbol wasn't just being printed in newspapers. It was appearing all over the colonies ... on uniform buttons ... on paper money ... and of course, on banners and flags.

The snake symbol morphed quite a bit during its rapid, widespread adoption. It wasn't cut up into pieces anymore. And it was usually shown as an American timber rattlesnake, not a generic serpent
.
We don't know for certain where, when, or by whom the familiar coiled rattlesnake was first used with the warning "Don't Tread on Me."

We do know when it first entered the history books.

In the fall of 1775, the British were occupying Boston and the young Continental Army was holed up in Cambridge, woefully short on arms and ammunition. At the Battle of Bunker Hill, Washington's troops had been so low on gunpowder that they were ordered "not to fire until you see the whites of their eyes."

In October, a merchant ship called The Black Prince returned to Philadelphia from a voyage to England. On board were private letters to the Second Continental Congress that informed them that the British government was sending two ships to America loaded with arms and gunpowder for the British troops.

Congress decided that General Washington needed those arms more than General Howe. A plan was hatched to capture the British cargo ships. They authorized the creation of a Continental Navy, starting with four ships. The frigate that carried the information from England, the Black Prince, was one of the four. It was purchased, converted to a man-of-war, and renamed the Alfred.

To accompany the Navy on their first mission, Congress also authorized the mustering of five companies of Marines. The Alfred and its sailors and marines went on to achieve some of the most notable victories of the American Revolution. But that's not the story we're interested in here.

What's particularly interesting for us is that some of the Marines that enlisted that month in Philadelphia were carrying drums painted yellow, emblazoned with a fierce rattlesnake, coiled and ready to strike, with thirteen rattles, and sporting the motto "Don't Tread on Me."
Benjamin Franklin diverts an idle hour

[Benjamin Franklin, portrait by David Martin, 1767. White House Historical Association.]In December 1775, "An American Guesser" anonymously wrote to the Pennsylvania Journal:
"I observed on one of the drums belonging to the marines now raising, there was painted a Rattle-Snake, with this modest motto under it, 'Don't tread on me.' As I know it is the custom to have some device on the arms of every country, I supposed this may have been intended for the arms of America."

This anonymous writer, having "nothing to do with public affairs" and "in order to divert an idle hour," speculated on why a snake might be chosen as a symbol for America.

First, it occurred to him that "the Rattle-Snake is found in no other quarter of the world besides America."

The rattlesnake also has sharp eyes, and "may therefore be esteemed an emblem of vigilance." Furthermore,
"She never begins an attack, nor, when once engaged, ever surrenders: She is therefore an emblem of magnanimity and true courage. ... she never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her."

Finally,
"I confess I was wholly at a loss what to make of the rattles, 'till I went back and counted them and found them just thirteen, exactly the number of the Colonies united in America; and I recollected too that this was the only part of the Snake which increased in numbers. ...
"'Tis curious and amazing to observe how distinct and independent of each other the rattles of this animal are, and yet how firmly they are united together, so as never to be separated but by breaking them to pieces. One of those rattles singly, is incapable of producing sound, but the ringing of thirteen together, is sufficient to alarm the boldest man living."

Many scholars now agree that this "American Guesser" was Benjamin Franklin.
Franklin, of course, is also known for opposing the use of an eagle -- "a bird of bad moral character" -- as a national symbol.
Although Benjamin Franklin helped create the American rattlesnake symbol, his name isn't generally attached to the rattlesnake flag. The yellow "don't tread on me" standard is usually called a Gadsden flag, or less commonly, a Hopkins flag.

These two individuals were mulling about Philadelphia at the same time, making their own important contributions to American history and the history of the rattlesnake flag.
Christopher Gadsden was an American patriot if ever there was one. He led Sons of Liberty in South Carolina starting in 1765, and was later made a colonel in the Continental Army. In 1775 he was in Philadelphia representing his home state in the Continental Congress. He was also one of three members of the Marine Committee who decided to outfit and man the Alfred and its sister ships.

Gadsden and Congress chose a Rhode Island man, Esek Hopkins, as the commander-in-chief of the Navy. The flag that Hopkins used as his personal standard on the Alfred is the one we would now recognize. It's likely that John Paul Jones, as the first lieutenant on the Alfred, ran it up the gaff.

[Commodore Hopkins, portrait by C. Corbutt, 1776. Click here for a larger image. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.]

It's generally accepted that Hopkins' flag was presented to him by Christopher Gadsden, who felt it was especially important for the commodore to have a distinctive personal standard. Gadsden also presented a copy of this flag to his state legislature in Charleston. This is recorded in the South Carolina congressional journals:

"Col. Gadsden presented to the Congress an elegant standard, such as is to be used by the commander in chief of the American navy; being a yellow field, with a lively representation of a rattle-snake in the middle, in the attitude of going to strike, and these words underneath, "Don't Tread on Me!"

The Gadsden flag and other rattlesnake flags were widely used during the American Revolution. There was no standard American flag at the time. People were free to choose their own banners.
[Flag of the Culpeper Minute Men.]

The Minutemen of Culpeper County, Virginia, chose a flag that looks generally like the Gadsden flag, but also includes the famous words of the man who organized the Virginia militia, Patrick Henry, i.e. "Liberty or Death."

The First Navy Jack features an uncoiled rattlesnake winding its way across a field of thirteen red and white stripes.
One of the most interesting variations is the flag of Colonel John Proctor's Independent Battalion from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
[Flag of Colonel John Proctor's Battalion, raised in 1775. The "I.B.W.C.P" above the rattlesnake stands for Independent Battalion, Westmoreland County, Pennsyvania.]
Tradition holds that in May 1775, when the citizens of Westmoreland gathered at the Hannastown Tavern and issued their own Declaration of Independence, they tore down the British flag that was flying there and made some modifications. The original flag had an open red field with the British ensign in the upper corner. They painted a coiled rattlesnake and its "Don't Tread on Me" warning onto the center, as if ready to strike at the Union Jack. This flag is one of the few that's still intact. It's at the William Penn Memorial Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

After the Revolution, rattlesnake flags became less common. General Washington and many members of Congress preferred stars, stripes, and more conventional symbols, such as the eagle.
Over the years the Gadsden flag has become more and more associated with rebellion and totally disassociated with pride in one's government. Some say that this makes it a lousy symbol for the Fourth of July. But I say that makes it a great symbol for celebrating the spirit of July 4, 1776.