Tracy Talk

This story absolutely blew me away.  On January 12, 2007 Joshua Bell, arguably the greatest violinist in the world and one time child prodigy, helped to conduct a very thought provoking study in a metro station in Washington D.C.  He played some of the greatest classical music ever written on his 3.5 million dollar violin for 45 minutes to see if he and the music would be appreciated by every day, busy Americans.  In the entire time that he played he was given a total of $32 in tips and received no applause or recognition.  Most never even stopped to listen or pay attention.  The most interested of all seemed to be children.  Just two days before Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats averaged $100 each.  After this event he headed off on a concert tour to European capitals.  It really does make you stop and ask…how many truly great and truly beautiful things do we miss in life, because we are too busy wtih insignificant nonsense?  Let’s stop and smell the roses a little more often!  Read the whole story as printed in the Washington Post HERE.  Yes, I verified on Snopes.com that the story is true.

Please watch the video below and consider the following.  Whether you like him or not, you must admit that President Obama has risen to an incredible place of success and has literally made history.  I wonder if he has ever stopped to think that his mother gave him the first and best gift of all…the gift of life.  Nothing that he has accomplished in life would have been done if his mother had chosen abortion.  Barack’s life was not terminated before birth and as a result he now has the tremendous privilege of leading the greatest nation in the world as the first African American President.  Shouldn’t everyone have that chance?

He has been President of the United States for two days.  What is his first priority as the new leader of the free world?  Sadly, today Obama announced that among his first three executive orders will be issuing “a reversal of a ban on federal funding for non-governmental organizations working outside the U.S. that offer abortions or abortion counseling. Obama will sign the executive order on the 36th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion in all 50 states (CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE FROM FOX NEWS).”  Am I surprised?  Of course not.  Obama’s commitment to legalize and fascilitate abortion is no secret.  But I must say, it outrages me to actually see this particular agenda moving forward.  He is making it even easier for Americans to legally kill our own citizens!  God help us.

In one of his final speeches, Former President George W. Bush made the following statement:

“Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.” (Full Article Here)

Mr. Bush went on to say, “There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil.”

I have to say this, and say it loudly….  THANK YOU Mr. Bush for keeping America safe.  I have not always agreed with every decision that you have made, but I often am reminded that it is easy for a person to talk about what they would do if they were in charge.  It is a completely different matter to be the one sitting at the desk in the Oval Office making the decisions.  I am confident that history will one day tell of how the 43rd President of the United States made great personal and public sacrifices to keep all of us safe from our enemies even when it seemed that no one was grateful.  THANK YOU for being a man of courage and conviction.  I pray that we will continue to know peace, freedom, and security in the United States for many years to come.

I was especially moved with admiration and respect for Mr. Bush after reading the comments of Karl Rove, long time advisor to Bush and his Deputy Chief of Staff for several years.  I am convinced that the real George W. Bush is not the man so often portrayed in the media as an unintelligent, quick-triggered, irrational, bumbling fool.  Rather, like Rove, those closest to him speak so often of his humility, conviction, purpose, and dedication to moral principles.

I would enourage you to read the article by Mr. Rove and consider your own grattitude for a President who has served tirelessly for you and our great country.

Citizens Supporting the Current Zoning of the NW Corner of Ehrlich Road and Bellamy Road and the Preservation of Wetlands in Citrus Park

Hillsdale Baptist Church is made up of a local community of citizens, many of who live and work in the Citrus Park area.  Recently an announcement was posted that a neighboring property will be rezoned to accommodate the construction of a new RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps.

At Hillsdale, we are fully in support of the growth and development of local businesses.  We do all that we can to invest in the well being of our county.  However, we are concerned that the addition of a Convenience Store and Gas Pumps on the corner of Ehrlich Road and Bellamy Road would have detrimental consequences in our area.

Because of this, we support the existing zoning of the Northwest corner of Ehrlich Road and Bellamy Road and the preservation of the wetlands in Citrus Park.

Here is a summary of the negative impact that rezoning to accommodate a RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps would have on our community:

1.    The addition of a RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps would further harm the beautiful wetlands and protected environment of Citrus Park.  The quiet ambiance that we currently enjoy would be replaced by pollution and noise.
2.    The driveway cut on Bellamy Road would be too close to the intersection, not allowing adequate stacking of Northbound Bellamy traffic when making a left turn into site.
3.    Since Bellamy Road is the only access into several developments, representing hundreds of homes, any commercial driveway to the site from Bellamy would not be safe or practical.
4.    The driveway cut on Ehrlich Road would be too close to the intersection, representing a traffic hazard to accelerating Westbound traffic from the light for right hand turns into the site.
5.    There are currently no provisions for a security/privacy wall along the Western property line between Hillsdale Baptist Church and the proposed RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps.  If plans proceed, we would like to see a six-foot masonry wall run the entire length of the Western property line.
6.    An application for a Beer and Wine License is likely for RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps.  This would put alcohol sales adjacent to Hillsdale Baptist Church, Preschool and Academy. Current regulations state that alcohol sales must be 500 feet away from the property line, not the building, of a church or a school.  The proposed site shows a 20-foot set back from the church property line.  A convenience store, like RaceTrac, will likely fail without alcohol sales.  See the Southeast corner of Ehrlich Road and West Village Road as proof of where a previous convenience store with gas station and car wash failed and was sold to Regions Bank.  Their failure is attributed to having no alcohol license due to the proximity of Ben Hill Middle School.
7.    The atmosphere of a RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps is not in keeping with the residential character of the neighborhood.
8.    There is no need for additional fuel delivery in the neighborhood.  Stations in our area are closing due to the economy, not opening.
9.    The exit off of Northbound Veterans Expressway is poorly designed.  Because of this, many tickets are cited when traffic, merging Eastbound onto Ehrlich Road, does not come to a full stop. There is often a Highway Patrol or Sheriff waiting on the East side of the retention pond.  Eastbound traffic going into RaceTrac Convenience Store and Gas Pumps will likely have to perform a u-turn. Additional accidents are probable. Eastbound traffic turning onto Bellamy Road already does not have enough room in the turning lane, which clogs the traffic flow.

Again, at Hillsdale Baptist church, we are not against the success and growth of local business in Citrus Park.  A progressive, flourishing community is good for our own growth.  However, we do fervently support the safeguarding of our protected wetlands and the wildlife that accompanies them, as well as the quiet ambiance and residential character of our community.  For these reasons, we support maintaining the current zoning regulations of the previously discussed intersection.

We would greatly appreciate the additional support of all concerned citizens who have an interest in the well being of the Citrus Park community.  A public hearing is scheduled for January 20 at 6:00pm and is open to any interested party.

For further questions or comments, please contact John Tracy, Hillsdale Baptist Church Pastoral Staff Member, at 813-884-8250.

There is also a Facebook Group Created for Citizens to join and show their support of keeping the current zoning.  More information can be read there.  You can visit the Facebook page by clicking HERE.

The following is one of a series of four posts (4/4) that pre-date the November ‘08 elections.  They were originally published on a different site.  I’m re-posting them here on www.JohnTracy.me for sake of consolidation.

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Please watch the video below before reading my comments that follow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfF15cUc9AM

In case you have never heard of Bill Ayres, here is my brief description:
Bill Ayres is an unrepentant terrorist who was a member of the Weather Underground and bombed the Pentagon, the U.S. Capitol and a New York City police headquarters. After 9/11, he was quoted in the New York Times as saying “I don’t regret setting bombs … I feel we didn’t do enough.”

Ayers is currently a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He and Obama live in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood and served together on the board of the Woods Fund, a Chicago-based charity that develops community groups to help the poor. Obama and Ayres made speeches together in 1997 and 2002. Obama spokes-person David Axelrod said that they were friends. Obama left the board in December 2002. Among the other interesting connections between the two is the fact that Ayers helped launch Obama’s political career by hosting a meet-the-candidate event at his home for Barack when he first ran for office in the mid-1990s.
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Now, consider this…
Should we have to question the American loyalty of the Commander and Chief of this Nation? Obama has a lifetime of “questionable (to say the least)” friends: Bill Ayers, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Tony Rezko, etc. I’m so tired of hearing of his connections with people and organizations that are anti-American. How many times have we heard stories about Obama refusing to wear a flag on his coat, refusing to pledge to the flag during the National Anthem, and along with his wife making terribly derogatory statements about the USA-the greatest nation in the world! Why is someone so anti-American even being considered? Could it be that, if America votes in Barack Obama as the next President, the population at large is just as anti-American as he?

Let me explain. Why do we love America? Is it only the greatness of our land that we love in terms of our economic dominance in recent decades, our military power, our natural resources, or maybe even the wit and wisdom of our founding fathers? Is Barack Obama opposed to that America? Maybe in part, but for the most part, no. He’s not opposed to the existence of America, nor having her be the most influential nation on the world scene. He’s opposed to the America that you and I, who are believers in Jesus Christ, know and love…the America that is based on principles and precepts in God’s holy Word.

Why are we great, people?  Here is the answer: because of the good hand of our good God! The only way we have any hope to continue to be great, is if we continue striving to be good! And, good is not possible apart from God.

Barack Obama is anti-American not just because of his association with terrorists and radicals and his blatant refusal at times to honor the very symbols of our freedom. He is anti-America, primarily because he is against our Christian morals. I don’t know his heart, nor his eternal standing before a holy God, but I do know that he denies the very clear teaching of Scripture on many issues.

Does one have to be a professed Christian to lead this nation?  No, that has never been the case, although it has certainly been ideal when it has happened in our history. On the other hand, should Christians look for a candidate that most closely aligns with their Christian world-view?  Absolutely!  If Obama has his way, he will take America farther from God with his policies than we have ever been in our history.  Trust me, Bill Ayers could be the least of our worries in the near future.

I shudder to think what all this could mean for the eternal-security of our nation (from God’s perspective).

I do know this, the Bible gives no indication at all that America will continue to be the favored nation until the end of time. There are several identifiable nations in the book of the Revelation, but Bible scholars agree, America is not found among them. What does the future hold for our great land?  Only God knows the full answer.  Regardless, you and I must be found faithful until He calls us home.  America has seen great times of revival in the past, and we need that today more than ever. It’s not too late! Centuries ago God said of His chosen people, Israel, “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.”

It always been the case that God has blessed or punished a nation based on the heart condition of the Believers in that land. So, I admonish you as strongly as I can…CHRISTIANS, WORK (and vote) like it’s all up to you, and PRAY like it’s all up to God!  May God have mercy on our nation!  Revelation 22:20: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

The following is one of a series of four posts (1/4) that pre-date the November ‘08 elections.  They were originally published on a different site.  I’m re-posting them here on www.JohnTracy.me for sake of consolidation.

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The following was written by a black concert pianist named Huntley Brown. There is a lot of stuff flying around about the election, but few better than this. I think it is great! This man understands that we are Christians first, Americans second. And, for those of you who care, I did verify with Snopes that it is legit: http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp

Please take a minute to read it.

JT

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Dear Friends,
A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an email with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it’s worth repeating…

First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support.  Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.

Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness.  I process my identity through Christ.  Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow.  I can’t dictate the terms He does because He is the leader.

I can’t vote black because I am black; I have to vote Christian because that’s who I am.  Christian first, black second.  Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity.  200 years from now I won’t be asked if I was black or white.  I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.

We need to follow Martin Luther King’s words, don’t judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.  I don’t know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record.  His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.

To beat Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing.  Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years.  I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.

There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100% rating.  There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.  There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him.  There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court.  There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.  There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.  There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion.  There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito.  These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion.  The same practice Obama wanted to continue.

Let’s take a look at the practice he wanted to continue

The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedures:

A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby’s leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
B. The baby’s leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby’s entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby’s skull.  The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted.  The child’s brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse.  The dead baby is then removed.

God help him.  There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.

Think about this:  You can’t give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification.  This is insane.

There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright’s church for 20 years.

Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years.  Now he is condemning Wright’s sermons.  I wonder why now?

Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him.  A disciple is one in training.  Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19 – 20 “Go and make disciples of all nations.”  This means reproduce yourself.  Teach people to think like you, walk like you; talk like you believe what you believe etc.  The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?

Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a …

1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.

Would you support a President who went to a church like that?

Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama’s former church.  If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist.  Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.

This kind of church is a racist church.  Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church.  The church can’t be about race.  Jesus did not come for any particular race.  He came for the whole world.

A church can’t have a value system based on race.  The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate.  It does not matter if it’s a white church or a black church it’s still wrong.  Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.

Obama’s former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote:  “Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community.  If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.

Cone is the man Obama’s mentor looks up to.  Does Obama believe this?

So what does all this mean for the nation?

In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing – judgment.

Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king.  First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 “Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.”

Then God says:
1 Samuel 1:18 ” When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.” 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”

Here is what we know for sure.

God is not schizophrenic.

He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.

Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it.

For all my friends who are voting for Obama can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion.  He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this.  I know I can look the other way because of the economy.

I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama’s positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.

Since we know someone’s value system has to be placed on the nation,

1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation.

2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?

Blessings, Huntley Brown