Even the Birds are Snow-bound!!!

Yep! We got snow here in MN!

I'm planning to bring "Meals on Wheels" to the bird house, as they are unable to get out.

Dad J

Minnesota Snow Storm...3/1/2007

Here are some photos from today.

While we have been short on precipitation this year, I'm guessing last weekend's snow and now this will help us reclaim some much needed moisture.

Our winter storm warning extends through Friday 3/2/07 6:00 PM.

No wonder why we are a "healthy stock" here in MN!

Sarah & Nathanael, Meggan & Bryan.... "looking forward to your coming to MN"!

I may need some help shoveling and digging out as I get older!!!!

Love you all,

Dad J

Amazing... "Amazing Grace" ....the movie

Well, we were successful in our second attempt to see this film, this weekend.

Sandra & I were able to get in to the matinee on Saturday. We thoroughly enjoyed the film.

We both offer it two thumbs up!

While it is not; a fast paced, thriller or action film... it conveys truths and cause to be proactive in the area of faith & action.

This screen capture, from when William Wilberforce visits the now blind John Newton.

John Newton was, by his own admission, a reprobate and Capt. of a "slave ship".
He was met by Christ, (not too unlike how Saul was met on the road to Damascus).
John Newton too, was changed forever.
He became a pastor of a church in England where he met Wilberforce in his early years.

It was in Newton's later years, failing health and suffering with blindness, that he challenged William Wilberforce to persevere in his quest to abolish the slave trade.

The quote from the movie that hit me most was... "I once was blind, but now I see..."

I found myself, more than once, with my heart in my throat. The scenes were gripping and provided the resolution in my heart, to persevere in this present day!

The evils of the slave trade of 200 years ago, in many ways relate the questions of today.
I.E. Human Trafficking, Abortion on demand, religious persecution and more!

We all need to see this film... to be challenged to consider how we need to be more involved, and how we cannot turn a blind eye to injustice and most importantly..."to not give up"!

Here again it the link to the movies website: http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/

Please view the trailer. And PLEASE!, go see it!

Be Blessed, be Encouraged, and be Motivated for action!

In HIS Love,

Duane


P.S. Sandra & I will again see this film on the big screen...and be first in line to purchase the DVD upon it's release!

Amazing Grace... the movie

For more information on this movie, please visit my other blog.
http://www.therightchoices.blogspot.com


There is a movie opening this weekend across America, that we all need to see!


Below is a screen capture, and a link to the movies' web site where you can view the trailer.

http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/

Out of the mouths of babies!

Dear All,

You have to see and hear this from Sarah & Nathanael's blog.

http://www.sunlesssea.com/weblog/archives/2007/02/20/1165

It is a YouTube video of Evelyn. It is Priceless!

Duane

Whether or not... Here's the weather!

Yesterday in Mpls., we had highs near 50 degrees.

We look forward to joining the Floridians and Californians in a warmer climate soon.

You'd think with all the global warming talk, that shouldn't be hard.

Here is a screen capture from my home page.

In that were planning to meet in FL., the weather appears to be somewhat warmer!

Dad J

Valetines Day Insights

I rec'd this today from a fellow blogger at his site.
http://www.freedomdogs.com

I submit it to you, below.With Love, this Valentines Day!

Duane

Amazing Grace

Dear All,

Releasing in theaters across the country The weekend of February 23-25, is a movie based on the life and passion of William Wilberforce.

The move is titled Amazing Grace.

Here is a link to the offical site. http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/

And a screen capture from the site.

Sherri Martin of TheVanguard.org (http://www.TheVanguard.org) saw it at a pre-screening.

Here is her review.

"Last week, we were blessed to see a private screening of the movie, AMAZING GRACE. It is the story of William Wilberforce. A fantastic story, you MUST GO SEE IT. ... John Newton is also highlighted in the movie as a great influence in Wilberforce's life. ...A Must See!"

Blessings,

Duane

Chili Dinner in the "Chilly North"!

Last evening Sandra & I attended the 15th Annual Chili Dinner for our senate district (MN SD63).

You can read all about it here. http://www.sd63.org/chili.htm
The evening was to hear from bloggers in the area, and of their endeavors.

Below is a pasted excerpt from http://www.FreedomDogs.com

I also got to meet many good people last night, one of which has his own blog who ought to contact the elder about getting on the MOB blogroll—Duane Jones runs a conservative site with a strong Christian focus called the Right Choices. Duane pointed me to a new answer to MoveOn.Org called The Vanguard started by Rod Martin. Jerry Corsi recently joined TheVanguard.org as Chief Political Analyst.

You can read the entire post here: http://www.freedomdogs.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1537

I feel like Steve Martin in the movie, The Jerk. Where he states... "Navin P. Johnson...I'm finally somebody!"

I guess it doesn't take too much to get me excited!
Oh well, I thought you might enjoy it as well.

And now, back to the hunt!

Duane

Global Warming + "News from the Weird"

I had to laugh today.

Minneapolis temperature is -6F with windchill temps in the minus 20-30 degree range. Forecast is for extended below zero readings for the next several days.

While reading headlines on my Yahoo! home page. I came across this......







Well, it seems to me, all of the scientists and environmentalists who are predicting this global warming trend aren't living in MN!



In fact, even the groundhog in Pennsylvania is calling for an early spring too!

The whole story here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070202/ap_on_fe_st/groundhog_day_3

If the world is truly "warming"... wouldn't that mean an early spring is inevitable... even if our furry friend Phil in PA, didn't see his shadow?

Now, I may well be a bit naive and self-serving here, but I would welcome a little warming right about now!

Duane

Jerry Corsi joins TheVanguard.org

Please read this article on TheVanguard.org's website.

Here is the link: http://www.thevanguard.org/thevanguard/news_releases/070123_corsi.shtml

The momentum is building, and the key players are all showing up to "play ball"!

I welcome your comments and thoughts!

Duane

MoveOn.org....MOVE OVER!!!!

On the left side of my blog you'll find a column of links to websites and blogs that I visit and enjoy.

This past week I visited http://www.thevanguard.org/ & also Rod Martin's blog.

I went there to see if our friend, Rod Martin had posted, on an issue that is currently in Washington, D.C. and was eager to know his thoughts on the issue.

Rod is well informed, well educated, .....and well ....."I didn't even know half of it!"

Read on, so you too - can be informed!
The lead article was a feature article on Human Events website, about TheVanguard.org and it's founder, Rod Martin.

Here is the link to the article on their site. http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=19004

Again, I would encourage you to read this article!

We truly are living in a global society, where information and thoughts are distributed in record time.
We need to be proactive, we need to be utilizing the technologies of our ever changing world, to advance the causes of things that do not change, and yes, even the eternal!

Duane

"Christians" in media!

We recieved today, a link to this website from Meggan & Bryan.
http://www.kirkcameron.com/

Kirk Cameron is very much involved in impacting society with the truth of the gospel.
If you navigate thru his site you will learn of him, his history in the entertainment industry, his family, his heritage and his present ministry.
Meg & Bry attend the same church that Kirk & his family also attend.
There is a link on our blog tht will bring you to the site of...."Way of the Master".

Please do take the time to visit the site, linger awhile, listen to and view the video clips. And most importantly.... ask yourself the hard questions!

Duane

"The President's Plan"

Today marks Day 1, of the plan President Bush laid out last evening.
The plan is one of "forward thinking" as to how to progress in Iraq.

While I have not "been there" or "done that" myself... I have heard personally from a gentleman who lives in Iraq, in fact, central Bagdad. He is very thankful for the U.S. and the involvement we have had in his country.

As I said to a friend today, the very fact of the huge voter turnout in the Iraqi elections, show that they want change, and need change!

My prayer is that they will seek change.

Actually and more importantly, that they will seek and find Christ.
For only He, can and will, provide the true change that is needed!

These are perilous times in which we live.

Pray that He, (our Lord Christ) will be exalted!

Duane

New Photos from MN

A blessed time was had by all!

New Years Eve snowfall in MN

Love GrandDad Jones

Farewell to the Floridians

Today marked the end of the Mosley's time with us in MN.

We had a delightful time with them, though short it was!

Sandra & I enjoyed all the baby time with them, and we will miss it greatly.

The babies sure grow up quickly! It was so cute to hear Evelyn's emerging vocabulary.

Here is the parting photo at the airport.

"Journey Mercies" to them, and blessings to Mike, Julie and family as they celebrate with them tomorrow in FL.

GrandDad Jones

"I'm Dreaming of a White CHRISTmas!...."

Bry & Nathanael....It's Here!

Wishing you both were here too! But you will be soon!

Love,

Dad J

Two in the house.... Five more to come!

Sarah,.....................Evelyn..........., Michael.........

"GrandMama & GrandDad's house is ready"... "and they are waiting!"

See you soon!!!!!

Nathanael............... Bryan.......... come soon!!!!

(I feel like when I was a kid and we'd be playing in the neighborhood.... and the parents would call us kids home for dinner!

Duane

"I'll be home for CHRISTmas!" The anticipation builds!

As the day draws near, we are busy making the house ready for the arrival of our family members, and "their" new family members.

This is an enjoyable time of year with grandbabies about to arrive.

Meg & Lillian... the accomodations await!!!!

Jessica senses the excitment too!

"They've done it again!"

It seems I should almost re-name my blog to that of...."BreakPoint Wannabe"!

Today's BreakPoint was delivered by Mark Earley, President of Prison Fellowship.

It is well worth the read. Additionally, if you don't get a chance to hear the radio version of BreakPooint on a daily basis, you should sign-up to get the daily transcript delivered to your email. I am always challenged by their thoughts. After reading the transcript from the link...look thru their site to see how you too can receive it on a daily basis.

You will be blessed!

http://www.informz.net/pfm/archives/archive_364888.html

Blessings to all,

Duane

Just in time for CHRISTmas!

What better gift to give this CHRISTmas, than a collection of CD's that teach young and old alike verses from scripture!
GT & the Halo Express has been a part of our family for many years. As we were driving in the car, or listening at home, we have throughly enjoyed these tools to teach and help our children learn and apply God's Word in their lives.

These resources are now available on CD! Our cassette tapes are tired and long since worn-out...but now, we are able to listen on CD to the stories of GT with all his friends.

The best way I can describe them, is that they are a sort of "radio drama" that captivates the listener and conveys the truths of scripture in a remarkable way. Much in the same way our Lord used parables or word pictures to teach heavenly truths to our earthly minds... GT & the Halo Express weaves scripture into stories that are both captivating and encouraging.

The full collection includes 7 CDs or cassette tapes. CDs or cassette tapes may also be ordered individually.

Below is the link to their website.
http://www.gthalo.com/index.asp

Consider this for the little ones on your CHRISTmas list.

Toys break, clothes are out-grown.... but the Word of our Lord.....abides forever!

Blessings to all, this CHRISTmas!

Duane

"The Least of These... my Brethren"

Well here I am again today, to relay Chuck Colson's words to me....and to our culture!

Please find these links below, to read (1st link) or to listen online (2nd link) to today's BreakPoint commentary...follow down to 11/30/06 and choose method of audio download.

http://www.breakpoint.org/listingarticle.asp?ID=5851

http://www.breakpoint.org/medialist.asp?ID=160&zbrandid=420&zidType=CH&zid=1051960&zsubscriberId=101650849

As a parent of a disabled child, I find this chilling.

In Jessica's case, we were shocked to find that the early diagnosis of her condition from an in-uterine ultra sound...(and that from 20 years ago)... the medical community was saying that many parents would choose to abort the pregnancy.

On this side of her birth, we are ever thankful for the blessings of her birth and life.

Both to us as parents...and the impact of her life on her sisters, as well as thru countless individuals whose lives have crossed paths with Jessica's!

Has it been easy??? No.
Has it been worthwhile?
Has Christ been glorified through it? Absolutly!!!!!

Please read or listen to todays BreakPoint...and reply.

Duane

Christ...& "Christians" in this CHRISTmas time!

Please find this link to today's BreakPoint commentary.

http://www.breakpoint.org/listingarticle.asp?ID=5846

In the commentary Chuck says:

"The truth of the matter is that the ones heaping derision on Christians are probably the ones who most need our prayers. So, in the end, maybe the best way to prepare for this cold front is by fanning the coal of our own devotion to Christ through good works. If our lives are aflame with care for the least, the last, and the lost, .....perhaps even the coldest hearts will thaw.

As we prepare ourselves for the celebration of His first advent... let us look to how we ourselves live, act and respond to those around us.

The goal is... to direct and assist those around us, to an understanding & embracing of the Lord whom we love. ....for apart from Him, we can do nothing!

Let us all point to CHRIST, who is our all in ALL!

Merry CHRISTmas,

Dad J

Movie Reviews with Duane

Just in time for the celebration of His first advent!

Well its been some time since my last cinematic review. O.K. I can not actully say I have seen this new release, ....because I haven't!
( I was not one that enjoyed the pre-release screening.)

But upon good authority, I have heard this is a film worth seeing.

It is due to release in theaters nationwide on December 1st.

Watch your local listings for time and locations!

The movie's official website is:
www.thenativitystory.com

Duane



Remember to be watching for the glory of His appearing!
_________________________________________________
-- From Titus 2 --
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
_______________________________________________________

His second advent, draweth nye!

Maranatha!!! "Come, Lord Jesus, Come!"

Now this is encouraging!

Here is a passage that I have been thinking of this week.

But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

Continued below is the rest of the passage from the Philipians 3:8 - 14 NAS....

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

As we ponder this coming Thanksgiving holiday, let us truly give thanks!

Let's remember, its all about HIM..and not about us.
We are the ones that He... "laid hold of"!

And that, not of ourselves...lest any should boast!

Duane

When it really itchs..PRAY! and Get Medical Help!

Dear and Gentle Reader,

Please be in prayer for Meggan especially, but also for her dear care provider Bryan, and of course for little Lillian.

Last week Meggan began to be affected by what would appear to be a post-pregnancy related rash. I believe Sandra & I can speak to this with some authority, as Sandra too personally experienced the same sort of condition after the birth of Sarah... (now 26 years ago).

Meggan has now for one week, been dealing with this and does not seem to be getting relief.

As our dermatologist, Dr. John Bergman, told me in Sandra's case, "Severe itching is a very real form of pain. You need to do all you can do to help her in every way you can."
This charge I pass along to Bryan.

I am at present in consultation with Dr. Bergman's office to see if there is a colleague in Meg's area that he knows who Meggan can get in to see. He has both Sandra's and Meggan's chart pulled and is to call me this morning.

With Love & concern,

Duane

"I Should be a Political Analyst"!

Today I checked my blog's "hit counter".

On Wednesday of last week (day 1 - of past election) I had 42 "hits" for the day on my blog, on the daily hit counter.

Since then...."I've flat-lined!!!!" (five to ten per day)

I guess it tells me, that the titles of my posts, must cause increased activity on the blog.

Anyhow, this I do know,... that those who do visit my blog (on a daily basis), are the ones that matter the most!

Love you all!

Duane

Hummm!... Today, I'd think should like to climb a mountain!

O.K. it's not my idea...but I like the idea none the less.
Meggan asked today, if I could do the hike to the top of Pikes Peak in CO.

My thought was....why sure!

...After all I am quite active, and I was the fastest skier in a NASTAR downhill race (for my age group) at Lutsen Mountains, two years ago.
______________
EDIT: I guess it was longer ago than I thought....it must be "old timers" setting in!
It was 2003-04 season.
_____________

I told Meggan, let's plan a trip to CO for this summer. .....
O.K. ....Now I'm thinking....I better get in shape!

I'm turning 50 in a month and a half!
Where do the years go????

I have two married daughters and three grandbabies!!!!
Get my cane...please!!!

Duane

Two...Too Cute!

I'm pleased to present photos of Michael & Lillian in the red leaves of autumn under our burning bush.

It will seem like an eternity, but they will be back with us in five weeks or so.

Perhaps we'll do a photo of them in the snow at that time!

Duane

Where is the Hope?

Today as I was reflecting on yesterdays elections and their results, I was reminded of a song by Steven Curtis Chapman. I queued it up on the iPod so I could hear it again.

The song's title is "Heaven in the Real World".

Chuck Colson has a comment at the beginning of the song which states....

"Where is the hope? I meet millions who tell me that they feel demoralized by the decay around us. Where is the hope? The hope that each of us have is not in who governs us, or what laws are passed, or what great things that we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working through the hearts of people, and that’s where our hope is in this country; that’s where our hope is in life."


Chuck Colson, prologue to
"Heaven in the Real World,"
Steven Curtis Chapman
____________________________________________

This is a good reminder to us all... to put our hope and trust in Christ alone...
for all other places are misdirected & futile!

Blessings...."God Reigns!"

Duane

Oh! to be a RED State! We're sort of "Bluish Purple!

Eight years ago, on election night I was with my daughter Sarah at the Repulican Party headquarters to await election returns.

Much to our dismay, we watched as a former pro-wrestler... Jesse "The Body" Ventura, was elected as our new Governor. It was not a good night in MN.

This evening I find myself again looking at races that have been lost to liberal leaning, if not flaming liberal candidates.

On Tuesday, I prayed that God would not give us what we deserve, but rather that He would show us grace & mercy.

Wednesday morning we awoke to the good news that the voters of MN, returned Tim Pawlenty to the office of governor. Tim Pawlenty is an excellent governor and a brother in Christ. For this we are very thankful.

Duane

Sarah & Abraham depart!

I had to laugh as Sarah & 'Thanel entered the airport.

It looked as though they were departing for a journey across the dessert.

A couple photos to share.





GrandDad Jones

A New Twist!....on an old saying!

We've all heard..."put your best foot forward!"

Well, we have a new one!

..."Jessica, put your Mom's foot forward!"

Jessica was accidently sent to school with one of her shoes, and one of Sandra's!

Photos as proof.

I haven't dared read the school notebook book as yet.

Duane

It is rainy in Mpls. today!

The weather didn't cooperate for outdoor portraits today.

We'll try again tomorrow.

Here are some images to tide you over.

Duane