Shattered Innocence

There I was floating off the coast of Tybee Island. I didn't have a care in the world. I watched as ships passed by and kept an eye on my boys carrying buckets of sand and ocean water up the beach a little ways to make a castle. My wife was beside me enjoying the day as well. . .until. . .

someone shouted "Jellyfish"!!!!!!!

One moment I was in paradise - the next I was so cautious that I couldn't enjoy myself in the ocean. I was there for several days after this happened and never did relax as I had before that one moment.

After I returned to the beach house I couldnt' help but think about Adam and Eve. One moment life was wonderful, literally in paradise . . .until. . .

~~~~~Crunch~~~~~

God comes by for their daily walk and finds them hiding. Why where they hiding? Why were they ashamed of being naked? They had been naked every other day, during every other walk, but something had changed. They gained a knowledge that changed their outlook on life. No more was being naked natural, it was dirty.

Much of my life I've watched as people lost their virginity, started drinking, taking drugs, etc. It's amazing how a face one's countenance can change once their innocence has been lost. The way they walk, talk, act, smile, etc. is forever changed because they experienced sin.

The Bible clearly tells us that if we want to be happy (blessed), we must not befriend the world and it's pleasured, but stay in God's word (Ps. 1:1). Once you start walking (walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly)to the world or advice, you get comfortable with them and sin becomes easier an easier. You soon find yourself acting like them (standing in the way of sinners), and over time defending your sin (sitting in the seat of the scornful).

It's just not worth it. If you want to be happy, steer clear of sin. Once your innocence has been shattered you can never get it back.

~Shawn

An incounter with the President

Today I am writing from Atlanta, where only hours ago I was in the same building as President George W. Bush. Like him or not, it's always a neat experience to be in the same place as a President, I even went up to the stage after everyone left to get a good look around.

The security was awesome. I was told by Galleria Staff that the Secret Service had comed the building for three days previous to his arrival, examining every inch of the building - just to make sure everything was safe for his arrival.

When I first arrived at the Galleria, I walked past the fire trucks and Secret Service vehicles blocking the doors and into the lobby where dozens of Secret Service Agents, Galleria Security, Local Police, Deputies, Capitol Police (State and Federal) and other agency representatives eyed my every move. The Galleria was locked down for several hours as Mr. Bush and the Govenor spoke - elevators turned off, Deputies and Local Police (some with bomb dogs) swept the halls constantly, every exit had multiple agents and police officers blocking them and every move anyone made was closely watched. Cameras were everywhere as the press tried to get every word and movement of Mr. Bush on film. It was a pretty cool day to say the least. But something troubled me.

We take such amazing steps to protect the President of the United States, yet when it comes to protecting even the name of our Lord, we are too ashamed. While we do everything in our power to make sure that the message of or President is heard, we fail to tell the world about the most important message of all. Yes, I have to admit that I have been guilty of sins of Omission as well, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.

Won't you join me in giving our God the glory, fame, respect, security & publicity He deserves?

Until next time,

~Shawn