Time To Elect A President

Awhile back I did an article regarding the political system and the upcoming elections. I have been following the elections and decided to post an article regarding candidates I am looking at. On this topic, I am not one who says we shouldn’t be involved in the political system. What I say is that for people of faith who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, or any other religious system, don’t compromise your beliefs. Your service and commitment to your faith is far more important in my opinion than your commitment to country.

For me, to measure an individual involved in the political system to my faith, or my God, always has the individual falling short. It will become obvious that I am picking a wide diversity of people, two Republicans, and 2 Democrats. This gets me away from the “endorsement” of any candidate, although I am not opposed to that.

Now I love politics, and have been involved in the political process since I came of age to vote. I have come full circle in my political beliefs, and suspect they will change between now and the next election. I have been extremely liberal, actually a delegate for Jesse Jackson back in the 1980’s, a supporter and delegate of Al Gore, a presenter at the Greenville County, SC Democratic Convention in the 1990’s, I voted for George W. Bush, (the only presidential candidate vote I ever “won”) and I was a Democratic candidate for a house seat in South Carolina, where I lost 52% to 46% against a retired postman. I was endorsed by the National Right to Life, The State Educators Association, The State Nurses Association, and the NAACP. In recent years I have voted more for Republicans, but as of this election, I am not certain who I will vote for.

Now to the political system and especially this upcoming election:

Let me say here and now, from the get go, I am disappointed not in the candidates, but in some of the candidates, and certainly both political parties. I know from personal experience, both parties, on a national level are out of touch with the American public. I will touch on part of that in my mention of the candidates.

In the early process, on my My Space page, I had all political candidates that had a My Space page. I subscribed to all of their blogs and followed those blogs, comments, and policies. It is from a lot of reading that I have come to my conclusions.

Let’s start first with the two candidates that are in my final two that I am considering from the Democratic Party.

The first is a dark horse, a candidate who doesn’t have much of a chance, but I will admit, I like this guy. I like the majority of his policies, and he is a candidate I would consider voting for if in the general election. That candidate is Dennis Kucinich.

I honestly think Dennis Kucinich is right on target on a number of key issues. I especially like his position on a National Center for Peace, and believe he has a good grasp on what I would call Christian responsibility on issues such as social justice. I wish he were more consistent on certain issues regarding what I would consider Christian Worldview issues. While he is solid on several social justice positions, I disagree with his positions on other areas like abortion. While using Biblical supports to support certain views and positions, I don’t think he does that on all positions. That doesn’t take away from my view of Senator Kucinich. I respect him, and believe him to be a solid individual. One I would say, if you haven’t looked at up to this point, look at him, check out his web page, subscribe to his articles, and blogs, then let our conscious help you decide about the validity of this candidate.

The next Democratic candidate I like is Barack Obama. In a political world where there has been a lot of hatred expressed by the opposing parties, Democrats of Republicans, and Republicans of Democrats, I think that Senator Obama has an ability to bring people together. He is balanced on a majority of positions and I find myself agreeing with much of what he has said. Of course, me being the pro life individual I am, I am concerned about his or any candidates’ position on this issue. I have to say though, I feel as if in the last few elections I was duped by the Republican Party to do something about this issue.

I believe Obama is the most electable candidate among the Democrats; one I could vote for and one who could draw in votes from other middle of the road voters, especially if the Republican nominee is a candidate who is not a strong pro life candidate.

I believe Senator Obama has been misrepresented by not only Republicans but many Democrats. He is a candidate I decided to do a lot of research on and was a candidate I would not have considered voting for. After doing my research, after checking the facts, I found Obama to be a man of character, and one who could do this country good.

Now to the Republican side of the candidates. Let me state clearly, right off the bat, I am very disappointed with the political efforts of the Republican Party in this election. Their willingness to redefine what is, and is not a Republican is sickening. At one time the party that preached inclusion is now practicing exclusion. That will be obvious in my two finalists in the Republican Party.

First I would ask you to consider the candidate, Ron Paul. I have to admit, a lot of what Ron Paul speaks about appeals and challenges me. I admire this man; I admire his willingness to be the preverbal black sheep in this election. While I agree with much of what Ron Paul stands for, many of his followers, the 9/11 Truthers for example, scare me. There is no doubt; there is a massive ground swelling of individuals who has brought about an impressive grass roots movement. From raising millions, to getting conservatives, and liberals together, Paul has hit a nerve in the Republican Party. Their efforts to keep him out of the debate process, their continued attacks on him as a person, offend me.

The willingness to attack Senator Paul isn’t the only thing that has molded my recent views of the Republican Party, I see the attack happening with another candidate I like.

The other Republican Party candidate that I find myself liking more and more is Mike Huckabee. Governor Huckabee, to listen to all of the higher ups within the Republican Party is no where near qualified to be the Republican Candidate for President of the United States. To hear the attacks from the conservative talk shows, and the pundits within the party, of Governor Huckabee, and Senator Paul, is at the point of being obvious. I am now willing to vote for anyone, other than a candidate from the “establishment” of the party.

Regarding Governor Huckabee, I see what I, as a Christian would consider to be a “Compassionate Conservative.” We have all heard the term before, one only has to associate that with the last two elections, but Governor Huckabee has a track record that seems to show a side of compassion for the poor, plus a solid position on various issues that people of faith will be concerned about. While some are concerned that Governor Huckabee is a former pastor, I am not. I don’t know how he would blend the concepts of politician and Christian, but I do believe he will act on his convictions as opposed to a political party agenda.

I know many will have issues with my top 4, that is okay, but at least think about the candidates and their positions. Check out their positions on various issues, but beyond that, check their track record. I am frankly tired of being promised the moon and getting nothing more than a moon pie. On the other hand, I am tired of being told who to vote for by the suits who have been involved in the political system for many years. I look at our world, at our willingness to care for and help those in need, and then wonder, why I would listen to any of these people with the world being in the state of affairs it is in.

During the last election, it was rather hard to come up with 4 candidates I could support in an election. This time, there are about 6 I could support. If I was to add another Democrat, it would be John Edwards, and the other Republican would be John McCain. I don’t know who I will vote for as of yet. I can tell you 4 or 5 I won’t vote for; hopefully two of those aren’t running against each other. Not only Americans, but the rest of the world deserves better than an election where we elect the lesser of two evils. We all have a responsibility, at least those of us in America have a responsibility to be informed and educated in this process. Hopefully we take that responsibility seriously in the next days, weeks, and months ahead. Realize during that time frame, your responsibility and allegiance is not to The United States of America, but to the Kingdom of God, that is if you are a Christian. If not, then at least become as informed as possible on the issues. The truth is, our next President will have a strong influence on the world, either good or bad, the decision needs to be made by the people, not some political party who has their own agenda that may, or may not really care about the people they are commissioned to serve.

Check out this great commercial, if you don't see the video, just click the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nfMCivIxNE


This one is one that will offend some, but I still laughed. It is Chris Rock from Saturday Night Live on the 2008 Elections.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apqLcA67VSA


Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus

Even If I Could Complain?

I don’t know what I would change, what I would complain about, even if I could. Let me explain. Recently life has been kind of hectic, difficult, hard to explain, and seemingly impossible. For some strange reason, to make much of a deal over all of these things don’t make much sense to me, even though I likely could.

Let me explain:

I recently took a job that is eventually supposed to be 3 evenings a week, which will allow me to work on The Virtual Pew and supplement some of my families’ income.

Unfortunately, for the last month, and at least the next 3 weeks I have been putting in long hours, through the day, 5, 6, and in some weeks even 7 days a week, and unable to get most of my obligations taken care of related to The Virtual Pew. I have had to put on hold the radio programs The Virtual Pew Live and HJ Live until the schedule gets worked out. Thankfully that appears to be in the near future and I will start working on the new schedule this next week. I have also had to cancel officiating several, actually 5 wrestling tournaments, I have at least 2 more I will have to cancel, and that is at a loss of $125 to $150 per tournament. Unfortunately some of these have come at a notice of less than 2 days.

On top of this, income and needed promotion of The Virtual Pew has been slacking due to my commitments to my new job. The reality is, The Virtual Pew still needs all of the donations and support we can get. Ministry has to continue, and the ultimate dream and desire is that this ministry is a full-time, self supporting ministry that continues to provide the ministry it does to The Lost, The Last, and The Least. We can’t do that without the support, plus there are the other outreach events, that require money.

Even if I could complain though, I wouldn’t. The reality is my new position with Youth Horizons is a wonderful opportunity provided by God to provide some income, plus allow me to work with troubled boys. In a few weeks I will be able to give a large portion of that time from Youth Horizons, to The Virtual Pew. While the contributions and gifts are needed, God works in his time. I know people will continue to contribute and support this ministry, I also know that the additional time will discipline me to get things done, plus provide opportunity to work on other things I have been wanting to like the possible publication of The Keystone Kid as I work to submit it to an agent for consideration.

I could complain about Christmas, in fact, it is the first Christmas that I can ever recall where I was actually sick. I got sick on Christmas morning, and was in bed most of the day, was sick the next day. I went to work yesterday, still a little sick, but nonetheless, still sick.

I could complain, but while I was sick God honored my family and I to provide a wonderful Christmas to a new, dear friend. I will be careful about saying too much but will say that for around 26 of my 28 years of marriage, my wife and I have had people spend Christmas with us who would have no place to go otherwise. This last Christmas was no exception. A former gang member from the area spent Christmas with us, in fact, he spent 4 days with us. Complete with all of the gang tattoos, and numerous gun shot wounds, this person told us Christmas morning that this Christmas was the best he had ever had in 32 years of life. To hear things like this, even when you are sick, have ways of making one have a great Christmas.

I could complain about how I would really be at HJAG (Hollywood Jesus Annual Gathering) this year in Seattle. I was there for the first one and Hollywood Jesus is a ministry I am honored to be a part of. I was looking forward to it this year, but with the new job, lack of finances, it just isn’t possible.

I am okay with that though, I am spending some time with my family that I wouldn’t get to otherwise. I also know that God has something good for me this weekend. Don’t ask me how I know that, I just know that. I will call the folks at HJAG on Saturday morning, sending my love, encouragement and more to the folks attending. Maybe in some way, God will use this, I can only imagine.

On Christmas night, I got the hardest news though, I got word from my wife, who had spoken to my mother when I was in bed sick that my sisters former husband went to the ATM and just fell over dead. This is a former brother in law I had had numerous discussions about regarding faith, most not good because of his attempt to keep any area of faith discussions away from my sister, who was instrumental in getting me involved in church. This person at the time denied God, and saw no value in religion at all. This is a former brother in law who showed up at the funeral of my Aunt Ruth who was murdered, intoxicated, and was asked to leave the funeral. I’ll be honest, I didn’t like the guy much, but I had my reasons, that didn’t mean I didn’t pray for him, and I don’t hurt for my sister who is hurting. For those having issues with thoughts like this, I guess I will only say, walk a half a mile in my shoes. It isn’t always easy but there is far more that went on here than many realize, even I. Only my sister knows, and I know she isn’t willing yet to talk about it all.

On this one, I have to admit, I struggle because I realize my sister was the smart one in the family, she was the one who should have gone to college, she is the one who should have never experienced the abuse she did for the duration of time she did. I have always struggled with that, I guess brothers kind of do that.

I could complain, but, my sister is back in church now, she is growing in her faith and getting stabilized. I firmly believe she is around others who will help her through this difficult time. I certainly hope so as there is no way I can visit and be there with her, even though I would love to do so. I am confident that God is still good, and I am confident my sister knows she played a significant part in my life, and a part of the blessings I have seen belong to her.

I could go on and on about things I could complain about. I know I come from a background where drugs, death, difficulty, gangs, and all are still, in many ways, a part of my life. I have come to the conclusion those things will always be a part of my life because that is a part of who I was, and in some ways, who I still am. That is with the exception of having Jesus in my life now.

Some say faith and religion is nothing more than a crutch. I consider myself an intellectual but I have to admit, I think sometimes religion and faith are a crutch. I don’t see that as a bad thing though. I see that as a need for those who need it. A crutch don’t make a broken leg any less broken, it don’t make a sprained ankle any less sprained. Neither does a person having a need for faith or religion make that person any less of a person. In fact, I think it makes them whole, especially when they need it. The benefit is that a crutch can be temporary; it can be a short term need to help one get through the rough and tough times. During that process, they heal, get better, and are able to move on, often times in a stronger faster way than ever before. I have also learned that my faith in Jesus is something I enjoy, and desire, some may say, even hunger and thirst after it. Why, because I know the process works, I know it works because while I could complain, I don’t, in fact, I am at peace because I know the Prince of Peace.

Here is a song by Thousand Foot Krutch (Notice the Pun) called Falls Apart. Double Click on the Video Below if you don't see the video, just click on the link. Listen to the words, you will see how it applies to this article.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ3aZKG-GRA


Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information


The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217


Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus

Merry Christmas From The Virtual Pew

Over the last year The Virtual Pew has continued on with its mission, touching, and reaching out to The Lost, The Last, and The Least. Our mission is to help make fully committed disciples of Christ out of all people, regardless of background or circumstance by building a community of faith on the Web. From the backwoods of Kentucky, to the battlefields of Baghdad, The Virtual Pew has been there helping individuals in either their walk for Christ, or their search for Spiritual Truth. The truth is, this ministry, with your help has made a difference for so many people. During the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, I want to remind you, this season, are all about you. Not only is Jesus birth for you, so is his ultimate love, life, death, resurrection, and ultimate return. Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not, I challenge, this season is still for you.

To all of those wanting to designate gifts to The Virtual Pew, we thank you for that. We do appreciate the year end giving, whether in prayer, thought or financial. Thankfully this next year, we look forward to doing more than ever with more money being targeted to the specific ministries of The Virtual Pew. If interested in obtaining more information about speaking, writing, or ministry brochures just send an email, or written request.

To all of you receiving this, many who have offered prayer, support, encouragement, and even just comment on one of the articles or web site, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks for all you have done, it is appreciated more than you will ever realize. As a Christmas gift to you, I am providing a link to The Virtual Pew Christmas articles from last year. Believe me, there are plenty of great articles and interviews provided in the following link. Go back, visit, and enjoy.

Christmas Shoes
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/christmas-shoes.html

A Tom & Jerry Christmas
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/old-fashioned-saturday-morning.html

Christmas With Larry The Cable Guy
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/christmas-with-larry-cable-guy-bob.html

Last Christmas I Got Whammed
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/last-christmas-i-got-whammed.html

A Disney Christmas
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/disney-christmas-with-ebenezer-scrooge.html

Christmas Memories, Goodbye Dear Friends
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/christmas-memories-goodbye-dear.html

How Dare They Ruin Christmas
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/how-dare-they-ruin-christmas.html

Those Darned Christmas Carols
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/those-darned-christmas-car_116559968898049432.html

Christmas With The Trans Siberian Orchestra
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/christmas-in-new-way-with-trans.html

A Country Christmas
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/country-christmas.html

Come On Now, Smile
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/come-on-now-smile.html

The Ultimate Busted
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/ultimate-busted.html

The Nativity Story
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/nativity-story.html

The Nativity Story
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/let-it-snow.html

Christmas Alone
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/christmas-alone.html

Traditions
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/traditions.html

The Christmas Story
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/christmas-story.html

The Wonderful Gift, Our Son
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/wonderful-gift-our-son.html

Are You Dreaming of a White Christmas
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/are-you-dreaming-of-white-christmas.html

Merry Christmas
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/virtualpew/2006/12/merry-christmas.html

Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information




The Virtual Pew

P.O. Box 17731

Wichita, KS 67217


Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew


Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus

Hockey From The Minors To The Stanley Cup

Charlie was a boy who grew up in the plains of Nebraska in the small town of Gretna, just outside of Omaha. As a small boy he fell in love with hockey. It was difficult for Charlie to play the sport because he was born with a lung disorder that made it hard for him to breathe in cold weather. As Charlie got older, he was able to play more due to the medical, rehabilitation, and medication advancements that would take place.

While a small boy it was difficult for Charlie to get used to the fact he couldn’t play the game as much as he wanted. He didn’t stay away from the game though; he played as much as he could, advancing and improving on basic skills. Charlie did not play the game on the ice as much as he wanted. He did take time to watch the game, learning basics and strategy. He learned when to make appropriate substitutions, when to make defensive or offensive changes and other strategic aspects of the game. Charlie was learning things that would enable him to someday show off the totality of his skills. Learning these things at a young age matured him in a way most hockey players didn’t until they were much older.

As Charlie got older, his skills got better, and he was eventually able to play hockey more. As a result of his efforts to improve his basic skills, learning the strategy of the game, he became an exceptional player. Eventually, he became good enough in high school that he would go to college on a scholarship. While in college Charlie perfected his skills, learning to deal and work with his weaknesses. He became a productive and quality player for the limited time he was on the ice, and growing up with the health problems he had.

After college, Charlie went on to play 7 years of professional hockey in the minor leagues. From Tulsa to Wichita, and from Shreveport to Omaha, he made the circuit. Charlie was never able to break into the NHL as a player but he was able to eventually become a coach. Charlie had dreamed of coaching in the NHL. In his 4th year of coaching Charlie made it to the big show, going to the Stanley Cup where his team ended up winning the Cup in 5 games.

Charlie went on to coach for 14 years in the NHL before retiring. Later on, after being placed in the Hall of Fame he shared his story of how his infirmities had enabled him to learn the game in a way he never expected. This allowed him to become the player and strategist which allowed him to go on and coach 3 NHL Stanley Cup Champions over those 14 years.

We are all born with some form of imperfection or weakness that holds us back. It is the champions who learn how to adapt, work around those imperfections and ultimately accomplish their dreams and aspirations. Just as in the case with Charlie, we can all accomplish the things in life that are important to us. The questions become, do we give up? Do we quit? Do we attempt to excel in areas outside of our natural desires? Do we focus on the negatives, or work to change them? I have found that in my own life, God moves and shakes us to places beyond our dreams, if we will listen, and if we are moved to action as opposed to inaction. What will you do? Who will you become? How will you be remembered? You can be more, expect more, have more, and be remembered more while walking with God, as opposed to on your own. Make the right choice, move on. Excel despite the problems, become the person God wants you to be.

The following should encourage you, you can overcome. Click on the video below, if you don't see the video, click on the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TbWcdN-W8o




Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry.

Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew
To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus

That Darned Car

Did you ever feel like just when things seem to be going well, it seems as if life hits you up beside the head with a two by four? It is easy to get into a rut when things like this happen, I know, I kind of hit it recently.

I have been going through training with Youth Horizons, a program that works with fatherless children. It has been somewhat difficult lately, I am doing 2 jobs, trying to be a husband, and father, on top of living life and getting all of the things done I need to get done for the Holidays. To be blunt, sleep as of late has been a commodity. Unfortunately I am starting to feel it, and those things that hit me up beside the head hurt even more so because of all of the stress, and other issues related to just plain, flat out, being tired.

The other day I was involved in a Girls Town and Boys Town Training with Youth Horizons when my cell phone rang about 3:15 PM. It was a tough call, but I made the decision to let the person calling leave a message as opposed to disrupting my training by answering the phone. I have always had some issue with taking personal calls during work time. Doing ministry, knowing that important calls come in at times with The Virtual Pew made it difficult to not answer the phone, but that was my decision.


One of the worst case scenarios was I would receive an emergency phone call from one of my family members. Needless to say, the phone call was from my wife. Things weren’t good! The car she was driving had broken down, and she didn’t know what to do. We didn’t know how to respond exactly because we didn’t know the seriousness of the breakdown. The car was left on the side of the road, and one of the possibilities was a cracked head. Of course that was the worst case scenario, and the one we were praying wasn’t the case. Truth is, money is tight, and as much as we appreciate the funding that is coming in with Youth Horizons, we still need the income from The Virtual Pew as the expenses are still there. The last thing we need is an additional car expense, especially during the holidays. Well as of this writing we still don’t know the details, we know we need a water pump, and work done on the timing chain. The job in total could run from $400 to over $1,000, the cost will be very difficult, but the high end of the cost will be prohibitive, and put us in the place of having one van, almost ready to break down, and that is it. In other words we will have to do something we didn’t want to do, check and see about buying a new vehicle. I could write all kinds of thoughts on that but will let that rest for another time.

During the holidays we often get caught up in so many things that we forget about those who struggle from week to week. What is really sad is that one has to go through the difficulties of a car breaking down or some other catastrophic event to be reminded of this. I wish I could be like Jesus all of the time, always aware of the needs of others around me, aware of the difficulties that people are going through. I think it is important to reflect on the events of our own lives to remind us of others who have it worse. Truth is; it is always easy to find someone having a harder time than we may be experiencing.

During the holiday season I will ask each person reading this to not only think of those in need, but think of those agencies supporting and/or helping those in need. While The Virtual Pew is one of those ministries, we aren’t the only one. There may be a homeless shelter in your community, a drug treatment program, a women’s shelter or any other number of ministries providing help to those in need. Find a way to be like Jesus, find a way to help the individual, or those who are helping, it does make a difference, especially to those already experiencing a tough time. I will ask you to do something else though, look at those agencies who need, and will put to work the gifts you give them. I know there are a lot of larger wonderful agencies but a lot of those agencies have so many volunteers, so much money, the truth is, they don’t need more. The smaller agencies though, especially those who don’t receive government funding will be those that may be able to get the biggest bang for the buck, consider them, then realize, you may just be helping out someone who needs it, someone who would have otherwise done without during the time they needed help and love the most.


A Broken Down Car? It could have been worse. Click the Video below, if the video don't appear, just click the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0CYiFlPsIc




Click Here to Go to The Virtual Pew Daily Verse and Read The Bible in a Year Passages

Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.

Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.

Click to visit and join the new group The Virtual Pew, at MySpace. Become a part of a different kind of Christian group, check out the page for more information,all welcome, including those who are not followers of Jesus.

Click to visit the Virtual Pew Website and become a part of that ministry. Click to subscribe to my blog

Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.

Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.com

You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.

Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
P.O. Box 17731
Wichita, KS 67217

Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew

Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed

Phone Number to Call During The Virtual Pew Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8587

Phone Number to Call During The HJ Live Show, (Please never call prior to the start of the show) - (646) 716-8853

To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/thevirtualpew

To Subscribe to HJ Live Live Feed – http://www.blogtalkradio.com/feeds/hollywoodjesus

Listen to the Mitch Albom Interview

Would you like to hear the interview with Mitch Albom, author and screenwriter of Oprah Presents; Mitch Albom’s One More Day, the Sunday Movie of the week on ABC Television? Mitch has written many stories, and you can listen to the interview between he and I at the link provided at the conclusion of this article. Feel free to call into the program if getting this prior to airing at 646-716 -8853. The show will air today at 4PM EST, 3 PM CST, 2 PM MST, and 1 PM PST. As always, if you can’t listen live, the show will be available via archive by clicking on the link here. You can also call in to talk about my perspective on the movie, or about the new release of The Golden Compass and a Differing Christian Perspective of the Film. If you want to see the article, The Golden Compass, One Christians Anti Protest, visit the link at The Virtual Pew by clicking on this link. You can also read and follow along with the transcript of the Mitch Albom interview by clickin this link as well as see the trailer for the program.

Enjoy the show, hope to hear from you. You can always email your comments and thoughts at mike@thevirtualpew.com or by commenting here.