Don't be an Ass

I just got the following email from an individual on MySpace.

hello, I am in a discussion with a friend on myspace and I noticed you posting vids of the Passion which is a movie by Mel Gibson..a self professing catholic that put many catholic themes in this movie. You, being a pastor, should know that movies and pics of God is idolatry, so why do you post this on people that don't know any better on their pages...can u please read the blog on my page about pics of Jesus being UNBIBLICAL...it does not matter if you bow down to them or not..it is a false representation of the Lord, for no one can pretend to be God, and no one can have a pic of the Lord, for he is a spirit....

hope u are open for correction, if not...I hope the Lord does convict you about this...

The Lord Reigns,
'nesto

He also posted this blog which I made comment on but that comment and others were eventually deleted:

Here is my question, what are your thoughts? I know I hear from the overly religious at times, but thought it would make for good discussion here.

By the way to see the video in question you can click the following link, or if the video appears, double click on the video:
Click to see Amazing Grace, Amazing Life.


Now as to my comments for the day; I sincerely believe that those of us who walk on this planet, state we desire to be as much like Jesus as possible, and follow him, need to be open to correction. The issue becomes where and who does the correction come from, and, how is it done? It is in that regard that I admit, I am kind of tired of people I don’t know coming to me and trying to force feed me their vision and image of Jesus and their religion, even if a form of Christianity.

I realize that on this point I tread on thin ice and it is why I am trying to be careful, but it all comes down to how one responds to the myriad of views on theology and religion that exists, and how it is presented? In other words, how and whom do we listen to and take correction from? It is one of those things I know genuinely concerns many who this ministry reaches out to. People are bombarded with various questions. How can you watch movies? How can you tolerate bad language? What about violence? Nudity, it corrupts people, how can you watch it in a movie? The King James Bible is the only one, how can you even read something else? What do you mean you don’t go to church, don’t you realize you are in sin? Alcohol is a demon; surely you don’t condone its usage? How can you preach Jesus if you don’t preach Hell? And the questions go on, and on, and on.

It is likely you get my point. There are myriads of questions people ask. Often it is clear that deep in their heart they question the reality of the relationship we or others have with God, and the legitimacy of that relationship. It isn’t that this concern is a bad concern; in fact it can be good when driven for the right reason and purpose. Unfortunately though, it is very clear that most of the time it is for all of the wrong reasons, mainly to prove a point, and validate their own pharisaic attitudes. If those individuals actually cared about someone, they would make the effort to get to know them, spend some time with them, and not be so quick to judge before first offering love. The truth is though, most of the time this don’t happen. I have a few folks I have gotten to know over the last year or so who has taken the time to get to know me, offer correction, and I listen with an open and understanding heart and mind. Then there are others, that out of the clear blue, offers up a email or personal message that feels compelled to suddenly offer me everything from why the King James is the only bible, to how all movies are wrong, and now, how using the movie The Passion of the Christ in a video promotes idolatry and the destruction of faith among less mature believers. Then there is the line that because I am a pastor I should know better. Whew! See why I say in my page at MySpace that I am a different kind of pastor, one who attempts to be real, and thankfully has a ministry to people who has been turned off by this type of religion?

Unfortunately, there are those who think they are your friends, the ones who for whatever reason think they can can confront you when in reality, they haven't taken the time to get to know you, spend time with you, share your burdens with you, cry with you, laugh with you and I could go on. You know, these are often the religious types you have met through some religious organization, or even an organized church. They are the ones who say they love God, yet, find reason to ignore, and have nothing to do with those they are supposed to love as a brother and a sister. Those are the ones who usually tear me up because I find myself trusting, loving, and caring for them, only to be abused like a dog that is getting ready to be put down because they have been beaten so badly. They are the ones who never return the emails that are personal, the ones where they know you are hurting and don’t bother to pick up the telephone, or even those who live close by who would just as soon ignore you as they would the prostitute who knocks on their door asking for a donation to support her drug habit. Yea, the difference is, these are the ones who are called to love, but for whatever reason know so little about love that one has to wonder how they will respond when they face Jesus on this issue.

The truth is, those who have walked with me, those who have gotten to know me, love me, care for me, provide for me, share in life with me are the ones I will listen to. I don’t think it is any different for anyone else who has had a struggle with this thing we call faith and Christianity. I don’t think it is that God can’t use others, but I also think God can certainly speak to us in ways we will recognize. If God’s Holy Spirit was able to inspire and move various people over the ages, I think it is still capable to move me and others when we need to hear from him.

If we listen, we can recognize the voice of God, and we can recognize the voice that isn’t of God. Of course there are the times, just like in the Old Testament when people are foolish and don’t listen when they should, heck, I have been in that place. In those instances God may even use a donkey like he did Balaam to get the point across. Odds are though; God will find more subtle, realistic ways to address our issues and problems.

Do I think that a movie that depicts the person of Jesus Christ is sacrilegious? Of course not! I think the second commandment speaks to far more than a photograph or actor portraying Jesus. It speaks to things like the worship of self, putting things before God that take the place of God, and so much more. Of course one has to be careful because the truth is, we can make church, worship, religion, and even in some ways Christianity an idol that takes place over God. While we tend to look at the obvious idols, we forget about the religious things that can be just as dangerous. It is one of the reasons some people put so much stock into legalism, their views, and various doctrines. They have idols, they just think they can justify them because they are religious in nature.

Truth is, God chose to have a relationship with us, and he gave his son as a willing sacrifice to make that happen. For those who choose to follow the leadership and receive the forgiveness offered by that son, Jesus Christ, we have been given the Holy Spirit to help us understand what is right and what is wrong. It is high time, that some people let the Holy Spirit do his job, and they in return do their job, whatever that job may be.

For those who struggle with being misunderstood, being questioned, and being put down, know this, God loves you and God can find ways to communicate with you that you will appreciate, understand, and receive. God will do this even when that communication involves things that may be hard for you to hear. As to those who choose to correct, put down, and approach you without knowing what you are going through, love them, pray for them and above all, listen for God. But, whatever you do, don’t become like them, if need be, ignore them and turn from them, but on this, be careful, you never know when God will use a ass to speak his truths.

You may not like this video but I think it gets the point across. If you see the video just double click on it, if not, click on the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-dqHBIvmPQ



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 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

Abuse Follow Up / The Little Girl

Today I decided to go ahead and do a post with a follow up to this weekend’s article, Birthdays, Friends, and Dying / Faith in Film. To see yesterday's article just click here.

Abuse is a real issue; it is a real issue that affects its victims for the majority of their life. I can only share of my personal experiences here, I write about this a great deal in my book, The Keystone Kid. In fact that book is about the desire to discover love and the affects of abuse on my life. It is about much more than that, but abuse is the root and concept that drives the book. It centers on the journey of Anthony and his journey with a therapist.

I will never forget the times I was sharing with the therapists my struggles. My sister and I were both abused and for much of my life I questioned where God was when the abuse was going on, not just with me, but my sister. I can’t tell you the damage the abuse played in developing my own attitude about sexuality. I ask in the book, how could I who learned about sexuality from abuse, and the abuse that would carry on for years ever have an appropriate view of sexuality?

I remember like it was yesterday asking the therapists, “Where was God through that whole period of my life?” I can recall him telling me, “Mike I honestly believe that Jesus was right there with you, weeping and crying over what choices some people had made, and the way they affected your life.” I could deal with that, I could deal with the fact that Christ was there and weeping over the free choice he had given people, even to do wrong.

On this issue, it is easy for people to say, God could have intervened, or that a loving God wouldn’t allow something like this to occur. I will tell you, as one who has been through it, I can accept the fact that God would give free choice, free will, even for people to do wrong. I can also accept the fact that God didn’t make, didn’t plan, and didn’t desire for the things that happened to me, or happened to others to occur. In fact, when wrong is done, I am convinced that if we look, we will realize that God is there, crying, weeping over the wrongs that are done to those he loves.

A lot has happened over the years, I remember telling my story years ago and a dear friend, Sharon Harper hearing the story and writing a song about how God was there all the time, weeping and crying for me. It is what I will leave you with before going to the video today. In all of your hardships, whatever they may be, God is there with you. He is there with you crying and weeping because he loves you so much.

On to today’s song by John Michael Montgomery, The Little Girl; it is a song I won’t need to say much about, just watch the video, and listen to the words. Then realize that others have seen what I am talking about today. Others know, thank God that the popular culture is beginning to see it, comment on it, and even sing about it.


For anyone desiring a free pre edit copy of the book The Keystone Kid just email me at mike@thevirtualpew.com and I will send you a copy via email

If you see the video below, just double click on the video, if you don’t see it, click on the link provided.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI8kcBqY80g



John Michael Montgomery
The Little Girl Lyrics

Her parents never took the young girl to church
Never spoke of his name
Never read her his word
Two non-believers walking lost in this world
Took their baby with them
What a sad little girl

Her daddy drank all day and mommy did drugs
Never wanted to play
Or give kisses and hugs
She'd watch the TV and sit there on the couch
While her mom fell asleep
And her daddy went out

And the drinking and the fighting
Just got worse every night
Behind their couch she'd be hiding
Oh what a sad little life

And like it always does, the bad just got worse
With every slap and every curse
Until her daddy in a drunk rage one night
Used a gun on her mom and then took his life
And some people from the city took the girl far away
To a new mom and new dad
Kisses and hugs everyday

Her first day of Sunday school the teacher walked in
And a small little girl
Stared a picture of him
She said I know that man up there on that cross
I don't know his name
But I know he got off

He was there in my old house
And held me close to his side
As I hid there behind our couch
The night that my parents died

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 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

Birthdays, Friends, and Dying, Faith in Film Group / 3 in 1

First: Faith in Film will meet tonight at the Furches household, call or email for more info if in the Wichita area. The movie will be Mike’s choice, those there will be given a choice of two films, we will pick one of those, watch it, and then discuss it. It is also a birthday bash so we will be cooking out around 5:30. Those that want to bring something to cook out needs to bring it. On to the article for the day, Birthdays & Friends

Today is one of those days and I’ll be honest I don’t know how to feel. You see, today is my birthday and truth is, birthdays have always been one of those confusing times for me. Yea, most people celebrate on their birthday, but most people have learned it is a day of celebration. I have never learned that, in fact. I can’t recall much of my upbringing where any holiday was good. I think part of that is growing up in a tough environment and an abusive home. I know folks don’t like to hear that, but it is the way it is. Those demons still haunt me, still cause pain. Even yesterday, getting a phone call from my mother was tough. Tough for a lot of reasons I won’t go into here but bottom line, I never really knew my birth mother, and had some serious issues with what I did know. I still don’t now her to be honest, and to be even more honest don’t know if I want to. I try, but for those who have gone through abuse, both physically and sexually, they will know the difficulty I face. God has been good and helped me, but it doesn’t take away from the near impossibility of developing a relationship. Some cringe at that, but they don’t know the demons I have faced or the abuse I have gone through. Even at my now 48 years of age, those things hurt more than most will ever know, thank God, those of us that do know would never want our experiences to be experienced by those we love. Only a person who has gone through abuse would even begin to understand, and for far too many of us, it is more pain than most can bare.

On this point, I would say, don’t give me, or anyone else who has gone through the abuse pity, we hate it, we hate it because it fails to understand the thing we need most. The things we need most is friends who understand, friends who care, and friends who love, no matter what. Not the make believe, often times MySpace types of friends where we make an acquaintance just to make ourselves look better, but a real, honest to goodness, friend that loves, cares, understand, and wants to be there for us kind of friend. I want the kind of friend girls often have, and the kind of friends that guys seldom have. I guess that is the curse of being a guy, we are supposed to be macho and all of that. Well, excuse me here, but that is crap. Men need friends, the kind of friends that can be there, be buddies, and share the things that hurt, as well as do the macho fun guy things. It is tough, I have learned there are all kinds of people in this world who will call you friend, then stab you in the back. It isn’t that they do just that though, they have to dig and dig the knife around a little more to give more pain. Unfortunately, that is often the types of friends in life we have, especially those of us who have been abused and look for friends, but often end up only finding friends who hurt us. Do I feel misunderstood? You bet I do, for most of my life I have, I realize that is a part of growing up in the hell I did, a part of the scars that are still there, a part of the healing that will be going on until the day I die, only those who have been hurt in the same ways understand, but those who have been hurt are reluctant to build relationships because of the hurt we have experienced that few others will ever relate to.

Truth is, I don’t just speak just for myself. I assure you that my words will resonate with multitudes of people who have gone through the same experiences as I. We obtain hope in someone or something, only to be let down again and again. We long for, strive for, someone to understand, only to be let down again and again. We realize our scars are a part of the problem but we can’t control the scars that have marred us time after time. We realize we need help, but so many offer help in words and so seldom in actions. It is as if we face a life of struggle with little or no hope, and no one cares, or if they do care, they offer us up empty words that give no resolve.

What can you do to help out people like me, and others who have experienced the same heartache? Love, not just in words though, but in reality. Don’t question our hurts, don’t explain away our feelings, and don’t give us a religious offer of help, truth is, little of that does any good, in fact it tends to make things worse. There is a verse in the Bible, in the book of James that says, Faith without works is dead. Some of us need others working in real love, with works. We realize we are broken, we realize we need help, we realize we need mending and put back together, believe me, after 48 years I have come to conclusions that I know to be true about myself. I don’t need people saying they will pray for me, without putting their prayers into action, I don’t need people offering me Jesus without being willing to be like Jesus, I don’t need people promising me Heaven if they aren’t willing to bring Heaven to me. Doing all of those things, without the actions behind them only hurts me and/or others more because they bring to our attention our broken lives. What we need is a friend, a friend that loves unconditionally and without excuse or desire for our future. We want a friend who loves us here, loves us now, and loves us as we are, broken and fragile.

Truth is, we all need that, we all want that, it just so happens that some of us seem to have never had it, or if we have had it we don’t realize it because of the blinders that have been placed over our eyes because of the abuse and struggle we have gone through. Yea, I know I complain, but the eyes of which we see our surroundings hurt, it hurts so bad that we would please ask to get the log out of your own eye before you start to worry about the splinters in ours. We know the splinter is there, we are reminded of it day by day with the difficulty of our emotions, addictions, and yes even sometimes, our life.

Want to give me a birthday present? Be Jesus, love me for who I am, love me for who he wants me to be, love me with an understanding of the hurt I have gone through. If you can’t do it for me, do it for someone else who is hurting for in many ways, we are one in the same. Now for all of those offering that friendship, that love, thank you, thank you not just for me though, thank you for all of us who can relate to the words I share today.

Many will have issue with the blog today, thinking it offers little hope, to those, I say read again, and realize, I speak for millions of people today, people who I guarantee can relate to the need of real friendship and real love. We realize we are drowning in a cesspool of difficulty and hardship, even self pity, but are you going to let us keep drowning, or attempt to save that which you can? Thankfully the Jesus I serve was willing to go to the depths of Hades and touch those that was ignored by society. He still does that, unfortunately many of his followers have forgotten how to be like Jesus.

Pleasae watch, and pay attention to the following video Concrete Angel by Martina McBride. the facts of the video, while hard to watch, demonstrate the pain that many of us still go through, even after 48 years. If the video appears, click on the video, if it don't click on the following link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2lZsmrFT4g


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 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

Don't Mess With a Hungry Man

Okay I think it is time for something like this, I hope you are ready because today, well, today I have to get some things off my chest.

I have been on this diet, The Michael Thurmond 6 Week Makeover. I am eating 6 times a day, it seems like the same ol’ same ol’. For breakfast oatmeal and egg whites, for snack, tuna and fruit, for lunch, vegis, meat, and fruit, for snack, meat and fruit, for dinner meat, fruit, vegis, and for snack meat and fruit. I never have more than 4 OZ of meat, and if any kind of read meat, never more than 3 oz. per meal. To say the least I don’t care how many ways you try, tuna, tuna still taste like tuna. I am also seriously limited on carbs. My delight comes for dinner when I get a medium sized baked sweet potato. I could say a lot more about this diet but, to put it all in perspective, after the first week I had only lost 1 pound 2 ounces. I have to tell you, I was starting to wonder if it was worth it. Would you rather be healthy, live a little longer and never satisfy the taste pallet, or die young, fat, and enjoying things like barbeque, a hamburger, ice cream and you can only imagine.Another thing I have started, which I have yet to do today, take a 2 ½ mile walk, at least 5 days a week, plus get in a workout at least twice a week. Now I don’t mind the walk, will say more about that later, but the work out is with rubber band type things. Now I am going to tell you, you can tell how out of shape you are when you work out with rubber band type things and get tired.

Now on to the walking, we found this great place, a public park in town with a great walking track. We have been going each morning and I enjoy the time with my wife. Yesterday we decided to take the dogs, a little wiener dog named Oscar, and our white German shepherd named Kersey. Here I am, thinking that the little wiener dog isn’t going to make this walk. Our white shepherd seemed to be in great shape, a trim female but normally pretty active. Well let me tell you, after about a mile and a half, our German shepherd decides to plop down and won’t budge. I don’t know what it is, I think she was so out of shape that she got tired, maybe her hips bothering her a little bit and then she just plops down and won’t move. Now this is a gentle, loving dog, never shown me her teeth or anything but I didn’t realize she was hurting and tired and boy did I make a mistake. I finally got tired so figured it would be best if I carry her the remaining ½ mile to mile to the van. Big mistake, my arm now looks like a big ol’ vampire took a bite out of it and I have bruises on one side and teeth marks on the other. Now don’t get me wrong, the dog wasn’t the bad one here, it was me. I was seriously concerned that our big puppy was going to die from a heat stroke or something. She is doing fine now, but lesson number one, don’t mess with a dog, or person that is tired, and don’t want to be messed with.

Now I was also excited because after all of the time on this diet, and feeling that I could afford to cheat for a day, I thought, “hummmmm, Sonic (A popular drive in restaurant in the area) was offering free root beer floats, why not go get one.” Guess what? We decided to go get one. Well on the way there we saw a line of cars that went back a quarter of a mile into the road, so as patient as I am, I decided, no root beer floats. There is nothing like wanting to cheat on a diet, then not being able to. What do I do? It is really quite simple, I go home, mad and upset that I didn’t get my root beer float.

Time went on, things were so so and my wife says to me; “Know what I would like to have?” “No.” I responded. “I wouldn’t mind having a sugar free frozen fudge bar.” Guess what? I agree, decide to hop in the van and drive down to Wal-Mart, (A store I don’t like shopping at that much but all that is open here after 11:00 PM. On the way, we see that while Sonic is full, we can end up getting into a parking spot, so we decide to forgo the purchase of a fudge cycle and end up going in to get our free root beer float.

There we are, we make it into our spot, and call our order in. Then, we wait, and wait, and wait, and wait. After about 25 minutes waiting a car pulls in beside me. On the other side of me is a boy on a bicycle, seriously, a boy at a car drive in on a bicycle. Now he has his root beer float and low and behold if the car hop doesn’t come out, and give him another after we had ordered ours. That was bad enough, but when the people beside us, who hadn’t been there for 3 minutes, (honest to goodness, no more than 3 stinking minutes) the car hop gives the two of them in the car, three root beer floats. At this point, I have to tell you, I begin using language that I later had to pray about and ask God to forgive me for. I was a little upset. Thankfully there weren’t any cops around when I pulled out of Sonic or I would have gotten a ticket for “exhibition of speed,” that’s when you peel out and stuff like that.

On the way out of Sonic I decide to go down to the Wal-Mart and get the frozen fudge bars we had originally set out after. They were sugar free and would be okay, wouldn’t be cheating too bad I thought. Well we finally get to Wal-Mart and it is now approaching 12:00 midnight. I get the bars, and then with my wife, get in line to purchase the bars. Now can someone tell me, why it is that at a Super Wal-Mart with 30 something check out lanes, they only have 2 of them open? Of course I decide to get into the speedy check out, you know the one with 20 items or less lane.

I don’t mean to be rude, but let me tell you, not only do strange people shop at 12:00 midnight; strange people work at Wal-Mart at 12:00 midnight. The line I am in has about 8 shoppers in front of me. The little lady paying for her items sends all 19 or 20 items through the check out in the 20 item or less line. The check out lady is, no kidding, is the slowest checker I have ever seen in my life. After the shopper has all of her items sent through the check out, she then gets out her check book, borrows a pen, writes the check, and pays for the items. Of course this isn’t all, after she gets her receipt, she stands there, and checks off every item in her 12 bags, (I still don’t know why you need so many plastic bags at the store) with her receipt, and after about 10 minutes, (no kidding) she leaves. Needless to say, we finally get to the check out to purchase our frozen fudge bars, a sugar free pack of popsicles and a diet Pepsi. I give the lady a $20 to pay for our $6.52 purchase and I have to stand there and wait an additional 5 minutes to get my change figured out, and handed back to me.

Whew! What a night, but it wasn’t over. On the way home we noticed that there were only 4 cars at Sonic, guess what? I pull in to get my free root beer float. I was surprised; it was no more than 5 minutes before the car hop brought me the float. I am now in the car, with my wife, and my son, (who should be in bed by now) and we have 3 root beer floats. There is only one problem, the ice cream machine is not working right and instead of root beer and ice cream, we have root beer with watery (not frozen) ice cream mix. It was horrible, how horrible may you ask? Horrible enough that I took one sip, gave it to my son, and he ended up pouring it down the sink when we got home.

What did I do, and what did I learn after all of this, well I ended up eating a fudge bar that took me an hour and a half to get, some 4 miles from my house. I also got home and ended up watching a few programs to calm down before going to bed, you know the reason, right? How you should never go to bed angry. As to what I learned? Well it is really quite simple, when on a diet, or making a commitment to do something, it isn’t worth the little cheating that we do here and there. I have learned one lesson; stick to my commitments, and as to that lesson, maybe we all need to hear that on occasion.

Click on the following link to see a great clip of someone slowing things down, I could almost guarantee you that you will laugh. If the video don't appear, just click on the link, otherwise, click on the video.

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


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 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
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The Democratic Presidential Candidates Discussion on Faith

On Monday evening, June 4, Sojourners and CNN hosted a Democratic Presidential Candidate forum on Faith and Politics with the top three Democratic Candidates, John Edwards, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton. The additional Democratic candidates for president were given a forum for discussion during the following hour on the Paula Zahn show. While not a huge CNN fan I am a fan of Sojourners, and decided to watch the forum and give this, one man’s opinion of the events that transpired. I will later on post a video of the highlights of that forum on this article, the link to the transcript of the forum can be read by clicking here.

Before going into my commentary I have to once again give clarification. This is one mans opinion; it is not an endorsement of any political candidate as I haven’t made up my mind as to who I will support. I will say, the issues facing those of faith are far more substantial than many in the church, and many in the press give credit for. I was amazed for example that the ongoing continual issues involved gay marriage, prayer, and abortion. All three are significant issues within the cultures of politics and faith, but they are not the only issues. The leading candidate for both the Democratic and Republican Party at this point are both pro choice candidates. That being said, all of those involved in the political process with faith issues must look at the entirety of the candidates, not just a single issue.

Now an additional note; I am going to make comments that may offend some that is not my intent. I think it important to realize that on my thoughts, I could easily be wrong. My views are a little unique because I am trained in the area of psychology and counseling. One of the things I am knowledgeable of is the ability to read a persons body language, their tones, and actions. I have a pretty good perception, as a result of experience and training as to when a person is being honest or not. I will try to not make statements like, “this person was not honest in their answers and presentation.” Instead I will make comment like, “This person seemed to not be comfortable when answering the question or describing their feelings.”

I will actually be making comment on two programs, and two different sets of candidates, the first program featuring the top three candidates and then the final featuring the remaining candidates. I will comment on how I think the person did, and if the discussion on faith and politics helped or hurt the person.

The initial program featured each candidate for a 15 minute segment. The moderator did an excellent job of asking hard questions, and holding the candidates to their time limit. There was a panel of individuals who would ask questions and a question submitted on line via the internet. The candidate could respond to the question for as long as they wanted, up to their 15 minute time limit. If they answered only one question in that time, that was the only question they were asked.

The first candidate up was John Edwards, the former Senator and Vice Presidential Candidate from South Carolina. I’ll be honest, while providing answers that may displease many fundamental Christians such as his views on Evolution and Creation; I think he did a pretty good job. One of the things I actually liked and appreciated about John Edwards was he answered the questions naturally and focused on the Christian mandate to help the poor. He also referred to the fact that all people are sinners and in need of Christ forgiveness. I believe, among all of the candidates; John Edwards lifted himself up to garnish more respect from me than any other candidate during the debate with the possible exception of one other I will mention later on. He openly spoke about falling away from The Lord, and coming back to Christ later in life. He also spoke openly and I felt quite appropriately about the importance of prayer in his life and the reality that Christ has been able to help him and his family through many tough situations. I have to say at this point before going to the next candidate that in my opinion, he seemed to be the most sincere person on the initial panel. His answers did not seem to be rehearsed or scripted in any way. He stayed on point and did a great job of answering questions. Of all of the candidates presenting on the initial forum, John Edwards likely did the best of any to help his position with many persons of faith voting in the next election. Edwards was the only candidate who was quite open about his opposition to Gays being allowed to get married. He offered up an answer that seemed to be caring, yet at the same time recognizing the traditional perspective of marriage. He did seem to support the concept of civil unions, but also alluded that this should be a church, and state issue.

On a closing note about John Edwards, I must also comment on his ability to relate to the audience. There is little doubt that he received the most applause, and the most laughter of any of the major three candidates. While being able to relate to a group of people is not the most important part of a candidate, he had the ability to make me laugh along with him, while at the same time feeling passionate about the things such as the rebuilding of New Orleans that he was passionate about.

The next candidate on the forum was Barack Obama, the Senator from Illinois. In the past I have seen, and even posted with The Virtual Pew a wonderful scripted presentation on faith and politics given by Obama. I was impressed with that particular presentation and the attitude of Obama. Like most of the Democratic candidates there were issues that would displease some Fundamental Christians. For Obama it seemed to be the issue of Gay Marriage and abortion. Virtually all of the candidates stated we should find ways to greatly reduce the number of abortions. Obama was strong on other points, he was outspoken about the reality of evil, and his support for Israel. Both points that will set well with some conservative and fundamental voters.
Obama spent most of his time answering a single question from Jim Wallis. I have to be honest, I was disappointed. He seemed to ramble and never really addressed the issues until later in his presentation. He did not seem as comfortable with an unrehearsed presentation as he has in the past with a rehearsed presentation. While there were some good ideas related to ways he would help the poor, there didn’t seem to be the passion as exhibited by John Edwards. I was also disappointed that Obama didn’t speak more about his faith and the importance of it. I realize a huge part was due to his addressing of a single question. In the past I have been a part of organizations where many meetings take place with long discussions. There are often long discussions where little ever actually gets done. Obama was doing a lot of talking, but with such a style as to ramble on.

If looking at just this presentation, Obama likely hurt himself with many voters looking at faith related issues. He did work at building bridges between Republicans and Democrats, but he unfortunately seemed to come off more as a politician than someone passionate about the issues. As mentioned earlier, he has done a much better job of this in the past, but this was not his best presentation.

The next candidate was Hilary Clinton. I have to give the moderator props here, right off the bat she hit Hilary up with a tough question regarding the incorporation of faith, and her living in a family where infidelity had been an issue. Hilary did a good job of answering the question and I was impressed. Hillary also gave the best, if not most passionate answer regarding the need to greatly reduce the number of abortions. If listening to just her words, or reading just the transcript of this presentation, I would have had a great deal of respect for what she had to say. That said, watching her was another thing all together; it was obvious that Senator Clinton had rehearsed a great deal of what she was going to say. It didn’t seem to me that there was much passion in the things she was presenting. I do believe she helped her position among many swing voters.

The following program, looking at the additional candidates and faith featured, Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, and Dennis Kucinich. An interesting note about the four candidates on the Paula Zahn show is they were all Roman Catholic. While I had liked some of the things I had seen on Bill Richardson, I had been put off by some of the things I had read and heard from Dennis Kucinich. A lot of what I thought would change after watching this exchange. I will focus a little more on this as these candidates were not given the time of those on the first hour.

Paula Zahn brought up with each candidate how their views differed a great deal, and was in fact in opposition with the Catholic Church. Not a single one of these candidates supported their church or their churches position on issues such as gay marriage, and abortion.

The first candidate up was Senator Joe Biden. I have to give him credit; he started out in an open and honest way talking about how he turned his back on God after his first wife and daughter were tragically killed in an accident. While some may have expected a little dishonesty on his part, he was brutally honest. I admire that in a person, a point of honesty in such an emotional and important debate on faith.

Senator Biden also spoke about how he prays the Rosary each day. There was no sense of a personal prayer outside of the Rosary. He also spoke about the concept of forgiveness. He was asked if he was able to forgive the terrorists who flew the planes into the towers on 9/11/01, he stated that while able and easier to forgive others for what they had done to him, he was unable to forgive the terrorists for what they had done.

Senator Biden also made an eloquent argument that as a nation, and as a party, the Democrats have just as much faith, and worship the same God as do many Republicans. On this point Senator Biden did a great job. Unfortunately, I don’t think Senator Biden came off well in the conversation with Paula Zahn, in many ways he didn’t have much emotion, wasn’t personable and while presenting some good objectives, didn’t seem to have passion about those perspectives. I personally believe many of faith will look at this and be turned away from Senator Biden.

The next person up in discussion was New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Richardson also a Roman Catholic spoke early on about how his grandmother influenced him when she had him, as a young boy say his prayers each night in Spanish. When asked if he still prayed each day, he dodged the question by stating he still prays and that his Roman Catholic upbringing helped to form his sense of social conscious in the world.

Governor Richardson spoke quite a bit about the “social consciousness” of the church and how that should drive individuals’ actions. He spoke about how Government could also be a strong factor in the establishment of social consciousness. There were several policies he presented here, and it was as if his focus was on the policy with little support of his faith being a catalyst for those views.

When specifically asked about homosexuality and abortion he was in opposition to the views of the Roman Catholic Church. One of the things that surprised me was his strong support for Civil Unions and strong opposition to gay marriage. I couldn’t help but think this seemed to be a political position as his support of the gay community didn’t seem to support his opposition to gay marriage.

When asked about Heaven, Governor Richardson spoke about how he didn’t think of it often because his plate was so full with other things. He changed the conversation very quickly, speaking about how he prayed, how he believed in God, and told a story about how a crucifix given him by his Grandmother when he was young would protect and help him in baseball games as a youngster. It was not clear if Governor Richardson has a relationship with God. It was hard to tell if he took his faith seriously. I may be wrong but I believe it would have been better to be honest about this as many will be confused.

In the initial outset I liked Governor Richardson, he was one of the candidates I was even willing to consider supporting, but after this particular discussion, I believe that for myself, and many people of faith that take faith issues seriously, they will loose some respect for Governor Richardson. Of all of the candidates, this discussion may have hurt him more than any other.

The next Democratic Presidential candidate to discuss their faith was Senator Chris Dodd. He started off the conversation brilliantly when discussing how talking about ones faith, if not natural could end up hurting themselves. I was impressed with Senator Dodd’s ability to speak freely and comfortably about his faith and belief in the Roman Catholic Church. He also spoke of how his wife was Mormon. He spoke about how his children would eventually have to make decisions of their own and the importance of it being their decision. I also liked the thought that a person’s faith is what drives their decisions and belief system. Senator Dodd on this point illustrated how his involvement with the Peace Corps in the 1960’s was driven by faith. There was comment about the social consciousness driven by the Catholic Church, and that a part of his faith was to address the social consciousness as opposed to the individual confrontation in certain areas. He seemed to recognize the need to do this in certain areas as he addressed needed policy to look at areas such as violence in television, movies, and video games.

When asked about his position on homosexuality Senator Dodd discussed his views of how he felt homosexuality was not a sin and how he supported gay unions. Senator Dodd stated that he viewed his position as somewhat different as the church and that his view of spirituality was driven by how you treat people. One could argue that he took a more humanistic approach to the concept of “sin” and issues such as homosexuality, abortion and other areas where he had differing views than the Church.

I will comment some on the Senators position on abortion. He was clear that with the law being what it is, that he thought it important to find ways to greatly reduce abortions. He spoke quite effectively here on the need to find ways of treatment, assistance and other programs that would reduce the number of abortions. While he recognized this was a differing view, the support of abortion, from his church, he discussed the need to address the issue within the laws that currently existed.

I came into this not knowing a lot about Senator Dodd. I must state while I disagree with some of the positions, (as I do all the candidates) I was impressed with his eloquence, and his ability to articulate his views. He impressed me as someone who may be a good leader and possible to bring people together. I don’t know how the faith community will view him though. I think some of the areas will bother some, yet the ability to lead and articulate his views will bring others in. Senator Dodd is the only candidate that if I had to say how he did I would say it is a toss up.

Lastly in the discussion on faith was with Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Dennis Kucinich. Of all of the candidates, I likely had one of the lowest initial opinions of Senator Kucinich. In some ways, his comments quickly changed my position. Senator Kucinich has been seen as the peace candidate and the war opposition candidate. That is where the discussion started.

As one with Anabaptist leanings I was somewhat impressed with Senator Kucinich’s view on the importance of love as opposed to an attitude of hate. He spoke about the need to incorporate peaceful policies and objectives in government as opposed to oppositional perspectives that cause conflict. One of the things Senator Kucinich looked at when addressing this was more of a universal world view as opposed to a specific individualistic national view. On this topic, he will gain support from some within the faith community, while loosing support from others. I suspect the majority of those taking issue with a position like this will be people who never supported him to begin with.

A reoccurring theme that continually came up and again supported by Senator Kucinich was the issue of “not whether God is on our side, but are we on God’s side.” This is a somewhat interesting concept that causes one to think. It is one that could potentially cause some people of faith to rethink their positions on several issues and candidates. I can’t help but think this is a strategy used by the Democratic Party which is one of the reasons it came up so often during the two programs, at least 4 times at my counting. In this discussion Senator Kucinich spoke about how truth, peace, love, social, and economic justice are also issues of faith that should be addressed. Senator Kucinich alluded to the point that as people of faith, if these are issues of faith, then people of faith have some responsibility to live up to God’s expectations. An interesting point was the point that nations also had responsibility to live up to God’s standards.

One of the things Senator Kucinich promoted was the need to develop a Department of Peace and Non Violence using the teachers of great religious leaders like Jesus Christ, Gandhi, and others to develop a system and program that looked at ways of promoting peace in all types of situation, from world politics, domestic issues, racial violence, violence in the schools, violence against gays, and even family violence among others. He was specific to point out how a nation founded on Christian principles should follow these Christian principles and how we needed to see them as a way to practice our faith. In some ways, the incorporation of Christian principles, for a specific cause, hasn’t been spoken about more by any other candidate than this Senator Kucinich. If thought about, this could be one of the most controversial positions taken by any candidate. I have to admit, on these issues, on the Department of Peace and Non Violence, Senator Kucinich promoted that addressing the conflicts and needs within our own country, we could begin to see a “healing hand” bring the American people together.

Senator Kucinich also spoke about the sacrifices of those who have died in Iraq and other wars. He spoke of how their sacrifices, under all circumstances need to be seen as being pure and for love of country. He also stated that the President of the United States has an obligation to see to it that those making those sacrifices should never have their lives put on the line for anything other than the defense of our country. On this point Senator Kucinich alluded that our country was involved in a war we got into under false pretenses. He quoted scripture here, rather freely when stating, “That which is crooked can not be made straight.” He was open and blunt about the need to get out of Iraq immediately and that we were there for the wrong reasons.

When asked about the role of faith and the emphasis being placed on it Senator Kucinich was clear that he felt faith was a deserving issue of discussion. He emphasized that people not only look at what a particular candidate may say regarding faith, but how they live their faith. He was essentially saying that politicians have an obligation to let their faith drive and influence their actions. He also commented that there can never be enough emphasis placed on faith and that the founders of America intended there to be an open discourse and discussion on issues of faith and spirituality. While he recognized that there should be separation of Church and State, he also emphasized that the separation of Church and State was never intended to separate us from spiritual values.

Senator Kucinich also addressed his differences with the Roman Catholic Church. Specifically in the area of abortion he stated we as a country need to do everything necessary to prevent and reduce the number of abortions. One of the ways to do this was to provide programs such as prenatal care and more help for the mother, as well as the need to increase and promote the concept of adoption. He stated that with the incorporation of these and other programs we could develop a system where the number of abortions would be greatly reduced and he felt that on this issue many could come to a point of being united.

He was brief, due to time, on the issue of homosexuality but pointed to the Constitution and the fact that all people should be treated equal according to the law. On this point Senator Kucinich pointed out that whether gay or straight, all people are children of God and should be treated accordingly.

I have to say, I was impressed with the tone, and convictions of Senator Kucinich. He freely included Scripture in a natural way in his discussion with Paula Zahn, and freely spoke about faith and the importance of people of faith impacting society. Many looking at this who are strong fundamentalists or conservatives will not consider voting for Senator Kucinich no matter what because of what are perceived as liberal ideas. For those who are centrists though or are looking at other points of faith, they will be attracted to what Senator Kucinich promotes. He was the clear winner of those interviewed on the Paula Zahn show. I wish he had been on the first program with the top 3 candidates as he would have influenced many more persons who are looking at faith issues.

While it seems like much of the media was focused more on Senators Clinton and Obama, I couldn’t help but admire the presentations of Senator Edwards and Senator Kucinich as I felt they were the clear winners of the discussion in regards to influencing people of faith. I was also impressed and think a great reminder for all of us was the words of Jim Wallis as he quoted Jesus towards the end of the first discussion. This was stated in the context of the reality that many focus on a single issue, (as have I in the past) such as abortion, gay marriage, prayer in school and so forth. We were reminded that being a Christian is about much more than a single issue. This is exemplified in the first words of Jesus as he begin his ministry as is outlined in Luke 4: 18, 19

Luke 4: (18) "The Lord's Spirit has come to me, because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor.
The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers, (19) and to say, `This is the year the Lord has chosen.' "

Yes from the words and mission of Jesus, as spoken about himself, there are many more issues than just a few that we commonly hear about. May God grant us the ability to make wise decisions and seek after his will and his direction.

It is my understanding that a similar format will occur with the Republican candidates. If able to catch it and find out when it is on, I will comment on their presentations as well.

In closing, I hope this has been of some value. I have to say, for me, the clear winners were Senator John Edwards and Senator Dennis Kucinich. Both had views and positions I liked, but I was more so impressed with the natural flow of their conversation and the obvious perspective that the issues being discussed were critically important to them. I could trust them on what they said, whether I liked it or not. For all people who are concerned about spiritual issues, this debate should have been a must watch. Thankfully as long as the topic of spirituality and faith are on the talking points, we will all be better informed to make the decision we need to make in America.

To view video highlights of the discussion on faith and politics among the Democratic candidates click on the video that follows. If the video don't appear, click on the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5BWQhZBh6U

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 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.(Please note that the links for The Virtual Pew blogs have been going through some changes and the url’s have changed.)

Donations to The Virtual Pew
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The Virtual Pew Wrestling Essay Scholarships

Please Note, this year, 2008, we are trying to raise $500 for the Essay Scholarship, and additional funds for a camp as mentioned below. Also note, this year the contest requires a 300 Word Essay that meets all of the following rules.

I am pleased to announce the first annual The Virtual Pew Wrestling Scholarship Essay Winners. The Virtual Pew is a ministry that seeks to serve The Lost, The Last, and The Least. We are also actively involved in the wrestling community by providing Church on the Mat Worship Services for various tournaments. One of the presentations we provide is Wrestling With God, a presentation that has been published internationally and used on various web sites around the world. To learn more about The Virtual Pew, visit our web site at http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

The Virtual Pew Wrestling Scholarship Essay was based on the following rules: The scholarships will be determined by an independent group of judges. Qualified candidates will be a resident of Kansas, and be of any ages who are wrestling in summer events. Candidates will write a maximum 300 word essay that describes their need and the impact and benefit of wrestling on their life. Contestants will release the use of the essays for The Virtual Pew to possibly use all or part on various blogs, articles, and on various wrestling forums. Essays can be mailed, to The Virtual Pew, P.O. Box 17731 Wichita Kansas 67217, or emailed to mike@thevirtualpew.com with wrestling scholarship essay in the subject line. Scholarships will be awarded as follows. 1s place $150, 2nd place $100, 3rd place $50. Anyone desiring more information can contact Mike Furches at mike@thevirtualpew.com or phone contact at 316-258-3952 or 620-545-7029. The deadline for receipt of the scholarship application essays is June 1, with prizes being awarded June 5. (note if amount received is more than $300 we will break down the financial awards accordingly. 100% of all money received will go to the wrestling essay scholarship winners plus the possible camp this year. Also note the following was added for this year.

This Year The Virtual Pew will once again be having a essay contest to help wrestlers who summer wrestle. A link to last years essay contest follows: http://thevirtualpew.blogspot.com/2007/06/virtual-pew-wrestling-essay.html

The hope this year is to offer $500 in scholarships, plus hopefully have several coaches and wrestlers to assist with a mini camp for wrestlers based on financial ability. If enough support, and to help defray costs, we will offer this camp on a sliding scale. We will still need some to help with some costs associated.

If we don’t raise the $500, then we will guarantee awards in the amount of $300 or up to $500 which ever is on hand for this award.

Please note, wrestlers applying for the essay scholarship, will need to write a 300 Word Essay (last year was only 250 words), note, as we did last year, anything over 300 words will be penalized in the judging. Also, see the link provided above for other detailed rules. Rules will be the same with the exception of if money coming in is more than $300.

This scholarship is offered by The Virtual Pew in memory of Tyler Graebner and is intended to help promote Kansas Summer Wrestling for low income or needy youth involved in wrestling. To learn more about Tyler you can click on one of the following links:

http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/comments/furches/2005/02/movies-and-good-they-can-do.html

http://thevirtualpew.blogspot.com/2007/03/tag-team-wrestling-thanks-tyler.html

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=59038996&blogID=256734251&MyToken=a2cf8ec3-48b6-40a6-810b-5152564cca31

Individuals or organizations willing to help with scholarship funds or camp funds can contact me at mike@thevirtualpew.com or make contributions to:

The Virtual Pew

Mail to:

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

You can also call to (316) 545-7029 or (316) 258-3952

Remember 100% of funds coming in designated for this goes directly to the wrestling scholarships and wrestling camp.

Wrestlers and Coaches willing to volunteer with the camp, please contact me as well.

The Virtual Pew Wrestling Scholarships, and ministry and support of individuals in the wrestling community is something we plan on doing on a regular basis, any individual that would like to designate gifts to The Virtual Pew for these purposes may do so at the above addresses. Annual scholarships and ministry opportunities will go out to various individuals based on funds through the year that have been donated and designated for these specific purposes. Our hope and desire for the moment is to provide additional opportunities for Kansas Wrestlers. The Essay Scholarship program is done in memory of Tyler Graebner, a 8-year-old from Hutchinson Kansas who lost his life to cancer. Tyler through his love and dedication to wrestling inspired thousands across America as he battled and ultimately lost his challenge with cancer. In memory of Tyler the scholarship will be an annual award to remember the benefits and hopes that can come through the sport of wrestling. Anyone interested in contributing to this award or for other wrestling related ministry may make contact at the above addresses or give online by clicking on any of the photographs or the giving link below. If giving on line, please indicate in the text message what the gift is for and designated for.

The Virtual Pew in this award sought out the assistance of various individuals in the wrestling community coming from various walks of life. From Internationally Recognized Gold Medal Winners, NCAA All-Americans, Professional Business Persons, Professional Publications, Public Speakers, International Ministry Directors and Wrestling Enthusiasts across the country. No person from Kansas, no one directly associated with The Virtual Pew, was involved with the judging. All essays were presented to the Judges with all names removed from the essay. Essays were judged by the directive, a maximum of 250 words, and the essay inclusion of their need and the impact and benefit of wrestling on their life. Age was not a restriction, and unless age was mentioned in the essay, the judges were not aware of the age of the contributor. Penalties were assessed by the judges based on the essays ability to follow the rules and guidelines.

The essay contestants involved a 1st – 3rd place cash award to be applied toward summer wrestling expenses. There was a tie for 3rd so the $50 award for that prize will be split among the two which tied. The following are the winners of the essay awards from 3rd place through 1st. Congrats to all winners and thanks to those who contributed essays to this competition, and a special thanks to those who contributed the financial funds to fund these scholarships.

Third Place Winners,

James Fox - $25, Hunter Roberts - $25.

Wrestling, College, and Me
James Fox

Wrestling has had a major impact in my life. I believe I am a better person and in a better position in life because of wrestling. I have wrestled one year in college and plan to continue wrestling in college for at least the next three years.

I started wrestling in the second grade for the YMCA. Since then I have wrestled for Douglass kid’s club, Central Kansas, The Kansas Wizzers and Douglass High School. I was headed down the wrong path in life during high school. Wrestling is what got me out of that rut and I will always love wrestling and be grateful for what it has done for me.

I followed my passion for wrestling into college at Pratt Community College. I was on the NJCAA All-Academic team having a accumulative GPA of 3.11. I was also a NJCAA national qualifier and once ranked 6th overall in JUCO at 133.

My love for wrestling is still strong. Unlike many guys who have been giving their heart to wrestling for ten years, I have only been giving mine for only two. I m still very hungry and so far from being burnt out that I think it gives me an advantage. I am continuing my college education and love for wrestling at Newman University. At Newman I plan to keep at least a 3.0 GPA and eventually become a Division II All-American in wrestling. The toughest part of this essay was to write about something I am passionate about in only 250 words.

Thank You,
James

Hunter Roberts

Hey, my name is Hunter I live in Hiawatha KS. I am 11 years old. I wrestle all styles of wrestling and have placed 1st, 4th, 4th, 5th, and 8th nationally. I have won Kansas Freestyle State 2 times and 2 times in Greco. I got third in freestyle 1 time .I have been wrestling freestyle and Greco for 4 years. I think wrestling will someday get me into a major college I would like to go to either OSU or ISU. Wrestling makes me spend a lot of time with my dad I don’t think I would spend half as much time with my dad if I didn’t wrestle. I also think I am a whole lot healthier than I would be. Wrestling helps me pay attention to what I’m doing because in wrestling you get yelled at for goofing off or spacing out. It has really helped me in the classroom because wrestling gets you disciplined. Wrestling in my opinion is the toughest sport there is and I’m not a wimp because of how tough wrestling has made me. I think wrestling has taught me to eat healthy.

If I would qualify for one of the scholarships I will use the money you give me to go to national tournaments this summer like the Southern Plains and the Kids Freestyle/Greco Nationals in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Thank You,
Hunter


Second Place Winner
Nathan Furches - $100

I am writing to be considered for one of the summer wrestling scholarships. Wrestling has opened many doors for me in life. It is a great sport which teaches a lot of valuable lessons, such as discipline, courage, respect, honor, and friendship. Wrestlers are disciplined in the areas of maintaining weight, tough practices, and never giving up. Through this discipline I have gained courage to face hardships and opposition. I have learned that respect is very important to make it anywhere in life, from the wrestling mat to getting a job. I honor my sport because of all the things it has taught me. Throughout my wrestling career, it has opened many doors to travel around the country where I have made many good friends, and hopefully someday to make friends all over the world.

My overall dream for wrestling is to some day make the Olympic wrestling team, and hopefully win. Wrestling has opened the door for me to have the honor of getting to go to the Olympic Training Center. My ultimate dream is to wrestle in the Olympics one day. Wrestling has taught me great discipline and helped prepare me for life in general. I’ve learned a great deal of respect for opponents.

It cost approximately $900 to participate in these summer wrestling events. I am unable to work due to practice schedules, camps, and tournaments. My family does not have the money to pay for all the expenses. I would appreciate any scholarship money that I could receive.

Thank You,
Nathan

First Place Winner
Gage Deere - $150

Hello, I am Gage. I would like to apply for consideration for a Virtual Pew Wrestling Scholarship.

Wrestling has been in my life even before I was born. My dad was a high school wrestling coach and many of my earliest memories are of hanging out on the mat. I looked up to these guys and thought they were the toughest, strongest and coolest boys on the planet.

Many times the team seemed to be a magnet for kids who struggling in many aspects of their lives. Often, I saw my dad stay after practice and work with any of the boys needing some extra work. These weren’t always the stud wrestlers, in fact, quite the opposite. These were the guys who were struggling, sometimes with wrestling, sometimes with personal problems or homework.

I started competing at age 4, I had no idea what I was doing, but I was with the cool guys and having fun. I realized a couple years later that I had not won a single match for two seasons. I did not feel like a “loser” though and looking back now, it was being part of a team, being with my family and truly having fun that was important.

When I was 8, my parents both changed careers to work with at-risk kids in group homes. We have been able to incorporate wrestling in to other kids lives. Sometimes this is supported, but often it is not. My old shoes and singlets are handed down and around and we fund-raise and work tournaments to allow me and any others to do national events or go to camps. I have seen many of my “other-brothers” impacted positively by being associated with wrestling. I would appreciate your consideration.


Thank you!
Gage

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