A Historical Night

What an incredible evening in the history of our country. It was neat to watch the reactions of so many people on the election of Obama as our next president. I must admit when he first announced and started his campaign I wondered if our country would elect an African-American as president. Our country has such an awful history of hatred and violence towards blacks. You could see the joy on the faces of many African-Americans in the crowd last night in Grant Park as president-elect Obama gave his speech.

We definitely need a leader to come and help to clean up the mess that is our country right now. Obama seems to be that leader. His ability to reach out and bring people in is exactly what is needed currently. I appreciate his knowledge of history, and I think that the world will stand up and take notice as to what has happened here. We will all look back one day and remember exactly how we felt when we heard that Obama was elected president and I hope we don't soon forget the civil rights activists who risked so much to bring our country to a point where this could happen.

Election Day

Today is Tuesday November 4th, and I would imagine most bloggers are writing about their experiences today. I took advantage of early voting and did my civic duty last Thursday. It is very encouraging to see how many folks are out and about already this morning voting and it appears that turnout will be at a record high. Personally, I am very excited because there are a couple of teens in the youth group here who will be voting for the first time today! I still remember the first Presidential election I participated in. It was President Clinton's first election as he challenged the incumbent President Bush (sr.) The opportunity to vote is not something that we can take for granted, nor is it something to take lightly. There are many countries around the world today who do not have the opportunity to take part in their countries governmental proceedings and I encourage all of you to get out and vote today!

Can a Rock be hungry?

Yesterday I had the chance to spend hiking around Starved Rock. I never knew why it was called that, but I learned yesterday. Interesting. Starved Rock State Park derives its name from a Native American legend of injustice and retribution. In the 1760s, Pontiac, chief of the Ottawa tribe upriver from here, was slain by an Illiniwek while attending a tribal council in southern Illinois. According to the legend, during one of the battles that subsequently occurred to avenge his killing, a band of Illiniwek, under attack by a band of Potawatomi (allies of the Ottawa), sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Ottawa and Potawatomi surrounded the bluff and held their ground until the hapless Illiniwek died of starvation- giving rise to the name “Starved Rock.” See, I told you it was interesting.
What is truly amazing about being in a place like that is the natural beauty. Our God is so incredible. Being around His creation is inspiring and makes me continue to wonder why he chooses to love us like he does. He loved us all so much that he sent His Son to die on the cross for us! There is no greater love than that. As you see our earth's natural beauty, thank God for it, and thank Him for loving you too.

See You at the Pole

The annual See You at the Pole event took place this past week. It is where students all around the United States and the World gather at their school's flagpoles to pray. What an exciting morning it was. I had the opportunity to go to Pekin High School for both of their pole times. 6:00 am was when the early bird folks came to pray. 32 students attended and prayed for the lost in their schools and they even sang a couple songs. At 7:00 am 80 more students came to pray.

Seeing students pray and lift their cares to God is an incredible experience. That evening there was a rally where the Gospel was clearly presented and many students came to accept Christ. One of the students even came to Grace this past Sunday morning. She came all by herself! What a bold step to show her family and friends that she is ready to follow Christ. Please be in prayer for all of the students who prayed this past Wednesday as they begin their incredible journey with Jesus.

Rain!

What a wild weekend of rain and storms. I know there are many who have spent a majority of their time dealing with flooded basements and power outages. Isn't it comforting to know that we have a God who is always in control and will never leave us nor forsake us? With so much going on in the world today, it can be easy to lose heart and become discouraged. Let me encourage you today to look to Him for guidance and direction.