Freedom Friday

Today we honor Eric Johnson. Eric has done so much, not only for his community and state, but also for his country.
Senator Eric Johnson was born on August 20, 1953 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He went to Tulane University where he received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees. He currently resides in Savannah, Georgia. As an architect he has always had an eye for architectural beauty and designs on buildings. The three most important things in life to Eric are his relationship with God, his family, and his country. Enjoying some good ole' southern barbeque with all the right fixins' makes this man happy. Slap some baked beans, cornbread, slaw and ice cold sweat tea to it to wash it down. He would like to get a taste of all the different recipes Georgia cooks have to offer. This is the perfect food for watching some college football. You will hear Eric cheering for the University of Georgia. Eric also enjoys cycling. I wouldn't mind finding out how fast he can ride, or how far. I'm wondering if he might be up for a challenge with any Savannah cyclist. Hmm? Eric's favorite books are the Bible and Atlas Shrugged, by: Ayn Rand. Can you guess what his favorite movie is? Would your answer be Braveheart and Casablanca? Those are his answers.
I asked Eric who his hero is and why. Eric answered with the following;
"Growing up in Shreveport racial tensions were unprecedented in the 1950s. His father was a family doctor, but more importantly a community leader that was concerned about the community’s well-being. He made sure everyone was taken care of medically—no matter how trivial or expensive, and no matter what race. One memory that Eric is fond of is when a man after his check up told Eric’s father that he had no money to pay him. Eric’s father with a grin and a pat on the back told him not to worry about it. But the man wanted to make sure that Eric’s father was fairly compensated so the man brought his family fruit baskets and fresh vegetables from his garden because he insisted that Eric’s father take some form of payment. Eric’s father graciously obliged, thanked him, and told this man to keep on coming back to him for his medical sake, but the fruits and vegetables were not necessary".
Senator Johnson thinks that America is enriched by great generations that have sacrificed so much before us. His hopes are that we would maintain our rich traditions in the future and continue to honor those that made it possible for America to be such a great nation. He hopes for a stronger America led by brave men and women who will stand tall against oppressors; a more vibrant America with a freer market to allow our small businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive and work hard. Eric hopes for a Christian America lead by citizens with a faith-filled life who are willing to acknowledge God's blessings.
I asked Eric about the most exciting place he had ever been and that was to Israel for an economic development trip with a delegation of House and Senate members. While on the trip it was impossible to not enjoy the abundant history Israel had to offer.
Right after the Reagan Revolution, in the early 80's, former U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly and current Congressman Jack Kingston convinced Eric Johnson there needed to be greater accountability with elected officials. These good men encouraged Eric and gave him the support to run for office. This would be the beginning of his political career.
Eric is for school-choice. He wants to empower the parents to make the decision of which school their son or daughter should go to. Senator Johnson would like everyone to know that as the Senate Ethics Chairman, he understands that elected officials must be held to a higher, moral standard. Because of this last year he authored the legislation to make sure all legislators pay their state income taxes. There have been a few lawmakers that have not filed. His family is heavily involved in their respective ministries. For instance, his son, Marcus, is a youth pastor. Eric, himself, is a Directional Counselor. Senator Johnson has done so much for the military and their families. He has passed legislation supporting the soldier in many ways. From 2003-2008, most of this legislation was passed while he was essentially the top Senator in the chamber. He was the Senate President Pro Tempore and he had every influence on which bill came up for a vote and what didn't. Most of these state laws that are in the books today were ushered by Senator Johnson. He is committed to our brave men and women that serve to protect us. Senator Eric Johnson is now running for Governor of Georgia. Good-luck to you Senator and thank you for all that you have done for the state. Thank you for all that you have done for the military.
May God bless you and May God bless America.

Senator Eric Johnson in Action

Senator Eric Johnson In Action

From 2003-2008, most of this legislation was passed while he was essentially the top Senator in the chamber. He was the Senate President Pro Tem and he had every influence on which bill came up for a vote and what didn't. Most of these state laws that are in the books today was ushered by Senator Johnson. He is committed to our brave men and women that serve to protect us.

4/23/03, Remembering 32 Soldiers http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2003_04/search/sr517.htm

6/3/03, From Office of the Governor – Press Release http://gov.georgia.gov/00/press/detail/0,2668,78006749_91290006_91667021,00.html

3/29/05, Commending Georgia’s 48^th Infantry Brigade,

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/search/sr559.htm

3/31/05, Condolences Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith;

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/search/sr617.htm

3/31/05, Resolution - RESOLUTION urging private persons to make financial contributions to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, Inc., http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/search/sr334.htm

4/4/08, Commending Adopt-a-Soldier program,

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/search/sr1314.htm

5/10/05, Prestige License Plates for military families http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/search/sb255.htm

2/22/06, Recognize National Guard Day:

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2005_06/search/sr857.htm

3/12/09, Resolution recognizing Military Family Relief Fund:http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/fulltext/sr576.htm

SENATE BILL 588
MILITARY SERVICE MONUMENTS: This legislation creates a cause of action against persons who abuse, defile, or obstruct any privately owned monument which honors past or present service in the United States Military.

SENATE BILL 258
GEORGIA MILITARY SUPPORT ACT OF 2005
Senate Bill 258 provides: an excusal or deferral from jury duty; extensions on a valid Georgia drivers’ license; extensions on expirations on professional licenses; honorary hunting and fishing licenses; and residential lease and cell phone contract termination provisions for service members (regular or reserve component of the US Armed Forces, the US Coast Guard, the Georgia National Guard, or the Georgia Air National Guard) who have been ordered on federal duty

SENATE BILL 369 DISABLED PARKING PERMITS FOR ACTIVE AND RETIRED MILITARY PERSONNEL Current law requires all applicants seeking a disabled parking permit to present an affidavit from a practitioner of the healing arts stating that such person is disabled, the specific disability that limits or impairs the person's ability to walk, and that he or she is disabled as specified in O.C.G.A. § 40­6­221(5). This legislation allows active duty or retired military personnel to submit an affidavit from an active duty military physician whether or not such physician is licensed to practice in Georgia. The affidavit must state that the applicant is in active military service and stationed in Georgia, or is retired from the military and is a Georgia resident and that the person is disabled, the specific disability that limits or impairs the person's ability to walk, and that he or she is disabled as specified in O.C.G.A. § 40­6­221(5).

Ominous Storm Clouds

Ominous Storm Clouds

We had another great Tea Party last night at Rousakis Plaza in Savannah, GA. Even though the thunder clouds moved in and cut us short, it didn't scare away the true patriots. Amy Claxton, Claire Hodges and April Little got the crowd excited with an amazing harmony of our National Anthem. Billowing, dark clouds hovered over providing a cooling off period while Dr. Robert Johnson spoke about why a government health plan is not what America needs. Ralph Reed, Chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition took the stage next full of as much energy as the ominous clouds had. He got the patriots even more energized, cheering and jeering as he spoke on Obama's leadership and the Health Care Bill. He invited everyone to join the Faith and Freedom Coalition Rally and Freedom Concert with Sean Hannity on August 22 in Duluth, GA. You must make reservations at www.ffcoalition.com. Jeanne Seaver closed us out with the same energy as the lightening ignited and the rain poured down. That still wasn't enough to run these great patriots off! We had people helping us take the tables down and gather all of our supplies, then run under the pavilion. Even though the turn out wasn't as big as we had hoped, probably due to the forecasted 50% rain, it was a terrific rally and awesome energy to be a part of. It is times like these that are remembered most, when you go through a storm with a group of people you share something with. We will all remember this day forever. To me, this is a great symbol of what is to come if we allow this current administration to continue in their overpowering ways. Like a powerful thunderstorm that strikes with maddening forces and reeks of tyrannous power and devastation. But, just like those dark and heavy clouds that hung over teasing us, so is this government. Testing us, like a child. They want to see just how much we will let them get away with. It is time my friends, to wake up, to stand up and to speak up. Let's defend and take back what is ours. Nehemia 4:14b "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." May God bless you and may God bless America.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Why Do I Care?

Why Do I Care?

A few people have asked me why I care so much about politics and what is going on in congress. They ask me why I get so excited and upset at other peoples' actions. Why do I care? I'll tell you why I care. I'll give you four very good reasons why I care and then several more in addition to those. The four primary reasons are named Nichole, Bobby, Lena, and Caroline Rose, my children. Everything that congress, government, or politicians do or vote on affects my children in some way. If it doesn't affect them immediately it will affect them in their future. People ask me why do I spend so much time fighting on it, organizing rallies, going to rallies, going to town halls, calling congress, writing congress, and more. They ask me if I really think it actually changes anything. Look, all I can say is this, I know for a fact that if I don't do anything at all, that my friends surely won't make a difference. But the aforementioned efforts are at least an attempt. If nothing else it is an example to my children of how they too can get involved and let their voices be heard and not just be the silent majority. The government is elected by us and for us, not the other way around. They are supposed to be representing us. I don't understand why so many people make me and others out to be the bad guy when we make calls to our congressman or urge others to do the same. Isn't that what we are supposed to do? Are they not supposed to be listening to us and then going forth and voting for us? I am confused as to what our position is. Are we merely supposed to vote people in and then completely stay out of it and hope they do what they promised and what we want. Are we supposed to totally trust them with our lively hood? Some of the biggest crooks are in Washington. Many politicians are self-seeking and self-serving. They are servants in working in the government for the people. They are not controllers of the people. If we let them push us out and pass bills and create total control without our voices and votes we will quickly end up in a society that we won't be able to return from. Why do I care? Because so many other people don't. Because so many other people just want everything served to them on a silver platter. So many people want what "they deserve" without having to work for it. So many people want a free ride. So many people don't want to have to read and research before voting. So many people don't want to serve on jury duty. So many people don't want to get involved. So many people don't want to offend anyone. So many people don't want to make anyone angry. So many people just want everyone to get along. So many people just want to stay to themselves and stay out of it all. I've got news for all you. Things are changing. Things are changing quickly. The people that make a difference,make history and make things better are those who get involved, aren't afraid to work hard,and aren't afraid to face resistance. There is going to be controversy. There is going to be disagreement. There is going to be debate. There is going to be hurt feelings and there are going to be losers and winners. That is a fact. Not everybody wins all the time. We must learn to lose and keep going. We must teach our children to the same. We must also teach ourselves and our children that we should learn from that and use it to make ourselves better, stronger, and more prepared for the next round. The next round is here. It is time to get involved, make your voice heard, research, make calls, write letters, share your opinion, vote, and teach your children about the constitution and our history. It is time to get off our rears and learn what hard work is and what great reward is. If you look at the first four presidents at least, they all had their jobs, but they were also all farmers. If you have followed my blog you should remember the post about farming, roots, sin and learning lessons from it all. If you haven't followed, I urge you to look it up and read it. My kids and I learned a great lesson and still are, from a tiny farming experience. These first four presidents know what hard work and great reward is all about. Is it a coincidence? I think not. There are great lessons to be learned from things like farming. They knew what it was to sow and reap benefits. They knew about weeding out the bad, cultivating the good, reaping the harvest, etc. They knew how important hard work was and they knew about vision, goals, responsibility, and discipline. We can learn a lot from them and from history. Research. We have a lot of work to do. We must get involved and I will not give up. My four children are too important to me. I mentioned there were several other reasons why I care. Those reasons are my grandma,grandparents, parents who are aging, and so are my in-laws. I am too. I will be old and on social security one day. These things we must take into consideration.Let's get involved together and make a difference. May God bless you and may God bless America.

Mission Monday

Mission Monday

Casas por Cristo

Debbie Sharp from Grapevine, TX writes: Abundant Life has been building homes in Juarez through Casas por Cristo for at least the past 3 years that I know of. I went last year and I'm so glad I did. Jim, my husband, went the year before I did and he's going back again this year - so this is his 3rd year. There are pastors in Juarez who actually choose the family we build for. Those families have certain requirements they have to meet in order to be considered.

Contributions can be sent to:

Abundant Life Church

1520 West Wall

Grapevine 76051.

If you are interested in joining the team you should call the Associate Pastor, John Bullard, at 817-329-0454.
The Mission trip benefits Casas Por Cristo to build a double (2-room) home for a family in Juarez, Mexico. It's October 4-10. It costs $200 per person to go.