I’m so excited about this.  I’m bummed because I can’t attend a live location of the telecast, but I’ve got my DVR setup to record it.  (I hope – DVR says 8:00 – 9:00 on Fox Business is the Dave Ramsey Show, followed by Neil Cavudo … so I’m recording both)

If you’re tired of all the negativity, if you’re tired of all the government intervention, if you want to be inspired, tune in.

For more details, or to find a church that is hosting the live telecast, go to:
www.townhallforhope.com

What’dya say we gather here on the blog tonight and discuss what is said?
Fred

The election is over.  Obama was declared the winner, as I’d suspected over the last few weeks.

As I’ve been praying over the last week especially, I realized something.

What I hate about America ….

I hate about  ….

ME.

OK – so “hate” is a very strong word.  I confess, I used it on purpose.  I bet that title grabbed your attention.  I hope so.  The word may be appropriate, though.

Just what am I talking about?

It all came to me last week during prayer time.  We were together, repenting for all the sins of our country.

“God forgive us, as a country, we are  ___________________” (insert your sin of choice)

Greedy.
Materialistic.
Immoral.
Captured in Idolatry.
Swept away by entertainment.
Selfish.
Deceptive.

The more we “repented” of all those sinful things we hate about our country … the more I realized that I often have all of those sins in my own heart.

And I realized that the condition of our country, sadly, is a magnification of the condition of the Church.

This must change.

As for our election … my thoughts are simple.

I didn’t vote for Obama, but not because of the color of his skin.  It was for policy issues only.  But now he’ll be my President.  I’ll pray for him.  I hope that he’s successful.  I do not wish harm or anything bad him, and it breaks my heart to see some of us doing just that.  As if we can’t wait for him to fail. C’mon folks.  This is our country we’re talking about.  It’s not a game.

As for the race issue – all I can say is that I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible leaps we’ve gained as a country.  It’s a historical day and I’m proud to have witnessed it.  America is truly a place, as Obama said in his speech last night, where “all things are possible”.

Let us come together as Americans, in unity.  Let us change the face of our land, not by party or laws, but by the actions we live. Let us be “transformed” instead of “conformed”.  (Romans 12: 1-2)

In closing, I’d encourage you to check out a great post by Brad Ruggles called “History in the Making”.

Your thoughts?

PS:  I TRULY DO LOVE AMERICA!

(today’s FreePlay Friday graphic was generated by ME … haha, thanks to “cooltext.com” … no FreePlay Friday graphics were submitted this week – if you’d like to make a graphic and have your blog pitched right here, just email me a “FreePlay Friday” graphic! )

Hey Everyone, it’s “FreePlay Friday” (view all “FreePlay Friday” Posts) … the day where I post whatever I want, on whatever topic(s) I want, with no regard to whether or not it does (or doesn’t) apply to the main theme of this blog, which is worship, worship leadership, church life, and music. What makes “FreePlay Friday” so much fun is that I want YOU to participate by either commenting on my topics or by entering your own, totally random “FreePlay Friday” thoughts in the comments section of the blog. So all you hundreds of RSS Readers need to just click on over now and finish the post on the site so you can participate. (please?)

Family:
Not much to report this week. I have an incredible rendition of “Old McDonald” that I captured on my “Voice Memo” application of my cell phone this week – Rebekah was singing at the top of her lungs in the car.  I can’t seem to get it exported in a format I can use online, though.  My Dad (Bill McKinnon) had knee replacement surgery yesterday and is recovering in the hospital in Macon, GA.  How ’bout praying for him.

Blog:
Celebration yesterday – passing the 200 RSS subscribers mark.  If you didn’t comment, I’m asking everyone to go here and leave their name, city, state, country, how you subscribe, and what your favorite topics are.

Politics:

I don’t go there often on this blog.  But it’s “FreePlay Friday”!  So here goes nothing …

I watched Obama last night.  Have no doubts about it, this is one of the most charismatic, inspirational, well-spoken, inspiring communicators of this era.  When I heard him speak at the DNC in  2004 I said to myself, “better watch this guy”.  I can say with assurance that Obama won’t be getting my vote in November; however.  I could list a bunch of reasons … even if I lay the religious issues aside, I just don’t like the idea of “the government” being responsible for us.  I don’t like the thought of the government paying for my eduction, penalizing me when I succeed (taxation), etc.  As for taxes, no candidates meet my preference – a flat tax across the board.  I am strongly opposed to having “tax brackets” based on income.  I can’t vote for a Pro-Choice candidate in good conscience, either.  I realize the Presidency is about more than one or two issues.

As for McCain – I like him.  I wasn’t so excited at first, but I’m more excited.  Last night I was applauding his class when he released the congratulatory ad last night.  I’ve moved one of our extra “TV’s” from Rebekah’s room into my studio/office today as I’m all caught up in the flurry of this magnificent “secret” of who the VP nomination will be.  His campaign directors are brilliant – they have taken the day after the DNC and Obama’s massive spectacle last night and DOMINATED the news cycle.

But all of this aside – as I watched last night, I couldn’t help but pause and pray.  I thanked God for Obama’s nomination.  I’m proud that our country has progressed enough to nominate an African American (a TRUE one, Kenyan father, American mother!) to the highest office of the land.  That speaks volumes for our contry.  There is speculation that McCain could nominate a female VP in the next hour.  That speaks volumes for  our country.

One thing is certain.  We have our issues, our problems .. sure.  But I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN, and I thank God for it.

So … what are YOUR THOUGHTS on the political climate this election cycle?  Let it rip!

Hey Everyone -

Starting out the morning on a different note here on the blog. While most people will probably blog about “Super Tuesday” (personally, I was happy to see a good response for Huckabee, and hope he’d be on the ticket with McCain) … we’re having a little political/patriotism news here locally in Brunswick, GA.

Gary Hudgins of the local “Carl Gregory” car dealership has been in the local news the last few days. It seems as if our Glynn County Commissioners passed some ordinance about how many “flags” or “signs” you can fly. Gary was cited for having too many flags on display at his dealership. Rather than cave in and pay the fine, he’s defying this ordinance and has now adorned EVERY CAR on his lot with an American flag.

According to the Brunswick News (article) (photo courtesy of Michael Hall/The Brunswick News), Gary has been getting non-stop calls and visits from veterans expressing their gratitude and has numerous laywers offering their services to defend him in the Glynn County Magistrate court for free.

From what I can read, the ordinance was written to clean up some of the sloppy advertising – signs, balloons, flags, etc., that become excessive and don’t have a good appearance.

Personally, I don’t think they can try to enforce this. C’mon, it’s the American Flag – it’s “Ole’ Glory” herself. Seems like this could quickly become a constitutional issue – I dunno. But as for me, I’d throw my support to Mr. Hudgins. When I see all those flags, I don’t think of it as a gimmick .. I think of a guy who loves his country.

So, it seems that on every corner of Brunswick and St. Simons are these “Single? Go to *%&%& Dating.Com” el-cheap0 signs stuck in the ground …. yet, we’re going to fine this honorable veteran who served his country in the Navy for 3 years for displaying “American flags” on the cars at his dealership? They are not laying on the ground, they are not soaking in the rain … they are flying proud.

I’m reminded of an incredibly powerful song on the “Worship Again” album by Michael W. Smith about our wonderful flag, “There She Stands”. I was privileged to hear this song “first hand” before it ever hit the shelves … I was in Nashville finishing up production and mastering with Hank Williams at MasterMix … “Smitty” (Michael W. Smith) had just had “Worship Again” mastered by Hank, and it was sitting there on the desk. Hand written “Michael W. Smith – There She Stands/Worship Again” before our eyes, Hank said “you wanna hear it”, and played this tune in all it’s glory over what could be one of the finest audio systems in one of the world’s most premier mastering facilities. I couldn’t hold back the tears … it was recently after 9/11 … it was so powerful.

So take a listen to “There She Stands” (below) and then comment … what do you think of this ordinance?

[See post to listen to audio at www.fredmckinnon.com]

Inspired? Agree? Disagree? Let’s talk about it!
Fred

Well, here we are – Election 2004 – today. Oh how I wish it would REALLY be over today! Truth is, I’ll be surprised if we aren’t faced with lawsuits and weeks of rumbling before we know who our next Presidential leader will be.

Still, what a great honor we have to choose our leader. I’ve seen lots of articles about what the extent of a Believer’s role in politics should be. One thing I know for sure – the countries in the Bible that had Godly leaders were blessed. I’m also reminded of the parable of the good steward. I’d think that our “vote” is a “talent” that we’d best take advantage of, and cast with confidence and with the clear leading of the Holy Spirit. I hope you’ll do the same today.

I’m not afraid to declare my personal choice. I’m proud to be a supporter of George W. Bush. Not because he’s a Republican – but because I PERSONALLY feel that his views on important issues are more in tune with my own views that I’ve formed by searching the Word of God – not by listening to political pundits. (although I’ve listened to them way too much!) I’ll be disappointed if GW loses, and I’m not quite as confident as some of my friends who think it will be a “decisive victory”.

What is he does lose? I’ll roll up my sleeves and continue to pray for my President. I’ll be a blessing, and walk in love – and not display anger, hatred, or judgment. If this election does not turn out as you would like, I’d encourage you to not get into “judgment” … for our hope and freedom comes from the Lord – not from a political office or party. Granted, having one candidate over another may make things “easier” to advance God’s Kingdom here on the earth – but ultimately, regardless, my prayer is simply “thy Kingdom come – thy Will be done”.

AMEN?

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Hi Friends -

Well, today I just felt like rambling a bit. It’s been a LONG WEEK. Perhaps, although doubtful, UGA will beat the Florida Gators this weekend, and that will just erase away all the grime from this week.

Nah – seriously, it’s not been that bad. A couple of folks from our church died so I’ve been doing memorial services (about to go to one in a couple of hours). Our huge “Fall Festival” for our church is happening on Sunday, so Joy has been really busy with that. I got some disappointing news that one of HPP’s most popular new songs, Praise The Lord, O My Soul did NOT make the final cut by the listening board for inclusion on Worship Leader Magazine’s SongDISCovery Resource CD for Jan/Feb. I was sure this was gonna happen, so it was a bit discouraging, but I trust the Father in that.

Did you see the lunar eclipse Wednesday evening? It was so cool – it just reminds me of HOW BIG GOD IS and HOW SMALL I AM. I put up some more pics that I took of the eclipse the other night.

I got a few emails and comments from my political post the other day. What really got me thinking about that stuff was a post by a friend of mine … he typically has some unique insights with what I’d call a “prophetic edge” and he’s not afraid to speak the “truth”, even when it hurts. I encouraged him to make a “blog”, so check out his article called “I Knew Jesus Before He Was a Republican” at his blog.

Finally – my sweet, little Rebekah Grace McKinnon is a whopping 7-months old today. I can hardly believe it. She’s trying to crawl, and is sitting up some. Although she’ll probably shoot me 16 years from now, I couldn’t resist putting up a classic “tub pic” in the photo gallery.

Well, off to prepare for a memorial service, a big fall festival this weekend, and a ministry trip Sunday PM (more on that soon).

For the Kingdom,
Fred

Hi Friends -

Well … I resisted the temptation for quite some now, but I finally caved in. I created a new category on my “blog” …. “Politics”. (gasp)

I suppose I have some pretty strong opinions in this area. Then again, I seem to have strong opinions in most areas! (grin).

At any case, I’ve been watching this RSS feed/blog called The Electoral Vote Predictor 2004. It has a map with red/blue states showing who is ahead in the electoral college, along with graphs, charts, movies, spreadsheets, and commentary. Everything is updated daily. It even tracks the Senate elections.

Today, there was a discussion about the “ballot problems”, and after seeing it, I’ve decided that I will no longer tell jokes about Floridians who were smart enough to play 10 “bingo cards” at once, but not punch the right hole. In the case of the “Absentee ballot” for the county where Cleveland, Ohio is located – I would’ve thrown away my vote, no doubt.

See for yourself at the site I mentioned above, but here is a quote:

Here is an example of the kind of issue that might turn Ohio into Florida. Take a look at the absentee ballot for for Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located. Suppose you wanted to vote for George Bush. Which hole would you punch? If you picked the one I colored in green, congratulations, you just threw your vote away. The one in red is the correct choice to vote for George Bush. Blue is for Kerry.

Apparently, you’re supposed to punch the correct NUMBER – so a “Bush Vote” would mean you punch #4. Apparently, that big black arrow means nothing. It’s interesting; however, that the Kerry arrow just happens to point to the correct # on the punch card.

Seriously, as I was showing this to Joy and my in-laws (who are visiting), Joy’s comment was simply “it’s in God’s hands”. Ultimately, that’s true. I think …no, I’m sure … it’s our right and obligation to vote … but Even more, we should PRAY. Pray that God’s will is accomplished here on earth, as it is in heaven. Pray that those who stand for righteousness and life will be active and strong to make a stand.

Just barely over a week to go, and we’ll decide who is the President of our great country. I hope you’ll join me in prayer for God’s purpose to prevail.

For the Kingdom,
Fred