Grand Mufti Declares It Necessary To Destroy Churches

Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah is the President of the Supreme Council of Ulema (Islamic scholars) and Chairman of the Standing Committee for Scientific Research and Issuing of Fatwas. (Fatwa: an Islamic religious ruling, a scholarly opinion on a matter of Islamic law.) He is the supreme Saudi Arabian religious leader, the Grand Mufti. When it comes to the teachings of Islam, his followers consider his words as good as law. (Not just in the Middle East - but world wide)

A delegation from Kuwait queried as to whether or not they could be allowed to prohibit new construction of churches in the region. After careful consideration on March 12, the Grand Mufti declared it, "necessary to destroy all the churches of the region."

There has never been a time when religious freedom or choice has been accepted in Saudi Arabia. Churches have always been banned. The mufti based his decision on a story that on Muhammad's death bed he declared there should not be two religions in Saudi Arabia. Consider the words of a hadith relating to the words of Muhammad, "I will expel the Jews and Christians from the Arabian Peninsula and I will not leave any but Muslim." (Sahih Muslim 19.4366) This hadith is considered sacred and is also used justify religious intolerance.

What would happen if the Pope, a counterpart to the Grand Mufti were to declare that all mosques in a certain region must be destroyed? There would be a world wide up roar. (No doubt within minutes of said declaration.) Yet, there has hardly been a word spoken on this matter.

I first heard about this on a segment of Fox News Channel's, The Five. When I went in search of more information I had to dig. Main stream media didn't seem to find the mufti's decree newsworthy. I wonder why, given the uproar over the controversial burning of the Koran's in Afghanistan last month, wouldn't the main stream media take this man seriously and report something that should stir up those who believe in the freedom to worship the god of their choosing?

Remind Me Who I Am

"Tell me once again me who I am to you..."

                                                       

"That I belong to you..."

"If I'm your beloved, can you help me believe it?"

"...I'm the one you love and that will be enough"

Those are some of my favorite lines from this song. This song is one of my favorites. These same words are ones I have said myself. I know who I am in Christ and yet, I too have needed reassuring.

It all boils down to God's merciful love for us. We cannot earn it and we do not deserve it. ( Ephesians 2:8 and Romans 5:8 )  Sometimes when I find myself distracted from God's plan or think I've lost my way, I have stop and pray. I am reminded that I have been saved by grace. I am a child of the King. ( Romans 8:16 ) That is when the last line is especially important to me, "...I'm the one you love and that will be enough."  And it is enough for me. Jesus is enough for me. I remember He has never let me down!

We have all been lost. Some of us still lose our way from time to time. 

We all want to feel like we belong. We all need assurance.


Jesus is enough - His love is unconditional and it is forever.

No matter where you are in life...
He will meet you where you are and...
He will take you back or take you in.

A Day At The Beach

The last time my husband was home we spent a day in Galveston, TX. It was cold and foggy, but such an awesomely memorable day! We spent some time at the Train Museum studying the before and after Hurricane Ike photographs. What an amazing amount of devastation. Unfortunately much of the museum still has not re-opened, but what we were able to tour was fun. 

We went off to explore the engines of the trains.

I enjoyed watching my husband pull every lever, flip every switch and push every button. 

He was so much fun to watch as he mused 

and wondered what each one did or used to do. 

I loved to see his excitement and watch his eyes light up. 

His 'boyish' wonder and curiosity brought such joy to my heart. <3

We took our time exploring the train cars too. 

We even pushed the boundaries of our adventurous spirits.

We peaked into an area of a car that was 'off limits'.

For me - this is living on the edge!

                  

               There were 'Ghosts of Riders Past' all over.
                  We had a little fun playing with them. = )                      I love my husband's fantastic sense of humor!


Then we went to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch.
               Fun atmosphere and most excellent company!    
This time when he came home we spent the day beach-combing in Matagorda, TX. I love the beach - even more than that...I love spending the day at the beach with my husband. Actually, I just love spending time the man of my dreams!