What do I know?

In a previous post, I rated Mandy Barnett as the best female vocalist in country music today. Readers of Musings from Maytown wondered who in the heck is Mandy Barnett? Well, for starters, Mandy sings regularly on the Grand Ol' Opry. Mandy did the vocals portraying Patsy Cline in the story of her life.
This lady singer is better than any I have heard. Certainly, her voice rates with other great talents like Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride.
But Mandy Barnett has never made it big. What do I know?
Here is Mandy Barnett singing Patsy Cline's signature song Crazy. Mandy's voice is flawless, appealing, and she always closes with her signature thankyew!
Let me know what you think by posting your comments below.

Obama vs Clinton--the Democratic Dilemma

In 1976, the GOP Presidential nomination went all the way to the GOP convention with former California Governor Ronald Reagan challenging President Gerald Ford. In the end, Ford won the nomination only to lose to the Democratic nominee, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter in the General Election.
Since that time, the nominations for both parties has been settled long before party conventions. However, the 2008 Democratic nomination for President may not be settled until the convention. Please consider the following observations concerning the 2008 race between Senators Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton.
First, the two candidates represent the two wings of the Democratic Party. Senator Clinton represents what I call the Hubert Humphrey Democrats. These Democrats are strong on social programs, support a strong military, and appreciate patriotism. Some Hubert Humphrey Democrats are pro-life and less rabid about social issues such as gay marriage, but still remain Democratic. Humphrey Democrats are often connected with labor unions, come from Democratic families, and appreciate the heritage of the New Deal and the Great Society. The rantings of Obama Pastor Jeremiah Wright offended these Humphrey Democrats. Many of these voters crossed party lines to support Ronald Reagan, and in 2004, many of these voters voted for George Bush over John Kerry--yet, their loyalty remains primarily Democratic. Fmr. VP Humphrey
Senator Obama represents the George McGovern wing of the Democratic Party. The McGovern Democrats are often more strident on social issues and less interested in support for the military. While Humphrey Democrats are more likely working class Democrats, the McGovern Democrats tend to be upper-middle class. These voters are less likely to be offended by the rantings of Obama Pastor Jeremiah Wright. However, McGovern Democrats are less likely to support higher levels of government interference in economic matters. An example is that Obama supports less federal invovlement in health care than Clinton. 1972 Dem Presidential Nominee George McGovern
Second, the mathematics favor Senator Obama. Current polling demonstrates that Obama has a lead among Democratic voters nationally. While the coming primary states could be strong for Senator Clinton, she would have to win overwhelmingly to overcome the lead that Senator Obama now possesses. What about the Super Delegates? These delegates are local politicians who will be slow to go against the wishes of their respective districts.
Third, the only way for Senator Clinton to defeat Senator Obama is for his campaign to collapse. Frankly, I think Clinton operatives expected the Jeremiah Wright revelations to explode upon the Obama campaign. However, the Obama campaign seems to have survived this embarrassing episode.Again, McGovern Democrats are less sensitive to charges of black racism.
How does this bode for the Fall election?
First, Obama will run well with young voters and be a strong candidate. Remember, generic polls show that the current political climate favors the Democratic Party.
Second, polls also show that twenty-eight percent of Clinton Democrats would vote McCain over Obama. These are the Humphey Democrats who are uneasy with the exotic liberalism of many in the Obama camp. Questions about Obama's background may be spurious, but those questions have, justly or unjustly, planted doubts in older voters and veterans--two demographic groups demonstrating support for Senator Clinton.
Third, if Senator Clinton does somehow win the Democratic nomination, the black vote, the ultra-liberals, and the single-issue advocates who support Obama will fall in line and support Clinton. Over and over, I see liberal advocates swear that they will stay home on election day, only to see liberal interest groups always there on election day to support the Democratic ticket.
In 1992, Bill Clinton (Humphrey wing of the party) selected Al Gore (another Humphrey wing man) as his VP nominee. Clinton "dissed" certain liberals with his attack on Sister Souljah's racist rap music. Did liberals stay home? No, they had nowhere else to go. These liberals realized that they had much at stake and they elected Bill Clinton. If Senator Hillary Clinton wins the nomination, these liberal activists will have nowhere else to go--they will vote Democratic.
Conclusion: the election scenario favors Senator Obama for the nomination and for the General Election. However, we have a long way to go until November.

Veepstakes--Who will McCain select as Vice President?

Daily news reports are speculating on the selection of the Vice Presidential candidate for the GOP ticket in 2008. Before we look at the possibilities, please take note that the comments here do not reflect my personal ideology, but rather my efforts at political prognostication.
First, what does John McCain need to accomplish in his selection of a Vice Presidential candidate?
A) McCain needs to shore up his weaknesses. Polls demonstrate that McCain is not perceived as strong on economic issues. Also, one must consider that if John McCain is elected President, McCain will be the oldest individual to enter the office of Presidency. McCain will need to select someone youthful to balance the ticket generationally.
B) McCain needs someone to draw support from swing states. McCain will carry the Southern states (except maybe Florida) against either Clinton or Obama, hence a Southerner will not likely help the ticket. McCain can write off candidates from strong Democratic states, but will likely look at a candidate who will tip the balance in states not definitely leaning to either party, states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Mexico, or Missouri.
C) McCain does NOT need to reach out to the right wing of the GOP. Frankly, most conservative Republicans will feel that they have nowhere else to go. Furthermore, the thought of a President Obama or a President Clinton will drive these voters to McCain.
Lest this statement anger you, take note that I am a strong conservative who has not yet committed to vote for McCain. However, I have watched, election after election, as conservative voters support Republican candidates not to their liking. The rationale always wins out that says the Democrats are worse and the third party candidates don't have a chance.
So, let's examine those names most mentioned:
a) Rob Portman--former Congressman and Trade Representative for the Bush Administration. Portman is supposed to help on economic issues and in the swing state of Ohio. Frankly, Portman is a poor choice for two reasons: first, McCain does not want to run on the Bush record on the economy or on trade. Portman will be linked to the huge trade deficits. If Hillary Clinton is the nominee, she can point to the fact of huge trade deficits, huge budget deficits, and only one-fifth the jobs created during the Bush Administration as compared to the Clinton years.
b) Charles Crist--Governor of Florida. Should help in a swing state (Florida) and some say that McCain owes Crist. Going into the last weekend of the Florida primary, Romney seemed to have taken a lead and a Crist endorsement turned the tide for McCain in the most pivotal primary for the GOP nomination. Some claim that Crist is too moderate. Again, this will not hurt McCain
c) Condoleeza Rice--some think would help garner black vote in case Obama does not get the nomination. This line of reasoning is a pipe dream. Black voters are reliably Democratic and will overwhelmingly vote Democratic for President,regardless of the scenario of the Democratic nomination for President. McCain's strengths are perceived as international policy, and Rice offers no balance to the ticket. Besides, Rice on the ticket would reinforce McCain's connections to the unpopular Bush Administration.
d) Mitt Romney-- former Massachusetts Governor and 2008 Presidential candidate--supposedly helps on economic issues and in some swing states, like Michigan. Romney's Mormonism could dull voter turnout among evangelical Christians. Romney's base is already with McCain. Hence, Romney brings few votes that would otherwise not vote McCain.
e) Mike Huckabee--former Arkansas Governor and 2008 Presidential candidate--again, Huckabee's voters will be voting for McCain anyway. Sorry, but Brother Huckabee, good man that he is, will not bring any votes with him. Huckabee's Southern and evangelical base will march lockstep behind evangelical and Republican leaders to vote for McCain.
f) Tim Pawlenty--Governor of Minnesota has a strong record in Minnesota and may pull in a swing state.
My bets are on Crist of Florida with my secondary guess as Pawlenty.

Recognition for Musings from Maytown

Musings from Maytown has no boundaries when considering topics of discussion. This website has discussed political issues, historical subjects, theological debates, sports updates, and musical tastes.
However, this week, Musings from Maytown received the honor of being named as one of Alabama's top ten political blogs. Thanks to Dan at Daily Dixie for the honored recognition.

The Power of a Gospel Witness

PLEASE take two minutes and watch this testimony of a powerful witness for Christ.

A Tale of Two Parties

One effect of the Bush years has been the redefinition of conservatism. In 2000, George W. Bush ran on a platform of compassionate conservatism. Historically, conservatives had advocated compassion, but the conservative version of compassion was that individuals, families, communities, and churches would display compassion. The liberal version of compassion has been to grant government help at the expense of the taxpayer.
Supposedly, a conservative and a liberal were walking downtown and a man asked for help, saying that he was down on his fortunes. The conservative reached into his billfold and gave the man money for food for his family. The liberal was impressed and the conservative told him you can and should do the same. Days later, they were approached again for help, the liberal reached into the conservative's pocket, pulled out some money, gave it to the needy man and said hey, this really does work!. President Grover Cleveland
Historically, the Democratic Party was a party of the common man, the farmer, with an interest in protecting the rights of the individuals. Today, Democrats claim Thomas Jefferson as founder of the Democratic Party. Jefferson was certainly one of the premier advocates for limited government among the founding fathers. On through the 1800s, the Democratic Party was the party advocating states' rights and opposed federal control in commerce and an expanded role for the federal government in welfare and education. Democratic President Grover Cleveland was a powerful opponent of federal involvement in areas not specifically stated in the US Constitution.
Conversely, the Republican Party was founded as the party of corporate interests. The Republican Party came to power by the interests of the War Governors in 1860, men who wanted the South's economy destroyed that they might redistribute wealth from the Southern aristocracy to the Northern industrialists. This is the primary reason the South traditionally hated Republicans. By the time the South's hatred began to wear off, the Great Depression hit and Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected on a platform of no longer treating the South as a territory. Roosevelt's New Deal (and I would certainly oppose the expansion of the size of government by the New Deal) had the effect of restoring Southern ownership to Southern property--reversing the effect of Reconstruction, which had been directed by the Radical Republicans.
The past generation, however has seen the roles of the party reversed. Since 1980, the Republican Party has certainly become dominant in the South. The Democratic Party has become the party of liberal interests. Frankly, conservatives have almost no voice within the Democratic Party.
But what of conservatives and the Republican Party? The candidacies of Goldwater and Reagan brought a flood of conservative activists into the GOP. Republicans began to talk about limited government. In 1980, the GOP swept into office in a landslide behind the conservative rhetoric of Ronald Reagan. Reagan won re-election in 1984 with a landslide and then in 1988 his Vice President George H. W. Bush won handily as Reagan's man.
But President Bush went back to his natural ways and acted as a true Republican. His tax increases and courting of social liberals won him no support from the left, but alienated conservatives. In 1992, Bush lost a split election to Bill Clinton.
What happened in the Clinton years? Conservatives mobilized and in 1994, led by Newt Gingrich with his Contract with America, the GOP gained control of the House. A motivated conservative base fought back and we saw spending cut, a defense build-up, welfare reform--all with a Democratic President, with an aggressive Conservative Congress in his face.
The George W. Bush years (2000-present) had all the potential of the golden era of conservatism. President Bush had a Republican Congress with him, but what happened? We saw record increases in social spending, a meddling role of our international presence, the highest deficits, and an obscene increase in the federal debt. We saw a Republican President and a Republican Congress presiding over a much larger federal role in education and health care.
Now, the GOP has nominated John McCain as the 2008 nominee for President. We are told that we must support McCain, lest we have a dreaded Democrat as President. I agree that conservatives cannot support the National Democratic Party. But do we really want to give the GOP control of our Federal Government again?
The Democratic Party is now a cold house for conservatives. Gone are conservative Democratic heroes like Senator Jim Allen of Alabama and Congressman Larry McDonald of Georgia. Those rare conservatives are kept far from any influence in the Democratic Party. As a side note, at the 1976 GOP Convention, two Reagan delegates from Alabama cast their votes for Jim Allen for Vice President.
Senator Jim Allen of Alabama
My great frustration is that the GOP has returned to the real Republican roots of federal control and bigger government, serving to represent primarily corporate interests. When conservatives oppose federal subsidies for international trade agreements that surrender our national sovereignty and hurt American interests (NAFTA, GATT, North American Union), the GOP always sides with the international corporations. When conservatives decry our open borders, the GOP leadership (President Bush and Senator McCain for example) support amnesty for illegal aliens, at the behest of big business who want cheap labor.
What will conservatives do in the 2008 election? Will we hold our nose and vote McCain as his mother suggests ? McCain's Mother Says Conservatives will "hold their nose" and Vote McCain Certainly, we can't vote for Obama or Clinton. I make two pleas to the GOP leadership who want us to vote McCain:
1) Don't take conservative activists for granted. You must win our support. We must have assurance that a vote for McCain will mean more than lip service to conservative principles. At this point, I don't believe that Senator McCain gives a hoot about conservative voters or conservative principles.
Remember, the GOP is not our natural home. The GOP includes conservatives because they want the grassroots support. Conservatives vote GOP because the Democrats are now tied to the exotic left. But this year, conservatives could easily sit on their hands, or even vote Libertarian or Constitution Party.
2) Don't lie to us and tell us what a fine conservative we have in John McCain. We know better. McCain, along with Ted Kennedy, pushed for amnesty for illegal aliens. McCain, along with Lieberman, worked to oppose drilling for oil in Alaska, keeping us dependent on the Middle East for oil. By the way, the international banks need to keep oil high to keep their risky loans repaid. Recently, a Republican activist said to me Yes, McCain is not a conservative, but he is much better than Obama or Clinton. My reply was No, not much better, only slightly better.
Be honest with us and say McCain is as sorry as gully dirt, but Obama/Clinton is even worse. Crass as this statement may sound, this is talking sense. I might even buy this line of thinking in November. But don't try to tell me that McCain and company represent me or my principles. Watch this video and tell me what you think?

Who was St. Patrick?

St. Patrick's Cathedral (Anglican) burial place of Patrick
This Monday, March 17, the landscape of the world will be dotted with celebrations honoring St. Patrick, considered the patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day Parades are a tradition all across the United States including New York City where over 150,000 marchers will participate in the New York City parade which has taken place annually since 1756. The New York parade is the second longest continual St Patrick's parade in the United States, with the Boston parade operating annually since 1737.
In the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we would do well to know the identity of St. Patrick. Legend says that St. Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland, casting them into the sea. However, snakes have never inhabited Ireland. Even snake fossils are not found in Ireland. Read the research on Ireland and snakes from the Smithsonian Institute. Why Ireland Has No Snakes
Patrick was born in Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton in Scotland in 387 AD. Patrick was born to Christian parents as his father was the Deacon Calpurnius and his grandfather was an Elder Potitus. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was taken from his father's farm by a band of pirates. Taken to Ireland, Patrick was sold into slavery to an Irish clan chieftain. At that time, Patrick was not saved, living a wicked life.
But after enduring the chains of slavery for five years, Patrick became burdened as he remembered the Christian teaching of his youth and was gloriously saved. Shortly thereafter, Patrick fled slavery and found his way back to Scotland, where he found that his father had died. According to his own testimony, Patrick sensed the call of God to go back to pagan Ireland and preach the Gospel of Christ.
Patrick's influence was mighty, and the Gospel spread throughout Ireland. Churches were established and ministers ordained to the Gospel. This past Summer, my son and I visited St. Patrick's Cathedral (Church of Ireland/Anglican) in County Down, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. Patrick is actually buried in the church cemetery.
Patrick Not Roman Catholic
Be not surprised that Patrick is not buried in a Roman Catholic cemetery, for Patrick was not a Roman Catholic. In fact, Patrick's theology was much in line with evangelicals of our day. Patrick wrote an autobiography which contained his beliefs on the Gospel and on theological issues. You may read that confession here: Confession of Patrick Why am I so bold in stating that Patrick was not a Roman Catholic?
In his confession, Patrick based all of his beliefs on Scripture as the basis of all truth. The churches founded by Patrick practiced baptism for believers only, and the Lord's Supper as a memorial, not as a means of grace.
Evidence is clear that the churches founded by Patrick were not connected to the Pope. First, the Bishop of Rome did not have universal authority in the time of Patrick. You will find no mention of Patrick in the writings of Pope Celistine, the Pope contemporary to Patrick. In fact, Columbanus wrote to Pope Boniface IV in AD 613with a claim that the Christianity of Ireland came through the Roman Church, with no reference to Patrick. Obviously, the ministry of Patrick was outside the realm of Roman Catholicism.
In actuality, Roman Catholicism did not gain a foothold in Ireland until the Eleventh Century, when Danes settled the Irish island. The Danes did not give credence to the churches founded from Patrick's tradition and sent emissaries for ordination to the Archbishop of Canterbury, still in communion with Rome at that point. In 1155, Pope Adrian IV gave a charge to King Henry II to conquer Ireland for the enlarging of the bounds of the Church. This tells us that the Twelfth Century Celtic Church was not in communion with Rome. The fact that the Pope needed King Henry II of England (remember, this is pre-Reformation) to spread the influence of the Roman Church to Ireland, makes clear that the Celtic Churches from Patrick's tradition were not in communion with Rome.
But not only did Patrick not come from the Roman Catholic tradition, Patrick's theology was certainly not Roman Catholic. Patrick preached the message, later preached by the Reformers-- the message of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone. In the Confession of Patrick, we read his words:It is Christ who gave His life for thee (and) is He who speaks to thee. He has poured out upon us abundantly the Holy Spirit, the gift and assurance of immortality, who causes men to believe and become obedient that they might be the sons of God and joint heirs with Christ Historian Henry C. Veder has stated that Rome's attempt to claim Patrick is an audacious theft.
True Ministry of Patrick
Patrick was an evangelist, a missionary, a church planter, and operated in the teaching of the Apostles. Patrick also wrote a hymn known as the Breastplate of Patrick In this hymn, Patrick spoke clearly of the Trinity. Patrick is reported to have used the shamrock to illustrate the doctrine of the Trinity--a symbol that survives today. Enjoy with me the words of a hymn written by Patrick almost seventeen hundred years ago:

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.
I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of Doom.
I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.
I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.
Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation

Actual grave of Patrick County Down, Northern Ireland, UK

Southern Baptists, Global Warming, and Political Correctness

This week, the news media made much over a Declaration on Climate Control signed by a number of leading Southern Baptist Pastors, Professors, several College Presidents, one Southern Baptist Seminary President, and even the current President of the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Frank Page. The initiator of the statement is Jonathan Merritt, student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, spokesman for the Southern Baptist Environment and Climate Initiative. I have met Jonathan, and he appears to be a fine young man. His father, James Merritt, is past President of the Southern Baptist Convention, and one of the premier preachers in the United States.
The publicity from this announcement has stirred the pot among grassroots Southern Baptists. Discussion has sparked controversy in many local Baptist Churches. In light of this declaration, I wish to express several observations on the issue of the declaration in particular, and the issue of global warming in general.
1. Readers should note that the declaration has no official connection with the Southern Baptist Convention or any entity thereof. The President of the Southern Baptist Convention signed the statement, but made certain that the press understood that he represented only himself and not the Convention. However, the name of Declaration and the endorsement of the current President would imply support of the Convention.
2. Take note that a majority of the leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention did NOT sign the statement. Five of six seminary presidents did NOT sign the statement. No entity heads signed the statement. While a few state executive directors signed the declaration, the vast majority did not sign the statement. While a few Baptist College Presidents signed the statement, most did not. I am proud that Alabama's excellent Executive Director, Dr. Rick Lance, did not sign the statement nor did any of the Presidents of the three Alabama Baptist Colleges.
3. The entire issue was raised on the campus of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary by Theology Professor Dr. John S. Hammett. Dr. Hammett likes to emphasize in his theology classes the fact that nature reveals God. Based on this truth, Hammett has lectured in his classes that throwing litter on the side of the road is equivalent to tearing a page from the Bible.
4. Global Warming is based on pseudo-science and not founded on sound principles. A sound gathering of statistics demonstrates that the Earth has always gone through cycles of warming and cooling. The Earth cooled from 1940 through 1978, then warmed for the next twenty two years. From 2000 until present, the Earth's temperature has not measurably changed. The polar caps were shrinking, but this past year appeared to enlarge. In fact, records display that the first half of the twentieth century had more sharp increases in temperature than did the last half. The facts just don't demonstrate a climate changing with a warming atmosphere. Check out this article on global warming .Craig James on Global Warming
Check out the comments by John Coleman, founder of the Weather Channel on the scam of Global Warming

The global warming movement naturally leads toward extreme measures impacting the economy, all in the name of protecting the environment. The Kyoto Treaty, so far rejected by the United States Senate, would severely cripple our economy. The Kyoto Treaty was designed to deal with so-called global warming. Will this Southern Baptist Declaration on Climate Control be used to claim that Southern Baptists endorse the Kyoto Treaty? I know that this declaration does not name the Treaty, but I know how language is used from declarations to fit specific legislation.
One needs to realize that Psalm 121 demonstrates that the Sun will not smite the Earth. Global Warming advocates speak of the impending flood of the Earth, due to the melting of the polar caps. Yet, God promised Noah that the Earth would never again flood.(Genesis 9) In fact, Noah received a promise from God (Genesis 8:22) that the four annual seasons would remain forever.
5. With the need for emphasis on missions and evangelism, I am sorry to see many of my heroes sign on to the latest trend in political correctness. What will be the next trend? Gun control ? Universal Government-sponsored health care? Amnesty for illegal aliens? Already, Dr. Malcolm Yarnell of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary has asked that his name be taken off the declaration. Paul Chesser has a great review of this declaration Paul Chesser on Southern Baptist Declaration on Climate Control
One final note: In 2006, three candidates were nominated for President of the Southern Baptist Convention: Frank Page, Ronnie Floyd, and Jerry Sutton. Page and Floyd signed the Declaration on Climate Change. Right now, my vote for Jerry Sutton looks pretty good.

Glasgow Rangers on top!

Regular readers of Musings from Maytown may remember that I predicted that the Glasgow Rangers Football Club would win the Scottish Premier League Championship. At present, the Rangers are on a twenty game unbeaten streak. In coming weeks, the Rangers will be competing for the Scottish Cup, the European Cup, and play Dundee United on March 16 in the CIS Insurance Cup final.
Enjoy my favorite Rangers song Every Other Saturday about two working men in Glasgow who worked on Saturdays, but were able to take off every other Saturday afternoon to go to Ibrox Stadium to watch the Rangers play.

Cherryholmes and the Celtic Connection

Readers of Musings from Maytown know about the Cherryholmes family that has taken the Bluegrass music world by storm. Recently, Cherryholmes performed in Scotland at the Celtic Connections Festival. Check out their performance at the link below
Cherryholmes in Scotland

For SBC President: Dr. Frank Cox

Two weeks ago,beloved Evangelist Junior Hill announced that he would be nominating Dr. Frank Cox for President of the Southern Baptist Convention at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis in June, 2008.Dr. Cox serves as Pastor of the North Metro Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, GA Junior Hill to Nominate Frank Cox for SBC President
I am glad to endorse Frank Cox for President of the Southern Baptist Convention for a number of reasons:
1) Frank Cox is Doctrinally Sound. Dr. Cox holds to the inerrancy of Scripture, the fundamentals of the faith, the distinctives of Baptists, and wholeheartedly affirms the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.
2) Frank Cox is a leader in evangelism. Year after year, North Metro Baptist Church is a leader in proclaiming the Gospel and baptizing converts.
3) Frank Cox is uniquely qualified to serve as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Cox is past President of the Georgia Baptist Convention, the largest among the various state conventions. Dr.Cox served on key committees of the Southern Baptist Executive Committee and well understands the workings of the Southern Baptist machinery. Dr. Cox has preached at the Southern Baptist Pastors Conference and knows the heart of grassroots Baptists.
Dr. Cox may pastor a large church, but his background is in small churches. Dr. Cox continues to hold revivals and keep contact with small churches.
4) Dr. Cox is a veteran of the conservative resurgence. We have no fear that Frank Cox will turn back the clock with his appointments.
I am excited at the opportunity to attend the Southern Baptist Convention this Summer to cast my vote for Dr. Frank Cox as President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Check out FrankCox.org

Alabama Baptist State Board Meeting

Last week, I attended the February meeting of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. At the meeting, we heard reports from the various entites of the State Board as well as reports from the Board leadership. I am glad to report the following:
1) The finances of the Alabama Baptist State Convention are well handled. Overhead and operating expense is kept to a minimum. The State Board is on the verge of operating without any debt. I am impressed with the conservative budgeting and careful watch over any expenditures. You can give through the Cooperative Program with confidence that the monies handled by our state Baptist office are handled carefully and honestly.
2) The team at the State Board of Missions remains focused on missions and evangelism. With efforts to assist churches in planting new churches, to efforts to train workers in evangelism, to the immediate assistance in disaster relief, to the partnerships in international and North American missions, our Alabama Baptist leadership really operates with the Great Commission as the guiding star for operation.
3) The Alabama Baptist State Convention remains committed to work with the Southern Baptist Convention in mission endeavors.
As usual, Board Members left the meetings uplifted and encouraged. Grassroots Alabama Baptists can be encouraged at the good work of our state convention.

Alabama Baptist Colleges

This past week, I attended the State Board of Missions meeting for the Alabama Baptist Convention. At the meeting, all three Colleges affiliated with the Alabama Baptist Convention gave their respective reports. I want to give a brief summary of what we heard.
University of Mobile Dr. Mark Foley recently celebrated his tenth anniversary as President of the University of Mobile. This past year, the University was featured as one of the South's outstanding colleges in US News and World Report with especially high marks for the graduate program. Every student must take courses in a Christian Worldview, relating every area of learning to the Christian faith. Dr. Foley wants to see UM graduates serving in every area of society, implementing Christian principles in business, government, education, and medicine along with maintaining an excellent program in training ministers. Check out the Anniversary interview with Dr. Foley at UM President Mark Foley Interview
Judson College A Historic Women's College in Marion, Alabama, Judson College was founded to be a school of Christ. Perhaps no school of higher learning has produced female leadership in Alabama as has Judson College. At the same time, President David Potts earnestly desires that Judson College be maintained as a school of Christ. Among the faculty, you will find godly men and women with a great heart for their students. Academics are high and Judson College, with a strong base of alumni support, has remained one of the most affordable private colleges in the nation. Young women can receive a quality Christian education and may find a wide range of scholarships.
Samford University Conservatives in the past generation have been less than enthusiastic over the direction of Samford University. However, let me give you some good news. Samford's new President Andrew Westmoreland took his oath of office as President of Samford University and then stood before a large audience and held up a Bible--a Bible that Dr. Westmoreland described as the Bible that belonged to his father--a country preacher in Arkansas. Dr. Westmoreland held up that Bible and said this is the book that will be the guide for Samford University. Dr. Westmoreland has repeatedly stated his desire to see Samford University move closer to Alabama Baptists and even announced that next year, Samford University will host the Evangelism Conference for Alabama Baptists. I believe that Dr. Westmoreland desires to see Samford University count for the Lord. This President is a good man who deserves our prayers. Samford University has strong financial backing and a great reputation for academics. Perhaps no school in Baptist life has the potential to make a great difference for the Kingdom, as does Samford University. Let's pray that Dr. Westmoreland knows the wisdom of God as he leads this historic school.
Having briefly surveyed the three colleges affiliated with Alabama Baptists, let me say that I am greatly encouraged at the direction of these three schools.

Network News Poll

Well, in spite of my article, this past week's poll determined that FOX News is still the number one news network of choice for readers of Musings from Maytown. The poll results are as follows:
Fox News 17
MSNBC 14
CNN 5
ABC 2
PBS 2
Thank you for your participation.