Read the bill, that's your job

The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 which proposes a Cap and Trade system to reduce polution was passed by the US House of Representatives last friday by a 219 to 212 vote. No matter where you stand on the measures of the bill, we all need to realize how broken our system of government is. According to reports, 300 pages were added to the bill at 3 AM on Friday. Later in the day, the bill was voted on and passed. The reality is that 25 percent of the bill was probably never read by the very representatives who voted for the bill. In fact, some of those who voted against it said it was absurb to vote on a bill that no one had an opportunity to read in it's entirety. This bill now head to the U.S. Senate. You can read the bill here : http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2454/show . I would urge you to contact your congressman to make sure they are READING and understanding everything they are signing. That is what we voted them into office to do, right?

Are We A Christian Nation?

Are we a Christian Nation? That is such a loaded question these days. We have politicians saying we are or we are not and religious leaders coming out on both sides of the argument too.

I think the first question to ask is can a nation be "Christian"? Certainly as we look at the founding of America, Christianity has it's fingerprints on all of it. Some revisionists would say otherwise but they are simply putting their heads in the sand to think that Christianity had little or no influence on this nations founding. But can a nation as a whole be Christian? Is that something that is biblical or is it a marker we want to place on our nation to help us feel better about ourselves?

Christianity is a personal decision. In fact, I am afraid that calling our country a "Christian" nation can be dangerous to our citizens. When you read the results of recent Barna studies, a large majority of Americans say they are Christians. But when those same people are asked about very specific, Biblical aspects of being a Christian, the numbers shrink to a small minority of the nation that actually uphold the true aspects of being a Christian.

So rather than asking the question " Are We A Christian Nation" the better question is "Are You A Christian". It is a harder question to ask but I think in light of eternity, the second question is much more important. And while the answer to the question "Are we A Christian Nation" will always be a subject of debate, answering "yes" to the question, "Are You A Christian" can and will have an eternal impact on you, and, I think, on our nation.

Chat With Michael W Smith Tonight

Tonight at 8 PM, you have a chance to "video chat" with Michael W Smith. Follow this link to Michael's video chat page: http://www.michaelwsmith.com/news-detail.php?newsid=2189

You can use twitter as a way to ask questions in advance or during the chat there is a function to ask questions (although they do recommend asking your questions ahead of time, since they will try to get to those first).

This is a great new way to use technology to get to know more about one of the greatest Christian artists of our time and to find out what he has been up to recently.

Cash for Clunkers website

The US Government has started their Cash for Clunkers program and the website Cars.gov can help you to find out how to qualify. While the program is still in the beginnning stages of implementation the idea is that individuals purchasing a new car and trading in an older, less fuel efficient vehicle will be elgible for between a rebate of between $3500 and $4500 from the U.S. Government.

New Music Video from Jars of Clay

Jars Of Clay is way more than just a band. They are truly desiring to help those in need around the world through Blood:Water Mission. Find out more at Jars of Clay.com.

DTV update - Good News

Today is a much better day for Digital TV in the Green household.

Yesterday, I decided to move my antenna. It was mounted on the side of the roof about half way to the peak. So, my son Josh (my technical advisor and all around handy kid) helped me to take the antenna down, and put it up at the peak of the roof and as high on the pole as it would go. I was nervous that all that hard work would go for not, but it helped. We are now, most of the time, able to get at least one of each of the major networks. Wahoo!! I am actually considering getting a taller pole for the antenna since moving it up about 5 feet helped that much. But that is another story.

At least I won't have to pay for cable or satellite. I do want to say sorry to my friends who offered to help me get cable or satellite TV. maybe in the future but for now, things are working much better.

Patrick Green

DTV disaster

I will have to say I was very excited about the digital televsion change over. But not any more.

I live in a smaller town in Northern Michigan that is a good distance from most of the television stations in the area. With analog TV I recieved all the major networks, although at times fuzzy. Orignially it sounded like I would be able to get some stations with my outdoor antenna and that some would not work at all.

Well the truth is that I get almost nothing. I do get two different PBS stations. Same programming just two different places that I recieve it from. I do get ABC from time to time, but most of the time not consistent enough to watch. And that is it. I have tried from time to time to rescan the converter box but to no avail.

Now, I don't blame the TV stations. The federal government forced them to change. But a whole lot fewer people can watch "free" TV today because of this change. Is it too late to call my congressman? I may just have to call the cable guy!

Patrick Green

new Music from Rebecca StJames

Although she hasn't had a new CD of music in a while, Rebecca St. James has been doing anything but taking it easy. Rebecca's "She" conference for Moms and daugthers have been a huge success and she has still been an outspoken individual for life and purity. Now, she is working on some brand new music. You can check out her new song "Wish (shoulda, coulda)" on her MySpace page.

And on her website RebeccaStJames.com you can view videos of some of her past hits and even check out some of recent devotionals that she writes and you can get by email.

Volunteers needed for Big Ticket Festival

The Big Ticket Festival is needing volunteers for set up and tear down next week. These volunteers will need to be able to handle hard physical labor putting together and tearing down the stages. Here is the volunteer work schedule for next week:

Monday 9 AM to 6 PM
Tuesday 9 AM to 6 PM
Wednesday 9AM to 6 PM
Thursday 9AM to 6PM
Saturday 10:30 PM to 3:30 AM
Sunday 9AM to 6 PM

If you volunteer and work a day, you will recieve a one day ticket to the festival. And for each day you work, you will recieve an additional day ticket. And while most volunteer positions require work during the festival these don't.

If you would like to volunteer for set up or tear down at the Big Ticket Festival, call 989-731-2808 or email volunteer@bigticketfestival.com.

They need to know by the end of the day Friday June 12th.

Chat with Jonny Diaz tonight online

This evening you can join a live video chat with Jonny Diaz online. Follow this link to Jonnny Diaz.com, sign into his site and join conversation. You can find out more about this great new artist starting at 8pm tonight.

Listen to new music from Everyday Sunday and Skillet

Everyday Sunday has a new CD coming out next week and you can listen to 10 songs from their CD "Best Night Of Our Lives" on their MySpace page here: http://www.myspace.com/everydaysunday

Also Skillet has added a new song called "Hero" from their upcoming CD "Awake!". Listen to the new song on their Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/skilletmusic

Free downloads from Integrity Music

Found a page with a bunch of free music downloads from Integrity Music. Right now you can download the new Lincoln Brewster song "God You Reign" and Jared Anderson's "Glorified". Plus check out new music from Hillsong United, Israel Houghton and Don Moen. Just go to IntegrityMusic.com and click on the "SONGS" link to get your free downloads from some great worship artists.

Are You Ready For DTV?

The Switch to digital TV is going to happen this Friday, June 12 and if you haven't taken steps to convert, you will not be able to get broadcast TV. If you have satellite or cable, you do not need to worry, your provider will convert the signals for you. But if you have an analog TV and use an antenna , you will need a converter box to still recieve televsion signals. The federal government has $40 coupons available to help with the cost of the convert boxes. You can get more information about the conversion to DTV at www.dtv.gov. There is also a toll free phone number to help Michigan residents in the conversion. Call 1-888-643-8809 (888-MI-DTV-09).

Press Play on The Today Show

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Comedian Sinbad talks about his daughter and the mission of Press Play

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about
the Economy

Up is way UP!!!

Wow. What a great movie. Pixar movies has taken animation to a whole new level. UP is the story of a elderly man who, with his wife, has high hopes of adventure their whole lives. But when his wife passes away, he realizes that adventure passed him by. And with a threat of his house being demolished and being sent to a retirement home, he decides to attach thousands of helium balloons to his home and travel to South America.

UP is a beautiful story of lose, adventure and realizing that life itself is an adventure. And although this is a animated film, I wouldn't say it is for kids. Don't get me wrong, kids will enjoy UP but this movie goes way deeper than kids fun. (although the talking dogs had everyone laughing). The whole family will love UP.

On another movie note, after reading reviews of Land Of The Lost movie, I would not recommend going to see this movie. It is amazing how, in an attempt to modernize a corny tale from our childhood, a great idea can be ruined by drug scenes, crude jokes and other sexual connotations. I didn't see the movie but I am already throughly disappointed.

Xtreme Eating Report

Red Lobsters Ultimate Fondue topped the Center for Science in the Public Interests new Xtreme Eating Awards. This list includes some of the highest calorie, highest fat, and highest sodium foods available at restaurants. The Red Lobster Ulitmate Fondue is a mix of Shrimp and crabmeat in a lobster cheese sauce served in a sourdough bowl. It has 1490 calories, 40 grams of saturated fat and over 3,500 mg of sodium. WOW. You can see what other menu items topped the Xtreme Eating Awards list by going to the Center for Science in the Public Interest website here.

I am all for good tasting food, but the "winners" of the Xtreme Eating Awards make me reconsider eating out. Can someone pass me a carrot stick!!!!

Free song and perfromance track

One of my favorite artist, Wayburn Dean, is offering, for a limited time, his new song "What Will Be Your Legacy" as a free download. And if you are a singer and love this song as much as I do, there is also a performance track that you can use in church to sing this song.

Check out this song and make sure to let me know what you think of it. This is a future hit from Wayburn Dean.

Here is the link to download your free copy of What Will Be Your Legacy from Wayburn Dean. http://www.singersclub.com/SingersClub/PerformanceInst.aspx

Video for Jonny Diaz "More Beautiful You"