Linda Mae's Blog

and We invaded Iraq...Why?

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:54:49 -0700

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Coalition Military Fatalities By Year

Year US UK Other Total

2003	486	53	41	580
2004	849	22	35	906
2005	846	23	28	897
2006	822	29	21	872
2007	904	47	10	961
2008	314	4	4	322
2009	149	1	0	150
2010	46	0	0	46
Total	4416	179	139	4734

18 Vet Suicides Per Day

32,000 Vets Have Brain Injuries

God Bless Our Troops and bring them home to their loved ones ASAP

Speechless Sunday..We Are the Reason.....

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:46:29 -0700

Memorial Day is NOT about Obama......

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:01:17 -0700

Today is to be a day of RESPECT, HONOR, REMEMBRANCE and PRAYER.....

Obama's decision to appear in Illinois at the Abraham Lincoln Natrional Cemetary, rather than at the national burial grounds at Arlington, has been controversial, and some criticized him for it, although he was not the first president to bypass the annual outing. Bush Sr. NEVER went....

Jay Agg, a spokesman for the veterans group AMVETS, said the annual ceremony at Arlington is "the ideal place for the president to observe Memorial Day. However, his choice to honor our fallen at another national cemetery as other presidents have done is entirely appropriate."

Agg accused some people of using the day "as an opportunity to score cheap political points on the backs of our veterans and in doing so dishonor them and distract from the true meaning and purpose of Memorial Day."

PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES OF OUR FALLEN HEROS....OUR TROOPS AROUND THE WORLD, THIER FAMILIES AND THOSE WHO ARE SO BLINDED BY THEIR HATRED FOR OUR PRESIDENT THEY USE THIS MEMORIAL DAY TO ATTACK HIM . . . THUS DILUTING THE MEANING OF THIS DAY. . . .

Memorial Day.........

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 25 May 2010 02:12:04 -0700

What does Memorial Day stand for? A day off? The start of summer? Parades and picnics? The opening of public swimming pools? You can — finally! — start wearing white shoes again?

Most Americans don't know much about Memorial Day's purpose or history. That's a pity because it removes an important bond with those brave men, and women, who have given their lives in our Nation's service.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery

There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War:

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

. Americans can help to honor those that given their lives in the following ways:

Place flags or flowers on the graves of those heroes that have died serving our country.
Visit memorials that have been built to honor our fallen heroes.
Fly the United States flag at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day.
Participate in the "Moment of Remembrance" in order to reflect on the meaning of the Memorial Day holiday.
Listen to "Taps" which is the official bugle call of military funerals.
Attend a local ceremony which remembers the heroes of war.

Do not forget those that have given their life to protect ours. Take time to celebrate the Memorial Day Holiday in your own way.

Quiet Moments with God....

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:59:16 -0700

It is my hope you will sit back and take in the 5 minute video and be blessed and refreshed....after all, the title "quiet moments with God" brought you here to my post for a reason. . . don't go away unfilled. . .

Revelation 22:17

"Come." Let anyone who hears this say, "Come." Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.

God's Mercy........

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:46:08 -0700

Psalms 136:1-26
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy
endureth for ever.

“Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only he can see.” Corrie Ten Boom

In the mist of my paralyzing agony I have found,

Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

” God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble “

...to be the gentle whisper of Jesus within my mind. . . .

Motivating me to carry on.....with the willingness to allow myself to be poured out for the good of others.

For with what mercy I have received from God I must measure it back upon all of mankind... both great and small, both friends and enemies alike. . . .

I must learn to allow my light to shine even on the darkest days of my life's journey. . . when hope seems dim and far off I must not give up. . . But stand up in the face of adversity. . .

For in so doing it will glorify my Father who is in Heaven. . . .

For the Light of His Love shines continually on the just and the unjust and He is forever merciful to those who seek Mercy. . . .

Psalms 18:2

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Photo courtesy of gospelgifs.com

In Loving Memory

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:33:08 -0700

Michael Ray Estrada was born on Thursday, May 6, 1965 and died tragically on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at his home in Ventura, California. He was 44 years of age.

He leaves behind his brother John Phillips owner/general contractor of Vision Construction serving the greater Ventura County area. Michael worked by his brother's side, enjoyed camping, picnics, motorcycle rides, trips to the Colorado River and all life had to offer with his brother. They were inseparable... John loved his brother with all his heart.

Loving son of Linda Mae Croom

Devoted, Loving father to

Marcus 23, Alexxis 21, Kaylyn 5, Makayla 4, and

Zade Michael 18 months

He leaves behind his wife Tara of eight years his best friend Aldolpho Flores of Saticoy and countless hundreds whose lives he touched.

We will Never go a day without missing your smile, the sound of your laughter and your endearing, unselfish, giving love to every life you touched...

If we were hungry, thirsty or cold you gave us food, drink and the coat off your back....

No more pain...No more tears... you are safe now in the arms of Jesus .....

We Love you Michael

Please Visit the Tribute to Michael's life at michaelrayestrada.com

Memorial Services will be held this Thursday April 1 at The First Assembly of God .. 346 N Kimball Rd Ventura at 1 o'clock in the afternoon...Pastor Tony Cervero officiating. For information or directions to church please call 805- 647-2004. All friends and family are invited.

God Bless America.....

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 23:13:30 -0700

Change I can Believe in !

Landmark Health Care Reform Passes

God Answers Prayers

History is Made and the People WIN !

Sleep Well Americans... no more fear ....

Health Insurance for over 30 million people...

NO pre-existing Clause exclusions...

No Lifetime Caps...

Insured children until 26....

May God Continue to Bless America........

Thank You President Obama......

Phooey to you who did not want this Bill to pass because of higher taxes...or budget deficits and spending........or just plain outright Hatred for Obama... Shame on you when you stand before God and try to explain your pocketbook or ANYONE else's pocketbook was more important than the lives of Human Beings...

Too little Too late ...

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:48:25 -0800

I will be travelling to California tomorrow for the funeral of my daughter-in-law's brother.. He was only 29 and sadly facing unemployment and the recent separation from his girlfriend 8 months pregnant with their first child. He was found in a motel room and had taken his own life...

Many of us have faced similar tragedy's in our own lives.. My daughter in law forwarded an email to me this morning she just received....

In this case a little too late... But perhaps if circulated once again to the masses it may help to save another's life...

A TRUE STORY

One day, when I was a freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.

His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?

He must really be a nerd.'

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.

They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him...

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.'

"They really should get lives."

' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'

There was a big smile on his face.

It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before..

He said he had gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football
with my friends
He said yes.
We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books carrying them back to school again.

I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!

' He just laughed and handed me half the books...

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..

When we were seniors we began to think about college.

Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never

be a problem..

He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship..

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.

I teased him all the time about being a nerd..

He had to prepare a speech for graduation.

I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.

He looked great.

He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.
' Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends.....

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story.'

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the Story of
first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

'Thankfully, I was saved.

My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions..

With one small gesture you can change a person's life.

For better or for worse....

God puts us all in each others lives to impact one another in some way.

Palin...just the truth folks.......

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:12:01 -0800

I agree Palin appears to be a wonderful woman, Christian and mother... I say 'appears" because NONE of us here have lived with her.... known her for years nor have we seen any other side to her than what she presents in the spotlight...

But giving ANYONE the benefit of the doubt I do believe the above observations to be true....

Yet if those are to become the criteria for the next President I would hope my party would rally once again behind Huckabee whom I know to be these things... He not only talks the talk but he is out there in the trenches walking the walk......

Or Romney a stong and experienced Politician.......

I find him far more refreshing and BELIEVABLE than Palin... She is too hungry for "Star" power...

This does NOT mean I do not like the woman...I do NOT know her....and neither do any of you......

I read a comment where someone said Palin is the Democrat's Secret Weapon.....and I wholeheartedly agree....

Dreams are fine and it is not my intent to take them from anyone because we all need to hang on to our dreams..

But again for our Party's sake and the Country...Please get behind someone who can get the ENTIRE job done.....

Fifty-five percent of Americans have unfavorable views of her, while the percentage holding favorable views has dipped to 37, a new low in Post-ABC polling.

70% say she is UNQUALIFIED....There is a growing sense that the former Alaska governor is not qualified to serve as president, with more than seven in 10 Americans now saying she is unqualified, up from 60 percent in a November survey. Even among Republicans, a majority now say Palin lacks the qualifications necessary for the White House.

Palin has lost ground among conservative Republicans, who would be crucial to her hopes if she seeks the party's presidential nomination in 2012. Forty-five percent of conservatives now consider her as qualified for the presidency, down sharply from 66 percent who said so last fall.

Among all Republicans polled, 37 percent now hold a "strongly favorable" opinion of Palin, about half the level recorded when she burst onto the national stage in 2008 ,

Among Democrats and independents, assessments of Palin also have eroded. Six percent of Democrats now consider her qualified for the presidency, a drop from 22 percent in November; the percentage of independents who think she is qualified fell to 29 percent from 37 percent.

God Bless America and Our Leaders

Giving something back to God........

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:43:20 -0800

In these times of economic downturn and more trials than triumphs in the housing industry...it is easy to loose sight of the shinning sun at the end of our long and sometimes turbulent journey on our well traveled road through life...

But I write this as a reminder to the saved that God NEVER leaves or forsakes us....In our times of trouble He is there and when we are so weary we feel as though we can not take another step He will scoop us up ever so gently in the palm of His hand and carry us through to the other side....

For those who may have happened on to my post by accident or curiosity I would say.... God Loves you... He hears your every word. . . . .counts your every tear. . . . . your every smile . . . . . and my prayer for you is that God becomes real to you in a way you have never known . . .. Erasing your doubts...your fears. . . .your concerns and your everyday troubles . . . . I pray he fills you with His precious Holy Spirit whom he will send to comfort and guide you . . . .

To all I would only add God gave us Life . . . . what we do with it He leaves entirely up to us . . . But I would Hope that each of us find time in our own way to give back to God who Loves us so very much in spite of our selfishness, our sins and our blatant lack of attention to Him. . . . giving back at the very least a portion of each and every day with Praise and Worship. . . . .

In the Bible God says if we fail to Praise him he will make the rocks to cry out. . . .

I pray that day never comes around your house . . . .

God Bless you all and may we all be a Blessing to God. . . . from whom ALL Blessing Flow

Let Palin know what you think.....(political)

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:54:40 -0800

Received this email today....

Obviously I signed the petition and will use the Facebook option to garner more signature's...

I am AMAZED anyone could seriously consider this woman for the job of President of the United States...?????

She couldn't even make it as a governor....SHE QUIT ...Q.U.I.T....She Quit.....Five colleges and never finished and couldn't make it at anything she ever began...

THE ONLY people cheering for this woman are CHRISTIANS because they THINK a Christian President can change Washington.....

If God and prayer could, would or should change Washington ...God would if He WANTED to......regardless of who the President was, is or will be....

Is there NOT a smart Christian out there you could get behind? What happened to Huckabee? or even Romney a Mormon is far better qualified than this silly "hockey" mom...

Please don't be foolish enough to destroy what little is left of the Republican party.....

THE EMAIL.....

Linda --

Sarah "Death Panels" Palin was at it again this weekend when she gave a speech she received $100K to make.

In her big speech at the right-wing "tea party convention," Palin had the gall to blame President Obama and Democrats in Congress for the mess that her party created in the first place. Well, here are the facts:

</>

Republicans must have very short memories. Maybe Palin forgot about the exploding deficits, skyrocketing unemployment and collapsing financial system George Bush left in his wake as he left town. Don't let Sarah Palin turn back the clock to failed Bush policies.

Help us jog Sarah's memory.

Sign our letter to Sarah Palin: We haven't forgotten that Republicans created this mess and we won't stand for your smears. We'll include the two graphs above and your signatures.

Thank you,

Jon Vogel
DCCC Executive Director

P.S. Please forward this email to five of your friends right now, while you're still reading it. Acting together we can overcome the lies and misrepresentations of the Republican Party and their friends at Fox News. You can also share it on Facebook and Twitter.

</>

Seems Palin is having a bad month.....(political)

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 04:32:11 -0800

Palin not having a very good month ? First the media and commentators picking on her for writing notes on her hand, the poll came out showing 71% of the public says she is totally unqualified to be President......then today this from of all people ...the much loved by the "right" Joe the Plumber....

What next ?

He was one of the faces of John McCain's presidential campaign in 2008, but Joe Wurzelbacher - better known to the world as "Joe the Plumber" - is apparently finished with the Arizona senator.

"I don't owe him sh*t," Wurzelbacher said. "He really screwed my life up, is how I look at it."

"McCain was trying to use me," he said. "I happened to be the face of middle Americans. It was a ploy." (CNN SOURCE)

Wurzelbacher said he's also done with Sarah Palin because she is backing McCain's re-election bid in Arizona.

Uh oh.... even Joe "gets it"....

Frankly, not that any one Reading this gives a d#@! about what I think ....but I am still a registered Republican and I wish my party would get off this hopey changey hick sounding Palin "kick" and get behind someone who could possibly have a shot at winning... Like my pick in the last primary...ROMNEY....

The Dem's are lovin' it that enough "goons" keep rallying behind Palin and cheering for Cheney...

Nothing like cuting off your nose to spite your face....

Get Ready For a Terrorist Attack!

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:27:17 -0800

Dale Terry wrote this great post about the news article about a 'certain" attack on US soil expected in the next few months....

Via Home Realty Group:

"Al-Qaeda ‘certain' to attack U.S. within months"

These comments are from the National Inteligence Director, William Blair and his comments were echoed by the Directors of the FBI and CIA. The heads of intelligence from the Dept. of Defense and State Dept. also were in attendance.

I'm not sure how to take this information. By stating it this so forcefully the Obama administration puts themselves in a pretty big vise. If an event is stopped before it canbe successful, it may look like they are on top of things. And if the terrorist plot succeeds, well we know what will happen then.

So, How does one prepare for an event like this. It is something a little different than taking an umbrella with you on a day where rain is forecast, just in case....

And I guess it comes down to each of us do we believe them? Will we change our way of living, or do most of us think that terrorism can't come to small town USA?

In the end, we probably have more to fear from the governments response than we do from the actual event. But maybe we should all do some investigative journalism to see if we can uncover the real reasons behind the comment and now the upcoming responses.

Will Defense stocks go up? Will we now hear calls to move troops to other countries? Or to bring them home? Is this just a head fake, to take our eye off the ball, to make us believe that the left is serious about homeland security. Maybe it just means that there will be more delays in airports.

Regardless, I will take the measures with a grain of truth and prepare accordingly.

Lt Gov Bauer, S.C.....welfare recipiants are like "stray animals" (political)

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:28:21 -0800

WOW, What can one say to such blatant words bantered about in a public forum by a politician ?

I agree, there are VAST problems in our Welfare system as it now stands

BUT stop feeding the hungry because it makes them "breed" like stray animals...

Yeah, let's starve them.... that should help....then we can put them all in jail when they start getting arrested for shop lifting at the corner grocery for milk and bread to feed their hungry kids....or breaking in to homes for food....

Not everyone is capable of working FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS....Health, I.Q., location, and job availibility just to name a few.....

Seems to me this man has the "only the strong survive" mentality... (my OPINION)..........Work OR Die !

The lieutenant governor of South Carolina is taking heat for comparing people on government assistance to "stray animals" and saying the government should stop "feeding" welfare recipients because "they breed."

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, a Republican, was arguing for fundamental changes to welfare to break the "cycle of dependency" at a town hall meeting in Fountain Inn, S.C., on Friday, when he said:

"My grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals. You know why? Because they breed. You're facilitating the problem if you give an animal or a person ample food supply. ...

State of Housing in the US….Addressed!

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:50:54 -0800

Worthwhile reading on the Housing situation we face in Our nation.....

Via Greg Saunders (RE/MAX Around Atlanta):

Hey Peachtree City & AR! After listening to the President's State of the Union address, I sat down and pondered about the actual state of the nation's housing situation....or at least how I saw things from my porch. Come on folks, is it just me or are there a number of other like-minded individuals that are of the opinion now that if Washington sneezes we are all going to catch a cold? Alright, at least a sniffle.  I just did not seem to hear anything specifically related to doing something substantial that would give the housing & mortgage industries some much needed traction.

Okay, you can count the stimulus if you must and it has accounted for an increase in home sales...but has it just helped to keep the economy on life support and what is or will be the real economic impact or repercussion? Hmmm...Only time will tell. Yeah, folks it's easy to get diverted by listening to all the pontification from the press & media about what should be done, who is to blame, all the buffoonery, and out of control deficit spending.   Heck...to me there is enough blame to go around on both sides of the floor in DC.

Frankly, I think we all have to step up and not just count on the government to fix our problems and provide all the answers. Besides, with all the intellectual prowess in our country, does it or should it really matter who fixes the problem?   I just have seen so many folks from all walks of life that are hurting. In fact, we all have been affected in one way or another. It just seems so surreal! Ironically, all this chicanery seems to essentially have all the elements of a Shakespearean tragedy. Is not home-ownership not a part of the American dream? So tell me why has the "Dream" become a nightmare for so many?

Okay, go ahead and vent if you must! We can blame the banks for greed and the bubble as well as the former administration for taking us from a $20.4 trillion dollar deficit to a $56.4 trillion dollar deficit. We can throw Tim Geithner under the bus for paying off AIG and criticize Ben Bernanke for saving Wall Street and not Main Street. But what about all of us living in the here and now! Hello....is anyone even listening?

First, let's examine the current financial markets. The Fed stated that there would be no rise in short term interest rates. Good news right? Well, maybe....but what signal does this send? Then wham....it hit me just like the V8 commercial. The Feds are not convinced that the economy is recovering or recovered enough. Additionally, if short term rates went up...so accordingly would 10 year rates and concurrently....so would mortgage rates. Of course, an increase in mortgage rates would be the kiss of death to many homeowners just barely making it now.

So what is the state housing in the US? Well it depends on who you ask. As for me, I'm pretty optimistic about 2010 but here are the statistical facts. Nationally, home sales fell another 7.6% in December after falling 11.35% in November. Here is Georgia our housing industry had been down for 13 straight quarters, but the 4^thquarter stats for 2009 may actually reveal a double-digit year-to-tear increase for all single family homes according to Steve Palm at the First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS).

The average close price in Georgia for a single family home attached in November, 2009 was $147,347. This is down 8.5% from November 2008 and the 24^th consecutive year-to-year monthly average decline. However, inventory has dropped and the December numbers will probably find us back to 2005 inventory levels. Yes...this means that for the first time since April 2007 we have dropped below 10 month supply levels. Of course, we still have a ways to go before we reach normal 6.5 to 7.5 month supply levels.

That's positive news for Georgia and disappointing stats nationally! The next 2-3 quarters will be critical for Georgia and the nation especially with the threat of inflation becoming a reality by the end of 2010.  The U.S. Commerce Dept. stated that homes sales for December were the lowest ever since stats were kept! What was consistant here in Georgia with the national numbers was the down trend of home prices.  In Georgia,  the average price of a home slipping 3.6%.

But look at the bright side...homes are becoming truly affordable now. Hopefully we can all continue to get loans!

A Christian's Point of View......(for believer's)

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:22:15 -0800

Jesus spoke ...and said

it is not the healthy who need a doctor ...

but the sick

But go and learn what this means...'" I desire mercy....not sacrifice"

For I have not come to call the righteous...

but the sinners ...

These words were intended to impact our life....the words we speak , our actions in ALL we do in the world in which we live...and how we treat ALL of those we come in contact with...

Especially our enemies and those we do not like or agree with.....

Time and time again the very heart of God is crushed as He watches over His children as witness to their lack of mercy for others....

We whom are Seasoned Christians are Accountable ...."to whom much is given much will be required".....

We know the truth for it is given to us by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us...Sent by God not only to comfort us But to guide us into All Truth...

What is Truth...?

It is the Word of God that was made flesh and dwelt among us...

How do some say... Lo, I believe in the Christ........yet they forsake His Word.. For one can Not be separated from the other for they are One and the same....

I look out upon this vast expanse of people and see others tearing apart their Leaders, their peers and strangers alike and in the same breath they lay claim to salvation through Christ Jesus....

My soul grieves and I groan in the spirit, and in the wake of my tears I wonder how many lives are being lost to the Kingdom because of the total disregard for what God called us to do...

Jesus shed His Blood for All humanity..... He saved us so that through us others could witness His Great Love, Mercy and Forgiveness ....

What Good are you to God if your salvation saves only you ?

This is what Jesus did for Us..."SINNERS".... What are we doing this day for Sinners to honor our King ?

Obama's Numbers Are UP.........

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 03:15:34 -0800

Boost in the polls this week for President Obama

With the recent State of the Union and his visit to the republican retreat this week he is reclaiming some of his recently lost ratings due to the scare tactics and radical slams of the almost non existent Republican Party.... down to 18 percent....It has been irretrievably gutted by the Tea Party.....

While these people are "well meaning Americans" it may turn out to be a case of cutting off their noses to spite their own faces because they are a long way from converting many, if any, democrats... They are however succeeding in growing their Independent Roots by substantial numbers captured by converted Republicans that are totally dissatisfied with their party after the 8 long and disheartening Bush years.....

If Obama succeeds it will cause permanent damage to the Republican Party. It isn't like with Clinton, where his successes were obscure. If during his tenure we get healthcare reform, and everyone has affordable healthcare, there will be no way for Republicans to turn that around or deny defeat. It will be definitive and permanent.

If we pull out of these wars, the Republicans won't be able to attack from the libertarian angle because of their pro-war history with Bush and other presidents.

If the deficit goes down in the next three to seven years every Republican who called Obama a liberal spender will eat their words..... like crow pie.....

As for me and My house ? WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS......

RealClearPolitics Poll Averages

President Obama Job Approval

Poll Date Sample Approve Disapprove Spread

RCP Average	1/14 - 1/31	-------------	49.5	46.0	+3.5
Gallup	01/29 - 01/31		50	44	+6
Rasmussen Reports	01/29 - 01/31		49	50	-1
NBC News/Wall St. Jrnl	01/23 - 01/25		50	44	+6
CNN/Opinion Research	01/22 - 01/24		49	50	-1
NPR - POS/GQR	01/20 - 01/23		49	48	+1
CBS News	01/14 - 01/17		50	40	+10

Sunday funny cats for my friends.....

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:02:04 -0800

Oh my Sam is that yours ?

Well, Mary said it was...but gee i don't know ?

oh sam... he looks just like you.....

Oh quit playin' and feed me.....

Speechless Sunday...the fruits.....

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:52:38 -0800

Galatians 5:22-23 (New King James Version)

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

I Love Everyday People

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:58:09 -0800

Well worth the ReBlog.....great Post.....

Via Nathan Tutas (Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.):

I had a showing scheduled with a brand new buyer this morning. I had spoken with this gentleman over the phone and emailed a few times while getting him pre-qualified and he seemed like a nice enough guy. I met him at the first property we were supposed to see today. When he got to the property he introduced me to his wife. Again, she seems like a nice enough lady.

Before I could open the front door something came out of her mouth that absolutely shocked me! “Do you think there are many blacks in this neighborhood? We’re not racist but…we’ve seen what happens when blacks start moving into a neighborhood.” I can’t believe I just heard someone actually say that in the year 2010.

It was so blatant that, for a spit second, I thought I was being tested somehow. Are they working for the government or something? Who the hell thinks that way nowadays? Broker Bryant actually wrote a post about this subject once. He’s right, the first thing a racist says is “I’m not a racist but…”, as if that excuses them for their actions. I have to tell you folks, I spent 14 years in the Marine Corps and this kind of crap is not tolerated there. I also grew up in a very diversified area. So I haven’t had a whole lot of experience with racist people.

My response was “You may not know this, but it is illegal for me to answer that question. When you get home, go ahead and google The Fair Housing Act.” She looked a bit taken aback but gracefully apologized for making me feel uncomfortable. Now that we had that behind us I decided to go ahead and show them the house. After touring the house, we decided to have a seat and discuss their offer. I also took the time to discuss short sales and make sure they know what the process involves.

While explaining the differences between foreclosure and short sales, the husband decided to test me further. He looks up and says “Do you think the foreclosures in this area are caused by all the Spaniards?” Now, I was polite the first time and didn’t seem to get my point across, so this time I decided to try another angle. “Actually, we don’t have very many Europeans living in the area permanently. Most international buyers purchase investment properties and use them for holiday homes.”

You should have seen his face! He must have stared at me for a full minute blank faced. After a very uncomfortable silence I said “I already told you that’s not the way I think, it’s not legal, and it’s not the way we do business. I’m hoping this is the last time that sort of thing comes up. You are welcome to your opinion, but please don’t try to include me in it.” I think I got my point across this time.

We were all raised differently, but no matter how you were raised, The Fair Housing Act applies to all of us. It’s not a guideline, it’s not a rule, it’s not a matter of ethics, It’s The Law!

Social Media Icons courtesy of my daughter Brittany (she's never met a hug she didn't like)

Your friendly Davenport, FL Realtor®

R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:53:19 -0800

Just ran across this great post in the Military group.. certainly deserving of reblogging.....

Via Tim and Pam Cash - Clarksville TN Real Estate Professionals (Crye-Leike (Sango)):

R-E-S-P-E-C-T find out what it means to me. How many remember this great song? It was first released by Otis Redding in 1965 but became the Signature Song for the great Aretha Franklin in 1967. While this may prove to be a bit of trivia information to use in your next game night, that is not what moved me to write this beautiful and chilly Clarksville evening.

I, like many of you was raised in a time when you K-N-E-W what R-E-S-P-E-C-T stood for and if you had a momentary lapse in judgement or memory your mother or father quickly corrected your course with a swift hand to the backside or a boomarang high heal. Respect to me was (and still is):

- Respect for your elders
- Respect for other people's property
- Respect for other people's feelings, beliefs and opinions
- Respect for your Parents and Siblings
- Respect for your fellow man or woman
- Respect for life

My mother taught me early to respect women most of all I suppose. You know, to open the door, to pull out the chair, etc. She also taught me to importance of respect for my Family. Not too much will get me mad for those who know me, but when you infringe or disrespect my Family you certainly get my attention and a side of me reserved only for those rare occassions. Beyond that, she taught me the importance of 'Yes maam; and 'Yes sir' and most certainly to respect and care for my elders regardless of if they were Family or not. Days spent helping at the local rest home certainly helped with the latter but also helped to develop me into the man I am today.

Pam and I hold true to these principles in the raising of our daughter. While the boomarang shoe was retired from my childhood, the intent of the new tools still remains. Back then, taking away a cell phone, the nintendo, cable TV etc simply did not exist like they do today. For the most part, in my aresenal, the only thing that remains is the swift hand to the backside (actually the threat of such works more than the actual hand) as does the good ole bar of soap.

Too many children now days simply do not understand the definition or concept of respect. You see it in the shopping malls, the schools, the resturaunts, etc. It makes one wonder where we, as a society, have failed? Is discipline a thing of the past or is it simply that we have become so enamored in our own agenda and race for financial or personal success that we have completely missed the boat (or the child as it may be)? Now folks, I am NOT talking about abusing a child, nor a life so strict that the child lives in constant fear only to rebel at a later time. I am talking about basic principles and values that MUST start at home.

Are we so busy that we cannot take time to instill in our youth the very essence of being a good and decent person? When I see a child act in a disrespectful manner or hear a child say something about or toward another that is vulgar I do not blame the child - I blame the parents. After all the the child's first and most lasting lessons are from their parents.

Some will read this and dismiss my thoughts as being out of touch with today's society but I beg to differ. I would simply ask those who dismiss the above whether or not the shoe fits comfortably?

A couple of good country songs that certainly add to my thoughts - don't fear though I am not going to sing, nor will I give you the entire song, just a couple of excerpts for you:

I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why (Alabama)

He said, "I've been watching you, dad ain't that cool?
I'm your buckaroo, I wanna be like you.
And eat all my food and grow as tall as you are.
We got cowboy boots and camo pants
Yeah, we're just alike, hey, ain't we dad?
I want to do everything you do.
So I've been watching you." (Rodney Atkins)

In the end, Pam and I are not perfect parents, nor do we claim to be. I doubt there are many out there who could claim to be such, but there are many parents out there that are TRYING to make a difference. We have no clue what type of woman our daughter will become, but we certainly will do our best to ensure she has a full tool kit to start her life and it will be filled with R-E-S-P-E-C-T and other values instilled by us and her Family to take with her.

God Bless our Children. It is my prayer that He will watch over, guide and protect them on their journey. Parent's, it starts with you. Teach your Children well.

Regards

Tim and Pam Cash
Crye-Leike Realtors
931-338-1375 or 931-436-7617

The Cash Team - Making dreams come true one home at a time. Proudly serving the citizens of Clarksville and the Soldiers of Fort Campbell. To view available Clarksville properties, please visit our website at www.cashsofclarksville.com or email us at thecashteam@cashsofclarksville.comand we will run a custom search for you. Finding you and yours the perfect property in Clarksville Tennessee and surrounding areas is our goal.

Can Mother and Father Nature handle seven billion people?

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:58:17 -0800

Great Post by Jim Frimmer

Via Jim Frimmer, San Diego Mission Valley Realtor (Century 21 Award):

I know there is a lot of controversy about global warming, mankind's part in the process, and whether or not the process is even occurring.

It seems quite logical that mankind is having an effect. At the time of the last ice age, the population of Earth was a million or so. Now the population is approaching seven billion people. Add to that millions of automobiles, oil refineries, and manufacturing plants that didn't exist until just the last few centuries, and I don't see how anyone could deny mankind's effect on the Earth.

It's also important not to confuse climate with weather. As with real estate, all weather is local. Climate is much larger, encompassing cities, counties, states, countries, and the Earth.

According to researchers, the decade from 2000-2009 was the warmest on record; the previous warmest was the 1990s. The warmest year on record was 2005 at 1.11°F above normal. The global climate patterns will affect local weather, causing changes in hurricane patterns, extended droughts in areas that typically don't experience droughts, excessive rain in others, etc. The polar ice shelf is break up earlier and earlier each year, resulting in the destruction of hunting and living area for polar bears and causing them to die of starvation. Birds that used to winter only in central Mexico are now found wintering along the Gulf Coast and lower Eastern Seaboard.

Because of China, Japan, and even the United States refusing to accept, and do something about, global warming, I think it's going to get worse before it gets better. I also think that somehow mankind will survive. At least until December 21, 2012, when all bets are off! ☺☻☻☺

☺☺☻☻☻☻☺☺

If you have a picture of your cat, please let it come out to play with all the other ActiveRain kitties by posting its picture here. Let's see how many cats we can get by the end of the year.

If you love cats, you really need Peg Silloway's book, The Cat Lover's Book of Days. It makes enjoyable all those hours when your cat is ignoring you.

♫♫♪♫♫

If you're looking for a great San Diego Realtor, well,
let me Google one for you.

I'm available 24/7, so feel free to contact me by phone or email.

Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com
Mission Valley Condos Information

♫♪♪♫♪♫♫♫♪♪♫♪♫

15 most recent blog posts:

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Crime Statistics. The search is at YOUR fingertips.

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:53:07 -0800

Thanks Robert ..This site is unique.. If you have not used it yet it is a great tool to use to garner statistics in your area...

Via Robert L. Brown~Grand Rapids Real Estate Bellabay Realty, West Michigan (www.mrbrownsellsgr.com):

Crime Statistics. The search is at YOUR fingertips.

A fellow professional passed along to me a website that would give us (consumers) the ability to check crime statistics in our current areas where we live. Being a very intuitive site it is a tool we should have had a very long time ago. I can clearly remember clients/customers asking me about these statistics and I would direct them to the police station.

I tell them I’m not an expert in that field and I need to direct them to the right source. Can you see the outcome of you (the professional) telling a prospective buyer about the makeup of crime situations and they buy the home on that fact and 1 month later something happens to them? Can you say ATTORNEY? So we need to know where to delegate when we clearly don’t have the correct answer. And this is a big one.

http://www.crimemapping.com/

Robert L Brown

Bellabay Realty

616 366 7030

www.mrbrownsellsgr.com

Deficiency Judgements: Can The Bank Do That?

Linda Mae Croom (928) 768-3040 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:48:56 -0800

Great informational post....thanks Mike for sharing this with us...

Via Mike Jones (SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC):

"We're so upside down on our mortgage that it will take us ten years to break even."

The Foreclosure Scenario

The homeowner on the phone was calling me to see how soon after a foreclosure they could hope to qualify to buy a home.

"We're thinking about letting the bank keep the house, and renting until we're able to buy. We think it makes good financial sense, because our mortgage payment is $1,830. and we can rent a nicer house for $500. a month less than that!"

"That's like a $6,000 raise," the homeowner continued. "Even if it takes us four years, we're going to come out better in the long run. We're just throwing money down a rathole right now."

The Short Sale Scenario

The REALTOR on her cellphone in the next booth at lunch was talking with the owner of a potential short sale listing.

"You know, I can't give you legal advice, but what I'm hearing is that the banks almost never come after you for the difference between the short sale price and what you owe on your mortgage. And look how far underwater you are with what you owe. Getting out from under that debt will give you a fresh start, and won't that feel good? Let's get together and talk some more..."

The Risk

In many states, the lender has the right to pursue the defaulting homeowner for a deficiency, and they did that last year to the tune of more than a billion dollars.

Let's take Florida as an example. Let's say you are upside down on the home you purchased in 2005 with that 80/20 mortgage by nearly 50%. The "jingle mail" philosophy of just sending the bank the keys and walking away sounds real good to you right now, even though the foreclosure will be on your record.

You walk away in 2010. The bank sells the house as REO. Years pass. It's 2014, and the foreclosure is a distant memory. You've re-established your credit and bought a new house in another part of the country where you moved back in 2011 because you got a great job...finally! Your daughter is planning her wedding. Life has never been so good.

January 27, 2014 You get a registered letter from a bank you never heard of. The letter says that they have purchased the assets of the bank that held your mortgage back in 2010, and includes a demand for $83,000 ~ the amount of the deficiency.

"They can't do that!" you shout across the room to your wife. "We can't afford to pay this; we're just getting back on our feet."

As a matter of fact, they CAN do that. In the state of Florida, the system allows mortgage holders to seek a deficiency for up to five years. And if the deficiency is granted, they have up to twenty years to collect.

The Implications

Know the law in your state. Some states, Arizona among them, have anti-deficiency statutes on the books for a primary residence.

Realize that laws are changing. Don't rely on what you knew to be true last year.

Don't necessarily believe what your real estate agent tells you about short sales. Do your homework; it's your life.

If you're a REALTOR, be careful how you talk to your clients. A disclaimer such as the one in the scenario above will not protect you or your broker from an expensive lawsuit farther down the road.

For further reading: Bloomberg Article

___________________

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson Mortgage lender.

NMLS #223495

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE llc
Offices in Scottsdale, Tucson, and Nogales, AZ, and Albuquerque, NM.

Call me on my Blackberry (520) 349-9090

content copyright Mike in Tucson