In Christmas Cantata rehearsal. Sounding much better. Practice DOES make permanent!!!

Looking forward to the Florida Gators showing those 'Bama boys how winning is done! Go Gators!

Had a pretty good practice for the Christmas Musical. Now I'm off to get haircut & shave.

About to practice musical score for Christmas Cantata.

Vote for my friend LOLITA ROWE in the Steve Harvey Radio Star Vote! VOTE LOLITA ROWE! http://ping.fm/lCPQY

Vote for my friend LOLITA ROWE in the Steve Harvey Radio Star Vote! VOTE LOLITA ROWE! http://ping.fm/lCPQY

Vote for my friend LOLITA ROWE in the Steve Harvey Radio Star Vote! VOTE LOLITA ROWE! http://ping.fm/lCPQY

Reply to chat on Dec 3

Vote for my friend LOLITA ROWE in the Steve Harvey Radio Star Vote! VOTE LOLITA ROWE! http://ping.fm/lCPQY

Reply to chat at 1:07 pm

Vote for my friend LOLITA ROWE in the Steve Harvey Radio Star Vote! VOTE LOLITA ROWE! http://ping.fm/lCPQY

Vote for my friend LOLITA ROWE in the Steve Harvey Radio Star Vote! VOTE LOLITA ROWE! http://ping.fm/lCPQY

is believing God for a miracle for my loved one TODAY!

It's 4 AM. I think I'll stop worrying about my LOVED one and go to sleep. "Now I lay me down to sleep..."

cannot sleep tonight. Got a lot on my mind. Worried about a DEAR loved one. Making some decisions. I feel a blog coming on!

Oh what a beautiful morning. Oh what a beautiful day. (come on, sing it with me!)

I feel like a convenience store on NW 79th street and 441. "Stop & Go." This traffic & weather is horrendous!! Err.

I feel like I'm a convenience store on NW 79th & 441 in Miami..."Stop & Go". This traffic & weather I'd horrendous!!!!

Is up late/early wondering & praying, praying & wondering. (just being transparent)

Tomorrow will be the manifestation of my dreams of yesterday, activated by faith today! And it is so!

Tomorrow is a new day. Tomorrow will be the manifestation of my dreams of yesterday activated today!

the day got better but not over. Hopefully the night will end much better than it began. You think?

Have you ever had a day where NOTHING goes right? Well, today is my day!!! Errrrr! Pray my strength in the Lord! Please!!!!

Watch The Word Network at 11 PM EST for a special Thanksgiving Show. Check your listings or go to www.thewordnetwork.com!

I am thankful for what God is doing in YOUR life! How do I know? Because he's done it for me!

is thankful for all things of value being restored in his life! It's a long story and a long process. But it is priceless! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My 12 year old son's 1st attempt of video editing. Check it out! Bless his heart! lol http://ping.fm/zMcnd

Check out my blog, "I Wouldn't Stop Believing God!" http://ping.fm/GVSf7

I Wouldn't Stop Believing God!

Recently, after completing a Life Coaching Seminar on Procrastination, I was challenged in more ways than one. After the

seminar, I set my bag down on a bench to assist my sound guy outside the Communications Building where the seminar was facilitated. He was struggling carrying some equipment, and rather than take the chance on it being damaged, I assisted him. When I posed the question, "Who is gonna watch my bag?", the response was, "I gotcha Pastor!" The sound guy inferred that he was watching the bag. I assumed he was getting the bag. You see where this is going right?

After taking him home and going on with the rest of my day, I assumed the bag was in the trunk of my car with some other items that are often placed there after I minister. THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. However, I did not even realize that the bag wasn't in there until the next morning on the way to church. This bag contained my laptop, calendar, Bluetooth device, sermons, billing statements, books, CD's and DVD's of some messages of mine, and so on. You can understand the seriousness of this loss.

I had to make a choice, right then and there. Would I get upset and bent out of shape? Or, would I just go on with the rest of my day in the joy of the Lord? I mean, even my printed sermon notes were in the bag. A copy was on my computer at home, but I didn't have that with me. I chose to be glad and not mad. I chose to preach without the notes. (It was a good one too!) I went on with my day. Then I went on with my week. And then I went on the next Sunday, without my laptop and bag. And then the following week.

Here's the issue. I REFUSED to buy another laptop. I refused to buy another calendar. I refused to replace anything in that bag. I refused to speak negative. I refused to even talk about to many people, because I believed that God was doing something.

When you have lost something, whether big or small, important or insignificant, a relationship or a friendship, what choices do you make? How do you respond to the loss? Do you freak out? Do you automatically concede to defeat and hopelessness? Do you have faith? Do you dispatch the angels of the Lord to find the loss item on your behalf?

The divine providence of God is so awesome that since He created the heavens and the earth, and can part the Red Sea and can go into a sick body that a doctor has said is sick unto death and literally cause the cells and body to become healed instantaneously, He can surely dispatch His angels to find and a stolen or lost bag, or whatever your loss or stolen thing is. As people of God, we must get back to believing God for miracles so we can be a demonstration of God in the earth. If God did it, back in the day, he can do it now!

What are those things that you believed God for but then stopped? What are the things in your life that have been stolen? What about the things that were lost? What about the things that you never even gave God a chance to prove himself and His goodness to you? Go back and capture those things. Go back and and begin to believe God for them that they will return or be returned. Let God exceed your expectations. God already knows the deal anyway. I guarantee you, He will blow your mind!

By the way, the bag was returned to my doorstep and placed in my hand by the person who had it with all of its contents two weeks later.

Happy Friday. Hundreds of responses to my blog. You need to check it out. http://ping.fm/oxVIe

I've been up all night answering emails and updating my website. It's time to go to sleep. Oh, wait...it's time to wake up! Happy Friday! TTYL

It's 3:38 AM. I am STILL responding to emails from my controversial blog, "I'm NOT Looking For Love!" Check it out! http://ping.fm/oxVIe

The responses have been awesome. If you haven't already, read this blog, "I'm NOT Looking For Love!" http://ping.fm/oxVIe

The responses are coming! Read my controversial blog, "I'm NOT Looking For Love!" http://ping.fm/oxVIe

Read my blog entitled, "I'm NOT Looking For Love!" It will bless you or provoke you. http://ping.fm/oxVIe

I'm about to upset some folks with my forthcoming blog post. Stay tuned. It's gonna be HOT!

I'm NOT Looking For Love

It's a cool, brisk Thursday afternoon in South Florida. I am preparing to drive back to Orlando tonight. I am scheduled to fly into COLD Buffalo, NY tomorrow morning. I am just getting on the other side of a cold that I have been fighting all week. So, we will see what happens with that.

As many of you know, in addition to being a Senior Pastor, I am also a Web/Media Consultant, Motivational Speaker, and Coach. I LOVE what I do. I love meeting people. I love helping people. When you really think about it, all of what I do is ministry. Ministry means to serve. A minister is a servant. I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and I wake up EVERY morning ready to serve Him and people. There is nothing like knowing what your calling in life is. Finding your calling in is causitive...it causes you to become fulfilled in life. Finding your calling is also creative..it creates revenue for you. But what is so wonderful is that, when you are living what you were created to do, you would do it whether you make an income or not!

Now, that we have that out of the way. One of the ways I do what I do is through the internet. In addition to pastoring a "traditional brick and mortar" church, I also am an Online Pastor. Now that term somewhat evolved ove the last 14 years of being online. YES, fourteen years. I have been online back in the days of Prodigy and America Online dial-up where it literally took almost five minutes to logon. Every since then people from all over the globe have reached out to me for prayer and advice spiritually. Even to this day, bewteen my personal website and my social networking profiles, I have, at any given time, as many as 10,000 friends that have access to me. Trust me, sometimes it seems as if they all are emailing me at the same time. But, it's not a problem. i answer ALL my emails personally. Sometimes it takes awhile, but I get through them!

Throughout the last fourteen years off "online ministry" I have met some awesome people. I have met people of all races, nationalities and religious beliefs. There are some sincerely wonderful people in the world! I cannot begin to tell you how fulfilling it is just meet many of you. To some I hvae become an online pastor. To some I have become a friend; a coach; a counselor; and a mentor.

However, there are some that would like to become their boyfriend...husband...lover...baby daddy...or a combination of all of the above. Yes, it is true. I'm not exactly sure why, but that's besides the point.

Let me be clear, I am NOT online looking for love. I am on here to provide my personal and ministry resources to you that are reading this. If I want to look for love I would put a profile on match.com or faithmate.com. (Both of which I have had a profile on. OK, shoot the preacher for being real! They both are really great sites for meeting people.)

So, to all the single ladies out there...I don't mind you emailing me. I don't mind you reaching out to me. But if you are reaching out to me because you want me to be your man...WRONG ANSWER! If you want to be friends, with no motives, WONDERFUL! If you try to run me down, you are gonna run me over because I'm not moving. The buck stops here!

The Bible says, "He that finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains FAVOR from the Lord." A few years ago, I went through a divorce. It was a horrible experience. And, I messed up. It was primarily MY FAULT. (There I go being real again!) I am not going to make the same mistakes again. So I am going to make sure that whenever the Lord allows me to find HER...and she already knows who she is, I will obtain the favor of the Lord again in my life. Until such time that God does whatever He is going to do, stop trying to run me down ladies. It's a turn off! Chivalry is not dead. Ladies, stop telling me that God said I am to be your husband. If that is true, don't you think that God, in His omnicience and omnipotence, would whisper that to me as well? Hmmm. If you have to tell me I'm your husband...something is eerily wrong.

Now, I will probably lose many friends on my social networking sites. I will probably get many emails in response to this. I will probably have just as many questions too. Whatever. I've gotten it off my chest now. Like the old song says, "I feel better, so much better, since I laid my burdens down! Glory, Glory, Hallelujah, since I laid my burdens down!"

One more thing...

I am not referring to any one person in particular. But if you are offended and this "hits" you, I declare I didn't mean to miss you!

Have a wonderful day.

Pastor Robert L. Carpenter, II
YOUR Online Pastor & Personal Motivator
www.robertcarpenter.org

This is the day that the Lord has made, but it seems like the day that people have bad attitudes! I need to blog. Pray my strength!

This is the day that the Lord has made. But Jesus it seems like this is the day that people have bad attitudes! I need to blog at the park today! Pray my strength!

Now it's time to say good-bye to all my company. Good night everybody!

The epitome of religious ignorance & intolerance. Enough said. Click link. http://twitpic.com/ms0y

About to eat & take meds. I think I can be over this cold/flu by morning. Gotta get to Buffalo! Thanks for the prayers!

Feeling alot better. There's nothing like prayer, Theraflu, honey/lemon tea, vitamin C and rest. But the main two were REST and PRAYER!

at the office. Staying away from everyone. Just took TheraFlu Warming Relief. Hope it works. I feel horrible!

has the worse sore throat ever! Headache. Earache. Feels like? Sounds like? Answer:________

What an incredible weekend! It had high's and low's. Looking forward to the rest of week.Stuart, Palm Beach, Orlando, Buffalo. My, My My!

Long day. Engine trouble on plane. Missed flight in Atlanta to 'bama. Back in Orlando! Err! :-(

I made it to Orlando! Should I sleep? My flight to Alabama leaves at 5:45? Hmmmmm.

stuck in traffic heading into Orlando! It's 1:30 am and my flight leaves at 5:45 am. I'm tired!!!! Errr.

Got iPhone charger! Be back in action soon. On way to service, then to Birmingham, AL at 5:45 AM. Then back to Orlando Sat night!

I lost the charger to my iPhone! Battery dead. No emails. No Twitter. No Facebook. No Myspace. No phone calls. How can a man survive?

About to leave office. Don't forget to watch The Word Network tonight at 11 PM for my client's show. You WILL BE blessed!

Allow yourself to be yourself...so God can maximize who you are for His glory!

Lunch was GREAT! I'm gonna have to work it off tonight at Planet Fitness. Watch The Word Network tonight at 11 PM EST.

Just got out of production meeting. About to eat lunch...Pigeon peas & Rice with Fried Talapia. Yeah, I know. But, it's so good!

What a beautiful day it is! On my way into the office. Then back to workout later this evening! Weight Training tonight!

on way to gym. Slept like a baby after workout. Dreading when the soreness kicks in!

Looking forward to working out at Planet Fitness tonight. I'm on a mission! Watch out now! lol

Turn out the lights...The party's over for the day! Until tomorrow...Good night everybody!

Just signed up at Planet Fitness. Start in the AM. Any sites I can find a good workout regimen w/ Cardio and Weight Training? Let me know.

I'm tired today. But today is Organization Day! Emails, CPU files, office, notes, calendar, and mind. Should be fun!

Watch The Word Network tonight at 11 PM EST for my client's new show, "Prophetic Times & Seasons with Bishop Harold Calvin Ray."

YEAH! Finished taping client's shows for November. Premieres tonight at 11 PM EST on The Word Network. www.thewordnetwork.com

It's a great day! Watch Bishop Harold Calvin Ray's new show on The Word Network tonight at 11 PM EST! www.rlife.com

It's great day! Watch Bishop Harold Calvin Ray's new show on The Word Network tonight at 11 PM EST! www.rlife.com

in awe right now about the historic & prophetic significance of President-elect Barack Obama. Will blog later at www.robertcarpenter.org. WOW!

Very excited about today's election. I voted absentee three weeks ago because of schedule. PLEASE vote today! It's a privilege!

Church today! (of course!) Think about this..."We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."-Aristotle

Good day so far. Got rest. Ran errands. About to go and do something fun. Any suggestions? Until tomorrow...PEACE!

It's raining HARD! I am going to rest, then go back to meeting deadlines. I LOVE what I do!

Good morning Sunshine! It's Friday. We are taping one more show today. And then...REST! For one day at least! lol

taping 2 TV shows this morning with client. Then to post production and with some planning...maybe some REST!

just finished 1st show airing Nov. 6 at 11 PM on Word Network. In post production. I'm still tired!

Out of pocket today. In TV Studio taping all day AND setting up new iPhone. Leave a message at the tone! Have a fantabulous day!

back in to the studio to tape. I am soooo tired. But we will be done in two days! lol

back at office at 9 AM. Working on 3 hours sleep! Doing pre-production for client's show to air on Word Network Nov. 6 at 11PM EST.

I'm out. Leaving office now. 45 min drive to home. Be back in office at 8:45 AM. Whoo Lord! Good night world!

still here at the office working with client that will be premiering on the Word Network on Thursday, November 6 at 11 PM. Im getting tired!

Here's the link to my radio interview today with Sai Browne. Enjoy! http://ping.fm/KoPaV

Hear my radio interview at http://ping.fm/KoPaV

Doing radio interview with Sai Browne at www.saibrowne.com at 12:15 PM EST. Check it out!

Awesome service last night. Resting today. Going to beach, see "Eagle Eye" and get ready for church Sunday. www.robertcarpenter.org.

Preaching tonight in Riviera Beach, FL "What To Do When A Famine Is Spoken Over Your Life" Check website 4 location. www.robertcarpenter.org

On way to preach "What Do You Do When A Famine Is Spoken Over Your Life? in Riviera Beach, FL. Go to www.robertcarpenter.org for more info.

Preaching tonight in Riviera Beach, FL "What To Do When A Famine Is Spoken Over Your Life" Check website 4 location. www.robertcarpenter.org

Renew your life goals and start fresh today. When you take those steps that you have delayed taking, you will be blessed beyond measure!

When you become properly aligned with God's will, it will dropkick you into your destiny. Old doors are shut, new doors are opened. Ask me!

I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it! I'm about to lose control and I think I like it! Oh yeah! Its a great day! Trust me!

Monday Monday, so good to me. Monday Monday, it was all I hoped it would be! Lol

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! I hope you are looking forward to today as much as I am. Church. Dolphins vs Ravens. What a day!

Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.-Blaise Pasca

There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still.-Franklin D. Roosevelt

My world is changing all around me. And guess what? I'm the one changing it! I'm a WORLD CHANGER! You AIN'T see nothing yet! Watch this!

Without dreaming we lose the excitement of possibilities. I'm dreaming today and I'm wide awake! What about you?

It's been quite an awesome day. I am about to turn in. I'm tired. Looking forward to this week. I'm going to be a WORLD CHANGER this week!

Out to dinner at Bravo Ristorante. I love GREAT Italian food. I'm so hungry I could eat everything on menu! Lol

Its raining cats & dogs. 2 hours on road to get to church. Hate driving in rain. Err! Pray my strength!

Great day for fun! Latin Food Festival. Home Show. Movies. Park. So many choices. What is a guy supposed to do? Still have headache though!

Bittersweet today. But, it is Yom Kippur-a day of atonement. It is my prayer that we ALL make amends, heal and reconcile on this day. God bless!

In meetings today. No online bible study tonight. Watch the debate! Announcement still coming. Hold on.

Trying to finish posting the big announcement on my website. Too tired! It will come later today. Sorry!

I'm just about an hour from making my HUGE announcement! I'm so excited. No online bible study tomorrow. Watch the debate!

Internet back up. Working posting announcement. Things have changed with it in the last 24 hours. I'll share soon!

My internet is down. Can't access back-end of website to post HUGE announcement. Wow! :-(

Internet is down. Can't access back-end of website to post HUGE announcement. Is that a sign? I'm not sure. :-(

Good service today. Feel alot better. Still handling some things. Looking forward to HUGE announcement. Online Bible Study returns Tuesday!

On way to church. Contemplating deep things. Excited but a little "blah." Need ur thoughts & prayers. HUGE announcement coming Monday. Peacr!

Today? College football, South Beach, a little hanging out, and R&R! HUGE announcement coming Monday!

is on way to morning meetings. Finalizing projects for the week. Looking forward to GREAT weekend. HUGE announcement will come by Monday!:-)

The debate is over. Let's play Political Pundit. Send me your thoughts info@robertcarpenter.org. I'll post them. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING!

This is getting quite interesting. She is NOT answering the questions. She's just reciting talking points.

Very interesting debate. Fast paced. Biden has his facts together. Palin does too, but doesn't seem to be answering the questions.

is looking forward to the debate tonight. Gonna watch with 1 eye opened. Hope this is not a BIG joke! SNL get ready! HUGE announcement soon!

Is finalizing things before making this HUGE announcement this week. Don't forget Online Bible Study begins next Tuesday!

Caught up with another friend. Have to get up in 3 1/2 hours!! It was worth it! Real friends hard to find but they were always there! WOW!

Can't believe its October already! Holidays coming soon. Online Bible Study resumes next Tuesday night!

Day Bush took office, nat'l debt = $5.727 trillion. Current nat'l debt = $9.849 trillion (71.9% increase) Thanks for info Monikah! VOTE!

is about to make a HUGE announcement. Working on final pieces. Don't forget Online Bible Study begins next week! Details coming!

Is remembering, Wall Street is not my source of provision...I AM! Online Bible Study returns next week!

Watching Wall Street react to bailout vote in House. Remembering, Wall Street is NOT my source. I AM!

Watchg

on way to church. looking forward to it. Then I think I will hit the beach before heading back to Orlando. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON!

on way to church. looking forward to it. Then I think I will hit the beach before heading back to Orlando. I LOVE the beach lately!

How long does it take to say what you REALLY want to say rather than saying nothing at all verbally? What am I saying? Hmmm.

How long does it take to say what you REALLY want to say rather than saying nothing at all verbally? What ARE we saying?

Looking forward to watching the Presidential Debates. This has the weirdest election year ever! Commentary later.

"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value."-Albert Einstein

Praying for close friend's father in hospital. If you have prayer requests today, send to prayer@robertcarpenter.org. I believe God for you!

Meeting up with an old friend from high school later. I cant believe it's been 19 years since I graduated from high school. Gonna be fun!

Looking forward to completing clients' projects today. Thursday taking a 3-day retreat. Gotta refocus & re-evaluate some people and things.

"The things people discard tell more about them than the things they keep."-Hilda Lawrence. What are you discarding in your life today?

"Dreams are today's answers to tomorrow's questions".-Edgar Cayce. Are YOU dreaming or just sleeping?

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other-Abe Lincoln

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. -- Abraham Lincoln

Sitting in church watching Bishop Noel Jones preach everybody crazy!

Ok. So my meetings ran over. WAY OVER. But its 5 PM and the weekend has begun. Whoo! Thank you Jesus! Have a great weekend!

Meetings all morning. At 1 PM, I'm done for the day. I'm so glad its Friday!

Looking forward to lunch today. Homemade Chicken parm and spaghetti! Yummy! Lol

Arrive at meeting the Bishop. Should be very productive meeting today. Getting ready to take this project to another level!

On way to meeting. Stuck in rush hour traffic! I-95 in South Florida. Can't beat it! Lol

I got all my hair cut off today. Yes, I mean ALL. Meetings into the evening. Long day. It's good to be back though! Will post pics later.

excited about being back to work. Playing catch up today. Still working on replying to emails and phone calls. TTYL

still recovering from strep throat. Better today though. Thanks for the prayers. Be back on Monday at 100%! We MUST catch up! (Trust me!)

still recovering from strep throat. This thing is kicking my butt!!!! Thanks for your prayers and remedies. I'll be back online Monday!

Fighting Strep Throat. Have workshop to teach Saturday morning in West Palm Beach. Any QUICK remedies? I'm starting to lose my voice!!

Fighting this Strep Throat. Have workshop to teach Saturday morning in West Palm Beach. Any QUICK remedies? I'm starting lose my voice!!

Life is FULL of surprises. You never know how quickly changes can come in your life. Interesting.

Life is FULL of surprises. You never know how quickly changes can come in your life. Interesting.

Tired from a long weekend. In the mood for some dessert. Cheesecake to be exact. From Cheesecake Factory. Hmmm. What flavor tonight?

Watch this: There is a path that SEEMS right, but isn't. Which path are YOU taking today?

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick accepts plea deal. Resigns. To repay $1 million. & 120 days in jail.

Watch this: There is a path that SEEMS right, but isn't. Which path are YOU taking today?

Sinuses...Allergies...Can't go back to sleep! Errr! Watched Sarah Palin speech twice on CNN. Any home remedies? Anyone?

American Politics: Reality TV at its finest. Watch Gov. Sarah Palin tonight at RNCC. Should be interesting. Bloggers get ready! lol

FYI: Just because someone is friendly doesn't qualify them as a friend. "...A friend sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

I'm so glad that New Orleans was spared. Also, everyday a day to live your destiny. Discover your destiny code and live!

Your destiny code is secured within your DNA. Don't let anyone or anything alter it. Become excited about being YOU!

You destiny code is secured within your DNA. Don't let anyone or anything alter it. Become excited about being YOU!

This has been the most historical and yet interesting week in American Politics EVER! WOW! Thank God for the weekend! Have a great time!

so glad the weekend is here. I have a VERY busy weekend. But it's all good. Have a wonderful weekend! What are YOUR plans?

The presence of adversity validates your mission. So go ahead...do it!

Looking forward to another great day. Watch this: The presence of adversity validates your mission. Just do it anyway! TTYL!

Interesting day personally & professionally. Productive creative, w/ a little confusion mixed in. Relieved & fulfilled? I guess. Advice?

It's a great day. On way out for a series of PRODUCTIVE meetings today. Email me and let me know how your day is going!

is just getting in. GREAT day today. About to login to JumpStartTV. You need to as well! http://ping.fm/Cs7vh

My day is rolling along great! Remember, although there may be obstacles in your life, don't ever get BITTER, just get BETTER! Try it.

is preparing for a pretty busy day. My goals are set for today. I will reach them. Will YOU? I believe you will! Have a great one!

watched Michelle's speech. The conv with Barack and his girls was cute. And UNSCRIPTED! Dem. or Rep. it was an historic moment tonight.

watching DNC Show. Moved when Kennedy spoke. He's an American Icon. Waiting to hear Michelle Obama speak.

watching DNC Show. Moved when Kennedy spoke. He's an American Icon. Waiting to hear Michelle Obama speak.

A Post American World? Really?

A Post-American World? Really?

Our American men dropped the baton in the 4x100 meter relay. It was embarrassing. Unthinkable.

A few minutes later our American women did precisely the same thing.

The commentators were brutal, but accurate: “You have to look at the new leadership at USA Track and Field and wonder if it’s been a vacuum of leadership. There does seem to be no cohesiveness. It seems that everyone has their own agenda.”

Bob Costas wrapped it up by saying, “Did you notice that all the other nations had their country names nicely printed on their bibs? And look at the Americans: ‘USA’ written on theirs in magic marker.”

Oil is more than $120/barrel, which makes the cost of driving home from work approximately the same as the cost of dinner. Gold and platinum recently rose to all-time high prices because rich people hoard precious metals when they lose confidence in the leadership of America. Our newscasters make certain we go to bed each night knowing inflation and unemployment are on the rise.

Thanks guys. You’re a real ray of sunshine.

I switched off the TV, went online and stumbled across a headline posted by CBS News: “Coming Soon: A Post-American World.” The subtitle said, “With The Rise Of China And Other Economies, The Golden Age Of American Influence May Be Coming To An End.”

The story opened by saying, “Millions of us have been swept up in the color and drama of the Olympic Games. But the Beijing Stadium isn't the only arena for global competition. Now, after decades of dominance, will the U.S. soon be 'passing the torch'"?

CBS went on to say, “America's beverage, Budweiser beer, is now owned by Belgians… And isn't the United States supposed to be the place with the biggest and best of everything? The tallest building in the world isn't in New York or Chicago anymore. It's in Taipei. The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, once the world's largest, isn't even in the top ten now. The biggest one's in - surprise, surprise - China.”

CBS then quoted Albert Keidel, an expert on China's economy, as saying China “will deserve and demand leadership in global institutions."

CBS asked rhetorically, “Are we slipping? Are we reaching some inevitable tipping point that will change the world as we know it? Is the golden age of America coming to an end?”

I turned off my computer and grinned as I recalled Mark Twain’s response to the American newspaper that printed his obituary. His telegram said, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

Yes, it’s dark and it’s getting cold. But I’ve already seen this movie, so I know how it ends. It was 1980. Our president was miffed because Russia had invaded Afghanistan, so he told our athletes they couldn’t compete in the Olympics in Moscow. Oil and gold were at an all-time high and we were in the grip of rising inflation. Even more embarrassing was the fact that fifty-two U.S. diplomats were held hostage in Iran for 444 days. Our president tried to rescue them but America’s helicopters broke down and 8 of our military people lost their lives.

Iran laughed at us.

Then we got a new president. The Iranians respected the new guy and released the hostages while he was taking the oath of office.

My comments today have nothing to do with political parties. My comments have to do with leadership. And optimism. And the ability to inspire optimism in others.

When times are good, America gets soft. I’ve seen it. But when times get tough, America tightens her belt, rolls up her sleeve and shows her true colors. I’ve seen that, too. All we need is a leader.

Oh, yes. I have one last thing to say:

Kiss my ass, CBS. We’re about to have an election.

Roy H. Williams

MondayMorningMemo^© of Roy H. Williams, the Wizard of Ads^®

"Adversity brings out the best or worst in us. Advantage puts them both to sleep." – Princess Pennie Williams

had a GREAT morning. Now off to meetings all afternoon and evening.

Good night! Tomorrow is another GREAT day! Fulfill it!

The cake came out great! About to watch CNN with Rick Sanchez. Looking forward to a GREAT week! How about you?

just woke up from unscheduled nap. About to bake a cake. Then post notes from sermon today.

on way to church. Won't be on much today...obviously. If you want to know the lesson today, message me. I'll gladly share! Peace!

about to call it a night. Got a long day Sunday. If you want to know what I am teaching, let me know...I'll share it with you gladly. Peace!

about to go to movies. What's worth seeing out there tonight? Already saw "Tropic Thunder." Any suggestions?

enjoying a great lunch right now. About to head out to the mall and meet some friends. I wonder what I am going to see on sale today?! Hmmmm.

is wondering who is going to be Barack Obama's VP selection. Text coming in the morning. I think it's Biden and NOT Hillary. What you think?

on way to check snail mail. Run a couple of errands. Trying to decide what to do tonight. Tired of FAY! Any suggestions?

on way to check snail mail. Run a couple of errands. Trying to decide what to do tonight. Tired of FAY! Any suggestions?

about to meet with new client on producing and marketing her upcoming music project. She can sing! Details forthcoming!

Just watched "Revealed" program on CNN tonight. Interesting what I learned about both presidential candidates. What are your thoughts?

take a ride through town for a few and check things out after TS Fay. Then get back to work. Gotta finish this website. www.robertcarpenter.org

is saying "You have to stay inside while YOUR storm passes. Get out of the rain. It'll make you sick." Get the revelation!

Fay wasn't so bad. It was a pretty good day...except for the power being out for an hour. lol JumpStartTV tonight at 9 PM. http://ping.fm/Cs7vh

Working on website www.robertcarpenter.org and getting pumped for JumpStartTV tonight at 9 PM. http://ping.fm/Cs7vh

Working on websites today. Cant wait until tonight at 9 PM for JumpStartTV. http://ping.fm/Cs7vh

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