Giving Ourselves to Whom We Belong

As we get ready for church and put on our best clothes, best Christian manners, and our Jesus mask, may we be reminded that we are called to so much more than a Sunday morning extravagamza of fine suits, Sunday dresses, and parading around like we are the holiest of the holy; we are called to present ourselves daily to God as a living sacrifice. That is so much more than our standard religious activity.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cracker Barrel Going Electric

Evidently Cracker Barrel believes there could be a great demand for EV charging stations or there could be other motives behind this move. Maybe Cracker Barrel is just way out in front of the rest of the nation. Only time will tell. Personally, I would like to see free WIFI, so I could connect to the internet when I I am travelling.

in reference to: Tennessee Cracker Barrel Restaurants to Become EV Charging Stations | Transportation Nation (view on Google Sidewiki)

Good Morals are Not an Accident

Good morals, and a vibrant relationship with Christ does not happen by accident, it is something that believers must put some effort into. We are not saved by our own efforts, but by the grace of God, but it takes effort on our part to live up to the life we have been called to live.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Textbroker

For aspiring freelance writers or for those who just want to make a few dollars on the side, textbroker is a good entry level writing site. They are reliable, they pay, and provide a steady stream of writing jobs.

in reference to: Unique content - Textbroker.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Things Looking Up for Cracker Barrel

Things appear to be looking up for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Perhaps what looks good for Cracker Barrel is good for the overall economy. With Cracker Barrel serving a good cross-section of main-stream America. maybe it is a sign that the U.S. economy is on the rebound.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel Beats - Zacks.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Enraged About Educational Entitlements

While I admire the spunk of these students, I have to question if one has the right to be upset over the loss of entitlements. Where do people get the idea that the government owes them anything?
Entitlements are nice for those receiving them, but someone has to pay for the entitlements. If a society can afford to dole out these benefits, so be it, but if not, then there is nothing wrong with people paying their own way through innovation hard work.

in reference to: Demonstrators Attack Police Van as U.K. Students Protest Over College Fees - Bloomberg (view on Google Sidewiki)

Sometimes We Need To Lighten Up

Sometimes we are so caught up in being holy, or apperaing yo be holy that we forget that we are human. i have to confess, I have sooooooo guilty of this. so I am speaking from experience as one who had a holier than thu attitude, which tries to creep back in at times.

in reference to:

"Never show the depth of your life to anyone but God. We are so nauseatingly serious, so desperately interested in our own character and reputation, we refuse to behave like Christians in the shallow concerns of life. Make a determination to take no one seriously except God. You may find that the first person you must be the most critical with, as being the greatest fraud you have ever known, is yourself."
- My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cracker Barrel Doing the Leadership Shuffle

It appears that Cracker Barrel is doing pretty good these days, making changes in leadership to get ready for explosive growth. Considering the state of the economy lately, that speaks well of the Cracker Barrel corporation and the leadership team. I can say from the grass roots level, Cracker Barrel is continuely trying to improve upon the guest experience, although I do not always agree with their methods, at least they are making an effort.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel announces management shift | tennessean.com | The Tennessean (view on Google Sidewiki)

BB&T Charges Fee for Certain Checking Account

I was considering using BB&T more for my checking needs until I got the letter, the letter announcing a change to what BB&T refers to as Bright Banking. BB&T has announced that their BB&T Free Checking will now be BB&T Bright banking, a checking service that charges a $10.00 a month maintenance fee unless customers meet the following conditions:

• Use Direct deposit
• Have a $1,500 a month average checking balance per cycle
• Or have $6,000 combined in deposit and retail outstanding loan balances to include checking, savings, money rate savings, investors deposit accounts, retail loans, lines of credit, and credit card balances.

Unfortunately, currently I meet none of the requirements to have free checking from BB&T; so me and BB&T have parted ways. I was happy to doing business with BB&T, but their imposed maintenance fee has alienated from their bank.

 With all the banks that offer free checking now-a-days, I am not sure if I would call BB&T's changes Bright Banking, but might refer to it as not so Bright Banking. In my opinion, with the banking sector being highly competitive, a bank that loses customers by imposing fees that other banks do not charge is not making a bright decision. However, that is just my opinion.

How to Open a Checking Account

Having a checking account can be very benefical in finacial matters. A checking account is a good way to pay bills, to keep up with money and also build financial credibility. Opening a checking account is a simple process that takes a minimal amount of time.

Things a person needs to open a checking account
 Before going to open up a checking account, someone should make sure they have the needed documents to open an account. When opening an account a person needs to have proof of identification, without proper ID, the bank will not open a checking account. Along with ID, a social security # is required when opening a checking account, if a person does not know their social security number, they need to find it before going to the bank. After getting the proper documents and information together, a person opening up a checking account will need some money to open up an account; some banks require a minimum opening deposit.

Choosing a bank for a checking account
Once a person has the information/documents that they need to open a checking account, it is then time to choose a bank. The banking business is very competitive, so shopping around and finding a bank that offers the best deal is an option. There are many banks that offer free checking services, so there is no reason why somebody should have to pay to have a checking account.

Becoming His

The clarion call of Chritiananity, to give ourselves over so fully to Christ that it can be said that we are His.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Government Financing Cracker Barrel?

Not really, follow link to see how Cracker Barrel is providing new jobs. With unemployment pushing the double digits, it is good to see any kind of new jobs coming open.

in reference to: Ask Us: How can federal money be spent to finance a Cracker Barrel | al.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Holiness

This helps to understand the meaning of true holiness before God, and reminds me of how far I am away from it.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": September 1st. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Useful to God

I guess what Oswald is saying here is that it is not so much about being busy for God, but rather letting God be busy in our lives. God is soveriegn, but when I surrender to Him in faith and obedience, I allow His will to work without the hindrance of my will.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Life of Faith

The Chtistian life is a journey of faith, Jesus is building our faith through the trials and difficulties of this life. This is a good analogy of the life of faith by Oswald Chambers. It is in Old English, but the meaning is still quite clear. May we all grow deeper in faith and closer to Christ today, may He take us up on the mountain and show us His glory.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": August 29th. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Look What The Competion is Doing

It seems that Cracker Barre'ls competition is resorting to giving away food to bring in the guests. Cracker Barrel is not giving away food, but is still offering tasty, quality food at hard to beat prices.

in reference to: Chili's Free Chips & Queso! (view on Google Sidewiki)

Good Ole Uncle Herschel

Seeing this article on the late Uncle Herschel, rest his soul, I had to post this link on my blog. Uncle Herschel is to me the Cracker Barrel Icon. To me he embodies what I want to believe is the original vision for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, good ole southern, country hospitality serrved with a smile.

in reference to: Uncle Herschel finally gets his Way - Decaturdaily.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Oswald Chambers on Prayer

This devotional is well worth reading, so many times we take our prayers before God as a wish list seeking things instead of seeking more of God Himself in our lives, which is what we desperately need the most.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": August 28th. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Change Buys van

Who says that pocket change isn't worth much. This is amazing story of a man buying a van with loose change, don't despise that jingle-jangle in your pocket, it may lead to something big.

in reference to: Chinese man buys £9500 Nissan van with loose change | Motoring News | Honest John (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cracker Barrel Number One Breakfast

Cracker Barrel is on top of its game. Being voted numer one breakfast in a Zagat 2010 consumer survey. It is good to see the CEO of Cracker Barrel giving recognition to Cracker Barrel's employees. I have renewed confidence in the leadership of Cracker Barrel, and being a long term employee am glad to see that we have a competant captain at the helm of the ship.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel Breakfast “Best” in 2010 Zagat Consumer Survey: Business Wire Business News - MSN Money (view on Google Sidewiki)

Becoming a Slave and Giving Away Our Lives

Jesus declares His mission, and reminds us of our mission as well. We are called to serve and to give our lives away for others. This may not fit in with pop culture theology, but this is the essance of the Christian life, our King Jesus came as a servant and gave His life away, He calls us to do the same. This what we have been saved for, this is the glory of the Christian life, to follow in the footsteps of our King.

in reference to:

"25(U)But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26"It is not this way among you, (V)but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28just as (W)the Son of Man (X)did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.""
- Matthew 20 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Oswald Nails it Again

Our walk with Jesus is not about emotional highs or being simply religious, even though the spirit touchs our emotions at times and we can't deny the religious aspect, but our walk with Christ is about moment by moment allowing Him to have his way in my life. It is about me trusting Him to the point that I throw up my arms in sweet surrender to His will. When we lift our hand in praise, may we also raise our hands in surrender, saying " alright, Jesus, you got me. I'm yours."

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Companies increasing their dividends

Investors who are making dividend plays may find this article interesting as in it features companies that are increasing their dividends. In a slow economy, companies that are raising their dividends are well worth investigating further.

in reference to: 9 Important Dividend Increases | InvestorPlace (view on Google Sidewiki)

For investors

For investors who are intersted in dividend investing, this article offers some utlity names that are well worth looking into.

in reference to: 11 High Yield Utility Stocks Beating the Market | InvestorPlace (view on Google Sidewiki)

Working out the details

It is easy to be so busy with life and even busy in spiritual matters that we forget to acknowledge God in all areas of our lives. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says that we shouldtrust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding and to acknowledge God in all our ways, then he will make our paths straight. We need to take the time and effort to let God be involved in all areas of life, so that our lives wil be all that God intends for them to be.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Another Cracker Barrel Location

It is good to see that some companies are still expanding in a slow economy. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has showed amazing resilency in the current economic environment.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel deal is nearly complete - Decaturdaily.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

An Interesting Perspective

In today's devotion, an interesting perspective is given on the Christian life. A perspective that goes against the grain of the way many view their walk with Jesus. If you have the time, read the entire devotion; it is well worth the reading.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Promises of God

I love reading about the promises of God. They never fail, God is faithful. When you are feeling low, and it seems like all hope has gone, just remember, the promises of God that never fail.

in reference to:

"45(AD)Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass."
- Joshua 21 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Nothing New for Cracker Barrel

Offering holiday products early is nothing new for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store's gift shop. It seems that they have already been doing this for a few years, maybe longer. I always make a joke about all the Halloween merchandise, I say " It is shame to commercialize a good pagen holiday like Halloween." Occasionally people will get the joke and laugh, and sometimes I get no response. Anyways, Cracker Barrel's gift shop is on top of things getting the holiday merchandise out early.

in reference to: Some stores offering holiday items early » Knoxville News Sentinel (view on Google Sidewiki)

If we only realized all we have in Christ

If we could only realize all that we have in Christ, what has been imparted to us by His divine power. It blows me away to think that the holiness of Jesus has been given to me, that it is in me through the Holy Spirit that live in all believers. Is the holiness of Jesus always what I exhibit? Not hardly, but on the journey of faith I am learning to let it have preeminence in my life, it is a ongoing process. I have not arrived, but praise God I am on my way. How about you?

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

We have great power in the name of Jesus

Even though it seems like there are overwhelming challenges before us and fierce opposition, in the name of Jesus we like the Ephraim and Manasseh have great power. It is true that the devil goes about as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, but the word says that greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. There is a promised land of victory, peace, and great joy for the soul of the believer in Jesus, may we rise up with confidence and great courage and take possesion.

in reference to:

"17Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, 18but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have (M)chariots of iron and though they are strong.""
- Joshua 17 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Something to Consider

This devotional is something for all believers to consider. We often use the phrase "living for Jesus", yet dying with Jesus can be a foriegn concept to us. Before we can truly live for Jesus, we must choose to die with him. The old man with its sinful desires must be delivered over to death.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Win a free lunch at Cracker Barrel

Winning a free lunch at Cracker Barrel is the real prize here. I will take a free lunch at Cracker Barrel anyday, you can even let the country star stay home, I will take my wife instead. Even though I work for Cracker Barrel Old Country store, I really love the Cracker Barrel Menu, lots to choose from and in my opinion the Cracker Barrel menu prices are some of the best in the casual dining industry.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel & Craig Morgan Say “That’s Why!” You Can Win Lunch With Craig » Got Country? (view on Google Sidewiki)

The latest Cracker Barrel Music Offering

Cracker Barrel's retail side's latest offering in music. Cracker Barrel's retail side is showing once more that as the store side of the business that they can provide current, relevent products to to Cracker Barrel customers who shop in the gift shop prior and after their dining experience.

in reference to: Photo Friday: LBT, TBP, Craig Morgan : MusicRow (view on Google Sidewiki)

The day that the Sun stood still.

This illusrates how far our God will go to give victory to His children. If God will stop the Sun and moon at the request of His servant Joshua, is there anything that He will not do for us to ensure our victory. Fight on weary soldiers, there is victory in Jesus.

in reference to:

"13(L)So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies Is it not written in (M)the book of Jashar? And (N)the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day."
- Joshua 10 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

God is in Control

An excellent devotion by Oswald Chambers today. What a blessed thought, God is in control and there is nothing that I will face that He does not know about, care about or that He is in control of. Why worry, why be in despair, for we have a Heavenly Father that loves us with an inexpessionalble and has soveriegn control over our circumstances. Praise be the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Making God our all in all.

Very good devotional, we were created for this. We were created to choose to belong to Christ. Everybody belongs to Him already, but not everybody has chosen to be His. Make it your goal to be His.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Worth reading

Todays devotional from Oswald Chambers is well worth taking the time to read and contemplelate on our relationship with Christ. The question we should ask is, is my relationship with Jesus all about Him or is it all about me?

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Everlasting Arms

What a blessed thought as we face this life, that underneath us, upholding us, is the everlasting arms of Jesus. No wonder the songwriter who wrote 'Leaning n the Everlasting Arms' wrote " What a fellowship, what a joy is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms"

in reference to:

"27"(AX)The eternal God is a dwelling place, (AY)And underneath are the everlasting arms;"
- Deuteronomy 33 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

It is a shame

Either our Commander in chief is totally out of touch with mainstream America or he really does not care. Anyways, there is no excuse for rewarding bad behaviour and punishing good behavior.

in reference to: Opinion: President Obama's Policies Reward the Bad, Punish the Good (view on Google Sidewiki)

Google Sidewiki entry by paul

Faith is embracing the reality of God in the deepest part of my soul, having that reality as a hope and an anchor for my soul.

in reference to:

"1Now faith is the (A)assurance of things (B)hoped for, the conviction of (C)things not seen."
- Hebrews 11 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Judging others

This is someyhing I need to wok on. My harsh criticism of others.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Faith

Our faith in God is not just a mental or emotional ascent of a belief in God, but is a supernatural occurance that is birthed by the living word of God. Faith is the reality of God stamped on our spirit and spreading through our soul, creating conviction and confidence in our God.

in reference to:

"1Now faith is the (A)assurance of things (B)hoped for, the conviction of (C)things not seen. 2For by it the (D)men of old (E)gained approval. 3By faith we understand that the (F)worlds were prepared (G)by the word of God, so that what is seen (H)was not made out of things which are visible."
- Hebrews 11 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Being faithful in a world that is unfaithful

It does seem like we are faced with many challenges that tempt and pressure us to act contrary to our faith, and I think this is the rub, to go against those inclinations and submit to Christ anyways. I must admit I often fail in that, but I am learning, and leaning on the mercy of our Lord. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saves a wretch like me.

in reference to:

"“Now you work it out in your life, and be faithful to Me, even though the nature of everything around you is to cause you to be unfaithful.”"
- My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Discover Savings Account

I got an email the other day from a former brokerage that I had a savings account with. In the email I was informed that the etrade savings account that I had, had been transferred to Discover Bank. When I navigated over to the Discover Bank site I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Discover Bank savings account offered a 1.34% interest rate that yielded 1.35% with no minimum balance. That is better than the rate being paid to me by Dollar Savings Direct. You should check out Discover Bank savings

Dollar Savings Direct Online Saving Account

There are many banks that are offering online savings accounts with a rate that is usually better than you will get from a local bank. One of the best rates being offered is by Dollar Savings Direct. The current rate that Dollar Savings Direct is offering on their online savings account is 1.29% with a corresponding APR of 1.30% for accounts with a minimum account balance of $1000. Dollar Savings Direct also offers a great rate on their online certificates of deposit. When I compared the rates that Dollar Savings Direct offered with those of my local bank, I found that my local bank could not beat Dollar Savings Direct's rates. This bank is well worth the time of checking out, here is the link DollarSavingsDirect.com

BB&T Pays Incentive

I recently posted about BB&T's offer of $100 dollars to anyone who opens up a checking account and uses the online bill feature on the BB&T online banking site. I opened up an account with BB&T and guess what, my account just got credited with $100. The point I am making is that there are banks who will pay you to use their services, BB&T is one of them. This bonus will be available until April 30, 2010. Here is a link for more info, BB&T $100 bonus.

ShareBuilder

If you have ever wanted to get into the stock market but did not have a whole lot of capital to invest, then this broker may be for you. ShareBuilder is an online brokerage for the little man. You don't have to have a lot of money to invest with ShareBuilder, and you can invest for four dollars every Tuesday with their automatic investment plan. If you open an account with at least $50, ShareBuilder will credit your account with $50. What other brokerage will give you $50 dollars that you can invest. This is a limited time offer, for details.

$150 Dollars from Suntrust

It seems like more and more banks are handing out free money. Suntrust bank is giving $150 dollars to new clients who open up a checking account and use their online bill pay feature. I personally have an account with Suntrust, and as far as dealing with them online, I have had very little problems. If you are existing customer, they will give you $100 for using the online bill feature. Check out the details here.

ING direct

ING Direct bank has a great offer for someone who will open up an online savings account. For those who will invest $250 dollars in an ING savings account, ING will credit their savings account with $25 dollars. To take advantage of this offer, I am not positive, but I think you have to sign up via a special link you receive in an email from an existing ING customer. If you will leave a comment with your email address and name, I will have a link sent to you that you can sign up and get the 25 dollars.

Free money from BB&T

Here we feature some of the best banking offers on the web from banks and financial institutions. Today's featured bank is BB&T. BB&T, for a limited time is offering $100 dollars to first time customers who open up a checking account and use their online bill pay feature. To take advantage of this offer, you can use this BB&T link