It's been about 3 months since Trenton Duckett disappeared.

If you don't know the story about this two-year-old's disappearance, read about it. It's on America's Most Wanted site. I went to Yahoo.com and searched "Trenton Duckett" to get current on the latest news.

It's not confirmed to be accurate yet, but a witness says they saw young Trenton with his mother at a Wendy's drive-thru together then saw just the mother alone not too much later at the same Wendy's. This is the only lead investigators have had in 3 months of searching.

Personally, I just want the boy found alive and well. I have a son myself and I know what I would be feeling.

The worst part is that the story seems to incriminate the mother (I can't recall her name - the father's name is Joshua). The mother committed suicide by shooting herself with a shotgun. She did this the day after being grilled by Nancy Grace of Court TV and CNN Headline News. Some blame Nancy Grace for the woman's death, but I imagine Ms. Grace wants what we all do: the boy returned to his father alive and well.

I'm afraid that I believe the mother killed her son.

I pray that I'm wrong.

- Brian

Despite President Bush's words that any pullout decisions concerning Iraq will be for future Presidents to decide, the President has decided to listen to "fresh ideas" from both sides concerning changes in Iraq policy.

Now that Mr. Rumsfeld is no longer Secretary of Defense and Democrats hold the majority in both Houses, Democrat leaders are saying a redeployment of troops must happen in the next few months.

Military officials believe, however, that the sectarian violence in Iraq combined with the inability of the Iraqi government to stabilize will lead to a civil war if the US presence were removed.

Still others say that it is the US presence that started the insurgency in the first place. That the United States are seen as invaders, not liberators.

What are your views? What should the United States do and why?

-Brian

I have a new blog at blog.myspace.com/arkansas_brian. Check it out and remember to email me with any questions.

B

Brian, thanks so much for this testimony and the words of encouragement.

Mark C.

-------------- Original message ----------------------

From: Brian Splittorff <brian_splittorff@yahoo.com

>> Dear Pastor Coppenger,> I just read your article "Tithing?! Gross!" on crosswalk.com. I must say that > I agree with you 100% on the tithing principle. My last paycheck, I tried an > experiment of sorts. I created an account on my computer called "Tithes > Payable." (yes, I'm an accountant) In it I would post the amount I would pay > for my tithe, 10% of my gross income. The account roughly said "ok, this is how > much I owe God on Sunday." I did it because my bank account was slim and needed > to pay bills. Not trusting God to supply all my needs, I basically said, "Look, > God, I know I owe you this tithe. See? I wrote it down. I'll pay it when I > can." Sunday morning came around and when it was time for the offering, I was > surprised to find that I had forgotten to write a check for any amount. I had > forgotten my promise to tithe because I felt admitting I owed the money was as > good as giving the money. I was wrong. You were right in saying that we are to > be "hilarious" givers. I have decided to> not "owe" God my tithe but give Him what is His every Sunday. I think I'll be > happier that way.> >

God Bless, Brian Splittorff

> Springdale, Arkansas> >

I was reading in my devotional today about Timothy, the Apostle Paul's protege. Timothy had a complex because of his age, his appearance, etc. He felt no one would take him seriously. Paul urged Timothy to live a godly, pure life in order to set the example of Christian living, in short, be a witness.

I have known failure in my service to God and I have been letting it hold me down. But now I see that perhaps my "failure" was a test, a test that could have been a failure if I hadn't seen it for what it was.

I am getting back on the horse, so to speak, and I encourage any and all that may read this to take heart in your circumstances. All is not lost because Christ is eternal and it's all for Him. Our "failures" are for Him and, yes, He's worth the risk of failing. Knowing this, isn't not trying a sin?

Pray with me:

Father,
Thank you for setting my sights on things above and not on this earth. I only want to serve you in anyway and not on my terms, but yours. I love You and am wholly yours.

In Jesus's Name,Amen.

Thank you all and may God Bless.