Bobby Lepinay

Why I Think Obama Will Win

Make no mistake about it, I am voting for John McCain.  But it is not so much a vote 'for', as 'against':  I can not (and will not) support someone who is pro-abortion.

People may label me a "fundie" ("fundamentalist".....man,....that even seems wierd to type..! :)...), but I know too much.  No one will ever convince me that abortion is not the killing (murder) of a literal, real human being.  People tend to minimize it as just a 'voting issue'. 

It is a 'God issue', period. 

With that said, I am convinced Obama will win the November Presidential election, barring a flat out miracle.  I wish it wasnt so, but the longer time goes, the more I believe it, and here is why:

The "like-ability factor".  People simply vote, by and large, for the more likable candidate, regardless what they stand for.

In watch them both, McCain is stiff and wooden, almost uncomfortable in his own skin.  He feels tight and makes you feel the same. 

Obama?  He is smooth, with a natural rythym and smile that though forced, doesnt feel forced.  To the average Joe watching TV, he is the more likable of the two.

And just beyond that, I believe that, like myself, those voting for McCain are not so much a vote FOR him, but rather, a vote AGAINST Obama.  Those voting for Obama are clearly FOR Obama and really behind him.

I hate that, but it has held true in almost every election in modern history, at least since there has been television where people can actually SEE the candidates.

My 2 cents for today...

Hope to see you all this Sunday at Harvest....!

PB

Healer

I am getting ready to head into the day today, with one big focus:  Market the Harvest Learning Center.  Everything is finished and top notch, with the teachers all cerified and trained, playground finished.. 

Now all we need is kids!! :)

Seriously, if you or anyone you know is looking for a learning center for your children that is reasonable, staffed by the best teachers in the area, and NEW.....go to www.harvestlearningcenter.net to find out more!

Update on Brittany:  She is slowly regaining strength.  The now 9 day headache is still there.  She is starting the parasite medicine today.  It is powerful stuff so please pray for GRACE, that her body will receive it.

There is a new song called "Healer" by Hillsong that has really been hitting the mark over the past weeks.  The guy who sings it (with the oxygen tubes on) has and is battling for his life.  Powerful song, made more powerful by the life singing it. 

Take 5 minutes to watch this, as it was the first time it was song at their Hillsong Conference last month.  You can literally see the Holy Spirit moving on the people who were there.

Love much,...and thankful....

PB

Monday Musings 6/30

• Thanks again for all the prayer, guys......Brittany was released Friday evening to go into outpatient status.  She has been very weak, with the continual headache, etc...but as of today, Monday, seems to be getting stronger.  She starts today on an antiparasite pill that is very strong that will hopefully knock this thing out.
• Needless to say, we are TIRED...! :) 
• Sunday at Harvest was exceptional.  Jentzen Franklin's message on "Lord, Make Us Passionate" was off the chart.  It was one of those messages you could listen to every week and need every week!
• Our Harvest @ 5 service was without question, one of the top services I can remember in the life of this church.  My son Michael commented afterward that "God is doing something special at the night service."  Indeed He is.  The richness....the worship......the Spirit's genuine presence......it just IS. 
• Our mission, "turning seekers into Spirit-empowered servants of Jesus Christ" is WORKING!!  It was amazing to hear the testimonies from our Mexico team of those who were seekers at this point last year, timid, kind of afraid of the things of the Spirit, who are completely changed individuals now.  I LOVE IT!!
• The boldness.  That's what I couldnt help but notice.  Every one who shared last night has a spiritual confidence that was not there before.  And THAT, dear ones, is what this thing called "the Baptism of the Holy Spirit" is all about!! Read Acts 1.  "You will receive POWER to be my WITNESSES..." Jesus said!
• As you can tell, I am deeply excited about what is happening at Harvest right now.  I have no doubt that although there are natural causes with Brittany, the enemy is mixed in, doing his job of RESISTANCE.  How encouraging, eh????!!!  :)

Have a GREAT week..!!

PB

Update # 3 Thursday

I again have to keep this short, as I have to run to the hospital to relieve Deb for the night.  After having spent the night Tuesday, I think I have it figured out:  Think "sleeping in an airplane seat".  :)  Bring an extra pillow for your lower back to get support.  Then a neck pillow. 

We will see tonight, I suppose....!

Brittany is a little bit stronger, but when I asked the nurse today when she would get out, she responded, "Not anytime soon." 

Needless to say, that was not what we were looking for.

They have not found anything in all the tests, which has really baffled them.  The nurse said that the things they are looking for to consider releasing her to outpatient are:

1. Strength.  She is still very weak, but to me looks stronger.  The doctor said he wants to see her getting 3000 calories a day before he lets her out.  She has been under 1000, as her stomach feels continuously nauscous.
2. Her heart rate to even out.  It has been between 40 and 60 today.
3. Headache gone.  The pain is intense except for when she lies flat on her back.

I read an interesting email from a missionary to India today that is praying, stating that this exact thing has happened to a number of those who have visited her in India, as well as new converts there.  She believes it is a satanic attack. 

I guess if I were the enemy, and wanted to discourage someone who had a heart for missions, something like this would be in my arsenal.

Dont know.......I just know that regardless the source, we, nor she will ever, ever back down.....no way.

Grace ya'll...!

PB

Update #2 Wednesday

Just want to say how blessed Deb and I are by all the prayer and concern that has come our's and Brit's way......from all over the nation, they have poured in.  I guess it's in times like these that we reap from the Lord and His people what we have sown,..... but all I can say is "THANK YOU". 

We love you all immensely.

As of 10am today, they have ruled out any life threatening diseases.  Right now, they are waiting on the other tests that were taken to see if anything grows on the cultures that were done.  It looks like (as the doc the morning said) a "perfect storm" came together, made up of some kind of virus she picked up in rural China, severe dehydration, sheer exaustion,.... with a good dose of jet lag added on top.. 

I thought about the scripture that says of Satan, with Jesus, that "he waited until an opportune time." (Matt 4) At 5:30 am yesterday, that was the moment, his opportune time to try to take her out, in her weakest state. 

Like vultures, the devil and his minions prey on weakness.  When we are weak and down, physically, mentally, or spiritually, he takes his shot.

I hate him. 

That is why Paul in Ephesians 6 says we must ALWAYS 'stay strong in the Lord, keeping the full armor of God on, continually praying for each other, as our enemy seeks his 'easy shots' at us.' (my paraphrase..:)..)  We need each other, period.  Prayer is what turns the tide, and if you are not surrounded by praying people,... poor you!

We know she will be in CCU at least another 24 hours, so we are on the 'marathon tag team' and appreciate your prayers for strength.  Deb is there all day so I can get work done, then I am spending the night with Brit.  We are encouraged though, and know that this too shall pass, and Brittany will indeed rise up, strengthened in her faith, ready to serve God!

Love much,

PB 

Update on Brittany

I will keep this short, as I am just getting home (3:30pm Tues) from our ordeal that started at 11pm last night when we took Brittany to the ER at W. Fla Hospital.  Deb and I havent sleep a wink and are planning to come home for a few hours while the other sits with her til she gets out.....so bear with my fuzzy brain. :)

For those of you who are not yet aware, we took Brit to the ER last night after realizing her searing headache, fever and weakness were not getting better, only worse.  They took numerous tests, CT scan and gave her 3 pints of fluid, as she was severely dehydrated.  She seemed to improve so they released her around 5:15am.  As we were taking her out, she collapsed, a terrifying thing to see as a parent.

Her blood pressure screamed down...way down, as her heart rate plummeted to the 30's.  Thankfully, there was no one being seen at that moment and the full force of nurses and doctors went to work fast.  They gave her something fast to get her heart back up and began hooking up our baby to every sort of device as they tried to get her back from the brink.

I know this sounds dramatic, but only a parent can know the helplessness.  The primary concern was meningitis, so they did a spinal tap.  Thankfully, the tests have all come back negative.  An infectious disease specialist was called in, as her being in China for a month is highly suspect. 

She is in Critical Care and will be there for at least another 24 to 48 hours.  She has stabilized and Deb is up there now while I take a nap, shower, then go back around 7.  We will stay in touch with Nancy or Jennifer to give updates.  We are deeply confident in the Lord and believe the incredible amount of prayer that has gone up for her will result in her coming thru this.

Love you guys....

pb

Weekend Review 6/22

• What a nail-biter Friday night's game was!!  Harvest was undefeated going into it, as was First Nazarene, ...the only 2 undefeated teams left.  It was neck and neck all the way thru but we ended up losing by 3.  I encourage you to come out and support the team as it really is a great way to spend a Friday evening!
• Went to the Pensacola Pelicans game Saturday night.  I was very impressed with the field and it was just very well done.  Courtney didnt win the contest but it was fun anyway.  Lots of people out there!  It will be fantastic once they move to the Maritime Park on the bay.
• I am using my ISqueeze Foot Massager as I type.......amazing!!! :)  Thanks Michael, Brit, Tory for a GREAT Father's Day gift!
• Sunday was a fantastic day at Harvest!  Great crowds at both.  I think Sunday night was a record for that service....??  Craig hit it out of the park at both services, raising our faith to believe God for the supernatural......great stuff!
• We had a Going Away Party afterward that was special as well, as so many shared what the Walkers have meant to them.  I shared the "golly, oh golly" story.......I STILL laugh after all these years!! :)
• Off to the gym for a lunch time workout before our meetings this afternoon......I know I cant beat the rest of those competing for our "Biggest Loser" contest,.....those guys are DETERMINED!....but I will hit my goals for the summer.  Nothing like competition to motivate!! :)

Have a GREAT week!

PB