Patti Lynn Clark Barnett

Caution, you are about to enter the no (sin) zone". No, she isn't perfect but from what I can tell, she's pretty dog gone close. She hasn't a clue I'm posting about her and will probably disown me when she reads this. But I will tell you about Amber Shea Keesecker, anyway….. Why? Because we need way more role models like her for today's youth. In addition, I'm down right proud of her, as is every one who knows this very unique young lady. 

A third year student at ETSU, Amber Shea has maintained an academically excellent status from kindergarten, through high school, to present, racking up enough A's to build a steep roofed vacation home in the mountains.  She is an active member in her sorority and many off campus activities. Her many charitable deeds include mission works which have taken her from building homes for victims of Katrina (Habitat for Humanity) to caring for the children in Kenya, Africa. Her various activities, interests and involvements consist of more than any ten average college students could manage to juggle. Yet, she pulls it off with such style, enthusiasm and contagious joy that it is no wonder she is so beloved by her peers and all who know her. An avid football buff, she supports her home team, the Tennessee VOLS, loves sports and maintains part time jobs on top of all this. She sings in every sense of the word. Amber Shea really is an amazing individual, moderate in her political views and a walking testimony of Christian faith. 

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words so here are a few thousand words from her face book account. Enjoy! 

Two weeks ago, my husband and I were privileged to attend a dinner with some of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) team members. The small, intimate affair was held at the magnificent Union League in Philadelphia where everything was prepared fit for royalty.

We met some wonderful folks including Cliff and Ann Barrows. He has been the music director for BGEA since the beginning of Billy Graham's ministry (60+ years) and that rich voice is still singing for the Lord. While we were talking, he broke into a song I didn't know. But that didn't keep me from harmonizing with him. I sat at dinner beside Ann, which was a little intimidating at first. But when she found I was a Tennessean, we proceeded to talk and talk as we southerners are wont to do-when we get together. She's from Memphis and now lives in Charlotte, NC. She is the epitome of southern/Christian grace and beauty. She shared with me the amazing way in which she and Cliff were brought into each others' lives after the devastating losses of their first spouses. It was, no doubt, God's will and plan.
 
We are happy to be a part of this ministry. Please consider supporting this important ministry. Here are just a few of the great things the BGEA is doing:

Crusades
"Stadium, arenas and other venues around the world host BGEA events featuring popular Christian musicians and clear relevant Gospel messages. Multitudes who may have never set foot in a church before find new life as they hear the Good News of God's love".

My Hope World Evangelism Television Project
"BGEA is reaching entire nations at a time with the powerful combination of personal evangelism and TV. Through our My Hope World Evangelism Television Project, we train local believers all across the nation to open their homes and share the Gospel with friends and neighbors using dynamic evangelistic broadcasts".

Rapid Response Team
Specially trained chaplains with the Bill Graham Rapid Response Team are ready to move on a moments notice to share God's love in the midst of crisis and natural disaster by comforting and praying with hurting families and first-responders.

Dare To Be A Daniel
Through cutting-edge resources including a 13-session group curriculum, an individual kit, CD-ROMS, videos, and a special web site, Dare To Be A Daniel equips young people ages 9-14 with practical life-changing training that will help them to stand boldly for Jesus and share their faith with others.

Operation Bless Our Troops
"Through seminars, special events, and resources for military personnel and chaplains, BGEA is offering the hope of Jesus Christ to our brave men and women in the armed forces".

Winston Churchill Avenue is in Paris off the Champs-Elysees on the Left bank and runs between the Grand and Petit Palaces. The street, of course, is named for Sir Winston Churchill, Britain's Prime Minister during World War II. There's a statue of France's leader, General Charles De Gaulle at the north end of the avenue and one of Winston Churchill at the other. The Churchill statue is modeled from a photo of Churchill marching with De Gaulle down the Champs Elysees on November 11, 1944.

A ceremony was held on the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice which ended World War 1. Queen Elizabeth II joined France's president Jacques Chirac to unveil the statue of her first Prime Minister who led Britain during World War II. The Queen, speaking in French said, "I am confident that Winston Churchill, my first Prime Minister, who guided me with such wisdom and humor through the early years of my reign, would have commended to me the special recognition of the 80th anniversary of the Armistice".

Brian Reeve, an expatriate businessman, remembers suffering through the London Blitz as a child. He said," Churchill was a man on the move, who wouldn't stop". He said Churchill would walk through the streets just encouraging people, and this, "Was very, very, impressive even to the kids".

The 10 ft. bronze statue by French sculptor, Jean Cardot, weighs two-and-a half tonnes. The plinth bears the immortal words, "We shall never surrender". Churchill is one of a very few foreigners to have his likeness displayed in Paris.

 We need more stalwart souls like Churchill today. His brand of fearless optimism and rock solid resolution are in short supply among modern politicians.