Senin, 31 Desember 2012

Brad Tikishark Parker Art Deck


How To Live By Faith




Special Edition: How To Live By Faith







Happy New Year!

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL
Max Lucado

To discover Grace is to discover God’s utter devotion to you, His stubborn resolve to give you a healing, purging love.

The Bible tells us, “You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.”  Does he stand high on a hill and bid you climb out of the valley?  No.  He bungees down and carries you out.  Does he build a bridge and command you to cross it?  No. He crosses the bridge and shoulders you over. This is the gift God gives.  A grace that grants us the power to receive love and the power to give it.  A grace that changes us and leads us to a life that is eternally altered.

All God wants from us is faith.  Put your faith in God.  And grow in God’s Grace.  More verb than noun, more present tense than past tense, Grace didn’t just happen; it happens.  May it happen to you!

“For the wages of sin is death, 
but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
Romans 6:23″



Minggu, 30 Desember 2012

Live Within Your Means





Live Within Your Means
by Betty Robison
Words of LIFE Weekly Devotional

Right from the start, James and I came to a crucial agreement, one we believe is supported by the words of the Bible. We agreed not to indulge in compulsive spending and not to try to impress people with any of the stuff we had. As James likes to say, “It’s okay to have stuff; it’s not okay for stuff to have you.” Never allow the things you possess to possess you.

The Bible tells us plainly in Philippians 2:3-4, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” There simply isn’t room in the Christian life to worry about impressing other people. We should never want anything because someone else has it or because it’s a status symbol. There’s nothing wrong with possessing the things you need or even the things you want. But how can you “take an interest in others” if you’re drowning in debt?

Paul also tells us in Philippians that God will supply our needs.1  And he says in 2 Corinthians that if we learn to keep God first, even in our giving, He will enable us to give to every good work. 2  In the book of Proverbs, we are told, “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase.” 3  When we keep God first, it’s amazing how much better we manage our money.

The part of you that wants to impress people and revel in vanity – the part that wants to determine your personal worth based on your possessions – is the part that has to die. You will never be happy if you try to base who you are on what you have. This way of thinking leads only to dissatisfaction and a constant pursuit of “uncertain riches.”4  When you build your self-worth on the foundation of money, you’re foolishly building your house on an unstable foundation.5

Self-gratifying spending never satisfies. Living for earthly treasures and pleasures leads to a slow form of death. As Ecclesiastes 5:10 tells us, “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!” This was written by King Solomon, one of the wisest and wealthiest men who ever lived. He was speaking from experience, having discovered in his old age that money and possessions didn't satisfy him.

If you’re currently pursuing or living for foolish material gain, we encourage you to take these thoughts and attitudes to the Lord and to start living under His control, not out of control. God wants the best for you, but His best often looks much different from what the world thinks is best.

Find your worth in God, and you’ll experience true prosperity. Jesus promises us an abundance of life, which is not the same as an abundance of possessions. If, however, you keep first things first, you can and will enjoy all things richly.6

Excerpted from Living In Love by James and Betty Robison. Available at www.lifetoday.org.

1 Philippians 4:19
2 2 Corinthians 9:7-9
3 Proverbs 3:9
4 1 Timothy 6:17
5 Matthew 7:24-27
6 1 Timothy 6:17



Mary Demuth: Everything 

Skotays

Skeleton

Suitcase

Beach girls

Sabtu, 29 Desember 2012

Beach girl 10

Beach girl 9

Our True Identity




"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
 in the heavenly places in Christ,
just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world
that we would be holy and blameless before Him. 

In love  He predestined us to adoption as sons 
through Jesus Christ to Himself
according to the kind intention of His will, 
to the praise of the glory of His grace
which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved 

In Him we have redemption through His blood
the forgiveness of our trespasses
according to the riches of His grace  
which He lavished on us. 

In all wisdom and insight. 



Our True Identity
Dr. Charles Stanley


When I hear a believer announce, “I’m just a sinner,” I feel like saying, “That’s what you used to be.” A lot of folks cling to a view of themselves as a patched-up, slightly-better-than-before version of their old self. 

The Bible contradicts that opinion: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:17). In fact, according to Scripture, we’re dramatically different once we are complete in Christ.

The question is whether people will trust in what they feel or believe what God says about them. His Word calls us saints (Rom. 1:7), disciples (Matt. 28:19), and fellow heirs with Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:17). If your opinion is that you are “just a sinner,” then you cannot fully experience and enjoy your identity in Christ.

Believing what God says about our new self is a choice. Satan certainly conspires to convince believers that God’s Word doesn’t apply to them. He knows that people held captive by spiritual poverty back away from opportunities to share the gospel and serve the Lord’s kingdom. It’s much easier to spiritually bankrupt someone who already thinks of him- or herself as “just a sinner” than it is to conquer a disciple who knows God is his loving Father.

Our true identity is defined not by our past actions but by the Savior’s. Jesus purchased our lives with His blood and brought us into relationship with God the Father, who adopted us as beloved children. We have every reason to hold our heads high, stand firm, and courageously proclaim the gospel.



For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, 
please visit www.intouch.org.


PROPHECY IN THE NEWS: LOOKING AHEAD TO 2013

Kamis, 27 Desember 2012

Beach girls 7

RHPS

Beach girl 6

Eat Lucky for 2013





Want to get lucky for the New Year? Try eating good-luck foods! For centuries, people around the world have created superstitious traditions around certain foods thought to bring good luck — namely money, prosperity and plenty to eat. Here’s a sampling of some of those fortunately fortuitous foods

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Ring in the New Year in style without spending a fortune.


CHOW: Easy Sparkling Punch Recipe






Looking At All Things Through The "Eyes of Faith"




We Must Be Found Looking at all Things
Through The "Eyes of Faith"
Glenn H. Jackson


Words of Prophecy*       Tell My children to seek My Face, and to seek the thoughts and intentions of My heart concerning all those things that cross their path - for THEN they shall no longer live in fear of the "counterfeit", but in the joy of the knowledge [revelation] of their Lord.

*       My Church is no longer going to be a church that only "talks" of Me. Truly I say to you, they shall be a Church with "Me" in their midst!

*       "All" disappointment stems from a "misplaced" faith [trust]. Every one of My children must take as their only standard, the revealed knowledge of My Word - for it is then and only then, that they will be able to walk above the "certain disappointment " that comes from a continued reliance upon the things which are "seen" [perceived through the five physical senses]. Therefore, if one of My children are found to be suffering disappointment and defeat in an area of their walk, they need only seek My Will and Wisdom in that area and, as they "fix" their eyes solely on the revealed knowledge of My Word, they will no longer suffer any disappointment and frustration, for their faith shall no longer be misplaced and they shall surely gain the victory [Romans 9:33].

*       It is a dangerous thing for any of My children to "underestimate" the call I have placed upon their lives. For if they "view" things only through their own understanding, they will most surely be "limited" in what they believe they can accomplish in My service. But as they keep their eyes "fixed" upon My Word and, as they continually place themselves in a position wherein they might continually come to a deeper understanding and revelation of who they are in Christ Jesus, THEN their faith will no longer be in their "own" abilities, but rather in Mine alone. And truly I say to you, all things are possible to those who will be found believing in this final hour.

*       My children must continually strive for [diligently pursue], by My Spirit, the "perfection" that is theirs in Christ. They must "continually" resist the schemes of the Evil One, and never "allow" themselves to be moved by the "imperfection" that is all around them. For as they keep their eyes "fixed" on Jesus they shall surely reach the exalted position in My Kingdom that I have prepared for them, and they shall surely come to "abide" in My perfection [Matthew 5:48]. And, in this final hour, the nations shall see a "spotless and unblemished" Church [Ephesians 5:27] raised up before them - a blinding and powerful light set on high, in their midst.

*       Keep your eyes "fixed" on the things above that I might renew your mind to the "supernatural". Draw near to Me in the "inner chamber" daily that I might acclimatize you to My presence - for in this way you shall bear maximum fruit for both the Church and the Kingdom in the glorious days ahead.

*       Rejoice, for this is a time of unprecedented blessing for you, My faithful and beloved ones. Only continue to keep your eyes "fixed" on the things that are "not seen" [revelation].*Every lying scheme of the Evil One against My faithful and obedient ones shall be both exposed and brought to nought in this season.

*       If My children will keep their eyes "fixed" on My Word they will maintain an "eternal perspective" - for I am the Eternal One. Truly I say to you, all those who are faithful to Me[My Will] in this final hour shall receive much revelation of My plans for the remainder of this dispensation [the Church age] - as well as the ages to come. For in these days "Heaven" will begin to be revealed in the hearts of all those who are truly seeking first the establishment of My Kingdom in the earth [those maintaining a "Kingdom-consciousness"].

*       Take no preconceived notions - for truly I say to you, I shall do exceeding abundantly beyond all you could ever ask or think. Continue to "expect the unexpected"!

          ...."'And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways and that we may walk in His paths'. For the law [Word] will go forth from Zion [the Glorious church]".... Isaiah 2:3 NASB

        ...."Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - rise to a new life]! Shine [be radiant with the glory of the Lord], for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen on you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising".... Isaiah 60:1-3 The Amplified Translation

        ...."For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal".... 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 NASB

"tantamount" - equivalent, as in value, force or effect;

        It is of the utmost importance in this VERY critical hour for all those who are truly seeking God to focus their eyes "perfectly" [constantly] on their Leader - thus maintaining both an eternal perspective and "Kingdom-consciousness" in ALL things. To look at things from a "worldly" perspective [in any form of pride, selfishness {self-desire}, fear etc.] from the "cave" or the "prison" [the place of persecution, trial, tribulation or isolation] would surely be "tantamount" to one looking into a mirror in a dark room with the lights turned out [as far as "spiritual reality" goes]. Let us be found looking at [viewing] ALL things through the "eyes of faith" in this hour for that which has been [established by the hand of the Enemy] shall soon be no longer in the lives of all those who have been "faithful" [loyal to the highest Will and purpose of God] - to the greatest Glory of the Father.

        ...."let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing [focusing] our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".... Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB 











JOY WILLIAMS - UNAFRAID

Rabu, 26 Desember 2012

Beach girls 5

Scary Bad Cops in Hernando County Florida

This was previously posted with the title, "Overzealous Scary Cops in Hernando County Florida" and is being reposted due to several requests. I removed it in my big post purge in August 2012. It was originally an early (March) 2011 post, so this did not actually happen last night. Back by popular demand:

Last night my son and a friend had a frightening encounter with several (4) Hernando County Sheriff's Office deputies out in the rural area referred to as Ridge Manor, Florida. Either three or four patrol cars arrived at the scene with a total of 4 deputies. My son was driving a Toyota Prius and had the vehicle papers and his valid driver's license to hand the deputy and was puzzled as to the reason for the stop as he is ever so careful not to commit any sort of traffic infraction whatsoever.

Alex has learned to just stay a smart distance from cops and has been taught to understand that a police officer is more powerful than the POTUS. One must fear that a cop could plant drugs or shoot them dead as the result of a simple traffic stop in Florida.

The only time I shake is if I am being pulled-over by a cop as there is no telling what will happen next. No one wants to die at the hands of a whacko cop that later claims to have seen a weapon and trust me, it happens too often in Florida. And we aren't even Black. I fear for the Black motorist in this lousy state – refer to my posts on former officer Frank Carter of the Melbourne Police Department.

Alex was driving at a speed of 52 mph and the speed limit before the stop was 60 mph, so he knew the pull-over had nothing to do with speeding. The car is almost new and sure didn't have any light out or faulty equipment issue. Knowing that he had done nothing illegal or even incorrect, he had his friend dial me the minute that he heard the siren and had the brights in his face as the cop turned around to come after him. The second that police vehicle #1 got behind my son, vehicle #2 and vehicle #3 (and possibly a #4) appeared from nowhere and were also behind him with flashing lights on.

Alex pulled to the grassy area on the side of the road right next to the intersection of Croom Rital Rd. and Kettering Rd. in Hernando County, Florida. I was on the phone with his friend at that point. This is exactly what happened next and Deputy #3 and Deputy #4 remained in the background throughout never saying anything to them. [my thoughts and Alex's descriptions are in brackets]:


Unknown Deputy 1: License and registration

Alex: Yes sir. May I ask why we were pulled over?

Deputy 1: We received a complaint of objects being thrown out this window at the vehicle behind you.

Alex: I don't know what you're talking about. We didn't throw anything.

Deputy 1: I'm going to be real with you. I'm a dickhead who doesn't give a fuck about anything. I don't have time for fucking games. If I find out one of you is lying I'm going to seize this vehicle and everything in it and you're both going to jail. The vehicle behind you has a witness, the vehicle behind them, that is willing to write statements. [took driver's license and car paperwork and walked back to his vehicle] [I heard the entire conversation - the deputy was loud, but not screaming like an angry Marine as some do]

[within a couple (3) minutes]

Deputy #1: Passenger out of the vehicle. [brought my son's friend to side of deputy's car]. [I heard this].

Friend described: [The deputy asked what happened here and friend told him the story]

What really happened: We were behind a car driving about 15 mph under the speed limit. There was no lane to pass him, but two other vehicles went around both of us. I waited until there was a second lane to pass and went around the slow driver. The driver attempted to run me off the road by speeding-up as soon as he saw I was trying to pass him. I passed him anyway by speeding-up. He was right on my rear and turned on his brights and this went on for about five minutes. He pulled-off and about 10 minutes later I am being pulled-over, but have no idea why.

The friend thought the cop asked him to empty out his pockets and was starting to do this when 3 deputies went for their weapons and 1 grabbed him by the shoulder and shoved him against the car. The deputy told him to place his hands on the car and then patted him down, placing his hands in friend's pockets, and searched him. Scared him to death.

Deputy 1: Mr. -------

Alex [got out of car and walked towards deputy #1]

Deputy 2: GET OFF THE PHONE! [I heard this]

Alex: It's my mother. What...

Deputy 2: GET OFF THE PHONE NOW! You're 18. Hang it up.[I heard this]
[I had instructed my son to ask the deputy's name and where/what police department he was with as my son had no idea where they were specifically at that time]

Alex: Yes sir. [he hung-up on me]

Deputy 1: Your buddy over here admitted everything so you want to be smart as well and go ahead and confess to what happened.

Alex: [repeated story of what actually happened]

Deputy 1: Do you have any weapons, guns, drugs, hand grenades [?] paraphernalia?

Alex: No sir.

Deputy 1: PUT YOUR HANDS ON THE CAR! [deputy starts going through Alex's pockets and searching him and looked through his wallet]

Deputy 1: Do you have any drugs, weapons, guns, paraphernalia, hand grenades, or dead bodies [?] in the vehicle? So then I have permission to search, right? [exact quote]

Alex: Yes sir.

Deputy 1: Turn around and face my partner. [Alex no longer had any visual of vehicle] [deputy searched for about 4 minutes]

Deputy 2: [starts asking both Alex and friend questions]. [He pointed at a vehicle and asked both at the same time if they recognized it and both responded “no it doesn't look familiar”.

Deputy 2: What are you doing way out here?

Alex: Visiting a friend.

Deputy 1: [pulls out posters and flyers from back seat]

Deputy 2: Why do you have all of those?

Alex: I do some promoting for Club Firestone.

Deputy 1: [walks to his vehicle] You might want to stay in Merritt Island boys and don't come around here again. We are a bunch of fucking pricks who don't give a shit and will cause you some fucking problems. [Deputy threw Alex's driver's license in the grass]

Alex: [we got back in our vehicle and noted Deputy #1 walked to the vehicle that we couldn't identify].


So what in the hell is going on in Hernando County? Apparently they sure do not want anyone that doesn't live there entering the area. My son has had many traffic stops for no reason whatsoever, but none as scary as this one because they really do not know the area at all and even though he has met cops that were screaming like Marines throughout the encounter, they do not normally threaten to seize a vehicle and take the driver and passenger to jail – this is the unique issue here. Of course the search demand was because they expected to find drugs.

I have since dialed the non-emergency number for the Hernando County Sheriff's Office and the operator was helpful. She stated that the deputy that made the stop (deputy #1) is Deputy Genovese. She was unable to locate any information for the other deputies or did not offer the information if she did.

To Deputy Genovese with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office:

I have taught my son to always fear cops as truly you are more powerful than the POTUS and capable of absolutely anything. You prove my point. I also taught him to never give a police officer permission to search, no matter that there is nothing illegal or even incorrect in the vehicle. However, when I heard your threat of seizing the vehicle and taking them both to jail, I knew (from your own words) that you are indeed a total prick capable of anything and since we all knew there was nothing illegal in the vehicle, I told my son to agree to any search prior to him hanging-up the phone.

This is the United States and no one should be coerced into a search and threatened as you did to these two late last night (1am). Do you think you own Hernando County? Do you believe that you actually have the authority to tell any motorist to never return to Hernando County? Guess what prick – you don't own shit and I'll drive through Hernando County any fucking time I want to.

My son really feared that you would plant something in the vehicle (drugs). Why did you instruct him to turn around and face your partner so that the vehicle was no longer in his line of vision? That is something I have never run into and it shouldn't be considered legal.

I will offer a short scenario of the events to follow if you had taken them to jail last night:

Of course I would attempt to bond them out immediately, but not knowing anything about how it all works in Hernando County, well, I may or may not have been successful. No matter what, I would have them out on Monday before the morning was over. Each of them would then be filing a false arrest suit against you, the unknown deputies that joined you, and the Sheriff of Hernando County.

This is not a lawsuit worthy encounter and this is the last you'll hear of us Deputy Genovese, but someone needs to take some of your power away. Cops like you are why I have instilled it in my son's mind that he should never trust any cop anywhere for any reason. You really are a fucking prick – you said it.


Added on 26 December 2012:

I must wonder if Deputy Genovese is stil employed by the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. If he is, I also blame the sheriff and the county - they have had almost 2 years to get rid of his bad cop ass.

God Is Always With His People



God Is Always With His People

Isaiah Chapter 43:1-7 

Now this is what the Lord says.


  He created you, people of Jacob;


    he formed you, people of Israel.


He says, “Don’t be afraid,
because I have saved you.

    I have called you by name, 
and you are mine.

 
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you.
    When you cross rivers, 
you will not drown.

When you walk through fire,
you will not be burned,
    nor will the flames hurt you.

 
This is because I, the Lord, am your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

I gave Egypt to pay for you,
    and I gave Cush and Seba to make you mine.

 
Because you are precious to me,
    because I give you honor and love you,
I will give other people in your place;
    I will give other nations to save your life.

 
Don’t be afraid,
because I am with you.
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west.

 
I will tell the north:
Give my people to me.
    I will tell the south: 
Don’t keep my people in prison.

Bring my sons from far away
    and my daughters from faraway places.

 
Bring to me all the people who are mine,
    whom I made for my glory,
    whom I formed and made.”

To read more go here.



Immanuel God With Us







Selasa, 25 Desember 2012

The Greatest Gift of LOVE




Let Us Worship, Him
May God's presence fill your heart with love 
and cast out every fear.
May you have a blessed Christmas!



THE GREATEST GIFT OF LOVE
PASTOR ADRIAN ROGERS

BIBLE MEDITATION:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” - John 3:16

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Christmas is spelled L-O-V-E.  What is the Christmas message?  John 3:16. God gave us the gift of love on Christmas Day.

It is truly said, “What the world needs now is love.” I need it. You need it. Your spouse needs it. Your child needs it. An elderly man or woman sitting alone in a nursing home today needs it. A child abandoned and alone in a children’s home needs it, too.

God sent His one and only Son as the Savior. He knew we couldn’t save ourselves. So He sent His Son to be born in a manger, to die on a cross, to rise again into glory, and to come again to redeem His church.

ACTION POINT:
Where are you spending your Christmas day? Maybe you can spare a few minutes with your family and friends to share His gift of love with someone who is all alone today.


O COME, O COME EMMANUEL





SERMON: THE WISDOM OF CHRISTMAS
PASTOR ADRIAN ROGERS




For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, 
please visit www.lwf.org

Did you get it

Sabtu, 22 Desember 2012

All My Bells Are Ringing Just For You




'Tis the season to be filled with 

peace, love and joy.     

With only 4 days to go until Christmas 

I'm signing off until after the holidays.   










Casting Crowns

"While You Were Sleeping"





Wishing you 

the comfort of His love,

the joy of His salvation,

and the peace of His presence.



Beach girl 2

Jumat, 21 Desember 2012

Beach Girls 1

Taste of the Season {Eggnog Truffles, Cake and Fudge}




Eggnog Truffles make a great holiday or hostess gift. 

Package the truffles in a holiday tin between wax paper.







Tres Leches Cake will jingle your bells — it’s all jazzed up for the holidays 

with EGGNOG as one of its three milks!








Mama's Homemade Eggnog
Paula Deen

Strange Way To Save The World



LIVING FOR A CAUSE GREATER THAN YOURSELF
TGIF TODAY GOD IS FIRST VOLUME 1, BY OS HILLMAN


"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, 
and He will reward him for what he has done."


- Proverbs 19:17


If you were God and you wanted to send one of your servants to help the less fortunate in the world, how would you train your servant for this task? Our ways are not God's ways. We find an interesting story in the case of Brigid, a woman born in the early 400's in Ireland.

Brigid was born from a sexual encounter between an Irish king and one of his slaves. She was raised as a slave girl within the king's household and was required to perform hard work on the king's farm. From the beginning, Brigid took notice of the plight of the less fortunate. She would give the butter from the king's kitchen to working boys. She once gave the king's sword to a passing leper-an act about which the king was enraged. The king tried to marry her off, but to no avail. One day, Brigid fled the king's house and committed herself to belonging only to Christ.

Brigid sought other women who also wanted to belong only to Christ. Seven of them organized a community of nuns that became known as the settlement of Kildare, a place where many thatch-roofed dwellings were built, and where artist studios, workshops, guest chambers, a library, and a church evolved. These and other settlements became little industries all to themselves, producing some of the greatest craftsmanship in all of Europe. Many of the poor had their lives bettered because of Brigid's ministry to them.

Brigid became a traveling evangelist, helping the poor and preaching the gospel. When she died in 453, it is estimated 13,000 people had escaped from slavery and poverty to Christian service and industry. Her name became synonymous with the plight of the poor. She was a woman who turned a life of slavery and defeat into a life lived for a cause greater than herself. She became a nationally known figure among her people, and the Irish people still recognize her each February 1.

God has called each of us to live for a cause greater than ourselves. If God asked you what you had done for the poor, what would you say? Jesus had a special place in His heart for the poor. Ask God how you might use your gifts and talents to improve the plight of the poor in your community.

Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.







STRANGE WAY TO SAVE THE WORLD
MARK HARRIS