Is She A Victim?

There is a news report out of Minnesota, about Lois K. Feldman, 38, and Ross M. Walsh, 26, who were ticketed for indecent conduct after they were reportedly caught engaging in sexual activity in a men's restroom handicapped stall during the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers game with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

I read this story and one that followed in which Ms. Feldman said her life was ruined because of this incident. In fact, she has been fired from her job because of it. According to her husband, and the police report, she had had several glasses of wine before going to the restroom. Once the police was called, she at first gave them a phony name, trying to hide her true identity.

So now she claims to be a victim?

I don't know about you, but I have drank to excess before, and I can guarantee that even during those times, I knew what was going on. Ms. Feldman is claiming that she doesn't remember going into the bathroom, claims that perhaps her drink(s) were drugged, and that she is perhaps a victim of foul play.

I believe what she is, is a victim of her own foolishness. Here are my reasons:

1. More than a dozen people in the restroom were cheering Feldman and Walsh by the time authorities arrived, a University of Minnesota Police report says.
   
2. She gave Police a false name at the beginning.
3. Ms. Feldman made no allegations to the officers at the scene about it being non-consensual.
4. The witnesses at the scene said the sex had been going on for a while and no one was saying "No." or "Stop."

Ms. Feldman says in her defense:

"I would never ever do that," Feldman said. "My kids are my life. I go to church every Sunday."

I talked to my wife about this and what she said was a little eye opening. She thinks that the behavior shown here by Ms. Feldman is something that either had been going on for a while, or there are deeper issues here that she should address. Either way, I personally believe she knew what was going on, and is completely embarrassed about being caught and bringing shame to herself and her family.

I believe there is a victim here in this story but the victim is not Mrs. Feldman. The victims are her husband and children.

Shame on you Mrs. Feldman. Accept the responsibility for your actions and go forward in life.

I will say that she and her family will be in my prayers. I hope you will pray for them as well.

It Was A Black Friday After All -- Death in Long Island

This day, the day after Thanksgiving, is one that quite a few people here in America use to shop for gifts and things for Christmas. At least that is what the idea is. Merchants use this day to gauge how holiday sales will be for the season. People will camp out up to two days before to be able to buy cheap electronics, toys, and what have you. It is also a day in which people become something other than human when it comes to bargain shopping.

I haven't been on the computer much for the last couple of days, but when I checked the news stories I was horrified to hear of a Walmart worker dying this morning in Long Island, New York.

The 34-year-old employee, a temporary maintenance worker, tried to hold back the unruly crowds just after the Valley Stream store opened at 5 a.m.

Witnesses said the surging throngs of shoppers knocked the man down. He fell and was stepped on. As he gasped for air, shoppers ran over and around him.

"He was bum-rushed by 200 people," said Jimmy Overby, 43, a co-worker. "They took the doors off the hinges. He was trampled and killed in front of me. They took me down too...I literally had to fight people off my back."

The unidentified victim was rushed to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:03 a.m., police said.

Not only were the two Walmart workers involved, but a pregnant woman was trampled and had to be taken to the hospital as well.

A 28-year-old pregnant woman was knocked to the floor during the mad rush. She was hospitalized for observation, police said. Early witness accounts that the woman suffered a miscarriage were unfounded, police said.

There is a video showing efforts to resusitate the man. I am including it here in this post.



It is a sad thing indeed when greed, greed for the best bargain around is the one thing we exhibit instead of the giving and caring nature we should be showing. I will be praying for this man's family, for the loss they are facing, and will continue to face. I would ask that everyone do the same.

You can read the entire story here.

Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to tell everyone Happy Thanksgiving today! I will be spending most of my time with my family this day and being thankful to God for them.

Spend time today with your friends and family and if you do read this, let me know what you are thankful for.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving!

A Thankful Thankgiving Story

What if you were by yourself at Thanksgiving? Monique White, who lives in Littleton, Colorado found herself in just that position as her two sons are spending the holidays with their father. So what did she do? She decided to post an ad on Craigslist advertising for a couple of people to join her and her friend for Thanksgiving dinner.

She will be having 32 people join her for that dinner.

The best part of this is that at this time last year, she was living in a motel and looking for work, and this year she lives in a townhome and works as a receptionist.

This is such a great story and I am happy to pass it on.

You can read the entire story here.

Christmas Grinches

From now until Christmas, I am going to write posts on how certain people try to ruin Christmas for everyone else. I am going to start it with the lawyers of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, from a story I came across here.

The gist of the story is that the city officials of Louisville, Kentucky wanted to use the characters from the beloved Dr. Seuss story "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" as part of its theme for the annual Light Up Louisville holiday celebration. However, a cease-and-desist letter from the law firm DLA Piper, which represents Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said the "Who-ville" name and image, as well as the Grinch, are copyrighted and cannot be used without permission.

The letter demanded the city and the Louisville Convention and Visitors' Bureau halt any use of the characters for the Christmas display and agree not to use the characters in the future without permission. It threatened legal action if the city and tourism bureau did not comply.

Kerri Richardson, a spokeswoman for Abramson, said the city complied with the request and renamed the display "Lou-ville."

Now, I know of some of my neighbors who use some of these same characters in their Christmas displays here in my neighborhood. I wonder how long it will be before the Who-ville lawyers show up at their doors.

I suppose the hearts of those at Dr. Seuss Enterprises are really two sizes two small after all.

First Christmas, Now Thanksgiving?

How pathetic is it that a small minority of people can try and ruin a holiday for children. No I am not talking about Christmas this time but Thanksgiving.

I stumbled across a story from the LA Times today that told of a 40 year tradition between two elementary schools, where students from one kindergarten would dress up as pilgrims, and the other kindergarten students would dress up as Native Americans and they would have a Thanksgiving feast at the school hosting it. I personally believe this is a really nice way of remembering history and teaching the children what happened at that time.

However, in our politically correct world, certain parents, some of whom are of Native American descent, feel this is portraying a cartoonish version of that time.

"It's demeaning," Michelle Raheja, the mother of a kindergartner at Condit Elementary School, wrote to her daughter's teacher. "I'm sure you can appreciate the inappropriateness of asking children to dress up like slaves (and kind slave masters), or Jews (and friendly Nazis), or members of any other racial minority group who has struggled in our nation's history."

Raheja, whose mother is a Seneca, wrote the letter upon hearing of a four-decade district tradition, where kindergartners at Condit and Mountain View elementary schools take annual turns dressing up and visiting the other school for a Thanksgiving feast. This year, the Mountain View children would have dressed as Native Americans and walked to Condit, whose students would have dressed as Pilgrims.

Raheja, an English professor at UC Riverside who specializes in Native American literature, said she met with teachers and administrators in hopes that the district could hold a public forum to discuss alternatives that celebrate thankfulness without "dehumanizing" her daughter's ancestry.

"There is nothing to be served by dressing up as a racist stereotype," she said.

Some parents however, take a different viewpoint about this:

Kathleen Lucas, a Condit parent who is of Choctaw heritage, said her son -- now a first-grader -- still wears the vest and feathered headband he made last year to celebrate the holiday.

"My son was so proud," she said. "In his eyes, he thinks that's what it looks like to be Indian."

Among the costume supporters, there is a vein of suspicion that casts Raheja and others opposed to the costumes as agenda-driven elitists. Of the handful of others who spoke with Raheja against the costumes at the board meeting, one teaches at the University of Redlands, one is an instructor at Riverside Community College, and one is a former Pitzer College professor.

Raheja is "using those children as a political platform for herself and her ideas," Constance Garabedian said as her 5-year-old Mountain View kindergartner happily practiced a song about Native Americans in the background. "I'm not a professor and I'm not a historian, but I can put the dots together."

Some parents still plan on letting their children dress up.

The debate is far from over. Some parents plan to send their children to school in costume Tuesday -- doubting that administrators will force them to take them off. The following day, some plan to keep their children home, costing the district attendance funds to punish them for modifying the event.

"She's not going to tell us what we can and cannot wear," said Dena Murphy, whose 5-year-old son attends Mountain View. "We're tired of [district officials] cowing down to people. It's not right."

As I read later, there was an update to this story. Parents did send their children to the schools dressed up, and yes, there were protests on both sides.

Nearly two dozen protesters were stationed this morning in front of Condit Elementary School in Claremont, the site of a decades-old Thanksgiving tradition that is under fire because kindergartners dress up in handmade pilgrim and Native American costumes.


The protesters were evenly split between parents who supported the costumes and parents who opposed the outfits, and their discussion grew so heated that school officials called police, who separated the protesters on separate sidewalks, said Lt. Dennis Smith of the Claremont Police Department.

Police are also paying extra attention to Claremont schools Supt. David Cash's home, after he called police to report he was receiving hate e-mails and feared for his safety, Smith said. The e-mails did not rise to the level of criminal prosecution.

Cash and Condit principal Tim Northrop did not return phone calls seeking comment, but school employees reported that the commotion in front of the school was heated.

"It's been wild," said one woman who declined to give her name. Meanwhile, the kindergartners -- some of whom showed up wearing their banned costumes -- frolicked on the playground, eating, running and chattering with friends, Smith said. "The kids were oblivious," he added, "as they should be."

It's sad, that our children are the ones showing the way to act, and the way to live. If we were to live our lives as these kids, to see the world from their eyes, not seeing a 40 year tradition as demeaning, but as fun and full of learning and life, perhaps the world would be a much better place.

Black Friday At Amazon.com

Yes, I am doing a shameless plug here. Instead of waiting in line all night, shop from home and do this right! Click on the link and see if there is anything there for you.

Don't Live in New Jersey If You Have a Past

How would you feel if the teacher's aide at your child's elementary school had been a porn star? Apparently, that situation is taking place in Vinelind, New Jersey.

Louisa C. Tuck, who in her past worked as a porn star named Crystal Gunns, is working for D'Ippolito Elementary School as a teacher's aide. Apparently, you can't have any kind of past what so ever in New Jersey as parents and administrators are up in arms, wanting Ms. Tuck fired from her job. She hasn't done anything illegal, nor has she broken any rules of that particular school district, but everyone it seems wants her gone.

Board of Education President Frank Giordano, who emphasized he was speaking personally and not on behalf of the board or district officials, said he understands why parents are concerned. He said if he were a parent, he would be concerned, too.

"I don't know all the details, whether it's active or inactive," he said of the Web site. "I don't think it's a healthy situation. Period."

Giordano said he doesn't know Tuck and said she "could be one of the best aides we have," but her involvement in the adult entertainment industry makes him question how good of a role model she can be for students.

"Not speaking on behalf of Chalky or the school board members -- if it were up to me, I would terminate the individual and worry about where the chips are going to fall after," Giordano said. (emphasis mine)

Giordano clarified he was not saying what the district will do, just how he would react.

"At least I could say to parents: 'We terminated the employee. We had no choice. Here's the court order,'" he said.

This has to be the one quote that stuck in my mind. It is the quote that makes me shake my head at the hypocrisy of this man, and this place.

Do I understand a crime was not committed? Absolutely," Giordano continued. "But knowing it? I can't live with that."

Huh. To me that is a pathetic statement and one that tells me just how self-righteous this person is.

Now, am I condoning pornography in anyway? No, not at all. However, Ms. Tuck apparently has not been in this industry for at least 5 years, and has turned her life around. The article, which you can read here, states that she is working with children not only at the school but at the local YMCA and has the support of at least one parent there.

Shawn Rivers of Vineland has two children in the preschool program at the YMCA. She considers herself a close friend of Tuck's and said she "would trust her with my children at any time."

"She has nothing but love and compassion with all kids," Rivers said.

She called Tuck "an excellent role model with good values," adding she is appalled Tuck's background would make news.

"There's never been a problem with her reputation or conduct," Rivers said. "And I just want everyone to know that."

Do you remember what Jesus said to the men who brought the woman caught in adultery? Let me let you read it.
John 8:7-11

7. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself , and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
8. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10. When Jesus had lifted up himself , and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11. She said , No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

As I said, I do not condone what she has done in the past, but who am I, or who is ANYONE to say they are better than she is? Who are these people, who would judge Ms. Tuck and tell her that she should not be able to hold a job, since she has done these things in the past, and no longer in the present?

I wonder if these people are sinless, if these people have never done anything in the past that would come back to haunt them.

These people who would condemn Ms. Tuck need to look to the Bible and then look at themselves. They do not need to condemn this lady. They need to help her continue to lift herself up and grow in her new direction.

Suicide: The New Reality TV

Florida Teen Commits Suicide Live on Web Cam

This was the headline on Fox News this morning that caught my eye and as I read it, several things went through my mind, but the one thing that was foremost in my mind was simply "Why?". Why did this young man, 19 years old, with his life ahead of him, do this, and also, why did NO ONE try and talk him out of this?

His name was Abraham K Biggs and he informed the members on a bodybuilding forum that morning that he was going to commit suicide that evening. He invited everyone to watch as he streamed it live via webcam on Justin.tv.

From the news report:

The forum moderators allegedly ignored the post – assuming it was a prank – while other users posted insults and even egged him on.
The teen used the "lifecasting" website Justin.tv – designed to let users share the minutiae of their everyday lives – to stream footage from his bedroom.
Biggs was seen taking several pills before lying on the bed with his back to the camera.
He didn't move, and users claim they realised it was serious a few hours later when they saw he wasn't breathing. Moderators then traced Biggs's location and informed authorities.
The webcam was still streaming live footage of the teen's body as police entered the room. A laser-guided weapon was pointed at the body and an object was thrown at the bed.
Authorities then appeared on the video as they approached the teen's body, checked for a pulse, and covered up the webcam.

As to the persons who egged him on, well, they showed their true cowardice afterwords.

Some forum users allegedly began deleting their posts after the incident and an official thread – including Biggs' full name – was posted by moderators.

I suppose they don't wish to be indicted by a grand jury for contributing to this. It must be a very sad thing indeed when all you do is help someone kill them self and then slink away back into the darkness.

As for the website itself, this was the reaction:

Justin.tv chief executive officer Michael Seibel told online video news website NewTeeVee.com the service relied on users to report inappropriate content.
"As for the broadcaster incident last night, we don’t comment on individual videos, however, our policy prohibits inappropriate content on Justin.tv," he said.
"We rely on the community to flag videos that they feel are objectionable. Once a video is flagged, it is reviewed and quickly removed from the system if it violates our Terms of Use."

Their policy prohibits "inappropriate" content. They rely on the users to report the content that is inappropriate.

Their policy, moderators and users failed this young man. Perhaps we all did.



________________________________________
Suicide help and advice is available from www.sane.org
________________________________________

It's okay to hurt Christians in America. Really!

Did you know that the ONLY group in America that is not covered by Hate Crimes Legislation are Christians?

Seriously, if you hit a person who is black, Jewish, Muslim, or whatever, you can be charged with a hate crime. Hit a Christian during a protest, or run into their church and disrupt it, or yell at Christians to get out of the city because it belongs to a minority group....and nothing happens.

Think I am crazy? I'm not.

I wanted to post this on here today, and if you haven't heard of this, then you're not alone. I hadn't either. A group of Christian Youths in the Castro Section of San Francisco was accosted, molested and assaulted in many ways by a group of homosexuals. The police were called in and to their credit, several of the officers confronted the gay group, and asked at least one of the youths if they wanted to press charges. The Youth said no, saying she forgave them. Could you imagine if that were reversed?

Not only would it have international news coverage, but the entire youth group would have been thrown in jail with the key thrown away.

Watch this and see for yourself, then read on as members of the youth group described what happened to them.



From the YouTube user’s description of the confrontation:

After just singing and worshiping God for a while, Roger decided that we should all hold hands in a circle and continue singing. So we did.

Someone (Actually a person who came up and hugged and kissed some of us who he knew from the past) convinced some people that we were there to protest against the no on 8 campaign.

Then some guy who was dressed up like one of the sisters (The sisters of perpetual indulgence is a group of men who dress up like nuns and call themselves the spiritual authority of the Castro.) took a curtain-type thing (Which I think they use to curse people) and wrapped it around us.

Then a crowd started gathering. We began to sing “Amazing Grace”, and basically sang that song the whole night. (At some points we also sang “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus” and “Oh the Blood of Jesus”.) At first, they just shouted at us, using crude, rude, and foul language and calling us names like “haters” and “bigots”. Since it was a long night, I can’t even begin to remember all of the things that were shouted and/or chanted at us. Then, they started throwing hot coffee, soda and alcohol on us and spitting (and maybe even peeing) on us. Then, a group of guys surrounded us with whistles, and blasted them inches away from our ears continually. Then, they started getting violent and started shoving us. At one point a man tried to steal one of our Bibles. Chrisdene noticed, so she walked up to him and said “Hey, that’s not yours, can you please give it back?”. He responded by hitting her on the head with the Bible, shoving her to the ground, and kicking her. I called the cops, and when they got there, they pulled her out of the circle and asked her if she wanted to press charges. She said “No, tell him I forgive him.”

Afterwards, she didn’t rejoin us in the circle, but she made friends with one of the people in the crowd, and really connected heart to heart. Roger got death threats. As the leader of our group, people looked him in the eyes and said “I am going to kill you.”, and they were serious. A cop heard one of them, and confronted him. (This part is kinda graphic, so you should skip the paragraph if you don’t want to be offended.) It wasn’t long before the violence turned to perversion. They were touching and grabbing me, and trying to shove things in my butt, and even trying to take off my pants - basically trying to molest me. I used one hand to hold my pants up, while I used the other arm to hold one of the girls. The guys huddled around all the girls, and protected them.

So there you have it. Is this what America is coming to? I hope not, but I am becoming extremely concerned.

Found on GodTube Today

During a break from work, I found this on GodTube.

What is GodTube you ask?

Basically it is a Christian YouTube. You can view this one and others like it at GodTube.com

I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb

Will Smith in Dallas for Hunger Cause

I just came across this and since we are talking about hunger today...This benefits the North Texas Food Bank.


From The Dallas Morning News:

WFAA-TV's Victory Plaza studio will turn into a celebrity fishbowl on Tuesday morning when Will Smith stops by to visit Good Morning Texas and promote his new film, Seven Pounds. While Channel 8 viewers are by now familiar with on-camera spectacle of post-game crowds milling about the studio during the ABC (and, of course, Belo-owned) affiliate's 10 pm newscast. But this Tuesday morning will offer the rare opportunity for some completely justified screaming-in-public when the man known as Mr. Fourth of July/the $25 million dollar Man and/or the Biggest Movie Star in the World gets his up-close-and-personal groove on in Victory Park. The show begins at 9 am, so figure out what the ideal arrival time is and be part of the throng.

Editor's note: Smith will also host the Dallas premiere of his upcoming movie Seven Pounds at Cinemark 17 at 11819 Webb Chapel Rd in Dallas.

The event will benefit the North Texas Food Bank. Those attending are being asked to donate one a non-perishable food item for their chance to see the film. The red carpet is event is open to public. But the screening is private and limited to theater capacity. Admission to screening is first come first served. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early to event. All donations will go to the NTFB to feed families for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Here's the schedule for the Tuesday red carpet event:

2 pm: Fans can bring their donations to receive a wristband to the screening
5 pm: Watch the red carpet arrivals (open to public)
7 pm: Premiere Screening begins (must have wristband).

Hunger in America

When you think of Children going hungry, where do you picture them living? A country in Africa? Asia? South America?

Would you picture it here in America? I wouldn't have.

As I sit here in my office, having eaten lunch, I came across an article on CNN that made me sit up and take notice.

Some 691,000 children went hungry in America sometime in 2007, while close to one in eight Americans struggled to feed themselves adequately even before this year's sharp economic downturn, the Agriculture Department reported Monday.

This is America. This isn't supposed to happen here, but it does. I have two children, two beautiful girls and I cannot imagine them going to bed hungry because of a lack of food. Nor would I want to. I wonder as I think to the city I live in, the neighborhood I live in, could one of those kids be one I know personally?

Overall, the 36.2 million adults and children who struggled with hunger during the year was up slightly from 35.5 million in 2006. That was 12.2 percent of Americans who didn't have the money or assistance to get enough food to maintain active, healthy lives.

Almost a third of those, 11.9 million adults and children, went hungry at some point. That figure has grown by more than 40 percent since 2000. The government says these people suffered a substantial disruption in their food supply at some point and classifies them as having "very low food security." Until the government rewrote its definitions two years ago, this group was described as having "food insecurity with hunger."

12.2 percent of Americans. and 11.9 million went hungry. How can this happen?

The findings should increase pressure to meet President-elect Barack Obama's campaign pledge to expand food aid and end childhood hunger by 2015, said James Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center, an anti-hunger group.

For once I will agree with Obama. And I will support him fully on this initiative. I cannot tell you enough how much this shocked me. And as a father, it hit's home even more.

He predicted the 2008 numbers will show even more hunger because of the sharp economic downturn this year.

"There's every reason to think the increases in the number of hungry people will be very, very large based on the increased demand we're seeing this year at food stamp agencies, emergency kitchens, Women, Infants and Children clinics, really across the entire social service support structure," said James Weill, president of the Food Research and Action Center, an anti-hunger group.

Among other findings:

• The families with the highest rates of food insecurity were headed by single mothers (30.2 percent), black households (22.2 percent), Hispanic households (20.1 percent), and households with incomes below the official poverty line (37.7 percent).

• States with families reporting the highest prevalence of food insecurity during 2005-2007 were Mississippi (17.4 percent), New Mexico (15 percent), Texas (14.8 percent) and Arkansas (14.4 percent).

• The highest growth in food insecurity over the last 9 years came in Alaska and Iowa, both of which saw a 3.7 percent increase in families who struggled to eat adequately or had substantial food disruptions.

I keep thinking of the food that my family wastes because of spoilage due to not using it in time. I used to think of how the money was being wasted. Now I wonder, who could it have fed.

I will be putting a link to our local food bank here in the area I live in. I would encourage you to do the same.

Persuing Holiness

This one hit me this morning...(Verses at the end of the devotion)

Pursuing Holiness
1 Peter 1:15-21

God's children are called to live holy lives that are marked by a deep reverence for Him. One strong motivation for righteous living is the cross and what it represents.

First, the cross is a reminder of our original position as outsiders, separated from God because of sin. Second, it points to our need for a Savior. Divine justice decrees that the penalty for sin is death (Rom. 6:23); however, the only acceptable payment is the shedding of innocent blood (Deut. 17:1). Since we are all guilty, we cannot pay for our own sins. Third, it was on the cross that Jesus took our place and endured God's wrath so we could be forgiven. Fourth, the crucifixion marks the time when God's justice was satisfied and His mercy was demonstrated. Finally, it points out the way to be reconciled to the Lord and adopted into His family. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we be saved (John 14:6).

Sadly, many have forgotten about God's requirement of holiness (v. 15). Instead of holding fast to His standards of attitude and behavior, we embrace some worldly values that seem more comfortable or self-satisfying. We pursue secular ideals such as pleasure and material wealth instead of godly ones like servanthood and obedience. These goals are encouraged by our culture, which has little fear of the Lord and regularly ignores His warnings and commandments.

To counteract the culture's influence, keep the meaning of the cross before you. Then you'll be motivated to pursue holiness in honor of the One who gave His life to save you.

1Pe 1:15-21
(15) but according to the Holy One who has called you, you also become holy in all conduct,
(16) because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."
(17) And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to the work of each one, pass the time of your earthly residence in fear,
(18) knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers,
(19) but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot;
(20) indeed having been foreknown before the foundation of the world, but revealed in the last times for you,
(21) those believing in God through Him, He who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God.

What Would You Do?

Christian Persecution is a subject that is mostly swept under the rug in this country. I very rarely hear about it on the major news channels, with the exception of Fox News, which does report on the subject occasionally.

I ask you, "What would you do, if someone were about to harm you because of your beliefs?" In India, specifically in the state of Orissa, Christians are being harmed on what seems to be a daily basis.

Take the following for example:

-In Orissa State, 65 identified people have been killed and 85 are still unaccounted for.
Among those killed were one man buried alive near the village of Rudangla; several
people burnt to death and others cut into pieces.

- 117 churches of all Christian denominations destroyed. Not a single Hindu temple has
been destroyed – despite allegations of retaliation by Christians.

- Approximately 5,000 homes destroyed.

- An unspecified number of Christian businesses destroyed, with the loss of livelihood for
their owners.

- 54,000 people displaced from their homes, forced to take shelter in 14 State-sponsored
Relief Camps in Kandhamal District; together with many hundreds living in non-State
camps, including 2 ‘camps’ in densely overcrowded buildings in Cuttsack town.

- It is estimated that about 20,000 are still living in the jungle or have fled to big cities.
Some may be living with relatives elsewhere.

- In addition to the violence in Kandhamal District, 2 other Districts, Japati and Baragras
District, have also experienced similar atrocities, including killings, looting and burning
of churches and homes. 2 Relief camps have been established for approximately 2,700
people who have had to flee their homes.

The group Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust went to the state of Orissa in India and investigated the attacks on Christians. If you want to read their findings in detail you can get the document here. I downloaded it and read it. One of the things that stood out was this:

In another incident, the mob caught a man called Samuel and asked him if he was a Christian or a Hindu. He replied
‘Please wait for 5 minutes, then I will tell you.’
During that time, he prayed to Christ to forgive them. They saw him praying and cut off his hands while he was at prayer and then killed him. They then threw his mother into a burning house while his daughter managed to run away.

Please remember that this is not the first century that you are hearing about, but this is Modern Day India!

We talk about religious freedom and democracy, but the world hates Christians. If you don't believe me, or if you don't believe the Bible, When Christ said the world will hate us for His sake, then at least look at the reports coming out detailing the attacks. Look to our own country when radical gays attack innocent Christians going to church because the gays lost an election.

So when it comes time that you face persecution, maybe not this severe, or maybe worse, ask yourself,
"What would I do?".

Are You A Christian?

Because I do not want to put copyrighted material on here, unless permission is given, I wanted to provide the link for you.

Are You A Christian?

There are some people who are unsure. It is my hope and prayer that this article will help you know for sure.

Faith vs. Being Politically Correct -- Prop 8

With all of the stuff going on about the passage of Proposition 8 in the California election, November 4, and people being called bigots and worse for voting their morals, I came across this particular article by Dr. Michael Youssef on Crosswalk.com. I agree with what Dr. Youssef said and could not have said it better. We are called to tell the truth, even when the world does not hear it. The truth is that there are many good people out there who believe that marriage is between a man and a woman only, and that is how they voted. Does that mean that they think that a homosexual person and his or her "partner" can not have the same benefits as a married couple? I can't answer that one for other people but I can answer it for me.

I will always define a marriage in the traditional way, between a man and a woman. Nothing more. Now, do I think that a homosexual couple should have the same benefits as a married couple? No.

I do not apologize for my beliefs and if that offends you, then so be it. I happen to follow Christ, the Son of God who offended the politically correct of His day, until they put him to death. They did not want to hear the truth, and sadly, it seems that there are people who don't want to hear it still.

The people of California spoke, and the gay community, along with their backers can't stand the outcome. So what is that community doing? Attacking elderly ladies,protesting in cities and states not even involved with the California vote, and attacking churches such as the one in Lansing, Michigan, just to show some of their current deeds.

What is really bad is that the gay community is trying to equate this want of theirs to the civil rights movement of the 60's. Well, that is too bad. The civil rights movement was necessary to correct the evils of prejudice against people of color. You see, the people of the civil rights movement, were born with their color. Gays choose that lifestyle. As one person has put it, there is no gay gene that has been discovered by scientist. Not one. It is a choice, a lifestyle. So stop with the "I have the right too..." argument. The only rights being trampled on are the rights of California voters whose vote to say no to this will be tied up in courts for years. Let the votes count. Let the people who have had their say, keep their say.

And now that I have gotten completely off the target of what I wanted to say, allow me to get back on track and give you Dr. Youssef's article.

Political Correctness vs. Faith
Dr. Michael Youssef
Leading The Way


If you take the concept of political correctness at face value, it is a good thing. If being politically correct means that we treat people of different backgrounds with respect and do not stereotype them based on their race or gender, then it is in fact, very biblical.

But this is not the real intention of our modern, politically correct movement.

In truth, this movement is designed to intimidate people into using language that has been pre-approved. Political correctness tends to be completely focused on human sensitivity and self-esteem. When you focus on human sensitivity and self, you eliminate God from your life.

Emphasizing human sensitivity and adjusting our terminology will not produce self-esteem or self-respect. Self-acceptance stems first and foremost from our knowledge of who we are in Jesus Christ. That is why true followers of Christ must not engage in this absurdity and shallowness. We must declare openly and without shame that all those who are in Christ Jesus are brothers and sisters in Him. Everyone who knows Jesus, whether they are men or women, young or old, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American-or from any other background-are equal in His sight. Each will share equally in the inheritance of their heavenly Father's estate. That is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Before the politically correct crowd was ever born, believers loved one another. We didn't love because we were pressured by society to do it. We loved because Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35). We must continue to declare to the world that God does not judge us by outward appearance, but He judges us based on our faith in Him. Faith is our common denominator, not political correctness.

Historical revisionists and liberal Bible scholars are trying to apply modern-day values to the Word of God and to historical facts. They remove all of the pieces they don't like. May we be warned: If we continue on this path, we will end up with a pack of lies and our children will not learn the truth about the Word of God or the history of this nation.

Scripture is clear. In 2 Timothy, Paul warns his young friend to not be ashamed to preach the Gospel, saying: "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

It is politically incorrect to say that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life-but it is the truth. Only His truth changes lives and unlocks the beauty of our full worth as men and women who are made in His image. Only He can change our hearts so we are able to love our neighbors.

We must remember that the only thing that counts is true faith "expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6).

Update On My Youngest Daughter

I wanted to say Thank God and give an update on my youngest daughter's condition. She went to the doctor this morning and had another flu test which came back negative. So YEA! She does not have the flu. She does still have pneumonia, but that is slowly getting under control.

She has totally had a turn around from yesterday. Yesterday her doctor was very close to admitting her to the children's hospital. She had a fever of 103.7, had very shallow breathing, and today, (from hearing from mommy and her pa-paw) she had energy, and played...then had to crash and rest for a while, but I am looking at her even as I type this and she is still full of energy. Now when she coughs, she sounds horrible and is trying to cough up the phlegm, but thank you father for her speedy recovery.

You are asked to help craft an online charter for religious harmony

Here is the article:

A website launched Friday with the backing of technology industry and Hollywood elite urges people worldwide to help craft a framework for harmony between all religions.

The Charter for Compassion project on the Internet at www.charterforcompassion.org springs from a "wish" granted this year to religious scholar Karen Armstrong at a premier Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED) conference in California.

"Tedizens" include Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin along with other Internet icons as well as celebrities such as Forest Whittaker and Cameron Diaz.

Wishes granted at TED envision ways to better the world and come with a promise that Tedizens will lend their clout and capabilities to making them come true.

Armstrong's wish is to combine universal principles of respect and compassion into a charter based on a "golden rule" she believes is at the core of every major religion.

The Golden Rule essentially calls on people to do unto others as they would have done unto them.

"The chief task of our time is to build a global society where people of all persuasions can live together in peace and harmony," Armstrong said.

"If we do not achieve this, it seems unlikely that we will have a viable world to hand on to the next generation."

Charter for Compassion invites people from "all faiths, nationalities, languages and backgrounds" to help draft statements of principles and actions that should be taken.

I went to this website and my spirit was very troubled at this. This is the same feeling I have gotten when I feel that something is not of Christ. Now, I don't believe that even if these people make this charter, and propose it, that it will effect us here in the United States...yet. I am a firm believer in a pre-tribulation view of the end times. There WILL be a one world government, and a one world religion, and perhaps this is the groundwork for that, but for now, I am not worried about it..

Basically I want to get the word out about this particular item and let people know that in my opinion, this is not of Christ. Other than that, I am curious as to how you feel about it.

The Persecuted Church

You might notice that I have a new banner on the left side of my blog; a banner that supports the persecuted church, in particular the blog written by bloggers for the Voice of the Martyrs.

We take for granted our freedom to worship as Followers of Christ here in America. I am guilty of that as well. After reading a sample chapter about Iranian Christians living in Iran, I am ashamed of how we take our freedom for granted.

Imagine hiding in a cave to be able to worship God, to sing praises to Christ...that is what has to happen in China at times. Imagine being in church only to have the state police charge in and arrest the pastor taking him away to prison, simply for preaching the Word of God. It has happened in many countries.

From time to time I will be blogging about people and places that concern the Persecuted Church. I hope you will read and think on these posts. For right now, I would urge you to click on the title of this post to go to the Persecuted Blog now and read more.

My Night Tonight (November 13, 2008)

So I left work to get home on time to be able to go to my oldest daughter's school recital for Veteran's Day, and my wife calls me to tell me my youngest daughter has suddenly become sick. Now, my youngest daughter, has childhood asthma, and tends to get pneumonia at least 2 times a year. She is still fighting this bout unfortunately and was not able to get her flu shot because of it.

So guess what the doctor thinks she has? Yep. Not only does my youngest STILL have pneumonia, she now has the flu. It is going to be a long few days for my wife and to a lesser extent, me. You see, when the kids are sick it's mommy to the rescue and when it is her, it is me helping her out.

My wife took our youngest to the doctor and then the children's hospital, and I went with my in-laws and my wife's grandfather, (seen in the veteran's day post) to go see my oldest daughter's recital. It was a good one and I will have to post some videos of it on here sometime. I am very proud of her.

I will be updating my youngest daughter's condition here on the blog. I am praying that she will be okay and well enough to go back to school by Tuesday.

Being Flipped Off -- Handled

I was flipped off this morning on my way to work.

He was older than I was I believe, as he looked about 45 or maybe 50. Very little hair, wearing glasses, dressed in shirt and tie, and driving a Mercedes.

My crime? I didn't pull out of the left lane when he flashed his brights at me.

Why?

Well, I was doing 75 at the time. The speed limit is 60 and I feel that when there are NO cars around me, and you want by, then pass me up. Especially if I am going 15 miles OVER the speed limit.

So I raised my coffee to him in salute and kept going. About a minute later he passed me up and flipped me off.

Now my first thoughts are your typical thoughts..."Jerk. Stupid no count so and so..." And I really wanted to make him pay. But that is not the way to handle that situation. Even if you want to.

We are commanded to bless our enemies, pray for those who would persecute us. So that is what I did. And it took a lot for me to do it, but I was reminded of this in that way that only HE can remind you of. So I blessed him there in my car as he drove away, and then prayed for him.

I hope your day is a good one, and blessed as well.

Praying With Authority

So, how is your prayer life? Mine could be better but that is my own fault for not studying the Word more. I lead a very busy life, with work and all, and I need to set aside time to study more and pray more.

I hope this blesses you as it did me.

(Verses follow the Devotion)
*************************************
God has given His children the privilege of calling upon Him for all they need, and what's more, He's promised to respond. He has also included the right to petition Him on behalf of others. Scripture tells us that the prayers of a righteous person can accomplish much (James 5:16).

To be righteous in the Father's sight, we must have accepted His offer of salvation. Before redemption, we were unrighteous people under His judgment (Eph. 2:1, 3). Through faith in Christ as our Savior, we are made new and declared holy in His sight. Then, for our petitions to be powerful and effective, they must be in agreement with His will (1 John 5:14-15). Getting to know our Father's character and priorities is the key to making requests aligned with His plan.

Elijah is a good example of someone who prayed with authority. The Lord sent him into battle against evil King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal. This was a spiritual conflict to prove who was the real God--Baal or the Lord of Israel. Elijah's weapons were his knowledge of the Father's plan and the authority he had in prayer as a prophet of God. His request, made publicly before his opponents, matched the Lord's will--that Jehovah would make Himself known (1 Kings 18:37). And when God responded to Elijah's prayer, the people declared, "The Lord, He is God!" (v. 39).

Are you a child of God? If so, you can pray with spiritual might by making sure your requests are in agreement with His will.
**************************************************

1Ki 18:18-39
(18) And he answered, I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of Jehovah, and you have followed the Baals.
(19) And now send and gather to me all Israel to mount Carmel, and four hundred and fifty of the prophets of Baal, and four hundred of the prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.
(20) And Ahab sent to all the sons of Israel, and gathered the prophets together to mount Carmel.
(21) And Elijah came to all the people and said, How long are you limping over two opinions? If Jehovah is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, then follow him. And the people did not answer him a word.
(22) And Elijah said to the people, I, I alone, remain a prophet of Jehovah. But Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
(23) And let them give us two bulls, and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it on wood. But place no fire. And I will dress the other bull and lay it on wood, and place no fire.
(24) And you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of Jehovah. And it shall be, the god that answers by fire, He is God. And all the people answered and said, The word is good.
(25) And Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, Choose one bull for yourselves, and prepare first, for you are many. And call on the name of your god, but place no fire.
(26) And they took the bull which was given them, and they dressed, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any who answered. And they leaped on the altar which was made.
(27) And it happened at noon Elijah mocked them and said, Cry with a great voice, for he is a god. Either he is meditating, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey; perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened!
(28) And they cried with a loud voice and cut themselves with knives and spears until the blood gushed out on them, as is their way.
(29) And it happened when midday was past, and when they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor anyone who paid attention.
(30) And Elijah said to all the people, Come near to me. And all the people came near him. And he repaired the broken down altar of Jehovah.
(31) And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the Word of Jehovah came, saying, Israel shall be your name.
(32) And with stones he built an altar in the name of Jehovah. And he made a trench around the altar big enough to contain two measures of seed.
(33) And he arranged the wood, and cut the bull in pieces, and placed it on the wood, and said, Fill four water jars with water and pour on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.
(34) And he said, Do it the second time. And they did it the second time. And he said, Do it the third time. And they did it the third time.
(35) And the water ran all around the altar. And he filled the trench also with water.
(36) And it happened at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet came near and said, Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel, and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your Word.
(37) Hear me, O Jehovah, hear me, that this people may know that You are Jehovah God, and that You have turned their heart back again.
(38) And the fire of Jehovah fell and burned up the burnt sacrifice and the wood, and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
(39) And when all the people saw, they fell on their faces. And they said, Jehovah, He is the God! Jehovah, He is the God!




Have a Blessed Day!

Dealing with Tempting Thoughts

Do you ever find yourself having thoughts that you don't want? I know I do. Lots of times there are thoughts that seem to creep into my mind that I simply want to have go away. Well, I received this in the email today.

I hope this helps you as much as I know it will help me....


THE WAY OF ESCAPE

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it

First Corinthians 10:13 is the shining good news in the midst of our fears and concerns about temptation. Where is the escape hatch that Paul is talking about here? In the same place temptation is introduced: in your mind. Every temptation is first a thought introduced to your mind by your own carnality or by the tempter himself. If you ruminate on that thought and consider it an option, you will eventually act on it, and that's sin. The first step for escaping temptation is to apprehend every thought as soon as it steps through the doorway of your mind.

Once you have halted a penetrating thought, the next step is to evaluate it on the basis of Paul's eightfold criterion for what we should think about in Philippians 4:8. Ask yourself, "Does this thought line up with God's truth? Is it suggesting that I do something honorable? Right? Pure? If this thought becomes action, will the outcome be lovely and contribute to excellence in my life? Will other believers approve of my actions? Is it something for which I can praise God?" If the answer to any of those questions is no, dismiss that thought immediately. Don't have anything more to do with it. If it keeps coming back, keep saying no. When you learn to respond to tempting thoughts by stopping them at the door of your mind, evaluating them on the basis of God's Word, and dismissing those which fail the test, you have found the way of escape that God's Word promises.

In contrast, if a thought enters your mind and it passes the Philippians 4:8 test of truth, honor, righteousness, etc., "let your mind dwell on these things" (verse 8) and "practice these things" (verse 9). "And the God of peace shall be with you" (verse 9), which is an infinitely better result than the pain and turmoil which follows when we yield to tempting thoughts and become involved in sinful behavior.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for providing a way of escape from all my temptations. I am determined to win the battle for my mind.

Veteran's Day 2008 -- Real American Heros

Today is Veteran's Day here in the United States. Elsewhere in the world it is known as Armistice Day, the day WWI ended. I have strong emotions about this day, and I wish that Americans would act as if every day were Veteran's Day. You see, one of the main reasons I can write this blog, and speak my mind, and NOT be afraid of "thought police" is because of the blood, sweat and tears that those men and women shed fighting for freedom around the world. It is the reason why we have elections and can elect a man of mixed race for President of the United States. It is one of the reasons why the world has the nation of Isreal reborn where it belongs.

So don't just thank a Vet today. Thank a Vet EVERY day for the life you lead.

Now that said, I want to personally say thank you to the Veteran who is in our lives and we love very much.



Kenneth Provine is my wife's grandfather. He is a Veteran of WWII, the Pacific Theater. He fought at Guadalcanal, Tarawa and other in other battles in the Pacific. He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant first in the Marine Corps and then after reinlisting in the Army, again rose to the same rank of Master Sergeant.
He is an honorable man, who does not dwell on the battles he has fought in and faced but the good times he had traveling the world, recounting stories of the people he met during that time, and the places he visited.
He is one of the reasons why we are free to do as we do this day. I am proud for him, and proud of him. He is our own personal American Hero.

Jesus is a bigot

According to a church in California that is.

Did I get your attention?

Good.

If you are like me, and watch the news, or follow the news online, you have to have seen the protesters marching in the streets of California protesting the fact that a majority of voters there said, no to gay marriage and mandated to the California legislature that a marriage is between a Man and a Woman.

Now, I read an article on CNN of all places that you can find here. In this article, there were a few quotes that really got to me.

Ed Todeschini, a Human Rights Campaign volunteer, accused Saddleback in particular of helping propagate what he called misinformation about the Supreme Court ruling, including that gay marriage would have to be taught to kindergartners.

"They told such obvious lies. They used their lies to deceive the public," Todeschini said of the church

Excuse me?

So the Christian Church is a liar.
I suppose that the Bible is lying when it says this:

1 Cor 6:9-11
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God ? Do not be deceived ; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

Now, do I believe that God hates homosexuals? No. But he hates the act of it. I am not going to get into a theological discussion here,(I will do that at a later time) but I mearly wanted to point out that we are not lying when we express our beliefs. It is what we believe.

And then there is this quote, from a body who claims to be a Christian Church:

"Our intent is not to disturb churchgoers," organizer Tim DeBenedictis said in a statement. "Our goal is to mend fences and build bridges so that all Californians can achieve marriage equality under the law."

"It's very unfortunate and embarrassing that the (Christian religion) is in large part responsible for this act of bigotry," the Rev. Ed Bacon said after his sermon.

So the Rev. Ed Bacon, a supposed minister of the Word of God, says that wanting what God ordained from the beginning, is bigotry. He is embarrassed by this.

Imagine that. Embarrassed by the very Word of God apparently.

Matthew 10:33
But whoever denies me before men, him will I also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Why I have this blog...A Disclaimer

At one time, I had six blogs that I maintained. One for my religious thoughts, one for politics, and four more for other interests. I have cut it down to three now, and the one you are reading is a combined Politics and Religious blog. I say that because I wanted you, the reader, to understand that when you read this blog, it will be all over the place.

I will talk about Politics. I am a conservative right winger. I don't apologize for that. I voted for McCain and against Obama. Only because of political ideologies.

I will talk about Religion. I am a Born Again Christian who does stumble, but gets back up and moves forward by the Grace of God. I will not ever apologize for my beliefs, nor will I rescind my beliefs.

I will talk about my family, and I will have light hearted posts...I love my family, and though my wife's blog is more of the family information type, I will occasionally do the same thing.

So that is it. I will offend some people, I will have people that agree with me. All in all, I hope that people will think about what is said here, and then let me know, in a polite way, if you disagree or agree with it. If you don't, tell me. But please be respectful. I will delete vulgar, obscene and profanity laced comments.

Thanks,
Eric

Being Reworked from the Inside Out

This one hit home this morning...

November 7, 2008
Brokenness: The Process

Romans 8:29-31
8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
8:30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

How tempting it is to think we need very little improvement. Ask around, and you'll hear many people concede they could probably use a bit of "maintenance" on one or two problem areas (preferably without being caused any discomfort). Yet most will add, "But I'm a good person." Don't be fooled--the Father refuses to settle for humanity's meager vision of "good enough."

God sees each believer as the person he or she will be when fully yielded to Jesus Christ. He then sets about achieving that complete renovation by transforming the individual's present self into the image of His Son. We could say that God is our "interior designer."

An essential step in remodeling involves removing whatever is unnecessary, damaged, or outmoded. In our case, what must go are the areas of self-will. I can tell you from experience that being a man under construction is uncomfortable! God targets habits, attitudes, and even relationships wherein we act independently of His purposes. Then He applies pressure to direct our attention there as well. The Lord takes hold of interests that are dear to our hearts in order to coax from us the rather humbling question, "What more would You have me submit to You?"

Conforming our will to God's changes who we are. In the midst of our transformation, pain from His tools may temporarily obscure the beauty of His design. But nothing is more splendid to God than a committed, obey-at-all-costs follower. Submit to Him so that He might remake you into the servant He desires.

Today's Devotional

Every Morning, I receive in my inbox several devotionals. I plan on putting the one that hits me the most on here. Here is the one for today.

God's "protective shade"

The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
Psalm 121:5 NLT

Secure with the keeper

"It was dark and cold that November morning when the Livingstone family woke up to say farewell to their son David. He was leaving Scotland for the heart of Africa. Mrs. Livingstone made coffee; Mr. Livingstone dressed warmly to walk his son to Glasgow. David got the family Bible and read the comforting words of Psalm 121 with the family.

A dozen years later, Dr. Livingstone was contemplating a trip deeper into the unexplored interior of Africa along with his wife and children. Just before he left, he received a letter from his mother-in-law, Mary Moffat, who was also a missionary. "My dear Livingstone," she began. "Hitherto I have kept up my spirits and have been enabled to believe that our Great Master may yet bring you out in safety." She said that she was clinging to the promises of Psalm 121 and Psalm 91. "Unceasing prayer is made for you." Then she added, "Every petition, however fervent, must be with submission to his will."

Protected? Yes. Submissive to his will? That, too.

Jesus guaranteed us that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). But no matter what happens, we can never be separated from God's love or God's purposes. He promises to preserve us from evil but not to pave over every pothole in life's road.

Obama Prays Before His Acceptance Speech

I read this from CNN a few minutes ago and I have to say that it was a nice read. I will not judge Obama on his faith in Christ. That will be judged by a greater judge than I am. But it is my hope that he will include Bible believing Christians among his staff.

Before he delivered his victory speech on Tuesday night in Chicago, President-elect Barack Obama took a call and bowed his head in prayer. Dr. Joel Hunter, pastor of Northland Church in Orlando, Florida and Otis Moss Jr. from Mount Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio joined him in that prayer.

Speaking with CNN today by phone, Dr. Hunter says the prayer was intensely personal and private but did say “I prayed for his family and for him and for the country. I had no agenda other than trying to create an environment in which he felt the presence and could receive wisdom from God.” Dr. Hunter, a conservative evangelical who delivered a prayer at the Democratic National Convention this summer, says the President-elect “…feels the weight of this responsibility. He [Obama] doesn’t take upon himself of having to have all the answers but he certainly realizes the huge challenges this nation faces. He feels the personal weight of the potential to guide us through these difficult times. I don’t think he’s oppressed by it though.” Dr. Hunter says he thinks it set in for Obama last night and led to the sober tone of the victory speech.

Evangelicals have long been a force in American politics but many wondered with the defeat of Sen. John McCain what role they will play in the Obama administration. Eric Sapp is one of the founders of The Eleison Group which works specifically with Democratic campaigns to mobilize Christian voters he says, “There is a new generation of white evangelicals. They are less partisan and it all plays to Barack Obama’s favor.” Sapp puts Hunter in that category and thinks the Obama administration will be inclusive of evangelicals. “I think it’s an early indication of the way he’s going to govern. For something as personal as who he wants praying for him is a good indicator of how he wants to be president.”

For Hunter, it wasn’t the first time the two men had prayed together and says the prayer before Obama's speech Tuesday night was in keeping with the next president's character, “Obama is a big picture person. His big picture includes God and he wanted to do that as it’s just the right thing to do at that moment.”

I did look up Dr. Hunter and the church he pastors. Here is their statement of faith:

The Bible
We believe the Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, is verbally inspired of God, is inerrant in the original writings, and is the Christian's final authority in faith and conduct. (2 Timothy 3:16)

The Means of Salvation
We believe that salvation from the guilt and condemnation of sin is possible only as the gift of God's grace. It cannot be gained by good resolutions, sincere efforts, nor submission to the rules, regulations, or ordinances of any church, but is freely bestowed on all who put their faith in Christ and trust in the work that Christ accomplished on the cross of Calvary. All who so trust the Savior pass from death unto life, are forgiven of their sins, accepted by the Father, and born into His family by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. (James 5:24; Ephesians 1:6-7; 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:23)

Security, Assurance and Responsibility
We believe that all the saved, those in whom God has accomplished His transforming work of grace, are kept by His power and are thus secure in Christ forever. It is their privilege to rejoice in the assurance of their salvation. However, this assurance must not be the occasion for sin, for God in His holiness cannot tolerate persistent sin in His children, and in infinite love He corrects them. True faith in Christ is expressed by a fruitful, God-pleasing life. (John 10:27-29; Romans 8:19-39; 1 John 5:13; Hebrews 12:6; Matthew 7:20; James 2:20)

Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but that he sinned, incurring not only physical death, but also spiritual death, which is separation from God and which is inherited by every member of Adam's race. We believe that man is subject to the power of the devil and has within himself no possible means of recovery or salvation. (Genesis 1:26; 1 John 1:8-10; Romans 6:23)

The Church
We believe that the true church is composed of all who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, that those who are members of the true church will be eligible for membership in the local church. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are to be observed by the church during the present age. Baptism and the Lords’ Supper are acts of obedience to the Lord. Participation in them, though, is not to be regarded in any sense as a means of salvation. (Acts 2)

The Christian's Walk
We believe that we are called with a holy calling to walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, and so to live in the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. The flesh (our natural desire), which in this life is never fully eradicated, must be kept by the Spirit (through our walk of faith), constantly in subjection to Christ, or it will surely manifest its presence in our lives, to the dishonor of our Lord. (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:16)

The Eternal State
We believe that the souls of those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation do, at death, immediately pass into His presence and there remain in conscious bliss until the resurrection of the body at His coming for the church, when soul and glorified body, reunited, will be associated with Him forever in glory. We believe that unbelievers will be punished with everlasting separation from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power. (John 3:15-16; Hebrews 9:28; Matthew 25:41-46)

God
The Trinity - We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 6:8)
Jesus Christ - We believe by miracle of the virgin birth that the Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Son of God, became man without ceasing to be God in order to reveal God and to redeem man. He is the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins and arose bodily from the dead for our justification. He is now exalted at the right hand of God, Head of the Church and Lord of the individual believer, fulfilling His ministry as our Great High Priest and Advocate. (Matthew 1:18-23; John 1:1-3)
Holy Spirit - We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of sin, regenerates and converts sinners, and baptizes them into the church, which is the body of Christ. We believe that He indwells, guides, instructs and empowers the believer for godly living and service, and that He seals and keeps him until the Lord comes. We believe that He bestows spiritual gifts upon each one. We believe that the believer has received one or more spiritual gifts so that he might exercise them for the strengthening and outreach of the body of Christ. The practice of any gift in any gathered body shall be in keeping with the Scripture. (John 14:16-17; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 12:7)

I will say this...
We are commanded in the Bible this way:

Romans 13:1-4
Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good.

We are also to pray for our leaders...Including the president that I did not vote for.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

So, no matter if He is liberal or not, I will pray for him, for his family, for those he appoints and for him to have the wisdom to do this job. I would ask everyone who reads this, to do the same.

The People of California Speak and a Surprise it Was!

I suppose that the people of California have spoken, and for once, spoken in a way that I agree with. Proposition 8, which is the state constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage, actually passed. To me that is a surprise, considering how liberal I believe this state to be, but it is a most welcome surprise.

So now what happens to all of the "couples" that had their wedding? To me they should be voided, but that is an issue for the courts to decide.

This was definitely a victory for Marriage.

So Let's See What Obama Can Do

Obama: 349 Electoral Votes
McCain: 161 Electoral Votes

The Majority of the American people have spoken and have ushered in the liberals. So what can I say about this?

I will give him the benefit of the doubt for now. I want to see what he does, who he puts in his cabinet, his rhetoric and how he deals with terrorist regimes like Iran. Honestly, it's not Obama I am really afraid of. It's the fact that Biden is now one step away and Congress is very much liberal and democratic.

Speaking of Congress, I am curious. Is the vast majority of Americans who linked McCain to Bush really so ignorant to think that Bush is the one that makes the laws for this country? Congress makes the laws and the President signs them, or vetos them. And how does a Congress with an approval rating in the SINGLE DIGITS have MORE Democrats elected? There are some things about the people of this country that simply amaze me.

So I will give him his chance. Mr. President-Elect, please, please don't screw this up and do stupid things like try and implement a "spread the wealth" type of policy, or start negotiating with terrorists.

Going to Wake Up to a Different America

Sigh....
Obama 220 Electoral Votes
McCain 135 Electoral Votes

Unfortunately, I must go to bed, as I get up very early to go to work. When I wake up, unless some sort of miracle happens, I will wake up to a different America. Note I did not say a better America, but a changed America. One in which I am afraid that more babies will be killed by the abortion industry, same sex marriage will be legal throughout this land, and who knows, maybe they will try to take our guns away too.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not against Obama because he is black. Race, skin color, don't matter to me. I would love to have General Colin Powell as President. It is not Obama's skin color, but his political ideologies that I can't stand.

I am not looking forward to this change at the top, especially with the democrats gaining more control of the House and Senate. I will try to remain optimistic, but I just have a feeling that this euphoric bandwagon that Obama has created will find the wheels coming off as America does wake up and find out just what it voted for.

At least I can say I voted for McCain, and Conservative leadership.

This is pathetic

I am watching Fox News and surfing the major news channels on the web, and what is really bad is that I am looking at the popular vote going to McCain in a lot of states, but they are showing the Electoral vote going to Obama. Scary. Not good.

So why is Obama so popular? Let's take a look at what some on the streets say about him...




So there you have it. Obama is going to "spread the wealth" and pay for people's gas and mortgages..

Huh...so where do I sign up?

Voting in America

Ok, I have voted and gotten my "My Vote Counted" sticker and I am watching the election coverage on Fox News. I can't stand the liberal mouth pieces of CNN or MSNBC, so it is the local coverage and Fox News, and for my online looks, Michael Drudge's Drudge Report.

There was no line to speak of when I voted, and that is mainly due to the huge number of early voting here in Texas. I believe the current percentage may surpass 80% of the registered voters. That is awesome, but it is a sad state of affairs when it takes having a black presidential candidate and a female vice presidential candidate to draw out the voters. At least people are voting.

Now, what the heck is up with the people in Philadelphia? There was a Fox News report I first saw on Drudge that said members of the Black Panthers were intimidating voters.



Since when did we become a third world nation? The police were called and they escorted the one with the nightstick away. WTH? A nightstick at a voting place? I don't think that would ever happen here in Texas.

Anyway, if you haven't voted, then do so. You're running out of time.

GO VOTE!!!

No matter what you are doing today, whether trying to lose weight, or working, playing with the kids or just relaxing...go vote.

Republican, Democrat, Independent, whatever....go vote. Make your voice count.

Me personally, I am going after work and I am voting republican.

But no matter how you vote, just vote, because.....

IF YOU DON'T VOTE, DON'T COMPLAIN ABOUT IT TOMORROW!