We must not forget

"Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature and we responded with the best of America." President George W. Bush, 9-11-01

We all remember where we were the day the World Trade Centers fell. The day the Pentagon became a memorial. The day, over a field in Pennsylvania, ordinary people became heroes. In the days that followed, flags flew proudly and we stood together, united as no other nation on earth could unite. We loudly proclaimed, "We will not forget!".
Life has returned to normal for most of us since that fateful day...at least for those of us who did not lose someone dear to us. We've gone about our lives, business as usual and once again taken for granted that we are safe.

Have we forgotten? Do we feel the same patriotism and connection to our neighbors we did that day? Does our heart swell with pride and thankfulness when we see a soldier in uniform? Does our flag still wave proudly from every corner and building?

Sadly, I believe we have forgotten. The horror we felt as we watched the towers crumble has become a distant memory. The pride that swelled in our hearts as we heard the words, "Let's roll" has faded.

For the sake of the 2,974 lives lost that day, we must not forget. For the sake of the children who will not know a parent, we must not forget. For the sake of the spouses who now sleep alone, we must not forget. For the sake of the parents who have outlived their children, we must not forget. For the sake of those still fighting for our freedom, we must not forget.

For all of them - we must not forget.

originally posted on February 7, 2008

We must not forget

"Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature and we responded with the best of America." President George W. Bush, 9-11-01

We all remember where we were the day the World Trade Centers fell. The day the Pentagon became a memorial. The day, over a field in Pennsylvania, ordinary people became heroes. In the days that followed, flags flew proudly and we stood together, united as no other nation on earth could unite. We loudly proclaimed, "We will not forget!".

Life has returned to normal for most of us since that fateful day...at least for those of us who did not lose someone dear to us. We've gone about our lives, business as usual and once again taken for granted that we are safe.

Have we forgotten? Do we feel the same patriotism and connection to our neighbors we did that day? Does our heart swell with pride and thankfulness when we see a soldier in uniform? Does our flag still wave proudly from every corner and building?

Sadly, I believe we have forgotten. The horror we felt as we watched the towers crumble has become a distant memory. The pride that swelled in our hearts as we heard the words, "Let's roll" has faded.

For the sake of the 2,974 lives lost that day, we must not forget. For the sake of the children who will not know a parent, we must not forget. For the sake of the spouses who now sleep alone, we must not forget. For the sake of the parents who have outlived their children, we must not forget. For the sake of those still fighting for our freedom, we must not forget.

For all of them - we must not forget.

originally posted on February 7, 2008

America IS a Christian nation

"The Bible is the rock on which our Republic rests." Andrew Jackson

"Millions will be on their knees at once before their Great Creator, imploring his forgiveness and blessings; His smiles on American councils and arms." John Adams (speaking of the national day of fasting and prayer called at the beginning of each session of Congress)

Did you know the first law beginning and governing our public school system, the "Old Deluder Satan Act", was enacted in order that our enemy Satan would not steal or dilute Scripture, but that all children would hide God's Word in their heart as a guide for living? Did you get that? Our public school system was established as a means of advancing Christianity. Ironic isn't it?

Or that Congress printed the first English Bible in America for use in the newly created public school system?

Did you know that of our Founding Fathers, 29 of the 56 had theology degrees? Wait a minute. Haven't we been taught in our public school history classes that the majority of these men were atheists? Of the 56 signers only two, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, considered themselves "not particularly religious." Despite what our own Supreme Court and the president himself are saying, our country was founded as a result of the spiritual truths these men held dear.

Hamburgers, watermelon and fireworks are a great way to celebrate our nation's birthday today, but let's not forget WHY we're celebrating. Take a few minutes to watch this short sermon by David Barton, founder and president of Wallbuilders. You will learn more about our decidedly Christian heritage in 20 minutes than I learned in 12 years of history class.

Happy Fourth of July and may God continue to bless our great Nation.

Voting God's Word

If you've been following the comments recently here on this blog, you will know that there are differing opinions and ideas about who should be our next President and why. We all have our views about the issues and can agree to disagree in a mature, Christian fashion on some gray areas.

However, there are certain issues that are anything but gray. Issues such as the killing of the unborn, marriage between a man and a woman and our country's stand with Israel are not open to interpretation or our own personal opinion. Scripture clearly states where we are to side. We must look at where each candidate stands on the issues God is very clear about and ask ourselves if we're voting with or against His Word.

One commenter stated, "This is a "free" country and each person has the right to vote for whomever they choose...regardless of what anyone thinks!" Yes, it is a free country with rights we hold very dear, but as Christians we should be concerned about what God thinks about who we're voting for. We will be held accountable for the vote we cast. Did we stand for the unborn or did we stand with someone who has no regard for life? Did we do our part to preserve the sanctity of marriage, or did we give our vote to someone who will tear it down? Did we chose to stand with Israel in their fight for freedom, or did we side with someone who will help to bring them down?

"Who gives you the right to be judge and jury and prosecute a person for their political beliefs??" I found this quote interesting and wondered what part of the post made "anonymous" feel they were being persecuted. I was not persecuted anyone, but simply showing the beliefs of a particular candidate in action.

"So, if I choose to vote for Obama or McCain that is my God given right and it's not up to my fellow man to persecute me for "my" choice on whom I feel will best fit "my" needs." This last quote from the same anonymous commenter sums things up pretty well. As Christians, we are not called to vote according to what best fits our own needs, but what best lines up with Scripture. It is this self-centeredness and ego-centric attitude that has gotten our country where we are today.

I pray as Christians we will vote today according to the leading of the Holy Spirit and not just for which candidate promises to make our lives more comfortable.

Re-distribution of wealth via Chili's

Though unscientific, the story below does a good job of explaining in simple terms the dems idea of wealth re-distribution...or socialism, whichever title you prefer. I wonder if those voting for Obama have thought through the ramifications of his plan? I would venture to guess they have not. I will never get use to someone taking the money my husband works so hard to earn and giving it to someone who is not willing to go out and get a job! Can someone please explain to me how that is a good thing???

received via e-mail

Yesterday on my way to Chili's for lunch, I passed one of the homeless guys in that area, with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money."

Once in Chili's, my waiter had on a "Obama 08" tee shirt. When the bill came, I decided not to tip the waiter and explained to him while he had given me exceptional service, that his tee shirt made me feel he obviously believes in Senator Obama's plan to redistribute the wealth. I told him I was going to redistribute his tip to someone that I deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. He stood there in disbelief and angrily stormed away.

I went outside, gave the homeless guy $3 and told him to thank the waiter inside, as I had decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy looked at me in disbelief but seemed grateful.

As I got in my car, I realized this rather unscientific redistribution experiment had left the homeless guy quite happy for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was hacked that I gave away the money he did earn. Well, I guess this redistribution of wealth is going to take a while to catch on, with those doing the work.

Obama in bed with Planned Parenthood

We are at an incredible crossroads in our nation's history. The choice we make for president will decide our future in ways I believe will be unprecedented and that at this point cannot even be comprehended.

One critical issue facing our country is that of abortion. Author Randy Alcorn has written several incredible articles on his blog laying out distinctly why Christians cannot vote for someone who does not stand for the unborn. Rather than reiterating what he has already so eloquently stated, you can read it here, here and here.

I will leave you with a chilling promise from Obama himself. He leaves no doubt that he does NOT stand for the unborn. The question is what will we do about it?

Do you know your candidate?

Sounds like the name of a popular game show. Maybe I'm on to something.

You would think as important as this election is that people would take the time to educate themselves a bit before pulling the lever on November 4th. Apparently not.

We have speculated all along that many people are voting for Mr. O simply because he is black. Of course any mention of this brings cries from the far left that we are playing the race card. I don't have a problem with someone who chooses to vote for Obama as along as they can articulate why they are doing so. Being able to give well thought out, educated reasons for their choice of candidates proves there is more to it than the color of his skin.

Here is proof that many democrats are pulling the race card themselves. This my friends is our political system at its finest. Come on people!

Jesus bring the rain!

We are certainly praying for precipitation here in Texas, but this prayer has much further reaching consequences. Lord, let it rain...hard!

Ms. Pelosi needs to find another job!

WARNING - POLITICAL SOAPBOX AHEAD

We're all feeling the crunch of exorbitant gas prices at the pump these days. At what point do we put aside our partisanship and look for ways to solve the problems real Americans face? I'm all for protecting the environment, but sending our country into a major recession and keeping us completely dependant on foreign sources of oil from countries who don't particularly care for us is ludicrous.

Ms. Pelosi's adamant resolve against drilling shows quite clearly that she certainly does not represent the voice of Americans. Do you think she is working hard to put gas in two cars, paying an ever increasing energy bill, feed four growing kids while still trying to save for college? Of course not! We are paying her salary. We are paying her to disagree with us and not take a stand for what is best for America's future! WHY are we allowing the opinions of just 27% of the people to dictate how the rest of us must live?

This is an excerpt from an article from GOPUSA.com. To read the rest of the article, go here.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNN that she would block any vote to allow offshore drilling. This remarkable stance comes in the face of the latest poll that says 73 percent of Americans favor offshore drilling, while only 27 percent oppose it. Nancy Pelosi again displays her contempt for her employer, the American people. Her arrogance and wrong-headed philosophy have led Congress to an approval rating of a staggering 14 percent, the lowest ever.

OK, I'm climbing down now before I pull a muscle.

Chew on this - the scary truth

God creates it.

Man complicates it.
Then the government gets involved.

Now that's the scary truth!

Parade magazine and homeschooling

All of us who homeschool are familiar with the California Supreme Courts' recent decision against homeschooling. Due to appeals and massive public outcries, the case will be heard again in the next month and could affect homeschool laws across the nation. I am sure the Court will come to it's senses and realize that parents do indeed have a constitutional right to homeschool their children.

On the liberal NEA lovin' side of things, Parade magazine is currently running an on-line article and poll on the subject. Here's a quote from their blatantly left review.

“If upheld, the California ruling will send shock waves nationwide,” says Richard Kahlenberg, the author of a number of books on education. He says the case “pits those who believe parental rights are paramount against those who place a premium on well-educated citizens.”

Apparently those of us who believe parental rights are important are not also capable of believing in the importance of well-educated citizens. Excuse me? Why do you think we give up our lives to educate our children at home? Because we believe without a doubt that we are doing what is in the best interest of our children. Parental rights and well-educated children are not in opposition to one another, but rather two sides of the same coin. We are exercising our rights as parents to choose and as a result will turn out citizens fully capable of not only handling the next generation, but doing a far better job than is currently being done.

Parade's on-line poll asks, "Should parents need teaching credentials to homeschool their kids?" The results? An overwhelming 96% said no! If you haven't yet, take a minute to vote and allow your voice to be heard. We must continue to send messages to the naysayers of homeschooling that we are not uneducated, lazy people who can't read above a third grade level ourselves and could never hope to give our kids a "good" education without the proper training or more importantly government involvement.

Give me a break!

Um...excuse me?

"Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the 57 United States."

Though I have reveled in watching the two democratic candidates hang themselves repeatedly over the past several months, I have generally kept my opinions to myself. There are enough political blogs out there already without me giving my two cents on the message of "hope" and "change"...actually, that two cents is about all his message is worth, but that's another story.

This Obama slip-up however is just too amazing to pass up. You won't hear about it on the Obama lovin' networks, but here it is in all it's ridiculous glory.



I would venture to guess that most, if not all, homeschool preschoolers could tell you how many states there are in the United States. It's not hard, really it's not. Apparently however, this bit of information is not important if you are seeking to be the leader of the free world.

Um, excuse me Mr. Obama, but I believe the answer you were looking for is 50.

Maybe we should cut him some slack...after all, he wasn't homeschooled.

Faith vs. common sense

FOX News reported the story of a family in Wisconsin who's 11 year old daughter died recently from ketoacidosis, a complication of diabetes. The reason? Rather than admit their daughter had diabetes and seek medical treatment, they chose to pray for her healing. This young girl died a slow death, as her body was consumed with too much sugar and no way to deal with it.

My husband has been diabetic since he was six years old. His parents prayed constantly for his healing...probably still do...but they also gave him the treatment he needed to live. Does that mean they didn't have enough faith? Hardly! It means they used the common sense God gave them to care for their son.

I guess this begs the question of faith versus common sense. At what expense do we continue to pray, while doing nothing on our own to help the situation? Scripture exhorts us to "pray without ceasing". OK, so pray, but if God has provided a way of help, then take advantage of it. God, through modern medicine, has provided a way for diabetics to live a productive, healthy life. They prayed for their daughter, He provided a way of escape and they ignored what was right in front of them because it wasn't the complete healing they were praying for.

Did they ever consider the possibility that this disease was part of God's plan for their daughter's life? Part of His greater purpose? Mike will tell you he is thankful for his diabetes because of the discipline it has taught him in every area of his life. He has seen it as a blessing of sorts, not a death sentence. All of us want our children to be healthy, but it's not an all or nothing deal. We can't say, "God heal my child, or I'll just let them die."

I would venture to guess this family thinks they did the right thing. You would have to be incredibly committed to your belief in order to watch your young daughter die such a slow, horrible death, especially knowing it could easily be prevented. The mother is holding on to the notion that God is going to resurrect her daughter. I pray the Lord will minister His truth to their hearts.

Super Tuesday

Super Tuesday, the day touted by many as a "make or break" point for several candidates is already in full swing. Though I have my opinions, I have no idea who will emerge the front runner once the votes are finally tallied across the country. You will most likely find me glued to FOX News coverage well into the evening.

Despite the fact that we have no idea as to the outcome of this momentous day, I trust completely in the One who knows all things. He is in our yesterdays, as well as our tomorrows and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End. In a world of considerable uncertainty, I take great comfort in those facts. In trusting Him completely, we needn't worry about the outcome.

It may be Super Tuesday, but thankfully we serve a Super God who supercedes all else.