Remember our Soldiers Abroad

Merry Christmas!

I was asked to pass this on in email. I thought instead I'd post it on my blog for the world to access. It is fitting and right that we remember every soldier in harms way as we enjoy our cozy holiday on safe soil because of their sacrifices. May we count our blessings, not our losses...

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!" For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night." "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers." My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam', And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
" So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right." "But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

PLEASE, would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN 30th Naval Construction Regiment OIC, Logistics Cell One Al Taqqadum, Iraq

Just for the record, it's fairly certain LCDR Giles did not write the poem but may have sent it out asking others to join the effort. Here's what snopes.com reports about this piece:

The International War Veterans' Poetry Archive (IWVPA) credits this work to author Michael Marks: A Soldier's Christmas was the first in this series of patriotic writings, drafted on Pearl Harbor Day 2000 when in the wake of the 2000 Presidential Election our nation saw the right of US Armed Forces personnel openly questioned and debated. I felt it unconscionable that at the onset of the Christmas season, those serving to defend our nation would hear anything but our love and support. It is our challenge to stand for their rights at home while they stand for our lives and safety overseas. This poem went out and quickly spread around the world in emails, letters, magazines. I received letters from Marines in Bosnia, soldiers in Okinawa, from a submariner who xeroxed a copy for everyone on his sub. Moms wrote, dads, brothers and sisters. I have saved and cherish every letter and set out to continue writing throughout the year.

Where is Our Hope

If you've been following this blog at all, you know I'm a conservative - might even be called ultra conservative - and my faith is in Christ Jesus.

I received two email messages this morning that forced me to my knees.

The first was from a Christian based conservative political organization. It was a plea for donations to help them initiate a plan to turn the now strongly democratic liberal government around. Every so many lines of text painting a bleak future for our nation due to the coming age of the most liberal president and far left congress ever, there was another plea for money (embedded with a link to the donation page of their website.) As I was reading, the question I kept asking in my heart, "what's your plan and how will it change anything when the left has such a stronghold in our government?"

The next message I read was a daily Scripture from KLOVE radio:
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. ~ Psalm 39:7

That, my friends, is providential.

I fell to my knees and began praying for our nation, for each and every Christian to seek Him. Our problem is not in our government. I've been saying this for months and I'm going to keep harping on it because until we admit our sin and get right with God, nothing is going to change. I don't care how much money you donate to how many organizations, they can't help us if we don't help ourselves. Where is our hope? Not in FRC, Focus on the Family Action, Jay Seculo, or any other conservative activist network. Our hope is in God alone. My ONLY hope is in God.

What am I saying? Get the mirror out. What am I doing? I'm looking on the inside. I'm asking God to show me where I've been wrong and guide me along spiritual lines according to His plans. What have I done to further our cause? What more could I have done to make a difference? Perhaps when I felt discouraged that I had no money in the bank to donate to my party of choice, I could have emptied my piggy bank and sent all I had. Would it have mattered? I don't know. What if we'd all emptied our piggy banks? Would an extra ten or twenty dollars from a few hundred thousand of us have better promoted a candidate who shares our Christian values? I don't know but these are questions worth considering.

Now I want to speak directly to those in our nation who put aside Christian values to vote for the first semi-African American President. Ask yourself, with God as your witness, why you did that? Was it because of his color? His heritage? If so, do you see how racist that is? I don't care if your roots are Irish, Latino, Kenyan, British or Native American - if you voted color, not principles, you're a racist.

Does the man you voted for represent Christian values of righteousness, holiness, faith in Jesus as our Savior; protection of the unborn; strength for our military to protect us from foreign terrorists who wage a holy war against our nation; a plan to free people from enslavement to government aid and help them become self-sufficient citizens with purpose and hope?

What are your values? Are your values those God points to in Scripture, or the desires of the world? Where is your hope?

Is your hope in your television, news media, a man in the white house, government aid, or Jesse Jackson?

Is your hope in God?

Get out the mirror and seek the truth about yourself. It's time to turn to God and ask, "am I who You've called me to be? Show me Lord. Open the eyes of my heart!" Repent. Turn to God and seek His kingdom for then everything else will fall into place according to His purposes and plans for us.

If we don't start taking a serious look at ourselves, admit our sins and turn around, I promise you, there will be no blessing for America. We will continue in this moral, ethical, racial, eddying cesspool that is slowly bleeding out the soul of our nation.

I had another thought as I was praying and considering this mess. Those men and women who first emigrated to America to be free of the religious oppression of their homeland, came here to establish themselves in the tenets they held dear. Free to choose their own hearts regarding faith and government. Yet this nation is now becoming the same oppressive machine our founding fathers fled. Whether it's the King demanding we follow the Church of England or the President demanding we have the right to infanticide, we the people are oppressed by governing rule because we have failed to put our hope in God.

There is only one place to flee to friends. As much as I'd personally like to retreat to a deserted island somewhere and start all over with people of faith who are not infected by the moral swill of this perverted land, guess what? Because of our pride, our apathy, our lack of faith, our SIN, in time we would be just as far from God. Our only hope is to flee to the heart of God. Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added...

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

Be still - spend some time reflecting on the nature of God, who He is, what He's capable of, what He desires from you. Don't complicate things as we are wont to do. Just seek Him. When He reveals His simple plan, it's almost laughable. Obey. Get your eyes off the spec in your brother's eye and deal with the pole that holds you back. Look inside. Seek God. Sh, be still.

Our only hope is in God.

Free Speech and the Right to be Evil

Today as I was surfing for some information online, I stumbled across a web site that made me feel like I had been punched in the stomach. This evil person's list of blogs are pointedly anti-faith/anti-Christian and he is a proud member of some evil atheist organization (yes, they actually call themselves evil.)

This man-demon David Rice who calls himself ShyDavid has a page that encourages non-believers in how to "witness" to Christians to smash their faith, using Scripture.

In the United States, we do have the right to free speech. In fact, God gave us free will. We all have the ability to say or do whatever we want. Yet I'm hard pressed to understand why anyone would be so hateful toward people who's intention is nothing but good.

I don't agree with the Jehovah's Witnesses or the Mormons but I don't hate them. I seriously don't agree with homosexuals or people who go out and get drunk. Yet my only responsibility or desire concerning any of these people or others I fundamentally disagree with about life choices is to:

• Be who I am in Christ no matter what and stand firm in my faith
• Be prepared to give an account for the hope I have in Christ Jesus
• Love the sinners where they are even as I pray for and encourage them to see the light
• Steer clear of their social circles (in so far as fellowship)

Though I believe the LDS and Jehovah's Witnesses are not true believer's but are in fact deceived by those that started their cults, I still have serious concerns for their safety and any Christians who might go door-to-door sharing their faith with strangers. We live in evil times and all are at risk. Should we not go?

On the contrary, we must be obedient to Christ's admonition to go into all the world and spread the gospel. For some of us that means living out our witness at work, school, or wherever we are. For some that may well be going door-to-door. There are numerous ways we reach the world with the truth through visiting the sick, helping a neighbor, offering prayer when the Spirit moves and so forth. No, we must obey. But we must also be wise and prepared.

I wanted to send this demon a message with Scripture from Matthew where the devil tempts Jesus. But of course he gave no contact information. Coward. Not that it would have done any good anyway. His passion against believers is deep and full of hatred. He tells unbelievers how to lure the Christian in and "test their faith."

Here is what the evil one journals regarding door-to-door witnesses: HolySmokeGarbage. This is truly sick stuff and yet I can't help but ask, is he demon-possessed or are the wounds just so deep from some terrible past that he's lashing out at the faithful because of their joy and love? Reading some of this guys other stuff, leads me tohe's damaged goods. He has no understanding of love and mercy whatsoever. But is he pure evil? Only God knows.

Here is Jesus response to Satan, because we must be bold and well equipped, as warned in Matthew 10:16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

Matt 4:1-114:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

4 Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written:

"'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'"

7 Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"

8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me."

10 Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'"

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Don't enter the devil's lair without the full armor of God (Eph. 6). Never go alone. Always be prepared to give an account for the hope that is in us in Christ Jesus (1 Peter 3:15.)

Heavenly Father, are we facing the end times? As Christ sent the Apostles, have we reached every nation with the gospel? Shall He come again soon to claim us? Then Lord, we ask You to forgive us for our apathy, for sitting on our laurels when we should be urgently sharing the gospel with others. Spur us on in faith to do the work You've planned for us before we were even formed in our mother's wombs.'

Lord, my soul groans for those like the fool who calls himself "Shy David," who are so filled with evil intent toward us who love You. We cannot understand these things but we know people like this belong to the devil; they are full of hate because they have no hope and our hope is in You. If there is any hope for them yet Lord, we pray Your mercy and grace for them, just as You brought the light to Paul when he was persecuting the Christians in Rome. We are humbled that we've been chosen, adopted children, heirs to Your kingdom. Would we be ever conscious that it's not our place to judge. We are called to continue to spread the truth and leave the outcome to the Holy Spirit. Give us a burning desire to go, a holy boldness, unwavering faith, steadfast perseverance, and wisdom at all costs. Let us be wise as serpents but gentle as lambs, cautious, yet courageous. We shall fear none but God, holy and righteous. We pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.

After all, I eventually found a contact page with an email address. I will send Mr. Rice the Matthew verses in answer to his vile test of Christian faith but it likely will produce no good results. He has a right to choose evil. He has a right to freely speak his mind to the world. He who hates the light of Christ has made his choice.

Pray with us November 3, 2008 for the Elections

Many will join in prayer and fasting on November 3 to honor God and seek His hand upon the election on Tuesday. Please pray with us.

Written by Attorney D. Johnson of Manville, Ohio

I have never been one to read things circulated on the Internet, much less write them, so it is with no small reluctance that I do so now. However, the Lord has laid it heavily upon my heart to call His people to a day of prayer and fasting for the upcoming November 4 elections, and this provides an excellent medium to get the word out quickly to a large number of believers.

America stands at a crossroads, not just politically but also spiritually. The current election cycle is nothing less than a battle for the very soul of our country. The discerning among you already know this to be true. The deepening political polarization we have witnessed in the past few elections is merely a symptom of an ever-intensifying spiritual polarization, as the battle lines between the righteous and the wicked are drawn with increasing clarity. The stakes are enormous, whether politically, economically, morally or in terms of our physical security. We are about to step off in a direction that could very well lead to our destruction as a nation - and so many millions are blind to this reality.

As I observe popular attitudes and watch the public opinion polls, my heart grieves for our nation. We have abandoned the principles upon which our nation was founded, principles which in turn were anchored in the person and principles of God. The wicked grow ever more powerful and influential. Once respectable journalistic organizations have degenerated to little more than propaganda organs for the political left. Godly leaders who can rise up in defense of righteousness and our God-given liberties seem nowhere to be found. As a nation, we have cast God out of our thinking. The murder of the unborn is championed in the streets and in the courts. Homosexual 'marriage' is trumpeted as a constitutional right and as the sign of a so-called progressive culture. Sexual immorality, drug abuse, violence, idolatry, pornography, and a host of other sins have overtaken us. As a nation we either justify these things or, at a minimum, turn a blind eye to them. And God's people have certainly not been immune from these things.

Now we stand ready to reap the fruits of our national godlessness. God sometimes judges sin by giving people over to the very things they desire and allowing the natural consequences to play out. Generalizations are often dangerous, but I think it is safe to say that generally the sins I mentioned are associated with the political left. It is my sincere conviction, and I have often said to those who will listen, that the leaders of the American left represent the force of evil in our political arena. Admittedly there are wicked and corrupt people on the right as well, but experience has shown that a conservative political ideology finds its roots, to large extent, in scriptural truth. Consequently, conservative politicians are generally (but certainly not always or completely) aligned with the Word of God. However, as the wicked gain the upper hand in the halls of power, all of us of whatever political leaning will experience the predictable consequences.

So where does that leave us? Current polls indicate that the left is in position to seize decisive control of our entire political system, including all three branches of government. They stand to take the White House, both houses of Congress and, by inevitable extension, the courts as well. If that happens, they will take the country hard to the left in a way from which I do not believe we will ever recover. Socialism, moral libertinism, contempt for the sanctity of life, and increasing efforts to stifle political dissent (and I would add, to silence biblically based ' hate speech ') are sure to follow in short order. If God severely judged Israel for her wickedness, who are we to expect differently?

"If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

What can we do to prevent the unmaking of America from happening right before our eyes?

We can call upon the name of the Lord, who is rich in mercy and mighty to deliver His people. We can pray along with the psalmist that the designs of the wicked and the oppressors would be thwarted by the hand of God. We can pray that God would lift the evident blindness that has gripped our nation, and that He would grant widespread repentance. We can pray that only the most godly men and women would be elected to lead this nation, and that they would lead in righteousness. We can pray that such righteousness would again exalt our nation as we return to the Lord in humility and repentance. We can pray that, regardless of what happens on November 4, the people of God will manifest "the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ" in ever increasing measure.

To that end, I am asking every believer in Jesus Christ to set aside Monday, November 3 as a day of fasting and prayer. I would urge you to review the prayer of Daniel on behalf of his people in Dan. 9:3-19, and to pray that way for our nation. And finally, I would ask you to distribute this call to prayer as widely as possible so that the greatest number of people would lay hold of the throne of grace all at once. It may be that God will show mercy to America, that He will shed His grace on her once again. Thank you for joining with me in this effort.

November 4th Wisdom

Just watch, you decide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA6_k3NtXZs

If the link is broken for some reason, the You Tube video is called October Surprise and poses a legal question about Obama's eligibility to run for the office of US president.

The Leader

Another Email message I received. Definitely worth sharing. The end surprised me.

Everyone has a place in their character where values reside. Those values are formed from experiences that begin in childhood. As a person matures, those values coalesce around a central belief that sits at the heart of one's character. Whether religious or secular in nature, that central belief is the lens through which all other values are focused and by which all other values are colored. From those values, convictions arise — beliefs that form principles by which a person organizes one's life. Those convictions are the great organizing principles of effective political leaders.

At the end of the day, a leader's effect on the country will be a reflection of his or her basic values. History tells us of many who led by way of wrong values such as pride, hatred, greed, or a lust for power — all with devastating consequences for their country. It is impossible to overstate the importance of knowing what a leader really values.

From Sarah Palin: A New Kind of Leader


Lord, grant us wisdom, discernment and insight as we make a life-changing decision at the polls this year. Save our nation. In Jesus' name, amen.

What's Wrong with Us?

Josh 24:15-16 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

I'm taking my blog straight from my daily devotional post today.

God had protected, fed, and guided the Israelites. He had shown His glory to them, brought them through every trial - out of slavery and right to the promised land. Yet despite the history of His faithfulness to the ones He loved, they turned to idols. They sought physical, tangible things to worhsip. They lost their faith in our holy, merciful, everlasting Creator. Joshua stood firm for the Lord, saying, you people do what you will, but I'm trusting God.

What about us today? Where is our faith? This morning as my husband and I studied Acts, a couple things came to mind that have been niggling at my heart for awhile. We've become complacent and lazy in our worship. When did the faithful decide it was no longer necessary to get on our knees to humble ourselves before God? And when did we decide it was no longer necessary to fast when we cry out to Him to save us from our sin?

Look at the condition of our country. We claim to be a Christian nation. Show me where we demonstrate that. We've stood dumb while abortion has been legalized. Even worse, we allow live-born infants to be murdered during birth in the name of some unjustifiable cause. We allow the government to apportion our finances according to a few liberals who justify taking from the rich to give to the lazy. We don't take care of our own needy within the body as we ought to. We go to church on Sunday with smiles on our faces, teary as we worship, living a lie.

We are in dire straights. If you don't see that, you're not only living a lie, you're walking blindfolded. It's time to face the light. Scripture gives us a clear outline for living. This is not some church or government mandate.

This is how God tells us to live:

• Love God first - ponder what that means. (Matthew 22:37)
• Give our firstfruits back to God with a cheerful heart - meditate on this. (Exodus 23:19)
• Love our neighbors as ourselves - Think about it. (Matthew 22:39)
• Support the body of Christ - look our for each other, encourage one another - consider what that looks like. (Hebrews 3:13)
• Take care of widows and the orphans. (James 1:27) * This is not to be confused for prostitutes, fornicators and adulterers who, without concern for themsleves, others or their children, endlessly bear infants, then stick their fat hands out expecting the government to support them.

What are the idols that keep us from doing what God asks us?

Cars
Television
Music
Movies
Property
Possessions
Relationships
Jobs
Cell phones
Food
Pets
Vacations

Add your own idol to the list. Anything that takes our attention from the heart of God is an idol. Does that mean we're not to enjoy life? On the contrary. If we're attentive to His call, putting Him first, giving back to Him, and following His ways, our joy will be complete. If we suffer for God, we are to count it all joy. Why? Because our reward is not in this world. What comes after is so much better - far beyond our greatest imagining.

If we put our hopes and find our pleasure in the things of this world, do we truly believe the promise of heaven? Ponder what that means. Seek ye first the kingdom of God...

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Will you come to your knees with me today?

Lord God, You are Creator! Your magnificence and power are beyond our ability to even comprehend. It's because You are beyond our imagining, that we get lost in our own stuff, seek the tangible things of this world, forget who You really are, just as the Israelites did long ago. O God be merciful and forgive us! Help us to turn from our wicked foolishness and to fall before Your throne in utter submission and to worship You as You deserve. You alone are God. You alone are worthy. Thank You for Your understanding and love, Your continual forgiveness when we realize the depths of our depravity. We leave our idols and come to you emptied of ourselves, seeking only You. We love You and praise You and thank You for all things and turn to You now. Would new hope spring up for our nation as we trust in You. In Jesus' precious and matchless name, amen.

People keep sending me email diatribes saying pass it on. Okay, here, I'm passing it on, for what it's worth. Look,I don't want to preach to the choir. Most of the people in my email list are people who think like me - they already know Barack Obama is dangerous and plan to vote for John McCain anyway. So if you stumbled onto this blog by mistake, or you came here by choice and plan to vote for Mr. Obama, I urge you to read this and reconsider.

I personally hate negative campaigning but the truth is the truth and it needs to be shared. So please read on, and for the safety of our nation, consider not voting for Barack Obama. The following letter was directed at him as a challenge to his comments. The piece is long, redundant and has way too many ellipses. The grammar could use a lot of help. But hey, I didn't write it, I'm just passing on the information.

The New York Times carried a story on Saturday, October 4, 2008, that proved you had a significantly closer relationship with Bill Ayers than what you previously admitted. While the issue of your relationship is of concern, the greater concern is that you lied to America about it.

The Chicago Sun reported on May 8, 2008, that FBI records showed that you had a significantly closer relationship with Tony Rezko than what you previously admitted. In the interview, you said that you only saw Mr. Rezko a couple of times a year. The FBI files showed that you saw him weekly. While the issue of your relationship is of concern, the greater concern is that you lied to America about it.

Your speech in Philadelphia on March 18, 2008, about 'race' contradicted your statement to Anderson Cooper on March 14 when you said that you never heard Reverend Wright make his negative statements about white America. While your attendance at Trinity Church for 20 years is of concern, the greater concern is that you lied to America on March 14.

In your 1st debate with John McCain, you said that you never said that you would meet with the leaders of Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, and North Korea without 'preparations' at lower levels...Joe Biden repeated your words in his debate with Sarah Palin...while the video tape from your debate last February clearly shows that you answered 'I would' to the question of meeting with those leaders within 12 months without 'any' preconditions. While your judgement about meeting with enemies of the USA without preconditions is of concern, the greater concern is that you lied to America in the debate with McCain.

On July 14, 2008, you said that you always knew that the surge would work while the video tapes of you from more than a year ago show that you stated that the surge would not work. While your judgement about military strategy as a potential commander-in-chief is of concern, the greater concern is that you lied to America on July 14.

You now claim that your reason for voting against funding for the troops was because the bill did not include a time line for withdrawal, while the video tapes of you from more than a year ago show that you voted against additional funding because you wanted our troops to be removed immediately...not in 16 months after the 2008 election as you now claim. While your judgement about removing our troops unilaterally in 2007 is of concern, the greater concern is that you lied to America about your previous position .

You claim to have a record of working with Republicans while the record shows that the only bill that you sponsored with a Republican was with Chuck Lugar...and it failed. The record shows that you vote 97% in concert with the Democrat party and that you have the most liberal voting record in the Senate. You joined Republicans only 13% of the time in your votes and those 13% were only after agreement from the Democrat party. While it is of concern that you fail to include conservatives in your actions and that you are such a liberal, the greater concern is that you distorted the truth.

In the primary debates of last February, 2008, you claimed to have talked with a 'Captain' of a platoon in Afghanistan 'the other day' when in fact you had a discussion in 2003 with a Lieutenant who had just been deployed to Afghanistan. You lied in that debate.

In your debates last spring, you claimed to have been a 'professor of Constitutional law' when in fact you have never been a professor of Constitutional law. In this last debate, you were careful to say that you 'taught a law class' and never mentioned being a 'professor of Constitutional law.' You lied last spring.

You and Joe Biden both claimed that John McCain voted against additional funding for our troops when the actual records show the opposite. You distorted the truth.

You and Joe Biden claim that John McCain voted against funding for alternate energy sources 20 times when the record shows that John McCain specifically voted against funding for bio fuels, especially corn...and he was right...corn is too expensive at producing ethanol, and using corn to make ethanol increased the price of corn from $2 a bushel to $6 a bushel for food. You distorted the truth.

You and Joe Biden claim that John McCain voted like both of you for a tax increase on those making as little as $42,000 per year while the voting record clearly shows that John McCain did not vote as you and Joe Biden. You lied to America.

You and Joe Biden claim that John McCain voted with George W. Bush 90% of the time when you know that Democrats also vote 90% of the time with the President (including Joe Biden) because the vast majority of the votes are procedural. You are one of the few who has not voted 90% of the time with the president because you have been missing from the Senate since the day you got elected. While your absence from your job in the Senate is of concern, the greater concern is that you spin the facts.

You did not take an active role in the rescue plan. You claimed that the Senate did not need you while the real reason that you abstained was because of your close relationships with the executives of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Countrywide, and Acorn...who all helped cause the financial problems of today...and they all made major contributions to your campaign. While your relationship with these executives and your protection of them for your brief 3 years in the Senate (along with Barney Frank, Chuck Schumer, Maxine Waters, and Chris Dodd) is of concern, the greater concern is that you are being deceitful.

You forgot to mention that you personally represented Tony Rezko and Acorn. Tony Rezko, an Arab and close friend to you, was convicted of fraud in Chicago real estate transactions that bilked millions of tax dollars from the Illinois government for renovation projects that you sponsored as a state senator...and Acorn has been convicted of voter fraud, real estate sub prime loan intimidation, and illegal campaign contributions. Tony Rezko has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to your political campaigns. You personally used your political positions to steer money to both Tony Rezko and Acorn and you used Acorn to register thousands of phony voters for Democrats and you. While your relationships with Rezko and Acorn are of concern, the greater concern is that you omitted important facts about your relationships with them to America.

During your campaign, you said: 'typical white person.' 'They cling to their guns and religion.' 'They will say that I am black.' You played the race card. You tried to label any criticism about you as racist. You divide America.

You claim that you will reduce taxes for 95% of America, but you forgot to tell America that those reductions are after you remove the Bush tax reductions. You have requested close to $1 billion in earmarks and several million for Acorn. Your social programs will cost America $1 trillion per year and you claim that a reduction in military spending ($100 billion for Iraq) can pay for it. While your economic plan of adding 30% to the size of our federal government is of concern, the greater concern is that you are deceiving America.

The drain to America's economy by foreign supplied oil is $700 billion per year (5% of GDP) while the war in Iraq is $100 billion (less than 1% of GDP). You voted against any increases to oil exploration for the last 3 years and any expansion of nuclear facilities. Yet today, you say that you have always been for more oil and more nuclear. You are lying to America.

Mr. Obama, you claimed that you 'changed' your mind about public financing for your campaign because of the money spent by Republican PACs in 2004. The truth is that the Democrat PACs in 2004, 2006, and 2008 spent twice as much as the Republican PACs (especially George Soros and MoveOn.org). You are lying to America.

Mr. Obama, you have done nothing to stop the actions of the teachers union and college professors in the USA. They eliminated religion from our history. They teach pro gay agendas and discuss sex with students as young as first grade. They bring their personal politics into the classrooms. They disparage conservatives. They brainwash our children. They are in it for themselves...not America. Are you reluctant to condemn their actions because teachers or professors and the NEA contribute 25% of all money donated to Democrats and none to Republicans? You are deceiving America.

Oh, Mr. Obama, Teddy Roosevelt said about a hundred years ago20that we Americans should first look at the character of our leaders before anything else. Your character looks horrible. While you make good speeches, motivating speeches, your character does not match your rhetoric. You talk the talk, but do not walk the walk.

1. You lied to America. You lied many times. You distorted facts. You parsed your answers like a lawyer.

2. You distorted the record of John McCain in your words and in your advertisements.

3. You had associations with some very bad people for your personal political gains and then lied about those associations.

4. You divide America about race and about class.

Now let me compare your record of lies, distortions, race baiting, and associations to John McCain: War hero. Annapolis graduate with 'Country first.' Operational leadership experience like all 43 previously elected presidents of the USA as a Navy officer for 22 years. 26 years in the Senate. Straight talk. Maverick. 54% of the time participated on bills with Democrats. Never asked for an earmark. The only blemish on his record is his part in the Keating 5 debacle about 25 years ago.

Mr. Obama, at Harvard Law School, you learned that the end does not justify the means. You learned that perjury, false witness, dishonesty, distortion of truth are never tolerated. Yet, your dishonesty is overwhelming. Your dishonesty is tremendously greater than the dishonesty that caused the impeachment and disbarment of Bill Clinton. Your dishonesty is tremendously greater than the dishonesty of Scooter Libby. You should be ashamed.

Mr. Obama, it is time for us Americans to put aside our differences on political issues and vote against you because of your dishonest character. It is time for all of us Americans to put aside our political issues and vote for America first. It is time for America to vote for honesty. Any people who vote for you after understanding that you are dishonest should be ashamed of themselves for making their personal political issues more important than character. Would these same people vote for the anti-Christ if the anti-Christ promised them riches? Would they make a golden calf while Moses was up the mountain? Would they hire someone for a job if that someone lied in an interview? Of course not. So why do some of these people justify their votes for you even though they know you are dishonest? Why do they excuse your dishonesty? Because some of these people are frightened about the future, the economy, and their financial security...and you are preying on their fears with empty promises...and because some (especially our young people) are consumed by your wonderful style and promises for 'change' like the Germans who voted for Adolf Hitler in 1932. The greed/envy by Germans in 1932 kept them from recognizing Hitler for who he was. They loved his style. Greed and envy are keeping many Americans from recognizing you. Your style has camouflaged your dishonesty. But many of us see you for who you really are. We will not stop exposing who you are every day, forever if it is necessary.

Mr. Obama, you are dishonest. Anyone who votes for you is enabling dishonesty.

Mr. Obama, America cannot trust that you will put America first in your decisions about the future.

Mr. Obama, you are not the 'change' that America deserves. We cannot trust you.

Mr. Obama, you are not ready and not fit to be commander-in-chief.

Mr. Obama, John McCain does not have as much money as your campaign to refute all of your false statements. For whatever reasons, the mainstream media will not give adequate coverage or research about your lies, distortions, word parsing, bad associations, race baiting, lack of operational leadership experience, and generally dishonest character. The media is diverting our attention from your relationships and ignoring the fact that you lied about those relationships. The fact that you lied is much more important than the relationships themselves...just like with Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon...Monica Lewinski and Watergate were not nearly as bad as the fact that those men lied about the events...false witness...perjury...your relationships and bad judgements are bad on their own...but your lies are even worse.

Therefore, by copy of this memo, all who read this memo are asked to send it to everyone else in America before it is too late. We need to do the job that the media will not do. We need to expose your dishonesty so that every person in America understands who you really are before election day.

Mr. Obama, in a democracy, we get what we deserve. And God help America if we deserve you.

Michael Master
McLean, Virginia

Feel free to copy and paste this article and pass it on if you so choose.

What Really Matters, Why Should I Care?

I was raised in a liberal republican home. I know that sounds like an oxymoron. It didn't sound right even writing it. This is one of the reasons I hate the whole party issue because no one conforms 100% to what any party stands for anyway. But that was yesterday's blog, I digress.

The fact is, although my mother, a single parent, was liberal in many ways - she wasn't religious, believed everyone has a right to follow their own heart and that homosexuality was just an alternate lifestyle - she was also hard right in many of her views concerning financial, social and ethical issues. She registered, and most of the time, voted Republican.

We all come to our own conclusions based on environment, upbringing and ultimately our own gut feelings about morality. Despite my mother's liberal views and having a close homosexual family friend, I always believed same sex relationships went against nature. After becoming a Christian and learning what the Bible has to say on the subject, that innate value was affirmed.

What do I care if homosexuals want to get married? What do I care whether a person chooses a same sex relationship? What's it to me anyway?

I cannot be a Christian, profess to believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God and look the other way to blatant sin. That applies to adultery, rape, incest, stealing, idol worship and same sex relationships as well as any other sin. Sin is sin. We're all tempted in one way or another and can't justify sin simply by saying it's natural and acceptable. It may be natural to desire sin because we do after all have a sin nature. But that doesn't make committing a sinful act acceptable, no matter what man says.

In the end, the only opinion that matters is the One who created us and the rules to live by. He created those rules for our own protection. Our choosing of sin through the ages has led to the mess our society faces today. The following are a few verses that tells us what God thinks of homosexuality:

Lev. 18:22, "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination."

Lev. 20:13, "If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act; they shall surely be put to death. Their bloodguiltness is upon them"

1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God."

Rom. 1:26-28, "For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, 27 and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. 28 And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

Well, you might say, that's our belief. Who are we to tell others what to believe or what they ought to do or not do? For starters, those who want this lifestyle accepted as mainstream, are forcing it taught in the public schools as a normal lifestyle. Watch this...what they're teaching your children in school.

My deep concern beyond the justification of the immediate sin, is what comes next. A nation doesn't decline overnight. Debauchery is an insidious character chisel that seeps into the morals of society gradually, the way acid corrodes a surface. If we bow to the baser human lusts, what's to stop the eventuality of pedophiles decrying the right to follow their lusts?

To the one who follows the homosexual lifestyle and thinks Christians are unkind and judgmental, I say we are all sinners - all fall short of the glory of God, according to Romans 3:23. All lust after some forbidden territory. The only difference between the homosexual who persists in giving into sin and the rest of us, is the moral or Christian man's decision to obey God and refrain from sin - to admit our sin, confess and repent. Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Do we see death resulting from the sin of homosexuality? Let's just say AIDS isn't killing heterosexuals at the same rate homosexuals are succumbing to this deadly threat.

What's to keep people from doing whatever they please? Why do we make laws? What are our laws based on? At the core of every human being is a longing for decency, the desire to be right with God, to connect with and please our Creator. Despite the lure of sin, the desire for good prevails.

What really matters? That we are all the children of God, He has given us tenets to live by for good reason, because His laws guide us to safety and good health.

Why should I care? Because God cares. And God knows best.

Who Should I Vote For

Political parties make me crazy. What if I don't want to be affiliated with a party? If I don't affiliate myself, I can't vote in the primaries. This seems utterly unfair to me. I think I should have the right to look at ALL candidates equally and decide who I would like to have the opportunity to run for office. Mind you, I could still only vote for one person to run for each office but at least I could have my pick from any ticket.

Parties divide people. They're like cliques. If you're in one you can't be in another. I'm sorry, I just want to be a friend to everyone. Can't we all just get along? No. But I still like to have options. I want to make my own decision about who I think can best do the job up for grabs in this election and that could be an Independent, Democrat or Republican.

Wouldn't it just be better if we could look at all the candidates without any party association and see what they stand for, making our decisions based on compatibility. I think we should put the candidates on an E-Harmony type system. We'll call it P (for political) Harmony. All the candidates would sign up and complete a profile, being utterly and completely honest about what they believe and stand for. In fact, anybody could sign up - every Joe Schmuck in the Universe could run for office. Of course they would have to pass muster - there would be a test that a person would have to take to qualify to be sure they were up to date on current events, foreign policy, expectations, etc. Then we the people could go to the P-Harmony website and put in our profile. The system would match us to the best candidate for our vote.

Now here's the way cool thing. No stinking political ads on TV. No months of poly talk on television, radio and newspapers. No party or candidate bashing. They could even do their debates on YouTube. Each one would have certain questions to answer and they would give their answers on a video feed. In fact, it could be set up so people could post their own questions for the candidates to answer. Everything is done online in a person's own time.

Instead of an election day, there could be an election week. Each person in their own time would investigate the issues and candidates, and then input their own data for the match. At the end of the week, the guy with the most compatibility matches wins.

This system would truly bring out the best person for the job - the individual the majority of the people participating would like to see run our country. People would still have to register to vote but instead of checking in at the voting booth, each person would be assigned a random CG log in code with their name so no one could steal their vote and those with no right to vote couldn't get in.

Don't fret, I have a plan for those who don't own computers! Not to worry. There would public stations set up at various locations open 24 hours where folks could go do their research, log in and participate.

Who would I vote for? McCain/Palin of course. A couple of non-conformists just like me :-)

United in Prayer for Freedom

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A message about God's place in this election. I agree wholeheartedly.

From: ELIZABETH ROHN-NELSON

Being dismayed recently when a family member of mine said to me with great resignation that Obama will take the presidency - these words came from someone who in the past has been a great prayer warrior - "What is happening???" was my question.

Why are we Christians settling and not issuing a battle cry and falling to our knees and taking our country back?

We allow ourselves to be stripped of the right to pray at school functions and in school, we have the 10 commandments removed from government places and are told we cannot pray in school, all the while providing public prayer places for Muslims. What in the world is going on and why are we being apathetic? Why aren't we praying?

Our God is a mighty God who is waiting patiently for us to raise our voices to heaven to stop the tide of the anti-Christ actions in our world today.

Now we find we have a charismatic candidate for president who does not respect our flag and refuses to wear one on his lapel except when it becomes politically expedient and whose own wife and pastor that he loves profess to have strong anti-white feelings, and we sit back and say "it is a given, we can do nothing."

There has never been a time in 2000 years that we can do nothing, never a time that we must sit back and allow the evil in men's and women's hearts to take over our world. We should be very afraid because our apathy is leading us to perdition. It is time for all Christian Americans to raise the battle cry and take our nation back.

Maybe McCain on his own cannot defeat Obama, but our God can and He will if we take to our knees in prayer and raise a mighty cry to the heavens to "Save us O Lord." We have the power to change the course of this election and to keep a man as suspect as Barack Obama from leading our country to who knows where with his message of "change" - a change which I fear will be away from our Christian ideals and away from Christ and further away from one nation under God.

We are great at passing stories and pictures around the internet, but where are our prayers and prayer warriors praying to stop this tide of Barack Obama? God parted the red sea, Jesus raised himself from the dead, and we can bring our country back to its Christian roots and stop the move to the rise of Muslims in our country.

We can stop our country from being "under Allah," but we must begin to pray, to pray as if our country and our lives depended on it, because they do. We can stop all these atrocities against God's commands that have taken root in our country through something as simple as sincere prayer, a call to God to deliver us, to forgive us our sins of apathy and to protect us from the evil that is upon us.Okay prayer warriors, here is your challenge: start those prayer chains. Get the spiritual power working on our behalf and stop Barack Obama the proper way, by calling on our God to save us from the deception that charismatic preaching is using to lead us on the wrong path. Stop those who would take God out of our country and our government. Raise up good men to lead us and protect us.

George Bush is being buffeted because he has fought a holy war against the evils that attack us and we should not be surprised because a prophet is not honored in his own country. But we should not rest on our laurels and allow ourselves to be taken further off the path of Christianity and to have God removed from our presence in our schools, courts, government and businesses.
Invite God into the fray. Ask that His power rest upon us and give us the victory. Ask him to raise up a mighty army to defend us and to protect our country as he did in days of old. Let us be victorious beginning NOW. The battle is His but we must call on Him without ceasing and unite our voices and hearts in prayer and fasting.

Please pass this around to all people of prayer that you know and maybe, just maybe a more eloquent person of prayer will write something better and more inspiring and even the rocks will shout that Jesus is Lord and our Mighty God is with us, bringing the victory for us and ultimately for Him.

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thess. 5:16-18

Continuous Prayer is the answer to this attack on the USA...Please pray the Will of God will prevail through our continuous prayers to HIM...

Remember Prayer Can Move Mountains.

Share this with others for the love and glory of God!

A Letter to the World at Large

Feel free to copy and paste this message to share with your sphere of influence. Or rewrite it as you see fit. Just get the message out!

I'm appealing to every single person whose address is in my email list because our country and our future is in great danger. The reason I'm writing you today is to ask you to think outside the box.

As a former member of the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard, I understand the risks to every person engaged in active, reserve or guard duty. War is unfortunately a part of life on planet earth. We may be civilized in the US and desire world peace, but wishing on stars doesn't change the facts. In the real world, there are a whole lot of people out there who want Americans wiped off the planet. We must not - we cannot - hope to maintain safety in this country without a strong military force and presence in nations that threaten our freedom and safety. Although there were many warnings of impending disaster and many smaller attacks prior, the attack on the New York City on 9/11/2001 was a bold and prophetic statement from the enemy. This is not an enemy that will be appeased or pursuaded by civil conversation. They are ruthless and don't care who dies in the process of their attack on free nations, including themselves.

It's time we all think outside the box. There isn't a political party on earth that can save us. We must look at the facts and the candidates, and ask ourselves, who can best manage the current world drama?

Will a young, inexperienced dreamer be able to handle what our country is facing and lead us with wisdom?

Or are we in better hands with one who has been there, who understands the enemy, and has a lifetime of experience that carries wisdom and discernment for the most difficult decisions our nation faces?

It's time to forget party lines, forget our petty differences and band together in unity for the safety of our country. That's why my confidence is in "the maverick." You may all be sick of hearing that handle, but I'll tell you, from my point of view, John McCain and Sara Palin are a breath of much needed fresh air for this country. We need a man with experience, wisdom, loyalty, love of country - and especially a man who thinks outside the box, outside party lines.

Whatever your political leanings, I beg you to consider carefully as you place your vote this November. It will impact our nation for generations to come. We must choose for the safety of our nation, lest we lose our freedom and walk in fear. Please vote for John McCain.

If you don't agree with me, thanks for taking the time to read my message anyway :-)

If you do agree, why not take a few minutes to compose your own message about why you think McCain is the best man to lead our country out of the mess it's in and send it to everyone in your address book. It only takes a few minutes and some heart. Please speak up for our future.

Thank you for your consideration,
anne hughes
McCain/Palin 2008

Know the Truth

I don't think there's anything quite as important as being informed and knowing the truth. After all, Jesus Himself said the truth shall set you free. So, what's the alternative? Ensnared by the lie.

Barak Obama looks like such a clean-cut gentleman. How could he possibly cause any harm to our great nation? Why, he's young and bright and just what this country needs to get on track, yeah?

Be aware. Things are not always as they appear. Not all that glitters is gold. Not all that looks good, is good.

Out nation is in jeopardy. We must be vigilant and spread the word. There are wolves at the door.

I recently read, and with a minimum of research discovered the source of, an email message titled "Welcome to Camp Obama." This article was based on an editorial at Investor's Business Daily on Michelle Obama's involvement in B.O.'s campaign strategies.

Folks, we're not only looking at who's the right candidate to protect our country from outside invasion, we're looking at choosing the right candidate to protect our nation from within!

McCain/Palin 2008

Let's vote with confidence for principles, not parties. Let's vote for wisdom, strength, loyalty and devotion to these United States. Let's vote to maintain our liberty!

One Minute Each Night

As this email message has been floating around cyberspace for some time now, and as we're facing the coming election and it's not looking good for the home team, I'm posting this prayer and hoping whoever chances upon it will join Christians around the country in praying for God's grace and blessing for our nation. The original message has been edited for my purposes. Since the originator does not identify him/herself, I've taken liberty without permission.

One Minute Each Night

From the looks of the polls, Christians aren't voting Christian values these days. We all need to be on our knees. I know you believe God at His word. YOU are all prayer warriors!

Arm your weapons soldiers of faith! We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land. This verse has been on my heart for some time so when I got the message, it was clear to me God wants to hear from me. I believe He wants to hear from You too...

2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

TO JOIN THIS NATIONWIDE UNIFIED PRAYER EFFORT:

Each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern/8:00 PM Central/7:00 PM Mountain/6:00 PM Pacific, stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace, for wisdom and courage for our leaders, the up-coming election, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land, and for true Christian revival in the U.S.

Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Share the info with others who might want to join us. God Bless You :-)

Don't tell GOD how Big your storm is. Tell the storm how Big your GOD is!

May the Peace of our Lord fill Your heart.

Pigs Don't Know Pigs Stink

The following message was traveling around cyberspace via email. I cleaned it up and set it to a downloadable PDF. Write me and I'll send it if you like. Like many others, I tried to track the source and can't say difinitively who get's the credit for this story.

It's an interesting analogy, even more interesting when you look at the slow decline of America and how it's come about. It's interesting that people always want to blame our problems on the current administration. Yet if we look at history, we can see that nothing happens overnight - there were warnings far in advance of the Great Depression, though nothing was done. There were warnings prior to 911, and nothing was done. What are we going to do now, wait for the gate to close? You decide.

How to Catch Wild Pigs

Find a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs will find it and begin to come every day to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, put a fence down along one side of the place where they come to eat. At first they might be intimidated but in time they get used to the fence and begin to eat the corn again. Then you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up, with a gate in the last side. The pigs, now used to the free corn, will come through the gate to eat. Then you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.

Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.

This is what’s happening in America. The government keeps pushing us toward socialism - sprinking the free corn in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, Medicaid, free prescription drugs, etc.. While we continually lose our freedoms – little by little so we hardly notice like the frog slowly being boiled.

One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch. A politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself. Don’t be buffaloed.

If you see that all of this wonderful government “help” is a problem that flies in the face of democracy in America, you might want to share this information with your friends.
In this critical election year, listen closely to what the candidates are promising you. Who is about to slam the gate on America? “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson

And pigs don’t know pigs stink.

The Revival of America

Are you inundated with email from well meaning friends and family on all manner of polyspeak these days? Me too. It's flat out overwhelming...and annoying.

I thought I shoud sort out my thoughts and write about the current political arena and when I faced the blank page, I found an equally blank mind. Frankly, I'll be glad when this election is over and I don't have to listen to all the campaigne commercials on tv and in my inbox.

But here's what's on my heart. America is definitely in a slump. A slow decline. One side wants to blame the administration - President Bush and all Republicans. The truth is, the "administration" is managed by the democratic majority in the House. So, that begs the question, who's really responsible for the present economy - Republicans or Democrats?

I'm going to pose a third part. Us. Everyone. All parties.

Some people want to hold the banks, mortgage brokers and real estate corporations for the bad economy. They sold cheap, insanely creative loans so anyone could buy a house whether they showed dure responsibility or not.

But we're the ones who bought into the lies ignoring our inability to manage our own portfolio and make wise decisions about interest only loans with devastating consequences.

So let's stop playing the blame game. The banks didn't twist your arm to force you to buy a home you can't afford. The President didn't cause our economy to slide. Some of us made some unwise choices and things are a bit upside down. This is nothing we can't overcome. This is America! We're the greatest nation in the world and we will bounce back!

Most importantly, we need to take a rigorously honest inventory of ourselves and admit where we've been wrong and do whatever we need to get back in the groove. Stop blaming institutions and politicians or whoever else we're blaming and say, "what's my part in this and how can I make it right?"

Next we need to really look at who might best lead our country as we begin to recover from this mess. Stop looking at all the negative rhetoric, splat mail and candidate bashing ads. Let's look at the possibilities and the hope, from a Christian/Biblical perspective.

First, as Christians, we must ask ourselves who will best represent the principles we hold dear. In this blog, I'm not going to take any sides. I want you to think about what those principles are, then look at each candidate, basing your decision on the best match.

Think of it this way, suppose you're out shopping for a new home. You see a home you really love, in a beautiful neighborhood near schools, shopping, and everything you could hope for. The house appears to be sound and well cared for. Everything seems perfect. You're ready to put your money down and then....you learn there's been serious sewage problems in the house, there's an infestation of termites, the foundation is cracked and water is seeping into the basement. Suddenly your dream home has turned into a nightmare. Do you think you still want to buy that house?

Let's look at our values and be sure the house we're moving into isn't infested with termites. Biblically, as Christians, we must inspect the whole house and look for any deterioration or warning signs of impending problems. The person we want to run our country needs to share our family values, protect life, understand the need to care for widows and orphans but also build up an economy that is self-supporting, minimizing the welfare state and maximizing the best options for affordable healthcare.

Social medicine may seem like a wonderful thing to some, but let's take a reality check. The nightmare begins when you or your loved one needs urgent major care where time is of the essence and the social system prevents timely intervention. Conversations with those in countries that utilize social medicine confirm this. People with far more education and insight can speak to this much better than I can:
http://claude.betancourt.us/blog/socialized-medicine-not-the-way-to-go/

All I can say is, I hope every Christian will exercise their God-given right and responsibility to vote this November and that each of you will also take the time to really dig deep into what each candidate stands for and against to make an informed decision. We need a revival of basic Christian tenets in our nation to turn this country back to God.

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/compare-candidates/index.html

http://2008election.procon.org/?gclid=CKn5yO2B6ZUCFSJIagodmjA0eQ

2 Chron 7:13-16 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Father in Heaven, open our eyes, show us the way, speak to our hearts for Your sake and glory. May each of us seek Your will, follow Your leading and vote for the man who will best honor You and turn this nation around for the sake of the gospel. In Jesus' name, amen.

Party Bashing Candidate Lashing

My email inbox is spills over daily with splat. That's what I call polyspeak that trashes the opponent with the intent to somehow win more votes for "their" side.

In my opinion, no one should share their political views but me. And they should never be negative. LOL

Seriously, we all want to share our views and hopefully sway others to our side because, let's face it, I know what I'm talking about. I also have some lovely ocean front property in the Colorado Rockies for sale...

What really cracks me up is that while they're all at each others throats for the nomination, now the party pals kiss and make up for the general elections. It annoys me to no end that all candidates bash each other every which way.

My solution would be to set aside one night before elections where they could all get together and just trash-talk each other to get it out of their systems. It's amazing anybody wins with all the dung droppings that land in our mailboxes. They really ought to outlaw splat commercials.


Vote based on stance, not chance. Don't put your hopes in someone who defies what you believe.