Kudos to James O’ Keefe and Hannah Giles for exposing what lies, unlawful, and treachery lies beneath the covers of ACORN. BUT, will the left media pay much attention to this? Will Obama speak out against this? Apparently, this is “just some smear campaign”. Wow, denial (or secrecy of corruption) is the quite the virtue to many. Does one think that out of this large organization, only these two women were corrupt? Oh please. Take off the blinders. I’m sure not everyone in ACORN is corrupt, but one is too many and I’m pretty sure it didn’t start, stop or will end with these two women. Another say story. Another example of human nature’s fallen nature. All the more reason to cling to the truth of the gospel, lest you fall into the trap.
Tragic proof yet I read an article where they said “alleged sex trafficking” and alleged this and that or “supposedly”. The video speaks for itself.
Except for Glenn Beck, Where’s the news media coverage? Where’s the community outrage? Where’s the accountability? No where. Go figure.
I happen to catch a show of “30 days” late last night (when I should of been sleeping), a reality show by Morgan Spurlock, about a pro-choice woman to took on the challenge of living 30 days at “His Nesting Place“, a faith-based pro-life organization (a great opportunity for ministry or help). Watching the show was interesting, sad, joyous for the life-services provided & frustrating.
There was one part where Mr. Spurlock interviews a couple about the death of their daughter who died from a botched abortion obtained illegally somewhere b/c she was under age. I feel for the grief the parents feel over the loss of their teenage daughter. I really do. I have children and I would be stricken with much grief if they had died while I live. I don’t remember when it was that the daughter died or even when this particular show was recorded. I’m sure if I wanted to search the internet for those details that I’d find it but it’s irrelevant at this point. But the parents were angry that in Indiana, where they lived, had passed a “parental consent law for minors” which states that a minor under 18 needs written permission from at least 1 parent and accompanied to a pre-abortion visit. So these parents were mad at the law and law-makers! Is it really the fault of the government? They admitted to not knowing that their daughter was pregnant. The daughter apparently took matters into her own hands, sought an abortion by someone who was apparently unqualified & she paid the ultimate price. Spurlock just shook his head as in disbelief. I can see & understand the tragedy of this circumstance as it is a sad one. But is there no fault with the teenage girl & the guy that contributed to her pregnancy? Did she do absolutely no wrong? Is it really “ok” that minors should be absolutely free & able to go and have an abortion all by herself without any knowledge or consent by her parents or guardian? How is this even fathomable by any parent or mature adult? My 7th grade son was not allowed to suck on a cough drop at school last year, not even with my consent! Why is it that our kids in schools can’t have an aspirin or tylenol or any kind of medication w/o either a parent’s or physician’s consent? Why do I have to sign a medical release for my child at school if he/she were to have an emergency and needed to go to the hospital? Isn’t it b/c those are important decisions that parents should know and be aware of and contribute their voice to these concerns b/c their children are their responsibility? Are they not? Why is an abortion any different? Why are pro-abortionists trying to hard to make this a “right”? Is it really?? It’s surgery! Is it b/c the girl or boy will be embarrassed or ashamed or scared or guilty that they did something they shouldn’t have? In which they now encounter the resulting risks of their behaviors? It’s like, if you play with fire, you risk getting burned. Like, if you drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you risk a crash, injury to yourself, whoever is in the vehicle with you and anyone else that may be on the road. Or, like, if you do drugs, you risk damage to body/organs/disease. Like, if you decide to steal from a drug dealer, you risk getting killed. Like, if you draw on a cop, you risk getting shot at. and on and on…
And then there was this other part where the pro-choice girl, who works in a “women’s clinic” in which she proudly advertised “offers choices”, who also herself had an abortion b/c she simply wasn’t ready, was asked if she came to the realization that the fetus is really a baby and that people are choosing to abortion the baby, hence therefore killing them, then surely she would change her mind about the validity of “choice”. I was so sad to hear her say that even if she for some reason should change her thinking that a fetus was a living baby being aborted that she wouldn’t think or believe or feel any different than she has been, which is it is still ok to abort a baby if a woman should so choose. how awful. It was awful for me to watch her act excited as she greeted & held some of the babies at the ” His Nesting Place”. I wanted to say to her, “those are the very babies that you say is ‘ok’ to abort!”
Part of the challenge was that she had also experience the ways in which pro-lifers approach or minister to their cause. Mind you not all pro-life organizations function the same. One cause of which was outside the famous chinese theater in L.A., where demonstraters were displaying pictures of aborted babies. She was offended and didn’t like what the protesters were doing, calling them provacative & the beloved liberal title of “fear-mongering”. I know those images are disturbing and grotesque & confrontational, but why? Why is it that pro-choicers don’t like people to see them? She said it was inaccurate. So you’re telling me all the physicians that declare that it a fetus is in essence a baby, and when it’s aborted, that abortion is killing a life and the descriptions of the way the baby, ‘er I mean “fetus” is sliced and diced and sucked out is all a hoax? A lie? A conspiracy to scare people? And none of the pictures available that show tiny limbs and heads in pieces from an unborn baby being aborted is all made up? What exactly is inaccurate about the pictures? Babies are aborted anywhere from the first to 2nd trimesters and even 3rd in some states. or is it you just want to deny that it’s real for the sake of your own pride and selfishness?
Forgive me for not feeling sorry for someone who chooses a selfish way out to avoid either shame or responsibility. But I still need to pray for them. Some may think I’m being disrespectful & callous here by talking about a dead girl and her grieving family. there’s bigger issues here. Bigger than the girl and bigger than her death and her family’s grief. LIFE. Responsibility. Intergrity. GOOD “CHOICES”. RIGHT “CHOICES”.
I”m pro-choice living in a pro-life world too. I’m just pro-choice for the baby first. take responsibility. Give birth. The other choices doesn’t “usually” involve killing anyone. The choice for abortion always does.
…is not guaranteed protection from hardships, trials, & pains in this life. In fact, we are warned about it, that it WILL come, and when it does, to ENDURE. 1Pe 1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
1Pe 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
As my husband reminded me in his sermon this morning, if Jesus was not spared from trials yet persecuted even, then why should we be surprised that we should encounter sufferings? If the apostles & those of faith of old were not spared suffering, then why should we expect differently? Who are we? If we are God’s chosen, we should embrace whatever trials may come our way, especially those choices in which we have chosen poorly or outright wrongly.
Jas 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
Jas 1:3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Jas 1:4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Even in this command, there’s a difficult struggle. But, endure. Seek Him. Lean on His understanding, His strength, His joy, His power.
As human nature, a mortal sinful state, and as followers of Christ, of Whom the darkness is contentious & at enmity towards, we WILL be persecuted, ridiculed, criticized, scrutinized. So do we cowar and remain quiet? May it never be! (Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,)
1Pe 1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
1Pe 1:7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
I dare say that all have encountered trials in many ways than one, believer and non alike. But to those who believe, oh the blessed assurance! This life is tainted. Seek God in it. Deal with it. and praise Him still! This time is passing. A new day is coming… HALLELUJAH!
For those who oppose torture & are pro-choice, I ask you, how can you declare equality & justice for terrorists & lawbreakers (especially repeat offenders), & luxurious amenities in jails (like cable tv, workout gyms, etc) yet you are ok with the slaughter of innocent human babies who have committed no wrong, though you would sentence them to a brutal death by the means of “legal abortion”? As early as at 10 wks, all the baby’s organs have already formed & they are conscience & aware of their surroundings & although a hot debate among some medical professionals other medical evidence shows that feel the pain of being aborted. This is what a baby looks like at 10 weeks. Many pro-abortion sources I’ve read tout that most abortions happen at 10 weeks and under, like this is a great compromise. Even at a few weeks earlier, 7 weeks shows that the fetus is not just a ‘clump of cells’ as many want to claim to detach themselves from responsibilty in killing a human baby. The baby is already taking form, having also formed the bodily organs.
So I pose this question, why is it so inhumane to torture a criminal/terrorists and the like, but totally within alledged bounds of ‘rights’ when cutting up a baby in the safety of it’s habitat, namely the womb of the woman? How cruel & unusual is the punishment upon the unborn baby that it should be subject to being chopped up then suctioned out, then thrown in the trash like left over roadkill. This is just sick & twisted.
I was questioned in one of my other older posts about the correctness of my using a picture of an aborted baby when it actually wasn’t an aborted baby but a stillborn. The man also then admitted that though that particular picture wasn’t of an aborted baby of that size, actual abortions of babies that size ARE being aborted. There are plenty of other photos or even videos on the net to prove such. Although, you don’t need the actual aborted picture to tell you so. You just look up abortions & when they occur & look up fetal development & what they look like BEFORE they are aborted. Then imagine what they look like after they get aborted using the procedures available today. This act is just sick, twisted & sadistic. Simply Horrific.
“peace if possible, truth at all costs.” -MartinLuther
The unfortunate double standard used by democrats is shameful. They will constantly use this against the conservatives. I will admit there are probably some in the conservative group who are prejudice but doesn’t mean ALL are. That is just a lie they want you to believe.
Now that the republicans face a nomination, in which they may largely disagree on, they are in no win situations. If they speak out against her, of course they will unfortunately be branded racist or prejudice in some form or fashion. If they let this fight go, they will in some ways be compromising their core values and consciences. I say let the fight be fair & balance. Let the process go on & Sotomayor be scrutinized & grilled like Pres. Bush’s nominees were. Why should she be spared the ridiculous “test” that the others have endured? I don’t think she’s necessarily racist by her controversial comment about a latina making better judgements than a white man but it definitely represents some already preconceived dispositions she has on her leanings & how she will judge. Judges are supposed to be objective & nonpartisan. Is this the “bridging the divide” Obama was touting?
Newest gallup poll in May 2009 shows an increase of pro-lifers in America @ 51% of Americans calling themselves “pro-life” on the issue of abortion and 42% “pro-choice. I just wonder if these same people who consider themselves pro-life also deem it so important that they vote accordingly? Or is it one of those, “well, “I” personally believe it’s wrong but who am I to say it’s wrong for someone else” type thing, which I think is utterly cowardly. In this case of life, it’s either wrong or it isn’t. Which is it? Why can this be wrong for one and not another?
It’s such a sad day when a people or country will say that it is more important to save a species of plants (trees, flowers, etc), animals, insects even, but not a human life. It was troubling humorous when I was searching about some insect I sometimes found crawling in our bathroom when we lived in upstate NY. I searched the internet to find out what it was & if it was harmful in anyway. There were people who were pleading for others not to kill the million-legged creepy crawler! I mean, c’mon! I smashed that thing everytime I found one & the thing’s legs would still wiggle for a while after being chopped & smashed. I bet some, if not all those people were also pro-choice.
I also find it ironic that many who are involved in helping the poor of third world countries value those struggling lives of the people over there, including children & babies, when those are the very babies that democratic leaders & those of the left mindset find abortion worthy or necessary to curb this dilemma. While I don’t condone the sexual ignorance, irresponsible practices of those who abuse sexual pleasures that in turn can create hardships for themselves & others, life is life once conceived, & therefore inherently valuable. right?
Ok, so aside from my mistakenly bad judgement of spraying our yards with weed killer at night when I couldn’t see well, other parts of our backyard is looking a bit like we’ve been warped into Oz where we would NOT be frollicking on the yellow brick road, er… I mean yellow patches of dead grass, from “the dog”.
I’m trying to train our 3 month old pup to ‘eliminate’ in one corner area of the backyard. We’ve only had him for a month now & I’ve been working hard in housebreaking him, potty training, and obedience training. I’ve been reading online. I even found a dog-training VHS tape last week at Goodwill, which I haven’t watched yet. Y’know, I’m tired of training this dog. We’re tired. My husby is sick of seeing his grass dug and dirt patches with holes in them. Poor guy spread weed killers, fertilizer, & grass seeds a couple weeks ago. He’s been trying hard to get those dead patches to grow only to find the dog is digging the dirt. (Sorry honey!)
The kids love Buster, afore mentioned pup. Husby & I tease & prod about getting rid of him to see what they do or say. needless to say, they’d be heartbroken. Oh, the anguish of decisions! I have to own up to the fact that I somewhat pressured husby into getting a dog for the kids since they’ve been desperately pleading for 1 for the last 2 years. For Cody, it’s been longer. It’s just the constant “where’s the dog? what’s he doing? NO! drop it buster! Come buster! go potty buster. is his butt clean?” Y’know? And we’re a bit more picky than the average person about the state of our floors, mainly carpet. I mean, we don’t allow shoes on the carpet! C’mon. So you know we be wiping the pup’s paws every time he comes in from outside. EVERY TIME! And when it rains…ugh, f’get about it! He’s out for a while. My husby is dreading winter already, and not b/c of the snow either.
I know, some of you out there may be thinking, “why’d you even get a dog?” I told you- the kids, & me pressuring my husby to get it for the kids. I thought it’ll be worth the work but only if my husby was going to put forth effort to help me b/c I didn’t want to do it all myself. no way. After long begging weeks, he caved. I feel bad that I might have pressured him too much. It helped that he’s such a softy to our 4 yr. old who had begged & inquired insistently.
For those of you who take joy in celebrating mother’s day, may I encourage you to appreciate your mother/sister/gramma on an ongoing basis? Should our appreciation for our moms shine one day a year? We should intentionally acknowledge this day, this occasion more than once a year. Let her know how much you love her.
Just some pointers for husbands, from a woman’s (me) point of view:
Tell her how beautiful she is. Present her flowers at random moments, even if it’s one rose. There doesn’t have to be a “special occasion” to give flowers. You give them b/c you are thinking of her, you love her, you care for her. Offer to do the laundry once in a while. Offer to take the kids out and give her some ‘alone time’. Play intently with the children, enjoying their youth while you can, since all parents know so well how fast children grow. Make the bed without her asking. Plan a special dinner or night out for just the 2 of you. Remember how you used to glare or steal glimpses if her whenever you could? Remember when you’d call just to say “i love you” or just to hear her voice? Remember when you cared what you looked like to impress her? Be spontaneous! Lead the way in romance. Sweep her off her feet, again, and again, and again. Don’t let the fire die. You will be rewarded in how you treat her. Especially as a Christian, this analogy may work: Just as you should pursue your relationship with Christ, enduring til the very end, with faith & JOY, so also would you pursue your wife who longs for you to cherish her as a treasure & handle her as gently as a rose?
It’s NOT so much the QUANTITY, IT’S THE QUALITY of time she receives or that’s given & cherished. It’s the quality time spent with the children. It’s the quality of time spent in remote places, family vacations. Turn off your phone(s). Turn off the computer, the tv. Don’t think about work, or emails, or chores. Look at her with sincere interest when you are sharing a conversation. Take a walk. Talk. (*NOTE: this is not an exhaustive list. BE CREATIVE!) REMEMBER- QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY.
We recently had the priviledge to attend a dedication of a new plane that MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) http://www.maf.org/, a local training hub for missionaries old, new & to be. They train families in vast & various ways for their venture into areas of the country they will soon discover is alien to them. There are have been many heroic & sacrificial missionaries in the past who have loved & shared the gospel in ways I cannot fathom.
Here is a picture in front of what was left of a plane that one such missionary, appropriately named Nate Saint, used in his travels to far remote parts of the world to reach the unreachable. Nate Saint ultimately sacrificed his life for God in sharing the gospel, having lost his mortal life but gaining an ever more glorious life eternally with our LORD. Praise God for that promise given to those who loves & trusts in Him.
Our church supports a couple missionaries at this time & we so appreciate them for their devotion to their calling. How often do we Christians in America step out of our comfort zone and risk ridicule, anxiety, embarrassment (according to worldly standards anyway), discomfort to share to WORD that will save the lost? I often challenge myself to this question. Have you shared the joy that is within you, today?
There is great innocence and wisdom that can be learned from the minds of children. I was just thinking of the joys and freedoms of childhood, if you’ve been blessed with a good, normal one, that is. (Which can be relative, I know)
Tonight, I was reminded of treasuring the simple joys of life, you know, the little things that count more sometimes than some big, fancy something else. (You can fill in the blank.) Like my son, Cody, who is a handicap 15 year old (I can’t believe he’s 15!). As I finished folding my like 5 loads of laundry (seriously) tonight and brought Cody’s pile of underwear to his room, my heart was humbled that my son gets excited when he has clean underwear. I’d have to do laundry everyday if I were to keep up with the amounts we have, as I’m sure many can relate. I don’t mind loading and drying but for some reason, folding & the putting away of becomes a begruding chore for me. I know I need to work through that. But as my son yearned for clean underwear, I had to wash the whites to fulfill his request, rightfully so. But also realizing the gift of such conveniences as running water & being able to wash clothes whenever I want and in a half hour or so, bam, clean clothes. wow. Then throw them in a dryer. giving thanks for that too.
Then today, on a Monday, on which is my husband’s usual day off, we decided to go to Target to ‘treat’ our girls. What is the treat you wonder? A hot dog & Icee for $2. Simple. I kind of grudgingly agreed since my husband already told the girls we would, to their excitement of course.
I often echo (to my husband’s irritation, I’m sure) how these kinds of things aren’t really treats (fast food, candy) as they are actually bad for our bodies. So, it’s ironic that we use this as an incentive sometimes and label them as “treats”. The reason we eat these “treats” sparingly or in moderation is b/c they are not very good for us. Maybe if we used veggies as incentive ‘treats’, our children will learn & grow to appreciate & look forward to them too. “hey guys, if you listen really well today, you can have carrots w/ranch dip! how’s that sound? yeah!” No? Don’t think it’ll work? Hm… You’re right. I’ve already tried. My kids just looked at me like I’m a fool.
Mark 10:15 “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
There is value in the innocence of child-like mindedness. I often meditate on emulating the way my children just enjoy being outside; the excitement in going for a walk around the neighborhood or to the park; being read to; being with friends… I’m sure the list can go on for miles. I try to enjoy my children everyday. I love to just sit and watch them. I love to watch when my 2.5 yr old talks. She’s so animated that I just gleam with joyful fun watching & listening to her & the things she says. She can be so hilarious & I love to laugh. She definitely keeps me laughing. And she’s quite a stinker.
I need to count my blessings more often. May you know your blessings each day. Just my thoughts for the day. Thanks for reading.
Our recent family trip to Reno, NV to see Rick’s family. It was a looong drive. An hour into it, the infamous question already arises…” are we there yet?” oh boy, chips ahoy! “no, honey, we’re not there yet.” another hour…”are we there yet?” “no honey, not yet.” after a few hours, they took a nap. when they woke up… “are we there yet?” “no honey but we’re getting closer.” and one it went, just about every of the 6-7 hours it took to “get there”. the drive was a bit boring so I dreaded driving it back but it ended being a nice visit. We ate losts of good food. Of course, while we were there, we had to visit a couple of the casino buffets & sushi. yum! we had some fun @ Boomtown, one of the casinos that had a fun center for the kids.
isn’t that a sweet pic?mom had to get in on some of this action! it brings you way up, then bobs you up & down til you get back down. then repeat. we got to on multiple times on account that there were hardly anyone there and no lines!! woo hoo!
now this was a ferris wheel, in the like of a old wagon carriage. so cool. on this ride, lexi didn’t know what was going to hit her. she raised her hands before the ride moved. she didn’t make it. i asked the guy to bring her down after the first couple bobbings considering she freaked out. poor baby.
does it seem as if lexi’s hanging on for dear life? probably b/c she thought she was, even though mommy was holding on to her. see my arm there to the right?
kira’s got monster muscles. she carried the ball all by herself.
daddy’s got skills. here’s the strike sign to prove it.
it was fun.
here’s gramma Burchett’s dog-max. yea, max- the dog.
he may not admit it, but i think this was rick’s favorite part of the whole trip. he even wanted a picture with the sign & here’s proof!
I know this a little late but I had it drafted during the elections but just forgot about it but still wanted to post anyway b/c this problem didn’t stop just b/c this election is over.
Why were black conservatives who voted for McCain being ostracized for their conservative beliefs? People want to claim that only white people are racists or prejudice. I’m not even white. There are people among their own races are prejudice against another just because they believe or think differently. There’s a difference between not liking a person’s idea or philosophy but to hate them or threat or accuse them of being traitors, isn’t that just the very thing black people are supposedly fighting against? I’m not prejudice or anything but black people think they have the right to live by this double standard where they can call other people of any race, names or stereotypes and it be ok, but all hell breaks lose if it’s the other way around?! Why can a black person joke about and say the “voodoo” words or labels and it be funny but if other races do it, the ACLU is quick on their tail.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxhYampIl7A&feature=related Here’s a guy expressing his conservative views and you can read some of the negative comments he received as a result. Why isn’t he “black enough” just because he shares conservative views? Ridiculous.
I watched a segment on DL Hugley’s show where he was interviewing Michael Steele and saying how the republican party is just a bunch of white old folk. Hello? Do you not see just as much white old folk in the democratic party? At least Mr. Steele was quick to point that out leaving DL staring into space.
I looked on the blogosphere to check this kind of prejudice and saw the hate comments directed towards anyone black that was voting for McCain, especially that radio show host that stood up at one of McCain’s rallies. It really angers me to see this stuff. What a shame that he would have to endure that kind of treatment just because he’s black & he’s conservative.
Ok, was it just me or did anyone else notice the plethora of pens that Obama used to sign the spending bill?? I mean really, how many pens does a guy need to sign those documents? Are there special powers to each pen? Are they all different colors? Did one not have enough ink? Were they like new cars, went out of style and dropped dramatically in value as soon as it left the lot, or in this instance, it’s place in the pen case?
They were likely overpriced pens, like $500-$1000 or something, like every other overpriced government buys. I wonder if the government buys anything “made in china” for it’s quality and top dollar pricing or maybe it’s all from China with a deal under the table in exchange for more power over America? Has our government been bought out?
I found it so hilarious that Obama signed that bill with all those pens. I searched the web a little about this and saw others say it was 10 pens. I didn’t count when I saw it nor do I want to see that sad day again either. But this was good for a laugh! hahahahahahahaha LOLOLOLOLOL
I have enjoyed Ashley Judds’ performances on film but sadly, her recent confrontation of Sarah Palin has tainted my image of her sweet face. Are you kidding me?? Is she serious?? She’s going on about how “cruel and senseless” (“It’s time to stop Sarah Palin and stop this senseless savagery,” said Judd in a new Internet video for the group Defenders of Wildlife, http://www.wsbtv.com/atthemovies/18646684/detail.html#- ) these killings of wolves are yet she is a staunch pro-abortionists!! IS ABORTION OF A HUMAN BABY FOR ANY REASON, SELFISH, “CRUEL AND SENSELESS”??!! IF there ever was a cause you should support and lash out for is LIFE… LIFE OF A HUMAN, NEVER MIND THE STUPID WOLVES!! Ashley Judd, if you by some strange chance should be reading this, or if you are her fan, I emplore you to reconsider your ideas of “cruel and senseless”. Live babies have been thrown out like garbage! http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1137486/Newborn-baby-thrown-trash-ALIVE-botched-abortion.html LIVE BABIES!! HUMAN BABIES!! What makes these pro-abortion people so passionate to save nature and animals that they would lack the common sense that the life of a human baby should warrant more fight and energy than they put into these “causes”. On CNN, ” Actress Ashley Judd says a wolf management program backed by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is “incredibly savage … it’s not right, it’s not appropriate, it makes no sense on any level.”
ARE YOU FOR REAL?? This is just simply DISGUSTING!! Makes no sense, on any level?? Does slaughtering a baby make any sense?? On any level?? Is this not “cruel and senseless, inappropriate, unethical, and unrighteous”??
This only one of the many millions of human babies that have been slaughtered to their deaths, all because people want to think it’s protecting a “women’s right”. yeah, a women’s right to murder.
I tried to simplify the scope and depths of what was going on to my children. Later in the evening, as I sat on my bed last night playing with my girls and watching the unfolding of the votes and then the declaration that Obama won the presidency, my stomach empty, my heart heavy, my head ached. Then to my shock, my tears started to flow, uncontrollably.
Although I have been in the U.S. for 29 years (legally, that is), I hadn’t completed citizenship until 2 years ago so I had never voted before yesterday. I have never even really been involved in politics until a few years ago, mainly because my husband is into it and his perspective and knowledge can be pretty impressive (most times).
So anyway, here I am, my tears are rolling down my face, trying to hide the disappointment of the Obama win to my girls, to which my 4 year old asks why I’m crying and my 2 year old asks if I’m sad. “I’m ok”, I said. The tears came because as I watched my girls playing and laughing, my heart was troubled and saddened at all the silenced voices of laughter and playing as a result of abortion. I was troubled to know that our world is calus when it comes to killing innocent unborn babies. To think that my girls, life of whom I obviously love and cherish so much, in their beginning stages (in the womb) has been a cause for which some have declared their right to decide whether one should live or die, according to one’s “situation” or “choice”. Pro-choice is indeed NOT pro-choice. Pro-choice is in essence, -PRO-ABORTION, which abortions translated means:
According to wikipedia.com: “An abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus from the uterus, resulting in or caused by its death. An abortion can occur spontaneously due to complications during pregnancy or can be induced. Abortion as a term most commonly refers to the induced abortion of a human pregnancy, “
Ok, so I’m apparently one of the strange few (adults) that actually enjoy snow. It’s been cold here in Idaho. I’m freezing here in my office too. For some reason, the 2 front rooms in the upstairs of the house, doesn’t get well circulated air (not good). So, in the summer, it’s smoltering. In the winter? You guessed it. It’s cold. My feet are freezing (and I have socks on). My fingers get numb from being so cold (and I have 2 long sleeve shirts on).
So, anyway, I say, if it’s gonna be cold, it might as well snow so we have something to do with this coldness. Me and the kids enjoy it. Rick, not so much. He tries. (not very hard though)
As Christmas was approaching last month, I asked a friend about snow and whether he thought we’d have a white Christmas. I was told that statistically, Nampa gets a white Christmas about 1 in 7 yrs. So I then asked, “did you have a white Christmas last year?” His response, “yeah”. So, then I said, “so…I gotta wait another 7 yrs!” Well, our first Christmas here, it turns out, I got my white Christmas after all! I wouldn’t say I was “dreaming of a white Christmas”, but I was excited at the beautiful site! Thank you Lord!
Apparently I heard we had record early snowfall for this area. No problem for me. (so sorry for those who dread it.) After the 1st snowfall, Kira begged me to build her a snowman but I didn’t get to it until after Christmas when it was starting to melt. So, Me and Kira had fun making “our snow family” (minus the details- eyes, buttons, nose, etc), that is, one to represent each member of our family, b/c Kira wouldn’t have it any other way. Well, of course I did most of the work! … while she joyfully ran back and forth in the snow and slush. happy day!
But now it’s been cold for weeks and no snow. Argg!
Ok, well, it’s not so new but new to us. Yes, folks, finally, after 3 years of anticipation, my husband bought us a van! THANKS HONEY! … But wait, it needs a new windshield… and oh, don’t roll the windows more than a couple inches or it will get stuck…and oh you can’t use the right sliding door…and oh…and oh… OH boy!
It’s our 2nd vehicle. We’ve shared a sedan for the last few years while we lived in upstate NY that we inherited from Rick’s grandparents whom passed away in our first years of marriage. I’m thankful for the car. It’s served us well. Granted we didn’t “need” a car while we were in NY b/c Rick worked so close to home at the time (a mile) but sometimes it was a hassle to have to schedule things around each other’s tasks. We’ve had it now for a few weeks? Something like that. But after some fixings, I now get to drive it! Woo HOO!! The kids have been so anxious to ride in it. Lexi’s, our youngest girl, has been asking her dad, “is this daddy’s car?” and “can we share this car daddy”? Kira, our middle daughter, is fascinated with opening and closing the sliding door. The got to play in it for the 1st time today while I cleaned the garage a little and boy, you’d think we were at some wild park the way they climbed up, on and over the seats, trying on every seat belt. And oh boy, when I left the back hatch open…whooooa…watch out! here come 2 screaming monkeys attacking the back of the van. You’d think I was selling a pound of triple deluxe chocolate fudge banana split, ice cream with sprinkles, whip cream and a couple cherries on top! or something like that. Cody, our 15 yr. old missed it this time b/c of that thing called school. But I’m sure there will be more moments like that. These girls are a riot. Maybe you had to be there? Anyway, it was fun. Thanks honey, for buying the van that gave us the opportunity for fun times!
Every year the holidays come and go. I, for one, don’t let go so fast. I have always loved Christmas and all it represents, though as a child, I didn’t know all it represented but I knew I was missing something. When I became a christian, it became all the more clearer why I loved Christmas…Christ. The love and grace that exudes from God and the sacrifice of Christ can never be contained. In our bedtime devotion with the kids tonight, the kids are trying to grasp why God made them…which is to glorify Himself. He made us to love Him.
So, here it is, January 21st, and half of our Christmas decorations are still up. Our articfial tree (which I hesitatingly agreed to buy before Christmas) is still up with all it’s beautiful decorations and lights. It keeps our front room nicely lit. It makes a nice night light too. I still have a few strings of lighted garland up too. They create a great ambience. I delay in bringing them all down. I kinda get the bummed that the “spirit of Christmas” lasts but a month. Maybe 2 (thanksgiving preparations usually extend the holiday spirit a little more). But why? Even if you’re not a believer, surely the “spirit of giving” and the “goodwill toward men” and the “joy to the world” does not end December 26th? But surely, as a Christian, this certainly isn’t true. Now, don’t be a wise guy, I don’t mean we should give gifts and celebrate everyday with gift-giving like we do at Christmas b/c that’s not what Christmas is about. For most, it’s about “love, family, friends”, being with those you care for, fun, etc… and all those things are good. But the ultimate gift, isn’t it, the gift of life from our Creator, and the gift that will keep on giving… the gift of salvation through the blood of Christ, in whom we can live for all eternity?!! Like, whoa. I, too, need to grasp that reality more and more each Christmas. As much as I enjoy the decorating, the meals with friends, creating family memories, singing carols, etc, I hope to echo the gospel that gives us the REAL hope and REAL change that we can Really all believe in, that Christ came to save sinners like us and through Him, there will one day be a day where the celebration will be everlasting…Praise God. Hallelujah and Amen.
Or is it p. diddy? or peanut butter? Or…more like a identity crisis? So, now Puffy wants in on the political spotlight. I saw him on Larry King show briefly, looking like a preppy boy, acting like he knows something. Has anyone seen clips from his youtube home videos before the election? What a freak show those were. The guy was just silly, not in a good or even funny way. Mr. Sean Combs, stick to what you do better, your music and fashion.
I know this is a little late but I just had to release this thought that’s been going through my head ever since the election and I just never wrote about it but I’ll keep it short. Basically, I think, even if you didn’t vote for Obama, adversely any vote for anyone other than McCain or not voting at all, was ultimately a vote for Obama. McCain was the only viable candidate against Obama and all votes counted big time for McCain.
Now I’m not trying to bash anyone, especially christians who voted according to their own consciences but I hope any christian who did vote for Obama doesn’t regret it.
hi, you don’t know me yet but i want to say ‘hello’. i haven’t been born yet but i’d like to ask you to give me a chance. give me a chance to smile at you and to see you smile back. give me a chance to take my first breath in the world without threat to my life. even if i’m born with a defect, will you still love me? will i still be worthy of your love, grampa, gramma? will you tell my mom to love me enough to give me the right to live? you can get a glimpse of me through an ultrasound. it’ll be pretty tight in mommy’s tummy until i come out but i’ll be nice and warm. please don’t let anyone hurt me? please give me a chance to show you how i can grow to make a difference in the world. i heard about your presidential victory. congratulations. will you use your authority to protect me or allow my mom and others like her the option to get rid of me because i might be too much to care for? don’t you care about me? why did you let my momma have to choice of keeping me alive or not? my heart is beating. i’m kicking because it’s getting crowded in here. i want to come out and see the world. i want to meet my momma and dadda. why do you think i’m a “punishment”? i didn’t do anything wrong? i’m sorry my momma made a mistake. i wish i could have helped her through it. but if you give me a chance, i can then give the same chance to someone else in need. i don’t want to be a burden. i just want to be loved. will you love me? did your mamma love you? if your mamma thought you weren’t worthy of being born, the world would have not known the historic moment of the day you were elected first african american (bi-racial) president of the united states. i bet that was a great day for you. i would love to be able to appreciate that day. will you tell me the story of my great gramma and great-great gramma? will you tell me of the story of that historic day when you became 44th president? but grampa, gramma obama, i won’t know those stories and neither will my “potential” future friends, if you don’t protect before we are able to protect ourselves. if we don’t live up to your expectation, then you can put us to rest. what is that you say? that wouldn’t be right? what wouldn’t be right? to kill us after we’ve been born? why not? what difference does it make when we were born, we were alive in my momma’s stomach and human in everyway, either way. PLEASE gramma, help me. PLEASE grammpa, don’t let me die unknown. don’t let the future of my generation die unknown. PLEASE give me a chance. PLEASE give us a chance. have mercy on us. It’s what God would of wanted.
What happened to American Patriotism and the gratitude of freedom, which is not really ‘free’ indeed. This freedom we have come to know and feed on has been at a great cost, of American lives & much sacrifice, that is.
I’m not a native born American. My family came here from Asia, legally. We went through the necessary procedures to live here legally, of which I know were hard. My father, like so many others, escaped to America because of it’s freedoms and the persecutions of foreign dictators. I’m so sick of hearing the ungrates of this country; domestic bombers, protesters of war and military, etc. Americans have become so spoiled they don’t even know how good they have, lest freedom should be stripped from them. What happened to individual responsibility? What happened to individual accountability? The feeling around this country echoes a lot of selfishness, all about “what are you going to do for me… what are you going to give me… you owe me, Mr. Government”? Is this world really all about me, me, me?
We are not rich. We are probably considered lower-middle class. Of course it would be nice to get a check. Who doesn’t like to get free money? But is it owed to us? Did you work hard for it or are you wanting a handout? If you want to look at it from a religious standpoint, biblical Proverbs tells us that if you’re too lazy to work, then you don’t eat. But even still, we should desire to do good to those among us in need. I stress need because not all that benefit from the charity of others are in need but rather greed and that is deceitful and wrong. To be straightforward here, the reality of world peace is an impossibility, although it is something to constantly strive for. The human race is not perfect, nor will ever be, until the day of Christ’s return, where and when He will usher His people home. Considering the reality of imperfect human beings, we will never be able to fully satisfy the world and all it’s differences. We can and still should, however strive to do our best to love our neighbor but stand for truth and justice. It’s a difficult balance that requires much heart.
Let me give you a little background, if I may. In my junior year in high school, I made a mistake. The mistake was having premarital sex. Well, as a result (or consequence of doing something I shouldn’t have been doing), I got pregnant. But as a 16 yr old (non-christian at the time), abortion was NOT an option. I fit the mold of most stats that say I would end up where I was, a non-married pregnant high school teen that was likely the result of my childhood voids-2 parents household, absent father, negligent mother, lived in the big city, growing up without a family role model. But I would not say the baby that I then carried in my belly was a “punishment”. The baby that was conceived had no say, no choice and according to your political stance, still has no value unless the women (in this case, me at the time) deems it worthy to live. Though my action was irresponsible and immature at the time, pregnancy was a risk of my decision, like many risks we take in life. The results of the many choices (some good, some bad) have an after effect (sometimes good, sometimes bad). Each decision, usually causes a stream of after effects, situation that we face with then having to face another decision and yet anther decision, and on the circle goes. Sometimes there are right decisions, sometimes there are wrong decisions, sometimes the decision is truly in the hand of the beholder (like whether I should buy fat free milk or whole). In the case of abortion, there is no gray area. The thing in the womb is still a life- a human, a baby, no matter what “scientists or doctors or professionals want to label it (ie. fetus, blob…) When you look at the result of the procedure, how can you deny that life was taken away and justify it taking place in our society? The day my family found out i was pregnant, they cried “abortion!”. They said “it” would ruin my life. They said I won’t be able to finish school… I won’t be able to go to college. I won’t be able to do this…do that… The father of the baby and I initially decided to give the baby up for adoption but when labor day came, my mother’s love and instincts couldn’t let him go. I eventually gave birth to a down syndrome baby boy in the beginning of my senior year and thankful for him. I’m also a minority which also fits into the stats. Well, I graduated high school early that year and worked for a few months at McD’s until my graduation ceremony. Then I went off to college and continued through 4 yrs of college. Although it was going to be a tough road ahead, it was just a matter of making the right choice of giving birth to the baby and doing what needed to be done. I couldn’t even fathom murdering my baby b/c society says it’s ok if you’re not ready or that you can’t be responisble enough to take care of someone else. Now, as an adult and a Christian, I truly understand the value of life, where and when it begins and ends.
I don’t claim to have done it all on my own. It was a collective effort of friends, family (the same ones that wanted me to abort, but eventually became supportive after I deemed the child worthy of birth), the government and ultimately God. Help is out there! I’m sure both political parties have some claims in the governmental help I received and I can only express gratitude for it. I think the government is plenty generous as it is. As grateful as I am, I think there needs to boundaries and limit to how much help the government should extend as too much can only lead to complacency (a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.-www.Dictionary.com), laziness & an entitlement attitude. I did not feel ‘entitled’ but so grateful that the help was there but also I also felt that it was only a temporary season until after college when I can begin a career and be self sufficient from government assistance. In no way was it a permanent way of life for me, which unfortunately for some, it is. It’s different if one is in need for physical or extremely mental incapabilities but not for those who just feed off govt. assistance b/c of laziness or deceitfulness. For some the help is necessary, for too many, the help is taken advantage of and that’s the crime. The RIGHT TO LIFE is really valuing the people you claim to value, because at the core of this issue is valuing the life of people at their earliest stages…in the womb!! So what I hear you and the like minded, is that someone doesn’t have any inherent value, unless the women (who inevitably is already a mother whether her baby has been born or not) decides whether that life has value?? How does that make sense? Either life is valuable, or it isn’t. It’s not only valuable if someone else deems it valuable based on X, Y, Z…otherwise slavery should still be ok, which I believe it is not.
I believe in the many rights to choose…among these are the “RIGHT to LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…” Does the baby’s right not count? Apparently to many, it doesn’t.
So I pray, that when that day comes, when your daughters, of whom I you treasure dearly, make choices that could possibly affect their “reproduction”, whether in marriage or not, that you wouldn’t be deprived of the right, privilege and joy to meet your future unborn grandchildren because your girls had the right to choose whether a baby, possibly your future grand baby, has any value that is worthy of birth and whom, we hope someday, could then grow up and contribute to our country, and make the world a better place for all, including the “least among us”.
from a sincerely disheartened voice for the HOPE of future unborn generations and CHANGE that will change the way we value human life,
Mimi, proud mom of 3 and hoping, Idaho
I'm so glad I wasn't "punished" with children, but "gifted" and blessed with the joy of my 3 precious babies! Are they beautiful or what??!!
Keith Olberman has a show on MSNBC. Unfortunately, I don’t have a positive note on the show. I wish I could say his show was balanced but it’s not. The guy rants the whole time. All he does is viciously attack conservatives, sometimes while foaming at the mouth. Ew. He does not speak much constructive criticism. The guy bashes President Bush constantly. Bush may be imperfect, but I have yet to know a “perfect” president. I’m no rocket scientist, but I have yet to meet anyone who’s perfect. And the guy has it bad for Bill O’Reilly! Almost (though not all) of his shows, he whines & tries to trash talk about O’Reilly. Correct me if I’m wrong b/c I don’t watch Olberman all the time (due to his hateful nature on the show), but I have yet to see Olberman have anyone on his show that he he disagrees with to dialogue. he has only interviewed people who share his views. Now, I understand disagreeing minds but Keith, get a GRIP man!! oh, and wipe your mouth once in a while.
i just don’t understand it. How can the same woman, who has given birth and expresses as much joy as she does in her children, still believes a woman should have the right to abort a baby? Do you not realize that very same child you aborted or allow to be aborted could be the one you love and cherish today? And why are pro-lifers ‘mean & cruel’ when they display the real pictures of chopped up fetuses to the public? The truth hurts. That’s why. The pro-choice public doesn’t want to be reminded that they are doing something inherently wrong. When a baby is aborted, it is being chopped up into pieces and thrown away like leftovers. That is the grim, horrific reality that mainstream media and pro-choice don’t want you to know. And if the pictures don’t speak for themselves and cause some disturbance, I think there is something sadly wrong.
It’s always an amazing image to me to see and hear of the many protesters that march signs up and down the “free streets of America” against wars, soldiers and anything military, like they did at Berkeley Univ. in California among many other venues and times in history. I would dare say that most people in America do not like war and prefer not to engage in one, Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green, whatever your category. I admit that there may be some in the world, even in America, who relish the thought. But it’s cant’t be the majority by any means. So for these people who proudly stand against any kind of war for sake of peace denies that the very freedom they have in protesting anything, is a direct result of wars fought by our countrymen. We all want peace. But that peace comes & has come at a price. Who can say that our leaders, whatever political party, go into war lightly? I can’t imagine. John McCain’s mention of it in his speech last night confirmed my thought. Picketing is one of many luxuries & freedoms the ”free people” have here in the United States. Be thankful it’s a choice you have. If you think other countries can treat you better and provide more for you, then why not move to another country?
Rick Hogaboam
Chad
mimi
Brian Andrews
joelmartin
Scott Kistler
REMEMBER- QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY. 
Our church supports a couple missionaries at this time & we so appreciate them for their devotion to their calling. How often do we Christians in America step out of our comfort zone and risk ridicule, anxiety, embarrassment (according to worldly standards anyway), discomfort to share to WORD that will save the lost? I often challenge myself to this question. Have you shared the joy that is within you, today?
heehee
our girls are a blast…enjoy.
isn’t that a sweet pic?
mom had to get in on some of this action! it brings you way up, then bobs you up & down til you get back down. then repeat. we got to on multiple times on account that there were hardly anyone there and no lines!! woo hoo!
on this ride, lexi didn’t know what was going to hit her. she raised her hands before the ride moved. she didn’t make it. i asked the guy to bring her down after the first couple bobbings considering she freaked out. poor baby.
does it seem as if lexi’s hanging on for dear life? probably b/c she thought she was, even though mommy was holding on to her. see my arm there to the right?
kira’s got monster muscles. she carried the ball all by herself.
he may not admit it, but i think this was rick’s favorite part of the whole trip. he even wanted a picture with the sign & here’s proof!
No problem for me. (so sorry for those who dread it.) After the 1st snowfall, Kira begged me to build her a snowman but I didn’t get to it until after Christmas when it was starting to melt. So, Me and Kira had fun making “our snow family” (minus the details- eyes, buttons, nose, etc), that is, one to represent each member of our family, b/c Kira wouldn’t have it any other way. 
Well, of course I did most of the work! … while she joyfully ran back and forth in the snow and slush. happy day! 
