The Day After

Just a little reminder that there are 364 days until Christmas. Excluding Sundays, there are 312 shopping days until Christmas.

Also a reminder to remember our troops, especially those who spent Christmas in harm's way. A reminder to pray for them and to be thankful for them and those who have served before them and have given so much so that we could enjoy yet another Christmas Day in safety.

"That Holy Thing"

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:34-35




It was a miraculous conception. Mary was His mother, but God was His father. As we heard in our sermon Sunday, this Child was holy in every sense of the word. He always was the Son of God, but was given a body of flesh through His mother's side. All of this the work of the Holy Spirit of God so that the incarnation of Jesus was like no other event that ever occurred. And the best part of it is that this Child, the Son of God, who became as one of us in the flesh, yet without sin, went on to humble Himself to the fullest extent by dying on the cross for those who are sinners. So, my dear Christian friends, is it no wonder that we celebrate this birth? And if you happen to be someone who comes to visit here and don't know the Christ of Christmas, come to Him today and rejoice in Him, whether you celebrate the holiday itself or not.

Merry Christmas to all and a blessed holiday season to you and your family!

Sweet Sixteen Girl

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth,

and even for evermore.
~ Psalm 121 ~

Well, it's another birthday in our family and this time, it's our daughter Neesie, who many of you know already. Today she turns sweet sixteen and her dad and I are so thankful for the young lady she has become as she reaches this milestone. We are especially thankful to see her love for the Lord increasing and to see precious traits of character emerging as she approaches adulthood. May the Lord in His mercies preserve her is our prayer and may we continue to see the fruits of the Spirit of Christ in her life. The above passage is her life verses that we have recited to her almost every night since she was a wee girl. May she always trust in the truths found in these words, and hold them close to her heart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NEESIE! Much love from Dad and Mom!

Tuesday Tips #2

I got this one (forward) today and it reminded me that I hadn't posted in a week and that it's Tuesday and I could use it as a Tuesday Tips post. (See last post if you're confused.) I had the urge to post pictures of my kids and grandkids anyway, so this email fit perfectly, except for the riddle thing at the end that totally confused me so I'm leaving that off.

Well, I must say that I agreed with much that was said in this forwarded email, originating with Paul Harvey [this is questionable-could be someone else.] He talks about the fact that people can try so hard to make things better for their kids that it makes them worse. Then he talks about some hopes and desires he has for his grandchildren. I sure do have many of the same desires and hopes for mine. Here are some excerpts for you to ponder and hopefully take to heart.

I would love it if they never had to had a hard day in their life or that they would never need to shed a tear or that everyone would always love them and treat them like gold, but you know, what kind of person would that cause them to be? Above all else, I hope they'll know Jesus and have Him to help them through whatever life may bring. I love them so much and part of me wishes all their hurts could be taken away, but mostly I hope, as expressed here, that all of the hurts that are sure to come will be refinements:

Selena with her mommy

Shana with her Auntie Nee

Perhaps some day there will be more of you, but for now, this is for Lena and Shae-Shae:

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated. I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car.

And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep. [As both your mommy and Auntie Nee have the latter.]

I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in. [Well, I don't know about the back eye part, but maybe some bruised feelings.]

I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room,but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom .

I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole.

I don't care if you try a beer once, but I hope you don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle.

May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays.

I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life.

Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss. I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you.


Just copying these here brought some tears. Perhaps the same will happen to you as you think about your children/grandchildren.

Tuesday Tips

I don't know why I'm having so much trouble of late getting to making blog posts. There seems to be one "pressing need" after another that needs my attention. For instance, the gift I ordered for my granddaughter coming in with half of it missing, whereupon when I call the vendor I find out that they don't automatically send in the missing part but you have to return the whole thing, wait for them to issue the return slip, or whatever it is, before you send it back for credit, etc.etc. After bragging about how I do most of my shopping online, this doesn't say too much for me as to how well I checked out the return policy at this place. So now I've been online trying to find it somewhere else because I'm afraid to order from this place again. Whew!

Next, I've had a health insurance situation needing attention, and you know how it is to get on the phone with automated systems and the like, and that took forever.

Now, I've somehow (only me) lost the map activity book and key which was supposedly included in our curriculum materials which came in July, but I can't for the life of me remember where I put it. So Neesie's been assigned map activities by the video teacher, but this scatterbrained home teacher can't find the materials she needs!

I wanted to make this post this morning, but every time I want to make a post, these are the type of things that happen. These mixed in, of course, with the normal duties. Then, I have to confess that lately I've gotten distracted with some things that perhaps I shouldn't let take up my time, but being one of those curious types, I've been keeping up with certain happenings which I really have found intriguing, and that too has kept me from blogging as much.

I got this bright idea. I thought about passing on some of the helpful info I get from some friends who send me forwards, many containing humorous tidbits or helpful hints. So that's what this post is really all about. I'm starting a new category and calling it "Tuesday Tips" ( I don't know if anyone else is doing anything like this, but if so, please forgive me as I'm not being a copycat on purpose). Not always, but on some Tuesdays I'll pass along some of the information or even lighthearted nuggets I get from my friends. I'm thinking most of it will be helpful to folks who come here, even if just to give them a chuckle in their day. So here's the first one. It's a note that may be copied by all of my pet owning blog friends.

To be posted VERY LOW on the refrigerator door - pet nose height:


Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food.
The other dishes are mine and contain my food.
Please note, placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not stake a claim for it becoming your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack.
Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn't help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort.
Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep.
It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other stretched out to the fullest extent possible.
I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom.
If by some miracle I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge and try to pull the door open.
I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years -- canine or feline attendance is not required.
The proper order is kiss me, then go smell the other dog or cat's back parts. I cannot stress this enough!

Once to Every Man and Nation

We are seeing history written these days, which is true of any day and age, but particularly so during the time we find ourselves in. At this historical time, I've been finding myself reflecting on the past, for some reason, and not the future. The Present Crisis was a poem written by James Russell Lowell, an abolitionist, and was first published in 1845. It was written by Mr. Lowell as a protest over certain issues connected with slavery. I posted this portion of the poem a couple of months ago, but I want to repost it today since it's been so much on my mind of late.

Because of several issues surrounding the current day and time, some national, I wanted to reflect on this poem once again, due to its depth and meaning. The first and last stanzas are particularly important for us to remember, certainly those of us who are believers. It's EXTREMELY important that we embrace what's being articulated here. There are some of you who know what I mean in a more particular way. Note that the last stanza says that it's often the portion of truth to be on the scaffold, while wrong is often on the throne. But note this certainty most of all: It's the scaffold that sways the future, and somewhere in the shadows, though unknown and unseen by many, GOD IS KEEPING WATCH ABOVE HIS OWN. I read somewhere that this poem reminds us that it is GOD who is in control of history and HE will write the last chapter. Amen. Hallelujah.

[ Scaffold, in capital punishment, refers to a structure at a gallows that the condemned stand upon, often with a trap door; it can also refer to the elevated structure on which a condemned person is set to be beheaded. (per Wikipedia)]

This is the hymn version:

Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.

Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.

By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,
Toiling up new Calv’ries ever with the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth,
They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.

Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.

~James Russell Lowell

The Awful Face of Terrorism

Our sympathies and prayers to the people of Mumbai, India. Our sympathies and prayers to the people of that country and others, including ours, who lost precious loved ones to terrorism. May the Lord have mercy on them and on all of us in this threatened world. We're all under threat from this evil. It's definitely a time to be watchful and prayerful.

Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:1-2

Adapted from our praise time in church on Sunday evening, I will list the benefits given to me from my Lord:

• Praise Him for my salvation
• Praise Him for my family
• Praise Him for my church family
• Praise Him for my heritage and my nation
• Praise Him for my health
• Praise Him for my daily provision

And from the sermon on Sunday morning, I was touched by these two verses:

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24

So at this Thanksgiving time, may I offer my thanks most of all for a God who sought me when yet a sinner; for a Savior who loved me and gave Himself for Me, rose from the dead for my justification, and ever lives to make intercession for me; and for the Spirit who strengthens, helps, and comforts me on this perilous journey.

May you, too, offer your thanks for our triune God and may you glory in His name at this time and all times.

Have a blessed and happy day tomorrow.

No Place Like Home

What have you been doing this week? I've been pretty busy, getting quite a bit done here in my home. I've been working on the home business, teaching homeschooling, laundry (which brought on some plumbing problems which have thankfully been resolved), housecleaning, cooking, family finances, and CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

I thought I would like to take this moment to proclaim my thankfulness for online and catalog shopping. As one who has never liked the hustle and bustle of going to stores during the Christmas season (or any season for that matter), it's so wonderful to be able to sit in my home and get on the phone or computer to order various gifts for various people on my shopping list. For those of you who like the whole store and mall shopping thingamajig, more power to you. But for me, I like the time, gas, and headaches that shopping from home saves me. That's not to say that I don't find it necessary to sometimes go to stores , but as the years have gone by, it's increasingly not been nearly as often or time guzzling as it used to be. So, how many of you enjoy the whole stores routine and how many of you are like me?

That's all for today, folks. Haven't seen the grandkids since Sunday. Hope to see them tomorrow, though. We have a funeral at church, so please remember a dear sister from church who was widowed this week when her husband (who was saved near the end) went home to glory after a battle with cancer.

Uber Award

A sweet lady gave me an award last week and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank her. This is called the Uber Award and Susan of Penless Thoughts passed it along to me and a few others. I wanted to thank her and encourage you to visit her blog whenever you can. You'll like her frugal tips and I'm sure you'll enjoy all the goings on in her family. She has a very popular blog, and understandably so. I go there often; she's usually one of the first I visit on my blogging expeditions.

Most of you know about my hesitation to "name names" in passing on awards. As I've said before, I am a little quirky about that. So many of you have blogs that fit into the various categories given that I can't bring myself to name a few. I will say, though, that Susan would fit into almost ALL those categories. But some of you have been such faithful friends for so long that I want you to know how much your friendship has meant. And now, especially since the election series, I have made some new friends and I'm quite delighted about that too.

To all of you, or any of you, this award is being offered, so that if you want to pick it up and reward a few folks of your own, please do! Rules and more info are at Susan's blog.

What Happened?

Cleaning out my inbox, I found an email I had forgotten about. Thinking about the economic difficulties we're having right now as well as the moral climate, it's hard to believe from whence we've come. The title of the email is "Comments Made in the Year 1955." That's not so long ago. Goodness. What Happened?

There were a lot of them; I'll just give you a sample of some:

'I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a week's groceries for $20.00.'

'Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $2,000.00 will only buy a used one.'

'Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging a dime just to mail a letter?'

'When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 29 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage.'

'Kids today are impossible. Those duck tail hair cuts make it impossible to stay groomed. Next thing you know, boys will be wearing their hair as long as the girls.'

'Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $75,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President.'

'It's too bad things are so tough nowadays. I see where a few married women are having to work to make ends meet.'

'Marriage doesn't mean a thing any more, those Hollywood stars seem to be getting divorced at the drop of a hat.'

'No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $35.00 a day in the hospital it's too rich for my blood.'

'If they think I'll pay 50 cents for a hair cut, forget it.'

'The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather, but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on.'

'I never thought I'd see the day all our kitchen appliances would be electric. They are even making electric typewriters now.'

Back to the good old days.

My Two Girls

Since I'm not having much time for blogging right now (promise to get by to see some of you later), I thought I'd take advantage of a grandmother's ongoing and timeless right to show pictures of her grandchildren. Here are a couple of photos to grace my page with beauty, one month after Shana's birth. Just thought you'd like to know: Selena is loving her little sister!

The World is Not Worthy

And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:36-38

I hope we haven't forgotten them. In all the hubbub of the past several weeks, they've continued in their struggle and suffering. Where are they? They're in Iran, China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Iraq, Pakistan, and on and on. In times past, they've been found in places like Scotland and Germany. They will always be there for as long as there is a true Church on this earth. Who are they? They're the persecuted saints now and through the ages. They've been beaten, imprisoned, tortured, burned, drowned, shot, stabbed, and verbally maligned. They've been kicked out of their homes and towns. Their families have turned against them. Why do they endure such? For the sake of a Savior who loved them and gave Himself for them. For the sake of the promise of a better country, a city which has been prepared for them. These are the ones of whom it's said that the world is not worthy. Praise God for them. Reading and hearing about them gives us hope; we're encouraged to press on ourselves in the little that's asked of us.

And we're encouraged now to pray for them, at least for the ones who are still alive. Those who have already gone on don't need our prayers. They've arrived. Hallelujah.

Tomorrow, the 9th, is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Please hop over to the VOM's Persecution Blog where Stacy has outlined Specific Prayer Requests for you and your church.

I need to post this hymn again. There has been so much discussion about war these days. There's something about all the arguing and discussion about it that wearies me. But as I said over a year ago when two people I know where martyred for Christ in a foreign land, I want to remind us that true believers are engaged in a warfare and we're soldiers. Let's never forget that. We may have forgotten because we've had it relatively easy compared to some of the saints that are suffering elsewhere., but let them be a reminder to us that we are indeed soldiers. Last year I posted this hymn as a salute to those two fallen soldiers who had perished while engaged in "battle" for the cross of Christ. I want to post this again (I am so sorry I've gotten away from my Saturday hymn post) in honor of the persecuted saints scattered throughout the world. And while you read this, don't forget: You're a soldier too. Be ready.

AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?

Am I a soldier of the cross,
A foll'wer of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own his cause,
Or blush to speak his Name?

Must I be carried to the skies
On flow'ry beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign:
Increase my courage, Lord;
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by thy Word.

Thy saints, in all this glorious war,
Shall conquer, though they die;
They view the triumph from afar,
And seize it with their eye.

When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all thine armies shine
In robes of vict'ry through the skies,
The glory shall be thine.

~ Isaac Watts

Thanks for Your Service

Thought some cuteness was in order in the midst of all the heavy stuff.

Must Links

I have more links that are musts. I am almost jumping up and down with excitement after following many links that have led me to other links, etc. etc. So many folks are posting good stuff. Go to Cathy's to get a few of them. I am refreshed and renewed in Christ today! Heaven is my home! I love my country, but my primary citizenship is in heaven! Nothing NOTHING can separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord. No government here on earth can take away what Christ is to me. Yes, the days ahead may be difficult; they already have been. Surely we knew we were living in trying times, anyway. God is drawing us closer to Himself--I just know He is. Praise Him!

My daughter Neesie has linked to a beautiful post written by a young black woman. Please follow that link and look into Jasmine's heart and be blessed if you would.

Also, one of the links from Cathy had a link to another post, written by a man named Randy Alcorn, which is a must read. Please take the time--it will be well spent.

America Has Chosen a President

Well, it's all over, and yes, America has chosen a President. All day I've been thinking about how to close out this series and all day I've been praying for the Lord to make my heart be what He wants it to be at this time. I want to respond to this enormous event in a righteous way that's pleasing to my Lord. It's been hard and I've been floundering since nine o'clock last night. Then, in God's providence, I was led to an article written today by a man who I'm not too familiar with, but as I read it, I knew it was what I needed. I knew Mr. Mohler's response is the response that God wants from me. By the time I finished reading it to my husband, I broke down in tears, because God had answered my prayers. (Guess you've noticed that crying comes easily for me these days.) I would ask that you read it, too. Maybe God will lead you to the same place:

The Albert Mohler Program

I'm officially closing out the election series, but I think that perhaps I'll keep "The American Dream" as a label that I'll post under from time to time, bringing thoughts and links and other things that seem appropriate, as my dream for this country has not died by any means. Hope yours hasn't either. After all, we have a God to turn to who can do anything.

Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. Jeremiah 32:17.

Casting My Vote

As I said the other day, I'm glad this will soon be behind us and we can move on. I have never in my life seen a more emotional election. We all know it's a historic one, but never before has there been so much emotion. This has not only been a historic and emotional day for me, but one of prayer. I don't know when I've felt the need more. I went to the polls where the entire room was filled with excited and exhuberant Obama supporters, rejoicing already in their victory. For some reason, I understood their feelings, their sense of history being made. I can't blame them for that.

Then I stepped into the booth and cast my vote for McCain/Palin with tears in my eyes. I don't know why the tears came. Maybe because I felt I was voting on the losing side? Or were they more tears of thankfulness to be able to do this simple act of faith, that I was voting for a cause which I thought was right, just as all those others were? Mine was just different. What will God do with that one little vote of mine? One thing He will do is give me a clear conscience and a determination to be a better Christian in the days ahead. Will the days ahead be more difficult for Christians in America? Only time will tell. Maybe we have had it too easy. Maybe that's why we've become so lax about our faith. Maybe hard times would be good for us. But I have satisfaction in knowing I have cast a vote for the life of the unborn, for family values, parental rights, a free enterprise system, national security, and a bit more I hold dear.

God makes the final call. He alone is the sovereign one who rules over all. If He has decided that He wants my candidate to win, then no one can stand in his way. But if He has determined that His will is different than mine, I will have a President whom I didn't want, but who will be President of this great country and therefore will have my support as far as I can give it, and he'll certainly have my prayers. And I promise to not trash him and bash him for his failures as so many have done his predecessor. I 'll give those failures over to God too.

On both sides, I've read and heard and seen a lot of mean and nasty things directed at the other side. This country needs some serious healing. I hope we can all work on that. And let's all remember something important: there is only one true Messiah. His Name is Jesus. If anyone can change this country and this world, He alone can. Let's worship Him only. And get busy serving Him in whatever lies ahead.

My Endorsement

Well, soon it will be all over. Soon we will know for sure. I'm glad. I have to say I'm tired of it all. This has been really something; I've never seen anything like it. Well, we all know God is in control and no one can be President or king or anything else without His allowing it to be. But I did just read an interesting post at a blog today. And what it was saying is that even though God is in control, we, the people, do make the choice. And the fact is that God will give our country exactly what we choose or should I say, exactly what we want. And that's whether it's a good choice or a bad one. So, we the people of the United States of America are going to make one of the most important decisions in our country's history. And God is going to give us the President we ask for. Remember Israel? They wanted a king so they could be like all the other nations around them, and God gave them the king they wanted. Read all about it in I Samuel 8.

Choices can be difficult to make. I knew I needed to make one and frankly, this summer I wasn't sure what I was going to do about this election. I sincerely considered a third party candidate. But I have made a decision early this fall and I'm comfortable with it now. At first I wasn't going to come right out with an endorsement of a particular candidate. Like my endorsement means anything, right? :-) But it means something for me. It's something I'll need to live with all my life. And like any decision we make, we could be wrong. We're fallible creatures for sure. But I've decided to support my candidate for the sake of conscience and what for me is the most intelligent decision I can make. I hope I'm not thinking selfishly, but as a citizen and for the whole, rather than just myself and family. Others are seeking to do the same, I know, and some are making a different decision. We can't all be right. Some body's wrong on one side. Or maybe all sides are wrong. But one thing is for sure, all sides aren't right. (I think Abe Lincoln said something like that once.)

Enough of all that. Obviously, I changed my mind and have decided to announce, at the eleventh hour, which candidate I support. I just wanted to make it known that I am endorsing John McCain for President. Not much of a surprise you're thinking. Not necessarily. It took me a bit of a time to get to this. Like I said, I thought about a third party candidate for a while. But then, in the long run, I felt it was best and more sensible not to do that.

So, my rationale for my endorsement of the Senator from Arizona:

1. I trust him. I think he has proven himself. (Now I did not say he's not made any mistakes!) Also, on this point, I can say I've come to like the man. I didn't at first. Another thing I like is that he's old. Don't laugh--I always like to have older people in important jobs. Always did, even when I was young. Old folks often have a lot of wisdom packed up in that brain of theirs. And those jokes and insinuations about his age which I've heard and read bounce right off me.

2. He's a Republican. Now it doesn't sound too smart to say that, but let me explain: I really believe it would be best if we didn't have very liberal Democrats in both the Congress and the White House. The D's and R's tend to balance each other out, which really is much better for all, in my opinion.

3. He seems to be pretty solid on the moral issues. He has stated clearly that he's pro-life and believes life begins at conception and he doesn't seem to be shaky on his view of traditional marriage. He also is a proponent of parental rights in education. These issues are big for me because I believe the next President will be making some pretty important judicial appointments. This could make a big difference regarding which way our country goes in these respects.

4. Even though, in my opinion, he didn't get some of his points across too eloquently in the debates, I believe he has a good handle on foreign policy. I agree with him on winning the war. I'm very hesitant to let anyone else try to handle that touchy situation.

5. I DEFINITELY am with him on the economy. We have a huge mess on our hands, which I believe to be the fault of both parties, the Congress, the administration, and the corporate world, but that's another story. Whoever becomes President is going to inherit this mess and I feel much safer if the next administration adopts policies as outlined by Mr. McCain. I wanted to talk quite a bit about how I feel about these things, but time won't allow. Let's just say that I am a capitalist and prefer limited government. I would like to see private organizations and individuals, and especially churches, do more for the needy among us, as I am quite fearful about too much big government in our lives. In many countries that has led to tyranny. I also believe McCain's plan of lessening the tax burdens on the larger corporations will in the long run filter down to the main street people by way of jobs and lower prices. I have this sense about him that he's not all gloom and doom about the state of things, but really does believe in the resiliency and capabilities of our people. I tend to agree. I'm kind of dumb about the economy, but that's the way I see it after the whole tax thing was explained by various people with good financial minds.

6. I am thankful that he has a conservative and bright running mate. Now I need to admit: This was a tough one for me. I have been back and forth about how I feel about a woman President if it should happen. (I'm being honest!) I just haven't been totally sure what I think of it and at first didn't even know if it was biblical. I've settled that part of it and have come to be more comfortable with her. For some reason, I've not been worried about the whole experience part of it. From what I've seen of Gov. Palin, she could do it. And I have to say, I think she'd do it well. It's kind of funny. I know he's older, but sometimes folks talk as if McCain's going to drop dead a day after taking office. I think if he were to get into office, the Lord would allow him a year or two of life. Hey, maybe even four years! How ever long he lasted, let me tell you, Sarah would be ready if he didn't make it. Even with my slight hesitation about her gender, I still prefer her over the other VP candidate. So in that sense I'm counting her as a plus on his side.

So there you have it. I know. It seems my preferred candidate is considered to be not likely to make it. But I'll not let the polls or all the yard signs of his opponent all around me stop me from going out and voting on Tuesday. And any one of you who reads and hears it's a lost cause better not let ANYTHING you hear or read stop you from casting your vote! You NEVER know.

But whomever the choice of the people turns out to be, we will have what we've asked for. And we'll pray for him and for our country, yes? And we'll remember that after all is said and done, it's still Jesus who is our Leader and Guide through this dark and often troublesome world.

All the way my Savior leads me; what have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been my Guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort, here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know whate'er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

~Fanny J. Crosby

"True Religion"

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

Meet the Kovacs family. Now, folks, let me tell you: People like them are the ones who inspire me. Actually, this post is an addendum to my last post (before the Phillies one) and I'm applying it to the whole subject of abortion. Actually, I was going to incorporate this in Tuesday's post but kept writing and writing, so I decided to make this separate. At any rate, this family is a prime example of how we can make a positive impact while abortion by choice is still the law of the land. I know from experience that there are many organizations out there who are trying to counsel women away from the decision to "get rid of" their babies in the womb, and lead them towards the courageous decision to carry the baby and place him/her for adoption. These organizations are working with them and helping them in more practical ways than you can imagine. I know, because our family was once a part of one of these organizations. I'll give a few links at the end and would encourage you to pray about the possibility of you and your family and/or church being positively involved in this national fight for the right to life.

So, the Kovacs are one of the families at the receiving end of this great work. I read their story in this month's World Magazine, which tells the story of them as a newly married couple developing a strong passion for adopting. Actually, the story is about organizations which help churches that want to establish adoption funds so they, in turn, can help families like this one. I cannot tell you how strongly I feel about this, friends. Most evangelicals are appalled at the fact that our country has fallen into the "legal" position which it has regarding the choice of the mother over the life of the unborn. But are we doing more than complain? Sure, we can vote with the hope that down the road something will change, but in the meantime, what can we do? Well, this idea of establishing adoption funds in our churches is a wonderful answer to the question, and then, pray that the Lord will raise up more couples like Jason and Shawnda above. Look at that family, will you? Now don't tell me that God is not pleased!

About those organizations, here are a few of them:

The Abba Fund: This is the organization that World's article was about. A lot of money is needed to cover the costs of an adoption. The Abba Fund helps with that by helping churches. My personal opinion is that churches, not government, should be doing more to deal with many of the economic woes we're experiencing. This organization is just one example of something that can be done.

Lifesong for Orphans: This is another organization that provides adoption grants and loans and also works with churches that have adoption funds.

Family Legacies: The mission statement of this group is "The mission of Family Legacies is to provide interest free loans to couples who practice the Christian faith and are called by God to expand their families through adoption, who might otherwise not be able to adopt. "

Bethany Christian Services: This is the organization our family was once a part of. We were interim care foster parents, taking care of newborns while their moms were making the difficult decision as to whether to place them for adoption or raise them themselves. Bethany works with crisis pregnancy centers all over the country. They can help those who want to adopt to find help with funding and logistics. Our youngest child was adopted through them and I can attest to the fact that they work with you if you sincerely want to adopt. They'll help you find a way to do it, even if your resources are low, and of course, for most people, they are.

There are more, but in the interest of time and space I'll leave it at that. I want this post to be an encouragement for anyone stopping by who may have been thinking about how they can have more impact regarding our nation's abortion crisis. You might think about adoption as something you might do, but if not, perhaps you can give to one of these organizations, or even start something in your own church. Maybe your church just needs someone to get things going. Maybe that's you.

Also, if by chance anyone should stop by here who's pregnant and it's a crisis situation, I implore you, call Bethany. I can tell you without a doubt that they'll pray for you and that they'll help you. If any person has any questions about Bethany that you think I could help with, please feel free to email me. You can do that from my profile.

WORLD CHAMPS!

Who are all these grown men acting like maniacs? Yep, you guessed it--they're the Philadelphia Phillies, the team I have been rooting for and following the whole entire baseball season. Last night, the Phils won the World Series, and I am proud to be one of their fans! This is a photo of them seconds after the last out of the final game. Just wanted to break in on all the heavy duty election stuff we've been discussing to say I am proud to be a Phillies fan, and to congratulate them on their victory. World Champs! Yaaaay!

(I won't talk about the sorrowful behavior of many of the fans in the name of "celebration" that went on throughout the night.)

A Plea to Christians

Most of you know how strongly I feel about the abortion issue. You know that I believe it is one of the most crucial issues in this election. It is not by far the only issue, and as I vote, I am taking many other important matters into consideration, but I will say this: I will NEVER vote for a candidate that is pro-choice. That is, unless someone pulls a fast one on me. I think that abortion is one of the worst travesties to ever hit this nation. I believe the blood of the countless babies who have been murdered is something that God will not allow to go unrequited. And at the risk of sounding like an alarmist, I have to say that judgment is in order, unless He extends His mercy. Moral issues such as abortion, gay marriage, sex education to young children, etc. MUST be at the top of our list when we make ANY decision in our life as Christians. They MUST be. If they're not, we have to answer to God. HE will be there in that voting booth when no one else will see what we do. HE is the one who will hold us accountable for our actions. "What about the economy," you say? "I have to look out for the well being of my children," you add. In another post I want to talk about that a bit. But for now, YOU have a responsibility to make a choice based on righteousness, not practicalities. Let me repeat, you have a sober responsibility as a Christian to do what you KNOW is right in the eyes of God. I am not saying you should vote for any particular candidate when I say that. If you cannot in good conscience vote for anyone from the two leading political parties, then find someone else to vote for. But vote, dear Christian friend, and vote with the knowledge that God is watching you.

This has been weighing on my heart, dear ones, because I have been grieved to hear so many who name the Name of Christ say they are voting for a candidate that they know in their heart is clearly not even coming close to adhering to biblical principles. I have to say with all love in my heart that God is not pleased, and He is not mocked.

Perhaps you don't hold the same views that I do about these moral issues. Then these words are not for you and you needn't respond to them. But if you say you love Jesus, I am imploring you to not throw mud in His face when you vote next Tuesday. Not when He's done what He has for you. Not with all that He's suffered for His own. Not with the blood that came pouring out at Calvary for poor helpless sinners. Please, at least do that much for Him: make whatever tiny effort you can to stop the shedding of the blood of innocent, helpless babies and to steer this country back in the direction of our Lord.

And one other thing. I cannot tell you how disturbing it is for me to think of the droves of blacks, my people, who are going out to vote for a pro-choice candidate, as they did the last election. And many of these dear ones, who are folks I love, profess to be Christians. It just boggles my mind. And it was just this year that I learned of the statistics and some background facts regarding this, which only adds to the horror of the whole thing as far as I'm concerned. I've seen the statistics and facts many places and they are documented. Thus, please allow me to add this video which recently has come to my attention:

Note: See the first post in this series for the ground rules on comments.

Calling Prayer Warriers

Please read this post at Susan, Penless Writer, which is an important letter to voting Christians.

Please let this letter speak to your heart about this election!

Quotes From the Past

Sorry to have been MIA. Last week was, well let's not talk about last week.

Thought I'd give you a few quotes from a few people who contributed much to making America not a perfect nation, but surely a great one. What they said years ago counts for a lot with me, what about you? Maybe their words need to be carefully considered between now and election day. Do you want our country to maintain the spirit found in the hearts of these men? Let's pray that it will.

Note: It's especially important that we think about some of these in light of recent developments in the news.

Abraham Lincoln
"Property is the fruit of labor...property is desirable...is a positive good in the world. That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just encouragement to industry and enterprise. Let not him who is houseless pull down the house of another; but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built."


Booker T. Washington
"Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work."


George Washington
"Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. "


Benjamin Franklin
"The longer I live the more convinced I become that God governs in the affairs of men. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance. "


Thomas Jefferson
"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."

"Agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and navigation, the four pillars of our prosperity, are then most thriving when left most free to individual enterprise."


Martin Luther King, Jr.
"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

"If a man is called to be a streetsweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well."

James Madison
"The personal right to acquire property, which is a natural right, gives to property, when acquired, a right to protection, as a social right. "

"Americans have the right and advantage of being armed - unlike the citizens of other countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms."

And finally,

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.

John Quincy Adams
1767-1848, Sixth President of the USA

Campaign Dog

I couldn't resist it! You folks know how I am about dogs--this was just too much cuteness for me to resist posting it. This puppy is Rose La Rose from Ohio and I stole this picture from the blog of Senator McCain's daughter Meghan. If you want to see some excellent photography from the campaign trail of Meghan's father, go to her blog. Most of the photography is done by her friend Heather, who is a professional. Beautiful shots--well worth perusing:

McCain Blogette.com

If you want to see more photos of Rose La Rose, go to the post from October 5th entitled "California and Ohio." She is just tooo cute! Did I say that already?

Prayer Power

I was very happy to find out that there is a group of people in America who have organized a concentrated prayer effort to pray for our country at this critical time. Go to this blog for details. (Also see image on sidebar for link.)

This is a portion of the post:

"If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, 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 in the world, for wisdom and courage for our leaders, the up-coming election, and that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U.S. "

Award from Connie

I just wanted to take a quick moment to thank Connie for an award she passed on to me, among others. I have a while ago taken the position to not pass on awards to specific folks (I'm chicken that way), but I did want to acknowledge this from Connie, a precious blogger friend. Go to her blog, "Connie's Thoughts From the Heart," to see the rules, but most of all, to see her response to this award. I would say I would echo everything she says, and that it's well worth your reading.

Thanks, Connie. Love you!

President Bush

For me, one of the most poignant moments of last night's debate came when Senator McCain said "Mr. Obama, I am not George Bush. . ." To speak honestly, it made me a little sad. You see, somewhere beneath the rubble of all the campaign rhetoric lies our current President. He often emerges when the opposing party wants to make a point on how bad things are for our country and he never is able to show his face in support of his party's candidate. Because of his unpopularity, his own party understandably seldom mentions him as they push to maintain the White House. However, the left brings him up at every possible opportunity, almost as a beacon of national disgrace.

I'm sorry for this. Actually, it grieves me. You see, I believe that like all of humanity, he has made his share of mistakes. I think he fumbled the ball on the fifty yard line with the Iraqi war and admittedly erred in some other areas of his ministry, but sadly, I don't think he'll be given the credit for all he has done for this nation until far down the pages of history. (I won't even get into the fact that he's taken the brunt of the blame for the financial disaster, when, of course, there are many others who are equally, if not more, at fault, including the Democratic Congress.) And sadly again, I think he's hated the most and viciously attacked the most by some of the people he's helped the most. A blog post I recently read has a list of 35 accomplishments of this man who has led this country, in safety at home and abroad, for almost eight years now. After reading it, you'll see that it's one of those unfortunate realities of life that those who may have benefited most from your efforts often are those who most maliciously oppose you:

"We Don't Want Four More Years of the Same."

You know, life is often like this. The truth does not always seem to prevail. But God will prevail in His time. I have a portion of a poem for you. For some reason, some of the words in it have been ringing in my ears throughout these days of searching for truth. May I say that we all should be searching for truth. James Russell Lowell was the author of this poem; many of you may know about it already. This brave man was an abolitionist who lived from 1819-1891. These words are from The Present Crisis, one of his writings against slavery. It's the portion Neesie had to learn in her ninth grade English last year, another reason I appreciate ABeka Video School. It is my contention that these words would also apply to the current crisis that is raging in the United States:

Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of Truth with Falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, God’s new Messiah, offering each the bloom or blight,
Parts the goats upon the left hand, and the sheep upon the right,
And the choice goes by forever ’twixt that darkness and that light.

Hast thou chosen, O my people, on whose party thou shalt stand,
Ere the Doom from its worn sandals shakes the dust against our land?
Though the cause of Evil prosper, yet ’tis Truth alone is strong,
And, albeit she wander outcast now, I see around her throng
Troops of beautiful, tall angels, to enshield her from all wrong.

Careless seems the great Avenger; history’s pages but record
One death-grapple in the darkness ’twixt old systems and the Word;
Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne,—
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.

I hope this post isn't offensive to anyone. It shouldn't be. I felt constrained, literally, to speak on behalf of this public servant to whom I owe a great deal. And needless to say, I won't accept any comments that seek to malign him in a contemptible way. Finally, this is a call to all who want to do what is right, to pray for him during these difficult, and probably quite painful, days.

National League Champions!

Just let this Phillies fan enjoy herself tonight. We just won the National League Championship and are on the way to the World Series! This has been a good week! I've even been forgetting about the election. (Did watch some of the debate while listening to the game on the radio.)

Good Links

You know that one of my main purposes in all this is to get us all to think. But, you know, as time passes on and there are but three more weeks to this election, I am hoping more than anything that as we think about all the issues, work our way through all the claims and accusations, and go beyond the mainstream media to dig for facts (I hope that's what you're doing), that we're seeing the dire need for prayer. Try to be knowledgeable about all that's happening in our country, and then seek the face of the Lord.

Well, I have a few links which I hope you guys will please check out. They all should have an impact in one way or another with helping to spur us on to thought and prayer.

1. I was very excited to have discovered Freedom's Journal Magazine, an online publication inspired by the first African American owned and operated newspaper in the United States, which was founded in 1827. Finding this website was exciting for me because it is not just a black publication, but primarily a Christian one. Please, I ask you, listen to this video by Freedom's Journal Magazine wherein several individuals respond to some important questions for Black Christians (This contains snippets from a longer video posted on the FJM website.):

A Matter of Faith (Preview)

2. I don't know how far this is going to go, but what happens next month may have an impact. Where the candidates stand on the education issue has come up several times in the campaigns. I want a good, solid education for our children as much as the next person, but I'm more concerned about where is our country headed with with this type of issue (As for me, this happening is yet another plug for homeschooling where folks can't afford private school):

First graders go to a wedding

3. My blogger friend Diana sent me a link to a website that she recently visited. A two part series which was broadcast regarding faith in our political system has helped her a lot, and she wanted me to pass it on to my readers. Because of my busyness and all, with grandchildren and the like (ahem!), I haven't gotten to listen yet, but trust it will be helpful to some:

Speaking of Faith

Note: See the first post in this series for the ground rules on comments.

Celebrating!

Granddaughter No. 2! Shana Elizabeth was born late this afternoon, at 4:45 PM, weighing in at just a smidge under seven pounds. We love her!

Selena loves her too!

I won't give too many details as I'm sure Bev will want to do that at her blog when she's able to. Rejoice with us, dear friends, for the kind mercies of God to our family.

Gen. Washington's Prayer

You've probably noticed that I haven't been getting into the events of the day, which at this time would be analyzing last night's debate (one of those "eyes of the beholder" deals); the latest polls (depends on who and how); who said what (every single word under scrutiny!); and who didn't say this or that (good grief!), etc. etc. etc. I'm not saying I won't ever get into the current election happenings in the next 27 days, but I think we're all hearing enough of these things. Don't get me wrong. I understand why much of it is necessary, but I just don't have the stomach for talking about it right now. What a divided state our country is in! May the Lord help us.

One of the things I wanted to do here for this series was to include a few quotes from some of the people who were instrumental in the building of this nation in the first place. George Washington is an appropriate person to begin with, wouldn't you say? I found this little prayer in a gospel tract containing the prayers of some U.S. presidents who have led America in praying for peace and protection throughout history. According to this tract, "From our earliest days as a nation, a legacy of blessing has been poured on America through the prayers of her presidents." Would that their prayers would follow us today!

This was Mr. Washington's prayer, written on June 14, 1783 to all the governors of the newly freed states, and urging them to join him in praying for their new nation:

"Almighty God, We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection: that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.

"And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen."

We need a blessing! We need those quality of charities outlined here in the second paragraph! Can we hope to be a happy nation again?! Grant it Lord, please! Oh that the prayer of President Washington would be a charge down through the corridors of time to help us today!

Note: See the first post in this series for the ground rules on comments.