1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Because so many Christians prayed for God's will to prevail in the Presidential elections, we know the outcome has been ordained by God.
Christians must now overwhelmingly pray for God's guidance for those we elected to office to govern our great Nation. With the Democrats gaining seats in both the House and Senate they now hold a majority in both, and the addition of a Democratic President means two-thirds of our government is now held by those with liberal Democratic views. The concern of many conservatives is the tip to the left in the check-and-balance system created at the founding of our country to keep the best interest of all citizens in mind. We need to pray for fairness and impartiality for those who are making decisions that will affect us all.
From now until January 20, please join me in praying for Barack Obama in these days leading up to his inauguration and thereafter by registering with the Presidential Prayer Team. By signing up, you will be sent email notification each day reminding you to pray for his health and safety and for his discernment and wisdom to be that ordained by God.
Maybe these changes in government are what we who hold the Bible firmly in high regard needed to call us to more earnest prayer to our gracious heavenly Father.
By now, everyone has heard the infamous Joe the Plumber interview and the resulting "spread the wealth" idea brought about by Senator Obama. But the question remains, who is responsible for caring for those unable to care for themselves like widows and orphans?
Socialism views the government as responsible to ensure everyone has equal parts of the share, whether they participate financially or not.
Democracy views everyone as responsible for themselves.
Which is the correct Biblical view?
In the Epistles, we see a clear outline for the care widows and orphans. Who were these letters written to? Certainly not for the Roman government, but to the Church.
1 Timothy 5:3-16
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed;
4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.
5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.
6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.
7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man,
10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.
11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married,
12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge.
13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.
14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach;
15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.
James 1:27
27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Acts 2:41-45
41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
If we, the Church family, are properly caring for those who can not care for themselves then there will be no need for government aid and the issue of "socialized programs" will no longer exist.
By the way, in case you didn't notice Senator Obama told Joe the Plumber his tax breaks would start for those making under $250K per year. On Friday that number was down to $120K and that's not take home pay. That's what you make before taxes, insurance, mortgage, bills, food, clothing...
In addition to the facts listed in the video above, here are some other ways recognizing a homosexual marriage as a legal marriage would affect you and your local church:
• Pastors or other religious leaders could be sued for refusing to perform same-sex marriages.
• Wedding services such as photography, catering, gown designers, etc. could be sued for refusing services to same-sex marriage couples.
• Churches and temples could be sued for refusing to allow same-sex marriages to be performed in their sanctuary or on their property.
In Arizona, Proposition 102 is on the ballot November 4. Here's the complete wording taken directly from the site Yes For Marriage.
"Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state."
That's it. The entire proposition is only 20 words in simple clear English. I urge you to vote YES on Prop. 102 in Arizona and YES on Prop. 8 in California.
So, I missed the multi-million Barack Obama 30 minuet "infomercial" last night because I WAS AT CHURCH. Was it by coincedience the airing was when evangelical Christians would not be at home to watch? I think not. Evangelicals, by and large, have already backed John McCain. By purchasing network time that conflicted with traditional Bible study, Senator Obama didn't give his opponents the opportunity to even view his advertisement let alone question him on the content.
It's obvious that we are not his target audience anyway.
Maybe Senator Obama doesn't know it is illegal in many states for your employer to forbid you from exercising your Constitutional right to vote. There are people all over the world who stand in line for hours in the extremely harsh elements to vote in free elections.
By sanctioning skipping work obligations, this ad takes arrogance and irresponsibility to a whole new level.
According to the Untied States Constitution, these are the requirements for being United States President:
"No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty five years, and been fourteen Years a resident within the United States." (Article 2, Section 1)
Both Senators Obama and McCain have had their eligibility questioned based on the Native Born requirement.
John McCain's Natural Born citizenship was questioned because he was born on a US Naval Base in the Panama Canal prior to the annexation of the canal as a US territory. This claim was dismissed because the Panama Canal was annexed in 1937, one year after McCain's birth and the citizenship requirement became retroactive to his birth in 1936.
Barack Obama's Natural Born citizenship was questioned because evidence has surfaced that he was born in Mombasa, Kenya and NOT in Honolulu as stated on his Certificate of Live Birth. This claim has yet to be refuted as Jerome Corsi who was investigating Obama's birth records was forced to leave Kenya after being told the records in Kenya are sealed.
Here is the document the Democratic Party has produced claiming it is a legitimate Birth Certificate. Here is what an authentic Birth Certificate looks like. Note the obvious omission of details such as the statistics of the birth (length and weight) and the name of the hospital as well as the doctor who performed the delivery are missing. Also of note, Barack Obama Senior is listed as "African" where in 1961 he would have been listed as "Negro" or "Colored". Use of the term African-American would not have been used until after the Civil Rights Act in 1964.
The most pressing question in my mind is why are Obama's Kenyan records sealed? If he wasn't born in Mombasa, why do they have records of him at all? Is it possible he is heavily involved with the Orange Democratic Movement which is lead by Raila Odinga, the current Kenyan Prime Minister who was granted a government position to appease the violent uprising after the election (which Odinga lost to Kibaki by 200,000 votes)?
Once again I am not surprised many of my friends and relatives haven't heard any of this information in the media. Why would they? Of course the media will do nothing to upset the chance of election for their darling Obama, even to the detriment of the American Republic and loss of the freedoms the Founding Fathers fought and died to create.
The video states our country has never been more divided in our lifetime. The last time such division gripped The United States was when The American Civil War waged a great cost to our nation as 620,000 soldiers gave their lives to grant freedom to all Americans.
In 2002, as an Illinois legislator, Obama voted against the Induced Infant Liability Act, which would have protected babies that survived late-term abortion.
PROVERBS 6:16-17 16 There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood
He has maintained a 100% pro-choice rating with planned parenthood and NARAL, cosponsoring the Freedom of Choice Act.
JEREMIAH 1:5 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."
In an open letter to the "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual" (LGBT) community that was posted on Obama's official campaign website on February 28, 2008, Obama wrote that he unequivocally favors completely repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
GENESIS 2:24 24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
The Illinois senator said he supports extending "fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law."
1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-10 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
"And if we feed them hope, and we feed them reason and tolerance, then they will become tolerant and reasonable and hopeful. And that, I think, is one of the most important things that the next president can do."
MATTHEW 18:5-6 5 "And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
6. He supports funding research using human life in the form of embryonic stem cells
"I stand in full support of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act as I did when this bill was introduced and sent to the President's desk in the 109th Congress. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill."
ISAIAH 49:1 1 Listen to Me, O islands, And pay attention, you peoples from afar The LORD called Me from the womb; From the body of My mother He named Me.
PSALM 139:13-16 13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; 16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
7. He has known ties to convicted felon Tony Rezko
Bill Ayers and his wife Bernardine Dohrn helped found the radical Weathermen, launching a campaign of bombings that would target the Pentagon and United States Capitol. While Obama was only 8 years old at the time, he has since served on boards with Ayers and bonded their relationship as Obama jumped into politics with Ayers help and support.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 33 Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
8. He believes anyone who disagrees with his views to be bitter
"So it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
ROMANS 1:21-25 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and [d]crawling creatures. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
9. For twenty years he sat at the feet of a "preacher" who promotes more racial strife
If ever there was a place in which someone should get up and leave if you don't agree with the teachings, it would be in this horrible worship setting--yet Obama remained there for 20+ years.
EXODUS 18:21 21 Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.
10. He was educated for at least four years in muslim schools
Are the American people ready for an elected president who was educated in a muslim school as a young boy and has not been forthcoming about his Muslim heritage?
MATTHEW 7:15, 21-23 15 Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 21 Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
Help get the word out. This man is not a wise or Christian choice to lead our country.
"Dear Friends, a few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an e-mail with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but it's worth repeating…
First I must say whoever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him. Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means He leads I follow. I can't dictate the terms He does because He is the leader.
I can't vote black because I am black; I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first, black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won't be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I knew Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior.
In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.
We need to follow Martin Luther King's words, don't judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I don't know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record. His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)
To beat Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.
There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100% rating. There is a reason the homosexual community supports him. There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc. love him. There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court. There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill. There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. There is a reason he voted No on banning partial birth abortion. There is a reason he voted No on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.
Let's take a look at the practice he wanted to continue.
The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedures: A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby.) B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal. C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head. D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole. E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.
God help him. There is a reason Obama opposed the parental notification law.
Think about this: You can't give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. That is insane.
There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years.
Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright's teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wright's sermons. I wonder why now?
Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28:19-20 "Go and make disciples of all nations." This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you; talk like you, believe what you believe, etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?
Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenets that said they have a… 1. Commitment to the White Community 2. Commitment to the White Family 3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic 4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community. 5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a portion of personal resources for strengthening and supporting white institutions. 6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System 7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System.
Would you support a President who went to a church like that?
Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenets of Obama's former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.
This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can't be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.
A church can't have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if it's a white church or a black church it's still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.
Obama's former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1979 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote: "Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him."
Cone is the man Obama's mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?
So what does this all mean for the nation?
In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing – judgment.
Read 1 Samuel 8 when Israel asked for a king. First God says in 1 Samuel 1:9 "Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."
Then God says
1 Samuel 1:18 "When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king."
Here is what we know for sure.
God is not schizophrenic.
He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says, a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.
Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it.
For all my friends who are voting for Obama, can you really look God in the face and say; Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy.
I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama's positions. Finally, I have two questions for all my liberal friends.
Since we know someone's value system has to be placed on the nation,
1. Whose value system should be placed on the nation.
2. Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?
Blessings, Huntley Brown"
Huntley Brown is as described on his web site a "Christian Concert Pianist whose personal repertoire includes classical, jazz, gospel, reggae and many other styles." Snopes.com contacted Huntley Brown to verify he wrote this e-mail. He did. And here is his response to Snopes.
"Yes, I wrote this e-mail. I was responding to my friends who asked me to vote for Senator Obama because he is black. It was not my intention to send it around the world.
I did not post this email or send out any pictures attached. I wish they had not done that.
My friends did not ask me to vote for Senator McCain, which explains why my e-mail was geared towards Senator Obama.
My email was not meant to influence public opinion in any way, but simply to share with my friends my views on why I could not vote for Senator Obama.
I have problems with both candidates, but the differences I have with Senator McCain pale in comparison with the ones I have with Senator Obama.
For the record, I am not a politician. I am not a Democrat or a Republican. I am a Christian independent who just loves the Lord.
If Senator Obama wins, he can count on my prayer support every day.
I tell my friends it's like a family where you have different opinions, but you love each other just the same. I love and appreciate Senator Obama but our views are diametrically opposed.
If I knew my e-mail would have generated this much interest on a national level, I would have left out a few points. I don't want people to think I am against gay people or against people who have abortions. (I am not.) We are all sinners by grace but we need to have some absolute laws to govern society or else we will self destruct.
What has really bothered me is our beautiful black women constitute only 6% of the population, yet they comprise 36% of the abortion industry's clientele. Obama has done nothing to stop this. Most people don't know that the leading abortion providers have chosen to exploit us blacks by locating 94% of their abortuaries in urban neighborhoods with high black populations. Obama has done nothing to stop this?
To be honest I can't wait to vote for the first black President but it has to be a person who shares the values I read in the Bible.
Thanks for checking to make sure my e-mail is legit, it is.
The sad part is I have been getting hate mail and my family is being harassed. As you can imagine, not everyone is happy with my e-mail.
How many abortion survivors do you know? I have a dear friend who went to a clinic as a teenager to find out if she was pregnant. When she learned her test was positive, she was told she could have an abortion if she didn't want to tell her family she was pregnant. My friend decided to schedule the abortion and was told not to tell anyone because they would try to convince her to keep the baby. Because she was very nervous about the procedure, she told another friend who told her mother of the plans. Her mother talked her out of having the abortion.
My friend now has an adult son whom she loves very much and counts him as one of the biggest blessings in her life! She had been told to abort this wonderful Christian man by someone who didn't know her, her family or her situation. I would qualify that child as one who survived an abortion. Even though the surgical procedure was never performed, he survived the easy availability for his mother to abort him.
I only know about my friend's situation because she has supported my speaking out about the lies Planned Parenthood and Pro-Choice supporters speak in the name of "Freedom of Choice" for women. You might have a very close friend or even a family member who is alive today because their mother decided to proceed with the choice of birth. They may not even know their mother contemplated abortion at all.
Do some choices have bigger consequences than others? Absolutely! If I decide to take home a pencil from my office, I might get a reprimand and a lecture from H.R. about ethics. If I decide to have unprotected sex with someone, I might get pregnant. Is the choice to carry that baby to birth a punishment?
I have recently known two teenage girls who had sexual relationships with their boyfriends and got pregnant. One decided to publicly announce her mistake, ask for forgiveness and decided to carry the baby to term and adopt her to a family unable to have a child. The second girl decided to move away for the duration of the pregnancy but still carried the baby to term and adopted her to a family. I think the most unselfish decision a young mother can make is when she considers another family to raise the child and gives them that gift. Especially when that family is physically unable to bear a child of their own.
I told the teenage mother I was very impressed by her maturity to make a decision in the best interest of another family and the baby. Since we were living in California at the time, it would have been convenient to take the "easy way out" and have an abortion before anyone knew she was pregnant. Girls at any age can acquire an abortion without parental consent in the following states: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Vermont, Washington.
Regardless of reason or rationale, every abortion is birth control.
Great news! Because of AFA supporters like you, McDonald’s has told AFA they will remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage. AFA is ending the boycott of McDonald’s. As you know, AFA called for the boycott in May after McDonald’s joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).
McDonald’s said McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced. McDonald’s also said that the company has no plans to renew their membership in NGLCC when it expires in December.
In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, “It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association.”
We appreciate the decision by McDonald’s to no longer support political activity by homosexual activist organizations. You might want to thank your local McDonald’s manager.
After a 3 month complete boycott of McDonald's, I'll be going in tomorrow to let the manager know why our family is going to be patronizing their restaurant again. And then I'll buy a Big Mac.
Below is an excerpt of a review with the author of a recently published book titled My Beautiful Mommy written to help parents discuss plastic surgery with their young children.
"Many parents don't explain to their kids what's going on," said the father of four, with his fifth child on the way. "Children are very perceptive. You can't hide a major surgery from them. When mom goes down for two weeks after a tummy tuck it affects them."
Illustrations show a crook-nosed mom with loose tummy skin under her half shirt picking up her young daughter early from school one day and taking her to a strapping and handsome "Dr. Michael."
Mom explains she's going to have operations on her nose and tummy and may have to take it easy for a week or so. The girl asks if the operations will hurt, and mom replies, "Maybe a little," warning she'll look different after the bandages come off.
The girl asks: "Why are you going to look different?"
Mom responds: "Not just different, my dear — prettier!"
This type of children's book was inevitable with the choice for elective plastic surgery increasing by almost 500% in the past ten years. However, this book was written by a plastic surgeon, not by a child psychologist. I think there is a clear conflict of interest here. Mothers (and fathers for that matter) are going to see this book as confirmation that there is nothing wrong with having lipo to help her "loose those last 15 baby pounds". The doctor who wrote this book has one agenda, to further his practice by making parents think it's ok to hand a book to a child and expect the surgery to fix all their woes. 2 Peter 2:18-19
18 For speaking out arrogant words of vanity they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error, 19 promising them freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.
Christian parents don't need to purchase this book or undergo elective plastic surgery when the Bible speaks directly to the issue of vanity.
I Timothy 2:9-10
9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.
I'm concerned that daughters who look to their mothers for guidance about body image are getting a dangerous message from this book, that something is wrong with you on the outside and getting surgery will help you feel better on the inside. It's possible this author/doctor is prepping his next generation of clients by enlisting their parents help to give children this book.
Titus 2:3-5
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
At the time of my post about melamine contamination in China sickening 50,000 infants and leading to the death of six, there had not been any detection of the milk contamination in the U.S. The following is a recall by the FDA for foods imported from China to the U.S. that are contaminated with melamine:
FDA Statement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Statement October 6, 2008
FDA Detects Melamine Contamination in Flavored Drink The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased inspections and product testing efforts in response to the melamine contamination problem which originated in Chinese dairy products. As a result of the FDA’s on-going testing program, the agency has detected melamine contamination in Blue Cat Flavor Drinks. The distributor of the product, Tristar Food Wholesale Co. Inc., initiated a recall of several flavors of Blue Cat Flavor Drink, based on the FDA’s findings. The FDA advises the public not to consume this product and recommends that retailers and food service operators remove the product from sale or service.
Other Recalls On September 26, the FDA issued an alert to consumers that seven Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products were being recalled by the Taiwanese company, King Car Food Industrial Co. Ltd., due to possible contamination with melamine. King Car Food Industrial Co. used a non-dairy creamer manufactured by Shandong Duqing Inc., China, which was found to be contaminated with melamine. The recalled products are:
Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1) Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1) Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1) Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1) Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1) Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1) Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1) The FDA recommends that consumers not consume any of the above Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products. The FDA also recommends that retailers and foodservice operators remove the products from sale or service.
Sunny Maid Corp. Monterey Park, Calif., who is an importer and distributor of Mr. Brown Instant Coffee products, is recalling the products in the United States.
The FDA is working with regulatory agencies in the United States as well as with other countries. The California Department of Public Health and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority reported that its testing of White Rabbit Creamy Candies has shown melamine contamination at high levels. In light of the widespread contamination of milk and milk-based products in China and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s finding, the FDA continues to recommend that consumers not eat White Rabbit Creamy Candy and that retailers and foodservice operations remove the product from sale or service.
A recall by QFCO Inc., Burlingame, Calif., of the White Rabbit Creamy Candies, is underway in the United States.
The FDA is closely monitoring these recalls and will continue to perform follow up activities of other recalls that may develop.
Although the products listed above appear to have only been sold in Asian import stores, those stores ARE IN America. Please, please, please read labels carefully to be sure products you buy for your family DO NOT have China listed as the country of origin. If you are unsure where the product was manufactured, DO NOT purchase the product, find a substitute.
In order to try to combat the influx of harmful products, I will be reading labels much more closely to avoid purchasing products from China. The Chinese government had claimed the melamine contamination had been contained and was not a concern for the public at large. Unfortunately, they were wrong and the danger of illness from Chinese imports is not limited only to consumables since lead-based paint has been an issue with products imported from China for some time.
After the shock of what I had just seen wore off (a day later) I'm left with some questions.
•Who at NBC thought it would be a good idea to defame a decorated war veteran by interviewing his torturer? There was no reason for this interview to even take place. There is no justifiable reason to give audience to such people as those who torture prisoners of war.
•What point does NBC think they will make by discrediting Senator John McCain with an interview of the director of the prison where he was held in Vietnam? I thought the motive was fairly transparent... pure hatred of Senator McCain and anything noble and honorable in his life.
•Why does the timing of this interview coincide with the race for President of the United States? Someone at NBC, perhaps everyone, wants Senator Barack Obama to be elected the next President and anything they can dig up is fair game.
One comment left on the YouTube video sumed up my feelings well.
"What's so unfortunate in this country is that there are so many people who will believe NBC's version, just because they hate anything with a Republican or Conservative label attached to it. Liberals should come with a warning label: Open mind, brains fell out."
For those of you who have yet to hear the news, we are requesting prayers for my parents speedy recovery from injuries they both have to their leg/foot. Here's a run down of the events so far:
Dad Three weeks ago, my father mis-stepped outside their house in Prescott and severed the tendon that attaches the knee cap to the quadriceps muscle in his thigh. Although he heard the "pop" in his leg, he waited two weeks to see an orthopedist for a consultation. The doctor informed my dad the usual procedure for this type of injury is surgery within 36 hours. Since my dad was at almost two weeks past the accident, the doctor was less than optimistic of success but he did perform the procedure last week. There will be extensive physical therapy after several months of recovery. Please pray for miraculous healing for my father.
Mom When my mother was coming out of the house the day of the surgery to take my father to the hospital, she twisted her ankle on the stairs and broke the arch in her foot. Fortunately, they were already going to the hospital so she got an x-ray and diagnosis right away, but she still will need to see an orthopedist this week. She was told by the E.R. doctor to stay off her foot, but she has been unable to do so since she has been caring for my father. Please pray she will be able to follow through with the directions of her doctor and have complete healing.
We are blessed to be close enough to spend the past weekend at their house cleaning and making it more handicapped "friendly". They have a wonderful church family in Prescott that has been so gracious to bring meals and offer to drive them to appointments. They have had a wheelchair, walker and a set of crutches loaned to them so they are some what mobile but this new house has steep concrete stairs leading up to the front door, so they are unable to go outside for the fear of taking another fall.
We'll be spending the upcoming weekend there again to do some cleaning, shopping and whatever they need. Please pray for our strength too. It's been hard for me to see my parents unable to care for themselves.
Bountiful Baskets co-op this week had LOTS of tomatoes (I think I had 8) and fresh asparagus. Here's the recipe for the lunch I made yesterday to use up the last of my tomatoes:
2T olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1c chicken broth 1 package Near East toasted pinenut couscous 2 roma or plum tomatoes, seeded and diced 10 spears asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 3/4 c shredded Parmesan cheese
Heat olive oil in large skillet and saute garlic about 2 minutes. Add broth and couscous seasonings. Bring to boil and stir in asparagus. Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 1 minute. Stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
I've loved being in the co-op for the past month. I've been motivated to try recipes I never would have attempted without the addition of the fresh produce we've received. If you haven't done so yet (and you live in Phoenix), please check it out. You won't be disappointed!
The issue most Americans are expressing with the continuation of Gwen Ifill as moderator for the Vice Presidential debate is that the appearance of impropriety should have been grounds for her removal by the debate committee that selected her as moderator, yet she still remains. At the very least, Ms. Ifill should decline to moderate the debate to maintain her respect as a professional. Personally, I am most angry that a journalist assumed she was above full disclosure of the timing for release of her book when she was selected to moderate the Vice Presidential debate.
What exactly does Gwen Ifill have at stake if Barack Obama is elected as US President? The sale of 100,000 copies of her book will put her on the New York Times Best Seller list and I think that's a conservative estimate if he is President. The list price for the book is $24.95 and her profit will be 15% (the standard profit). That means Ms. Ifill stands to gain a minimum of approximately $375,000. I think that makes it difficult to be "unbiased" toward anyone opposing Barack Obama including Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Ms. Ifill has stated that she is a professional and all her questions will be fair to both candidates. However, any question too easy for Governor Palin will be viewed as pandering to the idea of partiality while any question too hard for Senator Biden will be viewed as over-compensating for a bias toward his running mate, Barack Obama. This is a loose/loose situation that will further divide America down deep party lines.
Update 10/3/08 Ms. Ifill did not present a disclaimer prior the debate stating she would be impartial to both candidates. I found this upsetting, but throughout the debate she proved to be very professional and did not favor either one. She did a fine job a moderator and I think she was a good choice.
The video above has a definite agenda and some of the facts about the flag ceremony aren't quite right. However, I believe the information about the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center are accurate and unsettling. So much so that I sent the following letter yesterday to the House:
To whom it may concern, I have just completed watching a video on YouTube which lists some facts that have been purposefully omitted in the new visitor center at the U.S. Capitol. I am particularly disturbed that the line "In GOD We Trust" was left off the replica of the inside of the House chamber.
The religious references in the history of the United States of America were one of the driving forces behind the creation of this country. Our Founding Fathers were so convicted by the right to religious freedom that had been denied in England, due to the forced religion of the Church of England and persecution of Quakers and Pilgrims who opposed it, that they chose to fight for independence. The separation of Church and State they enacted was not to keep religion out of government, but to keep government from forcing membership to the state sanctioned Church as they had experienced in England.
I fear that what I see happening in the U.S. today is the same "forcing of religion" only now is viewed as "reverse" discrimination. By omitting religious facts from history to encourage to the views of the Atheist, we are approaching the same intolerance of freedom of religion that our country was founded to protect.
I respectfully request the errors in the historical facts are rectified prior to the opening of the Visitor Center to ensure all those who enter receive an accurate representation of the history of the United States of America.
Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Laura Shewmaker
If you choose to send a letter also to americanvoices@mail.house.gov, it is always in your best interest to state the facts for your argument rather than your feelings. Facts are steadfast and infallible, feelings are subjective and wain.
A commentary by Joseph Farah from WorldNet Daily. I wish I'd thought of this:
My bailout plan Posted: September 29, 2008, 1:00 am Eastern
Congress is beginning debate on a $700 billion plan for U.S. taxpayers to bail out banks, mortgage companies and investment firms that made bad loans to unqualified consumers, including illegal aliens, and became insolvent as a result.
Officials say this plan is designed to protect us from further harm and to prop up the teetering economic system the government has created.
I have a better idea.
Let's not put more money into the hands of those who created the problem. Let's put the money into the hands of the people who were victimized. Why should the victims pay twice and the victimizers get off scot-free?
Here's my plan:
1. Those who bled Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac dry by lying about the government-created mortgage companies' real worth so they could secure billions in personal bonuses should make restitution. They should be forbidden from ever holding any government job or position in the financial world for the rest of their lives.
2. Anyone who made more than $1 million a year in the other failed banks and institutions should be forced to contribute all their income in excess of $1 million a year to my bailout program.
3. The chairmen of the Senate and House banking oversight committees should be forced to resign in disgrace from their positions.
4. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who literally started the first bank run in California with his irresponsible public statements, should be forced to resign from the Senate.
5. All candidates for federal political office who received contributions from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or any executives of those institutions, or the other failed banking, mortgage and investment firms, should be required to give the money to the bailout fund.
6. Since the Bush administration is trying to sell the idea that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac actually hold assets of greater value than the cost of their proposed bailout, I suggest they auction those institutions off to the highest private bidders.
7. Instead of paying $700 billion to prop up the institutions that created the mess, I propose $700 billion be paid directly to those victimized by the scandal – the American people – in the form of a tax cut. This would stimulate the economy and help the country grow its way out of this crisis.
I'm sure this plan has a few holes in it. That's because I made it up in about 15 minutes.
But I'm also certain it is far better than any official plan being floated in Washington today.
So, I'm asking you to get on board. Make amendments if you like. But tell those scoundrels in Washington stop picking your pocket and your children's pockets with this bailout of the banking class.
If my business goes belly up because of bad decisions I make in running it, no one is going to bail me out. I fail to see why businesses thousands of times bigger than mine should face no risk and, in effect, be insured against mistakes and bad judgment by the taxpayers of the United States.
This is not the way the free market works.
What is at stake in this bailout scheme is not just amounts of money few of us can even imagine. What is at stake is not just massive tax increases in the future. What is at stake is not just rewarding criminals and shysters. What is at stake is whether America will protect the last vestiges of a free enterprise system for our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
No more quick fixes that, in fact, cost us far more in the long run.
No more cover-ups of wrongdoing.
No more rewarding the worst kind of fiscal irresponsibility.
Here's a commentary by John Gibson on Fox News about campaign contributions Barack Obama received from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This was before discussion of a bail-out began.
So where do we put the blame for the current crisis? It appears McCain warned about the housing crisis and the need to regulate Fannie and Freddie, but the blame for the collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the American public who greedily took advantage of the inflated prices in the housing market. The responsibility must be taken up by those who purchased homes they could not afford (and they knew it!), bought shiny new cars, new boats, new clothes, ate at fancy restaurants... all purchased on credit.
Don't be fooled, the current planned federal bail-out is only a Band-Aid slapped on the wound of American selfishness and greed. Until people suffer for their own decisions and learn to live within their means, we are doomed to see this cycle repeat in another 20 years.
Last week, the Chinese government recalled massive quantities of powdered milk used to make infant formula after the deaths of 6 infants and the illness of 6500 others. Today, the number of babies sickened by tainted powdered milk is over 53,000. The thought of that many children made ill by the corruption of the industry (and the government who has allowed it) makes me want to cry. The recall was issued when it was discovered the milk was bulked with melamine to mask that water had been used to stretch the pure milk farther. When ingested, melamine causes reproductive damage, or bladder or kidney stones, which can lead to bladder cancer. After more investigation by the Chinese, it has been released that the tainted milk product is not limited only to powdered formula, but also in liquid milk in distribution throughout China.
The Chinese government might have been able to convince the world this was just a horrible mistake and they are able to guarantee the safety of their food products if not for the pet food recall of 2007 after 8500 dogs and cats all over the world suffered renal failure from eating pet food manufactured in China that was tainted with melamine.
Communism is all about big government regulating what is best for the "unfortunate common people" because the government doesn't believe the people are educated enough to make decisions on their own. I think it sounds a lot like the current Democratic platform on Universal Healthcare in America.
The USFDA has issued a warning for American's not to purchase any milk based products from China until further notice.
Michelle Obama has gone on to say she really was referring to herself when she used the word "cute", and she was not talking about Vice Presidential candidate, Governor Sara Palin. Unfortunately, the clip above cuts off before her comment, "I'm talking about me." She said this after she understood the enthusiasm of the crowd implied they knew she was referring to Sara Palin. Just like the "lipstick on a pig" comment made by her husband, the audience appeared to be one step ahead of Michelle Obama.
The problem both Michelle and Barack have so easily demonstrated is they should not be involved in town-hall style meetings with no tele-prompter or cue cards to avoid such mishaps as these. Neither have the eloquence nor dynamic personality of John McCain, nor his personal convictions to be able to speak from the heart with honesty and integrity on all issues. The infamous interview with Pastor Rick Warren was the beginning of the awakening of America to the inability of Senator Obama to speak unscripted in his own words.
I think one of two situations are at play here. The first is Michelle Obama is a genius to not directly say that she loathes the attention Governor Palin is taking from her husband, and so she let the media take over to drive her one comment to the top of the talk. The second is she doesn't have a clue how politics work. She isn't running for anything and her opinion shouldn't be important to anyone unless she is talking about being the mother of two beautiful girls and the wife of a politician running for President.
True to my typical ad-lib style of cooking, this "dish" has no real recipe. My inspiration for meals starts by reading recipes online to get ideas for ingredients and cooking times and temperatures. Then I do my own thing with what I have on hand and make a recipe mine. I only follow a recipe or measure quantities of ingredients if I'm making a cake. Anything else I make is seasoned to my own taste and it's always delicious, or so I've been told!
So, here's how I used up some of my super fresh veggies from the produce co-op for lunch today...
1 eggplant cut into 1/4 inch rounds 3 tomatoes cut into 1/4 inch rounds 2 bell peppers chunked 4 zucchini squash chunked garlic powder dried basil kosher salt olive oil 5 sprigs fresh rosemary *I don't think the rosemary added any flavor, I just try to use it a lot because it grows like a weed in my yard
Cut and salt the eggplant and let stand for one hour. Dust off water from eggplant and place one layer in bottom of casserole dish that has been coated with olive oil. Top with zucchini, peppers and tomato. Sprinkle with garlic powder, basil and salt (to taste). Repeat layering veggies and seasonings until you don't have any left. Place rosemary on top and drizzle with olive oil. Bake covered in preheated 350 oven for 40 minuets.
This post is not about the issue of abortion being against the law of God. For information about abortion and God's word, see my post Life. This post is about babies who are born alive after an attempted abortion, which is referred by the administering doctor as a "complication" of the abortion procedure, and Senator Obama's stance on the care and welfare of those babies. Or lack thereof.
Abortion procedures performed in the first trimester (usually before the 9th week) are Medicinal Abortion by taking several drugs to induce labor and cause a "miscarriage", or Suction Curettage (or vacuum aspiration) in which a long plastic tube connected to a suction device is inserted into the uterus to suction out the fetus and placenta. These procedures are not survivable by the baby.
Abortion procedures performed in the second and third trimester are Suction Curettage (or vacuum aspiration) and Induction Abortion in which salt water, urea, or potassium chloride is injected into the mother's uterus causing chemical burns to the baby with the intent the baby will die while still in the womb. Birth is then induced by pitocin being given to the mother via IV to cause contractions and laminaria is inserted into the vagina to cause dilation of the cervix for delivery of the dead baby.
However, if the baby survives an Induction abortion and is born alive, the doctor may then decide to terminate life by inflicting one of the following on the baby:
Senator Obama voted against a state bill to mandating doctors to give medical attention to the viable breathing baby who by some miracle has survived an induction abortion. By sanctioning neglect of an infant, the doctor has government approval to participate in infanticide by one of the preceding methods.
It is my hope and prayer that education on these abortion procedures and Senator Obama's support of denial of medical attention to babies who survive abortion will cause a great cry by people who are shocked these procedures still exist in a civilized society.
Barack Obama's paternal grandfather converted from Christianity to Islam while schooling in England and changed his given Kenyan Luo tribal name to Hussein Onyango Obama. Barack Obama's father married his first Kenyan wife and fathered four children. They were never divorced. Obama Sr. moved to Hawaii for university schooling and although he was still married to his Kenyan wife, he fathered the son of Ann Dunham, Barack Hussein Obama II. Barack Obama Jr attended an Indonesian Islamic school from age 6 to 10 where he recited Islamic prayer and was taught how to read by using the Koran.
Barack Obama's father is from the Luo tribe, the same Kenyan tribe as Raila Odinga, the current Prime Minister of Kenya. Odinga was appointed to office due to a violent uprising after unfounded accusations of corruption in the Presidential election in December 2007. There is some evidence the slaying of 1500 Kenyan Christians (who supported incumbent President Mwai Kibaki) was sanctioned by Odinga himself. While it does not appear Senator Obama is a blood relative of PM Odinga, Senator Obama's campaign association with Odinga should not be viewed as a positive element to his campaign for US President.
Barack Obama gained access to the US Senate seat for Illinois due to the release of sealed divorce documents of his Republican opposer Jack Ryan. Mr Ryan withdrew from the race to fill the senate seat previously occupied by two term Republican Peter Fitzgerald when the divorce documents revealed Mr Ryan had a sexual addiction that led to the divorce. For several months, Mr Obama ran for senator unopposed and worked to persuade Republican voters to elect him to office. Senator Obama was elected by 70% majority to the US Senate where he has served a scant 3 years.
Although America was star-struck by Senator Obama's dynamic speech delivery early in the race for President, the winds of "change" have swept in and Americans are becoming educated about this man who appeared out of nowhere to claim the Democratic nomination for President.
For those who will hear, be warned this man is not who is presented to be. He is a charlatan and a puppet, but for what purpose has yet to be seen.
I just picked up my first produce basket from Bountiful Baskets food co-op. I have to say, I am impressed. All the produce is at or near perfect ripeness and ready to eat.
Here's what's in the picture: 6 ears of corn 1 eggplant 2 bell peppers 1 sandwich bag full of green beans 2 heads of broccoli 7 tomatoes 6 bananas 6 peaches 6 apples 5 plutos 1 basket strawberries 1 cantaloupe 1 bag of green grapes
All for $15... wow. I'll be prepping the food and menu planning today to use all the wonderful fresh fruit and veggies this week. I'm so excited! If you live anywhere in the Phoenix metro valley, I highly recommend getting on board. With quality as good as this, you won't be disappointed.
Years ago, I watched a documentary about US government subsidizing for corn farmers. I was aghast thinking my tax dollars were given to farmers with the specific instruction not to grow crops. The thought still makes me mad. A large portion of what is allowed to grow and be harvested is processed into high-fructose corn syrup or corn syrup solids and put in most food produced in the US. It is surprising to me corn farmers would be in favor of advertising corn products since they have been paid to sit on their land for years without having to work. Doesn't this mean a change in lifestyle from their life of ease?
(I'm not sure what point the YouTube poster was trying to make with the extra 'stuff' after the ads, I apologize for the inconvenience.)
This advertisement from the corn industry makes it sound like corn syrup is just fine and dandy (nevermind the punch she is holding probably contains a large quantity of Allura Red which has been linked to childhood hyperactivity and is banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Austria... but I digress). After thinking about what I saw in the TV ad, it is obvious most American's don't know what high-fructose corn syrup is and the need to avoid massive consumption in our diet.
It is very difficult to find anything in the supermarket that doesn't have some corn in it. For my friends with corn allergies, I wish you all the best in your efforts to find foods you can tolerate!
My background in biology and chemistry comes in handy when reading and understanding biological information, but the effects of high fructose corn syrup are not complicated chemical reactions.
Here are some of the basics: Fructose is a naturally occurring sugar found in honey, fruits and grains such as corn. Eating fructose in it's natural state is very well processed by the body. When you eat whole fruit, the body breaks down the fructose and takes in the vitamins along with fiber and the sugar. High-fructose corn syrup is not a naturally occurring sugar. Massive consumption of concentrated sugars, like high-fructose corn syrup, has been linked to contributing to medical illnesses such as diabetes at a higher rate than even table sugar. Much of the foods we eat in America every day contain large amounts of high-fructose corn syrup. Table sugar, whether derived from cane or beets, is also a processed chemically treated food and not a naturally occurring substance as a white crystal. In 1957 British scientist John Yudkin made a link between consuming refined sugar and coronary heart disease.
Just like exposure to plastics outside our home is beyond our control, so our exposure to processed refined sugars is difficult to limit. Since without an allergy to corn I would be uncomfortable imposing my non-corn syrup request on someone who has invited our family to dinner (like the mom in the commercial did at a party), here's how we're limiting our concentrated sugar intake in our house:
1. We do not consume fruit drinks or soda. The children and I only drink milk, water or 100% fruit juice.
2. We eat whole fruit or fruit sauce (such as applesauce) without added sugar.
3. We do not eat white bread. I have just joined a food co-op and I'm eagerly waiting for my first order of all-natural wheat sandwich bread this Saturday!
4. I will only cook with raw sugar or honey from now on (after I run out of the 5 lb bag of cane sugar I just bought!)
Although we have always done the first three points, the fourth will be a change for me, hopefully for the better!
Author's Note I suppose it is possible the corn farming industry is looking out for the health of their customers (which is all Americans not growing our own food), even their commercial admits sugar must be consumed in moderation. The trouble is, so much of the food available for purchase in the supermarket contains high-fructose corn syrup that it is almost impossible to heed this advise.
Only four days after the close of the Republican Convention the gloves have come off. Senator Obama has reverted to fourth-grade name calling for the critique of his opponent who, by the way, is not Governor Palin but Senator McCain. It appears Senator Obama is desperate to try to take down anyone he can reach.
Mud-slinging in the pig pen of politics has begun.
Update 9/10/08 Although Senator Obama's representatives are on damage control claiming he was using a common metaphor in his address and not comparing Governor Palin to a pig, it is clear the attending audience made the comparison.
Either the entire audience (including anyone who has watched the YouTube video) misinterpreted his intention, or Senator Obama is very naive and not very bright. Regardless, the Senator owes Governor Palin an apology and then needs medical attention to remove his foot from his mouth.
Although Oprah Winfrey has made a public statement that she is not going use her program as a platform to interview politicians, the photo above clearly shows Barack Obama making an appearance on her show.
I completely understand that it is the "Oprah" show and that Ms Winfrey is free to have anyone she wants on her show, it's her show! She has publicly made her choice for a Presidential candidate and is not open to the idea of presenting a journalistic program which would require her to give equal interviews to all Presidential candidates and their running mates.
As a mother of three children (one still at home full-time) I don't have the luxury of time to watch any other entertainment shows to balance the liberal opinions I would receive from watching Ms Winfrey's program. I have decided to skip the hour of Oprah and actually do something productive for my family (like laundry, dishes, dinner, etc... you get the point.) Her endorsement of one candidate has made it obvious to me where her values lie, I don't need to continue to watch her program to have it confirmed.
After the election I might have time to detail many of the other reasons I dislike the Oprah show, from the entitlement of "My Favorite Things" to Eckharht Tolle and his misguided total embrace of New Age religion. Then again, I don't know if I really want to open that can of worms.
The issues being discussed for America in the upcoming Presidential election have prompted me to look at political morality again and measure where each candidate stands. I have tremendous respect for teen mothers who chose to carry their babies to term when the option of abortion is readily available and seems the easy way out of an embarrassing confrontation... especially if you mom is the Republican Vice Presidential nominee.
Over a year ago I wrote a post titled Life about abortion and the Biblical evidence against it. Although I was told I was completely wrong by some Christians for using Old Testament scripture, they were not able to persuade me against the clear message in God's Word that taking the life of an unborn child, whether by accident or intent, was punishable by death.
An article from Stand To Reason written in 1999 is staggering in comparing abortion supporters to Nazis but draws some very clear lines to link the two. The site Abort 73 is working to educate women about the procedure of abortion and what an aborted fetus looks like.
After education on true abortion procedure and the sale of aborted fetuses, Christians must not keep quiet any longer. We need to educate all women on these practices. Then we have to be ready to step up and offer viable options to killing millions of people before (and sometimes after) their first breath.
Please pray for ways you can make a difference in the life of a woman facing this decision with the love of Jesus Christ. The precious life God created should be left in His hand.
Matthew 19:13-14
13 Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.
14 But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Update 9/3/08 Here's an excellent article titled Legislating Morality from apologist and educator Frank Turek, outlining the urgent need for Christians to become involved in current politics.
Another American corporation has made the jump from neutrality on gay marriage to open acceptance. Our family will no longer purchase Hallmark Cards and we will go out of our way to purchase any competitor product.
Here's the letter I sent today to Hallmark Cards:
To whom it may concern,
It has been brought to my attention that Hallmark has created and is currently selling greeting cards that congratulate same sex marriage and civil union.
As a Christian, I am disappointed in your decision to move from neutrality on the gay/lesbian issue to open acceptance.
Until Hallmark discontinues to manufacture these cards, my family will go out of our way to purchase product from your competitors.
Sincerely, Laura Shewmaker
To send Hallmark a letter letting them know you disagree with marketing this product line, click here.
Update 8/23/08
Here's the response letter I received today from Hallmark Cards:
Thank you for your comment.
Beginning this summer, Hallmark's selection of more than 200 wedding cards will include four cards that use specific language and images appropriate for same-sex wedding ceremonies or civil unions. Hallmark makes cards for all kinds of relationships and situations, and we have for years produced cards for relationships that might be defined as "non-traditional" - including heterosexual couples who are not married, those in mixed race or interfaith relationships and blended families - so people in each of these situations could find cards to meet their needs. It is our goal to be inclusive rather than exclusive so that our products appeal to the widest range of people who wish to communicate and connect with one another. Not every one of the more than 200 wedding cards we offer will be right for every relationship, but we want every consumer to be able to find one that is just right.
We understand that this is a sensitive issue for you and appreciate you letting us know your concerns.
Thanks,
Hallmark Customer Care
I've been informed by friends who also sent disapproval letters to Hallmark they received this same form letter as a response from Hallmark. It's obvious by grouping same sex marriage with mixed race and interfaith marriage Hallmark Cards demonstrates a lack of understanding of "traditional family" values.
I have peace that passes understanding by surrendering my life wholeheartedly to God, following Him without regret. "...seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul." Deut 4:29
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