Thursday, December 22, 2011

Don't Be Afraid -- There is Good News

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Fear of actual or perceived consequences, is an integral part of most everyone's life. It can be a motivating factor or a debilitating one.

Sometimes the doom and gloom of our world and culture can cause us to fear the future.

Historically, when something good is about to happen, the first human response is often fear.

I suppose that's why nearly every book in the Bible has at least one verse that reads "fear not". Or "Don't be afraid."

In Genesis 15:1 it says, "The Lord came to Abram and said 'Fear not, Abram', I am your shield and your great reward."

And in Revelation 1:17, "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet dead. And he laid his right hand on me and said, "Fear not, I am the first and the last."

The birth of Christ created many different story lines--an angry and jealous Herod, rumors about Mary's fidelity, mocking remarks toward Joseph, concerned religious leaders and yes, fear---especially among the shepherds out in the fields. They anticipated his birth, yet were afraid when the miracle began.

That's why the first words from the angel were "Do not be afraid, I bring you good news."

I believe God would send the same message to us today.

The good news?

"There is a son born to you today in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord."

May the spirit of joy and peace and redemption fill your heart as you join over 2 billion Christians around the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ---God with us.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Higgs Boson---The God Particle

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Higgs Boson is a never-before-seen subatomic particle long thought to be the fundamental building block of the universe.

Scientists reported last week that they have not seen it yet, but have signs of its existence and feel they are getting close to its actual discovery.

This is huge, worldwide news in science. And science is all abuzz about it.

In fact, experts say finding the elusive particle would rank as one of the top scientific discoveries in the past 50 years.

The Higgs Boson is essentially a particle or "charge" believed to be at the very core of the existence of matter. A creative charge.

Consequently, it has become known as "The God Particle."

However, as scientists get closer to actual discovery, many of them are asking people, including the press, not to call it "The God Particle."

Reuters News Service has written an article titled, "The Higgs Boson: What Has God Got To Do With It?"

Reuters quotes a number of scientists who say calling it the "God Particle" is "completely inappropriate." Asking, "What does this have to do with God?"---"It has nothing to do with God."

Really?

These scientists should probably be careful as they anticipate their new discovery. In discovering the particle that is not a "God Particle," they may advance what our own Seattle based "Discovery Institute" has been telling the world for a long time.

Intelligent Design. Yikes!

Then what? A Designer?---A Creator?

Maybe there is someone upon whose shoulders the government rests---a Child, a Son, whose "name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Is. 9:6

What does God have to do with the almost discovered "creative particle"?

More than some realize. "Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end..."

Blessings and Merry Christmas. And to all the scientists: May you discover the Truth.

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Monday, December 19, 2011

The Star Of Bethlehem Discovered?

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While thousands of Christians around the world joined worshipers in Washington and Bethlehem Saturday for the annual Bethlehem Prayer Service in Washington D.C., and 2.039 billion Christians (32% of world population) prepared for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, former high school astronomy teacher, Irene Worthington Baron, was announcing that she thinks she has unraveled the mystery of the Christmas Star of Bethlehem.

Yeah, I know, but as I read more, it became very interesting.

Her search began when she received 60 astronomy computer programs from NASA for her classroom.

By using the programs to recapture star locations, etc., about the time Jesus was born, led her to some fascinating discoveries.

In her book she claims that her findings reveal that there were 10 major celestial events announcing the birth of Jesus Christ, the last being the position marker over Bethlehem.

She has released an ebook titled, "Unraveling The Christmas Star Mystery".

This is how the Christianpost.com reported the story:

She writes, “The sixth significant event of Jesus’ birth announcement occurred on September 1st, 0004 when a spectacular solar eclipse occurred close to Mars, Venus, and Saturn while the Sun was partially eclipsing the slow moving Saturn. The Moon then moved in front of the Sun and totally eclipsed it. To have the Sun eclipsing Saturn and the Moon eclipsing the Sun simultaneously is an extremely rare event at any time, let alone for a dawn sky.”

She told CP that the, “Christmas star was, in fact, Saturn.” It was on the other side of the sun during that time and was very bright in the night sky. It was moving right over Bethlehem during a two-week time period.

So how did she discover all of this?

The author began using the NASA programs to research the dawn sky around the time of Christ’s birth. Baron figured she could go back in time with the computer programs to look at what the star patterns were like during that time.

She set all calculations during her computer searches for dawn in the local time zone of Bethlehem while using the correct latitude and longitude for that location. The computer programs would then go back in time and print out sky maps from the time and place in the sky she indicated.

When the computer would finally print something out, sometimes after days of waiting, Baron would look at the sky charts for unusual patterns like eclipses.

Once she located different sky patterns she would then look at the symbolism of ancient cultures during the time around the birth of Christ that had also noted similar occurrences. She began an extensive study of books written by historians and archaeologists. Their data was based primarily on historical records, paintings and carvings on ancient temples, coins and legal seals.

The planets and stars have set patterns, so astronomers as far back as 4,000 years ago, beginning in Babylonian times, could use mathematics to predict how the celestial objects would move for a year or more in advance. For ancient cultures, each motion, interaction, and happening in the sky meant something.

They used their symbolism to interpret what happened in the sky. And each planet or star symbolized a god. When they began seeing the eclipses surrounding the birth of Christ, they took this to symbolize a larger more powerful god was coming to earth.

Because of this, Baron said, the wise men had advance knowledge through their study of the stars that Christ would be born because of different happenings among the movement of the planets and stars. So they were able to have enough time to travel from their homelands to Bethlehem to pay homage to Jesus.

In her ebook, Baron provides charts and pictures to further explain her findings. She says her research “will confirm what Christians believe, and validate the Bible.”

__________________

Very interesting.

May the star of His love and provision for all mankind shine brightly on your life and the lives of those you love.

Your support gives us opportunity to be a voice for Christian values and principles in the present darkness of our culture.

Thank you and God bless you.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Person of the Year: The Protester

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The protester?

For the 84th year, Time Magazine has picked whom they believe is the most influential game changer of the past year.

This year it is a faceless, nameless woman---I believe, representing all protesters.

Not Steve Jobs or Navy Admiral William McRaven, head of US Special Ops that killed Osama bin Laden---it's the Protester.

Time Magazine's first "Person" was Charles Lindbergh in 1927. In 1938, it was Adolf Hitler, in 1943, Joseph Stalin and in 1979---I remember that one, Ayatollah Khomeini.

Managing editor, Rick Stengel, says they choose the person who brings about "transformational change."

But are the protesters we are honoring only those from the Arab world? Many of whom are terrorist operatives?

"Oh no," Stengel says.

Ann Curry was wondering the same thing while interviewing him on NBC's Today Show. "Are there links between what happened in the Arab Spring," she asks, "and also whats happening on Wall Street and across this country?"

An enthusiastic Stengel: "Absolutely!"

"There's this contagion of protests...what happened in the Arab world also happened in Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Oakland," Stengel continued.

So it isn't just the "person" under the Arab veil, but those in the streets of America. Those who claim to represent the "99%".

Good grief. Why are we honoring them? Where is the "transformative change" that has come from all that?

Well, I guess they have changed some people's lives.

Blocking people who actually have jobs from getting to work, stopping traffic, blocking retailers from making money to pay their employees, shutting down ports---I guess there is a sense in which that is transformative.

How many deaths were there in their illegal encampments in city parks and streets? How many needles were gathered up as the "People of the Year" left their waste behind, moving from place to place---street to street.

I don't remember how many rapes were reported in the Occupy Camps. So many that in some places shelters were set up to protect and care for those who had been raped.

They sometimes used children as human shields against the police, even, in at least one case placing children on train tracks in order to stop trains from delivering the freight.

Broken windows in stores, broken windows in offices, pipe bombs and even an arrest in Fort Collins in relation to an arson fire that caused $10 million in damage, is all part of the transformative change.

ExposeTheMedia.com
has documented from news sources, the "transformative" results of the Occupiers, the people of the year. It amounts to over $80 million and counting. I have linked their information. It's ugly and profane.

Somewhere in America, a child is helped, the elderly are cared for, the poor are fed and clothed, the sick are healed.

But today TIME Magazine honors the "Occupiers" and other protesters and terrorist operatives in faraway places, because, as editor Rick Stengel tells NBC, "I think it is changing the world for the better."

God help us.

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Thursday, December 15, 2011

"Nativity Scene Insult to Human Nature"

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While most people of the Christian faith are looking for retailers who actually utter the word "Christmas" out loud, or print it on their sales promotions, at the same time trying to avoid buying from those who don't, may not be aware of a greater tragedy that is playing out on our cultural stage.

It is an attack on Jesus Himself. And it's beyond bullying.

Here's the latest episode that happened on national television.

Dan Barker, a professed former evangelical, now head of the Freedom From Religion Foundation was invited to appear on FOX News to discuss why he and his organization want a certain nativity scene removed from a location in Wisconsin---a church and state discussion.

Barker began to make his case saying flatly, "America is a diverse country. It is not a Christian country."

Yes, our President has told us that several times.

Then Barker turned the conversation from the church and state topic he was invited to discuss, to an all out attack on Christianity and Jesus Christ Himself.

First Barker said, "The nativity scene basically is an insult to human nature, that we are all doomed and damned..."

FOX News guy, Eric Bolling, cut him off by injecting that he is a Christian and the nativity is not an insult to him, trying to steer the conversation back to the purpose of Barker's appearance on the show.

Barker would have none of it.

He continued: "By the way, why was Jesus born? To save us from our sin. What an insult to say we are degraded and depraved human beings."

At that point Bolling cut him off saying "I cannot allow that on my show...You sir, are denigrating the name of Jesus and I'm not going to let that happen."

Barker did not appear on the screen again. Gone.

But should not be forgotten.

As I read this news story, I remembered the ancient words of Proverbs 14, "Fools mock at sin."

And I remembered it is written, "Then when they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head and bowed a knee before Him and mocked saying, 'Hail King of the Jews'."

I also recall Romans 14:11 and its relationship to Isaiah 45:23: "As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow before me, every tongue will acknowledge [or confess] God."

I'm thinking I would rather bow, acknowledge and confess Him now, than at some later, yet to be determined time. Under very different circumstances.

O' Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ The King.

May the blessing and Truth of Christmas rest in your heart.

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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Preying On Tim Tebow

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Tim Tebow's success as the starting quarterback for the NFL Denver Broncos is undeniable.

However, it seems he can't win enough games, run or pass for enough touchdowns to silence his critics. And many of them are brutal in their attacks---both within and without the Christian community.

Those who know such things say he is not the best quarterback or even the best athlete in his position, but he keeps winning. Isn't that what sports are about? Winning?

Well, most of the time. But...

People, a lot of people, are preying on Tim Tebow.

Kurt Warner, a Christian and former NFL quarterback said in the Washington Post that he wished he would, "put down the boldness in regard to the words and keep living the way you're living."

Okay. Serve the Lord, but keep it quiet. Be silent.

Anthony Bradley, associate professor at Kings College in New York City has said, "It seems Tim Tebow might help himself and the Kingdom by getting off his knees and taking the Scriptures off his face."

Yes, Tebow is a devout Christian. Is it because he is public with his faith that people mock and prey on him?

One might expect those outside the faith to prey on him. But other Christians? Yes, I recall, it does happen.

What if he were a Muslim with a prayer rug over on the sidelines?

Some thoughts and answers.

Todd Starnes at FOX NEWS says the attack on Tebow is "because its become something of a sport to attack Christians in this nation."

He reminds us that Christian kids praying for our nation on the sidewalk outside the Supreme Court building this past year were told it is illegal to pray on the sidewalk and were moved into the gutter to pray.

He also reminds us that, "Hollywood spews out reprehensible anti-Christian propaganda wrapped in the guise of family-friendly entertainment---indoctrinating our children to various and sundry lifestyles and beliefs. The music industry relishes artists who denigrate faith and traditional families. Our taxpayer funded museums host religious exhibits smeared in elephant dung." And worse, I might add.

And what if Tebow was a Muslim?

Jennifer Floyd Engel, a Fox sports reporter, wondered the same thing. Watch this short video clip.

And Jennifer thinks she knows why people are preying on Tebow. She says she thinks he makes a lot of people uncomfortable. Why? "He does what the Bible asks us to do," she says, "bring our faith into our everyday life."

Like, "Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven." I'm sure Jesus didn't mean that, did He? There is probably some other abstract meaning lurking nearby.

Nobody is challenging the fact that Tebow lives out his faith. He, as all of us, is imperfect. However, he walks the talk. Maybe Jennifer is right.

I agree with Todd Starnes:

"Perhaps the sad part of this episode is that Tebow is an anomaly in a professional sports industry searching for a moral compass."

"They take great pride in putting bad boys on superstar pedestals."

"At the end of the day, though, which NFL star would you want your little boy idolizing? A dog killer? A guy who beats up his girlfriend? Someone who is communicable? Or a man who loves Jesus, helps orphans and builds hospitals for the needy?"

"I’ll take Tim Tebow in my huddle any day."

I am certain that some day, in some game, Denver will lose and Tebow will also be mocked for losing.

I am equally certain that win or lose on the football field, Tebow will continue to walk with God and live out his faith in Jesus Christ in winning, meaningful ways.

Thank you for financially supporting our mission to advance Christian values and principles in the culture. And to inform you of others who are doing the same. God bless you.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

America is Looking for Leadership

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While President Obama is asking Iran to please "give back our DRONE spy plane," citizens are trying to figure out who can actually lead this country and a recent study found that Americans don't even know who would be the most influential Christian leader in the country.

Some thoughts on the request to Iran, Barna's recent survey looking for spiritual leadership should Newt be the candidate and an open letter to Newt Gingrich from Dr. Richard Land, Executive Editor of christianpost.com and president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission since 1988.

There was not a more strident supporter of Barack Obama than MSNBC's Chris Matthews. In fact it was Matthews, a former Jimmy Carter staffer, who said on live television that he got a quiver in his leg when Obama spoke.

Apparently the quiver is gone. He is becoming more and more publicly disenchanted with the President's ability to lead. So are others among the progressive left community.

This last position taken by the President, asking Iran to give back our DRONE spy plane that they have in their possession, is one more mark of an empty suit in leadership. It's hard to find leadership in that kind of response.

If they don't return it, what will our President do? Tell Russia to make them return it? Or, what if they gut it, analyze and gather all the classified data and then publicly return it? That's a real confidence builder for America as we look for leadership.

More and more liberal progressive Democrats are looking for leadership as they become disenchanted and publicly express more dissent toward the President and his policies.

A recent Barna Study found that Americans can't even decide who the most prominent Christian leader is in our country.

Meantime the GOP looks for leadership.

Who can lead? Who can win?

Is Newt the one? Frankly, I have not made up my own mind who can best lead America. I have a short list of those whom I am certain cannot.

Russ Jones, writing for ONENEWSNOW, says, "The latest debate among GOP presidential hopefuls held in Iowa Saturday night has made it clear that Newt Gingrich is now regarded as the man to beat."

Carol Swaim, professor of political science at Vanderbilt University, and most often a banner carrier for our most important social issues says, "In spite of his flaws, Gingrich has the most experience to bring to the White House" and says she thinks he would be a forceful leader.

But what about the flaws?

Infidelity. Divorces. Affairs. Does that matter? Newt says God has forgiven him. Is that enough to trust him as President?

Rick Perry says people who cheat on their spouse, will cheat on their business partners and shouldn't be trusted. Especially in the presidency.

Candidate Rick Santorum, a person whom I've had lunch with and talked with at some length in the past and believe to be the real deal in his own personal life says, "I would not say its a disqualifier; I wouldn't go that far, I think people make mistakes and you are held accountable for those mistakes...and the public will listen to the circumstances and make the decision."

Dr. Richard Land, whom I mentioned above, has some of these same questions. Last month he wrote the following candid and pointed open letter to Newt Gingrich:

Dr. Richard Land: An Open Letter to Newt Gingrich
By Dr. Richard D. Land | Executive Editor

Mr. Speaker, Well done! You have risen beyond relevancy to serious competitiveness by your grit, erudition and intelligence. You have come back from the political equivalent of Hospice care to become a serious contender for the Republican nomination for president.

You’re obviously extremely bright, knowledgeable, experienced on the issues and fully able to go toe-to-toe with the formidable campaigner President Obama has amply demonstrated that he is.

By the way, your idea of a series of Lincoln-Douglas style debates between you and the president if you are the nominee is a great idea. Those debates would do much to clarify and explain the critically important decisions that Americans will be making about their and their children’s future in the 2012 election.

However (and you have known me long enough to know that the “however” was coming), you still have some significant problems with Evangelical voters. These voters are, and will be, an important factor in both the primaries and general election.

Over the past three years, I have conducted more than 200 informal focus groups with Southern Baptists across the land, in rural, urban, suburban and exurban settings. Mr. Speaker, I have good news and I have bad news.

The good news is, as you know Evangelicals are a forgiving people, who having experienced redemption and forgiveness in their own spiritual lives, are most often willing to extend it to others who ask for it. Consequently, a high percentage of Evangelical men are willing to cut you some slack over your turbulent marital history. The bad news is that Evangelical women are far less willing to forgive and let bygones be bygones. There is a large and significant gender gap on the issue of your two previous marriages. My research would indicate a majority of men, but less than a third of Evangelical women are currently willing to trust you as their president.

Even my own mother, a rock-solid Evangelical, was extremely uncomfortable voting for Sen. John McCain until he acknowledged to Rick Warren that the failure of his first marriage was the greatest regret of his life and it was his fault.

Mr. Speaker, if you want to get large numbers of Evangelicals, particularly women, to vote for you, you must address the issue of your marital past in a way that allays the fears of Evangelical women.

You must address this issue of your marital past directly and transparently and ask folks to forgive you and give you their trust and their vote.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you to pick a pro-family venue and give a speech (not an interview) addressing your marital history once and for all. It should be clear that this speech will be “it” and will not be repeated, only referenced.

As you prepare that speech, you should picture in your mind a 40-something Evangelical married woman whose 40-something sister just had her heart broken by an Evangelical husband who has just filed for divorce, having previously promised in church, before God, his wife and “these assembled witnesses” to “love, honor and cherish until death us do part.”

Focus on her as if she were your only audience. You understand people vote for president differently than they do any other office. It is often more of a courtship than a job interview. I know something of your faith journey over the past 20 years. Do not hesitate to weave that into your speech to the degree that you are comfortable doing so. It will always resonate with Evangelical Christians.

You need to make it as clear as you possibly can that you deeply regret your past actions and that you do understand the anguish and suffering they caused others including your former spouses. Make it as clear as you can that you have apologized for the hurt your actions caused and that you have learned from your past misdeeds. Express your love for, and loyalty to, your wife and your commitment to your marriage. Promise your fellow Americans that if they are generous enough to trust you with the presidency, you will not let them down and that there will be no moral scandals in a Gingrich White House.

Such a speech would not convince everyone to vote for you, but it might surprise you how many Evangelicals, immersed in a spiritual tradition of confession, redemption, forgiveness and second and third chances, might.

Your fellow American,
Richard Land

_____________

And so the search for leadership continues.

Thank you for financially supporting our commitment to advance Judeo-Christian values and principles. And to inform people of faith. We need God's guidance. Much hangs in the balance.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Very Discerning. Be Informed. Be Active. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Texas DMV Approves "One State Under God" License Plate

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The governing board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has approved a "Calvary Hill" license plate featuring the phrase "One State Under God".

A Christian youth organization, Glory Gang, which is an outreach dedicated to helping at-risk kids age 3 to 12 years old, will receive a portion of each purchase of the plates. This is typical for specialty plates of any kind.

There are several specialty plates already available in Texas including, "God Bless Texas" and "God Bless America."

Kathy Miller, president of "Texas Freedom Network," is blaming Governor Rick Perry for creating an environment that allows such things to happen.

Other atheist groups are mad.

However, there is a differing view within the Christian community. Imagine that.

Rev. Larry Bethune, pastor of University Baptist Church in Austin says, "I'm disappointed to see the state endorse a particular faith, even if it's mine and to see Christians trivialize our faith into slogans and symbols on the back of a bumper."

University Baptist Church, affiliated with the American Baptists, defines itself as a "Progressive Voice of Faith."

However, Jonathan Saenz, director of legislative affairs for Liberty Institute said, "Private speech, protected by the First Amendment should not be second class treatment...Anyone who opposes this plate either doesn't know the law or has no respect for the First Amendment."

Should this be allowed under the First Amendment? If so, does this trivialize the Christian faith? Or is an appropriate Christian expression of free speech?

I personally agree with Liberty Institute regarding the First Amendment. I disagree with the pastor. In this culture of images and sound bites, I do not believe Christian expressions placed in the public square trivializes Christianity.

The threat is from those who seek to silence any public Christian expression. The greater threat is our allowing them to do so.

What do you think?

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Friday, December 09, 2011

Clarity in Political Confusion

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This is not an endorsement of Rick Perry. It is an endorsement of what he is saying in a couple of new TV ads.

Perry, as you know, is no longer a front runner among GOP candidates. However, the narrative of his new ad should warm the heart of every biblical Christian.

While our culture is drowning in nuance, double speak, cynicism and political correctness; sometimes we hear a voice, perhaps not a loud voice, but a voice, that actually says something.

This is one of those times. It reminds me of a statement made by another follower of Jesus Christ, who once wrote to his friends, "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation."

This may only be a moment of clarity in a politically confused world, but it is refreshingly clear.

Rick Perry on his faith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PAJNntoRgA&feature

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6tmsxdSUkY&feature=relmfu

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Be Vigilant. Be Bold. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Sen. Patty Murray Shocked by HHS Sebelius' Abortion Pill Decision

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Pro-abortion, secular progressives were shocked, angered and outraged with a decision by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius yesterday. Sen. Patty Murray was among the angered.

At the 11th hour, Sebelius intervened and overruled her own drug regulators at the Food and Drug Administration, stopping them from moving the Plan B pill onto the shelves next to condoms, causing them to leave the pill behind the counter as it is at present.

That would have made Plan B, sometimes called the abortion pill or morning after pill, the first ever over-the-counter emergency contraceptive. But Sec. Sebelius pulled back at the last moment.

This is the same pill Governor Gregoire and A/G Rob McKenna are representing in their litigation against the Stormans family of Olympia, trying to force them, through litigation, to carry and sell the pill in violation of their conscience.

KOMO News/AP reported that "Senator Patty Murray of Washington, a member of the Senate leadership, [and co-chair of the recent Super Committee fiasco] quickly asked for Sebelius to explain her decision."

Other liberal progressives expressed anger, shock and outrage, feeling betrayed by one of their own.

Ms. Sebelius is indeed one of their own. You will recall while Governor of Kansas, Sebelius was an active supporter of late term abortionist George Tiller. Tiller was murdered at a church in the summer of 2009, but her relationship with Tiller and Planned Parenthood has been a constant problem for Sebelius during her political career and Sebelius has continued to oversee the continuing legal saga of George Tiller and the corruption that defined his abortion career and her support of it.

The abortion industry had expected more from her yesterday. They were ready to put the pills on the shelf next month.

Here is why she said she reversed the action by Food and Drug.

Even Associated Press sees it differently.

She told AP, "It is common knowledge that there are significant cognitive and behavioral differences between older adolescent girls and the youngest girls of reproductive age," Sebelius said. "I do not believe enough data were presented to support the application to make Plan B One-Step available over the counter for all girls of reproductive age."

However, AP recognized the other side to the story and wrote this:

"The move will anger a pivotal part of Obama's Democratic base, and Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, a member of the Senate leadership, quickly asked for Sebelius to explain her decision. But the decision also could help Democrats make their case to independents, whose support will be critical in next fall's presidential election, that Obama is not the liberal ideologue Republicans claim."

AP continues. "Wednesday's decision followed Obama administration reversals this year on some environmental and other issues that irked Democrats."

The Sebelius-Tiller-Planned Parenthood-late term abortion saga continues. Michelle Malkin wrote an explicit and pointed column about the continuing legal drama, including the shredding of documents just over a month ago. It is worth your time to read it.

This latest episode certainly does not indicate that Ms. Sebelius has become more pro-life or even more caring about the children who could access the "pill" if it were on the shelf, as she claims.

Perhaps it shows that there is at least one thing more important to the Secretary and the Administration she works for than the expansion of abortion.

That would be to get re-elected. Politics above principle. And above life itself.

God help us. And deliver us from evil.

Your financial support makes our voice and actions stronger in the advocacy of Judeo-Christian values and principles in our culture. Thank you for your support.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Public Education: The Occupation of Kids Minds

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I am a father and a grandfather. I love my children and grandchildren. I care about what they are taught in school.

Parents must be vigilant---very vigilant as to what is happening in the public classroom.

Nick Benson has 2 grandsons at Barstow High School in California.

While watching FOX NEWS one evening, his grandson told him, "Fox News lies."

"How do you know that?" asked grandpa.

"My teacher told me," replied grandson.

So Grandpa Nick looked into things at Barstow High.

Benson reviewed last year's class assignments from the time his grandson was in the class and found that his grandson's "World History" teacher, Jim Duarte, had been very active in indoctrinating the minds of the kids.

Hundreds of Oakland teachers recently signed a pledge sheet to use valuable class time to teach their students about the noble “Occupy” protesters and the evil corporations on Wall Street. A good number of parents felt that was inappropriate and in opposition to their own views about the occupy movement.

Yet, what Nick Benson discovered is even more threatening than the misguided, multiple messages of those camping out in public parks and streets, using drugs, committing rape, demanding more wealth redistribution with more entitlements, all with devastating effects on local business and parks.

Nick found that Barstow High teacher, Jim Duarte, is trying to do what many activist teachers are doing in public education: Occupying the minds of the children---pushing an ideology rather than educating---indoctrination rather than education.

Here's what he found, including a threat to sue him if he made public the letter from the school district.

Bizarre.

In reviewing the class assignments and work sheets from the class his grandson had taken from teacher Jim Duarte, he found a series of articles, cartoons and discussion questions that were anti-conservative, slanted extreme left, favorably bent toward big labor and the socialist point of view, with a little other stuff thrown in for cover.

Breitbart.com has published an extensive article on this story.

An overview of what the grandfather found:
  • Fox News pushed a "falsehood" that government workers made more than private sector counterparts. Source? Media Matters and Huffington Post.
  • Duarte led his class to believe that the US House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., wants to sacrifice medicare and Medicaid in order to prevent tax increases for the rich. Students read an editorial cartoon showing Ryan dressed as a witch doctor with a knife raised above his head, poised to slay medicare and Medicaid on an altar.
There was no explanation of Ryan's actual proposal.
  • Students were directed to read an article about Utah legislators proposing an increase in food sales tax, while decreasing the overall sales tax. The students were then directed to the following answers on a worksheet.
  1. This allows the rich to pay less in sales tax on everything else.
  2. Law Makers in Utah are "digging a deeper hole" for the poor by raising the food tax.
Teacher Duarte certainly has a right to believe what he wants to believe, but does he have the right to occupy the minds of children with his personal beliefs and ideologies?

No.

The grandfather complained to the school district.

He received a written response. I have linked the entire letter here.

Teresa Heally, assistant superintendent, found she was satisfied that the teacher had appropriately blended his anti-conservative tirades with actual lessons on history, i.e., World War I and World War II, etc.

The most stunning to me was the not so veiled threat to Mr. Benson:

"The district respectfully requests that you refrain from any publication of this document or portion thereof. We trust you will appreciate this serious concern and avoid any legal ramifications that could result."

A parent asks a public school to investigate what a teacher is teaching his child in class, paid with public funds and tasked to "educate" the child. The parent receives a response and a threat of litigation if they share the information with anyone.

Help! Someone is stealing our country and occupying the minds of our children.

God help us.

Be Vigilant.

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Tuesday, December 06, 2011

A Pastor Responds to the Pastor and Church in Gig Harbor

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Recently I reported on a "redefinition of marriage" meeting held at the First United Methodist church in Gig Harbor.

There were a number of comments posted to our blog, and as usual we also received a number of personal email from a variety of people expressing both concern about the direction some churches are moving and simply expressing support and appreciation for what we are doing.

We seldom publish these kinds of communications. However, I emailed the pastor, whom I do not know, and asked if I could share his thoughts. I have included his personal response and his thoughts published on his own blog on the role of the First United Methodist church in Gig Harbor:


Hi Gary,

Sure use this for the blog. Praise God for your outspoken ministry. Jeremiah 50:2a says, "Declare and proclaim among the nations. Proclaim it and lift up a standard. Do not conceal it ..." I feel ministries like yours are keeping the righteousness of our nation at the standards God intends.

I am a Free Methodist pastor and am sad about their bowing the knee to social pressures at our 'cousin' denomination church at the Gig Harbor United Methodist Church. Scripture, Holy Spirit conviction, natura- logical condition and witness of creation doesn't speak at all to this pastor. Can a leopard change its spots the Scripture asks in Jeremiah? Volitional choices on our conduct is God-given, an ethnic skin colored person is discriminated against based upon a choice that was made for him prior to birth, and is discriminated against because of that. Yet a civil right for the gay community is wrong; the civil war was a huge war based upon TRUE civil rights, not behavior. I wish they would remember these things. The Free Methodist denomination is probably going to have to begin seeing who is a real cousin or not. Thank you.

Thanks Pastor. Good thoughts.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

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Monday, December 05, 2011

Atheists Are Taking Their Children to Church

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Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund's findings were published in the December issue of Scientific Study of Religion.

She found 17% of atheist professors with children reported attending more than one religious service in the past year.

Their reasons for attending are interesting.

Associated Press reported this past Friday that, "The study's principal investigator, Rice University sociologist Elaine Howard Ecklund, says that while some atheist academics attended religious services to please their spouses, others were seeking the company of fellow parents or wanted to expose their children to a moral environment. She says some atheist scientists simply wanted their children to learn about religion so they could make up their own minds."

I found it interesting that in seeking a moral environment, they chose church.

Be Vigilant. Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be Active. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

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Friday, December 02, 2011

Don't Contribute to the Salvation Army?

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I wanted to make you aware of 2 things today. One naughty. The other nice.

Naughty.

He says, "Skip the bell." Why? "Because the Salvation Army has a history of discrimination against gays and lesbians."

Bil (yes, Bil with one l) Browning says he and his boyfriend had a bad experience with the Salvation Army. They wouldn't let them live intimately together at a shelter. He says they tried to "break them up." I don't know if his story is true or not, but his attack on the Salvation Army has over the past couple of years gotten some traction this year.

His website is circulating a lengthy message which essentially attacks the Salvation Army for being discriminating and hypocritical in their practice.

They are neither. They do, however, have a biblical view of homosexual behavior.

He, evidently, is not part of the peaceful, passive group Joel Connelly described in his Seattle PI column I referenced yesterday.

I don't speak for the Salvation Army, nor do they need me to do so, but I do contribute to them regularly. I have also known some of the leadership in the past and have actually rung a bell for them one year when I was on television.

I have linked to Wikipedia - Salvation Army here. Notice they have been helping people since 1865.

Also notice under "beliefs," their biblical positions on homosexuality, euthanasia and the sanctity of life.

I would encourage you to hear the bell, find a Salvation Army "pot" this weekend and put money in it.

Nice.

Nathan Karren, a freshman at Issaquah High School, is making life a little better during this Christmas season for hundreds of sick and injured kids at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue.

Working toward becoming an Eagle Scout, he decided to direct his service project toward the kids at Overlake.

KOMO news reported that Nathan collected 652 stuffed animals for the kids. He delivered them to the hospital this past Tuesday night.

Debbie Luttman, Overlake Director of Emergency Services, told KOMO that stuffed animals are very therapeutic for the kids.

"It's usually very stressful," she said, "frequently they're very uncomfortable and in pain, and a stuffed animal to hug just gives them so much comfort."

I would note that the Boy Scouts organization has also been attacked in similar fashion, but as the Salvation Army, continue to contribute to so many lives in so many ways.

God bless them both. And God bless you. Have a great weekend.

Thanks for your support of this ministry.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Informed. Be Active. Be prayerful. Be Blessed.

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Thursday, December 01, 2011

Gig Harbor Pastor: "Same Sex Marriage a Civil Right"

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Standing under a crucifix at Gig Harbor's United Methodist Church, the 50 or so who attended a "marriage equality" meeting recently, posed for a picture as the photographer encouraged the group, "close together, love thy neighbor."

Joel Connelly, columnist for the Seattle PI, was among those attending, describing the group as "babies, toddlers, young couples and seniors."

Rev. Jim Head-Corliss, pastor of the church, explained why he hosted the meeting. He told Connelly that, "This is a civil rights issue."

State Representative Laurie Jenkins, a Tacoma Democrat and lesbian activist who led part of the meeting said, "Truly this is the first time in 25 years we have had a meeting like this here."

Connelly defined people for other causes as people, "marching and shouting about change into bull horns"---while defining the homosexual "marriage" advocates as quiet, organized and focused on convincing legislators to re-define marriage.

A campaign recently launched against the Salvation Army suggests a very different demeanor by folks in this same community. I'll write about that tomorrow.

So what was the discussion in the meeting? Which legislators were specifically discussed? And, simply stated, what is the real question of the marriage debate?

Democratic Senator Derek Kilmer was defined as an advocate for "civil rights" issues, but they see him as "ambivalent" about re-defining marriage. They reported to the those gathered that, "It's the word 'marriage' that bothers him."

They think that the State House will likely pass Sen. Ed Murray's bill, based on the numbers and the support already shown by the House leadership. They also think the battle will come down to the State Senate. I agree.

So why would Senator Kilmer be "bothered" about re-defining the word marriage?

Clearly stated, this whole issue comes to this question:

What Is Marriage?

Is marriage the union between one man and one woman, introduced at Creation by the Creator Himself as the ultimate human relationship for mutual fulfillment, procreation and the nurturing and development of children, affirmed by every successful civilization and major religion in history?

Or...

Is it a mechanism or device to affirm and validate other, various relationships?

Associated Press reported from the initial meeting in Bellevue a couple of weeks ago that one of the main reason homosexual advocates are pushing for "marriage" is to "remove the stigma" from their behavior.

Washington State has already given them the benefits through the domestic partnership law.

What do you think marriage is? And should it be re-defined?

That question will be answered in Washington State in 2012. Either in the legislature or by a vote of the people.

During a time of questioning, the ancient biblical leader Joshua told his people, "You have seen God's faithfulness to us. You know His principles." While all may not agree, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

A contemporary call would be, "Choose this year if marriage between a man and a woman is an institution created by God and honored and affirmed by every major religion and civilization, for specific purposes."

Or...

Is it a mechanism, a device, for affirming and elevating various other relationships, for various other reasons? Or is there a deeper reason for its existence?

Defending marriage is not about hate or trying to deny anyone anything. It is about protecting the most fundamental human cornerstone of human experience.

Those who defend it will be demonized. I have been and so have many of you.

But, we must choose where we stand on this issue. And we must choose now.

As for me and my house, we will defend marriage and oppose re-defining it.

And we will act on that deeply held conviction. Will you?

You can help us stand in defense of marriage by financially supporting Faith and Freedom now.

This time of decision will pass. Our actions or in-actions will create the future of the culture for our children.

Your support is essential to a successful defense of marriage. Thank you.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Active. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

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