Guilty Halloween

I felt a little guilty tonight enjoying Halloween...my husband and I took our daughter around trick-or-treating and really enjoyed our time together. Although things were wonderful with us, I couldn't quit thinking about some bad news we got earlier this morning. My husband teaches and coaches, and a couple of his wrestlers (brothers) lost their mom this morning to cancer. I just feel so bad for these two boys. Their dad is a worthless piece of poop that left them a couple of years ago. Needless to say, I am not sure what will happen to these two boys now that their mom has passed away. I'm sure the funeral will be sometime this week...It's crazy that cancer finally got her this time. She had beaten it twice before. Anyway, I just felt like sharing...mainly as a prayer request to pray for this family. I know I lost my father earlier this year, but it wasn't during my teenage years. I just can't imagine what they are going through. I'm sure so many uncertainties. Thanks for your prayers for them in advance!

Disgust with a few positives...

So I am speaking of D.C. -I will attempt to make my points as brief as possible, but just know I have more than 1 point to make:

Disgust #1-->I think it is disgusting that the Hate Crime Bill was passed yesterday. I know it sounds bad, but do you know what it is about? First, let me begin by saying that Congress if full of a bunch of chickens. Instead of voting on this bill by itself, they attached it to the Defense Authorization Bill that funds our military. Not many democrats or republicans are willing to vote against the military...therefore this terrible Hate Crime Bill got passed too. Now about the bill itself...it is named after Matthew Shepard. In 1998 this 21 year old was murdered. The bill was named after him because his murder was portrayed as a hate crime since he was homosexual. Years later, the killers admitted they went after him, but after drugs and money. It had nothing to do with his homosexual lifestyle. Check out the story HERE. Aren't all crimes already punished? This particular bill is an attempt to silence those who speak out against this lifestyle. Pastors and preachers are particularly at risk...if they speak out against this lifestyle, they could be charged with a hate crime. Anyone who knows Christianity realizes it is about love, not hate.

Positive #1--> I heard this comment on the radio today and thought it was classic. Once again, the political "conservative" is constantly being attacked these days. Before I say more, I do not listen to Rush Limbaugh...but, I do think he was wrongly denied ownership of the NFL team in St. Louis. Please listen to Rep. Steve King call out the NFL commissioner on his hypocrisy. In summary, he calls him out because people like J-Lo and Fergie have ownership of the Miami Dolphins, but yet use racial remarks in their music and atleast Fergie has a past with drugs. Check it out HERE.

Positive #2-->On Healthcare Reform...we keep hearing the Democrats say that Republicans haven't come up with any ideas. Instead of the new 1,990 page bill that has been updated (HERE)I got it off my Congressman's website today...Republicans are about to give their shot at reform. Everyone agrees there needs to be reform, just not in the way that most Democrats are trying to shove it through...people need healthcare, but why change the good parts? Most of healthcare is good, but yes some things need fixed. Here are the 5 aspects that Republicans are suggesting:
1. Fix tax code...employers get healthcare tax free, but individuals do not. This suggest that both employers and individuals would be able to get healthcare tax free.
2. Buy across state lines...a lot of states only have 1 or 2 main insurance companies. If you can compete across state lines, then there will actually be competition. (kind of like car insurance commercials on tv)
3. Allow groups to get volume discount...like employers.
4. Broken lawsuit system...doctors pay a fortune in malpractice insurance. Help tame this beast, as well as keep a grip on the unnecessary lawsuits out there.
5. Compel insurance companies to compete with one another.
Atleast these 5 things address the issue...and it is where common people like you and me can understand it. No gimmicks, no hidden agendas...simply promoting insurance companies to compete for business, which we decrease costs. Not government control.

A Great Read..."Saving Freedom"

Going along with my political theme lately...I wanted to suggest a good book I have been reading.
"Saving Freedom" is a book written by Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina. I picked it up in a Christian book store, just because it caught my attention.
I have recommended it to a few of my friends...mostly because it gives a well needed history lesson on America and the beginnings of our government. This man is critical of government today; this includes both democrats and republicans. It goes back to the Constitution and what was intended when it was written. When asked if it is biased...doesn't everything have a little bias in it? Yes, he is a Christian...so yes, he has a conservative view. But is that truly a bad thing?
Christianity is about Jesus Christ, not hate like it has been portrayed today. Anyone who truly knows Christ, or atleast attempts to follow His teachings, realize what a decline our society is in today. Yes it can be disheartening, but it can also be inspiring. I don't think Christians are supposed to just sit back and be silent...technically we are supposed to spread the Good News of Jesus. That doesn't require silence!
Anyway, pick this book up...it is truly worth it! I think every American needs to remember the reason our country was founded, the intentions of our founding fathers, the purpose of the constitution. It was freedom from government control...seriously!

leading by example...debt?

I had a long drive yesterday, which really got me thinking...yes our nation is in a bad economic situation. I don't think anyone can deny that; yes there are things that the corporate world have done to contribute, BUT what I feel is too often left out...personal responsibility. We all know people who are in debt up to their eyeballs. (That was one of my favorite commercials a few years back-the man riding on the lawn mower, showing his house-saying he's a member of the country club-etc, then asking "How do I do it...I'm in debt up to my eyeballs!") There are so many aspects of this crisis, but we, as individual Americans have to do OUR part. That is make wise financial decisions...not live outside or above our means. Yes it is easy to do, but there has to be some self-control in there somewhere. Theoretically, we can't spend money we don't have. That is the biggest lesson to be learned during this time...don't spend more than you make, and save money in case of an emergency...like losing your job. I have friends in these situations; we never know what the future holds, so we just have to plan ahead and prepare.
That being said...shouldn't our government lead by example? Instead, they are spending money they definitely don't have and are in debt up to their eyeballs! I am not just blaming it on the current administration either, but they are maximizing the national debt. How can you ask wall street and main street to get their act together when our leaders are not leading by example? We all pay taxes, or those of us who are here legally...and that is what the government's budget should consist of. Not borrowing money that doesn't exist...For those of you who don't think this healthcare thing will cost more money...think logically. If we are already in debt, where do you think the money is going to come from? DEBT...so just keep in mind...Individual Americans are in debt and bankrupt...and so is our government. This wasn't the intentions of the American Dream...that dream is the potential for prosperity and freedom. That doesn't mean that everyone will obtain it or get it...we may have been CREATED equal by God, but that doesn't mean we ARE equal. We were all given different abilities and talents and are to be content with what we have (which doesn't mean we can't work hard to try to make more).
Sorry for ranting...but there is a reason America is in the situation. Neither individuals or our government are living within means...shouldn't the government lead by example?

I can't resist...Oprah & Obama

I kind of hate when I get on my political kicks, but then again I obviously kind of enjoy it. We'll call it bitter-sweet. My goal is to get the truth out, so that the public isn't easily persuaded by the mainstream media. Let's face it, not everyone wants the truth. That's what I have realized; so many Americans react on emotion and fear, as opposed to logic and reasoning. This persuasion is everywhere...including on Oprah.
I understand that Obama and Oprah go way back. They both lived in Chicago, attended the crazy-extreme "church" of Rev. Wright, have money and power, and are obvious buddies. So catching the last minutes of Oprah today, I realized that she is subtly and slyly pushing his socialist agenda.
Her episode was on "showing how people live around the world"and what makes them the happiest people...I will try to summarize what I witnessed: the Denmark women interviewed made comments of equality, stated that "the government will take care of it", that they have "free healthcare and free education", everyone makes about the same income, etc. (Oh yeah, and they have a HUGE income tax...up to 50% from what they said...anyone who works hard knows that sounds terrible) They tried to romanticize the government...the positive thing, family was important (they ate meals together and got a long maternity leave compared to US women). The negatives, most of the women interviewed had children out of wedlock and didn't believe marriage was important...nor did they believe religion was important. Sounds great huh? (sarcasm)
Then Oprah interviewed someone from India...once again it went back to what the government does for them. They don't pay for healthcare, water, or electricity. There is no homeless because the "government takes care of them". Then the female, who claimed to be a general practice doctor, made this statement..."Doctors should show compassion, it shouldn't be a business".
Do you catch my drift...everyone knows Oprah has a huge following. She has been seen around Obama numerous times, including the trip to Denmark to try to bring the Olympics home to the U.S....which let me remind you failed.
There is a reason we don't currently have government run healthcare...
IT'S CALLED FREEDOM!
People have fought and died for FREEDOM in this country...they are still fighting and dying for it! Why did America start to begin with...to get away from government in England. That was the whole point, they wanted FREEDOM. Socialism is the opposite of FREEDOM...socialism relies on a few people (government) making decisions for the rest of us. That isn't what our country was based on...that would be the Constitution! Our founding fathers knew that men had a sin nature. That they were greedy of money and power...and we see that thriving today.
So here is my caution...be careful what you watch and listen to. The mainstream media is not reporting all of the facts. Fox News gets called biased, one-sided...but what if...they are actually reporting the truth. (and that seems to be the reason their ratings have sky rocketed). Watching and listening to something other than mainstream media atleast gives a different perspective. I rarely watch Fox News, but I do listen to a decent amount of American Family Radio. I would encourage you to tune in...whether on the internet or radio. Let's quit giving people like Oprah the power of persuasion.
If you are interested in a Christian-Biblical perspective...based on facts and logic then go to this website to find a station near you!
http://action.afa.net/uploadedFiles/Radio/Station%20Listing.pdf

My best analogy to Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

I couldn't decide what topic to blog on today. There are so many directions my mind is pulling me, but I thought I should go ahead and address this particular issue...Obama and his win of the Nobel Peace Prize. Yes I am critical of this President. No question, BUT do you honestly think he has accomplished enough in this short time period to win this previously prestigious award? Seriously?
Here is my best analogy-For those of you who don't know, I played women's college basketball. Sports provides so many life lessons...I learned so much about not only basketball at a division 1 level, but about myself, and how life works. We all know, life doesn't always seem fair. That was how I felt throughout most of my basketball experience. I worked my tail off and didn't always get the playing time I thought I deserved. (I will admit if someone is out playing me or better than me.) I didn't have all of the height or ability in the world, but I definitely had heart and dedication.
That brings me to the analogy...By my junior year of college, there were 3 of us point guards competing for the same position. There was a starting point guard, I was generally first off of the bench, then a freshmen guard with high hopes. This particular December game our coach approached us right before our pregame meeting...He took the starter and moved her to third point guard this game; my position of back up didn't change and he gave the freshmen point guard her chance to shine. The only problem with this approach, at the time the freshmen point guard had not "earned" that right to start. She had not out-played us, therefore it was confusing. What had she done to get that starting recognition...nothing that we hadn't done. Yes she was a good player and good competitor, but that isn't enough at the college level. Needless to say, at this particular point in our playing career...the lines of earning playing time were unclear. After an okay game by the freshmen, things went back to the way they were prior to the game. The starter continued starting, I was backup, and the freshmen was third.
Here's my point...by awarding Obama the Nobel Peace Prize, he has been reaffirmed for no reason. He hasn't accomplished anything other than winning the election. Let's be honest, he luckily hasn't passed his healthcare agenda, he didn't bring the Olympics home, the energy initiative is at a halt for now, and the list goes on. If we are going on legit facts, he didn't deserve the award...especially the $1.2 million that comes along with it. So there you have it...if you award people for nothing, it confuses them. It gives them false affirmation. This is what has happened to Obama by giving him the award. He doesn't deserve it based on merit, which was exactly the same situation with my freshmen basketball friend. Hope the analogy puts this issue into perspective.

10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe

So I read this book last month and have been meaning to blog on it..."10 Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe" by Larry Osborne. It speaks of Christian believers who get caught up in social and cultural bias, therefore they start believing things and interpreting things the wrong way. These "spiritual urban legends" can cause disillusionment, heartache, and can be dangerous. I will try to summarize the best I can, but want to suggest it as a good read:
Dumb Idea #1--Faith can fix anything...He said this kind of hopeful thinking is more about faith in faith than faith in God. Obviously God can do anything He wants; that doesn't have to be what we want.
Dumb Idea #2--Forgiving means forgetting...He says forgiving is not an option. It's a sacred duty and is central to the Christian message. Forgiving isn't pretending that nothing ever happened. Forgiving didn't mean removing all the consequences. (Basically, although God wipes are slate clean if we ask forgiveness, we still have consequences to those sins)
Dumb Idea #3--A Godly home guarantees Godly kids...as much as we would like to believe this, we know it isn't true. We all know someone that came from a great family, yet lives a lifestyle of sin. The bottom line, it is a parents' job to raise their kids in a Christian environment; but the kid is responsible for their own actions as they get older. They make their own decisions.
Dumb Idea #4--God has a blueprint for my life...it basically says that a blueprint gives specific instructions that spell out every single detail. God gives more of a game plan. He gives general guidelines and principles, with lots of freedom and flexibility for adjustments as the game unfolds. (anyone who has played sports should understand this concept)
Dumb Idea #5--Christians shouldn't judge...quoted directly from the book, "Refusing to make judgments or call sin, sin, is not what Jesus asks us to do. Refusing to do so leads to costly spiritual consequences, not only in the lives of those of us who refuse to judge, but also in the lives of those who never have their sins pointed out. It does mean we need to judge with extreme caution and clarity.
Dumb Idea #6--Everything happens for a reason...sometimes the trials and hardships we face are the results of sinful choices. That's not God's doing. That's our doing. Basically he says that we (our decisions, own selfishness, etc) cause a lot of our troubles, not God.
Dumb Idea #7--Let your conscience be your guide...our conscience doesn't tell us if we're violating God's standards. It tells us when we're violating our standards. When rightly understood and functioning properly, our conscience is a valuable early warning device.
Dumb Idea #8--God brings good luck...the thing we have to remember is that the benefits of righteousness aren't primarily found in earthly rewards. They're found in the next life. The great benefit is forgiveness. The great reward is heaven.
Dumb Idea #9--A valley means a wrong turn...If we run from every messy situation on the assumption that God can't be in it, we'll never experience the miraculous power of his deliverance.
Dumb Idea #10--Dead people go to a better place...This is the saddest to me, but so true. The book says that Jesus and the Bible are quite clear-the wicked don't go to a better place. There's a real hell. It's not the devil's playground. It's not a perpetual wild party. It's Satan's worst nightmare. It also says that the cross and salvation are central to the gospel. Losing the concept of hell devalues the cross.

FIREPROOF FRIDAY...

How many relationships/marriages are "on the rocks"? Some may not be to that point yet, but the marriage is definitely not worthy of respect or admiration? It happens too frequently...and we all know people that have gone through the trenches of marriage or have experienced it personally. Unfortunately I have had several friends go down the road of difficulty...luckily most of them have survived, but that isn't the case for everyone I know. (I myself am a product of divorced parents... two great individual parents who were unable to have a successful marriage)
Today I took a 1/2 off from work...we had to get shots for my daughter, and then ended up at home for the afternoon. My husband's idea, "Let's watch Fireproof!"
If you haven't seen this movie, PLEASE watch it...it truly is an incredible movie. Yes it is a Christian based movie, but the main aspect of it is dealing with marriage. Not to be a spoiler, but it shows how easy it is for a marriage to travel down a horrible path, how sin can interfere and deceive people, how pride can get in the way, etc...
Even if your marriage is thriving...watch it! If your marriage is in a state of resentfulness...watch it! If you are engaged to be married...watch it to see what marriage is supposed to look like! That's my challenge for the next week...watch Fireproof and work on your marriage!

Queering Elementary Education...

Thought that title might get your attention...so what would you think if someone was trying to force schools (schools=administration, teachers, students, parents, and all those involved)to accept homosexuality? If someone was trying to tell YOUR children that the sin of homosexuality was okay? That it is "okay to be gay". Now as always, let me preface the following with this...by no means am I saying to make fun of or harm those who practice the homosexual lifestyle, BUT it is okay to disagree with homosexuality and not physically harm or make fun of those people.

My reason for the post, did you know that YOUR President has appointed (wasn't elected to, but appointed by Obama) a homosexual to the U.S. Department of Education? Let me also say, I definitely think homosexuals are people and are qualified to do good work...BUT, not to influence our children about a sexual perversion that is clearly called "sin" by the Bible and God. Our nation's U.S. Department of Education "Safe Schools" Czar is Kevin Jennings. He founded the "Gay, Lesbian and Straight, Education Network (GLSEN)...wrote the foreword on a book titled, "Queering Elementary Education"...has authored several books pushing the homosexual agenda...and is now in authority to influence our children. PLEASE google this guy. There is a multitude of information out there on Kevin Jennings...and it truly is scary.

Years ago he was speaking at a conference telling the story of a young, 15 year old teenager, who had a homosexual relationship with a grown man in a bathroom...instead of reporting the event (because of inappropriate age, since it was an adult and 15 year old), Jennings said he offered him advice. Regardless of the homosexual conduct surrounding this kid, any adult should report a relationship in which an adult takes advantage of a underage kid...obviously Jennings put the homosexual agenda ahead of the well being of this child, who was clearly being taken advantage of by an adult.

Once again...this is another case of the problems within Obama's administration. That is what the fuss is about...the Czars that are appointed, especially when they are soooo extreme in their thinking. Add Kevin Jennings to the list of radical associations for Obama....the list is on going of extreme individuals and should be a warning of more to come. We already have Rev. Jeremiah Wright, ACORN, the Czar that was just ousted over communist remarks-Van Jones, this guy-Kevin Jennings, and I know there are more I am not mentioning.

My goal here is to inform you...this isn't about Democrat or Republican, this is about our future.

Sunday Song...

"Going Through The Motions" by Matthew West

This song is so meaningful...How many people do we know that lives life by JUST going through the motions? After my Dad passed away earlier this year, it hit close to home...life truly is short. So, if you are reading this you are obviously alive. Start living life...start living life for Christ...after all, that is the most important aspect of our life. We all have other things going on too (being a spouse, a worker/employee, a son/daughter, a parent ourselves, etc). I am definitely not saying neglect our other duties, but what I am saying is that even in those aspects of life, God expects us to glorify Him. So, stop going through the motions of life, or getting caught up in them. Hope you enjoy the lyrics...and if you want to hear it you can find it on youtube!

LYRICS:
This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way

Check yourself...your faith?

As I have mentioned before, I am going through a Bible study with the small group my husband and I are in. For the last several weeks, we have been going through a book called "Be Mature: growing up in Christ" by Warren W. Wiersbe. I wanted to share a little bit of what this week is about...and honestly, reflect upon your personal life. Be honest with yourself and see which category you are apart of. After all, it is extremely important!
The topic...False Faith. Now don't let this scare you, it is meant to be a gut check...which I know we don't like most of the time. There are three types of faith given here:
(I will be directly quoting the following)

DEAD FAITH

-People with dead faith substitute words for deeds. They know the correct vocabulary for prayer and testimony, and can even quote the right verses from the Bible, but their walk does not measure up to their talk. They think their words are as good as works, and they are wrong.

-Any declaration that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration. That kind of faith is dead faith.

-True saving faith can never be by itself: It always brings life, and life produces good works.

-Faith in Christ brings life (John 3:16), and where there is life there must be growth and fruit.

-Dead faith is counterfeit faith and lulls the person into a false confidence of eternal life.

-It only touches a persons' intellect.

DEMONIC FAITH

-It comes as a shock to people that demons have faith! What do they believe? For one thing, they believe in the existence of God: they are neither atheists nor agnostic.

-(James 2:19) "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder."

-It not only touches a person's intellect, but also their emotions.

-True saving faith involves something more, something that can be seen and recognized: a changed life.

DYNAMIC FAITH

-Dynamic faith is faith that is real, faith that has power, faith that results in a changed life.

-To begin with, dynamic saving faith is based on the Word of God.

-We are not saved by faith in faith; we are saved by faith in Christ as revealed in His Word.

-The mind understands the truth; the heart desires the truth; and the will acts upon the truth.

-Again, faith is not believing in spite of evidence; faith is obeying in spite of consequence.

-The justified person has a changed life and obeys God's will. His faith is demonstrated by his works.

-Dynamic faith obeys God and proves itself in daily life and works.

-(Keep this in mind) Satan is the great deceiver; one of his devices is imitation.


Questions to ask yourself that are given in the book:

1.Was there a time when I honestly realized I was a sinner and admitted this to myself and to God?

2.Was there a time when my heart stirred me to flee from the wrath to come? Have I ever seriously been alarmed over my sins?

3.Do I truly understand the gospel, that Christ died for my sins and arose again? Do I understand and confess that I cannot save myself?

4.Did I sincerely repent of my sins and turn from them? Or do I secretly love sin and want to enjoy it?

5.Have I trusted Christ and Christ alone for my salvation? Do I enjoy a living relationship with Him through the Word and in the Spirit?

6.Has there been a change in my life? Do I maintain good works, or are my works occasional and weak? Do I seek to grow in the things of the Lord? Can others tell that I have been with Jesus?

7.Do I have a desire to share Christ with others? Or am I ashamed of Him?

8.Do I enjoy the fellowship of God's people? Is worship a delight to me?

9.Am I ready for the Lord's return? Or will I be ashamed when He comes for me?