My lovely wife, Jan, forwarded this missive that she posted a few years ago. It is well worth re-reading and strongly chewing upon.
Subject: Truly Liberated: Detoxing Your Mind
In my quest for better health, I have read alot about detoxing my body.
Fasting for a period of time and then re-introducing only good healthy foods
back into your body. Interesting thought...I know I could use that!
As Steve and I were riding to Round Rock yesterday to visit with his mother
and sister for Mother's Day, Steve started talking about how stupid we are
as a people...God's people, specifically. Of course, we got in trouble from
the "word patrol" in the back seat for saying stupid but Steve went on to
explain his thought. Basically, (not verbatim) we say one thing and do
another. We say we want to be like Christ. We say we want to be holy
because He wants us to be holy. We say we want to influence the world
through our actions and how our life has changed BUT...we don't change
anything. We can't be like Christ, be holy and influence others
(non-believers specifically) if we DO everything that they do...what is the
difference. We went on to discuss TV and movie viewing and other influences
in our lifes. (You need to know that I have been wanting to "do away" with
the TV, VCR and movies for a number of years now but we are not in
agreement...yet :))
This morning as I was walking, I started talking to God about what He
wanted...how can we really make a shift in our lifes.
He brought to mind the concept of detoxing. You eliminate all the bad stuff
and slowly reintroduce the good stuff. WOW!
We have as a family have "fasted" TV for the month of December. We have
done it for two years and I love it!!! On Christmas day, we watch movies
that we have received as presents and then on New Years Day we watch movies
and then...back to normal. But that is not detoxing...that is just fasting
and going about as usual. I have done that with my body too...fasting for a
time for lots of reasons (diet, waiting on a
answer...) but then went right back to the way things were.
In the interest of my family's "health", I am wondering what effect detoxing
our lifes would look like. What would be eliminated? What would be added?
What would be the results? Would anyone noticed?
Would we be changed? Or is it
a frutal attempt at a much bigger problem. I also wonder, what would happen
to the "industries" that are supported by our habits...would it make a
difference if all the Christians started acted like Christians...would the
standards change? Would we really be able to influence the industries, our
neighbors, our families by taking a stand...one person at a time?
What would you have to give up today to detox your mind and the mind of your
children?
What would you replace it with?
Would it have "eternal" value?
It is overwhelming to think of the possibilities. I think I will choose one
thing each day that I will "detox" from my life and fill it with "whatever
is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy", I
think I will think about such things.
(Phillipians 4:8) Will you join me? "And the God of peace will be with you"
(Phillipians 4:10)
On my way to being TRULY LIBERATED,
Jan
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
a Believers vote
Who will I vote for?
I will never vote for any politician who endorses a "right" to abortion.
I will never vote for any politician who endorses any type of restriction of my Second Amendment RIGHT to own and possess firearms.
I will never vote for any politician who endorses any type of restriction on my Constitutional RIGHT to a free expression of religion.
The rest is up for discussion.
I will never vote for any politician who endorses a "right" to abortion.
I will never vote for any politician who endorses any type of restriction of my Second Amendment RIGHT to own and possess firearms.
I will never vote for any politician who endorses any type of restriction on my Constitutional RIGHT to a free expression of religion.
The rest is up for discussion.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Mormons ... aren't Christians
"I think Mormons have high ethics values but they aren't Christians"
Mark A. Dadian (1-4) | Laconia Daily Sun:
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
knighted with a mission
My daughter recently completed an essay for a class assignment that touched my heart and sparked a reminder of who we are, as believers, as followers of our Lord Jesus. I asked her if I could share it with you.
They Will Know Us
Modern Christians possess the same responsibilities as they did centuries ago. Amazingly, Paul and Timothy, first century Christians, frequently and wholeheartedly took the time to encourage others, humble themselves, use their gifts, and they were cautious not to judge other people. Doing those kind and inspiring actions while faced with persecution and under the threat of death requires a person who has a strong relationship with God. It takes someone who cares. In today’s world, Christians often forget what others have suffered in the past to make it so they could worship and serve the Lord freely in the present.
Why would Christians all those years ago do that? Along with wanting to be strong in God, was there another reason? As many responsibilities as there are they all point back to loving others. Paul and Timothy had a mission to save people, which allowed them to know about what kind of life they could have with God after their Earthly life was over. Shouldn't all Christians have that same mission? In order to do this, they don’t have to leave their cities or the countries they live in. Leaving their house and just helping someone is already taking the steps to begin that mission. If Christians don’t at least try, how will others know them?
Because of new perspectives and life experiences, it becomes increasingly difficult to love others as you grow older yet it is a momentous and crucial duty of a Christian. Genuine love is explained plainly and unapologetically in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 by Paul, who wanted it to be clear to the church in Corinth:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
In the New Testament is definitely not the only place to find verses that discuss love. Proverbs 25:21-22, two of the most well known verses speak of loving your neighbors can be found in the Old Testament.
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you."
Actually, the first time a person reads this, they may think that they’re not exceptionally nice verses. On the contrary, it means that if you are kind and loving to someone that does not think well of you, they will realize you know something they don’t. Should we take heed? For Christians, this can mean leading someone to becoming a believer, but love should not be used for that sole purpose. Ministering to others is important, of course, but loving people and never hating others will also help a Christian’s relationship with God, and ultimately, make them a better and more compassionate person.
In addition to loving others, a significant responsibility for a Christian is using your spiritual gifts. At the time of your salvation, when the Holy Spirit enters you, you receive a gift that is meant to be used as a way to minister and witness to others. In Romans, Paul writes to the people of Rome about it, penning:
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (Romans 12:6-8)
Naturally and purposefully, God gave people their gifts to expand His kingdom. It is definitely your most important purpose. As J. Hampton Keathley III, who authored ABCs for Christian Growth, points out, “In addition to these, however, there are many natural and developed talents that people have and can use in exercise of these spiritual gifts.” If someone has a love for politics or public speaking; they could use their spiritual gift of speaking, teaching, serving, or even words of wisdom.
There are numerous talents and spiritual gifts that go hand in hand and are valuable when used together. Expanding on the subject, Keathley has yet another point, “A spiritual gift is not a particular specialty or method of ministry. The gifts of teaching may be used through radio or through writing or through the classroom.” No one should be discouraged if they do not know yet what their gift is. It is something that will be discovered as they grow in the Word and form a deeper and meaningful relationship with God. Once you understand and appreciate what you can do with the Holy Spirit, you should not just be happy about the fact you know what it is. A responsibility of a Christian is to exercise their talents and not let them go to waste! As Paul wrote Timothy, his ‘true son in faith’, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” (1 Timothy 4:14) Now, while it may not be extremely relatable, maybe you do not have the gift of prophesying or you did not receive your gift in that specific way, the first part of the message is clear and should be held in the hearts of Christians. Do not neglect your gift. Clearly, using your spiritual gift once you have begun to learn about it is a vital responsibility of a Christian.
Judgemental. Unforgiving. Close-minded. This perception of modern day Christianity stems from our lack of humility and love toward “the world”. Sadly, when humility is brought up or discussed in a sermon or Bible study, it seems to be quickly dismissed. Many forget how essential being humble is to being a “good” Christian and to furthering your relationship with God and with others. After King Solomon finished constructing and dedicating the temple, as written in 2 Chronicles, the Lord appeared to him once again. In Chapter Seven, verse fourteen (7:14), God clearly states, “… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” People forget that they are no better than anyone else. There are three definitions of the adjective ‘humble’ in the Encarta Dictionary, the first being modest; modest and unassuming in attitude and behavior; the second - respectful; feeling or showing respect and deference toward other people, and the last -lowly; relatively low in rank and without pretensions.
It should be known, without having to point it out, that people called by God should act respectful, modest, and even lowly, “valuing others above yourself” (Philippians 2:3). Along with humbleness, Christians should remember not to judge those around them. While it is not much of a secret that average secular people think Christians are judgmental and only want others to change their ways, not all Christians act that way. Judging, however, is not ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ no matter how much someone thinks that they are graciously and positively helping. Paul writes to the Rome in Romans 2:1-4, lettering,
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who have pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?"
Undoubtedly, a large responsibility of a Christian is being humble, but judging people should be left up to God.
Encouraging others goes hand in hand with being humble, using your gifts, and loving your neighbor. When you love, doesn’t that include supporting people and cheering them on? When you’re humble, won’t it bring you closer to understanding someone else and being capable of heartening them? When you use your gifts to encourage someone, isn’t that what a Christian, exercising compassion should do? Yes. In 1st Thessalonians Chapter five, Verse eleven (5:11), Paul once again writes to people, trying to encourage them, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Constantly, the people of Thessalonica, which is now known as Thessaloniki and is the second-largest city in Greece, had been true to God despite substantial , unspeakable suffering and despair but were worried for other Christians. Paul wrote them a letter, beginning the heartfelt correspondence with an earnest greeting, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father you work produced by faith, you labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” With these words, we immediately and sensitively begin to understand that the Christians of Thessalonica were strong in their faith. It is also apparent that they still needed encouragement since they were anxious. The sturdiest believer requires support and prayer, even if they don’t seem to. Several times in the New Testament Paul and a companion travel somewhere with the sole purpose of offering prayer and assistance; if a Christian so close to God travels great distances to encourage others, doesn’t that mean it is something that modern day Christians should focus on more? Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” It becomes clear that encouragement is just as important as any other responsibility, and is truthfully needed to continue being a strong Christian.
Every person who calls themselves a Christian should understand or at least having a basic idea of the responsibilities of being a Christian. Christians should think about why the responsibilities are their responsibilities? Why would God appoint us with these duties without a purpose? There is a purpose. The people of the world that follow Christ, which means following God as well, are knighted with the mission of spreading the Word of God. Expecting a person to devote and spend their lives ministering to non-Christians as foreign missionaries is not realistic, although there are those that do. Even the average Christian is capable of witnessing though, especially in their own community. In loving others, Christians can find an emotional and amazing way to minister and serve their neighbors. Truthfully, that is why love is the most important responsibility, not much of a duty once a person thinks about it, but a privilege instead; a perfect, personal privilege that should not be taken lightly nor carelessly. While love is the most significant, no one should forget about humility, their spiritual gifts, or encouragement, as each responsibility balances each other and is helpful in this world we live and love in. Hence, it is easy to see how others will know Christians. They will know us by our love.
Bibliography
Forster, Pam. For Instructions In Righteousness, A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training; Gaston, OR. ; Doorposts Publishing; 1993.
Keathley, J. Hampton III. ABCs for Christian Growth; Biblical Studies Press; 1996
The Holy Bible; New International Version Bible; Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; 2011
They Will Know Us
Modern Christians possess the same responsibilities as they did centuries ago. Amazingly, Paul and Timothy, first century Christians, frequently and wholeheartedly took the time to encourage others, humble themselves, use their gifts, and they were cautious not to judge other people. Doing those kind and inspiring actions while faced with persecution and under the threat of death requires a person who has a strong relationship with God. It takes someone who cares. In today’s world, Christians often forget what others have suffered in the past to make it so they could worship and serve the Lord freely in the present.
Why would Christians all those years ago do that? Along with wanting to be strong in God, was there another reason? As many responsibilities as there are they all point back to loving others. Paul and Timothy had a mission to save people, which allowed them to know about what kind of life they could have with God after their Earthly life was over. Shouldn't all Christians have that same mission? In order to do this, they don’t have to leave their cities or the countries they live in. Leaving their house and just helping someone is already taking the steps to begin that mission. If Christians don’t at least try, how will others know them?
Because of new perspectives and life experiences, it becomes increasingly difficult to love others as you grow older yet it is a momentous and crucial duty of a Christian. Genuine love is explained plainly and unapologetically in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 by Paul, who wanted it to be clear to the church in Corinth:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
In the New Testament is definitely not the only place to find verses that discuss love. Proverbs 25:21-22, two of the most well known verses speak of loving your neighbors can be found in the Old Testament.
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; If he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you."
Actually, the first time a person reads this, they may think that they’re not exceptionally nice verses. On the contrary, it means that if you are kind and loving to someone that does not think well of you, they will realize you know something they don’t. Should we take heed? For Christians, this can mean leading someone to becoming a believer, but love should not be used for that sole purpose. Ministering to others is important, of course, but loving people and never hating others will also help a Christian’s relationship with God, and ultimately, make them a better and more compassionate person.
In addition to loving others, a significant responsibility for a Christian is using your spiritual gifts. At the time of your salvation, when the Holy Spirit enters you, you receive a gift that is meant to be used as a way to minister and witness to others. In Romans, Paul writes to the people of Rome about it, penning:
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (Romans 12:6-8)
Naturally and purposefully, God gave people their gifts to expand His kingdom. It is definitely your most important purpose. As J. Hampton Keathley III, who authored ABCs for Christian Growth, points out, “In addition to these, however, there are many natural and developed talents that people have and can use in exercise of these spiritual gifts.” If someone has a love for politics or public speaking; they could use their spiritual gift of speaking, teaching, serving, or even words of wisdom.
There are numerous talents and spiritual gifts that go hand in hand and are valuable when used together. Expanding on the subject, Keathley has yet another point, “A spiritual gift is not a particular specialty or method of ministry. The gifts of teaching may be used through radio or through writing or through the classroom.” No one should be discouraged if they do not know yet what their gift is. It is something that will be discovered as they grow in the Word and form a deeper and meaningful relationship with God. Once you understand and appreciate what you can do with the Holy Spirit, you should not just be happy about the fact you know what it is. A responsibility of a Christian is to exercise their talents and not let them go to waste! As Paul wrote Timothy, his ‘true son in faith’, “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” (1 Timothy 4:14) Now, while it may not be extremely relatable, maybe you do not have the gift of prophesying or you did not receive your gift in that specific way, the first part of the message is clear and should be held in the hearts of Christians. Do not neglect your gift. Clearly, using your spiritual gift once you have begun to learn about it is a vital responsibility of a Christian.
Judgemental. Unforgiving. Close-minded. This perception of modern day Christianity stems from our lack of humility and love toward “the world”. Sadly, when humility is brought up or discussed in a sermon or Bible study, it seems to be quickly dismissed. Many forget how essential being humble is to being a “good” Christian and to furthering your relationship with God and with others. After King Solomon finished constructing and dedicating the temple, as written in 2 Chronicles, the Lord appeared to him once again. In Chapter Seven, verse fourteen (7:14), God clearly states, “… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” People forget that they are no better than anyone else. There are three definitions of the adjective ‘humble’ in the Encarta Dictionary, the first being modest; modest and unassuming in attitude and behavior; the second - respectful; feeling or showing respect and deference toward other people, and the last -lowly; relatively low in rank and without pretensions.
It should be known, without having to point it out, that people called by God should act respectful, modest, and even lowly, “valuing others above yourself” (Philippians 2:3). Along with humbleness, Christians should remember not to judge those around them. While it is not much of a secret that average secular people think Christians are judgmental and only want others to change their ways, not all Christians act that way. Judging, however, is not ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ no matter how much someone thinks that they are graciously and positively helping. Paul writes to the Rome in Romans 2:1-4, lettering,
"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who have pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?"
Undoubtedly, a large responsibility of a Christian is being humble, but judging people should be left up to God.
Encouraging others goes hand in hand with being humble, using your gifts, and loving your neighbor. When you love, doesn’t that include supporting people and cheering them on? When you’re humble, won’t it bring you closer to understanding someone else and being capable of heartening them? When you use your gifts to encourage someone, isn’t that what a Christian, exercising compassion should do? Yes. In 1st Thessalonians Chapter five, Verse eleven (5:11), Paul once again writes to people, trying to encourage them, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Constantly, the people of Thessalonica, which is now known as Thessaloniki and is the second-largest city in Greece, had been true to God despite substantial , unspeakable suffering and despair but were worried for other Christians. Paul wrote them a letter, beginning the heartfelt correspondence with an earnest greeting, “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father you work produced by faith, you labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” With these words, we immediately and sensitively begin to understand that the Christians of Thessalonica were strong in their faith. It is also apparent that they still needed encouragement since they were anxious. The sturdiest believer requires support and prayer, even if they don’t seem to. Several times in the New Testament Paul and a companion travel somewhere with the sole purpose of offering prayer and assistance; if a Christian so close to God travels great distances to encourage others, doesn’t that mean it is something that modern day Christians should focus on more? Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” It becomes clear that encouragement is just as important as any other responsibility, and is truthfully needed to continue being a strong Christian.
Every person who calls themselves a Christian should understand or at least having a basic idea of the responsibilities of being a Christian. Christians should think about why the responsibilities are their responsibilities? Why would God appoint us with these duties without a purpose? There is a purpose. The people of the world that follow Christ, which means following God as well, are knighted with the mission of spreading the Word of God. Expecting a person to devote and spend their lives ministering to non-Christians as foreign missionaries is not realistic, although there are those that do. Even the average Christian is capable of witnessing though, especially in their own community. In loving others, Christians can find an emotional and amazing way to minister and serve their neighbors. Truthfully, that is why love is the most important responsibility, not much of a duty once a person thinks about it, but a privilege instead; a perfect, personal privilege that should not be taken lightly nor carelessly. While love is the most significant, no one should forget about humility, their spiritual gifts, or encouragement, as each responsibility balances each other and is helpful in this world we live and love in. Hence, it is easy to see how others will know Christians. They will know us by our love.
Bibliography
Forster, Pam. For Instructions In Righteousness, A Topical Reference Guide for Biblical Child-Training; Gaston, OR. ; Doorposts Publishing; 1993.
Keathley, J. Hampton III. ABCs for Christian Growth; Biblical Studies Press; 1996
The Holy Bible; New International Version Bible; Zondervan; Grand Rapids, MI; 2011
This young man, Troy Ard, absolutely gets it; what is important, what is right and what is wrong in our overly politicized America.
In The First Person
"As long as we have two parties who would rather stop each other than serve the national interest, there is no hope for our future. Until our politicians can climb from the mud and work for the hope of a better day yet to come, today will be as good as it gets. Until liberals, both classic and neoliberals, can put aside popularity for pragmatism, there is no political gain. Unless conservatives can realize that it is better to be honest and to admit that there is no option but shared sacrifice—the real kind, not Joe Biden’s kind—where all classes, races, and citizens must work as one nation to serve one singular purpose as one American people, then there are no conservatives–no federalists–at all."
In The First Person
"As long as we have two parties who would rather stop each other than serve the national interest, there is no hope for our future. Until our politicians can climb from the mud and work for the hope of a better day yet to come, today will be as good as it gets. Until liberals, both classic and neoliberals, can put aside popularity for pragmatism, there is no political gain. Unless conservatives can realize that it is better to be honest and to admit that there is no option but shared sacrifice—the real kind, not Joe Biden’s kind—where all classes, races, and citizens must work as one nation to serve one singular purpose as one American people, then there are no conservatives–no federalists–at all."
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
fast and furious response by Senator Cornyn
I received this email today from Senator John Cornyn regarding the criminal activities of the Justice Department relating to the Fast and Furious debacle. This is the complete transcript of the email.
Dear Mr. Larson:
Thank you for contacting me about the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) Fast and Furious operation. I share your concern and appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this important matter.
As you are aware, recent congressional investigations have revealed the existence of a controversial "gun-walking" program operated by the ATF in Phoenix, Arizona. The ATF, despite its mandate to curtail gun trafficking activities, was actively funneling firearms to drug cartel gun buyers. The ATF has stated that the Fast and Furious operation was an attempt to target and track drug cartel leaders; however, the agency admits that they lost track of thousands of firearms in the process. Many of these firearms turned up at crimes scenes on both sides of the border, including at the murder of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry in Arizona and during a January and April 2010 seizure of 60 guns in El Paso, Texas.
I wrote to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder following press reports of an alleged Texas-based "gun-walking" program similar to the Fast and Furious operation. In this letter, I demanded answers regarding additional media reports that revealed that ATF managers who directed the Fast and Furious operation were offered new positions in the ATF’s Washington headquarters. Attorney General Holder and Justice Department officials must be held accountable, and until they provide answers regarding all alleged gun-walking operations, it is inconceivable to reward those who spearheaded this disastrous operation with new assignments in Washington.
Furthermore, I introduced an amendment to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 (H.R. 2112) that will bar taxpayer funds from being used by the Justice Department to conduct gun-walking programs similar to the Fast and Furious operation, and I am pleased that this amendment passed with unanimous, bipartisan support in the Senate. This bipartisan effort is just the first step towards ensuring that such a foolish operation can never be repeated.
I appreciate having the opportunity to represent Texans in the United States Senate, and you may be certain that I will continue working to provide strict oversight of the Obama Administration. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator
517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Candidates Thanksgiving Forum
Focus on The Family hosted a special forum for the GOP candidates on November 19, 2011.
The complete forum can be viewed here: Thanksgiving Family Forum – Complete Video
The complete forum can be viewed here: Thanksgiving Family Forum – Complete Video
Obama decries religious theme of "Christmas"
Here just one more example of the anti-Christian, anti-God philosophy of President Obama and his administration. A friend posted this on his Facebook page:
"Thought you might be interested in this information from the White House. This isn't a rumor; this is a fact."
"We have a friend at church who is a very talented artist. For several years she, among many others, has painted ornaments to be hung on the various White House Christmas trees. The WH sends out an invitation to send an ornament and informs the artists of the theme for the year."
"She got her letter from the WH recently. It said that they would not be called Christmas trees this year. They will be called Holiday trees. And, to please not send any ornaments painted with a religious theme."
"She was very upset at this development and sent back a reply telling them that she painted the ornaments for Christmas trees and would not be sending any for display that left Christ out of Christmas."
"Just thought you should know what the new residents in the WH plan for the future of America. If you missed his statement that "we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation" this should confirm that he plans to take us away from our religious foundation as quickly as possible."
Those of you who call yourselves "Christian" and voted for Obama, and plan to vote for Obama again, please bear in mind that his intention remains to put and keep Christianity "under a bushel" in this nation.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:14-16
"Thought you might be interested in this information from the White House. This isn't a rumor; this is a fact."
"We have a friend at church who is a very talented artist. For several years she, among many others, has painted ornaments to be hung on the various White House Christmas trees. The WH sends out an invitation to send an ornament and informs the artists of the theme for the year."
"She got her letter from the WH recently. It said that they would not be called Christmas trees this year. They will be called Holiday trees. And, to please not send any ornaments painted with a religious theme."
"She was very upset at this development and sent back a reply telling them that she painted the ornaments for Christmas trees and would not be sending any for display that left Christ out of Christmas."
"Just thought you should know what the new residents in the WH plan for the future of America. If you missed his statement that "we do not consider ourselves a Christian Nation" this should confirm that he plans to take us away from our religious foundation as quickly as possible."
Those of you who call yourselves "Christian" and voted for Obama, and plan to vote for Obama again, please bear in mind that his intention remains to put and keep Christianity "under a bushel" in this nation.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:14-16
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"set apart and observe the last Thursday of November ... as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise"
October 3, 1863
By the President of the United States
A Proclamation
A Proclamation
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.
Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
Abraham Lincoln
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