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May I refer you to www.TomBalderston.com Please enjoy.

You can buy the book at my website, or right now. Now available for purchase – Wake Up! Wake Up! – The Testimony of a Layman directly from the Publisher. This is your opportunity to buy before national distribution – the date for that release is Oct. 27, 2009.

Goto: http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-60799-492-3

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Wake Up! Wake Up - Tentative Release Date

All is progressing. Wake Up! Wake Up! - The Testimony of a Layman is currently planned for release by Tate Publishing October 27, 2009. Pre-release copies will be available. Wait for further information. Purchase price $13.99. We will have a website soon: TomBalderston.com. Much is happening.

Tax-payor Funded Abortion - Say No

Today, Wednesday, July 15, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on a bill that will allow public funds to be used to pay directly for abortions in our nation's capital. If this measure passes, taxpayer money appropriated by Congress will be sent directly to the abortion industry in Washington , D.C. Tell your member of Congress to oppose this change in the law and to vote against the passage of H.R. 3170 if it continues to allow the use of locally generated tax revenues - public money - to be used for the killing of innocent human lives in the womb. (Reproduced for the most part - From FRC)

Self-serving Bureaucrats

Today began the Sotomayor hearings. It was quite a demonstration of Senators in action. Clearly their postions were made obvious, their rhetoric along party lines. Does anyone in Washington stand for the Truth in which they themselves might believe? To quote Bill Johnson (Dreaming With God, Destiny Image Publishers, Shippensburg, PA, 2009, pg.106) , “People instinctively want to be governed by people who are honest and righteous. They want leaders who are not self-serving, but will actually govern sacrificially for the benefit of the whole.” What we want we are not getting. Where did America go wrong?

Sotomayer did not say much today - which was wise. Her answers tomorrow and Wednesday will be the interesting part - depending too on the speechmaking that could well continue by the Senatorial panel. Please know, as I am sure you do, that the selection for the Supreme Court is vitally important to our lives. The vote we make for a President sets the stage for the Supreme Court make-up of the future.

Not the best picture, but the woman above is your next Supreme Court (a lifetime postion) Judge. Thank you Mr. President Obama. Keep praying.

Change in Washington - Daily - Ever changing - Contact Your Representative.

TARP repayments were to be for the benefit of the people. Now Barney Frank wants to reinvest money repaid into housing. Wasn't he one of the primary causes for the housing meltdown. Hearings on TV now. Watch your wallet. What we have given to the new Congress is a license to create Big Brother. They are hard at making it happen. Only the American people can cause change.

Note: On change. The change we are seeing from the Obama Admin. is dynamic. Everyday it changes, from campaign promises to public policy. Ever changing - only so the Democrats can operate in lock-step without individual thought. The Democrats are becoming Stepford-like under the threat of Admin. pressure. What happened to freedom of thought, even among those in the party in power?

Politics: Be alert, be aware, be informed. Sen. Harry Reid said it succinctly - we will have Government Health Care - other alternatives like free choice - will not be considered. Bigger Government is the aim. Think about what you want. Let your Representatives know.

To Contact your Congressman: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

To Contact your Senators: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Email is preferred as letters will be delayed due to the need for the postal service to scrutinize mail for potential harm to the recipient - which makes sense in light of incidents with anthrax.

Revenue Generator = Tax = Cap and Trade

Cap and Trade. We are all getting knee capped by the Administration. Cap and Trade will produce no measurable benefits in slowing their falsely claimed Global Warning. It is not a crisis; it is not a problem. In the 70's (not that long ago) the media's attention was on global cooling. This bill imposes regulations on Americans - and Obama considers such regulations good for Americans. One regulation (in the Cap and Trade bill) will impact your decisions on your home. Your home will need to be energy efficient and subject to inspection. If not now, when you sell it a government inspector will need to be called in (at a cost of course) and tell you what needs to be done before you can transfer to a new owner. I understand regulations as to safety, but as to personal choice - well this is Big Brother intruding. "O-Bama!" All new construction will have to meet energy standards (need I remind you there is no measurable benefit to such standards only a cost/TAX to Americans (more money for Congress to spend on their junkets, pet projects and pork, 'pork' which = 'bribe') and more for the federal government in terms of $'s and control of our lives.)

You need to understand what the Democrats and the Administration are up to. My fellow Americans - this is not good. This is just not right. Those that voted for Obama and the Democrats need to consider what is afoot. You thought you were doing the right thing at the time. I was not a Bush fan either. I know it is not what you had expected in the name of 'change' and put forth by Obama, but please keep your eyes open and your mind receptive to the facts. Be informed. Stay informed and speak up.

This Administration is making energy more expensive for no gain. The only beneficiary is the Government. Not you and not me. And not the economy. This is not for the jobs - we will lose jobs. People will find it even harder to sell homes. Manufacturing will take place over seas - the result - American jobs lost. Think it through logically. Only in America is this taking place. Remember JOBS = Just Obama Buying Support for all the plans he has for Big Brother (and if you include Pelosi - Big Sister).

I continue my writing with a Christian focus. I pray for America and remain proud to be an American. But I am not currently proud of Congress, especially the Democratic lock-step, Stepford Democrats.

Check on your Congressman and Senator. Where do they stand on Cap and Trade? My Representative Klein is all for it. I am no longer in his camp as he is not showing me anything closely resembling an understanding of what America wants, only what his party wants and the benefits in it for him. Write them. Let them know what you feel. And you if have no opinion on this matter, you need a Wake-Up call.

Washington and the Nation you are in my prayers. But I pray too for that day in November 2010 when I can be of some aide in having my prayers begun to come true.

Pray with me.

What's Happening in the World?

Jackson has died. The media is obsessed. What else is happening in the World?

N. Korea continues with provocative actions - more missile launches as Washington watches. Obama press sec'y Gibbs says, "It's not surprising!" - but is quiet on anything Washington is or can do about it. In the future "Oh My!" will be an expression substituted with "O-Bama!".

Anything planned for the troops returning from Irag? A hail to their Victory parade on the like. Even an Obama greeting and thanks - also thanks to Bush 43.

A major troop assault is taking place in Afghanistan. What about it?

Cap and Trade is ready to hit American hard - impacting on the recession. Ethanol uses more energy to produce than it produces. Natural Gas is the way America needs to go, but Obama wants a go slow on this - why. Drill, drill, drill - that is still what I believe.

The Health Care pocketbook breaker is just another JOBS creator for Washington - Remember JOBS = Just Obama Buying Support. Over 87% of Americans are covered and they like having the best health care system in the World. The cost of the other 13% - give them greater access to Medicaid and let the Medicaid lines form. Do you want to be in that line if you do not have too? Obama wants the same line for all. And Obama will have his own doormen - or Czars, deciding who moves up in the line. "O-Bama!"

What would pay for Health Care in America - as it is - and reduce costs dramatically is Tort Reform. Say it over and over again - Tort Reform, Tort Reform, Tort Reform. But that would take lawyers agreeing - and what is Washington made-up of - attorneys - they are lawyers too! Obama has already said "no" to that. After all it is called the 'practice' of medicine - mistakes will be made. For those that check out their doctors like many checked out Madoff (failed to actually) then they take a greater risk. What kind of doctors will you have access to under the Obama Plan. No one in health care could survive - the result all hospital, nursing homes, psych facilities, etc. will become government run - just like GM. If anyone responds to a health emerging even the Government Motors ambulances will have to wait in line at the Government run Hospitals to get you into line for your Government mandated health care and probably a doctor that only required two years to learn their trade - then trade you off to another real Doctor and another line. "We can see you in 4 months." "O-Bama!"

Don't forget any health care benefits you receive Obama wants taxed - that is unless you join a Union. It's the New American folks and Big Brother is Obama.

Washington continues with it's lies. And bribes, which equals "pork."

Now same sex couples (non-married of course - for the moment) can get the same benefits that married couples have as employees of the federal Government. What if your college roommate just moved in a week ago (same sex), can he/she also travel with you (on the People's dime) - as a same sex mate? By the way non-married co-habitators of a heterosexual persuasion are excluded. 12 years together - sorry. "O-Bama!"

Unemployment continues to rise - even when Obama says no, only 8%. Well it's 9.5% and rising.

Obama's dreams are different than most people's dreams.

What about a Divorce between Republicans and Democrats - split the Country? I'll take the capitalistic part. There will be a Socialistic part for those that prefer that. An idea recently emailed to me by a friend. I will share soon.

2010 - 2010 - 2010 - Vote the liars out. Identify and then say sorry - you are out! Vote.

Opps - New Taxes for those Earning less than $250K

Bill Burton's (in the Obama Press corp - on the Obama mouthpiece side) answers to Juan William's excellent questions (subsituting for Bill O'Reilly on the O'Reilly Factor on July 1, 2009)as to the obvious and hidden taxes on the horizon due to Obama's desired programs, primarily Cap and Trade and Health Care Reform (ala Government Health Care), whether justified or logically supported or not, was showing the cracks in the walls of defense for our President. The $250,000 threshold under which no new taxes will ever occur is now becoming a 'preference', a prelude to another Change as Obama has promised. He even had the audacity to think listeners would accept his rhetoric that increased costs passed on to consumers by businesses as a result of government legislation, decisions or regulations, are not a tax. His obvious claim that Cap and Trade was a JOBS bill was most harmful knowing the meaning of JOBS as Just Obama Buying Support.

This goes along with the new definition of "pork" born again from the trade-offs made to Democratic members of Congress to get them to pass Cap and Trade. "Pork" = "Bribe" (my definition). Knowing the exchanges for the coal districts vs. areas that are truly good for energy in America, like natural gas, were costly to the goal of the Bill and to Americans shows that the Boys and Girls in Washington are naive and selfish. It isn't just the Democrats, but they are certainly the most obvious at the moment in showing us their true nature (too au natural for me) and it is not a pretty sight.

Are you aware of the provision in Cap and Trade requiring homeowners to upgrade their properties at the time of a sale to meet Green Standards to be established by the legislation - or more liking the Green Czar.

All the facts are neither on the table nor known. This is a new program for this Administration - Pass it and then write it the way we want it.

Will it be possible to ever undo some of the do-do that Obama is dumping on this great Nation of ours?

2010 can't come any too soon.

Sotomayor Versus Leviticus 18:22

From The Family Research Council I reproduce their recent comments.

"Sotomayor Versus a Verse?

Another case has come to light that should prompt U.S. Senators to question Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor when her hearings begin later this summer. The case, Okwedy v. Molinari, involves a billboard a Staten Island church put up that included Leviticus 18:22, a bible verse that strongly condemns homosexual conduct. When the billboard went up, public controversy erupted and Guy Molinari, the Staten Island Borough president, responded by issuing a letter to the billboard company. The letter called the sign's message "unnecessarily confrontational and offensive," said that the message conveyed "an atmosphere of intolerance that is not welcome in our borough," and advised the billboard company to contact the chair of the borough's "Anti-Bias Task Force." Later that day the billboard company took down the sign.

Keyword Ministries filed suit on various grounds against the billboard company and Molinari, claiming that the company violated its contract with the church and that Molinari violated the church's rights under the First Amendment. The federal district court judge, Nina Gershon, a Clinton appointee, dismissed the church's suit and the 2nd Circuit of Appeals, on which Sotomayor sat, upheld the dismissal with one exception regarding the possibility of indirect censorship by Molinari.

The case raises troubling issues. After all, the church was posting a purely religious message with no statements regarding public policy. The opinion suggests that Sotomayor may view the First Amendment through the lenses of political correctness. Would a billboard proclaiming "gay pride month," which is offensive to many Christians, have been similarly treated? Sotomayor should be asked. "

Note - Leviticus 18:22 - "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable."

True even Today. A quote over 100 years old.

"'Do you pray for the senators, Dr. Hale?' No, I look at the senators and I pray for the country."
Edward Everett Hale - 1822-1909 - American author and Unitarian Minister.

Another quote (same gentleman)
"A child who is early taught that he is God's child, that he may live and move and have his being in God, and that he has, therefore, infinite strength at hand for the conquering of any difficulty, will take life more easily, and will probably make more of it...."

Washington Liars - Cap and Trade

This headline is obviously not a tribute to our representatives in Washington. Right now the Democrats are being the example of this Nation - and not very good ones. If "Blago", a name associated with Illinois and Chicago political shenanigans (and if you think he is alone in such actions, think again) is now a term for graft, then the Democrats = Blago-crats. Oh my! - the deception and bribery.

For the House to get their Cap and Trade bill passed (creating their own smog of self-interest - cough, cough - over global warming) 'pork' (a Washington word that should be restated as 'bribes') was allowed for those on the fence to garner their votes. More than one member of the Democratic House (all Republicans opposed) were against the bill and planned to vote 'no', but with a little money thrown their way (yes - a vote 'yes' can be bought) - the Gov. spending for a local district need that might even get the name of the member of the House carved into the 'pork' for posterity - they voted 'yes' (you guessed it).

N. Pelosi flies (by attitude and also by air) in the face of global warming restraint by traveling in a jet plane weekly (which at first was too small for her - b#@*%, b#@*% - my sympathies) at the one-way cost to tax-payers of $60,000 ($120,000 per week) so she can work her 3 days in Washington. Washington needs a bill like NY State has - members of the legislator only get paid to work. No show - no pay. Afterall they are working for us - am I correct on that point - or are we their indentured servants. Madoff is alive and well in the House, Senate and now the White House. Lies, deception, fraud, graft, and eventually we will all find our savings disappearing. The Cap and Trade legislation passed by the House was not even finished (more work was needed in the writing), never read, and the small print - who cares - it can only hurt the People not the Government. The Democrats voted anyway and Obama forced the issue. This is all while America (the World for some) was mourning the loss of McMahon, Fawcett and Jackson. Ain't there no respect for the Entertainment Industry. Now Global Warming has made Mr. Gore over a $100 million according to some sources (and he's now an entertainer). He still uses personal jets and limos - no solar panels on his home.

Now we learn also a report presented to the EPA noting there was not the level of concern about global warming to justify the bill (unfinished bill) was suppressed. The Environmental Agency is to protect the environment and tell the truth (as yet the word "truth" has not been stricken from our vocabulary - only 'blurred') about the air and grass and CO2 and things like that, but are they now puppets for Obama and the Democrats and only give the information they want us to hear. Should I repeat myself - Big Brother is Talking - Big Brother is Watching - Big Brother is Obama and the Democrats. And with Bigger Government Big Brother can be even Bigger - that is Bigger Brother. Where is mother when you really need her? The report (the 'truth') that EPA emails now show was asked to be shelved was just not what the President wanted to hear or have published (again - the 'Truth') so his bill could be passed. Ah yes we elected this Barack Hussein Obama-man so we can have Change. Well I don't know about you but most of the dollars I had are becoming small Change.

Obama quotes Abe Lincoln (when it is convenient). A friend emailed me recently and included the following from Lincoln as a "Quote of the Day". Read it - do you think Obama, Pelosi, Reid and other Washington Democrats have ever read this - no, couldn't do it - it must be suppressed. Sounds True to me!

" You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves. -- Abraham Lincoln"

My reading this tells me that Washington is not heeding anything like this. Cap and Trade is only one of many bills Obama and his Democratic team are pushing with a goal of unknown consequences. They have lost sight of reality and have no notion of the harm that they may be doing. If they have good intentions I must be missing something. More self-interest seems to be driving the Government train, and soon - I pray - that train needs to run out of steam.

Keep a record of the votes your representatives make and when not for the people - next time pull the level for the other guy.

One last thing - look at California. What has the habit of that State to tax and tax done to that State. People are leaving the State in droves (those they wanted money from anyway). They like charity in California. Obama likes charity. California and Obama want to control all charitable giving. I say 'no' that is not their job. I have written in past Blogs that Government should not be in the Charity Business. (March 24, 2009 - Government and Charity) Certainly they give out money to help those in need (most Democrats give little of their own for that purpose using the Gov. as their gifting pot - VP Biden is an historical poster-boy example). But as a parent if you cannot even help your children the way they would like - say paying for college - then so be it. That's the way it is. Cut back we must. Government also. One idea. In good times when the Government is enjoying excess funds then the Government can support national and local charities that are doing good. Give the money to existing non-profit charities to give - religious groups or otherwise - restrict the funds to helping and not operations (or for evangelism or the like) - like for housing, health care, scholarships, food, afterschool, day care, job hunting, clothing and so much more - but not as a legislative act. Use tax-payer funds for the Constitutional role of Government.

Creation - Excerpt #4 - Wake Up! Wake Up!

Creation
God created a perfect world in an orderly manner. From a formless void, God created light, then the expanse of the sky, making morning and evening, then land, sea, and vegetation, then the sun, the moon, the stars, then birds and fish, and then animals. It was a rational approach and a well-planned product awaiting God’s last gesture. Lastly, God made man in our image (Gen 1:26) and went on to say, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.” (Gen 1:27) He prepared the way for man.

Something from Nothing
Can something come from nothing? As a child, I often looked to the sky with great bewilderment. How infinite it appeared. Where did it all come from? Where did it all go? Was there just a void, a vacuum, space without planets, stars, sun, nothing? And then why earth, a life-sustaining planet, in the middle of nowhere? How did I get so lucky to be here on earth as a human and not a dog, or chicken, or lion, elephant, or whatever? I could have been a plant. Just what is the probability for all this to happen? Here I am living on a planet hanging in infinite space, on a surface that supports life. It provides water, fruits and vegetables, meats, and air that sustains me. It provides resources that make living more comfortable and more interesting. And it all works together; each element on earth seems to need another. What is it? Well it is, I believe, God. He planned well, an intelligent designer. And he did this all for me; for man (and woman). There is no other place like it. No one has discovered, even though people keep trying, any place like it.

FAT & VAT Redux

From Drudge report today (excerpted):

A proposal to help bankroll universal health coverage with a dime-a-can increase in the price of soft drinks.

House Democrats have lots of potential targets for higher taxes as they aim to expand health care coverage to reach the roughly 50 million that experts say are uninsured.

Also under consideration are higher alcohol taxes, increases to the Medicare payroll tax and a value-added tax, a sort of national sales tax, of up to 1.5 percent or more.

The list of options being weighed by the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, and obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, aims to raise some $600 billion over 10 years to partially pay for President Barack Obama's goal of overhauling the nation's health care system to tame costs and cover the 50 million uninsured.

The final price tag for that effort could top $1 trillion, with cuts to Medicare and Medicaid covering the rest of the cost.

The tax options include:

- Increasing the price of soda and other sugary drinks by 10 cents a can. (FAT)

- Applying a potential 2 percent income tax increase to single taxpayers earning more than $200,000 a year and households earning more than $250,000. (FAT Cat)

- A new employer payroll tax could target 3 percent of employers' health care expenditures.

- Taxing employer-provided health insurance benefits above certain levels - a less likely option but one that still is in the running.

* * * * * * * * *

Coming this Friday - the Dems report.

Social engineering - health care prevention - and the VAT addition now 16% Fed Sales Tax. All to help with the health by government plan.

Bill on the table proposed to eliminate Union Workers from Tax on health benefits - where is the fairness?

Watch even your loose change.












Vote out those incumbants in 2010.

Judeo-Christian Nation and The Fly

From a recent speach in Congress by Representative Forbes. Thank you DFW

GoTo: http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=710d93689e7e2b835734&sp=2

The Fly

Then the Fly. Obama kills fly, taking aim just like he is at Capitalism.
Is the Super Regulator the Fly. Thanks to FRC for the comic character.










Campaign Promise of Change - Remember this?









Keep Your Fingers Crossed.






And Pray

Wake Up! Wake Up! - excerpt #3 - Resurrection

Here is another piece of the new book. Final Proof reviewed and returned to Publisher. A few more months to go.

Paul’s Conversion: Written Account—Timely
It is the resurrection that is the distinguishing characteristic of Christians and unique to the Christian faith. Historical evidence is compelling. Witnesses and written accounts close to the time of the event provide significant proof to the reality of the resurrection. Paul mentioned the resurrection and witnesses to the resurrected Christ in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8.

Paul (formerly Saul) persecuted those who believed in and spoke of Jesus. In 32 A.D., “Paul publicly took part in the execution of Stephen, a follower of Jesus, by stoning.” A book I found particularly fascinating on the life of Paul, Rabbi Paul, by Bruce Chilton, offers much in understanding this man, this Pharisee who condemned and authorized the killing of people of the “Way,” and experienced his enlightenment, his meeting with Christ, while en route to Damascus to meet in synagogues, sanctioned by the high priest (of the temple in Jerusalem), in search of more names of those to be condemned for what the Jews considered heresy.

Paul was on a path to Damascus to meet with other Jewish leaders seeking evidence of those “who belonged to the Way” so he may take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. There he met Christ in visionary form but nevertheless real. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” Paul was told. Paul was blinded and sapped of his strength for three days. Events led to Paul being used as God’s “chosen instrument.” A disciple, Ananias, was sent to inform Paul of his conversion, to “see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Then, before Paul ever met an apostle, any one of the twelve, he began to preach about Jesus and the resurrection. Jews even threatened to kill him, but he escaped. There were many skeptical of his conversion because of such a role reversal, at one time arguing against Christ and suddenly vociferously defending Christ as the Messiah. Paul’s life up to this point had been as a servant of the Jewish faith, a dedicated scholar of the law, having studied with the most respected rabbinical teachers. And with one event, he converted.

It was three years before Paul traveled to Jerusalem and met with the apostle Peter. There he confirmed what he had received and understood; he confirmed his belief in the risen Lord with a witness. Their notes agreed. Paul was in Arabia and had been preaching before Gentiles and Jews for years before encountering a witness to Jesus’s life and resurrection, yet he related the same story, the realization he learned from time spent with Jesus.

In Paul’s letters, his most famous possibly the letter to the Romans, Paul speaks to Jews and Gentiles and shares the gospel, the good news that Christ died for our sins, he overcame sin and death, and thus, as believers we are “justified by faith.” (This is the theme of Romans 4.) Paul always reminds his readers of their inclination to sin. He also struggled and fought the good fight his entire life. The nature of his authority as a converted Jew is expressed in his letter to the Philippians, while incarcerated in Rome. He had experienced all that a Jew possibly could, more than most if not all at that time, “circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee, as for zeal, persecuting the church, as for legalistic righteousness, faultless” (Philippians 3:5-6). It would be hard to find someone with more impeccable credentials. Yet he saw the light and became a disciple for Christ and for everyone by sharing his experience and his knowledge so others too could enjoy a Christian life.

Such evidence is compelling and difficult to refute. Documentation that led to the writings in the New Testament occurred within three to seventy or eighty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. The proximity of the writings adds to the reality of the events. In comparison, it was over four hundred years before written accounts of the exploits of Alexander the Great became available. Everybody seems to accept the exploits and accomplishments of Alexander the Great. Historical, factual evidence, even documentation from witnesses of the life and times of other religious leaders from Muhammad to Buddha, to Joseph Smith, Jr. (founder of Mormonism) is lacking. Often too, background information, even archaeological evidence, of the prophets of other religions does not exist, and the writings are of the prophets themselves, not their followers. The supporting documentation tends to be one-sided, one-dimensional, without outside opinions, companions, witnesses to the person and the beliefs suggested. Christians did not make up what they believe; it has been analyzed, studied, debated, researched, dug up, and further analyzed as no other religion. The evidence continues to pour in as scholars and archaeologists continue to uncover additional support for the truth and reality of events that were the path to Christian belief. Many researchers continue in an effort to disprove what Christians already believe, but in their efforts only add to the plethora of supporting evidence.

A Christian Belief
If you study and find too that the resurrection actually took place, was witnessed and documented soon thereafter, then you too will become a person who believes in Christ. Those who deny the resurrection are misguided. They may be good people, have spiritual elements, but they have missed or are not willing to embrace the evidence. For what it means, what it proves, is that the guidelines set forth in the Bible are indeed the Word of God; the events in the life and death of Jesus and his purpose on earth took place, and everyone knows now the method and the means for personal salvation.

For forty days Jesus provided visual proof. There were hundreds of witnesses. There are people today, most often atheists, who clamor for God to appear, to show himself as evidence. But that evidence has already been provided, and the historical evidence, the timeliness of the written accounts and the lives subsequently led by the disciples of Christ, people who died for their belief, add to the reality of the situation and the reality and deity of Christ Jesus.

As for the atheists, even if God were to appear to them, any one of them, they would doubt, they would not believe, they would provide or find an excuse for what they experienced. Certainly if one and not the other had such a meeting, it would be the other who would not believe, even if the atheist who saw God converted.

Chuck Colson, known mostly for his role in the Watergate scandal, the conspiracy to cover up the Watergate break-in, and the subsequent fall of President Richard Nixon, wrote “This is the great choice every human being has to make: Is the resurrection account true or only a myth? If the latter, it is an abomination, taking away any validity to the Christian claim. Believing that the resurrection was merely symbolic doesn’t create liberal Christianity or a more enlightened version of our faith as many argue; it reduces Christianity to something utterly vain, a belief system like paganism. For if we were to believe Christ was not bodily raised, then Christianity would rest on the belief in a human sacrifice—offering an innocent man to die for our sins. This is not enlightened thinking; it is barbaric. It is why so-called liberal Christianity is untenable, no better than paganism.”

Colson converted to Christ before he went to prison.

Easter is the time of year that the resurrection took place. It is the day we remember and revere the life of Christ and his sacrifice and know too that God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit reign and are offered to everyone with compelling proof to believe, get to know, prepare together for the future, and as a community of the faithful, enjoy eternity—the day thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Obama Psalm

I take no credit for this. I'm just the messenger. (Thank you RD)

PSALM 2008-2012: FIRST BOOK OF DEMOCRAT

OBAMA IS MY SHEPHERD,
I SHALL NOT WANT.
HE LEADETH ME BESIDE STILL FACTORIES.
HE RESTORETH MY FAITH IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
HE GUIDETH ME IN THE PATH OF UNEMPLOYMENT..
YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGHT THE VALLEY OF THE BREAD LINE,
I SHALL NOT GO HUNGRY.
OBAMA HAS ANOINTED MY INCOME WITH TAXES,
MY EXPENSES RUNNETH OVER MY INCOME,
SURELY, POVERTY AND HARD LIVING WILL FOLLOW ME
ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE.
THE DEMOCRATS AND I WILL LIVE FOREVER
IN A RENTED HOME.
BUT I AM GLAD I AM AN AMERICAN,
I AM GLAD THAT I AM FREE.
BUT I WISH I WAS A DOG
AND OBAMA WAS A TREE.
> >
> >
"A government big enough to give you everything you want,
is strong enough to take everything you have."
-Thomas Jefferson -

Wake Up! Wake Up! - Excerpt #2 - More on the Bible

Advice
The Bible offers proverbs filled with words of wisdom and advice.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:3-6

Poetry
Poetry can be found throughout the Bible. The Psalms provide a multitude of examples. One that most readers will know or have heard of is Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his namesake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23


Odes
An example of an ode from the Bible can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

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. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

A Toast
To celebrate a friendship, a toast, from Song of Songs 5: “Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers.”

Songs
Many songs have been inspired by the Bible and its many meanings. But the greatest songs are about love. There is a book of the Bible, Song of Songs, that provides many words of love. Interpretations made compare the love of wisdom to that of the love of a woman and a man and a woman. Well worth a read.

Guiding Principle
And as for guiding principles, they too are throughout the Bible. Again, we turn to Proverbs:

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor; a man of understanding holds his tongue. A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure. Proverbs 11:12-14

If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. Proverbs 24:10

Familiar Phrases or Idioms

• Stairway to heaven (Genesis 28:12)
• For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)
• Make swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4)
• Man does not live on bread alone (Deuteronomy 8:3)
• Be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28)
• East of Eden (Genesis 3:21)
• Adam’s rib (Genesis 2:21)
• Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
• As old as Methuselah (Genesis 5:25)
• Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12)
• Land of milk and honey (Exodus 3:8)
• The meek will inherit the earth (Psalms 37:11)
• Strangers in a strange land (1 Peter 2:11)
• Let my people go (Exodus 5:1)
• Eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth (Matthew 5:38)
• Jezebel (Esther 4:14)
• Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1)
• Wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 4:29)
• The patience of Job (from the Book of Job)
• Leviathan (Isaiah 27:1)
• Spare the rod and spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24)
• The skin of my teeth (Job 19:20)
• Welcome the little children (Mark 9:37)
• Forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:12)
• The floodgates of heaven (Genesis 7:11)
• The Golden Rule (Luke 6:31)
• Much will be demanded from those who have been given much (Luke 12:48)
• A voice calling in the desert (Luke 3:4
• Wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15)
• Salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)
• Go the extra mile (Matthew 5:41)
• Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:7)
• The poison of vipers is on their lips (Romans 3:13)
• A time for war and a time for peace (Ecclesiastes 3:8)
• On earth peace to men (Luke 2:14)
• Turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38)
• Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24)
• Weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12)
• Den of thieves (Mark 11:17)
• Good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21)
• Physician, heal thyself (Luke 4:23)
• Cast the first stone (John 8:7)
• Stand your ground…stand firm (Ephesians 6:14)
• Written on their hearts (Romans 2:15)
• The handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5:5)
• The kiss of Judas (Mark 14:45)
• Walk on water (Matthew 14:29)
• Greater love hath no man than this (John 15:13)
• Death, where is thy sting (1 Corinthians 15:55)
• The root of all evil (1 Titus 6:10)
• Light of the world (Matthew 5:14)
• The light of life (Psalm 56:13)
• The seventh seal (Revelation 8:1)
• In the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
• I am the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
• Fight the good fight (1 Titus 1:18)
• Armageddon (Revelation 16:16)
• Holier than thou (Isaiah 65:5)
• Sheep, gone astray (Isaiah 53:6)
• As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34)
• Wipe away every tear (Revelation 7:17)
• Woe is me! (Isaiah 6:5)
• Can a leopard change his spots? (Jeremiah 13:23)
• A drop in the bucket (Isaiah 40:15)
• Eat, drink, and be merry (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
• Give up the ghost (Job 14:10)
• Am I my brother's keeper? (Genesis 4:9)
• Fat of the land (Genesis 45:18)
• A lamb for the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7)
• The blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14)
• Old wives’ tales (1 Timothy 4:7)
• Soar on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31)
• From the lips of children (Matthew 21:16)
• Written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15)
• Four corners of the earth (Revelation 20:8)
• Brotherly love (Romans 12:10)
• The Spirit is willing, but the body is weak (Matthew 26:41)
• Busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:1;Titus 5:13)
• Jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7)
• Potter’s field (Matthew 27:7)
• A household divided against itself will not stand (Matthew 12:25)

So much of our language today contains words, idioms, and phrases from the Bible, and most do not realize the source. “Surely ignorance of the Bible is bound to impoverish one’s appreciation of English literature?” And the writer of the prior quote is an atheist.

Final Proof - Wake Up! Wake Up!

Received a Final Proof from Tate Publishers. See photo - one of a kind.

Completed today - I hope - abridging book for Audiobook.

My gracious thanks to all at Tate who have made this process possible. Just a few more months to go.

Another excerpt tomorrow.

Watch What Obama Does

Received an email from a friend of a friend (you know how that works) that I'd like to share.

It read: "My friend went to hear Charles Krauthammer. He listened w/ 25 others in a closed room. What he says here, is NOT 2nd-hand but 1st. You would do well to read & pass this along to EVERYBODY that loves his country. This is VERY serious for the direction of our country. The ramifications are staggering for us & our children.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subj: Charles Krauthammer Speech/Comments on the ‘New Economy’ & Barack Obama
*****************************************************

To my friends & associates:

Last Monday was a profound evening, hearing Dr. Charles Krauthammer speak to the Center for the American Experiment. He is a brilliant intellectual, seasoned & articulate. He is forthright & careful in his analysis, & never resorts to emotions or personal insults. He is NOT a fearmonger nor an extremist in his comments & views. He is a fiscal conservative, & has a Pulitzer prize for writing. He is a frequent contributor to Fox News & writes weekly for the Washington Post. The entire room was held spellbound during his talk. I have shared this w/ many of you & several have asked me to summarize his c omments, as we are living in uncharted waters economically & internationally. Even 2 Dems at my table agreed w/ everything he said! If you feel like forwarding this to those who are open minded & have not ‘drunk the Kool-Aid’, feel free.

A summary of his comments:

1. Mr. Obama is a very intellectual, charming individual. He is not to be underestimated. He is a ‘cool customer’ who doesn't show his emotions. It's very hard to know what's ‘behind the mask’. Taking down the Clinton dynasty from a political neophyte was an amazing accomplishment. The Clintons still do not understand what hit them. Obama was in the perfect place at the perfect time.

2. Obama has political skills comparable to Reagan & Clinton. He has a way of making you think he's on your side, agreeing w/ your position, while doing the opposite. Pay no attn. to what he SAYS; rather, watch what he DOES!

3. Obama has a ruthless quest for power. He did not come to Washington to make something out of himself, but rather to change everything, incl. dismantling capitalism. He can’t be straightforward on his ambitions, as the public would not go along. He has a heavy hand, & wants to ‘level the playing field’ w/ income redistribution & punishment of the achievers of society. He would like to mode l the USA to Great Britain or Canada .

4. His 3 main goals are to control ENERGY, PUBLIC EDUCATION, & NAT’L HEALTHCARE by the Fed. govt. He doesn't care about the auto or financial services industries, but got them as an early bonus. The cap & trade will add costs to everything & stifle growth. Paying for FREE college education is his goal. Most scary is healthcare program, because if you make it FREE & add 46,000,000 people to a Medicare-type single-payer system, the costs will go thru the roof. The only way to control costs is w/ massive RATIONING of services, like in Canada . God forbid.

5. He’s surrounded himself w/ mostly far-left academic types. No one around him has ever run even a candy store. But they’re going to try & run the auto, financial, banking & other industries. This obviously can’t work in the long run. Obama’s not a socialist; rather a far-left secular progressive bent on nothing short of revolution. He ran as a moderate, but will govern from the hard left. Again, watch what he does, not what he says.

6. Obama doesn’t really see himself as President of the USA , more as a ruler over the world. He sees himself above it all, trying to orchestrate & coordinate various countries & their agendas. He sees moral equivilency in all cultures. His apology tour in Germany & England was a prime example of how he sees Ameri ca , as an imperialist nation that has been arrogant, rather than a great noble nation that has at times made errors. This is the 1st President ever who has chastised our allies & appeased our enemies!

7. He’s now handing out goodies. He hopes that the bill (& pain) will not ‘come due’ until after he’s reelected in 2012. He’d like to blame all problems on Bush from the past, & hopefully his successor in the future. He has a huge ego, & Mr. Krauthammer believes he is a narcicist.

8. Republicans are in the wilderness for a while, but will emerge strong. We’re ‘pining’ for another Reagan, but there’ll never be another like him. He believes Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty & Bobby Jindahl (except for his terrible speech in Feb.) are the future of the party. Newt Gingrich is brilliant, but has baggage. Sarah Palin is sincere & intelligent, but needs to really be seriously boning up on facts & info if she’s to be a serious candidate in the future. We need to return to the party of lower taxes, smaller govt., personal responsibility, strong nat’l defense, & states’ rights.

9. The current level of spending is irresponsible & outrageous. We’re spending trillions that we don’t have. This could lead to hyper inflation, depression or worse. No country has ever spent themselves into prosperity. The media is giving Obama, Reid & Pelosi a pass because they love their agenda. But eventually the bill will come due & people will realize the huge bailouts didn’t work, nor will the stimulus pkg. These were trillion-dollar payoffs to Obama’s allies, unions & the Congress to placate the left, so he can get support for #4 above.

10. The election was over in mid-Sept. when Lehman brothers failed. Fear & panic swept in, we had an unpopular President, & the war was grinding on indefinitely w/o a clear outcome. The people are in pain, & the mantra of ‘change’ caused people to act emotionally. Any Dim would have won this election; it was surprising is was as close as it was.

11. In 2012, if the unemployment rate is over 10%, Republicans will be swept back into power. If it's under 8%, the Dims continue to roll. If it's between 8-10%, it’ll be a dogfight. It’ll all be about the economy.

I hope this gets you really thinking about what's happening in Washington & Congress. There’s a left-wing revolution going on, according to Krauthammer, & he encourages us to keep the faith & join the loyal resistance. The work will be hard, but we’re right on most issues & can reclaim our country, before it's far too late.

**********************

Interesting.

Need to Vent

Obama motors (once GM or Chrysler) will provide $7,500 to buy a car, that is more than most people pay in taxes (83.4% pay less taxes), but not a Ford. Is Ford not a car? Let's see. No government investment -no government control - no union ownership - it looks like a car, but it lacks some parts - those that require a subsidy to keep it running. How can it run otherwise? I just don't understand and my name is Obama and I am all for Unions. More Union ownership - and I'll lead the way. I will have no hand in operations, but I will choose the CEO, tell you where to advertise, tell you what to make, require gas milage standards, but other than that - well there may be a few more things - but managers you just go out there and manage the Company.

Oh yes, and more jobs in the U.S.; Chevy - move those parts manufactured in China to the U.S. UAW wants that. What Givafinger says is - if it's going to be sold here it's got to be built here. Cost more - not to worry - Okay, my friend in the White House will just subsidize more. We are going to make America's Obama car company as efficient (and made in the USA) as Amtrak which the government has been running since - can't remember, but it has been a long, long time. Losses - oh yes it loses money, but there are members of congress that like stops made in their districts. We can justify those loses - or a least vote to cover them.

George F. Will (columnist) calls the GM bailout a jobs program for the UAW. Good point!

Investors with secured bonds deserve less than the unsecured creditors. Can't you see they haven't made the same sacrifices as UAW? What? Is accepting less than 30 cents on a dollar not a sacrifice. But they will say yes to the sacrifce and not complain. Why? Because they also have TARP to cover them and if they want any they have to play the Obama-game.

A Good economy - Recovery on Track per Obama's latest teleprompter readings - on its way to recovery. Our goal was 8% unemployment. We are at 9.4%. His tea leaf is a lot different than most peoples. Or his telepromter readings were written over a month ago hoping that by now we would be at 8%. This is from a man that can't understand why the cost of our Government's borrowings are increasing. Dah!

Is Washington really serious when it talks about fiscal responsibility?

Phew! I feel better. November 2010 can't come soon enough.

An Excerpt From Wake Up! Wake Up! - #1

Love the Gift: A How-To Book

My child, hear my Words, Words of the greatest sweetness, surpassing all the learning of the philosophers and the wise of the world.

The previous chapter closed by suggesting we get to know God better. The process for me involved reading, and the big step was reading the Bible. And to get to know God, that really is the way to start. What could be better? Begin by reading what was written by messengers, witnesses, and apostles of the Lord. You will get to experience history, places, and developments and be enlightened and delighted by what you learn.

What a challenge. Read the Bible from cover to cover. It was quite an experience for me. Or I should say, it is quite an experience, since it continues to this day. Just about every day I read a portion of the Bible; it may be just a few lines or most of a chapter. Something strikes a chord, makes me think about a passage, or a situation occurs that causes me to find an answer or the right thing to say in the Word. I have not been disappointed yet. It is like Ask.com: you go to the reference, and you find an answer to your question.

My initial attempt took over a year. I was often confused or had questions and began to search elsewhere for added clarity, historical evidence, confirmation from another source, or just to learn more about the topic that was presented that for me just needed more detail. I was successful each time. My interest and enjoyment grew. The Old Testament is a difficult read, and remembering all the kings and the tribes of Israel, where and when they came and went, was quite a task. Also, how God was presented took a bit of work to fully comprehend and appreciate. Creation: okay, I got it, but was it successful? Did God achieve his end, especially with Adam’s error? Why the Jews, the chosen people, and all their trials and tribulations and their errors too?

The Old Testament and the New Testament are quite different. The God in the New seems different in some ways from the God of the Old. I know they are both God, but with the New, we now have Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Most of what occurs in the New is forecast in the Old and often in ways that tell the Jews that there will be consequences for their actions. There is a lot crammed into sixty-six books and one thousand or so pages (depending on the font and the footnotes). The Old and the New, however, go together, and in the New there are changes, a means for the mistakes of the Old to be corrected in the form of a new covenant or a new creation. God, his Son, and the Spirit work as a team to transform man, everyone, into being part of that team to make the world the heaven on earth God planned.

The Gift of Love
The gift of Jesus, of God, is love. And the answers to all questions can be found in one place, one source—the Bible. How simple is that, a how-to source? The Bible is the Word of God, God-breathed , for all to read and understand. Admittedly, it is not an easy read. But it is worth the effort, the time, and the dedication because it will open the reader’s eyes to a life that is good. There are many metaphors, some conflicting elements, but taken as a whole, it shows why all people are today, and have been since the birth of Christ Jesus, God’s children. If asked whether some passages as written actually happen, is that the way it all took place (literally), I must admit I cannot answer, but what I can say is that they are true, helpful, and powerful messages.

Seeing God
The Bible is a way of seeing God. It is the means by which God speaks to us every day. God comes to us via the Bible. Conditions of our lives, situations that occur, are addressed by the Bible and by God speaking to us through the Word. Scripture is all encompassing. The Bible is not an exclusive document; it was written for everyone.

Most people read books, some more often than others. My wife reads more than a book a week. But how many of you have read the Bible? It is the biggest seller of all time, written in just about every language and with various translations. The different translations and writings attempt to make the Bible more readable, more understandable, and more widely available to greater numbers of people. It is a resource that has found a way to be there for everyone. Have you read it? If you have time to read a daily newspaper or a book, set aside just fifteen minutes each day to read the Bible. Read the Bible, and the gift becomes more apparent and more readily available.

There are so many stories, so much advice, poetry, odes, songs, and guiding principles. It is a joy to read, and the impact it will have on you as reader cannot be fully appreciated until you yourself get involved with and captured by the Word of God.

Oh, the Energy of Daily Prayer

Recently another Blog raised the question of Christians in 20,000 different groups, with diff erring approaches to believing in Christ. I assume they all represent churches and congregants that have a Christ centered approach to the faith. Christianity is a Religion, as is Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, etc. Within Christianity are many denominations. Are those denominations, except for their political approach to the structure of the organization they profess to be, reverent in their respect for Christ, the good news and bad news offerings of the Lord. Do they, the denominations, tell us all we are sinners, everyone of us. Do they remind us our repentance is a daily practice and our sincerity in a strict adherence to the ethical and moral precepts of the Bible is being judged daily. Forgiveness and being forgiven are everyday expectations, as well as our dedicated focus on Christ, his sacrifice, our faith in Him, and the Bible. 20,000 denominations, one religion - Christian. The good news and the bad news, that is the essence. Incarnate and resurrected - that makes the difference. We are a people of faith, only through believing in Christ is Salvation available. If that is the common thread, then a common bond is possible. Those not of the same mind among the 20,000 may be led by false teachers. Individual, self-motivated study of the bible and prayer need be everyone's personal objective. Through understanding and a personal relationship will a believer see their teachers in a proper light. Have doubts, question, seek answers, and may everyone be led to Christ, but if not, find another teacher. Read your Bible daily and let the Word be a critical part of you.

We need a dedicated everyday return to prayer. Private prayer is fine. Take the time each day, in bed at night, hold your hands together as if you are holding God's hand, knowing he reaches out to you, and just sit in silence. He knows what is in your heart and of what you seek and ask. If in the 20,000 denominations there are 100 churches each and 1,000 congregants pray each day, 200,000,000 prayers will send forth the energy of a nation united in Christ - daily!!!

Fight The Good Fight

First - From Fox News.


Pentagon Briefings No Longer Quote the Bible
AP| Politics

… Briefings No Longer Quote the Bible The Pentagon said Monday it no longer includes a Bible quote on the cover page of daily intelligence ..... Pentagon said Monday it no longer includes a Bible quote on the cover page of daily intelligence …
Story|05/19/2009

A response from a Fox listener: by bethclaresfo [May 20, 2009 4:07:20 PM]
"Bush is a Christian, therefore he had the right to accept the scripture quotes from the Pentagon. BO claims to be a Christian, and does not want the scripture quotes. Another indication that BO is not what he claims. Any real Christian in the position of President of the U.S. would read scripture everyday to help guide him/her. How many Christians who are just trying to get thru a simple day, without the responsiblities of running a country, read scripture everyday to help guide them in their decision making? My educated guess, as a bible reading Christian, is most of them."

Second - From Fox News

San Diego Home bible Study - Couple Ordered to Stop Holding Bible Study at Home Without Permit - From FoxNews
Thursday, May 28, 2009 "Pastor David Jones and his wife Mary have been told that they cannot invite friends to their San Diego, Calif. home for a bible study — unless they are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to San Diego County.

"On Good Friday we had an employee from San Diego County come to our house, and inform us that the bible study that we were having was a religious assembly, and in violation of the code in the county." David Jones told FOX News.

"We told them this is not really a religious assembly — this is just a bible study with friends. We have a meal, we pray, that was all," Jones said.

A few days later, the couple received a written warning that cited "unlawful use of land," ordering them to either "stop religious assembly or apply for a major use permit," the couple's attorney Dean Broyles told San Diego news station 10News.

But the major use permit could cost the Jones' thousands of dollars just to have a few friends over.

For David and Mary Jones, it's about more than a question of money.

"The government may not prohibit the free exercise of religion," Broyles told FOX News. "I believe that our Founding Fathers would roll over in their grave if they saw that here in the year 2009, a pastor and his wife are being told that they cannot hold a simple bible study in their own home."

"The implications are great because it’s not only us that’s involved," Mary Jones said. "There are thousands and thousands of bible studies that are held all across the country. What we’re interested in is setting a precedent here — before it goes any further — and that we have it settled for the future."

The couple is planning to dispute the county's order this week.

If San Diego County refuses to allow the pastor and his wife to continue gathering without acquiring a permit, they will consider a lawsuit in federal court."

*******************************************


Now from me --

Now we wait and watch to see where actions such as the above lead us. Some Christians see these and similar actions by the secularist community as signs of End Times. I don't know if I would go that far, but certainly times are changing. How we fight back is another question. By being strong in our faith and making others aware of developments is one way. We are not the ones to judge or condemn others for their actions. We can only hold to our faith in the Lord and be sincere in our own actions. Write, pray, be open about your faith. We still live in a free country and must continue to battle to insure our freedoms are never compromised - this for all, not just Christians. Be proud of who you are and share your beliefs with others so they know too its Okay to be a Christian.

Pray every day!!!

Fat & VAT

A friend reminded me today that Obama's team, directly or indirectly, subversively, has proposed a Fat tax, in addition to the VAT tax. Anything with sugar, like sodas and candy, and I know they will come up with more fattening things to tax to help all us weight watchers. Obama is truly watching out for us all. Bless that man.

Venting Over VAT

VAT is the What? of today. What next? Okay we add 25% to the price of everything. Proceeds go to the federal government. That will be a great deal of money. But what about non-governmental spending. Overnight $2.00 milk will be $2.50. That $10,000 Obama-mobile will be $12,500. If each year you spend $30,000 on stuff, that stuff will now cost $37,500 - but more likely you will still spend $30,000 and simply buy $7,500 less stuff. (Probably even less given the current direction of our economy) GNP goes down. So too will other tax revenues - as we can assume the IRS take and percentages will not change (and still increase as forecast). More money to be spent by our most trustworthy, yet little respected (as per the polls) congressmen and senators - both D's and R's. What have they done lately to save Americans.

It is estimated there are over 24,000 staff members for 535 congressmen and senators. At an average of $76,000 per staff member that's $1,824,000,000. Yes, 1.8 Billion dollars. There is another $1,000,000 to run each office, and more for the research areas and other general staff support groups. Now we are over the 2.3 Billion mark. The Executive Branch in not in that figure, nor any of the NEW departments, like the Car-Czar command post. Have you heard anything about any of these areas having cut-backs? BUT - think of the benefits. With less staff to keep busy, not only could we save over $1 billion (that's much more than any savings the Obama team has yet to find) there would be less pork to produce, and less superfluous legislation concocted. With all the staff in place our House and Senate leaders still find it beneath them to actually read any of the bills to be voted upon. Mr. Waxman of Calif. is the poster child of that unfortunate habit - on a global warming bill he stated he did not have to read it, it was prepared by scientists.) Maybe he can't read. His diet must contain too many California fruits and nuts - Pelosi suffers from the same form of consumption.

This VAT talk is to help pay for the new health care program. Obama-Motors is about to manufacture the Obama-Ambulance, funded by the Obama-Bank, that will take Obama's nation of sick and needy persons to Doctors and Hospitals employed in the Obama-Health-Care-System that will continue to be sued by the nation's lawyers for any imperfections in the 'practice' of medicine in which they engage. All Obama abortions will be paid for and if you are a medical professional and performing abortions is against what you believe - well that's just tough - get over it - do it.

Would the cost of health care, as an aside, be helped by Tort Reform? What - yes Tort Reform. Who was that VP under Bush 41 - Quail? He was a leader for Tort Reform. Why no progress (and remember the Quail tomato attacks)? - because Washington runs amok with lawyers. There isn't a lawyer that wants to hear the term tort reform. They shudder at the thought. Throw a stone just about anywhere in Washington and there is a good chance you will hit a lawyer. Outside of Washington you need to aim more carefully. (This was once said about atheists on college campuses) Washington is a Club of lawyers, so it seems, insuring lawyers get more work (figuring what to do about the un-read bills passed by the over-staffed congressmen and senators - and how to sue to get judges to then finalize the legislation from the bench - more lawyers), and maintain an environment of well paid legal eagles. Reduce the lawsuits and many may be out of work - just lawyers though. That would not be good for the lawyers, but for Americans and our economy it would be just fine. What Obama is doing for Unions, lawyers do for lawyers everyday. Self-service to the exteme.

We regular working folk may not stand a chance. Keep praying.

Update on BOOK - Wake Up!

Wake Up! Wake Up! - The Testimony of a Layman. Progress continues. From the Publisher, "We are another step closer to finishing your book! Attached you will find a pdf file of your book's layout." Soon after this stage a book bound, front cover, back and spine, for me to read, make any possible last minute corrections, approve and then it goes to Press. Wow! Tate (The Publisher) has not provided a possible release date, but I am certainly hoping before year end, even before Thanksgiving. A new trailer prepared by Mark Baldwin - he is talented - accompanies this posting. I am now on Face Book (become a Friend, Christian Nation (a facebook for Christians) and Twitter (become a Follower). Join me any way you can. We welcome old and new friends.

Good News - Bad News

Good News - Congressional Representative Paul Brown of George has proposed 'The Bible Bill.' Freedom came from the Bible. Our ethical and moral standards are embodied in the Bible. We need to keep the Bible in the forefront of our culture. Let's make, as he suggests, 2010 The Year of The Bible. But then shouldn't every year?

Bad News - Obama Supreme Court nominee - Sotomayor. Liberal for her is a moderate word. She is Left of everyone, no one is left of her, and likes the idea that policy can be made from the bench. She could become a one woman law maker. Start to worry now!

American Prisons and Islam

Out of American Prisons

Obama wants Gitmo detainees in America’s prison. Even though I ask the question “Why?” this is not the place to answer, but to understand what has occurred in American’s prisons with respect to homegrown Islamic terrorists.

The recent thwarted attempt to destroy synagogues in The Bronx by 4 Muslim ex-convicts, at least two of which converted while incarcerated, one of which was the alleged mastermind, exemplifies what can occur with devoted Muslims transferred from Gitmo. Given an audience of many that already resent being in prison, that resentment can be used and raised to a higher level of hatred towards America. It is happening without them, but why have more. Many of today’s papers discuss this concern. I have taken my lead from the Palm Beach Post (May 23, 2009, pg 1A, 10A) front page, the headline reading, “Plot revives fears of radical Islam in nation’s prisons.” The article discussed the arrest of the 4 Muslim ex-cons.

Recall the Nation of Islam, the Malcolm X contingent, many arrested and imprisoned for their refusal to fight for our country during WWII. While in jail they worked to convert other convicts. The process continues. The PBP article suggests many inmates are gravitating “toward Islam out of resentment for being locked-up.” The character of those converted to Islam, which a NYPD intelligence analyst refers to as “Prislam”, foments hate towards America. Their view may be “distorted” and reflect a “‘ cut-and-paste’ reading of the Quran on the Internet” “from gang leaders or other inmates.” But is that any different from the thousands of Madrassas that exist in every Arab nation teaching Muslims to hate the infidels? Islam teaches hate (subjectivity and not objectivity), let me tone that down, they teach ‘a strong dislike of those who are different’, of that I am convinced. From the Nation of Muslim refusing to fight for a country that offers them freedom, complete freedom, to growing Islamic resistance for American values, to 911 attacks and more, and garnering support from the likes of our President to show tolerance to a group that simply dislikes our moral and ethical values, can we enable even a greater presence of American dislike on our shores? Is it because our moral and ethical values, those of Europe and much of the world, comes from the truth that is bible based that the Muslim leadership is so compelled to attack similar standards anywhere they exist? Which would you prefer? Love your neighbor even if he does not agree with you. Or kill your neighbor if they do not agree with you – do not agree and you are the infidel. For me a Muslim can be a Muslim – that is their choice and their right. But if a Muslim decides, objectively, that his faith has changed and Christianity becomes his path, should he then be placed on a ‘hit-list.’ That is not tolerance. Many Muslims live today as closet Christians (or of another religion) for fear of their Muslim neighbor.

This raises the comparative issue of Islam vs. Christianity. Chuck Colson’s Prison Ministries tells many stories of converts to Christianity returning to their communities after release to do wonderful works. There is at least one case I am aware where the converted Christian returned to his prison as chaplain. There is no story where a Christian convert masterminded a terrorist plot against synagogues or Americans.

In a response to a Muslim article condemning British schools for teaching cultural values opposed to Muslim traditions and blaming such schools for their failure to adopt or adapt to Islamic law, it was written, “All of the violent attacks against the West and against the very countries who have welcomed these intolerant, non-assimilating immigrants into their home have been our own fault.” This is akin to Obama blaming Bush for everything. Going on to ask, “When the hell are we going to start getting offended? What more will it take? Are we going to submit to the self-righteous rantings of the hate-filled Iftikhars (Muslim human rights lawyers) of this world. Are we going to allow them to use our liberal guilt against us? We will meekly turn over our Judeo/Christian societies to their backward barbarism rather that taking the chance of being called racists?” (This from a post on Radarsite.blogspot.com)(Posted by Roger W. Gardner)

Christians volunteer, they can come and go from their faith if they so choose. God will love them and hold a party for them upon their return. Muslims will welcome new comers, but if you are currently a Muslim, or become a Muslim, then never leave as that is not possible. It is not voluntary. Your intellect and objectivity must be left at the door once you enter the gates of Islam. It is like entering a prison, a life-time confinement in the laws and dictates of the leaders of the religion. For me it is not a “faith” for they must act according to ritualistic methods, required practices, and repetitious mantras. It is a life-sentence and no escape is possible. Where in the Muslim world is there an open practiced tolerance of other religions? – there is not one Muslim country that allows freedom of religion – not one. Allah will hunt you down in the form of a follower of Allah – they will be your judge. God is the judge of Christians and that judgment will occur after you die physically, not before.

Keep the Gitmo detainees where they are. It certainly appears to be working.

Keep Praying

The only thing we can do is keep praying.

Obama, however, is a worry. His priorities seem at odds with America, and the needs of the American people. We are in a crisis.

In the April 13, 2009 edition of The Weekly Standard, Sam Schulman wrote in an article entitled, Honor Killing, American-Style, “In the Obama Administration there can be no dissent from the view that abortion must be unrestricted, paid for, and with no shilly-shallying about parental notification, partial birth abortion, or other such measures that would actually reduce the frequency of abortion.” He goes on to tell his readers Obama “is also poised to rescind a regulation protecting the ‘conscience exemption’ on abortion.” If abortion violates your beliefs, it won’t matter, do it anyway. He notes “Obama’s intolerance of the consciousness of so many of us is particularly curious.” While Iran is launching missiles in defiance of Obama’s verbal goal of mid-east peace through “tenderness” and a gentle hand-holding, kumbayah stuff, “against those who would attack us”, “to those Americans who wish merely to refrain from what they regard as harming babies – the president extends not a hand but a fist.” How well stated – what about priorities?

In the May 23, 2009 issue of World Magazine, Edward Lee Pitts wrote in his article, Serving America, “AmeriCorps will be tripled from 75,000 positions to 225,000 during the next eight years. The largest expansion of full-time, government-subsidized public service since…the Peace Corps.” Sen Jim DeMint said this “would make AmeriCorps the nation’s 14th-largest company.” “The increased volunteer pool could give vast power for the federal government to place added restrictions on nonprofits.” I have said all along that the federal government should not be in the charity business. But Obama clearly wants to take over the business of serving those, in his own way, that are normally served by charities. Eliminating deductions to charities goes to that same end. Is this a priority – even intelligent? Why should ‘we the people’ be supporting Planned Parenthood, ACORN, the ACLU, and any other group that should find their funding from external sources. Let those whose views are strong support those organizations, non-government, that do what pleases them. Government involvement only politicizes matters that should be left to the people, not to Obama or any other President. Is America becoming Obama’s personal charity, his personal cause, his socialist agenda fulfilled?

Obama-Motors, with the Unions as a majority shareholder – would you buy a car from the UAW? Can you imagine what a car built by the Unions and the Government combined might look like? One thing is for sure, the new ‘mpg’ constraints are designed to sell Obama-motors cars, at a cost to the tax-payers. As to the future, the Obama tax and spend team is optimistic, but the Federal Reserve has a different opinion. The governor of Minnesota is taking a different tack – he is reducing taxes. He says that no economy ever emerged from a crisis by tax and spend. Taxing only finds its way to small businesses, as well as big, and the tax payer, big and small, pays, continues to pay and finds less each day in their pocket. What is left to spend and support the optimism Obama is foisting upon us all? To those employed and barely paying for the health care insurance an employer provides, Obama wants to tax the insurance they receive as income. How does that help?

And the beat goes on. Obama is beating his drum for a new social order, the government doing for you and me just about everything. To him conceptually those on the dole will preserve the vote, a form of insurance, for those that will continue to vote for his social order. “I give to you and you vote for me.” – this is the mantra I hear in my head and have nightmares about. What ever happened to capitalism, the American dream, and private enterprise?

Obama is the Captain of the Ship that is America today. Are you confident he is steering us in the right direction? I cannot say that I am. Protect your rowboat. Make sure it floats and you have both oars. We may need to use them sooner than later.

We live with Government. We vote. We elect. We trust. But we can be deceived. Taxes are the Government’s tool for financial support of programs, obligations, representative’s personal wants for their constituency (“pork”), and general needs for services expected of the Government. Honesty, a desired and promised trait, seems lacking. The platform provided an elected or appointed official can be a “bully pulpit” for good, but today seems more likely a power base for control and greed.

Keep praying.

California Speaks For Us All

Has California spoken for the Nation? A Blue state rejects tax increases - voters vote and say 'no more.' Is Washington watching and listening? Is this a precursor to the 2010 vote? What can Washington do that it is not considering at this moment? Following is my Top 10 suggestions for savings. Please send me your thoughts. Add to this list. The first item could be quite significant in many ways.

What Washington Can Eliminate or Consider - My Top 10

1. Reduce size of staff of Congressmen and Senators - at least half of current budgets for staff. Have them demonstrate to everyone they too understand the economic crisis and the squeeze on us all.
2. Eliminate naming opportunities for Congressmen, Senators and other Government members (except after death) on buildings, bridges, roadways, etc., unless contributions made are by the elected official themselves (out of their pockets and the goodness of their hearts). (Call it the Byrd Amendment)
3. Reduce franking privileges, the use of free postal services. Much can be saved here - use email.
4. Eliminate Subsidies, Farm Subsidies, Sugar subsidies, Energy Development subsidies, Any other subsidy.
5. Get the Federal Government out of the abortion business, the business of voter registration and other non-specific activities of Government – such as payments to Planned Parenthood, ACORN and the like. Let the support for these groups come from non-government sources – charities. (Get the Government out of the charity business)
6. Allow States, only, to tax oil, energy companies (alternative energy sources too), to the extent resources are recovered from that State, and to be paid for and to the benefit of the Residents.
7. All requests for payments by Government (like earmarks) shall be in separate legislation. Such requests must stand alone, not as a component of another piece of legislation, and be accompanied with the name of the author.
8. Better still - Eliminate non-essential Earmarks - the purpose clearly stated for any considered "essential.".
9. Reform campaign finance and simplify documentation for non-incumbents. (Washington needs to stop playing games to protect their turf, after all this is supposed to be Government for and by the people. Do you get the impression at times it is Government for and by the incumbents?)
10. Limit the time candidates can campaign for an elected office. Say 6 months max. It would clear the airways for other news – maybe worldwide news and not just political and entertainment news.

Much can be done by Washington to save Billions, make Government more efficient, more effective, and more reflective of the desires of the wonderful peoples of our great Nation.

I have more that can be listed, but I am sure you do too. One already noted to me was reducing the days for mail delivery.

Yes, thank you California voters for speaking for the majority. Now more of us need to speak up. Washington - you can do it - but only if you want to do it for the people.

Teens and Planned Parenthood

The following is word for word from the Family Research Council:

Irresponsible Funding for Irresponsible Behavior

"In keeping with the administration's lack of restraint, Washington is preparing to send a message to America's teens that sexual restraint is also unnecessary. One of the few places that President Obama has shown a stingy side is by cutting programs for teens that have made a meaningful impact on public health. Of course, it's not really a spending cut since the money is being redirected to new pro-contraceptive programs for teens.

In fiscal year (FY) 2009 the Community-Based Abstinence Education (CBAE) fund was $94.7 million. Today the administration is proposing that of the $114.5 allotted for FY 2010, no less than $75 million would go to teen pregnancy prevention programs that include contraception promotion--not abstinence education. While another $25 million could be used for abstinence education, there is no guarantee that it will be since the proposal calls for "new strategies" with this money.

Abstinence funding in Title X Adolescent and Family Life funds is getting a similar cut. Instead of $13 million going to abstinence education, programs that advocate abstinence would have to compete for $3.28 million earmarked as "new strategies" for prevention, but as with CBAE there's no guarantee that the abstinence projects would be funded. The administration defends the abstinence cuts by pointing to studies, many of which are linked to Planned Parenthood, that question the effectiveness of abstinence programs.

The truth is, abstinence education goes beyond pregnancy prevention to promoting holistic change in teenagers. Studies show that in addition to preventing pregnancy and disease, teens who practice abstinence are better off emotionally and are much more likely to experience marital fidelity and satisfaction. The same cannot be said of the comprehensive sex education. In a review of 119 studies, comprehensive sex education has produced no compelling evidence of sustaining a meaningful effect on protective behaviors in a school-based setting, even after three decades of implementation and evaluation.

Additional Resources
Abstinence Works: Studies Validating the Efficacy of Abstinence-Centered Education


Defund and Defend

Kansas State Senator Tim Huelskamp (R) has found a perfect way to save money: defund Planned Parenthood. "Despite allegations of impropriety," he said, "and more than a hundred criminal charges, this year Kansas taxpayers paid out nearly $300,000 to subsidize this entity." The Planned Parenthood gravy train may be coming to an end in Kansas, if Gov. Mark Parkinson (D) joins the state legislature in supporting Huelskamp's amendment. Under it, the state's taxpayers would no longer have to shell out hundreds of thousands to an organization marred by allegations of fraud, criminal cover-ups, clinic deficiencies, and falsification of documents.

We urge Kathleen Sebelius's replacement to set a new tone in Kansas by signing this measure into law and ending the political payoffs to abortion groups like Planned Parenthood. Our hats go off to Senator Huelskamp for what could be a significant victory for people who cherish life--and their hard-earned dollars. "

I support Family Research Council and the positions they take. This is a good organization.

American Dream or Nightmare

This is not a sales pitch, but an observation.

Americans are about to own a great deal of Chrysler and much of GM. Ford has made it on their own - that is American. Aware of the Union's historical tactics to get their way, and now seeing the tactics of the new Administration to subvert the Rule of Law (as well as bend to the financial support received from the Unions), buying anything other than Ford is like buying from Obama motors or the UAW. The other alternative is to buy a car "made in America" by private enterprise. In some cases that may be a car with a Japan based owner or German. Made without the assistence of the Federal Government shares the American dream of independence, freedom, and without a dependence on a Union or Administration of questionable promise. Obama may be working hard to change that dream, but for some it is becoming a nightmare. The decisions made to this juncture may reflect on the decisions made in the manufacture of the Detroit-UAW-Fed-Admin-Obama (the new "DUFAO")automobile. I wish I were a cartoonist and could draw it for you. How can DUFAO fail? We - Americans - will be supporting every bad decision they make, just to save face for Obama. But every car sold will have a few of our dollars under the drivers seat.

George F. Will in a recent editorial in a number of national newspapers, under the heading, Sunbeams from Cucumbers notes, "Buyers should choose Ford Motor Co. This is so because Ford has, so far, avoided becoming an appendage of the government. And because national interests will not be served by GM and Chrysler flourishing." He likens what is transpiring in Washington as "the Academy of Obama." Obama, it seems, views honest investors, which he now seeks (needs) to invest in the Banks and other enterprises the governement wishes to save, as second class citizens, often as the ones to "blame for problems," the perfect scapegoat. Take those that can profit from whatever they do (even as a saver/investor)and suggest they do so at the expense of innocents, on the back of innocents, and do so in a mean, callous, selfish fashion. For any of us that want our hard earned money safe, invested for gain, Obama has little or no respect.

Capitalism is under attack by Obama - to be used as needed, and to be abused whenever it makes Obama look good. Some of those he calls hedge funds and whom he has tried to command take less (from the Chrysler cadaver) than they deserve, even when they are in line for whatever remains in the order established by the government (rule of law line-up),have teachers, workers from various industries, self-employed persons IRA's, and thousands upon thousands of employees pensions under their care. When it is advantageous 'investors' are good, otherwise they are transmogrified into 'speculators', a convenient Jekyl and Hyde transformation. Obama appears to be fronting his interest in the Unions for their financial support for his election (past and future). This seems more like Chicago politics. Obama may have learned well from his local activities in that City.

It is true that most voted for Obama - but not all. When the Administration mouthpieces make claims that the direction they are heading America is supported by the "vast" majority, I have my doubts. What about you? Time to think 2010.

National Day of Prayer. Let Us ALL Pray.

"As you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted in answer to the prayers of many." - (2 Corinthians 1:11 NIV Bible)

This is not an easy time for any in America. There is much economic turmoil, so many governmental actions happening all at once with costly potential consequences, a national invasion of banks and car companies, the appearance of government threats on those that do not cooperate, a growing Federal Bureaucracy, and now a President that stands alone, behind a closed door. I pray alone more often than I do with a group. The opportunity, however, to pray as a united voice, as a collective body, especially for what I believe, is always welcomed. "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity." (Ps. 133.1) This is a time for Hope for the entire nation, a time to rejoice in what we have as a nation; it is when we can express joy for the freedoms we have and pray will endure. It is a Come Together moment.

We are a nation under God. May that never be forgotten. Obama is either in denial or in disguise. How can someone so prone to the spotlight not honor our nation by gathering with us all on National Prayer Day. "United we stand" - but apparently not all; our President is only with himself, independent and lacking humility. Is he with us or against us?

May I offer this prayer: Today we honor our Nation and our fellowship. May this prayer be heard and find favor with the Lord. We are experiencing a different feeling, mixed in terms of despair, frustration, joy and hope. Family is most embraced at times such as these, the unity of blood, as well as friends, neighbors and those joined in thanks for our liberty as Americans. Love becomes more the need and want so we can endure and gather the strength and fortitude to proceed, knowing He is with us. Know too no one is alone; we all need the support we give each other as a nation pulling in the same direction. We can do more as a team than as an individual. We are being tested. May we accept what comes our way with gratitude, love, and hope. We pray too that our President is truly united with us all. We do this all humbly in your presence, Almighty God. Thanks be to God. Amen.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes. 5:16-18)