Elephants are people too!

2012...Here we come!

2011-08-21T17:17:00.002-05:00

Well, here I sit. Writing another post after a long hiatus. Why have I been absent for so long? Not sure of the answer. Yes, I have been busy, but aren't we all?

I think I have been in a type of fog. Watching this county spiral out of control in so many areas. I sometimes can't believe some of the things that are happening right under out collective noses.

Let me name a few:

No flags allowed to fly on a child's bike ride to school
Being illegal is not really illegal
Israel is no longer our best friend
Food stamps and unemployment are the new stimulus plan
A balanced budget is partisan politics
Teaching sex ed to 5 yr olds?
Passing a bill so we can see what is in it?
No oil drilling for us but sending oil subsidies to South America, Really!
No picture of you under your clothes = no flying
5 yr olds getting pat downs
Socialized medicine: doesn't anyone look to Canada, UK or even Massachusetts?
No inflation while milk costs $5 a gallon
Being called a terrorist by my Vice President
The word Christmas is no longer acceptable
A generation that has bought the 'share the wealth' mantra (but not when it comes to their GPA's)
My tax dollars WILL pay for abortions under the new Obamacare
Green jobs that go bust and have parts made in China
Labeled a potential terrorist by 'Big Sis' if your vote is based on a single issue (abortion for instance)
Attending a patriotic parade might make you conservative (I actually like this one, but still a sad commentary)
Poverty = 2 tv's, cell phone, VCR and a roof over your head
A President who apologizes for American to Dictators who kill and oppress their own people

Can our country survive without the 'can do' spirit of the past? Can we recover with a generation that looks to government for all needs and has forgotten what hard work and delayed gratification is? Can we make it when we are creating a generation that hates wealth but wants everything and wants it for free? More importantly, can we thrive in a country that no longer believes freedom is God given and must be defended at all costs? Will the words 'My Rights' grow to include free college education, free child care, an Ipad, a place to live and food to eat, internet access, a job, and ...? Is there still a difference in pursuing these things (happiness) as opposed to having them given to you?

We are headed into a very important year in our Country. It is time to get busy again. We must rally, we must speak, we must educate, we must contribute, we MUST VOTE. All of us must do this. Do not leave it to the few. Do not be afraid.

So, 2012, here we come.

The Vote

2010-10-05T11:01:00.001-05:00

The Vote

The election is coming
And won’t it be great

Let’s make our voice heard
Do not procrastinate

Our country is becoming a godless regime
We must not let go of our founder’s dream

Do not stay home and assume the win
We want all to know that we are in

Our leaders will see we are here for keeps
That we are no longer asleep

To vote is a privilege covered n blood
Let us not take it lightly, not drag it in the mud

The question is simple, straight out of the gate
To be self governed or be controlled by the state

One note of caution, to those we vote in
Keep all your promises, or next time you won’t win

We are now watching and know when they are lying
May we never again trust without verifying

So get out the vote, all who can hear
Our mission is very clear

This country needs you in November
Make this one that we will always remember

Are you a "Mama Grizzly"?

2010-07-09T08:58:00.010-05:00

This movement, some call it the 'Tea Party Movement', is still going strong 18 months later. I was at one of the first 'Tea Parties' in February of 2009. What a ride I have been on since then: Co-Founder of KatyTea Party, Co-chiar a Tea Party rally, delegate to my state Republican convention, spearheading a 'get out the vote' effort in my county, calling senators, writing letters, gathering and dispersing information about what our Gov. is up to. Now, our focus will be on walking neighborhoods, registering people to vote and getting people to the polls.

Some say this movement has been led by women, moms. In my experience this is true. Not just soccer moms or stay at home moms, but working outside the home moms as well. We call ourselves Patriots.

Check out this video by Sarah Palin's PAC. It discusses the Grizzly Mom effect.

2010 Republican State Convention, Dallas Texas: A Freshman's View

2010-06-14T12:14:00.024-05:00

I am back from my first convention as a delegate. I did a lot of observing and learning while in Dallas. Here is my take on the experience.

When we first arrived at the convention center, around 10 am on Friday the 11th of June, getting registered was first order of business. I had pre-registered on line so I went straight to the booth designated by my senatorial district, showed my ID and was able to get my credentials. With out the credentials, access to the trade show and main hall were not allowed.

We then went into the trade show hall. There were not as many vendors as I thought there would be. After all, Texas has the largest Republican convention in the Union (except for the National conventions that is). Myself and my co-patriot Linda (who came with me as a 'guest') enjoyed shopping for a bit of Republican bling and checking out all of the informational booths.

Check out the Republican elephant bling around my neck...

At 12 noon the first official session began. We (about 15,000 or so) delegates, alternates and guests were summoned into the main hall. We had to sit in assigned ares, Alternates together, guests together, and delegates seated together by senatorial districts.

At this point the pep rally began. Speaker after speaker, starting with the governor and then going down the line. It seemed we heard from every Republican elected official there was. This went on for about 3 to 4 hours. Loud music (think professional ball game) streamers, confetti, promotional videos, the whole works. We finally were sent to our caucus, again separated into senatorial districts.

When I arrived at the caucus (a meeting with all counties within like senatorial districts where voting for various leaders and policies is done), the seating was now arranged by counties within the senatorial district. I proceeded to look for Waller county and I took my seat.

Waller has 10 Delegate spots and 10 Alternates. The Alternates can be seated as delegates if not all of the delegates are in attendance. This was the case for most of the counties, Waller included. We had 6 delegates and 1 alternate, so we seated the alternate right away and so we ended up with 7 delegates to vote for our county.

During this caucus, we voted for permanent caucus chair and permanent committee reps. The chair is the one who conducts the meetings. The committee reps are people from our senatorial district that work in the various committees; platform, credentials, nominations, rules. These people were appointed temporary positions and had been at the convention all week meeting in these various groups on behalf of our district. The vote to make them permanent is mostly a formality. (I need to brush up on my Robert's Rules of Order)

After the Friday night caucus, I went to the Bar-B-Q and Boots banquet. The food was ok, but the key note speaker was Michelle Bachmann. She did not disappoint.

Then home, to bed and up early for another round.

Our Saturday caucus started at 9 am in the morning. This time we voted for our senatorial district SREC (State Republican Executive Committee) representative. Each district has a male and female rep. We also voted on who the new party chair and co-chair would be. If we vote for a female chair we must vote for a male co-chair and the opposite is also true. Our districts nominee will be only one vote in the main session as each senatorial district has only one vote. During the counting of the votes, we listened to many speakers. Every elected official from the county had a turn.

We were hot and hungry and we had a lot of 'do nothing' time on our hands. This went on a LONG while, and we were all glad to be done. We then walk down to the main hall and get ready for the next session of the day. This is where the party platform would be voted on as well as the state chair and vice chair of the party.

I was looking forward to the last main session, but it was full of disappointment. The pep rally never ended. I wanted to get down to the business at hand.

Let me say that when I left at 3:30 (we had been in main session for over 2 hours) the voting had yet to begin. My vote was already counted for the chair and vice chair as we had done that in our caucus, but I wanted to vote on the platform. I was able to read over it during the speeches, and the wording seemed fine to me. I became more frustrated by the minute. The silver lining was the key note speaker, Governor Haley Barbour.

I left for the long ride home to Brookshire. I have since found out that the floor discussion and vote on the main floor was not over until 8 pm. (the schedule has this with a 4 pm conclusion time). As you can see by this picture, many had already left by 4 to begin the ride home. The Delegates do pay all their own expenses to come to these conventions, so one more night in the hotel was not an attractive proposition.

I guess if I could give the party some advice from a freshman delegate (aka Tea Party Patriot) it would be this: We want to discuss the platform, we want to create guidelines for this party going forward that are of, for and by the people. We do not need any pep rallies, we are already fired up and ready to work. We do not want these conventions to be social gatherings but work sessions. We do not want politics as usual. This is why almost half of the delegates at this convention were freshmen. We want real hope and real change....

One thing that was said by Michelle Bachmann that deserves repeating is this: If we give the gavel to the Republicans again in November and they again screw it up, they may never get another chance. This is so true. I hope the party heard this loud and clear.

This convention was a step in the right direction for me, even though I am not sure where my path is leading. Stay tuned...

So I am now a Delegate....

2010-06-10T10:27:00.006-05:00

Today I am on my way to Dallas, Texas where I will attend the State GOP convention. I will represent the county of Waller as a Delegate. I am both excited and nervous. I am not sure what my role will be and if it will make a difference in the long run. I do know that this is a first step in getting more involved in the party and trying to encourage it to get back to the basics. What are the basics you ask: Lower taxes, smaller government and following the constitution!

I will post pics and will have much to say on my return so stay tuned.

When you can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat.
Ronald Reagan

The Manhattan Declaration

2009-11-22T21:13:00.004-06:00

Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, but do not render to Caesar what is God's

Will You sign?
The Manhattan Declaration

Free Speech: On it's way Out?

2009-10-20T11:53:00.008-05:00

This cartoon is funny...but is it really? How do you feel about the white house, on many fronts, attacking this new organization? Does it scare you? It should.

What about this image:

The writing on the tape says 'flag@Whitehouse.gov"

It speaks volumes to me. Why did the White House want citizens to report on other citizens who opposed, with good reason, the health care reform bill? There was a campaign for people to 'Flag' themselves at the .gov web site.

Many of my fellow patriots were scared to do this. The fact that they scared speaks volumes, doesn't it?

Now read this article about an upcoming United Nations proposal that is set for this winter. It is reported that our President will sign it.

US sponsors plan to restrict free speech

I don't know, maybe I am a bit paranoid. Or am I?

New Gun Legislation: Fact vs Fiction

2009-10-13T16:10:00.005-05:00

Take a look at this report on gun legislation that has been introduced this year. There have been rumors about guns and tax returns that are not true, but the details that are true can hold their own. I love the last time of this article:

"With guns we are citizens, without them we are subjects."

Check it out:

HOAXBUSTERS

Who won the Nobel Prize? Is this a JOKE?

2009-10-09T07:16:00.002-05:00

You have got to see this to believe it...

OBAMA WINS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE TO MIXED REVIEWS...

I would not have believed it if I had not read it myself. Only 9 months in with the economy a mess, deficits out of control, approval rates for all our government officials VERY LOW, the Afghanistan war hanging in the balance, a divided country...what is the basis for this award? That the world likes us (Americans) better because of him? Is this all it takes to get this prize? Has the whole world gone mad?

8 Months of Hope and Change

2009-10-06T12:42:00.002-05:00

9/12 March on Washington, Watch Party in Houston

2009-09-10T15:57:00.004-05:00

Join me this Saturday (9/12) at Dave and Busters,7620 Katy Freeway, at 11:30 am. My friend Pat Wright will be one of the speakers. We will be gathering with like minded people to watch the live broadcast of the march on Washington. We will then enjoy good food and great speakers. All this (food included) for just $10. If you are local, come on out. You can RSVP at:

http://www.912membersusa.com

Hope to see you there!

Obama's Friends...

2009-08-15T09:29:00.002-05:00

The ugly truth...Universal Health Care at the cost of elderly lives.

2009-07-20T09:59:00.004-05:00

This says it all. Say NO to this Universal Health care Plan. Call today. Not only your reps but all that are on the committee or on the fence. Go here to learn about the Blue Dog Dems that can make a difference. You will also find phone numbers listed. Get involved today! Our parents and grandparents life depends on it.

RE POST...Happy Anniversary NHS (National Health Service)...Info on both English and Canadian Health Care Systems

2009-07-18T16:56:00.000-05:00

What is the NHS, or the National Health Service, you ask? It is the official name of the National Health Care system in Britain. This July 5th it will turn 60 years old. I really knew nothing about this system prior to last April, 2007. This was when I went with my main squeeze on a business trip. I love these trips, he has to work and I have to sit alone by a luxury pool for 2 days. Anyway, on this particular trip we were in Phoenix. I went to the pool and happened to grab a spot next to a couple from London. We began to talk about, can you guess, politics. The conversation quickly turned to their health care system. I learned that day from them many things: government health care is not free it is simply pre-paid by higher taxes, government health care is great unless you get a major illness, there is always a line, there are always long lines for dental care as well,there is always a LONG wait for tests or scans.

There was one other thing I learned that I don't believe is covered in this country when this topic is discussed. This couple told me that they actually buy supplemental insurance, privately, to cover things that are not under the National 'free' coverage and it usually pushed them up in line when a wait is involved. There are also doctors that opt out of the National Coverage and will take only those patients with this supplemental insurance. There is also the same scenario when dealing with dentists. I found this fascinating. Doesn't the ability to buy better or more coverage go against one of the main reasons for nationalized medicine? That reason being all people should have the same type or amount of health care despite class or financial means. I read an article today by Doug Bandow that talks about this very thing. This article also suggests that a British subject could loose their nationalized health care if they opt for the supplemental insurance. (so where is the tax refund if they loose the national coverage?)

I had another experience while on yet another business trip. This time I was on my way to NYC, and because of circumstances my main squeeze and I were not traveling together. I got on the plane and sat next to a nice young man (early 30's) that happened to be Canadian. We had a great conversation which turned to, can you guess, politics. We eventually got around to what I refer to as socialized medicine, better known as national health care. He was under the impression that there were Americans that were denied health care. I then explained to him the fallacy of that statement. There are people that are not insured, but they are not denied health care. I told him that our emergency rooms are used as Dr. visits for the uninsured. I personally witnessed this on an ER trip with my mom. There was a lady in front of us in the check in line. We were able to hear her partial interview with the admitting nurse. When asked why she was at the ER today, her answer was 'stuffy nose'. Anyway, getting back to the conversation with the Canadian, he was shocked to hear about a typical ER and I also told him of the many charity hospitals found in most cities and towns. He had no idea. It looks as though mis-information abounds all over the globe. Our talk turned to the health care in his country. He said he has been OK with the service given, but he had never been real sick. He would rather not pay the HIGH taxes associated with it, but like he said "You get used to it". We also talked about the 'Brokers' in his country. They actually help very ill patients find hospitals in the US to do needed tests or to perform needed procedures for Canadians that know if they wait in a line for a test in Canada, they could be dead before they can even get a diagnosis. These people use the brokers and the charity of American physicians and hospitals to save their lives. They still have to pay, but they negotiate lower fees. I read another article by David Gratzer that discussed the current issues the Canadian national health care is dealing with presently. Apparently, the gentleman considered the father of this enterprise is changing his tune.

We must keep all this in mind during the upcoming election. National health care has major issues in both Canada and Britain. I encourage you to do your own research. I think it was Reagan who said "Trust, but verify." We must verify what we are being told. We must check the facts.

Remember, nothing is free, except Salvation!

Katy Tea Party Patriots July 4th Tea Party

2009-07-09T11:15:00.008-05:00

Well, I survived. What an experience. I found myself smack in the middle of planning a huge, multi - county event. It just so happens that is was on a holiday and that the heat index broke records (103 degrees, hottest in over 20 years). Even with two strikes against us, we were able to have about 1500 in attendance. The day was long for the volunteers as we were out at the site from 7 am will about midnight. In the end it was well worth it. People are fed up. They are willing to brave the heat to be counted. They want to be on emails lists and stand ready to make their voices heard. I hope that we will make a difference. I hope people will use their anger to write their representatives, call their representatives and VOTE their beliefs.

Our core group kept growing. We had amazing people step up to volunteer time, energy and money for this rally. We had people come to the rally and volunteer on the spot.

Be sure to visit www.katytea.com so see what we are all about and what we have yet in the works.

Thanks for all or your prayers regarding this endeavor. I felt them. Much is yet to come from this group we call the:

Katy Tea Party Patriots

Forced Healath Care, another form of Tyranny!

2009-07-03T07:24:00.008-05:00

Senate Bill would Fine People More Than $1000 for Refusing Health Care coverage

I thought Health Care for all is something everyone wanted? Why would fines even be an issue?

This is just another form of Tyranny. If you question this statement, just read the definition of Tyranny and you will see that it fits quite well in this case.

clipped from dictionary.reference.com

tyr⋅an⋅ny

–noun, plural -nies.

1. arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority.

2. the government or rule of a tyrant or absolute ruler.

3. a state ruled by a tyrant or absolute ruler.

4. oppressive or unjustly severe government on the part of any ruler.

5. undue severity or harshness.

6. a tyrannical act or proceeding.

When the government can take away your choice, you are living under Tyranny. I am not talking about obeying the law of the land in regard to stealing or killing. These are basic human laws that I believe are handed down from God. I am speaking of the control, for our own good mind you, by our government of every aspect of our lives.

When you are made to do something, under the fear of fines or imprisonment, this is Tyranny. Some Examples of Tyranny (again, for our own good): seat belt laws, helmet laws, car seat laws, smoking laws, life jacket laws, home owners insurance laws, gun regulation laws, and lets not forget the IRS. They have the right to take your wages, your home, and your business. We may add health care to this list.

I am not saying that some of these laws are not good ideas for safety purposes, but should it be law. Should the government be able to hand out fines or jail time if we do not do what they think is in our best interest?

I for one will always say no to tyranny...in all forms.

Did George Bush spend as much or more than Obama?

2009-06-19T08:04:00.006-05:00

Check out this video we posted on KatyTea.com (this is the web site for our tea party efforts in west Houston). It shows, in short order, how much the spending of this county has increased since the current administration has taken over.

Yes, some has been spent on the stimulus plan, but most has been spent on pork and much is to come on things such as socialized medicine and cap and trade

It matters little what it is being spent on, the fact of the matter is that it must stop.

Just how much is $100,000,000 in budget cuts?

2009-06-12T06:37:00.003-05:00

Is this a product of radical muslim terrorists? Or is that not politically correct?

2009-06-04T09:39:00.005-05:00

This type of violence is not ending. The terror that these type of radical muslim, jihad groups are engaging in is not going to be solved with nice talk and humble gestures by our new president. They do not want peace, they want domination, control and the eradication of any and all who do not follow their set beliefs and way of life.

Read the latest here...

This is happening in the midst of presidnet Obama's trip to Egypt. Some call it a love fest trip. In his speech he said that any nation, including Iran, should have the ability to have nuclear devices if they abide by rules that would regulate such weapons. Wow, that is a clear departure from our previous stance.

I urge all of you to follow what the president is doing, saying, and pushing into legislation. We are not merely experiencing change, but a 180 in almost every aspect of our country's defense stance, economic stance, and its principles and beliefs.

Don't be a part of the uninformed majority.

A question....

2009-06-01T07:26:00.007-05:00

The killing of Dr.Tiller.
Murder, or just a different form of late term abortion?

I do not condone murder, in any form. But, when is the killing of someone not murder but justice? How does this relate to killing in war or the putting to death of a criminal? My brother said something that got me thinking. Our society has replaced 'right and wrong' with 'legal or illegal'. He states that though this incident was murder and thus illegal, justice was served. Can this be reconciled in our minds?

We cannot have people running around dispensing their own form of justice without some type of rule of law. Even though, in a sense, Dr. Tiller did just that when he chose to murder partially born babies.

This one is hard for me. I do condemn the act of the murder of this man. I do feel for the grief his family is going through. I do not support murder as a way to advance any cause. But mostly, I fear for his soul.

On the other side of the coin, I urge each one of you to research this procedure called 'late term abortions'. Also do a bit of research as to how Dr. Tiller pushed the envelope of 'legality' to perform this procedure. Then ask yourself the question at the top of this post, again.

Thank You...

2009-05-25T07:19:00.001-05:00

I am posting this again as it seems fitting today. Uncle Preston, I miss you and I love you and THANKS.

One of the last veteran's in my family, Uncle Preston, died two years ago. A year prior to his death, we called him on this special day and we thanked him for his service. He said that was the first time anyone had ever done that.

He served on the U.S.S. Lexington (the Blue Ghost) in WWII. read it's history here An interesting family story about the ship is as follows:

Uncle Preston was in Hawaii awaiting orders to ship out on The Lex. Another of my uncles (only 17, he lied to enlist) was stationed in Hawaii too, so he went to visit his cousin on 'Lady Lex' before they were deployed. When the call came to leave, the younger Uncle wanted to stay with family so he stowed away. He did not tell the CO he was there until they were on their way to war. He was not AWOL because he stowed away to war not away from it. These two cousins spent the war fighting the Japanese on a floating city, together.

We were able to bring uncle Preston back to visit his ship about 10 years ago. The emotion was very real and very raw. He could still see the kamikaze dive into the ships bow. He could see the fire, hear the guns and remember the emotion. It was very emotional for us all. He was honored that day by the ship as someone who had served on her. He spoke of that trip often.

On this day, thank a veteran. As they say, Freedom isn't Free.

Look what you need a permit for now....

2009-05-23T20:38:00.004-05:00

A couple in San Diego were, dare I say, 'interrogated' on Good Friday by a local official who came to their door with a list of questions. It seems that if you hold a Bible study in your home on a regular basis, sing, and say 'amen', you need a permit. If you don't get one, a fine could be levied and increase in size with more violations.

Don't believe me? Read it for yourself...

Now that is more change we can believe in.

Tea Party : Update 1

2009-05-21T11:00:00.006-05:00

I am a little over 2 weeks into this new endeavor and what a ride so far. We have assembled a great team, we have a venue, we have 2 speakers to date, we are on our way to filing for our non-profit and will soon be able to take actual donations (of either money or services).

I have been to the Capital (yes, inside the actual building in a conference room, very cool!) for a training seminar. It was a forum where organizers from all over this great state of Texas could get together and share ideas and experiences. It was a group of like minded, everyday people. No politicians in sight.

I would always ask for your prayers, but I also want your time. If you are a local friend, think about volunteering for this cause.

As they say: We need all hands on the Flag....

Katy Texas Tea Party: Wake up America!

2009-05-10T20:16:00.006-05:00

I am officially involved in the Tea Party effort here in my neck of the woods. We are on our way and need much help. This letter sums it up:

We have only just begun to build on the energy and enthusiasm that you provided at our first demonstration a few weeks ago in Katy.

We have secured a location for our 4th of July rally. We are in the process of building a website and Kris has been busy getting us on Tweeter (search KatyTea) , on Facebook (search Katy Texas Tea Party) for the group and Katy Tea for the page) and organizing more support. We have had support and coordination from the Texas Patriots and Houston Patriots. Now we need leaders.

We need a few good men and women volunteers to help lead the following working groups:

1.) Technology: This individual will lead a team and help develop and maintain our website, email and all technology accounts.

2.) Finance: So that our fundraising campaigns always remain open book and beyond question I need a great individual to lead the group in the position of comptroller. Keep the books, money and accounts.

3.) Media: This team leader will lead a group and interact with the local media to notify and communicate our activities in the community. Print, Radio and Television.

4.) Events: To grow to the level potential that we have we need a talented individual to lead a group in securing and maintaining speakers for our rallys, focus rallys and visions of our cause.

5.) Fundraising: Whether it be 1 stamp on a letter, selling iced tea and hot dogs, T-shirts or other great ideas I need a team leader who can lead a group in building and marketing our vision to rally attendee's.

6.) Political watch dog's. This group under your leadership will be our eyes. Watching local representatives and reporting back on thier activities. You will also be actively involved in formulating our agenda's for town hall meetings as local politicians run for office.

We must move quickly, we have had three state and Houston meetings since my last communication. I want our team leaders to join us at these meetings. If God is leading you to make a difference in what is going on around you stand up and grab the reigns with us.

Our focus: Abide by the constitution, hold them accountable to it. July 4th tea party will be here soon. Be a part.

We would like to have a meeting with the team leader volunteers early next week.

God Bless,
Jennifer Danel Heiden

Kristine Winegar

tea.katy@yahoo.com

We are so excited about this effort. Let me say again, we are on Facebook (search Katy Texas Tea Party for the group and KatyTea for the page) and we are on twitter (search KatyTea). We also have a web site www.katytea.wordpress.com. Please check us out. If you live in west Houston, get involved with us. Our e-mail is listed at the bottom of the listed letter.

If your the praying kind, we ask for your prayers. I will keep you posted as things progress.

Reverse Discrimination...is there such a thing?

2009-05-01T09:18:00.007-05:00

Apparently the state of New York (which has an African American Governor) thinks so. They just settled, out of court so the governor would not have to testify, a suit filed by a photographer that was fired so that a black photographer could be hired. He claimed he was told at his firing that many in the state senate (black seat holders) and the governor himself wanted a black photographer, so he had to go.

This suit was held back by the senate but did eventually make its way to the forefront. It was due to have its day in court when the state (that's right, TAX PAYER MONEY) paid out a $300,000 settlement.

Read the whole story here...

When Pigs Fly? Or when Swine Flu? No...it's Pork flu!

2009-04-29T13:09:00.008-05:00

Did you go to a TEA PARTY? Then you are being WATCHED...

2009-04-21T10:33:00.006-05:00

I would not have believed it if I had not read it with my own eyes. I know Homeland Security issued a memo that puts many with conservative ideals in the same category as skin heads.

(Am I a Rightwing Extremist?...Are you?)

But this report of actual surveillance, information gathering, and report writing tops that. Apparently the FBI was sent to Tea Parties with orders to collect information, not only on the organizers, but on the attendees They were then instructed to send this information (including camera surveillance) to Washington to be compiled by the NSB (National Security Branch), all in the name of Homeland Security.

clipped from homelandsecurityus.com

In addition to obtaining or confirming the location and time of each “demonstration,” each field office was instructed to obtain or confirm the identity of the individual(s) involved in the actual planning and coordination of the event in each specific region, and include the local or regional Internet web site address, if any. The information collected by region was then reportedly sent to FBI Headquarters.

The source alleges that a second directive was issued on or about April 6, 2009 that reportedly instructed each SAC to coordinate and conduct, either at the field office level and/or with the appropriate resident agency, covert video surveillance and data collection of the participants of the TEA parties. Surveillance was to be performed from “discreet fixed or mobile positions” and was to be performed “independently and outside of the purview of local law enforcement.”

Read the entire article here.

Do you think this is right? Do you think this is constitutional? Do you think this is warranted? Has there been any violence or disturbance at any of these gatherings? Does this remind you of the reign of the Nazi's in WWII or the KGB during the rise of the Soviet Union?

If your answer to any of the above questions is NO...what are you going to do about it?

Houston Tax Day Tea Party...2009

2009-04-16T09:23:00.007-05:00

I WAS THERE.... The blond to the right in the red shorts.

Latest report is that 8500 actually signed up, but about 10 thousand participated. It was held in Jones Plaza in Downtown Houston. We were not allowed into the open air plaza until 3:30. So...we stood at the streets edge and waved out signs and flag as people passing honked their horns. We tried to obey the ever changing rules off the Plaza and its workers. We were not allowed to take in signs with posts on them or flags on sticks longer than 1 foot. Flags on poles had to be left out as well.

However, what a time we had. People just want to be heard. We fill helpless as our country goes the way of Germany and Canada and even Great Britain. We are not a socialist nation. We were formed out of freedom, personal responsibility and self reliance. Taxation for police, roads, schools and other public uses has a place. It is the taxation for other things that caused us to say ENOUGH: entitlements, mortgages, grass seed, research for pig odor, museums, community organizers, abortions, required volunteerism, car warranties, green golf carts, STD research, Congress' automatic pay raises and lifetime pensions, $800 pizza for our new president and his family, make-up artist for our new First Lady, Universal Health Care.

Stay tuned....We are planning more events for July 4th. It has been reported that president Obama today has said he did not know anything of this magnitude was going on. Well Mr. President...this is just the beginning.

Am I a Rightwing Extremist?... Are You?

2009-04-14T18:14:00.009-05:00

According to Homeland Security, I very well may be.

Read the entire article here.

clipped from www.washingtontimes.com

A footnote attached to the report by the Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis defines "rightwing extremism in the United States" as including not just racist or hate groups, but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority.

"It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration," the warning says.

It says the federal government "will be working with its state and local partners over the next several months" to gather information on "rightwing extremist activity in the United States."

Where is the ACLU? Where is the outrage? Don't they care that some are being profiled?

Is it possible that a strong pro-lifer or a person who believes in states rights (look out Governor Perry) could be labeled as an rightwing extremist and put in the same category as skin heads or nazi groups. It seems that the answer to that question, according to Homeland Security, is YES. Be careful, they are watching you.

The Resurrection....

2009-04-12T07:16:00.000-05:00

Luke 24:1-7

The Resurrection

¹On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. ²They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, ³but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. ⁴While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. ⁵In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them,

"Why do you look for the living among the dead? ⁶He is not here; he has risen!

Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ⁷'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' "

Two Sets of Rules...

2009-04-07T07:46:00.005-05:00

Wasn't it just last week that Congress voted to tax the AIG bonuses at 90%? They showed shock and horror that these bad guys, making only a dollar and counting on the bonus as payment, would actually take this money. They made them into villains. They threatened to expose their names to the public. (and we have seen the pubic make threats and vandalized some of those 'bad guys' homes) It was a horrible abuse of power on the part of our lawmakers. We now know that the provision to pay these bonuses was in the original stimulus bill passed, in haste, by the very group that later made the receivers of the bonuses into anti-American thugs.

Now lets fast forward. Guess who is getting bonuses now? The answer would be Fannie Mae. Not only are they getting bonuses but they are twice as big as last year.

clipped from latimesblogs.latimes.com

Fannie Mae plans to pay retention bonuses of as much as $611,000 each to key executives this year as part of a plan to keep hundreds of employees from leaving the government-controlled company.

Rival mortgage finance company Freddie Mac is planning similar awards but has not yet reported on which executives will benefit.

Fannie Mae disclosed its "broad-based" retention program in a recent regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company was only required to disclose the amounts for the top-paid executives, who will pocket at least $470,000 on top of their base salaries. The bonuses are more than double last year's, which ranged from $200,000 to $260,000.

So tell me, are there any differences between these two scenarios? Both sets of bonuses were paid out by companies that have been given bail out money (another term for tax dollars). In fact, Fannie Mae has always been a government subsidized mortgage lender. One could argue that they are at the center of this current mess we find ourselves in. Many Senators are in that center along with Fannie Mae. (Obama is among this group. Check out this article about the money he took from this company and the people around him that also contributed) Where is the outrage for this companies bonuses in the midst of the management failures? Why haven't we passed legislation to tax these bonuses to nothing? Where are the threats to these workers and their families? Where is the call for resignations of the Senators who turned a blind eye regarding the internal mess that they knew would soon rise to the surface? Why hasn't salary caps been put into place for Freddie and Fannie long ago?

The argument that the article gives is that these bonuses are needed to keep the best workers This was the same argument used by AIG. It wasn't a good enough argument for AIG so why does it seem to be an adequate argument now for Fannie Mae?

I submit it is just dirty politics. Fannie Mae has had regulation and has Senators looking at its books for years because is it subsidized by the government. Did this prevent corruption, wasting of tax payer money, greed or bad decision making? No....Why do we think government oversight on our banking system going forward will be any different? Corruption is not limited to the Wall Street types, it has a pretty good foothold on Capital Hill as well.

Comrade Obama...

2009-04-03T15:48:00.004-05:00

clipped from dictionary.reference.com

com⋅rade

3. a member of the Communist party or someone with strongly leftist views.

Yes, this is our President's new moniker, given to him by President Medvedev of Russia.

clipped from sg.news.yahoo.com

"Yesterday I spoke about this with my new comrade President Barack Obama," Medvedev told reporters travelling with him to the London summit.

It seems the Russian President just loves Obama. He says that this is much better than when Bush was in office. Bush insisted on that pesky Missile Defense Plan and Medvedev did not appreciate that.

Read the article here...

clipped from dictionary.reference.com

com⋅mu⋅nism

1. a theory or system of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state.

2. (often initial capital letter) a system of social organization in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian state dominated by a single and self-perpetuating political party.

A Friendly Reminder...

2009-03-30T09:46:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, March 31st....Mail in your 'Red Envelope' in a silent protest of the 1.3 million abortions performed in the US each year.

Read about it here.

Wednesday, April 1st...Mail in your 'Tea Bag' in silent protest of the bailouts and the proposed budget.

Read about it here and here.

Address all of the above to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20500

Let the 'Change ' being.. And let it begin with you.

Let there be light...Just turn your lights on!

2009-03-28T09:34:00.006-05:00

UPDATE: Did Al Gore Participate? You Decide. Read it here.....

Apparently, tonight, March 28th from 8:30 to 9:30, lights will be turned off all over the globe. From the Eiffel Tower to the Great Pyramid of Giza. Why, you ask? It is all for 'Earth Hour'. It is an acknowledgment of the man made emissions that are causing global warming and our support for cutting back on them.

I for one am not a true believer in this global warming trend. Yes, the earth goes through both cooling and warming cycles, but are they man made or made worse by C02 emissions? Many say 'yes' but just as many say 'No". In fact much of the actual research (no theory) would be on the 'No' side. There are stats showing time periods where emissions grew but the planet cooled. That would contradict this C02 THEORY. I read recently where the polar bear population is on the rise again and that the ice caps are growing faster this year that in the recent past. And have you seen the weather this year all over the US? Massive snow and ice storms and record low temperatures. I sit today in Houston and it is COLD outside at the end of March!

Read more about the cooling trend here.

So here we are, marching toward "Earth Hour". What will you do? I for one will turn on every light in my house, garage and any other out building in protest of this so called 'Earth Hour'. I know it may sound silly, but this shaky science of global warming is dangerous. It can and will cost me needless money, time, energy and restrictions.

So, are you with me? Let's say it together...LET THERE BE LiGHT!

Obama Youth...No Church for You!...and it's MANDATORY!

2009-03-26T09:19:00.002-05:00

I just read a very disturbing article. It talks about the bill that will be given to the senate regarding mandatory service of our youth. They are being called Obama Youth Brigades. Does this remind you of anything? I am speaking of HR 1388 that has been nicknamed GIVE (Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education). Both sides of the isle voted for this in the House. It will be sent to the Senate and then onto Obama to sign. I suggest all, especially parents, check this out. It clearly states that anyone in this brigade (remember it is mandatory) cannot attend church or have any type of religious training. The actual wording referring to the banning of any religious training is in the article attached.

Read about it here...

UPDATE - The above link no longer works. I am keeping my eye on it to see if it comes back up. I have found the language from this bill regarding the religious activities:

SEC. 1304. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.

Section 125 (42 U.S.C. 12575) is amended to read as follows:

SEC. 125. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS.

(a) Prohibited Activities- A participant in an approved national service position under this subtitle may not engage in the following activities:

...(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization.''

This Legislation has been advanced even as I write this post. This article gives more detail and the latest information on this bill's path to being passed. Is this the beginning of Obama's "National Civilian Security Force'? I do not want my middle school or high school student taken to be trained (indoctrinated) for someone's version of community service that may be in opposition to my beliefs. Especially if this program is greatly influenced by the likes of ACORN or even AMERICORPS. Moreover, I do not want my MINOR child to have any mandatory responsibility to the government whatsoever.

This is not OK. I do not know why this is not in the news more. It is getting a pass, like many other dictator like policies that are being pushed through, because of the economic news. Please take action. Call your rep's today.

I am not one to fall for conspiracy theories, but this bill could start me down that road.

Is this the change you voted for?

The Red Envelope Project...

2009-03-24T10:07:00.006-05:00

I am sending an envelope in honor of the 3 boys in my life. I am thankful my husband's mother chose life. I am grateful that I too chose life for my 2 boys. Who are you thankful for? Are you grateful their mothers chose life?

Will this make a difference? I don't know. I do know that every envelope will represent a potential voter. If all who abhor this practice would vote with it in mind, it could have an impact on how our officials will respond to us and to this quiet protest.

March 31st is next Tuesday and that is the day we are asked to mail our envelopes. Find your red envelopes this weekend, fill them out and get them ready to be mailed. Be the voice for those who never had a chance to speak.

Who Defines Marriage?

2009-03-18T08:15:00.008-05:00

It seems that the Websters Dictionary does. Just by changing the official definition of marriage, they have done what our political leaders and activists groups have failed to do.

Check this out:

Who defines marriage for you? The courts? The legislators? The dictionary? God? Should we care that the official definition has been changed? Is it really that big of a deal? If your answer to these questions is 'yes', what are you going to do about it? Is there anything we can do?

Our society is being redefined on many levels. This is being done through slow erosion. A little thing like a change of definition in our premier dictionary is another step toward a completely godless society.

So I ask again...who defines marriage?

Obama's Budget: A life Vest or an Iceberg

2009-03-12T09:01:00.006-05:00

Does Obama get it? Or are his policies, put forth in his new budget, that will further his vision for a New America, more important than getting us out of our current crisis? Many of his high profile supporters (Warren Buffet and Jim Cramer for example) , most of whom agree with his policies of Cap and Trade, (more) taxes for the rich, Universal Health Care and so on, have said that now is not the time for these things.

The Obama administration has demonized Wall Street with referrals to its Bail Out. Has it really been bailed out? It (all of the public or traded companies) combined has lost at least 1/2 of its worth in the last year. Because Wall Street is really just another name for the companies we work for or the companies that buy from us or that we sell to, if it dies, so do we. There are some bad guys that took advantage and helped this crisis along but the same can be said for some Senators (can anyone say Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae).

Lets talk about Cap and Trade. Any penalty (a tax from the cap and trade policy) put on our energy providers (gas companies, heating oil companies, electric companies) for what is deemed as bad emissions, will get trickled down to the consumer It will equate to a tax on every American. If this budget passes with this little nugget left in, each time you turn on your heat, turn o your AC or fill your car, you will pay more. Not just the top 5% of the money makers, but EVERYONE. A tax hike on 100% of Americans. Is this the change we want?

What about new taxes on the so called "rich". Everyone has heard how horrible and mean and unfairly advantaged this group is. Let's not talk about how this section of Americans currently bring in most of the tax money into Treasury. But hey, it is just not enough. They should pay much, much more simply they have more than me...Right?

What do these 'rich' do when they have less money to spend? They stop or slow down things like: buying luxury items, going out to eat at luxury spots, getting their cars detailed or their nails done, taking their animals to the groomers, having maids and lawn workers, going on vacations, and so on.

You may say 'good'. If we have to cut back so should they. I want you to think about that train of thought. If the rich stop doing rich things, the people who make money from the rich will suffer. People such as: dealers of fine jewelry or vehicles, chauffeurs and car maintenance companies, spa owners and workers, groomers, house cleaners and landscapers, hotel owners and workers, restaurant owners and workers, airline companies, travel agents, gift shops. Wealth trickles down, not up as Obama would have you believe. These 'rich' not only support many just by spending their money but also by investing in new enterprises that create even more jobs. If the goal is to punish the rich, we will also punish ourselves.

Well, I think that is enough for now. I could go on and on about issues with this budget. It seems our leader is trying to kick us when we are down instead on helping us up. It is a big ice berg in our path out of danger. I haven't even mentioned the Capital Gains tax increase or the decrease in the tax deduction for charitable contributions and house interest payments. The list goes on...so stay tuned.

Do you want Obama to fail?

2009-03-07T15:27:00.006-06:00

I have given this question much thought of late. I asked it even before Rush said he wanted Obama to fail in his speech at CPAC last weekend. Well, he didn't say he wanted Obama to fail but rather he wants Obama's policies to fail. Did you notice the spin on what Rush actually said? However, maybe those spin doctor's are correct. Maybe what Rush said could be interpreted as wanting Obama to fail, not just his policies. After all, if the policies fail, so does the man, right?.

If that is the case, the answer to my own question for me would be, YES.

I want the policy of taxation without deliberation (this from a sign I saw at the Houston Tea Party, referring to the 10 hour window that our Senator's had to read the Porkulus package before a vote was taken) to fail. I want the policy of creating class warfare by demonizing the rich in the eyes of the less rich to fail. I want the policy of Universal Health Care (just think of the post office and you will get a glimpse of a government run business) to fail. I want the policy of abortion on demand with no restrictions to fail. I want the policy of increasing taxes to small businesses and average Joe's (especially in a recession) to fail. I want the policies of nationalizing anything (socialism) to fail. I want the policy of encouraging embryonic stem cell research (Obama is rolling back the Bush imposed limitations on this practice tomorrow) to fail. (I have no trouble with adult stem cell research or research using umbilical cord blood or placenta tissue, just not fertilized eggs grown in a test tube and then killed for research). I want FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) legislation to fail. I want any legislation that goes against or lessons the authority of the Constitution to fail. I want any policy of more governmental control over our children to fail. I want any policy that goes against the laws of God to fail. (abortion, gay marriage) I want any policy that restricts my 2nd amendment right to fail (gun control). I want the policies that keep us from being oil independent (refusing drilling, blocking the building of refineries, blocking the advancement of nuclear plants as potential energy sources) to fail. I want policies that force us to go GREEN (even in the midst of shaky science) at the expense of our prosperity to fail.

I was speaking to a young woman just today who asked my why can't we just all unite, as Americans, under our leader. The simple answer is just what Rush said (and I almost quote): If we reach across the aisle and compromise with our liberal friends, that means we have to abandon the very core of our ideals and what it is that makes us conservative.

We either are conservative or we are not. We either stand behind the constitution or we don't. We either stand behind the laws of God or we don't.

It is time to stand in opposition to these policies that will kill our Republic. In doing so, we are also standing in opposition to the President, and yes, we are working for and praying for his failure in these matters.

A Quote for our time...

2009-03-03T16:48:00.005-06:00

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

The late Dr. Adrian Rogers (1931 - 2005)

Something's Brewing in Houston...The Houston Tea Party

2009-02-28T12:59:00.017-06:00

You will not get any information about the Tea Parties that were held all over the country yesterday from either the local or National news. So here is a bit of what went on in Houston:

I was there, along with my 8 year old son, Jake. This was a civics lesson in action. Take notice of my earrings, courtesy of Lipton. There were roughly 500 that came out to let there voices be heard. These Tea Parties were going on around the country. Some of the other cities (40 in all) were: San Antonio, Tulsa, Grenville, LA, Washington, Chicago, Fort Worth, NYC, Kansas City, Philadelphia, San Diego, Oklahoma City, Nashville, Portland, Shelby (AL), Lansing, Cleveland, Denver, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, St. Louis, Austin, Hartford. These are just the ones that have reported in to Michelle Malkin's web site so far.

The Houston event was amazing. The crowd was small at first, but every time I turned around, more people had arrived. We were in a public area in downtown Houston that has places to eat and play area for the kids. Because of this, there were many from the general public that would stop for a while, listen, and begin to nod their heads and clap. The eating establish ments had outdoor seating and since it was a beautiful 80 degree day, they were full. The people eating would also begin to clap and cheer.

So what was this all about? It is the beginning of a revolution of sorts. We will not allow this country to be overcome by the Socialist (redistribution of wealth) values that are being put forth by the current administration. We do not want to have a country that looks to government for all its needs. We do not want a government that believes it has the right to take our money and spend it or give it away to whom ever they choose. We do not want a government that compensates bad behavior by punishing good behavior. We do not want to borrow our way out of this crisis while taxing our way into a depression. We can not stand by quietly...we must make our voices heard.

These tea parties were scheduled, in some cases, in less than a week. There will be larger Tea Parties scheduled for July 4th of this year. I will post updates as I get information. Be sure to remember to mail your tea bags to the White House on April 1st, and take my poll to show your commitment to do so.

I think it was Jefferson who said : A Country that is big enough to give you everything you want is also big enough to take everything away.

Euthanasia = Deficit Reduction

2009-02-25T08:37:00.010-06:00

My title seems a bit extreme, but I do feel we are on this slippery road. Who is worth saving? Does life expectancy or life quality factor into the decision to administer life saving treatment or not? Who makes those decisions? In a Nationalized Health Care system, they have calculations to determine weather the treatment is warranted or not based on the factors I listed above. If you are old and sick, beware. Check out this video of Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, one of the RINO's that jumped ship and voted for the recent Stimulus Package, aka Pork pending Bill.

We already see this in the abortion and fertilization industries. If a babies life will be hard or plagued with illness or a hardship on the parents, then termination is acceptable. Likewise, when a mother goes in for fertilization treatments, selective reduction (code name for abortion) is recommended when too many of the eggs turn into viable babies. After all, it will increase the probability of the other babies living. If we as a nation can rationalize the killing of our young, the old and sick are next.

Is this Senator giving us a glimpse of our future? Is it now our patriotic duty, not only to pay higher taxes, but to notate in a Living Will that we don't want expensive, life saving treatment so we do not contribute to the deficit? May God help us.

A New American Tea Party...

2009-02-23T09:05:00.012-06:00

Let's tell our leaders 'Enough is Enough'. Enough of what you ask?

TAXES, SPENDING, ENTITLEMENTS

I have blogged about the tax burden of the average Joe before in the post titled:

Taxes, You Gotta Love 'em: vol. 2

If you would add up all the taxes we pay, the % of actual money taken from our income would astonish you.

I do believe that those that have had enough are a silent majority. We have been silent far too long. Here in Houston, some are planning a Tea Party Rally for this Friday, February 27. Many other cities, including Chicago, are doing the same., but they are currently scheduled for July 4th. I will keep you posted on the Houston efforts, maybe you should research this for your area and plan on attending.

Let's have a little tea party of our own. This idea was put forth by the organizers of the Houston area Tea Party(it might have started elsewhere, but does it matter?). Let's send tea bags to Washington. No note or explanation needed, maybe just your name and address. Mail them on or around the 1st of April so they will be delivered in mass on or around April 15th (tax day).

Here is the address of the White House:

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

You may want to also find your Rep.'s addresses and do the same. I am not only going to send bags on behalf of myself and my husband, but for my kids as well. It is thier future prosperity, opportunities and choices that we are destroying.

Maybe our leaders , who are trying to solve our nations current woes, should look at the advice given by one of the founding fathers. As Jefferson said:

“Every generation needs a new revolution.”

A Voice of Reason...Rick Santelli

2009-02-19T16:08:00.004-06:00

A must see...

Rick said it all. Now we will see if anyone is listening. I am all for a new "Tea Party". How about we all write our representatives and our president and add a tea bag in the envelope. Do you think they will get the picture?

A Review...

2009-02-18T16:10:00.005-06:00

I have just finished reading the book TENDER GRACE. It was written by Jackina Stark, a professor from Ozark Christian College, where I attended for one year. I happened to get re-acquainted with her recently on Face Book. When I found out she had written a book. I was first in line to read it. She was someone I admired from afar. I can see her in the main character she has created.

The story takes the reader on a journey that is both physical and spiritual. It is a story of loss, hope, renewal, joy, friendship, love and, in the end, the tender grace that only our Lord can give us. Check out the short story overview.

Tender Grace

By Jackina Stark

Fifty-five-year-old Audrey Eaton awoke at three in the morning alone and got up to retrieve her husband Tom from the recliner where she thought he had fallen asleep watching a ball game or reading a book. But when she entered the living room and looked at his gentle face in the soft lamp light, she knew that their time together was over. “Not yet,” she whispered.

Now fifteen months later, she spends her days and nights sitting in front of the television, her anesthetizer of choice. She tapes Oprah, Law and Order, The Closer and Dancing with the Stars, and an eclectic selection of movies, and she panics if her allotted time for recording reaches 50 hours. She quit reading shortly after Tom died, even best sellers, even Pulitzers, even the newspaper (which she canceled), even her Bible. She also quit listening to music. Nothing engages her, and gratitude, which had once characterized her, is no longer a blip on the screen of her existence. When she finds herself avoiding a call from her married daughter Molly, she realizes that she is as dead to this world as her husband is. She is lost in Tennyson’s “the tender grace of a day that is dead will never come back to me.”

Tender Grace is one answer to the question, how do we go on when someone so important to us dies? The answer for Audrey begins with a journey. She leaves her home in Springfield, Missouri, to travel to Coronado Island, near San Diego, a place Tom had always meant to take her. As she is leaving, she sees Tom’s Bible on the table by his chair, where it has sat untouched since he died. She impulsively retrieves it, throwing it in the front seat, an unanticipated passenger. Leaving all she has loved behind, she has no idea how much God will show her in the days ahead. Passages Tom had highlighted in the book of John eventually overlay events—some good, some bad, all unexpected. Those passages and the people she encounters on her journey help Audrey to understand “the tender grace” that each day brings.

“God has been at work on this trip,” she writes as she nears home. “So often I have felt like exclaiming with John, ‘It’s the Lord!’ A wise woman sitting with me by the survivor tree, a young policeman issuing a warning ticket, a cowboy in black rescuing me on the side of the road—It’s the Lord! A little companion helping me tackle seven slides, Ruby and Pearl prying me from my room to share a meal with them, Andrew and I making peace—It’s the Lord! A hideous bathroom needing to be cleaned, Liz Epperson offering me her table, and Zack standing in the sunlight at the top of Santa Cruz Island—It’s the Lord!

Can such good gifts, such tender grace, come from anywhere else?

Tender Grace is bublished by Bethany House. It can be found in your local Bible Book Store.

The Best Birthday Ever...

2009-02-14T08:15:00.007-06:00

Today I turn 42 and I have had the best birthday ever, so far. Last night, my husband and I were up surfing the net, he on his lap top and me on my birthday present, a Eee 901 web book in Red (my favorite color). At the stroke of midnight, he sung Happy Birthday to me. What a great way to begin my 42nd year.

This morning I awoke to my two little boys bringing me the cards they had decorated. I also got a card from my guy. He actually wrote a long, very thoughtful, inscription inside. After the tears, I was serenaded by all three of my boys, with 'cha cha cha' in between each line of song.

The boys then opened their Valentine gifts, Indiana Jones swords. This was accompanied by a card and a bit of candy. Boy did they love that. They also had cards from Grandma and cookies from Aunt D.

After all the festivities I sat down to do one of my favorite things, having a cup of coffee with my husband. I love our coffee time. This is sometimes the only time we have alone in a day. We tell the kids not to bother us unless someone is bleeding.

I remember the story from the day I was born. My sweet Papa D told everyone that his Valentine was born today. I have had many Valentines in my life to thank God for: my dad, my sweet Papa D, my loving Papa Cox, my brother who would buy me flowers when there was no one else to do so, my husband and now my little boys.

Today, my oldest is spending time with grandpa at a gun show and my youngest will be heading out to visit grandma at about 1. Me and my guy are going on a birthday date, an early movie and an early dinner.

What a great way to begin year 42. I thank God for His blessings, for life, for health, for my children, for my husband, for forgiveness and for salvation. I also thank him that this life is just the beginning, that this joy on earth is just a taste of eternity.

So...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY everyone, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me. I am having the best birthday ever.

Do You Care?

2009-02-11T14:37:00.006-06:00

Why don't we let Mr. Schumer know if we care or not.

One of the numbers below should work...he has many offices.

(716)846-4111 - Buffalo
(607)772-6792 - Binghamton
(518)431-4070 - Albany
(315)423-5471 - Syracuse
(585)263-5866 - Rochester
(631)753-0978 - Long Island
(212)486-7693 - NYC
(914)734-1673 - Hudson Valley
(202) 224-6542 - DC

Let's laugh till we cry...

2009-02-09T17:41:00.003-06:00

Do as I Say, Not as I Do...

2009-02-05T18:44:00.004-06:00

It seems that the some Members of Congress, in this case House Democrats, went to a luxury retreat in Virginia last weekend where they spent about $100,000 of our tax money. (Congress risks criticism over luxury retreat trips) . They say they were 'working hard on economic issues' on this retreat. I even read that the President flew over, in Air Force One, to make an appearance. How much did that cost the taxpayers?

How is this any different from the Big Banks that have been given TARP (taxpayer) money? Why are we, and Congress, so upset when these bank executives go on 'working' retreats. Aren't these two scenario's the same?

Here are a couple of clips from the article:

clipped from apnews.myway.com

WASHINGTON (AP) - Members of Congress were quick to shame corporate executives for over-the-top extravagance during the economic crisis, flying private jets and taking luxury junkets. But some lawmakers are strolling fancy resorts spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars and mingling with lobbyists.

Republicans and Democrats in the House have passed new rules governing such trips even as lawmaker say the events are useful for negotiating public policy. But with a nation tightening its belt and already fatigued by stories of corporate excess, perceptions matter these days in Washington. Congress risks shattering its glass house throwing stones.

There are two things to learn from this.

First, the Congress has no right demanding that these retreats for the Big Banks not be held with taxpayer money. This is the same thing they are doing themselves. Come on...get your 2 x 4 out of your eye before you pull the speck of dust out of your neighbors.

Second, what is the big deal anyway? This Congressional retreat is actually a REAL stimulus package. It put money DIRECTLY into the pockets of : the restaurants, the hotels, the travel agencies, the pilots, the airlines, the bus lines, the caterers and so on. In all actuality, this is what I call REAL STIMULUS.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Nancy Pelosi...

2009-02-04T20:53:00.006-06:00

At this rate, the ENTIRE American work force will loose their jobs by 3 o'clock on the first day of tracking. Did she really say 500 Million?

This should scare us. This is the author of the almost 1 TRILLION dollar Pork Barrel, Pay for Play, Everything but the Kitchen Sink bill. Please Nancy...

Just how much is 1 Trillion dollars (in spending)?

2009-02-04T07:02:00.000-06:00

The stimulus bill (otherwise know as Pork Spending Bill) is now at about $825 Billion, just a mere $175 Billion away from the 1 TRILLION mark. Just how much money is that? How can we even put our heads around that figure? Maybe this quote will help...

clipped from politifact.com

Recent statements by Mitch McConnell

To give the proposed economic stimulus plan some perspective, "if you started the day Jesus Christ was born and spent $1 million every day since then, you still wouldn’t have spent $1 trillion."

Mitch McConnell is a U.S. Senator from Kentucky and the Republican leader in the U.S. Senate.

GREEN is not pro-choice...

2009-02-01T13:46:00.008-06:00

Yes, this is exactly what Jonathon Porritt, who chairs the government’s Sustainable Development Commission, In England, says. Well, at least that is how I see it. Read it here:

Two children should be limit, says green guru

His reasons behind the two children limit may seem reasonable to some, especially those who are GREEN.

clipped from women.timesonline.co.uk

COUPLES who have more than two children are being “irresponsible” by creating an unbearable burden on the environment, the government’s green adviser has warned.

Why are they being irresponsible you may ask? This is the reason given by Mr. Porriott:

clipped from women.timesonline.co.uk

“I am unapologetic about asking people to connect up their own responsibility for their total environmental footprint and how they decide to procreate and how many children they think are appropriate,” Porritt said.

The Optimum Population Trust, a campaign group of which Porritt is a patron, says each baby born in Britain will, during his or her lifetime, burn carbon roughly equivalent to 2½ acres of old-growth oak woodland - an area the size of Trafalgar Square.

So if you are truly GREEN, you will let that effect your family planning. However, Mr. Porritt does not stop there. He actually wants to bring this about by further promotion of both contraception and abortion. This is such a high priority for him, he is advising that money be redirected toward contraception and abortion from research on cures for illness.

clipped from women.timesonline.co.uk

...curbing population growth through contraception and abortion must be at the heart of policies to fight global warming. He says political leaders and green campaigners should stop dodging the issue of environmental harm caused by an expanding population.

... the government must improve family planning, even if it means shifting money from curing illness to increasing contraception and abortion.

So, basically, the GREEN movement, at least in Britain, does not believe in choice. A woman should not be allowed to choose how many children she has. This way of thinking reminds me of China and its 'one' child rule. (see my post: In Observance of Sanctity of Life Day ) The reason for this rule in China is also for population control, but the justification behind it is the problem of feeding such a large population, not because of that populations carbon footprint.

This is the logical conclusion to the GREEN phenomenon. Get rid of anything that is bad for the planet...it seems humans are next in line.

WHO LET THE PORK OUT?...oink, (pause) oink, oink, oink, oink

2009-01-28T07:40:00.007-06:00

"THIS JUST IN:
$335,000,000 IN THE PACKAGE TO PREVENT STD'S...? And you are paying for it... Apparently they took the sod and the contraception out of the bill but tried to hide this little nugget. Will this help Stimulate the economy? I would challenge anyone to tell me how. PORK, PORK, PORK and a bit of PAY FOR PLAY"

What is up with all the pork? What is pork you ask? Well it is more that just the other white meat.

clipped from en.wikipedia.org

Typically, "pork" involves funding for government programs whose economic or service benefits are concentrated in a particular area but whose costs are spread among all taxpayers. Public works projects, certain national defense spending projects, and agricultural subsidies are the most commonly cited examples.

This latest stimulus package, now at $825 BILLION, put forth by President Obama is a prime example of how pork is put into a bill even if it has nothing to do with or would benefit the bill at all. More often, the pork is allowed as a way to secure votes from various members of congress. If they are allowed special funding for pet projects that would make their constituents or campaign donors happy, then they will promise their vote. It is a form of 'pay for play' that has infiltrated our government. Our new president has promised that this practice would cease under his watch. Let's see how well he is doing on that promise so far. Here is a list of the pork that has come to light to date:

ACORN

clipped from www.foxnews.com

House Republican Leader John Boehner issued a statement over the weekend noting that the stimulus bill wending its way through Congress provides $4.19 billion for "neighborhood stabilization activities."

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., told FOX News Tuesday
that the money could be seen as "payoff" for groups' political activities in the last election. ACORN generally supports Democratic
candidates and actively backed President Obama last year.

CONTRACEPTION (Planned Parenthood, see my post Is there any reason to abort...and do you want to pay for it? )

clipped from www.usnews.com

Madam Speaker Nancy Pelosi on birth-control funding as part of the $825 billion stimulus package: "Well, the family planning services reduce cost. They reduce cost. The states are in terrible fiscal budget crises now and part of what we do for children's health, education and some of those elements are to help the states meet their financial needs. One of those - one of the initiatives you mentioned, the contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government."

EDUCATION

Here is an excerpt from the article I cited for this portion of the post. It has a top ten list of why this portion of the so called stimulus is a bad idea. It is also a speaks to more education control that may be a problem for homeschoolers. But, more importantly, it does absolutely nothing to stimulate our economy.

clipped from www.heritage.org

House Democrats recently unveiled draft legislation for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.[1] Widely touted as an economic stimulus package, the $825 billion draft legislation included as much as $142 billion for education.[2] This includes the creation of a $79 billion State Fiscal Stabilization Fund to assist state governments in providing public education and other services. The act also includes significant spending increases for current and proposed federal programs for K-12, postsecondary, and early childhood education.

1. Increasing federal spending on education will not improve the economy.

2. A federal bailout for state governments is irresponsible.

6. School construction and modernization should not be a federal responsibility.

7. The new spending proposal does not address waste in the Department of Education budget.

9. The spending package would prohibit school choice, an effective strategy for improving education.

Nationalized Health Care (Socialized Medicine)

This is the first step in creating a national data base which is, in turn, one of the first steps on the road to nationalized medicine. This sounds good, but I encourage you to read my post titled Happy Birthday NHS .

I know that this is part of Obama's agenda, but what does it have to do with stimulus?

clipped from townhall.com

Universal healthcare is going to get a big boost from the $825 billion stimulus bill if it passes in current form.

Under the bill univeral health care advocate Daschle would receive $400 million to compare various medial treatments. The language, on page 135 of the bill, says it would fund "conduct, support, or synthesize research that compares the clinical outcomes,effectiveness, and appropriateness of items, services, and procedures that are used to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases, disorders, and other health conditions; and encourage the development and use of clinical registries, clinical data networks, and other forms of electronic health data that can be used to generate or obtain outcomes data."

In other words, his job would be to find out what medical practices work and which ones don't.

And, as written today, the bill gives billions to Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Daschle's to conduct "comparative medical research" and issue a final report.

PORK SUNDRY

This is just a list of various items that are getting a piece of this stimulus pie. How can even one of these things bring actual stimules? Come on...

clipped from republicanleader.house.gov

· $6 billion for colleges/universities – many which have billion dollar endowments.

· $650 million for digital TV coupons.

· $600 million for new cars for the federal government.

· $50 million in funding for the National Endowment of the Arts.

· $44 million for repairs to U.S. Department of Agriculture headquarters.

· $200 million for the National Mall, including $21 million for sod.

So there you have it. PORK. If this just gets your goat (ha ha ) call your senator today and ask them to vote NO on the current form of HR1.

Is there any reason to abort...and do you want to pay for it?

2009-01-27T07:44:00.001-06:00

I first saw this over at Last Row. Thanks Laz!

We are loosing our 'life potential' at the tune of 3,700 per day. That is just the number in this country... consider that number if it included all the countries of the world.

Apparently, family planning services and contraception (code words used by Planned Parenthood for abortions) and now linked to the financial problems our country now faces. Speaker Pelosi stated Sunday, Jan. 25th, this fact. She was defending why Planned Parenthood should be part of the next Stimulus Package.

Apparently Planned Parenthood has but a proposal on Obama's desk asking for a bailout. What would this 1.5 BILLION dollar 'bailout' money be used for?

clipped from www.sba-list.org

The Abortion Bailout Package:

$1 BILLION dollars in taxpayer funding for International Abortion Groups

$700 million in taxpayer funding for “Title X” Health Clinics (aka your local Planned Parenthood affiliate)

$65 million for the UNFPA, an international aid organization connected to coercive abortion as part of China’s coercive one-child policy

Repeal the Hyde Amendment – Vastly expanding federal taxpayer funding for abortions

Include Abortion coverage in any taxpayer-subsidized national health care program

Expand taxpayer-funded abortions on military bases

Expand taxpayer-funded abortions through the Peace Corps program

Expand taxpayer-funded abortions for federal prisoners

Read more about this here.

Is this where you want your tax dollars to go? Is this what financial stimulus is? To 'address the problem' as Pelosi states, that will drain us later with education and health care costs. And what would that 'problem' be? Babies....

Today, it seems, this provision may be dropped from this new stimulus package put forth by president Obama because of the outrage of many. We should know its fate by end of the day today. Keep your eyes open...this may be the first of many battles to come.

Don't Hire Women...

2009-01-24T08:49:00.004-06:00

Check out this article by Patrice Lewis. It talks about the Paycheck Fairness Act pushed forward by non other than Hilary Clinton. This is a train wreck waiting to happen. Again, a good idea gone way too far. Hilary says that women on average make 78 cents to every dollar that a man does but she fails to try and understand why that might be.

clipped from www.worldnetdaily.com

Interesting how it's automatically assumed any pay discrepancies are due to evil men discriminating against women.

Could there be another reason?

clipped from www.worldnetdaily.com

What's not said is why women earn only 78 cents for every dollar a man earns. Could it be women are doing other things besides advancing in their careers? Could it be that they're raising children and running households? These things quite rightfully distract a woman from her outside job. Men tend to pursue their careers with single-minded intent. Women have more important things to do.

Charlie Jones and Jane Smith could have identical jobs – let's say, loan officers in a bank – but it's very likely Charlie has more experience because Jane keeps taking time off to have babies, shuffle her kids around day care, stay home with them when they're sick, and attend school meetings and activities. Charlie does none of that, and so he ends up with a better work record. Jane can only do 78/100ths of the job Charlie can do. See the logic here?

Some of you may be surprised by this article and this blog post. Before I was a stay at home mom I was in the corporate world. I was of the new generation of women who graduated college and got great jobs and lived on their own before ever thinking of settling down. I was a Marketing Manager with a large territory and I was a Corporate Trainer. I loved my job. I made a pretty good income. However, I knew it was secondary and I knew it was temporary. I knew that my true calling would be to raise my family if the Lord blessed me with one. When he did, the career was discarded and my number one priority took its place.

Because of my experience, I agree with this article. There may be valid reasons why women make less. I do understand that sometimes it is because of discrimination, but just as much it is due to the dual lives that many women live. The family, even for a working woman, usually takes the front seat and thus her work does suffer. I do not believe you can 'have it all' and do it all well.

What does this mean for those out there who my hire women? This article goes on to state the possible implications this Paycheck Fairness Act may have on them and their potential hires. Here are a couple of those implications:

clipped from www.worldnetdaily.com

Eliminate the caps on punitive and compensatory damages. [This means a woman can sue McDonald's for a kazillion dollars because 10 years ago when she was a teeny-bopper, she made less money flipping burgers than her boyfriend did.]

Make punitive and compensatory damages available for even unintentional pay disparities. [Unintentional. That means the boss didn't mean to do anything wrong. Who cares! Sue him!]

Eliminate employer defenses for pay disparities, such as paying people differently because they work in different parts of the country with different costs of living. [This means no excuse, no matter how legitimate, will cut the mustard. The employer is always wrong.]

Make it easier for trial lawyers to file large class actions. [Get lots of women together so they can whine in a big group.]

Large companies will not have as much trouble here because they have the big lawyers and the big pocket books. It is the smaller companies, the ones who are the backbone of our economy and create more of the jobs that will have to make adjustments. And what will those adjustments be?

clipped from www.worldnetdaily.com

I've already been told by at least three small businesses that they won't hire a woman because it's too risky. I agree. Look at a woman wrong and you're accused of sexual harassment. Open a door for her and you'll get hassled into enrolling in a "sensitivity" course. Complain when she needs yet another day off to take care of her sick kid, and you're accused of gender discrimination. It sure is a whole lot easier to hire a man!

You see, in Real America the solution is quite simple: Don't hire a woman and all your problems will be solved.

So there you have it. It is harsh and it is hard to hear...but could it be true? I know this is a bit extreme, but it has some validity. Are we becoming a nation where everything offends us and everything is intentional discrimination? Do we need a law to protect us form every wrong...intended or not? Can we understand that we are all different and that being treated differently is not always done out of malice but just simply because of the differences. Can women just lighten up and enjoy being who God made them. Not weaker, not less, not unimportant...just different.

Maybe they aren't so funny...

2009-01-24T08:10:00.013-06:00

If you are having trouble with this one, see my post:

Professionals and White Male Construction workers need not apply...

Professionals and White Male Constuction Workers need not apply...

2009-01-22T16:35:00.006-06:00

The video says it all. Are we really a color blind country now that we have elected the first black president? I would say no based on this video. We should ALL be offended by this type of talk.

Do we want the distribution of the future stimulus money to be based on color, gender or financial status as opposed to ability, performance history and expertise? If we don't want color to matter then color should not matter...am I right?

Cease Fire?

2009-01-22T09:17:00.003-06:00

Did you see Bush's Farewell Speech in Texas?...

2009-01-21T07:12:00.004-06:00

I did. I must say that I shed a tear or two. However, if you didn't have cable and you didn't tune in to Fox News, you would have never know that this event was taking place. It is ironic that Fox is constantly regarded as a one sided news organization. This issue would suggest that maybe they are the true fair and balanced news and that ALL the others are biased.

Such a sad commentary for America. In fact, this article states that some stations chose to broadcast 'Judge Judy' instead of this historic event.

Why should I be surprised?

Goodbye President Bush, and thanks...

2009-01-20T06:54:00.000-06:00

Today ends 8 years of President Bush standing watch for us. I did not agree with every decision he made during those 8 years but I did agree with most. My main complaints were the rapid growth of the government, his policy on illegal immigration and, in recent months, his 'stimulus' policy for our economy, There will be books and commentaries that will argue about these points in the months and years to come. So, today I want to focus on the good that came from his administration. I want to say 'Thanks'.

Thank you, Mr. President for:

Being a man of Faith in Jesus Christ...Being a champion for the unborn...Being a man of prayer...Holding at bay another attack on our country...Being a friend to Israel...Being a defender and promoter of Freedom...Appointing Condi Rice as Secretary of State (what a great representative for our Country)...Lowering our Taxes...Reinstating the dignity of the office...Loving your wife...Making the hard decisions...Giving us 6 years of prosperity after you inherited a recession of your own...Being optimistic...Your compassion...Not wavering under pressure...Not leading by public opinion...Doing what was right, even if you stood alone...

Today we say goodbye. We wish you well as you step out of the public eye. You deserve a rest. Know that there are many that are grateful for your service, myself first in line.

God bless you, Mr. President, and God bless America.

In Observance of Sanctity of Life Day

2009-01-18T07:24:00.008-06:00

(Read President Bush's Proclamation)

I read an article about a woman who paid a hit man to have her son strangled. This is the story:

The woman was married and then her husband died. She then gave custody of her son to her husbands parents. She then remarried and her new husband had a daughter from a previous marriage of his own. The woman wanted to start a family with her new husband so she arranged to have his daughter killed. This attempt failed when the daughter was able to escape her attacker. The mother then had to go to plan B. She actually brought her son to his murderer and allowed him to be strangled.

You may be asking why? Why was the mother so set on having at least one child from the two families killed? Why couldn't they all just be one family? In fact, she wasn't even raising her son, the grandparents were. The answer is China's policy of one child per family. One of these 2 kids had to go so that she and her new husband could have a child.

The article (read it here) states that she had had a couple of abortions in the past because of this state mandate. For this crime of the murder of her born son, she will face the death penalty. For the crime of the murder of the unborn children, nothing will be done. In fact they are encouraged, one could say even mandated by the state.

You may be reading this and thinking 'how horrible'. How could a government do that. How could they mandate such a thing. Abortion in China has nothing to do with a woman's right to choose, except when she may choose to abort a girl in hopes that the next one will be a boy.

I must point out that our new President has opinions on Abortion that are horrific in thier own right.

He voted 4 times against the Illisnois Right to Life Bill (this is a bill that gives babies born alive after a failed abortion right to life). Obama has tried to spin around this issue, but a good look at the facts will keep it clear for you. Read one sorce here.

He is for the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)

clipped from www.fightfoca.com

And he made a promise to Planned Parenthood last year they expect him to keep.

The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do.

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would eliminate every restriction on abortion nationwide.

FOCA will do away with state laws on parental involvement, on partial birth abortion, and on all other protections.

FOCA will compel taxpayer funding of abortions.

FOCA will force faith-based hospitals and healthcare facilities to perform abortions.

So, I guess we can't point too many fingers at this mom or at the Government of China. We have a big 2 by 4 to get out of our eye first. Get informed. Get involved. Write letters. Know where your President, your Senators, your Representatives stand on these issues and make sure they know where you stand.

Now for some stats:

http://www.abortionfacts.com/statistics/statistics.asp

http://www.cirtl.org/abfacts.htm

Read them and weep.

Where is PETA?

2009-01-16T15:40:00.009-06:00

The news of the miracle on the Hudson yesterday was amazing. A plane glided into a perfect landing onto the river right next to downtown New York. What a sight that must have been.

We all heard the stories of the orderly way all the passengers and the crew conducted themselves throughout the entire ordeal. Also, about how those there to rescue were quick and efficient. We also heard that the possible cause of this accident was a flock of birds, most probably geese. Wow. It is hard to imagine that birds could be the source of such destruction.

This got me thinking about the dangers airplanes pose to our feathered friends. Check out this quote from the article Plane-Bird Hits Hard to Avoid.

clipped from www.chicagotribune.com

More than 82,000 bird strikes were reported from about 1,600 U.S. airports from 1990 through 2007, the committee said.

This number is significant. Why isn't anyone getting angry about it. Why should we think it OK to invade the natural habitat of these creatures and in doing so endanger their lives. Where is the outrage? Where is the call for a ban on flying? Where are the nude picketers? Why aren't the Hollywood types up in arms? Where is PETA?

Bush' Farewell Address:

2009-01-15T19:45:00.002-06:00

Did you see it? What did you think?

A Tribute...

2009-01-07T10:58:00.004-06:00

Fourteen years ago today, I said 'I do'. I was terrified. I remember being on our honeymoon in Belize, waking up one morning to the sound of snoring and thinking, "What Have I Done?".

It has not always been easy this 'Two shall become One' thing. We are both independent, opinionated, always right, self-reliant and needing to be in charge. I thought opposites attracted! Anyway, we first met at a Christmas party, shortly after a National election. I was my usual outspoken self concerning the issues of the day. This attracted him to me, along with my ravishing good looks, and the rest is history.

Those of you who read this blog regularly know that I am a Christian, born and bred if you will. When I first met my husband, he was a atheist. When I found this out, it was in the middle of dinner at my apartment, I promptly kicked him out of my house. (He likes to remind me and anyone who will listen that I was the first to make the call for reconciliation after this encounter). This began a time of searching for both of us. We knew we were falling in love. I knew I could not marry a man who was not a believer and he said he would not convert to marry me.

This is the point where he said he would look into this thing called Christianity and would even go to church with me. After all, he said he was rejecting something he had never actually looked into. I was excited, but now I knew I had to get off the fence I was on and return to a life of true service to God. We both set out to do these things.

For me, it was a time of renewal. I was finding my own faith and relationship with the Creator instead of relying on the "family" faith. He was seeking, and you know what the Bible says about those who truly seek...they will find.

About a year and a half later, after much study, discipleship and prayer, my guy became a believer and gave his life to Christ. About 8 months after that we were married.

I can say I love him more today than the day I married him. After 1 apartment, 2 houses, 2 kids, sick parents, financial ups and downs, disappointments, successes, job changes, homeschooling, fear, happiness, and some huge fights...we are still here and we are looking forward to many years to come, Lord willing.

So Ed, I write you this tribute. Thanks for loving me. Thanks for not wanting me to change. Thanks for supporting me in all my endeavors. Thanks for being a top shelf dad. Thanks for supporting us all financially. Thanks for putting God first in all you do. Thanks for talking to me. Thanks for letting me be your adviser. Thanks for the love and selflessness you show to us and others. Thanks for being generous. Thanks for being a man of prayer. Thanks for showing our boys how to be a good father, husband and man of God.

I Love you now and forever...

Kris

The 2nd Amendment

2009-01-04T14:29:00.007-06:00

What is the 2nd Amendment?

clipped from en.wikipedia.org

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Do you really believe this is a right? Are you comfortable with what that means? Not only is it our right to bear arms to protect us against an assailant but also to be an armed people as to protect ourselves against government that would take away our freedom. Our founding fathers understood this and we must listen to their wisdom.

I know that many don't like guns. Many have bought into the idea that guns are bad and that civilized people should not have them. I would say to you that this in not the case. The people that want to do harm will get these weapons no matter what law is enacted. They don't care that there is a ban on assault weapons. They don't care if you are required to register a gun with the state. These laws do not hinder the person set on doing harm, they only restrict the law abiding citizen from claiming his right to bear arms.

I come from a family of gun owners. The first time I shot a gun I was about 10 or 11. I understood gun safety at a young age. I knew how they worked and the damage they could cause. My dad made sure of that with graphic lessons early on. Never was there a 'gun' incident in our home.

Recently I was reading an article in the magazine Reminisce. It was from the fifties and a reader was telling about being a part of the rifle club. Her picture with her rifle was along side this article. She told how she would walk to school with her rifle, store it in her locker, and then fetch it just before her marksman class. Can you image such a thing today?

Check out this video I saw for the first time just a few days ago over at Voice of Conservative America. Being a Texan, I remember this event well. It speaks to the very essence of this right of ours, the 2nd Amendment. Take a look and let me know what you think. (pay extra attention to the very last line spoken in this video)

A New Year Poem...

2009-01-01T07:37:00.008-06:00

Here I sit, the first of 2009
I wish I had hope that all would be fine

I think of our nation and the future it holds
I pray it is not our soul we have sold

We've seen bailouts, scandal, war and unrest
Let's hope the past year is not our best

Let us look to the new year with renewed cheer
Remembering that freedom is what we have here

Let us not take it lightly, and remember those
Who guard that freedom, even for their foes

We must always remember that Government is not the savior
And put our trust in the One who can give
A life that is worth us to live

Let's set our minds on things above
Let's look to our neighbor with love

Always remember the babies each day
That will never get a chance to play

We are a nation that aims to please
Yet we will kill the least of these

Look to those who will govern with care
Remembering that all things cannot be fair

Listen closely to what they say
All may not be as it seems
Make sure it is not our Freedom they take away
For government cannot fulfill all our dreams

So lets bring in the new year with renewed understanding
That life is fleeting as is all its pleasures
And to store up in Heaven all of our treasures

(This poem inspired by Katdish at Hey look, a chicken...)

Thoughts of Chirstmas, my Brother and Heaven...

2008-12-28T06:24:00.006-06:00

Here I sit on this Sunday morning. I am a bit sad. My brother and his family just started for their long journey home. It takes two full days. They will have a short layover in Louisiana this morning to meet around the Lord's table with family there. I only see my brother once a year. It doesn't seem to be enough. It seems like yesterday that I saw him everyday. I would have loved an extended break from his presence then. In many ways my brother and I are very different, but in the ways that matter, we are of one mind.

We had a great 5 days. Both houses, mine and my parents, were filled with family and friends. The food and the fellowship were one for the record books. We are all type A's. We are all opinionated. We are all loud. This combination makes for an experience to remember.

We met together to reconnect. To celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world. To express our love for one another and the Hope of reunion of those that are no longer around our table. We even wondered what the celebration in Heaven was like and what part in the preparations our loved ones were playing. We knew that they must be the heads of their specific committee's.

Another Christmas has passed. Another round of good bye's is over. I take joy in the fact that one day, good bye will not be needed. One day tears of sadness will no longer be shed. One day we will no longer miss our loved ones that are far away or the ones that no longer walk this earth. One day the sick among us will be whole. I long for that day.

One of my favorite old hymn's is the song 'What a day that will be'. I don't mean to sound morbid, but I want the gathering to sing this at my funeral. Here are the words:

clipped from my.homewithgod.com

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.
All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,
No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;
And forever I will be with the One who died for me,
What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus
What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see,
And I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace;
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be.
What a day, glorious day that will be!

I am ready for that day... Are you?

Happy Birthday!

2008-12-24T21:45:00.000-06:00

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
Wonderful,
Counselor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

A Jewish perspective...

2008-12-22T08:48:00.000-06:00

Do as I say, not as I do...

2008-12-20T07:54:00.016-06:00

The Congress just gave themselves a raise. What is up with that? I recently watched them hammer the big three car executives about compensation and private jets. Earlier this year around the time of the TARP, we watched them question the Wall Street types the same, but instead of private jets the topic was frequency of golf games and corporate get-aways.

Here is the two opening paragraph's to the article I read about the raises:

'A crumbling economy, more than 2 million constituents who have lost their jobs this year, and congressional demands of CEOs to work for free did not convince lawmakers to freeze their own pay.

Instead, they will get a $4,700 pay increase, amounting to an additional $2.5 million that taxpayers will spend on congressional salaries, and watchdog groups are not happy about it.'

I have also often wondered about all the 'perks' that are given to our lawmakers. I found an accounting of these perks in this article, it is worth a look. If covers pension, health coverage and even parking spot costs. One topic that was very interesting were the travel benefits, especially to present and former presidents

What about the transportation of our Senators? Do we pay for this? What is the level of 'luxury' of this travel? Inquiring minds want to know so I did a bit of research. What I found was a list of travel rules, very long and very confusing. A lawyer would be needed to make sure you were following every rule regarding who would pay, what the trip was for, how many family members with you or who owns the vehicle you are traveling in. So, who then has to pay for the lawyer who must insure the Congressman is following all the rules? It seems the taxpayer payroll keeps getting bigger.

Does this seem to be a bit hypocritical? If we are going to start regulating and wanting justification for salaries, benefits and perks, shouldn't the ones doing the policing lead by example?

Do you find it warm in here?

2008-12-16T09:43:00.009-06:00

Is Global warming a fact. Yes, maybe. But is it caused by man? Maybe and maybe not. I am of the opinion that most of the Global Warming is just the natural cycle of our planet. Come to find out I am not alone in the belief. Apparently about 650 international scientist may agree with me. These scientists are speaking out against the UN and former Vice President Al Gore. Here is a portion of the article titled:

UN Blowback: More Than 650 International Scientists Dissent Over Man-Made Global Warming Claims

Study: Half of warming due to Sun! –Sea Levels Fail to Rise? - Warming Fears in 'Dustbin of History'

POZNAN, Poland - The UN global warming conference currently underway in Poland is about to face a serious challenge from over 650 dissenting scientists from around the globe who are criticizing the climate claims made by the UN IPCC and former Vice President Al Gore. Set for release this week, a newly updated U.S. Senate Minority Report features the dissenting voices of over 650 international scientists, many current and former UN IPCC scientists, who have now turned against the UN. The report has added about 250 scientists (and growing) in 2008 to the over 400 scientists who spoke out in 2007. The over 650 dissenting scientists are more than 12 times the number of UN scientists (52) who authored the media hyped IPCC 2007 Summary for Policymakers.

The U.S. Senate report is the latest evidence of the growing groundswell of scientific opposition rising to challenge the UN and Gore. Scientific meetings are now being dominated by a growing number of skeptical scientists. The prestigious International Geological Congress, dubbed the geologists' equivalent of the Olympic Games, was held in Norway in August 2008 and prominently featured the voices and views of scientists skeptical of man-made global warming fears.

Read the entire article here...

Do you remember the Time Magazine article form June, 24, 1974? The title was Another Ice Age? This article outlines the reason scientists believed we were in the middle of a cooling trend that would result in another ice age. It is interesting to read that they thought man was the reason for this trend also.

I also came across this article a few weeks ago that speaks to the current (so called) 'problem' of global warning. It seems that one of the reporting agencies got it wrong when they reported the hottest Oct. on record, This is interesting, especially in light of the fact that the same article reports that arctic water ice is 30% farther along in its freezing process than it was this time last year.

It seems that the 'facts' concerning Global Warming are not all they are cracked up to be. Does this mean that we neglect our planet on purpose? No. But should there be restrictive legislation in all areas of life to diminish a problem that may not be valid? What do you think?

PS - Check out this post over at Common Cents ... Just more info. for your reading pleasure.

We're not rich yet...

2008-12-13T13:04:00.006-06:00

This is an actual call made to a repossession company. It is both funny and shocking. This is what much of America really thinks about Obama and what his presidency will do for them.

Let's say the caller was correct and she was going to be rich next year because of Obama. Does that excuse her from her responsibilities to her debts today? How does she know that the repossession company is 'rich'. They may be barely making ends meet just like her. Maybe the employees of this company are waiting on their Obama check as well.

UAW says NO!

2008-12-12T07:38:00.008-06:00

The auto bailout was not passed last night. They were so close, but the UAW (United Auto Workers) stepped away from the table. What did it come down to? Sen. Bob Corker (R) of Tennessee says it was wages. Apparently, they had polled the non American companies that build cars in this country that are still profitable. The poll focused on worker compensation. They even left out one company and its wages from the average because the UAW said those wages were too low. They asked the UAW to do a couple of things, non of which were to cut wages immediately. This was their request: the UAW give a date by which they would have new wage rates based on the above stated competitors poll and that they then let it be certified by the Secretary of the Labor. By the way, this new Sec. of the Labor would have been an Obama pick. This being said, this new pick would look more favorably on the UAW and its interest because of the financial gain the Democrats receive from the UAW and its lobbyist. The UAW said 'NO'! This shows the true nature of this union. They are willing to let the hand that feeds them fall as well as all of the suppliers, line workers, customers, ect.

The bailout was just a bandaid. If the basic way the big three auto companies does business, they will be in the same boat within months. The union with its outragouse emplyee 'rights' and its back breaking legacy costs make it impossible for the car companies to make a profit or put more money into research for new fuel efficient high milage technology. It is a no win situation.

The union was a good thing when it started. It did make the working environment safe and made wages reasonable. It now has too much power. It now puts the worker and its benefit package (including legacy costs) above the mandate of the public company which is to 'build shareholder wealth'. The union has gotten out of control and this non-action as regards to wages proves that.

The story continues...

Why did you vote for McCain?

2008-12-10T07:40:00.003-06:00

If you are like Joe the Plumber,you did so because the thought of an Obama presidency scared you so much, a vote for McCain was your only choice. Read all about it...

Here!

If you have other reasons for voting for McCain, please share them. If you agree with Joe, let me know as well. As always, this will be a very scientific 'poll'. Your participation is appreciated in advance.

Is anything sacred?

2008-12-09T07:20:00.004-06:00

sa⋅cred

Dedicated to or set apart for the worship of a deity.
Worthy of religious veneration
Made or declared holy: sacred bread and wine

I guess it was only a matter of time. Nothing is allowed to be sacred. It seems that the gay agenda is on a campaign to infiltrate everything to make it fit into their lifestyles. Marriage and it's God given traditional meaning was the beginning. Then they wanted to redefine what family meant by having children by adoption or other means . We as a people are supposed to say this is OK and we are to teach our children the same. Now, they are pushing into the most sacred of all area's, the birth of the son of God. This article about a 'Pink Festival' in the Netherlands gave me pause. A manger scene has a specific meaning and significance to the Christian. Now, in the Netherlands, the manger scene at this festival will have 2 Mary's and 2 Joseph's.

Recently, in the state of Washington, a sign was allowed to be erected next to a traditional manger scene in a Government building. The sign was sponsored by an atheist group. The idea was to allow all points of view when allowing any religious displays. In the past, this building has had a Menorah erected as well. The problem here is that the sign went farther than stating their view of Christmas which is simply a Winter Solstice with no significance paid to any deity. The sign actually put down and degraded those that would believe in a deity of any kind. This goes farther than putting different views of the holiday on display.

I often wonder why I am so shocked at each new abomination. Why can't those who are not believers practice tolerance to those that are? I guess even tolerance is not completely inclusive of all. This theory has been proved over and over. Most recently in the Netherlands and in Washington state.

Socialism the Sequel: Will it work this time?

2008-12-06T13:22:00.006-06:00

Is this what this country needs? A little "spreading around of the wealth?" Has this ever worked in world history?

Joe the Plumber was not someone that would be called 'super rich'. If he owns his small plumbing business, he may have $250,000 as income, but not personal income, business income. He will get the tax increase under our President elect's economic plan if that is the case.

Remember…Obama is the one who said in the ABC debate during the primary season that his approach to raising tax on capital gains is not based on whether it would provide more revenue but on his idea of what is fair:

GIBSON: All right. You have, however, said you would favor an increase in the capital gains tax. As a matter of fact, you said on CNBC, and I quote, “I certainly would not go above what existed under Bill Clinton,” which was 28 percent. It’s now 15 percent. That’s almost a doubling, if you went to 28 percent.

But actually, Bill Clinton, in 1997, signed legislation that dropped the capital gains tax to 20 percent.

OBAMA: Right.

GIBSON: And George Bush has taken it down to 15 percent.

OBAMA: Right.

GIBSON: And in each instance, when the rate dropped, revenues from the tax increased; the government took in more money. And in the 1980s, when the tax was increased to 28 percent, the revenues went down.

So why raise it at all, especially given the fact that 100 million people in this country own stock and would be affected?

OBAMA: Well, Charlie, what I’ve said is that I would look at raising the capital gains tax for purposes of fairness.

That being said, we now find ourselves in an economic downturn. Just yesterday, the highest number of job losses in one month since 1974 was realized. Yet, the stock market held its own and actually ended the day up. Go figure!

In this environment, can any tax increase be good? Even repealing Bush's tax cuts early is in a sense a tax increase. Would it be prudent to do even this now? It seems to me that whatever system one believes in, (Socialism or Capitalism, Christianity or Atheism, for example) that system should be able to stand firm in any environment. I say if Socialism, I believe the core belief of our President elect, is right in good times (stick it to the rich if you will) it should be able to stand in bad as well. Which will it be Mr. President elect? Is it really all about fairness? Can fairness ever be achieved? Does Socialism produce fairness when it is enacted? It might look good on paper, but in reality it fails.

As it is now, we are looking at bail-outs left and right paid with money we don't have so we must print more. There is also talk of no tax increases and of letting the Bush tax cuts (BTW 100% of American's got a break under this legislation) expire on their own. I do not see how any new Government program (Universal Health Care) can be a serious consideration with the outstanding debt the Country has now.

One more thing while I am on a roll. Why aren't the Oil companies the bad guys anymore? How soon we forget. If they can manipulate the market so easily to take the big profits, why aren't they doing so now when oil in a good $100 less per barrel than it was just this summer?

So, Is Socialism the way out of this mess? Is Socialism the way not to get into this mess in the first place? Let's ask the people of China or Russia. The politicians in these countries have it real good while the citizens wait in line for bread and can have their home and land taken away with no recourse. There is no middle class in this type of government. The middle class and what it stands for is what makes America prosperous and the envy of most of the world. Don't be fooled, there will always be poor and there will always be rich. Which side of the stick would you be on if the Socialism line were drawn? I know which side Mr. Obama would be on.

What did you do on Black Friday?

2008-12-01T19:31:00.006-06:00

If you happened to be at a particular Wal-Mart, you were in a crowd of people that actually trampled a man to death. This did not happen because people were getting away from danger or going toward rescue, it happened because they wanted to be the first in line to get the best price on the Black Friday specials. It has been reported that the young man that lost his life was protecting a young woman who was 8 months pregnant from being harmed by this crowd.

I have indulged in a bit of Black Friday shopping in years past. It has been a fun time to get away form the family crowd and spend some time alone with my sister-in-law. The spirit of the outing is that of fun and fellowship not the spirit of every man for himself.

What has this world come to? How could this happen under these circumstances? How could people actually continue to walk and run and stomp over this man under their feet? Why didn't anyone stop? Why didn't anyone help? In the end, was the prize worth it?

Solomon says that the job of the heathen is to gather. And in this act of gathering he still finds no contentment. Is this what has become of the average American? The urge to gather, at the lowest price possible, is stronger than the urge for compassion or selflessness.

It is also very telling that Black Friday and it's call to feed the materialism monster in us all comes after the national day of Thanksgiving. The day we count or blessings and name them one by one. These two days are on either ends of the spectrum.

The story goes that a little boy, while watching two dogs fight, asked his dad "which one is gonna win?" His dad responded, "which ever one you have been feeding."

Let's feed the good dog. The one that cares about others before themselves. The one that is content with what they have and not always longing for more. The one that understands it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Let's try to keep the attitude of Thanksgiving on our hearts long past the designated day. In all things, let's give thanks with a grateful heart, even on Black Friday.

My Yesterday...

2008-11-22T19:09:00.026-06:00

What a day we had yesterday. I wish I could say that it was not a typical day in the life of a home schooler, but I cannot. We started the day with the tail end of a science lesson started Thursday by making a model of Olympus Mons (Latin for Mount Olympus) that had to dry overnight. Do you know what this is or where is it located. This is the largest volcano in our solar system and it is on Mars.

Anyway, we built a beautiful model out of homemade clay and put rocks around the base to symbolize a typical Martian landscape. We then found that it is very easy to create an erupting volcano with warm water, baking soda, vinegar and some red food coloring thrown in for the Mars effect (the red planet).

After a Grammar lesson and a quick math quiz, we head off to the tween boys monthly get together. This month we are having a Christmas in November party. We had about 28 kids, including some siblings.

We played games, had good food and made an ornament to give as a gift. All the kids seemed to enjoy themselves and the moms did too. The party ended with passing out gifts and stockings for each child. I happened to be in charge of this particular shin-dig and I am pleased to say it was a success. I was, however, so glad to say it was over...one more thing to cross off my list.

The day was long and I was tired at the end of it. Such is the life of a home schooler and a mom. Each day here in our little school is different and full. At least 3 days a week, part of the day is spent with other home schooled kids at P.E., park days, museum classes, social events with the tween boys, key board lessons and library outings.

This was my yesterday, but it represents many of my tomorrows.

Please, Wash your Hands!

2008-11-20T16:30:00.003-06:00

This video and the story it tells will be a wake up call to all. Not only is washing your hands after use of the facilities important for your personal hygiene, it can be harmful to your health or the health of others that you may come in contact with. I am not talking about catching a cold, or even a catching slight case of the bird flu, I am talking about parasites and such...YUCK!

So, what did you think? I know we have lots of mocroscopic bugs all over us, but at least you cannot see them. This one was big as day. It seems slightly unreal. Some suggest it be used as a lesson tool when getting our kids to wash up. Others think it should be part of all mandatory training of cooks, chefs and wait staff. All that sounds good, but I am just trying to get over the fact that there are worms that can invade our brain stem and eventually eat that brain and cause paralysis. Wow... who knew?

Informed America...

2008-11-18T09:57:00.003-06:00

I found this video through one of my Home School networks. It is worthy of your 10 minutes, in fact, you will not be able to turn away. It seems that this group of voters knew nothing about their own candidate but knew all things negative about the opponent. They also assumed that every negative question from the interviewer had to be attributed to the McCain / Palin ticket.

Another observation is that they know nothing about the current leadership in Congress. They even assumed that control of Congress had to be in the hands of the Republicans.

My 8 yr old could tell you about both candidates. Their names and what state they come from. Also which party they belong to. Not bad for a third grader. But, he is just a home school kid. As Joy Behar of 'The View' said yesterday on her show , 'they (home schoolers) are all demented.'

Getting back to the video, take time to check it out.

Check the web site here. It explains the roots of this video and what is yet to come. I will be waiting in anticipation for the entire documentary.

Just Something to Think About...

2008-11-08T14:35:00.001-06:00

What do we do now?

2008-11-07T16:13:00.007-06:00

I sit here still somewhat in disbelief of the events of this week. Tuesday night I was visiting family out of state. I knew our fight was lost when Ohio fell. I did not really watch the returns, I just checked in every half hour or so.

It is unbelievable to me that we have elected a man with so many beliefs that are contrary to the America the founding fathers fought for. I wonder how we got here? How we elected a President that believes our Constitution is flawed. How we elected a President who does, in large part, believe in the basic principles of Karl Marx. How we elected a President who believes the glass is half empty instead of half full.

I find it hard to even look at Mr. Obama on TV. I know that I must respect him for the office he holds. I do believe that God does enact His will to fulfill His purpose. The outcome of this election was not a surprise to God. I read in the scripture that all nations will one day turn against Israel, that includes the United States. Mr. Obama does have strong connections with people who hate Israel and want to see her destroyed. Is this the beginnig of Prophecy before our eyes? Mr. Obama is not a Savior or a Prince, even though he is put in the same category. Read here He is only a man.

So, what do we do now? We who are less than happy about the outcome of Tuesday night. We who fear for our future in a way we never have before, even at the beginning of past Democratic administrations. We who call ourselves Conservatives... we get involved, we write letters, we volunteer for future candidates, we vote, we stay informed, we blog, and we pray for our President.