Bethlehem, Gethsemane, Calvary

With fellow believers I celebrate this Christmas season with joy and gratitude. What a significant time this is. It is wonderful to be able to have this time to gather with family and acknowledge the importance of the birth of The Savior of the World.

As I’ve thought about His birth I’ve pondered about how important it was that Christ demonstrated His willingness to Atone for us. Each Sunday members of my Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, partake of The Sacrament bread and water in remembrance of His sacrifice and Atonement. There is a specific prayer offered for this ordinance, here is the prayer for the bread:

O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember Him, and keep His commandments which He has given them, that they may always have His Spirit to be with them. Amen.

One of the important aspects of the bread is that by partaking of it we are demonstrating our willingness. The bread represents His body. He took upon Himself a body in order to Atone for us, it was His demonstration of willingness. How utterly significant it is that the place where He was born, take upon Himself a body, is called Bethlehem which means “house of bread.” There are no coincidences in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here is the prayer that is said on the water.

O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God the Eternal Father that they do always remember Him, that they may have His Spirit to be with them. Amen.

There is an important difference in these two prayers. In partaking of the bread we demonstrate our willingness. In partaking of the water we demonstrate that we do. Just as Christ actually did perform the Atonement as He shed His blood in taking upon Him our sins and sufferings in Gethsemane and on Calvary.

Christmas is all about celebrating the life of Our Savior and His willingness to take upon Him the glorious mission of The Atonement. In celebrating this we acknowledge with humble gratitude that He fulfilled His mission. Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world. He lives, I know it. Merry Christmas.

Light Rules

I once heard a story about a young man who was fascinated by light. He equipped his pick-up with several varieties of headlights. At one point he was thrilled to obtain an airplane landing light. He was able to affix it on his car. He took a friend of mine up into the mountains and demonstrated its brightness by turning it on into rather dense foliage. All became visible, including some very shocked deer looking bewildered at the intensity of the light. The young man was one night driving in the mountains and happened to be come upon another car. At the time he had just his regular headlights on. The other driver coming his way flashed his brights signaling that the young man’s lights were too bright. The young man in turn flashed his light indicating that his headlights were at their normal setting (of course I imagine they were a little on the bright side given his fascination). The two drivers exchanged several more brightening signals until the young man finally became frustrated and went ahead and turned on his airplane landing light. Needless to say the other driver stopped in his tracks and from then on discontinued his brightening. Now, I think the story is funny, though I don’t know how happy I’d be if I was the other driver, it was a rather “in your face” moment. But, I was recently thinking about this story in working with my clients.

Many of the kids I work with have come from some heinous situations and have had to deal with dark evil. The best remedy for this is to shine an intensely bright light, to have an “in your face” moment with evil. So, we talk about truth, we face it in all of its ugliness and beauty. There is no hiding when you shine a light that bright.

I’ve also been thinking about light in terms of Christmas. I love the fact that a bright star was one of the signs of Christ’s birth. He brought light into a dark world. I marvel at the feeble attempts of society to try and dim His light. Congress has attempted to ban members from wishing their constituents a Merry Christmas. Some historians have attempted to change the term B.C. (Before Christ) to B.C.E. (Before Common Era). All across the country attempts are being made to stamp Christ out of Christmas from vandalizing to outlawing nativity scenes. Try as they might their attempts will fail. You simply cannot shut off that bright of a light. People will continue to celebrate Christmas, and will do so with the true spirit of Christ. Even if they try to change it to the Common Era, they will never be able to hide the fact that the Common Era started with the birth of Christ.

His light will not be darkened. We just need to have eyes to see the truth. The sun rules the day, the moon and stars rule the night. No matter how dark it is the light always rules.

Merry Christmas and may we all continue to follow His light in wisdom, faith, hope and love.

The Secrets We Keep

2 Chronicles 7:14
King James Version (KJV)
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

So, I work with a lot of kids these days in my profession. Its great and fun and very rewarding. But, it also requires a willingness to be able to go through some difficult sessions hearing about difficult things and sometimes facing some defensiveness. Healing so often requires overcoming barriers. One of the barriers that comes up a lot, especially lately with my treatment of children is secrets. Too often secrets are a result of shame and a desire to hide. These types of secrets have a strong tendency to keep children (and let face it adults too) stuck in old and hurtful patterns. Once a client begins to develop a sense of trust it is important to begin to address the secrets they have been keeping that are barriers to healing. There are five common areas in which kids keep secrets that keep them stuck and hurt.

1) Lies they’ve told
2) Things they’ve stolen
3) Things they’ve broken
4) People or animals they’ve hurt
5) Sex things

As you can imagine talking about these five areas can become a bit uncomfortable, especially when shame is involved in keeping the secrets in the first place. But, when these beautiful brave kids begin to open up about their secrets you can start to see a change in their very countenances. Releasing the secrets takes down barriers not just to their pain but also to their hearts. They can begin to really accept the love from others. It’s a difficult but wonderful process and I’m so proud of these kids when they are able to go through it.

The more I’ve thought about this process the more I’ve realized its appropriate for all of us to really address. Of course with my mind the way it works I also see a connection when it comes to our government. I think that in order for there to be real and honest change in our current government they are going to have to reveal all truth, all the things they’ve been trying to hide. Without that, no true healing can take place and we will just continue to see a vicious downward spiral no matter which party is in office.

1) Is there any doubt that our government has told lies. So common are lies that the media barely addresses it anymore. There is simply a wave of the hand dismissing the fibs politicians tell, because that is just what politicians do. There are lies, then there are lies told to cover up the other lies until there is a virtual mountain of lies. Its not just the current congress or current administration, this has been going on for a long time. Is it any wonder that the public has a hard time trusting its government.
2) Stealing is basically taking ownership of something that does not in fact belong to you. I understand the necessity of taxes. We do need to have some order, so we need to have a government and it needs a way to operate. But, when the government instituted the income tax it began to take away something that belongs to us, our property, our income. When the income tax was first introduced the politicians promised it would only be a tax on the wealthiest Americans. Wait you mean they lied?! Shocker. Our government has become addicted in a way to taking our money and using it for all sorts of stuff, that honestly is just unnecessary. They’ve tried to convince us that we need their services. The reality is they are using our money to give us things less effectively than we could get ourselves. They’ve made themselves a necessary middleman. The misuse of our funds needs to have a huge spotlight shone on it. They take from us and then try to convince us its for our own good. That’s enough. Our government needs to learn that they cannot just take without consequence.
3) There is simply no way to adequately address any of these areas when it comes to our government. What have they broken? Well, plenty. Breaking all sorts of laws, and the prescribed measures of the Constitution. They’ve also broken things they’ve said they built for us, Social Security, Medicare etc. Probably the biggest thing they’ve broken is trust. Once that is gone, its very hard to get back. Coming clean with all the things they’ve broken is a start.
4) People they’ve hurt. Again there is probably not a list adequate enough to cover this. The government has made itself out to be some granter of mercy. The reality is that is not their job, and they are harming the merciful processes that belong to the people. They create a problem, and then they’re cure just makes it worse.
5) Sex things. For those who say that character doesn’t matter and that morals are only relative I say bunk. Sexual addictions reveal all sorts of sickness. Morals and character does matter. We are so used to seeing unfaithful politicians that it sometimes barely makes news at all. Being unfaithful to marriage and morals, a commitment which should be second only to our commitment to God, speaks volumes about the ability to stay faithful to other things.

Our country needs a healing, a miraculous one. The only way true healing can take place is if all the secrets our government officials have been keeping are revealed. We need a big ol bright spotlight to shine on all the darkness. That is how we turn from the wicked ways, seek His face and receive that blessing. We must reveal, repent and pray. I have seen miracles. I testify that God can heal our land as He has healed so many things. But, we have to put ourselves in the position to receive that great blessing.

Thoughts on Governor Palin Not Running

In the end when we are all called before God Our Creator and asked to make an accounting of our lives, He will not ask what positions we held or how much money we made or how many people we influenced. He will ask how we treated the most important people in our lives, our family. Did we put them above other concerns? He will ask what we did with the gifts He gave. Life, Liberty, Responsibility, what did we do with those, and did we defend them not only for ourselves but for our family and those who follow? And He will ask about our hearts. What became of our hearts? Were they turned to Him? Were we filled with compassion and mercy and gratitude? This is the final accounting. There is no possible way for me to know what is truly in Governor Palin’s heart and all the things she has done with her life. But, by their fruits we can know some things. She has a servant’s heart. That service has always centered on her family, then to her community, then of course also to her country. She loves God, her family and her country in that order. I feel the same way. I am disappointed, but I also feel like I understand, not completely but I understand that she is following God’s guidance. I’ve said all along that she has my support whether she runs for president, senate, or straight for the hills to just spend time with her family because I trust that she is guided. If all she does is continue to be a great mom then her life will be a resounding success story. Of course she’ll do more than that and I look forward to standing by her side in standing up for God, family and this blessed country.


Sarah Emily Jordan

Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: In That Order

Why does the liberal left, who wants more government, more laws and less choice value abortion so much? It seems to be the only "choice" that so many on the left are willing to defend. I know I'm not the only one to ask that question and notice the odd discrepancy. But, I've thought about it more this past little while, especially in light of our Vice Presidents despicable comments supporting China's one child policy and the more recent despicable lawsuit won by the couple who sued their OBGYN for not informing them of their child's missing limbs. They claim they would have aborted him had they known. What a disgusting message to send to that poor child. Anyway its been on my mind. Thinking about it recently the ideas of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (formally property in the original draft) popped into my head. I realized it wasn't just those rights that were significant but its also the order they were placed in that is significant.

Life is first. I'd been thinking about that original question in terms of liberty (why liberals value abortion). But, the reality is that leftism first does not value life. Thus leftism only respects the choice to end life, not just in terms of abortion but also in terms of euthanasia. Its important to note also that leftism tends towards eugenics as well. The leftist ideologies end up in sacrificing some life for the false ideal of the greater good.

The Founders were very deliberate when it came to crafting the founding documents. They were not just deliberate in including life, liberty and property/the pursuit of happiness, they were deliberate in the order.

The most basic fundamental God given right is life. If you do not respect life, than you have little respect for the next one, the power to direct that life. Without respect for the first two foundational principles than the third, the power of ownership/responsibility for what we do with our lives is likewise given little respect.

It goes more basic than those three principles. The leftist mindset also discounts individuality. I believe there is a power in unity, but that power can only be properly accessed when individuals make the decision to be unified. Its funny to me to watch governments attempt to artificially promote unity after they've witnessed the power of the real thing. For instance Argentina started the Falklands War hoping for the nation to rally in unity after witnessing the actual unity generated with their hosting of and winning the World Cup in 1978. Or here in the United States look at the government pushing idea of making 9/11 a service day. I don't disagree with that idea necessarily, but I do recognize that it is borne out of a desire to manufacture the unity we felt by choice that day.

It goes more basic than individuality still. Life, liberty, property/pursuit of happiness and the individuality with which we all experience these things are gifts from God. We don't have rights because we are superior beings or from any man made gift, we have them because we are children of a loving God who wants us to grow.

We understand that the great and marvelous day when swords will be made into plowshares and peace will reign, will be that day because the people will choose it, they'll choose God and to return to Him. Until that day we must protect the ability to eventually make that choice. That means we allow life to continue, allow for the right to choose to continue to allow for the consequence of our choices to be followed through be they good or bad, easy or difficult.

We stand at the dire moments and say as has been said in past generations, dispensations and times. We will live the gift we've been given and protect that gift for others even if that means giving up our own. I will gladly sacrifice other pursuits, in the pursuit of my children's right to pursue their own happiness. I will use my liberty to choose to protect others' liberty. I will use my life to stand testifying of my God and of His merciful gifts. I will stand shoulder to shoulder choosing to unite with others who will do the same.

Learning

Every experience has worth, especially if you learn something from it. The past several months I've experienced many great things, a few difficult ones, but all of them worth it. God family and country is how I best keep things in perspective and in order God is first in my priorities. I've drawn closer to Him this past while, and am very appreciative.

Family has been a major focus for this past little while. Its been appropriately time consuming. Not only have I been able to spend with my own family but my work these days has been largely focused on helping families come to a healing.

I've maintained some of my country focus through all this. I have the opportunity on Tuesday nights to co-host a blog radio program, you can catch it here if you're interested :), with Thomas Schmitz and Ranae Durfee. Its a blast. I've also been spending some time volunteering for organize4palin. If you're interested in being part of that you can go here to sign up to be a volunteer.

I've not taken time to blog, but I'm determined to get back to it. Its not much of a contribution but I still think its important to write and share Conservative principles and values and stand up for my country in anyway I can, including writing on a little known blog.

Today I want to just share some things I've learned from my experiences the past couple of months.

Fear Is Okay to Feel, But Do What's Right Anyway

Not long ago I was working with one of my kid clients on trying to learn how to trust. She kept covering her face with her hands, at one point I just took her hands in my own and looked right in her eyes. I could tell it was hard for her. But, then she did something that she hadn't done before, she told me how she was really feeling, how scary it was to try and trust somebody, and did it looking right into my eyes. It may not seem like much to someone who doesn't know this kid. But, right then I knew she was showing more courage than I could begin to myself. I've never been so utterly betrayed by the people who are supposed to love me, as she had. I've never had to re-learn how to trust, and not just specific people, but the whole concept of trusting. There she was actually trusting me with her feelings, and it was hard and scary. But, in order for her to truly heal she had to be able to learn to trust. In order to have a healed heart she has to learn to share it. Its going to be a roller coaster path for her, but she has continued to show courage in the face of fear. She's not the only one. I've been able to see that courage over and over again. It takes amazing courage to tell the truth, especially of that truth is unpleasant and we fear that it may have scary consequences. Americans need to have courage like that kid. We've got to look our problems in the eye and tell the truth about what must be done. Its going to be hard, but it has to be done if this country is going to truly heal.

Kids Aren't Just Our Future They Are Our Present

As I said there were some difficult experiences these past couple of months. I needed a bit of healing myself, nothing to big just life being life. One of the most healing experiences came with a family campout. There is nothing, nothing like greeting family again after an absence. Hugs absolutely rock. My nieces and nephews melt my heart. I loved sitting around a campfire and having them around singing silly songs and just being together. Having the healing experience of being with my family helped me to cherish my relationship with them more than ever. God has gifted us with relationships. What we do with that gift is incredibly important. Its important to acknowledge that what we do now will affect our children's future. But, while we work to secure a safe and prosperous future for them we must cherish the relationship that we have with them now. Through every difficult experience we have arms to hold us, and relationships to cherish. Love your family, love them dearly. Laugh and cry with them. Live life and honor those in our lives as gifts.

Miracles Happen

A couple of weeks ago I had a request of God. I asked Him to open my eyes to see more clearly the miracles He is working. I've seen too many in my lifetime to count. But, something unique happened to me in answer to that prayer. I was literally seeing multiple miracles a day. Big miracles. I saw peoples hearts changing, families turning corners to where they were actually starting to heal. Unexpected blessings came in the form of miracles including this rather humorous and yet merciful one in which someone lost my phone number. That's a hard one to explain but for me it was most definitely a miracle. Miracles happen every day. When our eyes and hearts are open to it we see them clearly manifest. And as we see we also are filled with another miracle, gratitude. I call gratitude a miracle because its more than just a feeling. It literally changes our physiology to be grateful. It moves us to action, to humility and most importantly it moves us closer to God. Miracles do happen in all of our lives, and they will continue to happen for our country. My eyes and heart are more open to it, and I'm excited to see it all go down.

I'm grateful for my experiences and I'm grateful to be learning. I'm also grateful to blog :) and will be doing more of it. I want to be anxiously engaged in good causes, keeping that perspective of God, family and country.

Save The Family, Save The Country

Earlier this month I had the honor and blessing of participating in a week long camp dedicated to the healing of families affected by attachment issues. I got to witness some amazing miracles. I got to see some amazing hearts and lives. I have been able to watch some of the struggles and continuing miracles in the weeks that have followed. There is nothing, nothing that will be more important to the saving of this country than the work of saving families.

Throughout history there have been individuals who have risen up as leaders when they have been direly needed. I am reminded of one of my heroes, William Wilberforce. He was a man who was driven by faith and the belief that God had called him to do a great work. He is best known for his work in ending the slave trade. He was an amazing man, and he rose to the challenge given to him. What drove his faith? His testimony of Jesus Christ. For Him to be a Christian was more than a title it meant a way of life and a way of being. He was an authentic Christian and he asked his fellow citizens to live up to the mantle of Christianity. His work was the making of a better world. No one can argue that his work and his life was a resounding success. He is safely with The Lord now, but his example and inspiration live on.

Nancy Thomas reminds me very much of William Wilberforce. She has that same caliber of character and has been a driving force across this country in the salvation of families. She is a Christian woman who lives her faith out loud and in every action. She has dedicated her life to saving children and families. She is kind of America's Mother Teresa, though I'm sure she would shrug off such a comparison. It was such an honor to meet her in person, to see her in action and to participate in the work that she does.

When a person decides to live congruently with their faith and purpose they are able to access the power to truly change lives and hearts. And when they do it from a pure servant's heart that power becomes magnified. When they do it pleading to God for His help and seeking then to do His will, well miracles cannot help but follow.

The family is the most basic foundational unit in society. Defending and strengthening the family is fundamental to protecting our nation and our liberty. Such a time as this requires such a person as Nancy Thomas, just as Wilberforce's time required him.

Nancy Thomas uses the principles that we all know to be true, most basically that we are children of God. Somewhere in all of us we know we must trust God, commit to living His principles, and then own up to and make restitutions for our mistakes. God is our Father. Here on earth we've been blessed with families. It is within our families that we learn to trust first our parents and love, again first our parents. That sets up the foundation for the rest of our lives. Sadly there are many individuals who've not experienced this. Miss Nancy is determined to heal the damage caused by the breach of trust and to heal the children and their amazingly beautiful and compassionate parents who want that same thing. And boy have miracles ensued.

Nancy trusts The Lord with all her heart, knows her purpose and lives it. She is a mortal ministering angel, and so are the faithful devoted individuals who staff their camps. And I cannot say enough about the parents, many of whom adopted their children, who love their children enough to be bigger, wiser, stronger and kind and hold these suffering little ones in their arms providing the healing that only a parent can. I was reminded of what The Lord's work is all about, healing. Especially healing and blessing children is essential to who He is. The week of camp I read again and again a passage in The Book of Mormon which details s marvelous experience during Christ's visit to The Americas from 3rd Nephi ch. 17

5-And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus spoken, He cast His eyes round about again on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon Him as if they would ask Him to tarry a little longer with them.
6-And He said unto them: Behold my bowels are filled with compassion towards them.
7-Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
8-For I perceive that ye desire that I should show unto you what I have done unto your brethren at Jerusalem, for I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you.
9-And it came to pass that when He had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and He did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto Him.
10-And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at His feet, and did worship Him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss His feet, insomuch that they did bathe His feet with their tears.
11-And it came to pass that He commanded that their little children should be brought.
21-... and He took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.
22-And when He had done this He wept again:
23-And He spake unto the multitude, and said unto them; Behold your little ones.
24-And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them.

For the full account see

That is what happens. We come to Him and we bring others to be healed. Both get the immense blessing and joy of being in His presence. I've experienced both, and both are awe inspiring. Then of course the children. They still have angels round about, and some of them are mortals.

There is no more important work than saving the families. If you'd like to learn more about Nancy Thomas and her work check out her website.

Remembering

Memorial Day, what an important day of observance it is. The purpose is to remember those who've given their lives for this country while serving in our Armed Forces. Its origins in the United States come during The Civil War and aftermath. As I was contemplating this day, in gratitude I remembered having recently watched a documentary about the art of war which highlighted the battle of Gettysburg. Here is part of that video. Watch both parts 8 and 9 for the full story.



Little Round Top became the final and best defense for the Union Army. As I was watching this I wondered how was it that the Union was able to find the absolute best position? How was it that after loss after loss the Union army was able to win this monumentally decisive victory? I then remembered another video I had seen.



What led to the Union victory at Gettysburg? God. A good man and a good leader turned to God in the most dire needs, and God took the matter into His hands.

As we gratefully remember those who've given their lives for our freedom. We should also remember He who is the author and the protector of our freedom. Thanks be to our heroes proved as they stand and fall mercifully in our behalf. And thanks be to Our God who has preserved this nation. We must humbly turn to Him now as ever.

Unknown Soldiers

I have long believed that our soldiers offer us tremendous examples of service and sacrifice. May I offer my grateful congratulations on their efforts this past weekend in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. Good work everyone, God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

Its important to say a word about President Obama's role in all of this. Some would ask if we Conservatives will give him credit. Totally, I'll definitely give him credit for making the right call. Congratulations and thank-you Mr. President. I support the principles he followed in this matter. Gitmo and enhanced interrogation were key. Mr. President, thanks for allowing the military and the intelligence community to do their jobs, unhindered by your political ideologies. I'd love to see our President apply more Conservative principles and see just how successful they can be too.

This incident has reminded me of a principle that our soldiers are again a tremendous example of, being willing to do the right thing regardless of who knows it. A lot of that comes from perspective. I believe the most important perspective is an eternal one.

To live with an eternal perspective is to know that the choices we make in this life will have eternal consequences, good and bad. It also means that our works are known by God. Those who properly carry this perspective understand that God sees our negative works, but also that our good works may never be known by any but God. In a world where so much attention is paid to celebrity and where everyone is supposed to have at least 15 minutes of it, to continue to do good works whether or not anyone sees is incredibly honorable.

I was thinking about this concept recently as I was reflecting on the sacred experience I had a few years ago of visiting The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The significance of that site is great. Those brave soldiers gave their lives in the defense of freedom and their fellow countrymen. Their names are unknown yet their devotion and their courage is honored. We do not know their names, but I take comfort in the fact that an all-knowing and all loving God does. When they passed from this life, while making the ultimate sacrifice for us, they went to Him who knew their deeds and their sacrifice.




They represent every soldier who has ever fought for us. Countless brave men and women have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. I marvel at our soldiers. They are willing to heroically and bravely stand in our defense, whether they get praise and recognition or not from the public. I know some, and always tell them thank-you (which seems woefully inadequate). But, it is impossible to know and thank them all. Again I take comfort in knowing that God does know them.

Our soldiers are exemplary, meaning we should strive to be like them. We must be willing to stand up and fight for what is good and right and true, regardless of whether or not anyone knows it. We can rest assured that when it comes to our actions the two most important people will know, ourselves and God.

We must be willing to have God alone know our good works. For Him alone to know the work we do to stand up for the freedom He has granted us.

My name may never be known in any wider circles than my own family. But, God, He knows. He knows my heart and He knows what I'm trying to do. There is honor and then there is valiance. I hope to return to Him with valiance.

Too often I'm guilty of wanting my voice to be heard. But, the only one who matters is Him. I will stand before Him one day and make an accounting of my life. I will make an accounting for what I did with the precious gift of freedom and if I made the way for the freedom of my posterity easier.

Take a Bow

An ancient story is told about a wicked man who wanted to be king. His name was Amalackiah, but I just nickname him, the jerk or wicked dude or something along those lines. I’ll try to summarize it, basically the guy was a terrible human being. He lived in a free land, where people elected their leaders. This jerk sought supporters who were also attracted to power and he hoped they would elect him to be their king. Alas, he did not win enough support and the land remained under free rule. But, this evil guy still wanted to be king. So, what he did he do? He decided to become king of the enemies. He took his loyalists went over to enemy lands and convinced the enemy king to fight against his own people. Here’s where he gets crafty. The leaders of this enemy army were not exactly thrilled with the prospect of going up against the evil dude’s former homeland. They always lost. You see the free nation was also one which relied on God and constantly sought His protection in seeking righteousness. Well, God did protect them and the enemies never won. So, as I said the army was reluctant. Wicked guy decided he needed to win the support of the army so he secretly met with the army leader and won his trust by convincing him he wouldn’t have to go up to fight. Then Mr. Evil slowly poisons the leader of the enemy army. During this process he won the confidence of the army and after the leaders’ death he took control of the army. Then he decides the time is right for the ultimate prize, he still wants to be king. So, he marches back to the enemy king having successfully gathered the army under his new command. The king comes out to greet the servants of total jerk evil guy. The servants take a bow in his presence and when he goes to command them to arise they stab him to death. Well, these servants of evil dude then blame the murder on the kings own servants who had fled (not surprisingly). The wicked man then comforts the queen on the death of her husband, marries the queen and since he’s the leader of the army and the queens new husband he gets named king of the enemy. Nice story eh? Its actually pretty despicable. He ends up going to war with his once homeland and costing countless lives, including his own. This whole event was driven by power lust and the end result was nothing but sorrow.

Now, murder and such is not going on in our highest levels of government (well not that we know of), but certainly the same type of evil attitude is pervasive amongst politicians. Anytime we see our leaders bowing before the supposed powers we should be incredibly suspicious. Too often a bow is just a pretense for a power grab. I must also note that I do not believe there is so much an effort made towards having a king as there is to maintain some sick oligarchy.

You probably think I’m going to talk about our Presidents continuous bowing. Which I admit drives me bonkers. But, actually I was thinking about this subject in relation to the establishment Republicans and the pundits who support them. I’m no longer shocked by the disparagements that these people throw at Governor Palin. I have however started to ponder what it is that drives their attitudes and actions.

To me it seems that they are suffering from a similar paradigm as that evil dude, and his followers. They seek power. And in the end they are willing to bow down in order to offer some pretense of submission when in reality they are looking for any opportunity to grab their own power. I know what you want, Kristol, Frum, Krauthammer, O’Reilly etc. etc. etc. and on and on, you want a piece of the power. You want to have your voice matter to the rest of us, so you tell us what we are supposed to think.

Look the Democrats/Liberals/Progressives/Leftists make their platform and desires easy to spot. The establishment Republicans and their ilk, well they try to thrive in shadows. They look for ways to get what they want while still cloaked in some semblance of Conservatism. Its slimy, gross and I’m on to it and so are a lot of Americans. So, go ahead keep it up people. Keep bowing before the media, seeking their praise, and the left seeking their support. Bow to the slime and the filth and the corruption that has pervaded our government and the media that was supposed to protect us from it. You’ll be exposed. Understand the consequence. You are culpable in the destruction of freedom and the country which has best been its protector. While you continue to try to tear down one of the few political allies America and Americans can truly rely on, we will keep standing beside her and our country. Our freedom is worth the fight. And power will once again rest with who it belongs to, the people. We will keep relying on God and not on your supposed wisdom. We will keep looking for leaders who do the same.

Some History

I had a history Professor back in my college days who tried to convince the class that history doesn't repeat itself. His argument was that there is no exact repetition, names change, environment changes, places change etc. Well, it was not so long ago that as I was thinking about that Prof. and another couple of lectures he gave it dawned on me that he was a huge Progressive. The idea that history does not repeat itself is essential for the Progressive ideology, because they have to believe that it will work someday even though so far it has not. Yes, indeed the names change, and environment and all that. But, for crying out loud a simple examination of history shows that it does indeed occur in patterns. That's the whole reason to learn history, so that we can learn what to do and especially what not to do. Its a gift, and it is far underutilized thanks to a great many things including faux educators.

I have several historical ideas for blog posts floating around in my head. I've needed to just sit down and start committing them to paper, or computer screen whatever you want to call it. So, I'm going to divide the ideas up in to a couple of areas and then just go from there.

I've loved history for a long time, and have had a particular fascination for the 20th century. One of the things I've found interesting is how little attention is paid to the early 20th century. Is it a coincidence that that era is famous for beginning the Progressive movement in America? Doubtful. There are so many current events that can be better understood by understanding the early 20th century. Look WWII gets well deserved attention, but what about WWI? Do you want to understand what is happening in the Middle East? You have to know about the early 20th century. What about the radical elements that existed in the early 20th century, Anarchists joining up with Socialists who are supposed to be on opposite sides of the political spectrum, what in the world? One of the absolute scariest events in The United States and the world occurred in the form of devastating illness, and it hardly ever gets spoken of. So, one of the areas I'm going to focus on is early 20th Century history. Buckle up, its going to be, well it might be boring for some people, but I think its a fun journey.

Bureaus. If you think history is boring, you will likely think I'm one of the most boring people ever to want to delve into the history of bureaucracy in America. Doing the research I did on Psychology and the Left, and noting the ties with the FDA really opened my eyes to how much damage the practice of regulations has done to the American way of life and our Constitution. So, come along and discover just how nasty the EPA is, or the DOJ. Oh, and what about the ATF? How the heck did Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms go together under one bureaus? Progressivism holds the key, say it with me, Prohibition. Sounds like fun right?

I've long been puzzled the Progressive ownership of group think. So, many groups in American society seem to identify with the left, which seems totally incongruent with the history of the Left. Where did the idea for Native American boarding schools come from? What about internment camps for those of Japanese descent? What about the excessive number of abortions performed on minorities in America? Does the Progressive left in America really represent minorities? Simply put, no. From slamming the door on immigration to turning women's rights into abortion on demand, the left has a long history of treating the groups they claim to represent poorly. I'm going to take a good hard long look at this.

Suggestions and tips are most welcome. As I already wrote, I love history. It is a gift and I intend to continue learning from it. One of the most important words in the English language is remember. We must remember who we are, and where we came from and what is really true. Then we can truly move forward walking in the light that is knowledge and humbly seeking to be wise.

Author of Liberty

Galatians 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage.

Okay so I here I go again talking about God. Why did God grant us freedom? Why did He allow for mistakes? It’s because He allows us to grow individually to, dare I say, progress. He would have us become our greatest selves. That cannot be accomplished by force, it can only be accomplished by choice. Will we make mistakes? Of course. Each one of our lives gives insurmountable evidence of that. History is replete with examples, which have included terrible consequences. But, we can make good choices too.

God plays an active role in providing grace, an enabling power, to those who acknowledge His hand and seek His help. Grace is real. It is also necessary to acknowledge the reality of evil. For me the summation of evil is anything that turns us away from God. I think the term “evil” gets thrown around too much and directed inappropriately. So, understand that I do not write this lightly, I believe that Progressivism is evil. It has turned people away from God and towards man. There are Progressives who invoke the name of God, but do so with their own agenda and ends in mind. Progressivism attempts to take a moral mantel. But, believing that evil can be controlled or altered by another form of evil (turning from God towards man for solutions) is nonsensical in the extreme.

Progressivism has caused damage in our nation for a century. To undo that damage, to truly seek a restoration is going to take a mighty miracle indeed. In order to have God active in the miracle of restoration we are going to have to be on His side. In times of crisis in this country we have sought Him, and He has been there. Great leaders have humbled themselves before Him. We need the Author of Liberty. He blessed us with it, He will sustain those who seek to preserve it. We need leaders who will kneel before the Almighty with a firm reliance on Him, and His direction. We each need to be leaders in our own right.

So great is our need now, it rivals any previous crisis. The attacks have been deep and sustained. Covered in cloaks of our welfare, the reality is that Progressives have laden us with chains of debt, of immorality, of oaths broken.

I’ve thought recently of an incident in the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Missouri Executive Order 44 was issued in October 1838 by Governor Lilburn Boggs. Boggs stated " ... the Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace" Artist Andrew Knapp depicted an incident commonly referred to as “Majesty in Chains” The Artist describes the scene:

"Majesty in Chains" takes place in Richmond, Missouri, sometime in November of 1838. The Prophet and his associates had been taken prisoner at Far West, Missouri, and were awaiting trial at Richmond in some rough log houses situated near the courthouse. Six men at a time were chained around the ankles with a long chain that was held to each ankle by a lock. Parley poignantly recounts:"In one of those tedious nights [imprisoned in Richmond in a rough log house] we had lain as if in sleep till the hour of midnight had passed, and our ears and hearts had been pained, while we had listened for hours to the obscene jests, the horrid oaths, the dreadful blasphemies and filthy language of our guards, Colonel Price at their head, as they recounted to each other their deeds of rapine, murder, robbery, etc., which they had committed among the "Mormons" while at Far West and vicinity. They even boasted of defiling by force wives, daughters and virgins, and of shooting or dashing out the brains of men, women and children.

I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards; but had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:

'SILENCE, ye fiends of the infernal pit. In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and bear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!'

He ceased to speak. He stood erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon; calm, unruffled and dignified as an angel, he looked upon the quailing guards, whose weapons were lowered or dropped to the ground; whose knees smote together, and who, shrinking into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his pardon, and remained quiet till a change of guards.

I have seen the ministers of justice, clothed in magisterial robes, and criminals arraigned before them, while life was suspended on a breath, in the courts of England; I have witnessed a Congress in solemn session to give laws to nations; I have tried to conceive of kings, of royal courts, of thrones and crowns; and of emperors assembled to decide the fate of kingdoms; but dignity and majesty have I seen but once, as it stood in chains, at midnight, in a dungeon in an obscure village of Missouri."Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, pp. 209-211.

Majesty in chains moments have occurred throughout history, often as terrible evil attempts to overcome goodness. It feels as if we are in such a crossroads now. It is our duty to stand, shackled as we may be. We stand, mocked though we have been and will most certainly continue to be. We stand knowing the God who authored our liberty will sustain those who seek to uphold this marvelous gift. It is His majesty.

Our fathers' God to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom's holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King.

A Very Progressive Valentine's

Okay, so this scene is one of my all time favorites, very well acted by David Hyde Pierce, hilarious. I was watching it again a couple of weeks back and said to myself "self, that's Progressive thinking for ya." Every time they try to fix a problem, via government, they end up making things worse. Then they have to try and fix the problem they caused with another not well thought out solution, causing more problems and so on and so on. Maybe its just a lame excuse to share a classic scene, but I think it works :)

Psychology and the Left: An Awakening

So, in my daily conservative website visits I opened a link to a New York Times article which had me shaking my head and laughing and saying "duh". Of course I will give some credit for an awakening by the left to the reality of how skewed the field of Psychology is. The article is titled "Social Scientist Sees Bias Within" by John Tierney.

From the article:

Discrimination is always high on the agenda at the Society for Personality and Social Psychology's conferenc, where psychologists discuss their research on racial prejudice, homophobia, sexism, stereotype threat and unconscious bias against minorities. But, the most talked about speech at this year's meeting, which ended Jan. 30, involved a new "outgroup."
It was identified by Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist at the University of Virginia who studies the intuitive foundations of morality and ideology. He polled his audience at the San Antonio Convention Center, starting by asking how many considered themselves politically liberal. A sea of hands appeared, and Dr. Haidt estimated that liberals made up 80 percent of the 1,000 psychologists in the ballroom. When he asked for centrists and libertarians, he spotted fewer than three dozen hands. And then, when he asked for conservatives, he counted a grand total of three.

That's when I started laughing. I was totally unsurprised by this revelation, but its a little absurd in its reality. Three, three conservatives in a room of 1000 psychologists. I have to say that calling the conservatives a "new outgroup" was a little much for me. There is nothing new about the fact that conservatives are far outnumbered in the field of psychology. Its just the fact that the truth is getting out about it that's new.

Dr. Haidt made some poignant observations, continuing from the article:

"This is a statistically impossible lack of diversity," Dr. Haidt concluded, noting polls showing that 40 percent of Americans are conservative and 20 percent are liberal. In his speech and in an interview, Dr. Haidt argued that social psychologists are a "tribal-moral community" united by "sacred values" that hinder research and damage their credibility-and blind them to the hostile climate they've created for non-liberals.
"Anywhere in the world that social psychologists see women or minorities underrepresented by a factor of two or three, our minds jump to discrimination as the explanation," said Dr. Haidt, who called himself a longtime liberal turned centrist. "But when we find out that conservatives are underrepresented among us by a factor of more than 100, suddenly everyone finds it quite easy to generate alternate explanations."

And here is where I started saying "well duh". Reality check, there is no way that the field of psychology is adequately representing or addressing the greater needs of the population. They absolutely do discrimate and have a bias towards especially conservative ideology.

I recommend reading the whole article it actually makes some good points about the effects of bias and also taboo topics. But, I need to share the bit that had me shaking my head:

For a tribal-moral community, the social psychologists in Dr. Haidt's audience seemed refreshingly receptive to his argument. Some said he overstated how liberal the field is, but many agreed it should welcome more ideological diversity. A few even endorsed his call for a new affirmative-action goal: a membership that's 10 percent conservative by 2020. The society's executive committee didn't endore Dr. Haidt's numerical goal, but it did vote to put a statement on the group's home page welcoming psychologists with "diverse perspectives."

Well, I hate to put a damper on their proposed solution, but conservatives are definitely not going to go for an affirmative-action goal. With this suggestion they are proving they don't understand conservatives at all. Conservatives are not about equality of numbers. I for one would rather been seen as a human being with a valuable viewpoint, rather than a number to fill their conservative quota.

Dr. Haidt did make the suggestion that his fellow psychologists should subscribe to National Review an to read Thomas Sowell's "A Conflict of Visions". In the end educating is going to be the only way to solve the problem. Pat on the back to Dr. Haidt for waking up some psychologists. I hope they do crack open a conservative book, the numbers of conservatives might increase once some realize that its actually just common sense. Oh and they might even realize that liberalism doesn't work, like ever. :)

Anomaly

"History has shown that especially effective leaders tend to emerge during periods of great change. For every turning point in American history, a creative leader--right for the times and uniquely suited to the task--took the helm." Donald T. Phillips from The Founding Fathers on Leadership

I was talking with my friend Ranae recently and she told me about a book she is reading about the Founding Fathers and Leadership. She shared with me the above quote, and I was reminded of a concept that I've seen displayed repeatedly, anomalies. Anomalies are things that are so different from their surroundings as to be notable. They stand out and can serve as beacons for others to follow.

I use the term 'anomaly' in counseling work a lot, because well I see it a lot. I've seen individuals who have come from horribly long established patterns of familial abuse, going back generations, who are so different from their families that they barely even physically resemble them. These individuals are some how able to withstand the onslaught and come out of the other side, not unharmed, but determined to not carry on the cycle. Its as if these individuals were specifically chosen to lead their families out of darkness. I see the very hand of God in those miracles. He assigned amazing people to end abuse and restore some sanity. Its not just in abusive families. I see anomalies in adoptive families also. Whatever it is that motivates parents to adopt children has to come from such a pure and open place. Adoptive families are like shining anomalies who were able to find each other. Adoption can be a tough row to hoe, for both parties, but it seems they are blessed with an extra measure of strength to not just withstand but to be refined to a point of graceful magnificence. I could go on, but suffice it to say there are anomalies among us, people so exceptional as to be blessed with the ability to change patterns, hearts and lives.

The more I learn about the founding of our country the more I realize that the Founders themselves were anomalies. How were these people able to stand up against a "long train of abuses" and a mighty military force to win their independence? They were remarkable men and women who were exceptionally qualified to lead. It seems that there was a general understanding among them that what they set out to do was impossible, were it not for the Divine. So, they carried forward, trusting in God, and trusting that in the end something remarkable could take place, and it did. Look at the nation they established. Boldly and uniquely exceptional. Watching now as the Middle East is broiling in the strife of protests I'm reminded how rare a thing true freedom is. There are calls to support Democracy in those countries. I don't disagree with those calls. We should support the struggle for freedom wherever it takes place. But, history has seen these protests before. France, Russia, Argentina, you name it; people rise up to fight oppression, but there is rarely that single message, rarely a reliance on anything other than a desire for something different than what they currently have. What ends up restoring order is usually an iron fist. I hope for better for Egypt and other countries going through these painful changes. But, The United States of America is the exception not the rule, hence the saying 'we are an exceptional nation'. We're an anomaly. So, what makes the difference? I think the key is in our Declaration of Independence: "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor." The touch of the Divine, and the trust in Him. Whereas others reached first for weapons of protest, our Founders first reached to God. And He makes all the difference. I can hardly fathom how frightening it must have been to embark on the great American experiment. The hypothesis was that man could indeed rule himself. The most necessary ingredient is a trust in divine Providence, and the morality that flows from that trust. A city on the hill indeed.

There in the Declaration is the key to being a positive anomaly. Its the same regardless of the circumstance. Those who firmly rely on Divine Providence are able to not just survive but to become something better than we could on our own. That firm reliance manifest in a unified pledge to consecrate our very lives, fortunes and honor, can set us on a path to become our greatest selves. We can be the lights of the city on the hill.

Now, at this crossroads in our history, when the time demands a uniquely qualified leader, I, with gratitude, acknowledge that God still has a hand in the affairs of men, and He has chosen people to rise up to the task. I remember when I first started researching Sarah Palin often asking myself "Geez, where did this lady come from?" There was no political pedigree from which she was destined. There was no financial backing from her chosen party. There was only a desire to serve and a will to make it happen, and most important of all a trust in God from a very young age. Sarah Palin did not set out to change the world, she set out to live a life of service and to trust that God would continue to guide her in ways she could best serve. She is so different from any other politician out there in her personal and political history. She goes against all the conventional wisdom, she's an anomaly that the conventions of media and politics just cannot understand. Right here, right now, she is the right person to lead in whatever way God will ask of her. Its stunning in its realness.

I must also note, that as I've met with other Palin supporters I've seen the very same anomalous traits. I use the term supporters, because its more than being a fan. Supporters are people who understand the times and understand the needs and understand the leader. Supporters are people who if able gather together from all over the country determined to continue in the great cause of freedom. And so to you anomalies I say keep shining. Others will recognize that light and will follow. There is so much goodness in this country, people who only need a direction to look to in order to best focus their efforts. 'Many are called, but few are chosen.' To be chosen is entirely up to us, its our choices that determine who we are and set the course for our lives.

It is a turning point in history. It is my great honor and blessing to be here at the crossroads with you, and standing shoulder to shoulder with a leader who is willing to take up the charge. Freedom is worth fighting for, and God has our backs and fronts and sides. Carry on.

A Powerful Turning Point

I dearly and sincerely wish my previous post was the final word on the Arizona tragedy. Unfortunately this event marked a major turning point. Whatever frayed thread still connected the “mainstream” media to the American public has now been severed, by the media. I’ve long noted and pointed out the extreme bias and agenda driven coverage in the media. But, the behavior from so much of the left and media over this tragedy is beyond anything I’ve seen. So intent are they on tearing down any who stand for the Constitution and Conservative values that they barely made it a few hours before placing the blame for the shooting on the Tea Party, Conservative radio and Sarah Palin. It has been such a disgusting display I could hardly fathom it, particularly when my thoughts were still centered on the tragedy itself.

So, “mainstream” media I’m going to attempt to briefly explain two concepts with which you seem to have an inability to understand (likely on purpose), power and Sarah Palin.

Those who seek for power only realize how little power they actually have. That realization is hard for a power seeker to deal with. So, they end up trying to take more and more of it. This is where tyrants come from. It doesn’t matter if they want power in order to do good things. If power is the goal than a tyranny is the eventual outcome. The agenda that seems to drive so much of the “mainstream” media is a “Progressive” one. For some reason government is the go to answer for all that ails society. The media has become a cheerleader for Progressivism. The media in a way has caused more frustration for me than the government because their job was to protect us from government not to promote it.

An ironic thing about power is that those who end up with the most actual power are those for whom power was not the goal. For those who sincerely and genuinely want to serve, power ends up being a byproduct. But, because power wasn’t the goal, they use power to meet their end goal of serving. There are three principles which really do lead to power that I’d like to explain: sacrifice, morality and consecration.

Sacrifice means giving up something. And if your goal is service it often means giving of yourself and giving up something you have for the benefit of others. Here’s an example; Sarah Palin gave up political power in order to better serve her family, her state and her country. It was a huge political risk, one that so many in the media assured us would result in her political demise. But, it cannot have escaped your notice that she’s actually more powerful now. You in the media cover her re-tweets for crying out loud. She sacrificed with the goal of serving and she ended up with more power. Imagine what would happen in the media if you sacrificed your agenda in favor of serving the people by providing us with knowledge rather than you bias. Knowledge of truth really is power.

Morality is doing what is right because it is right. It means being congruent with what you know to be true. It means not putting your wants above the needs of others. When a person is moral they are able to act as their whole selves, there is no divided allegiance, there is truth and living it. Sarah Palin lives what she professes, in other words she walks the walk. For example, she is pro-life in belief and action, thus bringing the precious gift of Trig into the world. You in the media seem to operate with “moral relativism” meaning you’re moral if you say you are regardless of whether or not it’s true. Our need is to be informed, yet you continue to want to push your own agenda, thus ignoring our need, even to the point of manipulating the public with false information.

Consecration is dedicating oneself to a cause greater than self. Sarah Palin has consecrated her life to her husband and children. She consecrated herself in service to her city, state and country. But, before she did any of those things she first consecrated her life to God. There is no better ally. You in the media, if you’ve consecrated yourselves at all it has been to ideology and agenda. That master will not uphold you. A tyranny will control you as much as it will try to control any of us. Only God can truly set us free. As a country we proclaim “In God We Trust”, it has only been because this nation has turned to Him that we’ve been upheld in every trial. There is no greater place to turn to. Sarah Palin understands that and has called on us to turn to Him. You in the media continue to ask us to turn to government. You’ve chosen the weak side.

Media because you do not understand power you completely missed the opportunities to tell the real stories of the Arizona tragedy. You should have reported the tragedy as it happened without editorializing and finger pointing. Your job is to tell the truth. You could have told us of the lives lost and families suffering. You could have told us of the miracles of comfort, of the right people being in the right places to help, of courage. It could have been the power to unify, but instead you continued to seek for power and control over the people you claim to serve. The result is division and further weakening of your role.

As for your continued attacks on Governor Palin, you in the media have attempted time and again to engage in a power struggle that she is not willing to join. She only wants to serve. You end up wrestling yourselves and in the process become fatigued beyond the point of being able to reason and/or function properly. Step back and realize that your real power lies in serving the people, in providing knowledge. As for your view of Governor Palin’s power you seem to focus on only whether or not she will run for and win the presidency. But, surely there must be a part of you that realizes that keeping her from the presidency is not going to end her power, else why would you be working overtime to not just damage her chances but to destroy her as a person. You’ve branded her an accomplice to murder. Is there any lower you can go? But, you will not limit her power, because that is not what she seeks. She seeks to serve her family, country and God. It may well be that she will wield that power as President of The United States, I certainly hope she does. But, if she decides not to run, rest assured her power will far surpass any of your supposed power.

Media you’ve turned the corner, you’ve revealed yourselves to be power mongers, weakened by your struggle for it. You’ve revealed your intention towards a centralized government of control. So I say “so long” to your influence over common sense Americans. The power is with the people, as it always has been. If the time should come when you feel up to trying to actually serve in your role of informing the public I’m sure there will be a place for you. Try for some humility and remorse and a real desire to serve. In the meantime I’ll continue to stand for and support those, like Sarah Palin who really seek to serve.

Thoughts and Prayers

I along with the rest of America watched with horror and a deep sadness as events unfolded in Tucson Arizona this past Saturday. Words simply cannot express the atrocity of it all. Events like that offend every sense that is America. I have spent much time on my knees praying as well as keeping a prayer in my heart. I pray for the much needed comfort for the families and other loved ones of those murdered. I pray for the continued recovery of those wounded and blessings upon their loved ones as well. I'm very mindful of Representative Gabrielle Giffords whose survival is in a word miraculous. An attempted political assassination is so unthinkable that getting my mind around it is difficult. I pray for the nation to be able to recover. I pray in gratitude for the interventions in her and others behalfs and for the bravery of those who put a stop to it all. In times of such tragedy our best source of comfort and guidance is God, and as a nation we ought to unitedly turn to Him.

Fasting Invite

Esther 4:16 Go gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night and day; I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.

Governor Sarah Palin has referenced this Bible verse on several occasions. She operates with a desire to do what is right even if that costs her political power and/or a political future. What an incredibly admirable outlook and belief system. The reference so perfectly describes her servant's heart. However, another part of this verse is also notable at this time, the three days of fasting.

We all are very aware that Governor Palin is at this time prayerfully considering a presidential run. To say that this decision is significant would be woefully inadequate, its huge and will have an impact on not only her, but her family, her state and this country. The Governor undoubtedly is making fasting a part of her decision as well. We know she has done so with other huge decisions such as her resignation. This too is incredibly admirable. Governor Palin turns to God to guide her life, and sincerely seeks His counsel and will. What a leader for our time.

From one of our country's sacred hymns: My Country, 'Tis of Thee
Our Father's God, to Thee
Author of Liberty ,
To Thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King

There is a King of America, and He is God. Governor Palin is at this time going to Him, as she always does, with the petition to have His guidance in making this decision. I'd like to invite you to join an organized three day long fast with the purpose of petitioning our King in her behalf, that He will make His will known to Sarah Palin and to the Palin family in regards to a presidential run. This invitation is going out to Palin supporters on several other blogs and websites.

The fast will start on Friday the 21st through Sunday the 23rd. If you'd like to join choose whichever day works best for you. Remember that fasting is more than just abstaining from food and water it is also prayerful and purposeful. Remember also that if fasting from food and water is not an option we do not want to exclude you from this effort. Governor Palin wrote in Going Rogue how she encouraged her son to choose some other thing rather than food to fast from when the family was deciding about her resignation. Whatever you feel would be an appropriate fast for you we would dearly love to have as many as want to, to join us.

Remember also that prayer and fasting is not about changing the will and mind of God. Rather, it is about changing us, so that we can be aligned with His will and His desired blessings for us. This is not a fast with a desired outcome, other than that He will make His will known to Sarah Palin and her family and to give them whatever guidance and support they require at this time.

2011 Is The Beginning of 2012

So, I have this odd feeling about this new year. It feels like its not just the start of 2011, but that its also the start of 2012. Now, that might just be a coping mechanism, a way to shorten the Obama Presidency in my mind, or to deal with the reality that there are no Olympics this year. But, I think its just a reflection of the critical time we live in. The country is literally at a crossroads and our decisions in the next two years are going to be influential long past our own generation. I want to be ready to hit the ground running to restore the true principles of freedom that this country was founded on, and that provided the means for greatness.

Sarah Palin has written and/or said a lot of things that have inspired me and made me ponder and seek for guidance and answers. There have been a couple of messages recently that have really stuck with me. She has said in multiple interviews during her promotion of her latest book, that we are to be salt and light. This is a message taught by Jesus Christ, and I very much believe in its importance. But, I think that the Governor has used that particular message very purposefully. It is poignant and pertinent in our efforts now.

Salt is used to preserve. What an incredibly necessary role we all have to play at this time in preserving the principles of freedom and the sacred Founding Documents which outline those principles and provide guidance for governance. I recently heard some liberal spout off a favorite talking point that dissension is the highest form of patriotism (of course they don't use that saying much these days because they want us all to get along . . . with them). I said out loud to my T.V. "Hogwash! No it isn't!" or something to that effect :). Dissension is not the highest form of patriotism. The highest form of patriotism is fidelity to true principles of freedom. That fidelity sometimes necessitates dissension, it certainly did for our Founders, but the dissension itself is not the clearest indicator of our patriotism. We must seek to preserve what is truly freedom, the freedom to succeed and the freedom to fail, the freedom to choose our own way in life and not be dictated to. We must be dedicated to the same cause for which our Founding Fathers and Mothers were dedicated, the knowledge that all men are Created equal with certain inalienable rights. We seek to preserve our God given rights, not to create new ones. The fire of freedom has not gone out, but it is certainly weaker and is in danger. Preserve and strengthen it.

Light helps us to see clearly. Thus light and truth are often synonymous. We must get the truth out there. We must get the truth out about Sarah Palin specifically, the contributors here are doing a marvelous job. We must also seek for and shine bright lights on the truth about American Exceptionalism. We must broadcast what is great about America, with the humility afforded to those who recognize blessings. We must also seek for and tell the truth about those who would destroy the true principles of freedom. Progressivism is tending more and more towards tyranny. Progressives would have us believe that the government can take care of us. They would have us believe that to suffer is a great and unnecessary tragedy. They would rob us of our ability to grow. Here is a truth that must be told. Life is full of tragedy and triumph. The tragedy is not the real story, the triumph is. And the triumph isn't just in overcoming the tragedy, it's what you become in the process of overcoming. And the very best way to overcome the tragedy is with the help of Our Creator, the giver of rights and freedom and personal peace. He knows us best and knows what we can become and He will help us on our way. We can be made far better people with His help than we could on our own. This nation, while far from perfect, was founded in a way which grants the citizens the best opportunity to become our best selves. Our rights are guaranteed and should be treasured. That truth needs to be preserved and shared.

The other message from Governor Palin which has really stuck with me was from the National Review article she authored just following the mid-term elections. In it she says this, "The meaning of the 2010 election was rebuke, reject, and repeal. We rebuked Washington’s power grab, rejected this unwanted 'fundamental transformation of America,' and began the process to repeal the dangerous policies inflicted on us. But this theme will only complement the theme of 2012, which is renew, revive, and restore. In 2012, we need to renew our optimistic, pioneering spirit, revive our free-market system, and restore constitutional limits and our standing in the world as the abiding beacon of freedom."

I don't think I can add much to this wonderfully succinct and clear message. But, those words "Renew, Revive, and Restore" have played over and over again on my mind. That really is what its all about. 2011 is the beginning of 2012. Our mission is clear, Governor Palin laid it out beautifully. This message should be spread far and wide, shouted from rooftops, made into bumper stickers, baked into berry pies (reference to the movie Amazing Grace :), whatever we need to do to get it out there. Americans want that. Americans still believe in the principles that are just waiting to be renewed, revived and restored.

Might it require dissension? Well, yeah especially since Progressives are ruling and stand in stark contrast to what America really represents. But, it won't be just for dissensions sake, its because we are faithful to freedom.

I look forward with great anticipation to what these next couple of years will bring. I'm quite certain that there will be difficulties. But, I'm also certain that there are going to be amazing things happen as well. I have the remarkable blessing to be associated with amazing people who are examples to me of faith and courage and steadfastness. May we continue faithful and true, and may the joys overcome the trials. Go USA!!!