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.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, May 30, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, May 2, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, April 8, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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 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.
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.
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