Freedom to Speak

Where I'm Supposed To Be

2011-08-14T21:16:00.001-05:00

Do you ever feel like you're exactly where you're supposed to be? It's a great sensation. There are no doubts. No worries. You feel like a baseball in the glove or a basketball in the net - positioned perfectly at just the right time. That's how I feel right now.
At the beginning of high school, thoughts of college began to flood my mind. There are thousands of colleges all over the country - all over the world! I knew there had to be the perfect place just for me. But how was I ever going to find it?
Even though I hadn't found it yet, God had. Knowing us better than anyone else, He has lovingly mapped out our lives according to our unique dreams, passions, and capabilities. He has the perfect routes for us to travel and sights for us to see - all we have to do is follow Him.
Following God's lead is simple. He doesn't try to hide it from us - He wants us to find it! All we have to do is seek Him.
And boy, did I seek! I don't believe I've ever prayed about anything as earnestly as I prayed about where to attend college. But I didn't receive an answer right away. While following His lead may be simple, it isn't always easy - especially when He doesn't lead you according to your plans or schedule. It's tempting to get impatient because you haven't received an answer, or to give up on receiving an answer at all. However, Jesus' words in Matthew 7:7 give us hope: Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you.
In the summer of 2009, I went on a mission trip to Guatemala. During that time, I received my answer. And surprisingly, it wasn't the answer I was expecting! In fact, I had thought God was leading me somewhere else. But by the time I came home, I knew God was calling me to Patrick Henry College.
When I began my college search, PHC wasn't even on my radar. A small school with only a few majors, it didn't seem to fit into any of my ambitions. God knew otherwise. And the more I learned about PHC, the more I agreed with God.
Making the decision is a significant step in the journey, but it's only the beginning of an even longer voyage. At least it was in my case. In everything from visiting the campus to completing the application, there were immense obstacles to overcome. With every difficulty, I learned to trust God more and more. And through the entire process, I've learned that God answers prayer, that God is faithful, and that God loves to help us accomplish the impossible!
When I was in Guatemala, one of my teammates gave me this verse: Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for I lift up my soul...Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:8,10. I have prayed this scripture over and over, and as I sit on the brink of a new journey, I can say that God has shown me the way I should go. He has taught me to do His will, and He has led me on level ground! On Tuesday my college adventure will begin, and I know it's just the adventure God wants me to have.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "...I know what I am planning for you," says the LORD. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you a hope and a good future." God has a perfect plan for your life. It's tremendously better than anything you could imagine! When you seek Him, He will guide you. And you'll be exactly where you're supposed to be.

The Response

2011-08-03T22:41:00.000-05:00

I don't need to convince you that America needs help. The only One who can help us is God. Texas Govenor Rick Perry has recognized the critical condition of our nation, and has called Americans everywhere to respond through prayer. Watch this one minute video from Gov. Perry and join the prayer movement on Saturday, August 6th! Don't forget to spread the word!

theresponseusa.com

A Price For Freedom

2011-07-04T18:51:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day! Today, families celebrate freedom with comfortable summer traditions - cooking out, boating, swimming, and fireworks. We play and laugh with carefree hearts, thankful for the blessings of America.
Two-hundred-and-eleven years ago, the freedom celebration may have been a little different. There were fireworks. There was laughter. There was gratitude. But was there doubt, as well? While faces smiled and words rang with pride and victory over the colonies' declared Independence, some hearts may have trembled. As soon as the Declaration of Independence was signed, every American's future was uncertain. But the lives of the fifty-six men who signed were especially endangered.
By signing the Declaration of Independence, the signers were committing treason - a crime which demanded death by hanging as punishment.
Each of them were fully aware of the risk they took - not only for themselves, but their families. They weren't concerned with temporary security or comfort. These men were willing to pay a price for a future of freedom, and that price was high.
For many, severe persecution was soon to come.
Francis Lewis of New York saw his property demolished by the British. Far worse, his wife was captured. For several months she was confined in prison without a bed or change of clothes. Two years after her release, she died of ruined health.
In an effort to see his dying wife, John Hart of New Jersey returned home from his duties, only to be chased by Hessian soldiers. Even as Mrs. Hart lay dying, the soldiers destroyed their home and property. John Hart was forced into hiding, living in caves and forests. When he finally returned home, he discovered that his wife had died and each of his thirteen children had been taken away. He died in 1779, never seeing his children again.
(Many more stories of the signers can be found here. I encourage you to read this brief account.)
As we celebrate and enjoy our freedom today, we should remember that it was not easy to obtain. The freedom we experience every single day was inexpressibly costly. Would you be willing to pay the price?
The men who signed their lives away in 1776 deserved to be remembered.

From New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Matthew Thornton

From Massachusetts:
John Hancock
John Adams
Samuel Adams
Robert Treat Paine

From Rhode Island:
Elbridge Gerry
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery

From Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott

From New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris

From New Jersy:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

From Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross

From Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

From Maryland:
Samuel Chase
Thomas Stone
William Paca
Charles Carroll

From Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

From North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn

From South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

From Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

Power in Prayer

2011-05-05T18:48:00.000-05:00

Devoting a day to prayer is a deeply-rooted American tradition. Pilgrim and Puritan leaders often designated days of prayer. During the Revolutionary War, our Founders asked Americans to pray for their new nation. Today, we celebrate the 60th annual National Day of Prayer in America.

Does prayer really work? The power of prayer is proclaimed repeatedly in the Bible.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." John 15:7

History itself is deluged with evidence that prayer works. When godly people recognize a need and turn to God, miraculous things happen, for nothing is impossible with God!

America is in dire need right now. Today - this week - anytime, take some time to pray for our country. We grasp the handle to the most powerful tool on earth. Let's put it into action.

Below is a fantastic video by Christian music artist Carman - a video perfectly suited for today. I encourage you to watch it!

Osama bin Laden's Death - How Would Jesus Respond?

2011-05-02T21:14:00.001-05:00

Osama bin Laden, the terrorist responsible for the death of countless of innocents - including three thousand American citizens - is dead.
My first reaction was to jump for joy. There's something so satiating in knowing that he has finally been caught and blotted from the earth - and such a fitting end, too.
But wait - What is the Christ-like response? I don't claim to know for sure, but from what I've read out of His Word, this is what I think.
As much as I'd like to dance around and sing "Ding dong, Osama's dead," there's no denying the words in Proverbs 24:17-18:
"Don't be happy when your enemy is defeated; don't be glad when he is overwhelmed. The Lord will notice and be displeased. He may not be angry with them anymore."
In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says to "love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you."
Should we love terrorists like Osama bin Laden? Yes! (And this is only possible with the love of Jesus!) The fact is, God loved Osama bin Laden. He loves everyone, no matter how disgusting their sin. And I believe that even at the last moment, had bin Laden sincerely repented and given his life to Jesus, He would have been saved. It is sad that another soul has been eternally separated from God, and that is certainly no reason to rejoice.
However, Osama bin Laden is no longer able to wreak havoc upon innocent men, women, and children all throughout the world. Is this a good thing? Yes! Is it ok to rejoice in that fact? Absolutely, if you ask me. Justice has been dealt, and the Bible says that God is a God of justice.
"The Lord loves justice and will not leave those who worship him. He will always protect them, but the children of the wicked will die." - Psalm 37:28
"Don't tell the wicked that they are innocent; people will curse you, and nations will hate you. But things will go well if you punish the guilty, and you will receive rich blessings." -Proverbs 24:24-25.
"When the wicked get control, everybody hides, but when they die, good people do well." - Proverbs 28:28
Osama bin Laden was responsible for the September 11 attack on America. After the attack, President George W. Bush said, "I don't know whether we're going to get him tomorrow, or a month from now, or a year from now...But we're going to get him."
It's our leaders' job to protect our nation and the innocent citizen within our borders. I believe we were right to track down bin Laden and other terrorists, and I am proud of the military for their cunning work over the weekend. God promises that He will deal justice. He claims that vengeance is His, and I believe that He can execute His justice and vengeance through human vessels, as in this case.
Isn't God a God of mercy, as well? Definitely. And I believe God did show mercy to bin Laden; it was ten years before he was caught.
Is this a sad day? Yes; an unsaved soul has been lost. Is this a happy day? Yes; an enemy and threat to innocent people all over the world has been defeated. While it may not be appropriate for Christians to jump for joy at the death of an enemy, I still believe it is acceptable for us to praise God for His justice, and give thanks for our courageous, diligent military.
As I said before, I don't claim to have all the answers, but this is what I believe, and I will continue to pray that God will give me His attitude towards this and every situation.

Give Me Liberty: A Little Common Sense, Please

2011-04-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

Published April 15, 2011 in the Gainesville Daily Register

In recent weeks, economic issues have been served hot off the Congressional fire and into the news. Democrats and Republicans have long battled over budget business, and now they have finally called a truce and made a decision. What does it all mean, and how will it affect the average citizen? I am certainly not an expert in economics, budgets, or deficits. (I’m only seventeen!) Nevertheless, it doesn’t take a genius to understand some basic facts. All it takes is a little common sense.

In 2008, America elected President Barak Obama because, among other reasons, they knew that the economy was in bad shape, and they grasped onto the “hope” he promised during his campaign. They believed him when he said in 2009 that he would cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term.
Let’s take a look at the numbers. In 2009, the national debt was 10.6 trillion. Today, it is 14.3 trillion. Four trillion dollars has been added to our national debt in less than four years.
It’s obvious that debt like this needs to be bridled, and for the last several weeks Congress has been debating about a budget plan. Many suggestions were set forth to stop federal funding for certain programs and organizations that are not necessary to America’s wellbeing, like National Public Radio and Planned Parenthood. But for what seemed like ages, no proposition could ever be agreed upon. Haggling back and forth, both parties recognized that if they didn’t decide on a budget, a government shutdown was inevitable.
To be honest, when I first heard the term “government shutdown,” I didn’t even know what that was. I learned that in the case of a shutdown, all government-sponsored programs would temporarily lose federal funding, except for those programs that are essential to the public safety, like the FBI or the military. However, when discussion of a shutdown arose, the President surprisingly claimed that the military would cease to be funded along with other programs. Many were adamant that this was unfair, considering that he refused to stop funding programs like Planned Parenthood and National Public Radio. Refusing pay to the military would also be dangerous for the morale of the service men and women, not to mention the safety of U.S. citizens. It may be inferred that the threat to stop paying the military led to the agreement on the finalized budget.
What does that agreement entail? The new budget allows for 38 billion dollars in budget cuts, which doesn’t even cover a full week of spending in Washington D.C.; the federal government spends 10 billion dollars daily. It has recently been discovered that most of the cuts had already been provided for in prior resolutions, so the actual amount of new cuts is far, far less than 38 billion! Considering that the national debt is 14.3 trillion dollars, this budget cut is like knocking one star from the solar system.
The deficit has now collided with the debt ceiling. Congress can either cut spending – really, seriously, tremendously cut it – or they can vote to raise the debt ceiling. Our President seems eager to raise the roof as soon as possible. According to his press secretary; “We believe that we should move quickly to raise the debt limit and we support a clean piece of legislation to do that.” Should they choose to raise the limit, how will that affect you?
First, let’s consider who will be footing this bill. Definitely not the government. The brunt of this blow will fall upon my generation and following generations. And how will that be paid? Through taxes!
Speaking of taxes, what happened to the tax cuts both parties have promised in recent elections? “How on earth could we afford to cut taxes at a time like this?” some might say. To be honest, cutting taxes would greatly help our economy, and it doesn’t take a PhD to figure that out.
We often hear about the poor being unfairly taxed and the rich not being taxed enough. Some would say that, especially in a crisis like this, taxes should be increased for the wealthy and cut for the poor. Reminiscent of Robin Hood as it may be, that doesn’t make sense. The top fifty percent of wage earners already pay more than ninety percent of the taxes – the bottom half pay less than ten percent.
In the event of an across-the-board tax cut, the rich, who own most of the businesses, would be able to hire more employees, thus lowering the unemployment rate. The economy – and the poor – would benefit.
Singling out the rich by increasing their taxes will lead to more job losses, more people without work, and less revenue circulating throughout the economy.
America, the alarm clock is sounding. It’s time to wake up and face the facts. Why is the President so unwilling to reduce federal funding for programs like Planned Parenthood, and yet ready to stop funding the military during a shutdown? Why is Congress even considering raising the debt ceiling when they’ve already promised us that they will work to reduce spending? Why do some try to increase taxes for the rich when it will only hurt the economy?
Working our way out of this bog will be hard enough; we don’t need to add more mud to the mire. If you and I embrace this common sense, maybe we can send some people to Washington with a little common sense of their own.

Give Me Liberty: Lessons from the Hardwood

2011-03-19T22:32:00.000-05:00

Published March 4, 2011

Basketball is my favorite sport. Throughout my middle and high school years, I’ve enjoyed playing on our home school team. When I joined the team seven years ago, I never imagined the enormous affect it would have on my life.
It all began when our home school group decided to organize a basketball team. I’ll never forget our very first practice; an unlikely assemblage of middle school-age boys and girls dribbled up and down a country drive-way, dodging farm cats, cracks in the pavement, and each other. From then on, we held weekly practices in a local elementary school gym. The girls on the team were fortunate enough to participate in games every Saturday at the Whitesboro Parks and Recreation Department, although the boys, who were lacking in numbers, would have to wait a few years before they formed a team of their own. As the years progressed, the “Red River Rattlers” gained structure, accumulating a schedule of games against local schools. However, it was hard to find teams willing to play a brand-new home school team that wasn’t very good.

In ninth grade, we underwent some big changes. We joined a basketball conference just for home school and private school teams, got a new coach, and discovered something – we could be good! That season, the Lady Rattlers felt what it was like to work as a team and win. Quicker than we could believe, we went from being the team that no one wanted to play to the team that everyone wanted to beat.

Through the last four years, we have realized that although we had potential, winning didn’t always come easily. We encountered many obstacles that left us humbled. Last year was especially tough, and we had to remind ourselves that hard work and team work were necessary ingredients to success. The reminder paid off. My Junior year ended like a dream as we fought our way through the state tournament, coming from behind in every game. Never giving up, we survived all the way to the championship game, and won! (We were the first home school team to ever win the championship in the Texas Christian Athletic League.)

Returning to the State Tournament this year, we wanted a repeat. Hoping to defend our title, we entered the semi-final game against our arch-rivals. As much as I’d like to say that we won, we didn’t. And with TCAL’s single elimination policy, we were out. Our season had ended. And for the seniors on the team, our high school career was suddenly over.

Though my last season of basketball has ended, the sport’s influence in my life has not. During the last seven years, I’ve learned lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve learned how to win. I’ve learned how to take a loss. I’ve been taught to challenge myself, and I’ve seen hard-earned improvements.

Our high school coach was full of practical wisdom, but there was one saying we heard more often than any: “No excuses. No explanations. Leave it on the court.” It took a few years for me to grasp what “leave it on the court” meant, but now I understand. It means to go into the game and play your very hardest for four quarters, so that when you step off the court, you can honestly say that you gave everything you had – you have nothing left. The score, he said, would take care of itself, and if we had truly given our all, the “W” or the “L” wouldn’t matter.

Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned, which really hit home this year, is that victory isn’t determined by the scoreboard. Victory is determined in the heart. Maybe we didn’t win our last game, but with everything that I have gained through being a Red River Lady Rattler, I am most definitely a champion.

I’ll never forget our first season, our state championship, our last game, or my amazing teammates. More importantly, I’ll never forget the truths I was taught in the gym. Those truths do not apply only to sports. In the game of life, you never know what will be thrown your way or what challenges you will face. You never know if you’re about to encounter a bitter defeat or a winning streak. But whether the scoreboard reflects a win or a loss, you can be victorious. No matter the obstacle, give it your all. Leave it on the court. Be a champion!

Consider the Differences

2011-02-04T12:02:00.000-06:00

This Sunday will mark the 100th birthday anniversary of America's fortieth President, Ronald Wilson Reagan. Interestingly, the recent talk of the town is how the Obama administration so closely resembles the Reagan administration. President Obama even claims to emulate his style.

And there are similarities to be found. Both entered the Oval Office at a time when recession assailed America.

Reagan was dubbed "The Great Communicator" for his ability to connect with and inspire the people. Obama has been accredited with the same capability.

However, the differences in the two men greatly outnumber the similarities.

Though both faced the daunting task of pulling America out of a recession, the recession of Reagan's day overwhelmed the circumstances significantly more. In November of 2008, the inflation rate was at 1.64%. In November of 1980, the inflation rate was at 12.65%! In the midst of nation-wide fiscal struggle, both Presidents were forced to take action. What did they do?
Reagan cut taxes.

Obama raised them.
While Obama encourages Americans with the promise that the government will make everything better, Reagan declared the opposite. "Government isn't the solution to our problem," he said. "Government is the problem."
Reagan has been accused of creating an anti-government mindset among the American people, convincing them that big government was bad. Now, those same people hopefully proclaim that Obama is getting Americans' heads back where they need to be. But Reagan wasn't the one who planted that mindset in the American brain. It was already there, from the very start. In 1787, the Constitution was formed to prevent the government from over-stepping its bounds. Yes, federal government definitely has a role to play in our nation. Without a strong central government, chaos would reign in the country. BUT - contrary to what Obama touts, strong government doesn't equal big government. And in the words of Reagan, "You can't be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy."
Reagan's strategies proved successful. Under his leadership, the economy began to flourish. Incentive sky-rocketed. And the economy continued to thrive for many years to come.
After two years of Reaganomics, inflation had decreased 8.94%. Two years into Obamanomics, the inflation rate is the same.

In 1980, America's military was weak. Our national defenses were shaky. The Cold War still had half the world walking on their tip-toes, afraid of Communism and the Soviet Union. Reagan put a stop to that. He wasn't afraid to call evil by its name. He believed in peace through strength. During his Presidency, the Cold War ended. The Iron Curtain fell. Many European countries were finally able to experience freedom from communism.
How do Obama's foreign policy tactics compare? Instead of speaking the truth and calling evil by its name, he refuses to call even our enemies enemies! Refraining from using the term "War on Terror," he refers to the current war as the "Overseas Contingency Operation." Instead of displaying strength on behalf of America, he has bowed to foreign kings, honored our rivals, supported our adversaries, and apologized for America to the whole world. Have his methods earned him or America any respect? Just consider the recent State Dinner with Chinese President Hu. The answer? No.

When Reagan encouraged the American people with his riveting speeches, he spoke of the true American dream. That dream was pure freedom - no fluffy additives.
Obama's version of the American dream is a recycled Utopian fantasy - the same fantasy that has led to socialism and communism in other countries.

Reagan revived American pride in the American people. His charisma was certainly a key factor in his instant popularity, but his beliefs are the wheels that keep his legacy turning. Obama may have winning style, but statistics already reveal that his popularity is dropping, and fast. Why? In the words of Ronald Reagan...

"Speech delivery counts for little on the world stage unless you have convictions, and, yes, the vision to see beyond the front row seats."

The Distortion of a Metaphor

2011-01-19T16:03:00.000-06:00

In a letter written in 1802, founding father and former President Thomas Jefferson generated a phrase that is now extremely controversial. What started out as a literary metaphor is now a misconstrued bamboozlement of the first amendment. Where does the phrase “Separation of Church and State” come from, what was its original meaning, and how has it been warped? The original intent of the First Amendment has been forgotten with more recent rulings, and while the Supreme Court demands their idea of religious liberty, our very own freedoms are being robbed.
In Europe, most national anarchies were intertwined with a state religion; law required that each citizen adhere to that religion or attend the State Church. The consequence of following one’s own conscience was often persecution. Meticulously attempting to avoid that problem in the United States, the founding fathers fabricated the First Amendment, which states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This means that America will never establish a State religion or church, never impose one belief upon the people, and that each citizen will be free to exercise their beliefs according to their own conscience. The term “Separation of Church and State” is not to be found in our Constitution.
The expression that is now so familiar to us was first birthed in a letter from Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists Association in 1802. He wrote, "...I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State." Nowhere in our founding documents or in Jefferson’s writings is there the slightest implication that God should be disregarded by the government.
However, in 1947, Justice Hugo Black changed that idea, spurring a new mindset regarding the First Amendment and Jefferson’s metaphor. In the Everson v. Board of Education ruling, Justice Black wrote, "In the words of Jefferson, the clause against establishment of religion by law was intended to erect 'a wall of separation between church and state.'" It is only in recent times that separation has come under attack by judges in the federal court system who oppose separation of church and state." Determined in his deluded understanding of Jefferson’s words, Justice Black ruled in the 1962 Engel v. Vitale case that authority-led prayer in the public school was unconstitutional and a breach of Jefferson’s wall.
That’s exactly where Justice Black went wrong. Since America was founded by godly men who held Christian principles, it is perfectly appropriate for civil authorities, from the President to the school teacher, to publically acknowledge God. In free exercises, such as praying at the start of a school day, the government is not forcing anyone to believe in Christianity or even participate in the acknowledgment of God. No State Church is established. No one’s rights are infringed. The First Amendment is upheld. The problem occurs when law disallows authorities from publically acknowledging God. At that point, they are “prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” It is then that the First Amendment is violated, and the “wall of separation” is breached.
In recent years, more religious freedoms have been threatened. Besides such Supreme Court rulings as excluding prayer in school and forbidding public displays of the Ten Commandments, the display of Christian symbols such as Nativity scenes and Christmas trees are sometimes banned from public property. Allegedly attempting to avoid offending minority religions, the law is often abusing the right of majority faiths. This leads to favoring one religion or set of religions over another. And instead of guarding against the austere enforcement of one religion upon the people, the courts are encouraging it. Whether they realize it or not, they’re establishing a State religion which they require everyone to adhere to. They are imposing Secular Humanism upon America.
“The Separation of Church and State” has become quite a paradox indeed. While endeavoring to uphold this mere figure of speech, the Supreme Court has violated its true intent. America cannot stand by and accept the loss of religious freedom, accept the contravention of the First Amendment, or accept the misinterpretation of our founding fathers’ words. Something must be done to restore their original meaning, and that begins with recognizing the distortion as it transpires.

Pause The Publicity - Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?

2010-11-25T13:29:00.000-06:00

Well folks, it’s that time of year again! Bustling with busy buyers, Wal-Mart swarms with those hunting out the ingredients to their famous Thanksgiving dinner. Aunts, uncles, and cousins gather at Grandma’s for the first of the holiday reunions. Festively bedecked with harvest colors, everything from the trees outside to our dining room tables sings of Fall. In the midst of all the holiday hubbub, does America remember the real reason for Turkey Day? While secular education all but prevails, the true meaning of Thanksgiving is often lost amid the fads of advertisers and those who would re-write history.

We know the Pilgrims had something to do with this holiday, right? Let’s remind ourselves where the story actually begins.
Because of their faith, the Pilgrims were compelled to flee to Holland to avoid the persecution in England. Having lived in Holland for twelve years, life remained a struggle, and their values were often infringed upon. Their faith in God once more prompted them to move – not only to search for a better, freer life, but to fulfill the Great Commission. “They cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or at least of making some way towards it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work.”* Prepared for a new set of challenges, the Pilgrims moved by faith yet again, this time to a land unknown and uncivilized.
Challenges came soon enough. They landed at Plymouth on December 15, 1620 after months of seasickness aboard the Mayflower. Just in time for the New World’s harsh winter, the Pilgrims scurried to build what frail shelters they could. Provisions were low. Bodies weakened. Severe conditions took their toll. “In two or three month’s time half of their company died, partly owing to the severity of the winter…partly to scurvy and other diseases.” A testament to their faith in God, the Pilgrims never succumbed to the weight of those hardships, and the few who remained unscathed by illness selflessly cared for their infirm friends. “…and all this they did willingly and cheerfully, without the least grudging, showing their love to the friends and brethren…”
Though half their number died that winter, prospects began to brighten with the arrival of spring. In 1621, the Pilgrims met a friend who would prove essential to their survival. Squanto taught them how to hunt, how to fish, and how to plant, among many other vital skills. Providentially, an abundant harvest followed a successful summer, and plentiful provisions promised security for the upcoming winter. Overflowing with gratitude, the Pilgrims hosted a celebration of thanksgiving. Invited to join the festivities, their Indian friends arrived ready to celebrate with more food and fun games. While the Pilgrims were thankful to their Indian friends for their all they had done, more than anything, they were thankful to their Heavenly Father. Without His guidance, protection, and Spirit, they never would have sailed to America, lasted the winter, or made friends with Squanto and the Indians. Many more hard times would follow for the Pilgrims, but in everything, they continued to give thanks to God. “And thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their ways, and to bless their outgoings and incomings, for which let His holy name have the praise forever, to all posterity.”
Many Americans have lost sight of the true spirit of “Turkey Day,” degrading it to nothing more than the celebration of a massive meal. Regrettably, the true story of the Pilgrims has been maimed. Much of the curriculum in our public school system states that the Pilgrims gave the feast in thanks to the Indians. Some even spread the outrageous lie that the Pilgrims were cruel to Squanto and his friends. However, it’s obvious from the words of the Pilgrims themselves that their devotion and gratitude was given to God alone. As you get wrapped up in the excitement of this festive holiday, don’t forget the true reason we pause once a year to give thanks.

* All quotes taken from William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation

What Is A Good Citizen?

2010-11-11T17:17:00.001-06:00

What is a good citizen? A common response to that question would be, “A good citizen is one who obeys the law and doesn’t cause trouble.” That may be part of what a good citizen is, but I believe it’s more than that. After all, we’re looking for the meaning of a good citizen, not a moderate one.
The dictionary describes good as being “worthy of respect or commendation,” “beneficial, honest, noble,” and “useful,” just to name a few definitions.
America wasn’t founded by moderate people on moderate principles. The road to freedom was a long, hard-fought struggle. It required faith, courage, and sacrifice to build America. Don’t you think it will take faith, courage, and sacrifice to preserve it?
Benjamin Franklin said in 1787, “[We have created] a republic, if you can keep it.” “Keeping” it will call for more than sitting apathetically on our own heap of blessings. “Keeping” it is part of being a good citizen.
Being willing to sacrifice your personal comforts and desires in freedom’s cause; that’s a good citizen.
Defending freedom today and correcting today’s problems so posterity won’t have to; that’s a good citizen.
Understanding how America was formed and why; that’s a good citizen.
Knowing and exercising your rights so the deaths that bought them won’t be in vain; that’s a good citizen.
Recognizing the sacrifice our military makes and giving them the respect they deserve; that’s a good citizen.
The list could go on and on, but the most vital thing to remember is that being a good citizen means loving your country, and love is a verb.

Let's Vote!

2010-10-29T17:18:00.002-05:00

Four short days remain between now and November 2. Election day is fast approaching - are you ready to vote?
Some say that our most important right as citizens is the right to vote. Instead of America being tied to the fate of one royal family or ruled by a cruel tyrant, we have the opportunity to choose our own leaders. Do we realize what a blessing that is? Don't let your right go to waste! Vote on Tuesday. It can make a difference.
However, in order to make a difference for the better, you must be an intelligent voter. Voting for a candidate just because they grab your attention or say something attractive could be a dangerous mistake. (Look where we are today!) Making sure you're voting for the right person is just as important as the decision to vote.
At our Teen TEA Party in February 2010, my friend Victoria Blessing gave a presentation called "Six Simple Steps of Being an Intelligent Voter." These steps are a great review for everyone -- whether you're a new voter or are well acquainted with the ballot.

•Standards
Set standards and know your values. Make a list of what you believe and what you stand for. Know what your stance is and where you stand on relevant issues.

•Understand
Know the democratic system. Know your constitutional rights. Know what you can and cannot do. Understand the government of which you are an integral part.

•Research
Research the election and the important issues at hand. Research the candidates running, including their voting record, what the candidates have said in the past and know their values and morals. Use websites like RocktheVote.com and votesmart.org for information.

•Compare
Get a list of standards and compare the candidates with your research. Compare which candidates have similar values to you and care about issues that are important to you.

•Choose
Choose a candidate who will uphold the values you stand for and who you feel will make the right decisions. A vital part of this step is prayer.

•Vote
This is the easy step. After following the previous five steps, you should be able to vote confidently. Don't think your vote is just one in a million and that it doesn't matter; every vote is as important as the individual behind it.

“Everyone 16 and older is eligible to vote in the next Presidential election. Start with the first five steps today. Let’s get started today, let’s become a generation of intelligent voters.” -- Victoria Blessing, February 10, 2010

Another AMAZING website is ontheissues.org. If you want to know how a candidate truly believes, look at their voting record. Ontheissues.org has every political leader's voting record on every issue.
The decisions made this Tuesday could determine whether America will soon be on the road to recovery, or whether we will lose more ground. I'm hoping to embark on the road to recovery.

Let's vote!

Apology

2010-10-22T16:22:00.001-05:00

I need to apologize. A few months ago I started using Google Adsense on my blog. I went a while without regularly checking my blog, and recently, when I have checked, I have been horrified to see some really offensive ads. I attempted to contact Google Adsense and filter the ads that appeared here, but the offensive images kept popping up. So, I have deleted all ads!
I am extremely sorry if you ever saw an offensive ad on Freedom to Speak! I want my website to be family-friendly and reflective of my relationship with Christ. Again, I'm really sorry for any bad ads.
But don't worry. They won't be back.

College Bound

2010-10-21T14:49:00.000-05:00

I always knew this time would come, but I never anticipated it to arrive so soon.
Children often can't wait to grow up. They pine for their teenage years. Being cool. Nearly grown. Drivers License. Teens long for adulthood. College. Career. Independence! And adults are often caught wishing for their childhood. Funny how life works, isn't it?
I must be honest here - I don't fit the average mold. As a young kid, I generally liked being a young kid. Sure, there were times I looked forward to the future, but I was mainly concerned with building forts, flying my imaginary dragon, and saving the world. As a teen, I began to become wary of Time. I knew Time was out to get me. Time is like a wily fox; he draws himself out at peculiar times, pretending to amble ever so slowly. Convinced of his lethargy, you let down your guard. Then, in the blink of an eye, you look back and he has caught up with you. Before you know it, he gets ahead of you, and you're trying to catch up with him! I began to comprehend this as an adolescent, and so I guarded against it as carefully as I could. I even - prepare for a shock - put off getting my driver's permit. And though I have proudly held my permit for nearly a year now...I still don't have my license. (Admitting that kind of stings.)
I've spent a lot of time doing what many adults do - wishing to regain my childhood - before I've even spent it! It sounds rather silly now. But when childhood is all you've ever known, and when you understand that once it's gone, you can't recapture it, it is easy to be somewhat apprehensive of the future. I do not mean that I fear the future. I'm just a little loathe to let go.
Well, Time pulled his age-old stunt once again, for here I sit, a high school senior, applying to college. We're expecting a tornado in our home this week - a mayhem of applications essays, transcripts, etc., etc. But in the midst of this storm, I am happy.
Choosing the right college is crucial. Where one spends the next four or more years of their life is not a decision to be taken lightly, for college can make or break you. I don't necessarily mean academically, but spiritually, as well.
That is why I prayed so earnestly about where God wanted me to attend. My heart is full of dreams that God has given me, and since college is often the key that unlocks many dreams, I didn't want to go just anywhere.
While in Guatemala last summer, I asked God to reveal to me where I should attend college. He answered my prayer, and Patrick Henry College is what He said.
Last week we visited Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Virginia. PHC has been my favorite college for a long time. It has been my parents' favorite for an even longer time. Academically, Patrick Henry College ranks among the highest colleges in the nation. Their core curriculum consists of 63 credits. They place a great emphasis on Constitutional freedom and political involvement. They are also ideally placed only an hour away from Washington D.C. But far, far greater than all of this, Christ is at the center of everything at Patrick Henry College. The Christian community is close. The environment is uplifting and encouraging, where iron learns to sharpen iron.
In fact, you should check it out. PHC.edu
And so, I am scrambling to get everything ready to send off; scrambling to finish all my high school preparations, so that when I do leave for college next year, hopefully to PHC, I'll be ready.
Now I find myself looking forward to college with immense excitement. Maybe I'm even looking forward to college more than I've ever looked forward to anything. However, I have to be careful. For so many years I have wanted to put the future off. Now I'm ready for it to arrive. Somewhere in between, I must learn to live in the moment. That doesn't exclude cherishing the past or preparing for the future. It simply means finding joy where I am. Right now. This moment. There is joy. Thankfully, God is teaching me this lesson, and I think I'm beginning to grasp it.

Give Me Liberty: All Life Is Precious

2010-10-21T13:01:00.001-05:00

This, my eighth column, was published in the Gainesville Daily Register on October 1, 2010.

Think of the last baby you saw. Its skin was soft and soothing; the bright eyes curiously examined you. You were delighted at the contagious grin and toothless babble.
Now think of your grandmother. Her eyes are keen and wise. Her smile is contagious too – but it’s not the wide-eyed, inquisitive smile of the baby. The never-ending twinkle of a smile that plays on Grandma’s face seems to say, “I know something you don’t.” Years of life experience lie beneath the generous, wise, cookie-baking surface.
Grandma knows exactly how to make you feel better. She knows what snack will cheer you up. She has troves of advice. Isn’t it hard to picture Grandma as anything but what she is now?
Here’s the fact that we all know but rarely acknowledge. Grandma was once a baby. Baby will someday be a grandparent.
Baby may not only be a grandparent. Perhaps Baby will become a famous singer, a politician, a renowned doctor – Baby could even discover the cure for cancer. When you look at the adorable bundle of fresh new life, it’s hard to imagine that bundle as anything else. But the baby will grow, and will become someone important. The possibilities at the beginning of a new life are endless!
On the opposite end of the spectrum, there is the end of life. It’s not so pleasant to think about, but it happens. We know this. However, if passing is painful, the passing of a young life is even more so. Why were their lives taken? They had so much to offer. Their journey had barely begun. They could have become a star – a hero. The possibilities for their life were innumerable. And now they are gone.
In the face of tragedies like these, we cling to the few memories they did leave us. Perhaps if they had lived longer they could have accomplished more, but their short lives brought us joy all the same. We remember the innocence of their babyhood, and their young, smiling eyes. We cherish the curious thoughts, the big dreams, and the open heart they possessed. Even though their lives were brief, they lived nonetheless. And we loved them.
Can there be anything more tragic than a young child’s last breath? It doesn’t seem like there could be. But I believe there is.
What if there is a life that is yet unseen, but undeniably present? This life has all the potential the newborn or the child had. The possibilities, the choices, and the paths that lay before this infant life are as endless as the sky! This new life has not yet had a chance to take in the world with its round, curious eyes. This life has never known what it is like to giggle or babble. The soft, delicate skin has never even been caressed. And then, suddenly, this life is over. Ended. Stopped. Not because of nature – not because its time had come. Its time had never even begun. It was because of a choice; another person chose that this life should never be given a chance. Yes, the life was at its newest, freshest, most infant level, but it was a life.
To snuff out a life before it is even given a chance sounds horrendous. But over four thousand lives just like these are ended every single day in America. These are four thousand lives that could have become people like you and me. They could have become the next great artist or the next President. They could have become Grandma. And all because of one decision, they and all their opportunities are thrown out, and they didn’t even have a chance to defend themselves.
We all agree that death is painful. But the purposeful, untimely death of thousands of new lives every day is even worse. The next time you are confronted with this difficult question of right and wrong, think of the last baby you saw. Think of its soothing skin, its curious eyes, its toothless smile. Think of all it could become. Think of your grandma.

Give me Liberty: Defend the Constitution

2010-09-02T17:42:00.001-05:00

This was published in the Gainesville Daily Register on Sunday, August 8, 2010.

After declaring independence from Great Britain, our forefathers set down the Articles of Confederation as a foundation for free government. But eleven years later, it wasn’t working. Young America was on the verge of collapsing, the thirteen states anything but united.
“Something must be done,” said George Washington, “or the fabric must fall, for it is certainly tottering.”
A convention was called in May of 1787 to solve the problem. Through the long, sweltering summer, delegates from each state struggled with each other and themselves to discover a way to rescue the drowning republic. Finally, perhaps due to divine inspiration, our founding fathers produced an ingenious document – our Constitution.
Our Constitution is the oldest operating document of its kind in the world. It has been called the greatest political document in history. But it’s much more than a historical document. It is a definition of our freedom and a guard against anything that would threaten our way of life.
The Constitution defines our freedoms in this way.
We are not ruled by any aristocracy or royalty. We elect our own leaders. We can speak our opinions publicly. We can gather in public to protest. We have the choice of who we will worship, and if we will worship. We have the opportunity to work hard and make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. We will not be hindered by social ranks, racial inferiority, or tyranny. We are guaranteed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
However, we are not guaranteed wealth, prosperity, or happiness itself. We recognize the equality of each person in the sight of God, but not every person is guaranteed equal status.
Some people will have to overcome poverty. Some will have to fight even harder to succeed and reach their dreams. No life is perfect. But every life is free.
It is crucial that we understand the freedom our Constitution lays out for us, so we can recognize actions that might threaten our way of life. Defending our Constitution is a serious deal. The President and Congress are required to take an oath to defend it. We the people have the power to choose our own leaders and live our lives the way we please. Having that power, we should be aware of the foundations laid in our Constitution, so that we can defend it as well.
In defending the Constitution, we must realize that it is not a “living, breathing document,” contrary to what some may say. Perhaps that sounds pleasant, but something that is alive can be changed. To change our Constitution is to expose our freedoms to the threat of tyranny. Remember, the Constitution is the oldest operating document of its kind. Other nations have modeled their constitutions after ours. It has worked in preserving freedom in America for these two hundred and twenty-one years; why would we change it now?
In defending the Constitution, we must also ask ourselves questions like this.
Will handouts, like government healthcare or welfare, really produce freedom? These things may not seem dangerous at first, but to accept favors from the government is to be beholden to the government, and that produces bondage, not freedom.
Will granting amnesty to illegal immigrants produce freedom? It may seem like a nice gesture, but in the end, it will produce confusion and dissention among all residents, not freedom.
“In God We Trust” is the national motto; not “in Government We Trust.” Should we ever forget that, our nation will “totter” as it did in 1787. And then it will be our turn to say, “Something must be done.”
Will you defend your Constitution?

Give Me Liberty: The Home of the Brave

2010-07-20T13:05:00.002-05:00

This column was published on June 25.

With Flag Day still in our rear view mirror, and Independence Day just around the bend, today is the perfect time to contemplate our wonderful nation.
Let’s start by considering the last line of the Star Spangled Banner; “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
I love that line. Pride swells as our voices soar on the final triumphant note. It’s so gallant – so inspiring. What a privilege to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave!
But have you ever paused to really think about that line? It seems pretty straight forward. But what if “land” and “home” mean two different things? What if the “Free” and the “Brave” are two different kinds of people?
The Brave are the people who have fought for America. They have made sacrifices. They have defended freedom regardless of the cost.
Thanks to the Brave, the rest of us are Free! We enjoy freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, and more. We are free to invent, to grow, and to learn. Thanks to the Brave, we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
But sadly, we often forget the high price of freedom, and we end up taking ours for granted. How many times do we, the Free, actually stop to think about the Brave souls who have defended our way of life?
By the Brave, I do not mean only the men and women in uniform, who risk life and limb on foreign soil in America’s defense. Most assuredly, they are brave. But the Brave also include many others, like the pioneers who cut paths through uncharted wilderness, and by the sweat of their brow, began to build a nation. The Brave are the mothers who did not give up hope during times of hardship. The Brave are the children who missed their fathers when they were called to serve.
Yes, the Brave are people like my maternal great grandfather, Philip Hale, who flew secret missions during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. But the Brave are also people like my paternal great grandfather, Ernest Martin, who worked multiple jobs to sustain a wife and eleven children during the Great Depression.
What about the difference between “land” and “home?” Well, anyone can live in a land, but unless your heart resides there as well, it’s just another place. However, a home is something much more. Where you were raised is just part of it. It’s how you were raised – what you believe. That’s where you heart is. That’s your home. Doesn’t it make sense that for America to continue to be the land of the Free, it must continue to be the home of the Brave?
When we sing the National Anthem, those final lyrics should mean something more than just a gallant sentiment. Even though the Brave of the past were heroes, they were no different than us. They had their share of fear, but they didn’t let it overcome their beliefs.
Someday, it will be our turn to be Brave. We may not be called to go to war or face untamed lands, but eventually, each one of us is called to stand up for what we believe in.
I pray that we continue the tradition of strong conviction and bravery in America. We have come too far as a nation to lose our freedom now. Remember, as soon as America ceases to be the home of the Brave, it will cease to be the land of the Free.

Call 2 Fall

2010-07-03T14:08:00.000-05:00

Last year the movement Call 2 Fall took place for the first time. Tomorrow, on July 4, it will happen again.
The movement is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14: "Then if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek me and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land."
Every single day our nation is sliding farther and farther away from what it was meant to be - not only by our founders, but by God. And no matter what policies or politicians are put into place, the only way America will be right again is if we return to our Creator, who has endowed us with the blessing of freedom.
Over 450,100 people and churches have committed to spend at least 3-5 minutes on their knees on behalf of our nation tomorrow. Will you join them?
To officially join the movement and learn more, please click here: call2fall.com
It is so encouraging to see how many people are committing to pray for America tomorrow But guess what? We must pray for America every day.
Tomorrow we celebrate our Independence. But the only way we will retain that Independence is if we recognize our dependence on God.

Give Me Liberty: Column 1

2010-07-01T19:18:00.001-05:00

Oh dear! It looks like another month has slipped by, and once again, I haven't been on top of things - not around here anyway.
But I do have some exciting news. Recently I've been able to contribute some articles to my local newspaper, the Gainesville Daily Register.
From time to time I will post my newspaper columns here on Freedom to Speak. The title of my column in the Register is "Give Me Liberty", so whenever you see that in the blog title, you'll know it's another column from the paper.
My first article was published June 11. Here it is. Enjoy!

“Liberty!” my mother called. Calling goodbye over my shoulder, I scurried through trees that had become the bases in the neighbors’ baseball diamond. Along the way I spotted a toad eyeing me through the short blades of freshly mowed grass. Gently I scooped him up and stroked the soft, white belly before letting him escape into the flower bed.

“Wash your feet,” Mom said as I scampered through the door, my toes shod with a play day’s worth of earth. I scrubbed my feet quickly as I could, slid into my seat at the table, and drank in the aroma of the homemade hamburgers that awaited my growling stomach.
As a ten year old, there is nothing more thrilling than the beginning of summer break. It feels as if you’ve got a lifetime of freedom ahead of you. Your whole world becomes wrapped up in swimming, snow cones, sleeping in, and playing in the dark. When the school bell does finally ring again, you’ve nearly forgotten the old routine completely.
As a very little girl, I remember anticipating summer break with a foggy recollection. It had been so long since the last summer, I couldn’t remember exactly how things worked.
“Does Daddy get off work for the summer? Is Sunday School out for the summer?”
I miss my early childhood. I miss the days of backyard baseball, toad hunting, mud fights; when today is your whole life; right now is all you’ve ever known.
As a sixteen-year-old preparing to embark on my senior year of high school, summer has quite a different look.
Instead of a long, indefinite stretch of sunshine ahead of me, there is a short road. The end is clearly in sight, and the stop sign is fast approaching.
Rather than weeks and weeks of nothingness to fill up, nearly every block of the calendar is full, and I’m setting up armed guards around the few days that remain empty.
One good thing about the return of the school year is the joyous reunion between friends who have been separated all summer. Well, right now I’m still trying to recover from many of my friends’ high school graduations, and reconcile myself to the fact that when fall comes, we won’t be reunited, but separated as they pack up and head to college.
Oh, and that part about no school? Nice fantasy. There is ever so much studying to do before fall gets here, with all its SATs, ACTs, and college applications!
Are the carefree days of childhood summer lost forever? With another year of high school, four years of college, and my whole life ahead of me, I can’t see how life will ever return to the way it was when I was ten.
Well, it can’t. Yesterday is gone. It was fun while it lasted, but today is today.
However, just because yesterday is gone, yesterday’s lifestyle doesn’t have to be.
When I was a young kid with all of summer break ahead of me, I didn’t worry about the next school year, what my grades would be, and whether or not I would pass my first test. I woke up every morning enthusiastic and exhilarated, anxious to see what adventures the day would hold.
By now, I’ve learned a little more about preparation. I can’t ignore the fact that I will have to take tests and start applying to colleges in a few months, which calls for a good amount of studying throughout the summer. But I can embrace every task with the fresh outlook of my ten-year-old self. Instead of facing my summer duties with dread and chagrin, I’ll tackle each one as an adventure to overcome!
I like to pray that as I grow, I’ll gain the wisdom that comes with my years, but retain the innocence that I held as a child – including the rapture found in every single day, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
Whether you’re a lucky duck with a blank calendar ahead of you, or a busy bee like me with so much to do your head won’t stop spinning, remember what it was like to be a kid who found delight in living each moment to the fullest. Prepare for the future, but remember to stop and embrace each adventure as it comes.

For My Brothers and Sisters

2010-06-06T16:36:00.001-05:00

Last summer I participated on an amazing trip to Guatemala. (To read about it, visit all posts labeled Guatemala 09.)
Susie Magazine is returning to the exact same place this summer for another Never the Same experience! I prayed and prayed about going back. But right now, it's just not what God has planned for me. He made His answer clear that I wasn't supposed to go back this time, and I am at peace with that decision.
However, I do have loads and loads of friends from last year that are returning! And they leave for Miami in 22 short days! (Long days, to them, no doubt!)
These friends that are returning have a tremendously special place in my heart. In fact, they're more like brothers and sisters to me. True, they are spread all over the U.S.A. True, we only spent two weeks together. But truer still, we are bonded in Christ for eternity. Even though we were only together for a short amount of time, and despite the fact that I don't keep up with all of them as well as I'd like, the kinship I feel with them is different than even my friendships here at home.
When we came together and met, we didn't meet as individual teens, busy with our own life, coincidentally sharing the same faith. We united with the same purpose, under the same banner. We met as brothers and sisters in Christ.
On behalf of my brothers and sisters who are returning to Guatemala, I ask you to pray for this mission trip. Pray for them as you would pray for me, were I embarking on a like adventure.
The nation of Guatemala desperately needs all of our prayers at this time. About one week ago, a volcano erupted in the heart of Guatemala. Guatemala City and many of the places that Susie Mag is scheduled to go and minister were greatly affected. Severe tropical storms assaulted Guatemala for days, resulting in flooding, mudslides, injuries, death, and even a huge sink hole. Many of my friends have sponsored children in these areas.
I don't know how many times I have said, "I know God will do big things on this mission trip." Well, I didn't understand exactly how big. I still don't. But with all these natural disasters taking place in the same location that this mission trip is going to take place, one can only begin to imagine in what ways God will use the hundreds of teens who have volunteered two weeks of their summer to His service!
Last summer God did some BIG things. There were over 3,000 salvations, many miraculous healings, and even an opportunity to pray with the First Lady of Guatemala herself! Could God be planning something even BIGGER than all of that for this summer?
Even though I'm not going to Guatemala this year, I am very excited to see what God will do. I have been praying for my brothers and sisters as they prepare for a life changing experience. I will continue to pray for them during the trip, June 28-July 11. Would you please pray for them as well?
All my love to those returning to Guatemala! You will NEVER BE THE SAME!
To keep up with the mission trip, visit my friend Aubrey's blog, Never the Same 2010.

Holding High the Torch

2010-06-01T11:48:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Summer was officially ushered in by Memorial Day! Every year we enjoy kicking off summer break with swimming, cooking out, and dressing in red, white, and blue!
My family gathered with some friends for a traditional celebration: hamburgers, hot dogs, cupcakes, homemade ice cream, and lots of games.
What did you do for Memorial Day?
Memorial Day has become symbolic of the beginning of summer. But it means much more than that. In the midst of the summer fun and celebration, how many of us truly stop to ponder the true reason for this holiday?
Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember all those brave men and women who have fought for our freedom, and died. They deserve our attention and reminiscence, even if it's a day late.

In Flanders Fields
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

From the Patriots who fought to create a nation over two hundred years ago, to the soldiers who fight to preserve our nation today, millions of brave souls have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can continue to live in a free country.
These American heroes understand what freedom costs. They have witnessed life void of freedom. They have battled enemies that would rob us of our liberty, and they understand that the U.S.A. is a precious gift worth dying for.
It is because of these men and women that many Americans are oblivious to the tyranny that reigns in the rest of the world. Sometimes our troops are even ridiculed and persecuted! But they have fought - and are fighting - so that those people can continue to live in oblivion. They are defending the rights of each and every one of us to hold our own opinion.
War is an ugly, horrible business. No one wants to go to war. But our heroes have made a sacrifice. They have sacrificed time with their families. They've sacrificed a comfortable life. They have sacrificed their old way of life - for no one can go to war and return the same person. Many have sacrificed their very lives, and many more will.
But the battle doesn't end there. As it says in the poem above, they have thrown the torch to us. Our heroes have done their part. They've fought the enemy, and have died fighting. Now it's time for us to do our part. While we may not go overseas to defend our freedom, it is our responsibility to defend it right here at home.
That is one reason why I am so passionate about politics. Throughout all of our history, millions of people have died to preserve the freedom I enjoy! And there are thousands more defending it right now. Even if all I do is help organize TEA Parties and exercise my freedom to speak, I'll be helping to bear the torch that our fallen soldiers have carried so far.
What a shame it would be for all the millions of lives that have been lost in the cause of freedom to go to waste, because we, here at home, refuse to catch the torch. How awful it would be for us to lose our freedom from the inside, while our troops die for freedom all over the world.
I can't imagine what it means to fight in a war. I can't comprehend what it would be like to die for freedom. But I can understand what it means to be grateful, to remember, and to carry the torch. And I will.

And I'm proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
Next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

Discipline

2010-05-24T12:01:00.018-05:00

Discipline.
What comes to your mind when you hear that word?
Punishment? Restraint? Authority?
Well, if that's what discipline means, then what does self-discipline mean? Who really wants to restrain themselves, or self-inflict punishment? On the flip side, being one's own authority sounds mighty nice. Many people like the sound of that so much, they choose to live in a world in which they are their own master. No one tells them what to do. I make my own rules, they say.
Is that what self-discipline really is?
If I truly made all my own rules, I wonder if I would be strong enough to follow them. Making your own rules is easy. Perhaps. But is keeping your own rules any easier than keeping the rules of another?
I like order. Schedules make my world go around. So, in the hypothetical event that there was no higher authority in my life, I think I would still make my own set of rules follow some sort of structure.
I'd wake up at 7:00 everyday. I'd work out for an hour. I'd eat a healthy breakfast. I'd get right to my schoolwork and have it all done by noon! I'd eat a light lunch. During the afternoon I'd work on various projects. I'd then spend the rest of the day reading, writing, or doing whatever pleased my fancy, finishing the day with a nice meal and a tad of dessert.
But, in reality, human that I am, I'd hit snooze...five times. Then I would check facebook - just real quick! Thirty minutes later, I'd notice a cramp in my leg. So, "unfortunately," I'd put off exercising until tomorrow. I'd begin to work on school, but get tired of it, and take a break. By mid-afternoon, I would realize that I hadn't accomplished anything except for five algebra problems and six chapters in my favorite novel. Since the day had gone so askew anyway, I'd probably plant myself in front of the TV and chuckle at dumb jokes and crude humor until I dragged myself to bed at 10:00 or 11:00. Oh, and I wouldn't have stopped at a healthy breakfast, a light lunch, or a tad of dessert, either....
You see, even though I like structure, I still lean toward the lazy side. (I hate admitting that.) It's hard to pull myself out of bed, open the books, and study till my brain hurts. I don't always like working out or eating healthy. The piano bench doesn't look so inviting when I'd rather apply my fingers to the computer keyboard than the piano keys. Can you identify?
The apostle Paul seemed to understand our struggles. In Galatians 5:17, he writes:
"Our sinful selves want what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against our sinful selves. The two are against each other, so you cannot do just what you please."
So, what makes me rise out of bed early every morning? What makes me do my least favorite school subjects? What makes me sit here and rack my brain until I think of a blog-worthy article?
Well, for one, I have parents. But even they don't have complete control over me. There is a higher authority to which I am held accountable, and that is Jesus Christ. I know He created me. I know He loves me. I know that one day, I'll see Him face to face! This is the Bible verse that motivates me now:
"In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people." Colossians 3:23
But even Jesus doesn't demand that I give Him complete control of my life. He gave me the choice to serve Him. And each day, I am faced with more choices. But I choose to let Him control me. And that is more motivating than any earthly reward.
Something holds all of us accountable. You may think you're living for yourself. But we're not energizer bunnies. Something pulls us every day to get out of bed and get on with life. Is it your job? Your family? Your own desires?
All these things can hold us accountable for a little while. But in truth, people will disappoint us. We will disappoint ourselves! Sure, there's the temporary reward we get after going to work, exercising, or being kind to a neighbor. But at the end of life, is even that a suitable reward for all the discipline we subjected ourselves to?
Because I follow Jesus, my life will no longer be a mundane cycle of activities day after day. By living for Jesus, my life truly comes alive. Every day is new and exciting, and I have a purpose. That is a reward worth living for!
Discipline is necessary for an orderly life, and ultimately, an orderly world. But when there is no authority - no purpose - discipline is practically impossible. Some authorities and purposes are better and offer longer-lasting rewards than others. But only One authority offers a reward that is eternal. I've found Him. Have you?
My life, and my schedule, are still far from perfect. There are days where I hit snooze...five times. There are days when I don't get everything accomplished except for five algebra problems and six chapters in my favorite novel. But I'm working on it - not for me - but for Jesus. And the best part is, I don't have to depend completely on my own will-power (of which there is a constant shortage), because He helps me.

This book, Do Hard Things, contains some awesome insights concerning discipline. It was written for teenagers by Alex and Brett Harris, who were teens themselves when they wrote it.
The world expects little out of teens - little other than getting through high school and getting into trouble. But the Harris brothers have a different opinion of teens' potential and their purpose.
If you're ready for an inspiring read and a good challenge, I suggest you get this book! Also visit the website, dohardthings.com.

What Does God Value?

2010-05-11T15:23:00.004-05:00

On Sunday my pastor shared some ideas that hit my conscience pretty hard. After mulling over them the last two days, I thought I'd share them with you.
What things do you value the most? Let's take a look at what many people in our culture generally deem significant.
Houses. We live in these! We want our home to be nice and attractive.
Cars. Who doesn't want a nice, comfortable vehicle? I do.
Careers. We want enough money to live comfortably - if not luxuriously.
Friendships. Many times we look to our friends for approval, self-worth, and fulfilment.
These are things that some say make up the "American dream." Nice home, cool car, good job, lots of friends. Is there anything wrong with putting value on these things? Well, God tends to look at things differently than we do. A lot differently. Let's look at these things from God's perspective.

God won't ever ask you what kind of car you drove.
He'll ask you how many you drove who needed a ride.

God won't ask what the square footage of your house was.
He'll ask how many you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask how large of a salary you earned.
He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.

God won't ask what your job title was.
He'll ask if you carried out your job to the best of your ability.

God won't ask what brand of clothing you wore.
He'll ask how many you clothed.

God won't ask how many friends you had.
He'll ask how many people you befriended when they needed it.

God won't ask what neighborhood you lived in.
He will ask how you treated your neighbors.

Humans tend to value material things. God values our souls. He desires a relationship with me, you, and everyone! That's why He cares more about how many we welcome into our home than how nice our home is. Will we witness to more people by owning a large house, or by offering a place for needy people to stay?
However, we must remember that doing all these good things isn't enough to save us. If our good deeds aren't a result of a relationship with Jesus, they're nothing more than empty actions. God wants our hearts more than anything. After we've given our hearts to Him, we can use the things He has blessed us with to tell others the Good News!

It seems like I can never escape the material preferences of my human heart. So this week, I'm going to be asking God to give me His heart, so I can think like Him, live like Him, and value what He values.

Aliens in America

2010-05-03T17:26:00.003-05:00

Immigrant: a person who migrates to another country, usually for permanent residence.

Alien: Any person who is not a citizen of the country in which he or she lives.

The USA has more freedom, more riches, more opportunities than any other place on earth. No wonder so many people from around the world want to migrate to America to start a new life. And guess what? We encourage that!
If it wasn't for immigration, none of us would be living here today. Perhaps America has the most diverse ancestry of any one nation, because people have come from all over the world to make us the nation we are. I have Scottish, Jewish, English, Cherokee, and probably more mixed into my family tree! The Scots, the Jews, the Brits, and even the Cherokees migrated here at one time or another. My family history is a story of migration.
But as a nation forms, laws are set in place for the citizens to abide by. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve sinned. Therefore, we're not perfect, and so we need laws that tell us how to conduct ourselves. We need the enforcement of those laws to maintain order and harmony.
It makes sense that when one from another country wishes to become an American citizen, they should have to learn about our laws. In fact, there are a set of laws for immigrants. They include learning our language, learning our history, learning our traffic laws, etc.
These laws are very reasonable. They are for the good of the country, and for the good of the immigrant.
But, there are those who try to sneak into America illegally. They're called aliens. In the past, the federal government would remove the illegal aliens from the country. We made it clear; you're welcome to come to America, as long as you follow our rules. It's completely fair.
But over the last several years, illegal immigration has become more and more of a problem, because it's being addressed less and less often. For a long time politicians have brushed it aside as being less important than other issues at hand.
But illegal immigration is a very crucial issue. The border states have known this for a long time.
When we stop dealing with the illegal aliens and start tolerating them, a multitude of problems arise, disrupting the harmony and the order that the laws were created to avoid. Many illegal aliens are taking advantage of our schools, our welfare, our health care, and more, but they're not even paying any taxes!
Many have received illegal drivers licences. Because they don't know our traffic laws and most of them don't know English, they are very prone to getting involved in a collision. But they don't have insurance, so the other party is responsible to pay.
Living in Texas - a border state - I know that illegal immigration is a growing problem. I have seen the difference that has taken place in our state in just ten years because of illegal aliens. More and more signs (traffic signs, store signs, etc.) and even legal forms are being duplicated in Spanish. In many schools, a teacher cannot be hired unless he or she can speak Spanish - even if they are not as highly qualified as someone else - because there are so many children who don't know English. And who pays for all those things? Us; citizens; tax-payers.
Now, let me be clear on this. I definitely do not have a problem with being bi-lingual. In fact, I wish more Americans were. I am studying Spanish now, and hope to be fluent someday. There are some schools that teach a second language to their students for the very purpose of raising bi-lingual children. I do not mind that. What I have a problem with is that immigrants are not learning English when they come, nor are they teaching their children. So public schools have to make up for it by teaching them in their own language.
Many border states have had more dangerous problems than these. There have even been documented murders along the border, committed by illegal aliens. Not every alien is dangerous. But American citizens who live along the border should feel secure from illegal aliens.
Individual states are beginning to tighten up security on their borders, since the federal government isn't doing anything about it. Arizona was the first.
Arizona recently passed a law that allows state officials to question anyone who is suspicious and request to see their proof of citizenship. I don't see anything wrong with this law. Arizona is taking the necessary measures to protect their own citizens.
This law has caused quite an uproar. People are protesting the law, saying that it is racist and unfair. It's neither of those things.
President Obama has had a lot to say against Arizona's decision.
"...Now suddenly if you don't have your papers and you took your kid out to get ice cream, you can be harassed, that's something that could potentially happen," he says.
This is an unrealistic possibility. The state officials aren't going to be harassing people - especially someone taking their "kid out to get ice cream."
Something else the President wants to do is to grant amnesty to all aliens already here. That is unfair! What about all the immigrants who worked hard to become citizens the right way? What kind of message will that send to other nations about America's standards? Though the federal government has denied it, terrorists have taken advantage of our lack of security and law enforcement along the borders. What stops them from continuing to do so?
It seems like President Obama is more concerned about the rights of these aliens than the rights of his own countrymen. Why? Perhaps it has something to do with the upcoming elections. If an illegal alien is rewarded for committing a crime, who do you think he'll vote for in the next election? The one who rewarded him.
Illegal immigration is a preventable problem, and it must be stopped. It will effect all of us in the end. Aliens are filtering into our society more and more, with out becoming a part of our society. If they are hired illegally, their money isn't circulating in our economy. Most of them send their money back to their home country. Even if they don't, they're not paying taxes. We are paying for their school, their welfare, their health care, and more. We're paying them to take advantage of our country! All of this will lead to the decline of our society. And no one will profit from that - citizen or alien.
I must make this point once again. This has nothing to do with racism. My brother-in-law is black. My nieces and nephews are bi-racial. I have Hispanic friends, African friends, even Japanese friends. I don't care where a person is from or what nationality they are. And if they want to come to America through the legal procedure, I think that's wonderful. But I do not want a bunch of foreigners living in my country that don't really respect my country, or our laws. And anyone who takes advantage of a nation can't truly respect that nation.
This is my bottom line. We should encourage people from other countries to come to America and take part in the freedom we are blessed with. But immigrants should enter America through the procedure they always have - the legal procedure.

Quotes from the Founding Fathers

2010-04-22T17:44:00.002-05:00

God's intentions for America are clearly seen through the words of our previous leaders. We often mention the "founding fathers" when discussing politics. But in order to truly discover what they intended for this nation, we can only turn to their own words.
You could probably search on google and find many of these quotes. But my goal is to provide quick access for anyone who wants to know what the founders had to say about something. Check back to this post often - I plan on updating it frequently. But for now, here's a good start on what some founders had to say about God and America.

John Adams said...

"We have no government armed with a power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion....Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

"It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence."

"It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure value."

Samuel Adams said...

"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote...that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country."

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt."

Benjamin Franklin said...

"In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who where engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor.... And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
"I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: 'that God governs in the affairs of man.' And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
"We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little, partial local interests; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to the future ages...."

Thomas Jefferson said...

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, and conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever."

George Washington said...

"The federal government...can never be in danger of degenerating into a monarchy, and oligarchy, an aristocracy, or any other despotic or oppressive form so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people.

Noah Webster said...

"When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers just men who will rule in the fear of God. The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect this duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted."

John Witherspoon said...

"He is the best friend of American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion and who sets Himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind...God grant that in America true religion and civil liberty may be inseparable and that the unjust attempts to destroy the one, may in the issue tend to support the establishment of both."

Robert Winthrop said...

"Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them; either by the World of God or they the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or by the bayonet."

San Jacinto Day

2010-04-21T12:20:00.001-05:00

Do you know who John C. Hays was? That he was a Texas Ranger? That his dying words were, "It's San Jacinto Day?"
What is San Jacinto Day? Do you know?
Most people have heard of the Alamo. They're probably all familiar with the iconic cry, "Remember the Alamo!" But they're probably less familiar with the Battle of San Jacinto, and the origin of that famous saying.
I'm Texan through and through, and I'm proud of my heritage, as every Texan should be (and probably is.) But there are gems in the many folds of our remarkable history that are easily lost and overlooked; pricless gems. I think San Jacinto is one of those.
A great friend and mentor of mine has composed an inspiring essay about the Battle of San Jacinto. This is enough to stir up pride in anyone, Texan or otherwise. This isn't just Texas' history. It's America's history too. Texas is just one of the states that makes this nation. Texas' legacy of courage and determination can and should be an inspiration to all of the U.S.A.

Today is April 21, San Jacinto Day. This date should be marked on every Texas calendar.
On this day in 1836, General Sam Houston led the outnumbered remains of the Army of Texas against the forces of Mexican Dictator Santa Anna in an all-or-nothing battle for liberty. And won.
We cannot today fully appreciate this miracle. In the two preceding months, the Texas army had suffered staggering losses: Fannin and 350 men at Goliad; Johnson and 50 men; Grant and 50 men; King and 30 men;
Ward and 150 men; and, of course, the gallant defenders of the Alamo. The provisional government had abandoned Washington on the Brazos, some returning home to defend or remove families, some joining Houston, who was desperately gathering all able-bodied men. Texian women gathered their children and their elderly and fled before Santa Anna's advancing army, slogging through mire and floodwaters to the safety of Louisiana. At the US border, General Edmond Pendleton Gaines (for whom Gainesville is named) waited with troops to defend American interests in Texas. But it was left to Houston and his men -- Texians and American inspired by freedom's call -- to wrestle liberty from the hands of the dictator.
Creed Taylor, a 16-year-old resident of the DeWitt Colony who already had taken part in the Gonzales "fracas," helped oust Cos and his army from Bexar, and ridden as a messenger for Col. Fannin of Goliad, recalled years later the origins of the famous San Jacinto battle cry:

"... The first time I remember to have heard these expressions was during Houston's short talk to the men on the eve of the battle. Of course the boys were continually talking about the butchery at the Alamo and the slaughter at Goliad: and avowing to avenge the cold-blooded murder of their countrymen. But the manner in which the expression became the battle cry at San Jacinto has never been given in a published history.
"The honor of coining the slogan belongs to William F. Young, who fought as a private in Lamar's cavalry corps; and in this way: As the Texans charged and the Mexicans fired their first and most effective volley, killing three Americans and wounding several, the undisciplined Texan force seemed to waver for a moment; and it was at this critical juncture that Private Young dashed forward, crying at the top of his voice, 'Boys, come on! Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!'
"At once the cry was taken up and spread from man to man until the whole force was crying 'Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!' and it certainly carried consternation to the ranks of the Mexicans....
"Instantly the appeal was caught up and repeated with more and more feeling. It seemed to nerve every Texan to fight with greater desperation and to fire with deadlier effect. It is little wonder that Santa Anna, attempting to excuse himself for his inglorious flight from the field, afterwards wrote: 'So sudden and fierce was the enemy's charge that the earth seemed to move and tremble.'"

Taylor went on to note that "During the progress of the struggle, many acts of individual heroism and gallantry were displayed; and for one thing, it can be said that not one gesture of cowardice was displayed by a San Jacinto man."

Remember the Alamo.
Remember Goliad.
Remember San Jacinto.
Remember price of liberty, and the debt we owe to those who went before us. And praise be to the God who raised them up.

Blessings.
Dainah

Tax Day Tea Party 2010

2010-04-15T11:45:00.003-05:00

It's April 15 - Tax Day - TEA Party day!
Exactly one year ago began the movement that has swept America like wild fire. Besides the geographical spread of this wild fire, this wild fire is sweeping the hearts of America, igniting our spirits with patriotism and resolve.
It's the same spark that lit the hearts of the colonials when their king became a tyrant. They resolved to stand up for the country God had given their ancestors; to fight for liberty, even if it meant death.
It's the same spark that lit the hearts of the Americans in WWII, when the rulers of other nations threatened to subject the world to tyranny. They resolved to risk their own lives to help defend their allies and defend their own soil.
It's the same spark that I remember, when on September 11, 2001, terrorists killed thousands of innocent Americans in the name of their religion. Then, we weren't afraid to call the murderers what they were - Terrorists. We weren't afraid to fight terrorism. On that day, we resolved to stand up for our nation and defend it from terrorism - just another form of tyranny.
But just a few years later, it seemed as if the spark disappeared. During the Presidential Campaign of 2008, I often wondered where the patriotism in America had gone to. Where was the ignition? How can people forget their history so quickly...even the history that is a part of their own lives?
But suddenly there was a wake-up call. Things started happening to our country that we never really wanted, and we were able to recognize other things that had been happening for a long time.
Consider the Stimulus Package. The majority of Americans did not want a bill that would increase our national debt by trillions! It was supposed to stimulate the economy. But anyone in their right mind knows that you don't get out of debt by spending trillions of dollars you don't have.
Then the President proclaimed to the world that we no longer consider ourselves a Christian nation. Maybe you don't consider the U.S.A. a Christian nation anymore, Mr. President, but if you'll take a look at the people you were elected to represent, you'll see that most of us DO consider the U.S.A. to be a Christian nation still! That's how we were founded, and that's how we'll stay.
And what about the "I Pledge" video? Famous Hollywood stars actually made a video and pledged their service to Barack Obama! When have we ever pledged our service to one man in America? That is exactly what the founding fathers wanted to break free of, and they carefully sought ways to prevent one man from ruling the whole nation ever again. As for me, the only One I'll ever pledge my service to is my Savior, Jesus Christ. Then, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
As much as we'd like to, we can't forget about the recently passed Health Care Bill - that we did not want. The President and the liberals in Congress have been trying to ram this through unconstitutionally for months. Americans protested this. Many even went to the White House to protest it. Remember the election of Scott Brown in Massachusetts? The most liberal state in the Union elected a Republican senator, because he opposed government run health care!
Never in America have we tolerated tyranny from without our borders. And we definitely won't tolerate it from within. That is why, on April 15, 2009, the TEA Party movement began. TEA stands for Taxed Enough Already. But there are other issues - more important issues than high taxation, that are being protested and addressed at TEA Parties.
If anyone says that the TEA Parties are not making a difference, they are wrong. Many lies and rumors have been spread about "TEA Partiers," to try to convince people that those who participate in TEA Parties are dangerous, violent, extremists, and even terrorists. If they think that will stop peaceful, honest, loyal, patriotic Americans from exercising their rights, they are seriously mistaken. The TEA Party movement continues to grow!
This is truly an historic movement. We are making a difference. The very fact that the liberals are so concerned with making up lies about the TEA Parties proves that they are afraid of what will come of them!
Don't tolerate tyranny. Stand up for the nation God has gifted us with!
To find a TEA Party near you, visit The Tea Party Express (teapartyexpress.org.)

Stand fast therefore in the freedom by which Christ has made you free, and do not submit again to a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

"Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled either by a power within them or by a power without them; either by the Word of God or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or the bayonet." - Robert Winthrop, Founding Father

A Kenyan President

2010-04-06T16:44:00.009-05:00

Maybe this is just an unrealistic fantasy I have, but I like to imagine that when asked who the most patriotic person in the United States of America is, I would be able to respond, "The President, of course!"
Doesn't it make sense that the President ought to love the country he leads more than anyone else? Even if he's not the most patriotic man in the whole country, it would be nice if he at least acknowledged the USA as his homeland.
On Friday, April 2, Michelle Obama spoke at a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Luncheon. I have not watched the entire speech, but from what I have seen, she spoke on the progress of attaining "equality" for everyone, despite their sexual orientation or gender identity. The event itself is bad enough, but the First Lady also mentioned something else, that has probably caused even more controversy.
"Barack has led by example. When we took our trip to Africa and visited his home country in Kenya, we took a public HIV test, for the very point of showing folks in Kenya that there is nothing to be embarrassed about in getting tested."
Watch the video on Youtube here. The quote above can be found 40 seconds into the clip.
How does that make you feel, to know that the President of YOUR country considers Kenya to be HIS home country? I believe that the President of the United States should be born in the US, and raised in the US. I know there are immigrants who come to America who are very patriotic, but it's not the same as someone who was born and bred here.
Now, I know it's true that Obama did not say this himself. But I do not believe his own wife would have said that Kenya is his "home country," if those feelings did not run strongly through the Obama family. This just leads me to wonder how strong Barack Obama's patriotism can actually be, if he considers Kenya to be his home.
There are other instances that point to an apparent lack of patriotism in Barack Obama. In fact, everything he's doing as President goes against everything this country stands for!
"Discrimination has no place in a nation founded on the promise of equality," Michelle Obama said in her speech. But what she didn't mention is that America was founded on Christian morals.
I want equality in America as much as anyone. But what I don't want is the endorsement of sin. I don't want the government to support vile activities, such as same-sex marriage, abortion, and drug dealing. God tells us those things are wrong! Surely He won't continue to lavish blessings upon a nation that legalizes and endorses those things!
Since America was founded on Christian morals, the things I mentioned above are un-American.
"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams.
Clearly, President Obama does not understand what America truly is. This is proven even further by the recent words of his wife.
I would like your opinion. Are you comfortable with Michelle Obama admitting that Kenya is the President's home country?

New Life

2010-04-04T20:06:00.004-05:00

Today makes seventeen Easter Sundays for me. About fourteen Easters ago, I gave my heart to Jesus. At that moment, I became a completely new creation. Jesus gave me new life!

Three days ago, we began the Easter holiday by watching the Passion of the Christ. While watching that movie, I was able to better understand what Jesus suffered for us. And I'm not only talking about physical pain. Yes - the physical pain He suffered is too much for us to imagine. But the spiritual burden He carried was even worse.
When Jesus prayed in the garden, He asked, "Father, if it is possible, let this cup be taken from me." (Matthew 26:39). I always thought He was talking about the crucifixion. But He was speaking of the burden of all the sins in the world.

All the sins in the world.

In Guatemala, one of our mission leaders explained to us what that might have been like. Remember that guilty feeling you get when you've done something bad? You know, the empty pit in your stomach when you know you should apologize for something, or when you know you've hurt someone...or the constant gnawing at your mind when you've gone against your conscience. It's a bad feeling, isn't it?
When I was younger and I had been naughty, I would feel miserable until I confessed. Sometimes it was really scary to confess, because I knew I'd probably get a good spanking. But I'd much rather get a spanking and have my conscience cleared than carry that guilt around in secret. It's a heavy burden! Often, guilt and sins stored up inside can actually cause physical sickness.
So imagine Jesus - the only human who had never committed a single sin of His own - willingly taking on the guilt of the entire world. All the guilt from all the sins you've ever committed...all the sins I've ever committed...all the sins of the people from the beginning of the world, to sins of the people who haven't yet been born.
He carried that burden so that we wouldn't have to! And He destroyed it!
Jesus was crucified. But by the power of the Holy Spirit, He rose from the dead! He is alive today, and will live forever.
Easter is all about celebrating Jesus' new life. But Jesus died so all of us could have new life. You don't have to carry the guilt of all your sins. All you have to do is accept Jesus' gift of salvation. Believe that he carried your sins once so you wouldn't have to ever again. Believe that He died and rose from the dead, and entrust Him with your heart! Then you - and anyone - can have new life!
"If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
But according to the Bible, "new life" doesn't happen just once. It can happen everyday.
"So we do not give up. Our physical body is becoming older and weaker, but our spirit inside us is made new everyday." 2 Corinthians 4:16
Easter is more than going to church, eating a big dinner, and hunting eggs. It's all about new life. But as 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, our spirits are made new every day. So we can celebrate life every single day.

Thank you, Jesus, for dying for all of us. Thank you for coming back to life! I'm so glad you took all my guilt and shame so that I won't have to be burdened with it anymore. Thank you for giving me new life, and giving it to me every day. I love you Lord.

HAPPY EASTER!

There's Now a Hole in Honduras!

2010-03-24T11:47:00.027-05:00

Our team of five has recently returned from Honduras. We definitely left our mark - there is now an 8-feet-deep hole in the village of Jalaca that wasn't there before!

My church supports an orphanage in Honduras, and every few years a work team will go down to help them with whatever they need. Now they are in the process of building a new girls' dorm, so our job was to dig the septic tank. We had three men, two teen girls, two picks, four shovels, and four full work days. Needless to say, there were a few who had their doubts about us getting the job done. It did seem unlikely. Digging a hole is hard work!

Every morning we would hit the dust with our tools. Finally we got into a rhythm; the men took turns with the picks to loosen the soil, then us girls shoveled the loose dirt out of the hole. We did this over and over. . . .

Lunch was probably my favorite part of the day! Every afternoon and evening a cook would come in from the village and make us an authentic Honduran meal. I can't say I was a fan of all the food, but I did try a few new things that I found pretty tasty! (By the way, Tex-Mex is NOT the real thing!)

A good lunch and a quick siesta makes the world seem like a better place. After our noon-meal we'd hit the dust again. We averaged about 2 feet per day. The men had to squeeze in a few more hours of work, even on our "off" days, but the hole was completed! Praise the Lord.

I loved seeing all the kids again! A lot of them remembered me, which made me really happy. They want to be loved on so bad, and they're pretty good at loving on you, too. It was so fun to play with them.Nearly every evening we were able to visit local churches, where our Pastor preached. (He did a great job! We also had an amazing translator. They made quite a team!) The local churches in Jalaca (the village where the orphanage is) held street services every night. We went to two street services, but even when we didn't attend, we could hear them all the way back at the orphanage! They had a sound system turned up full blast - so there was no escaping the worship service. But the power of the sound system would literally go out every few minutes. Did they stop? No! Hardly even missed a beat. So even when we were at the orphanage, and the music died out, we could still hear them singing and clapping!
No one at those street services was ashamed of praising the Lord. From the smallest child to the oldest man or women (teenagers included), everyone danced and sang and worshipped freely. It was wonderful to see how excited they were about praising God. Most of them were really poor. Many walked over an hour - up hills - in the dark - just to come to these services. They don't have a whole lot to be happy about, so their faith genuinely means a great deal to them. I imagine that for most of those people, Jesus is everything they have. But the awesome thing is, He's more than enough for everyone, including you and me. However, by the end of the week, I was so ready for a hot shower and a soft bed. When we finally made it back to the U.S., it was wonderful to see a clean city, wide roads, and cars that actually followed traffic laws! We were able to stay at a really luxurious hotel in Miami. It was so different from the orphanage.

At first, all I could think about was how thankful I was to be back home. But suddenly I realized that I was putting far too much value on material things. It is important for us to be thankful for what we have. I believe America has more blessings than any other country! But because of that, we often become dependent upon those things that really don't matter. And that takes away our dependency upon Jesus.In reality, the U.S.A. is such a small part of the world. But it's the only world most of us know. It's hard to imagine that the majority of the people in other countries, like Honduras, are living in poverty, without half of the things we deem necessary. While we may have a lot of the stuff that we call blessings, people like those Christians in Jalaca have something much more precious - total dependency upon Jesus.

Every time I go on a mission trip, I come home even more appreciative of the blessings I have. But I hope that every time I come home, I'll come home less dependent upon those things.

Early in our trip we were discussing Matthew 5:3; "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the Kingdom of Heaven." I thought about that verse a lot during my week in Honduras. No matter how much "stuff" we have, we really have absolutely nothing spiritually on our own. We have to depend completely on Jesus for joy, peace, and life itself. Then, we're richer than the richest billionaire on the earth.

My Spring Break mission trip was fantastic. Honduras has a special place in my heart, and I hope to continue going back to the orphanage in the years to come.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported me with prayers and with finances! I couldn't have these experiences without you.

As one final request, I'd like to ask you to ponder Matthew 5:3. Think about the Hondurans, what they live without, and what it truly means to depend completely on Christ for everything. Thinking about that may just change your perspective on life.

Dios lo Bendiga!

(God Bless You!)

Mission Honduras: Day 3

2010-03-15T18:56:00.005-05:00

So here I am, back at La Hacienda to blog.
Yesterday we enjoyed a very relaxed Sunday. In the afternoon, we were even able to climb a nearby mountain! We climbed all the way up to the top. The scenery was so beautiful!
Today we started to dig. Good news! We found out that the septic tank only has to be 8 feet deep! We got about 2 1/2 feet below the surface today. Tonight we are going to church for the first time. Last time I loved the Honduran church services. You wouldn't think I'd be surprised to meet Christians in other countries. But going to church in a different culture really does help you realize how BIG the Kingdom of God actually is! These people are my brothers and sisters in Christ. And one day, we'll all be reunited in Heaven. What a cool thought!
Thank you for your prayers!
Adios for now.

We Have Arrived!

2010-03-13T20:13:00.005-06:00

Praise the Lord, we are finally in Honduras!
After a delayed flight, an eleven hour lay-over, a long bus drive, no showers in two days...we were tired and ready to be at our destination. But the long journey was well worth it. It's so good to be here again!
Now we're sitting comfortably around the dinner table at "La Hacienda." It was wonderful to be reunited with all the children at the orphanage! We've only been here for a few hours, but already we're having a great time.
Tomorrow night we'll go to a local church. On Monday we'll start the work!
I can't wait to see what God does this week. Please continue to pray for this mission trip.
Adios for now!

Honduras

2010-03-08T12:34:00.008-06:00

In just a few short days I will be on my way to Honduras!
A year and a half ago, I went on my first mission trip ever to Jalaca, a small town in the mountains north of Tegucigalpa, the Honduran Capital city.
First-hand exposure to a third world life-style will change you like nothing else. It changed me! I bonded with children who had been abandoned and abused as babies. I met brothers and sisters in Christ who walk miles in the mountains just for church. I lived without TV, phones, computers, my favorite foods, make-up, and even hot showers for a whole week. But it was one of the happiest weeks of my life!
Last summer God called me to go on a mission trip to Guatemala (next-door-neighbor to Honduras) with SusieMag, a Christian magazine for teen girls. The experience was different than Honduras, but life-changing nonetheless.
I will always look back on these mission trips as experiences that really changed me. But I would say the majority of the changing took place after the fact.

While in Guatemala, a speaker warned us of the struggles we'd face once back in the comforts of home. "When the feeling fades, faith begins," he said.

That phrase has got to be my favorite quote now! It's so true.

I was emotionally impacted many times throughout both mission trips. We often get caught up in the moment of those spiritual highs. But we can't rely on that to get us through life. The fire that we feel momentarily isn't enough to be "the change." The actual "change" has to go deeper than that - or it won't last.

The real test to see if you've changed comes in when you make the decision to live out your faith, even when you don't feel like it. When the high has worn off, and it's back to the old grind, will you continue to do what you know to be right, or will you take back all your bad habits that you sloughed off during the spiritual high?
Ever since I've gone to Honduras and Guatemala, I think of those trips almost daily. I'll remember something that happened, a lesson I learned, or a specific way God touched me. While His touch may have really gotten me emotionally when it actually happened, when I think of those times now, I'm able to apply them to my every day life. So even though I've been off the mission field for months, I'm continuing to grow because of a few weeks in a foreign country! This is just one reason I love mission trips, and hope to go on many more.
When the chance to return to Honduras arose, I jumped on it. This time we'll be staying at the same orphanage as before. We will be using picks and shovels to dig a ten-feet-deep septic tank. We'll also go to some local churches to encourage the brothers and sisters and share our testimonies.
I'm absolutely ecstatic about seeing all the kids at the orphanage again! I'm so ready, I can't express it.
Prayers would be greatly appreciated. I know we're going to need them.
Gloria a Dios!

On the Second of March, 1836...

2010-03-03T16:25:00.007-06:00

Yesterday was Texas Independence Day. March is full of Texas history. To commemorate this, a friend of mine compiled some excerpts from letters and diaries all dated March 2, 1836. The Texas Declaration of Independence is also included. Take a first hand look at what happened on March 2, 1836 to make Texas the state it is today.

Convention Delegates to the People of Texas:
INDEPENDENCE DECLARED
"We, therefore, the delegates, with plenary powers, of the people of
Texas, in solemn convention assembled, appealing to a candid world
for the necessities of our condition, do hereby resolve and declare,
that our political connection with the Mexican nation has forever
ended, and that the people of Texas do now constitute a FREE,
SOVEREIGN, and INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC and are fully invested with all
the rights and attributes which properly belong to independent
nation; and, conscious of the rectitude of our intentions, we
fearlessly and confidently commit the issue to the supreme Arbiter of
the destinies of nations."

From the diary of William Fairfax Gray, attendant of the Convention
of 1836 at Washington on the Brazos:
"... An express was this evening received from Col. Travis, stating
that on the 25th a demonstration was made on the Alamo by a party of
Mexicans of about 300 who, under cover of some old houses approached
to within eighty yards of the fort.... They were beaten off with some
loss, and amidst the engagement some of Texan soldiers set fire to
and destroyed the old houses. Col. Fannin was on the march from
Goliad with 350 men for the aid of Travis. This, with the other
forces known to be on the way, will by this time make the nunumber in
the fort some six or seven hundred. It is believed the Alamo is safe."

From the letter of Capt. John Sowers Brooks, stationed at Goliad, to
his mother:
"We marched at the time appointed, with 420 men, nearly the whole
force at Goliad, leaving only one Company of Regulars to guard the
Fort. Our baggage wagons and artillery were all drawn by oxen ... and
there were but few yokes of them. In attempting to cross the San
Antonio river, three of our wagons broke down and it was with utmost
labor and personal hazard, that our four pieces of cannon were
conveyed across....
"During the night, some of our oxen strayed off and could not be
found the next morning. Our sitution became delicate and embarassing
in the extreme. If we proceed we must incure the risk of starvation,
and leave our luggage and artillery behind.... Every one felt an
anxiety to relieve our friends who we had been informed had retired
to the Alamo, a fortress in Bexar, resolved to hold out, until our
arrival. Yet everyone saw the improperty, if not the impossibility of
our proceeding under the existing circumstances ....
"Intelligence also reached us that the advance of Santa Ana's lower
division had surprised San Patricio about 50 miles from our position
and put the whole garrison under the comand of Col. Jonson to the
sword. Five of them have reached this place. Col. Johnson is one of
them, and they are probably all that have escaped. Capt. Pearson of
the volunteers was killed with several others, after they had
surrendered. The war is to be one of extermination. Each party seems
to understand that no quarters are to be given or asked.
"We held a council of war in the bushes on the bank of the river, and
after a calm review of all the circumstances, it was concluded to
return to Goliad, and place the fort in a defensible condition. We
are hard at work night and day, picketing, ditching, and mounting
cannon ... The Mexican force approaching us is variously estimated
at from 1500 to 3000 men. We will endeavor to make as good a stand as
possible, and if we can not expect quarters and therefore do not
intend to give or ask any, result as it may.
"If the division of the Mexican army advancing against this place has
met any obstructions ... 200 men will be detached for the relief of
Bexar. I will go with them. Our object will be to cut or way through
the Mexican army into the Alamo, and carry with us such provisions as
it will be possible to take on a forced march. Our united force will
probably be sufficient to hold out until we are relieved by a large
force from the colonies.
"We have just received additional intelligence from Bexar. The
Mexicans have made two successive attacks on the Alamo in both of
which the gallant little garrison repulsed them with some loss.
Probably Davy Crockett 'grinned' them off.
"We will probably march tomorrow or the next day... The people in the
settlements are all arming themselves. The sound of clashing steel is
heard on their borders and it is time they should awake now if they
wish to preserve their freedom and the fruits of so many years of
toil and privation. Now is the time for volunteers from the United
States. Let them come with six months' clothing and one hundred
rounds of ammunition, and they may be of essential service to the
cause of Liberty, and no doubt will be amply awarded by the people of
Texas. Now or never ...
"P.S. We are all nearly naked - and there are but a few of us who
have a pair of shoes. We have nothing but fresh beef without salt --
no bread for several days. A spy was taken last night, who will
probably be shot tomorrow. One of our men is under arrest for
sleeping on post. He will be tried by a Court Martial -- the penalty
is death."

Some of the greatest stories of courage and sacrifice can be found in history. A good number of those stories can be found in Texas history! I hope to continue to post stories of Texas heroism throughout the month of March.

Champions

2010-03-01T16:01:00.021-06:00

I play basketball for our home school group's team, the Red River Lady Rattlers. We just completed our sixth season. It was one of the bumpiest, rockiest, most emotional seasons of basketball I've ever experienced. But it was one of my best.
The Lady Rattlers didn't start out as the hottest team on the court. For the first few years, we played with any team that would play us. It was hard to schedule games, because no one wanted to play a brand-new home school team that wasn't very good.
But three years ago, our team underwent some big changes. We got a new coach. We joined a conference specifically for home school teams and small private school teams. And we improved tremendously! The Rattlers went from being the easy team that no one wanted to play, to the team that everyone wanted to beat - the team with the most wins in our conference.
For the next two years we discovered what it was like to WIN the majority of the season's games! What a great feeling. We realized we had potential - and we were good! Before long we forgot what it was like to be a "bad" team. We got used to being "the best team." And we expected winning to come naturally.
But guess what? This season, it didn't. While we were still high on our previous two victorious seasons, other teams had been improving! Winning didn't come as naturally as we thought it would, and we became frazzled. We had to work really hard for victories that "should have" been easy for us. We even lost to teams we never expected to lose to! And when we did win, our effort seemed half-hearted. We still weren't satisfied. Something was missing.
As the season progressed, the problem grew. No matter how hard we "tried," we couldn't seem to do better. There was a lack of energy and morale on the team.
After a shameful loss, we realized we could no longer dismiss the problem as "beginning of the season syndrome" or "middle of the season syndrome," or anything else...Now the season was nearing its end, and we knew we had to tackle this beast once and for all.
A team meeting was called expressly for the purpose of figuring the problem out together. And together we realized that we had all lost sight of the real reason we were even able to play - Christ. Because of that, we'd lost sight of what was necessary to win - the TEAM. Personally, I had become too focused on my own game. When I stopped to think about it, I admitted that I had become more concerned with improving my own skills than helping the team improve. While individual effort is crucial, it comes to nothing if that's all it ever is - individual effort.
Our coach shared this verse with us:
You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win! All those who compete in the games use self-control so they can win a crown. That crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a short time, but our crown will never be destroyed. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
Coach has always said that he doesn't care about the 'W' or the 'L' at the end of the game. All he asks is that we give it our all - run to get the prize. The prize isn't winning. It's not our individual stats. It's Jesus.
With Regionals and State only weeks away, our season truly started. We played like a team again. We won some games, and we lost some games! But we didn't feel bad about those losses, because we knew we had played our best.
This year, we approached the State tournament differently. Instead of expecting to win, we understood that we would have to fight hard for every victory, and we faced the fact that losing was possible. We also determined to have fun during every single game, since any of the games could be the season's last.
After a hard fight and lots of fun, we won our first game.
The next day, we faced the team that beat us in the championship game of 2009. We were ready to give it our all, but mentally prepared ourselves for defeat. Wrong decision. At half-time, we were down by fourteen. A few months before, we would have seen our fate as sealed. The talk at half-time would have been grim, and we would have probably played even worse in the second half.
But THIS time, we decided NOT to give up! Our coach encouraged us to stay motivated, stay pumped, and have fun! It took courage, but we did it. We walked on the court with smiles and determination. Maybe we weren't going to win, but we weren't going to give up that easily.
But the positive attitude paid off! We won by eleven points! We didn't do anything magical or extra-ordinary. We just remembered Who we were playing for. We gave it all we had. And the score reflected.
The next day we found ourselves in a familiar place - the Championship game! We knew this would definitely be our last game of the season. It would be our Seniors' last high school game ever. We wanted to make it a good game. So when we walked on the court, we weren't boastful. We weren't pessimistic. We were ready to play.
The first quarter started out horribly. Before we knew it, we were down by ten. Coach continued to encourage us. I think something clicked inside all of us right then. We didn't want to end the season wondering what would have happened if we had given everything. We wanted to find out what would happen if we gave everything.
Twice the opponents surpassed our score. Twice we caught up. Even with one minute left in the game, we didn't take our lead for granted. We played hard until the last second, and we came out State Champions!
The celebration was a tearful one. We had overcome some major trials through the year. We'd re-discovered our motivation for playing, and we had been blessed. We also cried for the seniors who had just played their last game. One of them had been with the team since the very beginning. (Love you Victoria!!!)
As Coach held our trophy, he reminded us that it wouldn't last forever. But the way we played that day would. We played as a team. We played for Christ.
A few months ago I expected to look back on the season of 2009-10 as a bad season. But now I think I'll remember this season as one of our best. Not for our season record - it wasn't that great. Not even for the State Championship - in ten years, who will care who won? This has been one of my best seasons of basketball because I re-learned what it means to be part of a team, to give my all, and to play for Jesus.
"But in all these things we are completely victorious through God who showed his love for us." Romans 8:37
Yes, this year we are the Champions of T-CAL. But for eternity, we are Champions in Christ. And that's what truly matters.

First Teen T.E.A. Party!

2010-02-17T17:06:00.010-06:00

The wind was cruel. The snow was deep. Our lips were chapped. Our toes were numb. But our hearts were warm and our spirits high as we celebrated Presidents' Day with our first Teen T.E.A. Party! At the beginning of the T.E.A. Party, we remembered the Patriots over 200 years ago who left bloody footprints in the snow. If they could do that, surely we could stand in the cold for two hours with our coats, hats, and gloves! Easier said than done. But despite the FREEZING cold, about 50 people - mostly teens - enthusiastically endured the whole two hours to make a stand for freedom in America! At the end of the Tea Party, I had a strenghtened appreciation for those brave men who marched through the snow in nothing but rags.

The Gainesville Daily Register, our local newspaper, covered the Tea Party and did an excellent job! In fact, the article on Monday was so great, I thought I'd just let you read it for yourself.

Teens unite at T.E.A. Party for President's Day event

By PAMELA ROBINSON Register Staff Writer

Teens took to the East side steps of the Cooke County Courthouse Saturday morning for their President’s Day T.E.A. Party.
A crowd of about 50 people participated and stood in coats, hats and blankets in 34-degree weather to hear the speakers, the singing of the national anthem, watch skits and take turns at the open microphone to express their political views.
Liberty Davidson, a primary organizer of the event, said T.E.A. stands for, “Taxed Enough Already,” and stated prior to the event that it probably brings in people of a more conservative persuasion, but that the gathering was for teenagers and people of all ages and political views.
Teenager Victoria Blessing stood at the top of the courthouse steps, flanked by three teenage colleagues on each side holding signs, to help her unveil the “Six Simple Steps of Being an Intelligent Voter.” The steps were:
•Standards
Set standards and know your values. Make a list of what you believe and what you stand for. Know what your stance is and where you stand on relevant issues.
•Understand
Know the democratic system. Know your constitutional rights. Know what you can and cannot do. Understand the government of which you are an integral part.
•Research
Research the election and the important issues at hand. Research the candidates running, including their voting record, what the candidates have said in the past and know their values and morals. Use websites like RocktheVote.com and votesmart.org for information.
•Compare
Get a list of standards and compare the candidates with your research. Compare which candidates have similar values to you and care about issues that are important to you.
•Choose
Choose a candidate who will uphold the values you stand for and who you feel will make the right decisions. A vital part of this step is prayer.
•Vote
This is the easy step. After following the previous five steps, you should be able to vote confidently. Don't think your vote is just one in a million and that it doesn't matter; every vote is as important as the individual behind it.
“Everyone 16 and older is eligible to vote in the next Presidential election,” Blessing continued. “Start with the first five steps today. Let’s get started today, let’s become a generation of intelligent voters.”
Davidson took the microphone on a number of occasions to address the crowd. One of her topics was, “God and America.”
“God gave us a nation,” she said, “and without Him, we don't have a nation at all.” She said it is important to remember to pray when making decisions during elections.
During the event, 11-year-old Grant Wilson performed a dramatization based on some of Thomas Paine’s quotes.
Wilson won a first place 4-H Award for Educational Presentation for the county and district for his speech and said he was inspired when he read some of Paine's book, “Common Sense.” He said he has always been very patriotic.
During the T.E.A. Party, Virginia Land addressed global warming and spoke out about her conservative view on the issue.
Skits were also part of the event. One skit depicted Robin Hood taking from the rich to give to the poor, and was performed by Claudia Smith, Emily White and Sarah Pendelton. Another skit depicted a classroom situation in which a teacher awards grades to students without being objective about the work of the students, and was performed by Liberty Davidson, Claudia Smith, Emily White and Sarah Pendelton.
A color guard routine was also performed by Lydia White and Claudia Smith.
Other speakers included Parker Luke, Claudia Smith and Emily White.
According to Davidson, the main organizers of the Tea Party were Allison Land, Virginia Land, Claudia Smith and herself.
Parent Steve Wilson, who attended the event said that most of the teenagers and youth attending the T.E.A. Party are home-schooled.
Davidson invited attendees to come to the next T.E.A. Party that will be in 60 days.

I am looking forward to the next T.E.A. Party on April 15! Hopefully, under a friendlier April sun, we'll have a bigger crowd. But we will always remember the first Teen T.E.A. Party, and the faithful fifty that endured the cold!

Global Warming is Causing Your Blizzard

2010-02-11T21:00:00.002-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...!
Blizzards are covering the land with a thick white blanket - from Texas to New York! At my own home in North Texas, we are experiencing our fourth snow this winter. That's a big deal for us. Early this morning I watched as the snowflakes began to fall, and now - at 8:00 pm - it literally hasn't stopped! I believe that was the fastest I've ever seen snow accumulate.
You would think that with several states experiencing blizzard-like conditions, and over 100,000,000 lives being affected by those conditions, people would start to doubt Global Warming. Or so I hoped.
Yesterday when I started the draft for this post, I wrote the following paragraph:

I seriously believe that while God is not mocked, God has a sense of humor. It is completely fathomable to me that He would send a torrent of winter weather across the United States of America just to prove that HE is the one in charge of the weather, not us! Have you ever considered how arrogant it is to believe that we, little human beings, can actually have that big of an impact on the environment? I'm sure most people don't think of it in that light at first. But if we believe that we can actually affect the atmosphere of the entire world, just because of the cars we drive, the electricity we use, the plastic bottles we drink out of...we believe that we can control the entire world. That's a dangerous mindset. Yes, we are stewards of the earth that God has given us as our home. But God is far more powerful than we are, and Global Warming is a myth.

I had hoped to complete the post by laughing over the fact that all the Global Warming-going green people were trying to pull their feet out of their mouths. I thought they would be crawling into a hole, because who can explain a bizarre bombardment of snow in the middle of the warmest decade ever? But apparently, some people think they can! Dylan Ratigan from MSNBC actually attempted to scientifically explain why Global Warming was the cause of our snow blizzards. Want to see the video for yourself? Visit the blog 400things.blogspot.com. Click on the post, "An Inconvenient Snowstorm," and you'll find the video. (I apologize that my own computer is temporarily unable to copy links.)
So, the liberals are still trying to defend Global Warming. Really? Seriously? Am I dreaming? I don't even think they believe it. I mean, how can they?
When I first heard about this video, I laughed. It sounded so crazy. But when I watched it for myself, I was saddened by the fact that people will venture to the point of stupidity just to prove a false point! There comes a time when it's not even funny anymore.
How many people will get sucked into the lie that Global Warming is actually the cause of all this snow? Please, use common sense! Make your own decisions, and make sure they're backed by reliable facts.
Global Warming is a theory. Scientists from all political preferences admit that it's a faulty theory.
I still firmly believe that God has caused the "snowiest winter in history" (msnbc.com) to prove that He is in charge of our planet! Yesterday I found this quote at the end of an article on abcnews.com:
"Hardest hit has been the nation's capital. The federal government has been shut down for three days straight costing $100 million per day in lost productivity as 230,000 workers sit at home."
Ironic, don't you think?

Beware the Teenagers

2010-02-10T12:00:00.009-06:00

The Teen Tea Party has long been underway, and now all of our anticipation is coming to a climax! In just three days, patriotic teenagers will gather on the steps of the courthouse in Gainesville, Texas to speak above the din that says it's impossible for teenagers to make a difference.
The Tea Parties have been a growing movement. But Teen Tea Parties are something new - at least in North Texas. By having a Tea Party that is organized and carried out explicitly by teens for their own peers, youth will get the message that they can make a difference in America now, and that in fact, they should.
So many of the people I've spoken with are more than excited about their chance to get involved! We have teens that are planning speeches, skits, dance routines, live music...all to express their patriotism and ignite that spark of patriotism in the hearts of others.
Yesterday, a friend of mine even called Mark Davis, the conservative talk show host, to tell him about our Tea Party. He spoke with Davis on the radio for two minutes!
Today, an article about the Teen Tea Party was on the front page of the local daily paper! MSNBC has asked that we send pictures of the Tea Party to them afterwards, so that they can see what it was all about.
I'm not saying all this to promote myself or any of the other individuals that have been involved. In fact, we don't want to promote individualism at all. We are thankful for the attention this Teen Tea Party is getting, because we want America to see that teens as a group are making this difference. It isn't just one or two or three people. It's a movement of teenagers that are ready to stand up for freedom and reclaim America. At least, that's what I'm praying it will be.
Teens are concerned, and we are getting involved. If America seriously wants change, look to the teenagers - and beware. Here we come!

Teen Tea Party
Saturday, February 13
East steps of Cooke County Courthouse, Gainesville, TX
10 am - Noon
Official facebook page: TEA Parties for Teens (North Texas)

Hand Vs. Teleprompter

2010-02-08T21:10:00.014-06:00

Sarah Palin recently spoke at the Tea Party Convention in Nashville. It appears as if Palin wrote a few key words on her left hand as a reminder of topics to cover during the speech. There was a total of six words on her hand - not even full sentences. Her speech was 45 minutes long.
Let us consider Obama's public speaking strategy. I believe it's called, "Teleprompter." He reads all of his speeches entirely from one of these contraptions. Obama's teleprompter strategy really gets to me. Everyone raves about how wonderful of a speaker he is, but catch him without his teleprompter, and he stumbles, stutters, and can't get a point across or answer a question. This seems to prove that he never speaks genuinely from his heart, and that he can't think on his feet.
However, that isn't really the point. I don't have a problem if President Obama uses notes when he speaks. I use notes when I speak (though I can't say I've ever used a teleprompter). I don't have a problem if Sarah Palin uses notes - even if it's a few words scribbled on her hand. I frequently write notes-to-self on my own arm.
But here comes the Liberal News Media to bamboozle the day. They literally can't stop criticizing Palin for those few words written on her hand. Of course, they don't dare to ever mention the fact that Obama can't speak without his security blanket - the teleprompter.
Even with a teleprompter, Obama can't get things right. Last week the President mispronounced "US Corpsmen" as "corpse-men." (Hear "corpsmen" pronounced correctly here.) It wasn't as if he had a single slip of the tongue - he made the mispronunciation twice in one paragraph, and gave the speech more than once. *Watch it for yourself here.*
But has anyone mentioned Obama's fault? Has anyone considered the fact that Obama is Commander-in-Chief of the US Military, and can't even pronounce "corpsmen"? Not the Liberal Media. But I thought they'd be really concerned about clear enunciation, considering how severely they bashed George W. Bush for his speeches.
When a person becomes frightened, they often panic. When they panic, they lose their poise and start to act irrationally. I believe the Liberals sent their poise packing a long time ago! Even though the Left may frustrate us, we've got to got applaud the Right. You know you're doing the right thing when your opponent reverts to foolish, childish tactics.

Five Minutes for Haiti

2010-01-20T15:02:00.006-06:00

On January 12, Haiti, the poorest country in our hemisphere, suffered a 7.2 earthquake. This was extremely devastating.
Now Haiti has suffered a tremendous after-shock; a 6.2 earthquake.
There are people in Haiti who are still trapped in the rubble. There are people suffering from injuries. There are doctors that are having to operate outdoors, saving those that can be saved in time, passing others by. They are forced to make these difficult decisions just like war-time doctors have been forced to do in the past.
There is a major shortage of food and water. Many American troops are being deployed to Haiti. I even know someone personally who has just been deployed.
There are several things we can do to help the Haiti victims. But the most important thing we can do is pray.

So join me in a prayer battle!
I am making a promise to spend at least five minutes everyday praying just for Haiti.

Pray for the Christians in Haiti, that they will find their strength in God and be able to reach out to those in need.
Pray for those who do not have Jesus, that they will run to Him through this experience.
Pray for the people who are in Haiti to help - the American military, doctors, rescue workers, etc.
Pray that the practical needs will be met.
Ask God what else you can do.

I encourage you to even pray longer than five minutes if you feel led to. The Bible talks about God's heart for those in need. This is our chance to help them.
Who will join me for five minutes a day?

There are also several practical ways to help. I suggest visiting Samaritan's Purse. They are a reliable Christian organization doing a lot for Haiti right now.

Victory in Massachusetts!

2010-01-20T13:02:00.005-06:00

Yesterday conservatives and liberals alike held their breath as a crucial election took place in Massachusetts.
The election was a senatorial one. Scott Brown was the conservative underdog, standing strong against government health care and government control. Martha Coakley was the liberal who promised to vote for the health care.
All the Democrats needed was one more liberal vote in the Senate in order to ram the health care bill through.
Sorry, Obama! The people cast their votes, and Scott Brown won the election! Even the most liberal state in the union stood up against blatant government control. Republicans and Democrats voted for Scott Brown, because, like the rest of us, they do not want government health care. Way to go, Massachusetts!
With all the protests and opposition, you'd think Obama would get the message. You'd think he would see that America didn't want government health care after all. But he still wants to force it through. Obviously, it's not about helping the people. For him, it's about gaining more control.
This just goes to show what can happen when the American people speak out. Praise the Lord that Americans everywhere - even in Massachusetts - are opening their eyes to see who Obama really is.

Urgent

2010-01-18T17:16:00.003-06:00

A very important election is going to take place tomorrow, January 19. We should be praying very hard about this election. It would even help to donate a small amount of money - $5, $10, or $15.
Unfortunately, my blog is acting up a bit and I'm not able to post the complete article on here that I wanted to.
So I'm asking you to please visit my cousin's blog, 400 Things. The article is entitled Just ONE Man. Please click on the link and read the article. If nothing else, devote some time in serious prayer for this election.
Thanks!

Isaiah 1:17

2010-01-16T08:17:00.009-06:00

Scroll to the bottom of this page and you'll see the daily Bible verse. This morning, when I saw that it was Isaiah 1:17, I was reminded of a powerful lesson I learned in Guatemala.
In Guatemala, one of our amazing team leaders was Paul. I'll never forget the devotions Paul gave. He had the biggest heart for missions that I've ever seen. He was passionate about "the lost and the least"; the people in third world countries that no one seems to think about - the kids being sold into sex trafficking that we seem to ignore. When he thought of these people, his heart would really, seriously hurt for them.
Many people will look at a guy like Paul and think, "Wow, it's great that he cares so much about all that. God must have really put missions on his heart."
But Paul wouldn't necessarily agree with that sentiment. He doesn't believe that missions are just for the select few. He believes that God has put missions on everybody's heart. And I'm inclined to agree.
When we're just walking in the flesh - doing our own thing - then of course, our heart may not feel like going on a mission trip, or even be concerned with the starving people half way across the globe. But when we give our life to God, He will replace our old heart with a new heart.
Have you ever heard the verse, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart"? When you really take time to delight yourself in the Lord, you'll become more like Him. You'll have His heart. You'll want to be about what God's about.
If you want to know what's on God's heart, just look in His word. You can't miss it.
"The Lord has told you what is good...to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others...." Micah 6:8
"This is what the Lord says: Do what is fair and right. Save the one who has been robbed from the power of his attacker. Don't mistreat or hurt the foreigners, orphans, or widows...." Jeremiah 22:3
"Religion that God accepts as pure and without fault is this: caring for orphans or widows who need help, and keeping yourself free from the world's evil influence." James 1:2
Jesus explains this best. Matthew 25:35-40, 46 says:
'I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'
Then the good people will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you alone and away from home and invite you into our house? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?'
Then the King will answer, 'I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.....
'Anything you refused to do for the least of my people here, you refused to do for me.'
God has told all of us how to live and what to care for. God's heart bleeds for those spiritually lost, and those that the world would deem the least of society. It's our obligation as Christians to care for those people; whether they live in another country, or in our own town.
One morning, as we sat in the conference room of the Guatemalan hotel, Paul read Isaiah 1:17 to us.
"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Punish those who hurt others. Help the orphans. Stand up for the rights of widows."
He told us to never forget it. "Write it on your arm," he said.
God wants to give us the desires of our hearts. But first, He wants to mold our heart to His. Be about what God's about.
To know practical ways that you can help the lost and the least - for instance, the 25,000 children who died from hunger and malnutrition today, and the 25,000 children who will probably die tomorrow, visit this website: marked117.com.

It's a...TEEN Party!

2010-01-13T17:17:00.011-06:00

On April 15, 2009, concerned Americans gathered in every state to protest excessive taxation and many other crucial issues. Since then T.E.A. (Taxed Enough Already) Parties have grown and helped more and more people to become aware of the dangerous state of our nation.
It was at the last T.E.A. Party, on Veteran's Day, that a friend and I looked around and marveled that we were the only teens present. This disappointed us.
Make no mistake; all the adults in attendance definitely should have been there! If freedom means something to anyone, it means something to the adults of our nation; Americans who persevered through the Great Depression, World War II, Korea and the Vietnam War.
But the fact is, there is an entire generation of young Americans nearing the conversion from childhood to adulthood. There is an entire generation that will soon be voting, entering college, beginning careers, making money, paying taxes...and ultimately, shaping the country. Who does that generation include? Me. Teenagers. Kids. Youth. Within the next ten years, America will be our responsibility! So it's very crucial that the youth of today be concerned with their future...now!
It was at this time that a little idea sparked inside our brains.
"Hey," we said. "Let's make it our goal to get as many teens to the next TEA Party as possible."
We talked about it a bit - thought of some advertisement ideas that would appeal to teens. Then, another thought hit us.
"Why couldn't we co-host the TEA Party? We could stand on the steps of the courthouse right beside the adults. Some teenage speakers might keep the teens' attention better."
Then....
"Why couldn't we host the TEA Party all on our own? Why not make it a total Teen TEA Party?"
Now a Teen TEA Party is officially planned for Saturday, February 13, on the steps of the Cooke County Courthouse in Texas! What a way for teenagers to show that they are concerned with doing something really important!
We have a message for every teen out there, whether they already care about politics or not.
There are too many teenagers who could care less about politics, because they've never been told why they should care.
There are also a lot of teenagers who really do care about America and our future as a nation. But they aren't correctly informed. They've been told in school and by the media that the way to make a difference is to stop Global Warming. They've been told that President Obama is "cool" and he's going to whip the nation back into shape again. So the way to make a difference is to do what he asks us to.
And then there are teens who are aware of the truth, but they don't know what to do about it.
At the Teen TEA Party, we hope to reach all these people; those who don't care, those who care but are misinformed, and those who are informed but don't know what to do.
So, what's actually going to happen at this TEA Party? All we're doing is exercising our first amendment right, in a really fun, creative, "teenager" way. There will be skits, music, and food (including tea!) along with informative and inspirational speeches - all by teens. Teens at the TEA Party will learn why they should be concerned about certain issues and how they can help. There will even be an open mic, so that any teenager who desires to share their concerns or opinion may have the freedom to do so!
I'm praying that this will be a big success, and that our small group of teens in Cooke County, Texas, might inspire teens across America.
Are you a teen who cares about America? Do you wish more of your friends cared just as much?
You can do this too! Organize a Teen TEA Party for people in your area. It's not as hard as it sounds. You will have to put in some serious effort. But don't you think getting a bunch of teens fired up and motivated about America is worth it? I truly believe teens can change America. But it has to start somewhere, with someone like you and me. And if we don't do something, there's no guarantee that anyone else will. Even Dr. Suess agrees!
Unless someone like YOU cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.

P.S. Contact me for ideas on getting your own Teen TEA Party started!
Look for Liberty Davidson on facebook (please mention that you read my blog when making your friend request), or go to our facebook page, TEA Parties for Teens (North Texas).

Will You Remember?

2009-12-07T16:27:00.005-06:00

On September 11, 2001, Americans made a promise to never forget what happened; the attack, the heroism, the fallen. We will remember, we said. But sixty years earlier, Americans made the exact same commitment.
If you can remember what September 11 was like, you can imagine the way America felt on December 7, 1941. It was early in the morning when six Japanese aircraft carriers bombed the naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The losses were devastating. Over two-thousand people died, over a thousand more were wounded, and much military equipment was lost.
Last year I interviewed some senior citizens about their Pearl Harbor day experiences. You can probably identify with them:

"Oh mercy. I was horrified. I could just figure how many of our boys we were going to lose that day. It just so happened that I didn't have any brothers in Pearl Harbor at that time. But my heart went out to the mothers and daddies that did." - Virginia Holland Melugin

"I can remember hearing President Roosevelt's address over the radio, saying it was a day of infamy. We were just at home at night in our living room...Oh, it was a tremendous shock. Everyone was kind of numb that night...I remember how everyone was so united. I don't think our country's ever been more united...working toward one goal." - Jesse Richeson

United. I believe America was also united on September 11, "working toward one goal." That goal was to defeat terrorism and protect our homeland.
We didn't hesite to enter WWII when Pearl Harbor was attacked. No longer was it a question of getting involved in another nation's business...it was about guarding our own nation.
We didn't hesitate to enter the War on Terror when we were attacked on September 11. We understood that war is very unpleasant, but very necessary to defeat evil that threatens innocent lives.
And yet, only eight years later, we seem to have gone backwards in our thinking. Our current President refuses to even use the term terrorism anymore. He's weakening our nation's defenses, and is not prioritizing the war like he should.
(I am thankful that Obama finally sent the troops to Afghanistan that Gen. McChrystal has been desperately requesting for months. And yet I severely disagree with the President's declared "end date.")
If our thought process can change that much in only eight years, it's scary to think what can happen in sixty-eight years.

"A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are tyring to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about." - Woodrow Wilson

Remember Pearl Harbor today. Learn your country's history and teach it to your children. And be sure you don't ever forget it.

We will remember.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T15:11:00.005-06:00

The big day is finally here! We'll enjoy it with football, extended family, baking, cooking, and feasting.
This morning I continued my tradition of watching Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade while Mom baked pies in the kitchen. Now we're just taking it easy till it's time to see the rest of the family and have the big dinner. Everything's perfect. Life couldn't get better than on this day of giving thanks, and there is so much to be thankful for...

Until it's all gone.

On this Thanksgiving day, I'd like you to join me for a moment as I imagine myself away from the life I'm so familiar with.

I live on the streets. I eat what I can get. I live at the mercy of those who would harm me. I try to hide, but it's almost not even worth it anymore. I'll spend today hungry and cold, like everyday, with an inner pining for something I've never known...a real family. Today I'll see families together, eating plenty, warm in their nice coats, and in the love they share. But I will try to find a warmer place to sleep. I am one in over 1,000,000 children in America, and I am alone.

I live in a hut. My mother died of aids many years ago. My grandmother died yesterday. I have three younger siblings. They have no adults to look after them anymore; they look to me. We have no food. I'll search the village for food tomorrow, but I will not eat, so they will not starve. I am sick, and rapidly growing worse. I am one in 15,000,000 children around the world, and my only prayer is that I may live long enough to teach my siblings to care for themselves.

I am just trying to survive this winter. When our friends arrived a few months ago, we were so overjoyed that we didn't notice they had brought none of their own provisions. Our small village was struggling as it was. During the cold season, when we should be eating more than usual to stay strong and healthy, we are forced to hunger. At first, our daily rations were cut in half. But it still wasn't enough to feed everyone. The rations kept growing smaller and smaller. It wasn't enough to sustain many of my friends, and I'm afraid it won't be enough to sustain me. Our daily fare is now five kernels of corn. I am a Pilgrim, full of dreams of life in a new world, and I will die before the day is done.

I think that in this modern age, especially in America, we are so blessed that we forget how to really be thankful. Thanksgiving is so full of fun traditions, feasting, and holiday cheer. It's easy to be thankful. But what if your life was different? What if you were homeless? What if you hadn't been born in America? What if you had been a Pilgrim? Would your gratitude be grounded in something stronger than the easy life you live or the things you possess?
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope you do enjoy all those wonderful traditions, see all the family you love and eat all the pie you can! But most of all, I hope you take a little bit longer to think about what you're truly grateful for, and that no matter what happens, your gratitude is grounded in something that can't be taken away.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hate Crimes are Unconstitutional

2009-11-18T16:01:00.005-06:00

Last month a new law was passed. Here's what the President had to say about it:
"After more than a decade of opposition and delay, we've passed inclusive hate crimes legislation to help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray or who they are."
This kind of law makes no sense.
If Joe was to murder Bob, and Bob just happened to be gay, Joe would suffer a larger penalty than if Bob had been straight.
If Larry was to rob Alice, and Alice just happened to belong to a minority (black, Muslim...), Larry would suffer a larger penalty than if Alice had been white.
Separating "hate crimes" from regular crimes is unconstitutional. When a person can be judged and punished based on what he may have been thinking while committing the crime, the freedom of our very thought process is being threatened. Besides, most of the time, Joe doesn't care or even know if Bob is gay, and Larry doesn't care what ethnicity Alice is.
Since when is all murder not considered a "hate" crime? All crimes derive from hate, no matter who commits them!
And what if a gay person murders a straight person, or a black person robs a white person? Are they accused of intolerance, racism, hate crimes then? I don't think so.
Too many people have become so bent on being politically correct, that their thoughts and actions are becoming ridiculous. In an attempt to not "offend" any minority (that probably wouldn't be offended anyway,) they end up offending the majority.
The truth must always be spoken, and sometimes people will be offended or hurt.
There will always be hateful people in the world until Jesus returns, and they will always commit crimes. They should be punished - but based on their actions, not their probable thought process.

See You At The Pole

2009-09-22T16:56:00.010-05:00

Tomorrow morning, millions of teens across the world will circle around their school's Flag pole and pray.
Started in 1990 by a group of young Christians in Burleson, Texas, SYATP gives students an opportunity to meet with other Christians in their schools and pray for friends, family, teachers, government...anything they wish to bring before God together.
This is an amazingly powerful movement. To join as one body and pray is always effectual in the Kingdom of Heaven. By gathering publicly to pray, we will make a bold statement. Many of our peers will see our example, and we will have the opportunity to be an extreme witness. And perhaps most crucial to these times, we will be opening the door for revival.
The theme for this year's SYATP is Engage: Go and Pray. It comes from the story of Josiah in the Bible. When Josiah was a teenager, he began to passionately seek after and radically obey God. The results? One of the biggest revivals in history!
I would greatly encourage you to gather with your fellow students and pray tomorrow morning. My home school group gathers at the Flag pole of our local courthouse to pray. Last year was my first year to attend. I will be going again tomorrow.
If you can't go and meet around the pole, will you please join the cause in spirit and set aside a time to pray at home?
Many youth groups will also be hosting "Saw You At The Pole" events Wednesday night. Check and see if there will be one close to you.
We can change the world for Christ, but we must be committed to passionate seeking and radical obedience.

See You At The Pole, Wednesday, September 23, 2009
“Go and pray to God for me and for the people . . ." —2 KINGS 22:13a

What Was Wrong With Obama's School Address?

2009-09-10T20:01:00.008-05:00

On Tuesday the President gave his tensely anticipated, controversial speech to all the students of America. The end result?
There was nothing wrong with what Obama said.
He spoke about perseverance through the hard times in life, the importance of personal responsibility, and staying in school. He told students that their hard work in school was important because they are the future of America.
This is all true. Perseverance, studying hard, and personal responsibility are all very vital - especially to a kid during the school years. I understand this.
The problem? I don't think President Obama believed a word he said.
Of all the people to talk about personal responsibility!
During his Presidential campaign, Obama falsely proclaimed that America was undergoing her worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We were in a recession, but it was not nearly as bad as the Depression. It was only the worst recession since Jimmy Carter's Presidency. Now our economy is in an even worse state, because Obama hasn't done anything to help it at all. He's increased taxes, spent trillions of dollars on government programs that don't work, and now he's proposing a health care bill that will not only go against everything America stands for, but will lead us into even deeper dept. Now many more people have lost their jobs, and the only jobs on the rise are government jobs!
During these hard times, Obama has told America over and over that we must be willing to sacrifice, that it's time to "tighten our belts" until we pull out of the recession. And he promised that the White House would be doing the same thing.
But has he? No. He is living a very extravagant life (even more so than most Presidents in good economic times) while he's telling everyone else to "tighten their belts."
This is also the man who appointed a publicly communist Czar, who wants socialist health care, and who wants a socialist country in general! Communism and socialism evoke the opposite of personal responsibility. It just doesn't seem like he understands enough about personal responsibility to be telling kids about it.
He also told the sad story of how he was raised by a poor, single mother in Indonesia, who wanted to make sure he got the same standard of schooling as children in America. So she woke him up at 4:30 every morning to do school work.
But, from everything I've heared ever since his campaign, the reason Obama lived in Indonesia was because his step father worked in the oil business. (It's likely their family was quite wealthy.) It doesn't sound like he was living in Indonesia with a single parent. And I know for a fact that Obama attended a Muslim school - about the farthest thing from an American education you can get.
Not only did the President encourage the students in character traits that he himself does not openly possess, but either lied or didn't present all the facts.
It also strikes me as suspicious that he refused to release the speech on the internet until Monday, the day before it was given. Normally, the speech would have been released much sooner, because parents and teachers typically want to know what is going to be said to their children. But Obama has not done anything to gain America's trust; in fact, I'd say he's losing it day by day. Parents didn't know what was going to be said to their children, because they felt they couldn't trust Obama! All the opposition caused many school districts to back out of showing the speech at their schools. The White House didn't expect so much controversy. And since the speech wasn't allowed to be released until Monday, there was plenty of time to alter it, if the President had a mind to do so. I think it's very probable that he did. If you go to the link in my previous post and read the work sheet that was supposed to go along with the speech, you'll see that some of the questions for the kids to answer don't really make sense or match up according to what was actually said.
So the President didn't come out and overtly propose something like the Hitler youth. But in the past, he has mentioned things like a youth national guard, which would require every youth to serve in some sort of military.
But what he did do was tug at the heart strings of thousands of students. I heard part of the speech live on the radio, and I heard the pitying gasps of the students listening as he told the story of waking up at 4:30 a.m. to do school. Now there are probably many, many kids who are thinking, "He's not such a bad guy. In fact, he's pretty cool!" So the next time he addresses the students of America and starts to suggest some new ideas, or asks a little more of them than just to work hard in school, they'll say "Sure!" Because they like him. So why not "help him out"?
Just saying, it's very possible, and very probable.
And lastly, at a time in a President's term when there are so many crucial issues to deal with, it's not appropriate to address students. It's just not. There's nothing wrong with addressing students, but not at a time like this.
So, there was nothing really wrong with anything Obama said. He hit all the right notes - everything one would expect to hear in such a speech. But we have to look beneath the surface. There is a lot more going on than meets the eye at first glance. There always is! If more people would look a little deeper beneath the words and the outward appearance, more people would know the truth. And I believe that more people are beginning to do just that.

One last thing before I sign off. Tomorrow is September 11th. Please take time to remember our brave patriots who lost their lives or their loved ones on that day in 2001. Hang your Flag - say the Pledge of Allegiance! And pray for America. Pray for God's protection to cover our country. And pray that we will turn back to God.
God Bless America.

Back with a Bang!

2009-09-07T13:49:00.013-05:00

Hello!
I'm sure that many of my followers haven't exactly been following me for the last month...and it's my own fault for not posting in so long. For that I apologize. But I can't let a busy lifestyle get in the way of exercising my freedom to speak, now can I? Nope! It's time to dust off the keyboard, don the writing cap once again, and get back to blogging! And boy, do I have a lot of things to blog about. So here we go. . . .
The freedom to choose our own health care is hanging by a thread. Tomorrow Barack Obama will be addressing school children all over the nation. Hollywood liberals are pledging their service to the President - let's hit that one first.
Have you heard of the I Pledge video? It was created by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, and many other celebrities are involved. In the video, various celebrities "pledge" to do some of the following things: laugh more, be better parents, care for the elderly, sell their cars so they can buy hybrids, conserve water and plastic, and get involved in community service. You know I don't buy into the whole "green" agenda, but for the most part, the things they were pledging to do were good things. (I'm just wondering why they've just now decided that they should try to be happier, and care for the elderly, and take better care of their kids.) So what's wrong with all of this? They are pledging to do all of these things in service to Barack Obama! Not to make their lives better. Not to make America better. But to serve the President! It's utterly ridiculous in the least.
The President of the United States is elected to serve the people. The government is supposed to serve the people by protecting their freedom. Never were the people of America meant to serve anyone but God Almighty, nor anything but America itself. In the Revolution the Patriots cried, "No king but King Jesus!" So why are these people pledging their service to Obama, as if he were their king?
And they're asking you to do the same thing! I would like to tell you that the only pledge you should ever have to say in this country is Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance is not a promise to serve any person or anything. It is what it is - a pledge of allegiance and respect to the flag, and to the republic it represents, which is one nation Under God.
If you don't believe all of this, look up the video on YouTube. And by the way - if this health care bill is passed, instead of caring for the elderly, the government will be telling the elderly when they can live and when it's time for them to die.
This theme of service to Obama is reaching farther than YouTube. Now it's going to be placed in front of millions of school children.
Tomorrow, on September 8th, Obama will be addressing all the school kids in America. From what I have gathered, he will be introducing "new ideas", and asking children to do jobs to help out.
I looked up an official menu of classroom activities, published by the Department of Education, to go along with the speech. (Here's the link.)
During the address, students will be told to asked themselves, "What is the President trying to tell me? What is the President trying to ask me to do? What new ideas and actions is the President challenging me to think about?" They will also be asked to write down any key phrases or ideas that are "important or personally meaningful" to them.
I have not heard the speech. But anyone with common sense should be able to tell that this is not good at all. Will children be persuaded to serve their President instead of serving their country? This remind me of the Hitler Youth! You can call me crazy, but isn't this what Hitler did to the children of Germany?
Thankfully, each individual school district will be allowed to choose whether or not their schools will show the address. And many districts have decided against showing the address because of the opposition of so many conservative parents.
There are also many parents who will not be sending their kids to school tomorrow.
If your school is going to show Obama's address, please watch it critically. Go to school with the America our anscetors founded in mind. Know what America was meant to be. Remember that the President, and the government, is supposed to serve YOU. You should never be required to pledge your service to any person. The only pledge you should ever have to say is the Pledge of Alliegiance.
It would be very easy to see everything happening to our country right now and hang your head in despair. Or you could join the thousands who are waking up to the fact that they can't sit idley any longer! You may not hear the stories of the many Americans who are lifting their voices louder and louder, because the liberal media tries to cover it up. But there is a lot of patriotism stirring among the people, and we are standing up for our country.
Don't despair, and don't give up hope!
There is a sun on this dark horizon. And best of all, there is a God who loves His people.

Never the Same - A Summary of my Guatemala Experience

2009-07-24T15:13:00.030-05:00

I am back from Guatemala! Here is one final summary of the whole trip.

First, I’d like to say Thank You a million times to everyone who helped me go!! If it were not for your financial support and prayers, I wouldn’t have had this experience.
The adventure began in Miami Fl. There I got to meet the rest of my team (40 people), and we learned the drama that we would be using during the next two weeks. The drama is called “Spellbound,” and it tells the story of the Gospel. First they cast us in different parts. I was cast as the “Evil Magician,” who represents Satan. It was a very challenging, but very fun part to play. We spent two full days in training, and I loved every minute of it.
We arrived in Miami on Monday, and Thursday afternoon we flew out to Guatemala. It was so exciting to finally leave Florida and begin our real ministry! We stayed in Antigua, a beautiful village about an hour south of Guatemala City. We were privileged to stay in an absolutely gorgeous hotel. We even got to eat at the hotel restaurant for breakfast and supper. The food usually tasted wonderful, but of course there were a few weird things that I decided not to try.
Each day we woke early, ate a nice breakfast and had team devotions. Then we’d load up on the bus and go to our ministry sight for the day. We did the drama at schools, parks, an orphanage and a soup kitchen. Sometimes we would also help out by cleaning, painting, or doing whatever was needed. After we performed the drama the audience had the opportunity to come forward and give their lives to Jesus. It was so exciting to see people ask Jesus into their hearts every time we performed. Afterwards we were able to mingle with the audience, during which time we were usually able to witness to a few more. We also got to play with the children, giving them little toys and painting their faces. They are so precious! Matthew 19:14 - Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
One day we went to a soup kitchen in Guatemala City. While we were there, the First Lady of Guatemala arrived. She told us through a translator how grateful she was for all the work we were doing. Then she invited us to their palace so she could “honor” us. My friend Aubrey prayed for Guatemala with her, in front of the TV, and over the radio that day. The next day our team wasn’t able to go to the palace, but three other teams were able to. While they were there, the First Lady proclaimed every person on the mission trip "Special Ambassadors" to Guatemala! I'm not exactly sure what that means, but what an opportunity to witness to the very government of Guatemala! We were so thankful that God had made such a divine appointment and helped us to have such an impact.
Every night after we got back from ministry, we would have FUAGNEM (Fired Up And Going Nuts Every Minute) service, which consisted of worship songs and an inspiring message. The worship was amazing, and every night I was challenged to go deeper in my faith. FUAGNEM was definitely one of my favorite parts of the mission trip.
Sometimes during FUAGNEM a few people from each team could share something that happened that day. One team shared how they got to pray for a man who was born without a knee cap. After they prayed for him, the man had grown a knee cap and was able to get out of his wheel chair and walk! How amazing!
About 500 teens went on the mission trip. God used us to have a big impact in Guatemala – over 3,000 lives were saved by the end of the trip! But just as important, God used the trip to have a big impact on our lives as well. My heart was definitely touched in a big way. I am thankful beyond words for this experience!

I would ask that you continue to pray for me and all the people who went on the trip. It’s harder to radically live out your faith in the mundane surrounding of home than it is on the mission field. But it’s just as important to be a missionary here as it is across the world, and I know God used that awesome experience to equip me for the rest of my life.
The theme of the mission trip was “Never the Same.” And with lots of prayer and determination, I don’t believe I ever will be.

This is our lovely resort.

Myself and my roomie Heidi in full make-up

I didn't forget to celebrate Independence Day! Me and my roomie Kate. :)

We painted lots of faces! This is my friend Anne with a Guatemalan girl.

A ten-year-old Guatemalan girl - already responsibly working.

My whole team after performing at an orphanage

Here I am with some children from a school where we performed the drama.

Ayiesha Woods and her brother Donald were on the mission trip! They are both so awesome!

Here I am with Aubrey! (Guatemala Missions Trip...09 - blog roll.) She rocks!

This is Lake Atitlan. One day we sailed across the lake to do our drama on the other side.

Here I am atop the ferry that sailed across the lake. It was so fun.

Me with awesome friends Carly and Catherine (Cat was also my roomie!)

Some more awesome friends - Bethany, Ashley (roomie:), myself, and Tyler.

Airplane buddies, Alex and Lydia, on the flight home!

We Serve a Big God!

2009-07-09T18:10:00.005-05:00

It seems like such a long time ago that we landed in Miami, and then flew to Guatemala. So much has happened, so much has changed in every person here.

One thing that has impacted me the most is how everyone here is literally like a family. Seeing the love between team members and the support we give to each other blows my mind away. I keep thinking, this is the way the body of Christ is supposed to be! When our team is together, there is such a sense of freedom. I know that I can share any struggles I have without fear of judgment. And every single day we pray for each other. It is so awesome to know that I have brothers and sisters in Christ all over America who will continue praying for each other even after this trip is over.

Today we went to a soup kitchen in the city. After the drama, we got to go and talk to a lot of people. One of the best things I saw was a couple with their five year old son come to Christ.

Then, the President's wife came. Yes, the first lady of Guatemala. That in itself is pretty cool, but the most amazing part is that we got to pray with her, and my friend Aubrey even got to pray for Guatemala over the radio! The President's wife actually invited us to their palace so that she could honor us, because she was so grateful for what we had done for her country. This was just proof of how God is using us in huge ways to impact this country of Guatemala!
Well, I'm almost out of time. I am looking forward to coming home! But this experience is going to be hard to leave.

Chow!

I'm Having an Amazing Time in...

2009-07-06T18:18:00.005-05:00

...Guatemala!

Hello everyone! I'm sorry I haven't found time to update since I've been here. So let me fill you in on what's going on.

We arrived in Antigua, Guatemala late Thursday night. The hotel we are staying in is beautiful. It really reminds me of a castle. It's surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, and of course, the quaint city of Antigua.

A few hours ago my team returned from our third day of ministry. Our ministry days are so much fun. On Friday we went to an orhpanage where we worked doing everything from cleaning windows to sorting rotten cabbages and carrots (a reeking job!) Afterwards we did our drama for the children. On Saturday we went to a park and did the drama twice. (The drama is called Spellbound and it tells the story of the Gospel. It is amazing! I am the Evil Magician.) On Sunday we had a more relaxing day with worship services and seminars. And today we went to a church in a small village where we painted a huge wall. That was the most fun so far! Everyone was covered in paint from head to toe - literally. After that we went to a school and preformed the drama again.

But I think the most amazing thing so far about this mission trip has been the worship services and the Fuagnem (Fired Up And Going Nuts Every Minute) services. Susie Shellenburger, former editor of Brio, is an awesome speaker, and she goes deeper every night. The presence of the Holy Spirit is so evident in the services.

This trip is more than living up to my expectations. I can't wait to give you a more detailed report (complete with lots of pics!)

If you want to know more about the trip, visit the blog on my blog roll, Guatemala...2009 (sorry if that's not the exact title!) But it's Aubrey's blog and she updates it pretty regularly.

Serving and Growing in the Lord,

Liberty

P.S. Happy (after) Independence Day!!!!!

2009-07-03T12:48:00.003-05:00

Dear People of the United States of America,
This country belongs to you. Will you now let a controlling government take it away from you on a whim?
Regular people like you and me laid down their lives so that America could be free. America was built to be a nation of liberty, where anyone can “worship GOD in the manner most agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience”; a land where anyone with a determined will can become anything they want to be –the sky’s the limit! A country where no matter how young, old, sick, or feeble you are, you have the undeniable right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness! A place where you can determine how rich you want to be, without the government telling you that the profit you earned from your own hard work and sacrifice are unfair to those less fortunate! America was meant to be a land where you have freedom to voice your thoughts without anyone trying to hush you up.
For too long have we been apathetic to the affairs of our country. But I believe that something powerful is stirring in the hearts of many Americans. Finally, we the people are waking up!
Much has changed since the founding of this nation. But nothing worth fighting for is ever too far gone. Don’t give up on Your nation! Keep fighting for the freedoms that you hold dear. Don’t be afraid. Don’t get discouraged! The original patriots suffered through hunger, cold, sickness, death, and persecution to obtain the freedom America is now losing. Is it too much for us to suffer through a different kind of persecution in order to regain that freedom?
So, dear Americans, remain strong in your cause. Hold fast to what you know is the truth. And don’t ever settle for any lower standard of truth!
In all that you do – in all that you fight for, keep our Lord, Jesus Christ, in front of you. Jesus is the only One who can give everlasting freedom. And He is the one to whom we must now turn! God gave us our Independence. He gave us victory over tyranny and bondage. And it was only when we, as a nation, lost sight of God that we began to crawl back into our chains.
Stand strong for your country in the name of the Lord! This is your country! Let’s take it back! -Liberty Davidson

Call2Fall

2009-06-27T17:52:00.005-05:00

"I will answer God's call 2 fall on my knees in humility and seek His face in repentance, so that He might forgive my sins and heal our land."

This is the declaration of the national prayer movement, Call2Fall. On July 5th, thousands of Christians in America will get on their knees and pray. The movement is based on 2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

I know that our land needs healing - major healing! And I admit that I have not been praying as faithfully as I should for our country. But God says that if His people (that's you and me) will humble themselves, seek Him, and turn from their wicked ways, He will heal their land! I can talk about it all day long. But there is a point when every person has to make a decision for themselves. I have commited to not only pray on July 5th, but to pray for America every single day. Will you join me in my commintment to pray for our nation?

Go the the official website, call2fall.com, and sign up so they will be able to keep track of how many are participating. Then, on July 5th - and everyday - do what needs to be done and pray for our country.

Hopefully this movement will be the beginning of another Great Awakening, and people who have been idle will realize that we should be praying for our country every single day.

I'm Really Leaving!

2009-06-27T17:25:00.007-05:00

Yes, in 35 hours I will be on my way to a life changing experience in Guatemala!
In a way, it seems like I've been planning for this trip for so long! And yet I can't believe that it's already here.
From the moment I knew I was to go on this trip, and through all the fundraising, to the final days as I scramble to get everything packed and together, God has been so good to me. He has provided every single thing that I need - everything from the initial funds, to spending money, to friends to ride on the plane with.
I pray that when I come home I will be a changed person. Just thinking of all the different, wonderful aspects of this trip makes my head spin! I'll be meeting new friends, seeing several famous Christian Artists in concert (including Ayiesha Woods, Jaime Jamgochian, Everlife, and more...), I'll be participating in drama ministry, street witnessing, I'll be experiencing another culture...and I don't even know what else!
I grew so much on my last mission trip, that I can't wait to see what God will do through this one. While every mission trip is different, some things are always the same. When you answer God's calling to "Go into all the world," there is something powerful, really powerful involved. Whether you are going on a domestic mission trip to the inner city, or traveling across the globe to remote Indian tribes, it is my belief that if you open your heart, you will return a changed person. I think every follower of Christ should try to go on a mission trip at least once. You'll never regret it, and you'll never be the same.
Once again, I want to send a special thanks to everyone who has helped make this trip possible! I would ask that you continue to pray for everyone going during the next two weeks. Pray that our lives will be changed, and that God will open the Guatemalens' hearts to hear about the love of Jesus. Pray for safety on the flights and in Guatemala City, and please pray that no one gets sick.
I am looking forward to writing another post when I get back! I know there will be so much to tell!
Adios, Amigos!

Do Not Be Entangled Again with Bondage

2009-06-12T14:33:00.012-05:00

Americans, it's happening. Our country is sinking deeper and deeper into a pit called "bondage" every single day.
From light bulbs to health care, the simple freedoms that we the people have a right to are being ripped from us all the time, and it's happening fast.
Don't you think that every family has the right to decide what kind of light bulb they want to use in their own household? It seems like a no-brainer. But the government has decided that every family should be forced to use fluorescent light bulbs - you know, those curly ones? They say it's better for the environment, and that it will save money. So to make sure everyone uses these fluorescent bulbs, regular bulbs are not being manufactured anymore. That's right. Soon you won't even be able to buy them! But the truth is, these fluorescent bulbs cost $1-$2 a piece, where regular bulbs only cost .20 on average. And besides - global warming is a myth, and the environment is fine. Most scientists today (even liberal scientists) admit that global warming isn't happening. It is purely a political tool. The earth's temperature has cycles, just like everything else in life, and for a while it was warming up. But now, at least where I live in Texas, it's cooled down considerably for this time of year. So global warming isn't even a real issue. It bothers me so badly when people exert all their energy into "saving the planet", when there are real issues at hand, like starving children all over the world - even in America. Anyway, I didn't mean to go on so long about global warming. I just wanted to prove my point.
Not only are we going to be forced to buy low-quality light bulbs, but also low-quality cars, that are also supposed to be "good for the environment." The government now owns the major car company, GM. And now, many people that used to work for GM are confessing that they were forced from their jobs by the government. That's what communist countries do!!!
Have you heard about Miss California, Carrie Prejean? Carrie Prejean was in the final running for Miss USA when she was asked whether or not she thought gay-marriage should be legalized in America. She gave an honest, polite answer; "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised." And for giving that answer, she was attacked, ridiculed, badgered, and finally fired from being Miss California! All because she believed marriage should be between a man and a woman. That is not American!
And something else the government is working hard to take control of...health care! That's right! Once the government controls health care, you won't be able to choose your own doctors, get help when you need it, or even pay for your own medication. In other countries where the government owns health care, they will not send out an ambulance for anyone over the age of 65. And if your case of cancer is under a certain level, the average waiting time for treatment is 3 years. And when Obama says that 50,000,000 people in America don't have health care...it's just a lie.
And worst of all, our Christian founding principals are being ripped right from beneath our feet. First Obama stated twice publicly that America no longer considers itself a Christian nation. But a few weeks ago when Obama visited the Middle East, he said that America could be considered the second largest Muslim nation in the world! Why does he say that, when less than 4% of Americans claim to be Muslim? America does actually have the second largest Jewish population, so if he is so against us being a Christian nation, why doesn't he call us a Jewish nation? He said we were no longer a "Christian nation" because, supposedly, he wanted to be fair to all the religions observed in the USA (which still doesn't make sense.) But now he is willing to say that America is a Muslim nation, with suddenly no regard to the other religions in America. Why is he so set on becoming friends with the Muslim nations, when they are our enemies? Why has he forbidden the term "War on Terror?" Why does he call conservative citizens "Terrorists," but refuses to call extreme Muslims "Terrorists?"
The way I see it, America is not only quickly becoming a socialist country, it is also on its way to turning its back on Israel. And God have mercy on us if we do. The people of Israel are God's chosen people, and in the Bible He always punished her enemies.
This isn't just about politics or parties. It's not even all about fluorescent light bulbs and government health care. It's about keeping God's blessing on our country. Why would we let a gift from God be taken away from us so swiftly? America is a Christian nation. And the country that Obama is trying to turn America into - it isn't America. We'll call it "Obamamerica."
Seriously, though, I'm not saying this because I hate democrats, or because I hate Obama -because I don't. The Bible commands us to love and pray for our enemies, which is a command I strive very hard to obey. I'm saying all of this because God has given us the rare gift of a free country. In the past, we have had the freedom to worship whom we please, to voice our opinions, to elect our leaders, and to fight not only for our own freedom, but others' as well. God has used America greatly for the past 233 years. We have been a safe haven for many people escaping tyranny. We've sent out missionaries to every corner of the world. We've protected Israel among other countries from people like Hitler. Now, will we let our own country slip away?
Wake up! Do something! They did it 233 years ago. We can do it today.
Call the White House. You don't even have to talk to your own representatives. Just let people know how you feel! This is the number: 202-456-1111.
Tell everyone you know what is happening to our country. I don't even care if you email this post to everyone in your contacts! Just make sure that people know what is really going on. Read our founding documents, so you can know for yourself how America is really supposed to be. Go to protests! Go to the next Tea Party on July 4th!
If you don't fight to make a difference, you will be accountable for our country's fall. Don't be guilty for losing America; don't be guilty for losing God's favor.
The Bible commands us in Galatians 5:1 to "Standfast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
Is America worth fighting for? Is your freedom worth fighting for?
I'm not asking this just to have a creative clincher at the end of my post. I'm really asking you. Is America worth it to you? Is God's blessing on America worth it to you? Well, is it?

Not to Worry

2009-05-30T18:49:00.007-05:00

Life. It's busy. Fast-pace. Full of uncertainty and the frightening unknown....my life is, anyway.
Being a sophomore in high school, my schedule is always packed - the calender always full. There's school, church, sports, clubs, more school, odd jobs, driver's ed, extra-curricular activities, preparing for college...oh, and did anyone mention free time?
Often my busy life mentally catches up to me. Sometimes I get overwhelmed to the point of panic and tears. And the older I get, the more it happens, with more and more of thoughts like these bombarding my mind: What if I don't get good grades? What if I'm not doing enough extra-curricular activities? Will I even have enough money for college? And what will I do after college?
Recently I had another one of these breakdowns. I just felt helpless and hopeless. I felt like a failure - like I wasn't going anywhere. I wondered if I was really following God's will, and if my life was really worthwhile.
Do you ever feel like this? I know that teens aren't the only ones who get overwhelmed with life. It happens to everybody. Everyone wonders what the future might hold, and so we try to prepare for it. Preparing for the future is good, but the truth is, you can only do so much, and as for the rest, you have to leave it up to the Lord.
The last time worry hit me, I desperately turned to these words for help. Read this passage of scripture slowly, and dwell on the words - not just now, but every time you feel overwhelmed with life.

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
There fore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his life?
So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Therefore do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
- Matthew 6:24-34

The verse that really hit home with me was verse 33, Seek first the kingdom of God...and all these things shall be added to you. If we just seek God and His will, then we do not have to worry about anything else, because those things will be added unto us! We don't have to worry about life if we're seeking God every step.
I'm so glad I don't have to make decisions on my own. If I did, there's no telling where chance would take me! But God has a perfect plan for our lives. That's why we should consult him at every decision that comes our way.
And that's also why we shouldn't worry. God has everything in control. He loves us more than birds. He loves us more than flowers. So if God takes the time to care for those things, who can't even work to earn their food, don't you think He would take the time to care for us, those whom He loves more than anything?
Worry is a weapon the devil uses to make us miserable and to shake our faith in God. But we have an even more powerful weapon - scripture - that we can use against the attacks every single time.
So don't worry so much about the future that you miss out on today. Follow God's will, and He will take care of you!

Just a Thought...

2009-05-30T18:37:00.005-05:00

When we're outside or in the car on a bright, sunny day, what do we generally do? Put our sunglasses on. Why? Because when we don't have the shades on, the light is so blinding that we can't see the world around us very clearly. So we put sunglasses on to dim the light and see the world easier.
What if there was such a thing as spiritual sunglasses? Sometimes God's effulgence is so extreme for us that it hurts, so we put on "sunglasses," dimming God's brightness so we can look at the world instead.
But God wants us to bask in His brightness. He wants us to stare fully into His light. It might be hard at first. The blinding brightness might even hurt. But then we will be able to focus on the things of Heaven. When we are truly focused on God, the rest of the world will become dim to our eyes.
So take off your spiritual sunglasses. Focus on the light of God.
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. - Colossians 3:2

What Are You Waiting For?

2009-05-21T17:00:00.008-05:00

As I've said thousands of times, exercising your freedom to speak is so important. You really can make a difference.
Everyone, at one time, has probably experienced that moment when something tugs at your heart - that moment when you feel a flame spark inside and you desire to do something to make a difference. It might have been when you saw a hungry child on TV, when you saw an abused animal at the shelter, or when you realized that America was backsliding.
Today I was listening to an old Natalie Grant CD (I love Natalie Grant!), and I came across this inspiring song.

What Are You Waiting For?

Sometimes I get the overwhelming feeling
So sad those faces on TV
If I tried to make a difference would it help anyway?
But then I stop and to myself I say...

So you wanna change the world
What are you waiting for?
You say you're gonna start right now
What are you waiting for?
It only takes one voice
So come on now and shout it out
Give a little more
What are you waiting for?

Sometimes I feel a little helpless
Seems like I can't do a thing
But anything is possible just you wait and see
Good things happen if you just believe...

Someday somehow
Gonna take that step
Cause time is ticking away
Right here right now
Before it's too late
Gonna face tomorrow today...

So, what are you waiting for? If anything has ever tugged at your heart, know that it was God. And if you've ever heard a voice inside your head that says you can't make a difference, know that it was Satan.
Not only do we have the constitutional right to speak out (a right that won't last long if we keep silent!), but we have a right, and a responsibility, to make a difference that comes directly from God.
God gives us dreams and passions for a reason. Like the song says, it only takes one voice to make a difference.

You can be that one voice. Don't let fear stop you.

Heaven

2009-05-07T18:35:00.015-05:00

With the recent passing of Joyce, our beloved Pastor's wife, Heaven has been on my mind a lot.
Joyce was an amazing person. She was a loving friend, a wise mentor, a brilliant writer, and a strong Christian. And she always looked forward to finally getting to Heaven. Even before she had cancer, she was constantly eager to discuss Heaven with anyone.
Joyce didn't speak of physical death as a dark, frightening or mournful experience. Rather, she focused on the spiritual side of death, which is really an extraordinary awakening into the awesome presence of God.
Joyce was blessed with many dreams and visions of Heaven. I'll never forget the following vision she shared one time:
A person in a dark room reached for the doorknob and turned it. When the door cracked, a wonderful, soft light began to filter in. Heaven was on the other side of the door.
Our life on earth is like the second it takes to reach out and grab the doorknob. Heaven is like entering a completely new room.
Many people today, even Christians, tend to focus entirely on this side of death. We try not to think about dying. When we do think about it, it's with dread, and so we live like it will never come.
But have you ever stopped to really consider what happens on the other side of death? Is death the end of life, or is it just another step we have to take so that we can enjoy life in all its fullness? Heaven is such an abstract thought for our human minds to grasp. But instead of being overwhelmed by the endless (literally) aspects of Heaven, think about the things we do know!
No more sadness! Can you imagine never having to cry again? Never again having your day spoiled by disappointment or heartbreak?
No more pain! Pain is something a lot of people are afraid of. Not in Heaven!
No more sickness! Imagine never having to take your temperature again - never having to worry about catching a virus - just enjoying life! Think about the people you love who are now plagued with sickness, whether it be a cold, the flu, cancer, even arthritis...When we get to Heaven, all of that will be gone! We'll be in perfect health!
No more fear!
We'll be reunited with old friends! We'll even meet new friends, and even make friends with people like Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Esther.... (Whoa!)
We'll walk hand-in-hand with Jesus! Just think of what it will be like to run and sit in God's lap anytime!
I like to think that everything on earth that gives us joy and pleasure is just a sample, just a miniature, of what we'll experience in Heaven. For instance...What if roller coasters are just a smaller form of the thrill and excitement we'll be experiencing for eternity? What if eating candy is just an idea of what we'll be feasting on in Heaven? What if the love and friendship that we know on earth is just a foggy image of the unimaginable fulfillment we'll receive when we're in the presence of our Creator, our Father, our Savior, our King, our Friend...?
Now death doesn't seem so dreary after all. Maybe it's hard for us to fathom now. But maybe when the body we currently inhabit finally draws its last breath, our eyes will be unveiled, and the life we lived here will become the foggy dream, and our souls will be free to fly home.
If we'd take on this mindset, and see this life for what it really is - a fleeting second compared to eternity - perhaps we'd be happier. If we thought about Heaven more, we could focus more clearly on what really matters in the grand scheme of things. Petty annoyances that used to ruin our day wouldn't matter so much anymore. Serious choices, like taking the time to share the Gospel with someone, would. The choice you make, or don't make, to live for Christ in this life would matter greatly.
When I think of Joyce now, I don't think of a dead body. I don't think of a person that used to exist, who is now gone. Instead, I think of Joyce as healed of cancer forever. I think of her as dancing to her heart's content at the very throne of Christ! I see her joyfully walking the streets of gold, holding hands with her Savior...holding hands with Jesus.

Some bright morning when this life is over
I'll fly away
To that home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away
I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away
When the shadows of this life have gone
I'll fly away
Like a bird from these prison bars has flown
I'll fly away
Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I'll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I'll fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I'll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I'll fly away
-I'll Fly Away

....I’ll not fear when I pass through the valley,
Though encompassed by shadows of night,
For I know that beyond it is shining
An eternal and glorious light....
Shall we weep when we know the departed
With their toils and their cares now are done,
And the bliss of eternity’s ages
In the presence of God is begun?
-Beyond the Shadows

Guatemala Update

2009-04-22T16:35:00.008-05:00

I said I would keep you updated as I prepare for my mission trip to Guatemala. So I suppose I ought to announce that.....
I have all my funds needed for the trip!!!
After many months of baby-sitting, sending letters, selling raffle tickets, selling homemade salsa, and praying ever so earnestly, I have finally reached my fundraising goal and the last payment is officially in the mail. What a great feeling!
I'd like to thank everyone who has helped by hiring me, buying fundraising items, giving generous donations, and praying for me! I'm very blessed to have so many wonderful friends who are so supportive.
I know God is working in the lives of everyone going to Guatemala this summer. I also know that he's working to bless everyone who is helping us go! Here's a fun anecdote I'd like to share...
My cousin Nicki (400things) helped me raise money by making a beautiful twin-size quilt that I could sell raffle tickets for. I've been selling those raffle tickets for quite a while, and the drawing was to be held at the annual silent auction our church holds to raise money for missions and summer camp. During the auction several people were taking advantage of their last chance to buy tickets for the quilt, some buying as many as 12 tickets at a time. Then Nicki's husband came to the table and bought one ticket. "She'll be surprised if it's my ticket that wins it back for her," he said. I thought that was really sweet, but didn't think he'd win, considering how many tickets everyone else was buying. However, when it came time for the drawing, I closed my eyes and reached down to the bottom of the bowl...and who's ticket did I draw? That's right! He won the quilt back for Nicki with one little ticket. She was so excited! Now Nicki can enjoy the fruit of her hard labor, and I still raised a lot of money for the trip! Just goes to show you how God chooses to bless us, even with little things like winning your own quilt back through a raffle.
Please continue to pray for me and everyone going on this trip! Prayer is the most important thing on the mission field.

Protests Sweep America!

2009-04-16T18:19:00.021-05:00

Perhaps you haven't heard. Perhaps you weren't watching. Perhaps you didn't participate. But you can't change the fact that it happened!

Yesterday thousands of Americans gathered together under the theme: Taxed Enough Already! Tea Parties were held in every state in thousands of towns. Even though taxation without representation and the out-of-control government spending were the main items that originally incited the Tax Day Tea Parties, patriots marched and carried signs for several reasons. But everyone who participated rallied around one central idea; that we need to take our country back!

I attended a Tea Party in Sherman, Texas, with my mom and my cousins. We worried that there would be a low turn-out. But as we started nearing the Grayson County courthouse at 10:30 in the morning, the streets were already lined with cars! We saw protesters circling the courthouse lawn with signs, and a huge crowd - over 200 people - was assembled around the courthouse steps! It was so amazing and encouraging to see and talk with so many more people who are also aware of our nation's jeopardy.
There was a bullhorn at the top of the steps for anyone who wanted to speak to the crowd. My cousin, Nicki (400things), and I decided to take the opportunity. Nicki gave a speech based on one of her recent blog posts, "Rebellion." I think that every protester who heard her agreed that rebellion is an American tradition, and that we must rebel if we want to preserve our great nation and our personal rights! Then I was able to give Ronald Reagan's Inaugural Address (the one I posted a while back) through the bullhorn. It was wonderful to hear so many people clap and cheer at his words, which are so applicable to America's present state. Afterwards we had the privilege of being interviewed by the the local TV channel and the local newspaper.

I can't say that the media did the best job reporting the Tea Parties, but I am thankful that they covered it! No one can deny what happened yesterday, although the President denies that he knew anything about the Tea Parties. However, thousands of people also sent tea labels to the Whitehouse in protest, so if he truly didn't know about them, (very doubtful) he will soon.

I wonder if the Obama Administration will view what happened yesterday as an act of terrorism. Obama has forbidden the term "War on Terror" in reference to the war going on in the Middle East right now, but he has also warned law enforcement of "Extreme Right-Wing Terrorist"! Yes, now the politically correct term for the War on Terror is the Overseas Contingency Operation. And this is the warning that was sent out about anyone holding Conservative views (which probably includes you): http://video1.washingtontimes.com/video/extremismreport.pdf. Read it. You will be shocked.

But this is not the last they will hear from us. Other Tea Parties are already scheduled! Find out when the next Tea Party is near you, and participate!!

Here is a link to the news story on the Tea Party in Sherman with my interview: http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/43068602.html

Here are some pictures.

Tea Party, Anyone?

2009-04-08T16:09:00.006-05:00

On December 16, 1773, Boston residents participated in what is famously and historically known as the Boston Tea Party. It was their way of protesting the taxation without representation.
Well, you know about the Stimulus Bill and the endless mound of debt that is now being created for future generations. This is not meant to stimulate the economy out of recession. It's a scheme, a scheme to enlarge government control. It's a scheme to punish hardworking, patriotic Americans and reward the apathetic people who are too lazy to help themselves. It's a sugar-coated way of turning America socialist. It's ridiculous and preposterous. And it's time for another Tea Party.
On April 15th, in one week from today, Americans all over the country will gather to protest the socialist take-over of our blessed country.
Our President has literally shamed and insulted America on his European tour. A few disgusting things that happened on the trip...
The President of the United States of America bowed to the king of Saudi Arabia.
The President of the United States of America apologized for America's "arrogance."
The President of the United States of America declared this (yet again) in Turkey: "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation, a Jewish nation, or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens..."
And the President thinks there is such a language as "Austrian?" (Yes, he actually said that.)
I've posted time and again about the horrible things that are happening to the great nation of America. But here's a chance to take our country back!Visit taxdayteaparty.com and get involved in a tea party near you!
Here are some more great sites if you're interested:
912project.com
patriotpost.us
Oh, and guess what? Perhaps the biggest Tea Party will be taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, and Jonathan Krohn will be speaking alongside Sean Hannity! Is that awesome or what?

Jonathan Krohn

2009-04-07T18:26:00.006-05:00

I have found another amazing kid! Jonathan Krohn (check out his website!!) is a 14-year-0ld who published his first book at age 13. The book is Define Conservatism, and it does just that. Define Conservatism sounds amazing. I could try to give you a quick synopsis, but instead I urge you to visit his website, defineconservatism.com, and read about the book yourself. Then I suggest you read the book. I personally can't wait to get my hands on it.
I actually found out about J. Krohn when my friend sent me an email of a speech he had given at a CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference.) When I watched the video my jaw literally dropped and hit the keyboard. This kid has got it down! I'm beginning to think that perhaps there is a godly generation rising up who will fight for America! I know I am one in that generation, and the more I look around, the more I find. I know there are tons of teens out there who believe in the right things, but they are afraid to speak out. And there are those who would believe in the right things were they educated properly.
Teens of America, we are the ones who will determine whether or not America continues down the wrong path or returns to its founding principles. We can start making a difference now, but we have to make our voices heard, just like Jonathan and Lia (abortion video.) We have to speak out every chance we get. By sharing our own beliefs we will catch the attention of friends and peers, educating them and getting them involved. You may think that it takes a genius or a prodigy to make an impact in the way Jonathan and Lia have, but it doesn't. It just takes someone who is willing. And that truth is from the Bible itself.
Back to Jonathan. Please watch this video. There are actually two videos on the page, and they would both be well worth your while. We should keep our eye on Jonathan Krohn.

Red Envelope Day - Last Reminder!

2009-03-30T08:19:00.009-05:00

Tomorrow, March 31st, is Red Envelope Day. I am going to remind you about this day once more, because I believe it really has the potential to make a difference.
Red Envelope Day is a silent protest against abortion. All silent protesters will send red envelopes to the White House on Tuesday, March 31st. Every red envelope represents an unborn child that was killed through abortion.
On the back of every envelope, write this:
This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.
Responsibility begins with conception.
Mail the envelope to this address:
President Barack Obama
The Whitehouse
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.D. 20500
Please visit redenvelopeday.com and sign up to participate so a record of how many envelopes are being sent can be kept. You will also be able to find some useful information and ideas. If you don't have red envelopes, you can buy them online at redenvelopeday.com or have them sent via internet. (I'm sure you can also find red envelopes at any store from Wal-Mart to the Dollar General.) But be sure that whatever envelope you use has the proper postage, or else it will be sent back. A return address is also very important! If your envelope does not have a return address, it will not be delivered to the White House.
It is exciting to see how many people are participating in this silent protest. Please pray over your envelopes, and pray over the whole project in general. Don't forget to visit the website. Every child has the right to life.
"The sacred rights of mankind are...written, as with a sun beam in the whole volume of human nature, by the hand of divinity itself; and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power." Alexander Hamilton, 1775.

From Ronald Reagan's Inaugural Address, 1981

2009-03-24T17:20:00.005-05:00

This is such a good speech, and so applicable to America today. I thought I'd share it with you!

We are a nation that has a government - not the other way around. And this makes us special among the nations of the earth.

Our government has no power except that granted it by the people. It is time to check and reverse the growth of government which shows signs of having grown beyond the consent of the governed....

All of us - all of us need to be reminded that the federal government did not create the states; the states created the federal government. Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it's not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work - work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it....

It is time for us to realize that we are too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams. We're not, as some would have us believe, doomed to an inevitable decline; I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing.

So, with all the creative energy at our command let us begin an era of national renewal. Let us renew our determination, our courage and our strength. And let us renew our faith and our hope.

One Nation...Under God?

2009-03-23T17:46:00.025-05:00

The building of our nation began when the Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic, searching for religious freedom. It continued during the 1700's as men and women bravely gave their lives for independence. It was during late nights and early mornings that the principles that should be governing us now were drawn up by our founding fathers. It was then that the nation America has been was created. But when was the creation of the nation we are becoming?
America has always been a country of absolute liberty. Liberty is freedom. But the cost of freedom is very high. In case you haven't heard, thousands - in fact - millions of lives have been given to secure the liberty that America has been gifted with. But the benefits of liberty didn't just all of a sudden grace this land when our ancestors decided they wanted a free country. Liberty, true liberty, is only obtained one way. That way is through Jesus Christ.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17.
Where the Spirit of the Lord isn't, there is bondage. Not liberty.
The Bible states multiple times that we are set free through the Lord.
He whom the Son sets free is free indeed! John 8:36.
For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand fast, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
In the presence of God everything good exists: Peace, Joy, Love, Freedom...Where the absence of God is, there is also the absence of all his attributes, some of which are stated above.
Where am I going with this? When the United States of America was founded, it was founded with God leading the way. Our forefathers believed in Jesus. They also believed that without him, their new nation would cease to continue!
Benjamin Franklin spoke these stirring words at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 when he was eighty-one years old: "In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who where engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor.... And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
"I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: 'that God governs in the affairs of man.' And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
"We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little, partial local interests; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to the future ages...."
Franklin knew that without God's help, building a nation of liberty and prosperity was a futile effort.
What about today? How could we possibly forget our most powerful Friend, the Lord? And yet, it seems that more and more people are giving into the lie that we do not need His assistance. When did this happen? When did America, a Christian nation founded on the very words of God, become what it is today? What is it today?
America is now a nation where prayer is not allowed in the public school.
America is now a nation where lies are being taught as proven fact - where children aren't even given the option of thinking for themselves.
America is now a nation where separation of church and state is being taught to mean that faith has no role in the government.
America is now a nation where over 4,000 children are murdered each day under the protection of a much too gentle term, "abortion."
America is now a nation where homosexuality is becoming more and more accepted, and where gay marriage is legal in some states.
And America is now a nation where the President believes that "Whatever we once were, we are no longer just a Christian nation; we are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers." He doesn't even get what "Christian Nation" means.
How did we get here? Even though I believe our new President will sure help America down the wrong path very quickly, all of this didn't just happen. It's been happening for decades. Subtly - one thought, one word, one bill at a time, the Christian principles in America, the principles that really secure true liberty, have been removed. Now the Ten Commandments are prohibited in courthouses. Now the morning prayer in school is replaced with a "moment of silence." Now abortion is just a little bit easier....and all of a sudden, we wake up and see that this nation we are living in is not the United States of America as it was destined to be. Ronald Reagan's profound statement from his inaugural address in 1981 is so true for today: "I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing." So, fellow citizens, what will you do? For a long time, it seems as if we've been doing nothing, and now we're experiencing the consequences. It is evident to me that the reason for our nation's decline is because of the absence of God in our daily lives. He hasn't abandoned us - we've pushed him out of the way. But I believe that God still wants to use this nation for His purposes! I believe he wants to sweep America with his Spirit again. But we're the ones who have to instigate that. God has given us warnings, or "wake up calls." September 11th was one. For a while Americans called out to God, but once they felt secure again, they turned away, imagining they no longer needed His assistance.
I'll even go so far as to say that the election of Barack Obama as President is a warning. America has been declining for a long time, but only now are people starting to see where we truly are, and so many are still blind!
Don't misunderstand what I've been saying. Just because America is falling away from God does not mean I love this country less, or have less respect for it. On the contrary, I think I love America now more than ever before! I see what it was meant to be, and what it is becoming. The nation I've always been taught to love is now slipping from my fingers, just now that the love is beginning to grow into a passion. The saying, "you don't know what you have until you lose it" is too true. We've taken America and Liberty for granted far too long. Now we're going to have to fight to gain that liberty back. Destroying a nation can happen in days. Rebuilding one takes much longer. But nothing is impossible with God! However, we must act now!
The fight for renewed liberty and faith in America begins on our knees with prayer, but must be carried out with action.
I don't want to lose this country. Am I the only one?

Translate Your Name into Elvish!

2009-03-18T16:03:00.003-05:00

This is for anyone who likes The Lord of the Rings. If you aren't a fan, it may seem a little silly. But The Lord of the Rings are my favorite movies ever and some of my favorite books. I love them.
J.R.R. Tolkien was a brilliant man who spent a life-time working on the Lord of the Rings and other books about his fictional world, Middle Earth. If you're at all familiar with the books or the movies, you'll know that they contain a lot of Elvish dialogue. Tolkien actually developed the entire Elvish language, and some people have devoted time to learning to speak it. I haven't gone that far, but I did find a way to translate my name. This isn't just a random name generator. Arwen-undomiel.com actually translates names into real Elvish. So if you're interested in finding out what your Elvish name is, visit the link above.

A Preteen's Take on Abortion

2009-03-13T18:50:00.006-05:00

What an amazing kid! Please click on the link and watch!!!
http://www.nmatv.com/video/1318/Preteen-pro-life-speech-goes-viral
This is a twelve-year-0ld who is not afraid to speak her mind. What she says is so true and so frankly stated. Please share this video as much as you can! And don't be afraid to follow this girl's example.
I also want to remind you about Red Envelope Day. This is a Heaven-sent way for us to tell the President THAT WE DO NOT SUPPORT ABORTION, AND THAT WE WANT IT TO STOP!!!

Abortion is wrong!

Countdown and Daily Verse

2009-03-13T16:45:00.005-05:00

I now have an official countdown till the Voyage of the Dawn Treader at the bottom of this page! We have a while to go yet, but it's never too soon to start anticipating! I am so excited about this movie. To read regular updates, visit NarniaWeb.com.
Also at the bottom of this page is a daily Bible verse. Visit my blog everyday and see what God has to say to us!
You can even get the daily verse and the countdown for your own blog.

Going to Guatemala!

2009-03-11T17:52:00.016-05:00

This is a picture of me last July in Jalaca, Honduras, where I experienced my first mission trip. It was one of the most, if not the most, amazing experiences of my life! Seeing the way people lived in poverty, the way children were cast out on the street as infants, the way young girls had to walk miles to obtain clean water, and so much more, truly changed me from the inside out.

It seems like we always hear the same thing from people who return from the mission field:

"I've been so ungrateful. Americans take all their privileges for granted."

Sometimes we get tired of hearing that. But it's so true, and you can't really understand how true until you've experience it for yourself. There's something about stepping out in faith and leaving your comfort zone. God's power is always revealed in exciting and unlimited ways on the mission field. I can't believe how much we miss when we bask in American luxuries!

Last summer I was in Honduras for one week. We mostly worked on the orphanage where we stayed, replacing the roof and organizing rooms inside. We got to go to a local church every night where my pastor would preach and we would share our testimonies.We also spent a lot of bonding time with the kids at the orphanage. Some of those children had been abandoned as young as two. They had learned how to pick pockets and dumpster-dive just to keep from starving! They were so loving and open to us. They trusted us with the simplicity that most kids here would never possess, even though they had much more worldly wisdom than most kids in America. I think if kids here could for one day experience the hardships that kids their ages face around the world, they'd be more appreciative of their blessings.

It was hard to leave the orphanage, the people, and the general life-style. Life may be hard in third-world countries, but it's simple and people are still happy.

Needless to say, I was hooked on mission trips. I knew I'd be going somewhere summer 2009, but where? My youth group was going to Mexico. That sounded fun. But then one day when reading Brio, (an awesome Christian magazine for teen girls) my eye fell upon an advertisement for their annual mission trip. This year they'd be going to Guatemala City, Guatemala. I'd always known about their mission trips, but for some reason this one really appealed to me. So I began what has been one of the most earnest prayer journeys I'd experienced. I prayed everyday, asking God if I should go to Mexico, or Guatemala. One night a few weeks later I had a dream. When I woke up I knew I was supposed to go to Guatemala, and nothing would stop me!

Since then we've been busy fundraising, buying plane tickets, and working out all the little details. One of the coolest things so far is that I've been able to email girls from all over the country who are also going on the trip! It's been so fun talking to other girls who are just as excited about serving God on the mission field! There are 600 people going in all. It's going to be really amazing. I can't wait to see what God will do, and I can't wait to make lots of new friends!

We've already had to hurtle a few road blocks while preparing for this trip. But God has provided everything we need so far, and I'm trusting him to continue providing as I continue to work hard!

I plan on keeping you updated. Please pray for me!

"Lord, I'll go! Send me." Isaiah 6:8

Freedom at Risk

2009-03-07T07:40:00.010-06:00

Many people underestimate the power of free speech. Many take it for granted. But without the freedom to speak, our country will become totally different - a change for the worse. Let me give you an example of a few countries who do not have the freedom of speech.
China
North Korea
Vietnam
Cuba
You've heard of the terrible conditions in these countries. The United States has always been compared to places like these in school, because we've always been proud of and thankful for our freedom in America. Sadly, that pride isn't really being encouraged anymore like it should. I hate to burst your bubble or offend you, but unlike Presidents of the past, President Obama is not interested in making America a greater nation in the way it has been. He wants to tear down everything this country ever was. He wants to create his idea of greatness in America, and that's total government control...also known as Marxism.
This goes beyond the trillions of dollars he plans to spend; beyond the financial struggle we see in the future. Obama is trying to fundamentally change America. He actually said so! At a rally five days before the election, this is what Obama said:
"In five days from now we will fundamentally change America."
Do you really understand what that means? That means taking everything this country was built upon, everything our founding fathers believed in, and uprooting it to replace it with everything our fathers tried to avoid, and worse!
One of the things Obama has already begun to do is to make abortion easier, and all of his liberal friends are saying that the world is over-populated. Guess what country has a law against more than one child per family? China. (Here is a way to speak against abortion.)
Now Obama is attacking Rush Limbaugh, a conservative talk-show host. Why? Because he said something the liberals didn't like. Limbaugh said, among stating other truths against Obama, that he wanted the Stimulus Package to fail. But now Obama and all his friends have twisted it to say that Limbaugh said he wanted the economy to fail. That is not what he said! But what does it matter? It matters because Washington is attacking someone who has done nothing but share his opinion. Limbaugh isn't even any kind of politician! Why is Obama going after him? In Marxist countries, the government tries to silence any voice that threatens their own precious ideas. That is what Obama is doing by attacking Rush Limbaugh!
Do not stop voicing your thoughts! America is a country of freedom of speech, no matter what anyone tries to do. But be aware that if our freedom of speech is taken away, all of our freedoms will be taken away. We don't want America to become just like all those other countries: China, North Korea, Vietnam, Cuba....This is America. Remember that, President Obama.

The Spirit of Texas

2009-03-06T16:30:00.015-06:00

"Remember the Alamo!"
If there was ever a day to remember the Alamo, it's today!
Exactly two-hundred and seventy-two years ago, the Alamo fell after thirteen long days of siege from the Mexicans under Santa Anna. There were only 183 men inside the old mission. They weren't soldiers. But they were Texans. They were tough, and they were proud. They knew their chances were bleak as they looked out upon thousands of Mexicans day after day, but they would have rather given up their lives than give up Texas.
A letter sent out from the Alamo one day into the siege proves that the Texans were already aware of of their probable fate, and already they were defiant.
COMMANDANCY OF THE ALAMO, BEXAR, February 24, 1836.
FELLOW-CITIZENS AND COMPATRIOTS : I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. I have sustained a continued bombardment for twenty-four hours, and have not lost a man. The enemy have demanded a surrender at discretion ; otherwise the garrison is to be put to the sword, if the place is taken. I have answered the summons with a cannon-shot, and our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. Then I call on you in the name of liberty, of patriotism, and of everything dear to the American character, to come to our aid with all despatch. The enemy are receiving reinforcements daily, and will no doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. Though this call may be neglected, I am determined to sustain myself as long as possible, and die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor and that of his country. Victory or death!"
W. BARRET TRAVIS, Lieutenant-Colonel commanding."
P. S.—The Lord is on our side. When the enemy appeared in sight, we had not three bushels of corn. We have since found, in deserted houses, eighty or ninety bushels, and got into the walls twenty or thirty head of beeves. "T"
The reinforcements never came. On March 5, the day before the battle, Travis addressed his men, frankly telling them what they most likely already knew - that no help was coming, and if they stayed, death was inevitable. Legend has it that Travis took his sword and made a line in the sand, asking whoever was willing to stay and fight to cross that line. He even said he wouldn't call anyone a coward if they chose to leave. All but one of those brave Texans stepped across, thus giving their lives into the hands of God, willing to die for the land they loved.
The next morning the siege ended and the battle commenced. In the end, every man payed the ultimate price; a price they had been glad to pay.
The Alamo was defeated, and every man killed. So why is the Alamo still remembered so fervently, not only in Texas but all over America? Why, when people speak of the Alamo, do they speak of it like a great victory, when it was a devastating defeat? Because with the fall of the Alamo and the men inside, the spirit of Texas did not die. In fact, it grew. The Texas Revolution continued on, and with each step the Alamo was remembered.
The Texans who died on March 6, 1836, were some of the greatest heroes in history. They were the epitome of heroism and patriotism, because even when they knew there was no chance of survival, they still stood strong and fought for what they loved. They may not have won the day, but they won independence for Texas by giving their all in defending a little old mission - the little old mission that represented Texas.
Texas meant something to those men, just like it means something to me. It meant, and still means, absolute freedom. In fact, Texas was an independent nation for nine years following the Battle of the Alamo. Now it's a part of the greatest nation on earth. But the state of Texas still means several things: wide-open plains, beautiful mountain ranges, big skies, and lots of friends, even those you don't know! If you live in Texas, I know you can recall times you started conversations with complete strangers. I know you've smiled at people as you walked down the street. You might've even waved at a passing car! One thing every true Texan possesses is Texas spirit, and it's strong. It was strong in the men who died at the Alamo, and it's still strong in us today.
If you're a true Texan, be proud. If you're not, come visit us. We're a friendly state...until you try to interfere with the true meaning of Texas. Then, in remebrance of the Alamo, we will become fierce and defiant, upholding the same attitude of Travis when he wrote his famous letter. We won't surrender, and we won't retreat!
Remember the Alamo, and Remember Texas!

Happy Narnia Day!

2009-03-04T13:45:00.005-06:00

Do you love Narnia? I am a Narnia Maniac. I am nearly obsessed with the books, and the movies are pretty awesome too! A real Narnia Maniac needs a way of staying connected with Narnia and other fans. I have found a great way of regularly keeping up with everything that's going on in the Narnia-Maniac world, and that's Narniaweb.com. Narniaweb is the world's number one source for Narnia movie news, and it has all kind of other news, as well! Not only do they have frequent movie updates, they also have a wonderful forum for discussing just about every aspect of Narnia you can imagine. If you love Narnia, you really should visit Narniaweb.com!
Speaking of the movies, if you haven't heard, the next Narnia film is already a work-in-progress. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is set to be released December 10, 2010. However, The Dawn Treader has already been through several rough spots. Disney and Walden Media had partnered to make The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian, but a few months ago, Disney unexpectedly dropped the franchise, leaving Walden Media to search for another partner to continue the series. This short delay was quickly overcome as 20th Century Fox is now Walden's new partner! During all of this, some Narnia Maniacs got together and created an online petition to show Walden Media, Fox, and the world, that there are still true Narnia fans that are not only supportive, but fanatical about The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and are greatly looking forward to its being made into a movie! You know how big I am on making your voice heard. Here is a way for us to tell the world that we love Narnia and are supportive of the new movie. You'll also get a really cool certificate! Click here to sign the petition!
Now, since there are so many people who love Narnia, shouldn't there be an official holiday? Now there is! Some other Maniacs on Narniaweb decided that there should be an official day to celebrate Narnia. March 21st was chosen as the date for this holiday because it is the first day of Spring. If you are familiar with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, you know that Spring has special significance in Narnia. For one hundred years Narnia was held in an eternal Winter by the White Witch, until Aslan came and caused Spring to arrive. I think that this represents how Jesus can warm our hearts and replace the bitterness of Winter with the happiness of Spring, if we let Him.
To celebrate Narnia Day, you can do just about anything you like. Some suggested activities include 1), snuggle up with some popcorn and watch The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Prince Caspian, 2) Read your favorite passage out of any of the books, or if it's been a while since you've read them, start the series afresh! 3) Dress Narnian style, 4) Make your own decorations for the house or yard!
Be sure to let your friends know about Narnia Day! Here is the link to the forum so you can read for yourself how the holiday came about. You may also find some more ideas for celebrating!
Happy Narnia Day!

Rattlers Rock the Court!

2009-02-28T17:03:00.004-06:00

Well, I just returned from Waxahachie, and boy am I tired! But we had the time of our lives at State!
We entered the State-wide tournament full-speed and won our first two games. In the end we came out of the tournament second in the State! Even though we lost the championship game, it was an awesome experience with so many people - even those from other teams - cheering us on!
I am so proud of my teammates for a great season! I have the best friends in the world - and that bond has grown stronger through basketball.
I am so thankful to God for the opportunity to play, for a high-class team and for an outstanding coach! I'm also thankful for the friendships we've made with other teams during the season.
Basketball season is now over and it's time for a break...though I can't necessarily say it's a break I was pining for. Now I'll just look forward to next season!
GO RATTLERS!!!!!!!!!!!

The Stimulus Bill

2009-02-24T16:39:00.006-06:00

You may have heard of the bill that was recently passed in Washington DC. It's called the Stimulus Bill. It must be pretty important...after all, it was one of the first things President Obama did in office. But what is it?
The Stimulus Bill is the liberals' supposed effort to end the recession in America - this "crisis," in the President's own words.
"This is the worst economy since the Great Depression."
Well, actually, no. It isn't. Our nation's economy, just like everything else in life (including the climate!!!), goes up and down. It won't take you long to find some charts online. Just look. It's kind of like a heart beat. It goes up a little, and down a little. Up a little, down a little....do I make myself clear? This recession that we are currently experiencing is no more than a little dip in the cycle of America's economy. But it's being played up to be this terrible thing - the worst economy since the Depression - by our President! It's a lie.
The Stimulus Bill is intended to pull us out of this recession. In truth, if the American economy were left to itself, it would pull itself out of the recession. But the bill has already been passed. President Obama believes that by spending lots of money, the economy will be stimulated and get going again. But when all is said and done, this bill is expected to have spent over $1,000,000,000. One Trillion Dollars. Ok, that's a lot of money...but how much? Here's a little calculation to put in into perspective for you:
If you deposited a million dollars into a pot every day since the birth of Jesus, you would still not have enough to pay for the proposed stimulus package
(2,008 years x 365 days x $1M = $732.9B).
Ouch. Now, is it just me, or does it seem really ridiculous to dive into $1,000,000,000 of debt in order to pull America out of the present recession? America doesn't have all that money. Our only options are to borrow it or print more. By printing more we decrease the value of the dollar. Eventually we will be forced to borrow money from sources we really shouldn't be dealing with - nations that would love to have us at their mercy. This doesn't seem wise to me.
Think of all the problems this debt will create. If a real economic crisis is what the President wants, it looks like he just might get it. And guess who is going to have to pay back all that money? My generation. Now I'm not trying to complain, and I definitely don't want to be the voice of doom. However, Americans need to be aware of what's going on. The Stimulus Bill is more than an effort to get the economy going again. It's just one step in the scheme to enlarge government control. Even Obama says that the Stimulus Bill will take years before it really begins to take affect. By then it will be time for another Presidential election. The economy will just have started to get going again, and it will appear that it was Obama who was responsible for the rebound. Don't you see where this is going?
We have to stay aware of what is happening. America is a constitutional republic - a free country with limited government. The government is limited for a reason. Our forefathers had experienced life under unrestrained government. The Pilgrims even tried Socialism for a while. But they knew it didn't work. That's why we have the freedoms we do today. The Stimulus Bill has already been passed, and so we can't sit around and complain. But we do need to wake up and realize that there are people in Congress who would try to completely remake our nation from the roots up, and that includes increasing the power of government.

A Chance to be Heard

2009-02-23T18:07:00.001-06:00

You've heard me talk about making our voices heard in America. And with our new President and his liberal friends that are currently in control, I cannot express how important this is! Well, here is a chance to truly make an impact.
Within the first week of his Presidency Obama began to further the Pro-Choice movement. This must be stopped! Abortion is wrong. It's murder. And millions of innocent lives have already been subject to this horrendous method of killing.
Red Envelope Day is a day that every pro-life believer in America should take part in. Please participate in this effort to protest abortion, and spread the word to everyone you know!
redenvelopeday.com

Lady Rattlers Headed for State!

2009-02-22T21:13:00.003-06:00

Mediocrity was definitely out of the question for us Lady Rattlers during the tournament! I am so proud of my team for all the work they have put in this season, and especially for the heart with which they played during the tournament.
Sometimes life throws glitches our way, and they tend to upset our plans (if you haven't noticed!) But you know you're on the right track when you can look those glitches square in the face, put up a good fight, and hold your head high at the end. That's what the Lady Rattlers did this weekend!
Our first game in the tournament was one of the best we'd played all season, but things didn't seem to go our way. Sometimes I wonder why everything always seems so unfair for us (bad calls...) but I think that perhaps it's God's way of helping our team to come out stronger in the end. (Not to mention all the great lessons in sportsmanship we've experienced!) All that to say, we lost by three points. That meant we wouldn't be going to the championship game. Which also meant - we thought - no going to the State tournament. But we were still proud that we had truly left everything on the court, and we were determined to play the next day with all the heart we had.
So the next day we played for third place. It was our last game - we thought - and so it was bitter-sweet. But from the moment we stepped on the court we gave it our all and played an awesome game in which we were victorious! We were really satisfied to have won third place and played such a good game to end the season. Then, our coach surprised us by telling us that we would be going to the State tournament after all! We replied with screams of joy! All season our coach had chosen to tell us that only the top two teams could go to State, when in truth it was the top four, so even if we had lost both games in the tournament, we still would have qualified. But I suppose he wanted to see if we would play our last game just as hard for pure love of basketball, without the motivation of qualifying for another tournament. And we did.
So this weekend the Lady Rattlers will be heading to Waxahachie, TX to compete State-wide!
I am so proud of all my teammates for their amazing dedication this season. We've come out of most games the victors, but have come out of defeats with good attitudes and heads held high. I couldn't ask for a better basketball experience.
Lady Rattlers, let's get ready for State!

Living Mediocre?

2009-02-19T21:16:00.000-06:00

I am a part of a homeschool basketball team that has been going for five years. We are the Red River Lady Rattlers, and for the second season in a row we are playing with a conference of other homeschool teams and private school teams. Today was the first day of the end of the year tournament. Along with a three point contest, a free throw contest, and a huge game of knock-out, the opening ceremony also included a great devo. It really made an impression on me...especially since it basically reiterated everything our coach has been saying all year!
The guy (wish I remembered his name) opened by asking how many of us dreamed of living a life of mediocrity. No one raised their hand. The truth is, everyone aspires of being excellent and doing great things. But how many of us actually live up to those dreams? Here's the problem that most of us face: the way to mediocrity is already paved. Not only is it paved, it's tried and true - and safe! That's why so many people end up in Mediocreville, because the way to get there is easy, and the world seems to kind of push us along in that direction.
In this devotion, we were encouraged to play during the tournament with every thing we had. "Leave it on the court," he said. (That's also my coach's favorite sayings. Now it's beginning to sink in.) It doesn't really matter who wins or loses, because in ten years, no one will care who won. But I want to be able to walk off the court at the end of the game no matter what the score is, having left every ounce of my energy, determination, and skill on the court. I want to play the upcoming games with everything I have.
But even more importantly, I want live out my Christian walk with everything I have. I don't want to live a life of mediocrity. That's what too many Christians do today, because the road is easy! Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. (Matthew 7:13)
Take the hard road. Don't settle for a life of mediocrity.

A Louder Voice

2009-02-18T12:41:00.000-06:00

Today I had the privilege of hearing Congressman Burgess speak, along with many other home schooled teens. He mostly spoke about government health care and the recently passed Stimulus Bill. Afterward the question and answer session led to an even deeper discussion.
My generation is going to be burdened with paying back the debt that the Stimulus Bill is creating. There is much more at stake besides this. Overall, it seems as if the liberal agenda is quickly taking over in America. What can we do to stop it? Many of my fellow teens asked this question.
The answer is to make our voices heard. The left obviously doesn't have a problem with making too much racket. Why can't we make just as much noise? I'll tell you one thing - we definitely can't sit by quietly. We must get involved. Congressman Burgess said - and I have found this true - that if you choose to stay uninvolved you will be surprised at how quickly things head the direction you don't like. We have to be that foot in the door.
I believe that Christians should be the most out-spoken people in America. We have nothing to be ashamed of, and nothing to be afraid of. Who can silence the message of freedom, the message of truth, the message of God? They may try to silence us, but they cannot.
Congressman Burgess emphasized the importance of communication with our government representatives. Letters, petitions, and even phone-calls are all effective.
I plan to stay even more aware in the future by keeping in touch with my local representatives, and I encourage you to do the same.
We have to give Conservatism a voice, America. And it has to be a louder voice than those that would silence us.