Another Year is Dawning

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year in progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

James 4:13-17

"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."

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I found this LA Times piece and could not believe that even one liberal was willing to admit this. Here is some of the article:

I don't love America. That's what conservatives are always telling liberals like me. Their love, they insist, is truer, deeper and more complete.

But I've come to believe conservatives are right. They do love America more. Sure, we liberals claim that our love is deeper because we seek to improve the United States by pointing out its flaws.

Fox News' Sean Hannity loves this country so much, he did an entire episode of "Hannity's America" titled "The Greatest Nation on Earth." In that one hour he said, several times, "the U.S. is the greatest, best country God has ever given man on the face of the Earth." One of the surest signs of love is it makes you talk stupid.

Conservatives feel personally blessed to have been born in the only country worth living in. I, on the other hand, just feel lucky to have grown up in a wealthy democracy.

When a Democrat loses the presidential race, real lefties talk a lot about moving to Canada. When Republicans lose, they don't do that.

This doesn't mean I'm not fascinated by American history, impressed by our Constitution or don't appreciate our optimism and entrepreneurial spirit. In fact, I love everything Hannity listed on his TV special other than Madonna. But there are plenty of things I don't like about America: our foreign policy, our religious fundamentalism, our provincialism, our intellectual laziness, our acceptance of sweat suits in public.

I still think conservatives love America for the same tribalistic reasons people love whatever groups they belong to. These are the people who are sure Christianity is the only right religion, that America is the best country, that the Republicans have the only good candidates, that gays have cooties.

I'll never experience the joy of Hannity-level patriotism. I'm the type who always wonders if some other idea or place or system is better and I'm missing out. And, as I figured out shortly after meeting my wife, that is no way to love.

FULL ARTICLE

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Luke 2:1-20

"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them."

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

Craig

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According to Taxpayers for Common Sense lawmakers get an automatic pay raise every January, and this year is no different. The problem this year is that the economy is in the dumps and they giving bailouts like they are going out of style.

Members of Congress will be receiving a $4,700 pay increase this year, even though more than two million of their constituents have lost their jobs. Congress has set up a structure where they automatically receive a cost-of-living adjustment or pay raise every year unless they act to stop it.

Story

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RBC Ministries, who is known for publishing Our Daily Bread is offering free online biblical courses. I have not taken any of these courses. I actually just stumbled upon it. I don't know how credible they are since the aren't worth any academic credit, but they are at no cost and go towards a certificate they provide.

Obviously this is not for those seriously looking at going into ministry, however if your looking at learning more this may be worth looking into. If anyone has taken one of these courses or has heard anything please let me know.

LINK

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Obama's selects Arne Duncan who is the head of Chicago Public Schools and pushed for a gay high school. The following is taken from a Chicago Tribune article:

The Chicago Public Schools' first high school designed for gay, lesbian and transgender teens is among 20 new schools recommended to the school board today by CPS Chief Arne Duncan...

"If you look at national studies, you see gay and lesbian students with high dropout rates...Studies show they are disproportionately homeless," Duncan said. "I think there is a niche there we need to fill.

"Supporters have said the Pride Campus would help students find a safe school environment because studies have shown that gay youth are at a greater risk of dropping out of school and abusing drugs and alcohol, and are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide. A 2003 district survey shows that gay and lesbian youths are three times more likely to miss school because they don't feel safe.

Is this the type of person America wants for their Education Secretary? Don't forget about an older post of mine about Chicago Public Schools involved in a program to pay students for good to even average grades.

To top it all off, Obama has now invited Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. Is this a smoke screen to calm down evangelical conservatives? Thus far the only thing that is happening is that Obama is making everyone angry by playing both sides.

ARTICLE

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For those who care what stores are politically correct and which ones are not, here is a list by Focus on the Family.

"Christmas-friendly" retailers — prominent acknowledgment of "Christmas"

Bass Pro Shops*
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Best Buy
Cabela's
Circuit City
Crate&Barrel
Dillard's
Eddie Bauer
JCPenney
Kohl's
L.L.Bean
Lands' End
Linens 'n Things
Lowe's
Macy's
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
Pier 1 Imports
Sears
The Home Depot
Target
Toys "R" Us
Wal-Mart

Christmas-negligent" retailers — marginalized use of "Christmas"

Barnes & Noble
Borders
Dick's Sporting Goods
GAP
KB Toys
Kmart

"Christmas-offensive" retailers — apparent abandonment of "Christmas"

American Eagle
Banana Republic
Bloomingdale's
Lane Bryant
Old Navy

Check this site because it does get updated.

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This year Muslim leaders from the Twin Cities area were able to persuade Mall of America, the largest enclosed mall in the United States, to set aside a room for prayers. Muslims appeared excited that Mall of America reserved prayer space for them and promised to continue doing so in the future. “It is about time,” Jamad Barrow said. “I’m happy to hear that the mall is trying to accommodate and appeal to the Muslim community.”

Questions:

- Do you expect more places to do this?

- Why do you think they are so accommodating?

- Will this spur more demands?

FULL ARTICLE

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Ralph Silvestro, a legal clerk in Philedelphia proudly displayed an American flag he had taped to the side of his work computer. Silvestro served in the Navy for six years and in the Air Force Reserve for another six, the miniature American flag affixed to his computer was a symbol of his patriotism. He never thought it would be a problem especially working in a courthouse.

No one complained about the flags. Then on Sept. 23, Silvestro got an e-mail from his supervisor. The email said "the flags must come down. They are not appropriate for the workplace." He also had a pirate flag, which he had no problem taking that down, but was confused to why take down the American flag. "I served this country for 12 years. I could have died for this flag, but I can't hang it up. What's up with that? I don't understand," Silvestro said in an interview earlier this week. Silvestro added: "For me, this is about my rights being taken away from me in a building where your rights are supposed to mean more than anything."

When asked if Smith had violated Silvestro's constitutional rights, perhaps infringing on his freedom of expression, a civil-rights lawyer said: "No."

"Here's the thing: Your boss rules your life," said Mary Catherine Roper, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania's Philadelphia office. "Your employer gets to make the rules."

As long as Smith applies the same rules to everybody evenly, meaning no staffer is allowed to display the American flag at the public counter, Smith is on solid legal ground, Roper said.

"People really have no idea how much control they have to give up when they go work," Roper said. "Workers generally don't have a lot of rights."

Questions
- Are you surprised at this story?
- Do you think patriotism is low?

Full Article

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A friend recently told me about this book targeted for teenagers. It is a bit dated as it was published in 1996. It is called 'Conversations With God' where the author Neale Donald Walsch has a conversation and he responds as if he were God. If that already did not put up a red flag there is a website that provides his chapter on abortion. Here are some of the stuff you will find: (Author/god response in bold)

"I want to get back to my question. Can you tell us anything about when life as we know it starts? At what point does the soul enter the body?

The soul doesn't enter the body. The body is enveloped by the soul. Remember what I said before? The body does not house the soul. It is the other way around.

Everything is always alive. There is no such thing as "dead". There is no such state of being.

That Which Is Always Alive simply shapes itself into a new form-a new physical form. That form is charge with living energy, the energy of life, always.

Life-if you are calling life the energy that I AM-is always there. It is never not there. Life never ends, so how can there be a point when life begins?"

So I guess he thinks we are infinite like God. We have no beginning or end?

"It never begins. Life never "begins", because life never ends. You want to get into biological technicalities so that you can make up a little "rule" based on what you want to call "God's law" about how people should behave-then punish them if they do not behave that way.

What's wrong with that? That would allow us to kill doctors in the parking lots of clinic with impunity.

Yes, I understand. You have used Me, and what you have declared to be My laws, as justification for all sorts of things through the years.

Oh, come on! Why won't You just say that terminating a pregnancy is murder!

You cannot kill anyone or anything."

Well he just eliminated the 6th commandment.

"So my earthly reality is not reality at all?

Did you really think it was?"

I am convinced he copied this is from the 'Matrix'

"Everything We are doing, We are doing in concert with each other. Our reality is a co-created reality. If you terminate a pregnancy, We terminate a pregnancy. Your will is My will.

No individual aspect of Divinity has power over any other aspect of Divinity. It is not possible for one soul to affect another against its will. There are no victims and there are no villains."

"So with regard to abortion or war, buying that car or marrying that person, having sex or not having sex, "doing your duty" or not "doing your duty," there is no such thing as right and wrong, and I have no preference in the matter.

You are all in the process of defining yourselves. Every act is an act of self-definition.

If you are pleased with how you have created yourself, if it serves you, you will continue doing so in that way. If you are not, you will stop. This is called evolution."

Obviously I think this guy is way mislead and misleading many young minds.

Full Chapter

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Newsweek has a cover story (or should I say hit piece) using the Bible to defend homosexuality. Instead of summarizing the entire article I have some excerpts from it followed by a link to the article and a link to a rebuttal.

"Let's try for a minute to take the religious conservatives at their word and define marriage as the Bible does. Shall we look to Abraham, the great patriarch, who slept with his servant when he discovered his beloved wife Sarah was infertile? Or to Jacob, who fathered children with four different women (two sisters and their servants)? Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon and the kings of Judah and Israel—all these fathers and heroes were polygamists. The New Testament model of marriage is hardly better. Jesus himself was single and preached an indifference to earthly attachments—especially family. The apostle Paul (also single) regarded marriage as an act of last resort for those unable to contain their animal lust."

"If the bible doesn't give abundant examples of traditional marriage, then what are the gay-marriage opponents really exercised about? Well, homosexuality, of course—specifically sex between men. Sex between women has never, even in biblical times, raised as much ire."

"The Bible does condemn gay male sex in a handful of passages. Twice Leviticus refers to sex between men as "an abomination" (King James version), but these are throwaway lines in a peculiar text given over to codes for living in the ancient Jewish world, a text that devotes verse after verse to treatments for leprosy, cleanliness rituals for menstruating women and the correct way to sacrifice a goat—or a lamb or a turtle dove. Most of us no longer heed Leviticus on haircuts or blood sacrifices; our modern understanding of the world has surpassed its prescriptions. Why would we regard its condemnation of homosexuality with more seriousness than we regard its advice, which is far lengthier, on the best price to pay for a slave?"

"The Bible endorses slavery, a practice that Americans now universally consider shameful and barbaric. It recommends the death penalty for adulterers (and in Leviticus, for men who have sex with men, for that matter). It provides conceptual shelter for anti-Semites. A mature view of scriptural authority requires us, as we have in the past, to move beyond literalism. The Bible was written for a world so unlike our own, it's impossible to apply its rules, at face value, to ours."

"Gay men like to point to the story of passionate King David and his friend Jonathan, with whom he was "one spirit" and whom he "loved as he loved himself." Conservatives say this is a story about a platonic friendship, but it is also a story about two men who stand up for each other in turbulent times, through violent war and the disapproval of a powerful parent."

How would you answer Newsweek? If you aren't sure take a look at this REBUTTAL

NEWSWEEK ARTICLE

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Peter Schiff takes on Lansing, Michigan Mayor Virg Bernero.

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As many bloggers posted about the atheist sign in the Washington state capital this past week (Video). I came across an article in which the University of North Carolina decided not to display Christmas trees in their main libraries this year. Displaying the Christmas trees in the lobbies of the libraries has been a long tradition.

The decision came after complaints from employees and patrons who did not like the Christian display. When making the decision the chief librarian contacted other universities such as Duke and N.C. State and found that no other local university displayed Christmas trees.

The chief librarian was quoted as saying “We strive in our collection to have a wide variety of ideas,” she said. “It doesn't seem right to celebrate one particular set of customs.” This goes back to the classic argument of just because we acknowledge/celebrate one thing doesn't mean we have to do the same for all. To explain the stupidity the question was raised about having MLK Jr. day and not having a KKK day. While that illustration is not to be taken literally, just to show that we don't have to accommodate all views.

Questions:
- Have you witnessed a decrease of public Christian displays?
- Do you ever hear of any complaints?
- Do you think there is a level of tolerance between Christmas trees and nativity scenes?

FULL ARTICLE

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A state appeals court today struck down a controversial Jersey City law seeking to limit the number of handguns people can buy. Jersey City tried to limit people of purchursing only one handgun per 30 days. The unanimous appeals panel said Jersey City exceeded its authority and didn't have a right to enact a local law since state law already regulates the sale of handguns.

"All Jersey City's law did was stop people who have gotten a permit, including a background check by police, from buying guns. It impacts only law abiding citizens. Criminals don't buy their guns from dealers."

Yet this isn't necessarily a victory for gun supporters. The decision was based on the City's authority not on people's rights.

FULL ARTICLE

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More than 1,650 freshman public school students in Chicago have received money for good and even average grades. The money is coming from a Harvard University education research laboratory and private. "Every five weeks, students receive $50 for A’s, $35 for B’s and $20 for C’s. Students get half the money now and collect the rest only if they graduate." Money for C's, are they serious!?

Chicago is not the only ones doing this nor did they start the trend. "New York City has a similar program that rewards students for grades. Since 2005, Bronzeville High School, formerly the Bronzeville Academic Center in Chicago, has paid out more than $45,000 to 41 students who have maintained a 2.5 grade-point average, have an 85 percent attendance record and show leadership qualities, officials said."

So what is the purpose of this? "Roland Fryer, the Harvard economics professor heading the program, told students he dropped out of school and began selling drugs until family members and others “invested” in him. “This is investing in you. This is what it’s all about,” Fryer said." Isn't there enough incentive to just have a job? Why do we feel we have to entice or actually a better word may be bribe kids to do things that is expected of them? I don't like school, but I do what is necessary to improve my life.

FULL ARTICLE

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An American film producer is publishing a gay version of the Bible. It will be called the Princess Dianna Bible and is set to release in the spring of 2009. In this version God creates Aida and Eve not Adam and Eve. There is also talk of a two-part mini-series after it is completed.

Max Mitchell the film producer says "There are many different versions of the Bible; I don't see why we can't have one." He then asks "There are 116 versions of the Bible, why is any of them better than ours?" Is this guy for real? You cannot just change something (especially the Bible) to make it fit your agenda.

When asked about how he came up with the idea he said "I got the idea for the Princess Diana Bible from Horror In The Wind," he added. "After the world becomes gay, religious people create The Princess Diana Bible, which says that gay is right and straight is a sin. Then they burn all the King James Bibles."

FULL ARTICLE

PRINCESS DIANNA BIBLE WEBSITE

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A Kentucky law from 2006 says the state Office of Homeland Security lists its initial duty as "stressing the dependence on Almighty God as being vital to the security of the Commonwealth." It details that Homeland Security is ordered to publicize God's protection in reports and post a plaque outside the entrance to the state Emergency Operations Center. The plaque must be an 88-word statement that begins, "The safety and security of the Commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God."

This was accomplished by a State Representative who is also a Baptist minister. He added this to a floor amendment which was approved overwhelmingly. He said "The time and energy spent crediting God are appropriate."

He also adds "This is recognition that government alone cannot guarantee the perfect safety of the people of Kentucky... Government itself, apart from God, cannot close the security gap. The job is too big for government."

Of course there is opposition. A State Senator says that Homeland Security should worry about public safety threats instead of preaching religious homilies. She also says "It's very sad to me that we do this sort of thing...It takes away from the seriousness of the public discussion over security, and it clearly hurts the credibility of this office if it's supposed to be depending on God, first and foremost."

FULL ARTICLE

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Over the Years

Though many competing claims exist, the most familiar story of the first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth Colony, in present-day Massachusetts, in 1621. More than 200 years later, President Abraham Lincoln declared the final Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. Congress finally made Thanksgiving Day an official national holiday in 1941.

Sarah Josepha Hale, the enormously influential magazine editor and author who waged a tireless campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in the mid-19th century, was also the author of the classic nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb."

In 2001, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative Thanksgiving stamp. Designed by the artist Margaret Cusack in a style resembling traditional folk-art needlework, it depicted a cornucopia overflowing with fruits and vegetables, under the phrase "We Give Thanks."


On the Roads

Despite record-high gas prices (more than $3.00 per gallon) in 2007, the American Automobile Association (AAA) estimated that 38.7 million Americans would travel 50 miles or more from home for the Thanksgiving holiday, a slight increase (1.5 percent) over the previous year.

Of those Americans traveling for Thanksgiving in 2007, approximately 80 percent (31.2 million) were expected to go by motor vehicle, 12.1 percent (4.7 million) by airplane and the rest (2.8 million) by train, bus or other mode of transportation.


On the Table

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Minnesota is the top turkey-producing state in America, with a planned production total of 49 million in 2008. Just six states—Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Virginia, Missouri and Indiana—will probably produce two-thirds of the estimated 271 million birds that will be raised in the U.S. this year.

The National Turkey Federation estimated that 46 million turkeys—one fifth of the annual total of 235 million consumed in the United States in 2007—were eaten at Thanksgiving.

In a survey conducted by the National Turkey Federation, nearly 88 percent of Americans said they eat turkey at Thanksgiving. The average weight of turkeys purchased for Thanksgiving is 15 pounds, which means some 690 million pounds of turkey were consumed in the U.S. during Thanksgiving in 2007.

The cranberry is one of only three fruits—the others are the blueberry and the Concord grape—that are entirely native to North American soil, according to the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds and measured just over 12 feet long. It was baked on October 8, 2005 by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio, and included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 155 dozen eggs, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt, 7 pounds of cinnamon, 2 pounds of pumpkin spice and 250 pounds of crust.


Around the Country

Three towns in the U.S. take their name from the traditional Thanksgiving bird, including Turkey, Texas (pop. 465); Turkey Creek, Louisiana (pop. 363); and Turkey, North Carolina (pop. 270).

Originally known as Macy's Christmas Parade—to signify the launch of the Christmas shopping season—the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in New York City in 1924. It was launched by Macy's employees and featured animals from the Central Park Zoo. Today, some 3 million people attend the annual parade and another 44 million watch it on television.

Tony Sarg, a children's book illustrator and puppeteer, designed the first giant hot air balloons for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1927. He later created the elaborate mechanically animated window displays that grace the façade of the New York store from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

Snoopy has appeared as a giant balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade more times than any other character in history. As the Flying Ace, Snoopy made his sixth appearance in the 2006 parade.

The first time the Detroit Lions played football on Thanksgiving Day was in 1934, when they hosted the Chicago Bears at the University of Detroit stadium, in front of 26,000 fans. The NBC radio network broadcast the game on 94 stations across the country--the first national Thanksgiving football broadcast. Since that time, the Lions have played a game every Thanksgiving (except between 1939 and 1944); in 1956, fans watched the game on television for the first time.

By History.com
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5: 19-20

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The online matchmaker website has surrendered against a nearly four year lawsuit and is launching a gay website. eHarmony was founded by a evangelical psychologist and initially targeted Christians. It still remains a popular site for Christian singles.

eHarmony announced it reached a settlement with the attorney general of New Jersey, who began looking into the company when a homosexual man filed a complaint in 2005 stating that eHarmony only matched people with the opposite sex.

"According to the settlement, eHarmony will launch a new website, CompatiblePartners.net, aimed solely at the homosexual community. As part of the settlement, eHarmony, Inc. will advertise the website in homosexual media outlets, will allow the first 10,000 users to register free and will pay $50,000 to the attorney general's office and $5,000 to the man who filed the initial complaint. It also will post a statement on the new website saying its matchmaking strategy is based on research involving heterosexual couples and not homosexual couples."

The new site will be separate from the original to prevent any heterosexual person being matched up with someone from the same gender. eHarmony does not feel they broke any discrimination law, but felt the need to settle the case.

Questions:
- Do you think eHarmony made the right decision?
- How does this effect the homosexual agenda in particular gay marriage?

ARTICLE

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The extreme animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has recently made an unusual request to the ice cream company Ben and Jerry's. Peta sent a letter calling for Ben and Jerry's to stop using cow milk in their ice cream and switch to human breast milk. Citing health concerns dairy may cause and of course how it will benefit animals, PETA thinks this is the best way to go.

"The fact that human adults consume huge quantities of dairy products made from milk that was meant for a baby cow just doesn't make sense," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "Everyone knows that 'the breast is best,' so Ben & Jerry's could do consumers and cows a big favor by making the switch to breast milk."

LETTER

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The Great Commission is to spread the gospel for everyone to hear. What about the people that don't hear? Scripture tells us that they are without excuse.

because what may be known of God is manifest in them for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20

God's attributes are so clear through creation that there is no defense in rejecting it. Paul even gives an example of Gentiles.

for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thought accusing or else excusing them. Romans 2:14-15

I have heard the argument that God will save those who have not heard. However, if this were the case why would we spread the gospel. Wouldn't it be better to keep it a secret?

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat. Psalm 19:1-6

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This news is about two months old, but I somehow missed it. Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary general, plans to ask the Israeli government to pay Lebanon nearly $1 billion for environmental damages caused during the 2006 Second Lebanon War.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will demand that Israel pay Lebanon $1 billion in compensation over damages caused during the Jewish state’s 2006 war against Hizbullah.

According to the report the sum, based on World Bank appraisals, is aimed at covering the environmental and material damages caused by the Second Lebanon War to neighboring countries as well.

The fundamental part of the compensation demanded is for the damage caused to the Lebanese coast due to an oil spill following an Israeli bombing of a southern Beirut power plant, which the Lebanese said had caused “an ecological disaster.”

According to the report, Ban plans to submit a report to the United Nations General Assembly at the end of the month, stating that damage Israel caused to the oil reservoir polluted Lebanon’s coast, and that the pollution spread to neighboring countries, especially Syria.

…The oil spill, which was defined the greatest natural disaster in Lebanon’s history, took place after Israel Air Force planes hit a power plant and caused some 110,000 oil barrels to leak into the Mediterranean Sea.

The report said that the UN wants Israel to compensate the countries harmed by the oil spill and restore the environmental situation along the Lebanon coast.

Questions:
- Is this fair?
- Should Israel comply?

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Most of us are familiar with this song:

Father Abraham had many sons
Many sons had Father Abraham
I am one of them and so are you
So let's all praise the Lord.

Yet this song is not as simple as it may sound. The Bible speaks of more than one kind of seed of Abraham.

Natural Seed (Physical Descendants):

"But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend." Isaiah 41:8

Christ:

"Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as of many but as of one, 'And to your Seed,' who is Christ." Galatians 3:16

Christians (Spiritual Seed):

"And if you are Christ's then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galations 3:29

Make no mistake in these verses, the Church does not equal Israel. The connection is based upon justification by faith. Look at Romans 4:3-11. Abraham was justified before he was a Gentile or Jew and before Israel became a nation. Faith alone leads to justification.

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Stating that the Republican party needs to be rebuilt is an understatement. However, one of the first moves may be selecting a new RNC Chairman. So far two people have formally announced their candidacy. Former Lt. Governor of Maryland, Former candidate for Senator in Maryland and frequenter of Fox News Channel Michael Steele has announced. The second candidate is the State Chair Saul Anuzis of my home state Michigan. Other people rumored, but are not official are Newt Gingrich and Fred Thompson.

I think Michael Steele is a favorite in this race because of the exposure he gets on Fox News Channel. The fact that Steele is African American is beneficial to the Republican party since that is a group that the Democrats have. I don't know if Steele would be enough to gather some to the Republican party or not. I like Michael Steele, but he wasn't successful in his Senate race, so I don't know what he would do to help rebuild the party.

On the other hand is Saul Anuzis. I like Saul, he has done a great job with using technology such as blogging. He is also a very nice and easy to talk to. However, there are two issues that concern me. First is the fact the Republicans lost control of the House in 2006 and now the Democrats will have the largest majority in the state's history starting in 2009. We also lost a crucial Supreme Court Justice. The second issue which I think is more important because there were other factors in the losses. That issue is how he could not handle national committeeman Chuck Yob. I expect that at the national level there will be more divisive opinion that the chairman will have to be able to control.

As for the other to rumors, I will evaluate them when/if they announce. As for now I simply take it as the Republican base holding on to historic leaders for hope.

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The American Humanist Association has started an ad campaign to try and reach other atheists. They plan to plaster over 200 buses in Washington D.C. with ads bearing its "godless holiday" message. The move by the American humanists comes one month after the British Humanist Association said it will run ads declaring, “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life," on London buses in January. They also said they "seek to connect with "non-theists who feel a little alone during the holidays because of its association with traditional religion."

Ads proclaiming, "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness' sake," will appear on the outside and inside of DC Metro buses starting next Tuesday and will run throughout December. Newspaper versions of the ads ran in The New York Times and The Washington Post this week.

It seems the issue at hand is sin.

"Humanists have always understood that you don't need a god to be good," said AHA executive director Roy Speckhardt. "So that's the point we're making with this advertising campaign. Morality doesn't come from religion. It's a set of values embraced by individuals and society based on empathy, fairness, and experience."

On a brighter note, a recent poll published by NBC that found 86 percent of Americans in favor of keeping "In God We Trust" as the nation's motto and the reference to God in the Pledge of Allegiance.


Questions:

- Will this ad campaign be effeictive or backfire?

- Is all dialog about God good dialog?

- Do you think the NBC poll is accurate?

FULL ARTICLE

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I guess I have been listening to Obama too much talking about change. Actually I will blame this on Layne since he changed his blog. I know it looks a bit cluttered, but I still think it will be easier to navigate around and I think it looks better overall.

After having a record setting day of visitors (thanks to my sister who emailed a post to a bunch of people) I figured I better make some improvements. There are still going to be some tweaks, but this is what it will be looking like.

Unfortunately, I deleted the poll so if you voted before please do so again.

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I found out about this first at Right Michigan. A church in my local area was subject to a gay protest. While I question some of this church's doctrine, they do believe that homosexuality is a sin.

Some irony is that the preceding Friday I made a post about the Bible becoming hate literature in Canada. While this is not the same thing exactly, you can definitely see the homosexual agenda.

Some of the activity that occurred was the shouting of profanities and blasphemies, attempting to hang banners of like content, tossing fliers, and two women made it to the pulpit and began to kiss. Other props used were a video camera, megaphone, condoms, and glitter by the bucket load.

Churches if not already prepared need to have a plan in place because it looks like it will get worse rather than better.

Right Michigan provided a much more detailed article than the Lansing State Journal, but the LSJ said they would have more detail tomorrow (I will post it when it becomes available). I would like to know what kind of punishment they will receive.

Right Michigan Article

Lansing State Journal Article

UPDATED LSJ ARTICLE

City Pulse Article

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Obama is looking at making changes to Bush's social policy immediately.

Transition advisers to President-elect Barack Obama have compiled a list of about 200 Bush administration actions and executive orders that could be swiftly undone to reverse White House policies on climate change, stem cell research, reproductive rights and other issues, according to congressional Democrats, campaign aides and experts working with the transition team.

Obama himself has signaled, for example, that he intends to reverse Bush's controversial limit on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, a decision that scientists say has restrained research into some of the most promising avenues for defeating a wide array of diseases, such as Parkinson's.

The new president is also expected to lift a so-called global gag rule barring international family planning groups that receive U.S. aid from counseling women about the availability of abortion, even in countries where the procedure is legal, said Cecile Richards, the president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. When Bill Clinton took office in 1993, he rescinded the Reagan-era regulation, known as the Mexico City policy, but Bush reimposed it.

FULL ARTICLE

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Everyone is happy that gas prices are dropping. Everyone pays attention to crude oil prices, but nobody considers gasoline taxes. I have attached a chart (click on it to make it larger) that shows the gasoline tax state by state. I live in a state that is on the high end. The demand for oil is now at a five-year low. This will definitely affect government revenue. Were you aware of the amount of your states gasoline tax?

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A self-described homosexual member of the House of Commons, Svend Robinson, is expected to reintroduce bill C-415, which would add sexual orientation as a protected category in Canada's genocide and hate crimes legislation. However, this is not new to Canada.

A Saskatchewan man recently was fined $5,000 for buying a newspaper ad that quoted verses from the Bible condemning homosexual behavior.

Two years ago, the Ontario Human Rights Commission penalized printer Scott Brockie $5,000 for refusing to print letterhead for a homosexual advocacy group. Brockie argued that his Christian beliefs compelled him to reject the group's request.

In 1997, the council ruled that the airing of a James Dobson "Focus on the Family" program, called "Homosexuality: Fact and Fiction," violated the requirement that opinion, comment, and editorializing be presented in a way that is "full, fair, and proper."

In an "action alert" distributed last week, Rushfeldt wrote that if C-415 becomes law in Canada, "the following consequences will result, especially once hate crime charges are brought before the courts":

- The Bible, at least certain portions of the Bible, may be declared "hate literature."

- Churches will not be able to mention certain Scriptures.

- Clergy may be subjected to criminal charges if they refuse to marry homosexuals.

- Parents may be subjected to criminal charges if they refuse to allow their children to attend classes that teach about and promote homosexual behavior.

- Expressing disagreement with homosexual behavior or the homosexual agenda, either verbally or in writing, would be considered hate propaganda.

- Educators, including those at private religious schools, will not be able to refuse to teach homosexual curriculum.

- Religious institutions will not be allowed to teach anything non-supportive of homosexual sex.

- Canadian Blood Services will not be allowed to screen risk-behavior donors.

- Governments (including local municipalities) will be prevented from passing (even debating) sex standards laws.

"I think the U.S. is not far behind Canada," said John Paulk, gender and homosexuality specialist for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs.

FULL ARTICLE

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All I have heard since 2006 is that the Republican party needs to become more moderate and not so conservative. That is the farthest thing from the truth. Christian values and conservative economic policy is not hurting the party.

Incase you were unaware, three states passed a ban on same-sex marriage. Those states were Florida, Arizona, and California. Twelve states banned same-sex marriage in 2004 (Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississipi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Utah, and Oregon).

All of these states are significant. Florida is obviously a battleground state. Arizona is significant because the proposal failed a few years ago. California, what can I say about California? This is one of the most liberal states and they just banned same-sex marriage.

Republicans need to regroup, but I pray they do not abandon Christian principles.

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Let me start by congratulating Barack Obama on his victory as hard as it is to do, but history has been made in electing the first African American POTUS. With that said, be ready for a rough four years. I do not agree with his policies and it will be easier for him to get things done with a majority in both the Senate and House.

Republicans need to regroup. I noticed many moderate Republicans lost, which may help create a core leadership. Also, with the Democrats in control they can no longer blame Republicans or Bush in particular for everything. The Republicans are down but not out. After these last two elections the American people will realize what they are getting and I foresee Republicans doing well in 2010 and more so in 2012.

From a Christian perspective I have a sense of peace knowing that God is in control. However, I also recognize his judgment and think that we might be experiencing that right now. Yet the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders and that is what I will do. I do not want to carry on the hatred that has been shown towards President George W. Bush.

1 Timothy 2:1-4
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

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First published in Sweden last year, "Bible Illuminated: The Book" is a glossy fashion magazine-style publication. Parent company Illuminated World has released the Bible in the United States. The New Testament version will be released this month, and the Old Testament possibly in March 2009. In the U.S., the New Testament is being sold on Amazon.com Inc.'s Web site, as well as at bookstores such as Barnes & Noble Inc and Gift and Bible.

While I have been referred to as "too traditional", this is not your normal Bible. It contains pictures of Martin Luther King Jr. and Angelina Jolie. When will people recognize the sovereignty of God and stop trying to market the Bible? Here are some quotes from an article.

A photo of a man on fire opens the Book of Revelation. And laid across a two-page image of gasoline spilling from a pump is the quote that begins: "The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast."

"In general, Bible publishers have always been creative but now they are scrambling to meet a culture where people are moving away from print reading," said Paul Gutjahr, an English associate professor and religious studies adjunct associate professor at Indiana University.

"In a visually literate, advertising-skeptical age - how do you grab people's attention? Mixing the biblical text with Angelina Jolie doesn't surprise me."

Larry Norton, a former publishing executive and president of Illuminated World, said sales of "Bible Illuminated" in Sweden, where an estimated 60,000 Bibles are sold each year, reached 30,000 in its first year. The company is hoping for similar success in the U.S. The book even found a strong secondary market in secular sales.

"We are living in the age of increased secularization and distance from traditional religion," said Robert Hodgson, dean emeritus at the Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship, which is responsible for the translation and quality control for the American Bible Society.

The society licensed the rights to the Good News version of the Bible to Illuminated World.

"It's about new points of entry in a modern world that is not ready to open its doors and windows to the traditional word," Hodgson said.

Bible Illuminated is not affiliated with any religion or church. Why would Gift and Bible sell this?...money? As for me, I will no longer shop at Gift and Bible.

FULL ARTICLE

Bible Illuminated Website

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A reminder to think of the rights of babies when you cast your vote. The next President will likely nominate 2-4 Supreme Court Justices.

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Televangelist Rev. Robert H. Schuller removed his son from the telivision show "Hour of Power." I have heard of this show, but I have never watched the show. In my brief look into him he sounds like Joel Osteen who only likes to talk about the positives of Christianity and nothing about sin.

When I first heard about this I immediately thought that it was a sin issue, but I was wrong and I will give some quotes and let you decide for yourself what you think of the situation.

"The real minister's name that we honor is Jesus, not Schuller," he said to thunderous applause

I liked that statement and sometimes I think people can forget who is actualy in charge of everything. It is the next statement that I have problems with.

"I was called to start a mission, not a church," Schuller told his audience Sunday. "There is a difference. . . . You don't try to preach . . . what is sin and what isn't sin. A mission is a place where you ask nonbelievers to come and find faith and hope and feel love. We're a mission first, a church second."

Questions:

- Is there a difference between a Church and a Mission?

- Have you watched this program? If so what are your thoughts

FULL ARTICLE

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Here is a list of the five most unique restaurants I have visited. I tried to avoid chain restaurants because that takes away from the uniqueness. The purpose of this is to recommend these establishments and have people comment on them if they have eaten there or refer another place. So, without further ado...

5) The Purple Cow. - Located in Virginia Beach, VA this is a family place with a friendly atmosphere. The main reason I selected this place is because it has the best milkshakes. My favorite is the peanut butter and jelly milkshake. It sounds bad but is delicious. Recommend: Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshake

4) Cheers - Located in Boston, MA this is known for the television series. Previously known as the Bull and Finch Pub. While the outside is identical the inside is much different. Items on the menu are named after a character's name on the show. Recommend Bahston Clam Chowda

3) Tar Baby's - Located in Myrtle Beach, SC a terrific place to get a good breakfast. I was so shocked that there is a place with a name like that. Everyone was really friendly and the food was pretty good. Recommend: Pancakes

2) Tony's Restaurant - Located in Birch Run, MI this place will clog your arteries in a hurry. They have huge portions and when I say huge I am talking about a pound of bacon. The place is a dive, but very reasonably priced. Recommend: Bacon Cheeseburger

1) Ed Debevic's - Located in Chicago, IL it has the rudest service you will get. Their motto is eat and get out. This is done on purpose and there is a large amount of people that wait to get poor service. They will dance on the table's, sit down at your table and do just about anything to make it entertaining. They even have the world's smallest sundae, which is only one bite of ice cream and a drop of chocolate syrup. Recommend: World's Smallest Sundae.

*A place I am looking at visiting is the Safe House in Milwaukee, WI. It looks like a fun place, everything is spy oriented.

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In Genesis 14: 18-20 there is a person who is mentioned. His name is Melchizedek. He was both the king of Salem and a priest (translated king of peace (Heb 7:2)). I find this interesting because right in the middle of the story of Abram (Abraham) this man is mentioned and everything is focusing on the Abrahamic covenant. The interesting part is that every source I have refers to him as a "type of Christ" and nothing to do with the Abrahamic covenant.

Genesis 14:18-20

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: "Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand." And he gave him a tithe of all.

The next time he is mentioned is Psalm 110:4

The Lord has sworn And will not relent, "Your are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."

Later in the book Hebrews the writer refers to Psalm 110:4 four times (5:6; 6:20; 7:17; and 7:21). However, chapter seven spends more time using Melchizedek as an example to Jesus Christ's priesthood and expounds on Christ's superiority.

Hebrews 7:3

without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.

There are few that take it literally or claim there is a better translation that Melchizedek had no parents and lived forever. It is simply a comparison and I emphasize "like" in Hebrews 7:3.

So what is the point of this? In my opinion I think he is a prototype of Christ and used to illustrate to the Jews. For instance, the author started talking about Melchizedek and Christ's priesthood, but stopped because he did not think they would understand (Hebrews 5:1-11).

I am still looking into this, but I implore you to as well if you have not already.
What are your thought?

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The last debate is over. Assuming that the polls are correct and Obama is in the lead, what does each candidate have to do to win? If you were the campaign manager, what would your advise be?

Does Obama play it safe and ride out a victory or try to win by a large margin? Obama is buying a prime time spot on television. What should he talk about? Should he hope the economy stays bad?

What does McCain have to do to win? Should he continue with Ayers, Wright or ACORN? Or should he focus on Obama's "spreading the wealth" plan? Does McCain hope that the economy gets better?

Additional Questions Regarding the Election:

- What happened to immigration?
- Will race play a factor?
- Do Americans still fear a terrorist threat?

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I was talking to someone about economic policy when they kept repeating that we (conservatives) need to emphasize Obama's economic plan and how it compares to socialism. After hearing his rant about socialism, I said "I think people get it and are choosing socialism."

Obama and his campaign are not hiding their economic plan. Obama has said repeatedly that he wants to "share the wealth" and says that it is "fair." Furthermore, his VP nominee has said it is "patriotic" to pay higher taxes. Many Democrats have a socialist economic plan, but also seem to be more covert about it.

After this recent bailout, I wonder if we have already abandoned are capitalistic ideals.

A few questions:

- Has America changed its view on socialism?
- How close is America from becoming socialist?
- Does socialism just sound nice during economic hardship?

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I found this in a magazine subscription that I have. I highly recommend reading "Israel My Glory" it is part of the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry



Thoughts?

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The Republican and Democrat conventions have been on my mind for awhile. As the cameras panned through the audience I watched people screaming and crying over the candidates. Not to mention each respective party putting spin on each other's plans. Each of the candidate's campaigns and followers portray that the other will ruin the country. These thoughts inspired me to write my previous two posts about government's ineffectiveness. We all hear the promises that usually go unfulfilled.

With all of that said, I ask who can really make a difference? Should we place our hope and trust into a politician or political ideals? Absolutely not. Romans 13 says that God established those who are in authority. I enjoy talking about politics as much as anyone else and I believe Christians have a responsibility to vote according to biblical standards. However, let us not lose focus of God's sovereignty and forget that He is in control.

Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

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Congress has a low approval rating, even lower than President Bush. Yet people hate President Bush, but don't complain about Congress that often. Congress is unproductive and usually pushes controversial issues onto other branches. For instance, Congress could stop funding for the war in Iraq, but they would rather the executive branch handle such a hot issue. They also push social issues such as abortion or homosexual marriage onto the judicial branch.

How can Congress have an approval rating around 20% and still reelect incumbents? The answer is self interest. Everyone blames Congress, but doesn't always blame their Congressman or Congresswoman. That is because most likely they are bringing back earmarks for their congressional district. Take for instance the recent bailout. It passes when you add about $250 billion of earmarks. Everyone mocks the bridge to nowhere, but that was just one case.

www.cagw.org

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I've just read 'Government's End: Why Washington Stopped Working' by Jonathan Rauch. I will try not to make this into a book report and refrain from using his terminology, but he made some interesting points. In his book Rauch claims that government's ineffectiveness is due to big government mixed with a gridlock of special interest groups. While I can't agree more with the problem of big government I even think he is on to something with his assumption of special interest groups.

The growth of special interest groups is astounding. “In 1956, fewer than five thousand associations were listed. The number had doubled by 1970 and then doubled again by 1990. Over the period of 1970 to 1990 an average of about ten new groups were formed every week.”

Later, he makes the statement that special interest is not so special. “But the fact is that seven out of ten Americans belong to at least one association…and one in four Americans belongs to four or more.” I think of groups such as AARP, NRA, Right to Life and the membership they can boast about.

The result, any politician attempting to trim a government program will be attacked by a special interests group on the receiving end of the benefit. Government ends in a stand still. Why don't the people care? As Rauch puts it, if 12 companies are fighting for a $12 million subsidy where they each make an easy million, where is the incentive for the public of 270 million to fight over a fraction of a cent?

What do you think of this assessment?

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I was introduced to Dr. S M Lockridge recently. I like what I hear so far, but I am only finding small clips of his sermons. I hope you enjoy and I will try and find more.

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In Between By The O.C. Supertones

Romans 7:14-25

(14) We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. (15) I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. (16) And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. (17) As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. (18) I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. (19) For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (20) Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

(21) So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. (22) For in my inner being I delight in God's law; (23) but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. (24) What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (25) Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

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There is shock and sadness in the Christian community over word that famed Christian music singer Ray Boltz has publicly announced he’s living a homosexual lifestyle.


"If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live...I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself." Those were the words of Ray Boltz in an interview with the Washington Blade about his decision to engage in homosexuality. Boltz, a father of four who was married for 33 years before officially divorcing his wife this year, is well-known for his widely acclaimed songs "Thank You" and "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb."

FULL ARTICLE

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As many have pointed out, the reason elected officials tend to neglect infrastructure project issues, like reinforcing levees in New Orleans and bridges in Minneapolis, is that there's no glory when a bridge doesn't collapse. There are no round-the-clock news specials when the levees hold. Preventing another terrorist attack is like that. There is no media coverage when another 9/11 doesn't happen. We can thank God that President George Bush didn't care about doing the safe thing for himself. He cared about keeping Americans safe. And he has, for seven years.

If Bush's only concern were about his approval ratings, he would not have fought for the Patriot Act and the war in Iraq. He would not have resisted the demands that we withdraw from Iraq, year after year. Bush's war on terrorism has been a smashing, unimaginable success.

There wasn't a major al-Qaida attack in 2002. Nor in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, or so far in 2008.

As Bush has said, we have to be right 100 percent of the time, the terrorists only have to be right one time. Bush has been right 100 percent of the time for seven years -- so much so that Americans have completely forgotten about the threat of Islamic terrorism.

For his thanks, President Bush has been the target of almost unimaginable maliciously false statements. Compared to the anger directed at Bush, there has always been something vaguely impersonal about the "anger" directed toward the terrorists.

It seems roughly one in four books in print in the world at this very moment have the words "Bush" and "Lie" in their title. Barnes & Noble might as well add an "I Hate Bush" section. The ferocity of the attacks on Bush even scared many of his conservative allies into turning on him over the war in Iraq.

George Bush is Gary Cooper in the classic western "High Noon." The sheriff is about to leave office when a marauding gang is coming to town. He could leave, but he waits to face the killers as all his friends and all the townspeople, who supported him during his years of keeping them safe, slowly abandon him. In the end, he walks alone to meet the killers, because someone has to.

That's Bush. Name one other person in Washington who would be willing to stand alone if he had to... because someone had to.

OK, there is one, but she's not in Washington yet. Appropriately, at the end of "High Noon," Cooper is surrounded by the last two highwaymen when, suddenly, his wife (Grace Kelly) appears out of nowhere and blows away one of the killers! The aging sheriff is saved by a beautiful, gun-toting woman.

[edited column of Ann Coulter]

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There were some unexpected surprises the first week of the NFL. The most being New England QB Tom Brady who looks like he will be out for the season. This makes it interesting because after their season last year they were the favorites. They still have a good team, but I am unsure of their back up QB.

It looked as if the Colts were going to be the team to beat in the AFC, but they lost to the Bears. This was shocking to me because I thought the Bears were one of the worst teams and they had to come into Indianapolis and beat the Colts. I know Peyton Manning was coming of an injury, but I still think it was a huge upset. I also thought the Chargers losing was an upset. Mainly because the Panthers did not have Steve Smith.

Brett Favre had a decent game as he made a comeback with the Jets. He started out nice, but then he was back to his old self throwing up a prayer that was caught for a touchdown. It was a close game and a good game to watch. What QB surprised me the most was Atlanta's Matt Ryan who embarrassed the Lions. He also beat my beloved Spartans in the bowl game last year. Along with Michael Turner they might have a decent team.

I will update this after tonight's game and I can see how my Packers do without Favre. I think they will be fair, but not as good if they would have kept Favre.

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This post is open to anything you want to say about the presidential election. What did you think of the Democrat convention? Obama, Biden or the Clintons? What do you think of McCain picking Sarah Palin? Anything goes.

UPDATE:

Gov. Sarah Palin's 17 year old daughter is 5 months pregnant. How does this effect the ticket? Also, how does this look for a mother of young children taking on such a huge responsibility.?

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I am sure everyone is familiar with the monkey trials of the 1920s. The battle between teaching the Genesis account of creation and evolution. One of the key questions was about Cain's wife. The question was trying to trap to elude to incest. The question was along the lines of where Cain's wife came from if Adam and Eve were the only humans on the earth? My question to you is what would be your answer if you were on the witness stand?

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I have been a fan of Christian music for some time now. I have been to many concerts and enjoyed them. Most of my friends and I enjoy both contemporary Christian music and the classic hymns. As I was listening to some music, there are some songs that I think are way above others. I will list the best two contemporary Christian songs and two best hymns. That is in my opinion of course. I am also looking at what you think are the best songs.

First, Contemporary:

My number one is Worlds Apart by Jars of Clay


Worlds Apart By Jars of Clay

My number two is Audience of One by Big Daddy Weave


Audience of One By Big Daddy Weave

Secondly, Hymns:

My number one is A Mighty Fortress


A Mighty Fortress

My number two is The Rugged Old Cross


The Old Rugged Cross

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Is anyone else concerned about Obama and people refering to him as the messiah? I myself am growing weary. At first I thought nothing of it, just the media bias. However, it is more common and people are flocking to him for no logical reason. I am not alluding to him being the antichrist or anything, but I find it perplexing to me why this man is so popular and loved. Every politician, celebrity or athlete has fans and even extreme fans, but the question of why is the comparison to messiah is sticking to him keeps haunting me. Do you think there is any supernatural force in this?

Take a look at this blog and let me know what you think.

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I have created a private pick em league through yahoo. For those that are unfamiliar, it is a free league were each week you pick who you think will win each game. It takes only a few seconds a week. Your points are added each week throughout the season. If you are interested send me an email at craigscogitations@gmail.com and I will forward you the group name and password.

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It is that time again. Fantasy football season is here. I have been active in fantasy football for about five years now. I know it is kind of nerdy and geeky to pick players for a fake team who give you fake points. However, it does give me the opportunity to use my football knowledge and a reason to watch games between teams that I am not interested in. It also provides good comradery.

I have a draft this weekend and one next weekend. I remember my first draft. I was such an amature and so was my friend that ran it. Most of my friends that were in the leaugue are married so my friend that was the commissioner of the league suggested that the wives can hang out while we have the draft. That was a bad idea. We started out good, but as the rounds passed and being unprepaired sunk in we went into hours. We would see our wives peek around the corner giving the look to indicate they were ready to go and the frequent question of "how much longer?" Afterwards my wife indicated that she does not care if I do this in my free time, but she does not want to be included again. She has come around a little bit, but I still have a lot of work to do to get her really interested.

We all have our own hobbies and interests be it sports or video games. I strongly enjoy fantasy football and probably because the leagues I am involved in go above and beyond just playing the game. They include golf outings and post season parties. With that said it is time for me to get my cheat sheets and magazines in anticipation of another season of fantasy football.

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I am not into science very much so excuse me if this is old news, but I have been learning about a protein molecule called laminin which holds our body together. The interesting part is that it is shaped like a cross. This has caught fire and many preachers are using it as evidence in God. They are tying it to scripture.

Colossians 1:16-17

"For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." NIV

Questions

- Do you think this is coincidence?

- Does this prove anything?

- Should Christians boast about things like this to the science community?

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I just ordered some items from christianbook.com and Amazon. As for those who know me know my disappointment for so called Christian bookstores (Family Christian Bookstore).

I ordered the Ryrie Study Bible and the Scofield Study Bible. I also ordered 'The Bible Knowledge Commentary' which is a two volume commentary that covers the O.T. and N.T. This commentary is put together by staff members of the Dallas Seminary.

I have a MacArthur Study Bible and a KJV Study Bible. I use to have a NIV Study Bible, but gave it away to someone that liked it. I liked it also, but they needed a Bible so... Plus I prefer the NKJV translation. I use the free software esword and I received computer software as gift that has different Bible translations, commentaries, Bible dictionary, Concordance, Devotionals among other things.

I am old fashion, I prefer books. I have tried computer software, but I don't know why I prefer books. Maybe it is looking at a computer screen.

Questions
What Bible translation do you prefer?

What commentaries or helpful tools do you recommend?

How do you decide which theologian to trust before you study them? Recommendation, organizational ties, denominations affiliation or random?

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Article from One News Now:

Pro-family advocates say Christians should get used to legal harassment such as the lawsuit a homosexual activist recently filed against two Bible publishers.

Bradley LaShawn Fowler of Canton, Michigan, does not like the fact that the Bibles produced by Zondervan and Thomas Nelson Publishers both accurately convey God's prohibition against homosexual behavior. So he is suing in federal court, seeking $10 million from Thomas Nelson and $60 million from Zondervan.

Peter LaBarbera, president of Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, says Bible-believing Christians had better get ready for more of this type of sniping. "Obviously, this is a frivolous publicity stunt, but this is a portent of things to come," he warns.

"We know that the homosexual activists are now targeting, essentially, born-again Christians and committed Catholics and Mormons who oppose their agenda. They're out to re-write the Bible, to say that the Bible really does not condemn homosexual practice, which it obviously does," says LaBarbera. "Ultimately, we believe they'll be doing more and more of these lawsuits against Christians and Christian companies."

LaBarbera says the suit reminds him of British actor and homosexual activist Sir Ian McKellen, who has admitted to ripping pages that contain scriptures condemning homosexuality out of Gideon Bibles in hotel rooms. "The fact is whether you rip the pages out or not, or whether you sue, or whether you pass a law against it, the Word of God still stands," he emphasizes. "And God's authority on that issue still stands, no matter what man does."

The judge in the case has denied Fowler's request for a court-appointed attorney, saying the court had "very genuine concerns" about the legitimacy of the claims in the lawsuit.

Are you concerned about the future perception of homosexuality?
Is it already a problem since some Christian denominations accept homosexuality?
Do you foresee it being a crime to preach God's condemnation of homosexuality?

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This is a bit old news, but I don't live in Georgia so it is new to me.

Georgia now allows permitted gun owners who pass criminal background checks to carry concealed weapons in restaurants that serve alcohol (if they don't make more than half their revenue from alcohol sales), aboard public transportation and in parks. Customers with guns however, are not allowed to drink alcohol. Restaurants can opt out if they post a sign saying they will not permit guns. This measure is "the biggest gun reform bill in Georgia history." says Representative Tim Bearden, a former police officer and bill's sponsor. Unlike some states, Georgia doesn't require firearms training to get a concealed weapons permit. The Georgia Restaurant Association, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and Atlanta's mass transit system opposed it.

Do you support this?
Can someone oppose and still be pro-second amendment?
Will it increase, decrease or have no effect on crime?

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The following is an article from 'One News Now'

Christian broadcaster and author Tom McMahon says evangelical pastor Rick Warren's belief that the church must take the lead in solving the world's problems of poverty, disease, and war cannot be reconciled with the scriptures.

Pastor Warren will be hosting an interfaith meeting next month with 30 Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders "to discuss cooperation for the common good of all Americans." Warren's P.E.A.C.E. plan mobilizes churches to address global problems. But McMahon, president of The Berean Call ministry, says the popular Christian author is introducing evangelical Christianity to the social gospel that he learned from his mentor, social scientist Peter Drucker.T.A. McMahon

"As a Christian, as a biblical Christian, I have real concerns about this because I don't find this in the scriptures," McMahon explains. "You see, it's true the world has all kinds of problems, but he's working on the symptoms and avoiding the root cause, which is the sin nature of humanity. So how can you work with all kinds of people [who are] called 'people of faith,' but it's not biblical faith?"

McMahon contends that only the biblical gospel can change the heart of man, and that Warren is compromising that by working with people who reject the gospel of Christ. He says that although Pastor Warren claims his life's calling is "to proclaim the gospel truth of salvation in Jesus Christ," it is doubtful that gospel will be proclaimed at the interfaith meeting.

"I believe that Rick has a low view of prophecy," McMahon contends. "Well, I think he needs to heed the words of Jesus [in Luke 18:8]: 'When the Son of Man cometh shall He find faith upon the earth?' Well, 'people of faith' yes, but certainly not the faith that Jude exhorts true believers to contend for."

Here is a link to the P.E.A.C.E. plan website

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We all know the story of God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19 describes Lot's escape from the sinful cities. However, it is rarely talked about what happened after the escape.

Lot dwelt in a cave in the mountains (v 30). His daughters were so corrupted with immorality that they contrived to be impregnated by their own father.

Genesis 19:31-36

"Now the firstborn said to the younger, 'Our father is old, and there is no man on the earth to come in to us as is the custom of all the earth. Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him that we may preserve the lineage of our father.' So they made made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. It happened on the next day that the firstborn said to the younger, 'Indeed I lay with my father last night; let us make him drink wine tonight also, and you go in and lie with him that we may preserve the lineage of our father.' Then they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father."

The two sons born of incest became the progenitors of Moab and Ammon, Israel's longstanding enemies.

Questions:
Does an immoral society always take a long time to turn around?
Do you see America's morality declining?
How amazing is God's plan that Ruth was a Moabite, yet played such an important role?

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These issues are a little old, but I am still interested in peoples' opinions.


A lesbian complained that an usher at Safeco Field asked her to stop kissing her date because it was making another fan uncomfortable. "The women refused to modify their behavior, began swearing at the seating hosts and complained that they were being singled out for their sexual orientation," the club said. I find it hard to believe that they were not trying to cause a scene after reading this statement: "Guerrero denied she and her date were groping each other, saying that along with eating garlic fries, they were giving each other brief kisses." That is what everybody does, eats garlic fries and then makes out. Here is the rest of the article.

Would you have complained?
Do you think men set a double standard for lesbians vs gay males?

Christopher Ratte of Ann Arbor had taken his son to a Detroit Tigers game. He didn't notice the $7 lemonade he bought contained alcohol. A security guard noticed the boy drinking the spiked lemonade and called authorities. Leo was checked at a hospital. No trace of alcohol was found in his blood. No charges were filed against the father, who says it was a case of "massive overreaction." Their son Leo spent two days in state custody. The father spent nearly a week outside his home before he was allowed to return. Here is the full article.

Do you believe the father didn't know that there was alcohol?
Do you agree that the State overreacted?

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A church reported it had 28,000 conversions in a year, baptized 9,600 people, and had 123 join the church.

I am not advocating baptism or church membership for salvation, but do you find these numbers a problem?

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Brett Favre now is talking about a comeback. Unfortunately the Green Bay Packers want to move on. I somewhat understand their frustration, but a new season has not started yet. I say let him come back. How can you deny someone that has brought so much to this franchise?

Some guys started a website and organize a weekly ralley outside Lambeau Field. They make a good point. Unlike any other professional sports team, the Green Bay Packers are owned by the community and stock holders. They are calling for Ted Thompson to be fired if he releases Brett Favre or trades him.

What do you think?

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I have started a new blog titled "Of One Mind" which will feature multiple authors. I will still use this blog, but I wanted to start a new one that would have multiple authors.

For information, please visit http://beofonemind.blogspot.com/

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DISCLAIMER: I am not sexist, I find humor in this video based on the ignorance of people and at the same time frustration that the same ignorance cancels out informed votes.

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John MacArthur makes an illustration out of 2 Corinthians 4. He calls it "Paul's humble five-point strategy:

We wil not lose heart. We will not alter the message. We will not manipulate the results, because we understand that a profound spiritual reality is at work in those who do not believe. We will not expect popularity, and therefore, we will not be disappointed. And we will not be concerned with visible and earthly success but devote our efforts toward that which is eternal."

2 Corinthians 4

"(1) Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. (2) But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (3) But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, (4) whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (5) For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. (6) For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Cast Down but Unconquered (7) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. (8) We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; (9) persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— (10) always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. (11) For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (12) So then death is working in us, but life in you. (13) And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”[a]we also believe and therefore speak,(14) knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. (15) For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Seeing the Invisible (16) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. (17) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, (18) while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

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