Proud to be an American

This weekend is the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on America. I say America because it wasn't just the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the people of New York, or politicians. It was an attack on all of us. An attack on the ideals, values, and freedom that America is built upon. It is true that life goes on, and it must, but to forget is a travesty. To forget means to forget about those that perished in the attack, those that gave of themselves to save those they could, and those that volunteered to risk their lives to protect our freedom. It means to forget those that have fought at any time for the freedoms we continue to enjoy today. It means to forget the the sacrifice.

As I was driving today I noticed that many schools, fire houses, and places of business had OUR flag flying at half mast this weekend. It moved me. Reminded me that patriotism is still alive. Reminded me that although it seems as though many of us have forgotten what it means to be an American that there are some who have not forgotten.

I guess I wanted to write this to simply say that I have not forgotten. I haven't forgotten that we are fighting a worthy war. I haven't forgotten the men and women, my friends and family, that are protecting my freedoms on a daily basis. I haven't forgotten that we are built on the principles of God. A holy God. The one and only true God. I haven't forgotten the blessings that He has poured out upon us. Day after day. Year after year. We don't deserve His favor, but He shows it anyway.

On this 10th anniversary I ask you to remember. Say a prayer for our service men and women. Thank God for all that He has given you. Given us. Given our country. Ask Him to continue to watch over us. May His peace be with you and your families. God bless you and God bless the USA!

LIFE

This past Friday we participated in the Right to Life / Together for Life Memorial Walk on the steps of the state capital with Georgia Right to Life. This was our 3rd year to participate, and every year it hits me to my core. Abortion is real. It happens everyday...several times a day. It is so prevalent in our society, yet so secret at the same time. Many women choose abortion because it is an easy answer to a situation they didn't plan for; however, in its aftermath it brings destruction through heartache, fear, guilt, shame, unworth, disappointment, and judgment. I long to see the day when abortion is illegal, but more importantly I long for the day when women choose LIFE over an easy out whether it is legal or not. I pray that the Lord will raise up families to adopt children that were given the chance to live. I pray that the Lord will change the heart of our nation and political leaders to see that abortion an ugly reality. I pray that the Lord would send revival upon us and end abortion forever. Until that day comes, I ask you to join me in prayer that the Lord will bring an end to abortion in America, and raise up people to be His hands and feet in this battle against evil. May His will be accomplished and His glory reign.

For more information you can visit the Georgia Right to Life website.

God, End Abortion and Send Revial to America!

W the Presdient

None of you are going to believe me when I say that I don't care for Oprah, because here I am writing another post about one of her shows. While watching TV yesterday I noticed that former President George W. Bush was going to be on her show to discuss his new book Decision Points. I've been really interested in politics lately - not crazy interested, just want to be in the know - so I decided to watch it. As a conservative and someone who voted for W I was impressed with the interview. He shared about his big decisions while in the White House - 9/11 and Katrina to name a few. I felt that he held his ground and answered all of Oprah's questions with dignity and truth. I'm not one for biographies, but I think I might actually really enjoy reading his book. Now on another - note they did an excerpt with former first lady Barbara Bush and Bush Sr. I totally fell in love with Barbara Bush. She had sarcasm and sass, and well I felt like she was a kindred spirit.

Life is Precious

On Friday, January 22, marked the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. The Georgia Right to Life hosted their annual silent march on the steps of the state capital. Aaron and I are very passionate about life, and have made this rally part of our yearly family plans. Aaron's dad and sister, Cara, went with us this year. They started the rally with worship on the capital steps and then we heard from the speakers. We then watched what the reality of abortion has looked like over the past 37 years. In 1986 we lost 7 people in the Challenger explosion, but in that same year we lost 1,328,112 babies to abortion. In 1995 we lost 168 people in the Oklahoma City bombing, and in that same year we lost 1,210,883 babies to abortion. In the September 11 attacks we lost 2,973 precious lives, and in that same year 1,291,000 babies lost their lives. It is so sad to me that since the passing of Roe v. Wade there have been 50+ MILLION babies lost to abortion. To remember each of these babies they played Taps on the bugle and we marched through the streets of Atlanta. We marched in silence for those that don't have a voice. We marched because life is precious.

Red Envelope Day

Yesterday, March 31st, was Red Envelope Day. Red Envelope Day is a peaceful protest against abortion. We are asking everyone to send red envelopes to President Obama to show him how important this issue is to his constituents. The envelopes are mailed empty with the following message written on the back.

You can mail your envelopes to:

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Aaron & I were unable to mail our envelopes yesterday, so we are mailing them today. I don't think it will matter if they are mailed a little late, so go grab a handful and put them in the mail!

Where Do You Stand?

With the election of Senator Barack Obama as our next president, many people have felt the need to share their thoughts and opinions on the situation. I haven't wanted to get overly emotional about it, but then I decided that someone needed to say something - and I guess that someone is me. Let me start by saying that I voted for John McCain. It had nothing to do with race, and everything to do with character and values. I am pro-life and have made a covenant that I will not vote for anyone who is not pro-life. It is that plain and simple. Now, it just so happens that I agreed with several other policies that John McCain proposed, but even if I hadn't I would still have voted for him based on the pro-life issue. You see, I vote based on my beliefs, not my checkbook. That all being said, my candidate did not win. Am I upset about that? Yes. I mean obviously I wanted the candidate that shared my thoughts and opinions to win. However, Obama was elected, and I respect that he will be our president in a few short months. However, respect and support are two completely different things. I respect the office of president, and how much power comes with being president. However, that does not mean that I completely support the person that holds that position. When we start supporting things we don't believe in, we start to compromise our own beliefs. I see that happening all around me. Polls show that nearly 80% of Americans consider themselves to be Christian. If this statistic is true, that should mean that Christian have the majority vote in America; therefore we SHOULD have elected a Christian president, or at least someone that holds the same views and values that Christians SHOULD hold. Based on what I heard from the candidates in the debates I didn't think it was too hard to figure out which of the two candidate lined up more with Christians values (I watched three of the presidential debates and the vice-presidential debate). Now some people may tell me that the Bible says that we have to respect and pray for our leaders. I can completely agree with the prayer part, but the respect part is where I find fault. As I mentioned above, I respect the office of president (or any other government authority), but that does not mean that I respect the person who holds that office. Romans 13:1-7 states: "1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Some have taken these words to mean that we must accept and live with whatever government is in control. I disagree. If you are going to use the Bible to defend your reasons for doing nothing, then you must look at the entire Word of God. The idea of unlimited submission to government is just not biblical. "Daniel disobeyed Darius and went to the lions den. The three Hebrew children broke the law for not bowing. The parents hid baby Moses from Pharaoh. Rahab lied to protect the Hebrew spies. The Apostles went to prison for preaching Christ in the authority of Heaven. Paul and his followers in Acts 17 did contrary to all the decrees of Caesar in order to make Jesus the King. Even Jesus lived in direct opposition of the political religious leaders of his day and went to the cross for us" (taken from Rethinking Romans 13). Must we respect the government that God has put in control? Yes, but respect and acceptance are two different things. I believe it is our place as Christians to speak out about the injustice that goes on in America. To do that may mean to speak against our governing authorities. I'm not talking about a revolt; I'm simply urging Christians to respectfully speak out against the things going on in our country that do not line up with the Word of God. That means be law-abiding citizens taking our plea through the right channels as the law allows. Many people gave their lives to protect the freedom for us to do just that. My fear is that Christians believe that God approves of all government. How can He approve or agree with things that go against His nature? Abortion is not His plan. Homosexuality is not His plan. Do you seriously think He approves of our government supporting those rights? We have let immorality sweep through our nation, and we have turned our backs on God. When Israel turned their backs on God he let their enemies overtake them. That was not His plan, but He did give Israel and us free will to choose rather we would worship Him or other gods. The good news is that when Israel returned to God, He returned His favor upon them. We choose rather to be righteous or unrighteous. What do you think America has chosen? Do you think God's wrath or God's favor is upon America? It is our urgent prayer that the Bride of Christ will rise up and take a stand for righteousness. Will you choose to stand for righteousness or will you choose to be quiet? The choice is at hand.

Let the Weak Speak. Vote for Life.

Jesus, I plead your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. End abortion. Send revival to America.

We want to plead with everyone to vote for LIFE when you go to the polls tomorrow. This election is so vitally important, and we pray that God's people will stand up for those who have no voice. Did you know that annually 46 million babies die from abortions each year worldwide? That is approximately one baby every 2 seconds. In America alone, 48 million babies have been aborted since 1973? Women have cited 'social reasons,' not mother's health or rape/incest as their motivation in approximately 93% of all abortions*. The heart of a baby begins to beat around 22 days after conception. Our hearts are breaking for the innocent. Please click on the candidates name to learn more about John McCain and Barack Obama's stand on abortion. You may visit Bound 4 Life to become informed on abortion issues and statistics. Please pray before you vote, and vote for life. *Source: Lawrence Finer, et. al, "Reasons U.S. Women Have Abortions: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives" Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Vol. 37 No. 3 (Sept., 2005) p. 110.

Saddleback Civil Forum

Last night Aaron and I watched the Saddleback Civil Forum featuring presidential nominees John McCain and Barak Obama. This forum offered insight into the nominee's views on many topics and issues that are important to Christians in this upcoming election. If political jargon is often confusing then this forum is perfect for you. The questions and responses are easy to understand, and the moderator does a decent job of keeping them on the task of answering the question at hand. We believe that this upcoming election is vitally important for the future of America. As the election approaches please be in prayer for our nation. If you want to watch the forum or read the transcript, click here.