Oh glorious love of Christ my Lord Divine,
That made Him stoop to save a soul like mine;
Through all my days and then in Heaven above,
My song will silence never, I'll worship him forever,
And praise Him for His glorious love.
("Oh Glorious Love" by the Talley Trio)
I pray that it will be a joyous season for us all, and that the Reason for the season guides our thoughts, words and deeds. May all Christians rejoice and sing with renewed enthusiasm this year as we celebrate the birth of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Good people all, this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done, In sending His belovèd Son.*
Since 2005, I have tried - and mostly succeeded - to post a Christmas entry each day between the first and the twenty-sixth of December. I made myself a rule that all posts were to be Christ-centered and include either Scripture or a scriptural hymn (sometimes both). I wanted a way to help myself be focused on the wonderful grace and kindness of my Lord and Savior, a way to keep Him in the forefront of my thoughts each day.
I was in a bit of a dilemma when I sat down - just this evening, I confess - to decide what my theme would be this year. Last year, I did the Alphabet of Christmas, and I've done hymns/songs as well. I had been thinking of Biblical prophecies of Jesus' birth, but wasn't sure it resonated with me this year. One friend suggested using the lives of saints, and another the books of the Bible (which tied in with my prophecy thought), but I think what I'm going to do this year is focus on the Names and Titles of Christ. I hope to learn more about Jesus, and hope you will join me for the journey.
As for the Carnival of Christmas, I have contacted the Daddy of the Carnival of Christmas, Adam, to see what his plans are for this year. I've had so much fun hosting the past two years that I'd love to do it again - but I shouldn't be selfish; Adam might like to take up the reins again this year. We'll see what happens!
Last year was a very hard Thanksgiving; my father, who is 91 years old, was doing very poorly and I was not certain how much longer he would be with us. Daddy was too weak and disoriented to make it to the table with us, and my sister and I were both shocked and saddened at how "un-Daddy" he seemed.
This year, however, there is a new story - isn't God so good?! - and Daddy is back to himself! Sure, he's old and frail, but he knows who we are, and he's up and active instead of dozing the day away. My brother and his lady are in town, his son is due in any moment, and my sister and her two boys will be arriving later tonight.
For Thanksgiving 2009, Mom and Dad will have all their children and grandchildren to celebrate with them!
Truly, this is a great blessing from God Himself.
So, for my readers and for anyone else who may stumble across this in a web search, I want to ask you to step back from your life and take a good, hard look at all the blessings God has poured out upon you. It is true that life can often be bleak and tiring, but even in the midst of trial, there is always the kind hand of God to remind you of His love and mercy.
I am thankful for the breath I breathe each day. I am thankful for the family I have. I am thankful for the good health we have. I am thankful for this time to enjoy my family. I am thankful for the friends I have. I am thankful for the warm house that shelters us. I am thankful for the safe car I drive. I am thankful for jobs we are able to do. I am thankful for the safe travel the past two days. I am thankful for the church which blesses and nurtures me. I am thankful for the Pastor who leads our church. I am thankful for the freedom to worship in liberty and peace. I am thankful for the food on my plate. I am thankful for computers and the Internet which permit me to add my gratitude to countless others'. I am thankful for warm, comfortable clothing. I am thankful for good medical care. I am thankful for our cuddly pets. I am thankful for the rain on the thirsty ground. I am thankful for the glorious sunrise and sunset every day. I am thankful for my country, which in spite of her faults is still the most wonderful place to live on earth.
I am thankful for so much, and every bit of it is given by the loving, generous hand of God.
If this Thanksgiving finds you lonely and hurting, I pray that God will bring one of His angels your way to remind you of all He has done and of His steadfast love for you. I pray that His Spirit will open your eyes to His marvelous Son, through whom you may receive the gift of eternal life and joy.
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
Refrain
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Refrain
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Refrain
I pray that this Thanksgiving finds you celebrating with family and friends, and that you enjoy the day with a deep sense of gratitude for all the abundant blessings we have received from the hand of the God who loves us so deeply.
For far too long, politicians have spoken words that they did not mean or intend to live by. I believe that public servants should say what they mean and do what they say. So today I sign my name to this Pledge, binding me to my words both now and upon election to the United States Congress. Accountability to the People is my hallmark.
Ten points on which he makes solemn promises - something I wish all congressmen (and congresswomen) would. Very well worth the read!
This definitely places Verga as someone to whom the Republican Party ought to give their support to reaffirm and re-establish the Party's foundations of conservative constitutionalism.
Well done, Mr. Verga! Now I wonder if any of the other candidates will follow with something equal or similar..
I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?
Well, I'm quite disappointed with Robert Hurt: his website is still only very basic, and has nothing up on the issues of taxation, immigration, health care, the War on Terror, government bureaucracy, jobs, etc. Not good, especially since I'd like to completely support my "hometown guy." Sen. Hurt, you are experienced at campaigning (albeit at the state level), and you should know that you have GOT to get this information out and on the record. Also, I am still concerned for your vote in favor of increased taxes when you were in the House of Delegates.
Ken Boyd also has an extremely simplistic website, and whoever is coding it is not doing a very good job. Just as an FYI, your front page (at the minimum!) should not show up as "Main" on the browser tab; it should at least display the candidate's name! Mr. Boyd is also not showing where he stands on the important issues that interest Virginians. His home page has only a very cursory mention of a few issues, but no specific statements on where he stands and how he intends to implement his positions. Also not good.
Feda Morton now has a real web presence (she used to only have a FaceBook page), and it seems to be nicely straightforward and clear. Her issues page is also very simple and blunt, which I rather like, and her positions match up very well with my own. I have very little patience for flowery rhetoric when gathering information, and the no-nonsense approach is quite attractive, however I would like to see more detail about how she plans to carry out these policies.
Ron Ferrin is a new name to me, and he's GOT to disable the autoplay for the first video on his site (a personal peeve). I very much like his style and stances on the issues he mentions on his front page (his support for the Second Amendment is particularly notable *grinz*), but it quite possibly comes across as a bit too "cowboy" for many. I would like to see a lot more written detail about who he is and what he's done so far because there is no bio. Plus, it might be nice if he started Twittering or FBooking. His videos are quite informative, however, so it's a "fault" I can forgive. He's not terribly polished - which is not a ping - but he is well-spoken. I'll have to keep an eye on him.
Lawrence Verga's site is well-organized, and he has clear and detailed descriptions of where he stands on the issues. I might quibble that he needs a new favicon, but then... that's a quibble! He is a self-described constitutionalist and has vowed to self-limit to serving only three terms as our Representative. He is a businessman, not a lawyer, according to his bio, and is very involved with charity development. He does have a health issue (polycystic kidney disease), which I assume requires careful management, but does not appear, at first glance, to be a large barrier. He's definitely an interesting candidate, and I like his positions on the issues.
Finally, there's Mike McPadden. He's a retired Navy pilot (hey! He flew the same airframe my Beloved did!), which is certainly a plus in my mind *grinz*. Mr. McPadden, like Verga, is NOT a lawyer (thank God - I do confess to being very tired of lawyers going to D.C.). He likes the Fair Tax - it seems most of these candidates do - and also has excellent statements on energy and conservation. I like his military experience, which might put him up a bit in a field of candidates who do not seem to have a lot of practical familiarity with national security issues.
All of the last four candidates are pro-life, all support lower taxes and less government interference in some way. All of them support our Second Amendment rights (again, make sure you watch Ron Ferrin's video!), a strong national defense, and fiscal and governmental conservatism.
Sen. Hurt - although I was inclined to support him after his initial announcement - has not kept current on the issues on his website, and still has much explaining to do on his previous votes in the House of Delegates. Mr. Boyd joins with him in being the most "non-present" pair in the web arena. At this point, I'm kinda leaning for 1) McPadden, 2) a Verga/Morton tie, 3) Ferrin, 4) Hurt and 5) Boyd for my order of preference to go against Perriello.
However, I was disappointed that there was no 63rd district at Recovery.gov. I'm quite fond of the number 63 (I was born in 1963), so I've decided that I'm simply going to do what Recovery.gov did and invent one for myself. Therefore, I hereby announce my candidacy for VA-63:
Kat for Congress (VA-63) 2010 "Conservative to the Core!"
President Barack Obama gave his
sternest warning yet about the need to contain rising U.S.
deficits, saying on Wednesday that if government debt were to
pile up too much, it could lead to a double-dip recession.
Apparently, neither he, nor the DemonRATS and RINOs can balance a checkbook:
The federal government kicked off fiscal year 2010 by posting its widest-ever October budget deficit, the Treasury Department said Thursday.
The $176.36 billion gap is more than $20 billion wider than the shortfall recorded in October 2008, driven up by lower tax receipts, stimulus-related revenue reductions and consistently high government outlays.
Treasury's monthly budget statement shows receipts were $135.33 billion in October, down 18% from a year earlier and at the lowest level since October 2002. Meanwhile, outlays were $311.69 billion, down 3% from a year earlier and at their second-highest monthly level on record.
The October deficit figure is wider than the Congressional Budget Office's estimate for a $175 billion deficit in the month and wider than the $165.9 billion expected by analysts surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires.
The Treasury on Thursday also revised September's deficit to a slightly narrower $46.57 billion, from a previously reported $46.61 billion. Even with the revision, the U.S. in fiscal year 2009 posted a record total budget deficit of near $1.4 trillion -- three times its previous record.
At the equivalent of 9.9% of gross domestic product, the figure is the widest U.S. deficit as a share of GDP since 1945.
It's another record-high for the U.S. National Debt which today topped the $12-trillion mark. Divided evenly among the U.S. population, it amounts to $38,974.34 for every man, woman and child.
Technically, the debt hit the new high yesterday, but it was posted on the Treasury Department website just after 3:00 p.m. ET today. The exact calculation of the debt is a 16-digit tongue-twister and red-ink tsunami: $12,031,299,186,290.07
This latest milestone in the ever-rising journey of the National Debt comes less than eight months after it hit $11 trillion for the first time. The latest high-point is not unexpected, considering the federal deficit for the just-ended 2009 fiscal year hit an all-time high at $1.42-trillion – more than triple the previous year's record high.
To use the word "sexist" against NewsweekNewsweak (ed. - sorry, Stacy, had to correct your spelling there *snicker*] is to accuse enlightened liberal elitists of violating their own egalitarian standards -- which is all fine and good. But "sexist" also sounds like one of those grim, humorless Women's Studies professors ranting at a campus "Take Back the Night" rally.
Ick. Don't go there, governor. You are a happily married Christian conservative pro-life woman who -- oh, glorious coincidence! -- looks good in shorts. Your husband is a certified USDA prime slice of hunkalicious beef, your son is a soldier in Bravo Company, and your daughter is a single mom with a selfish douchebag ex-boyfriend.
All of which is to say, you are the 21st-century all-American woman, a symbol to which a lot of moms can relate. Just think of the enormous untapped electoral potential in the "My Daughter's Ex-Boyfriend Is A Selfish Douchebag" Coalition.
Lean into the curve, governor. Be yourself. Relax and have fun. Avoid the humorless feminist victimhood pose. If Hillary Clinton couldn't make that work against Obama, the media sure as heck won't let you use it, so let it go.
Yep. Don't fight them on their terms - the sour-grapes rhetoric of the willfully blind and politically correct - fight them with the joy and humor and passion you showed on the campaign trail!
I just got her book yesterday (and for only $9, when Amazon and WalMart were having their price wars), so I'm pretty excited - I'm sure it's going to be a great read!
White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod suggested Sunday that President Obama will intervene to make sure a controversial amendment restricting federal funding for abortion coverage is stripped from final health care reform legislation.
In doing so, the president would be heeding the call of abortion rights supporters like Planned Parenthood that have called the White House their "strongest weapon" in keeping such restrictions out of the bill.
Hardly surprising; Obama is arguably the most radical pro-abortion President we've ever had. Plus, he certainly didn't hide his views while in the Illinois Senate where he refused to support legislation protecting the lives of newborns whose mothers' had just tried to kill them. No, Obama wouldn't even agree that these children should be offered any medical care or comfort during the too-short time they lived after birth. It says a lot about a person - all bad - who doesn't care if helpless children are tossed into a trash bin and finish their tragically short lives struggling to survive without aid or succor.
Well, Mr. President, God sees all this, and He is not amused. Rather, I daresay He is nauseated by your cavalier claims to being a Christian. How dare you claim the Name of Christ and yet refuse to come to the rescue of these most innocent of victims?! You hate the fact that a legally tried and convicted murderer would be put to death for his crimes, yet you cannot guard the right to life that belongs to our weakest and most vulnerable citizens.
Shame on you Mr. President! You cannot claim to follow Christ without being a defender of these children. You cannot claim His name without passionately and firmly supporting life. You cannot claim His name and then blaspheme Him by supporting the murder of our children.
God is not mocked; He will repay. And it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God.
UPDATE: For an overview, please go over to Gateway Pundit, who has some excellent links about Obama's anti-life stance.
The Woodlawn Academy Mini-CougarBots and Scream Team pull it off the third year in a row: we advance from the Regional Tournament (held today) and go to the State competition in December. James Madison University will be our host (third year for them, too), and both teams are looking forward to it.
These competitions are sponsored by USFIRST, an organization which seeks
"To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes."
Dean Kamen, Founder
Mission
Our mission is to inspire young people to be
science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting
mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology
skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life
capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Our kids compete in the FIRST LEGO League, which uses the LEGOMindstorm brain and programming to run 2.5 minute "missions. FIRST LEGO League is for kids from 8 to 14, in grades 4 through 8. The "missions" are only one part of a four piece puzzle: team project (a presentation on what they have learned about the mission topic), robot design, teamwork, and, of course, the timed run on the table. It can get quite exciting, and if the kids are even somewhat diligent, they learn quite a lot.
I suppose I ought to clarify something: two years ago, the Scream Team was a Division 1 team (the younger teams), and our sole entry to advance to State level. At the State competition, their excitement and *ahem*enthusiasm*cough* made the Master of Ceremonies nick-name them "the Scream Team." Last year, in Division 2 (the older kids), they decided to run with it and allow the junior team to take the name of the Mini CougarBots while they as the senior team officially became the "Scream Team." (It does help that they're an all-girl team. I think. For the screaming, anyway...)
Here's a small sample of their, ah, style...
It's much more... piercing... in person, believe me!
So, their hard work paid off and we brought home the First Place in Robot Design for the MiniBots in Division 1, and both First Place for Presentation and Second Place Champions for the Scream Team. Both teams, as I said, advance to State competition!
Well done!
But, now we REALLY have to polish things to do well at State! [headdesk] Oh, well... I'll get my Saturday sleep-ins back - eventually. ;-)
Well... I am not seeing a way to add a photo from the Droid so it appears here. I used to do it via a picture message, but it's not picking up the TPad email addy I used to use. Hmmmmm....
Oh, yes I do! I haz a Google Wave account now, thanks to my Beloved Husband sending me an invite!
I am so psyched that I've gotten in so early on this new application by Google (and right on top of getting my Verizon Motorola Droid, too!)... This should be fun!
I've been working with my music folder, organizing and cleaning things up, and came across this wonderful AWESOME group. I learned about Straight No Chaser last year (I think), and completely fell in love with their talent and sense of humor.
And so - especially since I drove by a house today that already had its Christmas tree up (it shone through the window beautifully!) - I present to you their famous version of the Twelve Days of Christmas:
As I said, they are very talented, so make sure you go over to their Amazon store, and BUY EVERYTHING!!!
With his state under an emergency declaration because of heavy rain and floods, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine headed to Arkansas for a Democratic fundraiser.
Army psychiatrist Major Nidal Hasan will be charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder in last week's Fort Hood mass shootings, a military source told Fox News Thursday.
“Tonight, John Allen Muhammad was executed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for his role
in a killing spree that shocked our nation. Families of Virginia were held hostage in their homes, fearing they would be the next victim of a sniper’s bullet. Muhammad was executed for the murder of Dean Meyers, who was shot and killed while fueling his car at a gas station in Manassas. Meyers was one of 10 people murdered, with six additional victims shot, across four states and Washington, D.C., during 47 days of terror by Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo. The murder of Meyers was the 12th in the string of 16 shootings. A jury convicted Muhammad of the premeditated capital murder of Meyers in the commission of an act of terrorism, and the premeditated capital murder of Meyers within three years of the premeditated murders of other persons. The jury sentenced him to
death for those crimes.
“While nothing can bring back the loved ones lost and lives shattered, tonight justice was served to the fullest extent of the law. Muhammad’s acts seven years ago remain particularly vivid in our minds today.
“Muhammad’s death penalty was exhaustively reviewed and affirmed by the trial court, Virginia Supreme Court, U.S. District Court, U.S. Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court, and the Governor has declined to intervene. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the surviving victims and their families and friends, and with the families and friends of
the 10 innocent victims slain by Muhammad during the unprecedented time of terror in the fall of 2002.”
And all I have to say is:
Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For
rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no
fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for
he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for
he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:2-4, ESV)
... with my new Droid phone from Verizon Wireless... I am very much enjoying it, and it's going to be interesting to see what new and fun stuff I discover over the next few days (weeks?) of learning the phone. So far, it's been pretty easy - and I'm just bubbling over with giggles of joy, thanks to my outrageously indulgent and wonderful hubby who spoils me so... ;-)
[UPDATE: This is a picture I took of my new Droid with my old LG Voyager, just before my new baby was activated. The Voyager is a good phone, and I really enjoyed having it... But the Droid is
OOOOOOOOOOO! WHEEEEEEEE!!! WOW!!!
So... Thankyouverymuch, LG... But - BYE! And thank YOU, Verizon Wireless, for finally getting off the fence and bringing in a truly innovative and exciting phone!]
Pfizer Inc. will shut down its massive New London research and development headquarters and transfer most of the 1,400 people working there to Groton, the pharmaceutical giant said Monday....
Pfizer is now deciding what to do with its giant New London offices, and will consider selling it, leasing it and other options, a company spokeswoman said.
Scott Bullock, Kelo's co-counsel in the case, told me: "This shows the folly of these redevelopment projects that use massive taxpayer subsidies and other forms of corporate welfare and abuse eminent domain."
All that illegal and unconstitutional legalese, and these people ended up losing their houses for nothing anyway. Kelo vs. New London was a terrible miscarriage of justice, and it looks like true justice will prevail, with New London getting its comeuppance.
The wheels of justice grind slowly, but they do grind exceedingly fine.
We are a civilized society. One of our cardinal rules of coexistence is that we (try always to) judge people only by their actions and not by their identity, whether racial, religious or sexual. This is our great strength as a society, and also, in the present circumstances, our great weakness: How to address the threat posed by the fact that, of the hundreds of thousands of Muslims in our midst, there are a few (perhaps many more than a few) who are so radicalized that they would kill their fellow Americans? Must we continue to be neutral in handling all people from different groups even though we know that there are differential risks posed by people of one group? The problem here is a heightened version of the airport security problem, where we check all people--including Chinese grandmothers--regardless of risk profiles. But can we afford that on a grand, national scale? (And I mean that question not merely in a financial sense, but also in terms of the price we'd pay in failing to detect a threat in time.)
Tunku Varadarajan makes some excellent points besides what I've quoted above.
And to answer his question, I'd have to say, we cannot afford to remain neutral in handling people. It leaves too many opportunities open for our enemies and for those who want to maim and destroy our culture.
U.S. intelligence agencies were aware months ago that Army Major Nidal Hasan was attempting to make contact with people associated with al Qaeda, two American officials briefed on classified material in the case told ABC News.
I don't know whether our intelligence agencies are being willfully blind, or if they've been forced to operate under these PC restrictions by the administration (and Bush's administration wasn't too good at calling evil by its rightful name, either).
Either way, it does not bode well for the safety of the citizens of America.
This week, we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of that wall coming down. My husband was based in Spain at the time, and we watched on AFN television as history unfolded. Only two months prior, we were in Munich at Oktoberfest. We spoke with a German couple who earnestly insisted that the wall would never be removed and that Germany would never be reunited.
I think - I hope! - that they rejoiced when proven wrong.
This is the kind of wonderful, amazing and uplifting historic moment that can happen when America stands firm on principle and does not yield to tyranny. When we lead from our foundation of liberty and justice, the world will follow. Tyrants fall, evil is defeated, slaves are set free and liberty is proclaimed.
I pray that God will again bless this land with strong leaders of good character and moral fortitude, so that America can be that shining city on a hill again.
There may be those who feel threatened by my words and would even recommend they not be uttered. To those individuals I say step aside because now is not the time for cowardice. Our Country has become so paralyzed by political correctness that we have allowed a vile and determined enemy to breach what should be the safest place in America, an Army post.
We have become so politically correct that our media is more concerned about the stress of the shooter, Major Nidal Malik Hasan. The misplaced benevolence intending to portray him as a victim is despicable. The fact that there are some who have now created an entire new classification called; “pre-virtual vicarious Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” is unconscionable.
This is what liberals and lazy citizens have made our country.
We are too enamored of our own comfort and deceptive peace that we will not face the threat of Islam; we will not call it what it is, we refuse to fight against it. Instead, we lay down and show our bellies, and sympathize with the evil murderer rather than the true victims.
The unemployment rate has surpassed 10 percent for the first time since 1983 - and is likely to go higher.
Nearly 16 million people can’t find jobs even though the worst recession since the Great Depression has apparently ended. The Labor Department said Friday that the economy shed a net total of 190,000 jobs in October, less than the downwardly revised 219,000 lost in September. August job losses were also revised lower, to 154,000 from 201,000.
But the loss of jobs last month exceeded economists’ estimates. It’s the 22nd straight month the U.S. economy has shed jobs, the longest on records dating back 70 years.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:1-4,ESV)
May God bless them and keep them, may He cause His face to shine upon them, and bring them peace. May He lift up their faces and turn their mourning into dancing. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.
For we do not grieve as those who have no hope; we know to Whom we have entrusted our souls, and we have faith that He is able to work all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. He has begun a good work in us, and He will complete it. It is His power that works within us so that we may so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.
He is Father to the fatherless, and Husband to the widow. He watches over and cherishes the orphans. He leads us through the valley of the shadow of death, yet we fear no evil, for He is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us; He is with us always, even to the end of the age.
He is our Rock and our Savior. Thousands may fall by our side, and ten thousand before us, yet we will not fear. He is the perfect Judge and will execute righteousness upon the earth.
We dwell in the shadow of the Almighty - He is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of trouble. We place our full trust and faith in Him, and He will direct our paths. We rejoice in God our Savior, the Living God, who loves us and gave Himself for us.
The Lord is a warrior; our enemies will stumble and fail, they will be dishonored and shamed. The Lord of Hosts is a mighty man of valor; none can withstand His wrath and none can deny His rule. His will shall be done, in earth as it is in Heaven.
Our Savior pours out His lovingkindness upon His people. His Spirit of comfort dwells within us and makes us cry out to our Father. He gives us life and freedom; His power upholds all creation and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. All the earth is filled with His glory, and the heavens proclaim His name. He blesses us from the heavens in accordance to all His riches, and there is no good thing that He will withhold from those who call upon His name.
He knows our end from our beginning, and His hands formed us in our mothers' womb. There is no place we can flee from His presence; even if we descend to the depths of Hell, behold He is there. He has made us a little lower than angels, yet we will one day judge them as we sit at His right hand. He has ransomed us and purchased us and has clothed us in His glorious righteousness, so we may worship Him in spirit and in truth.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or
distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
"For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39, ESV)
Amen, and amen. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away: blessed be the Name of the Lord.
A shooting rampage Thursday afternoon at the Army's Fort Hood in Texas killed 11 and wounded 31 before the gunman was killed and two suspects taken into custody.
All three of the people believed to have carried out the shooting were soldiers, Lt. General Bob Cone told reporters Thursday evening, though the motive remains unclear.
AP cites an unnamed source saying the gunman was Major Malik Nadal Hasan, though authorities have not publicly identified him.
May God comfort and strengthen them, may the truth be revealed quickly that the guilty may be punished. May the families and friends of those who were murdered be blessed with loving help from all around so their hearts may be eased.
I'm also rather concerned with the extremely quick assertion by the FBI that this wasn't>/em> an act of terrorism...
I highly recommend this song - it rocks, it rolls, it marches, and it's a militant tribute to the Warriors of our Armed Forces! ALL proceeds from sales on iTunes (after iTunes takes their cut) will go to the Armed Forces Relief Trust:
The mission of the Armed Forces Relief Trust is to assist the military aid societies by providing a single vehicle to accept donations that will benefit the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families. Examples of such assistance may include payment for a soldier's airfare to fly home for his father's funeral, a special reading program for a sailor's daughter, special medical attention for a pilot's expectant spouse, or college tuition for a soldier's child.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I offered my time and services to Navy-Marine Corps Relief, and it was very worthwhile. Honoring and serving those who serve and protect us should be the joyful duty of each and every citizen of these United States!
So, play the song (here are the lyrics), and get ready to cheer for our Armed Forces!
I love our Marines - and I love commercials like this!
I truly believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is the real image of all our men and women in uniform: tough, dedicated, honorable, courageous - and also tender, protective and giving.
Project Valour-IT helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. Items supplied include
Voice-controlled Laptops - speaking into a microphone or using other adaptive technologies, they allow the wounded to maintain connections with the rest of the world during recovery.
Wii Video Game Systems - Whole-body game systems increase motivation and speed recovery when used under the guidance of physical therapists in therapy sessions (donated only to medical facilities)
Personal GPS - Handheld GPS devices build self-confidence and independence by compensating for
short-term memory loss and organizational challenges related to severe TBI and severe PTSD.
Cassandra is leading for the Marines, USNI Blog sails for the Navy, the Mudville Gazette flies for the Air Force, and BlackFive humps for the Army - I would ask my readers to please go to any one of these worthy blogs and offer your support to this magnificent cause. All money is pooled and goes to those most in need without regard to their branch of service; the fund raiser is simply a "friendly" (HAH!) competition between the services to see who can raise the most for this charity. Competition ends on November 11th, but donations are always accepted on behalf of our men and women in uniform.
Please return the devotion our troops give to us: donate generously!
The commercial, of course, doesn't have anything to do with Project Valour-IT; it promotes the Marine Corps' annual Christmas Charity, Toys for Tots.
So many families, especially in this time of economic trouble and unemployment, do not have the resources to bring the joy of giving to their children. The Toys for Tots program is a way that you can help - and it's sponsored by those tough, gritty Marines who stand on the front line every day in defense of our country. These men and women, feared and hated by the bad guys of the world (and with good reason!), open their hearts to the most vulnerable of us all: children in need.
A truly valorous heart is courageous, dedicated, persistent, honorable, compassionate, and loving. The men and women who wear the uniforms of our Armed Services are excellent examples of valor, and we are all blessed by their selfless service.
Please join with them to serve the children and their wounded brethren. Let them know that we honor them as our brothers and sisters and that we care about the things they cherish.
Ford, the only Detroit automaker to dodge direct government aid and bankruptcy court, surprised investors with net income of nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and forecast a "solidly profitable" 2011.
And, of course, Ford is the only one of the "Big Three" automakers that didn't take taxpayers' money from the massive and unconstitutional bailout.
I remember when I was growing up that my parents didn't like Ford cars - I never knew why. But about 12 years ago, my husband bought a used Ford F150 that he upgraded to a 1993 F250 a couple of years later (we needed the towing power for our RV). We still have that, but he's currently driving a 2001 F250 - and I'm driving an '03 Explorer.
We love our Fords! I was driving a 1996 Chrysler Concorde Lxi that I enjoyed until it suffered an electrical fire with about 75k miles on it. I remember wondering idly at around 60k miles on her odometer what my next car would be. I wanted an SUV, and I seriously considered the Dodge Durango, because I'd received such stellar service at Chrysler.
But when my Concorde burned in 2003, the Dodge salesman really pissed me off ("Oh, no, little lady, you don't really want the top of the line, all the bells and whistles version of the Durango, this 4 cylinder stripped down version that's been on my lot for two months will suit you juuuuuust fine!" PFFT!) and we had friends who worked at Ford. So, we got the discount and a six year 0% interest loan on my 2003 Eddie Bauer V8 Explorer, and I'm just delighted with her! She's got 110k miles on her, and I have no intention of giving her up before 200k, minimum!
So HOORAY for Ford, and I pray that the leadership there continues to revamp the brand into the glorious, solid, value-packed and exciting cars that America is very capable of building... Hey, they finally got the Mustang right again, so I have high hopes!
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