Old Time Gospel Sunday

Carrie Underwood, "How Great Thou Art"

Has Black Friday Come?

The day after Thanksgiving is often called 'Black Friday' because shoppers usually flood stores in a frenzy of Christmas gift buying. This year, maybe not so much. In fact, 'Black Friday' could take on a whole new meaning if the dire predictions of the pundits and other assorted 'experts' prove accurate. Get out there and BUY something, will ya?

Ironically, this song is even more relevant today than it was when it was released 33 years ago. The more things change, the more they stay the same... there is nothing new under the sun...everything old is new again.... Oy.

Steely Dan, 'Black Friday'

Car Tunes Up

Americans love cars. I think it's genetic. We love them so much we write odes to them, like this one. The video features 'Car and Driver's Cadillac Collection'...photos of 96 beautiful cars - American cars. Bigger than a Honda. Bigger than a Subaru. Hey, anyone up for cruisin' Woodward?

Natalie Cole, 'Pink Cadillac'

What's that, you say? Pink isn't an option this year unless you're a Mary Kay lady? Think again....

Monday Morning Meterological Music Mix

Gwen Stefani, 'Early Winter'

Post-Election Reconciliation

Governor Sarah Palin has decided to show that she has no animosity after losing the election by inviting Senators Obama and Biden to Alaska for a guided moose hunt. Isn't that nice?

She has also enlisted the help of some VIPs to make the event even more memorable: Vice President Dick Cheney will accompany them to demonstrate safe gun handling procedures and Senator Ted Kennedy will drive them to their cabins after the post-hunt party.






(SARC, kids. It's a JOKE!)

Old Time Gospel Sunday

The refrain of this hymn is iconic. Here, it is performed sweetly by Hillsong and a cast of thousands.

Hillsong, 'Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus'

The Heavenly Vision
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Thro' death into life everlasting
He pass'd, and we follow him there
Over us sin hath no more dominion
For more than conquer'rs we are!

His word shall not fail you--He promised;
Believe him and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell.

by Helen Howarth Lemmel, © 1922

Iraqi Christians: Flee or Die

My dear friend BabbaZee has an excellent and heartbreaking post about the fate of Christians in Iraq - one of the oldest communities of Christians on planet Earth. PLEASE watch the videos and read the links. Yes, it is a bit long...but we just can't turn a blind eye to this! Our brothers and sisters are suffering and dying while we worry about whether we can get a loan to buy a new car. Seriously.

Unlike their Muslim neighbors, Iraqi Christians have no armed militias for protection. They are completely at the mercy of the government and the gangs of Islamic terrorists....

Iraq: We will slit your infidel throats!

This all hits especially close to home for those of us in Michigan - we have a substantial Chaldean/Arabic Christian community here, and their families are torn apart, waiting for permission to come to America. Senator Carl Levin, a VERY liberal Democrat who also happens to be Jewish, is trying to help the remaining Christian Iraqis. We owe them nothing less.

Please pray for the safety of those left in Iraq and other hostile parts of the world.

For more information, please see these references:

Chaldeans in Michigan

The Chaldean Community Website

Dreams of Freedom Bring Iraqis Here

National Organization of Iraqi Christians

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter Urges Protection for Iraqi Christians (a PDF file)

Poem of Reconcilation

For my friends in the Democrat party, here's a little poem of reconciliation and unity...

Election day is over,

The talking is done.

My party lost, your party won.

So let us be friends,

Let arguments pass.

I'll hug my elephant...

You kiss your ass.

It's a JOKE people - lighten up!

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter: An American Statesman

Finally...a voice of sanity and reason in Congress. No wonder he had to fight to keep his Republican leadership position; he makes too damned much sense and clings tenaciously to his principles. Shocking!

I have remained skeptical of the proposed Detroit Big Three 'bailout' or 'bridge loan', despite my principle livelihood depending on the automotive industry; our company is a tier 2 parts supplier. There are some real potential benefits to a Chapter 11 filing, such as the ability to scrap the union contracts and start over - a tempting prospect indeed from a competitiveness standpoint.

The national security argument, however, cannot be ignored; it has moved me to the 'yea' side of the ledger. That it has come to this is deeply distressing, but here we are nonetheless. We must play the hand we were dealt.

Michigan Weather Report

Hillary's Baggage Check...

Hat tip: GOPUSA

Old Time Gospel Sunday

I read a few years ago that some churches, overrun with politically correct nonsense, were removing this hymn from their songbooks because it contains 'militant imagery'. Although being seen as politically incorrect is reason enough for me to post it, it also happens to be a great, spiritual hymn. Gird your loins, Christian soldiers...if you don't think you will have to fight to defend your faith (with words if not swords), you ain't paying attention.

"Onward Christian Soldiers", performed by unidentified choir

Autumn Leaves

Antonio Vivaldi, 'The Four Seasons: Autumn'

Dead Nation Walking

A European Christian prophesies the impending demise of America; indeed, of the entire Western world. If you have read the prophetic books of the Bible, this will sound familiar to you. The difference may be in whether you see in current events what Jan Willem van der Hoeven does...

Jan Willem van der Hoeven - www.israelmybeloved.com

Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)

Despite the overwhelming and unbelievable euphoria accompanying the election of America's new president, the sad truth is that the very opposite of what the enthralled millions of Obama supporters - both in the United States and elsewhere - have hoped would happen as a result will actually become the reality.

This truth is too bitter for most of us. Even among many of those Christians who may have voted for the - to them - more friendly team of McCain and Palin, after all their hopes to the contrary, still do not really understand the utter seriousness of what has just taken place.

America has fallen, never to rise again to its former glory and strength. It is as what happened to the glory and splendor of Rome. I have wept about this, and reading now some of the Christian commentators trying to put the typical 'let's not lose hope' seal upon what has happened, I believe this will only speed up this degradation of America's society.

As a European, I years ago saw this same process happen to most of the Continent - today a pagan, self-centered, de-Christianized and heavily Muslimized continent that has hardly any moral or military strength left. As was the case when Hitler's Nazi hordes overran Europe in 1939, so now it lies nearly totally defenseless against the aggressive designs of both Putin's revived "Soviet" Russia or the deep and dangerous Jihadic infiltration of ISLAM.

Obama, as President of the United States, will not this time send his "Eisenhower-"led U.S. marines to save Georgia, Ukraine or any other Putin-threatened European country, EVEN THOUGH most of these Europeans, utterly blind to what is coming their way, voted in their hearts for Obama to be the next president - "their president" - of the free world.

Israel, in spite of some prominent Jewish and even Israel-linked Obama advisors, will practically, (for all practical purposes) find itself alone in its fight for mere survival as a nation against the horrendous threats of a soon-to-be nuclear-armed Iran and the increasingly armed and fantasized Muslim world that surrounds Israel on all sides.

All that the new, fully Democrat-controlled U.S. administration with its inbuilt anti-war bias will do to alleviate Israel's fears is talk and talk and talk, just as the Europeans have fruitlessly done these last years. Israel will literally be left alone and stark naked vis-à-vis their ever more ferociously armed enemies. If the Israelis want to do anything they will be on their own. Even requesting the approval of the new Obama-led administration will be a mistake. He will opt for more talk, more sanctions, until the time will have passed for Israel to act preventively.

It is all very sad indeed. Very sad because there will not be a reverse in all this.

For truly-concerned believers to think things will be able to change again by, for instance, Sarah Palin running for president after four or eight years is fantasy. By then America will have, after four or eight years of Democratic rule, newly-placed and far more liberal judges on the Supreme Court; the country will have been so secularized and paganized that never again will there be enough of a conservative Christian bloc left among America's voters to even want a 'Christian president' back in the White House.

Thus America has fallen, never again to rise to its former height; and with her fall the whole free world will suffer. And only few understand and are weeping about this because most DON'T WANT TO SEE, or quickly search for a stereotyped word: Let's not lose hope. Hereby they precisely cause Christians not to hear the holy and fearful voice of God's Alarm, that it is all over now for the moment.

Jesus Himself spoke such words over His nation and city. No stone would be left upon the other. The prophets of old spoke the very same words about their own nation, words which few preachers today in the U.S. or the West would dare to preach!

Thus says the Lord God: 'A disaster, a singular disaster; behold, it has come! An end has come, the end has come; it has dawned for you; behold, it has come! Doom has come to you, you who dwell in the land; the time has come, a day of trouble is near, and not of rejoicing in the mountains.' (Ezekiel 7:5-7)

O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried, for the whole land is plundered. Suddenly my tents are plundered, and my curtains in a moment. How long will I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet? (Jeremiah 4:19-21)

It is because we have grown up in an often sugar-coated Christianity of 'God is love' that we nearly feel obliged to be positive in the end.

Yes, positive we can be in spite of all that will soon happen to us and our nations on earth because we all have, if we endure through it all, a heavenly future. As Jesus said: When all these (terrifying) things begin to happen lift up your eyes to heaven from where I soon will be coming on the clouds with great glory and majesty. But, here on earth, He also said: 'You will be hated, hated by all nations for my Name sake!'

That's the time we are entering now. Where not that long ago, 60 percent of America's youth was still God-fearing, today that number stands at less than 10 percent! There are, in the upcoming next generations, not enough believers left to bring the change in America that "positive minded" Christians still want to pray for. It is finished, just as it was for Israel in days past and few, very few are willing even to face up to this sad and painful truth.

Already you can feel it in the air: the hatred, anger and intolerance of many who have reveled in the election of their messiah-like Obama, the man who promises them - the young and the old - change that is not based on personal change by repenting from sin and evil, but a deceitful promise of change, while everyone can live it up according to his and her own desires without necessitating a change in their own, personal behavior.

Under Obama, nearly everything will go. The killing of the unborn, the perversion of sexuality, the very abominations that brought down the worlds of Sodom and Gomorrah, of Rome and the Greek civilization, will bring down America and, with it, the West.

Is there then no respite at all anymore?

God's Word again and again holds forth that the nation that shall refuse to serve His purpose with Israel shall perish. He states it baldly in Isaiah 60:12:

For the nation and kingdom which will not serve you shall perish, and those nations shall be utterly ruined.

And says through Jeremiah 30:10-11:

'Therefore do not fear, O My servant Jacob,' says the Lord, 'nor be dismayed, O Israel; for behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall return, have rest and be quiet, and no one shall make him afraid. For I am with you,' says the Lord, 'to save you; though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I will not make a complete end of you. But I will correct you in justice, and will not let you go altogether unpunished.'

The same word comes through many other passages, like His pronounced judgment on the nations that will have the audacity - as purposed by America and Europe, among others - to parcel out the land God has called His Own, by dividing it in two. This, tragically, has been the immensely-destructive cornerstone of the Middle East policy of President George W. Bush and his Condoleezza Rice. The prophet Joel does not mince words about the serious consequences that such an anti-God and anti-His Land policy will reap from Him.

Would President Bush, at this desperately-late hour, still wake up and reverse this policy which he initiated by fully endorsing God's eternal covenant with His people, whereby He exclusively promised the entirety of this, His land, "as an everlasting possession?" If that were to happen, by the immense and unrelenting pressure of America's millions of Christian believers in the two months that remains of his presidency, even I would see a glimmer of hope! But will it happen? And will the dear Christians of America do more than hope and pray for the best without sounding forth the ALARM - that Lord would maybe so still leave some blessing behind Him, as Joel prophesies:

"Now, therefore," says the Lord, "turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him-- a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?" (Joel 2:12-14)

PS. The only thing I want to add to what I have written are the amazingly true words written by Kathleen Mitchell on November 5:

The voting and the counting is over. My heart has been heavy with the results. This morning as I awakened, unaware of the outcome of the election, I had the image of a scene from the movie INDEPENDENCE DAY emblazoned across my mind. The scene showed an alien mother ship hovering above New York City. Masses of cheering Americans gathered under it, shouting, celebrating, and waving welcome signs ... announcing a new day of peace and prosperity. They were thrilled to be visited by these aliens "friends" and extended peace before they knew what these beings were really about. As the bottom of the mother ship slowly opened its portal, the people cheered louder, thinking that a glorious delegation would come down to embrace them. Instead, a consuming blast of fire and light descended, vaporizing the celebrants and destroying the city in mass devastation. This morning I knew the results of the election before I heard them. The scene from the movie deposited in my mind, said it all. All that I could do was to cry MERCY, LORD!

As the morning unfolded, and the results of the election were confirmed, I pinned a torn piece of black fabric to my shirt, as a traditional sign of mourning. I sat with the Lord, to be enwrapped by His Spirit. Suddenly I understood, more clearly than ever before, how easily the anti-Christ will come upon the scene and how easily he will deceive the masses (including many believers). This little test case of the American election showed how undiscerning, how gullible and how carnal we really are as a people. The truth of that fact brought me to tears. If not for the Lord's mercy, enabling us to hear and to receive His truth, we all would be hopelessly lost in deception. The pride of the human heart and mind, believing that truth can be found apart from God, will bring us disaster every time.

I was also inspired to write an apology to all of you who are reading this in the nations beyond the USA. Please forgive the American people for making this foolish choice. The decision of this nation will negatively affect your lives too. Especially, those of you who live in Israel ... please forgive us. We have been remarkable selfish, foolish, rebellious, and shallow. We have set Israel up for a terrible betrayal. Know that you, who are American Israelis, holding dual citizenship, voted 3 to 1 for McCain, God has seen your choice and He will bless you for it. I thank God for you. For those of you throughout the nations who prayed and fasted for this election, God bless each one of you!

Now here is the best part, which I have been saving for last. As I sat before the Lord this morning, He spoke some very clear words to me.

"Truly I say to you, this is a day of grieving and of many tears. Even as your hearts are heavy, I too, knowing the choice that would be made, still have an agony running through my heart to see this choice manifest upon the earth. The lot has been cast ... the people have made their will known ... contrary as it is to My will ... and thus they will live and die according to their desires. I gave them the freedom and the power to decide their fate, and they have now chosen it.

Little faithful ones, you grieve that the Enemy and his camp are rejoicing in their victory. Remember another time, when they likewise rejoiced, believing that they had defeated Me in death. They fell victim to their own deception and will again. In the final result, My Enemy and his company will suffer an eternal loss that will be unbearable and unchangeable. Even soon, before eternity replaces all temporal life forever, My enemy will indeed suffer great losses. The people of My heart, those who cast their lot with Me, have not been defeated. Their victory has been transferred to an eternal location that cannot be taken from them. What seems as humiliation, being handed to you by the world and by the dark powers deceiving it, is in My eyes a great exaltation. Know that I have seen the faithfulness of those true to Me and to My word. You, who have been faithful, shall not lose your reward. Know this: Your fasting and your supplications ... your repentance and your declarations of truth were not in vain. A day is coming in eternity when you will see the fruit of these things. Only then will you be introduced to those who stand in My presence, because of the effect you had in turning them away from allying themselves with death and rebellion. Your words, your fasting, and your prayers have snatched many from the fires that will come upon the earth from this choice of the nation; because they rejected death, due to your influence. Be at peace in knowing that you served Me well. What I wanted you to accomplish has been accomplished, even though you did not see the result in full, which you had prayed for. You did not fail Me.

You have heard in your ears the sound of a ticking clock. It is the final hour that has now begun upon the earth. The pendulum of the clock was put into motion with this vote; for this vote in indeed tied to Israel. Know that the ticking has begun; counting down the days until My return. You will be very surprised at the timing of My arrival. Rejoice in that reality, even as you grieve in the knowledge of the evil that will come in this last hour. There is still a harvest to nurture and to secure. Look to that which remains to be accomplished. Turn your focus intently upon Israel, as soon she will face the world totally alone in her most desperate hour. She will need your intercession to bring forth holy leaders, and great miracles of deliverance. Your intercession will move My hand, bringing her close to My face. Truly she will come to know Me and to depend upon Me. This is your task now, as it always has been. Only now it is to be a more consuming task.

You must always seek mercy in the midst of My judgment. Cry out until I tell you to intercede no more. Be ready to gather in the many devastated, disenchanted, wounded, that will experience the consequences of their rebellion against Me. At first, this country will experience a false sense of prosperity and safety. In a heart beat it will vanish; bringing the hard realities to bear. They have been greatly deceived and the cost of it will be crushing. What will be their response, but to first decry you as false prophets, fools, and naysayers? When the fruit of their choice descends upon their heads, they will blame you for bringing it through the power of your words. Eventually some will realize their error in the midst of their agony and will come seeking refuge. What will you do then, but to re-speak the truth? At that time, some will hear, understand, and repent. Seek My heart, so that you will receive the repentant rebellious in love."

Resurrecting the GOP

No one can deny it; the Republicans took a drubbing on election day. Why? Some would have you believe it was a failure to 'move to the center', become more 'moderate', more 'Democrat Lite'. What nonsense. Republicans lost precisely because they DID move to the vast, squishy, nebulous middle; they became philosophically vacant. Dick Armey rightly noted in "Armey's Axioms" that "When we act like them, we lose. When we act like us, we win."

Congressman Thaddeus McCotter demands a return to First Principles, and he calls them the “enduring principles” of the Republican Party:

1. Our liberty is from God not the government.

2. Our sovereignty rests in our souls not the soil.

3. Our security is through strength not surrender.

4. Our prosperity is from the private sector not the public sector.

5. Our truths are self-evident not relative.

So simple, yet so powerful. Why have Republicans, especially those in leadership roles, forgotten this?

Ronald Reagan understood this. He spoke of freedom, honor and peace with such eloquence it is as relevant today as it was in 1964. Only the names have been changed - and that may not be true much longer. The bear is rising again, looking with malice at its old turf. When it comes to Vladimir Putin, you can take the man out of the KGB, but you can't take the KGB out of the man.

The Wall Street Journal noted the results of recent polls showing a majority of Americans agreeing with principles of Ronald Reagan:

A Rasmussen survey conducted Oct. 2 found that 59% agreed with the sentiment expressed by Reagan in his first inaugural address: "Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." Just 28% disagreed with this sentiment. That survey also found that 44% of Obama voters agreed with Reagan's assessment (40% did not). And McCain voters overwhelmingly supported the Gipper.

If Republicans hope for more than permanent minority status, they would do well to heed this advice. Let the east coast, blue-blood, country club set whine and moan. They may find themselves less accepted on the A-list party circuit, poor dears, but the health, even the survival, of our country requires occasional sacrifice from each of us.

Thursday Morning Travelin' Tunes

What follows is the true story of the Traveling Wilburys...If you love them like I do, this is a must-listen. If you don't know who/what the Wilburys were, here's your chance to learn what happens when five extraordinary talents get together and goof around...with a sound booth to record it all. Two of the legends have since died, so the magic cannot ever be repeated. It's a bit longer than the usual video, but it's the Wilburys. It's worth it!

More Open-Minded, Tolerant Liberals...

Nick over at RightMichigan.com reports on another stunning display by 'open-minded and tolerant' gay liberals...not in any of the usual suspects, but in the heart of the Midwest. Lansing is the capital of Michigan, situated just west of East Lansing, home of Michigan State University. On most days the 'tolerant' and 'open-minded' liberal behavior can be found in the House, Senate and Governor's offices over at the Capitol building. This past Sunday was different and extreme, even by Lansing standards. Here's Nick's report:

This is what we're up against.

On Sunday morning, amidst worshiping congregants and following unifying prayers that our President-elect be granted wisdom as he prepares to lead our nation through difficult global, social and economic challenges, the Michigan left declared open war on peaceful church goers.

They did it with banners, chants, blasphemy, by storming the pulpit, by vandalizing the church facility, by potentially defiling the building with lewd, public, sex acts and by intentionally forcing physical confrontations with worshipers.

This didn't take place in some dystopian, post modern work of fiction and it didn't take place in San Francisco or Berkley. This was the scene at a Bible believing church in Lansing, Michigan.

[snip]

On Sunday, November 9, 2008 Michigan liberals sat peacefully through announcements, worship and prayer for the sick, our nation and our President-elect before staging a coordinated, disgusting and repulsive attack on worshipers and the broader concept of the church itself at Lansing's Mount Hope Church.

The lefties were a part of a liberal organization known as Bash Back Lansing and their collection of radical blogs, including one of the state's most widely read "mainstream" progressive blogs (and none which will receive a link on this website) called on "queers and trannies" from across the state and the region to converge on Lansing for what they refer to as an "action." While many of the members claim to be anarchists (they drove on roads, ate non-garden grown foods, printed materials on products created by government protected free markets, wore clothing, talk incessantly about "organization," etc etc etc) their broader goal is stated plainly on one of their lefty blogs.

"I can tell you that we are targeting a well-known anti-queer, anti-choice radical right wing establishment."

Mount Hope, for the record, is an evangelical, bible believing church whose members provide free 24 hour counseling, prayer lines, catastrophic care for families dealing with medical emergencies, support groups for men, women and children dealing with a wide variety of life's troubles, crisis intervention, marriage ministries, regular, organized volunteer work in and around the city, missions in dozens of countries across the globe, a construction ministry that has built over 100 churches, schools, orphanages and other projects all over the world and an in-depth prison ministry that reaches out, touches and helps the men and women the rest of society fears the most. They also teach respect for all human life and the Biblical sanctity of marriage as an institution between one man and one woman.

This is what Michigan liberals label a "radical right wing establishment," and over 30 of them showed up in force yesterday. Wearing secret-service style ear pieces and microphones they received the "go" from their ringleader and off they went.

Prayer had just finished when men and women stood up in pockets across the congregation, on the main floor and in the balcony. "Jesus was gay," they shouted among other profanities and blasphemies as they rushed the stage. Some forced their way through rows of women and kids to try to hang a profane banner from the balcony while others began tossing fliers into the air. Two women made their way to the pulpit and began to kiss.

Their other props? I'll let them tell you in their own words... from another of their liberal blogs:

"(A) video camera, a megaphone, noise makers, condoms, glitter by the bucket load, confetti, pink fabric...yeh."

The video camera they put to good use as they attempted to provoke a violent reaction. The image of the pink-clad folks above is one of theirs, stating in a picture worth more than a thousand words the goals of the Michigan left.

The "open minded" and "tolerant" liberals ran down the aisles and across the pews, hoping against hope to catch a "right winger" on tape daring to push back (none did). And just in case their camera missed the target, they had a reporter in tow. According to a source inside the church yesterday there was a "journalist" from the Lansing City Pulse along for the ride, tipped off about the action and more interested in getting a story than in preventing the vandalism, the violence and anti-Christian hatred being spewed by the lefties. We'll see what he files and what his editors see fit to print.

Props were readily on display too, though some of the condoms may have been put to even more nefarious use.

An hour after police and security had collected and removed who they thought were the last of the liberals, a volunteer security person discovered two more, hiding, together, in a public restroom. While their compatriots engaged in openly violent protest in front of everyone these two snuck away to potentially stage their own protest of sorts, and only by the grace of God did one of the hundreds of kids at the church not happen upon that particular restroom in those moments. Precisely how long they'd been there and precisely what they'd been up to we don't know.

The church's response? After things settled down, the blasphemy ended, the lewd props removed and the families safe from fear of additional men and women running into and past them the pastor took the stage and led the congregation in one more prayer... not for retribution, or divine justice or a celestial comeuppance (that's what I'd have prayed for) but instead that the troubled individuals who'd just defiled the Lord's house, so full of anger and hate, would know Jesus' love in their lives and God's peace that exceeds human understanding.

Yesterday morning defined the difference between a church of believers and Michigan liberals. It also illustrated in shocking, painful detail precisely what we're up against.

I agree with Nick; there will be no links to any of this perversion from my blog. Did anyone else notice the resemblance between the cretins in the photo and some of what we see from Islamist groups? Right down to the hot pink 'peace scarves'! Before you dismiss their behavior as a random act by a band of crazy people, re-read what Nick posted. This group was VERY well organized and had planned for some time to target this particular church.

Wake up, Christians - and any others whose faith runs counter to the gay agenda. If you practice your faith and proclaim its teachings, even in the confines of your place of worship, you will be labeled an "anti-queer, anti-choice radical right wing establishment" and may be 'targeted' for 'action' by similar militants. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.

Please pray for the members of this congregation and their pastor, especially the children who were traumatized by this invasion of their sanctuary. Join with them in praying for the invaders as well.

Matthew 5:43-45 (New International Version)
43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

The Land of the Free Because of the Brave

Today is Veterans Day. While saying 'Thank You!" seems completely inadequate, it is a simple but too infrequent gesture. If you woke up this morning in the United States of America, you have the great privilege of living in the last best place on Earth, courtesy of our veterans past and present. The very least you can do is say thank you - every chance you get.

CBS News aired this story on Sunday:

One of the world's richest men wants us to remember our Veterans. Here's what he's doing personally to say 'thank you'... Grab a tissue.

In memory of those who gave the last full measure...

From "The Fallen", by Laurence Binyon

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Katherine Jenkins, "Hymn To The Fallen"

I Got The Blue Screen of Death Blues

So. Last night, I'm minding my own business, doing the blogging thing and all, with no inkling of what is about to happen. Bedtime comes and I shut the 'puter down and go to let the dogs out...except when I walk past the office, I see a light coming from within that shouldn't be there. Yeah, you know where this is going, don't you? At some point during shut down, the system crashed and there it was....the dreaded 'Blue Screen of Death'. GACK! I powered down and left the room.

Today, after 14.5 HOURS of system back-up and restoration, all appears to be well again. Hah! I am not fooled. This devil machine is merely toying with me, lulling me into a false sense of Norton Security, only to dash my dreams again at some most unexpected time in the future. Until then, here's an appropriate song to tide you over until I can write coherently again tomorrow...

Tuscon Cat, "Computer Blues"

Old Time Gospel Sunday

David Phelps, 'If That Isn't Love'

More Election Analysis

Manic Street Preachers, Suicide Is Painless

Saturday Morning Silliness

Friday Morning Tune Up

Not only is this a great, classic song - some might even say iconic - it is especially fitting in light of the elections this week. Verily I say unto you, the times they are a-changing.

An Election Post Mortem for Conservatives

Here's a very interesting video essay on the election results and what conservatives should do now, by John Galt. The guy's a thinker, not a videographer, so bear with it; his insights are worth hearing. Oh...and don't worry, 'John', your secret's safe with me!

Just because it's a great tune, here's the full REO Speedwagon "Roll With the Changes"

The Day After in America

Well, Americans have spoken and I don't quite know where to begin. Sixteen years ago I decided to put down the TV remote and get involved in politics because my country was heading down the sewer. Little did I know how much worse it would become. I never imagined the day would come when 'we', the American voters, would gleefully line up for the chance to elect a top-to-bottom roster of Socialists, but come it has.

Oh, I know. They call themselves Democrats, 'progressives'. Whatever. A Marxist by any other name is still a Marxist. It does not bode well for America. We have had ample opportunity to study the inevitable results of Marxist/statist/progressive/socialist policies by examining what has happened to Europe... but we did not. We had ample opportunity to scrutinize the ideas and opinions of Senator Obama: spread the wealth around, bankrupt the coal industry, mandate what vehicles the American auto industry must build, impose a global poverty tax on America and on and on and on, but again we did not. We emoted. We chanted. We hoped for change, and change we shall have.

The Republicans bear at least some of the blame for this national hard left turn. They didn't exactly give the people a clear contrast in ideas or actions. They did not govern with either core principles or vision. George W. Bush and his administration (with complicit Democrats) dramatically accelerated the rise of American socialism over the past few months by nationalizing the credit and banking industry, transferring billions of tax dollars to a private insurance company and ordering the Treasury Department to take over certain home mortgages. They built our nation's Marxist coffin. By electing a Marxist to the Presidency, the American people have put their country in it. That is not change I can believe in.

Today I will rest, reflect and regroup. Tomorrow the struggle begins anew, because liberty requires eternal vigilance. In the words of Ronald Reagan, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

The Moody Blues, "Melancholy Man"

Truth in Advertising

Rightly dubbed the 'photo of the day' is this snap of an Obama campaign office in Las Vegas. Really. Truth IS stranger than fiction, kids. Hey, at least they're honest. Hat tip: Weasel Zippers.

Today is November 4, 2008. VOTE, America!

It's election day in the United States of America and the polls are open in the Eastern time zone. The stakes have never been higher for my beloved country. We face unprecedented challenges and a crisis of leadership (or lack thereof). I will be working the polls today and praying for divine guidance. Please, PLEASE America....VOTE - and pray. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.

God Bless America, Kate Smith

URGENT: Michigan Supreme Court Campaign

UPDATE: I am reposting this today for those who haven't seen it. If you are voting in Michigan today, PLEASE read this before heading to the polls.....


In the past two weeks, I have received at least four pieces of campaign literature from the Michigan Democratic Party touting their candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court and denouncing incumbent Justice Clifford Taylor. Several of them insist Justice Taylor voted to strip Michigan residents of their hunting rights. I suspect some, perhaps many, Michiganders are receiving similar mailings, and I want you all to hear the truth about Justice Taylor before you vote on Tuesday.

First, you should know something about my perspective. I am a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a 'charter' member of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners and a member of the Second Amendment Sisters. For many years, I have worked with other gun-and-hunting rights groups, hunt clubs, gun ranges and sportsman's clubs to preserve and protect our gun and hunting rights. I participated in drafting the Michigan concealed carry statute that was ultimately passed and is now state law. This is not an issue I take lightly. Trust me, I would not consider voting for a Supreme Court Justice who devalued my rights, and I will be voting for Justice Taylor.

In December of 2006, the case of Czymbor Timber vs. City of Saginaw was appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court after being heard by two lower state courts. In June of 2007, the Michigan Supreme Court upheld the lower court's rulings, which effectively allowed the City of Saginaw's ordinance banning discharge of firearms and bows within the city limits to stand. Justice Taylor voted with the majority.

They found that Mr. Czymbor had

"not made the requisite showing that their property is a hunting area established under” part 419 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.41901"

and also that

"...the administrative rule promulgated by the DNR to administer part 419, 2007 AC, R 299.3048, pertains only to townships, not cities..."

The majority concluded that the ball is really in the DNR's court.

Certainly, if the DNR no longer wishes to acquiesce to defendants’ antidischarge ordinance, it is free to take the necessary steps to amend its administrative rules to conform to the view it urges in its briefs.

It may not, however, simply ignore the language of MCL 324.41901 or the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act.18

By failing to act, the DNR relinquishes its authority over the City of Saginaw with regard to hunting and discharge ordinances. The plaintiff can be granted relief by the DNR if it chooses to follow the procedures necessary to assert its authority. This is a 'strict' reading of Michigan law.

The people who are angry about this ruling would have Justices Taylor, Markman, Corrigan and Young ignore state law to find in their favor. There are even some so-called 'conservation' and 'sportsman's' groups opposing Justice Taylor over this vote! They want an activist, legislate-from-the-bench court...but only when it suits them. We can't have it both ways. We either hold to a strict interpretation of the law or we don't.

Justice Taylor has always been very clear on his judicial philosophy: the law says what it says, and he applies it accordingly. If 'we', the citizens of Michigan, don't like the way a law is written, the remedy for that is through the legislature.

I hope this adequately explains the issue, and I ask you to please join me in supporting this fine man for reelection to the Michigan Supreme Court.


In a related story:

The Democrats are also running a VERY disingenuous television ad about Justice Taylor, claiming he was sleeping during a trial. While making GOTV calls yesterday, several volunteers spoke to voters who believed the footage used in the spot was actual video of Justice Taylor nodding off behind the bench. Of course, this was the intent. If you, or anyone you know, has fallen for this hoax, please pay careful attention to the ad next time. In tiny print near the bottom of the screen is the word "Dramatization". The man in the ad is an actor. Even Geoffrey Fieger, who despises Justice Taylor and says so often, will not claim to have seen him sleeping during the trial - and he was in the courtroom!

By all means, cast your precious vote for whomever you choose, but PLEASE make your decisions based on fact, not emotion or partisan rhetoric.

R.I.P. Mrs. Madelyn Dunham

Condolences go out this evening to Senator Barack Obama and his family upon the passing of his Grandmother, Mrs. Madelyn Dunham. She was 86 and passed away in her sleep early today at her home in Honolulu. Pray for comfort for her family.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4A26GV20081103

Stormy Monday

Albert King & Stevie Ray Vaughn

A Prayer for America

This arrived in my inbox today. I wish I had written it, but I didn't. I don't know the 'Jo Ann' to whom it is attributed, but I could not have said it better myself. God bless Jo Ann, and God bless America!

America stands at a crossroads, not just politically but also spiritually. The current election cycle is nothing less than a battle for the very soul of our country. The discerning among you already know this to be true. The deepening political polarization we have witnessed in the past few elections is merely a symptom of an ever-intensifying spiritual polarization, as the battle lines between the righteous and the wicked are drawn with increasing clarity. The stakes are enormous, whether politically, economically, morally or in terms of our physical security. We are about to step off in a direction that could very well lead to our destruction as a nation — and so many millions are blind to this reality.

As I observe popular attitudes and watch the public opinion polls, my heart grieves for our nation. We have abandoned the principles upon which our nation was founded, principles which in turn were anchored in the person and principles of God. The wicked grow ever more powerful and influential. Once respectable journalistic organizations have degenerated to little more than propaganda organs for the political left. Godly leaders who can rise up in defense of righteousness and our God-given liberties seem nowhere to be found. As a nation, we have cast God out of our thinking. The murder of the unborn is championed in the streets and in the courts. Homosexual ‘marriage’ is trumpeted as a constitutional right and as the sign of a so-called progressive culture. Sexual immorality, drug abuse, violence, idolatry, pornography, and a host of other sins have overtaken us. As a nation we either justify these things or, at a minimum, turn a blind eye to them. And God’s people have certainly not been immune from these things.

Now we stand ready to reap the fruits of our national godlessness. God sometimes judges sin by giving people over to the very things they desire and allowing the natural consequences to play out. However, as the wicked gain the upper hand in the halls of power, all of us of whatever political leaning will experience the predictable consequences.

So where does that leave us? Current polls indicate that the left is in position to seize decisive control of our entire political system, including all three branches of government. They stand to take the White House , both houses of Congress and, by inevitable extension, the courts as well. If that happens, they will take the country hard to the left in a way from which I do not believe we will ever recover. Socialism, moral libertinism, contempt for the sanctity of life, and increasing efforts to stifle political dissent (and I would add, to silence biblically-based ‘hate speech‘) are sure to follow in short order. If God severely judged Israel for her wickedness, who are we to expect differently?

‘If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?’ What can we do to prevent the unmaking of America from happening right before our eyes?
We can call upon the name of the Lord, who is rich in mercy and mighty to deliver His people. We can pray along with the psalmist that the designs of the wicked and the oppressors would be thwarted by the hand of God. We can pray that God would lift the evident blindness that has gripped our nation, and that He would grant widespread repentance. We can pray that only the most godly men and women would be elected to lead this nation, and that they would lead in righteousness. We can pray that such righteousness would again exalt our nation as we return to the Lord in humility and repentance. We can pray that, regardless of what happens on November 4, the people of God will manifest ‘the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ’ in ever increasing measure.

To that end, I am asking every believer in Jesus Christ to set aside Monday, November 3 as a day of fasting and prayer. I would urge you to review the prayer of Daniel on behalf of his people in Daniel 9:3-19, and to pray that way for our nation. And finally, I would ask you to distribute this call to prayer as widely as possible so that the greatest number of people would lay hold of the throne of grace all at once. It may be that God will show mercy to America, that He will shed His grace on her once again.

Amen, Jo Ann! Please pray for our nation, her leaders, and her deliverance on Monday as we prepare for historic elections on Tuesday.

URGENT: Michigan Supreme Court Campaign

In the past two weeks, I have received at least four pieces of campaign literature from the Michigan Democratic Party touting their candidate for the Michigan Supreme Court and denouncing incumbent Justice Clifford Taylor. Several of them insist Justice Taylor voted to strip Michigan residents of their hunting rights. I suspect some, perhaps many, Michiganders are receiving similar mailings, and I want you all to hear the truth about Justice Taylor before you vote on Tuesday.

First, you should know something about my perspective. I am a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a 'charter' member of the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners and a member of the Second Amendment Sisters. For many years, I have worked with other gun-and-hunting rights groups, hunt clubs, gun ranges and sportsman's clubs to preserve and protect our gun and hunting rights. I participated in drafting the Michigan concealed carry statute that was ultimately passed and is now state law. This is not an issue I take lightly. Trust me, I would not consider voting for a Supreme Court Justice who devalued my rights, and I will be voting for Justice Taylor.

In December of 2006, the case of Czymbor Timber vs. City of Saginaw was appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court after being heard by two lower state courts. In June of 2007, the Michigan Supreme Court upheld the lower court's rulings, which effectively allowed the City of Saginaw's ordinance banning discharge of firearms and bows within the city limits to stand. Justice Taylor voted with the majority.

They found that Mr. Czymbor had

"not made the requisite showing that their property is a hunting area established under” part 419 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.41901"

and also that

"...the administrative rule promulgated by the DNR to administer part 419, 2007 AC, R 299.3048, pertains only to townships, not cities..."

The majority concluded that the ball is really in the DNR's court.

Certainly, if the DNR no longer wishes to acquiesce to defendants’ antidischarge ordinance, it is free to take the necessary steps to amend its administrative rules to conform to the view it urges in its briefs.

It may not, however, simply ignore the language of MCL 324.41901 or the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act.18

By failing to act, the DNR relinquishes its authority over the City of Saginaw with regard to hunting and discharge ordinances. The plaintiff can be granted relief by the DNR if it chooses to follow the procedures necessary to assert its authority. This is a 'strict' reading of Michigan law.

The people who are angry about this ruling would have Justices Taylor, Markman, Corrigan and Young ignore state law to find in their favor. There are even some so-called 'conservation' and 'sportsman's' groups opposing Justice Taylor over this vote! They want an activist, legislate-from-the-bench court...but only when it suits them. We can't have it both ways. We either hold to a strict interpretation of the law or we don't.

Justice Taylor has always been very clear on his judicial philosophy: the law says what it says, and he applies it accordingly. If 'we', the citizens of Michigan, don't like the way a law is written, the remedy for that is through the legislature.

I hope this adequately explains the issue, and I ask you to please join me in supporting this fine man for reelection to the Michigan Supreme Court.


In a related story:

The Democrats are also running a VERY disingenuous television ad about Justice Taylor, claiming he was sleeping during a trial. While making GOTV calls yesterday, several volunteers spoke to voters who believed the footage used in the spot was actual video of Justice Taylor nodding off behind the bench. Of course, this was the intent. If you, or anyone you know, has fallen for this hoax, please pay careful attention to the ad next time. In tiny print near the bottom of the screen is the word "Dramatization". The man in the ad is an actor. Even Geoffrey Fieger, who despises Justice Taylor and says so often, will not claim to have seen him sleeping during the trial - and he was in the courtroom!

By all means, cast your precious vote for whomever you choose, but PLEASE make your decisions based on fact, not emotion or partisan rhetoric.

The Fresh Princes

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

The Fresh Prince of Bill Ayers

A New Wizard of Oz

Friday Zogby Poll: McCain 48, Obama 47

It ain't over 'til it's over, kids. While the three day running poll conducted by Zogby held steady for Obama, McCain has climbed back to within the margin of error. In Zogby's single-day poll conducted yesterday, John McCain topped Obama 48% to 47%.

Pollster John Zogby:

"Is McCain making a move? The three-day average holds steady, but McCain outpolled Obama today, 48% to 47%. He is beginning to cut into Obama's lead among independents, is now leading among blue collar voters, has strengthened his lead among investors and among men, and is walloping Obama among NASCAR voters. Joe the Plumber may get his license after all. "Obama's lead among women declined, and it looks like it is occurring because McCain is solidifying the support of conservative women, which is something we saw last time McCain picked up in the polls. If McCain has a good day tomorrow, we will eliminate Obama's good day three days ago, and we could really see some tightening in this rolling average..."

It Ain't Over Til It's Over, Lenny Kravitz

Obama's New National Anthem