Only A Baby If It Is Wanted

I always find the Pro-choice stand strange.  They will tell you that an unborn baby is just a clump of cells.  They will call it a fetus.   They don't believe it has rights.   They say it is a woman's body and her choice.   And that is the rub.  It is her choice.  Basically an unborn baby only has value if it is wanted.  If a women wants to have a baby, then she gets excited and says she is pregnant and having a baby.  People congratulate her and get excited. She will talk about hearing the heartbeat.  She will talk about feeling the baby move.  She will think of names and make plans for it.  She will call it her baby.  And  if she unfortunately has a miscarriage she most often is sad and feels a loss.  And why is she sad?  Because it wasn't a clump of cells, but her baby.

But if she doesn't want the baby it is just a fetus.  It is a clump of cells.  It is a burden and unwanted.   They ignore the science that life begins at conception.  They ignore a heartbeat at 6 to 7 weeks.  They ignore that a baby can feel pain at 20 weeks.  They ignore that as technology gets more advanced a baby becomes more viable outside the womb earlier currently as early as 21 weeks.

When we decide life is only valuable if it is wanted, then when do we say it is okay to kill old people.  If the family doesn't want to deal with mom who has dementia why can't they kill her.  If a woman can kill a baby at 8 months, why not 10 months.  Why is a baby only a baby if it is wanted and can make it out of the womb?

Rush Limbaugh

My heart is broken today.  Rush Limbaugh passed away.  I first saw Rush in 1992 a few months before the presidential election.  I saw this guy on TV talking about things I believed.  He was funny, intelligent, and entertaining.  It was Rush Limbaugh on his TV show.  Later I found Rush on 1010 WCSI radio.  Finally I was hearing a voice that put into words my political beliefs.  I discovered that I wasn't just a Republican, but a Conservative.  Rush had the biggest influence in my political thinking.  My politics today were shaped by his radio show, TV show, books, and newsletter.  

Fans of the show were known as Dittoheads.  When someone would call in, instead of saying how much they loved the show and wasting valuable air time they would just say Ditto.  Ditto means "love your show Rush."  My wife and I loved his show so much that we named our first dog Ditto.   

The greatest lesson Rush taught me was through one of his signature sayings, “With Talent on Loan from God.”  Some people have tried to say that he thought he was God, but that was not true.  This is what he says about that, “I believe I am what I am because of the grace of God and that my time on earth, as is everyone’s is temporary.  We are all on loan from God, you see.” 

Thank you Rush.

$100 million Dollar Trees

Elon Musk is offering a $100 million dollar prize for the best carbon emissions technology. The greatest carbon capture technology was made by God.  The Tree is the ultimate technology for carbon capture.   We just need to plant more trees.  And we need to clear more dead woods and replace with new trees.  This can all be accomplished with proper forest management through free market capitalism.  

What Does Independence Day Mean To Me

On the 4th of July my brother asked me, "What does Independence Day mean to me?" This was my answer.  "Honestly now is not the time to ask me.  Based on what I'm seeing in our country today it just makes me sad.  We wanted independence so we could be free.  But now it seems people want more government and less freedom.  People hate our country more than they love it.  So today I'm just sad, because I'm not sure how many Independent Day celebrations are left."  

When driving home from work I decided to listen to a playlist of Patriotic songs.  I put the playlist on random and this is what I heard and what it meant to me.  

First was "God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood.  So it speaks to me right of the bat...

If tomorrow all the things were gone 

I worked for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife

I thank my lucky stars
To be living here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free

Nothing is guaranteed to us, but as long I live in America and it still stands for freedom I know I can overcome any hardship. 

The next song was "America" by Neil Diamond.   The verse that resonated to me was this...

Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America
Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America

Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America
Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America

People come from all around the world to live in America.  America is a place to make your dreams come true.  And it reminds me how lucky I am to have been born in America. 

The third song was "Where Were You," by Alan Jackson.   It reminded me of how as a nation we stood united and came together as one after 911.  And this verse stuck out to me...

But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

I believe we are a nation blessed by God.  So I have faith that when times are darkest we will stand together.  I have hope that our nation will continue to strive for a more perfect union.  And I know if we focus more on love we can overcome anything.

The fourth song was "God Bless America," sung by Daniel Rodriguez.   Hearing this verse right off got me...

God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with the light from above

I love this country and I pray God will contine to bless us, guide us, and be a light for us.  Because with God as our light we will never fade away.

The fifth song was "There She Stands," by Michael W. Smith.  This song is about our flag. 

There she flies
Clear blue skies
Reminds us with red
Of those that died
Washed in white
By the brave
In their strength
She stands

The flag reminds me of the blood shed to defend us.  The brave that fought for the idea the our nation.  And the flag is able to stand, because of the American solider.  

The sixth song was "American Solider," by Toby Keith.  Here I was reminded of why we can have freedom. 

Oh, and I don't want to die for you
But if dyin's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor
'Cause freedom don't come free

In general what I like about this song is that it reminds me that the American Solider isn't a superhero, but just a regular person like my brother, my father, my uncle, my cousin, and my friends.  And we are all lucky for their service.

The seventh song was "Red, White, and Blue," by Lynyrd Skynyrd.  And it reminds me we are really all the same and just want to live life free and in peace.

My hair's turning white,
My neck's always been red,
My collar's still blue,
We've always been here
Just trying to sing the truth to you.
Yes you could say
We've always been,
Red, White, and Blue

My hair isn't white yet, but everyday is a day I get older.  I might not be a redneck, but I still consider myself a red blooded American.  And while most would think I'm while collar, I still get my hands dirty at work cleaning toilets, putting out stocks of merchandise, making donuts late at night. and just doing whatever needs to be done to get the job done.  That is the American way.

The eighth and final song was our "National Anthem," song by Whitney Houston at Super Bowl XXV.  And even though I was driving my heart was standing when I heard...

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Being White Is Not Racist

So Dan Cathy the CEO of Chick-fil-a thinks white Christians should repent for racism.  I already repented of all my sins when I accepted Jesus as my savior.  And to repent means to turn around.   I was never a racist, so to repent now would mean me becoming a racist.  I will not accept blame for something I haven't done, because of the color of my skin which God made me.  I am not racist just because I am white.

Pro-Birth Not Pro-Life?

"You are pro-birth, but not pro-life."  So this is something I've been seeing recently with the debate over abortion.   The idea is that if I as a Pro-Lifer don't support big government welfare and healthcare policies, then I am only pro-birth of babies.  They say I don't care about what happens after a baby is born.   This argument is usually followed up with the argument that if we outlaw abortion there will be thousand of unwanted children in orphanages that I will not support with government policies.  I have two big issues with these arguments.

1.  Just because I don't support bad welfare and healthcare policies by Democrats, Liberals, and Socialists doesn't mean I don't support good policies that involves smaller government solutions working with the free market and private charity.  Our current welfare system keeps people poor and breaks up families.  Thanks to our current system 70% of black babies are born in homes without fathers.  This is the problem with the left.  They say unless you support their policies, then you are evil and hate the poor.  But the fact of the matter is I just think the government has wasted trillions of dollar on bad welfare policies.  The federal government spends a little over $750 billion on welfare every year.   That is about 18% of the budget.  About 52 million Americans get some form of welfare.   That means we spend on average $14,500 per welfare recipient.  A family of 4 could get $58,000 a year in welfare benefits.   I'm not saying that is how much people get.  You see most of the money goes to all the programs and administrative costs to run those programs.  Billions are lost in waste, fraud, and abuse.  And that number doesn't count the millions and billions spent by state governments, local governments, and private charities. And that is the rub. I think we could do better.  There is already enough money in America to take care of the poor, but not by using the same broken policies and socialist solutions that make people dependent on government.  Socialist policies have done more to hurt the poor, just look at Venezuela. My lack of support for your big government policiesdoesn't make it heartless.  It just means I have different ideas on how to help the poor including children.

2.  This is the one that really frightens me.  The idea that if we don't have abortion, then there will be thousands or millions of unwanted children.  The underlying idea here is that death is better than poverty.  That instead of allowing a baby the chance at life, it would be better to kill it than allow it to live in poverty.   This comcept says that some lives have no value.  This is the philosophy of the Nazis or actually the philosophy of Planned Parenthood.  Read the words of their founder Margaret Sanger.

"The most merciful thing that the large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it."

“I think the greatest sin in the world is bringing children into the world, that have disease from their parents, that have no chance in the world to be a human being practically... Delinquents, prisoners, all sorts of things just marked when they’re born. That to me is the greatest sin—that people can—can commit.”

 "We don’t want the word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population..." 

The biggest population of babies aborted by Planned Parenthood are black babies.

When we have the belief system that unwanted children would have been better off being aborted, then what keeps us from talking about getting rid of unwanted adults like the homeless, disabled, or the elderly? Is the value of a human life determined by if they are useful or wanted. When does God give a human its soul? Is it at creation, the first heartbeat, once it has left the womb, or when it knows right from wrong?  The question is when does a human have value?  I believe a human has value at the beginning of life.

Easter Worshippers

So President Obama and Hillary Clinton sent condolences to the Muslim community when the attack in New Zealand happened, but with the attack in Sri Lanka they sent condolences to Easter Worshippers and Tourists and not to Christians.   While I agree this is obviously a slight against Christians, it is unfortunately somewhat true.  Fact is we have many "Christians" who only show up to church on Easter and Christmas.   I heard an interview with someone in France who said Nortre Dame was their church.  That they go to church there every Easter and Christmas.  And it was obvious in the interview that was the only time they went to church.

I'm not passing judgement on those that only go to church on Easter and Christmas.  Only God knows their heart and their faith.  Fact of the matter is I don't go to church as often due to my work schedule and other personal factors.  But in the New Zealand attack most if not all of the Muslims kiiled were devout worshippers.  They are worshipping and serving weekly if not daily in their mosques.   But many Christians in the world are just showing up during major holidays and not really serving or living the Christian life.  It is the reason we see the Muslim faith growing faster than the Christian faith.  And it will someday be the dominant religion in the world if the Christian church continues in its lukewarm direction.

My Prayer-Psalms 85

Lord, you poured out blessings on me! You restored me. You forgave my guilt and covered all my sins.  You held back your fury. You kept back your blazing anger. Now restore me again, O God of my salvation. Put aside your anger against me once more. Do not be angry with me always. Do not prolong your wrath. Revive me again, so I can rejoice in you? Show me your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant me your salvation. I listen carefully to what you, God the Lord are saying, for you speak peace to me. But let me not return to my foolish ways. Surely your salvation is near me for I fear you.  Your unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed me! Truth springs up in me and righteousness smiles down on me from heaven. Yes, Lord pour down your blessings on me. Righteousness prepares my way in your steps.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 85:1‭-‬13 NLT.

My Prayer-Psalms 84

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord. I long to enter your courts Lord . With my whole being, body and soul, I shout joyfully to you God. What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.  My strength comes from you Lord. When I walk through the Valley of Weeping, it becomes a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe me with blessings. I continue to grow stronger. O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob. Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 84:1‭-‬2‭, ‬4‭-‬8 NLT.

My Prayer-Psalms 83

O God, do not be silent! Do not be deaf. Do not be quiet, O God. As a fire burns a forest and as a flame sets mountains ablaze, chase me with your fierce storm; terrify me with your power. But do not let me be disgraced, for I submit to your name, O Lord. Let me not be ashamed and terrified forever. Let me not die in disgrace. I know that you alone are called the Lord, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 83:1‭, ‬14‭-‬18 NLT.

My Prayer-Psalms 82

God you preside over me; you pronounce judgment on me. Lord, give justice to me and uphold my rights. Lord, you rescue me and deliver me from the grasp of evil people. You are my God and I am your child. Rise up, O God, and judge me, for I belong to you.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 82:1‭, ‬3‭-‬4‭, ‬6‭, ‬8 NLT.

My Prayer-Psalms 81

I will sing praises to you my God, my strength. You made the law and set me free. You take the load from my shoulders; you free my hands from their heavy tasks. I cried to you in trouble, and you saved me; you answered me and tested my faith. I will listen to you, O my God, you give me stern warnings. I will listen to you! I will never have a foreign god; I will not bow down before a false god. For it was you, the Lord my God, who rescued me. Fill me with good things. Don't let me follow my own stubborn desires, living according to my own ideas. I will listen to you! I follow you, walking in your paths! Feed me with the your word. Satisfy me with your spirit.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 81:1‭, ‬5‭-‬10‭, ‬12‭-‬13‭, ‬16 NLT.

My Prayer-Psalms 80

Please listen, O my Shepherd, lead me like a flock. O God, display your radiant glory. Show me your mighty power. Come to my rescue! Turn me again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon me. Only then will I be saved. O Lord God do not be angry with my prayers? Do not fed me with sorrow and make me drink tears by the bucketful. Turn me again to yourself. Make your face shine down upon me. Only then will I be saved. I beg you, O God. Look down from heaven and see my plight. Do not abandon me. Revive me so I can call on your name. Turn me again to yourself, O Lord. Make your face shine down upon me. Only then will I be saved.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 80:1‭-‬5‭, ‬7‭, ‬14‭-‬14‭, ‬18‭-‬19 NLT.

My Prayer-Pslams 79

O Lord, how long will you be angry with me? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? Do not pour out your wrath on me— for I call upon your name. Do not hold me guilty for my sins! Let your compassion quickly meet my needs, for I am on the brink of despair. Help me, O God for you are my salvation! Help me for the glory of your name. Save me and forgive me of my sins for the honor of your name. Listen to my moaning. Demonstrate your great power by saving me. I will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 79:5‭-‬6‭, ‬8‭-‬9‭, ‬11‭, ‬13 NLT.

My Prayer-Pslams 78

O Lord, I will listen to your instructions. Open my ears to what you are saying, for you speak in parables. I will learn from your hidden lessons from the past— I will not hide these truths from the next generation about your glorious deeds, about your power and mighty wonders. I will set my hope anew on you God, not forgetting your glorious miracles and obeying your commands. I will not be stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give my heart to you God. Let me not forget what you have done— the great wonders you have shown me.  I will not keep on sinning against you, rebelling against you the Most High. I have repented and took you God seriously. I remembered that you God are my rock, that you God Most High are my redeemer. I will not give you lip service; I will not lie to you. My heart is loyal to you. I will keep your covenant. So be merciful and forgive my sins. Hold back your anger and do not unleash your fury! Led me like sheep, guiding me safely through the wilderness. Keep me safe so I am not afraid. Care for me with a true heart and led me with skillful hands.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 78:1‭-‬2‭, ‬4‭, ‬7‭-‬8‭, ‬11‭, ‬17‭-‬17‭, ‬34‭-‬38‭, ‬52‭-‬53‭, ‬72 NLT.

My Prayer-Pslams 77

I cry out to you God. Oh, God listen to me! When I am in deep trouble, I search for you Lord. I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven. I think of you God, and I'm, overwhelmed by you. I can't sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! I think of when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Lord have you rejected me? Be kind to me. Do not keep your unfailing love from me. Keep your promises and be gracious. Do not slam the door on your compassion? Lord, Most High don't turn your hand against me. I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds.  I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. There is no god above you.  You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed me. You led me along the road like a flock of sheep, as my shepherd.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 77:1‭-‬20 NLT.

My Prayer-Pslams 76

God you are honored; your name is great. You are glorious and more majestic than the everlasting mountains. No wonder you are greatly feared!  You stand to judge me when I sin, O God, and you rescue me. I make vows to you Lord and keep them. I will bring tribute to you Awesome One. For you break my pride and I fear you.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 76:1‭, ‬4‭-‬4‭, ‬7‭, ‬9‭-‬9‭, ‬11‭-‬12 NLT.

My Prayer-Pslams 75

I thank you, O God! I give thanks because you are near. I will tell of your wonderful deeds. You are the one who keeps my foundation firm. Help me not to be proud or to boast. Keep me from speaking with arrogance. You alone God judge; you decide who will rise and who will fall. I will always proclaim what you have done; I will sing praises to you God.  God, I pray you will increase my strength and make me godly.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 75:1‭, ‬3‭-‬5‭, ‬7‭, ‬9‭-‬10 NLT.

My Prayer-Pslams 74

O God, do not reject me. Do not bring your intense anger against me. Remember that I am chosen by you and belong to you. I long to see your miraculous signs.  You, O God, are my king bringing salvation to me. Arise, O God, and defend your child. Remember me Lord.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 74:1‭-‬2‭, ‬9‭, ‬12‭-‬12‭, ‬22 NLT.

My Prayer-Pslams 73

O God, do not reject me. Do not bring your intense anger against me. Remember that I am chosen by you and belong to you. I long to see your miraculous signs.  You, O God, are my king bringing salvation to me. Arise, O God, and defend your child. Remember me Lord.  Amen.

My prayer based on Psalms 74:1‭-‬2‭, ‬9‭, ‬12‭-‬12‭, ‬22 NLT.