For Election Day

 We will only be at peace when the power of love conquers the love of power.
                                                                                                       -Jimi Hendrix

You Are The Love Of My Life - For John

Love Of My Life - Jim Brickman
written by Michael W. Smith

I am amazed When I look at you
I see you smiling back at me
I am afraid If I lost you 

I'd fall through the cracks and lose my track
In this crazy lonely world
Sometimes it's so hard to believe

When the nights can be so long
And faith gave me the strength
And kept me holding on.

You are the love of my life
And I'm so glad you found me
You are the love of my life
Baby put your arms around me
I guess this is how it feels
When you finally find something real
My angel in the night
You are my love
Love of my life

Top-Button Truth

"If you know God, you know truth. Everything will work itself out the end. It's what's called top-button truth.  If you get the top of your shirt right all the rest of the buttons will fall into place behind it. But if you get the top button wrong ,no matter how hard you try, nothing will ever lineup like it's supposed to."

-Ninie Hammon, Five days in May

A Different Drug Problem

Never Forget Our Fallen Soldiers

True Story..... 

                                 Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were...  A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back.  Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere  near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall. 

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must have stung quite a bit.

The complaint: 
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:

Whom do we thank for the morning air show?  Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing  west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet.  Imagine our good fortune!  Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyn's early bird special?

Any response would be appreciated.

The response:

Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12  a.m. , a  perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-1 6s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques.  Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend.  Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..

A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom.  We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Whom do we thank for the morning air show'?  The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it  was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their  lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.  One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt.  Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr. 
  .......... 

                   TRUE STORY:     http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/wakeup.asp
                                              
                                                 GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

Why Should I Go To Church?

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. He said: "I've gone for 30 years now and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So," he wrote, "I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher—

I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment! See you in church.

In Christ

In Christ,

                         You are a loved child of God. John 1:12, Rom 8:16-17, and Gal 3:26

You are redeemed and forgiven. Eph 1:7, Col 1:3-14, I John 2-12
You are complete in Jesus Christ. Col 2:9-10, Phil 1:6, and I Cor 1:5-7
You are a new creation in Christ. 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 2:20, and 1 Pet 1:3,23
You are more than a conqueror. Rom 8:37, Eph 3:20, and 1 Phil 2:13, 4:13
You are a citizen of heaven. Eph 2:19, Phil 3:20, and Col 1:12

Here I Am, Lord

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them? Whom shall I send?
 Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
 I will hold Your people in my heart.-    James Kilbane

Quentin's Theme

Dark Shadows was one of my favorite shows back in the late 60's. I  particularly loved David Selby and his portral of the ghost Quentin Collins. Aside from the occasional fits of maniacal laughter,  or turning into a werewolf now and then, Quentin Collins remained silent for quite some time as he haunted the Collinwood Estate.I was so happy to find this on the internet and hear the lovely music that he used to play on his gramophone again. Beautiful.  

QUENTIN'S THEME by Charles Randolph Grean Sounde

Shadows of the night...
Falling silently
Echo of the past...
Calling you to me
Haunting memory...
Veiled in misty glow
Phantom melody...
Playing soft and low

In this world that we know now
Life is here, then gone
But somewhere in the afterglow
Love lives on and on

Dreams of long ago...
Meet in rendezvous
Shadows of the night...
Calling me to you

Calling me to you

Don't ever mistake my silence for ignorance
My calmness for acceptance,
My kindness for weakness.

My Lost Youth- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

My Lost Youth -  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

There are things of which I may not speak;
There are dreams that cannot die;
There are thoughts that make the strong heart weak,
And bring a pallor into the cheek,
And a mist before the eye.
And the words of that fatal song
Come over me like a chill:
"A boy's will is the wind's will,
And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."

Strange to me now are the forms I meet
When I visit the dear old town;
But the native air is pure and sweet,
And the trees that o'ershadow each well-known street,
As they balance up and down,
Are singing the beautiful song,
Are sighing and whispering still:
"A boy's will is the wind's will, 

And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."

And Deering's Woods are fresh and fair,
And with joy that is almost pain
My heart goes back to wander there,
And among the dreams of the days that were,
I find my lost youth again.
And the strange and beautiful song,
The groves are repeating it still:
"A boy's will is the wind's will,
And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts."

Special Woman-For Grandma Sarah

An original song written for my Grandma Sarah. 1974

SPECIAL WOMAN

By Joanne H. 1974

Time goes by and I wonder

      how you managed to be here with me.

Miles and trials that you conquered with pride,

     tears and fears that you kept deep inside.

Grandmother, wise and true,

     someday I hope to be just like you.

Special woman, teach me your ways,

     the lessons you’ve learned through your long struggling days.

Years go by and I wonder

      how you climbed to reach your goals.

Times were hard but you stuck to your dreams,

      whenever they tore, you sewed back the seams?

Grandmother wise and strong,

      I learned of life from how you got along.

Special woman, life cant be done

      Till you’ve waited with our Lord for forever to come.

Life goes by and now you wonder

       how a young mind can truly see

back through years of an ageless lifetime

       and from it learn how to conquer and climb.

Grandmother wisest of minds,

      of values, virtue, love and good times.

Special woman, wonder no more it’s true…..

      All this I have learned and found in you.

Happy Birthday Mike

You finally asked me to dance on the last slow song
Beneath that moon that was really a disco ball
I can still feel my head on your shoulder
And hoping that song would never be over.

I haven't seen you in ages
Sometimes I find myself wondering where you are
For me you'll always be eighteen and beautiful
And dancing away with my heart

Read more: Lady Antebellum - Dancing Away With My Heart Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Grace- Carolyn Hamlin

Lord, as I seek Your guidance for the day,
I find my thoughts unyielding,
confusion crowds my way.

But then when I bow to You,
the challenges You guide me through,
Your promises are ever new,
I claim them for today.

Your will cannot lead me where Your grace will not keep me.
Your hand will protect me, I rest in Your care.
Your eyes will watch over me, Your love will forgive me,
And when I am faltering, I still will find You there.

Eternity is a long time to be wrong about Jesus.

35th Wedding Anniversary!

Bill O'Reilly: Talking Points; The Immigration Crisis

There are some very common sense suggestions here. Not so sure if or how this would work, but at least it's a start to a very serious situation.

The Factor's Plan to Solve the Immigration Crisis

By: Bill O'ReillyJuly 1, 2014

Talking Points has come up with a plan to solve the immigration crisis that is fair, humane, and can be implemented quickly.

Number one, in order to stop the border madness, President Obama must demand that Mexico police its own borders. That means stopping tens of thousands of illegal aliens from crossing into Mexico from Guatemala. Not a hard thing to do if you post the military at border check points.

In addition, the Mexican army must patrol the border with the USA stopping the human smugglers and border intruders. On the other side of the border, the American army will also be patrolling to back up the U-S Border Patrol at the hottest spots like the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. The National Guard should have been ordered to the border a long time ago. Its presence alone would inhibit people from paying the smugglers. It would also inhibit drug trafficking.

If Mexico does not cooperate on its borders, President Obama should issue trade sanctions against that country quickly. Mexico is the primary reason we have so much immigration chaos and it's time our federal government acted responsibly to hold that country accountable. We here on the Factor have called for Americans to boycott Mexico. No traveling there. Don't buy their stuff until they stop the massive corruption that has enveloped the entire country. Mexico should allow American planes to conduct surveillance in its air space to pinpoint illegal immigration camps and stop the flow of folks. Strong action by President Obama is needed right now and the Mexican government would respond to any threat of trade sanctions.

And what about the undocumented aliens who are already here? First they all must register at their local post office within three months providing name, age, family members, country of origin and address in the USA. Every illegal alien adult must do that. If they don't, it's a felony. They go to a federal prison upon conviction. Once the foreign national registers, he or she is sent a tamper-proof ID card allowing them to apply for working papers. They can apply to be citizens and their applications will be placed behind those applying legally.

Under my immigration plan, the feds have the power to immediately deport anyone whom they feel is undesirable for criminal or social reasons. Also, the aliens could not receive entitlements although their children could. If an immigrant cannot find work he or she is deportable up to Homeland Security to make that decision.

So there's no amnesty. There's a vetting process but there's also hope that a hard-working, honest, foreign national might build a life here. But no guarantee. It is a fair plan that would put a severe dent in a problem that has been vexing America for decades.

The rules for full citizenship would be tough and it would take a long time but in the end that kind of immigration plan would strengthen the country and show the world we are a humane nation but not a soft one.

I Am Your Child

For Daddy. I miss you. Happy Father's Day

I am your child

Whatever I am, you taught me to be.

I am your hope,

I am your chance,

I am your child.

Writer(s): Martin Panzer, Barry Manilow

Copyright: Swaneebravo Music, Universal Music - Careers

To Hell And Back

Ever wonder why when people say they had a "near-death experience" they all go to heaven? This intrigues me. Why is it that no one ever has a near-death experience and goes to hell? Well, that is where the woman in this video, Tamara Laroux claims she went . She shot herself in the chest, died, and went to hell, but God rescued her from hell and took her to heaven for a glimpse of it, before returning her spirit to her body.

 I don't know what to make of this woman's story. Surely she did not die. Scripture says in Hebrews 9:27 we only die once. But she definetly experienced something very powerful. She truly believes she experienced the love of Jesus so much so it changed her life. God chooses many ways to call His children to Himself. This just may have been one of them. 

How To Begin Your Week

More books have been written about Jesus than about any other figure in history.  More people have committed their lives to him than to any other religious leader.  More people attend church services in America than go to football games.  We were designed for the kind of intimacy with God that our first parents knew in the Garden, so our hearts will always yearn for him.  Our longings to be loved, accepted, and wanted all stem from this fact.  Our world is broken, not because our longings are wrong, but because we try to satisfy them everywhere but in God.

 Here's a good way to start the week: give yourself the gift of a few minutes with the One who loves you.  Begin with a moment of worship, as you "enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise" (Psalm 100:4).  Now ask the Spirit to show you a longing in your heart that you are trying to satisfy outside of Jesus.  Name it, and ask Jesus to meet it.  Now do whatever you sense his leading to do—be still, read Scripture, take a walk, listen to worship music.  Let the Great Physician heal that pain in your heart.  Ask the One who fed the 5,000 to feed your soul.

And he will.

source: 
Dr. Jim Denison, President

Mar 24, 2014

Denison Forum on Truth and Culture. 

source: http://www.denisonforum.org/cultural-commentary/995-bill-gates-explains-his-faith

Choose Life

For one glorious day a pro-life billboard towered over Planned Parenthood’s pathetic little abortion feeder with the simple but powerful message, “Choose Life = No Regrets.” There was only one problem: The billboard was on Planned Parenthood’s property.

Adams Outdoor Advertising had leased the billboard space but forgotten about Planned Parenthood’s addendum forbidding any pro-life messaging.

source: http://youngcons.com/

Borderless

The Gift of Life

It's wonderful to watch a baby move on a pregnant woman. It's amazing to watch a baby move, and really helps you understand just how magical life is! Actually feeling a baby move inside your own body is the most awe inspiring feeling you can ever imagine.  The gift of life is truly a spectacular thing.

Read more at http://blog.petflow.com/this-is-what-a-36-week-old-baby-does/#DlE4tOuPRXhubQk3.99

Why Do I Love You?

WHY DO I LOVE YOU? 

by Roy Croft

I love you… Not only for what you are,

But for what I am when I am with you.

I love you… Not only for what you have made of yourself,

But for what you are making of me.

I love you… For ignoring the possibilities of the fool in me

And for laying firm hold of the possibilities for good.

Why do I love you?

I love you… For closing your eyes to the discords

And for adding to the music in me by worshipful listening.

I love you…

Because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life

Not a tavern, but a temple;

And out of the words of my every day, not a reproach, but a song.

I love you…

Because you have done more than any creed to make me happy.

You have done it, without a word, without a touch, without a sign.

You have done it just by being yourself.

After all, perhaps that is what love means.

For Aunt Angie

Jesus, The Great Physician

A physician will ask you how you feel and what your symptoms are;
The Great Physician knows how you feel
           and understands what you are going through.

A physician will have you come to the office;
The Great Physician will stay with you and never leave your side.

A physician will show professional concern for you.
The Great Physician will show you true compassion.

A physician will treat you with the best medicine available;
The Great Physician will treat you with the riches of His grace.

A physician will follow your progress with periodic visits;
The Great Physician will keep you in His constant care.

A physician will send you a bill for services rendered;
The Great Physician does His work without charge.

A physician tries his very best to help you;
The Great Physician assures you that your life couldn't be in better hands!

Call Him Crazy or Call Him Lord- Who Do You Say He Is?

     I have been and always will be a Christian. I have always lived with the knowledge that I have absolutely no doubt in my mind I will enter heaven when I die.
I will do so, not by my own worthiness, but only through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Savior, who paid the price for my soul’s redemption through his death on the cross. I have lived with my faith all through childhood always knowing it was there, but not until adulthood have I studied it and embrace it as truth.
      There are many who have different views of Jesus. Muslims believe He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, ascended to heaven and will return to our planet at the end of history--but they do not believe that he was divine. Many Buddhists and Hindus view him as an enlightened teacher. Many Jews see him as a brilliant rabbi. My view is similar to that of the great CS Lewis. “Either this man was, and is, who he said he is; the Son of God: or else a madman, liar or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God.”
       I choose the latter because I believe the bible is not only a collection of historical facts that have been verified by archeology and paleontology; I also believe it to be the inspired revelation of God. A guidebook ,of sorts, for living life to it’s fullest, a refuge when in pain, suffering, and mourning, standards for our conduct, guidelines for knowing right from wrong, and principles to live by to help us in a confused society where so often "anything goes."  The plan of God for man and creation is truly awe inspiring.  I refuse to believe I am some meaningless creature evolved here out of some sponge. I can’t. There has to be more. I AM more. I am a child of the king! I believe my presence here on earth is proof of that. He is more than you and I can ever imagine.  For me, the answers to life and the universe have the all been laid out for us by the Christian God. Studying and reading His scriptures has brought me to a new level of understanding in His plan for us all. It is truly a fascinating story and I encourage you to read it. Start with the Gospel of John or the Book of Romans. It will blow you away.  In Jesus I have found my answers. I look forward to the day I go to heaven. You may ask, "What does she know about Heaven, anyway? Has she ever been there? I will answer by saying, "No, but I have a very good Friend who has. He’s been there and came to earth to tell us about it and someday He will return” . Will you be ready?

For more on my thoughts of this you can read my blog here:  http://bubalas-view.blogspot.com/p/my-faith-journey.html

On Memorial Day- In Loving Memory of Michael Sessa Jr.

On Memorial Day, we pause with all of America to honor the memory of those who have given their lives in service to country. It's a poignant day, which reminds us of the importance of ensuring the lives of all who give the ultimate sacrifice are remembered for generations to come.

Michael Sessa, Jr Private First Class

PERSONAL DATA
  Home of Record: New York, New York
  Date of birth:  Thursday, 03/25/1948

MILITARY DATA
  Service:        Army  (Regular)
  Grade at loss:  E3
  Rank:           Private First Class
  ID No:          12754266 
  MOS:            11B10 Infantryman
  LenSvc:         Between 1 and 2 years
  Unit:           B CO, 1ST BN, 8TH INF RGT, 4 INF DIV

CASUALTY DATA
  Start Tour:     Thursday, 09/15/1966
  Cas Date:       Thursday, 05/18/1967
  Age at Loss:    19
  Remains:        Body Recovered
  Location:       Pleiku, South Vietnam
  Type:           Hostile, Died
  Reason:         Multiple Fragmentation Wounds - Ground Casualty

ON THE WALL       Panel 20E Line 036

Never Forget:

The Lost Platoon

Battle of Plei Doc

 http://www.virtualwall.org/units/pleidoc.htm

Defend The Cross

The american atheists organization wants the "Miracle Cross" removed from the 9/11 National Museum. Well, isn't that special.  I feel compelled to say this: The museum is operated by a non-profit independent corporation and is not state sponsored. The cross is being displayed as a relic of the 9/11 attacks with no religious attachment whatsoever. Just two steel cross beam artifacts found in the rubble that have great historical significance to the event and our country.

 Atheists, when they look at it and since  they do not believe in God are free to see two steel beams. That's it. Christians are free to see a symbol of their Saviors triumph over death and evil and their hope in His promises, mercy and grace. To each his own. 
Atheists wanting to have it removed in the first place is an oxy-moron. If they want it removed, they obviously  believe it represents the death of Jesus, thus acknowledging His existence by wanting it removed. Why should it threaten them so?  If they didn't believe in Him all they would see is two steel beams.  I could go one, but now I pissed myself off by allowing space on my blog mentioning them. 

Why I Am Pro-Life - Written by Cole Jeffrey

Thank you Mr Jeffrey.

When I expressed my pro-life views in the debate, I was accused of imposing my “religious beliefs” on women. Even though I never mentioned religion, the other debaters assumed that since I was pro-life I must also be religious. Though I am a Christian, my pro-life stance is not based on a “the-Bible-tells-me-so” attitude. You don’t have to be religious to be pro-life. In fact, I’m convinced it’s the only rational position for someone who believes in science and human rights.

The central issue in the abortion debate is human rights. If a fetus is not a person, it has no legal rights – it’s simply a part of a woman’s body, and she should be free to remove it just like a cyst or tumor. However, if a fetus is a person, then it has legal rights – including a right to life. No one, not even the mother, can take away that right.

But how do we know whether a fetus is a person or not? What counts as personhood? Is it an innate quality, or is it developed later? In my opinion, there are only two reliable criteria for determining personhood, and those criteria rest on scientific and medical evidence. The first criterion is the presence of life, and the second is the possession of a human genome. If something is a living organism and possesses a human genome, then it is not someTHING but someONE – a person with a right to live.

When we attempt to determine the personhood of a fetus, we need to start with this question:

Is a fetus a living organism?

The answer, quite simply, is yes. No biologist would dispute the claim that a fetus is alive. In biology, there are seven criteria for determining whether something is a living organism, and a fetus meets all of those criteria:

Like all living organisms, a fetus maintains an internal equilibrium by producing various chemicals and bodily effects (homeostasis).

Like all living organisms, a fetus is organized, meaning it is composed of at least one cell.

Like all living organisms, a fetus has a metabolism – it can transform chemicals into cellular components and break down complex substances for energy.

Like all living organisms, a fetus can adapt to changes in its environment.

Like all living organisms, a fetus develops reproductive features.

Like all living organisms, a fetus responds to stimuli.

Like all living organisms, a fetus grows.

Based on this evidence, there is no reason not to view a fetus as a living organism. As Dr. Hymie Gordon, the Chairman of the Mayo Clinic’s Department of Genetics, explains it, “By all the criteria of modern molecular biology, life is present from the moment of conception.” However, just because a fetus is living is not enough reason to view it as a person. It must also be human, which brings us to our second question:

Is a fetus human?

Once again, the answer is yes.

According to the laws of biogenesis, every species reproduces its own kind. Alligators give birth to alligators, bacteria give birth to bacteria, chickens give birth to chickens, and dogs give birth to dogs. No dog will ever give birth to an alligator, and no chicken will ever give birth to a bacteria. It’s biologically impossible. Every organism can only reproduce its own kind.

Based on this scientific fact, it should be evident that when a human male’s sperm fertilizes a human female’s ovum, the resulting embryo cannot be anything other than human. If you doubt that, just look at the genetics. Every adult human possesses a unique genetic code that consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes. A fetus possesses this code as well. Therefore, since the fetus possesses a human genome, it cannot be anything other than human. This is not a subjective opinion; it’s a scientific fact. As Dr. Jerome Lejeune, the “father of modern genetics” puts it, “To accept the fact that after fertilization has taken place a new human has come into being is no longer a matter of taste or opinion … it is just plain experimental evidence.”

Of course, someone might object by claiming that DNA doesn’t make something human since biological samples like toenail clippings and pieces of hair also contain human DNA. Though it’s certainly true that a toenail clipping does contain human DNA, there are two obvious differences between a toenail and a fetus.

First, the DNA in a toenail matches the person it came from. If a geneticist removes a cyst from a pregnant woman, she will find that the DNA contained in the cyst matches woman’s DNA. However, if she examines the fetus’s DNA, the geneticist will find that it is not identical to the mother’s. Every fetus possesses its own unique DNA that shows it is not part of the mother the same way her bodily organs are.

Second, a toenail is not a living organism. Unlike the fetus, it does not meet the biological criteria for determining life.

A fetus is alive and human? So what?

Scientific evidence makes it clear that a fetus is both living and human. This is beyond dispute, and has nothing to do with religious beliefs. “That the most partially formed human embryo is both human and alive has now been confirmed … We are the first generation to have to confront this as a certain knowledge,” writes the atheist and activist Christopher Hitchens.

Nevertheless, most abortion activists refuse to accept this evidence because it would lead to the conclusion that a living human organism is a person with rights. Consider this statement by abortion activist Joyce Arthur:

“Ultimately, the status of the fetus [as human] is a matter of subjective opinion, and the only opinion that counts is that of the pregnant woman. For example, a happily pregnant woman may feel love for her fetus as a special and unique human being … But an unhappily pregnant woman may view her fetus with utter dismay, bordering on revulsion.”

Similarly, MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry created a controversy recently when she claimed the answer to the question “When does life begin?” is not provided by science, but by a mother’s “powerful feeling.” According to Harris-Perry, a woman’s emotional state trumps scientific and medical opinion.

Let’s suppose, for a moment, that these ladies are right – the personhood of a fetus is not determined by objective scientific evidence; it’s a subjective concept. If this is the case, though, then why isn’t the personhood of children (or even adults) a subjective concept as well? Why can’t a mother kill her newborn child if she suddenly develops a “powerful feeling” that the child is actually a nonliving, nonhuman burden for her?

According to some pro-choice activists, a fetus is not a person because it is dependent on its mother while a child is not. For them, independence counts as a mark of personhood. But let’s consider that logic. From a biological perspective, there is little difference between the dependency of a fetus and the dependency of a newborn. Though the newborn is no longer living inside the mother’s body, it is still completely dependent on her (or a surrogate) to meet all its biological needs. In fact, the complete and utter dependency of newborns is so obvious that Peter Singer, a Princeton bioethicist, argues mothers should be allowed to kill their newborn children. “Many people find this [idea] shocking,” Singer says, “yet they support a woman’s right to have an abortion  … From the point of view of ethics rather than law, there is no sharp distinction between the fetus and the newborn baby.”

Hopefully, most people will be appalled by Singer’s claim. Yet, his logic is consistent with the premise that dependency robs a living human being of his or her right to live.

If we accept Arthur and Harris-Perry’s claim that the personhood of a fetus is a subjective concept, then there is little to prevent us from eventually accepting Singer’s claim that the personhood of children is also a subjective concept. Once we reach that point, though, where will we stop? What traits do adults possess that make them worth respecting as people? Ultimately, there does not seem to be much difference between the logic of abortion activists and the logic of the Supreme Court when it ruled in the infamous Dred Scott case (1857) that African Americans, though human, belonged to an “inferior order” and therefore had no legal rights.

If we reject the notion that personhood is determined by a very simple formula (life + humanity = personhood), then we must find an alternative definition of what makes someone a person. The question is, however, whether we can find any definition that provides a reliable, objective basis for human rights. I don’t believe such a definition exists.

That’s why I’m pro-life.
Source: http://colejeffrey.tumblr.com/post/57008428606/why-i-am-pro-life

new lesson learned today

I learned the following today and have added it to my Life Lessons tab. I dont know why it took me so long to realize this.

It's nearly impossible to move beyond something when you're obsessing over it. 

For Mom- You're My Best Friend

For Mom, Happy Mother's Day.

Ooh you're the best friend that I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true, really love you....
you're my best friend.

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My Son

Happy Birthday to my son Matt. I love you.       

Atheism is Irrational

Christian Comedian Brad Stine Thinks Atheism Is Irrational. And He’s Got A Pretty Funny Point

Read more at http://jesus-loves-you.org/brad-stine-atheists-irrational/#dh5o5qUJE79Qrdcg.99

I Believe

• A simple song of simple faith that I have loved since I was a little girl.
  
  I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows.
  I believe that somewhere in the darkest night, a candle glows.
  I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way.
  I believe, I believe.
  I believe above the storm the smallest pray'r will still be heard.
  I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word.
  Every time I hear a newborn baby cry, or touch a leaf or see the sky,
  Then I know why I believe!
  
  
  Writer(s): Yvan Eric Cassar, Shirl Jimmy, Al Stillman, Jule Styne, Ervin Drake, Sammy Cahn, Eric Levisalles, Irvin Graham
  Copyright: Sands Music Corp., Larry Spier Music LLC, Universal Music Publishing
  
  

You can't steal my happiness

r

“I love you. I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I've ever had, and no matter what happens to us in the future, everyday we are together is the greatest day of my life. I will always be yours. ”

― Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

Father’s Love Letter

My Child ~

You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb ~ Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me ~ John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32

"You Can Save Your Soul: In 140 Characters or Less"

"You can save your soul: In 140 characters or less." So headlines USA Today. The subtitle explains: "Indulgences will be offered via Twitter." The story announces that Pope Francis "plans to grant plenary indulgences by Twitter during the World Youth Day 2013" which starts next week in Brazil. So, what are "indulgences"? Why would the pope offer them via Twitter? Why does any of this matter to the rest of us?

The Catholic Encyclopedia defines "indulgence" as "a remission of the temporal punishment due to sin." The article explains that an indulgence is not permission to commit sin, pardon of future sin, or exemption of any law or duty.

Here's how the theology works: First, the sinner confesses his sin through the "sacrament of penance." The guilt of his sin and its eternal punishment are then removed, but the temporal punishment required by divine justice remains. However, Jesus' death and the merits of the saints have created the "treasury of the Church," a depository from which indulgences can be granted to remove temporal punishment. In response to good works on the part of the sinner, the Church can dispense such indulgences.

The upcoming World Youth Day is an opportunity for participants to receive indulgences, but those who cannot travel to Brazil would miss their chance. However, if they participate in World Youth Day broadcasts or perform other spiritual acts, they can now receive indulgences. These will be made available to the pope's nearly 7.5 million Twitter followers in all languages.

Indulgences have been a significant bone of contention between Catholics and Protestants for centuries. The Catholic Encyclopedia clearly states, "Least of all is an indulgence the purchase of a pardon which secures the buyer's salvation or releases the soul of another from Purgatory." Nonetheless, under the rule of Pope Leo X(1475-1521), such sales to finance the building of St. Peter's Cathedral became common. Johann Tetzel was especially infamous for his promise, "As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, a soul from Purgatory springs." Martin Luther's objection to this corruption sparked the Reformation.

Here ends your theology lesson. Why is this issue important whether you're Catholic or not? As a Protestant, obviously I do not affirm the doctrine of indulgences. But as a Christian, I'm glad that so many people are seeking to know Christ and make him known. More than 300,000 have already registered for this year's World Youth Day; their theme is "Go and Make Disciples of All Nations," from Matthew 28:19.

Christians can disagree on matters of faith and practice while agreeing that the world needs Jesus. Someone told Dwight Moody, the famous evangelist, "I don't like your soul-winning methods." Moody said, "I don't like them much, either. What are yours?" The man admitted he didn't have any. Moody replied, "I like mine better than yours."

Would he like yours?

Source: http://www.denisonforum.org/cultural-commentary/775-you-can-save-your-soul-in-140-characters-or-less

Can You Give Me Directions To Heaven Please?

If I Stand-Rich Mullins

If I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through 

And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You 

Everything I Own - Bread

For Daddy


You sheltered me from harm.
Kept me warm, kept me warm
You gave my life to me
Set me free, Set me free
The finest years I ever knew
were all the years I had with you

You taught me how to love,
What it's of.
You never said too much,
but still you showed the way,
and I knew from watching you.
Nobody else could ever know
the part of me that can't let go.

Is there someone you know,
you're loving them so,
but taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day,
someone takes them away,
and they don't hear the words you long to say:

I would give anything I own,
Give up my life, my heart, my home.
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again.
Just to touch you once again.

Lyrics written by: David Gates

The Road Not Taken

I have always loved this poem. 

The Road Not Taken - Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

All This Time- Britt Nicole

Yes He has. 
                                                        All this time
From the first tear cry
To today's sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You've been walking with me all this time

Ever since that day
It's been clear to me
That no matter what comes
You will never leave
I know You're for me
And You're restoring

Every heartache and failure
Every broken dream
You're the God who sees
The God who rescued me
This is my story
This is my story

I hear these people asking me
How do I know what I believe?
Well I'm not the same me
And I saw the proof I need
I felt Love I felt Your grace
You stole my heart that day

Youve been walkin with me all this time

All this time
From the first tear cry
To today's sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You've been walking with me all this time

Roller Derby Queen - Jim Croce

When my daughter Marisa was growing up she practiced and competed in figure skating for 8 years. Once she got into high school and started wanting to be involved in other activites it got harder and harder for her to find the time to practice so eventually she had to give up her love for figure skating but I knew in my heart that one day she would return to it. Fast forward 10 years. She has since moved to Boston, graduated college and still no ice skating. Then one day she called to tell me she's going back to skating. I was thrilled. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think she meant roller skating! Yes, my daughter  plays Women's Flat Track Roller Derby.  This song is for her. So proud of my Roller Derby Queen.                         

Gonna tell you a story, that you won't believe 

But I fell in love last Friday evening 

With the girl I saw on a bar room TV screen .

Well I was just getting ready to get my hat 

When she caught my eye, and I put it back 

And I ordered myself couple of more shots and beers 

 The night that I fell in love with a roller derby queen around and round, a round and round 

The meanest hunk of woman that anybody ever seen 

Down in the arena

 She was 5 foot 6, two fifteen 

A beach blonde mama with a streak of mean 

She knew how to knuckle and she knew how to scuffle and fight 

And the roller derby program said that she was built like a 'fridgerator with a head

 Her fans called her Tuffy, but all her buddies called her Spike 

 Well I could not help it, but to fall in love

 With this heavy duty woman I've been speaking of

 Things were kinda bad, untill the day she skated into my life 

Well she might be nasty, she might be fat

 But I never met a person who would tell her that

 She's my bleach blonde bomber, my heavy handed Hackensack sack mama 

 The night that I fell in love with a roller derby queen around and round, a round and round 

The meanest hunk of woman that anybody ever seen 

Down in the arena

Lyrics written by: Jim Croce

Jar Of Hearts

To all those whose jar were filled with a pieces of my heart.

Jar Of Hearts - Christina Perri

I know I can't take one more step towards you

'Cause all that's waiting is regret

Don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore

You lost the love I loved the most

I learned to live half alive

And now you want me one more time.

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

So don't come back for me

Who do you think you are?

I hear you're asking all around

If I am anywhere to be found

But I have grown too strong

To ever fall back in your arms

And I've learned to live half alive

And now you want me one more time.

And it took so long just to feel alright

Remember how to put back the light in my eyes.

I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed

'Cause you broke all your promises

And now you're back

You don't get to get me back.

And who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart.

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

So don't come back for me

Don't come back at all

Who do you think you are?

What price are you willing to pay for Jesus today?

There's a story about a group of Christians in Nazi Germany who were meeting in secret. Suddenly a band of soldiers broke through the door, rifles at their shoulders.

They herded the believers against a wall and ordered them to deny their faith. Those who renounced Christ could leave, but those who remained would be shot. Most of the group chose to save their lives; only a handful stood against the wall, ready to die for Jesus.

The soldiers herded the others out, locked the door behind them, dropped their weapons, and embraced the shocked believers. "We have been looking for genuine Christians," they explained. "We want to join you."

What price are you willing to pay for Jesus today?

The One Flaw In Women

I personally find these traits to be a blessing of humility not a flaw. - J

 Women have strengths that amaze men…..

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don’t take “no” for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They’ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH. 

-author unknown