In all my years..

I have never seen anything more unprofessional, disrespectful or immature than Hillary Clinton's response when our President said that we will not sit around and wait to be attacked again... She rolled her eyes... ...while everyone else gave him a standing ovation. Excuse me - I have to take part in a drive by slapping.

I

Sailing Away

I'm taking my kids on vacation.
Not just because I worked 14 hour days for the last 6 weeks of the year. Not just because I want to spend some much deserved time with my kids. And not just because I've had the week from hell, which included having to fire some very nice people.

Mostly just because I can. Because, by the grace of God, we are still living in a free country where I am relatively safe and free to go about the things I love with the people I love.

Sorry if that disturbs you...well, no...I'm not really sorry.

At any rate - you won't have me to kick around this week, so I recommend A.M. Siriano. He loves to be kicked and is pretty good at kicking back.

Have a beautiful, blessed week and I'll catch up with you all after I've soaked up a little sunshine.

The Privilege of Being a Terrorist

According to this article, a number of groups are suing President Bush, the head of the National Security Agency and the heads of other government agencies because they believe the government “eavesdropping” program is in violation of their constitutional rights.

Big surprise that this one is headed up by the ACLU and their communist/terrorist affiliates. The most interesting part of this article, to me at least, is that there are actually attorneys coming forward and suggesting that this “spying” has violated their attorney-client privilege. Mind you, the attorneys making this suggestion are representing alleged terrorists. So what they are really suggesting here is that it’s not lawful for our government to intercept communications made by alleged terrorists, simply because they’ve retained attorneys.

I’ve addressed this subject in the past and I will say what I always say…

If I were in a country where there was genuine, legitimate reason to believe that Americans were plotting terrorist attacks – I would do what ever was necessary, including allowing the government to listen in on my conversations to Aunt Betty, so that they would know that I have nothing to hide.

I find it both insulting and frightening that one of the plaintiffs in this case is the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

HELLO!

Of course I’m not suggesting that every person of Islamic descent is a terrorist, but if they have nothing to hide, what’s the problem here? Do you want to be a part of this country – or not? I’m of the opinion that if you do, you must agree to abide by the rules the rest of us abide by and that includes being open to scrutiny if it’s necessary. Since when do those not born in this country get to make the rules? It's an absolute outrage to think we are assigning any sort of "privilege" to suspected terrorists.

I’ve said it before – the government doesn’t give a rats you-know-what about cousin Martha’s cookie recipes. They have better things to do than listen in on Fred and Barney setting up a bowling night. If there were no suspicion to begin with, there would be no reason for the wire taps. These are not your plain old, white bread, run of the mill neighbors, folks. These people are suspected of something!

This is a slippery slope and if it’s not kyboshed soon, our government will not be allowed to intercept terrorist communications at all…leaving us open to one terrorist attack after another. Perhaps when the liberals are walking around with rags on their heads with their wives under a veil, singing (forcibly), “praise be to Allah” somebody will wake up and see where this was headed. We’ll see how many rights we all have then.

Now, if you’ll excuse me. I’ve got to call Aunt Betty and get that recipe. Feel free to listen in.

My experience...

with nice Italian boys is that they’re fiercely loyal…

they never forget their friends…

or their enemies…

I imagine a page from one nice Italian boy's diary looking something like this...

Bring Your Best

My daughters and I attend a pretty large local church not far from where we live. The church is typical of today’s non-denominational congregations. Two services on Sunday morning because the church is growing all the time. Almost always a building program in place with more and more space needed to accommodate the growing interest. Lots of classes and groups and “programs”…

I’ll admit the church is not at all what I would have thought I would end up attending. There is little substance to the messages – they’re “safe” and informative, but nothing earth moving and I’ve never had an epiphany of life changing proportion as a result of a sermon I’ve heard at a service there. The sermons slightly resemble radio commentary – very prepared, short, to the point and more of an information value than anything. I don’t really mind because if I’m not getting much from the experience, I’d rather it didn’t take up too much of my time.

Now, before I get slammed for attending a church that doesn’t provide much spiritual food, I should say that I have “tried out” a dozen or so local churches, only to find that most of them fit into this category, or worse yet – there’s no substance and the services last 2-3 hours. I would rather have church in my living room than put myself and my kids through that.

I suppose the draw to the church we attend is the music program. They have some pretty talented musicians and they put a lot of time and effort (not to mention money) into the music program within the church, so comparatively speaking, it’s the best place around to find a pretty good worship service. I’ve often wondered, though, if you took away all the musicians, the large “worship team”, the special effect lighting, the fog machine, etc….and just left the bald guy with the guitar up there singing in the front of the church, would the seats still be so full? Would it still be difficult to find a parking spot on Sunday morning?

I doubt it.

You see, the music isn’t necessarily what I would call “anointed”. It’s well played, well executed, very scripted and has some nice special effects to give it the “cool factor”. It attracts a younger crowd and isn’t so over-the-top to offend the older crowd. It’s what Goldilocks would call, “just right”.

I attend the church because I became discouraged with looking for a church that I felt at home in, which had good, sound Bible preaching from ministers who weren’t interested in sugar-coating things or selling out to mediocrity in order to draw in the masses. When I realized that such a monster did not exist in my immediate area, this place seemed like the most reasonable place to land.

Besides the fact that I am not at all moved by anything that has happened within this church since I started attending, there is something that bothers me every single Sunday when I walk through the doors. I won’t use it as a stumbling block for myself, but I can’t help being distracted by it every single Sunday.

I’ve blogged before on how offensive today’s “fashions” can be, so it should be no surprise that I have a difficult time understanding what would possess people to show up at church dressed the way most of them do. This time, however, I am not talking about the teenagers in the congregation or the people who seemingly don’t know better. I’m talking about a “come as you are” trend that has taken over many contemporary churches.

I grew up in a church where nobody was turned away. I remember one very hot summer evening when a dirty, drunk man found his way into our little church. He had fallen down the stairs to his apartment and had a bloody nose. I was probably 8 or 9 years old and he scared me to death. Not only was there no usher escorting him out of the church, but someone brought him a washcloth for his face, found him a seat and afterward, the pastor took him home with him, fed him and gave him some money before sending him on his way. I was raised to understand the meaning of Matthew 25:40, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”.

So, if you think I’m just being hoity-toity, you’re missing my point. I’m not talking about the people who don’t know better, the people who can’t afford a nice suit or a skirt…I’m referring to the majority of the congregation and even the pastor.

Along with being raised to understand that God accepts us as we are, I also grew to an understanding that once you are a Christian and you have committed yourself to walking a Christian walk, you also have a responsibility to bring your best to the table. God told Moses that nobody should appear before Him empty handed and that we should bring our best…our first fruits…to the House of the Lord.

I was raised by parents who wouldn’t have let me out of the house on Sunday morning in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. What was acceptable for school or hanging out with friends was unacceptable for the House of God. I was to bring my best.

This concept is apparently lost on most churchgoers today. There have been days when I felt overdressed among the congregation at my church, dressed in a skirt or slacks. Of course, my children know better because I have led them by example. But as I sit in the congregation, watching the pastor deliver his sermon in jeans and an un-tucked flannel shirt, I can see where the rest of the congregation gets their example and I can’t help asking myself, “I wonder if he showed up at his son’s High School Graduation dressed like that.” or, “I wonder if he goes to business meetings dressed like that.” I suspect the answer to both queries is NO. In fact, the answer would be NO for most of the congregation as well.

I will admit that I haven’t become overly social within the congregation. As a rule, I stay away from people because people…in general…annoy me. I would much rather have a small group of good friends and family than a multitude of acquaintances. But I do see people I am familiar with every single week at church. I see people I recognize as patients of one of the facilities I manage. I see people from my daughter’s school. I see people from the insurance office and the car dealership. What’s interesting, though, is that I see these people dressed much better for work and school than they dress for church. In fact, some of the get-ups they show up in at church would violate the dress code in most offices and schools. Yet, somehow they find it appropriate for the House of God. What does that mean? Do they have more respect for their employers, their business acquaintances and their professional reputation than they have for God?

This trend simply confirms what most of us already know about today’s churches…that living a life, conducting yourself or offering yourself to God in a way that shows reverence to Him as more than just the “in” thing to do on Sunday morning is much less important than filling seats. Scripture tells us that we are not of this world and that the world should be able to tell the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian. Today, the church is looking more and more like the world.

Their excuse?

To draw “them” in.

The truth?

The number of filled seats, regardless of the condition of the souls in them, is more important to them than walking a line that may be pleasing to God.

By the end of the service, I’m more saddened than annoyed.

He apologizes...AGAIN

Pat Robertson, the king of foot-in-mouth disease, has apologized to Prime Minister Sharon’s family for the insensitive remarks he made, implying that Sharon had a stroke coming to him for dissecting Israeli land. When is he going to realize that just because he’s old, rich and people send him money, he can’t go around rebuking, threatening assassination, preaching doom and despair and “speaking on God’s behalf”.

As JYB points out – the apology was driven by his love of money and his plans for a “Jesusland” of sorts, to be built in Israel. Funny how money speaks to him, but the love of God doesn’t.

Thanks to Brian Preston for the heads up on this.

And speaking of loud-mouthed idiots...

The Reverend Pat Robertson says Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's massive stroke could be God's punishment for giving up Israeli territory.

The founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network told viewers of "The 700 Club" that Sharon was "dividing God's land," even though the Bible says doing so invites "God's enmity."

Robertson added, "I would say woe to any prime minister of Israel who takes a similar course."

He noted that former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated.

Robertson said God's message is, "This land belongs to me. You'd better leave it alone."

If the hell fire and brimstone Robertson preaches is true...he better hope he's wearing asbestos underwear when God catches up with him.

Source: Associated Press

If it looks like a pig....walks like a pig....oinks like a pig...

If you missed Howard Stern tonight on 20/20 – here’s the recap of what the pig had to say:

1. He holds himself to a “higher moral standard” than most people.
2. Everyone should be as “honest” as he is because it’s healthy.
3. And he alluded to the idea that if someone like him had been around in Nazi Germany, there may not have been a Holocaust because everyone would have known that Hitler was an ass.

Did I mention he’s a pig?

** It made a lot of sense that 20/20 bleeped out the word “penis” when he said it in the interview, but not when they showed the preview clip before they went to commercial. A lot of sense.

Do the world a favor...subscribe to XM Satellite radio and boycott Sirius.

Gaps in a Theory

If you’ve been following the story of the Dover, Pennsylvania School District and it’s battle over Intelligent Design, you may have heard that the school board voted last night to rescind its policy that was challenged in court by the ACLU and 11 parents of Dover School District students.

To clarify a few points…

First, it’s important to note that the media and the ACLU have called this a battle over teaching Intelligent Design in schools. Make no mistake – it was NOT about teaching Intelligent Design. The school district had agreed to allow a statement to be read, prior to the evolution unit in their 9^th grade science class. This statement indicated evolution is a theory and that there are other theories which some believe may explain some of the gaps in the theory of evolution. The statement offered the name of a book that children could check out of the library if they were interested in researching alternate theories to evolution. That’s it. The statement was not curriculum, nor did it offer any real educational value, other than to inform the children there was other reading material available. This is NOT teaching Intelligent Design.

Second, it’s important to note that 4 days after the trial ended, the residents of Dover voted every single member of the school board out – and replaced them with a brand new board made up of people who had campaigned against the policy. So, it’s not exactly “news” that the new and "improved", anti-Christian board voted to rescind the policy on the very first official vote of their terms.

Conservative Christians have had a lot to say regarding the people of Dover and what may or may not happen as a result of their anti-Christian decision-making. I’ve said before on this blog that I do believe in Intelligent Design and that I do believe our children should hear about it. I don’t believe it’s vital for the children to learn it at school because I think parents should be teaching their kids at home. I would be happy to send the Bible to anyone who is missing the textbook. However, and for what it’s worth, the likes of Pat Robertson and all those who have prophesied the doom and damnation of the Dover residents for “turning their backs on God” is just plain over the top.

Nowhere in Scripture will you find a place under the New Covenant where Jesus promises to turn His back on people…with the exception of Judgment Day. In fact, throughout the Bible, both Old and New Testaments tell story after story where God is merciful to people, even when they didn’t deserve it. God even offered to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if there could be found but a few believers.

What’s interesting is that many of the people who have fought against this policy in Dover are professed Christians, which if you ask me, sheds a whole different light on things. We’re not talking about a whole community of atheists here. We’re talking about professed Christians who have chosen to remove God from their public lives.

While I don’t believe that God is going to send the next Hurricane Katrina to Dover because of their sin, I do think there is something to be said for the shame that many of these people may feel in the end…and I’m not just talking about the end of the week.

If you’re an atheist…or agnostic…as if there’s really a difference relative to this subject…you could argue that it doesn’t really matter because there is no real Judgment Day. But humor me for a moment while I suggest to you what might happen as a result of Christians who begin to rationalize these types of arguments.

Romans 8:1 says,

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

No condemnation at all to those who are in Christ Jesus. Now, I’m not suggesting I know any other person’s heart, but it would definitely appear that those who opposed this statement (keeping in mind that it was merely a statement), professed Christians or not, may not be in Christ Jesus. (I know I’ll catch a lot of steam for that, but these are just some observations.) So, if you believe the Holy Scripture is literally true, as I do, you would have to assume that condemnation does await those who are not in Christ Jesus.

Condemnation: “The condition of being strongly disapproved of, wrong or morally culpable, reproof, damnation and shame”.

There are many instances in Scripture that back this up – not the least being Judas.

Judas didn’t live a happy life after betraying Jesus, in spite of his financial windfall. He turned his back on God and in the end, God didn’t have to smite him. It turns out he couldn’t live with the shame of his own actions.

I may not buy into the idea that God is going to smite the Dover residents, but the New Testament speaks of a day when many will stand before the Lord and profess their allegiance, only to be told, “I knew you not”. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I don’t believe the Scripture is talking about the false prophets and fake faith healers of this world. They know they're fakes. They aren’t going to stand before God and try to pretend to be anything different. No, I believe it’s going to be people who have been so deceived by themselves and have rationalized Scripture to the point where it’s not recognizable. These are the people who will be saying, “but Lord!” The ones who preach a feel good gospel that draws in many, but feeds few. The ones who say, “I’m a Christian! But don’t you dare bring God into my child’s classroom”.

I guess we won’t know until that day comes. If I’m wrong – I guess these people have nothing to worry about. But if I’m right – well, I guess they just better hope I’m wrong.

Out with the old and in with the new!

There’s something about that phrase that makes me take a deep breath. It’s almost liberating, isn’t it? I spent the greater part of the day yesterday going through my closets and drawers (2 walk-ins and a bureau) to gather clothing for charity. I live a blessed life, as evidenced by the fact that I gave away 2/3 of my wardrobe yesterday and my closets and drawers are still full. Today I took down the Christmas tree and un-decorated the mantel. To be fair, getting things back to normal is always my favorite part of the holiday season.

When faced with a new year I’m always forced to reflect on the last 12 months and take inventory of what I’ve accomplished - to help me look forward to the coming year and set goals for the next 12.

I don’t make “New Years Resolutions”. Deciding to exercise more, quit some bad habit or spend less and save more, today, doesn’t make it any more – or less – feasible that I will go through with it. I don’t believe in waiting for some milestone moment to do the right thing. If I should do it – and it’s possible to get it done – I like to think I try to accomplish things as they present themselves to me. I also ask God, each and every day, to help me to be a better mother, daughter, sister, friend, employer to all those who count on me.

It’s been a crazy year, full of ups and downs…the aftermath of the tsunami…hurricanes and war…happy and sad things…all year long. In spite of all the tragedy, controversy and bickering between the “sides” in the past 12 months, to deny that 2005 has been a good year is just plain stupid. Anyone who can’t look back over the past 12 months and find triumph in what has transpired here in the United States, the greatest nation on earth, and abroad…just doesn’t want to see the good.

Out of the hurricanes came stories of strength and courage. Out of the war came stories of triumph over the enemy and the birth of a democratic nation. Out of financial hardships has evolved an undeniably strong economy where the nay-sayers have predicted devastation. People are still spending. People who may never have had the opportunity to own a home have purchased homes in a strong real estate market. The gas prices the MSM predicted heading upwards of $10 per gallon have stayed under $5 in most places in spite of the hurricanes and the war in the Middle East.

We are a blessed nation. It’s amazing to me that as more and more people in this country turn their backs on God, He continues to bless us according to His immeasurable greatness.

So, I’m going to do what I always do. I’ll set goals and do my best to accomplish them. If I am sidetracked by unexpected “set-backs”, I’ll use them as a stepping stone, not a stumbling block. I’ll continue to give my best, strive for greatness, try to always do the next right thing, and in the end…settle for a happy, healthy, well-adjusted family. Because at the end of the day, regardless of what I have – or have not – accomplished, having a loving home to go to is more valuable than anything else in this world.

My wish for all Americans is that they remember how blessed they truly are and that whether you live in a mansion on a hilltop or a tent in the woods – the opportunities are limitless in this one nation – under God.

Happy New Year.