Santa's Prayer

The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
"Dear Father," he prayed "Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.
I must jump in my sleigh and streak through the sky,
Knowing full well that a reindeer can't fly.
I will visit each household before the first light,
I'll cover the world and all in one night.
With sleigh bells a-ringing, I'll land on each roof,
Amid the soft clatter of each little hoof.
To get in the house is the difficult part,
So I'll slide down the chimney of each child's heart.
My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I will fill all the stockings and not leave a track.
I'll eat every cookie that is left for my snack.
I can do all these things Lord, only through You,
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.
All this is to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, least Your glory I rob,
Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job."

By Warren D. Jennings

Christmas is Coming !

This advent season has been so...busy. I love this time of year, but I get so busy that I feel like Sometimes I am rushing right by the meaning. And I do not want to do that. God's gift to the world...salvation through Christ.

On one debate board I post on, we have been debating "faith sharing." It bothers me that people think that if you share your faith, you are imposing Your beliefs on someone else. Christ tells us to share our faith. It is the one thing He really commands. Love one another. That love includes offering others salvation. Giving them the gift of eternal life and the chance to know God the Father, who is so merciful. Christians are not perfect, but we are forgiven.

As a Methodist, I believe that there is no Easter morning without the preperations of Advent of Christ coming again and the Christmas morning in a stable. No Cross on Calvary without a infant worshipped by shepherds.

I want so badly to just focus on that..the forgiveness of sins this holiday season.

Twas the Night Before Christmas -ACLU style

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
There was Santa again, on his annual journeys,
Ensnared in a group of eight tiny attorneys.
They looked pretty grim and they threatened to sue,
So we knew in a flash -- "It's the ACLU!"
They paid us no heed, but went straight to their work,
Handcuffing poor Santa, then said with a smirk:
"This is secular airspace, we can't have a saint
"Flying our flightpaths -- we need some restraint.
"A sleigh full of toys is OK, we suppose,
"But faith-based incursions we've got to oppose."
Litigation on Christmas is something we dread,
So we nestled our children all under their beds
The grinch doesn't scare them, and Scrooge they see through,
But what kids are prepared for the ACLU?
The reindeer were shackled as a further incitement,
Then the lawyers unpackaged a 12-count indictment.
"Merry Christmas to all!" they just had to foreclose
(Though they had no complaint about all the "Ho Hos").
One lawyer objected to Santa's red clothing.
"It's religiously tainted," he said with some loathing.
"Poinsettias (the red ones) everybody must note, are
"A church-state offense in St. Paul, Minnesota!"
Santa's climb up each chimney (one lawyer made mention)
Is a symbolic reference to Jesus' ascension.
And the reindeer, of course, recall the Apostles,
And those who deny it are nothing but fossils.
These lawyers had labored at neighborhood schools,
Making Christmas extinct there as part of the rules.
Praise Kwaanza or Ramadan -- they think it's quite splendid,
But say "Merry Christmas" and you might get suspended.
Our children, God bless them, don't get or recall
Why "inclusiveness" doesn't include them at all,
Why diversity theory (as the lawyers insist) must
Require the annual quashing of Christmas.
In Canada, home of post-everything living,
Now "The 12 Days of Christmas" are "The 12 Days of Giving."
Christmas trees aren't part of their season at all,
They buy "multicultural trees" at the mall.
At a hospital (Catholic) the staff is ashamed
To use the word Christmas, so their tree is misnamed
As a "care tree," though some would prefer "tree of life."
(Why not "tall lit-up flora" to avoid any strife?)
Australians are told they should have no compunctions
Calling parties at Christmastime "end-of-year functions."
The idea is to make Christmas somehow unmentionable,
A tactic I think of as wholly contemptionable.
Instead of "White Christmas" they will probably sing,
"I'm dreaming of a snow day some time in pre-spring."
Here's my suggestion, a harsh one I fear,
Why not call Christmas "Christmas"?
-unknown Author

Alrighty Then......

My friend Jen and I were emailing and she sent me the list of people from her blog...because...it has some people we used to "chat" with on it. and I saw this on her website..so, I decided to check it out being the sci fi fan I am.....

Just Call me....

Christians - By Maya Angelou

Christians - By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple soul
Who receives God's good grace,somehow.

Why A Wall Will Not Work.

My December

It is December already. Can you believe it? This year has flown by in the blink of an eye.

I am done my Christmas shopping. Ok. I know. Hate me or Worship me at will. But I am done. The only gifts left are the ones I bake to give fudge too. It is good to be done...if I had NOTHING else to do this month.

Today is the 2nd. My Inlaws sold thier house yesterday. So, They are going to move into thier moterhome now. They are going to park it next to my house until they leave for flordia in Jan. Let's just say, I really really need to clean my house. argh. Tonight they are babysitting so I can pick up a lay away and Brian and I can go out to dinner.

Tomorrow, I have to finish my work. I need to go to walmart here in a few and pick up new ink cart's for the printer. I have to print out about 4 things.

Sunday is the kids first dress rehersal at church for their pageant. Then for Youth Group, I have to take the kids shopping to buy thier gifts for the local Mission. Next Friday is Jake's first ever birthday party. He is having a swimming party at the hotel for one hour and then Pizza and Cake. He is so excited. I am already exhausted. He gets out of school next week early on wednesday too.

Saturday morning of next week, I have Choir rehersal for the Adult Cantanta. The Kids will practice the hour after our two hour practice. During which my oldest daughter has her dance pictures. Then, Brian's Dad's retirement dinner is on Saturday Night. Sunday, finally, is the final practices. And at 6 pm on December 11th will be the Children's Christmas Pageant. It is followed by the Christmas Cantata by the Adult Choir and then Cookies served by my youth group kids. Jake is a shepherd btw. And Brianna and Kate are going to be angels.

On Thursday Jake has a field trip to the movies at school. And on Friday is his actual birthday...plus his Christmas party at school. I am the mom in charge of that Christmas party. Did I mention that? and it is the last day of school before break. Saturday is Brianna's first ever dance recital. She will have practice in the afternoon, and her recital at night. She is so excited. I am excited. She is going to be bueatiful.

Sunday on the 18th is my Youth Groups Christmas party, the 19th is thier Parents Night Out Fundraiser, and then on the 20th is Brian's Christmas Dinner for His Employee's (that I do all the cooking for basically). And the 21st is our Church Board Meetings.

We are going out of town for Christmas. I think we are leaving on the 23rd. I hope I remember to breathe and keep breathing in all of this. I really do.

Being done shopping? Lol. Geez. That is just a small part of this month. So much to do.

Our Culture of Death

I was going to most on December and then I read a poll on Hannity.com. I do not believe that we as Human beings should "play" God.

We do not have the right as human beings to take a life. I do not believe in Abortion for any reason. It does not stop being a human being just because that human being was created during a rape, or is a product of incest. And I do not buy the "Better off Dead" arguement. Because even if a child is abused, it is better then just being dead. I was severaly abused, and I am still thankful for the life I have been given.

Taking a life for a life, just ends another life and creates a vicious cycle. When does the killing a life for a life stop? And what makes one person justified in taking a life and another not? It is terrible to kill another human being. It is. But ending thier life does not make your hurt stop. You go on grieving and hurting.

I do not believe in Euthenasia. I live with a chronic Illness. Yet again, living in pain is better then just being dead. Life is a precious, wonderful gift. And our culture does not treat it as such.

God has given us this precious life to lead. It will end soon enough, why do we as human beings insist on pushing that date sooner and sooner? When did this culture of death slip past us and become the "norm" and "acceptable". Death should never be acceptable.

If Christians do not stand up to those playing God, Who will? Who do you leave your life in the hands of? The one that gives life eternal? Or man who is as stupid as a dumb sheep? I realize I am a sheep, and that is why I look to the Shepherd. He keeps me from falling off cliffs. I just pray He uses me as His vessel so that others may come to know Him. He is a good shepherd who cares for His flock.

The Kids...

The Parade Float my "Other" Kids did (My United Methodist Youth Fellowship Kids that is)







This is The Butterfly, The Lady Bug and Darth Vader









This is Brianna Ballerina and her Broken Nose

My Other Terrific Child

I did not get to post this, But My son was a Kwananis Terrific Kid for November. He is a really good kid and I am not suprised. I am very proud of him for all the way he has come with the whole school thing. He as always exceeded my expectations for him. He reminds me a lot of me in a lot of ways. Always wanting to do it right. But this is not about him.

From before my oldest daughter/my second child was born....there was this strife between us. My son was just 8 months old when I got pregnant and I resented what would be an intrusion on this special relationship, He and I had. I came to accept, that ...if it was a boy...it was ok. I would be giving him a brother to play with and grow with and be his best friend. Only, It was a girl.

Then, I had premature labor and had my labor stopped. I could not take care of my then 16 month old son, and he was sent to stay with grandma for 2 weeks. I cried and cried. I had not been away from him. And then this almost perfect baby girl was born. Only, she could not retain her body heat, and she was so small and could not latch on to the breast good. And she could not catch her breathe on her own...and I did not want to love her because I was afraid I would lose her.

Then came a moment of clarity. On day 14 after her birth, she went to the doctors for her checkup. He rushed us to the hospital and admitted her for failure to thrive. She had not regained her body weight and was very jaundice. The whole way to the hospital I cried my heart out. Because, the unthinkable had happened. Even if I lost her, I already loved her more then I loved myself. She had snuck in to my PDD and captured my heart and I could not live without her. When she was admitted at 14 days she weighed a whole 5 lbs and 14 oz. I sat there that night holding her and crying. Waiting for God to heal my heart and heal her. We left the next day and she was doing better. We had a consultation with a lactation consultant and my princess was ok. And We came away working on the strife between us. Her to learn to nurse from me, Me...opening my heart to loving her with all I had.

At 4 months, Brianna was trying to crawl. It was a tale of what would become our daughter. She would push up on all 4's go 2 steps and lay down and take a 10-20 min nap. Then do it all over again, until she got it. I love that story, because that is my daughter today.

Last sunday in church, she got up and ran around the pews in the sanctuary during church. We were not calling her a terrific kid. The older people in the church did not help because they laughed and laughed and hugged her and then came to us and told us "I am so happy to see she feels comfortable here. That this place belongs to her." and "I am sorry, but it is so cute when it is someone elses child." She beats to her own drummer. She dances to her own music. And She loves without boundaries. She is of her own mind and never follows the crowd.

She is the child I most admire and wish I was like. I worry about her future, but I know that she will never do something to just follow the crowd. The mistakes she makes will be her own, and she will find a way to do it herself. I see great things for her future, and I am lucky to have her as a terrific kid.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the
tomb of the Unknowns and why?

21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the
highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.


2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his
return walk and why?

21 seconds for the same reason as answer number 1



3. Why are his gloves wet?

His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the
rifle.


4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time
and if not, why not?

He carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb.
After his march across the path, he executes an about face
and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.



5. How often are the guards changed?

Guards are changed every thirty minutes,
twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.

6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?

For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be
between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30" Other
requirements of the Guard: They must commit 2 years of life to guard the
tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on
or off duty for the rest of their lives. They cannot swear in public for the
rest of their lives and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in
any way. After two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on
their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only
400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their
lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat
and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the
top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt.
There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty
in front of a full-length mirror.

The first six months of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor
watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid
to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are
and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe
E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most
decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.

Every guard spends five hours a day getting his uniforms ready for
guard duty.


ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

In 2003 as Hurricane Isabelle was approaching Washington, DC, our
US Senate/House took 2 days off with anticipation of the storm. On the ABC
evening news, it was reported that because of the dangers from the
hurricane, the military members assigned the duty of guarding the Tomb of
the Unknown Soldier were given permission to suspend the assignment. They
respectfully declined the offer, "No way, Sir!" Soaked to the skin,
marching in the pelting rain of a tropical storm, they said that guarding
the Tomb was not just an assignment, it was the highest honor that can be
afforded to a serviceperson. The tomb has been patrolled continuously,
24/7, since 1930.


God Bless and keep them.

God Works In Mysterious Ways (M)

Coming back from my trip to Maryland (and my grandma's funeral) Something happened.

During the funeral, I think in a lot of ways, I was not hurting as bad as the rest of my family. One of the big differances was, Although I was grieving...I knew my grandmother was ok. I have great faith that she is not hurting and in a place where she is filled with joy. Before she died, she and I talked a great deal about our faith. She loved God. But she had been hurting for so long. When my mom died and then my uncle just 3 years later, My grandmother was hurting so bad. You are not suppose to outlive your children. She became so depressed. I did not want her to feel that hurt anymore. My heart hurt for her grief, more then my heart hurts with my own missing her. I would rather she go home to be with my grandpap, her parents, my mom and my uncle...and most of all the God that loves us. I wanted her to be happy again. So, Although my heart hurts with missing her...I know she is in a better place and I will see her again one day. I think of that old gospel hymn "When we all get to heaven."

My sister, in her grief shared with me a story. My grandma a few days before she died, said to Johnna. "Your hands are so warm Johnna. Grandpap Nick was here last night and his hands were so cold." My grandpap Nick died in 1986. And Johnna kept telling her, "No Grandma...Grandpap has been gone a really long time." And grandma insisited that Grandpap was there. I believe in my heart, He came to take her home. In the almost 20 years since his death, she never dated again. The idea of marrying again never occured to her. And now they are together again.

On the plane on the way home, the 2nd leg of my trip from Housten to El Paso, I got on the plane and sat down in my seat by the window. I was hurting. I wanted to be alone with my grief. When two young twentysomething males sat down next to me...looking very..disheaveled, My only thought was "Oh Great." I smiled said "Hi." and went back to reading my book. I had passed judgement on them being troublesome young men. Half way through the flight, God sent me a message. It came in the form of a young man about 21. This young man beside me said, "I feel like I need to give you a message. God loves you and wants you to feel surrounded by His love." I cried. This young man, who I had passed judgement on...was sent to share God's love with me. I told him, that my grandma had just died..and that I was coming back from the funeral. When the other young man returned to his seat...he told me he was a youth pastor. We ended up talking a lot about the work we both do with teenagers. They have thier own praise band, and have volunteered to help me with my interdenominational youth Confrance and workshops for teens. God is so merciful and good. He gives us what we need when we most need it. His love. I feel so blessed to be loved by God. I feel His hands in my life, guiding me....sometimes pushing me when I resist. Always, always gently holding me close.

God has a message for each of us. He loves us. He wants us to love Him. And then...When we all get to heaven...

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,
Sing His mercy and His grace.
In the mansions bright and blessèd
He’ll prepare for us a place.

Refrain

When we all get to Heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus,
We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,
Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when traveling days are over,
Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Refrain

Let us then be true and faithful,
Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory
Will the toils of life repay.

Refrain

Onward to the prize before us!
Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open;
We shall tread the streets of gold.

Refrain

If Roe V Wade is overturned?

If the court were to hear a case, or hear the origional women that Roe V Wade is based on case...and decided to overturn thier decision...What would happen?

Well obviously, it would go back to the states to make laws on. This is what I think would happen...

3-5 states would have what it is now. Unlimited abortions with out any exceptions. (those that are currently with 20% or less that are pro life
5-7 states would out law abortions out right...and they would be illegal all around. (those with currently the 50% or higher that are pro-life
and the rest...that have between 20-50% that are pro-life would see limitations put on abortion. such as in the case of rape, incest, mothers health.

Women could still drive to get abortions in those 3-5 states. But the limitations would at least be a start in the right direction.

To me, that does not seem so bad. I know this will not end abortion, but it is a great start. Education is what will end this act. Every women who has an abortion should have to have counceling and an ultrasound done to show her excatly what she is killing. That too would help limit abortions. They should be given the truth about the risk to future children and to thier own health by having an abortion. The risk of breast cancer and future miscarriages and stillbirths.

And all of this is just a start. But if Roe V Wade is overturned by our new court...we are at least taking a step in the right direction.

J. Michael Luttig

Michael Luttig is my choice for Supreme court justice. Like I get a say. lol.

Here is some information on him...

From law.com

If Luttig is named to the high court, it won't be just because of his well-placed allies. Friends and detractors agree that Luttig has a sharp and rigorous mind and can build a well-documented case for strongly held, mostly -- but not always -- conservative positions.

"He's a very brilliant person," says Georgetown University Law Center professor Peter Rubin, founder of the liberal American Constitution Society. Rubin also credits Luttig for his open-mindedness, which he saw firsthand when Luttig accepted Rubin's invitation to speak at the ACS 2003 convention. "He was very well received," says Rubin, who adds that "I would be very surprised if he were not very controversial" if nominated.

In his remarks to the liberal group, Luttig attacked judicial activism by both liberal and conservative jurists. "There is no such thing as good or defensible judicial activism," he said. "All activism is in defiance of law -- 'law' that is defined as the politics of the people, not the politics of individual, unelected, life-tenured judges."

In a 2004 speech before Yale University's China Law Center in Beijing, Luttig also said judges of all stripes should welcome searching scrutiny from the public and the press as a beneficial kind of accountability.

"Properly understood," Luttig said, "criticism of the judiciary and the judicial product by a free media is more of a safeguard of, than a threat to, judicial independence."

If nominated to the high court, Luttig is likely to get a full dose of the medicine he prescribed for judges, not only from the press but from advocacy groups. His decisions sometimes hit hot buttons.

Earlier this month, when the Supreme Court upheld federal power to override California's approval of medical uses for marijuana, Justice Scalia invoked a 1999 4th Circuit decision in which Luttig explained why even home-grown marijuana could be banned under federal law. Banning marijuana was part of a "comprehensive statutory scheme" that the federal government was entitled to enact, Luttig said, despite the high court's recent trend toward favoring state power.

That same 1999 decision overturned key parts of the federal Violence Against Women Act, though, with Luttig asserting that the law exceeded the enumerated powers of Congress. His ruling began, "We the people, distrustful of power, and believing that government limited and dispersed protects freedom best ...."

But Luttig's independent streak also leads him, at times, to veer sharply from conservative orthodoxy. In the partial-birth abortion case Richmond Medical Center v. Gilmore in 2000, Luttig said that because of Supreme Court precedent, the abortion right deserved "super-stare decisis" status -- a precedent that cannot be disturbed -- and, as a result, the Virginia partial-birth abortion law could not be upheld.

"Our responsibility is to follow faithfully its opinions," Luttig wrote, a stance that could change once Luttig is writing, rather than following, precedent.

Other Important information on him can be found at cnn.com .

Although Luttig's has not been a common household name in the United States, he has long been a prominent player in national legal circles and a rising star among conservatives during his decade-long tenure on the appeals court.

Luttig also is considered by many legal experts as someone likely to be on President George W. Bush's list of potential Supreme Court nominees. Over the years, he has earned a reputation as a smart and bold conservative, a strong advocate of federalism, and a jurist assured of his convictions.

"He is a man who is not tortured by doubt over the correctness of his judicial philosophy," said Bruce Fein, a lawyer and constitutional scholar who was a deputy attorney general in the Reagan administration.

Luttig, 47, was born in Tyler, Texas. He earned a law degree from the University of Virginia and lives in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.

Former President George H.W. Bush nominated Luttig for the appeals court judgeship in 1991. Luttig had clerked for Burger in the mid-1980s, and before that, worked as a law clerk to Scalia when Scalia was an appeals judge in the District of Columbia.

Luttig then went on to work for the Justice Department during the first Bush administration, where he provided counsel during the Supreme Court nomination process for both Thomas and Souter.

"His reputation is one of an extremely smart, hard-line conservative," said Heather Gerken, an assistant professor at Harvard Law School, who also was a Supreme Court clerk for Souter. "Even those on the left, who disagree with his politics, really agree that he is very, very smart."

Gerken said Luttig is recognized as one of the nation's most prominent "feeder" judges, whose clerks go on to be law clerks at the Supreme Court. She noted that they are reputed to be among the most conservative clerks in the high court.

My Grandma Died

My grandma died a week ago sunday. Her viewing was last wednesday and then her funeral was last thursday. I miss her. She was not always a nice person. And most of the time was not at all nice. But...She did love us. I know that without a doubt.

The hardest part was being away from my children for a week. I missed them so much, my heart hurt. I missed Brian too...But I missed him because I needed to lean on him last week. The kids, I missed because I felt they needed me to lean on. Is that totally crazy?

I have so much to do here at home. My son's first school party is next week and I am the mom in charge of it. Am I stressed out? Oh heck yeah. I have to finish sewing the girls wings for thier costumes too. It is going to be a busy end of the week and beginning of next week. And next week...next week is November. Where has this year gone. they just seem to fly by. I feel like I am missing out on so much.

I could vent about my youth group problems...but I wont. Needless to say...the kids are not going to acquire the fire this year. And on that note...I will leave it all.

In God's love.

* Left Blank *

Yeah. that about sum's it up nicely. I just do not know what to say or where to start. I actually feel kind of bored right now with my life. I just am playing around online these days. A total waste of my time.

Kate has been sick and I just have not been feeling well. I am sure it is just arthritis related stuff. But, I guess I feel a bit down too. I just can not seem to lift myself up right now. I am just feeling so nasty over all.

I saw the doctor, and he wants to do laproscopic surgery. He thinks it could be my appendix. I just, do not want to have surgery and i just feel...I do not know. Bored. Maybe if I was not so bored I would not have pain in my side? lol. Ok. I can wish. I just really do not want to have this surgery.

My blood pressure has been up. Maybe it is up because of not feeling well though. I am trying to drink more water and less caffeine. I hope it works. I do not eat a lot of salt anyway..but I have given up chips. I do not add salt to foods. Ick.

Well, It is time for law and order...so I am going to go watch it. See if it gets rid of my being bored.

God in my life

I am tired of Jerry Falwell and James Dobsen deciding they speak for all Christians.

I think I am just tired.

God is so wonderful. I mean, He is so loving and so caring. I can not understand why people feel the need to bash God and those who believe. I want so badly for others to know what I know. To feel what I feel happening in my life. I want others to come to know what a loving God we have.

I just pray that God will grant me the privilage of helping bring others to Him. That He will use me as His vessel and mold me into what He would have me be.

My walk is a personal one, but It is something I want for everyone. I want others to know about God. I want them know about sin, and I want them to know about forgiveness. I really want them to know about how wonderful it is to have your cares lifted from you. About the comfort you find in the arms of Christ who loves you. I want others to smile when they know they are not alone, even in thier darkest moments.

I do not want others to feel that blackness I felt when I pushed God from my life. I look back and know that it was the seperation from the God I love that made me feel like I was in that dark hole. It was the being apart from God that kept the light from shining in my life, and kept my heart from opening to His presense. It was the depression of darkness that kept my life in that low place for so long. But God took my heart and my anger. He took my sin and had me lay it at the foot of the cross. He gave me light, and held me in the palm of His hand.

I have children. I can not imagine saying...Please take my son, so that all who ask can be forgivess. He sacrficed so that we may be forgiven.

Questions of faith are everywhere. On Hannity today, questions of faith came up in threads about homosexuality. On Answerology a question of faith came up when the question was asked to explain your belief system. This question even made it into the top 10 responded to questions. And Even the News is talking about faith.

Our old preacher read an article about how Christianity survived despite the trials it faced. That the life of one man changed millions of lives 2,000 years later. The history of our faith is amazing. Truely God's hand is working in our lives.

Music and setting us in motion.

My blog has become a collection of Christian Music. The lyrics I posted yesterday really do move me. I strongly suggest that song to any Christian. It inspires one to open your heart and share your faith...but more than that...it gives hope.

Today, our final song was one of my favorites. I want to share it too.

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.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak My word 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.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them,
My hand will save
Finest bread I will provide,
Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give My life 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.

This song's voice and response always moves me. It reminds me of my duty as God's child and as a Christian. Jesus taught us to hate the sin and not the sinner. Because we are all able to come to God. And no sin is more of a sin then another. We are all faulty. We have all hurt God with our actions. I pray that God will help me not to judge others. That He will use me for His will. And that I will try to always be the best me I can be, to honor the God I love. I know I will fail, but I also know I am forgiven.

I see a lot of debates on Saved by Works or by Grace. But there is more, If you are saved by Grace alone..can you fall from Grace? I am Methodist. We are saved by Grace but why when you love God...would you want to not serve Him with your works? He is so mighty and powerful and wonderful and loving. Why would you not want to give Him your life in servitude?

One of my Favorite Christian Songs

I think this song says something about our faith. How many times do we invite someone we know to come with us and find Christ? How often do we tell people why we Choose God? Where is our compassion and our love for God?

There were times in my life, I was looking for that light to be on. Hoping someone would invite me back into the warm and help take me out of the cold. Someone would show me the way back to God. You never know, the person needing you to show them the way may be closer then you think.

"Leave a Light on for me" by Greg Ferguson

Leave a light on for me
I don't know if you remember
But we've gone by each other
A time or two before

Leave a light on for me
I drive by this church so often
I pull up for just a moment
And I look inside the door

Leave a light on for me
Cause i've been a lot of places
And I've learned a lot of lessons
And the lessons take their toll

Leave a light on
So I can look for what's left
Of my soul

Leave a light on for me
Cause my world keeps getting bigger
But my heart's been getting smaller
And it chills me to the bone

Leave a light on for me
Cause I thought I had the answers
But now i've got these questions
That won't leave me alone

Leave a light on for me
Cause I've always been a fighter
But never knew how much of life
Was out of my countrol

Leave a light on
Cause right now I can't see where to go

I don't know why I keep on
Driving by your door
I'm not excatly sure
Just what i"m looking for
Is there a candle burning
In the hope of my returning
Do you mean to shine a light
Or to just keep out the night
I want to know.
I want to know.

so leave a light on for me
Shine it out into the darkness
so I can always see it
In the corner of my eye

leave a light on for me
So when i drive by tomorrow
I'll believe the door's still open
And I might go back inside

Leave a light on for me
I've kept my distance from religion
But i've always hoped there might be
Someone watchin' over me

Leave a light on
And maybe this time
Leave a light on
And maybe this time
Leave a light on
and maybe this time...i'll believe.

A day in the Day

So, what does that mean? Lol. I have no idea. I have just been thinking a lot lately about the past and the future.

My grandma is still really sick. 2 months of Pneamnoia and now congestive heart failure. My youngest daughter is showing signs that she may have JRA..as I had as a child. I have been thinking a lot about my mom lately, and wondering how she did it. And thinking about what in the world I want to do when my children go to school. And I need to clean in the worst way. This last week has not left a lot of time for cleaning and our house goes from clean to disaster so quickly because it is so small.

The weather turned cold this week. I always loved fall. The cooling off...and today we got to wear long sleeves. But it always makes me think of the park near where I went to college. There were ducks there. And we would walk down and feed the ducks bread that we took with us from the cafeteria. I miss that park. It brought me a lot of peace. There was alittle covered bridge there. And whether I went alone or with a friend, I always found peace there.

I have been thinking a lot about my friends from college. I just seemed to have drifted away from them. Actually, I am not real good at friendships anymore. I have one real friend locally. But we have been kind of forced together and that has made us friends. A lot of the older people in the church are very kind to me..and I know they care. But it is different.

My sister and I are friends now. That is a unique thing. I treasure her. Because she understands me in some ways not at all, and in some ways better then anyone else.

And there is Brian. Right now we are struggling. Our youngest wont walk. There is a chance she may have JRA too. And...It is killing me. It is breaking my heart. I know he loves me, but sometimes he seems so distant when we are so stressed out. I need laproscopic surgery. I have a cyst on each side..and i just.. I feel like I need a vacation. Just a little one. Brianna fell and broke her nose last week. I just can not take much more right now.

And yet, I know God is holding me close. I feel His wonderful presence right now in my life. I feel Him calling me to stand up a little straighter and know He is behind me guiding me. Giving me strength. How special it is, to feel Him in your life.

The Constitution of the United States of America

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Article. I.
Section 1.
All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

Section. 2.
Clause 1: The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.

Clause 2: No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.

Clause 3: Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons. (See Note 2) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five, and Georgia three.

Clause 4: When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.

Clause 5: The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.

Section. 3.
Clause 1: The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof, (See Note 3) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.

Clause 2: Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; and if Vacancies happen by Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies. (See Note 4)

Clause 3: No Person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State for which he shall be chosen.

Clause 4: The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no Vote, unless they be equally divided.

Clause 5: The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the Absence of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.

Clause 6: The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.

Clause 7: Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial, Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.

Section. 4.
Clause 1: The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.

Clause 2: The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, (See Note 5) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.

Section. 5.
Clause 1: Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.

Clause 2: Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.

Clause 3: Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

Clause 4: Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.

Section. 6.
Clause 1: The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. (See Note 6) They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, beprivileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

Clause 2: No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.

Section. 7.
Clause 1: All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.

Clause 2: Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.

Clause 3: Every Order, Resolution, or Vote to which the Concurrence of the Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a question of Adjournment) shall be presented to the President of the United States; and before the Same shall take Effect, shall be approved by him, or being disapproved by him, shall be repassed by two thirds of the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the Rules and Limitations prescribed in the Case of a Bill.

Section. 8.
Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

Clause 2: To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;

Clause 3: To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

Clause 4: To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

Clause 5: To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

Clause 6: To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

Clause 7: To establish Post Offices and post Roads;

Clause 8: To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

Clause 9: To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

Clause 10: To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;

Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

Clause 12: To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

Clause 13: To provide and maintain a Navy;

Clause 14: To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

Clause 15: To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

Clause 16: To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

Clause 17: To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, byCession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--And

Clause 18: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section. 9.
Clause 1: The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

Clause 2: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

Clause 3: No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

Clause 4: No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken. (See Note 7)

Clause 5: No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

Clause 6: No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

Clause 7: No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

Clause 8: No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

Section. 10.
Clause 1: No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

Clause 2: No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

Clause 3: No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any Duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.

Article. II.
Section. 1.
Clause 1: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four Years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same Term, be elected, as follows

Clause 2: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector.

Clause 3: The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot for two Persons, of whom one at least shall not be an Inhabitant of the same State with themselves. And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the Senate shall, in the Presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the Certificates, and the Votes shall then be counted. The Person having the greatest Number of Votes shall be the President, if such Number be a Majority of the whole Number of Electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such Majority, and have an equal Number of Votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately chuse by Ballot one of them for President; and if no Person have a Majority, then from the five highest on the List the said House shall in like Manner chuse the President. But in chusing the President, the Votes shall be taken by States, the Representation from each State having one Vote; A quorum for this Purpose shall consist of a Member or Members from two thirds of the States, and a Majority of all the States shall be necessary to a Choice. In every Case, after the Choice of the President, the Person having the greatest Number of Votes of the Electors shall be the Vice President. But if there should remain two or more who have equal Votes, the Senate shall chuse from them by Ballot the Vice President. (See Note 8)

Clause 4: The Congress may determine the Time of chusing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.

Clause 5: No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

Clause 6: In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, (See Note 9) the Same shall devolve on the VicePresident, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.

Clause 7: The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be encreased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.

Clause 8: Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:--"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Section. 2.
Clause 1: The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.

Clause 2: He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

Clause 3: The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Section. 3.
He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.

Section. 4.
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Article. III.
Section. 1.
The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Section. 2.
Clause 1: The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;--to Controversies between two or more States;--between a State and Citizens of another State; (See Note 10)--between Citizens of different States, --between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.

Clause 2: In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.

Clause 3: The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Section. 3.
Clause 1: Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.

Article. IV.
Section. 1.
Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

Section. 2.
Clause 1: The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.

Clause 2: A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, shall on Demand of the executive Authority of the State from which he fled, be delivered up, to be removed to the State having Jurisdiction of the Crime.

Clause 3: No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. (See Note 11)

Section. 3.
Clause 1: New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new State shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or Parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.

Clause 2: The Congress shall have Power to dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any particular State.

Section. 4.
The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

Article. V.
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.

Article. VI.
Clause 1: All Debts contracted and Engagements entered into, before the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be as valid against the United States under this Constitution, as under the Confederation.

Clause 2: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.

Clause 3: The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

Article. VII.
The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same.
done in Convention by the Unanimous Consent of the States present the Seventeenth Day of September in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Eighty seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the Twelfth In witness whereof We have hereunto subscribed our Names,

Bush has let me down a lot recently (M)

First, He is going to reimburse churches for the Aid they gave victems during Hurricane Katrina. Social programs should come from Private Charities. IT is not the role of the government to parent its people. WE THE PEOPLE, remember that line?? We the people are the ones who elect our representatives. It is not our representatives job to be a nanny state. We elect them, they do not rule over us.

But now, electing another stealth moderate to the court. I am disappointed in both Roberts and Harriet Miers. Neither are a strong conservative. Actually, we do not know what they feel or how they think because neither has much experiance. But It goes beyond that. I am tired of the court trying to make law. It is thier job to inturpret law as written in the Constitution. It is not thier job to rewrite law based on thier feelings or other nations interpretations of law.

I am a registarted indepedent. If anything I am closer to the Constitutionalist Party. I actually see alot of people whose beliefs seem to line up with the Constitutionalist Party. People are tired of what this nation has been allowed to warp into. IT no longer is the nation of our founding fathers. It has been twisted into a heathen nation.

The only good thing is...we will know to elect someone who is actually more conservative next time around. We have time to see what Roberts and Miers do.

Our President a Man of Real Faith

The other day I was asked, given the chance would I vote for the President again. And my answer is a resounding YES! Even though I do not agree with President Bush on every issue, I will say this...I respect him because he is a man of faith. And that would win my vote everytime.

Here are two examples that are true. You can check them out at truthorfiction.com.

This is for real. I called Laura Lefler in Sen.. Alexander's office

today, 2/23, and she confirmed that she wrote it and is now overwhelmed

with it spreading via the internet. She sent it so several friends and

they then put it on its journey. Larry Hone

Subject: Bush in church, Very interesting







I'm at the 8:00am service at my church, St. John's Episcopal, at

Lafayette Square, across from the White House. (I wanted to go early

because I was going with Alice and Brent for breakfast at the Cracker

Barrel in Manassas.) Much of the service was uneventful--nice, but

uneventful--until it comes to the part of the service when the priest

says, "Greet one another in the name of the Lord." I turn to my right to

exchange the peace with my friend, Amy Fox Smythe, who was was on the

other end of my pew. I then shake hands with the person in front of me,

and turn around to say hello to the person behind me. The person behind me

was our 43rd President George W. Bush. I am not kidding. A small crowd was

forming around him, and not wanting to delay the church service or bother

him by waiting to shake his hand, I turned back around and sat down and

talked to Amy. About 30 seconds later I felt a hand on my left shoulder

and turn around to see President Bush with his hand extended. "Peace of

the Lord, " he said and held my hand with both of his. "Peace of the

Lord," I replied, and held both his hands and smiled at him. I turned back

around and was remarkably calm about the fact that the most powerful

person in the world was sitting two feet behind me. I could hear him

flipping through his bulletin as the priest made the announcements. I

loved the idea of him thinking, "Oh, there's a covered dish next Sunday."

We perched and when I stood up to go to the communion rail, he got up and

walked down the aisle behind me. We passed a little old lady who said,

"Mr. President, I pray for you every day." To which he said, "That's a

very special gift. Thank you so much." We got to the communion rail and

there were two spaces, one in front of us and one around the side of the

altar. We both surmised for ten seconds and then I started off around the

corner. He stopped me and whispered, "No, no. I'll go around" and motioned

for me to take the closer spot. The only exception made in the entire

service was that the President was allowed to leave first and then the

rest of the congregation followed.



With all sincerity, and partisanship aside I tell you: This is a special

man! There is a peace and a Godliness about him. It radiates from him. It

is the only reason that I was able to remain calm. It was more than the

adrenaline I've felt when I've met other famous people. A goodness flows

through this man. He has more than my vote in November. He has my respect,

my prayers, and my gratitude. Whatever your political affiliation, and

whether or not you agree with his decisions, you should take comfort in

the fact that--despite recent press attacks--this is a man of integrity

who makes decisions because he believes that they are RIGHT, not popular. He

makes these decisions with a heavy heart and through prayer.



I don't mean to go on, and on, but I truly believe this was a blessing

from God that should be passed on.





Laura Lefler

Office of Senator Lamar Alexander

302 Hart Senate Office Building

202-224-4944

fax: 202-228-3398

and

For those of us who sometimes find ourselves having doubts abour
our President, here is an excellent piece--- worth every minute it takes
to read it.

This is from a man, Bruce Vincent, from Montana who received an award
from the President.

He writes: I've written the following narrative to chronicle
the day of the award ceremony in DC. I'm still working on a press release
but the White House press corps has yet to provide a photo to go with it.
When the photo comes I'll ship it out. When you get done reading this you'll
understand the dilemma I face in telling this story beyond my circle of close
friends.

The moment with the President in the Oval Office was incredible. I
want to protect the memory because it was an intensely private moment
between two men. At the same time I'd like to share it on a broader scale
because I'd like others to know what I know about the man sitting at the desk
in the Oval Office. For now, I'll just tell it to you folks.
As you know, our efforts concerning the reintroduction of our rural, resource
providing cultures to the ever more urbane society of our nation has been
honored with an award from the President and First Lady Bush.
Nominated by the Forest Service for the first ever Preserve America
President's Award was our cultural exchange program Provider PalsT
and our restoration of an abandoned CCC built Forest Service ranger station
(Raven Ranger Station) for use as a learning center for students from
throughout the nation that are now engaged in our cultural exchange.

The award was given at a White House ceremony on Monday, May 3.
Guests at the East Room ceremony (the Rose Garden was going to be
used but it rained) included Secretary of Interior Gorton, Secretary of
Agriculture Venneman, Undersecretary Mark Rey, Chief Bosworth,
President's Advisory Council for Preserve America, and others. The
East Wing was closed to the public for the event and those who attended
enjoyed brunch and live chamber music.

Provider PalsT was able to bring members of our board of directors,
staff from our partner Communities for a Great Northwest, our Kootenai
Forest Supervisor and Forest Archaeologist, and two officials from our major
sponsor Ford Motor Company. Thankfully, I was also able to bring PJ
and all four children. In the East Room, Secretaries Venneman and Gorton
spoke as did First Lady Bush and Preserve America's Chairman John Nau.

The First Lady then gave autographed copies of a White House book
to award winners in this ceremony and posed for pictures. When the ceremony
concluded, the First Lady stayed for a bit in the Green Room and chatted
and posed for pictures. She was then escorted outside to meet the
President and board a Marine One helicopter waiting to whisk them off to the
airport.
For me, however, the biggest event of the day had already happened
when the East Room Ceremony started up. While the East Room ceremony
was being prepared, the four national award winners and the entities that
nominated them were taken to the Oval Office for the official award
presentation by President Bush and First Lady Bush. There were eight of us
in total.
Stepping into the Oval Office, each of us was introduced to the President
and Mrs. Bush. We shook hands and participated in small talk. When
the President was told that we were from Libby, Montana, I reminded him
that Marc Racicot is our native son and the President offered his warm
thoughts about Governor Racicot.
I have to tell you, I was blown away by two things upon entering
the office. First, the Oval Office sense of 'place' is unreal. The
President later shared a story of Russian President Putin entering the
room prepared to tackle the President in a tough negotiation and upon
entering the atheist muttered his first words to the President and they were
"Oh, my God." I concurred. I could feel the history in my bones. Second,
the man that inhabits the office engaged me with a firm handshake and a
look that can only be described as penetrating. Warm, alive, fully engaged,
disarmingly penetrating. I was admittedly concerned about meeting the man.
I think all of us have an inner hope that the most powerful man in our country
is worthy of the responsibility and authority that we bestow upon them through
our vote. I admit that part of me was afraid that I would be let down by
the moment - that the person and the place could not meet the lofty
expectations of my fantasy world. This says nothing about my esteem
for President Bush but just my practical realization that reality may not
match my 'dream.'
Once inside the office, President Bush got right down to business and,
standing in front of his desk, handed out the awards one at a time while
posing for photos with the winners and Mrs. Bush. With the mission
accomplished, the President and Mrs. Bush relaxed and initiated a lengthy,
informal conversation about a number of things with our entire small group.
He and the First Lady talked about such things as the rug in the office. It is
traditionally designed by the First Lady to make a statement about the President,
and Mrs. Bush chose a brilliant yellow sunburst pattern to reflect 'hope.'
President Bush talked about the absolute need to believe that with hard work
and faith in God there is every reason to start each day in the Oval Office with
hope.
He and the First Lady were asked about the impact of the Presidency
on their marriage and, with an arm casually wrapped around Laura, he
said that he thought the place may be hard on weak marriages but that it had
the ability to make strong marriages even stronger and that he was
blessed with a strong one.
When asked what the biggest challenge of the Presidency was, he talked
about the daily frustration of partisan politics. 'This from a politician,'
he said. He said that when he was elected he promised that he would
do in DC what he had done in Texas and that was build alliances and
coalitions that bridged party lines in order to move the nation forward. He
had quickly learned that there are those in the nation's capital that would
rather see the nation dismantled than work together to achieve a common
good. That, he said is a bitter and continuing disappointment.
The President talked about the artwork and other items of interest in the
room. For instance the desk he uses is the one that was given to the
U.S. by Queen Victoria and used by FDR and JFK. In fact FDR had a front
panel added to the desk to cover the mid section because FDR did not want
the country to know he was in a wheelchair. President Bush laughed and
said, "My how things have changed, FDR hid a wheelchair and if I eat a
pretzel and get a tingle in my arm it's front page news around the globe."
That little desk faux front is hinged by the way, and is the door that we all
have seen John-John sticking his head from behind in the famous photo of
JFK at work.
The President also noted that much of the artwork in the office is from
Texas or about Texas. He said that it made sense for him to have it in his
office because Texas is part of who he is. He talked about family and
place and faith helping to build the person you end up being and noted that
the Oval Office reflected who he is. He noted that it would be a mistake
to come to the Oval Office and entertain a mission to 'find yourself.'
He said that with all of the pressures and responsibilities that go with the
job, you'd best know who you are when you put your nameplate on the desk
in the Oval Office. He said he knows who he is and now America has had four
years to learn about who he is. If they like what they see, he may have
another four years. If not, then he may be going back to Texas.
After about 30 or 35 minutes, it was time to go. By then we were all relaxed
and I felt as if I had just had an excellent visit with a friend.
The President and First Lady made one more pass down the line of awardees,
shaking hands and offering congratulations. When the President shook my
hand I said, "thank you Mr. President and God bless you and your family."
He was already in motion to the next person in line, but he stopped abruptly,
turned fully back to me, gave me a piercing look, renewed the vigor of his
handshake and said, "Thank you - and God bless you and yours as well."
On our way out of the office we were to leave by the glass doors on the west
side of the office. I was the last person in the exit line. As I shook his hand
one final time, President Bush said, "I'll be sure to tell Marc hello and give him
your regards." I then did something that surprised even me. I said to him,
"Mr. President, I know you are a busy man and your time is precious. I also
know you to be a man of strong faith and have a favor to ask you." As he shook
my hand he looked me in the eye and said, "Just name it."

I told him that my step-Mom was at that moment in a hospital in Kalispell,
Montana, having a tumor removed from her skull and it would mean a great
deal to me if he would consider adding her to his prayers that day. He grabbed
me by the arm and took me back toward his desk as he said, "So that's it.
I could tell that something is weighing heavy on your heart today. I could see it
in your eyes. This explains it." From the top drawer of his desk he retrieved a
pen and a note card with his seal on it and asked, "How do you spell her name?"
He then jotted a note to her while discussing the importance of family and the
strength of prayer. When he handed me the card, he asked about the surgery
and the prognosis. I told him we were hoping that it is not a recurrence of an earlier
cancer and that if it is they can get it all with this surgery. He said, "If it's okay
with you, we'll take care of the prayer right now. Would you pray with me?" I told
him yes and he turned to the staff that remained in the office and hand motioned
the folks to step back or leave.
He said, "Bruce and I would like some private time for a prayer." As they left he
turned back to me and took my hands in his. I was prepared to do a traditional
prayer stance - standing with each other with heads bowed. Instead, he reached
for my head with his right hand and pulling gently forward, he placed my head on
his shoulder. With his left arm on my mid back, he pulled me to him in a prayerful
embrace. He started to pray softly. I started to cry. He continued his prayer for
Loretta and for God's perfect will to be done. I cried some more. My body shook a
bit as I cried and he just held tighter. He closed by asking God's blessing on
Loretta and the family during the coming months. I stepped away from our
embrace, wiped my eyes, swiped at the tears I'd left on his shoulder, and looked
into the eyes of our President. I thanked him as best I could and told him that me
and my family would continue praying for he and his.

As I write this account down and reflect upon what it means, I have to tell you that
all I really know is that his simple act left me humbled and believing. I so hoped
that the man I thought him to be was the man that he is. I know that our nation
needs a man such as this in the Oval Office.
George W. Bush is the real deal. I've read Internet stories about the President
praying with troops in hospitals and other such uplifting accounts. Each time I
read them I hope them to be true and not an Internet perpetuated myth. This one,
I know to be true. I was there. He is real. He has a pile of incredible stuff on his
plate each day - and yet he is tuned in so well to the here and now that he 'sensed'
something heavy on my heart. He took time out of his life to care, to share, and to
seek God's blessing for my family in a simple man-to-man, father-to-father,
son-to-son, husband-to-husband, Christian-to-Christian prayerful embrace.
He's not what I had hoped he would be. He is, in fact, so very, very much more.

Does God cause bad things to happen?

Let's be honest. This is everywhere right now. But I do not actually seeing many conservative Christians blaming God. I see a lot of lib blame placing on con's for doing this. But not actually hearing Conservatives say this.

Most Conservative Christians know that Bad things happen because of origional sin. We live in a world filled with Choas because of origional sin. God is not smiteing us. God is not punishing us. But God hopes that we use bad happenings to turn to Him. He hopes we see them as chances to find the way to walk closer with our Lord and Saviour.

And I have seen that in the past week. I have seen communities come together to do God's work. When our church reached out to our community to ask for help to give basic nessassities to the victems of the hurricane. I also saw message board post that said "I would not give to a church, even to help those in need."

God knows we will hurt. He hopes that we use that hurt to find our way to Him. That we take our pain and put it to work. That we take our grief and our pain and lay it at the foot of the cross. There is a book by Max Lucado called, "Traveling light." He talks a great deal about how God did not intend for us to carry pain and hurt. That Christ died so we whould not need to. Grief, Sorrow, Dissappointment, etc.. Christ died to take those away from us.

All we have to do, is choose God. Choose God above all else. I can not imagine anything simplier. I see Christians fight amongst themselves of do you need works to go to heaven. Or did just accepting Christ do the job. I have a question for those who ask. If you love Christ for His sacrfice...Why would you not do His work here on earth? Why would you not do whatever you could to bring others to Christ?

Matthew 25: 34-40

34"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, (A)inherit the kingdom prepared for you (B)from the foundation of the world.

35'For (C)I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; (D)I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;

36(E)naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you (F)visited Me; (G)I was in prison, and you came to Me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?

38'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?

39'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'

40"(H)The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, (I)to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

Hurricanes, Supreme court Nominations, 9/11 and God

I have been really busy lately. We have been collecting "health kits" at church for the hurricane dislocated. I do not want to go into a 3 page rant on Bush saying today it was his fault. There was fault..but some was his, by far not all of it. The whole mess has become a political joke. All we can do is what we can to help. I think placing blame is another unnessasary game to play. People die, and instead of helping...the country plays who should we blame.

Roberts is doing an amazing job. I think he will be a great Chief Justice.

Last sunday, my Youth group kids had a spaggehti dinner. They raised 210$. A chunk of that will be used next week for bowling..and the rest will go to our adopted apportionment...the ethnic minority fund. :) I am really proud of the kids. They were funny during thier performances and they worked thier bottems off. They impressed me. They took time to remember those who died on 9/11. That was thier idea. When one of our juniors said the prayer before the meal...he did a great job. You could tell it came from his heart. They just did a great job. And I am even happier that people came out to support them. Almost the whole Ad Board from the church was there. They are great kids. I am glad that others had the chance to see it.

One thing I have noticed lately is that when bad things happen, those who do not walk with God...Blame God. God tells us clearly that bad things will happen. John 16:33. And Jesus said, "in this world you will have difficulties. Take heart. I have overcome the world." Life is not suppose to be easy. I pray that many of those who died on 9/11 and those who died during the hurricane went home to be with our Father in Heaven. I pray that they had that relationship so that they could be with him forever more in His kingdom. And here on earth...I pray for those who lost someone they love. Because they truely are the ones who are suffering. Those in heaven, know no more pain. No more suffering. So my heart aches, for those left behind to deal with the grief.

I am not going to cry. Really....

Tonight, My 5 year old went to see his classroom during an open house at his school. The older children are already back to school. As we walked around the classroom he clung to me. He would not go to his daddy. I guess my head keeps saying he will be ok after he makes it his own space. That once he feels like he truely believes he belongs there, He will be okay.

But my heart, ached for that scared little boy. My heart screamed, no...just homeschool him. My heart yearned to protect my baby boy. To keep him from having his feelings hurt. To keep him safe. To keep him close where I can protect him.

And as he clung to me and hid his face in me from his teacher, her concern was there too. She asked why he didnt go to preschool. I told her the standard answer, he was not ready. Which is true. Very very very very true.

He is so different then other little kids. His emotions are always right near the surface. He is so caring and empathetic. He is such a very special little boy. But with the caring and knowing that seems far beyond his age, That empathy and pyrimad of emotions that just seem beyond what other children feel. That fear that runs his life. It has been years since the last panic attack. Well, 2 years. Actually, almost 2 years to this month. His sister got stuck in a slide. He could not get her down. He was 3 and a 1/2. She was just 2. The baby still a tiny baby. The other parents, pointing and whispering. He couldnt breathe and he couldnt function and those idiot people just kept making it worse for him to regain control.

He has some sensory Issues. He does not like loud noises and he has problems pushing out the white noise and focusing on the one thing in front of him. It is getting better...but he has a long way to go. I realized that in some ways he is not getting as better as I thought as I watched him at Karate. He has problems focusing on the person working with him when there is a lot going on with the other kids around him. White noise is his enemy.

Then we met the gym teacher at school. And he told my son that he would love his class. 40 kids running around and jumping....But he is wrong. My son will hate that. He will more then hate it...It will be his toughest challenge. I worry about lunch for the same reason. And he wont know anyone. Who will he eat with? Does the teacher make the whole class sit together?

Brian does not think we should overload the teacher with all this information. But, If we do not tell them...how can they best help our son?

As he clung to me tonight in the classroom, I had to fight back the tears. I really had to fight it for his sake. Because he needs me to focus on the positive. To tell him how wonderful it is going to be...even when i am not convinced it is going to be wonderful. He needs me to be strong. He needs me to lead in a way that he can positively follow.

I do not worry about the school work. My son is extremly smart. He could write his own name by his 3rd birthday. He knows every letter in the alphabet and is beginning to read by sounding things out. Phonics apparently is his thing...so is math. He counted to 100 tonight. He has always been able to do simple math. But in so many ways, his little world can come crashing down because someone wants to be mean to him.

I can not protect him. And that....that makes me want to weep. Honestly, weep.

Tomorrow his teacher is bringing by a bunch of papers and information and all that for his home visit. He actually starts school on monday. Maybe its because this is a bad week for me anyway. Saturday, will be 10 years since my mom died. I didnt think it would still hurt this bad after 10 years. But it does. And there are some new problems. It appears we are going to court with the hospital she died in. Her records are mysteriously missing and they have a "fake" death report for her. Not to mention that the autopsy was done by a local yokal instead of the baltimore cornoner. A local yokal btw who had no reason to be doing the autopsy anyway. Dieing at 41 may just of not been of "natural causes". And in fact, every indicator is pointing towards something fishy.

My grandmother is in the hospital...well out now...with pneamonia. I had it this month too. My grandma turns 87 next week. The same day that it will of been 10 years since we buried my mom. I always regret we had to bury her on grandma's birthday.

Well, As a week goes....this one is a bust. But I will not cry...I will not cry. I cant. Not right now. I have to be strong for my son. I have to tell him that it really is a wonderful thing he is going to school. and it is. Do not get me wrong. But my heart aches for all that I can not do to protect him. Protect the special little boy he is. The wonderful kid he is. He is my Christmas blessing. My Best christmas present ever from God. And for him....I will not cry....even when my heart breaks watching him leave the first day for school.