This is simply a "must read!"

Gust blogger, BroKen, in clear and simple yet powerful explanation, lays out for us the real and ultimate battle that is being played out for us in America today.

Simple... clear... powerful.

The future of our country lies in the direction BroKen explains. The battle lines are drawn....

BroKen via Brutally Honest

The Double Standard This Way Comes

Posted by guest blogger, BroKen.

Consider how far out of the loop of Republican politics I am. When I first saw the headline, “Where is Sanford?” I thought of the sitcom, Sanford and Son. Why ask about Redd Foxx? Now we know that Mark Sanford, Republican governor of South Carolina and presidential hopeful, is mired in a scandal after disappearing a few days to visit his mistress in Argentina. Will he remain governor? Are his presidential aspirations over?

Democratic governors, McGreevey from New Jersey and Spitzer from New York, resigned after sexual scandals. I was surprised that McGreevey resigned. Since his was a homosexual affair, I thought the Democrats would celebrate that sort of thing. Perhaps more was going on than we were told about. Now Spitzer had made his reputation by harshly prosecuting people who were doing the same kind of thing he was doing. Hypocrisy! Who can tolerate that?

So, are Democrats finally finding political scandals that are unacceptable? Are Republicans starting to lighten up and acknowledge that their leaders are not going to be pure as Ivory soap? Perhaps.

But the double standard that judges Republicans more harshly than Democrats is deeper than just self-righteousness versus libertarian license. That double standard is rooted in the definitions of the words “democracy” and “republic”.

“Democracy” means “people rule”. Whatever the people want, that’s what they get. So a leader who gives the people what they want, even if he is flawed, will be successful in a democracy. At least they will be until the people decide that that particular flaw is unacceptable. It’s not what they want.

“Republic” means “thing of the people” and that “thing” is the Law. So, you could say that “republic” means “the Law rules”. The Law is more important than what the people want. So, you see, people of a republic are properly outraged when a leader violates the Law. Since the leader has moved outside the Law, they are no longer worthy to lead a republic where the Law rules.

The distinction helps explain a lot of political tensions. Democrats tend to celebrate “activist” judges who express the will of the people. Republicans tend to see such activism as violating the Constitution; the law. Republicans want to be sure that election rules are followed, whoever wins. Democrats study hanging chad to read the voter’s mind so they are sure that the election expresses the will of the people.

Benjamin Franklin was asked after the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, “Sir, what kind of government did you give us.” He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

Can we continue to bend and often break the rules; social rules, economic rules, moral rules, and keep our republic? I’m convinced the answer is, no. Without the stability of law, grounded in the ultimate Law, our government and we as a people are doomed....

Tuesday, June 30th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Read the label on the last loaf of bread you bought. More than likely you’ll discover that it has been vitaminized, fortified, and pulverized. Bread is not the simple thing it once was.

But how can you improve on the bread of life? More than that, it is unique. You can make eatable bread from wheat, rye, rice, barley, corn, even potatoes. On the other hand, bread for the soul comes from only one source. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:48)


There are many imitations; therefore, do not be fooled by substitutes. Beware of additives or anything that has been taken away from the Bread of Life. In other words “Lite Bread” just isn’t the same.

Walk with Him in the light of His word.

best photo 2006

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.

During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as one of the most powerful in the process: "See the people in the windows? They'll sit right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They're going to remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should."

America's Got Talent's "God Bless America!"

Take my word... this is a must see... all eight minutes... if you don't watch it all you WILL regret it!

XtnYoda, shalomed

H/T to Bruce and Vickie!

I was wondering when a story like this would finally break.

I knew it had to sooner or later because we all knew they were doing it somehow, and sooner or later there just had to be one journalist who wanted to be able to sleep at night with some semblance of integrity.

brutally honest for rest of report

Settled scientific suppression

This from CBS News no less:

The Environmental Protection Agency may have suppressed an internal report that was skeptical of claims about global warming, including whether carbon dioxide must be strictly regulated by the federal government, according to a series of newly disclosed e-mail messages.

Less than two weeks before the agency formally submitted its pro-regulation recommendation to the White House, an EPA center director quashed a 98-page report that warned against making hasty "decisions based on a scientific hypothesis that does not appear to explain most of the available data." ....

Here is some very interesting news from the "down under" concerning a new cancer treatment.

About time for some good news from the medical front... come to think of it... from any front these days!

reuters

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian scientists have developed a "trojan horse" therapy to combat cancer, using a bacterially-derived nano cell to penetrate and disarm the cancer cell before a second nano cell kills it with chemotherapy drugs.

The "trojan horse" therapy has the potential to directly target cancer cells with chemotherapy, rather than the current treatment that sees chemotherapy drugs injected into a cancer patient and attacking both cancer and healthy cells.

Sydney scientists Dr Jennifer MacDiarmid and Dr Himanshu Brahmbhatt, who formed EnGenelC Pty Ltd in 2001, said they had achieved 100 percent survival in mice with human cancer cells by using the "trojan horse" therapy in the past two years....

This from John Boehner's site.

I would say John's top ten list below is a little more serious than the Letterman top ten stuff.

Go to the web link to read the explanations on each one of these ten issues... then ask yourself, "Why would American elected officials desire to place this kind of harsh burden on the American working citizen? (And... when you figure it out... let me know... OK?)

John Boehner's blog

Top 10 Facts on Why Speaker Pelosi's National Energy Tax Is a Bad "Deal" for America.

1. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Impose a National Energy Tax on Every Single American. ...

2. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Cost American Jobs, Shipping Them Overseas to China & India. ...

3. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Cause Electricity Bills to Skyrocket...

4. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Hurt Family Farmers & Rural America. Rural Americans would be disproportionately impacted by this burdensome, jobs-killing tax....

5. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Not Improve the Environment....

6. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Cause Gasoline and Diesel Prices to Spike Further....

7. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Be A Bureaucratic Nightmare....

8. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Send Billions of US Taxpayer Dollars Overseas...

9. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Raise Food Prices....

10. Speaker Pelosi’s National Energy Tax Will Set the Stage for Another Market Meltdown....

via freedom post via borg conspiracy

Sonia has been overturned one more time by our Supreme Court.

Starting to make her shock video statement that the Supreme Court actually sets policy, in other words writes laws, more sobering.


Court rules for white firefighters over promotions (AP)

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court has ruled that white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, reversing a decision that high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge.

New Haven was wrong to scrap a promotion exam because no African-Americans and only two Hispanic firefighters were likely to be made lieutenants or captains based on the results, the court said Monday in a 5-4 decision. The city said that it had acted to avoid a lawsuit from minorities.

The ruling could alter employment practices nationwide, potentially limiting the circumstances in which employers can be held liable for decisions when there is no evidence of intentional discrimination against minorities.

Rick, over at Brutally Honest has a great video as described below.

Give it a listen... pass it on... pray for the freedom loving people of Iran.

"On June 24, Iranian Superstar Andy Madadian went into an LA recording studio with Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and American record producers Don Was and John Shanks to record a musical message of worldwide solidarity with the people of Iran. This version of the old Ben E. King classic is NOT FOR SALE. It was not meant to be on the Billboard charts or even manufactured as a CD. It's intended to be downloaded and shared by the Iranian people to give voice to the sentiment that all people of the world stand together. The handwritten Farsi sign in the video translates to 'We Are One". If you know someone in Iran - or someone who knows someone in Iran - please share this link."

Monday, June 29th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Sign on the desk of an airline executive in Chicago:

“Don’t bother to agree with me, I’ve already changed my mind.”

The truth of this statement is that we live in a fickle world that has trouble with absolutes.

Aren’t you glad God, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The writer of the book of the Revelation has written,

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”
(Revelation 1:8)

God, Thank You for Your faithfulness and mercy that lasts forever.
Amen.

Walk with Him in the light of His word.

A brief history of the 4th of July

The link below has the full article.

military.com article

The History of Fourth of July

On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event.

Conflict between the colonies and England was already a year old when the colonies convened a Continental Congress in Philadelphia in the summer of 1776. In a June 7 session in the Pennsylvania State House (later Independence Hall), Richard Henry Lee of Virginia presented a resolution with the famous words: "Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."....

Sunday, June 28th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.





For years people have admired the art masterpiece known as The Praying Hands. Behind this work of art is a fascinating story of love and sacrifice.

In the late fifteenth century, two struggling young art students, Albrecht Durer and Franz Knigstein, worked as laborers to earn money for their art studies. But the work was long and hard and it left them little time to study art. Finally, they agreed to draw lots and let the loser support them both while the winner continued to study.

Albrecht won, but he agreed to support Franz after achieving success so his friend could finish his studies. After becoming successful, Albrecht sought out Franz to keep his bargain; however, he soon discovered the enormous sacrifice his friend had made.

As Franz had worked at hard labor, his fingers had become twisted and stiff. His long, slender fingers and sensitive hands had been ruined for life. He could no longer manage the delicate brush strokes so necessary for executing fine paintings.
In spite of the price he had paid, Franz was not bitter. He was happy that his friend Albrecht had attained success.

One day Albrecht saw his loyal friend kneeling, his rough hands entwined in silent prayer. Albrecht quickly sketched the hands, later using the rough sketch to create his masterpiece known as The Praying Hands.

This story causes me to wonder about all those who may have sacrificed so we can be where we are today.

Have we taken every opportunity to thank those who made it possible for us to be where we are both physically and spiritually? A good way to remember those who have gone on is to help someone else. The Apostle Paul, the writer of the letter to the Galatians, reminds us to

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
(Galatians 6:2)

"God, thank You for allowing me to become a child of Yours. Thank You for my parents, Sunday school teachers, pastors, and others who prayed for me and shared with me that I might come to know You in a personal way. Amen."

Here are a few reflection from our troops in Iraq.




They're gearing up for the fourth of July. I esp love the last line quoted below. You can read the whole article at military.com

Soldiers in Iraq Mark Fourth of July

...Across Iraq, America's Independence Day is a normal work day for most U.S. troops. But the military throws in a taste of home at larger bases with ribs, corn on the cob and red, white and blue cake.

The holiday is even leaner at smaller outposts closer to the violence, where it comes with a can of meat, some cookies and a job not yet done.

"We are not going to stop our operations to celebrate the Fourth of July," said Sgt. Mark Johnson, 26, at a small joint U.S.-Iraqi outpost in the city of Iskandariyah, some 30 miles south of Baghdad....

Things were a bit more festive at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, 35 miles northeast of Baghdad. There was a special menu in the chow hall and a three-on-three basketball tournament.

Before hitting the court, Covarrubias from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment planned to call his wife and kids and also his mom to wish her a happy birthday.

"If I was home, I'd get together with my family and barbecue, and we'd have carne asada, a family reunion," said Covarrubias.

But the 29-year-old from Hawthorne, Calif., said that although he misses his family, the holiday still made him feel good.

"For me, on the Fourth of July, you remember there's people out there that think about you out here," said Covarrubias.

For others, the day was a reminder of their duty to their country.

At Camp Victory outside Baghdad, 1,215 troops from the Army, Marines and other services re-enlisted in a mass swearing-in ceremony led by top U.S. war commander Gen. David Petraeus. At least two husband-and-wife couples were among those signing up for another military stint.

Before an immense American flag hung in the rotunda of the palace headquarters of the U.S. military in Iraq, the troops saluted Petraeus, then sang "God Bless America."

Back at Warhorse, Sgt. Jacob Fultz, 22, of Gardner, Kan., was focused on the day's meaning.

"It's kind of like the fight's never over," said Sgt. Jacob Fultz, 22, from Gardner, Kan. "It started on July 4, 1776 and now it's 2009."

Saturday, June 27th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“A man may go to heaven without health, without riches, without honors, without learning, without friends; but he can never go there without Christ.” (John Dyer)

We are given the words of Jesus as He tells us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

The American Express commercial reminds us “Don’t leave home without it.” The truth is “Don’t leave earth without Jesus.”

"God, let us trust You and share You with those who need You.
Amen."

The house has caved... now on to the senate for the greatest tax in American history.

politico

House passes climate-change bill

The House of Representatives passed a sweeping climate-change bill Friday – a major victory for President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that left Republicans fuming about a “national energy tax” they said would exacerbate the nation’s economic woes.

The vote was extremely close – 219-212, with eight Republicans voting yes and 44 Democrats voting no. And the debate leading up to it was intense.

In the hours before passage, Rep. Geoff Davis, a Republican from Kentucky, said the cap-and-trade bill represented the “economic colonization of the heartland” by New York and California. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) called the bill a “scam” that would do nothing but satisfy “the twisted desires of radical environmentalists.” Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.) called it a “massive transfer of wealth” from the United States to foreign countries.....

Now "Congress" is devising a way to NOT TAX union members health benefits... but of course tax all other worker's health benefits.

This is favoritism extraordinaire... and is probably illegal... and unconstitutional.

We are talking about legislated discrimination here.

bloomberg

Unions’ Health Benefits May Avoid Tax Under Proposal

June 26 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Senate proposal to impose taxes for the first time on “gold-plated” health plans may bypass generous employee benefits negotiated by unions....

...“I can’t think of any other aspect of the individual income tax that treats benefits of different people differently because of who they work for,” said Chris Edwards, director of tax policy studies at the Cato Institute, a Washington research group that often criticizes Democrats’ economic proposals. Edwards said the carve-out “smacks of political favoritism.”

Representative Pence lays down the "travesty" that is taking place in Congress today, Friday, June 26th, 2009. Largest tax in American history... no debate allowed...

edited:
A 300+ pages of amendments to the cap and trade bill handed out this morning at 3am, with vote demanded today.

Got to listen to this one... please.

Yesterday Rick put things into a much needed perspective....

.... thankfully.

brutally honest

We've suffered a great loss

While the focus today, tomorrow and for the next God-knows-how-many-days will be the death of a pop culture icon; while many will mourn, wail and quite literally make fools of themselves over it and while as many will speak endlessly about it, allow me, if only for a moment, to remind us all that others have died this month; others whose lives were cut short; others who leave behind loved ones and whose families will dearly miss them; families who'll suffer with much more dignity and honor than we'll be exposed to on the tube in the coming days.

Yes... it's true... we've suffered a great loss... but forgive me while I tell you that I'm not talking about the king of pop music.

These American military members died in Iraq this month:

Sergeant Justin J. Duffy
Specialist Christopher M. Kurth
Specialist Charles D. Parrish
Lance Corporal Robert D. Ulmer
Staff Sergeant Edmond L. Lo
Sergeant Joshua W. Soto
Captain Kafele H. Sims
Specialist Chancellor A. Keesling

And these members of our U.S. Armed Forces died in Afghanistan this month:

Sergeant Jones, Ricky D.
Specialist Munguia Rivas, Rodrigo A.
Command Master Chief Petty Officer Garber, Jeffrey J.
1st Sergeant Blair, John D.
Sergeant Smith, Paul G.
Staff Sergeant Melton, Joshua
Sergeant 1st Class Dupont, Kevin A.
Specialist O'Neill, Jonathan C.
Chief Warrant Officer Richardson Jr., Ricky L.
Specialist Silva, Eduardo S.
Lance Corporal Whittle, Joshua R.
Major Barnes, Rocco M.
Major Jenrette, Kevin M.
Staff Sergeant Beale, John C.
Specialist Jordan, Jeffrey W.
Specialist Griemel, Jarrett P.
Specialist Hernandez I, Roberto A.
Sergeant Obakrairur, Jasper K.
Staff Sergeant Hall, Jeffrey A.
Private 1st Class Ogden, Matthew D.
Private 1st Class Wilson, Matthew W.

Let's remember and honor this day those whose deaths are truly impacting.

God rest them and God comfort their loved ones they've left behind.

And may God use their deaths to remind us all of the shortness of our days.

Another MUST SEE video from the Borg Conspiracy via The Freedom Post.

This is what is at stake today in Congress.

H/T Borg Conspiracy

Friday, June 26th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in that gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." (Theodore Roosevelt)

Each day we are given 86,400 seconds to spend however we wish. What we do with those seconds is up to us. They pass quickly when we live to the max, and drag when we just let them pass. We must live daily reaching for the heights God wants for our lives. It is better to burn out than to rust out. The Psalmist says,

“You shall increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.” (Psalm 71:21)

We must use our seconds wisely.

God has a sense of humor. Look at the camel. It appears to be a horse put together by a committee.

A must view about the Bush administration warning for years about the coming mortgage crisis potential.

Now, watch the video and get ready for your 4th of July fireworks going off a few days early... I'm talking about getting poppin' mad...

H/T the borg conspiracy!

Just a fun look at some of our past Presidents playing cards.

H/T Cliff

Been trying to ignore this idiot... but...

... how do you ignore such... stupidity? They shoot a missile toward Japan... and it falls apart... yet... they are going to a send the US "an annihilating blow" ...

yahoo

NKorea vows nuke attack if provoked by US

SEOUL, South Korea — Punching their fists into the air and shouting "Let's crush them!" some 100,000 North Koreans packed Pyongyang's main square Thursday for an anti-U.S. rally as the communist regime promised a "fire shower of nuclear retaliation" for any American-led attack.

Several demonstrators held up a placard depicting a pair of hands smashing a missile with "U.S." written on it, according to footage taken by APTN in Pyongyang on the anniversary of the day North Korean troops charged southward, sparking the three-year Korean War in 1950.

North Korean troops will respond to any sanctions or U.S. provocations with "an annihilating blow," one senior official vowed — a pointed threat as an American destroyer shadowed a North Korean freighter sailing off China's coast, possibly with banned goods on board.....

Dude over there needs to get his teddy bear, find a shade tree, and take a nap... a long nap.

XtnYoda, shalomed

H/T Jeremy

Wall Street Journal says Dems are trying to legislate a fairy tale.

WSJ

The Cap and Tax Fiction

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has put cap-and-trade legislation on a forced march through the House, and the bill may get a full vote as early as Friday. It looks as if the Democrats will have to destroy the discipline of economics to get it done.

Despite House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman's many payoffs to Members, rural and Blue Dog Democrats remain wary of voting for a bill that will impose crushing costs on their home-district businesses and consumers. The leadership's solution to this problem is to simply claim the bill defies the laws of economics....

... and they are pushing for a vote tomorrow, Friday. Did I emphasize the the word "pushing" enough?

I am being reminded of the old sermon titled, "Payday, Someday!" Just keep on "pushing" the American people... yes... keep on pushing... we bend... but just know that once we have bent far enough... we snap back.

Ever do that with a tree limb? Bend it, and bend it... then watch it snap back?

XtnYoda, shalomed

Thursday, June 25th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“A man without mirth is like a wagon without springs: He is jolted disagreeably by every pebble in the road.”
(Henry Ward Beecher)

Have you noticed that angry people are usually angry where ever they are; a griper will gripe no matter the circumstances, and a generally happy person will be happy even in less than favorable situations.

Choosing to be happy and reflecting the love of God not only will you feel better but also will make you become a cup of cheer to someone else. The writer of Proverbs remind us:

“A merry heart does good like a medicine.” (17:22)

"God, thank You for a myriad of reasons to be cheerful. Help me to be an encouragement to others.
Amen."

God has a sense of humor. Look at the armadillo.

The democrats are trying desperately hard to raise a major tax on EVERY American, esp those in our lower economic brackets... at least they will feel the impact the worst... yet they keep voting for liberal democrats...

...the last line I've quoted below pretty much says it all.

...at times... I just don't get it.

Gore report

Gore to Talk Climate Change With House Democrats Thursday
By Chad Pergram, Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Former Vice President Al Gore will meet with House Democrats Thursday to appeal to reluctant lawmakers to approve the controversial climate change bill on Friday, FOX News has learned.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is rolling the dice with her plan to lug the bill to the House floor without the full confidence that the legislation will pass.

Senior Democratic leaders are whipping and cajoling skeptical lawmakers to side with them to approve the measure that could have significant economic impact on the energy bills of many Americans and even drive up the price of food.....

... and I should correct that part of the quote that says there would be a "significant economic impact on the energy bills of many Americans..."

It should read "a significant economic impact on the energy bills of EVERY American!"

XtnYoda, shalomed

The New York State Senate is about to become republican dominate over their Governor's gay pushing agenda...

... which goes to prove that it isn't over until the weight challenged lady sings... and she hasn't sung in the large majority of American's minds.

I still believe that there is going to be an uprising of the conservative side of this nation. This is one example.

XtnYoda, shalomed

Hillsborough is flipping the lid on "Hate Crimes".
If every black on white crime becomes a hate crime... well I think you see the ridiculous idea of hate crimes.... there is no end to where this mentality could take us.

Crimes are crimes.

hate crime in reverse?

Hate crime alleged after Hillsborough road rage incident

After a road rage incident Friday afternoon, a black man committed a hate crime against a white woman, calling her a "white cracker" and throwing a bottle through her rear window, Hillsborough County deputies say.

Deputies arrested Marcus Osley, 23, of Riverview, and Spencer Elliott Thorpe, 21, of Lithia, at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Both were charged with throwing a deadly missile into a conveyance.

Osley's act is considered a hate crime, sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said.

The incident began when a woman was driving a Ford Explorer near Providence Road and Providence Ridge Boulevard. A vehicle Osley and Thorpe were in rode aggressively and cut the woman off, Carter said. The men pulled up alongside the woman's vehicle.

Osley called the woman a white cracker and threw a brown bottle at the victim's Ford, shattering the vehicle's rear window, Carter said....

Wednesday, June 24th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Sir Moses Montefiore, the Jewish philanthropist, had as the motto of his family, “Think and Thank.” In the old Anglo-Saxon, thankfulness means “thinkfulness.” Thinking of all God’s goodness draws forth gratitude.

Have we given thanks to God today? Have we given thanks to the one who prepared and/or served our meals? Have we given thanks to the ones who wash our dishes, our clothes, make our beds, or otherwise clean our homes?

If you are the one who washes and cleans around your house, did you thank God for the health and ability to do so? The Psalmist says,

“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near." (Psalm 75:1)

If our answer to the above questions is "no," then we are not thinking beyond self.

"God, Thank You for Your provision today. Thank You for my health, abilities, food, and the many things you have blessed me with. Help me to remember to think and thank You and the others that help make my life a joy.
Amen."

Thank You, God !

Mike Allen of Politico says Bush is from, "Mars"... and Obama is from, "Venus. This after the popular book Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus.

politico

A couple of surprising words were missing from President Barack Obama’s 55-minute news conference on Wednesday: “Iraq” — and “Afghanistan.”

Also MIA: “Korea,” “Pakistan,” “soldiers,” “surge” and “war” — as well as the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.....

....the silence on those subjects also provides a striking illustration of one of the singular differences between Obama and his predecessor.

Whereas President George W. Bush invoked his status as wartime commander in chief so often that it seemed like a crutch, Obama has much more of a domestic focus, and resists rhetorical calls to arms like “war on terror.”

It’s the Mars and Venus of the 43rd and 44th presidencies.

So according to Mike... we now have our first lady president?

I don't think this will go over very well with the White House.

XtnYoda, shalomed

The Republican National Committee has taken off the gloves and is coming out swinging.

Go read the entire post to get a perspective on the political brew that is stirring.

GOP

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
What 2 Watch 4: Damage Control

As His Agenda Collapses On Capitol Hill, Obama Hopes For Press Conference Hail Mary Today

NBC's Chuck Todd: "The honeymoon is coming to an end for President Obama, but it's not personal. It's professional, as now the public appears to be judging the president on some of his actions." (NBC's "Nightly News," 6/17/09)

AMERICANS FEEL "STICKER SHOCK" OF OBAMA'S GOVERNMENT-RUN HEALTH CARE PLAN

CBO Concludes Democrat Plan Increases Federal Deficit By $1 Trillion And Counting Over Next Decade. "[E]nacting the proposal would result in a net increase in federal budget deficits of about $1.0 trillion over the 2010-2019 period.....

Tuesday, June 23rd. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere”
(Frank A. Clark).

Do you ever find yourself getting nowhere fast, but it seems as though you are making good time doing it?

It is easy to get sidetracked in life as the devil does not want us to be as productive as we all need to be. In our effort to keep on track, we must take the advice of the Apostle Paul:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2a)

"God, I do not ask for a path without obstacles, but I do ask for clarity of mind to walk and stay the course where You have led me.
Amen."

Give Him glory!

Senator John McCain speaks to the martyrdom of Neda.

american thinker

Click on image to enlarge.

Battle w/ Police - Tehran, Iran - June 20th 2009
by mightier-than

This is the best 2 and a half minute video you will see in a long, long, time!!!

Don't miss the end!!!

H/T to Brutally Honest via the anchoress.

I wonder how they are going to shut up Ron Paul?

Do I think that the Federal Reserve Board is quaking in their boots?

Not yet... but maybe soon... when Americans get fed up enough... and desperate enough to be shaken out of our stupor...

XtnYoda, shalomed

H/T to Brian

Neda memorial

and here
Neda is the girl killed in the video from yesterday, Father's Day.

“She was a person full of joy,” said her music teacher and close friend Hamid Panahi, who was among the mourners at her family home on Sunday, awaiting word of her burial. “She was a beam of light. I’m so sorry. I was so hopeful for this woman.”…

The second of three children, she studied Islamic philosophy at a branch of Tehran’s Azad University, until deciding to pursue a career in the tourism industry. She took private classes to become a tour guide, including Turkish language courses, friends said, hoping to some day lead groups of Iranians on trips abroad.

Travel was her passion, and with her friends she saved up enough money for package tours to Dubai, Turkey and Thailand. Two months ago, on a trip to Turkey, she relaxed along the beaches of Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast.

She loved music, especially Persian pop, and was taking piano classes, according to Panahi, who is in his 50s, and other friends. She was also an accomplished singer, they said.

But she was never an activist, they added, and she began attending the mass protests only because of a personal sense of outrage over the election results.
hot air article

There are many personal comments, at the "Neda memorial" link at the top beside the picture, for this precious young lady whose life was tragically cut short... but I think her life will not have been wasted... there is an accounting coming in Iran.

XtnYoda, shalomed

Her Father's words as she lay dying... “Neda, don’t be afraid. Neda, don’t be afraid. Neda, stay with me. Neda stay with me!”

The Islamic media is leading the way in reporting the looming revolution in Iran... and the rest of the Islamic world... while the American MSM remains mostly silent. The Islamic peoples are tiring of their thugs in leadership who are filled with blood lust.

This is big news friends... we watch with baited breath...

AlArabiya

Iranian clerics seek supreme leader alternative
A new structure for Iran

Religious leaders are considering an alternative to the supreme leader structure after at least 13 people were killed in the latest unrest to shake Tehran and family members of former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, were arrested amid calls by former President Mohammad Khatami for the release of all protesters.

Iran's religious clerics in Qom and members of the Assembly of Experts, headed by Ayatollah Rafsanjani, are mulling the formation of an alternative collective leadership to replace that of the supreme leader, sources in Qom told Al Arabiya on condition of anonymity.....

H/T to Brutally Honest.

Locutisprime is delineating some straight talk about reality over at The Borg Conspiracy. He starts by recalling that VP Biden said that President Obama would be surly tested before his first six months are finished in the White House... Locutisprime then moves us forward to the stark reality that Obama would not be facing just one crisis, but far rather...

....that he would be staring down three separate crisis with more looming and brewing by the day. (not including the economic crisis).

Everyone with access to any media has to be familiar with the churning and growing revolution in Iran.....

Mean while, the president is once again ignoring the rambling mad man on the Korean peninsula. As the N Korean lunatic prepares to fire a rocket that he is admittedly aiming at America! And he intends to fire it at Hawaii on America's independence day holiday in less than two weeks! Obama does what? (the sounds of chirping crickets comes to mind).

And if that were not enough, we now read where Al Qaida says would use Pakistani nuclear weapons given the opportunity to use them against America. So how long before the subliminal messages that Obama has intentionally been sending to the Muslim world reaches fruition? Does anyone else notice the increased tempo of global events since Obama's Cairo speech two weeks ago? Surely they have. The Muslims and Islamic fanatics surely have. They saw a weak president and a weakened America and they fully intend to take advantage of what they are seeing.....

Go read the entire post...

... then consider and ponder.

XtnYoda, shalomed

The LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) get an official endorsement (with tax money and federal benefits attached) from the White House...

...but... fret not... the White House won't yet endorse normal people having sex together outside of marriage.

Questions... How is the all wise federal government to know which "same-sexed" partner is actually partnering with whom? Will same-sexed partners now have to "register" with the federal government to receive our tax support? What about when the said "same-sexed" partners decide to... separate... will they be required to register their separation with the federal government so that the federal government can stop giving benefits to separated "same-sexed" former partners?

What about bi-sexuals and their multiple partners? What if a bi-sexual man is partnering with a woman and another man, (implicit in the term 'bi-sexual') do all three get benefits?

I could go on but you get the idea... and the discussion gets... strange... after a while.

washington post article

...."This is the next step of what hopefully will be many steps in moving toward equal rights for LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] people in this country," Hirsch said, before going to the White House, where he was invited to witness the signing.

Hirsch wants job-related relocation expenses within the United States to be covered for partners, but that will have to wait for the broader review of polices Obama ordered. "Currently most agencies will not pay for the partner," Hirsch said. "They will pay for your pet, but they will not pay for your life partner."

The presidential memorandum does not cover domestic heterosexual partners because they have the option to marry, Berry said in an interview....

Monday, June 22nd. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Have you ever seen a tailor place a piece of absorbent paper over a spot of grease and press down on it with a hot iron? Why does he do it? The heat melts the grease, and the paper absorbs it. Real love absorbs the spots in the lives of others, making them feel the warmth of our own hearts for them.

As friends, we receive our friends even with their own imperfections. We give and receive love without regard to these flaws. The writer of Proverbs reminds us:

“A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.”
(Proverbs 17:17)

Do you feel the love?

"God, help me to be the friend my friends' needs. Help me expand my coast for the friends You want in my life.
Amen."

Live for Him in all ways.

WARNING... this is a very graphic video of a very young lady killed in Iran.

Following is the description from the Iranian Doctor that posted the video.

Pray for the people of Iran.

This is heart-breaking.

...Basij shots to death a young woman in Tehran's Saturday June 20th protests At 19:05 June 20th Place: Karekar Ave., at the corner crossing Khosravi St. and Salehi st. A young woman who was standing aside with her father watching the protests was shot by a basij member hiding on the rooftop of a civilian house. He had clear shot at the girl and could not miss her. However, he aimed straight her heart. I am a doctor, so I rushed to try to save her. But the impact of the gunshot was so fierce that the bullet had blasted inside the victim's chest, and she died in less than 2 minutes. The protests were going on about 1 kilometers away in the main street and some of the protesting crowd were running from tear gass used among them, towards Salehi St. The film is shot by my friend who was standing beside me. Please let the world know.

Sunday, June 21st. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

A Little One’s Needs

A little one’s feet need big feet

To guide them every day.

Short little legs need longer legs

To help them not to stray.

Small little hands need stronger hands

That teach them work and play.

Young little knees need bended knees

To show them how to pray.

Cute little mouths need wiser mouths

In learning what to say.

Precious little hearts need pure hearts,

Teaching Christ’s loving way.

—John C. Bains, Jr

We dads (and moms) need to remember someone is following us, learning the way. Which way are we leading them? What are we teaching them? We are reminded by the writer of Proverbs:

"Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right." (Proverbs 20:11)

"God give me wisdom to see the path You have led me on and the courage to follow and to lead others.
Amen."

Don't forget to remember and give love to your Heavenly Father today.

Judge Robert Bork in a rare interview by Newsweek.

In case you don't remember, it was Bork's rejection by Congress to become a Supreme Court Justice in 1987, that birthed the phrase, "You've been Borked!"

Judge Bork is quite animated in this interview and very frank with his responses. Our nation would do well to listen carefully to the man.

Following are just a few excerpts from the article.

newsweek interview

Decrying judicial activism, Robert Bork says choosing Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court was 'a bad mistake.'

President Obama has spoken of empathy as his key standard for choosing judicial nominees. What do you think of that approach?

I don't know exactly what empathy means. I suppose at a minimum it means you want a judge who will depart from the meaning of the constitution when a sympathetic case arises. It does seem to raise a warning that we're talking about a judge who does not follow the law.

And I take it that you don't approve?

You are quite correct.

What are your thoughts about Judge Sotomayor's nomination?

I think it was a bad mistake. Her comments about the wise Latina suggest identity-group jurisprudence. She also has a reputation for bullying counsel. And her record is not particularly distinguished. Far from it. And it is unusual to nominate somebody who states flatly that she was the beneficiary of affirmative action. But I can't believe she will be any worse than some recent white male appointees....

As it's currently composed, this is sometimes called a conservative court.

I don't see it at all. It's a very left-leaning, liberal court.

Could you elaborate? Compared to what?

Well, compared to what the Constitution actually says. They tend to enact the agenda or the preferences of a group that thinks of itself as the intellectual elite....

The whole article is definitely worth a read!

XtnYoda, shalomed

Glenn's interview with Fired Inspector Gerald Walpin.

This story doesn't need to just fade silently away... which is what the msm and the current administration would wish... therefore... it is repeated at least here.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

JibJab releases their newest parody on Obama.

Whether you are conservative or liberal you will find this funny, which is what JibJab intends of course. (But... you will also have to put up with their e-card commercial at the end.)

It is amazing the scope of all that the White House and Congress are trying to rush through... and every thing is a "crisis" of course.

The last thing in the world they actually want is scrutiny. How much time was it the White House gave Congress to peruse the 1,100+ page budget before demanding a vote... less than 24 hours... when the campaign promise was no less than 5 days to consider legislation before a vote?

XtnYoda, shalomed

The Environmentalist's Goal for Americans

That's quite a powertrain going there... three people power.

Now, I wonder what their relative CO2 emission quotient is?

Saturday, June 20th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

A little boy was seen one day lounging around a circus tent. If there is anything in the world tempting to a boy it is a circus, and, knowing this, a gentleman said: “Come, Johnny, let’s go into the circus.” “No,” said the boy, “father would not like it.” “But your father need not know it,” said the man. “But I will know it,” said the boy, “and when father comes home tonight, I could not look up into his face.”

Ah, how important! Able to look into our Father’s face! He has been very good to us. No good thing has He withheld from us, and yet so many times we find ourselves unable to look into His face.

"God help us to live so close to Himself, so pure and so holy, that all the time we can be able to look into His face."

In Genesis 3:9 we read about God calling out to Adam,

"Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, 'Where are you?'"

Did God really not know where Adam was? In reality God knew exactly where Adam was just as He knows where you and I are. He just wanted Adam to admit where he was.

Look in the mirror and see if your conscience is clear enough to look into the Father’s face.

"God make my desire to be pure and Holy to be able to walk with you.
Amen."

Live for Him in all ways.

Everything

Mount Zion of Nashville presents a skit about a teen struggling with the pressures and distractions of life. Jesus is the answer. Skit is set to the song Everything by Lifehouse.

H/T Bridget

Friday, June 19th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

The prompt action of a young woman had saved the life of a man whose arm had been almost severed from his body. When the others were praising her for what she had done, she replied modestly that she deserved no special praise, as her teacher at school had taught her what to do under such circumstances.

“Oh, I knew that, too,” exclaimed another young lady, “and if anyone had asked
how to stop the flow of blood from a wound, I could have given the answer just
as it is in the book, but I never thought of applying it to this case.”

How many of us have been students of God’s Word, but have never got into the practical application stage of living it? The writer of James admonishes us:

“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)

We must apply what we are taught today while we can. God gives us head knowledge
to put to use. Some day there will be a test and we must be prepared for that time.

"God, help me to remember what I have been taught and apply it to my life daily.
Amen."

Live for Him in all ways.

Thursday, June 18th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Ben Jochai was teaching a group of students about the miracle of the manna when Israel was on the way from Egypt to the Promised Land. One of the students asked, “Why didn’t the Lord God furnish enough manna for Israel at one time to last the entire year?”

The teacher said, “I will answer you with a parable."

Once there was a rich man who had a son to whom he promised an annual allowance. Every year on the same day, he would give his son the entire amount. After a while, it happened that the only time the father saw his son was on the day of the year when he was to receive his allowance. So the father changed his plan and only gave the son enough for the day. Then the next day the son would return for the allowance for the day. From then on, the father saw his son every day.

This is the way God dealt with Israel. It is the way God deals with us.

The writer of Psalm 14:2 says, “The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.”

The Heavenly Father has your daily portion. Did you come to Him? He wants to have fellowship with you daily. Is He going to have to cut back on your provision so you will come to see Him or do you understand and seek Him?

Seek Him.

Duct Tape or a Nail ?




A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, "Here's how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you've done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."

"That's wonderful," says St. Peter, "That's worth two points!"

"Two points?!" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."

"Terrific!" says St. Peter.. "That's certainly worth a point."

"One point!?!! I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."

"Fantastic, that's good for two more points," he says.

"Two points!?!!" Exasperated, the man cries. "At this rate the only way I'll get into heaven is by the grace of God."

"Bingo! 100 points! Come on in!!!"

We often try to fix problems with WD-40 and duct tape.

God did it with a nail.

AMEN...

H/T Mildred

Wednesday, June 17th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Without GOD, our week would be...

Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, & Shatterday.
Remember seven days WITHOUT GOD makes one WEAK!!

I have seen the quote, “Seven days without GOD makes one weak” before, but the rest of this message really puts it into perspective. Truly without HIM, as the old song reminds us, we are nothing. Start each day in communication with GOD. Continue all day in fellowship with HIM.

A major Scripture reminding us of that fellowship is “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

The writer of Proverbs also reminds us of our comfort in HIM at night:

“When thou liest down , thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24)

"GOD, Thank You for Your daily presence, provision, and protection.
Amen."

Remember HE is with you always.

I think I am speechless.

The Borg Conspiracy has this from abc news. I'm thinking that for the first time in history a major network is broadcasing from inside the White House and pushing the White House agenda...

This is... remarkable friends.

locutisprime

ABC TURNS PROGRAMMING OVER TO OBAMA; NEWS TO BE ANCHORED FROM INSIDE WHITE HOUSE
Tue. Jun 16, 2009

On the night of June 24, the media and government become one, when ABC turns its programming over to President Obama and White House officials to push government run health care -- a move that has ignited an ethical firestorm!....

Please go read it all... then consider and ponder...

Tuesday, June 16th. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Fred sat in his car, glaring angrily at the red traffic light—one minute, two minutes, three minutes! You would think for those little side roads they would have only a one-minute green light. There, only two cars went through all the time that he and the other motorists on the main road were waiting! How frustrating! Those lights always seem to turn red just as you drive up. Behind Fred, in another car, sits Tom. But he does not mind the light a bit. It just gives him a chance to learn another Bible verse. He has a new one in a little stand on the dashboard, and he is saying it over and over. By the time the light changes, he will have another verse to use in witnessing!

It is estimated that the average motorist spends 26 hours a year waiting for traffic signals to change. And if Fred and Tom are average motorists, then Fred will spend 26 hours a year running his blood pressure up in angry frustration, and Tom will spend 26 hours a year memorizing God’s Word so he will be a better servant of Jesus Christ.

Fred reflects a large percent of the attitude of the world while Tom exhibits traits of a follower of Christ. Why? Because Tom was not conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of his mind as in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is...." Tom used the time to renew his mind and become more informed.

"God, give me wisdom to choose to use my time wisely seeking You and Your plan for me.
Amen."

Live for Him in all ways.

Bill Maher just can't be outdone by Letterman...




... so Bill sinks lower still.

breitbart

....During his opening monologue on ‘Real Time’ Friday night, Bill Maher, couldn’t resist piling on to the David Letterman controversy and the sex jokes made by him earlier in the week regarding Sarah Palin’s daughter.

In defending his friend, Maher thought Republicans had over reacted and this was just a case of ‘fake’ outrage. Much ado about nothing. He then went on talking about how Letterman had invited Sarah Palin and her young daughter, Willow, to appear as guests on his show but the Governor declined because she thought it would be wise to keep her daughter away from him. Said Maher, “…that’s right, he’s 62 years old, he’s gonna f***(sic) her right there on stage…it would be very wise to keep her, very wise, yes. You know, I’d worry a little more about the 18-year old hockey players who knock up your daughters.”...

I'm thinking of putting some words to that "Limbo Rock" tune... you know... how low can you go?

XtnYoda, shalomed

Weather.com is giving us a June run down.

Our anthropogenic global warming ways are creating some of the coolest June records in history. 8 degrees colder than normal?

God loves this.

weather.com

# We've seen June snow in the Dakotas.

# Temperatures are 8 degrees or more below average over the northern Plains and Upper Midwest (see image below).

# New York City has received rainfall 12 of the past 14 days; recording nearly 5 inches of rain for the month and a 3 inch surplus. Similar weather has played out in many other cities of the Northeast.

# Through Sunday, Phoenix has had 10 days in a row this month with highs below 100 degrees. With two more days, Phoenix would enter the top 4 longest sub-100 degree day streaks in June.

# Reno, Nevada has recorded 1.45 inches of rain this month. Number 3 on the list for wettest June's on record. Moreover, nearly all of Nevada is experiencing an unusually wet June.

# Temperatures haven't reached greater than 76 degrees in downtown Los Angeles this month. The city's mean temperature is 3.1 degrees below average for the month of June.

Somehow I missed this proclamation from the White House?

OK, so we apologize for liberating millions of Muslims, apologize for creating the greatest free market economy in history, apologize for liberating Europe and England from fascism and not allowing Hitler to kill all the Jews, apologize for defeating fascist Japan... etc, etc, etc... and now we declare a month to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride???

White House Proclamation

....NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

I didn't realize I've been this out of touch with current events? It's two whole weeks later and I haven't heard a word of this?

I need a couple of Alka-Seltzer....

England is finally getting the right idea.

Now... if we would just place one of these manure collection/treatment/energy units under the Congress Building in Washington DC... we'd have enough of the stuff each and every day to supply all our nation's energy requirements for 100 years for each and every day's collection... so... it's about 480 days till the next election... so... that should give us enough energy for the next... what... 48,000 years?

reuters

Manure to fill gas grid

Manchester's toilets will soon be contributing to the local gas network under a green energy project planned by United Utilities Group Plc and National Grid Plc.

In a UK first, the two companies plan to turn a by-product of the wastewater treatment plant at Davyhulme in Manchester, northwest England into gas for the local network and fuel for a fleet of sludge tankers.

The Mancunian biogas will be upgraded to remove carbon dioxide and trace elements, leaving biomethane which will be conditioned with propane and odorants before being pumped into the network and back into their homes.....

48,000 years... hummmm... nice run for the new conservative movement that is swelling... and I ain't talking about methane.

XtnYoda, shalomed

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old deacon who always prayed, "Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side."

After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered,

"Well sir, you see, it's like this...I got an old barn out back.
It's been there a long time, it's withstood a lot of weather, it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years. It's still standing... But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.

"Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life, I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too.

"But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning, at times."

Sometime we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't... so we need to pray, 'Lord, prop us up on our leaning side,' so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.

And, a hearty H/T to Roger!