this is the first presidential election in which i can vote since becoming a US citizen last year. i sometimes find myself waking up in the middle of the night thinking about the election and what would happen if obama were to win, especially since the media is already predicting that he will win by a landslide. my comfort and the reality of all this, however, is that GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE!! man may think that he (man) controls his destiny, but, in actuality, it is GOD who is STILL in control of what happens to humankind. whatever happens in these elections is what God chooses for America. and we are in no position to discern His mind as His ways are far above ours. we can only trust in His will for our lives and for America.
this was brought even more sharply to me this morning in my morning devotions. i've been reading through the book of jeremiah and i want to share with you what i read.
The background is how the false prophet Hananiah prophesied to the Israelites that the yoke under Nebuchadnezzar would be broken in 2 years and how the true prophet Jeremiah told Hananiah that the Lord did not send him (Hananiah) to prophecy and that this prophecy was a lie. Jeremiah 28:15-16 read: "Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, "Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, but you make this people trust in a lie. Therefore thus says the Lord: 'Behold, I will cast you from the face of the earth. This year you shall died, because you have taught rebellion against the Lord.'" Verse 17 of chapter 28 states: "So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month." All because he lied.
LISTEN TO THE TRUTH -- Jeremiah 27:16,17,21,22
Being careful to ascertain what is true and refusing to believe error is as important as simply believing the truth. In our lives, as in the lives of the people of Judah, untruths may sound far more appealing than the facts. Hope that is not based on truth is false hope and must be rejected. The temptation is great to believe lies, to receive false encouragement and act on it.
The only safeguard against this is the truth, accepting and acting on it. God's truth, now complete, was delivered through such true prophets as Jeremiah. Only as it is accepted as our only direction will we be safe and bring honor to Him. Truth is always available, and must be followed in the presence of error, even when the truth is harsh and error is what we want to hear.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
as we come down to the wire, this is too important NOT to share...
NOTE: This article has been confirmed as TRUE by snopes.com. If you need confirmation, please go to www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/huntleybrown.asp.
Why I Can't Vote For Obama By Huntley Brown
Dear Friends,
A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an e-mail with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but its worth repeating..
First, I must say, who ever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.
Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness. I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means he leads I follow. I can't dictate the terms he does because he is the leader. I can't vote black because I am black. I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won't be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I know Jesus and accepted him as Lord and savior.
In an election, there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning, to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter. We need to follow Martin Luther King's words don't judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I don't know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record. His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008) To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.
There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100 % ratings.
There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.
There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc loves him.
There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court.
There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.
There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.
There is a reason he voted no on partial birth abortion.
There is a reason he voted no on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion, the same practice Obama wanted to continue.
Let's take a look at the practice he wanted to continue.
The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedure:
A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.
God help him.
There is a reason Obama opposed the parent notification law. Think about this: you can't give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane.
There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years. Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wrights sermons. I wonder why now?
Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28 v 19 – 20: "Go and make disciples of all nations." This means reproduce your self. Teach people to think like you, walk like you, talk like you believe what you believe, etc.
The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?
Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenants that said they have a
1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System."
Would you support a President who went to a church like that?
Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenents of Obama's former church.
If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside. This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can't be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.
A church can't have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if it's a white church or a black church its still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.
Obama's former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book, "A Black Theology of Liberation." Cone once wrote: "Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him." Cone is the man Obama's mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?
So what does all this mean for the nation? In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing judgment. Read 1st Samuel 1 8 when Israel asked for a king.
9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.'
Then God says: 1st Samuel 1
18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.'
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us.
20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.'
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD.
22 The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.'
Here is what we know for sure: God is not schizophrenic. He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture, says a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God. Maybe I am the one not hearing, but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture, so, I doubt it.
For all my friends who are voting for Obama, can you really look God in the face and say, "Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy."
I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama's positions.
Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends. Since we know someone's value system has to be placed on the nation;
1 Whose value system should be placed on the nation?
2 Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?
Blessings, Huntley Brown
Why I Can't Vote For Obama By Huntley Brown
Dear Friends,
A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an e-mail with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but its worth repeating..
First, I must say, who ever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.
Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness. I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means he leads I follow. I can't dictate the terms he does because he is the leader. I can't vote black because I am black. I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I won't be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I know Jesus and accepted him as Lord and savior.
In an election, there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning, to name a few, wrong economic concerns will soon not matter. We need to follow Martin Luther King's words don't judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I don't know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record. His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008) To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.
There is a reason Planned Parenthood gives him a 100 % ratings.
There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.
There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc loves him.
There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the Supreme Court.
There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill.
There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.
There is a reason he voted no on partial birth abortion.
There is a reason he voted no on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion, the same practice Obama wanted to continue.
Let's take a look at the practice he wanted to continue.
The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedure:
A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)
B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.
C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.
D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.
E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed.
God help him.
There is a reason Obama opposed the parent notification law. Think about this: you can't give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane.
There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years. Obama tells us he has good judgment but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wrights sermons. I wonder why now?
Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28 v 19 – 20: "Go and make disciples of all nations." This means reproduce your self. Teach people to think like you, walk like you, talk like you believe what you believe, etc.
The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?
Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenants that said they have a
1. Commitment to the White Community
2. Commitment to the White Family
3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic
4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community.
5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions
6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System
7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System."
Would you support a President who went to a church like that?
Just change the word from white to black and you have the tenents of Obama's former church.
If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside. This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can't be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.
A church can't have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if it's a white church or a black church its still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.
Obama's former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book, "A Black Theology of Liberation." Cone once wrote: "Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him." Cone is the man Obama's mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?
So what does all this mean for the nation? In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing judgment. Read 1st Samuel 1 8 when Israel asked for a king.
9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.'
Then God says: 1st Samuel 1
18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day.'
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us.
20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.'
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD.
22 The LORD answered, 'Listen to them and give them a king.'
Here is what we know for sure: God is not schizophrenic. He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture, says a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God. Maybe I am the one not hearing, but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture, so, I doubt it.
For all my friends who are voting for Obama, can you really look God in the face and say, "Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion. He might have to nominate three or four Supreme Court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you. I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this. I know I can look the other way because of the economy."
I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama's positions.
Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends. Since we know someone's value system has to be placed on the nation;
1 Whose value system should be placed on the nation?
2 Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?
Blessings, Huntley Brown
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Follow-up...
just an update on Saturday's meeting with the Baptist women... there were a total of 15 who came, including me. half were guests of the regular church members. they were very attentive, but didn't ask a lot of follow-up ??? but then, filipino women tend to be like that. they keep their thoughts to themselves, unless they really know you. i was fine with that. i'm just thankful that i was able to share what i had learned from reading Gary Chapman's book, "5 Love Languages." i pray that these women will use the information that they heard to make their marriages even stronger, more loving, and more successful.
i'm thankful for the opportunity to share and make new friends and actually look forward to getting to know some of these women a little bit more since several of them have husbands who are currently studying at EL-TS.
so, thanks to everyone who remembered to pray for me and this presentation. God IS good!!
i'm thankful for the opportunity to share and make new friends and actually look forward to getting to know some of these women a little bit more since several of them have husbands who are currently studying at EL-TS.
so, thanks to everyone who remembered to pray for me and this presentation. God IS good!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Five Love Languages
The following is what I will be sharing with the women from Ptr Henry Trocino's church tomorrow afternoon (Saturday, October 25).
Spending quality time together communicates that we truly care for and enjoy each other. Giving undivided attention to your husband shows that you’re willing to give your life to him. Quality time is another powerful communicator of love. Someone with QT as his primary LL will not be secure if this LL is not spoken.
This is especially for Darla Ebert who asked to see my notes for this talk... Thanks for your prayers, Darla!!
INTRODUCTION
First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for this privilege to share with you what I’ve learned from my study of the Five Love Languages. It is my prayer that what will be discussed here today will be useful and helpful to you as you travel this road called marriage and as you try to be the wife that God intended you to be.
HAVE SEVERAL WOMEN READ I CORINTHIANS 13
I’m sure all of us know that I Corinthians 13 is called the LOVE chapter. The characteristics of love mentioned in this chapter are what ALL of us should attempt to achieve in all our relationships.
First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for this privilege to share with you what I’ve learned from my study of the Five Love Languages. It is my prayer that what will be discussed here today will be useful and helpful to you as you travel this road called marriage and as you try to be the wife that God intended you to be.
HAVE SEVERAL WOMEN READ I CORINTHIANS 13
I’m sure all of us know that I Corinthians 13 is called the LOVE chapter. The characteristics of love mentioned in this chapter are what ALL of us should attempt to achieve in all our relationships.
Love, as we are all deeply aware, is essential to our emotional, physical & spiritual well-being. At the heart of our existence is the desire to be intimate and loved by someone. In marriage, the relationship should be defined by love and intimacy which is God’s original intent when He created the institution of marriage in the garden of Eden. To be loved by one’s spouse is of utmost importance in marriage. That emotional need for love is our deepest emotional need. And when that need is being met, we tend to respond positively to the person who is meeting that need.
Because we are so different from each other, after only a very short period of time into our marriage, we find out that there are things about our husband that we don’t like. There might be characteristics that he displayed when you were courting that he rarely, if ever, shows or which seem to have vanished entirely. Maybe before marriage, he was always bringing you gifts – tokens of his love – but now, you have to remind him to remember your birthday or anniversary.
Maybe he used to like to sit and listen to you talk about what’s happening in your life and it didn’t matter how inconsequential it was, he would sit there and take it all in, maybe hold your hand, and you loved that he was such a great listener! It made you fall even more deeply in love with him. But now, he barely responds when you ask him a question or shares with you what’s happening in the deepest part of his soul. Or if he does respond, it’s maybe just a grunt…! Slowly, you find yourself wondering if this is the same man you fell in love with… You wonder where that lovely, loving man who swept you off your feet has gone to and you despair that he may never come back!!
Dr Gary Chapman, the author of “Five Love Languages,” says that all these concerns can be dealt with and resolved if we learn each other’s love language. Dr Chapman believes that the love you have for each other that was there at the start of your marriage hasn’t necessarily disappeared. You just have to find out how to resurrect it! Dr Chapman says that what will help restore a marriage is learning how to fill each other’s love tank.
Let’s take a quick test and see if any of this applies to your marriage right now or in the past:
1. Our love is gone
2. For all intents and purposes, our relationship is dead
3. We live in the same house but we’re more like roommates, not husband and wife
4. I don’t enjoy being with him anymore
5. We don’t meet each other’s needs.
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, your love tank is probably running on empty right now.
1. Our love is gone
2. For all intents and purposes, our relationship is dead
3. We live in the same house but we’re more like roommates, not husband and wife
4. I don’t enjoy being with him anymore
5. We don’t meet each other’s needs.
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, your love tank is probably running on empty right now.
From his more than 30 years of research and counseling, Dr Chapman came up with the 5 LL. Once you learn your husband’s primary LL and he learns yours, you will be able to fill each other’s emotional love tank so that your marriage can be restored and reborn. Dr Chapman is confident that choosing to love your spouse and expressing love in your spouse’s primary LL can drastically change your marriage for the better.
So, let’s dive right in to the 5LL!!
LL #1: WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
When I completed the profile for wives that you took at the beginning of our meeting, my score in this LL was 6.
So, let’s dive right in to the 5LL!!
LL #1: WORDS OF AFFIRMATION
When I completed the profile for wives that you took at the beginning of our meeting, my score in this LL was 6.
Mark Twain once said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
If this is your husband’s primary LL, loving him with words of affirmation is a powerful love indicator. Words of affirmation achieve the following:
1. Build up your spouse. This affirms his self-worth. For someone whose primary LL is WofA, when they receive affirming words, they are more likely to reciprocate and do something that you desire!
2. Creates intimacy
3. Heals wounds
4. Brings out your husband’s full potential
1. Build up your spouse. This affirms his self-worth. For someone whose primary LL is WofA, when they receive affirming words, they are more likely to reciprocate and do something that you desire!
2. Creates intimacy
3. Heals wounds
4. Brings out your husband’s full potential
There are also Dialects for Words of Affirmation and they include:
1. Encouraging words. This will help your spouse overcome his insecurities.
2. Verbal compliments. Give these freely (and honestly!) when your husband is present and even when he’s not.
3. Empathy. This is seeing the world or his specific situation through HIS eyes.
4. Giving credit and praise
5. Kind words. Say “I love you” with tenderness. Remember, “a soft answer turns away wrath.”
6. Words of appreciation. For example, thank him for being a good provider, for paying the bills on time, for driving the kids to school and picking them up.
7. Humble words. These affirm his worth and abilities.
1. Encouraging words. This will help your spouse overcome his insecurities.
2. Verbal compliments. Give these freely (and honestly!) when your husband is present and even when he’s not.
3. Empathy. This is seeing the world or his specific situation through HIS eyes.
4. Giving credit and praise
5. Kind words. Say “I love you” with tenderness. Remember, “a soft answer turns away wrath.”
6. Words of appreciation. For example, thank him for being a good provider, for paying the bills on time, for driving the kids to school and picking them up.
7. Humble words. These affirm his worth and abilities.
On the negative side, here are some things that you mustn’t do, if Words of Affirmation is your husband’s primary LL:
8. Don’t keep score of wrongs done to you.
9. Don’t bring up past failures. Learn to accept them as “the past” and move on.
10. Don’t demand! Demands diminish intimacy.
TIPS for LL#1:
1. To help you learn to speak this LL, start a notebook titled “Words of Affirmation” on which to record creative and awesome ways to build up your husband with Words of Affirmation.
2. For one week, keep a written record of all the words of affirmation you give your husband each day. At the end of the week, sit down with your husband and review your record and get his feedback.
3. Set a goal to give your husband a different compliment each day for one month. You may want to record these compliments, so you will not duplicate the statements!
4. Compliment your husband in the presence of his parents or friends. You will get double credit: Your husband will feel loved and his parents will feel lucky to have such a great daughter-in-law! 5. Look for your spouse’s strengths and tell him how much you appreciate those strengths. Chances are he will work hard to live up to his reputation.
6. If you find speaking “Words of Affirmation” is difficult for you, practice in front of a mirror. Use a cue card if you must. Remember: words are important to someone whose primary LL is Words of Affirmation!
LL #2: QUALITY TIME
On the profile, I scored 7 on this love language.
8. Don’t keep score of wrongs done to you.
9. Don’t bring up past failures. Learn to accept them as “the past” and move on.
10. Don’t demand! Demands diminish intimacy.
TIPS for LL#1:
1. To help you learn to speak this LL, start a notebook titled “Words of Affirmation” on which to record creative and awesome ways to build up your husband with Words of Affirmation.
2. For one week, keep a written record of all the words of affirmation you give your husband each day. At the end of the week, sit down with your husband and review your record and get his feedback.
3. Set a goal to give your husband a different compliment each day for one month. You may want to record these compliments, so you will not duplicate the statements!
4. Compliment your husband in the presence of his parents or friends. You will get double credit: Your husband will feel loved and his parents will feel lucky to have such a great daughter-in-law! 5. Look for your spouse’s strengths and tell him how much you appreciate those strengths. Chances are he will work hard to live up to his reputation.
6. If you find speaking “Words of Affirmation” is difficult for you, practice in front of a mirror. Use a cue card if you must. Remember: words are important to someone whose primary LL is Words of Affirmation!
LL #2: QUALITY TIME
On the profile, I scored 7 on this love language.
Spending quality time together communicates that we truly care for and enjoy each other. Giving undivided attention to your husband shows that you’re willing to give your life to him. Quality time is another powerful communicator of love. Someone with QT as his primary LL will not be secure if this LL is not spoken.
The central aspect of Quality Time is togetherness: doing something together and giving your husband your full attention when you’re together.
Another aspect of Quality Time is quality conversation – sharing experiences, thoughts and feelings. The common complaint from wives that “he doesn’t talk to me” means that the husband doesn’t take part in sympathetic dialogue. In other words, he is not revealing himself and for us wives, we NEED our husbands to reveal themselves to us!
Someone with Quality Time as his primary LL focuses on what he’s hearing from the wife, therefore, if Quality Time is your husband’s primary LL, you need to learn to listen.
Really listening involves: maintaining eye contact. It also means that you aren’t doing something else while he’s talking because that communicates to him that you don’t really care to hear what he’s saying. Really listening to your husband means that you need to listen for the feelings, you listen sympathetically, you must observe his body language and you DO NOT interrupt!!
Someone with Quality Time as his primary LL will appreciate it when you suggest activities that will help create memories for the 2 of you and for your family.
TIPS for LL#2:
1. Ask your husband for a list of 5 activities that he would enjoy doing with you. Make plans to do one of them each month for the next 5 months.
2. Think of an activity your husband enjoys but which brings little pleasure to you. Tell your husband that you are trying to broaden your horizons and would like to join him in this activity. Set a date and give it your best effort.
3. Make time each day to share with each other some of the events of the day.
LL#3: RECEIVING GIFTS
I was shocked to find out that I scored ZERO for this love language!! It’s not that I don’t like to receive gifts because I do, but ZERO? Maybe I’ll write Dr Chapman and ask him if this is normal…!!
TIPS for LL#2:
1. Ask your husband for a list of 5 activities that he would enjoy doing with you. Make plans to do one of them each month for the next 5 months.
2. Think of an activity your husband enjoys but which brings little pleasure to you. Tell your husband that you are trying to broaden your horizons and would like to join him in this activity. Set a date and give it your best effort.
3. Make time each day to share with each other some of the events of the day.
LL#3: RECEIVING GIFTS
I was shocked to find out that I scored ZERO for this love language!! It’s not that I don’t like to receive gifts because I do, but ZERO? Maybe I’ll write Dr Chapman and ask him if this is normal…!!
Gift giving is fundamental to love. This is also one of the easiest love language to learn. In many respects, it’s a no brainer. You’re only limited by your creativity and possibly money…
Gifts are visual symbols of love, whether they are items you purchased or items that you personally made. Gifts demonstrate that you care. They represent the value that you place on your relationship. Gifts show your husband that you are thinking of him. Gifts can and should be given anytime. If this is your husband’s primary LL, don’t wait for a special occasion to give him a gift.
You can also give the gift of your presence. Your physical presence during your husband’s time of crisis is the most powerful gift you can give him. The gift of yourself, however, means more than just your physical presence. It could actually be as simple as attempting for one week to share at least one important event or feeling in your day with your husband. Ask your husband to do the same with you.
To help you learn this LL, make a list of the gifts your husband has especially appreciated in the past. Also seek input from others who know his tastes. Then, decide to give one token of love, however small, each week for the next month, that is in line with those preferences.
MORE TIPS for LL#3:
1. Try a parade of gifts: have merienda delivered to him mid-morning and midafternoon, and in the evening, give him a new shirt or the latest copy of a magazine that he likes to read. When he asks you, “What’s going on?” respond with “Just trying to fill your love tank!”
2. Make a gift for your spouse. A handmade gift often becomes a family heirloom.
3. Keep a “Gift Idea” notebook. Every time you hear your husband say, “I really like that!” write it down in your notebook. Listen carefully and you will acquire a nice list that will serve as a guide the next time you get ready to select a gift.
MORE TIPS for LL#3:
1. Try a parade of gifts: have merienda delivered to him mid-morning and midafternoon, and in the evening, give him a new shirt or the latest copy of a magazine that he likes to read. When he asks you, “What’s going on?” respond with “Just trying to fill your love tank!”
2. Make a gift for your spouse. A handmade gift often becomes a family heirloom.
3. Keep a “Gift Idea” notebook. Every time you hear your husband say, “I really like that!” write it down in your notebook. Listen carefully and you will acquire a nice list that will serve as a guide the next time you get ready to select a gift.
LL#4: ACTS OF SERVICE
I had the highest score with this LL = a 9!! This is my primary LL and I really struggled with my husband over this because, for most of our married life, he refused to do things around the house that needed to be done. It became even more of a sore point with me when we moved to the States and I had no more maids to help keep things tidy. For many years, he rarely took out the garbage at night. He even more rarely washed dishes when I was too tired to do them. He always responded that washing dishes and cleaning house is women’s work. And yet, I was working full-time, taking care of the kids, driving them to and from school, running family errands, then I had to come home, cook dinner and clean house before falling into bed exhausted. Needless to say, for MANY years, my love tank was almost always on empty and I really resented him and came close to hating him many times during our marriage.
If your husband’s primary LL is Acts of service, doing what you don’t want to do because you know your husband will feel loved when you do it is the primary motivation with this LL. Here’s a hint: If you really want to serve your husband, you need to do things for him the way he would want it done, not the way you think it should be done.
It’s important to remember also that these acts of service should not be demanded. As mentioned earlier, demands tear apart and do not create intimacy.
To discover if Acts of Service is your husband’s or your primary LL, remember this: people tend to criticize their spouse most loudly in the area where they have the deepest emotional need. Criticism, however, is an ineffective way of pleading for love. We should also NOT manipulate by guilt – saying, “If you really love me, you’ll do such and such.” And, we should not coerce by fear – saying “You’ll do this or you’ll be sorry… Those are certainly not very loving words.
Dr Chapman believes that criticism of your spouse’s failure to do things for you may be a sure indication that acts of service is your primary LL. This was very true for me!
Remember also that for someone whose primary LL is acts of service, “little things” really DO mean a lot!
TIPS for LL#4:
1. Make a list of all the requests your husband has made of you over the past few weeks. Select one of these each week and do it as an expression of love. Surprise your husband by doing them without being asked.
2. If you struggle with stereotypes like my husband did when he refused to help around the house because it’s “women’s work,” be willing to discuss these ingrained attitudes with your husband to see where these ideas come from and look at your own expectations in this area.
3. Ask your spouse for a list of 10 things he would like for you to do during the next month. Then, ask your husband to prioritize them from 1 to 10, with 1 being the most important and 10 the least important. Use this list to plan your strategy for a month of love. Get ready to live with a happy husband!
LL#5: PHYSICAL TOUCH
For this LL, my score was 7 which tied with Quality Time.
Maybe you've heard the expression: “To touch my body is to touch me. To withdraw from my body is to distance yourself from me emotionally.”
Physical touch, as a gesture of love, reaches to the depths of our being. As a LL, it is a powerful form of communication from the smallest touch on the shoulder to the most passionate kiss. Physical touch means security to someone who has this as their primary LL.
If your husband has physical touch as his primary LL, he emotionally yearns for his wife to reach out and touch him physically because these are his emotional lifelines. It is important, however, to learn what kinds of touches convey love to him.
Explicit love touches include massage, sexual foreplay and sexual intercourse. Implicit love touches are the hand on his shoulder; rubbing up against him when you pass by; holding hands; kissing; hugs.
During times of crisis, touch is very important. Holding someone when they cry will be long remembered. But if you failed to be there for him during his time of need, it will never be forgotten.
Many men, when asked which of the 5 LL is their primary LL, will probably say “Physical Touch.” But, according to Dr Chapman, if a man only wants sexual intercourse but doesn’t enjoy physical touch at other times and in nonsexual ways, Physical Touch may not be his primary LL at all.
For my husband, Words of Affirmation is his primary LL. And when I fill his need for love with Words of Affirmation, then it’s easy to move on to his 2nd LL, physical touch.
TIPS for LL#5:
1. Discuss with your husband what types of touching both of you find pleasurable.
2. Make a list of all the circumstances, locations and types of appropriate touch that will enhance your physical relationship. For example, how do you want/expect to be greeted at the end of the workday? What about touching in public? If you each feel differently, come to a compromise resolution.
3. You could try holding hands when you pray
4. Walk up to your husband and say, “Have I told you lately that I love you?” Hug him while you rub his back and say, “You’re the greatest!” If he asks why, say, “Just trying to fill your love tank!”
5. When family or friends are visiting, touch your husband in their presence. A hug, running your hand along his arm, putting your arm around his as you stand talking, or simply placing your hand on his shoulder can earn double emotional points. These gestures say, “Even with all these people around, I still see you.”
**********************************************
Let’s talk about how you can discover YOUR primary LL. Your answers to the following questions will provide valuable clues on what your primary LL is:
1. What do you request the most from your husband?
2. What makes you feel the most loved?
3. What do you desire most of all?
4. What does your husband do or say or fail to do or say that hurts you deeply?
· If critical, judgmental words hurt, your primary LL is words of affirmation.
· If you are hurt because your husband doesn’t help with things around the house, your primary LL is acts of service.
· If you are hurt because your husband doesn’t give you gift, your primary LL is receiving gifts.
· If your deepest hurt is that your husband seldom spends time with you, then quality time is your primary LL.
· If you are hurt because your husband rarely hugs, holds your hand or kisses you, then physical touch is your primary LL.
Another way to discover your primary LL is to look back on your marriage and ask, “What have I most often requested of my husband?”
Still another way is to examine what you do or say to express love to your husband. Chances are what you are doing is what YOU wish your husband would do for you!
WWJD? ... LOVE IS A CHOICE
OK. You might be saying, “Well, this is all fine and dandy for those whose marriage can be salvaged. But my situation is really bad.” Maybe you’ve been physically and/or verbally abused. Maybe your husband has had an affair or is having an affair. What are you to do in this situation?
No matter how bad your personal situation is, there is always hope, as long as we are willing to rely on the Lord to help us love those who are unloving to us. We can decide to meet our husband’s emotional need because he's possibly acting in these unloving ways because his love tank is also empty. We can decide to do what we can to make our husband feel secure because that is what Jesus would have us do! We must be willing to be humble ourselves and serve the other, even in the midst of rejection.
So, if your marriage is in serious trouble right now. If you’re being mistreated or abused, it IS hard to express positive feelings toward your husband because you can only express pain.
However, positive actions are based on CHOICE, not feelings.
If this is your situation, Dr Chapman suggests doing the following:
1. Ask how you can be a better wife, and regardless of your husband’s attitude, act on what he tells you. Assure your husband that your motives are pure.
2. When you receive positive feedback from your husband, you will know that there is progress. Each month, make one non-threatening but specific request that is easy for your husband. Make sure, however, that that request relates to your primary LL so it will help replenish your empty love tank.
3. When your spouse responds and meets your need, you will be able to react more positively and therefore affirm your husband at these times.
4. As your marriage begins to truly heal, don’t stop speaking your husband’s LL. Continue to meet his daily needs so that he, in turn, will meet yours and thus fill your love tank.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for prayer and help to stay the course and do what you can to save your marriage. That’s really what Jesus would want us to do.
CONCLUSION
We’ve covered A LOT of material today that I hope gives you the information necessary to have a wonderful, loving relationship with your husband. But, I don’t want you to be deluded into thinking that things are going to go smoothly from now on just because you’ve discovered YOUR LL and your husband’s. It can’t be smooth sailing because we’re only human. Even if we want to be loving 100% of the time, we can’t because of our sinful human nature.
If you’re a Christian, if you’re a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have help from the Lord Himself and the Holy Spirit to help you to be more loving, to love as Jesus loved.
The example of true love because we want to benefit the other person is illustrated in John 13:5, 12-17. This is the incident in the Bible where Jesus washed the feet of His disciples.
"In a culture where people wore sandals and walked on dirt streets, it was customary for the servant of the household to wash the feet of guests as they arrived. Jesus, who had instructed His disciples to love one another, gave them an example of how to express that love when He took a basin and a towel and proceeded to wash their feet. After that simple expression of love, Jesus encouraged His disciples to follow His example."
However, if you don’t have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, if you have not asked Him to be Lord of your life so that you can have that true spirit of loving your husband, it’s not too late to make that decision. You can do that right now.
(Ptr Henry Trocino to lead in closing prayer)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
http://www.hyscience.com/archives/2008/10/mccain_letter_d.php
this was shared on Facebook by my good friend, Greg Demonteverde...
October 12, 2008
McCain Letter Demanded 2006 Action on Fannie and Freddie. What did Obama do?
I find it mind-boggling that the Republicans, and especially John McCain since he's the one running for president, are being blamed by Obama and the media for what they themselves are responsible for and what John McCain and the Republicans tried to prevent in the first place. And it's not like there's not more than sufficient evidence to substantiate John McCain's position and his efforts. Take for exampe the letter in the extended post and at Human Events demanding regulatory action on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Human Events offers this introduction:
Sen. John McCain's 2006 demand for regulatory action on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could have prevented current financial crisis, as HUMAN EVENTS learned from the letter shown in full text below.
McCain's letter -- signed by nineteen other senators -- said that it was "...vitally important that Congress take the necessary steps to ensure that [Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac]...operate in a safe and sound manner.[and]..More importantly, Congress must ensure that the American taxpayer is protected in the event that either...should fail."
Sen. Obama did not sign the letter, nor did any other Democrat.In fact, not only did Senator Barack Hussein Obama not sign the letter, and although he had only three years in the Senate, he became the second largest recipient of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae campaign contributions:
A review of Federal Election Commission records back to 1989 reveals Obama in his three complete years in the Senate is the second largest recipient of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae campaign contributions, behind only Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., the powerful chairman of the Senate banking committee. Dodd was first elected to the Senate in 1980.
According to OpenSecrets.com, from 1989 to 2008, Dodd received $165,400 in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac campaign contributions, including contributions from PACs and individuals, followed by Obama, who received $126,349 in such contributions since being elected to the Senate in 2004.
In contrast, McCain warned of the coming mortgage crisis as he pressed in 2005 for regulatory reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Here's what John McCain said on 25 May 2005, speaking to the Senate:
Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae's regulator reported that the company's quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management, which resulted in a $10.6 billion accounting scandal.
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's report goes on to say that Fannie Mae employees deliberately and intentionally manipulated financial reports to hit earnings targets in order to trigger bonuses for senior executives. In the case of Franklin Raines, Fannie Mae's former chief executive officer, OFHEO's report shows that over half of Mr. Raines' compensation for the 6 years through 2003 was directly tied to meeting earnings targets. The report of financial misconduct at Fannie Mae echoes the deeply troubling $5 billion profit restatement at Freddie Mac.
The OFHEO report also states that Fannie Mae used its political power to lobby Congress in an effort to interfere with the regulator's examination of the company's accounting problems. This report comes some weeks after Freddie Mac paid a record $3.8 million fine in a settlement with the Federal Election Commission and restated lobbying disclosure reports from 2004 to 2005. These are entities that have demonstrated over and over again that they are deeply in need of reform.
For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-known as Government-sponsored entities or GSEs-and the sheer magnitude of these companies and the role they play in the housing market. OFHEO's report this week does nothing to ease these concerns. In fact, the report does quite the contrary. OFHEO's report solidifies my view that the GSEs need to be reformed without delay.
I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.
I urge my colleagues to support swift action on this GSE reform legislation.The legislation was blocked by Democrats, with the assistance of a few Republicans.
Related: WND: "Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac execs now offering advice to Obama - Senator's links to mortgage giants also include campaign contributions
October 12, 2008
McCain Letter Demanded 2006 Action on Fannie and Freddie. What did Obama do?
I find it mind-boggling that the Republicans, and especially John McCain since he's the one running for president, are being blamed by Obama and the media for what they themselves are responsible for and what John McCain and the Republicans tried to prevent in the first place. And it's not like there's not more than sufficient evidence to substantiate John McCain's position and his efforts. Take for exampe the letter in the extended post and at Human Events demanding regulatory action on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Human Events offers this introduction:
Sen. John McCain's 2006 demand for regulatory action on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could have prevented current financial crisis, as HUMAN EVENTS learned from the letter shown in full text below.
McCain's letter -- signed by nineteen other senators -- said that it was "...vitally important that Congress take the necessary steps to ensure that [Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac]...operate in a safe and sound manner.[and]..More importantly, Congress must ensure that the American taxpayer is protected in the event that either...should fail."
Sen. Obama did not sign the letter, nor did any other Democrat.In fact, not only did Senator Barack Hussein Obama not sign the letter, and although he had only three years in the Senate, he became the second largest recipient of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae campaign contributions:
A review of Federal Election Commission records back to 1989 reveals Obama in his three complete years in the Senate is the second largest recipient of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae campaign contributions, behind only Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., the powerful chairman of the Senate banking committee. Dodd was first elected to the Senate in 1980.
According to OpenSecrets.com, from 1989 to 2008, Dodd received $165,400 in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac campaign contributions, including contributions from PACs and individuals, followed by Obama, who received $126,349 in such contributions since being elected to the Senate in 2004.
In contrast, McCain warned of the coming mortgage crisis as he pressed in 2005 for regulatory reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Here's what John McCain said on 25 May 2005, speaking to the Senate:
Mr. President, this week Fannie Mae's regulator reported that the company's quarterly reports of profit growth over the past few years were "illusions deliberately and systematically created" by the company's senior management, which resulted in a $10.6 billion accounting scandal.
The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight's report goes on to say that Fannie Mae employees deliberately and intentionally manipulated financial reports to hit earnings targets in order to trigger bonuses for senior executives. In the case of Franklin Raines, Fannie Mae's former chief executive officer, OFHEO's report shows that over half of Mr. Raines' compensation for the 6 years through 2003 was directly tied to meeting earnings targets. The report of financial misconduct at Fannie Mae echoes the deeply troubling $5 billion profit restatement at Freddie Mac.
The OFHEO report also states that Fannie Mae used its political power to lobby Congress in an effort to interfere with the regulator's examination of the company's accounting problems. This report comes some weeks after Freddie Mac paid a record $3.8 million fine in a settlement with the Federal Election Commission and restated lobbying disclosure reports from 2004 to 2005. These are entities that have demonstrated over and over again that they are deeply in need of reform.
For years I have been concerned about the regulatory structure that governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-known as Government-sponsored entities or GSEs-and the sheer magnitude of these companies and the role they play in the housing market. OFHEO's report this week does nothing to ease these concerns. In fact, the report does quite the contrary. OFHEO's report solidifies my view that the GSEs need to be reformed without delay.
I join as a cosponsor of the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005, S. 190, to underscore my support for quick passage of GSE regulatory reform legislation. If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole.
I urge my colleagues to support swift action on this GSE reform legislation.The legislation was blocked by Democrats, with the assistance of a few Republicans.
Related: WND: "Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac execs now offering advice to Obama - Senator's links to mortgage giants also include campaign contributions
Friday, October 10, 2008
it's getting really ugly...!
http://jewishworldreview.com/michelle/malkin100808.php3
i realize this voter-fraud is a longstanding evil practice in politics, but it's very evident to me that the Enemy will do anything to put a man without principles in the White House. since this is my first election since becoming a US citizen, i am very concerned that people all over the US are buying in to the facade and not looking beneath the surface of this man who wants to be president... may God open the eyes of His people and may we see as Jesus sees and vote as He would want us to vote...
The ACORN/Obama Voter Registration ‘Thug Thizzle’
By Michelle Malkin
Systemic corruption of our election process continues. Barack Obama and his old friends at ACORN and Project Vote are leading the way. This radical revolution is taking place in your backyard. And as I've reported before, this voter-fraud racket is on your dime.
On Monday, the two liberal groups announced the wrap-up of a 21-state voter registration drive targeting low-income people and minorities in battleground states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico and Wisconsin.
What's wrong with that? For starters, these two groups are militant partisan outfits purporting to engage in nonpartisan civic activity. And their campaign comes amid an avalanche of fresh voter-fraud allegations involving ACORN in many of those same key states.
On Tuesday, Nevada state officials raided ACORN's Las Vegas office after election authorities accused the group of submitting multiple voter registrations with fake and duplicate names.
ACORN, which receives 40 percent of its revenues from American taxpayers to pursue an aggressive welfare-state agenda, has already helped register over 1.27 million people nationwide. The rest of their funding comes from left-wing heavyweights like billionaire George Soros and the Democracy Alliance.
Project Vote, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded by left-wing lawyer Sandy Newman to register voters in welfare offices and unemployment lines with the explicit goal of turning back the Reagan revolution.
The two groups are inextricably linked — and at their nexus is Barack Obama.
In 1992, Newman hired Obama to lead Project Vote efforts in Illinois. The Illinois drive's motto: "It's a Power Thing."
As previously noted in this column ("The ACORN Obama Knows," June 25, 2008), Obama also trained ACORN members in Chicago. In turn, ACORN volunteers worked on his Illinois campaigns and ACORN's PAC endorsed his primary bid with full backing and muscle.
Despite his adamant denials of any association with the group (his Fight the Smears website now claims "Barack Obama never organized with ACORN"), Obama's political DNA is encoded with the ACORN agenda.
The Obama campaign's "Vote for Change" registration drive, running parallel to ACORN/Project Vote, is an all-out scramble to scrape up every last unregistered voter sympathetic to Obama's big-government vision. "Our volume," Obama campaign manager David Plouffe bragged of the voter-registration program, "will be enormous."
Quantity over quality. It's the ACORN way.
In addition to the Las Vegas raid, fraud allegations keep piling up:
— Lake County, Ind., election officials this month rejected a large portion of the 5,000 registration forms ACORN turned in after conducting registration drives in the area all summer. Some vote canvassers had pulled names and addresses from telephone books and forged signatures. According to local reports, "large numbers of voter registration forms bore signatures all in the same apparent handwriting style" and "apparently the organization's canvassers broke rules to meet ACORN-set voter registration quotas to get paid." The fake registrants included dead people and underage kids.
On a conference call yesterday, GOP officials noted that up to 11,000 voter applications were no good — tying up election officials and jeopardizing the voting rights of untold victims whose identities may have been stolen.
— Last month, Milwaukee, Wis., officials discovered at least seven felons employed as voter registration workers for ACORN and another affiliated group. They also uncovered a raft of problematic voter registration cards. The state GOP accused ACORN of attempting to enroll dead, imprisoned or imaginary people to voter rolls. Fraud has plagued ACORN's Milwaukee chapter since the last election cycle.
— In Florida, in Orange County alone, ACORN workers turned in multiple copycat forms for six separate voters over the summer. According to the Miami Herald, "One individual had 21 duplicate applications."
Election officials had flagged ACORN's negligent practices several months ago, but it may be too late: In Orange, Broward and Miami-Dade counties, ACORN has signed up 135,000 new voters, nearly 60 percent of them registered as Democrats that constitute a fifth of all new voters in that region — In Ohio, large numbers of homeless people received free van and bus rides to register. Shelby Holliday, a reporter for Palestra.net, filmed ACORN shuttling prospects to the polls. She told me she spoke with one homeless woman who told her ACORN "told her who to vote for if she wanted a 'better life,' and told her not to worry about jury duty (one of the reasons this homeless woman didn't want to register) because the government probably wouldn't be able to track her down. She was registering with a temporary address."
Holliday interviewed another homeless man targeted by the registration drive who exulted that he was voting for Obama because "I want him to do his thang. You know, do his thug thizzle."
"Thug thizzle" is street slang for performing your trademark move. Obama and ACORN have practiced their thug thizzle together for years: organizing an ever-expanding community of ineligible and marginal voters to expand the Democratic power base. Rules be damned.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
this is a MUST share in this very important election for the US
this is an issue that goes to the core of my heart because i have a grandson who is in pre-K and 2 more who will be going to school in a few years. i cannot stomach the idea of sex education being taught in kindergarten, so i am standing up for my grandkids and for all those kids who will be affected if obama gets elected and this becomes a reality. may GOD forgive us if, as evangelicals & Bible-believing Christians, we do not stand up for our children, grandchildren against this evil that could become a reality...
The Real Obama, Part II
By Thomas Sowell
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/sowell100808.php3
A recent Republican campaign ad sarcastically described as Barack Obama's "one accomplishment" his supporting a bill to promote sex education in kindergarten.
During an interview of a Republican spokesman, Tom Brokaw of NBC News replayed that ad and asked if that was something serious to be discussed in a presidential election campaign.
It was a variation on an old theme about getting back to "the real issues," just as Brokaw's question was a variation on an increasingly widespread tendency among journalists to become a squad of Obama avengers, instead of reporters.
Does it matter if Barack Obama is for sex education in kindergarten? It matters more than most things that are called "the real issues."
Seemingly unrelated things can give important insights into someone's outlook and character. For example, after the Cold War was over, it came out that one of the things that caught the attention of Soviet leaders early on was President Ronald Reagan's breaking of the air traffic controllers' strike.
Why were the Soviets concerned about a purely domestic American issue like an air traffic controllers' strike? Why was their attention not confined to "the real issues" between the United States and the Soviet Union? Because one of the biggest and realest of all issues is the outlook and character of the President of the United States.
It would be hard to imagine any of Ronald Reagan's predecessors over the previous several decades — whether Republicans or Democrats — who would have broken a nationwide strike instead of caving in to the union's demands.
This told the Soviet leaders what Reagan was made of, even before he got up and walked out of the room during negotiations with Mikhail Gorbachev. That too let the Soviet leaders know that they were not dealing with Jimmy Carter any more.
There is no more real issue today than "Who is the real Barack Obama behind the image?" What does being in favor of sex education in kindergarten tell us about the outlook and character of this largely unknown man who has suddenly appeared on the national scene to claim the highest office in the land?
It gives us an insight into the huge gulf between Senator Obama's election year image and what he has actually been for and against over the preceding decades. It also shows the huge gulf between his values and those of most other Americans.
Many Americans would consider sex education for kindergartners to be absurd but there is more to it than that.
What is called "sex education," whether for kindergartners or older children, is not education about biology but indoctrination in values that go against the traditional values that children learn in their families and in their communities.
Obviously, the earlier this indoctrination begins, the better its chances of overriding traditional values. The question is not how urgently children in kindergarten need to be taught about sex but how important it is for indoctrinators to get an early start.
The arrogance of third parties, who take it upon themselves to treat other people's children as a captive audience to brainwash with politically correct notions, while taking no responsibility for the consequences to those children or society, is part of the general vision of the left that pervades our education system.
Sex education for kindergartners is just one of many issues on which Barack Obama has lined up consistently on the side of arrogant elitists of the far left. Senator Obama's words often sound very reasonable and moderate, as well as lofty and inspiring. But everything that he has actually done over the years places him unmistakably with the extreme left elitists.
Sadly, many of those who are enchanted by his rhetoric are unlikely to check out the facts. But nothing is a more real or more important issue than whether what a candidate says is the direct opposite of what he has actually been doing for years.
The old phrase, "a man of high ideals but no principles," is one that applies all too painfully to Barack Obama today. His words expressing lofty ideals may appeal to the gullible but his long history of having no principles makes him a danger of the first magnitude in the White House.
Monday, October 6, 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx_riQNVzDg
the year was 1984 and justin was just a year old... there were SO many songs that year that became my favorites including, "I Just Called To Say I Love You" by Stevie Wonder, "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins & "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" by Elton John. but, the song that i most associate with Justin because i used to dance to it while carrying him in my arms is "If This Is It" by Huey Lewis & The News. enjoy the video from a live concert in 1985...! I've been phoning night and morning
I heard you say "tell him I'm not home"
Now you're confessing, But I'm still guessing
I've been your fool for so so long
Girl don't lie, just to save my feelings
Girl don't cry, and tell me nothing's wrong
Girl don't try to make up phony reasons
I'd rather leave than never believe
If this is it Please let me know
If this ain't love you'd better let me know
If this is it I want to know
If this ain't love baby, just say so
You've been thinking And I've been drinking
We both know that it's just not right
Now you're pretending That it's not ending
You'll say anything to avoid a fight
Girl don't lie, and tell me that you need me
Girl don't cry, and tell me nothing's wrong
I'll be alright one way or another
So let me go, or make we want to stay
If this is it Please let me know
If this ain't love you'd better let me know
If this is it I want to know
If this ain't love baby, just say so
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ikwyiziQ3A
this is a song that was popular in the late 1980s and which we enjoyed singing with erin who was only a few years old at the time... this will always remind me of her as a little girl...!
it's called "Penny For Your Thoughts" by Tavares. enjoy!!
I've got to know where I stand
I just got to know where I am with you
So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Walkin' holdin' hands, you say you're mine all mine
Then soon another face steals your eyes away
It's just a guessing game and I can't help feelin' used
Love shouldn't be so darn confused
So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
People love to talk, they say you're usin' me
Though face to face you swear I'm the only one
If I had a crystal ball I would gaze into your mind
See what you were thinkin', if my ship was sinkin'
If you're leavin' me behind
So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Girl, it should be so darn easy to do
If you love me like I love you
Girl, if I had a crystal ball [A crystal ball]
I would gaze into your mind
See what you were thinkin', if my ship was sinkin'
If you're leavin' me behind
So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
it's called "Penny For Your Thoughts" by Tavares. enjoy!!
I've got to know where I stand
I just got to know where I am with you
So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Walkin' holdin' hands, you say you're mine all mine
Then soon another face steals your eyes away
It's just a guessing game and I can't help feelin' used
Love shouldn't be so darn confused
So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
People love to talk, they say you're usin' me
Though face to face you swear I'm the only one
If I had a crystal ball I would gaze into your mind
See what you were thinkin', if my ship was sinkin'
If you're leavin' me behind
So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Girl, it should be so darn easy to do
If you love me like I love you
Girl, if I had a crystal ball [A crystal ball]
I would gaze into your mind
See what you were thinkin', if my ship was sinkin'
If you're leavin' me behind
So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
Penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxo0lsJnx-U
This song was #1 overall in 1977 and has always been a favorite of mine. i do have a problem with the next to the last line -- "it can't be wrong if it feels so right..." but, the melody is beautiful, debby boone sings it magnificently. it has also become a hit for many other artists, including whitney houston & lee ann rimes. but, it's significance for me is that it will always remind me of ashley. this was my song for her when she was born... i hope you'll enjoy this video of debby boone singing her hit song at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards...
You Light Up My Life
So many nights I sit by my window
Waiting for someone to sing me his song
So many dreams I kept deep inside me
Alone in the dark but now you've come along
You light up my life
You give me hope to carry on
You light up my days and fill my nights with song
Rollin' at sea, adrift on the water
Could it be finally I'm turning for home?
Finally, a chance to say hey, I love You
Never again to be all alone
You light up my life
You give me hope to carry on
You light up my days and fill my nights with song
It can't be wrong when it feels so right
'Cause you, you light up my life
You Light Up My Life
So many nights I sit by my window
Waiting for someone to sing me his song
So many dreams I kept deep inside me
Alone in the dark but now you've come along
You light up my life
You give me hope to carry on
You light up my days and fill my nights with song
Rollin' at sea, adrift on the water
Could it be finally I'm turning for home?
Finally, a chance to say hey, I love You
Never again to be all alone
You light up my life
You give me hope to carry on
You light up my days and fill my nights with song
It can't be wrong when it feels so right
'Cause you, you light up my life
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Isaiah 40:31
this is what i will be sharing @ tomorrow's women's meeting here at EL Church-Forest Hills:
Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it arrives? The eagle will fly to a high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.
When the storms of life come upon us — and all of us will experience many personal storms as we go through this life — we can rise above them all by understanding that the storm is really just a challenge brought to us by God as a means to lift us up. After all, growth from challenges is what life is about. When we understand this, we will be able to rise above the winds of the storms that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in your lives. We can soar above the storm.
Let me ask you a question: Have you ever felt like quitting? Your job? Your family? Your life? To me, it’s understandable to feel like that because I’ve been there. There were times in the past when life just seemed too difficult and the only answer seemed to me to just leave everything behind and start anew. There were times when the future seemed TOO dark and it took every ounce of strength in my body to just get out of bed in the morning and pretend like my life was going to be OK.
There are people, unfortunately, who, when this happens to them, turn to drugs, to booze, to gambling, to sex with someone who is not their spouse. And, sadly, sometimes, people even take their own lives.
For us who are children of God, in those difficult hours, days & years, when we feel like giving up, we can turn to this magnificent promise from Isaiah 40:31: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Just a quick reminder, though, that this promise is only one that we can claim if we are truly a child of God. I’m assuming that everyone here is saved, but if you are not, you know how simple it is to become a child of God — just pray and ask Him to come into your heart. Once you are His child, His promise in Isaiah 40:31 is yours to claim anytime you need it.
So, let’s take a few minutes to discuss what this verse can mean to us TODAY. First of all, God promises that He will help us fly. We just saw a beautiful picture of what happens with the eagle when a storm is coming. Well, that’s what God can do for us. He can lift us above our difficult circumstances and show us our problems from a heavenly perspective. When we look at our circumstances from God’s perspective, we should be able to see how small that difficulty is because we see how BIG our God is.
The next promise from God in this verse is that He will help us run. I’m sure you’ve had those days when you just seem to be running from one place to the next, never stopping to eat or rest. During those times, God promises to give us the strength to run and not be weary.
We all know about that adrenalin rush that you sometimes get just when you think you just can’t go any further, that “second wind.” That is also our wonderful God giving you that extra burst of energy to finish the task ahead of you. How awesome is that?!! With God helping us run, we can keep going and accomplish the purposes that God has in our lives, whether it be taking care of our family, finishing up an important project at work, cleaning our house, witnessing to a friend about the Lord, preparing for our CE class, etc.
The third promise from Isaiah 40:31 is that God will help us walk – they shall walk and not faint. This deals with the routine in our lives. This routine may not be very exciting to others, but this routine is important to us and to others who depend on us. Just think what would happen if you fainted and couldn’t accomplish something that your family needed you to do one day. I know that as a mother, when my kids were small, if I failed to pick them up on time from school, there could be severe consequences. They could decide to start walking home and maybe get hit by a car when they are crossing the street. They could get into the car of someone they THINK they know and get kidnapped or worse... Imagine how devastating either of those two scenarios would be to any parent! Our routine CAN be boring and tedious at times, but without it, we would just be living too chaotically, not getting anything accomplished and what good would that be to ourselves and our families and others around us who depend on us?
But, God knows the importance of our routine. So, He is right there walking it with us, every minute of every day and He promises to keep us from fainting, so that we can do what we need to do on a daily basis.
But, how can we avail of these promises? The secret is in the very first phrase: “wait upon the Lord.” A big part of waiting upon the Lord is to spend time worshipping Him, reading His Word & talking to Him in prayer. If we would only wait upon the Lord and remain quiet in His presence, we would receive the wisdom and strength that we need to keep going day after day, week after week, year after year. Psalm 27:14 reminds us, “Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”
And what happens when we wait on the Lord? He renews our strength! That word “renew” actually means “exchange.” So, when we wait upon the Lord, meditating on His Word, talking to Him in prayer, we exchange our weakness for His strength. After all, He has ALL the strength that we will ever need to keep going, so we should make waiting upon the Lord a top priority in our daily lives. After He renews our strength, we shall mount up with wings as eagles! We will run and not be weary! We will walk and not faint!
When the storms of life come upon us — and all of us will experience many personal storms as we go through this life — we can rise above them all by understanding that the storm is really just a challenge brought to us by God as a means to lift us up. After all, growth from challenges is what life is about. When we understand this, we will be able to rise above the winds of the storms that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in your lives. We can soar above the storm.
Let me ask you a question: Have you ever felt like quitting? Your job? Your family? Your life? To me, it’s understandable to feel like that because I’ve been there. There were times in the past when life just seemed too difficult and the only answer seemed to me to just leave everything behind and start anew. There were times when the future seemed TOO dark and it took every ounce of strength in my body to just get out of bed in the morning and pretend like my life was going to be OK.
There are people, unfortunately, who, when this happens to them, turn to drugs, to booze, to gambling, to sex with someone who is not their spouse. And, sadly, sometimes, people even take their own lives.
For us who are children of God, in those difficult hours, days & years, when we feel like giving up, we can turn to this magnificent promise from Isaiah 40:31: "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Just a quick reminder, though, that this promise is only one that we can claim if we are truly a child of God. I’m assuming that everyone here is saved, but if you are not, you know how simple it is to become a child of God — just pray and ask Him to come into your heart. Once you are His child, His promise in Isaiah 40:31 is yours to claim anytime you need it.
So, let’s take a few minutes to discuss what this verse can mean to us TODAY. First of all, God promises that He will help us fly. We just saw a beautiful picture of what happens with the eagle when a storm is coming. Well, that’s what God can do for us. He can lift us above our difficult circumstances and show us our problems from a heavenly perspective. When we look at our circumstances from God’s perspective, we should be able to see how small that difficulty is because we see how BIG our God is.
The next promise from God in this verse is that He will help us run. I’m sure you’ve had those days when you just seem to be running from one place to the next, never stopping to eat or rest. During those times, God promises to give us the strength to run and not be weary.
We all know about that adrenalin rush that you sometimes get just when you think you just can’t go any further, that “second wind.” That is also our wonderful God giving you that extra burst of energy to finish the task ahead of you. How awesome is that?!! With God helping us run, we can keep going and accomplish the purposes that God has in our lives, whether it be taking care of our family, finishing up an important project at work, cleaning our house, witnessing to a friend about the Lord, preparing for our CE class, etc.
The third promise from Isaiah 40:31 is that God will help us walk – they shall walk and not faint. This deals with the routine in our lives. This routine may not be very exciting to others, but this routine is important to us and to others who depend on us. Just think what would happen if you fainted and couldn’t accomplish something that your family needed you to do one day. I know that as a mother, when my kids were small, if I failed to pick them up on time from school, there could be severe consequences. They could decide to start walking home and maybe get hit by a car when they are crossing the street. They could get into the car of someone they THINK they know and get kidnapped or worse... Imagine how devastating either of those two scenarios would be to any parent! Our routine CAN be boring and tedious at times, but without it, we would just be living too chaotically, not getting anything accomplished and what good would that be to ourselves and our families and others around us who depend on us?
But, God knows the importance of our routine. So, He is right there walking it with us, every minute of every day and He promises to keep us from fainting, so that we can do what we need to do on a daily basis.
But, how can we avail of these promises? The secret is in the very first phrase: “wait upon the Lord.” A big part of waiting upon the Lord is to spend time worshipping Him, reading His Word & talking to Him in prayer. If we would only wait upon the Lord and remain quiet in His presence, we would receive the wisdom and strength that we need to keep going day after day, week after week, year after year. Psalm 27:14 reminds us, “Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”
And what happens when we wait on the Lord? He renews our strength! That word “renew” actually means “exchange.” So, when we wait upon the Lord, meditating on His Word, talking to Him in prayer, we exchange our weakness for His strength. After all, He has ALL the strength that we will ever need to keep going, so we should make waiting upon the Lord a top priority in our daily lives. After He renews our strength, we shall mount up with wings as eagles! We will run and not be weary! We will walk and not faint!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
What's in a name?
here's the 2nd question from the book, "Reflections from A Mother's Heart:" Who gave you your name and why? Did you have a family nickname? How did you get it?
i asked my parents about my name "sharon lei" and was told that my mom chose it. the reason? she loves flowers and "sharon" is the name of a plain in Israel where roses bloom (like the one pictured here). "lei" is hawaiian for garland, so more flowers. there was nothing earth-shattering about why i ended up being sharon lei and my dad was quick to point out that he didn't have any say in the name choice... :-)
as for my nickname, i have several but they're all variations of "peachy." i guess it must have been given to me because i was a little plump as a baby. some relatives call me "pepep" and my brother called me "pep" because when he was learning how to talk, he couldn't pronounce "peachy." that's the nickname that my close friends and family are privileged to call me...!!
when i had my own children, i spent a lot of time thinking about just the RIGHT name for each one. when i was pregnant with ashley, i was reading Ashley Montagu's "The Meaning of Love." Ashley Montagu was an anthropologist who wrote over 60 books during his lifetime. He also taught and lectured at Harvard, Rutgers University (for one year), the University of California, and New York University. i had no idea if my first child would be a boy or a girl. since dan's family had only boys, i thought for sure i would also have a son. if that were the case, he would have been named andrew. but, if the baby were a girl, i wanted to name her ashley after ashley montagu. in those days, ashley was not as common a name as it is now and "ashley," which for many years was a name for boys (remember Ashley Wilkes in "Gone With the Wind?!), was only starting to become one of those unisex names. Ashley is Old English and means "ash meadow." It also means "beautiful valley" and in simpler terms Ashley also means "beautiful." ashley's middle name is "rae" which is short for "rachel." i just thought they sounded great together!
i asked my parents about my name "sharon lei" and was told that my mom chose it. the reason? she loves flowers and "sharon" is the name of a plain in Israel where roses bloom (like the one pictured here). "lei" is hawaiian for garland, so more flowers. there was nothing earth-shattering about why i ended up being sharon lei and my dad was quick to point out that he didn't have any say in the name choice... :-)
as for my nickname, i have several but they're all variations of "peachy." i guess it must have been given to me because i was a little plump as a baby. some relatives call me "pepep" and my brother called me "pep" because when he was learning how to talk, he couldn't pronounce "peachy." that's the nickname that my close friends and family are privileged to call me...!!
when i had my own children, i spent a lot of time thinking about just the RIGHT name for each one. when i was pregnant with ashley, i was reading Ashley Montagu's "The Meaning of Love." Ashley Montagu was an anthropologist who wrote over 60 books during his lifetime. He also taught and lectured at Harvard, Rutgers University (for one year), the University of California, and New York University. i had no idea if my first child would be a boy or a girl. since dan's family had only boys, i thought for sure i would also have a son. if that were the case, he would have been named andrew. but, if the baby were a girl, i wanted to name her ashley after ashley montagu. in those days, ashley was not as common a name as it is now and "ashley," which for many years was a name for boys (remember Ashley Wilkes in "Gone With the Wind?!), was only starting to become one of those unisex names. Ashley is Old English and means "ash meadow." It also means "beautiful valley" and in simpler terms Ashley also means "beautiful." ashley's middle name is "rae" which is short for "rachel." i just thought they sounded great together!
I looked up "Ashley" on the 'net and someone wrote that the name originated from a myth. according to this myth, a beautiful young female was abducted by an ogre and imprisoned in an ash tree. over many years the tree took the form of that beautiful woman, but since nobody remembers the woman's name, she is only remembered as Ashley. It is said that the fabled treed is located in the town of Devonshire in the United Kingdom.
before i even got pregnant with justin, i remember riding home on a bus from baguio to manila and asking dan what he thought we should call our son, once we had one. his dad, who was one of the sweetest men ever!, was named justino and i wanted to name our son after him, but with an american twist to it. i didn't know if dan wanted his son to have "daniel" as his first name and was glad when he said it would be OK to call our son "justin daniel, jr." i'm happy that we have carried on dan's dad's name in our son who continues to live up to the meaning of his name.
justin is of Latin origin and means "just," "upright," "righteous." It's also a form of the New Testament name "Justus." justin was also a Greek theologian who founded a school of Christian philosophy in Rome. he was also the author of the Apology and the Dialogue.
even before our youngest child was born, i knew that i wanted to name her "erin" if we had a girl. erin was a surprise pregnancy, but one that was easy and peaceful. too peaceful, actually, because we had no way of knowing that she would be an emergency caesarian because the umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around her neck. so, the delivery was the opposite of peaceful as Dr Salvador Francisco had to scramble to get me into OR to perform the C-section and dan had to hurry back from FEBC to sign the consent papers for the C-section. all the while, i was getting injected with the biggest needle i had ever seen right on my spine to get me ready for the procedure!! i still remember dr francisco opening me up and bec he didn't want the incision to be too long, he had one of his interns push down on my chest for several minutes to help push the baby out...! i still remember how weird that was to have some dude pushing down on my chest and my not even feeling any of it...!! but, praise God, that did the trick and erin was delivered safely with the umbilical cord cut right at my belly button. that was really a close call for both of us!!
erin means "peace." it is also the romantic name for ireland. i've always been fascinated by ireland which is one reason why erin has an irish name. maybe someday, we will travel there together... erin's full name is actually erinleigh. i thought about making it erinlei, but thought people might think it sounds too much like my own name... so, i just changed the lei to leigh... pretty nifty, huh?
so, what's in a name? plenty!! i just hope my kids are happy with their names or at least have made peace with their names, like i have with mine... :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)