Tag Archives: Jesus Christ

Five thanks

Posted on by
2

A reflection of thankfulness…

1. Faith

Forever will I be thankful for the gift of forgiveness and for faith to believe.

2. Family

Four healthy children, full of life. A godly husband. My parents. Doc’s parents. Extended family near and far, all dear ones and loved. Church family, also dear. Along with my church family, I include my online friends. Faith brings us together, technology lets us connect and find each other. I’m thankful for you, readers.

3. Freedom

From sin through the power of Jesus Christ. Freedom to gather in community with other believers every Sunday, to openly proclaim Jesus is Lord. Freedom to educate my children, my way, without interference from government involvement.

4. Food

Because not everyone will sit down to turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy and pumpkin pie. God forgive us if we forget our brothers and sisters that are hungry today, here in the United States, or overseas.

5. Finances

My family has enough. We aren’t rich, we aren’t poor. I’m thankful for the abundance in my heart, that which money can’t buy.

From Psalm 136:

Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.

Now it’s your turn: Why are you thankful? Can you add to my List of Five?

You can read more thankful-blog posts here.

Barack Obama is only a man

Posted on by
5

On Monday night, Saturday Night Live replayed a bunch of skits from the season. There was John McCain, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, maybe Joe Biden too. I can’t remember if he made an appearance. Lots of dead pan humor and over-all silliness. Who knew McCain had comic timing?

Then Barack Obama came on the screen.

The thing that struck me was the reaction of the two SNL cast members. Suddenly, their demeanor changed like they were in the presence of greatness. The audience roared its approval when a mask-wearing Obama revealed himself. The actors almost bowed in reverence. And Obama basked in his moment.

That’s the same type of reaction I witnessed last night when I watched thousands of people crammed in that Chicago park. CNN showed close-ups of the people’s faces – the tears, the joy, the happiness their candidate won. (If McCain had won, I bet I would have jumped for joy too, because it would’ve been a miracle).

Perhaps it was tears of relief and satisfaction. Finally! Acceptance. I can only imagine the pain of the African American community, since as a lily-white English/Irish girl, I have no idea what racial prejuice is like.

But I suspect that’s not why the crowd was so jubilant.

Friends, they are depending on Obama to do something the man can’t do.

Peace. Prosperity. The answer to all their problems.

We Christians know Obama is only a man who can’t be the answer these people crave. He may be able to help our country unite, fix the messed up economy and command respect from world leaders, but ultimately he will not be able to satisfy.

Barak Obama is not the answer to all of our country’s problems.

What I saw on CNN last night made me sad. Those people are eager to trust and believe, longing for someone to lift them up. Obama is only a human man. He needs God’s help and wisdom to govern, he needs our prayers. Our country needs our prayers too.

Obama is not our savior. Who will tell his followers about Jesus?

Why I’m voting for John McCain

Posted on by
26

I had no intention of writing about the presidential election here on my happy mommy book blog. Then my pastor had to go and preach a fabulous, hit-it-out-of-the-park sermon about Christian citizenship last Sunday. I sat in the pew, muttering to myself.

Drat. Now I have to be a political blogger too.

I didn’t watch the conventions, didn’t listen to any of the speeches. When Twitter was abuzz about the debates, I found other topics to tweet about. I’m probably the last person to meet Joe the Plummer and I don’t know all the names of Sarah Palin’s children. All those political emails and YouTube videos in my inbox – deleted, unread and unwatched.

It’s not that I don’t care. I do. I’ve just had enough of the American political machine.

The mudslinging, obnoxious ads, and the overall negative atmosphere of the campaign that started months ago in the primaries, it makes a girl want to move to Canada until it’s over.

I’m not even all that keen on sharing my political opinions openly because I’m not good at debating. I’m way too emotionally involved. My vote is tied directly to my convictions as a Christian, and when a friend, fellow blogger, or family member disagrees, I take it too personally. I know I need to toughen up, get a thicker skin, but this is who I am.

Book blogger mama stepping out of her comfort zone to jump last minute into the political debate.

Tomorrow I will vote for Senator McCain and Governor Palin because I believe they best represent my values as a follower of Jesus Christ.

As a Christian, I can’t vote for Senator Obama. And part of me likes the guy. He’s younger, well spoken and from what I’ve seen so far, not at all goofy. (In other words, the complete opposite of President George W. Bush). He talks about bringing change to our country. (Great idea, Barack. Change is good. Let’s change the law to protect the unborn! Hmmm. Somehow, I can’t see him agreeing with me on that one).

I know some of my brothers and sisters in Christ plan on casting a vote for Obama tomorrow. Maybe they like his views on tax cuts or education or the war. Maybe it’s George W. backlash. Maybe they don’t agree life begins at conception.

Or maybe they don’t think the issue of abortion is as important as the economy.

May God have mercy on our nation if it’s that last one.

As much as I would love more money in my pocket, cleaner air, a stable economy, and our troops home from overseas, I will not vote for a presidential candidate that doesn’t believe in the protection of human life.

Friends, this is an important election. Supreme Court justices will be selected by the next president. We need a president willing to protect the innocent, the unborn. How we vote tomorrow will impact laws in this nation for years to come.

Christian voter, I hope you say YES to Senator McCain and Governor Palin, because I believe it’s a vote to protect human life.

As I close this post, I just want to say I’ve never had to edit or delete a comment due to nastiness. Feel free to disagree with me, but keep it civil with no name calling, cussing or ungodly behavior. I’ve tried to speak my bold convictions with love. I hope you can do the same for me.

In love and humility,

Monica