Those Amazing Kennedy Kids!

I am so proud of the people my children are becoming. As their personalities develop, and as they grow in character in various areas, I am amazed at the grace of God at work in their lives. I remember when the kids were very little, and I was a discouraged young mom. My friend, Laura, said to me one day, "Don't put so much pressure on yourself. I am proof positive that God's grace is abundantly available. My kids are turning out great (in spite of me)." Definitely true words! Scott and I are far from the perfect parents (just ask my mother!) Nevertheless, our kids (while certainly not perfect) are turning out pretty good so far!

Abigail is eight. I have seen her growing into an terrific big sister lately. She seems to be able to sense when I need a hand, and will entertain her brother. She loves teaching him his alphabet, numbers, etc. She often asks to read him his bedtime story before they go to bed. (She's an awesome reader!) Abby has always struggled to share, but I have noticed her becoming more generous lately, as she grows and learns to put God's desires before her own. Caleb, of course, adores his sister. He often declares, "Abigail is my best friend". Don't get me wrong: they fight plenty! But they love each other, and are on the way to building a sibling bond that will last a lifetime.

I have also noticed that Abby is developing a wonderful sense of self-discipline. She will do her homework and her Sunday School memory work with little assistance. She also eagerly accepts additional challenges: advanced reading, extra credit projects, etc. Now, granted, the "rewards" often associated with these things helps! But a personal pan pizza is a small reward for the valiant effort of reading forty books in a week. I am glad to see her so motivated. I've also noticed that Abby is doing her chores with a lot less grumbling, and she enjoys taking on small responsibilities, like packing her own lunch. And unlike her mom, who was labeled "class clown" in 2nd grade, she is self-disciplined in the classroom. The teacher assistant told me that the teacher often asks the other children to "behave like Abigail".

Caleb is our little knight. He is almost four, and already seems to be developing a sensitivity and sense of chivalry toward females. One day, his sister dressed up in her fanciest princess clothes and stood in the bathroom, admiring herself in the mirror. In walks Caleb, and says, "Oh, hi. You look pretty, Abby!" Not long after, I came out for church one morning dressed in a long, flowing skirt. Caleb looked up and exclaimed, "Mommy looks like Cinderella!" (I love this kid. I thought, "Boy . . . if you keep that up, I'm going to beating the girls off with a stick.") One day, a little girl in his preschool class was crying because she missed her mom. The teacher told me that Caleb took her by the hand, and led her around school with him. Before long, the little girl was smiling, and having a great time. And just recently, when his sister tripped over a toy, and pieces went flying everywhere, Caleb sat down beside her and said, "Don't worry, Abby. I will help you."

We have also observed that Caleb is growing in his interest in spiritual things. He loves to pray before bed, to say the blessing at meals, and to sing songs like "The B-i-b-l-e". He has a real curiosity about God. One day, we had a talk about how Jesus could live in our hearts. He said, "Mom, Jesus can't be in my heart. He is too big!" (Try explaining that to a 3-year-old!) I did my best, and somehow, we got into a talk about how we were going to go to heaven with Jesus some day. He said, "How will we get there. Will we drive our car?" After I stopped laughing, I told him Jesus would come back to get us on a white horse. He said, "Wow, can we ride the horse to heaven? And mom, can (my cousin) Georgie come, too?" He's a sweet and funny boy.

Do Women Have the Right to Choose?

My 60's hippy aunt, who I love dearly, asked me an great question the other day. She said, "Why wouldn't you, as a woman, want the right to choose (an abortion)?"

Here is my thoughtful response:

Let me assure you that I like my "rights" as much as the next person. Everyone wants rights. We are freedom-loving Americans, and on top of that, sinful people who naturally gravitate towards our own wants and desires. Never mind abortion, I'd like to have the "right to choose" certain freedoms not currently given to me by law! For example, I would like the right to shoot anyone who dares to harm one of my kids. I would like the right to slash the tires on the car of that incompetent accountant who "forgot" to file my income taxes. And I would really, really like the right to beat the living tar out of the neighborhood cats who continually poop in my kids' sandbox.

But naturally, I can't (and shouldn't) do whatever I might feel like doing. We all agree, no matter our religious or cultural backgrounds, that a code of moral ethics is necessary to life in a civilized society. The problem is that many people try to get by on "relative truth", i.e., "well, it's not right for me, but who am I to say it's not right for you?" But really, that is a bunch of malarky. Even if you say you believe that or think you believe that, you really don't. Let me give you an example:

Think back to the atrocities committed on 9/11. Did the hijackers responsible for the worst act of terror ever committed on American soil truly believe they were doing the right thing? Of course they did! They sacrificed their lives for it! Now, would you say that what they did was right???? Of course not! But who are you to inflict your personal beliefs on them? See my point?

What about relying solely on government to determine right from wrong? Just because something is "legal" does that make it "right"? In the 1940's, a German doctor could legally kill a Jew. Was it right? Moral beliefs have to be based on something other than subjective views. Otherwise, the world becomes scarily chaotic. As a Christian, I believe that God, who created all people in His image, gave us the Bible to be the moral compass for life. We need a compass, as "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." People are fallible. We are all in a position to misjudge right from wrong. The Bible says, "the heart is deceitfully wicked. Who could know it?"

So, getting back to my aunt's question. Why would I, as a woman, not want the right to choose? Simply put, I don't believe women have truly been given that right. Why? Because I base beliefs on a higher moral authority, God's Word. One of the ten commandments is "thou shall not murder". Does life begin at conception? Yes, it does. Scientists and doctors have long since confirmed this. Liberals know this, they just refuse to acknowledge it. Barack Obama's "it's above my pay grade" comment was his way of getting out of the question. He certainly knows when human life begins; if he were that ignorant, he wouldn't be qualified to be the president. Is the child in the womb a person? Once again, the answer is "yes"! (And if you are are one of those people who still buy the "it's blob of tissue" rhetoric, here's a website for you. Be forewarned, the images are disturbing.)

Both science and the Bible confirm the humanity of children in the womb. And while all murder is condemned, God particularly regards the shedding of innocent blood as heinous. (Deut. 19:10, Lev. 18:21). In fact, the prophets of Israel warned that the killing of children results in the devastating judgement of God on a society (Jeremiah 7:30-34).

"Well, ok", you may be thinking, "so maybe you have a point. But I am not comfortable with infringing other people's right to choose. It's not my business. And not everyone holds to the teachings of the Bible." True . . . and it is each person's perogative to believe what they want. But that doesn't mean they should be allowed to do whatever they want. Once again, morality cannot be relative! People need to be held accountable to something; our nation was traditionally founded on a Judeo-Christian principles. That was the intention of the founding Fathers. Think of it this way: if we were talking about a rape, would you say, "I don't think it is right, but I am not comfortable telling that guy he can't do that." Of course not! Why is abortion different? It is the violation of a human being! Consider the story of Giana Jessen, aborted at 7 months by saline abortion, and lived to tell about it . . .

ALL human beings are intrinsically valuable to God. We were created in His image, which means our worth far exceeds that of the animal kingdom. God ordains each person's life, and God who has the right to decide when that life should end. What frightens me about America today is that we have gotten to a place where there is such disregard for human life. I believe that abortion has contributed to this disrespect for personhood. I mean, if it is ok to kill a child in the womb, then is it really so bad to kill the same child after birth? Children are being killed by their own parents in record numbers, and walking away with a lenient punishments. Kids are shooting other kids because don't like something they said. People now shoot other people for merely cutting them off in traffic. "Why is this happening?" we often wonder. But is it really that surprising when we live in country who continues to promote the idea that human life is disposable? The problem is not guns, people! The problem is the hearts of the people who are carrying them!

Now, the question always comes up, even from my friends who are mostly prolife, "What do you think about abortion in cases of rape and incest?" First off, let me say this: only 2% of abortions are the result of rape and incest. 2%! Secondly, in the case of rape, there are medical procedures that thwart the chance of conception considerably. But in any case, I don't think there's a human being alive who wouldn't understand why a women might want to choose an abortion in those situations. In fact, at one time, using my subjective reasoning, I would have agreed with it. I have since had to change my position on this, though. Why? Because you always have to go back to absolute truth! Is the child a human being? Yes. Was the child created by God, despite the circumstances under which he or she was conceived? YES. The bible says, "You (God) knit me together in my mother's womb. I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:13). Even a child conceived under horrific circumstances is planned by God. He has not been taken by surprise. And He has a reason for everything.

That may seem oppressive to women, but truly it isn't. The great mystery of faith is that what seems to be oppressive is truly freeing, while what seems to be freeing is what holds you in bondage. That doesn't mean there is not pain, of course. The woman facing such a situation is in great need of our care and compassion. Who, being in that situation, wouldn't look up to heaven at least once, and scream, "WHY?" We are all dealt lousy cards in life at one time or another. But you can't respond to one heinous crime with another and expect a better outcome. Like my mother always said, "Two wrongs don't make a right!" There are numerous stories out there of people -- good citizens -- conceived in rape who are so thankful they were given a chance. Here's one account of what God can do with such a child: Read Rebecca's story.

I could go on all day about this subject, but I don't have the time or the room! Before closing, I do want to make one important statement. If you are a women who has formerly chosen an abortion - no matter who you are, no matter what your circumstances - I hope you will realize there is a God who loves you. You need not live with suppressed, unresolved pain and guilt. There is complete healing and forgiveness for you in Christ. Please seek counsel.

If you are a person who would like to read more on the subject of abortion, I recommend the book ProLife Answers to ProChoice Arguments by Randy Alcorn. It is an excellent resource, and very readable.

The True "Hope"

My husband ever-so-gently reminded me last night that I must be careful to not to convey the idea that my hope is in government rather than in Christ. He is right, of course, and that is not the intention of my political comments on this blog. My hope is not in any one candidate, as all people are fallible. No matter who goes to Washington, mistakes will be made along the way. Thanks be to God, we don't need a Messiah! We already have one in the person of Jesus Christ!

While I believe I have a responsibility as a Christian and patriot to vote my conscience, it is comforting to remember that God is still in control. I will stand for the truth I believe in, because there is only one true "hope" for America, and that is Jesus. I will vote for the Sarah Palins of the world, because I think people of conviction move America in a positive direction. And I will vehemently defend the faith of committed Christians from those who would treat us as though we are "backwards morons" without a clue. There's a lot more at stake than our country. There's the name of Christ and the eternal souls of those who deny Him.

She Has GOT to be Kidding!!!

I saw Joy Behar, the extremely liberal co-host of "The View", on Larry King the other night. Here's the comment she made about Sarah Palin:

"She's very mean to animals, this woman." (Click sentence for link).

Cough, cough, choke, gag. WHAT?

Well, by all means, we certainly cannot elect a VP who is "mean to animals"! That's the first qualifier of a national leader: "Must treat all animals kindly . . . unless they are homo sapiens of course."

I certainly don't condone harming animals (beyond God's original intentions to supply food and resources), but I just don't get it: How can a liberal be so blind as to not see the hypocrisy in that statement???

"Don't be mean to animals, now Sarah. Don't kill moose so your family can eat, and don't kill polar bears so that the American people can have oil. We must protect and love and cherish the animals. But by all means, Sarah, don't make the fool decision to have a special needs child. It isn't cruel to inflict pain and suffering on your own flesh and blood by burning and butchering him. After all, sometimes these things are necessary. "

IT'S RIDICULOUS!

Furthermore, the way those ladies treated Senator John McCain with extreme contempt and disrespect was atrocious. Whether you agree with a candidate or not, they deserve better than that. I am cancelling my subscription :) I don't know how Elizabeth takes it every day. She has my admiration and my sympathy (and she's going to start getting some of my prayers, too!)

Back to the Alley?

For those of you who are worried that a McCain presidency (and possible subsequent overturning of Roe v. Wade) would result in a return to "back alley" and "clothes hanger" abortions, let me give you some facts:

In 1960, Planned Parenthood stated, "90% of all abortions are presently done by physicians." The majority of abortions were done by physicians in their offices, not in back alleys. If licensed physicians were willing to do abortions before, it stands to reason some doctors will continue to do them, whether abortion is "legal" or not.

Furthermore, a turning over of Roe v. Wade would mean that abortion legislation would fall to the states. One would assume that the more conservative states may outlaw it, while the more liberal ones would not.

By making these statements, I am NOT advocating abortion. (On the contrary, I am very pro-life, and will address this topic fully later on.) What I am pointing out, however, is that if the issue of abortion is a major hurdle for you in the upcoming election, it probably doesn't need to be. And if you are truly concerned about women, then I know you are also concerned about the potential physical and psychological effects of abortion, legal or illegal. I think one thing we can all agree on is that fewer abortions would be a good thing. I don't think anyone is jumping up and down to get one. Empowering a woman to feel she truly has other options would be positive for women and for America. But the bottom line: for women who still choose abortion, few will be resorting to a clothes hanger!

Why I Like Governor Sarah Palin

With the presidential race right around the corner, my mind is consumed with politics right now. In fact, the race is so close in Florida, that I decided I am going over to help out at the local McCain/Palin victory office tomorrow. That's something I haven't done in a long time. But I feel strongly about this race, and win or lose, at least I can say I contributed. I am enthusiastic about the ticket, especially since Sarah Palin joined it. I respect and admire John McCain for his strong leadership and service to our country. I would have voted for him regardless, but I am delighted by Palin, who is a powerful voice for the silent majority of conservatives in this country.

Most people have a strong opinion about VP pick Sarah Palin. It was a brilliant pick; it was a ridiculous pick. She's too inexperienced; she's more experienced than Obama. She is a conservative nutcase; she if finally the conservative we have been waiting for. Then there's all the political "stuff" that always goes along with candidates. The supposed flaws like "Troopergate", the "Bridge to Nowhere", etc.  Personally, I don't care if she changed her mind on the "bridge" (what politician doesn't?), and I can forgive her either way on "Troopergate".

You see, Sarah Palin doesn't have to "prove" she has integrity; her life choices already reflect it! Consider this: Palin came from a working class family. She married a blue-collar worker, and lived a modest lifestyle before landing her six-figure job as state energy commissioner. Palin knew that blowing the whistle on the corrupt Republican governor was certainly not the way to advance her career, but she did it anyway. She then went on to resign from her position, knowing she might never work in politics again. She did the right thing, the sacrificial thing, when she could have done the easy thing. THAT, ladies and gentleman, is integrity.

Palin proved her character, once again, during her recent pregnancy. Put yourself in her position: You are 43 years old. You are in a fairly new position as busy governor. You already have four kids, and end up pregnant with a fifth, which may or may not have been planned. Then you find out the baby has Downs Syndrome. (Almost all babies with Downs are aborted, by the way.) Suddenly, you are faced with a situation you probably never expected to be in; a situation that will test your convictions to see if actually do what you say you believe. Once again, Sarah Palin took the high road. How much easier would it have been to have a "secret abortion"?  How much "easier" might it have been to drive her daughter, Bristol, to an abortion clinic instead of having a baby at seventeen? Instead of facing the gossip and challenges that were sure to come? Sarah Palin lives out her faith. No matter what anyone may think of her being a working mother, and toting her little ones to work, one thing is for sure: she clearly does not view children as a mere inconvenience and her beliefs as "negotiable depending on my personal situation".

Palin's integrity goes far for me, but there are other reasons I am enthusiastic her.  Inexperienced? Yes . . . compared to, say, John McCain. Palin humbly refers to herself as "just a hockey mom", but make no mistake about it, her success is NOT by mere chance. She's ambitious, she's a fighter. She has an incredible amount of tenacity and perseverance. What kind of person runs for governor, without the support of her own party, but as a one woman show, and wins? Furthermore, she is a proven multi-tasker. I admire any woman who can raise 5 children, hold down the fort at home when her husband is gone, and still be a successful governor. Heck, I can't even tie my shoes and my son's shoes at the same time. Amazing.

Furthermore, I think that Palin has, thus far, done a fair job of handling herself in the face of her critics. She is articulate, intelligent, and real. She holds to her beliefs and convictions, yet she does so with the diplomacy.  She's not just about herself and her political agenda, but she cares about the people she represents. That's why she is able to work across party lines, and why she has an 80% approval rating in Alaska. And even in all of her "inexperience", her faith will continue to be her guiding force.  I'll take Palin -- a heartbeat from the presidency with God by her side -- than Obama, our next president, arrogantly relying on himself any day!

For more on Governor Sarah Palin, visit www.christians4palin.blogspot.com