"I AM the Good News!"

Back in August, Chris was let go at his job. Since then, we have been praying and waiting for God to provide a new one. It's been a very difficult time in the wilderness, but we've weathered this before. This is the fifth time we have been through this since the lock-down in 2020. 

In the midst of this, we have also dealt with two vehicular incidents just five days apart (our insurance
is probably wondering what in the world is going on with us considering we have had to use the roadside assistance for towing TWICE in less than a week!). First, my daughter hit a deer on the way to work (praise God she was unharmed). Also, the van is clearly the R2-D2 of vehicles and is still fixable after countless mishaps. Five days later, she ran over something sharp that punctured one of my husband's tires on the Flex (which had been needing a couple new tires anyways). Thankfully, Chris and Uncle Frank (praise God for Uncle Frank!) were able to get the Flex up and running again; and are still working on the van. It really took some hard effort to put the tires and the much needed new shocks on the Flex before getting it to the tire shop for the alignment.

I can't say enough about how thankful I am that my baby is ok because both incidents could have been so much worse. I am also immensely grateful for Uncle Frank and how he has always been someone we can count on in situations like this. But, more than that, I know that I can count on God for our daily bread. If that's the one thing that I'm being assured of in these past few months, it's that undeniable truth. Every time I start to slip into an Israelite mentality of wanting to gather and prepare for more than I need for the day, He reminds me not to be afraid and that I'm worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31). As long as you remember who God is and that He will give you what you need for TODAY, you won't worry about tomorrow. All my "what ifs" and worries are settled every time He says, "Do you have what you need for TODAY?" I always have to admit that yes, my needs for the day have been met. "Daily bread, Melissa," he says. Daily bread.

As I have written about before, it's been crucial for me to reflect on all the past "manna moments" to remind myself that God is faithful. He has provided for me every day in the past and I can look back on it all and see how my God did not fail; and that's the story I'll continue to tell. I know that He will continue to give me the miracle of manna every day and that it will always be enough. Though, like I recently read in Lysa Terkeurst's book (Forgiving What You Can't Forget), it's easy to forget about the best bread that we truly need. Yes, we need the physical bread and provisions of life. Yes, we often need those miraculous moments of the miracle manna. But, we ALWAYS need Jesus; THE bread of life (John 6:35). There's nothing quite like a wilderness test to remind you that no one lives on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Jesus was tested with it, and that was His response when the devil tried to get him to focus on His physical needs.

I'm sharing this now because I was reminded of this while praying earlier tonight. My emotions had been stirred up a lot today for various reasons; one of them being this whole waiting for the job thing. Given that the election is just two days away, we have been aware of the fact that many places are probably waiting to see what happens on Tuesday before they make hiring decisions. Without wanting to put too much hope in something as short-sighted as elections, I just simply said "I just want some good news." He said to me, "I AM the Good News!" Read that again and think on it for a few moments.

As I thought about that response, I thought about the disciples. The Good News that Jesus kept telling them about often went right over their heads because they were hoping for Jesus to change their own Kingdom instead of receiving and building His. Just like I wrote about in my "Obama is Covered in Chinese Food" post in 2008, the Kingdom of Heaven is STILL here and STILL advancing every day! We must not be short-sighted! No matter what happens to help/hurt our nation (and the nations of the world), Christ is STILL King. He always has been and always will be and His Kingdom HAS NO END (Luke 1:33). No matter what happens, we can be content with little or with much; because we can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:11-13). This world isn't all there is! Be GLAD of that! That truly is Good News! All of this is temporary and we're going to make it because Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). So, don't let your hearts be troubled!

 

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ and spread hope. It's no accident that that has been my word for this year. I knew that getting that word would likely mean that this year would be trying, because hope comes at the end of all the testing and persevering (Romans 5:3-5). He is the hope that never disappoints because He is faithful! This hope is a priceless treasure that lives in our hearts and we will not be crushed, abandoned, or destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:7-9) Through all the fiery trials and testing, we are being refined and He is going through that fire with us (1 Peter 1:7, Isaiah 48:10, Daniel 3:25).

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Pray, vote, and give thanks! God is good! He will provide for us and He will provide for you! To HIM be the glory in all things; because it's never about us! God bless you and God bless America!

Final Thoughts and Truths to Consider Before Voting Tomorrow

What you will read at the end of my message is something that I also found on a message board today. If you need some refreshing on who stands for what let me remind you:

McCain/Palin are Christians who will stand up for our faith and for YOU!! They are whole-heartedly pro-life and they seek to overturn Roe vs. Wade (and through appointing some good supreme court justices, that just might happen eventually!). They also support and defend marriage between one man and one woman. They do not promote the perversion of homosexuality. Also, they seek to stick to the capitalist system that keeps our country running (and they will cut your taxes too!). They do not believe in “wealth spreading” and encouraging idleness/laziness by insisting that we provide funds and benefits to those who only seek to use and abuse government systems (such as welfare). They want to create jobs and encourage people to work and provide for themselves (and save us tax money!) They also stand with ISRAEL and do not support the radical agendas to break it apart.

By contrast, Obama is the mirror opposite (and then some!). He claims Christianity, but none of his beliefs reflect that (and, as we all know, he has roots in Islam as well as ties to terrorists). Add to all this that he doesn’t even like to salute our flag (and would rather create his own version of the American flag - as evidenced by his logo). My gosh, he’s more and more like Hitler all the time!! Brainwashing crowds everywhere and gaining their allegiance as they blindly follow and believe whatever comes out of that smooth-talking mouth of his! When, all the while, he is helping to promote the American Holocaust of MILLIONS OF BABIES!!!

It’s downright blasphemous how he claims that he cares about all us “Joes” but says that we just cling to our guns and religion! But it doesn’t stop there!! He also claims that he wants to provide quality education for our children (well, those that survive life in the womb anyways!) Only “wanted“ children have the right to life and prosperity; but if they are a “mistake“ we shouldn‘t be “punished“ with those children; even more so if they have special needs. Just abort and try again. Why bother with them right? This is all part of his plan. In fact, he said that the first thing he wants to do as president is sign the “freedom of choice act.“ He supports every form of abortion under the sun (AND infanticide!!!). He is endorsed by Planned Parenthood, and has even said that he wouldn’t yield and Planned Parenthood wouldn’t yield (just what we need right? Unyielding radical liberals who will never stop promoting promiscuity, abortion, and perverted “sexual education” to our children - when they aren’t killing them of course). I’m sorry….is all of this news to you? I’d imagine it is because the media sure wouldn’t broadcast it!! However, you can hear all these statements from his own mouth by checking out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NN4TKrViNE

Obama would appoint supreme court judges that would strip away all of our rights (our right to our faith, to bear arms, and so much more!). Not only that, he seeks to grant homosexuals the right to marry; which would destroy the family dynamics and moral fabric of our nation (and it is not something that God purposed or created us for! It violates the completion and unity that He created through a one man/one woman union).

Also, he seeks to “spread the wealth” with his health care schemes and wealth redistribution (do we really want a socialist system? Is it working for Cuba???). In other words, you will work hard so that other people who refuse to work can have your money - after all, that’s the “fair” thing to do…..that way, everyone benefits right? And, last but not least, Obama opposes Israel. World leaders every where are hoping for Obama’s election so that they can have his support in dismantling the country and taking what they want. Can you imagine terrorists having an ally in the White House, someone that will pretty much give them a stamp of approval when he yanks our troops out of Iraq and all hell breaks loose? God forbid we ever see another 9/11!

One final notation, the majority of Hollywood endorses Obama (how about that? Are you going to vote the same way those radical and empty-headed celebrities vote?? How well does a godless millionaire celebrity relate to us “Joe the plumbers”? Whomever THEY are voting for, we should vote the opposite!!). The world doesn’t embrace children of God, but they do embrace other worldly and ungodly people. So, shouldn’t we be thinking about that and embracing the ones that AREN’T being endorsed by the world/media/Hollywood?

Those are my final thoughts before the historic vote tomorrow. If you want to read more about Osama Obama, re-read my October 16th entry: “Truth Serum Anyone??“

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!

********************************

WHO WOULD JESUS VOTE FOR?

1. Jesus would not vote according to his "pocketbook."
" For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager
for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many
griefs." 1 Timothy 6:10

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

2. Jesus is Pro Life.
"Before you were formed in the body of your mother I had knowledge of you, and before your birth I made you holy..." Jeremiah 1:5 "

"But Jesus said, suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

3. Jesus is not tolerant of the homosexual lifestyle.
"And in the same way the men gave up the natural use of the woman and were
burning in their desire for one another, men doing shame with men, and
getting in their bodies the right reward of their evil-doing. And
because they had not the mind to keep God in their knowledge, God gave
them up to an evil mind, to do those things which are not right..." Romans 1:27-28

4. Jesus would not vote for anyone who has interests in other religions besides Christianity.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

5. Jesus is against welfare.
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10

6. Jesus is pro Israel.
"Because they did not give the children of Israel bread and water when they came to them, but got Balaam to put a curse on them: though the curse was turned into a blessing by our God." Nehemiah 13:2

"I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you." Genesis 12:2-3

7. Jesus knows who really controls the economy.
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? 'For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34

8. Jesus is not worried about social security or the stock market.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20

It all comes down to this. We need God in America again. Our economy,
our children, our marriages, etc. need healing.

While neither candidate looks to be a strong Christian candidate - as
a nation which one will lead us closer to God and not farther away?

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

As Christians, who we vote for does matter to God!
"As surely as I live,' says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God. ' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:11-12

I'm a Christian and I approve of this message...

To My Friends and Fellow Believers: READ THIS BEFORE VOTING TOMORROW!

Before you read this, I just wanted to tell you all that I DID NOT WRITE THIS ONE!! :) I got this from someone on a message board. Though, it really touched my heart and moved me so much that I thought I would make sure more people could read it before they vote tomorrow! God bless you!!

Melissa :)

*************************************

This Emai is circulating... Please pass it on. Just got it from a friend who returned from OH volunteering on the McCain Campaign...

Dear Friends in Christ:

Are you sensing that there is something different about this presidential election? I was telling someone just recently that it seems like this election is far more serious than those in the recent past. Something in my spirit is very uneasy. In the past I have felt the need to pray for different elections but I have never felt so strongly the urge to pray, and pray fervently, for an election as I do for this one. I truly believe that if the wrong person (Obama) is elected this nation will be changed forever. We may not be able to undo the things that will be unleashed during an Obama presidency. My concern about an Obama presidency is not based on politics; it is based on righteousness. Look at any of the major moral issues (abortion, homosexuality etc.) and you will find Obama on the wrong side of the issue, and Palin and McCain on the right side of the issue. What makes this so disturbing is that the Obama team has raised far more money than McCain/Palin, and the media is unabashedly supporting Obama with every story and headline they write. Currently McCain/Palin is behind in the polls and is having a very difficult time. Some in the media have suggested that the race is over and there is little or nothing McCain can do to change the outcome. Oh how wrong they are!

Let me briefly share a story I recently read in 2 Samuel Chapter 5. David had just become king of Israel and the Philistines went up to wage war against him. So David inquired of the Lord and said, 'Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?' The LORD said, 'Yes I will surely hand them over to you.' So David went and defeated them. He said, 'As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me.' After suffering a great loss in the first battle the Philistines must have thought they now knew David's defense strategy and they would be ready for him the next time because once more the Philistines came up to attack David. So once again David inquired of the LORD, but this time the Lord gave different instructions. He said to David, 'Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.' David obeyed the Lord and was victorious.

This story holds a very important lesson for us at this time. In most presidential elections a frontal assault, a face-to-face battle, is what is needed. But this is no ordinary election. McCain is trying all the normal tactics, but he is not prevailing. It seems no matter what he says or does it is not effective. I am convinced this election CANNOT be won using normal methods. Just as the Lord told David to go around behind the enemy and attack him there, so we must go around the face of this election and wage war where the battle is truly raging...in the spiritual realm! The fact that the normal physical methods are not effective this time should tell us that this is a very important spiritual battle and we can only win by using spiritual methods...Prayer!

What about the sound of marching in the treetops? What is that? I have read on the Internet several accounts of fellow Christians being stirred up in their spirits to pray.

Many have been drawn into times of deep prayer and weeping as they intercede for Palin and McCain. Some have awakened in the middle of the night and sensed a great need to pray; others have told that when they heard about Sarah Palin being chosen as VP something came over them and they wept and felt a need to pray for her and McCain. Many others are feeling the calling and urging of the Spirit to enter into a time of fervent prayer and fasting for Palin and McCain and our nation. What is this unusual stirring that is occurring? I believe it is the Sound of the Lord marching in the trees, calling his children to act quickly to pray and fast for Palin and McCain. Think about this: What would the marching have sounded like to David? It may have sounded like the rustling of leaves as when wind blows through them, but this time something was different and out of the ordinary. Maybe it was like the sound of the great wind when the Spirit moved on the day of Pentecost. Also, God's people are referred to as Trees of Righteousness in Isaiah 61. So the sound of the Lord marching in the treetops in David's time is a portrait of the Spirit of the Lord moving among and stirring up his children today.

So what are we to do when we sense this stirring of the Spirit? Two things, first we are to take it as the sign that the Lord is moving out in front of us. Anytime the Lord calls us to do something he goes ahead of us to prepare the way and fight for us. When Joshua returned from spying out Jericho the Lord gave him insight to see that the Lord had removed Jericho's protection so Israel could defeat them. When the Lord calls us into battle he goes ahead of us, removes the enemy's protection, and fights for us to give us the victory. Secondly, the Lord tells us when we sense the stirring of the Spirit we are to act quickly and join Him in the battle (through prayer, fasting, praise and obedience).

This election is by no means lost. God would not be stirring up his children all across this nation--and around the world--to pray, if he did not want to give us the victory in this election. And he wants us to join him in the battle. God will hear the cries of his children if we will only cry out to him with fervent, earnest, prayers for this election and this nation. If those who are being drawn to prayer by the Spirit will indeed enter into a time of prayer and seeking His face, then God will have mercy on America and spare us from having an ungodly leader. I'm sure of it!

One more thought . . . After the last debate, so-called 'conservative' David Brooks gushed about Obama, 'I thought Obama had the night he needed to have. You know, through this whole 20-month marathon, I think what struck me is how incredibly even he is. And how frankly reassuring he is. It is like you're camping, and you wake up one morning, and there is a mountain. And then the next morning, there is a mountain, and there's the next morning, there's a mountain. Obama is just the mountain. He is just there. He is always the same, he doesn't hurt himself. McCain can sometimes lob a cannonball at the mountain, but the mountain doesn't move, and the mountain doesn't care. And so I think his steadiness, his temperament has been the dramatic theme of this campaign, dramatic in being undramatic. And it was on display tonight. And the good part of the mountain is that he is reassuring and reliable.'

I'm really glad he used the word 'mountain' to describe Obama. It caused me to remember what Jesus said about unmovable mountains. Jesus said, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'

And it only takes a little faith!

Tomorrow's Crossroads

I pray that everything goes well tomorrow. Best case scenario, McCain/Palin will be elected and our nation can let out a sigh of relief. Our faith, freedoms, families, and sacred marriages will be defended and protected, and our children (whether born or yet to be born) will have a voice in the White House. We will also have the hope that very soon, the Roe vs. Wade decision that destroyed millions of lives and traumatized countless women will soon be overturned. Now THAT is hope that we can believe in!

In addition to all of that, we will have the promise of a brighter future as we watch the two of them clean up Washington, give back to the American people, and make this nation a better place!! I can't wait to see the fruit of our prayers come to pass!! May the Lord show mercy and favor to us as He did four years ago when He refused to allow John Kerry to destroy America. The danger is even greater this time around, and I pray that He will show even more compassion on His faithful ones by sparing us from Obama's reign of terror!

I surely hope that Obama isn't elected. Our moral fabric will unravel at the seams and the principles our nation was founded on will dissolve little by little. It's a "slow fade" like the song by Casting Crowns. Check it out! The subject of the video doesn't just apply to relationships, but to the state our hearts and this nation. Will we let it all fade away, turn to gray, and let our values and faith slip away? We'll pay a high price if we don't stand up and stand strong! If all that we are turns into all that we "were", our nation will continue to spiral into despair and misery. I pray that we will move towards restoration, rather than destruction.

This is my heart's plea. I pray that you will stand with me tomorrow. And, in case you missed it, here's my video message for you to see once again. Feel free to pass it on!

On that final note, I would like to remind everyone that this Friday is the next monthly call for life. The people I may have to contact for these calls might be changing soon. I will still be contacting Richard Lugar (he's not up for reelection yet). And, more than likely, I'll still be contacting Mike Pence (I'm confident he will be reelected!). And, of course, I still have to continue contacting Evan Bayh (PRAY FOR HIM!). The only thing that might change is who I will be contacting concerning the offices of governor and president. Mitch Daniels is looking as though he will probably get reelected, but the office of president is really close right now (of course!). America, please don't make my job harder!! Right now, I have the joy of thanking and encouraging my representatives to continue standing for life, family, and values (with the exception of Evan Bayh). Please, don't make me have to plead and beg Obama each month to change his heart and do what's right!!! Of course, I will if it comes to that, but I sincerely hope I won't have to!! I would love to be able to continue encouraging a pro-life president to keep making strides in the right direction. I don't want to have to weep and mourn knowing that the leader of the country that I love is in favor of killing off innocent and defenseless people!!

Grace and peace to you all!! Please, VOTE TOMORROW as if your life depends on it - because it DOES!!!!

My First Video Blog!

Are you ready for this??! I’ve done it, people!! I’ve made a video blog!! I’m usually better at communicating my thoughts in “word” blogs, but I thought that I would vary it up and try to make an impact visually/verbally. (By the way, Mitch and the kids make a short cameo appearance!).

This video was totally unscripted. I had wanted to write out what I wanted to say, but I wanted to be as real and natural as possible. Take it all in. I hope it makes you think, touches your heart, and moves you to action (and feel free to pass on the video and get it circulating around the internet! I don’t mind!).

Grace and peace to all of you!! Have a blessed week - and don’t forget to VOTE!! Prayerfully consider your options, folks. Consider the worldview, their faiths, and their fruit!

Dont' Let A Rock Do Your Job!!

I have a confession to make…..I’m stubborn. Does this shock you? For those of you that know me best, I’m sure it doesn’t. Though, what would make me bring up the issue of my tenacity right now? Well, it’s because the time has come to put my determined and immovable will to better use. By that I mean that I changed from a stubborn “I’m not sure if I can vote for McCain” mindset, to a “I will vote for no one other than McCain” stance after watching the Republican convention last night. This despite the fact that I said I would NEVER vote for McCain. Well, like the saying goes, “Never say never!” After all, if Dr. Dobson can change his mind, so can I; and especially since we have good reason to!

Of course, many of you probably recall just how “Huckafied” I was during the first part of this year when I began supporting and advocating for Mike Huckabee when he was fighting for the presidential nomination. I was determined and unwavering in my commitment to his passion, conviction, and vision for this country. Everything was paying off too, that is, until he started losing momentum (which I attribute to spoiler Fred Thompson and the S.C. primary - but I won‘t get into that now). And, when Mike Huckabee was forced to withdraw, I bawled and bawled and just couldn’t accept the fact that the best man for the job was out of the running. This also led me to resist accepting McCain right away because of the obvious difference in the level of true conservatism. So, yes, I was very stubborn and resistant when it came to jumping on the McCain bandwagon because it felt like such a step backward and I didn’t want to settle for second best.

So, for months, I have had thought and prayed about the whole thing. McCain had never shown himself to be a solid conservative; and yes, I know that Obama is far worse than McCain, but I just didn’t know if I could vote for him in good conscience. I thought if he picked Huckabee for his running mate, I would compromise. Otherwise, I would just write-in Huckabee and be done with it.

My stalemate continued for a while as I waited to see who McCain would choose for a running mate. We all knew that his pick would be crucial and says a lot about how conservative he really is. It would be the deciding factor. I hoped and prayed hard for Huckabee, but instead, I (and the rest of the world) was pleasantly surprised when he picked Alaska governor Sara Palin. I must say that I would have been more disappointed in the fact that he didn’t pick my man Mike if it weren’t for the fact that his choice was so perfect for a varied number of reasons. For one, this was a BRILLIANT strategy and a huge slam to the democrats. Obama neglected to pick Hillary as a running mate; which would have made even more political history. Yet, McCain chose to pull the rug out from under him by doing what Obama wouldn’t (I’ll bet Obama is kicking himself now!! LOL). McCain might very well pick up the many female votes that would have gone to Hillary had she still been in this race (and Palin is a steak compared to hamburger Hillary anyways! There‘s no question as to who the better woman/leader is! This should be a no-brainer for all those who want to vote for a truly worthy female candidate!!).

Though, bigger than the shock value or clever political tactics is the fact that McCain picked a conservative more solid than he is. Beyond the fact that she is a woman of faith, she is also a mother of five as well as a brilliant, tough, and capable woman who fights for truth and justice. Her small-town background and values are what shaped her. Before she was governor, she was mayor of her small town, and her experience alone (and the LACK of experience that Obama has) makes a world of difference!!

I was taken in by her as I watched her speak last night. Her speech was PHENOMENAL!! She spoke with courage, strength, faith, and heart. She was warm, funny, charming, and TRUTHFUL! And, when she spoke to all of us who have children with special needs, I became teary eyed. Her commitment to the well-being and protection of life is what riveted me the most. She said that we will have an “advocate” in the white house for our children. That was the probably the one thing that resonated most with me, and that was when I said “they get my vote.” Not only will children, like my hearing-impaired son, have someone who will protect and encourage them in their lives, but ALL CHILDREN (born and pre-born) will have the hope of protection and life if McCain/Palin are the next residents of the White House.

So, there you have it. This is my new and improved stubbornness. LOL I will now be supporting McCain/Palin and encouraging others to do the same. And, for those of you that may still have qualms, let me tell you about something God reminded me of. This may surprise you, but I was somewhat reluctant to accept a woman as a vice-presidential candidate. Having women in a position of high leadership, to me, undermines the dynamics of things. Men are supposed to be the ones in a position of headship and authority (just as men are supposed to be head of their household and the spiritual leader of their families). However, as I wrestled with this in my mind before she left the stage, Queen Esther came to mind. I thought of her courage and faith and how she had to be willing to possibly sacrifice her life in order to try and save her people. In the latter part of verse 4:14 in the book of Esther, Mordecai says to her: “And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Indeed, we NEED just the right people to lead in “such a time as this.” God purposed Esther to serve and to reign in a crucial time for her people, and God has done the same for us with John McCain and Sara Palin. Women in ministry and leadership are just as crucial as the men; and especially imperative when God’s army lacks male volunteers. I’m not meaning to slam men here, though I’m sure I’m not the only one who has noticed that this world is running short on 100% passionate, sold out, die-hard Christian men who are eager to love Jesus with their whole heart and serve His people. You can even ask my step-father (who is also a pastor) if he agrees, because he has been criticized for putting women in leadership in his own church. Though, his response to them is that when men start stepping up, he won’t have to put women in charge of the shoes that the men are supposed to be filling. God has a purpose, and if we reject it, He’ll rise up someone else that is willing to accept it. Much like how Jesus said the rocks would cry out if His people ceased to praise Him (Luke 19:40). If we don’t do what we are meant to do, someone else will have to pick up the slack. And, like a good pastor I know once said “I don’t want a rock doing my job.”

I applaud Sara Palin for stepping up in “such a time as this.” She’s done a good job as mayor, governor, and by the grace of God, will do wonderfully as a vice president. Though, she can only fulfill her purpose if we fulfill ours by VOTING!!! Don’t let a bunch of “rocks” do your job!!! Don’t let this country fall to pieces by failing to fulfill your role in this election!! STAND on the rock, Jesus, and we won’t have people with only rocks in their heads running this country!!

Grace and peace to all of you as we pray for these elections and support those who hold God’s principles dear to their hearts!!