Saturday, January 15, 2011

ONE WEEK AGO TODAY

One week ago our nation was struck once again with tragedy. It was as if time stood still as the nation, and the world, watched the aftermath of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 19 other people.
Over the last week, a lot has happened. Thankfully, the perpetrator was arrested at the scene.
However, the tension in our nation has heated up drastically. And today, one of the shooting victims was arrested for making a threat against another person, who he feels is a part of the problem that caused the shooting. (I am assuming this is what he thinks.)
Daily it seems our nation is slipping deeper and deeper into darkness.  Yes, there are many, many miracles that have come from this tragedy, least of which is that Congresswoman Giffords is making wonderful progress in her recovery. They say she is not out of the woods yet, but her progress is promising. Today, I continue to pray, as I have every day since this tragedy, that she will make a speedy and complete recovery. I pray that she will be healed and be able to continue serving in Congress.  I pray that her husband will continue to have strength, resolve, courage and peace during this continued recovery. I pray that he will find it within him to forgive the man that committed this horrible act, just as Congresswoman Giffords will, and all the others who were attacked last Saturday.  I pray for each of them to be able to forgive him, so that their hearts may be at peace. I pray against the unforgiveness that would cause bitterness to destroy each of them.
I continue to pray for Jared Loughner. I pray that he will come to a place of repentance. As always, I pray that he will receive justice for his actions, which in my mind; the only justice would be the death penalty. I pray for Jared’s parents. I pray that they will find peace and comfort in Jesus Christ. This has to be devastating to them. I pray for their marriage. Lord, I pray that You will bind them together in Your love. Help them to forgive their son.
I pray for this nation. I pray that the accusations would stop. I pray that people would stop trying to use this tragedy to further their agenda. I pray that none of our freedoms are jeopardized because of this violent act.
I pray for this nation to humble herself before You, Lord God. I know that You will heal our land, if we will humble ourselves and repent from our wicked ways. We have strayed so far from You, Jesus. The apathy that runs deep in the veins of America is frightening. This is not the country I grew up in. Lord, please wrap Your arms around this nation. Reveal Yourself to her in a way she’s never experienced. Soften hearts to Your ways. Draw us closer to You, Lord God.
I pray these things in the Name of Jesus- Amen.

Friday, January 14, 2011

IS THIS A BAD DREAM?

Each day that passes by perplexes me even more than the day before. It’s almost as if I am in a bad dream, and just cannot wake up!
Today I read that one of the victims from Saturday’s shooting blames Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck for the shooting. While I agree that this person has been through a major ordeal- major trauma- there is proof that this madman was not politically active.

I pray for Eric Fuller, the victim who gave an interview found here: Shooting Victim Blames Palin & Talk Radio  I pray that Mr. Fuller will let the facts speak for themselves.
When I got into a discussion on Twitter regarding this article, one comment made that we (on the “right”) are sick truly perplexed me. Yes, indeed, I am sick. My heart is very sick that this has swirled into the lies that it has. I am very sick and tired of the spin that comes along with everything that happens.
If I lived in this mentality, I would blame everyone around me for the things that have happened in my life. Instead, I am a survivor! I have pulled myself up by my boot-straps, have trusted in God, and have dealt with the things that have happened in my life without blaming others. Yes, I have had a lot of bad things happen in my life, but as the Casting Crowns song says, “I will praise Him in the storm!”   Casting Crowns Lyrics- "Praise You In The Storm"  
I praise God Almighty FOR the things that have happened in my life, because if it were not for these trials, which God has carried me through, I would not be here today. I am a strong survivor, not a victim, because I have stood up and faced the adversities that have come my way. It has not always been easy, and yes, there were many days that I wanted to point the finger of blame on others. I’m sure it would have been a lot easier. And in several of the cases I had ABSOLUTELY NO BLAME! I am a survivor of sexual assault. I am a survivor of sexual molestation. I am a survivor of VERY BAD choices in my life! THANKFULLY, I have grown up and matured. I have taken responsibility for the wrong decisions I’ve made. I have forgiven those who have hurt me. I have forgiven when there has been no earthly justice administered on my behalf in the court system.
I am in NO WAY blaming the victim, Mr. Fuller, or anyone else in this attack. I have said from the very beginning, as has most every Conservative that I’ve heard, that the ONLY person to blame is Jared Lee Loughner. Period. Not his parents. Not the school. Not the Left. Not the Right. Not the Tea Party. Not Sarah Palin. Not Glenn Beck. Not Keith Olberman. Not anyone except Jared.
We are always looking for answers- why? Who let him slip through the cracks? Well, in reality, I am beginning to believe that he is not crazy at all. After hearing from people who have known him for years I am beginning to believe he is a maniacal, evil man who plotted this violent act. I truly believe he is evil. But I still continue to pray for his soul. I pray that Jared will turn to God and repent for his horrible sins. Again, I re-iterate, I MOST DEFINITELY pray for justice- which in my eyes, the ONLY justice would be that he would be put to death- but it is my prayer that Jared will turn his life over to God. I must admit I highly doubt this will happen, but I do believe in miracles, and I will continue to pray for his mortal soul- for his eternal salvation. The blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross was for the vilest of sinners. None of us are “good enough” without the covering of the blood of Jesus.
What has perplexed me even more in my conversation on Twitter is the response that I got after I sent the link to this blog saying that I had been praying every single day for all who have been affected by this evil man. I also pray daily for this nation to unite. The response was, “Thanks for the prayers. Please do also your best to prevent further tragedies. I wish really, Americans can come together.”
I am perplexed by this, because I just don’t understand how it is not fathomable that we Conservatives would actually pray for those we disagree politically with. I also do not understand how I, or other Conservatives, can be held responsible for preventing further tragedies, when the accusations from the Left are still being lashed out. Again, it has come out in the media that Jared was registered as an Independent, but he was on the Left, politically. My response? So? Just because he is on the Left does not mean that this is the REASON this attack happened! It seems to me from what I have gathered that he had a PERSONAL issues with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Was it because of the border issues? Was it because of health care? Was it because he knew her from Synagogue? Was it because he was obsessed with her? Was it because he just wanted attention? Was it because he just likes to push buttons? Was it because…..? Well, as you can imagine, I could go on forever, and we still would not have the definitive answer.
My request/prayer is that this gentleman that thanked me for my prayers and asked me to do my best to prevent further tragedies would do the exact same. Please stop encouraging your friends on the Left to place blame on those who disagree with you politically! I too, more than anything in this world, hope and pray and wish that America would come together.
In fact, there is someone that I worked very closely with in the last election cycle that I STRONGLY disagree with, in how they are addressing this tragedy. I do not believe the comments that have come forward are appropriate, healing or helpful in any way. This person is on the Right side of the aisle, obviously. I will tell them the exact same thing- this is not the time or place to be blaming those who have nothing to do with this tragedy. You can agree with or disagree with whoever you like. But if we truly are going to put our differences aside and unite as a nation we MUST stop the blame game! This is not healthy, and it is going to destroy our nation.
I am appalled that there are people who are wanting to use this tragedy as a way to pass more gun control laws. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is a 2nd Amendment supporter. Mr. John Green, the father of Christina Taylor Green , the beautiful 9-year-old girl who was killed in this tragedy, said publicly that he does not want this tragedy to be used to restrict more of our freedoms.

Video of Interview with Mr. John Green 

Two of the people most affected by this tragedy. This would be a travesty to allow Jared Loughner to affect our history even more by this event being used to restrict our freedom and liberties.
In NO way do I advocate violence. However, I have the right to protect myself and my family if our lives are in danger, and I promise you I won’t hesitate for one second to do WHATEVER necessary to protect me and my family. I also do not advocate the verbal attacks- from the Left OR the Right. But by the same token I am not going to sit silently by and allow these attacks to go on. As Christians, we sat silent for too long. It started many years before I was old enough- or even born- to have a voice, but once I became old enough to vote, I still did not speak up on things I disagreed with as I should have. I took my freedom and liberty for granted. And I regret that. I will not make that mistake again.
The Left has the same exact rights that I do. They can speak their mind just as I can. However, the Left DOES NOT have the right to take away my rights because they do not agree with me. The attacks need to stop- PERIOD!
So yes- I pray for ALL who are affected! I pray today, as I do every day, for the complete, speedy and full recovery of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. I pray for John and Roxanna Green, the parents of Christina Taylor Green. As a parent, I cannot imagine the grief they are experiencing, though I have experienced similar tragedy. Losing a child must be much more excruciating than losing a spouse. Even though a violent act took my spouse, it was by his own hand. I cannot imagine what they are experiencing. I pray for their peace, comfort and forgiveness, and yes, still, I agree wholeheartedly with John Green. The death penalty is the ONLY justice for Jared Loughner!
I pray for each person that was shot on Saturday. I pray for their complete and speedy recovery physically, mentally and emotionally. I pray for the families and friends of each person that witnessed this horrible tragedy. I pray that they will be able to heal and forgive. And I pray desperately that we, as a nation, can come together and stop this craziness!
As I do each day, I invite each American to join me and humble yourself before God Almighty. I’ve done many horrible things in my life, but God has forgiven me. His grace and mercy is beyond comprehension! I invite you to experience His love, mercy, grace and salvation as I have.  Repent of your sins, America. God Almighty WILL heal our land! If we do not repent, and turn from our wicked ways, this is just the beginning of our sorrows.
I pray all of these things in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ- Amen

Thursday, January 13, 2011

TIME FOR EVERYTHING

Once upon a time, this country was known for standing together in times of tragedy. Though we have always had our differences, when our strength and resolve as a nation was put to the test, we would pass the test with flying colors. I remember many of those times when the nation came together to support each other, no matter our political beliefs. In fact, the last time I remember that happening wasn’t so long ago, through the scope of history. Almost 10 years ago our nation was attacked by terrorists, and this nation came together in total love and support of each other. Oh yes, there were a few extremes on the outside that accused our own government of the attacks, but they were few, for the most part.
The Bible says in Matthew 24:12, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold”.
This is the only explanation I have for what is going on in our nation right now.
Once again, our nation has been impacted by tragedy. People have died in a senseless tragedy. Today I am struggling with my emotions. I go between sadness, anger, disgust, resolve, acceptance, and then I start all over again. I will have to accept that this is the way it is, but I most certainly cannot agree with it. I do most assuredly accept that God is in control. That is what I cling to.
I once again cling to the Scripture in Ephesians 6:10-20. I put on my full Armor of God. These days, more than ever before, I know that I must arm myself with God’s Armor.
The blame game is not going to solve anything. Those who are casting blame on one side or the other, wise up! EACH person is accountable for HIS OR HER OWN ACTIONS! Yes, I know, society has tried to teach us a different way, but that does not make it truth.
There’s so much more that is on my hear today, and yet it is best that I not say any more. I am seeking shelter in the arms of Almighty God, so that He will guard my heart. What is surprising me is that it’s not just those on “the other side of the aisle” that are troubling me today. The division in this country is going to destroy us, people! Wake up! We MUST unite, as One Nation Under God, if we are going to survive! Once again, I make a plea to this nation- to my fellow Americans- please join me, humble yourself before God, repent for your sins. God WILL heal our land! NONE of us are perfect; we ALL have sins we have to be forgiven for. I am not casting stones. I am truly pleading with my country to stop this insanity! This is NOT the time or place to be politicizing an event, or anyone who speaks about it. News Reporters need to report the news. The FACTS, plain and simple. The authorities need to report the FACTS, or keep out of the news media! The pundits, politicians, and other public figures need to stop pointing fingers and blaming others. We should ALL be praying for those who have been directly impacted by this tragedy, and that is ALL we should be doing!  Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” America, please stop with the personal attacks against those you disagree with! Rush Limbaugh did not do this. Glenn Beck did not do this. Sarah Palin did not do this. Keith Olberman did not do this. President Obama did not do this. One man bent on allowing his anger to spin out of control did this. I am truly starting to believe he is not mentally challenged, I believe he was just angry with the world and wanted the world to know his rage. It’s been said by his friends that he liked to push people’s buttons. We as a nation have not only allowed him to push our buttons, we are now pushing additional buttons when we should be closing our mouths so that our sharp tongues do not cause more harm to each other.
I pray, as always, for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. I pray for her complete and speedy recovery. I pray that God will continue to perform miracles in her life, and that she will have absolutely no brain damage or such from this. I know it will be said that it’s impossible that this will be the case, but with my God, ALL things are possible! I continue to pray for her husband, Mark Kelly. My heart was breaking last night, as I saw him at the “Memorial Service”.
I pray for those that attended the “Memorial Service” last night. I do not in the least blame President Obama for the actions of the crowd. I believe President Obama was very respectful in the things he spoke. I still not agree with his politics, but I am very grateful that he did not strive for more division. I do, however, pray that the president and students of the University will take a step back and see where their actions were totally inappropriate in this situation. Have we truly lost all sense of what is appropriate and respectful? This greatly concerns me, for the future of our nation! Respect for others seems to be something else that I will have to remember as, “once upon a time.”
I pray desperately for this nation. I pray for unity. I pray for President Obama, and all of those in leadership. I pray for their safety. I pray that each of our leaders and the citizens of this nation will seek God’s will and grace and mercy during this time of tragedy. He will heal our land, America. But it’s up to us- it’s our choice whether or not we obey him. It’s up to us!
I am standing up and saying that the ONLY right action in this situation is prayer! It is NOT time to change our gun laws! It is NOT time to come out against a public figure that you do not agree with!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says that there is a time for everything under the heavens. This is a time when American needs to be RE-BORN. This is a time for love to be planted. This is a time for our nation to heal. This is a time for our nation to REBUILD WITH each other! This is a time to weep with those in our nation who have been impacted in this tragedy. This is a time for our nation to mourn its losses. This is NOT a time to gather up stones to throw at each other, no matter WHO it is! Even the killer! He will have his day in court! We should not take the attention away from those who have lost and give the attention to he who took away. This IS a time to embrace each other in love!  This IS a time to mend!  This is DEFINITELY a time to be silent with criticisms and blaming. This is DEFINITELY a time to love, not to hate. And this is most definitely a time for peace, not war!
America, again, I plead with you- ALL Americans- humble ourselves before God Almighty. If we do not, the consequences are unbearable for us as a nation!
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Time for Everything

 There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens:
 a time to be born and a time to die,
   a time to plant and a time to uproot,
 a time to kill and a time to heal,
   a time to tear down and a time to build,
 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
   a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
   a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
 a time to search and a time to give up,
   a time to keep and a time to throw away,
 a time to tear and a time to mend,
   a time to be silent and a time to speak,
 a time to love and a time to hate,
   a time for war and a time for peace.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD

My heart grows heavier with each passing day since the tragedy in Arizona. I’m beginning to realize a lot of things- things that have laid just beyond my mind’s recollection, and facing a lot of facts that I haven’t really wanted to face.
First and foremost, I’m beginning to realize why this is affecting me so much. I am a survivor of a personal tragedy almost 10 years ago. I witnessed the suicide of my first husband. God has healed me beyond my wildest imagination since this horrific experience, and He has used me to share my testimony of tragedy and healing.
Maybe that is why I am so drawn to pray for all who are affected in this senseless murder. I know God has called me to be a prayer warrior, and I know that prayer and my faith in God is the ONLY things that kept me from taking my own life during my personal tragedy.
I have learned that God’s Word is indeed true, even when it seems impossible. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This Scripture did not say MOST things, it says ALL things. I love God with all that I am, and I know without a doubt I have been called for a purpose by God. This is a Scripture that I held onto during my hard times. I had no idea how God would work this tragedy for good, but I held on to His promise.

I never could have imagined the ways God would use this horrible incident- which Satan wanted to use to destroy me. As I look back over the last almost 10 years of my life, I smile at the wonder of God.

This is what I have to hold on to in the wake of the Arizona massacre less than a week ago. I know that God will work this for good for those who love Him. What makes my heart heavy is those who do not love God.

The political attacks and accusations are appalling! If there were facts to support the accusations, I would be one of the first ones to step up and say this madman was a political lunatic- whether he was on the right or the left. As I have said in a previous post, my husband said if he is politically motivated, he would be in that weird category where the extreme right and the extreme left overlap. But, evidence has come out saying Loughner was not a political person at all. Plain and simple he is just a monster.

It does not make me happy or proud to use that description, but the facts are the facts. I continue to pray for Jared Loughner. I continue to pray that God will soften his heart. I pray that Jared will repent for his sins and make his eternal soul right with God. Jesus Christ died for every single one of us. From the most horrific of murderers to the baby who does not understand his sin nature yet- Jesus died for each and every one of us. Though I believe that Jared Loughner should receive the earthly, mortal punishment of death, I pray that he will repent of his sins before his death.

I pray desperately for Amy and Randy Loughner. They are dealing with the realization that this national tragedy is caused by their own son. They are asking themselves what they could have done to prevent this. They may never know if there were things they could have done to prevent it. In all likelihood, if they had realized how far things had gone with their son, they could not have forced him to get mental help, because he is an adult. I do not know for a fact, but I can imagine, from what we do know about Jared Loughner, that he would have done whatever he was going to do, no matter what anyone did or said.

Did the parenting style of Amy and Randy Loughner play a part in his actions? We don’t know. And it is not for us to speculate. When we speculate, then you must open the door for every action each of your children make to be judged with the same ruler.
As a whole, I do believe our society is responsible for why things are the way they are. No, I do not believe society is to blame. ONLY Jared Loughner is to blame. He is the only one who chose to take the actions he took.

But I do believe our society is responsible for not holding people accountable for their own actions. Society is continually making excuses for why a person did this or that. Oh, they were abused, so we must be lenient on them for their actions.

I have had horrible things happen to me in my life. When I made bad choices, I received bad consequences. I was not allowed to blame others for my actions. Our society has been weakened by allowing excuses to take priority over consequences.

My heart remains heavy to see the country still so divided over this tragedy. My heart grows heavier and heavier as we get closer to tonight’s memorial service, which President Obama will be speaking at. God Almighty, how I pray that he will step up and be a leader tonight! I pray that he will be a unifier in this tragedy, admonishing his political party for their accusations. I pray that he will speak the same words he spoke in defense of the Muslim who attacked the soldiers at Ft. Hood, when he said do not jump to conclusions. He has not spoke out against the lies and attacks from his political party.

I continue to pray for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. I continue to pray for her speedy and complete recovery. I pray that God will continue to work miracles in Ms. Giffords life as He has already done. I pray that she will have full use of her body and mind, that there will be no setbacks in her recovery, and that she will come through this tragedy stronger than she was. I pray that if she does not know Christ as her Savior that her eyes will be unveiled to reveal the majesty and glory of Messiah.  Her life- this tragedy- has a purpose. I pray that she will allow God to use it for good where Satan intended to steal, kill and destroy.

I pray for this nation, that the hatred and division will be put to rest. I pray that this nation would humble itself before You, God, and repent for her sins so that You will heal our land. I pray for each of our leaders. The President, Vice President, all Senators, Congressmen, and other leaders with authority. I pray that they will seek Your face, Father God, to do Your will.
I pray these things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ- Amen.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

STEP OUT OF THE ABYSS

As the country continues to swirl in the abyss of accusations and lies, so few people are actually speaking the truth that cuts to the very heart of this tragedy that has struck our nation. In fact, I do not believe that I have heard anyone truly speak to the heart- the true source- of Loughner’s attack on so many lives.
The answer is found in The Bible, in Ephesians 6:10-20
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Sadly, American has moved so far away from depending on God Almighty. The reason I named this prayer blog, “Humble Yourself And Pray” is because, as I posted in my original prayer, I strongly believe God WILL heal our land IF we, as a nation, humble ourselves and pray- as a nation!
Despite what President Obama has stated in the past, America is STILL a Christian nation! While I will sadly concede that so many of the citizens of this nation which was founded by Divine Providence have turned their backs on God Almighty, no one can take away the fact that America IS a Christian nation! This country was FOUNDED on JUDEO-CHRISTIAN values and principles. Period.  You can’t change history, no matter how bad many people would like to and try to. History is history. You can’t go back and re-do it, no matter how hard you try. Oh yes, you may try to re-write history, but re-writing it does not CHANGE the truth of what has happened.
Truth is truth is truth. No matter what.
So- what is truth? Or, should I say, WHO Is Truth?
For Christians, that is simple. Jesus Christ Is Truth. “Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
So, what is the truth in this situation? Whose fault is it?
I have heard several people actually put mortal blame where it belongs- on the shooter- Jared Lee Loughner. But the true culprit of what or who caused this tragedy is evil. Evil forces caused this tragedy.
It has been publicized that this madman is an atheist. As with everyone, God created him with free will. God does not force Loughner to believe in Him. But his belief- or rather, his dis-belief in God- does not make it true. God is real. Period. Truth.
We as a nation are not fighting against the flesh and blood of Jared Lee Loughner. We, as a nation- as Christians- are fighting a spiritual battle. We are fighting against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
So how do we fight a battle when we cannot actually lay eyes on our enemy?
We are given specific instructions in the above Scripture- Ephesians 6:10-20. Daily- HOURLY- MINUTE BY MINUTE, if necessary- we MUST put on the FULL Armor of God to stand against these evil forces. As mere humans we are not equipped to fight this battle. But for Christ followers,  we have ALL Power in our authority through the Name of Jesus Christ. On our own, we are powerless. Calling upon the Name of Christ Jesus and arming ourselves with His armor we are ALL Powerful! But, it is ONLY by His Name alone!
Have you ever studied the Armor of God?
The Belt of Truth- You MUST know Truth- Jesus- And He Must surround you
Breastplate of Righteousness- Your heart must be righteous- not wishing for revenge, not seeking evil.
        “Vengeance is mine”, says The Lord! (Hebrews 10:30)<there is a difference between vengeance and
           justice.>
Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace- Peace, not chaos
Shield of Faith- Believing in Someone- God- Who you cannot see (Hebrews 11:1)
Helmet of Salvation- Salvation comes ONLY through accepting Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and repenting of your sins. ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)
Sword of the Spirit- which is the Word of God
Prayer
Do you notice that in all the Armor God gives us, we only have one OFFENSIVE  weapon? The SWORD of the Spirit- which is The Word of God- Scripture- is our ONLY OFFENSIVE weapon! ALL other parts of our Armor from God is DEFENSIVE!
Even in prayer, you are being DEFENSIVE. You must act, to actually pray, but the power of your prayers are through the power of Jesus Christ, Who Is The Word of God, which is the Sword of The Spirit.
While I have heard many people speak to prayer for those who were shot and impacted by this violent act, I have heard very few, if anyone publicly call for prayer for the Loughner family- or Jared Loughner himself.
While many will be appalled that I would say this, let me go back to the original purpose of this blog. Healing for our land- our nation.
Yes, most definitely, by all mean, I pray, will continue to daily pray, and ask others to join me in prayer for those who have been personally impacted by the deaths and injuries caused by this madman.  But this madman needs prayer too, as does his family.
Let me make something else perfectly clear. In praying for the families of those who have been killed or injured in this senseless attack, I also pray for justice to be done. And yes, for me, personally, I believe that true justice would be the death penalty for Jared Loughner. He took many lives that day. There are consequences for our actions. But God created Jared just as He created you and I. So in my prayers, I pray for Jared Loughner’s repentance. For his soul. For comfort for his family and friends. For peace for him and his family.
God Almighty, I continue to pray for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, for her speedy recovery and complete healing. I pray for her family and friends, that they are comforted in this difficult time. I pray that they will turn to You for peace and comfort. I pray for the families of those people who were killed in this senseless act of violence. I pray for those who are still in the hospital. Heal their bodies, their hearts, and their memories. I pray for the families and friends of all who have been directly affected by this tragedy. I pray that all who are effected can forgive the madman that committed these horrible acts, even as I pray for justice for his actions. Last, but not least, I pray for this nation. Lord God, I pray that America will humble herself before You, repent from her sins, so You will heal our land. I stand in the gap for this nation, Father God. In the precious Name of Your Holy Son Jesus- Amen.


Monday, January 10, 2011

RIGHTEOUS VINDICATION

Someone sent a tweet out last night, quoting Psalm 35:24, and said to read the entire chapter of Psalm 35. I re-tweeted the message, as it spoke volumes to me. I have been dwelling on this Scripture overnight, and it is still on my heart this morning.
As I read the chapter this morning, I read and feel David’s anguish as he cries out to God to vindicate him.
The person who sent the tweet last night labeled it with hash tags to include all political parties, and rounded it out with #WeThePeople. This person gets it! This is a person that I would love to get to know better! It seems to me that this person has the same heart that I have. They are praying for this ENTIRE nation, not just “their” party affiliates, and those who believe and feel the way that they do.
I still believe with everything in me that this nation is in the place we are because of our own doing. We have failed to fall before the throne, beseeching God in our prayers, seeking His face for HIS will in our government, our homes, and our personal lives.

Today, I continue to pray for Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords full and speedy recovery. I pray for her family, the family of U.S. District Judge John Roll, the family of beautiful little Christina Taylor Green, the family of Dorwin Stoddard, the family of George and Dorothy Morris, the family of Gabe Zimmerman, the family of Phyllis Schneck, and lastly, Father God, I pray for Jared Loughner, the man that massacred these people. Yes, I pray for justice, in this horrible massacre, but I also pray for this mans soul. I pray for his family. I pray for righteous vindication in this horrible tragedy. I pray for this nation. I pray for our leaders. I pray for We The People of this nation- of ALL political party affiliations, that the blaming and power grabbing tactics will stop. I pray that we, as a nation, will humble ourselves before God Almighty, repent and turn from our wicked ways. This is the ONLY way our nation will be healed.
I will continue to stand up and fight for what is right. I do not mean the “right leanings” of politics, I mean what is good, and true and right according to God’s Word! (“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8)
Obviously, my political affiliation is the “right”. However, in NO WAY do I believe that the “traditional right”- the Republican Party- is correct in all that they do and say. In fact, I believe that one of the main reasons for the moral decline in this country is because the CONSERVATIVE Party abandoned its core values and principles.
However, as a Bible believer, I believe that God has given EVERY one of us a CHOICE. We all have FREE WILL! He does not MAKE us believe in Him or accept His free gift of Salvation. He gives us a choice.
This country was founded by Divine Providence. You can argue with me if you would like, but you will never change my belief that the Divine hand of God Almighty was directly involved in the founding of The United States of America.
In the same way that God gives us a choice in our personal salvation, He gives us- this nation- a choice. We have always had a choice. When we rely on Him, trust in Him and seek His will, He will guide us.
I have no doubt that our Founding Fathers sought the face of God when they were writing our Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and other sacred documents that define our country. Yes, these are very sacred documents. I do not worship these documents, as it has been suggested by some politician, but I do most definitely respect these documents and believe they are defining cornerstones of what makes this nation great. I do most certainly believe in the exceptionalism of The United States of America, and I will not apologize for that.
Do I believe that personally I am better than anyone else in this world because I am an American? This is not AT ALL what I mean! We are all created by the hand of God Almighty. We were each created for a specific purpose. And we were each created in the time we are in, for such a time as this.
There have been many “such a time as this” in history. We can look back through the pages of our history and see many great leaders who have stood up in their time in history. There are some that I do believe were “before their time”, but by this I do not mean that they came at the wrong time in history. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of these people in history that I believe was “before his time”. I believe he saw a vision of what the future should be, and stood up and fought to make that vision a reality. There were many who felt threatened by his vision, and sought to destroy him. In fact, they thought they succeeded in destroying him when he was assassinated. In reality, his voice has just become louder and stronger over the years since his death. They killed his body, but they did not kill his soul. They did not kill his legacy. They did not kill his message. They did not kill his fight.
There are many people throughout history that the same thing can be said of.
In going back to the Scripture in Psalm, I am reminded of another man who stood up for what was right, and his voice was silenced. He was the son of the King. Jonathon was the son of King Saul, David’s mortal enemy. Yet Jonathon defied his father to stand up for what was right. Things did not turn out all rosey and wonderful for Jonathon. He lost his life in battle just as his father did, because God had ordained David to be King of Israel, not Jonathon, as Saul wanted.
I pray that my resolve in life will be a mixture of David and Jonathon. I pray that I will continually stand up for what is right, and fight for what is right. But I pray that when it is obvious that my life is not going to be spared because of my faith in God, I will still stand strong, fighting and believe in what is right, according to God’s Word, no matter if it means I will lose my earthly life. I know that for me, as a Christ follower, to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
As the hand of time slowly ticks by, and my years pass by quicker and quicker, I regret that I did not stand up as I am now. I cannot blame those who came before me for doing the exact same thing that I have done. I have been complacent most of my life. I have been born into privilege. Oh, I am by no means wealthy, according to the worlds standards. In fact, as a child, my family probably would have been classified as quite poor. However, I was rich even then, because I was born into a family who truly loves and supports each other. I was raised with values and morals. Oh, yes, my parents made their mistakes, just as everyone does. But I know that they raised me with morals and values.
But as I said, I have been complacent with the values I have been raised with. I took it for granted that these values are the values that everyone has. When I realized that this was not true, I still did not realize the importance of shining the light on what was right. Instead, I was complacent still, not realizing that it would eventually effect me.
Now, my complacency is gone. I am doing as the old Petra song says- I am getting on my knees and fighting for the values of this nation! No, I am not a man- I am a woman, but I am on my knees fighting like (as) a (wo)man of God.
Will you join me, America? We all have a choice. God does not force us to come before Him. Oh yes, one day, EVERY knee will bow before Him (Philippians 2:9-11). But each of us still has a choice. Are we going to continue to blame each other? Or are we going to go before God, seek His face, His will, and hold our leaders accountable for their actions that are not our values? Holding our leaders accountable comes by the ballot box, not violence! I am by no means saying that I will stand idly by, with my head in the sand, and not physically fight if that is what it comes to.  But I pray, oh how I pray with desperation that this country will not become another war zone, physically fighting for the freedoms that are so precious to us as a nation. Wars have been fought in our nations history for the freedoms we enjoy today. Many lives have been given, many drops of blood have been shed, and many tears have fallen to ensure us the freedom we so take for granted today! If it becomes necessary, yes, I will lay down my life, if that is what it takes, to fight for the freedom of this great nation. Many have paid the price for my freedom, and I will stand and take their place to fight for the freedom of my children and grand-children.
Today, God Almighty, I pray the words that David prayed to you in Psalm 35. I pray this prayer for this great nation, Lord God. Those in leadership and government that mean to destroy this nation, I pray that You will righteously vindicate those of us who call You Lord and praise Your Name.
“Contend for me, my God and Lord.
Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace.
May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The LORD be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.”
My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.”

Sunday, January 9, 2011

SENSELESS TRAGEDY

Yesterday- Saturday, January 8, 2011- was yet another day of senseless tragedy in our country. I have sat in front of the TV almost continually since I read of the massacre online and turned on the TV to see what was going on.

I got on Twitter to see what was being said, and was furious to see that accusations were coming out before anyone knew the details of what is going on. Many of the "left-leaning" blogs, talk-show hosts, and even some Democrat political leaders were blaming the Tea Party for the assault.

Interestingly enough, once the information came out regarding the person who committed this massacre against innocent people, we find out that he is the furthest thing from a Tea Party member. Yet, we have not heard any apologies from those who accused the Tea Party of being involved.

My husband summed it up for me when I said this person was a liberal. He corrected me, saying, “No, I would not say he is a liberal. He is in that small, but weird, unclassified group where the far right and far left overlap.”
I’ve mulled this thought over for a bit, and have decided that he is correct.
As I’ve sat here over the last 30 hours or so trying to process all of this, prayed for Congressman Giffords and all who have been effected by this senseless massacre, watched the left play the blame game, watched some from the right play the blame game, my heart just could not take it anymore. I knew what I must do.
The last tweet I sent out seems to have fallen on deaf ears (or blind eyes, if you will).  My last tweet before I started working on this blog was this:
“America- this is an opportunity to heed God Almighty's Words in 2 Chronicles 7:14- humble ourselves and PRAY instead of blaming.”
I put the computer down, and walked away for a while. As I thought about this more and more, I sensed in my spirit that God was telling me to take a long look at what I had just sent out. I knew what He was calling me to do.
And so, this blog is born.
America- we MUST wake up! God Almighty is the ONLY answer for our country!
As a proud Tea Party Patriot, I am now considered a “Right Wing Extremist” by the government.
Our country is reaching a boiling point. We are seeing incidents of the boiling over in scattered incidences across the nation. The left blames the right. The right blames the left. The reality is we are ALL to blame for what is going on! We as a nation have turned our back on Almighty God. We as a nation do not go to our knees in prayer to seek God Almighty’s will in our lives.
The moral character of our country has diminished to almost nothing. And yet, we wonder why we are at the point we are as a nation. We have children bringing guns to school and killing their classmates, teachers and administrators.
We have not held our leaders accountable for their actions and we have allowed things to slip to a tipping point. Our president appoints leaders and goes around our Constitution. But the problem did not start with the current president. If we had held ALL of our leaders accountable for ALL of their actions through the years, we would have set a precedence as a nation that we, as citizens, demand more from our leaders, we would not have reached this point.
Things are not going to change overnight. And things will NOT change unless we obey the Words of God Almighty- we MUST humble ourselves and pray! We MUST repent for the wicked ways of this country. God Almighty WILL heal our lands, if we obey Him.
If we do not obey Him, this is only the beginning of a very tumultuous time in our nation’s history.
So this blog will be my humble prayers before God Almighty. I ask that if you are reading this, you search your heart. I ask that you will commit to praying for this nation and our leaders. Pray for God to forgive you where you have been wrong.
I am not saying to not stand up for what is right. In fact, it is quite the opposite. We MUST stand up for what is right, or wrong will take over! But first and foremost we must be humble and PERSONALLY go before God Almighty and pray for this nation!
May God bless America!