Does He Realize?

Take a look at the map of Israel on the left. Next take a look at the map on the right. The blue area is Israel. The yellow is the state of Maine, not an overly large state but much larger than the size of Israel. Below the comparison map of Maine and Israel is a map showing Israel compared to the United States. Look very hard at the blue area on the map. It is roughly where Nebraska is, so this could be a map of Lake McConaughy, which has a shore line of approximately 100 miles. But this is not Big Mac, rather it is the state (nation) of Israel.

President Obama loves to meet with terrorist nations and their leaders, but gives little time to those who have historically stood with America. He has now met with Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader and as a result has encouraged Israel to stop settlement construction in the West Bank. The West Bank is disputed territory, but it is historically part of Israel. Look at how tiny this little nation is compared to event he state of Maine and we have the audacity to tell them to stop building. Everyday there are rocket attacks on Israel. Many civilians have been injured and killed, but all we ever hear about is poor Palestine and how Israel is being the bully. Before the 1968 war, Israel was only 9 miles wide at it's narrowest point. It isn't much better today, yet Obama says "stop building." He just doesn't get it friends! We best stand with Israel 100%. It will be Israel that puts an end to Iran's nuclear program, not Palestine. I have been to Israel twice and have stood at the very northern point. I was able to throw a stone from Israel into Southern Palestine and Syria. Lincoln and Omaha are both larger than Israel if you count the suburbs. Those of you who have been around Lincoln a lot may have heard of the 9 mile prairie. It was 9 miles from Lincoln. Now it's just a stone's throw. If the Governor told Lincoln to stop building west of 1st street he would be chased out of office. Yet, Obama tells this tiny nation to stop constructing settlements in the West Bank. Nonsense Mr. Obama! Since my calling is Christian ministry, let me quote a bit of scripture, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Maybe we should begin to stand with those who stand with us. If we were in trouble do you suppose Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinians would stand with us or fight for us? Rhetorical question.

God Bless You and God Bless America! And, May God Bless Israel!

The tiny red dot is Isreal. Stop building?

Texan Woman Told to Remove 'Offensive' American Flag From Office - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

Texan Woman Told to Remove 'Offensive' American Flag From Office - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com

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One Step Closer

"U.S. Likely Taking Majority Ownership of GM" That's the headline and it's being done by a 24 member task force whose experience equals zero. But the real story here is not General Motors. Rather, it is clear evidence that we Obama is one step closer to a socialistic nation. The auto makers, the banks, the insurance industry, Fanny and Freddie, etc. all can be summed up with one little, yet incredibly big word "SOCIALISM."

The Democrats can call it whatever they want...a rescue plan, revitalization, job growth, mortgage relief, credit card relief, ad nauseum. But it is socialism, plain, pure and simple. There is no other word for it. Wikipedia says this: "Socialism refers to any one of various economic theories advocating state or cooperative ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods....." When the United States government, which is supposed to be of the people and by the people and for the people, takes majority ownership of private business and industry what would you call it if not socialism?

And then the announcement of a woman to become the next Supreme Court justice who says openly that her opinions and decisions will be influenced by race and gender. Is this not just one more example of what the Obama administration is trying to do? I think a woman on the Supreme Court, whether anglo, latino, asian or black is wonderful. But when anyone, male or female openly states that race and gender will play a big part in their decisions, that person should not be allowed to sit on that bench, or any judicial bench.

Folks, we conservatives only have a very short time to rally the forces and give the people back their government. We have Senatorial and House elections next year and right now we look like a bunch of confused children lost in a department store. We better get over that and quick. You touch a hot store once it's an accident and a learning experience. Touch it twice and shame on us. We haven't learned much out of our defeats. We are dazed and confused. We are unorganized and the Grand Old Party isn't very grand right now. We let the liberal Democrats take control of the mayor's offices in our two largest cities. Shame on us! It's not just about fund raisers, and banners and "meet and greets." It's about rolling up our sleeves and getting to work. It's not to late yet, but to use the phrase with no insult intended, the fat lady is getting ready to sign. We best make sure it's the right song and not our funeral dirge.

Write, not only your representatives but also as many as you can. Volunteer to help get the grass roots growing. Get excited, get involved......GET OUR COUNTRY BACK before it's too late.

God Bless You and God Bless America!

Nero and The Fiddler On the Roof

It is said that, "Nero fiddled while Rome burned." It is now widely agreed that Nero could not have actually been playing a fiddle because that instrument had not been invented yet. However, there is another meaning to this word that is more likely. It is more like, "He was just fiddling around." Nero, in all likelihood was not playing a musical instrument, but was probably putting forth an ineffectual effort. It suggests a lack of proficiency and aimlessness. In other words, Emperor Nero didn't have a clue and in the meantime Rome actually burned.

I am concerned that Rome may be burning again while President Obama fiddles. It's not that he doesn't care, but I believe his effort, like that of Nero, is ineffectual and is somewhat aimless. He just doesn't get it. Barack Obama speaks about our Constitution, The Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. He made a big deal out of that when bashing George Bush and dismantling everything the former administration did. We are fighting an enemy that does not wear a uniform, much like in Vietnam. We are fighting an enemy that is brutal, that cares nothing for the lives of "infidels." We are facing an enemy that will attack us again if we allow our guard to be let down. These people are terrorists, they are radicals and would do anything to destroy us. They have NO RIGHTS! They are killers and they brag about it. I have been to too many military funerals, the Patriot Guard has ridden too many miles, too many flags have been at half staff because of these people who brag about killing Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen. It's like the old west when the Indians counted coup. THEY ARE NOT ENTITLED TO THE SAME RIGHTS YOU AND I HAVE!! They would kill you or I in a New York second and never think twice about it.

Water boarding isn't a pleasant experience but neither were the events of 9-11. Which is worse, being water boarded which only simulates drowning or the fiery inferno of the Twin Towers or the Pentagon or the Pennsylvania field? If you answered water boarding, then read no further. In a speech today, the President said we had went off course. He rejects enhanced interrogation. Well, my friends, the enemy doesn't reject them. They were about to set off some car bombs in New York if the CIA had not infiltrated the cell and headed it off. A car bomb loaded with nails, glass, pellets, etc. is the ultimate means of torture, NOT water boarding. In closing Gitmo, where are these terrorists going to be housed. Nebraska is one likely spot because we are one of several states that has the secure facility. I don't know about you, but I'm not overly excited about having them a couple miles from me. Plus, why do they need to receive a criminal trial in a U. S. courts as you and I would? These are war criminals. Some have been released and a large percentage of those simply went back to their terrorist roots.

Rome burned as Nero fiddled and the United States has become less secure as Obama fiddles. He is still basing many of his comments and decisions upon campaign slogans and rhetoric. Someone needs to tell him the campaign is over and he won so now be Presidential. He displays that same type of smug attitude when attending graduations in places like Notre Dame when he knows full well it will divide a faith community. He does the same thing when he insists a Christian symbol be covered so it won't be seen behind him. While he looks down his nose at you and I and gives the same justice to a terrorist that a U.S. citizen gets Rome is burning my friends.

Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying, "When the people fear their government there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." Let us not relent in reminding those in Washington that they serve at our pleasure. We hired them and we can fire them. All too often they seem to forget that. Now, we have some great Nebraska leadership in Washington and we need to stand firmly with them and encourage them to fight the good fight. But the liberal, washy washy fat cat politicians who now control everything from the White House to the Congress need to be reminded for whom they work and we have to work hard to get them removed. No, they are not in Nebraska with the exception of Senator Nelson, but you know what. I made phone calls for McCain to places like Florida, Missouri and others from the comfort of my home and you can do the same. And now is a good time to begin writing letters to these false prophets. It's also a good time to donate time and money to the GOP. In the words of that famous Nebraskan, let's "Git 'er done!."

God Bless You and God Bless America!

Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl

Those of you who are fans, or patrons, of Applebees know that the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl is one of their signature dishes. It also happens to be my favorite entree. It has slivered almonds, peppers, rice, broccoli, mushrooms and that just right bite.

Maggie and I treat ourselves on occasion by exploring the menus at various eating establishments in Lincoln. I love most of them and those who have seen my spare tire would agree with me. I am in love with The Oven which serves Indian cuisine. Texas Roadhouse, Greenfields, Jade River are also on my favorite list. But when I want a tried and true meal that I can always count on we go to Applebees where I have only ordered one thing in the past five years (not quite). It just happens that there is an Applebees about one quarter mile from our home, so tonight that's where we went. As usual I ordered, you guessed it, the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl.....or so I thought.

It didn't take long for our meals to arrive and when they placed mine in front of me, I gasped. It wasn't the Crispy Orange Chicken. Instead it was the Oriental Chicken Salad, also good but not what I had planned on. The server was very astute and noticed my shock. I started to say, "That's not what I ordered," but I suddenly remembered it was exactly what I ordered, although not what I intended.

I told our server to leave it and I would eat it. After all, it was my mistake and I would live with it. She insisted on taking it back and bringing me the Crispy Orange Chicken. I felt bad and thanked her over and over. She just smiled and said, "It's our pleasure." Now, you are surely asking what all this has to do with anything. Truth is, I could go several directions with this story. I could turn it into a political point about getting what we asked for, but not what we wanted. Not a bad thought. However, to me this drives home a spiritual point. It is a modern day parable of sorts. I had hoped for wheat but got weeds? Perhaps, but to me this is a grace parable.

You and I are sinners. Case closed! We are spiritual criminals who have committed acts of lawlessness against God. We have broken God's law more times than we can count. Let's see, how many times have you and I used God's name in a less than holy way? How about adultery? Jesus taught that when you lust after another person in your heart you are guilty of adultery...oops! Ever committed a murder? Jesus said that if we hate someone we are guilty of murder. Okay, point made. We are not always the nice people on the inside that others see on the outside. So, "the wages of sin is death." That's what we ordered, but not what we wanted. That's what we deserve. We worked hard for it, we paid for it, we slept with it, ate it, drank it and so we deserve it. But wait! God through Christ also paid for it on the cross. We were given what we asked for, but God said "Let me bring you what you really want, not what you ordered." God says, "My grace is sufficient for you. I will take back that which you really asked for and bring you something better.....much better. I will bring you healing. I will bring you happiness. I will bring you happiness. I will bring you forgiveness." And that, boys and girls, is grace......God's Riches At Christ's Expense: GRACE.

I thanked my server upon leaving the building also. I thanked the manager. But mostly I thanked God.....no, not for Crispy Orange Chicken although it is divine, but for the lesson of this meal.

Look around you and you too will find grace staring you in the face. You will find Christ in a simple meal.....perhaps bread and wine, but also perhaps Crispy Orange Chicken. I will close, because if I preach any longer I will have to receive an offering. After all I am United Methodist. But wait....the bill has been paid. The offering has been given. We are free from the bondage of sin. A few lines ago I said, "The wages of sin is death," but the rest of that verse says, "but the free gift of God is eternal life."

God Bless You and God Bless America!

(The Tomb in the Garden of Gethsemane)

Showing the Ultrasound

Kudos to Senator Tony Fulton, who just happens to be my State Senator. Tony sometimes reminds me of John the Baptist. No, I have never seen him dressed in camel's hair or eating wild locusts. I think that may have been our friend Ernie Chambers. But, John the Baptist was a "voice of one crying out in the wilderness." His was a message of repentance. Likewise, Senator Fulton is often that voice crying in the wilderness of liberalism, of same-o-same-o politics, of it's done of our business thinking, and this won't work.

As a Christian pastor I fully and apologetically support this bill in the unicameral which would require a woman to be shown an ultrasound image of the unborn fetus in her before an abortion could take place. The bill also does not require the woman to view the image, but it has to be shown. So, I ask Senator Nantkes and other opponents what they have to worry about. The woman does not have to look at the image and she can still have the abortion, so what is the problem? What are those who oppose this bill, which happens to be LB 675 in case you want to contact your senator, afraid of? What is wrong with giving a woman more information? Are they afraid that more women will choose life over death? YES!! That is absolutely the issue. The opponents are absolutely afraid that women, often young girls, will view the image of life within the womb and decide to let this unborn child of God live. As a pastor, I would never condemn any woman for choosing to have an abortion. God does not condemn me, so who am I to condemn another? Yet, I can tell you that I have listened to many stories from women who have had abortions and live with that decision every second of their life. They often feel guilt, remorse, and more. I have tried to do my best to assure them of God's grace, yet I can see and often hear the depression, despair, guilt and anger. I have seen marriages break apart over this issue.

Senator Fulton is a man who is not afraid to let his faith and commitment to his Lord show on the floor of the Unicameral. If you have faith, light, what good does it do if you hide it (under a bushel)? So Kudos to Tony! Remember that Scripture proclaims, "Choose this day whom you will serve." It also says, "Choose life or death, but for me I will choose life." Human beings are the only creatures who will destroy a life before birth. I will not argue with anyone about when it involves the life of the mother or when it is from rape or incest. I would, however, council persons to speak with their pastor, priest or rabbi, and mostly with God. But abortion for abortion's sake is something that should not be made easier. Rather the decision should be made only after a woman has the opportunity to actually view the life within her. Write, call or email your state senator and tell them to support the Fulton bill LB 675. http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/index.php
This is a case where my faith cannot remain silent and I pray yours will not.

God Bless You and God Bless America!

Human Rights?

Everyone of us should be advocating for the rights of all persons regardless of race, age, gender, ethnicity or religion. Every person is created by God. Nobody else has been able to actually create a unique human being. It's a little like the story about man challenging God to the making of a person. God reaches down, takes some soil and fashions a person, then breathes life into it. Then the man reaches down to grab some dirt and God says, "Wait a minute. Go get your own dirt."

The problem is that not everyone, in fact very few, are treated with respect, dignity and honor. Even in this nation, the greatest nation on earth, very few people are granted equal rights as humans. I am among the privileged and perhaps you are too. I grew up in a small Nebraska town, Superior, with two parents who loved me, cared for me and taught me the value to other people. At the age of 35 I entered the ordained ministry and was granted the title of Reverend. It's amazing what that title does for a person. I have called hospitals, prisons and military commands that had it not been for the title "Reverend" I would not have gotten past the receptionist. I don't like using that title, but I have to admit it has gotten me through closed doors that otherwise would not have been open. My point is that I have been granted privilege. Not everyone has that.

Many people don't believe we have a homeless problem in Nebraska and especially in our rural areas. These folk are in denial. I remember one small western Nebraska community that when I helped someone with the basics of life I would ask "what is your address?" Very often the reply would be "under the bridge." These "under the bridge" folks do not have the same human rights that I have. They are looked down upon, they are made fun of, they are cast out, called drunks (when many don't drink because they can't afford it) and they are generally looked down upon. There are literally thousands of homeless persons in Nebraska and tens of thousands more who are "near homeless."

Watch when you go into a discount store and there is a greeter, or a customer, who is in a wheelchair. Normally, it is assumed that these men and women and young people are hard of hearing since they are in a chair. Clerks will often address the person who is with them, as if they aren't smart enough to answer. Shoppers will seldom look these people in the eye. They do not have the same human rights as I do.

I was excited when I heard that President Obama wanted the U.S. to sit on the UN Human Rights Council. Others who will be seated include Cuba, China and Saudi Arabia. Come on, get real! China, Cuba and Saudi Arabia in the same sentence as Human Rights is an oxymoron. Some of the members of this council are among the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world. Perhaps the best way to assure human rights is to do as President Bush did when he shunned this council. Others include Russia, Bangledesh, Cameroon, and Azerbaijan. Yet, I am not surprised. It seems as if President Obama spends more time making nice with repressive regimes, terroristic nations and the like than he does on true human rights issues. With the red tape involved it is nearly impossible for the "have nots" the "down and out" those that use the food pantry regularly, those that can't pay the rent, dress their kids like others, or afford utilities to make it. Do you have any idea how long it takes to get "Section 8" housing? What about SSDI, Medicaid, etc.? The part of the city where I currently work is filled with great people, honest people, hard working people, family people.........but the majority are among the working poor. How do they get out of this? They don't want a handout! But they do need a way out. Perhaps rather than glad handing with nations who are known for their human rights violations and terroristic actions, Mr. Obama should be more concerned about how to restore dignity to hope to the hurting of America. An old man at a mission once told me, "Homelessness is not the problem. Look into their eyes and if you don't see a sparkle, that is hopelessness and hopelessness is much worse than homelessness." Mr. Obama, rather than trillions on banks and greedy, ruined business leaders, perhaps you should spend that money on the hopeless and restore the twinkle in their eye. Restore the pride of a parent in their child who no longer has to dress in too small, worn out clothing. Remember, "hope does not disappoint us." Restore hope and you have restored America and we no longer need to give billions to "fat cats."

God Bless You and God Bless America!

Have You Forgotten?

Of course, many of you recognize the title of tonight's blog as Darryl Warley's hit song about the events of September 11. The chorus of Warley's song says,

"Have you forgotten how it felt that day

to see our homeland under fire

and her people blown away?"

There is obviously more than that and you can see the entire lyrics at http://http://www.anysonglyrics.com/lyrics/d/darrylworley/haveyouforgotten.htm. I am not trying to boost sales of Warley's music, but I am trying to suggest that many people have forgotten, but not the man and woman on the street.. We did have people inside those towers going through a living hell. The little spectacle involving Air Force One and what was billed as a photo op proves that some people still are edgy when it comes to low flying aircraft over NYC. I hardly blame them. But I do believe, unfortunately, that many of the liberal Dems have forgotten. The are more concerned with the blame game than defeating terrorism. Our President wants to sit down with terrorists and have a nice chat over tea. The House Speaker, Nancy (I Forgot) Pelosi does not want to violate a terrorist's civil rights. We can't use extreme measures to get the truth out of them. Well, what about the extreme measures of September 11 Ms. Speaker? You have forgotten what it felt like that day.

And Mr. Obama, you have forgotten! You want to reduce the deficit by reducing benefits to our veterans. You want to "cut and run" and just pull out of Iraq before the mission is accomplished. We are so very close to helping the Iraqi's strengthen their democracy, but you want us to pull out because George Bush was wrong and lied, as you say, to the people about this war. I have an opportunity on a daily basis to visit with military personnel. I have yet to find one that agrees with you Mr. Obama. "To pull out now says our soldiers who died, died for nothing," is what many tell me. War is hell, but sometimes you gotta take it to the enemy or they'll bring it to us. They proved that on September 11. And if we reduce our military, equip them inadequately, and make the same mistakes we made in Viet Nam I will assure you that we'll be fighting them again right here on our soil. I had a young soldier last Saturday tell me he was deploying to Iraq that day. I asked how he felt about it and he said, "This is my third tour and I can't wait to get back there." "Why," I asked. "Because, you wouldn't believe the difference we are making. We can't leave now, when we're this close," he replied.

But the Democratic leadership in Washington would rather give ten banks another $75 billion dollars that to protect freedom around the globe. They would rather debate the "cap and trade" issue that the weapons our troops need. They would rather talk about........well, just about anything that defeating terrorism. They would rather sip tea with the devil in Iran than feed him a cruise missile. If Bill Clinton had paid attention I don't think September 11 would have happened and Obama is even worse. Somebody needs to tell that man that the campaign is over and he won so get to work actually being the President.

America cannot afford this kind of behavior, because this is the real world and they are tearing Detroit down. This is the real world and they are leaving America vulnerable while all the time ushering in socialism. Listen friends, we have an opportunity to elect conservative Republicans in less than two years to both the House and the Senate. We can't wait until six weeks before the primaries, we have to start now. Talk to your friends and even those who are Dems. Write letters to the editor. Contribute to the GOP. Do something because as another old song says, "You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything."

God Bless You and God Bless America!