County Government Says "No' to In Home Bible Study?

VWV Note: This story about blew my right off my chair. I couldn't believe it. A San Diego minister being told he couldn't have Bible study in his home? This is deeply disturbing. Does San Diego go after all small groups or just those expressing freedom of religion?


Couple: County Trying To Stop Home Bible Studies

A local pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a San Diego County official, who then threatened them with escalating fines if they continued to hold bible studies in their home, 10News reported.

Attorney Dean Broyles of The Western Center For Law & Policy was shocked with what happened to the pastor and his wife.

Broyles said, "The county asked, 'Do you have a regular meeting in your home?' She said, 'Yes.' 'Do you say amen?' 'Yes.' 'Do you pray?' 'Yes.' 'Do you say praise the Lord?' 'Yes.'".....http://www.10news.com/news/19562217/detail.html

Do You Hear the Sounds in the Air?

VWV Note: All for one? Is there a real movement in the wind? It's certainly not being chatted about on the main stream news. After all, this morning, an ABC news type employee said conservatives think the law should be followed when picking a supreme court judge. Gasp! How could they? Follow the law and not your feelings?

Thought you'd be interested in seeing the following:


Richard Viguerie: Congratulations, President Obama, You've United the Entire Conservative Movement

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, regarding President Obama's nomination of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court:

"The nomination of Sonia Sotomayor unites all wings of the conservative movement -- economic, foreign policy, social, traditional, neocon, and libertarian -- in a way we haven't seen since the early Clinton years.

"Judge Sotomayor frightens all conservatives. As the debate over her nomination heats up, conservatives will provide the primary opposition to Sotomayor and will quickly launch a massive educational campaign using direct mail, the Internet, talk radio, cable TV, YouTube, and other forms of new and alternative media.

"It was sad to read that Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele's comment on the Sotomayor nomination reflected the typical reaction Americans have come to expect from Republican politicians when he said that Republicans will reserve judgment on Sotomayor.

"No wonder conservatives now look to talk show hosts and other unelected conservatives for leadership, rather then wet-finger Republican politicians who always seeming to be waiting to see the direction of the political winds.

"It remains to be seen how active and effective Republican politicians will be on this historic fight, but conservatives are on the field, engaged, and ready to battle President Obama and all U.S. Senators who support Sotomayor."

What a Tangled Web We Weave

VWV Note: It's been interesting watching the current political party in power on the subject of torture. First, Pelosi has memory loss. Then she starts doing the same thing her boss does and has pointing fits every time someone asks for clarification. Now Holder dances as to whether waterboarding fits the legal definition of torture. You know, the legal one where it specifically mentions "the intent" to harm.

Looks like the blanket they are weaving may start to unravel. And they won't be able to point their mistakes and blunders on the past. Nope, it's all in the present.

On ‘Torture,’ Holder Undoes Holder
The attorney general reveals his legal ignorance — or, his willful inconsistency.

By Andrew C. McCarthy

There was a little noticed bombshell in Washington’s waterboarding melodrama last week. And it wasn’t Nancy Pelosi’s implosion in a Capitol Hill press room, where she yet again tried to explain her inexplicable failure to protest the CIA’s “torturing” of detainees. No, this one detonated in the hearing room of the House Judiciary Committee. There, Attorney General Eric Holder inadvertently destroyed the warped basis for his claim that waterboarding, as administered by the CIA, amounted to torture......http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NjZkNGZiODM0YjNmODNkMWFhZDU5Mzk2ZDMwNGRmMDQ=

Good Time To Read

Our Creator sure does work in mysterious ways. With all of the events going on in our country and with all of the changing of our lives, I find that now is just the perfect time to sit and read.

Today's reading was Matthew 23. Switch out Pharisees and just insert Congress and our leaders.

Interesting.

Maybe you've been feeling compelled to read more yourself? Try it. It's relaxing.

Talk of Overthrow in NYC by Extremist

I saw a video which was recently captured on the streets of New York City which disturbed me greatly. The speaker was a from a group who openly calls for Revolution in the manner of Jihad.

So, I gotta wonder- is this guy or group considered extremists by our government? Or are they allowed to spout without being labeled?

Do You Believe the Teachings of Your Religion?

VWV Note: The days have passed and still I am sad about this story. How can an university arrest people for praying in public? How can a Catholic university arrest Catholics for praying? How can Notre Dame officials think this is anything but a slap to the beliefs to which they give lip service? So, the question becomes "Do you believe the teachings of your religion?" Or, has this, too, passed.


18 More Anti-Abortion Activists Arrested at Notre Dame on Saturday; More Arrests Planned for Sunday

/PRNewswire/ -- The Following is Being Issued by Randall Terry, Founder of Operation Rescue:

At approximately 12:00 Noon, over 40 pro-life activists walked on Notre Dame's campus, praying the Rosary.

They were led by pro-life icons Norma McCorvey, Joan Andrews Bell, and Father Norman Weslin.

Five women and thirteen men were arrested while they carried images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and prayed the Rosary. Those arrested included Fr. Weslin and Joan Andrews Bell. Norma McCorvey was not arrested.

Over one hundred pro-lifers gathered on all 4 corners of the main entrance block of Notre Dame, holding signs and praying.

Other news: A Local attorney requested an emergency hearing, in order to request bond for the five pro-lifers who were being held without bond. The judge granted the request, but placed a high bond on those in custody. Pro-lifers are currently seeking people to bond them out.

Other news: A journalist told a StopObamaNotreDame official that the University threatened to "cut the feed" of any network that covers disruptions during Obama's address.

Randall Terry states: "Notre Dame is so desperate to hide the fruit of their sin, that they will cover up the truth of what happens inside the auditorium. We pray for the success of those who are committed to bearing witness during Obama's address."

Where are Your Health Papers?

If the Senate Finance Committee has its way, you might have to file proof of health insurance with your tax return! Bad joke. Not.

You have to read this to believe it.


Sen. Max Baucus: Answer 10 Questions About Mandatory Purchase of Health Insurance Including Why the Public Was Excluded From Today's Committee Meeting

/PRNewswire / -- The U.S. Senate Finance Committee, in closed-door health care discussions today, must answer ten questions about how its plan to require all Americans to show proof of insurance or face tax penalties will provide affordable health care, said Consumer Watchdog.

Questions listed below. Download Consumer Watchdog's letter to Senator Baucus here: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/BaucusClosedMeeting.pdf

In a letter to Senator Baucus sent today, Consumer Watchdog wrote:

"Americans should not be locked out of any discussion about health care reform, particularly one that will consider whether everyone should be required to buy health insurance policies without any limits on what insurers can charge. Mandatory purchases of private insurance policies without offering a public alternative to the private market is nothing other than a bailout for HMOs.....http://georgiafrontpage.blogspot.com/2009/05/sen-max-baucus-answer-10-questions.html

Memories of Mama in a Cake

My mom has been gone for awhile now, and still I miss her. I miss her smile, her advice, and more importantly, her arms around me keeping me safe from the world.

I spent some alone time this morning thinking of her and then I got busy with my own children. You see, they decided they wanted to make my one of my favorite cakes. It's not a hard cake to make, but the Triple Decker Strawberry Cake is so very delightful in my tummy.

The kids measured, chopped and poured all the ingredients in to the mixer. They greased and floured the pans in which we were to cook the cake. I asked if they had done it right. After the eye rolling had stopped, I poured the batter in the pans for them and placed them in the oven.

Greedily they grabbed the mixing bowl and licked it clean. I don't think the dishwasher could have done a better job- although the dishwasher might have been more sanitary.

The cake came out of the oven, and then we couldn't get the cake out of the pans. Guess their handy dandy grease job wasn't so worthy of the eye rolls after all. The tears formed in their eyes, when I burst out laughing.

They are so like my mom. My mom slap out couldn't bake a cake. No matter how she tried, or measured or greased the pans, her cakes always fell apart. I grew up picking out toothpicks from her cakes.

She also used to tell the story about when she and my dad were stationed overseas in Germany. The NCO wives would have bake sales for the soldiers. One time, the wives needed another cake, so my mom volunteered to help. She tried her best and hers looked the worst. There her cake limply stood with all the gorgeous decorated sweet wonders. Hers sold first. She tried to talk the young soldier out of buying her cake. He told her he had to have it for it looked like one his mom would have made. From then on, her cakes proudly went on display and quickly sold at the bake sales.

My cake this morning brought my mom smack dab into the room with me. I felt her love surround me as I told my kids the story and turned their tears to smiles.

Yep, mama came to see me this Mother's Day- if only in a lopsided cake.

Happy Mother's Day.

Notre Dame Threatens Arrests of Pro-Lifers

VWV Note: Guess we'll see the outcome of this alleged threat in about one hour. What's really going on? Why would Notre Dame allegedly send plain clothes policemen off site to a press conference and threaten to arrest someone if they stepped foot on the campus? Which is more important to Notre Dame? Do as I say or do as I say I believe?


Notre Dame, Obama, and Abortion: Dr. Alan Keyes and 20 Pro-Lifers to be Arrested With Baby Strollers at Notre Dame on Friday, 11:30 a.m., May 8, 2009

/PRNewswire / -- The following is being issued by Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue. Dr. Alan Keyes and 20 pro-lifers will walk on to Notre Dame's campus at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 08, 2009, with baby strollers carrying baby dolls covered in "stage blood" to protest the invitation of Notre Dame to President Obama to deliver the commencement address at this year's graduation.

On Thursday, May 7, Dr. Keyes was unexpectedly approached at a press conference on public property by two plain clothes Notre Dame Policemen, and told that if he walks on Notre Dame's campus for any reason, he will be arrested.

Dr. Keyes was shocked. He stated: "I have not even stepped foot on the campus, and they give me this warning? They told me: 'We are just doing our job.' I told them I am just coming to witness for the truth."

Dr. Keyes had a long conversation with both men, telling them that they have a duty to God to do what is right. He told them that on the day of Judgment they will not be excused for wrong doing, because they were "doing their job," any more than German guards at concentration camps could make such an excuse.

Dr. Keyes released a statement explaining why he was willing to be arrested. Dr. Keyes full text can be read at www.StopObamaNotreDame.com.

On Thursday, pro-lifers began to arrive from around the country to push the strollers with Dr. Keyes, and face the ire of Notre Dame Officials, as well as arrest. Most of those risking arrest are from Notre Dame; but pro-life advocates from Washington D.C., Michigan, Texas, Arkansas, and Ohio also have arrived.

Randall Terry, www.StopObamaNotreDame.com organizer states: "Dr. Keyes presence has catapulted this battle to a new level. If we have 100 or more people going to jail over the next week protesting this blatant evil, it may derail Obama's speech, and it will be a message that reaches America, the Vatican, and the world.

"We are asking our pro-life friends to join us in jail, or at least to come and stand with us in the streets."

All Past Great Presidents Believed in a Nation of Prayer

VWV Note: Since the humble beginnings of this country, our leaders have asked Americans to pray for this country. Just read our history and see where great American presidents like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln stood publicly on the matter of prayer.

Pence: 'We Are a Nation of Prayer' Commemorates 58th National Day of Prayer

/Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Congressman Mike Pence gave the following speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in honor of the 58th National Day of Prayer:

"The Father of our Country, George Washington, said on the occasion of the ninth of July, 1776 'The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, but especially so in times of public distress and danger.'

"Today is the 58th celebration of our National Day of Prayer. It is the day that Americans from coast to coast will set aside time to pray for this nation, our soldiers, public safety officials and public servants from the President of the United States to the city council.

"Since the first call to prayer in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom forming the nation, prayer has been at the center of our national life; From President Lincoln's famous proclamation for 'humility, fasting and prayer' in 1863, through 1952, when President Truman signed a joint resolution of Congress creating this day.

"It is said in The Old Book that 'the effective and fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much;' what is true of man, I would say, is also true of nations.

"During this National Day of Prayer, during these challenging times, let it be said again: 'we are a nation of prayer.'"

Dear Father-in-Chief

Dear Father-in-Chief, who art in Heaven,
Hallowed by thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done
on earth
as it is in Heaven

Please guide the leaders of our country.

Please allow my words and actions to glorify Your Name.

Thank you for being with me at all times, during happy times and times of stress and sadness.

--
There. It's the National Day of Prayer and since our elected guy up in DC won't acknowledge it by praying with leaders who believe in God, I shall do it. Oops, I just did. And I bet I'll do it again today.

Lesson from the Derby

Saturday was the first Saturday of May, and as for many a year, I always watch the Kentucky Derby. I find it exciting, although this year, the never ending live coverage the hour before the two minute race had me fast asleep.

I woke up when I finally heard the theme song, My Old Kentucky Home, and sat up to watch. I admit that this year, I did not take the time to really study the horses. There was no favorite in my mind.

All the major talk was on the big name horses and how much money they either cost their owners or where they trained or even how much money they had previously won.

There was relatively no mention of "Mine That Bird." Who is he?

He's the gelding with the soul of a winner. Reportedly costing his owner less than $10,000 and a very long shot, he received minimal coverage. Instead, the media chose to talk about his owner being on crutches.

Bang went the start gun. The front runners were as expected. And then, out of nowhere- "Mine That Bird" flew past everyone and won. Not by a mere fraction, but by lengths. The excitement was there.

The extraordinary win of "Mine That Bird" brings home a lesson to all of us, especially during these trying times.

Work hard. Remember your roots. Run for the glory. Others may have more press and be slated the winner, but perseverance works.

Yep, I'll take a step back and think of "Mine That Bird" and his mighty run for the roses as I consider the stakes of today's battles.

"Mine That Bird"-- what a wonderful example to follow. Oh, and his jockey, Calvin? What a winning team! Superb!