Will Rogers (1932): "This country has gotten where it is in spite of politics, not by the aid of it. That we have carried as much political bunk as we have and still survived shows we are a super nation."

Happy Birthday to our daughter-in-law Sherrie! Married to our eldest son Chris, Sherrie is a devoted homemaker who works tirelessly on behalf of her family. She and Chris recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and the two of them remind us of ourselves as they dote on and spoil their first grand child, the one we call our little bundle of Madelyn Joy. She is 18 months old now and I know it's time for me to drop the bundle metaphor. But I like it so much. The other evening after sharing a meal together, it was time for Madelyn Joy and her parents to go home. But Madi was not wanting to leave her Maw Maw and Paw Paw. She was reaching for them both. See what I mean? Exactly the way her mom, our Tiffany, used to be with us. And, Sherrie and Chris were not upset at all in her affection shown towards them. It is a wonderful thing to experience and I'm thankful they are able to enjoy it. May God bless you on your Birthday. Love, mom and dad, aka mimi and poppy.

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A top of the middle of the week morning to one and all on this Wednesday, July 27, 2011. That new hit show that is taking the nation by storm is really hot right now. It has a little of something for everyone. Drama, comedy, and each time you watch it ends with a cliff hanger scene. They just don't write them like that anymore. What program am I talking about? It's that one you see each night starring President Obama versus the Republicans. About the only insult I haven't heard is the one about how their mom's wear combat boots. What's that you say? You prefer to be watching your radio while listening to a 1940's episode of 'Our Miss Brooks'. (In passing, the photos do show folks looking at the radio while they were listening to their favorite program. Hello?) That 'tune it all out' sentiment, my friend, is for the most part the choice of most Americans because our collective ability to stomach the electioneering charades coming out of Washington, DC, has pretty much been maxed out. For me personally, I wouldn't mind seeing them all run out of town. Through the proper process, of course, that being the will of the people at the ballot box. (Even though that process too is pretty much messed up.) What I see each night in this continuing series is cronyism and corruption being served up from all sides. Sorry. But the voting blocks and special interests are sadly the primary targets for these shenanigans, not the collective good of America. I vote for none of the above and sign my name: DISGUSTED! But, that's only my opinion, and thank God we can still voice our opinion here in this country.

The killing spree that happened over in Norway is sad beyond belief. The man who killed all those people has been labeled in many different ways. Early on the mainstream press across the world tagged him a Christian Fundamentalist. Reading their articles showed how excited they were and relieved. Relieved that the guy was not a radical Muslim on some kind of Jihad. The European news sources began to change their tone as they dug into this fellow's beliefs. They also made clear that in Norway every natural born citizen is automatically registered as a Protestant which makes them Christian by birth. This killer of innocent men, women, boys and girls was more of a racial purist than any kind of believing Christian. However, here in the states, the NY Times and others continue to try and link this killer to any and all conservatives who are trying to stand up for God and country in America. I am not one to claim demon influence for everything that occurs, but this is a clear example of an in your face type of situation where people of faith, who choose not to leave God out of their daily practice, are being directly targeted and tarred by these huge media enterprises. This from the same people who refused to identify attempted bombers here in our own country as Muslim radicals. Even after this was an established fact, they went on record in not tagging these individuals who had been radicalized while they were in prison. Yet, they hear the word Christian associated with a mass murderer and they are off and running, regardless of the facts. Satanic strategy? You better believe it! Only God can help us folks, and may we see this present reality and seek Him today! Amen.

I know it's more fun to read about this, that, and the other that brings a smile or laugh. But, speaking frankly, I, as a great grandfather can see an America for our little bundle of Madelyn Joy and her contemporaries, and especially their children, that, given the trends we see and the winds of change, it will be an America we can not even imagine. I understand the temptation to tune out. Look the other way. And, while we are called to turn the other cheek, we are not called to sit by and do nothing as the very principles of our nation are being destroyed, the very foundation that made us, One nation, under God. Do I recognize that many of those who cater to our independent and conservative views are actually sheep in wolves clothing? Absolutely! That's why I will not opt out. That does not mean I will support the only alternative candidate. That does not mean I will go along to get along. That does not mean that I will join in with racists and haters because they wave our flag. I believe those who are God's people have access to the Power that is above all things. That's why we here in our great country need the Lord God of heaven to once again intervene on our behalf. That's where we need to focus our efforts and as He leads, vote. As He leads, make choices. As He leads, conduct our affairs so that we might fulfill the word of our Lord: ""Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."  (Matthew 5:16) Amen.             .....More later.