Population

The video speaks for itself. I guess we need more Duggar families if we're going to balance this out! ;)

Media Malpractice

This year's March for Life was bigger than ever. And, once again, the secular news media all but ignored it. Last night I heard a priest comment, "You want to know how to make 250,000 people disappear? Send them to Washington and hand them pro-life signs."

What's even more frustrating is that not only does the media belittle the huge, peaceful pro-life presence, but if they do mention us, they try to say that there are just as many pro-abortion individuals there, too. They like to label us "anti-abortion activists" and say things like, "most protestors are in their 60's or older", and "there are no young women around". Sorry, but anyone in D.C. on January 22 can tell you that YOUTH are the ones who fill the place. And young women? I was there, people. If anything, we are the majority!

Righteous indignation is needed here, folks. And plenty of our own self-publishing of the real, staggering facts, while expressing our vocal dissatisfaction with the seriously deficient average news media. Write your paper, TV station, whatever. Point out their obvious lack of skill and respectfully demand fair and balanced reporting in 2011.

From Catholic Fire: At the 2010 March for Life the media set new standards for journalistic fraud. In its lead photo, CNN showed five pro-abortion picketers, all that could be found, and ignored the 300,000 pro-life marchers. CNN's Rick Sanchez wondered out loud which group dominated. Newsweek claimed that most participants were in their 60's when, in fact, most were under 25. This video sets the record straight.

Straightening Out the "2012" Craze

I know that it seems like I've abandoned this poor blog. Not intentionally, to be sure, but that's just how things play out. One of these days perhaps I can play catch-up here.

In the meantime, I can't help but take a moment to share this very informative film review about 2012 from Fr. Barron. He clearly and effectively explains just what is askew with this extravagant movie.

Catholics, let's not put a cent of support towards such flagrant disdain for Holy Mother Church. And not only for Catholicism, but towards all Christianity. Kyrie eleison!

What are we coming to?

I'm afraid that I'm coming down with something today, and was wondering why I should be getting sick. Well, a glance at some of the headlines in LifeSiteNews and Catholic News Agency showed that there's an awful lot to make reparation for right now...

Chicago Mayor Daley to Sign Abortion "Bubble Law" Ordinance
New ad backing same-sex ‘marriage’ in Maine misrepresents Catholicism
Obama Criticizes People with "Old Attitudes" in Keynote Speech at Homosexualist Dinner
President of USCCB Congratulates President Obama for Nobel Peace Prize
Homosexual Hate Crimes Law Poised to Become Law after Passing U.S. House
Notre Dame Pays Student Expenses to D.C. March for Homosexual 'Marriage'
Policeman Confiscates Rockford Pro-Lifer's Christ Image

There were a few positive ones, too, but the above type seemed sadly overpowering! Friends, we much pray and sacrifice for our slipping nation.

Chilling

The Western Culture of Death is taking its toll. We need lots more devout Christian Catholic families with lots of children!

Forces United

Wow, there is nothing like a big injustice to mobilize the faithful! The huge recent scandal of Obama being invited to speak at and receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame has elicted an impressively emphatic and immediate response. In the span of just a few days, a number of websites have been created to voice opposition, including www.ndresponse.com. There is more than one online petition, most notably www.notredamescandal.com, whose petition has gathered more that 177,00 signatures in less than a week!

I very much agree that this invitation from a prestigious Catholic University is saddening, but I am also heartened by the unification and action we have seen as a result. Let's hope those 177,000 are on their knees petitioning heaven, too.

If you're not part of the throng yet, don't waste any time!

So Much for "Global Warming"...

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 31

Months ago, I remember hearing something about Obama's citizenship status being questionable. Then it seemed to be written off. Now Pennsylvania Democrat Philip J. Berg is bringing forth evidence that Obama may actually be Kenyan-born, which would make him not a natural-born U.S. Citizen, and therefore...you guessed it: not eligible to run for president. The American people deserve to know about this investigation. But you can be sure the liberal news media will ignore it entirely. They're far too busy trying their utmost to dig up dirt on conservative, principled candidates (a.k.a. Sarah Palin).

I'm not saying that Mr. Berg's claim is entirely verified yet, but the fact that it legitimately may be makes this a piece that American citizens have every right to know about. Most of all, it means that we must redouble our prayers for our Lord's mercy. If this does turn out to be true, what a terrible shame for such deception to have taken a man this far in our country.

Don't forget today's Life Devotional!

In Theaters Now: Fireproof

I have been thrilled about this movie ever since I first heard of it weeks ago.

In an age when marriage is so undermined, belittled, and devalued, a portrayal of faithfulness is a true breath of fresh air.

It got even better tonight when I read the most marvelous article about lead actor Kirk Cameron. This guy is the real thing: not only does he star in a movie upholding marriage, but he absolutely and totally lives it. In Hollywood, that is rarer than a poor celebrity! Mr. Cameron is married 17 years, the father of six children (four of whom are adopted), and — get this — will only kiss his wife. Even on screen. I think that is just the greatest thing...seriously, I got delightful shivers up my back just reading it. We're talking the genuine article here, folks!

Of course, that wonderful personal commitment of his leaves us all wondering how on earth they shot a kissing scene in a movie like Fireproof, which (obviously) has to have one. Simple: it's him and his real wife. “So when I’m kissing my wife, we’re actually husband and wife honoring marriage behind the scenes,” Kirk explains. So beautiful.

I'm excited to have learned all this before seeing the movie... it will only make it more meaningful when I do! And now, what are you waiting for?

- Visit the official website (and enjoy a both tearful and humorus trailer!)

- Read an interview with the Fireproof Cast on Focus on the Family's CitizenLink

- Read MSNBC's article "Kirk Cameron: I'll Only Kiss My Wife" (watch the video interview too!)

And most importantly, plan a real movie into your weekend!

Election Countdown: Day 40

Every American pro-lifer agrees that this year's election is monumental. Live never before, we are obligated — yes, obligated — to fight for the sake of justice, the triumph of truth, and a day when light will perminantly dispell the darkness. Those with a voice cannot remain silent. Each day from today until November 4 (40 days), I will share a thought, video, action item, or news article relating to these historic elections. Through the widespread outlet of the internet, we have the chance to impact this election more powerfully than any ever before.

"The Church... must encourage the use of Internet for the common good, the development of peace and justice, in respect of personal dignity and with a spirit of solidarity."

(Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications)

Let the voice of Truth be heard, through us. Rise and fight!

Bodies on Display

I read a disturbing article this morning at LifeSiteNews.com regarding the touring "human body" exhibits that have become highly popular in the last few years. In these exhibits, real human bodies which have been partially dissected and gone through an extensive preservation process are put on display. While many claim that they have unique educational worth, others have questioned from the beginning the moral uprightness of such an exhibition. As Christians, we understand the inherent worth of each human person — mind, heart, soul, and body. The Theology of the Body teaches that because the design of our bodies teach us about our Creator and our relationship with Him, the body is sacred and precious. Not an object for lustful fantasy, a toy for sexual conquest, a vehicle for trafficking of illegal substances...or a display at a science museum.

The issue also raises concern that such individuals were not given the reverent burial to which we as Christians believe each person is entitled.

The aforementioned article, however, reveals that the questionable nature of this topic goes even deeper than the concerns mentioned thus far. There is evidence that the bodies on display by some producers are very possibly the remains of executed Chinese prisoners. "BODIES: The Exhibition" even has a disclaimer on the opening page of their website stating that they "cannot independently verify that they [the bodies] do not belong to persons executed while incarcerated in Chinese prisons."

From the article:

Among the critics is Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, who according to NZ Catholic newspaper called the display a sort of "human taxidermy" that "degrades the actual people who, through their bodies, once lived, loved, prayed and died."

Read the complete article here.

From the Governor

Governor Huckabee had a great personal message on his website Tuesday night, after Virginia's results...

The first question I am often asked these days is: "Why are you still
running for President?"

It is because I believe that I am the best candidate to represent you in
the fall against the Democrats. Why? Because I have core conservative beliefs
that I have never wavered from:

I believe in the Human Life Amendment and I will fight for it from Day 1 of
my Presidency.

I believe in the Marriage Amendment.

I believe in massive tax reform and am an advocate of the FairTax.

I believe that President Bush's tax cuts should be made permanent.

I believe in the Surge, our troops and General Petraeus.

I believe the 2nd amendment is one of the best ways to protect us from
tyranny and I will work tirelessly to protect it from activist judges.

I believe in real border security and have proposed a detailed 9 point plan
to secure our borders.

I believe the best judge is a conservative judge that won't legislate from
the bench.

These are some of the reasons why I am running for President and let me
also say that YOU are another reason. I am running to give you a voice in the
process. To lift up your voice with mine and to tell our Party and our
government that we need to do better. We need to think big and fight for our
ideas.

There’s lots of voting left to be done before our Republican Party’s
nominee is decided.

Share this blog post with your friends and family and spread the word. We
are still in this race and we are running hard.

And his message from yesterday...

The path before us is clear: a primary in Wisconsin on Feb. 19 and then
four primaries in Texas, Vermont, Rhode Island and Ohio on March 4. Our
challenge moving forward is to redouble our efforts on the ground and raise the
money we need to compete.

Last evening I explained in my email [the text above] why I am
running for President and what issues I am fighting for. I am also running to
give you a voice in the process. To lift up your voice with mine and to tell our
Party and our government that we need to do better. We need to think big and
fight for our ideas.

Thank you to everyone for their words of support and encouragement. I
am truly humbled by the faith you have placed in me and reinvigorated for the
race ahead.

Keep praying!

Pray Today for Huckabee!

It's interesting that the after-Super-Tuesday elections that no one thought would matter severals months ago are actually highly important. No one nominee emerged with 1,191 delagates that day, so the race is still on. It's now a two-man race between McCain and Huckabee (with both Romney and Paul suspending their candidacy over the past week). And though McCain remains leading in delegates, Huckabee's campaign is far from over. On Saturday, he swept Kansas with 60% of the vote, also won the Louisiana primary, and was within 200 votes of McCain in Washington. In fact, the daily tracking Rasmussen poll from yesterday reports that "among Republicans, McCain is viewed favorably by 66% and Huckabee by 67%." Finished? Hardly! Huckabee's momentum and funds have been growing by leaps and bounds!

Virginia holds their primary today. Will you all please join me in praying? 68 delegates at are stake— winner-take-all.

My favorite quote from Huckabee this week, in answer to the many media personnel trying to say it's "mathematically impossible" for him to win the nomination (which it isn't, by the way):

"I didn't major in math... I majored in miracles."

Go Virginia!

Dispelling Huckabee Myths

I seem to have heard from an awful lots of folks lately who have taken their cues from the secular news media and either thought Huckabee had dropped out of the race, or that he didn't stand a chance.

For once and for all, let's clear things up: Huckabee is still very much in the race. And yes, he is still competative! (I'm amazed at how many folks actually listened to the media's claims that he was out of the race or didn't stand a chance. Come on, people! :) Don't believe everything the liberal, biased, secular media tells you!).

The scoop: Huckabee took five states yesterday, which is way better than any of the pundits predicted. They're calling it his "Southern sweep" (Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, West Virginia). Romney did worse than expected yesterday (especially for the amount of money he spent). McCain took a number of states, but even though delegate-wise he is in the lead, the analyzers have sat up and acknowledged that Huckabee's campaign has the momentum to still take the nomination. Or to end up with a brokered Republication convention (in which no one candidate has a majority of delegates, and so the decision process could actually come out in favor of either).

There are about 20 states that haven't had their primaries yet. Huckabee's strong showing yesterday has kept him very much a contender in the race (and finally after a few weeks of ignoring/discounting him, the media is acknowledging that he's still in and still strong).

To quote an article today in the Washington Post:

"Huckabee stormed back into the race yesterday with wins not just in
his home state of Arkansas but also in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and West
Virginia, complicating the race for the Republican nomination all over
again.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who had expected to emerge from Super
Tuesday with the nomination virtually locked up, was left facing still more
questions about his ability to win in deep red Republican states. Former
Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney was left wondering why he could not win the conservative votes McCain was losing."

(I find it almost humerous that they say "stormed back into the race"... as if he left it and returned! That's our fair and balanced media for you.) =)

In regards to the second paragraph: many of McCain's wins have been in states that "go blue" (Democrat) in the general elections. All of Mike's wins have been in states that go red (Republican). This is significantly taken into consideration at the convention...

In closing this post, I have to say that I've learned so much about the electoral process while following this election! And about how much we need to pray and sacrifice for our nation!

Today's great article: 5 Reasons Huckabee Can Win Despite the Current Delagate Count

Today's wonderful link: www.hucksarmy.com

"Huck's Army" was founded by Alex and Brett Harris (19-year-old twins; the same guys who founded TheRebelution.com), and it has over 17,000 members (all volunteers)! Incredible people, incredible site. Amazing effort. Check it out! And consider getting involved!

Huckabee is far from over!

He took five states today! ...West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Tenessee, and Georgia. Quite a shock and shake-up to the secular news media who tried to count him "out of the race" in the last few weeks...

Remember, our Lord loves to use the "underdog" to manifest His power! Deo Gratias.

FoxNews: Huckabee Wins 1st Super Tuesday Contest, Capturing West Virginia

Get the full scoop here. Praise the Lord!

Our pastor gave a wonderful homily on Sunday before the Super Bowl, about how our Lord loves to use the "underdog" to show His power. After the Giants went on to stun everyone by rising against all odds to victory on Sunday, I think we have a great example of what can happen today for Huckabee, by God's grace!

Pray for America!

Why Huckabee... and not Ron Paul?

It seems that at least a few of my readers are staunch RP supporters, based on some of the comments to this post. Rather than respond in the comment section, I'd like to here. (An aside: I do appreciate the very courteous civility with which they "disagreed". Thank you!)

I know plenty of “Ron Paul people”. I respect them. But I don't think they are backing the best candidate in this race.

Biggest reason why:
State's rights are a good and necessary thing. But I find Ron Paul's views on them, and on Constitutionalism, disturbing in their extremeness. When questioned about his stance on many issues, including the life issue, he answers that yes, he is pro-life, but rather than support a Constitutional amendment to protect life or nationally overturn Roe vs. Wade, he believes in placing this completely in the hands of the states. The problem I see with that? Our government is too corrupt at too many levels. Ideally, the above mode of action could be a great one, but only if our executive and judicial systems at local levels were less corrupt. Look at what a mere local judge was able to do in the case of Terri Schiavo! For an issue as vitally important and gravely serious as the abortion issue, we cannot afford to "give it back to the states". That is saying that 50 states can have 50 different stands on a moral issue. It just doesn't work. If there's anything that the United States of America must be united on, it's the standard of truth and morality that begins with respect for the worth of every single human life. There is a delicate balance between infringing on states' rights, and over emphasizing them. We were founded the United States of America.

In addition to that, Ron Paul just hasn’t generated the national support he would need to win the nomination. Meanwhile, Huckabee is still very much contending with the other two GOP candidates (despite the media’s dishonest attempts to shove him out the last few weeks).

Is Huckabee a “perfect” candidate? No. I disagree with him on Immigration and the Death Penalty. However, on what are the big fundamentals for me: Life, Family, Marriage, and Homeschooling, he is solid. And I firmly believe that he’s the only GOP candidate who has a chance at beating Hillary or Obama in November. Huckabee has the tact, freshness, honesty, wit, and humility that is absolutely crucial for the above to happen.

And to respond to the criticisms of Huckabee and homeschooling, I say this. I personally think it is very, very foolish of us to pick apart this candidate’s record on homeschooling and criticize it, instead of uniting to support him as the one who is closest to our values AND still has a chance of victory over those who would really make things hard for us. I found it distasteful and somewhat petty to see the large amount of Huckabee criticism going on at some prominent homeschool blogs. I mean, who is more dangerous for the homeschoolers: Huckabee or Hillary? I know that things may not have been “ideal” for homeschoolers in Arkansas under Governor Huckabee, but he did help them. He does not intend nor want to work against us.

HSLDA, who endorsed Mike Huckabee for President, released a very helpful article last month to help clear up this subject. Check it out.

His Thoughts

After Huckabee barely missed the win many of us hoped for in South Carolina yesterday, I opened my Bible during night prayer last night and happened upon the following verse...

"Now many nations are assembled against you...

But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD,

they do not understand his plan..."

And indeed, how frequently we don't understand His plan (though we think we do). This race is far from over. We have our own hopes and evaluations of how things need to "work out". At times, it may seem as though the nation is assembled against us :), but in reality the thoughts and plans of Christ surpass any we have. Our God is a God of suprises. And of mystery. And of twists and turns in the road. And of power... power that will ultimately prevail if we trust Him enough.

Enjoy this beautiful Sunday! (That is, I'm assuming it's as lovely by you as it is here: very crisp and cold, but sparklingly beautiful, with sunshine turning brilliant the little layer of snow on our ground, and clear blue skies overhead. Frigid and frozen, yet magnificent!)

BELLA is coming tomorrow!

In January when my family attended the March for Life, we were privileged to experience a special preview of the movie Bella. It was everything a movie should be: clean, family-centered, and while the plot is dramatic and inspiring, there are also some funny moments. It's a heartwarming story about the sanctity of life, the gift of family, the power of relationships, ordinary people finding new hope...

And the neat part is: the story behind the movie is just as powerful as the story within it. And the best part is: it's being released tomorrow! This film is absolutely a must-see. If there was ever a time to go to the theater, this is it. Let's pray that this movie will "break the box office"! It's about time we took a stand for entertainment that lifts us up instead of dragging us down.

For more...

Bella Official Site
Find a Theater near you
Eduardo Verastegui's story video
Bella Trailer
Bella Trailer 2

"The last film with Bella’s momentum was the Passion of the Christ."

–Steve McEveety, Executive Producer of Braveheart and a producer of The Passion

My Extempore Speech Text

Well, extempore speaking was quite an experience! Mom and Dad were great - Mom worked really hard phone calling offices for me last week to see if an internet connection would be possible, and Dad got it all set up for me when we got there. So there I was, in a tent outsite the 4-H building, all set up with the laptop, printer, and internet... I sat there before going in to get my topic and prayed that God would be glorified. Two of the three topics I pulled from the envelope were what I call "fluffy", so, though I knew it would be a challenge, I opted for the third -

Support: The US should remain involved in the Middle East peace talks

I came out with that slip of paper and began typing away. (By the way, I hadn't known before going that you are told whether to support or oppose the issue... I think it would've been much harder for me to speak in opposition to it! Not that I really have a strong personal position either way on the issue, but coming up with some convincing opposing arguements to this one would have been difficult, I think).

I ended up not receiving the "Superior" ribbon -- chiefly because I exceeded the 4-6 minute time limit by 41 seconds. So one good thing I learned was - have a stopwatch on the podium. :) (With coming from camp and all, this was forgotten until it was too late to procure one). The judges, though somewhat critical, were still positive in their critique and offered many good suggestions. I sensed that they disliked my more "philosophical" approach and wanted more facts and statistics... but overall, it was an excellent experience and one that I would not be afraid to do again. Truth to be told, the ribbon to me doesn't matter that much to me... I described it to several people as "just the cherry on top". The experience, the learning, the challenge, the reaching beyond one's comfort zone, the act of tackling something you said you'd never do, being able to take constructive criticism, learning how to "think on your feet", how to take a topic not-of-your-choosing and run with it... all these are worth so much more to me than the award. The look on Mom's face was priceless when she hugged me right before my ascending the podium and told me, "You're brave -- this is something I don't think I could ever do. I'm so proud of you!"

In short, it was another beautiful moment (moments) of looking with eyes of trust towards my Father, placing the whole endeavor in His Hands, and being able to close my eyes afterward and thank Him for stretching me.

In case you should be interested in reading my speech text, here it is...

“'I wish for peace on earth… I do
I hope that war will cease to be,
and death will end his horrid reign
allowing us to breathe
But in one place, I will admit
I wish to bring a blessed peace: The heart of man
But not the heart of any single human…
Peace, ruling in our collective heart
could transform all manunkind into what it was initially: Mankind.'
…………
Although I can’t remember the author of this quote, it is relevant to the topic I selected this morning: Support for the United States remaining involved in the Middle East Peace talks.

Peace is a subject that is on our minds – and our lips – continually. The position of the US in regard to conflicts in other countries is a hotly-debated one – both on an individual and national level. Our great nation is in both a wonderful and precarious place with regard to the power of our actions, home and abroad. There is constantly a battle of wills going on – we all want peace; we just have conflicting ways of hoping to achieve it.

The current process of Middle East peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians began in 1991 after the first Gulf War. There was a focus on withdrawal from various areas in exchange for promises of peace. From 1991 till now, there has been a running cycle of treaties, declarations, agreements and changes of rulers.

September 11’s rocking of our nation is what really prompted our involvement in this whole process. On June 24, 2002, President Bush declared 'peace requires a new and different Palestinian leadership so that a Palestinian state can be born.' On April 30, 2003, the United States, the U.N., European Union, and Russia presented a 'Roadmap' to Palestinian statehood within three years. At the time, it was not implemented.

The process of the US being involved in Middle Eastern politics is a touchy, but I think necessary one. Are there risks involved for us by “putting our nose in”? Always. But there are also always risks involved by not getting involved. Our nation has been incredibly blessed with wealth, a relatively stable political and social system, a great deal of homeland security, and a great deal of power to influence the rest of our planet. The fact of the matter is that we can choose to either use this wealth, stability, and power to reach out and help the struggling nations of our world, or not. And by struggling, I’m talking politically, economically, and practically. Is prudence called for? Of course. Much as we’d like to, we simply can’t solve all the world’s problems. There will continue to be war, strife, hunger, pain, and so much more. But I firmly believe it is a right and a duty of ours to use the greatness of our nation, to the best of our ability, to transform those who have not been so blessed.

Our country was founded on the chief principles of Faith, Family, and Freedom. I think we take these too much for granted. When we have been given good gifts, we must be willing to reach out a hand to those who have not been. The fact is that there are people everywhere – just like us, in that they are “ordinary” citizens of a country – who are living lives of brokenness. I believe our involvement in the Middle East peace talks is step, a hand reaching out because we care about the victimized citizens of these countries. It’s most often these innocent ones who suffer. Because we go about our daily lives here filled with comfort and convenience does not mean we can forget how different life is elsewhere.

So in short, should the US remain involved in the Middle East peace talks? I believe so. This is not to say that every move we make, or have made, has been a wise one, or that every decision is either. But so much is about the motives. When I did my Extempore Speech at the county level this spring, I spoke on the “3 people I would most like to meet in the history of the world, and why”. The three individuals I choose to speak on were very diverse and different, but had one great things in common: their selflessness. It was the thread that tied them all together. I think is poignant that this thread can be tied in to this topic also.

And while we are called to put forth our best efforts in bringing peace to struggling nations, we have to remember that peace anywhere begins at home. In our homes and in our hearts. We must continually revaluate whether or not our moves here reflect the same generosity we are striving for abroad. Mother Teresa of Calcutta spoke words of wisdom to our country when she said:

'The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion
because if a mother can kill her own child,
what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me?
There is nothing between.'

Looking inside ourselves is the key. Mother Teresa’s powerful words are a perfect closing thought for us this morning. This one woman, who will go down in history for her contributions to world peace, reminded us: 'If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.' Thank you."

Soli Deo Gloria!