End of the line for liberals?

This analysis discusses whether we are seeing the end of liberalism.

The failure to perceive the importance of community has seriously wounded liberalism and undermined its core principles. So has the strong tendency to convert moral and social questions into issues of individual rights, usually constructed and then massaged by judges to place them beyond the reach of majorities and the normal democratic process.

Lenten Post Day 20

Monday, February 28

 

Jeremiah 7:1-15, Romans 4:1-12, John 7:14-36

Q. 45. Which is the First Commandment?

A. The First Commandment is, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Q. 46. What is required in the First Commandment?

A. The First Commandment requireth us to know and acknowledge God to be the only true God, and our God ; and to worship and glorify him accordingly.

 

Prayer: Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.  Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have humbled me. Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant.  Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. (Psalm 119:73-77)

Reflection: Those who seek righteousness through the law by saying what is right and wrong while they disobey the law themselves are hypocrites.  We are to worship God not the rules of man. 

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

Lenten Post Day 19

Sunday, February 27

Jeremiah 6:9-15, I Corinthians 6:12-20, Mark 5:1-20

Q. 43. What is the preface to the Ten Commandments?

A. The preface to the Ten Commandments is in these words: “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

Q. 44. What doth the preface to the Ten Commandments teach us?

A. The preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us that because God is the Lord, and our God and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his commandments.

Prayer: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for you, for you are the living God. When shall I come and behold your face? (Psalm 42:1-2)

Reflection: Our focus should be on God. God is with us always. His Spirit is within us. Our bodies are temples to God’s Holy Spirit. We should treat that temple with honor and not defile it.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism (255k).

Rushdie fired the first shot

This article puts forth the premise that the war on terror started much earlier than we realize.  The fatwah issued by Ayatollah Khomeni against Salman Rushdie was the first real international exposure to the rage of extreme Islam.

Inanity of the Liberal Elite

These people have long since lost any notion of what the truth is.

Unless you have been too caught up in the non-reporting of the facts by the mainstream media, you know that liberal activists on our college campuses are in an uproar over two of their own; Lawrence Summers, the president of Harvard University, and Ward Churchill, a professor from the University of Colorado. Both of these men – having made controversial statements – find themselves engaged in battles involving their First Amendment free speech rights. All the while the liberal academic community finds itself standing on both sides of the spectrum, essentially, in two places at the same time, screaming for protection for one while shrieking for the other’s head. The interesting thing is that both Summers and Churchill did basically the same thing.

Laura For President

Now this is an interesting thought.  I just don’t see it though.  She and W will go back to Crawford.

Hillary Opens Mouth and Inserts Foot

Looks like Hillary has touched off a bit of a controversy over remarks about Al-Jaafari, the potential new Iraqi Prime Minister.  He is one ticked off man over this one.  And, I thought Bill was the bumbler.

State gets even with the Hokies

After a tough loss in Blacksburg earlier in the season, the Pack comes back strong with a 74–54 win over Virginia Tech.

Lenten Post Day 18

Saturday, February 26

 

Jeremiah 5:20-31, Romans 3:19-31, John 7:1-13

Q. 41. Where is the moral law summarily comprehended?

A. The moral law is summarily comprehended in the Ten Commandments.

Q. 42. What is the sum of the Ten Commandments?

A. The sum of the Ten Commandments is: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.

Prayer: O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. (Psalm 43:3-4)

Reflection: God gave us the law in the Ten Commandments.  However, we are all sinners and disobey the law.  God redeemed us through Jesus suffering.  By faith in Jesus, we are reconciled to God. 

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

Lordy, Lordy Look Who's Forty...Five

Well we had fun tonight at dinner making all kinds of age jokes. And, she doesn't look a day over 29.
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Lenten Post Day 17

Friday, February 25

Jeremiah 5:1-9, Romans 2:25-3:18, John 5:30-47

Q. 39. What is the duty which God requireth of man?

A. The duty which God requireth of man is obedience to his revealed will.

Q. 40. What did God at first reveal to man for the rule of his obedience?

A. The rule which God at first revealed to man for his obedience was the moral law.

Prayer: Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. (Psalm 130:2-5)

Reflection: God freely gives us his love. All he asks in return is we obey his moral laws. But, we do not obey and thus we are all sinners.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism (255k).

Anglican Church Asks U.S., Canada to Leave

Anglican Church Asks U.S., Canada to Leave

Looks like the gay issue has finally caused the rift to break open.  I suspect that their will be repercussions within the US church as well.  The ugliness will occur over property ownership.

I suppose a prayer for reconciliation is in order.

Lenten Post Day 16

Thursday, February 24

 

Jeremiah 4:9-10, 19-28, Romans 2:12-24, John 5:19-29

Q. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?

A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection.

Q. 38. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at the resurrection?

A. At the resurrection, believers, being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the Day of Judgment, and made perfectly blessed in the full enjoying of God to all eternity.

Prayer: You O Lord have done great things for us, and we rejoice. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. (Psalm 126:3-6)

Reflection: All of us will be raised up and be judged by Jesus on the Day of Judgment.  Those who accept the Word of God will be reunited forever with God through Jesus.  All who disavow the Word of God will be forever separated from God.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

Dark Galaxies

Sounds like spooky space horror show.  But in fact this has been predicted by mass / energy balances of the universe.  Apparently, the folks who look into space have one spotted.

NC State gets new Defensive Coordinator

Dunlap has been in a title game with West Virginia.  Looks like another good coaching pick-up. 

Urban Sprawl Comes to Pawleys Island

I have always been conflicted about urban sprawl. I guess the adage, “Yes I want the amenities but not the eyesore in my backyard,” make this a very contentious issue. My preference would be to put it in Georgetown and not on the Waccamaw Neck.

Lenten Post Day 15

Wednesday, February 23

 

Jeremiah 3:6-18, Romans 1:(26-27) 28-2:11, John 5:1-18

Q. 36. What are the benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

A. The benefits which in this life do accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification are: assurance of God’s love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.  (Psalm 51:10-13)

Reflection: God loves us and forgives us even in our sinfulness.  When we sin it makes God made and sorrowful.  But, because He loves us, he forgives us freely.  This gift is God’s grace.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

No. 2 North Carolina Tops N.C. State 81-71

No. 2 North Carolina Tops N.C. State 81-71

Ouch!

Modern Day Evil

I have always admired the candor of John Paul II.

What Belgian's Really Think Of W

I always heard the politics is the art of a kissing a baby while stealing the wallet out of the mother’s purse.  I guess we can see in this bit of art, the true feelings of Brussels sprouting, so to say.  I suppose there is an upside.  The loo will be free from “stray misses” because everyone will be taking careful aim.

Here is more pointed analysis here.

Is there a role for religion in the EU?

Interesting assessment of the evolving role of religion and secularism in Europe.

Lenten Post Day 14

Tuesday, February 22

Jeremiah 2:1-13, 29-32, Romans 1:16-25, John 4:43-54

Q. 33. What is justification?

A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.

Q. 34. What is adoption?

A. Adoption is an act of God’s free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges, of the sons of God.

Q. 35. What is sanctification?

A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness.

Prayer: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

Reflection: God has freely shown us his glory and grace. We choose freely and, because we are sinful, we choose not to glorify God. It is only through Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation that we may have eternal life.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism (255k).

Lenten Post Day 13

Monday, February 21

 

Jeremiah 1:11-19, Romans 1:1-15, John 4:27-42

Q. 31. What is effectual calling?

A. Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Q. 32. What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?

A. They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, sanctification, and the several benefits which, in this life, do either accompany or flow from them.

Prayer: I know, O Lord, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have humbled me. Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. (Psalm 119:75-77)

Reflection: Jesus is freely here for our acceptance.  The Holy Spirit helps us with that clarity of purpose.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

Icahn looking at Forest Products

Looks like another industry is in the gun-sights of the corporate raiders.

Tsunami off front page but much help still needed

Presidents Bush (41) and Clinton are in the middle of a trip to tour the tsunami ravaged areas.  These people are in desperate need of help.  This trip is a good thing to keep it in the forefront.  It could be easily forgotten as last month’s news.

Lenten Post Day 12

Sunday, February 20

Jeremiah 1:1-10, I Corinthians 3:11-23, Mark 3:31-4:9

Q. 29. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.

Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

Prayer: How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise. (Psalm 84:1-2, 4)

Reflection: God’s kingdom lives in us through the Holy Spirit.  Jesus brought us the gift of the Holy Spirit from God through his teachings here on earth.  He gave us the Holy Spirit through his death and resurrection.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

Our baby is growing up

Emily and her Dad go to the Father Daughter Cotillion Dance on Friday night. I have to say she gets her good looks from her mother!
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Lenten Post Day 11

Saturday, February 19

Deuteronomy 11:18-28, Hebrews 5:1-10, John 4:1-26

Q. 27. Wherein did Christ’s humiliation consist?

A. Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God: and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

Q. 28. Wherein consisteth Christ’s exaltation?

A. Christ’s exaltation consisteth in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day.

Prayer: O Lord, let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path. (Psalm 143:8, 10)

Reflection: Jesus talks of the living water.  Living water in this case is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and eternal salvation.  Read more about this here.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

Magnetars

Fascianting cosmic event happened back on Dec. 27. A small dying star exploded creating the single largest energy event to impact the Earth’s atmosphere.

"We have observed an object only 20 kilometers across [12 miles], on the other side of our galaxy, releasing more energy in a tenth of a second than the Sun emits in 100,000 years."

The star, named SGR 1806-20, spins once on its axis every 7.5 seconds, and it is surrounded by a magnetic field more powerful than any other object in the universe.

Lenten Post Day 10

Friday, February 18

Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Hebrews 4:11-16, John 3:22-36

Q. 23. What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer?

A. Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of a king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation.

Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?

A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet in revealing to us, by his Word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.

Q. 25. How doth Christ execute the office of a priest?

A. Christ executeth the office of a priest in his once offering up of himself a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice, and reconcile us to God, and in making continual intercession for us.

Q. 26. How doth Christ execute the office of a king?

A. Christ executeth the office of a king in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Prayer: Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. (Psalm 130:2-5)

Reflection: Jesus came to us in the flesh and played many roles. However, his one greatest role is as our redeemer to God.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism (255k).

Greenpeace protest at London Oil Trading pit beaten back

And, beaten back literally!  The traders through the 30 some odd protesters out on the street.  Two ended up in the hospital.  If you don’t want to run with the big dogs, stay on the porch.

Lenten Post Day 9

Thursday, February 17

 

Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5, Hebrews 4:1-10, John 3:16-21

Q. 21. Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?

A. The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was, and, continueth to be, God and man, in two distinct natures, and one Person forever.

Q. 22. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man?

A. Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin.

Prayer: Lord you are my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? You are the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! O God of my salvation! (Psalm 27:1, 7, 9f)

Reflection: Salvation and rest with God only come through Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately, most of us reject this salvation (“light”) because we are too consumed by our worldly sin.  Even when we seek the truth, we are afraid, because of what e have done in the past.  However, the only way to truth is through Christ.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

Two in a row for the Pack

Maryland 63 N.C. State 82

Lebanon revisited

This analysis shows that history will repeat itself especially in this cauldron of Middle East politics.

Union gets cold feet with Wal-Mart

Looks like the UFCW is backing away from its “Wal-Mart as the great satan” rhetoric.

Dem Con Game

Interesting analysis of Dr. Dean, what he is saying and what he isn’t saying.

Fallujah as turning point

Good analysis of the political fallout of the Afghanistan and Iraq elections.  Michael Ledeen’s thesis is that we need to strike while the timing is right.  But, the next strike may be political not military.

Lenten Post Day 8

Wednesday, February 16

 

Deuteronomy 9:13-21, Hebrews 3:12-19, John 2:23-3:15

Q. 17. Into what estate did the Fall bring mankind?

A. The Fall brought mankind into an estate of sin and misery.

Q. 18. Wherein consists the sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell?

A. The sinfulness of that estate whereinto man fell consists in: the guilt of Adam’s first sin,* the want of original righteousness, and the corruption of his whole nature, which is commonly called original sin;* together with all actual transgressions which proceed from it.

Q.19. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?

A. All mankind, by their fall, lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.

Q. 20. Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?

A. God, having out of his mere good pleasure, from all eternity, elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.  (Psalm 51:10-13)

Reflection: We all have sin.  We are born with the stain of original sin from Adam.  Only through the death and resurrection of Jesus will God grant through grace eternal salvation. 

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

ACC to use instant replay in '05 pigskin season

The ACC unanimously approved use of the instant replay for league games for the upcoming 2005 football season.  The rules will be modeled after the Big 10 rules of this past year.

Sunnis Fairly Represented in Iraq

The naysers on Iraq have gotten it wrong at every step. Most recently, they are saying the outcome of the vote is non-representative because the Sunnis didn’t vote. Well folks, that simply is not a true statement.

Based on their demographic strength, the Arab Sunnis should have 42 seats in the 275-seat transitional National Assembly. The final results show that the new assembly will have 49 Arab Sunnis sitting in it. Of these 40 were elected on the Shia-led and the Kurdish lists, plus the list headed by Iyad Allawi, the interim Prime Minister. Five were elected on a list led by Sheikh Ghazi al-Yawer, the Arab Sunni interim President, while four more won within smaller alliances. If we add the Kurds, who are also Sunni Muslims, at least 110 members of the assembly are Sunnis.

Statistically this makes the Sunnis represented proportional to their overall presence in the general population. The larger theme of the story in the London Time's is that their are a lot of Arab dictators looking over their shoulder.

The Arab despots and their friends in the West make a meal of the cliché that democracy cannot be imposed by force. But what happened in Iraq was not imposing democracy by force. The US-led alliance used force to remove impediments to democracy. The people of Iraq became the co-liberators of their country, first by not opposing the US-led coalition and then by risking their lives to set their nation on a new path in the face of vicious terrorism.

Let freedom ring.

California Gas,er... Mileage tax

These folks are amazing.  They insist on going to high fuel mileage vehicles.  Guess what, as Americans buy hybrids, the revenue from gas taxes decline.  No mind, the denizens of the nanny state bureaucracy have a solution…tax by the mile.  Oh, just to keep everyone honest, they are going to GPS your car and keep tabs on you.

These guys are beyond idiots.  Hopefully the Terminator can terminate this one.

The Case for Democracy

Excellent review of the reasons why democracy is such a stabilizing influence.  Victor Davis Hanson provides his usual insightful analysis drawing on history as a good teacher.

It is widely said that democracies rarely attack other democracies. Thus the more that exist in the world — and at no time in history have there been more such governments than today — the less likely is war itself.

Lenten Post Day 7

Tuesday, February 15

 

Deuteronomy 9:(1-3) 4-12, Hebrews 3:1-11, John 2:13-22

Q. 14. What is sin?

A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.

Q. 15. What was the sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created?

A. The sin whereby our first parents fell from the estate wherein they were created was their eating the forbidden fruit.

Q. 16. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?

A. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind, descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him, in his first transgression.

Prayer: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

Reflection:  Do not put God to any test.  Also, do not defile the temple or church with worldy things.  The church is for the worship of God.    

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

AARP Hypocrisy

You can’t have it both ways guys.  And, the truth about Chile and their social security personal account program, despite what the NYT says, it’s working.  I guess you voted for private investment accounts before you voted against it.

Even Parking Goes High Tech

Check out this new parking meter.  Pay by cellphone to keep the meter maid away.

More MSM Spin on Missle Defense

Look how USAToday writes the headline.  There was a system malfunction unrelated to the interceptor itself.  However, they headline it as if this were a total failure of the system.  For the average person, they would assume that this interceptor does not work.  In fact the AF is doing its level best to insure a good,safe test insuring personnel safety and minimizing costs.  But, then again, Libs would rather tax us more so the nanny state can spend more.

Lenten Post Day 6

Monday, February 14

Deuteronomy 8:1-20, Hebrews 2:11-18, John 2:1-12

Q. 11. What are God’s works of providence?

A. God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all his creatures, and all their actions.

Q. 12. What special act of providence did God exercise towards man, in the estate wherein he was created?

A. When God created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of perfect obedience; forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.

Q. 13. Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created?

A. Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.

Prayer: O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, or discipline me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror. My soul also is struck with terror, while you, O Lord—how long? Turn, O Lord, save my life; deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love. (Psalm 6:1-4)

Reflection: God gave man life with the understanding that man would obey God. Man ate from the tree of knowledge and was given the sentence of death. God continued to deliver man against man’s own sins and indiscretions. Finally, God sent Jesus to take on all of man’s sins so that man could be raised up again. But, the only way back to God is through Jesus, who gave His life so that we may have eternal life with God.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism (255k).

State Wrecks Tech

NCSU 53 – GaTech 51

Although, it doesn’t appear it was a very pretty win.

It was an ugly game. North Carolina State won despite committing 17 turnovers and shooting just 41 percent from the field. The Wolfpack were content to run the shot clock down on nearly every possession, limiting Georgia Tech to only six fast-break points.

First Round of the Season

42 – 42 for an 84 on Legends.  Not too bad.  Missed a few putts, but made some too.  A couple of missed drives.  Other than that, pretty satisfied to start 2005 with a decent round.

Fixing the MSM Corrections Game

Patrick Frey has an excellent piece up in the LA Times today talking about how the current MSM print media do a lousy job of corrections.  He talks about it further on his Blog Patterico’s Pontifications.

Enlisting technology to support comments and trackbacks would allow a more thorough vetting of the news and move a long way toward eliminating bias – perceived or real.

Lenten Post Day 5

Sunday, February 13

Jeremiah 9:23-24, I Corinthians 1:18-31, Mark 2:18-22

Q. 9. What is the work of creation?

A. The work of creation is God’s making all things of nothing, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good.

Q. 10. How did God create man?

A. God created man male, and female, after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness,  and holiness, with dominion over the creatures.

Prayer: Lord, let all who are faithful offer prayer to you. For you are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. (Psalm 32:6-7)

Reflection: These passages highlight that those of us that accumulate wealth, power and wisdom only to show off or boast about it miss the point of God’s love and purpose.  He did not put these things here for our enjoyment.  He put them here and gave us the ability, and as we see from Genesis, power over them, so that we might glorify God.  We are to use these resources wisely and to good purpose.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

What Blogs Have Done To Political Discourse

Michael Barone has a quick and accurate summary of what this new Internet phenomenon is doing to Politics in this country.

So what hath the blogosphere wrought? The left blogosphere has moved the Democrats off to the left, and the right blogosphere has undermined the credibility of the Republicans' adversaries in Old Media. Both changes help Bush and the Republicans.

The Judge Smails Award

You just can’t help but laugh at this one.  Anyone who saw Caddyshack loved to hate this pompous buffoon.  Nevertheless, thanks Anklebiting Pundits for bringing some levity to the blogosphere.

Oh yeah, Eason Jordan as your first award,

Geez, this guy should send a resume to the "Dear Leader" Kim Jong Il. He's got all the right experience.

I can’t think of better pomp and circumstance for the military-challenged.

CEO Tenure Tenuous

The recent crack downs on corporate America are having a deleterious effect on CEO’s job tenure.  More and more, CEO’s are being held to account to boards and shareholders.  The recent dismissal of Carly Fiorina is just one more in a long line of CEO turn-over recently.

Indeed, the executive turmoil at HP shows that corporate boards, in a post-Enron world, are becoming more active overseers. This means close scrutiny of the wheeling and dealing, the acquisitions, the corporate culture, even the pay package.

The survey reported in this article also showed some interesting other trends.

• The rate of CEO dismissals increased by 170 percent from 1995 to 2003. The rate of involuntary turnover eased in 2003, however.

• As CEO turnover rises, companies are often feel forced to turn to outsiders. The track records suggest they'd be better off cultivating qualified insiders.

• Prior experience at the company they are leading is a better indicator of CEOs' success than whether they have been a chief executive before.

Lenten Post Day 4

Saturday, February 12

Deuteronomy 7:17-26, Titus 3:1-15, John 1:43-51

Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?

A. The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, according to the counsel of his will, whereby, for his own glory, he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass.

Q. 8. How doth God execute his decrees?

A. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

Prayer: In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is

hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. (Psalm 31:1-5)

Reflection: We are not to revel in our own righteousness because we are not.  We can only aspire toward that end.  We should never look down on others because they do not follow God.  We should evangelize not once but twice.  If they still argue, then let it go.  We are not to judge them.  God will judge them.  Our aim is to focus on God and glorify Him.

I see some of the excesses that can come from over-evangalizing.  Our job is not to convert people.  Only God can do that with each person.  Our responsibility is to spread the news and let people judge for themselves.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism  (255k).

Lenten Post Day 3

Friday, February 11

Deuteronomy 7:12-16, Titus 2:1-15, John 1:35-42
Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one?
A. There is but one only, the living and true God.
Q. 6. How many Persons are there in the Godhead?
A. There are three Persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

Prayer: You are holy, O Lord, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not put to shame. (Psalm 22:3-5)

Reflection: In all things your focus should be on God. Do not let the things of this world cloud your judgement or keep you from that singular focus on God. Your reward will be great if you follow this path. Likewise, set a good example for others in all you do so that by your actions others may see the benefits of a focus on God.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism (255k).

Dems threaten their own

It appears the Democratic leadership will do anything to prevent any Bush legislative success. No matter whether that success is in the best interest of the country. The donks are wading in so deep I question whether they will ever get back to shore.

Trial lawyers lose one

Well it’s about time our legislators woke up to the abuses imparted in the legal system.  We have created a whole class of work which relies not on creating value but in taking value.

Lenten Post Day 2

Thursday, February 10

Deuteronomy 7:6-11, Titus 1:1-16, John 1:29-34

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

A. The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.

Q. 4. What is God?

A. God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Prayer: You O Lord have done great things for us, and we rejoice. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the water courses in the Negeb. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

(Psalm 126:3-6)

Analysis: Follow the word of God in not only your words but in your actions. Keep a clean heart so you can focus the message of the Gospel when challenged by those who would impart evil. Know that God sent Jesus to us to be a living testament and model for the Word.

Ref: Westminster Shorter Catechism (255k).

This is getting ugly

Wake 86, State 75

The Wolfpack (13-10, 3-7) had won three straight against their oldest rivalry, but not even a sensational performance from Julius Hodge could stop their slide toward the NIT. Benched for showing up late for a team function -- the second time this season that's happened -- the reigning ACC player of the year made his first 10 shots and scored 27 points.

Shakin' in Memphis

We had a small temblor this AM.  See details here.  There’s a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on!

Lenten Post - Day 1

I have decided to follow the Shorter Catechism lent daily devotional for lent this year. I plan to post this daily. I found this resource Westminster Shorter Catechism (255k).

Wednesday, February 9

Jonah 3:1-4:11, Hebrews 12:1-14, Luke 18:9-14

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?

A. The Word of God which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.

Prayer: Lord you are my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? You are the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! O God of my salvation!

(Psalm 27:1, 7, 9f)

Analysis: Our purpose is to glorify God. Our roadmap can be found in the Word of God. Our salvation can only be found through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Judge to Yaleys - Don't Apply Here

I suppose we will here some backlash from ACLU types that this is discriminatory.  Well, it’s about time these liberals start getting a taste of their own medicine.  Look at what they did to this military artist.  I love this Marine’s response…

When asked his reaction to the protest, Fay said that he believed "most service people would say, 'That's why we do what we do.' People have that right to express themselves in this country and I support that. Most are very pleasant, but some are mean-spirited and aggressive."

It ceases to amaze me how the libs view of freedom of this or that is only true when it is their view.  If it conflicts with their world view, then it must be censored or excoriated and vilified.

If you can't say something nice, don't say it

Sage advice. There is a correlary. Use e-mail for communication that is informative in nature only. If there is an emotional component, walk down the hall or pick up the phone. If you have something difficult to say, say it to someone's face.

In the brave new world of electronic communication, participants seem to have been absolved of any need to act within the boundaries of such social mores. Anything goes, everything escalates, and a sort of numbness takes over.

Harry Reid - Chief Obstructionist

G O P.com :: Reid All About It: Who is Harry Reid?

Dem Malaise

Good analysis of the Donks problems. Here is a taste...

And there you have the real vision gap between the two parties: Republicans want to win wars and spread freedom; Democrats want to save their rear ends.

The King Cake Tradition

Mardi Gras is upon us. I found this interesting link on the origin of King cake in a Memphis food blog. Happy Mardi gras and festivale!

Ellen McArthur circumnavigates the globe

Amazing story of perseverance and British pride.

Bush's First-Term Record on Job Growth

No matter how you slice the pie, there was positive job growth during Bush’s first term. Despite the Herbert Hoover catcall’s from the left, Bush’s first-term record on job growth is positive.

We are Americans

Condi lays down freedom policy to the EUnuchs.

"There cannot be an absence of moral content in American foreign policy," she says. "Europeans giggle at this, but we are not European, we are American, and we have different principles."

As much as I admire Colin Powell, you have to love her no nonsense approach and candor.  Just as her boss is a person of few but straightforward words, so to Condoleeza calls ‘em as she sees ‘em.

Cars too complex to fix

Even the Big 3 can't find a lot of these problems. Autos have become very technologically complex and often not fixable.

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses to Shopping Malls?

This is sad, very sad.  I played at many of these courses back in the early 80’s when we lived in Pawleys Island.  Many fond memories…going, going, gone.

State sweeps Delaware State

NC State is 3–0 and sweeps Delaware State with 3–1 pitching dual.  Win is Avent’s 300th at State.

Hoos win in a squeaker over the Pack

UVa 64 – NCSU 62

Social Security Calculator

Check out the Social Security calculator at the Heritage Foundation web site.

National Dance Team Championship Rap Up - Wow! Can these girls dance!

Houston Middle School National Champs Pom

Houtson Middle School National Champs Hip Hop

Houston JV Bronze Medalists Pom

Houton JV Silver Medalists Hip Hop

Houston Varsity 10th in the nation!

Congratulations to all dancers!

Houston Silver Medalists!

Houston JV Hip Hop places 2nd in the nation. Here they are in their routine at Disney World today!
Posted by Hello

Houston Middle takes them both!

Congratulations to Houston Middle - Double National Champs!
Posted by Hello

Houston Makes Finals!

Live action shot of Houston JV in the Finals for JV Pom at the National Dance Team Competition in Orlando. That's my daughter, Sam, on the end, stage right.
Posted by Hello

Get Ready Disney World

Houston JV Pom just prior to competition today outside Disney's Wide World of Sports.
Posted by Hello

Lefty goes low

Phil Mickelson shot a 60 (11 under par) in yesterday's second round of the Phoenix open. For those of you who play golf like me, keep dreamin'.

No good deed goes unpunished

Well, so much for neighborly love.

The Blue Laws

The Iraqies showed us a magnificent lesson in democracy last week. Every blue finger is a badge of courage. With that freedom comes the rule of law. Civilized societies remain so by abiding by the law. Iraq has every right to request their funds back from the UN.

Scum

This man is so low he has to look up to see the snakes.  Rush agrees.

Pack drops another

UNC 95 – NCSU 71

Mustangs go to Orlando

Good luck to all three dance teams this weekend competing in the National Dance Championships. Go Mustangs!

Posted by Hello

Iran is pulling a fast one

Looks like the Iranian Mullah's are pulling a fast one on the EU. I wonder if Israel will step in before some nutcase terrorist gets a bomb.

Germany posts record post-war unemployment

Germany has a record level of unemployment. Shroeder's government has made some inroads to tackle the issue very similar to the welfare reform act passed by a Republican congress and signed by President Clinton.

Schroeder's government had cut jobless benefits and forced claimants to take low-paid jobs in an attempt to get more people into work in Europe's largest economy.

I suspect that tougher measures are in store. A crisis such as this may be the catalyst that ends the European nanny state.

Last Full Measure

Very detailed and moving story about the heroics of a real Amercian hero in Iraq.

HT Michelle Malkin for finding this on El Capitain's blog. Thanks for sharing.

Trestman to lead Pack Offense

We have a new Offensive Coordinator . Comes from the Dolphins. West Coast style offense. Should make for some exciting games in our future.

It's about time

Fiscal sanity in Washington? Let's hope so. The rest of us have to balance a check book and pay bills. Our elected officials should pay our country's too.

Secrets of a champion - Vijay's toys

Vijay has some interesting aides which help him stay on swing plane and set his muscle memory. He also is one of the hardest working players in the game. It is probably the reason why he has "game."

Democrats - Are they for anything?

This article goes to good detail about what's wrong with Liberalism today. They are no longer liberal, or progressive. They have become ascerbic, mean-spirited, poor losers.

The Liberals, the Democrats, the "Progressives" (as they like to call themselves) have metamorphosed into the New Reactionaries, the "Neo-Regressives," opposed to every real change and innovation and forward evolution in public policy, tied hard and fast to their memories of their glorious past, however mythical, mired to the knees in the concrete boots of the status quo.

Thubbbbb!!!

Naysayers. Phooey.

Do not take what I am about to write as a vulgarity. I mean it as literally and sincerely as possible: To hell with the naysayers! They deserve nothing less than damnation for their hypocritical, hate-filled, bigoted attitudes. I am sick to death of sick-souled people who look at
every mishap, every mistake, every rock in the road, as signposts of utter failure in Iraq. I am sick to death of people who claim to “support our troops,” but assure them that their sacrifices are for naught.

A journey starts with the first step

Could it be that there are some liberals who are starting to see the postitive benefits of the Bush doctrine?

But after watching Sunday's election in Iraq and seeing the first clear sign that freedom really may mean something to the Iraqi people, you have to be asking yourself: What if it turns out Bush was right, and we were wrong?