“The Lord your God is He who has fought for you.” Joshua 23:3

For many of you who know me and have read my blog for a while, you know that I take the politics of this country very seriously.  It is not because I like arguing or pointing out what I see as faults in candidates.  It is because I want my children and my beautiful granddaughter to be able to experience the freedoms that my generation and previous generations have been able to enjoy without even thinking about it much.  We are past that point and headed toward a dangerous point.  When President Obama campaigned on the premise of hope and change.  He wanted to fundamentally change America.  He has been far too successful and the next president will either continue or right the ship.

I want all of you to know that I don’t plan on writing about politics every week from now until November, however, I do pray about these blogs and I sometimes wonder why these things seem to matter to me so much.  I feel like I need to say these things so that if anyone I can reach and will listen to me will be given things to think about.  I want to try to bring glory to God in whatever I do and persuade others to make that a priority in their lives.  I will put my thoughts out and then let God fight the battles for me.  So with that said, here’s some observations from this past weekend.

Last weekend, Sarah Palin  endorsed Donald Trump.  I was shocked and surprised that a woman who has supposedly been the  face of the Christian conservative tea party people was endorsing this man.  Her speech was filled with crazy rhymes and high praise to raise the stature of this man to a God-like savior of America.  The choice of salty language was inappropriate and didn’t represent her well.  This along with endorsements from the Rev Jeffress from Texas and Rev. Jerry Falwell, Jr also confused me.  I get the anger of some people, but no good decisions are made in anger.

Over the last few weeks I have given into the Trumpmania in the sense that I began to buy into the “he’s the only one who can win” mentality.  Also, that he is inevitable so we might as well sit down, shut up and accept it.  There are many arguments against all the candidates I really like so I began thinking that Trump couldn’t be any worse than what we have now, so that is how it’s going to be.  I felt that way until I heard Steve King speak at a rally for Ted Cruz.

At that rally, Steve King,  who is a Congressman, was there to support Ted Cruz.  He spoke about a Godly man and what we should be looking for in a candidate.  He said that he felt that a lot of people were beginning to give in because we felt our candidate could not win.  He said that if you serve the God that he serves, the God that can move mountains, why would we limit him to not being involved in helping our candidate to win?  WOW!  That hit me right between the eyes.  The candidate I want can win.  But the main thing is for me to be praying that God will raise up a Godly man that can lead our country.

The other speaker at that rally was Glenn Beck.  Ok, eye roll!!  Yes at times he is very over the top and a little much to handle however, something he said put it all in perspective.  In a speech that could convict Donald Trump himself (if he believed in asking for God’s forgiveness), the one topic that brought it all home for me was the subject of a president’s responsibility of appointing Supreme Court justices should there be vacancies during his presidency.  We are one liberal justice away from “fundamentally” changing our country by activist judges removing or weakening our God-given rights.  So when Donald Trump was asked during this campaign who he would consider as a nominee for Supreme Court judge, he said his sister.  His sister is a pro-gay marriage and pro abortion woman.  That is not good.  Put this beside a man who has argued 8 to 9 times in front of the Supreme Court, three cases that  defended religious freedom for American citizens.  That man is Ted Cruz and I believe his choices would be conservative, Constitutionalist judges that would not try to denigrate our Constitution but uphold it.

I could go on and on but I think that is enough for now.  I like Ted Cruz.  There are other godly men in this race that would be decent choices, my choice is Ted Cruz.  Do your research on the candidate you like and decide if your choice would honor God.  Don’t be distracted by the shiny object being held out as a distraction.  Take a Stand for a Godly candidate and don’t be afraid to share your opinion.  You don’t need to fight over it because God will fight the fight for you.

Last night Eric and I met my beautiful Aunt Tana and Uncle Al.  They will be moving to Florida in a week or so.  We went to dinner and then had a small gathering at my Mom and Fred’s house as a going away party.  It was a wonderful evening full of family and memories and a lot of laughter.  Aunt Tana is a special lady and I will miss her, but I am so excited for her and Al to have a wonderful life in Florida.  Love you guys!!

This is my scripture today, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life”  Revelation 2:10.  It really made me think about a situation in the political races going on right now.

Last night, Sarah Palin endorsed Donald Trump for president.  Sarah Palin has by her own admission and testimony a strong relationship with God.  She has put out there her beliefs and has said that God leads and guides her.  I will not question that.  The candidates that are out there have been open to answer the question of their relationship with God.  In the Republican party a lot of the issues, especially social issues, that drive Republican voters are derived from our belief in God.  We tend to treasure the Bible, even over the United States Constitution.  The Constitution was based on Christian principles and the men who wrote it were inspired by Biblical principles.  Our leaders need to assure us they are strong on protecting the Constitution and hopefully we will have men who also loudly profess their commitment to God.

This year we have several candidates who have spoke eloquently and detailed on their relationship with God.  Ted Cruz has a wonderful testimony and never fails to tell of his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, and Rick Santorum have also spoken frequently, especially Rubio of how his decisions do reflect the guidance of God.  There are choices of men who share the values of Christian voters.

There was an interview with Donald Trump in July 2015 in which he was asked by Frank Luntz if he had ever asked God for forgiveness?  Mr. Trump replied, “I’m not sure I have ever asked God’s forgiveness.  I don’t bring God into that picture.”  Later, after being asked about that statement and forgiveness, his reply was, “When I go to church and when I drink my little wine and have my little cracker, I guess that is a form of forgiveness. I do that as often as I can because I feel cleansed.  I say let’s go on and let’s make it right.”

Mr. Trump is not a politician that has a voting record that we can check, we can however, check his public profile from the many years of his very public life.  I am not suggesting his “family life” be scrutinized because from all indications, he has wonderful children and a happy marriage now.  I am talking about who he has given money to, what charities and programs he has supported.  Also, what are his views on abortion and same sex marriage.  I do know he has vowed to support Christians and not allow discrimination against Christians.  He is a multi-faceted candidate that may end up as the Republican nominee so we must do the research to know what we would be getting.

As a Christian, I have prayed and have always recommended that we pray about our votes.  That we are responsible  for the choices we make and that we make the choice that is most honorable to God.  I think there are choices of men who have proven records of their positions on the social issues that I base my vote.  I want to be faithful to those convictions and faithful to honor God as much as possible with my vote and would encourage you all to do the same.

I want to be faithful to God and bring honor to Him in any way possible.  I love the Precious Moments chapel.  There is a peaceful, calm feeling among all these beautiful murals.  What a testimony Sam Butcher has.  He is reaching all types of people with his tear drop characters.  Thank God for him following the prompting of God to build this place to honor God.

This week I ask you to really start thinking about the responsibility as an American that you have to cast a vote.  There is a lot of responsibility in that choice because those we chose to put in charge of our country can make it a God honoring  country or a country that goes against God and tries to remove Him from daily life.  I ask you to Take a Stand for Jesus with your voting privilege when the time comes and for now Take a Stand by encouraging others to take their privilege and responsibility seriously.

Have a Blessed Week!

Last night President Obama gave the State of the Union speech that happens once a year, usually in January.  My opinion was it was a fairy tale from Obamaland told with a lot of passion and total denial of the truth as I see it.  I won’t go into all the details that lead me to that, however, the fact that Iran had 10 of our United States sailors detained on an island after their boats “supposedly” drifted into Iranian waters and it wasn’t even mentioned when the President talked about the Iranian nuclear deal shows that he doesn’t want to deal in reality, only his own fiction.  A deal that says we will be sending a large amount of money totaling in the billions to Iran even though they already hold other hostages that we should have demanded being released.  There were many other  questionable statements that filled the ridiculous speech.  Thank God that it was his last one, unless he finds a way to make another one before his successor takes over next year. The state of the United State of America is tenuous and the only true answer doesn’t lie with any man… it is in the hands of God.

My wonderful husband has been a little under the weather this week.  It is very odd to find him in bed, at home in the middle of the day.  It’s very difficult for him because he isn’t used to being idle.  His work ethic is  why he has always been a great provider for our family.  He knows if you don’t work hard, you don’t succeed.  I have never had to worry about the state of the union in our household.  A marriage built on love and a family filled with love and respect for each other means that even in times of trouble you can maintain a strong family.  I don’t tell  him enough how much I appreciate and admire him.  I think I will tell him more often this year.

One more picture to share today.  I was going through some files before Christmas and reviewing the year and I found a photo that touched my heart and made me stop and think.  Most of the photos I share on here are ones I have taken, this one I am not sure who took it, possibly my brother, Jerry Johnson.  Anyway, the photo is of my brother, Jimmy and my Granny Johnson.  Jimmy was praying with her.  I just stopped for a minute and thought  about how Jimmy is always willing and ready to pray with anyone who is sick or hurting.  He is also never hesitant to ask if you are saved and ready to go should your time come.  His boldness is an example of what is needed and his passion for God is unquestioned.  I am proud to call him my big brother and so glad there are ministers like him that are unapologetic for his faith.  He Takes a Stand for Jesus whenever and wherever he is.

I urge you all to tell someone today that you appreciate them.  If you have a spouse that you love, even if you may be frustrated with them at sometimes, tell them you appreciate them.  Also, if you know anyone in need of prayer, which we all do, I urge  you today to pray with them today and let them know you care and that God can handle their problems.  If we all Take a Stand for Jesus and for our friends and family the state of our families, faith and  yes, even our country will be strong.

Here’s some pics just to finish up 2015 and the holiday season.  The picture of Sam,  at my house for a get-together where he sang, O Holy Night  for us.  I hadn’t gotten to hear Sam sing on his own for a while and I was very pleased  and proud.  I am looking forward to many concerts and many more solos from him.

The full moon was on Christmas Eve night.  It was beautiful.  This season was great this year and we thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to 2016.

The year started off with floods in Missouri.  These are pictures taken a few years ago of the old bridge on Taneycomo before the new bridge was built beside it at the landing. This area was flooded for the new year of 2016.

This year promises to be very full of changes in every area for us.   Personally, Eric and I will be reach our 30 year anniversary and we are planning a trip in celebration.  We are also looking to sell our home and move into something smaller.  We are ready to downsize and simplify.

I am still working on my 49 in 49 goals and will try to achieve them by my 50th birthday in September 2016.  I am also taking more time to pray and study God’s word and draw closer to Him.  He has blessed my family and is the source of my strength.

This is an election year and so far, it is promising to be a contentious mess!!  I want to believe that there is a person who can restore the office of the President of the United States to an office we can respect and honor as the leader of our nation.  So far, each candidate seems to have something that makes me hesitant to believe it is possible.  I know that our country is going down some really bad paths and we need to turn back to being a country that honors God.   A country that is a shining light in a world of darkness, that offers a moral high ground in a world of profanity and vulgarity.  I will be trying to decide on a candidate through prayer and also research.  I pray that God will raise up the leader He wants and that Christians will be responsible and vote for the candidate that represents Godly values.

Yesterday I watched as President Obama explained his executive order on gun control.  I couldn’t help but wonder where his tears were for the victims in San Bernandino, or Paris that were killed by Islamic terrorists.  I couldn’t help but wonder where his tears are for the millions of babies that have been killed in our country through legalized murder (aka abortion).  Yes, the kids killed in Sandy Hook do cause us all to be sad, but it’s hard to believe in his sincerity when after other tragedies he has just left to play golf or to fundraise.  I just find it hard to trust anything this president says or does because he isn’t trustworthy.  I pray for his soul and his heart that God will reach down and turn it in whatever direction He will.  I pray that our country will elect a leader that will honor God and Israel.  I want to be able to respect our president and to be proud of our country.

So, I guess it boils down to each of us making goals for the new year and working hard to reach them.  It starts by recognizing where we are and what improvements can be made.  I am resolved to be an overcomer and also to achieve all my goals and with Gods leadership and strength I will be unstoppable and successful.

Go out this week and find a way to Take a Stand for Jesus.