I decided to do a little bit of a lesson on the forms of government.  I am not sure how many of you remember from school the different forms and so I thought since we actually have a Socialist running in our presidential elections.  I never thought I would see the day that Americans would think that was ok.

So let’s start with Socialism.  This form of government is where the government and bureaucrats rule and control all aspects of life and citizens give up freedoms.  Bernie Sanders is a proud socialist and Hillary Clinton is a progressive, liberal and I would say a socialist.  Hillary’s college thesis was written about Saul Alinsky who wrote a book called Rules for Radicals about how to implement socialism.  Here’s a sample of the books rules:

A last fact about his book, the forward was dedicated to Lucifer.  This is the hero of Hillary and Obama quoted him also.  I think this gives a clue to what the left would want for our country.

Most people in our country think that America is a Democracy, however, our government was actually founded on Judeo Christian values to be a Constitutional Republic, so that our Constitution limits and divide the powers of government to preclude democratically elected officials from imposing tyranny on We the People.  Unfortunately we are in danger of losing our Republic due to overreach of a political class trying to turn us to a strict Democracy where majority rules and limits the powers of the constitution so majority vote can become tyrannical over minorities to infringe on our God-given rights.

This is how our country was meant to function.

We have a great presidential candidate who is very representative of a Constitutional Christian Conservative, Ted Cruz.  He would fight to save our Republic.  How do I know? His record has shown that he will absolutely work tirelessly to protect the United States Constitution.

I really want to encourage all Christians to be praying. I am standing on the scripture of 2 Chronicles 7:14 which says, If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

On August 2, Missouri will hold it primary for Governor of Missouri.  Here are the candidates:

(D) Chris Koster: Attorney General, Ex-State Senator, Ex Cass County Prosecuting Attorney

(R) John Bruner:  Retired Healthcare Products Manufacturing Executive, USMC Veteran

(R) Eric Greitens:  Non-profit Executive, Author, Iraq/Afghanistan Veteran

(R) Catherine Hanaway: Ex US Attorney, Ex State House Speaker

(R) Peter Kinder: Lt Governor, Ex Senate President Pro Tem, Attorney, Ex Congressional Aide

(I) Les Turilli, Jr.: Businessman

Take some time and look them up.  KSGF has some podcasts of interviews and there is a debate on YouTube of a GOP Missouri Governor Debate. Closer to time I will  give you my opinion on my choice. There are also other offices I will be putting in my blog so you can be informed.

I just want to say,  no matter how ugly this election gets it is important stay informed and not just throw your hands up and say it doesn’t matter.  The only way we can keep the Rebublic that God blessed us with it to do everything as individual citizens to participate in our right to vote.  Take a Stand and Be Informed.

Last but not least, I found this map online this past week after all the terrorists attacks in Brussells and also the targeted killing of Christians in Pakistan, both by Islamic Terrorists. This map shows where there are jihadi terrorists training camps in our country right now.  We must keep this in mind when choosing our leaders.  As a mother-in-law of a US Sailor serving right now, I want to have a Commander in Chief who will strengthen our military and, if they have to fight, will give them the best weapons and support them wholeheartedly in the tasks before them.  This is eye-opening, but we cannot hide our heads in the sand.  Pray for our country, our military, our leaders and for all the families of those killed in the latest attacks.

God Bless and have a wonderful week.  Find a way to Take a Stand.

Thirty years ago on March 21, 1986, I was blessed to marry Eric Malicoat.  I met him at age 11, held hands at 12 and promised to marry him at an early age.  Now, I know what you are thinking, THAT’S TOO YOUNG.  And yes, I agree, but I am so happy my life worked out this way and that God gave me this man.

I remember the first time I saw him.  He walked into the Glenn Street Church of God that my parents pastored at the time.  He walked in and held the door for his mom, sister and younger brother.  I thought in that first moment, what a sweet thing to do.  So polite!  Eric seemed shy when we met after church.  And for a few months, I thought he was so nice and he sang really well, but he seemed more interested in my sister Debby.  SMILE!  Luckily, she was really boy crazy and tossed him aside!  I was so angry with her for hurting him and one day Eric and I talked about it and I told him I thought it was mean and he asked me if I would like to sit with him.  I was thrilled.  I loved him even then.

His blue eyes were so kind and holding his hand was just wonderful.  We also had a “kissing booth” going out beside the church where the young boys were “paying” for kisses.  But Eric and I didn’t charge each other for the kiss.  Anyway, you gotta watch those Pentecostal preachers kids!!!  That was the beginning of our love story and although things kept us apart from time to time, and I was not always as devoted as I should have been, God blessed us and kept us on a path that led to a commitment of love and devotion that brought us two wonderful daughters, two great sons-in-law, and the most beautiful, talented, amazing, fantastic granddaughter that we could’ve ever dreamed of.

This past week I had a moment when Eric wasn’t feeling well and I got worried that something would happen to him.  I don’t know what I would do and I do not want to find out for a very long time.  As the years go by it is easy to take each other for granted and to  just assume the other party will be there later for you to spend time with.  I recently had a friend that told me, after losing her spouse, to treasure your mate and don’t waste any time.  I intend to spend the rest of our time on this earth loving Eric with the love he deserves.  I will not take him for granted.  He has made me more than happy and fulfilled all my dreams.  Thirty years of marriage is a long time, but not nearly long enough.  We are headed for 50 years and going strong.

Below are some photos.  One of Eric and I at Derek and Brittany’s loft for a celebration dinner.  A photo of a gift I gave to Eric, the wrapping and the caricature I had made of us.  Life is so fun and I want to celebrate being Mrs. Eric Malicoat.

And last but not least a photo of our family and one of our little princess in Mema’s wedding veil.

Today is the day after the Missouri Presidential Primary Election for 2016.  I hope everyone voted.  I know many feel like their vote doesn’t count, but that isn’t true and anyway, it’s a duty to your country to vote and participate in the process.  I obviously voted for Ted Cruz.  However you voted is your business.  Still at this minute we don’t have a declared winner in the Republican race in Missouri.  It is right now at  40.8% Trump and 40.6% Cruz.  I’m not sure when it will be done so we will just have to wait and see what happens.  Next week I will start posting on the local and state elections that are coming up in May.

Over the weekend, Eric and I attended a rally at Evangel University for Ted Cruz.  It was awesome to see so many people who basically were in agreement about a candidate.  We stood in line for close to two hours, in the drizzly rain.  And it was worth every minute. The atmosphere was electric and the chapel was packed to standing room only.  It was exciting and encouraging to get to be around like minded people.  Pastor John Lindell from James River Church led the prayer and it was powerful and hopeful.  David Limbaugh spoke and would be what I classify as an attack dog against everything Trump.  Then Ted Cruz took the stage.  He gave mostly the speech I have heard before, but it was nice to see him in person and to do so in the presence of Americans who know and recognize the serious times in which we live.  It was a blessing to share it with Eric.

So I made some phone calls last week for Ted Cruz and I have been talking to everyone I see about him.  Also, talking a little about Trump and pointing out some of the problems I see with him.  I went to vote yesterday and went to the Cruz rally on the weekend, but mostly, I have prayed and prayed and prayed for Ted Cruz, our country, the lost souls of our world, our government officials, for the very soul of America.  Continuously praying that God will heal our land and that we will have more time to win souls to him.  I know that I am probably annoying to some on the internet with the postings and articles I share.  I feel like that is my only way of letting others know some of the information I feel is important.

One day last week I just felt like giving up.  All the news is so negative toward Ted Cruz and has all but anointed Donald Trump as President.  I see all these people that have always espoused conservative principles and now are backing a candidate that treats us all like idiots.  I see all the religious leaders that are backing and I cannot reconcile the two.  I see TV hosts and entire shows and even entire channel that are all about promoting “the Donald”.  So far, no one who is endorsing him can answer any of these questions in a way that makes any sense.  The saddest person that has turned their back on the conservatives and more importantly to his Christian base is Ben Carson.  He is a genius, or so I thought and I guess that disappointment really got to me last week and I began to doubt whether any of this is important at all.  But, of course, it is.

Today, I looked into my devotional and read this, “trust that it makes a difference”.  This was referencing, once again, the children of Israel and the directions by God to march around the walls of Jericho seven days in a row after walking 40 years in the wilderness.  Surely God knew they were tired, but he asked them to “carry on”.  It does make a difference and in this instance, following God’s plan and having faith to continue following did make a difference.  Now what I am doing in my life, as pertaining to telling people about voting and remembering to uphold the Biblical principles when voting, has seemed to be useless at times.  I don’t know if I influence others to actually vote, or to take their vote serious, but I have asked God to use me in that way, so I am going to continue and I know that it’s what he has put in my heart and it will make a difference, even if I don’t see it.

So it’s important to remember that even when it doesn’t seem like what you are doing in your life or job or family is making a difference, IT IS.  Prayer changes things.  Go to God and ask Him what you should be doing and how you can make a difference and then Take a Stand and do it.  Prayer can and does change everything.

Here’s some pretty flowers outside my house today.

And a beautiful masked lady!!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND TAKE A STAND!!

Let me start today’s blog with condolences to the Stephenson Family.  The patriarch of their family, Tom Stephenson, passed away on Sunday evening.  He was a wonderful Christian man known for his love of God.  He witnessed to everyone about Jesus and was such a friendly face in everyone’s lives that had the honor of meeting him.  I didn’t spend a lot of time around Tom, but you really didn’t need to in order to see what a kind man he was.  His sons and daughter will miss him I am sure as will the grandkids and daughters in law.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with the family as they adjust over the next few weeks and months. Tom remained steadfast in his faith and now is reaping the rewards of his journey toward a peaceful eternity with his Heavenly Father.

This past Monday I went to volunteer for the first time on a presidential campaign.  I have come to believe the best candidate for us this year is Ted Cruz.  I decided this is an important election that requires a little more than talking about it, I wanted to make a contribution of time.  You know when something is important to someone because they don’t just throw money at it they spend their much more valuable time to support in any way they can.  It was an interesting experience and I will continue to volunteer.  I asked God to show me the path he wanted me to take and I would walk that path with a willing heart.  I remain steadfast in that promise to find God’s purpose on this path.  So far, a few calls and some signs and a lot of posting of articles is what I have done.

There are days as I watch the media outlets that I used to enjoy so much, that I now realize I don’t agree with,  it is hard to not become very frustrated and negative about the chances of Ted Cruz.  I still believe that after years of conservatives asking for someone who is a strict Conservative Constitutionalist Christian and  now when we have one in the embodiment of Ted Cruz, they are looking at that shiny object that gets more attention and is entertaining.  Entertainment will not protect our Constitution.  Vulgar language and topics will not solve America’s problem with immorality.  Insults and loud speaking is not diplomatic.  Donald Trump is not a lifelong, pro-life, Christian conservative.  He has not been steadfast in ANY conservative stances.  Ted Cruz hasn’t recently become a conservative or a Christian, he has been steadfast in his protection and fight for the Constitution, religious liberty, pro-life issues and in his faith.  Why would anyone look at these two descriptions and decide on Trump??

I will continue to campaign for Ted Cruz, but I do not put my FAITH in him.  My faith is in my Heavenly Father that is in control of the future of this country and in control of my life.  I am committed to remain steadfast in my dependence on God and His guidance.  WHATEVER His will is that is what I place my hope in.  As Franklin Graham has said about his Decision Tour 2016 in which he is holding prayer rallies for our country on the steps of the capitals of all 50 states in this election year,  the answer is not the  Democrat or Republican party, but the answer for this country is GOD!

Today in one of my devotionals  this was the last paragraph: “If we will set our sights on the Lord, He will make sure our steps.  No snare, trap or pitfall can stop us when our eyes are on the Lord.  He will guard us each step of the way.” I will remind steadfast in my commitment to Take a Stand for Christ and follow the path He sets before me. I don’t have to worry about whether people listen to me or take me serious or who they choose to vote for because if I do what I can for this effort, I know God will lead and guide me and I can rest in that assurance.

Next Tuesday is the Missouri primary.  Get out, TAKE A STAND and vote the Bible.

I want to start this weeks blog with a heart-felt CONGRATULATIONS to my sister, Debby Fausett, on the completion of he MBA degree.  I am so proud of her.  She has had a goal for many years and has had many obstacles to overcome to reach it.  Debby has always set high goals and she has achieved so much.  Being my big sister and best friend throughout school and singing partner in life, she has been an inspiration to me not to limit myself.  I am not always confidant in my “book knowledge” but I know that I can do whatever I set my mind to and that is in thanks, in part, to Debby.  And one last thing, Debby is an educated, strong woman, mother, grandmother and wife.  She has held a job all her life and supported herself and kids for years.  She is a minister and musician. She is a conservative woman with pro-life views who has never had to stand up and demand that she be treated equal with a man because she is secure in her success and in being a lady. She needs no confirmation from society but has the approval of her family and her Heavenly Father.  I am so proud of Debby, not to mention the other strong women in my family that have influenced me tremendously.

Today was exciting for me because I called and volunteered to help with the Ted Cruz 2016 Presidential campaign here in Springfield.  I go next Monday to my first day of volunteering.  I am really excited.  I feel like this is something that I have wanted to do for years and am now actually going to step out and do it.  I absolutely believe that Ted Cruz is the man for the job so I want to help in any way I can.

Yesterday was Super Tuesday in the election and Donald Trump won several states and Ted Cruz won  Texas, Oklahoma and Alaska and came close in several other states.

This chart may vary in the days to come as some of the delegates hadn’t been divided yet.  Yes, Donald Trump has a lead, however, I believe that if Christians will continue to pray and ask God to bless our country and raise up a righteous leader that he will do it.  I also believe that I will do what I can to campaign for the man I think represents God and His principles.  Missouri has a Presidential Primary on March 15, 2016 that is a winner take all.   If Southwest Missouri doesn’t come out in force to vote for a Christian Conservative our state delegates will go to whomever the voters of Kansas City and St. Louis choose.  I urge everyone to get out and vote.

I came across a sentence or two in my devotional ( Max Lucado’s God is With You Everyday) today  that I loved.  In God’s hands,  no defeat is a crushing defeat.  Also, to face your failures, put your faith in the One who is always faithful.  It referenced Psam 37:23-24 and while looking that up in various translations I looked in depth more at that chapter and recognized this part in verse 27-29:    Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.  Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed the offspring of the wicked will perish.  The righteous will inherit the land and dweill in it forever.  Whatever it is that you are seeking, there may be days of defeat.  There may be days when it seems that evil is rewarded more than the good, but God will not forsake us if we are faithful to Him and seek His wisdom in all things.  He will fight the battles for us.  So when we TAKE A STAND, He is there to prepare the way for us to be victorious.

I pray daily for God to show me the path he has for me, my family, our business and our country.  I pray that He leads me in ways that will bring glory to Him and that will please Him.  I pray daily that the eyes of the lost will be opened so that we can win souls to Him.  My heart is comforted even in days of personal failure that all is not in vain and that through God all things are possible.

Find a way this week to TAKE A STAND and make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Have a wonderful week.