In the past week, I have seen various speeches of Donald Trump blasting Ted Cruz and the RNC for “stealing” delegates from him.  It is not stealing if you never had them.  The Republican party is following the same basic rules they have for years, with small changes from time to time, however one thing that hasn’t changed is to win the nomination you have to have the MAJORITY of the delegates on a vote in the convention.  If you have MOST but NOT A MAJORITY on the first vote, then you don’t win outright.  There will be a second vote and subsequent votes until someone wins a MAJORITY of the delegates which the number for this year is 1237.  If you don’t have 1237, you don’t win.  It is called RULES.  We have RULES for a reason.  Trump likes to say that we are a nation of laws, well, we are a party of rules.  If you don’t want to play by rules, DON’T PLAY!!  Stop whining and get to work to win the 1237.  Trump has the same chance as all the others.

The media is being very disingenuous in explaining how the convention works.  Especially Fox News!  I am concerned that they are riling up the voters.  Fox News hasn’t reported that these rules have been in place since the time of Abraham Lincoln.  Look up the history of the Republican conventions.  Trump has said if he gets the most votes when he gets to the convention, it should just be his.  THAT IS NOT HOW IT WORKS.  He says we are a democracy, we are not a direct democracy, AMERICA IS A CONSTITUTIONAL REPBULIC.  We don’t live in a country of MOB RULE.  We have a representative government.  DO NOT BE FOOLED BY a bully trying to go against the rules and say they don’t apply to him.  If the Republican party does something dirty after the first vote, then will be the time to get upset, not now.  TRUMP is his own problem right now, not the RNC and certainly not Cruz.

Here’s a copy of the postcard that Ted Cruz has put out for his flat tax plan.

I shared a link  on my Facebook to the interview done by Megyn Kelly with Heidi Cruz.  It was a good look at the potential First Lady.  It was definitely worth watching.

So, personally this past week, we got Erica and family moved to Virginia.  We helped them come from Pensacola to here, then they had a truck load their stuff and left here on Monday.  They are there now, starting a new phase again.  These photos were taken over the weekend with Shawn’s family.  I have mixed emotions of course, because I will miss them.  I just thank God daily for his assurance that he has them in his hands and for all the awesome technology we have these days.

There’s a lot going on right now and it is really easy to get so wrapped up in our own drama and not realize that a kind word can make a huge difference to a person having a bad day.  Take a Stand this week and do something for someone to bring a smile to their face.  Don’t let life overwhelm you and lose your sense of humanity.

Have a wonderful week.

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.

“Silence in the face of evil is evil. ” Dietrich Bonhoffer

This week I was listening to Glenn Beck and he referred to the movie Les Miserable in which the main character, Jean Valjean was faced with doing the right thing in the face of returning to prison if he stood up and spoke the truth that he indeed was the guilty party not the innocent man that had been accused.  He asked himself the question, “Who am I?  If I speak out, I am convicted.  Silent I am condemned. ”

I have said I will limit my political comments on my blog, but I have changed that stance and if it makes people not want to read it, so be it.  I have definite opinions and I will continue to point them out because I felt a powerful need to warn in 2008 that an Obama presidency wasn’t just a “change” in Washington, but a dangerous transformation of the United States of America.  And I was right.  There has been a complete division in this country and our rights have eroded horribly under this man’s lack of leadership.  He has apologized for America and has defended Muslim citizens over Christian citizens.  I see the path he has set us on and I am not optimistic about reversal of his actions unless God blesses us with a righteous leader.

We have 5 choices left in this years Republican  presidential primary.  John Kasich is just a  mess.  His latest is that he said just yesterday during an interview that yes, he believes that religious liberty is important, however when asked about a Christian bakery or florist, and should they have the right to refuse to participate in a same-sex ceremony, he said just bake them a cupcake.  Why do we have to make it such a big thing?  I can answer that, because our beliefs don’t stop at the door of our business and our closely held convictions aren’t waved off like a fly.  It is a big deal and the right for a private business to refuse services for a religious reason is certainly part of the very fabric of this country

Then there is Ben Carson.  He is a very intelligent soft-spoken man that truly believes in this country and believes the Constitution holds the answers because our founders based it on Biblical principles.  I agree.  I don’t have a problem with Dr. Carson, it’s just hard to see a path. My one concern is his 7th Day Adventist beliefs that I saw in an interview where he very specifically says he doesn’t believe in a “literal” hell.  His explanation of this was somewhat concerning to me.  I know God could use him because he does seem like a willing vessel.  So if that’s God’s plan, I would rest easier than with Kasich or Trump and in most ways, Rubi0.

Marco Rubio over the last two weeks has become the “ESTABLISHMENT” candidate and is now getting the backing of most of the people who have been backing Jeb and Christie.  A lot of the old stalwarts of the GOP are out in full force trying to get Rubio in because he is controllable whereas, Ted Cruz and Donald Trump are not.  They are rogue candidates whereas, Marco wants this so bad, he will agree to anything.  We saw that with the Gang of 8 amnesty bill where he promptly forgot the promises to the tea party people who voted for him and came up with this compromise bill along with Democrats like Chuck Schumer. He also has taken to calling Cruz a liar while not fighting Trump at all.  That seems like a cowardly thing to do.  He has been affiliated with several different religions and seems changeable on almost every issue. Once again, if God has this for his plan then I can see voting for him and praying for God’s help to lead him.  He needs to stop whining also.

Ted Cruz cannot be called Mr. Personality, however, he should be called Mr. Constitution.  And he is my vote for the best hope we have.  He has been accused of dirty tricks and lying, yet when the candidates can’t answer his tough questions on their own records, they scream liar so you don’t pay attention to the fact they haven’t answered the question.  Cruz has fought for the Constitution  his whole career and is a solid Christian. His reputation on his character is one of integrity.   As for Supreme Court justices who would adhere to the Constitution, he is the best bet to pick Conservative justices.  We are only one justice away from loss of some of our sacred rights as Americans.  He is a born again Baptist and his father is a minister.  His faith has informed his decisions and he is our best choice.  Our hope is in no man, but God does use the willing to carry out His works.

Now, as for Donald Trump, my opinion may not be a popular one, but, I am gonna give it anyway.  He is an overgrown whiny  baby who has gotten his way for so long, he doesn’t even understand how to sit down and be quiet.  But even more than that, he is a bully.  He threatened the family that owns the Chicago Cubs for donating money against him that they should be careful because they have secrets.  He threw a fit when the lights went out  at a rally and when they came back on he  led the crowd in a chant “Turn them Off’ so he wouldn’t have to pay the rent.  He said that’s the way to negotiate,  that our country needs that kind of sick thinking.   But the one that takes the cake and Christians should be aware of and take heed, he said he would be NEUTRAL in the situation between Israel and Palestine.  We cannot be neutral, in our support of Gods chosen people.  We know that He will honor those who honor Israel.  There is so much more with this man that leads me to question why leaders in the “Evangelical” realm would be giving him their blessing and endorsement.  This week I read Mike Murdock and Pat Robertson just heaped praise and adulation on him.  I don’t understand it and it has caused me to be frustrated.  This man is a danger to our country.  If he ends up our president I have to wonder if it is a sign of God’s judgement on us.  I know God can change people and even this man can change.  Mr. Trump does however have to believe that he has to ask forgiveness and at this point he still doesn’t think he has done anything to need forgiveness for.  HMMMMM????  Something to consider.

This week has been difficult for me to just rest in the assurance that with all the Christians praying for our country and for a righteous leader to be lifted up that things can and will be alright.  I realized about Wednesday that I was tweeting a lot and posting in FB posts comments to try to prove points.  Now some of that is ok, but when it is the activity that I spend my evening doing instead of reading the Word and being thankful for all God’s blessings on me and my family, I realize that I have tried to fight the battle on my own again.  In my own way and timing.  It doesn’t work that way and I was reminded in my devotional of the story of the Children of Israel at the walls of Jericho.  How they had to be faithful to God’s command and trust that in His timing and at the shout of his children the walls would fall.  It wasn’t about His power, it was about their faith.  I had to realize that in the election, it’s not whether God can raise up a righteous man to be our leader it is whether His church has the Faith to TAKE A STAND and keep marching until at the shout of His people our answer is as obvious as the walls falling at the feet of His children. Even though I can’t be silent about politics, there are moments of silence when He renews my hope and comforts me that He is still in control.

Here are two photos from Pensacola, Florida where my daughter and son-in law and granddaughter are living right now.  This EF3 tornado happened on Tuesday night and was headed directly for them.  We started praying and God protected them.  It went beside them about a mile and north of them about a mile or two.  This destruction was just a couple miles from them.  WOW.  God is good to protect our kids when they are away from us.  SOOOO…. Thankful for His hand of protection.

Have a good week and find a way to TAKE A STAND for Jesus!!

We are back from our trip to visit the kids in Pensacola, FL.  It was a quick but really good trip.  While on the trip, I saw the news about Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s death.  Wow, what a surprise and what bad news for his family and our country.  I had to work hard to get it off my mind and back on my family visit.  It did cause me to think about what is important in life.

Our relationship with God is the of the highest importance and should be prioritized over everything else.  In Matthew 16:26, Jesus is talking to the disciples about following Him and giving up everything in order to do so, and He asks, ” For what shall it profit a man though he should win the world, if he lose his own soul? (the Geneva Bible)  The importance of serving Him and leaving everything at the foot of the cross and not seeking worldly goods or importance at the loss of our relationship with him is something worth striving for, no matter what we may want as human beings with flaws.  In the NIV Life Application Study Bible, it suggests that a good way to look at life is through an eternal prospective.  It tends to change some of the decisions and directions we would choose.

I thought about the death of Justice Scalia and was dismayed because of his strong Constitutionalist approach to judicial decisions.  The Conservatives had a strong ally in Justice Scalia and with his death it now means another judicial nominee from President Obama who has shown disdain and been reprimanded by lower courts that he has exceeded his constitutional power over and over.  He sees the Constitution as a document of suggestions, not laws.  Justice Scalia saw the document as the fundamental foundation of our republic and it shouldn’t be litigated over and over and definitely not changed by political activists.  Now we definitely are at the crossroads and on the verge of a constitutional crisis in the United States of America.  Our very foundation is in danger of collapsing depending on who is appointed.  It is even more important to elect a president that will appoint a justice that will honor the Constitution.  We cannot be guaranteed that Donald Trump would.  He has suggested his own sister, who is pro-abortion and liberal in her moral stances to be a justice.  This is getting very serious and when praying on who to vote for, this should be your main priority.  If we lose to a liberal (or fake conservative) the balance of our country will topple toward socialism quickly.  THIS IS IMPORTANT!!

When looking at the scripture above, I also thought about the very candidates who are running and some of the absolutely inane explanations of why Christians would vote for Donald Trump over Cruz, Rubio or Carson.  The latter three have professed their faith in Jesus Christ while one feels no need to ask for God’s forgiveness. Even though I support Cruz completely, I wouldn’t feel wrong in supporting any of the three.  I am struggling with whether I could even cast a vote for Trump and if I did it could only be because my trust is in God and not in a man and I know He has a plan for me and His sons and daughters.  However, when given a choice of Godly men or not, I can tell you that no economic policy that TRUMP could  “get done” can outweigh the importance placed on honoring life and marriage as God intended us to do.  Therefore, if I voted for Donald so he could “make America great again” based on the economics of it all, I feel it would be giving up my soul for worldly gain.  My soul is more important and from eternal aspect, we all will have to answer for who and what policies we advocated for, especially where innocent life is concerned.

Missouri will have a Presidential Primary on March 15, 2016.  This will be for Presidential Only.  This will decide who Missouri will support at the nominating convention.  I have always thought of this as the heart vote.  This is where you vote with your heart who best represents what you feel in your heart is right.  I will be voting for Ted Cruz because of all the candidates that I have seen, he closest represents how I feel.  Also, for anyone who would look at Cruz and think, no one likes him, he must be nasty, mean, a liar and numerous other things you might have heard, just let me ask you…. aren’t a lot of Christians looked at that way because they stand for principles that the world doesn’t always understand or like?  As Christians, we know, we won’t always be liked.  Anyway, do your homework and get out and vote on March 15, 2016.

On  August 2, 2016, Missouri will have a Primary Election for Governor of the State of Missouri.  I am going to be doing some homework before then and listening to some interviews and I will give you my opinions of who my choice would be sometime before then.  If you would like to listen to interviews, you can go to KSGF to the election tab or Nick Reed show and scroll through his podcasts for the interviews.  There are candidates for other offices also that you should learn about if you choose to exercise your duty to vote.  KSGF will have a sample ballot as soon as it is available.

Now, last but not least in any way, my trip.  Spending time with the kids was wonderful.  Eric and I got to attend a race at our granddaughter’s school.  She ran and came in first among the girls and about 5th overall out of about 80 first graders.  They didn’t give awards, which I think is a mistake.  Kids will do better if they have a goal and a reward that they earn.  Anyway, it was wonderful to get to be there for her school activity.

We also went to the Pensacola Lighthouse Museum on the Naval Base.  The top of the lighthouse is 191 feet above sea level and there are 177 steps up a wrought iron spiral staircase to the top. I have always loved lighthouses and think often about the song we used to sing.  Maybe because of my fear of storms when I was a kid, lighthouses have always seemed like a comfort to me.  We went in and there was a big warning sign about who shouldn’t attempt the climb and I probably fit about 3 or 4 of them.  I wasn’t as worried about the claustrophobic aspect as I was about the physical stamina to make it up there.  Wow!!!!  Eric and my daughter both encouraged me and the princesses’ little face looking down at me from the stairs above was inspirational and I thought, if I get part way up and need to I will just stop.  So about 3 spiral levels from the top and after a few breaks to gather myself, my daughter called out that I was almost there.  I told her I thought I would just start back down.  She told me no, that I would and could do it and I would be so happy when I made it.  So, because I didn’t want to let them all down and I did want to make it, I started saying, in my head, “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” and “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me”  and before I knew it, I was at the top.  I stepped outside and took 5 photos.  Promptly turned and started down.  I had done something with the help of family and God that I didn’t think I could do.  His word played the most important role because that is where my strength lies.  The following pictures are from the trip.

Remember this next week to TAKE A STAND for what you know in your heart and soul to be RIGHT and do not compromise for worldly acceptance.  Eternity is worth TAKING A STAND FOR.

Just some quick thoughts because I have a lot to get done tonight. Above 2 of my favorite ladies.  Great concert tonight, Rebecca.

Eric and I went to see 13 Hours the other night.  I don’t go to many movies but after following this story on the news and seeing the families of the men who died in Benghazi, this was one of the movies I decided to go to.  So, I went in and when I left I was in tears and I surprised myself by being so emotional about it.  I have thought a lot about it and I know that what I felt was ultimate disappointment in my country.  That our President is such a careless leader and the state department under Hilary Clinton was so incompetent that we (America) left men there with no help.  I know there is the administrations story of what happened, but excuse me if I take the word of the men who were there, physically fighting, over the word of an administration that has lied and spun everything.  People, we need to be serious when we chose leaders.  It matters greatly who we elect.

Now another thing, after the New Hampshire deciding to vote for a socialist, Bernie Sanders  and Donald Trump, I am really wondering if people understand the seriousness of this election.  Socialism is a political term applied to economic system in which property is held  in common, not individually.  Common ownership does not mean decisions are made collectively.  Individuals in power make decisions for collective.  It ultimately removes group decisions in factor of one leader.  Alexis de Tocqueville said, “Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality.  But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude.  Socialism is basically when the government regulates the economy, the opposite of capitalism where the government leaves it up to the people.  AMERICA IS A REPUBLIC!!  If you want socialism, GO TO A DIFFERENT COUNTRY!!

Last thought, Christians need to take this very serious.  I know a lot of Christian people and if you are reading this and you think Donald Trump is the best choice I want to ask you to explain it to me.  I do not understand Christians backing him.  I won’t go into all the decisions of Mr. Trump in the past years, I just want to know how his morals that are on display constantly in his rallies can be upheld by pastors and Christians.  I don’t think that dropping F-bombs and calling other candidates another word for a kitty cat when there are children in those rallies is appropriate for any decent people, let alone Christians who are supposed to be an example to those around that our inside is cleansed and we are different as a result of our salvation.  Our prayer should be that God raise up a leader that will honor God, life, Israel and to be a leader that will protect our country and make us a country that will honor God.  If there are two or three men that are running for an office and one of them shows no honor toward God and is offensive and immoral and there are 2  that are outwardly open about their relationship with God and look for His guidance in decisions, as a Christian what should your choice be?  I would love to have someone explain this Trump thing  to me.  I say, Take A Stand for A Christian mad if there is one running!  But most of all TAKE A STAND FOR GOD!!!!!

What a week!!!  It has been a busy week and I am having to make myself shut off all media about the Presidential Election.  This was the week of the Iowa Caucuses.  Ted Cruz won and that was good.  I support Ted Cruz.  Now look for everything and anything to be said and done to Ted Cruz.  I am going to be praying for our country.  I encourage everyone to  be praying for the best godly man to be our candidate.

A few days ago, Hillary was asked about Supreme Court nominees if she is president and Barack Obama was suggested.  She said, oh my goodness, I never thought of that but what a great idea!   If that doesn’t send you to your knees, I am not sure what will.

Here are 7 things to look for in your Republican candidate:

1. Opinion and/or action on Obamacare
2. Guns
3. Amnesty
4. Tarp, Stimulus
5. Marriage, Religious Liberty
6. Budget Issues, Planned Parenthood
7. Iran Deal

These are a guideline that can lead you to a candidate that most represents your convictions.

The scripture that should be foremost in our thoughts during this election year is:

2 Chronicles 7:14

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.

It is always easy to go along with the school yard bully, it is harder to Take a Stand and stand up for the unpopular kid.  It is our duty to stand up against the mean and evil and call it what it is.  Find a way to Take a Stand for God this week and maybe find an underdog or needy person to help or stand for.

These photos were from last year.  Alana has grown a lot.  Valentines Day is coming up and it’s a wonderful time to treasure all those we love.  We will be making a trip to Florida soon and I cannot wait to see my girls.

Have a great week and find a way to Take a Stand!!!