Confirmation

Well, the race for governor of Iowa is shaking out - the list of candidate is narrowing. It was great to see the recent endorsements received by Bob Vander Plaats. David Barton of Wallbuilders is a man for whom I have great respect. Barton endorsed Vander Plaats earlier this month. Barton's endorsement is another confirmation that Vander Plaats is a solid conservative who is committed to protecting the unborn and the sanctity of marriage. I am no Constitutional expert but I like Vander Plaats idea - supported by the historian Barton - of an executive order to stay same-sex marriage until we have the opportunity to vote on it. If this approach worked for Abraham Lincoln (Dred Scott decision), why not try it here in Iowa? Thank goodness Bob Vander Plaats is not afraid to try something bold to save traditional marriage. Go, Bob!!

We Must Not Forget!

Now granted, our nation's healthcare situation is not perfect. There are a number of areas that could be improved - like portability and being able to buy insurance across state lines as a couple of examples. However, what is currently being railroaded through Congress right now is the wrong solution at the wrong time. What frosts me even more though, is the process of open bribery to obtain votes. The one that comes to mind first is the vote buying of Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Shame on the both of you! What has our country come to? Then to top things off Sen. Reid inserts a clause that circumvents the Constitution - that makes it harder to get rid of the death panels.

In Omaha the other day, Mike Huckabee said it well. We must not forget!! When November 2010 comes around we need to vote out those who do not listen to us - their employers - and vote for those who will follow the Constitution - as it was written - not as it is interpreted by some liberal judges. Then in November 2012, let's do it again. Vote out those who do not listen to their constituents. Vote for candidates who follow the Constitution, who support small government, who support faith, family, and freedom. We must not forget!!

Mike and Israel

If you have been following the news, you are aware that Mike Huckabee is currently in Israel. This is good! I know, I know, our country's economy is hurting and we must keep that a priority. However, a president of our country must be able to juggle more than one ball at a time. Foreign policy, especially that of the Middle East, cannot be neglected. Mike has a great understanding of the importance of Israel to the United States. We must continue to support Israel in it's efforts to remain free and to keep it's citizens safe. Mike knows that and, unlike our present administration, will stand with Israel. Not only is this important from a political standpoint, it is also important from a spiritual standpoint. Perhaps I may explore the spiritual angle at a later time. I guess what I am really trying to say in all this is that I am glad the Mike is in Israel right now, checking things out for himself. Mike's support for Israel is very wise foreign policy, not only for Israel, but also for the United States. This is the type of foreign policy that we need coming from our State Department. Way to go, Mike!

This-n-That

Yeah, it's been a while since I last posted. What can I say? Life has been very busy recently with some cool family stuff - daughter and son-in-law moving into Iowa, grandchild on the way, and more.


Let's see. Where shall I begin? An interesting comment that I read the other day started the gears in my old brain a working. Mike Huckabee - my personal favorite for '12 - made a comment that he could support Sarah Palin (or something to that effect). I agree with Mike! If for some reason, Huckabee chooses not to run in '12, my support will go to Sarah Palin. However, I firmly believe than Mike Huckabee is the man our country needs in the White House. I am hoping strongly that he does run and trusting that Mike will do what he believes God is leading him to do. In the meantime, I am involved in Huck PAC as a member of Team Huck and supporting good conservative candidates here in Iowa. I hope you are too!


Unsung Hero! You ever notice how some people get all the limelight and others who may be doing every bit as good a job are continually in the shadows. I want to acknowledge one of the unsung heroes of Iowa - Dwayne Alons. Dwayne is a state representative from northwest Iowa and one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. That is good in and of itself. However, Dwayne is also one of the most consistent, sound, strong conservative voices in the Iowa Legislature. I wish we could clone him! Three cheers for Dwayne!


Am I missing something or does Sotomayor seem to be lying through her teeth? It seems so obvious to me, but hey, maybe it's me. I am sorry, but what I have seen of her seems to indicate she is a blatantly activist judge - not the kind I want sitting on the Supreme Court.


Obama Healtcare. The more that comes out on this one, the more we see it is a danger to our healthcare and not an answer. Hello, socialism! This topic may be worthy of a little more thought later.

A Time For Action

It's very easy for us conservatives to get very depressed right now. We believe our current president is leading our country down the wrong road. Bad legislation after bad legislation after bad executive order keep coming down from on high (Washington, DC & Des Moines, too). The economy is tanked and world affairs are a mess. Politician after politician is caught in a lapse of morality. If we focus too much on all this we will get too depressed and then give up, throw in the towel. However, that is the last thing to we should do.

Let's look at the postive side of things for a moment. There are few times in history where we have had the opportunities that we now have. Those liberal policies will come home to roost and then those policies that seem so wonderful at the moment will be more like albatrosses around their necks. This is the time to stand firm on our conservative principles! Let's not go wobbly! The truth will triumph! There is great opportunity to turn this country around . . . and head it back into the direction of our Founding Fathers.

I have a couple suggestions that I believe would be wise for us all to follow:

1) Pray! Pray for our country, pray for our president, and all those in leadership. Pray that they may govern wisely and that they may listen to the leading of God in the affairs of our country. Pray that our leaders seek God's standards, seek God's ways.

2) Get out there and get active! Let your elected officials know your views on the issues. Let them know when they are wrong and when they are right. Support good candidates for office. Support candidates that will walk the talk rather than only give us the talk.

- If you live in Iowa, get behind Bob Vander Plaats for governor. Bob is a solid conservative who stands up for Christian priniciples whether they are popular or not. Bob knows what is right and will lead us in the right direction.

- While the presidential election in 2012 is still a bit off in the distance, take a good long look at Mike Huckabee. Mike is another great conservative with traditional social values. I look forward to supporting him for president and hope you will too.

- In the meantime, consider joining Team Huck. Huck PAC is supporting conservative candidates who support life, traditional marriage, conservative fiscal policies, and a strong national defense. We need candidates like this all across the country and Huck PAC is helping these people get elected.

Now is the time! Let's get out there and get to work! Our country is worth it!

The Presence of God

I think it was yesterday that I heard a quote that I have been thinking a lot about. The basic idea is as follows. Too many in the church today (particularly in the pentecostal church) are seeking the supernatural, the power. Rather we should be seeking the presence of God. Where the presence of God is, there will be His power, the supernatural power of God. If we are seeking the supernatural - the signs and wonders - the power, there may not be the presence of God. Which of course, means it would be the power of someone else. Not good. The concept the speaker was trying to communicate was to seek the presence of God first and then the other things, the supernatural works of God, will follow. I like that.

Priorities

It almost goes without saying that our country is in dire straits politically. The economy, foreign affairs, and health care are all areas that are hurting and in need of help. However, more importantly is our country's spiritual state of affairs. As a country, we must not abandon our Judeo-Christian foundation. I personally believe that we must first have our spiritual house in order before we will see the blessing of God that we have seen often in our history. Once we again begin to honor God, welcoming his standards for guidance for our country, I believe then our economy will prosper, we will again be a respected world leader. One issue we definitely need to be on the right side of is respecting life or putting an end to the countless abortions that occur each day in our country. Not only should we be pro-life, but we should respect all stages of life. Another critical issue is our relationship to Israel. We need to support Israel in her fight for life and freedom. I believe God continues to have a unique relationship with the nation of Israel and we need to be a supporter of Israel too. Our very existence as a nation may depend on how we treat Israel.

We need to have our own spiritual lives in order too. Are we worshiping God or things, God or power, God or prestige? We need to put God first and be the salt and light to our culture.

Moving to the political side of things - we need leadership who understands these principles and desires to bring our country back to it's roots. I believe Mike Huckabee would make an outstanding president. He has the values our country so desperately needs. Mike is a leader!

If we get our priorities straight again, if we elect great leadership like Mike Huckabee, our nation can again be blessed and also be a blessing to others.

Random Thoughts

Just few random thoughts today . . .

1) The world scene is just a bit more dangerous today with the recent actions of North Korea. I hope and pray the President Obama will act wisely. This is a time to stand strong and firm in defense of our country.

2) The president's recent nominee ( Judge Sotomayor) as the next justice of the Supreme Court is troubling. She readily admits on camera to the courts making policy. Ok, Senate Republicans, time to step up to the plate. If she is confirmed, it will be a sad day.

3) Had a great day in church this past Sunday. The presence of God was strong and He touched several people during the service. Looking forward to more.

National Council for a New America

I guess maybe I am a little troubled by the direction and purpose of the National Council for a New America . . . for at least a couple reasons. First off, other than Sarah Palin (quite possibly the best vice-presidential candidate of all time), the membership of this new group seems to consist of a mixed bag of political moderates and a few conservatives. Palin is a true conservative whom I admire greatly. Sure, there are other conservatives involved, but the direction of the organization seems to be headed down a particular road. That road seems to be one of fiscal issues only, as if that is all we need to be concerned about. This is my second concern, where is the interest in social issues? The social issues like life and traditional marriage are strategically and vitally important to the Republican Party. These are issues that not only the social conservatives support, but serve as rallying points for others of like mind - particularly the ethnic communities who still have a strong conservative social fabric woven through them. We must not neglect the social issues! Finally, this new group wants to go out on listening tours. Shouldn't they already be listening to their constituents? Have they been neglecting keeping in touch with Main Street? Back in the last presidential candidate Mike Huckabee promoted himself as a candidate of Main Street and not Wall Street. I appreciated that comment and believe that approach is a better one.

Iowa Governor's Race '10

There have been a number of names thrown around as potential candidates for the Republican nomination for the 2010 Iowa governor's race. I don't think anyone knows exactly all who will throw their hat in the ring - I sure don't. However, that hasn't stopped me from thinking about some of the potential candidates. Here are some of my thoughts on some of the candidates who have been mentioned.

Bill Northey - A good guy, I like him a lot. Currently he is the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and seems to be doing a good job - I voted for him in 2008 and am glad he won. I am not sure as to his ideas on the state as a whole, but it may not matter - right now - as there have been reports that he has decided not to run for governor at this time.

Steve King - What can I say about Steve? Steve is a strong, outspoken conservative currently representing the 5th District of Iowa (western Iowa) in the US House. Steve has been quite vocal on many issues and I have to admit that I agree with him a large majority of the time. He is a true patriot. I have voted for Steve every time he has run. While I like him, I am not sure how well he would do in a statewide race. Western Iowa is the most conservative part of the state and he does well here. Eastern Iowa is more progressive, ok, it is more liberal so the sledding may be a bit rough for Steve there. Personally, I would like to see Steve run for re-election to his seat in the US House.

Chris Rants - Chris serves in the Iowa state legislature representing the Sioux City area. Chris has potential. Maybe I don't know him well enough, but I don't think his time is now. Perhaps in a few more years?

Bob Vander Plaats - Bob is my choice for governor. I will get the negative out of the way first. The knock on Bob is that he is old news. He has run twice for the nomination already and was unsuccessful both times. True, he has run for the office before. However, my response to that is - Abraham Lincoln. Look up his track record. Bob is a great communicator. He reminds me of Ronald Reagan and Mike Huckabee in his communication skills. More importantly is what Bob communicates - the truth. Bob is right on the issues. He is a true conservative with great common sense. Bob has the right blend of social and fiscal conservatism that appeals to people of all across the state. I appreciate how Bob has run to the battle to keep traditional marriage as the standard. He is not afraid to speak out on the issues. I have yet to see him dodge an issue. While Bob is a conservative, he also has a strong sense of compassion - a valuable asset. Bob truly cares about people and the good people of Iowa deserve someone who is willing to put the people above political ambition. I will be supporting Bob Vander Plaats in the Republican primary next year.

Any of the above candidates would be a tremendous improvement over our present governor - Gov. Culver. As I started to write this my intention was to simply write a review of some of the candidates - sort of thinking out loud. In the end I guess it became an endorsement statement. So be it.

Vander Plaats for Governor!!
By the way, look for a Huck PAC endorsement of Bob to come in the future.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Had a great church service yesterday. It was very cool to see and feel the Holy Spirit moving in our midst. The service centered around the testimony of a man from Ft. Dodge, Iowa who was instantly and totally healed of MS. At the end of the service we had an altar call where people could come forward to be prayed over for healing. I am looking forward to hearing the testimonies of those who were prayed for. God is still in the healing business, that is for sure.

Caught the Huckabee show on Fox last night. It was good. Mike had a couple of guests that I really enjoyed. Darryl Stawberry, former major league baseball player, was on and gave his testimony of how God saved him. Darryl was caught up in a lifestyle that included habitual drug use. It was great to hear that Darryl is now a believer with a personal relationship with God - and has kicked the drug habit. Woo! Hoo!

Bob Vander Plaats was also on Huckabee last night. Bob shared the details of what is going on in Iowa with the same-sex marriage court decision. He did a great job of giving the legal background of all this. If you live in Iowa, you should seriously consider supporting Bob Vander Plaats for governor next year. Bob is right on target on the issues - a true pro-life, pro-family advocate. He is not afraid to take a stand!

Where Will We Be Headed?

I have lived in Iowa for most of my life. For the most part it has been very good. However, recently there have been some new developments here that concern me. Recently the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that Iowa must allow same-sex marriages. Here in the heartland of America it seems as if we are now trying to outdo California and New York as the leading edge of social liberalism. Generally I am pretty laid back, an easygoing type guy, but this is crossing the line for me. God's Word - the Bible - is very clear on what is acceptable and what is not acceptable as sexual relationships go. We here in Iowa now find ourselves on the wrong side of God's Word. I am encouraging everyone to stand up and to make your voice of opposition heard. Christians, this is not the time to continue sitting on the sidelines. We are privileged to live in a country where we can have a say in how our country - or our state - is run. Let's stand for the principles as outlined in God's Word. If we don't, it makes me wonder where we will be headed.

Here in Iowa we are blessed to have one potential candidate for governor who is willing to take a strong stand in support of traditional marriage - the way God intended it. That soon to be official candidate is Bob Vander Plaats. (You can catch Bob this weekend on the Huckabee show on Fox News Saturday at 7 pm Central and again on Sunday at 7 and 10 pm Central.) Bob would make a great governor. I encourage you to consider supporting him. Check out his website at http://www.teamvp2010.com/ .

Balance

For some reason I always thought that when your children grew up, got married, and left home that things would slow down for us. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. I believe we are busier now than we ever were. Between work and church just about every evening has something going. The good side of that is that we are not sitting at home twiddling our thumbs and we are involved in Kingdom work - work that will have a lasting impact on eternity. However the flip side of that is I think we need a bit more "down" time to rest and recharge. We can get too busy that our own relationships - with God and with each other - can suffer. Somewhere, somehow I believe we need to find that balance . . . soon.

Much Ado About Nothing

Recently the blog bug has hit me. I have been feeling an urge to start blogging but did not know how to start. Well, I finally decided to just take the plunge. What will I write about? I don't know just quite yet, but I suspect my blogs will contain thoughts about my spiritual life and Christianity in general. I have observed an unintentional neglect by the church at large (no, not everyone) of the Holy Spirit so I suspect I may wander off in that direction in some of my writings. I also have a strong interest in politics, so that will pop up as well. That is why I decided to name the blog "Faith & Freedom".

To give you a hint of where I am coming from, I will share a bit of my background with you. I am an evangelical Christian who was born and raised in the midwest. Politically, I am a pro-family, pro-life social conservative. I supported Mike Huckabee in 2008 and hope to be able to again in 2012.

That's probably enough for right now. I need to do some thinking and then will be back.