Why I Didn't Vote For Trump

I early voted the other day and I didn't vote for Trump.  Now if you were to look at my ballot, you would probably say, "Um, I don't think you are being truthful because there is a mark next to Trump's name."  You would be correct but I still didn't vote for Trump.  Instead I voted against some things:

- I voted against a person and party who praise Planned Parenthood from the platform.  A person who has openly said they have no problem with killing a child in the womb regardless of how far along the pregnancy is and no matter the reason.

- I voted against a person and party who think the government, both nationally and internationally, should have more say in how my child is raised than the parents.  Remember, it takes a village to raise a child.

- I voted against a person and party who want us to have less choices with our healthcare so that they can then make decisions on when someone doesn't have enough value to treat their issues.  We aren't there yet but it is the direction they are wanting us to go by causing insurance and prices to go so high no one can afford it.  Take a look at the Affordable Healthcare Act and see how "affordable" it is.

- I voted against a person who has been caught in lie after lie and doesn't think the rules and laws apply to her.  She doesn't take national security seriously so why would I want her as head of the country with access to everything.  Then there are those who have lost their lives as a result of her actions whether directly or indirectly.  Benghazi can start that conversation.

There are many other reasons I voted against this person and party but these are among the top.

I didn't vote for Trump, I voted to take a stand for those who can't because their lives are cut short before they even enter this world because someone views them as a mistake or a problem that would be too difficult to deal with.  To take a stand for the freedoms that thousands have given their lives for through the 200+ years of our country's history and that those in other countries risk their lives for to come and have a part of.

I pray you go and vote tomorrow for what you stand for.

One Has Flown the Nest

If you asked me last week how many lived in my household, I would have replied 7.  Now my answer would be 6.  I knew this day would come, actually it is what my role has been, to help prepare the children God has blessed me with to leave and make their mark on the world.

It isn't easy though.  I will miss the few minutes in the morning to chat before she heads out to work.  I will miss planning enough food so she might also have some leftovers for lunch.  I will miss her asking if I need help with dinner or something else.  I will miss the late night talks over something on her mind or heart.  Most of all, I will miss her texts saying "Imacominhome".  I'm thankful God has allowed me to build a relationship that causes a little sadness in her leaving the nest.  She hasn't gone too far so we can still enjoy times together and see each other at church.

There are 4 more to leave the nest so I will go through these emotions again but each time I will be thankful for the time I have had preparing them to spread their wings and fly.  I can't wait to see where her wings take her!

Christmas Hope

Merry Christmas!  I sit here in the lights of the Christmas tree enjoying the last few minutes of quiet before the day begins. Oh, it will be filled with joyful ones - excitement over giving and receiving gifts, laughter as games are played and discussions held, thankfulness over the food and, most important, the coffee pot brewing. Well maybe not most important but it is up there. However, my mind goes to why we are celebrating. It is more than just singing Happy Birthday Jesus and making sure to set out the nativity set. It is Hope itself!  The Hope that was promised all the way back in Genesis while Adam and Eve were still figuring out what had just taken place in the garden. The Hope that carried Noah and Abraham and Joshua and Ruth and David and Samuel along with so many others!  The Hope that Mary and Joseph carried from Nazareth to Bethlehem. The Hope that was born that night in a stable and still carries believers now. Hope that God does love us and wants to spend time in fellowship with us. Hope that says yes, you have sinned against me but I offer forgiveness and a way to break those chains. A Hope that says I have already taken care of yesterday, today and tomorrow so trust me. May you celebrate that Hope today in everything that happens and may you still celebrate it tomorrow and the other 364 days of the year! "For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord" Luke 2:11

Baby Makes Three

We have been a little crazy around here and I hope to post some pictures about it soon.  Tonight, however, we watched The Nativity Story and throughout the movie, I couldn't help thinking about Mary and all that she had to have felt and seen and thought.  Her faith encourages me as the Bible so clearly tells of how she trusted in spite of such impossible, at least in the eyes of humans, news.  I am in awe thinking how God entrusted such a young girl with the care of His son.  It all reminded me of a story I wrote for the local newspaper's Christmas contest 21 years ago while I was pregnant with my first.  I hope you enjoy it!

Baby Makes Three

By June Mahan

December 1994

It was a cool and quiet December night as she climbed back into bed for the third time.  She eased in quietly so not to wake her husband and tried to find a comfortable position.  One was finally found and then the child in her womb moved to find a position in his cramped quarters.  Her thoughts turned to the child as she again began wondering whether it was a boy or girl, what features of her and her husband it had acquired, and when it would arrive to make theirs a family of three. 

         She didn’t have long to wonder as the child was due any time.  She hoped it would not be too close to Christmas as family was meeting at their house to celebrate the birth of their child and another so many years ago.  She thought of the child born long ago and how he didn’t have much: no nursery painted in vivd colors, no crib with matching sheets and a comforter, nor a dresser and closet filled to the brim with beautiful clothes.  No, he only had a manager filled with straw, swaddling clothes, and parents.  The parents, though, could provide the best thing of all and that was love.  In the same way, her child and the one long ago would have much in common.

         She was getting uncomfortable and so it became necessary to find another position.  She moved as easily as possible and then settled back down.  Her mind turned to motherhood and all the feelings she had as she faced it.  There was joy, apprehension, nervousness, happiness, and a million questions.  How had Mary so long ago felt?  She had to travel over a great distance while in the last of her pregnancy, arrive in a town where there was no one she knew, and live in a stable with the animals.  There were no showers to help prepare for the baby, no family to gather in the waiting room and no mother to give advice after the birth.  Surely she had many more questions!  Faith and knowledge that this child was from God must have been Mary’s strength as it would be her own, she thought.

         Her husband stirred beside her and she looked over at his sleeping form.  What a loving and caring man this was, she thought.  He had been so understanding through the pregnancy, helping out as he could, doing the nursery, ooh-ing and aah-ing over all the gifts.  She loved the way he asked about her doctor visits and readily attended childbirth class.  He had made everything so much easier.  Had Joseph been the same way?  At first, it must have been very hard for him to accept the fact that it was an immaculate conception but then he lovingly took Mary as his bride.  Had he done chores for her when she began to tire or her feet began to swell?  Did he worry if she was eating enough?  When the birth began, had he panicked or had he given love and support?  She didn’t know the answer to these questions, but she knew he praised and thanked God for the child that had been provided to show the way.  Her husband also thanked God for the blessing and miracle of the child inside her.

         She felt a pain and wondered if the time had finally arrived.  As she laid waiting for the next one, her heart raced with joy and slowed with apprehension.  Was she really ready for this?  Could she fulfill the needs of this little one coming?  Another pain grabbed her and she knew the time had come.  As she leaned over to awaken her husband, she smiled to herself.  Like the little family long ago made it through with faith in and help from God, so would hers.

God cares

My oldest daughter entered the work force about 1.5 years ago. She was able to get on at a local grocery store with the help for a fellow church member. I was a little concerned about if she would be able to handle her school load along with working but it turned out to be for naught. She usually was scheduled between 10 to 15 hours which was okay. It has allowed her to cover her bills (insurance and gas) along with some extra but it wasn't been enough to start really saving for things like a car and education. Lately, after the company was bought by another company, the hours have gotten worse like the 5.5 hours this week.

Therefore, oldest daughter, with the prompting of Mom, began searching for another job. Her first stop was a local restaurant, which was recently in the news, where she has friends who we hoped would be able to put in a good word. Unfortunately, she learned this week that her age is prohibitive of getting hired there right now as the jobs they have vacant aren't an area she can work in legally. So then she looked to the retail world and spent an hour filling out an application on-line only to be told at the end that she didn't fit what the employer was looking for so the application wasn't even forwarded to them. Very upsetting that she had to waste time in that way.

 I have been working on turning to prayer more, even in the little things because I believe God cares about every part of our lives. He has assured me of that the last 2 days as He has allowed my daughter to have 2 babysitting jobs with the possibility of more in the future. I am reminded that He can answer prayers in ways we don't think of.

 "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:26

Thoughts on the Octuplets

So I watched the special interviewing the CA Octuplet mom tonight. Really we should say, the mom of 6 plus octuplets. I am very conflicted over this situation. On one hand, I agree with her that life begins at conception and that we are not the ones to decide which life(s) should end in the womb. Children are a blessing from the Lord! No doubt on that one. However, we then have to look at the question of should she have had IVF done when she already has 6 children, is single, not currently working and attending school. While I do not agree with destroying the embryos, I do believe there was the option of allowing someone else to use them.

Will we, as taxpayers, end up helping her with these children? She seems to think not but can you imagine the costs. The medical alone is going to be outrageous and then the possibility of disabilities is higher. Then what about daycare while she is working as she apparently intends to.

I am mostly just thinking out loud here. I don't know the right or wrong answer here but I do know the One who is in control of it all and regardless, He allowed those babies to be born for a reason. I am amazed at how well they are doing and know that is only because of His grace. I pray they might continue to defy the odds and grow into strong, healthy children. Most of all, I pray their mom truly knows Him and teaches them to know Him also.

A Day to be Thankful

Actually, we should be thankful every day and in every situation if we claim the name of Christ.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

But today we take specific time to focus on the things we are thankful for and when we stop and think about it, we have much to be thankful for.

Below is just a partial list of the things I am thankful for:

• A loving Heavenly Father who cares about every part of me, even in my sin.
• A loving husband who cares for me in spite of my sin
• 5 beautiful girls who I can train and raise up in the admonition of the Lord
• Extended family to enjoy and spend time with
• A church that strives to handle all things according to the Scriptures
• A home that keeps us warm and dry
• A job for my husband that allows all our needs to be met and many of our wants also
• Safety for my husband as he drives back and forth every day to that job
• Vehicles that run
• Good health and modern medicine to help when things need to be taken care of
• Flowers and plants that add beauty around us and the opportunity to grow them
• Music to praise and worship the Lord through
• Way more than I could ever list here!

I pray your Thanksgiving day finds you drawing closer to the One who deserves all praise and glory! Enjoy your turkey!!

Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?

I was sent this article in an e-mail this morning. It says much of what I have said regarding the media lately. I think this is worthy of taking the time to read.

Just a note: Orson Scott Card is a Democrat and a newspaper columnist, and in this opinion piece he takes on both while lamenting the current state of journalism.

Would the Last Honest Reporter Please Turn On the Lights?

by Orson Scott Card

October 20, 2008
An open letter to the local daily paper -- almost every local daily paper in America:

I remember reading All the President's Men and thinking: That's journalism. You do what it takes to get the truth and you lay it before the public, because the public has a right to know.

This housing crisis didn't come out of nowhere. It was not a vague emanation of the evil Bush administration.

It was a direct result of the political decision, back in the late 1990s, to loosen the rules of lending so that home loans would be more accessible to poor people. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were authorized to approve risky loans.

What is a risky loan? It's a loan that the recipient is likely not to be able to repay.

The goal of this rule change was to help the poor -- which especially would help members of minority groups. But how does it help these people to give them a loan that they can't repay? They get into a house, yes, but when they can't make the payments, they lose the house -- along with their credit rating.

They end up worse off than before.

This was completely foreseeable and in fact many people did foresee it. One political party, in Congress and in the executive branch, tried repeatedly to tighten up the rules. The other party blocked every such attempt and tried to loosen them.

Furthermore, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were making political contributions to the very members of Congress who were allowing them to make irresponsible loans. (Though why quasi-federal agencies were allowed to do so baffles me. It's as if the Pentagon were allowed to contribute to the political campaigns of congressmen who support increasing their budget.)

Isn't there a story here? Doesn't journalism require that you who produce our daily paper tell the truth about who brought us to a position where the only way to keep confidence in our economy was a $700 billion bailout? Aren't you supposed to follow the money and see which politicians were benefiting personally from the deregulation of mortgage lending?

I have no doubt that if these facts had pointed to the Republican Party or to John McCain as the guilty parties, you would be treating it as a vast scandal. "Housing-gate," no doubt. Or "Fannie-gate."

Instead, it was Sen. Christopher Dodd and Congressman Barney Frank, both Democrats, who denied that there were any problems, who refused Bush administration requests to set up a regulatory agency to watch over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and who were still pushing for these agencies to go even further in promoting subprime mortgage loans almost up to the minute they failed.

As Thomas Sowell points out in a TownHall.com essay entitled "Do Facts Matter?" (http://snipurl.com/457to): "Alan Greenspan warned them four years ago. So did the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to the President. So did Bush's Secretary of the Treasury."

These are facts. This financial crisis was completely preventable. The party that blocked any attempt to prevent it was ... the Democratic Party. The party that tried to prevent it was ... the Republican Party.

Yet when Nancy Pelosi accused the Bush administration and Republican deregulation of causing the crisis, you in the press did not hold her to account for her lie. Instead, you criticized Republicans who took offense at this lie and refused to vote for the bailout!

What? It's not the liar, but the victims of the lie who are to blame?

Now let's follow the money ... right to the presidential candidate who is the number two recipient of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae.

And after Fred Raines, the CEO of Fannie Mae who made $90 million while running it into the ground, was fired for his incompetence, one presidential candidate's campaign actually consulted him for advice on housing.

If that presidential candidate had been John McCain, you would have called it a major scandal and we would be getting stories in your paper every day about how incompetent and corrupt he was.

But instead, that candidate was Barack Obama, and so you have buried this story, and when the McCain campaign dared to call Raines an "adviser" to the Obama campaign -- because that campaign had sought his advice -- you actually let Obama's people get away with accusing McCain of lying, merely because Raines wasn't listed as an official adviser to the Obama campaign.

You would never tolerate such weasely nit-picking from a Republican.

If you who produce our local daily paper actually had any principles, you would be pounding this story, because the prosperity of all Americans was put at risk by the foolish, short-sighted, politically selfish and possibly corrupt actions of leading Democrats, including Obama.

If you who produce our local daily paper had any personal honor, you would find it unbearable to let the American people believe that somehow Republicans were to blame for this crisis.

There are precedents. Even though President Bush and his administration never said that Iraq sponsored or was linked to 9/11, you could not stand the fact that Americans had that misapprehension -- so you pounded us with the fact that there was no such link. (Along the way, you created the false impression that Bush had lied to them and said that there was a connection.)

If you had any principles, then surely right now, when the American people are set to blame President Bush and John McCain for a crisis they tried to prevent, and are actually shifting to approve of Barack Obama because of a crisis he helped cause, you would be laboring at least as hard to correct that false impression.

Your job, as journalists, is to tell the truth. That's what you claim you do, when you accept people's money to buy or subscribe to your paper.

But right now, you are consenting to or actively promoting a big fat lie -- that the housing crisis should somehow be blamed on Bush, McCain and the Republicans. You have trained the American people to blame everything bad -- even bad weather -- on Bush, and they are responding as you have taught them to.

If you had any personal honor, each reporter and editor would be insisting on telling the truth -- even if it hurts the election chances of your favorite candidate.

Because that's what honorable people do. Honest people tell the truth even when they don't like the probable consequences. That's what honesty means. That's how trust is earned.

Barack Obama is just another politician, and not a very wise one. He has revealed his ignorance and naivete time after time -- and you have swept it under the rug, treated it as nothing.

Meanwhile, you have participated in the borking of Sarah Palin, reporting savage attacks on her for the pregnancy of her unmarried daughter -- while you ignored the story of John Edwards' own adultery for many months.

So I ask you now: Do you have any standards at all? Do you even know what honesty means?

Is getting people to vote for Barack Obama so important that you will throw away everything that journalism is supposed to stand for?

You might want to remember the way the National Organization of Women (NOW) threw away their integrity by supporting Bill Clinton despite his well-known pattern of sexual exploitation of powerless women. Who listens to NOW anymore? We know they stand for nothing; they have no principles.

That's where you are right now.

It's not too late. You know that if the situation were reversed, and the truth would damage McCain and help Obama, you would be moving heaven and earth to get the true story out there.

If you want to redeem your honor, you will swallow hard and make a list of all the stories you would print if it were McCain who had been getting money from Fannie Mae, McCain whose campaign had consulted with its discredited former CEO, McCain who had voted against tightening its lending practices.

Then you will print them, even though every one of those true stories will point the finger of blame at the reckless Democratic Party, which put our nation's prosperity at risk so they could feel good about helping the poor, and lay a fair share of the blame at Obama's door.

You will also tell the truth about John McCain: that he tried, as a senator, to do what it took to prevent this crisis. You will tell the truth about President Bush: that his administration tried more than once to get Congress to regulate lending in a responsible way.

This was a Congress-caused crisis, beginning during the Clinton administration, with Democrats leading the way into the crisis and blocking every effort to get out of it in a timely fashion.

If you at our local daily newspaper continue to let Americans believe -- and vote as if -- President Bush and the Republicans caused the crisis, then you are joining in that lie.

If you do not tell the truth about the Democrats -- including Barack Obama -- and do so with the same energy you would use if the miscreants were Republicans -- then you are not journalists by any standard.

You're just the public relations machine of the Democratic Party, and it's time you were all fired and real journalists brought in, so that we can actually have a daily newspaper in our city.

This article was found at this site: Greensboro Rhinoceros Times