In God We Trust Blog

7November2012

Romney Sings His Concession Speech

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Humor.

Enjoy some post-election humor!

Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney, sings concession speech

7November2012

A Moral and Religious People

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Quote of the Day.

Should we be surprised at the election results?

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” – John Adams

Technorati Tags: Constitution, government, John Adams, moral, religious

6November2012

Priorities

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Constitution in Peril.

A sad day for me – I had great hope that America would vote to preserve the Constitution, instead of destroy it.

Now we have to decide what we will do next.

We must start by putting our priorities in place.

4November2012

Minnesota Marriage Amendment

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Elections.

With the election approaching in just two days, one of the important things to remember is to vote yes on the Minnesota marriage amendment.

29September2012

40 Days for Life Fall 2012 – Day 4

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Special Events.

The media.

Yes, I know a lot of people shudder when they hear those words. At the national level, there is often disdain for Christianity and everything Christians do. At the local level, however, it’s often a much different story.

40 Days for Life campaigns are finding local news organizations are willing to listen … and our local leaders have done a great job during this first week of the campaign to take full advantage.

Even when the the media doesn’t agree with us, they’re still providing a huge platform and enabling local leaders to spread the word about 40 Days for Life throughout the communities they serve.

See for yourself!

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN

Green Bay was part of the first 40 Days for Life campaign five years ago, and is now participating for the ninth time. Among the local media covering the opening day event was the Fox affiliate.

One of the local team members told the reporter, “We decided the best thing to do is just surround the buildings with prayer, with our prayer for those who are involved with abortion, those who are considering abortion, and hopefully to change their hearts and minds through a peaceful prayer vigil.”

The reporter asked for comment from the abortion facility’s staff, but no one wanted to talk.

For a link to the WLUK-TV coverage of the Green Bay vigil, please go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3299

MILTON KEYNES, ENGLAND

Milton Keynes is about 45 miles northwest of London. The city is taking part in its first 40 Days for Life campaign, praying near a BPAS abortion facility. BPAS is one of the main abortion providers in Great Britain.

Local director Andy Burton recently had an opportunity to spread the word about the campaign on BBC Three Counties Radio. While he was able to talk about the vigil, the need for prayer and the nature of the BPAS abortion business, the host was intent on interrupting him and questioning him repeatedly about “hard case” scenarios such as rape and incest.

It was not an especially friendly interview. But more people in the area now know about 40 Days for Life.

To hear a 5-minute segment please go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3299

SAGINAW, MICHIGAN

This is the fourth 40 Days for Life effort in Saginaw. The opening day of this campaign saw a number of people come out to pray — including Bishop Joseph Cistone of the local Catholic diocese.

A news team from the local CBS affiliate was there to report on the vigil — and to interview Bishop Cistone.

“We believe in the power of God so we are interceding that God will do His work among our people,” he said, “that there would be an end to abortion and we would have a deeper respect for life at all its stages from conception to natural death.”

As for the “other side” of the story, here again, no one from the abortion center would go on camera.

For a link to the report from WNEM-TV, please go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3299

Here’s today’s devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life…

DAY 4 INTENTION

We ask God that we may understand the concept of justice, as a gift he gives and as a responsibility that shapes our work.

SCRIPTURE

Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! — Amos 5:24

REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

Justice, a key theme of the Scriptures, is something God does and that we too must do.

When God intervenes to save his people when they are helpless and in slavery in Egypt, he “does justice.” He manifested his justice in the plagues that were sent upon Egypt, whereby Pharaoh was convinced that he must let the people go. Justice is manifested as, in awe and wonder, God’s people see the Red Sea open before them, allow them to pass without even getting their feet wet, and then close again to drown their powerful enemies.

God is a God of Justice; he rescues us when we cannot save ourselves. His justice, above all, is seen in Jesus Christ, who, when we could not save ourselves, rescued us from the kingdom of sin, Satan, death, and hell. The mighty work of Christ on the cross and in the resurrection is the perfect manifestation of God as the God of justice.

We, then, are to be the people of justice; we are to “do justice” by intervening to save the helpless in the name and by the power of the God who saves us who are helpless ourselves. That’s why we have a pro-life movement; that’s why we have a 40 Days for Life Campaign; that’s why saving the unborn is our business.

PRAYER

God of Justice, you heard the cry of your people when they were being oppressed in Egypt, and you proved yourself to be the God of justice, who rescues the helpless. You likewise rescued us from the kingdom of darkness, and brought us into the Kingdom of your Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who saves us from the power of Satan, sin, death, and hell.

Make us people of justice, ready to intervene to save the helpless. Indeed, as your prophets have announced, let justice roll on like a mighty river, to save all who are in need, especially the unborn. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2012day04print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: How is 40 Days for Life touching lives in your community? Please leave a comment on today’s blog entry at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3299

Technorati Tags: 40 Days for Life, abortion, Andy Burton, BIshop Joseph Cistone, BPAS, day 4, England, Father Frank Pavone, Green Bay, media, Milton Keynes, Saginaw

28September2012

40 Days for Life Fall 2012 – Day 3

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Special Events.

I’m just back from speaking to a HUGE crowd at the 40 Days for Life kickoff in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Their vigil moved to a new site for 2012 — a Planned Parenthood location. That’s because last year, the site where the volunteers had been praying previously STOPPED DOING ABORTIONS!

In this short video report, local leader Brian Gibson outlines 40 Days for Life’s focus on prayer for SEVEN campaigns … and Regions Hospital’s decision to get out of the abortion business.

To watch this encouraging video, go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3285

DOVER, DELAWARE

The kickoff events I attend may draw hundreds, but the vigils themselves usually see just a few people at a time. Passersby may shrug and say, “There’s not much to it, is there?”

But as you know … there’s more going on than meets the eye!

“Small but mighty” is the subject line on a picture the Dover team e-mailed me. It shows a few people at the peaceful vigil on public grounds outside Planned Parenthood during Dover’s ninth 40 Days for Life campaign.

As Jesus told us in Matthew 18:20, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst.”

To see the picture from the Dover campaign, please go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3285

FINLAND

Even if by chance you are outside the abortion center by yourself, you are certainly not alone. There are others also standing vigil, at every hour of each of these 40 days, at some place around the world.

“Here in Finland, we don’t have 40 Days for Life yet,” wrote someone only identified as Foreigner, “but at least one person is praying over the daily devotionals with you and following your blog.”

Foreigner describes a country where any sort of physical punishment for children is forbidden. “But abortion (most before 12 weeks by drugs) is seen as something so normal that there aren’t even done in separate abortion facilities, but in every hospital, even in maternity wards, in every health center, by almost every doctor and nurse.”

Foreigner held her own one-person candlelight prayer vigil outside a hospital on Day 1 as two women came out. One was wearing a nightgown and robe. An abortion patient, Foreigner wondered? If so, “I hope and pray God will help them see what they have done, so they can be saved and healed, and save others from making the horrible ‘choice.’”

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

The abortion center in Fort Lauderdale was closed on Wednesday — it may have been because of Yom Kippur, the Jewish holy day known as the Day of Atonement. “But we made an impact as we stood and prayed,” said John.

One driver saw their signs, stopped and called out through her open window. She wanted to know if abortion was okay in cases of incest. John’s wife had a 20-minute conversation with her and made some headway in explaining why abortion is always wrong.

“Standing and praying at the abortion center brings the buried issue of abortion to the surface,” John said, “and that can lead to changed minds — and changed hearts.”

If you haven’t joined the vigil yet, he added, please do so! Here’s the link to the list of locations:

http://40daysforlife.com/location

To see a photo from the 40 Days for Life vigil in Fort Lauderdale, please go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3285

Here’s today’s devotional from Dennis DiMauro of Lutherans for Life…

DAY 3 INTENTION

We pray for God’s gift of strength as we strive to protect human life during these 40 Days for Life.

SCRIPTURE

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? — Matthew 6:25-26

REFLECTION by Dennis DiMauro, Lutherans for Life

Billions of dollars are spent each year on diet plans. But Jesus tells us to stop worrying so much about our bodies, and instead to trust in God’s care for our physical needs.

What would happen if the people who had started on a low-carb diet this year had instead gone on a diet of heavenly food? For non-believers that diet would include trusting in Christ for their salvation, and for believers it would include a renewed prayer life, a new Bible study, or even a spiritual fast. This diet doesn’t include giving up on certain kinds of foods. What this diet includes is giving up on anxiety by resting in the loving arms of Christ, trusting that He will provide.

Such a spiritual diet also frees us from our worries, and allows us to freely praise Him and serve others. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

This promised provision teaches us the inestimable worth of our lives. He will not allow us to go without. This intimate knowledge and care for human life on the part of our gracious God is what motivates us to seek for the preservation of human life in all its stages.

PRAYER

Loving heavenly Father, help us to see the worth of all human beings by the way in which you provide for us. We would ask that you provide also the faith, grace and courage to enable us to protect that which is so precious to you. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2012day03print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: Please let me know what’s new in your local 40 Days for Life campaign! You may leave a comment at today’s blog entry: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3285inc

Technorati Tags: 40 Days for Life, abortion, Brian Gibson, day 3, Dennis DiMauro, Dover, Finland, Fort Lauderdale, incest, Lutherans for Life, Minnesota, Planned Parenthood, Regions Hospital, St. Paul

27September2012

The Project Part 2 – Notes

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Constitution in Peril.

Watch this space for notes from Part 2 of Glenn Beck’s documentary, “The Project”

Technorati Tags: documentary, Glenn Beck, Islamophobia, Muslim Brotherhood, The Project

27September2012

40 Days for Life Fall 2012 – Day 2

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Special Events.

I’m fresh from a visit with a wonderful group of volunteers at the 40 Days for Life vigil in St. Paul, Minnesota — and I’ve got great news today.

One of our main prayers during these 40 days is that children scheduled for abortion will be spared through prayer, fasting and God’s love being shown in the public right-of-way outside the abortion centers.

On the very first day of the campaign, God has already answered those prayers — and shown again that your peaceful efforts are worth it.

I hope you’re encouraged by these early blessings from a diverse group of locations — England, Texas, and Oregon.

LONDON, ENGLAND

There are THREE 40 Days for Life locations in the greater London area, and God has ALREADY provided a huge blessing at the vigil site on Whitfield Street, where volunteers are praying outside a Marie Stopes abortion center.

Stuart got a call from the Good Counsel Network with the news. One of the counselors at the vigil site had spoken to a young woman, who became convinced that abortion was the wrong answer.

The woman, he said, “is a foreign national, so as well as offering her help, we will put her in contact with other mothers from her country we have helped before.”

Stuart is asking volunteers to pray each of these 40 days that an abortion center in England will close its doors forever.

He also sent a photo of the 40 Days for Life vigil, taken around 12:15 am on Day 1. To see the picture, go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3273

DALLAS, TEXAS

Close to 250 faithful gathered at a city park across the street from the Dallas late-term abortion facility where the 40 Days for Life vigil is taking place. Kickoff rally participants signed up for vigil hours while visiting with local pro-life ministries at tables set up throughout the park.

The rally began with praise and worship, followed by remarks from area pastors. Dave Sterrett, who serves on the 40 Days for Life board of directors, gave the keynote talk.

“A couple of special messages resounded throughout the evening,” said Lauren Muzyka of the 40 Days for Life national team. “Speakers highlighted the special role that men play in defending the gift of life, as well as the hope we have in God — that He is big enough to conquer and end the evil of abortion in our land.”

KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON

Diane said it was a beautiful day for the kickoff of Klamath Falls’ first 40 Days for Life campaign — but a tad windy, perhaps, as campaign literature “wanted to take flight.”

The group gathered on the steps of the Government Center, with a number of churches, a pro-life pregnancy center and Oregon Right to Life represented.

“We started with music and speakers at the Government Center, then walked around the building and across the street to the vigil site for a brief talk,” she said. “We closed with a group prayer for the vigil and sang Amazing Grace.”

For a photo of the events, go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3273

Here’s today’s devotional from Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life…

DAY 2 INTENTION

Pray for those who work in the abortion industry, and for those who have repented of committing abortions and have resolved to defend life.

SCRIPTURE

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” — Luke 23:46-47

REFLECTION by Fr. Frank Pavone, Priests for Life

“Those of us who have participated in the killing of unborn children are the Centurions of today. We have dropped our swords against the unborn child. Now we must recognize the depth of our guilt and deal with the ramifications… To revitalize our humanity we need to forgive and be forgiven, to reconcile and be healed.”

These words come from a brochure of the Society of Centurions, an organization for former abortion providers. These words convey in a beautiful and moving way what is happening across the nation as hundreds of abortionists and their staff members experience repentance, conversion, and healing.

How does this conversion begin? Dr. Philip Ney writes, “The factors that changed their opinion on performing abortions, in the following order of frequency, were: evidence of the infant’s humanity, a spiritual experience, personal distress, evidence of the mother’s distress, scientific articles, being accepted as a person, a personal relationship with a pro-lifer, pro-life pickets.” (The Centurion’s Pathway, p. 77).

The journey is not easy. But the Jesus who heals us calls us to face the truth of what we’ve done, make restitution where possible, and engage in the hard work of mending relationships. Let’s pray for the Centurions; may their numbers increase!

PRAYER

Lord, we thank you for those who have repented of committing abortions and have resolved to defend life. We too repent and resolve.

We repent of every instance in which fear has made us silent when we should have spoken. We repent of the ongoing bloodshed in our land, and for thinking that we can deprive the unborn of protection but keep it for ourselves.

We resolve that we will advance the cause of righteous candidates for public office, and that we will be more afraid of offending you by our silence than of offending others by our speech. We resolve that we will proclaim your name to the nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL

To download today’s devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2012day02print.pdf

For Life,

Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

PS: If you have stories to share from the first day of your local 40 Days for Life campaign, please add a comment at today’s blog posting at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=3273

Technorati Tags: 40 Days for Life, centurion, day 2, Father Frank Pavone, Good Counsel Network, Marie Stopes abortion center, Minnesota, Priests for Life, St. Paul, Stuart

26September2012

The Project Part 1 – Notes

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Constitution in Peril; Uncategorized.

Watch this space for notes from Part 1 of Glenn Beck’s documentary, “The Project”

Technorati Tags: documentary, Glenn Beck, Muslim Brotherhood, The Project

26September2012

Yom Kippur 2012

Posted by Terrie Soberg under: World Religion.

Today is Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year to people of the Jewish religion. Yom Kippur means “day of atonement” and is when Jews reflect upon their actions and behaviors. This is a time to repent and seek forgiveness. It is accompanied by prayer and fasting.

Even though I am not Jewish, I think this is a wonderful idea for everyone to consider – how are you doing in your life?

Technorati Tags: day of atonement, forgiveness, repentance, Yom Kippur