The Gift of Trump

Grateful

(by R.P.Edwards)

Gifts oft given

Daily bread

Let us

So grateful be

For breath

And beat

And bondings sweet

All good gifts

Come

From Thee

¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

(James 1:17 KJV)

2 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, 

be made on behalf of all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, 

so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

(1 Timothy 2:1 NASB) 

Not yet Christmas day. A light dusting of snow has provided a "white" Christmas which, I suppose, provides an inner uptick; though long ago the cold stuff morphed from being a conscious tie to pleasure into merely a deterrent to adult goings. AND, even though the exuberant joy associated with tots and toys on this holiday is now once removed (i.e. grandkids) I will rouse myself on this cold Noel eve to be thankful, truly thankful for the greatest gift, and by extension...for others.

First of all, the Christ child. God with us. Emmanuel. Simply amazing; astounding. The great love of the Creator that birthed the solution to our utter helplessness by actually becoming a part of His creation. Of course, the completion is celebrated on Easter morn, but it starts (as in materially manifested) on Christmas day. AND this Savior, Redeemer, Prince of Peace--this Jesus--is never too far from my thoughts; and as I said...I am truly thankful.

And now, the other gifts. There are many; from those held with the hand, to those held with the heart. And, although I suppose I could make a list of the "things" I am thankful for (and probably should, on my own time) I would like to highlight here "one" gift that I recognize as God given; one gift that truly has been beneficial and has the potential to be even more so...President Donald Trump.

Yes, I know there are many who might have an issue with such an association, BUT, when I look at how the President has unshackled the Clergy so that they might boldly proclaim from the pulpit ALL truth without the threat of Government interference or penalty; when I see how the President has unabashedly supported Israel and has thereby invited God's sure blessing (I will bless those who bless you); AND when I see how President Trump has refused to kowtow to those who would rewrite our Judeo Christian heritage to suit their own godless progressive ends; well, I recognize the gift AND the giver.

And so, as the time of the reveal quickly approaches (as in presents) let us pause and recognize the deeper things. And, as many as will, let us continue to pray for this nation and its leaders--especially President Donald Trump--that we, with God's most necessary help, would be a gift to the world.

Merry Christmas!

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Free will?

FREE WILL!

FREE WILL!

FREE WILL!

FREE WILL!

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together

against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying,

Let us break their bands asunder,

and cast their cords away from us.

(Psalm 2:2,3 KJV)

The setting: outside the Hope Clinic for Women in Granite City, IL, December 2, 2017. As usual there are many streaming in for a liberating abortion (including late term). Yes, a life-ending ritual that frees men from paying child support and women from a notable detour and distraction; be it a life-long obligation or a nine-month till adoption inconvenience.

In they come; many from neighboring Missouri where legislators have placed speed bumps in the path of the abortion minded to cause a pause that might result in less loss of life. Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, gives the unborn no such consideration. So the Mississippi river is crossed...and the babies die.

Also, as usual, there are a few intercessors on the sidewalk pleading on behalf of the innocent. Some are artful, articulate; others, not so much. But they are passionate all and, on occasion, a baby lives.

On this day, however, what WAS a bit unusual was a momentary tirade by a passerby (I presume coming from the nearby hospital) who had had enough of the harassment (her view) of the women who were merely executing their rights. This middle-aged ordained minister (so she claimed) began chanting, "Free will! Free will! Free will!" Doing her part to dull the message of life, and expedite the means and method...of death.

So, what's the purpose of this post? Just an extended sigh; a weary and worn despair that sees evil and apostasy on the rise, all with the aid of the "let us break their bands" judiciary, and the malaise of the light-bearer that should be the church. Yes, there is great evil here but, as with slavery, only half seem to see it. 

I pray for an awakening.

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Hater?

Of Haters

(by R.P.Edwards)

Haters

Hating 

Hatefully

The haters

That they

Hate

Because these haters

That they hate

Don't hate

The things

They hate 

I didn't know I was a hater. But I guess I am. After all, the Southern Poverty Law Center has deemed the Value Voters Summit a hate group. And, as we all know, President Trump spoke at said summit a short while back. Well, I took a gander at the values of these value folk and, to my utter amazement (not really) it seems I align quite readily. For instance, they believe in traditional marriage, the sanctity of life, religious liberty, and limited government. And, as you might expect, Bible believing Christians and Jews (of which I am a part) naturally gravitate towards such positions. And this makes us haters? I do find this curious for, until fairly recently, these goals were shared by the many and most of all previous generations. And these are haters as well?

I will tell you what I do hate, however. I hate the formerly isolated bilge of the Universities now being force fed down our collective throats; not through the democratic process but by a judiciary that has abandoned its sacred place. I hate the putrid PC nonsense that ever spews from our betters in Hollywood and the media overlords which infects our everyday life, from the workplace to the kindergarten classroom. I hate the blatant disrespect and lack of recognition that our current foundation of collective ease is constructed and mortared and protected with the blood of patriots past and present; all of which are haters by the twisted definition. And, I hate, perhaps most of all, that the bearer of the truth--the church--is so slow to rise in order to chastise and correct, and frankly be the salt and light that their (our) divine mandate demands.

Perhaps I am a hater after all. Who will join me?

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H.R. 36 Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Hope Clinic for Women, Granite City IL

Ghoulish

(by R.P.Edwards)

Ghoulish!

Ghastly!

Gruesome!

Gore!

It's Murdered Children

And nothing more

"It was an act of pure evil," so said President Trump concerning a murderer's machine-gun onslaught of innocent country music concert-goers in Las Vegas a week ago. Rightly so.

But then I pause to think: "Evil," these days (as always, I suppose) is subjective. Isis, the Islamic terrorist organization (who threw in their 2 cents) thought the gunman's actions were divine. To them killing "infidels" is a good thing. Also, a prominent liberal media type mentioned that most of the victims were most likely republican Trump supports (implying that it wasn't all that bad.) And, naturally, the anti-gun folk saw (see) the incident as a god-send to their "get rid of all firearms" cause.

But, for the vast majority...it WAS an act of pure evil.

And now ANOTHER story that also happened this past week, but never really made the headlines due the carnage of a more visible sort. I speak of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn child Protection Act passed by the U.S. House of representatives; hopefully to end up eventually on the President's desk. What is in said act? Simply, since unborn children at twenty weeks and later can unquestionably "feel" pain, it's wrong to subject them to it: as in having their bodies ripped to pieces during an abortion. Exceptions include the life of the mother and pregnancies due to rape and incest. Indeed, knowing what we know now (ignorance no longer an option), doing ghastly things to innocent, feeling, pre-borns should also fall into the category of "pure evil." But...as with Las Vegas, it does not.

Alas, the vote was almost exclusively along party lines. AND, if the party of Jefferson wants to be remembered for something other than being the supporters of infanticide, NOW is the time for contrary members to rise and be heard.

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Meany Heads!

Visitors

(by R.P.Edwards)

Little scooters

Little feet

Child minds

And child speak

Yet wise enough

These winsome youth

Abortion kills

And that's the truth 

I thought they were attached to some of the regular sidewalk folk. Three young men--children of elementary age--riding their scooters about as the abortion clinic filled with beating hearts, soon to lose half.

However, these curious tots were NOT an add-on to a parent's zeal; no, they were just local residents up and about having fun in a non-electronic way (a novelty to be sure.) 

"Where are you from?" someone asked. 

"The other side of the viaduct. We're going to the park."

Well, before long this trio had the low-down as to the happenings at the slaughterhouse. They even saw one of those, "Oh, don't let children see that" signs that adults are so afraid of (you know, a graphic image that accurately depicts the doings in an abortion clinic). As a result they were duly disgusted and, with curious innocence they then tried to ride their wheels up to the entrance. They were summarily kicked off the property. 

"Meany heads!" was their pre-adolescent retort. And off they went, promising to revisit the place where children die at a later date. One was heard to say, "Better watch out, before they kill you."

Out of the mouth of babes.

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Judge Moore for Senate

Not Strange

(by R.P.Edwards)

Think it NOT Strange

For backing Moore

It's more than a spot

On the Senate floor

It's more than values

Tilting Right

It's more than a vote

To win a fight

It's a platform mighty

A podium BOLD

Where words can challenge

Rot and Mold

Where light can pierce

The fog of fear

With timeless truths

For all to hear

That stagnant servants

Might rise ablaze

To challenge kings 

Petitions raise

And turn this ship

From jagged shores

So, think it NOT Strange

For backing MOORE

In the news, Judge Roy Moore and stand-in Senator, Luther Strange, vie for the vacated Alabama seat of Jeff Sessions (Now AG). The criteria not being previously met for a clear winner (as in being the Republican nominee for the general election) the two will be voted on...yet again.

Now, being a YUUUGE President Donald Trump fan (which I am) one might think I would be swayed by his hearty endorsement of Senator Strange. Alas, (and although I certainly think Senator Strange' full time placement in the position would be far better than the Democrat alternative) in this case I must follow my heart. You see, Judge Moore has been in the news over the last couple decades because of his relentless belief and practice that his Christian faith (and by extension, multiplied millions more) cannot and should not be neutered and neutralized by an overreaching and unaccountable Supreme Court. 

Yes, by taking stands that would no doubt be lauded by the founders and the many generations of God-fearers that followed, he has tirelessly resisted the Washington Oligarchy that has so willingly bypassed the Constitution to work their will. Whether it be the removal of "God" from the public square, the dehumanization and slaughter of pre-born children, or the more recent debasing of the sacred institution of traditional marriage, Judge Moore has been willing to take a stand and has, naturally, suffered for it.

Let's cut to the chase: I have no doubt that both nominees would follow closely the President's agenda and add their "ayes" when needed in the legislative process. But, contrary to the get along or "get things done" requirement that so many ascribe to Mr. Strange (again, no animosity in his direction) I actually WANT someone to speak up and stand up and fearlessly point out the nakedness of the Emperor. I, and so many others (I'd wager) are oh so tired of the endless "tsk, tsk" hand wringing of the majority. And, although the nuts and bolts of budgets, and bullets, and doctors, and DACA, should and must occupy their time, I would dearly like to see an abolitionist arise in their midst who would, from time to time, remind the elected elite (AND the unelected) that their mortal measure (alone) will NEVER be enough. A Senator Roy Moore, would do just that.

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Modern Confederates

Evils 

(by R.P.Edwards)

Ancient evil

Ever new

Problem is

It's ALWAYS you

MY hands are clean

MY motives pure

But of YOUR sin

I'm ever sure

In the news; the removal of confederate statuary around the country due to the undeniable linkage to the horrendous past practice of American slavery. I get it. Indeed, I can see how the vile institution that reduced a whole race of people to less than human status should not be celebrated, even indirectly. And, I can even understand how some, in their zeal to expunge, go so far as to applying this righteous measure to any who held slaves at anytime; founders included. Again, I get it.

However, before we topple another monument or rename another school may I simply point out that the evil we rail against so passionately is with us still. You see, the notion that some human life is more worthy than others is not a mindset limited to the ancient slaveholder, or the KKK, or the Ottoman Turks, or the Nazis, or present day Isis; no this hell-inspired belief is now cloaked in the bloody mantle of choice and its mantra is the same as always: "I choose that you die." So here’s my question: when we again regain the knowledge of good and evil, where will we send the wrecking ball? Universities? Union Halls? The Supreme Court building? DNC headquarters? Apostate churches? All these have had their hands in the abortionist’s glove and their continuance will be a painful reminder. But rather than that, how about we recognize that evil begins in the human heart.

____

On the day of this posting this writer spent a little time on the sidewalk at one of the Midwest's most notorious Abortion Mills, the Hope Clinic for Women, in Granite City, Illinois (photo above). There were many in Saturday attendance: Mothers, fathers and friends, babies in Utero, paid accomplices to the "doing" doctor, AND unpaid (as far as I know) escorts who assisted in the march to the death chamber. 

While there a fellow among the intercessors took the time to belt out a rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and then tried, apparently in vain, to educated the abortion facilitators as to the connection between those who used to deem non-whites as subhuman, to the present day "confederates" who say human life is only of worth when "we say so." Evil, then; evil now. Oh! that the Lord would raise up firebrands in the pulpits and on the streets to fan revival's fire before fire of another kind...must surely fall.

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Jerusalem, President Trump, Jerusalem

Your Oath

(by R.P.Edwards)

Before your oath

Reflect with fear

For more than men

Your promise hear

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...

(Proverbs 9:10)

The fear of man brings a snare...

(Proverbs 29:25)

The previous two proverbs came to mind upon the revelation that President Trump has recently failed to follow through on his campaign promise to move the American Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. 

Oh, I suppose there is reason behind the reneging. No doubt his top advisers, or perhaps his own deal-making psyche, determined that such an action at this time would unduly irritate and inflame the non-Jews in the area; putting in jeopardy the delicate peace-making process. 

But, Mr. President, a gentle reminder; we're not talking about an inconsequential piece of real-estate; but rather the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the land where the Christ walked and made the ultimate sacrifice; the land and people described as the apple of God's eye (Zechariah 2:8). You weren't required to make such a promise, but you did; and many of us added this weight to the scale which ultimately tipped in your favor.

So, Mr. President, when the current waiver runs out in six months, please follow through on this promise as you have with so many others. It will take some courage, but the coming fulfillment of your oath brings another proverb to mind:

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, 

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

(Proverbs 16:7)

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Principal Financial's Finest

Daddy's here

(by R.P.Edwards)

"It's Okay

Daddy's here"

Every child

Needs to hear

But many men

Love only one

No time for daughters

No time for sons

I don't know how long the link will stay active, but the one minute promo for Principal Financial (above) grabbed me (I would say "moved," but that seems too revealing [oops]).

I suppose it could be that so much of this mini-marvel has happened, or IS happening, in my life--love, conception (planned and unplanned), kids growing, maturing, leaving--it reaches deep on many levels (in one measly minute!) BUT, perhaps, in this age of "choice," AND, since I'm often stationed near an abhorrent abortion mill, when the young man in this video puts his offspring first and postpones his college career, well, that sold it. Imagine, a man actually acting like one (I've seen O so many who don't). It's truly a wonderful message.

So, Principal Financial, you have my heartfelt thanks. AND, don't be surprised if more than just words are heading your way. In the meantime I think I'll watch this commercial again...and again...and most likely...again.

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The Reveal

Selective Sight

(by R.P.Edwards)

Obvious truth

You must CHOOSE to see

But many CHOOSE

To be deceived 

Recently some friends went to a "Reveal Party." Such gatherings are one of those affairs where the expectant couple "reveals" (in an entertaining way) the sex of the unborn child. Ta dah! Back in my day we found out the sex, sure enough, but we didn't have a party. And, of course in my parents' time the "reveal" happened one second after birth.

On occasion I stand prayerfully on the sidewalk in front of one of the Midwest's largest abortion mills and watch as women, often accompanied by their "no child support for me" partners enter said facility to have their "not a baby" removed. And I wonder to myself, why do some "know" that there's obviously a baby in there; and why do others resist this knowledge? Answer: the Supreme Court.

A reminder: voters did not choose abortion on demand; seven University sired jurists did. And, as a result, multiplied millions of Americans have not had the privilege of being revealed, born and loved. So, I say without qualm or remorse that the most dangerous branch of the Federal government is, and has been, the Supreme Court. Why? Because with a simple consensus the near-sacred Constitution may be altered to fit their ideological belief. Yes, from the Dred Scott case to Roe v Wade and beyond, their gross error becomes our epitaph. It is my prayer, therefore, that God raise up champions in this day to construct and codify a solution that will more easily remove the apostate without civil war or crossed-fingered selection. It is long overdue.

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Need not apply

Same old, same old*

(by R.P.Edwards) 

Evil then

And evil now

Just a different face

The devil's way

To have his say

Destroy the human race

Recently the DNC Chair, Tom Perez, has come out and said that if you are pro-life you are not welcome in the Democratic Party. Although the standard code-words, such as "choice" and "health care," were used in the explanation, what the good gentleman has clearly conveyed is that if someone is a person of faith or simply an individual who wants to grant the unborn the measure of a reasonable doubt as to their humanity...you are not welcome in the party of Jefferson. And, as bad as that sounds, adding to this offense were those who quickly voiced their "amen" to this apostasy by saying,  "I'm personally against abortion, but I don't want to impose my beliefs upon others." Well, let's substitute the words "murder" or "slavery" for "abortion" and see if that logic holds.

You see, there are some issues that are more important than the all important "me," and certainly more important than Party; issues that will define a nation and determine its course and end. And, as it stands now, it appears the DNC has issued a challenge to the Almighty Himself. Let's see how He responds.

Oh, how I miss the days when the Democratic Party had participants like Representative Jerry Costello, who somehow held to traditional values and still conducted the business of the left. Sadly, those days are gone.

*PS, Oh my, it's always a good idea to reread one's work, but that should include any photos attached. The beginning poem (my shtick) mentions the devil, but I DID NOT mean to imply that Mr Perez was the personification of said being. However the practice of murdering the innocent smacks of Hell. No apology there.

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Congratulations Justice Gorsuch!

Say again?

(by R.P.Edwards)

"So help me, God"

Seems rather odd

When swearing into place

For courts decreed

We have no need

Of God's amazing grace

Happened across the "swearing in" ceremony of our new associate justice of the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch. I paused to take it in. 

Yes, important. Yes, far reaching. Yes, a victory for those of us who think the U.S. Constitution is not silly putty to be manipulated by the unelected. 

But, I must admit, I found it a bit amusing that the very institution that has done more to de-God our society (to our collective ill) still invokes the Almighty's name (with hand on Bible, no less) when soliciting an oath to fidelity. Yes, the ones (albeit former mostly) who equate even the smallest of federal contributions as grounds to secularize those infected; these, for some reason, bother to put a degree of weight on the custom that many with black robes abhor.

But, it was a nice diversion. AND, I believe the newest associate DOES indeed ascribe to the meaning behind the words. AND, perhaps with a few more like-minded appointments the horrendous damage already done...can be undone.

Here's a song for the occasion:

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America the Beautiful

O beautiful for pilgrim feet

Whose stern, impassioned stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness

America! America!

God mend thy every flaw

Confirm thy soul in self-control

Thy liberty in law!

(from "America the Beautiful")

Just had the unction. It was a recurring rising. A bubbling. A "perhaps I should do that." AND, as a result, the simple rendition of "America the Beautiful" now resides at YouTube along with the millions more.

The lyrics were written by Katherine Lee Bates, and the music composed by Samuel A. Ward. Here's a link for the particulars (info).

Some have suggested that this wonderful expression be put in the place of the current National Anthem, or at least on equal footing. I find myself in the latter camp. And one reason; there's so much God in it. Every verse gravitates towards Him. Yes, a grounded tether, anchor, recognition that the "Why" of America the Beautiful...is the very source of all things good.

So, my simple attempt at a quartet is there for any. My thanks go to the Lord Jesus for His aid. And, to those so inclined to listen, may "God shed His grace on thee."

P.S. Concerning the video: I used the phrase, "U.S. flag flying in (state name)" in my google search for appropriate photos of the fifty (plus one). Take special note of Illinois. It points to a steel mill and community of which I am well acquainted. God Bless.

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Empathy

Empathy

(by R.P.Edwards)

Empathy

I feel the same

Your hurt is mine

I know your pain

Though others, kind

Feel from outside

And try their best

To turn your tide

'tis only we

Whose shoes we share

A deeper help 

The burden bear

So arms are here

And knowing tears

I feel your pain

I know your fears

My...the opening poem was meant to be of a lighter sort; but it came out rather serious (perhaps some sort of subconscious issue poking out its head). No matter. I was merely "feeling" a bit of the lament that the never-Trumpers have been feeling, and the Super Bowl was the impetus. 

How so? Well, not being a New England Patriot fan I was rather pleased that they were getting trounced during the first half. However, when the substantial lead was blown and they earned the championship (begrudgingly spoken, yet factual; "earned") I experienced a bit (tiny) of the "The game's over; I can't believe "we" lost. How can we reverse this?" psychosis. Answer: you can't.

So...that's where the empathy comes in. YOU can't believe that Trump won...and it hurts. That's just how it is. Time to get over it.

To Tom and crew: congrats. 

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Children died today

Evil's Hiding Place

(by R.P.Edwards)

Evil has a hiding place

It's in our lazy head

Believing lies that satan says

And children end up...dead

It was frigid cold (at least for us mid America thin-skinners). Probably 5 degrees or close. Northerners sneer at such above zero temps, but for me...it was cold.

I stood, and paced, and sang a bit for a little over an hour on the sidewalk. Women and men with abortion on their minds were streaming into The Hope Clinic for Women in Granite City, Illinois. A post-holiday rush. 

Oh, it's a monster. Hundreds of thousands have been slaughtered here, and the church, for the most part, slumbers. Week after week, after bloody week. And the church...slumbers.

Not that "I've" been a ball of fire on the subject. But, since I am keenly aware that the God of the Bible hates this sort of thing...I came. And, the Gospel was shared (by others on this day) and offers were made, and perhaps a few will change their minds and let their babies live.

Abortion is a terrible thing. AND to turn the hearts and minds of the remaining Christians into action (like the view on slavery once changed) the pulpits must burn. AND, perhaps with the end of the Johnson Amendment; perhaps they will.

Following is a song I wrote for a Pro-life songbook in the eighties. It didn't make the cut. I hope it inspires you enough...to share. 

P.S. Granite City is a town with great potential; but it cannot prosper while the children...cry.

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