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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Can't be soon enough!

Can't be soon enough

(by R.P.Edwards)

Can't be

Can't be

Soon enough

To end the foolish reign

These who taunt

The founders God

Again

Again

Again

Wise in their eyes

The mirrors view

Ignoring steps and stones

They never cease

"Our" sin increase

And sneer

"What will HE do?"

In the news: the United States "abstains" from, rather than choosing to veto, a resolution by middle-eastern folk who simply hate Israel. It's a first.

The subject was settlements; but since I (and many) recognize Israel as far more than an ethnic aberration (i.e. there's a genuine "God" connection) AND, since they are truly a like-minded ally, "we" have, in the past, supported her in her efforts. Maybe not always agreed; but at least when it came to the useless UN, Israel could count on us. Until now.

I won't go on and on, but let me finish by saying, Thank God! that this current administration, which has NO fear of the Almighty, will soon be relegated to the annals of obscurity. It's one thing when individuals choose the early path of the prodigal, but when "leaders" (or leader) purposely guide the nation towards sin; this is unconscionable. 

And, speaking for myself, this kind of moral depravity (taunting God; imagine!) was the main reason to NOT vote for someone in the same mold.

January 20th cannot come soon enough.

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PS. When it comes to National Suicide, the following song elaborates:

Cookies for Breakfast

Cookies for Breakfast

(by R.P.Edwards)

I was leaning towards pancakes

But cookies will do

Both loaded with sugar

But one has less goo

The consensus, indifference

So the griddle's passé

 Yes, it's cookies, so handy

For breakfast

Today

Years ago some of my children (along with a married-in gent) bought me one of those faux fireplaces that look so much nicer that their predecessors. This morning I was warming in front of the phony, yet fabulous, flames as a news show rambled on about the time-filling topics of the day.

First, the reason for the chill: I had recently returned from our local abortion clinic (much to say, but probably already said in the archives) and the nearly December air was quite nippy and, since I was at the clinic for a while, my thermal defenses had worn thin. 

Anyway, on the way home "pancakes" arose from my food-desire place and, since "I'm" the major breakfast maker I offered it to the younguns upon arrival. The consensus? "Nah."  So, since holiday cookies were nearby (and I didn't want to go through the extra effort for merely myself), THEY became breakfast. I figured the sugar content had to be comparable.

As I was saying; the newsies were blathering about various topics and one that caught my thawing ear had to do with the effect of leftward academics upon the pliable minds of our youth. This is a real sore spot with me; these  morally questionable mucky mucks messing with our heritage. But...BUT, since I am learning that "words" can give life, or kill; I choose, rather than curse the abusers, to pray that they (especially the older institutions) return to their roots of Godliness. 

That's about it. However, below is a link to a song I wrote sometime in the last decade. It's a Christmas offering. A bit on the sad side, but I think God is in it. I'll let you decide. 

BTW, after a while I made myself (just myself!) a ham n cheese omelet. So there, kids!

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