Posted by caleb on Jan 3, 2010 in
Personal I’m sitting in an unfamiliar church today. And I’m ashamed to say I’ve been silently chuckling to myself as the service goes on at all of the little quirks and problems that have happened. No harm in that, you might say; it is after all a small country church- funny things are bound to happen.
But then one of those strange God-moments happened to me. Who am I to laugh? It’s not that we shouldn’t strive for professionalism and excellence. It’s the fact that these people, no matter how unprofessional their service or how many times the vocalists fell out of tune- no matter what happens- these people are genuinely worshipping the living, breathing, omnipotent and omnipresent GOD. And that’s something I can respect.
Tags: Christianity, church, God, Jesus Christ
Posted by caleb on Dec 24, 2009 in
Personal And so was proclaimed the good news of the birth of the Son of God by the angels sent by God himself- not to the ruler, King Herod, nor to the high priest, but the lowly shepherds sitting out on a lonesome hillside, protecting their only livelihood.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
Thus began the greatest story ever told, that of peace, of grace, and of completely unconditional love. It truly was a night that changed our world forever. For it wasn’t just a normal birth. No, for God Himself came to Earth, not because He had to, but because He loved us with such a burning passion He could not bear to see us wither and die in our sin.
You see, we weren’t created to just make money or even give gifts. We were created with the ultimate purpose of bringing glory to our Creator. Sin, our wrong choices, our mistakes- they keep us from fulfilling our purpose and leave us more than empty inside- they hollow out our souls.
And that’s why Christmas is so important. With the birth of one child, God set out to rescue us from ourselves. He made the ultimate sacrifice: He gave His son so that we might live.
It is my mist sincere wish that you realize just how special you are to God’s heart, and how His love for you is unquenchable and neverending, no matter what you do. Tomorrow morning, when you get up with your family, think about His gift to you.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas.
Tags: Christianity, christmas, Christmas 2009, Jesus
Posted by caleb on Dec 24, 2009 in
Uncategorized For the past few years, we’ve had to do without any snow whatsoever for Christmas, but this year, God was generous, and we had a perfect Christmas Eve snowstorm. In the end, we got about four inches, including some ice and sleet.
Safe travels to all of you still out there in it. Be safe, and Merry Christmas.
Here are some pictures of my parents’ house in the snow:
Christmas lights twinkling
Snow-swept front porch and Christmas tree
Snow flakes pelting the front lawn.
Tags: #KSBlizzard, #OKBlizzard, birth, Christianity, christmas, Christmas 2009, Christmas Eve, Jesus
Posted by caleb on Jan 10, 2009 in
Restoring the Conservative Movement The media and liberal (er, progressive) interest groups are always looking for ways to break apart and shut down the conservative movement, from flat-out lies to “misstatements” and bending the truth. Those of us who proudly wear the title “Conservative” are accustomed to their trickery, but the general population is not. If we expect to win elections, we must be able to answer every question.
Last semester, in one of our final College Republicans meetings of the semester, we invited a very liberal politics professor to speak to us, him being the very definition of a “liberal special interest”. We knew we wouldn’t agree on anything, and he knew he wasn’t going to convince us of anything, so while there were some heated moments, it was fairly congenial. However, he did raise one point that really caused me to think, not to subscribe to the liberal condition, but to re-examine how we as Conservatives and Republicans, operate.
In the midst of his skulduggery, and as part of his no-questions-welcome monologue, he used the old leftist argument (I’m paraphrasing), “Well, how can Republicans claim to be limited government folks when they support big government ideas? You can’t be limited government if you’re for government intervention into people’s private lives, such as with gay marriage and abortion!”
How do we, as conservative Republicans, address this argument? As an “all of the above” conservative (fiscal, social, and national security), I feel a bit torn when I hear this brought up. I’m all for allowing people to run their own lives, in fact, I believe it’s their responsibility, and I believe in limited government, so how do I respond?
First of all, I believe it’s important to point out to voters (not liberal “skulduggers”, they won’t listen anyway) that Conservatives and thereby, Republicans, are not the anti-government party. We believe in limits and in rules, but only as many as are necessary. We trust people are mature enough to do the right thing. That’s one reason I believe a proper democratic system of government can only survive in a nation of Christians.
I believe the perfect way to sum up the conservative movement to prospective voters is the old “My freedom stops where my fist punches your nose” adage, or the idea that a citizen is free to do as he or she wishes until they infringe on someone else’s freedom. No one individual is worth more than any other. The flip side of that is that rules exist, and even though you’re no less of a person, if you break the law, you must face the consequences, no matter who you are.
As limited government conservatives, we believe in having a government as small as possible and one whose power is limited by the people it governs. According to the US Constitution, government exists to “insure domestic tranquility” among other things. In other words, government’s place is to guarantee the rule of law is upheld and that wrongdoers are properly and justly punished.
That being said, this is where morality comes into play in government. As a Christian nation, God and His Word, the Bible, provided our moral compass, our ideas for what was right and wrong, legal and illegal. Now, however, with the onslaught of moral relativism, we have no compass. Liberal judges are happy to legislate their own flavor of morality, and their tastes change with the days of the week. We need a standard to back up our laws.
It’s important to point out that so-called “big government” social conservatives are not pushing to increase government; they’re working to undo the harm done to our society by these moral relativists. This is why social conservatism ≠ Big Government. Social Conservatives are fighting for the ever-elusive “traditional values” (Biblical truths) and are working to restore government to its size of old. It’s social liberals who are trying and succeeding in growing the federal government to allow and protect such things as gay marriage and abortion.
This is why our coalition must reconvene and be strengthened. Liberals haven’t changed their tricks or tactics, we’ve just stopped fighting their advances. They accuse us of being the party of anarchy, but they legislate it, providing protection and non-discrimination clauses to benefit those who have broken laws or assist those with ethical faults.
Folks, it’s okay to say something is wrong. There’s truth in that statement, but until we grow up and get past our fear of having our feelings hurt, none of this matters; we’ll always be the minority party, if we survive at all. But before you give up, remember this, if we don’t defend what is true and right in our nation, who will?
The answer to that professor’s question is this: “You, sir, are the one who has grown government, and we will always fight to stop you.”
Social conservatism is a limited government principle, but unless we take ownership of our own ideals, liberals will always redefine them to suit themselves.
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As always, I’m eagerly await your comments. Have something more to add to the discussion? Am I way out of line somewhere? Or do you completely agree? Let me know! Leave a comment in the section below.
Tags: Christianity, College Republicans, Conservatism, fiscal conservatism, GOP, liberalism, national security, Republican, Republicans, Restoring the Conservative Movement, social, social conservatism
Posted by caleb on Dec 25, 2008 in
Personal As we move into Christmas Day, I thought I’d like to share some of my favorite Christmas traditions with all of you:
Every Christmas, my family always reads the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke (part of which I’ve quoted below) by a cozy fire in our den before we open the presents under the tree in the living room. As I’ve gotten older, it’s become one of my favorite Christmas traditions, and is one that I’ll definitely continue when I have children. I thought it’d be nice for you to share it with us this year.
The Birth of Jesus
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14″Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (NIV)
Since my paternal grandfather passed away two years ago, my grandmother has spent Christmas with us. This will be the third Christmas we’ve shared, and as my grandmother and I grow closer, each year becomes more special than the last. I don’t know how much time she has left, and so I want to make every moment count.
After we read Luke 2, we all scurry into the living room to share our gifts with one another. Another one of my favorite Christmas traditions is giving gifts. I love picking out just the perfect present for everyone on my list. I’m not always successful, but the thrill of it is intense. This year I think I came pretty close. I’ll let you know… My mom hates wrapping paper, at least after it’s been used, so ever since I can remember, the kitchen trash can has accompanied us into the living room, a ready receptacle for anything and everything that at one time concealed the perfect gift.
After we’ve completed the gift-exchanging and opening, my dad cooks a magnificent breakfast that includes all the trimmings, bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and even more. We stuff ourselves (my father is an amazing breakfast cook) and then enjoy some of the gifts we’ve received.
Usually, we have a large Christmas dinner, as well, but it depends on how full we are from breakfast when we eat it, and if it’s a lunch or a supper. My mom bakes either a ham or a turkey (it’s a wondrous ham this year) and we have another feast, usually with green bean casserole (my favorite), pumpkin pie, homemade bread (my grandmother’s finest), mashed potatoes, gravy, sometimes stuffing, and the list goes on and on.
We’re one of the families that usually goes to see a movie in the afternoon on Christmas Day, as well. This year, we may try to catch either Valkyrie or Bedtime Stories. We haven’t decided which, yet. Adam Sandler in a movie makes me nervous about its content, so I’m guessing Valkyrie, although it looks a little intense, too.
I try to make a habit of celebrating Christmas for at least a few days after Christmas as well, because it’s only the commercialized nonsense that ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 25. Christmas is supposed to last twelve days! I usually try give it a run for its money, although I’ve never made all twelve.
With all of the trimmings and ornaments aside, however, the most important traditions are simple: honoring our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and spending time with family.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, from my family to yours. May this special day be filled with joy and wonder and love for the King of Kings.
Tags: bacon, biscuits and gravy, breakfast, Christian, Christianity, christmas, December, dinner, eggs, Family, gifts, gravy, green been casserole, ham, homemade bread, Jesus, mashed potatoes, Pumpkin Pie, sausage, traditions, turkey
Posted by caleb on Dec 24, 2008 in
Personal “Christmas vs. the world.”
It sure seems that way sometimes doesn’t it? It’s a phrase that used to be defined by the over-commercialization of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, a little baby that would one day save the world. Now, however, the knife cuts even deeper, as the figurative scalpel tries to cut Jesus and the entire holiday out of the season. To me, that’s kind of like an empty suit, a season with no reason to celebrate except the fake cheer created by glossy advertisements and sappy Hallmark movies.
Some say we must be more accepting of other’s traditions and generically greet others with a simple “Happy Holidays” so as to not offend those who celebrate a different winter holiday. Now, I’m all for inter-cultural understanding and communication. In fact, I thrive on meeting new people and learning about different people groups. I’m even a Spanish minor (soon to be major), but our country was founded on a bedrock of Judeo-Christian morals and traditions and a genuine desire to live for and love God, and Jesus Christ, his son. It seems the more “tolerant” we become, the more intolerant America is towards Christianity and those who follow it. We, as Christ-followers, are expected to make every effort to ensure that someone who follows another religion or none at all, but no one makes any concessions for us. It doesn’t seem quite fair to me.
Jesus didn’t call us to be pushovers, but He also didn’t call us to be hate-mongers. In fact, He said just the opposite: “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” So while we shouldn’t allow everyone to walk all over us (i.e. “Happy Holidays…”), we must love all others, not for what they do, but because they are people created and loved by God, just as much as He loves those who follows him. Who are we to think we are any better? For, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (NIV)
So this Christmas season (which continues past December 25th!), don’t feel guilty wishing someone a “Merry Christmas”, because, after all, Jesus is the reason for the season (just be sure your greeting is filled with His love as well!).
Tags: Christianity, christmas, Family, Jesus
