Tiahrt Reflections

Volunteering for the Todd Tiahrt for U.S. Senate campaign this summer has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

We started out last night winning. In fact, we were leading Mr. Moran for around half the evening. All of our numbers looked fantastic. We soundly won the Third and Fourth Congressional Districts – picking up the two most populous counties in Kansas, Sedgwick, the home of Wichita, and Johnson, of the Kansas City area. We even pulled in highly respectable numbers in Moran’s own First District.

That brought the race down to the Second District. In Southeast Kansas, where Michelle Hucke, Jarrod Mendicki, and I worked, we blew our vote target numbers out of the water.

Unfortunately, Shawnee County, the home of Topeka and also part of the Second District, went to Moran, and at that point, we no longer had a path to victory.

I’m not going to offer an explanation as to why we lost by a measly 4%, simply because I don’t think there is one. We ran a truly clean, grassroots-driven, and issues-based campaign. Unlike Moran, we didn’t attack family or send out misleading mailers; we simply pointed out his mistakes with well-documented votes from public record. If there’s any explanation, is that Jerry Moran doesn’t speak the truth and the voters, unfortunately, believed him.

Moran stretched when it came to his own record. It’s no wonder Moran and Tiahrt looked so close on paper – Moran basically ran using Todd’s record.

Heart-breakingly, sometimes corrupt politicians win.

Listening to Congressman Tiahrt’s concession speech last night was one of the toughest and most gut-wrenching things I’ve ever done, but I can tell you this: I’ve never been more proud in my life.

When I listened to Todd, I saw a humble, unassuming, and gracious man – the same one I’ve seen every other time I’ve talked with him. He was disappointed, as all of us were, but he held his head high and spoke while looking us directly in the eyes.

It’s sickening, because the right man did not win last night. The right man – the one with an incredible sense of duty, integrity, and honesty – was standing with his wife and two of his children on a stage at the Airport Hilton in Wichita, KS.

I have never believed in a candidate like I believe in Todd Tiahrt.

We may not have won the primary last night, but I wouldn’t trade this summer for anything in the world. It’s impossible to describe in words how thankful I am for the incredible things I’ve learned and, most importantly, for the amazing people I’ve met. I look on many of them as my new extended family.

It’s hard to let go of an idea – of a campaign – you believe in and have dedicated hundreds of hours to.

We had the right candidate. Todd IS the right man for the job. It just didn’t happen – from the way the numbers looked early-on, the only plausible explanantion is that God has a much better plan for Todd Tiahrt than the U.S. Senate.

As for party unity? I will never vote for the Democrat, but there’s about zero chance of me voting for Jerry Moran. Besides, what’s the difference between him and Lisa Johnston? Not much.

We ran a good race, but sometimes the good guys don’t win, and sometimes we can’t explain it, gut-wrenching as it may be.

Please continue to keep the Tiahrt family, the State of Kansas, and our nation in your prayers. Despite this devestating setback, we will succeed in restoring our nation.

Tags: Jarrod Mendicki, Michelle Hucke, Tiahrt, Todd Tiahrt, U.S. Senate

Happy 234th Birthday, America!

I love America.

I love her for her mountains high, her prairies bright, and her beaches white.

for her freedom, her liberty, and her God-given grace.

for her willingness to accept “your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

I love America because, here, one truly can become whatever he or she wishes; with dedication, nothing will stand in their way.

for her belief that her people can always be the best, her drive to make them so – to reach higher heights and deeper depths, and to explore even the surface of the moon.

I love America for her belief in the everlasting power of God’s grace and mercy – and guidance for our land.

for the trust our forefathers placed in his divine wisdom and law.

for her willingness to defend even the weakest and most desolate.

I love America for the honor she bestows on those who fight to defend her hallowed shores.

for the ingenuity and compassion that drive the world.

I love America for the great trust she places in the power of the individual to complete tasks never before thought possible.

for the kindness she shows all of mankind.

for her ability to be both the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Happy 234th, Birthday, America. We love you.

Tags: America, Fourth of July, Independence Day, July 4, Statue of Liberty poem, United States, United States of America, USA

Ireland Itinerary

As most of you know, I’m traveling to the Republic of Ireland on March 13 as part of the Pittsburg State University Choirs Concert Tour 2010. Instead of being boring and just posting a text itinerary, I whipped this up in Google Earth so you can “fly” above and see my destinations from the air. (Google Earth plug-in recommended for full effect).

I’ll be sure to post a ton of pictures!

Tags: Choir, Choir Tour, Dr. Susan Marchant, Ireland, Music, Personal, Pitt State, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg State University Choirs Concert Tour 2010, Republic of Ireland

Respect Sometimes Doesn’t Need to Be Earned

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

And a Merry Christmas to All, and to all a Good Night.

After waking up very early on a bright and snowy Christmas morning, we read both Luke and Matthew’s accounts of the Christmas story.

Soon after, we opened the presents under the tree and discovered five matching Santa hats!

Family at Christmas

Our good family friends, Vernon and Lois Wells, from (balmy) Beaumont, TX sent us stockings filled with goodies… most of them to remind us the frigid outside wasn’t everything!

My sister, Corrie, and Me

After we opened our gifts we decided to try everything out. Corrie was hooking up her new portable external hard drive.

Katie and Tucker

It was our yellow lab Tucker’s very first sizable snow- and he thought he’d woken up in heaven. He and Katie tore through the fresh snow, inspecting every smell.

We spent the afternoon running around with them, sledding, and thoroughly enjoying our first White Christmas in many years.

In all, it was a great Christmas Day. I’m so thankful for my family and the many blessings God has given us. May you always remember the love of our Savior: the true Reason for this most blessed Season.

To see all of our Christmas pictures, check out my MobileMe gallery.

Tags: Caleb, Car Grandma, christmas, Christmas 09, Christmas 2009, Corrie, Dad, Grandma Hays, Lois, Mom, Vernon, Wells

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

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

Thankful(l).

As the turkey and pumpkin pie settles in our stomachs, it’s important to take a look back and remember God’s faithfulness.

What I’m Thankful For:

1. God’s Provision- Just as He clothes the lilies of the field,  He’s always provided for me.
2. Family- No matter what, we’re there for each other.
3. Friends who truly care- Sometimes a person who listens unconditionally is all it takes.
4. The gift of time to spend with older relatives- We never know how much time we have left.
5. A college education- So many in the world never have the chance to further their studies.
6. Employment- After looking for over two months, God provided me with a steady paycheck.

So many times throughout the year we grow calloused to the idea of God providing, and we take for granted that his mercies are new everyday. May you and I never forget His Love.

Tags: college, Family, God, Pumpkin Pie, Thankful, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

In this season of Thanksgiving, let us not forget to thank our Lord for the many  blessings He gives us everyday. This year has been one filled with new life learning experiences for me- from paying my first real bills to living on my own. I’ve definitely learned I need to appreciate the little things a bit more.

Usually my family and I spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my dad’s family in Wichita, KS. However, because of my job (another blessing), we were unable to make the trip this year, so we celebrated Thanksgiving Day at my parent’s house in Oswego, KS.  We thought back, and this is possibly only the second time we’ve shared a Thanksgiving meal as only our immediate family. While we of course missed getting to see our other relatives (and the more opportune Black Friday shopping!), it was a nice change to spend a quiet evening at home.

I thought I’d share some pictures from our feast.

Turkey

A Tradition! Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

and all together:

Let's Eat!

Tags: Corrie, Family, food, kansas, Oswego, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 2009, Wichita

Christmas money.

For the past two years I’ve made use of eBay and Amazon to sell my excess stuff in order to supplement my Christmas gifting income. This year I have a mix of dinnerware, textbooks, Mac software, and networking equipment listed.

I’d appreciate it if you stopped by my eBay or Amazon (seller id: chaysster) page and helped out a poor working college student. A portion of some of the sales benefits the Families in Crisis Foundation in Kansas.

Thanks for your help.

Tags: Amazon, christmas, eBay, Families in Crisis Foundation, kansas

Remembering 9/11 on Campus

I just wanted to put out a quick note to thank everyone who helped make the 9/11 Remembrance Event on the Pittsburg State University campus today a success. It took many volunteers, and around $170 to put it all together, but I feel we did a great service to the memories of our fellow citizens who died that day.

Five PSU Student Organizations (Pitt State CRs, Green Gorillas, Campus Christians, PSU Newman Club, Student Association of Broadcasters) worked together today, putting politics aside, and the effect was phenomenal. As students walked through the Oval from 10 a.m. until around 1:15, we handed out miniature American flags, telling them to “Never Forget” September 11th and the lessons we learned that day. We also captured nearly ten students’ memories of the day to create a video diary, something that will soon appear on YouTube.

The Newman Club prayed a full rosary over the campus, and Campus Christians had a small prayer circle thanking God for his blessings and protection at the conclusion of the event.

KOAM also covered this event in their featured story for the evening of September 11, 2009 during both the 6:00 and 10:00 news hours.

Many people were touched today by these actions, and I was greatly humbled by everyone’s service.

Thank you all.

Caleb.

Tags: 9/11, Campus Christians, College Republicans, Green Gorillas, KOAM, Never Forget, Pittsburg State University, PSU Newman Club, September 11, Student Association of Broadcasters