If you wish to preserve a free democracy, you must base it — not on classes and categories, for this will land you in the totalitarian State, where no one may act or think except as the member of a category. You must base it upon the individual . . . upon you and me. (p 50)

Ever since, I’ve pondered this person’s statement. For full-time ministers and people called to ministry, we are always giving to others and “feeding.” Should we rely on others to “feed” us? Is staying connected with God and self-care in our daily walk not enough? There is no shortage of resources: sermon podcasts, websites with audio and video resources, small groups, Bible studies, etc.

If you’re called to ministry or serving in church, how do you stay “fed”? What are your thoughts on that mindset? Does your study preparation “feed” you? Is there a danger in always being the giver and never receiving? What does healthy and balanced look like?

Thanks.

All work and no play make the Squids . . . .

With the passing of ObamaCare on 3/21/10, a day of infamy, the United States departed from her foundational principles of individual freedom and liberty and lurched into the realm of Socialism. The Democrat motto of “the right of healthcare for all” comes at a price. With a federal deficit on the fast track to insolvency, the Democrats have only one option to realize this untenable utopia: tax increases for all. Hardest hit will be businesses–large and small. Big business will pass along the costs by increasing their prices as well as cut expenses (translation: decrease their workforce) and small businesses will be forced to close their doors.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) sent a letter in December 2009 to Senators Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell outlining the dangers of this legislation to small business. A local small business owner shares her fears about the tax increases from the healthcare legislation.

Howard Portnoy discusses the impact of ObamaCare on restaurants in the Green Room.

As oil is needed for an engine to run, entrepreneurs and businesses–both large and small–are necessary for  a vibrant economy. The Obama Administration and Democrat policies seem to think they will be a sufficient oasis for a desolate economy and discouraged public. In their egotism, they have overestimated their importance and ability to solve our economies problems. On the contrary, they are only exasperating the issues.

Gabriel at AoS has some troubling revelations.

Here’s behind the scenes footage with the coaches.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

This year we have committed to memory Psalm 103, Lamentations 3:22-23, Romans 8:38-39, Psalm 19, John 15:1-8, and Psalm 121.

As we study American History this year, we are now turning our attention to noteworthy speeches of this period. My oldest is memorizing a portion of Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream,” my second daughter is memorizing “The Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln, and I am working on “Ain’t I a Woman?” by Sojourner Truth. While committing these to memory, we study the historical background and context of the speech, which is always fascinating. Additionally, these speeches provide wisdom and context to our many political and cultural discussions.

Here’s the transcript of Sojourner’s speech, “Aint’ I a Woman?” given at the Women’s Convention in December 1851 in Akron, Ohio.

Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ‘twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That’s it, honey. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ’cause Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.

Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain’t got nothing more to say.

iTunes has a good recording of the speech at “Every Tone a Testimony” by Various Artists.

So this jerk sneaks into the press-conference and then hijacks it with a non-basketball related question about Calhoun’s high salary in economic hard times, and he does so in an offensive and combative manner. Calhoun attempts to redirect the “journalist” by asking him, “What was your take tonight?” Psuedo-journalist: “I don’t know.” Then he continues with his scheme.

This guy clearly had an agenda. The other journalists reprimanded him on the spot, yet this “journalist” continued with his interrogation, until Calhoun gathered himself and basically told him off in G-rated language. 

Now, Connecticut lawmakers want to reprimand Calhoun!

Un. freaking. believable.

Here’s the confrontation. 

Are you serious? They want to reprimand Calhoun?!?

First, did the lawmakers request privately to Calhoun their concern over his behavior? There was no mention of it in the article, so I’m assuming “no.” Perhaps, they’re looking for “15 minutes” of face time and decided to reprimand Calhoun publicly? There are better ways to handle this situation than for these two lawmakers to air publicly their grievances over Calhoun’s response to the “reporter.”

Secondly, are there no pressing problems in Connecticut for these lawmakers other than to quip about Calhoun’s personal defense from this “reporter’s” sinister agenda? 

As a Duke fan, I do not like UConn nor will Calhoun ever be in my Top 5. I can put aside my allegiances and will defend Calhoun in this situation. This is just government gone mad.

Get out of our lives and stop telling us how to act, think, speak, spend, and live!

Unbelievable. The deification and obsession of Obama never ceases to amaze me.

Watching Teague during the game and his demeanor and actions toward the Duke players reminds me of another egocentric, ungracious player from Wake Forest: Chris Paul. If you know about the time Paul punched NC State’s Julius Hodge in the groin in 2005, then you know what I’m talking about. Paul was suspended, rightly so, for one game. Incidentally, he attempts the same shenanigans in the NBA. I watched him in a game last week where he threw a light punch to another player in the chest, the guy fell down, and the ref didn’t call it. Paul acted like he didn’t do anything. Hey, who cares, he’s passionate and an NBA all-star??? I digress.

I am not saying Teague is a dirty player like Paul, but that he has a similar arrogance.

I’m wondering how the Duke coaching staff is feeling after Teague’s swipe at them when he said this in the post game press conference, “You give our coaching staff a whole week to prepare for you, we’re going to have everything down pat.” And then another dig at the entire Duke team: “I knew we were going to win this game,” Teague said. Bulletin board material me thinks.

Wonder if Teague will be singing a different tune after Wake’s visit to Cameron in a few weeks on Feb. 22. I would venture to guess yes.

Love or hate Duke, everyone can admit that they are a classy, gracious organization, which is set by the attitude of Coach K. They are always quick to say good things about the opposing team–win or lose–and deflect personal praise to a team effort.

I didn’t watch the press conference, so if you did and (objectively) think I’m judging Teague harshly, set me straight. 

On a side note, I used to love Dickie V., but now I find him so annoying. I had the most of the game muted. Vital doesn’t call the game, he cheerleads as the wind blows. It gets old. Even when he’s singing the praises of Duke. Thankfully, he isn’t calling many of Duke’s games this year. But then sometimes we’re stuck with Jay Bilas, a former DUKE player (!), who is almost as bad. I’ll take Mike Patrick and Len Elmore any day. Better yet, Coach Knight! I digress again.

Anyway, Wake Forest is a tough place to play and Wake is exceptional this year. I think the two teams will split their games. That said, I am not surprised at the outcome of this game, but I am surprised at how poorly Duke played. It wasn’t Duke basketball or defense. They were clearly rattled. I was amazed that they nearly squeaked out a W given their horrendous play. Hey, it’s a long season and this is the ACC. Carolina beat Florida State at the buzzer yesterday. They will all beat each other up and lose to one another.  

Duke will watch tape, learn from it, and adjust appropriately. The rematch on Feb. 22 will be a good one. 

Next game: Virginia on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1 @ 2 pm (et) (FSN)

Do you ever wonder what you’d do if you won the lottery? Well, I think the Democrats are manifesting their fantasies with the “Stimulus” Bill, which is really a facade for PORK geared to stimulate bigger government and left-wing interest groups.

In order to stop the madness of our representative, elected officials, please participate in the political process and voice your concerns with OPERATION MELT THE PHONES.

Call the offices of your elected representatives TODAY and share your thoughts.