Musical Monday - "Courageous"

 Musical Monday

Courageous

By Casting Crowns

This song speaks for itself. We're meant to be courageous - be not afraid! God is with us, and with God, nothing is impossible. If you haven't already, you should check out the movie Courageous which this song was made for (I think). It's an awesome movie, with a great message for you: Go the extra mile, and be people of courage.

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." ~Ambrose Redmoon

What's more important to you than fear? 

Dear Planned Parenthood - When Does Life Begin?

Earlier today I posted this picture on the Planned Parenthood's Facebook Page...

...and let's just say I don't plan on doing that again anytime soon. I've posted links and had conversations on their wall before, but this must have really hit a chord in people's hearts because it garnered a grand total of 403 comments in a couple hours. Wow.

I've heard the pro-choice rhetoric, the cuss words, the false accusations, the lies, the non-arguments, etc. But the people who were commenting on this were plain illogical. They started out saying that life begins at the picture in the top right corner, or the one after that: the first representing an unborn baby past the point of viability, and the second after birth. Then someone decided to point out that the picture on the top row second from the left looks like a shrimp (slightly creepy and twisted), and that they were now hungry for shrimp. Ew. Comparing an incredibly complex and beautiful human being to coconut and garlic shrimp is not cool. At all.

1. Our physical lives begin when our physical bodies begin to exist. That is the moment of fertilization: not when we're considered "viable" or after birth.

2. When I asked them to elaborate on this point, and when they thought life begins, I received this shining example of pro-"choice" logic:

"When something no longer needs to be attached to something else either with or without their consent in order to survive."

So, wait a second, we're not considered to be alive if we depend on something else to survive?!?! No way! 'Cause we sort of rely on a lot of things like food and water to survive.....This person even went on to say that life begins when we can breathe. I asked her if she believed a person on a ventilator qualified as being alive, and she said....wait for it....no. We're not alive if we're on a ventilator, because apparently we're only alive if we can breathe on our own. Huh? This takes the cake for most illogical statement of the day award! I've heard it many times before, but it is so illogical, I had to include it.

Some other gems of comments in response to "When Does Life Begin?":

"Life starts when I say so, B***h!" 

"When a woman chooses it's time for her to bring forth life."

"Technically a fetus isn't a person or citizen until it gets a birth certificate, so I would say after it is born." 

"The word "life" is a multi-meaning word, it means many different things to different people. Maybe you'd have better luck brainwashing...a sunday school class full of gullible six year olds."

"Life is a fuzzy concept."

Now maybe I'm being too simplistic, but life and death are black and white to me. Life is not a fuzzy concept when you have science and logic on your side. Maybe I'm being harsh, I don't know, but life is life, and death is death as far as I know. Abortion kills an innocent person, and that is wrong. Is that really too hard to understand?

After this part of the conversation, it moved on to people saying that "any woman who has an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage is committing a murder, and should be tried for involuntary manslaughter." And this is where I just have to sigh and pray for these people. I tried explaining, but alas! These brains filled with pro-"choice" mantra were impervious to the facts of life. I will go more into this in a later post.

I am not "all-knowing", but I can tell you this: no matter what people tell me about abortion, and when life begins, it will not change the scientific fact that life begins at the moment of fertilization and that each and every life deserves a lifetime. I wish I could learn from these people what their stories are, and why they think how they do, but all I get are new cuss words.

This is one reason why I read the book "UnPlanned" by Abby Johnson, and why I go on abortion blogs and Facebook pages every so often: I believe we have to understand the opposing side in order to defeat them. We have to see exactly what Satan has infiltrated hearts with to see how we can then be a tool of Christ in turning those same hearts back to Him who created us. I sure didn't learn much from this post because all it was were empty pieces of rhetoric I've heard before. These "arguments" are getting rather old.

I pray for everyone involved in that comment thread, as there were some very troubled people who desperately need God's mercy and love. Please join me in praying for them, and never, ever stop standing up for what you believe in, no matter how much heat you get from the other side. You never know how God will use you. Metal is put through fire to make it strong. God puts us through tough times to solidify our beliefs, bring others to Him, and strengthen our resolve. Let us begin.

Musical Monday - God Bless the USA

Happy President's Day!

This is by far one of my favorite patriotic songs - I wish all Americans shared the sentiments in this song. We should ALL be willing to stand up for what we believe in, protect our country, and our rights as Americans. Rock on America!

"I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me. And I'll proudly stand up next to you, and defend her still today. "Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land. God Bless the USA!!!!!"

The Girl Behind "The Letter"

**A couple weeks ago I wrote a post asking you wonderful readers to share your stories. This story is from one of my readers, so enjoy! Feel free to email your own story to me anytime - I'm happy to post it here :-) 

Meet Caitlin McInnis, a homeschooled high schooler. She’s pro-life, and has a knack for filming. Back at the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008, Caitlin hadn’t fully discovered her passion for filming and for life, but that was soon to change.

Caitlin had always been pro-life, and knew that abortion killed an unborn baby, but she didn’t fully understand what being pro-life was all about. In 2007 she saw the movie Bella in theaters, and in January 2008 she went to the March for Life in Washington D.C. For the first time, she saw a graphic picture of an aborted baby at the March for Life, and was brought to tears. How could this be happening? Touched by those events, Caitlin was compelled to research abortion. Only then did she discover the true horror of abortion. She would never be the same.

Around that same time, Caitlin began making films for fun. She didn't have a camcorder, so she started experimenting with stop-animation, making her first film when she was 13 years old. It was a 5 second video of a stuffed elephant running up to the camera, and then falling down. She loved making the films, but wanted to do more with her talent. After finding a yearning to film, and a passion for the pro-life cause, Caitlin continued making those videos and developed her skills into what they are today.

Fast-forward a few years: In the spring of 2011, Caitlin signed up for a film class at a local university. She loved it. For her Editing II class in fall 2011, she decided to use both her talent for film and her passion for life for an assignment. While online, she ran across an anonymous letter from a grieving mother to her aborted baby. The letter explained how much the woman regretted her abortion, and how sad she was to have aborted her baby. Looking back on it, Caitlin knows that God was the one who clicked on that letter. After reading the heart-wrenching words, she decided to use it for her assignment.

Caitlin's class provided the cameras and equipment needed for the film, and she saved up enough money to buy an editing program. She had a vision for the film, and captured the footage over a weekend. She submitted it to her class for viewing the next day.

To her surprise, Caitlin's film was met with great feedback from her professor and classmates when they viewed it in class. Her professor suggested that Caitlin submit the film to a film festival, and another instructor told her it was well done and would appeal to pro-choicers as well. She did not hear any objections.

Little did she know that this film "The Letter" would have a major impact. It went viral in the pro-life community after being posted on Youtube in November 2011, and has been viewed over nine and a half THOUSAND times. Wow! Not only have thousands of people watched Caitlin's video, but it has saved a life. A woman who was considering abortion was sent the video, and decided not to abort her baby after seeing it. 

Caitlin would never have guessed the huge impact her video would have, but is thrilled to help spread the message of life. She hopes to submit the film to LifeFest (a pro-life film festival in California), and dreams of directing and editing films with pro-life messages in Hollywood. She sees the need for moral entertainment, and feels called by God to fill that need:

"Ultimately, it's up to Him [God], but I have some big-budget film ideas on abortion, euthanasia, and other matters that I would love to be able to create in the near future."

I love seeing people who use the talents God gives them to bring His light to a darkened world. Caitlin has created a remarkable film as a high school senior, and I know she has an exciting future in store with God by her side. I certainly look forward to seeing Caitlin's futures projects, and after hearing her story, I hope you do too!

Here's her video The Letter. Please pass it along to your family and friends!

You can "like" The Letter on Facebook here, and visit Caitlin's blog here. 

Musical Monday - Medley

This week's Musical Monday post does not have any deep meaning, but reveals the facts that:

1. Andrew Lloyd Weber (who composed the songs in this medley) is a genius, and 

2. I have no idea how this guy, Nick Pitera, can sing like a operatic woman and a manly dude.

This is a just-for-fun watch. Enjoy! You should check out the other songs this guy has done here if you feel like wasting a few minutes of your day :-) 

Musical Monday #3

Phantom of the Opera Medley

By Nick Pitera

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Will You Kneel to the Mandate?

Imagine that you're walking down a city sidewalk. It's sunny, and you can hear the cars whiz by. You're on your lunch hour, and are heading down the street to get a hamburger. Yum! You're happily thinking about what you'll do this weekend when a random stranger stops you and says "Give me money. I don't have enough to pay for my next pack of cigarettes, so you have to pay for it." 

Now, you know that cigarettes can seriously affect someone's health. For goodness sakes, it can cause lung cancer, and this dude is trying to make YOU pay for it. Not cool! You respond by saying "Using cigarettes is wrong, and it can seriously hurt you. This is my money. I do not want to pay for your cigarettes." Now the dude gets mad, and tells you "The government says you have to support me. Your beliefs are irrelevant here, lady, so give me the money."

Now that's just absurd if you ask me. Living in the "land of the free" we should not be forced by anyone to support something we believe is wrong. 

Most Americans value this freedom, but that freedom is being tested by our government - the very people who should be fighting to protect it. You've probably heard about the HHS Mandate by now. If this goes into effect as planned, employers (including religious ones) would be forced to provide insurance plans that include sterilization, contraception, and abortifacent drugs. 

No matter if you believe those services are wrong (that's a whole other post), we as Americans should realize that forcing people to support something they believe is wrong is 100% crazy. We should be appalled at the fact that our government is trying to force anything on us. Telling me I have to pay for some dudes cigarettes is crazy. Telling me I have to support contraception, sterilization, and abortifacent drugs is CRAZY. 

Forcing me to support anything is absolutely contrary to what our country was founded on, and what our Constitution says. In our Constitution, it says that

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

So, did the Constitution change recently, or who decided it's okay to disregard it?

I have a sneaking suspicion this guy might have something to do with this...

The HHS mandate directly affects all Catholics by prohibiting the exercise of religious beliefs. That's bad enough, as the Catholics make up around 20 - 30% of our population (don't quote me on that one though, I didn't find a reputable source for that number). But what's important here is that this is not just a Catholic issue. This is not even a religious issue. This is an issue about our freedom. 

Our freedom is being attacked by none other than our President. Isn't that horribly ironic? Yup, it's ironic, and it's disgusting. I am disgusted that this HHS mandate had gotten so far, but I know it will not last. Several groups have already taken up lawsuits against it. People are speaking out, and rightly so. 

What can you do to stop this attack on our freedom? Here's what you can do: 

1. Educate yourself. Know what the HHS Mandate is all about so you can talk about it. 

2. Sign this petition to let the government know we will stand against this mandate.

3. Share this article, and let other people know that we need to stand up against this atrocity.

As Dan Burke recently said in an article: "What the Obama administration needs to understand is that Catholics do not kneel to idols, we do not break rank before the hordes and we do not fear the consequences of an unjust law."

So here's what I have to say to Mr. Obama about this mandate: Bring it. We will never kneel to this mandate. We will never change our beliefs. And, we will do everything in our power to overturn this heinous attack on the freedom of ALL Americans. So yes, bring it.

Is there a difference?

A worried woman went to her gynecologist and said:

'Doctor, I have a serious problem and desperately need your help! My baby is not even 1 year old and I'm pregnant again. I don't want kids so close together.'

So the doctor said: 'Ok and what do you want me to do?'

She said: 'I want you to end my pregnancy, and I'm counting on your help with this.'

The doctor thought for a little, and after some silence he said to the lady: 'I think I have a better solution for your problem. It's less dangerous for you too.'

She smiled, thinking that the doctor was going to accept her request.

Then he continued: 'You see, in order for you not to have to take care of two babies at the same time, let's kill the one in your arms. This way, you could rest some before the other one is born. If we're going to kill one of them, it doesn't matter which one it is. There would be no risk for your body if you chose the one in your arms.'

The lady was horrified and said: 'No doctor! How terrible! It's a crime to kill a child!'

'I agree', the doctor replied. 'But you seemed to be okay with it, so I thought maybe that was the best solution.'

The doctor smiled, realizing that he had made his point.

No matter how many times I hear this, I always like reading it again. It make total sense: People are people, and should be treated that way from the very moment their life begins. There isn't a difference between killing this mother's one year old, and killing her unborn baby. Why? Because both are people - innocent people at that. They have no reason to die. We don't become people after we're born, but when we begin to exist at conception. 

Share this story if you agree by clicking that "share" button down there, and following me on Facebook!

 

La-Z-Boy Chairs, Popcorn, and Tennis Shoes...

Are you a person who sits and watches evil things happen, or do you do something about changing things that are wrong? Answer truthfully.

I,  for one, am not content sitting in my la-z-boy chair with a bowl of popcorn while watching life pass me by (yes, even if it's that amazing white cheesy popcorn). I was put on this earth for a reason, and by golly I'm going to live with that purpose!

Yes, no matter how comfortable this char looks, I will resist! Well, maybe.... ;-)

What do you think? Should we just let the awesome people who are changing things keep on doing what they're doing, or should we ALL stand up when we see things are not right? (Hint: your answer should involve the last part there).

I encourage you to think about your own life, and pray about this. Ask God for direction in your life so you can get out of your recliner and into the action. Find what you are passionate about, and ask God to use you to make a difference. Resist the urge to be complacent! We are all called in different ways. We aren't all called to be on the front line of life's battle, but we are all called to fight for what is right. So pull yourself out of your smooshy luxurious chair, put your popcorn away, and get your tennis shoes on. We're in this to win it. Today is the day.

Musical Monday - "Everything"

This week's song is from the talented Elizabeth Campisi. I really enjoy her her music, and the thought and meaning behind each song. I could go on and on, but I'm just going to let this song speak for itself.

Musical Monday #2

"Everything"

By Elizabeth Campisi & Danielle Rose

And now I've just gotta laugh at myself because the whole point of Musical Mondays was to take a break from serious stuff and post fun songs. Oh well! Next week I'll take a break from these awesome thought-provoking songs, and find an upbeat one to add some zest to your day :-) 

Now, take a minute to thank God for giving everything for you. He loves you as if you were the only person in the world. Here's to a wonderful week!

Out of Commission

Hi Readers!

Thank you so much for your continued support, and helping me spread the truth of life! You guys are awesome. I'm writing this to let you know that I'm out of town this weekend, and won't be posting until next week. I'll be at Benedictine College for a scholarship competition, so please keep me in your prayers. I'll be back in action next week :-)

In the meantime, leave me a comment with something you want me to blog about! Send me an email with your pro-life story! Share a post with your friends! Ask questions if you have some! Share your stories, and never loose faith in this battle for life!

For the Dignity of All Human Life,

Laura