Trent's Take

Blog Closing

2011-09-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Bad News:

This blog is utterly finished... forever.

The Better News:

LaughterIsMyMiddleName.com is my new website, with a new blog that just opened today!

To see the first issue of Munch and Judy click your way over to LaughterIsMyMiddleName.com!

See you there!

- Trent

P.S. - My personal blog over at TrentWilliams.wordpress.com is now on yearly status (next post March 2012). Think of it as a yearly newsletter.

2010 Year End Report

2010-12-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

I have been away from blogging for so long I am starting to lose what few blogging tips I learned. Notice I posted on a Tuesday…when the experts say most blogs are read on Thursday. Also, everything I have written is slightly exaggerated to make things more interesting. Other than that, I rather like this post… hope you do too! – T

Dear Family and Friends (and anyone else who is crazy enough to be reading this),

I have neglected writing you these past long months. Henceforth and furthermore, I have decided to plague you with this lengthy example of my writing inability. Now, what do you want to know?

I’ll start with girls. In my estimation, the complete number of girlfriends I have had over the years can be expressed in a figure strongly resembling the letter O (O, as in odd – odd, as in Trent). But those aren’t the type of girls I was thinking about anyway. I was thinking of sisters (O.K. I wasn’t thinking of them, but I had to say something or you would think I was campaigning my eligibility.)

Since my family will possibly write more about them in a much boringer, traditional newsletter… I have decided to repeat them. My sisters are cute, cuddly, cutthroats. I do not exaggerate. I have simply used the throat the mascot for all the body parts they bruise on a daily basis. My sisters recently inspired two characters in a short story I am still working on. The name of the older sister is Seraphim. The name of the younger… (I think you can guess). Both these angelic forms protect the evil goddess of life, who does not truly represent my mother (although it would be more fun to say that she did). My older sisters, this includes Cimrey even though she is a whole six years younger than I am, made a pact with all of themselves to ignore me. I have no idea why. I mean I know why they are ignoring me, but I don’t see any practical reason for it.

I guess I will have to go into every delightful detail. First, I decided this last year of teenagerhood to make up for all the other years I missed. Since everyone in my home tries to be smart, stuffy, and/or snobbish (except for Mom and the younger ones); I took it upon myself to balance things out, besides, the younger ones should have a good solid example of immaturity. Things took their course and here are the results: I turned to comedy, the younger ones to violence. Secondly, which is also lastly, I discovered that comedy is a skill I have. I have been flattered on several occasions into believing I could be a professional comic. I placed first in a Toastmaster’s humorous speech competition at my local club and then beat all the clubs around here in an area competition to go on to Austin (where I was soundly defeated!). So I can make people laugh. My sisters are not impressed. In fact, they have even quit giving reasonable feedback to jokes I occasionally am foolish enough to believe are original creations. Now all they do is nod and say “Yes its great,” just so I won’t tell them a slightly altered version of the same joke five minutes later.

And now here I am sitting on the couch wearing an ugly green t-shirt a size too big with an equally too big long sleeve over top. This last article of fashion has been banned by Tierany (an older sister) because of its repulsive black and green check-like pattern. But I am quite satisfied to flaunt it in front of her! Other than that, I’m the president of my Toastmasters club for the next six months (Toastmasters is an organization devoted to training people in public speaking skills). I’m looking forward to muddling through my term. Everything else is still the same, except I wish I could take a course in writing. Nothing much has been started, and most everything has been postponed.

I must end this. Till my Birthday, Merry Christmas!

- Trent

Blog Move

2010-02-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

I was going to wait for my birthday...

But I know you deserve the very best right now.

That's why I'm letting you in on a secret...

*whispering* I'm working on a new blog!

Why?

You'll just have to mosey on over thar and see for yurself!

Why?

Because I've awarded a movie (you can watch it at the new blog), I've uploaded a picture of myself that will start the tabloids talking, and in March I'm going to start a series on Calvinism!

Enter for your own enjoyment:

TrentWilliams.wordpress.com

(Note: I withhold the right to switch back to this blog at anytime. I am testing out Wordpress with hopes of switching over permanently.)

Skeptics (blown) Away! - Round 3

2010-02-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

Round 3

Skeptic: God was trying to tell you something else…

Trent: This is the most reasonable objection. Ruling out demonic intermeddling, we are left with two possibilities:

1. Fleshly reasons obstructed God’s message leaving me with a distorted version. (Why would God allow his message to be distorted? Maybe… maybe not.)

2. I really was called to preach!

Honestly there are all sorts of possibilities, but the easiest to believe is #2.

(Editor's Note: Read the other posts in the series! Round 1 , Round 2)

Skeptics (blown) Away! - Round 2

2010-01-27T09:53:00.000-08:00

Round 2

Skeptic: You just imagined it!

Trent: That’s strange, I imagined being called to a life that (at the time) I despised, twice.

(Editor's Note: One more in the series - coming next week! Read Round 1.)

Skeptics (blown) Away! - Round 1

2010-01-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

Round 1

Skeptic: What if the devil fooled you into thinking you were called to preach?

Trent: I don't see how the devil would get any advantage out of this trickery. Last I checked Satan wasn't tricking people into studying their Bibles, it doesn't exactly further his evil causes.

(Editor's Note: Two more in the series! Check out Round 2.)

Bound 4 Life: Houston March

2010-01-15T17:21:00.000-08:00

Trajectory Shift

2010-01-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

What I am about to say is very, very serious: it, quite literally, will affect everything.

I’m talking about callings. I’m focusing on what God wants me to do with my life (I know that sounds somewhat cliché, I apologize for not coming up with a better way to say it). I believe that I have been called to a particular duty.

Preface

I want to be the first to say that I’ve always felt a little irritated when other young people said they were, “called to preach” or, “called to foreign missions” (this was not true of respectable adults or relatives). I’m not sure why this offended me, but I think I thought they were being holier-than-thou, as if the only thing in the world one could be called to was preaching or the mission field. I also thought it was all too simple. They had it easy. They knew what they were supposed to do, they also knew that I didn’t and were rubbing it in my face, at least that was my impression. Pride doesn’t always make sense.

I hope that I make this already overhyped announcement in a way that doesn’t offend you. I know God has a plan for you. You may be called to something boring like me, or it may be something grand like running for President. His ways are not our ways. Sometimes what we least except is what He wants. Also, God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). Just because your calling is to the lost souls in Haiti, doesn’t mean you are more important, or more loved, or more worthy, than the clerk at Wal-Mart.

Beginning

I had the idea once after reading the autobiography of W.A. Criswell that I would make a good preacher. My sister immediately pointed out the searing truth that nothing could be further from the truth. If you have ever met me you already are laughing at the idea, it really is, from a human perspective, immensely absurd.

But…God’s ways are not mans ways.

Around that time I was nagged by the sense that God might be calling me to preach. I dislike nagging, so I pushed it off. The idea that God was calling me persisted.

Finally, I told God, “Sure, I’ll preach”.

That was easy, I thought, now I won’t be bugged by that.

Preach? Sure. Be a preacher? Now that was a different matter entirely. I mean really, the Bible commands us to preach the gospel. I know I’m supposed to do that anyway. I can agree to that.

Climax

Some stuff came up, as stuff will always do, and I forgot all about it, but God didn’t.

It’s one thing to agree to do something you were planning on or something you thought about doing – at the time you were thinking about doing it, it’s another to agree to someone else’s seemingly ludicrous plan.

I’ve been called to preach, and be a preacher.

I could try to question and define away till I get every iota of what God actually means by that, but I have a feeling it’s better if I don’t know. God will show me when I need to know.

I finally said to God: “I’ll do it”.

It’s already shifting my trajectory.

Where I’ll end up I don’t know, but who’ll be with me, ah… that’s for sure!

David Barton and I

2010-01-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a scary facial expression (I think I was trying trying to smile...)! I'm glad David Barton didn't get a copy!

Patriot Academy, August 2009

Photo by: David Personius

2009 is Left Behind

2009-12-31T22:59:00.000-08:00

I only have one wish for you...

I only know you'll need one thing...

It's very simple, but extraordinarily hard.

As I look back on the goals I made in a year of slow plodding that burned up like a quick grass fire that someone had added gasoline to, I have to say, in the words of John Wayne: "Not hardly." No, I didn't accomplish what I had set out to do. No, my plan didn't groove so well. God had a different plan (I tell you more about it January 14th, but know that is nothing I ever was planning or looking for... it's a whole lot better!).

"What God's plan for your life?" (or something similar) was asked me semi-recently. It rocked my boat, and I don't mean rocked in the "cool", hip sort of way that it's used today. Somewhere along the line I conveniently forgot about God's plan. I knew a good thing to do. I knew what my few skills were. I could handle life. I had a plan.

God knows how to handle life a whole lot better, and I really do mean "handle". His ways are higher than our ways. His plan is long term. He knows tomorrow, he wrote it.

Marvelously, you are in God's plan. Do you know what your role is? My one wish for you in the Year of our Lord 2010 is to find that role. God has a plan. You have a role. His way is best.

- Trent

Breaking Anouncment: I Won!

2009-12-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

Surprise!

I just learned that I won a bookmark contest!

Yes, I know some of you have moved on to higher things... but I would like to remind you that I will be receiving the prize money not you! : )

Uniquely, the contest was supposed to be an art competition, yet I took first place - the world is full of paradoxes...

- Trent Williams, Award Winning Bookmark Artist

Captors Revealed (Part 2)

2009-12-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

After much searching, I have learned my captors identities:

Procrastination, Distractions, and Busyness

WARNING! If you see these thieves in your neighborhood BEWARE!

Even if you have not noticed them you may need to take a closer look. You must watch diligently. You should analyze studiously. You can't be too careful. Tragically, even if you do not find them, you cannot rest. Any moment, your life could be stolen.

Life is time: your life is your time. Guard your time and you will keep your life.

- You Know Who

Reappearance (Escape from Kidnappers Part 1):

2009-12-24T06:43:00.000-08:00

I disappeared from the blogosphere months ago, kidnapped by some of the most dangerous and deadly villains in history. Recently I was able to break free from my captors. I am writing from an undisclosed location in the US. My time is limited. The technology my captors possess enables them to track my location if I access the internet for more than fifteen minutes.

I hope this message finds all of you safe (not fleeing from lethal desperados). I also hope you are not as pressed for time as I am.

My progress this year has been restricted… I will give you an update soon (exactly when is not appropriate to say – for health reasons).

I hope you are all studying the wise men and the shepherds. Their approach to God’s commands helped them become the inspirational, instructional, and influential men we read about each year.

I hope to give you a closer view of these characters in God’s marvelous story… but for now I must run…

May each of you have a merry and blessed Christmas,

-You Know Who

GOP beats pretty much everybody (including themselves)...

2009-11-08T13:26:00.000-08:00

November 3rd election results are mixed. The GOP's incompetence has miraculously been overshadowed by their successes in Virginia and New Jersey.

Upstate New York is what I'm talking about. I'm originally from that area (I mean this in an extremely general way - almost the entire state is upstate!) so this one is close to (my former) home. Why couldn't the GOP step in and endorse/fund the conservative guy (why not just say "Ooopps! Our Chairman over in New York just blew it and picked someone who doesn't represent our values at all so were funding this Gentleman that does?)? Just because he was beating them fair and square?

[My info was gained partly from Politico.com and the Republican Michigander blog - which I recommend you visit for their take on this]

Texas Results:

Official Results site

Although a red state, Texas passed all of it's proposed constitutional amendments. OK that was the bad news... what's worse is that not even 10% of my county turned out to vote.

The almost, but-not-even-close-to-being, good news:

The closest contests were on two bad propositions...

Prop. 1 "The constitutional amendment authorizing the financing, including through tax increment financing, of the acquisition by municipalities and counties of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for the prevention of encroachment or for the construction of roadways, utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation."

(Why? Tax increase plus, governmental growth is BAD)

AGAINST:

44.80%

FOR:

55.19%

Prop. 4: "The constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund."

(Increase in funding, especially at this time is BAD).

AGAINST:

43.26%

FOR:

56.73%

I think I very well may try to become Precinct Chairman...

- Trent

First Time Voting!

2009-11-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

I voted because of the beaches. An amendment to the Texas Constitution would make it a constitutional right to access public beaches, not just a right, a constitutional right. That's right folks, a constitutional right.

Proposition 9: "The constitutional amendment to protect the right of the public, individually and collectively, to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico."

Wouldn't you want a constitutional right to access beaches (even if they were already privately owned)? Actually I voted against the proposition (did I mention we already have an "Open Beaches Act"?), how much of a right do we need to make visiting the beach?

This first time voter was elated to cast a vote creating measures that will lower property tax!

Proposition 2: "The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead."

Proposition 3: "The constitutional amendment providing for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes."

First time voting, but not the last!

- Trent

P.S. I just realized I missed posting in the month of October completely! I beg your forgiveness.

PPS. Unfortunately I wasn't able to organize a rally against government health care because of some things that came up (too bad).

Rally for Health (Say "No!" to Government 'Care' )

2009-09-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is the project I am thinking about....

A rally (similar to the tea parties) that starts with protest and ends with a prayer meeting for anyone interested. Included would be speakers and a sign judging competition...

Need:

Sound System

Meeting Area

Water

Church (for prayer meeting

Estimated length: 3 hrs.

Speeches - 2 hrs.

Prayer - as long as people want to go.

I'll let y'all know if I pull off the planning. You won't be left out or not invited - I promise.

- Trent

P.S. - Hey what about an online rally!

I'm Back!

2009-09-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Texas last Sunday (the 13th). Unfortunately is wasn't as brown as I had expected, due to rain.

Things I learned from the trip:

1. Postcards are expensive.

2. People are weird no matter where you go (not referring to relatives)...

3. People are concerned about this country no matter where you go... some are even doing something about it.

4. Fill a van to capacity including four kids under four years old and you get one wild ride!

Unable to post at length... working on projects.

-Trent

Traveling On...

2009-09-11T18:37:00.000-07:00

My family's annual trek to visit our distant, in terms of travel length, relatives is winding down.

The Latest:

Saw the Creation Museum near Cincinnati Ohio. Outstanding!

Staying in a Comfort Inn, near Louisville, Kentucky.

We're on our return trip and I'm excited to see my favorite state: Texas (I'm just now getting used to the green up here!).

Updates:

Quick updates on what I'm up to are located on the very topmost part of the sidebar. If you want to know the latest look there. It's faster for me (to use twitter to upload the sidebar) so that's where I'll be.

Later,

-Trent

Wedding Dress Photo!

2009-08-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is way overdue...

The 2009 Grand Champion in Sewing:

This is the wedding dress I, with long suffering instruction from my expert seamstress sisters, was able to enter in the Bell County Youth Fair where it netted the highest award possible in the sewing category.

For those of you who have been waiting for this photo since February...

You can advertise on my blog for two months at no cost! : )

Thanks for waiting,

-Trent

P.S. Did I mention the dress is for sale?

(Editors Note: Read the story of my first impression on hearing I had won Grand Champion at the 2009 Bell County Youth Fair: Wedding Dress Wins! - also includes contact info.)

Back From Patriot Academy

2009-08-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Patriot Academy 2009 was phenomenal!

If you are interested in politics, or are confused by government, Patriot Academy is the place for you.

Update

I have some good news and some even better news...

1. My bill (ending no-fault divorce in Texas) passed!

2. Michael Bullock won the race for Speaker of the House!

I ran for Speaker, learned a lot, and did a whole lot better than my first few attempts at campaigning. In the end I lost, but it was a outstanding experience.

I rank my race as:

Terrible

Respectable

Out-Of-This-World

Press Release:

2009-07-31T05:21:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, July 31, 2009

Temple, TX. - Trent Williams announced his bid for Speaker of the House as he began his campaign for the future of Patriot Academy early this Friday. Supporters lined the walkway wishing Trent well, congratulating him for entering the race, and speculating the future of Patriot Academy with him in office as he left the rally.

Asked if he would run again Trent assured the patriots present that once elected he would never run for another Academy office: “No, I don’t think they need me to hog the cabinet!”

To another question he answered: “If you think you can do the job an office requires: don’t run for it; when you know you can go beyond accomplishing to excelling in that position, go for it!” An avid writer and go-getter, Representative Williams returns with the skills and experience needed to excel at Speaker of the House.

He concluded with: “The people running for, and holding, the offices are just a sideshow; the real people making it happen are y’all bringing the bills and doing all the other “normal” stuff. I plan to serve you in your efforts to turn the world right side up!”

Before climbing into his “tour bus” he called back:

“Just remember, for Speaker: Write Williams!”

###

Paid for by Trent Williams for Speaker.

The Flight Back

2009-07-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

In Midway airport with forty minutes left on the clock...

I tried chasing down a Mormon in Midway airport, but he lost me in a crowded restaurant (well, I it’s not that he lost me it’s just that he became less accessible and completely preoccupied with devouring his sandwich). While thinking of some way to engage him in conversation I ran across three guys wearing shirts ties and backpacks. Why talk to one Mormon when you can take on three at once? So I followed them, and to my delight they headed in the direction I needed to be going anyway (chasing the Mormon had taken me in the opposite direction of my gate). Unfortunately they were not on my flight. I sat next to them at their gate and waited for their conversation to lull. Sure enough an opportunity came. “Where are y’all heading?” I asked (Pretty dumb question but I had to start somewhere…). I found out that they were heading to New Hampshire for Seminary to become Catholic Priests. I should have known better Mormons wear short sleeves, not long, and I’ve never seen a group of them to wear matching ties. After discussing the very complicated subject of how to get to heaven if you are a Catholic (according to the answers they gave to my questions you have to basically get try as many rituals, wear as many charms, and put a lot of hope in what someone tells you – as it isn’t in the Bible. I’m exaggerating, but you get the point. They couldn’t tell me where purgatory was in the Bible and finally agreed that you could get to heaven without it or even baptism. They seemed to think that they and I agreed almost completely on how to get to heaven. I was in the middle of telling them why an aborigine who had lived a basically “good” life couldn’t get to heaven… when their plane started boarding. I left each with a tract, and got back to my gate.

On the way to Houston, the guys in my row and I were busy reading our Bibles (NASB on my right, and NIV on my right) – wild!

Chicago Bound!

2009-07-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm headed to "Obama-land" or what used to be it.

When: This Saturday

What for: An in depth Bible study (that's it in simplified sort of way)

How: By plane

I won't be blogging until I get back.

But when I do...

I'll let you know how it went and all the hilarious predicaments I got myself into.

Till then,

-Trent

P.S. I'm hoping to get back to actively blogging when I come back. Right now I'm down with the flu (it's better than being "gone with the wind") which is possibly THE flu, yep, swine flu (possibly).

Mistakes (lessons from a magic show)

2009-06-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

"The lack of avoidable mistakes is the lack of positive assumption" - Trent Williams, 2009.

This I know, mistakes will happen, no matter what you expect. That's why you should "Expect the worst. Prepare for the worst." (another quote I have deceived myself into believing is possibly original).

I was painfully reminded of this truth at my annual children's magic show (which this year was a clown and magic show). I have believed time and time again that certain things can be done without practice, it isn't true. Other assumptions that I have briefly entertained are that the right words will magically come into my mouth at the right time for the right situation, that hecklers don't exist, that all children are mostly good, and that the little details (like what the clowns will do and when) will fall into place, you guessed it, magically (automatically).

Moral:

Minimize assumptions, the positive ones that is. Dreaming is only five times better than doing when you do what you have dreamt.

Back again (for a little while at least),

- Trent

Correct, But Not Politically

2009-06-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

Start the week off right

and attend the church of your choosing.

- Bumper Sticker

How politically correct can you get... and still get it wrong?

While most bumper stickers are known for speaking nuggets of truth, this one tries, and fails, at balancing on the ever slipery path of political correctness. A few obvious mistakes: the word "church" needs changing, maybe "place of worship" would work, and "attend", doesn't that imply the biased view that after finding your choice of faith's "meeting house" you should continue going to that same "religious assembly"? Another question: who's to say that starting the week off right is done by attending a "religious meeting"?

Conclusion:

No matter how we attack this ridiculous bumper sticker there is something to be said for the owner; he actually had a message on his vehicle. The moral to the tale is: put a nice and attractive bumper sticker on a nice and attractive vehicle with a nice attractive scripture or saying that expresses exactly the, according to political correctness, not-so-nice-or-attractive truth.

Paused, But Not Forsaken

2009-06-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

A magic show in the making...

A book in the plotting...

A blog that I'm neglecting...

That's what I'm currently doing, that and I'm thinking about leaving the Conservatives. More on that later...

But know this: you are not forgotten!

- Trent

Plodding on, more slowly than surely.

How to Change the World (a practical guide): The Weapons Part 1

2009-05-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Changing the world is more difficult than it looks. That’s probably because we are going about this “world changing” stuff it in completely the wrong way. It also has a lot to do with what weapons we use, or don’t use. If you want to shoot down a fighter pilot you don’t use a M16 rifle. Similarly the Bible says:

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;” 2 Corinthians 10:4

The war to change the world is not a Conservatives versus Liberals fight, it’s a Satan versus God matchup. Sometimes today it seems as if we worship a made up god who is weak and disinterested in our lives. Our God is all holy, all powerful, and all knowing. Not only does God keep his promises, but he’s the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end (that’s how I know He’ll win)!

If our God is real why don’t follow his guidelines for changing the world? The Believers in the book of Acts didn’t try politics or military force they simply went and proclaimed Jesus’ life altering, world changing, message to as many as they could wherever they could. Because of this look what happened to a believer named Jason and a few of his fellow Christians:

“…they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;”

Wow! What an accusation, these guys are “world turners”, turning the world, not upside down, but right side up!

At times, especially after losing elections, it seems as though we get confused and think we should try the same tactics our worldly opponents use. Jesus didn’t say:

“Go into all the world and support/be your local Republican candidate.”

He said:

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

and:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of

the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have

commanded you:”.

If his soul is won, fed and nurtured by God, you won’t have to worry about his vote. God wants to use you to

change the world with His weapons!

For “how to” books on evangelism and gospel tracts anyone can hand out go here:

LivingWaters.com . Other websites with excellent gospel tracts: Chick.com and OneMilliontracts.com

Want proof that evangelism has something to do with voting patterns? Read the acclaimed article by the same author: The Evangelism Connection

6 Things Against Huck

2009-05-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Mike Huckabee graced the front cover of World magazine this month. The interview reminded me of how likable he is, it also reminded me of the biggest problem I have with him: he plays electric guitar in a rock band. Actually the main reason for my weary warriness of Huck is because he's a man. Six in the Bible is sometimes symbolic of man, who isn't perfect.

6 Things I Don't Like About Huckabee:

1. He's never made any mistakes, according to his books that is.

2. He plays rock 'n roll.

3. His history with money, his and his state's.

4. He said the free market left to itself was too "harsh".

5. He drinks diet Pepsi (that alone should prove that "he aint right").

6. He's a little too environmentally concerend, at least it sounded that way.

When it's all over and I look at the list I have to say my concerns aren't that major. In the end...

I like Mike.

Sleight of Tongue:

2009-05-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

Camping in the Rain!

2009-04-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

The forecast says "Scattered Thunder Storms", every day of our planned camping trip. I say "Rain? Ahhhhh!!!!! Not AGAIN!!" (Please don't ask, I've had many bad experiences).

I'm praying for deliverance from arranging and rearranging tarps, stakes (to hold the tarps down), and poles (to keep the tarps in desired positions) as the seconds boom louder than the thunder and my worried perspiring soaks faster than the light rain falling around me.

The next blog post will be delayed until Monday, May 4th.

So, until next time this is,

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Trent Williams.

Confessions of an Excuse-Making Soda Addict

2009-04-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

From the author of "Presumptual":

You may remember that my "new years resolution" was to, above other things, quit soda (or pop, coke, or soda water as it is sometimes referred to as, but really isn't).

To make a short story long...

I DID IT! I QUIT SODA!

Except... for the five soda's I've had since the resolution was made. You see I haven't quite figured out how to tell my employer and he keeps giving soda at break time and the other two times I, well...

Rules about resolution making:

1. Resolutions Require Exceptions (the more the merrier)

Exceptions to My Soda Quiting Resolution:

A. If someone doesn't know about your resolution and they have already bought/poured some soda for you and you think it would cause them pain for you to not drink the soda (or if it happens to be Root Bear - my personal favorite), drink the soda.

B. If there is nothing else to drink and you are about to become dehydrated to the point of death.

C. If someone forces you to drink the stuff at gun point.

D. If someone else will be killed or caused physical pain on the even that you do not drink some soda.

E. Seltzer Water (used in pretty much in all of the non-alcoholic punches in existence) is not considered by Trent Williams to be soda (even though the major ingredient is carbonated water).

I hope you enjoy insanity and zaniness, er I mean, creativity -yeah thats what it is: creativity - as much as I do (If not let me know and I'll go back to those "lovely" intellectual articles.)

Your Friendly Neighborhood Trent Williams

Critique Week:

2009-04-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Critique week is from this Saturday to next Saturday. Have fun!

Kristie's blog (theclassicalconservative.wordpress.com): very well written posts.

Needs: Pictures and a subtitle (instead of the "just another wordpress blog" thing).

Brian's blog (brianfactor.blogspot.com): dispels the myth that you have to post consecutively to have a following. Layout could definitely use some help.

Needs: A picture or two wouldn't hurt. Layout could definitely use some help. Definitely more posts would help, even just once a month blogging...

Paulo's blog (paulosibaja.wordpress.com): A newly started detailed account the activities of liberals.

Needs: A lot, mostly the it's the subject. Who needs another reminder of what the left is up to? Of course the layout of the blog could be brushed up too. Pictures, and shorter posts in between the main posts would work a miracle for this blog.

Trent's blog (your looking at it): Too creative and has huge problems.

The Bible says: "judge not lest ye be judged", so don't hold back, tell me what you hate about this blog!

Bonus Blogger Bits:

Do leave comments on every blog (unless it's an accident you visit that blog), it's the secret to success in blogging. If you comment on a not-that-well-visited blog it's almost a given they'll check your blog out.

Do read 5 times more than you write.

Do keep a notebook to scribble your ideas and even complete posts while your offline.

Sunday School Teacher Extraordinaire

2009-04-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Recently, I acquired a Sunday school. I now teach the Jr. High class at our church. Adding Sunday School teacher to my list of things I do, not learning, not almost, not one day, no, Sunday school teacher I am. Yes it’s amazing, now I can strut my stuff and puff out my chest: I AM A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER!

Also…

Since its Jr. High, I’m practically the youth pastor of the church! my storytelling style is unsurpassed*, my charm irresistible**, my teaching ability is undeniable, well at least the fact that it needs HUGE improvement is.

*definitely “un” something… **I may be stretching it a little, but its pretty much fact : )

No, the only “Sunday School Teacher Extraordinaire” is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke with power and authority; I sound worse than Mr. Obama with a malfunctioning teleprompter! Jesus drew crowds of thousands to hear him speak and see his miracles; the only miracle that happens in my class is that we get most of the way through the lesson before the time is up.

Oh, I almost forgot, the best part about the last two Sundays? My one and only pupil actually showed up!

What's happening?

2009-04-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

Debate Brian Morgan: right here (and here) on this blog! Part of an on going battle of comments about what an actually conservative government should do. You've been waiting to try your hand at arguing with this champion debater, here it is! In fact, if your still nervous just leave an Anonymous comment.

Other Debates: want to share your foreign policy views on the War on Terror? Try out the exchange currently going on at here on Kristie Eshelman's blog.

New on the Blogroll: blog Eternal Vigilance. Yet another Ron Paul fan... ...that's sad. And so we can have some balance a Huck fan's blog: Panhandle Perspective.

Added: A new sidebar section with links to Huckabee's websites. Looking for Huck bloggers? Go here.

Trent News:

Finished raking leaves for my neighbor!

Started Bank Account.

Working on Team Blog called WorldTurners...

Started Sunday School Class! More on that Monday...

Critique Week!

Sometime next week...

the critic will begin his rant...

...NO ONE will escape his wrath!

Hear what's wrong with this and every other blog Trent's ever seen. Get quick tips on what to do from an "expert" who knows everything.... ....that you shouldn't do! And maybe more...

Have a great Easter!

-Trent

The Concert Balcony

2009-04-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

Live music, nothing like it. As I was sitting in the balcony listening, I thought to myself "After the practice it all comes out in the light."

It all comes out in the light.

The good, the bad, and the ugly everything is visible in the light.

Whether the guys are wearing the prescribed tuxedo, just a black suit or something else (like when your black is on your tie and you're wearing a white shirt that screams "look at me I'm playing in the percussion section", or wearing blue jackets - yes, there were a few). If you are the ancient violinist playing in the second chair section, or the 12 year old playing the biggest drum, in the light it all comes out. The excited lady french horn player (who was almost as ancient as the violinist, maybe even more), the guy playing on the clarinet with gusto, and the women almost falling of her stool as she enthusiastically manipulated her base violin (that's the biggest one they make): that comes out. The stoic bassoon player and that harpist, they don't get the same praise: it came out. Whether you practice, make a mistake, or loudly open your water bottle following the example of a certain flautist: under the light it comes out.

Life is like a orchestra, whether you prepare or not it will be seen, but what really matters is how well we play while "under the light".

You are under the light, what are people seeing?

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us..."

Stevens Cleared! and Chicago Politics

2009-04-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

"Power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have."

Read the rest of the article about Obama and his Chicago style political tactics.

Speaking of Alaska's former U.S Senator Ted Stevens:

"On Tuesday, however, the Justice Department dropped all charges, citing prosecutorial misconduct. Judge Emmet Sullivan held the federal prosecutors in contempt of court in February for failing to comply with a court order that internal documents be delivered to Stevens' attorneys -- documents that would have significantly helped the defense in cross examining a key witness against Stevens. Beyond that, Justice rules prohibit issuing indictments so close to an election, except under extraordinary circumstances. It seems those extraordinary circumstances were the effort to reach 60 Democrat seats in the Senate." - Patriot Post

"We've criticized Mr. Stevens for excessive spending and earmarks, and his habits contributed to the decline and fall of the GOP Congress. His explanation at trial about the gifts he received was hard to believe, and a D.C. jury inclined to dislike Republicans didn't believe it. But Mr. Stevens deserved a fair trial and the full protection of the law. He got neither here, and that's a larger scandal than anything he was charged with." - Wallstreet Journal

Interesting...

Coming Soon: Live Blogging!

2009-04-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

The air is cool and blowing hard...

It’s getting dark outside.

Inside the monotony of repetition, so long in its revolving cycle it has turned to habit, is hardly noticed as thoughts of “When I complete this project I can start finishing the rest of the required reading I started a week ago” and others of striking similarity run through the heads of the occupants of the cottage.

Sound a little too familiar (except the cottage part)?

Well, let’s kick monotonous planned regularity out the door.

Let’s do something new, fun, and even slightly educational and Live Blog!

Here’s how it works:

1. We synchronize schedules*.

*NOTE: when I refer to timing I will be using Central Time (hey, this is a Texas blog).

2. Come to my blog at the set time.

3. Click on the “comments” button under the first post on the page.

4. Comment back and forth real time!

Feedback Needed:

If you are interested, or even just remotely amused by this idea, I need to know what time will work for you. I have no set-in-stone bloggin schedule so go ahead and let me know what your's is by leaving a comment.

Thank you for your time; I am indebted to all of ya’ll,

- Trent

Author of the intriguing Brother Libertarian? (just in case you haven't read it!).

Sister Constitutionalist? The Concluding Episode

2009-04-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Continued from Sister Constitutionalist? Part 2:

Despite the historical facts, there remain those who would have us all “jump ship” for a third party. Seeing our options are limited, the Constitutionalist Party is advocated by some as the party to jump to. Despite their few good points and a novel (I’m not sure what to make of it) take on taxes, it remains to be asked: “Is this party truly Conservative?”

Unique Tax Policy:

To the degree that tariffs on foreign products, and excises, are insufficient to cover the legitimate Constitutional costs of the federal government, we will offer an apportioned "state-rate tax" in which the responsibility for covering the cost of unmet obligations will be divided among the several states in accordance with their proportion of the total population of these United States, excluding the District of Columbia. Thus, if a state contains 10 percent of the nation's citizens, it will be responsible for assuming payment of 10 percent of the annual deficit.

Conclusion:

Questioning whether Constitutionalism is a direct relation to Conservatism is similar to asking if a miniature pony is related to the horse. Though related, many families include those eccentric members who never cease to embarrass. Sisters are especially known for there wild and often unrealistic ideas, this one is no different.

Also in this series: Sister Constitutionalist? Part 1; Sister Constitutionalist? Part 2

"Presumtual"

2009-03-27T14:13:00.000-07:00

Raking leaves for my neighbor proved one thing: I'm a wimp. No, this didn't come as a surprise and no, no one else was surprised either. One good thing did come of it though: my endurance level reminded me of my presumptuousness.

"This ought to take me, oh, about 2 hrs."*

Guess what? I'm still working on those leaves, and it's only been a couple weeks! Alright there has been some rain, sickness, and...

*I actually didn't give my neighbor an estimate, but it would have been close to "2 or 3 days" which is nowhere close to what's actually happened.

At least to myself, I have, in the past, made all sorts of commitments. Like my "grandiose" magic show, even my daily scheduling runs into serious trouble when it's time, or I should when it isn't time, to carry out these plans. This whole WilliamsForRep thing runs into serious trouble as well. How do I know if I will become a State Representative? Only God knows and only by his grace will I get anywhere at all. I don't honestly know what tomorrow holds, but I do know that God is in control and he has something probably a whole lot better than politics in store for me (and you too!)!

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
James 4:13-15

Scratch Beginnings:

2009-03-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Written by Adam Shephard Scratch Beginnings documents his experiences living in America, (Charleston, South Carolina - city chosen out of a hat) with 25 bucks, the clothes on his back, and a gym bag containing a tarp and a sleeping bag. Points to learn from his journey:

1. Hard Work: it works.

2. Homeless Shelters: they stink (litererally).

3. Jobs: Make the manager see it's his a mistake not to hire you. "I'm awsome (in whatever area you really are good at), either you want me or you don't."

4. Clothing: check out Goodwill.

5. Stuff: Don't need it, don't buy it.

6. Furniture: You want it? Become a mover.

7. Housing: Should only cost 1/3 of your income.

Although the book is intriguing and informative, I can't give this a "go tell all your friends to read it" rating given the amount of profanity included in it. All I can say is the guy set a goal from being homeless to having an apartment, something like $2,500 in savings and a operable vehicle in one year, and he got it. The theme of the book is hard work will get you anywhere and that wrong choices, well, there your fault.

What'd ya' want?

2009-03-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

It's the start of a new year (at least for me). It's time to refocus. I'm setting goals. Time to revamp.

So, what'd ya' want?

Here's what I want:

1. No more opinion pieces (who needs to waste their with one more stinker of a blog?).

2. Something focused. Me, myself, what I'm learning, and how far I'm progressing.

3. A journey so exciting it will make you check every week for the next post (with fun stuff in between - like the movie trailer).

4. Helpful stuff that you can use in your journey for success.

5. A coming soon spot to excite you even more.

That means:

A. I will continue to write informative articles like Sister Constitutionalist?, but I will not write garbage like "Why I think Obama is a Dope!" (which I don't, I think he is a very intelligent, but misguided, man doing what he thinks is best for himself and his country - notice the order.)

B. Not a diary (something written for yourself to read). A online jurnal of sorts, without any looser information like "Today I Brushed my Teeth".

C. Only stuff I think you might be interesting or helpful to you.

But what do you want?

Go ahead let me know. I will reply to every single boring comment, so I dare you, leave one!

Revamping,

-Trent

Coming Soon: Slices of Adam Shepherds Scratch Beginnings (or how to survive in America with nothing but 25$ and the clothes on your back.)

The Latest Rich Christiano Movie (he made Time Changer):

2009-03-08T17:44:00.001-07:00

Sister Constitutionalist? Part 2

2009-03-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

Continued from Part 1:

Problems with Constitutionalism arrise when we stumble one of there favorite issues: war.

The War on Terrorism:

Yes, they do mention it as the War On Terrorism (not as the War on Iraq - which it isn't), but only once and with quotes as if we weren’t actually fighting against terrorists.

The "war on terrorism" is serving as an excuse for the government to spend beyond its income, expand the Federal bureaucracy, and socialize the nation through taxpayer bailouts of the airlines, subsidies to the giant insurance corporations, and other Federal programs.

They also bash the Patriot Act as if there was some sort of conspiracy that the government has devised to “get you”. (For more info on the Patriot Act, it’s founders, purpose, and huge success, you should read the book by former Attorney General John Ashcroft: Never Again).

We deplore and vigorously oppose legislation and executive action that deprive the people of their rights secured under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments under the guise of "combating terrorism" or "protecting national security." Examples of such legislation are the National Security Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, and the proposed Domestic Securities Enhancement Act (colloquially known as the "Patriot II"), and the Military Commissions Act.

Conspiracy and the Constitution, that's what it's all about.

To be contiued...

Also in this series: Sister Constitutionalist? Part 1; Sister Constitutionalist? The Concluding Episode

IT'S HERE!

2009-03-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday! Being 18 has, so far been great!

2009 Resolution:

1. Quit Drinking Soda

2. Cut Down on Computer Time

Please note that all resolutions (not all given here) begin tommorrow.

Hope you have a day as good as mine!

-Trent

1 Day Left!

2009-03-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

Only one day left to the big day (my birthday, March 4th)!

Today we watched Volcanoes Under the Sea at a planetarium (basically the same as watching an Imax film), fascinating except for the evolution "facts".

Since I have the twisted notion that my birthday is the start of my new year, I will be posting 2009 resolutions (no, I'm not late, it's, uhh... style. Right.)

-Trent

What about Georgia?

2009-02-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

In 2010 Republican Sonny Perdue will be replaced (because of term limits). Who will be next? Right now, who even cares?

One blogger does. Grace Explosion's blog, Draft Ray McBerry Governor of Georgia 2010, has already seen fruit to her labors. Ray McBerry, a Georgia business owner originally began his race as a candidate in the 2006 gubernatorial primaries. The details of that race, according to his website, are as follows:

After garnering nearly 50,000 votes in the Republican primary of 2006
against a strongly-entrenched incumbent... and with only 90 days to campaign...
it was obvious immediately that the strong States' Rights message of Ray's
"Georgia First" campaign was a resounding success with Georgia voters who heard
it.

Now he's at it again. After some internal polling to see if his followers were in it for the long haul, Ray McBerry has made it official on his website: 2010 is going to see a lot of "Ray McBerry for Gov." signs. A conservative Christian McBerry's message of "Not Atalanta...Not Washington...But GEORGIA FIRST!" is a breath of fresh air in politics.

We'll have to see what God has in store for him... and Georgia.

-Trent
Only Four Day's Left!

Day 2: White Watering to the White House

2009-02-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

I enjoy elections, even if the outcome isn’t all that pleasant. I like politics, to a degree. I (wow, this is getting pretty egotistical, not to mention redundant) especially get a kick out of running for offices, even though my average of winning is, well… zip.

So here’s the challenge: what do you think is the best raft to use in getting to “Washington” (to be a little more realistic let’s say Austin, State Capitol of Texas)? You can vote on the poll and/or leave a comment. If I have overlooked some great way make sure and let me know. Here are a few possibilities:

The Military.

Local Politics (City Council, Mayor etc.).

Business Owner (Yeah, I know this is supposed to make you a “shoe in”, but it didn’t work that well for Romney).

Banker (I don’t think so, would you vote for one?).

The Ministry (Pastor, youth pastor etc. Huckabee? Not necessarily.).

Accountant (This is a really good possibility that my brother came up with, I mean hey, who wouldn’t want a politician with accounting skills?).

Newspaperman/Newspaper Owner (Publicize yourself in a good light! Think of Bloomberg.)

T.V. Guy (does this bring anyone to mind? No, it couldn’t be Al Franken!)

Actor (Hey, Ronnie did it!)

The Medical Field (Lot’s of great possibilities here, any problems? One: Dr. No. Number Two: blood.)

Money Maker (Similar to Banker, make a lot so you can spend it on your run for office. Basically an “other” category - yes I’m cheating by including it.)

Don’t worry about your vote changing my mind, it hasn’t yet! I’m just kidding.

Have fun,

-Trent

Only six day’s left!

Blogathon: Countdown to the Big One Eight!

2009-02-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

My birthday is march 4th. I'm real excited about it. I'm always sick.

O.k., I don't think I was sick on my 5th, 6th, or 11th birthdays, but I certainly was last year, and the year before that, and... So here I am, one week from my birthday, writing with a pile of tissues next to the keyboard and a headache from staying awake with a fever half the night. Please pray that I will recover in time for the bang up celebration (I don't mean to be selfish, It's just, well...)

To show how excited I am, I have decided to post every day from now till my birthday.

You don't have to spend a lot on me, but if you feel so led you may park any donations outside my house (e-mail me for directions).

Remember: It's only one week from today!

-Trent

7 (or 6 depending on how you count it) days to 18

Sister Constitutionalist? Part 1

2009-02-14T07:52:00.000-08:00

Our current government has problems.

The constitution worked.

“Go Constitutionalism!”

That’s the case for Constitutionalism in a nutshell: Return to the constitution in its purest form. “What is the purest form of the Constitution?” you may ask. The answer to this question lies in a grey pool of a few arguable facts and many, many arguable opinions. To fully understand the position taken by Constitutionalists we need to examine their platform and the ideology that it is based upon. While doing this, we will take a look at the party’s similarity to Libertarianism, the good points to Constitutionalism, and the incorrect views they hold as well.

You’ve met my “brother”?

Interestingly, the entire quagmire of articles making up the party platform reads as if it were the Gospel According to Ron Paul (Libertarian, in mind if not in name, who unsuccessfully ran for president in the Republican primaries - bringing great dismay to many Constitutionalists). An example of “Ron Paulism” from the platform reads:

One of the greatest contributors to deficit spending is war. If the country is to get rid of debt, these United States cannot become gratuitously involved in constant wars. Constitutional government, as the founders envisioned it, was not imperial. It was certainly not contemplated that America would police the world at the taxpayers’ expense.

Notice the wording “become gratuitously involved in constant wars” (emphasis mine) and “police the world at the taxpayers’ expense”. (While getting rid of the national debt should be on our short list of priorities it should not be first and foremost. Survival is a little bit more important.) Clearly, the ties to libertarianism are strong as seen by this example (almost identical to the Libertarian’s position on national defense):

The Constitution Party has consistently opposed American involvement in conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central and South America. These United States has no interest in these areas which would justify the sacrifice of Americans on foreign battlefields - nor is our country properly cast as a merchant of death in international arms races.

Here we see that our possible sister has met our impossible “brother” (Libertarianism is, in actuality, an entirely separate political ideology and not related to us Conservatives).

Too be continued....

Also in this series: Sister Constitutionalist? Part 2; Sister Constitutionalist? The Concluding Episode

Just in: WEDDING DRESS WINS!

2009-02-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

Today we received the word. I was invited. We went.

"Your son won Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion for clothing" the voice on the phone informed my mother.

"Both?" my surprised mother queried.

"Yes, isn't that great!" came the reply.

Mom got off the telephone and told us all. We looked around in bewilderment. I had entered a few other items in different categories in the clothing division but they hadn't been in the "top dog" lane. The wedding dress was our best effort at taking the highest clothing prize of the fair and we were relieved to make it, but what was this about an additional Reserve Grand Champion award?

"It must have been the hat" I piped up, referring to a smocked beret that I had made as well.

With half of us doubting what had really been said on the phone (I personally thought that there had been a miscommunication and that I had won Reserve Grand Champ only, for the gown) Our family arrived early to see for sure what had happened. Sure enough, the smocked hat had indeed bested other more time consuming and elaborate pieces to take the esteemed place of Reserve Grand Champion. Right there hanging for all to see was the simple white gown with a sign labelling it the top winner.

(I don't want to mislead anyone here. There are several other categories that received Grand Champion Prizes, e.g. wood working, art etc. Also, there are two awards, for people who send in many many clothing items to compete for a separate "big shot" prize.)

I also netted a Reserve Grand Champion for a box I had decorated with egg shells. This was a huge shock as it had to beat out everything in creative arts (which includes a lot of neat items in the recycled craft category, which can be pretty big stuff.). That was a total shocker. I hadn't even liked the box. I had thought that it would very fortunate if it got first or second in the decorated boxes category. We then got to attend the awards ceremony (what the lady on the phone invited us to) and celebrate with all the other winners (and losers too).

I must praise and thank my sisters for all the time they sacrificed to oversee the projects and repeat again and again: "Trent, your going to have to take that out and put it back in right". All the rest of the honor goes to God. He is very good and without him I never would have had the patience and perseverance to get through.

If you ever need to make a wedding dress get Him on board and you'll be amazed at the the outcome!

P.S. The wedding dress is for sale retailing at $600. With mention of this blog we will give a special reduced price (we are willing to negotiate). If you know anyone getting married that or thinking about getting married that may be interested in buying the dress (they will need to have or obtain a 25 inch waist as well) email me at williamsforrep@yahoo.com. Or call: (254) 985-9260. More info with the rest of the measurements will be posted along with a picture soon.

Extra! Read all about it!

2009-02-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Important news flash:

I just finished sewing a wedding dress.

(You may need to reread the previous sentence.) Yes, that's right, a wedding dress. No, I'm not getting married (at least not any time soon), and no, no one in my family is either, but all 19 buttons are on, and the 18 inch long zipper is in (and it works). I am so glad it's all over. Actually it wasn't that big of a deal, the dress is pretty simple and the one on one coaching is the only reason it ever happened (my older sisters should get all the credit). I just dropped it off at the County Youth Fair (4-H, FFA, and local schools all compete in one pretty good sized fair) with a lot of apprehension (lets hope it doesn't get ruined, oh, and I wouldn't mind if it placed well!).

This means I have more time to upgrade the blog a little and hopefully get back to regular posting (I hear those groans!).

New Attractions:

A Blog Roll with the bloggers (all post on politics, at least a little) I know.

And...

The article Sister Constitutionalist? will be out probably this weekend so...

See ya' next time!

Trent

Coming Soon: Sister Constitutionalist?

2009-02-01T13:57:00.001-08:00

From the author that brought you a condemnation of Libertarianism comes....

An article on what it means to be a Constitutionalist and why he ain't one.

Stay tuned for it's release sometime after Febuary 9th!

Conservatives and Pharisees

2009-01-10T08:36:00.000-08:00

What do conservatives have to do with Pharisees?

Back in the time of Jesus there were three political ideologies. These major streams of thought have continued to this day.

1. The Sadducees

Sadducees didn't believe in the people rising from the dead, spirits, or angels. They had a hard time with the supernatural. These were the modernists, the left wingers.

2. The Essenes

The monks of that era. The Essenes believed that the world was pretty much completely evil and to live a righteous life you needed to live as far away from the world as possible. This ideology still exists. Proponets probably don't vote or try to influence politics as they are "worldy" insitituions.

3. The Pharisees

Last, but not least, were the law abiding Pharisees, these were the Conservatives. The Pharisees were all about getting back to the right principles.

Conclusion:

Just like the Conservatives today the Pharisees had all the right ideas and principles. Unfortunately just like the Conservatives of this day they went about doing the right thing the wrong way.

Editors note: This may be the only post for the month of January due to the fact that this month has proven to be more than "very busy".

UPDATE:

Please read the comments they are really, really good this time (as opposed to being just really good most of the time)!

Welcome to Jarrell!

2008-12-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

Here is something unique I saw in my travels through the great state of Texas. This billboard acts as a welcome sign in Jarell Texas:

Welcome to Jarell

This is God's country

Please don't drive through it like hell.

This hasn't much to do with the holiday's, but hey, remeber, whether you live in Alaska or Florida, this is God's country. We get to live in His country as we celebrate His Son's birth; that's extremely special.

Enjoy the holiday's and have a Merry, Merry Christmas!

Trent

Brother Libertarian?

2008-12-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

What do Tom Selleck, Kurt Russell, and Clint Eastwood have in common? Number one, they are all movie actors (and the roles they have played weren't always the best), number two, they're self professed libertarians. That, in and of itself, is scary, very, very scary.

According to one libertarian website the definition of libertarianism is this:

Libertarians support maximum liberty in both personal and

economic matters. They advocate a much smaller government; one
that is limited to protecting individuals from coercion and violence.

Libertarians tend to embrace individual responsibility, oppose

government bureaucracy and taxes, promote private charity, tolerate

diverse lifestyles, support the free market, and defend civil liberties.

Notice the wording: "tolerate diverse lifestyles". Libertarians don't believe in legislating anything that comes close to morality. For example, they don't believe that goverment should make laws about "prohibiting adult possession and use of drugs". Now look at their definition of conservatives:

Conservatives tend to favor economic freedom, but frequently

support laws to restrict personal behavior that violates "traditional
values." They oppose excessive government control of business,

while endorsing government action to defend morality and the

traditional family structure. Conservatives usually support a strong

military, oppose bureaucracy and high taxes, favor a free-market

economy, and endorse strong law enforcement.

Notice that “tolerating diverse lifestyles” is not included.

Want to find out what you are? Check out this ten question (yep, just ten) online quiz to see! This quiz is not only quick it is also very interesting. When you get the results (right there on the website - no wait-for-an e-mail deal.) you will see how you were graded, 0% up to 100%. Zero percent means that you don’t agree with libertarians at all, 100% you are one of the strictest libertarians out there. The way it is presented it almost seems that getting zero percent on the test means that you got all of the answers wrong, whereas getting one hundred percent means that you were dead right.

Right or Wrong?

The question is who decides what is right and wrong? To the libertarian this is a hard question. A conservative, like me, says: "God decided what's wrong and what's right". Notice I said God decided; truth is always truth, two plus two makes four, not five, not some of the time, all of the time. It's all fun and games until someone looses an eye. Should we all be like the guys in judges, where: "every man did that which was right in his own eyes"? If you think this is the way to it should be, read the rest of the book of Judges in the Bible

Conclusion:

When you get to the core principles of libertarianism it’s pretty shocking. This group calls for self government, and yet, they don't seem to realize that human beings have never been able to govern themselves by themselves, at least not correctly. Living in a homosexual lifestyle is wrong because it spreads terrible diseases. Can we make laws to try and stop this? The libertarian I think would say no, I, on the other hand, say yes. Tolerating other people’s lifestyles is great, but limiting government to a point where it no longer protects people from other’s harmful lifestyles is not. Remember, we do have the right to life.

The Evangelism Connection

2008-12-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

With any election you need the majority in order to win. The "religious right" (religious being used as a broad term including many religions) has been a sought after commodity for any election throughout the history of our nation. McCain didn't get it - the religious right that is. Statistics from a Pew Research poll show that...

Jewish

78% voted for Obama

Catholic

54% voted for Obama (45% for McCain)

Other Faiths

73% voted for Obama (Strange... but the change to voting Democrat from 2004 to 2008 is -1. That means that those in the "Other Faiths" group voted for McCain more than they did for Bush!)

Unafilliated

75% for Obama

Whereas...

Protestant/Other Christian

55% for McCain

45% for Obama (Wow! Truly more Pastors need to preach some patriotic - political - sermon.)

Evangelical/Born Again

73% for McCain

23% for Obama (Somebody needs to explain things to these "Born Again Christians", that or they need to change there name. The change, from 2004, to voting democrat is +5!)

Non Evangelical

55% for McCain

44% for Obama (Actually there is no change between democrat voting this year - it's is the same as '04).

Conclusion:

More Christians need to take the time to research who they vote for. Also, we should never assume that anybody is "in the tank" for whichever candidate we support. This poll also shows that evangelism is an indirect key to winning elections!

Do The Right Thing

2008-11-30T13:38:00.000-08:00

I had sit in a car 30 minutes, stand in line 30 minutes - behind about 100 people, and pay around $14 for the book, but it was totally worth it. Actually, Mike Huckabee's new book Do The Right Thing was supposed to cost $24.95 (somehow it rang up as half price - I can't complain), but with his and his wife's signatures I figured it would work out.

Since then I have read the entire book, even the appendixes, and am now trying to figure out if it's as true and good as it sounds. I will publish my findings here, which so far include that as far as taxation goes, Huckabee is as good, probably better, than any other candidate I have ever heard of. (In case your wondering if you heard something about this Governor raising taxes and not being a fiscal conservative you read this: Fiscally Flawed? -- A Rebuttal to the Club for Growth.)

Points from the book include:

We either have Self-Government or we need Big Government.

Libertarianism is bad, very, very bad. (Libertarianism in this instance is used to describe the idea that fixing the economy will fix everything else and that taxes, apparently all taxes, should be abolished.)

The Fair Tax is awesome!

Chuck Norris is great!

Watch out for Huck, he isn't going anywhere. He won eight states with less than $65 million (I can't seem to find the exact number, I think it was $30 million - I know he got $11 million from online donations.) , fought opposition from religious and conservative leaders and the media (including Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh) and lived to tell the tale.

This book is well rounded with great stories from the campaign to illustrate policy points and add some fun. I highly reccomend that you "Do The Right Thing" and buy this book!

2012: Part 2 - Lieberman and Feingold

2008-11-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

Lieberman and Feingold in 2012

The next presidential campaign (really to far in the distance to even speculate about) is obviously of great importance. In the past conservatives have been no as involved as we could , and should, have been. While we work our primaries to get the result for the republican presidential nominee, the other side contributes a huge portion of the race by choosing an opponent. Why should we simply watch them create winning probabilities? Why not play both sides to get the best result? In looking at the following democratic candidates we could promote and influence to run in the 2012 primaries, we do just that, create unheard of possibilities that could lead to a more favorable outcome, win or lose, November, 2012.

Lieberman

While Lieberman is considered a nice guy by most of the senate, his actions for McCain and his position on the surge (which, by the way, worked) in the War on Terror (note that I did not say War in Iraq) have probably alienated him from the democrats who aren't aware of his personality. Although he is a democrat, he is one of the few noble senators who actually use their minds when voting, he votes for bills he thinks are good (especially if he thinks they are good for his state) and votes against bills that violate the principles he believes in. Joe doesn't seem to care if he is one of the only democrats voting for a bill, if he thinks it's the right thing to do, he does it. Unfortunately, the sixty-six year old Joseph Lieberman probably wouldn't get the liberal vote, upon which democrats depend on in the primaries, if he ran in 2012 (when it would be his last chance at the age of 70). He is one of the best democrats there is, but unfortunately that may cause his downfall.

Feingold

The democrats will have a unique primary if the senate's fiscal hawk Russ Feingold runs in 2012.

Unfortunately, Lieberman probably won't be able to win in the primaries. Feingold, on the other hand, could give Obama quite a run for his "money". All Feingold has to do is call Obama on the carpet for the national debt and Obama has another nightmare of a primary race. Obama will no doubt counter that he had to save the economy before focusing on the national debt, to which Feingold should say: “The national debt is the economy, stupid!” Here is another campaign line that would go over pretty well: "What President Obama did was outstanding he prepared America for change, now it's time to get that change. For four years we've heard the talk ...how about four years to see the walk? How about eight? You can see my record, you can see my promises to the people of Wisconsin and how I kept 'em. What about my promise to never take a pay raise while in the senate, not ever? I've kept that promise, you can ask your brother Americans, my neighbors, in Wisconsin. They'll tell you, go ahead and ask 'em. Four years is a long time, long enough to enact fiscal reform and positive change for America. Did President Obama do that? You can look at what I did and you can look at what Barack Obama did. There's a big difference in those four years - one politician from Chicago appointing his friends and political allies to positions better served by others who actually knew how to do those jobs, and one guy from Wisconsin fighting for your respect, your rights and your money!"

If you want to see the good looking, smooth talking, fiscally straight walking democrat from Wisconsin, click here to see a quick movie clip. Here is another, a clip of a Feingold speech. What about the very inspiring story of how he got to the senate, and all that he has done while there? Check this page. Now this guy is in no way perfect. He is not somebody I would normally like to see as president, but he's better than Obama. The hope here is to cause a division in the democrats and have ugly primary race that rattles President Obama, with all his powers of incumbency, to the bones. If Feingold wins the primaries, I won't support him in the general election (unless the republican nominee is completely terrible), but if he should win the general election, I wouldn't feel too bad.

Feingold 2012!

2012: Part 1

2008-11-15T05:09:00.000-08:00

I know that 2012 is four years away. I know that first things come first. I know that we need to focus on rebuilding the conservative movement. At the same time, this movement needs a leader to rally behind. To borrow another popular leader's term: Hope.

So let's take a look at 2012:

1. Sarah Palin.

Obviously she's going to play some role in the future of the republican party. What exactly we don't know, but we could sure guess! To see more on this check out Adam Brickley's famous Draft Sarah Palin blog.

Should she run?

Some argue that she alienated the independents and democrat voters and therefore shouldn't run. That thought maybe worth looking into. Obviously she wasn't running the show. McCain was at the head of the ticket and all campaign decisions, including what talking points to stress and so on. Also to blame, are the staff working the McCain campaign (remember: Sarah Going Rogue?) and to some degree Sarah (remember the awful interview(s)? - Oh wait, their was what, one?). What about all the issues she had to bite her tongue on and say "Yes in a McCain/Palin administration that would happen"? She probably didn't think that was the best way to go about it, but when your number 2 on the ticket you've got work with your boss, at least somewhat (note : I made the previous quote up). I don't think Sarah is the problem; I think the fake Sarah character promoted by the media is.

In four years a lot could change, but if the media is still dating Obama, it will be tough for Sarah to pull off a win. Isn't she the best possibility? Who else could win? I know, I know it seems like she should run in 2012. I think she should remain a national figure and if she doesn't run in 2012, she should at least campaign for someone else, but maybe we should give her a little more time. It wouldn't hurt for people to forget all the lies being circulated around (yeah, I know they will probably be brought back up by the media anyway). It definitely won't help for her to be permanently branded as inexperienced after a nasty run against incumbent President Barrack Obama.

Conclusion:

If nothing extreme happens: Sarah 2016!

If you want to discuss this with some political minds, leave a comment at the Patriot Acadmey Blog. It wouldn't hurt to leave a comment here too!

Resilient and Resolute (not Revolting and Reactionary)!

2008-11-05T09:20:00.001-08:00

Karl Rove leaves the election feeling...

resilient.

So should we all.

It's time to rebuild. It's time to remind people why we believe what we believe. The way we do that is to show people how it really is better for them to be able to chose. We need to focus positively: Their rights, their guns, their safety and their money. We can't afford to run around yelling and ranting about how evil government is and how terrible liberal and socialistic doctrines are. It's time to show people the truth. It's time to show that American optimism. It's time to put on a great big Palin smile and say: "Well you know, all too often Government isn't the solution ...it's the problem."

What about 2012? I'll have something on that later...

Thanks for reading and remember to spread the truth!

Trent

Check these out!

2008-10-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

I want to make sure you don't miss these two great finds:

1. What would it be like with Sen. Obama as President? Let's never find out!

Check out a bunch of great adds (and you could donate to help them reach more viewers!) here: www.neverfindout.org

2. PROTEST VOTE DEBATE!

If you want to see a fantastic discussion on why you should or shouldn't vote for a third-party candidate this year (and I highly encourage you to) go here: Patriot Acadmey: Third-Party Debate

Part of the debate is carried on with a focus on the economy here: Patriot Academy: The Economy And The Election .

You will want to see all the views (including mine) and arguments shared before you cast your vote!

We can win!

2008-10-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Is their anything we can do to help our candidate win?

Yes!

Pray, pray, pray!

"Pray without ceasing..." 1 Thess. 5:17

Mr. I'll-Talk-At-You vs. Mr. I'll-Talk-With-You

2008-09-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

The debate revealed to different speaking styles and one major ego.

Although the debaters were credited for not making any blunders, Sen. Obama’s tirade on when he was the president he could do whatever he wanted to do, whenever he wanted to do it, seems to me to be a major gaffe.

“But I reserve the right, as president of the United States to meet with anybody at a time and place of my choosing if I think it's going to keep America safe.”

The way Barack emphasized the above statement shows a deplorable lack of humility. The statement came out sounding like this…

“But I reserve the right, as president of the United States to meet with anybody at a time and place of my choosing if I think it's going to keep America safe.”

Wow! Why wasn’t that the sound bite of the debate?

McCain noticing the presumption of his opponent (“as president, I”) shot back with:

“I'm not going to set the White House visitors schedule before I'm president of the United States. I don't even have a seal yet.”

Besides Barack’s inability to “‘fess up” to his obvious mistakes about the Iraq surge and his proposed meetings without preconditions, his speaking style differed largely from that of John’s. It sounded like a debate between a conversationalist and a speech maker. It is surprising that after three days or more of preparation for this debate he was unable to match Sen. McCain’s rapport with the audience (I mean all of the audience - people watching and listening as well). Close, but not close enough.

Debate: Sarah vs. Barack?

2008-09-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

Should McCain send Palin to debate Obama?

Yes! Let's send in Gov. Sarah Palin!

Why not? See: http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/

An alternate idea:

"I would like to offer a variation of this very same idea:

Send Sarah Palin but don't announce it beforehand. In other words, the McCain camp could say that McCain is not going to debate, period (without mentioning the possibility of sending Sarah).

Sarah could be secretly sent to Mississippi without telling the media. Obama could begin the solo debate performance thinking that he's gonna have the night to himself. Ten minutes or so into the debate, Sarah walks in and takes him by surprise.

AND BINGO. It would be the most talked about debate event ever.

I know this sounds crazy, but there is a historical precedent for this in the U.S. Territory of Puerto Rico (which is where I'm from). Back in the 1988 gubernatorial election, the incumbent governor was facing an uphill re-election bid. There was some kind of crisis going on so he said that he was going to skip the debate in order to work on the crisis for the good of the people of PR. The debate went on though. His opponent was the only one on the stage while the other podium was empty. He began his solo performance thinking that he would have the night to himself. About 15 minutes into the debate, a guy in a suit walked past behind him towards the empty podium. It was the Governor of PR! The Governor won the debate and ended up winning the election. This political stunt was regarded as highly ingenious and effective. It essentially turned the race around, as the Governor looked poised and extremely confident thanks to the element of surprise involved.

This election season has been full of surprises. Sarah Palin could potentially pull off a similar stunt.
I know it sounds crazy, but I don't see any circumstance in which the CPD would not let Sarah Palin into the premises. That would be a suicidal move for the commission.

What does everyone think? Could Sarah "surprise" the world once again?"

Comment made by blogger ajv007 on the blog Draft Sarah Palin.

Put Palin On Oprah!

2008-09-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Want Sarah Palin to be on Oprah? Well Governor Palin hasn't been invited, so maybe we should help Oprah "remember" to invite Sarah Palin - the first GOP vice presidential candidate ever - to be on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Advertisement is always good and it would definitely be intriguing to audiences (remember Oprah endorsed Obama).

If your interested in giving Sarah Palin some free advertisement just sign the petition found at:

www.PalinPetition.com

So far they have 83,000 signatures. When 100,000 signatures is reached they will send the petition to the Oprah Winfrey Show as well as hundreds of press releases announcing the news.

It's a real easy way to influence the media. Check it out!

Lincoln's Leadership Principles

2008-09-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

Lincoln On Leadership by Donald T. Phillips is a terrific book. One of the most useful features to the book is the section called "Lincoln Principles" found at the end of every chapter. This short summary of what was just taught is great for note taking, skim reading and re-reads. Here is one those sections:

LINCOLN PRINCIPLES

Unite followers with a "corporate mission."

Set specific short-term goals that can be focused on with intent and immediacy by subordinates.

Those leaders who achieve something at the head of one group will eclipse those who do nothing at the head of a hundred.

Sometimes it is better to plough around obstacles rather than to waste time going through them.

Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.

Your war will not be won by strategy alone, but more by hard, desperate fighting.

Your task will neither be done nor attempted unless you watch it every day and hour, and force it.

Remember that half-finished work generally proves to be labor lost.

Sarah Palin: America's Mom

2008-09-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

According to some, McCain picked Sarah Palin to appeal to women. But let’s face it - Mothers appeal to everyone.

Unlike Hillary Clinton, who would have been America’s first woman to be president; Sarah Palin is going to be America’s first mother.

Moms appeal to everyone because…

1. Moms understand their children.

As America’s Mom, Sarah Palin, has experience being a normal person - not a lifelong politician living in Washington forgetting how their decisions affect every day Americans.

2. Moms get things done.

It’s about time America had a mother. Someone to say: “Hey that’s wrong! If you do that you’re going to get hurt!”

It’s about time America had someone to look these “sons of liberty” in the eye and say: “I’m disappointed in you…” someone to go to her adult “children” playing around in Washington and say: “You ought to be ashamed of yourselves!”

We’ll watch as “Our Mom” comes out to meet the parades, the rallies, the protests to end the war; saying to them: “Stop being babies! Grow up and act like adults!”

Our Mom will walk in front of soldiers and she will give her boys a little pep talk. They will hear her encouragement: “I know it’s hard, I know it’s hot, but you are making the world know about the American spirit; about liberty, about sacrifice, about perseverance. You make me proud every day of the American Armed Forces. Keep on to victory and every American - every real American - will be proud and excited to welcome you home.” Then her boys will give one of the loudest cheers the world has ever heard.

We’ve been asked to think about this “small town mayor” from Alaska, sitting across from Vladimir Putin; so let’s take a moment to do so. Imagine Mother Bear sitting there across from Putin and this is what she is saying: “You better leave my children alone because if you even think about starting another war I am going to give you the hardest spanking you’ve ever felt.”

When gas prices begin to escalate once more, she will stand in the homes of hard working families where the parents have been laid off from their jobs because of severe gas prices. She will tell us of their plight. We will see with our own eyes their seriously sick child unable to be taken to the hospital because of their shortage of money. Then with tears running down her face she will ask, no plead, with America: beg to allow drilling in Alaska and other forbidden areas. She will look into our eyes and we will hear her say: “Which is more important to you, polar bears or people?”

Are politics boring? Not anymore: Sarah Barracuda is here and she’s here to win. Washington is going to get the message loud and clear. It’s time to clean up their room - not next year, not tomorrow, not even this afternoon - right this very instant.

Who Will David Barton Vote For?

2008-08-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

Want to find out who David Barton, renowned voice on American history and politics, will vote for? Go to the link below:

http://wallbuilders.com/LIBissuesArticles.asp?id=5386

Why are there no third party candidates included in the voting guide listed above? Because of the unfortunate fact: a third party will not win in this years’ election.

1. There are enough republicans that will vote republican this year and enough democrats that will vote democrat (or republican) this year that a third party candidate will not win.

It gets better…

2. Chuck Baldwin and Bob Barr are fighting to get the conservative vote. 1700 libertarians will probably vote for Bob Barr not Chuck Baldwin. That may not seem like a lot but if you’re running third party it is.

Conclusion:

Shouldn’t that be changed? Maybe it should: but is this the year to try to change it by bringing an almost win to the attention of America? No. With all that is at stake we can’t gamble or play around - we have to do what is best. We need to use our vote to bring about a result: not a statement. We need to face the facts and as former president John Adams once said: “Facts are stubborn things...”. One of the major candidates will win; which one depends on you. Do you want to make a result or split the vote and let Barack Obama “change” the economy and security of America?

Answer From The Bob Barr Campaign!

2008-08-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a condensed version of an email I received from Bob Barr's finance director Robert Stuber. This message explains why he thinks libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr should be supported and answers my question about Bob Barr's chances of winning:

Dear Trent,

...Like me, you are fed up with the lies and deceits of BOTH the Republicans and Democrats. You are disgusted by the corruption that permeates government. And you recognize that our federal budget deficit is nearly $500 Billion and our national debt will soon be $10 Trillion.

...As much as I hate to admit it, on Election Day, unless a major breakthrough occurs, Bob Barr isn't likely to become our next President. But is not getting the most votes really a loss?

…Going back in our nation's history many of the greatest social changes were brought about as a result of independent and third party races.

Most recently, Ross Perot had an impact that impacted our nation for the better part of a decade. He focused "like a laser beam" on the economy, our national debt and the poor way our government is managed. It resulted in a change in Congress in 1994 and pushed Bill Clinton to balance the federal budget. I believe that had there not been a terrorist attack in 2001, we would still have a balanced budget and our economy would prosper.

So today, why should you invest in the Bob Barr campaign with your vote and your money?

It is simple. On November 5 all eyes are going to be focused not on the vote totals of who won, but on how many people voted for Bob Barr. How many people put principle over partisan politics and "threw their vote away for a lost cause?" The bigger the number, the more influence we will have over the next four years.

The Zogby poll suggests Bob Barr is already at 6% nationally. If we can double that or even triple it, we may not win the election, but we will have delivered to Washington a message loud and clear.

Voters want smaller government, lower taxes, more freedom. Period.

Every member of Congress will also know EXACTLY how many votes Bob Barr got in their state or district. It will hang over their political head as a strong encouragement to do what needs to be done. The biggest fear of every politician is being defeated!...

Though it is true that the entire nation will look for the results of the election for all the different candidates, it is a unique suggestion that this will accomplish a following of the principles upheld by the not-close-enough candidates (yes there is more than one candidate trying to persuade conservatives to vote third party - Chuck Baldwin for one). If you believe that a third party candidate will change policy making in Washington think of Ralph Nader. I could be wrong but I don't see a lot of politicians quaking at the percentage of votes Mr. Nader received in previous elections and saying: "Boy I better change my policy, see Americans believe what Ralph believes if I don't change my tune I won't be re-elected!"

No, third party is not the answer: not this year at least. We need results; not risky gambling.

One Soldier On Obama

2008-08-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here is an interesting letter from a soldier named Jeff who is currently serving in Afghanistan:

Hello everyone,

As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to "The War Zone". I wanted to share with you what happened. He got off the plane* and got a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram. As the Soldiers where (Editors note: were) lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with the weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service. So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you. I swear I we got more thanks form the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don't understand why anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.

If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.

*e added the the word (originally plan) to convey what I believe is the author intent.

Editors note: I do not know this soldier personally - my pastor received this forwarded letter and gave it to me. I believe it is true based on the nature of the forward (originally sent by a lady who does know the soldier personally) - Trent

Coming Soon!

2008-08-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Answers to tough questions from presidential candidate Chuck Baldwin!

Live Like a Leader - Part 1: The First Law

2008-08-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

There are laws for leadership?

21 According to John C. Maxwell. In his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Maxwell states:

“Personal and organizational effectiveness is proportionate to the strength of leadership.”

There you have it law number one: THE LAW OF THE LID

Dick and Maurice started their own theater. Dick and Maurice decided that a restaurant might work better. Dick and Maurice were smart. Dick and Maurice realized that specializing in hamburgers was the thing to do. Dick and Maurice invented there own system: the Speedy Service System. Dick and Maurice were successful. They decided it was time to expand. They decided it was time to do the franchise thing. One problem: Dick and Maurice were managers. Dick and Maurice were not leaders. This was a big problem a very, very big problem.

Did you know that’s how McDonald's started? Did you know the brothers would have never gone global without a guy named Ray Kroc (who was a leader and ended up buying what is today the McDonald’s Corporation)?

Are you a good leader?

1. If you aren’t one, you won’t be very effective. It’s because of the “lid”. It’s like those computer games where you must first achieve the first level before moving on: there is a “lid” to how far you can go. You can’t just build up enough skill to get to level three and then be able to get the rewards of playing on level thirty.

2. Being a better leader doesn’t just add to your effectiveness it multiplies it!

Should conservatives back McCain?

2008-08-10T16:54:00.000-07:00

McCain has two options. He is seriously considering both: try to get the conservative vote (like a conservative vice president pick and policy slanted towards conservatives) or try for the independent vote (by picking an independent like Joe Lieberman for VP).

If you were John McCain, what would you do if…

James Dobson (founder of Focus on the Family and a voice for family and conservative values) said:

“I cannot and I will not vote for Sen. John McCain as a matter of conscience…”?

Well he did. Not only that but after speaking on how he could not vote for Obama and Hillary (at the time still in the race) he reasserted his anti-McCain position by stating:

“If these are the nominees in November, I simply will not cast a ballot for president for the first time in my life…” *

What would you do if…

Rush Limbaugh and other conservative talk show hosts continue to state their disappointment in you as one of this years candidates?

If conservatives were saying this about you; would you try to get their vote?

What should we do?

Support McCain. Back the guy who is almost a liberal? Yes that’s the key. If McCain gets in by the outspoken support of conservatives it would be beneficial either way. If McCain is being backed by conservatives, knowing he should not “bite the hand that feeds him”, he will stand for (or at least close to) conservative principles. If he on the other hand gets in as president and ignores the conservatives, he pretty much rules out his chances for re-election.

I am not saying that we should support some of the things McCain has voted for in the past (which he may even continue to support). No, we should support the things that we agree with and push for a changed McCain.

If we support him, he may well stand for conservative principles (yes, I believe people can change). But, if we as conservatives shun him and withdraw input and advice to his campaign, we are doomed to not only lose the election to the socialistic Barack Obama, but also as it were, push McCain to become more liberalistic.

In conclusion:

I am not advocating go to the polls and cast your vote for the lesser of the two evils. I am advocating strong, active and outspoken support for John McCain as the conservative’s choice for President of the United States of America.

* http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=55665

3 x 5 Power - Part 1: Read and Remember

2008-08-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

Having trouble remembering a book you just read?

Taking notes while reading a book is an old concept, but a good one. The problem is that you have to somehow find your book a pen and a notebook. Never fear 3 x 5 Power is here!

1. Find a 3 x 5 card.

Actually find several. If you don’t have some you can make them out of cardstock or paper. Three-by-five is a convenient size that fits inside most books.

2. Find a book.

3. Use the 3 x 5 card as a bookmark.

4. Take notes.

Find the key points to the book and put them down on paper. Anything else you think is good? Write it down.

Closing tips:

You should use a lot of three-by-five cards (unless your book is very short), but don’t re-write the book. Later you can condense your cards down to just a few by eliminating information you think is unimportant.

Taking notes is particularly beneficial when reading through a library book. Later if you want to remember the content of the book just look through your notes!