"Politics was about gaining personal and familial success." These words were used by scholar Adrian Goldsworthy to describe ancient Rome, but they easily could describe politics in any country, in any era. People often use politics to gain and keep power, or to seek personal achievement, success, and control.

Adolf Hitler represented an extreme application of this attitude. He once said, "I recognize no moral law in politics. Politics is a game, in which every sort of trick is permissible, and in which the rules are constantly being changed by the players to suit themselves." Unfortunately, this is not much different from how some politicians approach their lives today.

But Daniel was promoted to the pinnacle of power without ever resorting to tricks. He spent his life as a servant, seeking first God's Kingdom and being trustworthy in everything he did. Even when others resorted to political tricks and tried to bring him down, Daniel never compromised, but continued to serve faithfully. He prayed diligently and remained a man of principle.

Daniel persevered, and eventually the political games and conspiracies failed. The lies of his enemies were exposed. God protected Daniel, and he was given even greater respect and power.

Today, what advice would Daniel give you? First, no matter what others do, you don't have to resort to tricks. Instead, commit yourself to being a person of integrity. Faithfully seek to serve God and others.

Develop a deep, personal relationship with God. Be ready to persevere, and never compromise. Devote yourself to prayer. Get involved in your community. Stand for Biblical principles. Vote. Don't be silent!

“You can put lipstick on a pig. It’s still a pig,”  Do you find Obama's intentional or unintential remarks about Sarah Palin offensive? 

Innocent until proven guilty

I have to say I'm disturbed by the people protesting the release of the Florida mother, whose child has dissapeared.  Granted she looks guilty, but where is our American belief -Innocent until proven Guilty gone?  I'm sure glad the people that are protesting are not in charge of our judicial system. 

I'm headed to Head Start today to have lunch with my daughter. 

*Late Night Studying*

My husband, Cal, grew increasingly displeased as our teenage daughter and her boyfriend studied in her room late one evening. Finally losing patience shortly after midnight, he knocked sharply on her door. Her boyfriend immediately opened it and asked if something was wrong.

"I have to ask you to move your car," Cal told him.

"Oh, sure. Is it in someone's way?"

"No," Cal replied, "it's at the wrong address."

To the people of his time, Nebuchadnezzar was a mighty ruler, a brilliant military commander, and a renowned builder whose masterpiece was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. To demonstrate his mastery, he paved the streets with stones, each carved with this message: "I am Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, who made this."

But the king's illusions of personal control were shattered when God gave him a disturbing dream that revealed he simply was God's servant-for God had the real power.

In his dream, he saw an "awesome" statue with a head "made of fine gold." Daniel explained that Nebuchadnezzar was that head. He might have been "the king of kings," but, in fact, he owed everything to God. He simply was fulfilling God's plans and assignments, ruling over the "beasts of the field," and "birds of the sky," and all that was given into his hand.

Today, many people in the world focus on things like careers or families, seeking power or pleasure. But many fail to recognize God's purposes either in the world or in their personal lives. They don't see that He's behind every trend and event, just as He was during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. He calls specific men and women to accomplish His purposes-people like Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar. And, He is ready to exalt and bless those who serve Him.

Remember, God has a special destiny...just for you. It's a personal calling, a unique mission for you to accomplish. Commit your life to serving Him and fulfilling His purposes. Pray for Godly leaders in our land-people who recognize the hand of God in their lives and seek to serve Him.

Brian & Kristina

I enjoyed conducting the service.                           

Kalli, my youngest daughter as flower girl




Noah, Kalli & Austin - My children

Ricky and Danielle, my daughter                            
 
Alisha, my daugher

Danielle, Kristina and Alicia, -my daughters                          
 

Kristina & my Mom

"Our imagination is dazzled by the splendid picture." Words almost seemed to fail Edward Gibbon in his History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, as he described the affluence of the Abdalrahman, who ruled Spain in the 8th Century A.D.

The third and "greatest" of the Abdalrahmans admitted that he never lacked for anything, for "riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call." He had thousands of wives and concubines. He gathered the world's finest sculptors and artists to design buildings with overwhelming grandeur. The hall of audience "was incrusted with gold and pearls." One of the basins and fountains in his gardens "was replenished not with water but with the purest quicksilver."

But, looking back on his life, this man realized something was missing: "I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot: they amount to fourteen." Knowing that others might envy his accomplishments, he provided this warning: "O man! Place not thy confidence in this present world!"

How easily we can be consumed with a desire for wealth, power, and pleasure. But, as the Bible tells us, all of this is "vanity and striving after the wind."

Today, pause to think about the focus of your labors. Jesus said, "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life" (John 6:27). Be sure you're seeking "first the kingdom of God," confident that He will take care of you (Matthew 6:33).