Letter from 2012 in Obama’s America

Focus on the Family has gotten a bit of grief from the Left regarding their Letter from 2012 in Obama’s America. Some have called it hate mongering. Others call it fear mongering. Whatever you think, it does make interesting reading.

If you're not familiar with the 16-page document, it is a fictional letter written in 2012 explaining the changes that took place in the USA after Senator Obama's election to the presidency. In this what-if scenario we have an insight into what could happen should Senator Obama be elected on Tuesday.

Now, it is a what if scenario. A big part of the letter relies on President Obama making three Supreme Court appointments in the first year. That is unlikely, but I suppose it could happen. It is also based on the Democrats getting a super majority not only in the Senate and Congress but in most state houses as well. This, I think, is more likely. Should Senator Obama carry the day on November 4th, I think a super majority of Democrats will ride in on his coattails. We would probably also see key propositions on stem cell research, euthanasia, and gay marriage in states like Michigan, California, and Washington pass.

I do believe that my life personally will change drastically should an Obama presidency, an overwhelming Democratic majority, and liberal Supreme Court appointments become a reality. First, Rob is self employed and so our tax burden is heavy (we pay double the Social Security tax). I believe that in this what if situation, our tax burden will become even heavier. But then that doesn't really matter as Rob would probably lose his clients. You see, his life's work has been educational choice and reform In recent years, his work has been with charter schools. I guarantee you, the dissolution of alternative schools will take place in such a scenario. Competition with public schools will not be tolerated. On a personal level, Rob will be overtaxed at best -- out of work at worst. Either way, we could lose our house and definitely our standard of living.

Then there is homeschooling. Here in Michigan, Democrats have been pushing for more regulations of homeschooling. Fortunately, so far, HSLDA has kept them at bay. I doubt they'll be able to keep it up under an Obama administration. I don't think it's all that crazy to envision homeschoolers going underground as we did back in the 1970's.

We will also be effected health wise. I have children with serious medical issues who have benefited from the so-called greedy pharmaceutical companies. As long as pharmaceutical companies can earn a profit from R&D (research and development) they will continue to develop new, life saving and life changing medications. My asthmatic son's life changed for the better when Advair came out. We went from six to seven ER visits a year to none. My son with hypopituatarian dwarfism would be destined for a life as a dwarf with the corresponding health issues if not for the discovery of artificial growth hormone. I say God bless the greedy pharmaceutical companies. But in our what if scenario, socialized medicine is in our future. Ask yourself how many new medical discoveries are coming out of Canada and other countries where medical care is taken on by the government.

As pro-life activists, our work will really begin. Senator Obama has declared that his very first act as president will be to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). This far-reaching act will undo all of our hard work of the past.

These are only a few ways my family life will change should Senator Obama become President Obama.

Focus on the Family's Letter from 2012 in Obama’s America does make for an interesting read. Check it out for yourself and make your decision on how on or off the mark it is.

Novena for Election: Day Five

A Prayer for our Nation as we Prepare to Elect our Leaders

O God, we acknowledge you today as Lord,
Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.

We thank you for the privilege
Of being able to organize ourselves politically
And of knowing that political loyalty
Does not have to mean disloyalty to you.

We thank you for your law,
Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged
And recognized as higher than any human law.

We thank you for the opportunity that this election year puts before us,
To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote,
But to influence countless others to vote,
And to vote correctly.

Lord, we pray that your people may be awakened.
Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation,
Their response to you requires that they be politically active.

Awaken your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world
But rather a community of faith renewing the world.

Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to you in prayer
Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read your Word
Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot,
And that they do not cease to be Christians
When they enter the voting booth.

Awaken your people to a commitment to justice
To the sanctity of marriage and the family,
To the dignity of each individual human life,
And to the truth that human rights begin when human lives begin,
And not one moment later.

Lord, we rejoice today
That we are citizens of your kingdom.

May that make us all the more committed
To being faithful citizens on earth.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Catholic Governors

Regarding our governor's support of Proposition 2 which will allow embryonic stem cell research and other attrocities our new bishop issued a statement:

10/27/08
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Michael D. Diebold, Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Lansing

The Most Reverend Earl Boyea, Bishop of Lansing, today issued the following statement in response to recent comments of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm:

In a Sunday address in Grand Rapids, Governor Jennifer Granholm incredibly said of Proposal 2 "As a Catholic, I can say to be pro-cure is to be pro-life." Of course, Catholics and all other responsible citizens will continue to seek cures for disease and injury. But to imply that Proposal 2 is a valid expression of Catholic principles is shocking. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Proposal 2, which goes before Michigan voters in a week, would give an unrestricted license to those who perform destructive experiments on human embryos. While the Catholic Church strongly supports legitimate forms of stem cell research and all other proper forms of scientific inquiry, the Church also teaches that is it is always immoral to destroy a human embryo. For that reason, the Catholic Bishops of Michigan have taken a strong position in opposition to this well-funded assault on human life.

Saint Paul reminds us that we must preach the Truth in season and out of season. The Truth will never go unspoken. To be in favor of Proposal 2 is not to be pro-life. A well-formed Catholic conscience would never lead a person to support Proposal 2 "as a Catholic."

Click here if you're looking for a simple explanation of the Catholic Church's position on stem cell research.

Novena for Election: Day Four

A Prayer for our Nation as we Prepare to Elect our Leaders

O God, we acknowledge you today as Lord,
Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.

We thank you for the privilege
Of being able to organize ourselves politically
And of knowing that political loyalty
Does not have to mean disloyalty to you.

We thank you for your law,
Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged
And recognized as higher than any human law.

We thank you for the opportunity that this election year puts before us,
To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote,
But to influence countless others to vote,
And to vote correctly.

Lord, we pray that your people may be awakened.
Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation,
Their response to you requires that they be politically active.

Awaken your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world
But rather a community of faith renewing the world.

Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to you in prayer
Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read your Word
Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot,
And that they do not cease to be Christians
When they enter the voting booth.

Awaken your people to a commitment to justice
To the sanctity of marriage and the family,
To the dignity of each individual human life,
And to the truth that human rights begin when human lives begin,
And not one moment later.

Lord, we rejoice today
That we are citizens of your kingdom.

May that make us all the more committed
To being faithful citizens on earth.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fast for Hope

Thank you everyone who committed to pray and fast for the election. It helps to know that we're all doing this together. Now go check out Fast for Hope. There you can sign a pledge to pray and fast for the election Nov. 3 & 4. You can also pledge to offer a Mass, pray the rosary, and more. It's a cool site -- pass it on (look for the SHARE button on the bottom right of the website).

Novena for Election: Day Three

A Prayer for our Nation as we Prepare to Elect our Leaders

O God, we acknowledge you today as Lord,
Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.

We thank you for the privilege
Of being able to organize ourselves politically
And of knowing that political loyalty
Does not have to mean disloyalty to you.

We thank you for your law,
Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged
And recognized as higher than any human law.

We thank you for the opportunity that this election year puts before us,
To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote,
But to influence countless others to vote,
And to vote correctly.

Lord, we pray that your people may be awakened.
Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation,
Their response to you requires that they be politically active.

Awaken your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world
But rather a community of faith renewing the world.

Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to you in prayer
Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read your Word
Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot,
And that they do not cease to be Christians
When they enter the voting booth.

Awaken your people to a commitment to justice
To the sanctity of marriage and the family,
To the dignity of each individual human life,
And to the truth that human rights begin when human lives begin,
And not one moment later.

Lord, we rejoice today
That we are citizens of your kingdom.

May that make us all the more committed
To being faithful citizens on earth.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Is it True No One is Pro-Abortion

I heard Jill Stanek speak at a dinner some years ago. Anyone who is prolife and considering a vote for Senator Obama should listen to her story.

In the first video she discusses Barak Obama's voting record in Illinois as it relates to born alive abortion at hospitals in Chicago. The second video is her story as told to Bill OReilly in 2000.

Be forewarned her story is very difficult to hear. But it's an important story to hear.

Novena for Elections, Day Two

A Prayer for our Nation as we Prepare to Elect our Leaders

O God, we acknowledge you today as Lord,
Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.

We thank you for the privilege
Of being able to organize ourselves politically
And of knowing that political loyalty
Does not have to mean disloyalty to you.

We thank you for your law,
Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged
And recognized as higher than any human law.

We thank you for the opportunity that this election year puts before us,
To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote,
But to influence countless others to vote,
And to vote correctly.

Lord, we pray that your people may be awakened.
Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation,
Their response to you requires that they be politically active.

Awaken your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world
But rather a community of faith renewing the world.

Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to you in prayer
Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read your Word
Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot,
And that they do not cease to be Christians
When they enter the voting booth.

Awaken your people to a commitment to justice
To the sanctity of marriage and the family,
To the dignity of each individual human life,
And to the truth that human rights begin when human lives begin,
And not one moment later.

Lord, we rejoice today
That we are citizens of your kingdom.

May that make us all the more committed
To being faithful citizens on earth.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fasting for the Election

I think this election not only calls for fervent prayer but for fasting. Will you join me in a fast for the next nine days? If so, leave a comment and let me know. It would be good for us to do this together as it's not an easy thing to do, especially alone.

I've done a complete fast in the past and my body didn't respond well so I can't do that again. Instead, I'll commit to a regular meal at lunchtime and then only 100% juice in between.

If your health won't allow for a fast from food, how about a fast from TV, the internet, or something else?

Let's all commit to pray and fast together.

Novena for the Election: Day One

I believe that the one good thing, perhaps only good thing, about the upcoming election is that it is uniting a lot of us in prayer. I'd like to ask for additional prayers that Proposition 2 here in Michigan goes down in flames.

Please join me in a novena. I will post the following prayer (from Father Frank Pavone) every morning for the next nine days. I've set it up to post at 5 AM each day so you won't miss it.

A Prayer for our Nation as we Prepare to Elect our Leaders

O God, we acknowledge you today as Lord,
Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.

We thank you for the privilege
Of being able to organize ourselves politically
And of knowing that political loyalty
Does not have to mean disloyalty to you.

We thank you for your law,
Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged
And recognized as higher than any human law.

We thank you for the opportunity that this election year puts before us,
To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote,
But to influence countless others to vote,
And to vote correctly.

Lord, we pray that your people may be awakened.
Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation,
Their response to you requires that they be politically active.

Awaken your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world
But rather a community of faith renewing the world.

Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to you in prayer
Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read your Word
Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot,
And that they do not cease to be Christians
When they enter the voting booth.

Awaken your people to a commitment to justice
To the sanctity of marriage and the family,
To the dignity of each individual human life,
And to the truth that human rights begin when human lives begin,
And not one moment later.

Lord, we rejoice today
That we are citizens of your kingdom.

May that make us all the more committed
To being faithful citizens on earth.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

What's a Mom to Do with a Super Picky Eater

The Thrifty Homeschooler and The Sneaky Chef.

Nominating and Voting in the Blogosphere

Today is the last day to nominate your favorite homeschooling blogs at the Homeschool Blog Awards. I have a lot of great homeschool blogs in my sidebar if you need some ideas.

Also, you have one week left to vote on a patron saint at the Catholic teen blog, No Question Left Behind if you'd like to help the teens choose.

Reasons to Homeschool

One of the neat things about moving to a new home is that you discover things you haven't seen or thought about in years. I recently found an old tattered list, stained and scrawled with many different colors of ink.

When I began homeschooling, I started a list "Why Homeschool?" I don't remember where I got the idea. It may have been a talk by Dr. Mary Kay Clark.

Whenever I discovered a positive reason for homeschooling, I would write it down on this list until it grew to two pages long. During my early years of homeschooling, this list was a lifesaver. On those days when I questioned my sanity in choosing homeschooling I would pull the list out of my desk drawer and review it. It helped to keep me from throwing in the towel during tough times.

Here is the list:

-- To nurture, train, and educate our children
-- To pass on our faith and culture to the next generation
-- To center our lives around family rather than school
-- The role models they follow will be their parents not their age-appropriate peers
-- To hold them close while they're young and then let them fly
-- We can vacation and travel on the off season
-- We can take field trips on the spur of the moment and lots of them
-- Instead of learning to socialize with 20 other 1st grade children they will learn how to socialize with children and adults of all ages
-- One-on-one tutoring far outweighs large-classroom teaching
-- To insure my children learn to read using phonics
-- The Church teaches us that as parents we are the primary teachers of our children
-- Pupils taught individually achieve 30% higher on standardized tests than pupils taught in a standard class of 25 students
-- To encourage a lifelong love of learning
-- Adds to the richness of our culture by promoting diversity in educational choice.
-- I can teach my dyslexic child using proven methods like Orton Gillingham ensuring he learns to read as well as non-dyslexic students
-- Every child is unique and learns in different ways and we can design our curriculum to each child's individual learning style
--We know EXACTLY what our child is taught
-- I am re-educated
-- To protect our children from sexual and drug pressure until they are ready to face it head on
-- There is no pressure to put my ADD child on drugs
-- We can accomplish more in less time
-- To provide a classical education
-- There are no concerns about serious food allergies while our child is in school
-- Our asthmatic child can keep his emergency inhaler close by instead of with a nurse across the building
-- Education still takes place on snow and sick days
-- In this computer age resources for homeschoolers are abundant
-- To foster emotional security
-- No cliques
-- To encourage creativity
-- To develop independent learners
-- I love being with my children!

I also made a list of reasons not to homeschool:

-- Housework falls behind

PSN5: Do I Have to Go?

This is a title for the Youth section.

To read past library recommendations, or to join the email list, visit: Pope Saint Nicholas V.

Check to see if this title is already in your library's catalog. If it is, put a hold on it and check it out. If not, fill out a patron request form right away. This can usually be done online at your library's website.

Title: Do I Have to Go?: 101 Questions About the Mass, the Eucharist, and Your Spiritual Life
Author: Matthew Pinto and Christopher Stefanick
Publisher: Ascension Press
Date Published: January 2008
ISBN-10: 1934217336
ISBN-13: 978-1934217337
Price: $12.99 Softcover
From the publisher:

From playing video games to sleeping-in, teens can think of countless things they would rather do than go to Mass on Sunday morning. That is, unless they knew what they were missing. "Do I Have to Go?" explains the meaning and the mystery of Mass in such a way that teens will be asking, "Why wouldn't I go?"

With wit, clarity, and common sense, Matthew Pinto and Chris Stefanick answer the tough questions teens have about the Mass-from the rituals contained in the liturgy, to the doctrines of the Eucharist and the priesthood. When teens understand that the Mass is literally the meeting place between heaven and earth, they will have a newfound sense of awe and a deeper understanding of their role as a Catholic in a post-modern world. In “Do I Have to Go?” you will learn:

* Why the Mass is an essential part of the Christian life
* The mystery of the Eucharist as the Real Presence of Jesus’s Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity
* How the redemptive work of Jesus Christ is communicated to and through the Church and the sacraments
* The meaning of all the gestures and symbols of the the Mass
* How the Mass has developed from its roots in the Old Testament, through its institution by Christ
* The importance of the liturgical seasons for the spiritual life
* And much, much more…

Fluffy Delicious Gluten Free Pancakes Recipe

Sparky loves my pancakes. There are few tricks I use to make them light and fluffy (not an easy task with GF flour). Actually, I use the same tricks I use for regular pancakes. The following recipe is converted from a recipe in The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion (the bible of all-purpose flour baking). You could just buy GF pancake mix but it's pricey and not that much easier.

Simple but Perfect GF Pancakes Recipe
2 lg. eggs
1 1/2 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla extract (don't use imitation as it may not be GF)
3 Tblsp. melted butter
1 1/2 c. GF flour (I premix 1 part rice to 1 part tapioca or potato)
3/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. sugar

Beat the eggs, milk, and vanilla on high speed for 3 minutes. The mixture will be really light and fluffy. Stir in the butter.

Sift the dry ingredients together to evenly distribute and also lighten up the mixture. Gently and quickly stir into the wet mixture. Just 10 seconds should do it. Yes, I know there will still be lumps but, as Alton Brown would say, "Just step away from the batter" because the next step is going to take care of those lumps.

(NOTE: You may have to add more milk if the batter is too thick.)

If you keep stirring and mixing until all the lumps are gone then you're going to end up with stiff, tough pancakes. Instead, let the batter sit for at least 5 to 10 minutes. You could even make it the night before and let it sit in the fridge. I like to make the batter before Mass and then finish up when we get home.

Allowing the batter to sit will dissolves all of those lumps, thicken up the batter, and make it all yummy & fluffy. While the batter rests, you could make some blueberry syrup (I'll include that recipe at the end).

Spray your griddle with Pam and preheat. The griddle is ready if a drop of water skitters across the surface. If you're lucky enough to have an electric skillet set the temperature to between 325 and 350.

Give your batter a final stir and drop on the griddle -- about a 1/4 cup. I use an ice cream scoop. The GF pancakes don't seem to bubble on top like regular pancakes so just keep checking them. Turn over once and cook on the other side until it's brown. Serve immediately.

Since Sparky is the only one eating the GF version, I have lots of pancakes leftover to put in baggies for later use. I put them in the fridge or freezer to reheat in the toaster oven or on a hot griddle another day.

NOTE: For regular pancakes, reduce the milk to 1 1/4 c. milk and use all-purpose flour.

Blueberry Syrup Recipe
1 1/2 c. frozen blueberries
2 Tblsp. lemon juice
1/4 sugar
1 1/2 c. corn syrup (I substitute 1/2 of the corn syrup for honey)
1/4 c. cornstarch
1.4 c. cold water

Put the berries, juice, sugar, and syrup in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. While you're waiting put the cornstarch into a cup with the cold water. Stir to dissolve. I use a sippy cup -- put the cornstarch and water into the cup, put on the lid, and give it a good shake. Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering blueberry mixture all at once. Stir continuously until syrup comes back to a simmer and becomes clear. Serve warm right off the stove.

The Irish and Teen Blogs

One of the cool things about the Internet and blogging is that you get a glimpse into the world outside of the United States. Now and then you stumble onto a Catholic blogger from England or Australia or elsewhere. You see that they are dealing with the same joys and same struggles with their faith and with the Church. It adds, I think, new meaning to the Body of Christ.

Sometimes you even stumble upon blogs from God's country, the homeland of my ancestors, Ireland. Thanks to Sitemeter, I discovered an Irish blogger who discovered No Question Left Behind and had a few kinds words for the teen authors:

I was wandering around the web earlier and by following a link from a favourite site to another site to another and so on, I found these great guys (and gals). They answer in plain and simple English common but occasionally difficult questions about the Faith, mostly from teenagers. This site is brilliant and deserves a big prize! What they want however is not a prize but a heavenly patron, so go over here and help them pick one. (SUBTLE HINT: St Augustine is not only very cool but also spent some time answering random questions from members of his community.)

Thank you so very much Éamonn.

(And how cool is it that they say cool in Ireland too?)

Physical Education for Homeschooled Teenagers

Ever wonder how homeschooled teenagers get their exercise? Here's how our friend Catherine gets her daily PE:

Steve the Balloon

At the end of our house warming party there was a bonfire with marshmallows and the whole bit. There were also balloons. 144 balloons to be exact. The kids discovered that if they blew up the balloons and held them over the fire, they would fly up in the air. (I logged it as "science" on the school transcript.) You wouldn't believe how long such a thing will entertain children and teenagers. It went on all night. I woke up the next morning, looked out my window, and saw a dozen or so balloons up in my trees. And about ten times that many dead on the ground around the fire pit. I wish my camera had been working (it got broke . . . again). It was quite the colorful sight in my backyard.

Here is the story of one balloon in particular -- Steve.


Thank you Jimmy, YouTube extraordinaire, for providing this video.

Catholic and Loving It

For a blog that says speaks its mind, quite frankly, all the way from the UK, go visit Catholic and Loving It. Today they blog on No Question Left Behind.

PSN5: Take It to the Queen

I am very excited about the release of this book as I loved its predecessor, The Weight of a Mass.

Check to see if this title is already in your library's catalog. If it is, put a hold on it and check it out. If not, fill out a patron request form right away. This can usually be done online at your library's website.

Title: Take It to the Queen: A Tale of Hope
Author: Josephine Nobisso
Publisher: Gingerbread House
Date Published: December 2008 (Currently available)
ISBN-10: 0940112191
ISBN-13: 978-0940112193
Price: $17.95 Hardcover, $9.95 Softcover
Review: Love2Learn.net

Product Description

With exquisite artwork and evocative text, this original fable explores the events of Jesus' life, and demonstrates the role of the Virgin Mary as the benevolent agent of God's people. Reduced to desolation by a king and prince who feel they have been wronged, the residents of a once-favored village must seek help from the queen, a native of their devastated town. Religious subjects are presented clearly in an allegorical style that proves entertaining, and also serves to provide children with examples of virtue and good behavior.

About the Author

Josephine Nobisso is the author of several books, including The Numbers Dance, Show; Don't Tell!, and The Weight of a Mass. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including Bank Street College's Best Book of the Year and a Catholic Press Association Award. She lives in Westhampton Beach, New York. Katalin Szegedi is the illustrator of The Weight of a Mass and was named Illustrator of the Year by Hungary's International Board on Books for Young People.

To read past library recommendations, or to join the email list, visit: Pope Saint Nicholas V.