Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln

February was a busy month for the Committee of Naming Holidays. The month began with Groundhogs Day, so named because the Committee met on the second day of the month and the head of the committee hogged up the ground they were sitting on and would not let anyone near him. The Committee noticed that when Mardi Gras ended they would burn the floats to ashes on a Wednesday, which led to the name Ash Wednesday. The President of Hallmark realized there was a downturn in sales in the month of February and tried wanted a holiday between Christmas and Mothers Day. He approached the Committee and since his name was Bob Valentine and he met with them on the 14th, another holiday was created.
Two of the United States greatest Presidents were also born in February: William Henry Harrison and Ronald Reagan. OK, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were born in February. Since the Committee did not want the Post Office closed all those times to celebrate the birth of the Presidents, they created Presidents Day.
During one of the most trying times of American History, Abraham Lincoln was President. A nation not yet one hundred years ole was tearing itself apart. Then on July 4, 1863, the eighty-seventh birthday of the nation, he gave the most important speech in American History. Though the speech was less than five minutes in length, something current Presidents may consider, it had a huge impact on the future of the nation.
Many people know the beginning, “Four score and seven years ago.” Many people know the end, “and that government: of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” One phrase that Lincoln uttered, that many people are not familiar with is, “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.”
Abraham Lincoln was a man of deep faith. When the Civil War did not appear to wane, Lincoln issued a proclamation, which included part of Psalm 33:12. It stated, “Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation. And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
Lincoln wrote many prayers in his journal. Many times he would tell people how he began his day, “Before I rise to my feet, I begin my day on my knees.”
Abraham Lincoln served during one of the darkest times in American History. He was not afraid to call on the name of the Lord for assistance.
February 12th is Lincoln’s birthday. As our nation again is divided on many issues, let us follow Lincolns lead. Let us begin our day in solemn prayer and turn towards God for guidance. Our nation can once again be blessed if we make God our Lord as it is written, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12 NIV)

Kurt and Tim

Every year at this time, there is one special event on TV that is the most watched event for the year. Advertisers spend millions to get a commercial shown during this broadcast. The recent price for a thirty-second commercial is 2.5 million dollars. Even at that high of a price, many advertisers are turned away because the commercial slots are filled. What event is it that does this? That is right, the Quiche Cook Off on the Food Network. Ok, that’s not it; it is the Super Bowl.
There is one Super Bowl that stands out in my memory. Not because of the team that won it (I do remember all of the 49’er victories), but because of what happened after the game had ended. Mike Tirico approached the MVP of the game and said, “Kurt, first things first — tell me about the final touchdown pass to Isaac Bruce.”
Kurt Warner answered, “Well, first things first, I've got to thank my Lord and Savior up above - thank you, Jesus!"
Kurt did not hide being a Christian. Many people do hide being a Christian. Whether those around them that are not Christian intimidate them, thus they just want to fit in. Whether they are running for office and risk alienating some of the voters, as many politicians have stated in recent elections, “My religious views are a private matter between me and my God.” Whether they are unsure of their own beliefs and do not want to discuss it for fear of misleading someone.
Whatever reason they have, they are going against what Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV) Christians should be proud they are a Christian, not hide it.
This Super Bowl has a chance to be like the previous Super Bowl. Not because of who is playing in it, but because of who is starring in one of the commercials. Tim Tebow and his mother will appear in a commercial. Even before the commercial has aired, there is already a controversy surrounding it. Are they selling beer, stocks, computers, or chips? No, they are not. The controversy surrounding the commercial is around choice.
When Tim’s mother was pregnant, she became sick, so sick that the doctors told her that the child she was carrying would have many physical problems. She was advised to abort the child. She chose not to get an abortion and now her son has a chance to be drafted into the NFL.
The amazing thing about the controversy is that those who support “choice” are upset that she is telling about her “choice.” Some have even gone to various news outlets and when told about the “choice” she made, they correct the people and call her “choice” a “decision.” Tim’s parents made the “choice” to give birth, but the “pro-choice” group does not want other people to know about it. They would rather continue the lie of “choice” instead of calling it what it is - choose only abortion.
Tim’s parents are happy with their “choice.” Why won’t they let her tell the world about her “choice?”