HERE's and Interesting Link. On Darwin’s Birthday, Only 4 in 10 Believe in Evolution Belief drops to 24% among frequent church attenders.

Here is the LINK to an article where a doctor didn't arrive at the abortion site in time. The young girl gave birth to a baby which was then thrown away. While it is true that the baby probably had a slim chance at survival, it was treated, not as a human being, but as trash. They are looking into murder charges. But if the doctor had arrived in time and killed the baby in the mother's womb, it would not have been news, it (according to our laws and others) would not have been murder. Because, while it is in the womb (they say) it is not a baby. How arbitrary and insane is that? Here's a quote from the young girls attorney. "She came face to face with a human being," Pennekamp said. "And that changed everything." What changed is she realized it was, and had been, a human being. Let's honor life. Life of the mother AND life of the child.

Well, I leave in the morning for the Dominican. I am looking forward to it, but as the time has approached my excitement has been tempered and almost overwhelmed by sadness over leaving my family. I am really going to miss Sarah and the kids. I'm not nervous about the trip or my time down there. It is going to be good and I am going to love it, but I hate being away from the family. Tonight I sat down with Esther and Nathan and we had a long talk about where Daddy was going, what Daddy would be doing, and why. We got out the map and showed them where I was going and where my plane would land and all the details. They were excited. Nathan told me that he was going to come with me. I wish he could. I told him maybe he could when he got older. Sarah is going to spend part of the week down at her parents. Her sister just had a baby and she is eager to see the baby and to help Joni as much as she can. Pray for our trip. Pray for safety in travel and while we are in country. Pray for the work, that Christ will be magnified and people will be called into relationship with him. It will all be over before I know it and I will wonder where the time went. But tonight as I went in the kids room to give them a kiss before I went to bed, I was missing them already. Yes, I'm a big softie when it comes to my kids. These things remind us of just a hint of what it must have been like as Jesus left His Father in heaven to come to earth for us. Amazing love, how can it be!?

So there was This Article about some of those Somali Pirates that drowned after getting the millions they demanded in ransom. One of their bodies washed up on shore with $153K on him. A grim reminder that while crime may pay in the short term, it doesn't in the long term. I thought that was a good commentary on all of our lives. How often do I put a lot of work into something that I can't take with me anyway. How often do I pursue life choices, goals, or priorities that do not take into account God and His kingdom. I can't take it with me. On a personal note, I am heartened by the opportunity to have at least some level of reconciliation with someone who had been angry and upset with me. Its not full restoration, but its a start and at least gives some closure. Won't it be great when we get to heaven and we are all together in peace and love? I look forward to that. One more week before I leave for the Dominican Republic. I am a little nervous, not about actually going, just about leaving my family. They will be fine, but I hate to be away from them for a week. This will be a great experience, though, and I know I will be glad I went. I am in good shape so far in getting things in place for this month and next.

Time to get geared up for a new year. I am excited about the possibilities that are facing us as a church as well as my family. E will finish her kindergarten year and be ready for 1st grade this fall. N will be starting some pre-school activities this year. M will hopefully soon be talking to us. At church, Nate and I will further cement and develop our partnership in ministry with the deacons. There will be many new outreach opportunities and chances to do more discipleship. This will no doubt be a year of challenges, and I am excited for what is coming. Now I just need to get all my reports for 08 finished!!