The Puppy in the Dog

It was a glorious weekend to be a basset hound. Sam and Matilda took up residence on the deck. Sam sunning his belly, and Tillie looking for all the world like bloated road kill. Truly, her girlish figure is a thing of the past. But, as long as she raids the pantry and eats entire bags of marshmallows and sneaks tootsie pops for treats when our backs are turned, things are not likely to change.

Sam is getting on in basset years. He will turn eight in May. As a puppy, Sam was "an only pup." As such, he was incredibly high maintenance. Before learning to channel his enthusiasm we lost a couch, two cell phones, a couple of heirloom keepsakes, many nights of sleep, and much of my sanity. After learning that a tired basset puppy is a good basset puppy, we made evening swims part of his daily ritual. I would put his harness on him, connect a leash and carry him into the river to swim against the current. I could stand there while he paddled feverishly, making little progress, but expending great amounts of effort to do so.


We went through countless dog toys. His sense of delight apparent when he successfully gutted a brand new toy in less than ten minutes. But, his very favorite toy was a blue peacock. He particularly liked the sound the unique sound that the squeaker in the peacock made. The peacock has been gone for years. But, on Sunday, while shopping for new collars and tags for the dogs, we ran across a duck that made the same unique sound. Thinking it might be a treat for Sam, we purchased it and brought it home.

At the first quacking sound, Sam's ears perked up and it was apparent that the sound had struck a chord with him. He came running up in anticipation of a great treat, knowing it had to be for him. Then for the next two hours, Sam carried the toy around in his mouth. He was not letting go, and he was not sharing. Every so often he would bite down so he could hear the quack, then he would go back to just carrying it around. When he finally decided it would be safe to lay it down, he would come back periodically to make it quack and carry it around some more. You could just see the puppy in the dog.


Oftentimes I ask young people what they want to be when they grow up. As some struggle with the answer, I tell them it is OK, to not have an immediate answer. As for me, all I know for sure is that I want to be really, really old and in good health when I finally grow up. "Growing up" implies reaching an end in the growing process. Personally, I never want to reach the place where growing ends. Regardless of the gray hair and the slower movement, I always want others to be able to see the "puppy in the dog."

Joshua and Caleb received the blessing of God when they went into the promised land and brought back a good report. In reward for their faithfulness, the Lord gave them long life after all the naysayers had passed away. You could still see that puppy in the dog when Caleb said to Joshua at the age of 85, "I am still as strong to this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war, and for going and coming." Joshua 14:11

This I Know

Contemplating the changes that will occur in the coming year, I could be concerned about a number of things. Personally, with a boss who is retiring, my employment situation is a question mark. Who wants an opinionated policy advisor? Is there another position for me at the Capitol? Is it time to move to another arena? What about salary? What about benefits? Can I walk away? Should I walk away?

This I know, that God is for me.

What about the condition of our nation? Can the torch of freedom be passed to the next generation? Have we ever been so close to the edge of falling into ruin? Do any men and women of virtue remain in leadership? Can we survive the damage done in the attacks on our freedom? Can our children afford the consequences of the policies that are being heaped upon us?

This I know, that God is for me.

What about my children? Do they have the moral fortitude to sustain the coming difficulties? Will they raise their children to love and serve the Lord? Are they equipped to step up to the plate in leadership as my generation faces its sunset years? Have I, am I doing everything I can to prepare them for the future?

This I know, that God is for me.

Those are all things I could worry about. But, I don't. All I can do is all I can do. Having done it, the results are up to God. For . . .

This I know, that God is for me. Psalm 56:9

The Desires of My Heart

Hannah, my granddaughter, has never experienced lack in her life. When she was born she had enough clothes, toys and stuff to provide for at least three children. At the ripe old age of six, she has more high tech gadgets than I had in my first forty years of life. So, the last thing I expected to see upon opening the garage door to get her "bicycle" so she could accompany me on a walk was a good old-fashioned red tricycle, just like the one I had when I was her age.

The memory of my red tricycle is precious to me. I was five. My mom and step-dad had just gotten married and moved our family to Houston. The preceding few years had been rough on my mom, and my step-dad wanted to give her the gift of not having to work outside the home. At the time, kindergarten was not mandatory. So, my step-dad asked me if I would rather go to kindergarten or stay home with my mom with a puppy and a new tricycle.

Yes, it is true. I skipped kindergarten.

The puppy's name was Puddles, and watching Hannah, elbows flying and knees pumping up and down, I remembered the joy of riding my tricycle in endless circles on the driveway in front of our home. It was particularly exhilarating to get up enough speed to take the turns on two wheels, especially since a failure to appropriately negotiate the curve usually resulted in a new band-aide.

My step-dad raised me, and often gave me similarly difficult decisions to make. Would I rather clean the kitchen or go out and work on the car with him? Would I prefer to stay home with my siblings or go to work with him? (I know he made this offer to my siblings also, but I like to think that I am the only one who knew "going to work with Dad" meant a stop at the malt shop.) As a teenager it was, would I rather do [ insert anything here] or take the boat out and go skiing on the river?

My husband tells me that my step-dad spoiled me rotten. But, in reality, he just knew the desires of my heart, and over the years, he offered them to me on many occasions. And, isn't that just like our heavenly father?

Take delight in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

In Case you Were Wondering

Just in case you wondering, an executive order from the president does not trump statutory law established by Congress. Of course, most people with even a rudimentary level of civic literacy knows that, but it seemed to confuse some of our elected officials on Sunday when a deal was brokered for the president to issue an executive order to prohibit the funding of abortions with tax payer dollars in exchange for several votes for the health care bill.

It isn't rocket science, or even brain surgery. It is the simple separation of powers provided for in our Constitution. If an executive order could override statutes, there would be no need for Congress, the president would be able to establish, at will, any policy he wanted. In fact, if an executive order would trump statute, I'm pretty sure as important as the issue is to this president, he would have already instituted a national takeover of health care by executive order. But, he didn't, because he couldn't. And, he couldn't for the same reason that the executive order being signed today to prohibit the spending of tax dollars for abortion is not worth the paper on which it is written.

Throughout the debates on the health care bill, I have listened to the congressman leading the group of holdouts on the principled stand of the sanctity of life and the belief that tax dollars should not fund abortion. He and his small band of followers held out until just hours before the vote. As his press conference was announced, I prayed it would be to announce that since there was no suitable compromise, he would be voting no. But, that wasn't his announcement. He announced, instead, the sham of the executive order, and acted as if he actually believed what he was saying. Nothing in this process is quite as disappointing as watching a man of principle capitulate on those principles.

It is not yet out in the open how much his district will benefit in the coming days - grants for airports and money for a hospital have been mentioned. But, the fact remains that once a legislator has agreed to exchange his vote and principles for something else, he has established his profession, and all that remains is negotiation on price. I just cannot fathom what might be worth trading your reputation and the lives of the unborn for.

Do not misunderstand me. I do not think it was easy for Rep. Stupak to hold out as long as he did. He was under extreme pressure by his friends to switch his vote. And, I do not necessarily believe it was easy for him to surrender. But, the point is, he did. And that only added to the perception that the men and women who lead us are lacking in moral virtue.

Join me in praying for moral strength for our elected leaders. It is not always easy to do the right thing.

Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. Proverbs 25:26

God Answers Prayers

God answers all prayers. Sometimes we get exactly what we want. Sometimes we get exactly what we asked for. Always, we get exactly what we need.

Our family moved to Ft. Worth the week of an historic ice storm. From the window of the breakfast nook, the back yard resembled a frozen tundra, the skeletons of the trees weighed down under the burden of ice. As winter turned to spring, one tree stood out from the others. At the first sign of warm weather, it literally burst into bloom, a promise of things to come. As spring turned to summer, the tree began to droop under its heavy burden of apples.

As summer was winding down and moving into fall, we received the news that my husband's company which had moved us had been sold and his position would be eliminated. We began to prepare, once again, to move. My prayer was that we would be able to stay in the house until the apples turned red. Having watched the tree with delight for most of the year, reaping the harvest was one small way of relieving the grief of another move.

Working in the yard one afternoon Jerry picked an apple. He came into the house and asked me if I wanted red apples or ripe apples. The apple tree was a green variety, and they were ready for the picking. I got what I wanted, not what I asked for.

A friend and I were on our way to a women's retreat at Camp Allen, hopelessly lost in the country side. As we pulled to an intersection I prayed, "Lord, show me a sign to Camp Allen."

We turned right, traveled about 8 miles and came upon the sign I had prayed to receive. "Camp Allen - 10 Miles." It pointed us back in the direction from which we had just come. It would have been better to ask God for Camp Allen, rather than a sign. I got what I asked for, not what I wanted.

Praying over our nation and the health care debate for the past few years, I often reduce my request to, "No, no, no. Please don't let it pass."

But, as I watched the coverage of the issue on TV on Sunday and listened to the live debates on the radio, the realization that another long-term prayer of mine was being answered. People are engaged on this issue. Tens of thousands of people protested passage on the bill in Washington on Saturday. The phone lines to the U.S. Congress were continually busy on a Sunday afternoon when we were enjoying incredibly beautiful weather. People are beginning to stir. Could this be the awakening of the American people for which I have prayed for so long? And, what did I expect that answered prayer to look like?

Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Honest, I Tried to Let it Go

Honest. I tried to let it go.

It is spring break. But, old habits die hard. Coming into my craft room with that first cup of coffee, I switched on my computer and flipped the TV over to Fox news. The first news was of the "yes" votes that have switched to "no" votes and the "no" votes who have switched to "yes" votes on the health care bill. The hair on the back of my neck began to tickle. Call me a cynic, but at this point in the game, if you are changing your vote short of a visitation from an angel of the Lord, I have to question what is in it for you.

But, having written about health care several times, I let it pass.

Then, President Obama came on giving a speech to George Mason University. Initially, I muted the TV, not wishing to raise my blood pressure. My desire is to respect the office of the presidency and the person who holds it, so I generally attempt to avoid those situations where I know that my respect is likely to be undermined. But, the speech continued for an extended period of time, so I began to listen.

For those of you who are not involved in public policy, let me tell you a secret. You do not have to understand legislation, the legislative process or politics to understand what is being proposed in the health care bill. All you have to know is a little bit about money and government.

1. There is very little that government can do better than the free market (think national defense).
2. When government is responsible for paying, they then have a reason to regulate EVERYTHING that is covered by those payments.
3. Health care is a commodity - the services you receive costs money.

So, here is what the proponents of the health care reform before them would have you believe.

1. Mandating insurance companies to provide free preventive care will lower your insurance costs. (They actually tried that once before - remember HMO's?)
2. Increasing the number of people on Medicaid (socialized system) will lower the cost of health care. (The bill for the State of Texas will be about $2 billion a year. They get that money out of your pocket.)
3. Increasing the number of people on government programs will lower the deficit. (Deserves no explanation. If you believe that, I have ocean front property in Arizona for you.)
4. You will be able to keep your current insurance. (Of course, that doesn't take into account the fact that your insurance company is likely to go out of business.)
5. You can keep your own doctor. (Unless they are one of the 30 percent of doctors who say they will retire immediately or early if the health care reform passes.

Perhaps the most interesting thing to watch has been the switch in the debate from the merits (or lack thereof) of the bill to the politics of it. In my 18 years at the Texas Capitol, "it's for the little, sick children" has always been a trump argument. We are now hearing that the reason for passing the legislation is because it is critical for President Obama's presidency. If the legislation fails, there is a fear that the liberal arm of the party will be alienated. Well, isn't that a special reason to take control of 1/6 of the nation's economy.

It is not political rhetoric to believe that the outcome of this particular debate is going to leave a mark on our history that will be discussed for years. This week will be remembered as the time when our nation tottered on a precipice. Will we slide into the abyss of socialism and the resulting slavery? Or, will peeking over the edge and just seeing the abyss, shock us into pulling back?

Only God knows. And my prayer goes out to Him to hear our cry and save our land.

Blessed be the Lord , who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. Psalm 68:19

Springtime and Pumpkins

Last fall "Mom's house" was designated as the place for my daughters and granddaughter to carve a pumpkin. While the idea that they wanted to make sure "Migi" could enjoy the festivities of the occasion sounds sweet, the deciding factor was probably who would be responsible for clean-up. Knowing all that, I sent them out on the front sidewalk with their pumpkin and carving tools. It wasn't too long before Hannah came in and said, "Migi, I need some kid spoons."

She was referring to my demitasse spoons, reserved for special guests and children. And, she was wanting to use them in scraping out a pumpkin.

"How many do you need?"

"Two."

"Okay, Migi will loan you two kid spoons, but you are responsible for returning them to me when you are finished. Mama is not going to return them and Aunt Kristi is not going to return them. OK?"

"OK"

And off my good spoons went to carve the pumpkin.

Hannah quickly lost interest in the carving - probably because her mother does not allow her to play with knives. But, she was very interested in the pumpkin seeds and asked her mother if she could plant one. Moms tend to be very practical, so the explanation of why you do not plant pumpkins in the fall was given. Aunt Kristi concurred that pumpkin seeds planted in the fall were not likely to survive. So, when all else fails, ask Migi.

Yes, I know that pumpkins are a fall crop, that the chances of a pumpkin sprouting after a freezing winter are unlikely. I also know that planting a pumpkin seed can be fun even if you don't get a pumpkin. So, we picked a spot in the front herb garden, as far from the edge as Hannah could reach from the sidewalk, dug a small hole with the kid spoons and put the pumpkin seed into the ground. While Hannah was covering it up with dirt, I went inside to get her a glass of water to pour on it. We talked about the fact that it might not come up, but that all we could do was put it in the ground, water it and let God do the rest.

Hannah returned the kid spoons to me and all the adults forgot about the pumpkin seed except for the times when she would ask how her seed was doing. Each time we would prepare her for the eventuality that the pumpkin was not going to sprout. Imagine my surprise this week as I perused the herb garden and recognized that the new "weed" sprouting was a pumpkin plant! The recognition was quickly followed by the realization that my herb garden would be co-opted for the season by Mr. Pumpkin.

I immediately sent a picture of the plant to Hannah, via her Mom. Hannah's response was, "I'm so excited. Kiss me."

Lessons learned:

1. We should all have the faith of a child.
2. We should all sow, regardless of expectations of reaping.
3. Migi should think about what a pumpkin plant growing only feet away from the front door would look like before she plants a seed.

For in this case the saying is true, "One sows and another reaps." John 4:37

Spring Break and Health Care

Spring has sprung! My plans for spending the week in Houston with my sister changed suddenly when she was unable to make the trip. So, I find myself with the week off and no plans. Wow!!! Life is good.

Unfortunately, there is way too much policy wonk in me to turn off the news reports of the health care debate. But, more than the actual policy issues, it is the procedures being suggested that are captivating me. Like a train wreck about to happen, I just can't draw my eyes away from it.

One of the great disappointments of the American public is the perception that special interests and lobbyists are controlling what is happening in Washington. If only that were the case. At least I understand the motives of special interest groups. But what we are now seeing is procedural maneuvers which circumvent the Constitution and pork projects which are using our taxpayer dollars to bribe legislators to vote favorably for the legislation.

The House, under Speaker Pelosi, is proposing to use a rule to specify that the Senate health care bill is "deemed" to have passed. That means, that even though there has been no vote on the bill, they are going to pass the items to "reconcile" that not yet passed bill and in doing so, both the bill and the "fix" will be passed at the same time. Why would they do that? Because they do not have the votes to pass the legislation on a heads up vote. The process violates the constitutional requirement that a measure pass both chambers of the legislature to be sent to the president for his signature.

No one has a clue what is in the bill that is being considered. Speaker Pelosi even said that they need to pass the bill so they can see what is in it "without the fog of controversy." No. The legislative process should be a deliberative process where there is clarity on what is being passed and what the future ramifications may be. There has been no scoring on the fiscal implications of the legislation because NOBODY KNOWS WHAT IS IN IT!

Frederick Bastiat explained exactly the situation we find ourselves in when he wrote his essay The Law in the 1800's. "When law and morality contradict each other, the citizen has the cruel alternative of either losing his moral sense or losing his respect for the law."

It is apparent that our medical system as we know it will not survive the radical changes proposed to give the government control of that sector of the economy. However, as more and more citizens are rising up in protest over the health care bill, the even larger question may be whether our Republic and the constitutional rule of law will survive the current environment in Washington.

Now is the time to stand in the gap in prayer for our leaders. Pray that they will not lose sight of the bigger picture as they are in the trenches on this particular policy issue. Pray for wisdom in all of their decisions. And, pray that anything that is being done in the dark will be brought to light.

"But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops." Luke 12:2-3

Things I Can't Talk About

The idiocy of the government "borrowing" an hour of my sleep time and holding it in reserve for me until the fall is generally my topic of discussion on the Monday after daylight savings time goes into effect. However, on Sunday we heard a sermon on "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Therefore, I hope you will understand why I have nothing to say about daylight savings time this morning.

But, that's not the only thing I can't talk about. For the life of me, I cannot find anything positive to say about the manipulations of the U.S House rules to pass the health care bill. They are not suggesting changing rules at the beginning of a session, or even at what might be perceived to be half-time. The changes they are considering making would affect a bill where the game is actually in the last two minutes of the final quarter. The political maneuver flies in the face of the rule of law. But, since I can't say anything nice about it, I have nothing to say at all.

Then, there was the story on the news this morning about a math teacher who wrote across the top of a student's paper, "20 points off because you are a loser!" What is there nice to say about that, other than the fact that the teacher is blessed it was not my child's paper?

But, disagreeing on public policy issues is not the same as saying harmful, hurtful things, so long as disagreements are on policy, not personal. There are a number of people with whom I disagree on policy, but find to be fine individuals of character on a personal level. We generally understand each others' positions and rarely take offense at the disagreement. Learning to disagree agreeably in this environment is crucial to staying in the battle for the long haul.

As you can see, some of my comments this morning are rather tongue-in-cheek.But, that one about the teacher, I am dead serious about. Scripture explains why words are so powerful. God spoke and the world came into being. In the same way, the words we speak can shape and form our world. Words spoken over young or vulnerable people (loser... stupid...ugly...) can literally shape how they see themselves. The parent or teacher who is a role model for a child should take those phrases totally out of their vocabulary, choosing to correct behavior, rather than to attack self-esteem. Putting the words in writing is even more egregious. To not say something in defense of the child who received that note would be a worse travesty than to say something "unnice" about the teacher.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

The Pink Dome

There are a lot of special treats that go along with working at the Texas Capitol. Yesterday the perk was a tour of the Dome. A representative from the Preservation Board hosted the group of six up into areas of the Capitol not generally open to the public, giving us information on the history and the architecture of the building.

Taking the elevator from the basement level to the fourth floor of the Capitol, we began our stair climbing trek up -- and up -- and up. At its pinnacle, the Dome looms 22 stories above the ground. Our upwards journey was interrupted on numerous occasions as we stopped at first one level and then another to venture outside to see the majestic views. A storm line moved through shortly before our tour, washing the air clean, and leaving a brisk wind in its wake. But the temperature was in the low seventies and it was a near perfect day to see for twenty plus miles in all directions.

A shot of the star that is the focal point of the dome taken from the center of the rotunda on the ground floor is a must take picture for most visitors to the Capitol. What appears to be a small star from the bottom is actually eight feet across. Looking up is impressive. But, leaning over the edge and looking down is not for the faint hearted.

Each time I take the tour of the Dome, I learn something new. This time it was about how the weight of the dome is actually designed to hold the walls of the Capitol in place. The tons of granite are supported on steel buttresses which push in against the walls, using the weight to counter the natural tendency for the walls to collapse under a flat roof. So, what looks like only a decoration on top of the pink granite building is actually integral to holding the entire building together.

And, isn't that just like God? Oftentimes in our lives, we have heavy burdens. We miss the fact that sometimes the weight is to counter balance the otherwise natural tendency for our lives to collapse.

Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Wisdom

Mark your calendars. I have had nothing to say for the last two days. For someone with a response to everything, it is an unusual state of events. Part of it is that the continual news about the debate on national health care reform has worn me down. Could having to live under a system of nationalized health care actually be any worse than having to listen to the politicians and pundits continually talking about it? (Uh, that was a rhetorical question and the answer is, "yes.")

The other part of having nothing to say is that we are hosting a couple of young people in our home who are interning at the Capitol this week. Most of my attention has been on them. Being several years beyond having teenagers in residence at my home allows me to thoroughly enjoy the company of the "young folks." There is nothing like seeing their passion and enthusiasm to rekindle my hope for our nation.

One of the topics we have focused on this week is wisdom. Wisdom is a trait that is spoken of often and greatly respected in scripture, however it is not an attribute that seems to be prized in our society. It is a gift that is available for the asking, yet who remembers to ask for it? Wisdom is necessary to understand righetousness and justice, but we argue the issues without understanding. We call evil good and good evil and expect the Lord to bless us anyway.

Where is the wisdom in passing legislation where one generation will enjoy the benefit and the next generation will pay the bill? Where is the wisdom in using tax dollars to prop up companies or banks which have made poor financial decisions? Where is the wisdom in passing entitlement programs with no hope of sustainability?

Think about it. When you voted in the primary last week, was the wisdom of the candidate you cast your vote for a major factor in your decision? Or, are you in the majority of people who did not even bother to cast a vote? Was that because a lack of wisdom on the part of the candidates running made you decide to just sit the race out? Or, was it a lack of wisdom on your part not to even weigh in?

Proverbs 9:10 tells us that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

He freely gives us wisdom. Do we freely use it?

What's in a Word?

Those of you who have known me for a while, either personally or through my writing, know my love of words. Equipped from childhood with a vocabulary sufficient to keep me in trouble, my logic, sarcasm, analogies and puns have moved me from the frying pan into the fire on more occasions than one.

And, while making plays on words delight me, I detest when people involved in policy attempt to change the meanings of words to suit their situation. Case in point: A news item on talk radio this morning was discussing the City of Austin's move to implement a "no kill" policy for their animal shelter. They wanted to specify that the policy to euthanize animals would continue in the case of vicious or ill animals. Just to clarify their position, "euthanizing" animals is not the same as "killing" animals.

Perhaps the limited amount of time dedicated to the news story detracted from my full understanding of the point. Yes, I know that there is a difference between killing healthy animals and killing ones who are ill or vicious. But, the point is, they are still being killed. And, the dog that is killed is just as dead as the dog that is euthanized.

Why does it matter what you call things? It matters because when the debate turns from euthanizing or killing dogs turns to the debate of euthanizing or killing people, you really don't want to be confused about the definition or the outcome.

"How did she get to that point on this issue?" you ask.

Well, the city that wants not to kill animals is the only one in the state that uses tax payer dollars to fund abortions - the killing of unborn babies. They call it a woman's choice. Just as the animal that is euthanized or killed is just as dead, the baby that is prematurely evicted from the womb is just as dead if it is called a choice or an abortion.

The war of words is one of the most important ones we play in the policy and political arena. And the one who controls the definitions of words is the one most likely to win the argument. But, you have no animals and are past childbearing age, so what's it to you how life and death terms are defined.

It's simple. As we move further and further into the national health care debate, there is the real possibility that medical decisions are going to be made based on financial, not health grounds. What health care is cost effective for an elderly person? Since euthanasia is not killing (in their minds) would it be more humane than causing someone to suffer from the aches and pains that accompany old age? It would certainly be less expensive and would allow the precious resources to be used for younger patients.

When you are old, advanced in years, don't you hope the policy makers are not confused by definitions?

There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

The Day After

Well, there was no devotional yesterday because I spent a 15 hour day working as a clerk in a polling place. As far as polling places are concerned, we had a pretty sweet spot. We were set up inside a retirement residence in an area with frequent visits by the elderly residents and entertained by the banjo club which came in for an hour in the afternoon.

Voting was steady, but not particularly brisk. That left time and opportunity to speak with some of the residents. One, a woman who is 87 years old shared her story. She is from Germany and spoke with a heavy accent. Since earning her citizenship in 1956 she has not missed a single election. If the polls open, she makes the effort to vote. She was in Germany when the privilege of voting did not include actually having a choice, so she understands what is at stake.

As in all elections, there were winners and losers. In my experience, winning and losing can be a lot like pulling a band-aid off a wound. It can hurt fast or you can prolong the pain. Sometimes, winning just prolongs the pain. In one statewide race yesterday, the best qualified, most experienced candidate actually lost in the Republican primary because of his Hispanic surname. If the candidates' resumes had been presented as Candidate A and Candidate B and the choices been based on qualifications, integrity, or any other issue other than race, the Hispanic in this seat would have won. Those who cast their votes without knowing the qualifications of the candidates and allowed race to be the determining decision should be ashamed. The Lord will continue to use this godly man, but the State of Texas will no longer benefit from his faithful service.

In other races, it is not yet certain what the political landscape will look like in the next session. The State Board of Education had mixed results with some incumbents winning and some losing. The net result remains to be seen until after the general election. The Texas House had a few incumbent changes. Those incumbents who lost in a primary did so for various reasons. Some lost because of political positions they have taken. Some lost because of changing demographics - the growth in their district make up has switched their core constituency base. Some are out because of integrity issues. And who knows what happened with others.

But, just to demonstrate that you can rarely understand all that you know, there was a proposition on the Republican ballot concerning whether or not voters believe that they should have to show identification to cast their vote. Statewide, 93 percent of primary voters agreed that it is important to show identification. However, in the local elections, the representative who sponsored the measure to require ID lost in the primary and the legislator who was key in blocking the measure won. Both were Republicans. Go figure.

For any incumbent who lost, today must be a difficult day. People like to complain about their elected leaders, but the voters seem to be rather fickle at times, also. Those elected officials who will change their core principles for the expediency of the next election probably should not be in office in the first place. While those who stood by their core principles and lost anyway, can take comfort in standing by what they believe in.

But thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3

P.S. Yes, in a rather weird way, I do understand the Democrats wanting to push socialized medicine while they have a majority. They ran on that principle, and the ones who truly believe that is the right thing to do, should not change unless they have a revelation of why that principle is wrong. We should all be praying for revelation.

Vote Early! Vote Twice

Tomorrow, March 2 is both Texas Independence Day (independence from Mexico in 1836) and the day of the primary elections for state and local races. Voting in a primary election is for the purpose of selecting the candidate for each office who will represent a particular party in the general election in November. Usually - but not always- democrats vote for democrats in their primary and republicans vote for republicans in their primary. Occasionally, you get members from the other party attempting to sway the outcome of a primary by voting for someone they believe would be easier for the candidate of their party to beat in the general election. But, that's higher order electioneering and a rabbit trail that really isn't necessary to follow today.

But, did you know that after you vote tomorrow (or even if you voted early) there is a chance to vote a second time? At each precinct voting location the parties will be holding a precinct convention after the polls close. Among other things, participation in the conventions allow you to be chosen to participate in the party's county or senatorial convention, where delegates are chosen for the state convention. And, did you ever wonder how those people get to the national conventions to choose the presidential candidates? They are elected from their state conventions. Theyall started out by participating at the precinct conventions after the polls closed on primary election night.

In addition to choosing who (maybe even you) will represent them at future conventions, precinct conventions offer an opportunity to provide resolutions to be taken forward for consideration of the party platform committee. If you think that you have a great idea that nobody has considered before, take it to your primary convention and pitch the idea to your friends and neighbors who are there. If they agree with your brilliance, they can vote to send your idea to the next level of consideration. And, that is how you affect your party platform.

Before you decide that precinct conventions and party politics are not for you, consider this. Texas has an estimated voting age population of 17,886,333. During the last non-presidential primary, just under 1,128,000 voted in the primary. That is correct. A stunning 6.3 percent of the population got a say in who would be representing them in the general election. And, in the non-presidential general election in 2008 only 25 percent of the population bothered to vote. Only slightly better, but still a dismal reflection on our society, voter participation in the presidential election in 2008, arguably one of the most contested races in years, reached only 45 percent in Texas.

If less than 10 percent of the eligible population vote in a primary election, think of the power your vote carries if you happen to be one of them. And, if you are not one of them, think of how much that candidate you oppose benefited by your staying home. It really does matter whether or not you engage in the process.

One side note. While the rate of voting in the presidential campaign was only 45 percent, the rate of complaining about the outcome appears to be reaching much higher than that. My new rule is going to be that if you have not exercised your right to vote, do not bother complaining to me about the policies of the people elected. If you really cared, you would do something about it.

So, if you have not yet voted in the primary, tomorrow is your day to do so. But don't just vote once. Make the effort to go out and vote that second time at your precinct convention. And, if you early voted, you are still eligible for and should participate, also. Government is run, not by the most qualified, but by those who show up.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Proverbs 21:31