Dear President Trump...

 Dear President Trump,

I write as one who has enthusiastically promoted your ideas and agenda, defended you against foolish and mean-spirited criticism, and regularly prayed for God’s richest blessings on your life and family and leadership. 

However, I have become especially and increasingly disillusioned with two areas in your administration. 1) The fumbling away of the massive advantage you had won over Iran. Remarkably now, these arrogant, unrepentant terrorists who remain viciously anti-American and anti-Israel, are getting away with it! Getting away with mass murder, with jihadist intentions towards Israel, and with winning from the U.S. and other nations yet more millions of dollars as they profit from blackmail and violence. Why, oh why the hesitation, the second guessing, the gullibility, the hypocrisy? When your friends (Israel and the genuine conservatives in the Republican Party here) are alarmed and disappointed at your actions (or, in this case, the lack thereof), and your unprincipled enemies like Hillary Clinton are patting you on the back, something stinks very badly. 

Please, President Trump, get this thing over with!

And then 2) Your pro-life statements notwithstanding, sir, your administration’s ongoing promotion of abortifacient poisons is – quite -- literally killing millions of preborn kids and inflicting serious damage on the bodies and souls of thousands and thousands of moms. Please, Mr. President, stop the double-mindedness you’ve shown to date on this critically important issue and start today to truly protect human lives from the abortionists’ bloodthirsty designs.

Most sincerely,

For a Purposeful Life, Look Not Back

 Old adventures over? Well, in God, new adventures are available!

“Many people cannot reconcile themselves to seeing their finest adventures spent and declining. Well! The answer lies in the surrender of our lives to God, for He is the very source of life, a source that is always new. He brings one adventure to an end only to open another to us. He is tireless and inexhaustible. With Him we must be ready for anything. At any moment an unsatisfying life may become once more a grand adventure if we will surrender it to Him. What is different is the spirit in which it is lived; the person sees things in a different light -- the glow of the adventure…

How many disillusioned souls there are who no longer believe that any success is possible in their lives! Success is always possible for a person who will look, not back, but forward, who will not persist in dwelling on old adventures that are finished, but who will wait on God for new beginnings.” (Paul Tournier, The Adventure of Living, 1965, pages 196-8)

Oh, My! A "When Swing Was King" Update

My, oh my; has it really been 16 years since we presented our first “When Swing Was King” program in a senior care facility?  Goodness. That first show was presented at Life Care Center where my Mom was then living. And it was intended to be an entertainment feature at a party we were throwing for Mom and some of the other residents who were her friends there. That’s right -- one simple party. So who could have ever guessed what would end up happening? For within 2 months of that party, and without any promotion on our part whatsoever, we were creating new shows and playing to audiences in a half dozen senior facilities. Before the year was out, we were at 12 facilities with brand new shows every month.

And doing it, as we do now, completely free of charge.

We have now presented...drum roll, please...over 1,900 shows with each always-unique presentation made up of 12 songs, a couple hundred striking photos, and an informative and fun commentary backing it all up. We are freshly amazed at what the Lord has done. And we absolutely love the ministry it involves: creating each show from month to month, entertaining each audience (average numbers ranging from 12-40), and, because we go to the same facilities every month, establishing lively and inspirational friendships with so many people. Lord, thank You so much for “When Swing Was King.”

By the way, “outsiders” are always welcome and so you too can come along and find out just how fun and uplifting these events are. Claire posts the schedule on the Vital Signs Ministries website every month and we (and the senior residents themselves) would love to have you be a part.

By the way, you might find of interest the songlist for our June shows:

1) “Moonlight Cocktail” (Glenn Miller Orchestra with Ray Eberle & the Modernnaires)

2) “The More I See You” (Al Martino)

3) “I’ve Heard That Song Before” (Harry James Orchestra with Helen Forrest)

4) “Nevertheless, I’m In Love with You” (The Mills Brothers)

5) “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B” (The Andrews Sisters)

6) “Blue Skies” (Benny Goodman Orchestra with Art Lund)

7) “You’re Driving Me Crazy” (Guy Lombardo Orchestra with Kenny Gardner)

8) “Twilight Time” (The Platters)

9) “Sh-Boom” (The Crew-Cuts)

10) “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” (Mitzi Gaynor)

11) “Mr. Meadowlark” (Ted Weems Orchestra with Perry Como)

12) “Swingin’ on a Star” (John Scott Trotter Orchestra with Bing Crosby & the Williams Brothers)

Chemical Abortion -- An Open Letter

Dear Senator Fischer,

We’ve had a lot of talk about “nibbling around the edges” when it comes to the scourge of chemical abortifacients, particularly the widespread use of mifepristone (the powerful drug now responsible for the majority of abortions in the U.S.) but finally, Senator Hawley is directly addressing the primary issues with the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act. 

This bill seeks to rightly strip mifepristone of its longstanding approval from the Food and Drug Administration. After all, it is a profoundly powerful poison out that most barbarically kills reborn boys and girls as well as leaving women to face such severe complications as heavy bleeding, sepsis, and worse, usually without any genuine medical oversight. It is a lucrative business for abortionists, but a tragic and evil one.

As Senator Hawley emphasized, “Only Congress can address this situation. Only Congress is placed to regulate the flow of interstate drugs. Only Congress can withdraw the FDA’s approval rendered way back in the Clinton administration for this drug that has proved to be inherently dangerous and inherently prone to abuse. Only Congress can act. Congress should act. And we are here today to call on them to act.”

Senator Fischer, please join him quickly as a co-sponsor of the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act and work enthusiastically for its passage.

Thank you.

Tournier on God’s Presence in All Vocations

“The valuable thing is to see our job as the task which God has entrusted to us, and to accomplish it in that spirit, allowing ourselves to be guided by Him. The valuable thing is to see our jobs, as well as all our other activities, as an adventure directed by God. In religious circles people have gotten into the habit of restricting the idea of vocation to the call of the ministry in the church or perhaps to a medical or teaching career. This tendency clearly indicates the distinction we make in our minds between the things of the Spirit and secular things.

For the fulfillment of His purpose God needs more than priests, bishops, pastors, and missionaries. He needs mechanics and chemists, gardeners and street sweepers, dressmakers and cooks, tradesmen, physicians, philosophers, judges, and shorthand typists. “My brethren,” writes St. James, “show no partiality as you hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” (James 2:1) Having a vocation means approaching everything one does in a spirit of vocation, looking upon it as an adventure shared with God. “In all toil there is profit” (Proverbs 14:23) or, as Calvin put it, in his pungent style, “there can be no work, however vile or sorted, that does not glisten before God, and is not right precious, provided that in it we serve our vocation...Every man in his place ought to deem that his estate is, as it were, a station assigned him by God.

I do not serve God only in the brief moments during which I am taking part in a religious service, or reading the Bible, or saying my prayers, or talking about Him in some book I am writing, or discussing the meaning of life with a patient or a friend. I serve him quite as much when I am giving a patient an injection, or lancing an abscess, or writing a prescription, or giving a piece of good advice. Or again, I serve Him quite as much when I am reading the newspaper, traveling, laughing at a joke, or soldering a joint in an electric wire. I serve him by taking an interest in everything, because He is interested in everything, because He has created everything and has put me in His creation so that I may participate in it fully.” (Paul Tournier, The Adventure of Living, page 209-10)

See also -- Tournier on Work as a Divine Gift (& Calling)

And Another Month of "When Swing Was King" Closes

There's always a hint of sadness when we present the last of each month's showings
of "When Swing Was King." We do, after all, really cherish the songs and the photographs and even the stories and trivia items I recount for our audiences...and so we know we will miss them. And today we closed September's schedule with shows #10 and #11 -- first at Newport this morning and then at Brookstone Village late this afternoon.

However, ending this month's show means we will soon get started on the next gathering of 12 terrific songs, the next collection of 220-250 photos, and the next batch of interesting and fun information to please our friends in the senior living facilities. What a rich blessing God gave us (and so many others) when he gave us "When Swing Was King.

August's "When Swing Was King" Show Is (Once Again!) A Winner!

It is a busy and blessing-filled week for the “When Swing Was King” part of our ministry with 7 of this month’s 12 shows being presented this week. But we don’t want to be stingy on those blessings. Therefore, we post the August “When Swing Was King” songlist below as a teaser that might encourage you to drop into one of our shows this week or next. We would love to have you...as would the residents of the senior facilities where our shows have won so many hearts over the years. 

Here's what’s playing -- accompanied, of course, by about 240 remarkable photographs from the same years. It makes for a profoundly enjoyable and moving “sentimental journey.”

1) Glenn Miller Orchestra: “String of Pearls” (1942) 

2) The Andrews Sisters: “Begin the Beguine” (1945)

3) Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra: “Can’t We Be Friends?” (1935)

4) Andy Williams: “The Days of Wine and Roses” (1963)

 5) Eydie Gorme: “Hello Young Lovers” (1959)

6) Nat King Cole (Backed by the Billy May Orchestra): “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” (1964) 

7) Connie Francis: “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” (1960)

8) Perry Como (With the Mitchell Ayres Orchestra and Chorus): “Patricia” (1950)

9) Benny Goodman Orchestra: “Here’s Love In Your Eyes” (1936)

10) Robert Goulet: “Gigi” (1962) 

11) Guy Lombardo Orchestra (Kenny Gardner, vocals): “Getting to Know You” (1951)

12) Fred Astaire (With the Johnny Green Orchestra): “The Way You Look Tonight” (1936)

An Open Letter Regarding Pro-lIfe Measures & Leftist Propaganda

Versions of the following letter are being sent to Senators Fischer and Ricketts, Congressman Bacon, President Trump, and Vice-President Vance. I encourage you to consider writing similar advocacy correspondence.

Dear Senator Fischer,

I wrote last week on behalf of Vital Signs Ministries here in Omaha, asking for your energetic support of the pro-life priorities which remain after the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” -- the complete and permanent de-funding of the mega-abortion profiteer that is Planned Parenthood, repeal of the F.A.C. E. Act, a serious scaling back of the poisonous abortion drugs that are killing millions of preborn children as well as severely injuring so many of those children’s mothers, and increased conscience protection for those who refuse to perjure their souls by supporting in any way such blasphemous actions as abortion or sexual perversion.

Thank you, Senator Fischer, for your prayerful attention to those concerns.

However, I also wanted to send along my concerns about a few other important issues, issues that are of grave concern to conservatives across the nation. 1) Would you please co-sponsor and work for the passage of S.669, Disengaging Entirely From the United Nations Debacle Act of 2025 or the DEFUND Act of 2025.

And 2) Would you please join in the move to reverse the historical revisionism, leftist ideologies, and anti-religious trends which have marked the progressives’ control of the Smithsonian, the National Art Gallery, and the National Park Service?

Again, thank you.

The Latest Word...On Letters

No, we don’t wait for P.A.L. Nights (Vital Signs Ministries quarterly series of letter-writing parties) to express through letters and cards our education and advocacy, our gratitude and encouragement, and our protest. Indeed, our letters represent an important -- and continual -- opportunity to shine our lights for Jesus Christ, to be a preservative seasoning in our culture, and to “do justice” in practical ways. So, they are too valuable a witness to lay idle in between those letter-writing parties. Of course, we look forward to our P.A.L. Nights (we have actually have added morning editions nowadays) and we sure hope you plan on joining us for our next scheduled letter-writing parties on August 5.

As I said, however, we make it a regular part of our week to engage in a bit of “correspondence outreach” and, from time to time, I share examples here on Vital Signs Blog. Here are 3 of the latest. (And note -- When most relevant, I provide links to articles that give you fuller picture of the situation that prompted my letters.)

1) Dear Nebraska University,

Just a quick note to add my disappointment and protest of the contemptible bigotry demonstrated by the drag performance mocking the Catholic mass for which the university rewarded a doctoral degree from the Glenn Korff School of Music. Though not a Catholic, I find it deeply troubling for such an intentionally blasphemous program to be sponsored by the university.

Catholic group demands U. Nebraska ‘held accountable’ for drag show mocking Mass (Gabrielle Temaat, Catholic Fix)

2) Dear National Park Service,

 Please stop the programs of ideological fix the foolish historical revisionism you’ve begun with the Mellon Foundation and others regarding as in the changes in the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. These plans, as currently expressed, show a terrible lack of concern for historical accuracy as well as for the good of the Republic.

A Woke Jefferson Memorial?: The National Park Service should halt current efforts to make the memorial’s once-excellent basement museum into a condemnation of the author of the Declaration of Independence. (Jeffrey H. Anderson, City Journal)

3) Versions of the following letter were sent to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, members of the Nebraska delegation, and President Trump.

Dear ------------------

Well, the "Big Beautiful Bill' has passed. Thank you for your efforts. However, that bill failed to address many of the yet-critical disasters created by previous administrations. And I'm appealing to you to finally make these things true priorities in the next phase of legislative action.

1) The complete and permanent de-funding of the mega-abortion profiteer that is Planned Parenthood. 

2) Repeal of the F.A.C. E. act.

3) A serious scaling back of the poisonous abortion drugs that are killing millions of preborn children as well as severely injuring so many of those children's mothers.

4) Increased conscience protection for those who refuse to perjure their souls by supporting in any way such blasphemous actions as abortion or sexual perversion.

We're Told That Chemical Abortions Don’t Count

The establishment press like to report that abortions have fallen to historic lows -- and to the press that seems to be a bad thing. However, even when reported statistics do suggest fewer abortions are being committed than previously, the most relevant abortion fact is completely ignored. The statistical reviews only count surgical abortions and, this is important to note, that aggregate number comes from the abortion businesses themselves. And those businesses have repeatedly shown to severely under-report the numbers. Why? Well, in the case of America’s largest abortion company, Planned Parenthood, they under-report the numbers for public relations purposes. Wanting to present itself as a responsible charitable organization, Planned Parenthood takes great pains to hide their true intentions; namely, to sell abortions. And they sell a lot...way, way more than they desire the public to realize.

But the second and most important truth relevant to the reportedly decreasing number of abortions is that the numbers of preborn children killed by poisonous drugs is soaring to unimaginable highs. Indeed, the most conservative estimates suggest that 60-70% of all abortions in America are via chemicals like RU-486 and the “morning after” pill. And that’s not even adding to the horrific total those preborn kids whose lives are ended by the abortifacient properties of the tragically misnamed birth-control pill. No, none of the children destroyed by these lethal poisons are being counted by health officials.

America’s downward trend in the surgical abortion rate over the last two decades involves several factors -- the effects of pro-life laws, the spread of pro-life education, the increased awareness of fetal development through ultrasound and fetal surgery, the compassionate work of pro-life pregnancy aid centers, and a greater spirit of compassion towards the innocent among today’s youth.

But, let’s face the truth, the primary reason the abortion statistics are down is because those numbers are cooked. The abortion industry (and its friends in the old guard media) are manipulating the math by ignoring altogether the means by which the majority of abortions now are committed. This not only provides cover for the chemical abortion industry, I’m afraid that it also provides false comfort to pro-life advocates. The sad, alarming fact is that our culture (as a whole) is no more interested in genuinely defending the sanctity of life than before the Dobbs decision.

What do we then do? Pray harder, light more lamps of truth to penetrate the ignorance and indifference of modern society, and keep working to provide compassion and justice so that abortions are understood by more and more citizens to be immoral, selfish, and cruel acts of violence against innocent preborn babies – whether the murder weapon be curette, suction machine, or poison pills. 

For more information on this critical matter, I encourage you to check out:

* “The Real Emmanuel Moment” (This exposition of Scripture reveals one of the clearest, most compelling reasons why people should revere, appreciate, and protect human life from its very conception onwards. You’ll find it in the Articles Section of the Vital Signs Ministries website.

* “The New Abortionists: Chemical Abortion in Contemporary Culture” (Also to be found at the Vital Signs Ministries website, this is an illuminating interview with a highly acclaimed medical researcher and OB-GYN physician Dr. Tom Hilgers and a Vice-President of Pharmacists for Life.)

* “Views on Abortion From Church History” (Throughout its history, the Christian Church has vehemently opposed abortion as a heinous, pagan act of violence. These quotations forcefully illustrate this fact. But, important to note, most of the quotations demonstrate opposition to chemical abortion.)

* “Without Decisive Action Against The ‘Kill Pill,’ The Hard-Won Victory Of Dobbs Will Be Rendered Meaningless” (Tony Perkins, Harbinger’s Daily) This just published article is very enlightening and instructive.

The Awesome Power of Music!

You want an idea of why we are more excited than ever about “When Swing Was King,” Vital Signs Ministries’ outstanding outreach into nursing homes and senior centers? Then, by all means, check out the clip and the article below. 

And then check out this explanatory article on the Vital Signs Ministries website to find out more about “When Swing Was King.”

“I Knew Every One of Those Songs!”

Here are some of the recent responses Claire and I have enjoyed from audience
members after our “When Swing Was King” shows that we present at senior care facilities. 

“Thank you so much. I absolutely loved it! You brought back so many memories and feelings. Please come back soon!”

“Oh, that was such wonderful music. And the pictures! Oh my; we always have such fun when you come. We are so grateful to you both.”

“What a blessing you two are to us. The music and the pictures and all the interesting things you tell us about the songs and musicians -- they’re all so nice. Thank you for putting so much work into these programs...and just for us!”

And we get to experience such kindness and appreciation several times every month. Neat, huh?

Of course, as you might guess, there are a lot of other things we hear too. We enjoy residents’ stories about families, careers, dancing and romancing, war, travels, changes, triumphs and loss, happiness and sorrow. It is a great blessing to us to connect.

Oh yes, let me not leave out another of the most common responses to “When Swing Was King” that we hear; namely, “I knew every one of those songs!” This confident assertion is usually delivered with a big grin, but sometimes it’s with a pensive gaze as they are looking back into their history. In either mood, it is a heartwarming thing for us to hear for we know it stands as a positive testimony to the significance of the lives they have lived. Yes, the world may have passed them by and it doesn’t rate highly the times they lived, the achievements they made, or the culture they built. But suddenly, when Helen Forrest or the Mills Brothers begin to sing or the orchestras of Glenn Miller or Harry James begin to play, they remember, “Yes, we were there. Life wasn't always easy and we worked hard. But we were once young and there were good times too. We appreciated them and we miss them. And, even if no one else is around with whom I shared those days, these songs (and the pictures too) help me to remember and cherish them anew.”

Therefore, it is no wonder they are so sincerely grateful for Claire’s and my efforts to keep the music and memories of earlier times vibrant, fun, and available to them. No wonder they so quickly become both fans of “When Swing Was King” and our friends. They know that, in bringing this program to them, we are sharing with them an abiding respect for the remarkable musical arts of the 1930s, 1940s, 1950s -- and sometimes even the 1960s -- and that we’re showing our abiding respect for them too. 

“I knew every one of those songs” thus becomes the highest compliment they could bestow on “When Swing Was King.” It is their warmhearted acknowledgement that each song we selected was relevant and appreciated. But there is yet another angle relevant here. Consider how many residents of a senior living facility struggle with memory loss. Sure, that’s an inevitable part of physical aging and little can be done about that. However, some of the memory loss (along with problems of boredom, loss of self-esteem, depression) can also derive from isolation and other lifestyle changes that have reduced mental stimulation. And, in such cases, even something as simple as “When Swing Was King” can be of help, For the music, the visuals, the stories, and the personal interactions which make up this unique outreach provide seniors a variety of entertaining, effective memory stimulants.

Everyone finds satisfaction in remembering. Everyone likes to scratch the itch, to fill the hole, to put back in their mind that elusive item that’s just past their reach. But for seniors, those who live daily with various levels of the frustration of forgetfulness, how terrific it is to discover that, by golly, “I knew every one of those songs!” It’s a vindication, a proof that not everything has slid into the mist. It’s a nice scratch to the itch.

Would you like to join us in this pleasant process of stimulating, reminding, befriending seniors? The monthly schedule for "When Swing Was King" is always up at the Vital Signs website. We (and they!) would love to have you come along for a show now and again. And, even if you can’t join us in person, you can certainly keep “When Swing Was King” and all of the other services of Vital Signs Ministries in your frequent prayers. That makes a big difference too.

Chastity: The 5 Most Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does chastity mean? 

Simple. In the context of sexuality, chastity is refraining from sexual intercourse before marriage -- and then practicing fidelity, understanding, and kindness during marriage.

2. Why should I practice chastity? 

Well, there are a whole lot of reasons including the often-overlooked spiritual values of purity. But here are a few specifics:

* You won’t have to worry about an unplanned pregnancy, a very real prospect for the sexually active. And yes, pregnancy is quite common even when various forms of “birth control” are being used. For instance, birth control failure rates among American teens are almost 20%. And that includes those condoms that advocates of “safe sex” (a tragic misnomer, indeed) are always pushing. Scientific fact? Condoms fail in pregnancy prevention 18%-35% of the time!

* You’ll be free of sexually transmitted disease. 12 million people contract a STD every year. That’s 33,000 people every day! And remember, besides “safe sex” not only being an effective defense against pregnancy, it isn’t all that safe for you in itself. For instance, condoms are not effective in preventing you from acquiring, say...Chlamydia, HIV/AIDs, or the Human Papilloma-virus. Yipes!

* You won’t have to deal with the loss of self-respect, loss of innocence, worry, distractions from important life goals, guilt, a ruined reputation, exploitation and so on. Plus, you’ll not be burdened with “damage control” problems (physical and/or emotional) that prior sexual involvement inevitably brings into your marriage.

3. But what if I really love my boyfriend (or girlfriend)?

 Isn’t having sex okay then? 

No; it isn’t. True love is about commitment and loyalty. It is serving and honoring the other person, seeking their very best. It is not exploitive.Authentic, self-sacrificing doesn’t push for momentary, risky, physical pleasure being paramount in the relationship.

A couple dedicated to one another in marriage exemplify genuine love, a relationship that values one another’s total personal (spirit, intellect, emotions, dreams and aspirations) and not only the physical.

4. How can I say “no” without losing my boyfriend (girlfriend)? 

Set your standards high and don’t compromise. Realize that the person who insists on having their way physically is not someone who has your best interests in mind. That’s not love. That’s merely using you which is a very bad precedent for your life together...even if you manage to stay together for awhile. Don’t settle for less than real love.

5. I have already had sex.

So, I guess it’s too late for me to think about chastity, right? 

No, not at all. It is never too late to begin doing the right things. You can always start over. And, as a Christian, I certainly stress the availability of forgiveness and empowerment that comes from believing in Jesus Christ. No one was perfect except Jesus. And He paid your penalty and mine when He was crucified. A new start is what Christianity is all about. And a practical application of that wonderful truth is this -- chastity is within our grasp today. Yesterday’s sins and hassles don’t need to enslave us. Let’s start fresh and pure and resolved to get it right this time.

Look at it this way. Say you’ve done something foolish and spent all the money in your savings account. Does that mean you can never start saving money again? Of course not. Despite the seriousness of the loss, you simply start from here on.  It’s the same way with your sexual lifestyle. 

Whatever has happened before, realize it is time to start “saving” again. Begin right now to save sex for its intended purpose -- and that’s the delightful, exciting, bonding experience you will share with your future spouse. And among the dividends of your “saving sex” for the right person and the right time are all those terrific benefits to your health, your heart, your mind, and your true love.

Chastity? It’s a winning lifestyle any way you look at it.

Planned Parenthood Is Taking Billions of Your Tax Dollars

An excellent 1-minute clep to pass along to friends...and your Senators and Congresspersons.

How Can I Serve Seniors?

It’s simpler than you might think. Here are 4 general areas to consider.

1) Visitation and friendship development.

One of the best ways to begin this kind of ministry is to start with a relative, or maybe someone from your church who resides in a nursing home or senior living facility. Just go visit. Talk. Share. Pray together. Listen to the stories of their lives. Read the Bible or the newspaper to them, maybe poetry. You can then naturally branch out to that resident’s roommate and other friends.

Another option is to contact the pastor of your church and ask him if he would like some company when he visits the senior care facility. (Alas, few pastors bother with this kind of ministry nowadays.) Simply getting in the door of the facility allows for opportunities for smiles, handshakes, and conversations. And you can always contact the activities director of the facility and ask about residents who most need a little diversion, a little encouragement, a little friendship.

2) Helping out

Just about any nursing home or other senior facility can use help in carrying out various programs. So, volunteers willing to help are a great treasure. Examples? Transporting wheelchair-bound residents to events. Providing company while the resident goes through therapy. Helping with parties, meals, bingo games, playing cards or checkers, conducting Bible studies or worship services, special holiday events, shopping excursions, and so on.

3) Entertainment

Singing or merely helping with sing-along events. Playing an instrument. Dancing. Short skits. Sharing hobbies. Coming along with Claire and I to visit residents when we present “When Swing Was King” shows or conduct our Sunday afternoon church services at Aksarben Village Senior Living. All kinds of things. Talk to family, friends, church colleagues and pray about what you’d most like to do. Then make sure you contact the activities director of the facility for permission and guidance.

4) Seniors outside of “the system.”

Be careful to not overlook the possibility of making friends and helping out with the elderly (or others with special needs like the physically or mentally challenged) who still live on their own. There’s probably a lot of grandparents among your circle of friends who would love to have a visit and make some young friends. The same is true with other seniors from your church congregation or neighborhood.

Top Ten Hints for a Successful Marriage

Top Ten Hints for a Successful Marriage

Here are ten practical exhortations to keep your marriage sharp, happy, and as effective a ministry as it can be.

10) Take Nothing for Granted.

Routine can be comfortable, but it can also wreck spontaneity, passion, gratitude, and fun.  So be careful.  Cultivate a spirit of appreciation for one another. Understand that true love isn’t mere sentiment.  It is action and thus requires time, effort, and dedication.  My friends in Belarus have a saying that fits here: “A wife isn’t a guitar.  You can’t play with her awhile and then hang her on the wall!”

9) Build Up Your Marriage Partner.

Discover the compliments that are especially meaningful to your spouse and use them often.  Expressions of gratitude, affection, and praise should be business as usual between the two of you...including in public. Billy Sunday, the major league infielder turned evangelist once advised husbands, “Try praising your wife...even if it does frighten her at first!” Convince one another that you are their best friend and their biggest fan.  Don’t worry about their ego getting too big -- life will take care of that.  For your part, you can’t be too much of a cheerleader for your spouse.

8) Hang Out with Godly People.

The company you keep is a far more important factor in a successful marriage than most people realize.  Don’t underestimate it. Develop friendships as a couple with people who take seriously the things of God.  Such friendships will be of immeasurable help in providing accountability, inspiration, assistance, and, as the Scriptures put it, the “stimulation to love and good deeds.”

7) Keep the TV in its Proper Place.

Don’t be fooled.  People do become what they watch and listen to.  And modern television (and other media) presents an awful lot that is contrary to the spiritual values you’ll need to keep your conscience clean, your adventure with Christ active, and your romance pure and strong.  Furthermore, don’t let the TV steal time that could be better spent in other ways.  TV can sometimes be an innocent friend, but it can more often be a powerful distraction - even a tyrant.  So beware the power of the tube. And, of course, this warning applies to the computer, social media, and your "smart" phone too.)

6) Never Criticize Your Spouse in Public.

And I do mean, never!  Anger, mockery, sarcasm, embarrassment -- these shouldn’t be part of your relationship, period. But when these things occur in front of an audience, it can create loads of hurt, a lot of resentment, and it can severely damage the trust, respect, and intimacy that every strong marriage needs.

5) Pray.

Become comfortable in praying together...not just in crises or during church services or with the kids at bedtime.  Rather, pray together throughout the week as an expression of your union as a couple with God.  And pray with a willingness to take the actions God directs you to.  Also, developing a pattern of praying together will be a tremendous help to the next item in the list.

4) Fight Fair.

Conflicts and confrontations are going occur.  That’s natural and it’s no big deal if you observe some basic rules -- rules that are simply applications of the vows you took on your wedding day.  Examples? No rage, no threats, no leaving the house, no name-calling, no whining, no comparison to others, no unfair exaggerations (as in “You always” or “You have never, ever”), no dredging up the past, no bringing in your spouse’s family, and so on. The purpose of the argument should always be kept in view and that is seeking a unified, mature, spiritually sound solution to the problem -- not creating wounds, getting your way, or getting even.

3) Serve God as a Team.

You don’t need to always be involved in the same things or be under each other’s feet, but you should always have a lot going on between you, including activities that require teamwork.  Foremost in this area for most couples will be parenting. If and when that ministry comes along, both of you must embrace it.  But there are also household chores, the budget, social interaction, Christian ministry, avocations, and so on. Make sure you are in fellowship and growing together, not apart.

2) Forgive.

Forgive frequently and genuinely.  Forgive before being asked to.  Forgive not only for love’s sake and for your own peace of mind, but forgive over and over because Jesus Christ, as evidenced by the ongoing effects of the Cross, forgives you over and over.  One of the most important ways to express your appreciation of the life Jesus gave to pay the penalty of your sins is to lean completely into His grace. You can thereby forgive others, especially the one He has blessed you with as a life partner.

1) Keep Falling In Love.

You mustn’t be content with your album of wedding photos.  Make your marriage an existential, active, even a celebratory relationship.  And that comes not only from spending time together but from your personal spiritual growth. Robert Browning, one of Western civilization’s most romantic poets, nevertheless took a practical view of what’s most essential in marriage. “Success in marriage,” he wrote, “is more than finding the right person, it is being the right person.”  Dedicate yourselves to developing your relationship with Christ as individuals and you will improve your relationship at the same time.

An Unforgettable NFA Breakfast

Claire and I enjoyed a very inspiring morning down in Lincoln where we were blessed to attend the Nebraska Family Alliance breakfast with their very special guests being the 6 N.U. athletes whose late-minute pro-life TV ad was so profoundly valuable to the defeat of Amendment 439, the abortion extremists’ effort to enshrine unlimited abortion into the state constitution. Indeed, the testimonies of these noble, courageous young women was a momentous and memorable treasure to all of us in that large audience. Thank you, ladies. You were terrific! And thank you NFA for a most stimulating program.

Also noteworthy was that the audience this morning included more than half of the state senators of the Unicameral which started its session earlier this week. We were pleased to get better acquainted with to two of those senators who sat at our table -- Beau Ballard from District 21 (northwest Lincoln) and Stan Clouse, Kearney’s former Mayor who is beginning his first term in the Unicameral for District 37. Also at our table were Gary & Sue Bunjer, longtime friends and colleagues, especially in our mutual involvement with Assure Women’s Center.

Our First Pachyderm Luncheon

Claire and I attended the Greater Omaha Pachyderm Luncheon yesterday, an event sponsored by a local G.O.P. group that, it turns out, hosts these luncheons the second, fourth, and fifth Monday of each month at the German American Society. The luncheon costs $25 (which will certainly limit our attendance) but yesterday's experience was excellent: enlightening, challenging, and helpful to the max. Thank you so much to John Sieler for the heads up about this opportunity. 

Yesterday’s program presented a panel of three Nebraska state senators who answered a variety of questions from the audience. Those senators were Rick Holdcroft (District 36), newly-elected Bob Anderson (District 49), and our own state senator Christy Armendariz (District 18). Claire and I were favorably impressed with the knowledge, conservative conviction, skill, and passion presented by all three yesterday as they discussed in detail various issues -- state finances, the abortion amendment fight, election integrity, OPPD, school choice, the Electoral College, and the complicated ways the “Unicameral machine” tries to do its work. 

As conservative Christians who recognize more than ever the need to be effective ambassadors for Christ in the public square -- as well as in church and our prayer closets -- we were very grateful we attended this event. We urge others to utilize the opportunity as you are able.

Oh yes, we had a delightful reunion there with a gentleman who is not only a Nebraska hero, but a friend and mentor, Hal Daub. That alone was worth the price of our admission!

Is a YES Vote for 434 Pro-Abortion? Certainly Not!

 Denny,

On the ballot are initiatives 434 and 439. Both are pro-abortion. From “prolife” groups, all I hear is to vote Yes to 434 and NO to 439. Why should I not vote NO to both?

My reply?

Thanks for your concerns. I'm sending along links that express my opinions about the amendments and why I'm siding with NRL, NFA, the NCC, and the other longstanding pro-life organizations who urge a vote YES on 434 and NO on 439. And though a NO vote on both amendments seems to take the high ground, the sad fact is that whichever of the amendments receive the most votes (given that they make the 50% mark) will become law. Therefore, if all of the pro-abortion voters AND all of the voters who are misled by the high-powered ads and deceptive language vote YES on 439 without a higher number voting for 434, Nebraska will see every pro-life measure we have ever passed through the Unicameral thrown out.

It's a matter of numbers. And voting YES on 434 doesn't at all mean, as its critics are saying, that it will mean no further progress can be made via the Unicameral. It simply protects what we've achieved thus far while allowing further pro-life measures be enacted in the future AND while defeating the heinous 439.

I suggest two other points be considered. 1) 434 was carefully written after national pro-life researchers did extensive surveys with Nebraska voters to see what pro-life measures could be (at this moment in history) be realistically protected. With a pro-abortion mania already having overtaken 7 states since the Dobbs ruling, pro-life advocates decided language like 434's would be the very best defense against the extremism of such horrid actions as 439. 

And 2) The argument that Nebraska's constitutional language currently protects preborn boys and girls -- and therefore, that 434 would actually make of that constitution a more pro-abortion document -- is inexplicably naive. After all, the existing language has never been practically used to defend prenatal lives, has it? Alas, you might say, it should be. I wholeheartedly agree and yet it hasn't and it won't. Thus, sincere and dedicated pro-life heroes like those of Nebraska Right to Life and the Nebraska Catholic Conference have fought (most circumspectly and prayerfully) over these last several decades to implement practical, meaningful laws that give further protection to unborn children, their moms, and the moral fabric of the culture itself...with a view to always try for more. They deserve gratitude and trust, not vilification.

And now the links I mentioned above:

https://vitalsignsblog.blogspot.com/2024/10/vote-for-434-vote-against-439.html

https://vitalsignsblog.blogspot.com/2024/08/save-one-or-save-none-some-thoughts-on.html

Vote FOR 434 & Vote AGAINST 439

October 10, 2024

From: Denny Hartford, Director of Vital Signs Ministries

To: All Interested Parties

For Immediate Release:

Vital Signs Ministries has joined Nebraska Right to Life, the Nebraska Catholic Conference, Nebraska Family Alliance, Students for the Life of America, and other pro-life organizations of longstanding in publicly opposing the zealously pro-abortion Initiative 439 which will be on the Nebraska ballot this election. And, along with their colleagues, Vital Signs Ministries is asking Nebraska voters to protect the pro-life gains that have been made through legislation in our state over the years by voting FOR Initiative 434.

In the case of 434, the laws passed thus far in Nebraska to protect preborn boys and girls, to protect girls and women from the violence of abortion, and to try to uphold the ideals of Western civilization regarding a just defense for and compassionate care to the innocent and vulnerable, would stay a part of Nebraska law. And a vote for Initiative 434 would also allow the citizens of Nebraska to persuade the Nebraska legislature to enact more pro-life protections in the future.

Standing against the progress of these just and humane laws, however, is Initiative 439 which will also be on the ballot. And if 439 were to be voted into the state’s constitution, every single pro-life law passed over the decades would no longer apply. 439 denies any limitations on abortion at all, including even regulations regarding health, sanitary conditions, safety, qualifications of abortion practitioners, age, involvement of parents, and so on. It is extreme almost beyond imagination. 

The following remarks are from Vital Signs Ministries Director Denny Hartford --

“The immediate purpose of Nebraska Initiative 434 is to protect girls, women, and preborn children from the exploitation and lethal violence of abortion with the secondary effects helping to build a stronger culture of life, love, and justice in our state. On the other hand, Initiative 439 is a truly draconian measure which would eliminate every pro-life law ever passed by the Nebraska Legislature. That would include the compassionate and common-sense laws that prohibit late term abortions, require minors to inform parents of a pending abortion, require women to be fully informed about the realities and risks of abortion, and so on. 

Indeed, if 439 were to become part of the Nebraska Constitution, there would be no restraint whatsoever (not even regulation) on abortion businesses, making it immeasurably unsafe for girls and women and babies. No, Initiative 439 is not designed to help women at all; it is merely a bold attempt by the abortion profiteers to increase still further their extremely lucrative businesses. Therefore, I strongly urge my fellow Nebraskans to vote FOR Initiative 434 and to vote AGAINST Initiative 439.”

For further information, feel free to contact Denny Hartford at (402) 341-8886 or dennyhartford@gmail.com