Did You See These Gems? 7 of the Best

* "Clarence Thomas Exposes Abortion's Ties to Racist Eugenics in Scathing Fetal Remains Case Opinion" (Tyler O'Neil, PJ Media)

* "What Will They Learn at College?" (Walter E. Williams, Daily Signal)

* "Millions of Frozen Embryos: An Ethical Blind Spot for Evangelicals" (John Stonestreet & G. Shane Morris, Breakpoint)

* "San Francisco board rebrands 'convicted felon' as 'justice-involved person,' sanitizes other crime lingo" (Lukas Mikelionis, Fox News)

* "NYC Mayor’s Wife Nixes Popular Saint to Honor Drag Queens" (Thomas D. Williams, Breitbart)

* "Jury orders Planned Parenthood to pay $3M to former director who exposed lies, negligence" (Claire Chretien, Life Site News)

* "Warren Buffet Financed Company That Developed the Dangerous Abortion Pill" (Joseph Vazquez, LifeNews.com)

"Wow" Articles: The Latest 7

* "The Facade Comes Down: Planned Parenthood Reveals Its Priorities" (K. William Huitt, The Stream)

* "The Great Amazon Fire Fraud" (John Hinderaker, PowerLine)

* "The Real War on Women" (Stan Guthrie, Breakpoint)

* "Turn off your Bluetooth, warn security experts" (Brooke Crothers, Fox News)

* "Defending freedom of conscience on emergency contraception: Pharmacists are under pressure to co-operate in contraception and abortion" (Philippa Taylor, Mercator)

* "Hong Kong, America & Liberty" (Mark Tooley, Providence)

* "Micheal Mann Refuses to Produce Data, Loses [Climate Change] Case" (John Hinderaker, PowerLine)

Checking In on a Few "Wow" Articles

* "Democratic Party embraces nonreligious voters, criticizes 'religious liberty' in new resolution" (Caleb Parke, Fox News)

* "Dear Christian Freshman, Here’s What I Wish I Knew At Your Age" (Chelsea Vicari, Juicy Ecumenism)

* "A Fellowship of Losers: Marxism -- never has there been anything so destructive yet so alluring to the modern Democrat." (Ron Ross, American Spectator)

* "Google’s Secretive Blacklists" (Michelle Malkin, Daily Signal)

* "24 Hours of Media Malpractice" (Mark Hemingway, Real Clear Politics)

* "Apple apologizes for letting contractors eavesdrop on Siri’s sex recordings" (Nicolas Vega, New York Post)

* "Hong Kong’s Fight for Freedom" (Faith McDonnell, Juicy Ecumenism)

"The Only Thing of Importance"

John Bacon (1740-1799) is widely accepted as one of the greatest sculptors in English history. Winner of numerous awards and given high acclaim by his peers, the public, and the royal court, Bacon's work impressively adorns such treasured landmarks as St. Paul's Cathedral, Bristol Cathedral, and Westminster Abbey.

Bacon was a committed Christian who wrote his own epitaph which was etched on his gravestone when his body was buried at Whitefield’s Tabernacle in Tottenham Court. That gravesite (as well as the church itself) was destroyed by Nazi bombs in WW II but the epitaph nevertheless echoes through history: "What I was as an artist seemed of some importance while I lived; what I really was as a believer in Jesus Christ is the only thing of importance to me now."

Surveying the Landscape: The Latest List

Here's a few of the best of recent news articles and commentaries from the culture wars:

* "Tucker Carlson: big business is now at war against your family" (Jonathan Van Maren, LifeSiteNews)

* "Anti-Christian Violence in India" (John Stonestreet & David Carlson, BreakPoint)

* "Can We Believe?: A personal reflection on why we shouldn’t abandon the faith that has nourished Western civilization" (Andrew Klavan, City Journal)

* "Israeli Lessons For Mass Shootings" (Richard A. Epstein, Defining Ideas)

* "Why I Will Never Drink Another Starbucks Coffee Again: It Funds Planned Parenthood" (Sarah Zagorski, LifeNews.com)

* "On Point: Deep Fakes and the New Age of Deception" (Austin Bay, Strategy Page)

* "Abortion Business Marie Stopes International Makes Over $361 Million Killing Babies in Abortions Worldwide" (Micaiah Bilger, LifeNews.com)

Surveying the Landscape

A few recent news articles and commentaries from the culture wars:

* "Vandalizing Europe’s Christian Past: The Old World’s Ignorant New Religion" (John Stonestreet & G. Shane Morris, BreakPoint)

* "California Implements Extreme New Sex Ed Curriculum" (Mary Margaret Olohan, Daily Signal)

* "Ex Google insider confirms YouTube skews search results in response to left-wing pressure" (Calvin Freiburger , LifeSiteNews)

* "Amazon Book-Banning: Cowardly, Bullying, and Foolish" (Peter Sprigg, Family Research Council)

* "Black Activist Says Abortion is the Real Racism: 'We’re are Literally Killing Ourselves From the Inside Out'" (Micaiah Bilger, LifeNews.com)

* "Democrats Don't Care About Baltimore" (Tucker Carlson and Neil Patel, Town Hall)

* "The Real Angela Davis: Why is the Smithsonian's National Museum of African-American History and Culture honoring Angela Davis?" (Ron Radosh, The Bulwark)

* "Disney Channel ramps up its LGBTQ agenda in ‘Andi Mack’ show for kids" (Martin M. Barillas, LifeSite News)

A Few Pro-Life Heroes

Will today's pro-life advocates be seen as tomorrow's heroes?

I've no doubt that they will. At least, they'll be noted as such in the only history books that really count; namely, those that stored for safe-keeping in the heavenly library.

But please know that defenders of the sanctity of human life are already enshrined in history, even as they continue to make history every day. For instance, did you know that among the list of men who have stood against abortion and infanticide are the names of the following?

Theodore Roosevelt, J. Hudson Taylor, G. K. Chesterton, Dave Dravecky, Franklin Graham, John Calvin, St. Ambrose, Yehuda Levin, Roy Rogers, Rosey Grier, Peter Marshall, Gordon Humphrey, Phil Simms, Samuel Alito, Dr. David Livingston, St. Basil, Tony Evans, Sean Hannity, Rosie Grier, Lech Walesa...

Ronald Reagan, Mike Ditka, Alan Keyes, Frank Peretti, Pat Boone, Dr. Bernard Nathanson, Fr. Val Peter, Zig Ziglar, St. Jerome, Don Feder, Tim LaHaye, William Rehnquist, E.V. Hill, Marco Rubio, Nat Hentoff, Orel Hershiser, Justinian, J.C. Watts, John Elefante, Philip Rivers, Pete Ricketts, Charlton Heston...

Alexander Solzenitsyn, Norm Geisler, Rush Limbaugh, D. James Kennedy, Meadowlark Lemon, Henry Hyde, Mark Bavaro, James Caviezel, Jerry Falwell, Ignatius Loyola, Jesse Helms, Carman, Clement of Alexandria, Mel Gibson, Charles Colson, William Carey, Phil Robertson, Nick Cannon...

Pope John Paul II, Reggie White, Tom Selleck, Larry Burkett, Don Francisco, St. Vincent de Paul, Pat Buchanan, Wellington Boone, Augustus St. Clair, Kelsey Grammer, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John MacArthur, Tim Burke, Casting Crowns, Rick Perry, John Whitehead, Ben Stein, Steve Largent, Joe Scheidler, Kenny Chesney...

Francis Schaeffer, Martin Luther, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Monte Coleman, Andrea Bocelli, Keith Green, William F. Buckley Jr., Tony Evans, Scott Wesley Brown, Byron White, Chris Godfrey, Charles Swindoll, Fr. Richard John Neuhaus, Pete Metzelaars, Edward Zorinsky, Jack Willke, Fulton Sheen, Tim Tebow...

Clarence Thomas, John Cardinal O'Connor, Josh McDowell, William Bentley Ball, Adrian Rogers, Chris Smith, Fr. John Powell, Phil Simms, Gary Bauer, Frank Wolf, Matt Birk, Kirk Cameron, Dr. Jerome Lejune, Dan Reeves, Benjamin Watson, Jon Voight, Dr. James Dobson, Dick Gregory, Chuck Norris...

Charlie Daniels, Bill McCartney, Cal Thomas, Earnest Byner, Joseph Sobran, Ed Cole, Phil Keaggy, Ray Bohlin, Tom Herr, David Limbaugh, Steve Taylor, Bill Armstrong, Anthony Scalia, Robert Dornan, David Alton, Joe Gibbs, Bill Bright, A. C. Green, Malcolm Muggeridge, Tom Selleck...and on and on.

Pretty impressive group? You bet. But, it's a list that only has full significance to you...if your name can also be included there.

So, how about it, fellas? Are you among this noble company?

Capital Letters!

I mentioned a few days ago that last Saturday morning we had hosted a brunch version of our longstanding letter-writing parties. And I mentioned that I would post a few samples of the 40 letters and cards that were sent out.

Well, here you go.

To the National Education Association, 

You have been a counterproductive union for sometime now. I mean, just take a look at what you’ve produced: the dumbing down of American students…an environment full of bullying…grade inflation…the most lewd and counter-productive sex education…a severe deterioration in school safety…absurd classes with no real world application… leftist propaganda masquerading as open-mindedness… persecution of conservative political and religious views…and so on. 

And now you’ve voted to double-down and make your support of abortion even more expansive, more aggressive, more irrational? I’ll bet this will be the last straw for an awful lot of teachers. Plus, it is a very serious alarm to the rest of the country as to the immoral (and violent) direction your political advocacy will take in the future.

Please – reverse your course.

To the Girl Scouts of America,  

Please discontinue your aggressive and controversial advocacy (and indeed promotion) of radical feminism, abortion, and the mega-abortion profiteer which is Planned Parenthood.  Until you do so, we must continue to suggest to friends that they and their daughters and granddaughters have nothing whatsoever to do with your organization.

And yes, that includes the cookies. 

Dear Pinterest,

 I have put your emails in my “spam” category and have suggested to friends that they do likewise as well as end any other contact with Pinterest after I learned about your heavy-handed, mean-spirited, and completely unfair censorship of pro life, conservative, and religious views. 

What a very, very sad move on the part of your company.   

To the NCAA,  

Where and when will this crazy new form of political correctness stop? I’m particularly concerned in this note with the NCAA’s surrender in the “gender wars” by awarding prizes to biological males who are competing in women’s sports. This is not merely an extreme defiance of the moral convictions of centuries by of the sciences of biology and anatomy. And it is most certainly a slap in the face of feminism as well.

Your new policies are unfair to the max; they are harmful to the general society and the sports community in particular, and they are extremely counterproductive to the interests of the NCAA itself.

Please get back to basics…of nature and common sense and fair play.

Dear Joni [Eareckson Tada],

What wonderful news about being all clear of cancer! Praise the Lord. We will continue to pray for you and Ken as we thank the Lord for your example of courage and joy. 

Blessings in bunches! 

Dear President Trump,  

You promised a lot to the pro-life community in your campaign… and you have delivered!

Indeed, your principled and skilled leadership in this key moral and cultural battle has been exceptional we are greatly impressed And, of course, profoundly grateful.

You remain in our fervent and frequent prayers.

The Latest Spins Round the Culture War (Round Two)

* "Ending daughter elimination in the developing world" (Jonathan Abbamonte, Washington Examiner)

* "6 things Big Tech is doing to suppress Live Action’s pro-life message" (Cassy Fiano-Chesser, Live Action)

* "Muslims destroying Christian crosses all over the world, and no one reports it" (Raymond Ibrahim, Life Site News)

* "Colin Kaepernick Betrays the Spirit of Frederick Douglass" (Marc LiVecche, Juicy Ecumenism)

* "I Went to a Socialism Conference. Here Are My 6 Observations." (Jarrett Stepman, Daily Signal)

* "MTV has joined in the attack against pro-life pregnancy centers" (Nancy Flanders, Live Action)

* "President Trump’s Nominee for UN Ambassador, Andrew Bremberg, is Solidly Pro-Life" (Micaiah Bilger, LifeNews.com)

The Latest Spins Round the Culture War

* "Polyamory is for Pre-Teens in Public Schools. Oh, Really?" (Cathy Ruse, The Stream)

* "Nation’s Largest Teachers’ Union Embraces 'Fundamental Right to Abortion'" (Alexandra DeSanctis, National Review)

* "Organizations for Journalists Largely Quiet on Andy Ngo Attack" (Daily Caller)

* "Facebook intentionally blocked pro-life ads during Irish abortion vote, CEO admits" (Calvin Freiburger, Life Site News)

* "Could hormonal contraception be on its way out? -- Natural fertility takes over the App Store." (Shannon Roberts, Mercator)

* "Watch the Video YouTube Banned" (Michael Brown, The Stream)

* "A Year After the Supreme Court Rules Against Unions, What’s Changed" (Kevin Mooney, Daily Signal)

* "Hungary sees abortion numbers plunge with rise of pro-family policies." (Lisa Bourne, Life Site News)

Ah! The Next Letter-Writing Party

Throughout the long course of Vital Signs Ministries (over 37 years and counting) and among all of our other Christian pro-life activities, we have organized frequent letter writing parties for the purpose of spreading greater enlightenment, encouragement, and advocacy of righteous causes.

We do so because we’re convinced of 3 things: 1) We seek to be “lights of the world” through all relevant means available to us; 2) Letters make a difference; and 3) We know it’s always better to speak the truth (even through a letter) than to merely whine, curse the darkness, or surrender. 

Anyhow, the next Vital Signs letter-writing party is a special brunch edition. We’ve found this to be a popular approach and so we’re looking forward to a good turnout. The brunch will be at the Hartford home on Saturday, July 13th at 10 o’clock. And, as is always the case, the menu items will be provided as will the stationery and envelopes, the pens and stamps, and the list of potential recipients of our cards and letters.

We will also have a quick time of prayer before starting our letter-writing and a review of the pertinent information to help make your letters be as effective as possible.

Among the matters on the agenda that morning will be “thank you” notes to several governors who have signed pro-life legislation for their states; Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for signing the “Save Chick-fil-A” bill; Senator Ben Sasse and others for championing the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act; President Donald Trump for several key pro-life actions; Nebraska Family Alliance; Franklin Graham; Joni Eareckson Tada; persecuted Christians overseas; and more. 

And it will be no surprise that there’s also quite a few villainous actions that require our principled protest. So among the “bad guys” list will be Target and other businesses stores for their aggressive LGBT advocacy; Costco for a “puff piece” in their magazine about Melinda Gates; Pinterest; Cartoon Network; Benefit and Estée Lauder; the Democrat party and its candidates for president; Teen Vogue; Google and Facebook and Twitter; the mayor and police chief of Portland Oregon; and others. 

These letter-writing parties always provide a stimulating time of fellowship and an opportunity for meaningful service as we hold high the banners of Christ’s truth and justice. So come join us, won’t you? Please RSVP at 341-8886 or vitalsigns@vitalsignsministries.org

Before the Fireworks, Check Out These Sparklers

Here's the latest compilation of articles from the alternative media containing news and commentary you'd do well to know.

* “Did Andy Ngo get what he deserved? — The left blames the victim” (Dominic Green, Spectator USA)

* “Murder Disguised as Care” (Obianuju Ekeocha, First Things)

* “U.K. judge who ordered forced abortion was activist lawyer for abortion industry” (Dorothy Cummings, Life Site News)

* “The Citizenship Question” (Scott Johnson, PowerLine)

* “‘From the Pit to the Pulpit’ — Darryl Strawberry cherishes identity in Christ over MLB success and personal failures” (Lee Weeks, Decision)

* “Islamists Rising…in Local U.S. Politics” (Oren Litwin, Middle East Forum)

The Latest Round-Up

Here's the latest compilation of articles you need to know about.

* “Public Schools Are No Longer A Foundation Of America’s Republic” (Inez Fletcher, Daily Caller)

* “Teen Vogue tells minors how to get abortions without parents’ knowledge” (Laura Nicole, Live Action)

* “Google Chrome has become surveillance software. It's time to switch.” (Geoffrey A. Fowler, Jewish World Review)

* “Justice Thomas’s Credo: The Constitution, not precedent, is the law of the land.” (Myron Magnet, City Journal)

* “Why California Pastors Must Stand Up to Government Tyranny” (Michael Brown, The Stream)

* “Every Wind Turbine and Solar Panel Built Today Will Be Scrap Metal by 2050” (Isaac Orr, Center of the American Experiment)

* “Boy Trouble: Family breakdown disproportionately harms young males — and they’re falling further behind.” (Kay S. Hymowitz, City Journal)

Life’s Beautiful Complexity: Random Chaos or Intelligent Design?

Check out this super cool video. It’s 6 1/2 minutes but well worth your time. It’s a great “pass along” clip too. A very creative, persuasive, and science-based argument.

Checking In...with Reality

Here's the latest compilation of excellent dispatches from the culture wars.

* “When Normality Became Abnormal” (Victor Davis Hanson, American Greatness)

* “Babies Are Bad for Business?” (John Stonestreet & David Carlson, Break Point)

* “President Trump Promised He’d be a Pro-Life President, And He’s Kept His Word” (Carol Tobias, LifeNews.com)

* “19 killed by gunmen in Burkina Faso: ‘There's no Christian anymore in this town’” (Samuel Smith, Christian Post)

* “Democrats Unanimous As House Passes Bill Forcing Schools To Let Male Athletes Compete In Girls’ Sports” (Peter Hasson, Daily Caller)

* “Pinterest Says Pro-life Group’s Posts are Porn” (John Stonestreet & David Carlson, Break Point)

* “Sick: Proceeds from Selena Gomez’s ‘1973’ necklace support late-term abortion” (Nancy Flanders, Live Action)

* “Leftists Will Be Leftists” (David Limbaugh, Town Hall)

Uh, Tell Me Again; What Is Vital Signs Ministries?

Well, since our beginning in 1982, the hallmarks of Vital Signs Ministries have been a commitment to Christian orthodoxy and a comprehensive sanctity of life ethic. But the question could probably be better answered by giving a brief recap of the things Vital Signs Ministries has been up to lately.

* The prayer meetings and the sidewalk counseling outside the abortion center.

* The “When Swing Was King” shows at area senior living facilities. We do shows at 11 different places every month. Every show is different with 12 songs from the big band era accompanied by 180-220 photos of the same years in an entertaining, memory provocative Power

Point display. In addition to the shows, we visit with residents and their families, develop relationships with staff, and pass out to residents a special 4-page newsletter every quarter. (By the way, you can read those newsletters on the Vital Signs website. And the monthly schedule of our “When Swing Was King” appearances is there also.)

* There is cyberspace activity almost daily. This involves posting articles, compilation lists of “must see” news and commentary, and original material as well on the VSM website, Vital Signs Blog, The Book Den blog, our personal Facebook pages and the Vital Signs Facebook page. We also engage in a lot of correspondence. A lot of that involves cards and letters sent the traditional way but, of course, we do utilize email an awful lot too.

* The ministries of discipleship, intercession, hospitality, and networking occur in many different forms. These include Denny’s writing, book discussions, dinner parties and lunches out, Santa runs, prayer walks, the Panera conversations with colleagues, and involvement with other pro-life ministries.  There is also the occasional speaking engagement at churches, pro-life groups, and men’s meetings. In fact, we have several such engagements coming up this summer and fall including 2 weeks of meetings in Great Britain.

* Our advocacy outreach includes quarterly letter-writing parties. In fact, the next one is coming up on July 8th. There’s a lot to be addressed there: companies, celebrities, and the Girl Scouts contributing to and telling Planned Parenthood; companies and celebrities squawking about the recent pro-life legislation; the sellout of Christian schools to the propaganda and pressure of the new left; and other bad faith moves made by the likes of Disney, Netflix, CNN, Target, Estée Lauder, the NCAA, and many more. And as always, we will also take time to write heroes of the faith who could use some encouragement and appreciation.

A Devolution Watch (Part Two)

If you missed yesterday's selection of alternative media stories dealing with crucial battles in the culture wars -- and, make no mistake about it, those battles are very much spiritual in nature -- here is the link.

And below are another set of important items to check out.

* “The Ongoing Persecution of a Christian Baker” (The Editors, National Review)

* “Girl Scouts Group Gives Top Award to Teen for Pro-Abortion Project” (CBN News, Emily Jones)

* “The Media Won’t Say It, but Christians Are the No. 1 Persecuted Group Worldwide” (Paul Coleman, Daily Signal)

* “Biological Male Wins NCAA Women’s Track Championship” (Peter Hasson, Daily Signal)

* “In Support of Abortion, Leading Cosmetic Brand Pledges $500,000 to Planned Parenthood” (The Christian Institute, Christian Woman)

* “42 prosecutors in 23 states declare they’ll refuse to enforce state pro-life laws” (Calvin Freiburger, Life Site News)

* “Texas Governor Signs Bill Defending Chick-Fil-A” (Rachel del Guidice, Daily Signal)

* “Cartoon Network blatantly promotes gay lifestyle to kids” (Martin M. Barillas, Life Site News)

A Devolution Watch (Part One)

Here’s a roundup of news articles that the mainstream media either distorts badly or, more likely, ignores altogether. But you need to know what’s going down (pun certainly intended) in order to more fervently pray, protest, and yearn for the Lord’s victorious return.

* “Pinterest bans pro-life group Live Action, blocks it as porn site; Bible verses also banned” (Leah MarieAnn Klett, Christian Post)

* “Journalist Who Exposed Planned Parenthood Ordered To Pay $195,000 To Opponents” (Amanda Prestigiacomo, Daily Wire)

* “New Texas law threatens Planned Parenthood sex-ed curriculum that normalizes child sex” (Edyta Wolk, College Fix)

* “Father Raped Teen Daughter, Took Her to Planned Parenthood for Abortion. It Did One and Sent Her Back to Him” (Lila Rose, LifeNews.com)

* “Top Execs of 180 Companies: Abortion Necessary to Be Successful in Business” (Breitbart, Dr. Susan Berry)

* “Teen Vogue Instructs Teens on How to Get Abortions Without Their Parents Knowing” (Micaiah Bilger, LifeNews.com)

* “The Planned Parenthood sex scandal you aren't reading about” (Samantha Kamman, Washington Examiner)

A Prayer for the President

Praying for President Trump isn’t a new thing around here. I’m guessing it’s not new for a lot of you too. Indeed, I believe most of you can testify that you have also prayed quite often for previous presidents even as you’ve prayed for other government officials and judges. After all, Scripture is very clear about the believer’s obligation to do just that.

Nevertheless, there are reasons that Franklin Graham has asked Christians to lift up extra prayers today for the President, his family, and the successful administration of his duties as both head of state and Commander-in-Chief. And those reasons certainly include the unprecedented (and remarkably unfair) assaults which are being waged by the opposition party and the media upon President Trump and his agenda.

And so, as you read through the brief prayer below, will you please make it one of YOUR prayers today in behalf of the President.

Dear Father,

We are praying for President Trump today, asking You to pour out upon him all needed mercies regarding his health and safety, his complete confidence in Your revealed truth and the Spirit’s leading, and his need for Your wisdom, compassion, and commitment to justice as he seeks to carry out the awesome tasks before him. We pray that You bring wise advisors to his side, advisors who are persons of character, skill, and well-versed in their respective areas. But even so, Lord, let him pay careful attention to the priorities taught in Your Word.

We appreciate President Trump’s courage and we thank You for that but we pray that You would sharpen that courage and add to it humility and patience and prudence…plus a willingness to forgive his enemies even as he must defend himself against their all-too-often despicable attacks.

Father, we especially plead that President Trump finds Your divine power at work as he pursues policies that increase religious freedom, protect the sanctity of human life, champion traditional marriage, weaken the “deep state” and the unelected bureaucratic powers that threaten our democracy, stand in defense of Israel, and return America to its place as a beacon of justice and moral strength.

Lord, we ask that our President and his family members would fully understand the gracious offer of the gospel and would embrace it for eternal life…and that this administration would be used for Your purposes in awakening the nation to it’s dire need of Your truth, Your holiness, and Your merciful love.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Oh, That Wicked (and Irrational) Left

Here's a few of the latest dispatches from the culture wars you shouldn't miss:

* “Clarence Thomas Exposes Abortion as Part of Eugenics” (Katie Pavlich, Town Hall)

* “California Senate Passes Bill Mandating Free Abortions at All Colleges and Universities” (Micaiah Bilger, LifeNews.com)

* “It’s Time for California Parents to Defy the Law” (Dr. Michael Brown, The Stream)

* “Banned in Canada” (John Stonestreet & David Carlson, Breakpoint)

* “Argentinian doctor convicted of refusing to perform abortion” (Catholic News Agency)

* “Court affirms media was wrong: Those videos of Planned Parenthood dealing in baby parts were not deceptively edited” (Becket Adams, Washington Examiner)

* “Target stores donate $100K to LGBT nonprofit that promotes ‘inclusive’ K-12 schools” (Martin M. Barillas, Life Site News)

* “Daystar Television Network Studio in Jerusalem Firebombed” (Nancy Flory, The Stream)

Why Don’t More Pastors Speak Out?

Why don't more pastors speak out on the moral and political issues of our day? In this 5-minute clip, Dr. Michael Brown has some very enlightening and challenging answers to that crucial question.

The Blessings of "When Swing Was King" (To the Givers as well as the Receivers)

Oh, the joys of being a part of the When Swing Was King ministry! Here are a few examples from yesterday’s presentations…

* “Your program is one of the best things about living here!”

* “I know you come every month but do you think you could come more often?”

* “We so look forward to the When Swing Was King shows. The music. The photographs. And all of the interesting stories you tell. It is always the high point of our week.”

* “You two do such an excellent job with these shows. It seems every one of them is better than the last. Thank you so much for all the work you put in. We really appreciate it.”

* From a staff member – “You know you guys could make a fortune if you could somehow market When Swing Was King and get it out across the country. It’s really a fabulous show and our residents absolutely love it. I know everyone else would too.”

* And finally, the sweetest blessing of all -- As Vaughn Monroe began to sing “When the Lights Go On Again All Over the World” (a number one song from 1943), our new friend, T…., a U.S. Navy veteran who survived kamikaze attacks on his troop transport in the Pacific in the final year of WWII, stretched across to embrace his wife while they listened to this lovely, poignant song.

I looked over and saw Claire had noticed the same scene. She turned to me with tears in her eyes but a big smile on her face and I knew we were thinking the same thing; namely, “Lord, thank You for letting us bring such tender moments to these dear people -- moments that not only bring a respite to seniors dealing with loneliness, boredom, and the anxiety of aging bodies, but which also create a effective bridge to memory, beauty, love, patriotism, fun, and friendship. It is so cool to be a part of this.”

Melinda Gates a Heroine? An Open Letter to Costco

Dear Costco,

I have appreciated your general policy in keeping your company out of the intense controversies that so divide the country. Therefore, I was greatly disappointed to see you feature Melinda Gates, one of the most prominent and powerful proponents of abortion, in the cover story of the May issue of your magazine. To hail someone who has championed so ardently for surgical and chemical abortion (under such deliberately deceptive terms as “family planning” and “reproductive health care”) is to join in the sorrowful business. And that’s much different than avoiding the tensions of the culture wars.

The article does emphasize that there are grave, complicated problems that need to be addressed throughout the world. And those problems do include health care, malnutrition, housing, transportation, empowerment and responsibility. But the answers to such difficulties will never be solved by organizations that so utterly fail to appreciate the inherent right to life of all human beings...including the unborn children that are so crassly dismissed by pro-abortion organizations like the Gates Foundation.

By the way, one of the photos that accompanied that story showed Gates involved with a project organized by Marie Stopes International, one of the largest, most notorious abortion businesses in the world. Very sad.

I humbly suggest that Costco be more sensitive to the moral convictions of so many of your family and faith-oriented customers and therefore carefully avoid highlighting people, organizations, and ideologies that present such extreme and, in this case, such unjust and violent actions as destroying preborn boys and girls.

Thank you for your consideration of this very serious matter.

Rev. Dennis Hartford
Director, Vital Signs Ministries
Omaha, Nebraska

Lenin's "Grave" Mistake

On the Paradox of Christians Caring for the Sick

“Of all men, we hope most of death; yet nothing will reconcile us to — well, it’s unnaturalness. We know that we are not made for it; we know how it crept into our destiny as an intruder; and we know Who has defeated it. Because our Lord is risen we know that on one level it is an enemy already disarmed; but because we know that the natural level also is God’s creation we cannot cease to fight against the death which mars it, as against all those other blemishes upon it, against pain and poverty, barbarism and ignorance. Because we love something else more than this world we love even this world better than those who know no other.” (C.S. Lewis from the essay, Some Thoughts, written one evening in 1948 at the White Horse Inn at Drogheda, Ireland at the request of the Medical Missionaries of Mary who founded Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital there.The essay was one of many later published in God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics by C.S. Lewis published in 1970.)

An Embarrassing Problem for Darwinians

Here is a slightly edited note from a Vital Signs Blog post of more than ten years ago; July 18, 2008 to be exact. But it's content is as relevant as ever and even the article I mention at the conclusion is still online. Check it out.

“When a butterfly has to look like a leaf, not only are all the details of a leaf beautifully rendered but markings mimicking grub-bored holes are generously thrown in. ‘Natural Selection,’ in the Darwinian sense, could not explain the miraculous coincidence of imitative aspect and imitative behavior, nor could one appeal to the theory of "the struggle for life" when a protective device was carried to a point of mimetic subtlety, exuberance, and luxury far in excess of a predator's power of appreciation. I discovered in nature the non-utilitarian delights that I sought in art. Both were a form of magic, both were a game of intricate enchantment and deception.”

The above paragraph was written, not by William Jennings Bryan or Billy Sunday, but by the decidedly irreligious author of Lolita and Pale Fire (and, more importantly for my money, the translator of Pushkin), Vladimir Nabokov.

It turns out that Nabokov served as the curator of lepidoptera (butterflies) at Harvard University’s Museum of Comparative Zoology in the 1940s. In fact, according to his biographer, Nabokov “became the authority on the little-studied blue butterflies (polyommatini) of North and South America” and was “a pioneer in the study of butterflies' microscopic anatomy, distinguishing otherwise almost identical blues by differences in their genital parts.” And besides his novels and short stories, he published articles in such scientific journals as The Entomologist, The Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, The Lepidopterists' News, and Psyche: A Journal of Entomology.

Of course, this creates a problem of embarrassment in the secular academic circles where Nabokov's literary work has been so highly regarded. I mean, what’s with a renowned liberal humanist vigorously disputing evolution -- and doing so from the most intricate and informed scientific reasoning?

Richard Dawkins, call your office.

Here's more from the Discovery Institute.

A Few More Letters

As promised a couple of days ago, here are a few more letters written at last Saturday morning's letter-writing party.

To the CEO of Walmart regarding a homosexual dating ad recently appearing on the company’s website: Dear Mr. McMillon,

Good grief!  What is Walmart doing having a homosexual ad on your website?  You have always promoted yourselves as a family store and now you’ve decided to be unnecessarily political by using this ad.

Please get back to selling and not advocating social issues that would cause people (like me!) to stop coming to your store.

Attorney General Barr,

We are so glad to see you, at last, at the helm of this ridiculous investigation of our President and “Russian collusion”!  Finally, an adult has entered the room!

God bless you and your efforts.

Franklin Graham and all Samaritan’s Purse workers,

You are really making a difference for the flood victims in Nebraska.  My husband was blessed in working with your team who were efficient and blessed many people with spiritual as well as physical help.

Thank you.

Dear Senator LaGrone,

Thank you for opposing LB627 which is good news.  Other bills I encourage you to oppose are LB 629, 503, 423 & 167.  These bills break the moral foundation of human good will and break down the fabric for a strong state regarding sound family environment.

LB141 is a good bill and I encourage you to support.

Thank you for serving our state.

Senator Sasse,

Thank you for your work to bring the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to the floor for a vote. God bless you!

Joni & Ken Tada,

We are praying for your healing.  Your daily devotionals have so encouraged us and we have gotten others to sign up for them.  Now, we want to encourage you both in this journey.  Your faith and courage is a model for us all.

Blessings in bunches!

Dear Mr. President,

We are so encouraged by your leadership to correct our “ship of state.”  Please hold steady on Israel, the economy, and protection of our border!

May God bless you, your lovely wife and family.  You all are in our prayers daily.

Dear Joni,

So sad to hear of a reoccurring cancer bout.  Our hearts are in prayer for you.

God has so mightily used you for His kingdom purposes, where so many downtrodden have been lifted up and given the hope that comes from giving the gospel to desperate and needy people.

We all look to the day when the transfer of these bodies will put on the new.  In the meantime, thank you for displaying Christ before a desperate and needy world.

Dear President Trump,

Thank you for supporting family values and for defunding Planned Parenthood.  Thanks for publicly standing for life and your speech encouraging us at the March for Life. God bless you in all your ways as you seek Him.

Dear Secretary DeVos,

We are grateful to have you serving in the Education Dept.  We are concerned about the “gender identity” issue as it affects school athletics, specifically Title IX.

Trans-boys are still men in build and strength and will usually beat even strong girls.  How does this advance women’s sports?  Please apply some common sense to this issue.  Let the birth certificate be your guide.

Dear Mr. McMillon,

We are very disappointed in your caving in to immoral groups instead of standing for family interests.

I have boycotted Target for many years and have favored Walmart.  Now I feel like you have left me with no choice to shop in a family-friendly store.

Please consider your ways and return to the founding fathers of your company.  You still can do what’s right in God’s eyes.

Dear Senator Lindstrom,

There are a few bills sitting in committee that deal with supporting and encouraging abortion.  Please vote against bills LB 629, LB 503, and  LB 423.  We have made great strides in curtailing women from getting abortions.  There are wonderful pregnancy centers in Nebraska that work very hard to provide life-saving programs.  Don’t make their jobs harder by voting for these bills.

Speaking Truth to Power (Through Letters)

In this post I'm going to drop in a few of the letters I wrote at last Saturday morning's brunch version of Vital Signs Ministries' longstanding series of letter-writing parties. In the next day or two, I'll post a few samples of letters and notes written by others at the gathering. They are all posted, however, in high hopes that you will be inspired to write a few of your own.

Remember, lighting candles is always better than just cursing the darkness!

Dear President Trump,

Wow! What a remarkable job you are doing -- for the cause of freedom, for the national interest, for the hopes to rebuild in America a culture that again respects and protects life. We are profoundly grateful and we thank the Lord for blessing you with special courage, wisdom, and compassion. You are a man for our time; there’s no doubt.  

In particular, we want to again thank you for your efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and for your strategic, vocal support of the pro-life movement.   

However, if I may, I’d like to urge you to reconsider two policy courses: 

1) Could you please increase U.S. offers to legally bring in legal immigrants among those refugees who are fleeing persecution because of their Christian convictions? I agree with your desires to get tougher on illegal immigration and to allow in fewer overall numbers. But way too many persecuted Christians who could become legal and productive members of American society are being left out. Remember, they possess a faith that aligns them with American values, rather than so many of those crossing our southern border who do not share the ideals of democracy, justice, responsibility, family, and respect for law. 

 And 2) Please remove Secretary Acosta. He and his policies are not a good fit for your team and, more important, not a good fit the American economy and workplace.   

Again, we are so grateful for the way you leading the United States and, by strengthening our national defense and our moral fiber, also serving the cause of freedom throughout the world.

Dear Attorney General Barr,  

Oh my! Is it ever time to “drain the swamp” in the nation’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies! And it’s also way past time to move past the false charges, character assassination, and outright lies that were used to try smear the Trump presidency and move instead to the investigation of possible crimes perpetrated by the Clinton campaign and the Obama-era FBI and other agencies.  

Thank you so much.

Dear Senator Sasse,

A quick note of thanks for your superb work on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. No matter what happens with this bill in the U.S. Congress (and we still pray fervently it will soon pass), it has already had a huge impact in the cultural battles over the sanctity of life. Really terrific!  

Thank you also for your stirring remarks at the Assure Women’s Center banquet a couple of weeks ago and at the Walk for Life down in Lincoln last January. You are a sterling example of a politician that is pro-life in action and not just at the fish frys!

Again thanks. And please stay the course.

Dear Secretary DeVos,  

Thank you for your principled, wise, and courageous service in behalf of our nation and, specifically, to the cause of improving the education of its youth.

However, I do have some profound concerns about the state of education in the U.S. As a former teacher, for instance, I remain greatly disturbed at the crucial problems of crime, bullying, anti-Christian and anti-American propaganda, the suppression of religious freedom, and what seems to be an ever-increasing failure to teach basic skills in the schools.

And added to these grave problems nowadays are the pressures to promote “sexual nonsense” like shared bathrooms and showers, girls taking their place on boys’ wrestling squads, drag queens leading “story times” at elementary schools, Planned Parenthood’s gross and wildly counter-productive sex ed programs, and political propaganda (always from one direction only) being delivered on a daily basis.

We are praying earnestly that you and the present administration can make serious progress in meeting these problems. 

Thank you.

Keeping Up With It All?

Are you managing to keep up with the best stuff from the alternative media? Of course not. Not even the most devoted “news junkie” among us can do so nowadays. There's just too much craziness and moral ugliness to report on. Nevertheless, I try to occasionally drop in here a compilation post of some of the “best of the best” dealing with matters important to pro-life, pro-freedom activists. So, here's the latest.

* “Four Arguments for GOP Politicians Serious about Defunding Planned Parenthood” (Alexandra DeSanctis, National Review)

* “Students, alumni [of Christian college] outraged, ‘shaking’ after Vice President Pence invited to give commencement” (Caleb Parke, Fox News)

* “House Democrats Introduce Bill Forcing Schools to Allow Boys on Girls Sports Teams” (Warner Todd Huston, Breitbart)

* “Will The Democratic Party Faithful Ever Notice Their Leaders Are Crazy?” (Warren Henry, The Federalist)

* “Are There Any Limits to Illegal Immigration?” (Victor Davis Hanson, American Greatness)

* “The collusion lie came at a tremendous cost” (Newt Gingrich, Fox News)

* “Seattle’s Revolt of the Elites” (Christopher F. Rufo, City Journal)

* “Google Caves to the Intolerant Left, Betraying Its Own Ideals” (Helle Dale, Daily Signal)

* “Christian athlete sacked from Australia Rugby team for quoting Bible on homosexuality” (Martin M. Barillas, LifeSiteNews)

* “Today, You Pay Your Federal Taxes. Tomorrow Is the Real Tax Freedom Day.” (Rachel Greszler, Daily Signal)

When the World Presses In, Remember Heaven

Okay, it's official. The world is in a horrific condition.

And being a Christian committed to living a godly lifestyle, spreading the gospel, building a culture of life and, yes, battling the spiritual forces who would do us in can create a little stress from time to time. Right?

The issue then becomes what to do to stay on top of our circumstances when they start pressing in.  Here's a few important answers.

1) Pray for strength and wisdom.

2) Take God seriously and yourself less so.

3) Use the vertigo caused by dizzying problems to better relish the security that is ours in heaven. As the old country hymn goes:

This world is not my home;
I’m just a passin’ through.
My treasure is laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

O Lord, You know I have no friend like You.
If heaven weren’t my home, O Lord, what would I do?
No, those angels beckon me from heaven’s open door.
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

And 4) after being renewed in spirit as you contemplate spending eternity in the serenity, beauty and glory of Christ's presence, remember to “press back” by continuing to serve the Lord.  Whether or not we feel like it, whether or not it seems convenient, whether or not there will be anybody applauding or standing alongside — we have a responsibility to keep God’s priorities in view and, as faithfully as possible, to carry them out with perseverance, principle, and even pizazz!

One more important note. If your ideas of heaven are kinda' fuzzy and they don't provide the kind of valuable consolation and excitement I refer to above, please put Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven and Joni Eareckson Tada's Heaven: Your Real Home on your immediate "to read" list!

Don't put it off. I'm telling you, these books will change your life. And yes, if you've read them before, read 'em again. The times require it.

P.S. One of the books mentioned above is the focus in our next Vital Signs book discussion series. In fact, it is so valuable a read that we are actually offering 2 different times for it. Joni Earckson Tada has recently published an updated and expanded edition of Heaven: Your Real Home and, believe me, it’s even better than the first one.  Those discussion parties will be 1) a brunch discussion on Saturday, May 11th at 10:00 AM and 2) Tuesday evening with dessert at 7:00 PM on May 14th.  RSVPs are required. 

Where the Greatest Still Play

We start this month’s “When Swing Was King” schedule of 11 senior care facilities tomorrow and, as always, we will be sharing a fresh collection of 12 original songs from the big band era, over 200 inspiring photographs from those same years, a program narration that takes an interesting look back at the featured musicians, and the opportunity for sharing with one another wonderful memories and fellowship.

We will also be handing out to our audiences this month copies of our 4-page quarterly newsletter, complete with a big band quiz and plenty of other trivia, nifty quotations, and a personal note from Claire and me. If you would like to check out that newsletter, you can do so in the collection we’ve uploaded on the Vital Signs Ministries website right here.

All in all, March would be a fantastic time for you to drop in on one of our shows. We love to have visitors and our audiences do too. The schedule and locations can be found (also at the Vital Signs Ministries website) right here.

And, by the way, here is the songlist for this month’s terrific program:

1) Glenn Miller Orchestra (with the vocals of Ray Eberle) — “When You Wish Upon a Star”

2) Nat King Cole (backed by a swinging Billy May studio band) — “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”

3) Harry James Orchestra — “Crazy Rhythm”

4) Artie Shaw Orchestra (with vocals by Helen Forrest) — “I Have Eyes”

5) The Andrews Sisters (backed by the Eddie Haywood band) — “The House of Blue Lights”

6) Glen Gray & the Casa Loma Orchestra — “Blue Room”

7) Andy Williams — “Days of Wine and Roses”

8) Tommy Dorsey Orchestra — “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You”

9) Dennis Day (backed by Frank De Vol Orchestra) — “Where or When”

10) Gene Krupa Orchestra (with vocals by Carolyn Grey) — “They Didn’t Believe Me”

11) Benny Goodman Sextet — “Rose Room”

12) Frank Sinatra (backed by the Count Basie Orchestra) — “Fly Me to the Moon”

Great, great stuff! So, why don’t you make plans to come along for the happening? Again, the schedule is right here.

Monday Morning Reality Check

Here's a selection of some of the best “dispatches from the front” of the culture wars.

* “Cast Into the Outer Darkness: An Open Letter to Facebook — A Christian human rights activist and Stream contributor loses her account. Facebook rejects her appeal and walls off further communication.” (Faith McDonnell, The Stream)

* “On Christian Millennials Who Believe Evangelism is Wrong” (Chelsea Vicari, Juicy Ecumenism)

* “Kamala Harris Is Wrong. Keep the World’s Oldest Profession Illegal” (Scott Yenor, Daily Signal)

* “In Defense of Women’s Sports” (Rich Lowry, National Review)

* “Drunk Driving is a Violent Crime” (Helen Witty, President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

* “Boycott Girl Scout Cookies, They Partner With Groups That Promote Abortion” (Jane Chastain, LifeNews.com)

* “The Folly of Solar Energy” (John Hinderaker, Power Line)

* “Recycling Is a Waste” (Kyle Smith, National Review)

Weekend Catch Up

* “The Greatest Constitutional Crisis Since the Civil War” (Conrad Black, American Greatness)

* “Takeaways from the House Democrats’ Cohen Hearing” (Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review)

* “California’s Rendezvous With Reality” (Victor Davis Hanson, American Greatness)

* “The Destruction of Venice Beach Epitomizes California’s Idiocracy” (Edward Ring, American Greatness)

* “Florida’s economy is booming while blue states like New York are mired in debt. Why is that?” (Cal Thomas, Fox News)

* “Bill Maher mocks Middle Americans as less ‘affluent and educated,’ saying ‘they want to be us.’” (Paulina Dedaj, Fox News)

* “Lying with science: a guide to myth debunking” (Matt Ridley, Spectator USA)

* “Why Social Justice Is Killing Synagogues and Churches” (Joel Kotkin, Tablet)