Take a Number, Matters of Life and Death, -and- Making the Grade

Take a Number - man beats teen girl over who was first in line at McDonald's
Matters of Life and Death - California approves nurse-assisted suicide
Making the Grade - kids spread cheating methods on YouTube

On this day in history: October 2, 1871 - Mormon prophet Brigham Young is arrested for cohabitating with a 16-year-old girl.

Born on this day in history: October 2, 1869 - Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948) Born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in Poorbandar, India, and later known as Mahatma or "Great Soul," Indian nationalist leader Gandhi studied law in London, fought discrimination in South Africa, and returned to India in 1914 to advocate nonviolent protest in the movement to achieve independence. Gandhi was assassinated in Delhi.

Scripture of the Day: In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. — Psalm 10:2

Video of the Day: McCain: Gwen Ifill Will Do a Totally Objective Job

Look out, Sarah! He bites! Click to enlarge.

Tonight's Vice Presidential Debate will be an outstanding opportunity for Sarah Palin to assuage supports and astound critics!

I predicted Sarah Palin would be John McCain's choice for running mate long prior to the announcement. The nearly universal response was, "Who"? I have followed Palin's career for years with great interest, and when I made the prediction, I was certain that it would be greeted with disbelief. I was correct. When McCain announced his choice of Palin, however, many asked, "How in the world did you know?" The simple truth is I did not know! I sensed that McCain would choose her, and I expressed that sense as a prediction.

I will make another prediction: I predict that Sarah Palin will be victorious tonight and do so by a wide margin!

Go, Sarah!

Dirty Tricks! I make my prediction with the full knowledge that there are dark forces working to thwart Sarah Palin's victory. As if it were not sufficient that the moderator be selected—as was the moderator for the McCain-Biden debate—from the murky pond of ultra-liberal Obama enthusiasts at PBS, there is now the issue that the moderator of tonight's debate, Gwen Ifill, is apparently a book to come out the time the next president takes office, and the book is very favorable to Barack Obama!

Simply put, if Obama wins the presidency, Ifill's book will quickly become a best seller. For every 100,000 copies sold, Ifill will receive approximately $350,000! That certainly gives her a vested interest in Obama's election! John McCain was, quite simply, entirely too accepting of this choice of moderator (see today's video), and I believe Ifill should be replaced summarily!

Fighting Back, Freedom of Speech, -and- Smashing Proposal

Fighting Back - carjacker shot by off-duty cop
Freedom of Speech - EU mulls Internet clampdown to combat terrorism
Smashing Proposal - man uses demolition car to propose

On this day in history: October 2, 1871 - Mormon prophet Brigham Young is arrested for cohabitating with a 16-year-old girl.

Born on this day in history: October 2, 1890 - Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977) comedian. He was the leader of the Marx brother team and famous for his ad-lib insults in his TV show "You Bet Your Life," 1950-1961.

Scripture of the Day: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." (Proverbs 29:25)

Video of the Day: Because You Loved Me - Passion of Christ - submitted by Donny

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, “Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.” May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life. It's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go. When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.