Time for Dems

To Stand Up

And Be Counted

The Dems have finally been called on their bluff by the brilliance of fast acting Republicans who proposed a House Resolution for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and have brought it to the floor of the House for a vote as the last vote before Congress takes its Thanksgiving break,

Congress Jack Murtha has been waving the Democratic banner of withdrawal for the second half of the week, rallying Democrats as President Bush and other Republicans started turning the corner on the low of criticism that has surrounded the administration as of late.

Though Murtha is "hawkish", he is still a liberal Democrat from a union heavy western Pennsylvania who appeals not to logic or strategy, but only to emotion, in attempts to manipulate his peers and the public into caving into his brand of liberal sentiment. Republican Senator Young stated it well when he pointed out that Murtha has spoken more this week than than the sum of his twenty-four year career.

But, the real question has never been raised. How can we even consider bailing out of Iraq when it is clear that Al Queda is clearly entrenched in Iraq? Why would we give Iraq to Al Queda after we have paid such a cost? What would become of not only our safety, but those Iraqis who do not subscribe to militant Islam? Would not the generations that follow us charge us with murders and perhaps even the genocide of countless if abandon our mission in Iraq now? Yes, we pay a cost for our work in Iraq, but are we must count the cost and make the moral choice.

Tropical Storm Gamma to

Turn Into Major

Thanksgiving Week Snow

Event For East Coast

The record-breaking twenty-fourth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Gamma, is at tropical storm status, with the possibility of reaching hurricane status and then weakening again to tropical storm status before a possible south Florida strike. Accuweather is forecasting models that call for the collision of an arctic blast and the remnants of the moisture associated with Gamma next week which should distress holiday travelers but delight those who have been waiting for their first taste of winter weather. Accuweather's 30-90 forecast also calls for a colder than normal December. Weigh in on:

• Your thoughts about the Thanksgiving snow possibility,
• Calls for a colder December,
• What you are doing to reduce heating costs, and
• If you think Accuweather's model is just another ploy of media hype.

“I, I am he who blots out your

transgressions for my own sake,

and I will not remember your sins. "

- Isiah 43:25

Our culture boasts of not forgetting when we have been injured or wronged. "Remember the Alamo", "Remember 9-11". However, our God boasts of not remembering our sins against him. Why is it we make such a practice of remembering our sins when God makes such practice of forgetting them? All through Scripture God reminds us of this: He remembers our sins no more (Jr. 31: 34), that He removes our transgressions from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Yet we seem to think we will find some solace in recounting them. But why is that? I have yet to find a single exhortation, or even a hint of one, that would encourage us to recount our own sins after we have received God's forgiveness. Perhaps it is our pursuit of self-atonement, or a penance of sorts. We punish ourselves where we feel God has left us off the hook. Perhaps it is our misunderstanding of living "cross-centered" lives. We gravitate towards making the cross an end in end of itself rather than the doorway to faith-filled joyful life that counts on God not remembering our sins and expects grace to change. So, in our self-sufficient attempts to keep the cross at the center we hang on to our sins longer or revisit old sins. I will be so bold as to say it is unchristian for us to remember our forgiven sins. I am not speaking of when we are sharing a testimony, but rather those times when we cling to condemnation in hopes of conjuring up some deeper sense of godly sorrow. But, I say to that Christian: Do not make more of the grief of your sin than you do the joy of God's forgiveness, for in doing so, you make more of yourself than you do of your God.

A Book for

Every Public

School Library

And a Chicken

In Every Pot

I have not read this book, but the idea made me laugh. However, it is a great time for me to opine about the conceptual breakdown of liberal socialism.

Just think how liberal ideal have slowly crept into American mainstream ideology:., "A chicken in every pot, a car in every driveway." It sounds good doesn't it? Who doesn't want their neighbors to have what they both need and want? And why shouldn't we who are better off shoulder the burden?

Now don't hear what I am not saying, I believe that it is our God ordained responsibility to shoulder the burden of the less fortunate, but it is not the government's role to administrate nor impose this responsibility. Do I think people would be selfish and let others go without? Yes, I do. But, I think people tend to more selfish and less generous because they count on the government caring for the less needy. People are already bitter about what is taken from them by the government and feel no need to do more.

Secondly, I believe that if individuals and churches cared for the needy, care would extend beyond finances. If care is handled through the taxes in my payroll deduction, there is nary a second thought to those in need receiving from income. However, if I am directly connected to those receiving the benefit, I can see their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs as well, and perhaps serve them in that capacity as well.

Lastly, if government were not left as chief American philanthropist, the needy would be left with more opportunities to give back. I am not speaking mainly of financial retribution, but I am referring to being able to reciprocate generosity with generosity of spirit.

Ruler of the Waves

I was reviewing one of my favorite J. C. Ryle books (Holiness) this evening and one of my favorite chapters in the book is Ruler of the Waves. I was struck by many things, but most significantly, by Jesus kindness. The except below is lengthy, but worth the read, because it is a great reminder of the Saviors patience and compassion towards us.

But what do you see in our Lord’s behavior towards these disciples all through His ministry? You see nothing but unchanging pity, compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience, long suffering and love. He does not cast them off for their stupidity. He does not reject them for their unbelief. He does not dismiss them forever for cowardice. He teaches them as they are able to bear. He leads them on step by step, as a nurse does an infant when it first begins to walk. He sends them kind messages as soon as He is risen from the dead. "Go," He said to the women, "Go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me" (Matt. 28:10). He gathers them round Himself once more. He restores Peter to his place, and bids him "feed His sheep" John 21:17). He condescends to sojourn with them forty days before He finally ascends. He commissions them to go forth as His messengers, and preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He blesses them in parting, and encourages them with that gracious promise "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20). Truly this was a love that passes knowledge. This is not the manner of man. Let all the world know that the Lord Christ is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. As a father pities his children, so He pities those who fear Him. As one whom his mother comforts, so will He comfort His people (James 5:11; Matt. 12:20; Ps. 103:13; Isa. 66:13). He cares for the lambs of His flock as well as for the old sheep. He cares for the sick and feeble ones of His fold as well as for the strong. It is written that He will carry them in His bosom, rather than let one of them be lost (Isa. 40:11). He cares for the least member of His body, as well as for the greatest. He cares for the babes of His family as well as the grown–up men. He cares for the tenderest little plants in His garden as well as for the cedar of Lebanon. All are in His book of life, and all are under His charge. All are given to Him in an everlasting covenant, and He has undertaken, in spite of all weaknesses, to bring every one safe home. Only let a sinner lay hold on Christ by faith, and then, however feeble, Christ’s word is pledged to him, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." He may correct him occasionally in love. He may gently reprove him at times. But He will never, never give him up. The devil shall never pluck him from Christ’s hand. Let all the world know that the Lord Jesus will not cast away His believing people because of shortcomings and infirmities. The husband does not put away his wife because he finds failings in her. The mother does not forsake her infant because it is weak, feeble and ignorant. And the Lord Christ does not cast off poor sinners who have committed their souls into His hands because He sees in them blemishes and imperfections. Oh, no, it is His glory to pass over the faults of His people, and heal their backslidings, to make much of their weak graces, and to pardon their many faults. The eleventh of Hebrews is a wonderful chapter. It is marvelous to observe how the Holy Spirit speaks of the worthy men whose names are recorded in that chapter. The faith of the Lord’s people is there brought forward, and held in remembrance. But the faults of many of them, which might easily have been brought up also, are left alone, and not mentioned at all.

He was the Cat's Meow: Memorial Serivce for Dog To be Attended by Over 300 Cats What's worng with this picture? What sef-respecting dog would allow itself to be named an "honorary cat" and be euligized by cats? Newsday reports that's exactly what the story is with Ginny, the wonder-dog. Ginny, was a dog who had participated in in the rescue of scores of cats and now upon her death is being honored by them. This is one bizare story. Harry Carey would say about Ginny, "She was a curious dog, that's why her friends called her Whiskers".

And by the way folks, that's an ugly dog.

Bah Hum Blog

You wouldn't think a broken ankle would slow down my blog, but it has. Hopefully, I will be back up and blogging now.

The ankle is even more swollen and bruised now, but I guess that is to be expected. I have wrangled a few meals out of it and Buddy is feeling rather spoiled with Bethany walking him every morning.

America's Most Beautiful City

I realized the beauty of blogging is blogging about what you want to blog about. So, tonight, I blog about the 'Burgh, America's most beautiful, braggable, and bloggable city.

Known as the City of Bridges, The Golden Triangle, The Steel City, The City With a Smile on its Face, and a host of other affectionate titles, Pittsburgh is, in my opinion (and I make no claims to it being a humble opinion) the best city on earth. I never tire at gazing on its skyline, the trolly rides never grows wearisome, the local's accent never loose their charm, the river's keep their mystery, and the aura of what make Pittsburgh unique is completely captivating. I often wonder how I have been fortunate to live in such a place? A place where my 80 yearld home sits on a coblestone boulevard and I am just a ten minute walk to a great cup of cofee. A place where the neighbors still greet each other and ladies still ask young boys for help carrying groceries. A place where Fred Rodgers never went out of style.

This may sound hokey, but maybe that's because you haven't spent enough time in Pittsburgh yourself. Among our favorite attractions are:

• The Carnegie (Includes the museums of Natural History, Science, Art, and Science and the Andy Warhol Museum)
• The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
• The Frick House - Clayton
• Phipps Conservatory
• Mt. Washington (personal favorite)
• PPG Place - and Light Up Night
• Station Square and the Grand Concourse
• Kennywood
• Falling Water/Kentuck Knob (Frank Lloyd Wright Homes)
• Miles and miles of rails to trails
• Beautiful downtown architechture (First Presbyterian Church, Allgheny County Courthouse)
• PNC Park (Most beautiful baseball park in America and home to the 2006 MLB All star game) and Heinz Field
• Heinz Regional History Center
• Plus, so much more!!!!!

If you are trying to decide where to plan your next vacation, consider Pittsburgh. You've got a friend in Pennsylvania.

House With A Bride Why didn't I think of that? Sell your house and the bride comes with it! I am speechless. Leanne was quoted as saying, "I am not that desperate." By the way, the bride listed the opening bid for herself as priceless and the bid for her fully furnished home at $600, 000.

Personal Preparedness A Matter Of Civic Duty Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff is laying out plain and simple: "For those people who say, 'Well, I can take care of myself no matter what, I don't have to prepare,' there is an altruistic element — that to the extent that they are a burden on government services, that takes away from what's available to help those who can't help themselves," Chertoff said. "That is a matter of civic virtue." Isn't is about time someone said it isn't the government's job to provide food and water to people, especially when they have warned people to store three to five days worth of supplies? I am guilty myself, of not following Homeland Defense's guidelands for personal preparedness. It will be my goal to not only begin to prepare myself, but also to talk to my friends and family members about doing the same. It is a civic responsibility to be rpepared. When I am not prepared and I could be, I impose on the govenment and on others. To learn how you can be prepared, visit: http://www.ready.gov/index.html

Study: Male Mice Sing to Their Mates

I couldn't resist this article about male mice singing to their mates.

Nicholas Nickleby

Nicholas Nickebly is a delightful screen rendition of Charles Dickens' classic novel. This dark tale is made lighter by the comedic appearance of Nathan Lane.

Opening quote from the movie:

What happens when the light first pierces the dark dampness in which we have waited? We are slapped and cut loose. If we are lucky, someone is there to catch us and persuade us that we are safe. But are we safe? What happens if, too early, we lose a parent? That party on whom we rely for only everything? Why, we are cut loose again and we wonder, even dread whose hands will catch us now.

Weekend With the Kids Visit my web site for info about my weekend with the kids and for a video clip of Benjamin at Chick Fil-A.

Visit Jenn Grover Online I have a web site. It is pretty rudimentery at thisw time, but bear with me.

Martha to the Rescue

This weekend I will be babysitting five children, ages, 5-13. The weather outlook is poor, so I have been scratching my head thinking, "What can we do?" Well, Martha has again come to the rescue!

Last time the kids and I spent a few days together, we were snowed in. To celebrate the occasion; we made home-made peppermint marshmallows and used cookie cutters to make them into fun shapes like snowflakes and stars (a Martha Stewart Magazine idea). After some fun and work (shoveling) in the snow, we were able to enjoy these marshmallows in hot chocolate and our treat rivaled the best peppermint hot cocoa served by Starbucks.

This time it looks as though we will make some peanut butter pretzel log cabins. I am also planning on making a felt board for the younger ones.

I also picked up a new card game on clearance at Starbucks today called Zigity. Between games, movies, and activities, and maybe even a few visits to see Buddy (my dog), I think we will be all set.

Rosa Parks

She “…moved us all from the back of the bus., forward.” – Paul Harvey

ABC Sinks to New Low in Plamegate

ABC News, in an attempt to trick White House staff into revealing information about the CIA leak, told White house officials that they had "double sourced" the existence of indictments that had already been handed down. ABC news told the White House that they were going to air a story on the 6:00 PM news and wanted the White House to respond. The White House called ABC's bluff and the story never aired. I think what ABC did is commonly known as lying.

First Flakes Spotted The Grovers have spotted Pittsburgh's first flakes of the season tonight at roughly 9:30 PM. The flakes were mingled with snow and the precipitation quickly turned back to rain.

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful!

But to Jenn Grover, it sure is delightful! I am not sure if Pittsburgh will be fortunate enough to benefit from this snowstorm, but Accuweather's latest model at least poses the possibility. And just think, I am still holding off on turning the heat on until at least Nov. 1!

Super Storm to Form and Strike Northeast;

Snow Possible

The remnants of Hurricane Wilma, Tropical Storm Alpha, and a strong storm system moving across the Midwest will join tonight to form a super storm that wil produce gale force winds and heavy precipitation. Because of the low temperatures associated with the trough driving Wilma's track and the Midwest storm, snow is possible in some locations.

Accuweather projects the inclement weather to strike Monday night through Tuesday.

Dig out your hat, gloves, and shovel! It could be quite a winter! This has really been a weather fanatic's dream year.