The case of a Belgian man who was diagnosed as comatose for 23 years but was, in fact, conscious the entire time illustrates the need to treat such patients with dignity, a pro-life bioethics specialist says. A recently released scientific paper reported on Rom Houben, who was paralyzed in a car accident in 1983 and determined to be in a coma or persistent vegetative state (PVS), according to the Daily Mail Newspaper. A re-evaluation three years ago by neurological expert Steven Laureys found Houben was aware of what was happening around him but had no control of his body. “Medical […]

Someone once said that statisticians are the worst form of liars. In fact, that someone said it in a way much too colorful for a family publication! Nonetheless, demographics and surveys sometimes give us a glimpse into the life of the body politic, and 2009 provided no shortage of such glimpses. Here are a few of them: Paint It BlackAs part of Black History Month, the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life released a new analysis that paints a detailed religious portrait of African-Americans. The analysis finds that African-Americans are markedly more religious than the U.S. population […]

Finally, a new year. What a crazy year of change. I can’t remember anything more difficult in my life than last year.But, I count my blessings that I?made it out alive and have a fresh start this year to apply everything I learned from last year. I have learned you can truly take advantage of a tough economy and a year of ups and downs to grow, learn and change. In 2010 I plan to make my own changes. Obama’s plans didn’t pan out too well for me.   In this issue we have several articles to help you start […]

Oral Roberts University students provide shoes for children in Iraq through giving and negotiation skills. Soon, thousands of Iraqi children will have new shoes in time for winter, thanks to the efforts of Oral Roberts University (ORU) students, faculty and staff. The money for this project was raised through donations taken during twice-weekly chapel services. The university was able to greatly stretch their gift by involving students in the school of business. ORU graduate business students in the marketing management class were assigned the task of negotiating the best price for the shoes. The business students were able to negotiate […]

In an historic healthcare vote, the Democrat-led House of Representatives excludes taxpayer-funded abortions and signals the “beginning of the end” for abortion in America. WASHINGTON, Nov. 8 – Taxpayer-funded abortion was excluded from the final healthcare bill, even though the public funding of abortion was a key component of President Obama’s presidential campaign and was strongly supported by Speaker Pelosi and House leadership. In spite of these facts, a healthcare bill including abortion funding would not pass. This vote is a reminder that America is turning away from the violence of abortion and embracing social justice and human rights for […]

For Ken and Diana Whiteman, healing is a lifelong journey that began in a classroom. To love one another fully meant change, but they lacked the skills necessary to do it. Life Skills International has transformed the way they relate to one another. Together, as co-facilitators and instructors, they now bring renewed hope to struggling marriages and families in South Florida. “Our baggage affects our life now whether we realize it or not,” says Diana Whiteman, a victim of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. “The program teaches that over 90 percent of what angers us today has its roots […]

114 children have died from H1N1  – but 700,000 have died from abortion Swine flu has claimed the lives of at least 114 children in the United States since April, according to the latest data available from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But an estimated 2,247 to 3,305 babies lose their lives to abortion each day, based on statistics compiled by both the CDC and the Guttmacher Institute, a private research foundation tied to the abortion industry. A CDC report released last Friday placed the death toll from H1N1 at 114 for persons aged 18 or […]

Birth Place: Falls Creek, PennsylvaniaYears in Florida: Over 50Home Church: Coral Ridge Presbyterian ChurchMarital status: widowed; married 50 yearsChildren/Grandchildren: 3 sons and 6 grandsons [no girls!]First job:   Printing CompanyFavorite movie:  Gone With The WindWhat do you like to read:  The Bible, Newspapers, and US World and News Report.  Musical preference:  I like music of the 60s, 70s and 80s and Orchestra music, and I also like clssical music.Favorite teams:  Dolphins, Hurricanes and  the Pittsburgh Steelers.Mountains or beaches:  MountainsArmy, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard: Air Force Q:  Where did you grow up and what was it like?  I grew […]

Evangelist Billy Graham celebrated his 91st birthday on Nov. 7. A spokesman said Graham remains in good overall health, with a strong heart and clear mind, while dealing with various age-related conditions. He continues to exercise, including short walks at his mountain home every day. The global evangelist continues to stay abreast of current events. He still subscribes to several domestic and international Newspapers and periodicals. He also remains focused on the ongoing Life of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), which he founded nearly 60 years ago – it is now under the leadership of his son, Franklin. Graham […]