Ireland votes to allow mothers to kill their babies... and afterward suffer depression, grief, anxiety, and other psychological problems.
"...this study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry... is quite provocative because the authors analyzed such a large amount of data--877,000 women, including 164,000 who had an abortion--and found women who had an abortion experienced an 81 percent increased risk for mental problems. The authors observed the "results indicate quite consistently that abortion is associated with moderate to highly increased risks of psychological problems subsequent to the procedure." CBS reported, "Women who had an abortion were 34 percent more likely to develop an anxiety disorder, 37 percent more likely to experience depression, 110 percent more likely to abuse alcohol, 155 percent more likely to commit suicide...."
https://pjmedia.com/…/as-ireland-considers-repeal-of-abort…/

Joy Villa is now glad she chose life!  Great op-ed about the value of human life:

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2018/01/31/joy-villa-why-choose-life-over-abortion-incredible-journey-that-began-for-me-at-20.html

John Piper’s article responding to recent events is thought-provoking and worth reading.

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/this-american-moment

Why are some children valued why others are not valued?

This little boy is valued by his mother, despite the fact that he will almost certainly die before he turns 3 because he has a rare genetic disorder.

This little girl, though valued by her parents, was ignored by passers-by after being hit by a truck and left badly wounded in the middle of the street.  (And the same sorts of things happen in this country too...  )

Forty-two million little boys and girls are killed each year before they are born, because they are not valued by their parents.

Perhaps these things are because people in general only seek to help others when it will directly benefit themselves.  (There are exceptions, such as the first link above.)

However, according to the Bible, ALL human life (even unborn) is created in the image of God... and is worthy of being protected.   Is it worthwhile for me (as a believer in Jesus Christ) to risk my own life, health, money, and reputation in order to help rescue other people, even people who are considered 'unimportant'?  YES.

"Why do we, disciples of Jesus Christ, go out of our way to help those who are struggling around us?  Because we want to - because it's what God did for us - because of the incredible inheritance that God has given us..."

"And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment. But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous." "
Luke 14:12-14

"Thus says the LORD, "Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place." "
Jeremiah 22:3

"Deliver those who are being taken away to death,
And those who are staggering to slaughter, Oh hold them back.
If you say, 'See, we did not know this,'
Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts?
And does He not know it who keeps your soul?
And will He not render to man according to his work?"
Proverbs 24:11-12

Regarding this news item - http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/09/16/thrown-over-the-fence-infanticide-canadian-style/

Once a society says it's ok to kill innocent human persons (whether unborn or born), there is no limit...

Here is an interesting article called "The War Against Girls", a good book review of "Unnatural Selection" by Mara Hvistendahl.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303657404576361691165631366.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read#printMode

Here's an excerpt:

"Despite the author's intentions, "Unnatural Selection" might be one of the most
consequential books ever written in the campaign against abortion. It is aimed,
like a heat-seeking missile, against the entire intellectual framework of
"choice." For if "choice" is the moral imperative guiding abortion, then there
is no way to take a stand against "gendercide." Aborting a baby because she is a
girl is no different from aborting a baby because she has Down syndrome or
because the mother's "mental health" requires it. Choice is choice."

Here is another interesting article called "The Search for the Historical Adam".

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=92509

It summarizes the state of the continuing controversy about whether God created the human race directly in the persons of Adam and Eve, or whether God "used evolution" over millions of years to bring us to where we are today.  The same compromises and arguments are occurring, with the theistic evolutionists / progressive creationists / old-earthers saying "it really doesn't matter" and the rest of us Bible-believers saying "it really does matter."

The article is unfortunately biased toward the theistic evolution point of view, but it does spotlight the incredible pressures in the intellectual spheres in the creation/evolution discussion these days.

Great quote from Tim Keller -

"[Paul] most definitely wanted to teach us that Adam and Eve were real historical figures. When you refuse to take a biblical author literally when he clearly wants you to do so, you have moved away from the traditional understanding of the biblical authority.  If Adam doesn't exist, Paul's whole argument - that both sin and grace work 'covenantally' - falls apart. You can't say that 'Paul was a man of his time' but we can accept his basic teaching about Adam. If you don't believe what he believes about Adam, you are denying the core of Paul's teaching."

And finally, a closing quote from the most awesome book of all, the Bible... Ephesians 1:3-12.   I see so many of my nonChristian friends inwardly hungry for significance (especially men) or for love (especially women), all day long... vainly seeking in this or that activity or place.  If only they could know and experience our great God!  ...the God who loves us fiercely, beyond measure, and will never stop loving us, and Who has called us to true, eternal, significance through being adopted by Him:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory."

Here is an interesting perspective written by a politician from Alaska, especially regarding what humans consider "perfect", and regarding how eager humans who do not understand God's plans are to kill / 'abort' any person who does not match their idea of "perfect".

Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 14:17:11
To:gov.sarah@yahoo.com
Cc:gov.palin@yahoo.com
Subject: Baby

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!) :

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I've heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I've answered them because I only want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up. Though another girl would be so nice, you didn't think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be "Trig", because it's so fitting, with two Norse meanings: "True" and "Brave Victory". You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig's mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news – that way Piper wouldn't have so long to wait and count down so many days – just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palins look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days... you all really like cake.) I know you, I knew you'd be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig's mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing. But I gave Trig's mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I've given Trig's mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I'll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig's challenges, but I won't impose on you...

I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig's life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters.

The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven't experienced yet. He'll show you what "true, brave victory" really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is "normal" or "perfect". You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.

Trig will be his dad's little buddy and he'll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He'll love to be read to, he'll want to play goalie, and he'll steal his mom's heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did. And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for...in fact Trig will – in some diagnostic ways – always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it "Down's Syndrome", and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig's mom and dad don't want people to focus on the baby's extra chromosome. They're human, so they haven't known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I'm giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won't understand... and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won't be considered "perfect" in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider "perfect" or even "normal" anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as "perfect" on t.v.? Have you noticed I make 'em all shapes and sizes? Believe me, there is no "perfect"!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don't want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: "My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts... for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!"

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book! Look it up! You claim that you believe me – now it's time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won't give you anything you can't handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can't wait to meet you. I'm giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,
Trig's Creator, Your Heavenly Father

This weekend I happened to be at an amusement park, where crowds of thousands of people milled by... pushing strollers, eating ice-cream cones, screaming on roller coasters, engaging in pda, teasing their siblings.  Kids were amazed at all the bright colors / flashing lights / blaring sounds; parents were tired by it all.  Tourists diligently snapped pictures and bought souvenirs.  Some parents were involved with their kids, others seemed preoccupied with other worries.

One could easily get numbed by the sameness of all the people passing by... the same clothes... the same body shapes... the same facial expressions... the same activities... the same screams every time the coaster cars passed the same place on the track...

But two things stood out to me.  First, according to Jesus (speaking to His disciples), "...the very hairs of your head are all numbered."   Every hair, on every single person!   Not one of those thousands of 'generic people' were generic to God.   He dreamed up each man and each woman, and knew their every thought and action, before they were born.  Each one was completely unique upon closer inspection... unique histories, desires, likes, dislikes, and loves.

Second, after contemplating the value of each person (far higher than my tired/numbed gaze originally gave credit) and the vast number of such people (in such a tiny part of the whole big world), I began thinking about the value of their Creator.   How could one man, Jesus Christ, be intrinsically worth so much more than all of us combined?   He would have looked like an ordinary man, to his peers 2000 years ago.  But if the Bible is correct, He was no ordinary man.   He was instead the Creator and Designer of all the billions of every-hair-numbered/every-thought-foreknown humans running around on earth.

How does one measure value?  And by any standard, does not Jesus Christ break the scale?

Finances - gold? silver? platinum? paper money?  All such atoms in the universe were created by Christ.  God owns it all, and loans out small quantities to us, whether we are grateful to Him for it or not.

Livestock?  God designed and created all the animals and watches over each one.

  " ¹⁰"For every beast of the forest is Mine,
The cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹"I know every bird of the mountains,
And everything that moves in the field is Mine.
¹²"If I were hungry I would not tell you,
For the world is Mine, and all it contains."   Psalm 50

Real estate? Land?  God made it all.  He spoke it into existence in a couple days' work.

Knowledge?  In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Power?  There is no comparison between any human and Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, who splits oceans to provide a path for his people to walk through, stills the storm and waves with a couple words, turns the hearts of kings like water in the hand, and rises from the dead after he is killed.

Wittiness?  Hilarity?  Coolness?  Popularity?  Humor?  Attractiveness?  Life-of-the-party-ness?  God invented all such people.

Physical pleasure?  Lemonade?  Chocolate?  Sex?  Frisbee?  Root beer floats?  Dopamine?  All designed by God.

Beauty?   Think of the 50 most handsome or beautiful people you know.  God designed them all.  The most stunning waterfall or sunset?  Again, God designed it.  And those who have seen Him report extreme beauty, which lasts forever rather than fading after a few years, and which truly satisfies, unlike any earthly beauty.

I am currently unable to fully clarify my thoughts on this, but this has been an index to them.   Four closing considerations:

Daniel 7
9"I kept looking
Until thrones were set up,
And the Ancient of Days took His seat;
His vesture was like white snow
And the hair of His head like pure wool
His throne was ablaze with flames,
Its wheels were a burning fire.
10"A river of fire was flowing
And coming out from before Him;
Thousands upon thousands were attending Him,
And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;
The court sat,
And the books were opened.
...
13"I kept looking in the night visions,
And behold, with the clouds of heaven
One like a Son of Man was coming,
And He came up to the Ancient of Days
And was presented before Him.
14"And to Him was given dominion,
Glory and a kingdom,
That all the peoples, nations and men of every language
Might serve Him
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
Which will not pass away;
And His kingdom is one
Which will not be destroyed.

Revelation 21
1Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea.
2And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
3And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them,
4and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."
5And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true."
6Then He said to me, "It is done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.
7"He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.
8"But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Matthew 13:44
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

Lamentations 3:24
"The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him."