"In spite of all that we see going on in our nation from the back streets of our cities to Wall Street, to the halls of government; restoration is possible "if My people, who are called by My Name," will take action with courage and determination.

As the Continental Army retreated in full flight from the British and Hessian Armies after humiliating defeats in New York in November 1776, Thomas Paine, noting the air of panic and defeat of both soldier and civilian alike, wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls:  The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Those words apply to this moment in our nation's history.

As with the Continental Army and their Generals, so the victory of the liberal left in the November elections bring a sobering challenge:  Will we stand and fight to preserve and protect our blood bought freedoms, or will we, like so many 'summer soldiers' and 'sunshine patriots'  then, drift away, discouraged and disillusioned, defeated in spirit?  Will we recognize, as did the colonists, that tyranny of the few over the many is intolerable, that some evils in the world require our all to defeat? 

As a result of Paine's challenge and Washington's leadership, a revival of hope and determination went throughout the colonies as Washington crossed the Delaware with his exhausted yet newly invigorated troops.  What followed has been described as the most "brilliant military campaign" in history as the tattered Continental Army and growing bands of militia, defeated Howe's professional armies in New Jersey over the next three months.

As historian David Fischer stated, this was the "pivotal moment" in our history.  "Americans recovered from their despair and were confident that they would not be defeated."

Fischer says these early events in our nation's history were driven by "people making choices", "choices that had an impact on events".  He wrote, "The acts and choices of these men were an expression of their beliefs." 

In the battle for our culture, for our blood bought liberties and hard won freedoms, we must make difficult, costly choices based on our beliefs, choices that will affect the lives of our offspring.

At this critical time will we Christians sink "under the despondency of that misconceived idea" that we cannot change anything, or will we stand and fight for the sanctity of God ordained marriage, life, family, morality, and responsible government "Under God"?  Will we defend our God given rights, and the Constitution as delivered to us by our Founders, or will we - like so many are tempted to do - drift prematurely away, discouraged and disillusioned, defeated in mind and heart?  

As with Gideon (and the colonists), we have a decision to make.  Do we conclude that "the LORD has abandoned us", and "given us into the hand of Midian", permanently, or do we heed the LORD's command to "Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian"? Will we conclude that His question, "Have I not sent you?" is no longer valid for us?

"He that stands now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Please continue to 'stand' with us in 2009 as an integral part of the growing 'Call' to Restore America as a nation "Under God", not man.

"My Country tis of Thee, sweet land of liberty, of Thee I sing""

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Since that letter one year ago, the Tea Party movement, and thousands of patriot voices, have led a 'revival of hope and determination,' given a voice to our disgust with radical leftwing elected officials across the nation, and galvanized opposition to the effort to destroy America. 

One year later, the challenge still 'stands.'  Will we continue to 'stand' for the sake of the nation, our children, and the cause of ordered liberty around the globe in the 2010 elections?  I pray we will, and will do all I can, with your help, to do our part.  God bless you all."