There are certain moral issue which to me are so important that I believe must be considered before I vote for a presidential candidate.  One such example is the issue of abortion.  I know for many this is a complicated issue, but I would disagree.

Abortion only becomes complicated when our own selfish desires get in the way of our moral conscience.  Abortion is not about a woman’s right to choose.  Abortion is about whether one person is allowed to kill another without the weaker party’s ability to have a say.

Some would argue that a woman “should not be punished with a baby” just because she made a poor decision.  Others might say, “It is cruel and unfair that a woman should have to give birth to a child if she has been raped or incest is involved.”  I would argue that regardless of the circumstance under which a child is conceived that the child is still a life worthy of our protection.  It is not the child’s fault, and the baby should not be the one punished.

The desire of every writer is for their work to be read and appreciated.  But if we are truly honest with ourselves, what we really want is to be read, appreciated, and paid for our work.  Well, I am finally getting to experience this last thing.  Today, I was paid for six devotional articles that I wrote for ec:  essential connection, a Christian magazine for students.  The devotions will appear in ec’s March 2009 issue. 

Writing professionally has been a passion of mine since I was a teenager.  God is the one who planted the seed of this dream.  I give Him thanks and all the glory for this opportunity.  It is my hope and prayer that He will continue to give me such opportunities.  I also want to thank Angela my wife who has always believed in me and encouraged me to believe in the dreams that God has put in my heart.

Blessings to my friends and family!  Thank you for being excited for me.  And for those of you who happen to stop by here on a regular basis, thanks for your encouragement and readership.  My prayers are with you and that the articles and topics discussed here help to further you in your walk with God.

God’s blessings be with each of you!

Taylor

Click here to go to ec’s website.

I will make a link to the devotionals as soon as they are available online.  Since I have sold these to the magazine, I cannot post the devotions directly here.

Tonight during the Presidential debate I’m afraid all we will hear discussed is the politics as usual from both candidates.  We will hear them point fingers at each other.  They will attempt to show how they are different from each other.  Mostly they are different just to be different.  But the true differences between Obama and McCain won’t be discussed.  In fact, one of the most important topics probably will not even be addressed.

And what is the most important topic?  Terrorism?  The economy?  Foreign affairs?  Healthcare?  These are all noble subjects, but let’s be honest, both men if elected will attempt to do what they believe is in the best interest of the United States.  Our country’s success is their success.  So, even though both men might come at these trying issues from different angles, both will be doing so with an honorable desire to do the best thing for America. 

But, in my mind there is one issue that seperates these two men dramaticly…abortion.  Rick Warren, the pastor of Saddleback Community Church, asked the candidates a very insightful and thought provoking way.  He asked, “At what point does a baby get human rights in your view?”  This question gets to the heart of the abortion issue.  When does a person become a person?  Barak Obama was unable to give an answer. 

Please pray for this family as they cope with the lose of their beautiful 5 year old girl Maria.  She was hit by a car in the family driveway earlier today (May 21, 2008).  The car was driven by an old brother who did not see little Maria.  Please also pray specifically for this young man.  I know his heart is broken and his guilt must be great.  Pray that satan is not allowed to have a foothold in this beautiful family’s life.

Thank you,

Taylor

Click here to read the AP story.

I rarely write political pieces although I think about politics a lot.  Today I am making an exception because as I continue to look across the political landscape of the United States all I see is a ravaged wasteland.  I see two political parties striving with themselves and each other.  I see opportunists seeking public service, but all they want is to grab power.  I see a nation wanting to see and believe the best about humanity but finding little evidence for it.  I see a people hoping the great experiment called the United States which begun 233 years ago can still have a government of the people, by the people, and for the people that works.  I see a people without a vision…

Why are we where we are today?  How have we lost our way?  We are called the land of promise, America, and the United States.  But, we are far from united.  We have “red” states and “blue” states.  We have rural America and suburban America.  We have African, Native, Asia, and Latino American.  Whatever happened to being American?

“United we stand, divided we fall.”  That was a bedrock statement of truth in the past, but now in our postmodern society statements like this are up for debate.  Many might even argue that division is good.  Division invites diversity, tolerance, and an opportunity to learn from one another.  All these thoughts have a hint of truth in them, but they also neglect another reality of division.  Division seperates. 

Allow me to call to your attention to an article I recently read by Dr. Al Mohler.  His article, Is Matriarchy the Shape of the Future?, continues to verify a disturbing trend I started noticing during the 1990’s.

Over the past 10 to 15 years, men have been portrayed in the media and society as irresponsible overgrown children.  While their counterparts, women, during the same time have been shown as hard working responsible leaders of families, communities, and businesses.  I believed the results of such depictions would eventually have a detrimental effect on men.

Mohler’s article describes a cultural shift which has already taken place.  Female to male college enrollment and degrees earned demonstrates my growing concern for men.  I am proud for the advancement women have made in society, college, business, and politics.  But, I am also deeply concerned about our sons and young men whom seem to be getting left behind.

Watch Santa Travel the World! 

Find out exactly where Santa is right now!  NORAD (North American Aeorspace Defense Command) has been tracking Santa via satelite and radar since the late 1950’s. 

Watch live videos of Santa’s Trek around the world on Christmas Eve, and then get the cookies, milk, and carrots ready because Santa will be at your home before you can get to sleep!  Select the Santa icon below to visit NORAD’S special Santa Tracking Website to join in on all the fun.

God Bless You, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New!

Taylor

AUBURN WINS AGAIN! 

WE GET TO ENJOY THIS FOR 1 MORE DAY THAN LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF LEAP YEAR!

WAR EAGLE!  GO TIGERS!

Here are a few pictures to help y’all enjoy the holidays.

THE SCORE!

THE T-SHIRT!

THE SHOCK!

BRANDON COX SHOWING 6!

The University of Alabama has the first $4 Million university football coach in history.  Here is a little break down of how well they have spent their money.

Let’s all send Alabama a thank you note for allowing all of us to have something to be thankful for at thanksgiving this year.

War Eagle!  Happy Thanksgiving!  See y’all at the Iron Ball!

Taylor

Copyright © November 2007 by Taylor W. Kendrick

All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

 Courage, A Poem for Bethany

by
Taylor W. Kendrick

for
Bethany Jean Kendrick
My beautiful brave daughter

Four foot tall sturdy against my office wall, Courage.
Giggles and tears showing no fear, Courage.
Blue eyes dancing, wrinkled nose laughing, freckled face crying, Courage.
Lungs breathing, heart pounding, pain surging, Courage.
Hands holding, tears flowing, prayers going, Courage.
Daddy’s girl, Mamma’s heart, Big sister with a broken part, Courage.

Bethany, I know you hurt.  I know the pain is often too much to stand.  I love you, and I wish I could take it for you.  I wrote this poem just for you because I am so amazed at how brave you are.  You have the courage of a mighty soldier.  You are strong and courageous.  We are so blessed that God chose us to be your parents.  I am proud of you, and I know that our God will hear our prayers and heal you.  Please know that I am always praying for you and that I love you more than these simple words could ever say.

Love,
Daddy

Copyright © October 2007 by Taylor W. Kendrick for Bethany J. Kendrick

All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.