Top Stories

Inauguration

Today is the big speech and parade, but it was yesterday that President Obama formally took the constitutional oath of office to begin his 2nd term. Today the president publicly takes his oath at 11:55am with his hand on two Bibles; one from President Lincoln and the other from Martin Luther King, whose birthday is also celebrated as a national holiday today.

Albuquerque Teen Accused of Murdering Parents and 3 Siblings

A NEW MEXICO TEENAGER HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF MURDERING HIS PASTOR FATHER, HIS MOTHER, AND THREE OF HIS NINE SIBLINGS ON SATURDAY NIGHT IN ALBUQUERQUE. Christianity Today reports 15-year-old Nehemiah Griego was arrested after allegedly shooting his father, former Calvary Albuquerque pastor Gregory Griego. He also is accused of shooting four other family members presumed to be his mother and three elementary-school-aged siblings at their Albuquerque home.
CNN reported that each victim was shot multiple times and one of the weapons used was what he described as an assault rifle, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department. Griego took a leave of absence from the church, one of New Mexico's largest, last year.

Roe v Wade

Tomorrow marks a much different noteworthy date: that of the terrible supreme Court Decision known as Roe V. Wade, which legalized abortion in all 50 states 40 years ago tomorrow. So how are we doing in the fight for life? Focus on the Family’s Kelly Rosati says the fight is strong, in large part due to technology. She says the more we advance ultrasound imaging the better expecting families can see their pre-born child. The more they do that the closer we get to a society that values life, even in law. The March for Life is this Friday in Washington DC. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to peacefully stand up for the lives of our pre-born kids. Find out more at www.marchforlife.org.

Affordable Care Act proving Unaffordable for PA Hospital

Here’s another interesting reaction to the new health care law, this time from a hospital in Pennsylvania.  Windber Medical Center is about 60 miles outside of Pittsburgh, and they announced on their website last week that they will not be delivering babies any more, starting in March.  According to CitizenLink, the new costs associated with the Affordable Care Act is one of the big reasons.  All of its OB/GYNs will be relocating to other hospitals.

The Super BRO!

They’re calling it the Har-BOWL as NFL head coaches—and brothers--Jim Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens will face off in “Super BRO 47” on February 3rd in New Orleans. The Niners beat Atlanta while the Ravens beat the Patriots in yesterday’s Conference Championship games. And how would you like to be mom and dad, Jackie and Jack Harbaugh? I get nervous when my kids play little league!! And did you know that the Harbaugh’s daughter is married to the Indiana Hoosiers Basketball coach? And they’re a Top 5 Team!

Church Around the World

Pray for Iranian Pastor Trial

Something to keep in prayer today – the scheduled start of the trial in Iran for American pastor Saeed Abedini, who’s facing charges for converting from Islam and publicly proclaiming Christ.  His attorneys were only allowed to see court file last week, so they haven’t had any time to prepare a defense.  And his case has been placed before a notorious hanging judge.  The U-S Commission on International Religious Freedom, which was established by Congress, has called for his immediate release.  The State Department has said they’re “concerned about his imprisonment.”  However, they have stopped short of calling for his release.

Faith

Invocation Pastor

In case you’re wondering who’ll be doing the invocation at today’s Presidential Inauguration, it will be Reverend Luis Leon. There was concern expressed when Lou Giglio was invited because he had preached about homosexual behavior being a sin. Leon blesses same gender unions. The President was officially inducted for his second term Sunday. The public ceremony is today.

Family & Relationships

Community Compassion

You know how God sometimes allows us to go through trials to share how He’s worked through that? We often connect with others who’ve gone through the same thing.  Janice Williams knows what it’s like to wait for a kidney transplant. She’s organizing a fundraiser for a brother in Christ who’s waiting for his 3rd kidney transplant. Scott Harris is in his early 40’s, has a wife and three children.Williams says "We’re trying to raise some funds just to help them get through sometimes because he’s had to give up his career for now we’re just lifting them up in prayer we’re hoping to help them out in the interim.”  Email JaniceWilliams1275@gmail.com for more details.

Work

A Trimmer You is Perceived as a Better Leader

Still want to work your way up to the corner office?  Better stick to that resolution.  New research suggests a few extra pounds around the middle affects the way people perceive your leadership ability, as well as your stamina on the job.  Data from the Center for Creative Leadership shows people tend to view people with larger waistlines as less effective leaders.

Health

Flu Still a Problem

“Count your blessings, name them one by one.” Number one, I am healthy—so far! Having good health is always a blessing, but it seems to be even more rare these days with the growth of the flu.  According to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control, there are now thirty states reporting large numbers of flu-like illness. That's six more than last week. In all, 48 states have widespread flu. The CDC says the elderly and children are particularly vulnerable. Oh,a nd wash you hands!

Misc

A clean discovery from the War to End all Wars

What’s the best deal you ever got at a yard sale?  An artist in San Diego uncovered a bit of history – in a camera.  Anton Orlov bought a 1901 Bellini Jurnelle camera and paid $100 for it.  When he took it home and cleaned it, he found 8 images on it from World War 1, including pictures of war-torn France and a group of men holding what appears to be a bomb. Now that kind of this woule never happen to me…. I’d never take the time to CLEAN the camera in the first place!

A little dab Down Under

You ever watched that gold rush show on the Discovery Channel where a group of miners find about 78 bucks worth of gold in an entire season? Here’s something the Discovery producers of Gold Rush Alaska would LOVE to see! It seems an Australian miner dug up a gold nugget that weighed over 11 pounds! Gold shop owner Cordell Kent said the nugget would be worth about $300,000 by weight but actually is more valuable left in its natural state. He said a find like this "gives people hope" and predicted a fresh gold rush. And I predict a new spinoff for the Discovery Channel: Gold Rush Down Under!