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Father’s Day: Reflection on the Role, Responsibility and Reward of Fatherhood

by julaineappling

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Shared wisdom, a life to be emulated, a faith shared – fatherly love.  

The responsibilities that lie with fatherhood stretch far beyond comprehension. He is more than the income-bearer, the maintenance man, the gardener, the hunter, or the family accountant.

 
Step out of the box and walk with us as we reveal the inner workings of a father’s heart….

 
Upon the shoulders of a father rests the lifelong consequences of that which he imparts to his children. If a father teaches his children to love, they will know the inexpressible joy of selflessness, emanating the reflection of Christ to others. If a father teaches his children forgiveness, they will learn to extend grace. If a father teaches his children to laugh, they will radiate joy to those around them.. If a father teaches his children to work hard, they will understand the reward of toil. If a father teaches his children to tell the truth, they will be known for their integrity. If a father teaches his children to be patient, they will understand that waiting is beneficial and that timing is not theirs.

 
If a father teaches his child faith, if he walks in the Truth, if he lives in the Word and leads in the Spirit of Christ, his children will be fed for a lifetime.

 
“The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galations 5:22

 
As a father lives, so shall his children live. A father holds ultimate accountability with the Lord God Himself for the children given to him, and for the unity of his family through Christ during the season of child-rearing and beyond. The love, honor and sacrifice exemplified to his wife sets a precedent for his children’s future relationships.

 
It has been said that the father is the “umbrella of protection” of his family. His arms wrap them in the love of the Father himself, keep them from harm and hold them close to his heart.

 
His life is not to be looked upon as a mortal accomplishment, but a spiritual responsibility to display the attributes of the Father Himself. He is the steadfast anchor of God’s precious people.

 
The staff at Wisconsin Family Action are humbled to honor fathers this weekend, knowing they are the bedrock of the family, that faithful commitment to marriage is the key to healthy relationships, and that their loving example of Christ’s love is a high calling.

Appling/Jacobs Affirm Founding Father’s Principles at “Let’s Do Lunch” Event

by julaineappling

“We are still the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Our difference has made us prosperous; it has made us free.” – Julaine Appling

Julaine Appling with guest speaker Dr. Jake Jacobs at Wisconsin Family Action’s “Let’s Do Lunch” seminar in Sheboygan Falls 6/12/2012.

The Aviation Heritage Center was the venue for the Sheboygan Falls “Let’s Do Lunch” seminar hosted by Wisconsin Family Action.  President Julaine Appling spoke to a group of 40, passionately affirming the foundation of family, the need for people/churches to be politically involved, and the work WFA has been involved in over the past year and currently.
You can listen to Julaine’s speech by clicking HERE.

Dr. Jacobs speaking with attendees after the seminar

Jake Jacobs, Ph.D., former college history professor, author, and professional speaker, guided attendees through the nation’s history stating “All 50 states acknowledge God in their constitutions as the source of life and liberty.” Jacobs reiterated the history of the Wisconsin Constitution and some of the founding father’s views on morality and government.
Dr. Jacob’s speech can be heard by clicking HERE.
Wisconsin Family Action hosts “Let’s Do Lunch” seminars throughout the state of Wisconsin. Check out our schedule on our website HERE to watch for one being held in a community near you. You may also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @WIFamilyAction!

 

NOTE: Dr. Jake Jacob’s is the author of Mobocracy: “This is what Democracy looks like!”, a book that describes the devastating effects of the mob mentality/Occupy Movement. You can view information regarding his book HERE.

WFA’s Julaine Appling Takes a Stand For Religious Freedom

by julaineappling

“Now is the time for us to stand on this great battlefield and say

‘all right, you brought the war, we’ll engage.’”

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WFA’s Julaine Appling at Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally Friday in Madison

Wisconsin Family Action’s Director Julaine Appling addressed a group of 450-500 supporters assembled outside of Kastenmeier Courthouse in Madison on Friday at the “Stand Up For Religious Freedom” Rally.

The crowd, one of many across the nation, gathered to express opposition to the Obama Administration’s HHS Mandate, set to be ruled on by the Supreme Court at the end of the month. Appling made it imperative during her speech at today’s rally that, “This idea that we have no right to take our faith outside of the four walls of our churches and outside of the four walls of our families is nothing but bunk.”

In January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a mandate under the Affordable Care Act that requires all employer health plans to provide free contraceptives, sterilizations and abortion‐inducing drugs, regardless of any moral or religious objections.

The First Amendment of the US Constitution and Article I, Sec. 18 of the Wisconsin Constitution both guarantee citizens religious freedom–the right to freely exercise our religious beliefs in private and in public. Wisconsin Family Action has been working with state legislators to introduce a resolution that will amend the state constitution to give Wisconsin the best religious freedom language available.

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“Wisconsin Family Action has four main areas we work in,” stated Appling, “marriage, family, life and liberty. …. they are not sideline issues, they are not social issues, they are core, foundational, fundamental issues in this state and this country.”

You can listen to the entire speech HERE.

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Earlier in the rally, State Senator Glenn Grothman took the podium and began by addressing the small number of protesters present, “They are so scared to death of our message that whenever we show up a few of them have to be here.” Grothman addressed the governmental ousting of Christianity in public schools, culture and in foreign policy. “We must pray for America,” said Grothman, “We must live a more Godly lifestyle, and we must encourage our clergy to be more outspoken.”

The full speech can be heard HERE.

Appling urged attendees to take action after they left the rally, using it as a starting point instead of a one-time event. WFA petitions in support of religious liberty were available at the rally, and Appling challenged the audience to make every effort to ensure state leadership in future elections are those who will strengthen and preserve marriage, family, life and liberty in Wisconsin, stressing volunteerism and teamwork with organizations such as WFA.

NOTE:

You can sign WFA’s petition HERE sending a strong and clear message to our state legislators that you want your religious freedom given the best protection possible.

Click HERE to volunteer!

The Leadership Institute outlines helpful ways to engage in supporting pro-family candidates HERE.

WFA-PAC ENDORSED CANDIDATES CLAIM VICTORY IN RECALL ELECTION

by julaineappling

Governor Walker/Lt. Governor Kleefisch Move Ahead with Wisconsin

Madison, WI-“Governor Walker said it all in his speech last night,” said Julaine Appling, director of Wisconsin Family Action PAC (WFA PAC).

“First of all, I want to thank God for His abundant grace,” Governor Walker began.

The victory speech Tuesday evening started on a note that confirms Walker’s deep-rooted faith.  He continued,

“People I’ve never met before came off the line, came off the farm and
said ‘Governor, we’re praying for you.’ I can’t tell you what that means to me.”

It is that strong, settled and sure leadership that led hundreds of thousands of voters yesterday in these historic recall elections to vote for him, Lt. Governor Kleefisch and the three state senators who have already been declared winners.  According to Appling, “WFA PAC endorsed all of the winning candidates because they are strong leaders who are pro-family, pro-life, pro-liberty, just like the majority of the citizens in this state.“

The voters spoke resoundingly yesterday.  Wisconsin voters decided that Wisconsin will continue to be led by Governor Scott Walker (R), Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch (R), Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-SD13), Senator Terry Moulton (R-SD23) and now Senator-elect Jerry Petrowski (R-SD29), confident that they will continue to see policies enacted that strengthen Wisconsin’s best natural resource—our traditional families.

“We congratulate Governor Walker, Lt. Governor Kleefisch, Senator Fitzgerald, Senator Moulton and Senator-elect Petrowski on their victories.  Yesterday’s outcome is proof positive that Wisconsin’s strong voice has spoken with regard to fiscal responsibility, faith and family values,  life issues,  job creation and even the faux war on women.  Governor Walker affirmed this in his victory speech when he stated, ‘It’s great to see so many kids out here, too, because that’s what it’s all about—faith, family, freedom.’ Well said, Governor, well said,” commented Appling.

“WFA PAC looks forward to working with the Governor and Sens. Fitzgerald, Moulton and Petrowski to continue to keep families in the Badger State strong and independent.”

WFA PAC endorses and supports candidates who strengthen and preserve marriage, family, life and liberty in Wisconsin.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT THIS TIME IN WISCONSIN HISTORY!

by julaineappling

WISCONSIN FAMILY ACTION

is looking for

VOLUNTEERS

to help with the recall elections

and this fall’s elections!

WE NEED YOUR HELP to:

  • IDENTIFY
  • EDUCATE
  • MOBILIZE

pro-family, pro-life, pro-freedom 

Wisconsin voters to vote their values in these elections.

Email joegelhoff@new.rr.com or call 866-849-2535 for details!

A Tribute to Mothers – Mother’s Day 2012

by julaineappling

“Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.” -Billy Graham

These words spoken by Evangelist Billy Graham dive deep into the heart and guide us to embrace what we cannot fully understand – the ”forever” impact of a mother’s role in the lives of her children.

In a world that has eroded the intimate God-ordained role of motherhood, anything less than the Christian eye cannot see what God has revealed through His Word, that being the ability to mold, influence, and shape the heart of a future generation, another culture of people.

Oftentimes, we look to Proverbs 31 to get a glimpse of God’s heart regarding the role of a mother.  His eye does not see a woman for her outward beauty.  Personal characteristics are cast aside for greater attributes with a Kingdom viewpoint. Strength and honor surpass fashion and outward appearances, wisdom and instruction carry more weight than wealth and possessions.

A mother’s worth is not found in a secular position, but in Christ Himself.  She may not be recognized by the world around her as the overflowing resource of Christ’s love, but her children and her husband are the recipients of this knowledge and recognize her as the cornerstone of the home.  A mother lays down her life for her family and has given more than any workplace could ever demand, reaping a reward larger than any company paycheck.

We have witnessed the ramifications of homes devoid of a mother.  Divorce and abandonment have taken their toll and the struggle for balance in the home remains skewed as a mother’s role simply cannot be replaced.  God has implemented an order for families that maintains a husband/wife relationship, calling upon a mother to fulfill a very specific role.

It is often a mother’s faith that sets the foundation of her children’s beliefs. It is the mother who holds the hearts of her children in her hands and her heart.  It is the mother who is the refuge, strength and blessing of her home.  She is the encourager, teacher, caregiver, and example. This noble calling cannot be cast aside as a commodity to be replaced.  As Christians, we see motherhood as part of God’s perfect plan for families.

Proverbs 31:10 begins with a question “Who can find a virtuous woman?”  If that virtuous woman is someone you recognize in your life, lavish her with the praise and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.  She may be found in your own mother (biological or adoptive) or grandmother, an aunt, a widow, or a neighbor.  Her calling is high, her gifts are great, her role is generational.

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Turning Anger and Frustration into Purposeful Action: The Role of Churches

by julaineappling

“I’m so tired of all the bickering. I’m just sick of it! I just want it to stop.” That’s what a dear lady said to me this past Sunday as she chatted with me after I spoke in her church.  She was, of course, referring to the recalls.

Here’s what I told her: “I completely understand. However, our ‘getting sick of it’ and getting angry to the point of doing nothing doesn’t change the reality of what we are facing. What can help change the reality is our getting involved.  At a minimum, we have to vote and vote our Christian values.”  She looked at me, silent for a moment, and then said, “You’re right. I hadn’t thought about that. I’m so tired of it all, I just wasn’t going to vote, but I now realize I have to vote.”

I think this lady expressed what many of us are experiencing right now.  But I cannot state strongly enough that now is not the time to sit on the sidelines angry.  Now is the time to stand strong and make a difference.

That said, here’s fair warning: It’s now one month until Wisconsin’s unprecedented general recall elections on Tuesday, June 5. I am deeply concerned about these elections and what they mean for the future of our state and our nation.  Therefore, I am going to devote the next four commentaries to these elections, with each week taking a different emphasis.

We’re starting this week with the role of churches and pastors. Simply put, it is extremely important that Wisconsin’s churches and pastors take a few actions that are perfectly legal and would be very helpful in educating and encouraging their people as we move toward the election.

First, pastors and church leaders need to realize that the outcome of any election affects them. Depending on who wins the recall elections could mean a real difference in how much religious freedom we have in this states, how clergy are treated under the law, what kinds of fees churches are required to pay, and more. It could also make a difference in how much money the church brings in through its families. Tough economic times for families mean tough economic times for churches, as giving drops because of reduced family incomes or lost jobs.  To think that churches are not affected by elections is very short-sighted.

Second, pastors and church leaders should provide educational voter information to their members and friends so that they know who the candidates are and the positions of the candidates on important, relevant issues.  Wisconsin Family Council has long provided such voter information publications to churches in this state and will be doing so again for the June 5 recall election.  Such publications are non-partisan, unbiased, and are strictly educational. They don’t favor one candidate over another and they don’t tell people who they should vote for. They present information so that the reader can make up his or her own mind and then go cast a knowledgeable and responsible vote.

Beyond just putting such educational voter information on a literature table, pastors should make a point of letting people know it’s available, where it’s available and encourage people to pick up a copy. Or, better yet, put the information in bulletins as inserts.  This is all perfectly legal and more importantly is a part of a church ministering to its people and helping them prepare to exercise their civic duty.

Lastly, pastors and church leaders should make pointed “go vote” announcements from the pulpit, especially the Sunday before the election. Pointed pastoral reminders of our civic responsibility as Christians go a long way in motivating people to take time to vote. Encouraging people to vote their Christian values is also appropriate and entirely legal.  Our values matter—greatly—and those values need to be reflected in the votes we cast.

The above is not political—not in any way. It is about churches, pastors and general church leadership being involved with their government, the government God has ordained for this state and this country. It’s about the spiritual authorities in our lives appropriately encouraging us and helping us to be salt and light in every area of our lives, even in these frustrating recall elections.

If Wisconsin Family Council can help you with information or voter education material as we approach the June 5 recall elections, call us at 888-378-7395.  We stand ready to do everything we can to help churches and pastors help their people make a real difference, to turn anger and frustration into purposeful action.

Bullying is bullying–no matter who is doing it

by julaineappling

From this week’s “Wisconsin Family Connection”~

Bullying is bullying—and it’s always wrong.  Intimidating, harassing, and threatening someone until you scare them into doing what you want is bullying—no matter who’s doing it.  And it’s always wrong.

However, those are the tactics of the people who push the homosexual agenda, including those who support same-sex marriage.  Whenever people have had the audacity to speak out as pastors, business owners, politicians, or even just individual citizens, the bullying begins.  I know; we’ve watched it and been involved with it for years.

In 2006 when our organization was involved in educating people on Wisconsin’s Marriage Protection Amendment that would receive a statewide vote in November that year, we learned just how effective such bullying can be.  In September, in the heat of the campaign, our graphic arts designer and web site host, called and told me that her company was immediately dropping us as a customer.  We would need to find a different designer and another company to host the Vote Yes for Marriage site.  When I asked why, the owner hesitated until I said, “You’re getting threats, aren’t you?”  Reluctantly but with some relief she said, “Yes.  I’ve been told if we keep doing work for you, those who oppose you will basically run me out of business.”  She wasn’t willing to run the risk of losing everything she’d worked for—and she should have never been put in that position. If that’s not bullying, then what is it?

Read the entire transcript
Listen to the mp3 recording

The Wearing of the Muzzle

by julaineappling

From this week’s “Wisconsin Family Connection,” Wisconsin Family Council’s weekly commentary~

I call it the muzzle.  Some call it the Johnson Amendment. It’s that IRS rule that restricts churches and pastors from endorsing or opposing a candidate or a party. 

Did you know the church didn’t wear this muzzle until 1954?  In 1954, Texas Democrat Lyndon Johnson was facing re-election to the US Senate.  Two not-for-profit anti-Communist groups were attacking Johnson’s liberal agenda.  Johnson retaliated with the force of an incumbent.  He inserted language into the IRS code that prohibits not-for-profit organizations, which includes churches, from endorsing or opposing candidates running for political offices.  Congress went along with the idea, in spite of the fact that many believed and still believe this prohibition violates the First Amendment.

Whether or not Johnson intended for all churches in America to be affected by his “muzzle” is not clear.  Nevertheless, intended or not, the muzzle was slapped on America’s churches, too.  And it’s remained firmly in place since then—and we know the rest of the story.  Johnson eventually becomes president of the United States and the churches remain sidelined and silenced in some of the most important issues of our day.

Read the full transcript
Listen to the mp3 audio

Prayer–Where America Turns in Crisis

by julaineappling

From this week’s “Wisconsin Family Connection,” a radio commentary airing on stations all across the state~

So, what is with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the presiding official at the 10th commemoration of 9/11?  What doesn’t he understand about America?   Why ban clergy and prayers from this service at Ground Zero?  What lies has he believed? 

Some Bloomberg defenders ask how we would decide who would pray. How could we possibly choose one clergyman to represent most Americans? And after all, they say, a 6-minute time of personal meditation will be offered—whatever that means. 

Mayor Bloomberg has shown an utter disrespect for one of the greatest traditions in this country—turning to God in times of grief and tragedy—and in the times we remember and commemorate those national tragedies.   He has shown a disrespect for our clergy in general. 

While we have incredible diversity and no state-mandated religion, we identify strongly with a general Christian religion—over 78% of Americans self-identify as some type of Christian, the majority, over 50%, as some type of protestant.  Finding members of the clergy to represent Americans and to offer prayers at the 9/11 service next Sunday wouldn’t be difficult.

Read the entire transcript
Listen to the mp3 version