I just finished speaking on the Ending Abortion webcast event and said I would post my 10 quick tips on pro-life blogging, so here they are. Also, if you have any tips, please add them as comments....

We're showing this classic America's Funniest Videos montage at church this weekend, and it cracks me up every time.

We love you, Dads!

UPDATE, 8:20p: What a coincidence. Little did I know when I was posting an update on baby Josie earlier today that she was being released from the hospital. According to People magazine this evening:

Josie Brooklyn Duggar, the youngest child born to Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar of TLC's 19 Kids and Counting, returned to her AR home Thursday after her 2nd hospitalization in her brief life....

The National Symphony Orchestra performed the "Armed Forces Medley" during the 2007 Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Watch their stirring rendition, which originally aired live on PBS...

In memory of all who served our blessed country in the line of duty, to protect us and our freedom, but did not come home...

Yesterday at 5:38p, moderator Bethany posted on her Facebook profile, "Bethany... is in active labor!?!?! Why yes, yes she is!"

And last night at 6:32p: "Here he is."

Baby Ian was born weighing exactly 10 lbs..

Aren't he and Mommy both beautiful?

Congratulations to Bethany and husband James, and big siblings Caleb, Bonnie, and Noah!

Happy Easter!

Following are my 2 favorite Easter songs, both by Keith Green. There is no fancy video behind the stupendous audio because Keith died in a small plane accident in 1982 (at age 28, along with 2 of his 4 children), long before such things were devised commonplace.

But no video is needed to be uplifted by these inspiring words and music, bursting with the promise Jesus brought when rising from the dead on the 3rd day, today!...

It has been a frustrating few hours. I was receiving emails from you (thanks!) that you couldn't comment, yet I couldn't post either. I could only communicate via Facebook and Twitter. (All the more reason to sign up to be my Facebook friend or Twitter follower! Click on icons within my bio at right to sign up.)

Somehow during the process of moving ads around last night, something got screwed up.

But things appear fine now. Thanks for your patience.... :)

Pro-life group One More Soul hosted a unique fund-raising event Saturday called Dancing with the Pro-Life Stars.

New Executive Director Jenn Giroux called on many of her pro-life friends to make an appearance, and we were glad to help. Read more about the event at Pro-Life Action League's blog. Here's a group shot (click to enlarge)...

Thanks again to moderator Carder for encouraging me to blog at BigJournalism.com. I'm also grateful to Andrew Breitbart, a staunch pro-lifer, for accepting me.

After just 3 weeks in the blogosphere, BigJournalism.com cracked the Technorati Top 100, making its debut at #95. This was an amazing feat.

I've had 2 posts published at BigJournalism.com. Our deal is to let BigJ have the exclusive for 24 hours, and then I can crosspost.

The forum at BigJ provides pro-lifers a great opportunity to stake a solid foothold in the anti-MSM, mainstream conservative blogosphere.

And the more pro-lifers can point out MSM's shortcomings on our issue, the greater the pressure will be for MSM to conform. So if you spot any anti-life spin while reading or viewing MSM, please forward that information to me?

Thanks.

UPDATE, 9:35a: Moderator Bethany spotted video of an interview with the Duggars yesterday by The Today Show's Meredith Viera...

6:14a: First, here's PETA's new anti-human ad campaign:

I don't think the poster is at all cute; it's offensive. PETA is basically saying the Duggar kids shouldn't be here. And after learning of PETA's Houston campaign, I think its modus operande is clear. It designs provocative posters and billboards that get it lots of free press but that never get printed.

Second, as backdrop to this post, read details of Josie Duggar's December 10 premature birth here and my December 18 Update I here.

Third, TLC has announced it will air a special on January 31 about the events surrounding Josie's birth entitled, 19 Kids and Counting: Special Duggar Delivery. Here's a preview...

Rain threatened yesterday's March for Life in DC; it came through at today's Walk for Life in San Francisco.

But just as weather has never dampened the spirits or resolve of pro-lifers who gather on the East Coast every January to mourn the anniversary of the US Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, it hasn't deterred West Coast pro-lifers either.

Crowd size estimates ranged from "more than 10k" to 35k....

I focused on pro-life signs as my March for Life photo subjects but have sprinkled in a couple other standouts here. See more at my Facebook page...

I particularly loved this one...

UPDATE, 1/23, 9:41a: Well, I have to say the "mini-rally" lived up to its name. Disappointing turnout, maybe 200-300 people. It appears the decision by organizers to hush publicity for fear crowd size would eclipse the permit allowance of 3k prompted a self-fulfilling prophecy. Too bad. It would have been far better to have had the opposite problem.

Still, rallying for the sanctity of human life with the White House as the backdrop was a productive experience for me personally. I hope the March team does it again....

Tune in here at 8:30a EST to watch the Blogs for Life conference, which I'll be emceeing. Great line-up of speakers. Get the embed code to watch it on your own site here.

You can Twitter questions to #blogs4life....

UPDATE, 1/21, 5:50a: Sorry to report Rep. Michelle Bachmann had to cancel. Speaker Pelosi decided to wrap things up today instead of tomorrow, so Bachmann is flying home to attend the MN March for Life.

But we're happy to report Rep. Todd Akin of MO has offered to stand in Bachmann's stead.

I'd like to think Pelosi thought it best to close up shop early to allow her pro-abort members to skedaddle and avoid pro-lifers attending the March for Life.

The schedule has shifted around a bit, so I've updated it.

WorldNetDaily.com has posted an article on the event.

1/20, 6:58a: The 5th annual Blogs for Life Conference will be this Friday from 8:30 to 11:30a EST, hosted by Family Research Council.

You can still register to attend in person. Or make plans to view online. Bloggers can live stream the conference on their sites. Get the embed code here.

Here is the tentative final schedule...

Where do pro-lifers spend their evenings while in DC for the March for Life? You'll often find them at The Dubliner Pub, near Union Station.

That's where the crowd is tonight. I snapped a few photos before returning to my hotel room, since I turn into a pumpkin at 9p. Yes, a couple are blurry, I know... likely the ale factor.

Abby Johnson...

Bro. Paul O'Donnell and Bobby Schindler...

I got to DC yesterday and will be in an all-day meeting today. I'll try to blog if there's wireless service.

One year ago tonight I flew to Washington for the March for Life and related events - the night of Barack Obama's inauguration.

My daughter's apartment was 2 blocks from the White House. I said we should walk over because it was an historical night. She refused, and she made the right call. Doing so would only have poured salt in the wound. A whole year later I still have trouble thinking about or looking at the WH. I drove by it yesterday and only got upset.

What a wild year it has been. You may recall I took last January off from blogging due to burnout (and probably slight depression) from the election.

Turns out I needed it for Obama's onslaughts to come. I'm more energized than ever. Anger can be a helpful emotion.

But I digress!

Students for Life of America has a schedule up of DC events the next few days.

If you can't be in DC, Americans United for Life has got just the suggestion for you. It is sponsoring a Virtual March for Life. Create your own avatar and join!

UPDATE, 9:13a: Almost the entire leadership team from my son and DIL's church, Eastview Christian in Bloomington, IL, was on a missions trip to Haiti when the earthquake struck. All are apparently safe, and some made it home early today. (Updates on site for all who know this church.) But I am reminded there are likely many church mission teams in Haiti who also need our prayers.

8:43a: News reports today indicate yesterday's 7.0 earthquake in Haiti was utterly devastating.

Pro-lifers should help as they can. Samaritans Purse is one organization I would recommend giving to. Billy Graham's son Franklin is president and CEO of SP, and the organization has proven trustworthy through the years. You'll be taken directly to the Haitian relief donation web page here.

If you know of other honorable organizations through which to help Haiti, please feel free to list them in the comments section.

And we must pray for these poor people, that through this devastation many will be brought to the Lord, particularly as Christians around the world shower them with compassionate help.

This incident happened almost 2 months ago, but I only learned of it this morning.

FYIs before reading the resignation letter: Brian Rohrbough was the president of American Right to Life, Steve Curtis was the VP, and Pastor Bob Enyart was the "key person" alluded to. Click to enlarge. Also read via pdf...

Since this morning I have either spoken to or exchanged emails with Brian, Steve, and Pastor Bob....

Attention college students!

If you have a passion for the pro-life movement, here is the opportunity for you! (And we promise our work environment is not mean!)

There is no better way to become an expert on our topic than to research and write about it.

JillStanek.com is looking for 1 or 2 reliable students for the 2010 spring semester with good writing skills to assist with online research and blog compilation....

Like my previous post, "Stanek's 10 most read posts in 2009," I've never checked this out before either.

Thanks once again to moderator Chris for figuring out how to find these stats.

FYI, comments to all the posts linked below are closed due to an automatic comment shut-off software feature that activates after several days to keep spammers at bay. All these posts were written in 2009.

If you read the comments you'll see they often end up way off topic. It may not be the post itself that triggers reader response. Rather it may be readers themselves who trigger extended conversations, particularly on #1...

UPDATE, 10:15a: To clarify, these were the most read posts in 2009, not necessarily from 2009 - one of the surprises.

6:44a: I've never done a year-end post ranking. While many of the most popular posts weren't surprising, some were. One was downright weird.

Thanks to moderator Chris for scouring for Google Analytics for stats. FYI, comments to all these posts are closed, an automatic blog shut-off software feature that triggers after several days to keep spammers at bay...

10. "Happy Halloween, pedophile-style," posted October 16, 2007. This post's ranking creeped me out. The only reason I can account for its popularity is that pedophiles are perusing it.

9. "Jackson kids potentially in custody contract quagmire," posted June 26, 2009.

8. "Stanek: 1 month vacation announcement," originally posted January 5, 2009. Chris's comment, "Think your readers are telling you something? hehe." I think the only reason this ranked so high was because it was the only post up for a month!

7. "One year anniversary of Barack Obama's FOCA fest," posted July 17, 2008

6. "World's youngest surviving baby born in Miami," posted February 20, 2007...

UPDATE, 1/2/10, 10:18a: Good, Rush is ok.

12/31/09, 5:19a: (Click above to enlarge.) I pray our dear conservative friend Rush is ok. From the Associated Press, today...

I feel like our blog has had a baby! A few weeks ago a pro-lifer named Gerard Nadal began posting compelling, articulate, educated comments here that many noted were just great.

Turns out Gerard has a Ph.D. and is a molecular biologist and microbiologist.

And, thanks in large part to the encouragement of moderator Bethany, Gerard has now launched a blog, Coming Home, putting his "science in service of the pro-life movement" to work. Yeah!

With his background, Gerard is obviously drawn to and an expert in the scientific aspect of the Life issue. He told me in email correspondence that contraception and the stem cell issue are also "big areas of interest." And Gerard's Catholic faith compels his concern for the plight of the preborn.

Here's a sampling of Gerard's excellent work, from a December 22 post entitled, "Great news!!"...

Moderator Carla met Sarah Palin at a Mall of America book signing in MN on December 7 and shared the experience on her blog:

I shook Sarah's hand as I got to her and asked if she would sign my shirt. She did! She signed my book and I handed her a precious feet pin and told her it was in memory of Tad (her baby lost to miscarriage). She got teary eyed and said, "That is just so precious! Thank you! God bless you! Todd, isn't that precious?" He nodded. I told her that I loved her and she said she loved me too. I shook Todd's hand and told him it was so nice to meet him....

The 5th Annual Blogs for Life Conference will be held the morning of the March for Life at Family Research Council headquarters in DC.

We've had great speakers in the past, and this year promises to be no different. Confirmed so far...

American Life League has announced its 2010 pro-life blog award winners!

Drum roll, please!

First, the criteria, according to its site: "Pro-life Blog Awards exists to promote, encourage, impassion and reward pro-life bloggers. It also gives you access to the latest in pro-life news and information while supporting your favorite pro-life bloggers."

For the past several weeks ALL first took your nominations and then had you vote. Winners in the following categories were...

Another hot news weekend. Will add articles/commentary in descending order...

Families of children with Down syndrome will walk together for the 2nd year in a row at the March for Life in D.C. on January 22, 2010.

KIDS (Keep Infants with Down Syndrome) was formed by Eileen Haupt and Leticia Velasquez, parents of children with DS, for the purpose of gathering families to walk together in the March for Life, raise awareness of the tragically high abortion rate of DS babies, and to share the joys that their children bring into their lives....

(Photo above is the Duggar 2009 family portrait via the Duggar family website.)

I reported a week ago today that super mom Michelle Duggar had given birth prematurely, at 25 gestational weeks, to her 19th baby, Josie Brooklyn.

Digital Spy reports today...

I'm happy to announce we have added a rookie to our Stanek basketball team!

Grandson #5 arrived last night at 6:34p. Nathaniel Colt Austin weighed in at 7-4 and was 19-1/2" long.

For those in the crowd who love hearing every detail of labor and deliveries (labors and delivery?), my daughter-in-law tends to dilate without going into labor, which was the case this time with her 4th boy....

With the Senate's defeat of the Nelson-Hatch-Casey amendment, which would have blocked government funding of abortions in healthcare reform, the 70+ pro-life and pro-family organizations comprising the Stop the Abortion Mandate Coalition are joining together on a nationwide webcast on Tuesday, December 15, at 8p CST/9p EST....

November 23 was a star-studded day for our talented and generous moderator Bethany, who met both Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee!

Both were at the same Birmingham mall for book signings, and Bethany was able to give both portraits she had sketched herself.

About Palin Bethany blogged:

When I got in the signing area, it was so exciting to see Sarah there signing the books. She was so beautiful, even more beautiful than she is in the pictures. She also was much smaller than I thought she was!

As she was signing the books, she chatted away, asking us who we were, where we were from, and she even commented on the shirt. I told her that I had given one to her mother, and that I thought her mother was SO nice....

Proclamation of the 1st Thanksgiving by President George Washington, leaving no doubt of this holiday's original intention, thankfulness to God...

First, to clear the air, I'm not a prospective nominee, so this post isn't a not-so-hidden attempt to get votes... :)

I'm honored and excited American Life League asked me to emcee its 2010 Pro-Life Blog Awards ceremony in January, and furthermore ALL is being so kind as to give me a separate honorary award of some sort.

So since I'm ineligible, I can post the following press release with a clear conscience! And the top prize is very nice! Can't wait to see who wins!...

I'm not sure if this is a new feature, but I posted a "Sunday reads" segment yesterday, typically an off-blogging day, because there was just so much news I didn't want missed.

And I'm finding the same thing today. The debate over abortion in healthcare is much of the reason. There has also been an explosion of news dissemination on Twitter. So we'll see.

Anyway, here are news/editorial items pro-lifers should find of interest. I may add to the list throughout the day...

UPDATE, 1:15p: "Owens may have to be removed" ~ The Gouverneur Times

[HT: Mary Q.]
_______________

[HT for Fox article: Dougy, Matt Lewis, Greg Mueller; photo via CNN]

I spoke last night at the inaugural banquet of the Austin Coalition for Life. (Very impressive start with 350 in attendance!)

I caught up with old friends like Shawn Carney, co-founder of 40 Days for Life, and a hero of mine, Chris Danze, the pro-life contractor who threw a big wrench into Planned Parenthood's building of an Austin, TX, mill in 2003 through construction owner and worker boycotts.

But a real thrill for me was meeting Abby Johnson, an emerging pro-life heroine who quit her job as Bryan, TX, PP director 5 weeks ago.....

My computer has been hacked and my facebook account compromised. Don't answer any emails from me open any emails from me wanting you to view a video. Don't open any videos it looks like I sent you.

INCREDIBLY, McAfee's server is down! They can't help me right now. "Call back in 2 hours." I cannot believe it.

I'm honored Andrew Breitbart has invited me to join the blogging team at BigGovernment.com.

My specific area of interest is the symbiotic relationship between SEIU, ACORN, and Barack Obama.

My 1st post went live a little while ago and is currently the featured story.

Please give a warm welcome to our autumn interns, who have graciously decided to remain on with us after finishing up their work as summer interns:

Andy M. hails from New Zealand and is active with Prolife NZ. He is studying political science.

Heather B. is a college junior studying psychology and music. Her writings have been seen in various local and national publications.

Andy and Heather have been with us since the spring, and will be taking care of our (Prolifer)ations posts twice weekly, with the occasional additional article here and there.

We're so glad to have them!

I intended to write a post touting Sarah Palin's upcoming book, Going Rogue, anyway. Now, more the reason. What I was originally going to say...

I'm heartbroken to announce the death of a frequent commenter and friend to this site, Doyle Chadwick. I've just received the following information in an email from a friend at TN RTL. Doyle was from Knoxville:

He died in a rough plane landing today after taking a pro-life dad and two of this children for a ride. The 3 passengers are at home with little to no injuries - miraculous. Please pray for God's mercy because Doyle always described himself as an atheist or agnostic.

The photo is from Doyle's Facebook page.

This is so upsetting and just another reminder that man knows not his time.

I extend our condolences and prayers to Doyle's family.

We checked out the Las Vegas strip last night, starting with Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, where, of course, we had margaritas and "Cheeseburgers in Paradise." We sat on the 2nd floor balcony, with a great view...

We then strolled to Bellagio's to see the famous pool and fountain from the final scene in Ocean's Eleven. On the way we passed Caesar's Palace...

Last night I grandly kicked off my fall speaking schedule at the Grand Traverse Area Right to Life banquet in MI's beautiful upper peninsula. I must say I like this photo, by the Traverse City Record-Eagle. I'm describing the baby I held at Christ Hospital only 10 years ago, believe it or not. Seems like a lifetime ago...

Here's the Record-Eagle's related story....

Celebrate grandparents and grandchildren today if you can!

"Waking up is hard to do," by Neil Sedaka

A chat with Neil about his grandchildren...

Happy Labor Day! What are your plans?

Administrative assistant Kelli had a baby boy on August 17!

He weighed a quite respectable 8 lbs. 8 oz, and was 21 1/2 inches long. He was welcomed home by Mom, Dad, big sister, age 9, and big brother, age 7.

The family has adjusted quite well during the last 2 weeks, with the exception that Kelli is sleep deprived. All moms in the audience will remember those days quite well.

Congrats to Kelli! We miss her very much here (I'm falling apart, actually) but want Kelli to be well rested and enjoy the fleeting moments while her baby is still a sweet newborn before returning here to steady our ship.

Summer intern Anne Marie D., a Nursing and Business Management student, has been a joy to work with. Yesterday was Anne Marie's last day as she leaves us to continue her studies as a senior in college.

We want to thank her for her diligence in preparing (Prolifer)ations every week, and for her work in writing other wonderful pro-life posts (here, here, and here) for us at JillStanek.com.

We wish you God's greatest blessings in all your endeavors, Anne Marie! You will be missed!

My blog vacation is over! If you're one of my Facebook friends, you can see photos of the visit of the Stanek Grandsons Four. We love them dearly but also love being empty nesters again! Still picking up toys...

My 4 grandsons (8, 5, 2, and 2) are spending the next 5 days with us during our church's Vacation Bible School.

So I'm taking this time off of blogging to spend with them.

When I took time off this past January, the monthly stats were higher than December! So I know you'll carry on just fine without me. If you have any news to report or discussion items, just add them as a comment to this post.

Meanwhile, stay on top of pro-life news at LifeNews.com, LifeSiteNews.com, and ProLifeBlogs.com.

The moderators, Kelli, and I will all be checking in from time to time, or more often than that. Email any of us for any reason.

Thanks!

Moderator Bethany has entered the above photo of her 3 Chick-Fil-A fans in Chick-Fil-A's "Show us the cow" contest and has requested on her blog that we vote for her entry. Sure! Vote here. Grand prize is $1k savings bond, digital camera, 52 kids meals, a school party nuggets tray, Chick-Fil-A t-shirt, a "plush cow" AND a Pez candy dispenser, wow! Go, Bethany!

Ok, the renovated site is obviously live!

Now we're looking for bugs to tweak, which we'll be working on over the weekend.

For instance, Kelli and I agree the font size on the posts is too large. Etc., etc., etc.

Let me know what you think!

After months of planning, I'm excited to announce the blog is getting a major facelift today.

Around 12p EST we will shut down for several hours while the transformation is made.

If you have signed up to receive my newsletter, I'll send out a notice when work has been completed. Otherwise, give us at least 4 hours before checking back.

Plan to see a much more streamlined site, to have the ability to make comments to quotes of the day (which will be archived), and to be able to check most popular and most commented posts. Gone will be the green as well. JillStanek.com will have a whole new look!

Thanks to moderator Chris and to my partner Tim at ProLifeBlogs.com for the extra help they have been providing our web designer.

According to Wikipedia:

The first modern Father's Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, WV....

[I]t was first celebrated as a church service at Williams Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South, now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton, who is believed to have suggested the service to the pastor, is believed to have been inspired to celebrate fathers after the deadly mine explosion in nearby Monongah the prior December. This explosion killed 361 men, many of them fathers and recent immigrants to the United States from Italy.

Here is that story in video form, created by Patrick Ball for his father this Father's Day...

Students for Life of America is seeking a responsible, hard-working pro-life campus leader and recent college graduate for the full-time position of Field Agent.

This position will begin in August 2009 and is permanently located in the Midwest.

Interested parties should read the job description and e-mail resumes to kristan@studentsforlife.org.

Hayley Miller of IN won the state's Right to Life teen oratory contest in April this year, speaking on labor-induced abortions. Hayley's mother, Kathy, emailed me:

Someone from our Parishioners for Life group heard your talk at St. Paul's in Valparaiso, IN and purchased one of your CD's. She then gave it to me to give to Hayley.

Hayley was so inspired by your story at Christ Hospital that she wrote her speech based on your testimony.

Congratulations, Hayley! You were poised and your delivery was professional (wow, the memorization!). Your speech was compelling, too. God speed as you compete on the national level!

Celebrate Life Magazine, published by the American Life League, features Jill as the cover story for May/June 2009.

The article, written by John Mallon, can be read in its entirety here.

Thanks to Professors Michael New and Robert George, I received clearance last week to attend a debate tomorrow from 5p to 6:30p EST at the National Press Club in DC between George and Catholic Obama apologist Doug Kmiec. I flew in yesterday.

Entitled, "The Obama Administration and the Sanctity of Human Life: Is There a Common Ground on Life Issues? What is the Right Response by 'Pro-Life" Citizens?", the debate is an outcome of an online debate at US News & World Report.

The debate will be moderated by Professor Mary Ann Glendon, of Harvard Law School.

You'll recall Glendon declined Notre Dame's Laetare Medal upon ND's decision to honor Obama, as well.

The event is being hosted by the Catholic University of America, which will videotape the event and make it available for viewing immediately after the debate.

EWTN will also tape the debate for a later broadcast.

I'm told there will be Internet access, so I plan to live-blog from the event. I also plan to Twitter/Facebook the goings on, which will become Plan A through my phone if I can't get online.

So if you're not following me yet, please do. I'm registered as JillStanek at Twitter and Jill Stanek at Facebook.

The history of Memorial Day, according to Wikipedia:

The official birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, NY. The village was credited with being the place of origin because it observed the day on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter.

But Wiki includes a touching back story, which looks well documented:

[T]he first memorial day was observed on May 1, 1865, by liberated slaves at the [old] Washington Race Course (today the location of Hampton Park) in Charleston, SC....

I got home last night from a rather grueling 11-day road trip. I spent a lot of time plane-hopping to get to less populated places.

I spoke at 3 fundraising banquets in MI, NC, and WI, squeezed in a stop in DC to see Daena, attend a meeting, and support pro-life stalwart Congressman Chris Smith at a fundraiser, and ended with 2-1/2 days covering the Notre Dame/Obama spectacle in South Bend.

I had wonderful times but am glad to be home! I missed Rich, my boys (well, they're 26- and 32-year-old "boys"), and my grandsons, all of whom I hope to see over the Memorial Day weekend.

One highlight of the trip was seeing moderator and friend Carla! She and a friend travelled some distance to attend a WI Right to Life fundraiser in Eau Claire.

I so appreciate Kelli and the Mod Squad for keeping this operation running smoothly while I was so often in- and out-of-pocket!

Yesterday, one of our mods, Bobby Bambino, and his wife, welcomed their 2nd daughter, Aniela Margaret!

Aniela was a healthy 9 lbs and 21" long.

Details of the birth from Bobby...

by Bethany Kerr

[JLS note: When I met Bethany and James a couple weeks ago and got a chance to know them better, I learned Bethany was deeply involved in a very special ministry. I asked her to tell you about it....]

Those who know me here know I draw portraits for a hobby.

But sometimes, it's more than just a hobby....

I wrote on May 8 of the next day's 2nd annual Procession of Healing, expanded this year to 6 cities in 4 states with plans to grow the procession into a nationwide annual event.

Organizer, Pastor Aaron Jones, sent us an update of all procession statuses of which he was aware and photos (all from the Knoxville, TN, procession)....

I've written before about the loss of pro-life friend Leslie Hanks' beloved granddaughter Tuesday, who died January 30 of cancer when she was a little over 2. Tuesday left twin sister Piper behind.

The 2 are pictured together, right, after Tuesday was well into her chemo therapy. Tuesday is pictured on page 2 at the beginning of treatment.

I know Mother's Day is hard for mothers and grandmothers who have suffered losses. This was Leslie's first without Tuesday.

And even little children feel losses like this, sometimes shown in unexpected, tender ways.

Late last week Piper, now 2-1/2, was in the car with her mother and the James Taylor song Fire and Rain came on the radio. The song was only halfway over when they reached their destination, but Piper asked mom to let the song finish. When asked why, Piper simply said, "Tuesday."...

Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Susanne the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can't remember who to send it to...

I reported on last year's Procession of Healing in Knoxville, TN.

This is simply a funeral procession to mourn the aborted dead. Organizers are trying to expand this into a nationwide event held on the same day. This year the event will be tomorrow, May 9 and is expected to double in size. 6 other cities in addition to Knoxville will hold processions: Franklin, NC; Johnson City, TN; Madisonville, TN; Miami, and Minneapolis.

The procession's purpose is:

... to remember the babies lost to abortion... [and] an invitation for mothers and fathers to come and grieve over a decision they now regret. The Procession of Healing is a remnant of people who believe everyone has a right to live and everyone can be forgiven....

A third group will join Pro-Life Action League's buses (departing from Chicago/Aurora) and Citizens for a Pro-Life Society's buses (departing from Detroit) at Notre Dame in South Bend, IN.

Dubuque Co. RTL is now also hosting buses to protest Obama at Notre Dame, leaving from Dubuque, IA, at 7a CST on May 17, returning at 10p the same day....

I'm surprised Obama didn't order this baby killed.

About the following photo, Reuters added this caption:

A military usher suggests to a guest a better location than the crosshall of the White House to change a baby's diaper before an event in the East Room in Washington May 1.

As someone who has visited the WH a few times, I'm amazed at this woman's lack of class. One gets almost a sense of reverence when inside. What was she thinking?

There are no replicas of anything in the WH. The woman is sitting on a settée that once belonged to James Monroe, directly underneath the stairway going to the President's private quarters. Her baby was certainly in harm's way. I shudder to think what would have happened had President Abortion or First Lady Partial Birth Abortion seen this.

[HT: Daena]

I travelled a lot during April and took Rich with me a couple times (CA and OR) to expand speaking engagements into mini-vacations.

A highlight had to be meeting moderator and friend Bethany when I spoke last week at the Heartland Crisis Pregnancy Center in Elizabethtown, KY. She and husband James drove over four hours one way to see me, which was so nice...

I usually speak at banquets ranging in attendance from 200 to 1k people. This was one of the larger ones, 800. Bethany captured a photo of the room...

Recent news headlines on Life issues by Bill Beckman of the IL Right to Life Committee

April 24

Bernadette P.

Bernadette has been working with us for 5 weeks already, doing a wonderful job with (Prolifer)ations . We're glad to have her on board! About herself, Bernadette writes:

I have 2 awesome beagles: JoJo and Ella. They are my life! Everyone calls me the beagle mommy.

I am studying psychology and sociology. I work as a volunteer for the Animal Defense League, Compassion International, and the National Runaway Switchboard. I am also addicted to Christian music: Hillsong United, BarlowGirl and Brooke Fraser are some of my faves!

Andy M....

Recent news headlines on Life issues by Bill Beckman of the IL Right to Life Committee

April 17

Attention college students!

If you have a passion for the pro-life movement, here may be the opportunity for you! (And we promise our work environment is not mean!)

There is no better way to become an expert on our topic than to research and write about it.

JillStanek.com is looking for 1 or 2 reliable students with good writing skills, in addition to our wonderful Bernadette P., to assist with online research and blog compilation.

Plan to allot 2-4 hours a week. Weekly projects will be determined jointly and under the supervision of administrative assistant Kelli and Jill Stanek.

Make a difference in the exploding realm of pro-life education and activism: the new media! Official internship credit is available for this position.

Email resumes and questions to kelli@jillstanek.com.

Recent news headlines on Life issues by Bill Beckman of the IL Right to Life Committee

April 8

For backdrop, read my previous post on Jay and Mavis Leno's support of the Feminist Majority Foundation.

FRC Action has made it easy.

Fill in your name and zip code, click "send," and NBC's CEO Jeff Zucker will get an email from you protesting the Lenos' planned April 29 fundraiser for FMF, "a radical pro-abortion group that not only advocates for abortion on demand, but also for the closing of pro-life pregnancy centers," aptly explained FRC.

by Kelli

On Sunday, April 19, Alabama Students for Life will hold its first statewide collegiate conference at 8 am at the Bryant Conference Center in Tuscaloosa (near the U of A campus).

All pro-lifers from the southeast are invited to attend.

Many nationally acclaimed speakers will be presenting, including:

Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention, Angela Lanfranchi of the Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, Rebecca Kiessling of Feminists for Life, Becky Banks of Students for Life of America, UA Professor Michael New, and syndicated columnist Don Feder

To register, please see the website.

This weekend, we remember the greatest sacrifice ever made for mankind.

We invite you to view the following video clips from The Passion of the Christ, set to music, in remembrance:

My Immortal by Evanescence (presented from the perspective of the Virgin Mary)...

The Reason by Hoobastank...

Recent news headlines on Life issues by Bill Beckman of the IL Right to Life Committee...

April 3

Pro-life organizations such as SFL (Franciscan Chapter), SFL of America, Susan B. Anthony List, Crossroads, Stand True Ministries, Justice for All, Democrats for Life and others will be in attendance.

There will also be many nationally acclaimed speakers coming to the conference, including Steve Wagner, Bryan Kemper, Lynette Hawrot, Fr. Michael Scanlon, Kimberly Hahn, Becky Banks, and many more.

Click the ad above for more information or contact Ohio SFL Conference.

Hi!

I'll be travelling the next few days and will post sporadically at best until Saturday.

Carry on with comments. The Mod Squad and Kelli will hold down the fort.

You all kept me in my place in January when I took off the month for vacation. I had more unique visitors that month than in December! So I know you'll continue your conversations just fine without me... :)

I'll be updating my status on Facebook and Twitter, so I hope you're my friend at one of those 2 places!

Recent news headlines on Life issues by Bill Beckman of the IL Right to Life Committee

March 27

Recent news headlines on Life issues by Bill Beckman of the IL Right to Life Committee

(Thanks to administrative assistant Kelli, we can renew this great weekly post!)

March 20

Hey, I'm on Twitter and Facebook!

Be my friend?

UPDATE, 2/18, 7:50a: Thanks to all who have responded to our ad. If I haven't acknowledged receipt of your resume, please resend to jill@jillstanek.com. We will accept applications until 12p CT today.
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Part-time Administrative Assistant sought to help manage JillStanek.com and upcoming ProLifePlanet.com.

Skill set requirements:

Hi, I'm back and happy to be! I would ask if you missed me but see you carried on just fine in my absence - over 2k comments on my vacation announcement, lol!

My vacation ended with a literal bang early Saturday morning....

My family (mom and dad, husband Rich, daughter Daena, son and daughter-in-law Michael and Bernadine and their boys Gabe, Shane, and Raph) and I were preparing to drive and fly home from a house we rented in Ft. Myers Beach, FL when the kitchen lights flickered off, and the electrical box outside began popping loudly, spewing a fireworks display, and finally starting on fire....

UPDATE, 1/17, 8:30a: I've posted my Winter/Spring 2009 speaking schedule, fyi. Am I speaking near you? Support your local pro-life organization and let's meet!
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UPDATE, 1/15, 5:15p:...

Several years ago I wrote The Embryonic Jesus Story. Andrew Tallman's Townhall.com discusses the same topic from a different angle with additional excellent observations...

A Christmas view of abortion

"The Bible says nothing directly about abortion." Have you ever heard this claim before? I know I have. And the uncomfortable truth is that, in a certain sense, it's accurate. The deliberate termination of a pregnancy is not directly addressed anywhere in scripture....

Yesterday we had a winter storm, today it's raining on the snow. It's Chicago. Need I say more?

I've been up awhile, cooking in the kitchen. Gotta go back to work, and then we're going to my Mom's house later this afternoon. Tomorrow my sons and families will join Rich, Daena (who flew in Friday during the previous winter storm - had to wait 2 hours for her luggage after a 1.5 hour flight), and I for our first Christmas Day celebration here.

Speaking of families, here's this year's Christmas photo of the grandsons...

As you can tell, the two 2-year-olds, Jack (l) and Ralph (r), weren't thrilled to sit still. Ah, memories... :)

As we set our minds on Jesus' sacrificial birth, I found this fun reminder of the reason. It's much better in HD. View it here for that (see lower right of screen)....

UPDATE, 1p: Reader kbhvac has submitted the following for consideration for the Thou Protesteth Too Much award:

Media Research Center has its award; I'm launching my own, the Thou Protesteth Too Much award. This year's winner, hands down, is IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich:

"Ok. Thank you very much. I'm here to tell you right off the bat that I not not guilty of any criminal wrong doing, that I intend to stay on the job, and I will fight this thing every step of the way. I will fight. I will fight. I will fight - until I take my last breath. I have done nothing wrong."

~ IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich, December 18, 2008

Retroactive award winners...

"Character assassin." Ouch, doesn't sound very pro-life to me.

Wednesday liberal Media Matters named Sean Hannity as its Misinformer of the Year. Congrats, Sean.

But hey, then MM went on to implicate li'l ole me?...

News headlines on Life issues by Bill Beckman of the IL Right to Life Committee

November 27

The White House kicked off its 25 Christmas receptions 2 days ago, and Rich and I were invited to last night's via the WH's social policies director. Daena said they're trying to invite as many people as possible to this year's receptions since this is President Bush's last. I will get to go again December 10 as Daena's guest for her staff reception. These are so lovely. I wish all could attend.

(The photo at right, courtesy of the WH, is of the lighting of the WH Christmas tree, which immediately preceded our reception.)

Funny story about our photo with President and Mrs. Bush. We were announced as "Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Jill Stanek" as we approached them. The photo line-up was me, President Bush, Laura, and Rich....

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm leaving in 30 minutes to pick daughter Daena up from O'Hare, who is flying in from DC. This year will be the first year all 3 kids, wives, and 4 grandsons will celebrate Thanksgiving at our home. My Mom and Dad will also be here. It is going to be a happy day, for which I am very thankful to God.

Rich and I bought the boys matching Hawaiian outfits last February while on vacation, and they'll all wear them today when we take their Christmas photo for our card. Can't wait for that.

Been up since 4a. Listening to a Kris Kristofferson cd as I set the tables. Man, can he write... Me and Bobby McGee, Loving her was easier, Why me Lord?

But I digress. Thanksgiving, yes.

Daena wrote this year's Presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation, interjecting a reminder to respect for the sanctity of life as often as she could. Happy Thanksgiving!...

Wow. Moderator Chris and reader Bekah just alerted me to this film.

Volition was 1 of 15 finalists from almost 300 entries in The Doorpost Film Project's 2008 inaugural film contest, winning $10k. The theme was "Hope, expectation of positive change." Volition makes quite a statement in less than 7 minutes. Very well done. Click on the graphic below to link to the film.

Daughter Daena is a senior presidential writer.

All White House staff get a departure photo with President Bush and are allowed to bring 4 family members. Daena's department got their photos taken October 22.

I haven't seen the originals yet, but Daena posted scanned copies on Facebook.

I don't remember much of anything; it was quite surreal. We stood in a long line in the West Wing's Roosevelt Room and were ushered in as a family for our 1 minute alone time with the President in the Oval Office. He was waiting to greet us by the couch as someone announced who Daena was. The President took an instant shine to 8-year-old grandson Gabriel. I remember he asked if Gabriel wanted to be called Gabriel or Gabe (doesn't matter), which is what you see going on here....

Then we had our official photo taken....

I'm happy and honored! The bulk of my prize earnings will go toward a project ProLifeBlogs' Tim and I have been working on for months. Just needed the funding. Will keep you posted. I'll also use some of the proceeds to modernize the blog.

Congrats to all other winners, and thanks to pro-life philanthropist Ray Ruddy and the judges.

Press release, issued last night:

Natick, MA - The Gerard Health Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of its inaugural Life Prizes award, granted to 6 individuals or groups that have made unsurpassed strides in preserving and upholding the sanctity of human life....

News headlines on Life issues by Bill Beckman of the IL Right to Life Committee

November 6