Consumer Spending Up . . .

December marked .07% increase in consumer spending. No kidding??? That increase wasn't due to lavish holiday gifts, either! Gasoline and grocery prices are up, I'm guessing by even more than .07%, but the average consumer couldn't scrape together any more money than we did. If we'd have had more, who knows, maybe we could have actually bought something special for the holidays. I spoke to many people who stated their holidays were cut back and more conservative in their gift giving, as well as the gifts they did give were of a more practical nature. It wasn't a holiday gift, but a very practical birthday gift for which I heard a true and very enthusiastic thank you. Let me explain. My dad is pretty frugal,as well as, shall we say fiscally comfortable, and he enjoys his coffee, regardless of the price of beans and tariffs. From time to time I've gotten him some gourmet coffees as gifts, for which he thanks me, but his last birthday, I actually heard enthusiasm in his voice. It was no simple courtesy, he was happy to receive his gift. What was it? A Casey's Gift Card. That's right, nothing spectacular, nothing fancy, just the Gift Card in his birthday card, with the note that said, "Coffee's on us!" Love . . . He said that was something he would put to good use! I mentioned it would go a lot farther buying coffee than it would gasoline and he said that was the great thing, he could use it for either. Daddy's is not in a position to need that gift, it was a perk, but many people in this country need more than that, just to attempt to continue to survive. Many people in this country are not just barely making it, they are over extended to try to barely make it. So, if I multiply this sort of giving and enthusiastic receiving, on a national basis and compare it to consumer spending, which I'm guessing would be a pretty reasonable thing to do, I arrive at the conclusion that our consumer spending is going on necessities or very modest perks. I don't think consumer spending has risen because we are all back to full swing and enjoying the luxuries of life. If my dad, who has worked hard all his life, always saved a percent of his income, and invested wisely; considers coffee and gasoline a thoughtful gift, just what does the consumer spending index tell us? Consumer spending is up because people still have to buy food and gasoline and pay for utilities, and all those products have gone up. Consumer spending is up because the prices have gone up and we've accepted that fact!
Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? Prophet of Holy Scripture

When You Hope Goodbye is Only Farewell . . .

I don't frequently blog publicly, about personal matters. I prefer to share my personal opinion about public matters. Today is one of those times, though, I'm spillin' it! I've been doing a radio show for the last two years, and as you've probably guessed, I'm not as famous as Rush or Sean or Glenn. Now, I started this show, basically because I heard G-d tell me to do a radio show, and to go to a station in Monett. So, my husband made a phone call and set up an appointment. I had no idea what I was going to say to the station manager/owner, and to be truthful, I don't think Dewayne was terribly impressed upon our first meeting, but he was willing to give it a chance. Interestingly, the station was in the process of relocating, so it's as if I truly just had a window of opportunity when I heard, Monett. I knew the show was just for a specified time period, so I wanted to enjoy every moment of it, and for the most part I did . . . There was the time when I actually saw the total minutes on the contract and nearly panicked, but I got over it. Then there was the nausea every Thursday morning all the way to the station, that disappeared instantly when the bumper music began, but I enjoyed doing the show and truly enjoyed preparing the shows. My producer, Dan, is awesome and he participated through the show. Dan immediately was really great. He knew I was a religiously incorrect minister, my political incorrectness is obvious almost instantly, and all in all I'm a bit quirky, but he still boldly participated. His involvement in the show was completely unrehearsed and totally spontaneous. Not only did he keep all the right buttons pushed and mics live, he turned the show into an on air conversation that I certainly couldn't have done alone. When my grandkids came as my guests, he made sure everyone had chairs . . . and microphones . . . and headphones! The kids loved it! Which brings me to yet another unexpected blessing. I made a friend, and I mean the kind of friend you know you'll hear it straight and can say it straight. Even as I type this, I have no idea what Janet's official title is, in that I think she can do any and all of what it takes to run that station. Besides all that, she always had a stash of candy for my visiting "grand guests." She's one of those hard working, driven women that appears to be able to do anything, and always looks "together." Sometimes after the show she and I'd chat and laugh, sharing information and insight that just over the course of the time, developed into a valued friendship. It's odd, we have similar strengths and are probably similar type women, yet I don't believe our paths would have ever crossed anywhere except the show called "Choosing Life" on KSWM. Janet is petite, and I'm well, not. She's quite the cosmopolitan style business woman and I'm well, not. She's knowledgeable and high-tech, and I make my own soap and milk goats, but . . . We're both very goal oriented, achievement oriented women and have joked on more than one occasion about our lack of patience. After I'd put my foot in my mouth, through our conversation by comparing her patience to mine . . . This great realization hit me:
She and I don't lack patience, we just like to see results, right away!
New opportunities and responsibilities have beckoned and I had to make a difficult decision. I signed off the air today. I didn't realize what an emotional time it would be . . . still is, but we all agreed that if time and scheduling permitted, I'd be back. It has been one of those things in life that just blossomed into more than I would have ever imagined. So, I truly hoped today, as I said good-bye, it's really only farewell for now. Everyone at the station was great, always kind, always friendly, and it's just a rare blessing when smart, successful, attractive women get to be friends!
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Is It Politics as Usual?

Rahm Emanuel has appealed the court's decision that would remove his name from the ballot for the mayoral race. The State Supreme Court reviewed his case. I don't know about anyone else, but I can honestly say I wasn't surprised at all. I mean Bill Clinton has already been there campaigning for him and he resigned from his post with the current administration to do this. And what's really fascinating is, you'd think any one of these politicians would have known what the rules were and to be checking into it before it came to this! Word's in, and I wasn't surprised, as I'm sure many others saw this coming. Rahm Emanuel is indeed above the rules. He will have his name on the mayoral ballot. I've looked at this both ways. I mean he was serving his country to be absent from Chicago, but renting his house out did remove his residency. If he'd have just left the house empty and checked on it, or better yet, employed someone to house sit, I'd have been all for his right to be on the ballot, but as it stands, he seems to be just one more political opportunist that can make money, gain power, and have his day in court, when others are denied.

Meanwhile in Florida, there is a lawmaker that wants teachers to grade parents. I'm going to say it just because I can. Teachers for the most part like to be in control. They usually run a pretty tight ship or are the type that like all eyes on them, but they are comfortable in charge. And we know legislators have no problem with control issues, they enjoy control, they campaign to have control, and now a member of the Florida legislature has a bill on the floor for teachers to grade parents. That's right, according to how their kids arrive and how they do in class. I think the criteria, which is not stringent, the student is to be on time, had breakfast, homework done, and I don't know, something else. Anyway, most parents are on top of these basics and I'm guessing the ones that aren't don't care if they get a satisfactory grade. They are out of school. It just seems one step closer to the Nanny State or Big Brother. Demographics would already indicate, if a parent is unconcerned about their child's breakfast or homework, I'm guessing a grade won't mean anything, either.

SOTU speech. Not so noticeably impressive. Of course, the seating arrangements were noteworthy, and the bipartisan applause was more frequent than in past years. Seems folks are realizing politicians that give wonderful speeches are just that, great speakers. Most of us know regardless of the hopeful rhetoric of two years ago, his highest approval rating was the day after he was inaugurated, as in before he'd done anything. From my perspective he seems to be much more popular as a campaigner or candidate than he has been after actually having the job.
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty . . .

Remembering Jack LaLanne

I awoke this morning to the news that Jack LaLanne had passed away at the age of 96. His life was a testament to the lifestyle he promoted. I laid there listening to the news while remembering that some of my earliest childhood memories were of his television show. I couldn't have been more than three, when it seemed every morning, at least week-day mornings, my mom worked out with Jack LaLanne. It was black and white TV, so I have no idea what color his jumpsuit was, but I remember very clearly his set; as he did his basic calisthenics with housewives across America. I also remember his wife in the background of the set, and I think I remember him calling her by name, but as I read today, her name, I couldn't help but take notice. Elaine LaLanne is just quite a moniker. I think what I remember the most about Jack LaLanne was the fact that he's been around my entire life promoting health and now, here I am in my 50's. There must be something to that healthy eating and exercise, eh! I remember his vitamins and his juicer and to be honest I really didn't realize he was still so physically active at that time. I heard today, right up until he took ill, he was still doing his workouts. The man invented gym equipment, and some of his pictures of him up in his 90's looked great. He really did live what he believed in and it showed. I have no idea what his spiritual or emotional perspective was, but he took good care of his body and it served him well for many years. Now, in looking back, he was nearly the age I am now, when I was a kid watching him lead America in healthy exercise. I never heard or read anything but good things about Jack LaLanne. As I mentioned, I don't know his spiritual beliefs or emotional support system, but his life was one of "living what one believed!"
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

A Matter of Concern

Years ago and some time before I got on the Internet, a real concern crossed my mind. I could see technology being very instrumental in a world wide government and President Bush 41 had already mentioned the New World Order and 1000 points of light, so it didn't seem like much of a leap to connect the internet with power and control. So far, I haven't missed that call, and I'm by far not the only one that saw it coming. I'm not trying to lay this evil government of the beast, at the feet of just one American leader, either, it's been being built for my entire lifetime and history indicates, long before that. The book of Daniel clearly indicates this last earthly government will be a fashioned, composite. It's still not fully assembled yet, but it is getting close and continues to have pieces placed in every administration. I've laid the groundwork here, to get to my main point which is the connection between the internet and the Revelation 13. As more and more of our commerce and banking becomes e-transactions, and medical records have been heading there officially since 2004, I think it's time to point out my earlier concern. Everything in life is becoming connected by the world wide web, a.k.a.: www. The author of the Revelation made mention of a number 666. In Hebrew, the letters have numerical value, as well as some duplication in translation, meaning . . . The Hebrew alphabet contains only 22 letters, all consonants. The letter "Vav" when translated from the Hebrew may be rendered English to be either a "u," a "v," or a "w." The numerical value of "Vav" is 6. If the prophesied New World Order is managed and controls through technology, it really doesn't seem to be much of a stretch, to connect the Mark of the Beast, 666 to www.
Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Sick of Subjective Pseudo Science?

I read in the news Saturday night, that a victim of last week's shooting has been taken into custody against his will and placed in some sort of re-education camp a.k.a. mental health facility, because he mumbled something that someone decided was a possible threat to himself or another. I've wondered if the man that clicked his camera phone and made the statement was simply making the statement of how fast it can all happen. This subjective pseudo science nonsense is just that, nonsense, but the money must be good. At least I presume it is, since those in that field have sold their souls. It's really been one ordeal after another since the Tucson shooting. I got a glimpse of what was coming about 10 years ago, and I have tried to warn people, but to basically no avail. Well, I think it will become more obvious, very quickly. It's not like this poor man who was shot hasn't been through enough, but some "expletive" with a little bit of authority decides to make matters worse. I'm at the point of realizing, those of us with a few quirks or eccentricities could end up in the "re-education camps" for an unspecified period of time, very soon, while those in control and those with the certification take full advantage of what has been accomplished by us odd folks. It's getting serious, here, and it's going to get worse. The mental health workers will do in America exactly what the Nazis did in Germany in the 30's and 40's; and they will attempt to rob the chosen ones of their G-d given inheritance with involuntary "care." The whining, accusing tea bagger is not making this any easier. Trent Humphries is no more a victim in Tucson that the rest of us that weren't there that day and are not recovering or mourning the loss of loved ones. So just how far away are we from being labelled a danger to ourselves and others, for having our own uniqueness? Get a clue. In a week's time, look what's happened. This tea bagger claims that the comments made by the sheriff last week caused all sorts of hate e-mail, yet the political vitriol of the talking heads and maps with sights are non-influential. Which way is it, Mr. Humphries, do tell? Those that are working for the government in mental health facilities are making a very "decent" living and enjoying freedom, while the creative patients just attempting to survive, are issued 3 changes of clothes, allowed a few hobby supplies and/or books. I hate what these special people are going through, I just have to remember though, as a child of G-d; I can't hate the ones that are doing it to them . . . but it is tempting. We've been discussing this at another site and one of my associates there gave permission to quote him, so credit for the following quote belongs to Scutter@NeoshoForums.com. "Just remember that the first group of folks that Hitler killed off were the residents of Germany's Mental Health Institutions, ES. He then went after the Homosexuals and the JW's and finally got around to the Communists, Trade Unionists and the Jewish Community. It seems to be a small step but one thing justifies another and one involuntary "evaluation" pretty much ruins a life."
You know, I am looking forward to the day when Scripture is fulfilled and all those that destroyed lives in the "name of mental health" will be judged on the same merit.
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity . . . Prophetic promise in G-d's Word

A Note to Sarah Palin

I've written several folks here from this blog, many of them with a much more prominent position than yours. I've written Presidents, Prime Ministers, Preachers, Pundits, and now you. First, as a non-anonymous blogger, let's begin with a woman to woman chat. Everything going on isn't really about you. Remember when you got mad at Katie Couric for asking difficult questions, like what do you read? And you said she wasn't the center of "everybody's" universe? Well, Sarah, it's like this; you aren't either! The fact that a sheriff said the political rhetoric has become too vitriolic and made references to gun metaphors being inappropriate in politics, is commendable. The Sheriff of that county has his hands full and he isn't crying or whining about the feed back he's received, nor has he quit in the middle of this horror. He is still doing the task at hand, and right now, it is an ugly task. It is not the media's fault that your family has so many notable situations going on. Nor is it the media's problem that you will air your dirty laundry for your moment of fame. As a matter of fact, Sarah, we in the "lower 48" wouldn't even know who you are, were it not for the media, that you continue to trash while courting. If you do not feel your words influence anyone, then why endorse candidates and why give interviews? If you believe all of your listeners are level headed and logical, I have to question your ability to process reality. We are in a world in which many things do not make sense and a number of people do not make sense. We live in the country that has more prisoners per capita than any country in the world, and remember the ones in prison are just the ones that have been caught. After two years, I still don't know who Trig's mother is, but that's not my business, Todd appears to be very fond of the little guy and he looks well taken care of. Now, as for your "mama grizzly" reference. I believe it was a clip from your own reality show that spoke of the mama grizzlies and how they teach and take care of their young. I believe it was you that said we could learn a great deal from them. Funny, I didn't see or hear any reference to "papa grizzlies" teaching the young, while the mamas enjoyed attention in the lower 48. To be honest, here, I've overlooked most of this, because I simply believe you, like most politicians aren't really bright enough to be orchestrating the coming together of the power as the people are divided and conquered. I just sort of saw you as the cute GOP cheer leader that kept all those GOP-ers happy and proud and feeling their oats. No problem, to each their own and you are a pretty woman, and I'm a firm believer in using one's assets, so you go girl! But today, after all this country has been through in the last few days, your removal of certain posts indicate a level of awareness that some folks could connect poorly spoken and inappropriate graphs to commit horrendous acts. I do not think you are responsible for Jared Loughner's unspeakable actions Saturday, but you are responsible for your words and for graphs that are associated with your name and allude to firearms or violence. Think about it, even the reference to "mama grizzly" has a connotation of potential attack and bloodshed. I realize it's your vernacular, but if you are going to continue to seek this limelight, you have to be aware that what you are saying doesn't always resonate with only logical people. As a matter of fact, while I'm on that topic, I don't know any logical level headed people that think you make a lot of sense. Your base seems a bit erratic to me, just sayin . . . Now, as for today's video, you know a number of your faithful followers feel a bit persecuted, you have raised that ideology on several occasions, and so knowing this, you mention "blood libel." Listen Sarah, if you aren't smart enough to know the potential fall out of that, your handlers should be and if they aren't, you need new handlers. And if you do have an understanding of that term and used it, then you should feel responsible for the potential repercussions. Referencing an anti-Semitic term, in response to comments made after a Jewish legislator is shot. Really, Sarah, really? I'm of the opinion, as much time as you've had, to supposedly make your response to these so called "empty political attacks" you had time to do your homework and know what "blood libel" means. The potential for this is outlandish for those that may feel victimized and persecuted for their beliefs. I truly hope this was spoken in ignorance, but then that sort of ignorance should have no prominence in media or politics.
. . . grievous words stir up anger. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

It's All in the Presentation and Packaging

I couldn't help but notice a news item yesterday. I heard it yesterday morning on the 6:00 am news, but not in the next hour, and I had to really search for it online. I've noticed how many news items do get repeated and how many simply don't . . . for whatever reason. The news item that got stuck in my craw yesterday was the way the Kansas Gubernatorial Inaugural Dinner was reported. Oh, I know, I'm going to sound like a talking head on this topic, and I wouldn't make a big issue of it, were it not for the mention of charity. As most of us non-politicians are aware, this country is in economic trouble. Even though TPTB are telling us the recession ended a year and a half ago, many of us haven't noticed that, just yet. Not to mention the local governments are still whining about being broke. Cities are figuring ways to file bankruptcy and states are trying to figure ways to let them, without the rest of the cities following suit. Then there are, what; half of the states that are horribly in the hole and losing ground quickly. Well, Kansas just happens to be one of those states. I believe Kansas was having trouble giving their citizens tax refunds last year, and things really haven't improved. Now that they have elected a republican, there is talk of cutting programs, of course! And that is where I jump in with some fascinating information. Former Senator Brownback is now Governor Brownback and he had his inaugural dinner last Saturday. In light of the current economic situations, many governor's "scaled back" their gala events, and Governor Brownback claimed to do so, too. Governor Brownback went so far as to say that any extra funds that were raised after the dinner was paid for, would be donated to charity. Now, here's for the "funny-spin" part of the story. While some governors that scaled back had hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill, Senator Brownback had beef tenderloins. Sounds like some sort of breaded patty on a bun doesn't it? Beef tenderloins, when wrapped in a strip of bacon is better known as filet mignon! Now, since it's politics, I don't know if the pork was included, but the tenderloin of beef is the highest end cut on the critter. If that's scaled back, just what would Governor Brownback have served if times were good? And mentioning the rest going to charity . . . nice touch, there Governor. I'm sure Kansans are sleeping better now that there is a fiscal conservative on watch!
He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. a Proverb of Holy Scripture

A Moment of Silence

Now that prayer is politically incorrect, what do we do as a nation in the face of tragedy? Well, it is a moment of change. A moment of silence is one moment that acknowledges we, as a people, do not have all the answers and for one brief moment, we'll cease from casting blame, but just for one moment . . . The political rhetoric will return and at some point, G-D will be allowed into the social conversation, because someone will ask why HE allowed this tragedy. It seems that's about the only time it is politically correct, now, to refer to G-D; when we are blaming HIM in the form of a question. A sort of social game in fashion of Jeopardy, with religious overtones. Now, as I read the reports regarding the Congresswoman, the little girl, the judge and the alleged assailant, I am heartbroken. I know G-D allowed this, but I also believe G-D did not ordain this and that isn't easy to express in this Romanesque society, we call America. Rather than a moment of silence, I pray for Gabrielle Giffords, and the families of those that are grieving the loss of their loved ones, and for the recovery of the rest of those that were injured, but more than all of that, I pray that those in America would truly see the condition of America. I also pray that the remnant would remain strong and true to our G-D. There is a matter than I'm not really praying about at this time, but I truly do wish the media would stop laying the groundwork for an insanity defense . . . It's as if this individual is being offered an insanity defense served up on a silver platter and I think that is wrong. I also believe all politicians that use violent innuendo in their rhetoric should be held accountable for their words, but then G-D's Word already says they will, so I'll leave that alone. I can't expect a G-Dless nation to uphold the Word of G-D at this time, but I do pray that our politics and our media do not lay the groundwork for cold blooded murder to be accepted on the grounds of insanity. I, personally, believe there is no longer any time for silence.
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. History of Holy Scripture

How About Putting Our Money Where Our Mouths Are?

Our country is quite an interesting place these days. The rest of the world has called us rude for years, but with the advent of technology, we've outdone ourselves in the area of rudeness. We also seem to have "progressed" to the point we are able to separate our firm convictions from our actual lifestyles. I hold to the old adage, that we actually live what we believe and it's time to put up or shut up! Just where would the economy of the world's largest democracy be without communism? Or for those that prefer to split hairs and insist this is a capitalistic republic, even better. Just where would America's capitalism be without the imports made affordable by China's communism? I know a number of people that will not contribute to the United Way, because it is claimed to fund Planned Parenthood and yet those same people will go to Wal-Mart and buy items marked "made in China," where abortion is not a choice, but mandated. That's right, here in America, the anti-choice people who do not want to fund the choices of women here in our country, will subsidize the loss of choice for women in another country. I'm not telling anyone even what view they should have on any of the topics mentioned in this blog, I'm just saying folks need to actually back their view. China also censors their media, and has rampant child labor. Why do we support the way of life that we claim to find abhorrent? Has anyone considered when the lack of pollution control in China's industry renders that country uninhabitable, China just might decide to foreclose on us? Do we really need so many trinkets from China that we are willing to sell out our values? Or do we just not really mind what happens to the money if we get something in return? Clearly, right now, we produce so little in this country, we'd have to make everything at home to avoid financially supporting things we do not believe in or condone. I'm not suggesting a full retail boycott, but we can start somewhere.
. . . but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. New Testament