When Trust is Gone

Trust is a difficult topic to address.  It seems distrust or loss of trust is easier to identify and categorize.  Many of us openly acknowledge our distrust of the mainstream media.  Sadly, many who feel one set of initials cannot be trusted, have chosen to give blind faith to another set of initials which are basically owned by the same power behind the scenes.  In recognizing and vocalizing distrust of media, the integrity of our leaders and representatives then comes into question.  Who can we trust?  Once the distrust has been recognized, acknowledged, and even verbalized, then what?

Most of us have experienced the loss of trust on a personal level, and once that occurs, if we have any sense at all, the relationship needs to be re-evaluated, reconsidered, or redefined.  Loss of trust changes things.  Even in the case of repentance and remorse, there is still a probation period required to rebuild what was lost.  When trust is breached in personal relationships, we can choose to keep a guard up or choose to rebuild the relationship, or in many cases, just be kind, yet wary.  In my own life, when it's not matters of life and death, like broken promises about someone doing something that they repeatedly forget, I just realize that's one of those things I can't count on and do it myself.  I don't choose to let it actually alter the rest of the relationship, but . . . in matters of importance, a loss of trust is a game changer!  The only proven method of working around the situation, is 100% faith in our Heavenly Father, regarding public information and our government!

Citizens have attempted to continue to believe in our country, while changing news sources and electing a different party, but as we can see, the trust is simply gone.  We all have that sad relationship in which we love someone, but we can't trust them.  The majority of Americans seem to feel that way about our country.  We love what our nation "stands for," but . . .Very few of us, any more, feel we can believe anything the media reports, and we openly declare politicians, to be untrustworthy.   So what is the average citizen to do as an individual regarding this breach of trust?  I can't speak for anyone else, but I will voice the extremes my brain has been sorting through.

First and foremost, every headline I read is either a distraction from, or one step closer to the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy . . . or both.  When I see a report of a school shooting, I pray for our children, then wonder if it's real or a false flag.  When I see another suspected case of ebola, I feel compassion for the potential victims, concern for the possible spread, then doubt the information.  When I see CDC reports, I completely dismiss their validity.  The CDC and FDA are in the same folder in my file cabinet!  When I see common core and LGBTQ propaganda, I have no question, it's an agenda.  As for the illegal immigration situation, that's a situation both parties have proven will not be addressed in a protective manner, but is rather just one more variable to divide the people for the conquer.  There is a common thread in all of this, however; and that is the certainty of misinformation, division of the people, and the goal to control.

Ebola could certainly be the single threat that accomplishes the most control.  First, much of the citizenry is aware of the patent, so that does make it more frightening, and gives every indication, there is no one to trust.  The second problem with ebola, is we have to take "their" word for the confirmed cases, and so far, it's been those in health care who seem to be the "vehicles" used in spreading it.  These two frightening variables cannot be factored into a logical plan.  If the government controls the disease and health care spreads it, where does one go for safety?  Obviously, the only answer is The One Who is trustworthy.  Our Creator is still greater than anything humanity can come up with, but . . . and I know this sounds "preachy."  We have to make a clear and concise decision and stick with it.  Do we trust our Creator or do we vacillate back and forth?  Most in America think there is a proper combo of politics, medicine, and faith.  I no longer adhere to that blend, and haven't for nearly a decade and a half!

As most are questioning as to whether it is really even happening or the other extreme, is it potentially air borne and they aren't telling us, we have to realize these two questions are quite polarizing.  We are rapidly approaching the point in history in which there is no middle ground and none of us know which extreme to believe!  Since there is nothing new under the sun, I suggest we realize and face the fact, this has been done before, and the only personal solution is to allow our Creator to raise us above this extreme polarization with full faith in Him and Him alone.  An election will not change the prophesied course of this nation.  A vaccination will not lengthen one's numbered days, but . . . a lack of faith does have eternal consequences.

Setting aside all theories, the simple goal of earthly power, is absolute control and that will take place regardless of party leadership, social media protest, or proving agendas, it's prophecy!  This generation simply cannot continue in the societal mixing and mingling we were taught.

And if it seem evil unto you to serve YHUH, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve YHUH.  history of Holy Scripture

The Power of Fear

Fear is quite a powerful force.  Our politicians are well aware of that fact, and have been through several administrations.  According to Scripture, it would seem the only thing more powerful than fear, is love.  In this world, love is sadly, in very short supply; so fear prevails.  As I read the headlines, the very first thing that crosses my mind, is of course; what are we not seeing while anywhere between 2-5 suspected cases of ebola are covering the country, raising the potential number exponentially?

Clearly, this is no accident!  This entire Dallas fiasco, is reprehensible.  First, they sent a very sick man home, then two days later, was brought back in by ambulance.  I realize we're being told it's all quite containable and under control, until the next headline . . . I do believe this entire "ebola scare" is very much under control, but I'm not thrilled with the ones who are in control!   We have since been told that everyone he came in contact with is being monitored.  The fact that he is dead and cannot give a full account of everyone with whom he had contact, obviously leaves that statement unconfirmed and unprovable.

Meanwhile, it seems a couple of healthcare workers at the Dallas hospital have absolutely no regard for those whom they may put in harm's way.  One, knowingly boarded a flight with a fever having called CDC, and well aware that a coworker was in isolation awaiting possible ebola confirmation, and that she also had cared for the man who had died.  This second health care worker was a lab tech, I believe who went on a cruise and got the whole ship turned around at Belize and headed back to the Texas port.  Isn't it great to know there are such caring, responsible people in health care?

While the ebola headlines continue to pervade our internet information, the human enterovirus 68 is losing media coverage.  What appeared to be a firestorm last month in 12 states has now been reported in 32 more, but on the decline?  I've included a CDC link with a map, that is said to revise and repost, weekly with new information.

KU Med Center is reported to have encountered two possible cases of ebola with the lab results coming back, negative.  Toward the end of the CDC report about the two patients at KU, one is suspected of possibly having contracted typhoid or typhus, and the other had malaria . . .  As it turns out, Big Pharma has vaccines for typhoid as well as typhus, and medications for the prevention and treatment of malaria.

With all the ebola headlines, I nearly missed this one.  http://7online.com/health/ebola-press-conference-at-yale-hospital/353216/

Heal me, O YHUH, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.  Prophet of Holy Scripture

Pandemic Invasion ?

photo in USA Today

I've done several blogs through the years on the subject of TSA, a.k.a. Transportation Security Administration.  Through the years, my blogs have mostly been tongue in cheek, but sincerely expressing my disdain for this outrageous display of control.  I was first introduced to TSA in 2002 going to Washington DC.  Since it was the first year after 9/11 and the Capital, I did my best to cut them some slack.  I mean, paranoia in high places, did reign supreme at the time.

It was eighteen months later, when doing a bit of international traveling, my skepticism rose.  By the time I returned from my travels and headed to the City of Brotherly Love later that same year, skepticism gave way to outright cynicism and disgust.  It became obvious that this was really not about safety at all, but seeing how much the sheople would tolerate in submission.  When my underwires held up the line at KCI, I was asked if I wanted to be groped privately.  My statement was simple.  "No thank you, do it here, I want witnesses!"  It was at that moment, I knew, I would choose a public strip search, rather than submit to their private molestation policy.  It was also at that moment, I made the choice to never put myself in that position again!

Since retiring my passport and no longer racking up any frequent flier miles, I've continued to monitor the outrageous policies of the TSA, and the horrific acts of invasion and violence this agency has perpetrated in airports.  What has been consistent is the "introduction" of further invasive procedures, the backlash, the "simmer down time" then the implementation of the invasive procedure while dangling a carrot or tossing a crumb to the willing throngs . . .  I had a dream several years ago that I knew was of spiritual significance.  I thought the "herding" was done in a mall setting, but now after seeing some of the photos of this latest security measure, I'm wondering if that dream atmosphere was not a mall, but an airport.

We've gone from walking through the metal detectors, emptying pockets and removing coats and shoes to, manual pat downs and seriously invasive body searches, to technological strip search, and now to temperature checks.  I watched the person ahead of me in an airport go right on through in their burqa, no questions asked, no pat down, no nothing.  With only their eyes showing, they could have been anyone!  Actually, there was really no indication that it was even a woman . . . I pondered that fact, through my underwire patdown.

Perhaps Americans traveling back into the US would be less inconvenienced if they simply flew into Mexico and walked on in.  One of my snarkier blogs actually suggested combining health care and airport security.  It was a warning, not a recommendation!

We are seriously looking at fulfillment of judgment for not heeding the warning of our Creator.

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, YHWH thy G-D . . . Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will YHWH bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.  Torah of Holy Scripture

Strange Science

This ebola scare has me cautiously skeptical.  I have no doubt the disease does exist, but many of the details definitely raise a great many red flags.  The first red flag being the headline coverage.  When scary headlines continue day after day, I simply cannot help but wonder what is going on that isn't being reported.   The next thing I find to be alarming is the statistical comparison between ebola deaths and those from malaria on that same continent.   I've included two links with a paragraph from each article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ebola_virus_epidemic_in_West_Africa
As of 29 September 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local governments reported a total of 7,192 suspected cases and 3,286 deaths (3,988 cases and 1,954 deaths having been laboratory confirmed)

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/malaria-consortium-partner-zone/world-malaria-report-2013

- There were an estimated 207 million cases of malaria in 2012 (uncertainty range: 135 – 287 million) and an estimated 627 000 deaths (uncertainty range: 473 000 – 789 000). 90% of all malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, and 77% occur in children under five.

- In 2012, malaria killed an estimated 483 000 children under five years of age. That is 1300 children every day, or one child almost every minute.

There are already a number of drugs to prevent malaria, yet hundreds of thousands African children die every year from that disease and there are no headlines, just grim statistics in google searches.
Also noted, I was unable to find a patent for malaria, whereas the CDC holds the patent for ebola.

I was surprised to discover a whole new concept in GMO, although I don't know why I was surprised.   Pharmaceuticals are nothing new to Monsanto, as GD Searle Company became part of Monsanto back in the mid eighties.  It seems ZMapp, the experimental drug used to treat ebola, is produced through genetically modified tobacco.  Big win for Monsanto and the tobacco industry!

Meanwhile, fleas carrying the bubonic plague have been verified in both Colorado and Arizona, with at least one official diagnosis confirmed in August.

http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/bubonic-plague-found-in-colorado-fleas

http://www.13wmaz.com/story/news/health/2014/09/30/fleas-in-arizona-test-positive-for-the-plague/16488169/

If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, YHWH Elohim;  Then YHWH will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.  Torah of Holy Scripture

Labels Shmabels

I've had the dubious honor of being labeled my entire life, but not for inclusion into any special clubs or groups, it's always been for exclusionary purposes.  The interesting fact is, the labels have varied through the years, but the purpose has seemed consistent.  The reason I mention this at all is to address the two videos I ran last week in the Goshen Gazette.  One, by a pretty famous gentleman who claims to be both liberal and an atheist and the other video by a self-proclaimed Tea Party spokesman . . ."G-d and Country" kind of guy.  I don't agree with either of these men's politics or religion, but we all three, agree on Israel, and so I ran their videos on that specific subject.  It did something for me that I can't really articulate, but it was quite illuminating.  How much do we miss by our preconceived notions due to labels?

My labeled life began early, by my mom, but I won't go into those.  I'd like to address and debunk a few of the social stigmas, political preconceptions, and religious ruckuses that keep us from hearing others who just might agree on some issues, but take their stand in a "different camp."  Due to Bill Maher's outspoken disrespect and professed disbelief of a Creator, I wouldn't have guessed him to be such a well researched proponent of Israel!  I'm so glad I looked past his own self-professed claims.  As for Wild Bill for America, I don't think our political, religious, or racial thinking aligns much, but in a circle graph, there would be areas of overlap.  He's one of those guys whom I'd love to hear share how he comes to express the perspective he does.

These men, tout their labels and belong to their various groups of shared perspective.  I'm going to mention the other end of that continuum, because I know I'm not the only one . . . When I began school, I remember myself and one boy being called to the teacher's desk.  We had to turn in our silver, pointed scissors, for green handled rounded tip scissors.  We were the "lefties." I was also ahead of the desegregation of civil rights, so I was the darkest child at school.  Back then non-whites were referred to as "colored."  Ah the labels begin so early, and truly they serve more to divide than bring acceptance.

Democrats or progressives tend to refer to me as a conservative, because I oppose big government on religious grounds.  Republicans refer to me as liberal, because I believe one must be Torah observant to enforce Torah laws, in the areas of punishment and war.  Most Christians refer to me as legalistic or a Judaizer.  Just last week, I was even called a pretender by a good Christian man and openly lied to, in an attempt for an individual to use a thread as a platform or soapbox against my beliefs.  The Jewish folk aren't usually name callers, but oy vey, the Torah proselytes from Christianity have labels for everyone who disagrees.

In my years of social media, I've been outspoken enough in my beliefs to be slammed, unfriended, and shunned by the religious, but never by unbelievers, except family . . . All of my "friends" or associates have access to the same posts, I presume . . .  Although I refer to myself as a Follower of Messiah, I've had a great many more labels by the folks claiming the same.  We're not all going to agree on everything.  Nobody has everything right.  Torah tells us, and Messiah reiterated; there are four kinds of folk in the world.

Atheists may have never tasted the goodness of our Creator.  Those who put G-d and country on the same level, may not realize this tradition is idolatry.  I'm so glad I looked beyond both of these men's "labels" and heard their message.  It's not up to me to label and discard human beings!  My job is to speak the truth and pray.  I'm so thankful the Creator of the universe looked beyond all my labels, both deserved and undeserved . . . and labeled me "Forgiven and Chosen."

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of YHWH: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. ~ the Apostle Peter

The Real Cost of Inflation

We continue to be told that inflation is minimal, but that is not the case.  Inflation still exists, but it affects things most of us aren't purchasing.  This is the first year in five that good crop and grazing land hasn't gone up significantly.  Most of us aren't buying farmland, but all of us are dependent upon what that land produces, and very much counting on someone to work the land.  The harvest is looking shaky this year, not in the amount, but in the price.  In much of the cropland, the weather has been optimal, but a big harvest may actually bring the price down, while farmers and ranchers have not yet recovered from the years of drought.  Shemitah hasn't even been figured into the equation.

The following is a quote from an article written in 2011, entitled, "High Costs Make it Hard to Grow Young Farmers."
"[Some people are] sitting in New York [and] saying, 'Well, I don't know, I've never even been to Nebraska, but by golly, I'm going to buy some Nebraska land,' " Goss says. "And you have these groups coming together ... that are buying farmland [and] driving up farmland prices to prices we've not seen before."

Goss says even though the Federal Reserve is keeping interest rates low for the next few years, banks simply aren't lending to high-risk first-time farmers.  FULL STORY

Young men with degrees in agriculture can't afford machinery and land.  The equipment required to farm is in the hundreds of thousands and good farmland is selling between $5,000 and $10,000 and acre.   Even at the low figure, a small farm, 160 acres is upward toward a million dollars and that's not enough ground to produce crops to pay for the equipment needed, much less turn a profit.  Most farming households in America have one spouse that works away from the farm.  Some farmers, and there really aren't many farmers left; have inherited their land and rent additional land for crops or pasture, while their spouse works in town.  The numbers look big on paper, but the genuine profit is marginal.

The cost of farmland and machinery, of course affects the cost of groceries, but for some reason the economic reports do not consider these most basic variables into the equation regarding inflation.  To be honest, when I began researching this subject, I expected to find some seriously concrete figures and statistics, but there really aren't any.  Basically, the farmer invests hundreds of thousands of dollars on the hope that he'll make enough to meet his operating expenses and stay in business another year.  Most of the young folks interested in agriculture are already eyeing a deal with Monsanto.  The average age of a farmer working the land is 56 years old, and many of their sons do not intend to follow in their father's footsteps.  Much of American farmland that is operated by independents, is mortgaged or leased.

Farming and ranching is now heading into bigger and bigger operations and we already know, only the big corporations can afford that kind of outlay of investment.  When a farmer can't meet operating expenses, the banks foreclose and that independent operation ultimately becomes just another holding of a conglomerate.   Meanwhile, the food supply becomes more centralized and controlled.   The real cost of inflation is slavery!

Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won`t be desolate."  Torah of Holy Scripture 

Pay Attention to School Rules

Who needs "Youth Camps" when we have the public school system that extends on into "higher" education?  In the name of political correctness and tolerance, what is happening?  The program for the future.  The next generation is our future.  Sadly they are being schooled to be ruled!

A soldier was told by security that he couldn't enter his daughter's high school in uniform.  That situation has since been publicly addressed by the principal or superintendent, stating there is no policy against military uniforms.  How nice!  The headlines about Michigan and the images from various cities do indicate big changes are coming.  The headlines indicate the direction is moving away, far away, from "Star Spangled Patriotism!"

The news of the little boy in Florida is not exactly new, but I don't think we should let this decision fade into obscurity, just yet.  The child was publicly shamed before his peers and those in authority sidestepped the actual issue in a response by the principal.  “You child is permitted to read the Bible before school, after school and during lunch, in accordance to the law,” the letter states.

The following statement is quoted from the article, and includes a link for the full article.
He cited U.S. Department of Education guidance that allows for students to read their Bibles during non-instructional time. It reads in part, "...students students may read their Bibles or other scriptures, say grace before meals, and pray or study religious materials with fellow students during recess, the lunch hour, or other noninstructional time to the same extent that they may engage in nonreligious activities."

Meanwhile on the other side of the country we have two interesting situations taking place.  First, an Arizona High School has made sure to accommodate Muslim students for their prayer time.  Apparently, the separation of church and state does not cover separation of mosque and state.  Arizona is headlined to be a very conservative state.  Do not let this go under the radar . . . Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas recently stated that it would not be against the Constitution for states to declare a state religion.  Since we are all well aware this is not really a G-dly country, much less a single religious nation, it is theoretically possible for Michigan to declare a state religion of Islam, while Texas declares itself to be Christian, while Colorado could go Wiccan . . .  The potential foundation has been laid, and "politically correct tolerance" appears to be ready to build upon it!

A California State University has ruled that any student groups on campus, in order to be recognized, must not have religious regulation for leadership positions.  So a Christian group, in order to be recognized on campus for discounts, etc. must open the ranks of leadership to those outside of the tenets of the Christian faith.  In essence, this rule means a Christian group must make room for leadership outside of Christianity.  It is considered discrimination for a Christian group to disallow a gay officer, a Muslim officer, or even an atheist officer.  My thought here, is genuine outreach . . . These groups which are no longer allowed to be recognized should meet off campus, then join the more politically protected and correct groups that must also follow those rules, and make their presence known . . . or stop giving your hard earned money to a university that stands against your beliefs!

Yea, and all that will live G-dly in Messiah Y'hshuwah shall suffer persecution.  words of the Apostle Paul to Pastor Timothy

Really, Now . . .

The baby boomers are apparently the most powerful generation to have ever lived, as we are blamed for all the ills in the world today.  As an aging boomer, my newly discovered perspective is gaining momentum in my life.  Recently there was an article stating that this latest generation of gamers, is the fault of the Boomers!  I wish I could type an apathetic shrug, but, the "eye roll guy" will also work to convey my heartfelt responsibility.  Every generation is a product of their "raising," yet the Boomers have been the catchall blame generation from both ascending and descending generations.  

                      
>>>Some boomers with less cash at their disposal made up for it through helicopter parenting and undeserved flattery that exaggerated their kids’ abilities. A whole generation now bears the hollow self-esteem and inflated expectations that come from weak parenting. <<<

I did that, I admit it.  I didn't do the helicopter parenting, because that's the way I was raised, but I did a great deal of undeserved flattery and the exaggerated self-esteem is evident!  I didn't mean to do it, but as it turns out, I tired to do just the opposite of what my "silent generation" parents did.  I didn't want my daughter to feel as inferior about herself, as I did.  My adopted children who did not have my influence through their formative years don't have the same exaggerated self-esteem, so my "boomer blame" is definitely deserved, in that area!  As for debt and social security, no.  

I was one of the few boomers that never really sold out to the establishment, although I did try to swim in mainstream for a bit, it just didn't work out for me.  I've been living debt free and simply for nearly 20 years and broke and poor before that!  The last of the American inheritances are going to long term care for the Greatest Generation!  In the past twenty years, I've made provisions intending to leave an inheritance, as well as working until I die.  With the economy what it is, we may all be working til we die and who knows if dollars will even be worth the monopoly money it is now.  I don't believe in collecting social security.  According to Torah and confirmed in Paul's writings, the parents are to provide for the children and social security operates in diametrical opposition.

In our family, the generations are so close together, the defining lines truly blur.  My parents were teens when I was born, and I was also a teenaged mother . . .  At 56 years of age, I still have a grandma living, and I am a great grandma, 
so . . . the beat goes on.  My parents arrived right before WWII, so they are among the youngest of the silent generation.  I've never met anyone of the silent generation who isn't quite vocal and opinionated on everything, and especially opinionated on the subject of baby boomers.  The boomers were blamed for everything that went wrong in the sixties . . . and the seventies . . . right on up to the millennials. 

 Actually, we could play this blame game farther back, if you consider, the fact that the Boomers didn't exactly just crawl out from under rocks and ruin the world!   Why we could blame the people who raised us, and they could blame the people who raised them . . . and you know, we could go all the way back and blame Adam and Eve!

The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.  Torah of Holy Scripture

More on I-49

There's more to report about this very interesting Highway change through most of the state of Missouri and Arkansas.  Job creation and corporate power seem to be working in tandem.  Job creation amounted to temporary government jobs that destroyed independent businesses.  The Big Corporation, however; has all the working poor help it needs . . . with access to every super center between here and Fayetteville.

The Interstate that had to barricade every "at grade intersection" for safety reasons, stops abruptly just north of Jane, Missouri.  Jane, Missouri is home to this country's second largest data warehouse, which just happens to be owned by Wal-Mart.  Some reports indicate it may actually be the largest data warehouse by now.  Traveling continues south on 71 Highway with "at grade intersections" into Bella Vista, Arkansas, Bentonville, Rogers, and Springdale, Arkansas.  Just south of Springdale, the Interstate 49 signs resume.

 I noticed a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Farmington, Arkansas.  It's a relatively small building in comparison to the SuperCenters.  I didn't go in, but it appeared to be a grocery store, or very large convenience store.  There are just three planned in NW Arkansas right now, but then . . . expansion should be easy when access to the other Markets is barricaded!

As I write this, I'm thinking those economic opportunities that were promised by MoDot, that I didn't see a few weeks ago, may prove to be new neighborhood markets at the official exits.  Now that access is denied to the formerly existing businesses and since nothing really exists right now where those overpasses have been built, some sort of neighborhood market or large convenience store may already be in the plans.

As we've gone on busily about our stressful lives, the independent gas stations and Mom and Pop markets have become history.  I've watched railroad crossings designed to be impossible to turn around and the whistles have been silenced.  If one considered these to be pieces of the same puzzle, it would appear that our mobility is about to become limited and our supply reduced from "Name Brands" and "Best Choice" to "One Brand" and  "No Choice."

But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of YHWH thy G-d, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:  Torah of Holy Scripture

Which Way is This Discrimination Truly Aimed?

Discrimination against religion.  These businesses are not protesting gay weddings!  They are just preferring to not participate, but according to court decisions, that is no longer their right, as Americans!

Cake decorating is now political.  Please allow me to clarify.  It's political if you have strong religious beliefs, live in a state that may or may not recognize same sex marriage, and own a business that becomes the target of the Gay Agenda.

Masterpiece Cakeshop

A decorated cake is just as much a work of art as any painting, sculpture, or tapestry.  Artists, by definition, express themselves, in their work!  

What happened to the right to refuse service?  What happened to a dissatisfied customer just “taking their business elsewhere?”  I have an idea for all of us business folk who do believe our beliefs have a priority in our business dealings.  We must seek our Creator and ask Him for a creative way to deal with this tyrannical agenda.  A person who has started a business, tended to that  business and perfected their art, craft, or skill can still be protected, but it won't be by the government.  The business owners have genuinely invested of themselves in their business and their community, unlike the plaintiffs, who have merely seen an opportunity to raise their bully pulpit once again.

Two of the three cases that have gone to court and the judgment has been rendered against the business owners took place in states that did not even recognize same-sex marriage, at the time the lawsuits!  The state didn't recognize same sex marriage, yet insisted that a business recognize it.   Are judges and officials so blind that they cannot see they are being foolishly used to further an agenda, or are they willing and compliant to favor a specific belief over another?

I have two suggestions for business folk everywhere.  First, present your craft, your business, your service as an “art.”  Art is protected and applauded for it's uniqueness and even offensive statement.  The crucifix in urine comes to mind . . .  Once your business is established as artistic, copyright your particular statement.  For instance, my soap labels all have a Bible verse on them, yet my soap is “crafted.”  I would suggest bakery owners who base their business on their beliefs, do something similar.  The religious discrimination is only going to become stronger and more invasive, and the discrimination is against the religious.  

These business people, unlike the artist in 1987, are not applauded for their religious statements, but actually penalized for their beliefs.  I hadn't realized how long the anti-Bible agenda has been going on, but the momentum it has gained recently is reprehensible.  The first amendment is being destroyed by the very courts that are in place to uphold it.  Fining a small independent business owner on the grounds of their religious beliefs, and I don't care how it's presented in legal jargon; is persecution.  These entrepreneurs are facing the demise of their livelihood for their beliefs . . . in America.  This is going far beyond the loss of the first amendment.  

The condescension with which these business people are being treated is shameful.   Colorado does not license same sex marriage, yet Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop is being court ordered to create art that is against his heart.

Although Oregon did not recognize same sex marriage at the time of this incident, the state has now legalized it, but that still does not change the circumstances of this particular case.  The Kleins who own Sweetcakes by Melissa became the target of a lesbian couple, before Oregon even legalized same sex marriage.  Some of the comments following the article, made by the "i-pad legal experts" are priceless.

Pennsylvania just legalized same sex marriage and the owner of Cake Pros was immediately in the crosshairs of a lesbian couple.  The reporter was more than obvious in his condescending title of the article.  Included is a comment made in an interview given by one of the "brides,"   Petrich told WFMZ she wanted to support her hometown, and that's why she chose the bakery. "We asked her to make us a wedding cake and not marry us. I didn't understand."
Maybe I'm wrong here, but if I wanted to support my hometown, and one bakery didn't want my business, I'd just go to another one.

This final reference is not a bakery, but it sure puts the icing on the cake.  Are Americans with strong religious beliefs about marriage, GMO, health care, etc. going to have to go underground?  A couple rent out their grand farmhouse for special events, so of course a lesbian couple saw their opportunity.  The judge went so far as to order the owners of Liberty Ridge Farms to actually give money to these women.
The quote contains the link to the full story.  “No one should have the happiest time of their life marred by discrimination,” McCarthy, who was represented alongside her wife by the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement, according to the New York Law Journal. “We hope this decision will protect all New Yorkers from having to go through the hurt that we experienced.”  They were only renewing their vows . . .

I do not have a spotless track record when it comes to marriage, but I can saw unequivocally, the last thing I considered when making wedding plans, was to create some political statement or worse, make my "special day" be the cause of other's discomfort or destroy a business!  If a wedding means so much to these couples, why make a point of patronizing a business that would prefer not to have their business?  Perhaps these individuals have felt shunned and discriminated against, not because of their sexual preference, but due to their bullying tendencies.

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.  ~ Romans

Job Creation

While so many Americans are sitting on our tuchus, shouting on social media about employment issues and a poor economy, some think Congress should create jobs.  I'd like to share my observation of government created jobs, in the past few years.  I'd also like to suggest, perhaps they get off their tuchus and try a little job creation or independent entrepreneurialism.

Interstate 71 is now 49, between Kansas City and Joplin . .  signs, overpasses and interchanges in place.  Also is the complete elimination of "at grade crossings."  MoDot claims it will reduce the potential for accidents and increase economic opportunities.  Since this is "my stompin ground,"  I've watched the transition.  Please allow me to share . . .

Just as when the Interstate Highways were first built in the 50s and downtown businesses became a thing of the past, now many small towns and rural businesses are no longer easily accessible.  And forget about truck farmers with delicious produce, along the road, now . . . I'm sure some job creating Congressman received a lovely perk from a Monsanto lobbyist for that.  I'm truly livid, this is not an unbiased report!

 As for job creation, there was overpass construction and ramp construction.  For the most part, they're done now, so I don't know if those crews are working or not, but it appears that many of the blocked businesses did not survive the time of inaccessibility.  The signs are all changed, so that's done.  Even adding 2 tenths markers between mile markers . . . seriously, they did, but that's done.   In coming home yesterday, I saw countless local businesses, just off the highway, now shuttered.  I can't say that I saw any new businesses, not even another convenience store . . . but I saw something that made me so ashamed.  I saw, first hand, the way this country uses politics to mistreat hard working, dedicated people.  I don't have permission to use names, so I won't, but I will share something that causes me to weep in anger as I write it.  I rarely get so angry I cry . . .

I stopped at a place I've been patronizing for years.  In the past decade I've had the privilege to hear about the lovely history of this family business, and of course kept up with current happenings.  It was always enjoyable to see the photos of the new babies, the graduates, the weddings . . . and of course there were sad times, too, but this couple had persevered and built a lasting business.  In 1945, he was a young strapping soldier returning from his service in WWII.  He came home, married his sweetheart, and planted produce.  He didn't wait for Congress to create a job for him, he was busy making a life for his wife and eventually a beautiful family.  He was a blessed to marry a young and vibrant Proverbs 31 woman.  They raised farm fresh veggies and harvested beautiful fruit from trees they planted.

The photos of the business through the decades were curious.  One day she explained that their home had once been in the northbound lane of this 4 lane Interstate Highway.  Back in the first wave of job creation and building of interstates, their farm stood in the way of progress.  Apparently eminent domain is not new! As she gave this account with a smile on her face, I considered the fact we were standing on the west side the Interstate, but she never mentioned the rest of their farm or what amount of their hard work and flourishing land had been destroyed and lay buried under four lanes of concrete.

In the years I knew this family and greatly admired their fortitude, I never heard them complain.  As I watched the once strapping young soldier bravely face the enemy of cancer, still there were no complaints.  Even in his death, that beautiful little lady spoke of how grateful she was for the years they'd shared.  She had a spunky side and made some cute grandma comments on occasion, but never mean and she never even hinted at self pity.  One year I walked in with my broken arm bandaged and she shared the time she'd had a similar injury.  As we joked about the true unspoken inconveniences of a broken arm, we both laughed.

I bought the most beautiful delicious peaches I've ever eaten from their orchard and she always offered a bargain rate for her canning tomatoes.  "Imperfect" produce and ice sold after hours on the honor's system.  They carried my cookbooks and my soaps.  In ten years there was only one time I ever heard that precious soul complain and that was last summer.  The "job created" highway construction came to an end about a year after she'd been widowed and the hideous results were obvious.  There was no longer a direct way to get to the market.  That precious little widow still weighing produce, with grandchildren helping, told me, "They've killed us."  She hung in there for the rest of that season and I was delighted to hear the sign was up this year.

I had an opportunity to be up that way the other day, but all day a horrible heaviness just wouldn't leave.  As I made the trek to the Orchard Market, noticing along the way so many of the family businesses were now shuttered, my heart grew even heavier.  When I got to the Market, using the newly constructed off ramp over a mile before the business even came into view, it was obvious, the life of this market had come to an end.  The business that had been started nearly 70 years ago that provided beautiful produce to countless customers and served as a welcoming little rest stop, was now dark and empty.  I couldn't fight back the tears.  "Job creation" gave a couple 100 people temporary jobs while destroying genuine livelihoods and established businesses.

When I finished chores that night, I tried to convince myself that she was probably just shortening her hours and maybe only open on week-ends.  I wanted to be in denial, but I couldn't.  I dialed the number and heard the recording, "The number you have dialed is no longer in service."

In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Health and Welfare

We all seem to have our own personal definition of what is progress, what is faith, what is wisdom, and what is tomfoolery!  The interesting fact of the matter is, however; what some folks consider wisdom, others count as tomfoolery and faith is absolutely off the charts in debated opinions.  Health care in America seems to be in the headlines, continuously.  As a person who is clearly an outside observer, I'd like to share the information, simply as a spectator.  I will qualify this article with the admission, I have not been a recipient of mainstream medical care since 2001.  I tried for several years to use natural and allopathic in a complementary fashion, but mixing the two failed me terribly, so I went purely natural.  Here's what I've seen and read in the past 12 months.

The reports of America offering the most expensive, yet least effective health care system used to only be available through alternative news sites.  The information can actually now be verified in mainstream media.


There have been no significant improvements in the health care cost and effectiveness in a decade.  This article claims Obamacare will bring some improvement.  If the website roll out was indication of the potential capability, I'd say improvement in care is not on the foreseeable horizon.  The IRS is supposed to be the arm of power and  record keeping of this new system.  Lois Lerner's situation I believe offers keen insight regarding that plan.  Moving right along into the actual chronology of health care in the US.

September 2013, Lois Lerner "retires."  October 2013, the website is unveiled.  November 2013, a reduction in benefits for Veteran's health care.  December 2013, the deadline was moved to March 2014.  January 2014, the website is working properly.  February 2014, many complain that premiums have increased while coverage has been reduced.  March 2014, the deadline is announced and through coercion the numbers goal is reportedly reached.  April 2014, US Health Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius resigns after disastrous roll out.   May 2014, nothing specific to report, the American public seems to have accepted our lot.  Some prepare to pay the penalty, next year.  June 2014, Sylvia Mathews Burwell is sworn in as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services.  Her bio is fascinating. She oversees 77,000 employees who touch the lives of every American.  Full Story  Before this appointment, she was Director of the Office of Management and Budget.  Prior to her work in this administration, she was President of the Walmart Foundation . . . and before that President of the Global Development Program for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  no dots to connect here, folks . . . 

July of 2014, the Health Secretary takes a tour of the CDC in Atlanta.  August of 2014, we import a deadly plague.

And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands . . . prophecy of the Revelation 

Boundaries on the World Wide Web?

It's becoming easier and easier to see why the rest of the world refers to us as rude Americans.  Most Americans are rude . . . if not abroad, certainly then, to each other.  I came to a strange determination the other day that was truly difficult.  I am horrible at establishing boundaries.  I prefer to regard other's fence lines and just remain in my own space, but that isn't how life in America really works.

Back when I first became a part of the world wide web, there of course were religious and political debates, but they were done through groups and for the most part very impersonal.  As a matter of fact, back in the days of groups, the only personal information that was exchanged was done in support and fellowship, rathern than argument.  I've been emissaryscribe@yahoo for a number of years, but only those reaching out in fellowship knew my actual name, until the Goshen Gazette.  As fascinating as my personal computer history is (haha) it's not the actual point of this article.  I'm going somewhere.

Once groups turned into forums, many folks seemed to become more aggressive in their disagreement, while still hiding behind their ID.  It's as if we actually developed and cultivated rudeness while calling it honesty or passion.  The lack of tone to typed words became the excuse to offend.  Keep in mind, even before the internet, we already had a global reputation of being rude Americans.  Now that we've progressed to our real names on social media, privacy issues are a concern, but often manners are not.  The political hacks and religious zealots fascinate me.  I want to ask if this is how they speak with their family and neighbors, but then I realize, most of us are on social media because our social calendar is apparently not filled with attendance obligations and gala events.

This week, I realized I actually need to set boundaries, and maintain them, even if that means censorship.  I am an advocate of free speech and I hate to see it going away, but, we all have our own space and our own social media platform to speak.  Lively debates can be found on forums.  Personal walls and blogs are just that.  A person cares enough about something to make their statement.  I admit in the early days, I made comments like I was participating in a forum.  I learned early, even with Scripture and truth, folks walls are their territory.  Some are gracious, others not so much, but as I've learned the protocol, I've come to understand the formerly social taboos are the primary subjects on the world wide web.

Some folks are going to offer a negative comment or be offended at everything.  There are becoming more and more people who seem to look for something to be offended about.  I find them highly offensive!  Their final scathing private message and block is an answer to prayer.

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

The Source of the Evidence

The case of Meriam Ibrahim has continued to haunt my thoughts.  First, I don't understand why anyone would consider her safe in the Sudan Embassy.  In all the uproar, have we learned nothing from Benghazi?  I'm not sure I understand about the investment she and her husband have in Sudan, but I would think America would be safer for now for them, anywhere but Sudan . . . but that's not really the point of this observation.  Her case inspired a bit of research in one of the time honored political arguments here at home.

Is the current president of the United States a United States citizen?  Is the current president of the United States a secret Muslim?  I'll answer both.

When a baby is born to a mother who is a US Citizen, but outside the country at the time she gives birth, but has not been out of the country consistently for more than five years prior to giving birth, that baby is also a US citizen, regardless of actual place of birth.  In many cases, the child will have dual citizenship, as we see here in America with illegal immigrants.   Children born to illegal immigrants will have dual citizenship, both in America and their mother's home country.  Obama was born to an 18 year old from Kansas.  Whether he was born in Hawaii or abroad, she had been in the US within five years before his birth.  I have stated since this birther situation arose, if this administration had any integrity, rather than producing a disputed document, they would simply produce the Passport he used while attending school in Indonesia.  Passports are issued from the country of citizenship and a matter of permanent record.  But then, that would resolve this blame game.  Is he lying?  He's a politician . . . I, personally, don't think we'll know where he was born until he leaves office.  Regardless of the geographical location of his birth, he was born to a US citizen.

Let's move on to the question of the current president's religious status.  Is he a secret Muslim?  The answer has to be no, there is no secret to the belief of Islam.  In checking the following links, which appear to be hosted by clerics of Islam or at least followers of that religion, in the case of interfaith marriages, the children born of that union are Muslim.

We have a very glaring example of this regarding Meriam Ibrahim.  Her situation is very similar to the one Mr. Obama has chosen to share with us.  Her father was Muslim, but left the family when she was very young.  Her mother raised her in Orthodox Christianity, but the recent court ruling was clear.  The children of a Muslim father are Muslim.  Even with the international outcry against her death sentence, she has still not been released from the country . . . until today.  Her father was Muslim, therefore her claim of Christianity made her an apostate to Islam, punishable by death.  It is my understanding that one can leave Islam or be a secular Muslim, as long as a different religion is not embraced.

Mr. Obama has openly stated that his father was Muslim; apparently not a devout one, but Muslim, none the less.  I also checked for potential variations according to laws of different countries, but this is the law of Islam, regardless of the country.  I've provided some links, as well as the international response to the situation and Meriam Ibrahim's release.

This is only an opinion, but Mr. Obama has always seemed to simply be into self-worship.

He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

http://islamqa.info/en/130231

http://www.zawaj.com/askbilqis/muslim-father-catholic-mother/

http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=125878

http://allafrica.com/stories/201407241596.html

Immigration

Since illegal immigration is making the headlines, I have to wonder what else is going on that we're not being told.  Granted, it is reported in staggering numbers, but illegal immigration has been going on for years, and no administration has done anything to curb it.  So what's next on the Agenda, that TPTB [the powers that be] need the country in divided uproar?  Perhaps this is going to be the "tool" used to build FEMA concentration camps and bring martial law.

Of course immigrants change the culture of a nation.

No American knows that fact better than my ancestors, and I've been rather cheeky about the topic on more than one occasion, actually at every meme opportunity, but . . . the bottom line is, there were no laws regarding immigration when America was overrun with European immigrants, and the culture changed beyond recognition.  As many times as I've posted the meme below, the fact of the matter is, there was no Department of Homeland Security or ICE in 1492.

Regardless of a change of law or even granting amnesty, the current laws are being broken.  I read an interesting observation the other day that went something to the effect of:  "Illegally entering the country doesn't make you a citizen any more than breaking into my home makes you family!"  Keep in mind, this is being used to politically divide this nation further.  For all those who would defend our borders, the other side of the aisle is slinging religious accusations.  To be honest, I'm struggling for a solution.  It's a shame there's not another Australia, where the powers can simply make provision and move the problem off the mainland, the way Britain did.

Illegal immigrants being allowed citizenship and benefits means, only bona fide citizens have to live by the law, and that's not freedom at all!  I know life is not promised to be fair, but those odds are really stacked against those who would abide by the law and pay taxes . . . On the other hand, I believe a border fence would not keep out illegals, but only serve to fence in the citizens . . . also, a far cry from freedom.  To be honest, my solution is to suggest we stop waiting for the government to do nothing.

I've made mention many times over how the red and the blue political lines are our modern civil war.  Realizing we don't want to do to ourselves what the previous administration recommended to Israel, and what has already been done to Native Americans, I would like to offer a non-landlocked solution.   Without transporting illegal immigrants all over the country, we need to collectively determine a few states that politically embrace the idea of ushering them in, and set those states apart for that express purpose, and ask for those who are staunchly voicing their outrage about borders, to be willing to relocate and make this plan work.

It's time to face the fact, our government has surrendered the border.  Several militia organizations are willing to protect the border, so once those who want to embrace the illegal immigrants have relocated and done that, then those who would man the border can do so, freely.  It's time for Americans to back their words with action.  My suggestion is to simply give a few border states, infrastructure and all, to the cause.  If you are an American who supports the illegal immigration, then get to Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona and support them, or send money, and for those who are in those states that don't support it, we'll help you get out.  Maybe we can do some land trading amongst the relocators . . .

If you are an American who supports the borders, then accept the compromise and protect, the southern borders of Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, that SE corner of Nevada, and we may consider negotiations on part of California.  Since we've told Israel to go back to 1967 borders, let's take America back to some earlier borders.  Arizona was the last state to the union before Alaska and Hawaii, and we got along just fine, before.  As a matter of fact, the federal reserve began the year after Arizona became a state, so maybe we could get rid of the federal reserve system, as well, in the deal.

Face the fact, life as we've known it in America is over.  It's not coming back.  It's time to realize, the border deal was signed nearly a decade ago and the illegal immigration problem has been ignored for several decades.  If we don't negotiate a land deal soon, I think we're going to end up with a new military that has no fondness for the legal citizens and no deep respect for the Constitution, which may be a part of the judgment America is facing.

Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:  the Revelation 

Political Correctness

One of my pet peeves is the fact that political correctness seems to only stand, one way.  I'm absolutely furious that racial issues have been included in political correctness, because racism is a spiritual matter addressed in Torah.   Numbers 12:1, 9  And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. . . . And the anger of YHWH was kindled against them; and he departed.  Our Creator is very displeased by racial bigotry.  Now to lump racial bigotry in with the rest of our social ills is deception and rebellion.

Torah speaks against racism, but it also speaks against a myriad of sexual sins.  Scripture is also completely against pride and idolatry and generally forbids that we make up our rules as we go along.  So how did political correctness become so rampant and redefining?  That would be included under the heading of "making up our rules as we go along."  The part of political correctness that really raises my hackles is that it stands precisely against Scripture.  Even the politically correct version of anti-racism is convoluted and wreaks havoc of favoritism and reversed racism.  I'm not always right, just because I'm brown!  And you aren't a racist if you are a different color and disagree with me . . . you're just wrong. [kidding].  Political correctness has redefined tolerance, not to actually tolerate different perspectives, not at all.  "Tolerance" is kowtowing socially, to the loudest crybaby, and bullying those who do not kowtow.

I disagree with much of what is going on under this present administration, but I disagreed with most of what went on in the last administration.  Since my skin tone matches neither leader does that make me a racist or just sick of being misled?  Upon further consideration in this matter, there is no logical or scientific reason to include any sort of racial issue, past or present in this present political agenda.  Moving right along to the problems that are seriously taking us down as a nation.  Ahead of the sexual devolution, there is the matter of making up the rules as we go along and claiming them to be Bible based.

That original premise is faulty.  Do you realize most countries have laws against murder and theft?  Most cultures condemn adultery and lying, and believe parents should be honored.  On that basis, America's got nothing on China or Iran!  The Biblical standard for the way to treat people in society is pretty much acknowledge around the world, and America also shares the same disregard for Sabbath that most countries share, with the exception, of course, of Israel.  Even Israel has it's "stores for Shabbat shoppers" . . . It was the value of freedom that used to set America apart, but that officially died in 2001.  Rather than repent at that warning of 9/11, we went ballistic and put ourselves on lockdown.

To further add to our lack of repentance and increased rebellion, our society has increased the momentum of the sexual agenda.  Mothers now dress their seven year olds the way rebellious teens dressed themselves a generation ago.  I remember, as a teen, girls who would roll their skirts up at the waistband after they arrived at school to give themselves a mini-skirt . . . because they'd have never gotten out of the house in a short skirt.  Now mothers actually dress their young daughters in much more suggestive attire than they would have thought to sneak.  Many middle aged women continue to seem to think beauty must be wrapped in "provocative," so they dress accordingly.

As for the gay agenda, I have one daughter who is actively exposing her children to that lifestyle, and I find that to be very poor parenting, while she claims to be a "tolerant heterosexual."  Clearly not a proud moment, in motherhood, for me!  But that's just my politically incorrect opinion.  In the name of tolerance and religious freedom, a bakery owner was taken to court over his refusal to bake a wedding cake for a same sex wedding reception.  Here's the real kicker.  Same sex marriage isn't even legal in that state, but the ruling against his religious reason was handed down.  Political Correctness and Tolerance is nothing more than an anti-Bible agenda, hiding behind a newly defined freedom and mockery of true civil rights.

. . . YHWH is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you.  History of Holy Scripture

The Open Introduction to the NWO

I was troubled several years ago through the time of the raid at the Yearning for Zion Ranch.  I don't really know what went on inside that place, but what I saw outside in 2008, was an ominous preview of things to come.  First was the sheriff's vehicle, which is pictured below and looks like military equipment.  Second; the church buses that served to remove all those little children from their mothers.  The first blog I ever published addressed the topic of religious devotion and political agenda working in tandem.  The first blog entry in January of 2005, was short and to the point.   Just three short years later we saw it taking place in Texas at the YFZ raid.  That was "all well and good" though because "they" were a cult, as were the Branch Davidians in the 90s . . . ?  Who will next be named as a cult?















Fast forwarding, now to our current growing crisis of illegal immigrant children coming into the country.  The Baptist Family & Children Services are actively involved and it is reported that they even refer to themselves as "Brown Shirts."  The comment appears to be made to sound a bit tongue in cheek, as a mere reference to the color of their shirts which is tan.  I'm leaning more towards programming and desensitization.  BFCS is contracted by the powers that be.  Since this is the second time the word Baptist has been associated with governmental power in Texas, shouldn't we at least consider the connection?  I'm not saying all Baptists are willing to work for the government, but then all Baptists didn't agree with Fred Phelps, either.  My point is not to be picking on a denomination, but rather to point out that organizations willing to be used by the agenda are using religious titles.

I don't know that all Baptists will bow down to the agenda, but it does seem entirely possible, especially regarding children, that this is being used to win trust, and of course, promote safety.  One Congressman didn't have anything good to report, when he tried to visit one of the facilities.
http://dailycaller.com/2014/07/02/u-s-congressman-blocked-from-entering-child-immigrant-facility/

I'm certainly not promoting the Coexist concept, but in all honesty, people do believe their own spiritual beliefs are the correct ones, leaving many, many belief systems to be called false religions or cults.   Although I do not agree with the beliefs of the former YFZ Ranch, which by the way, is now the property of the government, and I didn't agree with the doctrines of David Koresh, but I also do not agree with Islam, traditional Judaism or mainstream 501c3 Christianity, so will my beliefs make the "cult list" as the end of days unfold?  Messiah clearly stated His true followers would be hated.

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.  the Gospel according to Matthew

In the Not So Distant Future

When the headlines present a situation that is not only emotionally charged, unstably unresolved, and a matter of life and death, I have become skeptical.  I hate that fact!  I am very concerned for the woman in Sudan, and hope she is able to leave that country.  This situation in Sudan, however; continues to bring to mind memories of the Terri Schiavo case.  Obviously the circumstances are different, but the spirit of the headlines are the same.  Life and death, hope and despair, resolution reneged . . . yet in all that, the question remains, what's not in the headlines?  Not only does the Schiavo case come to mind, but an Embassy in a country not terribly happy with the US met with some horrific circumstances, still unresolved, also comes to mind.
According to interviews with Wesley Clark, there were six other countries besides Iraq, named some years back, with Libya and Sudan being among those named.

In other headlines:  

Gun retailers, among others are having difficulty accepting certain bank cards, thus impeding sales.  We were told the background checks and doctor's questions, would be the only impediment to potential purchases, but there's more.  See Operation Choke Point

While we are being told the economy is recovering, the biggest indicator, the practical cost of living for the average American, indicates otherwise.  There's no need to take the word of John Q. Public though, and the despair of Jane Doe, here's a quote from the President right before one of his vacations last year.  And it's happening in our own personal lives as well, right?  A lot of us tightened our belts, shed debt, maybe cut up a couple of credit cards, refocused on those things that really matter. The full speech.

I don't know how many have caught this report, as so many of the reports of the economy sound wonderful when they are made initially, then are obscurely revised a few weeks later.  According to the article linked here, the first quarter of 2014 was the worst in five years.  The second quarter ends Monday.  

Meanwhile back at the ranch . . .
http://www.npr.org/2014/06/17/321705941/tensions-still-high-in-nevada-land-over-cattle-dispute

The couple involved in the shooting spree in Las Vegas had been to the Bundy ranch, and had been asked to leave.  Although there was little mention of it, they had also been involved in the Occupy Movement.  From various sources, they appeared to be a couple of malcontents looking for a cause, any cause.
http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/06/10/couple-responsible-for-vegas-shooting-spree-recently-lived-in-indiana/

Just in case there isn't enough confusion and aren't enough emotional hot button topics in the headlines we've had "Gay Pride Month."  We'll also soon see if our government has actually found a way around the First Amendment with the Hobby Lobby case before the Supreme Court.   Since Congress can make no law regarding religion, we'll see if the spirit of the Bill of Rights will be upheld by the Supreme Court.
I've had an interesting question continue to cross my mind regarding all this sexual confusion.
Are the Muslim countries the only ones refusing to embrace the homosexual agenda?  Are Muslim countries the only ones actually promoting procreative heterosexual sex?  Even without converts, that alone could account for the expansion of Islam.

In these few brief paragraphs that just skim the news headlines without mention of going back to Iraq, the California drought, the hundreds of unattended children from the border, and the flooding of the Mississippi; it's easy to see another major crisis, looming on the horizon.  Detroit has actually appealed to the UN for help and military style vehicles are appearing in local law enforcement lots all over this country.  Please, get your spiritual houses in order and make sure your lamps are full of oil.

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  words of Messiah

Comparatively Speaking

Admittedly, I am glad an officer stepped forward and told the harsh truth about something that should have never taken place.  I am glad the alleged officer will not have the privilege of breaking the law and hiding behind his badge.  When I read about the unnecessary killing of a dog that had already been restrained and posed no threat, I was disgusted.  To be honest, I viewed the news clip and read the report with very mixed emotions.  Killing an animal unnecessarily is reprehensible, but seeing what appeared to be some sort of press conference on the matter with several officers present sent my mind racing.

There are dash cam and phone videos all over the internet also alleging police brutality, but there are no press conferences about those.  I've reported on cases in which people are hospitalized, some have even died, and so often the "official report" is the officers were following policy and protocol.  A woman was murdered in her vehicle as she was driving away, and had there not been a man working on a nearby house who witnessed the situation, the truth may have never been told.  Former officer Daniel Harmon Wright was convicted and sentenced to three years.  When I see groups of officers arriving on a scene and their main concern is to turn videos off, I'm pretty sure I know whose side of the story will stand.

In reading these reports, most law abiding citizens continue to be sure this couldn't happen to them, or they'd react differently, but what happens when a medical condition precludes that option?  This was the case for Thomas Mathieu, a diabetic, who had the wherewithal to pull over when he felt the problem.  Police officers are supposed to be trained as first responders to recognize basic potential health problems, but by their own admission, this was not the case.  They did not first consider the possibility of a medical emergency.  Their treatment of Mr. Mathieu resulted in his hospitalization with lacerations and three broken ribs.  An internal investigation determined that excessive force was not used by the officers and they were cleared of any charges.

We know all only the extremes make the news and ninety percent of police business is business as usual, but is the business of law enforcement superseding "to serve and protect?"  A serious problem that seems to be developing is two fold.  One, when people lose faith or fear the police, they will be more apt to take matters into their own hands rather than calling 911.  The other problem is these immoral brutal cops are placing their colleagues in danger.  A society will quickly deteriorate with a "them and us" mentality.  The "them and us" mentality can quickly become "him or me."  We've watched it happen politically, and now it's taking place in life and death situations.

I am absolutely against animal cruelty, but I am also against police brutality and assault.  The fact that an officer can be investigated for asking to not drive the lead car in a gay parade, and felony charges have already been brought against an officer who killed a dog, while it is "policy" for humans to be brutalized and traumatized by police is unacceptable.  It is barbaric.

 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Regarding Gun Control

It seems most of us believe in the Second Amendment, but in a strange quirk of irony, most also seem to believe that certain people should not be afforded a Second Amendment right.  This country really is full of oxymorons, so full, I'm beginning to think the word itself needs to be hyphenated to better refine the definition.  It's becoming clear that the powers that be regard the Bill of Rights to be just a list of ideas that everyone is not entitled to enjoy.

It's reported that doctors are now asking patients if there are guns in their homes.  Don't think for a minute, everyone on anti-depressants or some psychotropic drug won't be hearing a question, in the near future, about gun ownership before they get their refill.  I have to tell one of my favorite quirks in life from years ago, before I get to the actual point of this article.

Years ago I was in a very abusive marriage, and he was a gun owner.  When he left, I got an order of protection, and he hadn't taken his gun, so at that time . . . I wasn't about to hand it over to him.  My parents who are avid NRA supporters determined that I should not have a gun in the house, so they would take it for safe keeping.  That was years ago, and it was resolved at the time of the divorce, but every time I hear the NRA defending the Second Amendment and see Daddy's decal on his big truck, I can't help but smirk about the irony.  I'm probably one of the few Americans who lost their Second Amendment right to the NRA!  (LOL)

Now, back to the actual point of this article.  I hadn't realized, until lately, just how many people are training for the Concealed Carry Weapon Permit.  It's becoming so common the letters CCW are recognized as pertaining to the permit.  When a person applies for the permit, a background check is done, thus they are entered into the databank, and it's a fair presumption they are either a hand gun owner or plan to be.  When a gun is purchased, a background check is done, and often a name and address must be given when purchasing ammunition.  That is not the case in every ammo purchase, but it is becoming more common. An ammunition purchase is a clear indicator of the type and caliber of gun.  I can't imagine anyone without access to a gun, buying ammunition, and no one would intentionally purchase the wrong ammunition.  Guns are fairly ammo-specific.


Between background checks for gun acquisition, name and address for some ammunition purchases, hunting licenses and concealed carry weapon permits, the powers that be have a pretty good idea where the legal guns are in the country.  From everything I've read about gun control, it's only the legal ones that are traced and potentially confiscated.
As for illegal weapons, they are usually confiscated at the crime scene.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  words of Messiah