Equal Opportunity Offender

I love people, but I am not terribly sociable.  I am friendly and always say hello, but I feel awkward as soon as the small talk begins, always have.  I have strong convictions and I make every effort to live by them.  I do long for greater fruit of the Spirit regarding gentleness, as I tend to be rather forthright and blunt.  My attitude is changing though, as to how to direct the gentleness I would like to display in my life.  There are a few groups of folks that I will no longer be handling with kid gloves.  I've really been heavy hearted about the children of this nation and world and it's time all the adults with a voice, wise up and speak up.

I've been noticing for years now, the so called "tolerant" are most intolerant of anyone with convictions.  I no longer care if you tolerate me or not, I'm not giving up my convictions.  Last Friday, when the SCOTUS declared their self-exaltation to overrule Scripture, I noticed two things immediately.  It seemed the colorful "party favors" at the taxpayers expense were already in place.  Nobody is going to convince me that all those colored lights were ordered and installed that same day!  Second, I realized all the states that had voted down same sex marriage have been overruled by five people who were never elected.  Americans are not represented in the government, and the three branches do not keep each other in check, at all!

Once those ideas settled in, I then became very politically aware that I needed to add the word "rainbow" to my sentence describing the White House as now the Colored House.  More political correctness.  Which of course, brought me to how very far we've NOT come, racially.  Rather than everyone living and letting live, we've found even more ways to be racially divided and offended.  The race card continues to be well played and this brown woman is sick and tired of it!  Racism is wrong, reverse racism is wrong.  Children are not born racist.  Racism is taught by very small minded people and reverse racism is rallied, also by very small minded people.

As for all the new gender bender identity issues, I'm just not playing.  I still remember when Bruce Jenner won the Gold in 1976.  He'll never be anyone but Bruce to me. and I refuse to use female pronouns.  He's openly referred to still having "that little thing" and has not discussed "reassignment" surgery.  So, although he may refer to his male genitalia as "that little thing" when it comes to sexual identity, size doesn't matter.  If you have male genitalia, you are a "he."  If you came equipped with female anatomy, you are a "she."  In all this sexually open talk in our society, it's very simple.  I'll use plumbing and electrical terms.  Parts that point outward and fit into another part is male.  Fittings that are hollow and connect around another part are female.  See how easy that is!  Any questions?  

Now as for gay marriage.  Sexual sin is rampant in many forms and the Bible has quite a bit to say about heterosexual sin.  I've not participated in homosexual sin, but I've certainly been guilty of heterosexual fornication, and that's sin also.  Torah does allow for divorce, so all I can say is, I've repented, I've been forgiven.  I've worn mixed threads in my clothing, but I stopped doing that too, and yes I've had, probably, just about every non-kosher meat there is, but I've repented and kept kosher now for 20 years, and fornication went out the window even before I became Torah observant.

I was under the impression, truly I was, that becoming a Christian meant Torah no longer applied.  I've since seen the light, repented and been forgiven.  Homosexual sin is not the unpardonable sin, but it is sin and the only way to be forgiven is to repent.  Now I'm a married heterosexual in a very strained and estranged relationship.  We are not equally yoked spiritually, and mutually not attracted to each other, but Mr. B does not want a divorce, so since I'm still legally married, sex with anyone else would be adultery.  I've been living celibate for 8 years now, and I'm still alive to tell about it.  Regardless of the changes in the law to accommodate the LGBT, etc. it's just never going to be enough!  "Suck it up buttercup" and stop all your sniveling!  Several years before this last marriage I was celibate.  I've found myself attracted to other men, but acting upon that attraction would be sin.

And stop comparing this to civil rights for blacks.  It is not the same!  It's not even comparing apples to oranges!  Skin color is a physical characteristic, sexual behavior is a choice.  So, LGBT, nobody is telling you have to like the opposite sex, it's just sin if you keep having sex with the same sex.   I refer to myself as a disenfranchised heterosexual.  Add that one to the gender identity glossary.

So Elohim created man in His own image, in the image of Elohim created He him; male and female created He them.  Torah of Holy Scripture

Brown

Here is a simple fact of life.  If you judge someone by the color of their skin, you're a very shallow individual and missing a great deal in life.  Racism is wrong, reverse racism is wrong.  We the people are being played the race card daily, and it's stacked against both blacks and whites.  Anyone who still believes a president of color is bringing unity is simply out of touch, much like Congress; for instance.  As a Native American, I'm not really part of the black/white issue, but I do have my own issues and I've been doing some serious soul searching on the matter.

Why we choose to carry the grudge of past generations remains unclear, other than perhaps, it somehow makes us less responsible for our own shortcomings.  I have to watch myself, although it does seem brown folks with no over the border accent get away with quite a bit of racism.  For instance:

I live in an area that is dense with casinos of the various Native American Nations.  It's an open statement when it comes to the white gamblers, "We are taking it back, one dollar at a time."  It's as if we get a pass on making an observation since we are brown.  Actually most of us, unless we are true blue bloods, have no idea what all is in our DNA. 

My school days began before desegregation, by just a couple of years.  My first grade teacher referred to me as a "little colored girl."  My second grade teacher was openly bigoted, and on more than one occasion I was called the "n" word by fellow students.  The teacher didn't admonish them, so of course, I went home and told my mom.  Her response was, "You just tell them you're a little bit of everything."  That's when I learned about the "1 drop rule" . . .  Being Native American was obvious and a real point of pride on Daddy's side, so that was understood.  Through my years of education and well into my adult life, based on my mother's comment, I figured I had both European and African ancestry.  I identified as Native American (plus) and didn't identify black or white, but racial division was still very strong, so rather than being a little bit of everything, I wasn't anything . . . I could pass as most any ethnicity, but I was never viewed as white.  As times changed and I moved on, it really didn't make any difference.  I'm simply brown, but have realized I can be very disrespectful when I perceive white superiority or black victimhood.

To every white racist who generalizes folks of darker skin to be lazy, let's talk about lazy.  If your ancestors hadn't been too lazy to do their own work on their stolen land, there'd have been no African slaves.  Think about it.  We see it now with illegal immigration in factory farming and picking acres upon acres of produce.  In general, white Americans have really never wanted to actually work the land, just own it.  The settlement of this country was pretty much modeled after what they had escaped from Europe.  Basically, white European immigrants could become the aristocrats of the new world.  Take the Native's land and buy a few slaves to work it.  

To those of enhanced melanin, you have to realize black also has privilege and often carries with it some power of intimidation.  Not all, but many blacks, especially the young people, seem easily offended by general terms.  I'm ever mindful to call a black youth, a young man, never a boy.  I don't give it a second thought about calling white kids or Latinos, boys.  I will never justify slavery or racial slurs, but by the same token we all have to admit it's okay in our society to have exclusionary black organizations which is also based upon race.  I would agree that there continues to be an air of "white privilege" but it's socially unacceptable to label it as such.  Reverse racism is socially acceptable and seemingly politically correct, but it really shouldn't be.

Now, I have one last observation for both blacks and whites, and a bit of advice.  The brown folk are gaining in population and now that a black president has been elected "they/we" will be the oppressed race.  There are two simple facts here that need to be pointed out.  One, President Obama and Dr. Ben Carson are proof it's really a matter of determination, rather than skin color and privilege.  Two, just because the first round of immigrants insisted upon changing the "complexion and culture;" this country was originally inhabited by brown folk living off the land . . .  If my people, the various Native tribes, had not been fighting amongst ourselves, and worked together to protect our land, history may have turned out quite differently.  It's just something to think about as the black/white racial division seems to actually be worsening, while the reality is: there are two generations of biracial brown folk, illegal immigrants from south of the border willing to do the work neither blacks nor whites want to do, and the casinos are sending my people a check every month.     

For Elohim so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  ~  words of Messiah

Again with Redefinition

I often get a preview of what's coming down the pike and this redefinition of good and evil has been right in front of me, my entire life, becoming more blatant in recent years.  I grew up in a home that was quite confusing by definition.  I now refer to my childhood not just as "white was black and black was white, but purple was green and orange was blue . . .  To put it mildly, I grew up confused.

I was born in the late 50s to teenagers who told me how scary the world was and how different it was from when they were growing up.  Actually, Daddy didn't do that so much, but he backed everything Mom said.  One, the stories they told me about kidnappings etc. happened before they were even born, and two, they weren't even grown when I was born.  Even in all the fear-mongering which my mother is still "family famous" for, I knew deep down, this was a control tactic.  Protection / control was my first taste of redefinition.  Appearance and reality was my next taste of redefinition.  Long before it was a social media meme I was introduced to "captivity is safety."  It went on from there, until I was a stupid teenager and made a couple of poor decisions, which resulted in my parents telling me they would never trust me again.  Now, at 57 over 20 years in ministry, they still don't, so enough energy spent there.  It has taught me, though to understand redefinition and value those who do not plant fear and do offer a mutually trusting relationship.

Moving along, I have come to realize many terms can be used to offer negative or positive implication, and quite often be very misleading.  When first coming to social media, I got a real taste of appropriate vs. inappropriate and some were lessons for my behavior and some were red flags for me, regarding the behavior of others.  After following along a particular saga of lost keys, I discovered the "victim" used the term "stalking" to describe my following in that particular situation.  Notice both victim and stalking are in quotes.  I now tend to keep my comments limited to three on any thread, with the exception of a few folks.  Of course going from yahoo groups to forum boards to now this social media, I did have some cyber manners to acquire.  Hopefully, I have, for the most part.  The funny thing about this individual who referred to me as stalking her posts, ended up unfriending me, blocking me, and now follows me . . . (need emoticon here)

Grandkids are awesome for getting the real scoop on life.  I was enjoying their visits on school breaks, especially when their mom was single and branching out socially.  As it turns out, when mom didn't need a babysitter, g-ma was informed indirectly that she was "monopolizing" the grandchildren's time.  Great vocabulary . . . serpentine definition.  That one hit kind of hard, but it was preparing me for the redefinitions that were yet to come.

In the past few years, many acquaintances have done what they can to make sure the exact location of the homestead is in a google search and on GPS.  It doesn't matter what I say . . . at any rate, one woman came to visit and wanted to learn all about everything I do.  I'm not a teacher and made that clear, but was more than happy to show her how easy it is to have a home based business in an extra bedroom.  Since I have a soap and natural health business, my product is made in batches.  Each soap batch yields about 30 bars of soap which means "inventory."  Since it takes nearly two months to cure I do try to stay a bit ahead.  I don't want to have to turn down an order or keep track of back orders.  I was certainly taken aback by her comment, as the "tour" was completing.  She voiced her appreciation for showing her my "hoarding room."  I can assure you, the very last thing any business person wants to do is "hoard" inventory.  The whole point of business is to keep product moving OFF the shelves.

As an internet journalist, I do try keep abreast of current events, folks seeking their 15 minutes of fame, and align that with where we are in the fulfillment of prophecy, as well as publishing the Good News and sounding the warning to repent.  I was speaking with one of my daughters about my distress over the Bruce Jenner deal regarding the impact on young people.  She, who took her teens to a Gay Pride Parade last year, publishing photos on FB mentioned she just didn't make time for the gossip and check stand magazines.  My first thought was to be offended at her intentional barb, but then I realized, she's chosen a path of the majority that appears to blind them as to what is really unfolding.  Bruce Jenner's need for attention doesn't concern me nearly as much as the fact our nation is choosing to rebel openly against the Word of our Creator, both in sexual perversion and blatant pride.  The fact that parents are actually introducing this to their children, is mind boggling.  How many of our young people will be confused and misled by this atrocity?  Being aware and sounding the warning has become socially synonymous with the term "gossip?"  How truly sad.

I was well aware, at least pretty sure, that we wouldn't just one day awaken in "Backward World" calling good evil and evil good, but the method seems far from subtle as the meanings of words are twisted in such a serpentine way!

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Prophet of Holy Scripture

In Other News

As news of Bruce Jenner's confusion filled the headlines and social media, there was much more going on that seems truly less confusing, but ominously overwhelming and potentially life altering.

While Congress is playing politics about invading our privacy with phone surveillance, the Pentagon apparently sent live Anthrax to over fifty labs in 17 different states, Washington DC, and three other countries.  Anthrax is deadly and the Pentagon is in charge of the military.  I'm not sure what will happen in these 17 states, but foreign entities may react strongly to this discovery.  Fortunately for us, all three countries are allies, at least they were before the Anthrax.

The weather has caused some areas in some states to be declared disasters due to flooding and storms, which means FEMA to the rescue.  There were 13 states listed for federal assistance so far in 2015.  Now some, were for late winter storms, while others are as recent as last week.  Seven states were listed since the spring season began, but I was unable to determine when or if FEMA had left or if the presence of this agency has remained.

Racial tension was exceedingly high in Missouri late last summer and into autumn with continuing non-resolution and federal oversight, while Baltimore, MD has become a treacherous with nearly a stand down police force.  New York continues to experience race and police issues.  All three of these situations have not been resolved to date, but have become hotspots of potential federal policing or military guard.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, bird flu has been reported in several states, with over 45 million chickens and turkeys destroyed.  Large poultry operations in some states have suffered tremendous loss, which will ultimately result in two things.  The food supply will be reduced, and some farmers will not be able to recover.  For the powers that be, that means even more control of the food and probably some land in mortgage foreclosure.  Since bird flu has been "discussed" and studies funded for ten years now, there's probably not much time until it mutates and becomes a human illness as well.

All of this in the "background" while those of us following the expansion of Operation Jade Helm 15 are being called conspiracy theorists.  A military operation that includes all the southern states except Alabama is not a theory, it's a published fact.  Now, if untruth is being published, that's another issue, but it still doesn't make the reader the conspiracy theorist.  This military operation also includes the state that houses the agency that sent the live Anthrax.

In making a list of states affected or involved in just the previously stated issues, and taking note of the overlap, I was shocked.  Keep in mind, the previous paragraphs do not address the long forgotten Ebola virus, states reporting listeria, potential tick diseases or "disease outbreaks" from summer vacations at theme parks and cruises.  

California and Texas made more than one of the lists, but this is the reality.  Between areas declared disasters from storms, USDA regulation of bird flu, racial tensions, live anthrax, and Operation Jade Helm, not to mention Michigan's surprise military exercises; 36 states and Washington DC are on these four lists.  That is 75% of the contiguous 48!  And the timing?  

Now that we have entered the time prophesied in which evil is called good and good is evil, is discernment being labeled conspiracy theorist?  Will wisdom and knowledge soon be called dissonance?   Even though Paul penned Romans 13:1-2, we need to remember he must have come to a place of that he had to choose between The Word and Rome, as he was executed by the Roman government.

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

Divided for the Conquering . . .

By now, most of us have realized, having a black president did not relax racial tension.  On the contrary, the tension seems to be heightened, while our President and First Lady continue to draw attention to racial conflict.  Undoubtedly, there are white racists in this country, but there are also black race baiters.  Meanwhile young people of all races are watching, believing the programming they are being fed from the side in which they are standing.  For whatever reason, tolerance calls us to hate bigots while baiters are given a free pass.  This country is, once again, racially divided.  Ferguson, MO and Baltimore, MD appear to have stepped back in time, and now college campuses offer "ethnic safe spaces."  The author of the article linked makes no bones about the fact, color speaks louder than freedom of the press.

Religious division is really gaining ground, even amongst those who claim the same basic beliefs.  Every week, I find at least two articles addressing the exodus from the church.  Then there are the various factions of the latest Hebraic movement that really seem rather denominational in their grouping and discussion.  The anti-religious seem to be able to unite in their anti-theism and are sadly gaining numbers and power over the public square.  The division is quite real, and the aggression against those with different beliefs is gaining momentum.  While the evangelicals tend to be divided Sunday morning, they are politically united at the polls.

Law enforcement is becoming quite militarized and while I do believe we still have some good cops, I also know there are some ruthless bad ones.  The police brutality has caused much division racially, as well as a general tone of "them vs. us" for a number of years, and now the biker situation in Texas has raised even more skepticism and distrust.  The truth is, when there is a bad guy breaking and entering, 911 is the link to our beloved law enforcement that is there to protect and serve.  On the other hand, when cruising down the highway and we see the lights on top of the car, the "them vs. us" is apparent with our own adrenaline charge and memory of every brutality video on the net.

There has been a generation gap since the dawn of creation, and along with that, the different standard of morality.  A decline in standards is a rapid drop.  Adam and Eve with their forbidden fruit, to the next generation committing murder speaks of the rapid decline of civility in this world.  The generational blame that has occurred in this country, I find to be quite, stale; for lack of a better word.  We all know the baby boomers economically and morally destroyed America and are destroying what's left . . .  Although the blame rolls off my shoulders like water off a duck's back, I will admit the boomers, as a whole sold out and haven't done much to improve the situation.  The generational division has always been, but the blame, well maybe . . . much of the church still teaches everyone is paying for past generational sins all the way back to the Garden.  Perhaps we lack the civility to not let a different perspective divide us; but blaming each other will absolutely bring division.

The Supreme Court is about to serve up a whopping dish of division with the same sex marriage decision coming in June.  There is NO way this will not bring division.  If they render a decision against same sex marriage, the gay agenda will explode.  If the decision is in favor of same sex marriage, the Supreme Court has exalted itself above Scripture, which will result in calamity of Biblical proportion.  This division will be the ultimate LOSE/LOSE for our society.  LGBT has made no bones about it. They are aggressive and will be relentless.  In the 2013 decision regarding DOMA, as the LGBT representatives stood on the steps in Washington a spokesperson for the group stated, "this is not enough."  From what I can see, the agenda wants our children, our businesses, our money, and our submission, and I don't know if that will be enough!

Thanks to mainstream media, every small glitch, and every misunderstanding can now be exaggerated internationally and blown completely out of proportion, while lacking context and be quoted as truth, while we all state, "I just don't trust mainstream media."  I find myself leaning toward news sources that are definitely outside of mainstream, yet fact checking can be very difficult and I certainly do not want to give a false report.  All things considered, though, fact checking mainstream media, doesn't offer much reassurance either.  Operation Jade Helm 15 continues to be downplayed in the news officially, while those of us trying to keep it on the radar are billed as conspiracy theorists.  More division, always more division.

Sadly, our politics appears to be divided by all of the divisive topics . . . Or perhaps, our politics are simply choreographed to give the appearance of party division, rather than the true division which is between "the powers that be" and "we the people."  Since that line appears to be based upon wealth, perhaps it's time to stop watching the politicians for leadership, and stop listening to the media for answers, and realize the love of money is the root of all evil and the only true refuge is found in our Creator.

And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.  ~ words of Messiah

Pervasive Perversion

While we look at ISIS, illegal immigration, and Operation Jade Helm 15, I see a true nemesis.  The true nemesis is the Agenda of Perversion masquerading in our society, as sexual tolerance and anti-bullying.  This so called tolerance is tolerant of everything except chaste decorum, and as for anti-bullying, I think the Oregon Supreme Court has spoken volumes in defense of bullying against those who are just living their life and not trying to hurt anyone.  I've struggled with writing this article, because on many levels, it hits entirely too close to home.  As far as I know, homosexuality is not a family issue yet, but we've had our own brand of justification for a number of years now, from shotgun weddings to illegitimate births, to my own personal divorce statistics.  The gay agenda may be the straw that breaks the camel's back, but this nation and world have been on a slippery slope of immorality for a very long time, and the perversion is much more pervasive than just the LGBT.

Although I am not an advocate of sinning, sadly; I am still not perfect.  I believe in resting on the Sabbath and keeping a kosher diet, as well as the other commandments of Torah regarding personal behavior, which includes sexual behavior.  I do not believe Messiah came to change the Instructions for righteous living.  He came to set the example for righteous living and bring redemption.  Obeying the Laws of G-d does not earn one the right to be a child of G-d.  His grace is what affords us to be His children, and grateful gracious children strive to obey.  It seems obvious, at least here in America, that ignoring the Laws of our Creator is hazardous to our health, and thus to our society.  Willful disobedience, by definition is in fact; sin.

Now with that being said, which sins are causing the most problems?  Sexual issues seem to be the most problematic, on many levels.  Probably the biggest problem with sexual sin is it tends to affect the most people, and often makes more people.  When the concept of same-sex marriage was introduced, we were told, it would not affect those who do not embrace the concept.  That isn't true!  People are losing their businesses, their jobs, and their livelihoods; and the decision has yet to be rendered by the Supreme Court.  The public school system is openly declaring that LGBT does indeed affect everyone, not only in the reading curriculum, but in sports, using the restrooms, and even showers!  For whatever reason, sexual tolerance is being forced and there's just something wrong with that on a very base level.  If two lesbians can feel "mentally raped" for someone to stand by their beliefs, I think many of the rest of us can use that same term, as this aggressive sexual agenda is forced down our throat.  Aggressively targeting and attacking a Christian bakery is just as much bullying as picking on a feminine boy or a rugged tomboy at school.   But, alas, this sexual agenda began long before two lesbians started whining or before an Olympian doubted his sexuality.

I grew up in a time in which premarital sex was frowned upon by a generation who obviously had crossed that line in their own teenage years, and our generation was bringing the "sexual revolution."  Interestingly, revolution and revolting have the same root word, and sadly the revolution has brought revolting results.  This article is in no way intended to remove personal responsibility for the moral decline of this nation, but America made a serious mistake over a century ago, when marriage became legislatively governed, thus ceasing to be sacred.  Oh, I know, we all heard that single line as the preacher officiates: "joined in the sight of G-d," but once marriage involved a state license, we had mingled holy with profane.  Now, all these years later, the Supreme Court of the land has already determined it has the right to rule on Scripture, and the social validity thereof.

With the sexual revolution came a sexual openness in our society, that included pornography.  Or perhaps, it was the pornography industry that "inspired" the sexual openness, I can't speak with true knowledge on that subject.  What I do know, is television programming became more blatant, movies were often filled with a great deal of sexual content as the rating system became blurred, and then cable brought sexuality openly into everyone's living room.  All of that was gaining momentum through last century.  The internet has made pornography available in a simple click of the mouse.  I was not raised with a father who read Playboy, but my uncle did, and provided my cousins with their own copy.  I still remember the shocking find in helping them unpack when they moved.

I was born to teenaged parents, who eloped and undoubtedly prayed for a late arrival.  I grew up, with my own set of hang-ups about that, so I decided to do it differently.  I had intended to be a single mom, but ultimately decided my child should grow up in a two parent household . . . I got that wrong, in several attempts.  I am now living undivorced and celibate with a disabled husband in what has been the longest marriage of my life . . . Considering my track record, I know this is somehow the result of the law of sowing and reaping, or as some would say; "comeuppance."   Each generation in our society appears to only intensify their stand against Torah.  The current status of society indicates my family is no exception to the rule, or substandard to the general population in America, but we've certainly done nothing to raise the standard!  By the time I came to a covenant relationship with our Creator, my kids had been raised pretty permissively.

I know a woman who is nearly 40 and married, while working in the rather kinky end of the adult entertainment industry.  She's not a dancer or stripper, nuff said there, except she has mentioned two things I find very spiritually haunting.  One, after reading my book, "Can We All Be Wrong?" I did what I thought was mentor, encourage her to read the Bible, and answer her questions, but in looking back . . . At any rate she said she realized homosexuality was wrong. Although she didn't feel led to that lifestyle, had always supported their right, until reading what was written in Leviticus.  The next year, I saw photos of her with her teen aged daughters attending a gay pride parade.  The second thing about this individual is her insistence in discussing her career and perspective with someone she knows doesn't want to hear about it.  This sexual agenda is so aggressive.  Anyway, in one of our few conversations since she's embraced the darkness, she mentioned doing some modeling . . . I can't help but wonder, now, when I see some of the illustrations of the Harlot of Babylon, if she indeed has done some modeling.

My parents generation said, you could sanctify fornication with a marriage license.  My generation said divorce and cohabitation are fine . . . The generation we raised now says anything goes, and we're going to force it on everyone . . . What will be the stand of the next generation?   Or will society even survive the absence of a moral standard?  So far, there is no evidence that a society can survive this sort of moral breakdown.  

If I were to do it all over again, or if anyone were listening to my advice, I would suggest a religious ceremony, only without a state license, and not on a Sabbath.  Then a legal change of name for the bride, and do not use the children as tax deductions . . .

And even as they did not like to retain G-d in their knowledge, G-d gave them over to a reprobate mind . . . Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful . . . Who knowing the judgment of G-d, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.  ~  letter to Rome

Are We Being Prepared?

The term "prepared" is being bandied around in many circles.  I watched two short videos this week, both about preparing, both very different, and both very sure their information is from G-d.  What I know, is, Y'hshuwah said, "Be ready."  He also said we know not the day or the hour of His return.  At the time he was on earth, he said he didn't even know, only the Father knew.  One look at social media interaction of folks talking about the Bible is clear indication, "we don't know the day or the hour of Messiah's return, because when it comes to our Creator's calendar, it's clear we don't even know what day it is!"

As to the videos, to be honest, I'm sure both are wrong, and of course there are those who would say I am wrong.  The woman spoke of a very soon rapture as the time of tribulation is becoming imminent.  There's no Scriptural basis for her belief, and her description of how this vision and dream came seemed very similar to the origin of the rapture theory.  A sick little girl had a dream or vision.  Now as for the man who made a video, his was an arrogant condescension about those of us who are watching the development of Operation Jade Helm.  We're told the treatment Jeremiah received as he tried to warn the people Babylon was taking over.  Do I think Operation Jade Helm is the government declaring war on the people?  No, not in so many words.  Do I think we should be prepared for a different way of living?  Absolutely!  I do think we are being prepared to live under a new level of what will be called "security."

Perhaps a better question than "are we prepared" or "is our military preparing," is:  "Are we being set up?"  We need to keep in mind just a few things about our recent American history, and by recent, I mean since WWII.  Our interstate highways were put in place by a general/president, for military purposes and fashioned after the German autobahn.  I would encourage you to read about the administration and accomplishments of President Eisenhower.  So, when we are told by many with a military background that the military uses the interstate all the time, they are correct, but take note; most of them are not still in the military either.

ISIS has become the latest nemesis in American culture but it hasn't united the people like invading Afghanistan did.  When I see some of the images I have to wonder if ISIS is presented to America in the same way Russian Communism was in Nazi Germany?  I mean no disrespect to those who are in the clutches of ISIS, but America really isn't taking an active stand for those people, yet our military has time to play Operation Jade Helm on our own home soil.

With the government now in charge of health care, there is a report that SS will begin to be reduced by 2017.  That's just one recent report, that may well be nothing more than inciting fear.  It is obvious, however; that the retired force and disabled force are in greater ratio to the workforce than ever before.  The following paragraph is found in the recent report found on what appears to be the official site.  This benefit formula change will be phased in very slowly, beginning in 2017 and not fully 
phasing in until 2050. Because all bend point factors will continue to be wage-indexed, 
future beneficiaries will continue to have inflation-adjusted benefits larger than those 
received by equivalent beneficiaries today.  The cost of health care is exponentially increased as we age.  Medicare is even more costly than the monthly social security checks that are issued.  We really need to look at Germany's pre WWII history regarding health care for everyone.  

I awoke to the reality that the power was out.  Since I'm heading off grid, there are a few things already in place, as well as having developed several simplicity alternatives along the way.  One individual who came across as an arrogant buffoon compared the Jade Helm discussions to Y2K.  By the details he gave, it sounded like he was "right in the midst of that fear."  I knew the Y2K scare was just to let us know how much was controlled by technology and there is even more now.  I was so sure of the fabricated fear that when I was in Haiti in November of 1999, I told the local ministries, I was sure there would be a number of generators available after the new year.  I was running an inner city mission and did three things in precaution of Y2K.  I bought a few extra bags of rice, a second propane tank for my grill, and I prayed.  So many in that neighborhood were dependent upon food stamps, that I thought one electronic glitch could result in a neighborhood of hungry children, so I spent an extra $20.00 just in case and although it was business as usual, I've never regretted that small step of precaution.  It's not hoarding or fear to be able to share into next week, yet I digress.  Back to no electricity.

Electricity is pretty vital to most of our lifestyle now.   As I considered the possibility of a power outage in the southern states in July and August, folks could get get pretty hot.  The loss of electricity for air conditioning, not to mention all the conveniences, could trigger a hostile environment.  As short fused and dependent as many Americans are, it wouldn't really take much of a glitch for lack of comfort and supply to become panic. Panicked people are not rational.

The Supreme Court's decision regarding gay marriage could divide this country in June.  The racial tension in many large cities is already intense.  The "them vs. us" mentality between citizens and law enforcement is at an all time high.  Poultry farms are being destroyed in many northern states.  Some farmers simply could not plant this year, as grain prices plummeted last year.  Raw milk is under attack, regularly; yet in all this, the majority of this nation remains dependent for their food supply.  The political differences are only going to intensify as the Presidential campaigns get an early start.  Meanwhile, we've lost track of ebola, while vaccines are possibly soon to be government mandated.  The reality is, much of our nation has already incurred some form of trouble on a large scale, yet confined to that area.  Unrest and distrust abounds, which seems to be serving to polarize our society on every issue.  We cannot keep blaming "them" and think anything is going to get better.

Regardless of what our government has planned or not planned, and regardless of the UN, the real problem America is facing, is judgment.

Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek YHWH understand all things.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Is a Crisis in the Making?

Is there anything in America that isn't causing fear and division right now?  Particularly troubling, are the political loyalists.  As I read the articles from mainstream sources and read the comments presented by the party loyalty I'm troubled.  Whether the topic is Gay Rights or Jade Helm, the democrats sound exactly like the republicans did when the USA Patriot Act was passed without question in light of 9/11, which now raises questions in and of itself.

Let's take a brief walk down memory lane since 9/11.  With the USA Patriot Act came TSA and two wars, not to mention a serious and further distrust along party lines, not between the "officials" but amidst "we the people."  There is also the fact that the group of folks in Washington who used to be called public servants are now referred to as elected officials.  It may seem insignificant and only semantics, but the subliminal inference is astounding when one considers the future generations are being programmed.   If I had a dollar for every time I heard a republican say to me in regard to my negativity about the USA Patriot Act, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about."  I truly did laugh at those same people when the party of administration changed and "invaded their privacy."  Well, not really laugh, because sadly whether or not either party loyalists wake up, we are all on the same sinking ship.

Moving right along to this latest attempt to make "the other party" feel conspiranoid has now changed sides.  Mainstream news sources are trying to make the Texas Governor sound like a paranoid nut over Operation Jade Helm 15.  When you consider this "Operation" is taking place in 9 states, while also knowing the factor in military equipment was brought into Missouri, and Maryland, over racial tension, and New York has buried two officers in a week.  Now reading that big equipment has been spotted in New Hampshire and the BLM is still in Nevada and covering parts of the great North West.  The midwest will be, once again, in federal emergency condition with storm destruction.  Factor in, the big chicken kill in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, and the questionable legal controversies in Michigan, the Governor of Texas just may have cause for concern.

I could resolve the disgust with the last administration and party followers by simply letting my Passport expire and learning to live below the poverty level to avoid funding ridiculous wars.  The fact that Americans having a bad day actually being shot and killed by TSA is horrific in and of itself.  Then factor in humiliating the elderly over their depends and invasively groping small children in ways that are abhorrent.  I don't know if the decision to stop traveling after my underwires caused my breasts to be targeted by TSA was an act of dissidence or rebellion, but it was the line the sand.  I'd been half way around the world, including the Middle East and never faced the ridiculous procedures I did at KCI or MCI; . . . whatever it's called.  I can't get on the plane with underwires, but there are footwashing stations, now, in that same airport to accommodate the Muslims.  This alone, caused me to truly doubt that TSA is about security after 9/11.  And NO, that is not Islamophobia, I'm well aware of the goal of Islam.  It caused me reason to question our government!

The point is, there are ways around TSA; by simply avoiding the airport and railroad.  I don't know how to avoid an infiltration on American soil by our own military.  When I consider the number of states already in some sort of potential crisis, I'm troubled, and even more so, realizing there is no way to avoid it.  I'm here, I live here, but I'm apparently in the minority in that I value freedom more than safety.  Ben Franklin is credited with the following,  "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

We certainly can't forget the landmark decision expected from the Supreme Court next month regarding the gay agenda.  That topic always gets feathers ruffled from a number of directions.  Meanwhile we're told that there are ISIS camps scattered throughout the nation.  Which party's security system let them in?  How did they all get passed TSA?  I know the party of TSA would say they came in through the border.  If they were coming in through the border, why the footwashing stations at the airport?  Is it just me or does it seem like this is all being strategically choreographed?   I just see something in the making that will forever and severely alter this nation, and not for the better.

Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Labels

In recent weeks, name calling and labeling has been on the rise.  Some of us have been called paranoid, fear-monger, gossip monger, and our beliefs have been labeled a couple of different "____ phobics."  Then, there is always the religious fanatic or cultist, and conspiracy theorist.  I'd like to address these various labels that have been so openly used by none other than the "thou shalt not judge" crowd.  There are actually three different cliques or camps, within this crowd.  First, there is the group that is tolerant of everything that goes against Scripture, and absolutely intolerant of those who believe they are standing on Scripture.  Second, there is the group that cherry picks what is religiously acceptable and what is their idea of fanaticism.  Third, there is the group who have learned a new word, called "lashon hara," so the world is evil, but when it comes to the special group waving the Bible, honesty can often be considered "evil tongue."  Since the name calling has come from all three camps, perhaps it's time to look at the bigger picture.

To make an open statement regarding my trust of mainstream media, is just that, a statement.  I don't have to be afraid to voice my view on this matter, much more famous voices than my own have name called.  I'm not going to call names, but simply state, I absolutely do not trust everything we are being told, and if I know I don't trust everything, I'm not sure how much or what I will trust.  If I were paranoid, I'd say the media is aiming their misrepresentation at me personally, but I don't believe that, I believe it is intended as a distraction for the entire listening audience.  The majority of media headlines are hype and the majority of television programing is exactly that!  It's programming!

As for fear-mongering, unless you've been in a cave, under a rock, or comatose for the past several months, it should be obvious that trouble is brewing.  The racial division is deepening, the distrust between law enforcement and citizens is nearing a dangerous level, unemployment or underemployment has not been resolved with jobs.  Many of the unemployed have simply come of age to collect social security, or become eligible for disability or supplemental income from the federal level rather than their home state.  Underemployment continues to skew the statistics in that many are working two part time jobs, giving the illusion that employment has risen, when the reality is, one person is represented twice in the stats. Now, that the presidential campaigns have officially begun, more labeling will commence.  This will lead us into the next term:  gossip monger.

I'm walking a tightrope on this one, because I've already admitted I don't believe everything in the news, so if I repeat a headline or story, am I spreading gossip or reporting?  Some days, it's a toss up, but I try to go with stories I've verified.  Once in awhile, though, I cave into a just making a snarkastic comment . . .  We know, most of the ads for presidential campaigns truly are designed, not to share the accomplishments and resume of the candidate but to sling mud and cast dispersion against the opponent.

When it comes to the labels involving "_____phobic," I have to simply disagree.  The definition of phobic according to WordWeb is:  Suffering from irrational fears.  When it comes to the Gay Agenda or Islam, I am not afraid and my views are not irrational.  If Islam wants to portray itself as a religion of peace, then stop blowing people up and wielding swords.  That seems pretty logical to me.  Actually, I believe Islam is watching the gay agenda and taking their cues.  Although I've stated that I do expect swords down the road, for now, Islam is making great strides in this country as the "misunderstood minority."  That's how the gay agenda started until they got some power.  Now, I'm not homophobic, either.  I simply disagree with the lifestyle based upon my religious beliefs and Scriptural understanding.  They disagree with me on the same subject.  Can you imagine how silly it would be to call gays heterophobic or Muslims, freedomphobic?

I have to admit the religious fanatic label doesn't bother me nearly as much as Christians calling my beliefs a cult.  I feel really sad that while they espouse the Bible, they believe the Instructions to live as Messiah lived is legalism.  Who decides who gets to determine the definition of cult?  I hear repeatedly, "love G-d, love your neighbor" are the two laws of Christianity.  Well, I agree with Paul's writing in Romans and Galatians.  There is nothing in Torah against those two laws, nor is there anything in Torah against producing the fruit of the Spirit.  Having been called to the wilderness to establish a community and by not using pharmaceuticals, I admit, one could get the impression I might be a bit fringy. Realistically, many are heading out of the cities; and healing is all through Scripture even though there were doctors in those days.  So, while everyone complains about health care, I'll just trust the One Who created me.  As for establishing the community, I'm the one invested here, there'll be no signing over everyone's personal assets.  I'll be keeping mine and those who will join will be keeping their's.  This place is not 501c3 and everyone can just pay their own personal property tax.  The real estate tax is my responsibility until the country holding the big note on the US of A forecloses on all of us.

Let's talk conspiracy theory for a moment.  I've stated for some time now, I'm not sure how many are involved, but it's no theory.  I have no reason in the world to trust WalMart to have plumbing problems in every location they closed, without warning.  When it comes to Operation Jade Helm 15, since the southern states are involved in the "exercise" why not carry out this operation at the border instead of on the legal citizens?  I can't help but wonder where those millions of hollow point bullets are right now, which brings to mind those LEO targets of kids and pregnant women.  This paragraph has probably just earned me another label . . .

Now let's address my latest pet peeve in all these accusations:  lashon hara.   The interpretation of lashon hara is to "evil tongue."  The truth of the matter is, there is much evil going on in this world.  Sadly, just as there was evil and idolatry in the days of Jeremiah, by religious folk; it exists right here in the 21st century.  Speaking truth about our politics or religion is often labeled by the latest religious trend as lashon hara.  I'm of the notion that the accusation of "lashon hara" is often from the accuser of the brethren who does not want the truth to be made known.  Be it political or religious, folks in power do not like to be questioned.  Labeling those who would dare to speak out, is easier than being accountable.

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!  Prophet of Holy Scripture

Deepening the Division

As I sit here thinking of the term "United States of America," I can't think of one thing in which Americans are fully united.  Not one thing.  We are however, absolutely and vocally divided on a number of issues.  This will only gain momentum as another presidential campaign is now beginning.  Over 18 months to go and the expletives and name calling has already commenced.  If I were voting, I can say with all certainty, my vote would depend greatly, not on just the candidate, but their supporters.  The extreme closed-mindedness of both parties sound like haters and I just don't really want haters determining the leader of our nation, but since judgment is inevitable, the hate will increase.  I've never voted for a republican presidential candidate, and won't; but at least the republicans/conservatives admit they are closed minded, albeit proudly, they do admit it.  The hate spewing, tolerant progressives seem to be in absolute denial of their own intolerance and closed mindedness, and that is frightening!

The division in our country, I believe will even become physically or naturally displayed, before it's all said and done.  It seems even after fifty years of civil rights and desegregation, much of our country is still divided by something so superficial as skin tone.  As a brown person, I do have to admit, often when it comes to ethnicity, there are cultural differences, creating differences in perspective.  This should in no way create moral differences, or even give base for bigotry, but sadly it often does.  There are many examples of racial issues once again coming to violent divisions.  The racial division appears to be the segue between politics and the "them vs. us" of law enforcement.  Statistically, the majority of republicans tended to be white, while the various ethnic groups tend to vote democrat, but that appears to be changing.  Mix in what now appears to be racial profiling with law enforcement and the divisive wedge is driven deep.

"Them vs. Us" with a more militarized law enforcement not only divides the people from the enforcers, but also re-enforces the divisions outlined in the previous paragraphs.  Local law enforcement has become quite militarized with even more on the horizon with Operation Jade Helm 15.  Several southern states are literally going to be inundated, or already are . . . with military drills and exercises, as if the citizens are the problem.  What could possibly go wrong there?

Whether the event of Operation Jade Helm 15 comes to a peaceful conclusion, or ushers in martial law, remains to be seen.  Meanwhile the sexual agenda is definitely gaining ground crying minority and bigotry.  The LGBTQ Agenda is powerful, and it is relentless, and it is aggressive.  And that statement earns me the title of homophobe, which is completely inaccurate.  Phobia is a fear and I'm not afraid of the agenda, I'm simply making an observation about the agenda.  When campaigning in '07 and '08, then Senator Obama stated his views on marriage were traditional.  Now, in the highest elected office of this nation, he's had a change of heart.  Tell me this agenda is not powerful!  Not only is this agenda powerful, it has one clear, very clear target in the crosshairs:  The Bible, and the believers thereof.  Sadly, while the LGBTQ agenda is creating a flaming distraction, another fire is gaining momentum on the same platform aiming at the same target.

Islam appears to be wielding swords in power plays in other countries, but it's more subtle here.  Islam appears to have taken its cues from other agendas.  Sword wielding enemies are fought, but "misunderstood minorities" are tolerated, accommodated, and even encouraged . . .  Ultimately, we'll probably see swords, but for now, we are going to see days and events of "tolerance, awareness, experience, and understanding."  I'd say it's a safe bet that we won't have days and events promoting the Ten Commandments, Feast Days, or Torah/Messiah, but Islam will be presented publicly because there is no separation of "mosque and state."

Hear the word of YHWH, ye children of Israel: for YHWH hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of Elohim in the land.  Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.  Hosea 4:1,3

What is the Bigger Picture?

Walmart has plumbing problems . . . or so we've been told.  Plumbing problems that will take six months to resolve, in five different locations?  Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?  Plumbing problems in business usually amount to a sign that says "Out of Order" and "Sorry for the Inconvenience."  Then a plumber is called and the problem is resolved, usually in a very short time.  If the problem is outrageously huge, like a complete collapse of infrastructure, a short term closing might be necessary.  Seriously though, in five locations, simultaneously?  Those big Supercenters go from the ground up in about that same amount of time.

Another interesting article gave a time frame of about six months clearly describing a great deal of work to be accomplished by Wal-Mart in Florida a couple of years ago.  The article was dated in June, stating the construction had just begun and the grand opening was slated for January.  According to a 2010 article in Business Insider, Wal-Mart is the largest employer in the US and in 25 states, which raises serious concern about the five closings while giving no notice.  Not only will this cause a serious problem for the regular shoppers, but what about all the suddenly unemployed?  The economy of most cities with a WalMart are dependent upon that perpetual motion, not only for employment, but a source of revenue for the city and state in taxes.

Following an EF5 tornado in Joplin on May 22, 2011, Wal-Mart had completely removed what was still standing, and rebuilt a new store on the same site, literally from the ground up with the grand opening, November 9 of that same year.  A situation that was completely unexpected, resulted in a brand new store in less than six months.  I realize I'm no engineer, but I simply do not understand how a planned "repair" could take longer than cleaning up the destruction and completely rebuilding.

The Walton family seems more focused on their profits than to lose the amount of potential income indicated. Upon reading some of the reports of charitable donations by Wal-Mart "foundations" compared to others, Wal-Mart doesn't exactly rank near the top of philanthropic organizations. When WalMart moves in, mom and pop operations collapse.  Much of of a town's economy revolves around Wal-Mart.  Five closed stores may not be huge in the overall corporation, but the potential loss of five stores for six months has to be staggering.  I'm relatively sure I won't see that amount go through my checkbook in a lifetime.  I don't believe for a moment there isn't some sort of government subsidy involved in these closings.

The WalMart parking lot is always bustling when I go by.  I can't imagine how desolate those five parking lots must look.  What about the employees?  WalMart used to be where folks went for employment when the factories shuttered . . . Now the factories are gone, the mom and pop operations are gone, and for at least six months, five towns no longer have what the majority of the citizens counted on.  Some would say this is simply a corporate decision and really nobody's business.  Although I have not patronized a Wal-Mart in over a decade, I do believe reduced availability of food and a rise in unemployment is the business of others.  The presence of a WalMart in any given town, quickly reduced the shopping and employment options.  Once the options have been eliminated, even the "short term" absence of WalMart will impact the community.

Now that I think about it, the WalMart in the neighboring community went from the photo here on the left to the photo below without closing or even any serious change of hours.  It did appear to have some parking restrictions through the refurbishing period, but other than that, it was business as usual.  

To be honest, I'm vacillating between connecting the dots between Wal-Mart closings and Operation Jade Helm to wondering if this is merely a distraction for something even bigger behind the scenes.  Then my head reaches the point of near explosion when I wonder if it's a combination of all of that!  The idea of big empty buildings with "would be" plumbing projects going while some sort of "mock drill" is in place does make one wonder just a little, if "government housing" is about to be redefined.

Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Is the News Being Fabricated?

What if more of the news than what Brian Williams reported, is fabricated?  I'm not making unwarranted claims, but rather asking questions.  What if we've all just come to accept we really don't believe what's reported, yet we go on about life like we know what's going on?  If we can't believe what's reported, we may be clueless as to what is really going on!

The "Sandy Hook massacre" caused me to question, not only that incident, but going back a few years to 9/11.  I'm not sure who was the mastermind of 9/11, but I do know much evidence was destroyed immediately.  The wing of the Pentagon that was supposedly hit, was already in semi-deconstruction for a remodeling project at that time.  If there is any validity, whatsoever; to the reported Passports, there were none reported to have been from Iraq or Afghanistan, the two countries we invaded.  Very few of us actually believe Osama bin Laden was killed and buried at sea on May 2, 2011.  Now back to Sandy Hook.

I stumbled into some very murky circumstances in my attempt to give each "victim" proper recognition.  It seemed all the headlines gave the shooter's name, but the victims were merely a numbered group.  So, I set out to change that.  I systematically posted each obit individually in my blog, and I watched the interviews of the parents.  Robbie Parker was the first red flag of the deal!  Then there were the other parents who were so very poised.  The obits seemed to indicate none of the victims were originally from that community and of course all the caskets were closed.  Being an old funeral director, I found it impossible to believe that none of the bodies were viewable.  In my research, I also stumbled upon a FEMA drill scheduled in the area, that day that pertained to a crisis involving children.

Then the Boston Marathon bombing took place, and the recent verdict, came as no surprise whatsoever.  Yet his Islamic mother was not proud of her son for killing infidels, as these mothers are usually portrayed in the media.  The entire scenario was odd, in that Boston willingly went under lockdown and martial law, not to mention some questions about the identity of some of the reported victims.  I'm not saying there were no victims, but a strange feeling that crises were being created to further an agenda.

Then we've had police and racial issues with the latest one really bringing about a strange cry of the people.  Ferguson, MO was a hotbed of protests and violence last summer, with the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by officer Wilson.  There are some bad cops, but there are still some good ones, and the bad ones are endangering the good ones, but that's a rant for another day as well.  Officer Darren Wilson was doing his job and Michael Brown was no angel.  This latest situation, however; just seems strange.  It was a few days before I could bring myself to watching the video in which Walter Scott was shot in the back, by a police officer.  Two things immediately stood out.  One, eight shots and the gun wasn't smoking.  Two, a bright green t-shirt had no blood on it.  There were other things that made me wonder, like this paragraph in a cnn report linked below . . .

On Friday night, Scott's open casket was draped with an American flag, and he was in a dark suit for his private visitation in Charleston. A Dallas Cowboys banner -- his favorite NFL team -- was placed outside the casket, and a figurine of a Cowboys player stood at his side.

But Scott's family was missing.

Will the people cry for more captivity and surveillance?  I think so, and I think that's the point of a great deal of these news items.  When I hear a news report, or see something posted to my news feed, I immediately check to see if it can be verified.  Elementary schools are now locked institutions.  The Bill of Rights is being systematically removed from our society, for our "protection!"  We don't know if a news story is accurate, or even true for that matter, before gun control and surveillance cameras come into the discussion . . .

The plan to monitor our every move will not come against the will of the people, but by invitation "for our own protection!"
Lying lips are abomination to YHWH: but they that deal truly are his delight.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

Truth in Wit? Media Manipulation

It's difficult to be a journalist while also being negative about the media.  The line between conspiracy theories and truth seems to be intentionally blurred.  Discernment is often called paranoia.  The past few years, I've noticed April 1st seems to be the day to unveil some truth with an advisory that says "just kidding . . ."  A few years ago following the Boston Marathon bombing there was an article about seventy some armed individuals fighting for their 4th amendment rights.  In reading the entire article, it was revealed this took place in the 1700s.  Today's America, obviously, would not literally fight to uphold the Bill of Rights, but it wasn't long following the "lock down" of Boston that the fourth amendment was obviously no longer even on life support.

As I've matured in my responsibility to publish the truth, I usually don't share anything on April 1st, but I just couldn't overlook this year's article from Mercola.  The article addressed "mandatory vaccines" with a disclaimer at the end of the article.  The link above provides the full article.  Here is the disclaimer with my personal observation as to how this disclaimer is quite misleading:
                                                   NOTICE

This piece is our annual April Fool's article. Some of the details herein are true, however, and the article could be suggestive of what we might face in the near future, should we fail to take corrective action to protect and preserve vaccine exemptions, informed consent, and medical freedom of choice.

"Some of the details herein are true" so the article is not completely bogus as the first sentence would lead us to believe.  Am I paranoid?  Am I promoting a conspiracy theory?  It's not paranoia or a theory if it's really taking place!  The truth of the matter is, there are already places in which vaccinations are mandatory, such as health care professionals.  I remember back in the 90s, when I did some traveling in ministry, the intense pressure I received to be vaccinated and re-vaccinated for some things.  It's only become more intense and will continue to do so.

In my humble opinion, the questionable part of the article had to do with the phone apps for non-vaxxers, as tracking those who are compliant with health care protocol will be more likely to be the case.  Tractable and trackable will go hand in hand.  We do know some health facilities require flu shots for their employees, and some schools are cracking down on those who opt out of vaccinations for philosophical reasons.  I heard on radio news that some pediatricians will refuse patients whose parents do not agree to their immunization schedule.  So, whether we say it or not; mandatory vaccinations are already going into place.

In further contemplation, I did share the link in social media.  There are many who are aware that pressure is increasing for mandatory vaccination regulation.  Vaccines will be a campaign issue in the next presidential election, if mandatory legislation is not already in place.  Between the media, herd mentality, faith in modern medicine, Affordable Healthcare Act, and Big Pharma, our medical freedom of choice is very much on the line.  There's no single day in April that can deny that fact!  Just the fact that the article has been posted and qualifies that some details are true, clearly conveys anti-vaxxers are and will continue to be in the social crosshairs of this country's aim.   The truth expressed with some fictitious wrapping on April 1st doesn't negate the truth or the direction we are headings.

I'm going to use an example of media humor to prepare "the way" the society will be led.  Now before anyone jumps to conclusions, I am not suggesting vaccinations and being gay have anything in common, except media hype.  I am pointing out that the media not only uses fear, but also humor to manipulate the herd mentality.  Remember Ellen Degeneres' sitcom in the mid to late 90s?  Comedy or wit is frequently used to test the waters of an issue.  When she came out on the show, the ratings of that individual show was high, but by 1998, the show was cancelled.   I hadn't realized, however; "Will and Grace" made it's debut one season later . . .  and enjoyed great success.  Ellen went on to have her talk show and gay rights now trump individual freedoms in weekly headlines.  The gay agenda was introduced as comedy.  The media is playing heavily on the herd mentality regarding a number of social issues.  Social issues have a way of becoming legislative agendas.  Legislative agendas become a means of control.

 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me . . . a Psalm of Holy Scripture



    

A Serious Problem

I realize this topic is politically controversial, but it shouldn't be political.  This is a moral issue and a spiritual issue.  The topic today is, capital punishment.  Sadly, I don't have a solution for this problem.  Complaining without offering a solution or at least an alternative is not usually my style, but we have a very strange view of our use of capital punishment compared to other countries who use it.  It may simply be our method seems less barbaric to us.  China, I believe uses a firing squad, and Saudi, decapitates or stones.  I believe several countries flog, but that's a topic for another day.  Back to America's use of the death penalty.

Torah does address capital punishment, and instructs it to be done for a number of crimes.  Torah actually refers to several sins as punishable by death, usually stoning, but there were other methods specified as well.  To get to the actual point here, America has carried out the death penalty, mistakenly.  American courts have  pronounced the death sentence based upon circumstantial evidence.  The system of justice does not always carry out justice and the fact of the matter is, capital punishment carried out by a non-Torah observant people is murder, whether we admit it or not.  America is simply an extension of the Roman Empire, while we claim spiritual superiority over other countries.  We are looking at serious blood on our hands, if we claim Biblical approval.

I followed a case in Texas, some time back.  The father of three little girls was on trial for their death by arson.  That was back in my Funeral Director days, so I was no stranger to investigating death.  There was just something that seemed to be missing in this case.  In a murder case, three aspects are supposed to be established to obtain a guilty conviction.  Those are means,  motive, and opportunity.  I don't remember all the details, now, but I was just sick when he was found guilty and sentenced to death.  Something was simply missing in this case.  I then remember when he was executed.  Our country doesn't seem to have a consistent time table for capital punishment, either.  He was on death row for 12 years before his execution.  Now, all these years later, it's been proven that the prosecutor withheld crucial evidence that would have cleared him, and the key witness confessed to lying.

In the article, Governor Perry, is mentioned as having no regrets that he didn't grant a stay in the execution.  When the Forensic Science Commissioner determined the investigation was faulty, he was replaced.  The prosecutor went on to become judge, and retired three years ago.  He is now possibly facing disbarment for what he did in the case, but a retired judge has no need of a law license, Governor Perry has no struggle with this injustice, yet an innocent man is still dead.

Although the man mentioned in the link below was not executed, 30 years of his life was literally taken from him.
http://news.yahoo.com/confessions-prosecutor-sent-innocent-death-row-111500910.html

Since we are not a Torah observant nation, even Israel is not, it seems we'd be better off to simply have life sentences imposed.  I've even given some thought to perhaps an island, where those convicted for life would live out their days, working to survive in their own societal standard.  A life sentence, not only leaves room to be overturned in the case of error, but also saves the exorbitant cost of appeals in the process of capital punishment.  We cannot claim Torah authority to judge, if we are not living by Torah.
Thou shalt not kill.  Torah of Holy Scripture

Societal Rules in the News

As Americans worry and fear Sharia law, a few things come to mind.  I'm certainly not for the implementation of Sharia law, but I think we may have a slightly skewed perspective on what we call American freedom and democracy.  While we fear and dread the possibility of Sharia law coming to this country, how much invasive control is already here?

Wearing a big cloth sack over my head, that hangs to my toes with eye holes to go in public is not my preference, but having my private property destroyed because the spy in the sky can't tell okra from pot is not my preference either.  The first, they call Sharia law, while the second is still called American freedom and democracy (with the war on drugs.)

Reading about a young woman who dies at the hands of her father or brothers sickens me.  The entire idea of honor killings is beyond what I can understand, but the concept of women being stoned for impurity dates back to Scripture.  Since there are no Torah based governments, there really should be no capital punishment, but that's a topic for another day.  The fact that family members can kill a family member for the sake of "honor" sickens me, but reading about moms killing their young children is becoming much more common here in the states.  Sharia law calls it honor killing, American law calls it mentally deranged, and yet many times, there are religious overtones to the American circumstances, as well.  While we are all shocked and abhorred that any parent would kill their child, I have to wonder if the honor killings are as rare in another culture as these bizarre cases in America are.  What if the honor killings in Islamic countries are as bizarre to them as American mothers killing their children are to us?

If Sharia law comes to the US, I won't be thrilled with the new regulation that I will be required to be accompanied by a male relative or husband when I leave the house.  On the other hand, strip searched on the road or taken to a health care facility for invasive procedures looking for what is not there . . . is not my preference either.  From what I've seen and read, some traffic stop procedures would not be allowed under Sharia Law.

Domestic abuse and wives as property is reported to be acceptable within the societal limits of Sharia Law.  As western culture is abhorred by the lack of rights for women in Islamic culture, we tend to overlook the fact that men and women have equally lost rights to government officials in their own homes, here in the US of A.
Home schooling parents pepper sprayed and tazed while children watch in horror, then were removed from the home.  A family in Arkansas was torn apart over a legal mineral supplement.  I'm not sure Sharia Law is as invasive in the home as Child Protective Services in American freedom and democracy.

While we westerners gasp in horror that news is filtered and internet service controlled in Muslim countries, we should keep in mind, we may have access to information overload, but our internet use is being monitored and tracked for the "safety of democracy."

. . . when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

The New Progressive Tolerance

Is it just me, or does it seem tolerance has been redefined to be very judgmental of those who are not considered "progressive?"  I've known many church ladies that cannot hold a candle to the judgmental comments coming forth from those who claim to be "tolerant."  "Open-mindedness" seems to be very selective in what is considered open minded, and any disagreement with said "open-mindedness" is labeled some sort of phobia or hate speech.  I saw some meme this week in social media addressing the old adage "you can't judge a book by it's cover" in new terms slamming the religious while applauding the tattooed.  Suffice it to say, we all make decisions that do not always meet with approval, and often many of us actually have regrets about our own decisions, therefore; try to warn others . . .

I can honestly say, the most judgmental person I have ever met has tattoos, smokes, drinks, and even touts a career in the adult entertainment industry.  There's just something mind boggling about listening to a woman with a raspy smoker's voice, beer in one hand and cigarette in the other, sporting visible tattoos; while she analyzes and labels everyone who isn't aligned with her own self-assured standard.  Once, as I listened to her drone on, I formed the mental image of Dana Carvey's "church lady" and this woman discussing world events, sexuality, and religion, head to head or toe to toe, as the case may be.  It's as if she is the antithesis of the church lady, just as devout in her own perspective.  This individual is also filter-free with an abundant vocabulary, so she truly inspired my mental image of a parody.  Although I give this example, there are several individuals who judge by a standard other than Scripture or religious, but the religious seem to frequently be the target of their judgment.

There are of course, others in society who receive judgment, as well.  We've all heard someone who judges a single welfare mom while taking advantage of their employer, or scamming disability . . .  I'm not applauding welfare, since it has become an albatross on this society, as there is now no shame in collecting the benefits for which others have worked.  There used to be a term called situational ethics, that was not perceived to be a good thing.  It's been years since I've heard that term, but it seems to now be the status quo in our society.

When right and wrong is determined simply by which end of the stick one seems to be holding, social mores have already slipped away.   When those who hold themselves up to no accountability, stand in judgment of others, society has given way to what is Scripturally referred to as a seared conscience.  In a world of digital definitions, and Googling experts, the times they are truly changing and there will be no real record of the change . . . as the standard continues to decline in the name of progressive tolerance.  Interestingly it is in the book of Judges we can find the precise definition of what our society calls "progressive."

. . . every man did that which was right in his own eyes.  History of Holy Scripture

The Hype of Economic Recovery

As we're told the stats of unemployment and we've watched the gasoline prices plummet are we in a genuine economic recovery or have we simply accepted what we're told and learned to live with the new standard of life?  In reading headlines and comments across social media, the opinions vary widely.  Professional reporters and journalists, for the most part seem to write that which promotes the political leaning of their particular publication.  It appears to this writer, the political leanings of the various publications continue to further divide the country not only on solutions, but now, as to even question the reality of the issues.  As to those who comment, there of course, is always the perspective based upon politics, but also the social status of the one making the comment.  We seem to have divided the political parties with a sort of social caste system.  There are poor republicans and some democrats who are quite wealthy.

The people have become so divided by political propaganda, the truth has been rendered nearly irrelevant.  There are a number of impoverished republicans who truly believe the impoverished democrats are the reason they are poor.  There are a great many impoverished democrats who are blind to the fact their elected representatives live just like the rich republicans they hate.  I read and listened to the predictions that food prices would drop when gasoline prices did.  That simply is not the case.  Food prices are based upon so much more than transportation costs and the expense of producing the food was factored in long before gasoline prices fluctuated.  The cost of feed for meat and the cost of herbicides and harvest for grain and produce is what affects the price of food.  Gasoline is just what is obvious to all, on the signs!  Gasoline prices keep the keystone pipeline and fracking debates fueled . . .

I also read that cash saved at the pumps would flow back into the economy.  When people are already over extended living paycheck to paycheck, the extra cash from the pumps may curb business at the Cash Advance places, but that's about it.  When a society lives on debt and borrowed income, reduced costs don't change the perpetual motion or increase the buying power.  We've gone too far beyond that.  Doing more of what caused the problem is not a solution.  Cash Advance places and Appliance Rental businesses are a large part of our economy now.  More expendable cash is only a product of excess printing by the Federal Reserve.

The number of shuttered businesses is increasing.  Unemployment statists are changing, not based upon full time employment, but rather on the fact that unemployment benefits are no longer being collected by a given percentage.  The reasons for that are primarily NOT due to gainful employment, but the time of collecting benefits has run it's course, or the individual has settled for less pay and fewer hours.  The stats are even manipulated by the fact many underemployed individuals actually make up two figures in the employment statistics with two part time jobs.  Then, there is also the fact, many formerly unemployed have now become recipients of early social security benefits or now collect disability.

The number of empty storefronts is expanding.  Recently I've seen something that bears reporting.  Pawn Shops are now closing.  Thrift Stores are going out of business.  New businesses are not replacing these.  The buildings simply stand with a for rent or for sale sign in the window.  Economic recovery?  When independent businesses continue to shutter, and the workforce continues to decline, that's not recovery.  Buying more junk with cash saved at the gas pumps will not bring economic recovery or stability.

. . . that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living G-d . . . Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come . . . Paul's advice to Timothy