Servants All

     Have you ever had one of those unexpected experiences where, after it was over, you just knew that God's hand was all over it?  Well, I can't wait to share mine with you!  Yesterday, Peace-Loving Warrior (PLW) and I had to be in the Big City to take care of a little business.  We knew it would be a mixed blessing -- we were going to meet with a client to deliver a commissioned portrait that my wonderfully talented artist husband had just completed (he hates that I just said that; but I'm allowed to brag every now and then -- it's my blog, right?)
     But we also had to meet with our health insurance broker to try to navigate the decisions we needed to make -- do we stick with our grandfathered plan, whose rates just went up, and are scheduled to go up again in March of 2014?  Or do we take a risk on choosing one of the myriad of plans being offered, and which the Provider can supply no rate guarantee for the next year, because they don't know what is going to shake out in this chaos called the Affordable Care Act?!?  Although I was dreading dealing with this conundrum, we would soon be graced with the afore-mentioned incident that overshadowed any negative effects of something as trivial as the ACA.  Let me tell you our story....
     Because the weather prediction was a little dicey for Texas -- freezing rain and icy roads -- we decided to get an early start for our meeting.  As it turned out, there was just freezing temperatures and a cold, icy wind; but no precipitation.  It being a Friday, most people just took the day off, so the roads were nearly empty and we found ourselves with an hour or more to kill.  So we decided to treat ourselves to a trip down memory lane.

     In Austin, TX there is an iconic little restaurant called Kerbey Lane Cafe.  They are known for their gingerbread pancakes, fantastic omelettes and Bohemian atmosphere.  They have actually managed to maintain a semblance of "old Austin" before it became the Southwest replacement for Silicon Valley and overrun with California transplants.  Although there are now multiple locations of Kerbey Lane Cafes all over town, it has always been staffed by free spirits and nonconformists; the descendants of the Flower Children of the 60's.  If you want to experience the "soul" of Austin, just eat at Kerbey Lane.
     So it was, that we eagerly entered this nostalgic establishment to enjoy a good breakfast and get out of the frigid weather.  As we were led to a back booth, we noticed that the table to our right was filled with four members of the Army, dressed in uniform and enjoying a variety of Kerbey Lane's finest breakfast offerings.  Our boho waiter, replete with his dread-friendly slouch hat and full beard came to take our order.  Now, normally, you would never pair PLW in his tactical ball cap with a free spirit in his slouch hat, but the two would quickly become co-conspirators in a scheme to give back.
     As soon as we had been seated, a thought popped into my head, which I quickly shared with PLW.  So when the waiter appeared, we asked if he was handling the table of military veterans seated to our right.  He said, "yes" and PLW said, "Bring their ticket to me.  We'd like to pay for their breakfast."  Our waiter smiled, took our order and disappeared.
     Shortly afterward, he informed them that their bill had been taken care of, and I heard one of the young women ask, "Do you know who it was?"  Darn, I thought, Please don't tell them who it was... we don't need any recognition.  Too late!  The next minute, all four servicemen and women were standing at our table, shaking our hands and thanking us.

     "You don't owe us any thanks," we said.  "We are thanking you for what you do for us.  Just be careful out there."  They filed out, and we settled in to enjoy our breakfasts, glad to have been able to give back through our small gesture.  The next thing we knew, our bearded waiter came over and presented us with a no-bill receipt, saying, "One good deed deserves another.  Your breakfasts are on us."  We protested, but he just smiled and walked away.  Needless to say, we felt that this kind and compassionate establishment should be recognized and rewarded for their excellent customer service and their caring attitude --- so our tip covered the cost of our meal.
     As we bundled up and slipped out into the inclement weather, I didn't feel the cold or the wind.  I was warmed by the experience that God had allowed us to share with our fellow man that morning.  We were all different ages, had different backgrounds, and more than likely have different philosophies on politics, religion and life.  But each of us took the step to spontaneously serve the other, and that's exactly what our Lord asks us to do.  It was so simple ... and so rewarding; the perfect gesture for this time of year.  I silently expressed my gratitude to God as I a wrote a note to leave with our waiter's tip:  "Thank you for helping us to help others.  God Bless You!"
     None of us know each other's names; nor are we ever likely to cross each others' paths again.  But none of that matters, because for a few short moments, we reached out and served a stranger.  And that is a memory that will last a lifetime!

1 Peter 4:10    "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace..."
   

As Goes Detroit, So Goes the Nation

     This is one of those subjects about which I wish I had been wrong.  For several years now, I have been trying to tell acquaintances not to count on their pensions and retirement vehicles.  But we Americans are so trusting in the financial wizards that we've entrusted our futures to, that we believe their empty promises and hear what we want to hear.  (I still laugh to myself when I think back to 2008, and our Edward Jones broker telling us "you need to be in the market for the long haul --- this is America; we will bounce back".

    But back in May of this year, Forbes.com was predicting "We are on the precipice of the greatest retirement crisis in the history of the world. In the decades to come, we will witness millions of elderly Americans, the Baby Boomers and others, slipping into poverty."

     Too many counted on the last three decades of so-called retirement innovations, most notably those promoted by the titans of the pension benefits consulting and mutual fund 401(k) industries.  We now know that 401ks will not provide the retirement security promised to workers.  In fact, Teresa Ghilarducci, a professor of economics at the New School for Social Research, estimates that 75% of Americans nearing retirement in 2010 had less than $30,000 in their retirement accounts.  A serious illness will wipe that out in a single heartbeat.

     As Forbes reported, even if you are among the lucky few that have a pension, you cannot rest assured that it will be there for all the years you’ll need it. Whether you know it or not, someone is busy trying to figure how to screw you out of your pension.

     And now the folks in Detroit are feeling that painful truth.  The civil servants and union members who never thought this day would come, are now finding out what happens when government entities spend too much money and can't keep their promises.  Basically, what happened is this:  the City of Detroit petitioned a Court for protection from their 100,000 creditors and was granted bankruptcy protection by the Judge.  An article on SHTFplan.com reports that unsecured creditors, such as pensioners and bondholders, will receive a $2 billion note for $11.5 billion in estimated debts — in other words, less than 18 cents on the dollar.  

     In essence, that means that the most vulnerable of those owed, the retirees who counted on that pension to see them through their golden years, will be the ones who will suffer the most.  Many of them will see an 80% decrease in the retirement funds they believed they’d receive until they died.  Add the uncertainty of their healthcare situation, due to Obamacare, and the future is looking mighty scary.  They are now facing the terrible truth that the magic spigot of imaginary money has been turned off.

     But when you look past the personal side of this Detroit bankruptcy, you realize that it is only the tip of the iceberg.  First it was Stockton, California; and now Detroit.  Waiting in the wings are East St. Louis, Illinois; Camden, New Jersey; New Orleans, Louisiana and Oakland, California -- all who have seen crime drastically rise as the city police force has been cut in an effort to stave off debt. 

     After the cities, we can expect the states that are in financial trouble to seek their own debt relief through bankruptcy.  And then, of course, there is the big Daddy of them all, our national debt.  We'd better face the reality that the Government will be forced to not only cut retirement benefits promised to federal employees, but will make the case that if they have to give up their retirement funds, you’ll have to give up your 401k, IRA or personal savings.  Think that can't happen?  Think again.... real hard!

     Congressional members have already been talking about a nationalization of America’s retirement funds, and when they are ready to do it they’ll pass the legislation just like they did when they seized 1/6th of our economy by nationalizing health care.  It's the only choice they will have!

     So, like I said at the beginning of this post, I was accused of being on the Crazy Train back in 2008, when I followed the logical progression of our national debt crisis.  Believe me -- I didn't want to be right, and it's not an argument that I wanted to win.  But I'm here to give the same warning I gave five, nearly six years, ago ... our future is not what you thought it was going to be.  Please plan accordingly! Get a second stream of income, stock up on food, and prepare for a rocky future ... Time is running out! That retirement or pension fund, and your 40l(k), are no longer the safety nets you thought they would be.  If the truth be told, retirement is a word that won't exist for many, while poverty may become the new reality.  Start swimming before this wave overtakes you.  You're going to have to save yourself!  

Ecclesiastes 7:10     "Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this."

A Personal Story of Persecution

     It is one of the remarkable blessings of writing this blog --- I hear from a fellow Christian half-way around the world!  This time it came in the form of an email asking for prayer and a word of encouragement in the face of persecution by radical Muslims.  As always, I am humbled that God is using this blog to connect His faithful among the world.  I will let this faithful minister tell you his story in his own words:

Dear Belle in Christ,

     Greetings to you in the most precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ from India!

     We are very glad to share with you that God has given us a burden and vision in our lives to reach specifically to The MUSLIMS by The Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have dedicated our lives into His hands to be used according to His will and plan in our lives. 

      Our Lord Jesus is using us to fulfill His plan and will, in and through our lives. Already several Muslim men and women surrendered their lives to Jesus and they are following His teachings. They are witnessing about Jesus and their testimonies to their relatives and neighbors. God is adding more men & women to our worship services almost every week for His own glory.

     Militant Muslims are often torturing physically, and trying to kill us and the believers from Muslim background for their new faith in Jesus. Even though we are facing heavy persecutions and threats by the Militant Muslims, our Lord Jesus is using our lives for the extension of His Kingdom and He has protected us for His own glory. Militant Muslims are constantly trying to murder us. Our lives are in danger at this moment.

      We are in great need of your kind prayers in our own lives and for the persecuted believers. Humbly, we request you kindly pray for God’s protection from the hands of  Militant Muslims. Please also pray that we might be always faithful to His call in our lives and grow in Him.

     

     This man asked that I not share his name or the name of his ministry, for fear of reprisal, so I will refer to him as Ravi.  In subsequent emails he has revealed more personal details about God's call on his life.  Ravi learned about Jesus by reading The New Testament after receiving a free copy from a Christian organization. His wife, Priya, had learned about Jesus through a Bible correspondence course before their marriage.

     Priya is a registered nurse and she used to work at a hospital.  Ravi says, "One day, God's Spirit asked her to pray for a Muslim lady patient who was admitted at the hospital.  She obeyed His whispers into her heart and prayed for the Muslim lady for the first time in her life. Later on, God had asked her to resign from her work at the hospital and go to the Muslim villages and minister to them through health care ministries. She obeyed His call in her life and she resigned from her work at the hospital. At present, she is reaching the Muslim women and children through the very informal way of health care ministries. God is using her for His own glory and we were able to establish a few house Churches through our health care ministries by His grace."

     But Ravi's story is no less inspirational.  While reading His Word, Ravi felt Jesus calling him to do His ministry, although there was no one to explain the Gospel to him, because he had no contact with Christian people in his area.  However, he felt that God had given him a vision about reaching out to Muslims with The Gospel of Christ.  A ministry was born and Ravi states, "I have surrendered my life into His hands to work among the Muslims according to His will and guidance in my life."  

     But that comes at a very high price!  As people of Hindu and Muslim faith come to know the Lord, their very lives are in danger.  Ravi shared some links with me that will give you a terrifying picture of what it means to be a Christian in this part of the world.  Please go to this link and read their story:  http://www.persecution.org/2012/04/13/islamic-extremists-beat-mock-christians-in-india/.  This is just one of many!

     Then there is the latest email I received, in which he related that he said he was "very sad to inform you that one of our believer's daughter has been raped because of her parents strong decision to follow Christ. The radical Muslims have given threats and asked her parents to return to Islam. But, they didn't listen. Then, forcefully, their daughter was raped and they brought shame on the family. But, still her parents are regularly following Christ and witnessing to their neighbors and relatives. Praise The Lord!"

     As a Christian, I cannot imagine being faced with these kinds of trials.  But, as fellow Christians, I ask you to pray for God's protection and encouragement for these brave souls.  We do not need to know their real names or their precise location ... God knows who they are, and He knows the sacrifice they are willing to make on behalf of His kingdom!  

     Are we prepared to do the same?  Do we have the courage and the conviction of our faith as do our brothers and sisters in India?  If you have ever doubted that the persecution is real or growing, here is your proof.  And if you ever needed a prompting to be about God's business and win souls for Christ, then here is your example to follow.  America is fallow ground and ripe for the planting of God's Word.  We have much work before us!

Philippians 2:17    "Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all."

 

Can Iran Be Trusted?

     It's always enlightening to compare news accounts from the foreign press with our increasingly partisan and politically correct mainstream media.  That's why I found this report from Ynetnews, an Israeli online news source to be of particular interest.
     According to this website, The Financial Times of London interviewed Iranian President Rouhani in regards to the recent nuclear "deal" between the United States and Iran.  The article quoted Rohani as clarifying that his country has no intention of disarming its nuclear facilities.  Does this really surprise anyone?  “One hundred percent (no),” he said when asked whether he would concede to the demands of Israel and US hawks. The Iranian president stressed throughout the entire interview that Iran maintains the right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.  (Of course, we are to ignore Iran's incessant ravings of wiping Israel off the face of the map ... not a particularly peaceful statement, by my calculations).

     If you believe President Rohani, it's all about re-establishing trust with the U.S.  “Iran-US problems are very complicated and cannot be resolved over a short period of time. Despite the complications, there has been an opening over the past 100 days, which can widen later,” he said.  (What was left unspoken is the fact that they will continue with their nuclear program during this "test period" of trust).
     I found one statement to be especially amusing --- The Iranian president referred to a phone conversation he held with his US counterpart President Barack Obama and said: "I found him someone with very polite and smart language."  Watch out, Rohani, you'd be accused of being racist in the U.S.!
     But here's the meat of Ynetnews's report and The Financial Times article -- a more candid appraisal of the agreement between Iran and America, if you will: "The concessions made to Iran will have to be balanced by a major rollback of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure – with no automatic expiration date." The paper further notes a contradiction in US Secretary of State John Kerry's remarks, who said that Iran’s assertion of a "right to enrich” uranium would not be recognized in an interim deal, while the text says the “comprehensive solution” will “involve a mutually defined enrichment program with mutually agreed parameters.”  So who do you think is telling the truth?
     But let's read on ... "In other words," the article reads, "the United States and its partners have already agreed that Iranian enrichment activity will continue indefinitely. In contrast, a long-standing US demand that an underground enrichment facility be closed is not mentioned."
     The Financial Times of London further criticizes the presentation of the agreement, by which a final accord will be completed within six months. The interim deal reads that after six months talks may continue when "the parties aim to conclude negotiating and commence implementing (in) no more than one year."  Which backs up my original assessment, that this just gives Iran a "no hassle" six-month-free period to continue its enrichment, with no one looking over their shoulder.
     I don't think any of us are really surprised at these revelations, are we?  It's really just a sad commentary on the trustworthiness of our Media and our Politicians; that we have to go to an Israeli website that is reporting on a British newspaper article to get a balanced assessment on important negotiations that affect our national security.  It's a sad (and dangerous) state of affairs, indeed!

Psalm 24:3-4    "Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully." 

Drone-to-Door Delivery

     By now you've probably heard all the buzz over Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos's appearance on 60 Minutes.  Apparently the Research & Development Labs over at Amazon have been working overtime to come up with the latest techno device to impress their customers.  It's called Amazon Prime Air and could make delivery time of Amazon products as low as 30 minutes.  You read that correctly ... 30 minutes!
     Before you get all excited about signing up for this "autonomous vehicle delivery system", there are still a couple of issues that need to be resolved.  At the low end of consideration is the fact that packages over 5 pounds won't be feasible.  But since a reported 86% of Amazon's business falls within that parameter, there's no real need for concern.  But there's still the tiny problem with the FAA -- they haven't approved domestic drone flights yet.
     True, there is a mandate for them to come up with a plan to integrate drones into domestic airspace, but with that directive comes the responsibility to safeguard privacy, civil liberties and security.  Quite an important set of imperatives, wouldn't you say?  And from everything I've read, they are nowhere near guaranteeing any of these crucial measures.  It seems to me that the Federal Government, with their combined love of regulations and surveillance, could easily overstep their bounds and infringe even more upon our right to privacy.
     Then, of course, there is the matter of security.  How much do you trust the FAA to oversee security on a drone that lands at your doorstep?  How will they guarantee that these unmanned aerial transport systems won't be skyjacked and deliver a little more bang for your buck, so to speak?
     Of course, Amazon isn't selling any of those concerns.  They are touting the convenience and the immediacy of delivery.  In fact, they are so proud of their invention, proclaiming "One day, Prime Air vehicles will be as normal as seeing mail trucks on the road today."  But as I perused the comments section after one particular article on Tech Crunch, I realized that the techies had considered things that my pre-computer brain had not pondered.
     What if you live in a neighborhood or rural area with lots of trees?  What is to keep your package (or the drone, for that matter) from being stolen?  (I can think of lots of reasons that drones might become a hot black market item -- none of them are good).  What if you live in an apartment or condo?  Where does the drone drop the package?  Does this lead to an inevitable layoff of even more workers from the already fragile US economy?  Then of course, there are the inevitable law suits that come from property damage, injuries due to malfunctioning drones, etc., etc.
     So, while I find all the titillation and excitement behind Bezos's announcement to be amusing, I want to go on record that I am not interested in living out any episode from the old Jetson's TV show.  My Roomba vacuum is as close as I want to get to Jane Jetson's maid, Rosie.  I'd rather see the smiling face of Eli, my UPS driver, than hear the whirring arrival of a drone at my doorstep.  Just my opinion!

1 John 2:16    "For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world."


   
   

Fast Food Workers To Strike

     They say that the American public's memory is short-lived; if you've disgraced yourself, just disappear into the shadows for a little while and you can re-emerge with no one the wiser.  Such is the case with the Service Employees International Union ... remember them?  Yes, SEIU is back!
     If you will recall, this labor organization was involved in some pretty shady electioneering efforts during the last presidential campaign.  Furthermore, LaborPains.org reports illegally funneled money from various Locals into the campaign coffers of union-friendly candidates; along with questionable cash withdrawals from bank accounts, lack of documentation for outrageous travel expenses, and lucrative vacation buyouts that were not authorized by union boards.
     So I guess I shouldn't be surprised to see that they are back at it; stirring up trouble and creating havoc among the labor force.  This time they are backing a one-day strike by fast-food employees, who are demanding a $15-an-hour wage.  Union organizers have planned strikes in over 100 cities, including Charleston, South Carolina; Providence, Rhode Island; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  SEIU is also demanding that restaurants allow workers to unionize without the threat of retaliation.

     Here's the thing .... I am all for a worker getting paid a fair wage for what his work is worth.  Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25.  Have these workers given serious thought to the burden that doubling their wage will cause on the fast food industry, and what some of the likely results would be, should that wage be met?  If all fast food workers were paid $15 an hour, can you see that the cost of a meal would necessarily have to rise?  And remember, profit is the name of the game, so it makes sense that fast food restaurants would either consider turning to automation for some of their positions; or be forced to lay off workers, causing fewer employees to carry more of the load.  Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?  Add to this, the fact that Fast Food Industry officials say that only a small percentage of fast-food jobs pay the minimum wage, and that those are largely entry-level jobs for workers under 25.  In other words, you may start out at the bottom, but you can climb the ladder in both pay and positions, just as in other industries.
     I personally know of several young people who started out at the entry level in well-known fast food chains, and through steady and reliable work, it didn't take them long to reach management level which came with a good salary and benefits package.  I guess it's all about your perspective ....
     To give a voice to the backers of this movement, they say that studies show that the average age of fast-food workers is 29 and that more than one-fourth are parents raising children.  Take the story of Simon Rojas, who earns $8.07 an hour working at a McDonald’s in South Central Los Angeles, and who said he would join the one-day strike.
      “It’s very difficult to live off $8.07 an hour,” said Mr. Rojas, 23, noting that he is often assigned just 20 or 25 hours of work a week. “I have to live with my parents. I would like to be able to afford a car and an apartment.”  Mr. Rojas said he had studied for a pharmacy technician’s certificate, but he had been unable to save the $100 needed to apply for a license.
     Now, I don't mean to unfairly question Simon's work ethic; there is likely more to his situation than presented here, but I have a couple of questions.  First of all, at $8.07/hr, it would take less than 12.5 hours to earn that $100.  OK, let's take into account the taxes that would be deducted from his paycheck.... it would still take less than one 20-week paycheck to get the money he needed for that pharmacy tech's license.  He's living at home, with no car expenses... maybe it's me, but that doesn't seem insurmountable.
     Secondly, if Simon is only receiving 20-25 hours a week, what's stopping him from getting a second job?  Doesn't it seem logical that another 20-hour week job would greatly increase his income?  I realize that he won't be buying a fancy car, or renting a penthouse on that salary in the near future, but by taking advantage of living with his parents, his options are actually quite good for taking night classes or going to a technical trade school, which would give him a bright future.
     How many of these fast food workers have set their eyes on a goal beyond working in the fast food industry?  Do they see it as a stepping stone, or do they just want to be paid more to stay at this level?  I am not putting down fast food workers... their job is not easy and it's long hours on your feet.  But I recently met an 18-year-old who was working the cash register at a local Burger King who offered the best customer service I'd seen in a long while.... smile, upbeat attitude, courteous and excellent service.  When I commented on his demeanor, he said, "Yes, ma'am, I plan on being a manager at this location in the next 18 months," and he quoted me a rather generous 5-figure salary that would accompany that position.  He then proudly announced that he would soon thereafter buy his first franchise of several he planned on owning.  I had no doubt that he would reach his lofty goal.  Furthermore, that's the spirit that no union can force at the bargaining table!

Proverbs 16:3    "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."

The Meaning & Observance of Christmas (Part 1); Deuteronomy 12:32

Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; 

you shall not add to it nor take away from it.

     For the next few Sundays, I want to engage in a thought-provoking discussion.  What I have to say is likely to be very foreign to you, and I fully expect to be criticized, or at the very least, ignored.  But as I dig deeper into my Bible studies and combine them with my research on the Church's history, I am discovering some facts that disturb me.  Over the coming weeks, I will try to present this information in a logical and honest manner.  It is not my intention to rebuke or condemn; I merely want to share what I have learned, encourage you to do your own research, and let you make your own decisions.  So let us begin ...

     As a means of introduction, I chose this Scripture to begin this dialogue because it is at the foundation of God's instructions to His people.  I am familiar with many Christians who are quick to dismiss the laws and rules of Leviticus and Deuteronomy (and the entire Old Testament, for that matter) because they will say, "That is the Old Covenant; we are under the New."  But, as I have connected with the Hebrew roots of our faith, and taken a long look at what has been lost in the translation from Hebrew to Greek to English, it has become apparent to me that "the New Testament" should have been translated the New "Covenant".  In turn, it is called the B'riyt HaHhadashah in Hebrew, which means "renewal of the Covenant".  So you see, our understanding that the New Testament is something new, different, and distinct from the Old Testament, is actually misleading.  It is the same covenant that God made with His people from the beginning.  Our Bible's New Testament is a continuation of the Old Testament; it is really one complete Covenant.  Jesus's First Coming (as depicted in our New Testament) is a sign of God's renewal of that covenant.  Remember, Jesus said He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it.  (Matthew 5:17)  

     As God is careful to point out in this Scripture in Deuteronomy, whatever He has commanded us from the beginning, we are to continue to observe; neither adding nor taking away from it.  What He commanded us in Leviticus is still relevant in the Gospels or Acts or any New Testament book of the Bible.  This will be at the heart of our discussion!
     So just what did God command His followers to do after he liberated them from slavery in Egypt and renewed His covenant with them? (God is consistently renewing His covenant with us, His followers)  One commandment that cannot be overlooked nor misunderstood is very plainly stated in Leviticus 23:2 ....  Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.  (NOTE:  God does not say "These are Your feasts".  They clearly belong to God.)
     He then goes on to define just what these feasts are ... Passover, the Sabbath, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of First Fruits, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Feast of Tabernacles.  Furthermore, he emphatically declares that these Feasts "shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations."  The last verse of the Twenty-third Chapter of Leviticus ends with these words ... So Moses declared to the children of Israel the feasts of the Lord.
     I would ask you to consider that these are not the Jewish feasts, but are indeed, the feasts of the Lord, to be observed throughout all generations... that includes us, folks!  So, as I come to an end of Part One of this discussion, I just ask you to contemplate the fact that the Lord proclaimed these feasts 1) as belonging to Him; 2) as holy "convocations"; which in Hebrew means a meeting, or a rehearsal; and 3) to be a statute (in Hebrew, a custom or a rite) for all generations.
     So what does this information have to do with the meaning of, or our modern day observance of the Christmas holiday?  I'm so glad you asked!  I have simply pointed out God's holy and ordained instruments (the Feasts) for the worship of Him.  Next Sunday, I will begin to lay the groundwork that shows the history of the Christian faith and the diverging paths that Scripture and the Church began to take, and how these holy days were replaced with holidays.  Don't shut your minds or your ears just yet! It's going to get very interesting!

Recommended Product: Conflicted-The Survival Card Game

     This little product fits right in with my post from yesterday.  My friends over at prepperwebsite.com featured this unique little gift that will be a mind-blower this Christmas.  It is a scenario-based card game called Conflicted.  Created by SurvivalLogics, Conflicted contains 52 scenario cards and 2 rule cards.  Instead of reading preparedness articles to learn “how to react" in a certain scenario, Conflicted gets you to think through how YOU would respond to a myriad of survival situations after a SHTF event.
     But this product is more than a game and an individual mental exercise.  Many who have already purchased the card game are seeing the advantage of “feeling” others out in their families or preparedness group.  When we are all faced with tough situations, we have an idea of how we are going to act. We tend to think this idea is the way most reasonable people would act as well. The problem is that another person in your prepping group may feel the same way .... but about a completely different answer to the same question!
     So depending on how seriously you want to play the game with the other players you can really get into some great discussions and get a feel for what kind of person your friend or family member “really” is before you both are faced with a difficult situation and emotions are running high.  Or you can go completely in a different direction and play the game casually with someone who isn’t into prepping at all and then maybe ... just maybe ... at the end of the gaming session that person will be thinking about becoming a prepper themselves.
     Here's a sample card that will give you an idea of how the game is played:

     Get the idea?  But what really impresses me with this product is how the developers tested their game before releasing it.  The test group revealed the following reasons they would recommend Conflicted:

1.  It opens up in depth discussions regarding what kind of world we’ll live in after the collapse of society.

2.  It shows to you where others in your group draw the line between their will to live vs their own morals.

3.  It helps you create a mutual understanding among the members of your bugout group when it comes to who’s more suitable for what role after the collapse of society.

4.  It helps you discuss with significant others what kind of survival philosophy your camp will have after the collapse and why that philosophy is important.

5.  The game will raise an awareness regarding other areas of prepping that perhaps you didn’t think about.

6.  Practice your barter, negotiating and leadership skills to perfection on the subjects that matter most.

7.  Conflicted: The Survival Card Game is like a mirror that exposes your real survival philosophy to yourself.

8.  Over 50 scenarios that will reveal how unprepared emotionally humanity really is to the collapse of modern civilization.

9.  See what other preppers all over the world think a post apocalyptic society will be like, as they submit scenarios and the Conflicted website publishes more decks periodically. Have a way to bring this knowledge to your bugout group.  (The website is currently featuring videos of groups that have played the game and their results).

10.  It exposes who the true leader of your bugout group really is. Hope you and your group can handle that….

     Sooo, if you're looking for that controversial little stocking stuffer; you know, the one that everybody will be talking about? I think this may be it.  Just go to www.conflictedthegame.com and see where the game takes you!

1 Peter 3:15    "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." 

All I Want For Christmas Is ....

In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit that I detest the commerciality of the Christmas holiday.  In fact, I have a completely different perspective on the truth behind this religious holiday, which I may be bold enough to share in the coming weeks; but for now, this post will ask you to do some intensive soul-searching before you succumb to the excessive emotions of the season.   

     OK, yesterday you feasted on turkey and dressing, indulged in numerous football games, or maybe went to the movies.  Today is traditionally the day that the Christmas shopping season begins.  All the Christmas decorations are hauled out of the attic, and mobs descend on the malls for that perfect gift at a bargain price.  But before you give in to the addiction perpetuated by creative advertising executives, I implore you to stop and rethink your shopping list this holiday season.
     Push aside the nostalgia and sentimentality, and take a good hard look at the reality of our situation.  Do we really need to be buying extravagant gifts that we can't really afford?  Do your children need another technological narcotic to numb their brains?  Or do any of us truly need that shiny new toy to take our minds off what ails us and the country?
     I'm going to suggest that this year we put on our Big Boy pants and stop pretending that it is life as usual.  If you can't look around you and see that we are in a serious free-fall towards major change, then I'm here to tell you to PAY ATTENTION! 

     Between the disastrous rollout of Obamacare and the millions who are seeing their health insurance rates double ... or losing coverage altogether! ... to the less-than-honest portrayal of the Iran nuke non-deal ... to the increase in regulations and taxation while there is an attempt to decrease our freedoms --- it is all designed to reconstruct the very foundation of America.  So, don't you think it might be a good idea to rethink how you want to spend that hard-earned dollar?
     No one can deny that prices are sky-rocketing at the supermarket; in fact, everything is getting more expensive.  Why not rededicate this holiday season to shoring up your family's foundation against possible adversity?
     As a family, agree to allocate your funds to items that will help you endure some hard times.  Think about what you would need if you lost your job and couldn't afford the price of groceries.  Might it not be a good idea to have some long-term food storage?  Or possibly buy a wheat-grinder and stock up on buckets of wheat?  Home-made bread will seem like a luxury if trouble comes knocking at your door.  And what about purchasing a pressure canner and some seed packets for next summer's garden?
     If we have a grid-down scenario --- and believe me, there are any number of events that could contribute to that picture --- what are your plans for water; for cooking; or for light?  North Korea has threatened more than once to carry out an EMP attack.  And let's not forget all the solar flares and geological occurrences that are daily fodder for the web.
     Instead of that big-screen TV, wouldn't it make more sense to think about purchasing a hand-pump (remember that your well needs electricity to operate)?  Other items to consider are a Deadwood stove or Dietz lanterns and good quality sleeping bags.  Let your imagination wander ... I know this is the season to be jolly and light-hearted, but I urge you to set aside the frivolity for a few days and seriously contemplate preparing for that rainy day.  Once you've hardened your survival preps, then treat yourself to a "feel good" trinket.
     If you are serious-minded and willing to face reality, I think you will agree that this is the year to do a little less of Santa and a little more of SHTF Preppin'.  It's time to get our priorities straight and our plans in place.  By the time Christmas rolls around again next year, it might be a whole new world.

Jeremiah 10:2-3     Thus says the Lord: "Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity."

A New Sense of Thanksgiving

     Does this Thanksgiving feel different to you?  Maybe it is my heightened sense of impending events, but this year, I am not focused on turkey, dressing or football games.  I am truly looking forward to serious contemplation of all my blessings; the relationships, memories and experiences for which I am thankful.
     I just want to be aware of all my senses.  I want to see and take notice of everything -- my humble possessions that make me rich in the eyes of the world; the smiles of my loved ones; the way the wildlife and landscape responds to the colder weather; the dancing flames in my wood-burning stove.
     I want to stop and listen to the sounds that provide comfort -- the soft winter rain on my tin roof; the sound of our rooster welcoming the morning sun; the laughter of my husband as he forgets the state of the world and enjoys a moment free of stress.  And I want to close my eyes and take in the smells that bring so much joy -- my vanilla-orange candles; cinnamon rolls baking in the oven; the scent of my husband's cologne that takes me back to our first dates; and I am looking forward to that sweet baby smell when we meet our great-niece for the first time next month.
     Thanksgiving is always about taste, right?  Whether it is the tart cranberry sauce; the butter, marshmallows and cinnamon that coat the sweet potatoes; the smooth, velvety quality of a fine red wine; or the heaven that is my sister's home-made fudge -- it is all good!  But I think this year, I'm most looking forward to the sense of touch and the closeness with people -- the caress and embrace of my husband; the squeeze and kiss from my mother and father-in-law; cuddling up on the couch with my sister-in-law and niece as we watch chick flicks; and the rush that comes from seeing old friends and connecting with heart-felt hugs.

     For one day, I want to escape the reality of our changing world and simply reflect on all I have to be thankful for.  First of all, because it honors God, "from whom all blessings flow".  By being truly thankful, I am recognizing my total dependence on Him and acknowledging His sovereign control of my life, His infinite wisdom which guides me, His purpose and will for me, and His grace in all He provides.  This life I call mine really belongs to Him and I am so grateful that He pursued me!
     Because what is the alternative to being thankful?  Thanklessness only leads to pride and dependence on self.  An unthankful heart results in a bitter, complaining, joyless individual.  It puts all your focus on self and denies you the wonder and awe of your Creator.  Who wants to trade the pleasure and delight of God's blessings for the depression and hopelessness of a life without Him?
     So today, stop and take just five minutes out of this holiday and pay attention to all the subtle blessings that our Lord has provided.  Give Him pure and genuine thanks for all the things and people you love.  Your simple expression of gratitude will be a pleasing gift unto the Lord.

Psalm 136:26      "Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever."