I think the one thing that has been the most surprising is the number of people from around the world that read my blog. I have readers in China, Russia, Greece, the Philippines, Ukraine, India, Portugal, Australia, UK, Japan, Thailand, Canada, France, and more. The numbers aren't huge, but the fact that people from other countries are interested in what we have to say is humbling. The internet has given us a voice that the rest of the world is listening to. Amazing!
Together, we have explored a lot of ground in the last year. From my initial post of trying to figure out how we have arrived at this point in our shared history, to one year later trying to work out a way forward through the chaos.... you have given me great insight, encouraged and inspired me, and blessed me with your friendships. And I thank you! Each time that I wondered if I was helping anyone, or doing any good, I would receive a comment that motivated me to keep writing. As long as there are one or two people who want to hear what I have to say, then I pray that God will use me to write what they need to hear.
And He has guided me (us) through a wide variety of subjects! I initially thought my purpose would be to offer encouragement and instruction to people (both men and women) who might be considering the Prepper mindset for the first time. So we've taken a look at survival techniques and products; a little bit of everything, including how to assemble your Go-Bag, build a fire, cook on a rocket stove, bake bread, make soap, pressure can and dehydrate, shoot a pistol and treat wounds. All this is good info, and very relevant. But I also felt a calling to begin expressing a moral and ethical conscious from a Christian American.I took you along on my study of the Constitution and the history of our country; how the rule of law and the individual rights of man were determined by our Founding Fathers. And these posts were juxtaposed with those on the Occupy movement and their extolling of the rights of the collective 99%.
That led to posts cautioning us to be aware of attacks on homeschooling, our healthcare, and our faith. I warned you about the advent of RFID chips, pills and tattoos; that Smart Meters are on the horizon; and that, make no mistake about it, Death Panels are a reality.
We've discussed the fact that our civil liberties, our religious freedom, and our right to defend ourselves from tyranny (both foreign and domestic) are subject to eradication. The United Nations has inserted itself into our sovereign government and they are pushing their "one world" agenda HARD.
During this past year we have taken a look at the world economic situation, especially in Europe, and how that is, and will, affect us. We have seen an emerging and growing threat in the Middle East, fueled by the Muslim Brotherhood and their push for an Islamic caliphate. The Middle East is a powder keg; on the one hand, you have thousands in the streets demonstrating for democracy, while on the other hand there is such hatred for Israel, the one democracy in the region. Death and destruction abound, yet we entertained heroes such as Malala, the young Pakistani girl who stood up to the Taliban; and my friends Aviahi and Ophir, Messianic Jews who, raising their young family in Jerusalem, suffer persecution by their own countrymen for practicing their faith.
We celebrated other heroes: Hannah Szenes, the Hungarian Resistance fighter who stood up to Hitler; astronaut Neil Armstrong, who defied those who would limit his religious freedom, and held communion on the moon; Navy Seal Michael Murphy who exemplified the sacrifice of Christ by laying down his life to save his brothers-in-arms; the Wounded Warriors at Fisher House, who have sacrificed life and limb to protect our nation; and finally, my personal hero, my dad, an Illinois farm boy who accomplished nothing the world would call "heroic", yet along with millions of other 17-year-olds, answered the call of his nation to defend her.
But the news is not all bad! I contend that the resolve of patriotic and spiritual Americans is increasing and gaining greater influence. We will not simply accept and acquiesce to authorities that would demand we give up our rights, our voice, and our faith. We know that it is time to take a stand, or we chance losing everything. And for millions of us, that is not an option.
This blog has become not only my voice and opinion, but yours, too. There are many loyal readers whose comments are just as valid, and oftentimes, more well-informed and passionate than mine. I have enjoyed getting to know you and am thankful this blog has brought such good friends into my life. I value our discussions and your viewpoints. They are always welcome and provide an immeasurable contribution to this endeavor. So as long as you want to continue this exchange of ideas and thoughts, I'm willing to put in the hours each day. Let's go another round together and make this world a better place. What do you say?
2 Corinthians 4:15-17 "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
I say "You Go Girl".
ReplyDeleteI am not the most educated person in the world, I have no college education, only book educated by grandparents and parents who were lovers of history and all things in between. I find your postings inspirational, and putting thoughts into words.
As my Navy dad would say..."Damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead".
The kind of education you've received is the best! You've learned at the feet of people who appreciate what real learning is all about and I'm sure they taught you to think for yourself, instead of mindlessly following some intellectual who has never experienced life outside academia. Your opinion matters just as much as theirs. And I have found your comments to be sincere and honest, and an inspiration to me. Both our dads were in the Navy, and I think they'd be proud of our commitment. And don't worry, it's "full steam ahead" from here on out!
DeleteIt's a great blog spot. I check it every day and look forward to your observations and opinions.
ReplyDeleteKeep going. You rock, Belle!
GEJ - You've got to know that your comments always keep me on my toes and I really look forward to your unique insight. You have educated me on a lot of issues this past year and I can't wait to see what this next year brings our way. You rock pretty good, yourself!
DeleteCongratulation on your first year. Your post is the first one I read in the morning. I don't always leave a comment but I'm always moved by what I read. You have educated and inspired me and sometimes left me crying. Knowing there are other like mined Christians out there is a blessing.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work. I will keep you and your PLW in my prayers.
JM
JM, I'm always grateful when people take the time to comment, but even when I don't read a word, I can still feel the connection. So please know that I appreciate your heartfelt words, and hang on to the fact that there are millions of like-minded Christians who are true believers throughout the world, and we are all united through the Holy Spirit. Thank you for the prayers and the support.
DeleteBelle,
ReplyDeleteI truly have appreciated your blog and all the information that you share with all of us and also being a sister in Christ. You can find a lot out there about prepping, etc., but you can't find someone with your heart who loves Christ and shares the gospel with others and shares your feelings and thoughts and also give the truth on the Bibical side of prepping and the world in which we live today. I would certainly hope that you wouldn't stop with the blog! It's the first thing I do when I come in from chores in the morning and look forward to what you're posting. I think your blog is great and you touch on so many subjects that matter to many of us and all of it is important too. Thanks as always for your hard work and beautiful spirit and kindness and for bringing so much to the front that we need to stay on top of and for trying to keep the "flock" together.
Your friend,
Lisa
Lisa, you have been one of the most supportive readers and a source of encouragement during those times I've felt less than adequate in doing what I feel I'm supposed to be doing. You seem to know my heart and we've never met! I always look forward to hearing about your world and knowing that you're "in the fight" with me. Thank you for all that I know you're doing to advance the Kingdom, and if we don't get to meet in this world, I can't wait to greet you in the next!
DeleteCongratulations on a year well spent. The work you do is important in ways most of us will probably never know. You are a voice of reason, but not panic, over the situation in our beloved country. You share hope and knowledge and we all find ourselves needing that in these, oh so trying times.
ReplyDeleteYou have a book ready for the printer. 365 Days of Hope and Reason.
Love you,
Charline
As you can see by all the comments, every one of you have a voice and a Spirit equal to mine. And you should know that you have inspired me from the day we met, nearly 18 years ago. Can you believe it?!?! I know I'm not the best writer out there, but God has put it on my heart to use what talent He has given me to reach out to fellow Christians and to spread His Gospel to those who need to hear His Word. Believe me, there are days I feel I've let Him and you down, but I'm going to keep going until He tells me to stop. Thank you for your loving words, and you know I love you, too!
DeleteYep,,, its been a long 365 days.. What you are doing here is important. Your work is greatly appreciated and I believe is a part of a larger movement that will ultimately salvage this train wreck we call America.
ReplyDeleteYou have a gift,, thanks for sharing it :)
Thank you for your kind words. I really just see myself as as instrument ... I try to listen for what God would want us to know about all that is going on around us. No question about it, this world is a mess, but He is in the midst of it and if we can hold on to His grace and mercy, we can get through our daily living. I fear that America is changed forever, but His faithfulness to those who believe in Him will never change! We'll take it one day at a time ... together!
Delete2 Corinthians 4:16, "Therefore we do not lose hope".
ReplyDeleteI am a recent discoverer of your blog. I like the fact that your thoughts are an extension of the quoted Scripture verse. I have become a daily follower for the reason that your writing gives hope in the face of dispare. Most prep blogs do a great service to help us prepare for a difficult time to come. But let's face it, its a heavy weight on the spirit.
So I join the others to encourage you to keep sharing the Word of God and how it applies to our living in the face of adversity.
I live in a major metropolitan area so I need hope.
City Dude
I know there are days it doesn't feel like we have much to hope for, but I really want people to realize that we are citizens of heaven and this world is temporary. That doesn't mean we get to escape what goes on here, and we shouldn't do our best to make it as good as we can --- I simply want us to focus on what God would have us hear and know and see during this time. He will help us through these difficult times and we need to be aware of what is happening around us and what is coming in the future, while always keeping our hearts and minds and souls focused on Him. He is worthy of our attention and when we seek Him, the rest of this mess called "life" gets put in perspective.
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