The Middle East On Fire!

     I have chosen not to comment on the Middle East of late, because it is so volatile and so many issues going on at once that I literally didn't know what to concentrate on.  But in my limited knowledge of world history and cultures, I think it is becoming clearer to me.  PLW has educated me, and I will admit that it still baffles me, but it appears that underneath all the violence and power struggles, there lies a simple truth .... at the center of the hostilities and threats of war is the age-old battle between the Shi'ites and the Sunnis.
     An article in the Times of Israel further helped elucidate the issue for me.  Here's the history:  The Sunni-Shi’ite conflict is rooted in the question of who should succeed Muhammad in leading Muslims after his death in 632. Shi’ites say the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law Ali was his rightful successor but was cheated when authority went to those the Sunnis call the four “Rightfully Guided Caliphs” — Abu Bakr, Omar and Othman and, finally, Ali.
     Sunnis are the majority across the Islamic world. In the Middle East, Shi’ites have strong majorities in Iran, Iraq and Bahrain, with significant communities in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other parts of the Gulf.
     Centuries have passed, but the bitter disputes of early Islam still resonate among the modern nations in the Middle East.  To be honest, from what I've read, it appears as if we, the U.S., helped ignite the ancient hatred when we helped topple Suddam Hussein in 2003.  The long-oppressed Shi’ite majority there saw a chance to take power.  Sunnis feared the repression would flip onto them. The result was vicious sectarian fighting that lasted until 2008: Sunni extremists pulled Shi’ite pilgrims from buses and gunned them down; Shi’ite militiamen kidnapped Sunnis, dumping their tortured bodies later.
     Advance a few years to the Arab Spring, and the hopes for democracy in the Middle East.  There was a lot of talk about the desire for democratic ideals, but as a local businessman in Iraq explains, "Democracy needs open-mindedness, forgiveness and an ability to understand the other," something that has not been realized because of the deep sectarian feuds.
     These partisan feelings have spilled over to surrounding nations, including Lebanon and Syria.  In fact, Syria’s civil war has fueled those tensions. Lebanon’s Sunnis largely back the mainly Sunni rebellion, while Shi’ites support President Bashar Assad’s regime, which is dominated by his Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shi’ism. Hezbollah sent fighters to help Assad fight the rebels, enraging Sunnis region-wide.  Throw Hezbollah and Al-Queda into that mix, and you have a tinderbox.

     Then there's Iran.  This Shi’ite powerhouse of the Middle East is home to a government led by Shi’ite clerics with lots of oil wealth and a powerful Revolutionary Guard. Tehran has extended its influence in the Arab world, mainly through its alliance with Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories. Iran has presented that alliance not as sectarian but as the center of “resistance” against Israel.  This puts them in direct conflict with the House of Saud.  Sunni Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies have been trying to stem Iran’s influence, in part by warning of the spread of Shi’ism. Saudi Arabia’s hard-line Wahhabi interpretation of Sunni Islam views Shi’ism as heresy.
     As if all these varying governments, alliances and sectarian differences aren't confusing enough, we still haven't considered where Egypt fits into this mess.  In Egypt, the Muslim population is overwhelmingly Sunni, and many Egyptians know little about Shi’ites. The Shi’ite population is tiny and largely hidden — so secretive that its numbers are not really known.  And can you blame them?  The rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, who are Sunni, has caused the Shi'ite population to stay in the shadows.  And ultraconservative Salafis, many of whom view Shi’ites as infidels, have become more politically powerful and more vocal since the 2011 fall of Hosni Mubarak. They often preach against Shi’ism, warning it will spread to Egypt.
     Finally, let's not forget the Palestinian territories, who are predominantly Sunnis.  Their main connection to the Shi’ite world was Hamas’ alliance with Iran. But those ties were strained when Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, broke its connections with Syria because of the civil war.  Confused yet?  It seems to me that allegiances change often and dramatically.  In fact, the participants can't even agree whether the violence and fighting is religious or political.  There are those who think that the Middle East conflict is at its core a religious conflict.  They think that the Shi’ites want to destroy Islam.  They accuse the Lebanese Shi'ites of controlling the situation, and the ones who are causing the sectarian strife.
     Then there are others who say that politics, not religion, is driving sectarian tensions.  One Palestinian refugee in Gaza’s Shati camp, had this to say: “In Gaza, Iran used to support the resistance with weapons. Now they support Assad. … In Iraq, they (Shi’ites) executed Saddam Hussein, who was a Sunni, and they took over the country with the help of the Americans. Now they are working against America in Iran and Syria.”
     So with all this back-and-forth, how can there ever be a solution or a lasting peace?  And it seems that the powder keg has been lit and is on the verge of exploding.  The two sects worship the same God, yet they hate each other.  The only thing they seem to be able to agree on is the mutual desire to annihilate Israel.  So how do we traverse this minefield?  I firmly believe that God will decide the outcome and is actually in control of these events.   Our eyes may be centered on the unrest in all the afore-mentioned countries, but never forget that God's attention is focused on His chosen people.  
     Scripture seems to be playing out nightly on our computer and TV screens.  It looks like it is getting out of hand, and World War III is just around the corner.  But never fear.  In reality, God's hand is firmly on the situation, and His will will be done!

Zechariah 12:2-3    "Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it."

Pay Attention To The Words!

     At a town hall meeting in Belfast, Ireland last week, the President of the United States made what I thought was a strange comparison.  He equated religious schools with the issue of segregation.  Just how did he come up with that analogy, you might ask?  In his mind, religious schools, such as those of the Catholic and Protestant persuasion in Ireland, are much like the school segregation policies over 50 years ago in the American South.  During that time period, black students were educated in separate schools and forced to use separate facilities.  And both systems, Mr. Obama asserts, causes division.
     "If towns remain divided--if Catholics have their schools and buildings, and Protestants have theirs--if we can’t see ourselves in one another, if fear or resentment are allowed to harden, that encourages division. It discourages cooperation."  For him, it's all about peace .... and religious schools, just like segregation, don't promote peace (at least in his mind).  "Ultimately, peace is just not about politics," he said. "It’s about attitudes; about a sense of empathy; about breaking down the  divisions that we create for ourselves in our own minds and our own hearts that don’t exist in any objective reality, but that we carry with us generation after generation."
     Now, I wholeheartedly agree that segregation was wrong; it was divisive and isolating.  But I sense something more than an appeal for "peace" in this kind of rhetoric.  There is an underlying connotation that religious schools -- and more pointedly -- the Christian faith are somehow at fault for promoting and encouraging the continuation of "unfairness" and "injustice".  It's really just the "social justice" argument wrapped up in new language.
     It's no secret that the Administration is actively pursuing a regulation in the Affordable Health Care Act that would force Catholic individuals, business owners and institutions to provide health care plans that cover sterilizations, contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs. The Catholic bishops of the United States have unanimously declared this regulation an "unjust and illegal mandate" that violates the constitutionally guaranteed right to free exercise of religion.

     It's also no secret that private Christian religious schools, across all denominations, teach children reading, writing, arithmetic, history and other academic subjects, but also teach them the theology and moral views of their faith, and train their characters in keeping with those moral views.  I have personally seen the results of this kind of moral training in the character development of my nieces and nephews.  My oldest nephew, Matt, came home from attending third grade at his Catholic school, visibly upset over the poor treatment by fellow students of a young friend of a different race.  He struggled with what his proper reaction should be, and at the tender age of 8, he decided he had to call attention to the bullying and stand up for his friend.  This moral sense of right and wrong was a part of his everyday schooling, and now, I am proud to say that he still defends the citizens of his state and has risen through the ranks of the State Police to become a Special Investigator.  He still has a strong sense of right and wrong.
     I have seen my nieces, who attended a private religious school, make some difficult decisions that resulted in them being ostracized and shunned by their peers because they did the right thing.  It is painful to observe their hurt feelings, but when asked if they would make the same decision again, they have agreed that one must always take the moral high ground and make those hard decisions.  And it is faith that helps you get through the backlash.
     I guess I am simply offended that our President would use the abhorrent issues of slavery and segregation to insinuate that a religious education is a continuation of these divisive practices.  If you can paint a picture in people's minds using the evils of slavery, then connect the dots to a modern religious educational system, then I guess you can convince the sheeple that a religious education is as unfair, unjust and oppressive to a modern society.  After all, we are just trying to make everything equal, right?
     So does it take much imagination to move to the next step?  If religious schools are somehow discriminatory by being divisive, then surely they should be outlawed, right?  Does anyone else besides me concede that this is a real possibility?  First, let's diminish morality by forcing religious institutions to go against their faith by adopting all the provisions and regulations in the new health care plan.  Once we've chipped away at those moral safeguards, then let's get rid of private, religious educational institutions.  After all, all kids should be taught the same thing, and the new Common Core standards will equalize the educational standards to reflect a more secular and godless society.  No more of these Christian kids setting a higher moral standard!  That's so divisive!
     I know I sound cynical and derogatory.  But words have their consequences, and this speech made in Ireland last week has profound implications for the future of our educational system.  So be forewarned, and prepared, to defend the rights of parents and children who seek an education that is not only open to all, but provides valuable life lessons that will truly bring peace and unity to our society.

2 Corinthians 2:4-5       "... and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

What's In A Zip Code?

     Have you started noticing the increased request for your zip code as you complete a credit card sale?  At first I barely noticed it.  It seemed to make sense.  At the gas pump, I just thought it was verifying that my credit card hadn't been stolen.  If somehow my card had been obtained through criminal means, it could not be activated if the thief couldn't verify the zip code.  It was a safeguard for me, the consumer, right?  Then I assumed that different businesses were simply monitoring how far their customers were traveling to purchase their products. I could understand wanting to know how far their advertising dollar was reaching.  Oh, how naive could I be?!
     With all the concern over privacy issues and data mining these days, I am now highly suspicious about giving that information out at the cash register.  One sporting goods outlet in my area asks for my zip code during the checkout process, but there is an option to hit the cancel button if I don't want to comply.  I always decline.  Why the sudden paranoia?  Because I've come to realize that my zip code is the key that can unlock a lot of information about me.

     For instance, if the sales employee happens to take note of my name as I swipe my credit card and then I supply my zip code, that combined bit of information can be used to search databases for my address and phone number.  And if the employee swipes the card themselves, I have indicated on the back that they are to ask for my ID as a protection against a stolen card.  Then I've made it even easier to obtain my name!
     Other information can be obtained by paying a few dollars to those "Find People" websites.  With a name and zip code you can discover financial information, public records, criminal and tax records, and possibly even email addresses and cell phone numbers.  Are you comfortable with anyone gaining access to that kind of private information?  I know I'm not!  And I guess my natural mistrust is burgeoning because I don't think our information will be limited to the local department or grocery store.  There is coercion by federal authorities these days, and a sizable increase in inter-agency cooperation -- so much so that I'm inclined to think that obtaining my zip code starts the chain of information-gathering that could end up with a full profile at the Utah Data Center.
     According to Wikipedia, the purpose of this Data Center is (allegedly) to be able to process "all forms of communication, including the complete contents of private emails, cell phone calls, and Internet searches, as well as all sorts of personal data trails—parking receipts, travel itineraries, bookstore purchases, and other digital 'pocket litter'." In response to claims that the data center would be used to illegally monitor emails of U.S. citizens, a NSA spokesperson said, "Many unfounded allegations have been made about the planned activities of the Utah Data Center, ... one of the biggest misconceptions about NSA is that we are unlawfully listening in on, or reading emails of, U.S. citizens. This is simply not the case."  
     Well now, I think recent revelations by the IRS, various journalists and Mr. Ed Snowden have cast doubt on that statement, don't you?  So, by now you may think I'm crazy, but follow this chain of thought ....
     I buy a box of ammunition to do some fun target practice with my husband.  I supply my zip code, which when combined with my name, provides my address and phone number.  All this information is fed into a computer that ends up at the Data Center.  The simple act of buying a legal box of ammo may now be used to monitor phone calls and emails.  Who knows what could trigger further scrutiny?  Who knows what the NSA finds notable?  Does the fact that I google a lot of Christian sites put me in a category that offends someone?
     I guess the bottom line is that we have no way of knowing what, or how much, information is being gathered.  I am a very private person, and while I know that none of my actions warrant inspection or observation, I don't really get to make that decision.  So for as long as I am able, I will continue to try and protect my privacy as best as I can.  But I'm no longer naive; I know that in these days of corrupt and shameless exploitation, it will become harder and harder.

2 Thessalonians 3:3    "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."

Warning: First, The Boy Scouts, Now The Girls Mock God

     I guess I should not be surprised, but I still read the announcement with a sense of sorrow and yes, anger.  The Girl Guides of Great Britain, which is the equivalent of America's Girl Scouts, have decided to be true to "myself" and develop "my beliefs," in place of their prior pledge to "love God."  Why, when it has been their motto for the last 103 years?  In their own words: Because they would rather appear more attractive to the secular world than remain faithful to the God of the Universe.

     That's in England, you say; why should we care?  Because in this day of "global awareness" and "mutual identity", how long before an anti-God activist in this country decides to grab hold of this trend and run with it?  And you might also be thinking, what difference does it make?  Will this new oath really transform their effectiveness?  I would answer that whenever you turn your focus away from God and towards yourself, you diminish the service you provide others.  Let me explain.
     When one loves God, the inevitable outcome is a desire to serve, love others, humble ourselves and give.  When you remove the motivation to love God, you are left with a desire to please yourself; it becomes "all about me".  You see that in the new pledge of the Girl Guides ... "myself" .... "my beliefs".
     Let me ask you a question.  Which group is likely to take up the causes of visiting the elderly in nursing homes; delivering food to the needy; or tutoring children in an illiteracy program?  A group who recognizes the love of God and seeks to put others first .... OR .... the group that is interested in exploring their inner selves and developing their own personal views and opinions?  Because that is exactly what being true to yourself and developing your own beliefs is!  Without God front and center of any cause, you are left with selfishness.... I feel good about helping these people; Look at what we've done for them; They are better off because we helped them ... You are doing it for yourself, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself otherwise.  The very definition of selfishness implies a lack of consideration for others, which is the exact opposite of the purpose of the Girl Guides, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and any other service organization!
     Britain's Chief Guide, Gill Slocombe, stated that the organization consulted 40,000 people before it made the change. She said that using God in the pledge “discouraged some girls and volunteers from joining,” and now the Guides could “reach out to girls and women who might not have considered guiding before, so that even more girls can benefit from everything guiding can offer.”   My response to that?  If loving God discourages you from being a part of an organization whose purpose is to help others, then I don't think you are joining for the right reasons.
     But after reading a comment by Julie Bentley, the new CEO of the Guides, I think I understand what is going on.  She has called the Girl Guides the “ultimate feminist organization.”  Right there, you can see what is at the heart of this organization.  Wouldn't it have been better if she could have identified the Girl Guides as the ultimate SERVICE organization?  It's apparent to me that the Girl Guides are not so much about serving others as they are about promoting and advocating for women's rights across political, social and economic levels.
   

In America the Girl Scout oath still reads as follows:  

On my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

      So what is the Girl Scout Law?  And what is the purpose behind this 101-year-old institution?

I will do my best to be honest and fair,

friendly and helpful, considerate and caring,

courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do,

and to respect myself and others, respect authority,

use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and

be a sister to every Girl Scout.

     The official website of the Girl Scouts of America states that Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.  At least for now, the long tradition of putting God and country first, followed by helping others, and then focusing on developing strong character traits (instead of their "beliefs") still mirrors founder Juliette Low's original vision.  Let's hope they can resist pandering to the secularists and the PC Police.  I would hate to see another God-based tradition wiped from our national landscape.

Galatians 1:10     "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Those That Touch Us

   

   

I have been reminded this past week that while life can be so short and unpredictable, it can also be amazingly enriching.  PLW was saddened by the loss of a man who was an inspiration to him, and who possessed a talent that came straight from God.  Western artist, Bill Owen, died unexpectedly on a historic Arizona ranch.  I suspect that it was the perfect way for him to exit this world ... among the cowboy subjects that he painted with such respect and honor.
   

Cowboss Scattering The Hands by Bill Owen

     Bill was one of those unparalleled men who possessed a talent that was both rare and remarkable, but who never assumed the arrogance or high and mighty attitude that often accompanies such blessings.  He was a humble man; a man who cherished the American West and chose to dedicate his life to painting the modern cowboy.  He achieved great success and notoriety, but always seemed embarrassed to be in the spotlight.  Instead he quietly pursued his craft, offered sage advice to up-and-coming artists, and gave back to the lifestyle he cherished through his foundation that supported educational scholarships for ranch kids.  Bill was passionate about his art, his causes and the American West.  There was no sacrifice too great to "get it right." I guess you could say that the time for men like Bill Owen has come and gone; and that is a sad commentary on the future of this country.

     Last week also saw the loss of the talented and imaginative author, Vince Flynn.  I've never met Mr. Flynn, but I know his immense love and regard for this nation; it was evident in every page of his novels.  Through his character, Mitch Rapp, everyday Americans could revel in his victories over Middle Eastern terrorists.  Mitch was no PC operative.  He did whatever it took to protect the Homeland from the enemy.  And while he may have operated outside the conventional anti-terrorist system, he was always guided by a strong sense of right and wrong; good and evil.  I guess I enjoyed his books so much because Vince Flynn wrote the way most Americans think.  He put his country first and focused on killing the bad guys.  It's a story that is as old as time, but I, for one, have recognized that the fiction of Vince Flynn was, in many ways, more honest, truthful and reasonable, than what we see acted out by our elected officials.  Mr. Flynn was only 47 when he succumbed to prostate cancer.  His voice and his talent will be sorely missed.

      And as I write this post, one of my most beloved places in this country, Prescott, Arizona, is threatened with fiery flames.  This is one of the last of the real Western towns.  They have strived hard to maintain their Western roots and heritage; fighting the march of progress towards urbanization and contending for the preservation of our true Western culture.  Friends are tweeting and emailing that they are trying to rescue and move horses, help their neighbors with livestock, and are packed and waiting for evacuation.  You have to know and understand the Western mindset to appreciate what these folks are going through.  They are practical, down-to-earth, and just a touch hardheaded.  They are also matter-of-fact and sensible.  Their horses take precedence over their possessions.  They have all gathered a handful of personal belongings and leaving the rest behind.
     When I think of the private collections ... precious art, Indian artifacts, and historical relics that will be lost .... well, it makes me heartsick.  But like so many times in the past, when hardship comes calling, the people of our American West don't waste time on tears and whining.  And they never look back.  They just pick up the pieces and stoically start anew.  They are made of strong pioneer stock; their ancestors crossed the Southern plains and steep mountain ranges to settle in some of the most majestic valleys on God's green earth.  Their values aren't centered around their "stuff"; they're survivors and they'll handle whatever life or the elements throws at them.  I'm proud to know them and call them friends.
     So this past week, I've seen a lot of loss.  But I've also been reminded of what is unique and special and distinctive about this wonderful country that I call my own.  I count my blessings and thank God that I have been given the opportunity to know such humble and talented men; whether through personal contact or simply through their words.  Heaven has called both a painter and a writer home.  I can only imagine that the Creator is well-pleased with how Bill and Vince used the creative talents He gave them.  And I am thankful that God has taken PLW and myself down a path that introduced us to the remarkable people of Prescott, Arizona.  They inspire me while they continue to embody the American spirit.
     Yes, loss is a part of this life.  But with that emptiness comes the understanding that I have been given the opportunity to witness and savor the presence of extraordinary people.  Far from being sad, I will add their stories to my memory vault and put a checkmark in the plus column of my life experiences.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4     "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

1 Chronicles 29:17

 I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You.

     I can almost see King David in his prayer closet, having this most private and intimate conversation with God.  They are discussing the plans for building the temple, and that David will give out of his storehouse to honor His faithful Father.  He will give all he has and give it joyfully, knowing that it pleases God.  

     From his personal relationship with the Lord, David knows that God has tested his heart many times.  And he knows that there have been times he has disappointed the Lord.  But he is remembering those times that he was upright [righteous; virtuous; followed God's will and ways] and how he felt God's pleasure.  It is out of that desire to please God that his willingness and the joy of giving flows.

     David has also urged his subjects to seek the pleasure of God.  It is not only to benefit the building of the Temple that he wants them to donate, but so that they, too, can experience the joy of giving for all the right reasons.  And the ultimate reason to give from the heart is that it pleases our Father in heaven.

     I can remember the first time that my husband and I committed our business and our finances to the Lord; when we realized that He was the source of all our provision.  The Spirit created such a desire to steward whatever our allotment might be in a manner that glorified God.  Once you make the connection that it is not your money, but God's, it becomes a serious matter as to how you spend it. 

     We listen for how He wants us to disperse it in honor of Him.  For David and the Israelites, God directed them to build His temple.  For our family, God tells us to use his provision in varying ways.  It might be for His church, or the mission field, or a service organization that is meeting the needs of hurting human beings.  It might also be directly to an individual, whose situation gives us the opportunity to say that God is sending them financial help through us; to let them know He loves them.

     Whatever circumstance God orchestrates, He is in control, and it is ultimately to result in His glory.  And you know what?  Not only does it please God to see our obedience, but our hearts are filled with joy at partnering with Him to glorify His kingdom on earth.  Isn't it amazing, how our Father manages to couple our joy with His pleasure?  What a loving, giving God we serve!

Pure Devotion

     Every once in awhile, we get a glimpse of something that we know God meant for us to see.  It will remind us of what our relationship with Him is to be, and that He is to be the foundation of our lives.  That's what this photo did for me.

     This quiet moment between bride and groom before their August 2012 wedding went viral last year, and is now seeing a resurgence across the digital world.  Why do you think that is?  Without even knowing the back-story, it tells me so much.  The bride's hand is on her stomach, indicating possible nervousness, excitement, butterflies before beginning her life with the young man who firmly holds her hand.  Heads bowed, they are obviously in prayer; most likely for their future together as man and wife, and for their commitment to each other and God.  His military uniform tells me that duty and loyalty and purpose are among his character traits.  He also shows that he has a commanding hold of her hand, revealing his desire to protect and guide her.  Finally, the fact that they refrain from seeing each other before the ceremony, implies the importance that honor and respect and virtue hold for them.

      Now, here are the more intimate details:  Bre Curtas, the bride, and her bridesmaids were fussing over last-minute details in her dressing room when Curtas’ future mother-in-law walked in with a message.  “Sweetheart, your groom has called for you,” she said.  

     At first, Curtas didn’t want to go — she still had so much to do. She was worried about her hair, her dress, her makeup. The bride's heart fluttered as her mother-in-law pulled her to a corner where her groom, Josh, was waiting — what could he want? When she sat down, the nervous bride slid back into the chair so that Josh couldn’t see her dress. She managed to squeak out, “Hi sweetie! We’re getting married today!” “I know, baby, and I want to pray with you before we do,” her groom, Josh, replied.

     So they both sat and, with people continuing to rush around them, bowed their heads.  “My husband prayed that God would bless our marriage, that through thick or thin together we would never lose hope in one another. That instead of focusing on each others imperfections we would always rely on Christ’s perfection. That we would wake up every day and chose to love one another not through our own strength but by the power of Christ’s perfect love.” 

     It wasn't an easy road for Bre and Josh to arrive at this private moment.  Their relationship had had its ups and downs, and Bre had even broken up with Josh for a time.  After accepting a date for coffee, Bre realized "there wasn’t a day that he didn’t pray that the Lord would bring me back, and I knew I'd never find that again."  Lots of prayer re-established their relationship and they made the unpopular and rare decision to wait to consummate their marriage until their wedding night.  It was a tough choice to make, one that the couple struggled with for months. And she understands that "it’s not for everybody.  But there is a blessing and a benefit to it.”  Only 14% of brides today can relate to her decision.  That says a lot about our culture, doesn't it?  But the couple's past difficulties were of no significance, as Josh took hold of her hand.

     Bre will never forget those 40 quiet seconds. “I think this photo has gone viral because it’s not about me,” Curtas said. “No one is looking at it for my dress or the venue or my hair or jewelry. That stuff doesn’t matter.  I think people are touched because it’s two young people taking a minute to forget about those things and thank the Lord for what he’s done.”

     And I think it's more than that.  I think people recognize a sense of purity that is missing from our modern way of life.  In this simple snapshot of one of the most important moments in anyone's life, we are witnessing a moment that speaks to us of innocence and reverence; both of which are lacking in today's world. 

     You might think this is nothing more than a sentimental, mushy post.  But I have to tell you that this photo represents something so sacred; it sparks a renewed hope for a revival of such sanctified values.  There's a reason that this photo garners 100,000 views each time it is posted... at our deepest spiritual level, we are hungry for such expressions of humble surrender.  Thank you for sharing, Bre and Josh.  Keep reminding us who should come first in our lives.

1 John 4:16   "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."

     

Nothing New Under The Sun

     For those of you who share my Biblical worldview, you will know why I am writing this post on this particular day.  For those who are new to this perspective, or outright reject it, then simply regard this as a history lesson.  In order to fully explore my premise, I must give you a bit of historical background.  You may wonder where I'm headed with all this, but stick it out, and I think you will connect the dots.
     I was shocked when PLW pointed me to an article on the BBC News Magazine site, titled "The Greeks Who Worship The Ancient Gods."  I urge you to read the entire article, and I hope to be able to inform you of the deeper significance of what will be happening in Greece today.
     In case you weren't aware, today, June 21st, is what is known as the Summer Solstice.  You may think that only means that it is the longest day of the year; when the tilt of the Earth's semi-axis is in the southern hemisphere and our planet is most inclined toward the sun.  But to followers of ancient religions, it is one of the most important days on their calendar.  And it just so happens that there is a segment of the population in Greece who worship the country's pre-Christian gods.
     June 21st begins the Promethia Festival, which celebrates the ancient Greek hero Prometheus.  It is also the most important annual festival for followers of The Return of the Hellenes - a movement trying to bring back the religion, values, philosophy and way of life of ancient Greece, more than 16 centuries after it was replaced by Christianity. Those with a knowledge of the Bible will recall the Hellenists, who battled both the Jews and the Christians in the arena of faith.
     For the Israelites, returning from exile in Babylon, they faced the threat of losing their identity in a new Greek empire and culture as promoted by the Hellenists.  This led to the rise of the hyper-conservative Pharisees and their added, unnecessary laws.  One of the ways Hellenism influenced Christianity was through Gnosticism.  The Gnostic Greek philosophers taught that the earth was created not by the Most High God, but by an underling, several levels below, who imbued the physical nature of his creation with imperfection. The physical was seen as evil. Only the spirit was good. These beliefs manifested in several ways. If the physical is evil, then Jesus cannot be fully man and fully God; He either only appears to be physical, or He cannot be the Son of God. Similarly, if the physical is evil, there is no resurrection from the dead. Instead, "salvation" is reuniting in spirit with the High God.  You can see how this line of thinking negates the full revelation of Jesus.
     What is being celebrated this very day in Greece is an attempted revival of this ancient belief system.  To give you the full ramifications of this movement would take too long and probably be information overload.  So I will try to show you why this seemingly innocent festival has a much deeper and dire meaning.  That's why we need to look more fully at the historical implications presented in the Bible.  Then I hope to show you how those facts play into what is happening in Greece today.

Nimrod

     If you know your Bible, you are familiar with the story of Nimrod, the ruler of Babel (ancient Babylon) as presented in Genesis 11.  Unless you have taken the time to research different interpretations of the Bible and ancient texts, you may be unaware that Nimrod was the great-grandson of Noah.  (I could really blow your mind by revealing the genetic makeup of Nimrod, but for the sake of our subject today, let's just agree that he was an evil person who rebelled against God).  Josephus, the Jewish scholar, tells us that Nimrod rebelled against God because he hated God for judging mankind in Noah’s Flood.  He set himself above the plans and purposes of God.
     You most likely know the story of the Tower of Babel -- which was an attempt by Nimrod to bring all the people together under one banner, speaking the same language, and to convince them that if they could build a tower high enough, they could reach the heavens, overthrow God, and become gods themselves.
     Well, we know how that worked for them, right?  God squashed their plan, confused their language and scattered them over the earth.  Now all these different groups spoke different languages and could not understand each other, lessening the chances that they could reunite as one rebellious nation.  But perhaps what you don't know is that Babel indicates the god they worshipped; none other than Baal (also known as Bel). You might know Baal as an evil entity, but you most likely do not know that he was believed to be the son of El, the chief god.  Starting to see Satan's plan to introduce a false concept of father/son worship?  And Nimrod as the mighty king, was a true Baal worshipper, and an instrument of Satan.  He is also considered to be the prototype of a rebellious people, his name being interpreted as "he who made all the people rebellious against God".

Hercules

     After his death, Nimrod and his wife were confirmed by their priests as gods and his attributes were set forth under different pseudonyms.  He has been worshipped throughout the centuries, and because the scattered inhabitants of Babel spoke different languages, he became known by these different names throughout different cultures and down through the ages.  The ancient Greek and Roman gods, with names like Zeus/Jupiter, Hermes/Mercury, Hades/Pluto, Hercules, Apollo, Pegasus and Helios (the Sun God ... how appropriate for today!) were all manifestations of the "mighty hunter" Nimrod.
     Indeed, the "Spirit of Nimrod" has been displayed in rulers like Oden of the Vikings, the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Kings of Assyria, Babylon, and Persia, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Stalin, Hitler and Mao Tse Tung, to name a few --- they have all followed Nimrod’s path to power and bowed at his altar.  The Nimrod Spirit comes upon those who want to rule over other men, establishing tyrannical government and putting themselves above God and His purposes.  The Nimrod Spirit deceives the followers of the Tyrant through a false religion such as paganism, or a false philosophy such as communism, which legitimizes the power of the Tyrant.  For those who are not deceived, the Hunter rules through fear and terror.
    Whew!  That was a lot of information!  But it brings us right back to my original point concerning the Summer Solstice.  This group in Greece -- this group that wants to bring back the religions of ancient Greece bear a great resemblance to their ancient ancestors.  Over the course of the three-day event, there are public prayers, two marriages, and a naming ceremony, where followers choose an ancient name - like Calisto, Hermes or Orpheus - and "cleanse" themselves of their modern Christian ones.
     They make statements like "It's going back to the roots. It makes me feel the continuation through the millennia."  They offer sacrifices of flowers and fruit in simulation of the animal sacrifices made in ancient Greece.  They focus their worship on the 12 main gods of ancient Greece and consider their country under Christian occupation.  "When Christianity came in, it claimed it was unique - that there was one God, and all the other gods were false gods, and therefore had to be banished."

     They dress up in togas with wreaths in their hair and by all outward appearances are a benign group.  But it is their willingness to embrace ancient religions that makes them so susceptible to the ancient deception.  In fact, this group states that their movement "is simply an acknowledgement of the gods, in the hope that the gods will help you."  So if they are simply paying homage to their history and cultural rituals -- why would I find that disturbing?
     True, they are very likely unaware of what they are doing, but by bowing to the altars of Apollo, Zeus, etc., they are unwittingly bowing to the Satan-inspired spirit of Nimrod.  Ignorance of who you are worshipping plays right into Satan's hand.  These people have no idea of the fire they are playing with.  These gods are not just fables and fairy tales.  The worship of these entities is rooted in pagan worship of evil idols, which always leads right back to Satan's plan of deception.
     But people are so hungry to connect; to identify with any group that promises renewal and rewards and a sense of "belonging".  It can start out being hopeful.  Just look at how Hitler was able to deceive the German people.  So, yes, you might think that this group celebrating the Summer Solstice is harmless, but I really think that if you open your mind, you can see this same scenario repeated from the beginning of time.  It starts out innocently, and then ..... "In the beginning, they were making jokes, then they were ignoring us, now they are interested," says tax manager Persis Argyros, who has been involved since the start of the movement. "We became too big to ignore."  And that is what worries me!

Deuteronomy 12:30-31    "Take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’  You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods .... "

Immigration: A Complicated Mess

     As the subtitle of my blog points out, I write from my perspective as a normal, God-fearing American woman.  I don't have access to any more information than the average citizen.  Perhaps I pay a little more attention to domestic and world events, but there are lots smarter people than me among our nation's inhabitants.
     That's why this whole issue of immigration is so darn distressing.  I live on a border state and I see the effects of an unenforced immigration policy.  The drug cartels are becoming an increasingly dangerous aspect of our everyday lives.  Crime is on the rise; my health insurance premiums are skyrocketing to cover the healthcare costs of non-citizens; and it's not just Mexicans who are crossing our borders indiscriminately.

Let me make it perfectly clear that I do not condemn any law-abiding Mexican citizen who wants to escape the hell-hole that is Mexico for a better life in the U.S.  If I were them, I would do everything in my power to save my family from the corruption and desperation that is life in Mexico.  But I could tell you hair-raising stories from personal friends who have encountered members of the drug cartels and terrorist organizations on their properties; tales that range from finding prayer rugs and Qurans in the middle of pastures, to testimonies of being shot at with high-powered rifles as they traveled down ranch roads, to returning home from a grocery-shopping trip to find their gate smashed in and an abandoned cartel vehicle in their driveway.  These are not the stories you are hearing on your nightly news.  These are the stories no one wants to talk about.
     Instead we see all the lame and bi-partisan bickering among those who are elected to serve the American people.  I am getting pretty sick and tired of the pandering by both parties to try and figure out how to secure their power for the next generation.  I am disheartened to hear that "amnesty" should take precedence over securing the border.  I'm all for encouraging hard-working immigrants to join our ranks and become an American; we are a boiling pot of different cultures, and we are made a better and stronger nation when new groups assimilate their talents, virtues and moral codes with our unparalleled American values.  But none of that will happen if the evil that is traversing our borders continues to have free access and is allowed to gain a foothold.  I fear the consequences of what one group of men could do to an American city.
     It's a sad fact that I don't trust any of our leaders --- from either party --- to do what is best for the American citizen.  Every day we hear of back room meetings and closed door summits, and I sincerely doubt they are discussing how to protect the tax-paying, legal residents of this country.  Is there a solution that will please everyone?   That will allow immigrants to become legal citizens and guarantee that our government will protect the borders and sovereignty of this nation?  To be honest, I'm not sure there is.  And I guess the thing I resent the most is that everyone seems to be trying so darned hard to figure out how to make the millions of illegal residents legitimate voters.  What about my vote?  It obviously doesn't count for much and I'm not part of any voting bloc that they are courting.  And so I don't have much hope that the decisions being made in the halls of Congress this week will benefit me. Because I am realizing that it is no longer about me, the normal, God-fearing American citizen.  There is a new concept of America on the horizon, and one I worry that I will no longer recognize.  I sense a rush to make the most of an opportunity, regardless of whether it is best for the country or not.   I can't help but think of that old adage, the devil takes a hand in what is done in haste.

Proverbs 11:14     "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers."
   

Lighten Up!

     My husband, Peace-Loving Warrior, says that I've gotten so serious in my posts.  That I and my readers need an occasional break from my heavy dissertations.... perhaps more blogging on recommended products and books; at least a more positive subject matter from time to time.
     I agree with him.  I search for those heart-warming stories and motivating testimonies that will encourage all of us, and rally our lagging spirits.  Heaven knows we need them!  And I promise to broaden my quest.  In fact, you'll see some departures from weightier news items in the upcoming days.
     The truth of the matter is that I WANT to lighten up .... I really do!  Nothing would give me more pleasure than to see a brighter future for this nation and to be able to write about increased prosperity, greater security and privacy, and the restored protection of our rights and liberties. Here's the problem:  I can't find evidence of any of that!  And believe me, I so want to see it!

     Everywhere I turn; every media outlet, news website, or social commentary source has nothing of the like to report.  Do you think I like reading all the negative headlines?  And lately it seems that day-by-day, each succeeding headline gets worse than the one before.  Politically, we have the Immigration debacle, government scandals that appear to be immune to legal prosecution, and a broken system of representation in the nation's capital.  On the world stage, there is the looming threat of yet another war that seems destined to involve our war-weary troops; while our sovereign power is subjugated in favor of "the greater good of all nations".  And from the social perspective .... don't even get me started! A man, whose house is vandalized by some rotten kids, catches them in the act and locks them in a room until the police arrive --- and he's the one that goes to jail!  Then there is the 8th-grader that is facing his own year in jail for wearing an NRA T-shirt.  And let's not forget the Pagan Academy in New York that is teaching adults to become witches, or the "Godless" Church being promoted by atheists, where “a godless congregation will meet on the first Sunday of every month to hear great talks, sing songs and generally celebrate the wonder of life.”  A church that doesn't include God?!? The world has turned upside down!  I sometimes feel as though I am living in an alternate universe.
     Yes, I would love to change the mood of my writing.  And I am indeed becoming tired of finding so little to praise.  But as I say in my bio,  I will speak boldly and plainly about what I see happening in the world ....  unfortunately, what is happening doesn't fall into the category of "sunshine and lollipops."
     From the moment I received the vision for this blog, I have tried to "listen" to what I am supposed to say to all of you.  I don't think I am wrong in discerning that we are on the precipice of some great metamorphosis; we are in the process of changing from one condition of human existence to another.  All my spider senses tell me that it's in stark contrast to God's desire for mankind, and His specific will for me.
     So what is my responsibility as a chronicler of our times?  I can't help but be honest about where my head and my heart are.  I will always be on the lookout for those stories that refresh our hope.  They're out there and they're what keeps me going, so I know you need them, too.  But I will also continue to give you a sincere and frank account of the issues and events that concern me and that I feel need our scrutiny.  You will not always agree with my opinion, or the subject matter, but that's OK.  We just need to agree on the importance of knowing what we're facing.  
     I've tried to explain my thought processes in writing the way I do, and I hope I'm not sounding too melodramatic.  But I feel so strongly led in my musings and I'm not sure to what end.  So I will just say that, in no way, do I compare myself with the great American patriot, Thomas Paine, but I can certainly identify with his desire to communicate with his fellow citizens as they confronted the perils of their time.  His words echo down through the centuries, and exemplify my strongest motivations .... These are the times that try mens' souls ...

John 16:13     "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."