Google, The Cloud, and Your DNA Code

     That's right, for anyone who still thinks that Google is just a web search engine that lets you find other sites on the web based on keyword searches, now comes its latest product ... Google Genomics. According to an article on MIT Technology Review, and Google's own description, this new technology lets them move DNA data into Google's server farms and do experiments there using the same database technology that indexes the Web and tracks billions of Internet users.
     You see, Science and Medicine are converging with Technology, as decoding DNA becomes an explosive new frontier ... and business.  In fact, the article stated that "The National Cancer Institute said last month that it would pay $19 million to move copies of the 2.6 petabyte Cancer Genome Atlas into the Cloud. Copies of the data, from several thousand cancer patients, will reside both at Google Genomics and in Amazon’s data centers."  Apparently, there is a need for “cancer genome clouds” where scientists can share information and quickly run virtual experiments as easily as a Web search.
     Sure, they want you to think this is all for the good of mankind; to eradicate cancer and improve and prolong this experience called "life".  They would have you believe that if you were to get any form of cancer in the future, doctors will be able to compare your unique genome (the complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism; in this case the cancer cell), against a database of 50 million other genomes.  The proposed outcome would be a drug that would work best on your particular type of cancer.  Sounds like a miracle of modern medicine, right?  And just think how beneficial and valuable that cloud full of genetic information is going to be... especially if your goal is to extend man's lifespan; perhaps, even eternally.
     In that vein, Google is going to try to convince you that there is no connection between the Google Genomics enterprise and another of their abstract companies, called Calico, which is designed to investigate how to do just that ... extend human lifespans.  Oh, and don't forget that Google has hired Ray Kurzweil, transhumanist extraordinaire, as their Director of Engineering.  Think all this is a coincidence?
    You just have to follow the bread crumbs; or, in this case, the genomes, to consider where all this is headed.  After all, in a December 2013 CNN article, Kurzweil projected that "By the early 2020s, we will have the means to program our biology away from disease and aging ... We now have the information code of the genome and are making exponential gains in modeling and simulating the information processes they give rise to."

     He went on to explain that new forms of gene therapy would soon allow the human race to reprogram its biology and modify diseases and the ravages of aging.  But he also hinted at the future existence of Google Genomics and other Google genetic database systems, such as BigQuery, when he said, "Health and medicine is now an information technology and is therefore subject to what I call the 'law of accelerating returns,' which is a doubling of capability (for the same cost) about each year that applies to any information technology."
     In other words, once human DNA was decoded (the genome code), technology began working to develop a platform that would accelerate the gathering of raw data of millions of DNA codes, and a method of storing them (in the Cloud), so that scientists could have a virtual unlimited number of specimens with which to experiment.  Which would be all fine and dandy if, Somalee Datta, a physicist from Stanford University (who manages their largest computer cluster of genetic data) didn't state, "“Sometimes they (scientists) want to do crazy things, and you need scale to do that.  [Google] can handle the scale genetics can bring, so it’s the right technology for a new problem.”  My first question would be, "What kind of crazy things, are they wanting to do?"   And let's not forget that it's Big Business!
     So, I cannot help but be skeptical anytime capital gain is attached to "innovative" (or crazy?) health technologies; especially when the combination of such involves experimentation with DNA code.  And if the ultimate goal of these enterprises is to create eternal life without God in the picture, then their emergence is ominous and alarming.  We need to be very vigilant on where this is all headed.  It doesn't take much imagination to see that the advancement of technology could quickly become the enemy of man's soul.

Psalm 139:13-14   "For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well."
   

Deuteronomy 7:9 ... Uncompromisable Commandments

Know, recognize, and understand that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations,

     This particular verse came to me this week, in part because of the recent statements by Pope Francis.  During an address to the Catholic Church, the Pope warned that "we all run the risk of becoming Christians in appearance... Christians in name only."  He went on to say, " [These so-called Christians] are enemies of the cross of Christ. They take the name of Christian, but do not follow the requirements of the Christian life."  As an example, he cautioned us to ask ourselves how much we compromise ourselves to be part of this world.  Do we love money?  Are we prideful?  Then he said, "If you try to love God and serve others, if you are gentle, if you are humble, if you are the servant of others, you are on the right path. Your citizenship is in heaven."

     To be honest with you, that is not enough -- furthermore, I think that doesn't give us an accurate picture of just how BIG our God is!  First of all, when God's own finger wrote down the Commandments He wanted us to follow, He made it very clear that rebellion (or disobedience to these commandments) would not be tolerated.  He loved us enough to provide us with guidance in the form of 10 commandments, and He wrote it in stone to be an everlasting reminder of His covenant with those who are faithful to follow them. 

     Secondly, where is the mention of Jesus as the Son of God; that it is faith in Him and His resurrection that will ensure your citizenship in heaven, and the right to be called a Christian?  Without the mention of Christ and the One True God, those "loving attributes" could apply to any number of religions.  I know the focus was on the Christian faith, but I think if you are going to put Christians under the microscope, it is important that everyone fully understand the core principle of being a Christian ... just being a gentle spirit and serving others is not the primary criteria.

     While I agree with the Pope that there are people who call themselves Christian, who do not deserve that title, (and will be amazed when Jesus says to them on Judgment Day, "I never knew you"), I'm afraid I differ with Him over his path to citizenship in heaven.  "Following the requirements of the Christian life" go much deeper than an admonition to "try" to love God; to be gentle and humble; to serve others.  Deuteronomy 7:9 is just part of the bold statement Moses makes in the entire Chapter.  He tells the Israelites, "You are a holy and set-apart people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a special people to Himself out of all the peoples on the face of the earth."

     Moses goes on to lay out the very strict requirements of the life God expects them to live; and it is no different today.  In fact, our Scripture today tells us that God will love those who keep His commandments even to a thousand generations.  Whether you interpret that to mean today's generational span of 25 years, or an accepted Biblical generation of 40 years, a thousand generations would be a long time!  These commandments are apparently the same today as they were a mere 3500 years ago.  And that applies to all the commandments given by God throughout the Bible ... those concerning sexual immorality, adultery, abortion, and what it means to be "born again."

     Yet today's Church -- including both Catholic and Protestant -- are weakening God's message about keeping His commandments.  They interpret Deuteronomy 7:9 as a picture of God's faithfulness and steadfast love ... which it is ... for those who love Him enough to keep His commandments.  What the modern Church does not do, is make note of the comma at the end of verse 9, which portrays a slight pause before Moses finishes God's statement on His covenant.  You see, verse 10 completes what God will do ... And [God] repays those who hate Him to their face, by destroying them; He will not be slack to him who hates Him, but will requite him to his face.  

     You see, God equates loving Him with obeying His commandments.  He sees disobedience as rejecting Him and hating His commandments.  Remember that one of His character traits is His immutability -- He never changes.  Just because the culture of the world has moved in a more accommodating direction, it does not mean that God is willing to compromise on His commandments.  

     We seem to have forgotten about that comma at the end of verse 9; or at least choose to ignore it.  So when the Pope, or any Pastor, uses his position to tell his flock that God sanctions same-sex marriage, or if they counsel you that divorce is acceptable to God, or that if you are inconveniently pregnant, it's OK to terminate your baby's life; he is not paying attention to the beginning of Deuteronomy 7:9 ... Know, recognize, and understand that the Lord your God IS God... the same God who loves those who follow His commandments, and rejects those who choose to re-interpret them and water them down.  

     The Pope is right about one thing ... Jesus did say, “Because you are lukewarm, I will vomit you out of my mouth.”  I guess the Church thinks that compromising on the Lord's commandments does not qualify as "lukewarm".  But for those of us who know, recognize, and understand who God is, we are aware that His commandments are enduring and lasting truths ... for a thousand generations.

Still Think Vaccines Are What They Say?

     I'm sure many of you can identify with me ... someone asks me if I'm going to get this year's flu shot; or, God forbid, if Ebola becomes an epidemic in this country, would I volunteer to receive the Ebola vaccine?  When I unapologetically state that I would not -- that I don't trust what is in the vaccines -- I get that "Oh, so you're one of them" cynical smirks.  Sound familiar?
     I don't even attempt to explain why, or to site statistics of the rise of cancer and the subsequent benefit to the pharmaceutical companies.  I don't even try to quote such World Elites as Bill and Melinda Gates, Ted Turner, David Rockefeller, or Prince Philip, who, deploring the number of human beings on the planet, has been quoted as saying, “In the event that I am reincarnated, I would like to return as a deadly virus, in order to contribute something to solve overpopulation.”
     Well, perhaps this tidbit of news will cast some credibility on my decision to be selective about the vaccines I take.   LifeSiteNews.com reports that Catholic bishops in the African nation of Kenya are accusing the UN of sterilizing millions of girls and women under the guise of annilating neonatal tetanus by means of an inoculation program approved by the Kenyan government.

  

     The article quotes Dr. Muhame Ngare of the Mercy Medical Centre in Nairobi, as saying, "“We sent six samples [of the vaccine] from around Kenya to laboratories in South Africa. They tested positive for the HCG antigen ... They were all laced with HCG."  HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) is an antigen that causes miscarriages in healthy women, and apparently its use was sanctioned and administered by the World Health Organization and UNICEF.  This action kind of makes a mockery of Unicef's declaration that "The chance to survive is a right owed to every child", doesn't it?
     And it is hard to ignore the proof as provided by Dr. Ngare:  "The evidence was presented to the Ministry of Health before the third round of immunization but was ignored ... This proved right our worst fears; that this WHO campaign is not about eradicating neonatal tetanus, but a well-coordinated forceful population control [and] mass sterilization exercise using a proven fertility regulating vaccine."
     Of course, you expect the same old government denial ... the vaccine is safe, and officials would even give it to their own daughters.  But Dr. Ngare is adamant in her claims that this is a secret anti-fertility campaign.  She cites the unprecedented five-shot regimen over a two-year period, which is primarily applied to only women of child-bearing years.  She further argues that the tetanus series is usually given as three shots over a 2-to-3 year period, and to men, women or children; anyone who comes into the clinic wishing to receive the tetanus vaccine.   “The only time tetanus vaccine has been given in five doses is when it is used as a carrier in fertility-regulating vaccines laced with the pregnancy hormone, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) developed by WHO in 1992.”
     So, how does it work?  According to the doctors and Catholic bishops, "HCG mimics a natural hormone produced by pregnant women, and causes them to develop antibodies against it. When they do get pregnant, and produce their own version of HCG, it triggers the production of antibodies that cause a miscarriage."
     But this isn't the first time this particular vaccine with its prescribed 5 injections has been used in treating the world's population.  Miscarriages became rampant in Mexico in 1993, and Nicaragua and the Philippines in 1994 -- three years after this vaccine was administered by organizations like United Nations Population Fund and USAID.
     And apparently the way the government is rolling out this vaccination campaign lends to suspicions as to its true purpose:  “Only a few operatives from the government are allowed to give it out. They come with a police escort. They take it away with them when they are finished."  As Dr. Ngare asks, if it is so safe, "Why not leave it with the local medical staff to administer?”
     Could it be that what Dr. Ngare alleges is actually true?  That this vaccine has been purposefully designed to help control the population of the world?  What better place to start than Africa, which is home to approximately 15% of the world's population?  Would it shock you to know that LifeSiteNews had obtained a UN report on an August 1992 meeting at its world headquarters in Geneva in which 10 scientists from “Australia, Europe, India and the U.S.A” and 10 “women’s health advocates” from around the world, met to discuss the use of “fertility regulating vaccines.”  -- or that this very same UN report describes the “anti-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin vaccine” as the most advanced?
     I know its hard for the average American to think that there is a global conspiracy to control the population of the world; and even harder to think that our own public health organizations could be involved with anything so sinister.  But this is bigger than trying to keep your flu symptoms on the mild side, or protect you from a case of shingles or pneumonia.  It's about power and money and the Elite controlling the masses.  Just listen to some of their own words:
     Bill Gates, Founder of Microsoft and Billionaire entrepreneur:  "The world today has 6.8 billion people. That's headed up to about 9 billion. Now if we do a really great job on new vaccines, health care, reproductive health services, we lower that by perhaps 10 or 15 percent."
     Penny Chisholm, Professor at MIT:  “The real trick is, in terms of trying to level off at someplace lower than that 9 billion, is to get the birthrates in the developing countries to drop as fast as we can. And that will determine the level at which humans will level off on earth.”
     Paul Ehrlich, a former science advisor to President George W. Bush:  "Nobody, in my view, has the right to have 12 children, or even three, unless the second pregnancy is twins.”
     Ted Turner, founder of CNN:  “A total world population of 250-300 million people, a 95% decline from present levels, would be ideal.”
     Ruth Bader Ginsburg, U.S. Supreme Court Justice:  “Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth, and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of.”
     Margaret Sanger, Founder of Planned Parenthood:  “The most merciful thing that the large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it.”
     John P. Holdren, President Obama's primary science advisor:  "The development of a long-term sterilizing capsule that could be implanted under the skin and removed when pregnancy is desired opens additional possibilities for coercive fertility control. The capsule could be implanted at puberty and might be removable, with official permission, for a limited number of births."
     So, do you still think this is some kind of crazy conspiracy theory?  Or is the evidence in Africa, and the recorded words of powerful people, enough to make you think twice about letting some foreign substance be injected into your body?
     Are all vaccines evil and subject to suspicion?  I'm not ready to make that broad statement.  However, I do believe that we are living in profoundly immoral and malevolent times, and I am cautious about subjecting my body, (which has been made in the image of God), to unknown causative agents that I'm supposed to trust are designed to keep me from harm.  I'm sorry, but there's just too much evidence to the contrary.  I'm going to trust the discernment I receive from the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 41:2-3   "The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.  The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness."
   

Travis Haley: Pushing New Boundaries

     If you've been a reader of my blog since the beginning, then you will know that I have a wide variety of interests.  You will also know that I'm a proud member of "Gun Culture 2.0."  This terminology was coined by Michael Bane, The Outdoor Channel's well-known "adventure-seeker" and gun expert.  Bane wanted to separate those who used firearms through the traditional methods of hunting, the military, or law enforcement (Gun Culture 1.0) from those individuals who came to firearms through the Concealed Carry movement, the growing interest in Self-Defense, or the various shooting sports.
     Additionally, women have become the fastest growing segment of Gun Culture 2.0.  Since I own a CC license, and decided that I wanted to know how to competently and safely protect myself with a handgun, I qualify for membership in this exclusive group.  And it has been my privilege to have received some of the finest training in the country.

     I happen to be blessed to have access to some great instructors who have, themselves, trained with the best.  Who better to prepare you to defend yourself in a gunfight, than someone who experienced gunfighting up-close-and-personal as a member of our superb United States military?  I also think it is important to give credit to those ex-military who are willing to share their time, knowledge, and expertise.  And there is none better than Travis Haley.  So when he comes to town, I'm reminded of just how much my husband and I owe this man.
      If you want to know his credentials, they are readily available on the website of Haley Strategic Partners:  "Travis Haley is a veteran Force Reconnaissance Marine with 15 years of dedicated real world experience including: combat tours in Middle East, Africa and Central Asia."  If you read between the lines, it reveals how tough and aggressive he had to be during all those years of "real world experience."  In other words, he learned how to survive by being bold, working in close coordination with his unit, and a master of many weapon systems.
     And when it comes to training responsibly armed citizens, he's been able to transfer his mastery of dynamic situations to us.  As a relatively new shooter, my level of competence exploded after I started training with Travis.  I have been fortunate enough that he chooses to include our outstanding local range on his yearly schedule, and I've benefitted from several of his pistol classes.
     I'm pretty sure I'm an anomaly, when it comes to his average student.  I'm new to the world of firearms; new to training (I began in 2011); always one of just a few women in his class, and sometimes the oldest.  But, to Travis, I'm the same as the LEO, the young military veteran, or my competitive, experienced husband; he doesn't cut me any slack.  He's encouraged me to never accept mediocrity, to push past my failure points, and to continually evolve, in order to become a better shooter and a better person.
     This time, he came to our little corner of Texas to instruct Carbine classes.  Since I am new to the AK platform, and progressing through my local range's carbine courses, I am not qualified for Travis's pairing of a class on Carbine weapons manipulation in and around vehicles (both in daylight and darkness), and a Carbine Team Tactics class that involved coordinating movement, negotiating obstacles, communication, and shooting with others.  However, my husband, Peace-Loving Warrior (PLW - that is really what his given name means!) has been waiting for the Team Tactics course all year!
      As the next level of his training, he was anxious to learn from Travis how the civilian population could responsibly train to defend themselves as part of a group.  As always, he was not disappointed.  The course is described as "high risk" and "physically demanding", just the kind of challenge that PLW and his fellow students were looking for.  It was intense; at times, rigorous and physically punishing.  But, as expected, it met the highest of standards that PLW knows is the hallmark of any Travis Haley class.

       Let him tell you in his own words:  "The way Travis teaches is so dynamic.  You can take the same course three different times, and because his system is always advancing and always fluid, Travis is forever searching for the hard answers.  He methodically breaks them down into small achievable, baby steps.  These series of steps, when applied in order, create a well-rounded and capable shooter who can now use this information to self-critique and practice their gun skills and gun manipulations.  He just creates a thinking environment that produces a very high level shooting experience."
     As I observed the class one afternoon, it struck me how much it must take for Travis to organize and systematize training for civilians who are responsible gun owners.  We don't have the experience he has, nor the hours of weapons handling.  He can't just show up at our range and say, "Follow the Leader" or "Watch, and Do What I Do."  He has to break it down; think like a civilian would; reconstruct each step that he does, automatically and mechanically; and then try to instruct 15-20 people (all with different learning styles and skill levels), so they can grasp it and apply it.
     But that is what makes him such a sought-after instructor.  I watched as he drilled the students on fundamentals -- over and over, building their muscle memory.  When they progressed to shooting from behind barriers as a 2-man team; or in the open field as 2-man, 4-man, and even 6-man teams, Travis drilled them repetitively.  You could see the metamorphosis; they began to gel, take shape, and came together, working as an efficient team.  Fatigue was not an option.  Problems with weapon manipulation or physical limitations were no excuse.  When you come to train with Travis Haley, he expects full-on commitment, and you expect it from yourself.  (And even though I wasn't participating in the class, it didn't mean I still wasn't learning from him.  I could listen to him share his experiences, or analyze a particular chain of events; and then watch him demonstrate how he would react in different scenarios ... there is always opportunity to gain knowledge; it's what you do with it that counts.)
     Although there is only so much that can be accomplished in a 3-day course, I can tell you that PLW was grateful that Travis is willing to offer this high level of training to people who choose to be armed responsibly.  And, from my perspective, its nice to see the collaboration and synergy between the military and civilians.  There is much need, in today's national climate, for interaction, cooperation and mutual respect between these two groups.
     And that's just one of the reasons that I'm glad our paths have crossed Travis Haley's.  He believes in what he's doing, and he really cares about helping you find your own path.  He believes in his students; and he's about growing you as a shooter, a person, and a contributor to the world.  He believes in pushing the boundaries, overcoming adversity, and invites you to create new territories in your own life experience.  For Travis, it's not just about being the best you can be at handling your weapons system; it's about being the best you can be at your life.  One way to become the best "you" is to experience Travis Haley ... he's a force to be reckoned with, and a life-changer.  Be bold, be challenged, and sign up for a class.  But be prepared to be transformed; you will never be the same.

Romans 12:2     "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
  

2014 Midterm Election: Can Our Nation Be Revived?

     While millions of Americans are celebrating the outcome of the 2014 midterm elections, I am looking beyond red states and blue states; beyond Senate majorities; and looking for more relevance than exit polls.  Yes, by all outward appearances, it would seem that the American people have shown their desire for a different future.... there seems to be a mandate to "turn the country around."

     But shouldn't our enthusiasm be to turn the country "towards" something, rather than around?  I don't know; maybe to you, that means the same thing.  But then the obvious question becomes, "To whom, or what, are we turning?" The pundits will tell you that the country has spoken loud and clear that they want to return to "conservative principles".  That usually means pro-life; pro-Constitution; traditional values in areas like marriage, family and faith; and belief in a strong work ethic versus entitlement policies.
     The Republican Party has been declared the winner of Tuesday night's elections.  The talking heads are telling us that it is obvious the American people believed in the "Republican message", and have decided that they trust it more than "the message" of either the Democratic or Independent parties.  But, as you know, I look at everything through my Biblical worldview, and I am not yet ready to declare this election a victory for the American people or my nation.
     Rather than the "Republican message", I'd rather see my fellow countrymen believe in the message that our restoration will come as a result of turning towards God and believing in His promises, rather than to the worldly promises of men. You see, I don't trust any message delivered by man, let alone a "Party" of men.  Instead I compare our experience to what the Bible says about a revived nation, namely:  "Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18).  Or, how about this:  "A land which transgresses [is punished by] having many rulers; but with a man of understanding and knowledge, stability is prolonged." (Proverbs 28:2).

     So, do the men and women who were elected on "a wave" of Republican candidates (I hate the new media slogan created for this election cycle) have understanding and knowledge?  And is their wisdom of the kind that will truly bring about a revival [and stability] to this country; a revival, which in its true meaning, is "to live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle into a flame the vital spark which was nearly extinguished?"  This definition of revival is a quote from famed theologian Charles Spurgeon, and points to the fact that something must still have a degree of life in it, to be revived.  I confess, that I'm not convinced that a change in the balance of power in Washington, D.C. can breathe new life into the nearly extinguished American experiment....  UNLESS it is accompanied  by a turning around, or a turning towards, or a returning to God.
     By necessity, a Revival of good fortune for this nation means that our newly elected leaders, and the people of this country, MUST refuse to compromise with the world's values and, instead, promote systems that honor God -- in our homes, our families, our businesses, our government, and the public square.  If that is not our focus, then this election means nothing more than putting a different color ribbon on the same dirty pig.  Consider this:  exit polls showed that the Economy and Healthcare Costs were the number one and two (respectively) issues that most concerned Americans who voted.  This tells me that most people are concerned about money; about their level of comfort and security in this world.  But if they are looking towards an elected politician to provide refuge from the worries and insufficiencies of this world, then they are only looking for outward and external answers.
     As Charles Spurgeon wrote, "When revival comes to a people ... the sickly soul which before was insensible, weak, and sorrowful, [now] grows earnest [genuine; committed], vigorous, and happy in the Lord."  That's what I hope this election signifies!  It is my sincere hope that both the new Congress and the nation's citizens will move forwards; turn and move towards a spiritual renewal that will not only render us a prosperous nation once again, but renew our spiritual lives and power.  Now those are some election results I could truly rejoice in!

Proverbs 2:21-22      "For the upright will live in the land the pure-hearted will remain there; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, the unfaithful rooted out of it."
    
   

"Right to Die" Controversy: Don't We All Owe Jesus A Death?

     It's my turn to weigh in on the debatable decision of Brittany Maynard to end her own life this past week after a diagnosis of brain cancer at the beginning of this year.  Her story has occupied our national conscience for the last several weeks, after she announced that she would take the extreme step to end her life on November 1st, with the aid of Oregon's Death With Dignity law.  This law, like those in Washington, Vermont, Montana, and New Mexico, allows terminally ill patients to end their lives with lethal drugs prescribed by a doctor.
     Her decision and this subject matter are not new; in 1990, Dr. Jack Kevorkian, earned the nickname "Dr. Death" when he assisted Janet Adkins, a 45-year-old Alzheimer's patient, to end her life in his Volkswagen van by hooking her up to an IV, and allowing her to administer her own painkiller and the poison that stopped her heart.  He went on to assist with several more medically-administered suicides, challenging the court system and society's morals.  Most of the people were elderly or greatly incapacitated.

     That's why the picture of a vibrant, beautiful, and brilliant 29-year-old who wished to follow this path struck me with so much force.  I took her decision seriously, and did not want to experience a knee-jerk reaction.  I knew she had been given only six months to live, and that the diagnosis of Glioblastoma was a dire one.  In fact, I have a very dear friend who is suffering from this same cancer.  There is no cure, and patients are often left with no hope except for a Divine miracle.
     I also know, according to a spokesman for the advocacy group, Compassion & Choices, that Brittany had "suffered increasingly frequent and longer seizures, severe head and neck pain, and stroke-like symptoms. As symptoms grew more severe, she chose to abbreviate the dying process by taking the aid-in-dying medication she had received months ago."  It was important to Brittany that she live her life to the fullest during the time she had left, and in the end, to die on her own terms.  By the responses of the thousands who commented on one of several internet postings of her death, most people applauded her decision; or at least were able to empathize with her as they related countless stories of their own loved ones' agonizing deaths.
     Let me say, that while I cannot imagine what anguish it was for her to come to that decision, my personal choice would have been different, and here's why.  As a follower of Jesus Christ, I know what His Word says:  This host body that I inhabit is a Temple where the Holy Spirit resides and it is not my own, to do with it as I will.  It was bought and paid for at an extremely heavy price.  There was the physical cost ... Most people in this secular world have no idea what "Scorging" means; that Jesus was flailed by a short whip with lead balls and sheep bones tied into leather thongs.  He suffered deep stripe-like lacerations and an incredible amount of blood loss.  But there was an even greater spiritual cost to his sacrifice.  He carried the pain and suffering of all the sins for all mankind; think of that magnitude -- He endured the cumulative pain and agony that each one of us deserves.
     I know that opinion will be unpopular and will be declared "insensitive" by the masses who are only able to see themselves reflected in Brittany Maynard's choice.  But I see the reflection of Christ when it comes to making that kind of decision.  Brittany stated that she wanted "to die with dignity."  But our Lord chose to forego His own estimable dignity to suffer for me.  Therefore, as my wise husband so often says, "We each owe Him a death."  And, then I have to ask myself, "Do I deserve a better or easier death than His?"

     Don't get me wrong.  I do not wish a long, painful death for anyone; and when it comes to my own, I am praying for God's mercy.  I, just like Brittany and all who suffer at the end of this life, will be wishing for healing.  But I am fully aware that my healing may not happen in this world, and I hope to face that time, should it come, with determination that I will soon experience the joy of His healing hand in the next life.  So, I will neither judge nor condemn Brittany.  I don't know the state of her soul or her relationship with God.  A spokesman for her family said, "She died peacefully in the arms of her loved ones."  It is my prayer that she also died peacefully in the arms of her Savior.  
      By all accounts Brittany was an accomplished and giving young woman.  It is my fear that many young people will hastily follow her example, and that saddens me.  It saddens me that our culture values life so little; or that we have lost the sacred sense that we are made in the image of God, and therefore see ourselves as "little g" gods who only have to consider ourselves when it comes to our lives.  In a sense, this movement towards "death with dignity" mirrors society's approval of abortion.  We can't see beyond the immediate consequences in this world.  We don't view our lives as eternal, or measure the enduring cost of our decisions.  As Brittany Maynard discovered, this life is fleeting, and far too short.  And as I have discovered, this life is precious; not only to me, but to my Creator ... and it is not my own.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20    "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
     

To Vote Or Not to Vote .... What Is Our Christian Duty?

   

      I think it's fair to say that most Americans are having conflicting emotions about voting in the mid-term elections today.  While we acknowledge that we are blessed to live in a country that still allows us to vote for our elected officials, we are rather disillusioned with the process.  We are tired of the false promises, the broken pledges, the voter fraud, the corruption that seems to be inherent in politics, and the fact that most elected office-holders end up not representing us at all!
     In fact, I have heard more disenchanted talk this election cycle from people who take their civic duty seriously.  For the first time in their adult life, they considered not voting.  "It doesn't make an iota of difference", they say.  "The Republicans and Democrats are exactly the same.  It doesn't matter who wins -- nothing will change; we will get the same government."  I cannot dispute their logic.  So, is it important that we vote today?  Will casting a ballot earn us anything more than an "I voted" sticker?   Will we really have a say about what form of leadership we experience?  Or are higher powers really in control, and pulling the lever is inconsequential?
    It may surprise you to learn that voting has been a part of the American experience since the settlement of Jamestown in 1607 -- and nothing much has changed in those 400+ years.  It has been a long, protracted experiment, with periodic changes, both expanding and contracting the enfranchisement of its citizens.  We are still tampering with the process!  Voting fraud has been common from the outset, with votes being bought and sold; and different states enacting their own voting laws, adding to the disorder and capriciousness of elections.
     One could say it's been a messy business from the beginning, and it seems to be inspiring even less confidence today.  So, should we abandon the thought that it is our "duty" to vote?  If it's not going to change a thing, should we even bother?  If I was looking at the situation through the world's lens, I might be convinced to stay home.  But does God have an opinion?  Is the act of voting somehow important to Him, or is it man's effort to make himself seem relevant to a civilized society?
     In the Old Testament we read of the Israelites' desire for an earthly king.  From that first appointment of King Saul, we learn that God is involved in those who rule the nations.  And it is clearly seen that the people usually get the kings/rulers they deserve.  If a people desire and take steps to live their lives according to Godly principles, then their choice of a leader is reflected in the governing of their nation.  But, far too many times, citizens of a country have strayed from the path God would have them follow, and they appoint a leader that, in essence, becomes a figurehead or icon  for their idolatrous ways.
     Down through the centuries, history has shown us the repercussions of godless leaders.  But we only have to look at the last 100 years to get a picture of men who blatantly displayed their disregard for the God of the Universe ... Hitler, Stalin, Mao Tse-Tung, Pol Pot.   Based on how other leaders have performed their duties as heads of state, we can only imagine what they profess in secrecy.  So, with the evidence showing a preponderance of godless leadership, does God still want us to vote?
     First, we need to understand that He is in control, regardless of the actions of sinful leaders.  And I think we need to consider our duty and responsibility to vote as a means of furthering His will by approving men with good Christian values.  We are commanded to pray for our leaders, and clearly directed to obey legitimately elected authorities, unless they specifically defy or contradict the Lord's commands.  (So please do not quote Romans 13 as proof that we are to follow godless leaders, no matter what).  
     So, can you see why it might be important to exercise your right to vote when laws concerning abortion, the establishment of marriage, or persecution of the faithful might offend God?  We, here in America, still have a voice for our Christian faith; unlike those who are being persecuted elsewhere around the globe.  But how much longer will we enjoy that privilege if we become complacent about voting for God-fearing men and women?  How long before it becomes against the law to preach the Gospel message in the public domain?  We still have the right and the opportunity to promote, protect, and preserve a government (and government leaders) that still recognize God as their Source of Power.
     I think we can all agree that those choices are becoming less viable.  I believe that the government leaders we elect in the next two cycles will have profound influence on whether this nation remains touched by God.  That is why it is incumbent upon each of us to pray and to study the candidates and choose wisely.  The effects of our indifference about voting is apparent in the state of our nation.  When Christians stay home and/or remain silent in the political arena, we get the government we deserve; God hands us over to our desires.  If we stand a chance of getting this country back on track, then Christians need to stand up and be counted!

1 Samuel 12:13   "And now behold the king whom you have chosen, for whom you have asked; behold, the Lord has set a king over you."
   

 

Parents: Have You Taken A Look At Your Child's Homework Lately???

     Over two years ago, in July of 2012, I began writing of the dangers of the Federal Government in our Education system, and their attempt to nationalize the content of instruction in every public school across the nation.  I warned that Federal programs such as CSCOPE and COMMON CORE were undermining American values and indoctrinating our children.
     I followed up that post with one in February of 2013, pointing out the concerted efforts to teach our public school children that the Boston Tea Party was an act of terrorism; Christians were cannibals;  and that students were forced to draw a socialist flag while imagining a new socialist country.  At that time, I became aware that the most insidious deception involved the teachings surrounding Islam.

     The curriculum teaches our kids that "Non-Muslims in conquerored territory are allowed religious freedom (for an additional tax)."  (Try telling that to the hundreds of thousands of people fleeing from the murderous rampage of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.) But our kids will only be taught that "Allah is the Almighty God…Allah alone is the Creator, He alone deserves our devout love and worship.”
    Yes, I've been writing about the duplicitous intent of the Department of Education for over two years now.  There have been some victories for truth, and far too many defeats; and for the most part, I'm afraid that many parents may be unaware of what their children are being taught in the name of "advanced current thinking."
     Now The End Begins website reports that "Children are being forced to say the shahada, and forced to learn the Five Pillars Of Islam."  If you are wondering, "Why should that concern me?" or think there is no problem with your child learning about other cultures, I would ask you to consider this:  NTEB's report also includes this bit of information ...  "When Muslims force Christians to convert, they are forced to say the shahada (the Muslim declaration of faith). The Arabic writing on the black flag of jihad (also known as the al Qaeda flag or ISIS flag) is the shahada. This chant of supremacism and imperialism is being forced on American school kids."  Does that make you sit up and take notice?  It should!
     The article tells other stories ... about a mother helping her 7th grade daughter study her Social Studies homework, which consisted of vocabulary words like Qur’an, Mosque, Alms, Caliph, Jihad, Sunnis, Shiites.  Furthermore, she discovered that her daughter's assignments instructed her to "draw detailed pictures of the 5 pillars of Islam and write a word collage of all that is good with Islam."
     Just imagine if a school's curriculum included lessons that asked students to study words like Jehovah, Tithing, Pentateuch or Communion; or if a student was told to memorize the 10 Commandments or write a short story about all that is good with Christianity.  You would have the ACLU, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and every anti-Christian organization in the country filing suit!
     The good news about this particular parent's experience is that she became active this year in getting appointed to a schoolbook review board at her daughter's school; educated herself on what the Constitution says about favoring a religion; and started uniting parents through social media, in a consolidated effort to make other parents aware.
     She's not the only parent who is outraged over this reeducation of our school children.  You might have seen this story on The Kelly File on Fox News.  Marine and Iraq war veteran Kevin Woods was not happy that his 11th grade daughter was asked to write a paper on the 5 pillars of Islam, Mecca (the holiest place in Islam), and the prophet Mohammad.  He called the school and reportedly told them he disagreed with his daughter being taught these subjects.  His argument was based on our inability to mention God in the classroom, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and pray before a football game.  

     But school officials say they "are not teaching religion; they are teaching world history."  You can imagine after serving our country where Islam is the predominant religion, he just might have a difference of opinion.  And being a Marine, his language was probably pretty colorful.  That got him a no-trespass order from the local police, for being "threatening."  But he's standing by his convictions, and after the school refused to give his daughter an alternative lesson, she will be refusing to submit to the propaganda and will most likely receive an F for the class.
     These stories are not out-of-the-ordinary.  What frustrates me, is this has been going on for at least two years, and is most likely deeply entrenched -- not only in your school system, but in your child's mind!  I cannot stress how this invasive curriculum is undermining our country ... it's not education; it's not world history; and it's certainly not teaching cultural diversity --- it's brainwashing and proselytizing!  And to be honest, it's being done throughout all grade levels.  It's not just your college kids you have to worry about being taught anti-American and anti-Christian doctrines.  Common Core has a curriculum for Kindergarten through 12th grade!  They are trying to change the basic belief systems of our kids!
     As long as Common Core is a continuing threat to mislead our children and change what this country has stood for, I will continue to write about it to wake up as many parents as I can.  This tactic is not new and is actually prophesied by Jesus.  In Matthew 10, He tells us that children will rise up against their parents.  What better way for Evil to infiltrate a nation or a people, than to turn the hearts and minds of the children against all that their parents have taught them?  And think how easy it is to do, when the parents aren't even aware the campaign has begun?
     I beg you, PLEASE take the time to do some research about what your children's curriculum includes.  Question them, look over their assignments and peruse their schoolbooks.  And be like these parents I've mentioned.  Speak up, and speak out!  Do not be silenced or threatened by School officials or School Boards.  There is an evil-intentioned agenda eating away at the center of our national identity, and it is stealthy and persistent.  The infection has begun, and unless we are vigilant and relentless in bringing it to light, it will succeed in poisoning us.  Time is running out!

Psalm 14:12    "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
   

2 Timothy 2:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

     In 2 Timothy, Chapter 2, the Apostle Paul is giving some very important advice to Timothy, his protégé, and one who would become a minister of the Gospel message after Paul.   So, while this Chapter is often stressed as a message for Pastors and Ministers, I believe it applies to all Christians.  After all, aren't we all declared ministers of Christ, a holy priesthood, a spiritual house and body of Believers?  And this verse gives us explicit instructions as to how we are to conduct our ministry; just as it did Timothy in his day.

     First Paul is telling us we must be "diligent" to present ourselves "approved" to God.  Just what does this mean?  Sadly, I think that the Modern Church has lost the significance of this passage.  As I have stated so many times, there is much deception within the Church, today.  First of all, most Christians do not see themselves as a "minister of the Gospel."  That title is reserved for a single person who is a full-time employee at the building they attend every Sunday morning, and who is single-handedly in charge of deciphering a Bible message for the masses each week.  That is not Biblical!

     As Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2:  "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy[or faithful]."  Did you notice what he said?  We are all "servants of Christ".  We are all "Stewards of the mysteries of God, which can only be found by strenuously devoting oneself to discovering the revelations of His Word, in His book.  And we are all to be found "trustworthy and faithful."  This is the exact same message he is giving in 2 Timothy, Chapter 2!

     As ministers and stewards, it is our responsibility to be diligent -- to be conscientious, persistent, and tireless -- in studying God's "mysteries" as presented in the Bible.  We should all be "dividing" the Word of God; which is to separate what is Truth from what has been misinterpreted, and to distribute it to all people.

     When we dedicate ourselves to studying and teaching the Word in Truth (which is what ministering is), then we are able to present ourselves "approved" to God.  I'd like to say two things about that ... first, our concern should be to be approved to God, not approved by man.  Our focus should be on Him.  Secondly, I want to stand before God and hear Him say my work for His Kingdom meets His stamp of approval -- He recognizes that I have made His glorification the center of my work here on earth, and that I have fulfilled His unique purpose for my life.  I have nothing to be ashamed about, and no regrets. 

     When it comes right down to it, as ministers of the Gospels, we Christians are to be workers for the Kingdom.  At the center of that Kingdom is the Gospel Message of Christ, which fills God's Holy Word from the opening verses of Genesis to the final words of Revelation.  Christ, Himself, gave us the awesome (awe-inspiring, magnificent) task of telling the world about Him.  Everything about our Savior is revealed in the Bible; and yet, as 21st Century followers, too many of us pay too little heed to the one book that is filled with Him.  

     My journey through His Word will be never-ending; new depths of joy and wonder are revealed every moment I spend in the Holy Scriptures.  And as Christ's minister and ambassador, I am not ashamed of sharing what I have learned.  May the Church re-discover the Truth about who they are to be!

     

When Does Health Insurance Become Unfeasible?

    I knew it was coming.  Our quarterly health insurance premium is due December 1st, which means that any notice announcing an increase in premium would be arriving by mail at the end of October.  And sure enough, the offending piece of correspondence presented itself yesterday.
     I wasn't surprised.  Major media outlets like Fox News were covering the expected increases all week; touting double digits for most plans.  As predicted, our premiums increased by 21% --- which follows an 18% increase last year!  That means we will be paying about $666.66 per month (those numbers are certainly appropriate, aren't they?) for insurance that we barely use.
     I know that the cost may seem in line with what many Americans' costs are on their company plans.  But, since we are self-employed and don't have the luxury of "company benefits" that share the cost, this is a huge chunk out of our monthly cash flow.

     And here's what's even more frustrating ... I would consider us healthy individuals.  We have no serious health issues and rarely visit doctors, except for my annual mammogram -- no high blood pressure; no high cholesterol; no diabetes -- nothing except for the aches and pains that accompany aging.  But even considering that, we have begun a new regimen of diet and holistic supplements to combat the inflammation that is at the heart of those discomforts.  So, do my increasing health insurance premium provide any benefits for that form of health care?  Of course not, nor would I expect them, too.  I believe that each person should be responsible when it comes to their own health care; I think our "insurance mentality" has led to a near entitlement mindset and a gross misuse of our health care system.
     In fact, I would much prefer to pay out-of-pocket costs to doctors, off my health insurance plan.  Have you ever asked your doctor what he would charge you for a service or procedure, if you just paid him what it is worth?  You would be amazed at how much the "real price" is for services, versus the "insurance price."  A friend of mine recently underwent a major surgery to solve some chronic issues she had suffered since childhood.  The surgery bill was $56,000; however, the insurance company wrote off all but $18,000, and after her deductible, she only owed $1200.  Can anyone explain to me how this system has gotten so out of control?
     But like most people, we pay for health insurance to cover the unforeseen catastrophic event, such as cancer or a major car accident; anything that would require long-term hospital costs.  And we'd like to think that we have options in both cost and coverage among the various individual plans.  But it appears as if the options are diminishing, while the costs are escalating.  It's pretty apparent that individual plans will become so exorbitant as to be impractical, or simply disappear altogether.  Every insurance consultant we've spoken to has advised us to stay off the government plans being offered through the Affordable Care Act for as long as possible.  But I'm not sure how much longer we can afford to pay what is turning out to be an expensive burden.
     To be honest, I can't really figure out what is going on, but my instincts tell me that Big Pharma, Big Insurance, and Big Government are all reaping huge profits, while we, the captive consumer are ensnared in a trap we can't escape.  We are forced to purchase health insurance under penalty of the law; we can no longer afford our "old plans", which are actually morphing into less valuable propositions; and the alternative is substandard care and inferior compensation for dollars spent.
     Sadly, I don't have a solution, nor do I think the powers that be are looking for one.  This is just another example of our infrastructure nosediving into a downward spiral.  According to the mandates of the Affordable Care Act, the states were to have Medical Exchanges in place by 2014, yet for the majority of them, nothing has been done.  In the meantime, the premiums for private insurance plans continue to increase; more companies and corporations will shift the cost of health care to their employees; the standard of health care will go down as panels and boards decide what care you receive; and doctors themselves will find it increasingly difficult to meet new government regulations and still retain control over how they treat their patients.
     I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.  You've either received a notice from your own health insurance company, or you will soon be notified by your employer that changes are coming... and none of it is good news.  I'm afraid the American health care system has fallen irreparably ill, and there is no road to recovery.  Take your vitamins!

3 John 1:2    "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."