Christmas 2025-Sharing the Message

Recently, my Church had its’ Annual Meeting and luncheon. During the meeting, the Church’s spiritual and financial health were discussed. It seemed like an ordinary yearly update until one of the Elders, who was also the Master of Ceremonies, dropped a bombshell.

Bless his heart, Tim,* one of our Elders has always stood out as a person who wants to reach others for the Lord. He is a consistently mature Christian, kind, and caring and that includes his heart to have people know Jesus. He performs a lot of leadership roles for our faith community but that day he lead with his fervent heart for evangelism. 

In the midst of discussions of replacing the staircase with either wood or composite material blah, blah, blah, Tim made me sit up and pay attention when he mentioned the possibility of growing our church. Okay, I know the outside walkway is important but I am not the most knowledgeable about it. Perhaps I learned something because it seemed everyone had an opinion on the pros and cons of wood versus composite.

Just when I had to pinch myself to stay awake, Tim threw down the gauntlet. “I recently talked to the Pastor about having a community outreach event such as a church open house or street preaching but, the Pastor told me to read a book instead.” Suddenly, the room was abuzz with ideas, thoughts and prayers. Oh, but wait, I was suddenly awake and couldn’t believe what I had heard! “The Pastor told him to read a book instead,” and here it was! Tim wanted the Pastor to consider having an open house, or street preaching and the Pastor told him to read a book. What book was that I wondered? It was never mentioned but, I am guessing it wasn’t the Bible. The Bible should be the place that we get our direction from on such matters.

There is a difference of opinion in Sharing the Message between my Pastor and one of the Elders. I am not entirely surprised. This issue has presented itself in the past four and a half years that I have attended my new Church. My Pastor knows his bible very well and boy can he teach it! My Elder TIm and his wife have brought the message in other ways. They welcome in Jesus’ name at all times. They actively participate in ministries both in and outside of the church which glorify God. They are extroverts and always ready to encourage new church goers who have attended a service. They love the unloveable and they are natural born proselytizers. My Pastors’ personality tends toward introversion. So, it is not surprising that his approach toward Sharing the Message would be different than Tim and his wife’s. He seems to believe the time to bring people into the church is over, a sort of Noah model of thinking. 

Noah was busy building the ark because the possibility of repentance was near over and judgement was coming from God. Noah and all in the ark were saved from that destruction, just as the remnant of true believers in Jesus will be saved in the last days. My Pastor is a Noah trying to keep his little country church safe and close to God always readying us for our eventual journey out of here. In our case, the Rapture of the church.

Our Elder Tim is more like Jonah, except without the hesitancy. Jonah ultimately preached a message which brought repentance in Nineveh. Both Noah and Jonah lived at junctions in human history as it would seem we all are. Those times require taking sides and choosing God. Do you know that expression, “hands to work, hearts to God?’ That expression means keeping busy for the Lord and in so doing activating your love for God and his ways. I think Noah and my Pastor are “hand to work, hearts to God” type men. My Pastor spends time visiting the sick and dying constantly. If you are in my church or in my Pastors circle he will spiritually support you. But, he just does not seem to have a heart for evangelizing.

I don’t think that this should surprise anyone because we all have the ministries that God has equipped us to pursue. Other people form the other ministries necessary in administering to the needs of God’s church. What with teaching the Bible and visiting those in need, he is also pretty busy. Still, I wish that Pastor **** would listen to Tim and bring the message to those who are most like the Ninevites. I think it would be biblical for the Pastor to do so or to allow others so equipped to do so. Hmm, now that I am thinking about it, perhaps my Pastor is like Jonah after all. If he were to preach the message to those who are lost just like Jonah did, I think we would see similar results. Also, we clearly see that Jonah was made to understand that it was God’s will that he do so. 

Yet, in his Christian journey I think he fails to see this. Is it for me to say something? Should another Elder get in there to debate it further, should his wife or any congregant do it for that matter? I have been praying about this matter since our Annual meeting. It is always amazing that if God wants you or me to do it, he makes it clear through his Holy Spirit. I much prefer the Holy Spirit’s more gentle approach than what happened to Jonah, don’t you? Thank you God for the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

My approach is always hopeful and always ready to Share the Message of Jesus Christ. Why not? He is the biggest influence in my life and all that is good in my life. Everything is better because of knowing Jesus, not that it has been easy. The world is currently rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ so there is rejection that has come my way but God’s promises of comfort through those times are real.

This Christmas season we need Jesus’ comfort desperately and we need to share it with others. Comfort from the floods, the weather and the wars. Comfort from the terrorism, and the oppression that crime brings. In our families there are struggles relationally or financially. We have health struggles and Christian persecution. Yet, Jesus that baby was born to bring us “tidings of comfort and joy.” Repent, acknowledge that Jesus is the Savior and receive the free gift that is available to you this Christmas season. Let’s start the New Year with a new purpose. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be call Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”-Isaiah 9:6

Every year at this time I like to say hi and Merry Christmas to all of my readers. To do that, I look at my blogger statistics for the year and see what countries people reading this blog come from. I write or attempt to write “Merry Christmas” in the language of that country. Please note that the greetings are in the order of most readers at the top to least on the bottom. We are all one in Christ and I am grateful for each and every one of you and wish you God‘s blessing today and always.

Selamat Natal, Zheng Tan Kuai Loh, Shèngdàn Kuàile, Sheng Dan Jié, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, 聖誕快樂, 圣诞快乐 Joyeux Noël, Frohe Weihnchten, Happy Christmas, Frohe Weihnochtn, Śubh krisamas, শুভ বড়দিন -Shubho bôrodin, Feliz Natal, めりーくりすます, メリークリスマス, חג מולד שמח, Hyvää Joulua, Gíang Sinh Vui Vė, C рождеством, Merry Christmas, Zelig Kerstfeest, Wesołych Świąt, Crǎciun Fericit, God Jul, Egucerri On, Jabbama be Sally Kiritimati, hey Trinidad and Tobago Merry Christmas, Eid Milan Majid, Mutlu Noeller

* or **** the names are changed to protect their privacy

Pre-Christmas Inspiration

I was out Christmas shopping when I got a text message. I decided to pull my car over and check who was texting me. It turned out to be important. A Christian friend was distraught after learning a young relative was in a serious car accident that day and was now in surgery. He asked for prayer. So, I parked my car and I immediately started praying.This young woman Paige* was in a nurses training program and did not know when she was leaving the program that day that something terrible would befall her as she drove home. 

Paige is the industrious type, and besides studying for her nursing license she works part-time in her families painting business. I had occasion to meet Paige last winter when she was helping her step-grandfather paint my dining room. I was totally floored by her work ethic, excellent customer service, manners and Christian witness. The room I was updating was a lovely old room which had picture frame molding throughout. There was some 1980’s era wallpaper that did not want to come off the walls and a big picture window. I wanted to take that old wallpaper off the walls even though many people I knew loved it and advised me to keep it because it had vintage appeal. I love vintage but, I had a different vision for this room and had called in my contractor to effect the change-over. The wallpaper had an all-over floral bouquet pattern which conflicted with all of my table cloths and my husband thought it too busy for the room. 

Paige, along with her sister and brother were called into the project to do various tasks such as taping the borders, windows, and the picture frame molding. Gen Z stars with a work ethic, great skills and proper manners, imagine that! Plus, Paige was so attractive in societal terms that she could have easily procured a modeling contract if she so desired but, you would not know that from her down-to-earth attitude. She clearly did not think herself better than anyone else. Paige came from a very committed Christian family and she had clearly chosen that path too as she honored Jesus and spoke of her relationship with him. She did a stellar job in my home in my estimation too.

My friend Dean* filled me in on some horrific details of Paige’s accident. Someone apparently blew through a stop sign hitting one car sending it smashing into Paige’s driver side door. In this age of video recording I was horrified that someone sent me a picture of her totaled car. It was smashed to smithereens but, what happened to Paige? She was taken by ambulance to a local hospital as was the person in the other car, yet the driver who initiated the chain-reaction accident got off without an injury. 

Dean told me that Paige was in surgery with what was expected to be a three hour surgery. She was hurting real bad too due to the extent of her injuries She was conscious as she was wheeled into surgery and even with all that physical toll she managed to say to her mother that,” God has me in the palm of his hand.” What kind of young adult is this? She made me see with clarity what faith really is. I found myself falling short as well as inspired. “I believe; help my unbelief”-Mark 9:24 came to my mind at that moment.

Paige got through that three hour surgery. She lost her spleen, had a concussion and internal bleeding. She had lost a great deal of blood and was in a coma for a while. I still have not learned all the details and why she had to have a second major surgery quite shortly after the first. All I know is that when she woke up from her second surgery and it’s’ after-effects her great-grandfather, a devout atheist was there and he said that “God had answered his prayers.” She replied, “Great-grand I thought you did not believe in God?”  To which he said, “now I do.” Paige cried hysterically with happiness and told her great-grandfather that then this was all worth it. Can you imagine that? I know that she means it too. She has that kind of love and faith that could allow her to understand and believe that if she had to almost die in a terrible car accident so that her great-grandfather could come to faith than it was all worth it. 

Paige is now slowly recuperating at home during the Christmas season. I was so moved by the story that I cross-stitched a Christmas ornament and sent it to her. I got a beautiful thank you call from her grandparents about it and an update on her progress. My how gracious this family is. It kinda gave me some Pre-Christmas inspiration. 

* the names are changed to protect privacy

Getting to Know You

Thinking of President Donald Trump’s recent Asian trip reminded me of the 1950’s Broadway musical song entitled, “Getting to know you”🎶 from the show the “King and I.” It was a real life, if not somewhat fictionalized account of the meeting and subsequent relationship of a British nanny with the King of Siam. The Broadway musical and (later) movie highlighted the highs and lows that naturally existed between the different cultures and countries. 

The love, and the fun were juxtaposed against the anger and the frustrations between the East and the West. Yet, I like to think of the dance performed between the King and Anna as a sort of union that does occur between us when we get to know one another and start physically moving in the right direction, as in a dance.That dance can represent the joining of East and West in matters of art, culture, an economic or political dance.

Nothing has changed and while some might think that musical quaint and outdated it nonetheless seems valid today when I reflect upon President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Asia. Some preliminary deals were reached but more importantly a dialogue happened. There will be steps forward and backwards of course but, the President of the United States signed trade deals and production pacts for critical minerals with several nations, including, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan and Australia. We need one another and we should work together for a better world. 

Speaking of dances, I loved it when the new Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi surprised everyone and busted some moves to the song Y.M.C.A.  That was precious. Blessings to her as she begins her tenure in Office. The nation was gracious in so many ways. There were gifts of cherry blossoms. What beauty the cherry blossom represent in this world of growing ugliness. Of course they are beautiful, God created them! What can I say but, that I was touched to hear that one of the meals between the two world leaders consisted of American beef and rice mixed with Japanese ingredients. The dance of East and West perfectly portrayed. Yet some were quick to criticize the whole endeavor and look for flaws. How is this constructive in a world needing of hope?

It isn’t. The world is heading towards seismic shifts a lot of it not good. The United Nations is no help. When nations of the past seemed to be heading in the wrong directions the dream of a world body that could gather and work together for the good of humanity came about. It has utterly, utterly failed and so what is left is prayer, and individual nations again reaching out to one another in earnest and seeing a way forward based on some foundations. Ah, but what basis for cooperation is there? 

Of course Jesus prayed that we would all be one in him. There is a great community of Christians in Asia. Faith in Jesus Christ binds believers wherever they may be. What else can the world agree upon? Here are just a few topics that came up that we need to think about. Drugs. Can we start out with something simple like….fentanyl is bad? What China believes about fentanyl was front and center on President Trump’s trip to Asia. I pray that we can all do the right thing to try and stop the terrible drug trade. Drugs are a blight upon the planet. 

Business. Can we all agree that we must do business with one another and that ultimately it can do a lot to keep world economies strong and healthy? No country on earth has a complete set of resources, goods and services to meet all of their needs therefore trade is necessary for the well-being of every nation. That is humbling and perhaps reflects a godly principle that no one person has all that is needed lest they should brag and we can extrapolate that concept further to incorporate nations.

War. Shouldn’t each country individually examine its’ position and encouragement of wars that are currently going on around the world? Do changes have to happen? I believe that a theme present in the recent meetings between East and West was war and well it should be.

The thing that Donald Trump represents that is infectious is his fresh and non-politcal approach to some of these topics. Having spent the majority of his career doing business inculcated a different set of problem- solving skills than a politician would have. Politics seems to lead to bureaucracy, economic foolishness and impracticality. You can afford foolishness when you are on the top of a political hierarchy that is completely out of touch with the average citizen of your country. That, plus the huge governmental budgets and lack of accountability. 

In business, you have to keep a budget, pay investors and stock holders. You must produce goods and services that people will pay for and if you don’t you go out of business. If you don’t make good and fair business deals eventually your clients will go elsewhere. Business innovation requires thinking outside of the box. I see this outside the box thinking in all President Trump’s recent trips to both the Middle East and Asia. The wheels of the war machine are crushing different parts of the world at the moment. There are awful massacres taking place in Africa, the Russian war has been going on for close to four years and the Middle East is a hot mess and it has been for a long, long time. 

What to do? Let me think…the same old thing or should we at least try something new to break through the inertia and intractability of these seemingly impossible situations? I don’t think it’s right to look for every time a problem occurs in Gaza to prove that President Trump’s approach isn’t working when the world allowed the Palestinians to smuggle weapons and dig a huge network of tunnels under and into hospitals, schools, and mosques for decades. It was obvious what they were planning. This is one of the big elephants in the middle of the United Nations room. 

Another elephant in the room of world politics is China trying to black mail the United States in order to continue unfair trade practices, supporting the war in Russia and not listening to the plea from USA to stop fentanyl shipments. Drugs are an evil thing for China to be known for and there is no justification for what they are doing. You can not go to heaven and deal dope. Repent and be saved. 

China is reeking of old communist stink. Totalitarianism is apparent there. They have stolen intellectual properties from the United States, and spied on us. The talented programmers and engineers in different Asian countries are being wooed by China. Why not stay home and make your own country great. It will not end well supporting China’s growing technology, they are not doing good things with it. There is power in a New Asia to balance and mitigate for China.

There is a new Asia. That Asia has much to offer the world. “Getting to know you, getting to know all about you, getting to know you, getting to hope you like me.”🎶 The time has come for us to spend time together and get to know one another better. Nations making their own new type deals, interacting on the world scene and making contribution in diplomacy, business and culture. Helping to solve problems such as hunger, and war. 

There are many outstanding artistic, fashion and home designers from Asia that can and should be doing more business internationally but, for the divide that exists at times. Still, when I think of fashion, jewelry, and home style I see the influence that Asia has recently had upon me. I am currently reading a book about weaving from Ichi.co. Weaving has taken me by storm as of late. I teach a monthly craft class at my church of the most humble sort. Every month we delve into the history, and some basics regarding a craft discipline. We start with prayer, lunch and then have some good arts and craft fun.

When I asked the class what areas of interest they had and what craft they might wish to explore, they seemed to be of one accord: “let’s try weaving.” Oh great, the one thing I know next to nothing about. Six months later, I have a few hand looms, a 4 harness loom and am reading Ichi.co’s “Small Loom Weaving-easy projects for beginners.” Aren’t these the kind of connections that we should be making? President Trump’s recent visit to Asia and to Japan in particular are some of my inspiration for exploring the world of this embroidery and textile arts writer. She exhibits and sells her handwoven works in Japan and teaches workshops. I would love to take one of those workshops. 🎶 “Getting to know you…”

As a Christian I see God as the central solution to the problems we face as a people and as a world. In our individual life we could have victory over much more that we need to fix in our life by aligning our life with God’s plan. We would start to heal family rifts, community problems and deal more honestly and humanly around the world with one another. Let’s remain open to one another. It is so easy to make excuses for not starting the conversation. Besides opening the doors to commerce, and exchanging ideas for ending wars, for me on a personal level President Trump’s visit to Asia started me thinking about Asian music, products and artistic approaches. Suddenly, when I perused a list of possible weaving books to buy, Japanese titles stood out. 

When asked my opinion of topics to explore in my local Weaver’s Guild, I thought of the unique Indonesian process of weaving and speakers from that region who could teach us via Zoom. I very much look forward to exploring products from the many countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia that met with our President. A fantasy vacation would entail an Asian Crafting exploration. 

Of course details of any trade deal will be debated and readjusted from time to time… but me, I am just a housewife and I want to wear Asian design, buy vases or cookbooks that could expand my recipe repertoire. Maybe, you would like to do that too? Movies, or television series? We already have that on Netflix but all the attention that President Trump’s trip garnered brought my attention back to checking out some recent titles. I am also thinking of volunteering to host a Pastor from the Philippines or Taiwan when they visit some local churches. One thing is for certain, I always feel the connection to other believers wherever they come from on the planet. 

You’re Wrong!!

Thailand and Cambodia settling differences? Just when many in the Middle East, Indonesia, and the United States are coming together and dare to have a bold new vision for a better future for Gaza, my own neighbors get all warlike, or should I say warlock! I’m not sure?

It was a quiet afternoon last weekend and I was settled into my chair reading up a storm when my husband says,”let’s go for a walk.” I hate exercise of the physical type but just like vegetables, I know it’s good for me. “Wait a minute while I get my sneakers, a sweater” and any other thing I can think of to stall the inevitable.

I was feeling a bit stiff and tired after sitting in my chair for way longer than I should have. I had also been on my feet a great deal this past week preparing for luncheon guests, and my monthly church craft class. I was looking forward to relaxing and catching up on a favorite romance novel, a book of Russian political analysis and news headlines from around the world. Some people binge watch Netflix, I binge read.

I was walking at a snail’s pace when I came up with a clever ruse to find another reason to take a break. I suddenly worked up an unquenchable desire to stop for a minute to check on a neighbor’s progress building a backyard structure. “Oh look honey, the neighbors are making progress on their Japanese tea house.” My husband wanted to see more and noticed Pritchard’s* garage door open which was code for it’s okay to stop by and say hello. 

Pritchard had an open invitation to all his neighbors that if his garage door was open, he was working in his workshop or in some way was available for some friendly neighborhood gabbing.

We found Pritchard serenely in meditation next to his fountain and koi pond. Somehow I knew this was not going to end well. My husband and I warmly greeted Pritchard and my husband requested a tour of the Japanese tea house currently under construction. He began this addition in his garden which has many Asian influenced architectural features this spring. He and his British born wife Fergie* share a huge love of all things Asian, especially Asian best-selling books, philosophy, art and garden design.

Thrilled that I might be invited to sit down for a while, I waxed poetic with complements concerning his tea house. He originally intended to complete the structure to coincide with his wife Fergie’s summer citizenship party. She had suddenly decided after many years of living in the United States that she wanted to become a United States citizen. However, Pritchard was not able to complete the tea house in time for guests to enjoy a cup of tea served in traditional style within this structure. 

Pritchard invited us into his Japanese tea house to sit down and enjoy the lovely fall afternoon. Pretty soon his wife came out of the house to check and see if Pritchard had started the barbeque grill yet. Seeing she had visitors she jauntily strided over to greet us and to offer us a drink, not of tea but of the alcoholic type. It was pretty quickly apparent that in late afternoon she was already sloshed when she started to slur her words. 

Before I noticed that, I opened conversation with some traditional greetings, congratulated her on the tea house progress, and asked her how her latest painting project was going. Fergie was an artist. I half expected her to offer us a ceremonial tea greeting when I realized she had a gin and tonic in her hand and was more likely inclined to ask us to party along with her

It started out cordial. She at first engaged in all the usual small talk concerning her husband’s building acumen, her artist block and then with no warning at all, she pointed her bony finger at me in a rather teacherly way and loudly exclaimed, “you’re wrong!” She went on to say that she had been “thinking of me a lot lately, a lot,” (note:creepy) and that I was “simply to creative and too intelligent to be a Republican. I just wanted you to know that, there!” 

This was jarring. Did she have some imaginary encounters with me in an alcohol-soaked hallucination? Did my attributes blow the stereotypes that she had harbored about Conservatives, Christians and Republicans? Were all the dominos that she had set up in her philosophy of life falling down around her? 

My husband stood up and said that “perhaps we should go now.” I said, “no, I would rather not leave like this.” I have had many conversations with threatening fingers pointed at me in Westchester County New York over the years when I dared to state my political or religious leanings. While I noticed there was freedom to speak of, promote and advance the Marxist democratic narrative in Westchester there was no accompanying freedom to state the other point of view. The threatening environment that I see growing around me now has its origins in the places like New York where I was born and raised. That is why I got the heck out of there when the life and death clarity that COVID brought was full upon me.

I had asked God to bring me to the place where he wanted me to be. I beseeched him to give me rest and Christian fellowship in my new home. Most importantly, I did not wish to be anywhere that God did not anoint. For the most part, my post-New York exodus, has been a wonderment to me filled with a supportive Christian environment. I see signs of the Christian lifestyle all around me. I see parents trying to raise their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, I see businessmen and women showcasing their Christian beliefs in decisions that they make. I have seen baptisms in the pools of the neighborhood and I have seen people tying to make a difference for Jesus everyday. 

But, I was not quite in heaven yet and until then I have to face people’s ill-mannered pronouncements and threatening mannerisms. It does seem that people who are of the left persuasion have upped their game and have become scary. I never felt scared of the debate or of standing up for my principles before. It seems scary out there and I found myself feeling those emotions after my conversations with Fergie. Could it be that all the attacks on Christians, death threats and killing of conservatives around the world has finally gotten to me?

My Christian husband tried to leave as soon as the situation began to escalate. I was hoping that instead of leaving my husband would use his skills to stand up to the situation or to diffuse the situation. But,when Pritchard offered him leave to see his latest drill bits my husband and Pritchard both slithered away quickly. My husband is a conflict avoider and would rather keep good relations with a neighbor even if it means not illuminating a much needed Christian point of view or conservative economic principle. It felt like a Peter moment when Peter denied knowing Jesus. Furthermore, my husband took the easy route and went along with a joke that Pritchard made at my expense about having a video he took at Fergie’s summer party without my permission. I felt betrayed. In one last over the top and shocking act, as my husband was making his escape with Pritchard to the safety of the man cave, Fergie happened to reach out and touch my husbands stomach as she objectified him in full view of her own husband. It appeared that all of Fergie’s inhibitions were gone and her husband and my husband would rather look the other way.I don’t call this Confessions of a Westchester Christian Housewife for no reason! 

I stayed in the tea house and tried to remain calm and to counteract Fergie’s excited attitude. I answered her point for point in a sort of political gladiator match. It felt like FOX versus CNN. It felt like good versus evil. It felt like an unbreachable divide. Fergie lectured me that I need to know both sides of the political situation. She was mildly shocked to hear that I started out as a Democrat before becoming a Republican. She asked me what made me change? She had a lot of questions and pronouncements. I felt like I was on trial for something, but what for? 

She told me that I was too creative and smart to be a Republican, I countered with telling her she has a stereotype of Republicans and it is insulting. I told her that using all of my intellectual capabilities resulted in the decision to join the Republican Party. She was shocked. 

When she continued to infer that I did not know both sides of the issues, I told her that I was at one time politically active for the Democratic Party. I did indeed examine both sides of various issues and I was well acquainted with the answers both parties recommended. Furthermore, I was quite certain that I had come to the truth of the matter.

She was probably most offended when I said I knew the truth. That was like a Ponius Pilate moment I think. I got the feeling that just like that Roman Governor she wondered how I could be so bold as to be in possession of any truth. Implication being that both Pontius and Fergie were that much smarter and sophisticated. 

She asked me how deep I was into this, as if it is a cult. I decided to go for it and say I am MAGA all the way. She was shocked and then exclaimed what is MAGA? That might have been a funny moment because as much as the left hates Donald Trump and people who called themselves part of the MAGA movement, many of them have no idea what it is. Isn’t that often how hate works? My answer on that topic was that MAGA represented a political, economic and social philosophy. 

I felt impinged upon. I felt like I was on trial for being a Christian Conservative. At the end, Fergie wanted to say that I was her friend and then she hugged me. It all felt so insincere as if she had to think herself a good person by ending in an embrace. On my part, I did want to respect my husband’s wishes and maintain good relations with the neighbors. It is not flattering to my husband but true that he wants to be able to borrow drill bites or other equipment from Pritchard and he puts that as the highest good. He is at times a pessimistic Christian thinking that only God can convert and that his only role is to be a silent example of his faith. It is pretty obvious if you read my blog that I don’t agree and so my husband and I continue to debate approaches. 

I shared my Christian faith with Fergie that day and previous to that day. I have been praying for her and her husband pretty much since I moved into the neighborhood and she told me that she was an atheist. I will continue to pray for her. It is now my opinion that Fergie’s sole purpose in becoming a United States citizen is to vote her communist agenda in upcoming elections. I also believe she may be an alcoholic. Is she lusting after my husband and does she kinda hate the politcal and religious views that I have? Yes. Do I forgive her? Yes. Do I forgive my husband? Yes, by the power of the Holy Spirit I carry on. 

It seems today more than ever that we have to be ready to explain our faith and then we are attacked for it. Some of us are attacked emotionally and others physically. People who are not Christians know next to nothing about the basic tenets of Christianity. All that they know they learned from their professors of gender studies, their out of touch left wing news commentator, or their social media bubble. Is it too late for Pritchard and Fergie? No. We must be patient and pray and keep on telling the story of the good news that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he can transform lives. 

* an asterisk indicates the name has been changed for the sake of privacy.

 

October 7th Remembered

It has been two horrible years since the Palestinians showed the world the truth of who they are. Did the world listen? No. In fact, many in the world who did not know a Palestinian from a Pomeranian have found October 7th a good reason to join themselves together with the Palestinian cause. It’s like marrying a war criminal after you know what he did. It’s like marrying Genghis Khan or Adolf Hitler after their barbarity was revealed. Yes, there were those who did that but, you can have them because payment is your soul. Anyone supporting Palestine should be forced to watch the October 7th movie in the conditions that the hostages have had to endure for the past two years. That would be perfect justice.

For two years now, I have avoided watching any full length compilation of what occurred on October 7, 2023. I knew that I already supported Israel and I have told everyone who knows me. I decided to support Israel because of my reading of scripture. I have spent time studying this topic and it is clear that the Jews are God’s chosen people. Everything done by God is done with meaning and for a purpose. 

I understand that I, as a Christian, have been grafted into a sort of Judeo-Christian tree. As is so with grafting there is a main plant, in this case the Jewish people, and then there is the limb grafted on which in this case are Christian believers. God chose the Jewish people to be given the law and to begin the journey towards redeeming the world (through Jesus who came into the world as a Jew) from the ravages of sin and its’ consequences. That is immense but also full of danger as Satan has put the Jewish people in the crosshairs. He does not want this story told or fulfilled but, God will prevail.

Of course, I watched snippets of the film which emerged in news sources as this story unfolded. The footage showed women hanging dead and exposed off the back of trucks, or lying raped to death on the ground. I heard recordings of young men bragging to their parents about all the Jews they had killed too and their parents beeming with pride over their sons’ accomplishments. But, I kinda had my hand in front of my face as I did this or I only half listened because it was such an ugly side of life that I did not want to expose myself to it. I felt like a coward!

I was aided in this because no one that I knew really wanted to think too much about it either, except a Jewish lady that I know from Brooklyn. She is terrified for her own and her families safety in a borough of New York that was suddenly showing so much hostility towards Jews that it kinda made her feel like she lived in pre-world war II Berlin. She was emotional as she recounted how her neighborhood was plastered with posters and messages of support for the Palestinians and Jews were being harassed. It’s been two long years since this blot on the world’s reputation has occurred and I wonder why the world has chosen the wrong side in this fight between good and evil. 

What could I do to remember such a tragic day? I started to pray for all those still suffering from the aftermath of these horrific attacks. I prayed for healing of their bodies and minds. I prayed for God’s intervention and to use world leaders in this vein. I prayed for people to seek the truth of this story. Next, I decided I will have to go to a local bookstore, after I get my slow-cooker meal going, and see if they have the book “Hostage” by Eli Sharabi. It is due to be released today in the United States. It is the story of his kidnapping on October 7th and the unimaginable torture and treatment that Eli had to endure. 

I wonder if they will choose to have this book on their shelves because in doing so, it might create a political fire-storm. They might quietly, (lest any of their other customers hear), say they can order it for me and that it can be delivered to my house). They might even have a look of disgust on their faces as they tell me that. I do not want a delivery in secret, I want to see a Jew telling his side of the story allowed in their bookstore. That is what would be meaningful. This book was the fastest selling book in Israeli history. I believe that is the case because it is their October 7th story and as such is a worthwhile place to learn more.  

I want to see a bookstore with the courage to allow this hostage to tell his story. Will they or won’t they have the book? I think the odds are against it. The bookstore has recently undergone a dystopian, woke makeover. They have started to have a lot of gothic, occult books and events. They have more books by liberal authors. They have graphic novels and stupid books just perfect for the dumbing down of the masses. Nothing thought provoking just a constant loop and repetition of the liberal mantras that need to be reinforced: anti-God, anti-capitalist, anti-men, and climate change blah, blah, blah. I miss freedom and I want it back. So, I will let this independent bookstore know where I stand and that I will vote with my dollars.

I also decided that I had to see the October 7th film and begin to read all the documents that have been uncovered concerning the planning of the massacre. It was said that the Nazis of Germany were good record keepers, well so were the Palestians. Did they learn it from Hitler? There was that whole Jerusalem Mufti and Hitler meeting. I can not help but wonder because there were many copies of “Mein Kampf” in the Arabic translation found in Gaza. 

I am hoping that my readers in the United States and around the world will take the time to pray for the victims of the October 7th massacre. Pray for healing in both mind and body. Pray for average people and our leaders to have moral clarity and act accordingly. I am asking you to have the courage to see at least snippets of the October 7th film. The world has been blocking traffic, protesting in the streets of many countries and on various college campuses so, it is important to know the truth of what happened that day to understand what is at stake. For documentation go to: October7files.com for a 20 minute film on October 7th google “Amir Tsarfati October 7th unfiltered”. It is very hard to watch. I do not recommend this if you are infirmed in any way. Go to a bookstore wherever you are today or in the next couple of days and ask for the book “Hostage” by Eli Sharabi. I am praying that the world’s leaders who have already begun to support a plan to end this war would move forward together with that plan. 

Christian Housewife Reviews “Eden”

Eden, is an idyll that always keeps coming back into our philosophical musings. It is the concept of the perfect human habitation. What comes to mind for you when I say the word “Eden?” Lush, beautiful nature scenes, harmony, or eternity perhaps? Writers and poets are always drawn to the topic of Eden as they endeavor to contemplate mankind’s origins, potential and the human condition.

Eden is the perfect place that God created for us that is mentionned in the first book of the Bible. It was a place where God and mankind had a perfect harmony. (Adam walked with God in the cool of the evening). Everything needed for our physical sustenance was all around us and it was for free. We could eat and drink and have our fill. 

Famed director Ron Howard was inspired to make the movie “Eden” after visiting the Galápagos Islands. One of the islands in the Galápagos Island chain is named Floreana. In stark contrast to the enchanting stories of finches and giant tortoises, the story of Floriana is a bit more sordid. I wondered if Ron Howard was having some sort of midlife crisis since this movie did not match the usual fare that I have come to expect and enjoy from the directorship of Mr. Howard.

He tells stories of people in crisis. Whether it is in outer space or in mental illness, those stories represent mankind’s greatness, struggles and they usually end with the ultimate victory over challenges. I always feel happy after his movies. So, why was he delving into a mysterious murder in the tropics, I don’t see Opie* that way. 

You may wonder why I would choose to do a movie review as opposed to cover the spiritual battles of the world as it goes through paradigm shifts, wars, natural disasters, and spiritual confusion? Could it be that I need a break? Maybe. But, you already know me better than that. I can’t just watch any movie can I now? No, I have to go and watch a grossly under-appreciated and overly philosophical movie and then ponder it. 

Here I go again. The film Eden has a lot to say about our out of control societies and the development of a new world order. In other words, it has relevance for us today. The movie “Eden” is based on real events that transpired in the late 1920’s. It tells the story of three ex-pat groups that purposely stepped away from the civilization that they knew to start all over again on an uninhabited island. 

What were they looking for and does the idea have any appeal to you at the moment? To begin with, Dr Friedrich Ritter was practicing medicine in 1920’s Germany. He was enamored of the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzche and one of his patients who had multiple sclerosis. He believed he was going to advance the work of Nietzche and develop a template for the next stages of the human journey. This would change the world. Hitler had that idea too. There is the hint that his lover Dore Strauch will find health giving aspects on this island Eden. Theirs was a relationship of a most unconventional nature. But, anything goes on this island.

Then there are the Wittmers, a family comprising a hard-working World War I German soldier who was disillusioned with post World War I Germany. His first wife had died, his son had tuberculosis and his life as a middle class bureaucrat did not afford him the luxury of being able to afford treatment for his sick son. Could “Eden” be a healing place for his son? His second wife Margaret starts out as a character just along for the ride until she becomes pregnant and must deliver the baby under harsh conditions thus bringing out some motherly warrior instinct. 

Then there is the character who is looking to be the queen bee of the island. She’s as bad as she wants to be and doesn’t hide it. Like a queen bee she is in charge, sexually active with all the male (drone) bees and trying to build something, in this case a luxury resort. 

The events in 1920’s Europe seemingly inspired the formation of the characters and their decision to dramatically step away from the society, the family and the life they had once known. Yet they brought their philosophies with them and begin to build the same problematic world on Floreana that they had left behind. Ideas of the next stages of humanities progress were all around them and the desires of a new world order were afoot and each character reflects this in one way or another.

At that time, the ideas of Marx, Nietzche and Sartre among others were being mined as a source for societal change. The discontent, the longing for a perfect world was palpable everywhere.The Russians had tried to make their perfect utopia in their Revolution of 1917 with its’ desire to bring the masses to full equality and into the modern age. What befell the Russians in search of that utopian dream is deep and dark and they still have not emerged from the disaster of that utopian dream. 

Some of those ideas of Utopia would cause those in Germany to imagine a solution to their post World War I economic problems. The next World War would see the quest for the perfect world played out and ensconce the entire world in the process, Japan and its’ imperial history, the Arabs moving towards independence, the Italians with socialism and the United States who would have to make decisions about continuing in isolationist tendencies. All would be effected.

The high-rolling stock markets, music and flapper culture of the 1920’s did much to inform the character of the Baroness in this movie. The intellectual cauldron, and the social unrest all were at play when three groups decided to stop the current trajectory of their lives and start anew in their quest to create their own version of Eden. The problems started immediately. Don’t they always? Doesn’t anyone read the Bible anymore because the quest for utopia always plays out the same way. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.

As King Solomon opinied, “there is nothing new under the sun” and this movie surely confirms that thought. Russia is doing the same old thing with Ukraine. The North Koreans are trying to have their own version of Eden and the Chinese just keep pushing their principles forward, no matter how wrong they are. They have been doing this for a very long time. According to the Bible, they will continue what they are doing until they will reach the disastrous end stage of mankind’s perpetual revolving door of insanity. It is caught like some planet in an orbit of destruction where it will eventually crash and burn. Don’t believe me? The rejection of God’s law did not bode well for Adam and Eve. The Russian Revolution whose godless regime tried to replace God with the state epically failed. 

Each of the islanders thought they would win too. Their particular versions of utopia conflicted with each others and a fight soon ensued for their beliefs and the scarce resources (this seems like what is happening today doesn’t it). The fight for survival whether it was in their European homeland or on an uninhabited island can not be overcome through wars, murder or manipulation. The island of Floreana, as depicted in this movie soon became a mini-United Nations with seemingly ridiculous and yet imperative conflicts breaking out. In this story, those differences end in murder, treachery and a fall from Eden. 

It’s always the same. This movie and the events that occurred in 1929 in no small ways seem to mirror events that are currently occurring on the word stage. There is one instant of male frontal nudity, a sex scene and a lot of lovemaking noises comes through tents but, it is all so distasteful that it’s enough to make you return to a more Christian model of sexuality. I choose to follow Jesus and this movie and the dysfunction that I see in the world helps me to realize that this is the best choice. “Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”- Psalm 37:5 

❤️❤️ God bless you. 

* Opie is a childhood role that Ron Howard played on the “Andy Griffith Show.” 

A Turning Point?

The world is struggling or is it just me? I have had a rough week with so much murder and mayhem in the news. It all comes down to the spiritual battle in our hearts. 1 Kings 18:21- (the prophet Elijah asked the undecided people) How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; if Baal, follow Him.” But the people answered him not a word. 

Just where are we heading in this next stage of human existence? What will the meaning of our lives be when artificial intelligence takes over a lot of our jobs? I think we better have a plan for that eventuality, don’t you? What are we to make of all the latest crazy worldwide events? This is a test so you better get the answers right if you want to graduate!

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed”- Genesis 12:3.                                                                                                        

The United Nations overwhelmingly voted to create a Palestinian State. A what? Land that the Roman Empire named Palestine as an affront to the Jewish peoples will now officially be divided? The problem is that God gave that land to the Jewish nation. Also, didn’t the United Nations speak about this after World War II by creating Jordan as a homeland for the Arabs and Israel to finally be recognized for what it had been for thousands of years i.e. the homeland of the Jewish people? The majority of land in the Middle East belongs to the Arab and Iranian people but, not this little spit of land. The good news is that the ten nations that voted against the partition of Israel and the twelve nations that abstained from voting will be blessed. The bad news is that one hundred and forty two nations will begin to come under God’s curse. 

Joel 3:1-4-For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, 

I will also gather all the nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land. 

And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink. 

Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? Will ye render me a recompense? And if ye recompense me, swiftly and speedily will I return your recompense upon your own head.

Aren’t terrorists getting rewarded for doing a civilian massacre on October 7, 2023? This Hamas massacre also included the plan to use rape and hostage torture as part of their strategy? Technically isn’t that an international war crime? Is this the best the United Nations can do about that situation? They are a morally failed institution. Not to mention how they have not settled the Russian-Ukrainian War. What are they even good for?

China has so many people that it is very easy to whip up a military parade to show the world its’ intentions. We had Russia, China, India and North Korea all joining hands in a grand show of friendship at that event. I think we all got the message. Russia, invaded Ukraine and, as of late made incursions unto Polish and Romanian airspace. Note: any accident that the Russians chose a moment after the Chinese pow-wow to insult Polish and Romanian airspace and then do a military exercise on their border? I think not. These countries are forming a partnership for certain but is there any honor there?

Let’s start with North Korea. The North Koreans are hunkered down in some cult-like isolation chamber experiment. In complete isolation from the rest of the world the only thing we know about them comes from the occasional person lucky enough to escape its’ clutches and tell their story to the world. From there it is often a harrowing journey towards wellness for people so brutalized. Ruling by fear and psychological manipulation keeps people in lockstep to the Kim family tempo. I don’t want to live that way, do you? India, Russia, China: show me your friends and I’ll show you yourself! Do not be misled:”Bad company corrupts good character”- 1 Corinthians 15:33

The above countries all benefit from this alliance in many ways. Russia gets soldiers from North Korea. I can’t imagine how terrible that soldier’s assignment would be or maybe I can. India and China are getting great energy deals on the backs of a wronged Ukrainian population who have always been menaced by the Russian Bear. Maternity wards and preschools have been bombed and while Russian children go back to school many Ukrainian children will be studying in underground shelters. Those Ukrainian children lucky enough to not get kidnapped for re-education in Russia. China’s and India’s cheap energy comes with a bloody price. China and India should not be helping finance Russia’s war. 

And could it be that even Europe is bowing to Russia in exchange for that cheap energy? If they support Ukraine as much as they are always saying they do, couldn’t they just buy energy from the United States or Israel?  Europe is paying for its’ impractical environmental policies and now they can not meet their own energy needs. Europe has an identity crisis too. Judging by recent protests around Europe, there are many Europeans who know that the mass migrations that have flooded their lands will destroy their identity and more. 

However, the leaders in charge don’t seem to be listening or care. Europe hounded and cruelly mistreated the Jews in their historical past and they seem to be back to their old ways of Jew-hating judging by their recent vote at the United Nations and divestments from Jewish business and cultural ties. It’s Europe being Europe and I thought they had outgrown this. All of the countries of the world have tried for greatness but instead have failed because we need God in our hearts, communities, and nations for any real progress. The kind of progress that the collective world’s heart really wants.

Then we have the cold-blooded murder of 31 year old Charlie Kirk. A husband, father, committed Christian and free speech advocate was assassinated on a college campus while answering questions on transgender violence only to became one of the statistics of that violence . He was killed by a gay man living with his transgender partner while advocating for biblical truth. He was killed for being a Christian. Killed for standing up for traditional values. Charlie Kirk exercised his right to free speech and was gunned down in the least free zone that exists in the United States today which happens to be the college campuses. 

Today the United States campus is a no-go zone for Christians and traditional people of any type. The grades and professionships are rigged in favor of Marxist thinking. Send in your scholars, and receive back professional agitators, anarchists, feminists and generally subversive individuals. Think Tyler Robinson or Luigi Mangione. It seems to be an epidemic and we have no one to blame but ourselves. We let insanity build and build until ka-boom, the revolution is here. We should have stood for something then but it is never too late.

What do you stand for? Charlie Kirk stood for something good and now he is gone because the democrats can’t tolerate people who don’t agree with them. They take life lightly and even joke and applaud the killing of political adversaries. They hate Christians. We most not hate them back. We must pray for people who persecute us. It is not easy to do this but, we must. Romans 12:21- be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Since Charlie Kirk died Christians, conservatives and republicans all over the United States have gathered for prayer vigils. What did democrats and their supporters do when George Floyd died? They looted, robbed and killed people. That’s what they always do. This cost one billion dollars in losses. The conservatives are praying. 

Newscasters have used their visibility to push forth their twisted views of life to their captive viewership. Thankfully, one has been fired. A liberal got fired for taking money and then refusing to print out prayer vigil posters for Charlie Kirk. A New Jersey nurse who reported a doctor for his gleeful and ghoulish comments is now the one getting in trouble. Of course she is in this world gone mad. I would not wish to be treated by this doctor because I think he could not carry out his duties to uphold life if the patient happened to be a conservative Christian. There is simply no respect for the dead or for people of faith.

Remember the shooting at Charlie Hebdo?  “Je suits Charlie.” That phrase may have new meaning. It may now mean that we will get off the sidelines and take the mantle of responsibility for everything that is going on. The things that Charlie Kirk was doing. Bring decency back to our communities, integrity back to our governments and Christ back in our hearts. Do it for God and in remembrance of Charlie Kirk.

Acts 2:21- And it shall come to pass that whosoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.

Psalm 112:7-8- He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established; he will not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies.

Galatians 6:9- Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

2 Corinthians 1:3- Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.

The Green-Eyed Monster

I had a long text message exchange with a Christian friend on the topic of jealousy. My friend lives in Russia. Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine occurred we have not been able to see each other in person. Before the invasion, she was planning to spend a semester of her school year in the United States studying English as a foreign exchange student. Those dreams were dashed as international sanctions mounted against Russia after the war began. What a disappointment to Anya* to miss out on studying the English language in the United States. I was also sorely disappointed because I was looking forward to spending time with my Christian friend. I first met Anya on the Christian missions field serving those in need. The powerful bond that one forms in such a setting is not easily broken. 

The damage to lives and to international relations that Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine has caused are immense. On a microcosm we see the relationships that are interrupted, on a macrocosm we see families torn apart, lives lost, and the world facing a re-ordering. The Bible tells us what is to be next. It has all been foretold in the Good Book. 

However, getting back to that microcosm leads me to that text conversation with Anya that I mentioned earlier. I was sharing the story of a special moment recently enjoyed at my husband’s birthday party. My husband had just finished opening his birthday gifts when he asked me if I knew which was his best gift?When I modestly exclaimed “no,” he replied, “you,” are my best gift. It was one of those countless romantic moments that I have enjoyed over the years with my husband.

When I happened to mention this to Anya, she good-naturedly feigned “white jealousy.” I had never really heard the term “white jealousy” before but surmised it to be a small jealousy, just as a white lie is considered a small lie. From there, our text messages blew up and we were feverishly texting back and forth. As is my habit I first waxed poetic on the general human condition of jealousy. Here is some of our conversation:

ANYA: Actually, I believe that you are indeed *******’s best gift. Your husband is a naturally sweet and romantic man. I honestly sometimes envy you. In Russia it’s called, “cool white jealousy.” It is when you are glad that your friend or family member has something cool but at the same time you want it! “Black jealousy” is generally considered a flaw and a bad trait. It’s when you angrily think that if you don’t get it, nobody else should. 

Ivan* (Anya’s boyfriend) is not a romantic. It’s hard for him to open up that often, even in front of me or his own mother. However, he can be sweet and supportive when he feels you truly need him. Most of my boyfriends have not been romantic. I guess I am looking for other things. Ivan has a good sense of humor. It is very similar to mine, it’s both silly and serious. He is responsible and mature. He cares for his mother and other family members. He is handsome, and as big as a bear. Last but not least he’s intellectually gifted and in some ways his intellectual capacities exceed my own. I was looking for an equal.

ME: The topic of jealousy is an interesting one! What does culture say about it, and what does God say about it? Throughout the ages, the stories of people reflect the white and black jealousies that we go through. It’s one of those emotions that are quite uncomfortable (think Rachel and Leah). When it is white, it is under control and when it is black, jealousy can lead to crime (think Cain and Abel). The world’s cultures have sang songs about it, made operas and movies about it. Great writer’s have made jealousy the central theme of a deep study of humanity.

The Bible teaches us to let go of the feelings of jealousy and instead to realize that each one of us is loved by God equally. God specifically chose not to give any of us every gift for our own good. But, that leaves us knowing that someone else has something that we do not have and that often turns to jealousy.

God wants us to be happy for one another, for example when someone else gets a great job or marries well. When people work together combining their talents in a godly way, it makes the world a better place. 

ANYA: Jealousy is a common trait in the sport in which I compete. When you are competing, you sometimes wish that your rival performed worse than you because you want to win. When I win a gold medal, some of the other girls wish that it were they who had won instead. When some other girl takes the gold I wish that it were my victory….embarrassing but true. Can you relate?

ME: Of course I can relate. It takes time and consideration to work through my feelings of jealousy and I have done that and will continue to do that throughout my entire life. I love the German word “shadenfreude.” It perfectly expresses the worst part of jealousy which is being happy at someone’s misfortune. The meaning of that word makes me work hard at being happy for people because shadenfreude is quite ugly and represents the worst of me.

Shadenfreude is showcased often in social media. I have to “click off” when I see it lest I get tempted to go along with the sentiment.

ANYA: yes, the worst type of jealousy is when you find someone’s misfortune pleasant. I know that most people are like that sometimes. That’s pretty normal but you must keep it under control like you said. If you jealousy is controlled-it’s safe for you and others. 

I realize that the feeling of jealousy is often inevitable throughout our lives. It doesn’t necessarily mean we’re “bad.” White jealousy is not bad and it’s not poisonous. For instance, yes, I admit that I am a bit jealous of you. But, it doesn’t mean that I wish you the worst.

Me: The Bible says that we are all bad people, the consequence of the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. Our bad thoughts mean that we are bad people. It is what makes us a sinner. The only solution for sin is to admit our wrong and go to God for forgiveness, redemption and new direction. God is good to make our sin go as far away as “the east is from the West.” Next, if we allow it, God helps us to do better from year to year.

I have come to terms with the truth that I am both good and bad. Knowing Jesus means that he has my back. He has taken the price for that jealousy and other things that I have done. I am grateful that we have someone who has taken up our cause. 

Post Script: Clearly Anya is not looking for a romantic type of guy and it is other attributes that win her heart. So why did the Green-Eyed Monster emerge when I discussed a romantic moment? Well, why was I jealous when a friend told me about her Vermont summer cottage? I prefer to take different trips every year and not be tied down to one summer experience year after year. I’m an explorer. So why did I experience that uncomfortable emotion? Why indeed! 

Numbers 5:14 (KJV) And the Spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she if defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be.

Proverbs 27:4 (NKJV) Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent. But who is able to stand before jealousy?

One more thing: *******’s romantic and has many wonderful attributes but just like Ivan he is not perfect. 

******’s- my husband. 

* the names are changed to protect privacy.

Wuhan/Foshan?

 In my Post-Op/Post-Game world I have had some time to catch up on the news. I started to wonder why the Chinese Government has launched an insane response to the Chikungunya virus outbreak in Guangdong province. This virus pops up in parts of Asia, South and Central America as well as Africa during the mosquito season. The disease is carried by the same mosquito that transmits dengue fever and the Zika virus. I have known people who have had all the above mentioned viruses. 

Mosquitos carry diseases that they are able to transmit when they give people those pesky bites during the summer months and we ought to guard against that and try to prevent that from happening. Part of my summer routines besides wearing flip-flops and linen a plenty is making sure there is no standing water on my property. I have always taken that job very seriously knowing that depriving the mosquitos from water during their breeding season is good science and goes far to prevent disease outbreaks. 

I have been on slo-mo since my gall bladder surgery so, I asked my husband to please walk around the property yesterday and to disperse any standing water that he finds. I know that we have a watering can which catches water under an air conditioning unit and we use that to water nearby summer blooms. We usually empty that frequently. However, since I have been ordered not to lift anything too heavy, I have to ask my husband to do it. Shoveling snow in the winter, and making sure there is no standing water on your property in summer is a responsibility.

I reminded my husband incessantly to inspect our property frequently as I nervously read varying accounts of the Chinese crackdown in Guangdong province concerning the recent virus outbreak. They have warned people that failure to handle standing water on property could result in steep fines or even shut-offs of a homeowner’s electrical power. Wait, that is going way too far.

I imagine that there is a Chinese lady out there who is right now trying to explain to the government official that she is recovering from gallbladder surgery and she is usually un top of that chore but, that she is currently not able to do it. Her husband has been so busy taking care of her that he is a little behind with a double load of responsibilities. Could you please put our electricity back on and rescind this fine? From all accounts the Chinese government are flying drones with A.I. intelligence assisting to find standing water. 

On the one hand, it seems like it should be a good and a quick way of identifying places where there is standing water which might be a breeding ground for mosquitos. Bravo right? On the other hand, now they are using it to spy on citizens in China and using information gathered to penalize people. The accounts from China are again reading like a dystopian novel. Shades of Wuhan/Foshan. 

Pharmacists are told to report people who purchase certain types of medicine. The government then goes on to require blood tests to check for the Chikungunya virus. Individuals who test positive for the virus are then taken to the hospital until their tests come back negative. They are placed under mosquito netting until then. Forced mosquito netting that sounds like my grandmother when I was visiting her in a tropical location. I do understand that if you have the virus and a mosquito bites you that the mosquito can then pass the virus that they got from you to the next person. However, as a moral person I would choose to take all due precautions to keep myself, my family and other people safe. Is it the governments job to hold me prisoner and take away my freedom before I do anything wrong? It’s almost as if they don’t trust their citizens. 

All over social media there is a story of a mother whose children were tested without her permission merely because she bought fever reducing medicine at a pharmacy. Imagine that, a child with a fever, let’s get the men in white coats….. not!

China has had a great deal of flooding and with that as their history shows disease breaks out in that region. Ten thousand people have gotten the virus this time. However, this disease usually does not kill anyone and while it does present a risk to those in certain categories, (we have to watch out for ourselves if we are in those categories), it usually results in an immunity and resistance the next time you get the virus. It’s like the model for today’s government and the medical community is never trust a person’s natural immunity. Why is that?

Since the Chinese introduced the world to the gain of function Wuhan virus, we see a new partnership between science and the government. Let’s be clear, it is never a good thing when medicine and government team up. It is better if medicine remains an independent entity with citizen input. Evidence the former Soviet Union’s weaponization of psychiatric medicine to punish political prisoners. Or, the Nazis sterilizing people who they deemed undesirable. What about the World Health Organization and various countries unwise measures used at combatting the corona virus? Wuhan/Foshan? 

I have read of genetically engineered elephant mosquitos being released to eat the disease carrying smaller mosquitoes. Mutant mosquitos, what could go wrong there? Or, what about obsessively spraying dangerous insecticides everywhere. I am now imagining pollinators dying, asthma increases in already polluted China and other environmentally lasting effects as the poisoned water and air complete their cycles and disperse the poison far and wide in the food chain. Coje la suave with that poison!

The tools of the modern computer era far surpass any past tyrannical model for control that has ever existed. The ability to completely and totally control every citizen’s life is now something that any government can easily implement. The information superhighway that we thought so much of is now tainted with the smear of deep fakes, algorithmic manipulation, hackers and artificial intelligence lies. The Chinese pandemic model is the new model of how world domination will occur. There is nothing good about their war on this virus. Don’t buy the hysteria or methods. Our rights come from God not from our government or the health care profession and we ought to have a say! 

P.S. pray, read your Bible, eat healthy, and exercise. In this summer of floods check for standing water and disperse it. Take precautions to avert mosquito bites at dawn and dusk. I use herbal sprays and homemade citronella candles. If need be and you live in an at risk location please use mosquito netting. Also, with vacation season still in progress it is important to check if your vacation destination has reported any recent cases. If so, it might be worth it to reschedule. God bless you all. 

Post-Op/Post-Game

 Hi Y’All. I am back. You didn’t get rid of me that easily. I made it through my gall bladder surgery. One of my centering scriptures was, Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth -Psalm.46:10. In the not so distant past, I went to a German Fraktur lecture and bought several lovely examples of that calligraphy. I quickly framed them in neon green picture frames that I had bought at an Anthropologie store. One was the Psalm that I just referenced. It helped me to quiet my mind and nerves from time to time before the surgery. That verse is a life raft that we can all grab a hold of and contemplate. And as we contemplate its’ meaning, somehow everything falls right into place! God is in control folks.

After the surgery, another Fraktur calligraphy of the word “gratitude” was reflective for me. So many people reference the word “gratitude” in art work at their home or in their office. But, just who or what are we gratitude to and for? It matters. In life, there is so much gratitude that we should have of course. We should be grateful to our parents, our friends, mentors and others. However, first and foremost when I look at this lovely framed example of Fraktur I immediately know that I am thinking of God and all that he has done for me in the weeks and months before my surgery. I am grateful for the Holy Spirits’ presence now in my Post-Op/ Post-Game world too. In fact, when my surgery was over and the nurse informed me that it was all over. I remember feeling wide-awake and breaking out in a big smile. How happy I was as I exclaimed, “thank you Lord!”

It has now been one full week of recuperation and I had my Post-Op/Post-Game doctor’s appointment. They pronounced me on the mend and doing well. However, I love the way they give you the big sell on getting a surgery and then afterwards, they spring a whole bunch of life-long digestive problems that may ensue. Is it any wonder that people decry the medical profession or seek alternative medicine? While they are not a perfect institution, they are THE INSTITUTION to be beat and no one has yet. So, we have to deal with the system. On the day of the surgery, the team assembled to do my surgery treated me with dignity and respect. 

I thought that one of the downsides of moving out of Westchester County New York might be that I get worse medical care. After all, New York City area hospitals consistently rank high in industry wide comparisons. Having experienced treatment in those major facilities and coming along side others also getting treatment at these hospitals did not convince me of their often reported superiority. In fact the opposite. I felt that patients are often treated insensitively. There are language barriers when dealing with medical staff who did not score as high on language arts as they seemingly did in the medical sciences. At times it feels like calling a customer service line for some computer help and not understanding what the person on the other lines was saying. My parents were both born in other countries so English was their second language. However, communicating with excellence in whatever language we spoke was considered important. The care is spotty at best and depends on who is on duty that day. Wait times are horrific too. 

So, when I looked at the pros and cons of leaving my native state of New York, I did so with my eyes wide open. There always seems to be the sense that big city care is state of the art. But, what about quality of life and care? I began by praying to God to move to the place that he wanted me to be. I asked that he would guide and direct me to a place where I wasn’t the only Christian or conservative on my block. But, now that I had to get my first surgery I had to accept the choice that I made to move to a more remote location. What ended up happening on the day of my surgery was what I was hoping for i.e. a small town experience, my own personal Hallmark movie. Everyone looked me in the eye that day and communicated effectively about the procedure that I was about to undergo and my aftercare. I was educated and prepared for my surgery and recuperation. People treated me kindly and gently. Their techniques that morning seemed well-orchestrated. Most important to me, there were Christian scriptures on people’s desk, and on the walls. A conservative channel was playing on the television screen. Maybe I will live a couple years less here but, it is not how long we live, it is the quality of our life. I can breath here. I can be myself here. Thank you God for bringing me here, getting me through difficult things and please bless the people who cared for me that day.