United We Stand; Divided We Fall

Could any statement be more telling than this one with our current leadership and the act of destroying our country before our very eyes?

On this Independence Day, 2015, I look at the things occurring around the world, but especially those occurring within the borders of our own country and I feel a sense of sadness deep in my soul.  As the daughter of a 23 year Army veteran, now in the arms of the Savior, I was raised with a strong sense of patriotism, love of country, respect for the flag and great appreciation for all those who have fought for our freedom, especially those who gave all for us.  My father was great man, who though human and thus one who made mistakes, knew what it meant to love the United States of America, to teach his children to love her, to understand the sacrifices our armed forces have made to give us the freedoms and rights we so love to tout as being what this country is all about.  But I can say that right now, my heart aches for our country.

There are men of power in this country who seek to tear us down to nothing.  They are trying to create a race war after we fought so hard to find peace and familiar ground, for the most part, among our people in this respect.  They pit us at every turn and fire up those who are dissatisfied with their lives - even when much of it is brought on by themselves and their lack of confidence that they can be more.  They have weakened us by making some of us think we cannot survive on our own - that entitlement is the only way to be one of the haves, rather than a have not.  The historical truths that would help make African Americans feel proud has been buried with the lies of those who desired to, and some who still desire to, hold them down.  We are becoming a country that has forgotten the American Dream because there are those who intend to take that ability and right that this country is founded on away from us.

I look at the many immigrant people I know and see strong businesses they have built - and, oh yes they did build it themselves!  I see them supporting their families, contributing to society, obeying tax laws (I work for a CPA).  Some of them left their own homelands for America so they could have good and fruitful lives.  Of course, not all of the immigrants do this and it is those who do not, who come here to break laws, rape, murder, steal, that we need to rid our country of in this fight on immigration.

There are good things, too, though we are often at odds on whether or not they are good.  For me, the legalization of same-sex marriage is one of them.  I understand that this may be a difficult thing to comes to terms with for many Christians, though.  I know what the Scriptures say but I also understand the historical times, when the population of Christians was so low, they could not afford to not multiply their numbers. I also know that despite that, we are not in a place to judge others.  What I posted on Facebook explains where my heart is on this:

I have to say I am absolutely thrilled with the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage. I know some of my friends totally disagree with this, but let me say WHY I am happy about it.
First, no same-sex couple will ever again have to deal with other family members making end-of-life decisions for their long-time partners. THEY will be the next-of-kin. They will be able to carry joint health, car, and home insurance. They will have a chance to show their many years-long relationship means enough to them to seal it 'til death do they part'. If one passes, there will be no issue about who takes custody of their children. They will be able to provide benefits to their partner - annuities, social security, and Medicare. Inheritance will go automatically to the partner in instances when no will is left. If a veteran, they can now share their benefits with their partner and children. Wrongful death benefits for the partner and any children. Bereavement or sick leave to care for a partner or child. Crime victim recovery benefits will be available to partners and children. Domestic violence protection orders will be available. So many things we take for granted. And I know a number of same-sex couples who have been together 16, 22, 35 and even 60 years.

It's just a word - marriage. But legally, it is EVERYTHING for them. So I say be Christ-like in your love and tolerance. Be understanding of something you may not agree with and allow others to live as they choose. It has NEVER been our place to judge others. That belongs solely to Heavenly Father and his Son. So I rejoice in this decision that will allow ALL the same-sex relationships I know of to become legal no matter where they are in the United States.

This Independence Day I will spend in prayer for our country.  I will pray that our Heavenly Father will stay the hands of those who desire to see our destruction.  I will pray for peace among our people, black, white, Native American, Latino, and every other race and color that make this country a "melting pot".  I will pray that we as a people find love, kindness, and forgiveness in our hearts and that we see what we should be on the horizon of a nation that once again can be great; an example to others of what they should strive to be.  We are the promised land in so many ways.  God Bless America!

Christianity In The KKK vs. Muslims In ISIS/Digression

Only the most uninformed and willfully ignorant would say that the Ku Klux Klan is representative of Christianity.  I have NEVER met anyone who thought the KKK was a Christian group of upstanding citizens.  And thank God for that!  Because they are the furthest thing from it.  There may be those who claim to be Christians who are members of the KKK, but SHAME on them!  They are a group based on racism, hate and other behaviors that are completely NOT Christ-like.

Just as I separate the KKK from Christianity, I can separate Muslims from ISIS.  Why do I think I can do this?  Because I know many Muslims and they do not agree with ISIS.  Yes, I've heard of the so-called "polls" being taken that allege 90% of Muslims agree with ISIS, but come on! Do you really think that poll, like most polls, is not fixed to produce the wanted end result?  Of course it is.  All they had to do was go to a couple of radical groups and call it a poll.

And now ISIS has infected the United States, a country weakened by a President who clearly has no respect for this country he calls his own.  A man who, like the Al Sharpton's and Jessie Jackson's, deliberately incited racism.  But not white against black; rather black against white.  A wealthy black man and his wealthy wife (who grew up in wealth) saying they can currently relate to others in less fortunate circumstances.  I'm not saying there is no racism on the part of white people because there surely is, especially in areas where racism has always reared it's ugly head - the South.  But the attacks by blacks against whites has increased tenfold.  But I digress.

This is about the infection of a fanatical religious group that has infiltrated our country, many through our unsecured borders.  I am aware the tragedy of 9-11-2001 occurred under the watch of George W. Bush.  And I thank God he was the president at the time as he pulled a shocked and mourning country together, if only for a while.  But at that point, and certainly beyond with all we have witnessed and all the intel that has come to light, we should have closed our borders immediately while we sought out all those within our country's borders that supported, belonged to, or assembled together as followers of these murderers.  And that does NOT include ALL Muslims.  Despite an effort, our border patrol still watches illegals - and not just South Americans - flow over our southwestern border.

Some, even our President, would say there should be no "superpowers", but what chaos ensures without it!  If we are not seen as powerful, how can we support our allies who are surrounded by those intent on taking over their region, or the world?  Just as in every group, someone must be a leader.  Ideally, that leader is fair, benevolent, and wise.  That has rarely been our position and that is why we have not been a superpower that stands alone.  Both China and Russia have or do stand in similar positions.  Neither of these countries believe in the rights of their people, though.  Neither has a Constitution containing a Bill of Rights or a Declaration of Independence deciding their own fate. Instead, they are lead by dictators.  Again, I digress.

And why do I digress repeatedly?  It is due to my conclusion to all of this.  What a wild and circular condition we stand in.  It is hard to focus on one thing because so many parts of it intertwine with each other.  What I wanted to say, what I believe is the most important thing to say, and what will change our world is this:

Love your neighbor - even if his race, creed, or color differs from your own.  Nothing is taught by hate or anger.  Teach by love and example, not by violence.  Strengthen your own families and reach out to those who are single parents by helping them.  Be good in your thoughts and deeds.  Be kind. Be patient, and most of all, be Christ-like.  This is what will change the world.

      

Apparently, She's Not Been Talking About Much

Yeah, I took a little leave of absence.  I disappeared into 4 months of tax time horror.  Well, not so much horror as just lots of exhausting hours.  But my brain is back and it only took me about two months.  I guess my recovery time is beginning to reflect my age.  And.....I'm focusing a bit more on my writing, finally hoping to send things out in hopes of publication.  I'm starting small - just the short stories for now.  The novel is still in progress and I really do need to buckle down and focus on it, too.

So, where are my thoughts these days????

I have a new FaceBook friend, an old friend from high school.  He was a Marine.  He has suffered injuries from his time of service.  And he counts all Muslims in with the fanatical, demonic displays of horror that ISIS practices.  I think it's difficult for Americans to separate and see the difference unless you know a Muslim - or are related to some.  I am lucky to fall into the latter category.  My younger sister has been married to a man from Iran for about 26 years.  He no longer practices his faith, but that is because of his decision to practice no faith.  He is a wonderful man and has ALWAYS treated my sister like a queen.  He gave the utmost respect to my parents who lived with them until my sister could no longer manage because they required round the clock care.  He has helped raise my two beautiful nephews into kind, good, intelligent and amazing young men. Because of him, I am "related" to other Muslims.  Some of them continue to live in Iran.  Some have immigrated to the U.S. and Canada.  All of them are successful, good people.  All of them are kind. And NONE of them agree with ISIS and their actions.  Neither do any of the other Muslims I know living in this country.

Over centuries, we have watched Christianity change - to be reformed.  If you read the Scriptures, you read of murder, wars, etc, sanctified by God at the time.  You learn through history of the Crusades, which although a terrible time in the history of Christianity because of their actions, was a direct reaction to the Ottoman Empire's attempt to annihilate all Christians from the region.  Eurasian Christians struck back with the Crusades.  Even as late as the 1900's, Turkish Muslims were wiping out Armenian Christians by the 100,000's.  Around 90% of Armenians were Christian at the time. Now it is approximately 15%.

But when you read, study and learn from the Reformers of Christianity, you see how the tide began to turn in Christian's beliefs toward eradicating other faiths.  They began to see the wrong in this action. Even more recently, you see these same types of reform move toward tolerance and understanding - even defense of other faiths.  There are stories of Christians in Middle Eastern countries protecting Muslims from those who would seek to kill them.  These stories rarely hit the mainstream media coverage.  And why?  Because it does not fit the agenda we see being pushed in this country now. The agenda that will see this country in ruins if it is not stopped.

I'm going to spend the next few posts going more in depth about the historical significance of reform and the fact it is lacking in followers of ISIS.  Stay tuned.

    

To Do or Not To Do

I was vaccinated as a child - the '60s, leave a nice round scar on your arm, kind of vaccinations (for one).  My daughter was vaccinated in the 1990s.  And I have to say, it really tics me off when someone doesn't vaccinate and contributes to bringing back diseases our country had previously eradicated.

What the....., folks???  Do you think it's okay to infect kids with compromised immune systems because you're too ignorant to follow ALL doctor's, with any credibility at all, advice?  Do you think it's okay to bring back diseases to this nation that are only seen in 3rd world countries?  What?  If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us?  Do you think it's okay to allow your child to suffer through a disease that could easily be avoided?  Well, I'm here to tell you, it's not okay.

If you are a supporter of the two British doctors who more than a decade ago (1998) alleged they'd done a study proving autism was caused by vaccinations - GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!  Those two men have lost their medical licenses for life because their entire so-called study was a lie.  A fabrication.  All others who foolishly attached their names to the study removed them - I'm sure with great embarrassment.  Those irresponsible fools started a dangerous game that less informed parents haven't realized is an unprofessional, unproven, fabricated load of garbage.

See it here:  http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/02/us/a-discredited-vaccine-studys-continuing-impact-on-public-health.html?_r=0

And here:  http://www.vaccinateyourbaby.org/safe/autism/mmr.cfm

And just in case you still can't get it, here:  https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/vaccine_safety/truth_about_autism.htm

And if you are the parent of a child with autism, my heart goes out to you.  But more and more, the facts are showing a genetic propensity to autism as its cause - not something that keeps our children free from horrible diseases that no one should have to endure.

Stop endangering other children, not to mention your own, because you are so selfishly busy pursuing your own skewered ideas that you can't think straight!

Brian Williams, What Kind of Man?

What kind of man makes up war stories starring himself?  Obviously, a man who isn't much of a man at all.  A man who stands among REAL MEN and WOMEN, our military men and women, and sees just how small he is; just how insignificant his contributions to the world are in comparison to those who fight for freedom, to protect our country.

My father served 23 years in the U.S. Army.  I remember being on base when Taps played, Dad pulling over, getting out and standing at attention.  I remember being taught that you stand when the flag passes in a parade, hand on heart, pride in your eyes because you are an American!  You live in the land of the free and home of the brave and that it is such because others were willing to give their lives to make it so.  

Dad fought in Korea and Vietnam.  But since 2012, he has lain in a military cemetery with my mother who passed almost one year before him.  He and my mother raised five children who carry patriotism within their hearts every day.  He taught us the love of country, books, history, nature. Mom taught us kindness, strength (especially when Dad was on tours for months at a time and she raised us on her own), and laid the foundation for Christianity.  We were a typical military family. My dad DID stand among the real men and women in this country.  He was one of them.

I'd like to see Brian Williams just flat out tell the truth.  I would have rather heard, "I'm a newsman, a storyteller.  I embellish to bring a story to life.  I went a little too far."  This "Fog of mind" just ain't cuttin' it for me.  You were either there and involved or not.  Seems it's becoming pretty clear that he was not.  And now we are expected to trust what he reports?  This man took a leap off his pedestal and I just don't see how he can regain the trust and support ever again.  Is this an acceptable action among our very liberal media.  Time will tell but it sure won't win him any medals.
















 

The Power of Scams, Tea Party, and the IRS

The state I live in, Colorado, has been hit with a group of thieves who call people up, claim they are with the IRS, and proceed to terrify, threaten, and "persuade" them to purchase prepaid cards for owed back taxes.  If they are speaking to the victim on a cell phone, they stay on the line with them, demand they speak to no one, and track their movement as they instruct them.  Once the purchase of the card is made, they tell the victim to provide the PIN numbers and then make off with whatever amount they have indicated the victim owes before they even hang up the phone. By a stroke of luck, they targeted a news anchor here in the Denver area recently and it made the news!

So I'm thinking, what would persuade someone to believe the IRS would conduct business in this way?  And it suddenly hits me!  I realize it just might have a lot to do with the IRS targeted attacks against conservative organizations - particularly the Tea Party groups.  If an allegedly non-partisan organization, as the IRS is *supposed* to be, can target American citizen simply based on their political beliefs, what else can they get away with under the direction of our current government?

Isn't this a fear tactic to silence opposition?  It sure seems that way to me.  And I suspect some people did back off being so vocal about their conservative positions.

Might the IRS be able to put you in jail as they speak to you on the phone without trial or representation?

Might we become a police state in which such tactics as those used in Nazi Germany or Cuba are used to control the general population?

Extreme examples?  Maybe.  But then again, maybe not.  Do you think the Germans knew what was coming in the beginning when things just seemed to be getting better for them in their daily lives?  I know they did not - from first hand discussions and reading stories about it.

I see and hear so much trickling of truth blended in with the lies of our government leaders.  If you don't stop and listen, read, study, investigate and stop thinking one side or the other is the bad guy, you just might start to see the truth.  And believe me, there are bad guys - really bad guys who love power far more than they love our country - on both sides of the aisle.

We must take back our power.  We must heed the warnings of our forefathers who had endured such over-reach with the British monarchy.  We must save ourselves because far too many Americans sit listlessly in front of their mainstream news programs, read their newspapers or on-line news that adhere to their party lines and never look beyond to discover the truth in it all.  The waters are muddy on both sides.  Wade to the middle enough to see what is truth and what is deceit.  This doesn't mean to become a moderate on either side - just wade in far enough to see things with a clear, unaffiliated eye.  You may be surprised what you find.    

Immigration Reform

This is copied from a post I made on FaceBook on December 7, 2014:

I've been thinking and reading and praying a lot about the immigration issue in our country for many, many months. I know I disagree with amnesty for all who are in this country, especially the ones who have flooded into our country recently. But, after prayerfully considering those who have long lived in this country, I think things need to be considered. Do they support a family here in the U.S. by the work they do? That does NOT mean living on subsidies; it means actually holding down a job. Do they have American citizen immediate family members - meaning wives and/or children? Do they have a criminal record in their homeland and have they broken ANY of our laws while in our country -other than being here illegally? Are they gang members? Are they able to speak the English language or are they willing to learn over a six month period - enough to function here, take direction, understand instructions? Do their family members speak English or are they willing to learn? I think it is blatant disrespect and speaks volumes to expect to live in a country permanently and not know the language well enough to function there. If you want to be a United States citizen, BE a United States citizen.

We ARE a nation of immigrants and I think most people are accepting of that. The protest arises from criminals coming over, a flood of people coming because they believe "now is the time" with our current debate over immigration, those who refuse to speak the national language - or pretend to not be able to, those who are unable or unwilling to work and have no family members who can support them.

It is NOT inhumane to expect immigrants to be contributing members of society. It is NOT unkind to expect immigrants to take responsibility for themselves. In the past, many immigrants have been some of the greatest contributors to our society. We, as a country, have a right to expect an immigrant to rise up to their responsibilities. I think it MUST be broken down to the ability to contribute, just as it is in any other country taking in immigrants. Keep in mind, immigration and refugees are far from the same and claiming all the South Americans coming over the border are refugees is simple ignorance.

I also think our borders MUST be tightened because it is not just a flow of South Americans coming here. Border patrol folks KNOW there are other countries - those countries interested in destroying us - who are slipping through, too. I am praying that our national leaders can stop their political power struggle long enough to take thoughtful and meaningful action in this matter.