Global Warming vs Antarctica

       Likely a few of you readers have heard of the current difficulty occurring in Antarctica. There is a Russian ship filled with 74 passengers composed of tourists, scientists, and crew members who are determined to further the study of global warming. The ship, the Akademik Shokalskiy, through its voyage, is trying to replicate the 1911-1914 mission carried out by Australian explorer Sir Douglas Mawson who successfully completed an expedition through Antarctica. Mawson's journey supposedly supplied proof toward the global warming theory's claim that human generated carbon dioxide and gases are greatly contributing toward the warming of the earth, causing changes to our daily weather patterns. The Akademik Shokalskiy voyagers led by Chris Turney, leader of AAE (Australian Antarctica Expedition) and Intrepid Science, a science education channel on youtube are on a mission to further Sir Douglas Mawson's study of the icy terrain of Antarctica and supposed melting of ice and glaciers that are, according to global warming theorists, influencing the floods and chaotic weather occurring here in America.
       To everyone's surprise Chris Turney's army of terrestrial experts have found themselves stuck in the middle of Antarctica in, surprise!!, ice. No wonder why ABC, NBC, CNN and pals are not all over this story. The facts goes against their sacred global warming religion. Beaming the results of Chris Turney's journey continuously to their viewers would make them as well as global warming enthusiasts appear mistaken.
       An icebreaker from Russia, another icebreaker, this one called the Snow Dragon, from China could not free the team of scientists. A French icebreaker on Saturday abandoned the mission. A fourth icebreaker, Australia's Aurora Australis, has the best chance of reaching Chris Turney's crew and should reach them sometime Sunday. Unfortunately the icebreaker was created to only handle 1.35 meters of ice. The Akademik Shokalskiy is surrounded by ice more than 3 meters thick. The Aurora Australis's tackling of the ice barrier surrounding the trapped voyagers will be similar to one ramming a car against giant walls built of cement. The strangest part of the journey is that the Chinese, British, Australian, and New Zealand experts believed that the ice was thin enough for the Snow Dragon to slice through, building a path for the stuck ship to follow the created space toward safety. What the experts thought was melting ice actually formed around the unfortunate ship and simply froze in place virtually locking the ship within what could be a developing glacier. Such is an incident that Chris Turney his team of 74 scientists, climate experts, and global warming enthusiasts never dreamed of occurring. The climate is supposed to be rising higher. The ice in Antarctica is supposed to be gradually melting, reducing itself in size and strength. Water and ice in Antarctica shouldn't be moving that quickly.
       Fortunately, if the Australian icebreaker is unable to free the Akademik Shokalskiy, the Snow Dragon is supplied with a helicopter that is supposed to be able to carry the 74 scientists, crew members, and sightseers out of their ship and into safety. Unfortunately for the Akademik Shokalskiy, the ship is in danger of being broken into pieces by the very ice that surrounds them if the ice does not melt in time or the ship is not freed.
       The global weather is a very complicating subject, especially in a continent like Antarctica where hardly any human being lives. Because the earth happened to possibly experience several years of warm weather does not immediately mean that the same pattern has been occurring for the past hundreds or thousands of years. Because Sir Douglas Mawson was able to complete a journey through Antarctica  during the early 1900s does not mean that such is an easy feat. The explorer's success does not mean that the ice is melting in Antarctica making it easier for ships to travel through that amazing continent. Maybe Sir Douglas Mawson with even less technology and information in his days was simply a better prepared, more competent sea voyager. Maybe he was just lucky. He may of just happened to travel during a season of time when the region was warmer making it easier for him to sail his ship within the normally icy environment. If one wants to be a real scientist he or she cannot simply jump to the conclusion of global warming.
       While waiting for help Mawson's crew is currently feeding penguins and taking pictures of underwater creatures. Hopefully their journey did not all go to waste. Maybe they gained some information from the many penguins who accompanied them during their voyage. Hopefully scientists and onlookers, trustfully the educated? folks have learned something from this occurrence. It is dangerous in this world to pretend to know more than what one actually knows especially if one is travelling within a wilderness like Antarctica where hardly any man resides. Place the moon and space in this category too. I watched Sir Douglas Mawson's youtube educational videos before writing this piece. He sounded and appeared very confident before and during his journey. His crew also spoke excitedly while filming each other about their mission. Maybe they were faking their excitement and confidence but I believe that some of them may try to continue with this mission. Who knows if they are able to free their ship they may decide to continue their mission, that is if. But likely, knowing human nature, somebody(s) in that crew will try to repeat this mission. If and when they do I hope they learn to not be completely blinded by unproven global warming theories. Remember we did not create the earth. We do not know all the facts concerning it.

Merry Christmas 2013

       Earlier this month of December 2013 I felt disturbed as I heard person upon person, television news personality, business, even a popular Atlanta Christian music station state "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas. Some were unintentional or ignorant but others, especially media members and businesses intentionally either tiptoed or flew over the word treating Jesus as if they think of Him as a contagious case of lice they desperately needed to avoid. The Christian music station Praise 102.5 acted polite while joyful about stating "Happy Holidays" making you know that the producers there are more concerned about not offending Jews, atheists, people not thrilled about Jesus Christ then behaving like a true CHRIST - LIKE radio station. Remember Peter denying Jesus three times? Well every time Praise 102.5 yells "Happy Holidays" instead of crying out Merry Christmas they are intentionally refusing to give Jesus praise and glory for the day that is supposed to recognize and praise Him not Hanukkah or Santa Claus. The same rule goes for ABC NEWS, Target, Atlanta Pubic Schools. etc. By continuously saying "Happy Holidays" instead of Merry Christmas all of these companies and personalities representing them express an intentional desire to deny Christ, to be motivated to please the world instead of pleasing our Lord and Savior.
       I am pleased though to state that some companies, most notably Publix and Kroger stood to their guns, stating Merry Christmas to their customers while not fearing any public backlash or discomfort. Phil Robertson from the Duck Dynasty stood up to GLAAD and Liberal media representatives letting them know that he cares more about obeying God then obeying the Liberal set of rules on how each person is supposed to treat the behavior homosexuality. Earlier yesterday while out with my children an older lady asked my kids if they were waiting on Santa Claus tonight, they stared at her replying nothing. I admittedly felt uncomfortable. I did not expect the silent reaction from my own children and did not immediately know what to say. Surprisingly the lady responded to me that my family must be one of those that don't celebrate Santa Claus. I confidently told her that we do not. She smiled back at me letting me know that she understood. I quickly received the message that I must not be the only individual that this lady received the same awkward like response regarding Santa Clause. There are likely many, millions of people in America and billions more around the world who don't mention Santa Clause during the Christmas season that the media often ignores. Santa Clause is not a Christian figure. Santa Clause is a figure representing the anti-Christ, someone to take Jesus place in the eyes and mind of individuals during the day of the year when we as people are suppose to celebrate Christ's birth, not to worship the giving and receiving of presents.
       So I want to say to each and every one of you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! And spread the news. Say "Merry Christmas" to each person you greet today reminding them that the day we are celebrating is Christmas not "Holiday". And reminding Jesus Christ that we love and remember Him while not allowing the world to push us into denying Him.
³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven" Matthew 10:30-33.

³⁸ If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels" Mark 8:38.

¹² if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us; II Timothy 2:12

⁹ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ¹¹ As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”^{[a] 12} For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, ¹³ for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" Romans 10:9-13.
            

Cross references:

1. 2 Timothy 2:12 : Ro 8:17; 1Pe 4:13
2. 2 Timothy 2:12 : Mt 10:33

   

Duck Dynasty Freedom of Speech

       I recently read an article about the heavy backlash GLAAD (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) is receiving by fellow Christians and their supporters. GLAAD has and is still receiving many complaints and criticisms after the fallout on A&E's suspension of Duck and Dynasty's family patriarch Phil Robertson for his comments stating that homosexuality is sin and that while growing up in Louisiana before the Civil Rights movement he never saw the mistreatment of blacks. It appears that the A&E network simply listened to the Liberal side of the argument stating that Phil Robertson's comments were anti-gay and racist. Both television station and media watchdog organization decided to ignore Christians and other members of the political/social right who agree with the comments made by Phil Robertson. They failed to responsibly consider the fact that a large portion of people living in the United States do not agree with much of the Liberal party's opinion about how the world should run.
       In recent past most Christian media followers mostly ignored or tolerated comments readily made by pro-Liberal groups like GLAAD against anyone who disagreed with the belief that people are born gay and that homosexuality is normal. People often accepted the big lie that whatever the story, that it is none of their business of that "things will eventually work themselves out". Now people are beginning to open their eyes and realize that groups like GLAAD carry a take all attitude towards this social war of America's souls. The struggle is not really about giving gay's rights. The struggle is about taking away every individual's right to decide for themselves what is right and wrong. GLAAD and organizations like them demand that they make that choice for you and I and afterwards ram THEIR choice down each and every one of our throats. What always comes out of this argument and is always supported by Liberal media is that everyone must agree with choice made by their chosen organization(s) and that everyone who disagrees with them is "hateful", a "bigot", "uneducated", or choose from several more from the long list of popular adjectives.
       Going back to Phil's comments. He was actually speaking to a 3rd party, GQ magazine. In his comments he mentioned that everything seems to be fine with today's society that are not fine. In his list of society's wrong but accepted conduct is adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality. Phil was being interviewed by GQ who asked him about his definition of sinful behavior. They asked for his opinion. Was this a setup? They watched his show before. They know that he is a Christian. They know that Christians don't accept homosexuality as normal, at least the ones who are obedient to the Word of God. So what do they want him to do? They want him to renounce God and go against Him in order to please GLAAD and like organizations? That is silly. Does GLAAD go to the Muslim mosques and interview their leaders regarding their views on homosexuality, abortion, school prayers and like issues? No, because groups like GLAAD know most Muslims will readily fight back if harassed and these Liberal groups have a resentment for Christians and their unwillingness to back down from their call to be obedient to Jesus Christ. Their is a deep hatred from pro-gay groups that stems from that strong allegiance that Christians have towards Christ, their refusal to disobey God and follow the way of the world. Groups like GLAAD, magazines like GQ, tv stations like A&E insist they must follow Christians around, harass, them, punish them, if they don't follow and do everything that the crowd insists they must do.
       Phil Robertson also mentioned that growing up in Louisiana before the Civil Rights movement he never saw the mistreatment of blacks. That is Phil's opinion and a representation of what he experienced during his childhood and as a young adult in his home state. Maybe instead of condemning him Liberal party supporters should research what he is saying. Maybe what he is saying is true? Look at America today. Many African - Americans still depend on welfare. Many of them are still on medicaid. There are still many of them spending years in prison or have families headed by single mothers raising children long deserted by their fathers. The Civil Rights movement have not solved the past and current problems, issues of black people who live in the United States. The problem is not just racism. Their is a deeper seated problem that people representing the media and groups like GLAAD are strongly trying to force America to ignore. What the issue comes down to is that this country has the freedom of speech written in the often mentioned US Constitution and now Liberal supporters and their groups are trying to take that freedom away from groups of people they don't like.
       GLAAD does not represent African Americans. Every African American alive today is not down with GLAAD. Stop forcing the association with the gay movement and the black people's rise to respectability in America. They are two completely different stories. This assumption is disrespectful and a tremendous insult to black individuals living in this country. They deserve the right to have their own opinion. Let the blacks in America speak for themselves. You will be surprised, at least some of you, what you hear. That is real freedom, allowing everyone to have their own voice, their own opinion instead of creating one for them out of hard stone.

Still Cold in 2013

       Americans from most of the nation has experienced extreme cold during the months of November and December of 2013. Degrees measuring in the 30s, 20s and yes even the teens and single digits in some parts of the country has forced folks to huddle up and dress warm this all. Fall?! Yes, we have not even reached winter yet but the weather is freezing. Snow has been falling like crazy with some cities and regions receiving record snow falls. Earlier in February of this year the Boston area got slammed with almost 25 inches of snowfall, the fifth largest in the cities history (http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/blizzard-2013-record-breaking-snow-fall-cripples-england-18452679). During that time 32 inches of snow fell in the city of Portland, Maine, the biggest snowfall ever for that city.
       Recently, heavy snowstorms have preyed in areas like Providence, Rhode Island, Washington DC, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Tennessee, pretty much the entire northeast and mid Atlantic states. New York received 3-5 inches of snow, Philadelphia up to 8 inches parts of New England was littered by at least up to four inches of snow (Nuckois, Niedowski, 2013 p A4). Snow also fell in Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and surrounding states. It even snowed in California, again. The entire United States pretty much felt snow except for a few lucky southeastern states.
       Now what does all this snow and cold say about the Global Warming assumption. I know that I have written on this subject before but as an avid reader and viewer of the news I often been shelled by the Global Warming assumption and been taunted by the experts? who assume that the theory must be true and not only true but that anyone who disagrees is either clueless or uneducated. The sad part about this assumption is that the federal government, many state governments, as well as private businesses and individuals are using this supposed fact toward wasting a lot of money researching and funding projects in order to limit or cease supposed human(s) contribution to climate change.
       A popular claim by Liberal global warming supporters is that more educated scientists/researchers believe global warming exists than ones who don't. The problem with this claim is that this number is faceless, nameless. We don't get to see, discuss, or question these educated? professionals. We are simply expected to nod our heads in acceptance because someone use the term "educated". Again who are these people? And simply because someone is educated does not mean that they must always be right? And because one is in the majority does not mean that everything they say and believe in is the exact truth.
       A popular saying is "seeing is believing". In regard to global warming I just don't see it. The weather is brutally cold and has been for the past month. It is still fall. The season has not even reached winter yet. It was cold last year as well as the year before. Atlanta, Georgia is cold and is also receiving some ice and a brush of the white stuff briefly seen shining on the tips of the grass earlier this morning. The white stuff was not enough for me to officially call it snow but if it wasn't snow it was pretty close. In the seventies, eighties, nineties, places like Chicago, Wisconsin, Upper and Lower Michigan were also cold. Personally I was not alive during 1500 BC or even 1820 so I cannot officially compare what the weather was like then compared to now. But common sense tells me that to simply assume it must have been colder would entail that I have some kind of supernatural power to dig into the past and simply read temperature. I don't care how many books you read and degrees you have accomplished you cannot honestly state what the temperature was like in Atlanta in December during 1500 BC. Education works when used correctly but sometimes common sense works best.
      
                                                              Reference
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/blizzard-2013-record-breaking-snow-fall-cripples-england-18452679


Nuckois, B. and Niedowski E.(2013). Eastern Snow More Nuisance Than  Menace The Atlanta Journal Constitution, pp. 4A.            

Journeying From Thanksgiving to Christmas

       Thanksgiving 2013 recently passed and now of course the world is headed towards Christmas. To those not living in the United States or who are unfamiliar with American traditions, Thanksgiving is one of the country's biggest most celebrated holidays. Christmas of course is celebrated worldwide. In America Thanksgiving begins what much of the country refers to as the "holidays" where Christmas and a bit later New Years Day is celebrated. Within this period shopping, presents, Christmas plays, Santa Claus, reindeers, New Years resolutions, traditional church services, New Years Eve party plans, college bowl games, heated early season college and high school basketball tournaments, as well as the beginning of the end of the NFL season all begin to take their turns creating their own effects on most of our lives. And even some of us who do not involve ourselves in many of these end of year traditions and customs we usually either live with or are close to people who are head and toes deep within these holiday activities.
       Thanksgiving is a holiday made official in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln in order for the nation to give "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens". Most of what Americans know about Thanksgiving is the first Thanksgiving day celebrated by Pilgrims and Native Americans. The celebration occurred after the Pilgrims first harvest of the New World back in 1621. Unfortunately in the midst of the commercials, sales, food, school programs, and  all the media attention, the giving thanksgiving and praise to God part of the holiday has been almost entirely forgotten while turkey, cornbread, and stuffing receive much attention. The public and even many private schools keep their mouths shut tight regarding giving any reference to God for providing Lincoln the motivation for such a fascinating holiday while giving all the praise to the Puritans and Native Americans. Not only do both young and old American citizens miss out on experiencing the joy in giving thanks to God for all He has provided they are also  poorly educated and misled on the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
       Now the United States travels along with the rest of the world toward the Christmas holiday which as some Christians know very well is taught incorrectly in the world as a holiday celebrating Santa Claus, his reindeers, Christmas trees, and giving presents. Yes the three kings gave presents to baby Jesus when they visited Him but the Bible makes no mentioning of a Santa Claus nor did the disciples or early Christians erect trees within their homes for the purpose of planting gifts. Yet this is what we hear from the media world as well as from our government, the world's atheist viewpoint of Christmas minus the Christ. So as the world customarily does, they will repeatedly say "Happy Holidays" in order to intentionally leave Christ out of Christmas. "Happy Holidays" for much of society serves as a selfish way of celebrating Christ's birthday without having to give God any praise or any self sacrifice other than to simply comfort ourselves and those around us. So much of our country and much of the world, goes out shopping, buying, feasting while spinning further into debt. Many of us our fattening ourselves silly, drunkening our minds and spirits, while some drive themselves deep into sadness, depression as they return back to jobs and a way of life many are too proud to admit that they really don't enjoy.
       Why does this happen? Why are so many people sad during this journey from Thanksgiving to Christmas during what is suppose to be the happiest time of the year? Why do so many people feel depressed during the time where many workers have or take time of from work to be around loved ones? Because most of America, the world is celebrating the wrong thing with the wrong purpose.
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever" 1 John 2:15–17.
       America who do we love more? Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, turkeys, Pilgrims, Native Americans with Puritans eating corn, opening presents, end of the year parties, countdowns,? Where are our priorities? What would Jesus say if He was hanging out with you on New Years eve? Time is coming world. Oh time is coming. He is coming and He is coming soon. While spending time watching "Frosty the Snowman" and singing "Jingle Bells", fellow Christians, girls, boys, men, women who simply love the sound of Jesus, lets speak up. Speak up for Christ. Tell your friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, parents, the real meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. And most importantly embrace Christ within our hearts. After all we are giving thanks to Him as well as celebrating His birth.

One Hundred and Six Thousand and Creeping

       One hundred and six thousand people. Yup, one hundred and six thousand people. After spending 600 million dollars promoting and attempting?!?!, to set Obamacare together, the White House managed to sign up about one hundred and six thousand people for Obamacare. The Obama administration boasted 500,000 people would sign up by October. The country is deep into November and the numbers are not even up to halfway there. This is the plan that according to Obama was suppose to touch the lives of millions of Americans by providing them with an healthcare plan many of them would not normally be able to afford. The plan was supposed to keep American tax payers from behind denied insurance because of preexisting health conditions. The Great Plan was supposed to save the day by giving to the masses what everybody always craves, security.
       For many years the people of America had wide discretion for which healthcare company and what kind of healthcare plan they were going to receive. An individual obtained decent employment from a decent company the same person would often received decent insurance from a respectable insurance company. The ones who could afford it privately bought their own insurance. People working lesser skilled jobs or with smaller companies, or businesses with lower monetary ability often still received insurance but with less benefits. Those who worked in jobs whom couldn't afford or simply would not provide them with insurance collected free or lower priced governmental insurance and or benefits. Unemployed individuals would receive government assistance. The system was not necessarily always fair. It was not simple but it worked and most US workers knew and understood where the stood insurance wise and how things were going to work. Insurance was still expensive for many but still manageable for much of the population. Many people complained about those receiving Medicaid and Medicare. Many of those on Medicaid and Medicare complained about not receiving enough, but these are years long disputes that much of the population and media would admit is a serous problem but in reality don't lose any sleep over.
       But one man. A man famous for his demands and determination toward having politics go his way and the way of his party. This man, President Obama, decides that he has the problem already solved. Despite warnings from much of the Republican part members, insurance company representatives, many from the public sector, and a few from his own Democrat party the President decided to go ahead and push forward with his Obama care plan. The plan that was supposed to highlight Obama's legacy as a national leader, along with his pro - gay marriage campaign. The plan that unfortunately for Obama turned upside down while illustrating the weaknesses of our great president as well as the Democratic Party. Obama's lack of patience and inability to listen and take seriously those who disagree and disapprove of his plan may haunt his legacy as a president. Though the Republican party may have been beaten and trounced in many of its election competitions against the opposing Democrats they are still a reputable party filled with educated and tried leaders. The Republican party is still followed and respected by many millions of Americans. The president should learn not to always disregard their complaints and disagreements as simply whining.
       One hundred and six thousand signees with the cost of insurance rising higher for many US citizens with a high number losing their insurance, why would it take so long for one to admit he made a mistake. Myself calling several insurance companies and brokers felt surprised to hear some of the high prices offered for services that President Obama firmly promised was going to be cheaper. I saw for myself that NO, it definitely was not cheaper. In fact most of the prices averaged at least $150-$200 more per month than what I was used to paying for my insurance provided through my own job. Now my insurance is not the greatest insurance but I am not guaranteed that at $200 plus per month that I am going to receive a better experience someplace else or worse off not get dropped for some unknown reason. Shopping for insurance for my wife and kids we saw no better alternative than to simply have them sign up with me. Thank God I am working.
       Now some of the Democratic party members are finally coming out to admit that this Affordable Care Act plan is a big mistake. Of course most of these governmental officials are trying to save their own jobs, but I am surprised to hear Liberal media finally admitting the plans weaknesses. Maybe it is because Obama already won the election. They don't feel desperate to have to defend him anymore.
       Well, this plan needs to be ripped apart and thrown in the trash. The plan sucks. It is not a party thing. It would not matter to me if Obama was a Republican. The plan has cost many hardworking Americans their insurance, raised the price of insurance, and has made a good insurance plan unaffordable for many US citizens. And the AFA act is simply too complicated making one feel like someone is trying to control while manipulating the money trail in the insurance market. Sounds like a future huge scandal in the making. Obama's plan to postpone the AFA act for one year won't work. Many insurance companies have already let go of their former customers' plans and the government does not have the authority to force these companies to give their customers back their insurance at the same rate they were paying. The government itself will have to fork over that money. That is billions of more dollars on top of trillion plus dollars of government deficit. Scratch the whole thing. Allow everyone the freedom to decide whether they want or do not want to have insurance. Allow each person to decide whether or not they want to take the risk and live with it. This is America after all, home of the free. The freedom to make one's own choice.

Halloween Storms Out

       The year 2013, just like the past few years features a Halloween season drenched with strong winds, heavy rains, and simply further damaging weather. Parts of the Midwest were damaged by strong winds and heavy rains ruining Halloween for many of its fans.  2012 Hurricane Sandy wrecked the Atlantic shores and beautiful beaches of New Jersey, Manhattan, and Long Island of New York. 2011Halloween nor'easter produced unusual October snowfalls in areas located in the eastern United States and maritime Canada. At least 20 cities received record snowfalls and numerous power outages making trick or treating impossible.
       The storms in 2013, just a few days ago created high winds and tornados in at least 12 states while overturning a school box, electrocuting a young child, and knocking down trees. And yet many people still look upon such many circumstances as pure coincidences and still stubbornly celebrate Halloween with what some will call "bravery" and "courage". The Bible will call such reactions stubbornness and foolhardy.
¹⁰ “The bricks have fallen down,
    but we will rebuild with dressed stone;
the fig trees have been felled,
    but we will replace them with cedars.”
¹¹ But the Lord has strengthened Rezin’s foes against them
    and has spurred their enemies on.
¹² Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west
    have devoured Israel with open mouth.

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
    his hand is still upraised.

¹³ But the people have not returned to him who struck them,
    nor have they sought the Lord Almighty.
¹⁴ So the Lord will cut off from Israel both head and tail,
    both palm branch and reed in a single day;
¹⁵ the elders and dignitaries are the head,
    the prophets who teach lies are the tail.

Isaiah 9:10-15

 

       Does the above sound familiar to you? Since hearing this verse from my pastor more than once during more than one of his sermons I have paid special attention to people's, especially leaders' comments during and after major tragedies and disasters and yes much of their comments do sound similar to what is mentioned in Isaiah 9:10-15. Much of the "we will rebuild" chatter has been made since Hurricane Sandy" yet much of the damage still remains. I don't expect the media to make a connection between the hurricanes, damaging weather and the wickedness of Halloween (“Do not allow a sorceress to live, Exodus 22:18), but Christians, those who daily study their Bibles and take God's Word seriously, they should entertain some suspicion. The deal is God knows, sees what is going on in this country, this world and even though many of us will go on through life pretending as if what we do and say does not matter and everything that happens in the present the future is all supposedly up to us, the truth is God is in charge and as He has promised there will be judgment here on earth as well as when His precious Son Jesus finally returns. Those who refuse to believe will continue to be shocked when such damaging weather patterns occur during their day of revelry. They will be confused to witness such chaotic weather while they openly disregard His Word. In return, in order to satisfy their guilty conscience, or simply out of pure ignorance, many will make up terms such as global warming in order to make sense out of something that is already so clear.

       But even with all the cover ups and the attempts to encourage people to go on with their lives: "Be Brave", "Don't Allow this Event to Change You", one who looks closely will notice that the 2013 Halloween holiday was not as loud and proud as the past ones. This letter comes from someone who has attended many Halloween parties as a child and young adult. As a child I grew up in a community where almost every child and teenager participated in trick or treating. The holiday in 2013 was quiet compared to previous years. Not as much Halloween television, specials, scary movies, toys, cartoons. Not as much churches were advertising pumpkin patch kids gatherings. News media were not boasting as much of costume gatherings as during previous years. Not as much people were dressing up in scary costumes at work, in retail stores, or in the neighborhoods. Many stories were reported about people still suffering in damages from last years horror, Hurricane Sandy. One can tell that some people were putting one and two together. One can sense some fear, some reluctance to continue with horror, business as usual.

       At times there is nothing wrong with being afraid. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, Proverbs 9:10. At times that second, third thought, may save one or one's family from God's potential future wrath. One may think twice before donning a witch's mask or behaving like an axe murderer. God is not laughing. Why try to tempt Him?

"I will not renegotiate"

       The struggles between Democrats and Republicans, President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner, President Obama and Congress, Congress and Senate, Democrats and the Tea Party, Republicans and the Tea Party all have turned into major daily headlines in the US media. Congress barely forms an agreement on time as the deadline stood just a couple days away. The good news, the US has not fallen off the great financial cliff, at least not yet. On the negative side at least 850,000 federal workers temporary lost their jobs, some federal parks and recreation centers temporarily closed down, and some reliable government aid programs became less generous.
       But what lies ahead for America? Those who read and follow American politics knows the battle is far from other. The government receives a status quo spending bill through January 15 of next year. Its $16.7 trillion borrowing limit is suspended until February. In other words see you all back on February 2015 for Congress, both parties, special party groups, President Obama et al to go at each other again.
       When talking to people about the budget, the disagreements, and battles between our elected leaders one can immediately tell that a lot of Americans either don't understand the current budget status of our country or are so highly in love with their political party or leaders that they just could care less. America's finances are in huge trouble. The mentioning of a $16.7 trillion debt alone should create "oh my" bug eye stares from listeners, but strangely one can hardly notice any concerns from listeners. Some folks even shrug their shoulders or yawn. Maybe that is the main reason why our country is in such huge financial debt. Maybe some of our elected leaders have the same level of concern except they are careful not to express such feelings in front of the cameras.
       Unfortunately, many US citizens get the majority of their facts about the budget mess, who is wrong and who is right, whose fault it is from the media. The media is the worse place to retrieve the facts behind who is and who is not right because the media is incredibly biased. According to ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and friends everything about the budget debt is the GOP's fault and President Obama is the poor chap being offended for just trying to do his job. When one reads deeper into the United States history involving the US budget one will discover that it has climbed steadily for the past hundred plus years. Voting to increase the budget limit when the country has run out of money is comparable to us everyday working people calling up master card, asking them to grant us another $10,000 loan even when we know that we already maxed out on our past five cards and don't make enough currently to pay off any of those. The American government is experiencing the exact same problematic scenario except it is a million plus times worse. But just like us and our families at some point someone in Congress has to have the courage to face the criticism from the other party, other members of Congress, President, and yes even some of their own party members to stand up and say HEY, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PAY FOR ALL OF THIS! Who is going to pay for all of these bills especially when many American citizens are out of work, jobs continue to flow overseas, and much of America jobs' work scale has decreased? Where is the money going to come from?
       But alas the media has an easy job. They simply stick a sexy face in front of viewers write a nice script while showing an entertaining film. Actors, film writers, entertainers, whom are already secured with millions plus the trust of their audience show their support and disproval of certain political members. That is their way of telling people who to support, who to vote. It is time for people to think for themselves. Devote some time reading about American political history involving who is and who is not related to some of America's current financial mess. Know the information for yourself. Don't allow Whoopi or some Liberal talk show to tell you what to do.
       Like government like people; America, most of America are living off of borrowed finances. Many people are a job loss here, an accident there away from falling off their own financial cliff. I know that some people do not believe it but America, yes this great country of ours is not too far off from falling off their own financial cliff. This country needs to find ways to stop spending so much money. America needs some serious budget cuts. And yes that will hurt some people. It will mean that some of the things we all enjoy as Americans will have to go away. That means that some of us may receive a little less education. That means that some of will receive a little less medical care. That means that some of us will have to try harder to find jobs. Most of us will have to learn to live on smaller budgets. Most of us will have to learn to work together to share food and ideas instead of cornering ourselves within our heavy walls while waiting for governmental assistance.
       There are many Americans receiving governmental assistance who can get up and work if they wanted to. Many governmental programs are a waste of time and money. A lot of governmental functions and services can be done by many of our neighborhood churches and non profit organizations who are in greater position to serve us better since they reside in our blocks and are in a better position to know what are true needs are.
       The same organizations and people that much of the Liberal party attack everyday, the churches, Christians, religious organizations like the Boy Scouts are the same people, groups whom if given a chance can serve many of the uneducated youths, homeless, drug addicts, domestic violence victims, etc. much better than the government can and with much less money. Every problem in life cannot simply be solved by money. Many of life's problem takes much love and heart in order to be defeated. America has to find this out before digging itself into greater ditches. Both government and individuals must look inside their heart and pocketbook to know and divide what is and what is not really needed. Place the blame and responsibilities for your financial woes on yourselves. Stop looking toward the government to solve all of your problems and don't always rely upon popular media to feed you all your life essential information.

Miley's Set Up

       Have you seen it? Have you seen the video? I am pretty sure you have. Especially if you are living here in America. Miley Cyrus. Whooaahh!! What was she thinking? What is wrong with her? Well after pretty much witnessing, via media, the tragic downfalls of famous, talented stars such as Michael Jackson, Eazy E, Whitney Houston, Kurt Cobaine, Brittney Murphy, and so much more one cannot help but begin making comparisons. What differentiates Miley Cyrus from these recently deceased celebs? Her high level of cockiness?
       When viewing her "wild thing" antics and hearing her typical "who cares" comments via television one realizes and yes she mentions often, that her wild behavior is a tactic for her to obtain more attention, thus higher popularity leading to further fame and money. But is the mathematics that simple? Must one show the world her rear end, a la recent VMA 2013 awards, in order to obtain more cd sells? Does she really desire this kind of attention or, one wonders, if her mind is strung high on some kind of substance?
       There is a price for fame, is an overstated lesson. Miley, too late, has already paid such a price, a huge one. The 2013 VMA's has already been buzzing all over the media with her loony striptease. Previously admitting to attending wild parties, smoking marijuana, drinking alcohol, obsessiveness with tweeting, argumentative behavior, hoarding animals, being impulsive, her infatuated enthusiasm with sex, putting one, two, three, and four together someone can obviously see that something is terribly wrong. A highly likely future train wreck can occur if nothing is done to help this girl.
       Let's pretend to say that Miley's behavior is a ploy to create more attention for herself. That she has not just gone nuts. Such a tactic is a terrible, misguided step. And it is doubtful that many people are buying it. The ones watching the show are likely laughing at her. Her VMA show has already been exploited, caricatured, parodied, and mocked over and over again on both internet and television as well as people's workplaces and homes. Then there are likely some like me who just happen to watch the media now and then so that they can report to others the significance or deep, hidden meaning behind what is actually being seen. A performer as popular as Miley Cyrus has loyal fans that will back her up but if she continues to sell her body and soul on television behaving like a wild person with no sense of discipline, how long will she be able to keep the respect of her main audience? Who is capable of watching her future performances without reminiscing degrading performance. Miley Cyrus may have already stereotyped herself as a lost once popular singer/actress now in desperate need of attention.
       There are many examples of "Miley Cyrus's" in the world today. Not just in the media. Not just the studios. We also find them in our workplaces, our churches, circle of friends, the local grocery store. These are people who for some reason or another are in such a desperate need of attention they will do just about anything foolish in order to obtain it. The popular response from such folks is that they don't 'give a #@**#$' what you think. They are lying. They give a  #@**#$' they just don't have the courage to admit it. Miley Cyrus is likely personally scared of her fame and ashamed of her public image but has already placed herself in a tough spot where she would have to be extremely humble in order to admit her mistakes and change. Unfortunately the man in her life who supposed to be guiding her, her daddy, Mr. Billy 'Achy Breaky Heart' Cyrus, is portraying a terrible role model for his child. During a recent interview on a popular entertainment news show Mr. Cyrus communicated approval of his daughter's behavior, not once uttering any expectance of accountability from her. That is a terrible thing for a dad to do, approve of such a shameful behavior. Personally I don't want any of my children bending over for anybody, especially while in front of multiple viewers. That is one of many big shames of Liberal television, is the lack of willingness for dads, who are supposed to be leaders, to stand up in front of the television cameras and plainly say that such a behavior is wrong. If I was Billy Ray Cyrus I would take a moment to forget about the fame and money, instead look on at the life of my daughter and just be honest with myself while admitting that something is wrong. If Miley Cyrus's family really care about her they would take lessons from the Jacksons' and half the cast from the popular eighties sitcom "Different Strokes" by treating this situation as a life emergency and making sure this young lady gets all the positive help necessary. Someone needs to tell Ms. Cyrus that she does not need to sell her soul to the devil in order to obtain any sort of life satisfaction. The Truth will set you free as it would Miley, if she will acknowledge it. Love the Lord and stay away from trouble. Peace.

Behind the Affordable Care Act

       Looking at the Affordable Care Act, the thought that everybody can have insurance sounds like a good idea, but the media along with their favorite politicians often composes for society simplistic plans that will supposedly save America. Is the Affordable Care Act going to solve healthcare dilemma? Is it really that easy?
       Browsing through American history one will note several attempts by the government to meld together the galaxy wide distances between the rich and the poor. Robin Hood like fantasies that are supposed to take from the rich to give to the poor such as the lottery has resulted in a much different end then initially expected by American leaders. The working class and poor instead have taken away from their own families' tight budget initially planned to be spent toward much bigger financial priorities to be gambled away on a game based on a wining odds of 1 in 175,711,536. This is the Mega Ball lottery odds of one matching 5 normal balls out of a pool of 56 and one mega ball out of a pool of 16. Wow!! The odds of winning 10 bucks, that is matching two normal balls and one mega ball is still 1 out of 844, still wow!! Imagine buying 844 Mega Ball tickets in order to win $10. Does that sound like good business sense? Yet it is the poor and middle class who most often gamble awayhad earned money for a prize they have a greater chance of getting hit on the road by a motorbike than winning.
       Another Robin Hood example that was supposed to be and by many US residents, still looked up to as a financial problem solving hero is Medicare and Medicaid. Both plans have good intentions but have unfortunately milked huge yearly portions of US tax payer dollars. And many of the individuals within these plans have no jobs and have no intention of looking for one. They plan to spend the rest of their lives leaving US tax payers to pay their medical bills. The portion of the bill not paid by Medicare and Medicaid some patients will refuse to pay because they insist that Uncle Sam must pay the entirety of all their hospital bills. Many Medicaid patients don't understand that the plan will not automatically pay all of their hospital bills. Depending on their income, they will be responsible for a portion of their medical bills. The same confusion will likely occur with the Affordable Care Act. Many clients will enter these insurance plans expecting their new insurance companies to take care of all or most of their expenses. They won't take the time to study and understand all the details and fine print saddled together with these plans. Likely many of these clients will be eventually sent to collections. Possible numerous lawsuits and allegations of fraud will occur because of great lack of understanding and an over dependency from a product with too high of expectations. There will be much arguments and debates regarding who is supposed to pay for what. And as always Obama and much of the Democratic party will walk away stating that somehow or another the confusion is the fault of the Republican Party or in someway or another blame former President George Bush, who is a popular scapegoat whenever something in the government goes awry.
       Another popular source of confusion is popular Liberal biased media, aka NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN news and affiliates. These are news sources who find it very difficult to hold President Obama or democrat at arms in Congress accountable for any mistake, offenses committed. In their fantasy world President Obama is supposed to have every major decision go his way while the Republicans roll out the long red carpet for him. Members of the tea party demand Obama make some cuts in the budget. Some members of Congress, led by Speaker of the House Boehner, want specific changes in the healthcare law. As fellow leaders elected by citizens of this country that is their right, their job to expect and demand compromise, changes to laws, acts expected by President Obama and his democrat comrades. The media makes it seem so but not every citizen in this country agrees with the idea of the government being in top control of supplying healthcare. Many people believe that Obama is overstepping his bounds and that businesses and citizens are capable of supplying and deciding their own insurance needs without the government's help. And there is a big question Obama has yet to answer. How can the federal government be so sure that they can stay on top of the insurance plans of every US citizen when the country continues to struggle handling its own Medicaid, Medicare programs, while continuing to stand billions and billions in dollars in debt?
       The US government is already swirling amidst running after terrorists, trying to get out of Afghanistan, trying not to get overly militarily involved with Libya, Syria, and terrorists groups Al Shabab and Boko Haram. The United States is streaming with once decent, middle class neighborhoods now diving under poverty. The Affordable Care Act could have been a good idea if begun long ago in place of Medicaid but now the US simply can not afford it and many people in this country simply don't trust the government telling them what to do to with their money. Don't force people to buy insurance. Allow churches and non profit organizations to create and develop programs to be able to find and care for those who lack ability to afford insurance. They will likely do a better job at caring for people's medical needs than the government. Force hospitals and doctors to reduce the cost of healthcare. They are simply getting away with charging their customers too much money. If someone can afford health insurance but gambles that he won't need it, let him pay the consequences if something bad happens to him. Such people will serve as examples to others the price of stinginess and making bad choices.

A Man's Dream versus God's Reality

       I have a dream......free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty we are free at last (http://www.examiner.com/article/martin-luther-king-day-quotes-thank-god-almighty-we-are-free-at-last). Many times, especially during my adult years, I have heard Martin Luther King Jr's most famous speech. When I was younger I used to cling to these words both seriously and proudly with the intent to show the world how far the black race has come and how far we will advance. A few years later while living in a new environment a roommate of mine and during that time also a mentor, who was then attending the same church as me gave me caution that the feelings churning inside of me, the lessons I was taught as a young man involving black power and strength was racism. After hearing his warning I suddenly took both my emotions and thoughts a step back. I did not respond to him. Looking inside myself I knew as a Christian, as an individual who has devoted himself and his life to Christ I had to reconsider some of my own thoughts and beliefs, some of them long held and compare them to God's plan.

       Jesus as a Jew was persecuted and tortured even though He was perfect and without sin. People felt offended by Him. Even His own people hated Him. He was drilled with many tricky questions and traps. The type of questions that would make any of us respond with a "why don't you mind your own business?!", or with a plain expletive, but He miraculously held His cool and answered their questions with such confidence and calmness that one could use Him as a basic answer towards anger management.

       What does Jesus have to do with Martin Luther King Jr? Much. As someone living within a family who left a major city to reside in a city hardly known by even residents of the state wherein it resides, a person who grew up as a child in a school system that hardly mentioned the famous Civil Rights Leader, I had to play catch up after graduating from high school and hearing more of this brave man during my very late teens and early twenties (college years). African Americans and some whites hold on to Martin Luther King Jr with a lot of pride and joy. He represents someone who stood up to the often barbaric way that the majority white as well as the upper class treated black people soon after slavery ended and at times even up to now. During the Civil Rights leader's time on earth there still existed white and black only restaurants and businesses. There were strictly black and white neighborhoods. Young black men were often picked on by cops, prosecuted and sentenced by local courts with hardly a fair trial. In the fifties and sixties a galvanization of the young black population occurred led by people like Dr King, Jesse Jackson, and Rep. John Lewis that has largely helped African Americans and other minorities gain more rights in America.

       Now African Americans have much rights and freedoms. Some have gone on to college and have been or are currently successful. There are many notable African American celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Bill Cosby, and many more.Hospitals and schools within major cities, and the south region of the country employ plenty of black doctors, nurses, teachers, and other medical and scholastic employees of various professions. Some minorities have begun their own law offices, drug abuse clinics, and various major or small businesses. But sadly there are still millions of African Americans who face poverty, are sitting in jail with plus five year sentences, or are on parole. HIV/AIDS has hit the black community hard. Many African Americans are homeless, dependent on government welfare program. The African American family unit has suffered heavily from many social, spiritual blows, caused by many families not having a father in the home, individual African American adults who commonly involve themselves with more than one sex partner, increasing drug abuse problems, an over reliance on using sports and entertainment as a means of getting rich (comparable to hitting the jackpot) and a lack of inner responsibility toward taking care of children whom are often left to fend for themselves. Many of the high African American achievers who have gained much success have left their black friends and neighbors behind. Even family members have been left alone to as they say: "fend for themselves". This scenario relates to a popular comment often mentioned within the black community by both the young and old: "I'm looking out for my own". In other words "sink or swim". I am sure that if Martin Luther King Jr was still alive over the last few decades he would have made a whole lot of mentions maybe even several new speeches made directly to the African American communities to shape up and to the men, man up.He would speak directly to the selfishness burning withing the communities, families, and hearts of many African American individuals.He would tell over sexed hip hop performers, entertainers, and other such celebrities to stop sending the wrong message of raunchiness. He would tell the preachers to quit selling out the Civil Rights, and most importantly their own flock to the wrong message of pro-homosexuality.

       But the problem of much of African Americans in the United States as a whole is much bigger than any speech than any one man who has long since been assassinated can cure. The problem in this country is immense and even with there being a current black president, a few more senators, and congressmen, the problem is likely to grow bigger unless individuals begin seeking Jesus for the answer to their problems. Only God can provide the type of freedom struggling, angry members of the black community are seeking. The question is will they seek Him or will they continue to devote all their time and energy to the media and members of the army of politicians? Will they continue to replay and commentate on Dr King and his walk?

       14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

God asks His people, that if those who call on His Name and intentionally follow Him, will humble themselves, pray, seek, him, and turn from their wicked ways, in other words repent, He will forgive them of their sins and replenish them. God will heal them from their worldly wounds. Famine, poverty, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia, heart disease, asthma, diabetes would at last be conquered. Obesity, domestic violence would have a straight forward answer. Black on Black crime and violence would be purged.

       7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7
       If individuals within the Black American community will remain in Jesus and keep God's words within their hearts and minds all of their requests would be answered. There would be no need to spend millions of dollars to win the lottery or bet one's entire youth toward making the NFL or obtaining a college scholarship. God will offer so much more if only Americans, as a people will humble ourselves and seek Him, First.
       This message does not just apply to African American. The same message applies to all people of every race or color for God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34-35). For every ethnicity has at some point or another in the world's history received abuse or been treated unfairly by another ethnic group. Individuals are often abused and mistreated by members of their own race. People many times are mistreated by members of their own family via domestic violence, child, or sexual abuse, verbal abuse. Friends, co-workers, classmates, church members often violate each other. Abuse comes in many shapes and forms. 
       With God we as people both black, white, red, and yellow, don't have to dream. He already has the answer and we don't have to wait and depend upon the response of others. Just seek Him. Seek Him first and everything, all He has and more will be added unto you. Everyone will be judged, black or white, rich or poor, based upon their own performances and decisions made while their time was spent living here on earth. Some will go ahead to meet their Lord in Heaven, because the Great Equalizer, Jesus Christ came down here upon the earth and laid His life down for the Great Sacrifice. Yes, the Great Equalizer, here on earth. He died and rose again so that me and you, you and me do not have to spend our lives and sweat relying on another man's dream. We have access to the Great Reality. A reality filled with enough rewards that will endure for eternity.

But the Weather is Cool

       The world is repeatedly reminded of Global Warming during consecutive days of hot weather or amid long periods of drought. But what happens when a large geographic area goes through weeks and weeks of receiving cool or even at times frigid weather? What happens when it is in the middle of the summer and the weather has not reached above 70 degrees in the southeastern area of the United States? What happens when southern states in America has been pounded by rain repeatedly, day after day, causing floods, damage to trees, and pretty much making 2013 a wet summer. We are in the middle of the summer and the weather is cool outside. In fact the weather has been cool for much of August and part of July. Can we call this phenomenon global cooling?

        During online conversations and chats face to face, I have asked global warming enthusiasts why the weather is cold during certain days. I often read and hear the same response: the weather data is supposed to resemble temperatures collected over a long period of time. Supposedly, the past 100 years, even with recent years massive snowstorms repeatedly falling over 10 inches, is supposed to be extremely hot compared to the last hundreds, thousands, even millions of years on our planet Earth. The big catch is the length of years. Who was alive back in 1000 AD that will be able to compare the weather then to what is occurring with the weather now? Even if one was to have temperature collected from data hundreds or even thousands of years ago, no one is alive from hundreds, thousands of years ago who can convince everyone that the data is one hundred percent accurate. We don't know for sure whether they did not have long hot streaks with the same or even at much higher temperatures than we do now. We don't know for sure if there were thousands plus days of 100 plus degree weather that did not make it to the record books.

       The over thousands, millions of years theory is pretty much a synonym for evolution. We are supposed to be convinced by the theorists that over millions of years somehow the ape turned slowly into a man. Man's back and shoulder shifted more and more erect while the brain grew more and more complicated. Not a bit physical of evidence but some pictures of old fossils like Nebraska man who many believe represent a pig's tooth and Lucy who some say resembles a pygmy chimpanzee. French and American paleontologists believe that Piltdown man's jawbone and skull actually represent two different animals. Peking Man is believed to be a collection of facial bones, skull fragments, seven sections of a broken femur, shinbone, upper arm bone, clavicle, a piece of a wrist, all representing more than 40 people of different ages and sizes. Now what about the weather? What does global warming represent? And if the earth is supposedly getting warmer and warmer why is the American south, a usually hot climate region of the world so cold? Why has the rain been pouring down continuously when a year ago the media daily kept a chart of the long drought and the amounts of lengths below sea level our large lakes (ex. Lake Lanier) have fallen?
     The answer if people, including the "educated" and "experts", were honest is that nobody really knows. Who can predict what the weather is going to actually be like this November or December? Can anyone honestly forecast the amount of rain we are going to receive next year in 2014? Global warming enthusiast will likely lean towards a long, continuous hot climate weather pattern for the very near future with much dry seasons. But they have been saying the same thing for the past several years and it just has not come to reality. The past winters and even springs have been cold. Cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, and even Atlanta have received plenty of snow and plenty of cold weather.The sunny state of Florida has received plenty of cold weather in recent years. Sorry but global warming in English means the globe, earth, is warming. I am not feeling the heat. In fact it is getting kind of drafty. As they famous saying goes: seeing is believing. Don't tell me anymore stories about weather changing over millions and thousands of years. We have no quotes from any human being made millions of years ago and no one can truthfully say that they know what the exact winter or summer temperatures were back in 2000 or 3000 AD. No one can honestly tell me the exact inches of rain fallen on the earth from the years 2000 BC to the year of the Lord. What I do know is that the summer of 2013 is pretty cool compared to what the summers were like in the late 90's and the earlier 2000's.  And if I am not feeling the heat then I can in no way feel any truth nor have any faith in this global nonsense.

Boko Haram vs the US???

       Boko Haram is at it again. Much earlier yesterday Boko Haram an Islamic terrorist group based in the Muslim dominated northern half of Nigeria gunned down 44 people in Maiduguri, Nigeria. This time, surprise, the 44 people Boko Haram violently murdered were not Christians or even neutral civilians these individuals were themselves Muslims. 12 civilians were also killed via gunfire by Boko Haram in another incident. But we don't know what set that bullet tantrum off. Seems like Boko Haram, like their fellow Muslim buddies in Afghanistan and Iraq thrive within a hobby of plain murdering people, Christians, Muslims, Atheists, whomever.
      These 44 people were shot down while praying, in a mosque. Boko Haram insists on having an Islamic State. They want everyone to be Muslim and live by Shariah law. Why are they killing fellow Muslims? The same reason why insurgents in Iraq would send a suicide bomber to blow up fifty plus fellow Iraqis in order to kill a handful of US soldiers. These men, women have an oddly, shared fanatacism involving bloody murder and just plain violence. Recent stories have read that the Nigerian army ordered by current President Jonathan Goodluck have decisively won several gun battles with Boko Haram, killing many of their members. Some say that Boko Haram is only a few young gullible men led by a few manipulative leaders backed with a lot of hype. But fact is the group still exists, they are still making news, and obviously still motivated to kill Christians, non-Muslims, and oddly Muslims. Boko Haram still wants to spread Shariah Law throughout the entire country of Nigeria. And not just Nigeria, surrounding countries like Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. Boko Haram leader Abubaker Shekau even boasts about his group being strong enough to attack the United States? Is this guy serious or is has he been busy smoking on some kind of weed while trying to avoid filling his mouth with pork? But a la 911, you never take what a serious Muslim group says for granted. Not that your nation lives in fear but common sense states that you take what this terrorist leader says seriously while making some behind the back plans to do some ?!?!***?!?! you know what.
       The point is that Boko Haram could possibly be the next Al Quaida. Leaders like Abubaker Shekau could be a Bin Laden in waiting. There are many reasons why some Nigerians leave their homeland in order to settle in places around the world stretching from Far East Asia, to Western Europe, to the Americas and don't come back. Harassment by criminals and gangs is one of them. Currently the criminal gangs have gained more concern from the Nigerian people who don't reside in the northern, especially the northeast part of the country, but Boko Haram is quietly relentless. President Jonathan Goodluck is doing a good job in putting pressure on this terror group by bringing the attack on them now but he needs to do much more especially now before the leadership of the country is passed on to the Muslims dominated northern half of the country. (If you are not familiar with Nigerian politics the Northern Muslim half and the mainly Christian southern half both take turns for each election, electing a president for their country).
       Bet ya that Barak Obama has Boko Haram on his sites. After the beating he gave the Iraqi, Pakistani, and Afghan insurgents he won't play with any Islamic Shariah plans coming out of Nigeria. For Nigeria's sake. For the beauty, the peace of its country and especially its people of all tribes and cultures. For the sake of Nigeria. We don't want Barak Obama to bring US war planes and machinery down to our beautiful lands in order so he can take care of this group of crazy warmongers himself. Nigeria would be wise to use all force and power to take care of this Boko Haram once and for all. Clean them out. Then don't worry, Chad, Niger, Cameroon all those countries will soon tire of them too. No one likes a bully. No one wants anyone telling their daughter how to dress, who they can marry, and what customs and traditions they are allowed to partake in. No one wants anybody telling them who they can worship or whether they can or cannot go to church. "You telling me what?" Excuse me, I am going to worship Jesus if I wish and I will go to church. If you want to follow Allah to your grave that is your business. Don't bring me and these people whom I love dearly on that fatal journey with you.

America's Stance Against God

⁸ The Lord has sent a message against Jacob;
    it will fall on Israel.
⁹ All the people will know it—
    Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria—
who say with pride
    and arrogance of heart,
¹⁰ “The bricks have fallen down,
    but we will rebuild with dressed stone;
the fig trees have been felled,
    but we will replace them with cedars.”
¹¹ But the Lord has strengthened Rezin’s foes against them
    and has spurred their enemies on.
¹² Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west
    have devoured Israel with open mouth.

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
    his hand is still upraised.

¹³ But the people have not returned to him who struck them,
    nor have they sought the Lord Almighty.
¹⁴ So the Lord will cut off from Israel both head and tail,
    both palm branch and reed in a single day;
¹⁵ the elders and dignitaries are the head,
    the prophets who teach lies are the tail.
¹⁶ Those who guide this people mislead them,
    and those who are guided are led astray.
¹⁷ Therefore the Lord will take no pleasure in the young men,
    nor will he pity the fatherless and widows,
for everyone is ungodly and wicked,
    every mouth speaks folly.

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
    his hand is still upraised. Isaiah 9:8-17

       America has endured much tragedies over the past12 years including 911, the Boston Bombing, The Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting,  the Fort Hood Shooting,  not to mention the many shootings occurring within US schools. One mass murderer dared to even gun down elementary children along with their teachers during a crime spree that shocked a nation. One that has sadly become accustomed to hearing about shootings in our schools, but 5, 6 year old kids?
       Since the terrible event occurring at Sandy Hook elementary school I have heard preachings and reminders of Isaiah 9:8-17 and similar Bible verses. Prophesies detailing a proud, stubborn nation, viewed as mighty by her leaders, people, as well as her many admirers spread throughout the world. A nation leaning on a storied past filled with many victories, accomplishments, as well as a spirit of superiority.

¹¹ The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled
    and human pride brought low;
the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.

¹² The Lord Almighty has a day in store
    for all the proud and lofty,
for all that is exalted
    (and they will be humbled),
¹³ for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty,
    and all the oaks of Bashan, Isaiah 2:11-13.

After 911 our country heard comments promising repentance from some of our leaders. Pastors from various churches made public speeches concerning the attack and the nations need to repent and come close to God. Churches everywhere were packed with crowds. They came with tears running, arms wide opened, asking why. God became relevant to the nation again. But for a short while, a very short while. Now people are again questioning the Bible's relevance. Educators insist even more that God be kept out of our schools. The national media assumes that God Almighty is nonexistent. Our president is rooting for gay marriage. People are trying to push homosexuality into our churches. The divorce rate is skyrocketing while calls for legalizing polygamous marriages is quietly pleading its case.


¹⁰ “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because the great cedar towered over the thick foliage, and because it was proud of its height, ¹¹ I gave it into the hands of the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with according to its wickedness. I cast it aside, ¹² and the most ruthless of foreign nations cut it down and left it. Its boughs fell on the mountains and in all the valleys; its branches lay broken in all the ravines of the land. All the nations of the earth came out from under its shade and left it. ¹³ All the birds settled on the fallen tree, and all the wild animals lived among its branches. ¹⁴ Therefore no other trees by the waters are ever to tower proudly on high, lifting their tops above the thick foliage. No other trees so well-watered are ever to reach such a height; they are all destined for death, for the earth below, among mortals who go down to the realm of the dead. Ezekiel 31:10-14.

     Now America has suffered through many natural disasters, tragic accidents causing catastrophic damages, injuries, and deaths. Hurricanes after hurricanes, floods after floods, droughts, scorching heat, what's next? Cries of global warming have been questioned by record breaking snowstorms that have fallen on America in recent years. Snow so heavy that when melted has transformed into bodies of water flowing through and around major cities, like newly created rivers, flooding nearby lands and buildings. "Cut it down", the Lord said. "Cut that tree down", let it lay aside. It's beauty and pride faded. Oh America please, please listen. There is still time for repentance. There is still time to call out His Name. The Lord is ready and willing.
       Now is the time, oh people. The time has come. Time not meaning panic. For our Lord is not the god of confusion. But He is willing to carry and care for all who is willing to come to Him. His arms are wide opened. Will you come?