From Brokenhearted to Healed Soul: Hearing Whispers Book Review

 The book Hearing Whispers (Amazon ad) by Tracy Wainwrigth is one of those books that are hard to put down.  As each chapter in the main character's (Sarah) life is completed, you want to go on to the next to find out what happens to her.  Will she get over the  broken heart that grew out of disappointment of two men from her youth and childhood?  This is a story of a woman who is just starting her adult life and a new career.  She must learn to trust others again and move forward to the person she is meant to be.   Not t give too much away, but Sarah finds a new love not only in a man, but in her redeeming God.  

Tracy Wainwright's writing style is easy-to-read and her storytelling is interesting.  Hearing Whispers will get you personally involved with Sarah's journey.  Although I will not tell you too much of the story, as it can spoil the readers fun, I can highly recommend adding this book to your reading list this summer.  This book will take you through Sarah moving from bitterness to a healed soul that is open to experiencing new friendships and true love, as well as growing in a spiritual relationship with God.  I give it 5 stars!

Spoiler alert! Within the love story of Hearing Whispers, another mystery of an unknown sister is also introduced.  Will the mystery of the lost sister be resolved in the the next book Open Arms or will readers have to keep wondering how that part of the story plays out until a future release in the series?  Find out about more about the book series on The God Bless Girl blog.

What has happened to America?

Remember when 9/11 happened and we were encouraged to display the country's flag? This was to show our solidarity as a nation and a people. It was an "in your face" slap at the terrorist organization that took down some of our important buildings and killed so many innocent non-military people and the heroes who tried to save them.  Many lost relatives and friends as almost 3,000 died that day (a few hundred more than Pearl Harbor). We were "united we stand" and since have accepted too many sacrifices of our rights to get the bad guys. 

Now, almost 2 decades later,  we are being attacked again!  Instead of the USA flag being flown high and proud, misguided groups of people are allowed to burn or stomp on it, as weel as desecrate historical monuments.  Foreign flags and fags representing debauchery are flown everywhere!  What happened to the United States of America?  Where is our national image? What has become of our pride and our identity? Why do our children not know or  understand the heritage and history of this great country?

We allowed too many citizens' rights and freedoms to be "temporarily" taken away in the name of safety or health.  After 9/11, we allowed covert surveillance and rampant travel restrictions in America, which resulted in selected violent protests being allowed while other peaceful protesters were persecuted.  Just two years ago, our schools and churches were shut down and many now have armed guards and/or metal detectors.  All the while our education, knowledge, and self-assurance levels declined and continue to do so, as selective bullying is promoted by a few but not by the majority. As our freedom of movement and religion was restricted, our businesses suffered loses and the entrepreneurship we were once so proud of took a nose dive.  Getting back to work is hard as unemployment is up because people lost jobs from company closures or staff reductions. 

Part of the American identity is that of a Christian nation that embraces freedom of religion.  Now we are allowing that to be removed as well.  When I was searching the web for faith symbols to include with this post, the American flag came up in the results and so did rainbow arches and crosses.  It is time we display our symbols of faith and patriotism proudly once again.  Put on the full armor of faith; wear your crosses confidently; fly the true  American flag, go to church often; teach your children history and religious truth; put out your nativity scenes; and study the Holy Bible.  Do not be distracted from the your God-given potential.  Do not cancel any more religious holiday celebrations this season.  Remember you have 1st Amendment rights as USA citizens.

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Most Cherished Christmas Decor is Nativity Set

A few people know that I collect miniature nativities as my souvenirs when I traveled.     However, few know that my most cherished Christmas decor is a larger old nativity set of Holy Bible type figures made in the late 1970's and passed down from family members. When I think of Christmas, it is not just green and red decorations, but also nativity scenes. I even have a nativity-based Advent calendar ,instead of  the candy or mini-gift kind. 

The story of my cherished nativity starts with my brother, who passed away years ago in a salt truck accident on an icy bridge.  When we were very teenagers, my brother was in a work study program our last year in high school and remained at the company (Home Interiors/HomeCo) when he graduated. One year he used his employee discount to buy my grandma a painted porcelain nativity set. For many Christmas holidays Grandma's set was put together on top of her old gas heater or her music organ. That is until she had someone else put it away for her... When my mom and aunts were going through Grandma's many things after her death, the nativity was found in the original Styrofoam holder put inside a Tony Lamas cowboy boot box in her storage house. The only hand-writing on the box lid read "fabric for doll clothes" not "nativity." Everyone insisted Mom take it to keep or give to me. Mom asked me if I wanted it, since she already had a big ceramic nativity that my brother had given her a few years before he died that she usually set-up next to her fireplace. (Side note, I found Mom's nativity when we were clearing her house in a closet. Somehow, it had been badly stored without being wrapped or put in a box so most of the figures were broken and it did not survive to be passed along.) 

I was excited to take this nativity and make it part of my Christmas decor. Since then the nativity moves around each year: from the coffee table, to bay window, under a very large Christmas tree, or to the hearth of the fireplace. It was even put up the year I was injured at Christmas so my husband had to get it down for me and put it out. Years earlier when it was on the hearth, I decided the nativity needed a wooden creche and told my husband this. He said I would never find one tall enough. I then informed that I had just seen two options at Walmart during my shopping trip that morning and I just needed to measure which would be best so I could get one of them at an after-Christmas sale. The next week while I was working, my husband and son went to Walmart and picked a creche out. They then set the creche up with the nativity set as I already had it out and waited for me to notice their little trick. It was not until around bedtime that I even noticed it. I had wondered why my small son was following me around grinning most of the evening - he was waiting for my surprise! 

This year, I am experimenting with this family nativity as our Christmas tree by using a short ladder decorated in lights and greenery garland as the tree/creche over the large figures. Then the wrapped gifts on either side can be a reminder that the best Christmas presents are actually Christ's presence. Our eternal lives bought and paid for by Christ's sacrifice, not by anything we can do on this earth.  Christ is the reason for the season, so it is important that we remember to keep Him in our Christmas celebrations.

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What Will Happen to the Stations Garden?

Not far from my home is a lovely Catholic church sitting on the corner.  The church has done well and the members are building a larger place to move to.  When the congregation moves, they will be selling their smaller building. Behind the building, on the church parking lot their is a lovely meditation-style garden which represents the 14 stations of the Cross (aka Vias Dolorosa) plus Christ's resurrection.  With all the wonton destruction of monuments statues, breaking into churches and schools, and other attacks on religious freedoms by people who do not understand Christianity or the need for God, I wonder what will happen to the stations garden after the property is sold.  Will another church buy the building and keep the garden?  Or will some company purchase it and re-purpose the property?  

When this garden was first built, I took my son to see it.  We went to each of the headstone-like concrete stations and stood to view the bronze figures plus read the engravings on each one.  The entrance and extit paths to the large center circle contain paver stones engraved with "in memory of ..." or the first names of all family members who I assume donated a specific amount to the creation of the garden.  Paths that lead from the main two are covered with pebbles instead of pavers.  Thes pebbles and the occasional large natural flagstones  add to the more natural look of the garden and soften the harshness of being surrounded by a concrete parking area. In addition to the lovely flowers and shrub foliage, the garden includes the soft sound of a small waterfall and a musical melody of a metal wind chime.  In the beginning,  there were only had a few benches on the engraved flagstones under the wooden pergola for resting or congregating.  Now each station has a bench in front of it so people can sit, read, meditate, and/or pray.  Some of these benches are inscribed with "in memory of ...," a Biblical scripture, or a quote from a Pope or Saint.   

Sometimes when I am out walking, I will take an alternate path and go reacquaint myself with the garden.  Although most people think of the stations of the cross as an Easter thing or a Catholic thing, but if limiting to holidays it could also be Thanksgiving or Christmas.  Thanksgiving to remember to give thanks to God for giving His Son for your sins.  At Christmas, visit a local nativity for the beginning of Jesus Christ's earthy life and another day visit a local Vias Dolorosa for the purpose of his coming.  It is wonderful for  people to learn about Christ's sacrifice from these stations year-round.  When you look at the suffering Christ went through in a very short period, you realize that He really must have loved you a lot.   If the garden disappears, I will miss it but I will keep its message in my heart.

Elderly Hour and Compassion for Seniors

Due to the current pandemic causing pandemonium and empty shelves at grocery stores, social media is covered with promotion of the "elderly hour" (#elderlyhour)  Considering the story of an elderly couple afraid to go into the grocery store due to news coverage of lines and shopping issues, this does seem like a good idea.  However, since the more vulnerable elderly are recommended to self-isolate and stay-at-home to prevent getting diseases , I think my church had an even better idea.

The church is forming groups to phone seniors and others who are sick or injured (within the congregation) that live near to them to see if these people have any needs.  Once they know the needs, they have volunteers who will do the shopping and deliver the goods to their door.  In a time where people are being greedy and selfish, this group of people are reaching out in a compassionate and selfless way.

If you have friends or family that are elderly, consider helping them as well as yourself at this time.  If you know people who may not have anyone locally to help, give them a call to see if they need anything,  Even if they do not have a physical need, your consideration and call may give them an emotional lift.  It is always nice to know that someone cares.   Maybe its just me,  but this simple idea seems more important than posting memes related to toilet paper hording or shortages.  

Trauma and Drama - What do you see as a Christmas story?

A different view of the Christmas story from Luke 1:26-2:39 in the Holy Bible was presented by the pastor of Victorious Life Church from the perspective of the earthly parents of Jesus.  Below are quotes from part of his sermon, the words in brackets are mine to help explain the preceding word.

"The Christmas story is too often misread. The words aren't misread, but the context [circumstance, scene, background, situation] is. We interpret is as though they knew [Joy of Jesus] what we know [Jesus' life of Wisdom, Miracles, and Teaching, followed by: Persecution, Crucifixion, Ascension, Salvation].  We sterilize it; we filter out the emotions [troubled, fearful, concerned, anxious] they were feeling." - Pastor Mark Akers

Takeaway:  "What we've been given [Salvation through Christ] is greater than anything we go through."

If you are having or expecting "trauma and drama" this Christmas, below is the song "The Most Inconvenient Christmas" by the Oak Ridge Boys to put things into a better perspective.  At this time, you can only get that song as MP3 from Amazon, as it is not on the 

The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas, Celebrate Christmas,  Christmas Time's A-Coming CDs/LPs in the Amazon store at the tine of this post. 

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Keep Christ in Christmas with a Capital C, not an X?

I often hear people complaining about Xmas replacing CHRISTmas.  Ok, I understand they think that example is taking Christ out of the holiday by shortening the official holiday term for marketing purposes.  However, the way it was explained to me is that the X is also called a cross, so that is supposed to keep Christ in since He died on the Cross.   (See also The X In Xmas Is Really About Jesus Christ.)  So are we supposed to read Xmas aloud as CROSSmas? Not the merriest/happiest or most thoughtful phrase for a birthday celebration.  Also, I got to wonder why was MAS (formerly Mass) was left in the term, as it implies a religious celebration?

Now the all-inclusive advertising/PC phrase has changed again.  Instead of "Merry Christmas" we are supposed to say "Happy Holidays."  Didn't the word holiday from from Holy Day?  (See also Happy Holidays: How Did We Get to This?.)   Some believe the reason is so retailer could lump Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year together for a longer selling timeline (noticing more Santa/Snowman decorations come out in October this year).  Isn't that moving even further from the reason for the season?  JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON of Christmas!  We are told this in the Go Fish song and comedy routine "Christmas with a capital C" available on Amazon.  Below is video of just the singing part along with the song lyrics printed out.

See also post Where did all the Nativities go? Short share URL = https://tinyurl.com/yz33nh7p 

Nevertheless, Attitude Adjustment and Thanksgiving in Adversity

In her series of books based on The Never-The-Less Principle (link ro Amazon), Marion Bond West  shares her concept for adjusting a negative attitude to a more positive one.  She bases this idea on the way the scriptures using "nevertheless" are written.  The way the principle works is to take a negative complaint and add a positive spin to it with the word nevertheless (never-the-less) at the end of the statement.  I think this is a great way to turn disappointment and adversity into positive thinking and thanksgiving for our blessings,

Below are a few examples that may work for you or as a starting place.

• My son's ADHD has me constantly worn out, nevertheless, I am blessed with a healthy and happy son.
• I have an illness (or injury) that keeps me from doing everything I want, nevertheless, I have others that are willing to help me with what I need to do.
• My daughter's seemly constant obsession with things disappoints me, nevertheless, I have an intelligent and caring daughter.
• Prepping for the holidays really stresses me out, nevertheless, I enjoy the season and am able to relax after everything is done.
• My spouse  always watching sports is annoying, nevertheless, he is a good husband and loves me unconditionally,

For some examples related to the job and more on this theory, visit 2bProductive post Nevertheless, Adjusting Attitude at Work.  If you are willing to share other statements you would make, please add them in the comments for this post.  Thanks!

No Nation under Satan – Pray Before You Vote

It hurts me when I hear someone say they are “voting for the lesser of two evils” in an election.  This feeling applies whether the voting is for city, county, state, or national.  I understand that some feel there is “no such thing as an honest politician.”  After all, we have seen some get away with libelous lies, broken promises, cheating, theft, corruption, and even treason because others have excused or pardoned instead of going forward with criminal prosecution.  It is no wonder that some feel evil has taken the reigns in politics and that it is the level of demon verses saint we have to choose.

However, there are some out there who really care about the people they represent, their home state, and their country.  They care about the same things we do.  So do not listen to name calling and blaming, instead read where they stand on the real issues.  Who agrees with you on most things?  Vote for the right person, not the lesser version.  Do not listen to the loud accusations or protestations by a disrespectful few - instead turn to your own personal, faith, and family values to make a choice.  Who agrees with you on most things?  Vote for the best person, not the “politically correct” version.  

Remember your vote counts.  The United States is a republic with democratic principles (not a party-line). We are not ruled by communism or socialism.  We have mostly elected officials that we can re-instate or replace in the next election.  As a country, we claim “one nation under God” in our pledge and foundation. We are not a nation under dictatorship or a monarchy.  We have no devilish person running things.  If we want to keep it that way, we need to vote.  If we want to make sure we vote correctly, we need to pray before we vote! Please, pray before you vote.

C.S.Lewis said “Aim at heaven and you will get earth.  Aim at earth and you will get neither.”  In other words, if we want to remain under God and not risk becoming under Satan – we all really need to pray for the nation and our leaders.  

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Three New Testament Bible Study Guides from Grandma's Bible

People, who used Have You Got Mustard? study guide to grow their faith, have asked me when I might do another Bible Study.  This summer I put together three books to cover studying the New Testament (NT).  These guides are in a study series based on my Grandma's Bible.  Each book includes my Grandma’s notes and selected verses she highlighted for personal study.

Every Christian should know what the Holy Bible says for themselves.  Study guides help  Christians dive deeper into God’s Word. All Christians should study Acts and Revelation so they know what is there. Studying the Gospel is an excellent way for new Christians to learn who Jesus is. Some say the four Apostles writing the Gospels seem to report things differently or even contradict each other. Consider how a detective investigates and interviews multiple witnesses. Each witness give the detective information based on their viewpoint so he can form the full story of what actually happened.  So each Apostle shares the story of Jesus from their unique perspective.

Below are details on these books and the subtitles link to Amazon to purchase 5x8” paperback or Kindle ebook .  For group study, discussion questions are provided at the end of each Bible book covered.

1.      Grandma's Bible: Letters to the Body of Christ is on the letters to the seven churches from the Apostle Paul, published June 18, 2018.		The Bible books covered include: Romans I Corinthians II Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians I Thessalonians II Thessalonians
2.      Grandma's Bible: Letters to the Followers of Christ is on letters to Christians, published July 10, 2018.		Books covered include: I Timothy II Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James I Peter II Peter I John II John III John Jude
3.      Grandma's Bible: The Gospel and Signs of Christ is on the 4 Gospels, so Christians learn who Jesus is. It includes signs of Jesus in "The Acts of the Apostles" and of his second coming in "Revelation of Saint John the Divine", published July 24, 2018.		The Bible books covered include: Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Revelation

Why did I choose these cover colors?  Green is for spiritual Growth, which was the purpose of letters written to Christians.  Red represents Words (and Blood) of Christ, so the books of the Bible in that guide include lots of red-letter text for Jesus speaking.

All the above guides recommend studying the Bible using at least two versions and have lots of space for note-taking.  This can be done with versions of print Bibles or on-line.  Verses in these Bible Study guides to re-read are formatted so they may be easily copied from e-book version to paste into electronic Bibles.  Underlined verses are those that included a handwritten margin note by my Grandma, which shows in the image at beginning of personal study. 

BibleGateway.com is an excellent source of multiple Bible versions on-line.  Check out how to view multiple versions on one screen from their instructional blog post.   If you want to dive deeper for your notes, BibleGateway also has a few  FREE options under the Study link.  This link is to the right of the verses.  To find out about these options, check out how to use commentaries, study Bibles, and more on their blog.  

Interesting finds in the week following publication of last book in NT series when doing searches of my chosen series name. I found a few wonderful things to share.  On the Godly Women Blog,  I found examples of Christian grandmothers, each of which reminded me of parts of my own Grandma's character.  On Nona Kelley Carver's poetry site, I found a poem about her Grandma's Bible.  (You can find my poetry ebooks or my business books on my blogs.)  Also there was  that this old "Grandma's Bible" song from 2008 album recording by the Heritage Singers.  These song lyrics emphasize the importance of both Grandmas and the Holy Bible.  You can still buy the vintage CD on Amazon or on the singers website from the link above.  Lastly, I found this audio story regarding a lost/found Grandma's Bible on Guidelines International Ministry site.

Where Are You On Sunday?

Church Building

Where are you on Sunday?  Are you in Sunday school, church, or somewhere else?  You probably know that about 75% (majority) of the American population says it is Christian, but secondary religions are growing as their churches expand in various states.  Did you know the American Christian church needs you to be there, if you want this country to continue its Christian heritage?

Christians, do you attend a sports game or play video games on Sunday morning?  What are you teaching your children?  Is it that game time is more important than learning about God?  How much is this lesson costing you and them?  Does your family know the difference between Heaven and Hell or why they might end up in either?

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. – Hebrews 10:25 KJV

Christians, do you stay home and watch TV or go to entertainment venues (concert, movie, play, and etc.) on Sunday mornings?  Are you unknowing communicating to your children that passive engagement is more important than actively worshiping God?  Again, how much might this lesson costing you and them?  Do your family members know about the salvation offered through Christ or the lessons he teaches us?

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. - Colossians 3:16 KJV

Christians, do you do your shopping or go to brunch with friends on Sunday morning?  What does your skipping church for these activities say to your friends and family?  Are you saying learning about the Bible is not as important as completing your to do list or eating something you can’t get the rest of the week?  What are your actions telling others?  What would you prefer they think or know about you and your dedication to your faith?

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. - Ephesians 4:12 

My pastor recently shared some shocking news about church attendance in the United States, a country founded on Christiaa foundations and Bible teachings.  He shared the following statistics:

• In the 1700’s approximately 80% of Christians regularly (physically) attended (1-3 times weekly) church
• Sometime in the 1970’s, the number of Christians attending American churches regularly dropped to 40%  – in math terms that is half
• The last time world statistics were gathered, Christian countries numbered 197 and the Church was growing in all but 20 of them – the United States is in that 20
• Currently only 21% of American Christians attend church on a regular basis
• By 2050, if this trend continues – only 11% will attend regularly

Although the above trend may not be as noticeable in the mega-churches of today, it still is something to worry about.  No wonder Christian churches are going bankrupt and having to close their doors.  We cannot blame the denominations or the people in authority for this.  Yes, a few individuals disappointed us because they proved to be human and succumbed to temptation.  This is not the fault of the church as a whole or the faithful body of Christians.  It can only be the fault of people that ignore their Biblical responsibilities to the church.

When Christians thought prayer would not be removed from USA schools in 1962, they proved to be mistaken.  If Christians today think that the church can continue without the support and attendance of their people, again they will be surprised.  This means regular attendance, weekly versus once a month for sometimes attendees or starting with a few times a month verses twice a year (Easter and Christmas special services) if you rarely go.   If you claim to be a Christian, Where are you this Sunday?   Where were you last Sunday?  Where will you be next Sunday? Think about it, search your heart, make plans to be better, and show up for church services. 

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Is There Meaning in the Rainbow Colors?

In the past few decades, the meaning of the rainbow and its colors has been used for various purposes.  Not everyone agrees on the meanings of the colors or the use of the rainbow as a symbol.  Recently, I wondered what is the true meaning of the rainbow?  For answers I looked in the Bible and on the WWW.

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my [rain]bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the [rain]bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the [rain]bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. - Genesis 9:12-16 KJV

In the Bible, it tells us the meaning of the rainbow is a promise from God that he will not destroy the earth via flood again to punish man’s sins. (See above scripture and this simplified version.)  That does not mean we will never see torrential rains, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, etc.  Instead it means he will choose another method, if necessary, to return mankind from excessive sin back towards God.  (Reveiw more rainbow verses.)

The above covers the rainbow in the sky as a symbol.  What about the meanings of colors within the Bible?  Other ways colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo denim,  and violet) are interpreted or used in man’s world exist as well. There are those who use the colors to signify personality traits or moods, We use those color concepts to determine how to decorate based on these theories and for artwork and printing.  We also utilize seasonal color schemes to determine what we should wear.  Ok, looks like I have gone adrift of the rainbow somewhat just like others have done… Sorry. 

Going back to rainbows, science may show us how they occur naturally in papers and videos.   Just because we can explain how rainbows happen, does not change that it is a message or a reminder of a promise from God to mankind.

Looking for a Bible-based rainbow drawing to color?  Download from My Favorite Color is Rainbow from  Hope Ink blog.  Speaking of coloring, ever wonder about those pretty circular drawings in adult coloring books? Check out Adult Coloring and Meditation – What Every Christian Should Know.

Church It Is Time to Stand Up and Fight!

At my church, we are going through a series on spiritual warfare.  This spiritual war between God’s people and the devil’s destructive intentions has been going on for centuries.  The devil distracts using his three weapons and hides his hateful agenda in issues such as bigotry, earthly wars, politics, and more.  He even directly attacks the Christian church in a multitude of wrong ways (physically and/or via false rhetoric) that have been accepted as right by those he fools with his lies.  Is this war really real?  Yes, spiritual warfare is real, difficult, and dangerous!

Our pastor pointed out that Christians need to:

• Get a grip on reality and see life is BIGGER than what we see. 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, 

against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world

 and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms - Ephesians 6:12 NIV

• Get into the fight.

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. 

On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 

e demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up 

against the knowledge of God, and we take captive 

every thought to make it obedient to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV

Many people of faith are experiencing battles with the devil right now.  Seems like it is time for Christians to put on the full Armor of God and perform the righteousness beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) instead of always leaning towards the meeker ones.

Below is a short video related to spiritual warfare using Ephesians 6 as the basis.  If you want more information   on this topic, visit the Spiritual Warfare blog or get a Bible Study.  See also Love Sinners, Hate Sin based on Jude 23.

Put On the Full Armor of God

In the Bible Study Have You Got MUSTARD, it is more than just building individual faith or small study group faith.  Those are the main points of the teaching, but I noted something else after seeing the meaning of the acronym.  There was also another message within it:  God is building an army of earthly soldiers to fight spiritual warfare along with his angels - so greater faith is necessary.   In recent months, I have also seen presentations where the Armor of God was shown using current soldier accouterments or police officers in riot gear.   With these things and the recent church shooting in mind, I found the below infographic showing the Roman soldier wearing the full Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18.

If you desire a poster, pamphlet, or PowerPoint based on the original armor theme in below Armor of God infographic, Amazon has many options including stickers and the laminated wall chart from the publisher of below infographic.  For a great interpretation of the Armor of God scriptures, check out this video.

In the past, I posted a link to a list of spiritual warfare songs for Christian soldiers. The song
“I Am A Soldier” (available on Amazon) was not included in that list, so I offer it for listening via Tribute on YouTube. 

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Church Shooting in Texas Calls for Prayer

On Sunday, the news was full of stories about a church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas at the First Baptist Church.  We heard how an evil-spirited man with a gun shoots children, teens, adults, and elderly.  We heard comparisons to other mass shootings, opinion of gun control lobbyist, neighborhood heroism, as well as reports of dead and wounded.  On one news channel, I heard someone call for a “moment of silence” for the lost.

What America needs, what that church needs, what that community needs is:  PRAYER!  I am praying for those affected personally and those of us affected emotionally.  If there was ever a time to link arms in solidarity, this is it.  We need to surround those people with our love and prayers as they plan and conduct services for the dead.  We need to surround those people with our love and prayers as the wounded heal and all their spirits need uplifting.   Answer the call to prayer from the Vigil.   If ever there was a time for prayer, this is it.  Please pray with me for them.

It is my hope the song “In the Valley He Can Hear My Voice“ via Tribute on YouTube will give comfort in this great time of sorrow for the this church and all the Christian churches who grieve with them.  God does still hear our voice!

It is a shame that churches must now lock their windows and doors to prevent vandalism and theft.  Once the church building’s doors were always open so anyone could come in and pray.  It is horrifying that someone would allow the devil to overtake their souls and then take their anger out on people of the loving Christian faith.  Once in America, Christianity was respected and the buildings were safe.  Has church has become too much about entertainment, acceptance, or compliance?   In an America where God is no longer sought after with submissive hearts, will churches continue to suffer?  What has become of us?  Is the church now fighting for existence?  Are we nearing the "end times?" What will become of us? What will become of America without God, without its Christian foundation?

It is time we put on the full Armor of God, become an Army of God, and stand up for the Freedom of Religion as it relates to our Christian faith.  I do not plan to use this sad situation as a soapbox.  However, I feel a leading to write a few future blog posts with God’s people and American rights in mind.

Proud Texan, United American

United States and Texas Flags

I was proud to see so many Texas residents helping out their neighbors during Hurricane Harvey floods.  When asked why they did it, many said “It was the way I was raised” or “We help each other out around here when we see a need.”  I was raised that helping out one’s neighbor was just the “southern” way.  I am proud to also say this is the American way.

How do I know all Americans want to help their neighbors and will unite when faced with natural or terrorist plights?  I saw what “northerners” and others did during 9/11.  The devastation was different, the loss of innocent life greater, yes.  Yet – we united, we cried, we helped, we rebuilt.  We will do it again.

In every bad situation, our first responders, our everyday heroes, and our citizens do not give excuses “It’s the government’s job, so we should stay out of the way.” Or “Let the Bible-thumpers do the helping out because that is what God told them to do.”  Instead everyone pitches in where they can. Real Americans give physical help, donate supplies, provide food, offer shelter, and give money when and where we can.  North, south, east, west, democrat, or republican – stand united as Americans.  Natural or others enemies without or within can only defeat us when we are divided.

So how can you help now? If you are physically willing, find a local volunteer group or church sending people to help in the crisis and offer you strength and skills.  If you can provide supplies, again find a local organization, who is providing a gathering and distribution service, and ask to be a volunteer or to be a mini-collection point for bringing in supplies to donation stations.  If you can’t do that, then donate a few of the needed supplies via one of the collection points.  If these ideas are not you, then money is always needed to provide the above plus food and shelter, give to a verified purpose-driven charity or through a local church designating funds, supplies, or volunteer labor for aid.

P.S.  Shame on those who posted fake stories and photos to exploit political agenda, anti-Christian rhetoric, or poking fun at bad situations - just for more hits or views!  Shame on those of us who did not read or look closely for the truth before passing these on via social media.  Shame on those who will further exploit these poor victims via looting, gas hording, fake work orders, and fund stealing scams. 




So proud of Americans, then this sad unpatriotic thing http://2bproductive.blogspot.com/2017/09/nfl-makes-big-business-blunder.html happened less than a month later, fortunately most US citizens were not going to let it go on. 

A Life Lesson from the American Bald Eagle?

An email with images of eagles and a story regarding them has been going around.  Below is a video that contains most of those images and the associated story.  After you watch the video, you may want to check out some of the Biblical opinions on eagles and the data shared in video.

• Life of an Eagle: the Rest of the Biblical Story
• What Does The Eagle Represent In The Bible?
• God of the Eagle and the Sparrow

The God Bless Girl Goes To Print!

Many people have requested that I publish The God Bless Girl Kindle e-book version in print. So everybody with me now - Jump for Joy!  The paperback version of The God Bless Girl is now available on Amazon!

A few people have asked me how I got the idea for this book.  Actually, I wrote, edited, and formatted the text, but I am not sure I can say it was all my idea.   I think God gave me book as a message to Christians in America before it is too late.  

“…ignorance births intolerance, intolerance leads to bigotry, and bigotry breeds hate.”  - quote from 5th chapter of book

Each chapter in the book came to me in different nightly dreams when I was recovering from back surgery in 2015.  When I re-dreamed the first chapter and then another one, I decided it must be God trying to tell me something.  As I lay awake in bed, I prayed about it and then felt I was supposed to write the stories down.  I could not sit up to write or type, so I had my laptop placed on my stomach in order to make notes of key things I could remember from the different dreams.  Just doing that wore me out! 

After I recovered enough from surgery to sit in a chair at my desk for a long period of time, I was able to work on my laptop some each day.  I reviewed the typed notes, prayed some more, and begin writing a chapter a day.  I was amazed how quickly and vividly God brought the images and words back to me.  Once I had the draft of the book written, I asked a few people to read it over to make sure it flowed well, was easy-to-read and understand, and that religious references from various backgrounds were accurate.  That led to several days to do the final steps of:  minor edits, grammar rechecks, formatting, and multiple uploads/reviews of the e-book to get it right.  Of course, all of those final four steps had to be repeated for a print version (which took 2 days this time). 

“…anyone that uses profanity as an adjective is showing their lack of vocabulary…” - quote from 3^rd chapter of book

Note to potential readers and buyers please understand that the paperback book costs more on Amazon than the e-book because it costs more to print and mail paperback books than it does for digital delivery. I get   very little from the book sales.  Since I feel this was a message from God to Americans, I plan to give any profits from book sales to Christian ministries.  The book is out there so that the words I was given in my dreams can be shared with anyone.  Please buy a copy for yourself and also share the book with others (buying 5 copies or bundling with other books can get you free shipping).

Visit The Good Bless Girl book webpage to request: flyer, slide, and images for social media.  To quickly view and buy, go to Amazon.  You may also want to follow @TheGodBlessGirl on Twitter or check out the inspirational blog.

Big Red Tractor as Church Analogy

Below is a video short for the children’s book The Big Red Tractor and the Little Village (on Amqazon) by Frances Chan.  Recently I viewed a one of his lessons from Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (on Amazon).  In this lesson, the author (who is also a minister) compared his children’s story to the modern day Christian Church.  In his analogy, the church (townspeople) is always “pushing” things (tractor) just to try to survive by taking care of their own and fitting in with the world rather than reading and following the owner’s manual (Bible) and doing as directed there.  The Church should be unstoppable by recognizing the spirit and helping  more people.