It's a First Fruits Phenomenon Thing

Dear America,

"Few people understand 

that abundance 

is a far tougher test 

of character 

than poverty,"

Pastor Robert Morris, from his book, 

Beyond Blessed

and it explains America today, in a nutshell; more like a nut safely stored away for future generations to enjoy and reap its benefits, as this new generation -- of the AOC -- are coming up totally oblivious of the efforts and prudence and suffering of all mankind to this point.

For further context, just before the good pastor says this, he notes, that there are "believers that God simply cannot bless with great wealth because he knows it would destroy them."   And basically giving us a wee bit of tough love, that if we are not good stewards with a little, there is not a chance in hell we would be good stewards with a lot.  And vice versa, if we start abusing the privileges of having a lot, it can be taken away, in an instant.

As a whole -- America has grown too big for her britches.  [that link there tells a good tale of this phrase and it's possible origins...And given my book club just finished Kilmeade's, Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans, I must say, I sorta take offense to Davy Crockett's jaded impression of the guy; me thinks he may have been a tad jealous?  who knows....right...but it sure makes for a good scenery turn of a phrase; plus, it's from a blog@ It's a Southern Thing!  Which kinda makes me kin.   teehee]. 

Anywho, back to reality, 

this courtship with socialism going on around here is enough to make this girl's head spin.

And besides all that, 

this thing...this great and magnificent thing that started here in America so long ago -- with Divine Providence guiding our every thought, word and deed, from one to another, in the macro and micro, from shining sea to shining sea and over the purple mountains majesty,  is somehow or other getting lost in the proverbial woods.  As a people, we are no longer being led in the direction and good council of recognizing one very essential doctrine: being of divine stewardship. 

Morris talks about this thing called stewardship right from the start, and boldly points out this ah-hum-ah-dinger:  "Stewardship is living with a heart recognition that your money, your possessions -- even your body -- do not belong to you."

He says this because, "Of course, God owns it all."

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. 

The world and all its people belong to him.  

(Psalm 24:1 NLT)

so there.

So the thing is, are we being good stewards of everything that belongs to God?   Are we being good stewards of the foundation laid by our founders?  Are we being such good stewards, we deserve even more?

No

No

and that would be another, big fat no.

every good course direction begins with a sound foundation...and then you must work at it, sticking to the principles that made it a sound foundation in the first place.

perhaps it's a pair of misguided loyalties that jeopardizes our being beyond blessed as a nation --  

1. idolizing things other than God

2. replacing God with government

As Morris says, "Materialism takes a good thing that God gives us and makes it the ultimate thing...[and a few pages later, adding] God's love, for example, doesn't feel valuable in a world that only measures what we can see and visibly measure."

wow.  mind.  blown.

And with the direction we are going with all this new found love for what is surely the mass corruption of American society under socialism, it's no wonder God is growing more and more irrelevant in the making of this brand new world.   

It isn't a great secret that both communism and socialism despise religion -- and especially the Judeo-Christian foundation laid down from America's beginning. As The Naked Communist explains, "the Communist intellectual believes that everything in existence came about as a result of ceaseless motion among the forces of nature.  Everything is a product of accumulated accident.  There is no design.  There is no law.  There is no God.  There is only matter and force in nature."  And in a paragraph later, quotes Ludwig Feuerbach: "The turning point of history will be the moment man becomes aware that the only God of man is man himself."

oh boy.

really, everything about socialism is ungodly:  it takes away the joy of good stewardship...the owning of property and the spending of our earnings wisely, the sharing of one's blessings with others by giving generously, the discipline of saving money and living within our means...all by virtue of everything being reduced and redistributed in order to create this uber-utopian even-steven playing field through the policies of an oppressive government which only aims to control every aspect of our lives.

Nothing is owned individually, nothing is owned by God, and everything is owned under the not-so-divine government... because anything other than that would just be unfair.   waaaaahhhh

um.  no, thank you.

you know, having read the entire book of Beyond Blessed just this past Sunday afternoon, fresh in my mind is perhaps a bold answer to where we go from here:  we all start tithing, like, yesterday, and see what happens.

And then there's this news, coming from the highest court in all the land; seems proper stewardship meeting up with historic preservation is crumbling our foundation on a couple of cornerstones.  

Beginning of the end anyone?

Back to how this day all began, being a wee bit too big for our britches, it would behoove us to pay attention to what we idolize and how we got here.  It wasn't just a flip of a switch, mind you; it was the slow plow through the field once covered with the Tree of Life, with roots that grew wide and long and strong and deep, in the company of productive, blossoming, seedlings, born in It's image,  and fully recognizing the glory of everlasting truth and the bounty of unwavering faith.

First fruits, people, first fruits.

I hope it's not too late.   

The tithing of first fruits will not only solve all our troubles individually, we will collectively grow to be the best and the brightest good stewards on God's Great Earth; because, in our heart of hearts, we all know, IT IS ALL GOD'S ANYWAY.  Let's get this first fruits phenomenon off the ground, shall we?

There is an absolute connection we make, or break, with God in our every day, from one moment to the next; how we choose to relate with God not only matters, it's the ONLY THING that matters.  The sooner we get that, the sooner we will live beyond blessed, once again, as a whole, as a nation, as a people who truly believe, In God We Trust.

blog #985, sealed and delivered with gratitude for one amazing gift of Spirit, Pastor Robert Morris.  

Make it a Good Day, G

It's About a Divide that keeps on Giving Thing

Dear America,

"One of the things [Uncle Alex] found objectionable about human beings was that they so rarely noticed it when they were happy.  He himself did his best to acknowledge it when times were sweet.  We could be drinking lemonade in the shade of an apple tree in the summertime, and Uncle Alex would interrupt the conversation to say, 'If this isn't nice, what is?'  So I hope that you will do the same for the rest of your lives.  When things are going sweetly and peacefully, please pause a moment, and then say out out loud, 'If this isn't nice, what is?'  Kurt Vonnegut, writer, z#289 from my little book of "Nothing is worth more than this day."  Kathryn and Ross Petras

about that State of the Union ....whether it happens on Tuesday, or  not, we all pretty much have an idea of what the state of the union is.  And it may be widely different, depending upon the politics of the person and direction of the conversation.

Yesterday was Book Club with my ladies.

The book:  Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans, by Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger.

confession -- I just now ordered it...

But the conversation was such that this girl was able to grasp a smidgen of the grand scheme of things, and came away, not only wanting to read the book -- but also having an even wider view than I already had of just how often history repeats itself.

Often, in today's political climate, we hear people say things like, 'we've never been this polarized before' or "we are more divided than we've ever been..." -- and it's like poppycock, our country been here before , and then some, now please pass me the lemonade.

Nothing against our eight grade history teachers, but one of the things greatly lost on perspective  about this war of 1812, is that this war is taught more like a blip on the radar, with other moments hijacking its significance; even it's name comes from only when the war started.  When, in fact, this WAR  of 1812 was a hard fought battle, after hard fought battle, after hard fought battle, against the well-established and organized British Navy (yes, again) and it carried on for years.  

This miracle of New Orleans we speak of, was in the year 1815 -- and it would seem that if it weren't for the masterful tactics and command of General Andrew Jackson, our young country may not have survived, let alone been able to expand to the west of the Mississippi.  And he did it while organizing the not so merry band of misfits --  an unlikely union -- of the only resources and people available.   

And bear in mind, that it was the British -- unaware of the Treaty of Ghent (recognized as Belgium, today) signed at the end of 1814 -- who launched the attack in New Orleans, on January 8, 1815...

And as Brian says, "What the British didn't count on was the power of General Andrew Jackson. A formidable military leader with a grudge against the British and a heart for the common man, he rallied the divided inhabitants of New Orleans, bringing together Frenchmen, Native Americans, freed slaves, pirates, and Kentucky woodsmen."

Not bad for the outsider --  as Jackson was not part of the military elite, having the powers that be in D.C. describing him as "a stubborn and crude westerner."  But, "his troops loved him.  He was fearless in battle, but not reckless" as Brian continues, while giving a brief characterization in a short video on his website.  

Now -- just to be clear -- the issues that led to the War of 1812 was one of great D.C. divide as well; and be that as it may, by the end of the war, the Federalist Party met up with its bitter end, as well.   

This thing we call divide within the union is nothing new.

Just look at how some divisions -- as in,  the forces that conspired to create the perfect storm that led to the Civil War in 1861 -- met up with history, at the corner of courage and cultural shift.

America has met division, has weathered conflict within and without the world, and has seen plenty of polarizing days  -- in political measure -- way more than once or twice -- like, way.

It's how we do things around here, right?

The thing is.....what's changed in a very big way.... the thing that has impacted this division, of all the things we carry, in ways unseen before, IS best described as a cultural breakdown.     

Buttressed by the antics and widespread narratives -- some entirely manufactured --  through the left-leaning mainstream, from traditional media to social media, everything gets tilted through the eyes of a liberal lens; and, like, long gone are the days we had to wait for the morning paper --- cue the non-stop streams of buzz, whether true or false.

While at the same time -- a growing fraction of people, who uncharacteristically think of themselves as Americans, are being romanced, totally manipulated, brainwashed, into believing a new green deal, a new wave of socialism rising, is the answer to their every need.   

Socialism is rising in America, and, like, who ever would have thought.  [that is just plum scary stuff]

 

Just Like, I'm increasing the use of the word 'like' just to channel my inner AOC...it's easy to be influenced, like, you know?

It's all just surreal really.

The things that are suddenly becoming acceptable on American soil...

Take for instance, New York.  Please.  

This new bill -- allowing late term abortion all the way up the due date?  And celebrating it?

New York went from legalizing abortion up to 24 weeks...to full term...like, what?

Terminating a baby who has nearly reached full term?   Is this the only answer, or am I crazy?  IF the mother's life is in danger, what happened to delivery by c-section and offering the baby for adoption...that is, if the mother no longer wants the baby?  I just don't get this at all.

Some Americans are celebrating this legislation, while other Americans are in mourning.

Shocked, actually.

From Tony Perkins, posted at The Patriot Post:   

"In a state where the womb was already the most dangerous place for a child, this law begins a new era. Open season on our own. From now on, nothing stands in the way of a woman taking her baby’s life — days, hours, or even a minute before she’s born. A fully grown, healthy human baby that thousands of struggling couples would give anything to have. 

That’s the savagery New York leaders call 'progress.' That’s the 'achievement' Cuomo turned into a pink beacon, shining 'a bright light forward for the rest of the nation to follow'.”

Newsflash: not all of us agree on this one.

But perhaps here's a silver lining -- millennials are becoming the generation more aligned with a return to the sanctity of life....huh?   Even though a majority [75%] consider themselves to be "pro-choice" -- the same survey also revealed that 65% believe are "pro-life."   hallelujah

And this is rich -- read this from Ben Shapiro.

And don't even ask me to give you the crib notes for it.  Read Ben.

And in a move to be a little more provocative than usual, just before I make my exit, let me just add that Americans seem to LOVE and HATE different things.   

Please allow me to direct you to Nate Jackson, also at The Patriot Post, giving us wit and incite on commentary made by freshman congresswoman, Ilhan Omar...just cuz, you won't hear about it in the mainstream.  GO.

Who was marching peacefully for March for Life? 

Who was doing the taunting and screaming of racist chants?  

And who spread flat out lies about both?

Oh this divide...it's called the constant, state of the union; like, our system of checks and balances, our life and times as a republic, is entirely dependent on continuing this kind of divide.

It is real.

And it probably isn't going away anytime soon, if history dictates anything.  Some days are better than others; some days we get to sip a little lemonade under the shade of an apple tree and think good things...and some days, not so much.

all the more reason to follow this advice: "When things are going sweetly and peacefully, please pause a moment, and then say out out loud, 'If this isn't nice, what is?"

that about sums it up, I need to go make lemonade.

the end.

Make it a Good Day, G

It's a Socialism Rising Thing

Dear America,

"I must study politics and war, 

that our sons 

may have liberty

 to study

 mathematics and philosophy." 

John Adams

it's hump day and this is the day dedicated to the hump...the hump that has grown into a mountain of propaganda and lies and a government so out  of  control we can't see straight.  We've hit a certain altitude now, and the hallucinations are real; and not only that, they are capable of bringing what was once a full-fledged Republic, proudly dependent upon individual liberty and self-reliance and free enterprise, to it's knees.

Now Bernie's half-baked supporters don't get it; and they don't want to get it.   My knee-jerk response would be to blame the parents; but we all know the revolution we are witnessing today comes by way of a road paved and masterminded from the visions of intellectuals out of the sixties, complete with reforming education from kindergarten through graduate school (on the backs of federal loans and gimmicks and promises and teacher's unions and a department of education that has no business being involved, let alone in charge.......) that has, basically, brainwashed an entire generation (or two).

What's not to love this Valentine's week...

Free College

Free Health Care

and let's just

Stick it to the rich, the corporations....tax tax tax tax tax

and Move On dot org.

Isn't it great to live in the college bubble...

And these kids think they are being so cool, so libertarian,  so revolutionary, so Che....joining forces and raising voices with this anti-establishment/socialist chorus; it's remarkable how clueless an entire class of citizens can be...how they know not the fault of their own stars.  And yet, who am I to tell them the night sky is clouding their judgement and steering them in the wrong direction, right?

What really pisses off this primarily poised princess is the sad truth of the unbearable weight of combating this delusional, possibly drug induced, ship of fools -- the philosophy majors, the gender studies tribe, and the eco-fascist soon to be a lobbyist, alike -- is nowhere to be found.  It's almost as if a contrary opinion or alternative view doesn't even exist.  And wouldn't Adam Smith be shocked.

The right side of politics, the conservative voice, the pure logic and explanation of it all -- is simply not heard.   And it certainly can't be heard if it's not said.

What a bitch, isn't it?  These little revolutionaries have been raised with the freedom to resist and revolt by the very nature and nurture of this America, the beautiful, and the foundation masterminded by the likes of John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson...and on and on and on....the original crew of one hell of a revolution and this is how they give thanks. 

But here we are -- socialism rising...

The real thing is being replaced with a magnificent bang -- a fraud of new heights and depths that will make heads spin in a rainbow of colors and psychedelic paraphernalia.   Fundamental Transformation is the LSD of our time.

So time is a limitation today, for me, little g....hence, this girl is going to send you road-tripping around the web for a wee bit.

FIRST.  Let's start with some numbers.  (It's the real, real thing, baby)

U.S. Debt Clock.  A stop watch commonly referred to here on this g thing; but it's been awhile, so let's revisit it again, shall we?  

Pay attention to the real total in UN-funded liabilities...101 Trillion Dollars!

or perhaps how many Americans receive government benefits...161,056,763 million people

or perhaps how many Americans are still UN-insured, sans Obamacare....41,047,808 million people.

Or just maybe go to the number of people in the workforce...150,613,363 million (while 23,863,899 million of those work for the GOVERNMENT! While another 94 million have simply taken themselves out of the workforce for one reason or another)

And now just imagine having a credit card with 2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS racked up in interest alone!

The president's new budget is just one bad trip, and hardly worth the high, even if it feels good right now. The Heritage Foundation breaks it all down, here, and it is mind-boggling-ly good and thorough, at least to the extent a quick analysis can be; but it will require a wee bit of concentration and possibly more than three minutes of your time, okay...

What is a riot is how the Senate Republicans are beginning to send emails alerting the masses, like me, to the great bureaucratic mess that is Obama's new 4.1 Trillion Dollar budget.  Sounding the alert is one thing; it's the pitch that comes next that is highly questionable.

For the second paragraph asks for money to fight it!

It's like, are you kidding me right now?

Isn't that what you are mandated by the voters to do -- actually paid to do -- just by being a republican in the Senate?!?  Why do we need to pay you anything when this is just your freaking job?  You are being paid to put a stop to this nonsense and you are pan-handling to the lowly taxpayer to help you fund a task written into your job description?  How about you all reach down inside and find a little courage...and you find that right next to a pair of your huevos rancheros.  And after that --

I believe a return to any basic Political Science/US History class is in order (scratch that -- see if you can find one prior to 1979); and just to be clear -- no, you are not getting one damn dime.

"I must study politics and war, 

that our sons 

may have liberty

 to study

 mathematics and philosophy." 

John Adams

The kids today have no idea what they are doing for various short-sighted, misguided, independently-challenged reasons; but what excuse do the members of the Senate have, for Pete's sake?

America is experiencing two revolutions in direct conflict of one another; and it is not an hallucination -- it is a clear and present danger.  If it weren't so mind blowing important, it just might be fun to watch.

The thing is, we are not at liberty to watch; we must participate.

Get involved.  Be engaged in the debate.  Educate your neighbor who isn't paying attention, talk to friends, explain it to your children, support a worthy candidate in word and deed, write your congressman, call your Senator, read America's history and understand her foundation, contemplate what future is best, what future America can afford, and what future we intend to hold dear and close to our heart for the next generation.  

Make it a Good Day, G