October This and That

1.) You've noticed some celebrities coming to Christ, right? To me, that's exciting and such an answer to prayer!

But it comes with a warning: 

Please, give them time to grow. Do not expect them to obey in months what God gave us years to learn (and do). Normally time, Bible study and experience with God are required to become the examples He created us to be.

And although I believe in these last days, we'll witness many accelerated things--still--may we:

Be kind. 

Stay patient. 

Pray for folks with joyful expectation.

And zip our lips of criticism.

I'm thinking doing the opposite just might grieve the Holy Spirit.

2.)  When the temptation's strong to stay stuck, may we choose to move forward with God, instead.

3.)  Does anyone else feel your head begin to hurt when you're watching a tv show or movie and suddenly a camerman waves a hand-held camera back and forth like it's some cool new way to film a scene?

Eegads. Sometimes we've even 'turned the channel' (old school term, I know), but yeah. I guess we could've tried fast-forwarding to see if he eventually knocked it off.  (Perhaps while on the verge of a full blown headache I can't think straight.) シ

4.)  Movies we've enjoyed lately:

The Firing Squad

The Present

Unsung Hero

Tornado Valley  --if you're in the mood for a not-too-cheesy disaster film.  heh.

5.)  I placed a miniature rose bush outside in a hanging basket and soon-ish the poor thing looked anemic-as-unto-death. 

Somewhere I'd read roses like tea so I seeped four bags of tea in two cups of water, let it cool, then watered the roses. The next week I repeated that and wow! Ever since, the rose bush has rallied and given me sweet yellow roses galore.

6.)  Here's something to remember: Politics is no longer 'just politics' when it affects our daily life.

May we choose wisely and do whatever God asks so to keep our life (and our childrens' future) as free and godly-inspired as possible.

7.) And as I added at Facebook:

Succinct things like these are a good place to start searching for answers. So often just making simple changes will fix our health--

8.) If you enjoyed Meg Ryan's apartment in You've Got Mail, you may like this recreated tour of it here.

7 Ways to Make Money as a SAHM

Woodstock Vermont Autumn Foliage

9.) Truly, when I began my own Autumn season in July, it changed everything for me. Helped me focus on beautiful things rather than the hot, muggy and miserable ones. And now? It feels as though Autumn is a huge, peaceful, beautiful part of my year. It goes on and on and --

Really, the Bible even tells us to think about right, pure, lovely and of a good report things and if that's not Autumn, what is?  ツ

10.) At Youtube someone titled their video, "The American Dream is Dead. There is Only Survival."

Good grief! Please don't let that be your attitude, ok? 

Instead, I hope you'll speak what you'd like to see happen rather than the bad times of your present or future as though they're stuck in dried concrete forever.

Seriously, I'd rather be struck voiceless than ruin another person's hope for their future. 

Always may I be careful with my words and choose to believe God has wonderful things ahead for me and all who long to follow His ways.

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Where Her Lifestyle Diet Must Change AGAIN

"Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."   --- 3 John 1:2

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So good ol' Debra has to tighten-up her lifestyle diet again. 

She's got an annoying (yet at least pain-free) 'lady problem' (sorry to my male readers) and after research, now knows certain foods will help. Exercise, also, but what is new about that?

Anyway, in my research I keep spying the term 'cruciferous vegetables' which I don't recall hearing before:

"In general, cruciferous vegetables are cool weather vegetables and have flowers that have four petals so that they resemble a cross."

You know, cross. Like Jesus Christ, crucified. That's not hard to remember nor easy to forget. 

The bad news? There really isn't any except, ok, sugary foods are out. Well, not my homemade morning cocoa without which, hey, life would hardly be worth living.  シ Oh, and also no (regular)bread, milk or cheese and very little red meat.

But the processed junk, yeah. Gone. Currently I'm searching for healthy desserts which actually taste like a treat--and with this blessed Internet? That's easy.

The good news? I love (no, really) the list of these-will-fix-you-right-up foods. A few are here:

Berries                       Green salad                   

Garlic                         Chicken

Cauliflower                Tuna

Turkey                       Walnuts

Tomato                      Sweet potatoes

Broccoli                     Beans

Peppermint               Apples, pears

Peanuts                     Avocado, pumpkin

And adding vitamins B12 and B6.

Truly, this getting older stuff is not for wimps. I mean, if we're going to whine about every change we must make, well, we'll experience more downer days than lovely ones--and who wants that?

What I recommend is to ask for Grace. 

She reminds us of what we have rather than what we lost. 

And what is still worth celebrating. 

And how much stronger we'll be at the end because we accepted what couldn't be fixed, then fixed the rest with God's incredible help.

All while stepping through Life trusting and singing.

More good news? After just a few days of tweaking diet and exercise, the annoying-ness of the problem is disappearing. I feel terrific, even, so color me grateful! 

Also, checking out the comments after Youtube videos I'm seeing many women were helped making these same simple changes. Many.

I bought some cruciferous extracts supplements. They're awesome.

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Books I Finished Reading in September (what a month of terrific books!)--

Put Out to Pasture by Amanda Flower

Truly, Madly, Sheeply by Heather Vogel Frederick

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold

Bodies and Bows by Elizabeth Penny

In Farm's Way by Amanda Flower

Spurgeon Gems by Charles Spurgeon

Mystery of Hurricane Castle by Joan Lowery Nixon

Crime and Cherry Pits by Amanda Flower

If Life is a Bowl of Cherries--What Am I Doing in the Pits? by Erma Bombeck

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A movie we enjoyed:

The Author, The Star and The Keeper. (But oh my, when I realized who played the (old) dad, I felt ancient. We used to watch him in the 90's when he and we were young. Sigh.) Oh, and I'll add: this movie, like other Christian ones, starts out slowly and made me wonder, "Do we truly want to watch this?" But yes. Yes, I'm thankful we did.

Around five days a week I go driving through America's small towns with Joe. Well, via Youtube. heh. His videos (he travels with wife, Nicole, but she's only sometimes shown) feel so comforting, not to mention educational, sobering and enlightening--

--plus, I'm able to see the comments on our tv and folks often tell stories of what it was like growing up in these towns. So interesting!

Here are a few to get you started (his latest ones about the state capitols are just clips of longer ones and don't include his drives through Small Town America)--

Nebraska: Forgotten Rural Towns

Wisconsin: Remote Towns

Abandoned Texas: Rural Towns

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Oh, and speaking of cocoa, lately I'm adding a tiny pinch of allspice to each cup and wow! Perfect for this autumnal time of year.

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And as I shared at Facebook:

"After 56 hours of non-stop search and rescue, he found 40 people alive under the rubble.

This is a canine hero, Husky."

--@CreasonJana

Not sure I'll ever be actually 'retired', but I love this shirt anyway!

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Where It May Be True That No One Is Coming To Help You

"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest."   --- Proverbs 6:6-8

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So I was waiting till the righteous anger within me de-escalates regarding how the devastating Hurricane Helene situation is being handled by the government. But it's still here. The way FEMA and some local sheriffs are threatening to arrest volunteers and not let them distribute food or fly their own helicopters is maddening! Makes me livid.

I'll try to remain calm today, though.

And let's approach it this way: right now, today, please make plans to survive alone if you and your home are ever involved in a catastrophic situation. Do not count on anyone to help you. Oh, maybe your kind neighbors, but definitely not the government. Not anymore. Not like the good old days decades ago.

And maybe not even your neighbors, because hey! What if their homes are destroyed and heaven forbid, they are injured or worse? What if they decide to drive away to safer ground?

Sigh.

Years ago I blogged much about prepping for emergencies. Some folks listened, heeded the warnings. Stocked-up. Others just rolled their eyes and clicked on the next blog.

But at least I tried and that's what matters to God. That we obey Him and leave the results to Him, as well. And then move on in the joy of obedience.

Of course, with this hurricane situation, some folks had their prepping supplies washed downstream along with their homes. There will always be that chance. But hopefully they'd created back-up plans, had bug-out supplies ready and got out early if God nudged them.

Yet others still have their homes, but ran out of food, water and resources fast because for 4 years after that dicey 2020 (especially) they insisted they could not prepare ahead. Perhaps some even laughed at our prepper intensity.

Anyway.

Today I'll include links to some past prepping posts in memory of those who are either no longer with us, or who, while sitting in their lightly damaged homes amongst disappeared stores (or ones with empty shelves) --

--now wish they'd respected the warnings heard across our ever-changing American soil.

Seriously? In Today's crazy world I've accepted prepping as a necessary part of my lifestyle. A little at a time adds up quickly and isn't difficult. Oh how important these days to stay ready for anything.

"You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."   --- James 2:24

It's vital to pray for others, but just as important to give whatever physical help that we can.

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While searching for past prepper links, I discovered my post, Presents for Preppers. Now, it's from 2015(!), so some links are broken. Yet you can use the titles there to help you with additional Internet or Youtube searches.

There are many links in that post. Check them out here.

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Had some good news this morning. 

My favorite booktuber, Mitzi  (from South Carolina), replied to my comment at Instagram to let me know she was ok and appreciated my prayers. I'd thought about her much this week.

With so many horror stories regarding the storm coming via Twitter and Youtube, please forgive me for not being my usual light-hearted self here today. There's a time for everything and this just doesn't seem to be that time.

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Spencer Smith 

@BroSpencer

Things I’ve learned from the TN/NC flood: - the federal government has billions to aid illegals, but $0 to help American taxpayers - don’t count on FEMA to come rescue you, you are on your own - be ready to die anytime, trust Christ to be truly ready - know your neighbors, and be ready to help your elderly neighbors - be involved with a local church, because they are the only ones that you can count on to help - have guns, and know how to use them - know first aid - be physically fit - have 90 days of food and supplies always - American Christians are the backbone of disaster response, and always have been

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"This is a list of some organizations currently helping in Western North Carolina.
Please consider supporting them."
Robert W. Malone MD

Oh, and always have some cash on hand. While watching videos of life in the towns after destruction, I'm seeing many "cash only signs" at the shops.

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Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

Lies, Lies, So Many Lies

"For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light."   --- Luke 8:17

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Now, hang in there till the end, ok?

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During the beginnings of covid hysteria, I remember hanging laundry in our basement while asking God, "Why is all this turmoil happening?".  Instantly into my mind popped this: "Exposure. It's all about exposure."

And ever since, I've watched that happen. Slowly, the shocking exposure of the lies they fed us for decades is rising. 

Let's start with an easy type:

Twenty years ago Naomi alerted us to stuff like that, things you had to dig to discover because it wasn't allowed on the surface. Or if it slipped through, it was jeered at and called conspiracy theories.

Finally, truth is rising to the top, but oh, what a battle to get there.

At X (Twitter), I'm saving many of the 'exposure posts' to my profile page, retweeting what others took the time to research. If you'd like to read those posts, you can email me and I'll send you the link.

But those posts are not for 'the faint of heart' (as they say). In fact, at X one person wrote something like, "Some people's minds will never recover from the coming exposure of the lies. All the harm which could have been avoided for them, personally."

And I believe that. 

Yet what I also think? That's a huge reason worldwide revival is coming. To heal the millions of people's hearts whose lives were ruined because of lies touted as truth--and to make their remaining days abundant ones in God. 

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea... In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people."   ---Habakkuk 2:14, Joel 2:28

(And for more, check out my post, Why I Don't Believe Jesus is Returning, Like, Next Tuesday).

What are some other areas in which we've been lied to?

Seed oils, eggs, 

sunscreen, medications, 

childhood vaxes , global warming, 

government agencies, CO2, 

meat, fluoride, butter,

medical schools, certain politicians,

the relationship between diet and health, some historic events,

and much more.

I've left that a skeleton list so you'll do your own research and reach your own conclusions. But remember, the truth, as of today anyway, isn't laying around all over the surface. You must dig for it.

Many horrifying lies are now being exposed, but the good news? 

Ultimately, the truth will set us free. Eventually we'll be grateful for it and if we accept that truth and actively use it? We'll feel better all-around.

In time.

Before the truth sets us free, it often dismantles us so to create something new and stronger within.

RFK Jr. really needs our prayers of protection right now as he's exposing major lies from many sources with deep ties to evil.

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Vintage oldies to listen to and some gorgeous retro art.

Although I'm no fan of golf, here's a movie we really enjoyed: The Mulligan  .

Feeling stiff lately?  Eating more of these might help.

Oh, and we watched the first episode of the new Matlock show. Enjoyed it and the ending was fun. (And I kept waiting for 'language' but unless I missed it (possible), there really wasn't any.)

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Took me a few seconds to get this --  シ

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15

So You're Not Dabbling In Darkness, Right?

" ... God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all."   --- 1 John 1:5

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Still here!

Just needed another vacation from blogging and this time only rarely did I think, "I should write something today." Progress, indeed, not succumbing to 'the tyranny of the oughts and shoulds' (even encouragement ones) and just following the wisdom of rest, instead. 

Yet I did also have 2 1/2 'fiery darts' thrown at me (half a fiery dart? Yeah, I'd never heard that before, either.).  ツ  You know, situations sent to keep you distracted and your mind empty of peace. So upon the front porch (and the red couch and here upstairs) I spent much time retraining my brain to think consistently like this--

" ...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."   --- Philippians 4:8

That half a fiery dart? A nightmare one night in which I dreamed this--

 I was staying with a family, then at midnight a demon resembling a woman ghost, knocked on the guest room door, entered, then began taunting me. I knew enough to use the name of Jesus and she disappeared.

Then I got up, stepped into the living room, and a different ghost-like demon entered by the front door with more provoking to which I replied with more speaking Jesus' name after which one last demon entered when the second disappeared. When I believed it done, all 3 reappeared, fading in and out and laughing at me.

There was more, including where I awoke the woman of the house, told her what was happening and she didn't much care because it often happened there. But then the friend traveling with me, joined me and I felt better, stronger, and together we stood firmly against the demons, used the name of Jesus and poof! They disappeared for good.

Oh my. Nightmares are rare-ish for me, but this one felt different. Like a spiritual attack and not one my mind was inventing.

When I awoke I asked myself if I'd been dabbling in questionable-tending-toward-darkness videos, books or movies, but nothing came to mind. If I open doors to dark-spiritual stuff, well, I deserve what I step into.

That's something I've known all my life. 

(Did I ever tell you what I did when 6-year-old Naomi came home from school saying her teacher had read a couple books aloud about witches? I contacted the teacher and asked if, next time, Naomi could be excused to read her own book in the hallway. Yes, 38 years ago I did that and Naomi seemed totally fine with it.)

Anyway, perhaps that nightmare happened so I could share, especially as we near Halloween, this recommendation from the Bible, itself:

“... you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices  ... anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord."  "Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them..."He ... practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger."  

From Deuteronomy 18, Leviticus 19 and 2 Chronicles 33

Sometimes my favorite booktubers, especially this time of year, recommend books with the above themes and I'll whisper, "Oh Honey, you don't really want to read those books, do you?" And then I pray for them and if God nudges, add a comment or 'like' one someone else made.

But yes, always it's an individual decision to avoid what God says avoid. May each of us choose His light, His good ways, and slam shut the doors which open to anything else.

I mean, who wants to unnecessarily face the darkness beyond those scary doors?

These gone-wrong days in which we live? We need all the light we can get and to avoid all the darkness we can.

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."   --- Ephesians 6:16

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Oh! A vintage trailer rally. Tom and I enjoyed this much, being fans of most things retro.

And these two tiny houses! (Well, they're like 600 square feet which many folks would say is not officially tiny. But hey...) Very expensive to create, yet I loved how, especially in the first one, we felt like we'd entered an old house rather than one built in 2020.

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Need a few good movies to watch? Here are some of my recommendations--

Fly Old Bird:Escape to the Ark  (it started and I was like, "Hmm... I'm not sure." But both Tom and I are grateful we finished it. Wow.)

Sight

Accidental Texan (if you can handle a small amount of 'langage', this movie was very worth it. Had an old-fashioned feeling to it.)

The Long Game

Mr. Holmes

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This could apply to many situations!


"Better to admit you walked through the wrong door than spend your life in the wrong room." ---RealTalkKim

Please remember: My posts are always about more than they appear to be. 

 *** 

 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15