What Have We Done?

Hear the word of the LORD, you Israelites, because the LORD has a charge to bring against you who live in the land: “There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgment of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Because of this the land dries up, and all who live in it waste away; the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky and the fish in the sea are swept away. “But let no one bring a charge, let no one accuse another, for your people are like those who bring charges against a priest. You stumble day and night, and the prophets stumble with you. So I will destroy your mother— my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. The more priests there were, the more they sinned against me; they exchanged their glorious God for something disgraceful.  Hosea 4:1-7 NIV

Do we not pay attention to the past--the history that is written or told--the events in life that destroyed, both the young and the old?

Did we not know how lies and falsehoods tend to overtake truth when truth is not repeatedly told and then evil influence rises higher than mountains, more destructive than swelling seas?

Were we not looking at how nations--once great civilizations--now no longer exist and if we noticed, did we not understand that if we do not learn from history--and the mistakes made--we are doomed to repeat it?

From the despicable Nero to Hitler and others--all with a mindset to rule--single-handedly, dictators and despots--destroying lives with lies and propaganda designed to make them look better when actually they were the worst of human nature. Did we not know that evil permeates the minds of those who are vulnerable and gullible and look to men instead of God for truth and then we have a mess on our hands that man cannot fix?

Narcissistic natures who tend to be megalomaniacs have a pathological tendency to lie and lie and lie and will say anything to convince others they are the only ones who are right and yet they are truly wrong and will destroy and convince others to join them in the destruction of mankind. Were we not paying attention or did we think we were so spiritually deep we did not need to pay attention? See how the enemy plays with the minds of those in leadership, enticing them to believe lies--though they have ears to hear--they do not listen to God.

And because those in leadership have failed to hear God and say what He says, about all things, we now enter a stage or phase that some will not survive--because of the lies promoted just to control the masses and now the masses will decrease in numbers until the only ones left are those the devil will engulf in the flames they lit.

What have we done? If we haven't figured it out--we need but to keep watching and listening and then doing nothing for the bottom will fall and all hopes crumble because we were too foolish to pray and humble ourselves--obeying God only, not man.

Is it too late to undo what we've done? God alone has the answer and now we will see just how many have the courage and boldness to hear Him when He speaks and do what He says, willing to move mountains to turn things around, so all will have an opportunity to prosper and thrive under the leadership of one who at least "hears and honors God" when He speaks.

Lord,

You said if Your people would humble themselves and pray, seek Your face, repent of their wicked ways, You would hear from heaven and heal the land. We humbly ask You to forgive us for thinking we did not need Your direction in all we do; especially in this election. Cover us with Your mercy, truth and grace and allow those who truly love You to provide remedy and relief so others won't suffer needlessly because Your elect leaders failed to tell people the truth.  You are the only wise God and we seek You to make a way out of this situation before there is no room for repentance by all involved in the travesty we see unfolding on a daily basis. You know our hearts and thoughts from afar and now we ask You to speak to the hearts of those who are willing to hear You and reset this course of destruction back on the path of Your divine instruction. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen!

Know The Spirit That Influences!

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. I Timothy 4:1-5 HCSB

If we know that Satan's job is to influence others in stealing, killing, and destroying, encouraging lying since he is the father of liars, and manipulating deception, why are we surprised by anything that happens in the world?

There are two reigning spirits in our atmosphere: Holy Spirit who speaks to our hearts when He resides within and Satan--who speaks to the mind, causing flesh to react to external forces.
Holy Spirit will only speak those things to our hearts which we have learned of God and in living according to God's Word, reminding us that it's all about Jesus!

Satan will tell people to do whatever feels good to you. It's all about you!
Holy Spirit speaks truth as He leads us to living peacefully among all people, doing all things decently and in order.

Satan is the master of confusion and chaos and he is only concerned with the destruction of mankind.
If we're honest with ourselves--willing to take a good look in the mirror, shedding the scales that blind us to truth--we'll see which spirit influences everything we think, say, and do. Once we can see truth about self, we can look at others and see truth about them as well, but until we are able to see and accept truth about self--we will never see truth about others.

This is why we have so many people confused about who the best person is to sit in the White House. When people can support bigotry, hatred, racism, and narcissism in a candidate, they are actually saying those character traits reside in them.

There is no perfect candidate in this election year, but we can seek God and allow His Spirit to direct us in all things and we know--because we know who He is and how He operates, that He will only direct us to the person who is more likely to be living according to His Word--full of compassion and love for all people.

When we begin to understand The Word of God is intended to be a blueprint by which we live, and apply it to our lives on a daily basis, we will see the benefits of living according to The Word. The bible is not just some ancient book of myths as Satan has some believing; it is clear instructions for living a Godly life, a life in which one can expect peace and harmony, and enjoy life while here on earth. When we know God--we know love; when we know love, we will not entertain thoughts of destruction or hate. Mankind is God's most precious creation and Satan hates us with everything in him and will influence the vulnerable and weak-minded into thinking there is no God of creation, and people can do whatever they want to do.

Remember--Satan is the liar--the influence behind all destruction and confusion, hate and bigotry.
Now, who is influencing what you think, say, and do?

Destruction!

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." (Galatians 5:13-15 NIV)

We are a family of human beings--we are all created uniquely individual, designed to socialize--needful of one another, so why is there so much animosity between us?

Forget for a moment that Paul is specifically speaking to Believers and let's broaden the outlook to all people--from all nations--across the globe. If mankind originated from one man and woman--Adam and Eve, then all human beings are related in one way or another. We all need to eat and breathe to live and we all need clean air and drinkable water to survive all of the toxins created by man's inventiveness. So, if we need one another--wouldn't it make sense for us to be considerate of one another--at all times?

Who is our neighbor that we should love them? Anyone with whom we know as fellow Believers--for starters. But that doesn't mean we cannot love those who do not believe as we do. We can and should love all--even those with whom we disagree. For if we are incapable of loving others; especially those who are not like-minded, we create a void that needs to be filled and if not filled with love, it will be filled with hate. Either we allow Holy Spirit to influence us to love or Satan to influence us to hate. How do we know Satan's influence is running rampant in the earth? Just look at all the hate!

Satan's entire mission is to destroy mankind because God loves us. In order to achieve his goal to destroy, he instigates superiority in one group of people over another--making them feel everyone else is wrong and they're the only ones who are right. He stirs up hatred and division to keep us from socializing and communicating like civilized persons. He feeds our bitterness, frustration and disappointments with negativity and distrust--guiding us to an abyss where he can leave us to drop into the hate-filled void of darkness with no way out. Soon, because people do not recognize Satan's influence in their lives, they kill each other for little or reason, wiping out humanity until all is lost and there is no one left, but the spirit of darkness and doom.

However, there is hope and the hope is our faith and belief that we are "the light set upon a hill" so others can and will know love because of the love we show to all. Where there is love and light--hate and darkness cannot abide. If darkness is dispelled by the light and love of those who love Christ, destruction can be deterred and the enemy will slither away, biding his time until the next round. And there will be a next round by the enemy to destroy, but we can let the love of God overwhelm us and flow onto all we meet and see that where there is love, we defeat destructive forces.

We can change what is happening in our society--one person at a time by dispensing love as freely as the air we breathe. With love, there is no destruction--on construction of loving relationships, determined to sustain humanity until He comes to take us home.

Taking a Stand Against The Devil's Schemes!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 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 6:10-12 NIV)

Since the first man and woman were deceived in the garden by Satan, evil from high places have influenced the minds of those who do not understand God.

The first step to understanding God and His plan for mankind is to understand who He is and His intent for mankind. Creator God--the God of heaven--is not an evil ruler or man that He should lie or change His mind about anything He's said. It is only those who choose to pacify fleshly desires and ungodliness who think there is no God or that He should not be heard. That is their choice.

For those of us who have established a right relationship with God, understanding who He is and His plan for mankind, and having accepted His Son's sacrifice on the cross, we know (not believe) that God's Word is His plan for mankind and we agree with God.

We know that the enemy has influenced those in places of authority by clouding their minds and putting scales on their eyes. They are blinded to God's truth because of their own aspirations to be "somebody" and to gain the approval of man. But the Word reminds us that we have gained nothing winning the approval of people if we lose our souls in the process (Matthew 16:26).

My soul delights in the Lord and all His teaching! For I know that nothing He has said was intended to harm me, but to make my life a cause for rejoicing in Him. No matter what the enemy does to influence people to live in opposition to God, I agree with God--from Genesis to Revelation--and will proclaim from the mountain tops to the depths of the sea--Our God reigns!

I love the Lord because He first loved me and I will love all of His children and pray for the redemption of all who oppose Him that they will see the light of His love and be not conformed to this world and its delusions, but they will be transformed--willingly--into everything God would have them to be and walk the narrow path--escaping the destruction of the broad path.

We must remember that men--mere mortals--do not have a heaven or hell for us; they do not define or redefine what God has said is sin, and we do not have to obey sinful governance--declared by anyone. Remember Daniel and all who came before and after who chose to obey God rather than man. Remember Achan (Joshua 7) and the sin committed by his daughter's hiding the idol in their tent that brought destruction upon their entire household. Is God like fickle-minded man that He changes His mind and approves every wind of doctrine that man contrives? NO! God is not a man that He should lie and He will have the last word about everything man does.

Believers--put on the armor of faith, salvation, truth, righteousness, and lift high the sword--The Word of God and proclaim it in all the land, whether the unbelieving believe it or not. Pray in the spirit so the enemy cannot hinder your thoughts and know that God has a plan and His plan will be fulfilled and He will not forget the remnant who remains faithful to Him.

Who's Causing Division?

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." (Romans 16:17,18 NIV)

Any time someone attempts to dissuade a person--about anything God has said--that person should run, not walk in the opposite direction, steering clear of them until they can demonstrate the love of God.

No one who has ever had a right relationship with God can ever truthfully deny anything God has said or His intention for mankind. When we find these people to now want to "reinvent" what God has said, it's time to move on and leave them to the destruction they are bound to incur.

When people attempt to refute or renegotiate God's Word to suit their current desires, they care creating divisions in the body of Believers who know what God has said and means.
However, since there are some who are easily influenced and too weak to stand on the Truth, they go along to get along with others. Here's the problem for going along to get along; especially when it pertains to God's Word--none of us will be asked to stand together with all those we got along with when we stand before God. We will stand before Him--alone--on our own--and nothing anyone else says or does will matter.

Whoever coined the term, "political correctness" and "progressive politics" created the gap that now separates those who truly love God and those who are only giving lip service to God. Political correctness can never take the place of Godly righteousness--no matter who says it or how often they say it--God gets the final say. Progressive politics is nothing more than the enemy's plan to turn people away from God and once they have turned from God, Satan will play havoc with their lives and all those around them.

Once we play games to win the approval of people, we have lost the favor of God. When we have favor with God, He gives us favor with people. America is in the shape it's in because of those people--whoever they are and however they do it--who cause division in the plan that God has already established.

God's plan for mankind is that all are treated like they all belong to the human race--not a particular group of people. God's plan for mankind in order to perpetuate the continuity of human beings is for man and woman to marry and have children. God's plan for mankind is that every child would be raised in homes with a mother and father--whose guidelines are specifically listed in His Word. God's plan for mankind was for us to love one another and love Him. When we love, we don't kill, steal or destroy, lie, manipulate, deceive, or hate--these are the character traits employed by those influenced by Satan. God's plan for mankind is for us to live in harmony, peace and unity--which is the opposite of Satan's plan which always creates confusion and chaos.

Now, I ask you to think--and to be honest with self--whose plan are you adhering to--God's or Satan's? And let's be real, anytime a person promotes hatred by spreading vicious gossip and rumor's--igniting division--they are not part of God's plan, but Satan's.

What Type Union?

"And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: “I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people." (2 Corinthians 6:16 NIV)

The case presented by Paul as to why we should be careful about the connections we make or the unions we establish is pretty clear. He makes a strong case as to why Believers and Unbelievers won't make a solid union. This one verse--could not possibly say it all, so I encourage everyone to read the entire chapter for clarity.

Paul cautions us to not establish unions between good and evil, light and darkness, idolaters and Believers. While some have in the past attempted to make a case for segregation of races because of skin color or ethnicity, this is not what he's saying. He's warning us about intimate involvement when those who don't know God or establish policies that are in opposition to God's Word. By intimate involvement, I mean close ties or relationships with those of dissimilar beliefs. This is not a reference to sexual relationships of any kind.

Why do we need to be wary about those with whom we associate and have close ties? The old adage, "birds of a feather flock together," comes to mind. We develop bad habits faster than we develop good habits and when we're around people who have "bad habits" we tend to emulate them rather than them emulating us. Why? Some people will do whatever they have to do to "get along" with others, not having the backbone to stand firm on what they know is right.

This is how gangs operate in neighborhoods and schools. It is our politicians function--they say anything to get a vote, but then do whatever is popular with their cohorts, not willing to cause waves, even when decisions are made that are contrary to their beliefs. This is how the insecure function in our society--they simply go along to get along in order not to be alone. This is how abusers keep their victims under control, but if the victims understood their own worth, they would not have been involved with the one who abused.

Anyone who uses intimidation to control or manipulate others is a tool of evil. There is no light in them, so why would anyone walking in the light and love of God have a relationship with them? They shouldn't. When we, who are walking in the light and love of God, walk into a situation, evil should run and hide like roaches when a light switch is turned on to dispel the darkness.

Remember, manipulation is what Satan does, not God. Deception is what Satan uses to convince, not God. Destruction--tearing down is what Satan does, while construction--building up is what God does. And there is no union possible with the works of Satan and the works of God.

So, why we would even attempt to be in any type of union with the unbelieving? We shouldn't, for God has said every man's work will be tried by fire and only those works that are firmly established in Him and by Him, shall withstand the heat. We want to avoid the stain of evil that spreads like wildfire when we unite with it.  

Not every one we meet is good for us, nor do they have our best interest at heart, so move cautiously in determining who will be close enough to persuade or influence who you are and not who they are.

Return!

"Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!" (Hosea 14:1 NIV)

In the seventh chapter of Hosea, the prophet tells us that it is "pride" that keeps people from returning to The Lord. Although, the reference to the Children of Israel then was specifically for them, it is yet applicable to us, today. Understanding what God has said to others who came before us, is critical--knowing why it was said then and how it is applicable now!

When God came down from heaven and hung on the cross--the ultimate sacrifice for sin--He did it for everyone. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son so whoever believes in Him would be saved and not perish." (paraphrased) Whoever believes! Are we not all--whoevers?

In times past, God used those who were willing to speak for Him--though their lives were constantly in danger from those who did not believe God. His prophets--or spokespersons warned people time after time of the dangers they would encounter if they did not repent of their sins.

God is yet using those who are willing to be His spokespersons to warn people about their demise if they continue in sin. Why won't people hear? Their pride and egos get in the way. It is not that they do not know they sin--they have chosen to defy God's Word to pacify flesh and to do whatever they want to do. These are the people who "think" they are the masters of their own fate and it is pride that gives them the impetus to feel that way. They have forgotten that "pride" is one of the seven things God hates.

When we refuse to obey those in authority--pride opens the door to our downfall. We miss opportunities to achieve all that God desires because we don't want anyone telling us what to do. Why? Because we think we know better than God! Pride--has led people to public humiliation when they refuse to tell the truth; it has led people to expose their foolishness when they lie and think others are as foolish as they are; it has led to entire nations crumbling and ceasing to exist. Pride--the open door--to destruction.

When are we going to close the door on pride and return to The Lord, obeying Him rather than man?

Man's wisdom without God's guidance is fallible at best, and dangerous at most--totally useless. We cannot afford to follow the wisdom of foolish men who allow their pride to make decisions to the detriment of all mankind.

It is time to ignore the foolish pride of men who allow their egos and self-desires to rule over anyone; repent of our sins, and return to God--our Savior and Deliverer! We need to let pride go and let God abide in hearts, in total obedience to Him!

If...Then...!

"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God." (I John 4:15 NIV)

We find the word "if" in the Kings James Version in 1420 verses of scriptures, 1455 verses in the New Kings James Version and in 1522 verses in the New International Version, 1681 verses in the New Living Translation,1507 verses in English Standard Version, and this could continue with variations in each translation. Logicians, mathematicians, and others, often use "if/then" propositions or transpositions to explain the conditional, inferential, and consequences of events.

For instance, "if there is a fire, then oxygen must be present." We know this because without oxygen being present, there is no fuel for the fire and when cooking, we can smother flames by cutting off the supply of oxygen (simple example).

If we do good, then we can expect rewards when the understanding premise is a reward for good.

Now, think back to how many times we see the "if" in a verse of scripture that includes a "then" premise.

What we must remember is that when God tells us to do something, He has a reason for it. If we abide in Him, then (inferred) we can ask whatever we will and obtain it (John 15).

We tell our children that if or when they do certain things, then there will be a consequence (positive or negative) for them doing it. Our model of behavior is The Word of God for if we study The Word, then we shall know how to conduct ourselves and know what to expect and there will be no surprises.

If Supreme Court Justices defy The Word of God in their deliberations, then we can expect to see all kinds of negative, destructive consequences occur in the atmosphere and we shall also see depravities of all types appealed through this same judicial body. I am not their judge, but because I know their Judge, I am confident in saying, "no good thing will come from any decision that opposes God's Will for anyone."

If we who are called by His name, will humble ourselves and pray, seek His face, and repent from our sins, then He will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 paraphrased). If we don't, then we can expect to see great destruction in the land, by the hands of the enemy who, though they know not the truth, but will be used by God to accomplish His Will. The events will simply be a result of God being God and allowing us to receive the consequences of our actions.

I am not a doomsday prophet, but I know The Word and I know that God is the same today, as He was in years gone by. He does not change nor does the intent of His Word change, but man changes it to accommodate the lusts of their flesh and all will suffer the consequences of those who are carnally minded, and spiritually minded.

God help us all!

Lust and Pride!

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. (I John 2:16)

John continues to write to the Body of Christ, from the isle of Patmos, in the same manner in which the Gospel of John is written--up close and personal.

In the first part of this passage of scripture, we see the love of Christ in the words he uses to specifically address all in the churches. He states, "I write to the children (those new in the faith), I write to the fathers who have known (those with experience with the love of Christ and will of the Father), I have written to those who are strong in the faith" (tried by experience and overcame) [I John 2:13,14 paraphrased]. Why care so much about those in the church? John wanted to remind people that although their sins had been forgiven, they should not get caught up in the ways of the world, for it they did, they would fall again into wickedness.

Now, notice he did not say--don't love the people in the world; he said, don't love the world (the ways of those who don't know The Lord). And then he explains why--the lust and pride that leads people astray. Lust--intense and uncontrolled sexual desire; overwhelming cravings that dictate behavior. Pride--having an inordinate opinion of self and one's own superiority.

When we refuse to exercise discipline in a Godly manner, our behavior lacks self discipline and people end up doing whatever they want to do--to gratify selfish desires, without regard for others.

When we think that we are superior to others and we are not, we set ourselves up for failure because we are not willing to admit, we do not know everything there is to know and we refuse to learn from others. These are the two greatest obstacles that leave many suffering, on the path of self-destruction.

Uncontrolled sexual behavior leads to diseases, emotional upheaval, mental instability, and shortened lifespans.

Feelings of superiority lead to wars, confusion, and chaos--the ego leads to destructive behavior.

The warning from John--don't get caught in the things of the world that have nothing to do with doing the will of the Father. There is no sustaining victory in life apart from God. What some might experience--is a temporary situation at best--and permanent destruction at the other end of the spectrum.

Love the people of the world--unconditionally, but don't get caught up in the world's way of doing things because of misplaced desires and cravings and feelings of superiority. The Word tells us that when a person thinks more highly of themselves than they should, they have only deluded themselves--not those who can see--clearly--what force is guiding them. Shake off the shackles of lust and pride and receive the love of God and know victory in Jesus!

Not Outwitted!

"in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. " (2 Corinthians 2:11 NIV).

How does the enemy outwit us?  Don't fool yourself, he does whenever our defenses are down.

There are five things one must understand about how the enemy works and manages to wreak havoc in our lives.  He is a master of deception, the father of liars, his job is to steal, kill, and destroy.
He is a chameleon--constantly changing to blend in with the weaker saints in order to appear like one.  He masquerades as a ministering angel when he in fact is preparing the path to destruction on which we sometimes follow.

He tells believable lies--mixed with some parts truth.  Usually his lies are 1 part truth and 3 parts lie and when we mistakenly think the 1 part truth is the whole truth, he sucks us into the whole lie. Think about it!  Did he not attempt to convince Jesus to trade His place with a partial lie in the desert? Did he not manage to convince Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit with a partial lie.  Let's face it.  Any part of a lie makes the entire situation a whole lie.  Don't be fooled into trying to justify a half-truth--it is a whole lie.  Now, think about current changes in our society--regarding a number of things, including marriage. Is this not a half-truth?  If it is a half-truth, it is a whole lie.

Since the enemy hates God and all of His creation, his job is to steal our joy, by any means possible.  He will speak lies to our minds and can convince us when we are not careful.  He influences us to be fearful and we know that God has not given us a spirit of fear. It is extremely difficult to be full of joy when we are full of fear.

The enemy kills--people literally and loves to kill our dreams and hopes.  He influences others to do his bidding when they are not in relationship with God and we see the evidence on a daily basis.

When the enemy has control over the minds (depression, oppression) of those who choose not to believe God, he is then set to destroy everything that God has created and established that we who believe might have full benefit of His promises. It is not believers, in right relationship with God, who are making bombs, killing people, spreading lies about God's Word, or instigating hate.  We, who know God and have a relationship with Him, can love unconditionally and have no need to hate people-- no matter how different or how opposed they are to right living.  We are capable of loving--even the unlovable--because we are obedient; we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love others as ourselves.  If we truly love others as ourselves, we cannot conspire to hate anyone, unless we hate ourselves.

To avoid the pitfalls that Satan digs for us; get rest, stay in prayer,  praise God at all times, keep your focus on who God is and all  that He has planned for us, speak The Word every time the enemy raises his ugly head, and don't be afraid to look the enemy in the eye and let him know--you are on to his tricks and will not be outwitted by him.

Thank You Lord for giving us power (through the Holy Spirit), love (casting out fear), and a sound mind (able to distinguish between the works of enemy and Your voice). Hallelujah for our Risen Savior!

Excerpt from Deceptive Storms

“Minister Anderson, come quick!  We need help.  Someone spotted Pastor Cal stuck between some trees on the river bank!” Vernon came in screaming.

D’Cerner panicked.  Her heart pounded so loud she could barely hear what others were saying.  All the men headed for the door with ropes.  For a moment, she thought she was going to faint, but somehow, she reached deep down inside, took a deep breath and got up.  She felt like she was outside of herself, looking at what was going on, but had no control over it.  She got her raincoat and hat and went out the door before anyone could stop her.  She started walking, battling the wind and the rain, barely able to see directly in front of her.  She prayed—for guidance, wisdom, and strength to find Cal.  The closer she got to the river bank, the slower she was able to move because of the rising water.  By the time, she reached the farthest point she could go, she had to stop.  She called him.

“Cal,” she yelled, trying to be louder than the wind.  “Cal, where are you?”

She waited, hoping to hear a response, but getting none, she plodded through the water a few feet north of where she was standing.  She called again and again, no answer.  She kept this up for almost an hour and then just as she was about to give up, she heard him.

“Cal, where are you?”

“Dee, I’m over here hanging onto a branch.  I can’t hold on much longer.”

“Cal, hold on!  I’m coming.  Keep talking to me so I can find you!”  She sloshed through water already above her waist.  She listened to him, talking to her, but his voice was fading.

“Cal, keep talking, I’m getting closer.  Don’t you give up on me!”

“Dee, go back!  The water is too deep!  Go back!”

“I am not going back without you.  Just hold on!”

“I am holding on, but I’m getting tired.  Can’t hold on much..”

“Hold on, you hear me!  Hold on!”

“Dee, I love you! I’ll always love you!”

“I love you, too, now hold on! I’m coming to get you!”

By the time she reached a clearing where she could see him, she heard the snap of a branch and then saw him floating by holding onto the branch, but his head was sinking under the water.  That was the last she saw of him.  She heard herself screaming and then she knew nothing.

She collapsed in the water and would have been swept away by the fast-moving current, but the men who were looking for Cal to save him were right behind her and two grabbed her, while the others waded out further, tied to each other in order to hopefully reach Cal before he was carried further out into the river.  They watched him bobbing in and out of the water for about fifty feet when suddenly he stopped moving.



Deceptive Storms--available soon--watch for it on Amazon.com

From Father to Daughters

June 2013

My Darling Daughters,

            I have watched you for some time now and my heart grieves for you.  I know it’s not your fault and I know that you have done the best you can, with the life you’ve had.  All of the tragedies you suffered were not part of my plan for you.  My plans for you, were to bring you hope, a bright future, and all the joy and happiness you could handle.

            What I have seen is men abusing and using you, making you feel worthless, when you are worthy of love—unconditionally.  Your body—my creation and gift to you—was meant to be cherished, not exploited by the media, fantasies of sick men and even sicker women.  Your body was meant to be beautified and appreciated by all who looked upon you, not detested and scorned.  I have dressed you with a beauty that cannot be found in a tube or a bottle, so why do you feel the need to expose all the parts of you meant to be seen by the wonderful man I had predestined to be yours? 

            My heart aches for all the pain you have endured at the hands of those who could not possibly know how much destruction they caused when they influenced you to thinking that you are just body parts, not part of a body that was meant to loved.  My heart is heavy every time I see men leer and lust after you when all I wanted was for men to see your beautiful spirit, not your partially clad skin. 

            Sometimes, I wish I could close my eyes and not see how you have been convinced that your body—my wonderfully, unique creation—is meant to be used as an instrument of torture when men and women stick all manner of objects in you and abuse you for their wicked pleasure.  I cannot bear to see your mouth, meant to praise me, used for the act solely meant for the purpose of procreation.  I cannot bear the pain I know you feel when men prod the parts of you meant to be used as a means of exit, not entrance.  I cannot bear the pain I see in your eyes, when your expectations of finding love are lost in the illusion of sexploits, in the pages of books, on the screens of television and movies, and in the music where you are constantly denigrated by those who have no clue as to how to love you.

            Remember this, my darling daughters. I love you and would never use or abuse you because I Am Love and can do nothing else.  Learn to love yourself, as I love you, and watch all the wonderful things I had planned for you, come to pass.

Your Loving,

Heavenly Father