Rejectitude...My Really Bad Day

Yesterday morning, someone told me something that had been said behind my back.  I was upset about it, but I tried to just let it go.  Sometimes, that’s hard for me.

Then, someone called me and said something to my face…er, ear…that I wouldn’t have liked in the first place, but with my emotions already smacked around, I took it pretty hard.   I felt as if on top of what else I was feeling, I now can’t be myself with what I say.

When I got home and checked my email, there was an unsubscribe notification from my blog.  I don’t like that, but I certainly understand if someone isn’t enthralled with what I say, but the timing could have been a little better because I was already having a poor, poor pitiful me day.

On a more positive note, sometimes you all, Gentle Readers, pleasantly surprise me with how many of you visit.  Thank you so much, I really do appreciate you.

But back to “Woe is me:” to top off the evening, we had no water.   Apparently a water main burst somewhere in my town.  I was trying to not take it personally, because I know the water couldn’t really run away from me.

I like to get a couple of months worth of “bad day” shoved into one to get it out of the way. 

I didn’t console myself last night with chocolate chip cookies, but today...well, the day is young yet...still too early to see if my rejectitude (attitude of rejection) is going to be better.  I think I coined that term...

On the plus side, it is the beginning of the weekend.  On the A-plus side, I only have to work half a day!  

Thursday's Thoughts: The Power and Authority Edition

While watching videos of people blocking roads as a protest to whichever current event they were unhappy about, it occurred to me that the protesters, in their flesh-and-blood bodies, had no power.   They used fear and intimidation to stop drivers who didn’t want their cars dented or their windows broken, but real power?   No, they didn’t have that.

What was happening is that the drivers granted authority to the protesters by stopping.  Bodies are no match for machinery.  The cars had the power!  The authority to accelerate belonged to the driver.  I’m not suggesting a driver should run over protesters, but had the cars inched onward, the bodies would have no choice but to submit to power and authority.

It’s a little like satan, isn’t it?  

He doesn’t have authority in our lives until we hand it to him. 

There are powerful people in the world.   Two of them are running for President…we need to use extreme caution when handing great authority to those who have power.  We must take the time to make informed decisions.

We already live in a nation where people are nervous to talk about Jesus and are scared to stand up for Biblical principles!   Christians face real consequences for exercising religious freedom.   If you are happy with the road that America is on, if you want more liberal voices ruling our supreme courts, if you are okay with keeping prayer out of social events, and Bibles out of schools (but easily accessible in prisons), then give authority to Hillary Clinton.

But remember, truth matters.

So does justice.

God is not pleased when no one cries out for justice.

If you are not happy with the road America is on, consider a president who has the audacity to be politically incorrect.   A man who had the gumption to choose a running mate who would simply say of himself, “The introduction I prefer is…I’m a Christian, a conservative and a Republican, in that order.”   If you want a leader who won’t be afraid to make decisions unpopular with liberal America, give authority to Donald Trump.

Where will you grant authority?  It is a crucial decision at a critical time, and it deserves your fullest attention and your deepest consideration.   I am asking you to prayerfully and diligently consider your choices.  

Tuesday's Thoughts...The Nice America Edition

Truth is no less true just because it is not believed; but a lie believed has the power to destroy lives…and countries.

Countries are also destroyed when we let wrongs go unchecked; when there is no recompense for deception and broken laws.  When we turn our heads and let evil stand…when we do not demand truth!   God is a God of Justice…Jehovah Misphat…He loves justice; the foundation of His throne is justice and righteousness.

If it’s wrong, it’s wrong for everyone, not just for others.

Us, too.

Remember that oft-quoted scripture, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  (2 Chron. 7:14)?   We sometimes forget that we…Christians, His people…are who this scripture is directing to repent.  We can’t look out the corner of our judgmental, narrowed eyes at others wishing they would repent.  It starts with us. 

And as a final thought…ugly things posted about the candidate of our choice will not change our minds.   In fact, the negativity makes me dig my heels in deeper with my decision, how about you?  I hope when the DNC is over, social media, news outlets and talk shows will stop fanning the flames by spinning everything the opposing party says and does.   Maybe then my blog will get back to being lighter...and funnier.

I sure would like to see a nicer America.

Please Lord, let it start with Your children.

This is an actual page from my Bible...I pray this chapter often (Psalm 51),
and when I do, I in add my notes:   my prayer  includes "...and renew a steadfast,
unwavering,loyal, dedicated, true, trusty, and faithful spirit within me..."

Uncommitted Thoughts...

Reflections at Deibert Park, Florence, AL

On the RNC…

It was nice to hear Jesus mentioned on television on Monday...even if Mark Burns was a little unpastorish when he forgot that our war is not against flesh and blood.   I coined the term "unpastorish," but I won't accuse you of plagiarism if you use it.

I lost respect for John Kasich because of his absence at the convention in his own state.  I was also disappointed with the Bush family and Mitt Romney for sitting this convention, and possibly this election out...but Mitt disappointed me some months ago with his negativity.

Ben Carson was great last night, as was Chris Christie.   I never did like Chris Christie...but I thought he did a good job of pumping up the crowd.   Tiffany Trump did a great job, too.  I was nervous for her, but she pulled it off nicely.   Sheriff David A Clark also had a rousing speech.

I haven't watched every minute of the RNC...but Fox folks are driving me bonkers cutting in and talking over the speech givers...that's what they did to Tiffany, so I didn't get to see all of what she said.   And why can I not bear to look at/listen to Megyn Kelly?  

On Melania…

The speech!   Is it just me, or is there an awful lot of attention on a few similar statements in Michelle’s and Melania’s speeches?  Making such a huge deal out of a few general sentences reflecting what most people feel almost sounds like a diversionary tactic, doesn't it?  There are real issues in America, let's talk about important things, not just a few sentences out of a great speech.  This morning, the spin is starting again with DT Jr's speech.

On Michelle…

Did she really coin any of that pep talk from 2008?   Before MO, nobody ever said "Work hard for what you want?"  "Treat people with respect?"  "Be willing to work to achieve your dreams?"  And no one ever said anything about passing your own values on to your children?   Before the video that is now making the social media fast track, I had never heard a word MO’s speech, and I’ve said similar things myself…I’ll bet you have, too.   

Chris Matthews…

"That woman" has a name, it's Patricia Smith, and her son lost his life in Benghazi.  Her speech didn’t ruin anything, Mr. Matthews.  Aren't you ready to retire yet?

On what is really important:

We all have to decide for ourselves what’s more important to us…but as a woman and as an American, I cannot fathom why anyone would ever vote for Hillary Clinton, much less a professing Christian.   I am fully aware that HC supporters feel basically the same way about DT.  

On Donald Trump…

I have never been a fan of The Donald.  I didn’t watch his show, and I’ve never followed his story.   When he first announced his candidacy, I rolled my eyes and laughed it off.   I didn’t vote for him in the primary.    But now…he has my vote.   I believe he is receptive to prayer and Godly guidance.  Like I said, we all have to decide what’s important to us, and that is very important to me.       

On Mike Pence…

My little bit of research on him gives me a first impression that he is a good VP choice. 

On the election…

Trump will win by a landslide.

Friday's Committed Thoughts

From Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN

While the enemy has the free world arguing over whose life matter’s more, God is saying, “Children, draw near to Me.  Seek Me first.  Love your neighbors as yourselves.   Treat others the way you want to be treated.  Forgive.”

I feel compelled to bring this up because it is so important, though it is nothing new.   Not everyone claiming to be a Christian is, in fact, saved.  False teachers are always popping up, and they are well-followed.  If what you are hearing causes even small red flags to wave, compare what you are hearing with what is in the Bible.   And if it doesn’t line up…no matter how “good” is sounds, shake the dust off your feet quickly, and shun the very appearance of evil.   Not every Bible-quoter is of a pure heart, and often they twist the words just enough to make it sound enticing.  Know the Word well enough to not be drawn in.

Conversely, Christians make mistakes, say the wrong things, take the wrong action…sin.  Yep.  We sin.  And it normally doesn’t go unnoticed.   Forgive others, forgive yourselves, and get in your closet for alone time with God…wherever your closet may be…and we may find ourselves making fewer mistakes and bad choices, and choosing the right way over the sinful way.  

You will not convince anyone else that you are right any more than they will convince you that they are right.   We are living in a world where people are confused and deceived, and they do not care about truth or facts.  We can’t fight that…and the battle isn’t ours, anyway.  Don’t allow yourselves to be drawn into arguments over whether or not black vs blue vs all lives matter…or any other current social debate.  Don’t allow the stench of the world to envelop you.  Just don’t go there…no matter how hard it is (and keeping our mouth closed can be quite hard at times).   You have to remember that when people aren’t seeking truth, truth will make them mad.  It must matter to us, though, and the one who can pour out Truth is the one we need to be talking to…not the one who is convinced you are a bigot.

We have an election coming up.  It’s going to be a very volatile time in our country, even more so than it is right now.   We need to start covering the election in prayer, and I cannot stress the importance of it enough, my Christian brothers and sisters!  This may very well be our last chance for our country to remain free.  The devil really is seeking to steal kill and destroy us; and in our mortal bodies, we are useless to fight him, and the greater masses of our population are standing with the devil, not with God.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12

I am not telling you who to vote for…a Godly person already knows who NOT to vote for.   So while we are praying for an honest and fair election, let’s cover Donald Trump in prayer, as well.   And why stop with him?   Pray for all the candidates…from the local ones all the way up.   This mission isn’t a minute or two a day project.   It requires a real commitment.   Are you ready to commit to prayer for a better, safer, great-again country?  

Wait.   Did I just suggest that a Godly person wouldn’t vote for Hillary Clinton?   Yes, actually, I did.  Someone needs to say it. 

Friends, don’t be distracted by the very things that are put in place by the enemy to divide!   America is in peril, and there is no need to point fingers and place blame on any one person or entity.   We must start doing damage control, and we start by getting on our knees and asking forgiveness.   And then we do those things He told us to do:  Seek Him first.  Draw near to Him.  Do good.  Love others.  Forgive.   It has to start somewhere, and it may as well be you and me.   We cannot change others, but we know the One who can.   Pray, Friends, pray. 

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.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Ephesians 6:10-18

Huntsville Botanical Garden...I think!

The Good News in the Midst of the Bad

I resolve to pray more and complain less.

We are told in Hebrews 4:12 that the word of God is living and powerful (alive and active), piercing even to diving soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and that it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.   Did you ever wonder what would happen if Christians put aside their own ideas and traditions, and began memorizing and reciting scripture?   Would the Bible regain authority in America?   We cannot deny that God’s word has not only lost authority, but it is regarded with disdain, mocked, and denied. 

It is a real problem in America that the church even agree.   It should never be the Baptists against the Pentecostals, and the non-denominational believers against the Church of Christ believers.   We are all the body of Christ, and it is vitally important that we come together as one.   Let me say that again:   We MUST come together as one to combat the evil that is spreading in our country like the fast growing cancer it is!

We want Americans to come together 

and accept each other’s differences,

Christians must do that all the more!

The general consensus among Christians is that America is going to hell in a hand-basket.   If we remain on the road we are currently traveling, no doubt America as we know it will be destroyed.   It does not have to be this way!  The God we serve is a forgiving God, and He is merciful.  It is my belief that America is still standing because there are praying people here…and there are nations under great bondage who have persecuted Christians praying for us.   Yes, that’s the truth.

 

I urge you to make your own individual walk with God stronger.  Draw close to Him, allow Him to draw close to you.   Make a real effort to read your Bible more.  Make an even bigger effort to memorize scripture and recite…out loud…scripture.  Words are important.  With words, Heaven and earth were formed, and the universe was spoken into existence.  The Word, His words…speak them out, often and confidently. 

If we really want to make America great again, we need to seek Him first…the rest will fall into place.  That, my friends, is the really good news. 

If you’d like a suggestion on a verse to memorize…start with this one:

Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.

Ephesians 4:14

::::See whole Chapter:::

Monday Musings: The Solemn Edition

I wrote this little poem, because my heart is grieved, as I'm sure yours is, too.    I don't really know what to say about all the death and turmoil happening right now, and I'm weary.   We can place blame, but that wouldn't change what America is at this moment.   Prayer will change things, though.  I'm praying for us.  I hope you are, too.

Copyright © 2016 by blog author (www.amusingmargaret.com) All rights reserved.

Injustice in an Unjust World

The internet has the ability to make incidents and accidents instant information.   Cell phones and social media give us the opportunity to know the good and the bad…mostly the bad…immediately, and with live feed, we can watch it as it happens.  Trouble is, along with instant news comes instant judgment.   And by the time an investigation is completed and the facts are known, society has gone on to the next Facebook live feed, while careers and lives are ruined, and truth gets buried.

We do not have to look far to find injustice, it is everywhere.  A rapist is sentenced to six months in a local jail and three years of probation.   I saw a Facebook post that stated, “A black man is killed by police and media shows his rap sheet, a white man rapes a white woman and media prints his swim time.”   Could it be the white man didn’t resist arrest and didn’t have a prior record?   I talked about the injustice of the Brock Turner case HERE. 

Outside of America, a Saudi woman was gang raped and sentenced to 200 lashes and six months in jail because of Sharia law…a system that many Americans do not understand and are doing nothing to stop its progression in our own country.   

Our nation is divided because people have stopped demanding truth.  Our thinking has become so twisted that a woman who blatantly and repeatedly lies about her mishandling of classified information is a candidate for the highest office of the United States, with a sitting president endorsing her. 

Truth is nowhere to be found,

And whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.

The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no one;

He was appalled that there was no one to intervene…

Isaiah 59:15-16

When America exalts lawlessness, lawlessness is what we will reap.  In a day where good is called evil, and evil is called good, how can we expect to reap anything but chaos?  The result of lawlessness reared its ugly head in Dallas last night.  

When a young man with long “rap sheet” is killed by police, the officer is convicted by society and media by a snippet of video, before evidence is collected and without an investigation, as in the case of Darren Wilson and Michael Brown.  When the investigation was complete, evidence supported the officer, America did not.   

I’m not saying police officers never commit crimes, some do, atrociously so; let them pay for their crimes…convicted by a court of law.  Before we condemn police on a snippet of video, let’s wait for the facts of the investigation, those pesky little details that paint the whole picture.  The truth involves way more than just highly publicized cases. 

Some interesting data:

According to the Washington Post, in 2015, there were 990 people shot dead by police.   Of those 990:

• 948 were men, 
• 42 were women.   
• 494 were white, 
• 258 were black.  
• 172 were Hispanic, 
• 66 were other/unknown.    

Let's talk about percentages...

From Larry Elder @ WND:

Ten percent America’s violent crimes are committed by whites, who comprise 65% of our population.  African Americans disproportionately
commit more violent crimes, including murder (of which they commit nearly half), but 50% of those killed by police are white.

According to criminology professor Peter Moskos, of those killed by officers from May 2013 to April 2015, 49 percent were white, and 30 percent were black.  Moskos further points out that when the numbers are adjusted for the homicide rate, whites are 1.7 times more likely than blacks to die at the hands of police.

In an already divided nation, does a movement such as #blacklivesmatter help or hinder the racial tension?  What if a young black male who has already shown a flagrant disregard of the law (as evidenced with a list of prior arrests/convictions) feels empowered by the social hype and adopts the attitude that he doesn’t have to do what he is being told by law enforcement?  When he ends up lying in the street, was it because he was black, or was it because he didn’t obey a direct order from a police officer?

Could it be that when confronted by a police officer, if a young man, black or white, does what he is told, if he respects the badge and the gun, he gets to walk away alive and healthy?  He may feel disrespected, but he would be able to go home that night and live to file a grievance the next day. 

How about these young men…and women…respect the law of the land and not end up with a long rap sheet because they are busy being criminals?  Get an education!  Get a job!  Make a difference!  And stop lining up to be used by satan to help destroy America from the inside out.

I am not a Jesse Duplantis fan, and this doesn't have anything to do with
police or political issues, but I thought this was worth sharing:

More than ever before America needs Jesus.

Tuesday's Thoughts...

This year, it really bothered me to see “Happy 4^th of July” instead of “Happy Independence Day.”    And people rarely say “Independence Day.”   I saw a video, and there are people in America who don’t even know what the significance of July 4^th is…proving how important it is to say the words. 

In so many ways, America is in the toilet, not just headed there.   I am not saying we can’t be rescued from the sewer…the upcoming election gives us a choice to stay in the tank or make America a better place to live. 

I have heard people (mostly Christians) say they will not vote in November because they don’t like the choices, or they don’t want to vote for the lesser of two evils.  I read a sign I sure wish I had thought of:  “Not voting is not rebellion, it is surrender.”   Others have said they will vote Libertarian.  At least they will be voting.

Not voting for Trump is not really a vote for Hillary unless not voting for Hillary is a vote for Trump.  But people fought and died for the freedom of this country, and it is shameful that people will sit back and watch it go down the drain, and blame everyone else while we swirl downward. 

Christians are being told to “prayerfully consider” their choices, but I wonder if we understand what that means.   I remember years ago, a conservative was bashing President Bush.   I told him he would do much better to be praying for him than running him down.   His reply was that he prayed for him every day, then gave me a list of all the actions he prayed Bush would take…none of which were Godly choices.   Praying God’s will is not praying our own will. 

I know these next words will get me in “trouble” with some…but if a Christian votes for a person who supports abortion, whether it be in the first trimester or late term, I believe they should knock the dust off their Bible and read about life and read about what God considers abominations to Him.

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Psalm 139:13-16 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

The choice of when life begins and when it ends belongs to God, and He will demand an accounting of all life’s shed blood. 

In response to those who will demand that I take care of all the unwanted babies who are not aborted, I will point out there is a long list of parents waiting to adopt.  But let us place responsibility where it belongs:  If consenting adults want to fornicate, it is their responsibility to prevent unwanted children.

I feel it also necessary to say to those who have aborted babies…Jesus loves you, right where you are.  He still has a plan for you, and He is willing to forgive you.   Don’t let the past stop you from achieving your destiny, God’s purpose in your life.