BROTHER THOMAS BLOG

Nice People, Bad Doctrine

2012-02-16T13:33:00.000-08:00

I know lots of nice, good people . . . who are liberals--left wing collectivist in their social and political doctrine.
Even some socialists and communists who are alright chaps on a personal level.

But their doctrine is destroying my country and, I dare say, the world--their beliefs about economy, family, morality, prosperity . . . nice people, bad doctrine.

Also, I know Sikhs, Hare Krishna's, Catholics, Muslims, new agers . . . Mormons who are nice, "good" people, relatively speaking . . . .

My discussion is related to their doctrines--beliefs . . . and, in this case, how it is NOT Christian--Biblical.

Why bother? Well, I have to wonder what this world--and my own spiritual situation would be like, if no one had contended for the faith. What if no one through the centuries bothered to preserve and promulgate the Gospel which Jesus taught, and you could say, died for? What if only false doctrines, false Christs were all that were available because no one bothered to contend, to expound, to clarify . . . many who became martyrs, sacrificed their wealth, health, lives . . . in order to pass on the authentic teachings of Jesus?

I thank God that men and women through the ages have lived and "fought" to preserve and express the story of God working on and through His people . . . and those alive and preaching and teaching and sharing TODAY who have helped me (and my wife) SO MUCH to learn the truth from the lies and the Enemy's DELIBERATE obfuscations . . . .

Also, as I've mentioned before, I have loved ones . . . and know of plenty of others . . . who SUFFER because of the false, mis-leading doctrines of Mormonism. Serial adulteries, depression, broken families, kids on drugs and stealing . . . the guilt, the burden, the impossible expectations, the demands of "the church" . . . are sad to witness . . . and . . . did I mention the depression? . . . yes, depression and escape through pills, affairs, money, status . . . which seems more than ever to be at an all time high and running rampant through more than a few families I know . . . dear ones I love and care for . . . .

And all for a con! And not just a con, but an outright offensive and blasphemous one at that, using the Lord's name to hide what is actually just a mish-mash of one MANS (not God's) megalomaniacal, power hungry, imagination combined with Freemasonry, witchcraft and blatant Luciferian concepts and doctrine!

It's because the people are so nice and hard working and well intentioned (for the most part) that some are being led to witness and rescue such folk from a religion of lies and oppression.

And indeed, there is something going on in the broader Body of Christ, where a whole new crop of born again Christians are being called to confront and witness to the L.D.S. I feel some of that impetus, being in the midst of "Zion" and knowing so many who are caught in the deception.

The L.D.S. church has seen its growth fall off drastically and an explosion of "apostasy" ever since the Internet--since it became easier for members to look up the facts and real history of their church when challenged whereas before they use to be able to remain ignorant and just shrug off the so-called "attacks" as being simply "anti-Mormon" bigotry.

"The church", which is extremely wealthy and politically powerful for its size, is currently investing LOTS of money now trying to deal with the problem of information and the true history and quotes of previous leaders and "prophets", including buying up "positioning" on Google, so that when people try to investigate, they are swarmed with Google results bought and paid for by "the church" which try to explain away the MANY contradictions and embarrassing facts about the early church, Joseph Smith, polygamy, racism in the church, views on women etc.

Also, it might be interesting to know that the L.D.S. church since its founding has desired to control, not only the United States (politically and theologically), but the whole world! Mormons like Karl Rove (G.W. Bush's right hand man) . . . Harry Reid (leading Democratic Senator) . . . Brent Scowcroft (of Kissinger and Assoc.) and of course John Huntsman and Mitt Romney . . . surround the seat of power and have for years, and they are highly represented in the CIA, FBI and NSA . . . . Mormons believe that one day the "Constitution will hang by a thread" . . . and that a Mormon will step in and save it . . . and eventually set up "the gospel" to take over the whole world. I was taught that myself in priesthood class (along with things like the curse on black people and that people were wealthy in this life because they were so "righteous" in the "pre-existence".

But, anyway . . . did you know that in the Washington D.C. L.D.S. temple . . . there is a whole floor, totally locked up and sealed off . . . which is an exact replica of the Oval Office? It is just waiting for when Mormons finally take control of the government, as Joseph Smith himself once attempted (and had to be satisfied with being crowned "king of the world.")

Sorry, but I HAVE studied "the books" on Mormonism . . . was a convert myself . . . at age 15 . . . was a "priest" in "the church" . . . taught Sunday school . . . and prepared to go on a Mission. I was months away from leaving for an L.D.S mission . . . at age19 . . . when I came across the teachings of Joseph Smith and realized . . . that what he was teaching . . . was not right, not biblical--and struck me even as practically Luciferian in its implications (the idea that God sort of "lied" to Adam and Eve . . . tricked them into falling for His plan that Satan made them "fall" so that they could get physical bodies--physical bodies, according to Mormon Doctrine, being NECESSARY and required to get into Heaven.)

I am not saying that Mormons are "bad people" any more than all of us . . . who the Bible says all sin and fall short . . . .

I AM saying that Mormonism is BAD DOCTRINE . . . and dangerous . . . and offensive to the Biblical view, a slap to the face of Jesus, saying His death was not enough; it took Joseph Smith to establish "the true gospel."

Did you know that it use to be a part of the Mormon Temple rites to curse America?

Did you know that Smith set up a secret political organization called "The Council Of Fifty" which was tasked with setting up a political kingdom to rule the earth . . . and which some believe is still secretly in operation today?

The Mormon's war on America is fairly well described here, which some might find interesting in light of the current presidential campaign . . . and may give pause . . . .

http://www.mormonzeitgeist.com/node/317

Also, this site is well done and covers a good portion of the many lies and fallacies of L.D.S. doctrine.

http://20truths.info/mormon/lying.html

And yes, regarding "baptism for the dead" . . . which is a big part of the "laws and ordinances" required to get into (Celestial) Heaven . . . . They have big, high-tech outfitted caves cut into the granite up in the canyons above Salt Lake . . . where they store and retrieve as much genealogical information as possible . . . as it is "the church's" goal to baptize EVERYONE who has ever lived ultimately . . . whether they like it or not.

The Jewish people have complained repeatedly about this offensive act, but the Mormons keep doing it anyway . . . .
It is very possible that one of your relatives, long gone, whether they were a happy Christian or not or whatever . . . has had their name submitted for "temple work" . . . and some Mormon has been baptized for them into the L.D.S. church. You see, Mormons believe that even after you die, you still have a chance to be "saved" by being a member of "the church" . . . but you must be water baptized to be saved . . . so, someone here on earth, a "worthy" member . . . can get vicariously baptized for you . . and then, in spirit prison . . . you will have the opportunity to either accept or reject the baptism . . . . .

At least that is what they have taught at times in the past, but their doctrine is constantly changing with the times, so I wouldn't be surprised if they've altered this a bit, though I don't think so . . . .

And yet, we know from the Bible, we worship a God Who is unchanging . . . and NOT an author of confusion .........

God bless and I seriously mean this effort in LOVE AND CONCERN~!

(good grief, get outta that cult of lies already!)

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[In the pre-1990 Mormon Endowment Ceremony Mormon Temple Patrons (men and women) had to "meet the Lord through the veil on the five points of fellowship". They had to embrace a Mormon high priest (playing the part of God) behind a white veil. This ended in 1990, after many young female Patrons complained to Church leaders that the old male Mormon high priests were getting "too frisky" with them during the Five Points of Fellowship part of the Endowment Ceremony.]

The Masonic Five Points of Fellowship

The Bible Says "Love All Religions" ... not....

2012-02-15T09:06:00.000-08:00

Well . . . thanks for writing and sharing. There are several errors in your comment (see below) however I intend to address them further later . . . and I do appreciate the opportunity to expound ...Meanwhile, of course I have been basing my writing on the actual doctrines of the church (ie., The Articles of Faith written by Joseph Smith) and quoting the church's "living prophets" . . . who ought to be important sources, and I would imagine are "faithful followers who study the books", don't you think? The "pure Gospel of Jesus Christ" is indeed perfect, which is why Mormon "gospel" is so odious and needs to be addressed . . . .

As far the "the people" . . . I too know many very nice and well intentioned and "good" Mormons... my grandmother was one . . . which is another reason why CHRISTIANS feel the need to help them see what they have made oaths and covenants to, which is NOT the "pure Gospel of Jesus Christ" . . . and is a sham concocted by a clever and charismatic con artist. They live under bondage to false doctrine and again, it is the duty of believers to address such things, though it can often lead to persecution . . . and misunderstanding . . . .

As far as what I "preach" . . . . I have NEVER "preached" that we should "love all religions". That is a ridiculous statement and makes me wonder if you really are a bible believer. The bible is filled with warnings, harangues, rants, prohibitions AGAINST false religions. It is a silly thing to suggest that any Christian would or should "preach" loving all religions . . . . And I don't single out the L.D.S. faith all the time. Just last weak I wrote about the "Purpose Driven" and "prosperity" churches and pastors who are dangerous as well. I've written on new age, politics, Hinduism, occultism and a many other topics consistently. One reason I intend to write more on the false L.D.S. cult . . is because it is in the news more than ever and will continue to be . . . and they are trying to slick up their image to fool Christians into believing they are Christian too, which they are not, in the biblical sense.

It is a different Jesus and a different God they teach BASED ON THEIR DOCTRINES and what their so-called "prophets" have taught. Also, someone I love and care about dearly has been bafoozled by them and I worry for their soul and there is a chance they might read my blog and learn some of the REAL history of that church which is hidden and NOT encouraged to be studied "in the books." I also believe that some Mormons IN SPITE of their false doctrine and mis-leading "prophets" do follow Jesus in their hearts . . . .

The L.D.S. church started it, by attacking Christians and bible believers from the beginning and even in their temple rituals. Their church is a lie, regardless of the nice and "amazing" people caught in it. Is it really true you are not "L.D.S."? I don't believe you, prove it. If not, I apologize. But if you are, you should know that lying is not part of biblical doctrine. But I do thank you for writing because it gives me more opportunity to stay on this subject . . . .

Anonymous said...: Interesting how you base your posts off of the words of people, instead of the actual doctorine and beliefs of the faithful followers who STUDY the books. The PEOPLE are not perfect by any means, past or present, but the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ is. I wish you would practice what you preach, and that is to love ALL religions. Not singling out the LDS faith all the time. They are by no means Satanic. They are following Jesus Christ just like you are. I'm not even LDS, but I know a lot of them are amazing people with true living testimonies of Jesus Christ. -------------------------------------------------------

Keepin' An Eye On Things . . . .

2012-02-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

Pin pointing in time when certain forseen events are to happen . . . is almost always a tricky matter. When they are perceived, caught in a kind of vision, they seem imminent . . . so there is a tendency to expect them sooner rather than later. For instance, when I wrote quite specific and (now) accurate descriptions of what would happen along the border of Mexico and the U.S. in my song "Violence In The Suburbs" . . . where I warned and described of the "heads all rolling around"--the decapitation motif now the calling card of the violent illegal cartels . . . it was 1989. Illegal immigration and the anti-U.S. cartels weren't even much of a topic or concern, let alone the specifics related thereto like its Marxist component and the decapitation angle . . . . But now, someone hearing that song would assume I just wrote it describing the current situation . . . .

There is good reason in not knowing exact dates and times . . . nor should we be seeking them, as it is a distraction to the sacred present--where we can become lost in speculations of the "future" . . . missing the supreme purpose of staying in and with the Spirit . . . in the present . . . . However, obviously, we are to yet be aware of seasons and general times . . . for plenty of "signs" have been given in the Word to note and watch . . . and we are led to be cautious and watchful . . . knowing that some have "been destroyed" for lack of knowledge . . . while commanded to be "wise as serpents" . . . .

I have never been too insistent on a specific time frame regarding some of the developments I've predicted here, five to eight years ago, though had thought at times we might be on the brink, as it certainly has looked and felt like that for a while now . . . . Perhaps it goes like this: The "Constitutional crisis" . . . I wrote about . . . is what is developing now, as many are saying, where the president is consistently, blatantly these days flaunting the Constitution--ignoring it, with things like the recess appointments and the attack on First Amendment freedom of religion (coercing people of conscience to abrogate their religious beliefs related to abortion/contraception etc.) . . . .
The "riots" . . . which I said would be "game over" time--in that martial law would likely follow and "restrictions on movement", and pretty much "the capper" on the way things--seem to be intended for this spring and summer, leading into the elections. And while in a sort of "pre-echo" manner there already has been a "panel" type "supra" government established (the "super congress" set up over the "debt ceiling" issue) . . . one can envision a scenario . . . such as . . . there is so much chaos and civil unrest . . . that the elections are (finally) canceled and an interim "governing panel" is put in place--a kind of "politburo" . . . to rule over the state of emergency . . . . And, where I wrote of there being "t" attacks during the left wing regime, followed by a hard right turn to police state rule . . . this also happens during all this . . . only it is Barry who takes the "hard right" action/martial control . . . . ?

Also, this would jive with what I have expected (since 1995) to be the crux of "2012" . . . which is that it is the year of "the end"--the general "end" of the old order and the official beginning of the "new order" . . . .

So, all in all . . . we might be at that time of . . . . "Constitutional crisis . . . panel government . . . riots . . . terror attacks . . . police state . . . the end of things (in a big way) as we have known them . . . . " Too, there ought be, if it follows as such, "show trials" thrown in there somewhere for good measure . . . .

Something I wrote on 12-12-06 . . . : "One of the final stages of takeover is the upstepped direct attacks on churches, signs and symbols of Christianity, but with the co-opting and promoting of ’sanctioned’ politically correct churches. Individual believers will increasingly find themselves without a place to go…fearful of speaking out…isolated…targeted…."

Because of this all continuing to take shape just as I expected, I have more recently been focusing on the internal, soul-based preparations that can be done--should be done--to better weather the storms, as we know that, while prudent, all material preparations have the respectable possibility . . . to become fruitless and irrelevant . . . for instance . . . if there IS martial law and "hoarders" . . . are targeted . . . by law, and by the lawless . . . .

Only 2 Approaches: 1 Works, 1 Doesn't

2012-02-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

There are only two approaches to God. There is only one way to actually reach Him.

One approach includes a wide variety of methods and techniques. Whether Muslim, Taoist, Buddhist, Zen-Buddhist, Wiccan, New Age, Hindu, Mormon, Sikh, Shaman, Jew, Confucian, Shintoist, Jain, Baha'i, and every other . . . attempt to reach God or "Paradise" . . . relies on the either total or partial WORKS of the aspirant/seeker.

The other approach . . . is by God's grace alone.

Similar to Islam, Mormon doctrine teaches that you are saved by grace through faith AFTER you have done all that you can do.

"To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness hath Allah promised forgiveness and a great reward," (Surah 5:9).

"We believe that through the Atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved, BY OBEDIENCE TO THE LAWS AND ORDINANCES OF THE GOSPEL." (L.D.S. Article of Faith 1:3)

From the L.D.S. magazine "New Era" . . . we read, "To gain eternal life, we need both grace and works . . . . Besides repentance, our works also include receiving ordinances, keeping covenants, and serving others. While these works are necessary for salvation, they aren’t sufficient."
http://www.lds.org/new-era/2005/03/tough-topics-are-you-saved-by-grace-or-works?lang=eng

I can tell you from a life of experience around and among Mormons that many, if not most, of them are seriously burdened with guilt and insecurity concerning their salvation. OR, they are full of pride. Neither one of these conditions is desirable or natural to the true Christian life.

It is a sad thing to observe how they try so hard "to be good" . . . burdened by the hundreds, if not thousands (there are reportedly over 4 thousand "laws and ordinances", all told, for the would be "perfect" Mormon to follow, if they could) of "laws and ordinances" expected of the "good" Latter Day Saint, and it is no (marvelous work and) wonder that Utah is a leading state in the statistics of suicide and anti-depressant usage. ["The rate of suicide among females in Utah for females between the ages of 15-44 is four times the national average . . . . For the past four decades now, Utah has ranked in the top ten for numbers of suicides in the nation." reports the U.S. gov. CDC.
http://www.lifeafter.org/mormonsuicide.asp

http://www.ntn24.com/news/news/utah-leads-us-suicidal-thoughts-study

On the other hand, there are those (in "the church") who believe they follow most, if not all, of the "laws and ordinances" . . . and so . . . are just a few wives away (in the hereafter) from BEING GODS with their own planets to rule! You can imagine--and I have witnessed first hand--the incredible self pride of such individuals who . . . consider themselves nearly on par with Jesus and God the Father, where it's only a matter of little more time and a few more "good works" and they will be Deity's equal!

But, for most, they realize they are nowhere near following all the "laws and ordinances" . . . and so, must worry whether they will be with their families in one of the heavens (there are three degrees of glory in Mormonism) . . . or, they are to be excluded.

The bible believing Christian however, is FREE of such impossible demands, which are but a gilded form of slavery to man (to Joseph Smith).

We read and believe as it is written that Jesus came to "end the law of righteousness to every one that believeth."--Romans 10:4. Jesus railed on the scribes and Pharisees who burdened the people with laws and works because they did not recognize that He was the FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW.--Matt. 5:17.

Mormons usually have a canned, knee-jerk response to this charge--when you point out to them that biblical teaching CLEARLY states that "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."--Eph. 2:8-9.

They will say something like, "oh, so once you are 'saved' now you can do anything you want?"

Anyone who says this simply shows that they do not have a personal, real relationship with Christ. For when you finally, truly find Jesus (when He finds you, actually)--it naturally follows that you WANT to keep His commandments, to please Him. And not through YOUR own works and ability do you start to change, but HE begins the transformation process upon you.

Usually, but not always, slowly . . . but surely . . . your old self begins to fall away, through HIS grace and power, and NOT by your own works, lest you should end up boasting . . . or, worse yet, imagining yourself potentially righteous enough, through your own ability . . . to become a god, just like Him!

He or she who has found the ONE WAY TO GOD--that unique and merciful approach, which differs from ALL of the other religions on the planet--realizes profoundly . . . that there is nothing good . . . in the corrupt, fallen self and that there is NOTHING we can do to reach God or paradise EXCEPT that we "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ . . . and be saved."--Acts 16:30-3.

It may be that God leaves a thorn in your flesh

What does Mormon doctrine have in common with every false religion and teaching in the world?

That through your own works, you can achieve salvation.

What sets apart biblical Christianity--the Way of The Master from EVERY other "approach" to God? The revelation of His saving grace. There is only ONE approach to God and Paradise which is guaranteed to succeed! By faith in Jesus Christ, the person, alone. Not works, not by "being good", not through rituals, secret handshakes, ceremonies, laws, covenants, ordinances, ascetic practices, meditation, yoga, having multiple wives, magic masonic underwear, a living "prophet", tithing, works for the dead . . . .

No. The GOOD NEWS and FREEDOM is found in the person Jesus, His graceful mission.

If you believe, like all the other religions do, that you must also WORK your way to Heaven, then you call Jesus a liar.

Are you comfortable calling Jesus a liar? Can you be a Christian and call Jesus a liar?

When Jesus said, "It is finished," . . . apparently, according to Mormon doctrine . . . it wasn't quite . . . just yet . . . finished. So, either Jesus was a liar or a fool?

Perhaps there is more to be found . . . to do . . . in Joseph Smith's re-translation and ADDITION to the bible--the one where he wrote himself into Holy Scripture. Yeah, you see, God wasn't able to preserve His Word, so Joseph Smith re-wrote a better version of Genesis and included a prophecy depicting himself as a "seer" named "Joseph" . . . who would come to restore the Gospel . . . .
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/jst/jst-gen/50?lang=eng

One thing Joe Smith was not--and that was . . . lacking in chutzpah!

Anyway, it is clear to anyone with even a half-way clear and honest head . . . that the whole Mormon story and teaching is a mess and a con and NOT Christian.

Though, this ought not be considered a demeaning charge--at least the "NOT Christian" part . . . as early Mormon "prophets" and other prominent church leaders actually did not mind being DISTINGUISHED from "Christianity", typified by a comment from President/Prophet Taylor: "What does the Christian world know about God? Nothing...Why so far as the things of God are concerned, they are the veriest fools; they know neither God nor the things of God." (John Taylor, JI) 13:225)

Or, "Believers in the doctrines of modern Christendom will reap damnation to their souls (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p.177)

Or, "Both Catholics and Protestants are nothing less than the "whore of Babylon" whom the lord denounces by the mouth of John the Revelator as having corrupted all the earth by their fornications and wickedness." (Pratt, The Seer, p.255)

It is not surprising that any compassionate student of the bible might seek to expose Mormon doctrine for the burdensome and enslaving concoction it is, similar to the other onerous WORKS-BASED religions and doctrines throughout the fallen world . . . .

Praise God, as your eyes have opened and the scales fallen away!

b,t

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Brigham Young proudly wearing his Masonic pin, below the necktie there..:

Fun quotes from Prophet Brigham:

"Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives, and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, p. 266). Also, "The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 11, p. 269).

"...no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 289).

"What man or woman on earth, what spirit in the spirit-world can say truthfully that I ever gave a wrong word of counsel, or a word of advice that could not be sanctioned by the heavens? The success which has attended me in my presidency is owing to the blessings and mercy of the Almighty . . . " (Journal of Discourses, vol. 12, p. 127).

"Some of you may ask, 'Is there a single ordinance to be dispensed with? Is there one of the commandments that God has enjoined upon the people, that he will excuse them from obeying?' Not one, no matter how trifling or small in our own estimation. No matter if we esteem them non-essential, or least or last of all the commandments of the house of God, we are under obligation to observe them." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 339).

"The birth of the Savior was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood -- was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 115). Note: the late Bruce McConkie who was a member of the First Council of the Seventy stated "There is nothing figurative about his paternity; he was begotten, conceived and born in the normal and natural course of events..." (Mormon Doctrine, by Bruce McConkie, p. 742).

"You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind....Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 290).

"Now hear it, O inhabitants of the earth, Jew and Gentile, Saint and sinner! When our father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Eve, one of his wives, with him. He helped to make and organize this world. He is Michael, the Archangel, the Ancient of Days! about whom holy men have written and spoken -- He is our Father, and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do. Every man upon the earth, professing Christians or non professing, must hear it, and will know it sooner or later." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 50)

A Church Of Satan

2012-02-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

As a bible believing, Jesus following believer . . . would you feel comfortable going to a "house of worship" which is covered in the symbols of Satanism and witchcraft?

The inverted pentagram was adopted by Anton LaVey (head of the Church of Satan) as the greatest of symbols depicting the power of Satan, used laviciously in magic rituals.

Eliphas Levi, the famous occultist and necromancer, in his 1855 book, "Transcendental Magic" wrote:

"A reversed pentagram, with two points projecting upwards, is a symbol of evil and attracts sinister forces because it overturns the proper order of things and demonstrates the triumph of matter over spirit. It is the goat of lust attacking the heavens with its horns, a sign execrated by initiates."

Every wannabe sex, drugs and rock'n'roller knows that the inverted pentagram is a symbol of Baphomet--the devil, as they wave their devil-horn hands in solidarity . . . .

--------------

Throughout the ages and today, witches have used a ritual of "anointing" to protect themselves, where they allow other members of the coven to rub special oils on their private parts of the body . . . .

Witches and warlocks through the ages and today, like the occultic Masons, wear "aprons" while performing their magic rituals. How about if an actor dressed up as Satan gave you the apron to wear and be buried in telling you that it is a symbol of his powers? Would you feel comfortable with that?

The "All Seeing Eye" . . . is a well known symbol of the Illuminati, Masons and occultic, witches and warlocks going back ages . . . yeah the same one on the dollar bill . . . the Eye of Osiris . . . or Horus ....

Secret words, phrases . . . and secret handshakes and magic incantations . . . have been a part of pagan-magic ritual since the days of Babylon at least . . . . In the Tibetan Book of the Dead special phrases, words are taught to help you navigate the Underworld after death . . . .

How about taking blood oaths and vows of devotion to the coven, even though Jesus Himself said NEVER take such vows and oaths? Or, talking to the dead and necromancy (works for the dead)?

Witches, masons, sorcerers etc., have long known and practiced the craft of designing architecture in such a way as to attract powerful demonic spirits. The L.D.S. temple was specifically designed, with its 6 spires and cornerstones and "magik" measurements . . . according to a spirit that was giving directions to Brigham Young . . . .

ALL of these obviously occult and devil worshiping symbols and acts (and many more) are found on and in the Mormon Temple.

Any Bible believing, Jesus loving Christian is horrified by such things and the Bible is strenuous in warning--PROHIBITING--that anyone should subject themselves to such blatant pagan rites and rituals.

Now, most people who enter these ceremonies and rituals . . . are simply naive and uneducated about what they are doing. If they've been brought up in the cult since childhood, they know nothing else and have been deceived that it is all "holy". Conveniently, if they should ever happen to stumble upon the verses in the Bible which warn against these depraved and vile affronts to God, they have been pre-programmed to only believe the Bible where it is "translated correctly", giving them an easy out to ignore whatever contradicts their occultic beliefs and rituals.

But woe to the person who knows better, who has been warned of these things and willingly, knowingly enters into these wicked practices.

But many, sadly do, just like those who join the Masons in order to make connections "in the world", to get wealth, position, fellowship, status and power.

I suspect there is little more loathsome to the Lord than to join a cult of devil worshipers in order to get gain and position . . . in the world. Especially when using His Name in doing it. At least the open Satanists clearly announce who it is they serve and follow. But to use the Lord's Name and Word, where convenient, pretending to be a Christian, but then performing magic rituals and using Satanic symbols on your clothing and temples . . . has got to be one of the most perverse, wicked, deceptive moves made . . . by a group of people . . . . How can it not be so?

It is no small thing . . . not just "another church" . . . . This is a church, which, like Satan, says that we should become gods! That God was a man who had physical sex with Mary . . . . That you must have multiple wives to enter the highest glory of heaven . . . . That God was once a man who sinned and "worked" His way to perfection . . . . That there are many, many gods . . . . That black people and people of color . . . are marked with dark skin because they were lazy in the pre-existence . . . . That when people of color turn to the good, their skin will turn white . . . . That Adam is God . . . . That Jesus, God the Father and Joseph Smith will judge you on Judgment Day . . . . That we are brothers with Jesus and Lucifer . . . . That "the fall" was necessary because that is how we were able to get physical bodies so we can have sex . . . . That women can't get into the "highest kingdom" unless their husbands let them in . . . . That Jesus' death on the cross was not enough--we must also WORK our way into heaven . . . .

And so on . . . .

It's dangerous and blasphemous stuff . . . and only a suicidal fool would submit themselves to it, knowing better . . . .

This is not a message of hate. Don't change the subject. This is a message from love for fear of any who would knowingly enter in these OBVIOUSLY un-biblical, anti-Christian practices and beliefs!

[masonic, magic, Satanic symbols on the L.D.S. church]

Bookending The Day As Events Unfold

2012-02-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

Every day should begin, upon the first realization of waking, that you rush to find your Master. Not with thoughts and plans of what YOU want and need to do that day, but before all such worldly cares begin to fill your mind and heart--your soul--you first run to the hem of Jesus. Pray immediately, such as, first for gratitude, giving thanks for the gift of life, of being made--what a marvelous creature He has designed. One day, in the world to come, you will rule over every created thing, even the angels, even shall judge them. But pride will not involved whatsoever. So, knowing the promises, upon waking, run to remember having a grateful heart for all things, good and bad that come your way, as He will make them all good.

And pray for humility and for love of God, that He gives you both, which are treasures above anything this corrupted world can offer.

Then recall regularly throughout the day, What and Who this life is for. Not for a confused and petty self seeking vain pursuits which will all be burnt to stubble. But for He Who grants life everlasting when this age is through.

At night, or when it is time to sleep again--that little death--go again and find Him, asking for mercy and grace and giving thanks, determined to hand over all concerns and worries to His care wisdom, knowing that we never choose what is best for us, but always what is worst, and so are grateful that He gives us all manner of tests and challenges meant to bring us to that holy place where we realize that we have no hope, no plan, no scheme, no ability except what is His will to provide.

There is a full scale, top to bottom, inside outside . . . attack underway to crush Believers and make all creation bow before a purely evil, usurping, anti-Christ spirit. People are dropping like flies in the poisonous air of this wickedness, going mad, lashing out, or quietly conforming to get temporary boon while the beast has its last dying moments of power.

The weak in faith will be swept away in the torrents of this storm, or they will simply conform and be lost that way.

Whatever has gone before, now is a time when the disciple should bookend each day with a determined and consistent effort to stay close to the Lord in spirit, and throughout the day. And be not moved by the increasing and surrounding horrors to the eyes, which will be seen not just afar, but in your own towns and cities. Violence will spread, martial law, and direct and officially sanctioned assaults on the Body of Christ, the remnant, as the adversary falls to using blunt, basic force, all pretenses gone, to coerce complicity and subjugation of body AND soul.

But while he may attack and control the body, never . . . NEVER can he conquer the soul unless you acquiesce and submit within. So, regardless of what happens on the outside, the disciple can and will remain FREE where true freedom actually exists. There are plenty of people who appear to be free, and claim to be free . . . but are utterly enslaved WITHIN, driven and controlled by their sins such as greed, envy, lust, fear, vengeance . . . .

The disciple, the Believer, can stay free throughout all that will occur, and here again is reason to give thanks, for His yoke is sweet, is light, and only one subjection do we acquiesce to--not hundreds, like the lovers of sin--but just one, which paradoxically, brings freedom, and that is in giving up our own life (as if we ever owned it!) and submitting to One Who is perfect and Who is love.

Now is the time to establish habits of continual prayer and closeness to the Lord, bookending the day and throughout, with gratitude, submission, love and humility, staying in remembrance of the one and only purpose, above all, of this life.

The events unfolding . . . require this kind of devotion and practice . . . in order to keep your (spiritual) God focused wits about you and so not be swept away in the diversions of violence and confusion and contention.

Thank you, friends and occasionally onlookers, for sharing your time and prayers, God blesses you,
b,t

-------------------------
Hebrews 2:5 "For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak."
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 "Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? . . . . Do you not know that we will judge angels"

While The Wicked Prosper, Be Grateful and Worship

2012-02-05T09:50:00.001-08:00

My how the wicked prosper . . . but not for much longer. Oh, a few will, the worst of the worst, but while they can run on for a time, dirty deeds eventually catch up and sacrifices, one way or another will be taken.

Do not despair, you who feel the weight, bear a cross . . . and are challenged time and time again. You who are lied on, excluded, shunned, maligned . . . or you who face constant struggle and seeming no relief, no break.

Why do the wicked prosper? Why do things often seem to "go their way"?

Well, for one thing, their faith is not challenged, because they have no faith. The devil has got them, and it is a terrible thing when the way is made easy so that they never feel the need to stop and question; never feel a need to pray.

Whereas, you who have thrown your lot in with the Lord will be tested, time and time again. He does not want to lose you, and knows that if things become comfortable, it is surer than anything that a person will become lax and drift into spiritual apathy.

He will put you through the fire because He loves you and recognizes your heart, your yearning to be made pure, whole . . . . He will burn away all that is worthless and vain.

The faithless are captured. They need not struggle to fight free, for they are comfortable in the arms of the fallen.

The disciple learns to be genuinely grateful for all that comes their way, good or bad.

This life is short. It is nothing but a test, a trial and the experience of being saved for the hereafter.

The fool only sees what is set before them in this limited, brief flash of material existence. But the older you get, the more you realize how quickly the pleasures of this world fade. Body and mind begin to fail, to collapse, turning back to dust, rot and decay.

The wise soul can see beyond this and yearns for something substantial which can defeat the destruction of time and material entropy. Life is too short and precious to be wasted on vain pursuits which, in the end, have no value in the eternal.

So, the disciple lives for God, Who is unchanging and Who is love forever.

So when you see the wicked prosper, partying, socializing, bragging, showing off, contending with each other, you have a heart that only feels pity and even some horror at their delusion and depraved condition. It becomes easy to even ignore the sleights and outright persecution because truly, they know not what they do and the horrific condition they are in--the future that lies before them when all is opened up and everyone is shown for what they truly are.

The devil doesn't bother much with those of whom he controls. Oh, one day, he will come and take his sacrifice, his payment. But until then, the wicked seemingly prosper . . . but only for a season. Then the reaping comes and he takes what's his.

While the Lord, Who loves His children dearly, tests and tries and fires and confronts and undermines, so that they can never become too comfortable in this testing state. With each new challenge and every sanctified suffering, the disciple knows that they are one step closer to entrance to the Kingdom and to that complete transformation which must occur whereby they shall be allowed within--verily into the presence of He Who created all!

Suffering becomes sanctified when, as it happens you rush straight to the Lord to find out what it is that needs to be broken in you--what you may need to let go, or what you may need to gain to move further into the state of grace, which is life within His will.
Suffering is wasted when all that results is self pity and complaint and a quick, vain effort to escape it, and God is not thought of at all.

Every affliction is a potential blessing, if you but take it as such. EVERY SINGLE ONE. Nothing is wasted on those who love truth and love God, as He is able and willing, that EVERYTHING shall work to the Good!
We all have an innate need and desire to worship . . .to WORSHIP!
There is only ONE Who is worshipful. Not money, not security, not strength, not fame, not intelligence, not beauty, not comfort, not health, and certainly not man constructed gods and supernatural spirits.

Worship . . . comes naturally . . . as we stand in awe . . . then kneel in awe, face down, because He is so immense, so wonderful, so incredible, so profound--simply mind blowing . . . that there is an I AM THAT I AM . . . Who has ALWAYS existed . . . and always will . . . and Whose being . . . is LOVE . . . and Who designed us in His image . . . goodness gracious! . . . You just gotta fall down and go "wow"! . . . and worship His wondrousness!

Remember . . . when trials and tests and challenge comes . . . to find that state of mind and heart . . . which sincerely, genuinely . . . goes to a place of gratitude and worship.

Then, the trials are not wasted . . . and the next one will take you deeper, closer . . . to Him . . . and this is how you move . . . how you live . . . and progress . . . along The Way . . . .

Exposing The Church of Relativity

2012-02-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

What is clearly happening . . . and is warned of in scripture, is an agenda of compromise hidden in a pretext of "unity". The mega churches and the elite thereof . . . know which way the winds are blowing, and they are blowing towards a consolidation of all religions into one, global, inoffensive "faith" allied (at the behest of) one global government. Wanting to curry favor with the "powers that be" . . . and take advantage of public/private/faith "initiatives . . . the mega pastors are led to de-emphasize and even OMIT altogether . . . the more difficult and controversial biblical teachings . . . in favor . . . of a pro-self, pro-pleasure, pro-world doctrine . . . which comes straight from the devil . . . .

And the insult--the BLASPHEMY--involved . . . and what makes it especially despicable . . . is the use of the Lord's name and the Word to promote it.

It was one thing, for hedonists and Luciferians and the worldly . . . to openly and un-apologetically disdain Jesus and biblical teachings . . . where they assert "do what thou wilt" blatantly and as a alternative world/life view . . . .

At least such . . . are honest about where they are coming from . . . .

But there is something profoundly and deeply offensive . . . when religious leaders . . . calling themselves Christian . . . followers of Christ . . . deliberately alter, obfuscate, pervert and promote a DIFFERENT Gospel . . . a DIFFERENT Jesus . . . .

And in these times, the effort to create a "new kind of Christianity" . . . through "convergence" and "dialogue" . . . is particularly ominous, where we know that there comes a day when TRUE followers of Jesus will be openly and officially persecuted, attacked . . . .

On December 29th, 2011 . . . looking ahead, getting a word perhaps on the coming year, I wrote, "change agents . . . are . . . kicking out the bible and Jesus. Charlatan wolves . . . are in cahoots with the globalists, to transform "Christianity" into a mushy feel good set of amorphous beliefs that can be fused into the coming one world religion. I can see that it is going to be bumped up a notch . . . in a big way . . . this coming year."

Within the last few days the term "change agent" has been used numerous times by prominent "watchmen" referring to Pastor James Macdonald and his "Elephant Room" event and results . . . also noting that what is happening appears to be a bold and deliberate move headed in the direction of "transforming" the "church" into something more palatable to the world.

Mormonism has been doing this for years, such that their current "church doctrine" bears little resemblance to what was taught by Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and the other early "prophets."

Yet, we know that God is unchanging and His Word is not to be added to, nor subtracted from.

It is not normally my inclination to wade into and on the side of the accusers of false doctrine . . . but I go where led and this has been brought before my attention to note . . . and I can tell that we are entering a critical phase of challenge, speaking to the authentic and sincere Body of Believers. And yes, we must use such terms as "authentic" and "correct", I'm afraid, going forward . . . .

It is nothing new, over time, this battle for the true understanding and acceptance of The Word versus a different doctrine--a different Jesus . . . but this is our time, so the battle is anew, plus we live in a time when so many end times revelations are seeming to be fulfilled and unfolding before our daily eyes.

And the whole color and tenor and stylings of the "new" take on Jesus . . . is shaping up to be built around RELATIVISM . . . emphasizing the SUBJECTIVE interpretation of scriptural meaning/truth.

I have been and continue to be supportive of a strong inclusion of subjectivity as a natural part of the spiritual experience . . . but always, and only so far as it doesn't offend or contradict biblical doctrine. It must be checked against The Word and The Word has final say.

But where these guys are going--the mega church, purpose drivel, law of attraction, word of faith-prosperity, love yourself, EMERGING boys of no absolutes . . . is downright Satanic. This is what violent, Godless, individual-hating COMMUNISM is based on . . . and they are brothers--this "new" church and political communist global dictatorship!

They will attack and eventually, I believe even OUTLAW in effect, anyone and any teaching which purports to be "correct" . . . "authentic" . . . "absolute" . . . "true". The "TRUTH" WILL BE OUTLAWED, I predict, though the attacks and laws against it will be couched in all manner of Madison-Avenue, focus-group tested JARGON and now, I can see, even with the jargon of the "new emerging Christian church".

The outrage, and why these wolves-in-sheep's-clothing provoke such a strong revulsion and visceral feeling of defensiveness . . . is because of the great numbers of people they are able to sway and corrupt--and all in the Lord's name! These leaders bear a greater responsibility, and woe to them, He has said, when they come in His name and lead the people to spiritual ruin!

This is why we cannot and are commanded not to be silent when the L.D.S. church aggressively promotes itself, condemning all other churches as false, claiming to be teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They call themselves Christian, but the earnest seeker must know that they are not. Everybody DOES NOT get to have their own truth!

There is one TRUTH, and if you are a believer and follower of Jesus, you are bound to proclaim it, though the whole world comes against you. It is a trick of the devil to shut you up when he says, "Everybody thinks they have the truth. Who are YOU to claim to have and know 'the truth'"?

If you are sincere and honestly seek the Truth . . . "knocking on His door" . . . He will eventually open the door and you will arrive at the Truth. Along they way, you may be mistaken at times, and have thought that you found it . . . only to be led to a higher and deeper and understanding of the Truth . . . but at last, "precept upon precept" . . . you come to Jesus, and the Spirit of Truth is born with you into a new birth--the AUTHENTIC new birth.

The devil's trick in this time is to so confuse and twist peoples' minds into mazes of relativistic thinking (ie., "who am I-who are you, to say what is true or not?") that no one dares stand up FOR the Truth, afraid to be called an "extremist", a "fanatic" . . . and then the whole field of harvest is just left to the charlatans and wolves to make dinner of a broad sweep of souls . . . .

While it is OUR charge--the Great Commission--to reach the world, make disciples, and teach them to obey what He has commanded.

Honestly, we don't have leisure to "live and let live" where this is concerned . . . .

If there is one thing that is not in danger of being overly exercised . . . it is COURAGE in the Body of Believers to stand and fight for, and promote . . . the saving Truth and freedom found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Savior of Mankind!

In love and concern,
your brother on the field,
thomas

[from left to right, top to bottom: Rick Warren & Barry Soetoro, Rick Furtick, James Mcdonald and the Elephant Room mega pastors, Pastor Eddie Long]

Wolves Forming "Unity" Packs

2012-02-03T07:58:00.000-08:00

The year of the termites . . . charlatans, wolves and Satan's little helpers . . . is underway full blast and seducing many. Lured by fame, fortune, power and position . . . some of the biggest names in "Christian outreach" . . . are falling to the demonic scythe.

http://www.theelephantroom.com/about/
The "Elephant Room" . . ."unity" CONfab . . . hosted by James Mcdonald purports that the:

"best way forward for the followers of Jesus lies not in crouching behind walls of disagreement but in conversation among all kinds of leaders . . . .To advance Christ’s call to unity we must do what men have always done, we must push and prod and challenge and sharpen each other’s beliefs and methods."

When Chris Rosebrough, (fightingforthefaith.com) acting as journalist registered and sought to attend "The Elephant Room" gathering . . . because it was news that T.D. Jakes was going to announce conversion to Trinitarianism . . . well . . .he was met by heavy handed security who barred his entry and threated to have him arrested, chasing him of the property. So much for not "crouching behind walls of disagreement" . . . .

http://groupsects.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/elephant-room-2-fallout/
Right about this time controversial (ahem, to say the least) pastor Eddie Long was being crowned "king" in a bizarre ceremony led by Rabbi Ralph Messer . . .

http://www.thegrio.com/news/eddie-long-crowned-king-new-birth-criticized-for-ceremony-that-went-viral.php

Joel Osteen . . . . Steve Furtick (American Idol wannabe) and the rest of the "prosperity", "purpose/money-driven". . . "law of attraction" . . . wolves are circling the sheep in a big way . . . .
There will be some startling unholy alliances un-masked . . . as Mitt Romney's "Christianity" becomes mainstream news fodder . . . .

I agree with John MacArthur on this matter . . . we have agents of Satan . . . many coming in His name....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDuDN2FtrIo

Where To Be

2012-02-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

And I learned that love is different in strength. Whoever fears God in order not to insult Him: this is the first kind of love. Whoever has a mind clear of unnecessary thought — this is the second form of love, greater than the first. Whoever feels the presence of grace in his soul — this is the third form of love, even greater.
The fourth, absolute, love for God is to have grace in your body as well as your soul.

The love of God is greater than that bodily love that attracts the entire world, except those who have the grace of God in full, for the sweetness of the Holy Spirit recreates the entire person and teaches to love God completely. In the fullness of the love of God, the soul does not touch the earth; though one may live among others in the world, he forgets all in the world thanks to the love of God. Our misfortune is that we are too proud to stand in that grace, and it leaves our souls, and the soul searches for it, crying and weeping, and says, "My soul pines for the Lord."

Whoever wishes to love the Lord must love his enemies and be without spite; then the Lord will give you to glorify Him day and night, and your mind will forget the world; and if it should return and remember, then it will pray diligently for the world.
This is how the saints lived, for the Spirit of God taught their souls to pray for others.

Whoever has not felt grace cannot know what it is to desire it. Most people have become attached to the worldly, and they cannot understand that nothing worldly could ever take the place of the Holy Spirit. The Lord takes His grace from the soul and in this manner mercifully and wisely teaches it to be humble, for it was for the soul that He spread His arms on the Cross with such great suffering. He gives the soul the ability to struggle against our enemies, but the soul by itself is powerless to achieve victory; for this reason it is said, "Ask, and ye shall receive." And if we do not ask, then we but torment and rob ourselves of the grace of the Holy Spirit, without which the soul remains confused, because it cannot see the will of God.

The Lord loves people, but sends them sorrows, so that they can understand their weakness and be humbled, and for their humility they can accept the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit all is good, all is joyous, all is wonderful.
One might suffer greatly from poverty and ill-health, yet not be humbled: and so suffer in vain. But whoever is humbled is happy with any fate because the Lord is his wealth and joy, and all people will be amazed at the beauty of his soul.
Elder Siluan

Stepping Aside for the Lord of the Universe

2012-01-31T07:38:00.000-08:00

Two things continue and deepen--seemingly two sides of the same coin--the longer and more intensely I seek and follow the Lord.

One, is this business of the "dressing down"; though that is not really an apt description as there is not really an anger and chastisement to it, at least not repeatedly. Yes, in the first one--which lasted hours and was a turning point in my life--a rebirth . . . there was a bit of the reproach in it; a tough-love directness, firm, no frills . . . .

But, as in the present cases, it is not like He is scolding or punishing; rather, He just shows you how you really are and there is a natural feeling of shame and humility and feeling of reproof . . . which automatically follows and is a healthy part of breaking, humbling experience . . . . There is no need to wallow in this or over blow it, which is usually just a form of more self-indulgence, believe it or not even a sometimes veiled attachment to subtle psycho-sexual masochism . . . . .

Instead, you should find yourself duly "chastised" by the simple observation of the truth of things (as opposed to the stories you tell yourself) . . . sweet humility and awareness of our fallen, sinful, broke nature . . . and utter need for a Savior . . . . And this all leads (unless you selfishly cling to self loathing, self hatred, masochistic self judging and self pummeling) . . . to the OTHER side of the coin mentioned above:

-----
The other thing that "continue(s) and deepens" . . . is the increasingly holy craving, yearning, motivation, longing etc., to be closer to the Lord and all related to the Father. Not of any prideful feeling of exclusivity, but from the literal transformation of one's nature going on, you find a growing innate aversion to things of the flesh, of the world, of the wicked and perverse. You can't get enough of God, of Jesus, of the Word, of preaching and teaching and especially, opportunities to SERVE and be a blessing to others.

More and more, like a breaking, blazing sun coming over the horizon, lighting every thing under its face, you can see the light that is holy God, Who is love, and you joy in the singeing and burning off of all your old parts, made of the "old man" . . . and the first tastes of legitimate Christ-like compassion and self sacrifice gently, but surely and steadily begin to sprout . . . sacred sprigs . . . in your soul . . . something new--a new creature.

I am ever more grateful . . . that He is a God of the weak, the broken, the defeated, the lost, the poor, the sick, the wretched . . . .
Realizing my complete and total need . . . for Him . . . toss the dead body on the wagon, all that's left is faith, which is there . . . a sprout . . . but faith says it will grow . . . and grow . . . and is . . . bound to be of the very power, beauty, perfection, love, knowledge, peace . . . of God, the Creator and King of the Universe . . . .

The world, looking back, is a laughable, shabby substitution . . . for the destiny of those, who lose their lives in, and for the Lord of the Universe . . . .
(ps,thanx bro for shout out,talk to you soon)

Birds, sticks, a path and dreams...

2012-01-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

Me, on the path . . . .
Jackson, my youngest son just sent me this--a pic he took last summer/fall when he and I and Isaac went exploring and shooting pellet guns, in the semi-mysterious foothills by our house that I mention sometimes.

This pic below is of a cute little owl named Archie. He is small enough to sit in a hand, scruffy and with strange milky-opaque blue-pearlescent eyes (because of having cataracts . . . so he doesn't see too well).

Alexander, my oldest (27) is a falconer, among other things :) and recently caught a new bird--a Kestrel named Pika and the local falconer association folk got together for a (bird) beauty contest of sorts--and Al's mentor/falconry master brought 8 or so of his birds, Archie being one of them; he specializes in taking in and caring for birds with challenges, like this one with the eye problems . . . and they were all so cute and smart and beautiful. There were hawks and owls and kestrels and even a golden eagle on show. We dropped by to check it out.
This is a photo of a barn owl (sorry so small, using my cell phone:) . . . .

But it looked just like this:

The barn owl's are very unusual looking--they have a sort of human like face and spooky demeanor I think . . . .

Anyway, it was fun to see the birds and it is amazing how smart they are. When Al got Pika and brought it up to our home, it was only a day or so out of the wild. It hissed and hopped around on its tether, or it would play dead, like they do, where they just spread their wings out and drop on their back and lay there, not moving . . . .

But within a week or so, Al has the bird sitting on his hand, eating from his fingers and will fly away and come back, guided by a whistle or a piece of meat. The markings on the feathers are so enchanting, like those of other birds and butterflies--I love to see God's handiwork and design up close . . . .

This is a Kestrel:

Treated with respect and love and care, most animals quite like the company of humans, and we were meant to mingle and share company . . . . "Beastmaster" . . . is included in the design (of "mankind"), and we thoroughly enjoy and are impressed with son "Xander's" abilities and interest in falconry. It is all regulated by the state, though not yet so draconianly so that no one can get into it . . . and thank goodness there are people who are inspired to such hobbies and crafts, as it is mostly because of these (NOT the self-important "environmentalist" "Maria-Moonbeam" types) that there is conservation, protection, and attention given to the actual, realistic habitats and proper and necessary sometimes culling which ultimately PRESERVES and maintains the balance between species.

--------------
After the bird play, I took Isaac with me for some alone time. He really needs to get out of the house more and get some physical activity going . . . so . . . we took a couple of Bokken's and Shinai to the big city park and went over some Kendo forms.

A Bokken is a Japanese wooden sword used for training, like this:

The Shinai are bamboo and leather and mostly used in the Kendo training as well:

Fairly quickly, we both wanted to spar "Fjording" style and got in a good hour of clacking, slashing, striking, though with the Bokken's . . . they are a bit too heavy and hard to use in classic "Fjording" "battle" (where body strikes are inevitable--indeed intended.)
[For those new to this, "Fjording" is a kind of stick fighting art I developed in high school and have continued teaching others, especially my boys and some of their friends over the years. It involves, briefly, the seeking out of the "perfect" stick . . . testing it . . . on dead but still attached tree branches, and then "sword fighting" . . . somewhat "Kendo" style . . . each other, though with no pads, no gloves . . . usually in the mountains (hopefully accompanied by "dog and biscuit"--"Fjorder fare" cooked over a small camp fire). Some of you, in fact, are fortunate to own authentic "KTL series" Fjording sticks I made a couple of years ago . . . .

Anyway . . . we both were yearning for a real, traditional "Fjord" . . . and, "Hobbitlands" being nearby . . . we went there to walk the trails and regale with the old stories and legends of the classic Fjorder era--Hobbitlands being one of the famed locale's where many great battles were fought--and some of the most renowned Fjording sticks were found.

It was a cool to crisp, slightly overcast afternoon . . . the trails frozen and icy with some snow and mud in places . . . . A creek runs at the bottom of the ravine. "Hobbitlands" is a small little "park" of sorts in the middle of an old neighborhood on the "east bench" . . . and nowadays, too often crowded with people and couples walking their dogs . . . . But back in the day it was more wild--the trails un-tended . . . no fencing or signs . . . and pretty much a free run amongst the old trees and creek and scrub oak . . . maybe a quarter of a mile long . . . . And conveniently close to the high school where we were able to slip out occasionally, ahem, for exercise . . . and beer . . . :)

I took Isaac to "Last Battle Bridge" . . . where . . . I had the last duel with my best friend "Jeff" that would ever occur among the "Founding Fjorders" . . . . In fact, Angie . . . known to some here . . . has "Old Standard No.2" . . . the very stick/sword I used in that last skirmish!

Though it was difficult to do any proper "questing" for good sticks, because of all the foot traffic ( concern for people being alarmed that two long-haired, scruffy looking dudes climbing "off the trail" and "breaking branches") . . . we did manage to find two nice pieces and had a quick contest atop one of the stone battlements, er, monuments there at the head of the river where it comes out from under the street.

It was nicely melancholy . . . the memories . . . from a time that seems both, like another life, and also, just not that long ago . . . . The simple fun, the strength and daring of youth--the good luck accompanying youthful foolishness (as in, someone really COULD have put an eye doing all that we did!) . . . . Hobbits, "gimlets" . . . listening to Yes, Kansas . . . reading Tolkien, Gor, Conan . . . fantasy novels . . . writing poetry for girls who would never see it . . . playing guitars, writing songs by camp fire, or alone in dim, sunset shafted bedroom . . . expecting some day to "make it" . . . drawing . . . dreaming . . . driving . . . . And lots of talk and thought and reading about God--always . . . . Big philosophical and mystical discussions, sitting on the side of a mountain overlooking the gray city . . . or around a table in the kitchen at some rich kid's party in "Federal Heights" . . . .

I still sometimes dream, if you could call it that, though it's more like a "flash fantasy" . . . brief, with no expectation that it will actually happen, though not quite totally shutting the door on the possibility . . . . Ie., I travel . . . am invited . . . to teach Fjording to little groups of people, or even individuals--we find some woods or mountains or nature to trek around in . . . . And consult and talk about God--psycho-spirituality--the realm of the "noetic" . . . being a bit of a specialty and/or longtime area of study and interest of mine . . . . fjord and train and talk preparations, inner and outer and such . . . .
If I could ride in on a horse, that would be even better, lol . . . but . . . well . . . who knows . . . .

God bless
b,t

To Be Spat Out, Do Nothing

2012-01-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

Back in the olden days . . . inspired, on (holy) fire missionaries would risk deprivations, disease, torture, death . . . going into the pagan and heathen lands to teach about the Love of God and the saving mission of the Son of God. In most cases the natives were shocked and disbelieving that there could be such a God--ONE God Who wanted people to love one another, show compassion and mercy, where they were use to living under onerous superstitions and forever seeking appeasement or bribing of spirits and cruelty was considered a normal and acceptable part of every day life of survival.

The brave and selfless missionaries were driven to save souls and spread the light and life of the Gospel and many were martyred for the cause.

And often it would happen that these men and women of God would delve deep into wild territories, without speaking the native languages, yet somehow be able to teach the basics of Christ's life and mission, making a few converts . . . but then, if they died or left the area, just like the jungle creeps back over a made clearing, the darkness of magic, witchcraft, superstition, multiple gods . . . would return . . . .

For it takes a determined and incessant focus of energy to remain close to, or on The Way. There is an entropy of The World, like the wild jungle, which is constantly wanting to settle to a darkened, sinful state; which is the curse of death . . . and unless a soul makes earnest, regular effort to harbor the supernatural light and life of the living God, then nothing is more sure than that person will start falling again into old ways and a stultifying inertia of Spirit.

Making an effort . . . to stay in the Spirit . . . is part of the human experience in coming to know God. It is not a good sign . . . if, having supposedly found the truth, you then just fall back to your old self--nothing changes, and all you do is busy your time and thought with the things of the flesh, though claiming belief.

I am in sympathy with the Orthodox--the long tradition, shown and explained in the Bible--in admiring and honoring the saints and missionaries through the ages into today . . . who have renounced position, wealth, comfort, all for the preaching and exemplifying of the Gospel. Of course, we do not worship men and women, and I only pray to God; but I warmly recognize and gain insight and light by observing and studying how GOD has worked through His people--His called and devoted servants in this fallen realm!

It is the LORD working THROUGH such venerable men and women . . . that I admire and not a day goes by where it is not found meet (and found spiritual MEAT) to read of their lives and missions, whether recorded in scripture or elsewhere--the SPIRIT giving the discernment to recognize their legitimacy--where the Lord's anointing displays . . . .

A lackadaisical . . . bored . . . lazy . . . inert . . . mechanical . . . rote . . . dry . . . dull . . . apathetic . . . indifferent . . . effort to know and live the truth . . . just won't cut it. Myself, I abhor that state of life and know that God does too, for He says either be hot or cold. The lukewarm . . . He will not entertain nor tolerate. Such will be spat out.

What is an example of lukewarm in this case? Someone who says, "I don't really feel anything--I can't feel the Spirit . . . " and then they shrug and just go back to their (worldly) business. Many so-called "believers" do this.
Whereas . . . the other type says, ""I don't really feel anything--I can't feel the Spirit . . . " but then refuses to accept this situation. They strive, struggle, study, pray, cry, plead and may even try false and dangerous OTHER paths--ANYTHING . . . if need to be . . . to find and know and feel something beyond the merely mundane and physical-survival-based. We have little else we can offer, but to make effort--make some exertion CONSISTENTLY in the direction of learning, realizing . . . the truth--the purpose of this life. If you know or believe it is GOD . . . then regularly . . . you will be showing this by consistent effort in study, prayer, fellowship, support, preaching, teaching, thinking, acting . . . on and about God and those who have come and gone and remain who are likewise so devoted . . . . .

Otherwise, to be spat out, do nothing . . . .

And amazingly, besides . . . just living the way of the world (which equals doing nothing, in God's eyes) there are even religions you can join where "doing nothing" is the supreme goal . . . . !

But this is not the Gospel Way. The Way is a vibrant, enthusiastic, energetic, busy . . . route . . . .

Scraps and Shreds . . . .

2012-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

This is already developing as a rather unusual sort of year. Well, the weather is for one thing is certainly odd. We have had maybe one or two normal type winter storms, and even those were not much; otherwise it has been strangely warm and mostly rainy. We can't recall a winter quite like this. It's been more like a long early spring, averaging in the 40s and even 50s to 60 Fahrenheit temps, where it should be in the 20s, teens and lower to around 0 degrees . . . .

Work wise, it's also been quite unusual. I had a job at the end of December--transforming one of my long time clients' little home office . . . where it was all a dated, dark green . . . the walls, trim, book shelves ... green, green, green . . . and he wanted it to look like natural wood grain . . . so got to use my nifty graining tools and masterly techniques :) to paint over it all . . . and make it look like ... a nice, warm, knotty pine--everything, the shelves, window frames, panes, walls . . . .

But then . . . nothing. I had a nervous premonition before the start of the year that it might be different, and so far it is . . . exceptionally "quiet". It's not unusual that there is a lull after Christmas work-wise but this has a different more ominous feel to it . . . . Hopefully, it will pick up soon. Meanwhile, I have been utilizing the time helping my mother get organized and paired down. She is a bit of a hoarder--a sentimentalist, heh, who saves things like newspaper clippings and notes and receipts and cards and anything related to her long lost dreams and goals and plans ... though, she has MS and fybromyalgia and various other physical ailments, complications . . . dwindling funds . . lives alone . . and needs help to get organized into a more realistic situation . . . and move into a more sustainable scenario.... So I've been going through her piles of stuff, tossing out and shredding and honing ....

In the midst of that, I came across a key-like thing, which looked old, tarnished, and had was engraved with initials I didn't recognize. I said, "what's this?" . . . . "Aha!" she exclaimed, "we were just talking about that the other day--they asked if I'd lost it." (she and her sisters) . . . .

Turns out it is Mitt Romney's father's toothpaste tube winder! George Romney's! I've mentioned before I once had a white cowboy hat of his (George's) with his name embossed inside, I use to wear when I was about 13 and 14 years old .. especially when I played gigs as the keyboardist in a mostly black/mixed-race funk band in Davis, California . . . . You see, we lived for a time in a house that George Romney once owned and some campaign posters and a few odds and ends they just left behind when we moved in.

I wish I still had that hat--it was a perfect fit and I dug it . . . . but alas . . . the toothpaste tube lives! ....lol ... .kinda funny and odd somehow . . . considering the current silly political season . . . .

Re . . . the race . . . I wouldn't be too surprised if Newt managed to pull it off . . . . Too many people are waking up to the threat of Barry and I know "they" are in a hurry to collapse things . . . so, it might be better for them to (as I've suggested before) bring in a "right winger" . . . to ignite chaos, tumult, riot etc., and thus have the pretext for heavy handed clamp down . . . . . Mitt is too similar to the Liar in Chief--though he still could be a catalyst for mayhem . . . but Newt is the perfect foil, with all his loose cannon qualities and tendency to grandiosity and love of friction and conflict . . . .

I just think "they" would rather have the left going nuts against a "right winger" . . . rather than the "right", ie., "tea party" going against the Manchurian Barry . . . because, though there would be a few "patriot" types who might do some limited damage here and there . . . the left wing, with the Occupy troops in place . . . are much more apt on a larger scale to go berserk. The so-called "right wing" . . . ie., "tea party" types . . . tend to be polite, orderly, respectful, older, peace-loving and wanting not a whole new system, but restoration of traditional principles and such . . . whereas the lefties are primed and ready for anarchy--to bring the whole thing down . . . . WHICH is what the globalists want also. So, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Newtster win . . . but with controversy . . . not a clear victory . . . recounts and the like . . . a mess . . . then "forced through" . . . followed by riot ....

Though, I must admit, there seems to be a blanket over it all . . . this year and after . . . is unusually murky . . . hard to discern--I suspect a cloaking mechanism of some sort ..... on some "level" . . . .

At the same time, the stunning acquiescence to the interloper's blatantly Marxist propaganda and policies may lead the cabal to ramrod through another 4 years and rather undramatically tie up all the few remaining loose ends . . . . (This, btw, would be the creepiest and most disheartening trajectory of all, imho...)

:) God blesses you one and all

Stalinists Invade Oceanside Community

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't had this sort of dream since the last one I mentioned where the Chinese were sieging some city and the people were giving and taking classes on how to properly surrender . . . .

In this one, the people were also disappointing in their response but in a slightly different way, though just as ineffectual.

It happened near the coast--west coast--where I was visiting some small community with a friend. The place was perched on a small cliff next to the ocean and rather steep and rugged hills ran up and away from the main community, though there were also enclaves there too, in the canyons. Horse corrals and livestock were in abundance and this seemed to be an important part of their lifestyle and livelihood.

Anyway, word came that a motley crew of invaders had landed ashore, in soldier garb, just below the main ranch house where I was visiting. Alarmed, I went to investigate and snuck out to a ledge where I could see the invaders gathering below. A Stalin-like character was leading them and I knew them to be Russians. They were not an official looking bunch, except for the main character, but seemed to be a hastily collected bunch made of ruffians and mercenaries.

I was able to watch and listen, hidden from view, as they consolidated their landing and made plans to strike the area.

I quietly left and got an acquaintance from the village folk to come see what I was seeing. We snuck up again and watched for a time and then this fellow with me, as we were leaving, threw a rock down amongst the Russians. I was very angry with him, telling him that this was foolish and now our presence would be known and we would no longer be able to use that spying location.

It was evening. I Returned to the main house area and people were anxiously gathered and milling about, approximately 20-30 men and women. I was eager to get them organized and began reporting what I had seen--the landed foreign force, its location and numbers--and started to find a few other leaders to whom I could assign tasks and objectives to prepare for the inland invasion of the homestead area.

I received some immediate positive response to my plans but then there was some conflict and it seemed no one was really taking the situation seriously.

"What is going on here?" I asked one of the men who appeared to be of leadership caliber. "Why is no one taking this seriously? Do you not realize they are here, just below and will likely attack tonight or in the morning. We must get prepared, set up sentries, defensive bulwarks--."

The man sort of nodded, "yeah, yeah" . . . but he was distracted and continued with the others just milling about, taking no action other than breaking up into little sub-groups and talking nervously.

Exasperated at the lack of response and growing increasingly concerned about the situation I went to another person, the woman who owned this particular ranch and said, "We have got to put a meeting together, a council, quickly. Let's meet now, the leaders here, to develop a plan of action."

There was some chagrin at this and some mild resentment at me trying to take a leadership role. Then someone told me that they had already had a sort of meeting . . . and it became clear to me that these people were not going to coalesce into an organized unit, but remain in little cliques, each doing their own thing in response . . . and this, I knew, spelt doom, as the invaders focused and cohesive brigade would easily blow through the farm house community.

So, I decided to go lone wolf. I looked up the canyon, into the hills and figured I would go there and try to hide, maybe find a cave or some other place to wait out the Russians, assuming they would eventually leave the area, moving inland.

I saw smoke up the trail--a camp fire and as I approached found myself among another small community, gathered in a large tented area, with horse corrals to the side. My friend had decided to come with me as he also saw the people were not preparing well.

A man appeared when I came to the new hillside group and I asked if he knew what was happening below. He said yes but added there wasn't much to be done about it. Again I was disheartened and implored him to start organizing a resistance and he basically shrugged me off saying he and they were busy with a horse show of some kind. I reiterated to him that I thought this was foolish to be so engaged and again he waved me off saying that it probably wouldn't be that bad and that he and his people there were ready to accept whatever resulted from the invading force.

So, I decided to get away from them and fast . . . to go further up into the hills and find a hideout. I looked down the canyon and was alarmed to see that the invaders had not waited until nighttime or morning to assault but were making their strike now! They had already overrun the ranch house community and were filing up the canyon towards us. I bolted . . . and that was the end of it . . . .

Two major factors especially struck me as I thought about this dream upon waking. One, was how nonchalant the people were and their insistence on each little group doing its own thing, and none of them too seriously. The "Stalinists", focused and taking the initiative, easily cut through and subdued them.

And, from the invaders' perspective, it was good strategy to attack at once before any resistance COULD be organized, even if the people had done so . . . .

And too, I suppose the uphill folk being so distracted by their hobbies and personal interests (the horse show) that they were unable to perceive or care about the soon-to-be attack and takeover.

I think . . . a likely scenario . . . extrapolated . . . overall . . . .

Everlasting Freedom In The Perfect Engineer

2012-01-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

To the unbeliever . . . .

The day of slavery to works is over. No more need you work and work and struggle to make yourself worthy to receive the God of Love. For now, you toil . . . with offerings, spells, and rule following to connive your way into the Kingdom, to safety. Ultimately, you seek safety from death, as this is your greatest fear, above all. Striving constantly for righteousness and good works you seek to vie your way into heaven, ruled by fear of failure. But this is not The Way.

God loves you and He wants you to be happy. However, your happiness cannot be won outside of the reality of the Living God. So, in order to exist . . . to obviate (make null) death you simply must be in line with the I AM THAT I AM.

Nothing can live outside of Him.

It thus pleases the Lord when you follow His directions so that He can save you from eternal death.

Now, you seek to craft your self and life into something worthy of His love, as though God will be impressed . . . by your social standing and air of importance, or by intelligence--theories and plans; or, by becoming an ascetic, showing self-discipline; or through spiritual exercises or attending church.

Or, perhaps you wish to allure God's grace through self flagellation--through denial of self and self-loathing, penance, hatred of life and shunning of enjoyment . . . .

Fundamentally, through one way or another, you work to win God's favor and grace, as though it depends on your own continual efforts to be acceptable in His eyes.

But this is impossible.

The world . . . and all in it . . . are fallen. And there is no way a creature wrought of such, can, in that state, be pleasing to God. For it goes completely against His nature. He is Light, and the darkness of corruption cannot remain in His presence.
So, here is the Good News.

The Creator Himself came into His own creation to show The Way. And He made it so simple, that even a child can do it, a means by which we can be saved from eternal death AND be restored whole and righteous to live in the Kingdom forever!

The question is: whether to believe in this or not?

The God of Love puts away all your superstitions; all your vain works and attempting to connive your way into Heaven.

Since He came and died and took on the responsibility for the world and all its fallen, now there is just to believe . . . or not . . . whether this is so.

In Believing that Jesus is the Son of God--God in the flesh, here to show The Way--all good things will follow. Once you Believe in Him, it becomes perfectly natural to want to please Him; and then, your works are pleasing.

But WITHOUT Belief in Him, all your efforts are meaningless. Every worthy thing you do . . . is for naught, as it is done without reference.

HE is not in it.

It must die. Because He is the great I AM, and all attempts outside of Him are doomed to failure.

Thus, among the unbelieving an overriding fear of death lurks, which steals joy, and makes slaves who toil away at continual self-related works and efforts, "hoping for the best" as the only consolation.

However, God the Father so loves the world . . . that He made a Way whereby we can escape the sentence of death and all unnecessary strivings and confusion and worry.

God loves you and wants you to leave the world of superstition, of appeasing gods, of fear . . . and He is so generous and merciful that He sent a Saviour into the world, to draw all those unto Him who Believe on His Holy Name, in unity, ONE with the Spirit and Love of God, beginning NOW--TODAY; and going on into all eternity.

Come into the grace of the Lord. When you do, there is no more past and no more future. No longer need you fret about the past, what you have done, not done . . . and neither will you pine for the future, worrying about things to come, or yearning as to how they should be. But, TODAY is the day of the Lord. You live in the eternal present, where I AM has His being. And it is here . . . where you can talk to the Lord and receive instruction, and simply live the day devoted to His cause and being.

Here is a freedom, unlike any other, for this freedom is holy, pure . . . .

This is not license to flaunt God's commandments and do what thou wilt. As that kind of freedom is devoid of sacredness--cannot stand, because it is detached from God and God's pleasure and is against His will.

Meanwhile, there is a freedom which is found in simply Believing in the Lord and handing your life over to Him--the past, the future. You no longer feel the shackles of adherence to self improvement . . . or suffer the vain, constantly frustrated, hopes of working your way to God.

As a result of sincerely and earnestly Believing in Him, it follows like day comes after night . . . that you, by focusing on Him, will cheerfully want to please Him. Not out of fear or worry over self, but by sheer love and gratitude at His most merciful gift--the opportunity of life eternal! Believing in Him you realize that He is Love and only wants THE BEST for your soul, your being, all in all. In simply, but profoundly, LOVING HIM, and then, in loving others, is found the one and holy secret to assuring that this life is wholly and completely successful! For there is no other purpose, at this time, on this one holy day, but to seek oneness with God and to become one in Spirit and purpose. From here, all will be blessed that you do. He is the Master and Perfect Engineer Who is able to make ALL THINGS work together for GOOD, for those who love God.

This is the first commandment, by which ALL is ordered to perfection.

Come out of the darkness and in to the Light. Come into the rest--into the comfort and guidance and supreme advocacy of the Lord of Light--He Who created it.

You can be free from the rule of others in the spirit; free from slavishness to works and routine; protected from and freed from all the realm of the dark entities who delight in misfortune, pain and destruction.

Once you are His, then all providence is bent on your behalf. The King will not allow that a single ONE of His children, seeking His Face shall be lost to the horde of darkness. And by loving Him and Believing in Him, His Light begins to fill your space, so that, eventually NO creature or tendency of the shadows, of darkness and sin, can remain.

Trusting in Him--by having faith--it is as good as done, your final birth into a new creature. For He has promised it, and though you may yet be subject to the vicissitudes of existence in a fallen and corrupt world, nonetheless, in His due and holy time, He has ordered it that you will attain perfection, to be as ONE with the Triune Deity . . . one in Spirit, one with the Lord, Jesus Christ, and one with the Father of all.

Now, your life is to be lived with profound gratitude and thanksgiving, joy and lightheartedness, where even suffering is made sweet, knowing that EVERYTHING is working to the good, once you love God.

Come into the peace,
Come into the rest
Into true and everlasting freedom. . . .
Believe

Ancient Treaures Abound

2012-01-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is pic of the jaw of a "red haired giant" compared to a normal modern adult's. This relic is in the Winnemucca Nevada museum. Many have heard about this extraordinary find of the "red haired giant" skeletons found in a cave nearby in Lovelock Nevada. The Paiute Indians told early pioneer immigrants their stories of once fighting the "white red haired giants" who were already living in the area when the Indians arrived. This is the story that many have heard about the Indians cornering the giants in a cave killing them by lighting a fire at the entrance and smoking them to death and shooting with arrows any who tried to escape. According to the Paiutes the giants were up to 12 feet tall!

In 1911 a fertilizer company "mined" the cave for it's lucrative and abundant bat guano. It was then that they found the mummified skeletons of two of the giants, one, a woman 6 and a half feet tall--the man over 8 feet tall! There were also lots of arrows and other artifacts found corroborating the Indians' tale.

I just love this story and it is somewhat related to the book I am writing.

The history of this North American continent is so much more fascinating and wondrous than what the establishment allows to be dribbled out . . . it is such a shame. Can you imagine the interest that could be fired in children if they were taught proper history compared to the relatively dry, dull, evolutionary dirge they use currently . . . to smother a youth's eager, native intelligence and curiosity?

Anyway, I am more focused on the ancients in my more immediate location, here in Utah . . . and, like everywhere it seems, we have a slew of intriguing reports and finds in the back country, tending to corroborate that . . . many different races and cultures have traipsed about this land, interacting with each other . . . possessing technologies and arts and sciences at times highly "advanced". But, because this does not fit into the (mythical) evolutionary propaganda of the day, which wants to portray man as an ape who, slowly . . . incrementally . . . "developed" . . . "evolved" . . . on an "upward" trajectory toward "civilization" . . . well . . . these fantastic discoveries must be hidden, re-buried, destroyed . . . .

Of course we have to be careful of hoaxes, and there are plenty, but the abundance of artifacts witnessed and genuinely tested . . . overall . . . show quite clearly that ancient humans of all races traveled and traded extensively throughout the world . . . and here in North America.

Here is a sword found by a Ute Indian in a mound in Eastern Utah . . . .

And many ancient metal plates with writing have been found buried in mounds and caves throughout this region . . . such as these . . . .

Giant mummies, copper crowns and armor have also been unearthed here . . . and in various places across the continent.

Combined with the trustworthy and continually verified ancient records and reports found in the bible . . . we have an incredibly exciting story of humanity unfolding . . . which, as it is revealed, results finally . . . in glory to God . . . . The diversity . . . the heroes and heroines . . . the art and ingenuity . . . courage . . . resilience . . . found in this creature, created in His image . . . I find most fascinating!

-----------------------------
http://www.ancienttreasurehunter.com/acontent/

http://www.treasurecenter.com/

Ere The Pernicious Creepers . . . .

2012-01-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

More on the novice vs. veteran. And by "veteran" I don't mean an expert or even someone necessary advanced. I simply refer to a person who has been in the walk for a little while versus the babe to whom the experience is new.

You learn a few things over time. Similar sign posts and challenges and tendencies happen to most nearly every one.

One of the immediate mistakes is to develop a subtle spiritual pride, usually attached to growing legalism. Followed by a tendency to become overly critical and judgmental of others. Once having "seen the Light" . . . and the world and it's corruption become ever more clear, it is easy to fall into a subtle feeling of superiority over those who remain in ignorance. And to be overtly critical of, and to, them. But alas, nothing turns people away faster from the Gospel than some preachy know-it-all, condemning and criticizing, blasting away, insensitive to the other's levels and limits of understanding.

A fairly quick cure to this typical mistake is to remember how it wasn't so long ago when you too were ignorant and misguided. One can also recall the--though sometimes unintended--hurt and trouble we ourselves caused others when . . . we were in the clutches of our own self delusions.

So, now when we come across someone who is clueless and wreaking havoc, because they are so lost and unknowingly confused, we have humility and extended tolerance and compassion, knowing that we too have been in such a condition, and there, but for the grace and mercy of God, we would still be.

Legalism . . . and spiritual pride usually slip in . . . when, we start to become changed ourselves by the Lord--our habits, our inclinations, our weaknesses, faults etc., start to be corrected . . . . Some sins and flaws actually start slipping away--bothering us no longer like they did before, because He is transforming us, usually slowly, but surely . . . step by step . . . . And we find that we are becoming a different person--a changed creature. Then, there is a temptation to look at others' bad habits and flaws and believe that it is because we are following certain rules and self disciplines . . . that we are growing, changing spiritually. Some then want to start enforcing these rule and laws and demands on others, making them feel guilty if they don't . . . forgetting it is only the God's grace and the Lord's salvific mission which is saving us . . . and then, too, a subtle, hidden feeling of superiority over others sneaks in--and it is exceptionally devious and sneaky, this one . . . .

It is very easy to go through complete days subconsciously feeling better than others, superior, purer, more righteous.

Which is not to say that we may not actually BE . . . in some ways. Temporarily, however. For all fall short, and we are equally of the same need of a saviour . . . . And although we may be further along than another in spiritual growth . . . for a moment . . . YET, because of sneaky, creeping spiritual pride we may actually soon, if not quite suddenly, be FURTHER AWAY, for God hates pride--the cause of the fall and corruption of creation! . . . . . . Too, there is always the possibility and likelihood that we will back slide or make grievous errors yet again . . . regardless of a momentary elevation and level of "progress" . . . . .

So, we must be constantly on guard, as spiritual blessings and gifts may accrue . . . to watch and sever the sneaking pride which usually comes riding in, hidden on the underbelly, clinging . . . small . . . to dash into the temple and find a nook in the shadows . . . there to wait and spread perniciously within . . . .

Our status . . . others status . . . must be left alone and hands off by us, letting the Judge do what He will, when He will . . . and until then, like He, we want to rain and shine on the "just and the unjust" regardless, knowing HE will sort it all out in "the end."

I strongly suspect . . . that we are never in any danger . . . if it is sincere . . . being TOO humble and humiliated as to the power and status of our selves in the spiritual walk.

The veteran eventually learns to watch for these novice errors . . . of temptation to spiritual pride and legalism. And, this watchfulness . . . is a constant need, throughout the mortal life, for the pernicious creepers . . . who seek to inveigle . . . and slip into the temple . . . are ceaseless in THEIR efforts, especially as they consider those growing stronger and fiercer in the Word . . . the highest and most coveted of targets and prizes, if they can slip in and destroy . . . .

Prayers and love, for you, round about, top to bottom, side to side, through and through, day in, day out . . .
b,t

A Lull, With A Probability Of Rain

2012-01-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

. . . state of the spiritual weather is . . . a lull, overcast, with a probability of rain . . . . Indeed, so it goes, the ebbs and flows within . . . .

The novice becomes alarmed when, after a flurry of spiritual activity within, it seems to cease and recede. Where did it go? Hast thou forsaken me? And here is where they generally get into new troubles, lacking patience and faith to wait, but instead searching about for a new "pop" . . . a fresh "sizzle" . . . .

But the experienced veteran knows to rest and wait, holding the ground gained, posting sentries and staying nevertheless alert, for the enemy will at such times attack, usually at night, in cover of darkness, to retake the ground won and push the other back . . . .

As we are a biological entity, living in a material world, operating in a certain space and time . . . our spiritual person mirrors in many respects our physical person--similar attributes apply to both the merely physical/biological part of us AND and the soul within (the physical machine).

The body gets hungry and thirsty . . . and so must consume food, which contains energy, which keeps the body going.

The soul (or, spiritual part of us) also requires sustenance . . . energy . . . or it also withers and ceases to operate.

When the body is hungry and thirsty, it takes a meal, and sometimes a large meal . . . and then . . . there is a lull time . . . where that intake must all be digested. The hunger recedes (now sated) and a time period follows where the body utilizes the energy consumed and distributes it throughout the body as needed. During this "digestion" process . . . the person does not become alarmed and worry that hunger is gone as if it were never to return. No, instead the person knows that . . . in a while . . . again will come hunger and the need to search out more sustenance.

However, because we live in a mostly and deliberately secular/Godless society . . . people are not aware of their SPIRITUAL needs. There is also a spiritual hunger . . . which craves to be satisfied, or it too will wither and die.

Without discernment and without the knowledge of the Word, what happens is that people take in things like art, entertainment, philosophy, political objectives, relationships, and a million other substitutes . . . to satisfy the spiritual hunger within. It does not satisfy for long, though, because it is not REAL spiritual food. It is like "junk food" . . . and a steady diet of it eventually warps, and brings disease to, the personality and results in a sort of obesity of the soul, which becomes stuffed and full of all kinds of garbage and increasingly incapable of normal functioning.

Jesus . . . is the bread and water of life. He is THE spiritual food . . . which does not warp and corrupt and pervert and disease.

But like physical consumption . . . sometimes . . . we will go through a period of feasting . . . on Holy Spirit, learning, seeing, hearing, understanding new richness of truth . . . . And then comes a digesting period. the veteran in such matters learns to allow the (super)natural ebbs and flows to come and go . . . as He brings it . . . . and, does not become despondent or impulsive . . . during the lulls. You have taken in a lot of new (spiritual) food . . . and so, there is a following period where this is sent to the hidden parts of the deep internal being, such that the "soul" continues to grow and become strong, just like the physical body does.

Sometimes, the lulls can last for days . . . weeks . . . months . . . and yes, even years.

Yet, having just once . . . seen the truth . . . that HE IS . . . and that He is the Way . . . the spiritual pilgrim is capable of walking the desert (the lull) for ANY stretch of time, knowing . . . that eventually, He brings an end to it . . . and at last . . . there will be a COMPLETE transformation.

And . . . interestingly . . . it seems to me . . . that the ministrations of the Holy Spirit to the Body of believers . . . here on the current planet . . . is somewhat like the weather. And there is a terrain of spirit . . . and "locales". For instance, though we live in different (physical) geographical regions, we share a similar "space" in the "geography" of the Spirit. So, we tend to have similar concerns, questions, and even experiences . . . this little "group" . . . as there are other congregations sharing different "localized" "spiritual weather".

It seems there is an overall, universal "weather" of the Spirit going on, affecting the whole world . . . AND there are "localized" "weather" patterns which affect certain fellowships. As in, one "congregation" . . . may be right now having a warm "sunny" day . . . while another is in the middle of storm. And I think the angelic realm is quite involved with such distinctions, as it is directed by the will of God.

Anyway, it appears to me . . . that we have recently gone through a time of intake . . . of feasting . . . or, you could say, it has been raining (soul life sustaining spiritual bread and water pouring down) . . . and now is a time to mull it over . . . a lull . . . while digestion and distribution of the (Holy) Spiritual food commences . . . and that . . . the spiritual part of the person will be stronger, healthier, and further "grown" . . . .

And then, a new outpouring will come and the process repeated. So, it is important to stay relaxed, though alert and watchful . . . though allowing the lull to do its thing . . . deep within . . . a work that is (super)natural, which WE don't have to force or contrive or manipulate, but which the Shepard guides and controls and effects . . . having faith that, overall, HE will continue to take us . . . right to where we are intended to be.

your brother in the clouds, thomas :)

Nothing Greater in This World

2012-01-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

The struggle between the flesh and the spirit often goes on for a while. Do not be discouraged, but instead maintain a sense of humor. A kind of divine humor natural to the sensitive soul develops along the way. It is close to awe in the sentiments. You look at the fact of life and the magnitude and variety and difficulties in this creation and simply must crack a smile.

Yes, take heart and forge onward. The evil one would have you feel ground into the dust, hopeless, dispirited, depressed by the challenge. And while much of the time, we are just continuing to fail in the battle for supremacy of spirit over flesh, no matter what, we can always say, "no, I do not choose you, whatever my weakness produces; I want the Lord; I have asked Him to change me and I know that one day He will."

The bottom line, it is up to Him when and how he transforms you. We want to keep stepping in, trying to hurry the process, but this shows lack of faith. However long it takes, if we are submitted in the first place, should not matter. It is up to Him and He has His reasons for each individual how it will go.

So, when we fail, all there is to do is to thank Him for ever more opportunity to become broken, humbled. A great revelatory experience may or may not happen early on in the walk. If it does not, it makes no difference; your continued intent is the same regardless of any mystical experiences, OR lack thereof.

How do you know you are even in "the Walk"? Because you care. The fact that you sometimes fret and worry, try and fail, but keep returning to the subject . . . is evidence that you are indeed on the Path. You may be in the brambles for a while . . . . You perhaps have been walking the dry desert for days and days . . . the long, lonely night of the soul . . . and it seems there is little change, but what you should know is that monumental, radical change has already happened--you just can't see it from the valley you presently trudge.

Up ahead, if you only keep walking, the road and the surroundings have been completely altered from what they were to be if you had NOT taken up the Way. If you but keep putting one foot after the other, pressing on, though still in darkness, eventually you WILL be brought to a paradisaical world--including and beyond ALL of your most cherished inclinations towards being a whole, joyous, perfected, pure being of eternal life.

The human--YOU, are a special and honored creature, designed to experience the abjectness of separation from God . . . designed to go through a world and time of severe trials, exposed to pure evil . . . and then, choosing to love God and returning to His Heavenly abode, a perfect and sinless, divine creation.

You are designed to go through hell on earth . . . walk and walk the lonely trail, lost and confused, weak and stumbling . . . yet intended to, and capable of, choosing to turn over your life to Another, God Himself, Who then will (sometimes slowly but) surely transform you into a living, spiritual being . . . acceptable to be an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven.

God would not have placed this desire in your heart--to SEE Him, to BE like Him, to LIVE with Him--if it were not possible for you to achieve it.

And, He knows that you can do nothing by yourself . . . to get there. So, you just never-mind how long, and in what ways, He effectively brings you. And do not let the meddler--the evil one--beset you with doubts and frustrations over the pace and the missteps. As in, don't even bother too much that you may get frustrated with being frustrated! It is perfectly natural and part of the design . . . to go through a period of this kind of seemingly endless struggle. It is actually a sign and a confirmation of being on the right Path. To defeat the Accuser, simply thank God and ask Him for more if that be His will.

Another trick not to fall for . . . . Do not revel in a certain feeling of regret that you are NOT doing big and important things in this world. The meddler is constantly attempting to make you think you must do something special--"make a mark"--in the world. But there is nothing more normal and unexceptional than a person trying to leave "their mark" in the world. Almost everybody falls for this one.

What IS actually special and profound . . . is to die to self and patiently allow the Lord to finally transform us, bit by bit, if it should be . . . slowly . . . but surely . . . overall.

All of the megaliths and monoliths and monuments and skyscrapers and towers and intricate systems and genius products are nothing but dirty, old rubble . . . paltry pebbles, compared . . . to the gargantuan act . . . and simple, sincere intention . . . to give up one's life to the purpose of God. Nothing is greater in this world, and it is what we were designed for, and so, can do it . . . and WILL do it . . . because it is His will that it be done.

For or Against?

2012-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

If God can be found through any number of ways--through different practices and/or religions, then what need is there for Jesus? If the seeker can find God in their own way, then the life and death of Jesus was incidental, unnecessary.

A seeker must at some point either accept or reject His claims, if they are serious about the truth. If they care not so much about truth, then the challenge can be ignored. But anyone considering their self a believer in God or seeker thereof must eventually come to a decision about the mission of Christ.

Ignoring or procrastinating the matter . . . is itself a decision. For His claims are too bold, too emphatic to be shrugged off. He said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

So, is this true . . . ? Or was He a madman and a liar? It's got to be one or the other. And if someone purports to be interested in truth and the meaning and purpose of life and in seeking and finding God, then they must eventually wrestle with this challenge. If they put it off, continuing to say, "I don't know for sure . . . so I will avoid the question and just meander through whatever other "paths" seem plausible or interesting," then that person is essentially making a decision by omission, by neglect.

This is why there is such animosity towards Jesus and the bible in the world. A challenge has been made--a call has been put forth. Having heard it, now the hearer must decide. Avoidance of decision thereafter is basically a decision of rejection. "No, I do not accept that you are the Son of God, I shall look elsewhere."

Now, their conscience nags. Now, by rejecting His claims, they cannot sit still, but will turn harder and deeper into delusions and false teachings. For, if they are not going to believe Him, then they will turn away from Him altogether and go the other way.

What a terrifying place to be! To be running . . . from the Lord, from Truth, from God . . . into the arms of multitudinous other spirits and "ways" . . . .

So, if you are not FOR Him . . . you are AGAINST Him. There is only a gray area for a time, during investigation. But eventually, this must end, for His call is an urgent one. "Turn now from your evil ways," He says, "repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

So, dilly-dallying endlessly . . . is really just rejection. The Lord has come to you and you have pondered, and then, through inaction and non-assent, you are saying, "No, I reject you. I don't believe you. You are either madman or liar."

Do not tarry overlong. Be brave and up front at least, and make a bold declaration. Either, heed the call, repent, and take the leap of faith . . . or, show some integrity, some courage and say, "no, I reject you--I do not believe."

And do not think by accepting "gnostic" and "alternative" interpretations . . . that you can have it both ways. That you can still say you "believe" in Jesus, but that you have a different interpretation . . . you have found some "secret" books--some "hidden" texts supposedly "suppressed" by the church. This is nothing more than further prevarication, avoidance and sneaking around--trying to have your cake and eat it too. "Hmm, maybe there is a way to sort of believe in Jesus . . . but still keep all my own personal beliefs and worldly inclinations."

While there are various relatively minor doctrinal differences between the religious sects that have developed over the years, make no mistake, there has always been a consistent, core and traditional understanding of the message of the Gospels as generally understood and accepted. Trying to find esoteric supports for personal, sinful predilections . . . is nothing more than . . . still avoiding the challenge--still avoiding being FOR HIM.

And do not get hung up on the messenger(s). He works through people--fallen, flawed, incomplete believers, He nevertheless uses . . . and it is a trick of the Adversary to have you get hung up on the human messenger so that you cannot see past them to the TRUTH of which they are bringing.

God bless and protect and uplift you,
I pray,

Taemakoda Speaks

2012-01-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

The Message of Taemakoda
by: taemakoda

This is a little thingy I made ....

USSA

2012-01-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

It is disheartening enough to hear news clips of the Marxist demagogue promoting the end of American free enterprise, traditional values, FREEDOM . . . but it is outright sickening and pitiful to hear the crowds cheering and applauding. I have spoken many times over the years with emigres who managed to escape the Soviet Union and they all can see clearly where we are headed, having been through it themselves--the creeping surveillance/snitch state, "if you see something say something" . . . .

Below is a typical example of one of these former state slaves from the Soviet gulag society, posted on their facebook page warning foolish Americans about what we are getting ourselves (cheering and applauding) into . . . . .They are a Ron Paul supporter and maybe don't realize that there is no way ANY leader will be allowed to stop and reverse the train . . . but, their warning is relevant nonetheless . . . . Perhaps you have already seen it . . . . .

[But first, a quick style note. The difficulty in the written word, especially in the conversational, brief style of blogging . . . like email and text . . . is that inflection and body language and facial expression are not there. So it is easy to be misunderstood in certain ways. Especially, the message can come off more terse and harsh than is meant. I know this happens in my writing from time to time. For instance, I wrote, "the fretting and stewing and despair and seeming inability to let the Cleaner take over is just the bratty, little childish self yet trying to hang on to itself." That appears more harsh than the actual sentiment I intended it with. If you saw my face, heard my voice, I would have been saying this in a more pleading, caring and slightly humorous tone--it would not have come off mean or demeaning. The other day I responded that what someone said was either "lying or foolish ignorance." Again, had we been in a discussion, face to face, this would have not have sounded like invective or accusatory, but more like a slightly exasperated but caring and concerned effort at trying to delineate an objective fact. The "foolish ignorance" meaning . . . simply meaning that to only cherry pick the bible to find warm, gentle pleasantries . . . is foolish and dangerous where it ignores the intentionally scary and urgent parts . . . .
Anyway, I'm aware that sometimes the written word, minus the voice inflection and body language can leave it coming off more dismissive and harsh than is actually where I'm coming from. Eh, . . . maybe doesn't need to be said, though occasionally I fret a little over it, being mistaken that way . . . . I mean no harm, but in a sense this is ongoing surgery . . . and the blood can be misconstrued . . . .

Oh boy, lol, that metaphor probably didn't help, heh . . . . :)]

-----------------------------------------

"You see, my family emigrated to the United States from the Soviet Republic of Lithuania (before the Soviet Union fell). Living in this country has been the greatest gift I could ever ask for, because life in the USSR was in most cases “normal” as you would expect here, only sprinkled with examples like this from my own family and friends:

One day you're there, the next you're on a train to Siberia to cut lumber because you earned a degree in political science 30 years ago. One day you cut off your own hand with an axe so you can't be accused of being a resistance sniper, just because the local political officer heard a joke about you and how well you shot rabbits. One year your country's population of 3M drops by 200,000 and you personally know at least a dozen of them. HINT: they did not emigrate and you'll never see them again. If you talk about those who vanish, then you vanish yourself. This is the most difficult because it's not only the loss of the friend or loved one, but you can't even talk about them anymore.. it's like they get erased from society but your heart aches to burst out and tell everyone they existed.

I invite any of you to sit down with my family and hear the stories. I welcome you to watch as uncontrollable fits of sobbing and crying take hold, as our lives without liberty are remembered and relived. I want you to witness the sunken demeanor and lifeless eyes, in what are normally jovial and happy people, last for hours and days after recounting the tales. Have you ever seen the look of despair in someone's eyes? If not, you would that evening and it is something that haunts you.

When my family and I discuss developments like the Patriot Act, the Indefinite Detention rules, Guantanamo, the jumps to war for false purposes, SOPA… there’s a glimmer in our eyes noticeably lost because these are precisely the slow, gradual actions which lead to a state of oppression from where we escaped. These transformations do not happen overnight, folks. They happen gradually and to the sounds of applause. We are much further down the road to the unthinkable than you might imagine and there is no evidence of slowing. Only Ron Paul has been speaking up against our march towards either a socialistic, left-leaning Stalin or a nationalistic, right-leaning Hitler. Only Ron Paul has resisted the populist, easy-road legislation to grant more power to the federal government and erode our rights for what sometimes look like the best intentions.

In the end, it MAKES MY HEART WEEP that my family and I were lucky enough to get political asylum, risk our lives and successfully escape to the US, and are now watching people willingly bring down the walls of our freedoms down on our own heads, and some are even cheering and clapping as it happens.

I hope this helps explain, at least, my own support for Ron Paul."

http://www.facebookpermalink/10150482365154615/

Ditching The Foreign Coating

2012-01-10T08:21:00.000-08:00

The following is NOT necessarily a specific case scenario . . . . More like . . . a possible suggestion . . . a "what if ....."
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If you still think you can do something--still have a bit of pride in yourself . . . then, when the Lord strips you down . . . you become devastated. You feel incredible shame--horror even at what you truly are. Because of pride and still clinging to a vain conception of self, a childish response ensues. You "take your toys and go home." Not Home, but home . . . . The "home" you go to is back to a walled up, dark corner of your self where you pull the curtains, shut the doors, put a blanket over your head, clutch your toys and refuse to come out. The pride of self is so hurt that, when the Light is put on your sins, rather than stay in It and let It irradiate all the decay of self, you hurry and run away and shut the door to the Light. It's too much.

But this reaction comes from an over attachment to that self and identification with the sins. YOU feel responsible for what you are--the whole lot of it (imagining yourself greater than you actually are) and you take the "dressing down" personally. This is because there is yet a prideful, wishful thinker lurking who does NOT want to die to self .... not yet, anyway . . . but has a good conscience, and cannot stand the cognitive/spiritual dissonance of being in such a state. You have now seen too much--you have have been shown what a worthless bum you really are, yet, a part of you doesn't want to be a worthless bum--fancies your self a bit of a comer having something to offer . . . but now that is all ruined . . . . You can't go back to ignorance of the situation. It's too late, you've seen it. However, you are not quite willing yet to give up on your self. Hence the shame, the hurt, the horror. WHO feels this shame? WHO is horrified? The prideful ego who secretly had thought better of itself.

But this is all just still too much attachment and love of self. Self hatred is just another form of self love. Infatuation of self . . . with self . . . .

God knows . . . and is thus merciful . . . that our wretched, worthless bum status is really not a lot of our personal fault. We are suffering the compounded sins of generations, embedded in the DNA, slopped on by the culture . . . born as innocents into a world that is ruled by devils, corrupt at every turn. It's little wonder that we are each an individual mess!

It's like this. There is a swimming pool. Full of mud and gunk and filth. The pool is this world, this life. We, as an innocent child, clean, are atop the slide which goes into the pool. Down the slide we go (get born) and splash! into the muddy cess-pit. WE didn't fill up that rotten pool! That is not all OUR garbage and muck! Nevertheless, we splash and get submerged into it for a time, covered in filth.

All that is happening with the great dressing down, is that the Lifeguard . . . reaches in, pulls you out and stands you in front of a mirror. Yuck! ... You are covered with crap! Don't take it so personally, as if YOU are responsible for all that mire. Now, some people love to wallow, and they increase the filth by their willingness to stay in it and ingest it and decorate it, staying in the pool. But, once the Lifeguard pulls you out, shows you how dirty you are, you . . . are naturally embarrassed for a time--but mostly, you just want to get cleaned off! You are grateful to see the situation as it is. But you don't sit there and wallow in it still, collapsing in on yourself in shame, pounding the pavement, crying out, "I'm so dirty, I'm so dirty . . . woe is me . . . I'm terrible . . . look at me . . . I'm worthless."

No. You just look objectively at the situation. You fell into a pool of muck and now the Lifeguard wants to show you that fact . . . and then get on with the business of cleaning you up and keeping you out of the pool. It shouldn't become another opportunity for self to keep obsessing on self, through the disguise of self pity and self hatred . . . because this is all just more hidden muck that you are insisting on carrying OUT of the pool.

Now, you are worthless bum only so far as you are still attached to and identifying with the muck. THE MUCK IS NOT YOU. Stop it. Stop clinging to it. There is a perfect, clean child there which is what God sees and loves and will restore. THIS part of you--the REAL you . . . is of divine, eternal, glorious worth!

The devil says, no, there is no part of you that is clean, pure--the whole package is worthless. He says give up, get back in the pool and splash around while you can. He will give you some rubber duckies, a kick board, a couple of Disney arm swimmies and say "just forget it, you'll never get clean . . . you might as well wallow and learn a few tricks . . . . "

When the Lord shows you yourself naked--all your sin, the muck--you realize that you have no hope of getting clean, getting out of it, except by Him. So, you throw up your hands, give up completely and hand it all over, saying, "do with me what You will." The ego not willing to be submitted "just yet" . . . still wants to negotiate a bit more; still believes it can do some things and has some hidden, secret wishes and dreams for itself that it is not willing to abandon . . . "not just yet" . . . . It isn't quite ready to die--to be utterly subsumed into Another's will--into God's will. Sometimes, it (this clinging ego/self) will hold on to self loathing as a last ditch effort to persist, at least in some fashion. A tiny pinch of pride can survive and even thrive with new life, disguised in a mode of self mortification, self-loathing, discouragement, grief, ruminating on it's own worthlessness. Here is a project that can carry on for a while!--the shamed child/ego sitting in a dark corner, covers drawn, wallowing in despair, determined to NOT get back in the pool . . . AND unwilling to get back up on deck, naked . . . to be cleaned by the purifying Light of Truth. It figures "well, at least I'm not in the pool . . . but I'll be killed if I go back in that Light . . . so, at least here I can persist a little while longer, miserable as it is . . . . "

The key is . . . in realizing WE ARE NOT THE MUCK. It is a foreign coating, NOT to be clung to or identified with. WITHIN this foul covering is . . . a creation of divine intent and beauty and glory . . . incredibly MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD~! When you are dirty and try to clean YOURSELF off, you just keep spreading the dirt around. So, you give up and let the Lifeguard do it and stop making a big deal out of it. The fretting and stewing and despair and seeming inability to let the Cleaner take over is just the bratty, little childish self yet trying to hang on to itself, in whatever miserable form still possible . . . .

Prospectors In The Garden

2012-01-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

At work . . . or when socializing . . . or between family members . . . or strangers that we meet . . . . Are they seeing someone . . . in YOU . . . who models the Spirit of Jesus? If there is complaining, worrying, doubting, criticizing . . . the other wonders, "hmm, this 'Jesus' thing must not be that great. Look at the person. They are negative, critical, fretful, complaining . . . . Whereas, here is this other smiling, positive, new agey lady teaching yoga or reads tarot cards who seems to love everyone and is genuinely interested in me . . . . "

Oh, it happens. The prospect looks at the Christian and finds no special attributes, no love--some person who is dour, scowling, looking down on others, worrying about this and that, trying to "fix" others with spiritless negative critiques . . . . And the prospect wonders, what is so great about following Jesus? These are the fruits?

Here is a powerful and fast tool to use attending to the spiritual garden. The example we manifest to others which will either repel or attract them to the teachings of the Master. If we find ourselves wanting as a good example . . . then we know that somewhere we are missing the mark within. Something is wrong. A faithLESSness is there. Perhaps we ourselves do not really trust God and continue to try to fix things, fix others and doubting subconsciously whether God truly has our back. There is some hidden doubt there and it manifests in various negative ways, which others can see clearly in us though we ourselves are blind to it.

So, sometimes, it is a helpful practice to step outside and look upon our self--to see what sort of example is there--what we are habitually manifesting.

Steadily, on the Path . . . one day, we find our spiritual garden beginning to blossom, sending out sweet fragrances, bright alluring colors, fascinating beautiful detail of flower and leaf and vine--all alive, growing, increasingly abundant . . . a place to which prospectors are attracted and want to linger, to learn more, to enjoy the Son's warm, life giving, inspiring bounty.

Hair

2012-01-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

Oddly, I can't remember if I have written about this yet or not--as I've been meaning to for a while.... Oh well, maybe if I have, it bears repeating ......

This business of the shaving of the body . . . currently fashionable among young men especially, the arms, legs . . . . the "metro-sexual" thing . . . .

And, the noticeable trend among law enforcement types to have the shaved head augmenting the overly aggressive attitude eager for a beat-down . . . .

Is linked to the conformist pressure upon the businessman, church-goer, politician . . . to have the proper haircut--"clean cut" look . . . .

I recall always as a young boy dreading the time for a hair cut and use to argue that it would "take my power" away . . . . I would site Sampson to my mother, to no avail.
And even now, and for years, I have always tended to feel best when my hair is long; though occasionally, feeling the urge to cut it back, in a kind of "spring cleaning" sense . . . but then, allowing it to come back, long and fairly wild over time. I never was attracted to the suit and tie and tidy hair and face look of church people, but rather appreciated the long hair and beards of monks and ascetics as just seeming more appropriate to a holy man. Like Jesus had, for instance . . . .

I came across an interesting story a while back which relates to this area of concern.

During the Viet Nam war, the American special forces department sent out undercover agents to investigate Native American reservations to find especially talented scouts knowing the seeming superhuman abilities of the Indians to track and spy and survive in the wilderness in hostile conditions--their "sixth sense", extra-sensory skills in locating and/or avoiding enemies.

Various candidates were indeed found and enlisted in special scouting units. But a funny thing happened. Once out in the combat field, these scouts apparently lost all their special abilities. They no longer had the unusual skills, intuition and "sixth sense" and serious calamities and even fatalities ensued. So the army did a study on the situation and performed tests to find out what had happened.

It turns out that the army hair-cut had taken away the Indians' abilities. Some recruits were allowed to keep their traditional long hair, while others got the shave, and in every case, those with hair out-performed the others in all respects related to almost supernatural sensitivity.

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"Hair is an extension of the nervous system, it can be correctly seen as exteriorized nerves, a type of highly evolved 'feelers' or 'antennae' that transmit vast amounts of important information to the brain stem, the limbic system, and the neocortex.

Not only does hair in people, including facial hair in men, provide an information highway reaching the brain, hair also emits energy, the electromagnetic energy emitted by the brain into the outer environment. This has been seen in Kirlian photography when a person is photographed with long hair and then rephotographed after the hair is cut.

When hair is cut, receiving and sending transmissions to and from the environment are greatly hampered. This results in numbing-out .

Cutting of hair is a contributing factor to unawareness of environmental distress in local ecosystems. It is also a contributing factor to insensitivity in relationships of all kinds."
http://www.sott.net/articles/show/234783-The-Truth-About-Hair-and-Why-Indians-Would-Keep-Their-Hair-Long

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Native Americans have traditionally considered that their hair was sacred and was an important connecting link to The Great Spirit.

The Nazarites, of course believed that, upon commandment from God that the razor was never to touch their heads, or they would become weak--hair being a sign of the goodness of God and representing (and perhaps helping?) maintain spiritual power.

I have a few friends who are Sikhs and they are very fine people--devout, honorable and admirably earnest in their dedication to their spiritual practice and belief. They wear turbans to contain their uncut hair and wear long beards, usually braided up for practicality, believing that the cutting of hair is a sign of conformity to the world. And that allowing their hair to grow, despite cultural pressures and norms is a sign of submission to the will of God. In terms of basic bodily health, they consider that hair helps to synthesize necessary vitamin D from the sun and provides the pituitary gland with phosphorous. I suspect, like them, that our brains are designed with certain chemicals and subtle electromagnetic properties which help the transmission of information from the Spirit to our physical station--for the Christian, from Holy Spirit.

The passage in Corinthians 11:14 "Doth not even nature itself teach you that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?"

. . . . is the only place in the bible that would imply that cut hair is preferable, while there are many verses which condone and even command the growing of hair . . . . [ie., Num. 6:5-7; Kings 1:8; Judges 16:17; Sam. 14:25-26; Lev. 19:27]

But it is understood, when analyzing the *Greek translation of the Corinthian passage that what was being condemned was not long hair per se, but the feminized styling of men's hair that was popular among the Pagans. Indeed, the Pagans were noted for cutting their hair short and/or styling in certain fashions.

I am not asserting any sort of legalistic demand regarding the growing out of the hair, but find the matter interesting and from personal experience confirming of some things.

My wife and I use to joke that it seemed that when our boys got a hair cut--ie., a "buzz cut" . . . they were a little meaner, lol. The image of a bully is usually one of some kid with a "crew cut" . . . . And then there are the "skinheads" and "punks" who often promote and thrive on anarchy, violence, intolerance, versus the mellow hippy conception . . . . And then there's "female intuition"--perhaps which is related to the woman's tendency towards longer hair . . . ?

The first thing the military does, symbolically, is shave the head--conform and get ready to kill. And again, I can't help but notice, especially in recent years, how more and more of these para-military type cops and S.W.A.T. unit guys go for that shaved intimidating head/face look . . . more and more of them outright bald . . . .

Hey, no big deal. Just making some observations, fwiw . . . . . . bro. t

Black Elk's Prayer

Grandfather, Great Spirit, once more behold me on earth and lean to hear my feeble voice.
You lived first, and you are older than all need, older than all prayer.
All things belong to you -- the two-legged, the four-legged, the wings of the air, and all green things that live.
You have set the powers of the four quarters of the earth to cross each other.
You have made me cross the good road and road of difficulties, and where they cross, the place is holy.
Day in, day out, forevermore, you are the life of things.

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*[In 1 Corinthians 11:14 the Greek word translated "long hair" is komao which means tresses of hair or locks. It comes from the root word meaning "to take care of" which indicates some kind of preparation to make the hair appear in tresses. Komao appears only three times in the Bible, and all three times are right here in the 11th chapter of 1 Corinthians. The usual word for hair is thrix. It is possible Paul is referring to some pagan practice of fixing the hair in a feminine manner, and this is what he is condemning for men, although condoning for women. Some hairstyles were considered immodest and condemned in 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3. At any rate, Paul would not teach anything contrary to the rest of scripture.]

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When Jesus Rebukes

2012-01-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jer. 17:9

"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." Mat. 15:19

This is how a "man" can know what is in the heart of others. Desperate wickedness.

And as for lying and/or ignorance . . . it is either a lie or simply foolish ignorance to say that Jesus "never condemned" and that He "only gave quiet grace and mercy."

Yes, He gives grace and mercy . . . but not "only" quietly. Sometimes he railed. Have you not read the "7 Woes" in Mathew? He calls (certain) people murderers, "serpents", "vipers", "hypocrites", "blind guides", "sons of hell" . . . .

Jesus rebuked his disciples Luke 9:37-56, "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? . . . . Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village."

And it was because Jesus was NOT quiet that he was eventually captured, beaten and killed. Had He been "quiet" . . . few would have bothered with Him--He would have been little trouble or threat.

But He BOLDLY spoke the truth, and regularly pointed out the sins of the people--their lying, their hypocrisy, their love of self . . . and warned them IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS that they were headed for HELL if they did not change.

When Peter argues with the Lord, not wanting Him to speak of the terrible events about to happen, Jesus addresses SATAN who is working through Peter, saying, "Get behind me Satan! For you are not on the side of God but of men."

Jesus denounced whole cities: "Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! . . . I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants." see Matt. 11:20-30

Of course it is not from any anger or hate that I write, but love and concern. I know that it is Jesus who shows us our hearts, and when He showed me my own awful condition, despite being a generally "good person" . . . it was the REAL beginning of my walk and only then was I capable of being filled with HIS goodness--the dawning of true humility and brokenness. I am speaking of a specific, supernatural event which happens to a person when they become born again of spirit--that time and place which occurs when you realize how utterly incapable you are of anything good . . . by your own light. People fool themselves in subtle and devious ways, claiming to be "Christian" but continue on in an unregenerated mode, missing the mark, following their OWN hearts though they assert they follow Christ. One of the Lord's recurring topics of teaching was this very situation--the hypocrisy involved.

And I simply want to encourage the seeker to avoid complacency and coasting. The work is constant (until eventual perfection) in order to find and stay in a spiritual/noetic state of being and alertness concerning our utter and absolute need of humility . . . for we are born sinners and continue to sin EVERY DAY. The BEST of our works are filthy rags compared to His holiness. Which SHOULD be discouraging as to any vain hope in our own efforts. The wondrous and awesome ENCOURAGEMENT . . . is believing and trusting that--despite our desperately wicked hearts and proclivity to lying and hypocrisy--God loves us and will save us from this fallen state of self and the world . . . .

:)

As I said, I know there are plenty of places to go and find comforting words, soothing to self and reassuring. Heck, there are some places you can go where they will tell you YOU ARE GOD! . . . or, at least a god and full of all knowledge and wisdom and that nothing is wrong with you whatsoever, in fact, you are already perfect, you just don't "know" it yet . . . AND, that soon . . . when the galactic wave hits, aligning with the galactic core and the space elders arrive bringing free energy and immortality . . . you will be able to teleport, levitate, travel to other planets, cavort with "angels", co-create reality and turn this planet into paradise--because YOU have the innate power and ability and wisdom to do so! And they will also tell you that we are evolving out of, and beyond, the old, stodgy, self-hating ways of ie., Christianity . . . into a new age where the inherent divinity and goodness within will finally manifest . . . because, ie., religion . . . and books such as the bible . . . were actually just created to control people through fear and self-loathing and all we really need is just to love ourselves first and then . . . .

Anyway, you get the idea . . . .

--------------------------
btw, I spoke with Zeph today about some of this . . . and also about preempting coming troubles by getting into position NOW . . . .
http://zephdaniel.podbean.com/

A Solitary Opportunity

2012-01-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

It is astounding that here in the once Republic we have an executive who is now regularly and blatantly issuing dictatorial edicts . . . and barely a peep from the pundits and most citizens are oblivious. He comes right out and says he will ignore Congress (the peoples' voice), the Constitution, deciding on his own what is best for all. There ought to be great alarm at what is happening, and there is in some small corners, but, as usual, the majority are ignorant of the rapid transformation of government underway (from Democratic Republic to Dictatorship) and a frightening number are actually cheering on the petulant tyrant. Just within days we have had the NDAA which basically installs a full blown military police state, and yesterday he bypassed Congress and contravened 100 years of precedent when he made several recess appointments.

http://constitutionclub.org/2012/01/05/let-the-tyranny-begin-lord-obamas-unprecedented-power-grab/
http://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2012/01/04/ndaa-open-season-for-the-police-state/

Foolish and ignorant people use to laugh and roll their eyes when we "conspiracy fanatics" tried to warn of a coming totalitarian police state complete with warrantless searches, political imprisonments and gulags. Even still, with all the pieces being put into place, they cannot see it, and won't until it's too late.

And it is already way too late.

Anyhow, if and when we find ourselves sitting in a cell . . . I've always imagined it would be a good time to take up the hermetic life--make the best of a bad situation and embrace the mentality of a cloistered monk, utilizing the opportunity of solitary confinement for higher purposes! :)

Here is an example of attitude to be cultivated for such a moment . . . .
--------------------------------------
St. Romuald's Brief Rule

Sit in your cell as in paradise.
Put the whole world behind you and forget it.
Watch your thoughts like a good fisherman watching for fish.
The path you must follow is in the Psalms — never leave it.
If you have just come to the monastery,
and in spite of your good will you cannot accomplish what you want,
take every opportunity you can to sing the Psalms in your heart
and to understand them with your mind.
And if your mind wanders as you read, do not give up;
hurry back and apply your mind to the words once more.
Realize above all that you are in God's presence,
and stand there with the attitude of one who stands before the emperor.
Empty yourself completely and sit waiting,
content with the grace of God,
like the chick who tastes nothing and eats nothing
but what his mother brings him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romuald

The Great Dressing Down

2012-01-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

It's a little heavy here, lol, I was thinking . . . . I sometimes imagine certain eyes checking in and finding it intolerable--this constant recitation on urgencies, Jesus . . . demons and the devil! Who talks about demons and the devil as if they were real and related to daily pertinent issues?

Sorry 'bout that.

But, I've always been a serious boy--a friend once said, amused, "always thinking, thinking, thinking....."

However, I know that there are countless millions of places to watch and read silly, pointless diversions . . . and "love and light" happy talk pages saying all is well . . . we shall be "ascending" soon . . . covered with angel and star and rainbow graphics . . . and piles of funny bits, satire, post-ironic hipster paeans one can spend endless hours giggling at . . . . And I do enjoy a good laugh, and we have an ongoing dry, gallows humor around here, never too far from a chuckle . . . so I'm not down on sometimes needed inane diversions....

Just that, since a child . . . God . . . God and more God has been the main interest and reality and the purpose of life . . . and it really is a daily thing overall--the ongoing ins and outs of "the Walk", sharing and learning any "tips" during the engagement . . . . And that is mostly the impetus for this blog space . . . so . . . . Sorry if it seems monotonous and heavy to some; I hope to those who are similarly engaged in the journey of faith though that the relevance of -- . . . .blah, blah, blah...... ah, nevermind :) ..... lol ....I'm carrying on . . . . . .

------------------------------------

The great dressing down. Is wonderful! And . . . scary . . . and sickening.

Not to put God in a box, but I expect it happens at some point to EVERY believer at some point--usually at the beginning, though not always. Sometimes it can happen later. You may have generally become a believer . . . made a mental ascent . . . a rough choice . . . and are going about your way . . . even for years and then WHAM! . . . The REAL awakening to the awful condition--to YOUR awful condition--is shown to you and . . . it's a whole new day . . . . . the beginning of a new you.

This is when the Lord shows you what you really are. All the pretense, the justifying self narratives, self stories--what you tell yourself you are--collapse . . . and you are just there standing naked. This is the part that is a bit sickening. Because you will see that you are a liar foremost. The things you think you do for others, for "good cause" . . . you see . . . are actually for YOU, no matter the gloss you put on it.
You imagine that others think well of you, admire you in some ways--that you are basically a "good person." But underneath the veneer is a selfish, weak, lying manipulator. You see that you rarely if ever truly do things for a selfless purpose, but rather, there is always a motive lurking to ultimately benefit your self.

You see that for all your brave talk and declarations of faith and integrity, little doubt that, just like Peter and the apostles, if you are faced with acknowledging your faith before others or the "authorities" . . . you would hide, betray and try to save your own skin. It is easy to imagine oneself a great, potential hero for the faith, for others, but, when the chips are down, you know you are a coward--you would try every which way to get out of difficulty if you could and ONLY when no other option is there, might you then take your lumps.

You realize that you have mean and petty thoughts constantly, chattering on in your mind, the things you DON'T say, but think privately. You see someone and judge them before you know it . . . looking down on them, thinking yourself better, regardless of what you say and do on the surface. When He pulls back the mask, you know that you are a vain, petty, self-seeking bum--not a saint, not a "tireless worker in the vineyard." You are a liar, a fraud, a phony.

You commit adultery in your mind and heart regularly. You enjoy when others suffer. You revel in freudenshade (deriving pleasure in another's misfortune). You lie to yourself and others. You secretly long for power, status, wealth, luxury, fame, though you tell yourself you are beyond such vainglories and lusts. But given half a chance, chances are you would likely find some way to justify to yourself that it was for altruistic purposes that you "compromised" . . . "just a little" . . . to get some great profit on a thing, in a situation. If the opportunity arose, you would break any number of commandments if great wealth were to be a reward.

You are so needy and desperate to be loved . . . that . . . if the right person--beautiful, charismatic, seductive--came along . . . and lauded your ego and made you feel incredible . . . even if you were married or they were, you would probably cross the line.

Your fantasies and dreams are monstrous--the ones that hide in the subconscious which you can't control but roil there seemingly without your permission . . . though really, they just reveal what still lurks hidden deep within . . . kept secret in that place that you would be horrified if others could see.

But He sees it . . . . And one day, He SHOWS IT TO YOU, what a worthless, weak, self loving, lying, cheating, adulterous, lustful, vain, greedy bum you are really and truly are.

This is the day of the great dressing down and it is . . . horrifying . . . and liberating. At least NOW you are getting to somewhere real. AND you terrifyingly recognize how pathetic your own abilities and situation is and in what dire need you are of A SAVIOUR! A Master! Who can save you . . . .

If you are thinking, "well, YOU may be those things, and others maybe, I am happy to consider, but ME . . . well, I'm not a liar! I do LOTS of good things for other people," then . . . you are a delusional fool and utterly lost, headed for the hothouse.

Now, for those who HAVE been to this place where your awful condition is made clear . . . YOU know it is the beginning of wisdom . . . and the first tastes of sanctity and holy humility, and it is sweet. And you can ask for MORE of it!

I cannot imagine--WILL not imagine--going into this coming year and into the judgments due upon the earth at this time . . . without continually striving earnestly to be exposed . . . to my own awful state of destitution. If I have any sense that I am able to navigate and maneuver and connive a way through the chaos of the day, then I shudder at my pride and the destruction it WILL bring.

So, I long to see myself, as I am--to be dressed down by the Lord, when and where He sees fit, so that there is NO QUESTION in my mind as to my own absolute incapacity and inability to do ANYTHING worthy or worthwhile WITHOUT HIS leading and mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, forgive me, a sinner . . . . says it all . . . and is the watchword of the day.

If He hasn't, I would recommend to PRAY for the great dressing down . . . and quick-like . . . .

The Pressing Matter Of The Living

2012-01-03T08:03:00.000-08:00

What is happening now . . . is pitched battle. Every day it is warfare; the battle for your soul. I have seen nothing quite like it for its intensity. Woe to those who are unaware of the stakes--who continue on with their same old minds and ways.

NOW what is required is transformation--a complete break from the past, tired, old habitual self. A clean break it must be. For if one is being carried along by personal traditions, tendencies, habits, without recognizing the immediate need for salvation, then woe to such.

Carrying on in the same old way, relying on one's "wits" and whatever current "self help" book disguised as "spirituality" offers . . . is not going to cut it.

The forces unleashed and ranging in these moments . . . are of an expertly devious variety. Tricked and tossed, forestalled and stumbling . . . backsliding . . . forgetting . . . shrugging off the seriousness of the hour won't do. They won't leave you alone. It's too late for that.

If you are a seeker after God . . . and crave release from the bondage of fallen self, then you must constantly be seeking to up the ante. By this I mean that you cannot sit on the fence and dabble. If you are committed to Christ you have got to go all in. There is nothing the devil loves more than one who dabbles with the Spirit but then also toys around with the things of the world. Here, he can and will, enter in and cause great confusion and mischief. If the Lord has Called you and you've taken up the Cross you must be intent on going all the way with it. Struggle and conflict and spiritual warfare are to be expected, as the evil one now has a bead on you to make you cave, give up, or create problems for yourself that keep you distracted and led down sideroads.

Nothing is surer than, once having taken to the Path of repentance and humility, that you must stay to it. The door to the spiritual world has been opened and now one, or the other side will have it--your soul.

Something I am calling "the great dressing down" is key to maintaining the proper position necessary . . . during these great battles and I will get to it in a moment . . . .

For now, however, the urgency of the times and pressure and oppression of the dark forces at work, I felt led to address, lest one allow oneself to drift . . . to forget . . . to let the guard down . . . .

Let the dead bury the dead. The living must pay attention and invest energy and thought--prayer--into the matters of the LIVING; focused on He Who is within, Who is GREATER than he who is in the world.

Re Warren

2012-01-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

"It would be understandable for the non-discerning to come to Warren’s defense and say, “Hey, Pastor Rick just wants unity for the Body of Christ, that’s a good thing, that’s something God desires and something we ought to be working toward!” Yet the truth is that all regenerate, truly born-again Christians are already in spiritual unity together in Christ; this is the mystery of the true church, the true Bride of Christ!"

http://defendingcontending.com/2010/04/08/beware-of-false-prophets-warren-piper-and-the-legitimization-of-heresy/

I will write more on this at some point ..... but there is a lot of material out there about Rick Warren and the dangers of his "ecumenical" agenda . . . . .

So To Speak . . . .

2012-01-01T11:09:00.000-08:00

We're over here in a little garden . . . where some weeds still grow, but the Gardener is steadily and surely attending to every paltry corner. And tender shoots are appearing, and flowers, and fruit . . . by the purifying and warming rays of the sun. One day, this garden will provide all the needs for sustenance so that no weak, faithless venturing out for provision will be considered necessary.

I am aware of the vast fields of sowing and harvest outside the humble grotto, where innumerable contentions vie, but for now, at least, am instructed to abide within the sunlit patio, tending to the fresh greenery, so that local neighbors and friends may stop by, and, hopefully, find a morsel and a cup . . . to slake, albeit briefly, a portion of thirst and hunger . . . .

----------------------

My wife and I . . . were talking about icons, the Eastern Orthodox, and evangelical radio preachers' messages and subtle aspects of mystical experience, legalism, the shunning or fear of "personal experience", many other things . . . like we do usually first thing every morning--comparing notes, so-to-speak . . . and in reference to something I wrote yesterday I told her that within the last couple of weeks, perhaps, I could sense the presence of something like the "Christian police" now looking at my writings . . . some one or more . . . not reading for any hope of edification, should it happen, but actively looking to "catch" me . . . in a heresy or misstatement . . . . Which is fine . . . but only confirms my alert to you that we are moving into a time where there is going to be an unusually aggressive activist agenda to identify, isolate and attack/accuse, in order to destroy, any and all voices that are not in conformity with . . . the rapidly coalescing "new world faith".
And not only pertaining to "spiritual correctness" . . . but in all topics and manner of speech, there will be a ruthless policing, with the intent to stifle . . . the free flow of information . . . and reporting, so-to-speak......

However, I will work in the fledgling garden, so long as able, tending to ignore the million and one other varieties . . . so that, at least in this shabby little nook, whatever IS living, will not be left to die while chasing countless irrelevancies, thus drawn away . . . fruitless distractions . . . .

Eh?

Heh.

Thanks for your patience, I just wanted to get that on the record for possible fleshing out, if needed later, as what I'm alluding to . . . becomes clearly operative . . . .

--------------------------------------

Btw, when I wrote about saintly types . . . being able to "see" you and your need . . . I do NOT mean that they are spying or invading personal space whatsoever. Not like the astral fliers can do--like gurus and yogi's and witches and wizards and "remoter viewers" do . . . prying into dreams, into minds and hearts and even who can sit observe you privately . . . like the "government" can via cameras in t.v.'s, mic's in cell phones, via computers, tapping phone lines, etc. No, THAT is an invasion of privacy and usually just prurient or devious, maliciously intended . . . .

What I mean is that . . . sometimes . . . as a disciple of The Master . . . continues to progress and awaken, there are accompanying spiritual gifts, "abilities" . . . granted the seeker/follower. These can include the ability to "see" beyond what is seen with the physical eyes. It can happen that . . . a holy person . . . through divine providence, is made aware of a particular soul . . . in need . . . far away in physical measurement, but near in temperament, character, personality perhaps . . . . For whatever (divine) reason, the Lord--and I believe also through His angels, being "messengers"--will show the holy person . . . someone who is being "called", and it becomes the blessing to the saint that they are allowed to pray and intercede especially for that seeker.
And the saint . . . is given an "image" of them . . . and, in general ways, is able to "see" them and their need; but not in a way of spying or prying. It is more of the nature . . . of how we simply are able and allowed to see people on the street, in public. It is not an invasion of privacy to look at someone out in public . . . and garner some impressions of them.
And it happens that, on some level, the seeker grants permission, because of their earnest intent to find and be corrected by truth and bearers of truth . . . that they DO allow the holy one to be able to "see" even more closely, the more specific aspects of their particular trials/sins/challenges . . . .

I . . . didn't mean to get into this today, but . . . believe it was brought to my inner attention to explain a bit further . . . as I am eager . . . to get to something next which has been on my heart to relate for a while now. And that is something I am loosely calling, at this point, "the great dressing down."

(to be continued) . . . . :)
God bless you!
brother, thomas

The Presence Of Purpose...NOW

2011-12-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

A time of such clarity . . . I cannot recall but for a few times . . . . I want to say the angels of protection are out and about in force--and too must say that of course, above all, the presence of purpose by the Lord is surrounding, enveloping, infusing, fulfilling, gently pressing, urging . . . and a holy urgency . . . allows . . . that communion . . . spiritual contact . . . between the saints . . . between believers, followers, disciples . . . is of a character, such of which . . . I have not experienced/witnessed before . . . . !

Ha! . . . speaking of clarity . . . please understand . . . something WAS actually said there . . . reported, actually.

Perhaps . . . a bit more description to suss it out . . . what is going on . . . and the basis of my enthusiasm in these times, despite apparently calamitous externals . . . .

For one . . . I am not sure that I have seen a time . . . when so many are so troubled. The deplorable condition of peoples' souls, bodies, being . . . is pitiful to behold. A general collapse seems underway, in the personal lives and psychology--the very minds, soul . . . of folks . . . who have not GOD as their central, unifying objective.

Oh, they have gods . . . . They indeed are being led, this way and that . . . assuredly, and, from day to day, throw their allegiance to some or other driving force--desire, want, need, wish, lust, envy, pleasure--. Or, some who do feel an urgency to find a "higher calling" . . . are inventing one, or borrowing one from some teaching . . . or, they are reverting to teachings and religion that was inserted into their minds when children . . . . . taking a sense of comfort and security from that--mistaking an old, childhood familiarity for what their would-be eternal soul craves, which is familiarity with the one, true, living Father of creation . . . .

But what a shambles I see all around. Minds and hearts . . . so confused, torn, pulled in disparate quivering directions, drawn and quartered . . . at the mercy of passing spirits and the pull of the world, because they have NOT yet given their hearts completely to the sovereignty of the Lord within--but still chase after shining lights and fancy baubles, inveterate monkeys bereft of transcendent Holy Spirit . . . .

Meanwhile--and there is no intent of boasting or gloating, God forbid!--I am seeing that to those who have found and been found by the mission of truth--found themselves in love with the Lord Jesus, simply--there is happening a profound bestowing upon them His grace and Spirit . . . a focus and longing, sweet and earnest, to enrap themselves in all things pertaining to His being and purpose, here . . . to this world. And an ability to discern . . . is strengthened and emboldened . . . the disciple no longer so susceptible to tedious and habitual past mistakes, but rather, a growing intensity to abide . . . in all things truly of the highest spiritual nature, HIS nature and character.

And as to this "communion . . . spiritual contact . . . between the saints . . . " I dare say that, among the living--those presently, NOW, who exist . . . today . . . though scattered around the planet, are--yes, I must use the word--mystically united. They are close. Indeed, there are living saints, who pray for you, who may even "see" you and your (spiritual) needs . . . and work for the Lord, on your behalf.

Here is a mystery . . . and a grace . . . .

Something is going on, probably because of the seriousness of the hour and the mobilization of the wicked, whereby the Body . . . has become . . . closely connected, and the gifts of the Spirit are tightly shared . . . and swiftly, so that, the "advancement" and blessings to one, flow . . . to the others. Hence, our gratitude to one another, for the trials and self denials and self sacrifices, wrought by His hand within us, and so too . . . the thrilling responsibility, one to another, mortifying our selves, for the others' behalf . . . whereby, we are NOT alone . . . and all that needs doing in this respect, is to be continually determined within to stay connected to . . . the divine presence, shunning the lessor spirits . . . focused . . . on the ONE PURPOSE of our current existence: to be saved by God!

The presence of purpose . . . . The Presence of Purpose . . . is there, is here, now . . . today! All else is a mess, noise, outright filth . . . and confusion . . . .

For such a moment, we are designed . . . .

Year of the Termite

2011-12-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

The year of the termite . . . .
Right now there is a full court press of evil being waged, obvious to believers.
One of the more insidious fields of corruption is in the churches. It's going on now and will be relentless over the coming year. It is a form of the "occupy" movement. This movement is where the enemies of God and freedom are fanning out in aggressive, vitriolic packs to shutdown opposition to the takeover. The purpose is to make the people afraid to speak up; make people afraid to speak out against the collapse and perversion of our institutions.
It is like this: A village is sleeping. A few--some watchmen--are awake and notice enemy personnel slipping into the village, taking up position to enslave and slaughter the inhabitants. The watchmen, or any happening to be awake start to make an alert sound. The enemy combatants rush up with a knife and threaten to slit the "alarmist's" throat. Every time someone attempts to sound the alarm to wake the others, the enemies, who are increasing now--flooding in--threaten the "alarmist" . . . .
Or, closer yet, it is like a city council . . . deliberating on governing policies. Enemies of the city infiltrate the council and start instigating policies BOUND to destroy the city, financially, morally, physically. Every time an earnest original member on the council tries to speak up to warn . . . they are shouted down--drowned out by the enemies and made to appear as a "kook" or "extremist". Eventually no one dares speak up anymore, but heads down, ignoring their inner alarm bells and nervous consciences . . . they trundle along, accepting the takeover meekly, going along . . . as did the German people under Hitler and the Russian and Chinese people under Stalin and Mao.
On the day of the 220th anniversary of the Bill Of Rights . . . we lose a major core of our rights through the abominable "indefinite detention" bill, where, now, just like Nazi Germany or Soviet Russia, the government can accuse with no trial, no evidence, no jury . . . and the citizen can be hauled away to some gulag in "Siberia" . . . . In the same "national defense" bill was the repeal on the ban against bestiality in the military.

Quite in your face . . . yet there are many people who have no idea these things are going on still. Or how serious and ominous such developments are. Amazingly, they think things will eventually "turn around" and get back to "normal."

But there is no getting back to "normal". It's over. The country (America) is lost; the Bill of Rights standing in name only; the constitution in shreds and the structure of a tyrannical police state all in place with the final touches being finished off as we speak . . . .

The ugliest and most dire of the demolition projects underway . . . is what is happening now to "the churches." Here come the termites.
At this moment, "change agents" . . . specific and deliberate infiltrators are inserting themselves into all the "mainline" denominations and kicking out the bible and Jesus. New age and occultic concepts and practices are being sifted into the pulpit messages, displacing the Gospel . . . and it is an organized and planned subversion.
Traditional pastors and sound biblically based churches are being systematically targeted and WILL BE especially and vociferously this coming year. The pressure will be to "go along" with a new ecumenicism which seeks to "synergize" ALL the world's faiths into . . . a progressive, "new world faith" . . . .

Charlatan wolves, like Rick Warren, are in cahoots with the globalists, to transform "Christianity" into a mushy feel good set of amorphous beliefs that can be fused into the coming one world religion.

I know you all know this . . . as it has been underway for a long time. But I can see that it is going to be bumped up a notch . . . in a big way . . . this coming year. There will be a small army of "occupiers" of sorts who are going to be tasked with infiltrating and shifting traditional churches away from the true Gospel and it is going to be a real challenge for believers who continue to fellowship within churches. There will be a real pressure to conform, shut up, go along and support the shift of message. The devious purpose-driven agenda is, like termites, for these infiltrators to so hollow out the basic foundations of the faith that it can be merged into "common purpose" with all the other "faiths" . . . .

A sickening example of this in a big way is the "Synergize3! Pastor's Conference" in January. Southern Baptists, Assemblies of God, Nazerene Church . . . will share the stage with Leonard Sweet. Sweet is at the forefront of new age "Christianity" . . . where he teaches of "Christ consciousness" . . . and favorably compares Kundalini "fire" and "Krishna's light" . . . to the "light" of the Holy Spirit, as if they are all talking about the same thing.

There is going to be a major assault, beginning now, within and without, upon traditional bible believers. The churches will be actively infiltrated and "eaten" from within. It will take blessed courage and strength and fortitude to remain centered on Him through what's coming, but we will and will be purified, tested and honed.

And "C" . . . I believe that you will start to experience joy and peace this coming year at times and in ways as never before.
While the tide of darkness wells and pushes over the land ever harder, so too, the Holy Spirit is meeting it through in increased vitality and strength through Believers . . . . This is also a feature of the coming year--an exciting one!

"I'm Better Than Jesus!"

2011-12-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

Some might read here and think, "you talk about love and compassion, but look how you sometimes 'bash' the Mormon church, for instance. What is Christian about that?"

Sorry to respond, for most of you . . . who understand quite well and easily "what is 'Christian' about that" since you are aware of the seriousness of following false doctrine and blasphemous parodies of the biblical Gospel, and so, this is redundant . . . but, I still get new readers here who haven't heard some of the reasoning.

Though, it is mostly pearls before swine, I fear. [Now, that phrase sounds more derogatory than I think it really is, or how I mean to use it. I find it more factual than demeaning. As in, if one threw some pearls down before some porcine munchers . . . and also tossed some corn kernels, they would all be snarfed up just the same, the pigs not discerning any difference between the two. I like pigs, by the way, so its no slam on piggies either :).]

But having been lost myself, years back, caught in the supernatural webs of other so-called "paths" and "teachings" . . . I know first hand how dangerous and subtle those forays can be. Once entangled and enrapt . . . and en-wrapped in them . . . except that God Himself comes to save you and pull you out, there is really no way a person can discern how they are misguided and then extricate. Powerful (dark) spiritual entities hover around and operate through the different cults and religions and so-called "paths" . . . and the solo explorer is no match for them . . . unless the Lord has decided to protect, ultimately, throughout the sojourn, and eventually come and retrieve the lost sheep.

And lies are lies . . . and intentional lies, proffered by some "prophet" or "guru" . . . or "saint" or "adept" MUST and DO have the POWER AND INTENT of THE FATHER OF LIES himself, behind them.

It is not a little thing, to devote your soul and current life . . . TO A LIE! It's not something you can just shrug your shoulders over and say, "well, it may or may not be 'the true church' but hey, it's better than no church . . . and 'they' do lots of good things in the world, so . . . . "

A serious student of Truth and unflinching seeker of God MUST resist the temptation to settle into a "path" if it is not the whole, final end truth. Yes, I went down roads, and invested myself in other "paths" but always with the over-riding intent to test them out, analyze their "fruits" . . . and, regardless of pride, if I learned that it was NOT the final truth, whether it had some truths, then it must be abandoned and the search continued.

I can't recall who it was, but one of the early revered Mormon church leaders said of Joseph Smith's claims and subsequent religion . . . something to the effect of, that, it was either the greatest blessing the world could know ("the restored Gospel"), OR, the most insidious, vile sham in the history of mankind.

Which is it? I would agree--any would have to agree--for its claims, truly it must be one or the other.

And if it is a lie, then, it has got to be a lie straight from the pit of hell--straight from the devil himself, because of it's claims and assertions.

It's no small matter. It cannot be something you say, "well, it's as good a church as any to be in--they do 'good' things in the world . . . . "

If it's a lie, it's a LIE!

Well, there are so many issues on which the Mormon church differs radically from biblical Christianity, that it doesn't take long for the sincere investigator to discover what's what. But of all the sour notes, I only have to read Joseph's Smith own prideful boastings, putting himself ABOVE the Lord and the apostles, to know instantly that something is seriously wrong here:
------------------------------------

"If they want a beardless boy to whip all the world, I will get on the top of a mountain and crow like a rooster: I shall always beat them . . . . My enemies are no philosophers: they think that when they have my spoke under, they will keep me down; but for the fools, I will hold on and fly over them.

All hell, boil over! Ye burning mountains, roll down your lava! for I will come out on the top at last. I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet.

History of the Church, vol. 6, p. 408-409 Address of the Prophet - His Testimony Against the Dissenters at Nauvoo.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

"I boast that no man ever did such a work as I . . . Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it." He says.

Does this not make you, if you are a follower of the Lord, instantly sick to your stomach? Joseph Smith, a man who committed adultery in his own house with a 14 year-old girl (among others) while his clueless wife continued to support his purported "revelations"? Putting himself above the apostles and JESUS HIMSELF and bringing a religion that has, as its basic tenet, the blasphemy that Christ dying on the cross IS NOT ENOUGH, but that you must ALSO WORK your way into heaven?

I say boldly that such a spirit which offers this cannot BUT come straight from the devil! How can it be argued otherwise?

And woe to any who worship this false prophet, as many do, and elevate him above the Saviour, saying that regardless of the sacrifice of the Son of God, ONLY BY THE AUTHORITY OF JOSEPH SMITH can a person enter heaven! You cannot enter heaven WITHOUT the consent of Joseph Smith, adulterer, killer (of two men he shot when trying to escape the jail),bank fraudster (see Kirtland Bank) and magic conjurer (the Smiths were well known "folk magic" practitioners and seekers for gold and hidden treasures,using occult items and techniques).

"From the day that the Priesthood was taken from the earth to the winding-up scene of all things, every man and woman must have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are -- I with you and you with me. I cannot go there without his consent" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 7:289).

But, really, if there was nothing else, those boastful, prideful, self-congratulating words of Smith, putting himself above JESUS even, for heavens sake! . . . take the cake, and I would need to see no more . . . to be convinced . . . that a deceitful and lying spirit was at the heart of that thing, no matter the "good things" they "do in the world."

[Joseph Smith Sphinx statue in downtown SLC . . . made by admirer Thomas Battersby Child in "Gilgel Gardens" circa 1945-63]

A Season Of "Abundance"

2011-12-26T11:23:00.000-08:00

Deeper depths . . . and higher heights . . . I am seeing for the coming year, beginning now, for those who are fierce in their sublimation of personal will to the will of God.

A powerful and honed ability to STAY in and with the Spirit is being bestowed on the faithful. There are really only two ways to go. One way leads into the chaotic labyrinth of fallen ego, resulting in despair, confusion, resentment and constant self-pity and blaming.

The other way cruises right past all the mess of self-love and anchors firmly into daily, REAL, relationship with the Saviour.

Finally accepting and LIVING "His will be done" . . . makes the disciple impervious to the ongoing temporal problems--which will only be compounding, as the whole world system is upended and transformed into the fledgling global police state--but those who have relied on self and others' fallen selves will find themselves at the mercy of evil rulers and demonic authority.

Many will turn to magic, disguised as it is in memes like "the law of attraction" . . . and "The Secret" . . . deluded that they can "will" things to "go their way" . . . and such will only become more infested with "familiar spirits" and powerful unseen entities . . . who are more than willing to provide "signs" and seeming "answers", though actually are only leading the childish "wisher" . . . into heavier and deeper darkness--AWAY from the Lord . . . and away from TRUTH and faith . . . . Lies and manipulation will be their only refuge, as they stack sin upon sin, simply in order to avoid submitting themselves to Jesus and obeying HIS commandments and HIS will.

But for those who welcome the truth . . . and who do not value their personal gain and status (in the world) above (the often unseen, still, quiet) "gain" in the SPIRIT and "status" before God . . . THESE are to be blessed for their continuing walk in faith. It does not matter what the foolish and deluded in the world say about you--accuse you of--for you are use to it, for one thing, AND you have read and understood and taken SERIOUSLY the scripture that says just as the world hated the Lord, so too will it despise and accuse YOU when you are His true follower.

The devil has taught . . . through compromised (by him) "religions" . . . that ie., material wealth . . . is a sign of "God's favor" . . . and that status in the world and power and influence over others (in the world) is a sign of "being on the right path".

But this contradicts scripture and what the Lord has clearly stated would be the case.

HE said that while foxes have holes and birds have nests, HE has nowhere to lay his head. The world rejected Him. Mocked Him. And finally beat and killed Him.

How can it be, then, that the followers are GREATER than the Leader? Why would it be that suddenly now the world loves and rewards the disciple of Christ? When He said Himself, "if the world hates you, know that it hated Me first."

And He said that the world loves its own. And they of the world "love darkness" . . . not the light . . . because their hidden deeds and motives are wicked, and the light shows on this and reveals them.

For those who find themselves loved by the world, they should pause . . . and tremble. I have seen "church leaders" boasting about their power and influence in the world. Men and women of wealth, renown, influence, status . . . dressed in expensive clothes, with expensive haircuts, jewelry, mansions . . . purporting to preach the Word of God, displaying great pride in all they have and titles and renown of their "friends" and "acquaintances" . . . implying, and sometimes outright saying, that such things--"blessings" they call them--are a "sign" of God's favor and proof that they are "doing His work."

But do these lofty and prideful "leaders of men" . . . not know that . . . for a time, the "ruler of this world" is Satan? And that the "ruler of this world" is a great bestower of wealth and power and prestige, even offering the same to Jesus (Who rejected it, in favor of a life of poverty and service and destitution "in this world)?

Jesus warned His followers to expect trouble and disfavor "in the world." He said, "because I have chosen you, you are NOT of the world, and the world will hate you."

Certainly, while not impossible, is it not expected to be a rare thing that . . . a TRUE follower of the Lord should be lauded and rewarded in this world, by those of this world?

What happened to those closest to the Man Himself; those who lived and ate and talked and walked with Him, and then taught what He taught in and by their lives? Were they loved and praised by the world?

No. They were accused, beaten, scorned, hunted, stoned, hung, burnt, speared and crucified.

Who imagines themselves better than the apostles? I would like to meet that person.

Actually, no I would not, for they must be possessed, insane or foolishly delusional, and other than as a sad novelty, I should not wish to waste precious time in their company.

But, I tell you . . . and you know already if you have truly been "walking The Walk" . . . that there ARE rewards and blessings which come from God, meted as He wills, to the faithful. But they are such things that the world cannot see, does not understand, and would not believe.

You will find, though, that only a few understand how and what this is . . . while "the world", should they happen to overhear or ask about what "you're about" will likely ridicule . . . and actually hate.

But the Believer knows that there may be times of providence, provender . . . and times of lack and struggle, yet being blessed with having a genuine thankfulness for ALL . . . is a treasure that the world can neither bestow or take away--hence a certain and unique "imperviousness" takes root and grows so that the opinions of the world have little to NO bearing on your ultimate destiny, where you stay firmly grounded despite the ravages of time and a demon-ruled world . . . .

A season comes upon us, even now, where, those who have . . . will have MORE; and those who have not, will have that little taken away--pertaining to fruits of the Spirit:

Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control

Praising God . . . and humbly submitted,
your brother, thomas

The Crowd: Love Bombs & Compassion Missiles

2011-12-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

To the mundane mind . . . this recent discussion can seem like vague, mushy-gushy platitudes. To one who has been witness to the power of Holy Spirit, it is familiar and invigorating! Yes? I'll say it, yes! :)

Indeed . . . it takes the greatest selfless courage of all . . . to switch to love versus reacting with resentment and vengeance. To lay yourself bare, open and submitting . . . is the highest and most powerful of warrior capabilities. Here is a fearlessness and faith that has brought down earthly kingdoms, conquered armies, vanquished mortal foes . . . has won over vast peoples in their villages, cities and towns, neighborhoods and even far-flung lonely outposts. Once seen by a person caught up in the "law of the jungle" give and take--the living soul filled with Christ's love . . . has the power to shatter instantly all illusions and transform the witness's whole being . . . head to toe. It has happened time and time again, through all the ages, since Jesus rose from the dead and Pentecost spread like wild holy fire through the disciples!

Then, disciples through the centuries, alive with that supernatural fire, have defied all fleshly inclination and themselves risen above the merely animal . . . to exhibit some small, yet searing fraction--shard . . . of DIVINE LIGHT--becoming lights themselves in a dark and confused world; so that, other seekers, in their sacred moment of brokenness, can SEE that it is true! And that HE LIVES! The selfless acts of love and sacrifice and service now, to others . . . in the most expert of ways (because Divine Intelligence guides it) now continues on earth whenever and wherever . . . a Believer is walking, reposing, acting, saying, showing . . . . LOVE IN ACTION--the hands and feet of God NOW! . . . is your holy charge, which you are happy to do, because you are overflowing . . . and there is NO END to the font of life and love and joy, ultimately, which pours upon . . . and through . . . and spreading out . . . to others . . . of subtle, but searing, liquid holy fire . . . SPIRIT . . . of the stuff . . . from which our Father is made . . . and has His being! . . . . . . !

LOVE BOMBS AND COMPASSION MISSILES

Crowds . . . especially this time of year . . . you see all types; often, that distant . . . lost in a trance . . . look . . . . uncomfortable . . . sometimes scowling, irritated . . . grouchy, grinchy . . . .

If I were alone--and this is something I am doing sometimes anyway--when finding myself out and about . . . in the crowds . . . .

Well, first, have you ever had this experience? When you are in the crowd, waiting in line, or negotiating milling and shopping folk . . . wherever . . . seeing lots of faces . . . . You find that you can quick see through the shell of people--in a moment you feel and see their lot--the aggregate worries and stress and concerns, so far from God, from even realizing that they are ALIVE . . . in this incredible world . . . . And you are struck with a loving compassion, feeling their pain, their situation . . . in a flash--written on their face, in the way they walk, stand, wait . . . .

Here is a thing to do . . . if and when alone in that struggling milieu . . . . You can imagine (using God's lovely bestowed imagining/creative mind/heart abilities we all have) that . . . as you are walking by one of these people . . . you launch a visualized missile of sorts . . . made of pure love and understanding and compassion . . . and as you go by them, you "see" it firing from your self INTO them. Arrows work well too. A shot of graciousness, caring . . . sent from your bow . . . directly at them. Love . . . love . . . love; a fellow wayfarer on this treacherous, stupendous, scary, exhilarating journey . . . .
From a distance, maybe waiting at a light in your car--you look over or around and spot someone you can tell is stressed out, harried . . . . And you fling a "bomb" from your heart and mind at them . . . which just includes a motive of blessing, of soothing, of caring--BAM!*#@8!+!!! Exploding, visualized . . . on them, all around them, coating them. I love you, in the Lord, and there's nothing you can do! I see your angst and fretting and even nastiness . . . and BOOM! I overwhelm it with a visual of HOLY LIGHT BOMBING . . . and then go on my way . . . to find another target!

There is also "roiling love" . . . I've mentioned before . . . where you imagine big long posts of sorts . . . extending out from the center of your hubcaps, your tires . . . as you drive down the road . . . and these are turning, roiling, with the tires rotation as you motate . . . and swirling, fiery, flaming wheels out on the ends of the posts . . . reaching all nearby cars and even to the sidewalk where people might be walking . . . . and you plow through them all with this churning intent of loving, caring, commiserating, blessing! . . . mowing over all in your vicinity and path as you go . . . .

This is a great exercise and personal mind/heart/soul shifter . . . especially when you yourself are feeling down, maybe picked-on, slightly the victim . . . depressed or low. Whether you "feel" the impetus or not, you JUST DO IT--imagine this--putting your mind through the act of doing it regardless of how you are feeling. It is not necessary to have the feeling of love and compassion yourself, so long as you have the INTENT and WILL to bestow it anyway, even if just using a visual image like this.

Another extremely powerful technique . . . which sounds crazy and "counter intuitive" . . . BUT WHICH WORKS incredible well . . . is to imagine that you are taking in all the bad . . . all the sorrow, all the pollution, all the angst . . . breathing it in, taking it in . . . and then . . . the moment you start to feel any better, or any hope or joy or good AT ALL . . . you hurry and get rid of it. Put it back out. Don't hold it, keep it. Hurry and put it back out, and get back to taking in all "the bad" . . . .

Ironically? . . . what starts to happen is that you start getting filled so much with GOOD coming in . . . that you can't unload it fast enough.

heh, try it sometime . . . .

You are blessed, incredible, beautiful people! btw . . . :)

Before The Rain . . . .

2011-12-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

I know I use the terms "spiritual" and "God" excessively. I am aware of the concerns and valid arguments and critiques in certain current Christian teachings . . . to be wary of "subjective" "feelings" and "spiritual experiences" as they can be deceptive. And that, of course, we should always be sure that we are testing everything against the Word, and it is therein that we get our supreme guidance.

I respect and acknowledge all such critiques and agree. Just to note, for one thing, my use of certain words like "spiritual", "mystical", "God" (versus ie., "Father" or "Yahweh") . . . comes largely from my cultural upbringing and these are simply terms that I have grown up with, feel comfortable using, to refer to what I understand as biblical concepts and truths. (The "culture" I was brought up in, by the way, was one where the Spirit led me into the deep study and experience of practically any and every "spiritual path" and nuance that I could get my hands on . . . . It was an isolated journey, pretty much, as, while I tried some different "churches" and "ashrams", I never really ever completely became "a member" of any--but always investigating and testing and, finding wanting, moving on . . . .

It's not a big deal . . . but sometimes I feel I can sense some reticence regarding the language and descriptives used . . . . Just know that I understand the dangers of subjectivism . . . and am careful as can be to not lead astray down that road, always aware and testing in prayer that what is being shared here is biblical; I just have my own way of expressing it perhaps . . . and, I do know that the language has long been hijacked, and especially in these times, so that it is difficult not to use words that have been taken and re-defined for subversive purposes.

Meanwhile, I am inclined to take some of those words back and assert them in their original intent and meaning. Otherwise, if we avoid words like "spiritual" . . . and "mystical" . . . and a whole host of other subtle descriptives . . . we will be left with a barren, dull, legalistic language . . . devoid of the wonder and color and holy intrigue NATURAL to the "experience" of believing in . . . and following GOD.

I know there are people who won't use the name "Jesus Christ", but insist on "Yeshuah" or another variant. I know that there is a line of thinking that believes that the word "God" is not proper, and almost a blasphemy of sorts. Some say "Yahweh" was originally the name of a pagan god.

Anyway, I rely more on the truth of a matter--the truth in an idea or proposition being expressed . . . conveying itself correctly as intended . . . to the earnest, sincere seeker. Just know that I never intend to advance any concepts and descriptions that are NOT based in traditional, common sense, biblical teaching.

Now, again . . . today I was impressed with the coming need, beginning NOW . . . to be able to abide in the spirit of love--holy love, Godly love . . . for the things that are coming upon us.

I believe . . . and like many, see the signs . . . and the ongoing developments in society and the world . . . showing that we cannot escape dire ramifications, effects . . . of all the evil that has gone on. AND, there are actually, fully dedicated humans and disembodied beings . . . who choose evil and absolutely believe that evil is necessary and right and actually a good thing . . . in the end. They believe the ends justify ANY means, including wreaking havoc and mayhem and chaos and suffering and death, in order that a "better" species can result. Too, there are simply those who are utterly devoid of light . . . and live only to ruin and plunder and cause harm.

The days ahead . . . will be trying, to say the least. There will be wide spread shock . . . and stunned awe . . . . so much that many will go into a semi-state of madness and self-delusion in order just to cope.

The children of God will find themselves tempted to react with anger, hatred, resentment and even violence, just to cope, spawned through abject fear and terror at what is befalling the planet.

Truly, there is only one way to get through all this, and stay blessed. When all around . . . are in a state of terror and hysteria . . . some completely shutting down, unable to function even; so that, you will find yourself (as the one with a head still on straight) in high demand to succor and soothe and outright help with many tasks--the bare necessities becoming daily pre-eminent . . . .

You cannot let your heart be drawn in . . . to the feeling of vengeance, which feeling shall be prevalent. The betrayals unfurled--the hypocrisies and injustice so blatant--the lying and stealing and perverting of all that's good . . . will be so massive . . . that an emotion of indignity and outrage will be hard to suppress. And, indeed, you will not be able to "suppress" it . . . but must . . . QUICK . . . shift into the holy love of God for all. It is there. You have felt it and been in it before. Some are there quite consistently, God bless them! But those new to the deep and heavy and holy spirit fire purifying levels of Christ in action--THROUGH YOU--well, there is no other way and . . . for the events coming upon us . . . we will need to become experts in Love, Holy Love, which rises above ALL, SEES all, loves all, and is a sacrifice continually . . . for others, and for God's loving, watchful eyes . . . .

He WILL have His people . . . in the earth, at all times. The "church" will stand through it all--the holy, spiritual body of Christ, disparate, separated often, but HERE, and in all corners . . . to stand WITNESS and TESTIFY through holy actions, in this flesh, showing the grace and mercy and humility and GRATEFULNESS . . . supernaturally natural . . . to the child of God, one who believes and lives by faith.

The test of our real faith is come upon us.

Now, we will shortly see some serious separation. The sifting has been going on, and gaining speed; but now we go into a time where it will be severe, up close, with immediate, blood and stone consequences. Meaning, . . . it won't be theoretical or subtle anymore; but when and how . . . you make your stands . . . for the cause of truth and righteousness--FOR GOD--will start having "real world" consequences. Fearlessness . . . and strong faith . . . to stand for God, in His love, will be required, with no fudging.

Here is where the actual mettle of souls will be seen and counted. The decisions made . . . having real, eternal consequences--the stakes being the highest of all time!

You cannot fail . . . with love . . . with Godly love towards God and others . . . . Sacrificing your self, your temporary comfort . . . and suffering your self so that others' suffering is lessened . . . cannot fail, when it is inspired by the Lord.

When the rest . . . go mean . . . and operate through hate and vengeance . . . YOU go LOVE and operate through compassion, tolerance, fortitude . . . .

Immediately, in so doing, you will feel the instant comfort . . . which is not of this world . . . and confounds the "wise", the "wealthy" . . . . Immediately, you are on another plane, operating from the Spirit, and already on the golden path . . . leading to the Holy Kingdom Eternal . . . .

This is how it will go . . . . .
Begin practice now . . . so that you've got some "chops" . . . before the rain . . . fully hits . . . . . .

Testing The Spirits

2011-12-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

We often mistake any "spiritual" feelings for being THE (only) Spiritual feelings . . . which are safe.

As in, when we are pondering things of life and death, of God, the meaning of life, good and evil . . . it is natural to look for signs; some confirmation . . . .

People not cynical of a mystical element in life . . . look for . . . and receive . . . "inner" promptings, feelings, understandings/realizations . . . which are (to that person) fairly clearly of some supernatural origin. We know--or believe, at least--that there IS something transcendent about this life--it has meaning, purpose, and somehow, intrinsically we know (or believe, at least) . . . that WE, individually . . . are important . . . and meant for some fashion of eternal cause/purpose.

So, we get answers. Somewhere, some way . . . through reading, praying, meditating, thinking, feeling, analyzing--and flat out having supernatural experiences of interaction with higher intelligence--we eventually must find ourselves, and do, settling on a few answers and signs WITHIN, taken from inspiration and from the inner promptings/feelings/understandings . . . which those of a spiritual/believing/mystical bent of mind recognize as coming from . . . the spiritual dimension.

Now, have no doubt, there are many contending forces and "personalities" operating in the spiritual plane/dimension . . . who seek to draw your allegiance and attention. [When living beings focus on another living being, the one focused on receives energy and power. This is why ego-maniacism--self serving is so prevalent and vicious in the fallen world. Beings cut off from God are driven to maintain their life force for as long as possible, clinging to "life"--but they are cut off from the Living God, and so, have been given a brief allotment of time in the ages to exist . . . until they finally die--cast into the eternal fire, into outer darkness.]

This is why nearly every thing, it seems, in this world is geared towards steering you away from God and TO the devil. The devil is soaking up all the energy from living souls that he can, while he can, and, controlling as he does, all the institutions, all the money, all the power, all marketing, all war--WITHIN HIS SPHERE--he is able at every turn that you make . . . to be standing there . . . with a temptation, with a diversion, an entertainment . . . intended to draw YOU away from focus on God . . . . And, once you do, as you do--as we all do!--become distracted and follow the offered fruit, the diversion . . . then we are lost in the devil's sphere. We fall into his world where the game is rigged, and so long as you are playing by his rules, he's got you and will toss you around the sick arcade like a pummeled pin-ball, bouncing around from sin to sin; depression to angst; to sometimes, c'est la vie stoic resignation "live for the day" . . . .

The great, ongoing mistake of the earnest Seeker . . . is to follow haphazardly many, if not most, of ANY of the "spiritual" promptings and "revelations" that come from "within."

That is, mistaking ANY spiritual experience . . . for THE Spiritual Experience.

THE Spiritual Experience . . . I mean to mean . . . is that of BEING SHOWN . . . that GOD IS . . . and that He is the Father of the bible . . . and that Lord Jesus Christ is the ONLY way you can reach His safe harbor--Heaven.

This one culminating Spiritual realization/experience . . . SPECIFICALLY! . . . is what the devil is all about diverting you from. Every means available, he will try, depending on your particular personality, what will tempt you AWAY from discovering The Truth.

For instance, the mechanically, "scientifically" minded--who don't even believe in God and deride and/or pity those who do believe in God--the devil will use the ruse of pride of intelligence. Such "scientists" will study and learn and memorize . . . "official" facts and explanations of the physics of life . . . and grow prideful, hard, close-minded . . . lost in their "knowledge" . . . and usually settling for a life of petty honors, doctorates, titles, "tenure"-status . . . as a minor celebrity in the field of "knowledge".
These are, in fact, some of the devil's favorite subjects/targets: "scientists" and "men and women of knowledge".
For these do not believe in the supernatural, and so, can be led by all kinds of hidden, occultic means, and can be led, through their petty and vain pride of self-importance, to do anything which will maintain their status in the world and sense of self-importance! [Meaning, ie., scientists can be given contacts, opportunities, FUNDING!, to pursue . . . ie.: more devious and ominous ways to destroy human and all life; ie., intricate and subversive means to alter human DNA, thought process, biology . . . and so on . . . . ]

So, far from any ideas or concerns about God and "ultimate meaning", the UN-mystical types are easy to mislead and control and keep away from True Spirit and conscript into working for the plan of evil . . . .

But, here, we are more concerned with those seekers and personality types . . . who have no qualms about believing in God and searching for "the truth." KNOWING, believing . . . that ANSWERS come from WITHIN . . . from the spiritual/Spiritual world.

Repeated now for the third time . . . the point of this writing . . . is to warn about mistaking any and every "spiritual" experience . . . for THE Spiritual Experience.

And here is the grand answer . . . . !

How to know if you are listening to the RIGHT "voices" . . . promptings . . . .

[Because, I have been through it myself . . . and have heard from many and varied serious and sincere Seekers . . . that one of the ongoing and difficult concerns on THE Spiritual Walk is knowing what is What and who is Who--WHAT inner realizations and promptings are coming from The Holy Father/Son/Spirit--and what is coming from the Adversary, the Liar, the Arch Deceiver?!?!]

A quick and sure way . . . to quickly ascertain if . . . you are continuing along The Right Path or not . . . is to look for love.

LOVE!

OR, is God there! And you are instantly filled with increased and increasing LOVE OF GOD and LOVE OF OTHERS?

When you are hearing from God, you are instantly filled with compassion and interest and concern for others.
Also, you find you LOVE GOD and crave His presence and want to bask in the holiness and sanctity His reality brings. You no longer find yourself engaged in schemes to get over on people--to "win" . . . to be "above" others, competitive and critical of others secretly within--.

No, . . . when the Lord is there . . . and you are walking on THE Right Path and engaging in THE Spiritual Experience . . . which is: DIRECT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CREATOR . . . . then instantly you will find that your immediate interests involve . . . giving service to others. You suddenly crave to LOVE others and want to alleviate their pain and suffering . . . . ESPECIALLY . . . those who are difficult to love!

Here is GOD! You will find that you are drawn to and filled with the capacity TO LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.

Because . . . when God is with you, and you with He . . . in relationship and communion . . . you are given the capacity to See!

You "SEE" with other eyes; truly Spiritual eyes.

You get the power and ability to see things as they really are . . . NOT as the deceiving devil would TRICK you into thinking . . . .

And you see that . . . your "enemies" . . . and other difficult and distasteful people . . . KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.

They are damaged, subjugated, abused, ignorant . . . near-animals . . . operating on instincts and reflexes and psychological triggers placed in them by their . . . ignorant, sinful, damaged . . . parents.

A train of ignorance and misled generations, propagating evil, reflexively mostly . . . in the fallen world.

When Jesus is there, you See them, not as your enemies . . . but as pawns for your one, real, TRUE enemy . . . and that is Satan, the fallen one. The Rebel against God. HE is the one using the world and his slaves in the world to cause mayhem . . . and MOST SPECIFICALLY . . . to DIVERT you from realizing the One and True God.

So, you find you have compassion. You realize, that, but for the grace of God, you too . . . would be ignorantly propagating evil and wickedness in the world. Indeed you HAVE! And only because the Lord came and got you, are you saved.

When He came . . . and knocked . . . you WILLINGLY acceded. And so now, you must stay close to Him, by focusing on Him and ignoring the temptations of the world, in all their devious and subtle forms--MANY OF WHICH come in the form of "spiritual" or "supernatural" experiences, disguised.

If LOVE is not there, then, chances are, you are being deceived by the devil. Other powerful spirits and entities operate on the "spiritual" plane and can infuse you with psychic and "mystical" sensations and synchronicities . . . "un-earthly" signs and coincidences . . . .

And many are so desperate for an answer . . . to their seeking, that . . . they cannot wait . . . and so, take whatever comes along, masquerading as a TRUE Spiritual Experience.

There are discreet demons . . . who rule over whole peoples, religions, countries, counties, races, tribes, cities, clubs, clans, families . . . etc. ANY human "grouping" which can give a sense of belonging to something larger that one's self. Here, the demon draws you in to "belong" . . . to a group . . . and conveys subtle and often "spiritual" feelings to seduce you . . . such as patriotism, "family pride", "racial pride" . . . loyalty to the fraternity, the clan, the "order", the cult . . . .
This tricks the person into believing they are a part of something more important than merely SELF, and so, akin to being on "THE Spiritual Path.

But, if you scratch the surface just a little bit . . . you will find . . . that EGO and self-seeking and self-importance is really all that is going on, disguised as service to the group.

Service to GOD is something altogether different. It seeks no worldly reward. Indeed, it doesn't hardly even see the world anymore; does not care for the world. Concerns over status and placement and "success" in the world are puny, inconsequential . . . to the soul trained ON GOD.
For, once you See Him, all you want to do . . . is to LOVE and SERVE Him . . . and, experiencing His character and presence . . . you likewise . . . want to love and serve others, even . . . and especially! . . . the difficult and "un-loveable"!

Misleading and diversionary VOICES . . . FEELINGS . . . "within" . . . can make you feel all sorts of mystical and fascinated ways . . . .

But when the Voice of God comes calling . . . you will find yourself thinking LOVE!~! Service, healing, helping, alleviating the suffering of others, especially the sick, the weak, the least, the crude, the ignorant, the old, the children, animals and God creations . . . . There is no tinge of self interest involved whatsoever--in fact, it repulses you. You find yourself CRAVING goodness and REAL selflessness.

This is a way to test the spirits. But you must be shrewd in this. You must be wise as the serpent and know his ways and tricks. For, the "fallen natural man" is so veracious . . . that even when a genuine spirit of love comes into the inner person, it is quickly absconded with and taken to be used . . . eventually . . . for some secret, subtle self gain.

The REAL spirit of love . . . GOD'S LOVE . . . just keeps going . . . never turning back in on self . . . but always going OUT . . . to others, to God.

It is possible . . . and WILL HAPPEN . . . that we will live CONSTANTLY in that Spirit of Love; never turning back in on self, to harbor self, to machinate for self "advancement", gain (against others.)

You must be ruthless with your petty self, that it not swoop in and, with the devil's help, try to steer the focus away again from God, to earthly, temporary things . . . .

God bless,
amen,
bt

An Holy Repeat! . . . and REPEAT AGAIN!

2011-12-18T09:18:00.000-08:00

I woke up today with a head full of God, full of Jesus; been immersed in Him all morning. I love it when His spirit is near, surrounding--can't get enough!

The unsaved might drop by here and react within, "oh brother, he's talking about God AGAIN . . . !" To them it is grating, annoying, tedious, all this God talk.

But when His spirit has caught you, and you've seen the Light . . . you can't get enough. You want more. You crave it all the time. You ponder over Him and your relationship with Him, how it is going. You want to hear about biblical figures, stories, lessons, psalms, proverbs. Everything involved with the Lord . . . is sweet and fresh and enlightening. The WORLD is tedious, annoying, dull, grating!

And the Believer knows that it is dangerous for even a day to go by where HE is not foremost in your considerations. The Spirit experiencer . . . knows . . . that the worldly concerns of the day can quickly overwhelm and displace the still, small, sweet voice . . . and all too soon . . . you realize that you have drifted into the currents of the flesh; your mind is occupied with a quivering stew of worries, doubts, vexation, axiety, wants and needs . . . .

No longer are you fixated on God, on the Lord and what HE wants and cherishes, but, rather, all your petty desires and vying infatuations ransack the inner temple, leaving it dirty and at last you may find yourself sitting in a grimy corner fighting with demons wondering . . . where did the Spirit go? Why am I feeling suddenly all alone and lost again?

So, the earnest seeker and the determined disciple . . . fights daily to preserve the scents of sanctity--the inner incense waftings of Holy Spirit, from when He has come and met with you . . . and--knowing the fragility of pure spirit holding ground in this violent, physical battlefield--you return daily, HOURLY to confess at the altar and to imbibe the spiritual food and drink which is shared among similar Believers and teachers and fellow students. There is nothing tedious or grating about it. You crave to be in the company of like minded and like spirited individuals who also love God the Father above all and who also commune with the Holy Spirit . . . passing the flame of interest, of determination . . . back and forth, keeping it alive, never straying too far from constant immersion in His name, His teachings, His Spirit, His purposes! . . . for THERE, in that consistency . . . is found real joy, strong peace, chastity, integrity . . . HOLINESS!

The unsaved . . . tires of the name Jesus. Oh, here and there, He can be mentioned . . . along with other so-called "teachers" . . . just one wise man among many who have come and gone . . . . But this carrying on, day after day, about Jesus . . . and "harping" on current events as if they all related to the bible . . . strikes the worldly as "fanatical" . . . "obsessed" . . . and just . . . well, "too much."

But to those who love truth, who find themselves regularly naked before The Truth and who thrive on more and more of their falsity being stripped away . . . and who crave perfection and purity . . . and who have tasted the incense of Holy Spirit and the accompanying atmosphere of sanctity . . . MORE and MORE of it, however, whenever . . . conveyed and shared . . . is the stuff of LIFE! It is the foolish and prideful who have had enough of it. The self loving and prideful . . . get hung up on the messenger and cannot see past the believer's personal faults and flaws, not understanding . . . that . . . in this world, in this time, the Lord works through imperfect vessels . . . BUT HE WORKS nonetheless through ANY and ALL who simply, genuinely LOVE HIM and who believe and through such . . . He speaks, when and where He will; and those who have realized this . . . are constantly attentive for His voice, for it is everywhere--He is CONSTANTLY knocking on the door of pride and of crystallized, fallen ego--and He loves to use the weak and the broken and flawed . . . for this shows His mercy and grace and glory; the self loving and the lofty are like hardened dark obsidian, opaque, dense, brittle--no light comes through them, for they are too full of themselves
and always conniving for displays, obsessed . . . NOT WITH GOD . . . but with how others perceive them and what their legacy might be . . . .

The naked, the broken, the poor, the weak, the spiritually "fearful" . . . are open . . . willing . . . eager . . . hungry . . . to hear His voice, whether He speaks to them from within and/or when He speaks through his childlike, contrite, repentant, demurring . . . BELIEVERS! The disciple gains a taste . . . and A SKILL even . . . to be able to (lovingly) LOOK PAST and HEAR PAST the unfinished character of the vessel . . . to recognize that part coming through which IS of TRUTH . . . . Where JESUS Himself is speaking and many times . . . obviously supernaturally answering specific questions that the disciple has asked recently. The student learns to listen . . . all the time . . . and often to and through THE LEAST . . . for here is where God loves to exhibit His majesty and "supernatural" character . . . . NOT through the "powerful" . . . "elite" . . . and "wealthy" . . . . But very touchingly . . . and simply . . . through those who just love Him above all, and who have usually suffered at the wicked and perverse hands of the world . . . but who continue, through all . . . . . to remain focused, fixated . . . repetitively (though not ROTELY) . . . consistently, daily, hourly . . . ON HIM!

The Believer knows how tenuous staying in the spirit can be. They have strayed before . . . gotten lost . . . become dead . . . and been rescued . . . knowing that certainly, NOT BY THEIR OWN POWER are they brought back into the fold--but that it HAD to be the Lord who found them and brought them back. And the terror in the realization of how easy it is . . . to falter and . . . drift . . . and then realizing you've acquired a taste for sin . . . and stumbled into various addictions . . . well . . . the terror in knowing how serious and easy it is to be led or go astray . . . keeps one vigilant thereafter . . . and purposeful . . . in staying ALIVE in the Word and fellowshipping with other TRUE . . . Believers . . . and it becomes THE WORLD which is tedious and repetitive and stultifying . . . whereas you find no end to hunger for God and all things and people GENUINELY associated with Him!

Lol. It was kind of funny . . . at the end of the talk yesterday with Zeph . . . . We stumbled into what ought to be the campaign slogan for the coming year, "Hope And Terror"! Heh, I was saying something to the effect . . . of what an exciting and yet, scary time we are living in, and especially . . . having the sense of what is coming upon us over this next year's time . . . and I said it was full of "hope and terror" . . . and Z, adroitly . . . caught it--as he is a great listener! . . . and said that ought to be the new campaign slogan . . . :) And it is apropos on several different levels, pertinent at this time. There is the sacred hope that all Believers share in the GOOD final outcome of all . . . . There is the fake hope offered by "man" and his self-serving machinations . . . . There is the terror that the followers of the demonic bring . . . in all they do, and they are even now intending to do . . . . There is the holy terror, fitting, that the disciple knows where they KNOW and have realized the profound stakes involved with all of this . . . .

My wife just asked me what I was writing about and I told her and she brought up . . . how, in seeking to maintain the Spirit . . . that you can simply pray and ask for a double portion of Spirit . . . and . . . you can get it! Often, we forget to simply ask the Lord for His Spirit to be in us, to inspire us, to infuse us all throughout and within . . . ! The tediums of the world can make us forget how close He is and how willing and eager He is to fill us with His presence . . . . The Good News is . . . that if you come to Him with an open and contrite heart . . . and ask . . . His forgiveness, His mercy . . . He WILL respond!

And I feel led . . . also today . . . to say thank you. YOU . . . know who you are, where God is working through YOU . . . . . Especially, at this time of year, where so many demands and expectations are there; it is never taken for granted and I and my family . . . are humbled . . . and a lot more . . . that words fail to wholly capture . . . .

I am touched and blessed . . . that anyone bothers to come here and share . . . in this fixation, this daily "obsession" . . . "fanaticism" . . . :) . . . to talk about, think about, write about, pray to . . . pray with . . . all about God . . . The ONE true God . . . specifically--He of the Holy, most blessed and powerful name: Jesus!

Can't get enough of Him . . . . !
More, more, MORE! Deeper, stronger, purer, holier, profounder, an Holy refrain . . . day after day after night after night after day after day . . . forever!

Double portions, I pray, FOR EVERYONE! And then some! An Holy repeat . . . and repeat . . . and repeat--THE refrain!
your brother always, in His name, thomas

It's over . . . It's just beginning . . .

2011-12-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

Zeph invited me to have a little year-end talk this morn on his audio at 7am MST...not sure if it's live? ....Been praying and asking what to say . . . . Keep being led to note that . . . really, 'it's over' . . . which was the catch phrase I showed up with 7 or so years ago in the ol' Lamb Cafe . . . . "2012 is the end" is another phrase I was told way back in '95 . . . and I still believe it is, though not "the end" of everything . . . but the end of a lot of things . . . bigtime . . . .
There is an occultic demonic component . . . which will become blatant and active . . . Major head games played on the masses re "et's" . . . and outright Satanic activists, soulless types who are chomping at the bit, like man-eating horses, to . . . wreak havoc . . . .
At the same time, I've never been more steady in the walk of faith--a super faith, which will be required to marshal through . . . fully accepting WHATEVER He sovereignly brings to pass . . . .
I am nominally concerned about what is being done to our bodies--some sort of poisoning or pummeling, I have no doubt about . . . and taking reasonably health precautions and proaction to hopefully stay strong as possible throughout; but again, His will be done . . . and I know that we are in a tough love situation, designed for a better tomorrow . . . . But no question, He loves us and cares for each of us individually and many of you are anointed vessels for His love and caring, experienced first hand:)!

I remind to take note of my p.o. box . . . as I would like to stay in touch as long as possible . . . even when the internet is disrupted and changed . . . .
Nevertheless, I expect to meet you in timeless eternity "one day" and it will be wonderful!

God blesses you, as you know, and I believe we shall not go hungry and will continue to see "miracles" and stunning faith-sustaining contingencies . . . having already witnessed many to date!

God is with you,
brother, thomas

Never Forgetting

2011-12-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

The interior life is the beginning of the blessed peace of the saints, who eternally cry, Amen, Amen! We adore, we praise, we bless God in everything; we see Him incessantly, and in all things his paternal hand is the sole object of our contemplation. There are no longer any evils; for even the most terrible that come upon us, work together for good, as St. Paul says, to those that love God. (Rom8:28) Can the suffering that God destines to purify and make us worthy of himself, be called an evil?

Let us cast all our cares, then, into the bosom of so good a Father, and suffer Him to do as He pleases. Let us be content to adopt his will in all points, and to abandon our own absolutely and forever. How can we retain anything of our own, when we do not even belong to ourselves? The slave has nothing; how much less, then, should we own anything, who in ourselves are but nothingness and sin, and who are indebted for everything to pure grace! God has only bestowed upon us a will, free and capable of self-possession, that we may the more generously recompense the gift by returning it to its rightful owner.

We have nothing but our wills only; all the rest belongs elsewhere. Disease removes life and health; riches make to themselves wings; intellectual talents depend upon the state of the body. The only thing that really belongs to us is our will, and it is of this, therefore, that God is especially jealous, for He gave it to us, not that we should retain it, but that we should return it to Him, whole as we received it, and without the slightest reservation.

If the least desire remain, or the smallest hesitation, it is robbing God, contrary to the order of creation; for all things come from Him, and to Him they are all due.

Alas! how many souls there are full of self, and desirous of doing good and serving God, but in such a way as to suit themselves; who desire to impose rules upon God as to his manner of drawing them to Himself. They want to serve and possess Him, but they are not willing to abandon themselves to Him, and be possessed by Him. (fenelon)

Knowledge is bliss......

2011-12-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

Electronic concentration camp . . . .

My favorite foil . . . my friends and family who are dopily going about there tasks utterly clueless that the police state, country gulag I (and other "kooks") have been warning about . . . is well past ("conspiracy") theory and now a blatant fact; yet they still shrug and seem numb and lackadaisical about it all. First, they use to laugh and roll eyes, saying things like, "that can't ever happen in America."

Now that it IS happening in America, they laugh and roll eyes, saying things like, "Oh well, the government has to protect us against terrorists."

Fools don't know that government has been creating and training "terrorists" all the way along--the whole story has been theater indeed designed for the very purpose of actually . . . GOING AFTER THE PEOPLE, not "terrorists".

I wouldn't say "ignorance is bliss", as these puddin' heads aren't really what I would call "blissful." But I guess you could say "ignorance is untroubled."

I am relatively untroubled as well, though with full knowledge of what's going on. My relative "untroubled-ness" will not be shaken when this thing escalates to nighttime knocks on the door, trains with shackles, guillotines, "detention" camps. When the "velvet fist" removes its glove . . . they probably will finally be a little concerned; though these are people who didn't bat an eyelash at Waco or Ruby Ridge . . . .
Ahhh, untroubled through ignorance . . . .

At the same time, while more and more people ARE becoming aware that something is terribly wrong and agitating . . . I find myself increasingly prone to live on, almost now disinterested in the latest developments. For one thing, I've already said it, described it--where it is going, how it is and will be, plenty of times, so there is not much more to say re that. Yes, we have unmanned armed drones proliferating our skies, in use by both the federal and local governments. Yes, the "fema camps" are real--hundreds of them and they are now being staffed, manned, set-up for operation . . . . Yes, we have a communist takeover of our government, institutions, courts, military, police . . . . And yes, we have lost nearly all our cherished rights and freedoms, which will become starkly obvious soon . . . .

But I refuse to let any of these predicted . . . and now implemented . . . acts of tyranny . . . to rob me of my daily mode of life. Creativity, family, love, dreams, simple enjoyment of BEING . . . of the gift of life, day to day . . . will go on. Knowing what is going on . . . need not ruin one's peace of mind and transcendent purpose of living--which purpose has little to do with THIS world as it currently exists.

Living in a state of grace, of faith . . . supersedes . . . conquers . . .. vanquishes the petty machinations of demon-led, ego-maniacal goons dirtying up the water. For there is other water, by which to live and live triumphantly, even in the worst case scenario.

And with the benefit of supernatural scripture, which foretells all and puts everything in sacred context, then, really, there are no surprises . . . and we can be at peace within knowing how the whole, crazy story shall end.

There is being "untroubled" because of ignorance . . . .
And there is being "untroubled" . . . because of KNOWLEDGE . . . .

For certain, I would vastly prefer the latter, because one day, ignorance will no longer be an excuse. All will become quite plain and obvious even . . . . There will be no where to hide and demur; ignorance will no longer be safe haven. Those who try to hide under the rocks . . . will find all their hidden places exposed.

Better to NOW come into the light, live in the open sun, open Son . . . receiving guidance and instruction and protection NOW, rather than slough it off and lazily "hope for the best." Right? Right.

-------------------------------------------------------

http://www.aptac-us.org/new/upload/File/RFI%20for%20KBR%2011-16-11.pdf

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-federal-predator-drones-have-been-used-on-u-s-citizens/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31gpH6BgPOs

"Taking The Ball" and other peasant talk. . . .

2011-12-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

[above is a drawing/water color I made when I was 15 , and just found, called "Taking The Ball", the only self-portrait I ever attempted...heh, notice the hoard of critics? ghouls . . . in the background all a-rage...]
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Tolstoy said there is nothing in the world that should not be expressed in such a way that an affectionate 17-year old boy can see and understand it. In his book "What Is Art?" he said, "art is not a handicraft, it is a transmission of feeling the artist has experienced." He described art as like an infection--a feeling that is transmitted, which infects others and then they have it to. And the infection must be instant . . . or it isn't art.

"The business of art lies just in this,--to make that understood and felt which, in the form of an argument, might be incomprehensible and inaccessible . . . . The hindrance to understanding the best and highest feelings (as is said in the gospel) does not at all lie in deficiency of development or learning. A good and lofty work of art may be incomprehensible , but not to simple, unperverted peasant laborers . . . all that is highest is understood by them . . . . For instance, I know people who consider themselves most refined, and who say that they do not understand the poetry of love to one's neighbor, or self sacrifice, or of chastity. So that good, great, universal art may be incomprehensible to a small circle of spoilt people, but certainly not to any large number of plain people.

"Critics . . . are people especially incapable of knowing what art is because 'they are erudite, that is perverted and at the same time very self-confident individuals.' All that erudition, weighing, measuring, reasoning and comparing, spoils these critical people, makes them opaque and atrophies so that they cannot feel any more with the immediacy of a child or of plain people or of poets.

"Critics have always been people less susceptible to the contagion of art."

---------------------
Replace the word "art" with "Spirit" . . . and a nice picture of the situation emerges, related to anointed discussions of matters gospel versus those who are merely repeating things they have heard, trying to impress, but devoid of the FEELING--the (sacred) INFECTION of Holy Spirit. Such "experts" typically diminish "feeling" and sometimes outright assault and ban it as an acceptable component of "knowing the truth."
I say, because they are lazy. And fearful . . . so want to play it safe. The heart is a great deceiver, for sure, and trusting feelings alone . . . is a rudderless ship; a rudderless ship which many devious and ravenous wolves will be happy to climb aboard and steer . . . .

However, the sacred contagion of Holy Spirit fire . . . certainly affects the heart, the feelings--it is not a dry, dull, purely "factual" occurrence. What glory, what beauty is there in "knowing the truth" if . . . this knowing is devoid of feeling? Are we to be eternal robots, clattering around a sterile, perfect world, proclaiming, "just the facts, ma'am." ?

Love of God, love of truth, eagerness for Holy Spirit infusion . . . combines with passion, with feeling, purifying the same, commending it to holy cause . . . ! The experience of . . . and conveying of . . . love of God . . . happens . . . like real art. It is felt, experienced and then spread to others, who catch it. A child, a peasant, an affectionate 17-year old boy (or girl) should be able to catch it and quick!

And then, what is most thrilling . . . is, continuing to pass it back and forth, among those who have already caught it! The importance and vitality of fellowship among believers . . . .

Enthusiasm means divine inspiration . . . .

"The more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." Van Gogh.

"I have read Locke, Bacon, Burke. On everyone of these books . . . I felt the same contempt and abhorrence then that I do now. They mock inspiration and vision. Inspiration and vision was then, and now is, and I hope will always be, my element, my eternal dwelling place." Blake.

"The divine Blake" said his friend Calvert, "who had seen God, sir, and had talked with angels."

Pirates and Man-Eating Horses

2011-12-12T06:48:00.000-08:00

Life long learning . . . is a secret to "staying young." Provoking the mind with new information and upsetting hardened false beliefs keep the brain pliant and akin to the wonder so loved by the childlike mind. Myself, I love history and it so vast that there is no threat of running out of new things to learn. So many incredible tales or treachery, heroism, self sacrifice, faith . . . . It soon becomes clear, when reading or hearing about past societies and people, that the treason and subterfuge so evidently on display today . . . is nothing new. Truly, there is nothing new under sun, and how! Governments, kings and queens and rulers of various sorts have forever been manipulating the people for personal gain, subverting the culture, lying and stealing and murdering for mad ego's sake. The great leap of understanding and implementation of America's early political structure was in recognizing the fallen nature of humanity and setting up a balance of powers to try and keep power's corrupting results to a minimum. Foolish left-wingism, communism/socialism naively believes that humans are NOT inherently fallen and corrupt and that, through manipulation and force, society can achieve Utopia eventually.

But without God, this is delusional scheme . . . . Hence, the wisdom of the Founding Fathers who knew this and tried to devise a system to keep the people free as possible for as long as possible. It's actually quite stunning to see how rapidly the current regime is taking a wreaking ball to all such protections . . . .

Anyway . . . aside from that sad scenario . . . a few matters I have learned recently, just for fun . . . .

Such as . . . Blacks made up about 30% of all pirates in the great age of pirates. Also there were quite a few "Native Americans" who were pirates. I did not know that. Also, while a typical Royal Navy commander of a ship would make about 40-60 times MORE money than the rest of the crew . . . a pirate captain of a ship might only make one-and-a-half to only TWO times more than the crew.
And . . . while pirates were indeed interested in treasure . . . one of the main reasons sailors took up pirating and becoming part of a pirate crew . . . was in protest and to escape to often cruel and unjust practices of "official" ship captains. Pirate ships were run quite democratically and a pirate captain would not long stay in charge if he mistreated the sailors on ship. This is similar to American Indian chiefs. Chiefs were only chiefs so long as they merited the position of leadership. Heredity played a relatively minor role in succession. A person's deeds and ABILITY were what determined leadership. And there were different chiefs for different occasions. As in, there was a WAR chief--a bold, strong, brave leader; and there was often a different fellow who was the CIVIL chief--who ruled in matters of camp structure and day-to-day living. But even then such "leadership" was nominal. Each brave was pretty much left to their own conscience how and when they would follow a "leader". If the group lost confidence in the "chief's" abilities, a new "leader" would be chosen. And, like on a pirate ship, most all the decisions were discussed and voted on democratically. Very unlike the top-down, dictatorial style of the European mode at the time.
Also, it was rare, actually . . . that there would be a lot swashbuckling-type sword fighting on deck when pirates took over a ship. In almost every case, the targeted (merchant) ship would simply surrender without a fight. This was because . . . the pirate ship would have 50-75 rugged, ARMED fighters aboard, whereas a cargo ship . . . would have a small crew of maybe 5-15 soldiers, and a few hands on deck to run the ship . . . because the merchandise took up most the room. So, once the skull and cross-bones showed up . . . most times, the ship would just surrender and hope for the best.
Usually, then, the pirate captain would gather the captain and crew of the merchant ship and ask the sailors how the captain treated them. If the captain was a good captain and treated his men fairly, sometimes the pirates would take a small bit of loot and just let them go. But, if the captain was a tyrant and maltreated his crew . . . well, various unsavory punishments would be meted on him, though "walking the plank" was actually not one of them.
Another thing . . . . Pirates didn't really bury treasure. Oh, maybe in a few cases, but for the most part, pirates SPENT their treasure. After a successful conquest, the pirates would hit the town and party it up until they were broke again. They knew their lives were likely going to be short, so they didn't bother with "savings" and investment whatsoever. They intended to live hard and fast and go out in a blaze of reveling glory. In fact, some pirate captains INSISTED that the men spent ALL of their portion of loot BEFORE they were allowed back on the ship. This way, broke, the men would be "hungry" and eager to go enthusiastically for more "prizes."
I enjoyed the lectures given by Marcus Rediker about pirates and especially like the compass design of his home page:
http://www.marcusrediker.com/index.htm
A few of the most fascinating pirates of the golden age of pirating were women, such as Anne Bonny and Mary Read. "Captain Jack and the male members of his crew were tried on November 16, 1720, and were sentenced to hang. Anne was allowed to visit her lover in his cell before his execution, and instead of the consoling, loving words he was undoubtedly expecting, her scathing comments live on throughout history: "Had you fought like a man, you need not have been hang'd like a dog."
http://www.bonney-readkrewe.com/legend.html
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Something else I learned recently, while researching for my book . . . .That horses eat meat and can be quite the vicious killers! This is shocking to a lot of people . . . but was well known before the 20th century. In the old days, there was a healthy respect for the violent capacity of horses and some cultures and people were outright terrified of them. There are quite a few historical cases of horses going rogue and terrorizing villages and town, hunting down individuals and ripping them to shreds. War horses, in the past were fed meat, which was believed to make them stronger and more intelligent . . . and when in battle, the horses were as murderous against the enemy as the human soldiers. Alexander the Great's famous horse Bucephalus was reported to be a man killer.
The Disney/My Little Pony fablization of horses is . . . just that. A fable . . . and a false picture. Horses can be deadly and have been used as guard animals to protect against wolves and coyotes and other predators.
Even now in Bhutan and Tibet, they feed their horses a mixture of blood, meat of offal. Tasty stuff, they say.
Mmmmm.
But really, they do, still to this day.

Old explorers . . . back in the day . . . knew this about horses . . . and many times . . . when they were out in the wilds, but in more barren places . . . where there was lack of vegetation, the people knew they could feed their horses on meat to survive, and they did. The South Pole explorer Sir Ernest Shackelton in 1908, shared a meat-based diet with his fellow exploring horse Socks . . . as there was nothing else in that cold waste to eat . . . .
The "Man Eater of Lucknow" . . . was a famous horse given to an Indian Maharaj by King George IV, who went rogue and killed numerous citizens:

"On we went; still no sign of inhabitants – the houses everywhere closed – breathless terror reigning on all sides. It was not long before we came upon the figure of a youth, similarly mangled and destroyed, lying in the road, more towards the side, however. On the top of an adjoining house we saw one of the king’s troopers standing, looking intently up the road along which we were advancing.

‘What is the matter?’ I asked.

‘The man-eater is loose,’ was the reply; ‘wallah, but he has turned again. Look out for your safety, sahibs; he is wild today." http://www.lrgaf.org/articles/maneater.htm

The fellow who recently did a complete study on this history and horse history generally is CuChullaine O'Reilly in his book "Deadly Equines". He is an interesting guy. He started "Long Riders Guild", which I wish I could be a part of. They a group of folks, horse enthusiasts, who go on massively long journeys, totally on horseback. He is involved now in an expedition to travel the world on horse.

I like this quote from his website: "Our time will seem as romantic in 1,000 years to the effete descendents of this current generation. Yet still you linger, believing those cowards who say that all the mountains have been climbed, all the white spots on the map have been defined, all the courage ever needed was taken from your grandparents. Such thoughts are not for Long Riders, they are for eunuchs living life on wheels full of emptiness. The world still belongs to those brave enough to venture out into its unknown dangers, and horses still stand eager and willing to take us there. The map of your life is yours alone to draw."

http://www.thelongridersguild.com/LRG.htm

------------------------------------------------

All The Time In The World

2011-12-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

There are the ongoing promptings, guidance, continuous conversation with Holy Spirit . . . which (should) happen daily, nightly . . . . Then there are the rarer personal meetings, direct with the person Yeshu, Jesus . . . .

Sometimes these happen in a dream. Sometimes during waking hours . . . an experience which you have no doubt about. These are cherished . . . and it seems generally the case that an individual may have just one or two a only a few of these encounters in a lifetime. But just ONE of these is so powerful, that it permeates one's whole life from beginning to end. You are changed at some deep, core level, never the same. You have met deity, if only for moments; the effect so transformative . . . that you KNOW He is.

And that His character is HOLY. A sacred air surrounds and emanates from this Person. Different than other spiritual, supernatural beings, who, while also projecting a sense of otherworldliness, do not bring that unique, perfect combination of reverence, holiness, sanctity, purity and intelligence, humor, compassion and understanding. Lessor spiritual encounters can certainly astound and impress, but an encounter with THE HOLY ONE is on a par strikingly distinct from all others. There is a feeling of familiarity to it as well. It . . . HE . . . is not "strange" . . . not a stranger . . . . He is someone you seem to already deeply know. You know that He loves you also. There is not any aura of "the trickster"--someone "messing" with you.

No, He comes at you straight on, but gently, though solid, firm. All light.

The others have shadows. Agendas lurk with them, though hidden. They bedazzle and mesmerize, like the "miracle"-producing gurus and yogis of India. Shamans, magicians, wizards, witches . . . can impress, and the unwary are taken in and . . . taken over, before too long.

But, the sinless One--perfect from the beginning, has no shadows, no skulking issues, no tricks, uncomplicated . . . pure . . . direct . . . . You See and feel and somehow know . . . that He has ONLY your best interests intended . . . .

I still love to recall a "dream" I had . . . several years ago, but the image and spirit of it still fresh . . . . And my wife likes to bring it up regularly as an encouragement . . . . Earlier in the dream I had been shown images of roving patrols going through the mountains looking for "hold-outs" . . . . This went on for a while. But then, at the end . . . I found myself atop high mountain crags, on a peak, with a majestic panorama below, in the clouds . . . . We were at the very tip top of a pointed spire, snow capped, high above all, above everything it seemed, almost in another world, so high . . . . Jesus was there. Somehow I knew I didn't have long with Him . . . but He was there to console and answer a question. I asked Him, truly, how was it that He could be personally mindful of EVERYONE . . . ? So many people . . . all through the ages . . . each person, with their unique wants, needs, concerns . . . from the least to major . . . . Really, was it true that He knew each one and cared . . . in detail ? How did this work?

He smiled, chuckled even, with the sweetest expression and understanding. He said, "I have all the time in the world!" . . . I saw briefly, like a flash, into eternity . . . . He said that He HAD ETERNITY . . . to get to know and minister and love EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL. From our viewpoint, it seems like a lot, impossible, so many people, so many creatures . . . . But He said . . . He has an eternity for EVERY ONE, outside of "time" . . . so . . . it is not such an impossible thing at all. And indeed I saw that He is able to commune and care over every single being, having ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD and . . . ALL ETERNITY to do so . . . .

And . . . I want to say, I see and experience Him . . . through YOU. He also works through His followers, His servants, so that we are surrounded . . . WITHIN . . . and WITHOUT . . . by His eternal attention . . . .

Thank you Lord, thank you Jesus!
:)

A Christmas Story . . . .

2011-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

I had sent demo tapes out . . . circa 1988 and got a couple immediate responses. One, from a publisher in Minneapolis, home of Prince . . . the other, from Tallahassee. The fellow, Charlie, in Tally . . . was a manager who owned a studio and was interested in having me come down to record and try to get a record deal. We had two small boys at the time . . . Alexander and Skylar . . . and I had just bought a used Audi diesel car--white with blue interior and a sun roof.

We loaded up a U-haul trailer and hit the road--a long drive ahead.

Near the exit ramp to Rock Springs, Wyoming . . . out in the middle of nowhere . . . late fall . . . the car "threw a rod" and we rolled into town, coasting with the trailer. I found us a motel--got the car towed there with the trailer and went, "wow."

Undaunted, I called a t.v./video producer I knew, who I had done soundtrack work for and told him our situation. On the phone, I offered him a stake in any forthcoming record deal, if he could help me out. Amazingly, he was game and arranged so that we could get a U-Haul truck and keep . . . truckin'.

I sold the Audi to a local gas station/mechanic guy for $300.

We transferred all our belongings into the truck and I made a cool, little space, padded with blankets and pillows and sleeping bags . . . behind the cab, where the two boys could be. There was a thru-door in the cab, so they were right there and it was all very exotic and exciting for them.

We spent one of the nights of the long drive, sleeping in the truck in the Ozarks, turning on the truck every hour or so for a few minutes to keep warm.

Somewhere, in southern Alabama, we started running out of money. We were just a few hours away from Tallahassee and an apartment we'd reserved there . . . but getting low on gas and needing food.

I pawned an acoustic guitar and a microphone in small southern town . . . and we kept . . . truckin' . . . .

And made it to Tallahassee. As we arrived late, we spent the night in the parking lot, sleeping in the truck again.

Charlie did indeed have a studio, but not much else and we were pretty much alone in a strange town, new culture (quite different from very white Salt Lake) . . . but pressing on with hope and a sense of adventure.

But didn't have a car. Some sketchy days there for a while . . . but fairly soon I found paint work and we ended up buying a piece of junk Volkswagen Rabbit for 500$.

Thanks to the Mormon church there, we were able soon to at least meet some people sort of like us . . . and we even went to church for a while. My broad, sweeping generalizations about the Mormons . . . are here tamped down a bit, for, as I also experienced earlier in life, when I lived as a young man in California, that Mormons OUTSIDE of Utah ("Zion") . . . who tend to be converts, are much more sincere and earnest in there attempts to lead a Christian life. They lack the materialistic, status-seeking, conniving traits more common here at the heart of "the church".

Because of our living in a totally alien culture and town . . . with no friends and few resources, the L.D.S. church there was a real blessing for a time. Charlie basically ignored me once I got there, for whatever reason, oddly, and a couple of times I had to go the "bishop's storehouse" so that we would have ANY food, during those initial, scary months.

Christmas . . . was interesting . . . heh. It was coming up to a little less than a week before Christmas . . . and I had no money . . . using what little I made painting to pay for our apartment and utilities and food . . . and I couldn't stand to see my little family so lacking . . . that, Lord forgive me? . . . I hopped in the beat up old Rabbit and tooled over to a nearby Albertson's grocery store. Figuring that . . . they would be just thrown away in days anyhow . . . (so I justified it) . . . I just went and picked out a little, slightly shabby Christmas tree that was out front with the others . . . held it with one hand on the roof of the car . . . and took it back to the apartment. Yeah . . . . I did . . . . A father in a tight spot, looking at his wondering wife and children . . . sometimes just does what he thinks he must . . . .

My wife was a little shocked and not so sure, but I promised to take the heat . . . and at least the boys would have a tree and it would be, for them, a somewhat normal Christmas.

We made popcorn strands . . . and colored paper strings and ornaments . . . and got some cheapo lights for it . . . and patched together a festive scene.

Besides the tree pilfering . . . another scene I recall, still with emotion.

A day or two before Christmas . . . we got a baby sitter and my wife and I went to the mall to shop for each other. We each had 20$. We split up . . . I went to Ruby Tuesday's . . . and sat there thinking, bewildered and had a drink. In my mind, alone there at the bar, I wrote half a song, the first line I still remember, a country-style song, oddly for me. "Make that a Margarita, sitting here . . . at Christmas time . . . . " it twanged with a melancholy melody . . . .

Then I ventured into the mall . . . and found a steak knife set I could afford on sale at nic-nac store. I had a few dollars left and was wandering the concourse . . . when I ran into my wife . . . . She was empty handed . . . . and just looked at me with tears in her eyes and fell into my arms. "I can't find anything . . . . " She cried softly . . . clutching the measly 20$ . . . . "No worries," I comforted her, "lets just be together." I found some magazines for her to get me and that was that . . . .

Some people had sent some packages for the boys from back home and a few things for us . . . so there were presents under the tree and a few things showed up from Santa.

Anyway . . . there is not really a point to the story . . . just a story, one we recall from time to time, heh, especially this year, which bears some similarities, though I shant be lifting a tree this time . . . lol . . . . Christmas is a complicated affair . . . the expectations . . . the fond childhood memories . . . the stressed out folk racing around . . . the conflicts of who to visit, who's expecting what . . . then, the whole subtext of it not really being Jesus' birthday and the pagan elements fused throughout . . . . I dare say it seems to have come way too fast this year and has a strange dissociative quality to it like never before . . . . Time has got to be sped up these days . . . as it is flying so quickly, it's going to be over before you know it . . . and then spring and summer again . . . . I suspect as tribulation ensues, this quickening of time is what is meant by the encouragement of "unless those days were shortened" . . . so that, the worst parts WILL relatively zoom by . . . . . . .
Musical note . . . . I wrote the song "Taste Of Things" during that time and recorded it in Tallahassee in a fellow's front room. Not too long thereafter I was recording at the Allman Brother's new studio, such songs as I Smoke A Pipe, Captain Action, Love + Politics, Supernatural Fire, The Metropolis, Violence In The Suburbs, Lost In A Trance (we had a raft of "abduction"-like experiences there in Tally), Loser, . . . and a couple others . . . .

God bless you all, take care,
bro t

We Are Here, This Is It . . . .

2011-12-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

This is it . . . . We are fast entering a time when much of what has been will be stripped away; to survive in any positive fashion it will be blatant . . . the absolute need to live on pure faith, for there will be little else, but the person of the Lord and His angelic helpers . . . . 2012 . . . we are indeed at an end and events will unfurl quickly, as you likely know already, beginning this spring into the summer of riots and discontent . . . . The storm is close now--we've been watching it gather on the horizon, but it is swiftly upon us. I am a canary in the coal mine and what is happening to me . . . will be experienced by most everybody . . . I go to find the ways and stand hovering over an abyss, God willing, to show what utter faith and trust can do in a field of impossibilities, where it is to be obvious that GOD--only GOD is sustainer and hope and carriage . . . . Regardless of personal wishes--assumed needs . . . nevertheless I accept whatever He brings or doesn't bring, as He sees fit, trusting and accepting completely . . . His will be done . . . .
Prepare your souls . . . . We are here, this is it . . . .

Live Love Lies/Live Love Truth?

2011-12-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

The truth sets you free . . . . Problem is, most do not know--are not conscious--that they are in chains and live almost entirely at the behest of others.

"Behest": an urgent prompting; command, decree, dictate . . . .

Eventually, there is usually . . . an "aha!" moment . . . when you realize that you have been living up to others' expectations . . . or will-lessly have fallen into your community's proscriptions, rules for life; or, have had overbearing parents who brainwashed, insidiously working into your mind as a child, so that it is almost impossible to even see that you have been just following programs installed in your head . . . . Churches and cults specialize in this.

But getting to the truth . . . unlocks the soul and reveals a wonderland of life . . . .

This would not be possible if there were no truth. But there is. Truth.

Versus a world of lies. Every person is a walking world--complete with a worldview, a reality paradigm. Then everything filters through that, and it becomes so dense--the lie upon lie--that TRUE LIGHT barely peeps through to reach the inner living soul within. And in that morass--that jumble of half-truths and mis-directions, it is like a swamp where evil things grow and fester. Actual dark entities are able to hide in there and take up habitation. And pretty soon, THESE are running the show; so that the living soul is little more than an automaton, following this way and that, stumbling around life as a zombie, the (barely) living, walking dead . . . .

Such creatures like to dress themselves up--put on airs, shine, glitter, to create a facade of living. Other dead remark on the surface display, and so, they fool each other with their bejeweled masks, and vie for more impressive masks, competing even . . . over who has the best, most impressive, carefully crafted costume . . .

Walking Potemkin villages . . . . While behind the facade is a world of darkness, depression, anxiety, fear, angst, covetousness, perversity . . . . But, the church or cult or club is there to reinforce the lies and soothe the conscience which is seared and drowned in falsity and hardly breathing . . . .

Two examples of this kept coming to mind yesterday, while I worked and thought and listened . . . .

Zechariah Sitchin . . . and his whole fable about the Annunaki (alien gods) who supposedly came to earth to create a slave race for mining gold . . . who live on Nibiru . . . . I never believed this part of his story, because it so obviously displaced the living, one true God and contravenes the story of creation, the plan . . . .

And to think of how many seekers now, within a certain subset, without much thought, just accept his proffered paradigm, and include it in their theses . . . . All he has done, Sitchin, through his fraudulent and misguided so-called scholarship . . . is to strengthen the occultists/new agers' big lie that . . . we were seeded on earth by "aliens" . . . who we then created religion around . . . and that they are coming back to enlighten us and save the planet . . . .

IT turns out Sitchin was not the only guy who could read ancient Sumerian . . . and that nothing of what he claims--his main claims--are even in the old writings. It's all mistake and outright fabrication, yet I hear him still referenced and lauded as a great contributor to modern, fringe scholarship . . . .

While I have seen in my own way that there is something to the whole Planet X scenario . . . I have almost always warned that I am not sure that it is a real thing . . . and may be a lie, a setup . . . to cover what evil men/women are intending to do to the planet using high technology . . . ie., a Blue-Beam projection combined with earthquake machines . . . .

Wormwood, however, lurks, in some fashion, so SOMETHING is going to happen along such lines . . . .

The other big liar . . . resulting in millions misguided--another teller of made-up and twisted tales, claiming, like Sitchin, to be able to "translate" ancient texts . . . is Joseph Smith. And sorry, but it is true, current day Mormons tend to lie like they breathe. I have some pity on them, as lying is so embedded in their culture and religion, that they are not even aware of it, beginning with the treasure seeker and folk magic practitioner, Smith . . . but wow, living in the heart of "Zion" . . . surrounded, it is regularly astonishing to behold. I know of about 5 people in immediate acquaintance and family . . . who . . . have been "sealed in the temple" for all eternity . . . to spouses . . . and children . . . who have committed adultery, serially, divorced several times because of it, yet are currently preparing once again, with new spouses and other children, to "get married in the temple" . . . become "sealed" again . . . and who I know lie, cheat and steal nearly every day. But so long as they show up to church, and lie to the Bishop about their "temple worthiness" . . . all is well in Zion, and everyone just looks the other way, because they are also lying, cheating, stealing, and committing adultery themselves, so what's the big deal? I'm serious. I'm not just "Mormon bashing" here. I am reporting on a sick, fraudulent, two-faced religious cult, born in lies, propagated in lies and myths, and no amount of NOT drinking coffee and wine . . . (though they usually DO sneak wine out in the car at the Christmas party--seen it often) . . . is going to save them. ONLY THE TRUTH will save them, which is that Jesus died for us and THROUGH GRACE, not works, are we saved. A lot of Mormons are not so sure about the authenticity of Smith's claims . . . but, they figure, what's the harm . . . it's a "good" church, that does lots of "good" things in the world . . . and they are too addicted to the community and hook-ups "the church" provides . . . and fearful of the ostracizing that results when you "leave the church" . . . that . . . they just go ahead and keep up appearances, assuming that God doesn't really care if you are following a false, blasphemous, heretical, subtly devil-worshiping, cult of personality.

Yeah, I said "subtly devil-worshiping" . . . . over dramatic? No. Because, if you get right down to it, you will find that Mormons believe it was a good and necessary thing that the serpent tempted/tricked Eve, because otherwise we could not get physical bodies (to have sex with) which, physical bodies are required to enter the heavenly kingdoms, especially the Celestial. Even though, the bible expressly says there is no marriage in heaven and that God is SPIRIT, not a man with a physical body . . . . And drug cartels and the mafia do "good things" in the world too. Many of the most ruthless, Satan-worshiping drug cults . . . use some of their profits to build schools and hospitals and dole out to the poor, like the Mafia always has, as it's good for appearances . . . to keep up some sort of positive public image . . . . One can say that Stalin, Hitler, Mao . . . did "good things in the world" . . . built roads, provided housing, built hospitals, and doled out to the poor.

Anyway, truth matters. And . . . the more you get it, see it, and LIVE it, REGARDLESS of the social consequences . . . yet the freer you actually become, for then the LIGHT of God can permeate your inner world, not blocked by mountains of lies upon lies, and your soul is enriched and sees things clearly, and then your advice and works continually continue to promote God and the truth and bless, whereas, when you are ruled by lies, then all your offerings are tainted, yield bad fruit, and wittingly or not, you are mustered into the service of the father of lies, and one day . . . ALL WILL BE EXPOSED . . . . Especially, what you ACTUALLY DID according to the knowledge of the truth that you were given. Where MORE is given, MORE is expected. Knowing better, but continuing on in a cult or belief system of LIES, because of fear of others--what they might say or think--shows clearly to the Lord that you care more about what others think--what the WORLD thinks--than what HE thinks! Just because He allows you to run on for a while in this world, getting your heaven now, do not think that . . . one awful and dreadful day, YOU WILL be held to account! Here is where the wailing and gnashing of teeth comes in . . . .

But truly, many people don't really believe in God. They say they do. They go to church. They "try to be a good person" . . . but really, deep down, they do not take HIM all too seriously. For some reason . . . they have a notion that all will be glossed over, that it really won't matter that they never took a stand for truth in the world. That they went along to get along and never rocked the boat. They (childishly) believe that God doesn't really care about integrity, truthfulness, self-denial . . . . And, the adversary provides plentiful books and movies and songs to reinforce this "c'est la vie"/whatever attitude . . . kay sera sera . . . no big deal . . . .
Just "fit in" . . . be part of the club, the cult, the church, the country . . . .

But . . . if He did not really care too much . . . would have He sent His Only Begotten . . . to SUFFER, to DIE, to be tormented . . . that humanity could be saved? If you don't think it really matters all that much, what you believe, what "path" you take . . . then you are basically crucifying the Lord all over again, by shrugging His sacrifice off as no big deal. You might as well be standing there mocking Him, spitting on Him and laughing, and then going off to party . . . .

HE is watching RIGHT NOW . . . what you think of this challenge . . . .

Shrug and laugh it off? Roll eyes? Whatever . . . ?

Where more in known, more is required--a tough, but JUST situation . . . .

Heaven now . . . hell later?

Or, hell now, heaven later . . . . ?

Live, love lies? Live, love truth?

Pray on it . . . truthfully . . . . He WILL answer . . . .

Materpiece: The Mosaic of Creation!

2011-12-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

One of the great stumbling blocks for the earth bound mortal . . . is in looking at this world--all the suffering, the wars, the contention etc., and wondering why God allows it all. Here are all these prophecies, predictions in scripture outlining how it will go, and to the earth mind, it wonders . . . if He knows how this is going to develop, why not step in and correct it? It almost looks like a script has been written and now everyone is forced to follow it, through all its tortuous routes . . . .

But it is more like this: From the viewpoint of the eternal, outside of this particular flow of space and time--precedent AND antecedent to the earth age . . . God has already seen what the result is. He launched creation, allowed free will, there was rebellion . . . and all sorts of effects resulted. Things happened as a result. Creation went a certain way. God, from the point of view which is outside time and knows all in eternity . . . then has a book written which describes what ended up happening, the twists and turns. In a sense, it has all already happened. So, it is not that we are forced to be following out a script which God refuses to intervene in. He has intervened, continues to . . . and in the end, saves the day. There is a record of how it all turned out, offered from the perspective of the timeless, eternal . . . . Relative free will is not abrogated, but is playing out. We are just witness to what actually happened. We are witness to seeing when and how God DID intervene and what steps He took to allow . . . our run of the store, of creation--AND, how He made a plan of salvation and finally cleansed, rectified, perfected the whole of it . . . .

If you were able to skip forward, fast-forward to the end of the age . . . you would be able to look back and see just what happened--how it all went. How it all went . . . is thus . . . already set in stone . . . . We just haven't gotten through it all yet. But it's there. God can see it. And so, being outside of this stretch of time (which is also a space) . . . He can go to the rough beginnings and write through prophets . . . some previews, clues, signs and markers . . . to watch for . . . and to let us know that the final outcome is assured and ALL GOOD . . . .

the way it all went . . . is the Book of Life. It's all already in there. but not because we don't have choices. There has been real, self-willed rebellion. But skipping to the end, one can look back and see how it worked--the adventures, tales, interweaving storylines, destinies . . . filling out . . . the culminating mosaic of creation, of the story of mankind, humanity, huWOMANity . . . :)

The earth bound mind looks out from a fixed point in time and space. The spiritual mind is able to fast forward to the end, and also rewind to beginnings--to traverse this time/space creation . . . and see the awful, glorious, intricate, perfected MASTERPIECE . . . .

So, it is silly, actually, to argue for "intervention". There has been intervention, and it is ongoing . . . and it is available at ANY and EVERY given moment, if one views from the spiritual mind. It is simply a matter of recognizing . . . that this has all . . . in a sense, already happened. It is what it is--the way it went . . . is already done, finished. And it turned out a masterpiece, perfect; and a lesson for the ages, what happens when the created, the CREATURE . . . delusionally assumes to rule over God--to displace God or live without God. All hell breaks loose! Literally . . . .

Black Knight, Palace of Cold, Vimanas, Death Valley

2011-12-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

I posted about The Black Knight in 2007... it has come up again in my current research .... ....a high-tech, huge satellite found already orbiting in space when the Russians first made it up there.....
I believe it is from pre-flood times ... technology that was available and used worldwide by the giants and also humans ... The Chinese have legends ... of having traveled to the moon around 2309 BC but then stopping the excursions to focus on domestic issues.... They built a structure there they called "The Palace Of Cold" . . . . Could this be the glass like structures that have been allegedly caught on film and seen there?

The ancient Vedic texts are full of descriptions of flying vessels and battles in the sky . . . . I remember coming across a book in an Indian shop I use to frequent in my Vaishnava days . . . which was a complete book on Vimana's . . the ships described in great detail in the Mahabharata--the book was translated by an Indian scholar . . . rare...had never seen anything like it .... Oh I wish I had grabbed that book when I first saw it. It was gone the next time I looked.

There are also legends from both the Canadian and Mexican area ancient people . . . of a great war that happened between them . . . with great, fiery weapons from the sky . . . . targeting the area of what is now Death Valley . . . .

All of this can be comported within traditional biblical teaching and history . . . .It all has to do with fallen angel technology and human technology . . . . Look how far we have "progressed" just in the last 200 years . . . from horses . . . steam power . . . to space ships, supercomputers, genome engineering and nano-tech . . . . . . The ancients were not dumb club-wielding hairy idiots clubbing muskrats for food . . . well, maybe the French once were . . . BUT no, really, history is more a matter of DEVOlution . . . where once we had greater size, longevity, brain power . . . .

All kept hidden by the self-interested small brains of the evolutionary lie . . . . .

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"The most numerous vitrified remains in the New World are located in the western United States. In 1850 the American explorer Captain Ives William Walker was the first to view some of these ruins, situated in Death Valley. He discovered a city about a mile long, with the lines of the streets and the positions of the buildings still visible. At the center he found a huge rock, between 20 and 30 feet high, with the remains of an enormous structure atop it. The southern side of both the rock and the building was vitrified. Walker assumed that a volcano had been responsible for this phenomenon, but there is no volcano is the area. In addition, tectonic heat could not have caused such a liquefaction of the rock surface.

An associate of Captain Walker who followed up his initial exploration commented, "The whole region between the rivers Gila and San Juan is covered with remains. The ruins of cities are to be found there which must be most extensive, and they are burnt out and vitrified..."

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Ancient-Mysteries/message/13828

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"In a remote northern area of Tibet lie the ruins of the Hsiung Nu capital, discovered by Duparc in 1725. Within the city, Duparc came upon a mass of monoliths (once coated with silver), a pyramid, part of a tower of blue porcelain, and a royal palace, containing thrones with sun and moon images. There was also a large milky white stone surrounded by exquisite drawings.

Now for the stunning sequel. In 1952, a Soviet expedition arrived. The group was shown by Tibetan monks some ancient documents, whose descriptions agreed with those of Duparc.

But here is the breathtaking part: the milky white stone, so said the documents, was "brought from the moon." Moon rock? Is it possible? COULD MAN ACTUALLY HAVE LEFT THIS EARTH AND GONE TO THE MOON IN AGES PAST? Was space travel a natural adjunct to his civilization? Are there clues?

Indeed there are. Indications of the reality of ancient space travel do come from widely separated parts of the world. Written and oral tradition is widespread - and, it seems, reliable.

Chinese historians in particular never tried to please their rulers at the expense of truth. Death was preferred to untruthful reports of history. As an example we have the fate of historians in the reign of Chi in 547 B.C. We should therefore take seriously the historical reports of China, even if they seem at first to he far-fetched."

http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/luna/esp_luna_10.htm#11_—————————-

"The Black Knight from Space

By John Carter

In Disneyland of the Gods, John Keel writes of the Black Knight satellite. Never mind the almanac. You won’t find it listed with Sputnik or Explorer. Black Knight is the name given to a radar blip discovered in 1960. This mystery satellite was found in a polar orbit, something neither the US nor the Soviets had accomplished. It was several times larger and several times heavier than anything capable of being launched with 1960 rockets. It shouldn’t have been there, but it was.

If that weren’t enough, ham operators began receiving odd messages from the Black Knight. One operator decoded a series of these messages as a star map. The map centered on Epsilon Boštes as seen from the earth 13,000 years ago. Remember, stars don’t move very far even after 13,000 years, and Epsilon Boštes is moving towards us. Only the neighboring stars appear different after that amount of time. Was the Black Knight an alien calling card?"

http://www.excludedmiddle.com/valisknight.htm

A Willing Slave vs. A Tricked Slave

2011-12-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

There is the ongoing conversation in the mind between deity and human . . . . People talk to spirits all the time, in the mind . . . dialogues carrying on all through the day . . . and night, and in night the person views into subtler dimensions, basically seeing them and almost even living in them; sometimes there is slippage into the other side and this is always at the behest of some spirit there who we are in league with.

Our attention--the things we hold in our minds and hearts; what we are about--where your heart is, so there is your treasure, what you value. Seducing spirits range all about and each have specialties; so for certain there is a familiar spirit waiting to walk with you. This is why it is so very important--indeed beyond importance to absolutely necessary--that we have our attention, our hearts, our thoughts . . . focused on the right spirit. This is because we are spirit, or at least have the capacity to be . . . and a predominately SPIRITUAL world is where we belong, our purpose for being, and our ultimate end.

Spirit comes into the body, so-to-speak; inhabits the mind and heart and, in effect, YOU BECOME the spirit you are entertaining. Eventually, this WILL lead to possession--a complete takeover!

As we are NOT independent beings (only God is) then we have no choice but to end up with, and relatively BECOME, one spirit or another.

Disembodied spirits, such as the fallen angels spirit beings, are very powerful and know the psychology and personality of mankind well. There is no way a physical human, beset with the cares and fears and concerns and longings of life in the flesh, can withstand the forces of supernatural spirit. One or another spirit is going to finally take you over . . . .

When you focus on Jesus, Who is the savior and messiah and master of all mankind, eventually He is the One who takes you over and rescues you from the evil and perverse novelties of the roving fallen spirits. If you are cavorting with one of them you will finally be taken to their supreme overlord, who is the devil, and he it is with whom you spend your time in spirit.

Some people are fine with that. Many claim they are not, but acquiesce anyway through their secret and hidden actual motives, dreams, desires, goals etc., tied to self seeking. For the dark spirits are all about self seeking. Indeed, it was because they loved their selves more than God that they are cut off and will never exist in the Lord's kingdom of perfection, love and goodness. And so, their many tricks involve the drawing away of one's attention and focus to matters of self, self aggrandizement, self pleasuring in one form or another.

This is a loathsome trait to the real, God loving, beings of light. And the more one is subsumed and overcome by the spirit of holiness--of the Lord's spirit, a supernatural revulsion and repulsion eventuates so that it is no longer a matter of law--of self-discipline and exerted will . . . to resist temptations, but, Oh happy day!--now they are simply avoidable because you have lost all taste for the perverted (and by "perverted" I don't specifically mean sexual type perversions of God's intent, though this is included, BUT I mean that EVERY act and thought and feeling OUTSIDE of God's will and spirit . . . is a perversion, a rebellion.

Many can't accept that we are . . . and must be . . . subservient . . . to one spirit or another. The evil spirits know this, and so, even though when THEY are the ones controlling us and to whom we are thus submitted, they trick the mind into thinking that WE are in charge, and they love to stoke the feelings of pride of self, vanity, making us believe WE are the ones controlling our life and making our own way. Here is the extreme danger of pride . . . .

But, truth is, we ARE subservient and dependent . . . to and on God ultimately, and in the meantime, usually are to one or more spirits contending to live vicariously through us in the physical world, pursuing the dreams and lusts THEY long for and remember, when they were allowed to run the world outright, in full view; where now they are hidden and must operate through surrogates.

But here is the beauty of our Lord: Though we are woefully outnumbered and surrounded by powerful competing factions for our soul, and ultimately just TWO competing spirits . . . here comes the holy Shepard. He calls to His sheep, through the haze, piercing the din of chaos, noise . . . somehow, the lost sheep hears His voice, and, though in confusion, INCLINES to that voice . . . so that his or her's focus increasingly stays on the Lord . . . and through this, His spirit begins to inhabit us stronger, fiercer, bolder (in faith), and we start to become Him, though WE are separate, as a witness and participant in the joy of it all--His plan and creation.

So it is . . . that we shall become possessed, increasingly, one way or the other: Possessed, so-to-speak, by the Holy Spirit, by God . . . through the Son . . . . OR, EVIL SPIRIT will possess us and take us to IT'S den.

There is no third option. It is a trick of the evil to suggest there is . . . for then, THEY will have you.

For there can be no compromise . . . with serving God. Either you are serving Him . . . or not. You are either focused on HIM, or you are being led by a pack of demonic spirits. When you shrug this reality off and make excuses . . . why it may not be correct . . . so to continue in your rebellion, then you are certainly walking the devil's path, which will eventually lead into his chambers--you will be his.

So, we MUST turn to God! We must have Holy Spirit within us, filling us out, pushing out all darkness and iniquity. It is a lie to suggest this cannot be done, that we are not able to be filled fully with the light of God. Alone, it's true we cannot, though the adversary's whole lying doctrine is that we CAN work and evolve our way to God.
But, in fact, we are utterly powerless on our own, and are slaves in multiplicity of ways. Whether we face it or not, we are slaves to innumerable processes, physical demands, and to seducing spirits. Through trickery, the evil ones enslave but cozen you to and have you believe that YOU are free and in charge--even that THEY don't exist! This way, they can lead you astray, a captive, though thinking you are operating at liberty and independent.

By becoming a WILLING slave to God--He Who does not force!--then we are rescued, as His light and power and perfection . . . begins to fill us, transform us, inhabit us, become us . . . to which we have the incomprehensible blessing of witnessing . . . of being participant to . . . . !

So, turn your "EYE", your mind . . . your heart, your body . . . to God, to the calling Shepard, Jesus . . . Yeshuah . . . and RELAX , for HE will lead the Way . . . . . ! :)
To whom or Whom will you submit? It's one, or the other . . . .
your brother of sorts, thomas

Restorations

2011-12-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

Mark, is this true man, this business with the stroke? I must have thought about it 25 times off and on as I was working the past two days . . . . Of course, myself and others will be praying for restoration. I would like to think that your habit of coming here to read and comment continues, and the general tenor of thoughts and ideas discussed, which reach deep into mind . . . can help retrace and reestablish the neuronic pathways in the brain. I've talked before about the importance of developing a sort of "different mind" --a spiritual mind/brain outside of the purely physical to combat and circumvent the destructive operations the enemy's are foisting on the masses, and I know that this different mind, of subtler substance is real . . . and, in a sense precedes the physical mind/brain . . . .
Anyhow . . . you are in my thoughts and prayers and I believe you have a healthy stubbornness and positive attitude which will help you immensely . . . forge tirelessly through to recovery . . . . God bless!

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I am recalling some of the old school Coast To Coast shows in the late 90s when Art Bell and certain guests were talking about "the quickening" . . . and one of the guests predicting that as "earth changes" progressed, there would be a phenomenon of . . . something like . . . there being holes in the atmosphere, where the jet stream would fall through . . . to the ground . . . creating micro-burst, tornadic winds in specific, localized areas.

Well, that seems to happening here today. In fact that is just near how the local weather man has describes it . . . the upper winds dropping down to the ground, as though through a channel or chute . . . .
Right now there have been at least 6 semi-trucks overturned . . . many powerline poles toppled and lots of other damage. But just in a certain area, starting about 30 miles north of where I live. The "Frontrunner" light rail train route has been shut down up there (in Davis County) because power poles have fallen all over the tracks . . . . Power is out to at least 30,000 homes. 70-100 mph wind gusts have been recorded, blasting out of the mountain canyons there.
Meanwhile, it is unusually calm here. You would have no idea all this windy mayhem is going on up the road. It is sunny, quiet, calm here . . . heh . . . strange. All in all, it is a very unusual weather pattern, looping around the whole state all the to the southern border . . . with these gale force winds . . . yet, in the untouched areas . . . absolutely still. Not even a trace of breeze. So, it's like . . . you could be walking . . . and all is quiet, calm . . . and then suddenly cross a line, and all hell is breaking loose.

I wonder if this will stay in its circular pattern . . . or move east? If it moves out over the plains . . . into tornado country this could be quite the devastating weather . . . . But it is so bizarre I could also see it just stopping and dissipating all of a sudden . . . .
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If I didn't know that the elections--ie., the presidential elections . . . were rigged--the whole process and the result . . . I would be more caught up in the news of it. As it is, its yet impossible, being a daily talk radio listener, as I have been for 25 years or so . . . to not be relatively aware of (theatrical) developments. From the beginning, of the personalities offered, I like Rick Santorum and Michele Bachmann best, but know that neither one of them would be allowed to win. Bachmann, I think, would eventually be consumed by the elite, if she had managed to win somehow, and I think she is naive in some serious ways, ie., related to military and national security issues . . . but she has shown a lot of strength and character, standing firm on a lot of the very serious matters related to the economy and immigration and social issues.
Herman Cain . . . is an odd bird. I have no doubt he has some sort of secret life and is hiding something, though I am not so sure it is actually what is being portrayed. His lack of knowledge of current affairs, history, and basic governmental topics . . . is shocking, for one seeking presidency. It could be that he got in the race more on a lark, not expecting to get too far, to gain notoriety and book sales . . . then found himself suddenly at the head of the pack . . . and that this is why he would have dared run with all the skeletons in the closet--not having imagined that he would ever be a front runner and thus, all the skeletons would be found out.......
Or, also . . . sometimes I get a flash sight . . . that . . . that there is something else. It could be that he has indeed, got things to hide . . . but it may not be the sordid affairs and sexual harassment. The whole thing is odd--HE is odd . . . and I almost get a feeling of split personality with him . . . or a sort of pathology where he doesn't really understand or remember . . . what he has done . . . . .

Romney, Gingrich . . . . Heh . . . well . . . both establishment, so safe for the globalists either way. In terms of entertainment factor, I would rather see Gingrich on the stage up against boy wonder . . . in debates. Though, I don't think Teleprompter Barry would ever submit to Gingrich's "7 Lincoln/Douglas"--style debates.
And, finally, after the riots of the summer of 2012 . . . and more fronts of war, with the Middle East in flames, and the Euro crash . . . it is seriously to be considered that the Marxists in the White House may not allow elections anyway . . . .

It is quite clear that what is occurring globally geo-politically . . . that . . . as I predicted at the beginning of the year . . . it is the time of PURGE and NEW FACES . . . where even European leaders are now stepping down, as with Italy's Belesconi . . . . Because, the next phase of the "takeover" . . . requires fresh, easily controlled new dictators at the head of every state. You can't have "loose cannons" or independents like Saddam, Ghaddafi, Assad . . . etc., but rather, party-line followers, violently installed . . . who will be counted on to take orders from the top, so once the economic collapse is finalizing . . . the new economic and social . . . AND religious/philosophical WORLD WIDE regime . . . can be seamlessly installed . . . .

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Meanwhile, all is well, sitting on the rock, by the sea, feeling the hem of His robe, trusting fully, watching the madness and mayhem roar in the churning waters . . . afar . . . A sea bird--one of HIS bird's--flies overhead, in the warming sun and mist, squawking "hello" . . . as all of creation, awaits the final restoration . . . .
brother, t

Even If The Whole World Went Mad . . . .

2011-11-29T07:51:00.000-08:00

Let the dead bury the dead. Rain on the just and unjust.

This is a powerful combo, at first, shallow comprehension, contradicting . . . .

However, together . . . when you ARE the person who exhibits both, then you are finding yourself within the protection and will of the Lord.

To let the dead bury the dead . . . . We waste precious little time . . . fretting, meddling, . . . concerning ourselves with the meaningless machinations of stumbling around corpses. Those without the Spirit, are dead. They cannot see the living, cannot see you, and so are constantly mistaken as to your true heart and purposes. But, like zombies, they are attracted to living blood, so they are often causing problems and dilemmas . . . and seeking to ensnare you into traps and mazes . . . where then, they can feed off your living energy . . . a kept host.

A mistake is that even when you have managed to extricate yourself from the pointless affairs of the living dead, yet you still wonder over them, worry (for they may be a loved one or friend) . . . and their condition brings a dis-ease into your own soul.

Jesus is quite emphatic in this. Do not bother with them. Do not waste precious time, emotion, energy . . . with trivial matters where the status of the soul is at stake.

But, the Godly are not unjust, nor impervious, nor cold and self-absorbed. Gracefully detached . . . from the land of the dead--the world--but continuing to be a blessing on all, simply by nature. The sun, by nature is hot, and warms and lightens the planet. The sun rises and set on the good AND the bad.
So too, God brings the blessing of rain . . . to fall on the just and unjust . . . .

It is the ENEMY, who counts and judges others, stirring up doubts and constantly bringing up accusations to point out the unworthiness of people and when his spirit is allowed in we find ourselves tempted to withhold or bestow . . . based on whether the other is doing as we think they ought . . . .

But where our business is simply between our own soul and the Lord . . . we must be in a state--it must be our very nature--that ALL the world and everyone in it could turn against us, turn against God, yet we would sally forth, undaunted, staying focused on pleasing Him, no matter what others are doing or saying; and giving to the dead and the live alike, knowing that the righteous Judge will sort it all out in the end.

This is especially poignant when it involves our family, our children, or a close friend. It is instinctual, natural to be protective and possessive of our loved ones, and when they go astray, to suffer extra, compared to when a stranger goes astray. We are quite able to shrug and carry on when we see strangers and others a world away following some dangerous path and heading for destruction. Let the dead bury the dead.
BUT, when it is our child, or a mate, or a father, mother . . . or close friend, we feel it profoundly, intimately . . . . .

And the enemy knows this and will tweak and harp on our conscience, accusing within, saying the likes of, "Ha! You failed! It is YOUR fault _____ went astray! See, you are out of favor with God or He would not have allowed this to happen. Doubt yourself. Give up!" . . . and so on.

However, this is all but a test to see if you are truly devoted ONLY to God above all, above other creatures whether they be kin or friend or mate . . . . For if you are over devastated and thrown off your track, then it shows that you have valued a creature above your personal relationship with the Lord.

We can only do the best we can as fallen and flawed beings . . . and for certain we will continue to fall short and make mistakes.
Nevertheless, we do not let the Accuser come in to then cause doubt and an overwhelming sense failure so much that we "give up" . . . .

Every person must eventually face God, in their own time and each must "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," meaning, salvation is not collective, but involves each individual's unique experience--relationship--with their God. Sooner or later, every person must account for their own self, and you cannot do it for them. So, you do the best you can do, guided by the Spirit, but eventually, must let go, in a sense, realizing God has His own plan for every individual. We rise and set, we rain . . . on the dead and the living, the just and the unjust . . . knowing He sees all and will settle the matter as He wills . . . in the end.

The whole world may go mad . . . may fall away . . . including everyone I love . . . . Though even should the world and those I love come against me . . . NEVER will it change the fact . . . that I love God and will seek to serve He above all, regardless . . . of the temporary consequences . . . . right? RIGHT!

This is how we be . . . ESPECIALLY . . . at the end of the age, when fallen angels . . . stalk the world, leading many astray, seducing hearts and minds, possessing bodies, ruling over geographical areas . . . . Strange and bizarre and unnatural events . . . surround on all sides and intensify. It will be shocking to see how many are suddenly pulled away, tempted and taken over--people we have known and loved.

Yet if they ALL should fall under the fallen beings' sway, we, as an individual, would face them all and continue to testify the truth and proclaim the saving Name of Jesus.

Weak Cynicism

2011-11-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

Oy, more long days to nights and away from the 'fortress of solitude' and kin . . . . And I am a bit concerned about this unusual sore throat we all have . . . which is unlike a normal cold. We rarely get sick anyhow, though Sky seems to more frequently likely because of his job at the store and germs at the gym. But this throat thing is different . . . not so much sore on the surface but in the muscle, deeper flesh . . . . It never really gets much worse, but then it never gets better. Just a continuous constriction . . . . Plus, the recurring bouts of nausea, 'ned-aches' (neck and head-ache combo) and the muddled thinking/memory loss seems related. Even our cat has been sick in the stomach. Odd.
Meanwhile, I've got this thing going on in the night . . . numbness . . . in limbs and sheets of aching in all joints which feels related. All the various symptoms have come on in the last couple months . . . .
It's all a tad unnerving . . . and with no insurance--though I've never been one to much visit "doctors" . . . .

Anyway, sorry for the litany . . . . I'm only mentioning it because it is something different and it's not just me, but everyone in the household, plus a lot of other people I know are having some similar complaints; so it makes one wonder if it is a more universal problem. As mentioned before, ie., radiation? something new in the chemtrails? that damn infernal pulsing/hum--destructive sound waves? Btw, I've heard the hum at my mother's--exactly same kind as here; she lives 20 or so miles away in the valley. I mentioned it to her and she had indeed noticed it herself but thought it was a big truck idling or some appliance or machinery. She said she usually has to turn on the t.v. to block it out so she can sleep.
It is no appliance though. It is ubiquitous and has a quality of being louder in some areas (of the house) but also can be heard/felt outside and comes from everywhere/nowhere . . . almost bordering on an inner space...though the pressure from it is irritating to the physical ears. I think I heard it even up in Park City at the condo I'm painting. Very strange . . . . . I can't imagine it can be a healthy or good thing. It is very disjointed--the rate of pulse . . . obtuse, erratic, chaotic . . . and brings with it a maddening vibe, especially as you realize it cannot be escaped and that it is always running . . . pulsing, no doubt affecting somewhat the rhythms and subtle operations of the biological body . . . . Could these other symptoms be now the long term result of the hums constant hammering? It sort of feels like that. Just as a drop of water, continuous, can wear away a boulder . . . or a repeated pounding on something eventually breaks it up . . . could this low-level vibration be slowly but surely shattering . . . cells . . . vessels . . . neurons . . . molecules even?
Somehow . . . it does not seem far-fetched to me.

But then, speaking of "far-fetched" . . . I imagine the occasional reader of this blog . . . a person who is not a believer . . . in God, or at least, not the God of the bible . . . . And such a person also never having really studied or looked into some of these so-called "fringe" topics . . . .
And I sometimes can see this type . . . rolling eyes . . . mentally snickering . . . or, perhaps feeling even some pity for me . . . and those of you who take the sort of talk here seriously even if not accepted always 100% out of hand . . . .
This occasional reader might assume that I go around all day, on my jobs and social interactions talking about Jesus and saying "praise God" and coming off like a fanatic. Though, in actuality, for instance very few of my clients or fellow tradesmen have any idea what I believe or study. I do not bring it up unless it happens to come up in a discussion or if someone asks my opinion on a matter. I would hope that mostly, such acquaintances observe that . . . I don't lie, I don't cheat them or steal . . . I am in mellow, regular good cheer, am polite, respectful . . . . But I am not going around brow beating people into believing in God or Jesus or that psychotronic waves are decimating our bodies . . . lol.
This blog, these writings, are . . . yes, focused on issues of the spirit and meant for like-minded folk who do not think it strange to be contemplating the Lord daily, privately, quietly . . . and so, that is the emphasis of these writings, related to broader socio-political . . . psychological . . . and day-to-day nuances of life . . . .
My wife and sons and I talk about these things daily, but out in the world, few but the spiritually attuned and observant would have any idea what I am focused on and privately believing . . . .

It is a curious and slightly amusing thing . . . to note how . . . those most knee-jerk skeptical about the "far-out" subjects discussed here . . . have rarely themselves spent so much as an hour or more researching, listening, studying the topics they are so confident in belittling. It is THEY who are shallow minded, flaky, "uneducated" and prone to accepting "official" "truth" without any real, serious study or thought . . . .

So . . . . We shall carry on and not be perturbed by their weak cynicism . . . .

The Truth Will Out!

2011-11-25T07:23:00.000-08:00

I believe . . . and can see for myself . . . that a lot of "official" science and history . . . is nothing but lies and propaganda. The main objective (since everything in this world is based on a singular spiritual battle) is to repress the biblical record and its related science and history and to especially establish and indoctrinate the religion/faith of evolution . . . . All records, whether written or unearthed or found under the sea . . . or even detected on other nearby planets . . . which contradict the "scientific-evolutionary" view . . . are destroyed or hidden. Any so-called "scholar not absolutely toting the party line . . . and who dares to reveal what is true . . . is stripped of tenure, ostracized, ridiculed, and sometimes even killed. The lie must be maintained at all costs.

Dinosaurs and people coexisted at one time. There were great, advanced civilizations . . . pre-flood and even in some areas resuming . . . after the great flood. Flying machines, telecommunications, radio, nanotechnology, nuclear weapons/wars . . . and all manner of strange, hybrid creatures resultant from genetic engineering . . . not to mention the mighty men of old, of renown . . . giants and monsters with fierce intellect and unusual godlike powers . . . .

Imagine how exciting for children if they were taught the actual, amazing history of the planet! NO ONE would miss history class!!!
No, but instead . . . we get drivel. Dry, dull, politically correct propaganda infused with agenda-laden lies and mis-direction . . . .

Until now . . . .

Seals are opening . . . . The Truth will out!
Praise God!

"To the left is another beautiful mosaic that was one of the wonders of the second century world. Called the Nile Mosaic of Palestrina, it depicts Nile scenes from Egypt all the way to Ethiopia. Scholars now believe this is the work of Demetrius the Topographer, an artist from Alexandria who came to work in Rome. The top portion of this remarkable piece of art is generally believed to depict African animals being hunted by black-skinned warriors. These Ethiopians are pursuing what appears to be some type of dinosaur. The Greek Letters above the reptilian animal in question are: KROKODILOPARDALIS which is literally translated Crocodile-Leopard. The picture shown here is only a small portion of the massive mosaic. It also contains clear depictions of known animals, including Egyptian crocodiles and hippos. (Finley, The Light of the Past, 1965, p. 93.)"
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There are stories of a plesiosaur-like creature seen in Queensland, Australia. Both aboriginal peoples around Lake Galilee and tribes farther up to the north tell of a long-necked animal with a large body and flippers. "Elders of the Kuku Yalanji aboriginal tribe of Far North Queensland, Australia, relate stories of Yarru (or Yarrba), a creature which used to inhabit rain forest water holes. The painting [left] depicts a creature with features remarkably similar to a plesiosaur. It even shows an outline of the gastro-intestinal tract, indicating that these animals had been hunted and butchered." (CEN Technical Journal, Vol.12, No. 3, 1998, p. 345.)

-----------------------------------------
Deep in the jungles of Cambodia are ornate palaces and temples from the Khmer civilization. One such temple, Ta Prohm abounds with stone statues and reliefs. Almost every square inch of the gray sandstone is covered with ornate, detailed carvings. These depict familiar animals like monkeys, deer, water buffalo, parrots, and lizards. However, one column contains an intricate carving of a stegosaur-like creature. But how could artisans decorating an 800 year old Buddhist temple know what a dinosaur looked like? Western science only began assembling dinosaurs skeletons in the past two centuries. (Pictures are courtesy of Don Patton.)

these excerpts are from a pretty nifty little site:
http://www.genesispark.com/genpark/ancient/ancient.htm

Mysteries Revealed and a hearty thank you!

2011-11-24T10:15:00.000-08:00

I'm back . . . . Been up in the mountains--Park City--for a few long days trying to knock out a job there, deadlines looming . . . . Didn't finish but will return Friday to press on . . . . I mingled with a couple of other tradesmen there also under the gun . . . and saw again how similar the story goes these days. If you want any work at all you have to bid it for nearly half of what it should be and was just a couple years ago . . . plus, because of that very deficiency, you must take on extra work and thus need to finish everything twice as fast. So, you work for half as much and must do twice the work for it . . . . Heh, and none of us spring chickens anymore ......

The part I love about the work I do is the opportunity to multi-task . . . . I prepared and took with me many recordings to listen to while I work . . . lots and lots of wide-ranging topics mostly involving historical research related to my book. So much fascinating information and I am coming to some conclusions on issues (or near-to) that I have wondered on for years--the Spirit, I believe helping sift and sort and loose ends being tied together . . . and dots connected! I believe as this work continues to go forward I expect to be able to offer some "Aha!" answers to several areas of investigation that have been perplexing and fascinating scholars and researchers for years; thanks to the ongoing, inspired work of certain others, combined with my own years of sleuthing and questioning. Such matters as Bigfoot (the biological/cryptid versus the supernatural nature thereof) . . . the relationship and designations of giants/Nephilim/demons/familiar spirits . . . ghosts . . . angels . . . . Ancient high technology--its proliferation in the "ancient world" . . . the global pre-flood culture, what it looked like . . . (I'm currently delving into the question of who and what was left . . . and WHERE such were left . . . to make sense of how they might be increasing in this time and/or returning . . . so that "as in the days of Noah, so shall it be" at the time of the Second Coming . . . .

One reasons I believe I am now being led specifically into these areas of study . . . is because it will all become largely more relevant as . . . epic, global events unfold; where the once esoteric and hidden will be ON DISPLAY and presented in less than truthful ways (designed for specific social/mental/spiritual controls) and, thus, having the truthful take on these matters . . . will be important as it affects the individual soul's day-to-day living paradigm. Factual history . . . versus propaganda . . . is intrinsic to the experience of a Believer and the Believer's spiritual growth. As in, the FACT of Christ's death . . . and resurrection . . . and BELIEVING in same . . . is a literal portal--fork in the road as compared to disbelieving such a fact, which belief then leads the individual down a completely DIFFERENT personal road, path . . . AND RESULT . . . as a PERSON/SOUL!

Developing . . . .
---------------
Meanwhile, my wife expressed to me this morn, and we talked on it, interspersed with issues of turkey, stuffing and green bean casserole . . . that she is thankful . . . for Jesus; that God sent His Only Begotten Son to come and die that our sins will be washed away . . . . We talked about our thankfulness for YOU . . . and she added "I am thankful for being thankful!" Indeed, to be thankful to have a heart that is able to appreciate the goodness of God, of others . . . and how, even when things are not going just how WE might wish, we know that God is in charge and there is a purpose--a holy, divine purpose to everything, whether we can see or understand it at a given moment. The ability to "wait on the Lord", sometimes . . . continuing to just bless others and do good, do the right thing spiritually in line with what you know God wants . . . which often involves sacrifice and some others not understanding or believing that is really why you do what you do . . . .

But again, very thankful for YOU here . . . . We talk about it regularly, never taking it for granted, recognizing the spiritual component and impetus involved--its cosmically cool! :)!

And yes, I mean especially you too! :)
your brother always, thomas

Guard the Soul Space, Going Forward....

2011-11-21T06:19:00.000-08:00

And He showed to me issues specific and personal--how to view a certain situation during a time of grieving and how it is necessary and by His will and relates to broader matters current and future events imminent.

I can speak to the general terms, for they border on the universal and are universally applicable.

But I must slightly tie it in to the personal as well, for context's sake in parts . . . .

--------

So, we have had a sort of loss recently . . . and are in the proverbial "grieving period" . . . . That time when, each morning, you open your eyes and the new reality rushes to your mind and you recall recent events and how there is no going back . . . . It feels like a nightmare, but real . . . there is that sinking feeling, then pangs of sadness, grief, loss . . . yet you know you have to get up and marshal through the day . . . move on . . . let go . . . BUT, there is that unbelieving sadness and like a knife in your heart, wrenching . . . .
Remember in grade school . . . or high school . . . or maybe some have experienced it in a marriage . . . but having a friend, or a girlfriend/boyfriend . . . and finding out they are "cheating" on you? OR, they just tell you one day they don't love you, but still would be "friends". Remember that shaky, cold, dreadful moment . . . realizing this . . . the shock . . . and then, there it is the next day, and the next. Or, if you have ever lost a loved one suddenly. The call, "_________ passed away today . . . . "

Anyway . . . something like that . . . imagine . . . and that grief period following . . . .

Well, this has been going on to some degree and I was talking to God about it . . . . And He reminded me about death. He also pointed out the persisting symptoms many of us are exhibiting . . . which may indeed be result of globalist plans at population control . . . ie., allowing radiation to saturate us from the skies, water and food . . . . And He pointed out that we may not have long after all . . . because of such things......SO, to ENJOY every living moment . . . especially in loving the ones He has put in your life . . . and taking the time pay attention to dear ones and those in need . . . while we are still here . . . .
Because also, many--and some close--will start dropping . . . . Even if WE don't, someone close to us will. It IS going to get that bad, He said. He said that He has brought us through in this mode of constant struggle and hard work and various challenges indeed . . . in order TO PREPARE and harden, toughen us for what is coming, so that . . . we can be of help--a rock, a strength to others, many who will be falling apart, in shock . . . .
Current grieving . . . is a pre-trial . . . an exercise in strengthening of mind, heart and spirit. NOT to become "hard" and un-caring . . . . NO, just the opposite. TO BECOME strong through LOVING--to BECOME like HE . . . with the eternal view of existence, this life, CENTERED in HIM, in LOVE for Him and reflecting the REAL LOVE HE has for others.

NO FEAR.

No ongoing grief, but rather GOOD CHEER . . . being a blessing to others.

Because, He said, yes, times will get as dire and difficult and harrowing . . . as has been imagined. We are being eased into it somewhat . . . but events will snowball . . . and at a certain point . . . it will be like a runaway train boring downhill, where all there is to do is hold on and let go . . . . Hold on to staying in the Spirit--purposeful . . . in serving, pleasing Him . . . and letting go to HIS will in matters. He is in charge, in control, whether directly intervening, or seeming to "allow" things to go a certain way.

But He said, "all is well" . . . and going as He wills it . . . so do not fret overlong. Do not wallow in sadness and grief at loss. He has His reasons, and we cannot see the end from the beginning like He does, and sometimes He has to "remove" someone . . . in order to save them . . . .

So, hold on to the fact of coming death . . . sooner or later . . . . And let go, in good cheer, to God's Will . . . . . .
Also, He said, Get into a positive state of mind. He said, "Because this is My will, you should be happy! This is all a GOOD thing!"
And my heart says, "I know but . . . " and thinks of the loss . . . feeling pangs of sad . . . .
And He says, "No. You can CHOOSE to be happy. Banish negative thoughts and wallowing in grief away now. For a moment, it is fine to feel the human pain--the natural suffering of being human in such a case--BUT . . . NOW, realize I am in control . . . this is My Will . . . . . and so, be grateful . . . and thankful . . . and HAPPY My will is done here . . . . Let go to ME in this . . . . "

And we had a talk about how it is especially important IN THESE TIMES . . . to not allow others' negativity and insanity into our SOUL SPACE. We have the power, the ability to CONTROL OUR THOUGHTS and are designed to. We need not be the victim, ever. We can ALWAYS recognize the Lord's Sovereign Hand in ALL matters, whether they are pleasant or not to us personally; He is ALWAYS omnipotent and omnipresent . . . . SO, we are never victims . . . but, rather SUBJECTS, to which He applies His divine intentions . . . .
AND we can choose to not allow draining and morose and anxious THOUGHTS take over our minds. We can decide to have a positive attitude--NOT because we vainly wish "all will be well." . . . .

But because:

ALL IS WELL!

He is in control, in charge, and He is love . . . so we know that the end result will be wonderful. Love will be there, and ALL of our tears dried . . . .

But we must be presenting it . . . for it to win....
As in, if you are around someone . . . socially . . . or in some communication . . . with someone who is constantly being negative . . . bringing you down, sapping your heart and energy and very soul . . . .

YOU must turn it around. YOU must transform the matter into one of positivity. The LIGHT is brought forth . . . and the darkness must run! . . . . If the other insists on maintaining a negative, defeatist mode . . . . then you block it/them OUT of your mind. You leave the scene, if possible. If you can't leave, you make a concerted effort to NOT allow THEIR negativity to enter your mind, your thoughts . . . . You COUNTER it with the POSITIVE YOU KNOW TO BE TRUE . . . and stay focused on that. Not in a superficial "positive thinking" trick of a way . . . . Not by putting on a facade.
No, you must have already seen and known the truth . . . the GOOD NEWS, that He is . . . that He lives . . . that He sacrificed Himself so that we may live . . . come what may, in the meantime.

So, there is no fearing death. No fearing temporary troubles and struggle. We know the end from the beginning THROUGH Him . . . and this is stunning, beautiful, POWERFUL, GOOD NEWS!

When others see your face . . . .
When you are about your business . . . going about . . . the expression on your face, the vibe you radiate....
What is it?
Does a stranger look at you and see the joy and power and knowledge and blessing and grace of GOD'S LOVE and PRESENCE in your being? Does your face, your expression, your eyes, your tongue . . . do your orbiting thoughts . . . reflect . . . God's majesty, His love, His grace, His glory?

Or, do you allow others' negativity and dark-minded thoughts to dominate you . . . so that the Holy Spirit cannot find a useful vessel?

We are designed to win, to be in glory, to overcome . . . to be able to accept and appreciate and host the very living Spirit of God . . . . !

Anyhow . . . these are some of the things He told me . . . yesterday . . . . .
to be shared ....
bt

Divine Serendipity In Questing

2011-11-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

Deception and truth. Our whole reality . . . living . . . has to do with this. It has always been a bit maddening to me the people who don't really care enough to search, investigate. The shrug, "whatever."

I actually have to check myself sometimes, on the inside, quick mea culpa and repent . . . when I find myself feeling a mild sense of loathing . . . as, throughout a day, moving about in public . . . I see that dumb, dull, dead, checked-out looks on people's faces. It makes me mad, slightly . . . well, not mad, I rarely get "mad", but a flash of irritation perhaps describes it. That blank, going-thru-the-motions look on the face . . . and I think of the wonder of life, the gift of life, the intricate variety, color, beauty, mystery of this world God created AND the opportunity to be loved by Him and to love Him and others . . . yes, even the numb zombies, heh, . . . . But I ever marvel at those folks who just grow up believing whatever they were born into . . . and never question . . . going along with "society's" generalized, "make something of yourself" expectations . . . la-di-da . . . school . . . career . . . marry . . . benefits . . . vacation time . . . have a few favorite t.v. shows and maybe a hobby or fetish . . . then . . . whatever . . . die . . . . .

But here is where the Liar and his lying henchmen are so insidious. By destroying records, perverting history, social engineering, through the ages he has manipulated a mass mindset bereft of the knowledge of TRUE history and the TRUE story of creation, the fall, the Messiah . . . .

So, thank God for the bible, which keeps record, despite all attempts to marginalize, dismiss, re-interpret; for it is continually being found to be accurate and within it's anointed pages, PROVES the reality of God and the plan of salvation.

The quest for truth . . . is really what life is, or should be about. And it is a cosmic, supernatural, SACRED, pinnacle experience! . . . this seeking . . . and FINDING!

And He has made it so that, if one is curious and compelled by wonder, THERE ARE ANSWERS to satisfy. And every new discovery exponentially adds to the inherent joy and sublime, holy satisfaction that there is EXISTENTIALLY in learning increasing and deeper facts, truth about ourselves and the story of creation.

There is a related component--which is an experience--in this quest, marvelous to behold and BECOME.
Where you will discover the "supernatural" abilities you have, which are a natural, God-given feature of your being, intended, bestowed by Him.
But you cannot get to this from the aforementioned dull, rote, blank, shallow etc. part of your mind. Surely everyone has had the experience of praying superficially, versus the times you are really IN it. Sometimes we are in a hurry, or distracted and we pray, but one can feel there is no real power in it. It is just words. Then there are the times where your heart, your whole being is invested and you feel the Lord's presence, Holy Spirit surrounds . . . and, regardless of the answer, you know God is involved and will respond one way or another; it is for you to then discern and accept how He answers.
But, point is, there are times your heart is not in it, which lacks power, and times when you are near, or near fully engaged, and this has power.

It is the same regarding the quest for truth(s). Some of us, while believers and settled in our loyalty to the one true God, nevertheless . . . have questions. Natural, human curiosity . . . wonders at various themes and topics and simply, WANTS TO KNOW what the truth is about a certain subject, ie., UFO's, aliens, ancient technology, how the Red Sea parted--what it was like, reincarnation, angels, the Tree of Knowledge, creation vs. evolution . . . and a scores of other issues . . . .

The uninterested and doltish (sorry, but sadly true) do not care enough about this life and their own life's purpose, nor the real history of the world . . . to even ask or look into such things. Their vision is circumscribed to a very narrow space--that which just relates to immediate bodily needs, wants and pleasure desires.
But, where the eternal condition and future of THE LIVING SOUL is at stake, an earnest seeker is bound to be interested in many related issues. Because by knowing the past and understanding human nature, as made and detailed by God, we get serious helpful clues and guidance for our own lives NOW--which affects choices, decisions, goals etc. we make in this life. It matters, or, at least it can!

And so, according to each individual's own personality and design, the Spirit will lead us in directions and to topics and studies that are UNIQUE and special to our own soul development and character. We get to be involved in our own destiny--guided, inspired, led . . . to certain questions . . . and then . . . wonderfully and with divinely laced satisfaction GET ACTUAL ANSWERS!

Once, having received answers . . . then the leading Spirit brings up NEW horizons, new angles, deeper nuances . . . so that, we can see how, throughout eternity, the cosmic vistas NEVER stop, for once an end is reached, divine Creator reveals more and new and finer paths . . . of discovery! How fantastic for the living, seeking soul! And to learn the real meaning, history of other religion's "legends" and records compared to the literal events that took place . . . .

Here, in this mortal gauntlet, it goes like this: There is a large heap of trash. Useless, discarded, rotten things in that pile. The seeker is led, inspired to question, wonder at some subject . . . like those above . . . and then a sorting and sifting begins. You pick up and analyze a piece of garbage . . . test it out . . . find it lacking (just garbage) and toss it aside, keep looking. Here and there you find a gem, a piece of truth. The Spirit testifies to you that this is truth. (Sometimes you are mistaken, thinking you have found a truth, then later learn, no, and must abandon it, but here is the effort involved and the fun of the quest, and God WILL finally reveal what you seek).

Each time you truly garner . . . a truthful knowledge . . . it acts like a tumbler lock in your soul. One more pin has been aligned correctly. The key (which key, is YOU; your seeking, conscious soul) . . . with EACH NEW PIN opened . . . is able to progress, penetrate FURTHER in other matters as well.

As you discover the truth about, ie., our actual human, world history . . . (versus the lies and propaganda the Deceiver foists through universities, "experts", foundations--ie., Smithsonian, etc.) . . . with each new discovery, your SOUL actually starts itself to BECOME more like THE TRUTH and capable of discerning and understanding ever MORE and PROFOUND truth . . . .

This is why the enemy fights so hard to control the "official" dissemination of "knowledge" and "science" . . . based on the (fraudulent) "evolutionary" model . . . .

Because by believing in lies, it has a real, visceral, profound, integral EFFECT on the individual soul's capacity to experience . . . to LOVE . . . to KNOW . . . GOD! The whole agenda of the Liar is to turn souls away from God--to corrupt the relationship between human and divine . . . and by filling lazy heads full of falsehoods and propaganda, the people can be kept in a sort of dull, coma-like state of being, missing their Designed purpose and Intended mode of living . . . .

The beauty is, its all there for the asking. But not from a casual, lazy, superficial, quick questioning. There must be some investment involved, heart . . . and respect and TIME. Answers WILL follow eventually, if one cares enough to persist, humbly yet eagerly.

I know because it is happening now to me. This venture with the book and subsequent research, is being Led . . . once I began the quest . . . and now, divine serendipity . . . is revealing matters to me I have wondered upon for years! Which I will share, ongoing, if nothing else, to offer fodder for others also doing their own investigations . . . .

Ask . . . and, hallelujah . . . ye shall receive! He is good! And fascinating! :)

Realizing that the incredible and wondrous stories from biblical account are TRUE . . . and the critical WARNINGS true also . . . the soul begins to grow enrapt, elevated with spiritual, divine KNOWLEDGE and understanding, craving MORE of the divine, of God, increasing in glory and wonder and light and anointed awareness.

If one keeps seeking and asking, SINCERELY, and not cheaply or superficially, but in earnestness and with attentive, loving prayer . . . one can and WILL receive the answers to many questions that the sleeping masses dully think are beyond knowing, much to the festering pettiness and mundanity of their daily lives.

Note, however, many times, such answers will be very personally provided. Often, only YOU and God will know that you have the answer to a certain question. You find that this whole process is very sacred and is not a a thing to be trumpeted and exploited. Those who do exploit soon receive no more answers and then must turn to being hucksters and schemers pretending to keep it going, but having lost the quiet, still, small Voice of Instruction, and nothing actually NEW and true to offer.

Trusted believers, fellow seeking disciples can and do share their discoveries, carefully, one amongst another, and some ARE intended to be publicized. But there is often a timing and placement, intended by Spirit, which will dictate how and when that is done . . . .

Meanwhile, however, EVERY single seeking soul CAN--if they remain sincere and steadfast in their quest, RECEIVE confirmation and enlightenment on various fantastic, mind-blowing TRUTHS and history and even future, to an extent . . . PERSONALLY . . . .

And the whole process is itself sacred, for the entire matter involves becoming LESS of self and MORE of surrendering and receiving of the Spirit's direction and relationship. The process develops into a dear intimacy and depth of interaction between creature and Creator, student and Master. So that, even small decisions and the movements and choices throughout any given day, are made in CLOSE step with the DIVINE, in relationship . . . He, guiding and protecting and providing; the seeker student searching, learning, acquiring.

This is the joy of human life! That for which we were created; our nature and destiny . . . .

Blue Moon Wolf People, Mustachios and Haunted Lake.....

2011-11-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

This is a shot from the mustache/shooting caper . . . looking eastward across spooky Utah Lake. "Spooky" . . . because of the regular drownings there. It looks so mild and peaceful, but when the weather kicks up it gets real choppy. Still, you would think . . . it's just a lake and not especially treacherous in any apparent sense. Yet, year after year . . . there are strange "accidents" that occur there. People just boating, swimming . . . get in trouble on that lake all the time. People who know how to swim, "expert fishermen", "seasoned boaters" etc. will slip below the waters . . . and drown. If I were an old Fremont or Ute Indian I am sure we would have legends and tales describing the lake as haunted by the "under water spirits" . . . or that some strange sub-hydro creature lurks therein, who pulls unwary water goers beneath the murky wash, never to be seen again . . . . .

Anyway . . . another point of note . . . . The book I am writing takes place starting up the canyon you can sort of see there on the left. That is where my characters--a paleo-Indian tribe "The Blue Moon Wolf People" have their summer village. One of the early scenes in the book takes place on the face of the left mountain there . . . where little Taemakoda (main character) and his old father Fist-Fighting-Moose sit upon Lookout Ledge . . . and father gives Taema a deep lesson on life . . . being a battle . . . and staying true to The Great Mysterious (Great Spirit) . . . and he gives Taema a strange, ancient arm band made of an unusual material (copper) . . . as memento . . . .

The hills we are standing on, from where Jack took the photo, is where the enemy clan, "The Yellow Dogs" have their camp. In terms of process and inspiration I've never had an experience like I am having writing this piece. The story will be quite accurate regarding the lifestyle and beliefs and manner of survival for such tribes at the time it takes place (roughly a couple thousand years ago) . . . and will explore ancient mysteries . . . "cryptids" . . . and the original sources of certain old "myths" and legends . . . but utilizing the fascinating "hidden archeology" and suppressed real history, which, ie., the Smithsonian and other "approved" "official" gatekeepers have gone to great pains to keep secret . . . so that their evolution-based storyline continues to be the "accepted" version . . . .

Here is a composite photo Jack made on location . . . . Lol, that is Al's new handle-bar "stache" and nostril....(Sky had to work, so it was me, Jack, Al and Isaac) . . . .

Al and Isaac with his perpetual beenie . . . .

Here's Jack . . . lol ... We were cracking up at his slicked down hair and old fashioned outfit and squirrelly dyed lip fuzz. He looked like an old timey door man or, as I thought, a young Howard Hughes or Leonardo D'Caprio playing Hughes . . . .

Me . . . with perpetual bandanna . . . .

And here are me and m'boys plus little Jordan (Al's wife's son), with Jordan wearing the immortal "Mookie Savageen" mustache I used for my satirical Michael Savage youtube bit . . . . (left to right, Jack, Isaac, me, Jordan, Al, meaty Sky) . . . .
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your brother in The Great Mysterious, Thomas

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Howard Hughes

"Hmmm" . . . ? then life marches on . . . .

2011-11-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

There are so many things . . . so strange, surreal, insane, asinine, uncanny, stunning . . . these days . . . .

Even in more "normal" times . . . I think everyone has probably had one or more experiences where . . . something totally odd happens or is seen . . . occasionally with another witness . . . and you both say, "did you see that?" And you both did . . . . You discuss it, perplexed . . . dumbfounded . . . . You can't figure out what exactly just occurred . . . it seems impossible . . . . And you end up just sort of shrugging and going on with the day or night or whatever . . . .

I know so many of these kinds of unexplainable events have taken place through the years . . . that most are just forgotten about No explanation, no answer ever brings closure. These oddities happen . . . we are perplexed for a time . . . then end up just carrying on about our business . . . life and the daily grind marches on . . . .

We had one of those yesterday (truly there have been a lot lately . . . nearly every day, to varying degrees, and I'm including ie., seeing news stories where you are watching, reading or listening . . . and you just go, "ya gotta be kidding!)

But here . . . I'm talking about REALLY weird things . . . that seem to defy the natural laws, defy physics......

Yesterday I was up in Park City painting a sky condo one of my client's owns (yeah, even the wealthiest of my regulars are starting to sell off their properties, bit by bit, spooked by the economic climate) . . . .

I was in a bedroom getting ready to roll out one of the last walls when all of a sudden it got dark. I had to go to my car and get a halogen light to see. I thought to myself, 'what they hey? . . . what time is it? . . . it can't be that late . . . sun setting already. It felt like mid-day to me. I checked the time and it was 3:38 in the afternoon. I had looked out the window when it got dark and saw the sun slipping down below the mountain.
Of course, being ON a mountain, the sun sets earlier . . . but not THAT early. I've been at this same job for a week, well noticing when it got dark and this just didn't seem right. Usually, the sun was setting closer to 5pm . . . .

Well, I thought it was strange, but oh well . . . continued on as usual.

When I got home later, making some left over barbacoa burritos . . . I casually mentioned to my wife how early it got dark that day.
She then told me how, this same day . . . she had been noticing how cute our cat was sleeping on our bed, perfectly located in a spot of sun beaming through the window. She had passed Sky in the hallway and mentioned to him, "Radha is so cute, sleeping there in the sun on the bed." Sky went in to look, came back, and said, "yeah, but no more sun."

This struck my wife because there had just been sun and plenty of it. It was only afternoon. She was so struck, in fact, that she went to look at a clock to see what time it was. It was 3-something in the afternoon!
She confirmed then to me that it seemed like it was normal sun . . . and then, very suddenly it was as if the sun just rushed and set behind the mountain.

So, she had basically the same experience and perplexity I had had . . . .

Because light is important to my work . . . I am well aware of the changing seasons, shortened days and what to expect at what times of the year. On the SHORTEST days, the sun has never set before 5, I don't believe . . . . The mountains shorten it depending where you are located in the valley or up in the hills, but for sure . . . not before 4:30 in the shortest case scenario . . . .

Anyway . . . it was bizarre . . . . We both saw the sun go behind the mountain just after 3:30. Doesn't seem possible in any way. We both were struck when it happened . . . independently, miles away from each other .......
What is also interesting . . . is that the day before, me and the boys were shooting on a mountain . . . and I was well aware of the time as we had only until dark and then needed to drive a ways home to have the birthday dinner . . . . We were shooting . . . out there on the east side of the mountain . . . until 5:15 and it was plenty light up to the moment we left. Clouds have not been an issue either day ...... odd.......

????

I shall be keen to take note what happens today.... or SEEMS to happen . . . . .
One of those things.... you just go, "hmmm" . . . and then . . . another day, life marches on . . . .
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May the Lord bless and protect you TODAY . . . again!
(ps, I will have mustache caper pics up by tomorrow)
b,t