True Power of Yoga Revealed | Former Yoga Practitioner • LED Live EP223 ...

I liked the point they brought up about the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

If it is questionable, I avoid it. My God has done so much for me that giving up something for His glory is easy. It's very easy when you remember that what He tells us to avoid is for our own protection and benefit. I find it helpful to also remember that we are battling flesh and spirit.

Video: "Rapture" is encoded in Isaiah 26 - Natzal - Strongs 5337

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtqDNeZqVss&ab_channel=BrotherVictor726

Combatting lies against Israel

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p_CQN9bGcg&ab_channel=AndyWoods

Ain't No Grave (LIVE) - Bethel Music & Molly Skaggs | VICTORY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGncW_ueyHA&ab_channel=BethelMusic

Play this at my "gone to Jesus" party.

True Humility - Nat Crawford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnkjAX9YqYM&ab_channel=BacktotheBible

"Humility. How do you define it? Why does God think it’s so important? In today’s episode, Pastor Nat Crawford helps you take stock of your life, the things you do, and where your true identity resides. Find out how you can live life with confidence and true humility."

How to Walk With Others - Nat Crawford

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNpT3OE7_C8&ab_channel=BacktotheBible

Restore. Keep Watch. Bear each other’s burdens. These are the things God calls you to do as you walk with others.

IPG2 video and analyses

I have wondered for years now if I should share the IPG2 video but held off until now. As you watch it, keep in mind the IPG2 video was made around 2011/2012. 

You can speed up the videos to 1.5 using the gear button to save yourself a little time. 

https://taileaters.com/depth-psychology/i-pet-goat-2/ About the title: "The title IPG2 is thought to be a tribute to the children’s storybook The Pet Goat, which was read to George W. Bush by a class of children at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota County, Florida on September 11, 2001. While listening to the children recite parts of the story, President Bush was informed by White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card “A second plane hit the second tower. America is under attack.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps82OIXVVNY&ab_channel=IPetGoat2  This analysis is by Christian who believes it may be a "revelation" or satan's version of the end times. s copies God. Setting up his own church and "christ" in the end times are just a couple of examples. On the Psalms 23 graffiti, I disagree with the yellow brick road theory which becomes a rabbit hole in the video. That looks more like a lightning bolt. Psalms 23 is known as The Good Shepherd chapter. I have a couple of different theories about the meaning. 

Here is another interpretation of IPG2 that overlaps some: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tclgtA2BABM&ab_channel=RonnyMontegerai 

Original IPG2 video: https://youtu.be/65xLByzT1l0 The appearance and burning sacred heart on the chest of the man we see in the boat reference Jesus. However, this being is marked with evil symbols on the forehead, so Christians know this is the antichrist spoken of in Revelation.

 

the beauty and the ugliness

first published March 2019:

I lost a friend in high school in 1986. Then, a good friend I grew up with ended his life February 27, 1988.  I still miss him. I've lost several more friends to suicide since that time. Most recently, my cousin ended his life on April 18, 2017. I don't want anyone else to give up on life. I want people to know there are people who care, many treatment options, and most importantly there is HOPE of better days. 

One of my friends, who is dealing with severe depression due to child loss, has a secret support group on Facebook. She asked me and a few other ladies to be a member of her support system. The group is used as a safe place for her to reach out when she struggles. Becoming vulnerable is one of the strongest things she has done. She said the video below was helpful to her and might be helpful in understanding her. So, I am sharing it because if it helped her, maybe it can help someone else.

I have a few friends who tried to commit suicide and were saved by hardworking paramedics and doctors. Some of them were helped with people reaching out to them after their attempt. They needed to give voice to their pain and know they were loved and valued. Others needed counseling to examine the root cause and to change unhealthy thought patterns. A few learned they were deficient in certain nutrients, corrected that through diet and supplements, and found they had much less trouble with depression. 

Another friend needed to get their serotonin levels higher with medication. Another learned their depression was seasonal and learned how to give helpful self care during those times. Some of my friends have been on prescription medicines and have gone through several changes in medication. Others had to completely change their routines and parts of their lives. The answer(s) can be simple or complicated, but with effort, they found things that helped.

One friend, with a long family history of mental illness and a diagnosis of severe depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety issues, and PTSD, had electroconvulsive therapy twice. In addition to that, he has been in treatment centers for weeks at a time trying to find answers that work for him. I applaud him for his commitment and great effort to find a solution. The only change in my attitude towards him is that I admire him more.  He witnessed a horrific event in childhood and has carried the weight of it his entire life. I'd wonder if he was human if he did not struggle. He's a strong, brave, incredible, and beautiful fighter. 

There are five women on my Facebook who have lost children to suicide. There are two women who have lost husbands that way. Then there are the siblings, cousins, and friends. I think it is a safe bet to say most people have been affected by suicide through at least one other person. 

There is nothing wrong with seeking better health and that includes mental health. Unfortunately, there is a stubborn stigma about mental health issues so people hide their suffering and try to deal with it alone. I think if we acknowledge we are mind, body, and soul then we should also acknowledge all three parts can suffer. There is beauty in the strength it takes to reach for help to escape something ugly. There should be more dialogue to emphasize that. 

"I believe people change people because people need people. We need to embrace being human and all of the beauty and ugliness that comes along with it." Sara Liberti

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8bJ3YlgL1Q&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

Dear Reader, If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, I encourage you to reach out. If the first person/place you reach out to does not help, reach out to another. Repeat as necessary. 

You are worth the search for better mental health.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

A Local Artist Speaks

Chuck is a local artist. His story and contributions to our community have a lot of value. I hope to meet him one day and purchase a painting of his.

"Chuck started painting at the age of 5. At 21, he suffered an accident that resulted in the loss of his arms from the elbows down. After meeting Bob Ross, Dickerson resumed painting as a way to express himself and support his family."

Sermon Video

This is a good sermon for those who asked me for more on reconciliation.
If the video won't play, click here.
If that doesn't work, the title is: Charles Stanley - Reconciling Broken Relationships, so you can search for it.

If time is short, start with 41:15 and watch the last 10 minutes to get to the very heart of the message in following Christ's example. Search your Bible to see if that is the example Christ gave. Are we to follow Christ's example? What he says about God blessing your willing and obedient heart no matter the outcome has been very true in my own life.

"Reconciliation is an exchange of hostility for harmony. ..Reconciliation is not only a principle of Scripture. It is a doctrine of the Word of God." -Charles Stanley

"Some of us have to die (to self) and never regain their friendship, but what we do gain is bountiful blessings of a loving Father who knows that our heart's desire is to obey Him." -Charles Stanley

Dear Reader, This sermon is for the Christian who wants to grow closer to the Lord and accomplish things in His name. It is not for those who prefer to wallow in a deceptively comfortable stagnation. It can be crazy hard to put into practice, but it is so very worth it. It will make you grind your teeth, put up meritless arguments, and might reduce you to tears. If you live it out, it will set you free and set your heart to rejoicing! I've made or tried to make amends with everyone God put on my heart to do that with because I wanted more of Him. 

Ragged Old Flag by: Johnny Cash

Happy 4th of July

to our family and friends

near and far, old and new
close and estranged
We love you!

Yeshua Hamashiach - Jesus Is Lord - Majesty - Lyrics

This song is on my daily "Happy Morning" playlist:

Happy Easter
to our family and friends
near and far, old and new
close and estranged!

He is RISEN!

God gave His only Son because He loves us so very much. For our sins, Jesus suffered and died horrifically on a cross. He was entombed, and then He rose again on the third day in victory over sin and death. It is because of Him we have forgiveness and eternal life. It is because of Him and His gift we celebrate Easter!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead 
1 Peter 1:3

the beauty and the ugliness

I have five friends who have lost children to suicide. I know three women who have lost husbands that way. It is a safe bet to say most people have been affected by suicide through at least one other person. 

I lost a friend to suicide in high school in 1986. Then, a good friend I grew up with ended his life February 27, 1988.  I still miss him. I've lost more friends to suicide since that time. Most recently, my cousin ended his life on April 18, 2017. I don't want anyone else to feel that is their best or only choice. I want people to know there are people who care, many treatment options, and most importantly there is HOPE of better days. 

One of my friends, who is dealing with severe depression, has a secret support group on Facebook. She asked me and a few other ladies to be a member of her support system. The group is used as a safe place for her to reach out when she struggles. Becoming vulnerable is one of the strongest things she has done. She said the video below was helpful to her and might be helpful in understanding her. So, I am sharing it because if it helped her, maybe it can help someone else.

I have a friends who tried to commit suicide and were saved by hardworking paramedics. Some of them were helped with people reaching out to them after their attempt. They needed to give voice to their pain and know they were loved and valued. Others, suffering with suicidal thoughts and severe depression, needed counseling to examine the root cause and to change unhealthy thought patterns. A few learned they were deficient in certain nutrients and corrected that through diet and supplements which helped them a lot.

Another friend needed to get their serotonin levels higher with medication. Another learned their depression was seasonal and learned how to give better self care during those times. Some of my friends have gone through several changes in medication. Others had to completely change their routines and parts of their lives. The answer(s) can be simple or complicated, but with effort, they found things that helped.

One friend, with a long family history of mental illness and a diagnosis of severe depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety issues, and PTSD, had electroconvulsive therapy twice. In addition to that, he has been in treatment centers for weeks at a time trying to find answers that work for him. I applaud him for his commitment and great effort to find a solution. The only change in my attitude towards him is that I admire him more.  He witnessed a horrific event in childhood and has carried the weight of it his entire life. I'd wonder if he was human if he did not struggle. He's a strong, brave, incredible, beautiful, fighter. 

There is nothing wrong with seeking better health and that includes mental health. Unfortunately, there is a stubborn stigma about mental health issues so people hide their suffering and try to deal with it alone. I think if we acknowledge we are mind, body, and soul then we should also acknowledge all three parts can suffer. There is beauty in the strength it takes to reach for help to escape something ugly. There should be more dialogue to emphasize that especially in the church.

Wife of Pastor Andrew Stoecklein says she's 'heartbroken' after his suicide

A pastor's suicide should be a wake-up call about mental health and ministry

"I believe people change people because people need people. We need to embrace being human and all of the beauty and ugliness that comes along with it." Sara Liberti

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8bJ3YlgL1Q&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, I encourage you to reach out. If the first person/place you reach out to does not help, reach out to another. Repeat as necessary. You are worth the search for better mental health.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Biblical hope for Mental Illness

Grief: How to be a friend to the hurting... (video)

Believe me, it's no time for words when the wounds are fresh and bleeding; no time for homilies when the lightning's shaft has smitten, and the man lies stunned and stricken. Then let the comforter be silent; let him sustain by his presence, not by his preaching; by his sympathetic silence, not by his speech. -George C. Lorimer

October 15 is the national day of remembrance for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. I've lost nine precious babies to stillbirth and miscarriage. Much of what you read here can be applied more broadly to include other types of loss and pain.

Here is a video from Megan Devine, which a friend recently shared, that shares about what works for those grieving and why other things like "cheering them up" do not. It will better equip you to help the hurting in your life.

When I lost one of my miscarried and stillborn babies, one of the things that helped me the most was someone telling me, "This sucks!!" I knew by their succinct words that they understood my pain. You don't need eloquence to show compassion. Your job isn't to move them to where you want them to be; it's to meet them where they are.

One of the most hurtful things ever said to me, for example, was by a Christian in law who claimed to be pro-life who told me less than 24 hours after the loss of my baby that crying was "feeling sorry for myself." Their words created a lot of pain in my heart. They did not care what I was going through and their words showed it. Their words suggested I was doing something wrong by mourning my baby. I share this with the goal that others won't say such hurtful things in a woman's time of great pain. It is not helpful, but it is very hurtful. 

Crying is a normal, natural response to loss. Jesus cried in grief too. Would you have said, "It's self pity for you to cry since you are going to raise Lazarus anyway?" Or, would you have shown Him understanding and compassion? Think before you speak. Words hurt and can't be taken back, but they can be forgiven. Be gentle and kind with each other even when you do not understand what the other person is going through.

Please don't add your misplaced expectations to someone else's struggle. You will only burden them further. Acknowledge a person's right to feel as they do. 

If you have had a pregnancy loss, I am praying for you today and offer my friendship. My email is in the header. 

A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, 
but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself.
-A.W. Tozer

I had a friend comment:

That person that said that to you COULD NOT be a Christian! They may be a self proclaimed Christian, but if they really had Christ in their heart they could have never said something so cruel and cold! 

My reply: Christians aren't perfect, and we fail each other often. We have to bear with each other in love to keep unity in the church. I have forgiven them completely and have love for them. Grudges lead to bitterness and that's a weed I don't want growing in my life. It's too destructive! I pray for their well being and success of their business daily. Doing that honors Jesus and gives me peace and keeps me growing in Christ. Their words are a good example to show others what not to say to someone because it does not in any way help. It creates another burden on the person. If we claim to be pro-life, but deny a mother the freedom to mourn a pregnancy loss, we really aren't very pro-life. We have to come beside people and meet them where they are in whatever circumstance life throws at them...not drag them along to where we want them to be. I fail people too and am thankful when they forgive me and bear with me in love.

Holy by Mickey Turner

I love promoting my friends and family especially my brothers and sisters in Christ. I went to school with Mickey and his sister Cindy. His mother and father were leaders in our church. This is my favorite of the ones he's done. Please give a listen, subscribe to his music, click like so he'll know you enjoyed it, and consider sharing on your social media.

Worth the Watch

Motherhood Can Sometimes Feel Like This Scene

Sometimes I've felt like enacting this scene.

"Help me help you!"

Video: It's a Mystery

Click for a great Video by James Richards.

See our nation's leaders be witnessed to by a humble servant of the Lord.Worth Watching

See our nation's leaders be witnessed to by a humble servant of the Lord. If you love the Lord, this is worth watching. 

Darrell Waltrip's Speech at the National Prayer Breakfast

There are many things that stood out to me in this simple speech. I wanted to point out the big impact of a praying woman who jumped on seemingly small opportunities, like writing a verse on a little notecard. It was encouragement I needed as I keep praying and trying to be a light in this world. 

Thank You Dover Police Officer

We enjoyed watching Dover Officer Master Cpl. Jeff Davis get his groove on in his squad car to Shake It Off. We watched it as a family three times on the big screen. Thank you for the laughs! You look like a fun loving person who would fit right in with our gang at Contentment Acres. Since he introduced the song to us, there may or may not have been a dance session to it in the kitchen. :-)