Have you ever thought you had it all figured out? That you knew exactly what you wanted to do and that you were sure you had the answer to the present day turmoil or problems? But then, as you sat praying and journaling your prayers and thoughts to God, you realized how wrong you are. What we focus on is what we care the most about. Our heart is shown through our actions.

19″Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and dust doth corrupt and where thieves break through and steal: 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

So, although, I think some topics are very important and God definitely cares about those and has His hand at work in those, that is not where my true treasure lies. I have always been interested in politics and issues. God gave me an interest in news and history. However, in these times we live, my true treasure and heart lie with my family and friends. God has given me such treasure on earth and I am so grateful.

I guess my purpose for this post is to say this……I care more about heart treasures than making political arguments right now so I am going to change my focus, until such time as I feel God gives me the voice to speak on political issues and actually reach people with my ideas.

Now is a crucial time in our world, a lot of fear and questions about what is to come. But, the only answer we need in found in God. His Son came to show us an example of how to live and although we can not attain the perfection of Jesus, we can strive with all our hearts to be as close as possible to His example.

Fear during this pandemic has certainly captured the hearts of many. I am very familiar with fear, having lived several years as a prisoner to the devastating effects it can have on your life. The thing about the pandemic that has been hardest for me to deal with is the fear in the heart of so many people of an enemy that we cannot see. That is how fear works, it is not easy to identify. When fear wells up in my heart, I have learned to turn to the scripture found in 2 Timothy 1:7;

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear

but of POWER and of LOVE and of a SOUND MIND”.

Today my focus will change to look at my treasure and through the pandemic and all the other turmoil, I will place my faith in God to handle that while I focus on my heart. My family and friends.

God bless you all and be peaceful. Below are pictures of some of my heart treasures. Britt and Erica, Alana, and my sweetheart.

Less than 60 days from now, as Americans, we will be given the opportunity to cast a vote for President of the United States of America. I encourage you to register soon to be eligible to exercise your patriotic duty to help your fellow citizens elect (re-elect) the leader of this country. This country is a beacon in a world of darkness.

The light of America has dimmed a little due to evil being given a foothold with the removal of God from our culture. What started as an argument based on separating church and state by removing prayers and scripture from our public schools has become a full-fledged war on removing God from all public forums.

When Christians don’t use the voice we have, our vote, we are just giving over our country, which God has blessed us with, to people that do not honor God. Proverbs 29:2 says, ” When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” Christians need to stand against presidents that would rule through ungodly policies.

Frederick Douglas explained how the Bible informed his politics. He said, “I have one great political idea. The best expression of it, I have found in the Bible. It is, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, Sin is a reproach to any people.” This constitutes my politics, the negative and positive of my politics, the WHOLE of my politics.”

As many of you know, I vote conservatively, especially on social issues. My first and foremost issue is sanctity of life. Because of this, if a party or candidate is pro-choice/pro-abortion, they will not get my vote. This year, the Democrat party platform and candidate will use the term pro-choice because they want to put the focus on the choice. However, if it is just choice they wouldn’t continue to push the boundaries of legal, safe and rare abortion all the way to 3rd trimester abortion. Also, please don’t say Planned Parenthood is about healthcare, that is why we need to fund them. Planned Parenthood performed 345,672 abortions in 2019 while pap smears have decreased by 72% over the last 10 years. Abortions are decreasing overall in this country, Praise God, while Planned Parenthood abortions performed remains the same or higher. In the years since Roe vs Wade, in 1973, there have been 61 million babies aborted in this country alone. This is a stain on the character of America that calls for repentance of voters and the leaders they elect that have allowed this to happen. It matters who is in leadership to appoint judges to all the highest judicial seats in the land.

Many of you will have your own issues that regulate your vote. I ask that you spend time in prayer and really listen and look at policies enacted and choose what it most in line with Christian principles. You don’t have to like a person’s style or personality to vote for them if they stand on your side of issues important to you. As stewards of all the blessings God has given us, that we will account for, let’s be a good steward of the vote for protecting and defending life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Here is a website to find some more voter information and also comparison of party platforms. It is ivoterguide.com .

In conclusion, I am putting out a call to all evangelical voters to vote this year. We need an overwhelming landslide so there will be no question of who won. If we will humble ourselves, repent and pray to God for revival and a blessing on America, He might just brighten the light of America again.

I have been waiting to voice any of my thoughts online through this crisis because everyone has an opinion and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to add to the chorus of voices singing, loudly and proudly, their thoughts on the matter.  I decided to choose not to get into all the statistics of the cases and the procedures used to deal with the COVID-19 virus.  My thoughts are focused on how we have reacted and what information the people in charge of decisions can acquire from that for this crisis and future situations that may arise.  My feelings are in the explanation below.  I am not stating this as infallible facts, I am stating my opinion.

This was/is a test to see how easily the average American citizen would fall into line with blanket rules and relinquish our rights in the face of a country wide crisis.  This crisis has not gone to waste.  The powers that be are seeing how a dose of fear and “guidelines” for our protection can cause at least half of our citizens to quickly and easily accept this as the “new normal”. Without question, we will do what you say to protect us.

One of my observations is that the Governors of each state have handled this along their political biases.  The differences between Democrat and Republican have differed, especially in the area of enforcement of their guidelines.  This is why my thoughts went to the importance of who we elect.  We elect representatives to REPRESENT WE THE PEOPLE.  It is extremely important to know that those representatives will represent our ideals and will make decisions based on using the power they have to protect our rights through the Constitution and The Bill of Rights. To use only those limited powers for only the least amount of time and intrusion necessary.

What I see is, there are three different views that are expressed on this issue.  The first group seems to view the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as an outdated document that should change with “the times” and at times is a nuisance to those in power because it allows power to be in the hands of  We the People.  They are willing to allow changes to their freedoms and rights based on what is happening at the time, without thought to what that might mean in the future.  We will just change it again.

The second group seems to think that any decision about their safety and well being can be trusted to those that understand the Constitution better.  Even though it is the FOUNDATION OF AMERICA, it may need to be changed or at least suspended, so this average citizen finds it acceptable to just let those in office over them tell them what to do to make the situation better or go away.  They trust them because they are in power and it will all be okay.

The third group are the staunch Constitutionalists and believers in the Bill of Rights.  They believe that  our Republic depends on the foundational documents being protected at all costs.  They will follow the rules for safety for a very limited amount of time, unless given PROOF that it is imperative to save lives.  There is a limit to their compliance.

Where do I fall?  Well, there is a little of all of them in each of us, however, I tend to live in the third group.  Let me say, I BELIEVE THE VIRUS IS REAL.  It can be deadly, although not to most people. Actually, just the opposite is true, most who get it will not die.  I don’t want anyone to die from COVID-19 and I take precautions especially around those that have a compromised immune system. I do believe fear has been stoked and that is one of the things that makes me very frustrated. Control through fear is definitely a pet peeve of mine.

The giving up freedom or rights in order for the government to keep us safe is a very bad idea.  The government cannot and should not try to guarantee safety to it’s citizenry.  We are GUARANTEED life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  The pursuit of happiness is not a promise of safety.  It is the guarantee of freedom to pursue our happiness through our choices of work, faith, and health without crippling interference by over powering politicians.  The right to worship God in the way we want and believe means that our religious rights CANNOT be infringed on.  These are fundamental, God-given rights that the best country in existence is dependent on.

The answer to keeping our Constitution and Bill of Rights in tact is electing representatives that we can TRUST to PROTECT our founding documents. This requires each individual AMERICAN to uphold their personal responsibility and take serious the vote they are given.  Your vote is your voice.    If you remain silent at the polls, or if you choose your representative based on Hollywood recommendations, you are falling down on your responsibility as a citizen of this country.  You owe it to your fellow citizens to take seriously your vote.  Many have died to ensure your voice will be heard, so surely a little time and research on your part, is not too much to ask.

In the middle of this crisis, we are seeing the policies of each politician reveal their true colors and how they feel about the use of their power.  Let’s use this as a learning experience.  Let’s be determined to know where we stand on freedom and figure out what we are willing to do to keep our freedom.  Let’s choose representatives that will stand for what we believe in.  Let’s pray for God’s guidance on who to use our voice to support.  Take some time and know where you stand before the next crisis and then TAKE A STAND  for America and it’s foundations of freedom.

Last night I was watching television and came across a show called Tucker Carlson Tonight and I stopped for a moment.  I was fascinated by a woman who was whining that the parent company of Doritos was repressing her right to eat Doritos like a man.  Doritos had put out the idea of producing Doritos that are more women friendly.  The Doritos would be 77% less crunchy and would have less cheesiness to stick to the fingers because they believe some women would prefer that choice over regular Doritos.  This woman on television was beside herself with anger that “men” were trying to repress her.  I was surprised and amused.  Her reaction left her looking whiny and victimized.

These liberal feminists have high-jacked  a movement that started with some legitimate issues, such as voting rights and wage inequality and turned it into a group of loudmouthed, angry protesters who wear vagina stocking hats and demand the right to act like men and to have abortions on demand to kill their own babies.  This woman does not speak for me, or for most of the women I know on a personal basis.  Even if there are issues some women still see as unequal they approach from a rational viewpoint and try to change them in a productive way.

For many years I have felt unimportant in discussions among women when social issues arise.  My desire to be a lady who likes to have doors opened for me and loves that my husband handles the “man” jobs around the house like taking out the trash, the yardwork and car maintenance, has caused many to think I am just a weak little victim in a white male dominated society.  I could do these jobs myself, but it’s nice to not have those added to all the other things I do.   I am not a weak woman.  I am a woman who embraces the differences between men and women that the almighty God created.  We are made the way we are to compliment each other, not compete with each other.  When we confuse our roles in life we negate the true value of who we are.

I am not a weak woman sitting around waiting for my husband or a man to tell me what to do.  I am a strong, conservative, Christian woman who will not be a victim to anyone.  I will eat Doritos any way I want, but having a woman version doesn’t threaten me in any way.  As a lady who values the femininity that God blessed the female gender with, I will always TAKE A STAND against these females that are fighting for “women’s issues” and let them know they do not speak for me!!

God Bless and have a wonderful evening!!!

Five years ago I was diagnosed with Melanoma Skin Cancer.  It was a shock and fortunately a very observant primary care doctor strongly encouraged me to get a questionable mole checked.  When I returned for a check up six months later and had not gone to have it checked, she once again urged me STRONGLY to get to the dermatologist.  I just kind of half-heartedly promised to get it checked thinking she was just being a little dramatic.  Thank God for her insistence.

I went to the dermatologist and he immediately removed the mole and assured me that it was very important that it be done.  He sent it for a biopsy.

About a week to 10 days later, I got the phone call that it was cancer.  Melanoma.  Until that day, I had not ever looked up or considered skin cancer being a part of my life.  I knew that God was in control and was mostly unafraid with the exception of one day when I thought about, what if it was more advanced than they thought.  I was scheduled for the surgery to remove the area of the mole and around it.

I prayed and trusted God and fortunately, He is Always Faithful.  He answered.  My Melanoma was Stage 1 when we caught it.  Very Early.  However, after learning about Melanoma, I realized that the check ups were very important.  I am now to able to go once a year.  Today was my yearly appointment and I am happy to say I am 5 years out from Melanoma and still Cancer Free!!!!  I thank God for this every appointment I go to and there is nothing new.

Please review the above picture that shows what to look for in a mole for signs of skin cancer.  If you find a mole or spot you are not sure about, please make an appointment and have it checked.  Early detection is the answer to overcoming Melanoma.

Thank God for the blessing of LIFE.  I pray He uses me in some way to help those around me.  I am grateful for the opportunity to share the Hope of Healing.

Psalm 118:17  “I will not die, but live, and declare the Work of the Lord!!!

God bless and be a beacon of light to all those around you!!

Source: Trusting in God’s Protection

How many times have you prayed for God’s protection?  For yourself, your family, your friends or even your country?  It is often times a prayer that, thankfully, seems unnecessary.  Sometimes we pray the prayer and only halfheartedly believe in what we are praying.  It is probably one of the most important prayers we pray.  As a mom, it IS vitally important that we pray protection over our children when we send them into situations that we have no control over.

I got a call this morning from my daughter, Erica, that as I was sleeping last night, she and Alana were driving home from a visit with relatives around the Washington, DC area.  Shawn is gone right now so they had gone to visit family.  On the way home, outside of Williamsburg, Erica has a tire blow out while going 70 mph on a highway.  She decided to go to the next exit and get off into a place that was more populated and find a station.  It was getting pretty late and so she drove very slowly on the shoulder of the highway until she got to a Williamsburg exit.  All the stations were closed but he pulled into one anyway to decide what to do.  She got out of the car to look at the tire and there was a small fire, so she got Alana out of the car and used their drinks to extinguish the fire.

There was a McDonald’s close by that was closing so she got a cup of water in case the fire came back and went back to the car.  She was able to get on the phone with Shawn and he helped walk her through what to do next.  She has roadside service on her insurance and eventually was able to get the car towed and a ride home with the tow truck.  She was fine this morning and called to fill me in.  Praise God for protecting them!

What’s the saying, “All’s well that ends well” ?  I guess that is true.  I slept and didn’t know anything about it.  However, I know that God was their protector last night.  He sent the right person to tow the vehicle and to get Erica and Alana safely back home to Virginia Beach.  He protected them and gave Erica the ability to think what to do and Shawn the knowledge to lead her through those steps.  God kept them safe when the tire blew and helped Erica to control the car.  God was in control and when He is in control, all is well!!!

Having your kids and spouse out of your sight can be a cause of anxiety and fear.  Knowing God’s promises and His word is a cause of faith and hope that He is protecting them.  Luke 4:10, “For it is written, He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee”.  It’s that simple.  He is constantly protecting and watching over those you love.  I recommend each day that you begin with a prayer over your loved ones that God will put a hedge of protection around them.

I know that God is in control so I can TRUST IN GOD’S PROTECTION!

Be a Beacon of Light and Hope to those around you today.  God Bless You All.

This will be my last blog until after the Presidential election.  There are sample ballots on KSGF.com and maybe at the news sites.  It’s a long ballot.  It would be helpful to know the ballot before you go to the voting booth.

I have many opinions and thoughts, however, after sitting for hours trying to write about this subject, I got the message that this is the time for personal choices and responsibility.  All I will say is if you have to compromise on your core principles and condone behavior you wouldn’t let your children get away with, you might want to reconsider your decisions.

Overall, the Republican candidates  on the down ballot would be the best, although, we have sacrificed conservatism for popularity, the platform is mostly conservative.

Pray over your choices and enjoy voting.

Take a stand by voting your conscience.

Enjoy a couple fall photos from past years.  Alana and Erica.

Who do you put your trust in?  What are the criteria you use to choose people you look to for advice and guidance.  When you put confidence in someone or count on the information someone gives you,…

Source: Character Matters to Me

Who do you put your trust in?  What are the criteria you use to choose people you look to for advice and guidance.  When you put confidence in someone or count on the information someone gives you, how have they earned that position of honor in your life?  Because of situations in my youth where I witnessed and was influenced by mind control, I have been a very guarded as to who I allow influence in my life.  Basically, I want to decide my positions and core values based on God’s word and my personal relationship with Him.  I must be able to trust and believe the words from someone or I cannot give them the validation in allowing them influence in my decisions.

How do I determine the character of a person?  Let’s begin with the definition of character.  Character is defined as:

1. a set of qualities that make a place or thing different from other places or things
2. the way someone thinks, feels and behaves
3. the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

Now that we have defined character, what are characteristics that can help us to determine the character of a person.

1)Integrity:  the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness, honesty and honor

2) Consistency: a pattern of sticking with one way of thinking or acting

3) Credibility:  the quality or power of inspiring belief; the quality of being believable or worthy of trust

“Nearly all men can stand adversity but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”  Abraham Lincoln

I don’t have a set checklist, but overall these are a start to measure the amount of influence or persuasion they should have in my thought process.  When I make decisions I want to trust the information and a person with character proven by the presence of integrity, consistency and credibility is worthy of me opening my mind to their influence.

“Thus by their fruit you will know them.”    Matthew 7:16

On the question of  consistency, this doesn’t mean there can never be a change of opinion, however youthful indiscretions (younger that 25) should probably be given less value when measuring consistency, but usually look to all aspects including a sordid past that has a basis in core moral values.

If you allow someone to influence you and you are told or asked to go against your fundamental core moral values that person is using persuasion in a controlling way and you should guard against them changing your character.

I recently heard on television or social media that you must know where you stand and what you stand for BEFORE confronted with adversity.  For me that begins with Bible study and prayer.

In the past few years I have tried to give information in the realm of politics through my blog and FB.  I believe that an informed voter is far better than a voter who relies on celebrities, news anchors and their social cliques for knowledge of the issues and candidates.  On the other hand, I would NEVER try to force anyone to think like me or demand they believe like I do.  With the experience of living in a home with an evil man who used a form of mind control through fear and religion, I have no desire to push anyone into believing anything just because I do.

If you look to my blog for information, then I ask that you use the qualities I listed above to determine if I deserve to be considered.  Am I trustworthy exhibited through integrity?  Am I honest and have my principles changed over and over?  Have I been consistent?  Have I focused on the same issues and checklist through each election for the past few years?  If these questions are answered positively, then by all means I invite you to read what I write and then do your own research and pray and then go out and vote.

The criteria we have listed in this blog would be a great way to evaluate anyone that you would give a place of importance in your life, such as, friends, spouse, pastor or president.

There are many other traits that could be used for a test of character, but without integrity there is no trust in the goodness of the character.

     Character is much easier to keep than recover.    Thomas Paine

TAKE A STAND for what you know to be moral and Godly and you will have strong character.