Category Archives: Current Events

Current trends and social commentary

Shabbat Shalom from My Garden of Eden to You

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May these photos of flowers from my garden brighten you Shabbat day! Praise YHVH Elohim the Creator for the beauty of his creation, which is a love-gift to us. As he has made this earth beautiful for our enjoyment and  blessing, may we be a river of life to those around us as we brighten their days with YHVH’s love and beauty!

Multi-colored pansies in a pot at the door to my office.

Multi-colored pansies in a pot at the door to my office.

Camellia

Camellia

 

Oregon grape—Oregon's state flower

Oregon grape—Oregon’s state flower

Azalea

Azalea

Pieris Japonica or lilly of the valley shrub (also known as andromeda)

Pieris Japonica or lilly of the valley shrub (also known as andromeda)

 

 

Another variety of pieris Japonica

Another variety of pieris Japonica

What's a spring garden without a daffodil?

What’s a spring garden without a daffodil?

 

Heal-all is a wild edible and medicinal plant.

Heal-all is a wild edible and medicinal plant.

Rosemary

Rosemary

Primrose

Primrose

Skimmia Japonica

Skimmia Japonica

Hardy cyclamen

Hardy cyclamen

Wild mustard

Wild mustard

Dandelion—even the flowering weeds are gorgeous. One man's weed is another man's ornamental flower.

Dandelion—even the flowering weeds are gorgeous. One man’s weed is another man’s ornamental flower.

Marsh marigold

Marsh marigold

 

To some people, marsh marigold is a noxious weed, but if planted in the right spot, it makes a wonderful addition to the garden. This teaches us that each person (who in YHVH’s sight is like a flower) if planted in the right place can become a blessing to YHVH’s creation. Each person has his own place to grow and bloom in YHVH’s kingdom.

 

Donald Trump the Hammer? Like a Samson??

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This post on the comments page from Handmaiden4Him has given me great pause for consideration! Therefore, I decided to publish it on the blog. I would value your  comments. I think we’re all trying to figure some things out—what is the Father up to for America?  Natan

From from Handmaiden4Him:

I was voting for Marco Rubio, and I saw Donald Trump winning…then I began to ask the Lord about him. I felt like the Lord was confirming to me that “the Donald” (my quotes) would win. I asked the Lord, “Why?” I began to remember the story of Samson…FOR NO REASON. I remembered how Samson had the nazarite calling and how he was kind of like “the world is my oyster” kind of a guy. If he saw something he liked, he TOOK it. He taunted the Philistines, enemies of Israel, and they were afraid of him. He was also strong and attracted women—also women that were going to use him like Delilah, who represents the beauty of the “enemy,” and who would steal his strength She finally got a very independent man to reveal the source of his strength—his hair. I thought, “wow.” I saw a picture in my mind of Donald Trump. Hmmm…

32257192 Now Trump is no saint, that’s for sure. But Elohim anointed King Cyrus. Was he a believer? No. So I began to consider Trump and wonder why Elohim would not appoint a strong believer like Cruz or Rubio. I felt like He was saying,”they don’t stand a chance.” That would make people even sadder if they got into office and their hands were tied. Trump’s name, in German is Trumpf. It’s the German spelling. It doesn’t mean “trumpet” like you think. It means “hammer.” Jeremiah 23:29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares YHVH, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
I felt like what Elohim was saying that things need to be broken before they can be fixed again. So knowing what I feel that Elohim has in mind, I’ve been praying for several weeks and am committed to praying for Trump(f) until the day he walks into the oval office.
I could be wrong, and I’ve missed Elohim before, but I don’t take elections likely, even though we are not invested in this country like we are in the kingdom of Elohim, but i know that Elohim does guide and direct our steps desires for us to prosper in the place in which we live and has a destiny for country. I flew to Washington, DC, by myself, to attend a rally to defund planned parenthood, and prayed while I was there.

Father, protect Donald Trump from greed, manipulation, corruption, and allow him to smash strongholds and stiff necks that block all efforts to restore this country to greatness again—greatness that comes from the kingdom of Elohim in men and women that live in her—in Yeshua’s name. Amein.

Donald Trump being like a Samson…a very interesting analogy that seems to ring true to me, even though I’m no great fan of the man. How about Balaam’s ass (or Jonah’s fish, for that matter)? YHVH sometimes uses very unlikely creatures for his purposes! I’m going to post your comment on the main blog (after I’ve corrected some typos). Thank you very much for these insights!  Natan

 

Chains of Tyranny: The Lies of the Socialists and Progressives

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One of the main lies of big government socialism and so-called progressivism is that it buys people off by  promising to take care of and protect them. This results in the loss of people’s freedom.

The problem is that to take care of the people, the government has to steal the people’s money and resources in obvious and subversive ways to pay for it.

Furthermore, in the process, socialism and progressivism makes the people dependent on government hand-outs, so the people are no longer self-dependent and self-sufficient. In this way, the power of the people has been transferred to their government overlords thus making it almost impossible for the people to cast off the chains of government tyranny and control without biting the hand that feeds them thus imperiling their own existence and security. This is one of the main lies of big government socialism and so-called progressivism.

Do you not think that the moneyed elite power brokers and social planners don’t know how to use the lure of government hands to ensnare the people into their grasp? Do you not think they don’t use the promise of government handouts (thus preying on people’s natural tendency toward laziness and wanting something for free, while not having to work for it)  to enslave the people in a supine position, while insuring their own power-positions and financial security (at the people’s expense) as the people’s permanent overlords? Yet, sadly, the people are too blind and stupid to see this, and they keep voting in those who would package the chains that would enslave them in little boxes neatly wrapped in bright colors, ribbons and bows.

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Many in the younger generation who don’t know their history and who have lost their moral and spiritual compass have fallen prey to the lies of socialism and progressivism. That’s why they’ll vote for people like Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton and pro big government Republicans et al.

 

 

 

Beware of Donald Trump!

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Written by Jon Alexander, one of this blog’s readers. (Reprinted with permission.)

Prior to WWII, Germany was reeling for various reasons (mostly economic collapse due to the Versailles treaty). Numerous factions were running for power within the very volatile environment; the social democrats, the socialists, and the Nazis were the big three parties.

The social democrats were not the same as we have today, but supportive of the Weimar Republic which was a semi-presidential representative federal republic. Eventually the republic failed the people so much that they became enraged. Strong personalities got attention and factions that had been less popular years before gained political traction.

Out of this socialists, the anti-democrats, the National socialists (Nazis), and others struggled for power. Hindenburg won the election of 1932, but was forced to give Hitler the chancellorship for political reasons. Eventually Hindenburg died and, due to other political moves and outcomes, Hitler was able to set up his dictatorship.

I write this because I feel that we are missing something. America has become very split and volatile. We just got done electing a near socialist twice in Obama. He was elected largely due to frustration with our system. Now the other side is frustrated and, so far, supporting someone who has tyrannical language as his platform. Sadly, people actually view this as an asset. I fear Trump more than I do Bernie. While I loathe socialism, I also loathe tyrants. I am not calling Trump a Hitler in the sense that he is willing to extinguish people and push atrocities; but I am in the sense that he is riding the populist anger and his platform is “I will fix this” and little more. Policy isn’t ever central to his personal provocation; but singular power. How do we fix immigration? Elect Trump-he will force Mexico to build a wall. How do we fix healthcare? Elect Trump, he will get it done. How do we create jobs? Elect Trump, he knows how to create jobs.

The problem is that these solutions aren’t within the framework of our Constitution (and perhaps reality). We are a Constitutional Republic that is specifically put in place so that an individual can’t fix things or ruin things alone. It requires policy and non-independent work. Trump supporters openly admit to wanting someone who insults and conquers opponents. They want someone who will punish their opposition, not realizing that under such a system, you may become the opposition.

We have become like the Israelites who, frustrated with their godly system, looked for a king. How long before we abandon our liberty for the ease of a tyrant?

 

 

Professor: Young Bernie Supporters Prove Education System Has Failed

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From http://www.infowars.com/professor-young-bernie-supporters-prove-education-system-has-failed/

University of Oklahoma professor breaks down socialism’s failures

Adan Salazar | Infowars.com – FEBRUARY 22, 2016 456 Comments

Professor: Young Bernie Supporters Prove Education System has Failed

IMAGE CREDITS: TABOR-ROEDER.

Bernie Sanders’ rise in popularity among the nation’s youth despite his socialist policies exemplifies the country’s failing education system, a college professor says.In an editorial published in The Oklahoman last month, University of Oklahoma Associate Professor David Deming claims “the candidacy of Bernie Sanders is a symptom of our failure to educate [the youth], not only in history, government and economics, but also basic morality.”“You don’t have to be a student of ancient history to know socialism doesn’t work,” Professor Deming states, highlighting the capitulation of the Soviet Union and Venezuela’s current problems as examples of how the Socialist economic system dooms nations to fail.

“The misery caused by socialism is unfolding today in Venezuela. Since Venezuela embraced socialism in 1999, poverty, crime and corruption have all increased. Grocery shelves are empty and the annual inflation rate is estimated to be as high as 200 percent.”

Deming notes the U.S. was allowed to thrive because its Founding Fathers upheld private property rights, and credits the free-market capitalist economic system for producing “the greatest prosperity in human history.”

“If we believe a transaction is in our best interest, we have an incentive to maintain good relations with those with whom we’re trading. Thus a society based on freedom and trading promotes good will and civility.”

Under socialism on the other hand, Deming claims, “there are no property rights.”

“Everything you possess is subject to confiscation and redistribution,” he writes. “Industrious and productive people are punished; parasites are rewarded.”

Deming goes on to argue the solution lies in limiting government power and the checks and balances placed on the various branches by the Constitution.

“Human nature is corruptible,” stresses Deming. “If government has the power to redistribute wealth, it will always act in the interests of the powerful segments of society.”

“What made America great is not progressive government, but the genius and industry of a people freed from arbitrary power by the chains placed upon government by our Constitution.”

“If we want to retain our freedom and prosperity,” Prof. Deming says, “then we must educate our children that the purpose of government is to secure liberty, not provide free lunches.”

 

Judge Orders California Pregnancy Centers to Give Abortion Info

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The tidal wave of evil and the war on biblical truth continues to sweep virtually unabated across the US as the secular humanists seek the government to validate the murder of truth, righteousness and babies as the article below shows.  Natan

From http://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/judge-orders-california-pregnancy-centers-to-give-abortion-info.html.

Courtney Crandell | WORLD News Service | Friday, February 19, 2016

JUDGE ORDERS CALIFORNIA PREGNANCY CENTERS TO GIVE ABORTION INFO

A federal judge refused to grant a preliminary injunction on Feb. 12 against a California law that forces pro-life pregnancy centers to advocate for abortion.
Under the law, pro-life pregnancy centers must give information about abortion even though they exist to offer abortion alternatives, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) attorney Matt Bowman argued during a Jan. 28 hearing.
The National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) has sought an injunction with ADF’s help since October. NIFLA includes 1,350 pro-life pregnancy resource centers, including 115 in California.
But Judge John A. Houston refused to put the law on hold while the lawsuit proceeds, becoming the third federal judge to do so. He indicated during the hearing that he thought the required information was necessary for women to make “an informed decision.”
California’s “Reproductive Fact Act” took effect Jan. 1. It requires licensed, religious, pregnancy resource centers to inform women, with either posted signage or a handout, that the state offers free abortions for qualifying women. It specifies the inclusion of a phone number for a county social services office that offers free abortions through the state’s Medi-Cal healthcare system. The law mandates the time of distribution and the font size for the signs and handouts. It also requires unlicensed centers to inform visitors that they are not state-approved.
The state currently has 150 local crisis pregnancy centers affected by the law.
Because the law requires the centers to convey the information through signage, its supporters claim it doesn’t violate free speech rights. But the director of Fallbrook Pregnancy Resource Center, one of the centers challenging the law, disagrees.
“What we wish those in the media and the public so greatly influenced by them would understand is that posting a sign at FPRC or providing a referral phone number on documentation from our center to another service provider is verbalizing it,” Carolyn Koole told Pregnancy Help News.
The law also carries hefty fines: $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense. The New York Times reported many of the pregnancy centers have yet to comply, but NARAL Pro-Choice California plans to monitor the centers.
Despite the string of legal losses in California, past court precedent sides with the pregnancy centers. Courts have struck down similar laws passed in Maryland, Texas, and New York.
“We cannot allow this intrusion into the religious freedom of our pro-life members in California,” said Anne O’Connor, president of legal affairs at NIFLA. “If this act is not successfully challenged, then other states, prompted by Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry, will pass similar legislation forcing pro-life pregnancy centers to become abortion referral agencies.”
Courtesy: WORLD News Service
Publication date: February 19, 2016
 

Rantings: Scalia’s Death, Bernie Sanders, Apathetic Christian Voters

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Rant #1

The sword of Elohim’s judgment is hanging by a hair over the United States at this moment. With the recent death of Supreme Court Judge Antonin Scalia, the next court appointment will determine whether the court leans toward a more traditional view of the US Constitution or not. This will have a profound impact on America—whether it moves toward a more socialistic, Leninisque orientation or holds truer to its more conservative, Judeo-Christian values. Only repentance and spiritual revival can save this nation. If Sanders or Clinton become president of the US, and I suspect one of them will (because YHVH Elohim continues to lift his hand of mercy off this nation because it has largely rejected him), if sufficient numbers of Americans don’t return to YHVHJ Elohim, and because of the apathy of Christians who refuse to vote, we are headed for severe judgment. This judgment will effect our daily lifestyles in negative ways never before imagined. This judgment from heaven will be necessary to wake up the secular humanistic and apathetic American people to their sad spiritual state. Spiritual revival doesn’t start with the other guy. It starts with you and me!

Rant #2

Bernie Sanders, the Leninist-Socialist, could become the next president of the US. Make no mistake about it, this would be a severe judgment of Elohim against America—and a well deserved one because this nation has forsaken him! Sadly, many naive individuals are being sucked in by Sanders’ rhetoric. Yes, he is correctly Continue reading →