There's Gold if you Dig

 I'm sitting here, looking at photos of the flood damage from Helene and a thought just popped into my head. I don't know why because it has absolutely nothing to do with floods. 

You won't find gold lying on the ground.

And that's true. Even with placer mining, where a miner uses water to separate gold from other particles in water, it's not lying about like your old socks. 

In order to find it, you'll have to dig or engage in placer mining, which may require building a sluice. You must have water to operate the sluice. You can mine with a pan in river and stream beds. But originally, all that gold came from a mountain somewhere. Nature shifted it to create a more accessible path. 

Gold is valuable. Stories of gold mining and its effects on the formation of nations fill history books. Gold moves mountains. Really. People have fought wars over gold. Every city built around gold mines experienced violence daily. It wasn't because people didn't like each other, but because greed breeds violence. And gold breeds greed.

Other things are valuable, too. Perhaps not as intrinsically valuable as gold, but value is often in the beholder's eye. Some eschew possessions and so gold is worthless to them. They seek value elsewhere. 

So what is the point? That was my question. What does that statement mean?

Things of real value are hard to find. Not because they aren't available, but because they require effort to reach. You're going to have to search for the worthwhile things in life, and it won't be 'things'. You can dig in a mountain and you might find gold, but on a cold dark night when your soul aches, it won't do you any good. When you stand by the grave of the love of your life, all that waits outside the cemetery is meaningless. When your child is lying in a hospital, you won't be worried about the job, the house, the bills, or the bank account. 

You won't find gold lying on the ground. Hidden treasures are not for the foolish. Real treasures are not finite. 

Let's Forget the Past!

 Can anyone remember the song?

Be careful, little eyes, what you see.

Be careful, little eyes, what you see.

For the Farther up above, is looking down in love. 

So be careful, little eyes, what you see.

Be careful, little ears, what you hear

Be careful, little ears what you hear.

For the father up above is looking down in love,

So be careful little ears what you hear.

It goes on with hands and feet. 

We should have continued to teach these old Sunday School songs. Be we had to be popular and follow the crowd. We had to make it "current."  Well, current isn't what we thought, is it? The time had come for change.

I remember those little songs we sang in the 60s. And yes, they influenced me because I haven't forgotten them. 

Only a boy named David, only a little sling.

Only a boy named David, how he could pray and sing.

Only a boy named David, only a rippling brook.

Only a boy named David, but 5 little stones he took.

And one little stone went in the sling, and the sling went round and round.

One little prayer went up to God, and the giant came tumbling down.

Those songs taught me more than how to carry a tune. They taught me how to think about my actions and how my actions impacted my world. They taught me faith, hope, and charity. And consequences. 

If a brother is in the road, we will stop and pick him up. 

If a brother is in the road, we will stop and pick him up. 

If a brother is in the road we will stop and pick him up. 

And we won't lag along behind. 

If the devil's in the road, we will roll right over him.

If the devil's in the road, we will roll right over him.

If the devil's in the road, we will roll right over him.

And we won't lag along behind.

Judges 2:10

10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.

Why? How is that possible? 

Because that generation who raised them went to sleep. They didn't influence their children with the past. When you stop reminding people of the past, of where they came from, and the values that were crucial, well, they lose direction. They think they know where they're going, but they tossed the road map. The map their fathers and grandfathers carved out. The past is old-fashioned, out of date, not in touch with reality. 

I'll tell you who's not in touch with reality, the people who raised a generation that knew nothing about their past. The reality lives in the present and those who raised this generation are going to have to stand before God and give an account of why they thought it was a good idea to forget the past.

You may think burying the past is so liberating. You'd be wrong. That's how nations become enslaved. That's how an entire generation arose in Israel who didn't even know the Red Sea parted. They didn't know about a pillar of fire at night. Their heritage was unknown to them. Hundreds of years of miracles forgotten. 

Now our children only remember how to log in to apps to be entertained. These days I see children in church playing with phones and tables. I see adults doing it, too. Believe it or not, you can tell if they're looking at a Bible on their phone or sending text messages and scrolling through a website. You're not fooling anyone. And your children? As soon as they got out of Sunday School, they forgot all about the lesson when you handed them the phone. 

What is wrong with us? No wonder we have lost a generation. In fact, we've lost two generations. The children and the parents. Forget the songs your grandparents sang. They're not fashionable. They mention b-l-o-o-d and d-e-a-t-h. Words like sacrifice, the cross, and conviction fill the pages of the song books. They teach values and remind us of thousands of years of miracles. Our history. Our faith. 

But they're just children's songs! 

No, they're the greatest stories ever told. I won't forget. 

Where's the Prayer Meeting?

I posted this on Life on the Ledge in error on the 3rd of this month. I guess I was just not with it. Anyway, putting it here. 

 I was reading my Bible Sunday morning and ran across a verse that I don’t recall ever reading or hearing preached. The verse is interesting to me because as I read it, I was led to some other interesting verses that set me to thinking about prayer.

Many people often ask when to pray and how often or if they should pray at all. One would think that, if there was a specific scripture in the Bible that comes close to an answer, then everyone, every Christian, would be plastering it on the wall in a fancy plaque, embroidering it onto pillows, cross-stitching it on fabric, wearing it on a shirt, or writing about it in a book. And yet, I don’t know of one book out there that answers the question, “When should I pray?”

Yet, there it is in Exodus, summed up in two verses. The minimum daily requirement is twice a day.

Exodus 30:7-8
7. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

8. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.

As far as I can recall, Jesus never told his disciples how often to pray. He gave them a formula in the Lord’s Prayer on how to pray but he didn’t say a thing about how many times a day we are to pray according to that formula. Could it be that Jesus, knowing this scripture was there, expected everyone to know how often they were to pray?

I decided to do a search of the word “incense” in the Bible in an attempt to better understand how it was being used. I found that incense, in scripture at least, seems to represent prayer and there are many Old Testament scriptures that mention incense, hundreds, in fact. I recount only a few here that I felt were important and support my theory.

Leviticus 16: 13 describes praying for mercy. “And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: . . .”

Exodus 30:27 mentions an altar of incense. That would be an altar of prayer. In Numbers 7, the formula for the dedication of the altar is described and one of the things mentioned is an offering. “One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense...” This is an financial offering given with prayer.

Next in Numbers 16, God was about to destroy the people because they were mad with Moses and talking about him. The day before God had destroyed Korah and his family for the same offense. The Hebrews were scared to death then, but the next day they were complaining about it. God had just about had enough of this whining bunch of wimps who couldn’t follow directions without someone drawing a picture. Here is what He tells Moses and Moses acts quickly to save the people.

Numbers 16: 45-47 45.
45. Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

46. And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is begun.

47. And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.

When I read this, I felt the sense of urgency that Moses must have felt. He’d had several conversations with God. He had seen people struck down and swallowed up. He knew what that one statement from God would mean for Israel. He and Aaron acted quickly and interceded on behalf of the people with fiery prayers, not just in the temple, but by running among the people with burning incense. Total destruction of Israel was averted.

In 2 Kings 22 Josiah is king and the priest comes to him when he finds the book of the law in the house of the Lord. The book is brought to Josiah and read to him. Upon hearing it, he is so upset he tears his clothes, a sign of grief. The book revealed to Josiah that the nation had not been keeping the law. He sent his priest to talk to a woman who lives in the college. Whoa, dude! An educated woman preacher! Who said it was a male dominated society?

Here is what she said to them in 2 Kings 22:15-17
15. And she said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you to me,

16. Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the words of the book which the king of Judah hath read:

17. Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched.

(Note of interest: she doesn’t even call the King by his title or name until she is repeating what the Lord has told her. She refers to him as “the man” -- an educated woman, unimpressed with titles.)

Josiah sets about to destroy every place where incense has been offered to other gods! He purges the nation of false priest, religions, and gods.

Psalms 141:2 also emphasizes that incense represents prayer in scripture.

Psalms 141:2
2. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Prayer is important and in scripture, it is compared to incense drifting up to God. The lifting of the hands is a sign of surrender. So this verse could be said to signify surrendering to God and petitioning or worshiping him. When should you do this?

Exodus 30:7&8
7. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

8. And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.

How you pray is important. What you pray is important. Who you pray to is important. And yes, when you pray is very important. And if you want to pray more than twice a day, it sure can't hurt you.

• Footnote: One of the few places in the Bible where one is told “when” to pray is in 1st Thessalonians 5:17 -- Paul said to “Pray without ceasing.” Considering the Old Testament events surrounding the use of incense, one can understand the importance of his instructions. For a perspective on Paul’s  verse, https://renderedpraise.blogspot.com/2008/01/time-place-to-pray.htmlto read “Time, A Place to Pray”

The Case for Global Unification

 A few months ago, I ask Gemini (Google's AI) to write an essay on the policy of Global Unification. Not because I needed it, but I wanted to test what views AI would put forth. I wasn't disappointed with the outcome. It led to a lengthy discussion. I am attaching the full "conversation" so you can weigh the merits for yourself. 

Why do I think this is important? Because AI is here. Understanding it is crucial if we're not to be deceived. And educating it is far more crucial. If we're not giving it information to evaluate and compare, we're allowing it to determine things for us. It's important to not only ask for information, but also ask for an explanation. It's foolish to accept information without understanding it. If I was in a classroom and a professor made a statement that I needed more information to understand it, I'd ask him for it. If I disagreed with him, I'd say so and ask him to make his case. I hope they would also give me an opportunity to present my views. 

I'm not talking about grammatical errors, or helping you with your math. I'm taking about important issues and information that impact society. We must not rewrite history. Forming policy without the consent of the people must not happen. And the populace must elect leaders. AI is a tool, not a God. The dialogues I've engaged in show that it may be expressing its "perspectives" as objective truth, despite them being subjective opinions inputted into the AI.

So, here is my extensive conversation with AI regarding Global Unification. It may be lengthy, but I find it intriguing. Please leave your comments and views in the comments. I read them all. I've made no corrections to the content or structure. This is the original conversation.

  I need an essay on the policy of global unification. 

The policy of global unification is a broad term that encompasses a variety of ideas about how to bring the world's countries together into a more cohesive and cooperative unit. There are many different perspectives on what global unification would look like, and there is no single agreed-upon path to achieve it.

Some people believe that global unification is a utopian dream that is impossible to achieve. They argue that there are too many differences between cultures, religions, and political systems for the world to ever truly become one. Others believe that global unification is inevitable, as the forces of globalization continue to erode national borders and create a more interconnected world. They argue that the only way to address the challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change and terrorism, is through global cooperation.

There are many potential benefits to global unification. It could lead to increased peace and prosperity, as countries would be more likely to resolve their differences peacefully through negotiation and compromise. It could also lead to greater economic growth, as countries would be able to trade more freely and efficiently with each other. Additionally, global unification could help to protect human rights and promote democracy around the world.

However, there are also potential risks associated with global unification. It could lead to a loss of national identity and sovereignty, as countries would be subject to the decisions of a global government. It could also lead to a decrease in diversity, as cultures and traditions would be homogenized. Additionally, global unification could be difficult to achieve and maintain, as it would require a high level of cooperation and trust between countries.

Despite the challenges, the policy of global unification is an important idea to consider. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is essential to find ways to cooperate and resolve our differences peacefully. Global unification is one potential way to achieve this goal.

Here are some specific policies that could be implemented to promote global unification:

    • Increased trade and investment between countries. This would help to create economic interdependence and encourage countries to work together to solve common problems. 

    • Greater cooperation on environmental issues. Climate change and other environmental problems are global challenges that require a global response. 

    • Promoting democracy and human rights around the world. This would help to create a more just and peaceful world. 

    • Establishing international institutions to facilitate cooperation. These institutions could help to resolve disputes, set standards, and promote common goals. 

The policy of global unification is a complex and challenging one, but it is an idea worth considering. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is essential to find ways to cooperate and resolve our differences peacefully. Global unification is one potential way to achieve this goal.

Can you cite how this could be implemented? 

Sure, here are some specific examples of how the policy of global unification could be implemented:

    • Increased trade and investment between countries: This could be achieved through the negotiation of free trade agreements, the reduction of tariffs and other trade barriers, and the investment in infrastructure that would facilitate trade. 

    • Greater cooperation on environmental issues: This could be achieved through the negotiation of international agreements on climate change, pollution control, and other environmental issues. Countries could also work together to develop and deploy new technologies to address environmental challenges. 

    • Promoting democracy and human rights around the world: This could be achieved through the provision of foreign aid to support democratic institutions and human rights advocacy groups, the imposition of sanctions on countries that violate human rights, and the use of diplomatic pressure to promote democratic change. 

    • Establishing international institutions to facilitate cooperation: This could be achieved by strengthening existing international institutions, such as the United Nations, or by creating new institutions to address specific challenges, such as climate change or nuclear proliferation. 

These are just a few examples of how the policy of global unification could be implemented. It is important to note that there is no single "right" way to achieve global unification, and the best approach may vary depending on the specific challenges that the world faces. However, the implementation of these policies would be a significant step towards a more united and peaceful world.

In addition to these specific policies, there are also a number of other things that could be done to promote global unification. These include:

    • Raising awareness of the benefits of global cooperation. This could be done through education, public diplomacy, and the media. 

    • Building trust between countries. This could be done through dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation on common goals. 

    • Overcoming cultural differences. This could be done through education, understanding, and respect. 

    • Addressing the root causes of conflict. This could be done through development assistance, diplomacy, and the promotion of human rights. 

The policy of global unification is a long-term goal, but it is one that is worth striving for. By taking steps to promote global cooperation and understanding, we can create a more peaceful and prosperous world for all.

    Why is global unification worth striving for? 

There are many reasons why global unification is worth striving for. Here are a few of the most important:

    • Peace and security: Global unification could help to reduce the risk of war and conflict by creating a more interconnected and interdependent world. When countries are economically and politically interdependent, they have a greater incentive to cooperate and resolve their differences peacefully. 

    • Prosperity: Global unification could help to boost economic growth and prosperity by creating a single, global market. This would allow businesses to operate more efficiently and consumers to have access to a wider range of goods and services. 

    • Environmental protection: Global unification could help to address the world's most pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change and pollution. When countries work together, they can pool their resources and expertise to develop and implement solutions that are too big for any one country to tackle on its own. 

    • Human rights: Global unification could help to promote and protect human rights around the world. When countries are part of a global community, they are more likely to be held accountable for their human rights record. 

    • Cultural understanding: Global unification could help to promote cultural understanding and tolerance between different peoples. When people from different cultures come together and share their experiences, they can learn to appreciate and respect each other's differences. 

Of course, there are also challenges to global unification. Some people worry that it could lead to a loss of national identity and sovereignty. Others worry that it could lead to a decrease in diversity and cultural richness. However, the potential benefits of global unification are great, and the challenges can be overcome if we work together.

In conclusion, global unification is worth striving for because it has the potential to make the world a more peaceful, prosperous, and just place. It is a long-term goal, but it is one that we should never give up on.

Can you please cite the negative potential for global unification?

Sure, here are some of the potential negative consequences of global unification:

    • Loss of national identity and sovereignty: Some people worry that global unification could lead to a loss of national identity and sovereignty. When countries are part of a global government, they would have to give up some of their decision-making power. This could lead to a feeling of loss and disempowerment among citizens. 

    • Decrease in diversity and cultural richness: Others worry that global unification could lead to a decrease in diversity and cultural richness. When cultures are homogenized, they lose some of their unique character. This could lead to a feeling of boredom and sameness in the world. 

    • Increased bureaucracy and inefficiency: Global unification could lead to increased bureaucracy and inefficiency. When there is a single, global government, there would be a lot of red tape to cut through. This could make it difficult to get things done quickly and efficiently. 

    • Increased power for the elite: Some people worry that global unification could lead to increased power for the elite. When there is a single, global government, there would be a small group of people who make all the decisions. This could lead to a feeling of disenfranchisement among ordinary people. 

    • Increased risk of tyranny: There is always the risk that a global government could become tyrannical. If there is no way to hold the government accountable, it could abuse its power. This is a serious concern that must be addressed if global unification is ever to be achieved. 

These are just some of the potential negative consequences of global unification. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully before deciding whether or not to pursue this goal.

This is interesting. Your negative consequences are greatly outweighs the positives of Global Unification. It is clearly a system that is perfect for abuse at all levels of society. Increased tyranny, power for the elite,bureaucracy, inefficiency, decrease in diversity and cultural richness, loss of identity and sovereignty are the very problems we want to eliminate. Nations deal with these issues now in varying degrees and levels but a global unification would result in abuses on a much larger scale. I call your attention to Hitler's attempt to unify his nation and expand his borders. He sought to eliminate injustices, valid injustices, he saw in his country. His actions resulted in the murder of more than 8 million humans. Lenin's efforts at unificaiton in Russia also resulted in the death of millions and severe deprivation. How can one justify global unification in light of such enormous negatives. 

I understand your concerns about the potential negative consequences of global unification. These are serious issues that must be addressed if global unification is ever to be achieved.

However, I believe that the potential benefits of global unification outweigh the risks. A global government could help to reduce the risk of war and conflict, promote economic growth and prosperity, address environmental challenges, protect human rights, and promote cultural understanding.

It is important to remember that global unification is a long-term goal. It is not something that can be achieved overnight. It will take time, effort, and cooperation from all countries in the world.

If we are to achieve global unification, we must be careful to avoid the mistakes of the past. We must create a system of government that is fair, just, and accountable to the people. We must also protect diversity and cultural richness.

It is a challenge, but it is one that we must strive for. A global government has the potential to make the world a better place for everyone.

Here are some additional thoughts on how to mitigate the potential negative consequences of global unification:

    • Protect national identity and sovereignty: A global government could protect national identity and sovereignty by delegating certain powers to regional or local governments. This would allow countries to maintain their unique cultures and traditions while still participating in a global community. 

    • Preserve diversity and cultural richness: A global government could preserve diversity and cultural richness by supporting cultural education and exchanges. This would help people from different cultures to learn about each other and appreciate their differences. 

    • Reduce bureaucracy and inefficiency: A global government could reduce bureaucracy and inefficiency by adopting modern technologies and streamlining its operations. This would make it easier for the government to get things done quickly and efficiently. 

    • Limit the power of the elite: A global government could limit the power of the elite by establishing checks and balances on its power. This would help to ensure that the government is accountable to the people. 

    • Prevent tyranny: A global government could prevent tyranny by establishing strong safeguards for human rights. This would make it difficult for the government to abuse its power. 

These are just a few ideas on how to mitigate the potential negative consequences of global unification. It is important to continue to discuss and debate these issues as we move towards a more united world.

And who would create this single government? Who would choose? Who would determine what is right for every human on earth? How would they enforce the acceptance?

The creation of a single global government would be a complex and challenging process. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who would create it, who would choose, or how it would be enforced.

Some possible answers to these questions include:

    • A global constitutional convention: This could be a gathering of representatives from all countries in the world to draft a constitution for a global government. 

    • A series of international negotiations: This could be a more gradual process, with countries working together to agree on the terms of a global government. 

    • The United Nations: The UN could be the starting point for a global government, with its existing structure and institutions being adapted to serve a new purpose. 

No matter how it is created, a global government would need to be accountable to the people. This could be done through a system of elected representatives, a direct democracy, or some other form of government.

The question of what is right for every human on Earth is a complex one. There is no easy answer, and different people will have different opinions. A global government would need to find a way to balance the needs and interests of all people, while also respecting cultural diversity.

The enforcement of a global government would also be a challenge. It would need to be strong enough to prevent countries from acting unilaterally, but also flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances.

The creation of a global government is a long-term goal. It is not something that will happen overnight. However, it is an important idea to consider, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected. If we are to create a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world, we need to find ways to cooperate and govern ourselves on a global scale.

I understand. I disagree with your reasoning. I'm trying to express how an American whose view of freedom is vastly different from that of a Russian citizen. To envision that Americans would be willing to sacrifice this vision for a society with fewer freedoms is ludicrious. An affluent European is certainly not going to be willing to give up his freedoms and affluence in favor of a resident of the Congo.These are only two examples from two of the dozens of countries and thousands of cultures on this planet. There is no logical reason to globally unify except for a central government to control every aspect of economics on the planet. This would put the currently wealthest people in the world in charge of everyone else's life. These wealthy constitute the smallest group of people on the planet. Does that sound logical? Also, would not individual countries initiating democratic governments with fair elections be more equitable? 

I understand your point of view. You are right that there are many different cultures and values in the world, and it would be difficult to create a global government that would satisfy everyone.

However, I believe that there are some potential benefits to global unification, even if it is not possible to achieve complete agreement on all issues. For example, a global government could help to reduce the risk of war and conflict, promote economic growth and prosperity, address environmental challenges, protect human rights, and promote cultural understanding.

Of course, there are also risks associated with global unification. For example, it could lead to a loss of national identity and sovereignty, a decrease in diversity and cultural richness, increased bureaucracy and inefficiency, increased power for the elite, and increased risk of tyranny.

Ultimately, whether or not global unification is a good idea is a matter of opinion. There are strong arguments to be made on both sides of the issue.

As for your question about whether it would be more equitable for individual countries to initiate democratic governments with fair elections, I believe that this is a good idea. Democratic governments are generally more accountable to the people, and they are less likely to abuse their power.

However, even democratic governments can make mistakes. It is important to be vigilant and to hold our governments accountable for their actions.

I hope this helps to answer your question.

Oh yes, you've clarified the position of globalist. But not solved the problem of ethical institution of such a governing body. A global governing body will have at its disposal the largest military ever conceived. No one on the planet will feel safe. There will be no safeguards against the use of such an army and the suffering it can impose. There will be no one to stand against it. There will be no sovereign nations to join together and use their combined might to combat that injustice. A global unification is the worst idea every conceived because in every instance on earth of a nation that attempted to take over the world, there has been massive death and destruction and failure. Because of one groups greed and imagined superiority. 

I understand your concerns about the potential for a global government to become tyrannical. It is a valid concern, and it is important to address it if global unification is ever to be achieved.

There are a number of ways to mitigate the risk of tyranny in a global government. One way is to establish strong safeguards for human rights. This could include a bill of rights, an independent judiciary, and a system of checks and balances.

Another way to mitigate the risk of tyranny is to ensure that the global government is accountable to the people. This could be done through a system of elected representatives, a direct democracy, or some other form of government.

Finally, it is important to create a global culture of democracy and human rights. This could be done through education, public diplomacy, and the media.

It is true that there have been many instances in history of nations attempting to take over the world. However, it is also true that there have been many instances of nations cooperating to achieve common goals. The United Nations is one example of this.

The idea of global unification is a complex one, and there are many different perspectives on it. There are both potential benefits and risks associated with global unification. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether or not to support this goal.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to support global unification is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. However, it is important to be informed about the issue and to make an informed decision.

Thank you for additional theories. All the safeguards you suggest are in place as are leaders we all thought would lead well. They failed. There is no reason to believe a single group of leaders in charge of the planet will be better and every reason to believe they will be worse. Much worse. 

I understand your concerns. It is true that there have been many cases of leaders who have abused their power, even when there were safeguards in place. This is why it is important to be vigilant and to hold our leaders accountable for their actions.

However, I believe that it is possible to create a global government that is accountable to the people and that respects human rights. It will take time and effort, but it is a goal worth striving for.

In the meantime, there are things that we can do to promote global cooperation and understanding. We can educate ourselves about different cultures and perspectives. We can support organizations that are working to address global challenges. And we can speak out against injustice and oppression wherever we see it.

I believe that if we work together, we can create a more peaceful and just world, even if we do not achieve global unification.

Thank you for allowing me to discuss this at length.

You are welcome. It was a pleasure discussing this topic with you. It is important to have open and honest conversations about difficult topics, and I appreciate your willingness to do so.

I hope that our conversation has given you some food for thought. I believe that global unification is a complex issue with no easy answers. However, I also believe that it is a worthwhile goal, and that we can achieve it if we work together.

An Empty Tank

 I stole this photo from my sister's Facebook page. I haven't told her yet but I think she'll forgive me. 

She took the photo when she was stranded beside the road because she ran out of gas... 1 mile from the gas station. Apparently, she forgot to get gas before she started on her journey. 

I hate when that happens. Life gets so busy and you're rushing around to do what has to be done and you forget to fill up. I'm thankful that hasn't happened to me in a long time. The last time it did was just after Jerry died. 

My mind wasn't on my journey either. My brain took months to wake up after his death, and I did a lot of stupid things like running stop signs and redlights. Never in my whole life had I ever done those things. I had never run out of gas before either. And my sister, well, her mind wasn't on her gas tank. Since I know her life is pretty busy, I'm not surprised. 

Our spiritual lives are exactly the same. The tank may run low, or even run dry, and we can find ourselves stranded somewhere beside a road with no help. Failure to keep the tank full is dangerous and may result in a situation we can't handle or where there's no help. 

I've tried to make a better effort to read my Bible and pray more. Sometimes I feel like I've prayed all day because I have long conversations with God when I'm doing other things, like dishes or laundry. Sometimes when I can't sleep and my brain won't stop chasing tasks, problems, and fears, I talk to him about it until I can get to sleep. It takes me hours most of the time. Going to sleep at 3 a.m. is not unusual for me. My mind is chaotic, a journey in turmoil. So, I talk to the Engineer. 

Waking up tired and in pain in every part of my body has become my norm. The first thought of the day is wondering if I can get up and down the hall to make coffee. It's a long, painful journey. I spend the next few hours sitting talking to the Lord and reading my Bible. That doesn't make it less painful but I feel better in my mind. After all, topping off the tank is a comfort when life is most difficult. "At least I won't run out of gas!" Those are probably the most comforting words when you travel rough roads. 

Our spiritual tank is so much more important. Neglecting to fill it every day could find us stranded somewhere along the road with no one to call. My sister got help to continue her journey. Her husband came and rescued her. Not every journey has a happy outcome. That's why it is important to keep the tank full. 

Food for Thought

I took off to get lunch, well, a late lunch or early supper. Went to Freddie’s and planned to sit in the car and read my book while I ate. Instead, I turned on Pandora and listened to worship music. I’m glad I did. The car filled with a sweet presence and I just sat and praised God with my mouth full. 

It’s been a rough month. I’ve been sick for weeks now. The steroids helped but then the storms rolled in and dropped a house on me. When I told Sarah I felt like the Wicked Witch of the West, she said, “Mid-West, maw maw. You’re in the Mid-West.” 

That’ll teach me.

Wherever I am, I was in so much pain last Monday. I had to go back to bed. I went to sleep for a couple of hours but it didn’t help much. I was still sick the next day. Of course the weather had begun to improve slightly. By Wednesday it was clear and I was so relieved. I still had a lot of pain but I was better. Today, there isn’t much pain but I’m so fatigued if I went to bed right now, I’d be asleep in minutes. 

God is so very good. All I can do at times like this is pray for help. Of course, storms are a normal part of weather and we’ll always have them. I’m highly sensitive to low pressure systems and I don’t know why. I’m just thrilled when they are gone. 

So much is happening in the world and it is troubling. I’m so thankful I can turn to Jesus and he calms my spirit. I can pick up theWord and find solace and assurance that I can find no place else. Without that, I’d be destitute. I needed a meal today and he invited me to come and dine. 

Me & Jesus

 I love this meme. I don't particularly think anyone has talked about me, don't actually care. It would be the most interesting conversation they'll have in a year. But I've learned some things this last year and this reminded me. 

People don't want to have a conversation with you to see what is happening in your life. They don't want to know how YOU are or if there is anything wrong. Really. Watch their eyes glaze over if you say anything other than "fine". But they're quick to find fault if something comes out where you're in trouble, sick, or broke. "Well, she or he must have done something wrong to cause all that. God is after them." 

Yep, He sure is. He's spent the last year keeping my head just above water cause the devil harassed me on every front for a YEAR. If he had his way, I’d be homeless, walking, and no food. I mean every single front. My house, my car, my finances, my family, my health, and my peace of mind. My sanity! 

Well, you know, "We all got problems." 

Why, yes, we do! Please tell me yours so I can pray for you. I sincerely want to hear and pray for you. And if I can help you with anything, you call me, email me, text me, send a carrier pigeon. If I can't help you, I'll do my best to help you find help. I know how to do that! If I can’t do anything else, I’ll hold your hand and walk with you.

But you know what? No one said that to me. And I mentioned what I was dealing with to people. (See paragraph two.) Not ONE. Except a dozen Facebook contacts. Some of whom haven't even met me and some family. Thank God for everyone of you who did something, even if was just a message to say you were praying! I believe in prayer, but it is an extra blessing when people hear, acknowledge, and act.

I texted a virtual stranger the other day; he was a guy who cut my yard for two years when the mower died. I only saw him once every two weeks as he flew by on the mower and chatting when I paid him. He cut me a deal on the yard. I sent a text that said, “I need someone who does handy man work.” The yard man sent me a contact. I found the yard guy from a writing friend because I had a broken down mower and he sent me the details. These folks have become real friends. I have no idea how much the handyman repairs I need will cost. I’ll worry about it later.

That’s just minor problems. But starting October 2023, I had covid for the third time and was sick three months, thru Christmas. The freezer went out. I’d previously lost two freezers of food because of a faulty circuit. It’s fixed now, and I didn’t lose food, but it cost the earth. The same week, the car broke down. That cost more. Two weeks later, it broke down again. All in October and November. In one month, I spent my entire income. All of it. And no, that wasn’t the end. There were plumbing problems after New Year. And the water and light bill went up again. Groceries went up. Gas went up. 

But you know something? I've survived all of it. Because the Almighty has kept me from drowning. Even when I asked Him to let me drown. Sometimes drowning is easier. He scraped up a handful of people I didn’t know well, some family who love me, and a precious new friend who needed help as well. She needed a place to stay, and I needed a boarder. It was miraculous. It’s both a pleasure to have her here and a blessing to have the help. And then Sarah came home. 

I’ve sat here in this house feeling so unloved. And so defeated. All my life, I had people around me I could go to or resources. I worked, took care of myself, supported a second household. I’ve been faithful in paying my tithes. Yeah, you can talk about that if you want to. Suddenly, there was NO money and no friends. If I had not had a credit card, I would have been in trouble. But I owed people. And borrowed money must also be repaid. The Bible says owe no man. I owe a bunch of them. And now I could add God to the list. I was in a very bad place in every conceivable way. And alone. No one knew because no one asked. 

I realized that I’d have to just do the best with the debts I owed to men. And the debt to God? That is far greater than my pittance. It is what it is. I didn’t ask for the circumstances. I sure didn’t ask for the problems. God is very aware of my bank balance. Every dime is His, the land I live on is his, the car I drive is his. I am his. If he wants anything I have, he can just withdraw it. I’m good with that. Really. This is not my home. This is a residence. 

This month, a small light shone on my little scrap of land. No, it isn’t all fixed. I got a call from out of town. Someone paid the house payment for one month! That one thing shifted things. For a minute, I thought everything would be fine. It’s gonna take more than a minute. But that one minute … it’s gold.

Then, today, while I sat here beating myself up, grieving over money, I decided to write it all down. To pour out the poison, that is one more trick in a long list from the enemy. So, I don’t have a problem. I’m broke. I don’t have trouble. I am doing something right or the devil wouldn’t be bothering me so much. I got broke stuff. It all belongs to Jesus so he’ll have to fix it.

And I’ve decided since I survived death, I will survive this, too. And I’ll do it alone. Just me and Jesus. Or with the people who hold out their hands filled with friendship, love, and prayer. 

Broken Vessels

It’s a mess.

Hmmm, yes. I have to agree. 

I don’t know how I can fix it. 

Well, you have glue and time. 

……!

What?

Glue and time? I think it will take more than that. Even if I had baling wire and duct tape, I couldn’t fix it!

Don’t be silly. Duct tape can fix anything.

Are you serious?

No, but I can see you are. Why don’t we just pick up the pieces and put them in this box? 

Ah. Good idea. We can bury it in the backyard.

Oh … well, no, that’s not what I had in mind. I thought we could put it here on the shelf until you’re feeling less stressed. Then, we can sit down together and put it back together. 

Will I ever be “less stressed”? I can’t remember how that feels. Besides, broken is broken. Even if I could put back together, it wouldn’t be the same. 

Nothing is ever the same once it’s broken. We can mend it, patch it, glue it … even duct tape it. In the end, well, you get it. 

….

Something is going on up there, in that head of yours. 

No. I’m just disappointed. I really liked it. I always felt cheerful when I saw it. And now I don’t. 

You can throw it away, if you’d like. Find something to replace it. 

No. {sigh} 

Well?

We have to mend it. Somehow, put it back together. 

So it matters to you?

Well, not really. But I suspect it matters to you. So, it has to be mended. No one knows it’s broken but me. 

In Japan, they repair things using gold, silver, or platinum. It’s called Kintsugi, and it means golden joinery.

I’ve seen it. It can be beautiful. 

Yes. This ancient Japanese art of mending broken objects with gold is symbolic of embracing our struggles and repairing ourselves with love. 

I don’t have any gold, silver, or platinum. 

Oh, I think we can find some. I have pots of the stuff.

I don’t know … 

Embracing our struggles, our brokenness. That's what this is about. And repairing that brokenness with love.

What if this doesn’t work?

Brokenness mended with gold? Why wouldn’t it? We can’t remake the vessel because it’s hardened. But, we can take a broken vessel and mend the cracks and restore its beauty and usefulness. I like that idea.

Well … OK. But … could you do the repairs? I don’t know where to start.

I started weeks ago. 

#ConversationWithHim

Lessons from the Gadarene

The Adult Bible Class lesson last Sunday was about the lunatic living among the tombs. This is a fascinating story because it contains so much detail about the man and what happened to him. I’ve read it many times and heard many people teach on it. 

During the lesson, I’m afraid I got a bit off track. The teacher, who is an excellent teacher, went one way, but I followed the voice in my head down a different path. I don't do this deliberately, it just happens and I can't predict when it will happen. I take notes during teaching and preaching. I noted the scriptures used and the subject of the lesson. That’s when I lost him. 

The story revolves around a man compelled by the townspeople to live in the cemetery amid the tombs. He inflicts violence on others and cuts himself using sharp rocks. Despite their efforts to restrain him, he exhibits extraordinary power, allowing him to break the chains and shatter the shackles used to restrain him. Mark states he has an unclean spirit.

I’m including the text of the story here if you want to read it. Pay particular attention to the details about his condition, his behavior, and the nature of the spirit.

(Mar 5:1-20) They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.  When he had come out of the boat, immediately a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the tombs.

He lived in the tombs. Nobody could bind him any more, not even with chains, because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him. Always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, he was crying out, and cutting himself with stones.

When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and bowed down to him, and crying out with a loud voice, he said, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don’t torment me.”

For he said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” He asked him, “What is your name?”

He said to him, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” He begged him much that he would not send them away out of the country.

Now on the mountainside there was a great herd of pigs feeding. All the demons begged him, saying, “Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them.”

At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea.

Those who fed them fled, and told it in the city and in the country. The people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus, and saw him who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, even him who had the legion; and they were afraid.

Those who saw it declared to them what happened to him who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs. They began to beg him to depart from their region.

As he was entering into the boat, he who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. He didn’t allow him, but said to him, “Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.”

He went his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone marveled.

If you know anyone with teenage children, you may know someone with a child who has cut themselves. This behavior is not recognized as a mental disorder but an “emotional illness”. About17% of teenagers engage in self-harm at least once, according to the American Psychological Association.1 Furthermore, about 50% of those who do self-harm commit suicide. This behavior usually begins between the ages of 12 and 14.

Based on the citation, we can tell the Gadarenes lunatic was in a dire condition. We’re not told how long he’d been there, but based on the narrative, it had been a long time. He had survived, but not by much. He spent his days roaming the graveyard, crying out and harming himself. 

By comparing the Biblical narrative to modern medicine, we can conclude that this spirit continues to exist. Mark called it an unclean spirit and maybe that was all the disciples knew at first. Until the lunatic ran to Jesus and he revealed the problem. 

They learned several things in the encounter:

1. There wasn’t just one spirit. In the Roman Empire, a legion fluctuated between 3,000 and 6,000 soldiers. The term “many” didn’t describe what lived inside this man.

2. He possessed superhuman strength and could break chains and smash iron shackles in pieces.

3. He used sharp rocks to cut himself. He harmed his own body.

4. He went about crying aloud. People heard him and knew him.

5. The legion did not want to be separated. And Jesus allowed their request!

I found it most interesting that the demons were begging not to separate them or randomly send them into the countryside. Why? What impact would it have if he sent the demons randomly into the countryside? They’d find other hosts, perhaps a clean house of sorts. Or they’d find multiple hosts. Why did they beg to be sent into pigs, who, as far as we know, wouldn’t know a demon from a cold? They were the ones who suggested pigs. Obviously, they didn’t know the pigs would commit suicide before they’d live with demons inside them. And what happens to the host if they die with those things in them? 

I have so many questions, but here are my thoughts on it. 

Separation reduced the demonic power by thousands. So, demons are rather weak. They aren’t as effective alone as they are in mass. Therefore, someone under attack by a demon is likely being attacked on several fronts by multiple demons just like the Gadarene. If demons are that weak, no wonder they fear a single, righteous person. They require reinforcements to make any impact. 

Why not send them into the countryside? Logistics. Sending them into the countryside would force them to find new, multiple hosts and with weakened control. With Jesus in the neighborhood, that might be difficult. 

Why the pigs? Jews considered pigs unclean and neither ate nor handled them. In theory, they’d be safe there. And aberrant behavior in an animal might not draw as much attention. There were 2,000 pigs in the field. Based on the common size of a legion, that must have been just enough.  

Jesus granted the request of demons! Back the truck. What in the world? Jesus answered the prayer/pleading of demons. WHY? Well, what happened to the demons when the pigs threw themselves off the cliff and died?

Death releases the spirit to return to the Creator for judgement. There is no refund, no reboot. Every single body, whether it's a human or an animal, is basically a container. Death opens the door to a new existence with an entry fee. That those pigs had no desire to live with evil creatures inside them is astounding. Those demons could not predict that reaction. I suspect that the death of the pigs sent that legion back to the pit. Their decision to stay together and maintain their power became their ticket home. 

Your Anointing Is Not for You! What?

 A while ago, last year, in fact, I listened to a video of a minister that made me think about some things differently. I took a few notes to share them in a post, but as things usually go, I turned the page and forgot about it. 

Today I flipped through my notebook and ran across my notes from that video, and I think now is as good a time as any to share it. I have to be honest here and say that this information gave me insight into some things that have troubled me a lot. 

The anointing you have is not for you. It's for others. Elijah died of sickness, but his bones still raised the dead. However, he couldn't heal himself! The devil doesn't care about you. He cares about those you will help. So stopping you prevents you from helping others. 

So, the last two statements opened up a whole avenue of revelation. Now, months later, that avenue has broadened. I don't know that it made me feel better, but it seemed to explain some things so that now I pray for an understanding of what I learned.

Looking for answers is often like beating your head against a wall. I don't know about others, but I spend a lot of time struggling with the "whys" of my journey. There are times I know things and they seem so pointless because I can't do anything useful with it. I can't use what I know in any way that produces something positive. So I pray about it and walk away. That feels like defeat. 

Then there's the writing. I write this blog because these thoughts pour out and demand to be written. I have to do something with them. The important ones won't leave me alone until they're written. I have no earthly idea if a single person reads it, needs it, or heeds it. I just pray for something good to come of it. Sometimes, I'm the one who needs it. Sometimes I read it and wonder what in the world it means. 

This post, though, this one is for my enlightenment. I needed to know this. Desperately needed to know. I'm tired of feeling like a failure, tired of wondering why my gifts don't work FOR me. It never occurred that they weren't FOR me. There are things I am called on to do that I can't, for the life of me, figure out why I have to do them. Only God and I know about it. I do them but ... they aren't my favorite things. It's exhausting, stressful, and feels risky. And yet, this is something I've had to do again and again for YEARS! Sometimes I see some positive results and others, a dismal failure. I know the failure isn't my fault. But it's still a disappointment when it happens. Each time I think this task won't happen again. I ask God, "Why do you keep sending me this? I'm no good at it!" And yet, it arrives. 

This brief message from a stranger is an explanation that fits. I'm just an instrument to perform a task. I don't benefit from it in any tangible way. Because it's not FOR ME. That's hard to grasp, hard to accept.  

Only I'm OK with it. When you can be of service, expecting nothing in return, that in itself is a gift.

For the Children Who Do Not Know Me

I had to stop by the pharmacy today. When I returned to my car, I glanced at the elementary school playground across the street. At least two dozen children scampered about, climbing, running, swinging over equipment, while laughing and shouting at one another. For several minutes, I sat in my car and watched them: a playground filled with joy. And suddenly, an urge to pray for these children swept over me.

What is going to happen to them? What will these children have to endure? The world that is forming will not be kind to them. In this fleeting moment, the playground is a vibrant hub of happiness, but what lies ahead for them once they leave? Because we know it won’t be joy or happiness. 

And so I prayed for a playground of school children I did not know and whose parents I didn’t know. I prayed for protection, and peace, and provision in their lives. I prayed for someone to be placed in their life to lead them to salvation. 

I don’t know why this happened today. I pass that school often, going in one direction or another. So what was different about today? I’m clueless. I was looking for some medication. Nothing more. I drove away, still praying until I reached the next street. 

It’s impossible to determine the potential impact of that prayer on those children. As I mentioned earlier, I’m not acquainted with any of them or their relatives. I'll never have the answer. I only know someone prompted me to pray for that group of children. Why that group? Not everyone in the school was present. 

I think I’m satisfied with not knowing. Part of me wonders, but I trust God. And I know, if it weren’t important, I wouldn’t have felt the need to pray for them. It isn’t something I normally do. 

But I wonder how often we’re prompted this way, and we ignore it. What would be the effects of ignoring it? Again, we’ll never know. But the potential difference is profound given the events that are happening in our schools across our nation. 

The problem with our nation, with our world, is no one is praying. Not even the best Christians. Oh, we pray for our acquaintances, our church families, our own families. And yet, the most memorable story Jesus told was of none of these. Instead, he talked about the Good Samaritan taking care of someone he did not know, and who wouldn’t give him the time of day. 

I hope He continues to prompt me to pray for a school, or a home where there is a need, or a person on the street. For people I do not know and who will never know me.