One America Again: Rudy Giuliani's Words Ring True for the USA

Do black lives matter? Of course they do! But so do ALL lives! ALL lives in America matter, because we are together—ONE people, one country and one nation under God.

There were quite a few pertinent points made with passionate deliveries at the Republican National Convention's first day on Monday, but one of the most noted speeches was that of former mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani. (Photo: via Star Tribune)

With the recent tragic attacks on officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge fresh in mind, Giuliani thanked police forces throughout the country, noting that they protect "every race, every color, every creed, every sexual orientation."

What Giuliani said next was apparently off-script, however, it was the most powerful—and most repeated—part of his speech, as he fervidly stated what has always been what truly makes America great:

"It's time to make America ONE again. One America! ... What happened to there's no black America, there's no white America, there is just AMERICA?!..."

Our Founding Fathers said it best when they designed this country's Great Seal and motto: "E pluribus unim," which means "from many, one."

I don't recall learning this in History class, but apparently there were several ideas submitted for that official Seal during the formation of America, submitted by the First Great Seal Committee made up of: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, along with artist, Pierre Eugéne Du Simitiére. (Image via GreatSeal.com)

One of the artistic designs included symbols of the original countries from which they immigrated at the time; England, France, Holland, Germany, Ireland and Scotland. Those were surrounded by 13 smaller shields with initials representing the "thirteen Independent States of America."

In the end, though, the seal design that was finally chosen in 1782 was that of the American bald eagle, holding a ribbon in its beak with the Latin words: E Pluribus Unim. It's what America has always been; the common thread that unites each citizen—out of many, ONE.

Our proud heritage (from other countries or Native American) is what makes us UNIQUE—being a citizen of America is what makes us ONE. And being united as ONE is what makes us STRONG! It's what makes America strong. (Image via GreatSeal.com)

Do black lives matter? Of course they do! But so do ALL lives! ALL lives in America matter, because we are together—ONE people, one country, and one nation under God.

Please, let's return to E Pluribus Unim, and when voices that highlight division are shouting, let's please shout even louder: ONE AMERICA, ALL LIVES MATTER IN ONE AMERICA!

It's true the country seems more divided than ever right now. But if we can return to referring to ourselves as simply "Americans," and embrace what unites us, instead of promoting division and defining everything by the color of our skin—then maybe this nation really can be great again.

Jesus plainly warned, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand." (Matt. 12:25)

There is great evil to fight, ISIS will not wait.

The USA must come together again, and stand together once again—all of us with our different hues of skin, different heritages, differing talents and giftings, even differing religions—all of us united by the fact that we are all free citizens of this remarkable country: America!

Why I'm Glad Women and Men are Different; a Woman's Perspective on International Woman's Day

The cry of gender-benders will ultimately only be satisfied by getting to know the One who "created them male and female."

In this age of gender-bending, and efforts to insure equality among women and men, it may be very counter-culture to express gratitude for the distinct differences between male and female. (Free photo via Pixabay)

But I—a woman—am very thankful for this creative expression from God's heart and His hands.

I would never want to lessen any hard-fought achievements made by suffragettes such as Susan B. Anthony and the like. I'm not calling into question any equality of rights, or of pay, or certainly of respect.

Instead, I would just like to highlight the simple-yet-complex characteristics of contradistinction that make our two genders unique. And which can—with the heart God intended—become beautifully congruent and harmonious.

After 30-plus years of marriage (like most couples, not always easy), I feel that I've gained a great deal of respect for the opposite gender, and have also grown in appreciation for that of my own.

Any good psychologist will tell you that men and women think differently and process things in contrasting ways. This is certainly God's design and intention.

When respect is maintained, these polar perspectives can become complimentary.

This is not to say that my husband and I don't have difficulty relating to one another's positions on occasion—we're human and that's a reality that is going to happen.

But I'm not threatened by my husband's "maleness," I have come to appreciate it. And I have come to realize that my perspective alone would be a narrow one, and likely somewhat short-sighted without the addition of his input.

My "female-ness" is also not threatened by the Word of God and the Gospel, as some women seem to be. In fact, the respect that Jesus showed to women as described in the New Testament was revolutionary in a time when their gender received little recognition, if any.

The vessels God spoke through and used for His glory and His plans, included women all throughout the Old Testament.

And what a privilege God has given women to actually carry another life—another little person—inside their bodies and bring them into the world!

Today we see the gender-bending trend being pushed and promoted all around the world, even among the very young.

I personally find the whole concept very tragic, as it seems to me its root is a soul crying out for acceptance and love.

That cry will ultimately only be satisfied by getting to know the One who "created them male and female"; by having a relationship with God who knows each of our hearts better than we know ourselves.

I'm forever grateful that the Lord, the One who created me, knows MY heart—even when I'd rather hide from Him out of shame. (Photo: Aimee and husband David)

In the end, He created my heart. He knows me inside and out, and He loves me, and what's more—because of what Jesus did—nothing will separate me from His love.

This sets me free to be who I was created to be: a woman, a mother, a partner to my husband without fear.

And for that I'm very grateful!

*This article first appeared in Breaking Christian News.

My Mom and Dad's Journeys Through "the Door"

"After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven..." -Rev.4:1
It's been a month and a half since my Mother died. I knew the day she left I would write about the experience of watching her go—but it's taken this long to be able to do so. (Photo: Mom and Dad at the coast)
Holding my Mom's hand, helping her through the 'birthing process' of separating spirit from body, was both the most extraordinary and most difficult experience of my life.
But in order to fully tell of Mom's journey, I've got to back up about 10 months to my father's passing from this world, and what he told us he saw before he died.
Some background; both my mother and father have been faithful Christians, very involved in their church, doing Bible studies and devotions regularly... I—and my siblings—are blessed with a wonderful, heritage of faith.
Last June, my Dad—at 90 years-young—lay on a hospital bed in my parents' living room with 'aspirating pneumonia.' Hospice had been called in and we knew it wouldn't be long before he left us. In the dying process, he struggled with pain and "itching" in his feet, and my siblings and I would take turns massaging them.
During one of these times, my sister, Jill was rubbing his feet when he suddenly said, "Look out, Jill, when the door opens it'll hit you."
Jill was standing next to the living room wall—there was no door behind her... at least none that WE could see.
Jill quickly realized Dad must be talking about a doorway between this life and Heaven. She told him, "I can duck very fast, and move out of the way in time."
We are a family who believe in prayer, so my sister-in-law, Marie—who was visiting Dad—had requested prayer on my father's behalf from a friend of hers, Renea. This friend called Marie to see how Dad was doing, and Marie told her about 'the door.' Renea became silent.
When Marie asked her what was wrong, Renea told her, "Oh that's a prayer verification. When I was praying last night I saw a door, and Richard and the Lord were waiting behind it." (My brother, Richard—Marie's husband—had died in 2009)
About two days later, Dad was in his final hours and our wonderful Hospice nurse, Norita, was tending to him, when he again mentioned "the door," however he told her it was locked. From what I understand (I wasn't present at the time) something like the following conversation ensued...
"It's locked Mr. Frank? Well, do you have a key to the door?"
"No, I don't have keys for it."
Norita pretends to put something in my father's hand. "I brought a key, Mr. Frank, try this one."
A few minutes later Norita asks my dad if the key opened the door.
"No, it didn't fit."
She again pretends to put a key in my father's hand. "Well, I have lots of keys… here, try another!"
After a few more minutes... "Did that key fit, Mr. Frank?"
"Yeah... that one fit."
"OK well Mr. Frank, when you're ready, you go ahead and turn that key in the lock, open the door and walk through to Richard and Jesus."
It wasn't long after ‘til he did just that, and quietly passed away with my mother holding his hand sitting next to him. They had been married for 67 years.
My Mother
After my father died, my mother—who had always wanted to experience living in "the valley" (Willamette Valley that is), as opposed to Central Oregon where my dad wanted to be—had made the decision to move to an assisted living facility near me.
By September, we found one for her with a very nice, spacious apartment and porch, and she settled in as much as an 86-year-old, grieving widow can. She especially enjoyed Bingo and times when the activity director would pull out his guitar and lead them in song. (Photo: Mom's one-and-only 'selfie')
I still have a voice mail recording of her (priceless now) when she called me during one of those times, singing our family's favorite song, with which she had taught each of us to harmonize; "You Are My Sunshine."

But Mom was suffering from Congestive Heart Failure much worse than she let on, I think. And she missed my father terribly.
One day in mid-February I noticed her fingers and toes had swollen up, and I brought her to the hospital—she would never return to her apartment.
Mom's Journey Through the ‘Door'
Mom was lucid and carrying on conversations with all her family who came to visit her in the hospital; it was Valentine's Day and we filled her room with flowers. My husband even smuggled in some chocolate covered strawberries for her.
Later that night she insisted we all go home and get some sleep and she'd see us the next day.
I was called back to the hospital at 5am that next morning. The nurse said he wanted to call me earlier, but my mother didn't want to wake us up.
Now as I entered her room I could see she was already beginning her journey home.
Several generations were represented as we gathered around my mom—I didn't want to let go of her hand.
We talked to her, and sang and sat on chairs and benches pulled up near... as she lay back, in her bed.
Then suddenly Mom sat up—staring straight in front of her with a look on her face of complete amazement and wonder.
We all stopped in mid-sentence, waiting to see what would happen next.
She slowly sank back into her bed for a while, and then without warning, she would struggle to sit up again, having that same expression.
This happened several times, and with each one, we would fall silent, waiting to see what she would do.
Once I was adjusting Mom's pillows so she could more easily sit up, and I told her, "There, now you can see the 'door' better." She got a big smile on her face and nodded 'yes.'
We were laughing a little about this when she again sat up looking straight ahead, and for the first time since this process had begun she spoke in a hoarse voice and said, "Say prayers!"
All of us jumped up grabbing each others' hands and hers, and began to pray... and sing... and pray some more.
Then she just lay back in her bed for a while.
The next phase of my mom's journey was much more strenuous for her; it was truly a separating of her spirit with her body, until it was finally over and she exhaled her last breath in peace.
The most accurate description is that it was very much like giving birth except you don't have the joyous result on this side of Heaven.
Or... this side of 'the door.'
I had wanted to ask my mom to somehow give me a sign that all was well, if she could, when she arrived in Heaven; but I never got the chance.
The next day my sister and I went to Mom's assisted living facility.
As we walked inside the front doors, there in the main room was the activity director with his guitar. It suddenly occurred to us what he was playing and singing—and there was the sign from my Mom...
"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey..."
For now, I'll miss you Mom, Dad and Richard... but I know I'll see you all again.
And I know who will be on the other side of the 'door' when the Lord calls me home.

In the Midst of Terror—NOT AFRAID

I was reminded of the Apostle Paul's encouragement to Timothy (and all Believers) that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind."

This week's terror attack in Paris was meant by the enemy to instill great fear. It's the M.O. of terrorists... and by their very definition, it's what they want. (Photo via Dallas News)

But as I watched the various responses from around the world unfold on my computer screen, the one that struck me the most was the Wednesday night vigil in the Place de la Republique, Paris.

The entire square was filled with people; there to honor those slain in cold blood that day, and there to make a statement—a very important statement:

NOT AFRAID.

Those words were spelled out in lights and hung among the huge crowd.

News reports said the gathering there was very quiet considering the amount of people. However, the pens held high in the air—to signify a solidarity with those who value freedom of speech—and their signs that read, "Je Suis Charlie," (I Am Charlie)—again a statement of support for the magazine Charlie Hebdo; the target of the Jihadists—spoke loud and clear.

As did those words in lights: NOT AFRAID.

I was reminded of the Apostle Paul's encouragement to Timothy (and all Believers) that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Tim.1:7)

And ultimately I thought about what Jesus said that "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

Terrorism rightly makes us angry—it is a monstrous injustice. And the enemy would love to make each one of us paralyzingly fearful. (Photo via Times of Israel)

But the antidote to fear is God's perfect LOVE through Jesus. (See 1 John chapter 4)

As the enemy intensifies his attack, now is the time to be NOT AFRAID.

Remember what the Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:6-10...
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

God is with us... be NOT AFRAID!

A Few Important Things...

Last month, my father (who was 90) went home to Heaven. And I was reminded of several important things:

1. The gift of eternal life made possible to us by Jesus Christ

I am so thankful for my father's faith in Jesus, and his dedication to the Lord and His Church. It made it easier to say "Goodbye-for-now" knowing with assurance that I will see my Daddy again someday. It also reminded me that so many don't have that hope, because they have chosen not to believe, or they haven't yet heard about it in a way that penetrates their heart. So, I'm reminded to pray for them.

2. The treasure of family

If you are a part of a loving family, don't take it for granted—treasure it! Yes, families have their squabbles from time to time, but caring family members who support each other in love and forgiveness is something very special. And we can belike family—caring and loving—to those who don't have any.

3. The hope of Heaven can change us here and now

Hebrews 6:19 says that "we have this hope as an anchor of the soul." There is the question asked many times, "If Heaven is real, does it affect how we live today?" That is a question I've asked myself recently, and one from which we can all benefit by asking ourselves every once-in-a-while. How is the hope I have in Jesus affecting how I am living today? or... Jesus really did give His own life to purchase an eternal life for me in the awesome and all-powerful presence of the Author of LOVE Itself, so does my life here reflect that love and sacrifice? Only you can give yourself the honest answer.

4. Our time here is too short not to be joyful!

While my father loved his family so much that it seemed almost hard for him to let go in the end, he was maybe not the most jovial of people. ;-) He enjoyed a good laugh, but there were a lot of things that seemed to cause him worry and concern. That's pretty normal of course, but aren't we—as Believers in Jesus—called to a life a little abnormal? The Apostle Peter did call us a "peculiar people" after all! In this world, of course we'll have troubles, but Jesus has overcome this world, and we have the hope and the assurance of not only Heaven, but also His presence right here, right now. So, I'm reminded to rejoice! I hope you are too.

Watching God's Heavens—What is He Saying through Blood Moon Tetrads and Solar Eclipses?

**This article first appeared in Breaking Christian News**

"Israel as a nation is 'God's time clock,'" –Pastor John Kilpatrick

By now the term "blood moon" is likely no longer alien to you, and may even have been discussed around the water cooler this week. (Photo by Luc Viatour/via EarthSky.org)
 

And now that you have the astronomical description for four of them in a row—a "tetrad"—you may be feeling like your vocabulary has experienced a nice upgrade.

But what is all the eschatological (there's another one—'end times') discussion about anyway? What are some of the things being said?

After watching a few messages by Pastors John Kilpatrick and John Hagee—who are both saying the same thing, for the most part—I thought breaking their main points down into a fairly brief article might be of service to some who are curious, but who may not have time to watch numerous sermons.

Not Just Christians

One thing I've noticed in digging into the subject of the coming astronomical event is that the interest is not just found among Bible Believers.

Those in the secular science community are also intrigued—not just by the blood moon tetrad—but also in the fact that it does coincide with major Jewish feast days.
I've found several sites that have not only given a wealth of information on the tetrad, but also on the fact that this and next year's will occur at special times according to the Jewish calendar. (Graphic via John Kilpatrick Ministries)

That stood out to me—there are those who are not yet Believers who are paying attention… looking, watching and waiting to see if anything significant, God-oriented or major does indeed happen.

The Blood Moon Tetrad Facts and When to Watch

Interesting celestial events already began this week, with the "opposition of Mars"—it's perfect alignment with the sun, and also with Earth.

Next week—on Monday—Mars will be at its closest to Earth in 6 years; you'll be able to see it shining brightly in the night sky. Then on Tuesday morning April 15th (in North America) at approximately 3AM Eastern Time, the moon will be not only full, but there will be a full lunar eclipse as the Earth passes between the moon and the sun. The sun's light that reflects off the moon will then be filtered through Earth's atmosphere—basically all Earth's sunsets at once—and it will cause the moon to appear red like blood.

The blood moon will happen again this year, on October 8th; and then there will be two more blood moons next year on April 4 and September 28th—that makes a lunar tetrad.
EarthSky.org describes a lunar tetrad as: "Four successive total lunar eclipses, with no partial lunar eclipses in between, each of which is separated from the other by six lunar months (six full moons)."

The Significance Relating to Israel

According to Hagee and Kilpatrick (as well as others), the moons relate to Israel because the Jewish calendar is mainly a lunar-based calendar. The solar eclipses relate to the world because the rest of the world goes by the solar-based Gregorian calendar.

Now, tetrads aren't necessarily that rare—there was one in 2003—but the fact that each blood moon in this tetrad coincides with major Jewish feast days is rare.

Tuesday's blood moon happens on Passover; October's on Sukkot; next April's on Passover again, and the final blood moon of the tetrad falls on Sukkot once again. That last one is the only one that will be visible by Israel—but because it occurs on Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) many Jews will be outside, sleeping under the stars so-to-speak, in their tents or booths according to the Jewish Feast tradition. (Photo via John Hagee Ministries) 

And not only that, but the final blood moon will also be at perigee—also known as a "super moon" because it is at its closest to Earth on its lunar orbit.

It will be one SUPER BLOOD MOON!

So What? Wait, there's More…

Not only will the tetrad happen, but in 2015 there will also be two solar eclipses. The first one—a total solar eclipse— will fall on March 20th, or Nisan 1 in the Jewish calendar which is effectively their first day of their first month.

The second solar eclipse will be partial, and will occur on September 13th which is Rosh Hashanah; the first of the "High Holy Days" and also known as the Feast of Trumpets.

Why Is Any of This Significant?

Pastor John Hagee notes Genesis 1:14, "And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years."

That is, the sun, moon and stars can also be used by God as a sign to Earth's inhabitants. (Graphic via John Kilpatrick Ministries) 

Basically the coming tetrad is significant to Israel, and to Christians who love Israel, because of history—Israel's history.

In 21 centuries there have only been 8 (including this coming one) blood moon tetrads that fell on the Jewish Feasts of Passover and Sukkot and the 3 most recent ones occurred during extremely important events for Israel.

Tetrad of 1493-1494 – If you go back one year, you know Christopher Columbus sailed his famous voyage to discover the "new world" in 1492. What many may not realize is that this happened during Spain's Expulsion of the Jews, when the edict came down that all Jews in Spain had 3 months to leave. So the blood moon tetrad of that time happened during great persecution of the Jews.

Pastor John Kilpatrick notes that Christopher Columbus was sympathetic to the Jews and carried some on board his ships to the new world, and that his trip may even have been financed by them.
Because of this, as the tetrad of those years occurred, a bond was formed between Israel and the new world—America.

Tetrad of 1949-1950 – This tetrad happened just a few years after the end of WWII and in 1948, just prior to the tetrad, Israel was formally recognized by the world as a nation.

Tetrad of 1967-1968 – The Six-Day War began when attacks were mounted against Israel and she retaliated; it ended with an Israeli victory.

What Does the 2014 – 2015 Tetrad Signify?

Both Pastors Kilpatrick and Hagee are quick to answer "I don't know." But they add that it is important to WATCH—not just look; but observe, keep vigil, stay alert and most importantly…
…watch and pray.

Pastor Kilpatrick notes that Israel as a nation is "God's time clock," which means these things are important to Christians too. (Photo by: Fred Espenak of NASA/via EarthSky.org)
 
Certainly, when you look at Joel 2:31 in the Bible, you can't help but get a little excited considering the celestial events before us!

"The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD." -Joel 2:31

The thing to remember is, if you are a Christian (you know that Jesus is your Savior and you are living for Him), don't be fearful, but as Jesus said, "Be dressed in readiness and keep your lamp alight." And be ready to share about this great Hope that is in you with anyone who asks.

If in reading about these things, you feel conviction by the Holy Spirit, or you know your heart isn't right before the Lord, then don't wait—get right with the Lord Jesus today, and then rejoice!

If you want to learn more here are some good sources:

Pastor John Kilpatrick's message on Blood Moons
Pastor John Hagee (who has also written a book about it) on Blood Moons
Here is EarthSky's astronomy website regarding the Blood Moon tetrad
Link for the book: "Blood Moons Rising" by Mark Hitchcock
Here is a link to watch Tuesday's Blood Moon LIVE

Sources:
John Hagee Ministries, John Kilpatrick Ministries,EarthSky.org, BibleGateway.com, Wikipedia

A Super Bowl Win, A Prayer on the Field, and the "Blue Tuesdays" that Help Keep Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson Grounded

"It's almost too good to be true. But it's really this simple: He was raised right, and he has amazing morals and ethics. He's an avid Christian, and he wants to walk the talk. I think his dad is in his heart every time he goes room to room. I think it's something that would have made his dad very proud." –Eve Kopp, Seattle Children's Hospital

This commentary first appeared in Breaking Christian News.

At the risk of over-satiating our readers with anything involving the Super Bowl; the many articles and blogs swirling around the internet, regarding the game's players, have brought to light some heartwarming (off-the-field) facts about this year's winning quarterback. (Photo via New York Times) 

Sunday's annual final NFL competition took many by surprise as the Seahawks, fairly consistently, dominated the highest-rated offense of the Denver Broncos; claiming a lopsided victory of 43-8.

According to a CBN News report, as the green and blue confetti began to fall, and the grid iron of MetLife Stadium became a sea of players, coaches, reporters and cameramen; Seahawks QB Russell Wilson grabbed some teammates around him, and led them in prayer as they knelt together on the field.

"God is so good. He brought me a really long way," said Russell in a post-game interview. "It's unbelievable. It's kind of surreal to be honest with you. Sitting there holding that trophy up and I'm looking up, I'm just so thankful for everything that I've been given."

But that's just a small window on the heart of Wilson.

The Seattle Children's Hospital knows more about that.

They've designated each second day of the week there as "Blue Tuesday," because that's when Wilson and his wife, Ashton, visit with patients and their families there.

In a recent ESPN article, Eve Kopp, the director of corporate annual giving for the Seattle Children's Hospital foundation, explains how skeptical she was when first contacted by Wilson—then just a third-string quarterback with the Seahawks, just out of college. (Photo via ESPN)

Russell had asked her if he and his wife could come by regularly, to spend some time with the patients.

Knowing that some players have charity written into their contracts, Kopp doubted Wilson's sincerity.
"Typically, we see them once and that's about it," Kopp told ESPN. "We figured with Russell, we'd see him once or twice, and then never again."

However, Russell surprised her; he and Ashton showed up repeatedly—every Tuesday.

Keeping it relatively quiet from publicity; Wilson and his wife meet not only with even the sickest children, but also spend time with those patients' families, to encourage them.

One of the patients Russell and Ashton have visited is little Abi Sayers, born 16 weeks premature. According to the report, Abi has needed five different brain surgeries in her first 7 months of life. (Photo courtesy Sayers family/via ESPN)

Abi's father Chris describes when he, his wife and his daughter were first visited by the Wilsons at the hospital.

"I was so awestruck, I could barely speak to the man," Sayers said in the ESPN article. "But after that, he kept coming back to visit us. He never wanted to talk about himself, he just wanted to give us a hug and ask how Abi was doing. He asked me if we could pray over Abi one day, and after that, it just felt like the lines of communication were open and we could talk about anything.

In the ESPN article, Kopp remarked about Wilson, who lost his father in 2010 to complications from diabetes:

"A lot of people hear about the visits and they start speculating what the real motive really is," said Kopp. "It's almost too good to be true. But it's really this simple: He was raised right, and he has amazing morals and ethics. He's an avid Christian, and he wants to walk the talk. I think his dad is in his heart every time he goes room to room. I think it's something that would have made his dad very proud."