Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Truth Lies Fallen in the Streets of Benghazi

 In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment.

Is 59:13 - 15


September 11, was met with a terror attack on US citizens in Benghazi. Two months later the echoes of their blood still cries out from the ground for justice. Only those four souls know what really happened. We have several men and women claiming to come to the knowledge of the truth, all for different reasons, but only God in heaven who has received the souls of these heroic men will ultimately deliver justice. 

As I read through the stories of each of these men, I find several similarities. These men held a deep love for country, had all served in the Middle Eastern countries, believed in diplomacy and peace, were full of life and adventure and none of them ever went "through the motions" because " just OK was not enough..." in their worlds.  God bless the souls of these four men and their families left behind to search for truth and meaning in their deaths.



Ambassador Chris Stevens


Ambassador Chris Stevens was finally, quietly laid to rest in Grass Valley, California yesterday. His family insisted on a private funeral with about 30 in attendance. His father Jan Stevens said he was laid to rest among his family and his happier memories of spending time with his grandparents, swimming in the Yuba River and skiing at the Donner Summit.

Ambassador Stevens comes from rich roots with his father Jan Stevens serving as Yolo County Superior Court Judge and California Assistant Attorney General. His mother, Mary (nee Floris) J Stevens was a cellist of the Marin Symphony Orchestra and direct descendant of Chief  Comcomly of the Chinook Indian Nation. Chris's sister, Dr Anne Stevens, is a pediatrician at Seattle Children's and has set up a very inspiring website in memory of her brother, Remembering Chris Stevens.

Tyrone Woods


Charles Woods, the father of Navy Seal Tyrone Woods that also gave his life in the Benghazi terrorist attack begs for the truth on Glen Beck's, The Blaze . This father's grief is obvious, but the cuts run deeper when his answers for truth were met with what he considered were an empty handshake from President Obama and disrespectful comments from Vice President Joe Biden.

Tyrone Woods had received the Bronze Star and served as a registered nurse and paramedic. He was a mother's son, a wife's husband and three children's father.  A very nice face book page, Tyrone S. Woods, US Navy Seal Memorial Page, has been set up in his memory.

Glen Doherty


Glen's sister Kate recalls her anxiety after she receives a phone call from a friend that was concerned that Glen may have been part of the terror attack in Benghazi. She describes how she settles herself remembering him coming home from several dangerous missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Mexico. This time, though, the outcome would be different. This time Glen would make one last trip home to Winchester where he was laid to rest. Kate's account of meeting with Vice President Joe Biden was very different. She felt he was genuine and great with her kids. She felt she was greeted warmly.

A Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation has been set up to honor his memory. Also a book written by Glen Doherty, Navy Seal Sniper, will be released in January.

Sean Smith


Sean Smith was a computer specialist that served in the US Air Force was also killed in the terror attack. It is reported that Sean left a chilling clue in a message to his on line gaming corporation, "Assuming we don't die tonight. We saw one of our 'police' that guard the compound taking pictures." These and many other warning signs, messages and concerns fell on deaf ears prior to the attack. Sean's mother, Pat Smith appeared on Anderson Cooper's 360 show frustrated that her son was being used in the political forums and tired of not receiving answers that were personally promised to her by Hillary Clinton,  Joe Biden, President Obama and Leon Panetta.

 "I begged them to tell me what happened..." "You can keep your political, just tell me the truth...."




Thursday, November 22, 2012

Giving Thanks, An Attitude of Gratitude


Laura's story behind the song blessings is amazing. She talks about the process of praying for a miracle for her husband that was diagnosed with a brain tumor and the answers not always coming out the way they expected or wanted. This song was birthed out of the many trials they have endured on their journey through this.  This is especially touching as this is the first Thanksgiving we will be without our beloved brother -in -law Steve Chaffins. Many of you helped with financial support when he went to MD Houston but he lost the fight to leukemia on Jan 29th this year, but gained his home in heaven. It still makes it hard for his family left behind, especially his wife Marcie and his children.
So while you are praying today, please say a special prayer for their comfort during this time.

  Thanksgiving!

 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Ps 100.4


 I am so excited today! I absolutely love turkey! and I will try my best to stay away from the stuffing! I am spending today at my sister's house. My mother and adoptive father will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary today as well. My family will be there and the weather is suppose to be good!
  There is so much for me to be thankful for so bear with me as I share a few grateful fors!

I am grateful for:
  •  Cease fire in Israel Ps 122:6
  • My family is all healthy Ps 91:10
  • The military and military families in service for us. Ps 144:1
  • God has supplied all my needs Ph 4:19
  • My precious pastor Manuel Spencer who is seated in heaven showed me salvation. I Co15:11
  • The multiple salvations we have seen this year. Acts 2:47
You hear a lot in the self help world about being grateful, having a journal of what you are grateful for, having an attitude of gratitude. That is all true, but hopefully we can see from above that it is true because they are using a Biblical principle. Not only is an attitude of gratitude a Christian virtue there is even a thanksgiving offering   that was established in Lev 7:12-15.

In America we have so much to be thankful for just by virtue of where God has placed us. We do have all our needs available to us, we do have religious freedoms, we do have freedom of speech and despite it all we do have a secure and operative government that we are instructed to pray for daily.

Yes I know there is poverty here, I have been well acquainted with the homeless population and there is always more works of compassion to be done, but at the end of the day we can raise our hands to the Lord and say we are blessed and thank God for all our blessings.

So give a few more hugs today, look around and know that you are blessed, if you are able to help serve others today thank God for that ability, if you have breath in your body, Thank God!

Yes you are blessed, Yes I am blessed and have a blessed Thanksgiving!

 the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, "Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever." For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,' says the LORD. Jer 33:11

Friday, November 16, 2012

Operation Pillar of Defense, Tears of Rachel fall

Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. Jer 31:15
Tears are falling in the land of Israel. As I sit here in the comfort of my typical American home, I can't fathom what is happening in Israel right now. Grief stricken families are burying the dead as terrorized children find shelter in drainage pipes, safe rooms, basements anything that would shelter them from the concussion of a rocket they hear whistling over their heads. People cling to their family members praying as they hold their breath and listen for impact. I'm sorry I cannot imagine this.

My tears are falling as I think of all the contacts that I have made in Israel and for the Palestinian Christians that are caught in the crossfire. What must G*d think as He looks down from heaven on his creation.


Jesus lamented over Jerusalem
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Mt 23:27
Zechariah warned of the cup of trembling

 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forthe the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. 2Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.Zech 12: 1&2
While I have to search for the terrible truth of what is happening in Israel, my media continues to talk  about the election that is over, the President and his new horn-locking arguments with Congress and the Senate, but every so often I will catch a small ticker tape that something is happening in Israel.  Really, this does not seem newsworthy? But the continued lies of our politics are?

No wonder the tears of Rachel were heard again in Matthew when King Herod ruthlessly slaughtered the children age 2 and under in his zeal to destroy any threat to his governorship.

In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. Mt 2:18
I have no doubt that the weeping and wailing is sounding over the land of Israel again today. As the blood of the children of not only Jacob, but of Esau as well spill onto the ground, the blood cries out before G*d. Innocent souls caught in the crossfire of ancient wars that continue to culminate in our present day. 



Sunday, November 11, 2012

11,11 at 11am Veterans Day, My Sons My HEROS!

Brock Begley reenlist during war
This is my eldest son. Not only did he originally volunteer to serve during a time of war, he also reenlisted under the heat of the desert skies of Afghanistan. Brock is one of my heroes. Never would I have ever imagined as I brought my baby home from the hospital, nurtured him through his first day of kindergarten, watched him finish school and marry his sweetheart, that there would come a day I had to send my son to war.

I was not prepared for the emotions I saw and felt on that deployment day. I saw young wives holding their husbands tight, unsuspecting babies playing with their daddies and pregnant wives looking with scared uncertainty.

The tears fell as showers that day as we clung to each other and the thread of faith we had instilled in our family from the day he was born. Everyday for a full year we learned to walk in faith. Days that we would hear from him would be encouraging. He was always positive as he was trained to be, but he would let us know to send him protein, hand warmers, and baby wipes in his care packages meaning they were without their basic needs. He quickly dropped weight. He then would call out of the blue and just say hi and could you pray. We understood that to mean he was going out on a dangerous mission and this may be his last "I love you", but he couldn't tell us that. I remember one day he told me he was having difficulty sleeping because two NATO members that he had come to know, had not come back to the COB, one was killed and one was severely injured.  This was my baby boy, grown to be a warrior and my HERO.

When Brock returned back to Ft Lewis, he and his friend and battle buddy took the battle to the kitchen as the won the Iron chef competition. Yes my son is a chef and that is great when he comes home! Boy can he cook!
My father is another hero of mine, I have had three fathers and they all have been a blessing in some way or another. Today I am referring to John W Baggett. He served in WWII in the Navy. He also was a cook! He has been gone for 41 years now, love you daddy!

My Uncle Wayne "Butch" Wroblewski, another hero of mine, served in the Vietnam War. Like so many others he never spoke of his service. He also has passed on but I must say that I can still hear the 21 gun salute, the solemn drone of the Taps and the sound of the jets over head as they flew in the Missing Man Formation. Yes, my uncle was a pilot, he had earned his wings and now he has his wings in heaven.

My son Bart again is a hero of mine! He voluntarily signed up for service during wartime. He unfortunately was hurt during boot camp and was not able to finish, but what a brave heart to make this step. He also rededicated his life to Christ in his time there!

Now I am facing another challenge to my faith!
Not only am I an Army Mom! Now I am also a Navy Mom! My three sons, my three heroes!
I would never have imagined that my boys would defend their country and experience all they have experienced, the good and the bad.


My youngest son Paul Andrew "Drew" has enlisted, again voluntarily during wartime. He will be leaving me soon and embark on his journey. Again I cannot fathom the bravery of taking this step.  This is my baby boy. I can only hope I can muster up the bravery through my tears as I send another son to the service of this great country.

I know you all share similar stories and I would love for you to share them on this great day that was set aside as day to honor and say thank you to all our veterans.

Oh and why 11, 11 at 11am? That is  the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice during WWI 1918. Originally called Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, the name was changed to Veterans Day in  1954 with an amendment to the original Congressional Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a.

Thank you to all who have, are and are planning to serve. 

 

 

Swat girls determined, as world celebrates Malala Day


Thursday, November 8, 2012

A Sanctuary for the Criminal Exhibitionist

The definition for exhibitionism:
     Exhibitionism is a mental disorder characterized by a compulsion to display one's genitals to an unsuspecting stranger.  The  Enclyclopedia of Mental Disorders

Read more: http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Exhibitionism.html#ixzz2BgDkzBgY

Diagnostic Criteria from the DSM IV TR  302.4 Copyright 2000 American Psychiatric Association

A. Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent, intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, or behaviors involving the exposure of one's genitals to an unsuspecting stranger.
B. The person has acted on these urges, or the sexual urges or fantasies cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.
 
Colleen Brenner Francis birth name Clay Scott Francis was bold enough to display his genitals in the women's locker room at Evergreen State University on the premise that he, yes I said HE, would be given sanctuary under the "non-discrimination policy" of the college.
 
The definition of exhibitionism is classified under the heading of paraphilias which are a group of mental disorders marked by sexual behavior with non consenting or inappropriate partners (such as animals or children).
 
Hmmmmm sounds like a person with a penis exposed in a locker room used by young girls fits this definition.
 
But the debate is on.... Francis is giving interviews on KIRO offended that HE was asked to leave and comparing this to the 1950's discrimination of whites and blacks not using the same water faucet.   Watch how the journalist are so "politically correct" calling this person a woman several times.
 
Here is a link of the police report provided by Alliance Defending Freedom who is taking on the rights of the young ladies that were offended by the exposure of  Francis' genitalia. Did I say OFFENDED? Yes they were offended, made uncomfortable and unnecessarily put at risk of emotional distress. This sounds very similar to the wording of the laws against indecent exposure.. “A person is guilty of indecent exposure if he or she intentionally makes any open and obscene exposure of his or her person or the person of another knowing that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm.”
 
It is one thing if Francis chooses to be whatever gender HE wants to be and expose himself to consenting partners in private. That is for He and God to sort out. When he sits around with genitalia exposed to unsuspecting young girls it appears abundantly clear to me that HE meets the definition of an exhibitionist that has committed the crime of indecent exposure.
 
Now for the sin of providing the sanctuary of the criminal exhibitionist. Evergreen State should take a long, hard look at what happened at Penn State when they provided sanctuary to Jerry Sandusky. Most colleges go out of their way to portray themselves as a safe campus that nurtures a young person into an intellectual adult. I do not see this stand with Francis as fostering that kind of an atmosphere. A quick look at Evergreen State website and I can't find any statistics about the safe learning environment, but I see several references to the "diversity" of the college. Parents keep this in mind when deciding where to pay your tuition fees to educate your child.
 
SSSShhhhhhhh, we don't speak of such things! Silence equates to the chains of despair. How many people realized that the young boys were being traumatized at Penn State? How many people that speak up for the young girls that are being exposed to the lewdness of Francis are being accused of bigotry, right wing extremist, intolerance..... etc, etc...
 
Is 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
 
 Right is right and wrong is wrong. We need to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our young women to grow up in. Our young women are daughters of the King of Kings and Lord and Lords and no one is to offend a daughter of the King.

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Mt 18:6
 
This goes not just for the offender (Francis) but for the protector of the offender (Evergreen State).

Thank you for The Blaze and the  Alliance Defending Freedom for defending the young ladies. As this legal battle unfolds we will watch and pray.

I refuse to remain silent, I refuse to bow to the "politically corrupt correct" views of the lewd acts of this man who dares to cloak his defiance of law under the guise of diversity.

I am praying for these young girls to find peace, and justice in this unfortunate situation.
 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Praying for the Victims of Sandy

As the days go on and people pick through the rubbles of their belongings the reality starts to set in of the destruction and loss.

        Some are finding that;
  •  Insurance premiums that have been faithfully paid have controversial claim clauses  
  •  FEMA is a blessing and a curse. Small interest loans..... which require paperwork & patience. 
  • The world revolves around Manhattan and you may or may not receive the help you need.
  • The generators they bought are useless without gasoline.
  • Water is sacred resource.
  • Food may be a fighting point with a neighbor. 
  •  Kindness still exists among strangers
  •  Comfort is found from civic leaders.
  • They may need to relocate, leaving the towns they lived in their whole lives.
  • They are facing funeral arrangements.
As we sit from our comfortable homes in the Midwest, the south, the west all across the US and we watch our brothers and sisters in need we need to do what we can.
     But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? IJn 3:1
 
How can you help?
  • Pray
  • Go to New York or New Jersey
  • Send resources through a respected group that is going to New York
  • Give Blood
  • Start a food drive, blanket drive, coat drive.....
  • Provide a hug or listening ear to someone that is going through this.
We here at Rachel's Heart are going to do what we know to do and that is to pray:

Father God we ask you to wrap your arms around our brothers and sisters that are facing these monumental problems. We ask you to make a way for them to come upon the resources needed to provide food, shelter water, warmth and any other needs. We pray Father for all of the families that have lost loved ones in the storm that you provide them with comfort and peace. We pray Father for restoration of the land, the homes the families, the electricity, the businesses. We pray Lord that if the winds have scattered families from their homelands that you direct their paths as you seem fit. We pray Lord that you give the weary.. rest, the brokenhearted... peace, the devastated... hope. As we heard in the sermon we are cast down....but not destroyed.

       We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; II Co 4:8 &9
 
We thank you Father that we can lift our heads, lift our hands and lift our hearts and praise you in the storm. In Jesus name we pray. Amen