CEDAR KEY, FLORIDA: ISLAND LIFE GETS NO BETTER THAN THIS

By Danelle Carvell 

Cedar Key Beach is small but uncrowded. You can launch your kayak off the beach and paddle to a nearby island. The sand is white and soft as powder. 

"We found the most relaxing place on earth with the friendliest people," I wrote on a postcard to my daughter. I was talking about Cedar Key, Florida, where the Hubster and I recently spent two weeks. I didn't know this charming island existed until I watched a video on a travel blog. I was attracted to its laid-back simplicity and its lack of a red light or two-lane highway.  It's quiet here. We spent a lot of time on our cottage deck watching the sun rise and the birds fly in for breakfast during low tide in the bayou. 

Cedar Key is a bird-watchers paradise. We saw pink spoonbills, pelicans and even a woodpecker who left floaters in my morning coffee. I don't know the name of every bird, but one of the best places to spot them is along the boardwalk path at Cemetery Point Park, one of the many nature trails on the island

                                                                

These funny-looking birds hang out near Cedar Key Beach, where they are fed heads and tails as fish are being cleaned and cut along the water.

I was reading a book and thought my husband was tapping a pencil on the deck behind me until I looked up and saw this red-headed bark pecker. Tree bark is not good in coffee.

Old Florida charm exudes from every corner of this quiet fishing village, described as "what Key West was more than fifty years ago."  You won't find a chain store anywhere on the island, except the Marathon gas station. The residents here want to preserve the charm of the place, so every restaurant, gift shop, and business is original and privately owned. People call them Mom and Pop shops. 

                                                                    

Island Arts is one of the many businesses along Dock Street. I was greeted by Lily, the shop dog who welcomed me by licking my toes.  

One of the many things I loved about the island is that everything we wanted to see is within walking distance. It felt so good to feel sunshine on our faces and get out walking. If you don't want to walk, you can rent a bike or golf cart. The only time we got in our car for the entire two weeks was to travel to a strawberry festival in Floral City. Floridians are serious about their strawberry festivals. I couldn't get over how big the event was. I never ate fresh strawberries in winter and I discovered peanut butter jelly and bacon burgers at the festival. 

Speaking of strawberries, the cottage we stayed in was across from a produce stand called Cedar Key Fresh. I was delighted to walk across the street and buy fresh avocado, pears, and strawberries. I peeled my first mango in Cedar Key. And if you're into seafood, your stomach will be happy here. Clams are a big business, but every kind of seafood is available daily, whether you want to cook it yourself or eat out. 

                                                                    

Pirates Cove Coastal Cottages was such a special place. Brian and Lisa were so welcoming, always asking if we needed anything. Brian was always smiling. You can tell they love their work. They have earned "Superhost"status from Airbnb and an award from TripAdvisor. I loved that the cottage was in the middle of everything fun.We could even walk to the highly-rated and uniquely-decorated open-air tiki bar, Low Key Hideaway. I recommend the Key Lime freeze. 

Our favorite restaurant on Dock Street was Duncan's on the Gulf. The staff is friendly. The food is stellar and the orange blossom beer is delightful. We had a favorite spot out on the deck along the water, where we watched people fish from the pier. Duncans has the best burger ever and the tastiest sweet potato waffle fries. If you enjoy live music, I was told you can find it here and at other restaurants nearby. 

                                                                

If you're into water sports, Cedar Key has just about everything--sailing, kayaking, fishing, even swimming, diving, snorkeling and scuba-diving at a nearby clear-water spring. Florida has the largest collection of springs in the world. Fanning Springs State Park and Manatee Springs State Park are close to Cedar Key. We didn't get to either one, so we missed the clear blue water and the manatees, but it's something to look forward to when we come back. 

One thing I did not want to do was kayak after our cottage neighbor told us about a 6-foot shark he hit with his paddle. He might have been exaggerating, but he had me at shark. He and his wife launched their kayak into the water behind our cottage. We watched them paddle home every night before low tide. They always had a fresh catch of fish. He said they ate fish four nights in a row.  

                                                                

They kayak to a nearby island to see the remnants of an old pencil mill from the 1800's. Cedar key has an interesting history, but our timing was bad every time we walked past the museum. I do know that the island was first occupied in 1839, when it started as a fort during the second Seminole War. It became the western terminus of the Florida Railroad in 1860, connecting it to the east coast of Florida. A massive hurricane in 1896 killed more than 100 people with 10-foot waves. But the island recovered at the start of the 20th century when industries such as fishing, sponging and oystering rose in Cedar Key. Clams are a big business today.

I spent some time reading the guest books that our hosts set out if people want to comment on their stay at Pirates Cove. I noticed many comments about how refreshed and invigorated people felt while in Cedar Key. The slower pace of the island, where no one is in a rush, made one guest feel "normal" again. Another guest called Cedar Key a "safe haven in our super-crazy world."

And that is exactly what it was for us. There is something about this island life that brings people together and brings back your joy. I have never seen so many smiling, friendly people in one place. People are really happy here and they can't help but let it show. The locals will tell you that neighbors don't hesitate to help each other. They know each other by name and they show up when someone needs assistance.

We would fit right in here. Our first night here as we were walking back from Dock Street, a woman stopped us to ask if we had a cell phone. She was out walking her dogs and it was getting dark. She had wandered too far from where she was staying and lost her sense of direction. A female voice said she was on her way to pick her up. I asked about her dogs and she said that her brother had died recently, so she took in his dog. That's why she has two. 

Even the dogs are happy here. This is one dog-friendly island. In the park one day we watched a pet parade, a yearly fundraiser that the the women's committee plans. The dogs were dressed in sequins and satin as they proudly marched around, being led by their owners. Whether you're a human or a dog, Cedar Key is a great place to be.

                                                                

Be sure to visit the Island Hotel while in Cedar Key. Rumor has it that it's haunted. We were going to just walk by, but we were invited to come in and look around during the off hours. A gentleman offered to snap our photo in front of the "scandalous" mural in the Neptune bar. (Mild for our time, but scandalous when it was first painted.) The Hotel is the oldest commercial building in Cedar Key. Some day we are coming back to ask about those ghost stories.  
 

                                                                    
 

 

                                                                

                                                  

WHAT DO YOU WANT THAT IS DIFFERENT?

                                                                                

My daughter got me an apron for Christmas after seeing my new-found love for cooking. We often go through seasons when we need something different. But different isn't better...unless it is what we are meant to have.

When I read something profound that I might use in a future post, I write it down. I have notebooks filled with future writing topics, good quotes and advice from anyone who speaks to my heart. If I hear something that should be remembered or shared, I write it down. Today I was flipping through one of my notebooks and came across two pages of entries that didn't seem to fit together because of the varied topics. But everything listed was something worth sharing. 

I don't always right down the source of my scribbled notes and quotes. So when I share it, I often have to change the words so I'm not guilty of copying someone else's thoughts from a book, magazine or wherever I saw it. The notes I came across recently could fit under the category of simple advice about life and the pursuit of happiness, so maybe they do fit together. 

The first thing on the list is sort of a recipe for well-being. It's actually a list of things that define our search for happiness. "Well-being (happiness) is a combination of love for what we do each day, the quality of our relationships, the security of our finances, our physical health and what we contribute to our community." The only thing I would add to that is knowing how much God loves you and pursuing that love through prayer and reading His word. That is the most important thing in my opinion. 

Love for what we do each day 

People who work more that 20 hours a week need a job that fills their strengths. It's difficult to enjoy a job if you are not doing something that you are naturally equipped to do. We all have strengths and weaknesses. One of my weaknesses is technology. Computer work frustrates me. My most stressful jobs have been those that involved learning work on a computer. 

I sometimes think I should have gone to culinary school or learned to be a pastry chef. I enjoy creating things. Writing is a creative outlet and the computer requirement is not difficult. What's difficult is making money as a writer. I have been paid for many writing assignments, but it was never enough to live on. Many artistic people have a hard time paying bills with the finished work of their creativity. That is where the phrase, "starving artist" comes from. It's just the way life is. 

Many people are stuck in jobs they hate because that job pays the bills. But their hearts are longing to do something else, something they love. People do manage to find work that they love while making enough money to live comfortably, but that seems to be a rarity from what I've seen. 

If you are looking to make a job change, I would advise you to ask God to reveal where you should be. Most people look for jobs based on their qualifications and they let God out of it. Perhaps that is where they go wrong time and time again. God can bring opportunities that are perfectly suited to your gifts, talents, strengths and abilities. He knows what gets you excited. He knows the things you love to talk about and what gifts he has equipped you with that could be used in the workplace. 

Pray to the purpose maker, and then be attentive for His answer. Look for signs of Him directing you toward a certain type of job or a particular place of employment. Letting God out of your job search means settling for less than His best for you. 

The quality of our relationships

Life is lonely without relationships. The world is filled with a lot of lonely people. How many songs have been written about the age-old problem of loneliness? But even if you talk to hundreds of people each day, you can still end up feeling lonely. Getting married doesn't always solve loneliness. Because it is the quality of our relationships that make us happy and less lonely. 

How do we improve our relationships with people or even find good people to have relationships with? That takes effort, it doesn't just happen. Two people in my family are married to someone they met on a dating app. I would not rule that out. God brings people together in many different ways. If I were looking, I would take advantage of all those ways. Meeting someone by a chance encounter is difficult because too many people walk right past you without saying a word. You have to talk to someone before you can start a relationship with that person. 

I know someone who prayed very emotionally for her husband when she reached a point of knowing her present relationship had no future. That prayer was answered very quickly and she is quite happy today.  If I were lonely, I would use every available possibility for meeting the right person. If that meant getting out of the house, I would go. If it meant putting up an online dating profile, I would do it. One thing I would not leave out is praying about it. I have seen so many examples of God bringing people together that can't be denied. But only praying people can see evidence of their prayers being answered. If you don't pray, you haven't earned the right to comment on its power. 

As far as improving already-established relationships, I think an important factor in that is forgiveness. Too many people have an unforgiving spirit and it makes their lives miserable. The thing about holding grudges is the way it affects the person who is hanging on to that hurt. The Bible contains many warnings about having an angry, unforgiving heart and all the problems that will invade your life when you do that. 

I know from experience how unforgiveness can make your life unbearably miserable. It can completely destroy everything good in your life. It can turn you into someone you don't even recognize. It can lead you down a path you never expected to go and burn bridges you can never cross again. It might be the greatest destroyer of relationships that there is. Forgiveness is often the first step toward improving a relationship. And one thing that makes forgiveness easier is a heart-felt apology. It is our own pride that is the greatest destroyer of relationships. We can't admit when we hurt someone and we can't forgive when we've been hurt.

Knowing how much God loves us and pursuing that love

My worth is defined by God. It is not defined by what I do, how much money I make, the car I drive, the house I live in, the way I look or the clothes I wear. My appearance and achievements are not what make me a valuable, worthy person. I shouldn't need applause from others to feel like someone special. But I didn't always know that. 

I didn't always know that my greatest purpose on earth is to glorify Him, even when I fail. The reason why I'm so open about my failures is because I don't care how people see me and I don't need their applause. Right now I am unemployed and I have been unemployed for more than a year. Covid pretty much stole my job from me when I stood up for my rights. But I have no regrets. I know that God is preparing me for something amazing, and the tough season I'm in right now is only temporary. 

People who know "why" they are living can tolerate almost any "how" they are living. In other words, every difficulty in life can be overcome when we stop relying on our own strength. When I see someone who seems broken and lost, there is always one thing lacking in that person's life. It is the same one problem, time and time again. Until you realize how much God loves you and you seriously begin to pursue that love, you will continue to feel broken and lost. You will repeat the same patterns and experience the same disappointments over and over. 

What do you want that is different? Perhaps you need to do something different to get it. 

 

DON'T ABANDON HOPE: NO STORM LASTS FOREVER

                                                                                

                                                 

By Danelle Carvell

As we approach the two-year mark of Covid, an ongoing and very destructive storm, I feel the need to offer hope. Many of us are just plain tired and we are losing hope in seeing any kind of change. I feel it myself, especially after spending an entire day on Friday watching the chaos unfold in Canada. 

Watching that line of bullies who call themselves police push peaceful protesters around made me angry. I was furious and tired of watching evil win once again. I wanted so much to escape the stress of everything I have seen since March of 2019. It's been an emotional roller coaster. A bottle of wine and a taco truck was waiting for me at Springate Winery on Friday night and I couldn't wait. 

Canada is our northern neighbor. Knowing that this tyranny can happen to Canadians makes the possibility of it happening in America very real. The threat is getting too close for comfort, and it's causing a great deal of fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Even those who are grounded in the promises of God are being affected by what they are seeing. 

For almost two years, the enemy has used fear to both divide us and control us. Fear is so powerful that it shut down businesses and destroyed many of those businesses. It drove people to put faith in a face covering instead of putting faith in God. Even Christians ignored Psalm 91:10-11 and chose to fight with people over masks. None of them could prove that they worked, they only wanted something to protect them. Instead of prayer and faith, they chose to deprive their brain cells of oxygen and pushed others to do the same. 

I wonder how God felt as he watched his children put more faith in hand sanitizer, masks, and 6-foot distance than the faith they put in Him. I'm sure He was disappointed and saddened. But God has allowed this to play out for a purpose. The fear that the enemy stoked did cause people to turn back to God and evaluate their priorities. People are praying like never before. We are realizing that we need His help, not just for protection from a virus, but also for deliverance from the evil tyrants that are pushing us around and stripping away our freedoms. They want to control us and force us to live as slaves to their ways and their selfish ideas and beliefs. 

Two years ago my words would have sounded like a conspiracy theory. But on Friday, you saw for yourself that the threat is real and it's getting closer to your back yard. Justin Trudeau took orders from China and sent UN troops and the Ottawa police to bully a group of peaceful protesters, people who are only asking for freedom. When a government turns on its own citizens, it becomes tyrannical and can no longer be trusted. Adolph Trudeau declared himself a dictator on Friday. One of the protesters said that this is how it began when Hitler rose to power in Germany. She was in a wheelchair witnessing history repeat itself. 

My greatest source of hope right now is Elijah Streams on You Tube and Julie Green Ministries on Rumble. Steve Shultz was obviously placed on that platform for such a time as this to bring the world hope by interviewing prophets who speak God's word. And Julie Green has become my favorite prophet because she is naming names and being very specific with her prophecies.

 If you don't believe in prophets, then you also don't believe what's written in the Bible, a book that clearly tells us that God does not move without first telling His prophets what He is about to do.Get out your Bible and read Amos 3:7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:20.

Today I watched a very encouraging show on Elijah Streams featuring author and prophet, Donna Rigney. Her words were a comforting message of hope. She compared the glorious change that is coming to that of a caterpillar as it transforms into a butterfly. "This is taking longer than any of us thought, but we are on the winning side," she said. 

Listening to prophets like Donna Rigney will make you a believer very quickly because of the peace it brings to your mind. God speaks through prophets because He knows that life is difficult down here and He knows that we need encouragement, especially at this moment in history. Some of the prophets will recap their past predictions and then show recent news headlines that confirm those predictions. As you see their predictions actually happen again and again, you simply cannot deny that they are hearing from God.  

"We are living in exciting times, and we are blessed to be alive right now," Rigney said. She mentioned the freedom convoy that is starting on Wednesday in America. All over the world right now, people are participating in freedom walks. God is moving to wake people up to the deep-rooted wickedness that has overtaken the entire world. 

Rigney predicts that every tyrant across the world will be brought down as a great rescue event unfolds before our eyes. Corrupt leaders both in government and in the church will be exposed and their powers will dissolve as they face a variety of consequences including death. No one will be able to deny the glory of God when this storm finally ends. People will be shocked by what they see and what is revealed about well-known leaders and even celebrities.

My husband and I say all the time that it's hard not to hate these people who are destroying our country and stealing our freedoms. I do want to hate them, but they are also God's children and we should pray for their souls and refrain from rejoicing when we see them fall. "Keep your hearts pure toward the enemy," Rigney warned.  It is okay to rejoice when our freedoms are restored, but don't take pleasure in seeing your enemies suffer. 

Rigney said that 45 will be restored back to the presidency very soon, and his work to restore this land to greatness will be completed. God needs the United States to be great again so it can be used by His hand to bless all other nations in the world. All the prophets are saying this same thing. Trump will be back.

She ended her prophecy with an encouraging word for people like me who have been holding the line of faith and believing that God is working behind the scenes for the past two years. For those who did not fear Covid and for those who spoke truth and tried to encourage and educate others, a great blessing is coming.

This is what the Lord spoke: "A holy jealousy will arise in this world as those who are far from us (nonbelievers) see our blessings and they will know that in order to receive My best, they must surrender all and become mine. I am going to display my children for all to see. Their blessed lives will mark a difference so dramatic that it cannot be denied that they truly are sons and daughters of the most high God." 

Yes, it has been a long storm, but no storm lasts forever, so don't abandon hope. Hold your peace and remain at rest. God is fighting for his children and things are about to shift. Which side will you be on when it happens?

    

  

 

THE HARDEST TWO WORDS

                                                                                

Living with siblings is good training for learning to apologize. I wasn't great at it back then (about 1977)

By Danelle Carvell

When was the last time you said, "I'm sorry"? Most of us know instantly when we say or do something hurtful. The negative reaction we get is usually the best indicator. But knowing that we hurt someone doesn't always prompt us to make things right. 

I have been on both the receiving end of an apology and on the giving end. And I know without a doubt that there is no better way to make yourself feel better than to offer an apology, and there is no better way to make others feel better than to offer an apology. It is a powerful act of love that takes a great deal of strength, courage and humility. 

Only someone with a strong self-esteem and a conscientious, caring heart is capable of admitting a wrong. It is so much easier to deny a hurtful comment or make excuses. It's more comfortable to laugh it off or say, "I was just joking." Sometimes the offender will blame the person who is feeling hurt. "You're too sensitive," is a common come back. Anything we can do to take the blame off of ourselves after behaving badly is the easy way out and most people go that route. 

And that refusal to apologize can cause a hurt to fester, sometimes to the point of destroying a relationship or changing it forever. Things may never be the same because one person can't admit messing up. 

Why is it so difficult to apologize? I googled that question and after reading several articles on the subject I learned something interesting. I wanted to put it into my own words instead of quoting a bunch of articles. 

The one thing that was mentioned over and over again about why people find it so hard to apologize is the emotional and mental strength of the offender. Someone who is mentally and emotionally healthy knows that apologizing will not destroy them. But for the person who is unstable in those areas, admitting a wrong is devastating to their self-esteem. Saying I'm sorry is not something they are capable of because they already have such a low opinion of themselves. They simply can't fess up to their mistakes because it would totally destroy their already fragile sense-of-self. 

Wow! What a revelation it was to learn that. While we may be upset with someone who refuses to apologize, understanding why they find it so difficult is an eye-opener. And it can be helpful toward our ability to move on and move past the hurt. 

I think the world is filled with billions of apologies that are owed to people. But most of those apologies will never reach the ears of those who need to hear them. And the healing that those apologies would bring will never be felt.

I know one thing...I want to be strong enough to apologize right here and right now so I never have to feel nagging regrets about hurting people in this life or the next. To me, an apology is one of the most freeing and loving things I could possibly do. It feels just as good to me as it does to the person I hurt, and I'm grateful that I have the strength for it. I wish everyone had that strength. Apologies are beautiful to watch and the healing they induce are even more beautiful. God loves a cheerful apologizer.  

PROCESSING CURRENT INTEL WITH THE WISDOM OF GOD

PROPHETIC WORD FROM JULIE GREEN

Nothing can stop the shock as truth is being revealed. God is shaking everything to expose the hidden corruption and back door deals that have been happening for years. 

https://rumble.com/vrz9k7-prophetic-word-your-days-of-triumphant-victory.html 

Kirk Cameron, Candace Cameron Bure: Speak Truth in Love | FULL EPISODE |...

Speaking the truth in love is not easy. But we do have help if we tap into it.

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT GETTING OLDER

 Trying to relive my glory days by twirling baton in my back yard, recently contributed to a spine fracture

If I did this today, I would need a chiropractic appointment

By Danelle Carvell

In June this year, I will turn 60. I'm at that age where I like to reminisce about my younger days. I find myself flipping through old yearbooks or pulling shoe boxes from under the bed that are filled with photos from my past life. I don't know too many people who've said they love getting older, but it does have its perks.

FEWER INSECURITIES, MORE CONFIDENCE

The first good thing that comes to mind about getting older is the confidence I have today compared to when I was a teenager. I had things going for me back then, but I didn't recognize any of it. I recall looking at other girls and feeling inferior. I focused on every flaw I had. I wasn't one to speak my mind. I mostly stood in the background and watched others take charge. I would not have described myself as a leader back then. I was a quiet follower and not very good at standing up for myself when faced with any kind of unfair treatment. 

But all that changed as I grew older and more experienced in dealing with the trials and disappointments of life. I'm no longer afraid of confrontation. I don't hesitate to speak my mind. Being a leader doesn't scare me. I don't feel inferior to anyone. I've grown to recognize and appreciate my strengths and my abilities. I'm a  stronger, wiser, and more courageous person today because time taught me well. I learned a few things along the way and those lessons have enriched my life. 

OUTGROWING MY HANGUPS

Many things that bothered me years ago don't come close to being bothersome today. For example, I don't need my husband by my side every minute or get mad if he wants to go away for a few days. I've learned to be content on my own and that is a valuable lesson. When you realize that other people are not responsible for your happiness, it's very freeing for both yourself and whoever it is that you've been making demands on.

Depriving people of the things they enjoy just because it takes them away from you is selfish and a bit childish. I see a lot of young women making the mistake of suffocating their boyfriends or husbands by demanding too much of their time and attention. But as most women get older they learn to hold on loosely to the people they love. I think its one of the many good things that come from growing more confident in yourself and learning to like yourself. 

As women grow older they become comfortable in their own skin and that means needing less from other people because they are content with themselves. We start to care less about how other people see us. In my younger days I would have been tormented by any negative comment directed toward me, but today I wouldn't hesitate to tell that person exactly how I feel about their behavior, and if it continues, I would find a way to avoid them. I've learned that I don't need to tolerate hostility. If they don't like me, maybe the problem isn't me. Being young has a way of making us think that everything is our fault. 

Being young and immature also comes with a whole list of hangups--obsessing about our looks, wanting to control people, low self-esteem, sassy attitudes, out-of-control emotions and a mile-long list of insecurities that make us very unattractive. I look back on the younger version of me and the way I acted. Today I feel set-free because I learned not to waste my energy on childish behavior. My emotions have grown more intelligent. Life experience has taught me to relax. I would rather feel this way and look older than to look young and feel like that anxious stress ball from my teens and early twenties.

THE DESIRE TO SIMPLIFY MY LIFE AND ENJOY SIMPLE THINGS

My sister asked me what I did on New Year's Eve. She thought I went out to celebrate. I told her that I stayed home and went to bed early. She said she ate shrimp that night and then went to bed. Aren't we just the party sisters? As boring as that might sound to some people, I like that I'm satisfied doing simple things. I couldn't find that satisfaction when I was younger. I needed fun every weekend and I hated being at home. 

I also like how getting older brings a desire for less clutter in my life. I've thrown out so much stuff in the past two years because I'm tired of looking at it and I realize that I don't really need it. The less stuff you have, the less work it is to maintain that stuff. I have less clothes to wash. I don't need as much space for dishes and glassware because I threw out all but the basics. And I like the simplicity of a home that isn't packed full of boxes and cluttered with stuff. One of the best ways to bring peace to your mind and your life is to simplify your home and downsize to only the things you really need. 

MAKING BETTER CHOICES

Half the stress in my life when I was younger was caused by the bad choices I made. The term "young and dumb" definitely applied to me. I was more impulsive back then, which probably contributed to my very stupid decision to move to Florida with a girlfriend. It was a fun adventure, but it just wasn't smart because I knew in my heart that I wouldn't be happy there. I was running away from something, but wherever you go, there you are. My unhappiness followed me and what I really needed to change was not my geographical location. 

Today I'm better able to think things through before jumping in blindly. I ponder decisions and weigh the pros and cons. I've learned that choices have consequences and after getting knocked in the face with the fallout of so many young, dumb decisions, I hesitate to make major life changes or even small changes I might regret. I've learned to ask God if it's a good idea and then wait for an answer. I didn't consider that guidance in my younger days.

I'M SMARTER ABOUT MY CIRCLE

Some of the people I surrounded myself with when I was younger brought a lot of stress to my life. I wasn't great at knowing when someone wasn't good for me. Bad things would happen, but I would go right back for more with the same people over and over again. Some of those people were friends and some were boyfriends, but they all had one thing in common...I should have stayed far away from them.

One particular boyfriend could be the poster-child for my poor judge of character. He was a charmer and a good dancer with a great sense of humor. We laughed at the same things and because I love to dance I hung on to him longer than I should have. I loved the fun factor in him. But I should have known that you can't build a life on fun alone. The fun ended when I discovered that he had a flame burning for a former girlfriend and a bad habit that isn't legal. 

Today I don't tolerate such nonsense. I have a very keen sense about people now. I can know within a few minutes of talking to someone if I want to continue the conversation. I believe a big part of that discernment came from my spiritual growth. Being close to God gives you a wisdom about people like nothing else. And that wisdom can keep you out of trouble. My naive judgement in the people I spent time with is probably the biggest reason why I would never want to relive my youth. Nothing contributes more to being unhappy than 

bad choices about the people allowed in your circle. If you're part of my circle now, you must be pretty darn amazing!

I could go on with my list, but I guess I'll stop there. Getting older isn't such a bad thing. I no longer wake up  looking good without makeup. Things are sagging that used to be tight. My joints ache. I don't sleep like I once did. Laughing and sneezing can bring embarrassing consequences. And I don't have the energy I once had. But what I do have is a more relaxed mind, fabulous people in my circle, and an overall happier life. I'll take that over smooth skin anyday.

Study: Most of Vaccinated Die Because of Vax-induced Autoimmune Attacks on Their Own Organs

A recently published study suggests that nearly every COVID vaccine recipient who died within seven days to six months after inoculation likely died because of vaccine-induced autoimmune damage.

https://thenewamerican.com/study-most-of-vaccinated-die-because-of-vax-induced-autoimmune-attacks-on-their-own-organs/ 

BREAKING: Deadly Vax Lot Numbers IDENTIFIED, Still in Circulation!

Doctor Jane Ruby joins us for her first segment of the year. She says she has the receipts to show that vaccine toxicity varies by batch, and it’s possible to find out if the vaccine you’re being pressured to take is from one of the tainted batches.

https://rumble.com/vrvjfu-breaking-deadly-vax-lot-numbers-identified-still-in-circulation.html

Compilation Video Of Athletes Collapsing After Covid Vaccine

What is the common factor among all of the athletes around the world recently collapsing while playing on the field? They have all been vaccinated for Covid-19. The video starts at 1:40 if you want to skip the advertising.

https://freeworldnews.tv/watch?id=61d3a3d9c948194f4c14801e 

IRREFUTABLE EVIDENCE THE COVID-19 VACCINES ARE KILLING PEOPLE

It's very hard for me to understand how anyone can feel good about getting the Covid-19 vaccine. And encouraging others to go ahead and get it seems crazy, almost like telling someone to jump off a high cliff. How can you ignore the reputable doctors who are speaking out against this dangerous experimental therapy? How can you ignore the number of deaths and health injuries in people shortly after receiving the jab? How can you ignore the VAERS website where vaccine injuries are reported? The numbers are through the roof since this vaccine came out. And how can you be so complacent and refuse to stand up for your constitutional rights?

30,000 men and women will be purged from our military because they refused to get this shot. What sane nation would deliberately weaken its military this way? Think about it. If you don't think there is evil behind this vaccine, just look at the way they are using it to destroy people--their health , their jobs, their freedoms, and now destroying our country by weakening our military. People need to wake up. Perhaps the link below will open your eyes. 

https://rumble.com/vrpa6z-irrefutable-evidence-the-covid-19-vaccines-are-killing-people.html 

Wilderness survival: What to do if you get bitten by a snake

Keep these simple tips in mind if you’re ever bitten by a snake.

https://www.brighteon.com/9f76180e-1642-43a0-ba33-5fde2b35eb37 

WHAT DR MALONE COULD NOT TELL JOE ROGAN

Mike Adams adds commentary to the Joe Rogan interview that everyone is talking about. Scroll down to watch the full interview, which I posted underneath this one. 

https://www.brighteon.com/9f76180e-1642-43a0-ba33-5fde2b35eb37 

THE BIGGEST INTERVIEW OF 2021: JOE ROGAN TALKS TO DR ROBERT MALONE

Half a million Americans have died from the government's intentional blocking of early Covid treatments such as ivermectin and hydroxychloraquin.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3SCsueX2bZdbEzRtKOCEyT 

Trump’s Vaccine Strategy with Patel Patriot

In this episode, Sean Morgan interviews Patel patriot about part 15 of his devolution series. We cover every aspect of his article from Trump’s foreknowledge of the pandemic to his strategic governmental moves to counter it.

Come in at 3 minutes to get straight to the interview at the link below.

https://rumble.com/vrodjx-trumps-vaccine-strategy-with-patel-patriot-msom-ep.-406.html 

Amanda Grace Prophetic Word: There Shall Be An Even Bigger Wake Up Call ...

Kat Kerr Current Events Update December 29 2021

Top 3 things you should be doing this year to INCREASE your self-suffici...

Covid Genocide: Covid Is a Bioweapon Designed To Isolate Humanity and Create Fear

https://www.redvoicemedia.com/video/2021/12/covid-genocide-covid-is-a-bioweapon-designed-to-isolate-humanity-and-create-fear/

 

WATCH: JIM BREUER DOES HYSTERICAL FOUR MINUTES MOCKING PEOPLE STILL LIVING IN FEAR OF COVID

 If you want to start the new year with a good laugh, watch this video originally posted on instagram. 

https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/jim-breuer-comedy-fear

Mike Lindell Announces Major Court Filings – Dominion, Sidney Powell, Fox News, Propaganda & More [VIDEO]

To Lindell, the strides being made will hopefully lead to the revelation that the election was stolen from the American people. 

https://www.redvoicemedia.com/2021/12/mike-lindell-announces-major-court-filings-dominion-sidney-powell-fox-news-propaganda-more-video/?utm_source=right-rail-trending 

Here’s how to detox from the COVID spike protein – from the jab or the virus

https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/heres-how-to-detox-from-the-covid-spike-protein-from-the-jab-or-the-virus/ 

RedPill78 – Moves And Countermoves, In The End The [DS]/D Party Will Cease To Exist

RedPill78 – Moves And Countermoves, In The End The [DS]/D Party Will Cease To Exist

Masks purposely being forced on children to dumb them down by depriving their brains of oxygen

Masks purposely being forced on children to dumb them down by depriving their brains of oxygen: New research out of Brown University has found that children who are forced to distance from others and wear a mask all day long at school suffer brain damage and drastic declines in IQ. Dr. Mark McDonald, a clinical psychiatrist for children and adolescents, cited the Brown study in a recent interview with Cindy Drukier […]

A NEW WEAPON OF WAR

The Covid vaccine is an experimental therapy that is killing people and destroying their health as this video explains. People don't have time to produce videos like this for something that is not true. Open your mind and please watch. 

https://plandemicseries.com/ 

MY VIEW OF END TIMES THEOLOGY

Amanda Grace Talks..LIVE WITH CLAY: CHINA, PROPHECY AND TECHNOLOGY

Bait and Switch: There remains no FDA approved COVID vaccine in the United States

There is currently no fully authorized COVID-19 vaccine available in the United States today, and this reality has been attacked relentlessly by the corporate press. "Fact checkers" at Newsweek, USA Today, Reuters the Associated Press, and elsewhere peddled false information to cover up this absolute fact. If you take the COVID vaccine, you are part of a human experiment.

https://dossier.substack.com/p/bait-and-switch-there-remains-no 

The above link will tell you why Pfizer, Moderna, and others are working relentlessly to authorize their products for children, who face near-zero risk from COVID-19, but continue to showcase alarming side effects from the vaccine.

Mel K & Truth Warrior Dr. Christiane Northrup On The War On Women, Children & Fertility 12-29-21

Mel welcomes back her friend and fellow front line warrior for an important discussion on the medical industrial complexes war on humanity. Like lambs to the slaughter, women are unknowingly destroying their health and the health of their children.

https://rumble.com/vrly9h-northrup.html 

Amanda Grace Talks...A POWERFUL WORD FROM THE LORD: STRIKES AND FETTERS

Come in at 15 minutes to get straight to Amanda's word from the Lord.

More hospital nurses blow whistle on “overwhelming” number of heart attacks, blood clots occurring in the fully vaccinated

More hospital nurses blow whistle on “overwhelming” number of heart attacks, blood clots occurring in the fully vaccinated: There is a wave of vaccine-induced illnesses sweeping Southern California hospitals, and a few brave nurses have come forward to talk about it. In Ventura County, located to the north of Los Angeles, cases of “unexplained” heart problems, strokes and blood clotting are skyrocketing at area hospitals. And many local doctors are refusing to link […]

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY MAKES LIFE BETTER

         Making a gingerbread house with my granddaughters was a special memory this Christmas

I can't imagine my life without children and grandchildren, how boring it would be. I would hope that if I didn't have children I would find other ways to enrich my life and fill it with joy, fun and laughter. Perhaps I would volunteer to serve Christmas meals to people in need or visit elderly people who don't have a family to visit them over the holidays. 

I should probably do those things anyway, but I haven't made the commitment. It's on my list. I have an ongoing list of things I want to do to help others, things I want to improve about myself,  things I want to include in my life so I can be more like Jesus and be a better influence for the kingdom of God. 

Does anyone ever reach the point of being all they could be? I forever feel like I should be doing more, trying harder, and accomplishing bigger things that will last for eternity. I know that God puts this desire in my heart. Where else would it come from? He is my inner voice, the one that corrects me when I say and do things I shouldn't, and the voice that guides me toward becoming all He created me to be. 

There's a part of my brain that I wish I could turn off. It's the part that holds my regrets, my embarrassments, the memories of all my bad choices, and the things I wish I could do over. I won't talk about those things because it makes no sense to talk about what you'd like to forget. I think the best way to keep that bad stuff out of your thoughts is to fill your life with speaking and doing good things that help and encourage people.

The place to start is with my choice of words. I've been really hard on people since the Covid scare started. I had no fear of the virus from the very start, so I couldn't understand why people were panicking and doing the things they were doing. But I learned that not everyone is at the same point on their spiritual journey. It took me a long time to get where I am spiritually, so I need to let others advance at their own pace too. 

I think that people have learned a lot in the past two years. I learned to be more empathetic to others when they don't understand what's really happening in the world, and when they don't understand and apply the promises of God to their lives. I ask for Holy-Spirit-led discernment and that's why I had no fear of Covid.  But not everyone understands the power in that, so they don't ask for that discernment. 

And to understand what's really happening in the world, you must understand the power of the media and how corrupt some news sources really are. Trump started the term "fake news" because many sources of news are biased toward a certain political push, and they use that platform to influence listeners. They have an agenda and everything they report or don't report is for the purpose of pushing that political mindset. In other words, they use fake news networks to brainwash people. Even if they must lie to accomplish their goal, they are more than willing to lie for the "greater good" of forcing people to think as they think. 

Those who aren't willing to admit how evil our world has become are the ones living in the dark right now. They are the ones most easily influenced by global health scares and they are the ones most willing to follow strict rules, no matter how intrusive or oppressive. They have a long way to go on their spiritual journeys, and we can't help them by making them feel stupid or laughing at how naive we think they are. I have done both those things in the past two years and I'm trying to change my approach. 

If you don't know the Bible and the history in it, you may not recognize evil. If you don't follow true news sources, then you can't know what's really happening in the world. If you don't have the discernment of the Holy Spirit, you can't weed out truth from falsehoods. And if you don't dwell on the promises of God, you will make decisions based on fear. This is why people have been battling with one another. It's a spiritual battle. And every person that I conflicted with over Covid has been someone who needs to grow spiritually. 

God loves people who need to grow spiritually just as much as he loves those who are spiritually mature. And we need to remember that. We need to extend the love and grace of God to everyone, no matter how far along they are on their spiritual journey. I have yet to arrive at my destination. If I were already there, I would have nothing left to learn. I'm grateful that the more spiritually advanced people don't criticize my progress and make me feel inadequate. Everyone is behind someone, so we shouldn't laugh at the person behind unless we want to be laughed at by the person in front. 

With a new year approaching, now is the time to look back on the past year and take inventory of the lessons we learned and apply those lessons toward making life better for ourselves and others. If you've been accused of not knowing what's really going on in the world, take some time to look into that claim. Maybe God is speaking to you and encouraging you to do some research or change your source for world news. If you've been living in fear, maybe you need to get out your Bible and dwell on the promises of God . If you're having a hard time knowing what is true and what is false or who speaks truth and who is being deceptive, then ask for Godly discernment. The Bible says that God gives wisdom to all who ask for it.

If there's one thing that will make your life better in the coming year, it's focusing on your spiritual journey. So many people suffer unnecessarily because they don't invest time or energy in God's plan for their lives. So God allows them to stumble and struggle and continue wondering why they can't ever get ahead of their troubles. Nothing changes until they decide to turn toward Him. And those are the people with the most powerful testimonies. They become walking proof that we are all on a spiritual journey and life is so much better when we stop relying on our own strength to get there. 

 

 
 

Study: At least 400,000 people in America have died from covid “vaccines”

Study: At least 400,000 people in America have died from covid “vaccines”: Columbia University researchers have found that the true death count from Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) “vaccination” is substantially higher than the official figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC claims that only 20,000 people have died from Fauci Flu injections, but Columbia’s underreporting factor estimates that 20 times that number, […]

Dr. Eric Nepute: Biden, Fauci, CDC are lying to Americans again (VIDEO)

COME IN AT 4:30 on the video to get straight to the good stuff at the link below.

Dr. Eric Nepute: Biden, Fauci, CDC are lying to Americans again: Dr. Eric Nepute told the public that the Joe Biden administration, Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are lying again to the American people. “This is the biggest bunch of lies that I’ve ever seen. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that you’ve been lied […]

AMERICA IS NOW AN EVIL COMMUNIST EMPIRE

 “We are under communism, period, no debate about it. We don’t have a constitutional republic right now. So the only question before us is will we restore the constitutional republic that we inherited and which we’ve squandered? Ever since the mid-20th century, we’ve allowed it to weaken because people won’t stand for their constitutional rights.

“We have given up on it. We’re not living by our constitution today, because we the people, each individual citizen, will not assert their rights, the rights that they have under the Constitution.”

https://www.afinalwarning.com/580766.html

A ROUGH YEAR FOR REPORTING THE NEWS, and it's not over yet

President Trump is tripling down on pushing the vax, as he tells the public he has had his CV19 booster shot.  Trump is still taking full credit for “Operation Warp Speed” that he says “saved millions of lives.”  Who cares if there are more vaccine deaths and injuries by orders of magnitude for the CV19 experimental jabs than all vaccines combined in the past 30 years.  Does it work?  Not if you consider, just this week, that Senators Warren and Booker got their CV19 booster (third shot) and both are now sick with Covid.  Triple vaxed Jim Cramer, who wants forced vaccinations on all Americans, also just came down with Covid.  It does not stop Covid, but it certainly works for profits for the vaccine makers.  That much is for sure.

My Christmas message is bittersweet.  It’s been a heavy year for reporting the real news.  What is coming at us is going to be rough even if people like data analyst Clif high are only half right.  The CV19 injections cause permanent damage, and almost everyone has a family member who got vaxed.  The sad realization is there is no reversing this experimental jab.  The main reason is the graphene stays in your system forever and acts like razorblades throughout your body until you die.  The mainstream media intentionally misinformed people, and the psyop was intense.  Many have been scared into taking it or simply think if they comply and get injected, they will get their life back.  Of course, it is just the opposite.

So, the Christmas message is simply enjoy the birth of our Lord and Savior, live in the now and do not fear.  Jesus is real and he loves us dearly.

https://usawatchdog.com/trump-triples-down-on-vax-gregs-christmas-message/ 

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION AND FIGHT FOR THEM

The military is kicking people out who refuse the Covid vaccine. This interview explains why this is an illegal action for any business or organization. I pray that people come together, hire an attorney and push class action lawsuits on every place that is doing this. This is criminal activity that is completely illegal and unconstitutional and these people need to be called out for their crimes. 

https://rumble.com/vrbacl-live-must-see-the-stew-peters-show-exposing-truth-shining-light-into-darkne.html 

100 Years of Conspiracy to Destroy American Freedom (must-see video)

https://freeworldnews.tv/watch?id=61c33fad5ba039303b972710 

Emergency update from Adams – Biden’s promised “winter of severe illness and death” is coming true, and here are the states that will see the highest death rates

https://www.afinalwarning.com/580136.html 

INTELLIGENCE BRIEFING WITH ROBIN AND STEVE - EPISODE 31

The best part of this video is the end. If you're short on time, go to 1:19 and catch the last twelve minutes.

WE WILL SEE WITH OUR EYES WHAT OUR EARS HAVE ONLY HEARD

Ep 2656b – Proof To Begin 11.3, Iron Eagle, Long Term Solutions In Place, Knockout Punch Coming

Ep 2656b – Proof To Begin 11.3, Iron Eagle, Long Term Solutions In Place, Knockout Punch Coming: 📲 Get The Fastest No-Log VPN Today: 📲 https://www.virtualshield.com/x22 Start Today For FREE for 30 days ^^ Click Above The [DS] is panicking like never

THOUSANDS Turn Out to See President Trump in Houston -- AMAZING VIDEO!

THOUSANDS Turn Out to See President Trump in Houston -- AMAZING VIDEO!: Tens of thousands of Trump supporters turned out to see President Trump with Bill O’Reilly on their History Tour in Houston, Texas. The Tokyo Center in Houston holds over 19,000 at capacity. Who else can get this type of crowd today? Watch two quick videos at the above link to get a glimpse.

Amanda Grace Talks..A POWERFUL, MIGHTY, AND TIMELY WORD FROM THE LORD

This video starts out choppy, but is quickly fixed.

THEIR EVIL AGENDA IS FALLING APART (VIDEO)

 Everywhere you look you see failing narratives.  On the Covid front, they are telling people to get the boosters.  They have gotten two shots already and they are getting Covid.  Another study out of Israel this week says natural immunity is better than injections.  Another study out of Harvard a few weeks ago says the same thing.  Now, the CDC is admitting that 80% of the Omicron cases are with the “Fully Vaxed.”  33% of those cases are with people vaxed and boostered. YouTube just censored a video from Joe Rogan with cardiologist Dr. Peter McCullough warning about how the Deep State is stopping treatments like Ivermectin that work.  The censorship from YouTube has now become part of the failing narrative and is a big story in and of itself.  Now there is this video that showing young athletes dropping from heart attacks after being vaxed.  You cannot hide this.

The entire narrative is falling apart, and Joe Biden keeps losing in court for his precious mandates for experimental vaccines for everyone.  In pro sports, the NFL is fighting new Covid cases by the dozens, and the organization is at least 95% vaxed.  It was just announced that the problem was so bad that the NFL is cancelling some games this weekend.  Their answer to the Covid problem they cannot hide?  More shots are required, and that means getting a booster and more of what does not work.  There are also many new videos of soccer players falling to the ground and grabbing their chests.  They are all vaxed up and having public heart problems while playing a game.  There is nothing to see here.  It’s all just a coincidence as some of the mainstream media tries to explain away why young people in the prime of physical condition are having heart problems after being vaxed.

On the financial front, the temporary or “transitory” inflation has changed to “persistent,” according to Fed Head Jay Powell.  He says he’s going to fight inflation and, yet, passes on raising rates off the near 0% mark this week.  His anti-inflation narrative is failing too, and that means much more inflation is on the way.  Either way, many are going to end up poor. watch the video at the link below.

https://usawatchdog.com/evil-globalist-narratives-failing-everywhere/

RECEIVING A PROPHET'S REWARD by Johnny Enlow

As Steve Shultz interviews Johnny Enlow, he will be discussing current prophetic revelation including the Prophet’s Rewards that are about to be paid! God lifts up prophets and speaks through them so that people will repent of their wrongdoings. When God says it's time to receive rewards, then something is about to be over. 

Johnny says that Donald Trump is operating behind the scenes as a global president with more government authority than anyone else.

https://rumble.com/vqwwf4-johnny-enlow-recieving-a-prophets-reward.html 

PREPARING FOR WHAT’S AHEAD

FlashPoint: It’s Unraveling! Mike Lindell, Lance Wallnau, Hank Kunneman,...

FlashPoint: Don't Quit, Have Faith! | Lou Uridel 12/16/21

Latest VAERS estimate: 388,000 Americans killed by the COVID vaccines

Latest VAERS estimate: 388,000 Americans killed by the COVID vaccines: My estimate of the VAERS under-reporting factor (URF) at 41 was based on anaphylaxis rates reported in the Blumenthal paper published in JAMA. (Article by Steve Kirsch republished from SteveKirsch.Substack.com) I have argued that the anaphylaxis rate is an appropriate number to use to (under) estimate deaths because I believed that deaths would be less reported than anaphylaxis to VAERS […]

Anthony Fauci SUPPRESSED effective treatments against COVID-19 to benefit Big Pharma – Brighteon.TV

Anthony Fauci SUPPRESSED effective treatments against COVID-19 to benefit Big Pharma – Brighteon.TV: White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci suppressed effective treatments against the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) to get the emergency use authorizations (EUA) for the experimental and deadly vaccines railroaded through the government. This prevented Big Pharma from being challenged by cheap and effective medications that could have prevented them from profiting off the pandemic. Lawyer, […]

PROOF THE PANDEMIC WAS A COORDINATED PLANNED EFFORT FOR MASS VACCINATION

Joe Rogan: So you believe this is a premeditated thing that they were doing. In order to get people enthusiastic about taking this vaccine, the best way to do that was to not have a protocol for treatment.

All the effective treatments for COVID 19 have been withheld from the public. They did that so people would opt to get vaccinated. Every vaccine lines the pockets of Big Pharma. If you do your research you will also see that the vaccines are killing people. 

The evil behind this PLANdemic is being exposed through books, interviews, and videos like this one. Everyone will eventually have to admit that we've been had. 

https://www.redvoicemedia.com/2021/12/theres-proof-the-pandemic-was-coordinated-planned-effort-for-mass-vaccination-dr-mccullough-video/ 

TIME TO ARREST THE COVID TYRANTS AND BE COMPENSATED FOR THE HARM FROM THEIR CRIMES

Karen Kingston says that public officials are committing felony crimes by pushing vaccine mandates. The governor of your state does not have a right to mandate masks.This was my argument when I was fired for refusing to wear a mask at work. 

But even worse, no one has the right to force the injection of a vaccine that is killing people worldwide. People need to be educated about the rights that they have through our constitution. I could sue my workplace for what they did to me and I predict that attorneys will be very busy with lawsuits over the next few years.

https://www.redvoicemedia.com/2021/12/time-to-arrest-covid-tyrants-notice-public-officials-are-committing-felony-crimes/?utm_source=right-rail-trending 

THE DAYS AHEAD WILL BE EXCITING, NOT TROUBLING

 Donna will be discussing profound prophetic words from the Lord about exciting days ahead, God’s glory is moving on the earth and great changes are coming to our nation. 

We are living in a time similar to the biblical Exodus. People are crying out to be delivered from oppression. God is moving to do exactly that!

https://rumble.com/vqwqdc-donna-rigney-the-days-ahead-will-be-excitingnot-troubling.html 

WOMAN LOSES BOTH LEGS FROM BLOOD CLOTS AFTER COVID VACCINE

 Earlier this year we spoke with Jummai Nache on this program. Nache is one of the most heartbreaking cases we’ve seen of harm caused by this vaccine they’re trying to force into everybody. Nache got the shot in order to keep her hospital job. Instead, the same hospital that forced her to get the shot ended up amputating both of her legs after her entire body was riddled with nearly-fatal blood clots. Jummai Nache’s life has been destroyed. But Congress gave all the Big Pharma companies blanket immunity for the damage caused by their vaccines. So, thanks to Congress, there is no chance that she’ll be able to hold Pfizer accountable. Or is there?

Paul Sheridan says that anyone who continues to push the vaccine mandate will be held accountable as being complicit in criminal activity. 

https://rumble.com/vqpxyf-beyond-willful-misconduct-bioweapon-victims-demand-shutdown-of-vaxx-program.html

A WARNING FROM KAT AND ANSWERS ABOUT HEAVEN

The foundation of the deep state is crumbling.People are stepping down from important positions because they are being exposed. If you are involved in dark activity that you know is wrong, now is the time to repent Kat Kerr warns. Get out of the darkness while you can, distance yourself from it or your wrongdoing will be exposed for all to see.  

https://rumble.com/vqucy2-wednesdays-with-kat-and-steve-episode-55.html