FASCINATED BY OTHER WOMEN'S LIVES

Lately I've been wondering why Germany and Denmark are the biggest audience of my blog.  I assume that it's the women of Germany and Denmark that are reading, so I also began to wonder what life is like for women in those countries and why they would be interested in what an American girl thinks.

While searching for answers, I came across an article written in Life Magazine in 1957.  The article opens with this paragraph:  "To people of all lands, the American woman is the world's most fascinating creature.  They have never seen anything like her.  And they look at her with every shade of emotion, from love to horror."

The above comment agrees with something my husband shared recently.  He also read an article that claimed women in other countries are very interested in the lives of American women.  When he told me this I didn't think much of it, but suddenly I'm intrigued.  Why is the American woman a fascinating creature to the rest of the world, and what shade of emotion do foreign women feel when they learn about our lives?

Perhaps the best way to answer that question is to learn what life is like for women in other countries. Now I'm the one who's fascinated by the women of Denmark after doing some research about what life is like for women there.  The last link below is a blog written by a woman who lives in Denmark.  The second link is a video with great photos of Denmark.  And the first link is an article about why women in Denmark are so happy.

I think I want to move to Denmark.  American women should be fascinated by their lives, not the other way around.  The only thing I don't like is their attitude about marriage.  Many women don't think it's necessary.  Check out the links below and discover what a day in the life of a Denmark woman is like.  I think that maybe all women are fascinated by other women's lives.  It's just neat to see how other people live.

http://www.oprah.com/world/Inside-the-Lives-of-Women-Around-the-World

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/interactive/2009/jul/03/denmark-cycling-short-breaks-summer

http://www.connectingthedots.dk/

TIME WILL TELL

If you were standing at a vantage point where you saw a train coming, and from that same point you saw a crowd sitting on the tracks ahead... a noisy crowd that is unaware of the fast approaching train....Would you do everything you could to warn them?


I often ask myself why so many people are talking about a coming economic collapse if there's nothing to it?  Why would they waste their time writing these articles and making videos?   These are intelligent men and women with an understanding of the economy and how it works.  Tony Robbins, Donald Trump, Ben Stein, Grant Jeffrey, Gerald Celente and now Robert Kiyosaki. 

You may not recognize all the names, but there's an invitation to do your own research.  Kiyosaki is recognized as a financial expert.  He made his living teaching people how to get rich, but now he's changing his tune and warning people to prepare for what's coming.

When I post these articles again and again, I think of the bible verse, "Commit your work to the Lord and your thoughts will be established."  Whenever we do God's work, He establishes our thoughts.  Could this be why I feel compelled to pass on these warnings?  Time will tell.  The article below contains both an article to read and a video to watch. 

http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/rich-dad-poor-dad-prepper-dad-even-rober-kiyosaki-is-warning-that-an-economic-collapse-is-coming

DENTED CANS, BE SAFE NOT SORRY

After writing about a well-stocked pantry in my last post, I came across some good information about dented cans.  Some of you may be buying  price-reduced dented cans to stock your pantry.  This article answers the question "Are dented cans safe?" and it tells you what to look for to avoid getting sick from food in a dented can that has lost its seal.  This is good to know because we can bring dented cans home without realizing until later.  So take a few minutes to read up on this valuable info.

http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2011/02/are-dented-cans-dangerous/

THE PRUDENT SURVIVE

I came across this website when I was researching what a family should have in a well-stocked pantry.  This woman knows because her family was forced to live on the food she had stored away when they found themselves with no income for several months.  It's a wonderful story of how God provides and it will inspire you to also have a well-stocked pantry.  Just click on the Encouragement label on the left side of the page and then click on "this time of trial" in the first paragraph.

You'll also find some creative ways to save money under the Shopping Wisely label.  And you'll want to check out all the great links you'll find within the Kitchen Garden label.  Take some time to explore this wonderful site.  It's also listed under Home and Health Links at the right side of my page.

http://theprudenthomemaker.com/Encouragement.aspx

PA STATE LAUREL FESTIVAL 2011

Every year in June, the sweet little town of Wellsboro celebrates the blooming of our state flower with the annual PA State Laurel Festival.  I say sweet because Wellsboro is one of the few towns in PA that I would love to live in.  Charming shoppes, streets lined with gaslights, and its own theatre are a few of its attractions. 

I planned a short vacation around the Laurel Festival and I wasn't disappointed.  The weather was summer perfect and the festival and parade were the highlight of our three-day weekend.  Held on the green in downtown Wellsboro, the weeklong event included a juried arts and crafts fair, queens pageant, concerts, and a two-hour parade.   

We drank three rounds of old fashioned soda pop straight from the tap after buying a metal mug that kept each flavor ice cold... orange, birch, and vanilla cream...yum.  When it came to food, the selection was overwhelming, but the smokey smell of bar-b-que meat enticed our taste buds.  I chose bison and my husband chose pork.  As Emeril says, "Pork fat rules."

It was a fun weekend full of color, flavor, blue skies and warmth.  What more could you want from a summer vacation?

 

Mountain Laurel, the flower responsible for all this fun

Master Minstrel Jerry Brown of Lancaster has a monkey on his back

My daughter loved this booth

Spoon flowers

Hand blown glass bubbles

He was surrounded by children all day

No Plain Plates can hang out here

Buy the mug,  free refills all day

The centerpiece of the park

She couldn't stop touching the curly ribbons hanging from her flowery headpiece

Parade ready... rain or shine

The lovely town of Wellsboro awaits a parade.  They set their chairs out the night before.

Uncle Sam on stilts

One of the many bands that entertained the crowd

Checking out the candy stash

Pretty girls in colorful dresses represented high schools from all over PA

Clowns love a parade

Bagpipe players

REASONS TO LOVE SUMMER (Strawberry pie recipe)

Strawberry pie.  There's a reason to love summer.  And the best strawberry pie in my neck of the woods can be found at the annual "Hill Church" strawberry festival near Berrysburg, PA.  You have to get there early if you want a pie.  They were flying off the table as fast as workers could replace them today.  But at some point there are no more pies to replace the disappearing ones and people walk away very disappointed.

Strawberries are one of the best things about summer.  This year I made sure that we can enjoy them year round.  My freezer shelves are stocked with jam and strawberries for summer smoothies and daiquiris.  I also made jars of regular strawberry preserves (below) which I eat straight from the jar it's so scrumptious.  There's nothing like a fresh sweet strawberry and the season is at its peak right now in Pennsylvania.  Don't miss it!

And here's a recipe for strawberry pie that my sister-in-law gave me.  She said it was delicious. 

ARE YOU READY

http://www.shtfplan.com/headline-news/gerald-celente-collapse-it%E2%80%99s-coming-are-you-ready_06132011

HOME IS WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS

By Danelle Carvell

"'...WHEREVER YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART WILL ALSO BE."
                                                                                                                                   Matthew 6:19-21

Why do people spend a lifetime hoarding earthly treasure when they know that their cars, houses, and savings are only temporary?  Jesus discouraged us from becoming captives of this world and its fleeting pleasures because he knew the nature of Heaven and the rewards that await us there.  Yet how many of us are storing up eternal treasures?  Aren't we more concerned with earthly treasures?

"Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.  Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy and thieves do not break in and steal.  Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."  Matthew 6:19-21


Many Christians don't even realize that they will be judged for their works here on earth and they will be rewarded for every word they speak and every deed they do here on earth.  This isn't judgment for our sin.  Christ paid the price for that.  We will be judged on our conduct as Christians and judged for what we accomplished for God's kingdom.  If our conduct is pleasing to God, we will receive eternal rewards.  In other words, we can store up treasure in Heaven by the things we say and do here today on earth. 

"For we must all stand before Christ to be judged.  We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body." - 2 Corinthians 5:10


Do you believe that everyone will have equal standing in Heaven?  Jesus answers that question twice in the book of Matthew:

1) "So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven.  But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of Heaven."  Matthew 5:19

2) "But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then."  Matthew 19:30


Heaven is a place of justice.  How can some be "greatest" while others are "least" if everyone has the same status in Heaven?  The truth is, your conduct right now is either earning you great status and rewards in Heaven or it's earning you no eternal rewards.


Did you know that there is a reward given to those who eagerly await the promised return of Jesus Christ?  The crown of righteousness is given to those who live every day with the constant expectation that Christ could return at any moment.  " And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.  And the prize is not just for me, but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."  2 Timothy 4:8

Do you share the gospel of Christ with others whenever you have the opportunity?  If so, you will receive the crown of rejoicing when you get to Heaven.  If others have become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ because of your efforts, this crown will be awarded to you.


Have you been placed in a position of authority and responsibility?  Do others look to you for guidance and Are you a good example to them?  If you are focused on serving God, not yourself and if your motives and your heart are pure, you will receive a crown of glory and honor.  Leading people by your own good example is something God values highly and a special crown is reserved for those who do so.

Do you want the crown of victory?  Then train yourself to overcome the desires of the flesh.  Break the power of the temptations of this world.  

And if you endure persecution, suffering, or martyrdom for Jesus Christ, and if the world mocks and ridicules you, then you will receive the crown of life.  This crown is reserved for those who love Jesus more than their own lives.  They are willing to look foolish to the world in order to follow Him. 

Home is where your treasure is.  Are you storing up earthly treasures or heavenly treasures?  Are you making your home here on a temporary earth or are you investing in your eternal home and your eternal rewards?

A REASON OUR WORLD IS A MESS?

One of my favorite subjects to write about is the wonderful things that happen when women support and encourage each other. There seems to be something in our nature that makes this difficult at times. Even women who claim to be great friends can find themselves at odds with each other when they lose their spiritual focus and adopt the world's mentality.

Why do girls and women secretly despise and envy one another?  Because they've lost their spiritual focus.  They are tuned into the world's mentality...a  world that says, "Gotta be the best, Gotta keep up with the Joneses, Gotta outshine all the rest." 

Women compete for many reasons. Sometimes they compete for men. Other times they compete for a job position. Instead of seeing ourselves as on the same team, we become rivals and it's one of the saddest things to watch take place between women.

When I was younger, I was guilty of seeing other women as rivals. I remember putting myself on a pedestal because I had a job as a mother, while a friend of mine stayed home with her child and had no income. I made critical comments that probably made her feel worthless. I saw myself as the woman who could do it all while my friend seemed weak and lazy.  I was thinking as the world thinks and my thinking was so twisted. I didn't realize then that my friend was fulfilling the role God gave her.

And now that I'm a self-employed stay-at-home wife and mom, I hear the same comments being made about me.  Women have all kinds of suggestions for me about how I can improve my life.  One woman literally gave me a headache with her ongoing ideas about how I could fill my days and my wallet.  But I don't want her life.  That's not the plan God has for me.  And that's the part she doesn't get.

We seem to have forgotten in this culture that women still have the right to choose where they want to be and what they want to do with their lives.  While I was criticizing my friend for devoting all her time to motherhood, I should have been admiring her. Maybe we can't all be stay-at-home moms, but we can realize that motherhood is God's high calling for a woman and we can choose to give that role the respect that it deserves.  Stay-at-home moms often make many sacrifices to be at home.  We should respect the choices they make.

Women are the glue that holds families together. If women can't support each other, is there any hope for society?  Perhaps the lack of support and encouragement among women is one of the reasons our world is such a mess.  The article below gives examples of society's mess and it's also proof that the love of many is growing cold, which is one of the signs of the last days.


18 Signs The Collapse Of Society Is Accelerating
from The Economic Collapse Blog

As the U.S. economy collapses, the thin veneer of civilization that we all take for granted is going to begin to disappear.  In fact, there are already an increasing number of signs that the collapse of society is accelerating.  In cities such as Chicago, roving packs of young people are "mob robbing" local businesses, randomly assaulting tourists and shoppers and are even pulling people out of vehicles.  This isn't just happening in the "bad areas" anymore. Over the past couple of months this type of crime has been common in some of the wealthiest areas of Chicago.  In fact, many Chicago residents are now referring to "the Magnificent Mile" as "the Mug Mile".

But it isn't just in Chicago that this is happening.  During this past Memorial Day weekend, cities all over the United States experienced a stunning wave of mass violence.  We are supposed to be an "example" for the rest of the world, but as our economic wealth crumbles we are witnessing the collapse of society all around us.  So what is going to happen when the economy gets even worse?
The United States used to be a fairly civilized society.  But now very few people seem to care how they treat others.  That is even the case with our own government.  As you will see below, the government is now sending SWAT teams in and dragging people out of their homes over unpaid student loans.
 
So if the government is going to be so brutal, what kind of message does that send to our young people?
Today our young people are facing a future that looks incredibly bleak.  It is hard to have faith in the "system" when the "system" simply does not work any longer.
What are you supposed to say to a young person when you know very well that there are no jobs and that there is very little hope?

Most Americans don't understand what is causing the collapse of the economy, but most of them do have a sinking feeling that something has seriously gone wrong.
For the last few years the American people have waited patiently for our politicians to "fix things", but they have not gotten the job done.
Instead, our economic situation is still declining.
So now frustration is starting to boil over, and it is only going to get worse.

The following are 18 signs that the collapse of society is accelerating....
#1 In a brand new article, Janet Tavakoli has vividly described the wave of shocking violence that is currently sweeping the city of Chicago.  What she says is happening to Chicago right now is beyond alarming....

This year, all hell has broken loose in downtown Chicago. Years of under-hiring have resulted in a police force that is unprepared for wildings and gang violence. Moreover, concealed carry in Chicago is illegal, unless one follows the Constitution.
Tourists and residents have been attacked by mobs of youths on buses, on beaches, on bicycle paths, near the shops of the Magnificent Mile, and outside their homes. Mobs of shoplifters plagued "Mug Mile" stores.

Terror has descended on many of the wealthiest areas of Chicago.  Some are even calling on Chicago residents to completely avoid areas like the Magnificent Mile during the weekends until more police are brought in.
Mobs of young people are "swarming" retail stores, assaulting shoppers and pedestrians and even pulling people out of their cars.
The following is one eyewitness account of the "wildings" in Chicago that Tavakoli included in her recent article....

At about 11pm last Friday night, June 3rd, I heard shouting, screaming, horns blaring and tires screeching from my apartment...When I looked out my window to the street below I saw a crowd of about 20 young people...directly across the street from the entrance to my building. They were leaning on parked cars and clogging the street. They were screaming at people walking and driving by. I watched them stop vehicles, including taxi cabs, and pull people from the vehicles...It was a frightening scene and I was sure someone was going to be hurt.

#2 If you don't pay your student loans you may find yourself getting dragged out of your home by a SWAT team.
You doubt this?
The following is how an article in The Daily Mail recently described one recent SWAT team raid in California that was apparently ordered by the Department of Education....

A father was dragged from his home and handcuffed in front of his children by a SWAT team looking for his estranged wife - to collect her unpaid student loans.
A stunned Kenneth Wright had his front door kicked in by the raiding party at 6 am yesterday before being dragged onto his front porch, handcuffed and led to a police car with his three children.
He says he was then detained for six hours while officers looked for his wife - who no longer lives at the house.

#3 One town in Connecticut was forced to shut down a beautiful new fountain because too many people were using it as a toilet.
 #4 This most recent Memorial Day weekend, cities all over America literally turned into war zones.  There were reports of mass violence in Miami, New York, Chicago, Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, Nashville and Boston among other places.
If you want to see video of some of the violence in Miami as it was happening, you can view it here.  The video is quite disturbing so please don't let any small children view it.
 #5 One of the hottest books in America right now is a "children's book" entitled "Go The F*k To Sleep".
 #6 A teenage girl in Washington state recently shot her Dad with a hunting bow because he took away her cell phone.
#7 In New York City, one 32-year-old man was recently charged with sexually assaulting an 85-year-old woman.
#8 Democratic strategist James Carville recently made national headlines when he told talk show host Don Imus the following....

"You know, look — this is a humanitarian — you know, you’re smart enough to see this . . . People, you know, if it continues, we’re going to start to see civil unrest in this country. I hate to say that, but I think it’s imminently possible."

#9 According to one new study, the percentage of U.S. households that contain a married couple with children has fallen from 44.3% in 1960 to 20.2% today.
#10 In Atlanta, two dozen teens recently violently assaulted two Delta flight attendants on a train for no apparent reason.  The following is how a local Atlanta newspaper described the attacks....

Their "Clockwork Orange" style blitz was over soon after it began. The teens boarded the train, headed to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, at the Garnett station a little after midnight seemingly intent on instilling fear. They succeeded.
“There was blood everywhere, people were hollering and screaming,” a witness told Channel 2 Action News. “We were intimidated. People were terrified. People were trying to run. But there was nowhere to run.”

#11 Federal prosecutors in Indianapolis have announced that they have broken up one of the largest child pornography rings ever discovered.  It was based in Bloomington, Indiana.
Are any small towns still safe?
#12 Barack Obama's food safety chief is defending armed raids of raw milk producers (including a raid on an Amish farmer) and he says that the FDA will "keep doing our public health job".
#13 In Florida, a 45-year-old Polk County sheriff's deputy has been charged with strapping children to a desk and spanking them with sex toys.
#14 In Sioux City, Iowa a 41 year old man recently walked into the office where his boss worked and beat the living daylights out of him.  The boss suffered four chipped teeth and needed surgery to repair his nose.  Apparently the boss was planning to fire the man.
#15 A 20-year-old woman in Oklahoma has been charged with killing the family cat and using the blood as part of a costume she planned to wear to a Lady Gaga concert.
#16 McDonald's recently held a "National Hiring Day" and about a million Americans showed up to apply for jobs at McDonald's restaurants all around the nation.  Well, in Cleveland a horrible fight broke out between some girls and it ended up with three people being run over by a car.  You can view video of this incident right here.  Please do not watch the video if you are sensitive to graphic violence.
#17 All over the United States, vicious restaurant brawls have been erupting with alarming frequency and many of them are being posted up on YouTube for the world to see.  You can see one example of this phenomenon right here.
#18 From coast to coast, "mob robbing" has become a very disturbing trend.
So what is a "mob robbing"?
Well, basically dozens of young people storm into a store together, grab whatever they want, and storm back out again.
Recent examples of this have been caught on video in Washington D.C. and in Las Vegas.
So does anyone still doubt that we are starting to see the collapse of society?
Sadly, things are going to get a whole lot worse.
In response to a recent article entitled "The Coming Economic Hell For American Families", a frequent commenter on my site known as "El Pollo De Oro" left the following comment about the collapse of society that is beginning to unfold....

Yes, it’s going to be VERY violent in The Banana Republic of America. Carjacking, kidnapping, drug trafficking, armed robbery and murder for hire will be major growth industries in the BRA when millions of formerly middle class Americans, now the neo-poor/neo-peasants, become increasingly desperate. The horrifying violence in Mexico will become a fact of life on this side of the border, the brutal kidnappings of the Philippines and Papua New Guinea will plague the BRA as well. Formerly middle class Americans who find themselves living in shantytown slums won’t like their new accommodations, and many of them will turn to violent crime in the hope of improving their miserable circumstances.

The truth is that about the only thing keeping our society together has been the unprecedented affluence that we have been enjoying over the past few decades.
Once that affluence is gone, the true character of the American people will come out, and we may not like what we see.
That is one reason why I pound on the economic crisis this nation is facing day after day.  Once our wealth is gone, there is going to be chaos in the streets of America.
So what are you seeing in your area of the country?  Do you see signs that the collapse of society is accelerating where you live?  Please feel free to leave a comment with your opinion below....

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Laura Story - Blessings

I CHOOSE TO CELEBRATE

When you take on a ministry, you expect negative responses.  People tell me I watch too much TV and I'm getting sucked into the doom and gloom that I read on the internet.  People tell me my posts are too negative and I need to find a balance. 

But what they see as negative, I see as bible prophecy coming to life.  It's exciting to me.  The so called "doom and gloom" doesn't upset me or depress me because Jesus told us that these things would happen. And the fact that they are happening means we're closer than ever to redemption.

Cry if you want to about the things that I post, I choose to celebrate.
 "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift your heads for your redemption draweth nigh."   -Luke 21:28 

2011 Proving To Be A Key Year Prophetically (Dispensational Caucus)
RaptureAlert ^ | March 24, 2011 | Michael Mickey

Posted on Saturday, April 09, 2011 3:37:58 PM by GiovannaNicoletta
Matthew 24:7: For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.


A World at War

Presently the United States is largely engaged militarily on three fronts, in Afghanistan, Iraq and most recently Libya but there are many other areas of the world where military conflicts are ongoing as well. Consider the following map I found on Wikipedia:

The areas shaded dark blue represent regions where major wars resulting in 1,000+ deaths per year are occurring. The areas shaded light blue are smaller-scale armed conflicts presently ongoing. Some of the conflicts on the map above are "nation against nation" conflicts. Israel's ongoing conflicts with Arab nations and the Korean conflict (North versus South) are examples. In contrast, other conflicts capturing headlines in the news of our world today can be uniquely identified as "kingdom against kingdom" conflicts.

Kingdom Against Kingdom

A host of African and Middle Eastern nations have been warring against themselves recently, citizen against citizen, citizen against government and vice versa. In light of Christ's prophecy, the spike in civil unrest and warfare we're presently witnessing in these areas is profound and noteworthy, many of the nations currently in turmoil holding key positions in bible prophecies yet to be fulfilled.

Among the nations currently experiencing civil uprisings and war-like "kingdom against kingdom" conditions are: Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Famines

Did you know that of the 100 crop species that provide 90 percent of the world's food, over 70 are pollinated by bees? That's the case according to the United Nations Environment Program's executive director Achim Steiner.

Bearing the above in mind, the United Nations is reportedly alarmed by a sudden and ongoing drop in global bee populations and with good cause.

Honey bee populations in recent years have reportedly dropped 10 to 30% in Europe, 30 % in the United States, and up to 85% in the Middle East.

In bible prophecy we're told that food is going to be scarce in the Tribulation Period to come (Revelation 6:5-6). Combine global human population continuing to soar with dramatic declines in honey bee populations and you have a near perfect recipe for prophetic fulfillment to occur, potentially in the near future.

Pestilences

In recent years we have been steadily warned by the global health community that potential exists for a global flu pandemic to occur that could cost millions of lives. The fear has been largely based on the possibility that the deadly bird flu (H1N1) virus would morph into a form transmissible from human to human with catastrophic results. Now scientists in separate studies are expressing concern that the H2N2 or Asian influenza virus, which claimed 1 to 4 million lives upon surfacing in 1957, could "come roaring back." As such, scientists are encouraging a pre-emptive vaccination program be developed as soon as possible.

Not only does potential for a global flu pandemic still exist, many drug-resistant "super bugs" have emerged and been discovered by the global medical community in recent years. It's no coincidence in my humble opinion. In light of bible prophecy and what science is forewarning us may be waiting in the wings for us, we can expect that trend to continue.

Christ's prophetic words ring more relevant all the time, don't they?

Earthquakes

Given what we have witnessed in recent years where earthquakes are concerned, the recent 9.0 Japan earthquake and subsequent tsunami still fresh in our minds, there is little doubt that we are witnessing the birth pains of the end times where earthquake activity is concerned.

Like travail upon a woman with child (1st Thessalonians 5:3), we know that all of the events foretold in bible prophecy, including "great earthquakes in divers places", are going to increase, both in frequency and duration. The Japan earthquake is a perfect example for us to consider in light of recent news.

With the Japanese people facing a potential nuclear disaster of epic proportions along with trying to rebuild, it is being reported that a different segment of the fault line responsible for the recent quake has had stress loaded onto it closer to Tokyo. While that doesn't mean Tokyo will be hit by a major earthquake soon, potential exists. Should Tokyo be hit by a major quake it would be devastating to the area's 39 million residents, many of whom are currently under great stress because radiation leaking from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant's reactors is being found in the area's food supply and drinking water. Even as the Japanese people bravely rise to meet the challenges before them, there has to be increased concern they're going to be hit again. It seems to be but a matter of time.

Of additional interest in light of bible prophecy, the Japan quake and subsequent tsunami is reportedly going to be the world's most expensive natural disaster in history.

When these things begin to happen

Luke 21:28: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Christians, while it is natural for us to be concerned by all of the troubling things going on in the world around us, let's not forget that there is hope - a blessed hope that soon we will see Jesus Christ coming to take us home. Albeit somewhat hard to believe at times because we're all so spiritually and emotionally drained, our redemption is drawing nigh! We can be certain of this because the things prophesied by Christ to be taking place in the last days aren't just occurring here and there on our calendars anymore. They're occurring frequently, simultaneously and documentably so keep looking up! Jesus Christ is Lord and He is coming soon!

WALKING THE WALK

One of the signs Jesus gave of the end times is "the love of many will wax cold."  What does that mean?  It means that husbands will disregard their wives and vice versa.  It means that families will turn against each other and members of society will become uncaring toward their fellow man.  People will become selfish and concerned only for their own wants and needs. They'll be willing to step on anyone to satisfy themselves.  

When I see how people talk and act today, it's obvious that the love of many has waxed cold.  Children's love for their parents, for example, has waxed cold because they display so little respect.  "It's all about me" is the theme for today.  Whatever makes me look good, whatever makes me feel good, whatever makes me happy, that's what I will do and say.  And I don't care who gets hurt in the process.

This attitude is the exact opposite of what Jesus taught us to be.  Instead of concern for self, we are supposed to have concern for others and see them as better than ourselves.  In Philippians 2:3 we are told, "Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind (humility) let each esteem others as better than themselves." 


Wow!  That's something to live up to isn't it?  Are we even trying to live that way?  Look around and see how concerned people are for others.  Listen to the way people speak to each other and about each other.  Do you see and hear evidence of love?  Or has our love waxed cold?
                                                                        -Danelle

The Love Of Many Will Grow Cold

      By Mike Taylor

at

www.raptureready.com

---

In today’s fast moving world events,  and as we grow closer and closer to the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we need to ask ourselves, “do we esteem others better than ourselves”? Is the love for your neighbor, your spiritual brother in Christ more important to you than fulfilling the desires of the flesh?

We all like to be praised, to feel like we are accomplishing something worthwhile, to be top dog in our endeavors, but does that desire impede or diminish the life of our brothers and sisters walking with the Lord? Do we stand in the way of blocking or creating a stumbling block for our brethren, that they might even fall by the wayside?

We are called to be comformed to the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but does that include needless competition between brother and sisters of the church of Jesus Christ? Obviously, it does not. It only brings heartache and damages relationships that should be stronger because of our common bond.

Then why is the Church of God so torn up? I read with interest of a discussion on an online forum of a discussion of ministers who like to lift themselves up over the brethren they have been charged to lead by God. They don’t lead by example, they lead by coercion or with the title of “pastor”, saying “Look at me. Aren’t I a lovely picture of a follower of Jesus Christ?”. Is that what ministers of God’s Word are suppose to be about? I don’t think so. My interpretation of Jesus’ teaching is of the humble servant, who does not exalt himself, but lifts up others and points them along the path to God’s Kingdom and provide the light to their path, by using God’s Word.

God warns each and everyone of us, that the power and the prince of air would try and split us asunder and destroy our joy, through loss of fellowship, or in extreme, turn totally away from seeking the Lord and His righteousness. I’ve seen so many church divisions in churches that I’m sure it makes God sick to His stomach, because I know it does me.

What does Jesus says when it comes the word “love” and being shown by His followers.

Turn to John 13:34-35:

v.34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

v.35,   By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Think of it. Jesus was God in the flesh. He left His throne of glory, to become a humble servant to minister to others. He never coerced anyone to follow His lead. He ministered selflessly to everyone and anyone who needed Him, and point them to God, our Father. Should we not do likewise, as Jesus is our example? I know we should, but do we?

Jesus commands us to love one another, as He loves us. We should be showing the love shown us, and spread that to others around us. All people we come in contact with should see a difference in each of us that is lacking in their life. It is especially true when it comes to brethren and disciples of Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to flesh out His perfect law of liberty, which was visible by showing our love for one another…He says, starting  in Matthew 5:43 from His Olivet Sermon,

 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

5:44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

5:45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

5:46  For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

What is the secular definition of love? This is taken from Answers.com, when asked what the emotion of love is, but let’s confine it to persons who we meet in our churches, or in the outside world on a one to one basis. Love and it’s synonyms:

love, affection, devotion, fondness.. These nouns denote feelings of warm personal attachment or strong attraction to another person. LoveAffection is a less ardent and more unvarying feeling of tender regard. Devotion is earnest, affectionate dedication and implies selflessness: ie. teachers admired for their devotion to children. Fondness is strong liking or affection.

Now what is the Biblical definition of love?

The Bible indicates that love is from God. In fact, the Bible says "God is love."  Love is one of the primary characteristics of God. Likewise, God has endowed us with the capacity for love. This capacity for love is one of the ways in which we are "created in the image of God.

When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment Matthew 22:36-40:

 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

22:37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

22:38  This is the first and great commandment.

22:39  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

22:40  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

I feel sad for the churches at large that profess Jesus Christ, but fail to show brotherly love for each other in their own congregations and are not long suffering for anyone with a difference of an opinion. Some will say that we should follow the traditions of the Church of God, but I point out, “should we not follow the teachings of the Word of God, instead of what men say?” If they don’t show love for their fellow brethren, who are called to be separate from the rudiments of the world, how can they even mention that they show love to people outside of the church body? They can’t.

Colossians 2:8,

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

I’ve used that scripture to point out how the world will lead you astray from your basic calling through traditions of men, but the same holds true even in the local church groups. Are we not all sinners? Of course, we are.  We are saved by grace, but still men that have our faults and trials every day and have to pray and seek the righteousness of God everyday, or fall into the trap of the enemy, Satan the devil.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:12-13

v.12, And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

v.13,  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Does God hold us accountable when we forget to show others the love of God in our lives? It goes double for people who have been given the privilege to lead others in their congregations as ministers, but each of us have a duty to love and esteem others better than ourselves. We can’t just mouth the words, but have to put that feelings of love of the brethren ahead of our own desires, ahead of our own ambitions to be the “head” of anything.

In God's sight, unity or togetherness among His people is proper, and it pleases Him to no end. It has the same effect on us. Brethren who are thus joined together receive the benefits of the goodness and pleasantness unity produces. That is why we should yearn for this unity, because it is right, good, and fitting and because it is lovely, attractive, and appealing. 

We fellowship with other disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for the following reasons:

Fellowship means "sharing," "communion with," "companionship with," or "association with." We have been called into an association—a companionship, a fellowship, a communion—with Christ. All these words are synonyms. The only difference might be the degree of the intimacy that is expressed. In addition, fellowship indicates people having things in common—they do things together because they share common interests. Foremost, what we have in common is our love for Christ.

Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 13^th chapter, starting in verse 1:

13:1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

13:2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.

13:3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing.

13:4  Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

13:5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

13:6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

13:7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

13:8  Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

And further down in verse 13:

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is LOVE.’

Are we showing love for one another in our daily lives, and especially to our brethren, or are we full of ourselves, puffed up in vain glory of our own accomplishments? Are we doing things for God or for ourselves to say “look at me?” or are we doing it for the right reason, to glorify God. Are we “esteeming others better than ourselves, or just mouthing the words?”

In this time of when the love of many are growing cold and men proclaim a righteousness of and by themselves, should we not get back to the basics of “God is Love” and show that in our lives in church and out of church. You have to examine your own life and decide if you have been doing what Jesus proclaimed or following the lust of the flesh.

God bless you all,

John, “mike” Taylor

If there’s anything I can pray with you on, or help you with any questions, feel free to contact me at realteam1999@sbcglobal.net