Ramblings

I haven't posted for quite a while. Work kicked in, life, etc. This blog isn't going away, but I'll post as time and having something worthwhile to talk about and / or share allows.

I joined a neighborhood social media group a while back. Most of the time, I regret this decision as the majority of the posts are uninteresting and it clogs up my inbox, but lately I've seen a trend of people complaining about 'First World Problems'. And those problems were brought on by us through ignorant voting practices and our reluctance to listen to anything other than mainstream media.

As a nation, we've become soft and we vote with our emotions without giving any thought to the ramifications. Here's just one example:

McDonald's No Longer Staffs for Indoor Ordering

Someone was all worked up about McDonald's using ordering kiosks inside for ordering purposes. They were in a big fit and are 'taking it to the top!'. Give me a break. How inconvenienced are they, really?

Well, that $20 per hour minimum wage kicked in for all fast food restaurants (except for Panera - more on that in a bit). That, and businesses are having difficulty hiring. There's also the delusion that places like McDonald's are filthy rich. The corporation might be, but their primary business is real-estate, not food. The McDonald's on the corner is owned independently and they're obligated by contract to sell the approved menu and purchase their food from approved suppliers. That's what franchises are and their profit margins are razor-thin. So they're preparing for the wage hike and dealing with the issue that there are a ton of young people out there that simply don't want to work. It's as simple as that. Plus it's much cheaper to have customers use a kiosk for placing indoor orders than to hire someone and deal with all that comes with it. Machines don't quiet-quit or take days off without notice.

They're also having to deal with the rising inflation. Don't listen to the politicians - 99% of them lie to us about everything. Inflation continues to rise and that is why it now costs so much to eat out - fast food or otherwise. These franchise owners are doing their best to keep their businesses afloat and certainly don't need spoiled customers complaining about their business decision. Think things through before you yell or pick up that phone.

So what's the deal with Panera? Well, it turns out that the guy that owns Panera is good buddies with Newsom. So, Newsom put in a clause for 'fast food restaurants that bake bread' that excludes them from having to pay the minimum wage hike. How convenient. If I owned a fast food restaurant, I'd be putting in a bread oven.

So Look for More of This

If our state and nation keeps voting their emotions instead of using their brains, we will see a lot more of this. Services that used to be free will now have a charge associated with them. Businesses will have fewer [and intelligent] employees. Customer service will go by the wayside. Free exchanges? Probably not. Don't be surprised if restocking fees pop up - especially in retail stores that are experiencing increased theft.

California is losing businesses like no tomorrow. Between taxes, theft, high rents and expansive regulation, it is no longer profitable, or makes good practical sense, to continue to do business here. My small town of Hemet is seeing more dollar stores come in and other businesses moving out. 

The next time you vote remember these things:

1. Nothing is free. Someone has to pay for it and it will be you.
2. We cannot be the haven for anyone and everyone that wants to come here. They take resources and services that we have to pay for. There's a reason why this state is $68 billion in debt and our nation is in debt in the trillions.
3. Empathy is not compassion. 
4. Quit with the party loyalty. Investigate where they stand on everything important. 
5. Vote the issues - you may have to give up one issue for a more important one as there's no such thing as one-stop shopping with a candidate. Prioritize your issues list. You're voting for a candidate, not a savior.

    "For the poor you will have with you always, but Me you do not have always." Matthew 26:11 (NKJV)

Now I'm not saying to not be charitable, but stop relying on the state to provide that charity. Make it direct from you to whoever you want to help or support. The state will never provide that function to benefit all involved. Besides, you're just passing the buck and giving the government more control over your money and lives. Neither are in your best interest or the interest of those you want to help. Just take a serious look around and you'll see the evidence.

Are Christmas Trees Pagan?

ARE CHRISTMAS TREES PAGAN?

The short answer is no.

WHERE DID THE PRACTICE OF PUTTING UP TREES ORIGINATE?

For this, we have to go to the Dead Sea Scrolls for history. The Essenes, (a portion of the Jewish population), relocated to the land of Canaan. The practice of worshipping the idol Asherah was in play when they got there and the shrines for Asherah were formed in living trees by reshaping them to hold an image of the idol. To nullify the pagan shrine, Jews simply removed the idol so the tree could go back to its original shape / form.

The trees we display in and around our homes are either fake or have been cut down. Once cut, the trees are no longer living. Nor do we reshape them and insert an idol to worship. Therefore, a Christmas Tree cannot be an Asherah tree. Furthermore, simply placing lights on a living tree doesn't make it an Asherah tree either. Again, we're not inserting an idol within the tree to turn it into a shrine.

In the 7th century, a British Monk - in an effort to Christianize the pagans - referred to the triangular shape of an evergreen tree to teach the Trinity. That spawned the practice of bringing a tree into the home - and often hanging it upside down from the rafters - as a reverent reminder of the triune nature of God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Trivia: It was Martin Luther who was the first person to put lights on a tree.

BUT WHAT ABOUT JEREMIAH, CHAPTER 10?

This part of scripture is often misquoted as the person referring to it in order to deem Christmas trees as pagan symbols, doesn't include the full context in their criticisms. Yes, Jeremiah talks about cutting down a tree and lading it with gold, but if you keep reading, you'll find that he's actually talking about carving out an idol and covering it in gold.

That said, if your ornaments are paganistic in nature, which is a whole other conversation, just stop it and remember whose birthday it is we're celebrating.

PAN-BABYLONIANS (LEGALISTS)

Pan-Babylonians tend to go overboard with finding paganistic symbols. This can be harmful to the body of believers as a whole. 1st Corinthians 1-3 tells us if something is clearly pagan, to nullify or destroy it. If not, don't divide believers over it. Getting hung up on secondary or non-issues is definitely one way to divide and create dissension. So to the Pan-Babylonians I say, knock it off and go decorate a tree.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

October 4th Emergency Broadcast Tests

I'm sure you've heard the scuttlebutt about the FEMA tests that will be conducted on October 4th. I'm not sure what to think of it all, but the fact that China performed a similar test when they launched their 5G and people were dropping dead like flies all over the country, I think it falls into the category of 'better safe than sorry'. At this point, I don't put anything past this America-hating administration that not only is in bed with China, but is also in lockstep with the WEF on all fronts - including population reduction.

The other thing that causes concern is that in FEMA's description of this test, they indicate a backup repeat on the 11th in the event there is severe weather or some other emergency. Wait, what? If your emergency broadcast system doesn't work in the event of severe weather or other emergency, then what's the point of it? This 'test' has a bit of stink on it.

The last point of concern is that for standard emergency or amber alerts, you can disable them on your phone. However, this one is a presidential alert and those cannot be turned off. It will be run on all wireless devices.

If you don't want to be subjected to this test on October 4th, do the following:

1. Unplug all computers and smart TVs.
2. Unplug your router.
3. Turn off your phone and tablet and put it in a faraday case. For added security, place inside your microwave. Turning off these devices alone won't protect them as they can be powered on remotely.

You can purchase a faraday case for your phone from Amazon or make one with materials you have at home. However, chances are that if you order one, it won't be delivered before the 4th at this point, but you'll have it for the future. Faraday cases also protect against EMPs and RFID hacks, can be used for credit cards and key fobs, so it's not necessarily a bad thing to have for everyday use.

To make one yourself, you will need:

• A ziplock bag
• Aluminum foil
• A paper grocery bag or construction paper
• Duct tape

Turn off your phone and place inside the ziplock bag. Seal the bag. Wrap in aluminum foil at least 6 layers thick. Seal all edges with duct tape. Then wrap in paper and again, seal all edges with duct tape. Repeat instructions for tablets.

Two tests will be run - one by FEMA and the other by the FCC. FEMA's test will be the longest and is  scheduled to run for 1/2 hour. I'd recommend being ready by 10am and just leave everything unplugged / off / protected for most of the day.

UPDATE: Russia will be conducting the same tests on October 3rd in preparation for WWIII that would include nuclear arms. Yep, there is evil afoot in Isengard and the West is no longer safe.

Time to End It

Well, this should end the debate over sending more money to Ukraine. Food isn't getting to the troops no matter how many billions we send and Russia is ending up with the weapons.

California At It Again (Still...)

 They won't be happy until everyone with an income and a neuron leaves the state.

It’s Not Just a Ban on Natural Gas Appliances!

CA Politicians Enact New Crazy Bans to Raise Your Costs and Disrupt Your Life

Support the Campaign to Block the Natural Gas Ban in CA

As we continue to wage a statewide campaign to block California’s costly ban on all natural gas appliances (and the even more costly and intrusive home retrofit mandates), our state’s liberal politicians are expanding their list of absurd bans!  Before we get to the list of crazy new bans being enacted, this reinforces WHY we MUST WIN this campaign to block the ban on and costly retrofit mandate ($30k per homeowner) to remove natural gas appliances in homes!  By punishing politicians on the natural gas appliance ban, we believe it will send a message that Californians are sick of the other costly and intrusive bans! That’s why winning this fight is so crucial – so please contribute to the fight today!

Support the Campaign to Block the Natural Gas Ban in CA

Costly Bans Being Enacted in California

Here’s what they banned in just this recent session of the state legislature: Grass Lawns (AB 1572): This bill begins the outright ban on grass lawns in California by banning them for all commercial, retail, industrial, and governmental parcels and buildings. While there is no implementation date for single family homes (for now), HOA’s are also banned from having grass in common areas! This imposes an enormous cost for landscaping changes – and experts say it will backfire by negatively impacting air quality. Plastic Cards (SB 728): Small businesses will be negatively impacted by this bill that imposes fines of up to $10,000 per day if a business uses pre-paid plastic gift cards! This virtue-signaling bill will not help the environment, but it will inconvenience small businesses and customers alike! Just so you know the plastic bag ban from 2014 actually INCREASED plastic waste by replacing thin bags with heavy duty bags for 10-cents a pop. Per capita bag waste went from 8 pounds per person to 11 pound per person in 2021 in CA! Food Bans (AB 418): Continuing their nanny state mindset, CA politicians have banned Skittles and other colored candy that use Red Dye No. 3 and other additives. Perris CA banned stores from putting “junk food” in their checkout aisles – leading two major stores to announce they would close in that jurisdiction. Up next: bans on sugary drinks to minors! Bans in Process: CA Democrats pushed several bills to next year to ban a number of things including: Police K9 dogs (because they are “racist”), solitary confinement in prison, etc. CA Democrats are phasing in bans on the sale of gas-powered cars, gas-powered leaf blowers, youth tackle football, criminal background checks for employers and landlords, smoking outside, etc. Natural Gas Appliances: The Biden Administration has swung into overdrive to issue a variety of new regulatory mandates that will help CA politicians win court approval of their costly and intrusive natural gas appliance bans. Stoves: Biden’s Department of Energy just issued a regulation to ban 50% of gas stove appliances immediately. Washing Machine and Dryers: New mandates take effect 2025. Air Conditioners: New mandates take effect 2026. Water Heaters: New mandates take effect 2029.

Help Us Turn the Tide by Defeating California’s Natural Gas Appliance Bans

The BAN EVERYTHING mindset of liberal politicians will only continue to expand until we make a stand on just ONE of these items and punish politicians at the ballot box! That’s why our fight against the Natural Gas Appliance Bans in California is so crucial! It is no longer about just one ban – but all of them.

That’s why we MUST CONTINUE our fight against the costly and crazy natural gas appliance bans at the ballot box!

Support the Campaign to Block the Natural Gas Ban in CA

Here's what's being proposed under this mandate: IMMEDIATELY: All new homes and buildings will be prohibited from putting in any new natural gas appliances – not just stoves, but all appliances such as furnaces, ovens, water heaters, etc. 2027-2035: Existing homeowners will be given a deadline to pay for expensive home retrofits to remove ALL of their existing gas appliances – all stoves, ovens, water heaters, furnaces! The Bay Area got hit with a 2027 deadline; San Diego already announced 2033 is their target. Every week a new region proposes a new deadline for costly retrofits! Here's how much it will cost you: What will the mandatory home retrofits cost you? An average cost of $30,000 or more per home! (READ FULL COST ESTIMATE HERE: https://reformcalifornia.org/news/banning-gas-appliances-will-cost-california-homeowners-over-30k-each) How we can fight back: A campaign led by Reform California, Reform Local Government PAC, and a coalition of local taxpayer watchdog groups has been launched to BLOCK this costly and crazy proposal. The campaign to block these mandates includes alerting voters in target areas, recruiting and supporting candidates for office who oppose the retrofit mandates, threatening recalls against elected officials who support the mandates, and organizing ballot measure drives to stop any new mandates from taking effect. We were not expecting to have to fight this costly and unfair proposal – so please chip in a contribution to our campaign TODAY so we can mount effective opposition to it!

The Natural Gas Bans and Retrofit Mandates Are Spreading Across CA! Help Us Stop This Before It’s Too Late!

CONTRIBUTE: Campaign to Block Natural Gas Ban in CA

Carl DeMaio, Chairman

The Beast Systems Are Being Created

I don't know how I missed this one, but our very own DARPA developed technology during the pandemic that is inserted subcutaneously and can detect if you are infected. Baby steps, but the foundation for tracking technology is now there.

DARPA Displays Human Implant Microchip That Can Detect Viruses

Then there's the latest from Google:

Former DARPA Director Wants You to Swallow ID Microchips

And here we go!

Let's Talk About Climate Change

Is Climate Change real? Yes.

Did we cause it? Yes, although I would argue it was a collaborative effort and its origins differ from what we're told.

Can mere mortals fix it? No.

In The Beginning

When God created the universe and everything in it, including us, it was perfect. 

"Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good." Genesis 1:31 (NKJV)

Perfection and harmony. God created everything then handed it over to Man to be the steward of all. Man and animals were vegetarians, so there was no such thing as animals eating each other. It wasn't until after Noah's flood that he granted us the eating of meat.

Then along comes Lucifer in the form of a serpent. Did you know that snakes used to have legs? After he tempted Adam and Eve into eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge so they could become like God (become gods), God cursed the snake by removing its legs and forcing it to crawl on its belly. But I digress.

It was after God banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden that things changed. Sin had entered the world and not only impacted mankind, but all of His creation, as well. We became fallen and exiled to live in the fallen world we created. And the world groans.

"For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now." Romans 8:22 (NKJV)

For the above passage, the original Greek word used for 'creation' means 'earth'.

And we've been wanting to become gods ever since. This is one of Satan's more successful lies. We do this in the form of discounting His existence and insisting we can do what He has done, or we 'remake' Him to suit ourselves and what we believe He should be. It's all related to not wanting to be accountable or fully accountable to the one true God as He describes Himself to be.

So What Now?

What exactly does it mean for the earth to 'groan'? Well, it means we have storms where we didn't originally have them. Earthquakes, tsunamis, monsoons, tornados, hurricanes, floods, droughts, etc. And the birth pangs? Well, the closer we get to the end, the more frequent, intense and destructive these things become. Our folly is that we think we can do anything about it. Redemption is not intended just for us, it's also intended for God's entire creation.

So what do we do about it all? Well, we continue to be good stewards of the earth and let things take their course. God is in control, so we have no reason to fear. For non-believers, first you acknowledge and accept the deity of God as He describes Himself. Then, you acknowledge that you need to ask Him into your life, seek His forgiveness for your sins and repent. He won't come into your life if you're not serious or sincere. God never forces Himself on anyone - you must come to Him willingly. And why wouldn't you? He loves us so much that He sent His Son to the cross so we could come to Him. It's because Jesus was resurrected that we are promised life after death. God wants us with Him and that's love.

In the meantime, until Jesus comes to collect us, we need to live our lives through Him. Read His Word everyday, spend time in His presence through prayer and silent meditation and educate others in how they too can become saved.

Did you know that every time you read the Book of Revelation you receive a blessing? There's a reason for that. He wants us to know what is coming so we are prepared and can effectively share with others.

For More Detail

This is a good docudrama that takes you through the Last Days events. If you don't want to deal with ad interruptions, it's also available to rent through the typical streaming services.

The Book of Revelation is not an easy read. For resources to help you through it, just click on the Bible Prophecy menu item at top for a collection of links.

May God Bless You and Keep You!