So, What Does the Bible Say About Help?

Posted on May 25, 2022May 17, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

I need help, what can I do? It’s in the Bible, Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

At any moment, no matter the circumstances, God is there to help. It’s in the Bible, Psalms 46:1-3, NKJV. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.

Helping one another is an important part of Christian living. It’s in the Bible, Galatians 6:2, NIV. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

We should help each other, and not take advantage of those in need. It’s in the Bible, Leviticus 25:35, NKJV. “If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you.”

Don’t avoid helping others. It’s in the Bible, Deuteronomy 22:4, NKJV. “You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fall down along the road, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely help him lift them up again.”

Help comes from God, who never sleeps. It’s in the Bible, Psalms 121:1-4, NKJV. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills— from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”

God knows all your struggles, He can give you the help you need. It’s in the Bible, Hebrews 4:15-16, NKJV. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

What if I don’t know how to pray? The Holy Spirit helps us with our prayers. It’s in the Bible, Romans 8:26, NKJV. “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

The Holy Spirit is our Helper. It’s in the Bible, John 14:26, NKJV. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

What if I am struggling with faith and believing God? Jesus can help us with our struggles of faith and belief. It’s in the Bible, Mark 9:23-24, NKJV. “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’

God can free us from the things that are chaining us. It’s in the Bible, Psalms 107:13-14, NKJV. “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains in pieces.”

It is wise to have godly, Christian friends to help you. It’s in the Bible, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NKJV. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”

Will God still help me, even if I have made a mistake? It’s in the Bible, Psalms 37:23-24, NKJV. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.”

Who can be against us? It’s in the Bible, Isaiah 50: 7-8, NKJV. “For the Lord GOD will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. He is near who justifies Me; who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me.”

Jesus knows it all–every sorrow, every grief; He will not leave you to sink, for His arms are beneath you. It’s in the Bible, Deuteronomy 33:26-27, NKJV. “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, Who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’

Make ways to remember times when Jesus helped you in your times of need. It’s in the Bible, 1 Samuel 7:12, NKJV. “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.”

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**From award-winning Texas author Cynthia Leal Massey.**

So, What Does the Bible Say About Hell?

Posted on May 22, 2022May 17, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

Why is there hell? God’s original intent and purpose for hell was for the devil and his angels, not for human beings. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 25:41, NKJV. “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

Are there wicked people burning in hell right now? No, God holds back until the day of judgment. It’s in the Bible, 2 Peter 2:9, NKJV. “then the Lord knows how to…reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.”

When will the wicked be destroyed in hellfire? At the end of this age. It’s in the Bible, Matthew 13:39-40, NKJV. “The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age.”

What is the end result of sin? The wages of sin is death, not continual punishing. It’s in the Bible, Romans 6:23, NKJV. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The wicked have not yet been rewarded – not until Jesus comes again. It’s in the Bible, Revelation 22:12, NKJV. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.”

Those who do not believe in Christ perish. The opposite of everlasting life and existence is death, or ceasing to exist. It’s in the Bible, John 3:16, NKJV. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Does God burn sinners into the ceaseless ages? The wicked do not burn forever. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 37:20, NIV. “But the wicked will perish: The Lord’s enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish—vanish like smoke.”

The unchanging sinners will be burned up and nothing will remain, just ashes. It’s in the Bible, Malachi 4:1,3 NKJV. “‘For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘That will leave them neither root nor branch…You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,’ says the Lord of hosts.”

How does the Bible describe the destruction of the wicked? The Bible describes an utter and complete end. It’s in the Bible:

Psalm 21:9, NKJV. “You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger; the LORD shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them.”
Psalm 37:10, NKJV. “For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.”
Isaiah 1:28, KJV, “And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the LORD shall be consumed.”
Obadiah 1:16, NKJV. “For as you drank on My holy mountain, so shall all the nations drink continually; yes, they shall drink, and swallow, and they shall be as though they had never been.”

The idea of people being tormented eternally contradicts God’s promise of putting a complete end to pain. It’s in the Bible, Nahum 1:9, KJV. “What do ye imagine against the LORD? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.”

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The Attempt at Being Indoctrinated That I Remember Most

Posted on May 22, 2022May 22, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

With a long, overdue message to a university professor…

Texas State University in San Marcos, between Austin and San Antonio, was known as Southwest Texas University during the summer of 1976. Barely beginning my junior year, a significant paradigm challenge and among the first major attempts at indoctrination took place in a Flowers Hall Sociology class.

“Is God so powerful, that He can create a rock so heavy even he can not lift it up over His head?” our professor asked the class.

Several classmates attempted to answer but were torn into by the professor’s stern logic.

I took a moment to bow my head.

A girl in the desk to my left, did the same. Several others also followed.

“Oh, come on now, please spare me,” he theatrically clinched his two fists together and began shaking them below his waste. “What do you believe? Did your Jesus, your God, shake himself like this and spew out a universe?”

The girl next to me picked up her belongings and walked out into the hallway. He slammed the door behind her.

“Any of you children, still sucking your momma’s teats, after this had better get out now and prepare to drop out for good.”

A few students walked out and politely closed the door behind themselves.

He turned to us and sarcastically asked, “So how does this Jesus purport to be the almighty God anyway? When he prays to God is He praying to himself?”

Of course, gullible as some of us were, none of us had the knowledge and ability to debate him. The professor’s word was the final discussion and ruling on the subject. I’m guessing he voted for William Jefferson Clinton later that year, and if still around, voted for Joe Biden and the likes of Beto O’Rourke in 2020.

Decades later, I know the answer to the mad professor’s question.

How could the prayer of Jesus to the Father be the same as us praying to the Father when he demonstrated to us that he himself answers our prayers in John 14:13?

WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME, THIS I WILL DO, THAT THE FATHER MAY BE GLORIFIED IN THE SON.
John 14:13

Now if we took the professor’s meaning of prayer, we were limited in our ability to debate him. His term for “pray” really just means a human speaking to God. Of course, this wouldn’t make sense because Jesus himself says He answers our prayers. So if Jesus can answer our prayers, He couldn’t be just human.

The fact that He can answer the prayers of humans, yet prayed Himself, shows both that HE IS GOD and that His prayer to the Father is of a different nature than ours.

A human being can’t both answer human prayers and pray to the Father as a human being. Either he can’t answer prayers (but He can), or His prayer is not just a human-to-God interaction. So the fact that Jesus can answer prayers proves that He is God while also being able to talk with other persons in the Godhead.

Along the years, I read this statement when studying the Bible:

“that will I do; he does not say, that he would be a Mediator between God, and them, an advocate with the Father for them, and would intercede, and use his interest with him that it might be done, which would have been saying much, and all which he does; but he declares he will do it himself, which is a proof of his deity, and an instance of his omnipotence.”

Jesus’ prayer does not negate his Deity

🔹The word pray does not always have to mean a communication between God and Man.

🔹Jesus used the term “pray” as being a dialogue between two individuals of the same essence.

🔹One of the methods of instruction employed by Christ was leading by example. Hence if Jesus prayed, then all the more should we.

🔹If Christ prayed to the Father in like manner to our appeals and requests to God , then it wouldn’t make any sense because Jesus said that He, himself, could answer our prayers.

🔹If He can answer our prayers, He must not be separate from God.

🔹If He can answer our prayers, His prayer to the Father is of a different nature than our prayer to the Father.

Dear Professor, There is no contradiction between Jesus praying and the idea of Him being a member of the Trinity, (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), the Word made flesh.

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So, What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?

Posted on May 18, 2022May 17, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

What does God say about the life and personhood of a fetus? People have worth and identity before they are born. It’s in the Bible, Jeremiah 1:5, NIV. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

God is at work in a person’s life while he or she is in the womb. It’s in the Bible, Psalm 139:13-14, NIV. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

God’s commandment forbids the taking of life. It’s in the Bible, Exodus 20:13, NIV. “You shall not murder.”

What about in the case of incest or rape? It’s in the Bible, Deuteronomy 24:16, NKJV. “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin”

How can I avoid making the wrong choice? God is always willing to help. It’s in the Bible, James 1:5, NKJV. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Trust God, rather than rely on your own thinking. It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths”

What if I don’t know if I have the strength to make the right choice? It’s in the Bible, Philippians 4:13, NKJV. “I can do all things through Christwho strengthens me”

What if I have made a mistake? God will not let you be tried more than what you can handle. It’s in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.“

God can save above and beyond if we come to Him. It’s in the BIble, Hebrews 7:25, NKJV. “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”

I am facing a lot of guilt and am hurting, is God far from me for what I did? It’s in the Bible, Psalms 34:18, NKJV. “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

Will God forgive me for my mistake? God offers forgiveness, not condemnation if we just come to Him. It’s in the Bible, Isaiah 1:18, NKJV. “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the LORD, “ Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

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Lessons From Noah’s Ark We All Need Right Now

Posted on May 1, 2022May 4, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, we went on a 32-day roadtrip. We refused to lockdown.

One of the most fascinating days was spent at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. It is a type of historical and biblical theme park centered around a life-sized reconstruction of the massive ship, built at God’s command, that saved Noah, his family, and representatives of every kind of land-dependent, air-breathing animal from a global flood.

“The ark was 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high and it housed the several thousand animals God brought to Noah,” their literature reads. “The global flood lasted about one year. The ark came to rest on the “mountains of Ararat” (Genesis 8:4), and Noah’s family, with all the animals that were saved from the flood, eventually spread throughout the world.”

Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”
Genesis 6:11-13

Years ago, I came across this poster in one of my son’s Sunday School classrooms and always thought the lessons applied to adults as well as children. This wisdom is worth applying and sharing.

1. Don’t miss the boat

Ask for guidance from the Almighty, He will help you get through whatever obstacles you are facing right now.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

2. Remember that we are all in the same boat

As the old saying goes “No Man is an Island” just means were are connected with each other. Some people will leave a huge amount of memories, and others will cause us pain, both though will contribute to our learnings for us to become a better person. Every time you meet new people, it will become part of you forever because it can leave good or bad memories that will stay on your mind for the longest time.

Ephesians 1:3. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark

Ephesians 5:16 (KJV) “Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days.”

Lay down plans about your future regarding what you want to become in life. Make room for errors. Do not just rely simply on Plan A. Make some sort of Plan B and Plan C to deal with setbacks.

4. Stay fit. When you’re really old, someone may ask you to do something really big

1 Corinthians 9:26-27

²⁶“I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

²⁷But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

Work to remain healthy physically and mentally. You might need to be part of something amazingly big that is life-changing at least for the people around you.

Stay fit so that you may be able to live a longer life to see your children and grandchildren fulfill their dreams and become successful in life. Many grandparents are not able to see because they lead an unhealthy life and leave this world too soon.

5. Don’t listen to the critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done

1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Be reminded not to listen to skeptics when you experience setbacks from time to time. Focus on what you want to achieve in life. Years after, the words that critics have said against you won’t even matter anymore.

6. Build your future on high ground

1 Corinthians 3: 10-11 ¹⁰“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.” ¹¹“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Make your future to be foolproof. Abraham Lincoln once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

7. For Safety Sake, Travel in Pairs

Romans 8:35-37. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?”

8. Speed Isn’t Always An Advantage. The Snails were on board with the Cheetahs

James 1:19 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Who remembers the race between the turtle and the hare? Consistency is more important than speed—or at least have both speed and consistency work together.

9. When You’re Stressed, Float a While

James 1:2-3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Having trouble dealing with your personal issues? Take a deep breath, and relax. Learn to unwind for a while to cool down. Afterward, go back to the drawing board and deal with the issue again. A rested mind is more creative than a weary one.

10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals

1 Corinthians 1:20 “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”

Be humble. It doesn’t matter how mighty you perceive yourself to be, know when to tame your ego. Sometimes a low profile is best as situations may backfire on your part.

11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

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The Lord’s Prayer

Posted on April 24, 2022April 24, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that God longs for His people to communicate with Him, not just go to church on Sunday, but wherever we are and whatever our need.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the Kingdom. The Power and Glory forever. Amen.

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His Words on the Cross

Posted on April 15, 2022April 15, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

On this morning centuries ago, Jesus Christ would be crucified. The crucifixion was God’s ultimate sacrifice for our sins — though we are all guilty of sin and deserve wrath, Jesus paid that fine once and completely so that we may be righteous in the eyes of God.

For at least a half of a century, I have agonized and deeply reflected on Jesus’ suffering for us. Despite all of the reading, sermons and film I’ve watched on the subject, I still hurt…and love.

We, as the guilty, do not deserve the sacrifice of Jesus, who was completely innocent. It is entirely a gift that God gives to us by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We deserve wrath and God loves us enough to offer us a way out.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Today it appears that so many people, influenced by evil, are fast becoming so impressed with themselves that they can’t fathom why Jesus had to die for them at all.

When we look at the Scripture, we realize that Jesus, was on the cross suffering the eternal penalty we deserved because of the infinity of God’s holiness and the depths of our depravity.

No matter what we may think is known about execution on the cross, it simply does not mean the same thing for us as it did to those living in the first century.

The cross was itself the embodiment and emblem of the most hideous of human obscenities. The cross was a symbol of reproach, degradation, humiliation, and disgust. It was aesthetically repugnant. In a word, the cross was obscene.

The cross was far more than an instrument of capital punishment. It was a public symbol of indecency and social indignity. Crucifixion was designed to do more than merely kill a man. Its purpose was to humiliate him as well. The cross was intended not only to break a man’s body, but also to crush and defame his spirit.

What did Jesus say on that cross?

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” Luke 23:34

“Today, you will be with me in Paradise” Luke 23:43

“Woman, behold your son,” John 19:26 – 27

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Matt 27:46

For me, this was always the most jarring Scripture in the Bible. We see Jesus suffer many things. He is beaten, tortured, mocked, and spit on. The Savior is whipped, pierced with a crown of thorns, and then with nails in His hands and feet. At the height of His agony, what did Jesus say on the cross?

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Matt 27:46

For years I agonized over God abandoning Jesus. Did He commit the sin of doubt in His final moments while on the cross? Over time I realized I was misinterpreting Jesus’s word. Through study, and I suppose, maturity and some hint of wisdom, I learned there is great evidence that this was not a cry of separation but actually a song of worship. Many believe that the most accurate interpretation of this saying of Jesus on the cross is that He was quoting straight out of the sacred hymns of the psalms.

Imagine that. In the midst of all His struggle, Jesus chose to praise. Imagine if we followed His lead in our own lives?

“I thirst” John 19:28

“It is finished” John 19:30

“Father, into Your Hands I commit my Spirit.” Luke 23:46

Ultimately, what Jesus said on the cross was,“I love you!” Millions have made the wonderful decision to follow Him, like the thief on the cross all we have to do is say “Jesus, You are Lord. Take me with you.”

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In Moments of Desperation, We Were Broken

Posted on March 6, 2022March 3, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

One of our faithful readers sent this to us recently:

“I was in Family Dollar store last night, and there was a lady and two kids behind me in the LONG line. One was a big kid, and the other one was a toddler. The bigger one had a pack of glow sticks, and the toddler was screaming for them.

The Mom opened the pack and gave him one which stopped his tears. He walked around with it smiling; but then the bigger boy took it, and the toddler started screaming again. Just as the mom was about to fuss, the older child bent the glow stick and handed it back to the toddler.

As we walked outside at the same time, the toddler noticed that the stick was now glowing; and his brother said, “I had to break it so that you could get the full effect from it.”

I almost ran, because l could hear God saying to me, “I had to break you to show you why I created you. You had to go through it so you could fulfill your purpose.”

That precious child was happy just swinging that “unbroken” glow stick around in the air, because he didn’t understand what it was created to do – which was “glow”.

There are some people who will be content just “being,” but some of us are chosen… we have to be “broken.”
We have to get sick.
We have to lose a job.
We go through a divorce.
We have to bury our spouse, parents, best friend, or our child…

In those moments of desperation, we were broken. But… when the breaking is done, then we will be able to see the reason for which we were created. So when you see us glowing, just know that we have been broken

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What To Do If You Have the Mandate and Lockdown Blues

Posted on February 13, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

Special Note: If you start having thoughts of wanting to die or harm yourself, seek professional help immediately, or let a loved one know. Or call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which provides 24/7, free, and confidential support.

When the COVID-19 Pandemic first appeared in early 2020, Jack and I were as startled as everyone by the strict restrictions of just going to the grocery store to buy toilet paper and food. After a few weeks, we both agreed “NO MORE.”

We moved to the country, lowered our living expenses (cut them over half), started an organic garden and became far more self sufficient (energy, water, food backups and redundancies). In a nutshell, we simplified.

While many people we knew were rushing to get experimental vaccines, buying hoards of masks, staying home and complying with lockdowns, we took the opposite approach.

We went on several roadtrips (Washington DC, Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Phoenix, Graceland in Memphis, Pigeon Forge in the Smoky Mountains, Andy Griffith Museum in North Carolina, Ark Encounter in Kentucky and other crowded places) visiting 20 states.

We were a bit surprised to see both ends of the spectrum:

1. People wearing masks, gloves, headgear and wrapped in extra clothing just to walk outside to their mailbox.

2. Or like us, RVers, bikers, campers, and travelers enjoying America’s freedoms indoors and outside. We only wore masks per local establishment restrictions, but even then, like other patriots, it was minimal. We attended theater plays, saw movies, enjoyed concerts, explored museums and road amusement park rides.

Everyone experiences ups and downs, but the sadness we’ve been seeing from some people is like weather. It tends to come and go, and it can lift quickly if something positive happens. We made sure to focus on positiveness. We turned off the TV and especially mainstream media of any kind (radio, newspapers, magazine’s, etc.)

Those who took similar approaches seem to snap out of it—sort of like a rain cloud moved aside by the sun.

When It’s More Than Normal Sadness

But some people practically bolted themselves indoors and continuously watched the propaganda and news. Their sadness wasn’t a temporary occurance like a rainshower. It is full blown depression, like a season.

Depression moves in and stays for a while, most of the day, every day, for weeks at a time. It can affect your mood, your physical health, and the way you perceive just about everything. Rather than an emotional state, depression is a health condition.

Consider simplifying your life, finding alternative news sources (like CleverJourneys.Com), and improving your well being. Here are some suggestions:

1. Get moving. Any form of regular exercise boosts mood and energy. It’s hard to get moving when you’re feeling down, so start with small steps and build from there. Standing, stretching, or taking a quick walk around your house or neighborhood is better than being boarded up. And guess what? You don’t need to wear a mask! As a registered nurse of 40 years, I’m not about to wear a mask so frivolously. Just move!!!

2. Try meditating. Research has shown that medication can improve depression symptoms, but research shows you can equate the benefits of 30 minutes of meditation to the effects of one antidepressant pill. Of course, if your doctor has prescribed medication, you should continue to take it as instructed—but you can add meditation to your routine. There are plenty of apps that can help you get started, including Headspace, Calm, and The Mindfulness App. Or simply just go walk!

3. Go outside. Spending time in nature can decrease feelings of depression. It also exposes you to sunlight, which can help your body produce vitamin D. Low levels of the nutrient have been linked to depression, but soaking up even 15 minutes of sun per day can lift your spirits in the present and over the long term.

4. Foster close relationships. Nurturing your existing relationships with friends and family is one of the best things you can do for your health. But it’s also never too late to forge new bonds. How? Sign up for a book club, volunteer to lend a hand at your local community center or place of worship, take a group exercise class, or simply invite a neighbor to meet for a cup of coffee. As feelings of connection increase, depression often decreases.

5. Read. Simply pick up a book and read it. I say book, instead of reading on a computer or phone, for the sake of your eyes. Each day, I have a ritual of reading Bible devotionals and a few chapters in a novel. Library cards are a good thing. It is positive and good for the spirit.

6. Practice gratitude. Making daily lists of what you’re grateful for has been found to help lift mood. Even if you’re not able to write everything down, simply thinking about it or expressing gratitude to others can help boost happiness.

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Enlightened Patriots Are Surviving the Greatest Psychological Warfare in Human History

Posted on February 7, 2022February 7, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

If you understand what’s going on and didn’t take the poison, you have survived the greatest psychological warfare in human history.

Do you realize how much time, resources, money and effort they put into this?

They have tried to manipulate, brainwash and force you. They have been trying to scare you. Attempted to make you feel guilty.

They tried to bribe you with gifts. They tried to confuse you and question your reality, and also your sanity.

They tried to make you abandon your principles, your morals and your values. They even managed to turn your loved ones and friends against you.

Almost everyone fell for it. But not you. You never gave up on yourself. You stood up for yourself. Against all odds.

You rose like a Phoenix in the night and entered into your own full power. You are the best. Stay that way.

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Christian Churches Developing Future Leaders and Volunteers for America

Posted on January 23, 2022January 22, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

Christianity is on the rise in the United States as evidenced by church attendance, musical charts, social media participation and private schooling.

Pastors across America are doing more to plan for the future leadership in American business, media, government and education for our country.

They start within the church, according to a new Lifeway Research survey of today’s ministers’ needs and concerns.

According to the poll, “developing leaders and volunteers” is at the top of the list of needs among American Protestant pastors, with 77 percent identifying it as an issue that needs to be addressed in their church.

The following needs identified by the survey were identified by the the 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors research project are listed in descending order:

🔹Facilitating connections with unchurched people: 76 percent.

🔹People’s apathy or lack of commitment is 75%.

🔹Personal prayer consistency is 72%.

🔹Friendships and fellowship with others account is 69%.

“The pre-existing challenges of ministry have been exacerbated by COVID, and it’s critical that we lean in and listen closely to pastors,” said Ben Mandrell, president of Lifeway Christian Resources. “This project has shed light on critical needs they have, and it will point the way forward in how we partner with them to fuel their ministries and improve their health in a variety of ways.”

🔹68 percent of current leaders and volunteers are being trained.

🔹68 percent of people read the Bible on a regular basis for reasons other than sermon or teaching preparation.

🔹64% of pastors have relationships with other pastors.

🔹64% of people consistently observe the Sabbath.

🔹63% of people are stressed.

“The number and breadth of needs that pastors are currently confronted with is mind-boggling,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “… It is clear that pastors are not looking for shortcuts and take their roles as spiritual leaders in their churches seriously.”

Personal Discipline

🔹61% confessed and repented of personal sin.

🔹59% of the time, “I exercise consistently.”

🔹55% avoid over-commitment and over-work.

🔹55% of the time, “people are challenged in areas where they lack obedience.”

“When asked to prioritize their own greatest need, pastors tend to put the needs of their church’s ministry ahead of personal needs,” said McConnell. “Personally making disciples, developing leaders, connecting with those outside the church and mobilizing the people in their church are the most common ‘greatest needs’ and are among the most common needs pastors want to make a priority.”

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Can I Hold Him While You Give Medical Care?

Posted on January 19, 2022January 19, 2022 by Texans Jack & Dodie

Proud to present our 1500th post.

“The boy, obviously, being so small, became very upset. He was crying. He was sobbing. I asked the hospital staff if I can hold him to comfort him and soothe him a little bit to try to calm him down, to continue getting medical care, and they said that was fine.

So I picked him up. Minutes later, I was standing and he was asleep on my chest, and with all my body armor and my gun belt, became very heavy holding this small child. So that’s when I decided to sit down on the bed and make it easier for him and me.

I just knew this child needed somebody to be there for him,” the officer said. “It was just human instinct; humanity. The hospital staff was taking great care of him [but] he was sobbing and crying. I picked him up and within minutes, he was asleep on my chest.””

God Bless our emergency responders.

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