Saturday, July 18, 2020

Best Independence Day EVER!



Independence Day, 2020 will always live in my memory as the best of my life.  On July 3, we watched President Trump give the most wonderful presidential speech I've ever heard.  His love and devotion to our beloved country brought tears to my eyes. He fanned the flames of my patriotism and they are burning brighter than ever.  His words inspired me to do everything I can to protect and preserve our history, our monuments, our flag, our Constitution, and the ideals upon which our country was founded.  Here's a video link to that great patriotic speech - President Trump at Mount Rushmore.

 

I think this speech should be seen by every American, and especially by children.  President Trump shares the amazing history of the four presidents whose faces are carved into the mountain.  I learned a great deal from his history lesson.  Here is a link to the transcript of President Trump's speech.  I encourage you to print it and share it far and wide.

 

This inspiring, patriotic speech was especially meaningful when you remember that Independence Day, 2020 was shrouded in anarchistic violence in the previous weeks.  Statues and monuments had been burned, defaced, and some completely destroyed.  Churches were even set on fire.  I was so proud of President Trump when he left the White House and walked to St. Johns Church (which was set on fire), stood in front of it, and held up God's Holy Word.  It's shameful to see the vulgar curse words spray-painted on the building across from the church.  Click on the link to see another example of the horrible damage: George Washington statue defaced.

 

All of this was done in response to the death of a black man in Minneapolis.  He was killed by a policeman.  It is tragic what happened to that man and I pray it never happens again.  But the conclusions some people have come to are equally tragic. Policemen have been killed in revenge.  Calls are now being made to defund the police.  Parts of cities are being taken over and held hostage by anarchistic terrorists.  It's all wrong and it's not going to solve the "problem". 

 

What is the problem, anyway?  The problem is that our country has turned its back on God and His Holy Word.  We have left behind the Judeo-Christian principles upon which this country was founded.  My prayer is for a revival of those ideals.  God shed His grace on us because of that obedience to His Word.

 

I thank God for a president (who is under constant threat of harm and death) that has the courage and boldness to do what he did.  Think about it -- he had the courage to spontaneously walk out, in public, in the heat of this shameful period in our history, and stand in front of a church while holding a Bible.  What a statement.  That statement is clear:  GOD WINS!!!

 

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On July 4, we met with our mishpocha at synagogue for our weekly Shabbat service. In addition to our normal music and worship, liturgy, and Torah study,  Rabbi asked the question, "What do you remember as the best Independence Day in your life?"  It was interesting to listen to the different memories shared by the congregation. 

 

My turn came, and I said, "I think the best was when Rabbi Jem and I got married.  He put out flags, flags, and more flags!  Big ones, little ones -- all over our yard."  Like this:

 


 

Every year, the number of flags increases.  I joke that when Jem gets a little bit of money, he buys flags.  He puts them out for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day.  Plus, we have a tall flag pole that flies the American Flag all year long.  We want everyone who passes by to know we love our country and our flag.   

 

Speaking of love of the flag, one day a neighbor was walking by with her five-year old on his bike.  Jem was in the yard working with his flags.  The little boy stopped and said, "Mom.  Can I salute that flag?"  Both Jem and his Mom assured him he could.  That patriotic little boy put his hand on his heart and said the pledge of allegiance.  They joined in with him.  It warmed our heart to see a mother who is teaching her child to love his country.  Jem was so impressed that he gave him his own flag to put in his yard.

 

So, while our first Independence Day together was a good one, I think Independence Day, 2020 has become my favorite July 4 holiday memory.

 

I'd love to hear about your best Independence Day memory or your love for the USA!

 

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Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Golden Cottage & Garden Musings



Greetings Gail-Friends!

This will be a quick post to catch up on the happenings at Golden Cottage and Garden.  We've been busy 'round here - mostly in the garden.

But first -- I saw this photo (up top) on the highway median and snapped a quick pic.  Sorry it's so blurry.  It says, "Every thing will be OK."  God bless whoever put it there.  It's a message for us all.  God is still on His throne.  He holds the world in His hands.  Our job is to trust His plan.  This, too, shall pass, Gail-Friends. And if we are called according to His purpose, it will all work together for our good.  Here's a pretty bouquet just for you, Gail-Friends.


I love carnations and these variegated ones caught my eye at the local grocery store.  I just add some faux baby's breath and voila!  Instant cheer!

Here in paradise, things are pretty much back to normal.  We go about our normal business, go out to eat, go shopping, and to our doctor appointments.  We're catching up on all of the ones that were cancelled due to the "dampanic."

Speaking of doctor appointments, I had cataract surgery this past Monday on my left eye.  I've been blind in that eye all of my life.  The only letter I could ever see is the giant "E" and that was very blurry.  The day after surgery, I went for my post-op visit and they checked my vision.  Gail-Friends, I shouted, "YAHOO!"  Why?  Because I could read two other lines on the chart! This is the first time in my life! 

Before the surgery, my vision was 20/400.  That day it was 20/250.  And it could improve further after the swelling goes down!  I just thanked God over and over -- and I'm still praising Him.  The doctor was very encouraged because he said my left eye was very hard to work with due to a big, nasty scar which made it difficult to measure accurately.  I told him many people were praying for him.  He did a great job (with God's guiding hand and the angel's protection).  Halleluyah!

At the eye doctor's office, I thought this fish was funny and had to take his picture. 


We rarely wear masks -- mostly at the doctors offices, because they require it.  I've had more than one health professional say they DO NOT wear masks outside their place of work.  People are living in fear and are being scammed on this point.  I believe this will all be over once the election happens.  .I believe it's a way to control people and keep them in fear.  I've read plenty of articles and seen many videos.  Masks are for sick people.  Not for healthy people.  Our country has been through many flu seasons and this one is no different.  What's different is the way they are doing to manipulate people.  Good hygiene and good old common sense are the most important things.

On Memorial Day, we visited a local veterans memorial cemetery.  It was pouring rain, but we thought it important to remember and honor those who loved and gave their lives for our beloved country.  This cemetery had been long neglected and was grown over with weeds.  A local DAV group, along with a Boy Scout, spearheaded an effort to revitalize it.  They did a wonderful job and now it's very beautiful.


Flags were raised for each branch of the military, and Jem was honored to hoist the flag for the Navy.  I held the umbrella for him 'cause, like I said, it was really raining.  The ceremony was short, but very moving.  God bless all who died in service to preserve freedom.





As always, Jem put out lots of flags for Memorial Day and Flag Day.


Have you heard of Bright Line Eating?  Well, it's a healthy way of eating and I've been learning about it.  Basically, you don't eat sugar or flour and you eat lots of healthy protein, veggies and fruit.  Giving up bread is the hardest part for me. (I''ve already given up sugar.)  Jem and I went to Panara recently and this painting pretty much depicts how I feel about giving up bread. (LOL) We laughed about it, but I am serious about getting healthy.  I'll keep you posted on my progress in the weeks ahead.  I'm already feeling better and sleeping better, too.




On the subject of sleep, it's not uncommon for women my age to have sleeping problems.  I can go to sleep, but staying asleep is my problem because my brain keeps thinking and thinking like the Energizer Bunny. But praise to Hashem, I've found the key for me. I visited a local herbalist and found the answer!  I use two 500 mg capsules of passion flower and 500 mg of magnesium about thirty minutes before bed..  This has been working very well and is an answer to prayer.  I've been getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night.  Halleluyah! 

We were taking a ride in the country last week and Jem spotted something on the side of the road.  He thought it was a coiled up snake ready to strike.  We turned around, and saw that it was a leather-back snapping turtle with his head raised up high.  He took off into the grass when we stopped to take a picture. 

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On Fathers Day, we took a ride up to Oak Hill for a seafood dinner at Goodriches Restaurant.  Jem wore his Trump hat and got some good comments.  We love our president and lots of others do, too!  The weather was gorgeous, warm and breezy.  We sat on the deck and enjoyed watching the birds and the boats pass by. 

I love this man!  He's a mensch and a mentor.  He never had children of his own, but has been a father and a bright and shining example to many children, teens, and other men.  I admire and honor him above all men I've ever known.

Wouldn't you love to take a ride on this beauty?

Our gardener (Rabbi Jem aka Mr. Green Jeans) has been building a pathway from the back door to the pond.  It's so nice not to have to walk in a clean path instead of the dirt.  He's been working every morning before noon on this project.  By noon, the sun has moved to the backyard and it's too hot to bear.  Isn't it gorgeous? 


My peace lilies are blooming profusely.  Twenty-five at last count!




And we had our first night-blooming cereus.  I always love, love, love seeing those beauties.


We planted veggies, and they are bearing well - except for the squash.  The rains came and they all died. I've been cutting lettuce every other day, and we get about fifty of the little golden tomatoes daily.  They are so good and sweet.  The beefsteak tomatoes and the peppers have not matured yet, but they're coming! We had our first mess of green beans yesterday and ate them for supper.  I forgot to take a photo.  The spinach didn't come up at all.  Gardening in this hot central Florida weather is challenging, Gail-Friends!

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Well, Gail-Friends, that's all for now.  We're looking forward to the 4th of July.  We live in a wonderful country.  God has surely shed His grace on us.  We were born for such a time as this -- to pray and put feet to our prayers.  Let's stand up for our country, our president, our flag, and our anthem.  If we don't, we will lose it.  Seek God's face to see what He'd have you do to preserve our life and liberty.

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Sunday, June 7, 2020

The Battle Between Good and Evil

           



As I said in my last post, I want to use my blog to bring new reports, articles, Scripture, and encouragement during this monumental time in our history.  I found this article on LifeSite today and think it is true, heart-felt, and something to be read and shared with others.  

Editor’s note: Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has released this powerful letter today to President Trump warning him that the current crises over the coronavirus pandemic and the George Floyd riots are a part of the eternal spiritual struggle between the forces of good and evil. He encourages the president to continue the fight on behalf of the “children of light.” Read the letter in PDF form here.

June 7, 2020

Holy Trinity Sunday

Mr. President,

            In recent months we have been witnessing the formation of two opposing sides that I would call Biblical: the children of light and the children of darkness. The children of light constitute the most conspicuous part of humanity, while the children of darkness represent an absolute minority. And yet the former are the object of a sort of discrimination which places them in a situation of moral inferiority with respect to their adversaries, who often hold strategic positions in government, in politics, in the economy and in the media. In an apparently inexplicable way, the good are held hostage by the wicked and by those who help them either out of self-interest or fearfulness.

            These two sides, which have a Biblical nature, follow the clear separation between the offspring of the Woman and the offspring of the Serpent. On the one hand there are those who, although they have a thousand defects and weaknesses, are motivated by the desire to do good, to be honest, to raise a family, to engage in work, to give prosperity to their homeland, to help the needy, and, in obedience to the Law of God, to merit the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, there are those who serve themselves, who do not hold any moral principles, who want to demolish the family and the nation, exploit workers to make themselves unduly wealthy, foment internal divisions and wars, and accumulate power and money: for them the fallacious illusion of temporal well-being will one day – if they do not repent – yield to the terrible fate that awaits them, far from God, in eternal damnation.

In society, Mr. President, these two opposing realities co-exist as eternal enemies, just as God and Satan are eternal enemies. And it appears that the children of darkness – whom we may easily identify with the deep state which you wisely oppose and which is fiercely waging war against you in these days – have decided to show their cards, so to speak, by now revealing their plans. They seem to be so certain of already having everything under control that they have laid aside that circumspection that until now had at least partially concealed their true intentions. The investigations already under way will reveal the true responsibility of those who managed the Covid emergency not only in the area of health care but also in politics, the economy, and the media. We will probably find that in this colossal operation of social engineering there are people who have decided the fate of humanity, arrogating to themselves the right to act against the will of citizens and their representatives in the governments of nations.

            We will also discover that the riots in these days were provoked by those who, seeing that the virus is inevitably fading and that the social alarm of the pandemic is waning, necessarily have had to provoke civil disturbances, because they would be followed by repression which, although legitimate, could be condemned as an unjustified aggression against the population. The same thing is also happening in Europe, in perfect synchrony. It is quite clear that the use of street protests is instrumental to the purposes of those who would like to see someone elected in the upcoming presidential elections who embodies the goals of the deep state and who expresses those goals faithfully and with conviction. It will not be surprising if, in a few months, we learn once again that hidden behind these acts of vandalism and violence there are those who hope to profit from the dissolution of the social order so as to build a world without freedom: Solve et Coagula, as the Masonic adage teaches.

            Although it may seem disconcerting, the opposing alignments I have described are also found in religious circles. There are faithful Shepherds who care for the flock of Christ, but there are also mercenary infidels who seek to scatter the flock and hand the sheep over to be devoured by ravenous wolves. It is not surprising that these mercenaries are allies of the children of darkness and hate the children of light: just as there is a deep state, there is also a deep church that betrays its duties and forswears its proper commitments before God. Thus the Invisible Enemy, whom good rulers fight against in public affairs, is also fought against by good shepherds in the ecclesiastical sphere. It is a spiritual battle, which I spoke about in my recent Appeal which was published on May 8.

            For the first time, the United States has in you a President who courageously defends the right to life, who is not ashamed to denounce the persecution of Christians throughout the world, who speaks of Jesus Christ and the right of citizens to freedom of worship. Your participation in the March for Life, and more recently your proclamation of the month of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, are actions that confirm which side you wish to fight on. And I dare to believe that both of us are on the same side in this battle, albeit with different weapons.

            For this reason, I believe that the attack to which you were subjected after your visit to the National Shrine of Saint John Paul II is part of the orchestrated media narrative which seeks not to fight racism and bring social order, but to aggravate dispositions; not to bring justice, but to legitimize violence and crime; not to serve the truth, but to favor one political faction. And it is disconcerting that there are Bishops – such as those whom I recently denounced – who, by their words, prove that they are aligned on the opposing side. They are subservient to the deep state, to globalism, to aligned thought, to the New World Order which they invoke ever more frequently in the name of a universal brotherhood which has nothing Christian about it, but which evokes the Masonic ideals of those want to dominate the world by driving God out of the courts, out of schools, out of families, and perhaps even out of churches.

            The American people are mature and have now understood how much the mainstream media does not want to spread the truth but seeks to silence and distort it, spreading the lie that is useful for the purposes of their masters. However, it is important that the good – who are the majority – wake up from their sluggishness and do not accept being deceived by a minority of dishonest people with unavowable purposes. It is necessary that the good, the children of light, come together and make their voices heard. What more effective way is there to do this, Mr. President, than by prayer, asking the Lord to protect you, the United States, and all of humanity from this enormous attack of the Enemy? Before the power of prayer, the deceptions of the children of darkness will collapse, their plots will be revealed, their betrayal will be shown, their frightening power will end in nothing, brought to light and exposed for what it is: an infernal deception.

            Mr. President, my prayer is constantly turned to the beloved American nation, where I had the privilege and honor of being sent by Pope Benedict XVI as Apostolic Nuncio. In this dramatic and decisive hour for all of humanity, I am praying for you and also for all those who are at your side in the government of the United States. I trust that the American people are united with me and you in prayer to Almighty God.

            United against the Invisible Enemy of all humanity, I bless you and the First Lady, the beloved American nation, and all men and women of good will.

 

+ Carlo Maria Viganò

Titular Archbishop of Ulpiana

Former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States of America

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I agree whole-heartedly with the Archbishop and join him in his prayer and blessing of our president.


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