Very good points made at the end of yesterday’s blog.
We can’t truly judge another’s calling. I said early on that I felt called to homeschool. I had no idea at the time what that decision would lead to, but as the years have passed I have seen it lead to many being encouraged to keep their faith on a college campus.
Those who feel called into public political government service do sacrifice greatly. Some may feel a false call, but for others it is real. It may take years to see with more light how God’s plan worked out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.
I still feel that things can change so quickly, that we are consumed with counting our eggs before they hatch regarding the Nov. election. God’s authority will rule regarding the final ballots we vote on and who gets to take office. I plan to do my part and vote.
I prefer one party over the other. I do not confuse God with any candidate. I don’t think anyone one this blog does that.
“🚨🚨THE COVER UP OF THE INSIDE JOB TO ASSASSINATE PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP CONTINUES🚨🚨
The Department of Homeland Security under DHS Secretary @SecMayorkas Alejandro Mayorkas has DENIED FOIA REQUESTS that pertain to the attempted assassination of President Trump on July 13, 2024.
Remember, Mayorkas controls all @SecretService resources and he has DENIED requests made by Trump’s campaign for more security resources over the last 2 years.
The most shocking part of the FOIA request denial letter below is the part highlighted in yellow in which DHS @DHSgov says,
“Please be advised, your request has been denied because you do not qualify under either category. You have not demonstrated that there is a threat to the life or physical safety of an individual nor have you demonstrated there is a particular urgency to inform the public about the government activity involved in the request, beyond the public’s right to know about govemment activity, generally.”
Unreal. So according to their FOIA request denial letter below, DHS thinks Donald Trump almost being assassinated on live TV isn’t a “threat to the life or physical safety of an individual” or of “a particular urgency to inform the public”.
This is insanity. #InsideJob #TrumpAssassinationAttemp
“Anyone still arguing Trump is a threat to democracy is a joke. Democrats just wiped out their entire primary system to replace their candidate with roughly 3,000 party elites voting. The will of their primary voters didn’t matter at all. They staged an actual insurrection.”
Janice, agreed and some believers are personally called to government service. Or to fight/advocate publicly for a cause (I think of William Wilberforce as probably one of the best and most faithful examples on the matter of slavery). We pray their priorities are kept in the proper order (and it seems they were for Wilberforce and I’m sure for many others).
But it can also raise questions in a broader sense and we’ve all seen professing Christians in politics become conflicted and have their focus twisted. Earthly power is so seductive.
Via an X-Twitter post from Anthony Bradley:
~ In light of all creeds/confessions of 2,000 years of Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic, & Protestant), “winning the culture” was not point of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Culture warrior” Christians have lost the plot of the history of Redemption ~
I hope all the Republicans who are dissatisfied with their electoral choices this year will remember that we are not called to “win the culture” the next time a neocon or more favored candidate is on the ticket.
Wasn’t Mayorkas impeached or something? Why is he still at the helm anyway?!
Janice I too prefer one party over the other. Yes the R party is changing in ways that are not for the better but they have yet to stoop to the level of the D’s. This outcome is truly in God’s hands as it has been and always shall be. There is peace in the knowing.
I am thankful there are some strong believers willing to stand up and fight for what is right in our government. I know they are prayed for continually…
So Chicago is cleaning up the homeless camps and illegal invaders in some hotels before the Democrats hold their convention there. And my oh my just look at how much that “contractor” in KY is making of “housing the house less”!!
Another couple discharged from the Tremont last week has been sleeping on the sidewalk across the street.
The woman, 40, who asked that her name not be used for fear of retaliation, said she was initially thrown out in pajamas and slippers without crucial belongings like her medicines or her purse. After she persisted, she said she heard a staffer with the city contractor say, “I’m sick of this b- – – – asking for her medicine and her wallet.”
“I really don’t know what I’m going to do next,” said the woman, a domestic violence survivor, as her boyfriend lay in a sleeping bag next to her on a sidewalk on East Chestnut.
Allan Lacey, 62, said the woman appeared to be “tricked” into thinking she was going to be placed into another shelter and even showed up to a meeting with the city contractor’s staff in her pajamas before being discharged.
Lacey said he was nearly thrown out on the street before he appealed because of multiple medical conditions, including congestive heart failure.
“I said, ‘You’re going to put me on the street and I have a medical condition and I’m 62?’” he said. “I have the heart of an 80-year-old man.”
City records show that Equitable Social Solutions has contracted with DFSS since 2022 and has been paid $90 million over 12 deals. The Kentucky-based company founded in 2021 has run some of Chicago’s migrant shelters and opened the Tremont site in November.
The contractor did not return messages seeking comment
Absolutely, Mumsee. We used to have more public services available for such things. I remember as a child I was vaccinated at a public health clinic. These things are public goods that make the country stronger.
Finding a “solution” to homelessness is a steep hill. LA has spent, I don’t know how much money on various plans involving treatment and housing, but is making little progress.
There are some good medications for mental illness but they don’t work if people don’t take them and one cannot force that (without going back to the ‘sanitariums’ of old).
But I wish it were as easy as spending more money …
From what I’d read, the lock-down places for the mentally ill — which were challenged legally on a civil rights basis — also began to fade when better medications came online that made it possible for many who were mentally ill to lead normal lives independently.
But the challenge was making sure the medications were being taken consistently.
All for free vaccines, and I do believe clinics still exist for that. We have a few free clinics in our area, but they require financial tests to be met.
A strong defense for sure. And their is room for helping our allies, but not just dumping money on a problem (as you mentioned is done with the homeless.
I recommend taking a small portion of state or federal land (we own a lot!). Make a one square mile allotment here and there, available to the homeless for camps otherwise found in city parks or streets. Install porta potties and a few sower facilities. A food pantry or two. Public transport for getting to jobs and medical. A medication clinic where meds can be held and given to the willing. All that would be much less expensive than the current chaos.
People could organize themselves into communities and live in tents as currently. Food and water and facilities available. Nobody telling them what to do.
Saying no to killing people unnecessarily is never that complicated. It’s really not that complicated when it comes to saying no to abortion. And I propose that it’s arguably less complicated, not more, when it comes to saying no to destroying the civilization of another people group.
We’ve been brainwashed into accepting government’s very inadequate responses to intelligent moral questions. And now, fewer and fewer people ask those questions. You’re considered radical if you ask. Because somehow “it’s complicated” assures us we don’t need to worry about the morality of it all. I can go about my daily life guilt free because ” it’s complicated”.
Well, I think we had those “tent” camps for the homeless in California over the years, off and on, but they also required security and generally ran into get-along to live-together challenges as drugs were frequently used and sold. …
And people need to be free to leave legally.
We’ve built “tiny” and pallet homes here with nonprofits providing management. I don’t know how well those have worked but they are designed to be temporary until more permanent housing can be built or found.
I remember the LA Times columnist who took a homeless musician under his wing — he wrote a book and there was a movie made as well.
He did finally get him housed in an apartment but the one story I remember hearing was that the man painted all the windows black — and there seemed to be a lot of other adjustments that he wasn’t able to make and so I believe he wound up on the streets again.
No easy answers.
And the problems that cause homelessness are the real focus, they are many and difficult.
“Housing first” has been the mantra — then provide the services to help people recover and cope from whatever issues ail them.
But in our most recent homeless count tallies, despite building many, many homes in the past few years via tax increases, it’s not that easy?
But I have no particular answer to it, though I do think it’s a mistake for cities to allow folks to live on the streets in what have become permanent encampments. More temporary shelters are always needed, it seems, but the homeless don’t care for the ones with rules (which is most of the Christian-run facilities), though some manage to have their lives turned around.
There are churches which assist on getting people off the streets and into housing. My Sunday school class has helped to furnish a few apartments for people. I have never heard if the people thrived after getting into a better situation or if they went back to old ways. It is always helpful to get followup on ministry programs to revise anything that is not working out as a longterm help.
In my strategy, they would self police. The rules would not be the same as in our world. They would always be free to move to another encampment. Of course there would be drugs and crime. But I can see my daughter living contentedly there. There are only so many black painted windows or carved in witch’s symbols, or clogged sinks landlords are willing to tolerate.
My daughter chooses to surround herself with the mentally ill. It is her comfortable zone. She does not want somebody to give her a tiny home or apartment, they come with rules. She wants freedom. I just ask that we move the free zones outside the city or town where their freedom is not impacting other’s freedom.
This is probably going to get me accused of clutching my pearls, but the recent references to one person or another being “a DEI hire” make me cringe. Just because someone is a woman or a minority or both does not mean that they got their job because of a DEI policy. It may, but we have no way of knowing that.
Sometimes I think if she tasted life as a homeless person, the life we are offering in Lewiston would appeal to her. But really, I don’t think so. Her whole mantra is, “I just want to be free to be me.” She is not alone.
The owner of the hotel where daughter lives is a very kind caring person. He is very tolerant of ill behavior but some things push him too far. He booted daughter’s boyfriend for repeatedly breaking two rules: no smoking in the rooms (fire hazard when alcoholics or drug users smoke in the rooms) and urinating regularly on the back patio (about eight feet from a nice bathroom). I would say at least three fourths of the occupants of the hotel are on the caliber of daughter.
Debra @3:38, probably more accurate to say these issues are complex. And I’m sorry, but they are. I’m still unclear what your point is often times, specifically, maybe that can be explained a bit better?
Saying it’s complex doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes and shouldn’t learn from those. Unless you’re advocating for a pacifist stance nationally? What qualifies as a just war in your mind as I’m usually left wondering? (and it actually is often complicated — and requires a large dose of wisdom, some judgment calls based on risk and, yeah, some anticipation as to how scenarios could play out and what those risks will be).
Will wonders never cease…she must be up for re election or something eh?
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx) was one of several lawmakers to rip Cheatle during her appearance on Capitol Hill. “This is not theater. This is not about jockeying. This is about the safety of some of the most highly valued targets internationally and domestically in the United States of America,” she said
Wandering Views 
Very good points made at the end of yesterday’s blog.
We can’t truly judge another’s calling. I said early on that I felt called to homeschool. I had no idea at the time what that decision would lead to, but as the years have passed I have seen it lead to many being encouraged to keep their faith on a college campus.
Those who feel called into public political government service do sacrifice greatly. Some may feel a false call, but for others it is real. It may take years to see with more light how God’s plan worked out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.
I still feel that things can change so quickly, that we are consumed with counting our eggs before they hatch regarding the Nov. election. God’s authority will rule regarding the final ballots we vote on and who gets to take office. I plan to do my part and vote.
I prefer one party over the other. I do not confuse God with any candidate. I don’t think anyone one this blog does that.
LikeLiked by 3 people
“on this blog”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Of course. The DEI hires has no clue, but she lies like a pro.
https://x.com/greg_price11/status/1815395420786286937?t=BbASU8VIEteJ66BuRHs4ZQ&s=19
“Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle isn’t answering any of Rep. Comer’s questions about the assassination attempt against President Trump:
“I’m not going to get into specifics of that day in itself.””
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sure, because hiding info always leads to less conspiracy theories…
https://x.com/LauraLoomer/status/1814889751763177551?t=ZVW_QmGnQRkITHE2xDK0wQ&s=19
“🚨🚨THE COVER UP OF THE INSIDE JOB TO ASSASSINATE PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP CONTINUES🚨🚨
The Department of Homeland Security under DHS Secretary @SecMayorkas Alejandro Mayorkas has DENIED FOIA REQUESTS that pertain to the attempted assassination of President Trump on July 13, 2024.
Remember, Mayorkas controls all @SecretService resources and he has DENIED requests made by Trump’s campaign for more security resources over the last 2 years.
The most shocking part of the FOIA request denial letter below is the part highlighted in yellow in which DHS @DHSgov says,
“Please be advised, your request has been denied because you do not qualify under either category. You have not demonstrated that there is a threat to the life or physical safety of an individual nor have you demonstrated there is a particular urgency to inform the public about the government activity involved in the request, beyond the public’s right to know about govemment activity, generally.”
Unreal. So according to their FOIA request denial letter below, DHS thinks Donald Trump almost being assassinated on live TV isn’t a “threat to the life or physical safety of an individual” or of “a particular urgency to inform the public”.
This is insanity. #InsideJob #TrumpAssassinationAttemp
LikeLiked by 3 people
“Anyone still arguing Trump is a threat to democracy is a joke. Democrats just wiped out their entire primary system to replace their candidate with roughly 3,000 party elites voting. The will of their primary voters didn’t matter at all. They staged an actual insurrection.”
https://x.com/ClayTravis/status/1815088690042896625?t=ER_KRF5hDSKMnb4-WQyNUQ&s=19
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks Democrats.
https://x.com/nypost/status/1814729444256362839?t=HHUnBGX2BtpX6eQd_emwfw&s=19
“Rape surges 11% in NYC — as bail reform, vulnerable migrants, depleted NYPD create perfect crime storm trib.al/joPu9e7”
LikeLiked by 4 people
Janice, agreed and some believers are personally called to government service. Or to fight/advocate publicly for a cause (I think of William Wilberforce as probably one of the best and most faithful examples on the matter of slavery). We pray their priorities are kept in the proper order (and it seems they were for Wilberforce and I’m sure for many others).
But it can also raise questions in a broader sense and we’ve all seen professing Christians in politics become conflicted and have their focus twisted. Earthly power is so seductive.
Via an X-Twitter post from Anthony Bradley:
~ In light of all creeds/confessions of 2,000 years of Christianity (Orthodox, Catholic, & Protestant), “winning the culture” was not point of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Culture warrior” Christians have lost the plot of the history of Redemption ~
LikeLiked by 3 people
I see now where the term “unprecedented” has been so overused in this campaign that we probably should no longer use it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope all the Republicans who are dissatisfied with their electoral choices this year will remember that we are not called to “win the culture” the next time a neocon or more favored candidate is on the ticket.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wasn’t Mayorkas impeached or something? Why is he still at the helm anyway?!
Janice I too prefer one party over the other. Yes the R party is changing in ways that are not for the better but they have yet to stoop to the level of the D’s. This outcome is truly in God’s hands as it has been and always shall be. There is peace in the knowing.
I am thankful there are some strong believers willing to stand up and fight for what is right in our government. I know they are prayed for continually…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Btw, I agree that we are not. But since we are known as the largest Christian nation, I do believe we are called to stop killing people unnecessarily.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So Chicago is cleaning up the homeless camps and illegal invaders in some hotels before the Democrats hold their convention there. And my oh my just look at how much that “contractor” in KY is making of “housing the house less”!!
Another couple discharged from the Tremont last week has been sleeping on the sidewalk across the street.
The woman, 40, who asked that her name not be used for fear of retaliation, said she was initially thrown out in pajamas and slippers without crucial belongings like her medicines or her purse. After she persisted, she said she heard a staffer with the city contractor say, “I’m sick of this b- – – – asking for her medicine and her wallet.”
“I really don’t know what I’m going to do next,” said the woman, a domestic violence survivor, as her boyfriend lay in a sleeping bag next to her on a sidewalk on East Chestnut.
Several others who stayed at the Tremont, known most recently as Selina Hotel,corroborated the woman’s story.
Allan Lacey, 62, said the woman appeared to be “tricked” into thinking she was going to be placed into another shelter and even showed up to a meeting with the city contractor’s staff in her pajamas before being discharged.
Lacey said he was nearly thrown out on the street before he appealed because of multiple medical conditions, including congestive heart failure.
“I said, ‘You’re going to put me on the street and I have a medical condition and I’m 62?’” he said. “I have the heart of an 80-year-old man.”
City records show that Equitable Social Solutions has contracted with DFSS since 2022 and has been paid $90 million over 12 deals. The Kentucky-based company founded in 2021 has run some of Chicago’s migrant shelters and opened the Tremont site in November.
The contractor did not return messages seeking comment
LikeLiked by 1 person
We do not do well for the mentally ill and/ or the homeless.
Perhaps spending some of the money currently used to kill people in various locations overseas for a more helpful solution?
mumsee
LikeLiked by 3 people
Absolutely, Mumsee. We used to have more public services available for such things. I remember as a child I was vaccinated at a public health clinic. These things are public goods that make the country stronger.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Finding a “solution” to homelessness is a steep hill. LA has spent, I don’t know how much money on various plans involving treatment and housing, but is making little progress.
There are some good medications for mental illness but they don’t work if people don’t take them and one cannot force that (without going back to the ‘sanitariums’ of old).
But I wish it were as easy as spending more money …
LikeLiked by 1 person
From what I’d read, the lock-down places for the mentally ill — which were challenged legally on a civil rights basis — also began to fade when better medications came online that made it possible for many who were mentally ill to lead normal lives independently.
But the challenge was making sure the medications were being taken consistently.
All for free vaccines, and I do believe clinics still exist for that. We have a few free clinics in our area, but they require financial tests to be met.
LikeLiked by 1 person
(Though I still think maintaining a reasonably strong defense is wise; a weak defense invites trouble-makers with big weapons)
Government is complicated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mayorkas is still at the helm because corrupt Senate Dems led by Schumer refused to do their jobs
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A strong defense for sure. And their is room for helping our allies, but not just dumping money on a problem (as you mentioned is done with the homeless.
I recommend taking a small portion of state or federal land (we own a lot!). Make a one square mile allotment here and there, available to the homeless for camps otherwise found in city parks or streets. Install porta potties and a few sower facilities. A food pantry or two. Public transport for getting to jobs and medical. A medication clinic where meds can be held and given to the willing. All that would be much less expensive than the current chaos.
People could organize themselves into communities and live in tents as currently. Food and water and facilities available. Nobody telling them what to do.
mumsee
LikeLiked by 3 people
sowers or showers maybe
LikeLiked by 2 people
a friend of mine is wondering where Biden is as aides did not know he was withdrawing until the notice came out and she said that he has not been seen
interesting
jo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Saying no to killing people unnecessarily is never that complicated. It’s really not that complicated when it comes to saying no to abortion. And I propose that it’s arguably less complicated, not more, when it comes to saying no to destroying the civilization of another people group.
We’ve been brainwashed into accepting government’s very inadequate responses to intelligent moral questions. And now, fewer and fewer people ask those questions. You’re considered radical if you ask. Because somehow “it’s complicated” assures us we don’t need to worry about the morality of it all. I can go about my daily life guilt free because ” it’s complicated”.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, I think we had those “tent” camps for the homeless in California over the years, off and on, but they also required security and generally ran into get-along to live-together challenges as drugs were frequently used and sold. …
And people need to be free to leave legally.
We’ve built “tiny” and pallet homes here with nonprofits providing management. I don’t know how well those have worked but they are designed to be temporary until more permanent housing can be built or found.
I remember the LA Times columnist who took a homeless musician under his wing — he wrote a book and there was a movie made as well.
He did finally get him housed in an apartment but the one story I remember hearing was that the man painted all the windows black — and there seemed to be a lot of other adjustments that he wasn’t able to make and so I believe he wound up on the streets again.
No easy answers.
And the problems that cause homelessness are the real focus, they are many and difficult.
“Housing first” has been the mantra — then provide the services to help people recover and cope from whatever issues ail them.
But in our most recent homeless count tallies, despite building many, many homes in the past few years via tax increases, it’s not that easy?
But I have no particular answer to it, though I do think it’s a mistake for cities to allow folks to live on the streets in what have become permanent encampments. More temporary shelters are always needed, it seems, but the homeless don’t care for the ones with rules (which is most of the Christian-run facilities), though some manage to have their lives turned around.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are churches which assist on getting people off the streets and into housing. My Sunday school class has helped to furnish a few apartments for people. I have never heard if the people thrived after getting into a better situation or if they went back to old ways. It is always helpful to get followup on ministry programs to revise anything that is not working out as a longterm help.
LikeLiked by 2 people
In my strategy, they would self police. The rules would not be the same as in our world. They would always be free to move to another encampment. Of course there would be drugs and crime. But I can see my daughter living contentedly there. There are only so many black painted windows or carved in witch’s symbols, or clogged sinks landlords are willing to tolerate.
My daughter chooses to surround herself with the mentally ill. It is her comfortable zone. She does not want somebody to give her a tiny home or apartment, they come with rules. She wants freedom. I just ask that we move the free zones outside the city or town where their freedom is not impacting other’s freedom.
mumsee
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is probably going to get me accused of clutching my pearls, but the recent references to one person or another being “a DEI hire” make me cringe. Just because someone is a woman or a minority or both does not mean that they got their job because of a DEI policy. It may, but we have no way of knowing that.
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Sometimes I think if she tasted life as a homeless person, the life we are offering in Lewiston would appeal to her. But really, I don’t think so. Her whole mantra is, “I just want to be free to be me.” She is not alone.
mumsee
LikeLiked by 2 people
FTR, I am not wearing pearls today, but I am wearing a necklace of blue beads. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The owner of the hotel where daughter lives is a very kind caring person. He is very tolerant of ill behavior but some things push him too far. He booted daughter’s boyfriend for repeatedly breaking two rules: no smoking in the rooms (fire hazard when alcoholics or drug users smoke in the rooms) and urinating regularly on the back patio (about eight feet from a nice bathroom). I would say at least three fourths of the occupants of the hotel are on the caliber of daughter.
mumsee
LikeLiked by 3 people
I don’t seem to be able to “like” posts today, but Kizzie, on your first post I rather agree with you, and on your second you gave me a good laugh.
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And I also am not wearing pearls.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Debra @3:38, probably more accurate to say these issues are complex. And I’m sorry, but they are. I’m still unclear what your point is often times, specifically, maybe that can be explained a bit better?
Saying it’s complex doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes and shouldn’t learn from those. Unless you’re advocating for a pacifist stance nationally? What qualifies as a just war in your mind as I’m usually left wondering? (and it actually is often complicated — and requires a large dose of wisdom, some judgment calls based on risk and, yeah, some anticipation as to how scenarios could play out and what those risks will be).
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And I have no pearls.
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But I do agree with @4:46
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With my poor reading abilities, I first read it as a necklace of blue beards, so I got a double chuckle.
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I have no pearls except for pearls of wisdom which are invisible to the human eye and are sometimes beyond my reach when I need to put them on.
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A friend sent this today. I have not read it but thought it might interest some here.
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/eric-weinstein-its-communism-stupid
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Will wonders never cease…she must be up for re election or something eh?
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx) was one of several lawmakers to rip Cheatle during her appearance on Capitol Hill. “This is not theater. This is not about jockeying. This is about the safety of some of the most highly valued targets internationally and domestically in the United States of America,” she said
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Fascinating, NJ. A true surprise.
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