A Divided Country

WARNING: Very political topic.Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

If you keep up with the news, I betcha you’re just as frustrated as I am. You think you know the truth. The evidence is as clear as day and yet you see people in the “other side” spewing nonsense with authority. You look for people on “your side” to exchange the latest gossip and avoid speaking about politics with the “other side” because it takes too much drama. So each of us sits on our “safe side” and drift further and further apart.

Which is more important — party loyalty or loyalty to country? It’s not the same thing. The winds of political ideology shift with the current party leadership and it takes an objective eye to see the truth. Fight for our country NOT for the party! If we all do that the chasm between us will narrow.

This is how I see America today. The democrats are in panic mode. Despite what people have been saying for years about Biden’s dementia, they are shocked that it’s true. Doesn’t that tell you how far removed they’ve been from reality? Doesn’t that tell you that the news media has been feeding them lies? Even among the stalwarts of media, many of the talking heads are fumbling whether they should continue the narrative. They’re like chickens without a head. Many prominent Democrats are asking Joe to step down but Jill and Hunter Biden are blocking the stampede. And even if Joe steps down, who will carry the Liberal flag? Will there be enough time to create a new narrative for their new hero to appeal to the swing voters? The decision needs to be done soon because the DNC (Democratic National Convention) comes (I think) at the end of the month. What a mess!

On the Republican side they’ve got huge rallies with die-hard Trumpers. Yet their enthusiasm is dampened by their fear of election fraud. All that anticipation is centered around a single individual with major character flaws. The status quo is at stake. Is he capable of uniting the country?

Whichever side wins, half of America will believe this will be the start of the end. America is a country divided even now. An earthquake has shaken the very foundation this nation was built on. What are we to do?

In times of uncertainty, I always look at the Bible. We may not know the details between points A and B but we know where it leads to. Interpretations may vary but the prophecies are never wrong. I’m not an expert in the end times so I listened to Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s exposition of Revelations (the final book of the Bible).

Revelation-Unveiling the End, Act 3: The Final Curtain

There will be a rapture. There will indeed be the battle of Armagedon where nations from all around the world will gather with their forces. The preparation and events leading to this confrontation will be carefully crafted but the actual slaughter will not last long.

Chuck came up with 4 conclusions:

• The absence of America is surprising – ie. America is not a prominent factor in the final battle.
• The presence of demonic activity is frightening
• The resurgence of interest in the Bible – there will be a hunger for the truth
• The influence of Christ is compelling

That’s a lot to unravel and it still left me with a question: So what are we to do in the meantime? I like Chuck’s suggestion:

“The best thing to do to prepare for the coming of Christ is to tell people about Christ. It becomes for them an escape … a rescue from the horrors that remain yet future.” — Chuck Swindoll

But this is just me. TGIF people!

“Fear is often our immediate response to uncertainty. There’s nothing wrong with experiencing fear. They key is not to get stuck in it.” — Gabrielle Bernstein

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. “ — Isaiah 40:31

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Maria of Norwalk, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Benny of Chicago

Thanks to Vincent of New Jersey

Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.

SUBSCRIBE

The post Annoyances appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Survivor

I’m embarrassed to say this but I succumbed to temptation. Over 20 years ago, I was a true blue follower when this started but I soon quit when I realized it was taking too much of my time. However, early this week as I was skimming through my Roku channels, curiosity got the best of me. Bless me father for I have sinned. I watched Survivor.

Hard to believe this TV show that premiered on May 31, 2000 is now on its 43rd season (that’s 622+ episodes). The big advantage now is one doesn’t have to wait days for the continuing episode. One can binge watch old episodes on Pluto TV for free (free in Roku but it includes commercials) or at a paid subscription at NBC (where you have more choices).

FYI: Many of the series were located near my Mom’s ancestral home where I spent my summer with my Dad recently.

Why the fascination? I dunno. For me, it’s the reality TV of human drama where adults act like emotional spoiled brats … sharing their strategies of conniving, lying and cheating. Sociologists and psychologists, here are your lab rats.

I was not aware that the show was franchised to other countries … but none of them (especially the shows made in poorer countries) are as successful as the original American version. Is it because we Americans are more self-centered, more entitled, more articulate about our demands in life?

THE BIBLE
Survivor is a microcosm of the history of human interaction. It reminds me of the Bible. If you’ve never read the Bible, you would think it’s just a book full of boring commandments but it is actually the history of man and his interaction with God. The lying, the cheating, the conniving — those are all there too. Sure there are outright instructions of dos and don’ts but more often, the narratives present situations where you need to figure out the lesson. Many lessons come in several layers. The deeper you dig, the more profound it gets. You come out with a more accurate understanding of God’s love and how He operates. There are free copies everywhere. You can even read it online and you can read it in different versions. There’s really no excuse not to read the best selling book of all time. How’s this for a shameless plug?

Only one person gets the million dollar prize in Survivor. In the Bible, it’s clear that a bigger prize is available to anyone. Don’t miss this fascinating catalogue of the reality and meaning of life. As the song goes: “Read your Bible, pray everyday … and you’ll grow, grow, grow!”

TGIF people!

Raoul

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Rodger of London

Videos of the Week

Thanks to Mike of New York for this man’s suggestion for Car Manufacturers.

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA for this embarrassing rendition of the British National Anthem by a host nation.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA

Thanks to Wyne of Kalentong, Metro Manila

Thanks to Garie of Paranaque, Metro Manila

These I found

The post Lost Wallet appeared first on Traveling Archive.