HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2024

 May God's great and love and blessings cover you this coming year.

Is there Anyone Out There? I'm Still Here

I haven't dropped off the planet just yet, bu if there are any daddies out there, this if for all of you, whether you have human or fur babies.

The Year of the Bear Book Review

 Thanks for the free book, @AmbassadorIntl!  I am an @AmbassadorIntl #bookreviewer and #partner!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Award-winning inspirational author and poet, Douglas Lanzo, brings to life the legend of the Penobscot tribe of Maine and their close ties to the black bear through the eyes of Jason Wilson, a boy on the cusp of manhood during the 1980s. Thirteen-year-old Jason is on the cusp of manhood, striving to fi nd his place at school and at home—especially after his mother has abandoned them and his father is left to deal with his own anger. When Jason and his father encounter a bear while out hunting, they shoot and kill it, not realizing that they have left a cub without its mother. When Sasquot of the Penobscot Tribe, a part of the Bear Family, discovers what they have done, he decides that Jason needs a lesson in caring for God’s creatures. Thus begins a year that Jason will never forget as he begins to care and train the cub in order for it to survive. As Jason forms a bond with the bear, he, in turn, learns valuable lessons for life. “Fans of classic, enthralling adventure (and I’m one) are in for a rare treat,” said Josh Lieb, New York Times best-selling and Emmy Award-winning author of I am a Genuis of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President. Reminiscent of classic novels such as My Side of the Mountain and Call of the Wild, The Year of the Bear is a story that will delight and educate readers as they learn about the Native American culture, black bears, and the rugged woods of rural Maine. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An award-winning and inspirational author featured in WestWard Quarterly’s Winter 2021 issue and published in three of Vita Brevis Press’ bestselling poetry anthologies in 2021 and 2022 as well as in Cafe Haiku’s Fifth Poetry Anthology sharing my solitude, since 2020 Douglas’ poetry has found homes in fi fty literary publications across the U.S., Canada, England, Wales, Austria, Mauritius, India, Japan, Australia, and The Caribbean. A graduate of Harvard College and Law School, where Douglas enjoyed writing editorials for The Harvard Crimson and articles for various other campus publications, he has published professional legal articles throughout his career. A General Counsel by day and writer by night, Douglas resides in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with his wife and thirteen-year-old identical twin boys, fellow internationally published poets, enjoying nature, traveling, biking, tennis, and chess.

https://douglaslanzo.com/

MY REVIEW/OPINION

What a wonderful coming of age story.  I can honestly say that I have never heard of the Penobscot Tribe of Main until I read this book.  Douglas Lanzo depicted them quite eloquently in the story that I learned a lot of their history and how noble and what courageous people they were/are, they truly honor and respect the black bear, and nature.

I absolutely loved this book.  It has all the aspects of what makes a very exciting and heartwarming story.  It's beautifully written with the characters being relatable, the description of the them are detailed and without wanting.  There is a lot of helpful and insightful information of the Penobscot Tribe, and how they lived, how they perceive nature as friend instead of foe, and of course the strong bond that they share with the black bear.  The reader is swept up in Jason's journey to manhood, by learning how to feed, train and eventually letting go of the cub, what they must eat, how they hunt, everything that a sow would teach her cub in order to survive in the wild, is now up to Sasquot and Jason to make sure he is prepared for all aspects of what it is to be a black bear.

What I loved about this story is how Sasquot imparts his wisdom and faith with his young mentor and friend.  He teaches him how to confront and work through the many obstacles that this young boy must face and endure, such as being bullied at school, his mother leaving and dealing with the ugliness of racism for associating with Sasquot and his family, and of course, to respect and love nature in all her beauty and harshness.  I truly loved this whole story from beginning to end, not a moment was dull or overly dramatized, detailed with perfect clarity and vividness.  I have new-found respect for native Americans and their great wisdom and love they have with for nature, the world could use that wisdom right about now, and of course, a new respect and love for the beautiful black bear.  

Book Review "Angry With God"

 I received a free digital copy of the following book from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Book

No one gets mad at God for something small. When we’re angry with God, it is because we’ve faced something immensely hard. Anger is an often-overlooked part of grieving, and as such, is an appropriate response to profoundly painful events. Counselor Brad Hambrick provides a guided process to being honest with God about your pain to restore and deepen your relationship with him. While we are often prone to interpret our anger about intense suffering as being at God, this book is an invitation to process these intense emotions with God as a source of comfort who is sturdy enough to support these turbulent emotions. If you are struggling with deep grief that is accompanied with anger and confusion, Angry with God will be profoundly helpful in your journey. Hambrick will patiently walk you through the process of being honest with God (and others) about your pain. You will learn how to articulate your pain, alleviate the effects of this pain, contextualize your experience in light of the gospel, and begin to hope again. God is a good shepherd who is patient and willing to move at the pace of his sheep. God can be trusted in places that merit the name “the valley of the shadow of death.” Angry with God is part of the Ask the Christian Counselor series. This series walks readers through their deepest and most profound questions. Each question is unpacked by an experienced counselor that gives readers the tools to understand their struggle and how the gospel brings hope and healing to the problem they are facing. About the Author Brad Hambrick, ThM, EdD, serves as the Pastor of Counseling at The Summit Church in Durham, NC. He also serves as Assistant Professor of Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a council member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, and has authored several books, including God's Attributes: Rest for Life’s Struggles, Making Sense of Forgiveness, and Angry with God, and served as general editor for the Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused curriculum.

What Others Are Saying “Anger and grief are healthy responses to profoundly painful events in our lives. Those who grieve over painful experiences need patient care, not a lecture. Brad demonstrates a unique level of compassion and concern for those who are suffering. He delivers wisdom that helps us respond to and care for those who suffer in ways that are compassionate and practically informed.” ~ Justin S. Holcomb, Episcopal minister; seminary professor; author of Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault “Brad Hambrick’s pastoral and prophetic approach is both comforting and incisive, providing helpful and compelling insights for all who are navigating grief and healing from painful experiences—especially hurt and injustice within the church. Filled with compassionate advice and practical tools, this book offers readers a unique invitation to evaluate anger through a different lens and understand how God comes alongside us in our suffering. With clarity and grace, Hambrick takes us on a journey of courage that will help us care for the broken parts of ourselves and be agents of healing and hope to the wounded along our path.” ~ Ruth Malhotra, Writer; advocate; ministry leader “For years I’ve wanted a resource that can help me provide better counsel for those who are hurting and struggling with anger at God. Angry with God is the book I’ve been searching for. It’s eminently biblical, pastoral, and practical. I’ll be giving this book out to everyone I encounter who struggles emotionally with the problem of evil and suffering.” ~ Joe Carter, Associate pastor, McLean Bible Church, Arlington, VA; senior writer, The Gospel Coalition “Mindful of those suffering profoundly, Brad Hambrick gifts his readers with perfectly portioned, practical wisdom. He honors a sufferer’s experiences, doubts, and pain while reminding us we have a patient and loving God who understands and tends to grief-filled anger. Angry with God: An Honest Journey through Suffering and Betrayal has already been an immeasurable blessing to my counselees.” ~ Darby Strickland, CCEF Faculty; author of Is it Abuse? “Angry with God provides a pastoral and wise approach to grief, and the insights and reflection questions throughout the book will benefit anyone who is experiencing the anger that often accompanies loss. As a trauma specialist, I am eager to utilize this resource with my counseling clients because it compassionately addresses the struggles they often face in their healing journeys.” ~ Beth M. Broom, Executive Director, Christian Trauma Healing Network; care minister, The Village Church, Denton, TX My Review and Opinion This is such wonderful book and tool to help people work through their anger and grief, whether it is due to the loss of a loved one, or someone who has hurt them irreparably.  It's a gentle guide towards healing and coping with their profound loss.  Healing takes time and patience, and sometimes others tend to try to force an individual to "move on..."  when they are not spiritually, emotionally or spiritually ready.  This guide to healing works with the person through each thought provoking chapter to ease them gently in the direction of God's great love for them and to reflect on what they have just read and how to apply the teaching tools to their own painful situation.   There is some writing involved and I would suggest a person grab a notebook to write down their thoughts and reflections.  This will help them later on.  Consider it a journal on their journey to healing, a way to help the person cope and heal at their own pace.  So much of God's love is given by example and through biblical scripture, but what is quite beautiful is that it's okay to be angry, to have grief and to be able to express it, God can handle it all and more.  In Chapter 17 there was one part that really hit home for me, "We begin to realize faith is a relationship." "We realize our choices impact the outcome"  In the scheme of things it really is up to the individual to work through their anguish but with the aid of this book, it can be done, with prayer, reflection and honesty and above all else walking and talking with God.   I do recommend this book for anyone struggling with grief, betrayal and anger. If you know of someone that is struggling, it could be a game changer for them and also in helping and building a better and more loving relationship with their heavenly Father.

Children's Book Review "God Made Babies."

I received a free digital copy of the following book from New Growth Press in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

“Where do babies come from?” This common question all too often leaves parents perplexed about what to say and when to say it. Justin and Lindsey Holcomb tackle this tough question in a common sense, biblical way. They help parents start the conversation with their children about sex by giving them the basic tools to guide them—including specific biblical content and age-appropriate ways of talking to children at different stages. The Holcombs along with illustrator Trish Mahoney have been helping parents tackle difficult but important subjects with children for many years, beginning with the award-winning God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies as well as God Made Me in His Image: Helping Children Appreciate Their Bodies. Now they bring their expertise to the all-important conversation about sex in God Made Babies: Helping Parents Answer the Baby Question. Instead of leaving this conversation to “experts” or to the culture, they equip parents to answer questions about sex in the right way at the right time. Drawing from the story of creation and how God made the living world to reproduce, God Made Babies helps children to understand the gift of reproduction in the light of God’s goodness and care. Rather than waiting to have this conversation with their child at the “perfect” time, the authors encourage parents to answer questions at every stage with just the right amount of information. God Made Babies is part of the God Made Me Series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story (Releases September 19, 2022)

About the Authors and Illustrator

Justin S. Holcomb, PhD, is a minister and professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has authored, coauthored, or edited more than twenty books on numerous topics, including abuse, biblical studies, and theology. Justin and his wife, Lindsey, coauthored the award-winning children’s book God Made All of Me and God Made Me in His Image. Lindsey A. Holcomb, MPH, works in non-profit development and is an advocate for survivors of abuse. She is a former case manager at a sexual assault crisis center and a domestic violence shelter and is the cofounder of REST (Real Escape from the Sex Trade). Lindsey is also the award-winning coauthor of God Made All of Me, God Made Me in His Image, Is It My Fault?, and Rid of My Disgrace. Lindsey and Justin, conduct a variety of training seminars on parenting topics such as child sexual abuse prevention, body image, and how to talk about sex. They also provide training on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child, sexual, and domestic abuse. The Holcombs live in Orlando and are parents of two daughters.  ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: Trish Mahoney is a graphic designer and illustrator in Salem, OR, where she runs The Mahoney Studio with her husband, Patrick, also a designer and illustrator. They have two children, both budding artists too. Trish is the illustrator for the God Made Me series and The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible. My Opinion and Review This is a delightful and helpful book for parents who have young children.  As we all know, little ones will eventually bring up the uncomfortable of topic that most parents dread of, "Where do babies come from?"  This book is a godsend, with biblical content, and an excellent resource on how to proceed in answering this daunting question. This is not about sex, that comes later, simply that your young child is curious on how they were created or born.  In simple terms it explains how God is the creator of everything the earth, the universe, etc. How each person born is a gift from God.  It also explains in simple terms that they were made by their parents a part of the mom and a part of the dad, but it was God that created them, I found that to be deeply profound, because it's true. There are wonderful illustrations on the stages of the baby being inside the mom's womb, and still written in terms a child can understand. This is a beautifully written book with so many illustrations the beauty of life being created by God, how flowers become flowers, birds laying eggs and of course animals that also have babies that carry their young in the womb as human moms do. I absolutely LOVED this book there is so much information but done is such a respectful and God honoring manner, with scientific information, written in the form as if a child were reading it. Simply brilliant.  I highly recommend this book for parents with young children who are becoming curious about how they came to be.

Supreme Court overturns Roe v Wade and ensures that life wins over abortion

 Such a monumental ocassion to celebrate the life of unborn children and those that are left to die if there is a botched abortion.  Children have been given the chance to life, and not be summarily executed all in the name of "inconvenience."

This is probably driving Liberal feminists and male Liberals insane due to the fact they may have to start being sexually responsible and start using birth control, instead of choosing to murder a beautiful life that they had created.

In the case of rape, abortion should not still be an option, due to the fact, a child was created, yes, in an abhorrent and vicious manner, but nonetheless a precious child, a miracle of life was the result, and should be protected as well.  All life is precious, no matter how that life came to be.  

This truly is a momentus ocassion to celebrate life, because ALL lives are precious in the eyes of Almighty God.

I'm thrilled to see that even though our Supreme Court Justices were threatened, harassed and one even came close to being executed by a nutcase, he still did what was right.

Two states already have deemed abortion illegal, and I hope many more will follow.  It is time that people take responsibility with their actions and start practicing safe sex, instead of using abortion as a birth control.

God bless America!

It's Not About A Bunny, It's about The Lamb

 As crazy as the world has become, so many of us know that we are living through some very real biblical prophecy.  I'm not saying we are in the end times, because God alone knows the day and time this will happen.

This weekend, many of us are focused on what was the most pivotal and most important time in history,  the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I hope and pray that many will come to the Lord and embrace Him as their Lord and Savior before hearts are perpetually hardened forever.

May the love, grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father be with any person who happens to read this.  Have most blessed and happy Resurrection Day.

For the Love of Gaming

 

For the Love of Star Trek: The Original Series

 

The sewage (new shows) they are peddling now, beginning with STD is complete and utter “woke” garbage.  However, I’ll always love TOS.  It’s still the best of all.🖖💙💚

 

Women Are Women and Men Are Men

 It’s such a sad state of affairs when people have been so brainwashed to believe there are more than two genders, when in fact there is not.  And seeing men competing in women’s sports, and destroying the women in the process.  Or men pretending to be women in anything.  They need professional help not encouragement.  

Men cannot and will never have a uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries and have menstrual cycles, or produce milk for babies.  They’ll never experience child birth.  Let’s not get into dealing with hormones, hot flashes and menopause.  They are the masculine and we are the feminine and there is nothing wrong with that.  But it’s disturbing how easily people can be manipulated into believing the lies.  No amount of surgeries, makeup and wearing women’s clothes will change their DNA.

What’s more disappointing is that a woman that is supposed to be highly educated has no idea how to define what a woman is.😳

What a messed up world we are living in.🥺😢  May God have mercy on us.

Take the Masks Off Your Children...

I have never believed that masks worked and glad that so many people have finally decided to remove those horrific diapers off their faces, however, there are still people who are believing the lies and propaganda of the Left and Fake News Media and feel they have the right to coerce, bully and shame people who refuse the idiocy.  

I'm so happy that a doctor had the courage to say what so many of us have been trying say.  Masks don't work, they never have.  And parents and other adults should be ashamed of themselves for projecting their irrational fears on their little children. 

God bless Dr. McDonald and AFLDS for their stance to protect our children from the lies of the Left.

Dr. Mark McDonald, psychiatrist, original AFLDS physician, patriot, and critical thinker, reminds us Masks, “Physicians are mandated reporters. When we witness or suspect child abuse, we are obligated both ethically and legally to report it to social services or the police. If a child shows up for therapy or medication treatment covered with cigarette burns, a doctor cannot ignore it.

Masks are no different.… they do cause significant and possibly permanent damage to a child’s brain, retarding speech and language development, crippling social skills, and inciting a vicious cycle of emotional dysregulation leading to major depression, self-harm, and substance abuse. We would never allow someone to do this to our children directly, so why do we condone it through the vehicle of a face mask?”

I emailed the announcement above to all my patients earlier this week. The night before, I had recorded a podcast for Informed Dissent with attorney Nicole Pearson, who successfully sued the LAUSD to end “vaccine” mandates for public schoolchildren in Los Angeles County. During the interview, we began discussing masking children, something I have called out since summer of 2020 as nothing short of child abuse. She said, “This will end today, if every adult refuses to tolerate it.”

Although I have been speaking out against this nouveau form of child abuse for nearly two years, and I have challenged parents to confront this horrible behavior—essentially a projection of adult fear and anxiety onto children, who have no capacity to consent to the abuse—I have also allowed children, at times, to come to my office with diapers covering their faces. I was concerned that if I pushed too hard, the fearful parents would simply yank their children from treatment, causing even further emotional damage. I have decided that position is no longer tenable.

Physicians are mandated reporters. When we witness or suspect child abuse, we are obligated both ethically and legally to report it to social services or the police. If a child shows up for therapy or medication treatment covered with cigarette burns, a doctor cannot ignore it. Masks are no different. They may not leave physical scars (although they often result in painful skin infections that can lead to permanent facial disfigurement), but they do cause significant and possibly permanent damage to a child’s brain, retarding speech and language development, crippling social skills, and inciting a vicious cycle of emotional dysregulation leading to major depression, self-harm, and substance abuse. We would never allow someone to do this to our children directly, so why do we condone it through the vehicle of a facemask?

At my first public speaking event since the pandemic began, I announced in May 2020 at the Orange County School Board of Education meeting that we the adults had failed our children by allowing our own fears to drive and sustain the closure of schools. It was, at the time, the biggest mistake we had made in responding to the public health crisis provoked by the arrival of the Wuhan virus from China. I challenged parents to set aside their narcissistic paranoia over a minor respiratory infection that did not affect children and assert their responsibilities as adult guardians to demand that schools re-open immediately. I was profoundly disappointed by the largely apathetic and cowardly response shown by the vast majority of the local population.

Nearly two years later, I am done. I will no longer accept your ill-informed, foolish, immature rationalizations for the ongoing abuse of your children. If you want me to treat your child, take the mask off his face—or find another doctor who is as disturbed as you are, who prefers to cling to a fear fantasy over reality, who will rather honor a truly sinister mandate than his ethical duties, and who will choose child abuse over the uncomfortable position of embarrassing his patients. You, the parent, are not the victim. Your child is.

I have taken a stand. I invite you, too, as well. If we all do, this ends today.