The Seasons Of Our Lives ~ Revisited In 2021

In 2005, I wrote and posted the article below on the Sheffield (Alabama) High School Class of 1955 50th Reunion web site.  And, in 2010, I posted it on our Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries Blog site.   Coming upon it today in 2021, it seems appropriate to share with all my Friends - for we all are in a season of our lives.  

For some of my young Friends, it is still Spring.  For others, maybe Summer is in full bloom.  Or you may find yourself enjoying a relaxing Fall with the cool breezes, awesome colors of nature all around, maybe frequent strolls on the beach hand in hand with your life-mate. 

But Winter is coming and we all must be sure we are prepared for this rewarding season of our lives.  With those thoughts, please allow me to share my thoughts from 2005 with you.

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THE SEASONS OF OUR LIVES

When we think of the four seasons:
Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter
We can relate these to seasons of our lives.
However, I probably have a somewhat different perspective on that association than many people.  My wife, Dory, often asks me, "When are you going to grow up?"  And I always reply, "God willing - never."

Spring is when the young buds begin to sprout, tender and fragile.  But, nurtured and loved, those young buds soon burst into a beautiful, colorful life of joy.  That was us, the SHS Class of 1955.  It was the early 1950s at Sheffield High School in Alabama. We were young, full of life, bursting with youthful enthusiasm, ready to take on life with all our being.

Yes, Spring is a time when the new warmth puts life into our spirits and a spring into our steps.  Spring fever is not a myth, it is that time of year when we want to feel, to experience, to enjoy, to burst forth.

I recall a beautiful Spring morning in 1953.  I was sitting beneath that large old Oak tree that was on the lawn at Sheffield High School, feeling the sun warming my soul.  My friend, Roy Green, joined me under the tree and was also afflicted with Spring fever.  One of us suggested that a swim in the Tennessee River was a much better way to spend such a beautiful day, than sitting in stuffy classrooms.  So off we go in Roy's car, park on Montgomery Avenue, then with inner tube in hand, we walked down to Whippoorwill Hollow on the Sheffield side of the Tennessee River.  What a glorious day for a swim.
 
Being in high spirits, the decision to swim across the river was a natural.  On the first leg of our swim, from the Sheffield side to the Florence side, I paddled the inner tube while Roy swam.  Then on the return trip, I swam as Roy paddled in the inner tube.

Everything was fine until I was about twenty yards from the small cove where we had to go ashore at Whippoorwill Hollow.  All of a sudden, no matter how hard I swam, I could not move.  The river currents were too strong.  Looking up, I saw that narrow cove, that narrow beach, and everything beyond that was just sheer cliff.   If I could not swim into that narrow cove, I would be swept downstream where I would not be able to get out of the river.  I can only say that it must have been God who brought me ashore, for it was not my strength nor my swimming abilities.  Even then God was there for me, although I did not know Him at the time.

But Roy and I were in the Spring of life.  Small problems such as the possibility of drowning easily pass and are forgotten.   The next day, we were back at Sheffield High without a thought of what could have happened.  That is one of the symptoms of youth; the inability to learn from experience.

Then came the Summer of our lives.  We were all building careers, building families, running the race - not always sure where it was taking us.  We were in full bloom.  Watch out world, here we come!

My thoughts go back to the 1960s Broadway play, Anthony Newley's "Stop The World, I Want To Get Off."  I was fortunate to have had a third row orchestra seat to see the original when it was a new and sold out hit on Broadway.  And I will never forget it.  Newley's character, Little Chap, in this play was initially a young street lad in London, out to woo, win, and seduce all the girls.  He meets a young lady named Evie, the daughter of a leader of industry.  Seeing his golden opportunity, he marries Evie and goes to work for his father-in-law's company.

The play was sort of a comedy; yet it really made you think about life.  It was a comedy, yet it gave a better perspective on life than most dramas ever could.  Newley's character throughout the play was dressed in a mime costume - but this did not detract from the message.  Periodically, as life's pressures would build too high, Newley would walk to the edge of the stage, look at the audience, and announce in a high pitched voice, "Stop the world.  I want to get off!"  Haven't we all felt that way many times?

Now it was time for Dad to retire and for Son-in-Law, Little Chap, to take over the family business.  Newley's character was exceedingly successful in growing the company into an international giant.  In the meantime, Evie kept having babies - until at one time he tells her, "If only all of our plants were as productive as you!"

Autumn:  Newley's character becomes a world leader in industry; rubbing shoulders with world leaders, presidents, prime ministers, the top of the world.  And as he traveled around the world, he continued to meet and woo women in every country.  In the play, every female conquest in the various countries was always played by the same girl who played his wife, Evie - which lent an ironic twist to his affairs.  He was looking all over the world for love - yet each time he found it, it looked just like Evie.   Life is often that way.

Then came the Winter of their lives.  He and Evie retire to a rich resort island to live a life of luxury.  And Evie dies.  That was the scene when Little Chap walked to center stage, with a pathetic, defeated look.  In spite of the vast material wealth he had gained, you knew his life was empty.  That is when he sang the beautiful song "What Kind Of Fool Am I?"

WHAT KIND OF FOOL AM I?
Words & Music by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newly

What kind of fool am I, who never fell in love?
It seems that I'm the only one that I have been thinking of.
What kind of man is this? An empty shell,
A lonely cell in which an empty heart must dwell.

What kind of lips are these, that lied with ev'ry kiss,
That whispered empty words of love,
and left me alone like this?
Why can't I fall in love, like any other man,
And maybe then I'll know what kind of fool I am.

What kind of clown am I? What do I know of life?
Why can't I cast away this mask of play and live my life?
Why can't I fall in love, like any other man,
And maybe then I'll know what kind of fool I am.
Although it was in the 1960s when I saw this play during its Broadway debut, and later saw it again in Hollywood with Joel Grey playing the lead - I have never forgotten the impact this play, and especially this song, has had on me.

I knew that the good life I was living in California and in my many travels - my exciting career in the computer industry, the night life, and the parties - were just like Newley's character in "Stop The World."  Playing the clown and never finding true value in life.

Then God stepped in.  Actually, He had a beautiful Filipina lady named Dory step in, under His guidance.  And my life has never been the same since.  Praise the Lord!

Now, in 2005, my classmates and I are in the Autumn of life - and to me, this is an exciting time.  Gone is the youthful, mindless Spring of life.  Gone is the hot, often disastrous Summer of life.  And now we can relax and walk in the cool shade of the Autumn of our lives.  We can actually take the time to stop, to see, to smell the roses.  We can stare in awe at God's gorgeous display of colors as we watch the flowers bloom, the trees become many colors.  Life is in full display all around us.

And because it is now our Autumn, it is cool and pleasant to walk among and enjoy all of His wonders.  We are in the best season of our lives.  And I pray that you are enjoying your Autumn.  For it is His plan, laid out from time eternal, that you will have an exciting, exhilarating, wonderful Autumn of life.

Winter will come.  But I know you have given thought to that and have realized that Winter need not be an ending.  It can be the beginning of a new and eternal season with Him.  Winter is not a season to fear - if you have stored up your treasures with Him.  Have you done this?

If not, don't you think it is time to really consider your relationship with Jesus Christ?  For He is our promise of an eternal season.   Don't allow your Autumn to turn to Winter, without being sure of your relationship with Him. 

It is never too late - unless you allow Winter to take you before you truly know Jesus.   If you are not absolutely sure that you have a saving relationship with Him, that you have His assurance of your salvation - then I urge you, no, I beg you - take the time to seek and find Christ today, now.

Throughout all of these years, I have been privileged and thrilled to be your classmate, a part of the Sheffield High School Class of 1955.  I look forward to seeing all of you at our 55TH CLASS REUNION in 2010.  This time, God willing, I will be there - and so will you.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge: 

Now We Know The Truth Behind Biden's Afghanistan Debacle!

A SLICE OF CHINA’S LITHIUM BUSINESS LANDED IN HUNTER BIDEN’S LAP ~ Weeks Before They Handed The Afghan Treasures To China (CCP).

The information below was posted in a graphic created by Olga Lizarazo Glenn and shared by my hometown Friend, Johnny Clark, from Florence, Alabama.  From the Trump years we know that all campaign promises President Trump made, HE KEPT.  On the other hand, campaign promises made by Joe Biden - just seem to float away in the wind.

PROMISES such as:  Joe Biden said in December that “my son, my family will not be involved in any business, any enterprise, that is in conflict with or appears to be in conflict, with the appropriate distance from, the presidency and government.”  He promised during an Iowa campaign event in October 2019 that “no one in my family will have an office in the White House, will sit in on meetings as if they are a Cabinet member, will, in fact, have any business relationship with anyone that relates to a foreign corporation or a foreign country — period, period, end of story.”

Yet today Hunter Biden, and Old Joe by default, are still heavily involved with foreign companies - such as this one:  Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). - where the Biden Family owns a whopping 10% share of the company stock. 

CATL records show that Hunter Biden divested himself of their stock.  BUT, a holding company, Skaneateles, still owns 10% of CATL stock.  AND, Skaneateles is owned solely by Hunter Biden!  So ALL the Bidens speak with forked tongue?

Now we know why Joe Biden was in such a rush to pull all American troops out of Afghanistan - even if it meant leaving hundreds, maybe thousands, of Americans stranded - along with thousands of our Afghan allies - behind Taliban Terrorist lines.

Folks, it is time to start Impeaching Joe Bide, Kamala Harris, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer!   AND, in the 2022 Mid-Term Elections - VOTE ALL Leftist Democrat and their comrades, the RINOs, out of office.  AND, it is time for America to establish a Term Limit on all in Congress, Senators and Representatives.  

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This is the text I converted from Olga Lizarazo Glenn's graphic on Facebook:

THE BIDENS OWN 10% OF THIS CHINESE COMPANY ~ And Its Stock Has Gone Up 62% Since He Has Been President!

This is a must read.  The Bidens own 10% of a Chinese lithium ion battery company whose stock has soared almost 300% since Biden was "elected."   Afghanistan's biggest mineral (resource) is lithium valued at $1 trillion to $3 trillion dollars.   China was already in talks with the Taliban before Biden's Afghan debacle.

China (goes) in and takes over the lithium market - and the Bidens profit off all of this - at the expense of American lives.  It all is making sense now!

For anyone interested in researching the company ~ Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL).

CATL is the "world's largest maker of electric vehicle batteries."

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And doing my own Due Diligence, this is what I found:

A Slice Of China’S Lithium Business Landed In Hunter Biden’s Lap Weeks Before They Handed The Afghan Treasures To CCP (China)
by Silviu "Silview" Costinescu - Sep 05, 2021
https://silview.media/2021/09/05/a-slice-of-chinas-lithium-business-landed-in-hunter-bidens-lap-weeks-before-they-handed-the-afghan-treasures-to-ccp/

This is a follow-up to “HOW AFGHANISTAN WAS RE-ASSIGNED FOR EXPLOITATION TO CHINA“.

Now we reveal why Biden took part in it, why he left Afghanistan in such a rush and one of the many ways he benefits from it.

Joe Biden said in December that “my son, my family will not be involved in any business, any enterprise, that is in conflict with or appears to be in conflict, with the appropriate distance from, the presidency and government.” 

He (Joe Biden) promised during an Iowa campaign event in October 2019 that “no one in my family will have an office in the White House, will sit in on meetings as if they are a Cabinet member, will, in fact, have any business relationship with anyone that relates to a foreign corporation or a foreign country — period, period, end of story.”

But, as (he) Washington Examiner reveals:

* * * Hunter Biden still appears to hold an ownership stake in a Chinese government-linked investment firm despite repeated pledges from President Joe Biden that his family would not have any foreign business ties. * * *

That’s despite White House press secretary Jen Psaki in February saying the president’s son “has been working to unwind” his 10% stake in the firm.

Through one of his lawyers, George Mesires, Hunter Biden had promised to leave the board of the Chinese firm by the end of October 2019, but his resignation was submitted to China’s National Credit Information Publicity System in the spring of 2020. 

Three Chinese business websites, run by Baidu , Qixin , and QCC , all show updates with Hunter Biden’s name being removed from the BHR board of directors in April 2020 - but the sites also currently show a limited liability corporation, Skaneateles, owned solely by Hunter Biden, as still being a “sponsor/shareholder” with 3 million yuan ($464,000) invested in the company, purportedly comprising a 10% stake in the China-based business venture.

The business records for Skaneateles found on the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs website list Hunter Biden as the “executing officer” of the company, and the address for the LLC is a multimillion-dollar home in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles. That is where the Washington Examiner previously reported Hunter Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen, had been renting a $12,000-a-month home.  A report in June said Hunter had moved on from the rental.

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My Friends, it is time for ALL AMERICANS to do our Due Diligence and IMPEACH BIDEN, HARRIS, PELOSI, AND SCHUMER!  In other words, "Flush The Toilet" and clean out the Leftist Democrat and RINO waste.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

 

 

Do You Believe That God Wants Believers To In The Political Arena - Or Should We Stay On The Sidelines?

Recently a Christian brother and Friend posted the declaration below on Facebook.  It is clear from his comment that he neither likes President Trump nor Joe Biden.  But, as I understand his statement, he believes that Christian believers should not be involved in the political process - merely accepting what the secular world throws at us - and standing with Roman 13:1, just keep quiet.

This got my attention for, not long ago, a pastor Friend told me that he feels I am too involved in and speak out too much in political discussions.  Yet it is my honest and strongly felt belief that God does not want the Christian believers to just sit quietly like sheep to the slaughter - while our faith, our families, and our homeland, America, are being destroyed by the secular politicians and world.

This is what my Christian brother and Friend posted on Facebook:

When I'm asked why I don't get so excited about this person or that person winning or losing an election, its simply because of what God tells us in Romans 13:1, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." 

God has instituted and is in control of all governing authorities.  That means a narcissistic prideful bully, an old geezer Liberal, and even a Liberal Californian who believes in science - were all placed in governing positions by God.  God's in control. 

That's why I don't freak out or cower in fear either way.  I certainly don't understand the why a lot of times, but maybe that's not for me to know.  God asks us to trust Him, as well as be subject to our authorities, not throw a temper tantrum when "our guy" doesn't win.

And I respond to his post:

That is true, but keep in mind that God also allowed Pharaoh to hold the Israelites as slaves. Then God sent Moses and Aaron to do battle with Pharaoh.  God did not tell Moses, "Don't worry about your fellow Israelites.  I am in control and they are still getting along okay under the Pharaoh."  No, God told Moses:

"Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt."  But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?" .  .  .  .  Then Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?"  And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM."  And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "  (Exodus 3:10-11, 13-14)

God allowed the High Priests and his money-changers in the temple - where they made great profit robbing the people who came to worship. Then Jesus Christ took a whip and drove the money-changers out of the temple (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15, John 2:14).
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God does "allow" both good and bad leaders.   But God also gives us the knowledge and the abilities to have our say in the political arena.  Does God want all believers to just be submissive subjects to bad leaders?  Or does God want us, as believers, to be an influence in the political world?
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When we have leaders who tell us that we should kill unborn and new-born babies - is that of God?
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When we have political factions telling us that the homosexual lifestyle and same-sex marriage should be our societal norm - is that of God?
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When we have political leaders and educators who are helping our children, without parental knowledge, get abortions, have sex altering procedures - is that of God?
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When we have leaders whose goal is to create Racial Division in our homeland - is that of God?

Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Colossians3:11, "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all."

When we have political leaders and educators who tell us that there are over 100 genders, that God did not mean for us to be just male and female - is that of God? 

Genesis 1:27-28, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.  Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply.  .  ."⁠

When we have political leaders declare that we must allow grown men to share the same bathrooms, dressing rooms, etc., with our young daughters - is that of God?
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With all my heart, I truly believe that God WANTS believers to be involved in the political arena, that God wants Christian influence in our government offices.
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Can you imagine a truly 100% secular government showing us how to live and how to raise our children?
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I AM CONVINCED that voting and being involved in the political arena is not only of God, but I believe it is our Christian duty.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

 

Biden Told Afghan President To Say Taliban Was Losing - "Whether It’s True Or Not!"

This blog may be a wee bit long, but believe me - IT IS IMPORTANT, to you and to all True Americans!  I ask you to read the full blog - and then share it.

JOE BIDEN AND HIS TEAM OF LEFTIST, KNEW THAT AFGHANISTAN WAS GOING TO FALL!   ~  Weeks before it happened, the phone call transcript below between Joe Biden and the president of Afghanistan is proof that they both knew, weeks ahead of the fall - that Afghanistan was going to fall to the Taliban.  That is why the president of Afghanistan "got out of Dodge" right away.

THEN, why didn't Joe Biden start evacuating Americans and our Afghan friends from the country three weeks before the fall?

Obvious answer:  Joe Biden did NOT care what happened to the Americans in Afghanistan, nor the Afghans who helped America for years.  To Joe Biden, all those folks were just "Collateral Damage" and not worth making a wave about too early.  

AND the 83 BILLION dollars of military equipment and technology left behind by Joe Biden was just a gift to the Taliban Terrorists.  And that is not considering the billions of dollars of secret technology that America surrendered to our enemy when it left that equipment behind. 

Immediately following the withdrawal debacle, news articles told us that China had already sent teams of their people to "inventory" the equipment left behind.  By "inventory" what the Chinese really mean is to discover billions of dollars of secret American military technology - which they would not have - if Biden had not given them this gift.

Folks, this man, his administration, and all the Leftist Democrats have committed TREASON against America and against Americans - and MUST be held accountable for their treasonous actions.  

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BIDEN TOLD AFGHAN PREZ TO SAY TALIBAN WAS LOSING "WHETHER IT’S TRUE OR NOT."
By Warner Todd Huston - September 3, 2021
https://flagandcross.com/biden-told-afghan-prez-to-say-taliban-was-losing-whether-its-true-or-not/

Just three weeks before Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, Biden told the Afghan President to say (the) Taliban was losing even if it wasn’t true.

Three weeks before the Taliban took over the Afghanistan Capital city of Kabul, the Taliban was making advances. They had already controlled about half the country.  Still, U.S. President Joe Biden told Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani to create the “perception” the Taliban weren’t winning, “whether it’s true or not.” 

In other words, he told Ghani to lie (to his people and to the world).  Reuters was allowed to review a copy of the phone call transcript, which they verified by listening to the call’s audio.  The transcript and audio was provided to Reuters under the condition of anonymity by a source who was not authorized to distribute it.

That was three weeks before the Taliban took over Kabul, and at the time, the terrorist group already controlled half the country.  Biden knew the Afghan Troops’ battle against the Taliban wasn’t working - but wanted Ghani to make it look successful anyway.

Much of the call was focused on what Biden referred to as the Afghan government’s “perception” issue.

“I need not tell you the perception around the world and in parts of Afghanistan, I believe, is that things are not going well in terms of the fight against the Taliban,” Biden said.   “And there is a need, whether it is true or not, there is a need to project a different picture.”

Did Biden push Ghani to be dishonest so he could lie to America?  He didn’t want anything to ruin the victory lap he intends to take on the twentieth anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, which IMHO is the reason he pushed through a disorganized evacuation that left behind "Americans and Afghans" we promised to protect - to suffer the revenge of the Taliban,

Afghanistan was promising a shift in its military strategy, to start focusing on protecting “population centers” – major cities – rather than fighting to protect rural territories.  Biden referred approvingly of that strategy.  He said that doing so would help not just on the ground, but in the “perception” internationally that was required to shore up world support for the Afghan government.

He wanted the Afghans to promote the new strategy:  Biden told Ghani that Afghanistan’s prominent political figures — including former Afghan President Hamid Karzai — should give a joint press conference that backed a new military strategy on how to defeat the Taliban, saying: “That will change perception, and that will change an awful lot I think.”

“I’m not a military guy, so I’m not telling you what that plan should precisely look like, you’re going to get not only more help, but you’re going to get a perception that is going to change in terms of how , um… our allies and folks here in the States and other places think you’re doing,” Biden said.

* * * He’s not a military guy?  Then WHY didn’t he listen to American military leaders regarding how to handle the withdrawal? * * *

On the call, neither Biden nor Ghani said the war effort was about to collapse.  But the fact they had this type of conversation three weeks before the collapse was an indication that they knew what was going to happen. 

Biden’s urging of Ghani to brag about a new strategy is proof that he was trying to be dishonest with the American people — not letting us know what was happening.  At the very least, it was an indication that we should have started to evacuate our citizens and allies three weeks earlier.  If we did, there might not be anyone left behind — not that his administration seems to care anyway.

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My Friends, if we do not stand for our homeland now, very soon we may not have a homeland to stand for at all.  Joe Biden and the Leftist Democrats have been working for a long time to destroy America from within.  The United Nations and the Globalist have been working for the past 50-60 years to bring down America. 

Read your history, for the past 150 or more years, the Democrats have been working to weaken America.  They did it in Lincoln's day - and they are even more deceitful today. 

Almost 200 years ago, Karl Marx declared, and I paraphrase his philosophy, "To conquer a nation, there is no need for military action.  First, you conquer the minds of their children by installing the Marxist philosophy, i.e., Communism, Socialism, etc., in their schools - little by little.  Then those children taught Socialism would soon become leaders of that nation - and continue the transformation of that nation until eventually, the nation is no longer a free Democracy, but is now a Socialist, Communist nation."  

The American mind may be acclimated to "fast everything" - i.e., fast food, fast life, fast everything.  If we cannot have it within 1 or 2 months, or years at the most, forget it.   But the Eastern mind is just the opposite.  Their plan of action, their mindset, is designed to work over the years, hundreds of years if necessary.  They are patient.  But they always have an eye on you and your way of life.
 
In the late 1950s, early 1960s, when Segregation was being dealt its death blows in America and it was obvious that America would eventually become a nation of "One People."  Look at the motto on our currency:  E pluribus unum - Latin for "Out of many, one."   The Socialist leaning Leftist Democrats could not allow that.  So, in 1963, God and prayer were removed from our public schools.  No God, what's to stop Socialism?

Then, in 1973, with God firmly removed from our schools - the next step:  LEGALIZE ABORTION!  Legalize the murder, infanticide, of unborn and new-born babies all across America.  The Marxist Plan to remove God and install Socialism (Communism) in America was well under way. 

And when Donald Trump announced his run to be president - the Leftist Democrat really stepped up their efforts to divide America by RACE.  The Leftist began their big push to declare all White Americans as Racist - in their efforts to divide America along Racial, or skin color, lines.  The Leftist Democrats encouraged protests, rioting, burning, looting, even murder - to make the Racial Divide greater.

While President Trump was working to Make America Great Again - the Leftist Democrats were working to make the Racial Divide Great Again.

Except for the reprieve America had from January 1981 to January 1989, when Ronald Reagan was our president.  And again from January 2017 to January 2021 when Donald Trump was our president -  America has been marching headlong toward the chasm of Destructive Socialist Communism. 

Peaking in the Clinton years, peaking again in the Obama years, and reaching an almost unrecoverable point of no return under the Stolen Biden Administration - our American Homeland is marching toward great danger.

I ask several things from you which can stop this Leftist Democratic Sell-Out of America.  First, to all of my Friends who pray - PRAY FOR AMERICA!

Then, to all True Americans - commit yourself to becoming strong CONSERVATIVE AMERICANS.  I don't care whether you call yourself a Republican, an Independent, or whatever - just commit to CONSERVATIVE VALUES across our America.

Finally, do everything in your power to help President Trump prove to the Supreme Court of America that the 2020 Elections were stolen and MUST be overturned - and President Trump installed as the President of the United States.

God bless America, and Thank YOU for praying for her,

Bill 

Click on the image to enlarge:

 

Thank You ~ Rebuttal For "Judge Jeanine Speaks The Absolute Truth About Joe Biden And The Afghanistan Disaster!"

A week- ago, I posted a Judge Jeanine Pirro video titled "Judge Jeanine Speaks The Absolute Truth About Joe Biden And The Afghanistan Disaster!" and I posted it on my Friends Ministry eNewsletter, on Facebook, and on the Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries blog site.  The following day, a Friend offered his comments on what I had written via e-mail - and I would like to respond to his comments and thoughts.

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On 8/24/2021 11:18 AM, My Friend wrote:

"The following is strictly my OPINION" ~  Maybe you should have such a disclaimer as well before you post articles such as shared here.  Fox News absolute truth is not truth, but merely an opinion.  Fox advertises themselves as an entertainment channel.  Their “news” is purely opinion, yet you proclaim it as “absolute truth.”  Get with the program.  Where are your facts proving what you/she say is truth?  I only see someone’s opinion.  Again, where is your documented, absolute truth?
 
This time I will just let your words speak for themselves.  You are here claiming, again, to be a Christian, yet you willfully proclaim a political agenda to support your idea of what seems to be a prerequisite for being a politicized, rich, white, military-minded, republican follower of your so-called jesus.  One who has taken the form of the “chosen” Donald Trump and all the people who allow him to continue his role as a false prophet.  They are spreading false, OPINIONATED information mixed with a form of religious doctrine.  Merely a form of godliness, not the power.

You should step down off those fragile egg crates which you stand upon, or the cross you have usurped from jesus, proclaiming how wrongly you and others like you are being treated by the so-called deceived. Jesus was crucified, not you and others of your persuasion.  Try preaching a gospel other than the one of hate and condemnation based on opinion that I see shared here.  In the end, this will all end.  Left/right, liberal/conservative, political, religious, rich/poor.  All of this will not matter.

What you have done with the true Jesus you claim to worship is all that will matter.  Preaching the false OPINIONATED politics of a false jesus will not get one to heaven.  “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars. “Render unto God the things that are Gods.”  This is not the place to point an accusing finger at those who think and believe differently than the many others you address.  If I wanted to find hate and hate news OPINION to believe, I would watch Faux News, not look for it or preach it in the community of “believers”.

Find a “Good Book”, read it, and preach from that.

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MY RESPONSE:

Thank you so much for responding to my Friends Ministry eNewsletter.  Even though we do disagree on some issues, I cherish you as a Friend and I sincerely appreciate you taking your time to respond to what I had written in my blog titled "Judge Jeanine Speaks The Absolute Truth About Joe Biden And The Afghanistan Disaster!" 

At dinner several days ago, I shared my thoughts on your response with my wife, Dory, and daughter, Lana.  And they, of course, wondered why I appreciated receiving your comments when you seem to disagree with me on most of the issues. 

In response to their question, I compared our dialogue with leading a Bible study, telling them, "I love Bible studies.  When I am leading a Bible study and someone speaks up to ask a question or to disagree - that tells me that person is listening.  On the other hand, if in a Bible study, everyone just sits mutely - I have to believe that (1) they are bored, or (2) I have not presented the issue well enough."

You tell me, "Maybe you should have a disclaimer before you post articles such as shared here.  Fox News absolute truth is not truth, but merely an opinion.  Fox advertises themselves as an entertainment channel.  Their 'news' is purely opinion, yet you proclaim it as 'absolute truth.'  Get with the program!  Where are your facts proving what you/she say is truth?  I only see someone’s opinion.  Again, where is your documented, absolute truth?"

First, I have never claimed that Fox News is a good news network.  The reason I shared this particular video via e-mail is that Fox tried to censor Judge Jeanine's on-air comments.  And you make the accusation that what I or Judge Jeanine say is merely one person's opinion.  That is true.  However what you tell me in response, is also just one man's opinion.  And I might add, one devout Democrat's opinion.  Just saying.

Then you tell me, "This time I will just let your words speak for themselves.  You are here claiming, again, to be a Christian, yet you willfully proclaim a political agenda to support your idea of what seems to be a prerequisite for being a politicized, rich, white, military-minded, republican follower of your so-called jesus.  One who has taken the form of the “chosen” Donald Trump and all the people who allow him to continue his role as a false prophet.  They are spreading false, OPINIONATED information mixed with a form of religious doctrine.  Merely a form of godliness, not the power."

Once again, in reading your words written in your response, I am reading the "opinion" of only one devout Democrat.  What more need I say?  Yes I am a believing Christian - neither a racist, nor prejudiced in any way - but a Conservative Christian believer who is fully convinced that a Christian who avoids the political arena is not fulfilling his Christian duty. 

It is my belief that a major reason for much of the mess in American politics today is because too many believers feel they should avoid the political arena altogether.  A sad mistake.  Jesus did not avoid the moneychangers in the temple, why should we avoid the money-grubbers in politics today?

Not long ago I had a pastor Friend tell me that I am too political.  And I told him the same thing - a Christian believer who is not involved in politics at some level - is not fulfilling his Christian duty.  While I do not believe that one's religious position should be a criteria for holding public office - I am absolutely convinced that Christian influence should be felt at all level of political life in America.

You declare, "You should step down off those fragile egg crates which you stand upon, or the cross you have usurped from jesus, proclaiming how wrongly you and others like you are being treated by the so-called deceived.  Jesus was crucified, not you and others of your persuasion.  Try preaching a gospel other than the one of hate and condemnation based on opinion that I see shared here.  In the end, this will all end.  Left/right, liberal/conservative, political, religious, rich/poor.  All of this will not matter."

You are absolutely correct when you tell me, "In the end, this will all end.  Left/right, liberal/conservative, political, religious, rich/poor.  All of this will not matter."   God, in His Bible tells us, in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

However, a large part of the problems we are experiencing in America today - is a direct result of God and prayer being removed for our schools in 1963.  And the Leftists (what you call Liberals), both Democrats and RINOs, have worked diligently to remove God from all public venues in America today.  That is why we have same-sex marriage, abortion on demand, destruction of history, and the new "woke" miscarriage of morals becoming the new "politically correct" norm in America.

The suggestion that Christians should avoid politics reminds me of a similar suggestion I received in a rebuttal on the TimesDaily Religion Forum, where I posted for 8 years (2007-2015).  A gentleman who claimed to be a Christian, yet refused to attend church, told me, "I am a Christian, but I will not beat anyone over the head with my Bible (translation: I will not share the Gospel).  If anyone wants to hear about Jesus, they will come to me and ask me." 

That Religion Forum gentleman, if he is a Christian believer, would be what I call a "couch potato" Christian, i.e., "I am a Christian, but I will sit on my couch and wait for folks to ask me about Jesus!"   Yet, in the Great Commission, given by Jesus Christ to all believers, we find our marching orders are to, "Go, make disciples, baptize them, teach them.  .  .  Be My witnesses in all the world"  (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15).  Notice that Jesus tells us to "GO!"  He is not telling us to sit and wait for non-believers to come to us. 

What do you see in these similar thoughts?  "A Christian should avoid politics" ~ "A Christian should avoid sharing Jesus with the unsaved."  Pure Leftist political agenda in both cases.   No thanks.

I had a 50 year friendship with a young lady whom I had known since she was a teenager.  Her mom and dad were my dear friends, and she also, by association.  On Facebook she Unfriended me - because as she said, "You always want to quote the Bible in your comments."  And I replied, "Thank you for noticing!"

Was what Judge Jeanine said in her video to be considered entertainment?  In no way.  She is warning Americans that we are walking in deep poop today with the Biden Leftist Administration - and we had better wake up before it is too late.

Next you tell me, "One who has taken the form of the “chosen” Donald Trump and all the people who allow him to continue his role as a false prophet.  They are spreading false, OPINIONATED information mixed with a form of religious doctrine.  Merely a form of godliness, not the power."

Am I a President Trump Supporter?   That deserves a really big and absolute, "YES!"  I firmly believe that Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, and Donald Trump are the three greatest presidents in American history. 

Republican President Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, great because he fought a war to free the slaves and put an end to slavery in America.  "The Thirteenth Amendment, written by Abraham Lincoln - passed by the Senate on April 8, 1864; by the House on January 31, 1865; and was ratified by the states on December 6, 1865 - abolished slavery 'within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.' ”  Yes, we can thank the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, for that wonderful Amendment to our United States Constitution.

Republican President Ronald Reagan challenged Russian Leader, Mikhail Gorbachev: "Tear down this wall" - and that speech, heard around the world, made in Berlin on June 12, 1987, led to the Berlin Wall being torn down allowing families in Eastern and Western Berlin to once again be together after decades of separation imposed by Russian rule.

And Republican President Donald Trump's accomplishments, in only 4 years, toward Making America Strong Again - are unprecedented.  His economic growth of America - his standing up to America's enemies such as China and making them back down, after decades of Democratic pandering to China and other state enemies, is unprecedented - his protection of our Southern Border after decades of Democratic policies making Swiss cheese of that border was unprecedented. 

EVERYTHING President Trump did MADE AMERICA STRONG AGAIN - even if he did step on a few Leftist Democrat and RINO toes in accomplishing these great achievements.

Should I offer a disclaimer on my blog posts and e-mails?  I suppose the only disclaimer I could offer would be:  "I am a Conservative Christian believer who will not avoid speaking up for my faith, nor for my America - in church, in society, and in the political arena.  I am not a politician, but I will hold the politicians' feet to the fire - that they should serve America and Americans, not use their political office to make themselves and their families rich."

My Friend, you tell me, "This time I will just let your words speak for themselves.  You are here claiming, again, to be a Christian, yet you willfully proclaim a political agenda to support your idea of what seems to be a prerequisite for being a politicized, rich, white, military-minded, republican follower of your so-called jesus."

Yes, I am a Christian, a Conservative Christian.  Am I a rich, white, military-minded, Republican follower of Jesus?   Well, I am far from being rich.  And even though I have been doing a Christian writing ministry for over 30 years - the only financial support I have received in this effort was 30 postage stamps in 1995, when I was publishing and mailing, at my own expense, a Christian newsletter, "The Good News" - to over 400 homes in America and to 60 homes in 12 other countries.  A Christian sister, Bles, gave me 30 postage stamps at our worship service one Sunday to help with the cost of mailing.  And I truly appreciated her help. 

Based upon that, in over 30 years of doing Christian writing, I have earned a wee bit less that "one postage stamp" per year.  Does that qualify me as a "non-profit ministry" -  or should I have declared that stamp on my income tax?

Am I a white male?  Yes, but that has nothing to do with my Christian faith.  Since being saved in 1987, I have always attended Filipino-American church fellowships.  That is where I learned and grew my Christian faith, in "brown" Filipino fellowships - for almost 34 years now.

Am I am Republican follower of Jesus?  Yes, I am a Conservative Republican.  Yes, I am a follower of Jesus, but not the "so-called jesus" you suggest - I worship and follow Jesus Christ, Son of God, my Savior.  And yes, that has flavored my Political thinking and support for the Conservative Republican way of doing politics. 

I am against Abortion - I am against Same-Sex Marriage - I do not believe that we should ignore the Bible and make the homosexual gay and lesbian lifestyles our societal norm - I believe that God in His Bible condemns the homosexual gay and lesbian lifestyles, not the person but the sin lifestyle - I am against the destruction of our American history, our historical statues, and the rewriting of our history curriculum in schools - I have never been prejudiced against anyone because of the color of their skin, nor their cultural background, nor their religion, nor their ethnicity.

My Friend, you close by suggesting, "Find a 'Good Book' - read it, and preach from that."

Let me reverse the order of your suggestion.  I am not a pastor, nor do I "preach" - for that is not my calling.   Over 30 years ago, God gave me a writing ministry, not a pastoral nor preaching ministry.   The end goal of each of those ministries should be to share the Gospel, to point folks toward Jesus Christ and the cross, and to refute false teachings.  The latter we would call apologetics and I will admit that over the past 3 decades, my writing ministry has become more apologetic in nature.

You tell me to "find a Good Book!"  That I have done, preferring the NASB and NKJV Bibles as my main go-to translations, but at times quoting from the KJV and even the NIV at times, if those translations reflect better the point I am making in that particular blog.  Back in 1987, our pastor, Pastor Sam Lacanienta, gave Dory and me each a new Harper NASB Study Bible which became my go-to Bible for daily study and when leading or participating in a Bible study or Sunday School class. 

Years ago Dory gave her copy to a Friend who needed a good study Bible - but I kept mine and used it for over 30 years, until it became so worn that I was afraid to take it to church or to Bible studies.  Since that particular Bible has been out of print for over 20 years, I could not buy a replacement. 

But God is such a wonderful provider.  A dear Christian sister, Rachel Quintans, had a copy which had been gifted to her.  When she heard that I was looking for a replacement, she gifted her Harper NASB Study Bible to me.  I pray that God allows me to live long enough to also wear this one out.

So, my Friend, that is Bill Gray's testimony.  I do not apologize for where I stand in my Christian faith, nor do I refuse to take a stand for the things I believe will "Make America Strong Again."   That same Christian faith makes me a stronger follower of Jesus Christ, God - and a good American citizen.   God bless, Bill

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From: Bill Gray
Sent: Monday, August 23, 2021 12:15 AM
Subject: JUDGE JEANINE SPEAKS THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH ABOUT JOE BIDEN AND THE AFGHANISTAN DISASTER!

 
Hi to all my Friends,

I am sharing this on my Friends Ministry eNewsletter and also on our Bill & Dory Gray Christian Ministries blog site, because I am sure it will be removed from Facebook.  This is a video that EVERY AMERICAN should, and must, see.   The video and the transcript of Judge Jeanine's comments about Joe Biden and the Afghanistan Disaster,  God bless America, Bill

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JUDGE JEANINE SPEAKS THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH ABOUT JOE BIDEN AND THE AFGHANISTAN DISASTER!

Jeanine Pirro torched Joe Biden Saturday on “Justice with Judge Jeanine” for “fumbling” the troop withdrawal of Afghanistan, claiming the “so-called commander in chief” was a “fumbling, lying, idiotic fool incapable of extricating innocent Americans and Afghan allies” from behind enemy lines.

Apparently, this caught the network off guard, causing Fox to interrupt the broadcast a few moments later.

“Mark this day as the day the United States of America officially fell from grace as the world’s superpower, due to the ineptitude, the incompetence, and the dereliction of duty by a so-called commander in chief. A fumbling, lying, idiotic fool incapable of extricating innocent Americans and Afghan allies from behind enemy lines in the war zone we entered 20 years ago,”  Jeanine said.

Watch: Judge Jeanine Goes Off Script on Biden, Fox News Stops Broadcasting After It
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQCOMrgD2lg

God bless America,

Bill 

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