God Keeps His Promises

From my garden, kissed by angels, the lone yellow rose


Last week I attended a funeral service. One of my friends, a priest who lives out of state, was able to give his father the Last Rites. During his homily I realized God does keep His promises. My friend’s  father had consecrated  his life to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In order to do this, you must attend Mass every first Friday for nine months. With this sacrifice comes the promise that you will not die without a priest giving you the Last Rites. As complicated as it may seem, God came through for them. My friend was able to make it in time to see his father, but he had to go through challenging obstacles. He arrived at 1:30 p.m. and his friend drove him to his father’s home. My friend could not find the keys to his father’s car to drive to the hospital. He made several attempts to call the hospital social worker to make arrangements to see his father, but to no avail. Finally at 3:00 p.m. the social worker contacted him; by the time he arrived at the hospital it was 3:45 p.m. He covered his religious habit with a surgical gown and was ushered into the ICU. Since his father was suffering from COVID-19, no one is allowed to see the patients, so this was a favor of God.  Hours before his father passed, my friend got clearance from the hospital’s social worker to see his father and to give him his Last Rites. At 4:30 P.M. he prayed with his dad.  Through the providence of God the doors were opened, and the promise of God fulfilled. After leaving, my friend received a call from the hospital informing him that his father had passed at 5:59 p.m.

Follow a Godly Leader

We don’t know when we are going to die, so I believe it’s best to always be prepared spiritually. It’s disheartening to know that so many wayward souls will fall into the mindset of today’s society. With the lack of strong spiritual direction, many will follow the loud voices of vain leaders. In life we all follow a leader; the irony is that there are many charismatic, dangerous leaders who take their orders from the Evil One. Pastors who believe in God are to be held accountable for their preaching, but many will fail in their delivered sermons. The most important message for any Christian is to follow the laws of Christ. It’s  that simple. But because these well-meaning pastors do not want to make waves, they follow the world by not offending anyone’s personal beliefs. If you are truly serving God your beliefs should line up with the Word of God. There is no gray area here. You can’t sit on the fence with God; you are either for Him or against Him. The Lord hates wishy washy Christians! You cannot change the Word of God to fit into your socialist beliefs. That’s not how it works.

16 So, because you are lukewarm,
neither hot nor cold,
I will spit you out of my mouth.
Heading to the US border

Everyone Welcome?

The spiteful changes of the new president in allowing 11 million immigrants a free pass to citizenship baffles me. We have bigger concerns. One close to my heart is the homeless population. Did you know that Blacks make up 50% of the homeless? Don’t these Black lives matter too? Why is this president so eager to help foreigners and not American citizens? This president has put a stop to building the wall. We will be flooded with more undocumented immigrants. Who is going to foot the bill for this? You’re not going to see doctors or professional people crossing the borders; these  people have nothing and expect to be taken care of  by our country! Does the president need to be reminded that we are still in the midst of a pandemic? If you want to become an American citizen we have laws that you must follow.

Our prisons are filled with undocumented immigrants. It costs money to keep these criminals in prison. Who do you think is paying for this? Well, it’s certainly not the countries that they are from; it’s US! According to an article written by Sharly Attkisson, out of 730,000 criminal aliens, 91 % of federal criminals were citizens of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Colombia and Guatemala. It cost 2.5 billion dollars a year to house them in American prisons. This is the mess that Trump was trying to control, but he never got credit for anything.

Roe vs. Wade

What a slap in the face! On the anniversary of Roe vs.Wade the new president signed the Mexico City Policy back into law. This means that not only are we going to pay for all the abortions in the United States but around the world as well. To add insult to injury, a song “The Problem” was released on the same day. The money raised from the profits is going toward a reproductive justice organization in Alabama. In other words this funding is helping economically disadvantaged women to have abortions. This pro-abortion song was written by Amanda Shires. This stupefying song also features Cyndi Lauper and Sheryl Crow on bass, and Shires’ husband Jason Isbell on guitar, plus a slew of other lost souls.  This is how the world sees abortions:

Some of the Lyrics from the song  “The Problem”

And all I could think and say was, “Everything is going to be okay

It’s going to be alright, I’m on your side”

And no one has to know

The scars won’t even show

At least that’s what I’ve heard

No bigger than a baby bird (no bigger than a baby bird)

Do you think God still sees me?

coming out of this twilight sleep

I’m not sure who I am

Staring into my empty hands

 

Anyone having anything to do with this song is sadly paving their road to Hell, and the road gets wider if you buy into this lie. If you voted for this current administration, you knew with eyes wide open what was going to take place. We are all accountable for our actions but in this case, with these heinous lyrics, I have no words.

The Promise

The Word of God states that He gives us the desires of our heart (Psalms 37:4), and that He keeps His promises (Hebrews 10:23). I’m waiting for the promises of God to come to fruition. He will never let us down!

20 He did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief; rather,
he was empowered by faith and gave glory to God
21 and was fully convinced that what he had promised he was also able to do.

My Prayer

Dear Lord, You’ve gifted these artists with voices to sing. You blessed their hands to play melodies. Yet they are lost. Dear Lord, bring them to the doors of Your holy Temple; allow them to be in Your holy presence. There they will know without doubt why You gave them these gifts. I only want to praise Your Name. Amen.

justice will look down from heaven.
13 Yes, the Lord will grant his bounty;
 our land will yield its produce.
14 Justice will march before him,
and make a way for his footsteps.

 

 

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Godspeed, Anthony

Jenny, Mikos Mike, me, Anthony, Sonja and Russ
Mike, Anthony and me
Anthony and me

On January 4, 2021, Anthony Estrada breathed his last. Surrounded by his son, Marcus, his sisters Vicki, Caroline, and Elsie; his brother, Jess, and Jess’ wife Dawnee; nieces Candace, Cerissa, and Melissa; Lorrie, his former wife, and the caregiver.  By the time Monsignor King arrived at the home of his sister Vicki, Anthony was restless. Monsignor King spoke in a loud voice to get Anthony’s attention. “Anthony, this is Monsignor King, I’m here to absolve you of your sins and lead you into heaven.”  Anthony turned to face toward the  Monsignor and heard the prayer of the last rite. Together as a family, they prayed. After the prayer, the family felt peace and Anthony’s spirit was calmed.

Our family considered Anthony as part of our own. Mike met Anthony while he was in the tortilla business. We needed to purchase a fryer, and Anthony’s family had one for sale. This first encounter was the beginning of a brotherhood that was never broken.

Back in the day before Mission Foods took over the tortilla industry, many small family-owned businesses happily co-existed. The competition was friendly, but the friendships made along the way endured all the mergers and takeovers of the giants in the industry. These tortilleros became a fraternity and have always remained friends. Mike and Anthony were part of this group.

The last time we saw Anthony was in December of 2019. Anthony was in town to pay his last respects to Alfred, one of the circle of friends they had from the tortilla industry. Our friend stayed as a guest in our home and took part in our annual Christmas party. I remembered and regretted  making him a judge of the Tamale Contest. Anthony was a talker, and if you were lucky you could get in a word or two. There are rules to the contest, which I personally go over with each judge: No talking was the main rule. As the contest proceeded, Anthony never once kept his opinions to himself. He was hilarious, and his remarks influenced the other judges. I held him accountable for my loss that year, but we would never have it any other way.

Anthony, Our Friend and Brother

The first time I met Anthony was also because of a business venture. He had invited us to Pueblo, Colorado. Mike did all the planning, so I was in the dark about our accommodations. Anthony picked us up from the airport and we headed to his house. He gave up his master bedroom for us,  we had dinner, and then he disappeared. It was not until the wee hours of the morning that we heard him come in. At that time, our kids were four and two years old.  In the morning I got up and got the kids ready for the day. Anthony was sprawled on the couch, sound asleep. I needed to feed my kids but there was not a drop of milk for the cereal. We did not have a car because Anthony insisted on chauffeuring us around.  I called Mike to the room. “We can’t stay here! We don’t even have a car! and the kids are hungry! You need to fix this, we need to get a hotel!” Mike calmed me down as best as he could and woke Anthony up.”I bet you guys are hungry, I’m going to take you to the best restaurant in town,” Anthony promised. I was relieved but when he pulled into a driveway of a home with a sprawling yard, I said. “Why are we stopping here?” He said,”Oh, you are going to eat the best food Pueblo has to offer.”  This was his mother’s home. From this day forward, this family has warmed our hearts. We endured four days with Anthony and got to know a man with a great heart.

 

Anthony and Mike
Lorrie, Anthony, Mike and me

The Gentleman

This was our friends attire: a crisp white shirt, a smart sports jacket, slacks, and fancy shoes. As soon as he got off the plane, he needed carnitas tacos with the works. He’d spend a good chunk of money by the time we left the local Mexican market. Chicharrones, tripas (cow guts), Mexican bread, and whatever else he could get ahold of. Then the feasting began. Anthony would talk throughout the meal. He loved elegant meals as well, and our many dinner ventures were filled with so much laughter because no one could outtalk his stories. Anthony was the guy who would greet you with a friendly shoulder rub; not one person was spared this. When he read something, he would bring the paper right up to the edge of his glasses, bending down his head to focus. Mike and our son Mikos were “cuz” and the girls were all referred to “honey.” He could never pronounce the word what; it was always “wha.” But in the end, it was always the lavish, descriptive stories that he shared that we will remember most.

 

Carter, Mike, Anthony, me, Lorrie, Marcus, Mikos and Tonio
Marcus, Carter, Mikos, Sonja, Aaron, me and Anthony

Vacations

When we were younger, we took several vacations with the Estrada family. We skied Vail and Deer Valley. Mike and I would always splurge one night to eat at La Caille, a beautiful French restaurant  tucked in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. I will never forget the dinner when we all had a little too much of the high altitude mixed with spirits; we were referring to the chic restaurant as “La Calle, which in Spanish means the street.” Our memories are all filled with love, and our families will forever be connected because of Anthony.

Saying Good-bye

In early November, Anthony was diagnosed with diabetes. He decided to take better care of himself and started eating healthier and walking. His feet started to swell, and he attributed that to the diabetes, but he also had a nagging stomachache. In the emergency room of the hospital after several tests were run, tumors were discovered. Anthony never made it to his appointment with the oncologist.

Our family, due to COVID-19, cannot attend his memorial service, but we wanted to be with this incredible family to support them in their great loss. Anthony, you leave us with an empty hole in our hearts. All who knew you share this grief, and you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, my brother.

My Prayer: Dear Lord, I find it so difficult to believe that Anthony is no longer with us. Give us comfort in our grief knowing that Anthony and his son Arron are together. We pray for the repose of their souls. Most merciful God, we lift up Anthony’s family, bring them to a place of understanding knowing that You are there in their midst.

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The Great Divide

President Trump

How does a president who was voted most admired not get re-elected? Seventy-five million of us know how this played out.  How many more assaults can a human take? How does the media get away with one blow after another yet Trump is still standing? Allow me to enlighten you with the godly truth. President Trump is still standing because this is a supernatural act of God. No human being would be able to sustain this type of mental abuse, not one! We, as Christians who fear God, are fighting for our religious rights, and President Trump is on our side. We pray against all odds. Despite all the media’s attacks against us, we pray. Operating in the supernatural I, for one, will never give up on the promises of God. I, along with millions of others, will continue to pray for our country. In the end God always prevails.

Open Your Eyes

Recently on Facebook  a comment was made on a Catholic site. This is what one lady wrote. “We should all be happy that a Catholic was elected president. Now we have someone on our side.” No, Joe Biden is not on the side of our Catholic core beliefs. His policies will attempt to destroy what God has established as law.

Others on Social Media are crying out, describing us as poor losers who need to get over it and work together for America. Really? Are they going to work with me?  I stand for Pro life, I stand for the sanctity of marriage, and the teaching of truth. In fact over 75 million Americans feel as I do, and these insulting remarks only strengthen my belief  in God. We may have to use face masks to protect us from COVID-19, but that does not mean you can muzzle our voices. We are a powerful force to deal with. I don’t need any labels either. The only thing that I stand for is the Word of God;  if that makes me patriotic, call me a patriot.

This type of hatred is being blamed on conservatives, but in reality it is subliminally being done by the Left. You can see the subtle basis and political indoctrination encoded in a letter written to thousands of students by Common App.

Common App

Common App is used by over 900 colleges and universities to help with the admissions process. If you want to get accepted into these colleges, you must go through the Common App. This is what one of my friend’s daughter received on Friday. Mind you this was sent to all students!

January 8, 2021
Dear Student,

We witnessed a deeply disturbing attack on democracy on Wednesday, when violent white supremacist insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to undo a fair and legal election. The stark differences between how peaceful Black and brown protesters have been treated for years relative to Wednesday’s coup again call attention to the open wound of systemic racism, and highlight the work we still have to do to create a more just and equitable global society.

As students like you work diligently toward pursuing higher education, I urge you in moments like this to continue that pursuit. An educated, just, and more equitable society has never been more critical, and a college education is still the best investment you can make for your future. Our community needs bright minds like you to help us all achieve a better world.

The Common App team and I are here to support and encourage you. Please remember that we are here, if you need us, 24/7/365 to help you navigate your college application process.

I look forward to celebrating you and your success, and wish you all the best in 2021.

Sincerely,

Jenny Rickard
President & CEO

Do you think that Jenny Rickard waited for an investigation before sending out this letter? Are these encouraging words? The only thing that can be ascertained by this letter is the subtle yet systemic mind control our colleges are imposing on our young adults. This bigoted person won’t even get a slap on the hand for these remarks because she’s part of the program that fits the narrative of socialism. By the way, Ms. Rickard, this was not a fair election, and for you to portray Trump supporters as white supremacists is reprehensible because the overwhelming majority of those people were peaceful protesters. Please do not attempt to twist this story because in no way am I condoning the actions of those who stormed our Capitol. They will get their due punishment. It’s the double standard and hypocrisy in the way of how Black Life Matter protestors were treated, that we will never accept. But the truth will be exposed. Do I need to remind you how Hollywood celebrities were bailing out the BLM criminals? Was this not considered mob behavior?

Tech Giants

Facebook, Google, Apple, Amazon, Twitter, your day will come in the court of God. The arrogance of these billionaires! Their heads are so puffed up that there is no room for reason. Everything you have is because God allowed it. Be careful how you climb up that mountain of success, because it’s lonely up there. There will be insurrections among you because there can only be one king in your haughty principality.

10 For there is no sincerity in their mouth;

    their heart is corrupt.
Their throat is an open grave;
    on their tongue are subtle lies.

Fraud

I watched and listened for several hours to the testimonies taking place in the state of Georgia. Over ten eye witnesses testified about all the fraud that happened during our national election. These hearings were being held throughout the country in different states. They were all thrown out of court with no recourse for the people who witnessed the cheating. How do you think they felt? Were all these thousands of people crazy and making up stories? What about the mysterious suitcases that were pulled out after the counting was halted? Even with the proof of truth, we did not get a fair hearing. We were left with no answers and no one would hear us out. I asked God and I cried out to God. My only conclusion was that God would fix this – not the federal judges, not the Supreme Court – but God Himself would intervene. God will manifest and hear our pleas. After much prayer I have peace about Biden being unfairly elected. God will take over from here, and we will see the hand of God move over our country. When He does this, the world will know that it is He Who will have the victory.

My Prayer:  Dear Lord, we are  in a mess! The lines of division are as a great gorge. I am not a person of complacency because I understand Your Word. If you see something in me anything that needs changing, help me to become more loving. Lord, help us to meet each other in peace by exposing the truth. I praise You, Lord,  knowing that You will help us as we make our way out of the Via Dolorosa. Amen.

 

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