Friday, March 31, 2017

Carlos Malbrew Presents Brief Introduction to the Bread from Heaven...




When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 
The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 
“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 
He told her, “Go call your husband and come back.” 
“I have no husband,” she replied. 
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 
“Sir, the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” (John 4:7–26).
~~~

Bread from Heaven:
A Brief Introduction to Jesus

By Carlos Malbrew

As I read this short book, I thought how easily it could be used to share with others...as an ebook, taking your reader with you, or as a printed book... It is the right size, for one. And it takes readers step-by-step from one scripture to another, included within the book, which is important to me, with narrative by the author in between, but which could also be used by the individual who wants to share Jesus with others.

It begins with the story with the woman at the well. But she wasn't just any woman, she was a Samaritan. For me, this was the beginning of seeing God's love for the world. Jesus purposely chose to speak to someone who was not a Jew, the chosen people. Rather to someone different, separate, and even despised and ignored by the Jews...

The author calls this first chapter The Revolution, with an important statement that, even today, we fail to recognize.
Due to Jesus’ emergence, God’s chosen people were no longer to be defined by earthly genealogy. Now, anyone from any nation or creed who accepted Jesus was to be considered a child of God. And the 613 laws of the Jewish Nation, Israel, were being simplified into two laws. And according to Jesus, those two laws are the basis of God’s entire will... Going on to say: 
The need to worship God “in spirit and in truth” had revolutionized what it meant to be a child of Abraham. Then Jesus took things even further, incensing them as he proclaimed the impossible…
It's funny, having grown up in a Christian environment, I never thought to use the word "revolution" in relation to what God had sent Jesus to do... Yet, that's exactly what started happening as people who came to know Jesus started taking sides... As we know, the man Jesus lost his life during that revolution...

Next, Malbrew notes that it was hard to believe...but also saying at other times, that many did not want to believe... At this time he included scripture about the Pharisees, and then proceeds to postulate that it was because of human wisdom that they could not recognize who He was, even as they looked in his eyes... For me, this was a point that many are now making in one way or another... It is we who do not want to see what's available to us. 

Jesus had come to give them the very sign that they had been seeking, but Malbrew continues to point out that everybody would soon ask Jesus..."for a sign..." How frustrating! He was performing miracles, healing people... 
Intentionally the message of Christ can only be understood through a childlike humility. This is why for many it's easy to come to him when in tears, when out of money, when someone has left us—at those times some of us can suddenly come to him with genuine vulnerability.
It has always seemed easy for me to understand what Malbrew spotlights... Why oh why can humans not discard our pride and recognize that we are the ones that need Him...not the other way around... When God was willing to have His Son come and then to follow by placing His Holy Spirit within us... and yet, it was that they rejected Him...and many still are...

As the author writes, he stops and ask us to look at the world of 2017 and see where we are...

Moving on to also consider the materialistic world that we have become...the desire for money--to which I would add power... The author does admit that it is not impossible to have money and still have God's love within us... The key thing for me has always been whether money was placed as the top priority in your life... As scripture is continued, more information is provided...

This is a scripture-based study with commentary and selections of the Bible based upon the reading by Carlos Malbrew. It is well done and though there may be points of different opinions for some of the commentary, it is overall a presentation that points readers into issues of importance in relation to the Son of God. The book is brief enough that, in my opinion, could easily be shared and discussed even over a cup of coffee...There may be somebody you know that would like to learn more... Do check this out as a refresher if you haven't been considering where Jesus fits in your life today...


GABixlerReviews




Carlos Malbrew was born on December 12, 1982, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He grew up in the state's capital city, Baton Rouge. He graduated from Baton Rouge Magnet High School and attended Xavier University of New Orleans the following fall. There, in 2005, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in English. After Hurricane Katrina hit the Crescent City, Carlos left New Orleans and attended The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, graduating in 2007. Carlos returned to his hometown Baton Rouge, Louisiana and obtained his Master's in Public Administration from Louisiana State University in 2012. His publishing company, C.R.M. International, launched in 2015 and includes his hit franchise, 'The DANGER! Kids'. The author promotes literacy by speaking to students and and promotes the practical application of biblical scripture beginning with "King Solomon's Conclusion" December 1, 2016.

Connie Langsberg Shares Her Pure Imagination in The Perfect Tear




A sharp rap echoed from the door, and he started. Charles jumped up, knocking the chair over, but he did not stop to right it. He covered the few feet between the table and door and flung it open. The night air invaded the stuffy cottage, and the sting of it forced him to take a deep breath. 
Master Fretwell, a portly man with white hair and a crumpled cloak, stood in the doorway rubbing his bloodshot eyes. Charles resisted the urge to grab the doctor and march him into the bedroom where his wife lay so ill. Instead, he stepped back and waved the man inside. 
Master Fretwell entered, removed his hat, and bowed his head. “Forgive me for taking so long. I’ve been at the Abbey.” He spoke in a cheerful but weary voice. “Mother Superior had an emergency. The children in her care came down with the measles.” Master Fretwell gave Charles a wry smile and struggled out of his coat. “Her penny-pinching ways are legendary in these parts, so for her to call me out, well, I knew she was in over her head.”
Charles grunted. He had no desire to make small talk, but the doctor was an important man, and Charles did not wish to appear churlish. Maria’s life could depend on this tired looking man. 
Master Fretwell rolled up his sleeves. “Now, my good fellow, what seems to be the problem?” 
Maria’s scream from the next room spun Charles around, and he sucked in his breath. “My wife.” He couldn’t keep the panic from seeping into his voice. “She’s getting worse.” 
Charles followed Master Fretwell into the room where Maria lay. He struggled to control the shaking in his legs. The doctor set his bag on the floor next to the bed and leaned in. Maria’s eyes squeezed shut, and another moan erupted from her. The doctor placed his hand on her stomach, and his eyes widened. Charles stepped to the side of the bed and peered over the doctor’s shoulder. “What’s wrong with her?” 
The doctor straightened up, his bushy eyebrows drawn together. They look like a caterpillar crawling across his forehead, Charles thought to himself. He shook his head to be rid of the thought. His wife needed him alert and ready. 
Master Fretwell bent down to Maria and took her hand. “You’re not ill, my dear. You’re having a baby.” 
Charles stared at Maria and blinked several times. Baby? At their age? 
The doctor pulled the bedclothes off Maria. “You’re in labor.” His voice was soothing. “I need you to do as I say. I estimate you’re in your seventh month, and the baby is small.” 
Maria shook her head. “I didn’t know. How could I not know?” The doctor squeezed her hand. “It’s unusual at your age, but I have seen it before. Now, Maria, I want you to breathe. Don’t be afraid.” 
Charles held Maria’s hand. He murmured soothing words to her each time another contraction caused her to cry out. It wasn’t long before the doctor ordered her to push...
~~~




“We need a brand new story
 And this time we do not fall from grace 
We are not banished from the garden 
Naked and in disgrace
 In our new story We are kings and queens
 And we finally know what being human means” 
--Connie Lansberg
~~~


The Perfect Tear

By Connie Lansberg

You know, every once in awhile, it's great to read a fairy tale... I enjoyed some of those recently on television, but then they kept on and on pulling in more stories, characters...that I began to think that they had forgotten how to end with a Happy Ever After... It was therefore a delight to read Connie Lansberg's debut novel, The Perfect Tear! 

As a singer-songwriter, Lansberg chose to build her story on top of music...the sounds, the vibrations, the notes. It may take a little time to get into the story because of this, but it soon is easy to follow, especially with Eleanor as our main character facing what is happening in that sound sphere where you may find yourself even too deep to be able to live!



It all started as part of a competition... The contestants were to create musical entities, the winner of which would topple the present leader of their world! Big Stakes!

Lerion felt his nerves uncoil, and his step became light.
He'd worked for this opportunity almost from the day
his two co-creators sung him into being. Yes, he
deserved to win.
The winning design needed to uphold and even surpass
the standards of genesis set by the Ancient ones. The
winning novice needed to enhance the evolution of
their society. He wanted to be certain he had achieved
this. Novices were forbidden to participate in any
creative partnerships. The act of co-creation was a
privilege afforded to those with twelve activated
strands of DNA. Lerion had switched on seven of the
twelve that lay within each of his sells. The knowledge
of his accomplishment failed to satisfy him...
~~~
Tsera, the lady on the cover with the windblown hair😊 had been ruling the land for a very long time. 

The dual pink moons hung low on the horizon. They lined up at an angle, which told Lerion he would be late if he didn’t quicken his step. He allowed the sacred energy emitted by the city’s impressive dwellings, which were hewn out of crystals and rose thousands of feet into the sky, to move through him. The imposing outcrop was the result of an ancient trauma, and Lerion often spent hours wandering through the maze of majestic formations. He considered it a form of personal meditation. 
The Dutriad, shaped like a double inverted tetrahedron, dominated the city center. One tip rested on the ground while its opposite point reached into the atmosphere. It had no visible means of support and was considered a masterpiece by Tsera’s predecessor. 

Tonight, the steps abounded with animated novices. They came ready to hear the outcome of their creative endeavors. Lerion threw his shoulders back as he approached the structure, then flinched. The physical intensity of their combined excitement tore through him, and he had to steady himself. He looked around then took a breath and marched up the stairs. This public ordeal would all be over soon. Lerion forced his lips into a polite smile to feign interest in the creations of his fellow novices. Their zealous chatter and heightened alertness pulsed the length of the room. They seemed foolish to him, but he concealed his disdain. In his society, social transparency was the norm, but Lerion enjoyed a secret talent. He excelled at hiding his feelings from the collective. This gift came in handy as he struggled to maintain a pleasant countenance...
~~~

Lerion wishes to become ruler of his world and is the finalist selected to seek leadership. Tsera is, however, not ready to give up her throne...and by various actions, readers find that Lerion is held, searching for Three Vibrations!

And magically as time goes by, our Eleanor is growing rapidly, not yet knowing that she has been born to a mother with a wonderful gift, and at the right time Eleanor would receive that full gift to continue her mother's work. However, her mother dies...

As does the world around them begin to die, thanks to Lerion.

Eleanor's father cannot take care of Eleanor, needing to find work and he places her in an Abby, where other children are being sent, while parents tried to make a living in this new desolate land... When she goes, her father gives her a beautiful comb which would have come to her, with training, from her mother. She wraps it in old material and hides it at the bottom of the bag she would take with her... It would be a major tool to use in performing her duties...For instance, she would tip one of the prongs to make a sound, then she would repeat the sound with her voice...and...magic!

Mother Superior has been making a fortune on taking in these children, but is very harsh to them, despite the concern from the other nuns... 

But Tsera comes to meet Eleanor and begins to explain what her mother would have been doing...For one thing she learned that there were others who also had this gift to help nature in any way needed. Until she is 16, however, Tsera gave her "songs" which she could use in the meantime! Some of them Eleanor already knew from singing along with her mother...

Maria laughed. “Which song, sweetheart?” 
“The ‘Be Will Be’ song.” 
“I’ll start then, shall I?” Maria said. 
Eleanor listened for a moment 
and then joined her light, 
childish voice with her mother’s. 
What will be will be, if it’s meant to be, 
And if it’s not, we then must see
 Even that, my love, is meant to be. 
You cannot miss what is not yours
 Of that my love, you can be sure.
 But if a thing is meant to be, 
and you are brave and can believe, 
A certain magic you can weave
 to bring the thing that’s meant to be
 Into your own reality.
~~~

Every time her mother had worked in her garden or collected herbs, and more, she would sing... So when Eleanor started working in the Abby garden, she would do the same... and the garden grew and flourished and provided plenty of food for all the children and nuns... Soon Eleanor and her friend took over the gardening efforts and during that time, they met two lads who had been scouting around and finally
made contact with the two young girls... In fact, there in the enclosed garden, the four of them had grown up together and were great friends. And as they grew older, their feelings grew stronger. But the two boys had kept a great secret from the girls...and it caused much turmoil when it was revealed! But this is the romantic part of the tale and is wonderfully drawn out to pull readers into the plight of the two young couples!



One of the more interesting characters is Mother Nyx who has been changed and placed in a prison she can't escape by Tsera. She was a friend of Lerion, but is the type that will play both sides in order to achieve what she wants... But she's become something quite different since she's been banned into a strange cave-life existence, drinking strange potions...and not remembering much, if any, of her previous life...


She's fun because readers are never quite sure what she is really up to, especially when she starts "helping" Eleanor in her question to find The Perfect Tear...


There's another little character that plays a major part as Eleanor's best friend. You can see him in Eleanor's arms on the front cover of the book... And whenever he's around, you'll hear a bell ringing...



Note that the pictures shown here are not in the book, which is straight text. These pictures were permitted for use by the author who is working for future uses of her story. The Perfect Tear is completely new, yet holds some remnants of past stories we seem to remember. Her first statement about not being banished from the garden allowed my mind to roam over similarities and a welcome change where love is the driving force and even though there is much turmoil and desolation, the ending indeed is a happily ever after story that is wonderfully conceived, engineered, and presented. You may find that some of the musical correlations are beyond readers experience, but they are easily learned and followed as we move into chapter after chapter.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for me. I enjoyed also listening to many of the author's songs...and found a number which somehow reminded me of parts in the story... You can ignore them or listen, based upon your interest!

Best wishes on this possibly being made into a movie...but for now, I highly recommend that you read the book and get to know the story because later, original music just may be added and we can really see how much music changes the world through songs and love...


GABixlerReviews



Connie Lansberg is a singer/songwriter and now author based in Melbourne Australia. She’s had her original songs placed in some of Australia’s best loved TV shows that play around the world and The Connie Lansberg Quartet is a fixture in the Melbourne jazz scene. Her most recent original musical project, Alone with Bees, performs her songs written especially for The Perfect Tear. This is Connie’s first novel and the movie is coming.
She also received several grants from the Victoria Council of the Arts for the development of mobile phone games that she created.
Connie joined the Melbourne Writers Group in 2010 to work on ideas and scripts and during this time the idea for The Perfect Tear began to develop and take shape. She continued her education by taking scriptwriting classes at the Australian Film and Television School in Melbourne and later, worked exten- sively with Marcy Kennedy on the book. She has two more stories to complete The Perfect Tear Trilogy and is hoping to have the second book finished by 2016.
“The first thing anybody tells you about this business is to say what makes you unique and different, but I couldn’t and the very idea of it never sat well with me and after much deliberation, I finally realized why.
Because, I’m not unique or different–I’m exactly like you and I love that.
We each have a unique filter through which we interpret the world, and with this filter in place, I write stories and songs and you might find them surprising or intriguing or confronting, you may relate or you may not. They may make you laugh and sometimes, even cry.
You may or may not understand what I’m trying to say and you may not understand me, however, rest assured, once we get past the filters, at our core, we are wonderfully and beautifully, exactly the same.”

For Limited Time get free ebook here:  theperfecttear@gmail.com

What's Happening at Book Readers Heaven...









And that's what's Happenin'!

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Let's Make Our World Better - Warren William Luce Shares Hope to All!

So how does a non-fiction book gain so much of my personal attention? Easy, by addressing concerns that I believe are negatively affecting the world today...and does something about it!

No matter that I have read the book, I continue to refer to what is said as often as I read today's headlines...

Let me tell you why...


First, as is my norm, I introduce you first to the author, Bill Luce. Note that his military experience, clearly shows that he has the background to have the knowledge and personal experience to produce what he has written... Please consider my Must-Read recommendation...




Warren "Bill" Luce is a retired USAF colonel who has served his country in three wars, beginning with World War II. After he served a tour in Vietnam, he began to see the futility of endless wars that solved nothing, only serving to cause suffering, death, destruction, and hatred. Warren was excommunicated from his church for questioning their dogma that God sends people, including little children, to suffer eternally in hell because they do not believe in a certain religious doctrine. Despite that, he has a strong spiritual belief in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is an optimist, believing that humankind will eventually rise to the occasion and bring peace to the world, the destiny that was intended for us. Warren intends to convince the world that is so.


Let's Make Our World Better:
How Politics and Religion Stand in The Way

By Warren William (Bill) Luce

There is a universal human want to  know that
everything will turn out all right in the long run.
This work provides that hope...

Part 2 Religion Chapter 11, Religion: The Great Barrier

It's in our best interest to consider the consequences the denominational religion brought to the human race through its man-made doctrine. Religion is usually considered beneficial but is often otherwise. It has been the source of great enmity and violence in the world. It's been a major factor in dividing the human race instead of uniting us with one another and with God.

Most religious leaders would say that they believe in freedom of religion and often express tolerance toward other religions and beliefs. They probably do...sort of. However, if one were to question or express disbelief of their religions doctrine, one likely wouldn't be welcomed in their midst. When I questioned the Christian doctrine that only Christians are saved and that God sends everyone else to hell, I was told that I was no longer welcomed in my church and was eventually excommunicated.
It's interesting to note that as you near the city on the road to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, there is a road that branches off with a sign that implies an infidel bypass. All non-Muslims are infidels (unbelievers) and are not allowed in Mecca.



On a more serious note, religious leaders damn other people to a hell of suffering. Most would deny it, but the fact is that they do! When they teach and preach that everyone must believe as they do to be saved, they're proclaiming that those who don't aren't saved. They're condemning anyone who isn't of their
religious persuasion to eternal suffering. They do it in absolute contradiction of God who unequivocally tells us in the scriptures that we are not to condemn others.

Attempts to impose religious beliefs through Christian evangelism or Muslims' Jihad only intensify the discord. And even more derelict is the failure of the religions to follow God's basic instruction to teach love, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness as the way to peace, harmony, and righteousness with him. The source of all this alienation and failure to teach God's truths is flawed religious doctrine--dogma created by men. The religions of the world are by no means evil. They've accomplished much good albeit hampering mankind's spiritual development at the same time by intertwining false, man-made doctrine with God's truths.

Surely, our neighbor, our brother, our fellow man means all human beings...
~~~
 
I have been personally blessed by reading many non-fiction books. But this is the first book that I believe can also bless the entire world...if each reader will allow it...

Surely the title tells us the intent of the author. But then he takes it a step further and pinpoints two of the biggest problems to a better world: Politics and Religion. You know, it's been years when I first heard the advice "stay away from conversations on politics and religion" in routine discussions.

You know what? I have done that too long...and there are perhaps many Americans that have done that too. Yet, this war veteran has the courage to speak out and say that there is still hope!

I got so excited as I started to read that I wanted to immediately start sharing some of the book. Why? Because the author has put his long years of experience within the government, as well as within religious situations, and has very plainly come out and not only identified the problems, but has immediately put his potential answer out for consideration...

You know why his words are important? Because there is nothing unique or new about his words... What he presents is "Common sense and reasonable answers to world problems... Even better, if money happens to be involved in a proposal, he provides the method by which money can be raised, without it coming from taxpayers!

The book is divided into two parts: Politics is a straight forward attack on major issues facing America: Political Atmosphere, Terrorism, Health Care Costs, National Debt, Jobs, National Security, Immigration Reform, Social Security, Postal Services, and the Middle East Solution.

Part 2, Religion, on the other hand, starts with a more philosophical overview of how religion has led to what we now see, and have seen many times through history. One religion causing havoc across the world "in the name of religion..." And worse, it is all people who are in that religion that have received condemnation, who happen to be in a religion different from another.


Luce takes readers through historical facts that almost all have accepted...let's just take one major Commandment that has been in existence since Moses received 10 major issues with specific direction...

The one that has been the basis for problems created by various religions since the beginning of time. Thou Shall Not Kill.... Four simple words that have been ignored by anybody who wanted something that was not theirs...and killed to get it...Now, it is to the point, that many do not feel they need a reason, at all! War is a common decision being made by uncaring leaders and politicians who know money moves along with war activities...


God does not change, he does not alter the rules as the game of life goes along. Surely, his omniscience would preclude establishing rules that needed to be altered at some later date. He is constant and immutable as most religions teach. God gave his people the Ten Commandments, one of which is "Thou shall not kill." How, then, could God, who is unchanging, do an about-face and tell his people to kill their enemies? How is it possible to justify that...violence, supposedly at the behest of God with God's instructions...that we're to love our enemies, do good to them that persecute us, return evil with good, turn the other cheek, and don't worry about those who can kill the body but not the soul? We cannot make that justification, and therefore must conclude that the old... characterization of God as angry and vengeful is the errant word of man.
For those who do not believe in God, Luce takes on His Existence and then moves on to God's Nature and also the Nature of Man. He addresses how we have come to think killing was ok with God... He talks about the materialism and its effect on spiritualism...and many other topics. I found this section more inspiration since there was little new for those who have thought about their faith, rather than just accepted it from somebody else. Still, there were many points that caught my attention.

  • Religion is not only a major factor in keeping the human race separated, but it's also a significant barrier to our spiritual growth...
  • Our ability to grow spiritually and improve our relationships with one another is stifled, even thwarted, by much of the religious teaching of the world...
  • A great misunderstanding exists as to the nature of prayer and God's blessings. We tend to think that God blesses some more than others, and we don't understand why...
  • Faith is believing without seeing. None of us...has seen God. Nevertheless we believe he exists. We reason with our mind, but some beliefs seem to be instinctive or intuitive. When we see the wonder of a newborn baby, the beauty of a flower...  
  • Intuitive belief, as well as the logic of our mind, tells us that murder, lying, rape, and robbery are wrong and that love, kindness, and truth are right. That same intuition and reason tell us which words of [holy books] are from God and which are of men. We instinctively know that greed, vengeance, killing of people for their land, and smashing babies against the rocks are not God's ways but those of man. We know that showing love, goodness, kindness, caring, compassionate and forgiveness to one another...are truths.
  • A wise man once said that it appears that man has made God in man's image. We have most certainly done that, making God a person with human visage and even implying that he has human frailties such as our often-displayed tendency toward anger, vengeance, and violence....
  • But Wait! What about all the empirical evidence that supports the ability of man to do good without the benefit of Christian or other religions beliefs?
  • As we think, So We Are...If the human mind can put man on the moon, can it not also do a simple thing as change the circumstances of one's own life...Except when oppressed by others or unusual circumstances, we have the means to control all aspects of our lives...
  • We know that almost all deviant behavior in a society is caused by societal failure to install proper values, beliefs and behavior patterns in its members...It is obvious that we have done and are doing a poor job of it in our society. We allow media, television for example, to program the minds of our children with violence, loose sexual morals, and bad habits such as smoking, drinking, and the consumption of unhealthy foods.
  • We must change the perceptions that "might makes right" and provides security, also that there will always be evil in the world, so we must be prepared to battle it with guns and explosives. Military might eventually results in insecurity. Love is a much better and more effective "weapon" against evil. We must listen to God, then there is no need for weapons. We don't need them to defend ourselves when we accept God's instructions that we're to turn the other cheek, love our enemies, and do good to those who persecute us. It's a hard philosophy to accept and live by, but God's wisdom is flawless. 
  • ...until we realize the abolition of armies and armament, the world's military establishment can use its resources for humanitarian relief. A very great need exists for such action. Funds currently being spent for the production of weapons of war...can be redirected...to ease the problems that confront mankind...



Thus Part I was the more important part for me because it provided information that I had not earlier known. Only one other topic not covered is of concern to me...drugs and human trafficking...but after reading the points in this book, I realized that those things would just not be happening in the world if we started taking action rather than  continuing to allow individuals, politicians, the rich and powerful and even national leaders to act based upon personal agendas rather than national improvement and freedom...

There are many points that warrant thoughts for the future:
  • Terrorism has its roots in both religion and politics. The very first thing that must be done is for America to understand and acknowledge that we're a major part of the problem
  • ...We seem to have a love affair with guns since there are 90 guns for every 100 people, which is more than any other country...
  • Basically, the goal of self-governance doesn't justify humans killing and maiming one another in an attempt to achieve that goal.
  • Our incarceration rate dwarfs that of other countries. China, with an overall population four times greater than ours, has a prison population of about 1.5 million. We have imprisoned 2.5 million of our citizens, many of then unnecessarily and wrongfully in some cases...
  • We suffer another illusion, which is believing global terrorism is a threat to our national security. The threat to our national security from terrorism is almost nil...
  • Let's put things into perspective regarding getting killed. About 3000 people were killed on 9/11. Well over 3000 children die every day in the world from starvation and the effects of malnutrition when there's plenty of food to prevent that.
  • Prescription drugs account for about 10% or $290 billion of healthcare costs each year. Drug prices in U.S. are the highest in the world and rising significantly faster than the rate of inflation. Pharmaceutical is the highest profit sector in the U.S...
  • The World Health Organization has estimated that world hunger could be alleviated at the cost of $15 billion per year. That is a pittance in comparison to world expenditure on war and preparation for war...
  • According to the Congressional Budget Office, every $10 billion spent on defense creates 40,000 fewer jobs than if it were spent in the civilian sector...
  • We weren't meant to live in a militaristic world. We are meant to live in peace. We need to open our eyes and minds to that truth...Love one another as I have loved you. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you...

This book goes on and on and on and on, quickly addressing each issue and just as quickly challenging status quo, with common sense that is easily understood...and, you know what, it is quite easily accepted as truth. Not something we are able to say confidently these days...

This one book has so much information and sound advice that it is almost overwhelming in forcing a desire for action...for readers to react and begin anew in trying to help make our world better. At the same time, it is all there in just one book that is just 250 pages. It is well written, well presented in logical breaks of information. The continuity of the materials in both sections reinforce the other, but more importantly, forces each reader to question our own life's beliefs and actions and how we stand as a human living off the land that has been given to us by God...not Man... 

The book is shocking, provocative, intimidating, challenging... It is welcome relief, hope, a sharing of love and concern that cannot but be felt. The result is energizing, enthusiasm, power to speak... it is, I believe, a message from God...

One man has lived his life, seen what we humans have done to the world and each other...and now speaks to each of us. As the front cover promises, his work does indeed provide...HOPE!


GABixlerReviews


Our condition, both by religion and in a secular sense, that we are flawed, poor sinful beings has become the greatest most harmful self-fulfilling prophecy in the history of mankind...

Hope springs eternal in the human heart and we need to realize it is love that will bring it to fruition...









Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Guest Blogger, Warren William Luce, Speaks Out on United States National Defense

United States National Defense
By Warren William Luce

The United States has the most powerful military force in the world. We spend twice as much on defense as Russia, China and North Korea combined. Yet, there are some politicians and military experts who say that is not sufficient to insure our national security. They claim that our military readiness is lacking. We need more capability to deal with all the existing threats, any threat or crisis that might arise and sufficient strength that will provide deterrence. We need an adequate force to fight on two and possibly three fronts at the same time. Are those concerns valid? Let’s examine them.
     
Russia, China, North Korea and ISIS are considered existing threats. They say Russia represents the greatest danger. Cited are Russia’s annexation of Crimea and insertion of forces into eastern Ukraine. That they pose a similar threat to the Baltic states. They are modernizing their military forces and exhibiting aggressive behavior by conducting military exercises inside their borders. The statement has been made that their behavior suggests they would even be willing to use nuclear weapons.

Those concerns do not constitute a valid threat to our national security for the following reasons. The Crimean people wanted to be a part of Russia. The separatists in Eastern Ukraine prefer an alliance with Russia, and the western Ukrainians with the EU and the West. Russia, United States and EU should butt out and let the Ukrainians work out their differences.

Putin says he has no intention of attacking the Baltic states. The general consensus of world countries (except US) is in agreement. Putin knows it would result in a mandatory military response by NATO that would be very costly to him both militarily and economically and with no guarantee that Russia would prevail.

The Russian military had been in steep decline since the end of the Cold War becoming only a shadow of itself. Putin saw the need to correct that condition so as to protect his own national security as well as to restore stature and respect in the world. Still, current modernization of their military forces will not enable Russia to conduct successful aggression against western forces. Western forces are still vastly superior to those of Russia.

Putin has said that their military exercises along their western border are in response to U.S. and NATO expansion and aggression in Europe. He has a point there. We have expanded NATO troops and weapons into the Baltics “all the way up to within artillery range of St. Petersburg.” We are selling cruise missiles to Poland and planning a missile defense system there supposedly in the guise of protection from Iran. The U.S. has established the ERI, European Reassurance Initiative which places 30,000 more troops and weapons into Europe. NATO holds war “games” in eastern Europe and the Baltic sea. We have imposed sanctions against Russian corporations which only inflame the adversity. Too bad Russia hasn’t the ability to put some sanctions on U.S. oligarchs.

The statement that Russia would be willing to use nuclear weapons is totally irresponsible inflammatory rhetoric. The reality is that Russia fears the west and perceives us as the aggressor and a danger to their national security. Russia is no threat to our national security.

China has no significant expansionist goals. They would like to be the dominant power in their region of the world but not at the expense of their or their neighbor’s well-being. Their modest increase in defense spending is in response to the United State‘s “irresponsible” goal to increase its military footprint in their region. The U.S. markets are critical to China’s economic needs. China is no threat to us either militarily or economically.

Kim Jung Un has threatened deadly nuclear attacks against us if there is aggression from the United States or South Korea. He is responding to our threats against him. We have deployed nuclear weapons into South Korea. We conduct joint war games with South Korea near the coast of North Korea which the North Koreans rightly perceive as a prelude to a possible invasion. We have provoked North Korea and Iran by designating them part of the axis of evil, threatened them with our policy of pre-emptive strikes against any country that might pose a threat to our security and way of life and then, unwisely, done exactly that to Iran’s neighbor Iraq. What are Iran and North Korea to think? Are we next?

Kim wants nuclear weapons to protect his country from us as does Iran. Neither, is going to use them aggressively. The consequences are too great. To think that Russia, China or North Korea would initiate war, nuclear or otherwise, which would physically devastate their countries, have an adverse effect on their economy and be a blow to their stature and respect among their people and the world, is totally illogical, if not absurd. None of their leaders are stupid, insane or wish to meet an early demise. Surely, they all would prefer to live in peace, as would we.  
ISIS is another matter. But put into perspective, they are not a serious threat to our national security.   
The need for U.S. military capability to meet any threat or crisis that might arise or provide deterrent is totally unrealistic. We are not the world’s policeman. The probability of having to fight a war on more than one front is highly remote.

All this seems so obvious that it would seem there is some ulterior motive in calling for an increase in our already formidable military capability. Are the proponents of that ill-informed? Are politics involved? Could it be paranoia? Is it greed for power and profits? I’m reminded of a Pentagon official’s statement that “We spend about a third of the defense budget not for national security reasons but because it’s in someone’s district or state.”

We have gone astray when it comes to the security of our nation. We suffer the delusion of, and are besieged by, a "military-might-equates-to-national-security" mentality. Nothing could be further from the truth. The opposite is true. It should be obvious that the more the world has armed itself over the years, the greater the danger has become.

Some wise man said, “the best way to defeat your enemy is to make him your friend.” There are ways to do that. To escalate U.S. military spending is a disservice to our country, the world and our children’s future. I’m pretty sure God would not approve of it. After all, he has said “The command from the beginning, is that you must all live in love” and the time is coming when “nation will not lift up sword against nation; neither will they learn war anymore ." Let’s get on with that!
~~~

Warren "Bill" Luce is a retired USAF colonel who has served his country in three wars, beginning with World War II. After he served a tour in Vietnam, he began to see the futility of endless wars that solved nothing, only serving to cause suffering, death, destruction, and hatred. Warren was excommunicated from his church for questioning their dogma that God sends people, including little children, to suffer eternally in hell because they do not believe in a certain religious doctrine. Despite that, he has a strong spiritual belief in God and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He is an optimist, believing that humankind will eventually rise to the occasion and bring peace to the world, the destiny that was intended for us. Warren intends to convince the world that is so.