With Closing by Michael A. Smith - My New Year's Prayer for America - Spotlight on Venezuela... Prayers for World Peace!

 

Let's stop here and point out that Harold Michael Harvey, Ongoing Legal Contributor, has provided a major research effort before that talks about Oil in both Venezuela and Africa... You may want to reread at this time! 

WAR

Or Stayin' Alive!

My New Year's Prayer for America

Michael A. Smith

Historian | Author | Public Theologian
January 1, 2026


God of heaven, whose we are and whom we serve. We did not make ourselves, and neither are we able to control the affairs of men. Nothing is hidden from you. You know all things and allow man the free will he uses to bring his own destruction. In 2025, we have seen the results of man's evil when he is left to his own devices. Unless you intervene this year, it will be even worse with more chaos, evil against the poor, the homeless, and the destitute. Wars and rumors of war will continue. Evil men now control all the levers of power, and solutions seem to be so far above our poor ability to influence. Will you not hear and help?

Yet we know you have not abandoned your creation, nor have you forgotten the cries of the afflicted. You who overthrow the plans of the wicked and bring princes to nothing—work now in ways we cannot see or imagine. Raise voices of truth in the wilderness of lies. Strengthen the hands that grow weak and steady the knees that tremble. Give courage to those who would stand for justice when standing costs everything.

And help us not be deceived by false gods, purveyors of religion that is not true. Protect us from those who wrap themselves in holy garments while serving unholy ends, who speak your name while pursuing their own power, who claim your authority while ignoring your commands to love the stranger, feed the hungry, and care for the least of these. Let us rediscover your words and walk in them—not the twisted interpretations of those who would make you in their own image, but the living truth that sets captives free and brings good news to the poor.

You remind us that in these days, evil men and seducers will grow worse and worse. That men will commit all manner of evil with abandon and will not be held accountable for their actions. That your patience will soon have an end, even so, in the face of gathering darkness, keep us faithful. When wickedness seems to triumph, and justice is nowhere to be found, let us not lose heart or abandon hope.

Would you return to us our ability to blush at such evil—to feel the shame and horror that should accompany wickedness, rather than the callousness that has hardened our hearts. Give us empathy for those to whom you show compassion, and command us to follow your example. Please help us to weep with those who mourn, to feel the suffering of the widow, the orphan, the refugee, the prisoner. Raise the standard of righteousness in a world full of false religion that offers little hope outside of thee.

Bring an end to every leader who calls evil good, and good evil. May the utter surprise of their fall stop the mouths of those who deny the problem. Give clearness of vision and break the hold of spiritual deception and the Deceiver. Open the eyes of those who have been blinded by lies dressed as truth, by hatred wrapped in patriotism, by cruelty cloaked in righteousness. Let scales fall from eyes, and let your people see clearly again.

Grant us wisdom to know what is ours to do in this hour, and the strength to do it without despair or retreat. Help us to be salt and light in a decaying and darkening world, to love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly, even when power mocks humility and cruelty parades as strength.

We do not ask that you spare us from struggle, but that you sustain us through it. Transform our helplessness into holy dependence, our fear into faithful action, our anger into righteous witness.

In this new year, whatever it may bring, anchor us in hope that does not disappoint—the assurance that your kingdom comes, your will shall be done, and every knee shall one day bow not to tyrants, but to the Prince of Peace.

In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

To my Friends Across the World! I had not planned to post today. But, that is almost sad to even contemplate at this time in today's world... May all of you know in Venezuela, Columbia, Brazil and other South American Countries, that the majority of those who live in North America have no desire to create continued chaos, death, hunger and violence on any of our South American neighbors! 

We speak also to those in Africa, Ukraine, and the people of Russia who are losing their loved ones on a fight that should never have been begun by one man... None of us want what those men who strive for riches and power... Yet, habitually they will arise and try to conquer the Freedom that was given to all of us by our Father Who Art in Heaven... We must stand strong with God in using our free will to speak out against those who would lie, cheat, steal, and kill for their own evil desires... It's wrong... And we know it is NOT of God's Love and Truth! May we continue to share across the world and speak through each other to God and His Plan for Our World! Not like the few men who are striving to break us in today's world!

God Bless Us All

Gabby

Lalibela's Wise Man by Matshona Dhliwayo Uses Story Set in Historical Site to Present Wise Advice to All!

Discovering wisdom in a book is quite exhilarating when you discover it unexpectedly... Sure, the title gives a hint but this short book turned out to be so much more!

We meet the main character, Christian, just after his father has died and final arrangements made are announced for the estate... Christian received a small box and nothing else...

Now some of us may not expect an inheritance, given family circumstances, but Christian's father had been very rich...

And he knew that he was his father's favorite son, although he was the youngest. Not only did his brothers get the full inheritance, but they immediately kicked Christian out of their, now, home, and of the family business.

Christian had a little money saved, but not enough to go on without working... But where? And how should he continue in light of the seemingly hostile actions by his father. Finally, he was calm enough and opened the box...In it was just a note to go see the Old Monk in Lalibela...

For those of us who have never been there, I wanted a little more information... Note that there is no information about Lalibela in the book being reviewed...

Said to be the location of The Garden of Eden...

Christian really had no other choice, the last wish of his father to his favorite son was to go find an old monk in Lalibela, Ethiopia... There, he was able to find a taxi to take him to the foot of the mountain where the monastery was located but he was to walk to the top, which took about two hours...

When he arrived, a monk who he guessed to be about 60 welcomed him and he allowed him to read the note from his father... Christian was directed to proceed forward...

He would stay at the monastery for seven days... Though many might think that it was to be an intense spiritual retreat, instead, one day they went out hunting; another day he carried a spear, but when a lion came toward him, he dropped his weapon and ran away. Christian was an intelligent businessman but what was he to learn from these daily activities? Another day he felt embarrassed to stay behind and visit with the children. Although he enjoyed very much meeting Daniel, especially who spoke English, he was afraid to ask the Monk what it was he was to be learning... Actually, as it turned out, much of what was taught was related to not only personal, but also business success.

It was only on the day he was to leave that he spent time learning the old Monk's wisdom...and so much more. The method by which the author has placed Christian into situations without understanding brilliantly allowed both Christian and readers to discover the wisdom to be learned... And the conclusion was unbelievably exhilarating! 

This was a very satisfying book. Not only did I learn something new about a place, frankly, I had amazingly never heard of, Lalibela, but the wisdom of the monk was a welcome time of restoration much needed by many people... I was impressed enough to go out and pick up another, similar book by the author about the wisdom of Solomon... I highly recommend you consider this book for many reasons...

Ledet (Christmas) falls on December 29 Ethiopian calendar (January 7 Gregorian calendar). Ethiopian Christmas is celebrated after 43 days fasting known as Tsome Gahad (Advent), with a spectacular procession, which begins at 6 AM and lasts until 9 AM. After the mass service, people go home to break the fast with the meat of chicken or lamb or beef accompanied with injera and the traditional drinks (i.e. tella or tej). Ethiopian Christmas is colorfully celebrated in Lalibela at the rock hewn church of Bete Mariam (The House of St. Mary) by an overnight chanting and the early morning ecclesiastical dance and chanting by the deacons, priests and the cantors who all wear typical traditional cloth and climb on to the surrounding courtyard rock hill known as Mame Gara that encircle the church of St. Mary. The day marks both the birth of Jesus Christ and King Lalibela and it is why thousands of pilgrims make their pilgrimage to the site for this particular festival.

GABixlerReviews

Matshona Dhliwayo is a Canadian based Philosopher, Entrepreneur, and author of books such as The Little Book of Inspiration, Creativity, The Book, 50 Lessons Every Wise Mother Teaches Her Son, 100 Lessons Every Great Man Wants You to Know, and Lalibela's Wise Man. He is also a regular contributor for the African Leadership Magazine.

Do You Know About the Ancient Mali Empire? Let's Check It Out with Carole P. Roman

This book from the If You Were Me series by Carole P. Roman was a learning experience for me, as well, I am sure, as would it be for your children. With illustrations by Mateya Arkova, we go back to the year 1332...

1332...This was an important time in Mali. It was when it was considered a vital trade center and a world power. From the year 1230 to around the early 1600s, the Mali Empire was also known as the Mandingo Empire. The word Mali means hippopotamus in the Mandinka language...

This is a town Mali today...

With the help of the illustrator we see ... ...what a city in Mali may have looked like seven hundred years ago. Mali started as a small part of the kingdom of Ghana then rebelled against the government and became a kingdom in their own right.

The Kingdom of Mali emerged as the most powerful in the Western Sudan. The Mali empire grew to extend over a large portion of Western Africa from the Atlantic Ocean to the southern part of the Sahara Desert.

With strong leadership, Mali was able to take control of trade routes, making the economy and people rich.

~~~

The first fun thing we have the opportunity to do is to meet some of the children...

If you were a girl, your parents might have chosen the name Wassa or Mariam.

They might have given the names Dango or Ibraham to your brothers...

The author then asks an interesting question as to why the names for Mali children could be quite different... You see, many of the people living in the Empire embrace the Islam faith, while many of the original occupants were part of the Mande people and spoke a language called Mandinka. The inhabitants merged because of the major roadways, especially as one road led to Mecca. Some of the people already living there changed to Islam but many remained with their beliefs and they live together side by side... Many of the earlier buildings were changed to mosques to meet the needs of those in the Islam faith. People loved to go to pray in the new beautiful mosques. Some even had sixty-foot towers that were topped with ostrich eggs! You'll have to find out what they did that...

Because of the time period, the book provides historical stories of that time and is quite long, 76 pages. Trading activities, information on how the empire was governed and the type of buildings and how they were built are interesting issues of this long-ago empire.

The King of the land was Mansa Musa who came to be known as the richest man in the world... But do you know what he would often do? He'd take gold nuggets with him when he traveled and passed them out randomly, sharing his wealth with those in his kingdom... He would also bring entertainers with him as he visited parts of his empire.

One cool man we learn about happened to be the grandfather of the family we are visiting...He was the griot, a storyteller who would share, by memory, of the history of the empire, often telling about the story of the Mandinka people....

Here's an example... entertainers and griot working...

I don't know about you, but I'm learning a lot from these books--they are soooo much more interesting that reading a textbook, aren't they... With the pictures alongside the historical text, we can imagine what was happening as we see the characters from that time or country. If you haven't read any of this award-winning series, you are missing an exciting way to travel around the world, and even visit ancient places... What better way to get children interested in learning about geography, history, and the people across the world?! Highly recommended.


GABixlerReviews

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children's books. Whether it's pirates, princesses, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children. She hosts two blog radio programs and is one of the founders of a new magazine, Indie Author's Monthly. She's been interviewed twice by Forbes Magazine. Carole has co-authored a self-help book, Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing. Oh Susannah is her first Early Reader Chapter book series. She lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren.

Meet KLUMPITY - HOP The Three-Legged Turtle From the Wonderful World of Kulalahuloo

KLUMPITY - HOP

The Three-Legged Turtle 

Have you ever been to Kulalabuloo…. ? 

Where the flowers seem to blossom the whole year through 

Where the sun keeps on shining when the rain starts to fall 

And where nobody has any worries at all ? 

Well - I've been there - and the tales I could tell 

Of the wonderful creatures I once knew so well …

There's the Gold One - a lion who only eats

 fruits, walnuts and berries and succulent roots. 

There's Trubbledidi, the Chimpanzee, 

Blog, the frog and the One-Eyed flea, 

And so many more that I can recall It would take me

a lifetime to write of them all. 

But I must tell you the story of Klumpity-Hop 

The three-legged tortoise who just couldn't stop 

Dancing the waltz. It was easy, you see - 

He didn't have four legs - he only had three

I first met this tortoise - when wandering alone - ! 

stumbled over what I thought was a stone. 

With a grunt and a whistle, he poked out his head 

And I really can't tell you the things that he said.

He was terribly angry - as well he might be 

So I really don't blame him for shouting at me. 

But, after a while, I'm happy to tell, 

His temper subsided as I polished his shell...

~~~

KLUMPITY - HOP

The Three-Legged Turtle 

By Susan Colquhoun

Kulalabuloo African Stories for children Book 1

This is the first time I've started out a review to highlight the difficult time I had in finding this book...after my initial purchase via a link about the book... First, what will readers call it? By the series name, which is not on the book covers? By the specific subtitle, which, for this book, was not even on the cover...or by the entire title:subtitle. It seemed to me to attempt to use the same front cover for the book needs to be made easier for new readers... At a minimum, the series title should be in small letters on the cover...and for this particular book, it needs to be differentiated by subtitle, as are the rest of the now available books... To explain my point, when I went back to write my review, I did not get the right book, because I didn't know the subtitle... This is a note to parents who will need to ensure which exact book they will purchase. For the children, they'll just have to find this first book about Klumptity-Hop...someway...

On the other hand, I really do believe the book is wonderful. I wish I could have gotten permission to use a couple of internal pictures...but I couldn't verify the author, since there were multiple persons with the name and no reference to the books on sites I found... 

On the very first page, we read...

Come ! Sing along to Kulalabuloo ! ‘Blog’ the frog - From a later story

Ah, excuse me...but why am I being asked to sing a song that I couldn't possibly know in this book???

But aside from the editing and technical issues of marketing the series...

A young boy, apparently, who is shown in pictures, but not named since the poetry is in first-person of that individual telling the story (another oversight in my opinion), has stumbled upon Klumpity-Hop, while he was out walking in Kulalahuloo. In getting to know each other, Klumpity-Hop reveals that he is looking for a partner with whom he could waltz (something he loves to do) and for possibly a longer relationship...

Hmmm, I was going to tell you a little more, but I find that the problems outweigh my ability to recommend this book at this time...Sorry to say... Here's hoping that the author gets help in getting her wonderful stories into a better, edited format...


GABixlerReviews


Susan Colquhoun was born in Lincoln, England, but her family emigrated to Rhodesia - (now Zimbabwe) - in 1950. Sue spent the vast majority of her life in Africa, where she developed a deep affinity for - and knowledge of - Africa’s mysterious presence. This becomes readily apparent when you read her lovely verses and see her delightful illustrations in these magical ‘Kulalabuloo’ tales. These stories were written and illustrated many years ago and only after Sue’s return to the United Kingdom in 2010, was she finally persuaded to share them. computers and i-pads and things, and we used to read bedtime stories to our children. My mother used to say to me - as she settled me on her knee - ‘Snuggle close and listen to my heartbeat as I tell you a story.’ That memory made me want to write stories to the beat of MY heart. Through the use of rhyme and rhythm, I hope I have achieved that ambition…..” Susan has lived a very exciting life about which she is modestly reticent, but she is now retired near Chichester, where she is closer to her beloved children.

Travel to Klein Karoo...for...Recipes For Love and Murder by Sally Andrew

Isn't life funny? You know, how one thing leads to another in a way you just don't expect. That Sunday morning, I was in my kitchen stirring my apricot jam in the cast-iron pot. It was another dry summer's day in the Klein Karoo, and I was glad for the breeze coming in the window. "You smell lovely," I told the appelkooskonfyt. When I call it apricot "jam" it sounds like something in a jar from the Spar supermarket, but when it's confyt, you know it's made in a kitchen. My mother was Afrikaans and my father was English and the languages are mixed up inside me. I taste in Afrikaans and argue in English, but if I swear I go back to Afrikaans again.

The appelkooskonfyt was just coming right, getting thick and clear, when I heard the car. I added some apricot kernels and a stick of cinnamon to the jam; I did not know that the car was bringing the first ingredient in a recipe for love and murder.

But maybe life is like a river that can't be stopped, always winding toward or away from death and love. Back and forth. Still, even though life moves like that river, lots of people go their whole lives without swimming. I thought I was one of those people. The Karoo is one of the quietest places in South Africa, so you can hear an engine a long way off. I turned off the gas flame and put the lid on the pot. I still had time to wash my hands, take off my blue apron; check my hair in the mirror, and put out the kettle.

~~~

I put a tin of freshly baked beskuit on my desk. Jessie looked up from her computer and grinned at me and the rusk tin. "Tannie M," she said. Jessie Mostert was the young Gazette journalist. She was a coloured girl who got a scholarship to study at Grahamstown and then came back to work in her hometown. Her mother was a nurse at the Ladismith hospital...
Hattie put the letters on my desk...I looked at the three letters sitting on my desk like unopened presents. I left them there while I made coffee for us all...
~~~

Recipe For Murder

1 Stocky Man Who Abuses His Wife
1 Small Tender Wife
1 Medium-size Tough Woman in Love with the Wife
1 Double-Barreled Shotgun
1 Small Karoo Town Marinated in Secrets
 1 Mild Gardener
1 Red-Hot New Yorker
7 Seventh-Day Adventists (Prepared for the End of the World)
1 Hard-Boiled Investigative Journalist
1 Soft Amateur Detective
2 Cool Policemen
1 Handful of Red Herrings and Suspects Mixed Together
Pinch of Greed

Throw all the ingredients into a big pot and simmer slowly, stirring with a wood spoon for a few years. Add some chilis and brandy toward the end and turn up the heat.

~~~

Recipes for Love and Murder:

A Tannie Maria Mystery

By Sally Andrew

The Amateur Detective genre has a new series that you've just got to check out! Especially if you like to learn and explore new areas of the world--Klein Karoo in Africa this time... Especially if you like the beginning and then mellowing love interest that is a staple characteristic of this type of story, normally between the local policeman and the amateur detective... And, this time, especially if you enjoy cooking--with many recipes included!

Back off or Die

For me, I was most drawn in by the main character, Tannie [rhymes with honey] Marie. Tannie is a wonderful character who loves nature, her chickens, cooking, and believes food equals love... So she loves all those around her with some type of treat, especially if their emotions need to be "stroked..." and when they are having fun... and, while they are working... You get the idea. Kinda reminded me of my sister when I retired from working... and I had also moved closer to her home... I was getting homemade food and some type of sweet on an almost continuous basis for awhile!

In fact, Maria's occupation was as a food column writer for the Klein Karoo Gazette. At least initially... But the sponsors of the newspaper wanted to have a lovelorn column, which they figured would be more popular--even though Maria's column was already popular. Soooo, the head of the newspaper agreed to combine the two topics!

And that's how the whole Gazette staff became involved...in solving a murder, or two...

"Oh hell, I'm such a total idiot. Please tear up
that last letter. If my husband ever sees or
hears about it...I'm a fool. Please don't
publish it. Destroy it. I beg you."
~~~

Marie quickly started receiving letters asking for personal advice... To keep the "flavor" of the former column, she always included a recipe of some food--some even ask for a recipe to help in their love life!

But one woman wrote about having an abusive husband who she was afraid of and that began a series of letters between Marie and the woman... I must add that many of the other letters to Tannie Maria were included...and sweet...and soon Maria was becoming popular because they had added a web site and the letters and answer were posted. Maria had great empathy because her husband had abused her and she knew what types of questions and issues brought sadness and concern to lonely people...Food was always the answer and she even tried new recipes to be sure she was giving good advice...

Such as for how to prepare ostrich...

But before long the woman had been murdered!

And another woman came out of the woodwork, as a friend, would-be lover if she had her way, who accused her husband of everything. From then on, the husband and his wife's would-be lover, were out to kill the other for the murder! 

And then another murder occurred...

I had seen two dead bodies before this one. In coffins. My mother's and my husband's. At the sight of each of them, strong feelings had swum up from deep inside me and taken the air from my mouth. But I did not know this man, Lawrence, at all, so I was surprised to find such feelings coming up in me again. He was not in a coffin. His blood was still fresh. Just now he'd been walking in the rain, smoking, talking. He was alive. Then someone shot that out of him...Stole it from him forever. Murder is the worst kind of stealing. Martine's life had been stolen. And now Lawrence's.

~~~

OK, I admit it, this book made me hungry! LOL  Everytime something happened, Marie was cooking--lots of desserts which I love--and passing them out... I was even forced to check out the recipes in the back of the book to see if...well...that didn't work for me, but I am sure many of you will want to try such dishes as  perfect buttermilk chocolate cake or mango sorbet, and many more.

Maria started cooking whenever she knew when that one police officer was coming to ask her for the letters she received, ask questions, or later to protect her... and during such conversations, she'd stop and point out the sound of a certain bird or throw a handful of feed to her chickens who had come running...

Neither of them was looking for love, both hurt in previous relationships. Those past feelings of pain were now melting away and neither quite knew what to do with what they knew was happening...

Now of course I was cross with Kannenemeyer after that. He was stubborn. Rude, in fact. How could he leave without cake? But I was more cross with myself, I shoul've brought it out soon. I went into the kitchen and began icing the cake. If he had only seen it. Or smelled it. "I messed up," I said to the cake. "If he had a taste of you. He would have agreed to anything I asked." I licked a bit of rum-and-chocolate icing off my finger. "Anything."..

~~~

This debut of a new series is wonderfully written, a great way to escape from your world and just enjoy a fun read.  I loved this one and fully expect that the series will continue to gain more popularity. There is a little disruption, but an interesting diversion, while reading due to the insertion of the native language sometimes used by Maria. There is a full, lengthy glossary where you can find the translation and definition or sometimes a lengthier background paragraph. 

Highly recommended.

GABixlerReviews

Sally Andrew lives in a mud-brick house on a nature reserve in the Klein Karoo, South Africa, with her partner, artist Bowen Boshier, and other wildlife (including a giant eland and a secretive leopard). She also spends time in the wilderness of southern Africa and the seaside suburb of Muizenberg. She has a Masters in Adult Education (University of Cape Town).

For some decades she was a social and environmental activist, then the manager of Bowen’s art business, before she settled down to write full-time. This is her first novel. It will be published in at least twelve languages, across five continents.

Pictures used today are from the author's web site: 

http://www.sallyandrew.com/

Let's Visit the Children in Kenya! Of Course, Introduced by Carole P. Roman...

I found myself in the same situation which I had recently, with books featuring Peru, only this time with Africa... Yesterday we were in Nigeria and next the Sudan... So I thought I should spend some time learning about the culture of the region... specifically, Kenya! Of course, Carole P. Roman has provided that opportunity through her Introduction to Culture Around the World.

If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya

A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World

By Carole P. Roman

If you were me and lived in
Kenya, your home would be
in the central southeastern
part of the continent of Africa.

By now you probably Realize that I enjoy this series...for myself! There is no better way to travel to countries at my age than to be able to visit as a child, and with the children! So, if you have a secret wish to travel as well, you'll learn a lot and have fun as well! No matter what age you are! For instance, I didn't know that Kenya was right on the equator.... 

Now I've had the opportunity to cross the equator just once, when I traveled to South America. All I can say is that when I crossed the equator, my whole body was affected, seemingly reacting to anything and everything...  But I imagine that living on the equator is like every place else...you just get used to

your climate!

 You might live near the capital and largest city, Nairobi. Its name is a Maasai word meaning "cold water." The Maasai are and ethnic African group well known for their colorful dress and customs.

If you visit Kenya, you will be able to make friends with boys--their names could be

 Kiano, Jaramogi,
or Gacoki

If you are a girl, you might be called


 Akeyo, Kioni, or Dalia.

Anybody who thinks of Africa, automatically think of its animals... So, if you were to visit, somebody is bound to insist that you go to the Maasai Mara National Reserve... It is a large game reserve where you can safely see animals like elephants, leopards, lions and rhinoceroses. It is under a wide open sky in a sprawling savanna. You might stay at Keekorok, a wilderness lodge located right on the reserve...

Would you believe that, unlike America, most of the childrens' toys are homemade! I think that's wonderful! Take a look at these! How I wish that more children were given the opportunity to create and learn through this experience...instead of just handing over package after package...

There is so much more to enjoy in Roman's book...learning about the food, money used and the Carnival and more! All is in full-color pictures with narrative. I pass these on to my great-niece who enjoys them "almost" as much as I do...

A personal note to BRH readers...I wanted this to be a fun post, because I know that there are many children in Africa who are in quite different life situations than those here...May all of the children in this country one day find this joy!

GABixlerReviews

These children attend St. Lazarus School in the largest slum in Africa - Kibera located in Nairobi, Kenya. The first song is about how God is everywhere and the second is a timeless favorite "Jesus Loves Me." Their voices will warm your heart for Jesus Christ! I took this video during a short-term mission trip with my church New City Fellowship - June 4-22, 2009.

This is the Deaf choir from Humble Hearts School for the Deaf in Kenya performing "Oh Happy Day". The children singing the song are Hearing and the children signing the song are Deaf. The sign language they are using is Kenyan Sign Language ASL.