Welcome to A Sign of Hope

Posted on by charliej373

welcome to the site

By Charlie Johnston

Welcome to our new site, “A Sign of Hope.” As the old year came to an end, we saw many promising cracks in the monolithic anti-God culture around us. Pious pretensions in Hollywood, the media, and politics came crashing down in a sudden tumult. Oh, the usual suspects are still braying, but it is the braying of those who are seeing their power slip away and their day pass. In the Middle East it seems that one of the things Jihadists are accomplishing is to convince many Arabs that they don’t want to be Muslims any more. The caliphate of ISIS collapsed suddenly and dramatically last fall. Oh, they still have murderous soldiers, but they no longer control vast swaths of territory. America now recognizes Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel. Despite the best efforts of the anti-Semitic United Nations, other nations are considering similar action – and the Palestinian Arabs’ dreams of accomplishing “peace” by destroying Israel entirely are coming to an end. The captive people of Iran are once again rising against their murderous rulers – and this time with America supporting the people instead of the dictators. Though few know how serious it has gotten, Planned Parenthood is facing a brutally tough year. They are fighting on six or seven fronts – and are on the defensive in all of them. The only reason you don’t know this is because the establishment media has busied itself parroting PP’s talking points, regardless of the facts. But that media will soon look as silly as Baghdad Bob if it doesn’t start reporting what is actually happening in the trenches. Of course, this last year has persuaded me that the establishment media does not care how much it beclowns itself.

Even so, there are many rivers yet to cross, many battles yet to be fought, and many agonized souls yet to be ministered to and given effective witness to the joy which is in Our Lord, Jesus Christ. We will talk here together about culture, the faith, the Church, politics and global affairs from a fully faithful perspective, confident that God is ever with those who call on Him – and in the sure knowledge that the arc of history bends toward communion with the Master.

Beckita remains as managing editor, Steve BC as tech guru, along with most of the rest of the team as we begin this new leg of our pilgrim journey.

The site will be a work in progress over the next week or two, incorporating many of the things you enjoyed and came to expect from the old site, minus the personal prophetic outlook. If you have a suggestion, note it in the comments and we will take a look at it. Truth is, I am fumbling my way through this all over again. It has been four years since I set up a site.

I thought you might be interested in why I chose certain design elements. First, the logo in the little box above my head is, of course, Mt. Meeker, near Estes Park, Colorado. It remains very important and meaningful to me – and I love this photo with the moon over Mt. Meeker. The background starry sky is significant to me, too. If you look at the lower right corner of it you will see the constellation, Orion’s Belt. I don’t know much about constellations beyond the Big and Little Dippers, but when I was on my pilgrimage, I came to appreciate how important the night skies were to people in earlier times. I picked out Orion’s Belt at one time, which I will ever call the ‘Easter Cross,’ because to me it looks like a cross with a sash thrown over it. Before going to sleep most nights, I would find the Easter Cross in the sky and orient myself by it. Finally, I chose the green color as an homage to St. John Paul’s call for a “Springtime of the Gospel.”

I will post two or three times a week. In the next week I have planned a piece about our sexually disordered society entitled, “Love Among the Ruins;” a piece on the foundation of legitimate authority, and will reprint my meditation on the Book of Job, entitled “Into the Whirlwind.”

May this be a glorious New Year for Christians and for all – a year where people learn how to live simple joy and happiness again, by living the ordinary call to acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around you. May we all be Signs of Hope to each other throughout this year.

189 thoughts on “Welcome to A Sign of Hope”

    2. Charlie, Beckita, Mick, SteveBC and the rest of the crew!

      Thank you! So glad to have your words of wisdom on this journey!

      Thank you!

      Liked by 6 people

  2. Charlie and Beckita, Thank you for starting this new site. I look forward with anticipation to new posts that I know will continue to inspire me to become a better Christian and person than I was yesterday. Be assured of my prayers going forward. May the Lord hold you close to His Sacred Heart and may Our Blessed Mother wrap Her mantle of love and protection around you. Peace be with you.

    Liked by 15 people

    1. God bless you, gospamir. Honestly, Charlie is the founder of this site and SteveBC is the geeky guy with tech expertise. So happy to have worked at keeping TNRS going when the going was tough, at times, and equally happy be part of this community as well as part of the team. Thanks so much for your prayers! Praying for you and all in this family of faith.

      Liked by 7 people

  6. Thank you Charlie.. I know that here I’ll get the true facts of what’s occurring in our world today. Our media is so biased and have their own agendas. Happily we know that the word gospel literally means “good news” and that is the greatest sign of hope for us all. Praise God! -)

    Liked by 14 people

  8. Forward we go, taking the next right step each time! God bless you Charlie, Beckita, Steve, and everyone on this site. Thinking we are going to have a lot to talk about in 2018, and probably even this month!

    Liked by 9 people

  10. Amen, so glad you are continuing your call to guide us. We love you as our Sherpa. Hail Mary full of Grace lead us to your Son. Love. I do. Diane

    Liked by 7 people

  11. Amen Charlie! I am happy to be here. And navigating the directions wasn’t so difficult as I had imagined…..just had to take the next right step, haha!

    It seems most prudent to leave aside the old, while retaining the wisdom garnered, and begin anew with a fresh anticipation of the many ways the Lord will come to us. In each day, let alone a year! The new site has a good feel to it.

    I am beginning this year with overwhelming gratitude to the Almighty, for the gift of our Most Dear Mother, whose Immaculate Heart will surely Triumph. And so it begins. What an incredible time to be alive.

    Liked by 13 people

  12. Happy New Year Charlie and Beckita.
    God’s blessings be with you both and your new focus on this site. I always feel greatly comforted and inspired to be a better person after reading your writings. Thank you

    Liked by 9 people

  13. It’s a wonderful beginning to your new site of hope, Charlie!!! This is so wonderful! I am completely overjoyed and I really do feel like there is a springtime of hope in the air…a sublime lightness…and interesting lightness of soul! I truly feel like the satan’s time is over! It just feels so! God bless Our Charlie and all of us here at TNRS!!! xoxo 2018 is gonna be a good one!

    Liked by 9 people

    1. Me too! Not that anarchist style of metoo but a great, wonderful feeling of Love blossoming. A couple months ago I posted i had felt a sense of ‘easing off’ which I still feel. Sincethen, I have also felt compelled to pray more.

      Today, I spent a couple hours f/o the Tabernacle offering prayers for my favorite coffee house patrons, staff & generally everyone who crosses the threshold. A couple Chaplets of Divine Mercy, Stations of the Cross and mysteries of the Rosary… for their conversion.

      Liked by 11 people

      1. Judith, I found that if I dim the brightness on my screen a bit, it helps. On my PC I can easily adjust the brightness using my fn control key (bottom left) of the keyboard with my F5 & F6 keys in the top row of keys. ❤

        Liked by 4 people

  15. Dear Charlie,

    I am new at commenting here but I have been following on the old website
    for a long while after being referred by Mark Mallett. Patrick S.D. suggested I come out
    of the woodwork and put my two cents worth on your site. I appreciate the generous
    and kind hearts that I have encountered here. Thank you Charlie for staying in the
    trenches with us and guiding us through these extraordinary times.

    I reluctantly wish to make note that I too find the colour green very hard on
    my eyes. I don’t know if that is unusual or if its just me. I apologize because
    I know its not polite to go into someone else’s home and ask them to change their
    wallpaper to suit you…lol.

    I pray for God’s blessings on everyone here.

    Liked by 14 people

    1. Happy to meet you Cathe D.
      You are not alone on the challenge with the green background. I have a medical condition that can make it difficult for my eyes to focus when it flares up, and the green seems to make it harder. I hesitated to say anything for the same reasons you stated though I love the humorous way you said it! And fiddlesticks anyway. Green is my favorite color.

      Liked by 5 people

  16. Hi everyone, so glad to be here with you all. I so need and appreciate the guidance and the inspiration of Charlie’s writings and all the rest of the Next Right Steppers contributions!
    I had a rather gruelling 2017, not without its share of blessings but I really hope things are going to lighten up a bit for me in 2018 . If they do I might actually may be able to add my ‘two pence worth’ rather than just press ‘like’ all the time ☺️
    I can always hope!
    God bless all here as we journey to the Triumph together.
    Ave Maria, Stella Maris!❤️🙏❤️

    Liked by 14 people

  17. Great start for the new site, Charlie! I look forward to your upcoming articles.
    I also agree that the green color is a little hard on my eyes.

    Liked by 5 people

  18. I am so excited about the prospect of 2 or 3 articles a week! I absolutely love your commentary on the happenings of our time. Thank you for continuing your journey publicly and taking us along for the ride.

    Liked by 7 people

  20. I sent this comment to the old site but it didn’t quite make it…so I will try again here.
    My son calls me Agent J9 so I will introduce myself as that. I have been following this site since the beginning, when Mark Mallet, a fellow Canadian, recommended it. MP’s and AudieMarie’s comments really touched me this morning…so I thought this might be a good time to start commenting. This is a first for me….I have never commented anywhere on line. I have come to know and enjoy so many of you here on this site. I, too, have grown from being here. I probably read all or most of everything that was written here. I remember the “old days”…and the people that have come and gone. I often think of MMBev and others, lift them up in prayer, and wonder how they are. I’m sure there are many of us out there that feel a part of this family but for some reason, were afraid to comment. I’m grateful for all of you who shared so much of your lives with us and helped us draw closer to God. I want to end for now with a kind of “vision” I saw a few months ago. I’m not sure how to explain this but… The “people of heaven” were descending…and the “people of the kingdom” were ascending to kind of meet when Mother Mary swooped in and stood in the middle of them. I hope this comment goes through…and if it does…I will come back. May God “bless us everyone” with Faith and Trust in 2018.
    Agent J9

    Liked by 18 people

    1. Welcome to the site, Agent J9. Back in the very old TV Series, ‘The Prisoner,’ Agent 6 was always looking for ‘information.’ He was played, I think, by the young Patrick McGoohan. We will try to keep the ‘information’ flowing here!

      Liked by 11 people

      1. Thank you for the welcome, Charlie. I googled “The Prisoner”…to find out, although a British series, it was first broadcast in Canada!! I just never know what I’m going to learn here…so, yes “keep the information flowing”!!

        Liked by 5 people

    2. Agent j9. Sure sounds like the rescue song Charlie wrote!!! And the people of the kingdom and the people of heaven shall rise together shall rise forever and God shall rule!!!😀( do I have the song 100% correct?)

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Hi Linda. Yes, that short “vision” I had was from that song. A host of heavenly beings were descending towards the earth, and we (earthly beings) were ascending. There was a gap between the two when Mother Mary swooped in and stood between us. I think of that quite often…very soothing and hopeful.

        Liked by 6 people

      1. Hi Mick. Thank you for the “Howdy” welcome. It feels a bit surreal to be responding to your comment as I have commented quite a few times to yours in the past (in my head). It’s funny how Agent J9 is bringing back memories for you and Charlie. I do remember “Get Smart” as I used to watch it regularly. In all simplicity, however, my name is Jeannine and my son took the first letter J and added the last four. It’s fun to picture myself as some kind of very active “Agent” at my age!! I think I will continue to pray quietly in the background.

        Liked by 4 people

        2. Jeannine is a beautiful name. In high school, I had a good friend named Jeannine.

          After reading over others’ comments, I’m amazed at how many of us have had MMBev on our minds. I’m wondering if she’s in special need of serious prayer right now…. Maybe we should all band together and storm heaven on her behalf?

          Liked by 4 people

    4. AgentJ9, it’s wonderful to read your comments! I’ve thought about MMBev too! Miss her. So glad you are here. I look forward to hearing more from you. God bless you.

      Liked by 4 people

    5. Good to see your comment, Agent J9. I also found this website as a result of Mark Mallet though I live in the USA in Tennessee. I have been wondering also about MMBev on and off for some time. I thought of her again in the last few days and then notice that you mention her. YES…let us keep her in our prayers!

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Hello Agent J9! It’s so good that you mentioned MMBev. I have thought of her from time to time, also, and wondered how she is getting on. I do hope she is ok. I remember that she had some serious health issues.

        Charlie, I’m looking forward to your articles on current events. As Janet says, your slant on things is trustworthy so we can be assured that we’re getting a reliable interpretation. For those of us reading from outside the US it is difficult to work out who’s who (apart from the major players) and what is going on. I’ve been looking at the Conservative Treehouse (referenced by a commenter here a few days ago) and, well, my head just hurts😳

        Liked by 5 people

  21. I wish I could put a laughing my big belly off “gif” It is sooooooo funny to me that no one likes the green color! lol I guess we are not at all into the buck! lol

    Liked by 2 people

      2. Charlie, thank you so much for the lighter green, it really helps my eyes. Sorry we had to complain, but it was physically painful. I was using eye drops, no joke.

        It’s great to continue with you and everyone here. I read certain items each day and wonder what the rest of you are thinking. For example, today on Fox there’s a report about the Bundy mistrial, for which I cheered. Maybe you won’t agree, Charlie, but it seemed to be a sign of a government becoming so powerful that people didn’t matter any more. The saga went on for so long, and it turns out that the FBI apparently withheld info from the defense. What a surprise! Always love your analysis of the issues, Charlie.

        Liked by 5 people

        1. I agree, Annie. Few things pop my cork like official misconduct designed to railroad ordinary people. When you are given a public trust, you ought to act in a trustworthy manner – and never use your power to strong-arm people you don’t like. The perpetrators of such outrages would, themselves, be in the docket if I were in charge – and forever stripped of any public authority.

          Liked by 8 people

        2. I rarely if ever subscribe to radical ’60s ideology, but the mantra: “bring it all down, man” has been on my mind lately. I’ve been wrestling with — and basically losing to — a local county government charged with providing services to the many poor living here. It appears they are insulated against oversight and accountability, though they fall under HUD. Even consumer advocacy organizations seem powerless against them. And soon I must square off against the Department of Veterans Affairs over a medical/monetary issue, in an upcoming meeting where a clear conflict of interest exists.

          So at the short end of the stick are we the people, while the various governments seem to hold all the cards with near absolute power. As Beckita said, we need a “reset” very badly right now.

          Despite the odds, I fight where I can, for what it’s worth. And it doesn’t appear on the surface to be worth much. Only causes me headache and sadness while causing the autocratic behemoths to fortify their walls and dig in their heels.

          Deliver us, O Lord.

          Liked by 5 people

          1. Hi Patrick…I have decided to come out of the woodwork…lol.

            In response to your comment, I know that there are some situations we can not turn away from. There are some battles that are placed at your door and you must confront them in order to go forward.

            You may have heard of the story of the young girl who was walking along the beach front. She saw all sorts of starfish washed up and stranded on the beach. There were so many but one by one she began picking them up and throwing the starfish out to the ocean. Someone asked her why she was even bothering because there were too many to save. She replied, “It made a difference to that one starfish that I just threw back.”

            Things often don’t go as you want or expect, but when you give your concerns to God, He takes over. He is in charge! We become the David against the Goliath. We can do nothing ourselves BUT The Glory of God shines forth when David goes into battle and slays Goliath and according to scripture, the battle is won! Remember too, that things aren’t always as they seem….perceived losses may actually be wins. God is the God of Surprises. Place your trust in the Lord. You are His children and He will not abandon you. God wants us to Trust In Him. All Will Be Well!

            I have a prayer card on my desk that I look at constantly…it says, “PRAY MORE WORRY LESS”. I try…lol.

            God bless you Patrick and everyone here!

            Liked by 6 people

      4. Thank you, Charlie, I noticed. it has made a big difference for me. I actually love the color green [second to blue], but found it very difficult for reading with it as a background

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Hi Charlie,
    Finally found this final site. I have been a follower for years and look forward to your views on things as we move forward to what God has in store for us all.
    I would suggest that you put a link on your emails to this site so make it easier to bookmark it. On the green background, I think a change would be good because green is one of the colors that people with vision issues have trouble with.

    Liked by 5 people

  25. Thanks for staying with us, Charley. Your messages always gave me hope (with or without the prophesying) Your words speak the truth, you have a clear vision of what’s going on in the world. You are inspired by the Holy Spirit, and you continue to give us hope for a better world to come for our children and grandchildren. God bless you.
    Judy

    Liked by 9 people

  28. Hi Charlie,

    My wife and I have followed you from the beginning and we are both thrilled that you will still be with us. We both live our Catholic faith to the max. We live in Olympia Washington. We are having a family reunion in June in Colorado Springs (first week). I would love to meet you and have a chat.
    We look forward to your posts very much. Please include any insights from your Angel if possible – we won’t hold you to a particular prophesy. Still, based on the words from the Fatima and Medjugorje apparitions, we faithfully await the rescue by the Blessed Virgin Mary!

    Jim from Olympia (penny6@comcast.net)

    Liked by 5 people

  29. It occurs to me that if the evil one’s influence has been restrained, we may be living in a world tending back to Godliness. It’s a direction quite different than at any time in my life. For as long as I can remember, the general feeling was that society was always moving in a more secular, worldly direction. The challenge was to row against that Godless current as we raised our children with a sound, loving, Christ- centered foundation. It would be so nice if our children did not have to fight that same battle for their children. Let’s hope we are truly moving into a post-secular era.

    Liked by 7 people

    1. Thanks jayman, “post-secular” has a really definitively ring to it – it should head up the Glossary of this site – if we had one!

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Definitive – another one for the Holy Souls which is good because I note they were absent from Aj9’s vision (having already been prayed or pinged into Heaven)!

        Liked by 5 people

  30. Good Evening, Charlie, Beckita, SteveBC and everyone! I had a doctor appt. this morning, but before I had to rush out, I couldn’t resist peeking at my in box to see if I received today’s post. Just finally getting home & looking forward to read Charlie’s post! Thank you Steve for the files link – and putting it all together. Thanks too to my husband for giving up some of his football time to download it to the thumb drive! 😉 So glad to see you all here and a special hello to the new posters! The site looks great, Charlie!

    Liked by 7 people

  31. Thanks Charlie, and all behind the scenes.. I guess Charlie, likes “Green for the Luck of the Irish” Mama Mary Mantle Blue would be nice. Whatever color, I’m here. Thanks for everything over the years, Charlie. Prayers to all as we go forward into 2018. Stay close, to Mama Mary, all be good. Anxiety may overcome us at times, but, stay close to your prayers, and Mama Mary, she do underwent great anxiety. Beckita said it best, Home Sweet Home
    Love and prayers to all.. Cindy

    Liked by 6 people

    1. Hi, dear Littlelight! I was thinking about you this afternoon when I glanced at the index card that I taped to mirror–the card with the short St. Joseph prayer that you posted on the old site. 🙂

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Oops, my thanks got posted too far below.

        Hug was needed, my/our hearts are shattered. Somedays I/we can taste healing/normalcy, and then, whammo, capricious cruel grief sinks me/us even lower. While we believe every tear will be wiped away, it won’t be in this lifetime, for me & mine. +Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Mercy!+

        Liked by 7 people

          1. Littlelight, (I have always thought your name should be Biglight because that is what you are to me in terms of your faith and faithfulness), I will continue to pray for you and your family every day. May Jesus send His Mother to console you.

            Liked by 5 people

        4. Oh, Sweetie!

          I want you to know that at the Christmas Vigil Mass, I prayed specifically for you and Brianna. May our Crucified Lord lead you, your families, and all those who mourn, to the joy of the Resurrection during your lifetimes.

          Love and hugs,

          Mick

          Liked by 7 people

  34. So happy to be able to continue on this journey with all of you! I never comment, so being here reminds me of when I was a kid in school. Teachers would tell my parents that I need to participate more. I’d look at them and say, “I am participating…I’m listening and thinking!” So, while I never comment, reading your pieces Charlie and reading all the comments from everyone, does fill me with hope and peace. I love the way everyone lifts each other up and am happy to be a part of this community!
    Charlie, I’m happy to see you’re going to post Into the Whirlwind again. I love that piece and have forwarded it to family in the past.
    Ok my comment was long. I guess I’m just getting it all out at once…lol. Praying for all here! God is good!! 😊

    Liked by 12 people

  36. So good to be home !
    Please przy for my 16 year old daughter, still struggling with health problems and like she says with spiritual warfare. Please and thank you 🙏🏻

    Please

    Liked by 7 people

  37. Dear Charlie and friends. I finally found your new site but somehow it will not allow me to ask for prayers when I go to the prayer request at the top of the page. I am not that quick using my computer so are there places I can go to to get instructions using your new site?
    Thank you and God bless your work!

    Like

  40. Hi, beautiful people, I found the new website at last.
    Hi, Charlie, happy to hear from you again.
    I have a request for the new site. Can you write something encouraging for us Europeans too? I am a little discouraged here. In Italy we shall vote on March 4th.
    I hope the Rescue will touch Italy as well. Right now I am unsure about our future here.
    Polls say democrats should lose the elections, but who knows?
    Thanks Charlie!

    Liked by 8 people

  41. JMJ

    Charlie, I so very much appreciate your willingness to continue to give us your insights on current affairs, spiritual and temporal, so as to help us to live our faith vibrantly in such a dark time. By God’s grace, I have seen throughout these past several decades the many pinhole streaks of light (grace) puncturing the darkness of our time, providing illumination and warmth to those who strive to remain faithful. These “pinholes” have increased in size and number over time so as to meet and overcome the onslaught of evil and darkness. Divine Providence will not be outdone in His care for His children as He will provide an abundance of grace and mercy; we simply have to wait, then receive His graces with fervent devotion and then respond to the grace with our fiat.

    Almost forty years ago I had a “dream” where I saw a darkened, dilapidated church building late at night. Slowly but surely I saw lay people gathering outside. There began a “rain” of colorful ribbons which many of the lay people gathered and consumed, causing a `light to emanate from them. They then pressed themselves to the old church[s stained glass windows shining their new found light upon the interior which then began restoring the Church. (It is important to remember that we are the Church). Over the decades I have seen this revitalization take place, but we must realize that the first thing that the light does is reveal the condition of what is illuminated. Oftentimes this revelation can be painful and frightening. So, we can expect to see the brokenness, ugliness, disorder and need for repair. Then it is time to get to work, which includes spiritually educating and lifting up each other as the difficult work proceeds. It is also very important to know that the trials, sufferings and difficulties in our lives tend to reveal our weakness, sinfulness and all that needs healing and restoration. This is a painful process, but one that over time will bring healing, peace and a closer union with out Savior and King. What a delight this fruit is for a soul, empowering it to help others in varied and powerful ways to overcome their brokenness. Thanks be to God.

    St. John Paul II wrote in NOVO MILLENNIO INEUNTE the following: It is impossible to take the measure of this event of grace which in the course of the year has touched people’s hearts. But certainly, “a river of living water”, the water that continually flows “from the throne of God and of the Lamb” (cf. Rev 22:1), has been poured out on the Church. This is the water of the Spirit which quenches thirst and brings new life (cf. Jn 4:14). This is the merciful love of the Father which has once again been made known and given to us in Christ… (Novo Millennio Ineunte can be found and read at the following: http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20010106_novo-millennio-ineunte.html)

    Thank you again Charlie, and all of you who work to restore the Church.

    Liked by 12 people

    1. I really did enjoy reading that article, CrewDog..thank you.

      “For the first time in many decades, we can turn our eyes toward the bright sunlit uplands, where liberty reigns, and where each may abide by his vine and fig tree and be not afraid.”

      Bring it on! 🙂

      Liked by 5 people

    3. Loved the article, CD. God bless President Trump. He continues to amaze and inspire me. Despite the monumental global and domestic opposition he and we face, he is aggressively, systematically and brilliantly tearing it all down as best he can. (By “it” I mean the corruption, cronyism, and loss of the rule of law). Given enough time and support, he could very well give our God-blessed country back to the people.

      Liked by 5 people

        1. You know what happened, Mick? The Militia Immaculata sent me a nice certificate of enrollment, but reversed my first and middle names to read “Daniel Patrick.” Should I take this as a sign? You know how Jesus renamed Simon as Peter, or how Saul changed to Paul, or Abram to Abraham? Also popes take a new name when they assume the papacy. Wonder if I should change my name.

          What do you think? “Daniel Patrick” has a nice ring to it.

          Liked by 3 people

          2. What do I think? I think you should watch out for lions (and snakes) when you’re out and about in the South Dakota wilderness. 😉

            Liked by 5 people

              1. Hahahahaha! Well, um… didn’t Padre Pio once end an infestation of insects that were destroying certain fruit trees on which the local Italian peasants relied for their livelihood? If it were me, I’d start with him. 🙂

                Liked by 3 people

                1. Sadly, Doug, this saint is quite ineffective even after 4 sprayings. Though no longer my problem, the old landlords may need to invoke Sts. Gasoline and Match….or maybe Saint Bulldozer, Terror of Bedbugs. It’s quite literally that bad.

                  Say, I’m in the market for a travel trailer – my tent got down to 28 degrees last night. Know of any?

                  Liked by 2 people

    3. Beautiful. According to an official press release he said: “Christmas gives millions of believers joy and hope.

      Putin said the holiday accustoms Orthodox Christians to “spiritual origins and fatherly traditions, and unites them around eternal Christian values” and the “centuries-old historic and cultural heritage of our people.”

      He also said that the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations have “made a significant contribution to strengthening high moral ideals in society, educating the growing generation, and solving vital social problems.”

      Now where in the rest of Europe, apart from Poland and Hungary, would one hear truth such as that from the benighted “leadership”? And literally “benighted”, because they’re stumbling around in pitch darkness and dragging what little now remains of our Christian civilisation with them.

      I’m so looking forward to CJ commenting on Europe – he can put it a heck of a sight better than I can.

      Liked by 3 people

  45. Great to have you back in action Charlie. Please consider a piece on Pope Francis. It’s hard to find a neutral perspective on his papacy.
    Jerry

    Liked by 5 people

  46. Hi Charlie, please delete if not allowed. This came from the Facebook page of Fr. Richard Heilman

    I think it is quite intriguing, maybe you will find it to be so, as well.

    January 6 at 8:09pm · Pine Bluff, WI ·
    I think St. John Bosco wants everyone to join Nineveh 90 for Life. Here’s why I say that …
    Well known is St. John Bosco’s “dream of the two columns” where he foresaw the future difficulties of the Church, envisioned as a ship on stormy seas. Several popes strive to moor the Church and anchor it between two columns which arose amid the dangerous waters. The columns symbolized the two devotions to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Immaculate, the Help of Christians. Calm and peace for the Church is won only when one of the popes finally succeeds in anchoring the Church between the two columns.
    Another symbolic St. John Bosco dream/prophecy is less-known, which can shed light on interpreting the dream of the two columns.
    The dream/prophecy ends as follows:
    “There shall yet come a violent hurricane. Iniquity is at an end, sin shall cease, and before two full moons shall have shone in the month of flowers, the rainbow of peace shall appear on earth … Throughout the world a sun so bright shall shine as never seen since the flames of the Cenacle until today, nor shall it be seen again until the end of time.”
    Here’s an interesting insight that will blow you away …
    This year, there is a rare occurrence of two full moons in the same month … two of these in the same year. When this happens, in any month, the second full moon, in that month, is referred to as a “blue moon.”
    Get this …
    On January 31, 2018, a super rare event will occur. This will be a “Super, Blue, Blood Moon.” “Super” because the moon is near to the earth. “Blue” because it is the second in a month. “Blood” because it will also be a lunar eclipse.
    Okay, that’s pretty cool. But here’s the kicker. January 31 is the Feast of St. John Bosco. Is God highlighting St. John Bosco?
    Wait, it get’s better.
    Remember that I said there are two Blue Moon events in one year? Want to know when the second one is?
    The second Blue Moon will occur in March, which contains the first day of Spring … you know, Spring … when flowers begin to bloom … “and before two full moons shall have shone in the month of flowers.” -St. John Bosco.
    There’s more!
    The Blue Moon in March occurs on March 31. What’s significant of that date? It coincides with Holy Saturday, which commemorates Our Lord’s descent into Hades and the Harrowing of Hell.
    Wait, there’s still more!
    Only now have I made all of these connections, concluding with this …
    March 31 is DAY 90 OF NINEVEH 90 FOR LIFE!! THE DAY WE ALL MAKE OUR MARIAN CONSECRATION!! WOW!!!
    Believe it or not, there is one last thing. St. John Bosco’s dream about the two moons in the month of flowers came to him on the Vigil of the Epiphany. Well …. that’s the same time I am making all of the these connections … the same time I am having an EPIPHANY!

    Liked by 15 people

    2. Yes, Reets Charlie. Emmanuel brought this to our attention at TNRS. To me, this says many are aware that we’re in a time of fulfillment. Waiting, watching and praying with Hope as God’s Plan unfolds.

      Liked by 5 people

  47. Hi Charlie and all gathered here,
    I’ve been a “lurker” since the very early days having commented only a few times and under a different moniker. Charlie, I have gained much from your posts and was so pleased by your decision to continue writing on “culture, the faith, the Church, politics and global affairs from a fully faithful perspective… .” In this I believe you to be a truely gifted writer.

    You have said that you consider yourself only “marginally competent at interpreting” what you were given. Well, perhaps that is a fair self assessment. But of this I am certain, when God chose you for this role he knew exactly how you would respond and carry out His instructions. His plan depended on you DOING, not necessarily on you getting it right. (Hmmm, I’ve heard that somewhere) Through you God spoke to all of us. He has asked us to look deep inside ourselves, to draw us out of ourselves and out of our worldliness. He asks us simply to Trust, Do, Love. You dear Charlie are an object lesson in TNRS. Thank you!

    Lastly, for Mt. Meeker, I share with you an affinity for this majestic mountain. Rocky Mountain NP has been a favorite retreat for my bride and I for a number of years. On one of our visits we stumbled across St. Malo and the Chapel On the Rock which stands at Meeker’s base. Standing in front of that beautiful stone Chapel, a tall brilliantly white statute of the Sacred Heart of Jesus high on the rocks to my right, I was struck with awe as I cast my gaze upward toward the summit of the mountain. It felt as though I had been given a glimpse of the Glory of God. It is a most beautiful and inspiring sight. To me it has the feeling of being a very special place.

    Well, this past Sunday I once again found myself in front of the Chapel at the base of Meeker. The sky was a beautiful crisp blue. The broard shoulders of the mountain seemed as always to embrase and reassure. God’s Glory was indeed once again being proclaimed by His creation.

    Returning to our room that evening I decided to visit this site, wondering if a new acticle had been posted. The page opened to your first post here, “My Final Public Prophecy” and my eyes landed on that splendid image of Our Lady. Then it hit me, THAT’S MEEKER! In that image we see a myriad of angels holding the ends of Our Heavenly Queen’s magnificent vail. The arrangement in which the angels stand about Our Lady very closely resembles the outline of Mt. Meeker! Holy Mary would be seen as standing tall in the vale between the shoulders of the mountain and just under the summit. Even the clouds in the image closely resemble the lenticular clouds which often form over the high mountain peeks at Rocky.

    And Charlie, I bet you hadn’t noticed. Riiiight! 😉

    Thank you for selecting that image! The next time I see Mt. Meeker I will also see my Heavenly Queen, the Queen of My Heart standing there above the Chapel surrounded by a host of angels.

    Ave Maria! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

    Donkey

    Liked by 14 people

    3. And the caretaker of what was once the retreat Center Told me when I visited the Chapel several summers ago that, when climbing Meeker was once a bit easier, that a priest and his young friend once hiked to the summit and the priest said mass near the summit. So the Mount is officially blessed.

      Liked by 5 people

  48. God’s blessings to all here! I have rarely commented, but have been following this site ( ok, the former site😍 ) for a very long time. I echo other commenters’ gratitude to Charlie — and the other TNRS- SOH family. I have learned and grown so much, spiritually, from the wealth of insightful comments and reflections posted here. I thank God for you all. I have a technical question. On the former site, one could click on recent comments to see the latest ( of hundreds) of comments. I can’t seem to do that now. Will that feature be installed on this site? ( I don’t want to be notified every time a new post or comment comes in– my email would explode I think! I am not computer tech savvy– e.g., I don’t do Facebook. I just bookmarked this online site and go to it). Thanks so much!

    Liked by 6 people

    1. SDR, I will check with Charlie about adding that feature soon. It is early days here so some of the facilities aren’t set up yet. 🙂

      Liked by 3 people

  49. Thank you Charlie and all here. Our
    family are third generation Salesian Lay Missioners. Please pray for my grandson Josiah and his wife Laura they are jn South Africa . I also follow Fr. Heilman . I also be!ieve St Don Bosco dream is. being fulfilled.
    God bless all .Keep the faith . Kathleen

    Liked by 7 people

  50. Hey Charlie! It is soooooooo nice that we are all talking again!!! I esp love when you communicate back with us! This is just so wonderful!!! Hey, how about the color blue for Our Lady??? Just a thought! lol xoxo all TNRS

    Liked by 6 people

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Published by charliej373

Charlie Johnston is a former newspaper editor, radio talk show host and political consultant. From Feb. 11, 2011 to Aug. 21, 2012, he walked 3,200 miles across the country, sleeping in the woods, meeting people and praying as he went. He writes on cultural, global and political issues from an orthodox Catholic perspective. He emphasizes that we find God most surely through the ordinary, doing the little things we should with faith and fidelity. His constant refrain is that, to live real joy, we must acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around us. He lives in the Archdiocese of Denver in the United States.