Catch Your Breath

Posted on by charliej373

By Charlie Johnston

I have a piece I was holding for today. I’m going to hold it for another day. 

I have spoken to many people today – and many more since the weekend. Most I have spoken to are grieving; some are angry, some are scared, others just plain despondent. I’ve even had a few suggest they are questioning their faith in God. 

A few days ago I had to laugh at a rather insulting post from a preacher – because it had a powerful germ of truth to it. He said that he was tired of people complaining that they did not get a million dollar answer to a ten-cent prayer. Many people have, indeed, turned back to God in a fundamental way these last few years. But can we really expect that to change six or seven decades of neglect as both the faith and the very foundation of freedom were systematically assaulted?

I started signaling just before the election that I fearfully expected something like this – even though I was convinced Donald Trump could not lose an honest election (and he didn’t.) I have mentioned before that I think Judas’ great sin was to try to substitute his plan for God’s. After three years of traipsing around the desert somewhat aimlessly doing good, he thought it was time for the revolution to begin – so he hoped to force Jesus to reveal His kingship and supremacy. Actually, Judas succeeded, but not in the way he expected – and he allowed despair to carry him away before he could see the victory. This is the time of the hobbits, the ordinary man, and God is not going to lift us up until we each make our choice and take full responsibility for our part in this. No more false dawns where we think we have gotten things back under control. 

I will start a series of consequential pieces tomorrow. Things are going to go bad quickly. For those of you who are angry at how gloating and ugly the pagan left is, know that it is going to go bad for them. The same people who begin the year in haughty triumph will end it in baffled bewilderment at how it could have all gone so bad so quickly. I hope to push things so that we are a credible people who can invite and welcome them into the fold of God’s flock. Many people – both with us and against us are frantically seeking and advocating for a particular plan. Well, a lot of us have had bitter experience with that. I chuckle sometimes. I have told you that all will be wrong about something important. This is not because I know very much – but because I beat the rush of being wrong about some important things and got mine out of the way early. 

We are in the midst of frantic efforts to build competing towers of Babel. The pagan left uses terms such as white privilege, social justice, systemic racism to describe their tower. We have used terms such as insurrection act, military tribunals and such to describe our tower. God is going to topple all the towers. Perhaps the clearest allegory out there to what we have entered is the 1973 movie, “The Exorcist.” I will have an article soon elaborating on that – and we are only about 20 minutes into the film in real life.

I do have some tactical priorities as we enter this year to help us endure and even thrive as we battle the long, dark winter Mr. Biden has promised us – and in a way that will make ultimate reconciliation with those who think they now own us easier when things go bad. Always remember that we are heralds of the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart, called to boldly proclaim the eternal Kingdom with power, conviction and clarity that inspires billions to new hope and new resolve. 

But for today, grieve, mourn, shout – whatever you have to do to get your sea legs back and humbly get to a serious commitment to taking the next right step under God.

360 thoughts on “Catch Your Breath”

  1. Steady as she goes. The Master is at the helm, unfolding a Plan with details far and above what any human could e.v.e.r. conceive.

    Surrender everything to Him, trust Him and rely on Him completely, for
    We love you, O LORD, our strength.
    The LORD is our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer,
    our God, our rock in whom we take refuge,
    our shield, and the horn of our salvation, our stronghold.
    We call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
    so we shall be saved from our enemies.

    Looking forward to hearing this counsel, Charlie: “I do have some tactical priorities as we enter this year to help us endure and even thrive as we battle the long, dark winter Mr. Biden has promised us – and in a way that will make ultimate reconciliation with those who think they now own us easier when things go bad.”

    Liked by 20 people

  5. Thank you, Charlie. I do feel like I am at the funeral of our Republic and the last thing I can stand to hear right now is pollyanna uplifting statements. I always benefit from your bracing commentary. This time is different from any other I have known. I can no longer look forward to the midterms or 2024, thinking that we will win it back. I cannot see how that could even be possible. If the Dominion voting system stays in place, and if no one prosecutes the massive ballot chicanery that went down, then there cannot be any real election by the people and for the people going forward. I just keep thinking that God has got this. He alone knows what we need. I pray daily for the coming of Our Queen’s Triumph. God bless you and protect you, Kathy Harum

    Liked by 20 people

    1. We must remember, that if the Pandemic had not happened, Our President would have been reelected. The Pandemic gave the one world people cover to steal this election. Just to look at this inauguration was unreal. We may be in for some hard times, but I do believe the Immaculate Heart Of Mary will triumph.
      Charlie is right, we must double up on our prayer time and surrender the rest to the Lord. I admit I do watch Steve Bannon on war room. He does give you Hope.
      .It saddens me to see Mitch,came right out and states that the event on January 6th was Trumps doing. President Trump underestimated how Deep the Swamp was.. It sure opened my eyes.

      Liked by 13 people

      1. Theresa, I agree with the fact that Trump exposed part of the Republican Party too. It is kind of interesting that these two political parties have been holding the power for so many decades. Yes, even in Poland there are mechanisms for established parties to stay in power (like government funding only to parties that get at least 5% popular vote), but even with these mechanisms people are able to vote in or out certain parties or render them non existent, no matter if they are left or right leaning… Now, Trump being robbed of the consecutive term, might launch his own party and shake up the political establishment in the years to come unless they tune up the machines with the consent of both deep Republicans and Democrats. Is it difficult to have both hand count and machine count done under the watch of representatives of all parties in each polling place? But I guess both Democrats and Republicans would be against such an idea so they can stay in power.
        I do not really agree that without pandemic Democrats would not have been able to cheat, I think we just would have had more glitches in the voting machines to get the same outcome.

        Liked by 5 people

        1. I agree with you Pawel, the Democrats would have cheated in other ways. They could not let President Trump have another 4 years. I am sad to see him go because President Trump was so positive and uplifting. The left mocked him for his positivity. He had Norman Vincent Peale as a friend and role model. They didn’t understand the importance of the principles of positive thinking and how critical they are to success. Of course, Marxism has nothing in common with positive thinking. But President Trump gave us hope that we could be great again after the Obama administration! I trust in the Lord, that He has His plan. This is just the beginning. President Trump started the ball rolling. The best is yet to come! Praise God!

          Liked by 4 people

          2. Yes Karmy, President Trump was welcomed in Florida with huge enthusiasm, and Mr. Biden’s motorcade was looking at the empty streets only with National Guard troops, apparently many of whom,perhaps majority of them, turning their backs towards Mr. Biden, and those watching troops showed zero enthusiasm as well. Yes Trump was uplifting the nation. Looking at Mr. Biden the American spirit seems to be gone. What seems to be looming over the nation is spirit of depression, division, discontinuation, deceiving and dragging down again patriot and Christian values by the Democrat Party with their current depraved leader with dementia to ice the cake.

            Biden the winner:
            https://citizenfreepress.com/breaking/heres-the-video-national-guard-troops-turn-their-backs-on-biden-motorcade/

            Trump the loser:

            It’s hard to say, but in spite of all of this, let’s pray for Mr. Biden and all those in charge of the country. The battle is about not losing souls including theirs… And let’s pray for the pope Francis too.
            “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
            that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
            For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?” Mt 5,44-46

            Liked by 3 people

            1. Yes, true. Praying for all souls. I suggested praying for the soul of a sinister former first lady and her boss at the time, and some one suggested that some of the best conversions happen in prison cells. Just say’n. 😉

              Liked by 2 people

  6. I haven’t read this yet but I was JUST THINKING…oh man…I really need to hear from Charlie and everyone here at CoRaC!!! Thanks be to God for Mass tomorrow and Adoration at 3 pm!!! Jesus I trust in you cuz it ain’t makin’ NO SENSE down here!!! Joan up y’all!!!😫

    Liked by 9 people

    1. It’s an image of Our Lady as the Immaculate Conception, Linda. As I see it, how fitting. This country is her turf because, in 1792, the first bishop of the United States, Bishop John Carroll, consecrated the nation to Mary under the title Immaculate Conception, and in 1846, the bishops unanimously chose Mary under that title as the patroness of the nation.

      Liked by 11 people

      2. The image is so beautiful of Our Lady! I had searched the image online and found that Beyonce had dressed to look like this for an awards show or something. Thought she was referencing Gaia or something at the time, but now it would appear that she was most likely mocking Our Lady? Lately, I like the title “Virgo Potens”. Looking forward to Charlie’s piece regarding his allegory of us having entered “The Exorcist”. I could never watch the entire movie back in 1973 or since. Thanks, Charlie, for letting us grieve today. Good piece.

        Liked by 9 people

          2. Indeed, Linda. For those who don’t have his book, both kind can be found on y.t. (search Fr. Ripperger deliverance prayers,or Aux Chr.); there’s also a ‘catholic exorcism’ app and website by same name that has a multitude of his prayers.

            In other matters, if we’re disappointed, Trump must be devastated, so consoling prayers for him.

            Liked by 6 people

        2. Audiemarie, I also have been drawn to the title of Virgo Potens since last summer. A priest that I follow likes it. Thus, since the satan hates it when we pray in Latin, I pray this also every day: Virgo Potens, ora pro nobis! (Virgin Most Powerful, pray for us) and sometimes very often.

          Liked by 5 people

  8. Even though Trump was not re-inaugurated, if looking closer, he did expose the cunning schemes of the corrupted politicians and compromised entities (big tech,media,etc), now more people are aware the cancer is malicious and developed into an advanced stage. On the last day in office, 51% of the nation were approving Trump’s job performance per Rasmussen report. Who knows, perhaps God did not want to unleash his wrath while a sincere man was in charge? Or perhaps, a bigger miracle will take place like Mr. Biden’s conversion? God’s ways are not our ways.

    Liked by 16 people

    2. It is essential that we continue to pray for the souls of all our leaders, all the people of America, and all the people of the world. I believe there will be conversions that will astound us! “If you believe, you will see, the glory of God!”

      Liked by 10 people

  9. Ha!!! Being where you are And have been, Charlie, I do personally take some delight that you can chuckle nowadays!!! 😆 For that means there is hope for the rest of us who are still in “whaaaaaaa?!?!?!” Mode!!!😂😂😂

    “For those of you who are angry at how gloating and ugly the pagan left is, know that it is going to go bad for them. The same people who begin the year in haughty triumph will end it in baffled bewilderment at how it could have all gone so bad so quickly. I hope to push things so that we are a credible people who can invite and welcome them into the fold of God’s flock. Many people – both with us and against us are frantically seeking and advocating for a particular plan. Well, a lot of us have had bitter experience with that. I chuckle sometimes.” CJ

    Liked by 5 people

    1. LPS, I sure hope Charlie is correct in that statement that the “ugly pagan left” will end the year seeing it has gone bad so quickly! Come Holy Spirit!

      Liked by 3 people

  10. OK we all know Charlie is not the only mystic that people are following. Many were saying Trump will be President for two consecutive terms, wall we now know that is false, so just whom were these people listening to and receiving the message from. Think people. Charlie has experience with this, the messages received not matching the real world events. Maybe Charlie will comment on this.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Those who were saying that Trump would be inaugurated again were not following a mystic, Lakesidebob. Most of these things were coming from those who followed “Q” and it’s water under the bridge now. God bless you.

      Liked by 7 people

      1. Beckita, there is a man called Chris Yoon on YouTube who was saying he received messages from God that President Trump would have another term. Perhaps this is who Lakesidebob is referring to.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. That’s right, Karmy. Thanks for the reminder. And there were many more such prophetic utterances from our Christian brothers and sisters with the message that President Trump would be inaugurated rather than Biden.

          Liked by 2 people

        2. I am unfamiliar with this person, Karmy. I do know that “Q” posted only three days in November 2020 and once in December and that was solely a link to a video to a YT music video. The “Q” posts contained word and picture clues, questions, links and/or prayers. No prophecies. Very much the same way we are aware of prophetic interpretation error throughout the ages, the anons have made Socratic interpretation errors throughout their community. 😉 Nonetheless, the anons are united world-wide in a cause that made us think, act, pray and convert. It has been truly a wonder to behold, imho sort of like an ongoing brain teaser being played out in real life events. The DC rally attendees, save the 200-300 rowdies, made up a good percentage of that movement and the energy that it brings to itself and others. ❤

          Liked by 4 people

          1. I appreciate how following Q has been so positive for you, Jen. That is awesome. ♥️

            While there were no “prophecies” as we understand the word, there were beau coup predictions of what would come to pass. And now there are followers who are twisting everything into a variety of prediction pretzels to keep it going.

            Praying for us all to discover how much God loves each one of us and to find our way to focusing on Him and His Plan.

            Liked by 5 people

            1. I have always been a fan of and have a love for people watching. It broke my heart when our airports became mazes of fenced security after 9/11. I could and have spent days riding the metra in the big city, and then wander around Union Station, O’Hare Airports or window shop along the streets of downtown just to be out and about participating in the life experience with strangers. Sort of like, Charlie’s coffee shop interaction and observations with others. I do not generally read about adventures, so I create them within my means and surroundings. Tears would fill my eyes as I watched loved ones depart and reunite in the terminal gate areas. I am a an ole softie that way!

              From the periphery, I watched people unite amid the phenomenon of “Q”. It was far beyond my ability to participate otherwise. Nosebleed section, a spectator is all. Another takeaway from their universal sharing of sleuthing that I enjoyed to see play out was that some of the most amazing and brightest minds, that have otherwise been outcast and invisible were seen and heard, for the gifts and talents in math and sciences that were foreign to me. At this stage, many anons and lurkers are surrendering to God, as we are here, too.

              My path had lead me to other areas of concentration. Still I will hold a special place in my heart for all things united in charity on the roads I travel. It does bring me joy. ❤

              Liked by 4 people

              2. I used to take my daughters on date night and sometimes go to the airport and watch the planes land.  We could go through security then without a boarding pass.—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

                Liked by 5 people

                1. I love that, Doug. ❤ You are already a jet-setter for work and visiting the airport while just being Dad must have been a welcome respite of sorts! I used to love to shop in the souvenir stores, grab a drink or a bite to eat. Times have changed.

                  Liked by 2 people

                  1. The irony Jenn is I was not doing any traveling for work when they were young then.  I never expected to take a job later that brought a lot of traveling over time.  It has been a gift to travel the world and meet people in other cultures.—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

                    Liked by 2 people

        3. Hi Karmy. Thank you for all your posts.

          During this past 4 yrs my estranged brother came out of the woodwork following Fr. Altman and other dear priests that I had sent his way. I was so grateful. Then last week he sent me an email about someone called Chris Yoon who he was really enraptured with. He sent me a video to watch. I thought it was interesting and wanted to believe it was true, but I didn’t. I knew in my heart that our country and many other countries were godless and needed a huge “wake up” call. Anyway, I pray that my brother doesn’t turn away from God or the conversion path he was on because of “disappointment” that Chris Yoon and other “prophecies” didn’t come to pass. We all really need to be steadfast in our faith at this time. Please pray for my brother and for all those souls who expected to get “a million dollar answer to a ten-cent prayer”.

          Liked by 8 people

        4. Read words carefully. “…President Trump would have another term.” That says another term, not necessarily a consecutive term. With God all things are possible.

          Keep faith and pray.

          Liked by 6 people

      2. Hi Becks

        Not to derail Charlies snd your view, but section 11.3 of dod law of war wad put in place during McCarthy era to counteract a communist coup such as happened this month.

        11.3 is a q marker and this scenario jibes with events on the ground and Gen Flynn’s optimism. After military retund election, Trump could get his second consecutive term.

        I realize the rabbit holes grow tiresome, nut this one is now all the rage.

        We will see.

        Liked by 5 people

  13. To those who despair because things did not go the way we wanted and prayed for, where and when did Jesus ever promise anyone that all prayers would be granted according to our will. God answers all prayer. Sometimes the best answer is “No.” He gives us a better answer than what we pray for. Would a good father give his child who asked for a fish a snake? How many of us would recognize a snake even if i bit us? How often do we think we know best? God’s ways are not our ignorant ways. God seems always to be shrouded in mysteries. His intelligence is infinitely above us. If we are open to God’s guidance, He will lead us to the next right step. We need to be patient and persevering. It will come to fruition in God’s time not ours. It is after all the beginning of the beginning leading to the final salvation. May God save us lest we perish. jas

    Liked by 13 people

    1. jas, as a parent who buried a child to suicide, I can deeply, personally, and completely relate to this things-not-going-as-hoped-or-planned-for, Hah! God is good, All the time. And He keeps His promises.

      Liked by 13 people

  14. I have not lost my faith in God. I have lot my faith in the leadership of all the American institutions that I think were worthy of my respect and I find the tasks ahead of me look like insurmountable mountains. I still pray, but I struggle to do so. If I cannot formally pray, then I offer up my day or my sorrows in a conversation. Sometimes I used to say all 3 mysteries of the rosary along with other prayers. I am not happy with myself, but I do the best I can.

    Liked by 13 people

    1. Any single vestige of Trump will be removed from the White House, you can be sure. If the law were to allow it, they would drape his official portrait. Any project he started will be reversed. The paths he opened for renewal of business will be closed. And the impostor Catholic will impose anti-Catholic measures that test the conscience, many of which may be lauded by the Vatican and all moral questions waived by our pope. Inquiries into quid pro quo investments by the former VP and son will be squashed and NY state will continue to go rabidly after the Donald. The Mad Hatter has come out of the basement and has seized control.

      Liked by 4 people

      1. The worst part of living in a blue state is that I feel like I am living in an alternative universe. People are rejoicing over things that I cannot abide nor understand. If I did not have a few long-time close friends in various states that see things as I do, I would feel like I had lost all my senses. Sometimes it seems like I am living in a sci-fi movie and I just cannot get out of this new dimension which amounts to a nightmare. It is a very weird emotion. I feel like Scottie has to beam me out of here to a place where everything is normal.

        Liked by 12 people

        1. My kids want to move west, where there is more normalcy than the east coast. It really is surreal around here.

          I went to an appt and the lady had a thermometer pointed exactly like a handgun at me. I had to turn the corner at the top of the stairs, and when I did she was there holding the thermometer like a gun! I jumped.

          I decided the next time I will raise my hands up and smile, maybe say: “don’t shoot, I’m innocent!” I did this once at a furniture store and the lady laughed and thanked me 🙂 She had good humor. I’m guessing not everyone will.

          Liked by 6 people

          1. Unfortunately, it is very hard to move because things are changing rapidly everywhere. In this temporal world right now it is very hard to count on anything being the same for long. Governors can issue an edict, it seems, for just about anything based on Covid fears. I know people who are considering that they may have to move to find a job. But where? What establishments will not be shut down? Which businesses can securely hire in this environment? What jobs will survive covid restrictions? Can we just keep printing Covid stimulus money without affecting the dollar since our debt has become absolutely absurd and beyond what the average human mind can grasp? Can one even get real facts to make a decision in this environment? One cannot make a decision based on propaganda.

            Liked by 2 people

        2. STJUDITHWANTTOBE;

          I liken it more to living in a South Park episode with the most absurd story line those guys could come up with.

          Liked by 4 people

        3. I have felt exactly the same here in MA. I have family members and friends thanking God for their answered prayers with this Biden “win”. I feel like I am living in a dystopian novel. Very strange to know people actually believe what the corrupted media have told them. Diabolical disorientation.

          Liked by 4 people

    2. too bad they weren’t squirrels
      here’s some comments below the video:
      “I passed a field of cattle and a little girl was there singing Old MacDonald had a farm. The cows came and gathered around her to listen to her. So sweet”
      …
      “Imagine being a cow.. bored just eating grass all day with almost nothing to interact with then you see a man on 2 feet making interesting tunes. I would love it too. Great video btw “

      Liked by 5 people

    3. This is so sad. I downloaded the 1776 Paper and read it. Oh how I wish this could have been implemented for all of our children! We need to put an end to the Godless propaganda that is spoon fed to our children.

      Liked by 6 people

  16. Strive to obtain a daily Plenary Indulgence. Pray for this new day. Pray for all Humans, each and every human to strive to obtain a Plenary indulgence…. daily.

    Catholic Study Bible

    Matthew 11:28-30

    28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

    29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

    30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

    Receive your Plenary Indulgence daily or offer for Holy Souls in Purgatory. Ask their inversion8,

    Liked by 4 people

  17. This image of Our Lady is so beautiful Charlie. WOW! I feel as if she is seeing right through to my soul.
    I also love it that you tell it like it is, and even though the Dems have the ball, I am praying for the greatest interception ever, and then T-O-U-C-H-D-O-W-N the TRIUMPH! (It’s kind of quirky how Trump’s name is right in the midst of the spelling of the Triumph)!

    Today I decided not to watch the inauguration. I just can’t listen to Biden when he speaks because I never know what to believe that comes out of his mouth, and I kind of feel sorry for him. I pray, pray, pray for his conversion back to the fullness of our faith. Wouldn’t it be crazy if this was his road to Damascus?

    I did listen to some of President Trump’s farewell speech today. Of course, no one in the msm carried it. Caught it on a Dan Bongino video I came across. Trump really showed his more compassionate side, and I wish the rest of our country would have seen and been shown more of that side of him. I pray that he and his family can have a little peace before the briar patch our government is growing gets bigger.

    Charlie, I finally have peace when I pray the Rosary, and no more doubts or confusion. Thanks for your advice of staying the course even when I questioned, it helped me a lot.

    This afternoon, “Jesus I trust in You,” has been playing over and over in my head. A B-I-G thank you to Our Lady, my guardian angel and everyone here at ASOH/CoRaC who keeps me grounded and in check these days. Now if I could only get this fasting stuff down! ~juls

    Liked by 10 people

  18. Is it weird that I only feel a very calm resolve today? 4 years ago our liberal brothers and sisters were all screaming and #Resist and what not, but the only emotion I feel towards President Biden is sympathy and Love. Sympathy because he’s clearly a bit past his prime and Love because he’s now our President and I want him to do well leading this country I love.

    So…I feel happy for our liberal brothers and sisters, I know they felt handcuffed and oppressed, but it wasn’t by Trump. And I feel happy for my conservative brothers and sisters, as they now feel let down. Because, the point of all this is to show each and every one of us that we cannot put our Faith into men, especially into those men in the political realm. We can put our Faith into God, and He’s going to show us soon the folly of our ways.

    So my prayer tonight, is that we all take a look in the mirror and choose to take a critical eye to ourselves (me first, I fail every day), as God would see us. If (when?) we all do that, things will get better 🙂

    Liked by 11 people

  19. Charlie, as in most of the time, we wind up on the same page. Charlie referred to Tower of Babel building. Many of my friends were upset with me when they asked me what is going to happen (re: the election)). Why? Because I told them Trump would not be allowed to win – at least as far as officialdom is concerned. When pushed further, I responded, ‘People keep hoping or thinking that a human knight on a white horse will or can save them. For those who have read TTT, they will recall the many prophecies which state in one way or another that: This time God has reserved the obvious rescue of mankind (as he has done on a number of other occasions before in history) he has reserved it to himself and his mother. The victory or rescue will come in such a dramatic manner that no one will be in doubt it was the hand of God which did it. The good and the bad alike will know it.”

    Liked by 16 people

    1. Amen and Alleluia! Let’s just not whine and moan as our ancestors, the Israelites, did at Massah and Meribah. I do *not* want to wander around unceasingly for years to come. Let’s go for the gold: the full Triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary by bending the knee and doing things as God leads and nudges us to do.

      Liked by 13 people

      1. Okay, this cracked me up. Yes, please God, let’s skip the ceaseless wandering! Why do I have a feeling we will, too, endure this, eeps.

        Liked by 7 people

        1. So delighted that you cracked up, Littlelight. Joy is a great spiritual weapon. 😉 I think it’s a sign that we truly trust God when we can laugh in the midst of trials.

          Liked by 7 people

    2. It was the faith & obedience in God that gave the rule of law it’s power & God’s blessings, when faith & obedience to God evaporated, so too did the power of the of the rule of law also evaporate.

      Liked by 4 people

  20. This is very heartening, Charlie. I too felt this result was coming.

    I have no idea what the future will bring or even what roll I will play. I vacillate with moving forward with mundane plans to holding my breath for the tsunami wave. We have a kid getting married in Dec., a kid moving out, a kid contemplating joining the military-rotc (yikes!, talk about bad timing!), maybe a cross country move? (probably not–more likely this is dreaming). It’s all so surreal to be launching kiddos in THIS present time. My preference is to circle the wagons! How God laughs at my plans (TY God—Your plans are better!). But the TNRS blueprint is like a balm and we are committed to this. How blessed we are that you have taught us this t-d-l, AND we have had time to practice this for years now.

    Whatever happens, I do know God loves me, personally, my husband and kiddos (all), and Everyone, so much. I am very grateful for this interior understanding–it is a huge grace from The Lord that is tethering me in the waves that must come.

    I am grateful for the many terrible trials and sufferings we have endured with The Lord holding us close. How amazing a testimony to His faithfulness and promises that I (and now even my husband and kiddos) can see His hand holding us all close, and caring for every detail of all of our lives, past, present and future, just as I continually beg Him for.

    The expectation that I won’t continue to fall down, hard, even, is silly. Of course I will. I always have. And God will keep giving me His hand to pull me steady upright. TY, God.

    Liked by 12 people

  21. Thank you again Charlie for your wise words and perspective. I need that when I get tunnel vision about lies and arrogance.

    Liked by 7 people

  22. Charlie seems confident that this year will end with the pagan leftists bewildered at how badly thing have gone for them. I’m not so sure. These people have a way of deluding themselves that what they have done is wonderful and noble no matter how disastrous the outcomes. If their plans and policies result in things going south they will just try more of the same only harder and more of it and more extreme. Think about the screen grab of the CNN ‘reporter’ standing with a raging fire behind him while the chyron at the bottom of the screen is declaring the protests are mostly peaceful. No shame, no self-awareness.

    If The Steal (TM) is left to stand long term, this country will be a hellscape and the left will be congratulating themselves what an awesome job they’re doing. Bank it.

    Liked by 9 people

  24. Trump’s farewell:

    “Ahead of his departure from the White House Wednesday, President Donald Trump Sunday issued a presidential proclamation recognizing this Friday as National Sanctity of Human Life Day.

    This year marks the fourth year in a row that Trump has recognized National Sanctity of Human Life Day in January. Jan. 22 marks the 48th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling making abortion a national right.”
    https://www.christianpost.com/news/trump-proclaims-national-sanctity-of-human-life-day-before-exit.html

    What should be more saddening: Trump cheated out of the office under “fighting for righteousness” slogans, or tens of millions unborn children lawfully slaughtered in their mothers’ wombs under “caring for women’ health” slogans?

    Trump may be back, the innocent slaughtered babies not so much.

    Liked by 9 people

  25. I am wavering between a steadfast resolve and a despondency of almost panic.To be honest I don’t understand much of anything anymore.During the 8 years of the traitorous Obama and his demons he stoked the fire of hatred and imaginary racism dividing our country deeply.. I could go into so many horrific events and the filth he added to his legacy laughing the whole 8 years ..the evil left did a great job at bringing us to the point of destruction. And then came Trump with all his flaws and he beat all the odds and became one of America’s greatest Presidents..our country was soaring ,many people did come back to GOD and we loved him and he loved us.. We had someone that cared and fought for the middle class the common people. I could also go on and on about all this man gave up and all he accomplished for this country..So here is my question ..WHY LORD?? Why didn’t after 8 years of evil not just let Hillary finish us off..instead you gave us a man to lead your country back to you giving us such hope again..and he won in a landslide..We elected the righteous man and he won and instead we were given evil ..an evil that we have no hope of ever beating again.. Charlieyousaid along with the act of praying we should have also been doing more..I understand that but personally my husband and Ichanged our whole lives..we went to church,gave generously ,raised both sons in Catholic schools and built our home out of a small barn that previously was used as shelter for horses. My father lent us the down payment on the land and we had 4500$ to begin our home..it was an hour away from the farm we rented and my husband would do plumbing work all day drive out and work for 3-4 hours and return at 11 only to get up and do it again. And weekends were spent working on our home..literally we worked ourselves non stop.. many timesI went to the store with a bag of change that was it. We are now67 and 70 still working..and thankful we still can.. We also helped others along the way and spoke to many about how GOD had changed our lives..also to throw in my7 miscarriages and cancer .. Am I telling a sob story..NO we were always thankful and just trying to survive. Could we have done more I’m sure we could have but we tried to do the best we could. Now we have David Daledin and I know I spelled his name wrong.. his life’s work is to serveGOD and save the innocent babies from being butchered..and he exposed the PURE EVIL of that demonic PPP..and how was he rewarded??? Slapped with a 13 million dollar fine by a demonic judge.. My love and faith in GOD will never waver but I don’t get it ..not one little bit.So now here we are ,unfortunately I dug deep into the other side and yes President Trump exposed the evil ..now I wish I was some dumb fool that knew nothing becauseIknow how evil they are and what’s coming..I am absolutely heartbroken..why were we given a man of GOD only now to be thrown to the hounds of hell ? It really seems like a very cruel joke..sorry not doing well at all..it seems it would have been better to have been finished off by Hillary.. now we know what could have been but instead hell awaits us

    Liked by 8 people

      1. Excellent piece in that link, Thank you, Littlelight.
        “Some of you may think you have a special right to a paralyzing and devastating discouragement.
        No, you don’t.” Boom!

        Liked by 4 people

    5. Robin, I can understand your frustration. I like to believe that God allowed Trump at a time our country needed him to light the fire in many people’s hearts. But many hearts still need conversion. I’m filled with so much hope that God is allowing the difficulties ahead so that more people will drop to their knees and finally look to God. I have so many loved ones who are on the wrong side. I know I’m willing to endure more suffering if it saves more people. I have my moments of frustration, but in the end I know God is in control and that’s enough to give me peace.

      Liked by 10 people

    6. I was going through the same turbulent kinds of emotions thoughts as you’re going through now, and eventually overcame it after spending some time in prayer from the heart where time was also spent listening with the heart.

      Liked by 5 people

    7. Robin, you should be proud of yourself and your husband! I think God is asking us to be steadfast despite the circumstances, and not losing faith in such a time might be counted as a huge sacrifice in God’s eyes. Our ways of thinking are not always His ways of thinking. Why did it take Israelites 40 years to reach the Promised Land? Hadn’t they been circling around, it would have taken them probably not longer than one year. Even if it is God’s will for our generation not to see the Promised Land, let’s keep looking towards Heaven, our true Promised Land we are all called to.

      But still with my human thinking, there was a story in the Old Testament of David and Adonijah that could somehow play out here in the future… I don’t think we’ll be waiting 40 years.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Agree that we won’t be “waiting” 40 years, Pawel. But wandering, resisting God and blaming Him for our messes is out there. May we all, with our brothers and sisters everywhere, respond to God’s Grace and surrender to Him and His Plan completely. 🙏🔥♥️

        Liked by 7 people

    8. You are not alone in your feelings Robin.

      Posted on January 17, 2021 by Msgr. Charles Pope
      Finding Peace in a Difficult Moment

      Some years ago, I wrote a parable of sorts to address why God might allow evil:

      An alien spaceship came near Earth to observe whether we were worthy of a visit. It focused its surveillance equipment on a random city and peered into a hospital operating room, where doctors were removing a cancerous tumor from a patient. The ship’s captain made the following report back to his superiors:

      This planet is to be avoided at all costs. Their most developed creatures exhibit great cruelty, putting other members of their species to sleep so that they cannot defend themselves. Then, they cut them open with blades and remove body parts. Afterwards, they sew them back together and wake them up, only to watch them writhe in pain. This is an evil planet! Stay away!

      Obviously, the alien lacked understanding and context. This was not an act of cruelty or violence but of healing. Although it appeared to be an evil undertaking, it was necessary to save the patient. To be sure, the patient suffered as a side effect of the surgery, but suffering was not the point; healing after and through the suffering was the point.

      Like many of you I am both mystified and disoriented by the events of the past year: a pandemic, people walking around in masks, fear everywhere, racial strife, protests nearly all year long that frequently turned violent, and finally a contested election and an attack on the Capitol. My own neighborhood currently resembles Belfast more than it does Washington, D.C. Blockades topped with razor wire seem to be everywhere; bridges are blocked; people are warned not to enter the city on Wednesday (Inauguration Day).

      I feel as if I’m living in a strange, eerie dream, and I am deeply saddened by the decline of our culture. It has been eroding for decades, but lately there has been a rapid, frightening collapse. We seem only to be able to shout and fight. Those with the power to do so, the tech oligarchs, are making the Internet seem more like a police state; the principle of free speech is being denied to many. Secularization is rapidly expanding. Church attendance is even lower than it was after the shutdown. Even the vaccines, for which we so prayed and which were developed at “warp speed,” are a source of contention. There have, of course, been legitimate moral concerns about the development of vaccines for decades, but Covid-19 has intensified this. Add to this the politicization of who should be vaccinated first, who should be responsible for distribution successes or failures, and whether the current administration should get any credit for the rapid development of vaccines. Nearly everything is a source of bitter division. It feels as if we are living in a cauldron that is near boiling.

      The only place I can find peace is to go before the Lord and admit that I am powerless over most of this. I pour out my concerns to the Lord and wonder why these things are happening. Jeremiah’s lament of his own times comes to mind:

      Have You rejected Judah completely? Do You despise Zion? Why have You stricken us so that we are beyond healing? We hoped for peace, but no good has come, and for the time of healing, but there was only terror (Jer 14:19).

      To my similar lament I get few answers from the Lord. He only admonishes me to do the work I was given to do: to preach the Word prophetically, to pray devoutly, to celebrate the sacraments, and to care for the flock with which He has entrusted me. The rest is “above my pay grade,” and I must leave it to the Lord.

      We often think that if only we had the power and control to change things, then we would have peace. But, paradoxically, our peace is most often found in admitting that when it comes to most things, we are powerless and not in control.

      As the little parable above tries to illustrate, we do not often have the context to understand what God is doing or allowing. Perhaps this painful period of the past year is but the surgery necessary to cut away what is diseased and to bring forth a healing. Scripture speaks of God’s scalpel:

      The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account (Heb 4:12-14).

      Perhaps God has decided to allow our civilization to collapse so that something else may emerge. Perhaps these are the last days! I do not know, and it is not for me to know. All I do know is that God is in charge and is working out His purposes. There’s an old hymn with these lyrics:

      Trials dark on every hand
      And we cannot understand
      All the ways that God would lead us
      To that blessed Promised Land
      But he guides us with his eye
      And we follow till we die.
      And we’ll understand it better,
      By and By.

      In the end, we must stay close to God and endure the suffering allotted to us (cf Rev. 13:10). The only place I find peace is at the feet of Jesus. I do not know what the future holds, but what matters most is that I know that the Lord knows. And I know what He has asked me to do. Stop watching all those news programs and stay close to Jesus, the Lord of history.

      The peace of the Lord be with you all!
      https://blog.adw.org/2021/01/finding-peace-in-a-difficult-moment/

      Liked by 11 people

    9. When dealing with incomprehensible, complicated Grief, a person of faith is finally confronted with:
      “Do I believe God really loves me, my family and everyone?”

      If the answer is “yes,” the conclusion can only be: “I will never be able to understand, Lord, unless you give me this understanding, as it is beyond my human abilities. But I must accept all that is happening as Your Will. Given the vast love I know You have for me/mine/All, I know You have a better plan”

      Some very helpful resources here:
      1. Luisa Piccaretta’s 24 Hours with The Lord—-you cannot read this and remain unmoved. It lights the flame of love in our hearts for God

      2.Direction for Our Times website is a treasure trove of Hope. The calm, no-nonsense but merciful and loving language is healing. I read there (?maybe Heaven Speaks about Tragedy?) that many times we are suffering for others we Dearly love, for grace for them. Also, our good God will not, ever, allow us to suffer a second more than is necessary for His Plan.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. I’ll chime in and give a link to Direction for Our Times (DFOT) here. Robin and All, there is a free library at the site, loaded with heartening words from our heavenly friends – who await our call, asking them for assistance – and all the volumes have been stamped with the Bishop’s Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat.

        Liked by 6 people

    10. Robin Razauskas, God’s ways are unfathomable and we will never understand until we see the other side of His tapestry. You have done a lot in your life which surely pleases God. Everything we do from morning to night as part of a loving and supportive Christian family is like a prayer when we do it well. We cannot do everything. We take the next right step in our lives and allow God to do some of the rest. I think the pain we all feel right now is similar to the shock of an untimely death despite every effort we made to save a life. We feel that our beloved Republic, one nation under God, has met an unthinkable demise and in a way that has been very hard to watch, especially since the anti-God party platform is being rolled out posthaste. I think that many here have felt the multiple emotions you have been feeling. Read Psalm 91 and post it near your bedside. It will give you comfort when you start to feel anxiety. There are several psalms that are very comforting. This one is my favorite. Reading this psalm is like getting a heavenly hug when you need it. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  27. I have not despaired. I believe God has a plan and all of what is going on is out of my control. All I can do is to carry on with prayer and faith in God. Be grateful for each day and ask for his help and understanding. I have always felt/known, maybe, that most of the evil left would skate, at least on this side of the veil, but would face justice when they die. Nothing I can do about it, so it’s a waste of time and energy to get angry and allow anxiety to take over because they are not being held accountable at this time. It helps me, that when I do find myself getting angry, especially with comments made in the press, and ugly thoughts enter my head, that they are God’s children too and that he loves them as much as he loves me, that I calm down and just let go of that anger. Anger and anxiety get in the way of clear thinking.

    Liked by 7 people

  29. An acquaintance of mine has joked the past several years “to just send the meteor and let’s get it over with “. I mentioned to him this morning that the Trump presidency likely delayed that by four years. He replied “then I guess I should be happy about today’s installation.” Bring on the meteor! 😊🙏🐿

    Liked by 6 people

  30. What were people expecting? If you play by the rules you have the right to win? The good guy always win & bad guy always pays for his deeds? Maybe in fairy tales, but not in the reality we live in.

    Take a good hard look at history, the good/just/honest/ethical people throughout history have almost always been robbed, killed, abused, & cheated by bad people and get away with it; the only exception to that rule is when God get’s involved, without God we are powerless & helpless before the devil’s servants here on earth that he claims to be the ruler of… David defeated Goliath because God took a interest, otherwise that story would of had a sad ending.

    Victory was taken away from the people to perhaps teach everyone that justice, victory, & fairness is obtained through God (in people’s hearts & faith) not through man’s rules written on a paper (which has no power).

    God is the one with the true power to save and bring justice & fairness into our world.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Hear, hear, Al2. There is always a lesson to be had. God, Father, what is it that you would like me to learn/do in this trial? A dear TNRS friend tutored me and in his good nature stepped into a mentoring role as well. He was constantly patient with my naiveté in history and technology. Over five years ago, he planted a seed that has allowed me to remain calm in the face of current events. He asked what made me/us think that the U.S.A. could remain a free Republic, when all nations undergo takeovers, collapses, and such? That called to mind a globe I had been given by my parents when I was a youth. Not long afterwards, when I was creating my own nest and was looking to pass it along, I realized just how many of the countries, as named and pictured had changed in a short span of time. Yes, so why not the United States of America. In my youth, I thought, well because we are better than *that* and we are not savage and/or third world primitive. Ha! As I matured, I learned and see that we are very much prideful, greedy and removed from a nation of values under God. We are fallen and still falling. I play(ed) a part every time I turn(ed) a blind eye to corruption in order to… keep a job… pay the rent…not make waves…. I add(ed) to it my fueling fires of discontent. I add(ed) to it by allowing *it* to be somebody else’s problem. I could go on.

      I ponder(ed) how did/does the genocide of our brothers and sisters during the Holocaust in the past, in Rwanda, Poland, Croatia in our lifetimes, and in China and Planned Parenthood as we live and breathe continue unabated?

      We’ve been given a gift recently by many means, I believe providentially, to have the real enemy unveiled. Now the challenge is what are we/I going to do about it? After some pruning, I have come to understand that my life is not about me, how I choose to use my free will in this life is though, 100%. We continue to pray, teach, mentor, be patient, share wisdom, lift up, build and intervene. Intervening by being an active advocate, a disciple in the name and the spirit of CORAC in our homes, neighborhood, community, work and industries. Let’s keep our spiritual muscles toned and posture aligned by standing tall, chin up, chest out as my dear mother would say, (and suck in that stomach). 😛

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Why some get more than others? It’s a great mystery in life, but the distribution of worldly resources became excessively disproportionate over the past 100 years. You don’t supposed evil tempted & corrupted the western Christian nations with materialism in hopes of drawing the populations away from the faith of their Christian forefathers?

        With all the plenty showered on the western Christian nations, we could of shared more with our poorer neighbours in the world, but our societies failed those tests of charity.

        It’s appreciate you’re thoughts JLYNNBYRD, I often post things to get people thinking, we should look at things from multiple angles and look at all the factors. 😉

        Liked by 4 people

          1. Read Pope Leo XIII encyclical on free masonry written in the 1880s and you will see the lefts (evil one’s) plan laid out.  It is uncanny how it has played out almost to tee.—- Sent from Doug’s Back Pack

            Liked by 3 people

    1. “Mr. Biden” is still being kind, some people are already calling him “traitor Joe”.

      I suppose out of charity people can prayerfully petition God for the true conversion of “the left & God-less people” so they stop persecuting & murderring of society’s most vulnerable and stop plotting the mass murder of billions of people.

      Liked by 3 people

    2. I use the Nyquist criteria quite regularly. It is important to sample at twice the highest frequency you want to capture. It is also necessary to have a low pass filter at 1/2 the Nyquist frequency to prevent aliasing. Oh. That’s a different nyquist…..

      Liked by 4 people

    4. In Appalachia, the men I know are uopbeat and unconquered. The Feds have lost legitimacy and thoughts are how to beat them..

      “Biden is not the president”, “This was a coup” are met with nods and hearty agreement (followed by disagreement on the particulars, etc). We are not at all defensive.

      Secession is quite popular when mentioned. There is no rush to war, but mine are a wiley people who will not bend the knee to tyranny.

      Anyhoo, that is us, the Scots Irish of Appalacia. Cannon fodder for the Deep State no more.

      Liked by 10 people

    5. I “separated” from the world decades ago MP.
      I lived in the city when I was little and as the immoral/drug culture grew my parents up and moved us to a most rural county. Here, life was simpler, calmer, and more innocent.
      Slowly, the immoral/drug culture moved even into the burbs but we were older and a bit wiser by then and it still wasn’t considered socially acceptable or “cool” for a long while in redneck country.
      Once I grew up and moved out and got married, my wife and I continued to remain at a safe distance from the world by homeschooling our kids, vetting media that came in our house (no public TV/cable ) watching only good videos, music and art and screening their/our friends and associates.
      Alas, children grow up and do what they want and a few lured by the “glamor of evil” and the advent of the internet struggled with these things. Today, all but one of the seven children we have are practicing Catholics raising their children in the faith.
      Having lived a fairly sheltered life for a large part of my life, becoming fully separated from the world will be a bit familiar and really not a bridge too far.

      Liked by 5 people

    6. MP, Wow! Mr Nyquist really knows his history and he is one heck of a writer! Thanks for sharing. That was a very, very good read.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Spent the evening of this historic Inauguration Day giving an art demo. Not particularly how I wanted to spend this particular evening, although I do love art and giving demonstrations. But someone asked if I could volunteer on this particular date … And I remember posting back on The Next Right Step years ago that I felt called to be an artist during the Storm. So apparently, I’m where I’m meant to be at this time.

    Praying during the evenings with Father Frank Pavone online at RSBN has been an encouraging experience, I’m hearing that the prayer broadcast will continue in some form.

    ORA ET LABORA, pray and work.

    Liked by 7 people

      1. No YT channel for me, Marie Baron. That said, thanks for your interest! 🙂 Is there some way you could send me a private message on the CORAC website and we could privately exchange e-mail addresses? For personal security reasons, I don’t give out or use my real name here at the ASOH website, and ask others as well to please just call me “the phoenix” or “Phoenix” here.

        Liked by 3 people

  35. Haven’t been able to use the like button for quite some time here. I looked in techie ?’s. It said the need to sign in so I’m making this comment and if I remember right it will ask me to sign in if I’m not and hopefully that will solve the problem . Me and online stuff ? Always a challenge sigh . ..

    Liked by 8 people

      1. Hi Beckita yes I’m still here . I see my comment got on here but still if I try to like Charlie’s posts or any comments . The page just flashes ,but I don’t think my like gets registered . Anyhow so much of what you all say here there should be a love button .
        I pray for all of you here and our country .
        Was it St Paul or Jesus who said : “ don’t put your trust in earthly rulers ,but in God in heaven “ something to that effect . Pretty wise words these days

        Liked by 8 people

          2. Just dawned on me now, but we have relatives in North Dakota who refer to it as NoDak, so I’m
            guessing our friendly rancher has roots in the state of SoDak ….or maybe I’m off track which happens from time to time 🙂 (Beks, if this is too nosy, delete this.)

            Liked by 2 people

  36. Awaiting the insight and wisdom of Charlie, what a delight to see reference to the power and determination given by God and spoken so beautifully in Psalm 18,1-3 !!

    Liked by 5 people

  37. I just would like to point out what seem to be some stumbling blocks for people, and some ideas to deal with them. Many people were so eager to see Trump pull a rabbit out of his hat that, as Charlie mentioned, they latched on to any number of fantastical theories about Trump’s master plan to grab the election at the last minute. Now that these theories have proven incorrect they are discouraged. I never believed those theories, not because I don’t like a good conspiracy, but because they just seemed too outlandish. Trump is just a man who seemed to be stumbling into God’s unfolding plan (like all of us are), not an omnipotent chessmaster. We like to have quick and flamboyant victories because we are impatient, but that’s not how God seems to often work. God’s plan is in action, and it did not include military tribunals and last-second reprieves within the system. Deal with it and move on.

    Another issue seems to be a personality-worship relationship that many had with Trump. Trump is not God, he’s an imperfect man who is part of this plan. Doing God’s work is not tying one’s own self to a person in political power such that you can’t be separated, because people in power come and go. We need to stick with truth and principle, not any one person, but yet it’s ok to respect and pray for the people who sacrifice their own reputations to do God’s will. They will be rewarded. Just not by Twitter.

    I opposed the “invasion” of the Capitol…not because it was “a coup”, but because it was very tactically unwise (so unwise that I suspect it was a fix). There was a 0% chance that a band of citizens rushing the capitol would change the results, and a 100% chance that it would be used against everyone. I understand the outrage of the masses who haven’t really been grasping what has been happening in this country. They see this as an assault on “democracy”. I don’t, mainly because I believe our system has been a corpse for a number of years. Assaulting a dead person is crude, but it’s not attempted murder. We need to quickly get past the fantasy that the system is functioning anymore. Follow the laws that don’t oppose God’s law, but don’t get deluded into thinking that our Republic still functions.

    It’s very tempting to get into arguments, but sometimes we have to face the facts that we aren’t doing it because we love truth but because our ego wants to win an argument. We really must avoid anything done out of ego because it will fail. You can’t argue rationally with people deluded by mass media, emotionally invested in things getting back to “normal” and who haven’t even really been taught to think. Jesus just kept his mouth shut because He knew that it was futile. They will see the truth eventually, and while it’s our job to speak the truth it’s not our job to formulate that one “perfect” argument that will “get” them. It doesn’t exist. We are dealing with the irrationality of evil. We are dealing with lots of people who have been terribly deceived by incessant cultural brainwashing and bad philosophy, and who voted for Biden just because they wanted things to get back to “normal.” We know that won’t happen but it doesn’t help to badger them incessantly, nor will it help to start throwing out “I told you so’s” later. Biden and company are in so far over their heads that they can’t see the surface. We need to pray for them because Biden is putting his soul in mortal danger by following through on his promises. They can have their Lady Gaga and J-Lo led pageantry, but it’s just like an expensive wedding for a couple that you know will never stay together. China is not fooled by our media, and the world financial system is in peril. The honeymoon will be short and we will need to be prepared.

    Finally, with the cancel culture and increasing censorship and cultural piling on by the media/tech/government monopoly, it’s easy to get frustrated and hard to know when to speak and what to say. We are told to speak the truth, but what happens when the truth gets us fired and exiled? We know we must choose truth over our own comfort, but is it prudent to start (for example) talking every day about the immorality of homosexual behavior at work? I would say no. Maybe that is cowardly, but there is a time and place for everything. We really need to pray for discernment, because I for one find it difficult to know whether I am keeping silent out of prudence or cowardice. I pray it’s the former.

    Liked by 10 people

    1. Great reflection, Lake, filled with themes which we’ve discussed since back at TNRS. I’ve been contemplating much concerning a topic which we discussed, perhaps, four years ago. Charlie stressed that we would be faced with making decisions that included options we would never even consider in normal times. Here’s a passage from Hebrews for us all to consider as we pray for good discernment and wisdom:

      15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?”

      19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.”

      20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. (Exodus 1: 15-20)

      Liked by 8 people

      1. In more modern history, a Polish midwife, Stanislawa Leszczyńska, a prisoner in Auschwitz helped deliver babies even baptizing them after they were born in spite of “Dr.” Mengele threatening her.

        Her role as a mid-wife in Auschwitz was supposed to ensure the the demise of any baby but she couldn’t do it because of her Catholic faith. She daily risked death in her support of life.

        She delivered over 3000 babies under the most squalid of circumstances.

        Recently a cause for sainthood was opened for her.

        https://www.history.com/news/auschwitz-midwife-stanislawa-leszczynska-saint

        Liked by 10 people

    2. I was never in love with Mr. Trump’s personality. And if you watch the videos on Amazon which are supposed to document Trump’s business life, one would know that the was fully imperfect. I liked him (and still do) because he fought endless lies and treachery against what seemed to be impossible odds.

      Trump stood boldly against infanticide at a time when women are wildly made about their most “sacred” right to have a government subsidized abortion. He really worked for the average American and tried to protect Christians who are being persecuted everywhere. He tried to point out the truth to our American bishops in a conference call and explained to them that the Church would be fully different and suppressed under a D administration (and he was right because the ducks are lining up with the first appointments) He did a lot for our Veterans (who hold a special place in my heart). He removed us from the fully political and anti-US Paris accord which will do nothing to change the environment, but will do a lot to suppress U.S. rights and business. He created conditions which produced jobs and he had the lowest unemployment under any recent U.S. president which is why he began to receive some support from people of color. He is the first president in my lifetime whose administration gave us great hope for some peace in the Middle East. He thought outside of the box instead of the same tired and unchallenged thoughts coming out of the State and Defense Department. And there is so much more.

      President Trump was a fearless and tireless warrior with incredible energy. He gave up his incredibly comfortable life style, most likely took a rather big loss over 4 years, and put himself into the vile pit of the worst, nasty political warfare I have ever imagined possible. His tweets and mercurial personality often got him into trouble and sometimes I winced. However, if they had not hog tired him in lawsuits, he probably would have done a lot to improve health care in this country. I admire President Trump because, as a man who believed in the full merits of Constitution and Bill of Rights, he staunchly tried to defend our republic as one nation under God. He took blow after blow and kept on fighting. Imagine the stress of this every single day with every move he made.

      I think President Donald Trump became a man of faith late in his life and the defining moment was the beginning of his presidency. No, he was not devout and probably could not recite verses from the Bible. But he was a firm believer and often talked about God and Jesus Christ. How many of our recent presidents (except Reagan) have done that? If you are a Christian and have been grateful to live as a citizen in this beloved republic, then there is a whole lot to admire about the imperfect Donald Trump who strove to maintain its hallowed principles which our Founders created.

      .I think that Trump’s proclamation of the Sanctity of Life day on Jan 22,2020 and St. Thomas Beckett Day on December 29, 2020 was very revealing. Trump realized that the moral courage of Christians and especially Catholics will be sorely tested under the new administration in the United States of America. I think that President Donald Trump displayed great moral courage during his presidency. The D party would say that he was simply talking to his base but, of course, that is “the wrap” they always put forward in every way, shape and form….President Donald Trump (and his family) will forever have my gratitude and thanks for his courage, steely determination, endless energy, and dedication to those honored principles that made this country great, most especially freedom of speech and freedom to worship our Judeo-Christian God.

      I do not think there was a widespread simple cult of personality surrounding President Donald Trump, though there have may been some who senselessly admired celebrity and a boisterous personality.

      I fully believe that President Donald Trump largely fought the Good Fight. He fought from the top down. He needed us to cheer him on and show support. He reminded us of the cost of fighting for the Good.

      Now we men and women of faith, the common people, are fully immersed in this Good Fight with little to no national or international leadership, and are fielding confusing statements from the Center of our Church. We are fighting from the bottom up now.

      This fight will be one for the ages. We rightly depend on He who said He would never leave us.

      Liked by 8 people

  38. Thank you for these comments Charlie. For many people it is difficult to believe, or accept, the reality of what is happening. For my own part I keep having this sense that I was born for this. This time in my life was inevitable. It is my duty to face the present with faith. And in faith with what wisdom, bravery, and especially joy and hope, that I can muster with the help of the Spirit.

    I have been attracted to the life of St. Maximillian Kolbe since I was a very young man. In my late teens and twenties, I read about him and admired him, especially in his final actions of love for his fellow inmates. I knew I did not have the courage to face what he faced and to do what he did. One day in prayer the Spirt spoke to me and revealed that Maximilian did not “plan” to do what he did. He did not set out, even that day, to be a martyr. When the moment came God gave him the grace and the strength and the desire to do what he did. All of his faithfulness and devotion through his life made him open for such a moment but the grace to act only came when he was faced with the challenge.

    God will not test us beyond our ability to prevail. His grace will arrive as it is needed. It is our job to prepare our hearts and minds to be open to what God calls us to do and to accept His grace to act when the circumstances call for action.

    An update. Thank you all for your prayers. My granddaughter, although quite sick for a number of days, appears to have recovered from COVID. We are now past the quarantine point and all the rest of the family has tested negative, and praise God, no one else has fallen ill. The father of one of her friends however, is in intensive care with the virus. So please say a prayer for him.

    I also want to make a confession. I ready the comments every day and I see all the requests for prayer. I rarely respond online. For this I apologize, as it was a great comfort to see your supportive comments. I do however, in my daily prayers and petitions pray for everyone at this site and in particular for whoever has posted a request for prayers. So, even though I am quiet, know that I am with you, praying for your needs.

    JT

    Liked by 12 people

    1. Beautiful reflection, JT. I love St. Maximilian Kolbe and have been a Knight of the Immaculata, the apostolate he founded, since 1991. Praise God for the recovery of your granddaughter! Praying for her father’s friend and thanks for yours.

      Liked by 4 people

    2. JT, I’m so glad that your granddaughter has recovered and that no one else in your family got sick. I will pray for the father of your granddaughter’s friend.

      Liked by 7 people

    4. “God will not test us beyond our ability to prevail. His grace will arrive as it is needed.” Well stated!
      I am offering prayers for your intention, JT. Thank you too for yours. ❤

      Liked by 5 people

  39. Timothy wrote “section 11.3 of dod law of war was put in place during McCarthy era to counteract a communist coup such as happened this month. 11.3 is a q marker and this scenario jibes with events on the ground and Gen Flynn’s optimism. After military retund election, Trump could get his second consecutive term.”

    I tend to agree with this interpretation. Although, under the original Constitution, the next Trump term would not be consecutive but that story is for another day. To surround DC with fencing that fences people in rather than than fencing which keeps people out is enough to make one think. (The fencing mechanism is outside not inside). Also, 30,000 troops is overdoing it for a virtual inauguration.

    Trump’s farewell speech on the 19th and his goodbye at the airfield, on the 20th, lends credence to a good ending. He said the best is yet to come or something like that and that he would be back in some form. So unless Trump was a psych op to lead us down a path so that the Communists would be able to ID the patriots, one could reasonably assume that the good guys are still in charge. Or is it possible Trump and others exposed the horrible crimes and the treason to us and to the world only to let the bad guys take over? In my heart, I can not believe it so.

    In 2017, when Trump was sworn into office, it was the 100th anniversary of Fatima. The BVM told us in Fatima that in the end Her Immaculate Heart would triumph. These years of Trump warring against the abortion industry and the culture is a sign of goodness. Also, I remember hearing that a holy man who lived near the house of Loretto in Italy told a Doctor in the 1980’s that Trump would lead the country back to God. ( Someone may also have posted the priest relating the story here recently- my mind is a bit off kilter at the moment so forgive me if so). I think we are at that moment in history.

    Charlie and others have always said we will be in a bit of difficulty for a period of time. No doubt about it. The patriots are aghast and worried. The brainwashed are living their delusion. If the military is in charge, when it is announced, it would not be unusual to expect remaining BLM and Antifa to go on the warpath. We could expect disruptions. Last night in Seattle, these groups were rioting. They had signs which read ” F— Biden, we want revenge”. Nice people, they. 🙂

    For me, I hold hope. I am not addressing my family members, friends and other social media associations who want me to concede. I will not. I know the election was stolen. I know God and the Blessed Virgin Mary will right the ship. I have believed in God and the BVM’s influence on our world since I went to Medjugorje in 1987 ( I had been out of church for quite awhile when I went) so it is not an issue for me to hold this belief some time longer. How it will happen, I do not know but I will not eliminate the idea that Trump and the military is one way.
    God bless us all.

    Liked by 10 people

    2. Patricia

      To be clear, my hope is not in Q, it is in God and only God. Yet, my fallible mind thinks the Q thing is still in play..

      It is vitally important that we remember our minds cannot see as God sees.

      It is also true that we must think for ourselves, just as we once decided that God is not an abstraction, but alive and here always and decided He is and that we will follow Him, popular ideas to the contrary be damned.

      On the funny side, I tried to watch the entirety of Dr. Taylor Marshal’s latest, but turned it off thinking about the story in the Old Testament where only the three hundred who drank ‘correctly’ knew the truth.; that the good dr. had been winnowed a bit.

      The 300 were servants btw, not gloaters.

      Also keep in mind that everything I just typed cann be upended in an instant by God abd while we are granted the grace to gripe a bit here on Earth, He is The Author. Thank God Gid has a sense of humor and devoted love for us

      (:

      Grace and Peace to ya’ll

      Liked by 4 people

  40. JESUS = GOOD NEWS.. 😉

    The Smoke of Satan!
    https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/in-unprecedented-move-cardinal-cupich-criticizes-usccb-statement-on-biden-18669

    https://stream.org/the-60-million-deaths-weve-forgotten-and-theyre-not-from-covid-19/

    https://denvercatholic.org/president-biden-and-a-catholic-inflection-point/

    https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2021/01/biden_spokeswoman_refuses_to_answer_abortion_policy_questions_whips_out_the_devout_catholic_card_instead.html

    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/01/huge-john-brennan-gives-plan-away-biden-officials-moving-laser-light-fashion-identify-root-political-opposition-population-video/

    https://amgreatness.com/2021/01/20/the-1861-project/

    https://spectator.org/trump-impeachment-unconstitutional-undemocratic/

    https://theconservativetreehouse.com/2021/01/20/twitter-suspends-voices-of-rebel-alliance-resistance-against-joebama-agenda/

    https://www.glennbeck.com/radio/a-california-new-york-bail-out-would-destroy-our-moneys-worth

    https://thefederalist.com/2021/01/20/3-reasons-state-capitols-didnt-erupt-in-violence-like-the-media-promised/

    http://www.frontpagemag.com/
    https://www.americanthinker.com/

    GOD SAVE THE REPUBLIC & ALL HERE!

    Liked by 8 people

  41. I don’t think I’ve ever shared this article here before, or with you, Charlie. But are you familiar with Cleon Skousen? He wrote the book The Naked Communist after he was an FBI agent working on investigating the Soviet Communist’s and their efforts to take down America after WWII. They failed and withdrew as they knew they were up against “the Greatest Generation”, men and women of strong Faith and who were Patriots. So, they decided to start over, and go after their children (our children). And it’s worked. Read this list, that was so important that it was read into the Congressional Record in 1963, guess we didn’t listen. Old skinny legs is patient and has been working and pushing and infiltrating, and now we are where we are today: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/naked-communist45-goals-destroy-united-states-america-waghelstein/

    Liked by 6 people

  42. Thought that comes to mind today is gratitude for what President Trump has done for us over past four years. As others have mentioned, smoking out the miscreants in the last few months may wind up being his most impactful contribution. We now know thy enemy much better than we did before.

    Liked by 8 people

    1. Amen, John. For the immediate future, we must gird our loins and set our faces like flint because we’ll have suffering aplenty to offer up. Much as a woman in labor we shall be, and it is so worth it with the beautiful full Triumph of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart as she launches an era of Peace.

      Liked by 8 people

  44. I do not have the answers or the reasons why things happen the way they do, but it seems quite clear that God used Trump to show people, not just Americans, but across the globe, the evil that exists in our world. This is a spiritual war that is being played out on Earth. It is very easy to see the demonic- the anger, violence, hatred, lies…the lust for power, the desire to control, the censorship of truth… I could go on and on. There is no longer any gray area. It is a battle of good vs. evil. The sides are clearly drawn. We must stand strong and be firm in our faith. Where evil abounds, grace abounds more. YOU were born for these times. Great saints will spring forth and they can be you! Keep your inner peace. God will help you do this if you ask Him. God wins!

    Liked by 9 people

  46. These people know they didn’t really win, they are going to go nuts now trying to force us all to be loyal in order to solidify their presently tenuous grasp. My friend summed up my thoughts very well when she remarked, “Those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it, and those who do study history are mixed in with those who don’t and we’re pretty stressed right now.” Well, the only way out is through, walking in God’s Will. I have already seen in NY how present measures to control us has resulted in the emergence of a parallel social construct. The political squeeze has actually helped like minded people find each other and build up some hope and a greater resolve.

    Liked by 11 people

  47. I agree with JT, we were born for this. It’s kind of exciting in a way. I have been praying for Joe Biden and his family for a while, and will continue.

    My bride and I have been praying a rosary each day with the intention that the truth comes out concerning the election.

    In my readings, it certainly looks more than plausible significant widespread physical tampering took place. It’s also possible that this was a planned disinformation campaign to roil Trump supporters and create chaos during a Biden lead administration.

    Either way, the truth will come out, and we’ll know what to do; The right thing, as best as we can.

    We’re just too Blessed to be stressed, that’s why I enjoy being part of this group!

    V/R

    Lash

    Liked by 10 people

    3. It amazes me the lengths they are going through trying demonize the predominately peaceful D.C. protests as insurrection. in order to rile as many as possible and justify labeling conservatives as domestic terrorists and launch condemnation and and even execution. Lord save us lest we perish. jas

      Liked by 7 people

  48. I have been telling those around me that (1) if Trump disappears into history, we are going into the Storm, and (2) if Trump does start to play the cards he holds, we are going into the Storm. No matter what, we are going into the Storm. My hope is that if Trump plays his cards in the next few weeks, that we will go into the Storm with a valuable secular ally who can lower some of the peaks of the Storm. But it’s coming, regardless.

    Liked by 14 people

    2. Are you saying we haven’t begun the storm yet?

      But I agree with the rest, events can flow in any direction due to the human choices of society, but God’s established checkpoints & final outcome won’t change.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. Ha, AL2! Well, Charlie would probably say we are in the outskirts of the Storm. The leaves on the trees are turning up in light color, the wind is freshening, but the first squall has not yet hit. God’s time, and Patriot time, play out as they will, whether we want it that way or not. And the final outcome won’t change, yes.

        Liked by 6 people

        1. Hi SteveBC, I seen video that gives a overview of the level of crazy the Globalists are planning, but it’s too disturbing to post here for this crowd. This storm was planned a long time ago…

          Liked by 7 people

    3. Steve, Trump is gone, brother. Let’s gone on with with what we need to be gettin on with. times a wastin 🙂

      Like

      1. 😀 😀 😀 How can he be gone when the Senate is about to have to drop everything and start an impeachment trial? Huge numbers around the world will watch that. Do you perhaps think that perhaps Trump will use that forum for his own special kind of mischief, just perhaps? The Greatest Show on Earth? Jam up the Biden Administration’s nomination and legislative gears at the very least? I can hardly wait. Could be epic, brother, so hang in there.

        Liked by 5 people

          1. Now, now guys. President Trump is no longer in the WH, yet he is still living and breathing and will have something to say until his last breath. Of this I am sure. 😉 God save the Republic!

            Liked by 2 people

        2. I have been puzzled by this, Steve BC. So I asked the internet. The answer given by the Washington Post is that once the President has left he can longer be tried in spite of the fact the that the impeachment was begun before he left office. The Post sites the constitution.
          I hope this is correct since it seems a mighty waste of time on the part of the House.
          And yes, if there is anything on TV or YouTube it will probably be watched by many to see what happens.
          The whole world has gone bonkers.
          God bless, katey 🙏🏽

          Liked by 2 people

  49. BREAKING: +Cordileone’s Response to Nancy Pelosi’s Remarks Slamming Prolife Voters

    Archbishop Cordileone just sent this powerful message on abortion to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. I hope you don’t mind, but I really thought you would want to see this (below).

    Warmly,

    Maggie

    Maggie Gallagher, Executive Director
    FreeTheMass.com/QueresmosLaMisa.com
    BenedictInstitute.org

    Archbishop Cordileone’s Response to Speaker Pelosi’s Comments About Pro-Life Voters

    On Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized prolife voters who voted for Donald Trump on the abortion issue, saying their votes cause her “great grief as a Catholic” and accusing them of “being willing to sell the whole democracy down the river for that one issue.”

    Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone, Archbishop of San Francisco, issued the following statement in response:

    “To begin with the obvious: Nancy Pelosi does not speak for the Catholic Church. She speaks as a high-level important government leader, and as a private citizen. And on the question of the equal dignity of human life in the womb, she also speaks in direct contradiction to a fundamental human right that Catholic teaching has consistently championed for 2,000 years.

    “Christians have always understood that the commandment, ‘Thou shall not kill,’ applies to all life, including life in the womb. Around the end of the first century the Letter of Barnabas states: “You shall not slay the child by procuring abortion; nor, again, shall you destroy it after it is born’ (#19). One thousand, eight hundred and sixty-five years later, the Second Vatican Council affirmed: ‘Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes’ (Gaudium et spes, n. 51).

    “Pope Francis continues this unbroken teaching. Addressing participants in the conference, ‘Yes to Life! – Taking Care of the Precious Gift of Life in Its Frailty’ on May 25, 2019, he condemned abortion in the strongest possible terms: ‘is it licit to eliminate a human life to solve a problem? … It is not licit. Never, never eliminate a human life … to solve a problem. Abortion is never the answer that women and families are looking for.’ And just yesterday (January 20, 2021) Archbishop Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, reiterated the declaration of the U.S. bishops that abortion is for Catholics the ‘preeminent priority.’ In doing so, he acted rightly and collaboratively in his role as USCCB President, and I am grateful to him for doing so.

    “Preeminent does not mean ‘only,’ of course. There are certainly many evils we must confront and many goods we must pursue. In his inaugural speech yesterday, President Biden gave a moving call to unity and healing. He offered what I would call a ‘Litany of Compassion’ – bringing before the eyes of the nation the suffering of people across a wide spectrum of issues. In my experience, advocates for unborn children also work diligently to be of service in many of these causes as well. Speaker Pelosi has chosen this week to impugn the motives of millions of Catholics and others for choosing to make voting on the issue of abortion their priority and accuses them of ‘selling out democracy.’ This is not the language of unity and healing. She owes these voters an apology.

    “I myself will not presume to know what was in the minds of Catholic voters when they voted for the Presidential candidate of their choice, no matter who their preferred candidate was. There are many issues of very grave moral consequence that Catholics must weigh in good conscience when they vote. But one thing is clear: No Catholic in good conscience can favor abortion. ‘Right to choose’ is a smokescreen for perpetuating an entire industry that profits from one of the most heinous evils imaginable. Our land is soaked with the blood of the innocent, and it must stop.

    “That is why, as Catholics, we will continue to speak out on behalf of those who have no voice to speak for themselves and reach out to, comfort and support those who are suffering the scars of the abortion experience. We will do so, until our land is finally rid of this despicable evil.”

    https://sfarchdiocese.org/letters-and-statements

    Liked by 12 people

    1. I’m thankful that Archbishop Cordileone spoke out on Pelosi’s statement. Unfortunately, she is not self-aware and would not care a whit what the Catholic Church says. She needs to be publicly excommunicated for her views which go against Catholic teaching. Only then would she possibly accept any responsibility for her words and actions only because of public humiliation. She is a wicked woman.

      Liked by 3 people

  50. Just in: Amazon can keep the cloud-services account of conservative-friendly social network Parler offline, a federal judge in Seattle ruled Thursday. 1st Amendment trashed.

    Liked by 4 people

Comments are closed.

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.