Heaven Bound

       Zebra Dove 

“Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young — a place, near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.”  Psalm 84:3

I was surprised the other day on coming home from work to find a number of loose twigs strewn about on the sidewalk in front of my door. Wondering, if perhaps, the wind had blown them in, I was just about to get a broom, when, I looked up and saw the sweet, bright eyes of one of our common local birds, a Zebra Dove, peering down at me from the overhang; sitting on her newly erected nest.

I say, “she”, although, it could have been a “he”, as both parents, I have since learned, take turns sitting on the nest. For now, I will assume, it was “Mom” and, as I was looking up at her, she, was looking down at me; by all appearances, unconcerned, at my intrusion in to her new little home.

For the past two days, I have observed with a great deal of curiosity, this little bird and her patience in caring for and protecting her nest. Hour after hour, she sits there – no TV, no I-pod, no one to talk to and, I marveled at how even the smallest of God’s creatures do instinctively, what, we, as humans, often do not.  And, on watching her, the words to Psalm 84:3 came to mind -and, I was reminded of the place of safety and contentment that can only be found, in dwelling next to the altar of God.

What a joy, it has been to observe this little bird. And, I was thinking about this as I pulled  in to my drive way after work this afternoon. It was starting to get late, and I wondered as I got out of my car, if there would be enough light in my doorway for taking a photo of the bird. But, as soon, as I reached my door, I knew something was wrong, for I noticed immediately, that the nest was gone.

 I couldn’t believe my eyes!  The nest was completely gone, not even a twig on the ground, the only evidence that a nest had just hours earlier been above my doorway; tiny, scattered fragments of white egg-shell and golden egg yolk drying on the sidewalk below.

At first I thought, perhaps, another bird or animal had disturbed the nest, but, then, I realized in the absence of the nest or any part of it, – that most likely it had been deliberate; whoever, was responsible had swept the broken nest swept away, without, bothering to clean up the gooey yolk and shell.

As I looked at the dried remains of what would have been new little birds in just a few weeks, I was horrified and devastated – the bright trusting eyes of the bird and her steady, but watchful eye over me, as I came and went all weekend long still vivid in my mind.  And, I was especially saddened to think that the place she had selected for having her young; a place, which she had considered to be safe, unfortunately, for her and her un-born chicks, was not.

On another, but, similar note – today, seven innocent people were killed at a small Christian University in California. Something that for me, somehow, was underscored by the broken eggs and dried yolk splattered in front of the doorway to my house this afternoon.

Senseless ……. senseless …..    and, how, utterly hopeless, we are, without Jesus.  

Next to your altar, O Lord, that’s where I want to dwell.  No other place, Lord, but, with you!

Even the sparrow and the swallow know the best place to be, is next to Jesus!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper, who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

     Kawaiaha’o Church

Kawaiaha’o Church is one of the oldest standing churches in Hawaii and is the oldest church on the island of Oahu. Commissioned by Queen Ka’ahumanu in 1836, it took six years to complete and was constructed in the New England style of the missionaries from 14,000 pounds of hand chiseled slabs of coral rock quarried from beneath the sea.  Considered to be the national church of the Hawaiian kingdom and chapel of the royal family, it remains to this day, one of the important symbols of the Hawaiian monarchy.  It was an experience at this very old and beautiful church in October 2006 that may have led to my 2008 dream and my interest in sharing this information with you now.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawaiaha%CA%BBo_Church

A Stranger in a Strange Land

I was not born and raised here in the islands, but, came to the island of Oahu from Colorado in 1999 with my husband in the hope of saving a faltering twenty-five year marriage. With both daughters grown and away from home serving in the military, it seemed (to my husband) the perfect chance to change the routine of our lives for something broader, bigger and much more exciting.  But, as is often the case, with this kind of flawed reasoning, seldom, does it produce, the kind of fruit you expect, and most likely, will produce the exact opposite, which it did.  And, sure enough, thousands of miles away from home, I found myself alone, isolated and in the midst of a divorce, I did not want.

The first couple of years were the hardest, and set the pattern for the next five.  A previously strong and committed Christian, (as was my husband, which, made things that much more difficult to understand and accept), I became angry, bitter, disillusioned and very, very sad. I could not understand, why God had not intervened to change the situation, when, I had been praying so hard against it.  I was also, in mourning for the loss of the man, I considered to be my best friend, and, for the dreams, I had for our future, for the day, we would become grandparents together and for the next phase of our lives.

I tried going to church, but, cringed at sitting alone – not knowing anyone well enough to confide in; the sight of other couples and families increasing the loneliness and isolation, I was already feeling.  It seemed like every time I tried going to Church, I would come away dissolved into tears and feeling worse for the going, instead of better – my solution to the problem; stop going. 

So, for the next seven years, I put my faith on the back-burner, concentrating instead, on just getting from one day to the next, by developing a circle of secular, single friends and staying very, very busy – essentially, leaving little time or energy for facing issues, I would much rather avoid.

I share this here, for no other reason, except to provide background to a chain of events that I believe God used in bringing me forward and restoring my lost relationship with him. And, although, coming here (to Hawaii) was certainly out of the will of God (something, I unsuccessfully tried to get my husband to see, at the time), I feel certain that once here, it was God’s providence for me to stay until his purpose in me was complete. 

The Touch of a Queen

It was October 2006, my mother and sister were visiting and I was giving them the grand tour of the island. My mother wanted to see the Mission Houses Museum and Kawaiaha’o Church and since, I had not yet seen them myself, it became, one of our points of destination.  The church is open to the public during daytime hours  and when, we arrived, the doors were open, but, no one seemed to be around. My mother and sister (both smokers) wanted to finish a cigarette before going in to the church, so I went in ahead of them. It was cool and dark and I could see the beautiful Koa wood furnishings glistening in the dim light that filtered through the windows. It was peaceful and still, and, not a soul was around.  Waiting for my mom and sister to come in, I noticed an inscription on the wall of the foyer dedicated to the memory of the great Queen, who had founded the church. And, this is what it said:

In memory of Elisabeth Kaahumanu. Daughter of Keeaumoku and Namanana. She was born about 1773 at the foot of the hill Kauiki, on East Maui, became a wife of Kamehameha I at 13,  and was his favorite until his death in 1819.  After the death of Kamehameha II in 1823,  she wisely ruled the Hawaiian people as Queen regent until her death in 1832. Although naturally proud and haughty, she early in her regency accepted Jesus as her Savior, was baptized at Kawaiaha’o in June 1825 and labored earnestly to lead  her people to Christ. She was spoken of by the American mission as a distinguished reformer of her nation, a kind friend and benefactress of the missionaries. And, a faithful comforter of the infant churches in these isles. As she was falling asleep in Jesus, at the age of about 59, in the beautiful valley of Manoa, just before the dawn of June 5, 1832, still trusting her Savior, she repeated the following lines of a Hawaiian hymn:  “I’m going now, where the mansions are ready”.

As I began reading these words, I was overcome with the great love the Queen had for her people and her desire for their salvation, and my eyes filled with tears. I was suddenly and unexpectedly overcome by an emotion that I could not explain – except to say that my hardened heart was wrought in that instant by what I knew at the core of my being was the most important thing in life, and, from which, I had strayed. Suddenly, I felt a hand come to rest on my right shoulder, not a tap, but, the gentle placement of a hand, as though, a friend, seeing the sudden rush of tears to my eyes felt a need to reach out to me in comfort.  Thinking, perhaps, my sister had entered the church and walked up behind me without my hearing her, I whirled around ready to scold her for startling me. But, when, I turned around – no one was there. The church was still completely empty; no one was around. Dazed, I walked out of the church in to the bright sunlight, where my mother and sister were still standing on the steps, I must have had a strange look on my face, because, I remember them asking me “what’s wrong with you?”  “You’re not going to believe this I said, but,  ……” and, I explained to them what had just happened.

It would be another year and a half or so, before I would fully re-commit my life to Christ, but, I had begun the journey back.  It was during the latter part of this time, that I had the dream.  Looking back it seems, that the event that took place that day at Kawaiaha’o Church was a pivotal moment in that process – linking me, to both the comfort and forgiveness of God, and, bringing me to a real and sustaining love for the people of these islands. Somehow, the hand that came to rest on my shoulder that day, reassured me that God had indeed, seen my tears and that in spite of the circumstances, which, had brought me here, still had a purpose for my life, which, included being here in Hawaii.

In conclusion to what began with part I of this series, I would like to say that God has a great love for Hawaii (as he does all people) and, of course, for each of us as individuals. I can’t say exactly why God gave me the dream that I have related here except to say, that I believe it may have been a warning  – a warning, for all of us (who live in these islands) to return to the God of the Bible and the precepts upon which, the Hawaiian Monarchy was founded.  And, a warning for the people of the United States to repent, while there is still time, for the many sins, for which, we are guilty – one of which, is – the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, and, to return as well, to the foundation of our fathers.

Thankfully, God in his mercy always allows more than enough time for response to his patient love and grace, and, judgment, when, it becomes necessary; the last resort for hearts so hardened, they might never repent.  Borrowing from Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, from his excellent book, “The Harbinger” –

“God’s will is that none should perish. Judgment is not His desire, …. but His necessity. The good must bring evil to an end, or else it would cease to be good. And, yet his mercy is still greater than judgment. His heart always wills for redemption. and, therein, lies the hope. The hope for America …”

And, the hope for each one of us, I might add.

If you are reading this today and you have never trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior, if you have never fully committed your life to him, now is the time to do so, don’t put it off another minute.  For every individual, like every nation will one day stand before Him, to whom, we must give an account. And, unless, we have received God’s free gift in Christ, who has paid the penalty for all our sin, we stand guilt as charged – for no sin (or sinner) big or small will ever inherit the kingdom of heaven.  Our sins must be paid for and, permanently washed away and Jesus, by virtue of his sinless life, is the only one that can do it. President, King or pauper, God is no respecter of persons, there is one way and one way only, and, that is through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

*For those of you wondering, to whom, I attribute the hand that reached out to touch my shoulder, it would be God’s Holy Spirit manifesting in a very physical way, as I was moved by the very touching tribute to the Queen inscribed on the wall of the Church. Why, was I able to find comfort there, when, I had not previously been able to find it, anywhere else? I can’t exactly say, except to say, that the time was right. And, God’s timing is always right, isn’t it?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

In my last post, Echoes of Paradise Lost, I shared with you, what may have been a warning regarding the future of the Hawaiian Islands. In this post, I would like to explore the possibility of why. But, before we do that, I will reiterate once again, that I am not a prophet, I have no idea, when this may take place, if at all. I do believe that America, because of her sins, without repentance, is due for judgment, which could, of course, include the Hawaiian Islands.

A History Lesson

Hawaii became the fiftieth state of the Union on August 21, 1959. The only state in the Union composed entirely of islands. Born out of the sea and forged by fire each island is volcanic in origin. And, situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, it is the most remote island chain in the world, 3000 miles from the closest continental land mass and 2,000 miles from the nearest island.

It has been determined that the first people to arrive in the islands were Polynesians, who arrived by canoe from the Marquesas somewhere around 300-500 AD. Expert seamen, who used their knowledge of the stars and sea for navigation, they made the incredible 2,500 mile journey to these islands bringing with them pigs, dogs, edible plants and their native religion; a polytheistic, animist religion that among other things, included human sacrifice. 

The Hawaiian religious system demanded death for the breaking of a kapu. If men and women ate together, the penalty was death. If a woman ate pork or certain fish or bananas the penalty was death. If the shadow of a commoner fell on an alii or chief the penalty was death. The Hawaiian gods were hard taskmasters demanding all manner of sacrifice and offerings. The Kapu system was enforced by the alii who gave authority to the high chiefs and the high chiefs gave power to their various sub‑chiefs and at the bottom of the system was the commoner Hawaiian.  All of the commoners were slaves to the chiefs and the chiefs were slaves to the alii.  Nothing was ever owned by the people,  it could only be used by the permission of the chief or Alii for his purposes.   http://hawaii-inns.com/history/index.htm

Enslaved by a brutal religious system that favored the Ali’i or Chiefs over the common people, God heard their cry and the first Christian missionaries arrived in the islands aboard the sailing ship Thaddeus on the 30th of March, 1820. The name Thaddeus, which, means,“heart or courageous heart” – a more than fitting name, I would say, for the vessel that carried these first brave souls from the comforts of  their New England homes to one of the farthest corners of the earth; all for the express purpose of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to the people’s of Hawaii. 

And, from the journal of the Thaddeus on the date of their arrival, one can see that there was great hope that God had made ready the hearts of the people of Hawaii for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and, in fact, he had, for in the year just prior to their arrival, the old religious system was already being abandoned and the Kapu system abolished leaving a great spiritual vacuum in its wake.  http://missionhouses.blogspot.com/2010/04/march-30-1820.html

In 1823, Queen Keopuolani, was the first Hawaiian to be baptized in to the Christian faith followed by Queen Ka’ahumanu, who was baptized on December 5, 1825  and she strongly encouraged her subjects to do the same. From Wikipedia:

In April 1824, Kaʻahumanu publicly acknowledged her embrace of Protestant Christianity and encouraged her subjects to be baptized into the faith.^{[citation needed]} That same year, she presented Hawaiʻi with its first codified body of laws modeled after Christian ethics and values and the Ten Commandments. Kaʻahumanu was baptized on December 5, 1825 at the site where Kawaiahaʻo Church stands today. She took the name “Elizabeth”.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ka%CA%BBahumanu

The early conversion of Hawaiian royalty became central to the work that God would do among these islands. And, one of the most dramatic demonstrations of faith came when, high chiefess Kapiolani challenged the ancient goddess Pele by descending 500 feet into the active volcano Kilauea, without first offering the traditional Hawaiian sacrifices, offering up instead, a simple Christian prayer, later to emerge (to the amazement of those watching) from the depths of the volcano, completely unscathed.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiefess_Kapiolani

Without a doubt, it was the advent of these early missionaries that changed life in these Hawaiian islands from one of brutality and enslavement to one of education and freedom. And, in 1840, the Hawaiian government entered in to a covenant with God, which, remains binding to this day, in spite, of its being breached.

*Through its Declaration of Rights in 1839 and its Constitution in 1840, the Kingdom of Hawaii established as its paramount principle: “That no law shall be enacted which is at variance [contradiction] with the word of the Lord Jehovah, or at variance with the general spirit of His word. All laws of the Islands shall be in consistency with the general spirit of God’s law.”  

The Lord’s Vineyard

In the following years, it was not only churches that were established, but, schools and businesses and the islands began to flourish with new-found wealth from the very lucrative development of sugar and pineapple plantations. Workers from around the globe began to arrive en masse to meet the growing needs of Hawaii’s newest industry. In an effort to avoid the costly tariff’s for the exportation of these products, (primarily, to the United States) a conspiracy was developed among plantation owners, to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy, so that the Hawaiian Islands might be annexed to the United States, thus avoiding the costly tariffs that were cutting into profits. And, on January 17, 1893, Queen Liliuokalani was deposed at gunpoint and a provisional government was established under wealthy plantation owner, and, son of Protestant missionaries, Sanford B. Dole.

A Queen’s Plea

In 1893, Queen Lili’uokalani made the following heartfelt plea to the Christian people of the United States on behalf of the Hawaiian monarchy.

“Oh, honest Americans, as Christians hear me for my downtrodden people! Their form of government is as dear to them as yours is precious to you. Quite as warmly as you love your country, so they love theirs. Do not covet the little vineyards of Naboth’s so far from your shores, lest the punishment of Ahab fall upon you, if not in your day, in that of your children, for “be not deceived, God is not mocked.” The people to whom your fathers told of the living God, and taught to call “Father,” and whom the sons now seek to despoil and destroy, are crying aloud to Him in their time of trouble; and He will keep His promise, and will listen to the voices of His Hawaiian children lamenting for their homes.”

Citing from 1 Kings, chapter 21, the Queen likens the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the annexation of the Hawaiian islands by the United States to that of Naboth’s vineyard, which was coveted and seized by Ahab and Jezebel after first having Naboth murdered. And, while God pronounced judgment on Ahab and Jezebel for their terrible deeds, judgment, (at least in Ahab’s case) was postponed from Ahab himself, when, he repented, but, was not rescinded, but, was rather passed to that of his descendants; the very point the Queen was making.

“Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite: have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself, I will not bring disaster in his day, but, I will bring it on his house in the days of his son.”  1 Kings 21:28-30.

In Summary –

1 – It is my humble opinion that these islands were illegally seized by the United States; an act for which, they and/or their descendants may still be held responsible. God may have deferred his judgment for a time, but, until there is repentance and restitution, the penalty remains outstanding and may yet be forthcoming.  

2 – As part of the United States, Hawaii shares in the collective sins of the nation and, will share in whatever judgment, she is due.

3 – More than a few believe, there is a cover-up and falsification of facts by Hawaiian officials regarding the birth certificate of President Obama – allowing a man to remain in office, who may not have the legal right to do so.  A man, who has proven himself to be an enemy, rather, than a friend  to Israel – which, by default means that we, by virtue of electing him in to office have chosen to curse Israel rather than bless her.  And, Hawaii voted overwhelmingly for Obama, in the last election. 

If God should allow destruction to come to these islands, as these dreams suggest, (God forbid), the United States would lose not only the benefits of this lucrative little vineyard, but, more importantly, key military installations essential to the Western United States and the Pacific rim from a strategic point of view would be lost as well.

I love these islands and care deeply about their future. Pray with me that the hard work began by those early missionaries, so many years ago, will continue to bear good fruit. Pray with me, also, that the people of Hawaii will courageously stand for righteousness, as their forbears did, and as their state motto suggests:

“Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ‘Aina i ka Pono”  – The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.

And, as always,

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

***   For an excellent summary on Hawaiian sovereignty from a Christian perspective, click below: (and, please, refrain from any debate in the comments section regarding the issue of  Hawaiian sovereignty; all information presented here is for your thoughtful and prayerful consideration only).  Mahalo!  Cindy

http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/HAWAII/leonsiu/Biblical%20View%20Text.htm

On February 20, 2012, William Frederick of End Times Forecaster had a dream very similar to the one I had on February 20, 2008. Four years apart to the day, both dreams seem to indicate a cataclysmic event (most likely nuclear) sometime in the future for the Hawaiian islands. As a current resident of the island of Oahu, I found this to be sobering news, all the more troubling as it came from the “mouths” of not one, but, two witnesses – one, of which, was me!
As I’ve thought and prayed over this in the last few days, I’ve wondered two things – “why me, Lord? And, why Hawaii?”
And, while I may not be able to give a definitive answer to either of these questions, I can share with you the little bit of insight that I believe God has been showing me as a result of both of these dreams. But, before we begin, you will first need to read these two excellent posts by William Frederick, in which, he shares his own special analysis, insight and research in to what he sees as the possible meaning for both of these dreams.
Dreams of a Paradise Lost –
http://endtimesforecaster.blogspot.com/2012/02/dreams-of-paradise-lost.html
Dreams of Paradise Lost, Hawaii –
http://endtimesforecaster.blogspot.com/
In the interest of time and brevity, I will be posting this subject in parts; Echoes of Paradise Lost – Part II, coming soon.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6
Waiting and watching with YOU for the soon return of Jesus! Cindy

      The Presidential Tailors

        “I don’t want to blind them, I just want them to blink a little”  

So said, the Emperor in the Hans Christian Andersen tale, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” as he was being fitted for a very special suit woven from invisible thread that only the “stupid and incompetent” could not see.

A lot like American politics these days!

With a snip here and tuck there, politicians do their best to convince us, what we do not see, is really what we see!  And, I cannot think of any one more adept at this then our current President himself. Especially, when it comes to claiming that he is a  Christian.

And, while only God knows the heart, the President’s policies speak louder than the few scriptures, he quotes every now and then, when it seems to serve him best.

But, like the prophets of old and the story of the Emperor’s new clothes, there comes a time, when, someone just has to speak out and say  – “Mr. President, you haven’t any clothes!”

If you have not already see the YouTube video of Eric Metaxas (author of the Bonhoeffer book) speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb 2, 2012, I urge you  to do so now.  It takes only about 30 minutes to watch and I promise, you will be as blessed, as you are impressed!  With a great deal of humor, tact, and COURAGE, Eric indirectly confronts the President on his policies and talks about what it really means to have a relationship with Jesus, and not just lip service.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahys8AhN-ho

Please, pray for all those who were in attendance at the Prayer breakfast that morning, including President and Mrs. Obama  – and as always,

“Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

     Jacob Wrestles God

What to do about Iran?  This is the question that everyone is asking but, no one can seem to answer.  Following a flurry of diplomatic exchange this past week, which, by all appearances seems to have gotten nowhere; Israeli, Prime Minister Netanyahu will travel to Washington DC on March 5, to meet with President Obama himself, in the hope, that this question might be satisfactorily answered, once and for all.

And, while the thought of a nuclear Iran makes more than a few of their neighbors  nervous (including, the West), it is Israel, who faces the greatest threat. For Iran has made it clear on more than one occasion, their first order of business should they obtain nuclear capability, would be to “wipe Israel from the face of the map”.

Therefore, Israel cannot afford to postpone a decision for action much longer. With each passing day, the threat becomes more viable and that much more difficult to defend against. With or without the support of fair-weather friends; Israel must act soon.  A decision to do otherwise could prove fatal; the tattooed numbers on the skin of the holocaust generation solemn testimony of the price for waiting too long.

So, what will they do?  Deciding that time is of the essence and tiring of the foot dragging, my best guess is that they will be left with no other choice, but, to go it alone.

In reading Genesis chapter 32, I am reminded of how Jacob was left alone to wrestle with God, the night before he was to face his brother Esau from whom he had been estranged for many years. Fearing for his life and the lives of his family, Jacob could not be sure that Esau would not take this opportunity to exact revenge upon him for the deception he had used in gaining his fathers patriarchal blessing; a blessing that by rights should have gone to Esau, the older brother.

It is while Jacob is alone and fearing for his life that God chose to teach Jacob a powerful lesson.

During the night, a *man appeared to Jacob with whom he wrestled or struggled with until dawn. A struggle that resulted in both a blessing and a name change, and, while it looked for a time as if Jacob might prevail, the blessing did not come until God first disabled Jacob’s strength. Teaching Jacob therefore, that it is not in strength that blessing is received, but, in weakness, for when we are weak, he is strong.

From that night forward, Jacob and his descendants would be known by the nane Israel, which means, “he who wrestled God.”  And, in many ways, Israel is still wrestling with God today. Seeking security and acceptance in a world that has no more room for the Jew today, than they had for the baby born in a manger 2,000 years ago.

The Israeli Defense Forces are among the best trained and best equipped armies in the world and I am praying for them to have victory over their enemies. But, ultimately, it will be weakness, not strength that brings Israel the blessing they desire, and a cry for help that will bring about the greatest miracle of all.  “Yeshua, save us!”

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6

Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

*Not a mere man, but, the pre-incarnate Jesus. No mere man nor angel could bless Jacob in this way.

Zombies. You’ve seen them, their glassy-eyed stare a dead give away, as to who they really are; advancing at you across the theatre screen with slow determination, as if, they really are – coming for you.  Giggling nervously, you reach in to your popcorn bag, hoping, in the silliness of it all, that when the theatre lights go back on, you’ll find, it really isn’t true; Zombies are not for real and they certainly are not – coming for you.

 Zombies; I have to confess I have not spent much time thinking about these “not dead- yet, not alive” animated corpses, which, for some reason or another have made their way into pop-movie culture since the early days of cinema.  That was until this past week, when, I heard that a co-worker had asked my son-in-law, if, Zombies were mentioned in the Bible. Apparently, he had read Matthew 27:51-52 and thought that it might be a reference to Zombies.

“Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of their graves after His resurrection, they went in to the holy city and appeared to many.”

And, while that may seem laughable to those of us more studied in scripture, it is actually a good question, for this verse (mentioned, only in the gospel of Matthew), is a mystery that even commentators cannot agree upon.

So, what is it talking about?

First of all, it is not talking about Zombies. But, is related, rather, to the death and resurrection of Jesus.  A Zombie, according to Wikipedia is an animated corpse brought back to life by mystical means, such as witchcraft, but, this is not the case in the gospel of Matthew; for these people are not simply re-animated corpses; they are fully alive, resurrected, flesh and blood human beings, who went into the city and interacted with the residents living there.

And, while, we are not given many details as to the reason why, we can safely assert that their appearance is somehow, tied to the sacrificial death of Jesus, by, virtue of the other very important detail mentioned in the verse, the tearing of the veil in two.

Up until this time, one man and one man only, could enter the presence of God in the Holy place of the temple, as a thick, heavy curtain separated this place from all but, the high priest, who was allowed to enter it, once per year on the day of Atonement, and only then, with a sacrifice of blood.  The tearing of the veil, when, Jesus was crucified, indicated that God had accepted the sacrifice of his son as an atonement for sin and was satisfied that it was sufficient to permanently pay for sin. Therefore, access to the presence of God, once limited to the High Priest alone, was now open, to all who would accept that payment as their own.

The resurrection of Old Testament saints, further demonstrated, the power over life and death that Jesus held, confirming, by their appearance the reality of the transaction, which, had taken place – the power of the resurrection over all who believe; past, present and future – to those, who by faith looked forward to the cross, as well, as to those of us who by faith are looking back.

Zombies, if you look closer into the subject, is a mixture of voodoo and sorcery, the mixing and administration of powerful central nervous suppressing and mind altering drugs.  Witch doctors, or those trained in the use of these drugs administer them to their victims causing them to fall into a trance like state with respirations and blood pressures, so low, the victim actually appears  to be dead.  The victim is then buried and revived hours or even days later, fully under the control of the perpetrator in their mind altered state.  Witch doctors and those who, practice the magic arts use these things to create fear and hysteria among those who are vulnerable, which gives them an enormous amount of power and control.   http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2004/12/09/1260445.htm

This is not what happened to Jesus, nor is it, what had happened to the Saints, who were resurrected at the time of the crucifixion.  Jesus, was undeniably dead, when, the spear that pierced his heart caused a sudden rush of blood and water from the wound,  undeniable proof that the pericardial sac, which encloses the heart had been punctured.  And, the OT Saints, they had been dead for centuries, their flesh and bones long decayed in to the sands of time.

There is a lot that can be gleaned from this brief passage of scripture. I see the hint of a rapture event, as these Saints obviously did not return to the graves from which they had come, but, most likely ascended in to heaven, some days later, just as Jesus did.

It also, makes me think about the supposed restoration to life the Anti-Christ will have after suffering a deadly head wound. Satan can do alot of things, but, he has no power over life and death, therefore, what appears to be a resurrection, will most assuredly be a deception.  A body double, a clone or powerful drugs used to simulate a death; I’m not sure.

But, Zombies, in the Bible? No, no, Zombies in the Bible. In the White House, maybe, but, not in the Bible!

Thank you, God for the sacrifice of your Son and the assurance your word gives us that we too, by faith in him, will one day be resurrected or raptured in to the presence of your glory.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee” Psalm 122:6  Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

   Madonna, Lord of the Dance

Super Bowl 46. Giants over Patriots and a super-charged half-time show with spiritual energy enough to guarantee the transformation there-of, and, we’re not just talking football.

With an eye towards showmanship and with virtually, the whole world watching, Madonna, a veteran performer took the stage with storm in an extravaganza not seen since Liz Taylor in the 1963 epic Cleopatra. Setting out to provide the “greatest show on earth for the greatest show on earth,” Madonna kept her word, putting on a performance, which has left every one talking.  Loaded with occult imagery, she danced and sang (lip synced) in a performance that appeared to many, less a performance and more of a rite.

For me, one of the first clues that this was more than a performance came with in the first few seconds of her arrival on stage as she integrated Shiva like poses in to her many dance moves. 

Shiva, for those of you unfamiliar with Buddhism, is the god of transformation; the destroyer. The god who “destroys in order to create and tears down in order to build again”.  Shiva is also known as Nataranja, Lord of the Dance, whose, dance is associated with the creation and the destruction of the world. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nataraja

Dancing to her 1990 hit Vogue, Madonna strikes one Shiva like pose after another. In one particular pose, she is seen standing on her left leg with her right leg raised towards a kneeling man in a top hat –

“Shiva dances in an aureole of flames lifting his left leg and balancing over a demon or dwarf who symbolizes ignorance”.  (From Wikipedia- as linked above).

And, while not an exact replica of the above description, with the many other Shiva like poses contained with in the  Vogue dance moves, it’s close enough.

And, if the kneeling man represents the demon of ignorance, the question, then becomes, ignorance of what?

Perhaps, these words from the lyrics to Vogue, lend a clue:

“All you need is your own imagination, so use it, that’s what it’s for (that’s what it’s for), Go inside for your finest inspiration, your dreams will open the door (open up the door)”   http://www.lyrics007.com/Madonna%20Lyrics/Vogue%20Lyrics.html

You see, in order to be illuminated, you must first – Open up the door   ……

While not watching the Super Bowl in its entirety, I did tune in long enough to catch Madonna’s performance and the final minutes of the game. When, I went to bed that night, I had great difficulty sleeping and finally fell asleep only to be awakened from a horrific nightmare, in which, a small child was being strangled with weighted strips of cloth.  The next morning, I wondered if my mind and my sleep had been disturbed by the Madonna performance, for experience has shown me, that a door once opened, is that much more difficult to close.

It was later that day, that I learned the Powell children, Charles and Braden had died at the hands of their father in a horrific fire just about the time final preparations were under way for the start of the Superbowl.  Charles, whose name means “free man” and Braden, ” whose name means “wide and broad” were led to their deaths by their own father, whose, name Joshua, means salvation.  A false savior, who set a snare, a trap for his very own children; offering them up on a cold winter morn, as small sacrifices to his evil and twisted mind.

Just a few short hours later, as wild flickering flames were subdued in to cold dark ash, a black-robed, Priestess, like Madonna, offered her final invocation/incantation to the mesmerized and watching masses …… performing her final number – “Like a Prayer”.

“Like a child, you whisper softly to me, you’re in control just like a child, now, I’m dancing, It’s like a dream, no end and no beginning, You’re here with me, it’s like a dream, let the choir sing”  http://www.lyricsfreak.com/m/madonna/like+a+prayer_20086915.html

Yes, the Powell children were brutally murdered by their own father with a hatchet just before the home burst into flames. And, for anyone following this story, it is plain to see that the family is steeped in generational curses, as the elder Mr. Powell has now been arrested for possession of child pornography and voyeuristic images of neighborhood children, taken by Mr. Powell himself. And, lastly, it is said, that Josh, too was in possession of computer generated images of an incestuous nature.

“…..like a child you’re in control …..”   Predators always blame the victim.

Super Bowl 46.  Giants over Patriots.  An open door, a sacrificial rite – the transformation has begun.  May God help us in these last days.

And, as always,

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper who love thee”  Psalm 122:6  Watching and waiting with YOU for the soon return of Jesus!  Cindy

    Koko head trail

Yesterday, my friend, co-worker and sister in the Lord, Rose, and I set out to go hiking on a popular Oahu hiking trail.  We were inspired by another co-worker, who had done the same hike the previous weekend and had challenged us to do the same. Inspired by the spectacular photos, she had taken from the summit, it wasn’t long before, we were excitedly making plans for a hike of our own.

Taking the advice of our friend to leave early in order to beat the heat, we arrived at the trail head just after sun up, only to find that there were already a considerable amount of people on the trail. As we parked the car, I could see tiny images, hardly discernible as humans making their way up and down the trail, crawling like tiny little ants up the side of a sugar bowl.   

I’ve done a fair amount of hiking on this island, but, I soon found out, this was no ordinary hike, for what started out as a steep though leisurely walk, soon turned in to a grueling test of endurance.  As you can see from the photo, the trail (composed of old rail road ties) becomes increasingly steep until it becomes almost vertical toward the  top of the crater. Loose soil and rocks add to the challenge as one misstep (particularly on descent) could easily land you on your okole, (backside), twist your ankle or worse. Which I did, land on my okole – twice!  ouch!

Koko Crater is an ancient cinder cone, which rises 1208 feet above sea level on the south side of Oahu. It’s dry appearance belies the lush vegetation that grows beneath its towering summit, the cone itself, a testimony to the fiery birth from which these islands were formed in the early days of creation.  Wikipedia has a great photo of the topography of the area; if you would like to see it.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Koko_Head

As Rose and I made our way up the trail, we soon, had to conserve the energy of chatting for simply huffing and puffing as the trail grew ever steeper. It was interesting to watch the other people on the trail, all of them polite, the slower stepping out of the way for the faster to pass – and, I wondered,  – why it never seems to quite work that way on the freeway!

There were people of all ages, shapes and sizes on the trail. Some of the younger and more fit actually carrying one or more cinder blocks for an ongoing project at the top. I marveled at this as I pressed onward and upward –  my thigh muscles in rebellion against the simple task of putting one foot in front of the other.  There’s a reason I always avoided the stairmaster at the gym and now here I was on nature’s stairmaster and the muscles in my legs were not about to be fooled!

But, make it to the top, I did – Rose too! She finished a few steps ahead of me and we high-fived our achievement with grins from ear to ear. And, was it ever worth it – the view from the top is spectacular. The vast blue gem of the Pacific to the east, Diamond Head crater and Waikiki to the west and horseshoe-shaped Hanauma Bay, one of three vents for Koko crater and popular snorkeling spot directly below.  It was magnificent!

And, so quiet!  The morning sun sparkled off the water as if God had cast a hundred million diamonds to the wind and had left them sparkling in the waters below, just for us to see. The air was clear and sweet and fresh and people smiled and chatted with each other as if the cares of life had been left behind, tucked away some where in the automobiles, they had left parked below.  Rose and I found a place to perch on the rocks and were soon lost in thoughts of our own, munching granola and looking for any sign of a passing humpback in the waters below.  And, while we didn’t see any, I did notice a little orange butterfly flitting among the sparse vegetation of the crater and I marveled at its effortlessness in reaching the top, when, I had to work so hard for the same view. 

It occurred to me last night, as I was laying in bed, that the butterfly is a lot like the angels of heaven –  effortlessly, moving about the heavenly kingdom, its sweetness and nectar readily available to them, for no other reason than for their pure enjoyment alone.  While, on the other hand, we humans toil and endure, walking by faith not by sight, struggling by the grace of God to one day have that same view from the top that the angels do. Which caused me to wonder, if the little butterfly at the top of Koko Crater appreciated the view from the top, as much, as I with my aching knees did?  Perhaps, that is why the Bible tells us that salvation is something that the angels earnestly desire to look into.  1 Peter 1:12 

Yes, the angels have a view from the top that right now we can hardly imagine. But, there is something about receiving the grace and mercy of God, walking by faith and not by sight that they can’t even begin to fathom.

You and I may have days, when putting one foot in front of the other seems an almost impossible task – but, I encourage you, brothers and sisters, (as you encourage me), to keep on keepin’ on – never quit, never give up – the view from the top, it’s grand, it’s glorious and it’s well worth the effort!

Thank you, God for taking us through this journey of life, help us O God to walk by faith and not by sight. Lend us your strength, O Lord, for we have no strength of our own, and, help us O Father to press ahead, on the journey that leads us home.  Amen.

    Aloha!  Cindy and Rose 

For those of you who have been asking regarding the photos on my recent post “The Visitor,” my daughter now has them posted on her blog Seven Stars – where, you can see the photos and read her first hand account of finding them in her yard.  Here’s the link to her blog – http://ps91-sevenstars.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=2