Remember and Pray on 9/11

Remember what happened 15 years ago today.

September 11th, 2001.

Pray for those still alive and carry around the scars from that day and pray those who were lost that big beautiful blue sky Tuesday morning.

Pray for the families and friends, first responders, law enforcement, and all those that were there on September 11th.

Pray for the U.S. military and their families who responded because of September Eleventh.

Pray for our government that they do not forget this day in 2001.

And above all, never forget. Keep praying without ceasing about this day and for our nation.

September 11th, 2001... The day the world changed.

Lord, help us never forget this day and may we live every day with September Eleventh in mind. May it bring us to our knees in unceasing prayer for our nation. May this day remind us how important prayer and confession is for us individually and as a nation.

Lord, comfort and strengthen everyone touched by this day.

Prayer retreat and prayer about terror

Prayer retreat and prayer about terror
I just read a really good article. Take a look:
Article and blog post title: "Should We Pray for ISIS to be Defeated or Converted?"
Link: http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/russellmoore/should-we-pray-for-isis-to-be-defeated-or-converted.html
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It's also our responsibility to pray. If we do not pray for others, it's a sin. This verse describes how seriously we should take praying for others:
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1 Samuel 12:23 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
23 Moreover, as for me, (A) far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but (B) I will instruct you in the good and right way.
Cross references:
1 Samuel 12:23 : Rom 1:9; 1 Cor 9:16; Col 1:9; 1 Thess 3:10; 2 Tim 1:3
1 Samuel 12:23 : 1 Kin 8:36; Ps 34:11; Prov 4:11
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
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That verse applies to prayer for individuals, families, businesses, governments, organizations, countries, etc. We are told to pray always and about everything. Period. End of discussion.
So, how do we do this? How do we put this into practice? Here are a couple of hints and tips:
Rather than doing self-talk in your mind, do God talk. Talk with the Lord. Turn all your thoughts to Him. If you journal make Him alone your audience, then all journaling, and all thought, becomes prayer.
We can, also, pray in the background as we do our everyday life's activities, as we work, as we clean, as we drive--and... While we converse with others. We can have prayer going on in the background and at all times.
Prayer is something that God wants us to do at all times, for all things, and there is no exception. Through talking to God in our minds, and in our journals, as as we do all that we do, we are praying at all times.
1 Samuel 12:23, however, is talking about a specific type of prayer: Praying for others.
This is my goal and aim today. It was one week ago that there were the six Paris Terror Attacks (on Friday the Thirteenth) and there was another terror attack in Mali today, never mind all of the other terror attacks that have happened this week. There were several. This gives me/us a great deal to pray about and for. We can (and should) pray for: the victims of the terror attacks, their familes and friends, the first responders, the military, the government, the church (all Christians as a whole, each denomination, and each church in the world, and all Christians indiidually) and the world response of each attack.
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Now, I am going to stop about how to pray, and why we should pray, and start praying. (It's about time. 1130 a.m.)
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My personal prayer journaling and prayers on Friday, November 20, 2015:
Lord, first of all, I pray that the Holy Spirit conveys everything to You that is on my heart and in my mind. I know for a fact I will not get all of the words out on the page. This week has been intense at best. So many things have happened. I do not know if it is possible for me to pray for all of it in words. That being said, God, I do pray that You help me to do precisely that.
This week has been... What are the words to use here? Tragic. Terrible. Full of turmoil. Emotional. Mental. Thought provoking. Tough. Surreal. A surprise. A week of grief and fury. A week of conviction. Stirring. Motivational. Heart breaking. A nightmare. Sad.
I cannot even begin to imagine what Paris, Jerusalem, Mali, etc. are going through... Three places with terror attacks this week. I lift all of them up to You. Comfort them. Bring them closer to you. Help them to seek You. After all, You alone can bring them the comfort they need.
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2 Corinthians 1:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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He is the one and only true source of ALL comfort. Complete comfort. Without exception. All comfort means precisely that--ALL.
Lord, bring everyone involved and immpacted by all of the terror attacks in the alst forty years, plus this last week in particular, know ALL of YOUR comfort. May they seek comfort from You, the true source of comfort--and in no one and in nothing else.
Just that verse is a comfort. It's a balm that soothes the mind and heart.
Let's also be realistic. If any of us have watched the news over the last week, we have all been touched by terrorism, whether we acknowledge it or not.
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Romans 5:3-5 Expanded Bible (EXB)
3 [L Not only this, but] We also ·have joy [rejoice; boast] ·with our troubles [through suffering/trials/persecution], because we know that ·these troubles [suffering; trials; persecution] produce ·patience [endurance]. 4 And ·patience [endurance] produces [tested and proven] character, and [tested and proven] character produces hope. 5 And this hope will never ·disappoint us [let us down; or put us to shame; dishonor us; C honor and shame were among the most important values in first century culture], because God has ·poured out his love to fill our hearts [or flooded our hearts with his love]. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
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Romans 5:3-5 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
-- New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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The only true way to learn about true hope is through experiences, through living it. The true hope is found in Jesus Christ alone. This brings the peace that transcends our grasp and understanding (see Philippians 4:6-8). This true hope is something we can stand strong in. Our hope in Jesus will never fail, for He will never fail, has never failed. Lord, help all of the world to know the only true source of hope. It is Jesus. It is found in Him alone.
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James 5:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
13 Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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Psalm 105:4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 Search for the Lord and for His strength;
seek His face always.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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I pray this verse for all touched by terrorism. The only true strength and comfort there is can be found in Him alone.
Lord, help them to search for You. AND, help them to search for YOUR strength alone. Human strength is finite and comes from sinful people. Your strength, however, is limitless, infinite, and is perfect.
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1 Chronicles 28:9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
9 “As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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In times of suffering... in times of terror... when we are trying to make sense of the unthinkable and unimaginable, the only thigns we can do is turn to the Lord. It's also the only things we should do.
Lord, help every individual, group, business, church, organization, military, government, and nation that is touched by terrorism this week and in the past, learn to seek You and Your Word alone. Without hesitation. With faull heart and mind. After all, when we search for You, You promise that we will, without fail, be found by You.
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Hebrews 11:6 Expanded Bible (EXB)
6 [L And] Without faith no one can please God. [L For; Because] Anyone who comes to God must believe that he ·is real [exists] and that he rewards those who ·truly want to find [earnestly/sincerely seek] him.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
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And, if we seek You, You will reward us. You will bless us.
Isn't Your blessing what we need most in times of trouble?
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Psalm 46:1 New Living Translation (NLT)
1 God is our refuge and strength,
    always ready to help in times of trouble.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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Oh, help people to know this verse firsthand, Father.
Help all who have been touched by the terror attacks this week in particular know this verse personally.
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Prayer Retreat

Prayer Retreat
Today I am going to spend the day in prayer. This passage will be my focus:
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Isaiah 62:6-7 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 Jerusalem,
I have appointed watchmen on your walls;(A)
they will never be silent, day or night.
There is no rest for you,
who remind the Lord.
7 Do not give Him rest
until He establishes and makes Jerusalem
the praise of the earth.(B)
Cross references:
A 62:6 : Is 52:8; Jr 6:17; Ezk 3:17; 33:7
B 62:7 : Is 60:18; Jr 33:9; Zph 3:19-20
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
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Isaiah 62:6-7 Expanded Bible (EXB)
6 Jerusalem, I ·have put guards [post watchmen] on your walls.
    They ·must not [or will never] be silent day or night.
You people who ·remind the Lord of your needs in prayer [or call on the Lord]
    should ·never be quiet [take no rest].
7 You should ·not stop praying to him [L give him no rest] until he builds up Jerusalem
    and makes it a city ·all people will praise [of praise/pride in the earth].
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
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Here are some commentaries explaining Isaiah 62:6:
Link: http://biblehub.com/commentaries/isaiah/62-6.htm
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Is God calling us to act as watchmen today? Is He wanting us to watch and pray about terrorism around the world and enter the war on terror through and with prayer?
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(837 a.m.) It's snowing! When did that start? I just looked out the window. Thank God for the moisture and the beauty of a layer of snow-cake frosting on the land.
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So what is a watchman in prayer and intercession?
See this blog post:
Title: "THE TASK OF THE WATCHMAN" By Dave Butts
Link: http://www.harvestprayer.com/resources/articles/intercession/task-of-watchman
Please read that article. It's a fantastic explanation.
In the biblical times, a watchman was someone that stood, alert, guarding, watching for the enemy or any signs of the enemy. Then, if they spotted the enemy, they sounded the alarm. They stood on watch.
Our military still uses the watchman today. They are referred to as a sentry, security force, and defense force.
We are all called to pray and to pray always (see verses in previous blog post of: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 and Philippians 4:6-8).
Here is another article and blog post about the watchman:
Title: "God's Watchmen"
Link: http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/god-s-watchmen.html
Please read the article.
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(1019 a.m.) Update:
Article title: "Dozens feared dead as hostage situation in Mali hotel apparently ends"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/20/mali-hotel-attack/
The prayer retreat continues.
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Hebrews 6:19 Expanded Bible (EXB)
19 We have this hope as an anchor for ·the soul [our lives], ·sure [stable; secure] and ·strong [reliable; unshifting]. It enters behind the curtain in the ·Most Holy Place in heaven [L inner place/sanctuary],
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
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How to pray effectively about terrorism #2 and a prayer retreat

How to pray effectively about terrorism #2 and a prayer retreat

(Topics: Journaling, writing, news/current events, history, prayer, terror, thanks and blessing, and the Bible: Dabbling with a little of this and that)

November 19-20, 2015

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TOPICS OF THIS BLOG POST:

AN INSPIRATIONAL BLOG POST TO HELP PREPARE US FOR ADVENT

MY PERSONAL JOURNALING 

ARTICLES, NEWS, CURRENT EVENTS, AND OPINION

PRAYER RETREAT

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NOV/19/2015/Thurs.

AN INSPIRATIONAL BLOG POST TO HELP PREPARE US FOR ADVENT

I am grateful for this inspirational blog post by Ann Voskamp:

Title: "when the world feels dark & angry & scary: How To Carry Light through this season anyways" 

Link: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/11/when-the-world-feels-dark-angry-scary-how-to-carry-light-through-this-season-anyways/

I am convinced everything Ann Voskamp writes is dynamite, and I have thought this for over three years now. What a blessing. She allows the Lord to speak through her, that is for sure. 

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My personal journaling: Ugh. About the time I start feeling less yucky... less wound up... less dread... less blah... Then, I see this:

Article, News, Current Events, Opinion

Title: "Report: ISIS Trying to Develop Chemical Weapons"

Link: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2015/11/19/report-isis-trying-to-develop-chemical-weapons-n2082880

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My personal journaling: I must admit I would love to have a prayer retreat. Stop. I will tomorrow. Yes. That sounds like the best thing to do. I feel like I need a break or a vacation. I feel like running away from all of the turmoil in this world. So, I plan on running to the Lord and the Bible instead in prayer. 

Care to join me? You can follow this blog post at any time and have your own prayer retreat, whether it's tomorrow or twenty years from now.

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Nov/20/2015/Fri.: The Prayer Retreat

Today is my prayer retreat. I am going to spend the day in prayer. It's really quite necessary because terror has struck again and it's in Mali.

Let me begin by sharing some specifics I'm going to pray about today:

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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion

Title: "At least 3 dead, dozens of hostages held as gunmen storm Mali hotel"

Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/20/mali-hotel-attack/

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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion

Title: "UPDATE: Hotel Stormed By Police; Terrorists Storm Hotel in French Mali, Take Nearly 200 Hostages"

Link: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2015/11/20/terrorists-storm-hotel-in-mali-take-hostages-releasing-some-n2083147

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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion

Title: "Islamic extremists attack hotel in Mali's capital"

Link: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_29143207/shooting-reported-at-mali-hotel

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(726 a.m.) Sure. I should spend more time learning the history of terrorism. But, I think prayer is mandatory right now. A day of focused prayer will help me his world and will help me soul.

I will post another post later today about this prayer retreat. Here are some verses to get us started. Let's start with this:

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We are to always give thanks. 

Psalm 95:1-2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

1 Come, let us shout joyfully to the Lord,

shout triumphantly to the rock of our salvation!(A)

2 Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving;

let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.(B)

Cross references:

95:1 : Jb 38:7; Ps 81:1; 98:4, 6

95:2 : Ps 100:4; Jnh 2:9

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

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1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

17 Pray constantly.

18 Give thanks in everything,

for this is God’s will(A) for you in Christ Jesus.

Cross references:

5:18 : Eph 6:6; 1Th 4:3; 1Pt 2:15; 4:2; 1Jn 2:17

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

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Philippians 4:6-8 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Colossians 2:5-7 New Living Translation (NLT)

5 For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

How to pray effectively about terrorism #1

How to pray effectively about terrorism #1
(Topics: Journaling, writing, news/current events, history, prayer, terror, thanks and blessing, and the Bible: Dabbling with a little of this and that)
November 19, 2015, Thursday
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TOPICS OF THIS BLOG POST:
AN EXPLANATION OF 'HOW TO PRAY EFFECTIVELY ABOUT TERRORISM'
MY PERSONAL JOURNALING ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015 (Blessings counted)
ARTICLES, NEWS, CURRENT EVENTS, AND OPINION
INSPIRATIONAL BLOG POSTS TO READ
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AN EXPLANATION OF 'HOW TO PRAY EFFECTIVELY ABOUT TERRORISM'
It's my main goal since the Paris Terror Attacks to learn how to pray effectively about terrorism. The victims in Paris, never mind all of the terror attacks worldwide in the last four decades or so. May no one die in vain and may they always be remembered. And may we remember the wounds of the wounded. They are far more than physical.
What is the best thing I can do in their memory, apart from remember them? It's to stop terrorism so not another is wounded or killed because of a difference in belief. How can I, a civilian and a nobody do this?
The answer is simple. It's to pray for all victims of terrorism, wounded and killed, and their families. It's the most powerful weapon we have in the war on terror. However, the best prayer is effective prayer. We can hope through popcorn, indiscriminate, general, shot in the dark prayer that we hit the target. Or, we can pray pinpointed, targeted, powerful prayers that are effective and win the entire war on terror, not just a battle here and there and when we fill like. This takes constant vigilance and purposeful effective prayer.
What is effective prayer? It's prayer backed up with knowledge of the history and current events of terrorism. It's knowing the beliefs of the terrorists as well. This is the only way to pray effectively about terrorism.
Stop. That last paragraph is loaded with the answer and with information. In order to pray absolutely effectively, it will take years of learning and being aware. It's over one thousand four hundred and almost six years of history to learn.
Therefore, the more we learn each day, the more we stay updated on current events, the more we can pray effectively about terrorism and win the full and complete war on terror.
To do anything less is immoral and wrong. As Christians, it is our responsibility to not bury our hear in the sand, but be advocates in effective prayer for all victims of terrorism and their families and nations.
This is my main focus.
This is why I am sharing so many articles. It's so we can know how to pray as effectively as possible. Also, the these articles, and my blog posts, will help us establish a history of terrorism as we fight this war.
I pray we are all ready to fight the good fight and get in the trenches so we can win every battle that will lead to the end of the war on terror. It will take years of daily intentional learning and praying. But, there is far more to lose if we don't.
For Paris.
For 9/11.
For all the other terror attacks the last forty plus years.
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The day began with news that I had to read and share -- before I was able to do any journaling:
Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Suspected mastermind of Paris massacre killed in terror raid"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/19/suspected-mastermind-paris-massacre-killed-in-terror-raid/
Me: What a blessing. Good news. Well done, France and the French authorities. For Paris. May you find peace and comfort in this.  (556 a.m.)
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "As Obama Touts Refugee Resettlement, Many Veterans Sleep on the Streets"
Link: http://www.mrctv.org/blog/obama-touts-refugee-resettlement-many-veterans-sleep-streets
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Psalm 9:1 Expanded Bible (EXB)
Thanksgiving for Victory
A psalm of David.
9 I will ·praise [or give thanks to] you, Lord, with all my heart.
    I will ·tell [recount] all ·the miracles you have done [your wonderful deeds].
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
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INSPIRATIONAL BLOG POSTS TO READ:
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A Blog Post to Read about Thanksgiving
Title: "Thanking God: A Reflex Action"
Link: http://www.faithgateway.com/thanking-god-reflex-action#.Vk3jgbLn_MI
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A Blog Post to Read about Praise
Title: "The Prayer of Praise"
Link: http://www.faithgateway.com/the-prayer-of-praise/#.Vk3kjrLn_MI
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I am a fan of books, TV shows, movies and will also share different types things here. Here is one I find really interesting. A new "Star Trek" series.
Link 1: http://www.tor.com/2015/11/02/star-trek-new-series-from-alex-kurtzman/
Link 2: http://www.tor.com/2015/11/18/now-is-the-perfect-time-for-a-new-star-trek-series/#more-196629
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "At least 5 dead in West Bank and Tel Aviv terrorist attacks"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/19/at-least-5-dead-in-west-bank-and-tel-aviv-terrorist-attacks/?intcmp=hpbt3
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Testing the gates? Syrians nabbed south of the border stoke terror fears"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/11/19/testing-gates-syrians-nabbed-south-border-stoke-terror-fears/?intcmp=hpbt1
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Life, prayer, current events, terror, and history: My personal journaling on Nov/18/2015

Life, prayer, current events, terror, and history: My personal journaling on Nov/18/2015
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THIS IS MY ONE AND ONLY BLOG
I am moving all of my blogs to this blog: RYP Stories http://rypstories.blogspot.com/
(It always comes down to this, or so it seems. It's just very convenient to have all of my writings in one place.)
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A LIST OF TOPICS INCLUDED IN THIS BLOG POST: AN INTRODUCTION
There is a great deal I want to journal and write. Therefore, I will try to capture it all on the page. I realize some of the material will be of interest to you and some will not. Needless to say, I will add to the top of every blog post a list of topics included in the blog post. I hope this helps you find what you might find interesting.
Please note, I will do my best to make this a sequential list, but I may add more about a topic later in the blog post and do not want to repeat it in this list. This, you might have to do some scanning of the blog post to find what you desire. (For example, the Articles, News, Current Events, and Opinion will be scattered throughout each blog post because I want it sequential in order to help us understand the flow and order of current events.)
Also, I have tried to add the overtly Christian material toward the end of this blog post. I do not want to be PC, but do not want to be overly offensive either.
TOPICS LIST:
Moving to just my RYP Stories blog
My personal journaling
Articles, News, Current Events, and Opinion
Recipe
My journaling and writing: What I want to write
My personal journaling about prayer and terror
Studying Galatians
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(803 a.m.) My Personal Journaling: I have think if both furry critters could open me up and crawl right in, they would. Both are as clingy as they can possibly and I don't blame them one bit. We are dealing with high winds here and the wind is making quite the ruckus. It is a little unnerving. The birds outside are having to hold on with all of their might at the bird feeder. Our house is making tons of noise and I cannot help but pray for the Lord to hold us together. (Aye.)
Personally, I think it is befitting, this wind storm during a dark week.
Last night, and yesterday afternoon for that matter, my stomach was churning. It still is. In fact, my husband teased me last night and said he thought he heard a thunderstorm as we watched tv. The storm was all the sounds my stomach made. Current events had me quite riled up and upset.
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "2 terror suspects killed, 7 arrested in raid targeting Paris attack mastermind"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/18/gun-battle-reported-as-french-police-launch-anti-terror-raid-on-paris-suburb/?intcmp=hpbt1
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "US intel assessment last May foreshadowed complex ISIS attacks aimed at West"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/11/18/joint-intel-assessment-highlighted-growing-sophistication-isis-attacks/?intcmp=hpbt1
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "ISIS militants dig in, anticipating assault on Syria's Raqqa"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/18/isis-militants-dig-in-anticipating-assault-on-syria-raqqa/
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Bill O'Reilly Just Comes Right Out and Asks the Question About Obama That We're All Thinking"
Link: http://www.ijreview.com/2015/11/473634-oreilly-just-comes-right-out-and-asks-is-president-obama-delusional-about-isis/
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Is Obama Doing Enough to Defeat ISIS? Experts Weigh In"
Link: http://dailysignal.com/2015/11/16/is-obama-doing-enough-to-defeat-isis-experts-weigh-in/
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Donald Trump's Tweet About 'Insane' Barack Obama Has Gone Viral"
Link: http://www.ijreview.com/2015/11/474354-2-donald-trumps-tweet-about-insane-barack-obama-has-gone-viral-and-for-good-reason/?_ga=1.17524729.1369581802.1442931717
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Recipe
I just found this and it looks delightful.
Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake with Pecans
Link: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/gooey-pumpkin-butter-cake-with-pecans/9c90e1b7-46c0-4b8f-97c1-663e4e10b45d?src=SH
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MY JOURNALING AND WRITING: WHAT I WANT TO WRITE
(1025 a.m.) I have several interests with my journaling and writing and I have tried to keep them separated, as any good writer is supposed to do, as I read in several writing, marketing, and publishing blogs, guides, and heard at writing conferences. A writer is to make their brand.
It just hit me, just now at 1029 a.m., that maybe that's my precise brand: a dabbler in: journaling and coaching others on how to journal, writing my personal life story and coaching others to do the same, blessings journaling (aka gratitude journaling or counting my blessings), critter journaling (about my pets), learning and writing about history, pondering about current events and politics, writing about books I'm reading, writing about the USA, writing about prayer and prayer journaling and how to do each, daily devotional writing, writing Bible studies,
books I have written and published, etc.
But, my biggest passions right now are journaling and coaching about: current events, learning the history and beliefs of terrorism and praying effectively against terrorism, blessings journaling, and daily devotional of a variety of subjects and verses of the Holy Bible.
Stay tuned. You'll see all of this and more.
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "ISIS claims soda can bomb downed Russian plane"
Link: http://thehill.com/policy/transportation/260570-isis-claims-soda-can-bomb-downed-russian-plane
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MY PERSONAL JOURNALING ABOUT PRAYER AND TERROR
Yesterday, current events coupled with what I read about the Koran had me... What's the word or phrase? Wound up. Upset. Furious. Concerned. The more I read on the news, and heard on the news, the worse I felt. I even got a little too opinionated in my personal journaling, which I published on my blog. My goal is to learn the facts of the beliefs of terrorists and their history. Just the facts, ma'am, so I can then talk about it objectively and not subjectively. Facts, not opinions. Therefore, my feelings don't really matter one bit.
Once I learn the facts of the beliefs of terrorists and their history, and add my knowledge of current events, then and only then I can pray effectively against terrorism. However, I also realize I have to pray as I go for full knowledge and understanding of the facts.
My study of terror--then, now, and the beliefs--will be a long study. It is not something that will take me overnight. Therefore, in the meanwhile, prayer is essential. Prayer is the only way I will learn about the beliefs of terrorists and their history, along with current events.
Prayer is the only way I will not go around with a constant headache and upset stomach as I learn and try to become a subject matter expert. Also, I will continue the other journaling and writing I enjoy in order to create balance in my life. The truth of the matter is I do not think anything is more important than my prayer against terrorism. After all, the terrorists have declared war on everyone who does not agree with their beliefs, particularly those who are free and are of the Western world. I will try to learn and journal about prayer and terror, but will include my other writing, journaling, and coaching in order to achieve balance.
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THE BOOK AND EPISTLE OF GALATIANS: A BIBLE STUDY AND DEVOTIONAL
I am part of a ladies Bible study group that meets every Thursday and we are studying the book of Galatians. Therefore, I will include in this blog my personal journaling the notes I take, my thoughts and ponderings, application, and will make it a daily devotional of sorts.
This is my priority today, along with keeping up with current events.
The summary of the Book of Galatians is: Finding true freedom, one that fully satisfies, in Jesus Christ and in no one and nothing else.
Question to ponder and answer as I read this book: How can I fully know and experience the freedom of Christ?
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Jesse Watters Leaves Juan Williams Speechless After Takedown of President Obama"
Link: http://nation.foxnews.com/2015/11/17/jesse-watters-leaves-juan-williams-speechless-after-takedown-president-obama?cmpid=NL_foxnation
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Obama: Can't Think of 'More Potent Recruitment Tool' for ISIS Than GOP Rhetoric"
Link: http://nation.foxnews.com/2015/11/18/obama-cant-think-more-potent-recruitment-tool-isis-gop-rhetoric
Me: Pardon, Commander-in-Chief and leader of the free world?
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Starnes: Why is Obama Importing Muslims and Deporting Christians?"
Link: http://nation.foxnews.com/2015/11/18/starnes-why-obama-importing-muslims-and-deporting-christians
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "Fate of Paris attack mastermind unclear after raid, but intel sources reportedly say he's dead"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/18/gun-battle-reported-as-french-police-launch-anti-terror-raid-on-paris-suburb/?intcmp=hpbt1
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Title: "French police dog killed by attackers in raid, hailed as hero"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/18/french-police-dog-killed-in-raid-targeting-alleged-paris-attacks-mastermind/?intcmp=hpbt3
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THE BOOK AND EPISTLE OF GALATIANS: A BIBLE STUDY AND DEVOTIONAL
(1243 p.m.) I just read Galatians 1.
Paul calls the Galatians out for believing in false teachings. He calls them out for thinking actions were what saved them, not faith. Grace alone is what saves us.
Acts 15:11 Living Bible (TLB)
11 Don't you believe that all are saved the same way, by the free gift of the Lord Jesus?"
Living Bible (TLB)
-- The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Paul prayed for the blessings of grace and peace on all believers. See the following verses:
//
Galatians 1:3 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
//
Ephesians 1:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
//
Philippians 1:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
//
Colossians 1:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
//
Do I trust what man says or what the Word of God says?
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Article, News, Current Events, Opinion
Articles from the past that shape current events:
Title: "Islam 'Helped to Shape' CIA Nominee John Brennan's World View"
Link: http://m.cnsnews.com/news/article/islam-helped-shape-cia-nominee-john-brennan-s-world-view
Me: So, how has he, is he, and will he fight terrorism if it has shaped how he sees the world?
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(126 p.m.) My Personal Journaling:
Out of the blue--bam!--snow. Wow! Cannot see past a city block.
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To be continued...
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Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism so I can pray effectively about terrorism

Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism so I can pray effectively about terrorism
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Personal journaling written on Tuesday, November 17, 2015
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I would love to do a great deal more personal journaling and learning about Islam and its holy text. However, I am finding it difficult to considering all of the news stories that keep coming out today. It seems a full time job just keeping up with them.
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "Huckabee: Govt's #1 Goal Is Protecting Americans, Not the 'Image of Islam'"
Link: http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/11/17/huckabee-govts-1-goal-protecting-americans-not-image-islam
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "Bolton: U.S. Is 'Barely a Bystander' as Russia, France Strike Syria"
Link: http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/11/17/new-info-putin-orders-navy-work-france-against-isis
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "Under Attack: Israel Suffered 609 Attacks In October"
Link: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2015/11/17/under-attack-israel-suffered-609-attacks-in-october-n2081922?utm_source=thdailypm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl_pm&newsletterad=
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "'Speechless': John Kerry's statement on Charlie Hebdo attack is 'mindbendingly awful'"
Link: http://twitchy.com/2015/11/17/speechless-john-kerrys-statement-on-charlie-hebdo-attack-is-mindbendingly-awful/
Me/My Commentary: I cannot wait to hear the spin he and the administration put on this. Whenever someone in the Obama administration says something this extreme, they come out and try to explain it -- and usually the explanation makes things worse. I also cannot wait to hear what people say and the silence of people on this remark. How can a terror attack ever be legitimate? How can murder of one individual ever be legitimate? Let alone multiple people -- and because of a difference in belief? Kerry is acting as a representative of the American people and he says this. Another--pardon?
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252 p.m. I am wound up now. Between Kerry and the president, and what they did today, I am fired up and furious. They represent the American people. Shouldn't that mean something to them? Shouldn't that mean something to us -- the American people? Shouldn't that say something to us?
I know I am supposed to try to look at things from an unbiased perspective. But, I am having a difficult time of it at the moment when the facts show me that the Obama administration is a disgrace to the offices they hold, to the country--past and present, and to the American people.
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And it gets better. (Not.)
Article/News/Current Events:
Title: "A Man is so Disturbed by What TSA Lets Him Bring onto Plane…He Turns Himself In"
Link: http://www.ijreview.com/2015/11/473648-a-man-is-so-disturbed-by-what-tsa-lets-him-bring-onto-plane-he-turns-himself-in/?utm_source=email&utm_campaign=afternoon-newsletter&utm_medium=owned
Me: TSA is supposed to protect us. Right?
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I am realizing that in the past, I've read an article and have shaken my head, and quickly moved on. Isn't this the problem with our world? We need to stop just shaking out heads and moving on. We need to take a stand. Speaking out about these things, voting, and sending letters to our representatives is important. However, far more importantly, shouldn't we commit things, events, and people to prayer? Fierce prayer? Instead of shaking our heads and doing nothing? SHouldn't we commit to praying about that which we shake our heads--without ceasing--and make sure to commit these matters up with the Lord?
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Article/News/Current Events
Title: "CNN asks the questions we should all be asking about Islam"
Link and Source: http://www.glennbeck.com/2015/11/17/cnn-asks-the-questions-we-should-all-be-asking-about-islam?utm_source=glennbeck&utm_medium=contentcopy_link
Me: These are questions to think on and research.
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Prayer is the only answer given the mess of this world.
Prayer is the only thing that can truly change things.
Prayer is the only thing every single person can do to fight terror.
Therefore, the best prayers to pray are effective ones. Effective prayers are informed prayers that know the facts, the history, and how history shapes current events.
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Email I just sent my mom:
So... The prayer thing...
My stomach is so upset. The news has me wound up and fired up. That's when God told me the importance of prayer--prayer like I have never done before. And, to keep praying--and when all else fails--pray some more. When I am doing something, anything, I need to pray. When I am busy, I need to pray. As I read things and learn things, I need to pray. Pray is the only hope we have in this mixed up, twisted up, prideful, busy, lack of God-fearing world.
What else can we do?
And, what is more important than prayer?
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So, how do we pray about current events and terror anyway?
What does that even look like?
And, what does ceaseless prayer look like in this world?
And, what does effective prayer look like? How do you pray effectively about terror and current events?
All questions I want to ponder and answer in my personal journaling.

Prayer and Terror: Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism (November 17-18, 2015)

Prayer and Terror: Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism (November 17-18, 2015)
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NOVEMBER 17, 2015, TUESDAY
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Current events to know about on November 17, 2015:
Article 1)
Title: "ISIS Attacks in Paris: The West's Failure to Comprehend Evil"
Link: http://www.christianheadlines.com/columnists/breakpoint/isis-attacks-in-paris-the-west-s-failure-to-comprehend-evil.html
Article 2)
Title: "President Obama's false choice against the Islamic Stat"
Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/president-obamas-false-choice-against-the-islamic-state/2015/11/16/1c75a984-8c8b-11e5-acff-673ae92ddd2b_story.html
Article 3)
Title: "Russia says Metrojet flight 9268 brought down by bomb; Putin: 'retribution is unavoidable.'"
Link: http://twitchy.com/2015/11/17/russia-says-metrojet-flight-9268-brought-down-by-bomb-putin-retribution-is-unavoidable/
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My Personal Journaling
I've been reading about the Koran and have founded yet another book to add to my resources.
I must admit, this is quite the undertaking and I am beyond intimidated. Is it possible for a staunch Christian, American patriot, conservative to be able to look at Islam, their sacred text, terrorism, and the conflict in the Middle East--through the lens of history as I look at current events--and be open-minded? The truth is, I think that terrorists cannot be reasoned with, because they have 1,400 years of tradition and belief--unshaped by time. They look at the history while we look at both modern day and history (or should). This creates some tension, to say the least.
So, can I be objective? I am trying. I keep telling myself, "Just the facts." As I want to learn the facts of history and their beliefs.
I also want to learn as much as I can. I really would want to be a subject matter expert. For, then, my prayers against terrorism can be as effective as possible. This is my drive. This is my purpose. This is why I am daring to try to learn about all of this.
I want to be informed. I do not want to have to quote what others say. What people say can be wrong. I would rather learn the facts for myself.
Right now, I do have to look at what others say in order for me to understand the facts and history. Then, I will embark a journey of looking at primary resources. I will take what people say, though, with the proverbial grain of salt and will form my own opinions based off of the facts I learn from them. I will sift through their commentary and find the facts. Then, once I understand the tenants of Islam, and their holy text, then I will look at primary resources. I will also look at several different historians and what they say about this rich history.
As a Christian, I find this task quite interesting. Just last night, I read the introduction to the book of Galatians, which I am doing with a Bible study group, and I learned how the book of Galatians is older than Islam and the Koran. This makes it rather difficult for me to look at just the facts, I must admit. If an New Testament book, which is the younger part of the Bible, is older than what I am studying, it and it is, then I am forced to pause and remind myself how people believe with their whole hearts in Islam and the Koran, though, they are younger than the Bible. People believe in this and will die for it. They believe this is the sacred. Granted, this makes me wonder, though. Do they define the sacred as I do? Who do they say their god is?
I must admit that I also find it difficult to think of worshipping a god that needs defending. Is this my misunderstanding? Do they not believe in this way? The terrorists. I am under the impression that they believe the one they worship needs them to kill others who do not believe for him. Is this correct? Or, is this my Western, Christian bias coming through? The One I worship can smite out anyone He wants, any time He wants, and does not need me to defend Him.
Am I incorrect? Am I highly biased? Or, am I ignorant of their belief?
I will begin with the facts. I will learn the facts. I cannot be biased with facts. And, the truth is, what fact do I really know about Islam, their holy text, and terrorism? Not much at all. Not even a smidgen. I am illiterate with the text and...
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BREAKING NEWS: Passenger tried to enter a cockpit of an airplane heading to Boston. 1144 a.m.
My commentary: Oh, Lord! Thank You for stopping it. I will keep checking the news to find out more information. This sounds like an act of terrorism.
Article 4)
Title: "Passenger reportedly restrained after trying to enter cockpit on British Airways flight"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/11/17/passenger-reportedly-restrained-after-trying-to-enter-cockpit-on-british/
Me: Was this a female terrorist--or someone that is not quite right in their head today?
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On to better news regarding health and coffee:
Article 5)
Title: "Moderate coffee drinking may be tied to lower risk of death"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/11/17/moderate-coffee-drinking-may-be-tied-to-lower-risk-death.html?intcmp=latestnews
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At any rate... I have learned of Islam and the Koran in the past and remember what I learned. But, I didn't study either thoroughly. So, is my knowledge inaccurate or is it accurate? This is why I want to study the facts for myself. I want to try to realize all of my opinions and knowledge might be false. I want to learn the facts so I can make sure my opinions and knowledge are correct and accurate. I want to do my best to be unbiased. I want to learn the facts and the facts will speak for themselves. I will not need to do so.
Isn't that how you can tell truth? Or, should I say Truth with a capital 'T?' Truth is fact. It needs nothing and no one to defend it.
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1212 p.m.
The truth of the matter is, I sit down with my now six resources and I stare at them for a moment with big eyes. Which should I open first? And, when I do, will it make sense?
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Prayers and Blessings,
Stacy Duplease
Blogs:
RYP Stories http://rypstories.blogspot.com/
Prayer and Terror http://prayerandterror.blogspot.com/
A Journaling Odyssey http://ajournalingodyssey.blogspot.com/

Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism (November 16-17, 2015)

Prayer and Terror: Personal journaling and getting informed about the history and current events of terrorism (November 16-17, 2015)
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The purpose of my personal journaling is to get informed about the history and current events of terrorism, so I can pray effectively. That's it in a nutshell.
I am sharing this with you via blog form so that you can learn from the research that I do. I will give you the original sources so you can research it further and fact check what I say. I will share my opinions and what I think based off of what I learn. It is my goal to do the research so you don't have to, if you don't want to or have the time to do so for yourself.
The truth is I am biased. I am starting with the opinion that terrorism is wrong and that over one thousand four hundred years of ideology cannot be changed overnight. However, I want to know what they believe and why and the facts of the history and current events regarding terrorism.
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I am a journal keeper of 33+ years and I journal all day and night long. Therefore, I journal multiple times each day. Rather than put each journal entry as a separate blog post, I will include all of them in a daily blog post.
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Current events articles for November 17, 2015
I'm going to include current event articles each day to help us stay informed. I will put them in the order in which I receive them.
Article 1)
Title: "Obama: The Current [Failing] Strategy We're Putting Forward Against ISIS Is Ultimately The One That Will Work"
Katie Pavlich | Nov 16, 2015
Link: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2015/11/16/obama-the-current-strategy-were-putting-forward-against-isis-is-ultimately-the-one-that-will-work-n2081404
My thoughts: If what we were already doing was working, why did a Russian jetliner get taken down by ISIS? And, why did the Paris Terror Attacks happen? If we were effective in our strategy, these things would have been known about in advance and stopped.
Article 2)
Title: " Obama: Paris terror rampage a 'setback'"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/11/16/obama-facing-criticism-for-push-to-contain-isis/?intcmp=hpbt1
My thoughts: Saying that a terror attack is a setback is heinous. It minimizes the deaths and those wounded. It allows the people who died to die in vain. It is absolutely sickening that the President of the United States would use such a phrase. He is supposed to be a leader. I am, frankly, shocked at how callous he is in using this phrase. If he sees this as a mere 'setback,' how can he effectively fight terrorism?
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In order to understand terrorism, it's important to learn about the history of Islam and the Koran (Quran). In order to learn the most I can about Islam, the Koran, and terrorism, it's important for me to learn about the founder, Muhammad.
Timeline
570 Muhammad was born.
610 Muhammad's revelation of the Koran began in 610 in a cave near Mecca. The cave was called the Cave of Hira.
610 Then, the same year, at the age of 40, Muhammad's prophethood began when the Angel Jebreel (Gabriel) appeared to him and called him the Prophet of Allah.
632 Muhammad died.
From these facts, we can do some math. 2015 - 610 = 1,405.
Islam began 1,405 years ago or thereabouts.
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418 p.m.
Article 3)
Title: " Sadly, Glenn's prediction about Paris comes true"
Link: http://www.glennbeck.com/2015/11/15/sadly-glenns-prediction-about-paris-comes-true/
Article 4)
Title: "The Strategy Continues As Is: Breaking Down Obama's 'Striking' Remarks on Paris Terror"
Link: http://insider.foxnews.com/2015/11/16/obama-refers-paris-terror-setback-hemmer-baier-break-down-striking-remarks
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NOVEMBER 17, 2015, TUESDAY
Article 5)
Title: "How One Unlikely Man Stopped the Stealing of Thanksgiving" by Ann Voskamp
Link: http://www.incourage.me/2015/11/a-story-how-one-unlikely-man-stopped-the-stealing-of-thanksgiving.html
Article 6)
Title: "Russia joins France striking ISIS stronghold in Syria"
Link: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/11/17/france-carries-out-fresh-isis-airstrikes-as-report-claims-allies-targeted-paris/
Article 7)
Title: "#F**kParis' — 'Black Lives' Show True Colors On Twitter"
Link: Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2015/11/16/fkparis-black-lives-show-true-colors-on-twitter/#ixzz3rlDcRgMw
Prayers and Blessings,
Stacy Duplease
Blogs:
RYP Stories http://rypstories.blogspot.com/
Prayer and Terror http://prayerandterror.blogspot.com/
A Journaling Odyssey http://ajournalingodyssey.blogspot.com/

The world has changed

The world has changed.
(Personal journaling entry #2. Written November 14, 2015.)
The world has changed.
How many people realize this? And how many of us are too oblivious to realize this truth? And, do I realize the full ramifications?
The Paris Terror Attacks mean our world is far different than it was prior to Friday, November 13th, 2015.
In fact, people are once again saying that World War 3 has begun.
PRAYER: Lord, I pray every individual, every country, believes both these things to be true. Please help us to be active in our realization of these two new realities and to fully act on these things. Help this to drive every Christian to learn fully about Islam, the Koran, the conflict in the Middle East, and terrorism. Help us to gain the full understanding of these things so our prayers can be as highly effective as possible.

My ineffective prayers about terrorism

(Journal Entry #1 of Prayer and Terror. Written on November 14, 2015, Saturday)

Why have I started this personal journaling series, which I will share in a blog (which I will then later turn into a published book)? This is why:
My husband and I have date night every Friday night and we decided to go to an early to dinner on November, Friday the 13th since we were hungry. As we drove there, my cell phone made the notification sound which let me know I most likely had a breaking news alert. Hence, I decided to check it, and sure enough, at 247 p.m. we learned of explosions in Paris, France. (Was it a new terror attack?) There were also reports of gunfire and at least two people were dead.
We both said, "Oh, boy..."
As we sat there in the restaurant, we kept receiving news alerts and the numbers of dead and wounded kept growing, along with the details of what happened (and was happening) in Paris. Needless to say, "Oh, boy," grew to, "Oh, Lord." The last was a form of a prayer when we just could not find the words.
Our hearts fell as we prayed.
It sure sounded like terrorism.
To make matters worse, as we sat there at dinner, we read of a news report about how Christians in Indonesia are experiencing jihad after imams say how they will keep hunting Christians and burning churches.
These two news reports left us rather stirred up about the need to take a stand against terrorism and fight terrorism.
{NOTE: The numbers I share were what were being reported at the time. Therefore, when all is said and done, these numbers will be different. We will know in a week or two the true numbers of the Paris Terror Attacks.}
Then, when we got home, we headed straight to our television and watched to see what was being said about Paris. Was it being called terror yet? We quickly learned how the situation only grew worse by the moment. There were around 100 hostages in the Bataclan Concert Hall. Then, things got worse. People said on social media how the terrorists were executing people one by one. Then, things got even worse. People said how the terrorists in the Bataclan were throwing hand grenades in the faces of the hostages. Then, things got more intense when it was reported how there were five explosions outside the Concert Hall. Next, police went in the Bataclan and 12 or so were rescued. In the end, that stopped the terror attacks last night and we are still waiting for the final murdered and wounded counts.
The Paris Terror Attacks were not known about ahead of time, according to initial reports. There was no known chatter specifically about attacking Paris. (As I type this on Monday, November 16, 2015, we are hearing differently.) Hence, it was a surprise attack. France was already on heightened alert after the Charlie Hebdo attack on January 07, 2015.
So, France didn't hear chatter. Neither did we (the USA). This realization was and is rather disturbing. In the past, we would have. This shows how much we have regressed.
Also, the Paris Terror Attacks happened eight hours after President Barak Obama announced on television how ISIS was "contained." He said this even though they took a Russian Jetliner in the last week and it killed around 200 people on board. (Pardon?)
A couple of days prior, a terrorist known as "Jihadi John" was killed in an airstrike. (Note: I need to look him up and this information up later.)
Also, The USA has been attacking Syria and has stepped up its efforts in the war on terror (slightly and minutely).
The six Paris Terror Attacks have me stirred up and have left me stunned. It has made wonder several things. For instance, what can I do personally, if anything, to fight terrorism? And, how can I understand terror and the beliefs of terrorism? Can I? (And just because I might understand what they believe, it does not mean I support it or need to do so. Nor does it mean I have to be politically correct.) Are the terrorists part of a 'radical' form of Islam? Or does Islam have militant tendencies? What does the Koran (Quran) really say? What is the history of the Crusades, the conflict in the Middle East, and terrorism?
How can I pray about terrorism?
How can Christians take a stand? Should Christians take a stand?
What should we pray specifically about terrorism?
September Eleventh was over fourteen years ago and I realize how little I still understand about terrorism, Islam, and the Koran, never mind the history of all three--and what the history of all three have to do with current events. Therefore, I am forced to ask a troubling question. How can my prayers be effective, let alone fully effective, if I do not understand this history and current events of Islam, the Koran, and terrorism?
Stop.
Let me repeat that.
How effective can my prayers be if I do not understand Islam, the Koran, and terrorism--past, present, and in the future?
The answer is simple and straightforward. My prayers are ineffective at best because I cannot pray specific, pinpointed, targeted prayers about terrorism if I am not fully informed about the current events and history of Islam, the Koran, and terrorism.
Period.
If I am not fully informed about Islam, the Koran, terrorism, the Crusades, the conflict in the Middle East, al-Qaeda, ISIS/ISIL/IS, I cannot pray effectively. My prayers, if uninformed, are like me having a dart, and I am spun around and blindfolded, and am told to hit an one-inch target from a mile away. How do these prayers help anyone? And, how do they advance the kingdom and will of God? (They don't.)
Therefore, it is my goal to get schooled in Islam, the Koran, the Middle East, and terrorism--in the past (history), present, and future of each. I want to become a subject matter expert so my prayers can be fully and completely effective.
All that being said, let me me perfectly honest here. I have not even prayed against terrorism as I could or should. I haven't prayed about terrorism far too many times and days. More to the point, I have been silent in prayer regarding terrorism far more than I have uttered one word of prayer about terrorism.
If I had prayed like I could or should, would the Paris Terror Attacks have happened at all--or would they have been at least lessened?
I have bought four books to start my education.
I am starting this personal journaling series, which I will turn into blog posts, which I will then turn into a book or two. After all, I am certain I am not the only Christian who feels this way, who is not informed about the history, and is concerned about praying in the most effective way possible regarding terrorism--past, present, and future.
I think it's critical for each and every Christian to pray about terrorism. And, our prayers should be as effective as possible.
ISIS is not a JV (or jayvee) team and they are not contained in the slightest. Nor are they in retreat.
Terrorism is an evil ideology. We need to understand the magnitude of the threat of terrorism. We are at war. We can deny it and run from it, but terrorists have declared war on us. Hence, we need to make our prayers count and be as effective as possible. The only way to do that is to know and understand the history and current events.
PRAYER: Lord, please help Paris and the victims of the Paris Terror Attacks. Guide the French government, the first responders, and military. Guide the world to make a proper response, Lord. Father, help me to grasp their ideology, the conflict in the Middle
East, and terrorism. I am tired of having small and ineffective prayers about terrorism. Teach me and guide me, Lord.
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Miscellaneous Information:
ISIS stands for Islamic States of Iraq and Syria.
ISIL stands for Islamic State of Iraq and Levant.
ISIS is also known as ISIL, Daesh, and IS.
IS is Islamic State.
ISIL was founded in 1999 by Abu Musab as-Zaqawi.
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Timeline of Muhammed, Islam, the Koran, Terrorism, and the Middle East
2015
January 07, 2015 Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack in Paris, France.
November 13, 2015, Friday The Paris Terror Attacks in Paris, France.

Paris Terror Attacks on Friday the 13th

After the Paris Terror Attacks on Friday the 13th, I decided it was time to research and study everything that I can about Islam, the Koran, the conflict in the Middle East, the Crusades, terrorism, and the history and current events of each.

Why?

I want my prayers to be effective as possible and if I don't understand all of this, know it, and understand it, my prayers about terrorism simply are not effective.

I owe all of the effective prayers I can to Paris and all the victims (and their families) of terrorism, past, present, and future--and the first responders and military (and their families) who have, are, and will fought terrorism.

Prayer is the only way I can fight terror personally and I want to be as effective as possible.

On this blog, I will share what I learn, process, and pray about Islam, the Koran, the conflict in the Middle East, terrorism, and the history and current events of each.