November 2021 Front Page

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[Editor’s Note: I have decided to place first our memoriam to Rob Skiba, 1969-2021, whose untimely death from Covid complications has his followers (including our founders) still in shock.]

[Memoir by J. Credence]
Not eight weeks ago, CJ and I were talking about emailing our brother in Jesus, Rob Skiba, about publishing his content with us in the adventure that is Life Thoughts Today, and now there is a hole where our brother once was. I only had the honor of meeting this Man of God at one conference, and I was overwhelmed by his humbleness and kindness, which can only speak to the deep relationship he had with Jesus. I credit him with much of the force that brought me into a friendship with CJ, and how we arrived here today. His compilation of Genesis, Enoch, Jasher and Jubilees still lives on either my nightstand or my coffee table. I use it regularly for reference as I’m writing history pieces.

Though I started my truth journey with Jesus when I was young, Rob was the enzyme that caused me to dive into the Rabbit Hole. [Read More]

NEWS

[Editor’s Note: We have been searching to find COVID information. The following two articles are from interviews on VCY America. As always, also do your own research.]

Covid Taking Its Toll

Date:  November 2, 2021
Host: Jim Schneider
​Guest: Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet
VCY America

COVID is taking its toll on America but so is our response.  In particular, there are the protocols that are a part of many hospitals.  Amidst those protocols there are doctors, nurses, attorneys, patient advocates, as well as journalists that are acting as whistle-blowers.  They’re sounding the alarm as they expose matters of egregious hospital abuses, neglect of patients and denial of basic medications to COVID patients.  

Addressing this issue was Dr. Elizabeth Lee Vliet. Dr. Vliet is the president and CEO of Truth for Health Foundation, a non-profit public charity.  Since February 2020, she has been part of the team of front-line physicians treating COVID early at home. [Read More]

The Truth About Masks and Mask Mandates

Date:  July 20, 2020  
Host:  Jim Schneider  
​Guest: Twila Brase
VCY America

Cities, counties and states across the country are mandating the wearing of masks.  Some have made full implementation, others are on the brink of an impending mask mandate.  What is the truth about masks?  

Appearing on Crosstalk to dissect this issue was Twila Brase.  Twila is the president and co-founder of Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom.  She’s a registered nurse and author of ‘Big Brother in the Exam Room: The Dangerous Truth About Electronic Health Records.’  She’s the speaker on the daily ‘Health Freedom Minute’ heard on stations across the nation. [Read More]

America the Vulnerable [Cheryl & Hal Sacks  BridgeBuilders]

[Editor’s Note: From September, this article continues to be relevant]

On the 20^th anniversary of the coordinated terrorist attacks on America, our nation stands vulnerable, perhaps even more so than on that terrible day.
 
If you’ve watched the news the week of September 11th, you’ve seen the retelling of that solemn event when almost 3,000 people perished and hundreds more were wounded as four hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. In the years since then, 2,000 more were lost to 9/11 related illnesses stemming from working in hazardous conditions at ground zero.
 
This is one of the greatest disasters in our nation’s domestic history. [Read More]

INFORMATION

(Finance)

Four Tips to Save Thousands [Jeremy Sharp]

So many people I speak with want to know practical ways that they can pay less in taxes. Taxes are the number one place that people can save more of the money they earn by implementing just a few simple tax strategies. I want to outline 4 tips that could save you thousands in taxes now and in the future too.

1. Contribute to a Retirement Plan
Did you know that only 32% of people take advantage of the retirement plan that is available to them? Whether it is a workplace retirement savings plan like a 401k or an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), contributing to one of those types of plans can reduce your taxable income now or put you in a much better tax position in the future.

2. Utilize “Bunching Deductions” [Read More]

Skip the College Loans (John VanderPloeg)

I am a plumbing contractor, my crew did the plumbing you see in this picture, and I am debt free. But, if I had helped my kids I would not be debt free.

I strongly recommend the trades. I have 5 kids and they are all adults and I did not help any of them with college education.

My kids are all very smart, they have chosen areas which fit their skill sets and they are all on their way [Read More]

(Home Tips)

Fireside Friends Only: No Pests Please (Chuck Austin)

With the cold weather here (and here to stay for a while), you may be looking forward to some bonfires or wood-burning fireplace sessions this fall and winter. Before you haul firewood into and around your home, remember that some pests are attracted to wood.

The good news is that controlling pests in your firewood has everything to do with proper storage and the occasional check-up.

These 5 reminders can help you maximize your fireside fun and minimize any unwanted visitors. [Read More]

REVIEWS

(Gaming)

Profane Reality in Gaming: Skyrim (CJ Austin & J. Credence)

An open-world, action, role-play video game, Skyrim’s story revolves around the Dragonborn who are on a quest to defeat Alduin, the World-Eater dragon who is prophesied to destroy the world.

Set 200 years after Oblivion strikes Skyrim, players complete quests and develop character by improving skills, while having the ability to travel anywhere in the game world, at any time, or postpone the main storyline indefinitely.

[A discussion from our Discord channel follows] [Read More]

(Movies)

Casablanca (CJ Austin)

When somebody asks what my favorite movie is, I typically respond, Casablanca. Perhaps you can see why from the 1942 trailer.

“If you are looking for adventure, you will find it in Casablanca. City of hope and despair located in French Morocco in North Africa, the meeting place of adventurers, fugitives, criminals, refugees, lured into this dangerous oasis by the hope of escape to the Americas. But they’re all trapped, for there is no escape.”

“Against this fascinating background is woven the story of an imperishable love and the enthralling saga of six desperate people each in Casablanca to keep an appointment with destiny. [Read More]

PROFILES

Man of Controversy (CJ Austin)

I was introduced to Charles Williams while binge watching one of my favorite TV series, Inspector Lewis. In “Magnum Opus” (season 9, episodes 1&2, 2015), set in Oxford, England, as a case is solved, the detectives uncover a secret the victims all shared. To assuage their guilt, the group formed a cult, the “Companions of Coinherence,” reviving ideas of Williams, by practicing the ritual of “substitution.”

Upon learning Williams was part of the Inklings (literary discussion group associated with C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien at Oxford), curious about his teachings which were shown to be outside of traditional orthodoxy, I began reading his novels. [Read More]

ARCANE

Exploring the Overlords: Georgia Guidestones (J. Credence)

There exists a stone structure in the Northeastern corner of Georgia, USA, a stone monolith, astronomically aligned, consisting of four upright stones, one upright slab in the center and a capstone on top of all five. An additional nearby tablet details the history and purpose of the granite Guidestones.

Ten guidelines are inscribed on the structure in eight modern languages, with a shorter message in four ancient languages (Babylonian cuneiform, Classical Greek, Sanskrit, Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs) inscribed on the top of the structure.

Astronomic Features
The four outer stones are oriented to mark the lunar cycle. Through a drilled hole in the center column one can see the North Star. [Read More]

Hidden Truth (Zen Garcia)

I am reminiscing on the things that have happened in my life over the past 10 years, especially with regard to my journey to awakening and dedication to serving the Most High God. I know many of you can relate in parallel to what I went through, as this journey is similar for many of us in coming to discernment on all things esoteric.

Developing Identity
Some psychologists say that the years leading up to our teenage and second decade of life are the most formative in connecting to an identity independent of that molded by our parents. They claim that our teenage and early 20’s are a span of time where we as human beings are seeking to redefine ourselves outside of the expectations of our parents. This breakaway to freedom, whether through rebellion or other means, [Read More]

THE LIVES WE LIVE

A Blood Transfusion (LoriJo Schepers)

Glancing back is not pretty.

Following the root system is tricky, confusing, and messy.

Never mind trying to follow the branches  –  they’ve gone in so many directions it’s unclear if anyone has a complete list of where they’ve landed.

Descriptions on the branches read like someone tried to incorporate all of the ‘seven deadly sins’  – plus  few  –  into one scraggly, tangled web of ancestral lineage.

Alcoholism. Promiscuity. Embezzlement. Abandonment. Affairs. Hasty marriages. Divorces.  Children out of wedlock. Suicide. Jail, prison.  Anti-God, anti-family, anti- ‘anything that resembles respectable living’. Cover ups, lies, secrets. [Read More]

Stinging Nettles: Tea for Allergies (J. Credence)

When my family has a head cold or allergies, I make 3 gallons of this stinging nettles tea:

2 cups stinging nettles
1/2 cup mint
5 cloves

Heat to near boiling, reduce heat, simmer for a few minutes and let steep. [Read More]

Imposter’s Syndrome (CJ Austin)

Imposter’s Syndrome,” a term new to me, thrown out by J. Credence during our weekly strategizing (what are we doing, where are we headed) session, piqued my curiosity. Being in the “mental health” field for many years, this term caught me by surprise and I immediately began investigating.

Thinking this referred to a person who displays characteristics not true to his or her character (think sociopath who routinely sabotages people with “wolves in sheep” clothing behavior), I was to be surprised.

First, I need to clarify an important point, this syndrome is not a mental disorder, nor is it recognized in the DSM or ICD (standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals). [Read More]

HUMOR

Haunting DOTS (J. Credence)

Halloween was… different this year. We had excellent weather, and everything was finally open. Also, since when does Halloween fall on a Sunday. We did all kinds of fun stuff over the weekend.

So, Sunday night we decided to go to Hauntstreet. These wonderful Jesus followers host the best home Haunted walk through in Mesa, AZ. So this is my shameless plug for their show. Great show guys!

We were heading home at a reasonable hour and my three boys were rocking the car they were so hyped. I was riding shotgun, and had just turned around and told them it’s time to calm down, [Read More]

CREATIVE

New Vase (Liz Santiago)

This is a poem I wrote years ago when Jesus touched deep in my emotions. It was a hard time but it gave me a huge experience with getting rid of bad memories in my life. 

I was broken and ruined inside
like a clay pot, shattered
there were a lot of pieces on the floor
I tried to hold them all together
but You didn’t let me do so

I have left everything behind for loving You
You showed me none of that was worthy
You gave me a solution
a new perspective
made me new [Read More]

MEMORIAMS

[Editor’s Note: At Life Thoughts Today, we have been touched by multiple deaths & have added this section to share stories of our loved ones. We welcome your contributions: Editor@Mavenite.Media]

(J. Credence) My Grandmother passed in October 2020. She was well over 90 and her mind was gone. I’m so glad she’s gone on to be with Jesus her Savior. Even with her mind lost tens of years ago…..

(CJ Austin) My mother passed November 2020 at the age of 95, going Home. She shared scripture, love of music, creative & artistic endeavors with me & my siblings….

(CJ Austin) July 2021, my cousin, who battled cancer for many years, “has gone on to heaven to be with her Lord and Savior. No more pain or sickness. She can hug & visit her daughter”….
[Read the full accounts]

INSPIRATIONAL

The Secret Power in Weakness (Sharon Gamble)

My heart started to race, and I could hear the blood pumping extra quickly in my veins and arteries. The news I was hearing made me weak. I was all set to fly to The Netherlands to visit a newly-born granddaughter. I had been longing for this moment since I first found out she was arriving in July.

In preparation, I had checked all the appropriate pandemic boxes to fly in early August, including scheduling my covid test within the requisite 72 hours of flight. The facility had promised results on time. However, when I actually arrived, they informed me they were behind, and it could take up to five days. Oh no! [Read More]

Pray and Keep Going (Kay West)

I was delighted and honored to be asked to play the flute for my dear friend Margaret’s wedding to her wonderful new husband, John. The plan was for me to perform a selection of songs starting about ten minutes before the ceremony and continuing through the time when our pastor, the groom, and the groom’s family made their entrance.

The day was lovely with a few puffy clouds and moderate temperatures. However, I was a bit concerned with the reasonably strong breeze as the whole event was to take place outside. Knowing from past experiences that my sheet music would be prone to blow away or at the very least flip to the next page before I was finished with the current one, [Read More]

A Humble Soul (Michael Carr)

In a humble soul, I asked God why my prayer wasn’t answered. He said, “Your mind is too slow to understand me, but I am trying to help you.

There are two key concepts to understand how I answer prayers. One is the fulness of time and second is to reveal my greatest glory.

The first reason I wait, is to reveal the full extent of my greatness.

Two, is to reveal human weakness.

Three, is to [Read More]

TESTIMONIES

Unfinished Story (CJ Austin)

(cont. from October)

Sharing more of my life’s journey would be easier if I hadn’t shredded all my journals. This mastication took place after a conversation with the English Department head.

Upon telling him of the provision in my will ensuring my journals (very private writings) would be destroyed, he laughed out loud & said something to the effect of, “How do you think the less than glorious, controversial personal details and secrets of famous authors and others get published?”

“They too had provisions ensuring destruction of their personal writings, journals, letters, etc. Their wishes were completely ignored  [Read More]

TALK TO US

Readers Input

For our December Issue, we are looking for short anecdotes of family life. Tell us a short story of the good, the bad, the ugly. Editor@mavenite.media

CJ & JC Answer Your Life Questions

With assistance from a team of experts) What’s on your mind? All personal identification will be removed. Email: Editor@mavenite.media

EDITORIAL

View From Behind (CJ Austin)

Light to the World.” I jotted that phrase down in my notes. Surely I would remember the significance, but I don’t.  What led up to wanting to elaborate on being a light for others — what I was thinking?

With this news compilation in its infancy, I know the importance of having a goal to keep us focused. Perhaps that was on my mind, a simple goal. And what better focus than to shine light, especially during these confusing time.

So it is with deep gratitude and with your assistance we move forward, our focus: [Read More]

Looking Forward
To connect to future editions, join our mailing list & receive a short email with contents and linkages. We will see you again December 16.