The Rapture or Left Behind??

I thought I would type this as 6 pm approaches. Some preacher has said the rapture is going to take place at 6 pm and it will happen at 6 pm in whatever time zone you are in. Let's say you are in England, then the rapture would occur at 6 pm on the 21st. And, people on the east coast of the US wouldn't happen until it is 6 pm their time. So, in a nutshell, it must be a rolling rapture. Cool thought, but, as far as I can tell, shouldn't it already have happened overseas? Or am I mixed up again? I haven't heard of a large group of people disappearing from over there. And, right now, in the US, on the east coast, it is past time. I haven't felt a giant earthquake yet. Remember, there was supposed to be a giant earthquake that shakes the whole earth. 

I really feel for this preacher and his followers. It is so sad. They spent all their money, quit their jobs and were just so sure. I looked at his website last night just to see what he was saying. This man thinks he has cracked a mathematical code in the Bible and that God himself has given him the knowledge to do this. For some reason, he thinks he has found the "true" Biblical calendar. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not making fun of these people. They truly believe what this preacher is preaching. 

I have been studying the Bible since I was 9 years old. The very first book that I read was the Book of Revelation. It scared me unmercifully. But, I understood most of what God was trying to say. As I have studied and gotten older, I understand even more. The "Rapture", as man has decided to call it, takes place before the Tribulation. And yes, rapture is a man made term that is not used in the Bible anywhere. The real deal is Jesus is going to call up the dead in Christ first. This does not mean their bodies, by the way. The bodies are a moot point. It is the spirit that will be caught up. (So, all you wandering spirits, get ready!) Then, those that are alive will be caught up in the air. This does not mean the body, either. It is the spirit. Now, I don't claim to know how He is going to do this, I just have faith that it will be done. It may be a mass destruction thing, or, it may be something else that happens. I also know that the Bible also says that "no one knows the hour or the day, not the Angels in Heaven and not even My Son, who sits at My right hand." Now, what makes this man and his followers believe that they will know the exact date and time when Jesus doesn't even know? 

I tell you, I am a believer. I have faith and a lot of it. I am way too far from perfect. But, I choose to believe what the Bible tells me and God lets me have a sense of, than a mere man.

Everyone have a wonderful evening, be not afraid, and try not to ridicule these poor misguided people too much!

So Much For That!

I know, it's been a few weeks. Not that anyone is waiting with baited breath, mind you! I have so many things running through my mind that even I can't keep my thoughts straight. Oh, I try, but then sometimes thoughts are scary things and I just want to quit thinking. Never happens, though! 

Today, a young man in the 6th grade came over to visit. He is a young neighbor of mine. He brought his two chihuahua's to play with my dog and cat. He is a well mannered young man and has very few friends his age. I think he really prefers the adults to other kids. I guess I don't blame him. He is different from the other kids. He wears cowboy boots, cowboy hat, jeans that actually fit, carries a walkie talkie on his belt and talks of more grown up things. Poor kid. He is picked on unmercifully by the other children in the complex. That really irritates me. Why are kids so cruel? I remember them being mean when I was a youngster. I was different from the other kids. My parents were strict, I had a curfew, mother made me wear perms in my hair, long dresses, and I had glasses. The girls were especially mean. The boys, not so much. And, I keep thinking about this young man and others like him. What are his hopes and dreams for his future? Are they like mine were? Does it bother him that the other kids are so mean? And when he grows up, goes to a class reunion, is he going to find that the stuck up kids are still stuck up like I did? What makes these kids think they are so great that they have to be cruel and then carry it on in later life? Is it maybe that they are insecure? My hope for this young man is that he remembers my kindness, my respect and that he grows into a fine man. That he has at least one true friend in life. 

Think on these things, parents. Teach your children compassion, empathy and understanding. Teach them that love is the greatest gift and that above all things God wants us to love each other as we love ourselves. Maybe, just maybe, the world would be a little better place for us. Until next time, my friends. Peace.