It might, heck, -check that- it does seem overwhelming at times. But that is the nature of this collectivist strategy. That is the purpose of this bombardment. We must hold strong and push back against the lies and manipulations. If you look closely at the attack, it is weak and much of it is psychological bait. Do not fall into the trap of despair.
When I share the message “live your best life”, it is not without purpose. Every moment that we allow the onslaught to deter us from living our dreams, is a moment those who oppose our nation view as us taking a knee. Do not allow this effort to succeed. You might ask yourself how I can, one person, a flea looking into a furnace, retain an optimistic disposition while all around me seems chaotic and mad.
Simple answer, it’s your choice. Two wolves fight – one filled with despondency, isolation, despair and dark imaginings; the other filled with faith, something bigger, unrelenting hope, focus and driven to remain connected. Which wolf will win? The one you feed.
Shake it off. “Get up, get back on your feet, you are the one they can’t beat, and you know it.” WATCH:
The point? It ‘seems’ chaotic and mad because it has been created to appear that way. There are more of us than them; they just control the systems that allow us to connect, share messages and recognize the scale of our assembly.
And here we are… divided by a network of seemingly intoxicating systems; many purposefully driven by the modern dynamic of social media, steering a tribal outcome we are only now just beginning to fathom.
Ultimately the collective weight of progressive leftism is putting us is isolation. There are many historic references to this disconcerting sentiment to review with hindsight. However, ultimately the feeling of isolation first begins with a rejection of God. Defeat it by embracing Him.
In/around July 2020 it was obvious in my travels we were on the precipice of a disconnect from human interaction that would numb our psyche to what ultimately matters, fellowship.
Not only are various governmental agencies forcing the separation of people from their community networks, we were also seeing faith-based organizations, churches, buying into the fear.
Even in areas where churches were not forcibly shut down, we saw a structural shift where some faith leaders were willingly ostracizing their community under the guise of various medical, social and cultural alarms.
This is not good…. not good at all.
Fellowship is the essential ingredient to a purposeful life. How and why we interact with each-other is how and why we recharge our core humanity.
To see faith leaders willing to separate from the function of fellowship was alarming. However, as individuals we must not allow this foreboding sense to become the normal expectation.
Our nation needs more people like you, right now. Don’t wait… engage life, get optimistic however you need to do it. Then let that part of you shine right now… This is how we fight. Hold up that flag; give the starter smile… rally to the standard you create and spread fellowship again.
Throughout history large armies have been defeated through the process of division. It is not a leap to see the same strategic objectives being deployed against social assemblies including congregations. It is puzzling how many in leadership cannot see the danger in social and spiritual distance when the bond of fellowship is needed more than ever.
Each of us has a different connection to our community. Each of us has a different level of internal strength… such is the nature of living. However, the distance between people is manifestly not a good outcome when combined with the lack of food for the soul.
The influence of social media is already troublesome, physically distancing from human engagement only worsens the impact. There is no digital replacement for the true fellowship of humanity on a personal level.
Ultimately it is the currency of human connection that is the true value in our lives.
We have each felt how our positive influence upon the lives of others nourishes our own sense of purpose and fulfillment… Do not lose that. Do not think you can compensate for that through other arbitrary measures; you cannot.
With local, state and federal leaders moving increasingly toward self-interest; with disconnected workplaces creating social distance; with faith-based leaders unfocused on the value of fellowship; and now government entering your home to tell you the importance of separating yourself from your family we must dispatch these arbitrary decrees very deliberately.
Perhaps we are in this position today because we didn’t sit still enough and contemplate the real priorities in our lives. Fellowship is the essential ingredient to a purposeful life.
I will not divide my humanity, nor concede my core view of fellowship, simply to comply with the demand of another that I consider my brother or sister of greater or less value than myself. Any system that seeks to steer my path will not benefit from my participation. I choose freedom!
My f**king choice…
Our Liberty is inherent.
Our freedom is inherent.
The removal of both requires consent.
I choose not to disconnect.
I choose purpose.
I choose my own humanity.
I believe in a generous loving God.
My faith stands.
Love to all,
~ Sundance
Great Tommy Shaw piece – wonderful what he does to and for those kids!! One of my long time guitar heroes, God Bless him!
Now, get out and do your own special thang, that only you can do. Do it well, do it loud, and do it proud, show the world it’s You!!
I notice Tommy dressed up for his orchestral appearance, while the bandcamp guys came in slouchy black t-shirts
Que lastima !
dress code aside, that was pretty inspiring
the chorus put it over the top, and the full-orchestra passages were muscular as well
great job
Always loved that song! Great version with the kids!
Made me smile….
Thanks SD so much for reminding me of it and esp the lyrics!
It is nice to see and hear a rock singer who hasn’t lost his voice with age.
Use it or lose it – check out some recent Paul Rogers with Bad Company and Free Spirit live shows, absolutely stunning vocal work and he’s in his 70’s ….
For a smooth change of pace, find some recent Boz Scaggs live shows, that man is still magic!! Here he is with a drop dead smonkin’ band, vintage 2000’s I think –
We saw this guy on July 4th San Diego a few years ago–you’re right, nothing was lost, great band
Boz! Saw him live in Denver in 73 or 74. Sooo great!!
That is my favorite music video.
The venue ,inspirational words , energy in the room ,the students , parents ,respect the kids have for Mr. Shaw and the respect he obviously has for them is beyond words.
I absolutely love it.
Thanks to all involved in bringing such beauty and inspiration into our lives.
Watch it over and over .
The more you watch it the more you will see.
All we have to do is show the world our tremendous support. WE can ALL do this close to home.
Maga boat parades, candlelight prayer vigils singing patriotic songs, Even something as simple as standing quietly on a busy corner or overpass close to home with your Trump sign.
DO NOT impede traffic, or start shit with the loudmouth dems who may be passing by and may throw noise at you. Ignore anyone starting shit. Smile and wave, and CELEBRATE your fellowship and love of country. WE simply need to show that we are out here in vast numbers.
No need to stupidly rush into harms way. Stay in familiar territory within walking distance of home and leave the tracking devices at home. If things start getting ugly, walk away.
These things will blossom organically, all it takes is one person to start it, and once a second person joins in the ball is rolling.
A widely distributed peaceful “Protest” is much harder for the opposition to start any kind of shit in. Do not go to centralized locations distant from home.
Develop a simple casual question for those who join-in, even something as simple as asking “what’s the zip code here? or, what street do you live on?” Outsiders usually don’t have the requisite LOCALLY known info. Maybe even asking what’s your favorite local restaurant? or park.
If someone cannot answer the local questions, than definitely don’t allow them to gain any sort of leadership of the gathering. Let trusted neighbors know that the outsider is in the mix so they can also watch for trouble.
All we need to do is peacefully show the world that we are still HERE and that we do care.
Great post and good advice. Make your life the way you want to,
But never take evil for granted.
I’ll always remember the mini-Trump rallies in Cardiff by the Sea in CA, including on Election Day 2020.
Deep blue beach area, but people were driving by honking in approval.
2022 in pouring rain the election center was packed on Election Day.
We all had to bring our stupid mail in ballots… but I still suspect that was a sign of a red wave in the blue part of CA (CA is not blue, it’s defrauded)
This is a good reminder not to get weary in well doing
When I lived there it was red. I wondered what happened, then, I had the new voting arrangements. What a mess they have made of a beautiful state.
HONK HONK !!
Live your best life … enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, and freedom!
Photo taken by me years ago on vacation in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Horses cannot tell a lie just like politicians cannot tell the truth.
The artificial vanishes quickly in fresh air.
Likes plus to you Phoenix.
Gorgeous photo! Freedom in a photo!
Beautiful horse. I loved riding as a teenager, I preferred bareback with reins. Once my aunt’s horse decided to run straight uphill, I lost the reins and grabbed her main to hang on. No idea what made her bolt.
Beautiful! Thanks for the uplift.
Excellent.
I spent an hour last night reading and praying Scripture. My intent in prayer began for our nation, it quickly became prayer for His will whatever is ahead for the USA and that which draws more souls to choose Him.
If collapse brings more souls to Him, I’m praying His will be done.
If stability brings more souls to Him, likewise, His will I pray.
Either outcome , more souls, and in this I rejoice.
Join with me.
Time is Short.
Believe Jesus.
Amen!
I honestly believe those who try to stroke the fires of fear are actually the fearful ones. Another one of Satan’s traps. To this day I still use a short prayer the nuns taught me to use whenever I thought Satan was trying to tempt me –
In Jesus name, the devil must flee. Amen.
Have faith and don’t allow these evil people to control your thoughts or resolve to defeat them!
My morning prayer…
Jesus, this is your day. Keep Satan far from it. Help me glorify You in all that I do.
Sundance – your message is so uplifting. Believe in God. The Light will overcome the darkness we may feel.
A number of years back my step Son was a very angry young man . I played this song for him.
“Fooling Yourself” was my own private, personal “pump me up” song playing on a loop inside my head way back 40 years ago in my high school tennis days. Great song, great message!
Also a great message here from you, Sundance. I know my comments are generally only on things that I disagree with you on, but I’m with you about 95% of the time. Thanks for all you do.
Great Post, Sundance.
cross posted at https://freedomaustralia.freeforums.net/thread/3203/reminder-rejoice
Nice work, NFA. God bless you.
Thank you for this reminder Sundance. I’ve been struggling to find my equilibrium. As a result I am all over the place. But I know I will not give in. The video is one of my all time favorites and it grounds me.
To all you wonderful people:
Go Light Your World ~ Chris Rice ~ lyric video – YouTube
Love this song! Also love the original version by Kathy Troccoli!
The Prophetic Word:
Julie Green: “A great American revolution has begun, and it will set this Nation completely free from its captors and those who have tried to kill the soul of this Nation. But I am reviving it and making it new. No one will take out or take down My eagle. It is about to soar like never before.
So, get ready for the greatest Nation on Earth to be born again and to stand above and help set the nations around the world free with My Glory.
Shout, for great celebrations are about to begin, saith the Lord your Redeemer.
Revolution.
Revelation.
Restoration.
Restitution.”
Amanda Grace: “And the Spirit of the Lord says this day, as the Name of My Son Jesus Christ moves and echoes across the nation, the opposition is yelling “Indict! Indict!”. As they yell “Indict! Indict!” it shall be an indictment against them, says the Lord, and their true motives shall emerge and their true modus operandi shall come forth as they yell “Indict!” with chains, says the Lord. I the Lord God am a chain-breaker for those who humbly and earnestly come unto me, says the Lord, and bear the yoke of My Kingdom, says the Lord.”
Hallelujah! Yes and Amen, Lord Jesus!
Rest in the Vine: “THE COLLAPSE OF THE WORLD’S MAINSTREAM MEDIA”
–JULIE GREEN MINISTRIES
Rest in the Vine: “Amanda Grace Talks… LIVE WITH A CRUCIAL WORD FROM THE LORD!!”
— Ark of Grace Ministries
Well said.
Don’t let the bastards get you down. ever.
Totally, we lose the plot if we lose ourselves. Went to church today, didn’t feel like it, but my Fam and I came out of fellowship stronger and ready for another week of battle. We can’t do this alone. God Bless You All!
“Rejoice, REJOICE, We have no choice but,…
To carry onnnn,..
Love is coming,….LOVE is coming to us ALLLL,..
Tommy Shaw.. that was so amazingly awesome. Damn sand in my eyes..
Haha, me too Chef….
Very moving.
>>> Any system that seeks to steer my path will not benefit from my participation. I choose freedom!
My f**king choice…
Our Liberty is inherent.
Our freedom is inherent.
The removal of both requires consent.
I choose not to disconnect.
I choose purpose.
I choose my own humanity.
I believe in a generous loving God.
My faith stands.
Love to all,
~ Sundance
You, sir, are a steely-eyed missile man.
May God continue to bless us all.
~ EM
Just the other day I flashed a smile at a young black man exiting the grocery as I was entering–He broke out into an enormous smile and said “Thats what we need more of!” and gave me a warm hug. At that moment I knew exactly what you mean in this post. Fellowship, kinship and connection–we must foster at all costs and at every opportunity.
I used Next Door to create a group specifically for my neighborhood-there’s about 125 houses. It’s called The Tree Streets-all of our streets are named after trees.
Just created last week but my premise is to get us to rely on each other. Running late from work and need someone to get your child off the bus or let the dog out; need a prescription or groceries picked up and you can’t afford Door Dash; your lawn needs mowed but you broke your foot or your mower died and you can’t afford a new one?
I may not be able to change the world, but I can change my little corner.
My neighborhood dynamics have changed over the past 10 years-lots of ‘new Americans’. Better to have them friendly than not.
This week I will put yards signs at the end of each street with the URL.
If each of us does something similar, and we go back to the basics of Charity begins at home, I do believe we can turn this tide quickly.
Just my two cents.
Would you keep us updated how your neighborhood group is working out?
Thank you Sundance. I needed that today. God bless you and all of us that come here this Sunday.🙏
Having played in orchestra, symphonic band, and marching band, I see this as such an exciting moment for these young people, you can see how happy they are to be part of it!
It makes me happy to view it!
You are doing your very best to rally us and help us stay up, and it is much appreciated! After yesterday’s distressing news, I was about as sick and beaten down as I have been since the 2020 election and all rhat has transpired since. You give me hope. Thank you!
Tommy Shaw, my first rockstar crush as a little girl. Still love the music saw him in concert not long ago. Thanks for the uplifting message Sundance I have to say I am bummed out about what may unfold on Tuesday. It really gets me down the way they attack our President. But I am trying to keep the faith.
I love you! Your essays have helped me change my life for the better. All Glory to God. Sundance, you are amazing! Namaste 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you for these words Sundance. I, like many people, believe we are in the End Times, with Jesus our Messiah coming soon. The churches are being sifted right now, to separate the wheat from the tares, and most are failing. We are the church of Laodicea. Make sure you are HOT and not lukewarm.
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Revelation 3:14-22 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rev.3.14-22.ESV
I always liked the Sallman painting of Christ knocking at the door, until realizing that He is knocking at the door of the church hoping just one person answers. Not giving up, but hoping just one person responds. Such a sad description of most churches today.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love and a sound mind!
May God bless you and your deeds, Sundance. You have brightened my week.
Sometimes we just need a reminder of the good since we are constantly swamped with what seems like the bad.
There is so much to be thankful for…even on a “bad” day. This morning on the Lutheran Hour broadcast, I heard a great message by the speaker who said instead of asking “What did I do to deserve this?” we should start asking, “How is God going to work through this?” I have heard Dr. Charles Stanley, Nancy Wolgamuth of Revive Our Hearts, and many others state the same thing when trouble enters their life. The Lutheran Hour message focused on an Australian boy born without arms or legs, but is a positive influence and speaks all over the world. His name is Nick Vujicic. Here is the opening to the program, and a link to the message, (audio and print). It was very uplifting. The Bible references the story about the blind man Jesus healed and the disciples wanted to know why he was born blind, whether he, or his parents sinned. I would encourage you to read or listen to this message.
No one knows the cause why. But Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs; though he hasn’t let it stop him. In 2008, Nick, a native of Australia, was featured on the Australian version of the program, 60 Minutes. The program opens with film footage of the 25-year-old Nick, armless, legless, at a swimming pool, on a diving board in his swimming trunks. He shims his way out to the edge of the diving board, turns himself around, throws his head back, and flips into the water below. He bobs up from the surface of the pool, shakes the water out of his eyes, and then as he’s swimming over to the side of the pool where the ladder is, you’re thinking to yourself, “How in the world is he going to get out of there? He’s got no limbs.” But he was blessed with a little foot on his lower left side with two toes just below his hip bone. And Nick uses those two toes, his chin, and his shoulder blades to hoist himself out of the water. He stands up right on the deck with a big smile on his face and joy in his eyes, and the show’s interviewer says, “You really can do anything, can’t you?”
Here is the link to the rest of the story – https://www.lutheranhour.org/sermon.asp
Love to you too Sundance!
Tomorrow is the first day of Spring!
arete
We all strive together for arete and sound our battle cry
We will not go alone into that cold night
We make memories in the mythos, the combined knowledge of man that communism is an ugly thing slaughtering the soul and virtue is the ultimate beauty
Beauty defies the corporate collective that plays upon the base hungers
Indeed!
Wonderful!!
Rejoice in the Truth… Rejoice in Hope… Rejoice in the Lord…
Beautiful! Both the video (I love Styx!) and your excellent admonition to stay connected. I needed that today. I’m joining my yoga friends for a group celebration of love.
May God bless us all! Thank you, especially, Sundance, for your reminder to be joyful and join in.
Beautiful, thank you Sundance.
IMO, it’s beginning to turn around. The isolation is abhorrent and people are waking up to that. Covid helped to create this problem. I’ve had so little opportunity to socialize with people, I’ve noticed the following.
I went back to church for the first time since my husband died (which was then followed by covid). The pews were nearly empty in a church that use to be full to the brim. Over the past several Sundays, I’ve noticed more showing up and the minister is very encouraging. The church has begun to host dinners again.
People have begun to embrace God again. I see this happening all around me.
Even in my little condo complex, the residents have begun to crack open that shell they were living in. It’s almost like a new beginning….born again you might say. The number of people who express themselves in religious greetings is growing.
It’s still cold outside but everybody seems to want to interact with each other. I’ve been living here for 7 months and never met the neighbors all around me until recently. They talk about having social hours, shared by each owner. Honestly, I didn’t even know their names until this started happening.
It’s invigorating. And welcomed. In spite of the world crumbling around us.
Brilliant. We are going to share this with our audience.
John 15:5King James Version
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
“There is no digital replacement for the true fellowship of humanity on a personal level.
Ultimately it is the currency of human connection that is the true value in our lives.”
Thanks Sundance, you have a knack for knowing the right thing to say at the right time. Most inspirational!
“However, ultimately the feeling of isolation first begins with a rejection of God. Defeat it by embracing Him.”
Good insight…. It reminds me of something Chesterton once wrote….
“Joy, which was the small publicity of the pagan, is the gigantic secret of the Christian.”
In the same way, by “joining the crowd” which seems the right choice to the short-sighted…. the collectivist reaps sorrow, loneliness, discontent and isolation. By standing fast in the knowledge that we are individuals created in the image of God and redeemed in the Person of Christ Jesus…. responsible for our individual words, actions and choices, we find, eventually, that we are part a much greater, deeply rooted “crowd” that spans the Ages of Eternity.
I know this. If I am the third monkey walking up the plank to Noah’s ark, I am going to fight with all my might.
And you know why.
I’m a Christian and I believe in fellowship, but I don’t belong to a church and haven’t attended a church in years.
My main interests as a Christian are to have a personal relationship with Jesus and to live according to the Bible to the best of my ability.
It can be hard to find a church that is more concerned with these points than about its own self importance as a church institution and the importance of its leaders.
I’m also a very introverted person who is typically more comfortable being by myself than around others.