The Lamestream Media

Lately, my mind has been swirling about what is going on in our country. The news media has been lying to us for far too long, in order to cover up what the corrupt politicians are doing.

 

Today as I was remembering about what has been happening in the United States and around the world the past two years, I got to thinking about doing some internet research about how the mainstream media has continually lied to, "We the People" for far too long. 

What does the Bible say about being honest and telling lies? Here are just a few examples.

 

Proverb 11:3  "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them."

 

Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." 

 

John 8:32  "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

 

Proverbs 12:22  "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."

 

2 Corinthians 8:21 "For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man."

 

 

Resurrecting an Old Post

I'm Back in the Saddle

This is a post originally from Sunday, April 7, 2013 that was still in draft mode. Then today, Wednesday, August  24, 2022, I saw it and decided to go ahead and publish it. This was over nine years ago or 3,425 days.

I am not that smart to be able to know how many days have passed since April 7, 2013, but I used the following website to calculate the difference between these two dates. 

3,421 days

Source: https://www.vercalendario.info/en/how/subtract-two-dates.html

Calculate difference between two dates.

 

Wow, where in the heck does time go? I need to get back on track with this blog and stick with it, because life does not stop for anyone, especially me!

Once again, what happened on April 7, 2013?

 

I’m Walking on Sunshine

I truly enjoy walking; it is one of the few physical activities where I feel like everyone else. I may not be fast, but I am incredibly grateful for the ability to get up and move. To me, walking is a blessing.

 

Focusing on Progress, Not Speed

Over the final weekend of March, I walked over a mile each day. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing for speed only leads to injury, so I no longer worry about my pace. My sole purpose now is to strengthen my legs and improve my overall health.

 

Managing the Elements

Spring weather has been a challenge lately. While I dislike the winter snow, the spring wind is just as bothersome. On windy days, I move my exercise inside, but I make sure to take advantage of every calm day to get back outside.

 

A Personal Best

On Tuesday, April 2nd, I pushed myself further than usual and walked twice—once in the early afternoon and again in the evening. Covering over 2.2 miles in one day left me exhausted, but it was a "good tired." After struggling with insomnia all winter due to inactivity, I finally enjoyed a night of deep, restful sleep.

 

Spring is Here! Yeah, Right!

Spring’s Cold Start 

Spring officially arrived on Wednesday, March 20th, although the frigid temperatures suggested differently. Aside from a brief, chilly walk on St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve been stuck inside waiting for the "thaw" that hasn't quite happened yet.

 

The Pros and Cons of Winter

The best thing about winter is having a warm comfortable home to avoid it. While snow-covered trees are beautiful, they can also be a hazard; as heavy limbs can take down power lines. For me, losing electricity is a major concern, as it causes my office work chair unusable and leaves me stuck in bed instead.

 

A Snowy "Tease"

On Monday, March 25th, what started as two inches turned into a bad storm. By Tuesday morning, we woke up to six inches of snow, with several more falling during the day. My brother Bob spent the morning clearing the driveway using a specialized "blue scoop" shovel I found online. It’s been a lifesaver for him and our brother Rick, allowing them to push and unload heavy snow without hurting their backs.

 

                             

Dressing for the Cold

Determined to get some fresh air despite the snow, I bundled up for a 45-minute walk today. Because rheumatoid arthritis has affected my hands, I can’t wear traditional gloves or mittens. Instead, I wear socks on my hands—it may look strange, but it’s the only thing that works to keep me warm.

 

Goals for the Season

I am ready for this weather to stay away. Walking daily is my "dream come true"as it provides the sunshine, exercise, and strength I need to stay healthy. The first day of summer is June 21st. I might be jumping the gun, but after this "tiring" winter, I’m ready to move past the snow and go straight to the sunshine. Come on, summer—we’re waiting!

Woohoo!!! Happy New Year!!!

Starting a New Year

Another year is upon us! 2012 seemed to fly by far too quickly. As we move into the new year, I’m already looking forward to my favorite seasons. I’ve never been a fan of winter’s ice and frigid temperatures — mostly because navigating outside with my elbow crutches is difficult in a heavy coat. I’m much happier in the spring and fall, specifically April through June and September through October. For me, the "sweet spot" is 65° to 75°; anything higher than 85° is just a bit too overwhelming!

Walking with God

The title of this blog, "Walking with God by My Side," reflects my deepest reality. God has guided me through every obstacle, providing the strength and determination I need to move forward. I feel incredibly blessed by the life He has given me and the people He has placed in my path.

 

A Message from the Heart

Over the last few months, I’ve felt a strong calling to share something deeply private. I haven't even shared this with my family yet, so I am revealing it here for the first time. I was skeptical at first, too, but I’ve learned to listen to God’s voice in the silence of my heart. It isn’t an audible sound, but a clear, internal presence that speaks to me as if He were sitting right next to me.

Below is the first message I have transcribed. I have corrected my typographical errors, but I have not changed a single word of what I heard. I simply listened and typed exactly as He spoke to my heart.

 

God Speaks

Dear Rebecca,

I do appreciate you taking this opportunity of sharing your blog about how you listen to My messages to you. I do speak to your heart and everyone's heart every single day that they take a breath. It's My unique opportunity to share with them how I feel about their very existence, which is always very precious to Me. It goes without saying that I wish everyone would take the opportunity of listening to Me talk to them also, so maybe in your own way you will start a trend of sorts.

I wish the very best for all of My children, but sadly sin and misguiding ways are a treachery to so many people. Unfortunately, so many people do not take their moral obligation to live a life of righteousness seriously, you included. Everyone has room for improvement, including the ability to become a better person throughout the span of their life. It is never, I repeat, never too late to turn away from sin, any and all sin, and turn to Me as a guiding light of protection, love, true guidance and belief that when people trust and believe in My ways of love, hope and charity, they can do the most amazing things in their life.

I want, I always want my children to be self reliant and self sufficient, but when people steer away from what is truth and light and turn to darkness and sadness, they are going in the deepest and worst part that life is offering, which is satan's ways. He wants, no, he is constantly pulling at the hearts of humanity and I strive every single moment of every single person to keep away from satan's darkness. If you and every one on earth would do one simple thing, to seek the light and kindness of My most loving heart, there would be no more wars, no more abortion and more importantly everyone would be at peace with themselves and the world around them.

Love really does make the world go around and it saddens Me deeply when people, for the sake of My love, criticize true love and true happiness and seek the dark side of life. It is my hearts desire that as 2013 begins, everyone would pray to Me more often, sin much less, but when they do sin, turn to Me and ask for forgiveness for I am the one God who loves everyone unconditionally.

I created mankind to have a conscious for I want them to know when they are wrong. Guilt, in many ways is a good thing for it has turned many, many people away from the dark side and to Me, the brightest light that was ever created in the universe. Nothing has ever shined brighter, and nothing will ever shine brighter.

So for those who are reading this and are skeptical of the message being typed by my daughter in Christ, Rebecca, it is true, it is authentic and it is real. I am the true God who loves you now and will love you forever. Now please take your own opportunity to sit down at a computer or a writing tablet and as you listen with your heart, you too will hear Me talking to you. It is not difficult for I live there in the deepest recesses of your heart, which is pure and enlightened with My true love for you.

Now go in peace my children and remember to always trust Me, love Me and share the message of My love to your friends, neighbors and relatives. Everyone has an opportunity to listen to Me and hear what they need to hear from Me. It is possible. Just go and believe and you will find My love lives deep inside of you too.

Back To the Blog

I believe this is a gift that God gives to all of us. I hope you will do as God asked and listen to your heart as I did mine. May God bless you and your families in 2013.

Recovery, Renovations, and Reflections

184 Days Later

It’s been six months and one day since my last post on June 29th. I have no excuse other than being downright lazy about posting — lesson learned!

Reflections on the World and the Election

The good news is that the world didn't end in December as predicted by the Mayans. The bad news, in my view, is another four years of the current Obama administration. I’ve spoken with many friends and family who share my frustrations. My issue isn't personal; I simply feel the leadership lacks respect for our country’s core values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I also have serious concerns about the integrity of the election process itself.

A Difficult Summer: Mom’s Fall

Moving on to family news: On August 9th, Mom fell down three steps and fractured her right hip. It was a difficult injury to diagnose; it didn't show up on an X-ray and required an MRI to locate. During her stay at Wayne Hospital, she was also diagnosed with mild pneumonia. A swallowing test revealed a serious issue: liquids were going directly into her lungs rather than into her stomach.

Understanding the Root Cause

This wasn't entirely new. Two years ago, a neurologist diagnosed Mom with Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia. It affects the eyes and limbs, but also weakens the muscles used for swallowing. Though she was previously told to walk a mile a day and use "Thick-it," she struggled with the exercise and disliked the consistency of the supplement, so she hadn't been following that regimen.

Recovery and "Divine Intervention"

During eight weeks of rehab at The Gardens of St. Henry, Mom worked hard with speech and physical therapists. They switched her to Simply Thick, which she tolerated better. By her release on October 12th, she graduated from 50% weight-bearing to walking with a wheeled walker. She still has some independence with dressing and going to the bathroom herself, which is a blessing.

While Mom was in rehab, my siblings surprised her by redecorating her bedroom and utility room with new carpet and fresh paint. Looking back, I see the fall as a form of divine intervention:

• It could have been much worse (like the basement stairs).
• It finally forced us to address her chronic swallowing and choking issues.
• Mom finally got the home renovations she’d wanted for eight years.

 

I won't wait another six months to update you — I hope!

 

The Joy of Setting My Own Pace

Slower, But Surer

As I’ve mentioned before, I move at my own speed—roughly one-tenth the pace of the average walker. In the past, whenever I tried to "keep up," I’d end up with aching feet and sidelined for days. I finally reached a simple, brilliant conclusion: if I want the consistency of walking every day, my own pace is far better than everyone else's.

My Trusty Sidekicks

Indoors, I’m fine on my own, but outdoors is a different story. I need my elbow crutches to feel safe. Some people see them as a sign of "dependence," and I actually agree. Without them, I couldn't even make it to the neighbor’s house; with them, I can cover nearly a mile in an hour. To anyone struggling to stay mobile: don’t fear the crutches. They take away the constant worry of falling and, because they weigh a pound and a half each, my arms get a fantastic workout with every step.

Nature’s Spectacular Show

Walking slowly has its perks—I actually see things. I’ve been struck by the simple beauty of a yellow dandelion; it may be a weed, but it’s a flower in every sense of the word. The blooming trees have been spectacular lately, and unless you’re living in a cave, you couldn't miss the maple trees showering the world in "helicopter" seeds.

 

Weather Whims & Road Works

Our weather has been a rollercoaster. After being spoiled by 80° days in March, we were zapped back into winter coats. Now that it’s May, I’m optimistic the freeze warnings are finally behind us! Meanwhile, North Star is undergoing a transformation. Road crews have already ripped up the east side of town. By September, we’ll finally have sidewalks and curbs on both sides of the street—a much-needed upgrade since the original work back in 1969.

Blessings After Blessings

A Special Milestone

My mom, Joann Bensman, turns 82 today! Happy Birthday, Mom! Though she’s slowing down a bit, her determination, positive outlook, and sharp sense of humor remain as strong as ever. We call her witty remarks "little gems" because they always make us laugh out loud. We are so blessed to have such an amazing mother.

"This photo of Mom, Bob, and the kids

—Abby, Max, and Alex—was taken 

back in 2002. While I have plenty of 

photos from their younger years, we’ve 

fallen out of the habit lately. I really 

want to start capturing these moments

regularly again."

The March Heatwave

The weather has been everyone's favorite topic lately. Looking back at the AccuWeather data for March, we had an incredible 20-day stretch where the temperature averaged 70°. It peaked at 85° on March 21st! We were all getting a bit spoiled until a cold, windy front hit on Easter Sunday. I’m not a fan of the wind—anything over 15 mph keeps me indoors—but I’m thrilled that the beautiful, calm weather has finally returned.

Walking: A Daily Miracle

I may walk at a tenth of the average pace, but I am profoundly grateful to be moving at all. After being unable to walk for 18 months (from 1977 to 1979), the fact that I can still cover a mile a day, 33 years later, is a genuine miracle. I’ll never tire of thanking God for the strength and endurance He gives me. To Him be the glory!

Inspiration on YouTube

I’ve become a big fan of YouTube for its variety, especially in faith, health, and music. Recently, I was moved by a two-part video featuring Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor. She speaks eloquently about her faith and the obstacles she has overcome. Her story is a powerful reminder of the right to life; though her mother chose abortion, Gianna survived to show the world that every life is a gift from God.

Gianna Jessen Abortion Survivor - Part 1 of 2

Gianna Jessen Abortion Survivor - Part 2 of 2 

Breaking the Distraction

I’ll admit it: I haven’t posted in two months because I’ve been completely distracted by Angry Birds on Facebook. It’s a bit of a "lame" excuse, but I’m owning up to the obsession! By making this confession, I hope to set the game aside and refocus on what truly matters: my faith, health, and this blog. I’m committed to being more diligent from here on out—at least, that’s the plan!