George Washington ... Prophetic? Who knew??!?

So it was probably about three to four months ago and my mom(Delite) had us watch a video called Finger of God. If you havent seen or heard - www.fingerofgodfilm.com - check it out. just know that the video will stretch you, wreck you, and make you consider your faith or maybe the lack of in our most awesome God and creator.

Anyways ... I watched the film, changed forever, watched it again with Manda and the kids, watched excerpts again on YouTube. I started digging around the net and found Heidi Bakers site and another titled Extreme Prophetic. While parusing those sites I found a historical account of George Washington that blew my mind. At first it made me kind of upset, because I had NEVER EVER heard stories like this about our founding fathers. Pretty pathetic really that our historical accounts, documents are being stripped of these types of amazing stories. Enough of my jibber-jabber ... on with the document. Its kind of a long read, but its WAY COOL!!!! Read on. :)

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GEORGE WASHINGTON'S PROPHESY OF AMERICA

The father of our country, George Washington, was a man of prayer. We have all read of how he went to the thicket many times to pray during the winter his army was at Valley Forge. However, little publicity has been given to the vision and prophecy he received at that time. The account of this vision was given in 1859 by an old soldier. He gave it to a writer, Wesley Bradshaw, who published it. In the vision God revealed to George Washington that three great perils would come upon the Republic. He was given to know that America was going through the first peril at that time. The old soldier who told the story of the vision said that the nation would soon see the account verified by the second peril descending upon the land. We give the account here as it was reprinted in the U. S. war veterans' paper The National Tribune, in December, 1880. The National Tribune is now called The Stars and Stripes. This article was reprinted in the Stars and Stripes December 21,1950. Here is the report of this phenomenal and most important heavenly message for us at this hour. Wesley Bradshaw wrote: The last time I ever saw Anthony Sherman was on the fourth of July 1859, in Independence Square. He was then ninety-nine years old, and becoming very feeble. But though so old, his dimming eyes rekindled as he gazed upon Independence Hall, which he came to visit once more.

MESSAGE DISCLOSED
"Let us go into the hall," he said. "I want to tell you of an incident of Washington's life-one which no one alive knows of except myself; and if you live, you will before long see it verified. Mark the prediction, you will see it verified." "From the opening of the Revolution we experienced all phases-of fortune, now good and now ill, one time victorious and another conquered. The darkest period we had, I think, was when Washington after several reverses, retreated to Valley Forge, where he resolved to pass the winter of 1777. Ah! I have often seen the tears coursing down our dear commander's care-worn cheeks, as he would be conversing with a confidential officer about the condition of his poor soldiers. You have doubtless heard the story of Washington's going to the thicket to pray. Well, it was not only true, but he used often to pray in secret for aid and comfort. And God brought us safely through the darkest days of tribulation." "One day, I remember it well, the chilly winds whistled through the leafless trees, though the sky was cloudless and the sun shone brightly. He remained in his quarters nearly all the afternoon, alone. When he came out I noticed that his face was a shade paler than usual, and there seemed to be something on his mind of more than ordinary importance. Returning just after dusk, he dispatched an orderly to the quarters of an officer, who was presently in attendance. After a preliminary conversation of about half an hour, Washington, gazing upon his companion with that strange look of dignity which he alone could command, said to
the latter:

AN UNINVITED GUEST
"I do not know whether it is owing to the anxiety of my mind, or what, but this afternoon, as I was sitting at this table engaged in preparing a dispatch, something in the apartment seemed to disturb me. Looking up, I beheld standing opposite me a singularly beautiful being. So astonished was I, for I had given strict orders not to be disturbed that it was some moments before I found language to inquire the cause of the visit. A second, a third, and even a fourth time did I repeat my question, but received no answer from my mysterious visitor except a slight raising of the eyes." "By this time I felt strange sensations spreading through me. I would have risen but the riveted gaze of the being before me rendered volition impossible. I assayed once more to speak, but my tongue had become useless, as if paralyzed. A new influence, mysterious, potent, irresistible, took possession of me. All I could do was to gaze steadily, vacantly at my unknown visitor." "Gradually the surrounding atmosphere seemed to fill with sensations, and grew luminous. Everything about me seemed to rarefy, the mysterious visitor also becoming more airy and yet more distinct to my sight than before. I began to feel as one dying, or rather to experience the sensations, which I have sometimes imagined, accompany death. I did not think, I did not reason, I did not move. All were alike impossible. I was only conscious of gazing fixedly, vacantly at my companion."

FIRST GREAT PERIL
"Presently I heard a voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn,' while at the same time my visitor extended an arm eastward. I now beheld a heavy white vapor at some distance rising fold upon fold. This gradually dissipated, and I looked upon a strange scene. Before me lay, spread out in one vast plain, all the countries of the world-Europe, Asia, Africa and America. I saw rolling and tossing between Europe and America the billows of the Atlantic, and between Asia and America lay the Pacific. 'Son of the Republic,' said the same mysterious voice as before, 'look and learn.' "At that moment I beheld a dark, shadowy being, like an angel, standing, or rather floating in mid-air, between Europe and America. Dipping water out of the ocean in the hollow of each hand, he sprinkled some upon America with his right hand, while with his left he cast some over Europe. Immediately a cloud arose from these countries, and joined - in mid-ocean. For awhile it remained stationary, and then it moved slowly westward, until it enveloped America in its murky folds. Sharp flashes of lightning gleamed through it at intervals, and I heard the smothered groans and cries of the American people.

SECOND GREAT PERIL
"A second time the angel dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it out as before. The dark cloud was then drawn back to the ocean, in whose heaving billows it sank from view." "A third time I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' I cast my eyes upon America and beheld villages and towns and cities springing Up one after another until the whole land from the Atlantic to the Pacific was dotted with them. Again, I heard the mysterious voice say, 'Son of the Republic, the end of the century comes, look and learn." "And this time the dark shadowy angel turned his face southward. From Africa I saw an ill-omened specter approach our land. It flitted slowly and heavily over every town and city of the latter. The inhabitants presently set themselves in battle array against each other.

As I continued looking I saw a bright angel on whose brow rested a crown of light, on which was traced the word 'UNION.' He was bearing the American flag. He placed the flag between the divided nation and said, 'Remember, you are brethren.' "Instantly the inhabitants, casting down their weapons, became friends once more and united around the National Standard." "Again I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic look and learn.' At this the dark, shadowy angel placed a trumpet to his mouth, and blew three distinct blasts; and taking water from the ocean, he sprinkled it upon Europe, Asia and Africa.

THIRD AND MOST FEARFUL PERIL
"Then my eyes beheld a fearful scene. From each of these continents arose thick black clouds that were soon joined into one. And throughout this mass there gleamed a dark red light by which I saw hordes of armed men. These men, moving with the cloud, marched by land and sailed by sea to America, which country was enveloped in the volume of cloud. And I dimly saw these vast armies devastate the whole country and ~ the villages, towns and cities which I had seen springing up." "As my ears listened to the thundering of the cannon, clashing of the swords, and the shouts and cries of millions in mortal combat, I again heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn." Where the voice had ceased, the dark shadowy angel placed his trumpet once more to his mouth, and blew a long and fearful blast."

HEAVEN INTERVENES
"Instantly a light as of a thousand suns shone down from above me, and pierced and broke into fragments the dark cloud which enveloped America. At the same moment the angel upon whose head still shown the word UNION, and who bore our national flag in one hand, and a sword in the other, descended from the heavens attended by, legions of white spirits. These immediately joined the inhabitants of America, who I perceived were well-nigh overcome, but who immediately taking courage again, closed up their broken ranks and renewed the battle." "Again, amid the fearful noise of the conflict I heard the mysterious voice saying, 'Son of the Republic, look and learn.' As the voice ceased the shadowy angel for the last time dipped water from the ocean and sprinkled it upon America. Instantly the dark cloud rolled back, together with the armies it had brought, leaving the inhabitants of the land victorious."

"Then once more, I beheld the villages, towns and cities springing up where I had seen them before, while the bright angel, planting the azure standard he had brought in the midst of them, cried with the loud voice: "While the stars remain, and the heaven send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the UNION last." And taking from his brow the crown on which blazoned the word 'UNION,' he placed it upon the Standard while the people, kneeling down, said 'Amen."

THE INTERPRETATION
The scene instantly began to fade and dissolve, and I, at last saw nothing but the rising, curling vapor I at first beheld. This also disappeared, and I found myself once more gazing upon the mysterious visitor, who, in the same voice I had heard before, said, 'Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted; Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful for her is the third. But the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land, and UNION" With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, the progress, and the destiny of the United States.'"

'Such, my friends," the venerable narrator concluded, were the words I heard from Washington's own lips, and America will do well to profit by them."

Blessed Christmas

To any who come across and read this posting I wish you had a most Blessed and spirit filled Merry Christmas. The day is now come and gone but not over.

I have so many things to be thankful for ... so many blessings upon my life. My wife is the most amazing and wonderful being ever to grace my life. Thank you Jesus for crossing our paths some eight and a half years ago.

My kids rock! They bring so much joy to my life and the mantle of grace and Jesus filled nature is surely laid upon them. Both of my kids are manifesting the love and supernatural powers of our awesome God more and more each day, but there is something most special happening in Eli. He calls his hands magic hands. :) We dropped the kids off at my mom's last night so they could spend some extra Christmas time with their Nanna and Poppy. Before we left there was mention of Randy(my step-dad) cutting his chin with a razor last week while shaving and how it is completely healed, no mark, nothing. My mom turned to Manda and I and said - last week when Randy showed the kids his cut, Eli turned to Madeline and said "come on Madeline, when two come togethor prayers are answered". They laid hands on Randy and well ... the cut healed extraordinarily quick. Kids ... specially at the age of five dont talk like that. At least not most kids I know ... I think its awesome and it excites me to see them both grow. I LOVE IT!!!!

Whats more amazing than a simple cut being healed is the power and ministry Jesus is doing through our kids to the people in their lives that they are touching and will in the future. I LOVE IT! Thank you Jesus!

So Christmas Eve? It was nice ... laid back as usual, kids had a blast with their cousins, and the adults had a really awesome time just sitting around talking, laughing, and opening up some very practical gifts. Sure there was some "want" gifts thrown into the mix but definately needed gifts given for everyone.

My in-law's are a couple of amazing, spirit filled, loving, oh heck scratch the "in-law" word and lets just call them parents, because I definately regard them with the love and respect that parents deserve. I have never been one to purchase or investigate companion books to the Bible. Ya I have devotional/inspirational books of sorts, but never a study guide IE Strongs, etc. Anyways ... they gave me the Hayford Bible Handbook this year which is really cool from what I have flipped through so far. Im excited to dig in and start uncovering some new treasures. Manda and I also both recieved the book Love Dare, which is a study spun off from the movie Fireproof that was in the theatres this fall. Manda and I didnt make it to the movie, but we will be going through the study sometime soon. Its a forty day excercise that honestly Im scared/apprehensive to go through. BUT! I know that something amazing will come out of it because of those feelings and I am excited to press in and see what our most awesome and mighty God does.

Ive learned something the later half of this year ... that when I have feelings of doubt, fear, apprehension towards something or somewhere I am most likely to meet God in or at, then I need to step out and get to that place as soon as possible. Those are the most important times in our lives because thats when the most amazing and supernatural experiences happen.

Well I think that is all for now ... again Merry Christmas and a most blessed new year to you and your family.

Thank you Jesus ... I love you!

One more day!!!

Oooooh Christmas time, I can not believe that it is upon us already. It seems like just yesterday my dad and I were working ourselves to death in the back yard on our deck.

And what is up with the crazy weather?!!?? Two Sundays ago we walk out to the van to head to church and the temp read 51 degrees. In a matter of 15 minutes it had dropped to 37 and by the time service was over it was a balmy 17 degrees. Hahaha got to love Iowa weather.

I have a newfound love for Christmas this year ... thank you Jesus. In the past it has been almost a chore and not even really enjoyable. Filled with stressfull shopping and anticipation/ill thoughts of the multiple trips to the parents(times 3), two more Christmas gatherings some years for my divorced grandparents, and on top of that hauling of WAY TO MUCH stuff back home.

So whats different about this year over the rest? Simple, the miracle of Gods love for us through His most special gift ... Jesus.

I have heard the "story" hundreds of times and as I have believed for so many years, the words have transformed to something so much more, of a precious baby Jesus that was given to us as the greatest sacrifice we will ever know.

The story is absolutely amazing to consider the people involved and what they had to have gone through - physically, mentally, and emotionally. I mean lets just take Mary and Joseph for the sake of me not writing till my fingers bleed and you stop reading this to check out the latest item on woot.com. So heres this dude who see's this hottie going back and forth to the well or tending a field or whatever they did in that time, probably pays some crazy dowry for Mary's hand, and between the time they are "engaged" and the ceremony/consemation of their marriage happens the Holy Spirit swoops down and BLAMO! Mary is prego, bun in the oven, etc. OK so ya thats wierd, but what about Mary!!!

Imagine her sitting down taking a break and the angel Gabriel presents before her and exclaims she is carrying the Son of God. I can not imagine what these two went through ... people are no more synical now than they where then. So my guess is A) people thought she was a tramp or B) that her and Joseph came togethor before being wed. Both being EXTREMELY scandalis for that day and age.

Then you have Joseph ... by the way I think Joseph has to be one of the most honerable dudes in history. He could have said she was nuts, said forget this chick, and found another to marry. He could have joined in with the rest of the village and stoned her for committing adultry. NO! He listened to the almighty God, said to heck with my reputation and did whatever God told him to do. They both did ... said forget my reputation, listened to God, and followed His instruction in their lives.

Speed forward nine months to the birth of Jesus or the night of rather. Oh to have been one of the shepards in the fields that night to have seen the spectacular event
spewing forth from the heavens. Some of you that read this may have been lucky enough in your lives to have experienced the Aurora Borealis/northern lights ... thats beautiful and all, but angels and oodles of heavenly hosts singing, praising, and worshiping Jesus as He is born? I just cant imagine what it was like to experience that.

So ya ... when I think about Christmas this year, its different ... way different. Its not stressfull, not a chore, but a really cool time that I can get with my family, bless others with gifts, and let the reality of the most blessed gift ever given really soak into my life.

I wish you and your family a most Blessed, loving, beautiful Christmas ever!

How Great is our God ... Thanksgiving

I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving ... ours was pretty good, noneventful in any bad ways which is awesome, Thank you Jesus.

The deck is almost done ... so close I can taste it hehe. We have the "frame" of the handrail done and stairs are completed all around. We made a very smart move and worked on it last Wednesday. Now there is like 5 inches of snow ... ugh ... it would appear no more work until spring, but thats ok.

Back to Thanksgiving ... turkey was awesome, taters nummy and coma inducing, rolls and green bean casserole very tasty - Thank you my loverly wife - stuffing ... well ok so Im just going to call it like I tasted. :) I love my mother in-law and usually her stuffing launches me into another world of food induced extasy, but for whatever reason this year it was a touch off. Maybe it was the cold that has gripped my sinuses I dunno. So ya everything and the pie was satisfying, 'cept for the stuffing. Hehe ...

Anyways on to the title of this post ... mum-in-law sat us all down and shared an AMAZING video of which I will link here on you tube.

Do yourself a favor ... get a nice cup of tea, coffee, wine, whatever and watch each part. There is like five ... yes it will take you a while ... like 45-50 minutes but it is so worth it. Its the coolest thing I have seen, heard, etc in a long time. Well actually about two or three weeks ... when Dan Mohler spoke at our church. Dont know who Dan Mohler is?

http://www.neckministries.com/preachings.htm

... download some mp3's and be ministered to. :)

On to the cool videos ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_82lZ2PpYQE&feature=related