How to find answers

How Jesus Fulfilled Some Prophecies--with more fulfilling to come!

2026-02-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

A Paster (Jack Hibbs) and a Jewish Rabbi (Rabbi Barclay ) explain why and how they work together to support Jews until the Jews welcome the Messiah for first time to Jerusalem and the Christians welcome Jesus to Jerusalem the second time: Episode 9: The Rabbi's Table with Pastor Jack Hibbs

Even George Washington showed his support for Jews here when he concluded a letter to them:

"May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy." Letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island (1790) | Constitution Center

What we all have to decide: is Jesus who he said he was and did He really rise from the dead? (Jesus was mentioned beyond the Bible, such as in the writings of Jewish historian Josephus.)

After Jesus’ death, a disciple confirmed Isaiah’s prophecy was about Jesus: “Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the [Ethiopian eunuch) reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: ‘He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth’ [Isaiah 53:7-8]. The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?’ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:26-35).

(An Isaiah scroll dated 100 BC was among the Dead Sea Scrolls found in 1947.)

JESUS AND PROPHACIES FORTELLING HIM:

Jesus proclaimed Isaiah’s prophecy was about him: “And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to [Jesus]. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor’ [Isaiah 61:1]. And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’” (Luke 4:17-30).

Other prophecies foretelling of Jesus

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom…” (Isaiah 9:6)

“will make you …a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind“ (Isaiah 42:6-7)

“...yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed…the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53).

After Jesus rose from the dead (if he hadn't then he wasn’t the messiah), he told two disciples who didn’t recognize Him and were upset that his body was missing: “‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself…When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:25-32)

One Messianic Jew (Amir) posted: The "Forbidden Chapter" That Reveals the True Messiah

When Jesus came the first time (he will return later, but with power) he was the fulfillment (at least partially) and many Old Testament prophecies, such as:

Isaiah 53

Who has believed our message

and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,

a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

4 Surely he took up our pain

and bore our suffering,

yet we considered him punished by God,

stricken by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to our own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,

yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.

Yet who of his generation protested?

For he was cut off from the land of the living;

for the transgression of my people he was punished.[b]

9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

nor was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

and though the Lord makes[c] his life an offering for sin,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

11 After he has suffered,

he will see the light of life[d] and be satisfied[e];

by his knowledge[f] my righteous servant will justify many,

and he will bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

and made intercession for the transgressors.

Psalm 22

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me,

so far from my cries of anguish?

...

14 I am poured out like water,

and all my bones are out of joint.

My heart has turned to wax;

it has melted within me.

15 My mouth is dried up like a potsherd,

and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth;

you lay me in the dust of death.

16 Dogs surround me,

a pack of villains encircles me;

they pierce my hands and my feet.

17 All my bones are on display;

people stare and gloat over me.

18 They divide my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.

In the New Testament, the Book of Hebrews does a good job summarizing Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith.

Why are today's Jews reluctant to believe Jesus was the Messiah who came to provide forgiveness for sins through his blood, and will come again in power?

Many Jews don't believe Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophets, such as Isaiah. I listen to Jewish Youtubers to find out why. These religious Jews are trying to show the world that Jews and Israel are recipients of God's everlasting covenant--that they are a part of God's plan and should not be persecuted and/or annihilated.

This young Jewish man, Ollie Anisfeld, Director, Founder, of J -TV, ,shares why he doesn't believe Jesus is the Messiah on his Youtube channel, "J-TV: The Global Jewish Channel," in the segment, "Jerusalem Church DENOUNCES Christian Zionism, Mike Huckabee Gives BRILLIANT Response!" A transcript of his broadcast shows how Ollie believes "Deuteronomy 13 verse 1:5" gives Jews an example of why they are not to follow the Christian faith. Deuteronomy 13: 1-5 states, "If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.""

What Ollie and other Jews may not know is that Christians don't believe that Jesus is another God, but rather believe Jesus' statements about himself. Although He never explicitly stated, "I am God", He stated: "I and the Father are one" ( John 10:30). Jesus also said, "Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" (John 8:58)

Deuteronomy 13: 1-5 does say, "It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. " And, Jesus never said a Jew no longer had to keep the "Law,", but rather, in Matthew 5: 17, Jesus said to the Jews:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus kept the Law and so did Paul (and other Jews), but Gentiles are not required to keep all of the Old Testament laws, but should try to at least follow the 10 commandments, especially the first two. In Matthew 22:36-40: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Christian believer Nate Buzz, an Australian actor, has done a lot to bridge the gap between Jews and Christians. I enjoyed this interview: "Christian Zionist Exposes Tucker Carlson - He Lied About Israel Every Single Day! | Nate Buzz" (Youtube channel: Yishai Fleisher)

About the Jews:

The Lord said to Abraham about his nation: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3). Jesus told a Samaritan woman, “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Later, apostle Paul wrote, “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew… Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.” (Romans 3:1–2).

Gentiles should help Jews when needed: “For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings” (Romans 15:27).

When Jews rejected Jesus’ first coming, did God reject them? Apostle Paul said “By no means!…at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace” (Romans 11:1-5).

Rapture:

With Biblical prophecies coming true, perhaps the Rapture is imminent: “then we that are alive…shall..be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air…Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thess 4:17-18); Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left” (Matthew 24:40).

Some believe a “Great Tribulation” is prophesied to occur after the Rapture – when a clever leader will solve the world’s problems. But he will later reveal himself as the “antichrist” – people won't be able to buy or sell without his mark. Then destruction will come and the Second Coming of Christ (some Jews believe this is the first coming of the Messiah). Jesus will come with His saints to reign on the earth: “In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east” (Zechariah 14:4).

NEED PROOF THAT GOD EXISTS?

1) We have a conscience: “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law...They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts” (Romans 2:14-15); and 2) Nature testifies of God: “For his invisible attributes… have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20).

Bible prophecies have come true: “King Louis XIV of France asked [for] proof of God…‘Your Majesty, the Jews!’ That the tiny Jewish nation survived 2,000 years of exile and persecution was nothing short of a supernatural phenomenon...It has been prophesied in the Torah that Jews would be an eternal nation” (“Jews Beat the Odds,” Sun-Sentinal.com, 2001).

Israel and Bible end-time prophecies, such as:

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’”(Matthew 24:3) Jesus said, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places...Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world…and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:7-14).

When Israel became a nation again on May 14, 1948, I believe it kicked off the end of the end times: “Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day?...For as soon as Zion was in labor she brought forth her children (Isaiah 66:8). "’I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them...they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,’ says the Lord your God" (Amos 9:14-15).

Yet, nations will continue to attack Israel: “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:3).

A Jewish podcaster about Israel shares why he believes current events indicate the end times: "NOW! Israel Is Ushering In The Messianic Era!!! (End Times Prophecy)" (J-TV: The Global Jewish Channel).

Ever since Oct 7th, I've felt like I'm living in conditions similar to Nazi Germany -- except now, instead of the propaganda proclaiming Jesus was not Jewish, but Aryan, a Times Square billboard recently advertised, "Jesus is a Palestinian" (Forward, Dec. 26, 2025).

Music on Youtube

2026-02-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

I just love the music on the Youtube Channel, "Xander Stok | Project of Love"

The words come straight from the Bible, which helps me memorize Scripture and keep it in my head during the day. The music is by a former rock band guy, Dutch professional singer-songwriter Xander Stok. He had hit rock bottom in his life and was severely depressed for years. Now he creates songs using Scriptures only, and calls his channel "Project of Love." I feel peaceful when listening. Here is a sample song: "Jeremiah 29 - I Know The Plans I Have For You || Bible in Song".

More about Xander and how/why he started Project of Love: "I Heard A Voice Say "Grab Your Guitar And Sing What You're Reading" | Testimony Xander Stok"

More about Project of Love: https://www.projectoflove.com/faq

How to Find Hope

2026-02-08T04:53:00.000-08:00

Finding Hope In Troubled Times

Rainbows, like this one I saw over Lake George, remind me to have hope in God: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

When news media makes me anxious, I turn it off and pray for our leaders (no matter their politics) because they must work together for our good: “I urge…that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This…pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:1-4). About leaders: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save…Blessed are those whose…hope is in the Lord their God (Psalm 146:3-5). Afterall, God “deposes kings and raises up others (Daniel 2:21).

I try to keep my mind on all the good things: ”whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable..think about such things" (Phil. 4:8). “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

I pray for a healing of national division: Abraham Lincoln paraphrased Jesus: “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Matthew 12:25). He nationalized Thanksgiving during the Civil War to promote unity and “fervently implore…the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation.” Mrs. Lincoln’s dressmaker recounted the source of Lincoln's hope: “One day he came into the room where I was fitting a dress on Mrs. Lincoln. His.. face sad…He reached forth one of his long arms, and took a small Bible from a stand near the head of the sofa, opened the pages of the holy book, and soon was absorbed in reading them. A quarter of an hour passed, and on glancing at the sofa the face of the President…was lighted up with new resolution and hope…A ruler of a mighty nation going to the pages of the Bible with simple Christian earnestness for comfort and courage, and finding both in the darkest hours of a nation's calamity” (Keckley, E.).

Despite our political differences: “You must love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). “Love is patient, love is kind…it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Cor. 13:4-5). We are to “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, quarreling, and slander be put away from you…forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you in the Messiah” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Love is hard when politicians and opinionated reporters stir up hatred and “go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). I relieve frustration by calling legislators about concerning issues, trying to get bills passed, and by praying. Jesus said we “should always pray and not give up…will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:1--7).

When the bad feels overwhelming: “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be…lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4).

About our troubles, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Afterall, “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10).

The Bible tells us what to expect in the future: “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’”(Matthew 24:3) Jesus said, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places...Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world…and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:7-14).

Are we in the end times? When Israel became a nation again on May 14, 1948, it may have kicked off the end of the end times: “Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day?...For as soon as Zion was in labor

she brought forth her children (Isaiah 66:8). "’I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them...

they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,’ says the Lord your God“

(Amos 9:14-15). Yet, nations will attack Israel: “It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples;

all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it.” (Zechariah 12:3).

About Israel and the Jews: The Lord said to Abraham about his nation: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3). Jesus told a Samaritan woman, “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Later, apostle Paul wrote, “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew… Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.” (Romans 3:1–2).

Gentiles should help Jews when needed: “For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings” (Romans 15:27).

When Jews rejected Jesus’ first coming, did God reject them? Apostle Paul said “By no means!…at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace” (Romans 11:1-5).

Wonder if Jesus even existed? Jesus’s life is a fact because He was mentioned beyond the Bible, such as in the writings of Jewish historian Josephus. What we all have to decide: is Jesus who he said he was and did He really rise from the dead?

After Jesus’ death, a disciple confirmed Isaiah’s prophecy was about Jesus: “Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the [Ethiopian eunuch) reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading: ‘He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth’ [Isaiah 53:7-8]. The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?’ Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus” (Acts 8:26-35). (An Isaiah scroll dated 100 BC was among the Dead Sea Scrolls found in 1947.)

Becoming a Christian: ”If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9).

NEED HOPE YOUR PROBLEMS WILL END?

With Biblical prophecies coming true, perhaps the Rapture is imminent: “then we that are alive…shall..be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air…Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thess 4:17-18); Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left” (Matthew 24:40).

Some believe a “Great Tribulation” is prophesied to occur after the Rapture – when a clever leader will solve the world’s problems. But he will later reveal himself as the “antichrist” – people won't be able to buy or sell without his mark. Then destruction will come and the Second Coming of Christ (some Jews believe this is the first coming of the Messiah). Jesus will come with His saints to reign on the earth: “In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east” (Zechariah 14:4).

NEED PROOF THAT GOD EXISTS?

1) We have a conscience: “Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law...They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts” (Romans 2:14-15); and 2) Nature testifies of God: “For his invisible attributes… have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20).

Bible prophecies have come true: “King Louis XIV of France asked [for] proof of God…‘Your Majesty, the Jews!’ That the tiny Jewish nation survived 2,000 years of exile and persecution was nothing short of a supernatural phenomenon...It has been prophesied in the Torah that Jews would
be an eternal nation” (“Jews Beat the Odds,” Sun-Sentinal.com, 2001).

JESUS AND PROPHACIES FORTELLING HIM:

Jesus proclaimed Isaiah’s prophecy was about him: “And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to [Jesus]. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor’ [Isaiah 61:1]. And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing’” (Luke 4:17-30). "Forunto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace…Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom…” (Isaiah 9:6) “will make you …a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind“ (42:6-7) “...yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed…the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53).

After Jesus rose from the dead (if he hadn't then he wasn’t the messiah), he told two disciples who didn’t recognize Him and were upset that his body was missing: “‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself…When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” Luke 24:25-32

The Bible predicted many things that have come true, like the re-gathering of the Jews from around the world, and the coalition of nations that will someday invade Israel from the north: Ezekiel 38:2-6 seems to identify this coalition as Russia (possibly identified with Rosh and Magog), Iran (Persia), Turkey (Meshech and Tubal, or Gomer and Togarmah), Ethiopia (Cush), and Libya (Put).

Replacing anxiety with peace

2026-02-08T04:45:00.000-08:00

To fight anxiety in difficult times, I have to train my mind to replace anxiety with ”the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:4-9 ) while I await a happy ending. No matter what the trouble, “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

I find strength in believing that God “exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). We know God exists because we are born with a conscience (Romans 2:14-15) and because of the things we see in nature (Romans 1:20 and others).

It is God’s will that I bring my troubles to Him:

“Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29).

My family will have a happy ending:

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). Although my daughter Elizabeth died, I am happy to know that she is no longer suffering and that we will be reunited again.

To find (and keep) inner peace, I must pray with thanksgiving and concentrate on good things throughout the day:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things…and the God of peace will be with you” Philippians 4:4-9.

I will obey God - no matter how difficult my situation is:

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments....all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you...Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb…" (Deuteronomy 28:1-68).

Persistence in prayer is eventually rewarded - and pleases God:

“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan, because of the noise of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they drop trouble upon me, and in anger they bear a grudge against me. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me…”(Psalm 55:1-5).

As I seek help for my loved ones, I will obey Jesus’ command to: “always pray and not give up.” For even an unrighteous judge, who neither fears God nor cares what people think, will eventually be worn down by the persistence plea, “‘Grant me justice against my adversary.” This judge will say, “‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this [woman] keeps bothering me, “I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” The Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18: 1-6).

Difficult people - thorns in our sides - are to be expected:

"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive...heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Assurance of blessings:

Psalm 23:1-6

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Psalm 25:1-5

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. ...

Psalm 27:1-5

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. ...

Victory assured against lying enemies:

Proverbs 21:28

A false witness will perish,

But the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord.”

Per God’s command, I will pray for my enemies:

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

Revenge against my enemies must come from God, not me:

“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

Psalm 7:9-16:

Bring to an end the violence of the wicked

and make the righteous secure—

you, the righteous God

who probes minds and hearts.

My shield is God Most High,

who saves the upright in heart.

God is a righteous judge,

a God who displays his wrath every day.

If he does not relent,

he will sharpen his sword;

he will bend and string his bow.

He has prepared his deadly weapons;

he makes ready his flaming arrows.

Whoever is pregnant with evil

conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.

Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out

falls into the pit they have made.

The trouble they cause recoils on them;

their violence comes down on their own heads.

Like Jesus’ mother, Mary, I will proclaim:

His mercy extends to those who fear him,

from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

but has lifted up the humble.

(Luke 1: 50-52)

NY and National Bills to fight antisemitism

2026-02-08T04:09:00.000-08:00

HOW DID THIS CURRENT ANTISEMITISM HAPPEN?

Having spent my teen and adult years learning and working among a large Jewish population, and as a daily reader of the Old and New Testament, I'm naturally interested in Jews and their relation to gentiles. When I traveled to Germany with a Jewish friend in 1982, we stayed with an elderly couple who lost their son at the Russian front in WWII – his portrait hung in our bedroom. Despite their own grief, they kept apologizing to my friend about the Holocaust, saying they were unaware of what was happening to Jews. Whether or not that German couple was truly unaware, their guilt was still very strong. I don't want to feel the same shame if there is something that can be done to support our Jewish citizens.

I always recall what the Apostle Paul said about Jews, “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew… Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God” (Romans 3:1–2) and "For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings” (Romans 15:27).

One way the Nazis promoted Jew hatred was to remove the Jewishness of the Bible: "Rejecting Christianity outright, the Nazis changed the Bible to fit their ends. First, Jesus was rebranded as Aryan...Nazi-era Bibles removed chunks of the Old Testament and edited the Gospels to eliminate references to Jesus’ Jewish heritage, his missional prioritisation of the Israelites, and his fulfilment of Hebrew scripture" (The Good Report).

I wonder if the Nazis also removed this comment made by Jesus: “...salvation is from the Jews.” (John 4:22).

Still, I wondered how on earth could German citizens get so brainwashed and violent against Jews in the 1930-40s. Now, however, ever since the Hamas torture and rape of Israel citizens on Oct. 7, 2023, I've seen it here, evidenced by the open celebrations at my apartment complex that very day. Regarding the resurgence of antisemitism, Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, explained it when he said, "Reckless and irresponsible reporting by major U.S. news outlets are contributing to the antisemitic climate that has resulted in the murder of two young people at an Israeli Embassy event in Washington ...Without verification of any source other than Hamas and its collaborators...[Hamas] continues to terrorize and intimidate..." (Media Misinformation on Gaza, 2025).

As a donor to Hillel (a Jewish campus organization), I recently read the following quote from a student in their newsletter: "Lately, some of my classmates and even my friends from public school posted nasty comments on social media about Jews and Israel. It made me so uncomfortable. It was a relief to...get involved with Hillel. Finally I was around people who accepted and supported me. I’ve been forming friendships with Jews of different backgrounds and learning a lot more about my heritage.” When I was a staff writer at Rockland Community College, I enjoyed participating in traditional Jewish celebrations with the students sponsored by Hillel.

For years, I've watched movies about the holocaust, always wondering if I would be brave enough to overcome fear of Nazis to do what was right. Some of my WWII heroes who worked to save Jews include Winston Churchill and a Holland Bible study leader, Corrie ten Boom.

Now, I think it's time to follow the lessons taught by WWII German pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who said, "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act" (documentary, Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Story of Courage and Faith).

Other than speaking to Jews and showing your support, you might also want to consider asking your legislator to support one the antisemitism bills listed below my signature.

Thanks

Lisa Saunders

P.S. If interested in helping, consider asking your senators to support the national Antisemitism bill: "Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025" (S558/ HR1007).

Below is my letter of support to my New York legislators regarding the NY antisemitism bills. You are welcome to copy and paste any portion of it and send it to your own representatives. To find ALL of your elected officials, plug in your address here: https://www.commoncause.org/find-your-representative/#. If you are a New York resident, you can contact your State Senator and State Assemblymember by clicking on: Find Your State Senator and Your State Assembly Member.

NY LEGISLATORS: PLEASE SUPPORT THE ANTISEMTISM BILLS:

As a Christian, I listen in unbelief to the fear expressed by Jewish students. The day after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli citizens, I felt afraid of my neighbors as they shouted celebratory remarks at our apartment complex. One friend tells me she can no longer visit her grandchildren in their Jewish preschool because of strict security.

As a donor to Hillel (a Jewish campus organization), I received their newsletter and read the following from a student: "Lately, some of my classmates and even my friends from public school posted nasty comments on social media about Jews and Israel. It made me so uncomfortable. It was a relief to...get involved with Hillel. Finally I was around people who accepted and supported me. I’ve been forming friendships with Jews of different backgrounds and learning a lot more about my heritage.” When I was a staff writer at Rockland Community College, I enjoyed celebrating traditional Jewish holidays sponsored by Hillel.

When I traveled to Germany with a Jewish friend in 1982, we stayed with an elderly couple who lost their son at the Russian front in WWII–his portrait hung in our bedroom. Despite their own grief, they kept apologizing to my friend about the Holocaust, saying they were unaware of what was happening to Jews. Whether or not that German couple was truly unaware, their guilt was still very strong. I don't want to feel the same shame if there is something that can be done to support our Jewish citizens. Therefore, I ask that you sponsor/pass any of the following antisemitism bills:

S.6842: “protections against antisemitism in the human rights law and the hate crimes statute” [Assemblymember sponsor needed!]
S.7034A/A.2139: Enacts the "Honoring Our Pledge to Eliminate Antisemitism (HOPE) act
S.531/A.3951: “Enacts the New York state antisemitism vandalism”
S1752/A2376: “requires mandatory sensitivity training that includes the topic of antisemitism”

When I visited legislators in Albany on May 11, I learned that on May 5, 2026, the Senate Higher Education Committee “advanced legislation ...aimed at increasing accountability in addressing antisemitism on college campuses..." The sponsoring senator said, "'While I am encouraged that my bill, S.1752, was advanced ...the work is far from finished...it must come to the floor for a full vote so we can ensure our higher education institutions are held fully accountable. Our Jewish students deserve to feel safe and respected, and I will continue pushing until these protections are enacted'” (Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick).

Please do what you can to stop the rising open hatred of Jews. None of us wants to suffer guilt for remaining silent in these perilous times. (There is also a national Antisemitism bill still in committee: Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 (S558/ HR1007).

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Lisa Saunders

ABOUT THE CURRENT NATINIONAL BILL

National: Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 (S558/ HR1007). It is "To provide for the consideration of a definition of antisemitism set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for the enforcement of Federal antidiscrimination laws concerning education programs or activities, and for other purposes." To support this bill, click into it, and look to the right of the page where you will see "Give Feedback on This Bill." Click on Contact Your Member.

Israel and Bible end-time prophecies, such as:

A Jewish podcaster about Israel shares why he believes current events indicate the end times: "NOW! Israel Is Ushering In The Messianic Era!!! (End Times Prophecy)" (J-TV: The Global Jewish Channel).

Are Jews called to move to Israel?

2026-02-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to various religious Jewish leaders discuss why -- or why not -- they believe Jews should move to Israel. Many call the return to Israel a "mitzvah" -- a command from God, referring to the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament written by Moses), beginning at Deuteronomy 30:3: "then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors. The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live."

These two leaders do a good job debating this issue--especially with American Jews:

Yishai Fleisher: Most Jews Are Awake But They’re Missing THIS…

I liked their discussion on the ways (attraction versus promotion) to reach Jews--and Christians--with the message.

Thanksgiving in the Midst of a Divided Country

2026-01-31T08:17:13.682-08:00

(Lisa Saunders beside the Mayflower II in Plymouth, Mass.)

Just when I was in the midst of grumbling about the work of Thanksgiving, I was inspired by a local history talk in November 2024 on why President Lincoln proclaimed a "Day of National Thanksgiving". He and Secretary of State of Seward wanted to encourage national unity in the midst of the Civil War.

Before Lincoln was elected president, a speech of his became known for his paraphrasing of Jesus' comment when he said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Matthew 12:25). It makes sense that Lincoln would sign the Thanksgiving proclamation written by Seward in 1863, which includes the following excerpt: "I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, …to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving... And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him …, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union." (For more on Lincoln, Seward and Thanksgiving, by Jeff Ludwig of Seward House, click on Facebook video.)

According to Psychology Today, there are "7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude", which were summarized in the article's intro statements: "Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep, according to one study."

Since I'm always trying to get cytomegalovirus (CMV) laws passed to help protect unborn children from a leading cause of birth defects, I try to remember to be thankful for all our leaders -- so they will work together! “I urge...that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (I Timothy 2:1-2).

If you've never had a chance to visit Plymouth, Massachusetts, the site of the first Thanksgiving, I highly recommend it. Despite half the 102 Mayflower passengers dying their first winter (1620-1621) in Plymouth over 400 years ago, it is estimated that 10 million people in the U.S. descend from a Mayflower passenger -- and most don't even know it!

My Mayflower ancestor was Richard Warren, one of the half who survived the first winter (many died from scurvy). The Mayflower passengers disembarked too late in the year to build suitable homes and gather food. (Richard Warren’s wife, Elizabeth, and daughters were still in England and came over a few years later). When Richard passed away eight years after landing on “Plymouth Rock” in 1628, it was said of him that he “was a useful instrument; and during his life bore a deep share in the difficulties and troubles of the first settlement of the plantation of New Plymouth”(Pilgrim Hall Museum). I hope it's not said of me that I always complain about the work of a Thanksgiving meal!

For those who like history, the following are some details behind the first Thanksgiving: In March 1621, Massasoit, king or sachem of the Wampanoag Indians, visited Plymouth. Massasoit believed there would be value in having a thriving trade between the two peoples and he also wanted to secure the English as allies against the Narragansetts. That fall of 1621, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated. Richard Warren and the other Mayflower passengers feasted with the Wampanoag Indians to celebrate the colony's first successful harvest. Edward Winslow wrote to a friend: “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others.”

This year, I am very thankful I don't have to kill any deer and put on a big spread -- we are eating with family at Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles. Yea! I hope you also find things to be thankful for this holiday season!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

Jesus, and Hanukkah

2026-01-31T08:15:38.583-08:00

Jesus, Hanukkah, and proposed national and NY legislation to combat antisemitism

I didn't realize until recently that Jesus participated in Hanukkah (in English: "Festival of Dedication"), until I noticed John 10:22-39. For a six-minute video on how six Jewish hostages in Gaza celebrated Hanukkah in a Hamas tunnel, watch "Hanukkah's TRUE Meaning: The Ancient Spirit of Evil is BACK" (Behold Israel with Amir Tsarfati).

About Jesus and Hanukkah:

Apparently, the Catholic Bible and Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) include the Books of Maccabees, named after the family who led a revolt of Jewish rebels against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in 165 BC. Their victory allowed the Jews to reclaim their Temple in Jerusalem and light the Menorah in an eight-day Festival of Dedication. (According to the video, "The True Story of Hanukkah", assuming it's accurate, the story of the one-day supply of oil keeping the Menorah miraculously lit for eight days was an oral tradition written down hundreds of years later in the Talmud, the second most important Jewish text after the Hebrew Bible.)

Anyway, the New Testament says that Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah). While the Gospel of John does not explicitly state that Jesus "celebrated" Hanukkah, it suggests that he was involved with its significance by visiting the Temple. John 10:22-39 states: "Then the Festival-of-Dedication[a] took place in Jerusalem. It was winter. And Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. Then the Jews surrounded Him. And they were saying to Him, “How long are You keeping us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us with plainness”. Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works which I am doing in the name of My Father— these are testifying about Me. However, you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice. And I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, ever. And someone will not snatch them out of My hand. What My Father has given to Me is greater than all. And no one is able to snatch them out of the hand of the Father. I and the Father are one[d]”.

"The True Story of Hanukkah: The Secret History You Were Never Taught" (Holiday History).

How Gospel was shared to Jews, then Gentiles

2026-01-30T06:04:00.000-08:00

The apostle John, one of Jesus’s twelve disciples, is thought to be the author of the "Gospel of John", three letters or epistles (1, 2 and 3 John), and the Book of Revelation.

What is the Gospel?

Beginning at John 3:16, John writes: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."

At first, forgiveness of sins was thought to only be for the Jews:

Acts 2: 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."

But the Gospel is also for Gentiles,. The Book of Acts (written by Luke, the same author as the Gospel of Luke -- a companion of Paul's) states:

Peter had a vision he was to preach the gospel to Jews AND gentiles. Beginning at Acts 30: Cornelius answered [Peter]: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Why are today's Jews reluctant to believe Jesus was the Messiah who came to provide forgiveness, and then will come again in power?

Many Jews don't believe Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophets, such as Isaiah. I listen to Jewish Youtubers to find out why. These religious Jews are trying to show the world through their Youtube channels that Jews and Israel are recipients of God's everlasting covenant--that they are a part of God's plan and should not be persecuted and/or annihilated.

This young Jewish man, Ollie Anisfeld, Director, Founder, of J-TV, shares why he doesn't believe Jesus is the Messiah on his Youtube channel, "J-TV: The Global Jewish Channel," in the segment, "Jerusalem Church DENOUNCES Christian Zionism, Mike Huckabee Gives BRILLIANT Response!"

He says that "Deuteronomy 13 verse 1:5...is something really I think not discussed enough." He went onto read what it says. I looked it, to quote it here: Deuteronomy 13: 1-5: "If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the Lord your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.""

However, Christians don't believe that Jesus is ANOTHER God, but rather believe Jesus' statements about himself (although he never explicitly stated, "I am God"):

In John 8:58, Jesus claimed to be God before the Chief Priests, saying, "Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" And later, in John 10:30, Jesus said, "I and the Father are one."

It is thought that Jesus appeared in the Old Testament as the "Angel of the Lord" or as a man, like the one who wrestled with Jacob (the follow is from https://biblestudytoolbox.com/bible-studies/how-to-guides/jesus-in-the-old-testament/, which also includes prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament):

"Who Is the Angel of the Lord?
The term “angel” means “messenger,” but the Angel of the Lord is different from other angels. He is often identified as God Himself. Unlike regular angels, He does not reject worship. Instead, He speaks with divine authority and displays God’s power. These encounters are known as theophanies, where God appears in human form.

"Instances of Theophanies (God Appearing in Human Form)
Abraham and the Three Visitors (Genesis 18)
One day, Abraham received three visitors. One of them spoke as God, predicting that Sarah would have a son. Abraham addressed Him as the Lord, recognizing His divine nature. This encounter suggests that one of the visitors was Jesus in the Old Testament.

"Jacob Wrestling with God (Genesis 32:24-30)
Jacob wrestled with a man all night, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. After the struggle, Jacob declared, “I saw God face to face” (Genesis 32:30, NIV). This encounter points to Jesus, engaging with Jacob in a personal, life-changing moment."

Deuteronomy 13: 1-5 does state "It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him," but Jesus never said a Jew did not keep the Old Testament laws, but rather, in Matthew 5: 17, Jesus said to the Jews: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus kept the Law and so did Paul (and other Jews)--but Gentiles are not required to keep all of the Old Testament laws, but should try to keep Jesus' commands on love, etc., and a good rule to follow is at least the 10 commandments, especially the first two. In Matthew 22:36-40: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Acts 15 covers what Gentiles should do:

The Council at Jerusalem

15 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”

6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they finished, James spoke up. “Brothers,” he said, “listen to me. 14 Simon[a] has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. 15 The words of the prophets [Amos 9:10-11] are in agreement with this, as it is written:

16 “‘After this I will return

and rebuild David’s fallen tent.

Its ruins I will rebuild,

and I will restore it,

17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,

even all the Gentiles who bear my name,

says the Lord, who does these things’[b]—

18 things known from long ago.[c]

19 “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

Christian believer, Nate Buzz, an Australian actor, has done a lot to bridge the gap between Jews and Christians. I enjoyed this interview: "Christian Zionist Exposes Tucker Carlson - He Lied About Israel Every Single Day! | Nate Buzz" (Youtube channel: Yishai Fleisher)

Donna Anderson, EnCORE Fitness & Wellness, tells how to prevent or delay...

2015-05-12T16:36:00.001-07:00

Lisa Saunders interviews Tish Rabe, author of Dr. Seuss science books

2015-05-06T02:52:00.001-07:00

Searching for God? Deacon Publishes Book in English and Spanish

2015-04-23T14:51:00.002-07:00

SEARCHING FOR GOD IN US AND IN THE WORLD:

THOUGHTS ON THE FORCES THAT SHAPE OUR LIFE

Book now available in English as well as Spanish

Oakdale, Conn.-- Retired State of Connecticut social worker, Jesús A. Diez Canseco, a deacon at the Catholic Diocese of Norwich, shares his thoughts on God, democracy, social justice, sexuality, art, education, abortion and several other topics, in his recently revised book, “SEARCHING FOR GOD IN US AND IN THE WORLD: THOUGHTS ON THE FORCES THAT SHAPE OUR LIFE,” which is also available in Spanish.

Diez Canseco said, "It is our vocation to search for God. There are many attributes that make us truly human. And the most valuable of them is our power to create, in as much as we, ourselves, are creations of God the Creator. Every thought presented in this book has been written keeping in mind the value of human life, the goodness of our human nature, and our universal desire for a happy and rewarding life. Emphasis has been placed on positive thinking so that each thought presented may contribute to the enrichment of our life and the enhancement of our relationships with our fellow humans and with God."

Readers will find several statements by Diez Canseco by clicking on the “LOOK INSIDE” feature on Amazon. Other excerpts include:

THE LANGUAGE OF GOD

If you are fluent in the language of peace, you will have no problem communicating with God.

HOW TO BEGIN

Any person who wants to fully know his human nature must begin by loving his neighbor.

MONEY AND GREED

Without greed, money is just a means to facilitate economic transactions; but when greed makes its way into money, it makes those who have money believe they can buy those who are short on greed.

MEMBER OF A COMMUNITY

Since the moment of his conception, the child is an active member of a community—the community he establishes with his mother.

Originally from Peru, Jesús A. Diez Canseco has been a U.S. citizen for more than 20 years. He obtained professional degrees in journalism, education and law from the National University of Trujillo, Peru, and received a Master’s degree in education from the University of Connecticut in 1974. He worked as a social worker for the State of Connecticut for 26 years, retiring in 2003. Since 1981, he has been an ordained permanent deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Norwich. To this day, he preaches at religious services and writes on issues of peace, social justice and his conviction on the value of human life. He lives in Oakdale, Connecticut, with his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.

To purchase an autographed copy of “SEARCHING FOR GOD IN US AND IN THE WORLD” or to invite Jesús A. Diez Canseco to speak to your group, contact Diez Canseco directly at: jdiezcanseco@sbcglobal.net. To learn more about his work, visit: www.homiliesforjustice.com. The book may also be purchased through Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

###

Jesús A. Diez Canseco in his Oakdale, Connecticut, home office.

Photograph taken April 2015 by Karen Diez Canseco.

Widow Invests Inheritance in Magazine to Help Others

2015-04-18T05:58:00.001-07:00

When Dr. Joanne Z. Moore lost her husband, she found very little long-term support. After listening to the stories of others who found a way to move forward, Moore founded the magazine, Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey, to support those who strive to live joyful and meaningful lives after loss.

See the following press release for more information, or watch her interview on the health issues widow/ers face plus a discussion on the other articles found in Pathfinder on Ledge Light Healthwatch – Health for Widows.

Widow Invests Inheritance in Magazine to

Help Others Rebuild Their Lives After Loss

Informational and inspirational articles free in online April edition of Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey

East Lyme, Conn.— When Dr. Joanne Z. Moore lost her husband, she found very little long-term support. After listening to the stories of others who found a way to move forward, Moore founded the magazine, Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey, to support those who strive to live joyful and meaningful lives after loss.

Joanne Z. Moore, PT, DHSc, a physical therapist from East Lyme, Connecticut, became a widow in 2009 after 37 years of marriage. She is using her husband’s life insurance to invest in the lives of others through the magazine. She said, “Pathfinder gives ideas to those who must follow a new life path. Friends and family of the widowed also benefit from Pathfinder because they want to know how to best support them. This magazine helps listeners be more comfortable as they provide condolences.”

The April issue of Pathfinder, which has been made free this month, features how actor George Burns moved forward after Gracie died (and the secret he finally revealed to the public), recipes for cooking solo, and how the expressive arts help children and adults process grief. Articles also include:

How to plant a memorial garden

FOR MEN: 12 WAYS TO KNOW YOU’RE READY TO DATE

Humor ...Like a Chocolate Chip Cookie

Health & Wellness - What if I get sick?

The Widows of 9/11 Inspire a Playwright

Poetry - Come Lie With Me

Zentangle® – Patterns to Peace

Dreams – A Guide to Wholeness

Jane Allen – Attracted to Community and Culture

Dr. Moore said, “We hope you enjoy this free online April issue. Subscriptions to the paper version of Pathfinder are a great way to have this compassionate and positive magazine delivered to anyone who has experienced the loss of a spouse.” Subscriptions to Pathfinder are $26 a year. Click here to subscribe.

Joanne Z. Moore, PT, DHSc., a noted speaker and workshop facilitator on end-of-life and survivor issues, is a member of Toastmasters International, and has achieved Distinguished Toastmaster level. She is the owner of Shoreline Physical Therapy, LLC, in East Lyme. Moore is the author of the soon-to-be released book, “Common Sense: Strategies for Living a Joyful and Meaningful Life after Loss.” If you would like to receive a monthly newsletter from Dr. Moore, click here.

For more information, contact Dr. Joanne Z. Moore at jmoore@widowedpathfinder.com or visit: www.widowedpathfinder.com. Watch her interview on widowhood, finding support, and Pathfinder magazine on Ledge Light Healthwatch – Health for Widows (or click on: http://original.livestream.com/grotonmunicipaltelevisionlive/video?clipId=pla_1af4b690-2be1-43c9-af67-22b2468678fd).

facebook.com/widowedpathfinder

twitter.com/WidowJo

Dr. Joanne Z. Moore,Publisher, Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Wid...

2015-02-25T15:32:00.001-08:00

Award-Winning Widowed Humorist Launches “Poor Widow Me” Column in Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey

2015-02-25T14:37:00.001-08:00

Widowed Humorist Launches “Poor Widow Me” Column in

Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey

East Lyme, Conn.— Carol Scibelli, an award-winning freelance humor writer and speaker, is launching her column, “Poor Widow Me,” in the new national magazine Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey, beginning with the April 2015 issue.

Scibelli of Manhattan, New York, is the author of the memoir, “Poor Widow Me: Moments of feeling & dealing & finding the funny along the way” (Pigeon Press, 2011.) Book excerpt: “While I was waiting for his death to sink in, I’d sit on the floor of my closet, talking directly to my husband’s shirts and pants. They were unresponsive, but I knew in my heart that his Dockers missed me very much, too.”*

Scibelli says, “My humor column, ‘Poor Widow Me,’ is about finding the funny in widowhood. When life goes wrong, isn’t that the right time to lighten it with humor?”

Pathfinder publisher, Dr. Joanne Z. Moore of East Lyme, Conn., said, “Carol's down-to-earth humor takes the edge off of stress, and helps us to see things in perspective. Learning how to laugh again after the loss of a spouse is so important. I'm thrilled to share Carol's insights with our readers."

Scibelli’s humorous essays have been published in The New York Times, Newsday, Hartford Courant, and dozens of weekly publications. She received first place in Writer's Forum Magazine’s “Imitation Erma Bombeck Contest” and received several Long Island Press Club Awards for Humor.

Scibelli is a member of the New York Friars Club, an association of comedians and celebrities, where she heads the “Meet Your Fellow Friars” committee and contributes to its newsletter, Friar’s Epistle.

The lifestyle magazine, Pathfinder: A Companion Guide for the Widow/er’s Journey, offers advice on money, health, home, travel, friendship, dating, and return to work, in addition to inspirational articles on spirituality, art, poetry, and developing new hobbies. It includes stories of modern and famous historical people who have either lived the widowed stage of life well or have struggled.

For more information about Pathfinder, contact Dr. Moore at 860-460-0248, jmoore@widowedpathfinder.com or visit: www.widowedpathfinder.com.

Carol Scibelli can be reached at 212-951-0179, carolscibelli@gmail.com, or visit: www.carolscibelli.com.

###

* Images of Carol Scibelli and her memoir, “Poor Widow Me: Moments of feeling & dealing & finding the funny along the way,” are available on her website at: www.carolscibelli.com. Penny Marshall, actress/director/producer, reviewed “Poor Widow Me” book: "Brilliant concept and terrific writing… I can already see it as a movie or TV series."

Joanne Z. Moore, PT, DHSc, Publisher, Pathfinder

PO Box 752, East Lyme CT, 06333

860-460-0248, jmoore@widowedpathfinder.com

www.widowedpathfinder.com

How to Find a Job in a Down Economy

2015-01-14T05:37:00.005-08:00

by

Dick Avazian, President, National Field Service Corporation

1) Resume

Submit a different resume for every job. Be certain to mention the needed skills up front. If the skills are old, use a functional rather than a chronological resume and leave the dates out.

Have two resumes: a one page condensed resume and a complete resume.

When answering ads online or in the paper, write a letter mentioning you have the requisite skills. Do not send a resume unless they call and ask for one. If you send a resume up front, they feel they have already interviewed you.

2) Business Card

Your business card should be on white linen, not vellum, and should have raised lettering. Include your cell and home telephone numbers and your email address.

3) Cold Calling

You must employ cold calling in a down economy (you have a better chance of getting in to see someone in a smaller company as the larger companies usually insist that you apply online).

Make a list of all the possible companies in your area then research them online, through their website or in the library with research reports from such services as Standard & Poor’s.

Before going on your cold calling trips, be certain to read up on the company in the event you are able to get past the receptionist.

Mark the location of each company on a local map so that you can efficiently cover more companies on each outing.

When you appear at the front reception desk, ask to see someone in the Human Resources or Personnel departments. If no one is available, leave a business card and ask the receptionist who you should call.

Call and see if you can drop in. If you must apply online, at least you will have a name you can contact.

If you see a large number of companies (minimum 25-30) and follow up periodically calling them, you have a better chance of getting a job.

4) Interviewing

Do the research about the company. Most people assure the interviewer they would love to work for the company, but don’t know anything about it.

Dress appropriately for the interview. A conservative jacket & slacks/skirt or business suit is best.

Do not wear facial jewelry.

During the interview, spend more time explaining how you can contribute rather than what the salary and benefits are.

If they ask you what salary you expect, answer that you are flexible, are looking for an opportunity to contribute to the company and are confident that the compensation will be appropriate.

Be prepared to answer these questions: what is your best trait and what is your worst trait.

A good answer for your best trait is to say, “My character. I’m honest, loyal, flexible and I take responsibility to complete tasks assigned to me.”

For your worst trait, I have no suggestions.

Be certain to get the business cards of the interviewers and write them letters thanking them for their time and expressing again your interest in contributing to the company.

If you don’t hear from them within two weeks, call the interviewers on the telephone.

5) Networking

Networking is also crucial on second and following jobs. Almost 80% of such jobs come from networking.

Ask all your friends if they can think of a position you might apply for. Ask if they know anyone in the company and if you can use their name as a reference.

Always carry your business cards to social events. You never know when you will meet someone who can help you.

Networking is more important than ever as many companies will insist you apply online.

If you must apply online and couldn’t get through to HR, try dropping in on a branch office and seeing a manager. Mention that you have applied online. It’s possible that the manager can put in a good word for you.

Be prepared to face rejection, this is a numbers game.

Have faith that persistence over a period of time is a winning tactic.

###

Note from Lisa Saunders, a former recruiter for National Field Service Corporation, who currently serves as their consulting field director in New England:

Post your a VERY detailed version of your resume on database sites. For online resumes, it's important, for example, to say PowerPoint, Excel, etc., instead of just Microsoft Office as some recruiters only do a search using the required skill buzz words given them by employers. Slightly edit your resume every week on these resume database sites so it appears on top when recruiters do searches.

In addition, there are probably several free job hunting workshops in your area. Attend them. You will learn new skills and may meet someone who can help you.

Volunteering/interning for organizations is very helpful in regard to networking and learning new skills. If you show up on time, are eager to learn, and demonstrate your dedication, you will be the first one they think of to either hire or recommend to associates when job openings occur.

Job Openings: How to Find Them

2015-01-05T04:01:00.003-08:00

Click into live links for National and Local (New London County, CT) Job Openings:

Tailor to your location:

New London County, CT:

Craigslist: http://newlondon.craigslist.org/
Jobs in film: http://www.ct.gov/ecd/cwp/view.asp?a=3880&q=454846
Groton School District: https://www.applitrack.com/groton/onlineapp/_application.aspx?starting=true
Town of Groton: https://www.irecruit-us.com/index.php?OrgID=I20101202&pg=listings
Mystic Aquarium: http://www.mysticaquarium.org/about/employment
Mystic Seaport: http://www.mysticseaport.org/about/employment/
Three Rivers Community College: http://www.trcc.commnet.edu/Div_Administrative/HumanResources/jobs.shtml
University of CT: https://hcmprodweb.psoft.uconn.edu/psp/HRPRCGA/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_PRE&Action=A&SiteId=1
Mitchell College: http://community.mitchell.edu/page.aspx?pid=395
Connecticut College: https://hcmprodweb.psoft.uconn.edu/psp/HRPRCGA/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_HM_PRE&Action=A&SiteId=1
Eastern State Connecticut University
CONNECTICUT:
CT Dept. of Labor: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
http://www.jobcentral.com/ct/index.asp

Rhode Island:

University of Rhode Island: https://jobs.uri.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp
Rhode Island Community College: https://jobs.ccri.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1377347742464

OTHER:Read this article on the importance of social networkings sites such LinkedIn.com at: Click here: How Social Recruiting Is Revolutionizing the Job Hunt: A Q&A with the CEO of JobFox - DailyFinance

Caution: some interviewers like to ask "behavioral" questions. See the complete list at: http://blog.emurse.com/2007/05/21/complete-list-of-behavioral-interview-questions/

Media Releases: When, Why and How to Send Them

2015-01-04T04:01:00.001-08:00

by Lisa Saunders, freelance copywriter/marketing specialist

One of the best ways to broadcast your news is to send the media a press release, otherwise known as a media or news release. Many authors assume their publishers will send out press releases and that when they give a talk, the hosting organization will send one out. They may, but usually it’s up to you to make sure the word gets out. So start gathering media contacts now!

After you’ve sent a press release to the media, then post it to your blog from where you can easily repost to your LinkedIn, Facebook, Google +, and other online media accounts (ask your friends to do the same). There are even press release sites that let you post it there for free.

The first step is to learn how to properly format a release that will interest a reporter (who wants to quickly know, “How will this benefit my readers?”) and to minimize the reporter’s rewriting work (they need it written in Associated Press style, for example, write a.m., not AM or A.M., spell things out, such as state names five letters or less). If possible, you will want to attach a high resolution photograph to which you own the copyrights-- publications loves images they don’t have to search or pay for.

The most important and “why should my readers care” information needs to be on top of your release. Don’t make the reporter search for the date and time of an event. Make it easy on them and make it short! They don’t like to open attachments, so put your information within the body of the e-mail.

There are many reasons to send out a press release:

· Your topic is closely associated with an awareness month.

· You are giving a lecture.

· You won an award. I got a lot of news coverage when I sent a release about me winning a beer stein hoisting contest—I used that news to promote my book about my ancestor’s hanging, which was urged on by Samuel Adams, also the name of the brewing company hosting the contest. (A U.S. Senator saw my news coverage and sent me a letter of congrats!)

One of my personal press releases that gained a lot of media coverage:

Email Subject: Mom asks CT to Stop # 1 Birth Defects Virus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: April 1, 2014

Lisa Saunders

P.O. Box 389, Mystic, CT 06355

LisaSaunders42@gmail.com

Mom Asks CT to Become 2nd State in Nation to Stop #1 Birth Defects Virus

House Bill 5147 includes Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Public Education Program

Mystic, Conn.— Lisa Saunders of Mystic didn’t know how to prevent contracting CMV (cytomegalovirus), which causes more disabilities than Down syndrome, until it was too late for her daughter Elizabeth born with a severely damaged brain.

On March 25, Connecticut’s Public Health Committee voted in favor of House Bill 5147, which includes a cytomegalovirus (CMV) public education program. At present, Utah is the only state that requires their Public Health Department to provide CMV education.

Saunders, the parent representative of the Congenital CMV Foundation, is now asking legislators to make Connecticut the second state in the Union to prevent the leading viral cause of birth defects by passing HB 5147. Congenital CMV can be prevented if women of childbearing age learn the precautions to take, which includes refraining from kissing their toddlers around the mouth.

According to a study posted on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, “fewer than half (44%) of OB/GYNs surveyed reported counseling their patients about preventing CMV infection” despite the following statistics from the CDC:

· About 1 in 150 children is born with congenital CMV infection (approximately 30,000 in the U.S. each year).

· Congenital CMV causes one child to become disabled every hour.

Saunders has been trying to raise CMV awareness for years through her speaking engagements and books, including Anything But a Dog! The perfect pet for a girl with congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus), and most recently her travel memoir, Mystic Seafarer’s Trail, where she jokes she's trying to get thin and famous like Amelia Earhart (secretly married in Noank), so people will listen to her CMV prevention message.

For more information, visit Saunders at: www.authorlisasaunders.com.

###

Award-winning songwriter Connie Howard plays Connecticut Christmas and o...

2014-11-25T12:15:00.001-08:00

When, Why and How to Share Your News

2014-11-16T04:48:00.003-08:00

There are several free places you can advertise your event!

(If you want to send out a press release, get on Youtube, or become a sponsor of my newsletters, contact me for more information at LisaSaunders42 @gmail.com. I help clients for a fee. Sometimes I have a free spot on my TV show, but I book up pretty quickly.)

Here are some free places to get your story heard:

Submit your events to (if in Mystic, Conn., area):

http://thisismystic.com/submit-an-event/

http://www.theday.com/section/submitcce

http://www.thewesterlysun.com/entertainment/eventcalendar/980527-139/add-calendar-event.html

http://stonington.patch.com/events

http://www.mystic.org/events-discounts/submit

http://intownct.snack.ws/events-or-story-submission.html

Want to get on TV?

Perhaps you can get on Harriet Grayson's show. See: www.communitycultureshowcase.weebly.com. Contact Harriet at: graysonharriet@gmail.com

You may also find a spot on "Books and Things" with Tom Santos, SECAPA Chairperson. Contact him at santostom@comcast.net. For more information about SECAPA, visit the website: www.secapa.org. More info on CAPA: www.aboutcapa.com.

Press Releases

Write a press release (or I can help you do that for a fee). Send them to your media contacts.

You can send your news to the editor at:

Westerly Sun: http://www.thewesterlysun.com/contactus/publicsubmissions/

The Day: http://www.theday.com/article/99999999/STATIC01/141009745

If you are a tourist site, The Mystic Wave may accept your news. Contact blogger: molly@themysticwave.com.

Writing press releases and YouTube videos are what I do for my clients--if that is what you want, contact me at LisaSaunders@gmail.com. See my article and press release sample below:

Media Releases: When, Why and How to Send Them

By Lisa Saunders, Publicist

Ever present a talk at a library and no one showed up? Or publish a book and don’t know how to get media attention?

The first step is to learn how to properly format a release that will interest a reporter (who wants to quickly know, “How will this benefit my readers?”) and to minimize the reporter’s rewriting work (they need it written in Associated Press style, for example, write a.m., not AM or A.M.; and states fewer than six letters are spelled out. Connecticut is Conn.). If possible, you will want to attach a high resolution photograph to which you own the copyrights-- publications loves images they don’t have to search or pay for.

There are many reasons to send out a press release:

· Your topic is closely associated with an awareness month.

· You are giving a lecture.

· You won an award (I got a lot of news coverage when I sent a release about me winning a beer stein hoisting contest—I used that news to promote my book about my ancestor’s hanging, which was urged on by Samuel Adams, also the name of the brewing company hosting the contest).

One of my personal press releases that gained a lot of media coverage:

Email Subject: Mom asks CT to Stop # 1 Birth Defects Virus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: April 1, 2014
Lisa Saunders
P.O. Box 389, Mystic, CT 06355
LisaSaunders42@gmail.com

Mom Asks CT to Become 2nd State in Nation to Stop #1 Birth Defects Virus

House Bill 5147 includes Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Public Education Program

· About 1 in 150 children is born with congenital CMV infection (approximately 30,000 in the U.S. each year).

· Congenital CMV causes one child to become disabled every hour.

###

Lisa Saunders, author and publicist, will discuss press releases in depth at the next SE CAPA (Southeast Chapter of the Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association) meeting on Monday, November 17, 6:30 p.m., at the Groton Inn and Suites in Groton.

For more information, contact Tom Santos, SE CAPA Chairperson, at 860-599-5067, santostom@comcast.net, or visit: www.secapa.org

Free Press Release Websites--They will post your news:

From Mashables:
Many of the sites on the following link will accept your uploaded press releases at no cost: http://mashable.com/2007/10/19/press-releases/

24-7PressRelease.com - Free release distribution with ad-support

1888PressRelease.com - Free distribution, paid services gives you better placement and permanent archiving.

ClickPress.com - Distributs to sites like Google News and Topix.net, Gold level will also get you to sites like LexisNexis.

EcommWire.com - Focuses on ecommerece and requires you include an image, 3 keywords and links.

Express-Press-Release.com - Free distribution company with offices in 12 states.

Free-Press-Release.com - Easy press release distribution for free, more features for paid accounts.

Free-Press-Release-Center.info - Distributes your release, offers a web page with one keyword link to your site. Pro upgrade will give you three links, permanent archiving and more.

I-Newswire.com - Allows for free distribution to sites and search engines, premium membership differs only slightly in adding in graphics.

NewswireToday.com - All the usual free distribution tools, premium service includes logo, product picture and more.

PR.com - Not only will they distribute your press releases, but you can also set up a full company profile.

PR9.net - Ad supported press distribution site.

PR-Inside.com - European-based free press release distribution site.

PRBuzz.com - Completely free distribution to search engines, news sites, and blogs.

PRCompass.com - Distribute your press release with a free or paid version, others can vote it up ala Digg style.

PRUrgent.com - Not only distributes your release, but attempts to teach you how to write one, and even offers downloadbale samples for you to work with.

Press-Base.com - Submit your release for free and get on their front page and the category of your choice.

PressAbout.com - A free press release service formatted as a blog.

PressMethod.com - Free press release distribution no matter what, but extra services based on the size of your contribution.

PRLeap.com - Free distribution to search engines, newswires, and RSS feeds. Fee based bumps get you better placement.

PRLog.org - Free distribution to Google News and other other search engines.

TheOpenPress.com - Gives free distribution for plain formatted releases, fees for HTML-coded releases.

A100-Year-Old Time Capsule Mystery Solved!

2014-11-05T09:04:00.001-08:00

Lisa Saunders - publicist, author and TV host: A100-Year-Old Time Capsule Mystery Solved!: IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lisa Saunders, Public Relations Chairmen Anna Warner Bailey Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution One Hu...

How to Brew Beer in New England

2014-11-02T04:05:00.001-08:00

Mystic Seafarer's Trail: How to Brew Beer in New England: How to Brew Beer in New England by Lisa Saunders Anyone with a stove can brew beer—it’s not that hard and it doesn't cost much ...

How to Market Yourself

2014-11-01T07:43:00.003-07:00

How to Market Yourself

by Lisa Saunders, winner of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations Gold Medallion

The steps for getting good publicity for yourself or business are different than taking out an advertisement. The pubic knows you paid for an ad, but if they see a positive article/interview by or about you, you will be seen as a trustworthy person. Positive press gives you credibility, make you an authority on a subject, and lets others know that you are willing to contribute your expertise to your community. (This photo of "Patty B's" was taken from my TV show, which I uploaded to YouTube. I invited this guest on because he could discuss the history of beer. He was not promoting beer, but rather his knowledge of it.)

You can hire a publicist to help you if you don’t have the time or media connections (click to see my flyer), or you can do the following yourself (click here for some of my notes given at my "How to Market Yourself" talk):

Get Featured in Articles

Send press releases to the media, attaching your own photo (see excerpt of my article about press releases below)*
Post news on your website and social media sites
Call reporters
Make yourself available as a quotable source: Help a Reporter Out: Free Publicity - Connecting Reporters

Suggested Newsworthy Events to Send in Press Release:

You are giving a free lecture on “How to Get a Job”(or some other topic related to your expertise)
You wrote a book (everyone should write one sharing their expertise)
You wrote a new song
Monitor awareness months and how your expertise relates. See: http://www.mhprofessional.com/pages/mhp/categories/chases/content/special_months.html
Someone in your organization won an award (I got a lot of publicity when I won a beer stein hoisting event)
Your elderly employee is earning first college degree
Local school brings students to your business
You’ve written a “How to Tile Your Bathroom” article
You have developed a new product
You donated goods or services to needy children
It’s your company’s 30th anniversary
Your secretary was promoted to executive secretary
Great ideas from PRWEB: News Release Writing Tips: Choosing the Right News Angle

About Press Releases:

Post them to your website—reporters will find them when they do an Internet search by topic
Make your release stand out—without using hype
Cleary state why the public should care
Most important information first
Write according to Associated Press (AP) style
Send a photograph taken by you or your staff

Internet Marketing (social media)

Youtube: good to have a video posted there if you would like speaking engagements or to sell products or services. After I filmed an author and uploaded it to my YouTube channel, I received this e-mail from her: "I sent the video to my Facebook page and a person saw it and ordered the book on line!" See my YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/anythingbutadog
LinkedIn: good site for professionals
Google + : good for everyone
Facebook: good for non-profits, museums, colleges
Twitter: good site for news organizations, non-profits
Blogs: “Blogging” is good for anyone who can write
Your Website: Business and Personal (people will look there first--keep it up to date)

How to Network

Show an interest in others
Read their business cards and comment
Send customers or reporters their way

Where to Post Your Profile or Resume
This is especially important if you are a consultant

Google +
LinkedIn
Organizations you belong to
College Career Service Centers
Your company website
Your personal website
Careerbuilder.com and monster.com
Industry-related resume database sites
Jobcentral.org
Craigslist.com
indeed.com

Live Near Mystic? Local ideas for spreading your news: Need Publicity for Your Event or Project?

Don’t Have Time/Desire to Market Yourself?
Ask a professional for help—many give free initial consultations
If you would like to discuss how my services may help you, contact me, Lisa Saunders, Marketing & Publicity Specialist, at LisaSaunders42 @gmail.com

Testimonial:

“Lisa helped me revitalize my marketing strategy with innovative ideas. She repackaged a series of individual lectures I was giving (plus secured me three more) into a news-worthy item: ‘Senior Acupuncturist Kicks Off Spring Lecture Series,’ which became headline news in our local paper. Everyone saw it." Kathleen T. Poole, M.S., L.Ac, Owner of Mystic River Acupuncture

E-mail Lisa received from her former employer upon relocating to Mystic, CT: “After reviewing the previous year’s media clipping on the College, what struck me is how many wonderful human interest stories there were, all as a result of your alertness and diligence. You really did a wonderful, wonderful job of unearthing stories and getting the media to pump out a steady stream of positive press. I know it was your ‘job,’ but you really embraced it with such enthusiasm--it really made a difference!” Tzipora Reitman, Director of Communications, State University of New York, Rockland Community College

* Excerpt of Article:

"Media Releases: When, Why and How to Send Them,"

by Lisa Saunders

There are many reasons to send out a press release:

· Your topic is closely associated with an awareness month.

· You are giving a lecture.

One of my personal press releases that gained a lot of media coverage:

Email Subject: Mom asks CT to Stop # 1 Birth Defects Virus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: April 1, 2014

Lisa Saunders

P.O. Box 389, Mystic, CT 06355

LisaSaunders42@gmail.com

Mom Asks CT to Become 2nd State in Nation to Stop #1 Birth Defects Virus

House Bill 5147 includes Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Public Education Program

· About 1 in 150 children is born with congenital CMV infection (approximately 30,000 in the U.S. each year).

· Congenital CMV causes one child to become disabled every hour.

For more information, visit Saunders at: www.authorlisasaunders.com.

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From Mashables (http://mashable.com/2007/10/19/press-releases/)