My picks are as follow:

Governor – Jake Merrick (Mike Mazzei would be my second choice)

Lt Governor – Justin JJ Humphrey

Attorney General – this one is a toss up for me – was leaning Echols then Starling – still watching the analyses on this one!

State Treasurer – Cindy Byrd

Superintendent of Public Instruction – Dr. James Taylor

Commissioner of Labor – Lisa Janloo (Kevin West is my second choice here)

Commissioner of Insurance – Bob Sullivan (I had formerly liked Chris Meredith, but he seems to like flock cameras and that is a hard no for me; “Sullivan is the only one campaigning to lower insurance rates, and he explains how he will accomplish that.” recent text from a friend)

Corporation Commissioner – Justin Hornback (platform survey made the difference for me in this race)

US Senator – Gary Ty England (removed my support for Kevin Hern because of his support of data centers and flock cameras both of which are a hard no for me)

US Representative CD02 – Josh Brecheen

State Representative HD11 – Wendi Stearman

County Assessor – I am back to pondering this one…

If I lived in SD 10 – my vote would go to Jadan Terrazas

If I lived in HD 10 – my vote would go to Jake Bair

There is a very important state question on this ballot which is SQ832. It is a clear NO to me. Here is the ballot wording:

For more information on this important state question, please review the following information:

OCPA Flyer on SQ832 here:

Several articles available for more info here: https://ocpathink.org

Polls are open 7A-7P on Tuesday, June 16th.

Please pray for righteous leadership in our local and state and federal government!

Blessings,

Sandra Crosnoe

Every vote is critical to defeat these propositions!

Remember to vote on Tuesday, February 10th at your regular polling place 7AM-7PM.

Here is a copy of my sample ballot:

I spoke to our OKGOP Washington County Committee on Monday night and asked them to pass a resolution opposing these ballot propositions. Sadly the city people promoting these bonds are telling people that passing them will not raise your taxes. That may be true in the short term, but what if Phillips lays off a bunch of people and our population declines? What if our taxes are already way too high and people are forced out of their houses for things we don’t need and / or could spread out over a longer period of time and actually pay down our already too high debt. What if by saying NO we could immediately reduce our taxes?

Here is what I said on Monday night:

“My biggest complaint about this bond is process rather than content.  I want the city to live within its means and work to decline debt and reduce taxes.  What homeowner does not want to actually decline their mortgage and payoff their loan?  I believe that is also possible for our city, but apparently will not be done unless the voters insist upon it by saying a resounding NO.


If the city personnel is making projection based on a growing population and a downturn in inflation, they apparently have no understanding of the times we live in and the decline of the dollar.  One only has to look at gold and silver prices for a reality check on that theory.


This current bond is essentially DOUBLE the bond ask in 2023 (17.6M to 35M).


Nothing in these bonds is essential in my opinion.  Many items could be handled out of existing revenue and/or delayed and spaced out over time.


By the cities’ own admission:
    “Essential transparency tools and efforts to provide accessible financial data to citizens have seen no progress”


We must say NO and insist on a better plan that works to reduce taxpayer burden.  Our Republican Party platform is clear on this matter as pointed out in the resolution.


City materials say this bond won’t make your taxes go up (at least not immediately) but in full disclosure we should make all voters aware that a NO vote will reduce your taxes!


Please vote for this resolution as presented!”

Here is the email that was sent out by the Washington County GOP after the Resolution below passed: https://wcgopok.com/bonds/

Here is the resolution that passed and will be released to the public by our Washington County GOP leadership:

Please join me at the polls on Tuesday to decline all 5 items and watch our property taxes and sales taxes both go down!

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender (NIV). Proverbs 22:7

This proverb highlights the power imbalance caused by debt, warning that borrowing money creates a subservient relationship where the lender controls the borrower’s financial freedom until the debt is repaid.  As we manage our own households to reduce debt, let’s do the same for our city so that in a financial downturn, even the poorest among us will be better off for our wise management.

Please share this post with your friends in Bartlesville!

Blessings,

Sandie

I am a clear sound endorsement for Wendi Stearman (her website here).

If I lived in HD 10 – my vote would go to Chad McCarthy (his website here).

Daryl Worley – A Defender of the Rights of the People

Daryl worked extensively as an engineer and project manager throughout his professional life. He has a wide range of experience in road building and environmental remediation. Currently, he runs an engineering consulting business.

Daryl and his wife presently reside in Bartlesville where they have been attending First Wesleyan church for over 20 years.

District 2 County Commissioner – my vote goes to Daryl Worley for many reasons experience, character, and biblical world view at the top of the list! His website is here.

You can find your sample ballot here.

Polls are open 7A-7P on Tuesday, June 18th.

Please pray for righteous leadership in our local government!

Blessings,

Sandra Crosnoe

My deep gratitude to all those who worked diligently to defeat the worst of these propositions. Please continue to pray for repentance in our city and in our land.

My thoughts: Proposition 1 was one of the most egregious items on the ballot and it was soundly defeated! Voting should be in November when more people vote. Increasing terms was totally uncalled for and had the appearance of a pure power grab attempt.

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My thoughts: Proposition 2 makes very little difference either way.

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My thoughts: Proposition 3 was an unnecessary constraint on the people and was narrowly defeated.

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My thoughts: Proposition 4 was further constraints on the people and was soundly defeated.

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My thoughts: Proposition 5 was a huge blank check! We don’t need any streamlining for giving away our tax dollars or additional authority for an unelected City Manager – for his own protection! We need more citizen input on all these matters! Very glad it was defeated!!!

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My thoughts: I was a no on Proposition 6, because we can replace them at the next election. This may cause interim special elections. I am not sure of all the ramifications of this and hopefully the situation does not arise often.

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My thoughts: Proposition 7 is already required by state law and is redundant in city charter. Passing it is ok but not necessary.

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My thoughts: Proposition 8 would have eliminated things that should stay in place and the people said no overwhelmingly.

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My thoughts: Proposition 9 looks to me like it was hoping for staggered terms and makes very little difference since that did not pass. Not a big difference either way.

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My thoughts: Proposition 10 was deeply disturbing to me. A Code of Ethics should rarely change! Glad it failed.

Sandra Crosnoe for

Finding Gems & Sharing Them

In other areas of the state, people are working to move local elections to the November ballots to both save money on elections and involve more people in the decision process.

Here is a sample ballot:

I hope you have already seen our flyers going out door to door by neighbors who care about our city and your continued voice in matters! Here are more detailed talking points:

The Bartlesville City Charter can be downloaded and reviewed here: https://www.cityofbartlesville.org/city-government/administration/city-charter/

People are actively discussing these matters online and with their neighbors. If you would like to get vote reminders on matters like this, I encourage you to sign up for email on NEOKGrassroots.org (more local matters) and OKGrassroots.com (statewide matters).

Special thanks to so many who have done so much to make people aware of the important issues before us locally. A special shout out to Pamela Zora, LaShelle Griffith, and Sarah Burnett. Thanks to all those walking blocks and attending city council meetings!

As always, pray, study, and ask for wisdom in these matters before voting!

Blessings,

Sandra Crosnoe

Finding Gems & Sharing Them

Every political cycle this gets harder and harder to write. We as a nation have fallen so far! While I do not believe there is a political solution, I am quite sure we are to pray for our leaders and certainly that would include doing all we can to protect both the election process and our communities. That said here are my thoughts on the election set for November 8, 2022.

The choices on the ballot are dismal, most of the bad decisions were made in the primary selections. There was a lot of dark money floating around and a lot of deception by the media. So what we are left with in general is the R’s vs the D’s. I am libertarian leaning in philosophy but I searched high and low for a libertarian on the ballot that was even kinda sorta pro-life and opposed to sexual perversion. I found none.

Therefore, I will be voting for the R’s because their platform has some fiscal conservative planks, some moral values, some sense of border control, a leaning to free speech and at least here in Oklahoma a strong right to bear arms stance. Even the worst ones can be reminded of the standard to which they have conceptually agreed.

The judicial retention items on the ballot are a little tougher to discern, but often you have to look no further than who appointed them to determine how they legislate. And yes I meant to use that word! For more in-depth analysis, I recommend Muskogeepolitico.com where Jamison Faught discusses each one and links to some other opinions as well.

Here are my picks on the judges:

So pray then vote:

Sandra Crosnoe for Finding Gems & Sharing Them

Twisted Sisters in Christ (free to read on Scribd) – click on this link to read the book!

This publication actually occurred in July of this year (2022) but I have been wanting to do a blog on the topic because it was such a special event in my life! You see Anita and I grew up together in the Houston area in the 1970’s timeframe. Our parents were friends and we were best buds. Working on this book with her was an absolute delight – a trip through scripture together and a project formed out of our lives. It is now in print or at least online free to all to read, share, and download. I believe that it will bless your life!

From Anita as we were working on the book: “I am sharing a dialogue written over the years … a one on one conversation between the Holy Spirit and myself … others … and now you. If you have difficulty following, keep reading until you become wrapped up in the conversation. That’s when The Golden Cord will twist.”

Anita is a Follower of the Way, Daughter of the Faithful, Wife of the Honored, Mother of the Strong, Deemaw of the Precious. Lover of the broken, the lost, and the found. 

Called to be the Light in the darkness, to share His Truth and Hope for the hopeless. 

To stand with Wisdom as a standard against the wiles of the evil one … for our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. 

Her greatest accomplishment is knowing who she is in Christ … and in Christ alone.“

I’ve known Anita for most of my life. We were twisted sisters before we knew what that meant. We had adventures together, shared the Lord and many friends together growing up. We were both blessed to have believers for parents who taught us fundamental biblical principals. One thing not mentioned in the book is that she could sing “Amazing Grace” like no one else! This book is for everyone, at any phase of life. It is so unique, so Anita, so important, and so fun. It is profoundly simple and flowing too. It is indeed a conversation with her, but our prayer is that it will spark a life long conversation between you and our Heavenly Father through Yahshua(His Son)“ 

Sandra Crosnoe, Editor in Chief and a Twisted Sister for Life 

Finding Gems & Sharing Them

Prayer of Jabez Side 1.mp3

Prayer of Jabez Side 2.mp3

The files are too big to attach so these are links to the files on one drive.  Each side is about 30 minutes long.  I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation and have listened several times in the process of digitizing the tape.  You should be able to listen on your phone without downloading but you can download the files as you wish if that works better for you.  The files should be available to share with others if you want to do that also.

This presentation was originally given at an Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) meeting around the year 2000 about the same time the book Prayer of Jabez came out from comments made.  Here is a picture of the book and author I found online.

Bruce Wilkinson is a delightful speaker and shares personal stories that make this teaching come alive – it was rich when I first heard it and richer this time as I rediscovered it.  Moreover, I have been praying it more consciously this week and praying it over others as opportunities arose for me.  I hope it is as timely for you as for me and you will let me know your thoughts.

I am also interested in better ways to share things like this with you so let me know if this method works for you.

The passage being discussed is found in I Chronicles 4:10

Two additional passages have been coming to my mind as I have pondered this verse this week.

First the parallels with the Lord’s prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13.  And the incident wherein Jacob wrestled with the angel (I believe it was Yashua) and said, “I will not let you go unless You bless me.” Genesis 32: 22-31

All that to say be fervent in asking for the Lord’s blessing and praying it over others as well!  His storehouses are never-ending and His delight in you unparalled.

Hope you enjoy!

Love,

Sandie

Finding Gems & Sharing Them

Friend: Aren’t you terrified of what 2022 could be like? Everything is so messed up…

Me: I think it will bring flowers.

Friend: Yes? Why?

Me: Because I’m planting flowers.

Let’s all plant some flowers…

Note: If anyone knows who to credit for the graphic – please let me know! I would love to share that information!

Sandra Crosnoe for Finding Gems & Sharing Them

For many years I have recommended that people hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Well I am here to tell you that things I observe via friends indicate that we could be entering a time of real turmoil in our land. Even if it is just a rough winter ahead, please be sure you have supplies for at least 3 months on hand at all times. If you live in the city be sure to have a backup plan should you need to get out of the city on short notice.

Be prepared! He who has an ear, let him hear…

“A wise man built his house upon the rock.” see Matthew 7:24-27 for entire context

Below are some suggestions for doing that for you to consider. It is also a pdf file linked at the bottom to share in a printed one page front and back flyer as you wish:

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Be Prepared for any Emergency — 50 items for survival

“A wise man built his house upon the rock.” see Matthew 7:24-27

1.    Rural land in red county, red state if possible, preferably not at sea level

2.    Access to water via non-electric means

3.    Water filtration, including a gravity filter

4.    Soil, seeds, fertilizers and tools for growing food / sprouting

5.    Stored food to get you through (don’t forget freeze dried fruits for nutrition) Pemmican is a good one and can last up to two year in the shelf.

6.    Large volume of salt, and some spices like pepper

7.    Cooking: Boil water, wood stove, solar oven, grain grinder, rocket stove, pans, pots, cups, etc.

8.    Shelter (house, tent, cabin, RV, shack or whatever you can manage)

9.    Cordage: Ropes, twine, string, fishing line, 550 paracord, zip ties, bungee cords, rubber bands

10.    Fire starters, magnesium rods, storm proof matches, etc.

11.    Knives, blades, edged weapons, hatchet, axe, mallet, sledge hammer

12.    Community: Make friends, visit farmers markets, establish friendly relationships

13.    Firearms and ammo for security (22 LR, 9mm, 5.56, etc.)

14.    Gold and silver (junk silver) for barter, maybe some cash. Barter items: Alcohol, coffee, cigarettes, 22LR ammo, fuel, seeds, toilet paper

15.    Radio communications including two-way and a hand-cranked radio

16.    Stored fuel: Diesel and diesel vehicles for emergencies

17.    Emergency medicine and antiseptics, including iodine, chlorine dioxide, colloidal silver, manuka honey and emergency dental, charcoal, ivermectin, hydroxy, artemisinin (sweet wormwood)

18.    Bandaging, gauze, clotting, tourniquets, wound bandaging

19.    Pandemic PPE – masks, visors, body suits, plastic sheeting, liquid sprayers

20.    Herbs, essential oils (lavender, peppermint, oregano, tea tree), herb seeds and ultrasonic cleaner for extracts, vodka, etc.

21.    Honey, paraffin, glycerin, beeswax, vitamin E, things to make salves, lotions, medicines

22.    Night vision / thermal observation equipment (look at AGM brand for affordable thermal monoculars)

23.    Thermal blankets for anti-detection by thermal imaging including drones and robots

24.    Lights: 18650 batteries, LED lights, headlamps

25.    Perimeter defense and alert tech (motion sensing lights) and dogs

26.    Ballistic vests, slings, gear to carry magazines

27.    Backup stash and bugout plan with a smaller version of your stuff at the bugout location

28.    Topo maps, printed maps of your area

29.    Signaling equip: Mirrors, whistles, compass

30.    Silent defense: Crossbow, suppressed weapon w/ subsonic rounds

31.    Reference books / hardcopy: DIY projects, homesteading, food preservation, firearms assembly

32.    Paper, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, envelopes

33.    Personal care supplies: Toilet paper (grow “Mullein” plant also know as “Cowboy TP” and can make tea used for asthma and respiratory problems, hygiene products, eyeglasses, soaps, deodorant, etc.

34.    Food preservation: Drying, salting, canning supplies

35.    Off grid transportation method such as a bicycle or quadricycle

36.    Low-tech heat system (wood stove, kerosene space heater, etc.)

37.    OTC medicine chest items: Anti-itch, anti-diarrhea, painkillers, blood tests, bug spray, etc.

38.    Solar battery bank to charge and run devices, including batteries, flashlights, mobile devices, etc.

39.    Off-grid electricity: Tractor PTO, or diesel generator, or solar

40.    Spare batteries, chargers, 18650 batteries and devices where possible

41.    Sewing, repair, tape kits, glue, safety pins, clothespins, so you can repair clothing

42.    Rugged shoes, shoe repair equipment such as shoe goo

43.    Containers: Buckets, barrels and bags, glass bottles, jars, medicine containers, with tops, water pouches, trash bags for waste, and thick bags for human waste

44.    Tools: Electric and hand drills, volt meters, hammers, shovels, rakes, gardening, barbed wire, T-posts, saws, multitools

45.    Aluminum foil, wax paper, parchment paper, plastic wrap

46.    Plumbing repair, PEX pipes, crimps, cutters, connectors

47.    Off-grid activities, radio shows, MP3 files, books, games, cards

48.    Spare parts for cars, appliances, etc. filters, oil, gasket repair goo, tire plugs, rubber patches, epoxy glues, resins, bonding agents

49.    Fishing gear: Rod, reel, string, hooks, etc.

50.    SKILLS, skills, skills. Know-how. DIY. Learn how to repair and maintain everything you own.

Bonus Item:   In the event you need to leave your immediate area have a light walk away pack per person, with 1 week of chow, light tent or poncho\tarp small rope or 550 cord, pocket knife, lighter bic, water filter straw, small cooking light weight pot or cup, extra skivies, socks and undies, hygiene items, meds , extra ammo and weapon, small radio extra batteries, large hip knife and/or hatchet.  Canteens or Camelback or tough water bottles.

Sandra Crosnoe for Finding Gems & Sharing Them