Happy New Year Friends!!
This was officially the quietest ring-in to the New Year, ever! New York City was completely dark with New Yorkers locking themselves in their apartments, cowering in fear of Omicron, which is currently ripping its way through the population of New York.
Myself included.
And it was a nice change of pace from years past, to be honest.
Steven and I took a walk on New Years Eve, and NYC was a ghost town. Restaurants: empty. Bars…the lucky ones, would have maybe 3 or 4 patrons inside, while the rest were standing empty.
I mean, Ubers weren’t even surge pricing, and if that doesn’t say everything you need to know, I don’t know what does. (For perspective, typically on New Year’s Eve in Manhattan, an Uber home after midnight would “surge” to 4x-5x the normal fare because of the high demand).
The streets were empty. Barely any traffic. And if you were watching the ball drop on TV, then you saw that Times Square was also empty!
All that being said, I loved ringing in the New Year quietly with my special gentleman. And I hope that you and your loved ones did too, and are healthy, safe, and full of hope for 2022.
Anywho. That is not the point of this post.
I received an email over Christmas that one of the advertising banners on my site was for Planned Parenthood.
And when I saw this, I felt my stomach literally lurch, and I felt like I wanted to throw up, thinking that that factory of evil and death was on my site.
So I wanted to just respond for a quick moment.
I don’t have any control over those WordPress-generated ads on my site. What each reader sees in those “ad-blocks” is based on that individual’s google history.
So for example, when I browse my site, I’m served ads for white ski pants…because I have recently been scouring the internet for new threads for my upcoming ski trip with my family.
But if an individual searches Google with terms like, “pregnant” or “birth control” or “women’s health” or obviously…”planned parenthood,” then my ad-block could serve that individual an advertisement for Planned Parenthood (as it appears PP is paying Google to be linked to those search terms). And it kills me that that’s the case.
I have since emailed WordPress that I would like to restrict PP from being one of the ads served on my site. And believe me, I’m going to raise hell if I don’t get cooperation on their end.
But I need to make this crystal clear: I in no way support Planned Parenthood, and I morally object to the culture of death that they not only promote, but push on women. They prey on vulnerable women, and mask the unconscionable act of killing unborn children with cushy euphemisms like, “women’s healthcare,” “freedom of choice,” “termination of pregnancy” and other feminist mantras. It makes me sick, and to have that filth being shown…even to one person…on my blog, it makes me so mad I can’t see straight.
And I know that there may be push back to my stance, citing all the “good” that Planned Parenthood “offers” with free STD testing, pregnancy screenings, birth control, etc.
Well I’d like to call BS on that, because according to the Susan B Anthony List, 94% of the “pregnancy services” offered by Planned Parenthood are abortions. (Which really makes me sick, considering the $530 million dollars PP receives annually from the government (AKA, our tax dollars)).
So go ahead with those “arguments,” and I’ll reply with the telephone numbers and websites of the plethora of pro-life crisis pregnancy centers, which offer many of those same pregnancy services (including adoption services) for free, PLUS resources for the mother/child pre-and-post birth – including material goods/clothes for the baby, counseling, child care, health care, etc….all without the needless killing of the unborn child.
So I’ll just leave that there.
But the timing of all this is quite interesting, as we are on the start of a new year.
Having to define what I stand for in regards to Planned Parenthood on my first blog post of 2022, is in a way, timely. Because it has opened a mental dialogue within myself, as to what else I stand for. And what better time to reflect on such things, than on the start of this brand new year.
Because what better way to begin fresh, than by defining the foundation upon which I want to build my life this year.
So I wanted to just share a few with you, and invite you to do the same, in a prayerful and thoughtful manner throughout the coming days. Because as they say, if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
What I Stand For in 2022
1.) Putting God first in all things, all decisions, all relationships, all thoughts and all actions. I want my life – and how I spend my time – to be a reflection (and a spill-over-effect) of the love I have for our Father.
2.) Communicating my love and appreciation for my family and friends frequently and spontaneously.
3.) Seeing with eyes of gratitude, and taking into account all the many blessings I have come to take for granted on a day-to-day basis.
4.) Being intentional with how I spend my time, and not piddling away hours I can never get back on mindless social media scrolling.
5.) Taking care of my body in the best, most recovery-positive way possible: meaning nourishing it, moving it in ways that are fun and enjoyable, resting adequately, and giving validation to emotions I may otherwise bottle up.
6.) Looking for ways to help and build people up around me. Those who are in my life – both close and acquaintance – may I find ways to be a light to those people God has put in my path.
What do you stand for?
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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88 responses to “…Or You’ll Fall For Anything”
Excellent list! Glad your New Years Eve was wonderful.
thank you David! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
NYC a ghost town on NYE….that’s wild.
As far as the ads that WordPress inserts, I found that it’s well worth the money to upgrade my account to be ad-free.
It really was wild to see! the streets were empty! We got pizza from a little pizza shop, and were the only ones in there! That’s a greta tip – thank you! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
😊
xox 🙂
Such a wonderful post, Caralyn, sock it to them! PP is indeed evil and it’s so sad that WP is dumping these sickening ads on your site. I have the Business plan and am not sure if that stops all of the ads as I also use ad blockers in my browsers. Going fully self-hosted may help stop the garbage. I like the photos of you and you and your special gentleman, lovely! Be safe. 🙏🏻❤️
Thank you so much John! I agree – it really is terrible that they’ve let such a polarizing organization advertise – especially on a clearly Christian blog! I have been toying with the idea of self-hosting too. THank you for those tips! Hugs and love xox and Happy New Year! 🎉
A beautiful post thank you so much you so beautiful
thanks friend. Happy New Year! 🎉
Hi, Caralyn – looking forward to an upcoming good year!
But the Apostle Paul comes to mind as he wrote the first time ’round to the Faithful in Thessalonica (he did not want them to accept any teaching). He really gets to the point over why he preaches starting in verse 3 — and going on forever (and this is not all the points Paul makes) — “not from impure motives”, “no tricks”, “we’re entrusted with the message”, “our motive is to please God”, “did not wear a mask to cover up greed”, “we shared the gospel and our lives as well”.
And it goes on, then Paul shows his exuberance over their Faith and how the Thessalonians accepted the message for what it was — pure Faith in God — and commends them to keep on living in Faith.
May we keep living the Faith as well, this year! -Jeff
Hey Jeff! Thank you so much! Happy New Year! 🎉 I love this response so much – yes let’s keep living the faith! i appreciate this reflection! Hugs and love xox
Hi C! “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:9-10. Have a great week! 🤗🙏
Hi Kenneth! that is such a comforting verse, thank you for sharing it. i love knowing that His spirit is poured out on His children. What a comfort and joy. Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Great word on the killing centers of Planned Parenthood! Keep standing for and speaking the truth. We need more people rising up and speaking out like you do. I have gone down to the local killing centers in my area and prayed before them that they would cease in their activities.
Hi Ricardo, thanks for sharing your heart on this! yes! i agree – i pray that in 2022 more people will speak out against the evil of PP! that’s so awesome – keep it up! I have done the same at the PP in NYC – it was quite the experience. Hugs and love xox and Happy New Year! 🎉
I am doing a monthly Newsletter but i am only sending it to homes of people with snail mail. Without using e-mail or the internet. So i am still getting the word out.
Awesome! Sounds like a great movement.
You probably missed the super-spreader event at Times Square, which is why so much of the city seemed deserted. People SHOULD be living in fear of the omicron variant, because it’s KILLING us. Those of us it spares suffer lifelong health problems that, if they don’t kill us, the next Covid infection is likelier to. Why do people insist on pretending this crisis doesn’t exist or that it’s exaggerated? No one should be going back to what was thought to be normal. If we’d taken this attitude in 1348, humanity would have gone extinct in Europe and Asia.
Hi Michael, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. Yes, i agree – being prudent in regards to staying Covid-negative is imperative, and I am doing my part to do so. Hugs and love xox
Amen, Caralyn! Those are excellent things to stand for, especially standing up for all the precious babies. God bless you as you put the Lord first and serve Him with all your heart. Happy New Year!
Thank you Ryan! Yes! I pray that in 2022, more eyes will be opened to recognize the horrendous truth of abortion. Amen, and you as well! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Great things to stand for!! We have several of the same intentions to start this year off! First, I am going to put God first in everything I do….Second, I will be more intentional with how I spend my time. I am terrible when it comes to that….and third…I am going to try my hardest to take better care of my body and what I put into it.
My word for the year is “Focus” I’m going to be putting my focus on the things that matter most.
Thank you so much Leigh! Yes! I love your intentions! Cheering you on as we plow forward into 2022 with FOCUS!! LOVE IT! Hugs and love xox
What a beautiful tree under the arch! Happy New Year Carolyn
Thank you so much Pete! Yes, that is the Washington Square arch in Manhattan. It was wild – usually on NYE, that park would be jam packed, standing room only…this year on NYE, there were maaaaybe 35-40 people. WILD. Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Oh I thought it looked familiar. Is that in the West Village? I never looked closely when I was a teenager just hanging out. ( 50+ years ago!)
We are all self absorbed, all of us, but only a few make a career of it.
Well, Steven, I guess if you’re directing that at me, I’ll just take it on the nose, and say…hey look, we are ALL a work in progress. Even those doing the stone throwing. Happy New Year.
So crazy for NYC to be a ghost town! I’ve travelled there 3 times and it’s always still busy at 3am in Times Square
Hi Ang, oh my goodness you’re right! It was so eerie to see the city so darn QUIET and EMPTY on NYE! Another thought I had, given the craziness of travelling for Christmas (IE: making sure to be Covid negative with oftentimes a quarantine period before, cancelled flights, the outbreak in NYC)…perhaps many New Yorkers, once they got to their destination for Christmas decided, hey – I’m going to make the hassle of travel worth it and stay an extra few days through New Years. Just a thought. But crazy none the less. i hope you and yours had a lovely New Year! Hugs and love xox
I am soooo sorry that you got hit with that ad. That is always one of the things that I dread about the Ad-Wise app. I think that anyone who has read more than one or two of your blogs is well aware of where you stand on that subject. And praise the Lord for that stand! Happy New Year and may His blessings flow to and through you and your family.
Thanks Tim, I just hope WordPress can pull through and make it so it never shows up again on this site! I mean, it COMPLETELY contradicts my faith, my beliefs, everything I stand for! Amen – I sure hope so. so glad you stopped by, and thanks for the encouraging words. Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Wonderful post, once again! HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM TEXAS!
Thank you HJ! I appreciate that, and you as well! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Thank you for all you’ve done already, always inspiring
Oh gosh, thank you so much Mr. OShays, I really appreciate your support. Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Happy New Year to you and your gentleman friend. You look good together.
Oh thank you so much Ian! That’s kind of you to say. Yes – he definitely has kept a smile on my face for the last two years now! haha hope you and yours had a lovely New Years! Hugs and love xox
The older I get the less likely I will be at a New Year’s Eve party. And with covid, a fear of crowds, I stayed at home. 🙂 Nevertheless I continue to commend you for your message of love and truth. During oral arguments before the US Supreme Court, it seemed pretty obvious that Justice Sotomayor was in denial that the fetus was viable and alive at 15 weeks. Maybe the doctors in 1973 when Roe v Wade was decided lacked the hi-res ultrasound tech, but in 2021, there is no excuse. Let’s celebrate life in Jesus . Wishing you a happy 2022. 😊
I hear you – I haven’t been to a social gathering since Omicron has been whalloping NYC. I agree – with the 4D ultrasound technology, there really is absolutely no excuse to recognize, at the very least, viability. Amen to that – let’s celebrate life in Him who saved us! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Xoxox
I like this side of BBB, fiery, take no shit from nobody. We MUST learn to stand in the Authority of Christ within us. And not apologize for our Godly convictions. Have a blessed year in God.
Hahah, thank you so much Benmadley – I appreciate that. Sometimes I feel that I have to suppress it, to be “socially acceptable,” but boy is it in there! hahah Amen – we must stand for Christ, no matter the backlash we may receive from this fallen culture! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Amen! “socially acceptable equals compromising God’s Truth” and we shall never do that! Truth don’t bend to us. We bend to it. And this reply isn’t toward you- I know you know this…this is me preaching and sharing the fire of God burning within me. Have a full year of blessings!
This is a post worthy of admiration. Far too many young people in our generation are afraid to say or declare publicly and openly what they believe in these days. Why? Fear.. Fear of becoming an outcast among one’s friends, etc. It is a sad reality.
Often we forget that if your friends don’t support your beliefs and you have to put on facade to be around them for fear of losing their friendship and not be yourself, then you really can’t call them your friends.
Can friends have different beliefs and disagreements? Yes.. However, today’s Cancel Culture is far to prevalent and we are basically living inside of an increasingly oppressive totalitarian society; where our basic freedoms are being slowly stripped away.
And this is not about just the US alone. This is about the Internet, our global online community has become this way.
Standup for what you believe in, as a beautiful individual; a child of God. Rest assured, you’re not standing alone.
I agree. It’s entirely possible to entertain discussion and hear out opinions from an objective standpoint, but only with those individuals who are willing to set aside their emotions long enough to consider the rationale for the opposing viewpoints. Discussion, fruitful, gracious dialogue can only happen when one side or the other stops screaming long enough to listen.
Amen. there must be a willingness. TRUTH!
Gosh, thank you so much, friend. I am truly touched by this heartfelt encouragement. You’re so right – there is so much fear in holding a belief that contradicts the secular machine. Cancel culture is not just in big time media, but also in friend groups…sadly I found that out the hard way several years ago when I made my beliefs known. but nevertheless, God never said following Him would be easy, but that it would be worth it. 🙂 And you’re right – a totalitarian oppressive society is definitely not an exaggeration at all…you’re completely right that they are being stripped away. And the truth is being rewritten and replaced with secular dogma, completely undermining moral standards we’ve held…even in secular culture…for generations. Amen to that. I appreciate your support, it means the world.
Wishing you a very Happy New Year Caralyn. May you and your family enjoy a year filled with God Blessings. May all your dreams and wishes come true.
And happy new year to you and yours, my friend. I am grateful for your friendship! Hugs and love xox
Amen to that review of your objectives, Caralyn. Amen.
Thank you Penny! Yes! I love that this new year allows us to examine our hearts and set off on the right foot for 2022. Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
I actually turned off WP ads on my site. Did I lose $? Yep. Was it worth exchanging the minute income for the hassle of constantly having to clarify my moral stance to a company that literally does not care? Kinda. Honestly, had I not had my blog(s) hosted on WP for over a decade, I’d jump platforms in a heartbeat, to no longer give my money or page views to a morally ambiguous at best and anti-Christian at worse company. I’m still researching alternative platforms.
Incidentally, I’m in East TN and Knoxville’s PP facility burned down within the last couple days. I make it a point not to rejoice in the fall of my “enemies” but the fact that lives will literally be spared because of that fire does lead me to rejoice, and pray for those lost and desperate mothers even more.
Hi Eden, that is really great insight, thank you. You’re right – that’s really something I should look into doing. And wow, that is a truly mature way of looking at that fire. I too will joining you in that important prayer for those mothers, and for those lost. There is power in prayer, and I truly believe, with everything going on, it is in fact changing things! Change in this country and in hearts is a slow process, but by the grace of God, it can be done! Happy new year my friend! Hugs and love xox
Amen! And happy new year to you!
Arson is not a victimless crime, innocent people die when buildings burn, including firemen and firewomen. And taking the law into your own hands is anarchy.
@Bill Ziegler, you’re off base. Building was vacant, no injuries, cause of blaze not known. Also, my husband is a volunteer fireman, and they willingly sacrifice to save others, it’s a known risk of the job- leading cause of death in firemen however is cardiac arrest, presumably because of the excessive adrenaline/cortisol production due to the high stress nature of the job.
Here’s a source link for your reference to the fire in question.
https://www.liveaction.org/news/knoxville-planned-parenthood-burns-new-years-eve/
@Eden, I worry about those people who read about this blaze of unknown cause, and hope that a random terrorist will see this as an acceptable way to “save the babies” — a reason actually given by apprehended random terrorists when interrogated.
What random terrorists would those be? To my knowledge, the only people burning buildings right now are affiliated with antifa and blm, neither of whom are organizations known for “saving the babies.” Worry may be put to better use by being concerned about the people who feel no shame for aborting their children, or are stuck in careers with PP being blackmailed into continuing to work there. Look into “And Then There Were None” it’s a far more worthy use of your mental capacity than worry over random hypothetical terrorism, and by supporting that organization, you’d be enabling abortion workers to leave the industry, seek counseling, and gainful employment- if there are fewer people performing abortions, more lives are saved, both physically and spiritually.
https://abbyj.com/and-then-there-were-none/
When it comes to PP, we hear the arguments from the media and everywhere about victims of rape, incest, etc; and Yes, while unfortunate, these people it sound like these those things are so common.
They’re not. The reality is, the majority of the “victims” are victims of themselves and their own lifestyle. The media makes it sounds so simple and so easy for them. “Don’t worry.. have your fun and if something goes wrong, PP is there to give you a free pass.”
There are so many better things that just going down the route of murder, but they make it sound like PP is humane because we don’t subject a child to a lifetime of rejection, foster care, etc.
The real victims are slaughtered children.
Fact. Biblically speaking, incest, rape, prostitution abuse was depicted, but never commended, and never justified murder of the subsequent conceived child. In fact, through Christ, Rahab the Prostitute, Ruth the Moabitess (a lineage stemming from Lot’s incest with his daughter), were redeemed by Jesus himself embodying the each of those “victimhood statuses,” and shedding his blood for redemption. It’s really awe-inspiringly beautiful, if you think about it. What Christ embodied, He redeemed. Had they aborted those children, Christ’s lineage wouldn’t have been the same. God transforms even the most evil of human behaviors to accomplish His good purpose. Amen!
Of course there is the instance of God taking the life of David’s first child with Bathsheba as a consequence of his sin with her. Do I claim to understand the justice of that? Or the mind of a Holy God? No. But best I can tell, the One who initiated the covenants gets to set the terms, so who am I to question God’s decision?
Great points and goals!
Thank you so much Marland! 🙂 I appreciate that! hope your 2022 is off to a great start! Hugs and love xox
🤗 and love, to you also!! Xox
Thanks for your beautiful post. My family has volunteered for years at our local pregnancy center, and the culture of life there (before and after birth) is just awe-inspiring. I sent your New Year’s list to my family. It’s just perfect. Happy New Year!
Hi Amy! Oh gosh, thank you so much 🙂 That is such a beautiful and admirable thing that you and your family do! I love it! You’re right – the life-promoting pregnancy centers that really “do it right” are absolutely awe-inspiring, and the change they are making in the world is truly marvelous. And gosh, thanks for passing it along! I’m honored! Know that I’ll be praying for the work that pregnancy center is doing! (And for you and your family, of course.) Wishing you and yours a happy new year! Hugs and love xox
I’m so thankful to hear you’re against that organization as well. God bless you. I love hearing about New York, even though I’m a tiny town farm girl & love it. lol
Thank you friend. Yes! I am absolutely against the culture of death they’ve created both at an organizational and societal level. Hey! I love tiny towns! My family spends the summer in a tiny lake town in Wisconsin, and it’s my favorite place in the world!! 🙂 Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Much better that sloppy New Year’s Resolution, these ideas put the wheels to the road ahead.
As my Dad used to say, “Keep on truckin’!” ❤️&🙏, c.a.
Thank you so much! yes! Keep on truckin, i love it! Yes! Now’s a great time to reexamine our hearts and set the tone for the coming year! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox
Agreed. Unfortunately that is what much of the online community has become. If they can’t match your logic, they attack you as a person or claim that you are oppressing some imaginary victim group they just thought up.
true that!
Great resolutions, dear. Jesus said in John 17:3 that eternal life is to know God. That’s my goal this year. To more diligently study His Word and, in so doing, get to know Him better.
Your dedication to Christ is something that is rare in these days and I want to say that it’s encouraging to see it still glowing bright.
Loved this post. Thanks for transparency and the wisdom. Blessings to you friend.
The thing is, women will abort anyway. Dangerous, illegal abortions are very common in Mexico, where abortion is mostly illegal.
The only real question is will we also lose the mother in a dangerous, illegal abortion. Planned Parenthood at least helps protect that life.
The world is Round
If the world were flat
no matter where you start
you’d surely find an ending,
a place to part.
But the world is round
and we two are one:
Our story will be endless,
like the journey of the sun.
by Patricia Bow March 1974
My wife’s way of saying :”Love is forever” and “God is Love!”
I miss her so!
What a magnificent post! Thank you for so boldly speaking the truth. I really believe that if men behaved well, women would not be pressured into having abortions. It’s probably impossible to know the true statistics, but I’m guessing that many unplanned pregnancies begin with powerful men taking advantage of vulnerable women, then end with the same powerful men being unwilling to take responsibility for the damage done or the innocent lives they have so carelessly created. The one group that abortion really protects is irresponsible, cowardly men. But you won’t see that in big print in the news.
You are a blessing in my life. Please keep writing!
Best Regards,
“Gwennon”
At age 70, my Google searches run more toward sensible shoes or travel than anything to do with reproduction, so suggesting that the PP ad appeared because of my search is faulty. I think it is more likely that it appears because you write about PP in your posts (and they don’t check to see if you approve of their work or not–they just go by when their name is used).
Ah, that’s a great point! I think you might be right! And I’m right there with you on the sensible shoes 🙂 After almost two years in lockdown, I just can’t be bothered with a high heel any more! Give me all the flats! 🙂 hahah thanks for stopping by, Madeline! Hugs and love xox
Love God, Love People (just as he loved us, in spite of our unworthiness) and help every individual who I can, become a fully devoted follower of Jesus.
Also, think about what needs to be given up or sacrificed, in obedience, so I can spend more time with what I wrote above. ie tv(sports, unimportant shows that waste my time, too much social media, that doesn’t advance his kingdom, etc.).
Continue to teach more at our home church, or other opportunities, and continue using music to minister.
Wow, that was a mouthful. 🙂
Thank you so much for this awesome response! Love God, Love People — that literally sums life up in four words!! Such great ideas. thank you so much! Hugs and love xox
Thanks Caralyn,
I am with you in #1, #2, #3 and #4. Including intentionality 🙌🏼… to put time into hopes and dreams 🎶, including with prayer.
I also have learning and teaching (with the book I am writing, a couple of hours each day…), and John 10:10
Great principals to stand upon, C! I too am feeling the toxic drain from scrolling, so I have begun a new mentality in those moments of “down-time” when my pointer-finger automatically begins scrolling through instagram. Instead of opening the insta app I instead am opening my OWN photos app and looking at the joy found in my OWN life, instead of always OTHERS. I know it may sound self-centered but I really feel God pulling me toward a fuller immersion with all He has blessed ME with. Our social media society saturates our hearts sometimes with looking at OTHERS, while neglecting the very blessings which are directly in front of us within our own lives. I desire to recognize this MORE in the 2022 year. (While still of course sharing in the JOY of those whom I know….maybe just in a healthier dose.)
As always, great post. Hopefully you got this info from WordPress, but I’m adding in the comment so others see it as well. We all find different things objectionable so there isn’t one solution for ads that fits all, but if you want to keep ads on the site and cultivate what shows, according to the support page on https://wordpress.com/support/wordads-and-earn/: If you feel an ad is inappropriate or mature, please select Report This Ad on the advertisement itself to report it to us.
That text is usually small, but underneath each ad.
Happy New Year!