My Review of 2018

This entire year has been memorable for a number of reasons as indicated in the bulleted list.

• Contacted Gretchen Whitmer to volunteer for her campaign
• Collected signatures on petitions for her campaign
• Attended Petition Submission
• Attended events for her campaign across the State
• Canvassed for the Democrats throughout my community
• Joined the local Dem club
• Attended first Democrat Conventions
• Worked the polls during primary and general election
• Joined the Black Caucus Dem Club
• Attended County Democrats Convention
• Elected to Executive Board of County Democrats
• Attended many meet and greets for candidates
• Promoted a boatload of Democrat candidates on social media
• Created live videos promoting the importance of voting, immigration, etc.
• Created videos to just to vent against the idiot-in-chief
• Created videos to promote my potential candidacy for president in 2020
• Watched the biggest sham of a presidency reveal more stupid and treasonous activities on a daily basis.
• Participated in several Marches in the cold, in the rain, in the heat: March For Our Lives, Families Belong Together, Cinco De Mayo Parade, Labor Day Parade,
• Lost 16 pounds knocking on doors
• Saw Bill Cosby go to jail for sexual assaults
• Saw many celebrities accused of sexual misconduct
• Saw the stain of corruption spread to the Supreme Court with the Kavanaugh confirmation
• Determined Russia has infiltrated American democracy with the intent to demolish it with the help of Koch Brothers, the Mercers, the Adelsons, the Murdochs and corrupt, treasonous Republicans (most now trumplicans)
• Vowed to fight against tyranny and a “life-time president”
• Learned the journey to the White House–is costly–emotionally, physically, as well as financially
• Trained to become more politically active in all elections

It has been a very busy year, one that has opened my eyes and hopefully the eyes of others in understanding we cannot be apathetic bystanders, we must get involved at every stage of local government to ensure our democracy is sustained and all participate in the process.

I won’t bore people with redundancies, since I’ve actually written about much of what has occurred this year, but I wanted to put in one place, a summary of my political involvement on my journey to the White House. A look back at what we’ve done is a good place to start planning where we go next and how best to make it work for all involved.

Hope you’ve all had a merry Christmas and look forward to a happy New Year (without the anger or lies of you-know-who).

 

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In Case You Missed It!

I’m uploading a number of videos on YouTube as part of my presidential exploration. Surprisingly, a number of people have weighed in on what I’ve said about trump–they either agreed or didn’t. A couple of people–white males–even got nasty and profane. But that’s their prerogative. I don’t respond in kind. And since I wasn’t sure if people missed what was said, I thought I’d post here–especially since I seem to be picking up so many followers from “outlook.com” Trying to figure out–why!

At any rate, here’s the link. Feel free to share or comment–knowing I won’t respond to nastiness–beneath me to do so, but I welcome open conversation about how we can fix the mess we find ourselves in with this WH administration. So, if you have 12 minutes to spare–enjoy!

 

More coming soon, but the content will be about how I see the solutions to the problems that face many.

Speaking What Is Right!

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city, at the entrance she cries aloud: To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, set your hearts on it. Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right. My mouth speaks what is true for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my mouth are just; none of them is crooked or perverse. To the discerning all of them are right; they are upright to those who found knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:1-11 NIV

Before we get too far into the meat of this text–this is not going to be an exegesis of this segment of Proverbs, but it is fitting to note, just how apropos it is for the following promotion of my potential candidacy in 2020.

For the last few months, if not longer, most who read my blog know, I’m exploring a run for President in 2020. I’ve talked to a number of people–some who think it’s a great idea and some who don’t; I’ve run online surveys to get a sense of the issues that concern most people; I’ve participated in marches and will continue to do so; I’ve researched state requirements to get on the ballot in all 50 states; I’m participating in training sessions to get it right, and getting more involved in my community so I’ll know I’m speaking on behalf of the people and not myself.

For the next year or so, until June 2019, I’ll be working on putting together a coalition of Everyday Americans who want to see significant changes in Washington and are willing to work for it to happen. We’ll have to cover a lot of territory and as of this writing, I have yet to attempt to raise funds for a campaign. I am cautiously optimistic that when the time comes; we will have presented and promoted such a dynamic case of why I should be in the White House, money will come so we can turn things around and reclaim our position as leaders to the world. I’m convinced we can do this and the world will think better of us.

However, I want the masses to make that decision, not me. I believe in me and I want others to believe in me, too. So watch for all the updates on http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 and my tweets @educatormary on Twitter. I encourage comments because I want to know what’s on your mind. I will respond to legitimate, serious comments, questions as quickly as I can. I will not respond or react to hateful, bigoted, misogynistic rhetoric because that would be a waste of my time, talent, and wisdom.

For what it’s worth, I will not lower my standards or values to interact with people who simply want to disdain, malign or belittle others–for any reason–and especially not because some–are simply bigoted racists. Am I perfect? Not hardly. A friend of mine coined a phrase that I’ll use often (I told her I would); I am flawed with fortitude in my commitment and passion to make a real difference in this country that will benefit all.

Are you ready? If so, don’t hesitate to join us in being the change we need to make this a better world, while we can.

 

Here’s my “practice” video. Others will be coming soon, so watch for them!

The Devil–Cloaked With Deceptive Devices!

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:1-5 NIV

Disclaimer–I am a devout Believer in Jesus Christ and claim no denominational ties or affiliations, I am ordained by God and man to teach God’s Truth, no matter what the circumstances or who it may expose. I’m not particularly impressed with any politician because I know they all lie, but when it comes to mocking a practice that is pivotal to our faith, I tend to get a bit incensed.

Your thoughts are welcomed!

I am unable to attach the link I wanted to reference, but please check on YouTube and search for “Donald Trump Meets With Religious leaders.”

Please note that this video posted in September 2015. Much has been revealed about the man, by himself, since then.

I’m praying even the more for God to pour out His Wisdom upon all flesh, that blinders will be removed and ears unstopped so they will receive Truth.

 

Praise The Lord!

“Every Day I will praise You and extol Your name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.  For The Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with victory.” (Psalm 145:2,3; 149:4 NIV)

This morning as I write, tired but rejoicing–over the victory won by our 18-member High School Marching Band, I have reason to praise The Lord, as do they all.

If people don’t understand how important it is to recognize that all of God’s Word is relevant to our every day lives, it is because they do not understand it or how marvelous our God is!

We have been steadily encouraging our diminishing band to think and work as hard as they can. Many were discouraged because of the small size, but one of the things I have constantly said to them is that it is not about the numbers, but the individual effort. Last night, their collective individual efforts earned them a Division 1 Ranking during the 2015 Band Festival of Marching Bands. Our senior drum major was so shocked, his mouth fell open (his story), but I remained confident in the blessing of our Lord–honoring their effort because they played and thrilled the crowd with a dance coordinated by the band director. They were awesome.

Here’s the link on YouTube: https://youtu.be/czsIdff-BeA

Since I was the one videotaping their performance, I must apologize for the shaky start of the video; I was trying to manipulate the camera around other people.

Though they are small number they are mighty in sound and courage in facing-off with other bands much, much larger than they are. God’s grace and mercy abounds and prayers were answered–our band members are no longer discouraged, but encouraged.

We must remember that Gideon had his mighty army reduced to a handful so the army would not get the glory, but God. And considering everything this little high school marching band has endured, God indeed gets the glory for their accomplishment.

I pray that each of them will continue to do their very best–individually and collectively–not concerned with the numbers or the naysayers and doubters, but mindful of a God who is more than enough and it is He who gives us the victory in all situations.

Whenever we face obstacles, challenges, naysayers and doubters–all those who would attempt to discourage us and keep us defeated; we need to remember that there is no battle too hard for God and no victory withheld from those who love Him–whether in a marching band or marching through this journey called life. As long as we march to the beat of His Word and live according to the rhythm of His grace–we will know victory and for that–WE GIVE HIM PRAISE!

Channel Trailer

I love being creative even though some may not think I’m very adept at it. Who knows? I just may get to be very good at it if I keep trying. At any rate, check out my Channel Trailer on YouTube and let me know what you think.  Whatever it is, my feelings won’t be hurt and I just might learn from the experience. Thanks.

http://youtu.be/5Mthpiuc7UY

I’ve been looking for elves. Apparently, some people where I live believe the elves do all the work around our house. If they do, I’d like to know WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN LATELY!  Not losing my mind, just trying to get through life with a little humor. If you see those elves, tell them I’m looking for them.

Excerpt 2–“Battlerama! Super Tweens To The Rescue!”

After seeing the hopelessness, they turned inward to their new-found home and created a circle and meditated.  Modsi saw them moving forward, but not away from where they were.  They now had to think about the best way to find a way to stop Loftus.

Noissa started speaking in a quiet voice.  “We know he feeds upon fear and doubt.  We also know he hates with a passionate all who dare to care.”

Modsi responded, “That’s true, but we also have to consider the power he harnesses from those who hate.  That’s why we have to stop him and soon.  If he creates enough situations for people to hate, he’ll infuse their hate with his and have more power than we do.  He has to be stopped and soon. We cannot do it by ourselves; he has already gained too much ground.  We must find fearless ones to train in order to stop him.”

Ytirge joined in, “The only fearless ones are those who have not had an opportunity to learn fear.  We must seek those first and inspire others later. Think, Modsi, where do we find fearless ones?”

Modsi thought for a moment and the only ones she knew about would be children who had not been taught to fear.  “We must find children, wherever they may be and choose the right ones to train.”

“How will we know them when we find them?” Ytirge asked.

“Think,” Noissa said.  “Think!”

As they huddled in their circle, the vision became clearer.  All over the world were children who had not yet known fear.  Some knew anger, but they could be trained under the right conditions and right now, The Wisteria didn’t have time to be choosey. They decided to watch the children in action for a day and then make a decision.  They knew they had to make the right decision the first time because they would not get a second try.

 

Available soon on Amazon.com!  Book trailer available now on YouTube–“Battlerama Bk Trailer”

Excerpt from “Battlerama–Super Tweens To The Rescue!”

Although the attack had been planned for months, it did not last long.  Loftus thought he had it made with his band of warriors, but he did not count on those who had been chosen and filled with wisdom and knowledge—The Wisteria were worthy opponents. The air was electric and the only sounds that could be heard were the thunderous roars of the clashing rivals and the lightning flashes hurtling through the stars as though comets were being born by the minute. This was a battle he could not win. With all the weapons he had at his disposal, they were of no use to him and soon after the scheduled attack, he and his mercenaries were driven back—so far back they fell through a black hole that opened beneath them and the only thing that anyone could hear was their terrified screams—screams that echoed to far reaching places that eventually subsided as they fell further away into another dimension.

 

Coming soon and available on amazon.com!  Book Trailer on YouTube–“Battlerama Bk Trailer”

Trapped–the Play

I am in the process of creating the script for a stage play based on the book–Trapped!  I would love to get your input regarding the scenes that should be presented on stage.

Read the book and let me know.  Book is available on amazon.com and xlibris.com as either a paperback or ebook.

We’ll be holding auditions soon.  Look for the announcement as soon as we (my creative team and I) approve the script.

Thanks!

God is Yet Speaking

For whatever reason, there are many who say that God “is not speaking” to anyone these days.  I stand ready to refute that claim, by anyone who makes it.  If someone truly believes that God is not speaking, I would have to question their relationship with God.  Before the arrival of Jesus on the earth, God spoke “through” the prophets and the law.  When Jesus walked the earth, He “spoke what His father said”, using parables so the people could relate.  Now that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of His Father, He sent His Spirit back to remind us of all things said, and to show us those things to come.  The Holy Spirit will also “speak to our hearts” regarding any matter–whether it is a small matter or a great one; He still speaks.  As a matter of reference, I would refer to my latest book.  I cannot take credit for the idea of the book, but do proclaim–with everything in me–that God spoke to it to my heart, and the writing flowed without great effort on my part.  Those who have read it–agree that God’s hand is in the plan.  The Word tells us that He is never without a witness of His goodness and I declare Trapped to be a witness of His goodness through the works of my hands.  “Nothing the enemy attempts to do shall prosper or have any place in my life” is my constant proclamation and it so because The Word confirms it!  Read the book–and if you cannot see God in it–I will respect your position! Mary’s books.

Readings from Trapped are available on YouTube on my channel–Mary HallRayford.