Just when I thought it was safe to have pregnancy brain...

I was pretty sure that during this pregnancy, my brain would be mush- like it had been the two other times I was pregnant. My husband is particularly amused by this brain-drain, because coming up with simple phrases or trying to think of a certain word is absolutely impossible at this time. My sentences usually end up grammatically lacking, to say the least. To which my husband's oft reply is, "Way to speak, there, English Degree."

So, I don't expect anything I have to say to be said well. I was hoping I wouldn't have anything to say- er, God wouldn't have anything for me to say, but I guess He does. Luckily, it's variations on the same theme.

I'm very much convinced I sound like a complete lunatic to some people- especially my inlaws because they hear it the most, but, whenever people talk about the future in certain terms- you know, they use words like "a couple years down the road..." etc., well, it is hard for me to not say something crazy-sounding.

For instance, talking about saving money so we can send our boys to private school, my reply would be something along the lines of: "Yeah, that's assuming money is going to be worth anything by that time, or that there will be a functioning school system to actually send the boys to..."

Another example? We may buy this house and look into fixing it up "down the road". My immediate thought is, "Yeah, if we aren't too busy trying to find food and just, well, survive...then maybe we can talk about that fancy stone backsplash in the kitchen."

So, I am the crazy-haired lady that stands in the square with a cat perched atop her shoulders, babbling nonsense and hysteria. Except that, I don't think I am. I wish I was. Seriously. I want that stone backsplash in my possible kitchen. I want my kids to go to private school and listen to Christian music on their ipods.

But, I have a sickening, but very real feeling that reality is about to shift for Americans. And we can't even fathom it.

I was reading Joel, an OT prophet. He gives Israel the what-for after locusts eat pretty much everything they have. I have the Message version at the moment, so I don't know how much I am understanding, but this is what I am understanding: Joel pretty much says, "Duh, people. You thought you were invincible and here comes a bunch of bugs that destroy your very existence." 1:5-7 says "Sober up, you drunks! Get in touch with reality- and weep!" He goes on in 1:12ish "...joy is dried up and withered in the hearts of the people." Boy, do I see that on our horizon.

Joel goes on to talk about the temple, and how it is empty and lifeless. Nobody is praying, singing, etc. That right there- that is my fear. I can see a correlation today- the church in America is full of numbers- full of people doing stuff, interacting, studying the Bible and singing worship songs, but the amount of spiritual nothingness that exists within all that...I am terrified of that.

Because, when this hammer falls, those numbers will just fade into the rest of the pitiful, despairing numbers- and what will become of the real church? In America, at least?

This is where I feel my voice rise like a roll of thunder- and not so much my voice, but the voice God will give me.

"It is time to GET REAL. We will no longer be God's People in name only- we will BE His people, living it out with the Spirit coming off of us like bright blue flame that no one will be able to resist."

2:13-14 "Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe. Who knows? Maybe he'll do it now, maybe he'll turn around and show pity. Maybe, when all's said and done, there'll be blessings full and robust for your God!"

That is the key for the Christians of this messed up nation. We will be down, but it will be our choice whether or not we are out. Let us remember who our God is! He is our supply, our refuge, our hiding place. Always! Learn that NOW because the shock to your system will be a great one!

I'm not trying to be crazy freak person hyping you all up and scaring people. But I am saying Get Ready, and Get Ready by fortifying yourself with GOD and GOD alone. Realize NOW that there is NOTHING ELSE- before there really is nothing.

2:18-20 "At that, God went into action to get his land back. He took pity on his people. God answere and spoke to his people, "Look, listen- I'm sending a gift: Grain and wine and olive oil. The fast is over- eat your fill! I won't expose you any longer to contempt among the pagans. I'll head off the final enemy coming out of the north and dump them in a wasteland."

Is 41:10 "Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not despair, FOR I AM YOUR GOD."