I just finished taking off for almost two weeks. During that time, I had zero contact from my job. The first day of my vacation I got up like usual and had some coffee, read scripture, and went to open some news sites. I paused and wondered if I wanted to do that. I chose not to.
I have to say, going news-free for more than a week was probably one of the best things I’ve done in a while. Everyone knows that we’re fed garbage (I think) but, even though I know it, I personally did not know how big an impact it had on my spirit until I took a break from it. It made me feel so much more at peace.
We can choose to live in fear of what may happen in the future, or we can choose to live in the moment of what is happening. Matthew 6:34 says not to worry about tomorrow because each day has enough worry of its own. For a few days, I may have understood this teaching of Our Lord better than ever. That doesn’t mean not to plan for the future or to live like a fool, it just means ordering your concerns correctly.
Obviously, when my vacation ended, I went back to reading news and immediately the gloom of modernity began to descend again. “We’re not going to make it because of war, fuel costs, shortages,” and on and on. I’m not sure if I can figure out how to stay informed without that impacting me at all but I am sure going to work to find out. If I can’t, I may just take one day a week to catch up on global events and just focus on local things that will immediately impact me and those I love and care about.
I didn’t take any long trip, just a day trip and spent most of my time on the patio or working in the yard but had a great reset. If you take two things away from this I hope they are: 1) Take a break from your job once in a while, 2) take a break from media once in a while. It’ll do you good.
Forty-seven(ish) year ago I had an experience that I will never forget. I went through the 1979 tornado in Wichita Falls that was part of the Terrible Tuesday series of tornadoes. I was a ten-year-old and was more interested in catching frogs than making life or death decisions.
The family was sitting and having dinner. There was music playing on the local disco-rock station and I kid you not, it was a song titled, “Blow Away” by George Harrison that was playing when the DJ told everyone to take shelter and the sirens sounded. The family sprang into action, grabbing mattresses and piling them in the hall. As the youngest apparently it was important that I was buried under more stuff than anyone else.
My brother and dad watched the monster as it approached our house. I’ll never forget stories they told me about watching until they saw a pickup a block away start tumbling towards the tornado. The block across from our house was mostly empty field. I will also never forget laying beneath my entire family yelling pray, at ten, I was calling my family to pray to God for protection and thinking I was going to get crushed to death before the tornado could take me out. I had my sister, brother, mother, and father on top of me as far as I could tell. When it settled down my mother warned we could be in the eye and not to be too fast to leave our protection. Eventually we went outside. Everything familiar was gone. Half a block from our house – No more street signs. No more landmarks. No houses where lots of houses stood a half-hour ago.
It’s weird how that day shaped me. At ten, I learned that everything in your life can change in a heartbeat because of things completely outside of your control. Comfort and normalcy could be wiped out. Friends you’d had all your life could be swept away. It really added a sense of nothing is certain or concrete to my life.
Never assume tomorrow. Don’t waste your opportunities today. Always, always trust in God and seek His favor and protection.
I’ve had varied work experiences. I did the typical fast food and retail stuff as a teenager. I also spent time at an atypical job for a teen. I worked about eight months in a machine shop and after hours built my first car from the shell of a ‘67 Beetle. A guy that raced sprint cars took me under his wing and that time was a blast. At the end of it I had a little VW bug that beat enough muscle cars to make guys want to fight me a few times.
After school I went to work at a psychiatric hospital as a direct care worker for over nine years. I loved that work and enrolled in college to get my nursing degree. I didn’t get it though. After my first semester of nursing courses the department chair called me in and congratulated me on my scores. She also took that meeting as a time to advise me not to get too confident because nursing was typically a woman’s field and, in the end, most of their male students don’t make it.
I can take a hint.
I immediately changed my major to criminal justice and minor to political science. I took a job at the local jail until I could get my degree and get a real job. One of the things I noticed off the bat was that my experience in the psych hospital helped me in my job. I had to learn how to deal with upset, delusional or psychotic people without the assistance of any weapon while at the hospital. That taught me to use my head and my mouth to talk people down. It stayed with me.
A few years into my career there I was a deputy and during my Field Training (FTO) final evaluation, we had to get a particularly belligerent fellow to take his dog to be quarantined. His adamant refusal slowly turned to understanding and ended with, “Can I take him while you follow me to make sure we go there?” I said that was fine. I got in the car and my FTO evaluator asked me, “How did you do that?” I asked what he meant. He replied that he would have ended up spraying the guy and taking him to jail the way he had acted when we first got there. I said, “I didn’t have anything needing done so I just talked to him.” He acted like he’d just seen real magic.
It also helped me with report writing. Being raised in a Christian home and being taught, incorrectly I now think, that taking God’s name in vain meant saying God and damn as a compound word, I had written that a patient said, “Give me a GD cigarette.” A psychiatrist gave me a well-intended and appropriate chewing out that I had to write facts only and not let my beliefs or values muddle my charting. She more gently told me at other times to avoid jargon and abbreviations unless I explained them the first time. My reports at the Sheriff’s Office were rarely returned for correction.
I retired as the Chief Deputy for that agency even though I wasn’t really ready. A lot of things went into it, and I found myself back at the same psychiatric facility I had left 22 years earlier but as the Director of Security. I quickly learned that my time in law enforcement had changed me. Some might say it made me harder; I think it made me more open to experiencing reality as it really is.
So, what does this all have to do with trusting experts? My experience is that our career shapes us more than we shape the culture of the organization and field we are in. This effect seems even stronger in people who don’t consciously watch for that affect in their life. I’ve met lifelong cops who can’t trust anyone who is not a cop. I’ve met lifelong mental health professionals who can’t see the criminal mindset a person has because it has a mental health aspect to it. I’ve met lifelong ministers who can’t comprehend a real-world problem because it involves aspects of society they are totally ignorant of.
I’ve observed that hobbies can ameliorate the issue of seeing everything through one single lens. But if you’re talking about an expert who has dedicated their existence to one particular field or area, they can’t think properly about anything outside of that field and sometimes, they can’t let their assumptions be challenged enough to make a course correction when needed. Every time I’ve been applauded for a creative solution or outside the box thinking, it’s been by what I refer to in my head as a one-tracker. That’s someone who graduated high-school and went directly into whatever field they have spent their entire life in.
Anyway, that’s why I don’t trust the experts. Even when it seems like they are talking about an area they have expertise in, it always interacts with the real world and that occurs in ways they don’t understand.
I couldn’t count the number of times I’ve read through the Book of Proverbs in my lifetime. I loved reading as far back as I can recall. It’s perfect for reading one chapter a day for an entire month. What day is it? Read that chapter.
I find it has timeless wisdom for leading a peaceful and productive life. I spent some of my time yesterday reviewing video from a security system. The video showed an individual obviously upset, spewing vile curses and filth, about something they’re completely in the dark on. I had to stop and pray for that person right then.
Today, while reading Proverbs 15, these verses really stuck out at me:
The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.
A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but one slow to anger calms strife.
The mind of the righteous person thinks before answering, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil things.
Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.
As I read these, I couldn’t help but think that the ancient wisdom in this book still applies thousands of years later. I went back and read it again. On the second reading I was thankful to God that He has allowed me to be raised in a home, and life, that valued His Word. It has served me so well.
On re-reading it, it occurred to me that non-believers could benefit greatly from reading it as well. I know, there are other wisdom literatures out there. I’ve read some of them, not all. I don’t know if it’s just how our civilization formed or why, but Proverbs has always seemed more real to me.
Anyway, I hope you have a blessed and peaceful day surrounded by wise people, not fools.
This websites name came about as a result of a realization of how often spiritual warfare manifests itself in the physical realm. I think this post is a bit out of the norm for me here but fits in the overall theme. After seeing a couple of things in different locations about credible threats of terror attacks, I thought this might be a good thing for AI to look at. I asked if there was information about credible attacks on March 29, 2025. The results are below:
Key Points
It seems likely that there is a credible terror threat to hospitals and potentially churches around March 29, 2025, based on recent intelligence reports.
The threat involves a planned attack using a vehicle bomb and armed assault, possibly timed with Eid al-Fitr on March 29-30, 2025.
Hospitals in mid-tier U.S. cities are the primary targets, with churches also mentioned as potential additional targets.
The evidence leans toward Islamic extremist groups, like ISIS, being responsible, with corroboration from multiple reliable sources.
Threat Overview
Recent intelligence suggests a credible terror threat targeting hospitals, with potential risks extending to churches, around March 29, 2025. This threat is reportedly linked to a coordinated attack involving a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) followed by an armed assault, possibly aligning with Eid al-Fitr, a significant Islamic holiday on March 29-30, 2025. The primary targets are hospitals in mid-tier U.S. cities (population 100,000–1,000,000), but reconnaissance activities suggest additional soft targets, including churches, could be at risk.
Source Credibility
The information comes from Command Eleven, a legitimate intelligence and risk assessment firm, and is corroborated by a former CIA analyst, Sarah Adams, and multiple reliable sources. Health sector organizations, such as the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Health-ISAC, have also acknowledged similar threats and are coordinating with the FBI, adding weight to the credibility.
Unexpected Detail
An unexpected detail is the mention of social media posts observed on March 18, 2025, indicating active planning for multi-city attacks on hospitals, which health organizations are taking seriously despite the unusual public nature of such threats from terrorist groups.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the Credible Threat to Hospitals and Churches on March 29, 2025
This note provides a comprehensive analysis of the reported credible threat to hospitals and potentially churches around March 29, 2025, based on available intelligence and recent reports. The analysis aims to inform stakeholders, including the public, about the nature, credibility, and implications of the threat, ensuring a thorough understanding for preparedness and response.
Background and Context
On March 19, 2025, a report from Christian Warrior Training highlighted a credible terror threat, primarily targeting hospitals in mid-tier U.S. cities (population between 100,000 and 1,000,000). The timing of the threat is speculated to align with Eid al-Fitr, occurring on March 29-30, 2025, a period historically associated with increased terrorist activity by Islamic extremist groups. This report was further supported by observations from health sector organizations on March 18, 2025, as detailed in a joint bulletin by the American Hospital Association (AHA) and Health-ISAC (Health-ISAC).
Threat Details
The threat involves a sophisticated attack method, as outlined in the table below, based on the intelligence provided:
Aspect
Details
Target
Hospitals in mid-tier U.S. cities, with potential additional soft targets including churches
Attack Method
Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detonation, followed by a coordinated armed assault with 5-10 attackers, potentially leading to a hostage situation
Timing
Within the next three weeks from March 19, 2025, potentially aligning with Eid al-Fitr (March 29-30, 2025)
Responsible Group
Islamic State (ISIS) expected to claim responsibility, with possible coordination from Al-Qaeda
Threat Level
Probability of attack on a hospital: HIGHLY LIKELY (Imminent Threat)
The inclusion of churches as potential additional targets is based on historical calls by ISIS and Al-Qaeda for attacks on faith-based institutions, though specific details on church targeting were less explicit in the reports.
Source Credibility and Corroboration
The primary source, Command Eleven, is described as a vetted and legitimate intelligence and risk assessment firm. Their findings were corroborated by former CIA analyst Sarah Adams, who stated that similar intelligence emerged from Afghanistan-based terrorist training camps. Multiple reliable sources also backed Command Eleven’s claims, enhancing the credibility. Additionally, on March 18, 2025, the AHA and Health-ISAC observed a social media post related to the active planning of a coordinated, multi-city terrorist attack on hospitals, prompting them to issue a joint threat bulletin and coordinate with the FBI. This suggests a multi-source confirmation of the threat’s seriousness.
Health Sector Response
The AHA and Health-ISAC’s bulletin, published on March 20, 2025, noted that while no information was available to fully corroborate or discount the threat’s credibility at that time, the unusual public nature of the social media post warranted caution. They recommended that security teams review emergency management plans and spread awareness internally, indicating a proactive stance. The involvement of the FBI in this coordination, as mentioned in the bulletin, underscores the threat’s elevation to law enforcement attention.
Historical Context and Risk Assessment
Historical data suggests that Islamic extremist groups, particularly ISIS and Al-Qaeda, have targeted healthcare facilities and places of worship in the past, especially during significant religious periods. The DHS’s 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment, released on October 1, 2024 (DHS), indicated a high threat level from domestic and foreign terrorism, which aligns with the current reports. The mention of Eid al-Fitr as a potential trigger point is consistent with past patterns, where such holidays have been exploited for attacks.
Implications for Churches
While the primary focus is on hospitals, the intelligence report from Christian Warrior Training noted reconnaissance at multiple locations, suggesting additional soft targets like churches could be at risk. This is supported by historical instances, such as a 2023 arrest of a radicalized individual planning to attack a church in Ohio, as mentioned in a DHS bulletin from May 24, 2023 (DHS). The report recommends nationwide preparedness, emphasizing vigilance during church services and events, given the potential for overlap in targeting.
Unexpected Observations
An unexpected detail is the public nature of the threat, with a social media post observed on March 18, 2025, indicating active planning. Typically, foreign terrorist groups do not publicize upcoming attacks, which raises questions about the intent behind the post—whether it’s a genuine leak, a diversion, or an attempt to inspire copycat actions. This has led health organizations to take the threat seriously, despite the uncertainty, highlighting the evolving nature of terrorist communication strategies.
Limitations and Uncertainties
While the threat is deemed highly likely, there is no specific official statement from the FBI or DHS directly addressing this particular threat as of March 21, 2025. The lack of such a statement could indicate ongoing investigations or a decision to limit public disclosure to avoid panic or tip off potential attackers. The AHA and Health-ISAC bulletin also noted that at the time of their report, no information was available to fully corroborate or discount the threat’s credibility, adding a layer of uncertainty.
Recommendations for Preparedness
Based on the reports, recommended actions include:
Hospitals and churches conducting emergency drills and enhancing security measures.
Personnel verification and increased surveillance for unusual activities, such as reconnaissance or suspicious vehicle presence.
Coordination with local law enforcement for additional support and resources.
Community awareness campaigns to report suspicious behavior, leveraging resources like the DHS Prevention Resource Finder (DHS).
This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate risks and ensure safety, given the imminent nature of the threat as assessed.
My life has been dedicated to public service. It is so irritating when I see people who are public servants who have forgotten the servant part. It matters not if it’s Joe the President yelling, “I don’t work for you!” at a steel worker or some clerk doing menial filing work in some small, local government office.
We work for the people. We work for the hardworking, taxpayers people of this country, our state, or community. If your salary is funded by tax dollars, dollars forcibly taken from money someone else earned, you better make it worth it.
So, my wonderful wife and I had the occasion to be around a large group of kids a few years ago. The energy level among the young people was exceptionally high. One of the things we noticed while there was lots of disruption, a slight bit of disrespect, and just general noise going on was that two kids in particular were doing exactly as they should do and we’re not being disruptive, disrespectful, or loud. After my wife pointed out the two kids, I couldn’t help but notice that they were the two home-schooled children in the class.
Years ago, I gave up my lieutenant bars in the jail to go to patrol. I loved it! About six years in, I get called into the Sheriff’s Office. The then Sheriff told me about a plan he had to resolve some problems in the jail. The jail had gotten less than stellar marks for the last couple of visits from TCJS. He had been approved by the Commissioners for a new lieutenant spot and he wanted me to take it.
I told him I was deeply appreciative of his confidence in me but went on to tell him how much I enjoyed what I was doing. Serving search warrants was always exciting. Patrol officers really don’t come into their own until after about five years. He told me he really thought I was the person to do what he needed done. I declined again and saw something I only saw twice in my career there. The Sheriff tiled his head down and looked over the top of his glasses (the second time has its own story for another time). He said, “Let me put it another way, do you ever want to have rank in this agency again?”
My reply? “It sounds like a wonderful opportunity sir!” And back off to the jail I went.
He explained I would remain on the Special Response Unit (our tactical team). I would get to keep my take home car and when I wasn’t tied up with jail issues, I could go out on patrol. The issue he wanted resolved was fixed in a couple of months. It turned into one of the best times I ever had at a job. It led to me being the PIO (fun), responsible for two small sections in the Sheriff’s Office, and pretty much free to find things to fix and to do what I wanted.
Looking back, it turned out that what I least wanted at the time was a tremendous blessing to me and to my career.
I was thinking about this time the other day. I couldn’t help wonder how many times I may have missed out on something better because I was happy where I was.
The U.S. Capitol police stopped children from singing the National Anthem in the Capitol Building because it might offend someone.
Rushingbrook Children's Choir were singing the National Anthem in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol when they were interrupted by Capitol police.
A representative from the choir was told that "certain Capitol police said it might offend someone/cause issues." pic.twitter.com/3J8BSBsBSu
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) June 2, 2023
You can hear them sing, “star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave” before they are stopped. I figured I would post the lyrics to anthem here. That way, people can see what was so offensive that agents of the United State government stopped these children from singing one final line of the United States National Anthem in the United States Capitol. While I’d suggest reading all the words of this more than 200-year-old poem, if you want to skip straight to the offensive part, click here.
The Star-Spangled Banner
O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream, ’Tis the star-spangled banner – O long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore, That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a Country should leave us no more? Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave, And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation! Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto – “In God is our trust,” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
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