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I write about what matters...to you---
women, wives and moms---
about your family, faith and future.
I write about what's hard, what helps and what heals.
I show you how it's done. And not done.
I hold your hand as you find what matters to the Savior.
And let go of those things that mattered to you, but not to Him.
I write about what matters...to Him.
               Sonya Contreras

What in the World Is Happening?

Over the past five years, our governor has released over 50,000 criminals from our prisons. He has raised the standard of what constitutes a crime. A thief can steal up to $900 without penalty, any smaller amount is no longer a crime. (Make sure you carry $1000 around in your wallet, so when you are mugged, it is a crime.)

Crime increases because  police have no power to restrain them.

But if a waitress offers a straw to a customer, she could be sentenced to six months in prison per straw she gives. Straws are now illegal in California. Starbucks and other “drinking” establishments are scrambling to fulfill the needs of their customers without breaking the law.

We've also voted (I voted against) to eliminate receiving bags when you purchase groceries or products (to save the environment). So people purchase bags (because they forgot their other purchased bags at home). These bags are heavy duty. And you re-use the bags, even when you buy meat or produce, and wonder why salmonella outbreaks are higher. How does throwing out a heavier bag save the environment? 

A contractor informed my husband that a new law requires all new or remodeled bathrooms in California must have their lights automatically turn off when the person leaves. With that requirement, outlets also shut off computers, timers, and security alarms. Contractors are struggling to make the work place “work for the people,” while obeying the law at the same time.

Those who build barns and sheds must install sprinkler systems for certain sized barns, not for the customer’s needs, but for the government’s regulations.

Our government is making the working people criminals while they allow real criminals to terrorize our lives.

Why?
When crime increases, people demand more protection. Thus more government intervention to create "safer environments." More restrictions take away more freedoms.

We have forgotten justice. When the working class is caught in the wrong, while those who haven't held a job ever continue to rob from the worker, justice is skewed.
But justice doesn’t come without knowing God.
The farther man falls from God, the more  irrational and insane are man's thoughts. (The Romans 1 spiral reflects our state.)

I can’t read the news. My husband shares enough to make me angry and wonder when will I break the law?

What can we do?
Many Californians are moving to other states. I’d like to.
But is that the answer?
For some, that is what God is telling them to do. (I wish I could be one of them.)
But for others, God says wait. I feel like those who saw the Nazi regime coming, but knew they would be there when it came.

What should we be doing now?
Pray.
How much do you pray for our government?

I know I don’t pray enough. Maybe at election time. But then I get busy with my little world.
And the bigger world of laws and regulations whirl around me (and choke me).

God tells us to pray for our leaders so that we can live a peaceful life.
"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings, and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity" 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

This commandment was given during great persecution of God's people.
First, pray. 

Second, walk in integrity. 

"A righteous man who walks in his integrity—How blessed are his sons after him" (Proverbs 20:7).

Why? "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You" (Psalm 26:21).

"Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name" (1 Peter 4:15-16).

Unrest? Crime?
Jesus promised we would have no peace until He returns. He even said we would suffer for Him.

Surprised?
Not really.

Anxious?
Not when I put my fears into prayer that's given to the One Who holds the entire world in His Hands.
"The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes" (Proverbs 21:1).


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Author of Biblical fiction, married to my best friend, and challenged by eight sons’ growing pains as I write about what matters.

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Faith
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Or here:
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Articles on Suffering can be found  here, 
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