Success and Failure Blog

With many tanks and soldiers marching into different cities in Syria, the clash between Sunni and Shiite groups intensifies and threatens to add to the tension. There will be planned protests, too, on May 15 which could add even more fuel tot he fire. A Palestinian state could be declared by September. Why is there so much feuding, and what will result from all of this?

First, a brief explanation of why all the feuding. When Abraham sojourned into the land of Canaan, God told him he would be a great nation. He promised, “I will bless them that bless thee and curse them that curse thee.” (Genesis 12:3)

Abraham ran ahead of God, though. Instead of trusting in God’s time for his wife Sarah to bear him a son, he had a child with Sarah’s maid, Hagar. (Genesis 16) This child, Ishmael, was also blessed, but not with the same blessing God gave Isaac, Abraham’s son through Sarah. Instead, the children of Ishmael would often be at war with each other, for, “His hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him.” (Genesis 16:12) This same verse says he will “dwell in the presence of all his brethren.”

In other words, the Arabs would end up living in the presence of the Jews. However, the conflict would not just be between these groups. Instead, God merely prophesizes that they will dwell together. There have been times when there was relative peace throughout history.

Instead, the prophecy is that there would be great civil strife among Ishmael’s seed. That strife exists in the Sunni and Shiite Muslims, as the clearest example. This conflict is what the protests in Syria are about.

As for the Palestinians, first, it should be noted that not all Palestinians are Muslims. About three-quarters are, with 17% being Jews. They are, instead, a people group which has been trying to get a homeland.

Some claim that Palestinians only want to claim part of Jerusalem. But, some really want to eliminate Israel, as a few maps show. They also have refused to accept Israel’s right to exist, something Germany and Britain, among others, have insisted must happen before a state is granted.
To make a long and convoluted story short, the Palestinians are supported by Syria in part, opposed in part, and it can change by the minute at times.

Several things come into play here.

First, the Bible says God promised this land to Abraham. In fact, the Biblical patricarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are buried here, with their wives, according to Jewish tradition - a tradition which Muslims recognize. They simply believe that God promised the land to Ishmael.

Not only do Muslims believe that Abraham – whom they call Ibrahim – is buried there, which would give the Jewish people just as much right to inhabit the land, there is also ample archaeological evidence for the Bible and that the Jewish people were there many centuries before the Palestinians, unless the Palestinians claim that they descended from the Canaanites (which some, perhaps, might). So, their right to a homeland based on being there before the Jewish people is fallacious. They were given a home by the United Nations in 1948; and yet they are not accepting the right to exist of the other nation given a home in that same mandate.

Of course, that brings up all sorts of complex International Law questions, So, instead of debating whether they should claim this, let’s instead look at what will happen? And, how does this tie in with Syria? Can the Bible, which makes so many other correct prophecies, also tell us what will happen here?

Yes, it can!

This doesn’t mean we can know everything with pinpoint precision, like, “At 8:32 PM on this day this will happen.” Prophecy isn’t like reading a precise history, though some of it gets quite specific. For instance, as I noted in another blog on this site, it is specific to the point that it’s easily understandable afterward. Take the judgment against Tyre, a very rich ancient trading city which was prophesized several centuries before it happened to be destroyed, not be rebuilt, and to have its ruins literally scraped down to the rock.(5) In 332 B.C., after many other nations had fought against it, Alexander the Great’s armies did just that – they scraped the ruins into the sea to make a way to the island part of it was on, and destroyed it entirely.

Instead, prophecy gives us knowledge such as Isaiah 17. This chapter of Isaiah tells us that Damascus will be a “ruinous heap,” and that it will become so very quickly. Once this happens, it will on longer be inhabited. Now, that city has been lived in for thousands of years. This has not come true yet. This doesn’t mean it will happen as a result of the tension in Syria right now. However, it will happen, whether by meteor strike, weapon explosion, or natural gas explosion perhaps triggering weapons, if there are a lot stored somewhere.

We also don’t know when it will be. It could be during the final Battle of Armageddon, or during a war which comes before that. It could also be from a natural disaster.

The Bible tells us that Jerusalem will be given over to the Gentiles (non-Jews) till the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. This means the time the Gentiles control Jerusalem.

This may or may not have begun to be “phased out,” as Hal Lindsey has said, when Israel took the land in 1967 – Israel is still a secular state, after all, though a miraculously reborn one after 2500 years and one with definite similarites to the Biblical/historical one. However, regardless of whether Israel’s rebirth or taking of Jerusalem started a heavenly clock ticking, it is clearly a sign that God is gathering the Jewish people together in the last days as He promised in many places in the Bible.

What is important for this discussion is, how does the dispute with the Palestinians relte to prophecy? It seems like just another war. And, in a sense, that’s true. God’s Word says in James 4:1-2 that wars come from our own lusts, instead of trusting God to open the doors to allow things to happen which are for our best interests. He knows the future and what will result from each action better than we do, and therefore it is His perfect knowledge of a situation that allows us to succeed.

So, thsi desire for land comes from a human desire, a lusting after something which will one day pass away.

However, it is more than just another confrontation. This is apparent because jesus said that the wars, rumors of wars, and many other problems would be like birth pangs.

When a woman is in labor, the contractions start out slow – sharp, yes, but not nearly as close together or as sharp as later. They increase slowly till the baby comes out, at which point they come one right after the other, with no stops.

It might seem like this war has gone on for 2,000 years. It’s true. But, these wars are one of the labor pains, and the unrest has increased since 1948 alone. From wars every decade to skirmishes every few years to almost constant rocket attacks into the northern part of Israel from Lebanon, the stride has increased. So, too, has pressure on Jerusalem, which the Bible says will be a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone which will crush all who try to lift it. (Zechariah 12:1-3) Many world leaders have tried to solve the problem, and all have failed so far.

One won’t, of course – the Antichrist. When he is on the scene, just before Jesus’ Second Coming, most experts agree that Jerusalem will be divided again. Half of the people will be taken captive at this time. (An earlier reference to this, in Zechariah 1, is referring to the past, when Babylon had done this.) God will then fight against all those nations that try to make war against Him, and He will prevail. This will usher in the Millennial Kingdom, during which he will reign 1000 years and the world will be perfect. (Revelation 20)

We see, then, that the Palestinian cause, just as with all those who try to rely on worldly treasures, will not succeed in the end. The answer for them, as for Syria and everyone, is to seek heavenly treasure. This is what Jesus warns us in Matthew 6:19-21. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

So, whether or not their cause is right, the words of Matthew 6:33 are most prudent and important to follow. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Jesus has just finished speaking of housing, food, clothing, and other necessities here. But God – who knows all of our needs – knows what things we have need of and will provide them for us if we don’t go and try to act like we can do it all ourselves. When, in reality, we can only accoml;ish what God allows us to with the skills, chances, and so on which He has lovingly given us.

How is that Kingdom of God sought? It can’t be sought through works, but only by faith. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) He wants us to come to Him by faith. For we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

God wants peple to have freedom, of course, And, in His timing, He may give some protesters their wish and allow them to win and find great freedom in their lands. But, if he does, it is to serve a greater purpose.

That purpose is to show His love, power, holiness, etc.. He is not willing – it’s not His desire – that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) He constantly works in our hearts to show us His love and goodness. He has lovingly promised that the Jewish people will keep their everlasting covenant with Him; it is just that the Gentiles are grafted in. And, He has warned us of the coming wars and rumors of wars, and the time of the end.

Isaish 17, along with Ezekiel 38:39 and other wars, may not come tomorrow, but they are rapidly approaching. The death of bin Laden and public celebrations following it – celebrations which would never have come to such an extent years ago – show the mindset that is growing which will cause people to celebrate the death of God’s two witnesses as mentioned in Revelation 11. Things are moving closer every day – to the point Jesus is even now at the door.

The way to be prepared when that happens is to know Him personally. Because, He doesn’t want anyone to perish – He doesn’t want anyone to suffer everlasting punishment away from the face of God. However, He lets people have free choice. He wants each of us to choose eternal life.

It’s not just a head knowledge like some have. I ahd that myself till I was in my late teens. Then, I realized I needed heart knowledge – I need a personal relationship with Him. I received jesus Christ to save me from my sins by faith, because I knew I tried really hard and was usually pretty good, but I still wasn’t perfec, which is God’s standard for goodness. Once I trusted Him to forgive me, He did. He’s been a faithful guide, helper, comforter, friend, and so on every since.

Any of us can have Him as a friend, guiding here and protecting from the wrath to come. All it takes is a single, sincere step of faith, calling on Jesus Christ, believing He is God in flesh, and trusting Him to save you from your sin, through what He did on the cross, when he took the punishment for your sin by dying for you; then, He rose from the dead. He has the victory over all the evil in this world, but He continues to allow people to make bad choices and sin. One day, though, when the age of grace is over, he will judge it, though.

The battles in the Middle East are over things that will pass away. It’s possible that Syria will have much more freedom soon. However, no matter which side wins, that victory will be short-lived. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Romans 14:11) Even if the Lord would give the Palestinians victory, the important thing is not the treasures we get on Earth. The important thing is that we gain treasures in Heaven by serving Jesus, showing the love and compassion that he has for us. It’s not because we have to; it’s because we want to after what He has done for us.

I write a blog that studies the relation between current events and prophetic scripture.  With rumors of war (or peace)  in the Middle East becoming increasingly alarming,  a study of the War of Gog is prudent I believe.  The following is the first of two parts:

In the Vision concerning Gog, God reveals the the prophet Ezekiel that in the ‘latter-days’ Isreal will be invaded by a massive army lead by Gog, or the ‘chief prince’ of the next modern day Persia.  In the vision, it appears that the attack has already taken place, Isreal is occupied, and God is telling Gog that God’s will has been set against Gog, and He is going to pull them out of Isreal.  Ezekiel Chapter 39 gives account of the actual battle, and will be discussed in a later study.

Ezekiel 38 1-3 ¹ The word of the LORD came to me: ² “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him ³ and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal

Who exactly is Gog, this mighty king who will attack Israel with a mighty army in the ‘latter days’?  Gog is first mentioned in I Chronicles 5:4 as a descendant of Joel, son of Shemaiah.  We know that Gog is also the ‘chief prince’ of Meshech and Tubal.  Meshech and Tubal describe the people of ancient Anatolia which now is modern day Turkey.

The word given for ‘chief prince’ is ro’sh or ‘head’ and is used as an adjective (chief) in the passage. Some however relate the word ‘ro’sh’ as a reference to a country known as Rashu (or Reshu) which was an ancient land along the Tigris river.  Other’s have identified ro’sh as a people known as the Rus who lived in the region of the Taurus Mountains in present-day Turkey.  The reference to Russia comes only through resemblance in spelling or sound.

In verses 1-3 of Ezekiel’s vision, God reveals that he is against Gog.

^{Ezekiel 38:4-7 4} I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. ⁵ Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, ⁶ also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops—the many nations with you.⁷ ” ‘Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes gathered about you, and take command of them.

Here in verse 4, God tells Gog that he is going to turn him around as a horse is lead with a bit in it’s mouth and pull him out of Isreal.

The Ally’s of Gog:

• PUT - Phut or Put (Hebrew: פוט pûṭ; Septuagint Greek Φουδ Phoud) is the third son of Ham (one of the sons of Noah), in the biblical Table of Nations (Genesis 10:6; cf. 1 Chronicles 1:8). Put or Phut) is associated with r Phut) is associated with Ancient Libya by many early writers. (Wiki)
• CUSH – The existence of the historical Kingdom of Kush in what is now areas of southern Egypt, and Sudan cannot be reasonably questioned, although the term may later have been employed with some latitude. In addition, the modern Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family spoken by various populations in the Horn of Africa, is named after the Biblical Cush (Wiki)
• Persia – the empire included the modern territories of Iran,Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of Central Asia, Asia Minor, Thrace and Macedonia, much of the Black Sea coastal regions, Iraq, northern Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon,Syria, and all significant population centers of ancient Egypt as far west as Libya. (Wiki)
• Gomer – According to tractate Yoma, in the Talmud, Gomer is identified as the ancestor of the Gomermians, modern Germans. (Wiki)
• Beth-Togarmah – In the Midrash compilation Genesis Rabbah, Rabbi Berechiah mentions Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah as German tribes or as German lands. (Wiki)

Ezekiel 38:8 - ⁸ After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety.

‘In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war’, God reveals the state of Isreal before the attack. First Gog will invade a land that has recovered from war, which means that the attack will come when Isreal as settled and at peace.

‘whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety.’ The attack will come after Israeli has been restored.  It is believed that a mass pilgrimage to Israel will take place sometime before or immediately after the Rapture.  I believe it may occur once the Israeli/Arab peace treaty is signed.  At no point in History have the Jews lived in relative safety as they do now.

The NIV (New International Version Bible) has ‘In future years’ and the KJV (King James Version) has ‘in the latter years’. The prophecy concerning Gog was written sometime during 593 B.C and history shows that Gog, sometime between 670 and 570  B.C,  was an ally of the people of Gomer (Cimmerians) and warred in Northwest Asia during this period.

In the next part, we will study verses 9-17 and see what happens during the battle.

Ever since the crisis over the flotilla trying to get through Israel’s blockade, tensions have been very high.  It appeared at times recently that there could be peace in the Middle East. However, real peace seems very far away at times, too.

Why is there such violence?

Four thousand years ago, the Bible says God told Abraham he would make him a great nation. (Gen. 12:1-3, Gen. 15, and others) Abraham “ran ahead” of God’s plan, you might say. God planned to bless his son through his wife, Sarah.  Abraham got impatient though, and he and Sarah’s servant, Hagar, produced a son, named Ishmael. (Gen. 16-17) Abraham later had a son through Sarah, though, named Isaac. (Gen. 21-22) When God blessed Abraham’s son, Isaac – the one he had with Sarah – it started 4,000 years of violence in the Middle East.

God said that Ishmael, too, would be a great nation, though, and live in the presence of his brethren. (Gen. 16:10-12) Obviously, as with Abraham, this means founder of a great people. God still blessed Ishmael’s descendants – but He prophesied correctly that they would not accept living in the presence of Isaac’s seed. “His hand wil be against every man, and every man’s hand against him.” (Gen. 16:12) God is saying here that He knows there will be violence in that region – and there has been for thousands of years.

The Bible predicts correctly things will get more intense

That long ago writing predicting continued violence is helpful in understanding it, you say. But, it seems like things are getting more and more out of control

Yes, they are. I wrote in this blog about a lot of different prophesies dealing with the end times. But, here are just a few things which show how close we are to something major. Look at the following, which was only a few years ago, and compare it with prophecy:

Here are just a few signs – think about the world a couple years ago versus today

* Turkey was still alligned with the Western Nations, and was friendly to Israel
* Iran and Russia weren’t alligned as allies

Today: Turkey ajnd Israel are very hostile. The Bible predicts various nations which occupy modern Turkey (among others) will war against Irsrael. (Ezek. 38-39) Iran and likely Russia are also among those who attack Israel in this war.

* The U.S. was supporting Israel, selling them arms, standing up to Israel’s enemies, etc.

Today, there is great tension between the two. The Bible predicts in varous places that all nations would turn against Israel in the end times. And, that Jerusalem would be a “cup of trembling” which would crush all who tried to deal with the problem. (Zech. 12:2-3)

* Little to none of the One World Government stuff was being discussed in the open

The Bible tells of one final world empire with a world leader at the head (Daniel 7-11, Rev. 13, 17-18, etc.)

* There was no talk of a One-World Currency – now a lot of the world is calling for it
The Bible predicts a world economy will exist. (Rev. 13, 18)

* The RFID chip was in it’s infancy as far as usage in humans – now there are video ads promoting it

The Bible predicted 2000 years ago that technology would exist to put a mark in everyone’s hand or forehand, and nobody could buy or sell without it. (Reve. 13, etc.) While the RFID chip itself may not be the mark, it could still contain the mark later.

* Most countries in the world were financially sound

This isn’t just about a world government. The Bible clearly states (Rev. 6) that there would be great famine, disease, and other things that kill well over a billion people.

All this is not to mention all the earthquakes, volcanoes, and now the oil spill this year. Yes, there have always been natural disasters, but they are increasing in itnensity.

This is not to set a date or anyting. It is, however, stating that things are getting pretty bad. Bad enough that, even if this current crisis dies down, what Jesus terms birth pangs are increasing, and will continue to intensify. The economies of the world will one day get so bad that a one-world government is formed, and a world ruler will take over that will sign a peace treaty with Israel – a new one or strengthening a current one – for 7 years. Then, in the middle of that 7-year stretch, he will break the covenant, and go to war against Israel. (Daniel 9:26-27)

God warns us so we can escape

You know how you watch an action or horror movie, and if you know what’s going to happen, you want to yell “Get out of there!”? You think it at first, then the action gets a little tenser, you get more scared, and finally, if you’re in the theater, someone might actually blurt it out! Well, God knows how this will all end, too. And, He’s warning us the same way. “Get out of there!”

Only, He will be the one to get those out who have called on Him.

See, He gives people free choice, so we’re not mindless robots. He also knows people, because of their sinfulness, will lead this world to destruction, though. He made people perfect, but mankind chose to bring sin into the world, and it’s been getting worse and worse. That sin was like an infection that brought on all kids of natural disasters. And, it’s what causes all the man-made disasters, wars, and so on. Just like the tensions in the Middle east.

But, sin is a problem we all have. We don’t all go out and war against others, or steal, or really bad sins. However, we all sin, and come short of the glory of God.

Think of how awful that sin is. It’s what causes all the greed, corruption, war, hatred, and such in the world today. It will all, one day, be destroyed. Along with all those who practice it. Including us, unless we heed God’s waring to “Get out of there!”

We have to make a choice. A choice to let God cleanse us from our sin.

See, God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son – Jesus Christ. Anyone who believes on Him will not perish, but will have everlasting life. (John 3:16) that means they can be sure of it. They won’t perish – they won’t suffer for their sins, because Jesus has already done so. He went to the cross willingly, died for our sins, then rose from the dead, so we could be free from sin.

All anyone has to do is receive His free gift of eternal life. (Rom. 10:13, Eph. 2:8-9, etc.) That is done by simple faith, trusting Jesus to change you on the inside, making you a new creature. (2 Cor. 5:17) We are saved so we can do good works here on Earth, but remember, the only thing we’ll take with us to Heaven are the souls of others. God will make this world new, after the horrible wars and destruction that will be brought about in that final seven-year period.

But before that destructiveness gets too severe, God will not just cry “Get out of there!” (that’s what He calls us to do now, warn others) God will rescue us, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” (1 Cor. 15:51-52, 1 Thess. 4:13-18) as he will come down for us, to rescue us from this world, before His final wrath is poured out on the horrors of sin.

To escape that, you just need to call out to Him to forgive you and save you from your sins, trusting that He bled and died ont he cross for you, then rose from the dead, so you could get to heaven someday.

A Middle East war will come sooner, rather than later. Every prophecy of the Bible has come true, and we can see the signs now. That doesn’t mean it’ll be tomorrow for sure. But, it will come.

Will we be here for it? The Bible doesn’t say for sure.. But, we must be ready, because the Lord will come in an instant. In the meantime, we must bring others to Christ, warning them, in essence, to “Get out of there!” Because true peace in the Middle East won’t come till Jesus reigns over the world. (Rev. 20)

My friend, Wendy, is president of a Messianic Jewish Club.  She is a teacher of scripture, a Biblical dramatist, accomplished musician and an author.  She studied theology at Hope International University and Drama at Brown University.  Her “Women of the Bible” dramatic presentations have been performed throughout the U.S., Mexico, Israel and specifically Bethlehem.  Her first book: “The King is Born” is filled with beautiful illustrations from well-known Israeli artist, Baruch Ma’ayan and portrays the story of Jesus’ birth as it might have been experienced in ancient Israel.  Although Wendy’s current ministry calls her to work in the U.S., most of her heart remains in and longs for Israel.  The Wish Fulfillment story below was written to encourage her in the ministry she has here and to remind her that she will eventually get there.

In the Land of Milk & Honey…

Consciousness came slowly…lazily…gently.  The bird song somehow sounded different, the air heavier and sweeter.  Wendy opened her eyes slowly and beheld dappled sunlight filtering through a canopy of grape leaves, laden with heavy purple-black grapes.

She turned her head to the side and looked about her “room”.  It was simple and yet beautiful. Pure white blankets glowing with the morning sunshine lay upon her. A wooden table, elegant in its simple beauty held a bowl of fresh fruit, and a pitcher of iced tea and a glass.

With a sudden intake of breath, Wendy sat up and looked through the transparent walls of her sukkot booth.  In the distance were rolling hills of vineyards and orchards and to the other side in the distance, the lake of Galilee. She suddenly knew why the air felt heavier and sweeter…the presence of Yeshua.

How had she come to be in this place; the land where her heart beat like a drum with joy and all her senses were awakened as if from a deep stupor? Yisrael. She stood slowly, hesitantly to her feet noticing at once her white linen frock, glowing as if it possessed a light of its own.  On her feet were hand crafted sandals.  The morning sun was rising higher and with it came a breeze smelling of roses, bay laurel and the fresh scent of the sea.

She stepped outside her sukkot booth into a garden which surrounded it. It was humming with bees and fluttering butterflies, busy collecting nectar from the numerous blossoms. With pounding heart; afraid to wake up from what must surely be a dream, she slowly climbed the nearest hill, breathing deeply in and out as if each breath were nourishment. She stood and faced the holy city, Jerusalem and was stunned. It was not as she remembered it at all. The Dome of the Rock was gone and in its place stood a gleaming temple of gold and alabaster.  The filth of the Arabic section of the old city was gone, replaced by avenues of trees and streets that glistened like gold in the early light.

“Do you like it?” spoke a familiar masculine voice. Wendy closed her eyes and inhaled sharply.  It was the voice of her beloved but it was not in her head but in her ears.

“Yeshua…” she breathed, holding up her arms; tears welling up and spilling down her cheeks from underneath her closed eyes. She fell slowly to her knees. “Yeshua?”

“There is a question in the saying of my name, beloved,” came the response. “You are wanting to know if you may stay here always?”

“Yes,” whispered Wendy, barely able to breath or speak.

“My precious child,” responded the Master, gently enfolding her in His embrace. “There is no such thing as time where I am concerned; for I live outside of it…and you with Me. Where I am there you are also…and my eyes and heart of ever upon this place, so in a sense…you have never left Israel and it has never left you.  The body which you must inhabit within the human time domain is limited but not your heart or your soul. One day time will cease to exist and both body and soul will be reunited with Me in this place that remains the apple of my eye.  Can you endure until that “time” and do the work I have set before you?”

“Lord, you know my heart and soul’s desire…I will always gladly serve you” replied Wendy.

Yeshua smiled upon her and in the instant she beheld that smile she felt the sight, sounds, smells and “feel” of the land implanted indelibly upon her mind and heart.  From that moment on, wherever she placed her feet, Israel and Jerusalem went with her and before her.  A secret to enjoy between her and The Redeemer as well as the hope of the real reward yet to come.

“Now, come…” Jesus said, holding out his warm brown hand to her.  “Let us enjoy this day together and converse to our heart’s content. What would you like to do first?”

THE END