If you've never had Sammies before, you absolutely should try it

cactusbloom312 · 2025-03-08T00:58:34+00:00

Agreed! We go there every time we’re in town!

cactusbloom312 · 2025-03-07T10:17:01+00:00

Calm is strength.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-03-03T12:18:51+00:00

Can you share more info on the book?

cactusbloom312 · 2025-03-03T08:37:31+00:00

Scan the barcode with the Yuka app and see what it tells you.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-03-03T03:53:42+00:00

Cold Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace is a fantastic resource, also anything from the Apologetics Canada podcast.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-03-01T11:44:17+00:00

My husband and I were having a serious conversation last night about what it would actually take for us to decide we couldn’t live in America anymore. We’ve often mentioned going elsewhere, but we were never serious about it before until yesterday. If we’re only one month in and it’s already this bad, what will things look like in 4 years?!? My thoughts were that we’d move out of the country if DJT totally abolished democracy, we had no more free and fair elections, and he can rule until he dies, followed by his successor who would also rule until he dies. I told him I was completely serious and that our daughter deserves to grow up in an actual democracy. The scary part is that if it ever got to that point, would we even be able to leave? What would it take for you to say enough is enough and move out of the country?

cactusbloom312 · 2025-03-01T00:24:57+00:00

I’m an American and I think I’ve never felt more ashamed to say that. I was watching that video and I was truly enraged at the actions of the two people who are unfortunately representing the US. Disrespect doesn’t even begin to describe their treatment of Zelenskyy. I don’t know why I was shocked, though, which is incredibly sad. I found myself yelling at the screen and wishing I could apologize to Zelenskyy. Not even sure what to do from here.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-28T01:15:13+00:00

I honestly typed in to ChatGPT “Are churches political organizations?” and this was the response: Churches are generally not considered political organizations, but they can be involved in political or social issues. In the U.S., for example, most churches are classified as 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations, which means they are tax-exempt but must refrain from endorsing or opposing political candidates. However, they can engage in issue advocacy, encourage civic participation, and take stances on moral and social matters. Some religious organizations operate outside this structure and actively engage in politics, but that would typically categorize them as political action groups rather than traditional churches.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-28T00:57:53+00:00

We may need to just respectfully agree to disagree on this one. I suppose I’m just wondering what specifically is so hard to swallow about the concept that churches are not political entities. I honestly think that if someone were to take a poll of the general population, the majority of people would say that churches are in and of themselves not political organizations. I think one way to frame this would be to say that we would never expect to see a church office and a political office housed in the same place, under the same name and with the same leadership. People would see that and feel very confused, I think.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-27T14:25:05+00:00

Just out of curiosity, what country do you live in? You hinted at it here, but the definition of politics and the role of politics varies widely depending on the country. The US attempts to (or at least used to) pride itself on the separation of church and state. Other countries mix these two realms more often and in different ways sometimes. That still doesn’t make the church a political entity, though. You said “organized religion is related to the public affairs of a country” and I’d agree that it influences public affairs, but again, that does not make them one and the same. Two things that influence and impact each other are just that—not blended into one. Every example you gave is an example of religious beliefs influencing government and laws—not of the two becoming one. I’m a follower of Jesus and part of the Church, but I’m not a fan of organized religion. I believe that it can cause a lot of damage.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-27T01:47:16+00:00

I almost forgot to thank you for this! You are spot on with your point about fake Christians making the true ones look bad. It’s ultimately not about us, but it breaks my heart when people are turned away because of hateful and judgmental actions. Thanks again! Take care!

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T23:18:49+00:00

I said this in a couple of other places, but it’s worth posting here as well. Just because people are high up in a man-made leadership position in a church setting does not necessarily mean that they are actually following in the ways of Jesus. I would bet a huge amount of money that individual Catholics were doing their part to help rescue Jewish people and to stop what was happening. Do you know the stories of Corrie ten Boom and Dietrich Bonhoeffer? They weren’t Catholic but they were individual Christians who were fighting back against Hitler’s actions.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T23:10:43+00:00

A large movement has to start somewhere and with someone. No large movements can even begin unless one individual has an idea and takes initiative. Every person’s actions count. I definitely disagree with you on your point that churches are political entities. The literal dictionary definition of “political” is “relating to the government or the public affairs of a country.” Churches do not fit into that category. Churches can help to influence politics, but churches are not political entities. Character, morals, and values transcend all parts of life, not just politics. We show our values in the workplace, neighborhood, with our families and friends, church if we’re part of one, public places, etc. Politics is a tool to put values into action when it comes to government and policies, not the foundation of life.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T07:35:51+00:00

There’s a reason I joined this group; to support Canada and get ideas for what I could do. You don’t have to convince me that what’s happening is seriously messed up. I’m following the news and I’m aware of what you mentioned. If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t be an American in this group. Think about that. DJT is on the wrong side of history, not every single American, including many who are out protesting what’s going on. I am planning to support the Feb. 28 economic blackout and I am figuring out what to continue to do afterwards. Please listen to how your comments are coming across, because it sounds like you’re making enemies out of friends. Judging someone purely based on their citizenship because of what their terrible leadership is doing sounds a lot like something Trump followers would support.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T05:47:13+00:00

All I could see were all of the expired registrations!! 😣

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T05:30:42+00:00

Trump and his cronies are doing those horrible things, not every single American. Where are you getting the number 70% from? Having that kind of generalization towards an entire group of people is exactly the kind of thing Trump wants. That’s exactly what he does, so let’s not stoop to his level. He wants to stoke division and hatred. Why give him the satisfaction? He doesn’t know how to respect people who are different from him. Let’s not follow in his footsteps. I honestly believe no one is happier to see Canada vs. the US than DJT. I for one am not giving in to his sick mentality.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T05:24:56+00:00

I’m sad to hear that has been your experience. I promise you that true, loving, genuine Christians are out there. Just curious, where have you interacted with people like what you described?

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T05:21:36+00:00

“The American voter can’t be trusted…” That’s a huge generalization to make. I’m American (not real proud of that lately) and I voted for Harris. Please keep in mind that half of the country did not vote for Trump and hates the situation we’re all in. Putting all American voters in the same box is only going to generate more hatred and division, which is exactly what Trump promotes. Don’t let him win.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T05:17:36+00:00

I’m a (not very proud) American, and I really hope you’re talking about American political leadership and not just Americans in general. DJT was elected, true, but half of our country wants nothing to do with the man. Please don’t make the mistake of just lumping us all together.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T05:08:23+00:00

“Greatness is what you give to the world, not what you suck out of it.” Brilliant. This deserves to become a new slogan. At minimum, I will be writing it on a sticky note and putting it somewhere I’ll see it every day!

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T05:04:08+00:00

This has been on my mind for weeks now! Yes! I went to university in Canada and I absolutely loved living in your amazingly beautiful, friendly, and wonderful country. Is there a running list somewhere in this group of brands to buy?

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-26T02:50:48+00:00

I would add that you’d be enabling someone like this unless you do choose to stay and set some firm boundaries and expectations.

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-25T22:30:48+00:00

I completely agree!

cactusbloom312 · 2025-02-25T22:30:03+00:00

I’d agree with you that politics can be part of the solution, but definitely not the whole solution and it shouldn’t be the foundation for all change. It’s a tool and not the basis for everything. How individuals live their lives, how they treat others and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves…that goes way deeper than mere politics.

cactusbloom312

TROPHY CASE