Hi brother in Christ from the land down under,

Amen and yes! Birth pangs steadily increasing. Having had a daughter it's very like labour indeed. It starts with small contractions which over time build in intensity- then there's a transition period- a little like the calm before the storm- then it starts again stronger yet coupled with the desire to bear down to get to the "crowning".

It's exactly like that- including the wonderful anticipation of our greatest hope.  I believe we are somewhere just before the transition where peace and safety will be proclaimed after a brief war with Iran to dispose of their nuclear threat

Reminds me of a secular song- Phil Collins-" I can feel it in the air tonight"- actually that song has been running through my mind a lot lately.
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We may yet witness some of the phase after the transition- but close to the crowning indeed. How close? Only the Father knows that. :)

YsiC Susan B