HEbrews Cafe

09/23/2026

Be encouraged today.

One of my most favorite scriptures in the Bible. Psalms 34:10

"Without God - we are never enough, we are never complete. But WITH God we will not go without what we need. We will still have hard times but we will NOT be defeated.

Meaning and Context:
The Comparison: Young lions are strong, fierce, and known as top hunters in nature, yet they still experience hunger and go without food.

The Promise:
People who rely entirely on their own strength, skills, or resources can still come up empty. However, those who trust and seek God will be provided for and will "lack no good thing."

The Author: This psalm was written by David when he had to pretend to be insane before Abimelech, who then drove him away. It serves as a song of praise and trust in God's protection during hard times.

The Lord allowed me to capture this awesome photo in Andrews Valley, North Carolina.

09/21/2026

A word for me and perhaps it will help someone else too.

09/14/2026

Sharing a message from Develop Lexington County Responsibly. Please visit their page to view the screenshots mentioned in the post.-

“📣 $74 MILLION BOND💰TWO COUNCIL VOTES LEFT 🗳️ WHAT SHOULD TAXPAYERS KNOW? 🧐

👀 A closer look at the proposed bonds for a multi-sports complex in Cayce

The proposed complex could bring significant opportunities for youth sports, regional and national tournaments, sports tourism and economic activity to Lexington County and the Midlands, particularly in and around Cayce and West Columbia.

But with a significant taxpayer investment 💰 being considered, questions about the financing, studies completed, taxpayer impact and potential risks must be part of evaluating the proposal before a final decision is made by our county council representatives.

⏰ WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:

Lexington County Council is considering Lexington County Recreation and saving Commission’s (LCRAC) request to authorize up to $74 MILLION in General Obligation Bonds for the project.

LCRAC is a commission of members appointed by our Lexington County House and Senate state level representatives but LCRAC can request bonds for their projects through County Council that includes 3 county council votes and a public hearing process.

The public hearing for this proposed bond request and project was completed in August, but the process is not.

🗳️ TWO Council votes remain, so there is still time for citizens to learn more, ask questions and share their thoughts with County Council representatives.

Whether you support the project ✅, oppose it ❌, or simply want more information 🙋‍♂️, citizen input can still be provided before the remaining votes.

We encourage citizens to become informed, engaged by using
their voice, and share this information with friends and family so they are also aware and know of the opportunity to use their voices.

So what exactly is being proposed, what could taxpayers pay, what are the projected economic benefits and what are some questions that still need answers?

———

🙋‍♂️ WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED? 🏀

Plans include a 150,000+ square-foot indoor facility with 12 basketball courts or 24 volleyball courts, which also could be used for gymnastics, cheerleading and wrestling.

Plans also include eight lighted synthetic-turf multipurpose fields for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.

The proposed complex is intended to generate economic activity through sports tourism by hosting weekend tournaments while also accommodating local use during the week.

📍 The proposed location is in the City of Cayce, near the Cayce Tennis & Fitness Center, major interstates, and the airport.

🌳 More than 300 acres are anticipated to be DONATED, and state tax dollars have already provided $3 million in seed funding.

———

🙋‍♀️ WHAT WOULD TAXPAYERS PAY? 💰

LCRAC presented an estimated 3.72-mill increase in property taxes, or approximately:

🏠 $14.88/year per $100,000 of home value used for tax assessment purposes

For example:

🏠 $300,000 home value — approximately $44.64/year

🏠 $500,000 home value — approximately $74.40/year

The proposed bond millage would apply to all areas of the county within the LCRAC taxing district, EXCEPT the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) District.

💰 The proposed ordinance also includes an estimated $1.5 MILLION ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION FROM LEXINGTON COUNTY to LCRAC for the project, with terms to be established through an intergovernmental agreement.

🤔 The bonds may mature over as many as 20 years, but information does not indicate how long the County’s $1.5 million annual contribution would continue or what County revenue source would fund it.

👉 So what is the TOTAL public taxpayer investment when everything is included?

———

📈 WHAT ABOUT THE PROJECTED ECONOMIC BENEFITS?

At the August 11 public hearing, LCRAC pointed to two similar indoor sports facilities in South Carolina.

🔹 One reportedly generates $84 MILLION in annual economic impact and approximately 133,275 hotel room nights.

🔹 Another was reported in 2021 as having an estimated economic impact of $55 MILLION–$100 MILLION.

Those are significant numbers and help explain why supporters see this as an economic-development opportunity.

HOWEVER…

📌 ECONOMIC IMPACT is not the same as FACILITY REVENUE.

Money visitors spend at hotels, restaurants and businesses can create substantial economic activity without necessarily providing the facility itself enough revenue to cover its expenses and debt.

———

❓ SOME QUESTIONS THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO KNOW THE ANSWERS TO…

If this project has been approximately eight years in the making, as mentioned by some at the public hearing, citizens/taxpayers and County Council representatives should be able to see more information, including the financial analysis behind it and any studies completed before the final two Council votes are taken.

💰 FINANCING, COST & RISK

1️⃣ Where is the financial analysis of this project?

Has an independent feasibility, market-demand or economic-impact study been completed?

What are the projected revenues, operating costs, tournaments, visitors and hotel nights?

Will any studies and projections completed be made public?

2️⃣ What other funding sources were pursued?

Were private-sector partnerships, sponsorships, grants or other funding sources pursued BEFORE proposing up to $74 million in taxpayer-supported bonds?

Were confirmed contributions or partnerships sought from the City of Cayce, City of West Columbia or other municipalities and counties (specifically iRichland County) all who are expected to benefit more directly economically?

If so, was what funding has been committed to date and what funding is being pursued?

3️⃣ Who carries the financial risk?

If bookings, visitors or revenues fall short, or expenses exceed projections, who pays the difference or helps bail out the project is it should fall short?

And if the project exceeds expectations, who benefits and how?

4️⃣ What is the COMPLETE taxpayer commitment?

What is the projected principal + interest?

How long will Lexington County make the estimated $1.5 million annual contribution, and what County revenue source will fund it?

🏗️ INFRASTRUCTURE, BENEFITS & COUNTY PRIORITIES

5️⃣ Is the surrounding area prepared?

Are there enough hotels, restaurants and amenities?

Have traffic, roads, utilities, public safety and other infrastructure needs and costs been studied?

Where are those studies?

Who will pay for any additional infrastructure needs in the area, either identified or discovered once the project is running?

6️⃣ Who benefits and where does any net revenue go?

Property owners throughout the LCRAC district would pay the bond millage, while much of the direct visitor spending will occur within and around the cities of Cayce/West Columbia.

Has anyone analyzed where the economic benefits are expected to occur compared with where the taxpayers funding the bonds live?

And if facility revenue exceeds expenses, could that money reduce the tax burden or help with current needed infrastructure in the county such as road or be reinvested in youth fields, gyms and recreation facilities throughout the LCRAC district?

Could it help fund roads or infrastructure throughout the county, or would its revenue/profits already be designated and/or legally restricted?

How would citizens who live farther from the project, such as in the Gilbert, Batesburg-Leesville, Pelion, etc. communities, truly benefit from the tax dollars they will pay over the life of the bond?

7️⃣ How does this project fit within the County’s overall needs and priorities?

With roads, transportation and other infrastructure needs throughout Lexington County, how was this project prioritized when considering an additional proposed tax burden on citizens?

What other public needs and funding priorities were considered before proposing the 3.72-mill increase?

8️⃣ How would this project affect the County’s overall financial picture?

What impact, if any, would the project, including the County’s estimated $1.5 million annual contribution, have on Lexington County’s overall finances or its ability to fund future needs or emergencies?

🗳️ PUBLIC DECISION-MAKING

9️⃣ WHY IS THERE NO REFERENDUM?

The proposed ordinance states:

“No election shall be held as a condition to the issuance of Bonds.”

Why was a referendum not included/allowed so voters could decide on a ballot instead of County Council making the decision on this request for bond money that citizens will ultimately have to pay - particularly when there is a question about whether those living farther from the project will see direct benefits?

Was giving voters within the affected LCRAC taxing district the opportunity to approve or reject the bonds considered or legally allowed by state law?

If so, why was that option not chosen?

❓ There are likely other questions citizens may have.

And some of these answers may already exist but simply have not been presented publicly during LCRAC’s presentations to Council.

As the proposal moves toward second reading, perhaps these and other questions can be answered publicly during Council meetings.

These questions aren’t against the proposed multi-sports complex, youth sports, sports tourism or economic development.

They’re questions taxpayers should be able to ask and our elected Council representatives should have answers to before voting on the proposed tax increase on behalf of the citizens they represent.

———

🏟️ IF LAKEPOINT IS THE MODEL, WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT?

LCRAC has said the proposed complex is modeled after LakePoint Sports in Georgia, which today appears to be a successful sports-tourism destination but, according to news articles, had issues along the way that are worth considering.

LakePoint began operating in 2014, and its 170,000-square-foot indoor facility opened in 2016.

Bartow County backed approximately $35 million in bonds for the pavilion.

County financial records later reported that the pavilion did not perform consistently with its feasibility study and the County had to contribute toward debt service.

In 2018, LakePoint-related entities entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring.

LakePoint later restructured and continued operating and growing.

LakePoint’s success shows what may be possible. Its challenges show why realistic financial projections along with sufficient hotels, restaurants, roads and infrastructure matter.

———

🗣️ WHAT DID THE PUBLIC HEARING SHOW?

At the August 11 public hearing:

Electronic forms:

🟢 2 in favor | 🔴 23 in opposition

In-person speakers:

🟢 18 in favor | 🔴 7 in opposition

🟢 Supporters who spoke “in favor” included elected representatives from the City of Cayce and the City of West Columbia, municipal leaders from Cayce and South Congaree, Chamber of Commerce leaders, youth sports organized club representatives who spoke about significant travel ball/national/regional sports opportunities, sports tourism, and economic benefits for our county.

🔴 Those speaking “in opposition” included two former elected representatives, a Lexington County Council candidate and citizens who weren’t necessarily completely opposed to the project itself, but raised concerns about the proposed tax burden, affordability amid rising costs, other pressing infrastructure priorities that we need to address first, the condition and maintenance of existing recreational facilities, financial transparency, and lessons from other taxpayer-funded projects in South Carolina that have faced financial difficulties or failed.

Speakers in opposition also questioned whether alternative funding sources, including private-sector investment, had been pursued and suggested the proposed bonds be placed on the ballot for voters to decide.

———

🙋‍♀️ WHAT CAN CITIZENS DO?

⏰ THE PUBLIC HEARING IS OVER. THE PROCESS IS NOT … CITIZENS/TAXPAYERS CAN STILL GIVE INPUT.

Under the proposed ordinance, there will be no referendum on the voting ballot for the sports-complex bonds.

The 9 members of Lexington County Council will ultimately decide, with a majority vote needed, whether this proposal moves forward, and there are still TWO reading votes remaining. 🗳️

County Council’s next scheduled meeting is October 13, although at the last Council meeting there was some discussion about possibly adding an additional meeting in September to the calendar since they only had one scheduled in September and they are currently working on a few things they want to get done before the end of the year.

We will not know whether second reading of this ordinance is on a meeting agenda until the agenda is released, which is usually after 5 p.m. on the Friday before.

Whether you support the project ✅, oppose it ❌, or simply want more information 🙋‍♂️, now is the time to contact your County Council representatives. 🗣️

📧 Email them.

📞 Call them.

❓ Share thoughts, concerns, ask questions, etc.

📊 Request financial information and any studies completed. This may require a simple FOIA request, but citizens can request these documents if they are available.

💬 Share with Council representatives why you support ✅ or oppose ❌ the proposal.

🗣️ Use your voice and encourage others to do the same. Our representatives NEED to hear from citizens to help them make this decision.

👉 Find your Lexington County Council representative and contact information here:

https://www.lex-co.sc.gov/council-members

In the comments of the main DLCR post, we will also provide a list of Council representatives and their contact information, as well as a list of emails you can copy and paste to send an email if you would like.

Whatever your position, we encourage citizens to use your voice before the final votes. 🗣️ 🇺🇸

———

📚 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS & REFERENCES

1️⃣ Screenshots shared with this post are the petition from LCRAC to County Council (3 pages) and proposed Ordinance 26-11 (3 pages) for the proposed $74M bonds for the Multi-Sports Complex obtained from the July 7 and August 11 County Council meeting agenda packets, which can also be viewed on pages 84–89 using this link:

https://www.lex-co.com/CCPortal-REST/api/Files/agenda/30

Also included with this post is a screenshot of the site plan of the proposed sports complex taken from the public hearing presentation.

2️⃣ 🎥 Watch the July 7 portion of the meeting where Mr. Randy Gibbons, Executive Director of LCRAC, presents information to Council representatives about the multi-sports complex prior to the 1st reading vote.

Approximately start minute mark 34:10 and stop minute mark 49:25:

https://lex-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1866?view_id=1&redirect=true

3️⃣ 🎥 Watch the Aug. 11 Public Hearing where Mr. Gibbons again shares information along with the “in favor” and “in opposition” speakers.

Start at minute mark 53:00 and end at minute mark 2:21:23:

https://lex-co.granicus.com/player/clip/1878?view_id=1&redirect=true

4️⃣ The Lexington County Chronicle article concerning the recent Aug. 11 Public Hearing on the proposed $74M bond for the multi-sports complex in Cayce:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19R9MrHCg1/?mibextid=wwXIfr

5️⃣ Article from June 2018 concerning LakePoint in Georgia, which is the complex LCRAC said this proposed $74M bond multi-sports project is modeled after:

https://www.athleticbusiness.com/operations/budgeting/news/15154532/lakepoint-complexs-financial-woes-a-wake-up-call”

At LakePoint Sports Community, the sports aren't changing. But on the business side, the 1,300-acre venue near Lake Allatoona is undergoing a major shift.

09/09/2026

I 1000% believe she was insane. There is zero chance anyone could do something so horrific in their right mind—the mind God created us to have. Please, read this all the way through before you comment.

Before going too deep, I want you to understand the reason Clancy's attorney did not try to prove she was innocent of physically committing the atrocious events that day. He could not claim she was completely innocent because the physical facts of what happened were ENTIRELY indisputable. Also remember there were key evidence pieces the public were not allowed to see or hear during trial. 

My last post got a lot of people thinking, which was exactly my goal. I am grateful for the conversation. I truly believe you cannot even entertain a thought so heinous unless your mind is broken to some level.

But I want to look past my human emotions for a moment and talk about a deeper reality that MOST people avoid.

Earthly speaking, I believe she deserves everything she’s getting. I’m honestly glad she lived so she has to sit and remember that unspeakable day. Those are my raw feelings. I’m not saying they are right; in fact, I know they are not right. I’m just being honest about my emotions.

But looking at the deeper truth: this was 100% demonic.Saying that doesn't excuse her. In fact, it holds her even more accountable. Just as we are responsible for our physical bodies, we are responsible for our spiritual state. There are only two teams in this life. You are playing for one or the other, period.

Having a personal relationship with Christ doesn’t make you perfect, but it places you and your family in the safest state possible. Notice I didn't say a relationship with a church or a religion—I said a personal relationship with Christ, the Creator of the universe.

And parents, we are responsible for being an example and leading our children to that relationship.

I did some research, and these facts completely shook me to my core:

2,250 parents have killed their own children in the U.S. over the past five years.There have even been cases right next door to us, just one county over.This happens so often that it has a clinical name: Filicide.

According to the FBI and DOJ, it happens an average of 450 times a year in the U.S.

Let that sink in. A parent killing their child happens so frequently it has a dedicated legal and psychiatric name. The only way to describe this is pure evil. We have to talk about this because it is happening on a regular basis.More than ever, people need Jesus.

What we are seeing are the signs of the end of the age. Our biblical foundation warned us this would happen. While no one knows the day or the hour, we are absolutely closer today than we were yesterday. The earth is groaning, these are the birthing pains, and prophecy is being fulfilled.

To clarify my position, I still stand behind the last post I made that we need to advocate for friends and family suffering from mental illness and medication side effects.

What I am NOT saying:I am not saying mental illness isn't real or that medication isn't sometimes needed.

I am not saying all people with mental illness are evil.

I am not saying parents can force their kids into heaven, or that I know the exact hour Christ is returning.

What I AM saying:
I am saying that pure evil is directly attached to anyone who could do this to a child.

I am saying we must take responsibility for our own spiritual health and relationship with Christ.

I am saying we are living in the last days. There is no middle ground or neutral territory.
You are either for Him or against Him.

Jesus said it perfectly in Matthew 12:30: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters."

He is coming back. I pray you are ready, and I pray that until He returns, you will keep sharing His truth.

Anyone that knows me knows my heart is to truly share the truth of Christ with others.  Doing it through controversial situations that are currently occurring right now is an avenue and I will certainly use it and my platform to tell people about the king of Kings. 

Christ is real and unfortunately, so is Satan. There are powers and principalities all around us in today's world. More people need to discuss these hard truths.

09/05/2026

Before jumping to conclusions, please read this post in its entirety.

I haven't followed this case in detail because I have to protect my own mental peace—even thinking about it tears my heart to pieces. However, this morning I felt compelled to look into the medications she was prescribed.

To be clear: I know she admitted to what she did. Accountability shouldn't be abandoned, and neither should compassion. Mental illness can explain an atrocity, but it DOES NOT excuse it. Yes, she should be held accountable, and there absolutely must be justice for those innocent children.

With that said, what about the medical profession? At what point do healthcare systems hold SOME accountability? (perhaps even share accountability to some level)

I am far from a medical expert, but we have to ask ourselves: why are we prescribing medications to suicidal individuals when those very drugs carry warnings of worsening suicidal thoughts?

I’ve looked into the side effects of these specific drugs. The risks are alarming on their own, but when you combine them with something like Ambien—often prescribed because the primary medication causes severe insomnia—the dangerous side effects only intensify.

We are taught to trust our doctors, and to a degree, we absolutely should rely on their expertise. But system-wide issues still happen. Individuals with psychiatric illnesses NEED to have an advocate in addition to their medical professionals!

Take away points....

If you have a loved one taking medication for depression or anxiety, please check in on them. Do your own research, ask questions, and be their advocate.

True, lasting healing requires a holistic approach, and above all, a relationship with Christ is key to navigating these dark spiritual and mental battles.

Justice is still important.

Doctors while needed in some cases aren't the only answer.

Faith is the foundation.

09/03/2026

So I was reading in revelation one today, where John describes Jesus in his vision. Out of curiosity, I put the details into AI and this is what it gave me.

These images are not the every day children Sunday school versions of Jesus. This is the resurrected Jesus that holds the power of the world.  obviously we cannot know for sure what he looks like, but I thought these were interesting based on the details, John gave.

The text details His striking appearance through several vivid elements:

The Clothing: He wears a long robe reaching down to His feet, wrapped with a golden sash across His chest.

Head and Hair: His head and hair are strikingly white like wool or snow, symbolizing His eternity, wisdom, and absolute purity.

The Eyes: His eyes blaze like a flame of fire, representing piercing discernment and all-knowing truth.

The Feet: His feet resemble burnished bronze glowing hot in a furnace, signifying strength and divine judgment.

The Face: His face shines with brilliant intensity, like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

Surroundings: He stands in the midst of seven golden lampstands (representing the churches) and holds seven stars in His right hand. A sharp, double-edged sword also comes out of His mouth, symbolizing the power of His word.

08/11/2026

I'm back 🤪! I took a short break from Facebook to refocus my focus 🤣💥!

This is what the Lord showed me this morning. I pray it blesses others.

For a long time, my life was driven by a relentless pursuit of success. I wanted the titles, the accolades, and the reputation of a leader who never fails. It’s easy to disguise that kind of ambition as a good thing, but it has a dark side.

This morning, during my devotion in Matthew 23:1-12, God shifted my perspective. I saw clearly how dangerous—and ultimately worthless—it is to build our identity on worldly achievements.In God's kingdom, the ground is level. We are all equal brothers and sisters. The moment we accept Jesus Christ as Lord, we receive a title that eclipses any worldly resume: children of the living God.

He is the Creator of heaven and earth, yet He chose to leave His throne, endure the cross, and humble Himself to death so that we could walk in infinite mercy and grace.Our earthly titles don't define our worth.

Without Him, those achievements are empty. But with Him, we are heirs to an eternal kingdom.

I am SO very far from perfect, but I am so grateful He is still working on me!

07/30/2026

Quick confession....
I haven't slowed down enough to read comments or process my new reality!

However, I did celebrate a LITTLE yesterday by going to that amazing new donut shop in Batesburg! I got one dozen of the glazed donut bites. I had full intentions of sharing when I got home with my husband and son. BUT every one of them disappeared within the first five minutes of receiving them!

Don't judge me! Instead, go get some for yourself and you will see why!!!

07/28/2026

It is finished! We are no longer restaurant owners. Grateful the Lord answered our prayers. Time to focus on family and whatever Christ has planned from there!

I had to get a picture one more time on that couch outback! It is prayer soaked, and the Lord spoke to me so many times there through His word.

I wanted to post this Monday, but it was a crazy day that ended with someone I love very much being admitted into the hospital. I signed the dotted line and went straight to the hospital 😳.

Honestly I haven't had time to process All the different emotions yet. I haven't even had a chance to read all the comments from my awesome friends! but I will soon.

Our page will still be here, and I will still be the voice behind it. Mainly to share Jesus with others!

07/28/2026

Just a friendly reminder, friends!

We are closed for business. Praise the Lord for answering our prayers! You have a NEW restaurant and owners coming soon!