Day 342 The Fullness of Time

 

12/8/2025

"Let it be to me according to your word."

Luke 1:38

 

Imagine what it must have been like for Mary when the angel Gabriel appeared to her to tell her that she was favored of the Lord? Then he continues with the rest of the message about how she will give birth to a child who will be the Savior of the world? She was a young teenager, betrothed to Joseph, so naturally she has a few questions for Gabriel. But her response in the end was "Let it be to me according to your word." She realized that this would mean accusations from others, and what would Joseph think or say! Still, without reservations, she said, "Yes, Lord."  Thankfully, Gabriel also went to see Joseph with a message to take Mary as his wife, and he did. I cannot begin to think how that must have been, and how strategically God had planned the birth of Jesus out knowing how others would respond. And thank God, thank You, Lord for loving us so much to work things out so meticulously. God with us. 

Mary is not the only one in scripture who dared to take a chance on following Jesus, listening and believing His words. The woman with the issue of blood for twelve years had exhausted all her money going to doctors without result. She was mocked, shunned, threatened, and forbidden to be near anyone or else they would be unclean because of her being unclean. She braved the crowds, shoved her way to Jesus, just to fall down and touch the hem of His garment. Instantly she was healed, and Jesus recognized her great faith. This is how our Lord is. He's a healer, deliverer, and much, much more. He is the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the great I am. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, just as the word says. And He is still in the miracle-working business today.

The prophets foretold of a King who would come to save the world and make things right. In Genesis 49:10 it reads: The scepter shall not depart from Judah,  nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people." Then in Numbers 24:17: "I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but  not near; a Star shall come out of Jacob; a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult." Naturally, the Pharisees and the children of Israel believed that a King would come to rule and reign, but they missed so many of the passages throughout the Bible speaking of His service to others. They were not expecting His message or His method. It's the same with us today, even after He works so wonderfully in our lives. We do not understand, but soon we will.

In God's own time He orchestrated how Jesus would be born, when, why, how, answering all the questions throughout the Old Testament, and yet the message was missed. They did not understand. When Jesus came, His first message was "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand." That was the message of John the Baptist. "Repent" simply means to turn your life around. Go the other way. And this was the message Jesus taught. 

God's timing is not our own, and the people grew so tired of waiting, of being under the domination of the Roman government. The message that Jesus preached was of a Kingdom not of man, but of God, a Kingdom of love. The scriptures talk about "the fullness of time." Much like Ecclesiastes says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  After the exile for 40 years in Babylon, the children of Israel returned to rebuild the temple, first, and then they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem and the homes. God used a tyrannical leader to first have them exiled for disobedience, and then, God used Cyrus to bring them back. There were, however, four hundred years of silence, without a word from God or a prophet, until God sent John the Baptist to prepare the way. In between this time, the Jews suffered much persecution. But God remembered, and He is true to His word and His covenant.

"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba Father!'" (Galatians 4:4-6).

The book of Ephesians puts it so clearly in verses 4-10: "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to t he riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth - in Him." 

God's good pleasure, before the world was created! God had a plan to ransom man back to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. And it gets even better, because God wants to make us one new man, Jew and Gentile, in unity together. But it all began with Mary saying "yes" to God's plan foretold from the beginning continuing until fullness of His time. Just as Mary said yes to God to obey His ways, His plans, so we in obedience need to consider our yes to Him. Mary gave up her reputation, and so did Joseph, just in knowing human nature and of the laws of the time. Amazing. It is my prayer that we will search our hearts and think about what it is that God requires us to do to say "yes" to Him risking all. 

Day 341 Evening Thoughts

 

12/7/2025

 

The snow has melted, and there are only small patches to remind me of whiter days! But the good news is that more is expected, so I have something to anticipate for the morning. I love snowy days when I used to drag my rocking chair in front of the wood stove, smell the wonderful scent of pinon burning on the fire, and sip on my coffee quietly enjoying a peaceful day. I looked forward to shoveling a path in the snow, and making a snowman was one of my favorite things to do. That and make snow cream. The air was much cleaner way back then. Life was simpler, and in many ways, sweeter. Sometimes I would dance in the snow with my best buddy, Kenya, the neighbor's malamute. I think she loved it as much as I did, frolicking in the snow.

This morning I braved the cold and the mud, as I made my way to church services. This is the season of Christmas carols, pageants, and musicals. My church was hosting a cookie back off this evening with lots of hot cocoa and cider, plus a movie. It sounded like so much fun, but these ole bones were not up for an out of doors event, even with fire pits and loads of blankets. I know my limitations these days, so I stay home where it's warmer. My daughter called, and we planned to watch a couple of the Alf episodes, she on her end of the phone and I on mine. I even made myself a cup of homemade hot cocoa, but no marshmallows. 

Most people, I imagine, have been out this afternoon buying gifts and making plans for Christmas to visit their families near and far. I had hoped to make a trip back to the southwest, but things just haven't worked out since I moved back here. I can't stand the thought of never seeing my beloved New Mexico again, so I won't give up the hope. Sipapu is open and very busy, and the ski and snowboard season looks very promising. I remember my last year at Angel Fire Resort when we were not getting the snow we needed, and how sad it was without the big snow dumps. Sometimes I'd walk across the grounds from where I was living, trudging through the knee deep snow, sometimes higher. But I loved it. As long as I was bundled up, I was in heaven. Working at the resort was hard work, but it was also great fun, as the tourists returned each season, faithful ones who always came back each year. My favorite hiding place was either Red River or Sipapu which are smaller areas, and it was easy just to be invisible and blend into nature. How I miss the freedom of hopping into my car and winding up the pass to spend quiet time alone in the hills, or walking along the streams. I'd rather be outside than huddled in a cabin, but even in the night listening to the sounds was sheer delight. 

I didn't have a cell phone or a computer then, so the phone didn't make as many ding-dings, and people didn't have white do-dads hanging out their ears as they walked along looking as if they were talking to themselves, sometimes laughing loudly to give the thought more credence. I remember my cross country trips when the kids were little without a cell phone or GPS to guide my way. I used triptiks from AAA or used the atlas to help me route the way. I checked in with a family member within a given time frame each day, and the trip had been planned well in advanced so the route was known. If there were any course corrections, I'd let someone know. I didn't worry about someone stealing my car or worse. We'd be careful to get to a hotel before dark, because it was common sense with three small children, driving alone. The family called me a pioneer and thought I was brave, perhaps reckless, but I wasn't afraid. Even when I was attacked in my own yard one evening when the kids were young, I still went out at night or whenever I needed to. I couldn't yield to fear, because I had others to care for, and I had work to do and school classes to attend. So many years have passed now, and I'm not as quick to hit the road, and I have only myself to consider now. Funny how things change. 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

By Robert Frost

 

"Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep."

Day 340 Equipped

 

12/6/2025

"God does not ask about our ability or

our inability but our availability."

 

As the end of the year approaches I am asking God for direction in the next step of my journey. I always feel as if there is more and more to do, and the needs seem to multiply. Today my daily read was from the book of Titus. Titus was a young pastor, sent to oversee the church in Crete, where the commentator describes as "having a people who had some of the worst reputations in the world." Titus was sent to organize and shepherd the new believers, and Paul is writing him a letter of instruction. I'm sure Titus as a young pastor must have found the task and Paul's instructions daunting. Paul was instructing Titus in how to appoint spiritual leaders as elders and how to discern and to uproot the false teachers. Paul's instruction seemed similar to his training of Timothy, another youngster in the faith who was placed in a challenging position in Ephesus, a place where false doctrine was prevalent.

Titus was given a list of characteristics to look for in selecting a pastor, one who is blameless who will be teaching others to remain strong in the faith. Persecution followed believers in Christ, so they had to be solidly established in leadership to withstand temptations and accusations, as satan always works to accuse the brethren in order to destroy the work of the kingdom. The criteria for selecting a pastor was uncompromising, and included the following: he must have a good reputation and be well thought of in the community for the life he lives; he must have one wife, and their children must be well-behaved, obedient, respectful to their parents, and love the Lord; they must live blameless lives, not proud or impatient; not drunkards or fighters or greedy for money. And the list goes on - hospitable to strangers, sensible and fair, level-headed, clean-minded, and able to teach and lead others. That's quite a list of job requirements! But, honestly, it should be consistent for all who are walking with our Lord. The criteria was the same for the elders of the church. 

Paul told Titus that a person who is pure in heart sees purity and goodness in everything, but there are people who claim to know God, but their actions do not match what they say or teach. He instructed Titus to be gentle as a pastor and teacher and not to be intimidated because of his age, the same advice he gave Timothy. As men become older they should learn to be more sensible and trustworthy doing things and treating others with love and patience. Titus was instructed to guide the older men in this direction. For the older women he was to remind them to be respectful and quiet, not prone to gossip, which the Lord hates. The older women were to teach the younger ones how to live quietly, loving their husbands and caring for their children, so they will grow up to love the Lord and learn to be sensible and clean-minded. Ensuring that the home unit be set up according to scripture ways, with the husband as the head of the home, teaching his family the authority of the word of the Lord, encouraging their faith, and loving their wives. He was also told to urge slaves to be obedient to their masters, trustworthy and good workers so that others will see their lives and desire to know Jesus Christ. All wise counsel from the Apostle Paul to Titus, and it will serve modern day believers to follow the same instruction. 

The family unit is under attack in our world today, and it is extremely important that men take their place as the spiritual umbrellas of protection for their families. There are so many young people who are living their lives freely, not caring to follow any rules, much less being obedient to God's laws. Self-gratification and catering to worldly desires is all that is important, and they will go to any means to be accepted and make their mark on this world. But evil days are increasing, and we cannot turn our backs on the needs of these children. Thankfully people are going to church and Bible sales have dramatically increased since the death of Charlie Kirk, and the younger generation is no longer content with the same thing, they are being drawn to the church for answers, and the church needs to snap to attention in order to help them find their way. They desire truth and accountability which is a far cry different way than the way their lives had been going. Revivals are on the increase, and more people are giving their hearts to Jesus, but they will need encouragement and discipleship, and someone to walk beside them. This will take commitment from all of us to be available. Serving Christ and walking in discipleship costs everything. Today I was reminded of the missionary Jim Elliot who was martyred for his faith. He said "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim and four other missionaries lost their lives trying to bring a tribe in Ecuador to Christ. He knew that surrender to Christ, even to the point of death to complete the command of Christ to go into the world and teach and make disciples of all men, would cost everything. Surrendering things of this world for a kingdom that never ends is what it is all about. 

I am very passionate about winning souls to Christ Jesus, so I will gladly follow wherever my Father leads me. As much as I'd love to go to the foreign mission field, I am on the national one for now. I want to finish my race well and completely, so I can hear the words we all long to hear from our beloved Savior, "Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter into My Kingdom." We each have our gifts and talents, and we all work together as one to become the bride of Christ, waiting and watching for His return. The commentator for the book of Titus stated: 

"One way to measure the depth of your religion is to look at the breadth of your concern for others."

True words, as it requires love and compassion as well as patience and perseverance to walk beside others, leading them in the path they should be going. The hour is getting close, and we are called to work until the end of day, while the Light is still shining. Stay strong and vigilant! Follow the wise counsel of Snoopy as stated above: "Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can." And if you're lacking or feeling inadequate for the task, here's advice I heard from a respected pastor who was told the same advice: "Find the love of Jesus, and love Him back!"

Day 339 Snow Shine

 

12/5/2025

 

Schools were closed last night for today in anticipation of snow fall. Around 3:30 am this morning when I got up, sure enough it was snowing! Oh happy day! I turned up the heat and crawled back under the warmth of my covers. The temperature was low, and it was still snowing slightly once I got back up around 6:30 am, a more reasonable start of day. Alex was no where to be found, as usual, but I put out a hefty bowl of food for him and the big white cat who has been visiting lately. I think our home must have a neon sign beaming the message "All stray cats welcome! Free food and lots of it!" Always happy to help a feline in need.

My son was enthusiastic about the snow, as was I, so he stuck his little Grinch and my little snow ball out on the rail for fun. 

 

Oh, the games we play - anything to amuse ourselves! Well, not really, just a little silliness. Good for the soul! We settled down, and I grabbed my coffee and headed back to my room for quiet time. I must say that it took a while for me to settle down to serious business. My prayers were those of gratitude for answered prayer for the snow. The only things missing were the mountains and the neighbor's dogs from next door in New Mexico. How I miss those rascals! Cats don't appreciate wet paws and rolling in the snow like dogs. They don't run and jump and play. Well, Alex is an anomaly when it comes to normal behavior for a cat. He actually chases me and nips my foot if I run away from him while he wants to play, and he enjoys rolling in dirt, even mud, so snow might be enjoyable for him also. I guess I'll find out if he pays a visit during the light of day. I can't blame him for not venturing out today though, as it was extremely cold! The sunlight was so intense that it reflected off of the snow and distorted my vision. When it snows, the light is so brilliant.

What a fitting start as the Festival of Lights on the Jewish calendar, better known as Hanukkah, begins the evening of December 14th, and I am told that more snow is in the forecast. The celebration lasts eight days, and it is a festive time and a time of deep gratitude remembering the restoration and re-dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. In the second century Israel was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who tried to force the people of Israel into accepting Greek culture and beliefs. A small band of Jews led by Judah of the Maccabees, defeated a mighty army and drove the Greeks away, reclaiming their Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The temple's altar had been desecrated, so it had to be cleaned, restored, and re-dedicated. When they went to light the Temple's Menorah, they only had enough oil for one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for all eight days, so this is why it is celebrated each year and called The Festival of Lights. The people celebrate by eating oily foods, like donuts and latkes (potato fritter), sing, retell the story of the miracle of the oil, play the dreidel, and exchange gifts each day. It's a happy time, and I think Jerusalem is due a bit of fun this year, particularly. Light in the darkness of all the wars. Hopefully, Ran Gvili, the last hostage (deceased from the 10/7/2023 massacre) will be returned from Gaza. That alone will be a celebration by all of Israel as that door of darkness is closed and families received some closure. 

Before the death of Jesus, he was in Jerusalem for Passover, He had ridden through the sheep gate with crowds shouting, "Hosanna, hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD." Someone wanted to see Jesus, so Philip went to tell Andrew, who in turn told Jesus. Jesus becomed troubled, and He predicted his death to His followers. 

"Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour?' No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!" (John 12:27-28)

In response to Jesus' cries, God responded, and the people heard His voice acknowledging His Son. Seeing their confusion, Jesus told them that the voice came from heaven for their benefit, so they would believe. And by His response they would know by what death He would die. The crowd did not believe, because they were expecting a King who would conquer their enemy and reign forever, so they asked Jesus, repeating His words, "'The Son of Man must be lifted up?' Who is this 'Son of Man?'" (John 12:34)

"You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light." (John 12:35-36)

Later, when Jesus was at the Temple, the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. I'm sure it was a set up, as the religious leaders wanted to trick Jesus into signing His own death warrant. As the story goes Jesus told them for the one who had no sin to cast the first stone. He had been writing in the sand, and I can almost see each one inching up close to see what He had written. Of course no one knows, but let's just say, perhaps Jesus was making a list. But, whatever happened, one by one, each accuser dropped their stone and walked away, and the woman was left there alone with Jesus. So Jesus told her to go and sin no more. Then He turned to the others who were there, and He said: 

"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12)

In the first chapter of John's gospel he identified Jesus as "the Light" when he was speaking of John the Baptist as the forerunner of "the Light." 

"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world." (John 1:6-9)

As followers of Jesus we are told to walk in the light as He is in the light. Our lives are to be testimonies of His life in and through us, so He entrusted the apostles with that message, the truth that changed the world and continues to do so. Darkness is trying to creep into our nation, our cities, and our homes. The warning signs are like neon lights flickering in the darkness. We all see it, and we all know the source. We also know that the answer is the only one who can dispel the darkness, Jesus Christ the Messiah. Our job is just beginning, but the battle has been raging for quite some times. We can no longer look the other way and hope it doesn't touch down in our homes. It already has! 

Christmas is the time we celebrate the Light of the World's birth, and it is my prayer that as we prepare for that festive occasion or as we ready ourselves for Hanukkah, that we remember we are to shine the light of Christ and light up the world with the brightness of the Son of God who gave it all so that we might have it all! 

Day 338 Where to Begin

 

12/4/2025

"...for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was  thirsty and 

you gave Me Drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you 

visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me."

Matthew 25:35-36

 

Winter is here, and in many places the snow is already on the ground. Temperatures have already been below zero degrees in northern areas of our nation. Sadly, there are many homeless on our streets, especially in more prominent areas of large cities, and the shelters do not have adequate room for everyone on the coldest of nights. Back in the day when my parents were growing up churches were more active in taking in people needing shelter, but today it doesn't seem to be the same. We have our programs and giving trees, adopt a family in need events, and give out food, perhaps on a weekly basis, but so much more is needed. Reaching out at Thanksgiving or Christmas with food and gifts, visiting prisons, nursing homes are all events done during holidays. People seem to be more concerned that pets are safely sheltered during the colder weather than human beings. This may sound harsh, nevertheless, it is true.

Tonight in my online study group we discussed the importance of having a grateful attitude, being aware of our blessings each day. One member who is a teacher shared that it was a scientific fact that anxiety can be turned around if we focused on things we are thankful for rather than focus on what is bothering us. So she suggests to her little students when one is a little anxious to make a list of things that they are thankful for which does the trick! It also makes one happy, and it sometimes brings laughter, but always, it changes our perspective on things. Proverbs 17:22 does say: "A merry heart does good like a medicine; but a broken spirit dries the bones." Making lists is always a good way to work out so many problems. I make it a daily habit to write down something good that happens each day. Then when I go back and look at it, it makes me remember pleasant times, and once again, I count my blessings.

Back in the 70's during the Jesus Revolution years when hippies were giving their hearts and lives to the Lord, desiring a change, to know the truth, hearts were tender towards others like themselves who needed Jesus. Keith Green, a young musician was one whose life was transformed during that time. In his memoir, Compromise, written by his wife Melody Green, she says that Keith would bring home young people needing a place to stay, and they would be sleeping on the floors, wherever there was space. He wanted to rescue as many people as possible, and he wanted to turn them on to God. He tragically died at the age of 28 along with two of their children, Josiah, 3 and Bethany, 2, in an airplane crash not far from home. Melody was left with Rebekah, age 1, and she was pregnant with their 4th child, Rachel. Melody continued the ministry they had started, Last Days Ministries. I got involved with the ministry later, giving out tracts, getting signatures for the Pro-Life Ministry, writing letters. It seemed that even back then I was busy writing trying to persuade people to stand for life. I also learned back then that not all who profess to know Christ understand that it is wrong to take a life, and that all life begins at conception. It's amazing to me how one connection can lead to another, then another, and soon I was all over the place. I guess it's no wonder that the same desires are still very much part of my life up to this day. I guess that must mean something, right?  

The message Christ preached was one of love and compassion. He came to save the lost sheep of Israel, and later his love was extended to Gentiles as well. Today many people are actively spewing hatred for the Jewish people and for anyone who stands beside them. This brings tears to my eyes and breaks my heart, because the Bible is so clear. With Christmas approaching, and everyone who follows Christ anxiously awaiting the celebration of His birth, they fail to realize that He is indeed the King of the Jews as He said so very long ago. They also fail to understand that if it were not for the people of Israel, we would not have a Bible today. I do not understand how the church could stray so far from the truth, and even less do I understand that so many think that the church has taken the place of Israel. I've spoken on this so many times, and I hope that those who have read it will open their eyes and seek the truth, because it is the truth of God's Word.

The Bible is also clear as to what Jesus expects of all who follow Him with regard to the care and welfare of others. In Matthew 25:31-46 Jesus is very clear about what He expects from those who follow Him:

"When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, saying 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? when did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' The He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these , you did not do it to Me.' And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." 

These are sobering words spoken by Jesus, and we must take them to heart. Jesus said that we would be known as His disciples by our love for one another. In these troubling times, when it seems as if the world is going into hell in a hand basket, know that it is unless we as those who truly follow Christ do not step up and do as He commands. Because of God's mercy and grace given to us freely when we did not deserve it, so much more we ought to extend our hands in love and gratitude to others. Jesus also said that when it was in our ability to help another person, we should do it, without regret and expecting nothing in return. This season, the season of giving, instead of giving gifts that fade and wither away like grass, things most people really don't need, give the gift of life - your time. I'm still trying to find my way around Virginia again after so many years of being away, but perhaps there are doors that can be opened if we just look a little harder. I don't have all the answers, but I want to do something tangibly to help people who desperately need to see the love of Christ in action, not just on holidays, but each day of the year. I want to make a difference. 

Day 337 Little Blessings

 

12/3/2025 

"Think how in the inner chamber the hour of prayer may

become the happiest time in the whole day for us,

and how God may use us to take a share in the carrying out of

His plans, and make us fountains of blessing

for the world around us."

Andrew Murray  

 

All is quiet! Finally, I can relax and listen to An Hour with Jesus with Terry MacAlmon. My son has gone to bed, a little later than usual tonight. We enjoyed a great chicken with rice soup - with green chili, naturally, with gluten free white cheddar cheese biscuits. Our lives are simple. It's a little hard to think about Christmas in a few weeks. As always, I am unprepared for what the world considers Christmas with all the decorations and trees. I used to have my memory tree up all year, but I gave it away before I moved, and although it may sound a bit silly, I miss that tree. I have a friend who loves to send gifts that are Santa Fe style, so I won't forget my beloved New Mexico. How could I after living there most of my life, plus I had the best friends ever! They let me be - me! As it should be, don't you think?! I do hope I get a chance to return, especially since my daughter is still living there. 

Today for excitement my son and I braved the icy cold and replaced the tarp over the storage area. It's a temporary fix from the damage of the turbulent winds and rain we've been having. It seems as if every week we have rain, and whereas I am grateful for it, it has been creating some problems for us. But that's okay. In spite of the weather, I love being outside. I still have bushes to cut and monster shrubs to size down. I love burning the branches in an open fire, and I enjoy sitting on the step playing with Alex when he decides to come home. Sometimes I wonder if someone forcing him to go indoors, although that wouldn't be so bad. Perhaps someone needs his companionship, but the rascal always comes home, even comes into the house and stays a short time visiting. He's always dry and warm and happy to see his humans. Cats seems to have it made!

It's so wonderful sitting in my rocking chair listening to Marty sing old favorite contemporary music and traditional hymns. He just finished singing, "No one loves you like the Lord...." That's certainly a true statement. God's love is unconditional, and He loves it when we sing to Him. "He delights when we lift our voice in praise to Him alone. We were made to worship Him alone." It's wonderful to think about how much God loves us, and He longs for us to come and sit with Him. Although He is omniscient, He still wants to hear about our day. When we fall, He wants to pick us up. He is omnipresent, never leaving or forsaking us. "My God is Holy, forever Holy is our King. Worthy, forever worthy, to You our praise we bring." In case you're wondering, the words in italics are lyrics from songs Marty is singing. They seemed appropriate to interject.

Tired from all of my labors this afternoon, I decided to have a snack of popcorn later on before falling into bed. I decided to do it the easy way and microwave some prepackaged popcorn belonging to Daniel, rather than air pop. Although it was tasty, it wasn't the same as my healthy style of doing it with fresh melted butter - just at dab - and tons of salt. I didn't have any Junior Mints, however, so it lacked the movie effect, but I'll head out before long to buy some more. It's the little things that spice up life! I watched an old series about Africa for a little while, then I headed downstairs to work it off - the popcorn - on the Gazelle and my stretching exercises. 

Thinking back over the day, what can I say really spoke to my spirit? I've been reading the book of John, always a favorite, and I am about ready to begin the book of Acts, unless of course God directs me differently. I guess I'm learning that sometimes we need to deviate from what we consider our normal way of doing things. Every year I read through my Bible, and although I am learning something fresh and new each day, it seems as if I am missing something God wants me to see. I have other things I read, and Harvest Ministries keeps me on my toes with the community online studies, but there's more! A month or so ago, I felt the Lord leading me to jump forward in reading, then back, and I must say change has never been my cup of tea, and this hopping around kind of frazzled me, but I have been obedient. It's interesting, because as I did as I was asked to do, my scriptures were aligning with what was being discussed in messages I heard. It's as if God wanted me to get the point of the message, and Holy Spirit is always so gentle in instruction. I'm hoping that I can catch up, or go back so I can get everything read this year, in this one Bible, but if I don't, it's okay, because it's not what I want that's important. His way is always best. Besides which I read from more than one Bible, depending on what I am studying, so I more than read through the Bible once in a year. Perhaps I'm prideful in that way? Something to consider, but I just love reading His Word. It builds me up, puts me in my place, and teaches me what I need to know and share. I found this little quotation as I was reading today: "God's work done in God's way for God's glory will never lack God's supply." I like that!

Another good end of day. Until tomorrow! 

Day 336 "What's Next?"

12/2/2025

"You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me

from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7

 

This month began with a phone call that led me to another bend in the road in my journey, and I'm wondering "what's next?" I began to think about this day, wondering about the story I'm supposed to be writing. I always seem to get stuck at certain places, and I began to look at things from different perspectives. So my first thoughts, as I was sitting here mentally discussing this with Abba, writing in my journal as I sorted things out in my thinking, but I paused and went to a place, perhaps my hiding place deep within my soul where no one can touch me, and there's just me and Jesus. Peace enters - His shalom that's perfect and complete, soothing and refreshing. His presence was tangible, and I just wanted to stay here a while longer alone with Him. Dare I move, dare I make a sound, not even a sigh, afraid the slightest movement might disturb this moment. 

I took a sip of coffee, closed my eyes, and memories slowly came, and I saw the visions again, and they began to make sense. They became clearer, and I wondered if I was supposed to share the visions in the story. The truth is that whenever I attempt to share some of the experiences or roads I've walked in this crazy, surreal life I live, I am met with blank stares or a change in conversation, because not many people want to discuss spiritual journeys. Then things really become weird! But they're not, really. It's the life I live, and although I don't understand much of what I experience, I love my life. So if I'm alone, it's okay, but I'm never really alone, because I'm with Him.

As I  was sitting there, writing again in my journal, I began to see myself on a path that was quite lonely, but when my feet crossed over the boundary line, I saw Jesus standing on the path with His arms opened, as if He was welcoming me. As I drew closer, then closer to Him, it was as if He passed through me, and I was alone again, but I didn't feel alone. I was holding something in my arms - a lamb. I knew he was hurt, yet he healed. A verdant, grassy meadow graced by evergreens became its playground, while others began to frolic in the field, or so I thought, but then I saw a child holding the lamb. Then suddenly I was carried back to that day so long ago when I saw a little girl lying on the cold slab in the emergency room. She'd only turned three but a short time before. I had been visiting relatives with my little girl, and then my daddy was in the living room. He'd come to take me home. Something had happened, but he wouldn't say any more, so we rode in silence home.  

My usual meeting began, and although I took notes and heard every report, prayed every prayer, I was still preoccupied in part with what had happened only a short time before. Shortly after my call was over, and I was attempting to return to my earlier imaginings, I received a phone call associated with the one from the previous day. And then I knew that once more I would be taking another turn into another adventure, and I wondered as I had before - "what's next?"

Although the call was from a stranger, we became sisters instantly, sharing stories and laughter, because we spoke the same language. An invitation for a visit to the backwoods of North Carolina was extended, and a promise of information to follow. The telephone and internet connections are quite "iffy" in that neck of the woods, but texts seem to work, so I wait, for the next step. Strangely, I am beginning to see that perhaps in the same roundabout way things happen in my life, a new direction is about to come. At least I hope this is an answer to my puzzled mind about the story, as the person I am about to meet will intuitively relate. This reminds me of a summer I spent in Pagosa Springs, Colorado at a cabin by the lake with the man who became my spiritual mentor, who is the reason the phone call happened in the first place. I have to laugh again at the lengths God takes to get me back on the right path. I guess I'll know soon enough, and it's strange, but those words I just used "I'll know soon enough," sounds like deja vu.

It's late, and even though I am not tired, I need to rest, so this discussion will continue in another blog. Until then, spend time alone with Abba, resting in His lap, listening. He has a plan for your life. Your own adventure. Never stop dreaming. Selah.