Day 362 There's Joy!

 

12/28/2025

 "Hallelujah! Yes, praise the Lord! 

How good it is to sing His praises!

How delightful, and how right!

Psalm 147:1

 

Tonight as I sit here, thinking back over my day, my mind goes blank, as it often does at the end of the day. Not from weariness from a day of activity or festivity, but something that goes against the grain. I have been fighting against the enemies of discouragement, guilt, loneliness, and those evil spirits that enjoy stirring up memories that are so traumatic to remember, those that make us feel of little value. Watching Christmas movies doesn't really help sometimes, because they are either rags to riches or riches to more riches, but with a Christian spin. I love movies where wrongs are made right, and where sickness does not lead to death, or where the destitute are given a miraculous turn around. They are all good, and so wonderful, as I know miracles happen every day, but most people, even pastors who pray for all these things and read the word of God proclaiming the miraculous, simply do not think that they exist today. I think that more than any circumstances surrounding my life or decisions I must make, that it is the lack of faith I see in church leaders that discourages me the most.

My son tells me that the reason he doesn't want me involved in his health decisions as an advocate - a job for which I was trained as a case manager and helped so many clients and their families who cared for them for years - is because I think Jesus is the answer to everything. Well, for me, I know this is true, but I also know that we live in a world that trusts in medicine and doctors who treat them. I also know very well that God has given doctors the knowledge to do what they do. He provides the means for their education and the endurance and stamina needed to complete the studies and do the work. He gives us mamas and dads who work extra hard to help them accomplish their goals. Most people don't give God the glory for these blessings, because they don't really know Him. Perhaps they know about Him, and they may be faithful church attendees, but they never made Him Lord of their lives, or they didn't need His help. They never thanked Him for the good things in their lives. Not as He deserves. Do any of us give Him the thanks and honor that He deserves? Not really. In our humanity, our flesh, we fall so short. Once we realize it, we repent and ask Him to forgive us, and He does. He so longs to walk with us each day, but we don't invite Him in.

Today Pastor Greg's message was about finishing the year well. To quote him exactly, he said: "Starting well is good, but finishing well is better." Paul the Apostle said in 2 Timothy 4:7, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." I believe that scripture tells us that we each have a special work we are meant to do, as we each have gifts that support those of all God's children, working together as one in the Body of Christ, but there's more. We have a book with our name on it, and in it is written our special purpose. I believe that in spite of hindrances that block our way, that God makes a way where no one else can, and we have the grace to complete it, if we press on. I want to press on, and I believe that God calls us out of our safety zones to complete these works. Look at Moses, Joseph, Aaron, and so many others. He makes a way, and only He can say when it's too late, and I believe with Him time is not a factor nor is age. So I say, "Go for it! Run after your dreams!" 

My son wanted more than anything to be a classical guitarist. He was even awarded an opportunity to attend a prestigious school in Boston, but his dreams were disregarded for a flimsy reason - lack of money. I never knew about this at the time, only in recent years when my older son mentioned it. Many years have passed, and my son's fingers are not as limber as they used to be, but I reminded him that the gifts and callings of God are without repentance, and that means the gift remains inside him. I know he thinks that he'll never play again, but I've heard him messing around on the guitar, as he calls it, and it is beautiful. He has a gift, and that gift needs to be used. So I'm praying for another miracle. My dream as a much younger young lady was blown out of the water too, but I am way too old at 75 to enter medical school. God gifted me with the precious gift of serving so many people and their families as I noted above, and that is enough. But He also gave me a second love - writing. Now I don't know if I'll ever get it together enough to write the story, but I'm going to give it my best to complete what He has asked me to do. This year I have written every day, and although the posts are often late, I have written the notes, but I do get behind finishing up. The point is that I do finish them, and I do post them. This particular installment will be a day after tomorrow's, because it needs to be. I needed time to think about anything I write today. It's been particularly rough, and tomorrow may prove no better. I'm struggling, but I have faith for a brighter day.

Until then, it is early to bed, but not too early to rise. Tomorrow my sister comes to take me to pick up my one three month supply of medication. Only one for three months, not paid for by insurance, increasing in cost as we speak...or as I write. I sure hope that changes soon! So goodnight, and remember to dream, and dream big! With God all things are possible!

Day 363 Miracles Yet to be Found

 

12/29/2025

"There are miracles all around,

miracles yet to be found."

- from

The Miracle Hymn

 

When I wake up in the morning the first thing I used to say was "Good morning, Father!" followed by "This is the day You have made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it!" No matter what the situation, no matter the state of the world or circumstances in my life. Recently, my heart has been extra burdened, but I imagine after over two years of standing with Israel after the horrific massacre in their country, watching the increasing negativity clouding the truth, seeing the apathy of the church, and witnessing the unfolding and increasing depravity of our nation, well it sickens the heart. Add to that the declining health of those you love plus those you love whom you've never met. And then, all of a sudden breakdowns in one's own family and accidents, financial burdens, and so many, many things. But this morning when I woke up I had two things in my heart - "Good morning, Father! This is the day You have made, and I will rejoice in it!"  

As I looked out the bathroom window for my cat, Alex, hoping he'd be out of his hiding place, eagerly awakening his breakfast, I noticed that the huge, white mountain lion, as I call the new cat who dines at my table, stealthily crossing my yard. "Hmm, I thought, he must be the one who finishes off the food left out in the evening, or he's the one who eats Alex's food in the morning!"  This cat is long, white, and he's fast when caught on the front porch eating from the bowl there or the one on the side porch. I knew I had more than one visiting cat, or else the opossum was back. I had to smile. Grateful he had a place to eat, and hopefully, he is enjoying the home we have for Alex outside, all warm and toasty.

There's a lady who lives across the way from me, the highway runs in front of her home. I've been told that she has about twenty or more cats living with her. I imagine that's where Alex finds a place to rest and a steady meal, and hopefully a warm place. I noticed this summer that someone had been helping me get rid of the tangles in his long fur, and more recently, he seemed to be brushed, and he is definitely well-fed between his meals here and foraging in the field beside my house. But, I'm sure he finds sustenance there as well. He's a handsome gray Maine Coon miniature, with his huge paws, and his sweet personality and playfulness. At least that's how he is with me. That and he loves to announce his arrival by clawing his way up the porch door screen to peep into the house or let me know he's hungry. He loves to come in and snuggle, but only for a short while. He's respectful of Mia's place in the home. She's Daniel's older calico who has been more agreeable with his presence in the house of late. They're not friends, and they keep a social distance, but she allows him to visit - for a bit. Then he takes his leave when he's ready, never wanting to out stay his welcome. Cats are funny that way, or at least mine is.

I don't know what this day will bring, but somehow it seemed important to write about the morning. I've been a bit discouraged recently, and the events preceding this Christmas were unexpected. That's the way it is in life, though. We never know what the next breath will hold. It's why we have to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. He is the one who encourages our faith to remain strong. It's why I sing and dance and laugh, and I play with silly cats who land on my doorstep. So as I sit here today, counting my blessings, I remember the words of the theme song in The Christmas Candle - "There are miracles all around, miracles yet to be found," and I wait for my next miracle. I know it's coming, but miracles always come. And I know whatever happens, I have a Father who watches over me. He has called me, and I am His, and no one can take that knowledge away from me. It has been ingrained within me, and my faith, though weak at times, is strong in Him.

God bless your day! 

Day 361 Shabbat Shalom Christmas

 

12/27/2025

"The LORD your God in your midst,

the Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17  

 

For the past few days the music of heaven has drifted into my quiet place, and in the midst of my loneliness my soul has been lifted. Our global calls have been so special the past few days, in spite of all the evil still percolating in the cities and across the world. The warnings are relentless, and I so tire of opening the email each day seeing the headlines of what new tragedies are unfolding in Israel, Europe, or on the streets of America. I think that's why I surround myself with spiritual songs. Earlier today I happened upon a YouTube video by Yuval Arts of the song Above All by Michael W. Smith. This is one of my favorite songs, and he's one of my favorite contemporary artists. He's been around a long time, like me. The song was performed by Hebrew children singing in their native tongue, and at the end the entire children's choir joined in. It was so inspiring. I love to see and hear children praising God, exalting the name of Jesus, especially Messianic Jewish children. Knowing that they have accepted Jesus as Savior brings true joy to my heart, because so many orthodox Jews do not know Him as Messiah. I'm praying that children, who are bolder than adults, will proclaim the Good News!

I also tuned into my Shabbat service with Jacob's Tent. Today it was a prophetic rewind as many in the congregation were sick, so they canceled the local service and did it online instead. I absolutely love the worship and the teaching at my online church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They just moved into a larger, new church so they have much more room for the dancers. I also noticed that the chuppah used for blessing all the children extended across the front, and it was full of parents and children all singing the blessing over their. That warms my heart to see even the older ones under the chuppah. They also sing the blessing over the names and photos of children who have never surrendered their lives to Christ and the prodigals.These are located within a large chest. I have some photos in that chest.

Before Christmas we had the unexpected surprise of the car accident, so being without a vehicle does tend to put a damper on things. Not that I am much of a social butterfly, even on holidays, but I had wanted to do a few things. It just seems as if it takes so long for anyone to do anything these days. But then again, maybe it's for a reason. I have a hard time wondering what good reason it could be, but then...what do I know? So, I ask God to forgive my whining, one more time, and I try to focus on what I can do. It's been kinda chilly today, so I haven't done much. Besides which, this is Shabbat, and I rest today. Now that it's evening, I guess I could do something, but I think I'd rather just continue to enjoy the quiet.

I did watch another Christmas movie this afternoon, Snow Angels, about a family, the parents on the edge of divorce, with three children who go to their new cabin for Christmas, and when they get snowed in they are visited by a family of four who have been snowbound in their travels by the increasing storm, or so they believe. I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, but suffice it to say, this family were the ones who were rescued in the storm. It's a beautiful story of new found friendships, a glimpse at what a loving, caring family should look like, and hospitality and generosity at its best and highest. This is why I love Christmas movies. They generally end well, even if they turn out to be tear jerkers, but then that's to be expected!

I am grieved to say that problems still play on in Israel, and the one hostage remaining still has not been returned. Talik Gvili is the mother of Ran Gvili who remains in Gaza. Although he's been reported as deceased, there seems to be some speculation that he possibly could be alive. I pray that he is returned home soon, as his mother is having a terrible time. Today marks 813 days, and it impossible for her to find peace that she so desperately needs. His dad, Itzik, is having an equally difficult time, and they are seeking our President's help. I pray that whatever needs to be done will be done to bring closure for this family, and the last hostage can be put to rest, his memory a blessing.

Tomorrow is Sunday, and I'm not certain if I'll be able to attend church services, even though the church is right across the highway. It's been so bitterly cold, and I don't feel up to walking. Besides which I may not be totally well, which makes sitting difficult for me. Whatever happens, no worries, as I am always in church whether it be across the street or on the web. Sundays are my second day of rest. I can't change tradition!

It's still fairly early here, but these past few days of not feeling quite "with it" have made me very tired. Perhaps a nice little nap before I have to be on the wall. Saturday nights, late shift, are my on-call duty, so I can't change that. A nice, hot cup of cocoa might be nice before I have to handle Congress on a wing and a prayer, so I'll say goodnight...until tomorrow! 

Day 360 Room in the Inn

 

12/26/2025

"But Mary kept all these things and

pondered them in her heart."

Luke 2:19

 

It's the day after Christmas, but the account of Mary and Joseph never grows dull. The wonder of the birth of the Christ child as foretold throughout scripture, reminds us of the lengths God went to and still goes to make us His own. I was just watching another Christmas classic, The Christmas Candle based on a book by Max Lucado. I have most of his books, and I have this movie, as it's one of my favorite stories. It's about a pastor who once called a miracle man because of his firm stand on the miracle-working power of God, who lost his faith after he suffered a tragedy. When the story begins he is in London, in the streets feeding a line of people down on their luck. He no longer preaches, but after a visit from a special lady who prevails upon him, he accepts a job in her town. It is well-written and presented in movie form. The actors are very convincing, and it is the acting debut of Susan Boyle, the wonderful and talented singer from America's Got Talent. I love it, because as the song goes "There are miracles all around, miracles left to be found." 

The Miracle Hymn

"On a starry night in Bethlehem
A child was born to bring light to men
And our faith wade, our eyes grew dim
In a candle's light, we found hope again

 

There are miracles all around
Miracles yet to be found
Hid in every heart is an answered prayer
Like a candle's flame, hope will lead us there

 

When the darkness comes, let the light shine through
A spark of faith will ignite in you
In a candle's glow, a virgin's womb
In a simple prayer, in the empty tomb

 

There are miracles all around
Miracles yet to be found
Hid in every heart is an answered prayer
Like a candle's flame, hope will lead us there

 

When the light has dawned on Christmas day
We will lift one voice in endless praise
When the light has dawned on Christmas day
We will say

 

There are miracles all around
Miracles here to be found
Hid in every heart is an answered prayer
Like a candle's flame, hope will lead us there" 

I've been listening to a concert by The Belonging Co Christmas at the Ryman with a variety of Christian artists singing older, familiar Christmas hymns with contemporary blends and beautiful new songs. A lady is singing now a medley of Worthy of It All with another song about the birth of Christ which sounds as if Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is singing personally, reminiscent of her song when she visited Elizabeth. 

The Song of Mary

 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”

 Luke 1:46-55

When the shepherds came running to Bethlehem after the angels appeared to them, sharing the wonderful news of the birth of Jesus, Mary listened and marveled at their words, keeping them in her heart. As she looked at Jesus for the first time, how she must have marveled at this new creation, the Son of God, so tiny and in need of her care. The King of glory lying in a manger as a newborn infant, crying and hungry, helpless, and in need of a bath, and He needed "her!" Imagine Joseph's first thoughts when he delivered Jesus. They were alone, no room for them in a proper room in the inn, yet they were surrounded by unseen heavenly visitors marveling at the sight before them, all of heaven rejoicing. The brilliance of the moment must have exploded in the skies! I imagine that the Bethlehem star must have been brilliant that night. How could anyone miss the signs, and yet, they did, and they still do.

When He returns in His glory, will He find room for Him in the inn of our hearts? Is there room in your inn?   

Day 359 The Miracle of Christmas

 

12/25/2025

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us 

a Son is given;..."

Isaiah 9:6

"For God so loved the world that He gave

His only begotten Son...!"

John 3:16

 

Years ago when we first moved to Las Vegas, New Mexico, we purchased an existing Hallmark business as our source of livelihood. Prior to this I loved Hallmark, because the stores were magical to me at the time, as they always seemed to have the best cards and unique gifts. Christmas was particularly festive and fun, full of cheer, and imaginatively arranged on the shelves, merchandised well for ascetic appeal. I would give my parents an ornament for their tree each year before and followed the tradition after we purchased the business. The first year they had a Santa Claus doll who played a special Christmas message if you pushed the button in his hand, "Remember, the magic of Christmas lies in your heart." I always loved what he said, as Christmas has always been magical to me, not in an earthly way, but in the supernatural glory and majesty of God. But now I call it miraculous, because  indeed it is! Just considering what God did...for us! And Jesus did in obedience...for us! The mystery of it all is too wonderful for imagination!

I've heard the stories of Saint Nicholas, and sometimes the story changes, but they all speak of a man with an incredible loving and giving spirit. When my children were growing up, we did tell them the truth, as with the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy, but we still managed to have a bit of fun. I've never been a big decorator during the holidays; my life is pretty simple, but I do love to give gifts and see people's reactions when remembered. Each year in November my sister's church puts together the Samaritan Purse's shoe boxes for the children in other countries, and I would love to see the reaction on their faces when they get their boxes with little gifts and clothing. The nursing homes are places where there is a lot of sadness, and some residents seldom receive visits, so once I'm up and running again, I hope to begin visiting the facility near my home. Hopefully, they won't have rules that keep me from visiting.

My son and I enjoyed a quiet Christmas this year. I always love watching Miracle on 34th Street and The Christmas Carol. So far I haven't watched It's a Wonderful Life, plus some of my daughter's favorites. We call it our Christmas tradition. Since she lives in the southwest, and I live in the southeast, we have to plan what to watch and when. Then she watches it there, and I watch it here. It's not the best, but at least we try. If I made a Christmas wish, it would be that we could all be together for Christmas, just like we used to be. It's hard when we lives so far apart. 

We always have a traditional Northern New Mexico meal for Christmas of green chili chicken enchiladas, pinto beans, and rice, with a homemade coconut pie for dessert. It would have been nice to have tamales, but I haven't been able to find anyone who makes them here, and they take a very long time to prepare. Tamales at Christmas is a southwestern favorite, especially in Northern New Mexico, and my friends were experts at the art, and it is an art! Here in Virginia people enjoy ham, and they eat turkey on Thanksgiving, as do most people across cultures. Growing up my papa used to have a smoke house, and I remember the country hams, very salty, but now I really don't like pork, and it's one of those questions I am asking God about. I think my list of questions may be growing. 

Evening is here, everyone has their lights on, and it is festive and bright, but extremely quiet in this old neighborhood. Earlier I saw people walking their dogs, as the weather was warmer today, unlike Christmas weather should be. I dreamed of a white Christmas, but this year I missed out. Still, With God in the midst of our celebration, snow is not needed. The true miracle of Christmas has nothing to do with snow or trees or traditional foods. It has everything to do with the miracle of the virgin birth and the birth of our Savior, the Messiah and soon-coming King. It's about His Kingdom come and His will be done. The bright lights of Christmas are beautiful, but the Light of His glory is so much better and brighter, and it leads the way to eternal life. It won't be for one day either; it is for eternity. 

Day 358 Christmas Eve

 

12/24/2025

 

This morning for our opening song for our prayer meeting in Israel, we enjoyed Hark the Herald Angels Sing/King of Heaven melody with worship leader Paul Baloche, and ended with Chris Tomlin's popular song, Holy Forever (Christmas). The first song has always been one of my favorite songs, but as I was singing the old familiar verses, I realized that I never fully paid attention to what the words were saying. The song written by Charles Wesley in the 1700's speaks of the Savior's birth, but there's more:

"Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.' Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with angelic hosts proclaim, 'Christ is born in Bethlehem!'"

As I re-watch, for the second time this week, The Shepherd, by The Chosen, the scene does not show the angels appearing in the sky, nor do we hear their voices as they sing the all familiar words, "Glory to the newborn King." We do see a great light that shines down from heaven, the song of wind and music and frightened shepherds suddenly leap from the ground and racing towards the city of Bethlehem!

"Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord; long desired, behold Him come, finding here His humble home. Veiled in flesh the God-head see, hail th' incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Immanuel."  

The shepherds race toward Bethlehem, the crippled young shepherd's leg heals as he runs. He had already encountered Mary and Joseph when he was in the city earlier, when they were looking for a place to rest. He offers her water to relieve her thirst, seeing that she is heavy with child. In the movie, the shepherd had been told by the Pharisee not to return to Bethlehem until he had a spotless lamb to present for sacrifice. The young shepherd had been questioning the Pharisee earlier about what the scriptures say regarding the Messiah's coming to save them, asking him if he is sure that the Savior will come as they believe, because he is reading the scriptures differently - correctly. Apparently, he has shared this with the other shepherds with him, who considered him foolish and laughed at him. Little did they know.

The last verse of the Christ hymn is: 

"Hail the heav'n born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die, born to rise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth."

"Hark! the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King.'" Amen.  

Notice the words "born that man no more may die, born to rise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth." This speaks of our salvation, being born again when we receive Christ as Savior - buried with Him in baptism to death and rising to new life. I had never noticed the words "born to give them second birth," and I have sang this song so many, many times in my life. "Second birth" is being born again, as Jesus said to Nicodemus when he came to see Jesus under the cloak of night. Every time I read the word, no matter how many times I have read it, new meaning is illuminated to me. It's the same with hymns which are pronouncing the word of the Lord. Always fresh manna in God's word!

Another thing I thought about as we were lighting the last candle for Hanukkah was how brightly the light shined, lighting up the darkness. Each day we added an additional candle to the Hanukkiah, the light was brighter.  With the additional of the 9th candle, known as the "helper candle," or the one that provides the light for each candle, it was brighter still. The "helper" candle is known as the "Shamash" which is Hebrew for "servant" or "attendant." The miracle of the oil reminds me of how oil represents the anointing of Holy Spirit to the born-again believer. Jesus said when He left this world to return to God, He would send the "Helper" to the Apostles, and Holy Spirit would draw all men to Christ, who is the Light of the world. It just seemed to "fit" to me. The scriptures speak of a time when there will no longer be Jews and Gentiles (non-Jewish believers), but we will be One New Man as spoken of in Ephesians. I can hard wait for the fulfillment of all God has for us! 

This Christmas Eve as we await Christmas morn to celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us be lights that shine in the darkness for all the world to see! Merry Christmas!

Day 357 Before You

 

12/23/2025

 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you...."

John 15:16

 

When I'm sitting here at my computer, generally later in the evening, closer to being the next morning, I write about my day, and I look through images to post that seem appropriate, to me at least, to represent what I'm thinking. Now I don't know if a word of that statement made any sense to the casual reader, but it is significant in that I want the others to think deeply about what I post - every word that's written, and how I may be feeling as I'm bearing my soul. Words matter, and I don't like wasting my breath, or my thoughts, and it requires much emotional strength to share as I do. Again, it may not make sense, but such as it is, I've said it.

I'm listening to music, as I generally do, as I'm writing. Tonight I'm enjoying Jewish Hanukkah tunes, with almost a gypsy-like quality as the instruments are played. It reminds me of a Johnny Depp movie about a woman who made chocolate - Chocolat - in which he played a gypsy. The music's relaxing, calm, but not quite what I would have expected for the Festival of Lights. Still, it is somewhat contemplative, nostalgic.

Christmas will be here in two more days, well not even that long, as we are almost entering the start of the new day. Tomorrow I'll be baking pies, if all goes well. This morning I woke up not feeling quite myself. I can't seem to get it through my head that I'm older now, and my body doesn't move as easily as it once did. I have always been wiry, and although I still am to a large degree, but when I stretch, it does not always bring the same relief it once did. One wrong zig or zag can easily pull my aging parts the wrong way. Alas, I am meant to learn the hard way, I imagine. Some things never quite change. My mama used to say that "hard heads made soft butts," and she made sure that I got her meaning! It wasn't that I was a bad child or a particularly mischievous one, but I was curious, and I asked too many questions. Remember the old adage - "Children are seen and not heard?" I guess I never quite got it, until I got it! 

Today Pastor Jack began our day with a look at John 15:16 in which Jesus is speaking to His disciples saying: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." Jesus wanted His followers, which include those of us non-Jews who believe and follow Him, that He specifically hand-picked for the work they had been assigned to do, to understand that they were set apart for His special work. The proof that they, and we, belong to Him is in the fruit we bear and show and share with the world. He tells us in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 that we are to be lights to the world, and we are not to conceal the light, but rather we are to shine brightly for all the world to see - a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. In Tolkien's Lord of the Rings classic, when one settlement in Middle Earth needed help from enemy attack, they would light a fire that would shine across the country, each settlement responding. They would each alert the other, then gathering their troops would answer the call of their neighboring settlements who needed them. So we are to be those lights blazing a message of hope across the earth, each city responding in kind to reach a lost world. Jesus IS th e Light of the World. Sadly, He was not received as Messiah by the people, but they could never extinguish His Light. We are to be the light bearers carrying His message to the world. Across the world, many who have chosen to follow Christ, leaving behind doctrines of men and devils, are now forfeiting their lives and their families' lives. Jesus warned us of this happening, and He called it the beginning of woes (Matthew 24:8).

In the fifteenth chapter of the book of John, Jesus as the True Vine speaks of the relationship He desires to have with His followers, as He has with His Father who sent Him. In verses 7-8 of chapter 15 Jesus says: "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, so you will be My disciples." I can well imagine that this conversation, like the others, probably went right over the apostles' heads, as Jesus sharing becomes more intense. He follows with how the world would hate them and persecute them, as they do Him. Not easy words to hear. And soon they would understand completely what He meant by these words about the huge cost of discipleship, following Him, sharing the message of the Kingdom of God.

Today I was listening to Russell Brand speaking at the AmFest 2025 for Turning Point USA. He was sharing his testimony, preaching the gospel message with every word in his expressive manner of speech. Before he started to speak, he got down on his knees on the stage and prayed, asking God to guard his speech. He always prays before he speaks before an audience. When he finished praying, he stood and began his speech with praise to God for turning his life around. I love his enthusiasm, and although he still has a few rough edges, without filters, without apology, he exalts God, speaks the truth as it is written in the word of God, exhorting others to cease from foolish disagreements and live in harmony. It is rather refreshing to see and hear him, and I hope his message rang true and clear and that it provoked change in hearts where change is needed. I wonder if Charlie Kirk was looking down from Heaven with Jesus at his side?! Somehow I doubt it, or else he may not be at rest and peace watching some of the actions of others who also spoke at the event. Life can be so predictable. The point is Jesus looks for fruit in everything we do as proof that we are living for Him and for our love towards one another. Not feigned, but true. Forgiving each other, as men will fail. The good fruit comes when we admit wrongs and pull ourselves up again, repenting, asking forgiveness, and moving forward for Christ.

Russell was sharing about his Hollywood lifestyle before Jesus, comparing it to after He met Jesus and how his life had turned completely around. The point where he was sold out for Jesus, and he knew that before He met Jesus, his life had not meaning. Now it does! His purpose has been revealed. That is the life Jesus wants when He says to bear fruit. It's the power of the transformed life.

My desire is the same, to make everyone know how wonderful Jesus is. I don't have a "following," and my only platform is Facebook, writing my blogs, and declaring His name to all I meet along the way. Honestly, I don't even know who reads my posts, and I promised myself that it wouldn't matter, except that I trust God with the increase. Like Russell, my life was void of true life when I was younger, although I sincerely tried to separate myself from wrong influences. I went to church, loved to sing, loved revivals, but it wasn't until much later that I began to truly see and understand all Christ had done for me personally. And it was only after my life was a wreck that I fully blossomed. Now, in retrospect, I can say that before Him, my life was empty. Now with Him, my life is full. I may be alone, with limited friends here, no real connection to church locally - yet, but I will continue to share the good news with all. Alone we can do nothing. With Him, all things are possible.