Day 302 Tell Them Daily

 

10/29/2025

"Our lives should be, according to our Lord's plans,

quiet but steadily flowing streams of blessing,

which through our prayers and intercessions should

reach our whole environment."

Ole Hallesby  

 

Last night, in the evening, I received unexpected news about a beloved friend whom I have not seen for awhile, and it has shattered my world. Since coming home I have received news from my previous home, my home away from home, a place I miss terribly, as I left behind many memories, and I have grieved the passage of time.

As most people know about my life, I moved back home to Virginia in 2021 the end of this October marking my fourth in my parents' home, shared with my younger son. Prior to this I spent thirty-five years in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico, where my life changed drastically on one hand, and wonderfully on the other. This is where I found true joy and peace, and I met a lot of wonderful people who became my friends. 

When we first moved to New Mexico in January 1987, shortly thereafter I met my spiritual mentor and his wife, Peter and Rebekah Laue, who have been my friends since that time. They lived in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, but I met Peter through a mutual friend, Don Comptom, who was working with the boys' school in Springer, New Mexico, and my husband visited the prison regularly with Don. I can't remember how they chanced to visit us at our store in Las Vegas, but we became fast friends. Peter and I shared a common ministry of intercessory prayer. Peter and Rebekah had a sizable log cabin with a room over the garage lovingly called, "The Hiding Place," where many people have visited over all the years to be alone with God and sit in His lap. It's a wonderful place, and it became home to me, as I visited frequently. Since being in Virginia, however, I have not returned, but I wrote Peter and Rebekah a letter last week about my plans to visit my daughter and friends in New Mexico soon, and my deep desire to visit them and spend time with them in the Hiding Place. 

Last night, I received an unexpected phone call from Peter's son, John, who lives in California, asking me to give him a call, at his dad's request. I did, and I received the sad news that Rebekah had passed on to glory on Sunday after going through a tough few years where she became weaker and weaker. Peter had tried to get her up Sunday, but she was way too weak, so as she lay in bed, she said, "Peter," and he responded, "Rebekah." Then she said "I see light," and she went to be with Jesus. A simple, beautiful way to end a well-lived life. I can't think of a better and more peaceful way to go from this world to the next, forever with Jesus. John shared that he and his dad walked up to the mailbox yesterday to mail me a letter, and they found mine waiting in the box. He said our letters touched each other, and this stirred Peter's grief-stricken heart so much he wanted John to contact me. I'm so glad he did, sharing with me the last days of Peter's beloved handmaiden, as he tenderly referred to Rebekah. Peter obviously is grieving greatly, and I am having a difficult time of it myself. I regret not having talked to them more often, but they were not the kind to share such news. Life with Jesus is full of love, joy, and pleasure. 

Rebekah was a wonderful artist, and Peter has been a powerful writer, witnessing of the power and transformation in his life. A sample of his earlier writings can be found on an old website - https://www.stretcherbearers.com. Stretcher Bearers for Christ is the name of their ministry, and over the years their home in Pagosa Springs has been an open door for many travelers on the road to discovery in Christ. I'm not certain when I'll be able to go visit, as I am certain Peter needs time alone, and then, the holidays will bring his family. Plans for Rebekah's memorial will be individually celebrated, as each of their friends, myself included, will visit and share the time listening and remembering, alone with Peter. In a few days I will try to call, but I will be sending another letter.

I regret that the time passes by so quickly, and we become so busy in our lives that we fail to stop and make the effort to connect with those we love. When I shared this news with my older son, who has been battling cancer mostly on his own, due to troubling circumstances that have caused him to isolate himself from the family, with the exception of occasional text messages to me, he responded so:

"Well, at least she died with people who care. That's more than most people get. With health care issues so bad in this country it's only going to get worse sadly. Enjoy the time you have and tell the people you care about how you feel. I think that's the hardest lesson to learn. We all think we can do it tomorrow. But tomorrow isn't guaranteed." 

Wise words from one so cynical about life at this present time, but regardless of what he's going through, he has always responded to me with caring words, and even if he seldom says the words I'd love to hear, I know he loves me. His words are true. Regret is something I have had to live with too much, but I purpose with all my heart to try to do better. We are not promised tomorrow, and we do need to make the most of the time we have been given. Wiser words I cannot say, so I leave it here. 

Day 301 He Sees Me

 

10/28/2025

 "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me."

Psalm 51:2-3

 

It seems as if I have been in an intense spiritual battle for a few weeks, and particularly this one. The assault of the enemy is coming in seven different ways! Or so it seems. I just realized that this is the end of the month, and Friday is Halloween. Of course! The good thing about me is that I don't allow the enemy to get to me, because it doesn't matter who he uses to mount a full scale war against me, I am not going to lose my joy or my peace. I may get a little irritated, and I may shed some tears, and I may even tell God the same thing again - "Lord, I am so tired!" But then He quietly reminds me of Jesus' sacrifice and all He endured while on this earth. Likewise, He gently reminds me that Jesus is seated in heavenly places, right beside Him, in Heaven, making intercession for me. In other words, They are aware of my circumstances, and my feelings, and They are praying, plus Holy Spirit, who dwells inside of me, is interceding form me, sending messages to Them on my behalf! It's not as if I'm in it alone! I wonder if more Christians realized this fact would their overall view of life change?! 

Over this year of blogging, and even before, I have often shared about the pitfalls of my life, and it hasn't been easy, but it has been an amazing journey, and it continues to be that and more. All I do is try to be obedient to His word and to His daily instructions that He provides. Yesterday, while out traipsing around in the rain, running errands, with my friend, she asked me a question that opened up a sore spot in my history. She quietly listened as I shared my somewhat colorful life of wrongful accusations in my teenage years on through later life and my fall from grace, as I call it. My wake up call, which was almost instantaneous, as I have always walked with Jesus, or tried, even in my deepest, darkest hurts. At one phase of the conversation she asked me if I had forgiven myself, and believing I had, I replied, "yes" to her question. Later on, as I spoke to God about it, I realized that the reason the enemy is still able to drag me over to the proverbial rabbit hole, but he is unable to drag me under and down into that pit again is because I have not completely forgiven myself, but I willfully resistant to his devices.

I thought about it, and in the morning, bright and early, the confirmations of the word of the Lord came to me first through my friend, then Pastor Jack Hibbs whose scripture verses of the day were Psalm 51:2-3, as noted above. As the Lord always confirms in threes, to me at least, it happened again in my daily reading. As I was searching my heart, I realized that in order to break the cycle I needed to first, acknowledge that I needed to forgive myself, because God has forgiven me and no longer knows what I'm talking about! It's ancient unremembered history! Then, make certain that I truly forgave the ones who hurt me and abused me, and forgive those who try to blame certain things on me or accuse me of things not my doing. I need to set boundaries. That will require a bit more work, as I don't know how to do that. I have always shouldered the burden for everyone's shortcomings, but with God's help, I will persevere!

So, from now on, when the enemy tries to remind me of things that happened in the past, my response will be to silence him with "It is written....!" Just as Jesus did in the wilderness for 40 days and nights! I hope I don't have to duke it out with satan for that long continually, although he is tenacious in his sadistic ways, but God's word is forever settled in heaven, as I am fond of sharing. It is powerful and more active than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). The only way the enemy can continue to bludgeon me with evil words and deceptive lies is if I allow him to do so. He has no authority, no open door, unless I allow one. 

Just as my eyes have been opened, bringing new life and much-needed healing, I pray that my words do the same for my readers. God's forgiveness is for all those who truly believe in Jesus and accept Him as Savior and Lord, as our Redeemer! Then we are faithful to forgive, as we have been forgiven of MUCH, and we grow in His grace and love, fulfilling His call to be a servant to others. This is our true FREEDOM! Share the good news!  

Day 300 Betrayal

 

10/27/2025

"In Thy faithfulness answer me."

Psalm 143:1 

 

As morning light breaks forth, the beginning of a new day, another page of life is born. A new chapter unfolds. A verse of poetry bequeathed in memories, hopes, and dreams, but lying underneath a web of lies, deceit, and deep scars. Help me weave a tapestry, a beautiful portrait of love and healing today, Lord. Aid me in eradicating the fear of daily betrayal, verbal arrows from one whose anger lashes out on innocence. Let your grace be sufficient for me today. My life is surrendered to You, as is my heart and soul. 

Sometimes I want to yell "Enough! Enough of the lies!" But I don't, because I don't want to hurt another's feelings, yet my heart aches with the pain of the insults that never cease. Sometimes I feel as if a target is drawn on my back, visible for all to see and draw aim. Are kindness and compassion inferior to hate? Can love break through and soothe the inner torment of a loved one's heart? I pray for answers.

"If I bow before Him in my inner chamber, then I am in contact

with the eternal, unchanging power of God. If I commit myself for the day

to the Lord Jesus, then I may rest assured that it is His eternal, almighty

power which has taken me under its protection and which

will accomplish everything for me."  

 Andrew Murray

Day 299 Blessed Assurance

 

10/26/2025

 "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and 

delivered me from all my fears."

Psalm 34:4

 

The old hymn played over and over again in my mind carrying me on wings of prayer, bringing tears to my eyes. David the shepherd boy spoke of tears in the night being his companion, so I am certain that in his fellowship with the Great Shepherd worship was sweet and saturated with His presence. There is no fear in God's love. No matter what happens in the day or how many arrows fly by night in our dreams or internal conflicts that impede our sleep, His presence is tangible and real.

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine

"Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, wash'd in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; watching and waiting, looking above, fill'd with His goodness, lost in His love.

This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long."  

Sitting here, listening and praying with the Christian embassy intercessors, someone says that "Unity is the soil where peace grows." He was referring to the perfect shalom peace that God offers, a peace that is lacking nothing, complete in every way - perfect! When the Jewish people say "Shalom shalom" in greeting or when leaving, it is said in the meaning of "May God's perfect peace be with you." We who love Israel, and who are learning to speak Hebrew, feel the same. One day we will be speaking Hebrew with Jesus, when He returns and takes us to our forever home.

A sweet spirit rested over the encouraging word spoken by Pastor Jonathan this morning at church. It was good to be in fellowship with the local body today. It was equally inspiring and uplifting to continue our study through the Old Testament with Pastor Greg at Harvest Ministries as we observe the appearance of Jesus to many Old Testaments characters, such as Daniel, Jacob, and Joshua. I love the balance of the word of God, one book, His Word, forever settled in heaven according to Psalm 119:89. More and more pastors are exhorting the church to memorize the word of God. It indeed is a lamp unto our feet and light unto our paths, as Psalm 119:105 states. When we have the word within us, and trials come, immediately we can defeat the negative attack, and use the words Jesus spoke to satan when He faced him in the wilderness by saying "It is written...!" 

The word speaks with clarity, and the wisdom of God is found on the pages of scripture. Studying the word and becoming intimately aware of the meaning of Biblical texts and times will be a strength in these disturbing days of mixed truths and messages. Jesus said many will be deceived, and I am witnessing the horrible effects of this reality. Knowledge of the Holy One or fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom that leads to blessed assurance. 

Day 298 Knowing

 

10/25/2025 

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,

the evidence of things not seen."

Hebrews 11:1

 

Shabbat Shalom! It's a lovely Sabbath day with bright sunny skies, and a slight chill in the air that hints of cooler weather on the rise. I've missed services with Jacob's Tent for the last two weeks, so I was anxious to be back with them. This is the third Sabbath since the beginning of the new calendar year for the Jewish people, so the reading of the Torah - the first five books of the Bible - began all over again. I enjoy reading through the Bible again each year, because I learn something new each time I read it. My pastor has us studying a different book of the Bible, plus Jack Hibbs also covers a book at a time. I should be a scholar by now, but I am still learning, and I plan to continue to do so.

Today we discussed the life of Noah, a man counted as righteous by God, who was tasked in building an ark to house Noah and his family as well as two of every animal, birds and other species. God had grown weary of man's sinfulness, so He purposed to destroy the earth and all living creatures on it with a flood. The world had become so wicked, and the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was so great and his thoughts and the intents of his heart so vile that God was sorry He had made man. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD, and He chose Noah and his family to survive the flood, so they could start again.

When Lamech, Noah's father, named Noah, he said, "This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD has cursed." (Genesis 5:29) Noah's name meant "rest." God spoke to Noah telling him that the earth was full of violence, so He was going to destroy it. He gave Noah instructions in how to build the boat, and Noah followed the command of the God without question. God told Noah that He would bring the floodwaters, but up until this time, no one had ever seen rain. He then promised Noah that He would establish His covenant with him, and from Noah would come all nations.

Imagine how much faith it took for Noah to step out and follow God's commands. Pastor Jack shared his experience as a new believer. He said that he read every book he could read, he was so hungry for the word of God, and anxious to experience His manifest presence. He said he labored for 5 months, until he realized that experiencing the presence of God comes from faith alone. God's words are truth and life, and that's the evidence. As I thought about it, considering my son's desire to see Jesus tangibly in this house, I thought that faith makes seeing unnecessary, because it's not sight, it's the knowing that makes the experience real, not a feeling, a knowing. We don't need signs, we just need faith, because His word is the evidence.

We, as believers in Christ, have so much to be grateful to Noah for, because his faith and obedience to God made it possible for us to be part of the covenant along with Israel. One man was considered righteous in God's eyes out of all the population. God did not say that his family was righteous, only Noah, but they were included along with Noah. This pattern will be seen in God's dealing other characters in the Bible. One God-fearing man plus his entire family are saved. It's a gift! 

Day 297 Master Designer

 

10/24/2025

"Our prayer life will become restful when it really dawns upon us 

that we have done all we are supposed to do when we have 

spoken to Him about it. From that moment we have left it 

with Him. It is His responsibility."  

O Hallesby 

 

Sometimes it's hard to let go, especially when it concerns our children, no matter how old they are. We can't turn the switch on and off when it comes to matters of the heart where our children are concerned. I've had more than my share of considerations when it comes to the welfare of my children over the years. I sometimes wonder if I was meant to have children, as I am told it was medically impossible, yet I birthed three healthy children. I experienced medical challenges all throughout my childhood, but as hard as my daddy tried to find help and, at best, relief, there was nothing medical science could offer in my era. Still I managed to survive, and I doubt that many of my classmates or friends even noticed. It was harder to hide the headaches when they became nauseating and so painful that I needed to lie down and cover my eyes, but I don't recall staying home from school much. It simply was not allowed. Sunshine or rain, we went to school. 

But here I am today, and although those first 57 years of my life were long, painful, and sometimes debilitating, I found unique ways to cover up, raise kids and run a household, go to college, mange jobs, volunteer at school, church, in the community, and a great many things. In spite of it all, I thank God for keeping me during those years. He heard me cry a lot, but He cradled me in His arms, taught me how to stand and be strong, finding His strength in time of need. I'm 75 now, so I've had a nice reprieve except for a few things over the years. Recently, I've been discovering that I can't do certain things as I used to, or at least, it's not advisable, but I still find ways around it. Right now I have a roof that needs some shingles nailed back down, and I have few interested in climbing a steep roof. I think I can make it up and get the work done, but I'm a little anxious about working my way back down. I guess we'll see how that one turns out. The fall from the crepe myrtles still haunts me, and the colder weather threatens to limit some movement. There are so many choices one has to make in life. "To do" or "not to do" that is the question!

I recently learned that certain members of the family for whom I pray daily are not inclined to faith in God. Religion is not something they have any interest in pursuing. I don't know why people don't realize that I am not religious or particularly spiritual. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, the One, the only One, who gave His life as a ransom for mine and theirs. I just accepted Him and His incredible gift of friendship and a relationship with God, who created me and everything else in this world. I once read: "Close your eyes and you'll see how much really belongs to you." That's a fact based on scripture that is true, proven, and on which I stand. How else could I have made it through this crazy life. And I've only shared bits and pieces thus far in blogs, even in conversations with others. My own sister knows very little about my life, but she's learning more since I moved back home. She's probably glad we don't get together much. My primary topic is Jesus. I live for Him. He's my go-to for everything. He's my life. Why is that so threatening to people. 

Life hasn't been easy for my children, and over recent years, I am discovering little secrets they were made to keep from me. Painful things, things I never wanted for any of them. Parents, who love their children and dream about the lives we desire them to have, would never want to see anything bad happen. I have a hard time seeing anyone mistreated or harmed in any way. Today I happened upon an article about a place in this State that is similar to my dream for an island of misfit toys, except this one is on a much grander scale. I wondered if it might be a place where I can volunteer, so I began to dream again.

In the book of Matthew Jesus is talking to the crowds, while the Pharisees are hanging around asking questions. He's sharing a message on the Parable of the Talents,giving illustrations about the Kingdom of Heaven and being prepared. In Chapter 25 He has already discussed the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, now Jesus is giving a more pointed sermon about the use of talents. He used money as the talent given, but talents can refer to gifts and callings, being faithful in little things, gaining more. The point of the parable is about multiplication of what He has entrusted us to use for the Kingdom. In this parable for the two people who wisely used what He gave them to manage, their talents were doubled, but for the one who did nothing, his talent was taken away and given to the one who made a profit. I think about this often, comparing it to the verse in Luke 12:48: "For to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." Commentators say this can refer to wealth, gifts, talents, resources, knowledge, and a great many variables, yet to me it can also mean the degree of one's redemption. There is nothing we can do to buy salvation, but our gratitude is spelled out in our willingness to be faithful in all things. We are saved by faith, yet the word says faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 26). Jesus instructs us as He departs for Heaven to be diligent and continue to work, occupying until He returns. I have done a great many things in my life using the talents He has given me, and the gifts. Now that I am older, and frequently, slower, my mind continues to explode with ideas that I want to develop, and I want to share them with others, as I did at one time. I feel as if there is always some more that I need to do or finish. I am writing, or making attempts, and I am available, or at least I try to be. 

Today I found myself looking over the Coolworks site, a seasonal website for jobs, mostly at parks, resorts, and hospitality areas. I discovered that Glorieta, New Mexico now has Adventure Parks, and the jobs are full time and seasonal with housing. Glorieta has always been a Christian Conference Center, so I am not sure when this transition took place, but I'm happy that the old campground has been revived. It sounds like something right up my alley! I always dreamed of my place, my home for "misfits," and my children were part of the dream. But I realize more and more that things don't always turn out the way we'd love them to be. As sad as it is for me to watch my children, and my extended family, struggle, I have to lay it at the foot of the cross in the capable hands of the Master Creator/Designer. Just as He formed me and has a plan for my life, so He has an even better one for each of them. I will continue to pray, and I will trust Him. He has never failed me, or them, yet! And, He never will.  

Day 296 Gargle or Drink

 

10/23/2025

"Some Bible students drink at the fountain of

knowledge, others just garble."

Our Daily Walk

 

Jesus said, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink." (John 7:37).  In the beautiful old hymn, There is a River, the chorus goes as follows: 

"There is a river and it flows from deep within. There is a fountain, that frees the soul from sin. Come to this water; there is a vast supply. There is a river that never shall run dry". 

When considering the study of scripture in preparing for a sermon or considering a puzzling portion of a scripture that seems contradictory or otherwise difficult to understand, there is the temptation to seek the opinion of noted scholars in commentaries or their own exegesis written on the pages of their books. Wouldn't it be easier to sit down with God and discuss the matter with Him? I remember when I was in college, taking advanced literature courses as electives, if I had difficulty with a poem by T.S. Eliot, for example, I'd spend hours in the library reading critiques, rather than labor for hours trying to discover the secret of his prose for myself. In the long run, however, I did formulate my own opinions, but they had already been influenced by those of others. Today, if I decided to take a course just for the fun of it, I'd rely on my own considerations. With regard to scripture reading, I have never been one to really look past the scriptures, especially in the past thirty-five or more years, as I've developed a deeper personal relationship with God, and a love of His Word that holds all I need for life and godliness. Being an intercessor, spending time in prayer, reading the word to apply it to my prayers, I spend time listening and asking God's opinions or meaning on passages I find puzzling. I feel that's the better way, and it turns out that God wants to sit, chat, and teach me while enjoying a cup of coffee. It's called relationship, and He's all for it! That's the reason we're here - to learn of Him and to grow like Christ.

At the Passover celebration that Jesus shared with His disciples, He used that time to detail what was going to happen next - how He would be betrayed by one of His followers, how Peter would deny Him, and how the others would scatter and run. He told them the particulars of His trial, torture, ridicule, crucifixion, burial, and His resurrection. He washed their feet thereby demonstrating to the disciples that in order to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven, you had to be willing to be a servant. He taught them humility and kindness. He even instructed them on what would happen after He left, how He would send the Helper or Holy Spirit to help them. He wanted them to know that He would never leave them nor forsake them. And He wanted to let them know that He would return for them one day and bring them into His Kingdom. It was a lot to swallow in one evening, but then, Jesus had been telling them a lot of this over time. 

Jesus wanted them to be prepared for what would happen in the future, even past their time on earth, yet He wanted them to know that although they would share persecution and an end similar to His own, He would always be with them. Holy Spirit would be their Guide, reminding them of all He taught, of all the miracles He had done. He would indeed be their Comforter, as He is to us today. The promises Jesus made for His disciples then are true for us today. He warns of false prophets, those pretending to be Him, showing up saying they are the Christ and to follow them. But He warned us to beware and to be prepared for what is to come, what is already here, right now, staring us in the face. I wonder how many truly see and understand?! So many terrible things, calamities have happened, that it is hard to think that what is to happen will be more catastrophic than anything we have ever experienced or witnessed. But the scriptures are true. Persecution is already worldwide, and if we disobey God concerning Israel, then we will experience worse than Pharaoh when he would not let God's people go. Did Jesus mean to frighten us? No, because in John 16:33 Jesus says: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

After saying these words Jesus lifted His eyes to Heaven and spoke to God, His Father in Chapter 17 of John. He prayed for His disciples, but He also included all believers who would come to know Him through the Good News that they would share to a lost and dying world. And that is our journey in Christ. We are told to go into the world, all of it, and preach the gospel, making disciples of all men, performing miracles, healing, deliverance, using the gifts of the Spirit freely. To do great exploits for the glory of God the Father, preparing for His Second Coming. That was the mandate then, and it remains the same for today. So, drink deeply of the water of the Word of God, come and sit with Jesus the better part of your day, learning of Him, there is a vast supply of this soul-drenching flow. "Come to this water; there is a vast supply. There is a river that never shall run dry".