Day 97 Moon River

 

4/7/2026 

"Let the Spirit of God teach you what He is driving at

and learn not to grieve Him. If we are abiding in Jesus Christ

we shall ask what He wants us to ask, whether we are

conscious of doing so or not."

Oswald Chambers

 

As the days become darker and the world continues to spin out of control, I find my life becoming more peaceful in unexpected ways. I often feel as if I am doing something wrong, so I ask God to forgive me for whatever I am not doing. Why is it that I feel I need to always be doing something?! Can't it be enough to sit at the feet of Jesus and linger awhile, listening, even if hearing nothing, just resting. Why is silence so difficult for some? I've always loved being hidden away from everyone, tucked into a little hovel in the midst of a dense forest, mountains providing a canopy of majestic trees towering high against the bluest skies of heaven. A sea of color splashed against God's natural canvas of nature.  

I am reminded of Tolkien's story of The Hobbit - Bilbo Baggins - who lived in the woods in a Hobbit hole, but it was a fine, wooden cabin tucked into the side of the mountain, charming in every way. It seems so idyllic, and comfortable, inviting, as surely it was meant to be. It reminds me of times when people visited each other more often. I remember my daddy always took us to visit his sisters each weekend. We never traveled any further than a two hour drive to Alexandria where mama's great aunts lived, but as a child, I always loved visiting older relatives. Perhaps I am an old soul, but the trips were special. I especially enjoyed my second cousins, because we'd either go swimming or we'd roller skate up and down the sidewalks that rolled like hills. I enjoyed family. Now, unless I force the issue and make the connections, we don't visit, unless there's a funeral. That's kind of a dismal thought. Back then, I knew the names of everyone, but now, my cousins are grown, their children are grown, and their children have children. Trying to memorize faces and names of all these people is very challenging. Still, I make the effort. It would be nice to know the stories behind the names. I would love for someone to want to know who I am. I often wonder if my parents even knew who I had become. I lived so far away for thirty-five years, and although they visited me and I, them, it wasn't the same as living close. When I was alone, and my life changed so much, I doubt that they really knew who I had become, if I can put it that way. Or what I did for a living. Who I was and who I am. 

Life can get away from us. I'd like for them to know that my faith only grew stronger as did my love for Jesus. That I know they knew, because all I do is talk about Jesus and all He has done for me. They knew that I could sing, because they found that out when they visited me in New Mexico. I did sing in groups, in a choir, and solos in Virginia, but I guess they never heard me sing alone. I think they knew I was a puppeteer, but maybe not. Perhaps coming home after being away for so long is to get to know my family again. The only problem is that everyone is too busy to get together. But, I am determined that I won't let that keep me from trying. 

I was listening to Marty Goetz from House of Worship sing Moon River by Andy Williams. That really brought back memories for me. Even as a child I loved movie soundtracks, and I loved Andy Williams. My aunt gave me a Christmas album by him one year. Oh, how I cherished that record, and I played it over and over again, until someone decided that they would "borrow" it, but it was never returned. The memory still lingers on, so it's okay. I can remember, and I see it in my brain. When I saw the visual shots of the moon from Artemis II space craft, I thought of that song. God's universe is unimaginably brilliant in design and display against a galaxy of stars. I wonder how many people truly recognize how beautiful God made everything! Does anyone take the time to really look and see and appreciate it? If not they are missing out.

I think I'll sit awhile and enjoy the music and the scenery while there's still time. 

Day 96 The Next Thing

 

4/6/2026

"Never doubt in the dark what God 

told you in the light."

Daily Walk

 

As the end of day approaches I find myself exhausted and lost in thought. Now that Easter has passed - Resurrection Sunday - and Passover continues, the counting of the Omer (a sheaf of grain) began the second day of Passover which counts down the days before Shavuot (the giving of Torah at Mount Sinai), and for Christians it counts to Pentecost which is 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ. Does that sound confusing, or is it me? It is becoming increasingly difficult to live in both worlds. And yet, we should understand times and seasons, and one day, our calendar will be the same as the Jewish calendar, as it was meant to be. I will never understand how things became so complicated, but I imagine it is the same answer. Man wants to do things his way and not God's, so new rules. I am grateful that our observances crossed over so nicely this year. One day when Jesus returns, then all of this confusion will disappear. For now I remind myself that we know in part, and we see in part according to 1 Corinthians 13:9.

Today I read about the prophet Elijah and his showdown with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. There had been no rain in Israel because of the sinful acts of King Ahab and his evil Queen Jezebel. Elijah told Ahab to have all the people and the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Ashterah, who were supported by Jezebel, join him on Mount Carmel to determine whose god was truly God. The story of Elisha is found in 1 Kings 17-19 when he shows up and prophesies there will be no rain until he said so. It ended up being a drought for three years, but finally Elijah meets with Ahab on Mount Carmel to have a show down. The story is even amusing in how Elijah baited the false prophets as they danced, cut themselves, and exhausted themselves all day trying to get Baal to respond. Finally, it was Elijah's turn to call on His God. In a mighty display of power, God burned up the water soaked offering from the altar, leaving no doubt that Jehovah is God. After that Elijah asked the people to choose whom they would serve, and those who did not accept God were killed, along with all the prophets of Baal. Elijah had drawn a line in the sand.

What is interesting is that after this mighty display of God's power in using Elijah to do these things, Jezebel became angry and sent men out to hunt Elijah down to kill him, so Elijah became afraid. He  retreated to the wilderness where an angel saw to his needs and sent him on his 40 day trek to the mountains to seek God. When God asked Elijah why he was there, Elijah told God that all the prophets were dead, and He was the last one. God responded to Elijah first in a powerful display of wind and earthquakes, then in a still, small voice. God wasn't angry with him, but He did let Elijah know that he was not the only prophet left who had not bowed his knee to Baal. Instead God gave Elijah instructions which he carried out. 

Elijah is not the only example in the Bible of a prophet or man of God who has encountered times of discouragement, and that serve as examples to us, as we will become discouraged at times. I have many promises God has given me, in His word and otherwise, and often when I think about my age, I become frustrated, because I am not keeping my focus on Him. Numerous times I have mentioned my battle with age when it comes to visions and death to visions. Thinking about the Resurrection of Christ and the miracle of new life in Him, makes me so anxious to step out in faith and get things done. But, right now I have huge problem, my health is being attacked, and it is making it hard to do the next thing on some days. Today was a good day, and I was able to get the bushes cut down. Now I have to muster the strength to complete the job and dispose of the branches and vines. There's always something new that has to be done when one owns a house. It makes me wonder why I put myself in this predicament in the first place, but the home will be for my son, and it's a place where others can come for support. Perhaps it will one expand into my Home for Misfit Toys. Sometimes I wonder if I heard God's voice clearly about the move back to Virginia. I doubt myself often at times, but I don't want to return to life in the rabbit hole. I simply want to complete my purpose. 

Now as night has fallen, and everyone seems to be asleep in this neighborhood except me, I imagine I should call it a night myself. I'm not certain what tomorrow will bring, and that is not a huge concern for me. I'm getting good at take one step at a time and waiting for the revelation to come. Or at least I hope so. I have more on my heart, but I'll leave it at that. Be encouraged and strengthened by the Word of God today. God always keeps His promises. Selah. 

Day 95 Holy Week - Day 7 He's Alive

 

4/5/2026

 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. 

He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live

and whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.

Do you believe this?'"

John 11:25-26

 

Scripture says that very early in the morning certain women who had been with Jesus had prepared spices and fragrant oils for His body. The scripture identifies the women as Mary Magdalene, Salome, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James. When they got to the tomb they found that the stone had been rolled away, and the tomb was empty. As they were standing there not knowing what to do, suddenly there were two men standing by them in shining garments. 

"Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, 'Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."' And they remembered His words." (Luke 24:5-8)

The ladies were told to tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus had risen form the dead and would meet them in Galilee, so they ran ahead. Mary Magdalene waited, then she saw a man that she mistook for the gardener. When He spoke to her, saying her name, her eyes were opened to see that she was speaking to Jesus. It has always seemed appropriate to me that Mary Magdalene should be the first of His followers to appear. Mary dearly loved Jesus, and He had transformed her life. He can still change lives, and He still does miracles.

Today I watched a movie called Risen starring Ralph Fiennes about a Centurion who is trying to find out the truth about Jesus' crucifixion, if He had indeed risen form the grave. The story takes us to the Centurion's encounter with the living Christ, whom he had witnessed dead on the cross. He could not reconcile what he saw with his own eyes, and he wanted it to be true. He located Jesus' followers where they are hiding, and he finds Jesus, alive, sitting with them. Jesus is showing a disciple his nail scarred hands and where his side had been pierced, then His penetrating eyes looked directly at the Centurion. He was blown away, and rightfully so. This pagan man who was always at war, slaughtering people unable to grasp the reality of what he was witnessing. He had paid a tribute to the god to whom he prayed, Mars, the god of war, and he asked for a day without war. This man was tired of his life, and he was seeking new life, without truly understanding or realizing how lost he had become. The story is very well done, and it brings in the humanity of man in his struggle to believe, forgive, and do the work Jesus has given them to do - go into all the world and teach the gospel. It shows the transformation of a hardened soul into a heart of flesh, desiring to know more. All he knows is that he will never be the same.

Isn't this the way we should all feel. To encounter the Living Christ is a transformation, a total turnaround from the lives we once lived. In our search for more and better, we do not see clearly that nothing will be able to fill the void in our lives except Jesus. 

Today we celebrate Resurrection Day! Jesus is alive, and He lives forever more. Let us exalt His Name together!  

Day 94 Holy Week - Day 6 The Tomb

 

4/4/2026

 "Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them,

for they do not know what they do.'"

Luke 23:34

 

Jesus has been crucified, and His body has been carefully and lovingly taken from the cross, wrapped in a shroud, and placed in a borrowed tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Christ. The tomb was sealed by the Roman guards at the bidding of the religious leaders for fear, they said, someone would steal His body and say He had been resurrected. Since He died on the eve of Sabbath, the spices for His proper burial could not be prepared. So on this Sabbath day, the disciples waited. The women would make preparation at the end of Sabbath.

When the thief was beside Jesus on the cross, Jesus told him that he would be with Him in Paradise (Luke 23:43). So when Jesus died, He went to where Paradise was located, and He preached to those who had fallen asleep. There are many thoughts as to what Jesus meant by Paradise, but we do know it was not a place of suffering. Scriptures says that when Jesus cried out His final words "It is finished" and yielded up His Spirit that the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. There was an earthquake and rocks split, graves were open, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep before actually came to life and walked around. Scriptures says the risen dead went into the holy city and appeared to many (Matthew 27:51-53). What an amazing testimony!

I often wonder what happened to the dead who walked out of their graves. The scriptures described them as "saints," meaning those who testified of His coming - the prophets - Ezekiel, Daniel, Moses, and others. I also wonder if those who welcomed Him into Jerusalem at the beginning of the week, only to have their hearts turned against Him at the end of the week, what attitude did they have when the skies darkened, the earth quaked? Did they, like the Centurion, acknowledge that Jesus truly was the Son of the Living God? One day we, who belong to Him, will know the answers. But for now, it is enough that He came, and He died - for us! For those who would say "Yes!" to His offer to free us from the burden of sin, from our falls from grace, our idiotic things we do. I don't want to miss Him. I want to glorify His Name, and that makes people uncomfortable. 

I've been called selfish, because I choose Christ over everyone or anything else. I am grateful for the person His love has created me to be. For years I blamed myself for things not even of my doing, and the only one who suffered was me. I was reading today about how children imitate their parents. Boys tend to follow the example of their father, and girls, their mother. I think about my mother who was a very kindhearted person, and she was very well liked. My parents were givers, so they were always sharing what they had, even when it hurt. My grandparents were the same. I look at my life, and I remember the things I've done that I wish I could take back, but that has been put into the sea of forgetfulness. Over the years of my life, I learned through hardship and pain. God always kept me going. I don't think I ever used the words "It's not fair," because I don't think that way. I was sick most of my life, but I lived my life. I've always smiled and kept going, even when I was dying inside. I have to laugh when I think about my journey. God can certainly shake things up, but it makes me love Him more. I am so grateful that His plan for my life is being worked out. I wish it could be the same for my children. He said it would, so I must trust Him.

In a few short hours, Mary Magdalene will be taking the spices to the tomb to prepare the body of Christ Jesus for a proper burial. What will she find? I wait in anticipation. 

Day 93 Holy Week - Day 5 The Kiss

 

4/3/2026

"Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me;

nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done."

  Luke 22:42

 

At the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to watch while He goes into the garden to pray, where He agonizes before God about what is going to happen next. Three times Jesus returned to the apostles and found them sleeping. When Peter said he didn't know why he was so sleepy, Jesus said that their spirits were willing, but their flesh was weak. Obedience to what God is saying to us is often missed, plus many people find it hard to wait and pray or to do anything that requires time and commitment.  

"Then He came to His disciples and said to them, 'Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.'" (John 26:45-46).

While the apostles watched in stunned silence, not believing what they were seeing, Judas approached Jesus, and kissed Him on the cheek, in order to identify him for the temple guards as the one they were to arrest. As the guards tried arresting Jesus, Peter drew his sword and chopped off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus healed the servant's ear, and the guards arrested Jesus. Just as Jesus said would happen, the apostles scattered and ran away (Matthew 26:58). Peter and John followed at a safe distance, as Jesus is hurried off to the Sanhedrin to stand a mock trial. John was able to follow Jesus closely, while Peter had to stay behind. While warming himself at the fire, he denied knowing Jesus three times, then the rooster crowed, and Jesus turned His head and looked into Peter's eyes, without judgment, but with pure love. Peter instantly remembered what Jesus had said, and he left bitterly crying for his betrayal. 

Jesus was taken to the Sanhedrin where they asked Him question after question trying to get Him to condemn Himself. Jesus kept silent, until they asked him if He was the Christ, the son of God.

"Jesus said to him, 'It is as you sad. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Father, and coming on the clouds of heaven.'" (Matthew 26:64). 

This response was just what they needed to accuse Him of blasphemy. They spit on Him, mocked Him, and beat Him. Then they sent Jesus off to Pilate to be judged and condemned to die. Judas, feeling remorseful, could not deal with his guilt, so he hung himself. I've often wondered if Judas repented would he be forgiven. I am convinced that true repentance brings cleansing and forgiveness. Peter was restored after he repented and turned back to Jesus. The thief on the cross beside Jesus asked for Jesus to remember him in His kingdom, and Jesus said, "Today you will be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43).

Jesus died a terrible death for us - for our sins -  He took our place on that cross, and He suffered the torment that we deserved. As He died, shedding His blood, people were killing their lambs, preparing their Passover meal. Jesus was the Passover Lamb who covered our sins, and He died once and for all. The blood of lambs and goats would never be enough. As Jesus hung on the cross, at the sixth hour (12 noon) to the ninth hour there was darkness over the land. At the ninth hour Jesus cried out to God, ("Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, My God why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46)  God, who is Holy and Perfect, could not look on sin. When Jesus died, there was an earthquake, rocks split, and the veil in the temple was torn. All prophecy had been fulfilled, and Jesus said "It is finished!" and He died.

Each time we have communion, we remember His sacrifice, in the sharing the cup and the bread. We are told to examine our hearts and repent before we partake of the blood and body of Christ. Too many people have made communion into a habit, something they do every now and then, but it is not to be taken without self-examination and repentance. I pray that during this Passover celebration and Resurrection Sunday, we will find peace for our souls. Perhaps a new direction or season in life. God knows the plans He has for us, so we do not worry or become anxious knowing our God can do great things.  

Day 92 Holy Week - Day 4 Maundy Thursday

 

4/2/2026

"...for I say to you, I will not drink of the

fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

Luke 22:18

 

Things are really getting stirred up in Jerusalem as Jesus prepares His disciples for what is to come. On this evening Jesus institutes the New Covenant of His blood and the observance of the Lord's Supper. Judas has already been to the Sanhedrin and made a deal to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The die is cast.

"When the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apostles with Him. Then He said to them, 'With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.' Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, 'Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!' (Luke 22:24-22).

When I was growing up I remember my mother speaking to me about "Maundy Thursday," but of course back then I wasn't fully understanding of the meaning. It means "I give you a new commandment." John 13:31-35 says, So, when he had gone (Judas), Jesus said, 'Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me, and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come, ' so Now I say to you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. by this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.'" After this Jesus tells Peter that he will betray Him three times before the rooster crows. This has got to be a real blow to the gut for Peter, who boldly says that even if everyone else betrays Him, he never will. I can almost see the rooster glance towards Peter, give a wink and muffle a crow. Right before Jesus predicts Peter's denial, the apostles are quarreling over who will be the greatest, and who will sit on Jesus' left and right side when His Kingdom comes. Imagine Jesus having to put up with this childishness when He is about to lay down His life for His friends. Something they still could not grasp. I'm certain that a once calm Jesus became otherwise by showing anxiety, fear, and intense emotional suffering, but it did not reassure them of what laid ahead. 

So while Judas is off getting his plan squared away to betray Jesus, the apostles were gathered with Jesus preparing to leave and go into the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus would cry out to God about the torture, abuse, insults, and abandonment He would endure with the crucifixion. In the Garden Jesus asks Peter, John and James to watch and wait, as He wanted to pray. Because the flesh is weak, they each fell asleep, three times while Jesus agonized in prayer with the Father, 

"Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. When He came to the place, He said to them, 'Pray that you may not enter into temptation.' And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if it is Your will , take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, buy yours be done.'" (Luke 22:39-42).

There are a lot of raw emotions on the part of the entire group, but by far, Jesus suffered the most, and He did not speak one word to the leadership about the crucifixion. 

Much to consider in these passages, but God has been faithful throughout all the generations. Tomorrow we'll continue the supper. 

Day 91 Holy Week - Day 3 Passover Begins

 

4/1/2026

 John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! 

The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” 

John 1:29 NLT

 

The Passover Lamb had to be perfect, without spot or blemish, so once the little fellow was chosen, he was taken home and protected and loved, like a family pet. I imagine it was very hard, especially for children, when the lamb was sacrificed for the meal. I remember a family meal where a goat was to be prepared. My husband's family was rather large, and we had gathered to honor his elderly parents. The Hispanic culture shows great respect for their elders. We had gathered at the ranch, and my children were still small and busy with their cousins, riding horses, and enjoying the countryside. We have always loved the outdoors, as it offers great peace and much creative fun, like when I was a youngster growing up at my grandparents' country home. The kids were standing beside me, and my husband's older brother brought over the goat to show the kids. He was so cute, and the children were petting him, probably giving him a name, when out of the blue, a knife is pulled out, and the little guy's throat was slit, right in front of my startled children's eyes! Imagine the trauma. I know I was very upset, as I did not find it humorous, if that was his intention. Jewish children grew up observing sacrifices, and there were continual, daily sacrifices. Jesus took the place of endless animal sacrifices that could only temporarily atone for sin. But He died once and for all! I pray that this year the Spirit of the Living God will manifest His Presence, and eyes will be opened so that God's chosen people will know Messiah already came, and He will be returning again.

Today is the first day of Passover, and at this moment the Seder meal has been completed in Israel. Friends and family are gathered to remember how God delivered them and freed them, and how He keeps His covenant with them as His Chosen People. The Seder meal re-enacts Israel's deliverance from slavery, and each component of the meal is significant to that first night, representing the Passover story that is repeated annually, as scripture commands them to do.

When Jesus was gathered with His disciples on that night, He washed His disciples' feet, even His betrayer's feet, as an example to them as to how they are called to be servants, as His ministry demonstrated the life of a servant. When the people gathered and shouted out Hosanna! Hosanna! they believed that Jesus, the Messiah, was coming to set them free from the slavery of the Romans. Jesus, Son of David, would take His rightful place as King, but this was not the mission God sent Jesus to earth to do. Had the religious leaders studied Isaiah 53 and other prophetic accounts, they would have realized that He came as the suffering servant, the Passover Lamb, and they would have embraced a different kingdom.

"And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, 'Lord, are You washing my feet?' Jesus answered and said to him, ,'What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.' Peter said to Him, 'You shall never wash my feet!' Jesus answered him, 'If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.'" (John 13:2-8)

Imagine how sad it must have been for Jesus to wash His betrayer's feet! I don't know if I could have done it, but then Jesus calls us to forgive others who betray and persecute us, those who are spiteful and vengeful against us when we are not their offenders. Sometimes it's easier for people to use us, because they know regardless of how badly they treat us and wrongfully, we will forgive, love, and continue to support and bless them. I grapple with that one a lot, because I wonder how long, O Lord?! Then I remember the seventy times seven lesson Jesus taught. It was His way of saying we always forgive. After all, He did, and this Passover and Easter season demonstrate His great love, God's great redemption plan. God's timing is always perfect, and I was just put to the test as I began writing this post. I feel helpless in helping someone I love very much, and regardless of how much I want to help, I can never say the right thing or do the right thing. So, I pray, and I ask Abba for a pascal miracle, for divine intervention, as this is the only hope. Jesus Christ is the only hope for mankind. When will surrender our human flesh and allow Him to deliver us. He is the only One who can.