Day 184 The View from My Window

7/3/2026

"The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness,
The world and those who dwell therein." 

 

The view from my window has changed, and my cup runs over! The crepe myrtles I fought so valiantly to save from a takeover by the deadly Virginia Creeper and other evil weeds content on feasting on my foliage and entangling themselves in the branches are blossoming over my sheltered hiding place among the trees. It's a beautiful image to behold after wrestling with demons! I had a near mishap with a fall...or two...or three - one from the crepe myrtle tree when I was pulling down a large vine that broke mid tug. I'm still paying for that unfortunate mistake each time I stand up, sit down, and walk. But the trees are grateful for my bravery and thoughtful intervention, bowing gently in the breeze, respectfully.

The photo above is taken from the window where I was sitting in front of an air conditioner my son had pulled into the dining room where I was sitting at the table writing. It was so hot today that the boards in the attic felt like bare feet on hot black asphalt in summer. Who'd think an attic could get so hot! I went upstairs to uncover the huge fan in the attic that sucks the heat from the house when engaged. I imagine it needed to be turned on either early in the day or later in the evening, as the heat was so compressed within this house that I almost fainted from heat exhaustion. I turned on the exhaust fan over the stove in the kitchen, and it did help make the kitchen more bearable. I think it's time to consider air conditioning for this ole house! I'll have to pull back out "the list" and see where I can place it on "the priority list of things to be done to the house." In the meantime portable air conditioners are on sale this weekend, so I may splurge and get myself a small mobile unit. I must really be getting old if I am succumbing to a few hot days!

Today is my nephew's 51st birthday! Where does the time fly? I remember when Jason was born roughly six months after my older son's birthday. The cousins spent many fun days frolicking outside, or my sister and I would take the children on picnics and to Maymont Park in Richmond, because it was free back in the day. Now it costs to get inside, and I'm not certain what else costs. So many things have changed since those days. Everything comes with a price tag! I understand that seniors are afforded some considerations if we should decide to travel to the National Parks or decide to take college classes. There are many aged ones who have finished their doctorates, but whether or not they got to use them is the question. Whereas I am not one to "show and tell," it may be nice to finish one of my bucket list items.

On the 16th my high school graduating class meeting of friends takes place. We're down for only eleven friends this time, but perhaps the smaller group will be preferable. I'm looking forward to seeing the few who have consented to come. We will be meeting at a local restaurant, Joe's Steak and Seafood just a skip and a hop from where I am living, and they make the best stuff backed potato I have ever tasted. I really look forward to catching up with old friends.

So that's about it for today. Tonight I'll be rallying with the online gang for the kick off of American's 250th celebration. President Trump will be the keynote speaker for Mount Rushmore America 250 Fireworks Celebration, so I better hurry up and get to my virtual seat! Enjoy the fireworks! 

Day 183 One Thousand Days of Prayer

 

7/2/2026

"I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;

they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make

mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give Him

no rest til He establishes and til He makes Jerusalem

a praise in the earth."

Isaiah 62:6-7

 

It seems a bit surreal in these modern days to hold a prayer meeting for so many consecutive days, but today marks the 1000th Day since 10/7/2023, and we have remained faithful to the call each day. But there is one that surpassed that, lasting 100 years - The Moravian Prayer Watch by Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf which began in 1727 in the small Christian community of Herrnhut, Germany. It began with a 24/7 prayer wave of continuous prayer and fellowship, and the momentum lasted for one hundred years. Miraculous indeed! We have determined that regardless of how long continuous prayer is needed, we will be here each day, as many as possible for this time of unbroken fellowship.

There were so many feelings expressed among the panelists who have actually carried the online verbal prayer and provided daily teaching. I was surprised to realize that many had not met each other until the recent Feast of Tabernacles. Prior to this special time of prayer, when friends, like myself, were asked to join, it's my understanding that a small contingent had prayer only in person until COVID shutdowns when Zoom became the popular means of meeting without breaking rules. Even then they met once a week. This daily call started the day of the attack on Israel on 10/23/2023 when Hamas viciously slaughtered men, women, and children, some literally in their beds. 

I'm not certain when I joined "the family" of ICEJ, but I do remember receiving prayer points for the Isaiah 62 prayer sessions prior to 10/7/2023. There are many things I've blocked out in the tangled years of my life, but I have been involved in missions for most of my life, so it is normal for me to be associated with several movements at one time, as Holy Spirit leads. Sometimes I think I know more of the inside scoop than the news think they know. One thing is for certain - I know the truth, and I am praying, as are my fellow intercessors for the world to catch up.

I've never been to Israel, and other than reading my Bible and missionary stories as a child or current happenings, I never knew much about the history of feasts or an in depth look into lives of people or the culture of the nation. I certainly had not delved into end time prophecy, although I feel that I had it correct all along, but I'm sad to say that many in churches do not. But then to those who may even study eschatology or consider themselves to be an expert, I am a heretic for my mention of the words "Replacement Theology," as they are offended that I even remotely suggest that perhaps they have listened to false teachers in their seminaries and in turn have taught their flock the same misconceptions. I hope that I worded that delicately enough, because I have already offended many by my explanations, but then didn't Jesus say many would be offended by those who follow Him? The word has always seemed clear to me, or perhaps I had a better Teacher, or as Joshua Aaron calls Him, the Best Rabbi! - Jesus, our Messiah and Risen King.

There is, however, one thing, we all can agree upon, and that is that antisemitism has risen exponentially in the past almost three years as a result of the war Iran began in 2023. The war with Hamas was a much smaller war than Iran had hoped to carry out, but Hamas jumped the gun so to speak; otherwise, Israel would have been invaded and more people slaughtered from all borders. And Israel, a little country, known for peace and inclusion of all people groups, is considered to be the "monster."

As always, it is my fervent and continual prayer that people will awaken from their stupor, and the Church will awaken from their slumber, get off the fence, and live as Christ called us to live. The time is short. 

Day 182 God Bless America!

 

7/1/2026

"And one cried to another and said: 

'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the

whole earth is full of His glory! 

Isaiah 6:3  

 

Another month begins! This weekend our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary forged in the fires of war. In preparation for this grand celebration, many historians and history buffs have vividly relived the telling of our nation's history. Greg Metaxas just published a book entitled Revolution, The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World. It's already a best seller, and I should be receiving my copy any day. 

I grew up in a time when kids still had school field trips to all the historical sites, and when my kids were growing up, I had the privilege of being a room mother and accompanying each of my children on their class field trips to Jamestown, Williamsburg, and many historical sites. I'm not sure if students experience the same fun we did back in the day. Much has changed. With all the technology that has advanced, children rarely pick up a book. That's a shame and a disaster in my opinion. As an avid reader, I love to hold a book in my hands, with a pen or marker in the other. When important matters catch my attention my marker marks the page. I do the same with my Bible, and it should always be a companion to any book, as our nation was founded on Judeo-Christians beliefs, our existence rooted in Hebraic values. I used to think it was heresy to mark a Bible, but that idea passed quickly.

I never enjoyed history or government, both required subjects in school back in the day, as it seemed so dull when I was a teenager. I've since found that the teacher or professor has much to do with the delivery and reception. I loved taking summer classes, as they were smaller, but they were accelerated courses that  covered more information in a shorter period of time, plus they usually had visiting professors rather than the normal one. This is where my love for history took bloom in my life. I attended a history class at J. Sargent Reynolds College, and the man who taught was a genius. He wove history into a tapestry of events that shaped history, culture, fashion, literature, and literally every arena of life. We were also required to write reports on different subject matter, and I went wild! I am a creative person, so his classes sparked my love for researching and writing. I like a story accurately told and inspirational. 

I went back to college when my children were small, so many times they would go to classes with me if their dad had not come home by the time I had to leave for my class. I know they loved it, and I believe they learned a few things as well. I was their teacher for the duration, and I had my ways of making it alive! Fortunately, they did not have to tag along often, but they would try to find any excuse for not going to school, so they could go with me. Generally their tricks did not work, but if they managed to convince me they learned a lot. Virginia is rich with history, and I wanted my children to grow up informed and able to ask questions and receive answers that were intelligent, informed, and inspired.

In 2 Timothy 2:15 we are charged to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." These are great words of wisdom and should be written on our hearts and practiced daily. May God continue to bless America.  

Day 181 Praise

 

6/30/2026 

 "With every breath you take, let your life be an anthem of

praise to God, for He is worthy of your public 

proclamation of His greatness."

Daily Walk 

 

Today I finished reading through the psalms in my Daily Walk, ending with Psalms 146 - 150 which exalt the name of the Lord and give God honor and praise. In defining what the word "praise" actually means, the commentator offers an acrostic to remind us that praise is all about the character of God and our response. So he offered this definition to remind of how to praise:

"Publicly Recounting the Acts of the Incomparable Sovereign of Eternity"

I love the words of Psalm 146:1-4 using the New Living Translation Bible, "Praise the Lord! Yes, really praise him! I will praise him as long as I live, yes, even with my dying breath. Don't look to men for help; their greatest leaders fail; for every man must die. His breathing stops, life ends, and in a moment all he has planned for himself is ended." 

The psalms were written by at last seven authors, including David who wrote the majority, we are told, and they span one thousand years of Israel's history. "Used as the temple hymnbook, the Psalms express the diversity of human emotion - praise to God, fear of enemies, and an overriding confidence in God's goodness, majesty, and power."

 The commentator states further that "The singing of a hymn should be a conversation between friends." Psalm 150 closes the book with a strong call to praise:

"Hallelujah! Yes, praise the Lord! Praise him in his Temple, and in the heavens, he made with mighty power. Praise him for his mighty works. Praise his unequaled greatness. Praise him with the trumpet, and with the lute and harp. Praise him with stringed instruments and horns. Praise him with the cymbals, yes, loud clanging cymbals. Let everything alive give praises to the Lord! You praise him! Hallelujah!" 

The King James Version ends with "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!" Every emotion is expressed in the psalms, especially noticeable in King David's songs. But always the psalms open in praise or close in praise, or they both open and close in praise honoring and respecting our God as Lord and King. 

In the midst of any trouble we must always keep our eyes focused on the one true source of all pure joy - Jesus. He is the reason we live, breathe, and have our being.  

Day 180 The Bride of Christ

 

6/29/2026

"My beloved is mine, and I am his."

Song of Solomon 2:16

 

One day Christ will return for His Bride, the Church, and carry her home with Him. What a glorious day that will be! The Song of Solomon is a beautiful love song written by King Solomon of his shepherdess who becomes his wife. But it is also a metaphor for the Bride of Christ and how Jesus will one day return for His bride represented by the Church, those who have truly made Him Savior and Lord. As one collaborator shared regarding the Song of Songs: "Allegorically, it pictures Israel as God's betrothed bride (Hosea 2:19-20), and the church as the bride of Christ. As human life finds its highest fulfillment in the love of man and woman, so spiritual life finds its highest fulfillment in the love of God for His people and Christ for His church." This goes along with the Creation of the world when God created man and woman and the first covenant of marriage, and the love and devotion of a husband and wife as seen in Solomon's song.

In Solomon's song the Shulamite shepherdess shows that He is her priority in the verse quoted above in Song of Solomon 2:16, but later in 6:3 she reverses the order to say, "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" asserting his devotion and affections towards her. In Chapter 7, verse10 she is expressing praise for her beloved: "I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." I love this next portion found in Chapter 8:6-7:

"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give for love all the wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised."

The love of a man and a woman is a shadow of the great love God has for His people, and His desire is to welcome us home that we may have an everlasting relationship with Him, perfect in every way, holy as He is Holy.This is the future for those who love Him, for those who are called according to His Word. When I sit and think about how heaven must be, I realize how little I can even begin to imagine, how finite my little human mind truly is. Whatever perfection looks like, I want, so I anxiously welcome those days of new life in continual fellowship with Jesus Bridegroom.  

Day 179 The Destiny of America

 

6/28/2026

 "Who has believed our report?

And to whom has the arm of the LORD

been revealed?"

Isaiah 53:1

 

It's a beautiful thing when brethren gather together and pray for one another. I've had the privilege of joining with between several hundred to over a thousand intercessors from all over the world for almost one thousand days since the massacre of innocent Israeli citizens on October 7, 2023. This morning in honor of America's 250th anniversary coming up in a few days, our entire session was devoted to prayer for America, her leaders, the present chaos in our nation, our close ties with Israel, and the future destiny of the United States in God's ordained plan. As David Parsons of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem shared about the history of America, as both an United States citizen and a citizen of Israel, plus a student of history, my heart swelled with gratitude for God's hand on our nation and His great plan and purpose, the destiny that God has ordained at the appointed time.

David was recently a key note speaker at the JNS International Policy Summit, by default, as the CEO Jurgen Buhler was ill, so David stepped in at the last minute to take his place. His talk was about the Prophetic Calling and Destiny of America based on the historical fact that America was founded on Judeo-Christian values which originated in Israel. Much is going on in Israel and the Middle East as well as unprecedented antisemitism in America and other countries, as American prepares to celebrate her 250th anniversary on July 4th.

We journeyed in time to the Declaration of Independence, and the words penned by Thomas Jefferson, which were required memorization in schools when I was coming along:

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Jefferson's words showed that Americans believed in God, and looked to Him for ways to govern, and they attested to the fact that God created all men equal and as such free. In 1863 in the Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln spoke the same truth in his opening words: "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." 

This speech given by Lincoln spoke of the Civil War within the United States, brothers fighting against brothers, because of the issue of slavery. The North and the South were divided, and they paid a heavy price for the sin of slavery then, just as our nation is facing a terrible cost for the sins of anti-semitism and abortion. 

As demonstrated in the framing of the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution it is quite evident that America has been considered the guardian of freedoms. The backbone of our existence has been founded on Judeo-Christian values found in the Bible which was written by the Jewish people for the Jewish people about the land of Israel given to the Jewish people by God. We were gifted this Book of books by the Jewish people and yet there are many who desire to wipe these precious people from the face of the earth. I believe much of the problem exists simply because people have not read the Book, the Bible. 

I find it interesting that on this same day, our message from Pastor Greg was entitled Hope for America, with the question Can America be Saved?

The answer to the question has been discussed in a previous blog written by me in which I urged young people particularly to read the Bible front to back. Many pastors need to do the same, because they have lost much that the Bible says concerning God's plan for Israel in the last days. And unless someone has been sleeping, we are in the last days. Sadly many have been sleeping or choosing to stand back, but that is not what God wants us to do. Jesus gave authority to the church, not to try to take Israel's place, as God says clearly that He will never turn His back on His chosen people. Our work as Gentile believers is to provoke the Jewish people to jealousy by our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is explained in detail in Romans, chapters nine through eleven. And Christ will return when the day of the Gentiles has been completed.

Jesus gave clear direction in the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5 - 7 as to how our lives should be lived by His example. Jesus called us to be salt and light.

Matthew 5:13-16:

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."   

Our founding fathers knew this and believed it, and as such our nation was built on moral statutes and godly values. Today there are many who are trying to destroy our nation, people who are being voted into office who blatantly say they base their views on thoughts and beliefs contrary to what our nation holds to believe. How can this be? God has chosen our nation for a purpose, and the bold stands taken by our present administration to be allied to Israel is one based on the Word of God. If anyone who considers himself or herself a citizen of the United States do not understand this, they have only to turn to God's Word, the Holy Bible, for clarity. America's destiny depends on standing on His Word and with Israel. 

Day 178 - Dealing with Disappointment

 

6/27/2026

"Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live

I'll wholeheartedly obey. Make me walk along the right paths 

for I know how delightful they really are." 

Psalm 119:33-35

 

Before moving back home to Virginia I was reassured by friends that I would have all the help I needed, especially moral support. "I'll be there for you. Don't worry." Famous last words. Literally spoken by a friend who has since passed away. 

Moving back after 35 years was scary, and I needed to make certain that God was sending me back. I was  literally being held by God in New Mexico, and blessed by Him, all needs met, surrounded by people who loved me, many of whom I'd been able to help and support. When I surrendered my needs for anyone other than God, my life changed. Serving Him is always the best, and for me, the only way to live, but it comes at a high cost.

My parents' home was in great need of love and repair. I don't know if it happened over time, or if it was helped along the way by people used it as a place to crash, among other things. Perhaps a bit of both. The impact of the extreme need of repairing this home has been a devastating experience to me. All the years of abuse and betrayal in my life by others did not age me as quickly as this change of address has. Friends who see the work needed assure me it isn't that bad, but would they want to live this way? I have tried to soften the hurt with being grateful for owning a home and being able to have a place for my children to come if they need it or want to visit. But that's another area of concern. 

I am usually extremely positive and optimistic, but today I want to be real. People disappoint, especially family. Children can blame others and lie and manipulate so they appear to be victims. This is what the world and culture teaches people these days. The enemy works overtime to twist truth into a vicious ugly lie that others are quick to believe and accept as truth, because they choose to believe things that are not true, rather than simply ask. My absence, for instance, suddenly became abandonment when I had spent years of providing for the needs of my family without asking for anything in return, happy that I was able to help and wanting to do so much more. After my divorce in 2002 God blessed me with wonderful jobs that increasingly paid more and gave me greater and varied education. The experience I gleaned as I went from place to place, job to job, was all orchestrated by God for my good. I just had to get to the place where I saw the folly of my ways in trusting man, or "a man" instead of Him as my sole Provider. But the truth of who I am was conveniently covered up, and I have been looked down upon as the bad guy. The only explanation I have for it is that Jesus warns about a great falling away in the last days. He also speaks of children turning against parents. The enemy is very cunning, and he wants to kill, steal and destroy. Whatever the enemy attempts to do, and regardless of however he hopes to smear my name, I don't worry, because God always vindicates me. He watches over those who love Him and who are called according to His purpose.

This week I had some work done at my home, and today the work was completed according to the make shift contract that we drafted. I chose to trust someone to do some work, because he showed up when others - many others - including church members - did not. Perhaps I expect too much of people?! The work took longer than initially planned, partly because of the weather, and partly because of other factors. The area that was repaired is safe and looks somewhat better, but it came at a huge price which I feel was way too much for what I got. Still, I hope that in some small way I was able to help the workman, and I pray that his time management skills improve, and his business flourishes. The other details I can work out on my own. I still have many other tasks to complete, and this adventure gave me the courage to try to complete the tasks myself along with my son's help. I feel confident that together we can accomplish many things on our own. The gutter needs cleaning, so I'll be the one on the ladder, so I hope that works out well. 

Life can be challenging, especially for women who are living alone, and even more so for those of us who are advancing in age. It is nice when the church steps up and shows up, but I am no longer officially attached to a church any longer, because...well it just didn't work out. Sometimes I wonder if I was even meant for this world. I talk about Jesus so much, because my life is ALL about Him, and He is my everything, but it makes people uncomfortable. But when I am asked about my life, education, work, family - what I've done for all these years - Jesus has been my constant companion, even when I wasn't thinking about Him. He thought about me...since my birth! He also has a strong hold on my children's lives, so when they get over whatever "spell" they are under, then He'll be right here waiting! He told me so! 

So when things go south, especially when we're walking the path God has put us on, then we look to Him as our true North, and we trust Him to make the crooked places straight in our lives. People will disappoint us. That's a given, but dare to trust again! It's like when someone breaks your heart, we're told to dare to love again. My heart's been broken over and over, and I will always walk in love towards all people, forgiving any offenses, because HE forgave me of so much more! Freely we have been given, so freely we forgive!