Day 186 Awake, O Sleeper!

 

7/5/2026

 “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 

Ephesians 5:13-14

As part of my celebration for our country's 250th America Celebration I decided that since I hadn't had a chance to see the movie A Great Awakening about the life of George Whitefield, that I would pamper myself. I even pulled out my air popper and binged on popcorn, Junior Mints, and Mexican Coke. Generally my soda of choice is Dr. Pepper, but as far as I know, the real sugar brand is not offered here. If I am going to indulge myself in sweets, then I must avoid the high fructose corn sugar. And if there is any in the Junior Mints, I doubt three mints will cause much harm, as I can only stomach three at a sitting.

I gathered a few of my friends, who shall remain nameless, and we enjoyed the movie not just once, but we watched it again today after church. It is that powerful! Every pastor should watch it, so our nation can be truly revived, and America can be saved! 

Watching the interaction between George Whitefield and the people in prison, the people in the coal camp, and how people dropped everything and went the distance to hear him preach made me undone. I cried just thinking of the impact he had on the lives of the desperate, the hurting, the lost and needy, and I wondered where are the George Whitefield's of today. Passionate men of God, hungry to evangelize the lost, no matter the cost. As the friendship developed between Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin, I do believe that in spite of what any media says that Ben Franklin had to have given his heart to Christ at some point. His son asked him once if Whitefield was in the revolution, and Franklin responded "He was the revolution!" Once Whitefield surrendered to Christ he was determined to preach hard truth and straight Bible. And although Whitefield had a voice that could be heard for a great, great distance - Franklin guessed over 30,000 could hear him - when he spoke of the love of Christ it was with gentleness and authority. He wanted others to know that love and acceptance a life with Jesus gives, and when he experienced his own personal revelation while ministering to those in prison, he remained strong even when attacked with coal while ministering to others. It was an amazing story of a man filled with passion for soul-winning. We should all have his zeal. 

The story began with Benjamin Franklin as a young boy, about ten years of age, and his insatiable curiosity of science and technology, although the latter term was not known in his day. His father was a candle maker and a pastor, and although his father wanted him to be a pastor, Franklin ran from it, calling them boring and dull. I imagine he'd have a lot to say about some of the churches here today. Ben Franklin was offered an opportunity to work in his brother's print shop, and that's how he got his start. When he met Whitefield he already knew of his popularity, and they teamed up with Franklin providing the flyers of upcoming meetings in cities far and wide. This is how their friendship began and developed. Whitefield lamented the fact that he could lead so many to accept Christ, yet he could not change the heart of his friend.

Today in our Harvest service Pastor Jonathan shared Benjamin Franklin's words to George Washington:

"I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that except the Lord build, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this, and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel." 

A man who can understand the clarity of those statement had to be affected by the preaching of his friend. The movie ended with this final quote:

"I have often in the course of session, looked at that sun behind the President without being able to tell whether it is rising or setting. But not at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun."

Benjamin Franklin - September 17, 1787, Constitution Day

When the men were gathered in the Constitutional Convention arguing incessantly and unable to come to a consensus concerning any point if law, Franklin's silence was questioned by a very garrulous younger spokesman. Franklin's response could well be used in today's Congressional setting. He said: "He that speaks much, is much mistaken."  He also said: "One judges a tree by its fruit; this convention is a thorn bush!"  

To which we hear the wise voice of one George Whitefield speaking over a crowd of people needing to decide how to direct their lives - "Awake, O Sleeper! Come forth!" 

Day 185 Let Freedom Ring!

   

7/4/2026

  ^"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

 John 8:36 

 

My heart swells with joy as I look upon the lush, fresh clean beauty of the land where I live. Home of my parents, purchased through hard work and determination and maintained by the sweat of my daddy's brow. Now it falls as my task to rebuild what time has decayed, and for me, it is a blessing, a gift God has given me to pay homage to the memory of my parents who loved their family, their home, and their country. But I believe it is for a much higher purpose that I am here to fix up this place, and it is not just so it can pass to my son once I have finished my earthly journey. No, I feel that it is part of what God has for me to do while I am here. What that is will remain to be seen.

My mama worked beside my dad in many of the updates to the home over the years. Mama was a seamstress, and she upholstered chairs to include car seats, and she made most of my clothing. If she didn't have a pattern for something, she'd make her own or figure out how to "fix" or completely redesign a project from looking at it and determining what she needed to do. It was nothing short of miraculous, and I know God gifted her with many talents she never shared or used. Whenever we purchased any item she would thrill when the label or tag boldly announced "Made in America." Surely my mama, although unknown to this nation, was one of the greatest artisans God created and placed on this earth. She could do just about anything, as my daddy would proudly attest.

My daddy would have loved today's festivities for the Freedom 250 Salute, although he would have enjoyed them from home most likely. He did have adventures after he retired, and my parents did a fair bit of traveling within the United States, but they never ventured past the  borders of America. My daddy purchased some land in Florida during his truck driving days, but he eventually sold it, and he remained in Virginia, satisfied with the life that he lived. He was extremely generous with what little he had, and he taught the lesson of generosity to me and my siblings. It's a lesson I cherish.

Today's festivities have been either postponed or canceled due to the extreme heat in the DC area, so it's been difficult trying to follow the programs as initially scheduled. Last night I was privileged to hear the President's speech from the Mount Rushmore America 250 Fireworks Celebration, and I was able to listen to a great country artist, Chancey Williams, prior to the keynote speech by the President. My daddy certainly would have enjoyed the entertainment, as this young man had a tremendous voice. My daddy liked country music, but he loved bluegrass. In his speech President Trump shared that "Liberty has prevailed here because of the culture and the character of the people who declared it, defended it, and preserved it." My folks never got to know President Trump, but somehow I think my daddy may have approved. I know he would especially like the fact that he gives glory to God, and his speeches have increasingly done so. As it should be.

At the Freedom 250 Salute to America our President honored several veterans who had served in major wars during the years:

"Trump honored the nation’s warriors on stage. He was joined on stage by Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Paris Davis, 87, who was recognized for his extraordinary heroism during a battle in the Vietnam War in 1965; Captain Ken Schubring, 104, who fought for Japan’s unconditional surrender after surviving the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; Navy Lieutenant Arthur Rose, 107, who led landings on D-Day in 1944; Marine Cpl. Don Graves, 101, who was one of only 18 to survive the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima; Marine Corporal Pat Finn, 94, and Marine Corps Private First Class Rudy Meekins, 95, who fought against communism in the Korean War; and Captain Lloyd “Sonny” Ray, recipient of the Silver Star Medal of valor in combat for leading his unit in the Vietnam War against an enemy many times their size." 

"The president thanked them for vanquishing fascism and standing 'against the evil of communism in the Cold War.'”

In his keynote speech President Trump said America would never be a Communist country. True patriots appreciate his fervor and determination, especially in view of events happening within our government at this time. When I was growing up my parents, like most Virginians appreciated the Democratic party, but today it has become twisted and far removed from the values it once held, even resorting to extreme bents to socialism and communism. It is inconceivable to me that our nation has succumbed to such extremism, much less allow anyone in office who did not show allegiance to their own country. How could this be possible in a just and fair system of law?! But in a society where abortion and euthanasia are widely accepted, along with other irreverent practices, it is not surprising. I am glad that my gentle, God-fearing parents and grandparents are not here to witness these shameful acts. The only hope for our nation is to turn back to God.

One aspect of the Salute to America that I particularly enjoyed was that our military were involved in the entertainment, especially in the closing musical performance. Popular songs from my generation were performed by vocalists from different branches of the military. What a wonderful way to end the festivities with a beautiful display of fireworks continuing all during the performances. I must say that each branch of our military has great bands, but they are also blessed with magnificent soloists. Thank you President Trump and all involved in giving us a 250th Celebration of America to long be remembered!  

Happy Birthday America! Long may your freedom ring! In God we Trust!

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.