Day 258 Where I Belong

 

9/15/2026

 "Get a place for prayer where no one imagines that

that is what you are doing, shut the door

and talk to God in secret."

Oswald Chambers

 

Stepping away from home for a day of adventure in a favorite childhood places with my sister and her younger son seemed like a good way to be refreshed. When I was very young my papa used to come to the house to visit and ask me if I'd like to visit Pocahontas. I was always agreeable to his spur of the moment suggestions to visit historical sites, and Jamestown and Williamsburg were favorites. I loved the cobblestone streets and the old shops - glass blowers, weaving, cooking, any fanciful art of the era, plus the nature walks and displays, re-enactments simply staged. There was nothing frivolous or even costly, just simple pleasures. Our grade school classes took similar field trips, and when my children were young, in grade school, we again would make the trips by bus. As a room mother I was encouraged to be involved, so naturally I followed my children everywhere! We lived the history of our State over and over again. I think it's important for children to become involved in and educated about our State and national history. Good or bad, it's part of who we are as a country.

My sister and I had been talking about taking a ride to Williamsburg and Jamestown, maybe ride the ferry, and visit the places where we used to go, so we just decided today was the day. Well, while I was away for thirty-five years plus the five since I returned home, these areas have grown considerably and become grander and more touristy, so it is no longer a simple ride to the town, park and walk around casually enjoying the sites, visiting shops, rather the events are ticketed and planning is required in order to enjoy the historic park. I was surprised that the use of the bathroom was free things had changed so much. Parking appeared to be based on the honor system, but there was a area outside the Welcome Center where a ticket could be purchased, but showing it to someone was not required. How could anyone know whether you paid or not? Once inside the Welcome Center there were gift shops on each side, and fortunately we were able to understand a bit more about requirements to visiting the historic areas from the clerks at the gift shop. Ever hear the expression "country goes to the city?" That was us. Finding the Welcome Center, even with the use of signs and GPS was an adventure, as the directions tended to send us around our elbow to get to our thumb or worse! It was unreal. We saw quite a bit of the woods and narrow roads, saw several "turtle crossings" but no turtles, but we did see a squirrel crossing the road and a small herd of young deer. All very exciting!

To say we were disappointed would be putting it mildly, but all in all it was an enjoyable time, as we giggled a lot, and we ate at a great taco place. The salsa was great, as was the sauce. I was delighted, but then I'm not hard to please. On the way back home we made a quick stop at the Williamsburg Pottery Factory in Lightfoot, and I was able to find some art I wanted. The Pottery is nothing like it used to be, and many of the items were made in China, even the pottery. Hopefully, that will change also, as it used to be quite the adventure, one my sister and I made every time I visited in earlier years. But times have changed everywhere, and I guess I got left behind. I'm trying my best to catch up with progress, but I grew so used to the quiet life I lived in Northern New Mexico in the mountains between Santa Fe and Taos where the aspens are bright yellow now, and the morning is crisp and clean. Hopefully, I'll make my way west before too long though.

One thing I know about myself is that wherever I am I can find peace, and there is always a quiet place to go or a park bench to sit on. When I was growing up, until we moved away in 1987, I knew where I wanted to go and how to get there. Since moving back all these years later it has taken me time to even be comfortable going places I used to go through the back woods, because it's not the same. But I'm learning that as I wind along those wooded areas, unhurried and free of a lot of company on the roads, I can sing, praise, worship and pray with a heart of gratitude for God allowing me to see my home again and for allowing me time to spend with old friends and family. My prayer closet can be anywhere, and the woods is my cathedral for worship. I have always felt that way about New Mexico, and I am adapting well to my sojourn in the big woods of Virginia once again.  

Day 257 The Lord Our God

 

9/14/2026

"Watch your motive before God; 

have no other motive in prayer than to know Him."

Oswald Chambers

"I count all things but loss for the excellency of the

knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord."

Philippians 3:8

 

Once more it's late, as I puzzle over the troubles of this day, not knowing what to say, or if I can even pen the words I feel. I should be focusing on group prayer points, but all I seem to be able to do is sigh heavily when I consider the weight of the situations facing our nation. When I begin to consider the wrongs being committed all over the world, it makes me want to mentally and emotionally escape, as if I could. I only ask for a brief hiatus from this sinful world, but a watchman stands his/her post, poised and alert. We do not have the luxury of taking a day off or going on an actual vacation. We're not gods or super-humans, we are just committed to the call and to our King. We cannot turn a blind eye or deaf ear, we remain focused and ready. With George Whitefield we cry "Arise, O sleeper!"

 "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you" (Ephesians 5:14).

YouTube did me a favor. A couple of days ago I was trying to find a song for my personal worship, and I saw a "mix" put together by YouTube of songs I'd frequently listened to in the past. The songs were all ones I love, the ones I have used for worship so often, but in attempting to avoid interruptions from often disgusting ads, I have been listening to live, uninterrupted music daily. I was shocked that YouTube considered my needs!! Sure, right?! I thanked God, because I know He made the mix, not an algorithm based on my likes. When I can't pray, I sing:

"There is one found worthy, the lion of the tribe of Judah. There is one found worthy, the root of David. And God You became a man, You took on flesh. You're so beautiful. Oh, and God You became a man, You took on flesh. You're so beautiful."  

In the song, the lyrics are repeated over and over as men and women, old and young, of all tribes and nations gather together to worship our God and King. Song after song plays leading deeper into worship, drawing closer to the Lord. All that matters is Him. 

"When prayer is a struggle, do not worry about the prayers that you cannot pray. You yourself are a prayer to God at that moment. All that is within you cries out to Him. And He hears all the pleas that your suffering soul and body are making to Him with groanings which cannot be uttered." (O. Hallesby)

My days are involved with meetings and personal concerns that felt the need to slip away. Just briefly, turning my attention away from news and prayer points, and other things too many for one person to know. But when I prayed and often sang, knowingly setting my desires in motion, my heart learned to break for what breaks Gods, and I cannot turn away or unsee what I see so well. It is a joy to be able to be a part although I feel I fail Him so much and accomplish so little.

This song has carried me for days, and I leave it with my readers. It is The Lord our God: 

"If we tried to understand
If we rushed, we'd hurry past
Our feeble minds can't comprehend
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"If we tried our very best
To paint with words that all make sense
It would fall short compared to this
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God
Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God
Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God"

"The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"Who walked among our brokenness
And bore the weight of sin and death
The one who took on human flesh
Who was before the world began
Who was and will be till the end
The God that no one can contend"

"The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

"Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God
Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God
Now behold The great I Am
Bow before The Lord our God"

"The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God
The Lord our God, The Lord our God"

Day 256 Alert/Prepared

 

9/13/2026

"Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants

that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out 

Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done 

through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."  

Acts 4:29-30

 

I just finished watching a tent crusade held in Albany, New York by Mario Murillo Ministries that will continue for the next three evenings. Many people came forward to give their hearts to Jesus, and at the end the Lord spoke words of knowledge for healing through Mario. Many received healing which they usually document by visiting their physicians for proof. Countless times the miracles have been verified by physicians. One little boy named Micah, possibly 4 or 5 years old, came up on stage at the beginning of the crusade. He had been listening to Mario preach on the livestream of the pastor's brunch Mario had held prior to this event, when he looked up at his parents and said "I've been healed!" Micah needed to have surgery, but after he said this, his parents took him to the doctor, and no surgery is needed! That's the power of our God in response to the prayers of faith of His children.

Folks, I know I sound like a broken record, but our nation really needs prayer. It is no coincidence that Mario and his team are on the East Coast and in New York where much of our mayhem is going on. When we look at what is happening in our nation, how the enemy has infiltrated our cities and is attempting to twist our laws even further than the radicals in government already have done, we should have one primary response - fall on our faces in prayer and repentance and ask God's forgiveness! I know that may not be popular, but we need the mercy of our loving Father. We need brave Elijah's who will stand on the mountain and call down fire from heaven to consume the evil of this day. We need more evangelists like Charles Finney, Jonathan Edwards, and George Whitefield who can go to the highways and byways, the city streets like David Wilkerson did in New York City, and confront the evil. We need men and women of God who will take their place in Congress, in local government, State Government, school boards. We each have a gift, and no one is too old. Don't say "I'm retired!" because a Christian never retires. We are called to serve our Master all the days of our life!

Never say you're too old, too sick, too poor, too anything. If you are a Christian you are the child of the Most High God. You can do all things through Christ who redeemed you from death and destruction, and you have a job to do. He will be your strength. My daughter has been ill since she was a little girl, but she has suffered greatly all of her adult life. Since she is on disability she does not have the money to do very much, but she gives and does more with the little she has than those who own their own prosperous businesses. She does not have the modern extravagances of computers, Wi-Fi, or Apple this and that! She has an old console TV and a landline. But she uses her old-fashioned telephone to leave voice messages encouraging anyone who calls - and many do. It's called Hug for Your Hearts where she shares a short devotional, a song, or some other spur of the moment thought. Recently she added some insider news of the city and State, and I must say that she is a better reporter or DJ than any I've heard in a long time. I don't say that because I'm her mother. No, I share it to wake people up. The difference is that she's unscripted by man. Her inspiration comes from God alone, and she shares straight from her heart. She has finally realized, although there are those who try to say she's too sick or weak to do this ministry, that God has a plan for her life, and this may be the beginning of the healing we have been waiting to come to fruition. She realizes there may be days when she has to back down and wait, but no one should try to discourage her to follow her dream and her passion. Her heart is like mine, we want to see people living their best life, knowing our Savior, and living for Him. No small gesture of His love for others is insignificant. God uses each of us in so many ways.

We are engaged in a spiritual battle, and we need to know how to war. The best defense is a good defense so pick up your War Manual - the Holy Bible, and study the Word of God. Learn it. Know it. So, when the enemy comes knocking...and he will, you will be prepared. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10-20:

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

I emphasized the word "praying," because the armor must be well-oiled with prayer.

I could share so much more about spiritual readiness, but I will forego that until another time. For now be alert and vigilant, ready to stand against the evil and take him down spiritually. If God be for us, who can be against us? I challenge you to study the Word of God and write down your own scriptures. It is wonderfully rich and encouraging. 

Day 255 Hu Yavo - He is Coming!

 

9/12/2026

"The only ground of our approach to God is 'by the blood of Jesus'

and by no other way. The one fundamental thing in prayer

is the atoning work of Jesus Christ."

Oswald Chambers

 

Today we celebrated the Feast of Trumpets, Yom Teruah - and the beginning of Rosh HaShanah - with a blast of the shofar! Today is the first day of the New Year, the month of Tishrei 5787 and the beginning of the 10 Days of Awe, ten days that lead up to Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. On this day the priests entered the Holy Place to offer sacrifices to atone for the sins of all the people for one year. Thankfully, when Jesus died on the cross, He made atonement for our sins once and for all. God sent His Son to die for our sins, to ransom us from the grave, to give us eternal life. During this time, when the Jewish people who still wait for Messiah to come pray and prepare their hearts, we rejoice and celebrate, because we know He's coming again - very soon! 

During this time we continue to ask God to search our hearts and illuminate anything that is not pleasing to our Father. I have mentioned many times that prophetically many signs indicating the end times and the return of Christ are being played out, so we want to make sure that we are ready to meet Him when He comes to get His bride, the Church. With all the changes in our nation and world, the rise of antisemitism, and all the hatred that fills our streets, we need to make certain that our lamps are full of oil as Jesus instructed in The Parable of the Ten Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13.

In the book of Hosea God is calling Israel to repentance and a return to Him:

"Come, and let us return to the LORD; for He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live in His sight. Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth." (Hosea 6:1-3).

This is one of many warnings God delivered to Israel through His prophets, but Israel would not listen or repent. From all outward appearances Israel was prospering and growing, but inwardly it was morally corrupt and practiced spiritual adultery. God told Hosea to marry a prostitute to illustrate Israel's moral decline. But God also demonstrated His love for His chosen people and His desire to deliver them from His wrath, which He would surely pour out on Israel, unless they repented and turned from their sins. Throughout Israel's history God has always made a way out, and there has always been a remnant of those who continue to serve Him.

During these days as Israel counts up to the Feast of Tabernacles, the people are gathering in the synagogues and seeking the Lord in preparation of the Day of Atonement. There is an air of expectancy in the atmosphere, as many are preparing for the celebration to follow. At the same time they have some sense of uncertainty because of the war that continues to go on without resolution, but not without confrontation over disputed land. 

This morning as we sang joy was in the filled the air, with longing for the return of Jesus. Our prayer is that all Israel will come to know Messiah, as we anxiously prepare for His return! Hu Yavo! 

Day 254 We Remember, I Remember

 

9/11/2026

"For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth,

looking for people whose hearts are perfect towards Him,

so that He can show His great power in helping them."

2 Chronicles 16:9a

"Put them in fear, O LORD: that the nations

may know themselves to be but men."

Psalm 9:20

 

Moving around from place to place, I found myself on a brief sojourn in Wisconsin near my younger son and his family. I lived in a small college town called River Falls, a short distance from my son in Hudson, and I worked at Land's End in Woodbury, Minnesota, just over the border. I remember standing in my living room September 11, 2001, getting ready for work, when I watched on television in stunned silence the horror unfold before our eyes. The enemy had attacked us on American soil, decimating our people and our cities. 

Back then I watched television, because there were still honest men and women who shared the daily news with a more patriotic audience. It's a horrible thing to witness war on any level, but to see the chaos and terror on the faces of the people, and feel it wash over my own, with tears running down my cheeks, as people ran to safety or scrambled to try to pull people from the rubble and fire. The first plane was directed at the north tower of the World Trade Center (9:46 am), then the south tower was targeted (9:03 am); the Pentagon was attacked next (9:37 am), and a plane was downed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania (10:03 am) that had been headed for Washington DC when the passengers and crew fought back forfeiting their own lives. ISIS had planned the attacks systematically. So many lives were lost, and not one person in our country did not feel the effect of the loss of this great tragedy. Today we remember those who lost their lives 25 years ago. All Americans who love their country mourn, and we never will forget, yet there are those who have sworn to love our nation, who claim to be American citizens,  speaking against her, saying unspeakable indignities, laughing as others grieve, and dishonoring the Name of our God. These people have been elected to office by other Americans, and I don't understand how this is possible. How is it allowed, and why is it tolerated? How can someone be voted into a government position and not pledge allegiance to the American flag and to our God? 

There's so much hatred running rampantly within our cities, and our Constitutional freedoms are being challenged. The Bible speaks of these times when men's hearts will run cold, lawlessness will overtake the streets, false religions and false prophets will overtake the land, and good will be called evil, and evil will be called good. The blood of innocent babies covers our nation's streets, and even in America Christians are being persecuted for believing in Jesus and for standing with the Jewish people. The Jewish people were the first immigrants to our country, the very ones our Statute of Liberty welcomes in Emma Lazarus' poem The New Colossus:   "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.  The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. / Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" 

Today immigrants are still welcomed into our country, those who are serious about becoming American citizens and building a life and future for themselves and our neighbors, contributing to the welfare of our nation. We each have a job to do - a purpose. But there are those of whom I mentioned previously who want to see open borders where criminals, traffickers, drug dealers can easily stride right in bringing death and harm to innocent victims. These same "leaders" want no police, no prisons, so criminals can go free. Interesting that they fight about gun ownership when they are partial to the very ones we need to protect our families from harming us. Watching this type of mayhem and death happen on our streets in our nation whose motto is "One Nation Under God" is disheartening. 

When this careless government rule began in California, many moved their families to safer locations across the United States. Soon, there will be no safe place for children to be raised. We need to be weeping and crying out to God in repentance, but most are oblivious to all that is happening, as it is still being covered up. And all that has been exposed, and there has been much uncovered, is being kept from the public or denied in spite of all the documentation and criminal dealings being handled by our security departments. The findings are beyond unconscionable. The people do not want to believe, until it hits them smack in the face, even then the blame game where no one wants to be accountable is the game they play. The church is silent, therefore complicit to the lawlessness and sins, as the Scriptures say "For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17).

Today we focus on that fateful day on September 11, 2001, remembering the innocent lives lost, the sacrifices of our first responders and civilians who diligently worked to save lives, and the many, many people involved in this crisis. We send our love and our prayers to survivors and the families of those who lost their lives, asking for the shalom peace of Almighty God to embrace them and draw them to His Presence. We remember, I will always remember.

Day 253 Not the Day I Planned

 

9/10/2026

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity

under the heavens:..."

Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

Yesterday I wrote about some of the events of the past two weeks, but it never seems to come close to the way life is really. Today I had one task I needed to finish, cutting the grass before the rain fell again, which it did in the evening. The breeze was too brisk to think about burning the tree limbs that had fallen in the previous rains or the trimmings from the bushes, so I gathered up the poison vines and bagged them for safety against accidentally touching the poison to my skin. I had spoken with my friend earlier, checking on her husband's condition, and she said he'd been resting comfortably. She shared about the sweet moments they had shared the day before. 

I spent a long afternoon cutting the grass, cleaning the lawnmower, pulling weeds and weed eating, so I decided I'd had enough fun for one afternoon. I went into the house and showered. It felt good to get the grass, dirt, and sweat off my skin. I had a little time to spend going over my lesson for tonight, as Thursdays are my online Harvest Group studies. The topic tonight was "My Trauma is not my Template," the message by Levi Lusko, who was our special guest on Sunday standing in for Pastor Greg. The message was about dealing with trauma and grief, and I must say it was a timely subject indeed. I say that, because I received a text message from my close friend shortly after coming into the house saying her husband had passed away. I shared about his accident and the circumstances previously. When I was cutting grass, I got this feeling that he was gone, but I fought the idea. It was a devastating blow. Losing another close friend is a tremendous loss, and I cannot imagine how my friend is going to cope. Fifty-four years is a long time, something I can only imagine, but they were so suited to one another.

When the family received the pathology report the news had not been good, but we prayed for a miracle, and I believe we got one. I asked Abba Father to give him time with his children, as they've not been too attentive lately. That request was answered in part, so I know that there will be a time for two of his children to deal with regret for wasted years. I also asked that he feel the presence of God surrounding him and give him peace, so I truly believe that happened. He had experienced His presence before when he was very ill. God has his way of manifesting His presence and His power. His miracles come in many ways, and I thank God for the time to exchange much-needed affection and words of affection. Too many times words are left unsaid, and regret eats away at a person until they can deal with the loss, the extreme grief, the things left unsaid,forgiveness. 

Since I've been back in Virginia I've buried more than one family member, and I've had several deaths in New Mexico. I feel responsible somehow, because I wasn't there, but I know that is a ridiculous supposition. I am so very glad that I have had the opportunity to spend time with family and with many friends. But this is hard. The distance between the two locations is great, and my responsibilities here are limiting when it comes to travel. Regardless, I know if need be I will find a way around my dilemma, because God will make a way. Sometimes I still question whether I heard correctly that I was meant to come home, and I know that my presence here has made a vast difference. It still doesn't help the ache I feel in my heart for my friend, my dearest friend, who lost her husband, her soulmate, and my dear friend. Today when she shared that many people had been calling her, she said she had no idea how people felt. That sounds familiar as I know another friend who expressed similar words. I can only speak for myself in each case, but regarding her husband, I can say that no one really knows the influence they have on others. Hopefully, the impact is of eternal value and for God's glory, as that is our goal in life as believers in Christ. On a personal level, I have seen kindness, compassion, someone who can make me laugh using a dog's squeak toy that sounds like snorting pig. The most important fact is that he was devoted to his wife of 54 years, and he was always by her side. It was beautiful to see. 

I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, except for my silly antics over the telephone which I'm not certain he heard, as the phone was a little imperfect, but I believe I will see him again when I get to heaven. I can envision his arrival on the path leading up to the gate - Jesus is there naturally, along with his beloved dog Tiger, and I believe my parents and grandparents were there to greet him as well. Along with all the angels shouting "hallelujah" and "welcome home!" I pray that thought gives others strength and courage.  

Day 252 Choose

 

9/9/2026

"Your destiny is determined by choice,

not by chance."

Your Daily Walk

 

I must say that I never thought my nice, quiet weekend would turn into a series of unfortunate circumstances, as it has this week. But in reality every thing that is happening has been orchestrated by God, and quite honestly, I can hardly wait to see what He's going to do next. While I am still not certain why I am here when all the action is happening in New Mexico, I am patient, and I know there's more to come. I do have the emotional support of my younger son, although at times it is a struggle for him with all the medications he takes working against his body. But this has allowed me to rekindle my desire to gain more education in my field of research. It seems as if every researcher must be reading my notes, as more and more I am discovering that scientists are talking about oxidative stress and are paying attention to the function of the mitochondria which is the power house of the cell. I would think that since the cell's function is the first place to start for any study or diagnosis, this point would be obvious. But no! I feel honored that God showed me one more thing that medicine didn't yet have a grasp on.

Aside from all of that important stuff, my story began last week when I reconnected with a friend who's been going through a rough patch, and I had not heard from him since January 2019. He had called me one day, gave me the name of his friend, and then he literally dropped off the grid. Recently he's been heavy on my heart, so I reached out through the friend, and we have been in contact since. The story is long, but the victory is that he said my email arrived at just the right time. I am beginning to know how much of a "God thing" that statement was! His timing is always perfect. Now he's back functioning in his God-given purpose as a Chaplain.

Then the incident with my close friend's husband being hospitalized for a stroke happened, and I reached out to my Chaplain friend. He went over to see them, and so both were blessed by the connection. He also went over to another hospital to see my other friend's husband. I have yet to hear about that visit. God does nothing by happenstance.

The real miracle of this story, other than the miracle of my friend's husband being able to communicate with his family and be responsive, is how I came to meet everyone involved in the first place. God has a way of taking us on the path we were meant to be on when we just let go and surrender. That took divorce, more than one, in my case, and as hard as that has been, it has been for my making. When I reconnected with the work force I did not even consider working in the lab or hospital, I went my creative route, and it was a time I will always cherish. My esteem was so low that I applied for a housekeeper's position at a hotel, so I could do honest work but disappear from sight. Somehow the hotel manager felt I was the one for a hotel clerk's position. From there I went into hotel gift shop management, and I eventually ended up at a resort where I was a gift shop manager. 

Eventually, it was time to move on, so I applied for a caregiver job, as I'd done that previously - I have literally been a jack of all trades, and although the pay was not great, I gained skills and learned how to deal with all sorts of people with many attitudes and behaviors. If here was a problem, I was the one who handled it. This was during a time when I was an emotional basket case myself, yet God in His mercy used this donkey to get the job done. Once I had to quell the anger of a customer who had raw sewage come up from the toilet onto his beautiful, expensive cowboy boots while his wife was dealing with a back up drain in the shower. Somehow I managed - only by the grace of God. 

So when my exploits took me to an home health care agency to apply for a caregiver position, the manager talked to me about a supervisor's job. Short story, because my stories are always crazy, I got the job which eventually lead me into case management into another job, then on to care coordination/case management which is where I met all three of the above-mentioned friends. The interesting part of it is that I was in a job that I did not have the "credentials" for, but because of the experience I had gained in my merry-go-round experience, before and after divorce, the requirements were waived, and there I was. My career was not without "drama," because satan does not like me, but up until my retirement I had a very successful career, and was valued and my case documentation is still being used today. 

Had we not moved to New Mexico, out of God's timing, I remind you, many things would not have happened. And trust me, this is all surface of what God has taken me through, and it is continuing. I am amazed. God truly does take the foolish things of this world to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27), and the things meant for evil can be turned for good when surrendered to God (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28). I am undone!

When word came about my friend's stroke I called my daughter who, although she has her own chronic illness and pain, immediately started warring in the Spirit. She was like a she bear robbed of her cubs. It was like "don't mess with my kids" type of attitude. Although she has never met my friends face to face, she was able to pray in the power of Holy Spirit. Now my prayer is that this same zealous prayer focus will be for herself, and she will be healed from her infirmities. I've lived with chronic pain from injuries and immune system challenges (unheard of in my era) since I was born, but I never knew about disability assistance, and when I was older, and it was recommended, I didn't cave in. I felt like others needed assistance, and I was fine. I wasn't, but it was my mindset, and keeping my eyes on the Healer and Source has been my deliverance. My daddy tried to get help for me, but nothing helped, so I just took it one day, one step, and even though there were some really hard days, I survived. I am an over-comer by the blood of the Lamb, the word of my testimony, and I love not my life to the death. It is a choice, and I chose to live!