Day 240 Just Breathe

 

8/28/2026

 "Laughter is your soul dancing."

Unknown

 

My mini-vacation last week was short-lived, so I made a decision to spend a little more time doing some fun things with friends just to give myself a breather. My lifestyle is pretty intense, but that's the way things go in this season of life. I have been getting out every so often visiting relatives when we can track them down, going shopping with my sister or planning my next major repair for our parent's home - now my home - and every so often my high school friends get together for lunch. Other than that, attending funerals has been high on the list of things to do. Not a happy option! 

Since my life has not adjusted back to where it initially was a year ago, I haven't been able to work with Dolls on Mission painting faces for the dolls, and I gave up attempting to knit, so my community activity has been a bit null and void. My friend, Kathy, and her sister Diane are always inviting me to get out, so I decided that I'd help them with the Chesterfield County Fair working in the art department this year. A couple of years ago I helped with the arts and crafts at the Fair, and we really had a great time, so I thought - "I can do this!" So today we started out early and spent most of the day at the fairgrounds.

When we arrived one of the judges was already waiting to judge the entries, but two judges are needed for each department, but shortly the second judge arrived. The girls had worked the previous evening when the entries were brought in, so all the art work was displayed on the lattice board ready for judging. Since the art work has to be judged by category and by age, my job was to get the pieces in order, which turned out to be a considerable undertaking. I tend to be very detail oriented and hands on, so once all the entries were off the wall, I was able to arrange them categorically by number, while Kathy and Diane had the fun job of filling out the documentation as each piece was judged by age, in the proper category. The judges had the option to change the category if they felt it had not been assigned correctly - medium used to produce the art, for instance. Once judged, blue, red, or white ribbons were attached and the art work was once again placed on the wall for display. There was also the Best in the Show category to be selected. All the artists performed well, so the judges had a very difficult task assigning each award.

I spent most of my time on the floor, arranging the art into the categories, then lining them up on the table for judging by category. As we went about the exercise routines of climbing up in a chair to either remove or re-hang the art, we were mentally trying to plan for next year, that is if there is a next year! We had to laugh, because when they left on Thursday evening, they felt they were organized and ready for today, but new forms were printed, which started the process of starting over from scratch. Although it may have been confusing at times and extremely vigorous on my end with the floor routines and for all of us climbing on tottering chairs, stretching to reach high to hang the art, we all had a lot of fun.

All volunteers were provided with lunch, with three main choices and two desserts, plus this year there were donuts provided by the workers. Since I'm not able to eat gluten I couldn't risk eating the donut, so I took it home to my son to enjoy. We had quite a trek from the building we were in to the lunch wagon on the other side of the fair, unless of course, we jumped over fences and wove in and out of rides and exhibits being put up for the opening night of the Fair. There are tables set up in the area with condiments available, but they were not in packets within the bags. Additional items to put on our "Things to bring next year list." After making the hike, getting turned around in all the exhibits, I came back empty handed as no salt or ketchup packets were available outside of the area. Later at home, I found salt packets in my purse, but I won't mention that to the gals who suffered eating French fries without salt. Ugh.

Sadly, one of the ladies I met a previous year, who worked with the Fairs in the 4H area, passed away earlier this year, so it added a sad note to the day. I remember her so well, as she truly inspired me to continue my education, regardless of my age, and to continue my art. Unfortunately, I didn't see her again, and I didn't follow through with my plans. I really regret that, and it's something I've thought about a lot recently. The brevity of time, nurturing relationships, and using the gifts God has given me. 

The majority of my life I have been very active in community, schools, church, and family. I've been blessed to travel an unexpected journey, and I have used a great many gifts and skills that God has given me. I never thought about myself as being talented or gifted, I just had fun helping, planning, creating, working, and encouraging others to do the same. This includes the gift of intercession, because I used to pray when I walked my dogs or when I ran after them in the woods and mountains, enjoying nature, laughing, worshiping God enjoying His Creation. A few years ago my life changed, and I've been adjusting slowing to this new season of my life. I no longer have dogs, but I am now a cat lady, another change in my life. Today was a good beginning of another bend in the road, and I hope I can encourage myself to keep it going.

I've been behind in my daily writing, but I'm finding that I do get it done. The thoughts are on paper, and it just takes time to read the scribbling, decipher my meaning, and type it out. But I'm doing it, and I'm remaining faithful to that part of my calling. All in all I think everything will be alright. I just need to learn to let go of some things and just breathe! 

Day 239 Broken Pots

 

8/27/2026

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite

heart - these, O God, You will not despise."

Psalm 51:17

 

Another early morning wake up call, but I feel more prepared for today than I did yesterday. I've been going to medical appointments with my son as a support should he need me to drive. He actually said he enjoys having me around, even though I can be a chatterbox at times. I imagine it depends on the subject, as I prefer the quiet drive. But then, I guess God would say I talk to Him a lot when it's just the two of us. I suppose it can be reassuring to have someone along for the ride. I spent many years driving myself to appointments when I would have welcomed having someone along to hold my hand. But I survived those days, and I became stronger in spite of the struggles. Now that I am advancing in age (chuckling) I am grateful that I am closer to friends and family, especially my sister.

It's interesting how God orchestrates my day, or at least that is how I feel about my life. If I surrender it all to Him, why wouldn't He be in control? I can make my own decisions, but Holy Spirit, living in me, directs my steps. I love that! He keeps me in line! This morning I opened my journal and began to share my feelings about my children's physical hardships, thinking about how the system doesn't really care about the root cause of a health issue, rather it focuses only on a bandaid treatment - a quick fix. One that invariably leads to more and more band-aids heaped on top of each other causing more medical inconsistencies. And round and round they go! It's frustrating to me as a small time research biologist who prefers to look at a problem from the cellular level. I'm kind of like Dr. House in that way, except I have been considering the powerhouse of the cell that is designed to keep the body functioning systemically,  each organ in sync with the others - fearfully and wonderfully God calls it. 

But going back to my original thought...when I opened my daily devotional this morning, Until He Comes by Amir Tsarfati & Barry Stagner, the title was "God Uses the Broken." The author writes about the Apostle Peter's struggle with speaking when he should be listening as an example of how God can work through a person's life in bringing about transformation and growth. Peter had the habit of making profound responses to Jesus' questions that only God could reveal, then turning around and having to be rebuked by Jesus for making a false assumption. When considering the men Jesus chose as disciples, each had unique personalities, and they came from different backgrounds. Throughout Scripture God has used flawed mankind to bring about His purposes. He chose Gideon, whom the angel of the Lord found hiding in a wine press, to conquer the invading army with only a handful of men. He chose a reluctant evangelist to give a message of repentance to the barbaric Assyrian city of Nineveh. God's ways are certainly not our ways, which is certainly a relief!

In the book of Jeremiah (Chapter 18, verse 6) God tells Jeremiah to go to the potter's house where pots and jars are made for an object lesson for Israel saying, "O Israel, can't I do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand." Repeatedly, Israel has rebelled against God, but when they are punished for their sin and disobedience, the Lord hears their cries and comes to their rescue. Jeremiah was sent as a prophet to warn Judah about judgment, destruction of Jerusalem, and exile into a foreign country if they did not repent and turn back to God. Jeremiah has been called the weeping prophet, because although he spoke out boldly to the people, warning them, he cared deeply for his people. He also suffered persecution and threats on his life for delivering the Lord's messages. But God uses those who are yielded to His will, weak or strong, educated or not. 

Paul, chosen by God to be an Apostle to the Gentiles, is an example of a man who suffered greatly as a follower of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 1:8 Paul says: "For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life." Paul also spoke of his thorn in the flesh that he asked God three times to remove, but God would not, yet Paul continued to complete the work that God asked him to do. God calls anyone who is willing in heart, and He provides them with whatever is needed.

My only desire in life is to complete the work He has given for me to complete. I am a broken pot, and I've been slapped back on the potter's wheel for repair more times than I can count. God in His wondrous grace and mercy picks me up, all the broken pieces, and mends me back together. He will do the same for anyone who loves Him and is called to His service. 

Day 238 My Father's World

 

8/26/2026

 "Prayer is the way the life of God is nourished. Our Lord

nourished the life of God in Him by prayer;

He was continually in tact with His Father."

Oswald Chambers

 

As I gazed from my window looking towards the maple tree my daddy planted when I was a little girl, the old beloved hymn This is My Father's World" came to mind....

"This is my Father's world, and to my list'ning ears, all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres. This is my Father's world, I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise; the morning light, the lily white declare their Maker's praise. This is my Father's world, He shines in all that's fair; in the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me ev'rywhere.

This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget, that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father's world, the battle is not done; Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one."

How can all seem so quiet and peaceful when in other places half way across the world tragedy strikes? One does not have to look far not to see tragedy. Today a glacier broke off causing floods and catastrophic disaster in Nepal, wiping away homes and buildings, killing hundreds, and about 1,000 people are still unaccounted for at this report. Immediately my thoughts went to Smiti, a young girl who distributes Bibles in Nepal. Her photo has been on my bulletin board for many years as a reminder to pray for her. Several sources I trust have been reporting the news, bringing updates, but my heart is so heavy. Just watching the devastation as the iceberg broke off and caused the water to rise and burst down the waterways into the land, with a bridge of cars being hurled over as if they were feathers on a ledge. Buildings being decimated in seconds as the water hit so forcefully. It was horrifying to watch, but the people were experiencing it firsthand. 

Each days the earth cries out with earthquakes, tsunamis and hurricanes with flooding, forest fires and those set by the carelessness or violence of man. The savagery in the streets with lawlessness abounding, while hardly anyone really raises an eyebrow or thinks to try to do something about it or make a difference. I've exhausted this subject though, and I guess there's no one listening, especially the church.

A revival began tonight at a local fellowship. I was unable to attend due to prior commitments, but I will be following online. It is my prayer that a fire may be lit, and the flames fanned, and revival will be spread across Virginia and the entire nation. If our nation is going to be saved - brought back to God - it must begin with repentant hearts, beginning with each individual. James 4:17 exhorts us: "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if  it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" 

Day 237 One Constant

 

8/25/2026

 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God,

believe also in Me."

John 14:1

 

In the beginning was the Word...Jesus! The Word was with God, and the Word - Jesus - is God. He chose to leave His throne in Heaven to come to dwell on earth. For God so loved the world, His Creation, man made in Their image (Let Us make man in Our image - Genesis 1:26) that He gave His own Son to rescue man from himself. Male and female created them that they may go into the earth and bring forth life, declaring His glory! Man failed. Man fell into sin, deceived by the enemy whose goal has always been to steal the hope of our salvation. 

I've been reading through the prophets who through the Word of the LORD pronounced judgment against Israel and Judah for their sins and rebellion against God. God's chosen people had denied Him and turned to the worship of pagan gods of the Assyrians who even sacrificed their own children to their gods. It's hard to believe that such a degree of evil existed then, and even more that it exists today. Man became so vile that God destroyed the world in the flood, except for Noah and his family. While Noah was building the ark, which took 100 years to build, man only scoffed at him. Yet even with the destruction of the world through the flood sin did not cease, because it was within the heart of man to make the same choices of living for God or for the world. 

As the prophets foretold of the Babylon invasion and the exile of His people to a foreign country, God continued to ask them to turn back to Him, and He would welcome them back, restoring all they had lost. He always offered them a way of escape, as He does for us today. They did not listen.

When God created Adam and Eve He gave them free will instructing them to eat of any trees except from The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He told them if they did, they would surely die - the death of separation from a relationship with Him as He created life to be. Adam chose to follow the foolish whim of Eve, choosing to heed the deception of the serpent rather than the mouth of the LORD, who Scriptures says walked with them in the garden. Today man clearly continues to ravenously devour any fruit that appeals to his selfish desires, his pursuits to follow the deception of this world rather than accept the love of a Savior.

Present cases point to the path of Satan's plan to destroy morality, justice and righteousness in a country whose motto has always been One Nation Under God, as our President reaffirmed on the celebration of our 250th year. Even as the words were coming from His mouth and from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, many members of Congress and government were plotting further evil, choosing the path of evil over good. And so it continues on giving Satan free reign in their lives, spewing hatred and discord.

God threatened to destroy the evil city of Nineveh for their abominable sins - child sacrifice, sexual perversion, idolatry, pursuit of pleasure, love of possessions - if they did not repent and turn from their sins. Immediately the leadership and the people repented, and the city was saved. Only through true repentance, surrender to the Lord can true revival come. Only through continual spiritual growth and discipleship can it remain and the fire spread. The church must wake up, speak out, or they will remain complicit in their silence.

During the month of Elul each morning in Jerusalem the shofar is blown as a call to repentance leading up to the High Holy Day of Yom Kippur. This is unlike the daily five calls to worship of Islam now sounding on the streets of certain cities in America who have sold their birthright for a bowl of stew like Esau. This is happening in Canada and other nations in the West who claimed to follow Jesus. While the church remains silent.

Until recently, in Dearborn, Michigan, a pastor stood up in a City Council Meeting and one by one called each council member by name to denounce Islam. I heard no response except the apathetic voice of the chairman say there was no need to shout to be heard. 

Jesus is the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and salvation can be found in no other name. He remains faithful. He remains true. He remains constant.

Arise, shine, shake off the shackles, shout from the rooftops that there is no God except the LORD who will be exalted among the nations. 

Day 236 Best Use of Time

 

8/24/2026

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as
wise, making the best use of the time, because the days
are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what
the will of the Lord is." 

Ephesians 5:15-17

 

Thoughts of my mama brought tears very early this morning. I'm not certain why she was so heavily on my heart. She's been with Jesus since 2009, but this morning remembering her final days greatly distressed me. Wondering whether I could have done anything differently to help her, whether I should have demanded her medical treatment be different. Why today, why this morning, why first thing before the sun was barely rises to light the sky, I don't know. And it's not the anniversary of her passing or her birthday, but I just know that the grief was more than I could bear, so I cried, and I remembered her.

I realize that my parents are with Jesus, as are my grandparents and other loved ones I know who have gone on ahead. Perhaps the brevity of time has finally caught up with me with the recent death of another friend from high school. My younger son has been experiencing some serious health concerns, so our lives have had to adjust, but I am relieved to be able to be here and to be a support and a help. God knows everything, the end from the beginning, so we simply trust, as I have testified so many times. Perhaps these little trials are to see if I mean business with my words. It's easy to say we "trust God" but when the pressure is on, where do we turn?

Over the years I really haven't had anyone in my life to turn to who could really understand my complex thoughts. Words just are not enough, silence is better. I feel so much internally, so Jesus is the one I run to. These days I'm glad that He has taken me through the valleys, over rough terrain, ascending the mount only to slide down, my backsides full of goat heads and briars as I tumble, trip and fall. Going through the pain isn't fun, but in the process I learn, and I grow, so it has been worth it. I remember one time when my son, Daniel, fell backsides into a cactus - not a pleasant experience, especially pulling those thorns out one by one, very slowly. That's the way my life has felt sometimes, but I have to laugh at some of the places God has carried me through. And He's always been there with me. He never leaves me all alone.

The past two weeks have been very trying, but with a little introspection, the days are lighter, and I know the clarity I seek will come. I just celebrated my 76th birthday, so perhaps that has something to do with missing my parents and others I've lost along the way. Plus, I'm lonely for home. The home Jesus is preparing for me, a home with Him. My only desire is to meet Him, but first I have to complete the work God has put me here to do. When I listen to the accomplishments people have made in their lives, I wonder what, if anything, have I contributed to the Kingdom of God. Too many people have their eyes on what others are doing, spending too much time comparing themselves with others, and honestly I don't have the desire or time to waste trying to be anyone else except myself. So I take a step forward each day, making adjustments when needed when things divide my time. Too many alarms going off announcing this prayer meeting and that Bible study. Right now my time is better served sitting still, alarms off, focusing on Him alone. Priorities adjusted!  

Day 235 This I Know

 

8/23/2026

"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' 

Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.

When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation 

brought me joy."

Psalm 94:18-19

 

Life can be a mixed bag of feelings and concerns. Sometimes I just have to sit and listen...or not listen...to whatever is being seen or heard. That probably doesn't make a lot of sense, but to me it does, so I will leave it as written. I'm not trying to be flowery in language or philosophical in meaning. I'm not even certain I'd know how to do either of those things, and if I did, it would probably be done poorly. Things are becoming very chaotic, confusion seems to be the by word for each day, as more and more garbage explodes from the internet in the way of news. It's a good thing I am not much in reading news. Honestly, what it called news is garbage and full of lies and distortions. Truth is hard to find and often hard to believe. Sad to say that for the most part journalists today or their CEO's have sold their souls to the devil and are doing the bidding of whoever has the largest purse strings. This has been my observation at least. Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather would not be pleased with their successors. Paul Harvey would probably say "I told you so!" 

But I can tell you what I do know, and I can tell you who is trustworthy and just. I can tell you about a life that is worth living. And I can even share with you how to live your best life, that is, if you're interested! If you're looking for Truth His Name is Jesus! 

 When Jesus was trying to tell His disciples about His death, they still did not get it. In John 14 He reassured them that although He was leaving them, He would return and take them to be with Him for eternity. He told them He was going to prepare a place for them, and as believers, He's doing the same for us. Thomas asked Jesus the way to where He was going, and Jesus responded in verse 6, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

So many are confused, worried, and they don't know which way to turn. The church does not always have the answers to the questions they are asking, because they refuse to look at the larger picture, and they do not want to discuss Bible prophecy, especially the Revelation of Jesus Christ written by the Apostle John while he was on the island of Patmos. Many use the excuse that the book is too hard to understand, but the Apostle Paul, in his instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 clearly states: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Revelation 1:3 says  "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near." 

As watchmen on the wall we are accountable for sounding alarms when danger is imminent. We can't force anyone to choose the right path. Just like salvation - freely given - but we cannot make the choice for someone else to believe that Jesus is who He says He is. That decision is solely in the hands of the individual. But I do believe the words of John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." 

The best proof believers have that Jesus is who He says He is comes from the individual testimony of one who has experienced being "born again," as Jesus described in John 3 to Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to see Jesus under the clock of night. It was hard for educated, religious people to believe what Jesus was sharing although He fulfilled the prophecies they read in synagogue daily. Their eyes and hearts were blinded from the truth. But I know Nicodemus understood, and he wanted to follow Jesus, but he had responsibilities, so his allegiance was divided. The call to follow Jesus is very simply in response to His words, "Follow Me."

"The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever" (Psalm 119:160).

Pastor Jack Hibbs from Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in California was sharing from Proverbs 3:1-6 as his text for his message. Man desires wisdom, but he is often not willing to surrender his views and opinions for another's. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a Scripture that I share quite often, as it is the only true path to finding wisdom, wisdom that comes from God: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Pastor Jack spoke of the Apostle Paul's journey as a believer sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and about all the trials he had to endure in following this path. But finally Paul could stand resolute in his faith, totally steadfast in what He believed and in his trust in God. I was excited to hear Pastor Jack share my Scripture, the one I cling to that is found in 2 Timothy 1:12 "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." I have grasped hold to this Word from the LORD for as long as I can remember, knowing that I can depend on every word God has spoken to me in His Word, His infallible Word.

In a time when very little in this world's economy means very much, and we see and hear very little of what we are taught to believe or how to live our lives, we must stand fast and firm in our faith in God triumphing in the cross of Christ. This I know!  

Day 234 What is Required?

 

8/22/2026

"He who has an ear, let him hear what

the Spirit says to the churches."

Revelation 3:13

 

Today's Torah portion described some pretty stringent rules for living that may seem harsh to some, but there is always so much wisdom to be found in the Word of God. God is not a harsh dictator attempting to rule our lives, putting us in bondage, rather He's a loving Father, whom we can boldly approach. He is full of mercy and grace, forgiving our sins and providing a way to escape the consequences that sin brings not only to the one committing them but to those who are affected for many generations to follow. 

We are now in the month of Elul on the Jewish calendar, a time of preparation and excitement, but also a period of deep introspection and repentance, leading up to the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), and the Feast of Tabernacles. In the Scripture portion for today Moses is reminding the children of Israel of the laws God has given them governing their relationships with each other and how to avoid conflicts and shame. It begins in the 22nd chapter of Deuteronomy discussing care of each others' livestock and belongings, just as if they were our own. When the Pharisees asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest, in Matthew 22:37-40, He replied: "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

Moses reminded the people of this in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 with a further command to teach them to their children: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

In reviewing the Scripture readings for today and what is expected from people who are commanded to love one another, then appropriate behavior should be expected in dealing with one another. If we followed God's guidelines, we would live as our brother's keeper, and in living so, life would be much better, plus we wouldn't find ourselves in the mess we find ourselves in our world today. In Micah 6:8 God tells us what He expects of us: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" 

In Deuteronomy 21:18-21 the discussion of how to deal with a rebellious son has some pretty harsh consequences, because sin and rebellion cannot be allowed and must be purged permanently from the camp. A thorough study of Scripture details how God deals with those in rebellion and failure to turn from sin. Of course today when we consider how we, as parents, are to respond to disobedience and willful stubbornness, parents would not handle the problem by death by stoning, but the scriptures are clear that in continuing to allow such behavior to continue makes one complicit with the sin and just as guilty. I know that I have had questions regarding how much assistance to provide when a good deed is followed by disrespect. I have asked myself and God "When is enough, enough?" To continue to help someone who responds ungratefully would be enabling bad behavior. Disrespect is wrong and should never be tolerated. God in His mercy, grace, and love wants us to remove evil from our homes, because as Christians we are committed to love one another as Christ loves us. Also, as leaders, our homes must be in order. Scripture provides sound counsel to guide our lives and relationships thus bringing glory and honor to His Name. 

The rule should always be to "Do the right thing!" Imagine the world if we followed that rule!