Day 191 Troubling Times

 

7/10/2026

"Cease not to pray, and if the answer tarries,

wait. God will come, and He can 

never come too late."

Daily Walk

 

I openly admit that there are many things that I do not know or understand, and, quite honestly, I don't care or want to know. Some people have to know the answer to every question and somehow explain everything away, but life is just not that way. Besides which, the only one who has the answers is God, whose existence to many is considered as myth, or at least in my family. It's amazing what modern day counselors and psychologists can do to manipulate minds to suit their mindset and increase their popularity and bookings. It's easier to put the blame on another rather than have a person face their own self-made demons. I'm witnessing some pretty disturbing things, if I thought of it that way. Fortunately for me, I trust in the God I serve, so I don't have to be concerned about the tricks of the devil and what he is attempting to do to certain members of my family. I may have done some things wrong in my parenting years, but I did take my children to church, teach them to know and love Jesus, and to know God's word. I tried to teach them right from wrong and respect for others, doing the honorable thing, even when not popular. I even taught how to take care of themselves and taught them household skills and basics. The Bible says if we train up our children in this way, then all that training won't leave them. It sticks, and I am counting on that truth. So in essence, satan can try all he wants to steal, kill, and destroy, but he can't have what doesn't belong to him, and my family is off limits.

I've been blessed by God, and in the last twenty years of my life He has placed me in positions where I could learn and grow, so that I could enhance and encourage someone else's life. I always wanted to be a medical missionary, and somehow God pulled that off in a rather tortuous, winding path, rather than a straight laced manner I may have preferred. But then, my life has been anything but conventional. Every time I sit down to write, I lose focus and my mind becomes blank. I can know so clearly what I want or need to say, sit down, place my fingers on the keys, and NOTHING! It's hard to share some things, but I'm trying to stick with the mandate to write.

My mornings are pretty much the same - hungry cats inside and outside, all saying "feed me first!" in their cat language that makes it quite obvious that they have been waiting for me to drag my lazy carcass from the bed. It doesn't matter to them that I haven't slept well, or that I spent a lot of time pandering to their needs the day before. Cats tend to be "me first" and a rather ungrateful species. I hope little Mina does not pick up that characteristic. After I grab my coffee I love to crawl up into my chair with my journal and Bible, look out my window and talk to Abba about anything - everything, before the prayer watch. And from there my day is as it is. Very few plans other than "get it done" with tasks, housework, appointments, and the like. It sounds simple, but many times it is overwhelming before it even begins.

This afternoon I plan to finish mowing the grass that is so dense and high from all the rainfall. That is unless it rains - again, but then I should be grateful as New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado all have forest  fires going on right now. Many places are facing drought, even here in Virginia. We are blessed, at least in my area, to have had some rain. The fires in Northern New Mexico are not in the direction of my daughter's home, and I pray that they do not cross any of the territory that the fires in 2022 affected. The restoration from the devastation of those fires is still underway, and the water systems still have not been restored so the drinking water remains unsafe. The residents still have to use bottled water in the Las Vegas, New Mexico area where my daughter lives. It doesn't seem to be a priority to the powers that be, as circumstances remain unchanged after all this time. So I pray that the fires will be extinguished and people, animals - livestock and forest animals - land and homes will be spared. Lord, please send the storm clouds and rain down Your mercy!

Picking back up my writing, it is now later in the day, I look back over the above thoughts and considerations, and here's how my day progressed. I did get most of the yard cut before the rain fell, but with Shabbat approaching, it will have to wait. I only have one side remaining to be cut, so it won't require too much exertion, I hope! I am seriously considering the purchase of my John Deere lawnmower while the sale is on. I have a few days left to consider.

The prayer call was high energy as we considered all that had happened in a short period of time. Our President here in America has been in Turkey at a meeting, and negotiations with Iran were halted after Iran decided to blow up a few things with our government in mind. One of my favorite sayings is that one cannot dance with the devil, but then we don't really know the complex workings of the mind of our government leaders. I don't tend to deviate from my confidence in the often confusing or somewhat concerning actions of our commander in chief, because I know that God has His hand on those He has placed in positions of authority. My trust and hope is not in man or machine, rather it is in God! As an intercessor we often get a bit harried by the continuous stream of news that's filled with lies and distortions, but we settle down, get together in our meetings, and we agree in prayer on what God's word says. Death and life are in the power of the tongue according to Proverbs 18:21, so guard your speech!

One of my scripture readings for today was Psalm 135 that speaks of God's blessing on Israel, reminding them of all He's done for them, beginning with delivering them from the hands of Pharaoh. God speaks about the enemies of Israel in verses 15 - 18 which could easily characterize our enemies we have today:

"The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusts in them." 

Governments make idols of wealth and power, and they become back patters and flatterers as long as it gets them where they need or want to go. Rather than obedience to God's laws, they follow what seems right or convenient to themselves, and instead of fear and reverence of the Lord, they tend to follow the other enemy's way of living. And yet, although there are many who bemoan and even rant and rail against the hypocrisy, they do nothing other than that, when as citizens we have the privilege of making change if we only stand up, speak out, and exercise our God-given right to vote in elections. Even then though, I am aghast to discover that unwise people vote for those who would lead our nation to folly and destruction. Are there that many people so blind that they cannot see, deaf that they cannot hear? This leaves me confused to say the very least! Baffled, and very ashamed that things have come to such a state. 

Is anyone paying attention? Does it matter to you? If so, what are you doing about it?! 

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, 

and not to faint; saying, 'There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, 

neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; 

and she came unto him, saying, "Avenge me of mine adversary."

and he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, 

Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubles me,

 I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, 

though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. 

Nevertheless when the Son of man comes, 

shall he find faith on the earth?"

  Luke 18:1-8

Day 190 Of Men & Churches - Perspective

 

7/9/2026

 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 

that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."

 2 Corinthians 4:7 

 

Another early morning rainfall. Sometimes I think the grass grows two feet with every trickle of water. We've yet to put up the new tent for the lawnmower and other machines, but thankfully the tarps are functional. It's just after noon now, and I smell rain in the slight breeze blowing through my window. The sun is peeping out ever so gently still, and I don't really see any rain clouds within my present view from my bedroom window, but I feel the pressure shift in my head and the pain in my ankle from my mishap yesterday while fighting the Virginia Creeper once again. My life is full of so many twists and turns - literally!

It was exciting to see our CEO Dr. Jurgen hosting the morning call. He's been battling some pesky health issues for a couple of years now, and he recently was in the hospital again, so it's so good to see him as his teaching is inspired. Although he's been pressed and pruned during this process, God has been blessing him with so much insight. Today he shared from the Torah portion found in Numbers 22 - 25 where Balak king of the Moabites sent for Balaam, so he could curse Israel whom they feared. Everyone knows the story of Balaam and his talking donkey, but there is much more to the story. 

When Balak's men first arrived to garner Balaam's assistance, God told him to send them away. The men had promised Balak a fee for his services, so I imagine that was a consideration. Still, he told them to go away, as the LORD had spoken. So they returned back to Moab, but Balak would not accept no as an answer, and he sent another group of men to entreat Balaam to come. Finally, God let him go, but He was not pleased with Balaam's readiness to do so. This is where the donkey part of the story comes in, but we can skip over that part for now.

Balaam arrives on the scene, and Balak took him up to the high places of Baal and showed Balaam the "extent of the people" meaning the edge of one side of the camp near and exposing the outside of the camp where the defiled people (lepers, other sick, lame, those guilty of crimes and such) live. Obviously Balak wanted him to see how detestable the people must be, even to their God. But Balak didn't realize that God does not see man as man views man. 

"And God met Balaam, and he said to Him, 'I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered on each altar a bull and a ram.' Then the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, 'Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.' So he returned to him, and there he was, standing by his burnt offering, he and all the princes of Moab. And he took up his oracle and said: 'Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, from the mountains of the east. Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!' 'How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce whom the LORD has not denounced? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him; there! A people dwelling alone not reckoning itself among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, or number one-fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his!'" (Numbers 23:4-10).

This did not make Balak happy, Balaam had blessed Israel, not cursed them! So Balak decided to take him to another fringe of the outpost, so he could curse them. But again, Balaam saw what God wanted him to see and God gave Balaam the blessing to speak. The final time Balak wanted him to see Israel's entire camp so he took him to a higher vantage point. Balaam didn't need Balak's perspective to realize that God was pleased with His chosen people. So finally when Balaam looked out over the heights at Israel, Balaam truly saw the Israeli camp and the people God favored. He saw through God's eyes, and once again, He blessed Israel with a blessing, rather than a curse. Balak failed to distort Balaam's perspective, because he saw what God wanted him to see, and He blessed them.

Today many lies and distortion of facts are being pushed on to gullible people who fail to think for themselves. Rather, they accept what certain people, even pastors and leaders in seminaries, as fact. Contrary to what many accept as truth, only God and the Word of God are the source of all truth. Men trust in men and governments, but believers and followers of Jesus Christ only listen to the truth of God's Word.

Also, well-meaning followers of Christ, including myself, often become perturbed by news and the actions of those who should know better. We become impatient when God has His own timing and His own way of doing things. But the "tongue" or the "heart" get us into trouble, and I know for myself that I need to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. This is why I am faithful to meditate on scriptures, like Psalm 139:23-24, asking God to search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me. As an intercessor, I must focus only on Jesus, the Commander of the Armies of Heaven. He has spoken this warning to me over and over. 

We all sin and fall short of God's glory, and as such, we must keep our hearts pure and our thoughts stayed on Christ. We must put on the whole armor of God daily, as we wrestle not again flesh and blood but principalities, powers, spiritual darkness of this age, and spiritual wickedness/evil in heavenly places. We must be aware and stand in the gap for others. These are dark days, but we do not fear, because we know that Jesus has already overcome!  

Day 189 Muggy Day

 

7/8/2026

 

So, as this day comes to a close what great wisdom can I impart to those who bravely choose to read this blog?! I feel blank, and a lot undone! 

First off - today is the birthday of a young friend in Velarde, New Mexico, where I lived prior to moving back to Virginia. Michael is 17 years of age today. I lived next door to him and his family and all their many dogs that were forever having puppies. I've spoken of the family before, and of their many dogs. Kenya, a Malamute that I adored, was my favorite four-legged friend. She passed away and left us very lonely, as she had been with the family her entire life. When I moved into the house beside them, it was love at first sight, and Kenya adopted me as another family member. I loved spending time with her, and she'd see me every morning, and greet me every evening. Many animals have crossed my path, but she was very special to me, as are the humans in the family. I grew to love them as if they were my own, especially Michael and his younger sister, Gen. They'd take the time to visit this ole lady who lived alone and surrounded herself with stuffed animals and other memories. Michael used to share some of his birthday cakes with me, although I am not supposed to eat gluten. I think God protected me, as He does from a great many potential harms.

I received a text message from Michael this evening in response to mine of earlier this morning, and the message touched my heart. He said I was like another grandmother, not just a neighbor. I hope that's true, because I loved hanging around the kids, and I never get to see my own. My son, Daniel has children he helped raise who, although not his blood children, are still my grandchildren, and I even have great-grandchildren. I count them all as mine, and I love them as mine. Sometimes blood relatives are not as close, regardless of how much love you give and how well you try to take care of them. I'm finding that teaching children how to take care of themselves, or how to do simple household chores, is abuse. I used to laugh about how nonsensical that sounded, but I am no longer laughing. I taught my children about the love and goodness of God, but even now that is a form of tyranny in many legal circles. I could go on and on, but the point is that this is a very different world. That's why it's so special when someone reaches out to me and tells me I made a difference in their lives. For the better. So thank you, dear Michael for making my day!

Yesterday was the birthday of another friend who lives in New Mexico, who is little older than I am and is a very dear friend. When I spoke with her today she couldn't remember who I was, because of some health issues and memory loss. Her brother kept reminding her of things I'd ask her. Besides being my friend she was a case management patient of mine, and she was blind yet chose to live alone. She had a seizure and fell, and she was on the floor without assistance for some time. This accident may have caused the new diagnosis that is causing this decline. I am very attached to the entire family, and I have already lost two of their members. I hadn't been able to get past the death of the matriarch of the family who died around Christmas in 2021, and then not that long ago her daughter died. We'd kept in close touch, and I loved her like she were my own. Now watching another one deteriorate mentally and physically. Somehow I feel responsible, because I moved. I've always felt this way about my mother's decline in health, as if I had something to do with it for moving away. I realize it's the enemy giving me these thoughts, but even so, I miss them all dreadfully, and I wish I could see them again. Of course, all of them are Christians who are waiting for Jesus to return and snatch them out of their graves. What a day that will be when we meet together in the air! We have that blessed hope from God.

So many thoughts, sadness mixed to good memories and joy. Even on a muggy, hot day we can find peace and joy in Jesus. As I ready myself for bed, I'll ask Abba for peace and rest. I'll remember. I'm so blessed to have wonderful ones to remember.

Good night. 

Day 188 Shadow Vision

 

7/7/2028

"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. 

Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."

1 Corinthians 13:12  

 

Yesterday was the first day that I've missed an entire global prayer call, but sometimes emergencies happen for us here in America. I guess saving an abandoned, emaciated kitten counts for something! Firemen have been known to rescue a stranded cat in a tree, or so the story goes. Still I never like to miss a call, as every second on the clock counts, as does every prayer. And just because I couldn't visibly see the panel, I can still carry them in my heart and prayers. Change has always been hard for me, but then, it seems to be more the norm for me since moving here. Perhaps God is trying to teach me something new. Who knows maybe it's an answer to prayer, and I just haven't recognized it yet. God does have His own ways of doing things.

Kitty Mina is doing well, responding to her medication, and walking a bit stronger. She's eating and doing everything a normal, healthy little kitten does, as far as I know. Daniel's the expert on felines. I'm just grandma! But I also am her nurse and the one who gives her the medications which she gratefully receives. She definitely has a good appetite, and her eyes look amazingly better. I thank God for her rapid recovery, but I also am grateful to the veterinarian and his staff. Chesdin Animal Hospital has been a family owned practice since 1984, and I love any business where families works together carrying on long-honored traditions.

I also had an annual eye appointment, and although he had some concerns my corrected vision remains 20/20. So other than seeing him in six months now and taking a supplement, I'm sure things will work out well. The hazards of too many blows to the ole head. I really need to give up boxing as a hobby!

Yesterday we also had another mishap at home, so today we went to Home Depot to check out refrigerators. My parent's old refrigerator is pretty old, and it sure has lasted a long, long, long time, just like the previous stove that had rusted burners in multiple places. This old friend, a Whirlpool, mama's favorite brand of appliances, was rusted, with leaking under the bottom and in the inside of the refrigerator. The temperature has to be turned up more each time, so the food is not as cold, and the produce does not last very long. It's been in need of replacement for a good time, but I don't let go of well- worn friends easily. Sadly today, her number was just about up. The new one, a Frigidaire, will arrive on Wednesday of next week, so the little lady has until then to serve us. I know she will do so valiantly.

Tuesdays are hard days for me. I used to attend a prayer meeting with some folks who are in some of the other larger groups I attend, primarily the global prayer call with Israel. When Daniel had the accident in early December I found it difficult to get through the red tape of all the paperwork and such, plus it seemed as if one thing after another kept happening. And so it has continued, so I needed to make some changes. Although I miss the group, I think it may be better for me this way. Seasons come and seasons go, but God knows what He's doing. My job is to trust and obey. 

The heat and the humidity were not as disagreeable today, so this evening is much cooler weather to sleep. Remember, I'm without an air conditioner like most of you spoiled folks. But who knows tomorrow is another day, so an air conditioner may be just the ticket!                                                                                                                                                        

Day 187 Surprise!

 

7/6/2026

 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9 

 

I woke up very early several times this morning, beginning around 5 am, and I just did not want to stay up. I rebelled and laid back down until 6 am, and I still did not want to get up. Still, although I didn't feel His nudge, I knew something may be up, so I checked my kids in Israel. No bombs, no drones, thankfully. I checked the news, and there was nothing new. No unnerving news from prayer groups, and no other surprises yet unnamed. My life can be complicated. But no! It seemed safe to lie back down until the alarm went off, so I grabbed some ice for my back and rested a bit. Finally at 7 am I got up, greeted my day, and grabbed a cup of coffee. I had to ask Abba to forgive me for being lazy - again - but He knows when I don't sleep well from pain that it is harder to drag myself up. I have to persevere, I know, but some days can be tough. That'll teach me to stay away from trees and other life-altering experiences that an ole lady my age should knowingly avoid. Besides which, I had an eye appointment scheduled for the early afternoon, so I needed to be ready to go after my prayer call.

While in the kitchen I cleaned Mia's bowls, gave her fresh water and food, patted her on the head and asked her if she'd slept well. Cats are not the most lovable creatures, generally, so Mia only had food and fresh water on her mind. I washed Alex's bowls and I placed those on the porch, as Alex tends to come home either very early or mid-morning. I imagine he's out "mousing" before he settles down for the morning side-meal. When I went back inside from putting Alex's bowls on the stoop, I heard what sounded like a bird, and then listening more closely it sounded like crying. I thought Alex had hurt himself or the squirrel had gotten the better of him, so I went outside to investigate. There in my flower garden was the straggliest, bony, starved little kitten I've ever seen, crying for all it was worth. All 1 lb 6 oz of her! Her eyes were infected, so I cleaned them with a warm wash cloth, and that seemed to help. Still she was hungry and needed love. She looked so emaciated and wouldn't eat or drink water, plus the eyes concerned me, so my son Daniel and I decided to pack her up and take her to the vet close by, so off we went.

The vet didn't wasn't opened for business yet, then we had a bit of a wait, but all the dogs coming in for their routine visits were so adorable! It was the friendliest atmosphere I've been in for a while. They named the cat Jane Doe, as we were yet uncertain of whether she was Jane or John at that point. As it turned out, she was a Jane, but Daniel called her Mina, as he'd already fallen in love with the bedraggled sweetie. He's tenderhearted that way. Me - well I love all animals, but dogs are my best buds. Alex is an anomaly - another one who just showed up on our doorstep. I'm certain that Alex probably tells every unwanted stray that they'll be welcome at our house, as we've had several visitors come and go, including birds who crave Alex's cat food. They prefer their meal on the porch rail, however. What a strange life I live. I even have a opossum who stops by from time to time. I need a new Welcome Sign - WELCOME! ALL Creatures - Great and Small! But no reptiles! I've had that too, courtesy of Alex when I rejected the half dead mouse he left me early on in our friendship. Once I said "NO SNAKES!" I never saw another one. Like I tell you - cats have a mind of their own!

So back to Mina - she was diagnosed and treated for an upper respiratory infection and conjunctivitis - no surprise there. She was malnourished, and she needed a lot of love and attention. As noted earlier, she weighed a little over a pound, and she was about seven weeks old. She had ear mites and fleas, but she received treatment for that as well. Otherwise, she's due back in a month or earlier if need be. Back at home she's quarantined from Mia until she gets rid of the fleas and mites. She's enjoying my nice queen size bed and my special friends who watch over it. I sleep in my mom's room, so that worked out, plus I'd just uncluttered it so I could doing some sewing, so Miss Mina had the best of both worlds. I never thought my life would be this way, but God does have His ways of softening this ole gal's heart.

The night before I had gone to bed troubled over some things. For one I didn't know when I could go to New Mexico to visit my daughter, Kristie. I haven't been back since I came here. I knew I couldn't leave Daniel without a vehicle, and I had qualms about driving the Mercury since I haven't had it that long. It's just a quirk I have, but it's a great car, and God always protects me. Besides Holy Spirit is always here inside, outside, all around. But Daniel! He's all alone, and he's been depressed since losing his friend, Bryan, who has to be away. So, once more as I prepared for sleep I'd asked Abba to please show me what to do. After all He's the trip planner, not me. So I believe Mina is part of the answer to my prayer. Daniel  loves animals, especially vulnerable, helpless little critters who need love, care, and protection. He has a huge heart, and he is often misinterpreted by his size and stance. Daniel's been through much trauma in his life, some self-imposed in response to man's violations and cruelties. People tend to judge by outward appearances as we have learned from scriptures - and from life. He knows he has Mina, as well as Mia, now, so that gives him purpose. So, I trust God's plan - I must! Else I have no true faith at all! It's been a difficult almost five years since I arrived back home. But there's a reason for everything. Nothing in life is happenstance.

I'm not sure what will come of it all, but I'm open to any surprises God wants to give. He's watched over us since He placed us here on this earth, and I've no doubts that He will continue what He has begun! How can I be so certain? Philippians 1:6 Paul says,  "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." 

More than that though, God said it in Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,' says the Lord, 'thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.'" And if God said it, then that settles it!

"Forever, O Lord,
Your word is settled in heaven." 

Psalm 119:89 

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!