Day 227 Escape

 

8/15/2026

 "The unrest of this weary world is its unvoiced 

cry for God."

 

It's late, and soon another day will begin. The one thing that I wanted for my birthday this year was to separate myself from the insanity of this world, if only for a couple of days. As an intercessor I cannot shut myself away completely, as I have daily calls, and yet in some ways that is exactly what I need to do. The unnecessary noise of voices wanting to be heard, wanting to be lauded for their ability to pray louder, longer, or say just the right words. In many ways this is what it seems to me that intercession has or is becoming in many circles. 

My quiet times with God have always been so special, and even now as I write these words, I am examining the motives of my own heart, because it has never been and never will be my intention or my desire to criticize the sincerity of another's seeking heart. My Father knows my imperfections, and He knows that we are but flesh, so He knows we will fail. Had He not known these things, why send Jesus to redeem us, to save us from the sinfulness of our own hearts?! Besides which the true accuser of the brethren is busy spreading his own deceit and vile intentions. Followers of Christ need to be wary of his devices so as not to fall into his evil snare, as many already have done.

I've been sitting quietly with Abba all my life, as much as anyone can be aware of from an early age. The quietness of His presence, and the times when His voice is more urgent. During the periods in my life when I faltered in my attention towards Him, Holy Spirit never abandoned me. I always felt Him near me. Even now, as I wrestle with these feelings that are laid heavily on my heart, occupying my thoughts, I still feel His nearness to me. I can never chase Him away. I never want to separate myself from my Abba Father, as I am solely dependent on His wise counsel and His path for my life. I will gather my prayer points, as needed, from others as we stand together, but I have felt the need to guard my heart and mind from the influence of others and seek only His voice. The chatter, the prattle that seems to never stop, simply noise that has become so loud, often empty, as I realize the subtly of the enemy. I know he seeks to destroy my peace, steal my joy, separate me from meaningful fellowship with like-minded lovers of God. But I also know that although I step away, I will always return much stronger, with greater discernment and a greater understanding of how to continue the fight.

The daily news is non-stop, and many times duplicate reports I have already received. I even find Christian news sources to be confusing and many times filled with unnecessary opinions, offering information that is unsuitable to be shared with the public. It reminds me of housewives meeting at the back fences to gossip, much like the prayer chains exchanging concerns for prayer purposes, never, of course, gossip. If we are truthful, at some time in our lives we have all engaged in such unnecessary sharing. I prefer to know facts and leave the rest for God to reveal. I prefer simpler ways to gather truth. In reading through the Bible this year, the Lord has been directing me to keep my focus on Him and to guard the integrity of my heart and mind. I am to focus only on the Word of God. That is what I've always tried to do, but I am to check my motives each day. 

Saturday evenings are my late nights "on the wall" as I join other intercessors who each have a time period set to pray for six national leaders. I must admit that this is not my favorite period of intercession, as I feel so inadequate to break through the thick hedge of evil that surrounds so many of our leaders. Generally there are more praying than a single individual, yet from 11:30 pm until 12 midnight I am alone on the prayer wall. I generally begin earlier and stay later, because I study backgrounds to see who I am lifting in prayer, how their lives began. Often one may begin their lives with honorable intentions to bring change to the government, healthy goals that could truly benefit our nation for good, yet somewhere in between on their journey up the ladder of success, they change. Many times I don't think they realize how much they have deviated from their initial goals, the ones closer to God's heart. And I feel that fear of others more powerful forces the actions in certain regards.

I have become very tired, not of the battle, rather tired of the attitudes of intercessors who seem to think God needs us. It reminds me of a scene in The Chosen series when Jesus tells Simon the Zealot that He doesn't need him or anything, but He wants him and has chosen him as a disciple to follow Him. God created us in His own image to be in relationship with Him, and His purpose is to build His Kingdom - the Kingdom of God - on this earth. Jesus came to fulfill the works of His Father. He says it many times in the Scriptures, yet no one was listening then, and I often wonder who is listening now. The church is busily engaged in its own agenda, building their own kingdom of sorts, however well intentioned their initial plans had been, even when it comes to what they call revival. 

But, it's late, and I've rattled on long enough. Only God sees and understands me and what I am trying to say, the sincerity of my heart and the compassion I feel for my brothers and sisters in Christ. This battle is real, and my heart heavy, but perhaps I can yet do some good in prayer on the wall tonight as I lead into a new day may it bring hope that can come only from steadfast trust in Him alone.  

Day 226 I Trust in God, My Savior

 

 8/14/2026

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood

and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest

frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name."

The Solid Rock  

 

Earlier in the day my thoughts seemed so clear as I prepared for my group study last night, as I began to listen to the global prayer call, settling down to the worship music which was a rendition of the old hymn, The Solid Rock. It's a song I sing from time to time when the world starts getting crazier than it already is, as it has a soothing effect on me. I've been under such spiritual attack recently that my back feels riddled with arrows. The morning was so peaceful, before things became otherwise. I suppose I was still reeling from the insults from the previous days. 

Holy Spirit has been teaching me about motives. At first I thought it was all about examining mine, but it became much larger than that, as I listened more intently. I guess it's hard for me to even think that Abba may be speaking of someone in our time together. I always ask God to examine my heart to see if my heart is pure, if I am still holding a grudge. If there's any evil in me, I want it gone. I have no desire to be "seen" or "heard" by any man. I live in obscurity, and I like it that way. Perhaps that is why small prayer groups who applaud each other's anointing do not work for me. I can't explain the things I feel, and I won't try. I have experienced so much attach in recent days, but then that is to be expected in these end times. I thank God, as did Paul, that He said in 2 Corinthians 12:9-11: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong"  

Sadly, I am not as strong as Paul, because I don't always joy in persecution, especially when today is supposed to be a special day for me - my birthday. I'm 76 years old, and although I live with chronic pain, it's okay, because God makes a way. I am rejoicing this morning because a missionary, Kevin Rideout has been released from captivity after being kidnapped from Niger last October. He's in good health, and hopefully, has been restored to his family. How my heart rejoices with his family, with all who love him. Our Savior smiles. Can you see that smile? I can! 

Mary of Bethany was persecuted because she poured very costly perfume, spikenard, on the feet of Jesus, but Jesus blessed her, and He honored her. Many people who have approached the King humbly, in love, bowing at His feet, have been misunderstood. And so it has always been and always will be until His return.

This morning the first verse of scripture that I read was one of my often prayed verses found in Psalm 57:7: "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise." Verse 8 continues with: Awake, my glory! Awake, lute and harp! I will awaken the dawn." Regardless of all that goes on in this world, as I pray for our President, Israel, Iran, as well as all other national, international and personal needs, I can say to my God, "My heart is steadfast, O God!" I am confident that Your hand is not shortened that You cannot save or Your ear too heavy that You cannot hear! (Isaiah 59:1) My trust is in God My Savior, and yes, Abba, I will do what You have told me to do. I will remain focused on You, Lord Jesus, my Captain, and the enemy has no say in my life as I am surrendered to You.

The newer version of the hymn mentioned above has powerful verses and identifies with my feelings for this day, so this is where I end my blog: 

In Christ Alone (My Hope is Found) by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

 

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave, He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
'Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Selah.

Day 225 Feasting with the King

 

8/13/2026

"I am my Beloved's, and He is mine."

Song of Solomon 6:3  

Today marks the beginning of the Hebrew month Elul which leads up to the High Holy Feasts celebrated in the month of Tishri. This is a time of great comfort for the Jewish people, and it is also a time of soul-searching and repentance. It's a wake up call, a period of time the Christian church could well learn from studying Jewish history, the history of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a month of God's mercy on His people, a time of comforting as Isaiah 40 instructs. God offers mercy, compassion, and hope. Each day the shofar sounds through the city, which according to history announces the time that God descends from His throne and sits on the mercy seat. 

It is also said that during this time in history the King, who is unapproachable otherwise by the common people, will go into the field where he walks and fellowships with the people. Anyone can come near to him without fear, without jumping impossible hurdles to secure a brief audience with him. But every year at this time, the King leaves his throne to be with the people. 

"The four Hebrew letters of Elul (Aleph-Lamed-Vav-Lamed) form an acronym for the verse "Ani l'dodi v'dodi li" ("I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine") the Song of Songs, symbolizing the close, loving relationship between God and humanity during the season of return."  

It is a time when the Jewish people pray and await the return of the Messiah, as they earnestly seek Him. It is a time we pray that the veil is lifted, the eyes are opened, and the Jewish people will recognize that Jesus Christ is the Messiah so clearly foretold throughout the Scriptures. Imagine what rejoicing would come when this day finally comes.

Today as I was listening to music in my quiet time, Michael W Smith prayed the following prayer as He sang the song Let It Rain from his album, Worship Forever. Interestingly, this album debuted on September 11, 2001, the day that rocked our nation and forever changed our lives. At this time in our American history it is important that we cry out to our Father, who loves us so dearly, for mercy:

"O God, we are a desperate people. We see nations torn apart, we see families broken, we see the wasteland of lost souls, heavy hearts fainting with fear. This dry ground is breaking under our feet, and these dry bones waiting for the winds to change. But You see Your people, and You hear our cries in this dry and weary land where there is no water. Our strength is in remembering, our power is in returning, so tonight, tonight we return to You. Bring us back to truth as You did in the Reformation. Sweep through every small town and city as You did in the Great Awakening. Shake the nations like You shook the people of Wales. Flood our streets like You flooded Azusa. Let our churches fall on their faces in repentance, for that time of refreshing will come. O, God, Christ Jesus be lifted up in our schools, in our work places, in our churches. O, God, let it rain!"

I join my heart with that of my brother in Christ, Michael W Smith, in humbly seeking the mercy of God, as we repent for our sins of not doing the will of our Father on this earth, for not heeding the call. Let it not be "as in the days of Noah...." May our hearts be open, as we approach our King while He can be found. The King is in the field. Come, Lord Jesus, come.  

Day 224 Pause to Worship

 

8/12/2026

"A Christian is like a teabag -

not worth much until he's been through

some hot water."

Daily Walk

 

Now that's an understatement! A little hot water?? I feel as if I've been soaking all night long, and I'm feeling a bit water logged and tea stained! The good news this morning is that my rash from the poison oak fiasco is beginning to look "human," if that can be an adequate description. I still do not know how I managed to get infected, but thankfully, it has remained isolated to my left wrist and arm. Epsom salt is once more my best support against poison bushes. I have purposed to leave the bushes until autumn or closer to winter when everything has died, and I can remove the entire row of bushes and eliminate the poison vines. At this stage of the game I'm not even certain what daddy planted, but I know it is not the beautiful forsythia bushes he used to have lining the property on two sides. They were the most vibrant yellow, and when they bloomed it felt like heaven. Bright flowers bring me so much joy, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the crepe myrtle trees - purple and bright rose. I still have to contend with the Virginia Creeper, but it is manageable. I love sitting outside in my little tree garden in my red retro chair enjoying the beauty and peace.

I woke up before the alarm and visited with Alex on the front porch. He really is a spoiled cat to be half feral. The kitten came face to face with him this morning, but he did not linger inside. I caught her watching him out the window, as if she remembered him. My theory is that Alex is the one who brought Fae to us, as he has other friends visiting us from time to time. He prefers the great outdoors and the freshness of the morning, but once it gets cold, he'll probably want to be back in my room sprawled lazily across the bed. I sat down to visit with him awhile this morning on the top step beside a fat slug and a smaller one attempting to make their exit. At night slugs love to check out the cat's bowls. It seems to be a favorite spot for other critters as well. I've not seen our resident opossum lately, but I hope he's safe. The neighbor came by early this morning, walking his little dog, and they lingered a few minutes in front of my house. We spoke briefly, but it's hard to get into a conversation when I'm still in my pajamas and robe. Plus my hair looked a fright, but that's normal. He's retired military, and he enjoys watching movies in his garage on Friday nights. My friend and I have been invited up, but we have yet to go. It would be nice to get to know him, as he seems very friendly. I 'd love to hear about his tours of duty and share with him about my work as a civilian employee at Fort Lee in Race Relations. I'd love to know about the growth of the base and the change in the name. I have many years to catch up on. 

Later a lady was walking her little dog, and we exchanged "hellos." I was cutting grass which seems to be the time people honk their greetings or wave. Everyone seems friendly, and it reminds me of when I was growing up around here. It's an old neighborhood and is relatively quiet. I was able to get the grass cut, and tree branches and debris from the storm picked up off the yard, but there's weeding left to do. Weed eating is my son's chore, so I left him plenty to do. The rain beat up my wild flowers, so I need to finish cleaning up my flower bed, but that can wait for another day.

I'm ending the day with music by Terry MacAlmon - my usual Wednesday night Hour with Jesus. He went overtime tonight, but I am so glad, because it is so wonderful to sit and listen to praise and worship songs, many of which are from the early days of Integrity Music. His followers don't seem to mind what he sings, as we love it all. He closes with a short devotional, a refreshing way to end the day.

"Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually."

Hebrews 13:15 

Day 223 Risky Love

 

8/11/2026

 "Risky love seizes the moment."

And the Angels Were Silent

Max Lucado 

 

I was awakened by a thump landing on my bed this morning. Little Fae, our mischievous orphaned kitty, decided that it was time to play, and she wanted Gram to get up. It was still rather early, so rather than insisting on her way, she quietly laid down beside me, and put her little head on my shoulder. This didn't last very long, as she decided she needed a better place to lie down, so she crawled up on my chest and settled down for a few more minutes. I was the one to break the silence, however, as she was calm and peaceful still. But the moment my feet hit the floor, she was off and running! My son had gotten her out of the room, but he had neglected to feed her. She didn't seem overly hungry, as she enjoys eating dead bugs and chasing the living ones. Once she was fed, I grabbed my coffee and settled back in my bedroom for quiet time. By this time, Fae had located her ball, and she was busy entertaining herself. And so the morning began.

I received a call during my global prayer call that I felt that I needed to take, and I was correct. The exchange did, however, offer me some hope regarding a matter long held in abeyance may actually have been put to rest. I made the follow up calls, received promising news, but my attempts to gain "in my hand proof" have not yet been obtained. Until this matter is handled, I still have actions to pursue. These are stressful matters, and after dealing with this issue since 2016 it has become very wearying and has a way of tuckering me out for the day. I had to walk around with my phone in my hands, waiting for a return call that never came. Typical, sadly, of this company. Nonetheless, I am giving another day of grace before I proceed on to my next course of action. I don't understand why things have to be this way when the respectful and professional way of handling things should be the customary response. I live in a different world. 

To press that truth of this not being my world a bit further, I received yet another phone call, more drama, more accusations intended to blame me for things that are so absurd - again! After a relatively long monologue, I decided that I'd listened enough, and I decided to end the toxic conversation. Max Lucado's comment about "risky love" was in connection with Mordecai the Jew consulting Queen Esther when wicked Haman had the king sign an edit regarding the annihilation of the Jews. The king had no idea that Queen Esther was a Jew, but Mordecai was asking her to approach the king without invitation, a crime punishable by death unless he held out his scepter. Mordecai told her that if her fear kept her from informing the king of the matter, she would not survive death. The memorable words often quoted about these end times is what Mordecai said to the Queen in Esther 4:14:  "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Mordecai's entreaty worked, and Queen Esther replied:  "Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish'" (Esther 4:15-16). Sometimes the response is risky love, an exercise perhaps I must pursue in dealing with legal and personal matters. 

Oswald Chambers wisely counsels: "We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties."           2 Chronicles 20:12 "Our eyes are upon Thee."

It's very late now, and I need to find my pillow. It's been a day of disappointments, yet a day of laughter and relaxation at times from my comic relief, Fae our kitten. Yesterday once we got the refrigerator set up and the food back in place, put the kitchen back together, and grabbed a quick bite, my son headed off to bed, and I finished a few things I had to do. I guess the stress of it all got to both of us, and since I'm much older, I was really wiped out for most of the day just from that activity. Last evening we had quite a thunderstorm that touched down and flooded some areas of my rooms before I was able to get the windows down. Fortunately the sump pump was working, and the basement did not flood. Although today was sunny and remained so all day, I was unable to get the lawn mowed, and I was so tired that I didn't get very much accomplished except for the follow up phone calls that accomplished little actually. May tomorrow prove to be a more promising and fruitful day. 

Day 222 Remember - Focus on Me!

 

8/10/2026

“Holy Spirit, help me discern what is mine to carry and what is not.” 

 

Someone recently shared that when describing me to others she would talk about my joy even in the midst of the worst of circumstances. I have often been told that I am always smiling, and I remember more than one person calling me by nicknames "Smiley," and "Sunshine," to describe my character, my childlike ability to laugh and find something pleasant, even when the atmosphere was less than! I've always taken my worries, that I prefer to call concerns, to Jesus, because He knows everything about how it feels to live among men as a human. It's hard for some people to realize that whereas He is God, He is man, so who better to talk to in these times. But I admit that the days are getting pretty heavy, and the enemy is trying as hard as he can to discourage me. 

I never dreamed that my own family would be the ones to hurt me the most, but I am learning so much from the Lord about letting the hurts go. Abba has been teaching me about human nature, which includes selfishness and manipulation. I fully realize that I've made mistakes in my life, but I am being accused of things that don't make sense. Again, I realize where it all comes from, or who is the deceiver behind it all. I know also that God allows us to endure hardships in order to teach us or perfect us. In short, there are lessons to be learned. In 2 Timothy 2:1-4 Paul encourages Timothy: "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." 

As an intercessor I have long been enlisted as a soldier in the Lord's service, and the strongest message He has ever given me in a dream was to "Keep your eyes on the Commander of the Armies of Heaven" and "Cut off the head of the snake!" At one point today, while I was speaking with the Lord, I said that I really needed to look for a job, because there are expenses and things that need to be done. Plus I felt as if I was being pushed into making a decision that I know in my heart did not come from the Lord. So, as I began to voice the words, "Lord, I really need to find a ...." I heard Him clearly say to me, "What did I tell you to do?" And I replied to Him, "Keep my eyes on You and cut off the head of the snake." So, once more I put that thought out of my mind. God does not need my help with anything. He just wants me to be faithful. So, I will just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and keep turning the other cheek. After all, Jesus never gave an explanation. He did tell many, however, that He only did what His Father told Him to do. In the book of John, Jesus said several times that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19, 30; 8:28; 12:49, and 14:31).

It seems as if there are so many things happening, and the enemy's arrows are flying. I wrote about this in a previous blog...many times. We need to be aware of these times. Paul, speaking with Timothy again, says in 2 Timothy 3:1-7: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" That's quite a list, and I can honestly say that I am seeing this list being played out in people's lives shockingly! I only read legitimate news from truthful, reliable journalists and ministries, and many things I do not need to be told, because God has given me a Spirit of discernment and understanding of things beforehand, so very little surprises me, with the exception of the sources of many things. 

Right now, as I pen these words, helicopters are flying back and forth over this area, and it makes me wonder if the Army is practicing maneuvers. I was married to ex-military, worked at the base, and my family members have served, so I have some inclinations. Whatever all the noise is for, I pray for our military and their families, and for our leaders here on American soil and in the Middle East particularly. That goes without saying, as I pray for Israel and the people of Persia...Iran. But I will not fear, nor will I do anything other than pray and encourage and, mostly, trust God who has all things in His hands. He has given us competent leadership for this time in history, whether those opposed to those in office may feel. All that matters is that God has set up this group of men and women, and He will see it to completion according to His will. Our job as believers is to pray, trust, and be aware of the enemy's evil agenda.

As for me, I will do what he told me to do! 

Day 221 Simplicity of Faith

 

8/9/2026

 "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." 

 

Over the years I have watched and listened as there has become a growing propensity for certain people to know more, not for the sake of increasing one's knowledge naturally, but in an effort to become more widely known and acclaimed as something greater than one should aspire to be. In essence the quest for identify that is associated not with character but more with wealth and public esteem. To be "Someone."

I have become increasingly aware of such things in Christian circles and more recently conversations pointing such things out. Whereas it is valuable to be warned, when does it become obsessive to the point of accusing one's brethren? That is the job of the devil, but it seems as if the church is helping him out in finding fault with each other. This is disconcerting and extremely sad. 

Reading has always been a pastime I have loved all my life, since early in childhood. In elementary school days I constantly had my nose in a book. I'd take a stack of books home on the weekends, aided in my selection by Mildred Green, the wonderful librarian at Midway Elementary and High School and a close family friend, whose love of literature inspired me to become well read and knowledgeable. But it was never in a quest for superiority, rather an innocent desire to learn more about people, history, and faith. I was raised at a time when a librarian had read every book that lined the shelves of the library, protective of our young minds. Now I don't know if there is a real book that can be checked out, held in your hands, read and returned in a timely manner for others to enjoy. Now there are tablets and apps, so one has only to plug a device in their ear and listen while they're doing something else.

More and more I am so grateful for my simple life and for God's gentle hand on me, as He guided me from one experience to another. And if I was ever caught up in someone's hyperactive quest for a bigger and better experience, aka a deeper spiritual understanding, the Lord opened my eyes to discern the truth, so I could glean wisdom yet not become lost into thinking I somehow knew more than someone else. We never arrive or obtain intellectual superiority. The Bible clearly says in 1 Corinthians 13:12 that, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

My desire is to spend as much time as I can in the presence of my Abba Father, listening and becoming more like Jesus Christ. In writing the story my only desire is to express the lessons learned in life sitting at His feet, reading His Word, in fellowship with like-minded believers and followers of Christ, surrendered to His will. While it would be nice to earn a living writing, I have no desire to be known. I only want others to know Jesus, and be encouraged by my life and my testimony. I have an insatiable hunger and thirst for Jesus and learning from His example. This is all I have to share. My crazy life available to others, being His hands and feet on this earth. Until Jesus comes...again!