Day 246 Come!

 

9/3/2026

"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, 

nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Galatians 3:28 

 

I love the words of Paul found in the book of Galatians quoted above, spoken to the Christians at Galatia who were being duped into believing they needed to return to the Law. Paul is speaking of the Changeless Promise of our Father in Jesus Christ as joint heirs to the promise of Abraham because of our faith in Jesus as Messiah. Much more God speaks of equality in Jesus Christ. 

In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Paul was sharing words of counsel to the new believers who were struggling to understand new life in Christ. The culture of this city in Greece was "a bustling hub of worldwide commerce, degraded culture, and idolatrous religion," according to the Bible commentary. Paul is sharing Christ as the Power and Wisdom of God to a church struggling with a history of "factions, lawsuits, immorality, questionable practices, abuse of the Lord's Supper, and spiritual gifts." That's a lot to contend with as new believers in Christ who are probably wondering "why us?" 

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and he weakness of God is stronger than men." 

When God chose Abraham as the father of the nations and the Jews as His chosen people, He said He didn't do it, because they were any better than anyone else. He chose them and gave them the land only to fulfill the word which the LORD swore to their fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Deuteronomy 9:4-6). God made a covenant with Abraham, and God always keeps His word. And He keeps His word to us, the Gentiles as well when we come to belief in Christ. We are not special, we are forgiven, and we would do well to remember that we are saved by grace alone, and we cannot work our way to heaven. It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ.

I've been reading the story of Katharine Barnwell (9 August 1938 - 29 September 2025) a British missionary and Bible translator who worked in Nigeria developing a Bible in their Biblical tongue that was common to all. She is one of many unsung heroes of the faith who selflessly gave her life to bring the Gospel and the written word to an African tribe resulting in the spread of the translation in unique ways that reached the continent and influenced others to follow her example and techniques. She worked through the Summer Institute of Linguistics and later with Wycliffe Bible translators.

Although she is not widely known in church or missionary circles, other than the translation world, her contributions to the spread of the gospel were groundbreaking, and in spite of the acclaim she received within her circles, she remained extremely humble, never wanting to be "seen" or "lauded" by others. The glory always belonged to the Lord. What is interesting to me is that because of her unique methods in putting the translation of the gospel in the hands of those who were most capable - the Nigerian tribes themselves, there was division and quite a bit of controversy which was based on jealousy by those who felt themselves more academically equipped to do the job, because they had acquired a PhD in linguistics and other western academics. Katy also was sent off to gain her PhD before being permitted to do the work she innately was trained by God to do, as it was so obvious to all. But men often judge by degrees and accomplishments rather than experience, culture, and God's choice of the best man for the job. I'm used to seeing jealously and pride get in the way of success, but I never thought the mission field would be affected. I imagine at the time it was a most shameful thing for the Nigerian people and even the western staff to witness. At least the work Katy was equipped to do was not hindered, nor was the work the tribe translators were chosen to accomplish, and eventually things worked out.

Katy's life included many wonderful accomplishments, and God used her mightily to accomplish His work in Nigeria and elsewhere. Her methods are still widely used as the best methods for Bible translation. I mention her life as an illustration of how God can use and equip someone totally disregarded by a family member (her father and sister) or in areas where circumstances seem impossible. Katy faced many dangers in Nigeria and other places, but God protected her and taught her to remain calm, trusting, and obedient. Her story is amazing. God can take those people who seem the least likely to accomplish many wonderful things and use them mightily for His purpose and service to turn the world upside down. All He needs is a willing heart.

And God can take seemingly ignorant tribesmen and use them as translators when they lack any formal education, to translate Bibles to be used in the different dialects of their countries and the continent. Great is the faithfulness of our God!  

In the Kingdom of God the opportunities of service are endless, and He invites all to "Come!" He'll provide the training and know how!

Day 245 The World Stage

 

9/2/2026

"All the world's a stage, and

all the men and women merely players;..."

"As You Like It" by

Shakespeare  

 

Actually I was hoping to use a quotation about a circus, comparing it to our world, but then Shakespeare popped into my memory, as at one time I aficionado about his works. I used to love Greek Mythology, too, but except for references used by people making analogies or inferences, my knowledge of the subjects lies dormant in that filing cabinet in my mind labeled "Garbage." I can say that - after all Paul once said he counted all things as "dung" in Philippians 3:8-9:  "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."

I've been having a difficult time completing my blogs the last few days, putting them into translatable thoughts, often written in gibberish, therefore illegible. I've been so tired, not so much physically, although there is that also. But I'm emotionally tired, drained to the nth degree at the ridiculous stuff that arrives in my inbox about the things going on in our nation - and world. If the news were not so tragic, the comments would be laughable. The fact that people are surprised about it is even more reason to roll my eyes and say to myself "Ya think!"

I hear others say, and I even have said it, "When did things get to this point?" or "How could that happen in a Christian nation?!" or "Why isn't anyone speaking out about this, after all people need to know. Doesn't the scripture say to warn others?" All valid questions and points, but the answer remains the same - "It happened while we were napping at the wheel!" 

I've been using Pinterest for my illustrations, plus I used to spend my then free time designing boards of interest, which I still do on occasion, and I find interesting things to post on my Facebook page or a lighthearted images in an effort to detract from the seriousness of my normal posts. Recently I've noticed more nostalgic images about the days when I was growing up, mostly in black and white, as color prints were not available at that age in time. We had advanced from drawing on cave walls to paper by then! But there's one I find quite interesting:

 

When I post one of these memories, I generally receive thumbs up, hearts, or smiles, and perhaps a response about our glory days of good health and laughter. Now, I was different in that regard, but I didn't realize it at he time, because unbeknown to doctors back in the day, immune deficiency disorders were not something doctors understood. My folks knew I was sick, especially from frequent migraine headaches and other maladies uncommon to young children, and the teachers knew, because I went to school anyway. Like anyone else, if I had to stay home, there was a good reason:

 

Now I can relate better to castor oil or paregoric, than resorting to daddy's medicine, as noted above. But the point is that we didn't rush to the doctor without a good excuse, and parents weren't as frightened about sickness as they are today, so their fear was not transferred onto the children. I don't think that's a bad thing. As it turned out, I had some serious things going on in my body, not seen in one so young, but I never allowed it to make me feel different, so I lived my life. Case in point would be when Covid hit, and everyone wass locked inside, forbidden to do this or that. I had to work with my patients, who already had health issues, so naturally I took precautions, but then I was careful every day. Because they were afraid, I made certain that I assured them of their safety and conducted myself responsibly and professionally. While everyone was panicking, believing anything the media was putting out, taking this shot and swallowing that medication and sanitizing the cat, I did not receive shots or inoculations. Neither I nor my clients ever got sick, and I praise and thank God alone for that blessing! But fear I would not embrace nor allow anyone under my care to consider. Fear is the opposite of faith. Now the truth about those days is filtering out, so I no longer have to make my scientific points as a research biologist. And the truth is ugly.

I'm not saying that someone should not go to the doctor - that would be ridiculous, as God has given many gifted physicians the ability to help us in our times of need. Luke who wrote the Gospel of Luke was a physician, so doctors have their place. What I am saying is that responding in fear can be dangerous, causes stress and needless anxiety, raising blood pressure and other risks causing worse things to happen. And now the reports of needless deaths, of which I know a few, are being exposed. Many healthy young people got cancer which may have been a result of too many preventative, repetitive inoculations. Just saying!

But worst things than viruses and bacterial infections have been plaguing our nation, and the results are being witnessed in the lawlessness, perversion, changes to our laws, and the ultimate plans to do away with America as it was founded to be - free and One Nation Under God. The price paid to achieve this freedom was high - the loss of human lives - and the cost of attempting to defend it over the years from communist aggression, drugs and violence has been steep. In considering the information I received about the DSA's plans to completely uproot our legislative and judicial systems and open borders again to drugs, trafficking, and crime as well as getting rid of law enforcement, prisons, and other safety organizations, the future of our country appears very dark unless we wake up and take notice and do something. Socialism and communism is not what America is all about, and neither are other terrible practices already taking over in certain areas. It's time to wake up! It's a matter of choice - just as it has been since God created the earth.

Where will we stand? What life will we choose? 

Day 244 Something More - Tikvah

 

9/1/2026

"And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears

say 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, 

let him take the water of life freely."

Revelation 22:17

 

I find it so exciting when someone finds new life in Christ, especially when a Jewish man or woman encounters our Messiah and receives God's great gift of salvation and redemption by the blood of His Beloved Son. Many people claim to know Him, but they have never tarried long enough to truly encounter His Presence. When we surrender our hearts and lives to Him in repentance and wed Him as our Savior and Lord, He sends Holy Spirit to dwell inside of us, to lead us and remind us of His instruction. God's Chosen people did not see the truth of who He is, and so we, who have graciously been grafted into the vine as co-heirs to the promise given to Abraham, have a responsibility as outlined in Romans, Chapters 9-11, to provoke the Jewish people to jealousy in our love and relationship with God. In this way we minister to them, and their curiosity when they witness our fellowship with God opens their eyes and hearts to Jesus.

In our Worship Watch this morning at Kehilat HaCarmel a story of a young Jewish man's conversion was shared. I believe he is a soldier in the IDF serving his nation, an orthodox Jew, who was also a student of Kabbalah, a mystical, esoteric school of thought that disciplines the mind to focus on hidden wisdom and knowledge as a means of "fixing" or "correcting" oneself. In many ways it is the opposite of what a relationship with God our Creator teaches, but at one time even Hollywood was delving into the practice. It's interesting that men seek "knowledge" of the supernatural, and the Bible is full of God's divine inspiration and gifts. Only God can "fix" or transform a human life, save a life.

The young man was not satisfied with his study of this mystical approach to enlightenment and fulfillment (my interpretation), as his soul hungered for more. In fact his words were that he knew there was "SOMETHING MORE." So in his quest for more, he found Jesus, our Messiah, our Living Hope (Tikvah), on the pages of the Bible, God's Word to us about the Living Word, the Bread of Life, the Living Water - Jesus Christ! Imagine the joy that fills his heart as he walks with His Master today!

So child-like, so simple, so real. An escape from the horrors of man's harsh world of evil, hatred, dissatisfaction, and the lust for more. When we truly encounter the Living God, dwell in His Presence, sitting at His feet, we see nothing except Him - knowing Him and Him crucified - for me, for you, for all, for anyone who hungers and thirsts. For the weary and lost, for the hurt and lonely, for all! Why can't we see Him for Who He Is?!   

"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 

Luke 15:10 

Day 243 Seeing as a Child

 

8/31/2026

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children,

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."  

 

I've been listening to a lot of criticism lately especially from family, added to the criticism I received for putting Jesus first in my life and for believing everything He says. I'm told that I am gullible and "care, actually care waaay too much for people...most are not worth a ....!" Also, I'm told that I try to find the best in people when "nobody is good." 

I've been trying to put playful, fun images on my Facebook page, because I tend to be very intense, as I attempt to educate others about Biblical prophecy and how it is being played out in real time today. I don't really hear much from my friends, because I stand up and tell the truth, and that's not popular. I'm not accusing anyone, I'm just stating the Words from Scripture, and I am lamenting the state of our nation and world. I'm just an average person, and I don't have anything anybody wants, so I have nothing to lose, and if I did, I would speak the truth anyway, but I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I may not like what a person does or says, but because I am a child of God I love everybody, even if they do abominable things, because God is love, and regardless of our actions, He doesn't give up on us or abandon us. Everyone sins and falls short of the glory of God. I just admit my failures more openly, but I also state my desire to service God wholeheartedly and unreservedly. I'd pray for the devil if I thought he could be saved. God doesn't want anyone to go to hell. I don't either. I cannot imagine total separation from God. I've been hurt by others and some bad things done to me, but I harbor no ill feelings, and I don't hate anyone. I pray for the salvation of those I know and those I don't. How can we say we love Jesus if we hate our neighbors?! But there are those who would argue that point also. Things are certainly in a big mess.  

As I was reading my prayer points for today, I found myself crying out to God about the drastic changes in the Democratic Party today from the party that existed when my parents were still alive. The path it is headed today is unconscionable, and the fact that leaders in our nation and in our churches are going along with sheer evil, is disconcerting, inconceivable, and a deplorable twist from integrity to immorality and worse. It indeed is calling good evil and evil good. I received a prayer update about the Democratic Socialists of America co-founded by Megan Romer, but it's origins go back further when it was organized by Michael Harrington. Reading the agenda on which this organization stands is heartbreaking and stands against all that is moral and good. It is anti-American, and that is the goal. All Americans, especially those who say they are Christians, should be knowledgeable about the stand candidates take on certain issues, and vote according to Biblical values rather than personal opinions or the stands friends or colleagues are taking. Most people really do not have a clue about the truth, as they just follow the leader, and people deceive. Satan is he father of lies. We are in a spiritual battle, and we are admonished to study to show ourselves approved, educated, and aware about all matters, especially when it comes to Biblical values. If we are Americans and truly want to see our nation survive, we must wake up and stand up and speak up!

We need to thank God for the present administration we now have, even when things are not "perfect" in our eyes. What is? But a man who stands up to proclaim our nation One Nation Under God, and who is working to protect our privileges and rights according to the Constitution, we should bow our knees and thank Almighty God for His divine intervention on behalf of our country.

I'm glad I'm me, and I gladly will take the heat and be called whatever, because I stand for what God says, and I am trying to live my life in accordance to His instructions. It's not hard, and yes, Jesus said we cannot enter the Kingdom of God unless we become as little children. As Christians we shouldn't be telling others not to be concerned, because God is in control. Well, yes He is, but if we look at the Scriptures, God says He fights for us, but He expects us to repent, turn from our wicked ways, suit up in our whole armor, get on our horses, and go to the battle front and witness how He takes the enemy down. 2 Chronicles 20 is and example of how God fights on our behalf. 

I love this quotation by Max Lucado from his book And the Angels Were Silent: 

"Quit looking at life like an adult and see it through the eyes of a child. Essential counsel for us sober-minded, serious-faced, sour-pussed adults. Necessary advice for us Charles Atlas wannabes who shoulder the world. Good words for those of us who seldom say, 'I can't wait until I wake up,' and more often state, 'I can't wait to go to bed.'"

I'm anxious for the return of Jesus, and I hope God in His mercy sends Him back soon, but I am not going to sit on a church pew waiting for the Rapture. I will be aware of what I need to do, so I can pray appropriately, but I will not be distracted by all the evil that is happening and bogging my mind with gloom and doom. I serve a Risen Savior who is very much alive and active in our lives today! Why should I fear what man can do to me? I'm going to get up in the morning and occupy until He returns, no matter how hard it gets. And I'll still be praying for everyone, even every deceived person who is aligning themselves with evil, as my heart breaks, and the tears flow, because I do care, and I want to see all saved, living for Jesus. Step by step He leads me, and we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb, the word of our testimony, and we love not our lives to the death.

Day 242 How to Acquire Wealth

 

8/30/2026

"For who makes you differ from another? And what do you

have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed  receive it, 

why do you boast as if you had not received it?" 

 

1 Corinthians 4:7

 

 

As you know, I attend Sunday afternoon services online with my California family at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills shepherded by Jack Hibbs. We are studying the book of Proverbs, snailing through, verse by verse, greedily devouring each syllable, savoring the flavor of God's Word for us today. He pulls no punches, teaches only the Word, and admits when he doesn't know something. How refreshing in an age when people always want the last say, and if they don't know an answer, they google the question for an answer in an effort to appear intellectual and scholarly. This is the height of hubris, which is another word for pride. What is the great sin in admitting we do not have the answers?! But we do know who has the answer to all things - Jesus! This is why I cling to one of the words given by Paul to the congregation in Corinth: "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified."   

(1 Corinthians 2:2).

 

Today we picked up the study in Proverbs 3:7-10:

 

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions. And with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." 

 

Pastor Jack entitled this message How to Get Rich Quick. I'm wondering how many people surfing the internet for information on prosperity, financial assistance, wealth, or any topic concerning money, or the accumulation thereof, were directed to this website?! Imagine sitting through the entire message just to hear the words "when you die you're taking nothing with you" or "nothing you have belongs to you." Of course, Pastor Jack is a bit more animated in his teaching, so they may become more enthusiastic until he gets to the heart of the matter which I quoted from 1 Corinthians 4:7 above. Everything, absolutely everything we have or think we own has been given to us by God - even your health, your intellect, your ability to go to college or get the job you ached for, and to achieve success. Some may ask, "Well, if that is so, then why hasn't God given me the things that I want or need?" To that I can only say that God is in control, and He knows what He is doing. Besides which, we in America are so incredibly blessed. Even when some go without eating it is not to the degree or the level of starvation that so many endure in other countries. I do know this though...no matter how limited our finances may be, if we reach out in love to others who are less fortunate than we, God will multiply blessings to us when we give from a heart of love and compassion and not from a desire to gain more for ourselves. We do not gain brownie points for heaven. God sees our hearts and searches the intentions and motives. 

 

In his discussion, Elon Musk's lifestyle, a trillionaire, was mentioned. I have listened to Elon's testimony about his life myself. He states that he lives a humble or minimalist lifestyle, because possessions "just weigh you down." He doesn't own cars, homes, yachts, or even a home, and he doesn't carry cash. He doesn't take a salary, and he doesn't take any of the money from sales or invenions. I don't know what he does with his money, and it's not my business. He's an immigrant who is an American citizen investing his life and talents to benefit others. He no longer considers himself an atheist, acknowledges God as the Creator, and agrees with the teachings of Jesus. To me that is the definition of wealth. He cares more about others than he does himself. Whether or not he has received the Greatest Gift or not - the Gift of Salvation - I don't know, but I feel that even if he has not, in his simplistic reasoning and understanding, he will find his way. Especially if we do our job as intercessors and pray for him. 

 

From the reading today the message I want to share is found in verses 7 & 8 of Proverbs 3 as well as verses 5 & 6 from last week:

 

"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. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." 

 

I underscored the words "fear the LORD," to emphasize the importance of these words which do not mean cowering in timidity and apprehension, although many would do well if they did. Rather, to fear God means to reverence Him as a Holy God and to give Him the honor and praise, and especially thanks, due Him. If we heeded His counsel, walked in His ways, it would indeed be an abundant lifestyle, as Elon Musk understands in a different way. God sees our hearts. He knows our needs and hears our desires. Simply trust Him - that's all He asks. Accept Him, love Him. "Find the love of Jesus, and love Him back."

 

Day 241 Keep Dancing!

8/29/2026

"Every miracle begins with

a problem."

 

Whenever I become overwhelmed or heavily burdened, I try to make it a habit to turn on the praise music, especially something that makes me feel childlike and free, a song that makes me throw up my hands in adoration, turn in a circle and dance! Instantly I feel much better, and I can laugh and sing and dance, dance, dance! I especially love Hebrew music with almost a gypsy feel to the lifts and turns. 

The Psalmist in Psalm 149:1-4 instructs us in how we are to honor our Lord: "Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, and His praise in the assembly of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation."

King David was enthusiastic in his worship and praise to God as demonstrated in the psalms he wrote while tending his father's sheep and while he served in the court of Saul when Saul was King of Israel. But his spontaneous exuberance and love for the Lord is so clearly expressed in his actions when the Ark of the Covenant was being moved back to Jerusalem from the home of Obed-edom where it remained for three months. 2 Samuel 6:14-15 describes the scene: "Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet." It was a time of great celebration as offerings were made to the LORD, and the people were blessed. When the feasting and celebration had ended, David further blessed the people: "Then he distributed among all the people, among the whole multitude of Israel, both the women and the men, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed, and everyone to his house" (2 Samuel 6:19).

If you read the scripture that lies between the incident with the Philistines up to the successful return of the Ark of the Covenant in 2 Samuel, it will be obvious that the twenty years or more between were not easy times, and the years following were not so either. Such has been the experience for the nation of Israel throughout history up to today, as it is for all true believers in Jesus Christ who stand in unity with God's chosen people. But true to the quotation noted above, miracles do happen, as they have so obviously occurred throughout the Scriptures. I know personally I have experienced supernatural moves of God in my life, so I know for a surety that miracles do happen every day! 

We do well to heed the counsel and example of those who have gone before us in acknowledging the sovereignty of our God and obedience to worshiping Him in Spirit and in Truth. Our greatest weapon in this spiritual battle in which we find ourselves today is worship! It's important to be properly prepared so that we do not become discouraged or disgruntled. We must be courageous and follow the Word of the Lord. Psalm 149 continues with verses 5-9:

"Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, to execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; to bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to execute on them the written judgment - this honor have all His saints. Praise the LORD!" 

Selah. 

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!