Day 194 Triple Attack

 

7/13/2026

"O God, defend me from the charges of these merciless,

deceitful men. For you are God, my only place of refuge. Why

have you tossed me aside? Why must I mourn at the 

oppression of my enemies? Oh, send out your light and your

truth - let them lead me. Let them lead me to Your Temple on Your

holy mountain, Zion. There I will go to the altar of God my exceeding joy,

and praise Him with my harp. O God - my God! O my soul, why

be so gloomy and discouraged? Trust in God. I shall again praise Him

for His wondrous help; He will make me smile again, for He is my God!"

Psalm 43 NLT  

 

It's all out war here on the home front, and although my faith is strong, and my heart is full of the joy of the Lord, my knees are a little feeble at the moment. I called a friend for prayer this morning. I'm glad I had one to call. Someone who's been there, and she doesn't become overwhelmed if I am a bit rattled - momentarily. She promised to pray for me during the day, and I know she will. She said I could call her anytime, and I know she meant it. Do you know how few people say it and actually mean it?

My son is tip-toeing around today, trying to be supportive, but he doesn't know how. I must admit that I'd walk carefully around me if I was him. It has been encouraging having him with me, but I don't feel that I have encouraged him as much as he needs. A mother always wants the best for her children, and a she-bear does not like it when someone speaks harshly and wrongly against her bear cubs. My quiet, kind side has been challenged in recent months. Although I am very forgiving, as it's easy to forgive when one has been forgiven so much, I still have my moments when the hurt is so deep. Seeing my Savior's face, as He hang dying for my sins is something I can never forget. And I've seen much in my life. I don't always understand why God allows me to see things that I cannot hope to make another person understand. It's like that now. When I try to speak I get tongue-tied. I see the blank stares or hear the silence, and the conversation quickly changes. But, forgiveness, is easier than remembering, and I want to forget.

I'm in a troubling place today...actually it started on Friday or Saturday when the mail came in. One letter can change a world. Then one domino falls, and another, and soon there's an avalanche of bizarre things happening. All on a weekend that is dedicated to God. I wish I could say that I recognized the attack for what it was - a spiritual battle, but no, I am having a few hard days. 

My Israeli friend, Chaim shared the above psalm when he reported on the war front today, and it seemed to fit my situation. If the soldiers who have spent 1011 consecutive days on active duty can continue to hold the line, then I can most definitely stand on the wall as a watchman. I can also stand with our American military personnel still there defending our freedom. 

As I write these words, I am listening to live worship from Israel, and it is most comforting hearing the words "Hallelujah, shalom. Shalom, eternal Lord. We are not alone." Earlier I was listening to worship music from Bethel Music, and some of the words were so relevant to my feelings. I've also been listening to a documentary about Rich Mullins' life, and that brings my heart home. He was someone who understood without being told. He just saw into the heart or the spirit - things only God knows. But I understand that well, as I am the same. People we hang around, who are our friends, listen, show interest, and they try hard to follow and understand, but there is no way to explain what is seen, heard, or understood. It's weird to most people. And I admit the experience is surreal. It can become very lonely, and it makes friendships very rare. I don't even know if I am making sense now. Probably not.

The day is dwindling to a close, and it feels as if I have accomplished very little, unless being calm, sitting and listening can be considered as doing something. I admit that I am extremely tired, and I'd love to drift into a quiet sleep and find rest for my soul. 

Perhaps tomorrow will bring relief.  

Day 192 Desperate Enough Yet?!

 

7/11/2026 

"Study to show yourselves approved unto God, 

a workman that needs not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth."

2 Timothy 2:15

 

Does anyone really understand what Paul is saying in the verse above? It doesn't seem like it should be a foreign concept, but it appears that many do not take the advice to heart. This seems right up there with putting on the whole armor, that is not real actual armor like soldiers use, so maybe that's why it's left on the shelf each day along with the oil of prayer. That's an even more distant thought. I think I'm the one who coined that phrase "be well-oiled with prayer," as I've never seen it in text, nor have I heard anyone say it, and yet, there it is in Ephesians 6:18. I'm beginning to sound like Baby Trump who tries to let the audience know that he's always right. Not so, as I am learning each day, and that is a good thing, actually. If someone thinks he already knows it all, he will be sorely and sadly enlightened when we see Jesus face to face. Personally, I intend on learning daily, sitting at His feet. I want to go on long walks with Him, hikes would be better, but that means climbing up hills and passing through brush and swinging branches, occasional brush fires, and predators at every turn. But I do that now! Still, following Him is the best path to take, the narrow way, the less chosen way. Once we're with Him in eternity, we won't have to worry about any evil coming near us. I can only imagine how wonderful that will be!

So why was Paul exhorting young Timothy to know and continue to study the Word? He realized that all men are tempted, but those who strive to serve God will be sought out by the enemy to defeat, isolate, and destroy their testimony. Paul reminds Timothy of the sound training of his mother and grandmother, as he has witnessed first hand the betrayal of those who pretend to be a friend while scheming and making evil plans to the contrary. He knows that many teachers of false doctrine will come. When Paul wrote these words he was in a Roman prison cell, but he wanted to encourage Timothy to stand fast, reminding him of the sound teaching he had received from childhood, reminding him that:

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."  (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

He charged Timothy to preach the Word, being ready in season and out, always ready to give the reason of hope within him. This is as we all should be, passionate about sharing the whole counsel of the Word, because there will come a time when scoffers would come, those who would teach to words that tickled the ears of their hearers. Compromising the Word of the Lord, and yet this is not new. It has been so such the beginning. I heard a testimony from an evangelist who was experiencing his 50th anniversary as an evangelist, a soul winner, following the mandate of Christ Jesus as He ascended to heaven. Back in the early days of his ministry, he was a pastor, but he was not able to remain so, because he was asked to compromise the gospel. Thank the Lord that he stood on his own, and God has blessed so many through this ministry.

Many are praying for revival, a mighty spiritual awakening in our era, as things in this world are increasingly worsening, and they will continue to do so, unless the believers in Christ, the church, get busy and do the work we were given to do: 

"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority as been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'" Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20) 

Revival begins with repentance, and it requires a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Much self-examination precedes a mighty move of God. It requires surrender, absolute, total surrender to the will of God. The cost is heavy, so have to be serious. The question is are we desperate for change? for revival? Or are we waiting out the Rapture. This is not the time for passivity. This is a time for action. But first, we must ask for it, with open hearts, worshiping God. Worship is your highest praise and your best weapon! Suit up!

Are you desperate? 

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