Day 116 What Do You Love?

 

4/26/2026

"For the eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth,

looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward Him, so He can

show His great power in helping them."  

2 Chronicles 16:9

 

It's interesting to me that each time I read through the Bible certain passages that I've read before many times seem to jump off the pages and fresh revelation comes. Reading the Bible is never dull, as there is always something new and life changing. Not too long ago I was reading about Solomon's dedication of the temple, and how the people gathered and worshiped for seven days after which time they returned home happy and well-fed. Plus Solomon sent them home with fig cakes and wine and other delicacies. Today I was reading about the life of King Jehoshaphat, son of Asa, who was a good king just as his son turned out to be. In fact, 2 Chronicles 15:17 says that "But here in Judah and Benjamin the heart of King Asa was perfect before God throughout his lifetime." That's a pretty good legacy to pass on to a son. 

In considering Jehoshaphat's life we read in 2 Chronicles 17:3-4, 6: "The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed in the good footsteps of his father's early years, and did not worship idols. He obeyed the commandments of his father's God.... He boldly followed the paths of God...." When he was in the third year of his reign he began a nationwide religious education program, sending out top officials as teachers into the cities of Judah teaching them the Scriptures found in the Book of the Law of the Lord. Because of his efforts scripture says that the fear of the Lord fell on the surrounding kingdoms, and some Philistines and Arabs presented annual gifts and tributes to him, allowing him to build more fortresses and supply cities, thus adding to his strength. The commentary states that "His first love was not wealth, power, or any of the kingly trappings, it was a love of and a delight in the Lord." 

What's your first love? is the question that follows, and the question that we should all be asking ourselves daily. The Lord is constantly asking me to check my motives to ensure that they remain pure and never self-serving. It is so easy to fall into the trap of desiring pats on the back, recognition for something, especially if one has endured a lifetime of being put down, made to feel less, never quite measuring up in the eyes of another, or constantly being told that they are incapable of doing what their heart so aches to do. I understand these feelings, but I am grateful to my God who has delivered me from the snare of the chief of all liars who has attempted to keep me pressed down under the stronghold of guilt, shame, and insecurity. No longer do I allow his lies to determine the course of my life, and when I see that demonic liar attempting to bring another person down, I rise up in holy righteousness and shout "No longer! Thus far and no further, enemy!" If nothing else, I have learned under the teaching of Holy Spirit how to stand in the authority of Almighty God, and I will teach others the same.

In the study of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the Apostle John shares the words of Jesus to the seven churches. These were actual churches during that time of early church history, and they serve as examples to the modern church, if we choose to learn from the scriptures, it applies to each church today who claim to follow the teachings of Jesus and the Holy Scriptures. Just as Jesus spoke to the church of Ephesus about their good works, and there were many, as they truly desired to follow Christ, so He said, "Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have lost your first love." (Revelation 2:4)

Jesus is speaking to the pastor of this church, the leader who is the shepherd of the flock, just as today. He is saying in the verses that follow: "Remember, therefore, from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." What Jesus is saying is for them to remember when they were brand new converts, how zealous they were for the things of God, sharing with each other, going out into the community to share the good news. They weren't concerned about building programs or increasing their ministries to build their own church membership. It was about the kingdom of God, not about a single church, but the church of Jesus Christ. Beloved, we have indeed lost our first love, and if we look at the other examples of the remaining six churches, if we are honest, we will see glimpses of the same compromises or incidence of self-absorption. Jesus says to the church at Ephesus that if they do not repent and return to Him as their first love, then He will remove their lampstand. A lamp stand brings light to an area, and we, as the Body of Christ, are to bring light, His Light, to a world that is dying in sin and lawlessness. We must be who He called us to be - salt and light. And we cannot fall into compromise of any nature, as many churches are doing now. We must live by the truth of the word. God loves everyone, and His desire is to see all saved, but as Romans 6 points out, we cannot continue to sin and expect grace to abound. If we love, as Jesus loves, as God loves, there can be no compromise. We all have sinned, but God has delivered us from our sinful nature, and He has turned our lives around so that we no longer want to be like that. We want to be transformed to the image of God.

It's time to think about what or who we love. It is time to truly make a course adjustment unless we fall into the depths of depravity along with others. We must be salt and light. We must choose our First and Only Love. Jesus Christ the Righteous.

Day 115 Faithful to the End

 

4/25/2026

"I have no greater joy than to hear

that my children walk in truth."

3 John 4  

 

The skies appeared troubled, as thunder rolled, rain began to fall, and lightning sent an occasional flash across the horizon. Seemed rather ominous in its approach, but colder weather was already announcing a change, a shift in the barometric pressure. The past two days have been much warmer, so naturally, since weather can be fickle, anything could happen. And so goes the spiritual battle in the heavens far above our vision, yet demonstrating caution as mother nature sends forth her cues.

So that was the way the day began. Another Shabbat with an unexpected twist or two, but then I should be used to those. I never liked change before, but I am learning that God demonstrates His great power in ways we would not understand, and nature seems to get people's attention. So I wait, in expectation, not worrying or even concerned, as I know that whatever befalls we have been prepared, because that's the way God does things. 

Today marked the last day of America Reads the Bible being held at the Museum of the Bible and hosted by Great American Pure Flix. Last night the day was finished off by actor, Dean Cain reading John 5. This morning was kicked off with worship by Marty Goetz and his daughter Misha, and reading began with John 6 and continued through the end of Revelation. Marty took his turn reading Romans 9 - 11, some of the most powerful chapters in the Bible explaining the plans God has for the future of Israel and our part as believers. Marty, as a Jewish Messianic believer was certainly the person to read this portion of scripture, especially since the church has been deceived by Replacement Theology. I spent most of the day listening as the Word of God was being read aloud by scheduled guests. It was a powerful day, and I hope it has made an impact on each person and ministry who participated in the reading as well as those of us who followed online. 

On May 17th our President will be rededicating our nation to One Nation Under God, and many will be gathered in Washington at the National Mall to commemorate this event. It's going to be a busy weekend, because there will also be a conference in California called Giant Slayer Conference, and Jack Hibbs will be speaking at this event. 

Last night a little before 8:30 pm I believe, in Washington DC at the Hilton Hotel, President Trump and his wife, Melania, along with members of his administration and friends, were in attendance at the Correspondent's Conference when a young man ran through the secret security guard area, firing shots, armed with a shot gun, hand gun and several knives. Fortunately, he was arrested and taken into custody for what was believed to be an attempt on our President's life. Investigation is still under way. The secret service man who was shot at close range, fortunately was wearing a good bullet proof vest that probably saved his life. The President was taken back to the White House where he immediately held a press conference.

Yesterday I was considering the brevity of time, and when things happen, as the unexpected event of last night in Washington, it makes the subject that much more concerning. Paul the Apostle chosen by Jesus Christ to take the gospel to the gentiles spoke of finishing well. Jesus spoke of counting the cost as His followers, and that those who follow Him, surrendering their lives to Him, must be serious, because He says the one who sets his hand to the plow and then turns back is not fit for the kingdom. I know how I feel and the response I have made, and I also know the cost I have paid for my life. But as much as I continue to check my motives, asking myself why I am doing this, I know that I do love Him, because He first loved me. And if I love Him with such a love, then my love for others will spontaneously overflow, making it much easier to persevere in these difficult days. 

Last night, after all of this, I was put to another test of what was most important to me, God or another. It was really silly, because if I hadn't cared I wouldn't have answered the phone. But still hurting people tend to take their anger out on someone else, because they feel helpless to confront the one who brought the hurt. I must be everyone's boxing bag, because I received a lot of back lash not of my making. 

In spite of everything that happened, and in spite of what may happen, I have decided that I will greet each day with gratitude, thanking my Abba for His gift of new life hidden in Christ Jesus my Lord, and I will sing and rejoice in it. In the evening as I fall into bed, again I will rejoice and be glad. There is always something good for which to say Thank You, Abba Father! for each breath and each new opportunity for the day! May we be found faithful when He returns.    

Day 114 Something Good

 

4/24/2026

 "...whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. 

For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

 James 4:14

 

For years I have kept a separate daily journal listing what I am thankful for each day, including calls I make and calls received from friends and family members who suddenly remembered that I live across the country or who'd stumbled over an old letter I'd written them that had been misplaced. It's always a thrill for me when someone remembers me, even as just a passing thought. I got an unexpected call from a friend saying she'd been to the Chile Cook Off in New Mexico, a regular annual benefit for the soup kitchen, and missed me. Three of us got together regularly for this event, judging the chili, or to eat or attend special events. I miss my friends and the things we used to do. 

I began keeping the daily list at the end of 2016. That's the year that the world turned upside down for me, but then I've had many such things happen throughout my life like that, but I'm still smiling. I wanted to put things down daily that I was grateful for, as a way to say "Thank You, Abba." I don't always show gratitude, but I want to do better. Plus I wanted to write down positive things that happened, because the world was getting so crazy. I needed to see something good. The top of each page looks like this:

 "Show me Something Good"

 "Thank You, Abba, for giving me another breath today! How will I use it?" 

 "Show me a sign for good that those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, 

because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me."

Psalm 86:17 

I remember on Good Friday that year that, in my haste to get ready for work, I tripped and in an effort to keep from retrieving one more blow to my head, I reached out my arm to keep my head from hitting the corner of the door frame. That's when I heard a crack. All I remember is that it was extremely painful, so I laid down in the floor, and pulled my arm over my head to pop the shoulder back into place, thus relieving a little of the discomfort. I didn't see any bones sticking out or any bleeding out. There was a rather large patch of blood pooling under the skin, but I figured it was just going to bruise, so I finished getting dressed, with great difficulty, and I made my way across the house to my office. Trying to type and maintain my focus was difficult with all the pain, but I managed. 

Eventually I had to go to the doctor, because I had a four - to - six inch long by three inch wide area of under the skin bleeding that was not improving. Since doctors aren't allowed to do MRI's without a real good reason, my diagnosis went unnoticed until I had been tortured by a physical therapist who finally realized after several weeks... "You're not getting any better, are you?"As it turned out I had chipped off some shoulder bone, and I had mangled some ligaments and stuff in the arm. The surgeon felt that I would eventually need surgery, but I told him that God would fix me. He didn't believe me, but eventually after having the care of a specialized physical therapist, I improved, and I never needed surgery. 

This was also the year that one of my case management client's son tripped and fell slamming his head into mine, injuring my head, jaw, and neck. I didn't want a workman's comp case, but I managed to get one that wasn't settled until 2018, but the medical insurance remains open in case I need care. Since then I've had the noise in my head that I speak of often as bugs or woodsy night sounds, and I have pain that shoots through my temple into my eye. That's an additional pain to accompany the one from 1980 when I was attacked and hit with a 2x4 one night when someone came out from hiding behind my wood pile. That blow to the head was on the same side except on the top of my head, so the pain shoots down into the same eye. No one seems to be interested in that, plus my neurologist died from his own neurological issues and a broken heart from not being allowed to treat his patients. There are actually doctors who sincerely care about their patients, but insurance hinders their treatment. That's another topic to discuss at a later time. 

I have an aunt who is about ten years my senior. She recently celebrated her 86th birthday, and she said that she celebrated all week. I had shared with her about my 2007 Mercury Milan that I bought when I lost my 2017 Nissan Sentra in a recent accident, and she said she'd sold her car. It's hard for me to believe that she's already feeling that she's at an age where she no longer wants to drive, but then, I understand, especially since that man ran my son off the road without stopping to see if he was okay. At least she enjoyed her birthday. I used to celebrate my birthday for a week, shut down everything, toss the cell phone away, totally enjoying my time. Whenever I needed a break or just wanted to smell fresh mountain air, at a higher elevation than I lived, I'd make the trip through the pass to Taos and on to Sipapu Resort where I'd disappear for a few days. I miss those days, but I am grateful for the experience.

As my 76th birthday nears I have been thinking about things I need to do, just in case, and I also want to finish some things I've started. I don't know why, but as much as I love traveling, I don't have a desire to drive. Maybe my son's accident shook me up too much. He turns 50 on Monday, and he's already saying the same thing. He wants to go to New Mexico to see his kids, and I wish we could go together, but we have cats. If we drove we could take them along, but that may be a bit much for some family. But we'll figure it out. If for no other reason, since returning here to Virginia, I am seeing that life is shorter than we think, so it's important to tell the people you love that you love them, before one of us pass on. Relationships are so important, but many times, most times sadly, they are one-sided. I've discovered that. Everyone is busy, and life just isn't the same as it was when I was growing up, when the extended family was a tightly knit. How I miss those days. I guess I really haven't progressed as much as some of my cousins or friends, as I wouldn't even have a cell phone or computer if I didn't need one. But now everything is expected to be handled digitally. Sometimes I think progress is not really such a big deal. Physical contact is a more rewarding experience, even if people are still wearing masks. I don't get it, but I guess it's fear that keeps them from being free, breathing air. 

Tomorrow is another day, so maybe I'll reach out to someone, even if I only get a voice message. Gotta start some where!

Day 113 Time Well Spent

 

4/23/2026

 "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend 

 a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;' whereas you do not know what will 

  happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears 

                                                      for a little time and then vanishes away."                                             

 James 4:13-14

 

I've been thinking a lot about time and the brevity of it. The closer it gets to my birthday and another year, I wonder if I made the best use of the time given me thus far. In studying the life of Solomon and Rehoboam, his son, the commentary states that "Rehoboam followed the Lord only as long as it was politically expedient. Once his kingdom was solidly established, he had no further use for the law of the Lord - or the Lord of the law. But in the end, it was Rehoboam who was the loser for his foolish decision." The consequence of this decision was a divided kingdom with Jeroboam leading Israel and ten of the tribes, leaving Rehoboam with his tribe and Benjamin. The tribe of Judah did have a king on the throne of David as God covenanted with David, until Judah was exiled to Babylon. In this line of David there were mostly good kings as opposed to all evil kings who reigned in Israel, turning from God to the worship of idols. Although Rehoboam repented and cried out to the Lord, he was not completely destroyed, but he was an evil king who never decided to fully trust in God. His son, Abijah became the next king, and he too did evil in the eyes of the Lord. 

The commentary poses a little query:

"Think of your life as a shiny new penny. You can spend it any way you wish, but you can only spend it once. And you cannot spend half a penny - it's an 'all or nothing' transaction. Find a penny and hold it in your hand as you talk to God about your life...and how you will invest the remaining years of it in his service."

Our study group tonight looked at the scriptures found in Luke 12:1-48 and asked the question "What owns you?" We discussed how fear could quietly control our lives, taking different positions from earliest childhood fears to those we encounter in later years, that keep us stuck in cycles. I fully understand how to be dragged around and sucked down into a rabbit hole of guilt and shame for literal years, living in fear of never accomplishing my dreams, afraid to even have a dream. I felt as if I would never be good enough after all my failures. The Lord was blessing me, but I knew I wasn't worthy. Every time I tried to go forward, I'd be knocked down and trampled on for affect by trusted people in my life. I laugh about it now, because I've always been a person who persevered and kept body and soul together. Life has a way of preparing us for the next step and then the next. The pity would be never having taken those steps.

Pastor Jonathan pointed out that:

"Jesus redirects our focus away from fearing people and toward reverence for God. Not a fear that pushes us away, but one that rightly centers our lives on Him. When we understand His authority and His care, down to knowing every detail about us, it frees us from living for the approval of others and anchors us in what actually matters." 

The next consideration was hypocrisy that spreads when faith becomes performance - checking off boxes of things that we feel make us look good, like good little Christian examples, but it's all a show, a lie. There are no boxes to check that qualify us for the kingdom of God. There's only Jesus. His blood washes us clean. That's it!

Often we become consumed with having, and our focus is on accumulating wealth, possessions, recognition, and our priorities become all mixed up, and we can even lose our identity. We lose focus and turn our affections to worldly things, but Jesus says for us to "seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you" (Luke 12:31). Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Then there's the subtle trap of thinking that we have so much time, but really we are not promised tomorrow, only today. We are to live without fear, trusting Him, with clarity and purpose, knowing that our deeds reflect what's truly in our hearts. Living for today, in God's way. There's a saying that is attributed to John Wesley, but I have also seen it as a quote from Mother Teresa. Both great examples of living the purpose driven life. "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

May this be the focus and intent of our hearts. 

Day 112 Yom HaAtzma'ut

 

4/22/2026

 "Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;
When I fall, I will arise;
When I sit in darkness,
The Lord will be a light to me."

Micah 7:8

 

As the day drew to a close yesterday, the observance of Yom HaZikaron ended, and as the new day began, Israel began to celebrate Yom HaAtzma'ut, their Independence Day. A day of grief, mourning, and remembrance turned to a day of celebration over the birth of their nation. Today marks 78 years since Israel became a nation again. Even though yesterday was a time of mourning and remembering those who had fallen defending this great nation, today was a day of rejoicing and joy! According to a report: "This historic moment came after nearly 2,000 years of exile following the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The re-establishment of Israel fulfilled numerous biblical prophecies concerning the regathering of the Jewish people to their land (Isaiah 66:8; Ezekiel 36–37)."

Last night I watched a brief segment of the celebration, and I got to see the President of Argentina, Javier Milei, perform on stage with the musicians, singing in Hebrew with great enthusiasm and a little dancing. He was honored to light one of the torches for the ceremonies. He was also awarded Israel's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Honor, by President Isaac Herzog recognizing his strong support, especially in return of the hostages. Milei also announced his plans to move the Argentina embassy to Jerusalem. There is a strong bond between the nations of Israel and Argentina, and it has been a joy watching the friendship grow and blossom! 

Today I attended an online event hosted by Israel365 in Jerusalem for an Independence Day celebration with reading the Hallel (Praise) and enjoying music and testimonies by Christians who support Israel. The Hallel is a group of Psalms 113 - 118 that are read at celebrations and appointed feasts and "serve as reminders of major milestones in Jewish heritage, including the Exodus, the giving of the Torah, and the hope for the Messianic Age. The intentional transition from mourning to celebration—within a single day—reflects a profound truth: the cost of redemption and the faithfulness of God to restore a people to their inheritance."

This is an exciting time to be standing with Israel as prophecy is being played out right before our eyes, and the eyes of the Orthodox Jews, because the scriptures are so clearly being seen, and the relationship between the Christians and the Jews is growing and encouraged. Since 10/7/2023, many have been returning to their faith in God, which is the Biblical heritage of the chosen people of God. As we stand in prayer with our friends, we pray that their spiritual eyes will be enlightened, and they will come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. The fields are indeed ripe for harvest. This is also a time when God is returning those exiled to other countries back to Jerusalem as according to the word spoken in Isaiah 43:1-7:

"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, and gather you from the west; I will say to the north, "Give them up!" And to the south, "Do not keep them back!" Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth - Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes I have made him.'"

This is the promise of the Lord. As we stand together, we pray for leaders of our nations, Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald J Trump to continue to work in unity and harmony especially during this time with war between Israel and Iran. But make no mistake, as this war has been ongoing, and the goal of the jihadist Iranian government has not only called for the extermination of the Jewish people, but also America. The leaders and imams have been very vocal in their plans and threats against our nations, and it appears now that the leaders of Iran have been killed, that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) leaders still plan to carry out the threats. Back in 1948 when Iran was recognized by Ben Gurion as a State, they immediately came under attack from the Muslims, but they were able to maintain their independence at a great cost. Israel has continued to face such challenges with wars over the 78 years of being a nation, called back by God who gave the land to Israel in covenant with Abraham. I am so grateful to be part of that covenant as a believer in Christ, grafted in as a supporter of the chosen people. I will continue to stand on the wall with my fellow intercessors according to Isaiah 62:6-7: "I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

Am Israel Chai! 

Day 111 Yom HaZikaron

 

4/21/2026

 "I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. 

You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till 

 He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth."

Isaiah 62:6-7 

 

This has been another emotional day for me as Israel observes their Memorial Day honoring the IDF soldiers who have given their lives for their country and for victims of terrorism. It is a time they remember those who gave their lives when Israel was attacked on 10/7/2023. Yesterday I mentioned Rachel Goldberg-Polin who spoke out boldly on behalf of her son, Hersh, who was badly injured and taken into captivity by Hamas. She was the most vocal, and the most well-known by everyone across the nation and the world for the valiant efforts she made speaking on behalf of the hostages and their families. 

Many have lost their lives in service to their country, but this has been a way of life for Israel. When an Israeli reaches their 18th birthday they are enlisted into service with the Israel Defense Force (IDF) - sons and daughters. There are even those who are not Israeli born citizens who volunteer to join the army, including Arabs living in Israel and Gentiles from other nations who call Israel home. The love the people of Israel have for their country is inspiring. They are also a very resilient people who continue to go on in spite of every evil they have had to face that comes against them or threatens their right to exist as a nation. I am proud to be a friend of Israel and continue to stand on the wall as an intercessor.

The scripture says, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26) This is definitely how we feel about Israel and about the people. There is no one living and serving in Israel who has not been personally touched by the extreme loss of precious lives. Every life is a blessing, a blessed memory. ZAKA is the volunteer group that handles investigations and identification of victims, and they are also responsible for the care of the deceased. They are careful to remove remains and blood from the trauma sites, preserving the dignity of the deceased. This is another example of how every Israeli cares for the welfare of each other. They share each others' sorrows and grieve, but they also rejoice with others even in the midst of personal suffering and loss.

For Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this is a day he remembers his older brother, Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed in action on July 4, 1976 during the Battle of Entebbe (Operation Entebbe) in Uganda. He was the commander of the Sayeret Matkal unit, that led the operation that rescued 102 hostages from a hijacked Air France plane being held by German and Palestinian militants at the Entebbe Airport. He was the only Israeli who lost his life. He was 30 years old, and he is a hero not only to Israel but to Uganda. He paid the ultimate sacrifice laying down his life for others. Prime Minister Netanyahu returns to the site to pay honor to his brother annually on July 4th.

Observance of Memorial Day began last evening as the sun went down. One day ends and another begins. Tonight when the sun goes down, and the new day begins, Israel will be celebrating their Independence Day going from grief to joy in one smooth move. A day of grief followed quickly by a day of celebration. This is life in Israel. 

Day 110 Much to Consider

 

4/20/2026

 "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 

  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; 

for you serve the Lord Christ"

 Colossians 3:23-24

 

Although last night was another up and down encounter, with back pain and restless legs to boot, I still woke up early and surprisingly refreshed in spite of little real sleep. I had a doctor's appointment scheduled for today, and although I just haven't wanted to go anywhere and do anything lately, because of health challenges, I pulled myself up and off I went. My appointments are always early afternoon because of early morning daily calls with the embassy in Jerusalem, so I always plan my day around these prayer calls. I took the scenic route through the woods, even though it takes longer, but it was nice going through the country back roads, off the beaten path. On the way home I stopped at the Family Dollar for some birthday cards, then the Amish store to pick up my gluten free bread, and finally Food Lion for a few necessities. Apparently they are short-handed as the shelves needed to be restocked in some areas, plus I heard a worker mention so as I left. It seems as if everyone needs workers around here, yet no one wants to work. If no one works, why complain about prices? It seems as if everyone wants a free ride with all the benefits without working for it. I'll soon be 76, and I have reconsidered going back to work should things get tighter for my senior budget. There are ample opportunities here making a good wage, and there are many job openings doing what I used to do as a case manager, but I don't want that responsibility. Who knows, I think about helping others, and that is the best way, as the system is definitely broken, and work as hard as the present government is trying to do, more help is needed. It breaks my heart, but for now, I am doing what I am supposed to be doing, and hopefully, I'm doing it well.

This evening the Israeli Memorial Day began, Yom HaZikaron, which honors fallen soldiers and remembers the deaths of those who died on 10/7/2023. It's very emotional for me, but tomorrow I will honor all those who have given their lives, but I also will grieve with the family members who have lost loved ones. Rachel Goldberg-Polin is the mother of former Hamas hostage Hersh Goldberg - Polin who was kidnapped in Gaza on 10/7/2023 and later assassinated with five others while in captivity. Rachel traveled every where asking for help to free the hostages, but help was not found soon enough. Thankfully our president was able to assist with the return of the remaining hostages. Tomorrow I may speak more about this, but it's too fresh right now, because I just listened to Rachel speak to a reporter on 60 Minutes who had met her before this interview. He even became choked up at one point, and he paused in his comments. Hersh was only 23 years old, referred to as her only son, but he had two sisters. Those who died with him were Carmel Gat, 40; Eden Yerushalmi, 24; Ori Danino, 25; Alexander Lobanov, 33; and Almog Sarusi, 27, executed and shot numerous times at close range right before the IDF found them in the tunnels. It was a very sad day, as they all were. 

As the rise in antisemitism gets crazier and people become more violent, there has been a conflict in Europe with Eurovision 2026 about banning Israel's participation after the threats received last year. However, there are vast numbers of celebrities who are finally opening their mouths and speaking out for these participants stating that these competitions have nothing to do with the current conflicts involving Israel. Why should these extremely talented young people be prevented from pursuing their dreams? Now that is a question we should consider in the United States and elsewhere. Why can't a young person, a middle-aged person, or an older person be banned or mistreated simply because they have a Jewish culture? In America anyone who wants to pursue their dreams as a citizen can do so. I have a blended heritage, as most people do, and I went to school. I had to get a scholarship and a loan, but I went, and I worked to pay off my own debt. I had nothing, but my husband worked hard, and we had three children, a mortgage, a car payment, and debts. We did it! I am very grateful when others need assistance and are able to receive it, and when I could help, I did, and I still do. That's the way I was raised. All this hate is ugly, just as it was when I was a little girl born in the 50's, but I thank God He shielded me from the hate. He only gave me love, and it grows daily for everyone, especially those who lead without conscience in our State. I pray for their salvation just as ardently as I do for others. Let's see how it turns out tomorrow after the polls close, and the votes are tallied.

My day would not have been complete without accidentally seeing an article in my Christian news about our former vice president speaking against our President at a woman's caucus. The criticisms were absurd and anyone with an education and who is able to read the news would know they were laughable lies. Yet, I'm sure she received a standing ovation, because that is just how evil things have become. While no one is perfect, there is a time when we must see with clear vision, speak out for truth, and expose the lies. But even if, God says that whatever is done in secret will be exposed by Him in the light, plus we all will reap what we have sown. I am grateful to hear Senator Federman speak out about the status of his party and his feelings. Perhaps someone else will speak out now, before the list of those who are up for re-election who are not going to run grows greater, probably because of fear of speaking the truth. It is easier to run and hide. The church does the same, sadly, but the day is coming, in fact, it is here now, when we must say, "Never Again!"