Day 221 Simplicity of Faith

 

8/9/2026

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, 

but that the world through Him might be saved." 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Day 220 No Regrets

 

8/8/2026 

"To be a Christian without time alone with God

is no more possible than to be alive 

without breathing."

Daily Walk

 

I've been holding on to some hurts that seem to keep popping up, and today I was finally able to put the matter to rest. I'm learning that while none of us are perfect, much as we would like that to be so, we will fail each other at some point along the way. I wish I could know that I never disappointed anyone in my lifetime, but I know that simply is not so. I have failed multiple times, and even in recent days, there were things that I could have done to be more helpful and thoughtful towards others. I really want to be more intentional about following through on good ideas. I've had some ideas brewing in my mind, and it's about time I get busy following through on those thoughts. I have a birthday this week, and it makes me realize more and more that my days are numbered. I must get busy while there is still time. This may require me tracking down some slippery cousins who always seem to be busy, but I want to see everyone. I want to know about their lives, and I want to be their friend. I moved two thousand miles to spend time with family, so I am going to try my best to do as much as I can to make that happen. We've had one cousin's reunion, but there's much more to be done. Time is precious.

I tend to set the bar high for myself when it comes to being a doer of the word and not a hearer only. But I am also very critical at times of pastors who are not watching over the flock. I admit that this tendency to judge their lack of concern has been a feeling I have had to fight my entire life. I think it may be from the amount of neglect I have witnessed from the type of work that I was doing. God entrusted many people's lives to me, and seeing them hurt and disappointed by their families was difficult enough, but when the church is the culprit, a place and people that I represented did not follow through, it hurt me deeply as well. 

The Bible says that "mercy triumphs over judgment," and I am a very compassionate, forgiving, and merciful person, thanks to Jesus. Only because of His transformation of my life. All my life I've cared about people, how they were treated, and being raised in the South in the 50's was a period when my feelings were tested greatly. Fortunately, I never witnessed severe mistreatment and abuse up close and personal towards another person. The closest I came was when I was 18 years old, working for a jeweler who felt that the black man who worked there shouldn't be talking to me, much less walking with me in the evening to the bus stop. Petersburg was a dangerous place back then, and out of his kindness, he was trying to protect me from harm. He was threatened, so I quit my job. Otherwise, he may have lost his, and for what?! Trying to protect a young lady from potential harm! My family was not happy, but I have never regretted my action. Later, when I was in my early 20's I had another test, a much larger one, and I stood my ground again. Fortunately, I didn't lose my job, but I stood against racism on behalf of the US Army where I worked.  

With regard to my initial confession, I have finally put the hurt away, an offense against my son, actually. I realized just how many times I've probably not responded to assist someone when I had the opportunity, and, like I said, I'm sure I've done much worse in my life. The fact that the one who offended my son, who really hurt him at a time when he desperately needed a friend, really hurt. On one hand I understand the immaturity of a young man, trying to build his church, but a pastor should have time for anyone who needs him, a member of his church or not. They were very close as children, but I guess time causes one to move on and forget. I do forgive, and the hurt is lessening, because, as I said, we all fail. I don't feel the need to confront, as it seems a mute fact, and it is time to move on. I hadn't even realized how much it still hurt until Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, then confirmed it three times. So, I release this situation into God's capable hands, and I pray that He will send a friend my son's way. I ask Him for direction for a church family for myself as well, and there are possibilities. A place to belong, a sense of family and community, and a place to serve. I miss that, as I've only had online churches for quite awhile. I attend locally, but I have not formed close friendships. I want to correct that! 

I want to live my life with no regrets. When I sin or fall short of God's high calling, I want to be quick to ask forgiveness, repent, and make things right. It's the only way to live.   

Day 219 Gram's Day Out!

 

8/7/2026

"The Rule is you have to dance a little bit in 

the morning before you leave the house,

because it changes the way you walk out into the world."  

-Unknown

 

It's been a crazy, hectic week, with pressure on every side, so I decided that I'd take a little spin out into the world today. When my sister arrived this morning, she came with flowers in one hand and cake in the other. The cake was for my son's birthday that she missed, and since the cake was not gluten free, he devoured it without so much as giving me a sniff of that carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. The sunflowers were for me, so I stuck them in a pot, grateful, but lamenting the loss of one forbidden taste of that scrumptious-looking cake! 

So, after that I was ready and raring to get the measurements done and hit the road for our great adventure. Not everyone enjoys going to Home Depot and Lowe's, as it means work to be done, but I love it! It's an adventure and a dance down every aisle! I've noticed that there are many senior employees working at both stores, and sometimes I do consider applying for a part time job. It seems like great fun, and with my creative mind, I could well imagine fun things to do with my fixer upper home. So much to do and so little time!

We weren't able to pick up the supplies for the well house, but I did give the measurements to my sister who will purchase the supplies for me and bring them over in her truck. Then we'll begin our labor of love in fixing my little casita right up. We discovered flooring on sale that will fit nicely in my kitchen, and an idea for storage and to cover up a particularly difficult area next to the chimney. With the rock quarry down the highway blasting rock underground, my house has many cracks in the plaster walls, as do most everyone's in the neighborhood, so I have been told. The chimney goes down into the basement to the old oil furnace. The repairman who checks it out each year says it's a monster, but I pray that it hangs on for as many years as it can last. The underground blasting probably is unsettling to the foundation, causing the cracks. But with a bit of mud and creativity I will be able to tackle this project with love and imagination. I'll be sure to document all my miss-matched paints in creating my authentic Santa Fe home in North Dinwiddie, Virginia. Of course, I don't have the funds to do a really upscale job, but using my ideas with a creative edge, genius will flow! Well...hopefully!!

We checked out a new diner in Hopewell where the customer service more than made up for the cuisine. The food was simple, and they were extremely busy with local patrons. The food was good, but with my food allergies, I have to be careful. If I cheat on my diet, I pay in pain. They had a long list of homemade desserts, but I was good and behaved myself with great restraint. 

Although we did make one more stop to check out a business who sold sheds and storage units, some large as barns, we didn't make any definite plans for purchase, as I never am quick to act unless I see an extremely good deal. We hurried back home, and after playing with Fae for a little while, my sister left for home. She enjoys getting out, she said, doing something other than what she does at home, but she is really busy with all she has to get done with her garden and other household affairs. She's been refurbishing a house next door their son, but work has been slow. Life gets busy, as I well know, so I am grateful for any time she has for her ole sister. 

Shabbat Services begin shortly, so I'll call this a wrap. No great spiritual wisdom for today, just practical advice. Spend time with your family and enjoy them while you can. We are not promised tomorrow, and each day is a special time to spend together, whether working or playing. But while you're enjoying life, be sure to make Christ the center of it all. 

Day 218 Still Listening

 

8/6/2026

 "Others may only see a hopeless end, 

but believers rejoice in an endless hope."

Daily Walk

 

Sometimes I think I'm too silly for my own good, especially since my birthday is coming up next week, and I really should begin to act my age, or so one would think?! But where's the fun in that?! I've never been a glass half empty gal, and I'd much rather think positively than moan and groan about things.  Especially today in a world gone mad where people are looking everywhere and anywhere for hope. Of course I don't have to look for hope, because I live it every day. Others just can't seem to wrap themselves around the idea that God can and does keep our minds in peace, but then, they have not learned how to quiet themselves down and allow God to be God.

This has been a another busy day, and a productive one. This afternoon we took little Fae, our kitten to the vet for her flea, tick, and other varmints application. She had grown almost double since her initial visit, and she is loving, playful, and too frisky for her own good sometimes. She jumps high like a gazelle when I dangle her bird on a string in the air over her. She's a hoot to watch, and she plays long, hard, and tirelessly. She's still parked on my queen-sized bed while I scrunch up on my twin size, so at least she gets a good rest. When I go out I need to shop for some storage bins to rearrange some items in that room, so I can move in. But when I do, she'll be evicted, so "move over, Mia!"

Tomorrow I'm having a day out with my sister who has graciously consented to helping me fix up my daddy's old pump house that is literally falling apart and blowing away. It seemed to be a pretty sturdy structure years ago, which he insulated with packing peanuts. Unfortunately, the rotting outer board has so decomposed that the peanuts are blowing in the breeze...all over the block...or at least across my yard. With the increasing winds, however, I'm sure the neighbors shared in my excitement of picking up these nasty little inventions of man, wondering, no doubt, if it was raining odd shaped pieces of styrafoam. Chicken Little would be so stoked!

Besides that task we are going to measure for a kitchen floor and for other tasks requiring building materials. I need to locate a reasonably priced storage shed before winter, so I am scoping out the sheds at Home Depot and Lowes, and we may stop by one of those businesses who sell buildings. Who knows, I may find a bargain. I must remain optimistic, as by next summer, if I'm still around, I plan to buy my John Deere riding lawnmower. I love my push mower that self-propels, but my son has a bad back, so I want him to have a nice toy. But, it's all up to the Lord, as He's the one who calls the shots. It is, after all, His money. I hope I'm stewarding it well.

On Thursday evenings I hold my Harvest Online Group study, and there were four in attendance tonight. I have six faithful attendees, including myself, which is kind of nice, as it allows more discussion time, as a general rule. Nonetheless, I miss the other people, and I just hope they are connecting somewhere. Harvest Ministries offers so many community resources, but I still say, as it is true, that face-to-face connection is the best. Having these gals with me really makes a difference though, and I hope I offer come support that will encourage them in their day to day walk with Jesus. After the online meeting, I visited a while by telephone with one of the members, and we had a nice little chat. Sometimes I feel as if I am having a Monologue conversation, as it takes me so long to say anything, so I ramble. To say my life is "complex or complicated," is a tragic understatement. My life...well...is my life...with a lot of wear and tear, frustration, and many tearful conversations with Abba. He is so into our lives, and He's never too busy to listen or, if we allow Him, give us His opinion about things. He's a great Abba, Father, and I love Him, as much as any human being knows how to love anyone, especially a Holy God.

I wish I had some spiritual wisdom to impart to my followers who are going through shaking, pruning, uncertainties, and other spiritual challenges, but when things become more chaotic and affects everyone, then that place must be doing something right for mankind. Enough said.

Day 217 My World

 

8/5/2026

"Prayer should be free, spontaneous, vital fellowship

between the created person and the personal Creator, in

which Life should touch life. The more that prayer becomes the

untrammeled, free, and natural expression of the desires of

our hearts, the more real it becomes."

 

O. Hallesby

 

 

I think better after getting a haircut. I've been long overdue one, so maybe that's why my mind's been a little fuzzy lately. Chocolate also makes me feel a bit clearer, too, so I sent my son to the store to buy me a Butterfinger. Maybe ice cream would have been better, but the candy and the Dr. Pepper helped tremendously. He also bought Sour Patch Gummies, but he hid those from me. Smart move, as I can't handle too much sugar, and Dr. Oz would not approve!

 

It was another very early morning, but it was quiet and prayer time more real than it's been lately. I always pray - I don't give Abba many free moments, especially with all the requests for prayer. I made a promise that I wouldn't resort to "pat answers," but I'd wait for His direction. Not that I have any answers. I rely on the strength of His word, and the Bible is full of powerful promises. Knowing how to apply them is the key, but having a pure heart is the secret. Not a well-kept one, as God freely gives when we ask.

 

As I've mentioned previously, many fiery darts of the wicked one have been headed my way, and before one thing is acknowledged, four more arrows fly my way. I feel like a target after everyone has had their shot. Thankfully, not all are bull's eye! I'm trying to be patient and trustful, but I admit that I have been feeling a little weary some days. I think I tend to over compensate with menial tasks such as trying to rid my bushes of the Virginia Creeper, and once more I see that I may have poisoned my arm. I'm not too certain what has happened, but so far the poison seems isolated to one area, or so I'm calling it. I call it one more little dart of the enemy. I tried the Rambo effect of applying extreme heat to the area to cauterize it, after using Epsom salt straight on to ease the sting and itch, but I think I may have overdone the abuse. So much for thinking I'm all that and a bag of chips, as the saying goes! So I decided to try a more conventional means of soothing a wound by cleansing with Sovereign Silver and slapping a cloth bandage on it. Actually, it worked for a while.

 

This morning after the prayer call we headed out to purchase our refrigerator...again! This time we asked all the right questions and received more information than the first time. We had to pay a little more, but God ensured we received our 18 months without interest - a sure blessing for this retired ole lady. I love wriggle room. My daddy taught me how to finagle a deal, how to save up and buy things with cash when possible. I miss him, and I sure which he could send me some notes from heaven about this house. He was a fixer-upper, and he was a genius when it came to using what he had on hand when he didn't have the money to buy a new part. Sometimes sons think their dads are not too smart, but let me just say, my dad was an Einstein or smarter!! And mama made the Proverbs 31 wife who stayed up all night, her candle never going out, doing this and that look like a bored housewife. Mama was quiet and very kind, but she was sharp as a tack, and daddy counted on her sewing skills and savvy to work some miracles. 

 

I always love the close of my days on Wednesdays. They can be power-packed with two late Bible studies after a 7 pm prayer call, an 8 pm Hour with Jesus with Terry MacAlmon and his wife Liz. but this week I fudged a little and hung out with Terry and Liz, blogged, and watched an action movie - a blast from the past. It may seem as if I'm watching a lot of movies, but I prefer music while I'm reading and talking to Abba. But somehow I've needed to step away and be more normal. Is that even possible for my life? But then, my life is normal for me. It's just the rest of the world, other than my fellow intercessors, who have the other lives. I'm not tied down to grandchildren - other than a noisy little kitten and two demanding adult cats, one lazing inside and the other outside on my window sill meowing for me to come out and play at 3 am. I don't have a husband, and bless my son because he likes his quiet time also. His is quite the opposite of mine, but no worries. I know he loves Jesus and talks to God in his own way. I'm not so certain that he invites Abba to watch movies with him, like I do, but he's wise enough to know what God likes and what he doesn't. Actually, spending time with Jesus is what I do. I'm certain He loves movies, popcorn, Junior Mints, and Mexican Coke...in moderation, of course. He knows Dr. Oz quite well! In fact I'll be President Trump asked God if Dr. Oz was the right pick for the CMS position. Go figure!!

 

Well, this is a wrap and the end of my day. Thanks for the visit. Leave a comment. Isn't that the way most podcasts end?   

Day 216 Time

 

8/4/2026

"Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy, 

break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, 

till He come and rain righteousness upon you." 

Hosea 10:12 

 

As I attempt to makes sense of my notes I have scribbled on the pages of my journal, so I can finish writing this blog, my thoughts begin to wander, thinking about the events of the day. Today was a very important day for Virginia as we gathered at the polls to vote for the primary election for a Senate seat in Congress. The incumbent's seat was uncontested, so the other party had three candidates running. The curious thing about this primary is that it was not listed on Pray the Vote, and the only way I knew about it was I received an email that made me ask questions. Even a poll worker did not realize that we had a US Senate seat open. The polls had been open for early voting since mid-June, but fortunately I was still able to cast my vote a few days early. I also made certain that I posted this information, so other voters could know. The sad thing is that many people don't vote primaries; they wait until the general election. Then when things don't work out their way, they complain. There are no words. 

 

I had awakened very early in the morning, but rather than get up I decided to just lie still and talk to God about some things that were troubling me. I've been concerned about a friend who is not living the life God has for him. I had a conversation with someone, remarks were made, and I couldn't understand the insensitive manner in which this person was speaking of my friend. I wondered if somehow I had provoked the conversation with my comments about my life, and yet I really don't think this had anything to do with me. Perhaps it was the alcohol being consumed. I left feeling very disheartened, and although it has been several weeks now, I can't get it out of my mind or heart. I feel broken.

 

I just finished reading through the book of Isaiah, and I must say that it is a long and rather difficult study. Don't misunderstand, as I love the book, it is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, but Isaiah had a tough job prophesying to a rebellious people who eventually were lead away into captivity, because they chose not to repent. Today I began the book of Jeremiah, better known as the weeping prophet, who was sent to warn Judah of its coming judgment. As I am reading through these passages I see shadows of what is happening now in my own country. Things I would never have imagined happening in a nation founded on godly principles, and yet I've been reading about the children of Israel. I must say that sometimes it becomes too much to bear.

 

Each day I have to weed through my emails trying to clear out the tragic news from reputable, Christian journalists who are informing of recent events for prayer. As of today we have been standing with Israel on the wall for 1033 days since the massacre on 10/7/2023. The good thing is that there haven't been any attacks in Israel or trips to the bomb shelters for a while, and I pray that stays that way. But the reality is that it will not last forever, and the uncertainty can cause much anxiety.

 

Much is going on all over the world, and much evil is raising its head in America. Over the years the threat has been here, but now it is out in the open, blatantly obvious, yet ignored. Those who understand and who can spiritually discern the signs, are making attempts to warn the church leaders, but they either do not believe or they do not care. The silence from the church is deafening. The increasing danger in our country is becoming so great that a well-known comedian attempted to openly share on his show the lies and cover ups, exposing the truth, that no one wanted to believe. Nonetheless, he did it, and I pray all the people who finally realized he was not joking, but in his own way was attempting to warn the people, will wise up and listen up. This man is very popular, so perhaps if the secular world becomes aware, the church will follow suit. And here I always thought the church were the leaders?!

 

I can't help but think of the words of George Whitefield again shouting the words "AWAKE, O SLEEPER!" Who knows, maybe someone is listening!

Day 215 Fresh Wind

 

8/3/2026 

"And He said to me, 'Son of man,

can these bones live?'"  

Ezekiel 37:3 

 

The parable of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 is about the restoration of God's people in the land of Israel. When this vision was given to Ezekiel he was in Babylon where the Jewish people had been exiled by God, using the enemy Babylon as His agent of judgment against his people for their sins.  Ezekiel was a priest and a prophet who was called by God to minister to Judah during their 70 years of captivity in Babylon. God spoke His message through Ezekiel using prophecies, parables, signs, and symbols to dramatize His message to His exiled people. As noted, God is giving Ezekiel another glance at the future and restorative hope of Israel.

As born-again believers through faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah, we are praying for the eyes of the Jewish people to be opened to this prophetic words, as well as those in Isaiah and other prophets who prophesied of the coming of Messiah, but who missed the hour of His visitation. While the non-Messianic Jews pray for Messiah to come and restore the kingdom on earth, the Messianic believers join us in prayers for salvation of the Jews and the God's kingdom to come, as Jesus prayed while He was here on earth. As born-again believers, we have been given the right to become sons of God and heirs, joint-heirs. In Romans 9 - 11, Paul speaks of Gentiles being grafted into the vine, Jesus Christ, and we are able to share in the blessings God gave to His chosen people through His covenant with Abraham. Many people have misinterpreted the new covenant Jesus spoke about with his disciples on the evening of His betrayal, regarding the new covenant of His body and His blood. Jesus told them that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, He came to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). God has not forsaken His people. He severely punished them, but as I write this blog, prophecy is being played out with the return of the Jews to Israel, the land that God gave to them. Many prophecies have already been fulfilled, but there is much to come. We all have a part to play in the restoration of Israel, returning the Jews to the land and provoking them to jealousy so they will look on the One whom they pierced as according to Zechariah 12:10, realizing Messiah has come already. Then their eyes will be opened, and all of Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26). The days are getting shorter while most of the church sleeps or is in denial or in fear and unbelief.

As we prayed today, we asked God for a fresh wind to blow over us and over Israel. We need a bold shaking of the church - a spiritual earthquake to uproot the lies and false doctrines being taught in our churches, synagogues, seminaries, and elsewhere concerning the restoration of the Jews to their God-given homeland and their right to be a country. We pray for the scales to fall from the eyes of the Jewish people to see that Jesus is the Messiah, come in the flesh! We all need a fresh breath from Holy Spirit to blow over all of us - a fresh breath of life - and a fresh call from Jesus Himself saying "Follow Me!"    

One intercessor said that we needed a "chiropractic moment" where the body of Christ is put back into alignment with God's will and purpose on this earth at this time. I have been reading Isaiah, and I have wept so many tears for the lost, some in churches, who do not know the Savior. I weep for those caught in the snares of sin who think God is okay with it. If it's written in the Word of God that it is sin, then God is never okay with it! The entire point of all of this wrong teaching and lifestyle is that God is not a man that He will lie, He changes not, and He does not ever, EVER, go against His Word, or else He would go against Himself. How many times in the scriptures did He say He had done something so that "they would know that I alone am GOD!" He is Holy, and we are called to be holy and live a separate life, different from the world and the culture, surrendered to His will yet free, for whom the Son sets free is free indeed!

Fresh Wind

by Hillsong Worship

 "Spirit sound, rushing wind
Fire of God fall within
Holy Ghost
Breathe on us, we pray

As we repent, turn from sin
Revival embers smouldering
Breath of God
Fan us into flame

 We need a fresh wind
The fragrance of Heaven
Pour Your Spirit out
Pour Your Spirit out"