Day 312 The Journey

 

11/8/2026

"Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing."

Daily Walk

 

When we say the words "I give Him everything," what does that mean? It's easy to say things or make promises, but follow through is the most important part. A month or so ago I told a friend in New Mexico that I would be happy to come over and help her with some projects, and I meant it, as I never try to make a promise I cannot keep. But sometimes circumstances come up that alter the best of intentions. Today I called my friend, as I'd not spoken to her since that day. I didn't want her to think I'd forgotten her, but I knew she wouldn't think I'd blown her off. I was right, she had no doubts as to the veracity of my word. Many things have changed my initial plans, but I do still plan to honor my support as soon as I am able. It's important to let people know of unavoidable situations. It's respectful and the right thing to do. I tried to raise my children with these moral lessons, as did my parents and grandparents for me and my siblings. But these days life doesn't happen as back then. I noticed in the church bulletin that there had been a survey in the community, and people were still desiring to learn about etiquette. Imagine that! That gives me hope.

This has been a good Sunday for me, rather restful, but reflective in ways I'd not considered. I'm always thinking. Perhaps it's my life of prayer, concerned about people and situations world-wide, or maybe it's just my childlike natural curiosity. When I woke up super-early this morning I didn't want to get up, as it was still dark, and I was cold. But, it was more than that, and I couldn't quite put my finger on the deep heaviness I felt. It wasn't the kitten's brutal morning gesture of bouncing on my chest to announce her need for attention, but that never seems to help, especially when she lays down to wait me out. But, her antics were not the source of my emotional discomfort. The overwhelming sadness; my heart felt crushed, a brokenness so deep and untenable. Eventually, I dragged myself out of bed, but I wasn't able to focus on what I was reading. Listening to worship brought tears to my eyes and uncontrollable weeping. I remembered that today was my mother's birthday. I always miss her, especially these days when I'd love to have her thoughts and prayers. I felt so alone, and yet, I never am.

Eventually, as I sat awhile talking things over with Abba, listening to worship music I was able to focus on Paul's adventures found in my reading today. He's describing the events of his third missionary journeys that will eventually lead him to Jerusalem. In spite of the many warnings by Holy Spirit who warns Paul of suffering he will endure, Paul still sets his face toward God's chosen path for his life and ministry. In Acts 20:22-24 he says, "And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love."

Paul truly gave everything to serve the Living God and share the message, the Good News of Jesus Christ and the transformation in his own life. That is what we are called to do as believers, as His ambassadors. We, like Paul, are on a daily mission to reach as many people as we can we this message of hope. It is my prayer that I will have the same determination as Paul who had been given so much grace and forgiveness by God. He saw the Risen Lord Jesus Christ appear to him on the road to Damascus where he was headed to persecute and destroy the Christians. Thank God for His incredible miracle-working power. And He can do the same thing today. We just must realize that what He has given to us needs to be shared with others. People need to know. We must be faithful in our daily journey as we walk with God, no matter the cost. There's not a moment to waste.

Day 311 A Bit of History

 

11/7/2026

"Burial shrouds have no pockets."

Yiddish saying

 

Recently my interest in American history has been rekindled. I always enjoyed studying history, American and world, but I could not force myself to become interested in government. In high school, back in the day, we memorized the preamble to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and other documents, but although I made the grades, it wasn't my strong suit. Perhaps this being our country's 250th anniversary peaked my interest, but I've been on so many field trips during my school days and my children's that Williamsburg and Jamestown were places I loved to visit, as well as other historic sites across the United States. I wish that I had known more information back then about my Native American heritage, so that I could have introduced my children to my grandfather's family. My children also have Native American bloodlines on their dad's side - mine Cherokee and theirs Apache.  The older I get, the more I am learning about my rather "mixed" bloodlines, but then I was born in the melting pot of America. I don't like surveys or any forms requesting my race, as I am a little of everything, and I like it that way.

I've been watching the movie Reagan about the life of Ronald Reagan, and I was surprised about how little I really knew about the personal life of this President. I've never watched many of his movies, except I remember one that I own - The Hasty Heart where he plays an injured soldier in a hospital with other wounded along with a bad-tempered Irishman who trusted no one. It's the story of true friendship and caring for one another which this young soldier had to learn the hard way due to his stubborn nature. He was also dying, and he was all alone. It's a black and white movie, but it really is quite good, and memorable. Dennis Quaid is playing the part of Reagan, and he seems to be expressing his nature as President quite well. I still have a way to go in the movie, however, so my final analysis will have to wait. 

I purchased Eric Metaxas' newest book, Revolution, The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World, that he wrote prior to the the 250th anniversary. I haven't had an opportunity to begin to read it yet, but I am anxious to do so, as Eric is a very prolific writer who researches well and is passionate about his subject matter. One thing I'd love to see happen in our educational system is to include the old school way of teaching core subjects that got to the heart of each subject. In college I had a professor who taught History incorporating all the workings of art, literature, music, fashion, and every facet of what history includes. Many times these relevant facts are left out, but as in literature, each period included all the working parts. For instance Walt Whitman's wrote in the 19th century that included the Antebellum period, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction Era. During that time the steam and combustion engines were designed, electricity and communication, and other great inventions were discovered. Great composers of this era were Chopin, Brahms, Debussy, and two of my favorites Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky. This is what makes history so interesting. It captures the minds and hearts of young readers and learners, and it sparks creativity and the desire to bring change to our nation and world. At least that's the way I saw it, but then I'm an oldster, but I think many people would agree, including the very young who still have active imaginations and curiosity. Never lose that!

So why am I writing about history and Reagan, wasting my time on the past? I suppose I was feeling a bit nostalgic, remembering special people who accomplished great things in the worst of circumstances. Like many I am waiting to see how many things will turn out, and how long it will take man to wise up. I grown weary of the rhetoric. May God have mercy on this nation.    

Day 310 Build and Plant

 

 11/6/2026

 "And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, 

and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace."

Jeremiah 29:7

 

My alarm went off way too early for me this morning, although I slept relatively well, or so I thought. Still on a rainy, chilly morning I only want to snuggle under the warmth of the quilt and stay awhile. But this morning when I awakened I also felt such a deep heaviness I could not explain. It was like a dark cloud covering me, and it would not pass over. There were things to do, so I had to sit awhile and listen. I felt distracted before I even dragged myself from bed. Quietness, journaling thoughts, trying to clear the fog from my noisy brain. It seems as if the noise in my head from my head trauma becomes much more intense when the weather is changing. Perhaps the barometric changes have something to do with the intensity of the noise. I remember how changes in atmospheric pressure kicked off or intensified migraine headaches. Thankfully, I was healed of those, although I still have spinal headaches on occasion. Whatever the cause, the effect will soon be resolved in due time as I focus on Jesus. I must remain in His peace, as I have been supernaturally carried up to this moment.

I imagine the nation has been arising from the shell shock of earlier in the week, so headlines are ripe with questions, comments, and on and on. I often wonder what happened to good journalism and the authors of it! I like to have photos of the people on my prayer list to go along with the names. It seems more personal, but I must admit that some photos are difficult to look upon. We are to love everyone, and I can honestly say that I try, and I do love the person, especially the sorely troubled ones, but evil expressions, smug satisfaction, and deep darkness obvious in the eyes breaks my heart. I really, truly have one desire, and that is to see all these people turn their hearts to Jesus, have a personal encounter with our Living Lord, and their lives can be transformed. But what will it take to reach these souls so hardened and deceived? 

My life will remain the same, focused on the One who holds me in the palm of His righteous right hand. I have no reason to fear, and I rest in God's unchanging love. So, I continue to focus on the life I live, hidden under the shadow of the Most High, resting in His presence, and sharing His love. I won't compromise, because true love always cares enough to tell someone the truth in love. I would expect the same from a friend, a real one. 

These times for many will be harder, especially in big cities where new government will be flexing their muscles, pressuring for change, attempting to indoctrinate or re-educate. This won't be the first time, but the tactics are much more deeply entrenched in darkness that has been rehearsed and effectually played out in other areas and times.

After God had used Babylon to exact judgment on His rebellious nation of Israel, causing the conquering nation to destroy Jerusalem and carry off the inhabitants, leaving a handful of people to tend the land, God instructed the prophet Jeremiah to write the exiles a letter of hope:

"Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters - that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the LORD. For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. 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. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive." (Jeremiah 29:4-14)

God always has a plan, but we are allowed to go through valleys and deserts, and even deep exile, so that we may learn and grow. Trials by fire hurt, but God is a God of love who is faithful and keeps His promises. Many do not know Him, but He patiently waits. We as followers of Christ are His ambassadors of light to a dark world, desperately in need of a Savior. We are called to pray for all men, beginning with our leaders so that we can lead quiet and peaceful lives in godliness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1-2). So, you see, nothing has changed as far as God is concerned. His expectations remain the same. Obedience.

Day 309 Livings Stones

 

11/5/2026

"The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you

with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

 

Growing up my sister adored kittens, but I preferred dogs, the bigger the better. Of course children always want pets, but they seldom enjoy cleaning up after them. Dogs are much easier than cats, but then mama and daddy didn't want pets in the home, and even outdoors cats are more discreet than dogs. I can't remember what happened when I brought my collie puppy home, but I do remember the panic I felt when he chewed up the corner of the casing around the bottom of mama's new sofa. That may have been when Rusty became banished to the basement. I must be getting pay-back now, because this little kitten is ferocious when she plays. She jumps and pounces, and she loves to claw. Tonight she smacked me and made a one inch little gash in my finger. She was chewing my grammy's quilt, so I was trying to move her away from it. Bad timing on my part. Eventually she scooted off happily, after showing her my bandaged finger, and showing no remorse! Those claws are razor sharp! So once more she's closed off from my room, at least for tonight.

This morning I awakened with singing, the same melody playing over and over. The same one that has carried me daily. My quiet time in the mornings has been peaceful and reflective the last few days, in spite of current upheavals and increasing uncertainty. I prayed, repented, fasted, and now I continue to stand. My life remains the same - focused on one thing! I love my mornings with Jesus.

Today I had a luncheon date with some of my high school friends, and I'm always eager to see familiar faces, even though they have become a little wrinkled around the edges. Our sixtieth high school reunion will be coming up in 2028, so we need to start planning how we want to celebrate. So many of our dear friends have passed on, so we want to keep up the tradition of meeting every three months for lunch and on special occasions. Perhaps this is another reason God brought me back to Virginia, although attending funerals has never been something I enjoy. But, that's part of life, but we have the hope that we will be united again in our eternal home, forever with the LORD.

Reading through my devotionals, preparing for my Bible study group tonight, I was reminded of the following verses in 1 Peter 2:4-5: 

"Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

We've been studying the spiritual gifts and the working of Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Peter was writing to the believers who were struggling in the midst of persecution of the church. The forward to the section exhorted us to remember that "persecution can cause either growth or bitterness in the Christian life," thus making our response vital as ambassadors of Christ. We are called to imitate Christ Jesus who is our living hope for those who feel helpless and hopeless in this spiritually dry and dying nation and world. Peter encouraged the saints that their suffering, although grievous, would prove the genuineness of their faith, "being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:7-9).  

Peter further reminds us that as believers in Christ we have been purified, made holy, reborn of incorruptible seed through the Word of God that abides within us. As such we are to obey His commands to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love our neighbors. We are to walk the forgiveness that God gave us towards our enemies, those who are not serving our risen Lord Jesus. We once were distant from God until we accepted His free gift of salvation, so we are to offer this gift to all men who walk in opposition to our belief. 

We have been given a greater challenge in America in these days to come, as the enemy has come out of hiding and is threatening more openly. We have been praying for the church to awaken, but many have not taken Christ's mandate to heart, and they have twisted the scriptures concerning the definition of Christ-like love. As followers of Christ we have been built up in Him who is the cornerstone to be living stones, vibrant and actively engaged in the work Christ gave us to do until He returns. We are not made of brick and mortar that can be crumpled and blown away, but we are incorruptible through Christ, alive and active in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, making disciples for His glory alone:

"Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again  not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because: 'All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever'"  (1 Peter 1:22-25).

We must be busy, because the hour is late and the fields are ripe for harvest:

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, 'Your God reigns!' Your watchmen shall lift up their voices,with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye when the LORD brings back Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has made His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God" (Isaiah 52:7-10).  

Allow Him to sing over you and give you peace that truly transcends understanding! Then respond in true love through prayer that moves mountains, if we only believe.

Day 308 - The Morning After - Rest

 

11/4/2026

"Let us therefore be diligent to

enter that rest,..."

Hebrews 4:11a

 

Adonai, Your name is to be hallowed.... 

Another early morning after a peaceful night's sleep. The sun is peeping over the trees, skies are clear, and the cats aren't fighting. My mind is sharp and clear as I begin my new day. "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:24)

We prayed, Lord, and You answered. Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. My face is towards You, and I put my faith, my hope, and my trust in You alone. I have a mandate, so I continue to do what You have required of me. I remember that morning several years ago when I was in my home office, digging through the files for paperwork, getting ready for home visits. I heard Your voice so clearly saying "Do you trust Me?" I remember my first reaction, a weak, feeble "Yes, Lord," wondering "Okay, now what?!" That's not the last time I've heard that question asked of me, but my response is less questioning now, as regardless of what may come, Abba, I do trust You. 

This morning during the global prayer call I heard someone pray that "unity blesses You," speaking of our Lord in response to Psalm 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" We had been praying for God's plans for Israel in forming a new coalition and Knesset, then again in prayers for America. That certainly would be an answer to my prayer, as anger and disrespect is never the answer for peace. Nor is willful, stubborn pride.

When I teach or lead a Bible study I know that I must sound like a broken record, stuck on the same message, but the truth is that people may hear our spoken words, but they respond to how we act out what we say. Children are a great example of this truth. They're like little sponges of what they see and hear, so we really have to be careful. But sometimes regardless of what we say or do, there are times when things don't go as we hoped or dreamed for our children. Somehow there's a disconnect. But, if we have been faithful in training our children up in the things of God, I am confident that they will find their way back home to Jesus. As we wait, as we pray. God is faithful, and He hears our prayers.

So what am I thinking today? My hope and faith are in God. I will continue to pray for the souls of the lost, those who desperately need to know the Good News that I have to share. Jesus gave us that command, and I want to be found faithful. So really, nothing has happened to change my focus or what I do daily. My heart remains steadfast.  

Day 307 All is Silence

 

11/3/2026

"You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,

You raise me up to walk on stormy seas,

I am strong when I am on Your shoulders,

You raise me up to more than I can be."

You Raise Me Up

by Josh Groban

 

When He called me this morning, I answered! Last night I asked Abba to give me another chance. He's been trying to wake me up early again, but I've been in so much extra pain, struggling to get up some mornings after forcing myself to stretch my muscles at night, but I'm an intercessor, and we stand the watch. No time to waste. I didn't even have to set my alarm this morning. Settling down in my rocker, heating pad warming my muscles, I heard His voice, and my heart settled in perfect peace, His shalom, that's carried me throughout this entire day. 

Adonai...singing the words:

"Aaaaaaa aa Adonai,

Aaaaaaa aa Adonai, 

From rising of the sun, til the setting of the same,

Your Name is to be hallowed, Adonai."  

 

Have you ever awakened to the sound of melodies playing in your head, the symphony of heaven? Worship is the only response, and it continues on for what seems like endless worship carried on the wings of praise. Sitting in His presence, listening for His voice, it changes you. 

I'm reading the book of Acts - yesterday was the story of the martyrdom of Stephen, and today was the story of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus to Paul, Apostle of Jesus, on the road to Damascus. Paul later called himself a Pharisee of the Pharisees, so pious, and a religious persecutor of the followers of Jesus Christ, complicit with the murder of Stephen, a devout follower of Jesus. He was transformed in a moment by the appearance of the One he was persecuting - Jesus, the ascended Messiah. So often in my prayers for Iran and others I pray for experiences such as this for the hard core haters of Jews and Christians. I have become so compassionate towards those whose eyes have been blinded by the enemy's evil agenda. The spiritual warfare has become so much more turbulent. I've seen it in the skies, although I have not been given the gift to see beyond a certain point. I still feel it, and I sense the extreme battle for the souls of so many. Still today, even though I remember, there is silence, there is His peace.

I return to my Bible study..."God does not ask about our ability or our inability but our availability." 

Kehilat worship watch comes on, and the first song I hear, playing softly in the background is "From the rising of the sun, til the setting of the same, Your name is to be hallowed, Adonai." Do you think He's talking to me about the day? Israel waiting, in limbo regarding their election, and today our mid-term elections that will determine the fate of our nation, although many remain in the dark about what truly is at stake. "As in the days of Noah...." 

Prayer changes to my country, repentance from the Israeli-Americans who have not voted in years, grieving over their neglect. Knowing a great bit about the political process of Israel, which is quite complex, I began to think about the new coalition that must be formed - a new government. And then I began to think of our process of forming a new government.  Two allies, with much at stake, the world holding its collective breath. All is silence and perfect peace.

And then I remember the vision....!

I was walking down a long, dusty road, and there were lines of people moving down the road, heading in the same direction as I. The crowd was orderly, but the line seemed endless - lost, weary, bedraggled, despairing, hopelessly and quietly walking, dusty and tired. They were on the left side of the road, and I was walking beside them, someone walking silently beside me on my right. I later entered a room where there were cauldrons of what appeared to be a thick tomato soup. I was standing in an elevator carrying a long, heavy tray laden with bowls of this liquid, when the right side began to fall, and the very tall man, who'd been walking with me, reached down and steadied the tray, saying "Keep your eyes on the Captain of the Armies of Heaven!" Then I woke up! The next night I can't remember if I dreamed or not, but I suddenly was awakened, hearing a voice clearly speak the words, "Cut off the head of the snake!" 

Since that time I've had other dreams and visions, but these two continue to under-gird me with strength and determination to stay the course and stand the ground as a watchman, engaged in spiritual warfare.

Over the weeks and months we have prayed, fasted, repented, as we understand the times and seasons, the lateness of the hour, but today, all is silence for me, as I continue to stand the watch. 

Day 306 Lessons in Faith

 

11/2/2026

"Prayer in its highest form and grandest success assumes the attitude

of a wrestler with God. It is the contest, trial, and victory of faith; a victory not 

secured from an enemy, but from Him who tries our faith that He may

enlarge it: that tests our strength to make us stronger. Few things

give such quickened and permanent vigor to the soul as a

long exhaustive season of importunate prayer."

E. M. Bounds  

 

The enemy never stops trying to steal our joy, but don't let him! I have allowed the liar and father of lies to steal way too many years from me, but God promises that He will restore the years the locusts have eaten away. He is constantly reminding me of the promises He's made, and He never goes back on a promise. When things look bleak and the atmosphere is dark, I am learning to smile and keep going. There are times when I may not know what to do, but the answer always comes in one form or another. I'm still putting the needs of others before my own, but I believe that's the way it's meant to be when we are told to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus made it very clear who our neighbor is. The Pharisees didn't like the answer very much, but then they were always looking for ways to trap Jesus in His words. In the end they had to resort to trickery, as it is the only way they could look as if they had won. We know that they didn't, even though they refuse to see the truth today. Jesus always did what He heard the Father say. That settles that misconception.

I neglected to mention the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church was observed yesterday along with All Saints Day. I have a daily prayer calendar and emails to keep me advised of news in the countries suffering the most persecution. I keep a bulletin board of photos to remember. Who could ever forget the horror these dear ones endure just for saying "Yes" to Jesus. Voice of the Martyrs has phone and Zoom calls regularly with speakers who have suffered for their faith. I love hearing the stories of their courage and faith. I only pray that should I have to endure this sort of excessive persecution that my faith will stand the test.

Yesterday at the Baptist church I attended they celebrated All Saints Day by remembering the church members or friends who had passed away during the year. It is always good to remember. We must never forget those who touched our lives in special ways. Their memories should be blessed ones as we honor their lives. Not a day goes by that I don't remember someone who influenced my life, and I don't ever think I'll stop missing my parents and grandparents. There are so many things I wished we'd talked about during their lifetimes. My mama and grammy were big on missionary service. I only wish they had understood that my heart's desire was to serve on the mission field, although mama did know I traveled to Belize one summer for ten days with a team to teach Vacation Bible School for the Mayan Indians. I believe God has His way of making things happen only not as we hoped. He allowed me to serve the seniors and disabled in New Mexico, so I imagine that was His way of answering my prayer. I certainly miss the fine people I served, but many have passed away sadly. Many looked forward to our visits together, but Covid had a way of shutting the door on personal home visits or nursing home visits. Many died during that time, probably from sadness and loneliness.

Tomorrow is election day. I have tried so hard to encourage people to vote, as this is a critical election,  the most important one in our history of America. I've written about it, talked about it, and cried many tears about the depravity of men's souls. People should know what a person stands for before casting a blind vote. It's never an intelligent decision to listen to a television commercial or anything in the local news or social media. There are so many lies, coverups, sheer hatred, and there are no apologies. It is sickening and heartless to think that people's minds are being twisted. I've spoken about the truth of such things before, so I won't waste my time on it, or cause myself to lose sleep thinking about the evil afoot. My eyes are fixed on my God, on the Captain of the Armies of Heaven. He's got my vote, wholeheartedly, and I will not consider anything other than victory for our country.

Time to close my eyes and sleep. Tomorrow will be here momentarily.