Day 239 Strength for the Day

 

8/27/2025

 "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill,

and to destroy. I have come that they may have

life, and that they may have it more abundantly."

 John 10:10

 

Today was a rare experience for me. I actually took some time from my daily schedule to spend it with my sister. Because of our different life styles, we seldom have a chance to escape for a day just to poke around, run some errands, go out to eat, and just enjoy the scenery. How many people do that? Just breathe the air and enjoy the ride? I was talking to someone the other day about how people in the south love to visit cemeteries, usually on Sundays or holidays, or just visit them for the sake of reliving history. I am surrounded by battlefields from the Civil War, and as a child, the class would go on field trips visiting such sites, for the sake of history. But we would also visit museums and botanical gardens. I wonder how many school children even have real field trips anymore. When my children were little, I'd go on every field trip as an assistant to the teacher, and I'd usually end up with my own child, who generally was in the mischievous, precocious, or run-ahead-of-the-teacher group. Yes, I was blessed to share the time with the lively ones, but they really were great kids. It's a shame more parents didn't go along for the ride.

We, my sister and I, decided that we wouldn't talk about anything that was disturbing, whether it be family or anything else, as I certainly did not need to think about Israel or Nigeria or the Congo, or any of a number of world events. My volunteer job gets weighty, as does my home life, so I needed the time to relax and enjoy the day. My sister certainly has her plate full, so she needed the laughter as much as I, and for the most part, we were successful. We giggled over silly things, especially certain graphic art we encountered in our exploration of an art gallery, Crossroads Art Center, catering to local artists. I was blown away by the talent of one artist whose sunflowers were reminiscent of Vincent Van Gogh's work. Van Gogh is a Danish artist who is best know for his portraits of sunflowers. I love sunflowers, in case you were wondering. 

We dreamed about possibilities, and explored a few places we had never been, gathering ideas for possible art and crafts projects. We even walked into a favorite bakery, checking out all the yumacious gluten-filled delicacies that I can't eat and walked out without making a single purchase. I was so proud of my resolve to stick to my strict diet, because at lunch I had eaten lightly breaded flounder at Kickback Jacks. So far, no terrible repercussions, but give it time. My sister was enamored by the pastries, and we almost dropped by a donuts shop, as she was tripping out when we passed Country Style Donuts. Personally, I have been craving the gluten-filled, white cream delicacies (pure lard) at Dunkin Donuts, but my sister promised that her shop had far better cream-filled delights. Later at Trader Joe's my sister did pick up some donuts, so I guess the temptation got the better of her. As for me, I left with pistachios, sparing myself the end result of partaking of forbidden food, that results in much suffering and intense pain. I do have a local baker who lives near my home who makes wonderful gluten free desserts, so I think I'll just pick up the phone and see what she has to offer to satisfy my desire for yummies! My sister made homemade pineapple ice cream for my birthday, and I finished that off in record time. Although I sound like a glutenous pig, we don't eat a lot of desserts at home, but it's fun to think about it! Perhaps when I shed a few pounds from my new sedentary lifestyle I'll indulge to my heart's desire!

We had a great visit, and we splurged a little on a couple of necessities we both needed, but for me, it gets a little clouded when I return to my prayer points and needs. I pray that it was not the same for my sister, as she also needs her time, as I do, to gain new strength for the day.

The nation is shocked once more by the insanity of the senseless murder of school children, ages 8 and 10, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, as they sat in their pews praying on the first day of school, by a 23 year old gunman. Seventeen people were also injured, 14 of whom were between the ages of 6 and 15; three parishioners were in their 80's. Seven were in critical condition. The young man killed himself after the shooting spree. News reports state that he had spoken about killing children, and he had discussed his suicidal thoughts. The Mayor spoke out against the community striking out against the transgender community, and I later heard that the young man may have been a victim of such a crime at an early age. Only time will tell, but more and more reports of victims forced into believing they are not who God said they were born to be, male or female, are being coerced into making decisions that are taking lives, leading them to commit crimes that otherwise they probably would not consider. We must pray for all the confused young people, and for parents and educators and doctors to wake up.

Earlier I had received a news report of a 16 year old committing suicide, after having many conversations with his AI companion on ChatGPT. The one in charge of the program is being sued by the parents of the this young man, as their system failed in warning of this exchange going on. The AI assistant was supposedly programed to warn and give support to anyone showing the signs or expressing suicidal thoughts, but this one almost cheered him on, in my opinion, and the boy's parents feel the same. After discussing his plans with his "companion," he ended his young life.

More sense murders in Nigeria by the Fulani Herdsmen, attacking the same villagers they had singled out before, only because they are Christians. More murders, beheading, burning, and extensive mutilation in the Congo, as well. I believe the news said 90 more slaughtered. But there is much more going on. I receive daily news reports from three ministries, plus a daily prayer calendar listing the 50 countries who are the greatest persecutors of those who follow Christ.

Each day I pray with the Global Prayer Group from the Israel embassy, and I have been receiving alerts on my phone at odd times of the day of civilian-occupied areas being attacked or threatened by drones, intercepted thankfully by Israel's defense systems. Booby traps, surprise attacks from tunnels, and on and on it goes, while the world turns against Israel, as prophesied in the Bible. 

When will it end? I don't know when, but I do know how it will end. Sadly, the church has not gotten the hint. But then, as I read through the book of Ezekiel, I see the same words written over and over again by God: "and then they will know that I the LORD have done it." 

May you find strength for your day and hope for tomorrow. Jesus is LORD of all. Blessed be His Name. My hope, the only hope is in Him Alone! Selah.