9/3/2025
"How precious also are Your thoughts to me,
O God! How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in
number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with You."
Psalm 139:17-18
I was awakened very early this morning by the sound of alerts from Israel being advised of rocket fire. This happened a couple of times, but fortunately the missiles were intercepted. It seems as if the Houthi rebels from Yemen continue to keep the war going in spite of Israel's attempts to end the fighting. So many days, almost two years, and the world continues to believe that Israel is the culprit. The enemy certainly blinds the eyes of people, just as the scripture says.
I woke up again around 4:30 am, but I decided to lie back down again. I had stayed up much too late last night, and after having another fall, this time from vines entangled in my shrubs, I was a little sore and tired. I need to find something less risky to do with my time, but another part of weariness is not having sufficient help to accomplish the repairs and upkeep of this home. I'm sure I'll sort it out sooner or later...with the Lord's help!
I missed my 7 am alarm, but I did hear the 8 am alarm reminding me of Jack Hibb's morning prayer meeting. I decided that I'd forego the meeting and listen in later in the morning, as my missed wake up call limited my quiet time, and I especially needed to sit in Abba's lap this morning. For the past two weeks I have felt discombobulated and not able to put my finger on the real source. Writing has reminded me of certain events in my life that were good, yet painful. Bittersweet memories, but the "bitter" was overpowering the "sweet."
At least I was not prompted to return to the 2024 journals again, because often the entries are also reminders of things I have had to give up, and dreams that seem dead. As I have often said, the enemy knows our Achille's heel, our vulnerabilities. He loves to suck us back down into the muck and mire of the present age. That alone is enough to sniffle positive feelings, but our trust and hope is in Jesus Christ who has overcome the evil of this age and died to redeem us from any attack the devil may attempt to send our way. O, Abba! How many times must I be reminded of that truth?!
I was a little sore when I finally got out of bed and went to the kitchen to feed Alex, who was outside reminding me that his daily bread was late, very late! After appeasing Alex, who did not want to be loved, only fed, I stood face to face with my son's cat, Mia! She was kinder, but she has a cat face that speaks loudly without the meows. Once done I noticed that my kitchen table was covered with paperwork to be completed and filed, a list of phone calls to make, an unfinished grocery list, and a bunch of clutter. So, I determined that after finishing up prayer calls and having more time with Abba, that I would tackle the mess and clutter. That was my plan, and I am happy to say that I did clean not only the kitchen table, but I cleared out all the paint cans and tools and the wooden cabinet doors to be sanded and painted. I got rid of most everything, so that once I actually got around to doing something, I would have room to accomplish it! Daniel cleared two shelves in the basement for my supplies, and we are slowly and methodically cleaning out my daddy's treasures plus some of our own. At last something positive!
There are days when I become so jealous of some of my friends and family members who seem to have embraced the concept of retirement wholeheartedly. They actually have a life, an active one, and they don't have to deliberate about vacations, being able to go and come whenever, having all the finances to accomplish anything that needs to be done, whether it is by use of paper or plastic. This morning I had to repent for feeling envious of those who appear to have it all. We're getting ready to celebrate our Cousin's Reunion this month, and my sister has twelve people going with her, while I am struggling to have my son attend. I have six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren whom I have only met three. I have an older son and a daughter whom I have not seen or spoken to recently. I was feeling so worthless and abandoned when I woke up this morning. Of course, I repented quickly for all of this, because I know better, and God does not appreciate pity pot moments. Satan will fill our minds with thoughts, regrets, on and on, taunting us until we succumb to the temptation of depression, guilt, shame, however he wants to unjustly label us. But do not give in, and if you even for a moment consider or entertain the thoughts, repent, as I did. Tell him to take a hike, and even open the door for him. No longer allowed here, enemy, to mess with me. I am loved by God, and He has blessed me with everything! Then go into your prayer closet, shut the door, and talk to Jesus. I can guarantee that he's waiting for you there. Perhaps we've spent too much time on other things, so He may actually feel abandoned.God longs and aches for relationship. Spending time in His presence, just baring your soul, then resting in His embrace, should be the first order of the day. No distractions, only Jesus!
So after all this hoopla, how did my day end up? Well, I spent an Hour with Jesus online with Terry MacAlmon, who has just recovered from a severe urinary tract infection and allergic reaction to medication that could have ended badly. But he looks vibrant and glowing almost, which attests to the healing power of our God. He is indeed the Great Physician. The songs, which are often ones from earlier days of Integrity Worship, were uplifting and reassuring. It was a sweet hour of worship. Terry always shares scripture and a mini-lesson, a wonderful end to a busy day. It reminded me that just because the devil comes knocking, I don't have to open the door to him. And it reminded me to put away my stuff before the close of day, so I can wake up without clutter greeting my day! Only the faces of the adoring animal kingdom God has gifted to us. Sweet meows and cat faces. Thank You, Lord, for these furry blessings.
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