2/25/2026
My days have become very busy, and try as I may, I am unable to stay caught up. Next week I have an appointment scheduled to complete my taxes, and although I don't really need to put myself through so much grief each year, as I have nothing to report, I still manage to stress myself out. It's not really that so much as all the things I am involved in as part of the prayer ministries, and added to that family responsibilities, and then questions I am asked that go against the grain. Honestly, I've been a bit grouchy at times, and my responses have been straight forward and blunt. Of course it's not my nature to be cruel or short with anyone who is honestly needing an answer, but with all that is going on in the world, and especially in my immediate sphere of influence, it is rather disconcerting to be asked questions that seem to have obvious answers, especially for a believer in Christ.
I grow tired of the criticisms found on social media. Each day someone new has a podcast or video smearing someone's character or trying to discredit a fellow believer. Perhaps that's an example of an oxymoron, because in scripture we are warned against the sin of gossip, slander, and libel, so one couldn't be a true believer and behave so viciously. It would seem a common courtesy to avoid such things. Also wisdom, but we do need to be discerning. My advice is what I share almost on a daily basis, "Stick to the Book!" I coined that phrase from Billy Graham. I am so grateful that no one has made attempts to discredit him or his ministry, and if they have, please do not tell me, because my response would not be well-taken. I've grown very weary of watching pastors and leaders fall into ruin. I just pray that they run to our Savior, repent, and allow the Lord to clean them up. We have all fallen short of God's glory, and we can be duped by the "angel of light" sometimes. The enemy has been busy, and he is out to kill, steal, and destroy. So we walk in wisdom, discerning the truth through the Word of God.
Wednesdays are my night when I unwind with worship leader Terry MacAlmon and listen to his Hour with Jesus aired on YouTube every Wednesday, unless he has been invited to minister at a church or an event to serve in worship. Tonight he played some of my favorite older contemporary songs and hymns. At a time when I was very ill, taking care of my daughter, who was very ill, and struggling to save my marriage, there were certain worship artists whose songs brought me comfort. Now when I listen to them, I am immediately lifted to the throne room of God, bowing before Him with the saints and angels. In the Presence of Jehovah is one of those songs:
"In and out of situations
That tug-of-war at me
All day long I struggle
For answers that I need
But then I come into His presence
And all my questions become clear
And for that sacred moment
No doubts can interfere
In the presence of Jehovah
God Almighty, Prince of Peace
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended
In the presence of the King
Through His love the Lord provided
A place for us to rest
A place to find the answers
In the hour of distress
Now there's never any reason
For you to give up in despair
Just slip away and breathe His name
He will surely meet you there
In the presence of Jehovah
God Almighty, Prince of Peace
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended
In the presence of the King"
The chorus takes me away to a place where I can release all my pent up emotions and just release them to Abba. Music can be so healing. Another artist who also has a spot on YouTube on Wednesdays in the middle of the day is Don Moen, also from Integrity Music back in the day. His songs, God Will Make a Way and He Will Come and Save You, are two songs that stir my heart. There were many nights back in those troubled days mentioned above, when I couldn't sleep because of physical pain, so I'd put on my headset and his CD, and I'd dance around the house with my stuffed cow Bubba as my dance partner. These days, whenever I hear Don's songs, I'll dance with Charles, aka Charlie Horse, my plush horse, as Bubba is still in New Mexico in service to my daughter at this time. I know it sounds a little silly for an adult to dance around the room with a toy, but I have a history of such things, and I'm too old to outgrow them, plus it works! Beatrix Potter would approve, and Jesus did say we need to be as little children, with purity of heart.
Whatever it takes to keep my focus on things that will celebrate the glory of God is how I want to live my life. Even if I stand on my head in a corner and sing love songs to Jesus. It's an end to a wonderful day!
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