Day 217 Faith Like a Child

 

8/5/2025

 "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, 

you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 18:3

 

I woke up to overcast skies and misty rain. Fortunately, by afternoon I was able to cut the back yard, although with much difficulty due to the lush, damp grass, but surprisingly, the drain ditch was dry, and it hasn't been that way all summer. We were beginning to think the pipe had burst, because it was full of water all the time, and it flowed down the ditch, but apparently, that was not the problem. Whatever it was, I am grateful for the divine intervention in drying it in spite of all the rain. I still have the sides and front yard to cut, and the forecast calls for rain the next few days, so I don't know when I'll be able to finish. Still, there's plenty to do inside.

I'm relieved that my afternoon turned out better than the morning began. It was one of those days when the emails came in faster than I could read, delete or file them. I had gotten behind in posting my blogs, and although I had the notes, the topics of the days were heavy spiritually and emotionally, but I managed to get it posted. I'm not sure if it met the approval of whomever reads my blogs, but it really doesn't matter, because I write what I feel the Lord puts on my heart. I pray over everything, because I hesitate sometimes to write what I feel, and yet, God said to write the story. The story I am discovering, is His story, seen through my eyes and about my life with His hand upon it, if that makes sense. I'm still trying to figure it out, but I hope I get it right.

The Lord says that we are to become like little children, and I understand that. Children are very humble, loving, and easily accept things as truth. In season one of The Chosen, there is one episode where a little girl encounters Jesus camped in the field where she plays. She brings a friend, then friends, and the group innocently accept the friendship of Jesus whom He teaches to craft items while He teaches them stories about the Kingdom. it is so refreshing when I see children praying, dancing before the Lord, enjoying His company, and He finds much joy sharing time with them. That's the way I love to worship Him. Dancing, laughing, enjoying the time. It's easy to talk to talk to Jesus about anything. He cares about everything.

When I taught children's church I would use  puppets to tell the stories I had written. My daughter was the teacher, in front of the puppet stage, and I was the puppeteer behind the curtain. At first we had two puppets, two dogs, Benji and Browser. Benji was always trying to keep Browser out of trouble, especially in church. He wasn't an  ill-mannered puppy, Browser was a little mischievous, in a playful way, but he had never been to children's church until Benji invited him. It took patience and teaching the right and wrong way to behave, especially in church. The children in the class loved the two puppies, and each week a new lesson was taught in a way the children could understand and remember. Plus, they could share with their families the misadventures of Benji and Browser. All three of my children eventually helped me in my puppetry ministry over the years, and the creativity still flows after all these years. 

My son is particularly fond of Grinch, so one day, close to his birthday, while I was shopping in the Trading Post, I noticed a little fellow thrown into a bin with other Grinch babies. He seemed to jump out and plead with me to choose him, so I brought the little feller home. He sat on Daniel's shelf downstairs for a month or two, wordless, until one day, overhearing my conversation with Daniel about a lady who always said "huh?" during church services when she didn't understand, said one word - "Huhhhhh??" From that day forward that little guy has taken on his own personality, and there's never a dull moment around here! I told my son that we should write some of the fantastic stories Grinch tells in a notebook, so we can write a book. Grinch's actions resemble Browser's first days before he attended children's church. I told my son that puppets could be very therapeutic to kids in trauma. I remember when I was a child that I'd talk to my stuffed animals, because they were safe, and they didn't get mad when I shared things with them. Whenever I used puppets to teach children the stories  of Jesus, or to use them to explain right and wrong behavior, they listened, and they learned. Play therapy is very beneficial to children in trauma, and the technique has been used with adults who have been so deeply injured in childhood and who have never recovered. 

Perhaps my son and I are are just two crazy adults who have way too much fun acting out the antics of our often obnoxious, but extremely precocious little Grinch. Sometimes my son gets a little too enthusiastic with the bad attitude, and I often worry that the neighbors will call the police, but so far so good. I did warn my friend that if she heard some shouting, not to worry, because we were having fun! She laughed, because she is learning that I am "one sandwich short of a picnic!"

God has called us each to go out into the world, and we are to help others, even in less than normal means, but then He uses donkeys and unconventional ways of doing things. We each have our unique gifts and talents, so if I can help a child or adult regain mental peace and the ability to tell their story, bringing deliverance, freedom, healing, and salvation, then that's a pretty good day in my humble opinion. It's all a matter of prayer, humbly approaching the throne of grace, as little children do unhindered by the cares of the world.     

Day 216 A Little Piece of Earth

 

8/4/2025

 "The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof, 

the world, and they that dwell within."

Psalm 24:1

 

Many people don't like Monday mornings, as they are tired from "resting" on Sunday, but they're not ready to return to the grind, unless the work is satisfying and enjoyable. Truly, in America, people do many things on Sunday after church or instead of going to church, so it is a day of activity whether it be fun-filled family time or doing tasks around the house, because they work during the week. Some kind of "rest," huh?! On Sundays, when I was growing up, there were Blue Laws prohibiting work on Sunday. Business were closed, except for a few essential ones. I loved those times. I observe Shabbat, Sabbath rest, beginning at  6 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday. Then I observe Sunday, so when I worked, I had to limit what I did and how long I worked. Thankfully, when I lived in New Mexico, the latter years I rented, so I didn't have to keep up outside work, unless I wanted to. I was then able to focus my attention on house work, and I must say, it is not my favorite thing. When we lived in New Mexico, we had a wood stove, so we often went for wood on our mountain property. I loved being out of doors, better still in the woods and mountains. We'd make a day of cutting trees for wood and hauling it home. Sometimes when it snowed, I'd drive up into the mountains, climb the hill, and sit on the bank looking out over the valley. I could sit there for hours, observing nature, talking to God. I loved the smell of pine trees and pinon, although I'd rather eat pistachios than pinon nuts. When I was ready I'd go back down, and I'd head home.  Sometimes I'd escape to Sipapu Resort, a little corner of the mountains in the village of Vadito, snuggled between Taos and Mora. Later, when I was alone after my divorce, I visited regularly. I'd rent one of their little cabins, priced sensibly then, and I'd read, pray, study, and write. I'd take my mountain bike sometimes, or I'd hike or walk along the river stream. Just breathing the air made me feel whole, and renewed. They had a little store, with a restaurant, or I usually brought my own food to cook, as the cabin was fully stocked with pots, pans, dishes, utensils and the like. I loved the quiet times I had there alone, peaceful, and at rest. How I long to be there again.

Today one of my "to dos" was to burn the branches, vines, and pieces of wood from the "big maple" that got "freed" during the storms. I had three huge areas of my work ready to go, so my son and I set out to do it, before the next rainfall was scheduled to come. We always try to make sure that the wind is favorable, blowing away from our crepe myrtle trees, that I diligently worked hard to remove the nasty vines wrapping around the trunks of the trees, growing up into the branches stunting the growth and blooms from budding. Even though I had to injure myself in the process, the trees are so beautiful, and I have my red retro lawn chair nestled within the branches, shielding me from sun and birds...hopefully. Although, they do little to ward off the attacks by those voracious mosquitoes or gnats. I guess it's just my magnetic personality that makes me irresistible to them! Although Bronner's Peppermint Soap does help! Mosquitoes hate peppermint oil and lavender oil, but bees love lavender, and I am deathly allergic to hone bees! 

Later, when I returned inside the house, standing at the kitchen window washing dishes, admiring the beautiful work we'd done, talking to God about my feelings, laughing and enjoying His company, I sensed a slight scent of grape, although very faintly, and I wondered if this was His sweet fragrance. In scripture found in 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul says: "For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." This is not the first time I have smelled sweetness in the air, and one days some friends and I were talking about this very thing. They, too, had similar experiences. What a wonderful way to close my day. Tomorrow is another day, and I will tackle cutting the thick, lush grass God has gifted to me to care for, although perhaps He meant or Daniel to do a bit more, but that's a topic for another day! It reminds me of Psalm 24 that I quoted from above. Sometimes we get the notion that everything belongs to us, but the scriptures prove this is not true. It all belongs to God, and we are caretakers. Even our children are His, made in His image, and we are responsible of training them up in the way they should live, so they become productive, law-abiding citizens who, in turn, do the same for their families. The cycle of life!

"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him.

For He laid the earth's foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.

Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand on His holy place?

Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.

They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. 

Such people may seek You and worship in Your presence, O God of Jacob.

Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is this King of glory?

The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.

Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.

Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven's Armies - He is the King of glory."

Day 215 Praise & Rant

 

8/3/2025 

"So they departed from the presence of the council,

rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer

shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every

house, they did not cease teaching and preaching

Jesus as the Christ."

Acts 5:41-42  

 

Today we had a visitor from the country of Romania, Pastor Sabin Boruga, who shared with us from Psalm 27, a psalm I memorized as a young child, one that still brings me great comfort, one I share with others often. The title of his message was "Hope in the Midst of Your Battles." Pastor Sabin brought news of the battles around his country and within his own ministry, as we are in a spiritual battle; however, he shared that the church in Romania is growing. They are in the process of establishing a fifth church, I think he said, and he shared a video of ministry within the church and community. His congregation also reaches out to the gypsies, so my heart soared, as it had been reported by another missionary about a year ago that the churches in his area of Romania shunned the gypsies. So this is another answer to prayer! God is answering prayers, so we must never grow weary in well-doing. Romania is not on the list of highly persecuted churches, but this is yet one more reason to be diligent to cover all countries in prayer and support their efforts.

My heart has been broken at all the cruelty in the world, all the lies and coverups, watching nations being destroyed, embracing evil, in-fighting within government in America, all while the true enemy, the devil,  smiles and claims victory over the ignorance of man. But the worst of all is the complacency of the church, when we should be shining the light of Christ, rather than doing nothing, because it doesn't concern us personally. The truth is that it very much concerns us. Daily I repent for myself first in allowing this to happen to our nation and our world. I repent for America for the sins of turning our backs on God. I repent for losing our First Love. I repent for allowing false prophecy to slither in and Islam to be allowed to send in people to discredit the God of Israel, the God of America. We have forgotten our Judeo-Christian roots, and we need to return. The Apostle John was given the vision of The Revelation, and in Chapters 2 & 3, warnings were given to 7 churches. These sins are in the church today.

How can a nation turn their backs when videos are sent to Israeli parents of hostages, emaciated, starved, chained in the dark, dressed in dirty, shabby clothes, tortured daily for 667 days today, crying and begging for help. When President Trump saw Evyatar David, 24, grossly emaciated digging his own grave, he wept. Hamas sent those videos, as they have been doing over the entire time, as psychological warfare. They know they have been defeated, so they are continuing to hold on to their "ace in the hole." I have heard the reports of the genocide of the children of Gaza, but that is simply not true, at least not true of Israel. Israel has done everything humanly possible to protect the people of Gaza and ensure they are fed and receiving medical care, while the UNRWA and Red Cross have sat idly by. Hamas, on the other hand, does not care about their people. They have used children as human shields, children in digging tunnels, stockpiling weapons in schools, and shooting from schools with children present. The Gazans have in recent months begun to protest as their food continues to be stolen by Hamas who charges them for food and offers very little. Bunkers of food Hamas has stolen has been located by the IDF in the tunnels, while Gazans and hostages starve. One Gazan man, who had been very vocal in protesting against Hamas, was killed by Hamas, as a traitor, and this is not the first time this has happened. 

This war was started by Hamas when they attacked civilians, early in the morning as they slept, brutally torturing, murdering, disemboweling, raping, burning, cutting off heads; tying up parents, then torturing them, as they watched their babies being burned alive in the oven, while the terrorists ate their breakfast. Babies were killed in their cribs, and their bodies desecrated. The the Nova Festival, after they had tortured to death young women by shooting them, tying them to trees, mutilating them as they were  dishonoring them in all ways evil allows, after murdering them, they continued to "use" the young women's bodies for their own sick pleasure. I know this is very graphic in detail, but some people need to hear and often times "see" it to believe it. Then there are many who will turn their backs still, call it a lie, or worse - laugh! The Gazans were actually seen rejoicing over the slaughter. Across the nation, our own nation, people partied.

Here in America we continue to abort babies, kill them in the womb with pills that harm and kill the mothers, while told it is safe. Have you ever watched a video of an abortion? They say the babies don't feel it, but you can see them pulling back, trying to fight off their attackers. You can see them torn apart or suctioned out. This is murder. While I was still working, setting up services for Medicaid recipients, there was a brutal murder in Albuquerque on April 23, 2016. I was sitting in Firestone in Santa Fe, where my car was being serviced. While I waited, a group of people were getting acquainted, and I was asked what I did for a living. I explained, a little more than I may have usually, but it had been a gruesome day. They were talking about this incident in Albuquerque and how horrible it was, so I asked about it as it involved a child. A lady told me that I already served in a job with disheartening situations, she was sure, so they all refused to speak further about it, saying it would be better for me if I didn't know. As it turned out, a little girl, aged 10, Victoria Martens, was viciously tortured and murdered by her mother's boyfriend, as she watched drugged out and crazed. It was Victoria's birthday. The mother's boyfriend and a woman gave the child alcohol and methamphetamine to keep the child "calm" while they raped, strangled, then stabbed, dismembered, and then attempted to burn the child in her blanket. The neighbors had heard screams and called the police, although I'm not certain of the times. The mother later confessed to hiring people over the years, as I recall, to "use" her two children as she watched. All of this can be verified in a report found in Wikipedia.  

We talk innocent young people into believing that God made a mistake in determining their gender, so we mutilate their young bodies. In schools they allow children to think they are cats, so they can use litter boxes as toilets. They allow males, pretending to be girls, into the girls' bathrooms, and the girls are raped, but the male is deemed innocent, while the angry parent is hauled off by the law. If anyone thinks I am exaggerating, read the news. The nasty language and graphic pictures in books, immoral activity allowed in schools and used in the textbooks is considered "normal." Well, it is not. Filth is never normal, and more teachers need to stand up and say "no way" rather than retiring at an early age. In the medical field, doctors are actually closing their practices, because they will not be forced to practice deadly procedures on their patients or those bussed into states, like New Mexico, who welcomes any pedophile, any one desiring to child sacrifice their unborn. I lived in New Mexico for 35 years, and I hated having to leave, but this sickens me. Why aren't more Christians standing against a Governor and her administration who allow the atrocities that the present one does and say not-a-word?! I am not political, but I am governmental, and I know that the Bible says we are to be involved, not in ugliness, but in shining the light of Christ or at the very least upholding values. Our nation was founded on Godly principles, on morality and truth. It has never been a perfect nation, there are none, but we should have respect and love for one another. Love enough to tell someone they are wrong. When Jesus got angry He spoke out to the religious leaders and the government leaders, and He did not mince His words. We need to repent and turn from our complacency, and if we are sinning with our mouths in condemning Israel's right to exist, then shame on us! Repent, because God has been very clear. Whoever curses Israel will be cursed.

In You, O Lord, I put my trust! 

Day 214 Remembering

 

8/2/2025 

"Yet You, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay,

You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand."

Isaiah 64:8

 

We began the morning prayer call sharing Communion, remembering the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. I love to share Communion, and I have often done so alone, remembering, as if I could ever forget what He has done for me. Each Shabbat we celebrate the Lord with the prayers and blessings of Kiddish, partaking of the bread and the wine or grape juice. I love to sing the blessings, and Saturdays have taken on special meaning since I began to spend time in fellowship with those of like mind. I now have renewed vigor in attending church locally on Sundays, as I feel I have finally found a place to call home. 

As mentioned yesterday in my post, today begins the observance of the Ninth of Av, a time of fasting and mourning as Israel remembers the destruction of the two temples, the first by the Babylonians, and much later, the second by the Romans, both on this day in history. During this time the nation reads from the book of Lamentations written by the prophet Jeremiah, who witnessed the destruction of the first temple and the exile of the Jewish people. The Torah portion for today is found in Deuteronomy, as Moses begins his final journey with the people of Israel, reminding them again, reviewing the words of the Lord, so that the people would remember that they are the chosen people of God, set apart for a purpose to be a light to the Gentiles. When the Law was given to the people at Mount Sinai, the people heard God speak and saw the thunder and lightning and witnessed the cloud of His presence on the top of the mountain as He spoke with Moses, and as He wrote the commandments on tablets of stone. During the 40 years as they wandered in the desert, because of their unbelief, the Lord had been present in the cloud by day and the fire by night. He had met with Moses in the tent of meeting where His glory covered the tent. But now, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses would not be going with them. He and Aaron sinned against God, so they, like the generation of those who revolted and died in the wilderness, would not be allowed to enter the land. Aaron had already died, but now, before his death, Moses is reminding them again of who they are and who they are called to be as witnesses of a Holy God. This was a new generation, many who had not experienced all their parents had witnessed. Once they entered the land, God would no longer accompany them in the cloud and fire. Joshua was chosen as the next leader, and he was called to go in and occupy the land. God would be with Joshua, and He would be with the people, but no longer would it be as it was with Moses with whom God spoke face to face.

Today, it is so important that we train up our children in the way they are to live their lives. As parents, as church leaders, we have always been responsible to train our children in the ways of God, so that they will grow up to fear the Lord, grow in wisdom and understanding, and lead their families and the world in righteousness, justice, and with integrity. Sadly, we have fallen short of this responsibility. There are so many broken families, single parents, or absentee parents. They used to be call "latch key" when my children were growing up. Now they are becoming companions of AI and other technologies are their parents, and in some instances, their gods. While I understand the need of many parents who both have to work, it does not remove the necessity of safeguarding the welfare of our children. Many single mothers do not have families who can assist them with the care of their children when they work, and this is one reason why there have been so many abortions. I blame the church in large part, because I do believe that if we stepped up and did as the early church in the book of Acts taught, there would be less homelessness, less orphans, and less abortions. If we would walk beside and train the children from the start, perhaps they would not feel the need to find love and acceptance in the wrong way and in wrong places. Even young men need to be taught their roles as the heads of their homes, so that they can lead with authority and the strength of God's power, wives submitting in love and respect, children likewise. This is not a fairy tale existence, a pipe dream, it happens in homes where there are strong, Bible-teaching churches and discipleship for men. Not the watered down version, but the word by word truth as spoken by God, the prophets, the apostles, and taught by our Lord Jesus Himself. Where are the Promise Keepers of yesterday, the ministry that guided the men in their marriages?! We need to do better.

I realize that nothing is perfect, as I am living proof of the breakdown of a family unit. I am not alone, if more were willing to mention their shortcomings, their need for support, thing may be different. I wish it had been so for me, but sadly, the church failed when I cried out and begged for support, but that is forgiven and in the past. Now we go forward. I have spoken so many times of my life. I grew up in the church, learning the word of God, memorizing it, and I spent my time attending church events. My teachers in school were members of the same church I attended in large part. I was protected, encouraged, and strengthened. Our Librarian was a Christian, a member of my church, and she was friends of my grandparents, so we were very close. She nurtured my love for reading and learning, and she walked me through the library, helped me choose the appropriate books, discussed them with me. She may have been the one who introduced me to all the missionary books available at Central Baptist Church, because I think I read every one of them, begging for more. No child could have had a better teacher and friend than Mildred Green. I wish she were still alive, so I could tell her how I feel. Even as a young adult I would visit her with my grandmother, as I would with other spiritual mothers from our church. Mary Creath, was my fourth grade elementary teacher, who was also a member of our church, and my teacher in Sunbeams, a church group that met one day a week after school. Her husband, William F. Creath, was our school principal, and a deacon in the church. Like I said before, I was surrounded and protected by a great army of people who loved and cared for me. This is the testimony of others I am sure.

Thus the importance of teaching and remembering all that the Lord has done for us. May this become a daily part of your family's life and testimony. Nurture and guide your children, so that they can grow up to become strong witnesses of the goodness of the Lord. So they can be leaders who walk beside and teach others how to be honest, strong and productive citizens so desperately needed in our world today.

Day 213 Sit A While

 

8/1/2025 

 "Come and sit and ask Him whatever is on

your heart. No question is too small, no riddle too

simple. He has all the time in the world.

Come and seek the will of God."

Max Lucado

 

It's not hard for anyone to guess what's on my mind. I seem to eat, drink, and sleep Israel. Waiting for the release of the hostages, praying for a miracle, praying for an end to this war, yet knowing that there must be closure and the matter regarding the land must be resolved according to God's word. Seeing and hearing lies and watching people I used to respect as wise and informed people suddenly speaking out against Israel and the United States, because of our stand with Israel. There is so much division in our nation. How this must make God sad to see His children behave this way. 

The invitation to come and sit and ask Abba anything is something I already do. In fact the majority of my day is spent sitting right here, in this chair, staring at the computer screen, reading updates for prayer or reading my Bible or participating in Zoom or phone prayer meetings. Tomorrow is Erev Tish'a B'Av (Ninth of Av Eve) a time of great sorrow and a day of fasting for the Jewish people as they remember the destruction of their temples which happened on this day in history. Several tragic things happened on this day over the years, going back to when the twelve spies Moses sent out into the Promised Land returned with the bad report from ten of the twelve, which resulted in the death of many as they were made to roam the desert for 40 years until the generation had died for their sin of disbelief. There is the additional sadness and grief over the fact that the hostages remain in Gaza in the hands of the terrorists, who continue to avoid a deal for the release of Israel's sons and daughters held captive for 665 today. To make things more difficult, video tapes of two of the remaining hostages were sent by Hamas to the families revealing the dire circumstances of their captivity. Conflicting reports and media exchange of false information are being released, further adding salt into the wounds of the families and the government. When will enough be enough?!

Meanwhile more drama is being stirred up in other countries at Israel's expense, and the accusations continue to fly. America is being included in the conversations, as Israel is our nation's strongest ally. This is after all a spiritual battle, not a flesh and blood one. It would do well for more people to wake up to that truth and do as Paul instructed us in 1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."  

The invitation's open to all, come sit awhile in the Lord's presence and seek Him about all this mess! It's time to sit a spell and listen to the only one with the answers!  

Day 212 The Exchange

 

7/31/2025

"For we are God's handiwork, created in

Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared

in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2:10  

 

Tonight is my group meeting, and as usual, I wonder if I am making a difference or not. If it's worth the effort, then I have to tell myself that the "effort" is really not so bad. I tend to be hard on myself. But, before the class begins I have responded to the same questions on the community page for the church, so review is daily for four days. It works out well that way. I've been trying to get my group members interested in participating in the discipleship community for some time, as I find it helpful to hear and share opinions. Even the prayer page is an experience, and a place to actually connect. New believers are encouraging other new believers, while the more seasoned Christians are not as vocal, or not involved at all. Whatever is happening, I find it exciting to see the transparency and support that's been available for each other. I find that family goes beyond blood relations.

I've been part of this group since September 2020, and and although the group is constantly changing, I have one friend who's been with me since the beginning. In fact, she was the very first one. That says something, I imagine. People come and go, as schedules change, but I find that change can be good, especially if the person has learned to fly easily into the next season of life, because we all experience them. Right now I'm grappling with the idea that change may be in the air, and I've found that I'm dreaming again, and quite honestly, I haven't dared to consider options for quite some time. It happened rather oddly, as I was searching for paint brushes in Hobby Lobby one day. I had some time, and I wanted to see what was available in fabrics, and I stumbled upon new merchandise, expanded product lines, all creative, and I began to "design" art and clothing lines in my mind. I had already started the process of "crafting" as I was browsing through Pinterest boards for blog photos. Seeing old fashioned teddy bears and Americana artwork and rag dolls caused my head to spin with ideas. I could spend hours developing boards, but I haven't taken the time in years to visit my site, until now.

As I was praying this afternoon for missionaries across the world, in areas where persecution is very high, I looked at my small bulletin board, and I remembered when I had a room with three boards, where I could post so many more photos. As I prayed, remembering their faces, I began to cry, because I need to see the faces of the ones for whom I'm praying, but there are many, and so many more who have lost their lives for Christ. My rooms in the house are so small, so I only have one bulletin board in my bedroom, the room I am using now that used to belong to my mama when she was alive. It's not just a bedroom to me, it's full of memories, old furniture belonging to my grandmother, and memories of my mother. It's also my prayer room, and my hideaway. I spend most of the time in the rocker my ex-husband of twenty-five years gave me, and although it is old, the fabric tattered and worn, with its creaks and squeaks, it, too, is a special memory I hold dear. I am surrounded by teddy bear "friends" and others, including a rag doll my grandmother helped me make from an old flour sack she had in her attic when I was very young. It has pink yarn hair and embroidered blue eyes, one I did, rather poorly, and the threads are beginning to come loose now. Still, she's a treasure to me, my raggedy Suzie.

I was asked to help with the county fair again this year, setting up art work and other exhibits. I think this year will be photography and paintings. County fairs are so much fun, especially when kids bring in their farm animals and produce. When I was young, I belonged to Four H, and I used to participate in the contests for sewing, cooking, and artwork. Each time I help with the county fair, seeing the arts and crafts, canned, preserved, and baked goods, and especially the quilts, teddy bears and dolls, I get excited and encouraged to think about entering my own things the next year, but all too quickly the notion wears off once I come down from my high and see all the work waiting for me here. Somehow I must find a balance between repairs and handiwork. Perhaps there's a way to handle both tasks and interests on a bigger canvas! Walls need to be painted after plaster is repaired, so maybe, just maybe I can have the best of both worlds. I guess it's time to pull out the art and design books I have piled on the shelves and consider the possibilities. Who knows, I may have talked myself into a new career, or at least challenged myself to think outside the box. Wish me luck, and say a prayer for direction too!  

Day 211 Change in the Journey

 

7/30/2025

"The LORD our God said to us at Horeb,

'You have stayed long enough at this mountain.'"

Deuteronomy 1:6  

 

Trying to focus my mind on one thing at a time has always been difficult for me, as my mind races all the time. From the moment I open my eyes in the morning, smiling at and thanking God for my sleep and rest, even if I don't particularly sleep well, I am overwhelmed with the tasks ahead. My primary focus always must be on spending my quiet time alone with the Lord. There will never be a debate about that, unless, as He is reminding me, something comes up unexpectedly to interfere. Usually when that happens, He has tried to get me up earlier, and although my spirit may be willing, my flesh is weak. I have been getting to bed a bit earlier most nights, as I seem to stay exhausted. If I sit down to rest a bit until I begin again, particularly with yard work, I fall asleep. Reading my emails, I fall asleep; responding to emails, I fall asleep. Playing a game on my cell phone, I fall asleep. I think my body is just exhausted from the heat and humidity, the strenuous work I do outside, as well as the gigantic amount of work that needs to be done on the inside of the home. If I'm not outside trying to clean out the trees and bushes, trying to cut the grass when it rains almost daily, contending with mosquitoes whose bites are poisonous to me, weeding my small garden while staving off the pests, then I'm inside trying to vacuum, clean, dust off cat hair, finish painting doll faces and knitting projects after being dormant for over six months, and cooking and washing dishes. And that's only the half of it, because I have prayer calls and Bible studies. I am exhausted speaking about it. The interesting part is that when I worked full time, traveling, working fifty or better hours a week, I got everything done and then some. I've always been involved in prayer ministries and church activities, so what is the difference? And please don't tell me I'm older!

Actually, I have been cutting back in the evenings from always listening to devotional studies or participating in every prayer call, focusing on less demands being asked of me. I don't need to belabor the point, but as I've said multiple times as I'm blogging, this world is in a mess. I have belonged to different prayer ministries since I was a young adult, but over the recent years, as world events have increasingly accelerated prophetically and more people are becoming aware and involved, things are changing for me. Prayerfully considering, I have stepped back from some things, allowing myself a little freedom. In that freedom I am spending more time doing what the Lord required of me, writing. I'm still lagging behind somewhat, but the notes are keeping up. 

Still, I realize that my life is changing. I've begun to realize that more and more since I had the incident with the tree. As I've said, I am no long a "swinger of birches" nor can I grab hold of a vine and start pulling, dangling from it, without paying a huge price if it snaps. I was asked by a friend yesterday if I'd like to go swimming, but I declined. I used to love to swim, but I haven't done so since my children were young. I don't even own a bathing suit. I'd have to get one of those original ones from the late 1800's to cover all my imperfections. Seriously, at one time, as I love to remind my son, I was considered to be a "dish," and I could make heads turn, but no longer. I know, my son laughed, too! But, he did admit that I was a looker...at one time! Actually, I've always been self-conscious, but that can often be the result of unfortunate things happening at an early age. So, for most of my life, I have been and remain very modest. That's why I love the southwestern and boho styles of clothing, they are fashionable - to my taste - and they cover up nicely, flowing and not clingy.  

As the need for more work to be completed on my parents' house increases, I question the Lord whether He thinks I need to return to work. The openings for the job I used to do are staggering, as no one wants to work that hard, plus, as Robert Kennedy, Jr. is proving to the world, health challenges, primarily mental,  have increased over the past few years. He believes as I do that the "jab" has much to do with changes in overall health, and I have a medical background to support my beliefs, but there is also the problem with obesity in children. Kids are left on their own to fend for themselves with regard to meals, choosing to gorge themselves on poor food choices with little dietary benefit. 

I find it disconcerting that as we "progress" in advances in technology that kids are left on their own, filling their days with games, surfing the net (not a good idea), and doing whatever they do on the iPad or cell phone or laptop. Parents don't have to be bothered, as the tech toys can keep their kids occupied, and they are safe when restricted. Not so, as organizations are discovering more each day. Child trafficking is a real area of concern, and it can begin with the less obvious counterpart of child labor, disguising itself as a "good job" opportunity. If that is the case, then why are the kids told not to tell their parents, or anyone for that matter, about the "opportunity" while instructing them to wipe their phones of information, as well as laptops, packing a few clothes, sneaking out of the house where they will be picked up by a virtual stranger who will transport them to this great opportunity?! Even our government has not fully gotten the point that TikTok is not a good idea. We understand that Communist China has infiltrated our nation, yet we continue the same practices. What will it really take to understand. The same thing is happening with currency and banking. Everything is advancing to one world order, as the Bible speaks of happening. Is this progress? Certainly it is not. What happened to using the brain, stimulating it by study, reading a book, for example. Now we have AI to do everything for us. Do we not see the danger? The world is being lulled into a spirit of complacency, without a clue!

I didn't really know what direction this blog would take, because from the moment I sat down here to finish my notes, everything has changed. Perhaps the change I was going to talk about is not intended for my life as much as it is for whomever my read this post. It is my daily prayer that parents especially will sit up and take notice. I can speak from experience. Back when my children were young, the dangers were not as obvious as they are today. I was a good mother, and I knew where my children were supposed to be and with whom they were supposed to be playing. Sometimes, things change, threats are made, and then, if you're lucky, you find out before it's too late. But if you're too late in finding things out, then it may take a lifetime to right a wrong...or never, unless the Lord divinely intervenes, as He has so often. But today the telltale signs are so obvious. At least they are to me, but then I have worked the field, and I have experienced the heartbreak that comes from lies and cover ups.

My second focus, which is also a primary focus, is on the church. It's time to wake up and listen to what God is really saying today, because the hour is late. No time to focus solely on the growth of your own church and your own people. There are so many hurting folks out there, who may never visit the church, so we have to go to them. Some are hiding in plain view, but we can't see for our own busy lives, or, as much as I dislike this word, our agendas! They stand outside doctor's offices, on the front sidewalk, looking as if they are waiting for a ride to come. They may walk into the fast food place where you're seated, eating your meal, and they sit down at the table next to you, smiling to acknowledge your presence, while quietly unwrapping a burger, lost and alone. Once I was riding along a busy street, a troubling issue was occupying my thoughts, when on a crowded sidewalk, amid the other people, I saw a young lad with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders, clutching it across a naked chest. He was scantily dressed, without shoes, on a cold winter's day, walking in plain view of the people, yet unnoticed. He seemed to appear from nowhere. He looked at me, smiling, as I passed by, unable to stop as the way was blocked. I hurriedly turned my car around and went back, but he had vanished as quickly as he had appeared. I was on my way to work, so I called a church close by in the area. The girl who answered said they didn't have anyone to go, but not to worry, the police would find him. I hurriedly called a friend, who tried her best to find him, but not being able to. I think I even called the police station to see if anyone from the church had called. A few days later, God revealed to me that I was the only one who saw the boy, because I was the only one meant to see him. He was showing me the great need that existed in the area, with the church, and with the people. This was in answer to my prayers, and an earlier vision He had given me. My mind cannot unsee the many things my eyes have seen in this life. And this is only America. Imagine the great need elsewhere, as I have described in earlier blogs. I don't want to stop seeing. I want to know what's happening in this world. I want to pray, and I want to go, if God sends me. 

Whatever is next, I welcome. If He wants me to write, I will. All I want to do is keep doing whatever it is He calls me to do. I pray the church awakens from their slumber, parents too. God has given our nation a second chance, but the adversary is busy, and people are listening to lies, not bothering to check on the validity of the sources. We need to wake up while there is still time. Jesus is coming back.