Day 194 Embrace Silence

 

7/13/2025 

"You are my hiding place; 

You shall preserve me from trouble;

You shall surround me with

songs of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7  

 

Sunday morning, and the sun is up and glowing! It's been a still, quiet night of rest, and although I feel a little tired from my late night on the wall, it didn't take long to shake off the fatigue and embrace the day. I'm anxious to get to church to worship and fellowship with friends. It's been slow going for me meeting ladies, making friendships, renewing old ones. Thirty-five years away is a long time, and people forget, as have I, but once our names are shared, memories return. Friendships are revived, and new memories  begin. 

Pastor Jonathan has been teaching from the book of Mark, and as always, his message was delivered in strength, clarity, and passion. My parents would be so pleased with their pastor who is growing up spiritually to be a mighty man of God, in love with his Savior. There's so much going on in the church with opportunities for ministry, service to the community, personal discipleship, and on and on. I do hope I will be able to adjust my overly busy schedule to be able to become more involved, because community is vital to the growth of the church and the individual. Besides, I have been absent, living far away, and it's time to catch up.

I was very excited to catch up with an old friend at church this morning, whom I'd not seen for years. She's a friend on Facebook, but that is not a place where I hang out much, except to post ministry stuff, but I think I might start paying a little closer attention. As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I have been overly suffocated with all the work this old house needs, and yet I am grateful to have a home, and my parent's home at that. Now, I just need to get it rejuvenated! I was sharing with my neighbor this morning that my mama and daddy always had such beautiful flowers. The yard was perfect with rose bushes strategically landscaped, azaleas graced the front of the house, and crepe myrtle and forsythia bushes lined the boundaries of the yard. Mama and daddy worked endlessly to keep the flowers in peak condition, and they also managed to plant a small vegetable garden. They loved sharing their bounty with neighbors and family. Both had giving spirits, and I guess that character trait rubbed off on me and my sister as well. I'm grateful for the heritage, the blessed memories, and the ability to share with others. 

This afternoon I finished with our study of Jonah with Pastor Greg at Harvest Ministries. Whenever the book has been studied before, the focus was always on the great fish, but there's much more to the story than the fish. Whatever we study, the focus is always on developing our character so that we grow to be more and more like Jesus each day. Jonah accomplished his task, howbeit somewhat reluctantly, but it is my prayer that he repented in the end and found peace. God's forgiveness of Nineveh lasted for 100 years before they reverted back to old habits, but their repentance upon hearing the message of the Lord, delivered by Jonah, was true, and every person in that land took part in that prayer meeting. 

From Nineveh I traveled to Redding, California via livestream, where I attended the 25th anniversary of Brian and Jenn Johnson's ministry through worship and song. Their gifts and talents are beyond miraculous, and their ability to truly worship in spirit and truth, as Jesus described to the woman at the well, goes beyond words I can utter. They usher in the presence of Holy Spirit who draws us into the very throne room of God. And it's not just music, but their ability to empty themselves of anything that stands in the way of loving God, loving Jesus, and abiding in His presence. I know that personally their songs come from lives surrendered to Jesus, in true reverence to God as the Author and Finisher of our faith. Pastor Bill shared a message about extravagant worship, sharing from Mark 14:3-9 when Jesus was at Bethany visiting the home of Simon the leper. A woman came into the home where they were sharing a meal, coming uninvited, not considered a woman of good reputation. Other passages suggest she was Mary, Lazarus' sister, but in Mark her identify was vague. What is known is that she brought with her a flask of spikenard, a costly oil, that she poured on his head:

"And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head. But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, 'Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.' And they criticized her sharply. But Jesus said, 'Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." 

After this Judas Iscariot was filled with the desire to betray Jesus, the scriptures say. He was indignant about this woman spending money that could have been used to feed the poor, when in truth, he could care less about that. He was stealing from the group purse already. This lady came uninvited to someone's home, and she anointed Jesus, wiping his feet with her hair, she pouring her love out on Him, and it cost her dearly, because culturally this type of behavior was not tolerated. She gave Him her all, holding nothing back.

Another time in scripture we see an example of extravagant giving. In 2 Samuel 24 when the prophet of God confronts King David about his sin in taking an unauthorized census, the Lord sends an angel to destroy Jerusalem, but Daniel begged God not to destroy the people for his sin. When God heard David's plea for mercy, the angel was standing near the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. So God spoke to the prophet Gad telling him to instruct David to make an altar on this threshing floor to atone for his sin. When Daniel goes and speaks to Araunah about buying the property, Araunah tells David to take it, but David will not:

"Now Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming toward him. So Araunah went out and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. Then Araunah said, 'Why has my lord the king come to his servant?' And David said, 'To buy the threshing floor from you, to build an altar to the LORD, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.' Now Araunah said to David, 'Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen for wood.. All these, O king, Araunah has given to the king.' And Araunah said to the king, 'May the LORD your God accept you.' Then the king said to Araunah, 'No, but I surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God with that which costs me nothing.' So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. And David built there an altar to the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD heeded the prayers for the land, and the plague was withdrawn from Israel." (2 Samuel 24:29-25).

David knew he could not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing. It had to be costly, extravagant, and not so much as monetary, but in his act of sacrifice, an act of worship, David gave his best.

My day from start to finish was one of thanksgiving, deep gratitude, for the lessons I learned, the journeys I enjoyed, the grace of God I received. It was a day of silence as I listened, as I remembered, and as I learned. A wonderful way to spend Sunday, a day of rest and reflection, in the presence of God and friends. A day of silence with my extravagant King who gave His very life for me. He gave His all.

Day 197 It is Enough

 

7/16/2025

"I will praise You with my whole heart; 

before the gods I will sing praises to You.

The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; 

Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;

do not forsake the works of Your hands."  

Psalm 138:1, 8

 

As I read through the Psalms my heart is full of praise and adoration to the One who loves me, who gave His life for me, the One who holds me in the palm of His hand, and the One who crafted me in my mother's womb before time began. It is easy for me to exalt His name. If He had only breathed the breath of life into my lungs, it would have been enough.

 

That phrase, "it would have been enough" reminds me of a Jewish tradition that I first heard while watching the fifth season of The Chosen. As part of the Jewish tradition, on Passover, during the seder meal, the Dayenu (It Would Have Been Enough), a traditional song, is sung or recited during the sharing of the story of the Exodus. It is a series of stanzas describing moments during the exodus from Egypt and what follows as God leads His people to freedom and gives them His laws to govern their lives. The Dayenu:

"If He had taken us out of Egypt and not made judgements on them; it would have been enough for us.

If He had made judgments on them and had not made them on their gods; it would have been enough for us. 

If He had made them on their gods and had not killed their firstborn; it would have been enough for us.

If He had killed their firstborn and had not given us their money; it would have been enough for us. 

If He had given us their money and had not split the Sea for us; it would have been enough for us.

If He had split the Sea for us and had not taken us through it on dry land; it would have been enough for us.

If He had taken us through it on dry land and had not pushed down our enemies in the Sea; [it would have been] enough for us.

If He had pushed down our enemies in the Sea and had not supplied our needs in the wilderness for forty years; it would have been enough for us.

If He had supplied our needs in the wilderness for forty years and had not fed us the manna; it would have been enough for us.

If He had fed us the manna and had not given us the Shabbat; it would have been enough for us.

If He had given us the Shabbat and had not brought us close to Mount Sinai; it would have been enough for us.

If He had brought us close to Mount Sinai and had not given us the Torah;  it would have been enough for us.

If He had given us the Torah and had not brought us into the land of Israel; it would have been enough for us.

If He had brought us into the land of Israel and had not built us the ‘Chosen House’ the Temple; it would have been enough for us."

When I think of all He has done for me, for my family, I could write a similar song, and perhaps one day I will. Maybe it is worth considering by each person who reads this post. What would you say to God? We don't have to wait for Passover, or Easter, if you're a Gentile believer, thank Him for all He has done. There are books written on gratitude, and it is a character of Christ that I want to develop better. I have had to adjust my attitude more than once this week. The past two weeks have been particularly stressful for me. I am discovering that I just cannot do as much as I used to do, so I pray that I can learn to adjust my expectations for myself to better accommodate my seniority status. And then, why settle for half a life! Trees here I come! Maybe I'll buy some new roller blades too! Now all I need to do is get a few of my sedentary friends out of their rocking chairs and off the sofa!

Let's see...I have a high school get together coming up this month, and a family reunion the week before the high school gig, so I have concrete plans. On the invitation for the family reunion it reads: "Let's gather for laughs, hugs, and catching-up that is long overdue." Plus food!! It will be nice to see all my cousins again. Many I have not seen since we were little, and the others mostly at the last funeral not too long ago. When we were kids we got together at my grandparents' house, but I've already written about that, right?! So many years ago, and the memories remain fresh. It brings a smile to my face, and a bit of laughter, depending on which cousin!!

Who knows, I may come with a Dayenu just for the occasion.  

Day 196 More of the Same?

  

7/15/2025

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me

you may have peace. In the world you will

have tribulations; but be of good cheer,

I have overcome the world."

John 16:33

  

As usual, I got a late start on this tonight, so I'll be posting tomorrow. The rain was supposed to come this afternoon, then later, much later, but it never came!! I decided to avoid the outside work with the exception of watering plants, checking for cucumbers, encouraging my zucchini plants to rise and shine, and to feed and brush Alex who happened to come looking for food. That rascal cat does not seem to notice that the berries he has been rolling in have matted his fur so badly that I will have no choice but to cut them out. He did the same thing last year, but gradually I was able to groom him without leaving obvious bald spots. He has his dignity!

Today we spent the morning looking at the flooding in the basement, on the side my daddy had carpeted, that now is my son' beloved dungeon. There is a crack in the foundation which may have been from normal settling over the years, but I am sure it was aided by the rock quarry blasts that have shaken our homes for all the years I can remember. The house is brick, and the walls are plastered, and more than once I have witnessed a crack spread across the wall or ceiling in response to the blasting up the road. Other neighbors report the same experience, but there is little we can do. There was also a split in the tubing to the sump pump, so Daniel had to race against time, as the water rose to replace the damaged tubing with a new one. Fortunately, we keep those things on hand. In spite of the spewing water from the split, the sump pump managed to keep the water down. It has rained so many days, but fortunately other than the basement, we are in good shape. My maple tree hasn't lost any more limbs, and the crepe myrtles are blooming!

Monday night, around supper time, I noticed that we had a little visitor camping out under the stove. So, this afternoon I had to pull out all the pans in the drawer beneath the stove, clean the floor and then the drawer. We set a trap, and I proceeded to scour the pans. Noticing that some of the older muffin pans and flat pans belonging to my mama needed a little extra tender loving care, I decided I'd spend some extra time scrubbing. Before mama passed away she became a little despondent, so perhaps that's why things were not as tidy. My mama and daddy had always been sticklers for tidiness, so this gave me much to consider as I tried my best to restore the old friends. This ole place needs so much work, and all I want to do is to make it sparkle and shine again. One day at a time, I guess.

I managed to fit in vacuuming dead bugs from the windows, and a few dead ones Mia had enjoyed and abandoned for me to clean up on the floor. Next, the bathroom floor and a little nick and tuck. At least it's a good start...or finish seeing that it is late now. 

I missed a couple of online meetings, but I did attend a new training for Harvest, and I tuned in to the Faith Advisory Council prayer time. Fortunately, I did not have to "make an appearance" as the calls were audio only; I was a little messy from the day's cleaning. 

Things like this may be unpleasant, like flooding in the basement and the smells that accompany it, or my little visitor who left me a few memories of his visit under the stove. Most things are just life, and regardless of how tedious mundane things become, we praise God for the blessings He has given to us.

The day began with praise and it ended the same. There were a few emails and news bulletins that disturbed me, and I prayed that God would divinely intervene. Jesus warned us that things were going to happen, and people would be deceived. I must admit that it is very disturbing to see people I care about and love struggle over the basics of faith in God. Wars and rumors of war, changes in weather conditions increasing rapidly across the globe, many people are dying, most I pray are ready to meet Jesus. Only He knows the number of our days.

What is unbelievable to me is that people are not aware, regardless of the warnings from people who know, that advancements in technology or science are not necessarily better or of God. I am extremely concerned with the introduction of AI into every area of life. The pop ups on my computer with Windows 11 are aggravating to say the least. I have denied access to these programs, but they continue to show up asking if I need help. The same with the advent of TikTok the social media god of this age. It was developed by Chinese entrepreneurs, but the majority of the company is owned by "global institutional investors," according to Google. Still, so many young people have been exposed to evil on this app, yet adults find it to be as popular as the younger generations in spite of warnings. Your will, Father, be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Over the months, and at least two years, I have stopped following certain ministries, as I am witnessing fear over faith. There's been talk of storing up for the tribulation to include arms and munitions. It almost sounds like the movie, Red Dawn! Another concern is about buying gold and protecting our 401k. Honestly, my 401k is so small that it wouldn't exchange for much. Plus one has to have money in order to exchange for gold or silver. The point is there is incessant chatter about this subject. I was appalled that a leader I follow, who had scheduled a meeting to pray for the floods in Texas began by speaking of purchasing gold. Scripture is being used, and I am getting dizzy by it all. I don't understand panic, and I have witnessed more and more. My Bible says to keep my eyes on Jesus! He is the Commander of the Army, and the one who watches over me. He tells me to cut the head off the snake. There are many things that I do understand, and I still prefer sitting in God's presence, talking to Him, listening. I have faith that God will guide in what I may or may not need to do.

There are other things, I probably could go on all night. Tomorrow is another day!  

Day 195 Ceaseless Chatter

 

7/14/2025

"Why do the nations rage, and the 

people plot a vain thing?"

Psalm 2:1

  

Monday already? Like I said, these days are flying by! On Mondays we have been revisiting the Nicene Creed, and learning how antisemitism crept into the church at the meeting of the Nicaean Council. Something seemingly beneficial and God-honoring turns around and causes great harm to the Jewish and Christian people. It's just that, only the Jewish people realize it! That's because many Christians have believed the lie that they have replaced the Jewish people as God's chosen, and salvation is coming through the church. This is an obvious error that comes when someone does not know the word of God. It is called Replacement Theology, and it's been around as long as hatred has. Romans 12:1 exhorts us "To study to show oneself approved unto God, workmen who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." So, why don't we? 

Antisemitism is another form of racism, another form of prejudice. It has been present in our world since the beginning of time, beginning with the Tower of Babel when people are dispersed over the earth to do what God had told them to do in the first place, be fruitful and multiply." But no, just like man today, they wanted to "be" God, not obey Him.

I think I became more aware of evil involving certain events in history when I was 13 years of age. I formulated my thoughts about the assassinations of President Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy as a young girl just watching people and listening to the things they said. I could see a lie in an eye way back then, and it's pretty much the same today. In fact, I make people uncomfortable at times, because I look into the face of the one speaking with me, and I can tell a lot. Over the years the skill has grown, and God has given me an education I wouldn't have easily learned in medical school, had I gone, or in the educational or mental health fields. I also worked using my creative, entrepreneurial gifts, again God-given when I needed to earn a living and take care of my kids. Just to be clear, my husband of 25 years wasn't shy about doing any honest work that would put food on the table and keep us in our home and bills paid. I worked to make additional income needed for other necessities - like clothing, healthcare. We worked together back then. And, I wish I had just gone to work at the college when I moved there, as a door was open working in the lab. I was trained in electron microscopy, and they needed one. I don't know how they learned about me, but I chose to remain home, help out at the store, and acclimate the children to a new culture. The point is that we used the good sense and the talents God had instilled into us in order to take care of our children, and we helped others who needed help. I come from a long line of service-minded folks who help others. I do not intend to change my ways.

Going back to the intention of my comment above regarding being able to "read" people, it turns out, as information is becoming public, that I had some things right, that is for a 13 year old who thought John, Martin, and Bobby could do no wrong. Hey, wasn't there a song written with a similar name? Oh, yes, Abraham, Martin and John by Dion, about Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and John and Bobby Kennedy. That was one thing about the days when I was growing up, songs meant something. I guess that was called rebellion, then activism, and now it is plain ole fanaticism and misconceptionalism. That's my word for it.

I have another gift - mercy, and I can see the character of a person in their eyes, what they say, and mostly what they do. I wish more people would take the time to learn to listen, and to understand before jumping to conclusions and making false judgments: "For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13). Imagine how things might work a lot better if all people learned to play well together.

Working with people with disabilities, physical, mental, educational, traumatic, and on and on, taught me to become an even better listener. I can understand changes in the Medicaid and Medicare systems, because I've seen waste, fraud, and abuse, in fact in our annual trainings, case managers and others involved in providing services were taught to identify fraud, waste, and abuse. There were days I would become very agitated observing potential clients who could perform tasks without a hint of disability or impaired acuity or anything! Since I lived with chronic back, hip, and neck pain and constant headaches - spinal, migraine, sinus, and cluster, I did have a few bad days. That list did not include the diagnoses and surgeries to correct things or years of insomnia. Have you ever had a doctor tell you that you should be dead? And all this is only the tip of the iceberg, but the experience of learning to cope aided me in assessing the needs of a person. There are many variables. So having said all of that, I want to say that I think change is due, and I am glad Robert Kennedy, Jr. is making some changes. I pray it turns out well. I just wish people would wait and see instead of speculating and talking about things they know nothing about. Please learn to check out facts yourself, and if you need help, let me know. I'm a researcher too. Care to know a bit about the SARS-CoV-2?

So, let's see - all of the above complicating life as we know it - lies, cover ups, wrong assumptions, and blah, blah, blahs! But that wasn't the worst of it. I'd already been watching Little House on the Prairie too much last week, reliving some of Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories of growing up on the prairie, told by Michael Landon, who wrote Highway to Heaven. I wonder what stories he'd tell today if were still alive...about mistreatment of others because of age, status, or race? The fact that children are taught to spread such hatred, contempt, total disregard for a person's needs, abilities, or rights to be treated fairly, respectfully, or with human kindness, or Christian love. That aside, I was checking my daily news feed to see how my boys and girls (IDF soldiers) were doing, and an article caught my eye. 

 

'Kill All Jews': Elmo's X Account infiltrated by antisemitic hacker

The article included more vile words aimed at Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump and towards the nation of Israel. It is a horrible shame that such moral depravity exists in our world. The article said that it was "tweeted" which I assume means it was plastered all over the web. This is bad enough, but children see this and are affected by it. We are surrounded by young generations filled with so much confusion that adults have allowed to infiltrate society through their immoral, lawless, godless ways. There is no compassion, certainly no love or regard in any way for the well-being of another. Just because someone may choose to live their lives in the cesspool doesn't mean they have to drag everyone else with them, nor does it mean we splatter it all over the world as if it were good news. Especially the young, impressionable youth, who, if Jesus tarries, will be leaders in this world. What kind of world will that be? We who walk with the Lord are responsible to set righteous examples for the world to see. Jesus said to love God and love each other. It doesn't mean agree with everything they say or do, but loving everyone regardless is what He said do. Pray for a heart of compassion, and show this example to the world, rather than the latest gossip about which pastor fell from grace this week. 

Day 193 Buyer's Remorse?

 

7/12/2025

"A man's heart plans his way, but

the LORD directs his steps."

Proverbs 16:7   

 

I find myself at a loss for words again. This entire week has gone by so quickly that I forgot what day it was. I have been so messed up at times, confused and not knowing what to do first. There's so many things I need to do and want to do, that it becomes seemingly impossible to formulate a basic plan. Besides that, I cannot seem to find anyone who wants to work or friends who want to help. I guess I have lived too long, and the days of Little House on the Prairie, when friends helped friends, are long gone. The sad part is that even my widowed or single friends can't find anyone to help them either. So, I am determined to do the work myself, with the assistance of YouTube videos and a lot of prayer. 

It's been raining off and on most of the week, so the grass has grown up, and has been badly in need of cutting. We have a self-propelling push mower, but at times it just cannot make it through the dense grass in the back yard close to the ditch. Between the wind and the birds, most of the grass seed has ended up in that part of the back yard, making it almost impossible at times to cut. It certainly is becoming a work out for me, but I do eventually get it done. I must admit that the grass is beautiful, because I do not see one weed, although I'm sure that a little wire grass may be hiding between the blades. Yesterday I was able  to get the back yard mowed, and I managed to pull some more vines from the trees, but the mosquitoes were hard on my heels! I believe those little critters lay in wait for me, listen for the storm door to open and line up for their afternoon snack. One five minute trip to the cucumber patch, and I gained three huge whelps on my upper arm. I had to put ice on it for relief, but it's only temporary. My son wasn't feeling well from an old back injury, so he wasn't able to lend a hand with the yard work this time. I had hoped it would be different, but perhaps another day. I wasn't able to finish it, so it will have to wait until Monday now. So my yard is lopsided, so to speak, but at least the worst is done...until the rain comes again. With all the work and repairs needed around here and so much grass to cut, I sometimes feel cursed. Perhaps I am once more having thoughts of buyer's remorse, but then I remember my folks, and it's okay. It seems as if some things never pan out well in the end for me, and I'm an optimist! 

I've been watching Little House on the Prairie again, but it does my soul a lot good when I see Mrs. Oleson get her comeuppance. Like today, Laura had acquired a billy goat, the last of his kind she was told, but what she didn't know was the Fred had a bad habit of butting anyone who bent over in his clear view.  I had so much fun watching Mrs. Oleson fly through the air into a mud puddle created by her freshly hand-washed clothing water. It made me think about other adventures the Ingalls family encountered whenever Harriet Oleson was doing her best to bully the town, spouting her self-importance. But then, there were a few times she needed the friendship offered her, although it was hard for her to accept kindness from people she considered lower than her. Through the experience she would learn important lessons, only to be quickly forgotten by the next episode. Still, it does my heart good to giggle.

So, what have I learned today? What nuggets of truth have I gleaned? 

In my quest for sanity and self defense against mosquitoes I did a little research, and I found out that the little buggers prefer O blood. They are attracted by sweating, and on these hot, muggy days I am defenseless. They don't like peppermint soap, and I use it to bathe daily, many times before I go outside, but I think what I need to do is use liquid peppermint soap, diluted a pinch, and applied to the skin. They also hate lavender, and I just happen to have a bar of lavender soap and spray. This is getting exciting. They are attracted to carbon dioxide that we exhale as part of the cellular respiration. At least now I have some things I can try. In fact I may just try it in the evening before I go to bed, because they seem to love my room too. My windows are very old and worn, like the house in general, so I need to reseal them. Another "to do" for my list. See what I mean?? Buyer's remorse. But then, home maintenance is a given, and every home has its challenges. At least I am blessed enough to own a home, and I am still healthy enough to do some work, even if the mosquitoes do take advantage of the situation. 

So, another nugget that I tend to glean every day is to maintain an attitude of gratitude for the things I DO have. And I really do, but itching tends to make me irritable and forgetful at times. Still, it would be handy and dandy if I could find reasonable help. Oh well, that's a topic for another day. 

Day 192 Why, Lord?

 

7/11/2025

 "Why do You stand afar off, O LORD?

Why do You hide in times of trouble?"

Psalm 10:1 

 

When I was a child I remember my grandfather, Papa, always discussing various topics, most of which were over the head of this small child; however, I always listened intently hoping to glean some nugget of truth, because my Papa always spoke the truth, in my eyes. Many times, after exhausting the topic, he would say that he was going to ask God about it when he got to heaven. I always thought to myself that he must be making a long list of questions, because he was curious about a lot of things. Maybe that's why I developed such an active imagination, curious about most everything! I have never lost my childlike wonder, and I hope I never do.

In Pastor Greg's "daily devo," this morning, "Questioning God," he began by asking questions that children in Sunday School may ask as, "Why did You make the giraffe with such a long neck?" Then he progressed to adult questions found in scripture regarding heroes of the Bible or situations where God may not have responded as hoped. At the end of the devotional Pastor Greg asked a question for the Harvest Discipleship group to consider and discuss with each other. He does this every day as part of his daily devotional to engage the discipleship community in lively discussions. Today's question was "What questions would you like to ask God?" Many of the members asked heartfelt questions about death, life, struggles, and whereas I may have some "wonder why" questions for Abba, I tend not to ask, because I know He has His reasons, plus I'd be asking questions all day. I do ask Abba about things He's shown me or asked me to do, so this is how I responded:

"Lord, am I doing it right? I mean, You said write the story, am I doing that or am I spinning my wheels? Please enlighten me. Lord, do You like The Chosen and The House of David? Is it okay that I watch them? I know You guide my every step, and I don't want to be hard of understanding, I trust You, Father. Am I missing something? Is there anything else I can do for my children? All I want is to do it right, Lord. And I want to see all saved and sharing Your love. Lord, ... You know. You know."

I do seek God's counsel about what I watch, and we do discuss it, or at least I feel that He answers my feeble, often ridiculous, incredulous entreaties. After all He does care about everything that concerns us, or so the Bible says, right?! Later on, after a little time had passed by, and I had scratched and scratched my itching skin, applied hydrocortisone cream, salve, even forbidden alcohol and witch hazel solution and applied ice to almost every square inch of my body (okay, I'm exaggerating...a little!), I decided to ask God another question:

"Why, O Lord, did You make mosquitoes? and botlass flies in Belize? These carnivores are vicious! Why, O why are these blood sucking mosquitoes hanging around me?? I am one huge bite!!" 

I also posted a link to a website called Bug of the Week, by Michael J. Raupp, Ph.D., Professor of Entomology, as a point of reference and to add some fun to the questions, which I accomplished. One of the guys, who is also a host for a Harvest Group, agreed with that question. So I had a bit of fun with my side tracking.

The question Pastor Greg asked is one many people shun, unless of course, there's someone who is going through something serious or have to make a decision or a myriad of potential subjects about which we could drill God for an answer. When the movie The Shack came out, it was controversial, because at the start the author used a black woman to portray God's maternal side, but it was very well done. The story is very sad, but I have watched it more than once over the years. It has helped me through some rough places.The main character, outside of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, was a man who had lost his small daughter to a merciless serial killer who preyed on little girls, murdered them savagely, and hid them. The movie is about healing, discovery, and drawing closer to a God who is infinitely wise and all knowing, but whose ways we cannot begin to comprehend. When we question why God allows the guilty to kill innocent children, then allows them to live, it seems as if God must not care, and yet He is the God of unconditional love. When the father, Mack, of the little girl, Missy, spends a weekend with the Trinity at the shack in the woods where her clothing and evidence of her murder were discovered, he comes face to face with God as Judge. He encounters Wisdom in a cave who changes Mack's opinion of God. The movie has a strong message, and I think it is one everyone should read, because sooner or later, in life, we will need to seek the counsel of Wisdom.

One of my favorite portions of scripture is found in Colossians 4:2-6: "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every one."

As I was writing the words of that scripture, I thought about King Solomon, who asked God for wisdom to know how to rule his people. Solomon realized that as a man he needed the counsel of a omnipotent God guiding him in the way he should go. Thanks to the Jewish nation we have the written word to turn to for wisdom, because everything we need for life and godliness can be found in the pages of His Word. Most times it takes awhile for the light bulb to come on when we are facing challenges, but God hears our prayers, and He answers them. The answer may not be what we had hoped to hear, but the word says He is not slack concerning His promises. Again, mysteries. 

As we walk with Him, abide in His presence, or as I've written before - "Find the love of Jesus, and love Him back," we begin to see in part and know in part, but we grow in faith to trust God more and more, and our questions take on new meaning.

So, what are some questions you have for God? You can ask Him anything!
  

Day 191 Let Everything That Has Breath...!

 

7/10/2025

 

Once the days turn to double digits, the days turns quickly into another month, and so it goes. It seems at first, at the beginning of the new month, that the days are so slow, or at least it seems so to me. I have heard it said that when a person gets older that the days pass more quickly. Whereas I don't know if that is accurate, as for me, certain days appear to drag by ever so slowly. As usual, this day went by quickly. I had my Harvest group meeting tonight, then I was supposed to attend another meeting, but I lost the invitation and forgot which group it was. I usually write these things down, but I have so many invitations lately that I just began to "delete, delete, delete!" I guess I went over board just a wee bit! I know that sounds terrible, as I dearly care about each event, but sometimes I need a breather. To be frank, I have been taking a little time in the evenings this week to watch a little television. I am not much of a couch potato, and although I love movies, that just hasn't been my life for quite awhile. But when I do indulge myself, it is generally to re-watch a favorite friend or old time series, like Highway to Heaven or Little House on the Prairie, or the newer ones are The Chosen, and now The House of David. I just finished the eight episodes of the first season, and I can hardly wait to see what happens next. Season One ended with David holding Goliath's head while the Israeli army rode into battle against the Philistines. I did enjoy the production, as it was quite nicely done, but it was not as Biblically accurate, in my humble opinion, as The Chosen. It made the account of David's early life more interesting and quite believable, as I know the Bible cannot contain every detail. So I wholeheartedly recommend it, and I am anxious for Season 2.

First thing this morning I had to ask God to forgive me, as I've been a bit out of sorts, impatient, with an attitude. I haven't been myself, and it is not necessarily because I overdid and was burned out. No, I am just tired of the way people are treating each other, especially how they are treating God and professing Christians are treating each other. My life is simple. I trust God, take Him at His word, or at least I hope I do. Each day I am provided with a word from the Lord before I begin my day. It's really uncanny the way it happens, then it's confirmed once or twice, so I know it's God. When I was taking my shower this morning, I was praying, as I generally do while cleansing myself with the water, - why not with the washing of the word - I stopped to quote Psalm 51:10-13 as I am usually in the habit of doing in order to keep myself pure before God. I had started to put on the whole armor of God, but I stopped after putting on the loin girdle of truth - Jesus who is the way, the truth, the life!, to say these words. This psalm by David is a song of repentance, and I felt it is very important to remind myself of the words: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You."

After bearing my heart and soul to Abba, I was able to finish putting on the rest of the armor, each piece carefully examined and correctly positioned on my spiritual body. I finished up some morning work, and morning quickly drifted into afternoon. I became flustered again while trying to find the air pump for my exercise ball I had asked my son to bring upstairs from the basement. I needed the support for my back, and it is one of the best ways to massage tight muscles. It's also fun to bounce up and down on, but I limit that sort of activity these days. I've had mishaps, much earlier in life, when I bounced myself right off into the floor. I had become rather enthusiastic, as you might imagine, but I'm certain there was reason. After searching obvious places where I may have stashed the pump, I gave up the hunt. I was too lazy to go outside in the hot, humid weather to get my tire pump from the car. It's been a bit more comfortable inside the house, and besides I need to move on to the next thing to do.

After checking with my son, Daniel, about his preferences for supper, I decided to make a broccoli and chicken casserole, so I began to gather the ingredients. Still feeling a bit disgruntled over my lack of accomplishment today, I decided that before I did anything else that I needed to praise God and dance! So I put on God's Great Dance Floor by Chris Tomlin, and I boogied in the kitchen, frightening the cat out of her wits! After playing that song twice, I decided that I needed Praise by Elevation Worship, and after that Praise performed by Solu Israel, so I could practice my Hebrew for the day! Revisiting those moments brings a smile to my face even now. I am revived for the second time today!

The hour is late, and the mosquitoes are finding their way into my bedroom for their nightly snack of AB+ juice! How could they survive without me!

As I begin to close out this post for tonight, I am listening to soft music entitled, Songbirds of the Spring by Tim Janis. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in the Rocky Mountains in a log home surrounded by nature. He arranges instrumental music, mostly hymns, with photos and sounds of nature. He has a YouTube account, and his music is so welcoming and calming, spiritually uplifting. They seem to enjoy an idyllic life in their native woods, and if it wasn't a sin, I'd envy them, because it's the life I'd choose. But alas, I am here in Virginia, and we don't have to say any more. I miss Northern New Mexico where I lived in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for thirty five years of my life. About the time it turns autumn when the leaves turn colors in October, I'll hopefully be traveling that way. The aspens will be in full bloom, and it will be so breathtakingly beautiful. I'll be sure to take photos and share. 

Until then, I bid you shalom and good night. Thank God for His blessings and His incredible gift of life. He is worthy of praise!!