Our sermon yesterday mentioned laminins again. While I understand the source and intention was not to supersede faith, it's bothering me on some level that information was presented and shared without more clarity. It's like I have some extra-sensitivities to how I am filtering all I hear with regard to The Bible.

Mark and I shared wonderful conversation while
walking around the ballpark last night. It felt amazing to share my morning study time and how it means so much to me. Coming home, tears fell when I saw my friends public testimony to the goodness of God.

Another friend shared some substantial growth in their faith late last night. I need to write it all out so the testimony is accurate and clear in the future.

Thank you, God, for everything. I love you.

I have had two full hours of uninterrupted reading, studying and prayer time this morning. My heart is exploding. I had a poetic piece to write about “Chalkboard” which will relate perfectly to my flip to Daniel 6 today. What exceptional faith!

My friend was in Hebrews 12 and I ventured to the MSG translation after reading the NKJV. More to come on that progress later.

In studying Daniel, I stumbled on a presentation I liked and a linked blog which raised concerns in my heart. I was Spirit-lead to comment that there were excellent points to consider and why I respectfully disagreed with point number three. No matter what anyone says, always be Jesus and never doubt that God “can”.

I realized hours later that my flips the last two weeks have cemented His word in my heart so much deeper.

Thank you, God, for your perfect timing, even though we may not always see it. Thank you for your perfect son, Jesus, and the greatest love of all.

And portion forever.

Suzanne, Shelby and Gabe visited.  It was so good to meet other pieces of my husband’s heart.  Love learning from others and Suzanne gave me this:

A new heart striving to be cleansed. After a mini-meltdown and grievous pain, I flipped intentionally "to the left" this morning. I knew and believed God would show me something. He did. 2 Chronicles and real persecution. Beyond grateful for the perspective.

Yesterday, several God-versations resounded His Word into my heart. Mark, Bryan, Pam and Tammy. So much to just soak in.

Today, I am praying EPH 1:17 over each of them. An hour later, B is posting lyrics to "Just Breathe" by Jonny Diaz on his Facebook page. This is not of him and he doesn't even recognize how much God is all over his current path. It's like I have the second best seat possible.

Sharing with Tammy and Pam just opened up so much in my spirit. It allowed me to see just how much has been arrived for me the past two months.

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, God! I am overwhelmed in the truest sense of the word and I love you so very much.

My heart aches. It physically hurts and is stretching my chest.

I flipped to Job 34-35 and read the study notes. Great confirmation that I should always check what I am learning against the Word of God. Not just pieces, but in entirety.

Through my studying, I absorbed many scriptures tied to the chapters and this perfect one from John.

Lord, please forgive my critical spirit. It hurts to absorb it in this moment, but thank you for helping me accept it as truth.

Two hours before I planned to wake, the Holy Spirit guided me from bed to a history lesson. It’s an interesting contrast to the spiritual lesson yesterday in the Book of John.

Nahum 1:3 was my flip of the day. At first glance, God’s wrath and judgement jumps off the page. Study notes point out that God gives us time to come to him. Scripture points out he will comfort us. Still, my human hurt and heart found joy in knowing He will take care of all oppressive *Redacted* problems. I needed to work through to the place where my focus was strictly on how He takes care of EVERYTHING.

However, as I dived in deep to the history of Ninevah, it was easy to see the truth of God’s Holy Word. Historians and archaeologists agree Ninevah once contained 100-150k people. Jonah puts the number at 120k in The Bible. Scripture speaks to how Ninevah would fall and it fell according to the Word about fifty years after Nahum wrote the prophecy.

Thank you, Father God, for history lessons and ALL you are doing in every aspect of our lives. I love you.

Flipped to John 5. Too much to write now.

According to God's will for us, I believe love looks different to each person. I also know when I apply God's word to my life, it always serves His purpose. When the Holy Spirit moves, I do my best to respond intentionally. Often, I surely fall short. I don't hear, truly hear, what I am supposed to hear. This applies in person, as well. However, when directed so clearly, I race to fulfill whatever I am being called to do.

One of the last things my husband and I discussed last night was a Biblical "Too Ten Ways to Love Better". I felt the Holy Spirit both convicting me of my sins of not always listening well and too-often speaking with the wrong tone. I was also very comforted that God has changed me enough to clearly see the other ways I love according to His Will. That was equally or more so beautiful to me. I have always been my worst critic, despite knowing it means criticizing how God made me to be. I digress. It's what I do, especially when my brain and heart are racing to pour out everything. It ALL feels incredibly vital. Carol, here is MY direction, LISTEN and SPEAK according to my direction.

I flipped to Ezekiel this morning and sent the study notes to my friend in the midst of a huge spiritual reconstruction. I could not stop there with fuel for my day ahead and ended up in Hosea, again. Interesting contrast. Yes, Lord, I get it in this moment. You directed me to hear your pain and wrath toward people, just as any parent SHOULD scold their children. We all want the best for our kids, especially you. Then, you directly and intentionally contrasted it against the great and persistent love you have for your sinful people in the Book of Hosea.

Father God, I am in awe in the best way this morning. Thank you for loving me so deeply in all my sin. Thank you for always, always, ALWAYS pulling me back to your path and loving me so perfectly. My heart is overwhelmed with all you have revealed to me the past few weeks. Today, I boldly lift up my husband, My children and friends (you know their names) specifically, that you would refine them according to Your Will and they will see the dross from the top in the process as in EZE 22:26-30. Lord, I want to truly feel the joy in spiritual reconstruction and to be empowered to serve you better. May we all begin with giving you more reverence and striving to live up to your level and plan for us, instead of pulling you down to our mess. Let us all be empowered to share Christ Jesus with others through knowing your word better and applying it directly to our lives. Let our fruits be seen so that none can question they are a reflection of your power and grace in our lives. Father God, my hearts desire is for all of us to make a difference for you in this world. I love you. In jesus' name, I humbly ask all of these things. Amen.