Florence and October 5

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Thank you, Lord, for what you have been teaching me today. As I sit at the shop and Mark supports Blake by being at the Tennessee Tech Football game, I am still in awe. Until last year, this was always the date I joyfully celebrated for my childhood best friend, Angie’s birthday. Exactly one year ago, we were in Florence, Italy, on this date. It is a significant date and experience, no doubt. However, this extends beyond having the scripture by the passports, the envelopes and even our glorious evening with Bryan Yates.

Yessir. I think I see exactly what you did there. You had me completely poured out, filled up and poured out again, daily. This morning, this day was given a new context. While I didn’t fail to acknowledge you each day, it was this particular day I spelled it out from my heart. Your heart. From the moment I declared my real treasure and source of humor, God continued to show up in even bigger and more ostentatious ways. Praise is absolutely the best weapon, combined with the Word.

Because I had so many words about it last year on Facebook, I am copying over here for posterity.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Today has been more than words could ever express. Uploaded reels or clips to share moments- beauty and grace. Either you get it or you don’t. Praying you do.

…

That was all I had written before going to sleep four hours ago. Our day was so intense and emotionally exhausting…I was done. Spent. Poured out. Full. Overwhelmed.

Once again, I am being pulled from much needed sleep to write something down. Life theme. Gal 6:7-9 He showed me. Bloom where planted and what He planted in me. Life verse. GAL 6:9 for a Blonde Polish Chick is hilarious. Don’t forget, God gave you your sense of humor!!!

Did you see the thieves left our passports by His Word? Our Father in Heaven will NOT be mocked. Mark probably worried a pinch when I fell on the bed laughing so hard tears came from my eyes. Then again, I told Mark in February that God wanted to show him something in Italy. Not even joking 🤣

Seriously, I was in Blue Ridge, GA, the first few days of February. All I can say is THE most powerful presence of the Holy Spirit I have known in 55 years came upon me in a way which exceeds words. Asbury didn’t surprise me in the least. Not much does. I have always loved when He shows up and shows off! I get like a CHILD when I see it and giddy to share with anyone on my path.

I am made “like this” for His purposes. Please Forgive me if it hurts or offends in any way. It’s not about you or whether or not we believe the same things. I love you. I am just more concerned about pleasing God than people.

When I moved the dress to start cleaning up after the robbery, I wasn’t surprised at all to see our passports next to scripture cards. Mark didn’t know I had been led to write down a verse for each day in Italy. I laughed HARD.

After most was cleaned up, I found Two envelopes in separate (weird) places. One from the bank devoid of cash. One from our home where I had stored my Bible verses, a few blanks and a writing tool. The envelopes looked alike. Folded at the third. Two types of treasure, my friends. We have the One that really matters. So, within a few hours of being robbed, we were both joyfully hiking up to a stunning sunset.

If you claim to rely on His Word, I just want to encourage you to invite Him into even more of your lives. He wants me a to be like children he wants us to share His goodness in some way, EVERY SINGLE DAY…. praying you ask yourselves what are YOU bringing to that relationship? This is the third time #QOTD messaging with images are being put on my heart.

Okay. Now I am looking at the clock and Whatever He shows me 7 years from today …can’t imagine. Many of you know that things I wrote years ago are playing out in an almost freaky way. To highlight day 8, God is on the move. Confirmations galore. Grateful we got robbed! Not kidding!

1)Didn’t wear face make up to see David yesterday. Kind of like, “you are naked, so I will go the ONLY way of naked possible for me”. 😂😂😂. The Experience at Accademia was intense for both of us in different ways. Beautiful. Cathartic tears. Lots of them for me.

Edit: Need to note it took from 3:17-5:30 or so to write this. I went to read to ensure no egregious typos. The bit above said LORD OF THEM. Accurate, but still 💜✝️💜, GODWINK. Mary Kathleen Morlan

2)Sammies sent to friends – we love Terri and Jason and and our whole small group back home. We were talking about them at the Leather School- as well as Brian Sweatt and OC.

3)Bryan Yates of Liverpool, England: Thank you for sharing your musicianship before the sunset. Thank you for also breaking bread and drinking a glass of wine with us (and the gelato, too) with us later. Truly, you are a treasure. Whenever you get access again to the book of faces 😎, grateful to have some way to connect. Excited to hear if you meet Josie & Mimmo. I trust the day you read this will be exactly as designed. We truly loved our evening with you!

Hosea and Kerwin

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It’s now 5:45 pm. Mr. Kerwin Strong has just left our shop after more than four hours of Godversation and precious stories about Ted Blumenthal, Jimmy Hoffa, Damon, His Aunt, Seth Speaks, Whitley Strieber’s Communion and Edgar Casey. The Holy Spirit has been VERY PRESENT in the shop today with Kerwin. Obedience requires that I write down some key details which are not to be forgotten. Yes, sir!

First, I looked up Strieber’s book, Communion, on Amazon. I read about the author, and he published a new book in March 2021, Jesus: A New Vision. His wife died in 2015 and there were calls to him about her immediately after she passed and before he could have told anyone. This intrigues me, but I am not directed to read that book at this time. Perhaps this is a bookmark of a different sort.

When Kerwin entered the store, he simply needed a 510 battery for a cartridge. Quickly, I learned he has been suffering with pancreatic cancer and now has stomach cancer, too. There are good reasons for medical marijuana and Kerwin’s case is chock full of them. In the walk from the front to the cabinet with the batteries, we had simple, yet warm conversation. At one point, we sat down at the table and within minutes, my lunch arrived. Naturally, I offered to share the meal, it was plenty for two.

What is raising the hair on the back of my neck in this moment is the realization that I ordered lasagna for Kerwin, without even knowing why. You see, the man has not shared a meal in quite some time with anyone. Three days a week, he has zero appetite and the others his taste buds are whacked. I have NEVER ordered lasagna at Carrabba’s, in person or via Uber Eats. I never order Caesar from Uber Eats, either. Today, of all days, I ordered them together. As it turns out, lasagna is one of his absolute favorite foods and he was beyond thrilled to share the meal with me.

We continued talking and sharing testimonies and other stories. I mentioned the book opened by my laptop was a Spiritual Warfare Bible and Kerwin mentioned Hosea and summits in a short time span. Full Stop. Between last night’s Godversation with Philip and now with Kerwin, summits and Hosea are odd bedfellows. I got super excited, no doubt. Still, internally, I was super peaceful. I took him to my office and shared there is scripture under our floors, behind the painted walls and in my office. He loved and pointed out the first verse is from Hosea. That chalkboard has not changed in nearly six years!

I could not bear to let him purchase the little battery or the gummies I gave him to rest. I said something to the effect that money changing hands simply could not happen today. Obedience requires action and I wasn’t going to sully such a beautiful experience with money exchanging hands. I gave him my phone number and told him the door is always open here, especially on Mondays and Thursdays. We prayed together several different times.

Thank you, Lord, for being with us today. Thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do. Thank you for using me so beautifully to encourage him today. Thank you for giving my life miracles meant to be shared with those seeking further confidence in YOU. Please, Father God, send your angels to give Kerwin comfort and protection as he battles cancer. I know you can heal him in your time, in your way. I love you. I ask this in Jesus’ sweet name. Amen.

Hosea and Philip

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For twenty years, I have been friends with a man named Philip. We met on MySpace and developed a long- lasting friendship through blogs and blog commenting. Currently, he is in a period of growth, spiritual, intellectual and physical growth. Last night, we had a long chat as I drove home from Clarksville. Bottom line, I shared the importance of Hosea to my sister (Praise God) and myself. As it turned out, he said he has been directed there several times and planned to study Hosea this week. I committed to studying the same book this week and for us to share how the Holy Spirit directs our studies.

I see what you did there.

Philip and I talked for over an hour as I drove. Arriving home after 8 pm, I prepared us a late dinner and relaxed for maybe twenty minutes. When I went upstairs to wash my face and shower, I stopped to look at my notes in “My Word” for Hosea. So many good thoughts rushed through my mind. However, by the time I was ready to go to sleep, my heart ached for how much our Father in Heaven must grieve for his children.

“Carol, ALL of you are prostituting yourselves in some way. Ask me HOW.” Asked, I did.

First image hit hard when I opened the pages to Hosea.

This morning, I was excited to get to work to read whatever was included in our Spiritual Warfare Bible at the shop.

In this moment, I am reducing all thoughts to one core understanding. I have written repeatedly how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. There are exactly three prostitutes named in the Bible. Mary Magdeline was a true friend and spiritual sister to Jesus. Rahab was King David’s grandmother. The third is Gomer, Hosea’s wife. Leaving this here for the sake of posterity.

I did not delay in fulfilling my promise to you on this topic, Lord. I love you, Jesus. 💜✝️💜

Record Keeping

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Lord, I don’t understand the nudge to get this written. I am still processing so many things that occurred during my six days in Florida.

First, my flight was delayed into Fort Lauderdale. It was so delayed, they offered over $1200 if any passenger would delay their flight, as mine became overcrowded. Since I was flying into FLL specifically to visit with Elizabeth, I could not delay. Then, upon arriving in FLL, I drove through powerful storms to get to my destination.

I met Elizabeth in Assisi Italy last October. We have been What’s App Prayer Warriors together. She lives in Trinidad and was getting her treatments in Jupiter, Fl. It meant so much to her that I would coordinate my limited time in Florida to celebrate her last chemo treatment. I was blessed to have five hours with her before flying over to Tampa for the next four days.

The visit with Elizabeth was beautiful. We went to eat at the cafe at Nordstroms in the Jupiter Mall. I ended up taking her back to her accommodation, as she had a return to make. Ultimately, I felt “us” in two trees in the parking lot. I was called to return to that same spot to take a photo before heading back to the airport.

I stopped at the PGA Superstore and made jokes about our credit card machine being named Joe. The gentleman’s name was Joe. The Swedish lady employee was laughing hard at the joke. I then told him the machine will henceforth be known as “Bob”.

Flying over to Tampa was delayed, as well. The uber still managed to get me to the Tunnell’s around 10 pm. We had to leave their home at 6:30 am to spend nine hours at the ballpark on Saturday. After church on Sunday, I met Miss Austin in the bathroom. Still not sure why the good Lord has me praying over folks in bathrooms, but He does and I do. It’s been lovely getting to know more of who she is as a person and mom this past week.

I also met Miss Jackie when her daughter received pitching lessons from Casey. Our conversation was very much a Godversation. I met her a week ago today, as a matter of fact. I sent her a little encouragement privately on Facebook today.

It was a pinch sad we couldn’t visit with Fred on Wednesday before I had to go back to the airport. Fred had been sick and he really needed to see a doctor and be well for his birthday last Friday.

The biggest influence of the entire trip was Jesus and the power in His Name. It’s no accident I finished a book about the Beekman Boys and started Don Dickerman’s When Pigs Move In during the same trip. It’s been exciting to explore the book and the truth with Mark.

Thank you, God. I see what you did here. Please help me see even more. I long to know all i can about you. In Jesus name, Amen.

Ethiopia is significant

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Copying from here: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Ethiopia

An impromptu conversation with Brother Philip today resulted in us talking about the significance of Ethiopia. We were talking about Solomon and his idolatrous wives which lead to his downfall. I shared the “Jamal and Katrina” story from May with him, as well.

Lord, I believe the Bible is your inerrant Word. I am so grateful for all you have done, are doing and will surely do. I aim to cling to Your Word in every circumstance. That is never a question. Learning about the types of angels listed in Ethiopia’s Book of Jubilees made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I had literally just listened to Don Dickerman’s sermon on Angels, after discussing Ethiopia with Brother Philip this morning. Whenever things like this occur organically, it is natural to first think it is from you. Lord, I am asking today for discernment when reading any testimonies from the past. Leaving this here as a bookmark for where you have my spirit today.

No doubt, in YOUR TIME, you will direct me back here for one reason or the other. Until then, I will wait. Learning about how Ethiopia in the Bible is different territory than Ethiopia of today, being reminded of man-made time changes and now this introduction to four types of angels (which my spirit accepted, and my flesh halted) in Jubilees are all things which must be laid down before you. Please teach me and help my heart to understand whatever it might be you are teaching me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

What a blessing! I don’t even have to know WHY you want this noted. Obedience just does it. Thank you, God.

ETHIOPIA ē’ thĭ ō’ pĭ ə. Nubia, a country in the N Sudan, S of Egypt.

1. Terminology. In the OT, the KJV sometimes transliterates כּ֥וּשׁ as “Cush” (Gen 10:6, 7, 8; 1 Chron 1:8, 9, 10; Isa 11:11). However, the KJV usually trs. by “Ethiopia.” The KJV transliterates כּוּשִׁ֔י as “Cushi” (2 Sam 18:21, 22, 23, 31, 32).

The RSV transliterates the Heb. as “Cush” (Gen 2:13; 10:6-8; 1 Chron 1:8-10; Ezek 38:5) and trs. “Ethiopia” elsewhere. Also the RSV trs. כּוּשִׁ֔י (2 Sam 18:21-23, 31, 32) and כֻּשִׁ֖ית (Num 12:1) as “Cushite,” but elsewhere renders “Ethiopian.”

In the NT, “Ethiopian” trs. Αἰθίοψ, G134, whose etymological meaning is prob. “dark-faced” (Acts 8:27).

2. Location. The Biblical Ethiopia is Nubia, in southernmost Egypt and the N Sudan, not the modern Ethiopia (also called Abyssinia). Ethiopia is often associated with Egypt in the Bible (e.g. Ps 68:31; Isa 20:3-5; Ezek 30:4, 5). More specifically Ethiopia is located S of Egypt (Judg 1:10) and S of Syene (Ezek 29:10), modern Aswan, the southernmost important city of Egypt. This location of Ethiopia agrees with the Egyp. references to K’š (which corresponds to Heb. כּ֥ושׁ) and with Herodotus II. 29.

3. History. The first historical reference to an Ethiopian in the Bible is the incident of the Cushite (i.e. Ethiopian) slave who carried to David the news of Absalom’s death (2 Sam 18:21-23, 31, 32).

There were Ethiopian mercenaries in the army of Shishak, a Libyan king of Egypt, when he invaded Pal. about 918 b.c. (2 Chron 12:3).

An attack on Judah by Ethiopians and Libyans (2 Chron 14:9-15), led by Zerah the Ethiopian, was repulsed by King Asa (913-873 b.c.). These attackers may have been mercenaries in the Egyp. army settled in southern Pal. by Pharaoh Shishak. Possibly these mercenaries are also the Ethiopians near the Arabs (2 Chron 21:16), though some scholars think the reference is to the close contact of the S Arabians with Africans across the Red Sea.

2 Kings 19:9 and Isaiah 37:9 mention Tirhakah’s (the king of Ethiopia) attempt to check Sennacherib’s invasion of Pal. in the time of King Hezekiah. The Assyrians mockingly called Tirhakah “a bruised reed” (2 Kings 18:21 KJV) and defeated him at Eltekeh. In Egypt, Tirhakah was again defeated by the Assyrian king Esar-haddon and retired to Ethiopia. These defeats of Tirhakah may be referred to by Isaiah (Isa 20:3-5). Tirhakah ruled about 689-664 b.c. as the third and last Pharaoh of the Twenty-fifth, or Ethiopian Dynasty of Egypt. The Ethiopian control of Egypt under this dynasty explains why Ethiopia was called the “strength” of Thebes, Egypt’s southern capital (Nah 3:9). This brief Ethiopian empire included Egypt for about fifty years. Tirhakah’s nephew and successor as king of Ethiopia, Tanut-Amon, was defeated by the Assyrian king Ashurbanipal, who destroyed Thebes in 663 b.c. (Nah 3:8).

The Letter of Aristeas 13 states that Pharaoh Psammetichus II (593-588 b.c.) used Jewish mercenaries in his campaign against Ethiopia, which is also mentioned by Herodotus II. 161. He or a Pharaoh soon after, settled a Jewish garrison on Elephantine Island to guard the border between Egypt and Ethiopia.

Ebed-melech, who secured Jeremiah’s release from the cistern (Jer 38:7-13), was an Ethiopian eunuch who held a high position in the household of King Zedekiah of Judah (597-587 b.c.). He believed in God, and Jeremiah promised that he would be safe in the coming capture of Jerusalem (39:15-17).

King Ahasuerus of Persia (usually identified with Xerxes, 486-465 b.c.) included Ethiopia at one extreme of his empire (Esth 1:1; 8:9 and in the Additions of the Apocrypha, 13:1; 16:1). Darius I of Persia also mentions Ethiopia in his list of provinces.

The Ethiopians who were to follow Antiochus Epiphanes, king of the N, or Syria (175-163 b.c.), after his conquest of Egypt (Dan 11:43) may refer to mercenaries in his army. The exact meaning, however, is uncertain in this context.

Sibylline Oracles V. 194 mentions the capture of Syene by the Ethiopians. This may refer to an expedition into Egypt sent by an Ethiopian queen with the title Candace, in 24 b.c. (Strabo, XVII. i. 54).

Acts 8:27 mentions “Candace the queen of the Ethiopians.” Candace was a Nubian royal title, prob. corresponding to “queen mother.” The queen who ruled at Meroe (then the Ethiopian capital) with this title at that time was Amantitere (a.d. 25-41). See Candace. That her treasurer should visit Jerusalem and should be reading Isaiah is not surprising in the light of Jewish contacts with Nubia. Some have suggested that he was a proselyte or even a Jew. See Ethiopian Eunuch.

4. Features. The Bible several times refers to “the rivers of Ethiopia” (Isa 18:1; Zeph 3:10), presumably the Nile, the Blue and White Niles, and the Atbara. The papyrus boats used on these rivers (Isa 18:2) are pictured in Egyp. reliefs and paintings, and they are still used in modern Ethiopia. The merchandise of Ethiopia (Job 28:19; Isa 45:14) included the topaz as a precious product of that land. Egyptian records list among the imports from Ethiopia: gold, precious stones, incense, ebony, ivory, ostrich feathers and eggs, leopard skins, greyhounds, cattle, gazelles, bows, shields, and slaves. Isaiah (18:2) calls the Ethiopians “tall and smooth.” Not only are some of the Sudanese tribes tall, but they also have little body hair, and very smooth skin. Jeremiah (13:23) implies that the Ethiopian’s skin is black. The prophet also (46:9) lists Ethiopians with shields among the soldiers of the Egyp. army; small wooden models of shield-bearing Nubian soldiers have been found in Egyp. tombs.

5. Prophecies about Ethiopia. Some prophecies predicted that Jewish exiles in Ethiopia would return to Pal. (Isa 11:11; Ps 87:4). Isaiah (43:3) expected that Persia would take Ethiopia as reward, poetically called a ransom, for freeing the Jewish captives. Several passages speak of coming judgment on Ethiopia (Isa 20:3, 4; Ezek 30:4, 5, 9; Zeph 2:12). Ezekiel (38:5) includes Ethiopians among the forces of Gog that will attack Israel in the end times. Sibylline Oracles III. 320 evidently misunderstood the geography of the Ezekiel passage and misplaced Gog in Ethiopia. According to Amos 9:7, God is concerned with the Ethiopians as with Israel. Psalm 68:31, Isaiah 45:14, and Zephaniah 3:10 mention the conversion of the Ethiopians and their inclusion in the kingdom of God.

Bibliography E. A. W. Budge, The Egyptian Sudan (1907); J. W. Crowfoot, The Island of Meroe (1911); F. L. Griffith, Meroitic Inscriptions, I (1911) and Meroitic Inscriptions, II (1912); G. Reisner, “The Meroitic Kingdom of Ethiopia,” JEA, IX, (1923), 34-77; E. A. W. Budge, A History of Ethiopia, Nubia, and Abyssinia (1928); T. Säve-Söderbergh, Ägypten und Nubien (1941); D. Dunham, The Royal Tombs of Kush, I (1950), II (1955), III (1952), IV (1957); A. J. Arkell, A History of the Sudan (1955); E. Ullendorff, Ethiopia and the Bible (1968).

The Last Republicans at the Table

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From time to time, old “notes” on Facebook pop up in my memories. This one popped up three days ago, August 20, 2024. I woke in extreme pain and read it around 5:30 in the morning. I returned to bed, as I was supposed to be off work for the day. We had an employee emergency which forced me to work. In between God using Sweet Futina to heal my back and closing the shop at 8:00 in the evening, there were countless Godversations. In this moment, I am being directed to copy that note over here in honor of the Conner Godversation which lasted nearly five hours. Not to honor Conner, but to honor how God used words the Holy Spirit helped me to write in the thirty minutes after my daddy going to heaven. It is so clear to me that on this auspicious “birthday in heaven”, I must do my God-Directed best to retain the words given to me at that time.

Thank you, God, for all you have done, continue to do and will do in my life. I remain overwhelmed in the best of ways. I love you. For any unspoken requests on my heart, I entrust them to you.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday afternoon, I had a powerful visit with my daddy in the hospital. I can’t find where I wrote about it, but I relayed the details to Chrissie, Bryan, Vix, Fred and Pam. There was love, light, grace and clarity in those hours. It was just me and him. Mike had picked up the kids for me so I could be there. I shared the details with him when I picked the kids up that night. A rare hug was shared between us. I know I shared with two people that his hug, in part, gave me the strength to get through yesterday. If my ex-husband can be Jesus to me without even knowing that’s what it meant to me, that is powerful.

I got a call yesterday morning telling me to come to the hospital. We were all there together. That’s all that matters. In that call, my older sister told me that late the prior evening, my dad asked my mom “Shelia, do I embarrass you?” Sparing his dignity, I will just say that cancer, chemo and such can certainly leave that question open to many interpretations. Mom replied, “Oscar, what are you talking about? No, you don’t embarrass me.”

In delirium, split realities, or maybe something else, my daddy replied to her, “because we are the only Republicans at the table!”

I don’t care about your politics. Daddy was a proud, stubborn and staunch conservative. And, hearing he had spoken those words made me laugh. Out loud. Those I shared it with also laughed. Julie and I found several other moments to laugh together. Like, remembering when her son was born. Wesman was a hairy little monkey, according to my daddy. But, he had told her something to the effect that “Julie, I was hoping you would have a girl so you would know what you girls have done to me. I wanted to come running down this hall with a black, leather miniskirt and a can of hairspray for you!” Julie can tell it better. It’s one of her Daddy memories.

Before they finally kicked us out last night, the last really funny thing happened with one of the doctors. He came into my daddy’s ICU room with his face mask on. Neutropenic precautions. I think that is the word on the sign. Regardless, in a rare moment of lucidity, he barked at the doctor…

“Don’t come in here looking like a terrorist!”

I will say that I have peace after my visit on Tuesday. I had more peace after leaving the hospital last night. Daddy had a cute little red headed nurse during the day. Tamara. Nose stud. I felt a hug from Vix and Court when I noticed her stud. I digress. Daddy loved him some red headed hotties in the 44 years married to my mom. Anne Margaret, for one.

Moving on. I met his night nurse at the 8 pm visiting slot. I asked her name, she told me it was Christine. I told her we appreciated her. It was only Julie and I in the room with Daddy. I told her my daddy served our country for 23 years, Viet Nam, etc. I told her she was taking care of a hero. She said she got chills. We talked of how she allows patients overnight guests, where some nurses do not. I said, if it was her dad or your husband, you would want the same. She smiled and agreed wholeheartedly.

I dug deeper. I don’t know why. Well, maybe, I do…but it won’t make sense here.

She shared her husband had died six years ago in Iraq. Deeper, I dug. I asked his name. it was Joeseph Bellavia. He was ambushed outside of Carbola with a Lieutenant Colonel.

She shared his last name, and hers, still, meant, literally, “Beautiful way.” I hugged her, she started to cry for her own loss…perhaps overwhelming gratitude to speak of him as her own hero.

My last words to her were that she had just given me chills. I whispered in her ear, “It is comforting to know Daddy will have a “beautiful way” on his way to more beautiful ways.

Christine Bellavia started nursing school with the support of her husband before he left for Iraq. She just graduated nursing school last December. She is in the ICU at Clarksville Gateway Medical Center. I don’t have the address, I’m going to ask you to google. If you have it in your heart, I would like for you to honor my hero, as well as hers. Even two simple sentences…but send her a card. Write it on a post it. A piece of notebook paper. That part does not matter. But, it would bring me some joy to know that she realizes how much she has made a difference.

Help me thank her for all her beautiful ways. Or not. I just know that it would mean more for my father to know another hero was honored than to have more flowers at his service.

Walter M. Oszczakiewicz, Retired Army Major, husband to Shelia, father of Teresa, Carol & Julie, Grandfather to Kyle, Wes, Blake, Morgan and Leah. A great man. Our hero. He went into that good night an hour or so ago. I hope he went gentle and with peace. I will miss him.

“and the likenesses I now find most notable…are not the hair and eyes which could be altered…but the qualities and character existing inside…which truly make me my father’s daughter…from the closing stanza from my poem to him on his 50th birthday.

I AM HEALED

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Sister Futina,

I thank God for you and for sending His Helper thru your hands in your healing prayer declaring the blood of Jesus over my entire back being “out”. Our visits are almost always late Friday afternoons. Today was the third time you visited “off your normal planned schedule. “Smiling to read my one-minute devotional and share it.💜✝️💜

The first time he sent you early was the one Friday , I had to leave early. I gave you the prayer journal page for that day. This was in February, I believe, before your grand baby arrived in March.

I will need to check my journal to see what was going on the one Saturday you brought me flowers. I think that was the second you visited “off schedule”. In this moment, I can’t recall. I remember God was moving and I was knee-deep in Deuteronomy.

Today, I will remember forever. I could never forget this date. Today was the third time you have visited off schedule and it is a Tuesday…a weekday you have never visited before. Again, I was not supposed to even enter the shop today. I was scheduled to be home and off work the entire day. THIS DAY, the one marking my daddy in Heaven for fifteen years.

Only an employee emergency could have changed our plans today. Well, we both know God can and will make everything work according to His purpose for us. Again, look at todays One Minute with God devotional I sent earlier. Planning. God must surely chuckle at us children. 😇

I showed you Mark’s post-it note about praying for me all day. Immediately, you held me and prayed in the Spirit. I must write down that detail about the post-it note. Something about His power displayed only through genuine prayer.

Sister, I praise Jehovah-Rapha for answering your prayer for healing my back. I praise God for revealing something to my heart when your tongue was claimed by the Spirit. Please know it was magnificently bright, beautiful and POWERFUL-FILLED.

It will be exciting to see what He does with what was revealed. I am so glad I told you about Mark saying “it will be fun to see what God does or why He wants us at the two shops today.”

The power of healing the physical ailment is surreal. I have never felt anything quite like it. I am testifying to every person who enters my path today that Miss Futina prayed over me and I AM HEALED!

I praise Jehovah-Jireh for providing you the discount on your tire and all the ways God is providing for you in this current financial situation.

The chill bumps are STILL on my arms two hours later. After your visit, I have enjoyed a long Godversation with another brother in Christ. Remind me to tell you his story of being healed for one day- and learning to pray “more clearly”. I am sitting here in complete awe and gratitude. So grateful you prayed in perfect harmony while calling the angels to fight for me.

I love you. 💜✝️💜

Plumb Line

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Driving to work today, I had four or five things in my head that I knew I needed to write out. Two have been percolating all week and three came to me in dreams. As is my habit, I chit-chatted with Jesus all way to the shop. There is no better way to prepare for any day, especially our 11-hour long Mondays and Thursdays. Pulling into the parking lot, I said “first fruits,” out loud. It’s like I heard myself saying it as if I was repeating what I had heard. Either that makes sense or it does not. Either way, I am supposed to include it here.

Clearly, all the good stored up in our hearts comes from the Master of the Universe. The plan given to me to write “Legacy of Love” or “Amazing Love” feels like a God-Directed inspiration. Still, none of it would be possible without Jesus as my plumb line. So, the first thing I write today must be how the Holy Spirit used an old post of mine earlier this week to set my heart. The word for the week is PLUMB.

Exactly one year ago, I posted a flip to Amos 7:7-8. Facebook memories showed me the scripture and my notes a few hours before meeting Kim and Dawn for lunch a few days ago. The study notes immediately caused me to think of the house three doors up from our which has an entire outside wall collapsing. While I wouldn’t wish that stress on anyone, I found it interesting that God gave me a physical, tangible example so close to our home to keep as a powerful image on my heart all day. It applied to human relationships as well as the mechanics of proper construction. As I drove the 1.5 hours to meet them for lunch, I considered the “hyped-up Carol” who met them with Marcy for lunch a few months ago. I prayed to be steadfast in perfect peace with my sisters-in-Christ and to have ears to hear, as my overexuberance months ago could have negatively impacted Marcy.

Our neighbors home

In the same breath, my notes about our own home reminded me of getting Mark onboard with painting all our ceilings, walls, cabinets and upgrading our guest bathroom when he returned from his birthday trip last year. For context, doing all of this in the thirty days prior to leaving for Italy was a ton to ask of a spouse. Suffice it to say, we just hung a mirror and two paintings this past Sunday and have been discussing how we need God’s help to bring order from chaos. This past week, Mark and I have prayed more often together, beginning with praying for Jason’s drive to the funeral. Thank you, Jesus, for the powerful testimony of Edward Sassano. Thank you for his entire family and the reminder to write a separate post about them and the Vitality of the Holy Spirit.

Ultimately, when I believe the Holy Spirit is putting a word or topic on my heart, I google whatever word that may be and the phrase “in the Bible”. I believe it prevents me from being misdirected. I just figure if God really is putting a random word in my heart or mind, I will look that word up in His Word. Worst case scenario, I learn new scriptures and the Holy Spirit uses every bit of it beautifully. I knew Amos 7:7-8. The punch in my spiritual gut this morning is studying Zechariah. Zechariah was such an encourager and yet his people killed him. I have study notes in Matthew 23:35 which remind me that he was the last martyr in the Hebrew Bible. Gut-punched, indeed. Thank you, Jesus!

Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV). ” For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” Oh, I see exactly what He did there, because there is conflict in my life when I get too excited about what others may perceive to be “small things.” To me, there is no “small thing” when it comes to God. Just like Joyce telling me about John with Tribe Trucking delivering the “missing food”. He is in every detail and literally holds EVERYTHING together! (COL 1:17) Zechariah’s vision was seeing God’s people being filled with the Holy Spirit and his heart was to encourage the Israelites. It was an angel of the Lord who told the prophet to not despite small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Baby steps are perfectly acceptable as long as they are aligned in His Will. In this moment, I am remembering conviction from Haggai and “get to work!”

Isaiah 28:17 (NIV) I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. Nutshell for me: There is only ONE PERFECT CORNERSTONE and those who reject that stone will be punished. 2 Kings 21 teaches us the mistakes of Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon and the people of Judah. The seven lessons on how to avoid backsliding are paramount. Pretty sure I am to note these scriptures and move on to the heart of the matter.

Much of the past two weeks have revolved around working through communication issues with various people in my life. Simply put, we can all strive to do better, and I am working on my shortcomings. Perhaps my biggest challenge for over 55 years has simply been reigning in my excitement over any number of things. I have been this way my entire life. I finally accept God made me “this way” for HIS PURPOSE. Sure, it can hurt my feelings, but inherently, I understand enthusiasm can be a positive or a negative. Just because He made me this way doesn’t mean He wants to leave me this way. I am starting to see my character as the toolbox God gave me. Not every “job” requires every “tool”.

There are two sides to every coin, like anything else. I have always been super-curious and gobble up knowledge like it’s trail mix, or something. The Good Lord has blessed me with a brain which can process a copious amount of new information and learn whatever it is He wants me to learn. I get amped up and excited every time the Holy Spirit is moving so clearly. To me, beauty is meant to be shared, period. It makes sense to me how I MUST share the power and beauty of the Holy Spirit. However, it now also makes sense that not everyone can process the same amount of information. I have been guilty of overwhelming more than a few people. I welcome this new direction and invitation to be still and to wait well. Since getting the Dwell Differently verse in January, Romans 12:12 has come to heart with piercing conviction, several times. “Carol, THIS is why I physically lowered your blood pressure for two months.” Yessir, I get it. Take a deep breath and make it digestible.

Today is my childhood friend’s birthday. Miss Marcy wrote so beautifully six years ago about how her Daddy taught her about plumb lines as they were laying the foundation to a new home. Knowing it was her birthday this morning, I had to search her Facebook for the word “plumb” to find what she wrote. Somehow, each word was even more beautiful today than it was six years ago. She wrote how her daddy would specifically say, “the plumb line must be perfect, and you should check it often.” Brilliant! The truth is simple. We ALL get off course in our lives. We all make mistakes. If we are constantly checking ourselves against THE PLUMB LINE and CORNERSTONE, we will grow into deeper spiritual maturity and be less likely to fall out of His Will for us.

Thank you, Jesus, for my friend and her relationship with you. Thank you for making all the visits go well on Tuesday and for all the other blessings, too. As I count down the five days until my own daddy’s 15th Birthday in Heaven, I treasure the memories of helping my dad install the drop ceiling in our basement on Kimberly Drive. I am beyond grateful for you, my PERFECT PLUMB and PERFECT LAMB…and for every breath you put into my LION LUNGS. You know my heart and what I am praying for without me writing it out. This is one time I will keep the details between us. I love you. You already know I ask for anything in the name of your perfect son, Jesus, and every drop of blood He shed for me. Amen.

P.S. Even AI on Co-Pilot reminds us “even small steps can lead to great outcomes. In the context of faith and perseverance, it suggests that God’s work often starts quietly and grows over time, ultimately bringing about rejoicing and fulfillment. ”

Double Nickel Dross

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The manager of Ingram Spark self-publishing was in the shop yesterday. Given the events of the past few months, it’s interesting to me that our Godversation is being used to clarify obedience required on my part.

The Good Lord gave me a list in late January of many big things He has done in my life. I began writing them all out, knowing there were at least a few digital files somewhere from writing a few of them out on MySpace decades ago.

I wrote crazy-fast and furious for one month. Then, God physically slowed me down for two full months with oddly low blood pressure. I read yesterday how God can slow you down, just so you are NOT in a particular place at a “normal” time. It stuck with me, as I said essentially the same thing when I was moving at a snail’s pace. It is exponentially challenging to be forced to slow down in that way. It was also necessary for growth.

This morning, as I drove the back way to work, I realized “Double Nickel Dross” was not only an easy title to remember, but it points to the reality of what God did in my 55th year of life.

Shattered Glass

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This isn’t exactly how I would prefer to get back to the business of writing things down.  In fact, I have been thinking on this for a week and had a completely different path on my heart. Still, this is the place I am in in this moment.  It is only fitting today’s One Minute with God for Women is about Righteousness in Romans 1, 3 and 5. 

First things first, I am grateful for so many wonderful reminders how much God loves me. I am beyond grateful for the ways He has clearly moved in our lives, especially mine. Thank you, Lord, for getting me through the insanity of the past week. I am not going to write it all out here. Suffice it to say, my mother shared information with me last Tuesday which has taken a toll. Everything which “added on” over the course of a week felt like little evil trolls attacking me with a dull knife. I shared the details with my daughter yesterday, as we were working to complete her move. One thing I know is clear, sharing honestly with at least one other human aids in making everything better.

Hours into the moving of things, I suffered an accident. In short, I was carrying up a glass tabletop. Halfway up the first set of stairs, condensation formed quickly over the cold tabletop in the heat of the day. It became too slippery to move my hands and ended up breaking on the seventh or eighth step. Glass shards sliced open my left elbow, damaged my hand and cut my right pinky deeply on the inside.

It was ugly and a literal bloody mess.  I understood why my sweet daughter was concerned.  Life has taught me to get into solutions instead of remaining in problems.  My solution was for my daughter to drive to the closest Dollar General and grab some super glue.  I even spoke in a calm, clear voice, encouraging her that I really was okay.  It worked perfectly! 

What was NOT perfect was my response to learning she had texted someone specific about my accident.  I owned my mistake and explained WHY it is my preference to not involve others unless necessary. 

My sweet friend from middle school reached out for prayer today, as did Assisi Elizabeth.  While I do not know exactly the situation for Miss K., I know Elizabeth is getting another round of special chemo treatment in Florida the next few days.  Praying with and for her since last October has been a beautiful experience.  Today, she WhatsApp’d me that I am her favorite “stranger friend.”  Ours is a sweet, intentional and spirit-filled friendship. 

In this moment, my heart is heavy.  Sadly, it’s heavy over a different relationship in which I have been diligently working to improve communication.  Instead, a phone call unraveled in such a negative way, it’s left a mark on me deeper than the laceration on my left elbow.  My spirit is not settled.  Legitimately and logically, all I sought to do was genuinely make EVERYTHING EASIER for EVERY PERSON, not just one of the four in consideration regarding this specific situation. 

Lord, I desperately need to pour out my heart to you. I know you always hear me and know the condition of my heart. I know I don’t even need to have words, much less the “right words”. Thank you for teaching me that lesson so vividly. Thank you for the encouragement of Andy and Tommy on Season 19 of The Amazing Race. Of all the “training videos” we have watched, their faith has mirrored our own the closest. It was no mistake we watched this particular episode with Mark’s dad and uncle yesterday before I went to help my daughter. As much as I love Andy’s Proverb, it was a huge Godwink to hear Tommy quote 1 Thess and for your spirit to remind me of Romans 12:12. Oh, the beauty and grace of “waiting well”. You know what I need without words. I ask for it in Jesus name and every ounce of blood He shed for humanity. Amen.