Amazing Everything

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Over the weekend, my husband and I decided we are going to apply to be on The Amazing Race. It would be fun to be Ambassadors for Christ around the globe, together. I am not sure what finally moved my husband. I shared with him that I had calculated less than ten percent of all contestants have been 50 or over during the filming. I also pointed out a few teams we have watched, like the Duphiney Brothers and the Pollacks. Between us, we have so many different skills and talents, it would be a blast! Thinking of how to present a three-minute audition tape is fun, too. Feeling like a bonafide cheerleader, this is what I posted extra-early on Facebook:

Despite all of that excitement, people will forever excite me even more. Yesterday, I had three extra-special visitors to the shop. My sweet lifelong friend, JoJo, came to visit in the early afternoon. We had such a great conversation about how our friendship trees get pruned and how we serve as examples for our children. Miss Wendy popped in during that visit and it was really good to hug her, despite not having an opportunity for a meaningful Godversation. Finally, Miss Futina popped in just before 7 pm to share my prayer over her was answered.

JoJo brought me a beautiful smooth stone with a cross etched in it. She reminded me she still has the silver toned “laughter” rock I gave her decades ago. Wendy gave me a much-needed hug from her heart. Miss Futina brought me a heavenly candle. I told her she must stop bringing me presents, as I have the bird/cacti and the last flowers still at the shop! She told me she simply HAD to see me FACE TO FACE when she shared her daughter and granddaughter have moved home with her! She said “your prayer” was answered. In that moment, I knew I needed to remind her that we prayed, IN AGREEMENT, out loud and TOGETHER. I do so love encouraging others, especially those who really need the reminder their voice matters.

Futina and I had a wonderful Godversation, as always. I shared that I am still knee-deep in Deuteronomy and only up to Chapter 29. I was not surprised to learn Deuteronomy and Revelation are her favorite books of the Bible. She asked me how I knew Revelation was her second favorite, as it came out of my mouth a half second or so before she said it. I told her I didn’t have a clue and reminded her we know the one who does. Overall, just a very sweet and meaningful exchange about being grateful for the things we don’t often think to express gratitude.

Thank you, Lord, for all you are doing that we fail to recognize. Thank you for bringing Futina’s daughter and grandbaby Jaylee home. Thank you for all your provision and protection in all our lives. Thank you for helping our business this week, too. We love you. Today, I ask for special dispensation for sweet Elizabeth in Florida. May she have peace and joy with whatever the oncologists shared yesterday. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Futina, Katrina and Jamal

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Yesterday was Friday, May 24,2024. In a twist, Mark and I agreed to split the weekend where I would be off all day for him to be off all day today. I spent the day in Deuteronomy, Chapters 4-17. I am recognizing the recent posts are a bit jumbled. However, there is so much being pushed through floodgates, I consider it a blessing to get anything cemented in my brain/heart. Still on my heart is the conversation with Katrina about Solomon. Solomon is not in Deuteronomy. However, I promised Katrina I was going to invest extra time studying Solomon and the African connection.

According to internet returns, Bathsheba was 8 years and 8 months of age when she gave birth to Solomon in the Bible. Immediately, that did not settle well in my spirit. Clearly, that would mean her first child with King David that died was born when she was 6 or 7 years of age. King David said she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, not child. It isn’t resting on me easy and needs to be further explored. Another source states she was born in 1010 BC and had Solomon around 985 BC. That would have made her 25 at the time of his birth. While I am certain this will involve more studying in the future, this entire thread gives excellent points to ponder.

Moving forward, Solomon’s son with Makeda, Queen of Sheba, was Menelik I. He was born around 1000 BC and reigned as the Ethiopian Emperor for roughly 25 years. The dates are varied, but various sources specify birth at 954-982 BC, thus the origin of the Royal Solomonic Dynasty of Ethiopia. Fascinating to me, the man had no legitimate children but recognized three children by women who were not his wives.

It’s strange to me the history books and internet state Christianity was introduced to Ethiopia in the 4th Century. Why? Because the internet also states the Royal Solomonic Dynasty was founded in 1270 and lasted until 1974. Over 700 years in current time because the original ruler in the dynasty claimed to be born of the Solomonic line. Regardless, this is not the place to discuss the differences in Ethiopian time versus Gregorian or Julian Time. Ethiopia is significant.

Admittedly, I am distracted a pinch because I just looked up countless variations for how time is marked. My birth year of 1968 has the exact same calendar as 1996 and 2024. I am thinking of why 1996 is so relevant on my spiritual path, as well. Given Katrina’s extensive knowledge of the stars and planets, I am curious to get her feedback. Interesting sidenote to me, Menelik II (1844-1913) was born Sahle Mariam but took the name Menelik II because Menelik I was a legendary son of Solomon. Menelik II actually ate pages from the Bible when he did not feel well. Of course, this reminds me of “Brother Zeke” in Ezekial 3.

Statista tells me there is no calendar past the Assyrians.

Closing for today, I will share Mr. Jamal was just in the shop. Our Godversation was enlightening and at one point he mentioned Ethiopia. I immediately pointed to my laptop and asked if he wanted to see the last words I had touched. I turned my computer to face toward him and the cursor was still after the sentence about Ethiopia being significant. If that was not enough of a God Move, Futina walked in and brought me flowers! Jamal got to learn about my favorite woman “at the well”.

Time is truly a man-made construct. Only God times things the way He did today!

Thank you, God. For all of it. For everything under the sun and your son. I love you.

Deuteronomy

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Yesterday, I spent the bulk of the day in DEUT 4-DEUT 17. I shared a pinch of it with Joyce, Pam and Mark. Since we discussed my DEUT DEEP DIVE Wednesday night at dinner, I sent this to Joyce.

Since I wrote my notes in a steno pad yesterday, I am working through on online study of DEUTERONOMY here at the shop. Imagine my joy to read “my summary” of my study yesterday within their text:

“Because of their lack of faith and obedience, forty years were spent accomplishing what should have been accomplished in only eleven days. Hopefully, we do not reach the end of our lives and realize that much of it has been wasted because of disobedience.”

My summary also included the “forgotten blessings” of the Israelites. For example, in DEUT 8:4, he reminds the 70 or so, “Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during those forty years.” Food, water and shelter are necessary and were clearly provided by God. So often, we all fail to give thanks for past and even current provisions.

For example, when we were blessed with our current home, I reminded my husband of how we thanked God every day coming down the stairs. My husband smiled and said he was directed to thank God for his vehicle recently. He followed it up with joking about how I fell down the twelve steps two years ago.

Yes, thank you, Lord, for NOT letting me stumble!

Whether we laugh or cry, it is always good to share what we are studying and how it applies to our daily living. We can ALL benefit from increasing our gratitude, praise and worship!

Unable to get Pam on the phone, I messaged her. Suffice it to share, her response included many challenges they have between a broken mower, no water and fire damage repair. it’s clear to me God did not want us to talk. He wanted me to share His Word.

I also shared with my husband my new appreciation for the way Moses repeats the facts, something which once caused me issues. As a parent, I understand the value of repetition. Thinking of Moses, I was diverted back to the sibling rivalry he shared with Aaron and Miriam in Numbers 11:35-12:16. His patience for 40 years in the desert and another 40 in the desert could only be explained by God’s very real presence in his life.

Today, I am focused on listening to my favorite helper and ensuring I am on Kingdom-focused tasks. When “Country” visited the shop today and shared his mother had passed, I could feel the weight of the world on him. I was nudged to run out to his vehicle and share something kind about him from another customer, Heide. She thought the “red-headed bearded man” was attractive. While she didn’t wish me to share several weeks ago, I trusted the Spirit and shared the loving thought. He was genuinely grateful and uplifted by the exchange. Whether he and Heide ever become friends or anything else is not up to me. Still, it was rather sweet showing him her photo with her ginger kiddos and his response about his own seven-year old ginger headed son.

Thank you, Lord, for continuing to use me as a catalyst for your purposes. Thank you for ALL the provisions and for keeping your promises. I pray you reveal to me anything for which I have not yet acknowledged gratitude. Thank you for “worshiping and worshipping” and letting that be an inside joke between us. I love how I hear you and understand you better in your Word. I could never thank you enough for letting your son, Jesus, die for our sins, especially my own. I ask to be convicted of that which I may not know in His precious name. I also ask for the protection of Psalm 91 for Ed, Rod, Katrina, Elizabeth and Heide’s daughter. Amen.

Katrina and The Waves

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Miss Katrina has been back in twice since the last time I wrote about her returning for a second visit in one day. Today is Thursday, May 23, 2024, and she shared personal details about her family. The girls are 14 and 21; the oldest attends SCAD to draw story boards and things of that nature. The long game is to create sequential art or do something in anime. Her husband is both French and Jewish by birth. Katrina is 51. We have long since sorted out our deeper spiritual journeys were started 6-7 years ago.

Today was a deeper dive into abandonment issues caused by absent fathers. I shared about my dinner with Joyce and my DEUTERONOMY DEEP DIVE in progress. Thank you, Lord, for putting it on my heart to suggest Miss Katrina can honor her own boundaries, while allowing the possibility of letting her girls meet their maternal grandfather. Such boldness and conviction only come from you. For all you do, have done and will do in my life, you know I am forever grateful. Thank you for showing me how to truly love others in word and action.

Katrina sees His Light on me. She told me she also sees it on Lane, her banker at Pinnacle. I shared that after our last extended Godversation, it was clear I was to study Deuteronomy in entirety. Today, she mentioned that Lane had studied and deduced Solomon was in West Africa. While I have touched the basics of Alkebulan (Africa), there is so much more to learn and understand. His time, not mine.

To that end, Wednesday nights are the best time to enjoy $9.99 sirloin specials at Legends Steakhouse. Joyce and I agreed saving $16 was a blessing, as the sirloins are normally $17.99! Truly, it was a wonderful Godversation, breaking of bread and sharing REAL BREAD. Our Bible Study group was canceled because Terri’s dad isn’t well. Then, I scheduled time for Brandie that night. She had to cancel for work. So, it was really divine timing for us to be available in the same window of time.

I asked Joyce to look at the website she had sent me to deduce how she felt seeing the images. I don’t need to share them here or say anything negative. I am just acknowledging we were in agreement about the images and tuned into the same shared spirit. Rather than divert any more energy to the “dynasty” or “Harfouche” tangents, I am thanking God for feeding me the best things this week. When I think of all I have learned since Wednesday night, I am overwhelmed in the best of ways.

God is good all the time.

Roots and Wings

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This morning, I looked at old Facebook memories from this date. I shared the awesome ones with Mark before sharing the sad memory of losing our tri-colored piece of heaven last year. That said, the understand that my husband does not connect to dates the way I do with my children. We all miss our sweet beagle girl, Sunny. The posted memories flooded my mind and spirit with many thoughts.

Driving to work, the Good Lord returned me to the subject which has been somewhat nagging me for two weeks.

Commercials on the Christian radio station felt extra-long in duration. I wanted another song and pressed the scan button to go the next station. Typically, it’s another Christian station. Today, it was a country station and Mary Chapin Carpenter singing “I feel lucky today.” I took a little clip of the song playing and sent a love message to Cassie in Louisiana.

Since I am at the shop, I immediately looked at my One Minute with God devotional for the day. God’s response is always scripture. Today was perfect. The first verse of the first Psalm. “Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers“, indeed! The current culture of so much “scoffing” is bringing bile to my mouth.

While there is no “location or time change” evident in this post, I am now at home. My husband relieved me at 3:00 and we talked until I finally left around 4:15. As he was arriving, Miss Katrina and I were concluding our second Godversation of the day. Miss Katherine also visited today. Just so I don’t forget, her last name begins with my first initial and is the name of a president. Miss Katrina returned just as I was finishing a chat with Katherine. She told me was compelled to return because there was something she was meant to share with me. I am not sure how long we were talking, but I would guesstimate an hour or so. She shared about Kumbaya meaning “come by here” and how it was engraved in Hebrew on the backs of the pews in the first black churches. She shared so much more, but that is for another day.

What matters most is the plethora of topics broached with Katrina were all familiar to my husband. I had zero qualms sharing the depth of the conversation, despite my lack of knowledge. My husband is one of many who would confirm that this is not how I typically behave in my flesh. Instead, it was all somehow peaceful and exciting to share in the same breath. Only the Holy Spirit has that impact on me.

It’s very clear to me in this moment why the Holy Spirit sent Katrina back to me today. This is bigger than “sunshine” or “hurricanes”. The “quotes” are key words which will remind me of this day.

Thank you, Lord, for sending me one of your angels today with Katrina. Thank you for redeeming me and this process of sanctification. Thank you for your promises and your provision. I am so much more than grateful, but I know you know the depth. I accept your invitation to deep dive into Deuteronomy with a “new lens”. As humbled as I am, please plant YOUR TRUTH and YOUR SPIRIT into my heart as I open your Word. I ask this in Jesus’ sweet name. Amen.

Dear God,

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Thank you for waking me early enough on a Saturday to ride along with Joyce as she ran errands today. Thank you for planting Psalm 91 firmly in my heart before she picked me up. It’s super cool that the images attached to the commentary reminded me of the aurora borealis last night.

I love how you speak to us through your Word, teaching us new things as we grow. Thank you for your Word, the master decoder of all my thoughts. Thank you for ALL the music you have inspired and all the ways you have moved, are moving and will surely move.

There is none like you, Lord. You are literally the Master of the Universe. Holy, Holy, Holy.

Hallelujah!

I am so grateful you know the praise comes forth from the depths of my soul. As much as I didn’t enjoy the diversion last week, I thoroughly enjoyed praising you through the “NAR STORM”. Years ago, I wrote that I was grateful for my GPS…as you know, that is your Perfect Son. It would be impossible to NOT praise you and worship accordingly. Still, today, I am bringing this “NAR Quagmire” to you and seeking direction. You keep leading me back to Matthew and Luke, weighing my words carefully.

You already know how broken my heart is for all which breaks yours. My heart has long since been yielded to your will for my life. Sometimes, I stumble. Sometimes, I fall. Always, you are there to pick me up and redirect my steps. I could never thank you enough.

The ugliness being expressed against Bethel, Elevation Worship, Jesus Culture, Maverick City, Hillsong and more is not being expressed with sincere love. You know my heart. You know I look for the love. I have sought you in every article, blog and video condemning them. I have NOT found you in a single one. I know you love them and need your instruction on how I can love them better.

For now, Lord, I will continue to dwell in your shelter and your shadow. You are my refuge, my fortress, my strength, my redeemer, my everything. Thank you, in advance, for commanding angels to guard me. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus, and for every drop of blood he shed at Calvary for me. It is in His precious name I ask for direction. Amen.

Gratitude and Double Nickels

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Yesterday, we returned to TN from worshipping at Brandon Lake’s Tear off the Roof Tour in Charleston, SC on 5/5/2024. It was the quickest trip we have ever planned or taken. Leaving my glorious 55th year behind in January, my heart’s desire was to worship at a Brandon Lake event. His music very much marked all of 2023 for me, including the miracle 10/17/23. We prayed about it and agreed to go to Charleston, SC, to celebrate my 1/21/2024 birthday, my ninth baptism birthday (5/3/15) and our 9th wedding anniversary (5/10/15) in advance. Praise God for healing my blood pressure issues of February, March and April, in His Timing! (Isa 55)

After a spiritual warfare grenade thrown by a certain pastor last week, I am exponentially grateful we sacrificed some things in our normal budget to obtain floor seats. Heck, we were even blessed in the City Market buying that brick washed red Charleston cap. The sweet vendor told me I was “meant to have that cap” at a 33% discount! We met up with an old friend of mine who is four months pregnant with her second child. She will be fifty in July and the baby girl will be born in late October/Early November. Blessings upon blessings!

We cut the visit a pinch short to ensure we made it over to the Credit One arena on time. The Holy Spirit was present in a palpable way; it felt like Jesus was holding my hand most of the evening. It did not surprise me Brandon Lake opened with “Praise You Anywhere” and ended with “Praise”. From beginning to the end of his set, Brandon Lake led authentic, gospel-based worship. Of all the Christian artists I have ever experienced in person, I do not recall a single one used more by God to move me closer to Him. I thank God for the soundtrack he has given to my faith, including Brandon Lake.

After Doe’s opening set, there was an extended call to sponsor World Vision children in need. Lake was on stage at 8:02 pm. Roughly 40 minutes into the show, Brother Brandon joked about being too sweaty to put on his Coat of Many Colors. He shared the story behind his coat before placing it on his sons. In doing so, Lake spoke of the double portion of Spirit and anointing his father prayed over him and how he prays for his three boys to receive the same.

I have seen quite a few clips/shorts of Brandon Lake. Never had I heard him refer to a double portion. It certainly isn’t the first time the Holy Spirit has returned a Word back to me through another person. In that moment, I knew exactly why the Spirit had me write out “One Response” to the aforementioned pastor BEFORE leaving Nashville. It was the nudge to include a reference to 2 Kings 2:9-14 and a double portion of a different variety. Such a blinding bright light of a Godwink in the middle of the show!

Truly, I love how the Holy Spirit moves…including through music and the internet. I somehow ended up here after looking up Brandon Lake’s earlier music. How perfect! Brandon Lake wrote a song with Matt Redman, Brian Johnson, and Phil Wickham and called “We Praise You” on Redmond’s Let There Be Wonder compilation four years ago. The same Matt Redman the pastor praised while denouncing Brandon Lake’s song, Gratitude. The pastor wrote, “Lake is connected with Bethel Church …and along with their music labels promote questionable teaching all the time.” I suppose it depends on how one defines “connected.” Still, I rebuke such statements, as God will judge me or condemn every useless word, including mine.

I didn’t find or know this song before writing “One Response”, so I am including it here for posterity. Yes, Brandon Lake has collaborated with Elevation Worship, Bethel Music, Hillsong, Maverick City Music and more. I emphatically deny that all music from them should be silenced under the presumption of “bad theology”.

I assume ALL GOOD in any person is from God, as I believe all GOOD and GOOD KNOWLEDGE come from God. I have also experienced God through some secular music. I respect churches being intentional about how they lead worship and which songs they choose. However, blindly banning any group of artists and reading the devil into all their songs surely borders on blasphemy.

Praise can be a weapon to silence the enemy!

Roughly a year later, this is Elevation Worship with Maverick City and Brandon Lake. This video was posted three years ago and as of today, 3.3M views:

Forward another year, Lake’s Gratitude was used on The Chosen. 33 million views to this version alone. I believe God has used this song to sew countless seeds among those 33 million views. Brandon Lake can’t convert people to follow Jesus in his own power. However, there is no denying God’s hand on this song and, I believe, on Mr. Lake, himself. Lord, thank you for all you have done, are doing and will do. You have the master list 🙂 Today, I humbly ask all those who come to Jesus through his ministry grow to full maturity in their faith. In Jesus sweet name, Amen.

Graves into Gardens

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Today is Wednesday, May 1, 2024. There is part of me which feels like March and April went by extra slow, yet they also feel like a hyper-quick blur. Until I have clearer understanding of WHY time was warped during the “BPP” aka Blood Pressure Palooza, I am trusting He is going to get me there in His Timing. He always has and always will.

This morning, I had a follow up appointment to get new bloodwork completed. Getting up extra early for a doctor appointment, I didn’t have the time to study or linger in God’s Word. Arriving at work, I planned to study some similar themes in Psalms and Isaiah. They have been on my mind since last Thursday.

Before diving in, I stopped to read the daily devotion in One Minute with God (for Women). No shocker, it was about RENEWAL! What a wonderful question to ask God. How MORE or DIFFERENTLY can God renew me? Immeasurably more, no doubt.

Items Left in the Study lists problems with Brandon Lake’s song, Gratitude in October 2023. I agree with the scripture quoted and other elements of praise and worship to be considered. Furthermore, I agree with the pastor, “You see, we are to walk in obedience to God. A life of obedience, that is what is fit for a king. His servants pouring out their lives in service for Him.” Under the “about us” section, Pastor Isaac details his personal testimony and calling to be a pastor. “God showed me how to love the unlovable…” and how to view others through God’s eyes. My spirit was unsettled. Why?

Where I disagree is in the fact this website has other follow up posts declaring why they no longer use “NAR” aka Bethel/Elevation music. Pastor Isaac with Bedford Alliance Church makes several statements which cause my heart to hurt. Blanket statements like, ” I am not surprised by the bad theology in this song because Brandon Lake is connected with Bethel Church in Redding, CA and Bethel Church along with their music labels promote questionable teaching all the time.”

I must stand in the gap and pray for him and other false teachers to have the truth revealed to him. I felt no love in his words. All of Gods children are called to lead with love. I am not saying that pastor or any other doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus. I do not question what is between them and God.

What I am saying is when MY SPIRIT recoils, it is like a red flag warning me the person does need prayer. Feeling the weight of another’s “woe” will drive me to my knees in obedience.

Thank you, Lord!

Goats

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Isa 43:19 pulled me from sleep around 2:15 am. Woke up hearing “Graves into Gardens” in my spirit and remembering the T-shirt I wore yesterday with Isa 43:19 inscribed. Considering the depths of yesterday’s thoughts, it is not a coincidence The Spirit has me up at this hour.

Christina is my newest favorite goat. How very different for me to have so many thoughts creatively, spiritually and for them to be centered on my Godversation with Miss Christina today.

Lord, you pulled me in the wee hours to jot this gist for another time. I am praising you for everything under the sun and posting this reminder in obedience. You have my list! Thank you for always listening. Thank you for hearing my prayers Christina’s father and family. I trust you completely and ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.