Futina, Katrina and Jamal

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.

Roots and Wings

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.