Tag: deuteronomy

Crafty Creekmont

On By mygodroomIn gratitudeLeave a comment

Saturday morning came very early, but the Lord met me before the sun did. I had prayed the night before that I would wake up before my alarm so I wouldn’t disturb my husband, and He did exactly that. Even though we were worn out from moving the shop on Friday — the kind of tired that sinks into your bones — I woke with enough strength, enough peace, and enough joy to step into the day He had prepared.

I slipped out quietly, left the house at 7:15, and arrived early to the women’s conference at our new church. My first one — ever. There was something tender about that, walking into a space I’d never occupied before, with a group of women I’m only beginning to know, yet already sensing God’s gentle stitching at the seams of new community.

Breakfast was sweet fellowship. I sat with Anatha, Hester, Tina, and Becky — each one warm, kind, and gracious in her own way. We talked, we laughed, and there was that familiar peace that only the Spirit can knit between hearts.

Then Anatha shared her testimony and led us in praise. It was raw and beautiful — the kind of sharing that reminds you God is always working, always redeeming, always inviting us deeper.

We did a little craft together — simple, hands-on worship — and it felt good to slow down long enough to create something with my hands. Miss Pam and Randy laser cut all the pieces for us to do this craft.

Father God, thank you for clearing the rubble. I don’t think it’s any coincidence Hurricane Melissa was creating worldly conflict in Jamaica and elsewhere—-reminding me of how I wrestled with Torah teachings which fail to include your spirit this time last year.

#ISWYDT

Afterward, we shared lunch, and the sweetness of that table lingered long after the dishes were cleared.

I even brought leftovers home for my husband — a small thing, but it felt like carrying home a piece of the day, a little offering from the fellowship I’d been welcomed into.

Creekmont Women’s Conference

It was a truly lovely day — quiet, nourishing, gentle in all the ways I needed. I especially appreciated the deeper Godversation with Tina and Anatha. Both now have my phone number.

Arriving home, I succumbed to a wonderful nap “by my stream”. When I woke, we agreed to go spend the last two hours of Jenn’s Twelve Year Tenure with her at the one shop we still own.

Of all the things we could have given Jenn, we gave her our hearts. My husband will be driving the truck with all her belongings to Wisconsin for Jenn in two weeks. I was nudged to give her the craft I made and she was beyond thrilled.

The day was beautiful and blessed. Thank you, Jesus.

Amazing Everything

On By mygodroomIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

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

On By mygodroomIn Deut, gratitude, obedienceLeave a comment

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

On By mygodroomIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

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 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.