Tag: faith

Favorite Sundays

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Yesterday was my favorite Sunday in many, many Sundays. So many new ideas and energetic ideas all coming to life on June 1!   Happy Shavuot, indeed!   I will drop this here as a reminder to come back to the topic.  God’s timing is always superior to ours and it’s no mistake so many things bubbled together on the first day of June.

Beginning our day, I did not have to ask for Mark to play a sermon.  We heard an amazing sermon from Waters Church which basically echoed much of what we have been discussing regarding health.  It was such a good sermon; we were both inspired to go for a long walk with our stomachs empty.   Ever since the blood pressure issues two months ago, I have not gone on long walks by myself.  It was such a lovely walk and great conversation, too.

When we arrived home from our walk, I prepared a tasty breakfast/brunch. Pimento cheese on an everything bagel is delicious! Using up that last baked potato as breakfast potatoes to balance out the eggs and sausage was ideal.   Looking at the cranberry-grape and orange juice amounts in the fridge, I decided blending them with some lime juice would work great to “hide” the liquid minerals we add.     We had chatted during our walk about the crafted juices we enjoyed in Assisi, so it was a natural choice.  The blend was delicious, and we are excited to create new flavors each week.

We also decided on our walk that I would be prepping nutritious options for us to take to our shops with us.  This week, I boiled (and peeled) two dozen eggs, prepared chicken salad, cowboy caviar and “Nonna Salad”.  It felt really good to be productive with my husband and be in the spirit of excitement with him.

We met Jonathan and Morgan for dinner at BJ’s Brewhouse and the young man treated us all to dinner! After dinner, they gave us each a CD and we shopped at the new Trader Joe’s in Murfreesboro.   It was cool how they explained their love for physical media translated to buying each of us a CD.  We found some amazing products and acquired the carrot and pineapple juices which will serve as the base for our next “Juice of the Week”.

As I prepare to close our shop in Smyrna in the next hour, I am smiling.  Mark just called and he was walking in the parking lot at our other store.  He shared how wonderful he has felt all day long and how he wants to really focus on intermittent fasting.  Since we did not wake up early enough for a walk today, we are planning on one when he gets home at 8:30.  I think the last time we walked at night, after closing both shops, would have been seven years ago, as we prepared to go to Disney.  What we are preparing for NOW is so much better than Disney. 

THANK YOU, LORD.

Josiah and Psalm 46:10

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Closing the month of May, I am drowning in gratitude. Our HVAC was out of commission this past week. Rather funny to me, as I saw in old Facebook memories the last time our system went out was the same day and the heat required us to get a hotel that year. Praise God, the unseasonably cooler weather made this past week bearable. Mark and I praised God last Saturday when the HVAC shut down, but the air was cool outside. Truly, we praised God every day we survived without AC and are still praising Him the day after it was repaired for a reasonable price. Gratitude is always the best environment for Godversations and today was a better than normal one with my husband. We are both super grateful to be able to snuggle at night, as we did last night for the first time in a week! We are also grateful for pizza and beer tonight, dinner with Morgan and Jonathan tomorrow and a thousand other things. So “Happy-happy” Mark and Carol enjoyed this Godversation a little bit extra today.

Several elements and topics seem to be cyclical, not just the timing of when our HVAC system was down. It is important to note that from the onset. All of this started with meeting Josiah last week, someone I told Mark may be one of my “stranger angels”. The Lord sends people into our shop daily and I see His Fingerprint all over Josiah. Mark remembered him, too. Again, something that is notable. I shared how the Holy Spirit rearranged my study session today between 2 Chronicles 33-34 and 2 Kings 24. I also shared the spiritual connection I feel to Mark every time I read or think anything about King Hezekiah. We talked about how Josiah’s father and grandfather were evil, but Josiah’s great grandfather, Hezekiah, was good. We talked about how Josiah died, as well. I am so glad I shared the connection again, as Mark did not remember. Immediately, Mark was excited to share what he was studying in the Book of Acts about Ananias and Sapphira, a story he has mentioned before. It was a moment I knew Jesus was hanging out with us on the couch at the shop in a palpable manner. It is super exciting when you can feel your savior cheering for your marriage.

In the midst of this exciting Godversation, I confessed my lack of productivity at home. Thank God, Mark understands my joy when I am immersed in God’s word. He understands I NEED the time to LISTEN. He could probably visualize the notes in my Bible and how I looked flipping between scriptures. The study notes for 2 Chronicles were powerful and mentioned where to find Josiah’s profile. Today, this joy led me back to Josiah’s story in 2 Kings 24, where my study serendipitously aligned with a powerful message I first heard on February 3, 2023, in Blue Ridge. Months later, the same message lined up with the “slain in spirit” experience at Our Church in November 2023. Two huge dates I know God moved hugely in my life.

This was no coincidence; it felt like the Holy Spirit orchestrating the pages of my Bible to illuminate profound truths. The Lord’s playfulness and precision in these moments affirm His role as the ultimate teacher, guiding me with both tenderness and intention.

On a lighter note, the day also brought moments of intimate humor. After a week hindered by a faulty HVAC system and other challenges, my husband and I found joy in the simple pleasures of life—a shared laugh, a playful SOMMEE Card exchange, and the comfort of pizza and beer later this evening. These moments, though ordinary, remind me of the importance of connection, both spiritual and relational.

As the day wound down, I was drawn to Psalm 46:10, a verse I have cherished throughout my life: “Be still and know that I am God.” Yet, today, I uncovered a deeper layer of meaning through the Aramaic and ancient texts, which translate the verse to “Stop fighting…Repent…Return.” This revelation reframed my understanding, underscoring the active call to surrender and realignment with God’s will. It brought me full circle to the message in Blue Ridge, a reminder that God’s truths are timeless and His sovereignty unshaken.

In this tapestry of study, conversation, and reflection, I see the Lord’s hand weaving threads of wisdom and grace. There is indeed nothing new under the sun, but His presence makes all things new. Praise be to our Sovereign Lord, who reigns now and forevermore.

Memorial Battle

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Lord, thank you for all you have done, are doing and will surely do.  The past few weeks, you have done so many wonderful things I have yet to write down.  I loved how it all began with #clays4trey and facing the demons I know in Clarksville.  You gave us the DOUBLE BLESSING to share with the Petersons.  Almost three weeks later, Angie is now planning to attend the event with me.  Thank you for her invitation acceptance. 

The lovely yet super-stormy dinner with Joyce and the “DOUBLE DUTCH” buffet plate last Tuesday must be mentioned.  Joyce prayed over our meal and specifically for our homes to be protected in those storms.  The next day, she showed me destruction all around their home. We enjoyed a rare mid-day phone call whereby we were joyful children praising you, together.  It was downright giddiness with us on the phone.  Friday, you gave me the JD GREEAR sermon on the radio to share with Mark about Underdogs, NC Wolfpack 1983 Basketball and Gideon.  You reminded me that simple act of sharing brought forth the blessing of hearing Mark’s love for Gideon, again.  Saturday, I was beyond giddiness with the pregnancy news shared by Eric and Sophie.  I will write the story out in the future, but “One egg for a dozen” will remind me.   Father God, thank you for all of it and for all I am failing to mention thus far.

Lord, please forgive me for being so “in my head” that I have allowed it to cause me to struggle with writing down testimony to glorify YOU.  I have not felt my words were worthy enough or clear enough.  The enemy is such a powerful liar.  Please keep reminding me PRAISE IS A WEAPON.  Heartfelt praise is what started my healing.  Lord, please help me turn up the spiritual volume to praise even more boldly.   Please remind me how great it feels to exalt your name with others, daily!    Praise is always a huge part of the answer.   Thank you for bringing me to this keyboard on Memorial Day.  I love how you give me strong imagery and dates to really sink a lesson into my spirit.   To the world, this day is about American soldiers who died in service of their country.  In this moment, I see my savior on a cross.    I see Jesus’ bleeding out for every man or woman, whether they died in service of their country or not.  The thought does not translate to words very clearly, but for every war monument, I see Jesus in front of every soldier.  The spiritual battle has been real. 

Father God, thank you for pressing my heart so clearly to share the images and how you moved me from the couch to this keyboard in this moment.  Simply put, we agreed to open for five hours today and close early at three.   We have been open for several hours and there has not been a single customer.  I am not disappointed we have not earned a dollar.  I trust you will take care of us.   I have thoroughly enjoyed just talking to you and pondering why you put me back in Hosea 13 this morning.   It is just you and I hanging out in the shop and it is beyond lovely.  It reminds me of how, just like with Gideon, you will remove what is not necessary.   The entire world has been pulled away from me.  Blake and Jess are at the house.  Mark is at the Boro Shop.  I am beyond grateful to be separated away from the world with you. 

In the midst of the deepest gratitude, I was sitting on the couch and could not help but shake my head and smile.  I giggled out loud thinking of the “Pretend Shingles Commercial” Mark and I laughed about over coffee.  Lord, I have prayed to understand several things and you know EXACTLY which prayer you answered by giving me that “fake commercial’ to share with Mark.  Thank you for blessing our marriage with humor and laughter.  Thank you for revealing that deeper truth to me today of how prayers get answered.  It would be difficult to forget the group of friends at the beautiful brunch at Todd & Danae’s yesterday to go see the new Mission Impossible movie.  It would literally be impossible for me to forget the image of a Shingles commercial filmed in the setting of their home.   Perhaps now I will learn that my husband can sit at a table and genuinely not hear extended conversation on a topic and not take it personally.   Oh, Lord, please press this on my heart with every stinking pharmaceutical commercial we watch.  Constantly remind me with this “shingles giggle” of all you have on my spirit in this moment. 

Thank you, Lord, for returning me to obedience of this variety today.  It is beyond words.   It has always been more than enough to know I am being obedient.   Of course, it is perfect for you to remind me on this man-made holiday WHY obedience is better than sacrifice.    Part of that means including the document which opened for me in MS Word began with this sentence:

“I trust you all know that if Yah puts something on your heart to do and you do not do it, it is a sin. (James 1:22,4:17)”    

Again, you make me giggle.  I see so many different aspects of your Divine Humor.  This post is not perfectly written, and it may not make sense to any other person.  It makes perfect sense to you, Lord.  This release I feel as I close my praises and limited petitions is palpable.  Lord, I ask in the sweet name of Jesus for you to keep me close and grant me your wisdom.  Thanks, Daddy.  I love you.  Amen.

Godly Counsel

On By mygodroomIn anger, gratitude, marriage, prayerLeave a comment

Father God, I am writing the gist of what has transpired the past few days because my heart feels like it will burst if I do not write it down.

First, thank you for using me in any way to help Lyss and John in their healing.  Thank you for friendships and encouragement and for house visitors who share their time so beautifully.  Thank you for teaching me to CLIMB in more ways than one.  Thank you for showing up in spirit on Jess’ face at the climbing gym yesterday.  Thank you for humbling me in so many ways with her yesterday. Please protect her. 

You know why I am still re-reading the letter Mark gave me this morning.  While I will not write about the contents, I will acknowledge I sought Godly counsel from “PNP”.  I have no answers, only more questions.  For now, please show me what must be removed from my mind and what is to be added.  Make me more like you so I can be the wife YOU desire me to be. If it is not of you, I do not need it. Period.

The heart wrenching truth of the Ghana Romance Scams in Murfreesboro which have harmed my sweet Futina are very much sickening my heart on her behalf.   Her husband has not earned a dime in fifteen months of marriage. Her home burned down.  She got it repaired and sold it last month.  She has paid for immigration and other attorney bills for her husband, as well.  Learning the pastor, “Poppa”, is not paid a salary by the church. They pay his rent/mortgage and other bills instead. They fired the woman who moved here four years ago from Chicago for asking questions about the finances. Her job was finance. Immediate red flag, indeed.

Learning the late-night prayer action has more than worn her out, she serves her husband every meal in their bedroom and he does not engage in the household: It is all heart breaking for me.  Waking anyone, much less the elderly, to pray between 3 and 4 am feels like Brainwashing 101. Learning multiple women in her church are married to others from Ghana leads me to believe there is a criminal circle of folks involved.  For heaven’s sake, Futina doesn’t even believe the emails sent were from the man she was told to marry. I know you know all the details I am not writing. Perhaps I was to at minimum, document the outline.

Lord, please protect all those most vulnerable, especially the widows and orphans. James 1:27, 1 Tim 5:3-16 and Matthew 25:34-40 are all proof to me that your heart is already with them. I ask everything, especially the unspoken parts, in Jesus precious name. Amen.  

P.S. I love you.

Marks Dream

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We had very slow days at both of our shops today. Roughly an hour ago, I sent my husband a little text prayer and within an hour, we were more than halfway to the goal. It is okay if God does not want to send the entire amount. We trust His plan for our business.

Yesterday was a different type of Sunday for us. We left to eat at Maple Street Bakery and clean out our storage shed near our other shop. It was a super productive afternoon, and it felt good to be actively working toward goals with my husband. I worked non-stop on organizing those boxes and contents at the Smyrna shop today.

Before we cleaned up to leave the house, we talked about a particularly clear dream my husband remembered. Listening to him describe the lack of visibility, it “felt” like the darkly filmed Paramount shows we watch. The gist was he was wearing a long coat, couldn’t toss the ball back in and he was the same age he is now. It would be like me seeing myself in my high school cheer uniform on the side of a dark football field. Just because we do not always see everything in our path does not mean there are not obstacles.

I shared with my husband things I have read about how God absolutely does speak to people in their dreams. In my husband’s case, it is highly unusual for him to recall his dreams. These images and feelings were crystal clear to him. I encouraged him to consider the reason he is now dreaming with recall could be related to the extra time he is spending in his Bible. It was exhilarating to see him perk up during our Godversation.

While I am short on writing time and need to close up the shop shortly, I needed to take a few minutes to at least bookmark this dream and conversation. At the end of the day, we decided we would be taking a vacation together in August. It was downright cute the way Danny and Arlette got so excited to take the cruise with us. Before we went to sleep, tickets were booked and the plan is underway. It is good to have this trip to anticipate in the months ahead.

Father God, please know we truly appreciate all you have done in our lives, are doing at the moment and will do in the future. As we plan to leave our business for a week and trust your provision, please give my husband the same peace in his heart that I have in mine. I know it is you. In Jesus name, amen.

PIE

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Perspective. Intention. Execution. This morning, I keep thinking of the things which God has put on my heart and how they have all played out thus far. When He gave me “PIE” studying the Fibanacci sequence and God’s fingerprint on this earth, I did not see it. Today, I see Pi (God) vs. PIE (human best). I still need to digest that little factoid.

My heart is with Sweet Lyss and her unexpected break up with her love. Lord, you know my prayers for all my kids and the “orphans” you have entrusted to me. Please may they all find their identity with YOU and see how the pieces fit back together so much more intricately. In Jesus name, amen. Thank you for humbling me with learning Miss Elizabeth spent a few days in the hospital and teaching me more about timing. Your timing, not mine.

Thank you, Lord, for that sweet confirmation from my husband last night about Matthew 18. Learning he was taking his Bible to study each day warmed my heart immeasurably more. May you join me during my study time today and draw your deeper truths to my spirit. Thank you for letting me suffer a bit these past few weeks in my crying out for his spiritual leadership. Thank you for humbling me last night to be the wife my husband deserves. So many things will not be typed into words, but I know you know every thought and prayer, regardless. I know great peace when I remember your Word and your promises. You have never left me, personally, and you never will.

I know you forgive my shortcomings completely and it is the human flesh which continues persecute me. When I am completely encased in your spirit, such things are repelled without any impact. Please, Father God, hold me tightly today and direct every step. I love you.

Miss Elizabeth

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Realization. We all pronounce words slightly differently. Over the weekend, a beautiful “stranger angel” visited the shop. She spoke with the same energy, enunciation and enthusiasm as Miss Elizabeth. While I recognized the pattern quickly, I was praying silently in my head as she spoke. I was finally compelled to ask her when she said, “re-all-I-zay-shun”, if she happened to be from Trinidad. My husband was sitting on the couch and did not appear surprised when she confirmed she was native to Trinidad. It was a beautiful Godversation.

In part, we talked about when she lost her sister a few years ago. She shared how people always tell those with cancer to fight and hold on. She went on to share her view that it is selfish at the core, when we are holding folks up from meeting Jesus. I agreed, emphatically. It was truly a shift in my heart when she talked about it. I shared a pinch about how I knew she was from Trinidad and that perhaps God was using her to remind me about Elizabeth for some reason. In truth, I thought perhaps Elizabeth had passed and that was why comfort was walking in the shop that particular day.

When she left, I messaged my friend in Florida. To my surprise, Elizabeth was quickly defensive about me meeting another woman from Trinidad. Her response was telling me she is a very private person and to never share her details of any kind with people from Trinidad. While I didn’t share her full details, I felt small receiving that message.

Now that it has been a few days of prayer and study since meeting her, I understand Elizabeth’s response a bit better. There are only 1.5 million people in Trinidad. The number of women over 50 is around six percent of that number. Their oldest daughters are in the same demographic, as well. It makes sense that ANY identifying comments could potentially reveal her personal health information.

Lord, thank you for showing me and humbling me. Thank you for all you teach me so patiently and intently. I love you. Please give peace and comfort to my Trinidad “Sisters”. In Jesus Name, Amen.

2/3/23 Reflections

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Two years and three days ago, it was February 2,2023. I was in Blue Ridge, GA, and experienced a powerful visit from the Holy Spirit. Last February, I started having ultra-low blood pressure for three weeks. This February has started with strong visits, as well. I have zero clue why there are months like August, November and February which always seem to be ultra-strong in the spiritual activity. I simply know it is true for me.

I feel the release from all the Torah Teacher vitriol. I see the growth in my children, despite the setbacks in some areas. I am enjoying a different and deeper type of peace in my spirit most days. I pause, more patiently and sweetly these days. I still say the wrong thing on occasion, but that is the flesh.

Today was a pinch odd because JPW visited and continued to discuss J6 and political issues which nearly caused me to vomit. Still, I was at peace in my heart.

I am truly sorry for offending anyone; I simply cannot digest news or politics.

It has been the clearest lesson of all. Since I did not digest the Antioch High School shooting two weeks ago, I was able to be fully present and respond from the spirit with a 58 YO mom of a student there visited the shop on Monday. It was a real-life example of how being “unaware” of “facts” in the news leads to better Godversations. Lord, protect all the kids from these copycat threats and bring peace to Jane and Olivia.

Reflecting on all God has done the past two years takes my breath.

I have done nothing to deserve so much love and encouragement from Our Father in Heaven. What is becoming crystal clear is that when I get those nudges in my spirit, my job is to follow them. After working in Matthew and through Chapter 10 the other day, I was awakened in the wee hours to learn more about a “cold cup of water”. I will link what I read in addition to scripture here. In this moment, I am recalling Sam talk about the “little things” over a year ago. What a precious reminder of how Jesus works through people. Thank you, Father God.

Father God, I always praise you and you know it is for all you have done, are doing and will do. I know you know my heart better than anyone in the universe. Today, I beg again for Sharon, Joyce’s sister’s, health and for peace in their family. Lord, may you keep YOUR CHILDREN, safe, including me and mine. You know the things I will not write here, as they would be permanent record of the conflicts we are working through. I love my children entirely too much to detail the conflicts. I pray to see a day where they are all forgotten and forgiven. Please, protect our home, our spirits and our health. Please use those spears and drive humility through ALL. I love you so much. Too much to write out all of my needs. Whatever your will, may I see your hand on everything and praise your Holy Name. In Jesus Name, amen.

Matthew Matters

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We started Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King study with our small group last night. I was thrilled my loving husband returned from his Louisville trip with good experiences and much stress reduction. He sent me home to rest before our small group.

Although my husband could not attend and one other couple was not present, we had an excellent Godversation about the scepter of Judah, how we all prostitute ourselves (discussing Jesus’ lineage) and how the angels ministered to Jesus after he defeated Satan in the wilderness. It was rather poetic when Laurie exclaimed how David Guzak’s commentary mentions they may have served him food and Terri talked about seeing the angels with trays. Just those few thoughts will serve to remind me of what the Holy Spirit put on my heart regarding Matthew.

Every book of The Bible is worthy of deep exploration, study and understanding. We all learn differently and love differently. Lord, may we all love you enough to dive in deeply to Matthew, together. I know we all love you and understand it will look different based on perception. We are so grateful for all you have done, are doing and will surely do. You know the thorn and only you can remove it. Please keep my mouth guarded if that is your will. Should your will be for me to encourage the nay-sayers, I will be obedient and share directly. Thank you for Connor’s visit today and the many Godversations in the shop today.

Cosmic Cowboy

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Father God, I am in awe. Total, utter and comprehensive awe for the beauty and blessings of yesterday with Morgan, Lyss and Jonathan. Hilarity of “double-double” at Ninja with the girls and then the amazing conversation with Jonathan later are all bubbling over so much goodness. You were with me the entire day! The title of this post deserves details meant for another time. Suffice it to say, the day was filled with divine humor, grace and love. It was like prayers being answered every twenty minutes. Thank you for connecting Morgan to Jonathan at a soul connection level. You keep making me cry happy tears in the best ways. Thank you, a million times over, for sending my daughter her “Cosmic Cowboy, Tyrone”. Thank you for the rest, peace and love of snuggling with my daughter all night. What sweet and peaceful rest.

Lord, thank you sending Miss Terri into the shop early today. Our conversations and Godversations are always so edifying! Thank you for nudging me to give her the LION/LAMB card without signing it. When I explained it was meant for her to show my love, but with the intent to give it to another, she knew immediately who it was meant to receive the card. Beautiful!

Then, the wonderful Godversation with Phillip about his relationship with Pickleball Lapeer was beyond blessed. The encouragement you gave me to give him about finding a pickleball court to show agape love in return was priceless!

New Derrick talked about raising his first son on his own, with his mother’s help. He has four boys and one daughter. Wonderful Godversation which allowed me to encourage him for being such a loving and devoted father. He was surprised to learn how much more important Father’s are in certain developments. Lord, please send sweet Lydia whatever she needs to be grounded in your truth and YOUR WILL for her life. Please continue to encourage Derrick, as well. In Jesus name, I do pray. Amen.