Tag: faith

Cleansing Tears

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Thank you, Lord, for the wee hour awakening today. I see what you did there, too. WHAT? Oh , that’s just how my Jesus makes sure I keep feeding His sheep. Let’s get to work!

In wee hours, I was responding to messages. It is uncanny how certain revelations were born from things I learned in and around “Eric Sins” . We are both praying for restoration of a certain father/son relationship. So much more to expand upon, but God is bringing so many different types of soldiers into my life.

There is another I would like to share. However, there are Biblical reasons for me to make that entry in my handwritten journal. It was a dance which seemed to build up and be cut short. Today, I see it even more clearly. Thank you, Lord, for guarding my tongue.

Father God, you have me in the palm of your hand. I believe you are speaking to her quite differently, just as every relationship is different. It makes logical sense that our relationships with you are all different. You know why I begged for you to send your angels. You heard what I just prayed out loud. In your Timing. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Amicable Arnell spoke to me like Jesus today. First person I saw at the shop. He poured out such encouragement in countless ways. Thank you, Lord for Arnell and his heart. May it belong to you.

The Uber driver brought Crystal and Mo here from the Nashville Rescue mission. What a blessing to help their mission! I met them for the first time not even a half hour before they texted back. They received the encouragement from YOU, beautifully.

Brother Zion is always so kind and jovial. I asked his name today I just said, “brother, forgive me, I have forgotten your name if you have shared in the past”. When he said “Zion”, I raised my right arm and said, “I see you what you did there”. I confidently told him there was NO DOUBT his mama was in The Word. He said, “oh YES!” He shared about his pastor and another man he enjoys learning from, Paul Washer. Noting it for when the time comes to be reminded Zion sent me here.

The floodgates rushed in during extended testimony from Zion about prophecy, demonic warfare, sleep paralysis, standing in the gap and more. This brother needs to go to Texas and a certain home church or find one here. So many are struggling to connect with earnest seekers of the TRUTH in THE BIBLE.

When Zion shared the story of his godmother and the two sons living with her, I could not control sobbing. The mother stabbed her autistic son to death before shooting him. That is not in the paper, linked below. Also not reported is how the mother appeared like a demon in his room before the older son escaped. Mike is the older son and told Zion all of this within a half hour of the murders.

The demons oppressing her tiny cancer consumed and frail body were supernaturally strong to pull such a large man back into the house. Praise God for protecting Mike. Thank you, Lord, for sending Zion to me today.

https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/macomb/2024/10/20/warren-mom-kills-son-commits-suicide/75767496007/

My Morgan texted.

Knowing my kids as I do, I knew she needed to hear my voice. Thirty seconds is apparently enough.

Oh Jehovah Jireh, how could I ever thank you?

My prayers continued for family and extended family of various varieties. I called my husband at our other store and we prayed in agreement for Morgan’s spiritual protection during these painful circumstances for her losing her beloved cat.

Immediate peace in my heart. The BP leveled and I know my daughter is protected.

Radiant Rebecca visited for the first time ever. Thank you, God, for supporting our business and letting us serve you! Rebecca has a 20 YO son, 15 YO daughter and 16 month baby girl. She suffered a miscarriage last month and the healthcare in the world is corrupted. It broke my heart and I sense it broke God’s too. She was so grateful for someone to just listen and receive her story without question. Doctors treated her terribly.

Talked to my daughter on the phone. What a blessed conversation.

Reasonable Randall was kind, as always. He loves our heart to take care of people.

Crowder Dillon is a Dr Pepper fan. I humbled myself and asked to confirm his name. I said, “dude, you are beyond kind and I keep wanting to call you James. Can you please remind me of your first name? He smiled a super sweet smile and said, it’s actually Dillon James. James is his middle name.

Hearing “James, James and James”. Again, repetition which now reminds me of Moses. It feels like much of what I have been taught the past week was necessary to make my testimony more mature. I stand corrected: ALL of it was necessary. Now, to pray for clarity and for my Master Editor.

Pretty Payton was thrilled to reduce her nicotine intake by 40% today with a North Pina Colada vape. Maybe I will remember our Godversation as the 3P Chat It was just bubbly sweetness and genuine gratitude pouring out of her.

Fantastic study of Zion. Yes, I text myself to keep up with the nudges. Closing our store in 13 minutes. Beyond grateful for this rainy day of All Hallows Eve. Time to clean the counters as if I am doing it for Jesus.

Thank you, Lord, for sending me in the required “refill” via Payton. I love you.

Fire and Wind

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Praise God, my loving husband returned home last night. It was a glorious Sunday from beginning to end. I wrote in my gray leather journal for posterity. The notes are clear enough to write the detailed testimony.

Insert giggle here. Anyone who knows me in the flesh understands I exclude “cheerleader energy”. I am being nudged to see the power of the Holy Spirit from a different perspective. Yes, Jesus can and will sit you down and just set you straight. The theme this year has in great part been to SLOW DOWN.

For now, I welcome anyone who ever sees this humble post to our Smyrna Tn store. We have prayed over this space countless times..,before we even got the keys and the six years since. Today was different.

Praise God. First two customers were Miss Margie and a gentleman wearing this shirt! More sales in first half hour than we typically see by 1 pm. I credit the One True God for blessing us so quickly this morning.

Thank you, God. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

Great Scotts and Wee Hours

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My Jesus has the best sense of humor. This morning was glorious, waking with “wee hours” in my heart. Like every other word on my heart, at any time, I go straight to the “wee hour in the Bible” search. I learned exponentially more than I could have imagined. I sent one of the best articles to Joyce, as she is the first person on my heart when I read or hear the word “watchman”. This is to be the placemark and reminder to delve deeper in the future.

Immediately upon opening the store, I attempted to record my revised testimony. It should be noted, bubbling over with the Holy Spirit does not always make for good video. For one thing, the Holy Spirit will shut my mouth, and the expressions are not particularly pleasant. Add tears and perhaps you get a glimpse of why the videos are distracting. However, I learned several things which are meant to be included. How? When I become THAT verklempt, it is because it is so deeply entrenched in my heart. The Holy Spirit will literally squeeze every drop of love out of me.

The word verklempt is not in the Bible. However, I was directed to search CLAMPS and was directed to 1 Chron 22:3 where David provided iron for the clamps and nails needed for the gates and doors. Just prior to this, I read The Holy Spirit and Hinges (Acts 2:1-13). Yes, indeed, the Holy Spirit is my hinge pin and keeps the door open to Jesus and God. The door is wide open today.

The reason I have been redirected here instead of working on the ever-growing testimony is to share how that open door is represented by the door to my shop every day. No matter who walks in, I strive to see the Jesus in them. We have lots of Godversations in this little vape shop. Many customers/friends know there is scripture under these floors and behind the walls. This business belongs to God.

On this incredibly rainy day, our Kentucky 500 customers visit me. Back in July, I heard the heartbreaking loss of their sister-in-law. The wife’s brother was truly in despair. Ever since, I tend to pray for them all whenever I see the husband or wife from our Kentucky 500 customers. Today, the wife was in for the first time in two months. I asked her how her brother was doing and learned he was remarried! Bottom line, it sounded like God put the exact childhood friend in the widower’s life to bring him back into the land of the truly living.

At the tail end of that Godversation, Nissan Scott was paying close attention. After the couple left, Scott share with me about how his brother was very much in a similar situation. In his case, his best friend had died, leaving a widow and two children. His brother married his best friend’s widow, and they have been blessed with thirty years together. Interesting factoid: I have had Godversations many times with Scott’s partner, Karen. Today was the first real Godversation with him.

The next customer in the door listened to the last of my conversation with Nissan Scott. He opened the Godversation by telling me what he gathered from Nissan Scott’s story. I said something to the effect of God having his His Hand on all of it. He was so incredibly kind and complementary when he said, “You sound like my mother!” It was truly kind. Extemporaneously, he shares the nutshell of his life story. He was born and raised in Franklin, TN, developed a struggle with alcohol and chose to move to Murfreesboro to change his life. Just last week, he was dismissed from his management job. The following day, he got a job which uses all of his skills, without the management title, for the same money. His mom essentially told him, “Scott, this is proof God has your back.” We enjoyed an extensive Godversation and the Holy Spirit told me to write it down with “GREAT SCOTTS”. It thrills my ever-loving heart to hear that I am like anyone else who reminds people that God has their back! Thank you, Lord!

Yes, I googled and there is no mention of Great Scotts in the Bible. However, the Oxford Dictionary of English calls it a “dated” euphemism for “GREAT GOD!” YESSIR! I see exactly what He did there, too.

As if this were not enough, two more extensive Godversations ensued with Pickle Ball Kenny and Star Wars Patrick. I met both through Hope Fellowship more than a decade ago. When Kenny talked about the pickleball community and how they WELCOME ALL, I told him they modeled a biblical church. Being truly connected to others connects us to God. Also, the Edwards Clan will forever be in my prayers with any Star Wars reference. Patrick told me they were just thinking about our family on the way to the store today. Godwinks galore! To be extra clear, we have been open 3.3 hours, it’s 1:22 at this moment. I am here until 8 pm tonight.

Good Lord, thank you for ALL of it today. I am overwhelmed by your love pouring out. Please help me continue to represent Jesus to the best of my ability today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Floodgates. It is now 1:51 and Michigan Jake just left the store. What began as a conversation about whether or not he was from Chicago grew into the most powerful presence of the Holy Spirit today. I learned he is in a difficult season of marital separation and is father to three young kids. I encouraged him to consider less nicotine when I learned he never smoked before. I was nudged to bless him with a SidePiece with 60 percent less nicotine. He was moved and shared he feels like God keeps reaching out to him. I confirmed if he feels like God is reaching out, it is because that is very much what He does! Prayers followed with encouragement to read Hosea and keep asking the Holy Spirit to reveal why the message is for him. So many tears and not all of them flowed from my eyes. I am excited for that Godversation to continue.

Filled up. Poured out. Repeat.

The heart of the day is all about Jesus. I am so blessed to carry the heart of this day into writing the Growing Testimony.

Growing Testimony

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Father God,

You alone are Holy, Holy, Holy.  You have had this simple incantation in my heart with every variation of punctuation possible the past six weeks.   I could never thank you enough for all you have done, all you are currently doing and all you will surely do in my life.  You know I treasure your promises and how grateful I am for all your provision.   While I have struggled to write “the letter”, you have grown me exponentially through this process since Labor Day.    Silly me, you revealed a beautiful list of 55 big things you have done in my life in January.  While I have written many of those detailed stories for the sake of posterity, I do not have one simple document outlining my personal testimony.   Please help me share the biggest pieces in such a way that your hand on my life is evident.  I ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Today is October 21, 2024; I am currently 56 years old. To say the past few years of my life have been supercharged with spiritual growth and experiences would be a massive understatement.   It takes my breath to consider all that God has done for me, through me, and with me my entire life.  However, those words are especially true since a near-death experience two and a half years ago.   This entire year is filled with writing out so very many different details and miracles. How could I NOT be overwhelmed with praise and gratitude?

Thank you, God, for getting Miss Dottie into the store today to share her testimony.  The value of five minutes and her life are evident in her joy from you.  I love, love, LOVE thow you timed her season of growth from her NDE July 3, 2016, with how you were moving in my own life at that time. I just love how fond you seem to be of giving me dates that are easy to remember…so I will not forget your hand in all of it.

Break My Vase

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What an interesting month it has been with how God has used music to both clarify and amplify certain messages to me. This morning, I was listening to Brandon Lake sing “That’s Who I Praise”. Since he has several songs with praise in the title, it’s the one which begins, “I wanna dance like David, I wanna faith like Paul’s, I wanna sing like Silas tearing down the prison walls.” I was just praising whole-heartedly on the drive to work and by the time he gets to a line about ” I wanna gift like Mary, I wanna break my vase,” tears flooded.

It was a powerful and power-filled moment. It was like Jesus was sitting in the passenger seat just talking to me about the various people I have met and prayed with over the past month. Kerwin, Keisha, Shimmy, Starr, Terri and more. Even going to dinner with our friends last night was an opportunity to share God’s love and “My Gigi”. In that one moment, the Holy Spirit assured me in countless ways, I am pouring out like Jesus and NOT Carol. It was the moment which said I would acknowledge it in writing this morning, before I do any other task. Nothing is more important than sharing what God has done, is doing and will do.

Thank you, Lord. The doors you open for me ALL bring be closer to you. When I am poured completely out, you fill me again to overflowing. I could never thank you enough for all your promises and provision. Isa 63:7 Col 1:17 Gal 6:9. Please keep drawing me so close I feel that extra lobe in my lungs. In Jesus beautiful name, I ask only for your will to be done. I am yours. Amen.

Arriving to the shop, it felt even more special. Why? Of all the devotionals in the world, the one at our shop talks about holding little sheep. We literally had this exact conversation last night about Terri and Jason visiting a place called Hold a Baby Lamb in Ireland. Naturally, I had to snap a photo of it and share with our dinner buddies before flipping the Bible open to 2 Chronicles 6:13, “For He is good and HIs mercy endures forever.” Yes and amen. Thank you, Lord.

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!

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).

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.

Blessed Life

On By mygodroomIn gratitude, music, obedience, UncategorizedLeave a comment

My favorite helper likes to wake me in the wee hours for one on one time. God has a Divine sense of humor, no doubt.

In February, my blood pressure tanked quickly and we struggled with getting back to normal” for about six weeks. For being a “Go Go Gadget” type of human, my get up and go had very much got up and went.

During that time, our Bible Study group was working through Robert Morris’ More than Words Series. My husband could not attend one night and I drove myself. Softly. Quietly. Peacefully.

As I pulled into their driveway, the “boom” of Crowder playing Graverobber blasted from my radio. As much as I wanted to attend peace-filled, I was compelled to sit in my car rocking out until the song was over! Then, I prayed again for one mouth and two ears before entering. Always want to honor God and my husband, too.

I took a brand new journal that evening which has a midnight butterfly on it. Despite my desire to keep my mouth shut, I was compelled to encourage everyone to write down God stories we can share. After we finished, I shared with two of the women about hearing that song in the driveway. Raucous laughter, dance and praise in the kitchen ensued as I played the song for them.

The next morning, I flipped to Isa 63:7. Short on time to study, I googled for an image to center my day when I arrived to work. Psalm 63:7 was returned to me with an image of a midnight butterfly. Oh, The Lord had a Word for me!

Days later, the Holy Spirit infused enough energy to write it all out. As I checked my notes from the group study, “the Word Healed” jumped off the page. Period. The word “healed” was underlined. Psalm 107:20.

Opening my Bible to study that verse deeper, I see that it concludes with being robbed…from the grave. I see what He did there…but needed to confirm Pastor Morris had never spoke the rest of the verse. Easily confirmed checking the transcript from the video.💜✝️💜

This morning, the Lord has me in the 55th chapters of Isaiah and Psalms. So much being revealed is overwhelming, yet beautiful. For whatever His reason, I am to share.

I “met” Robert Morris sometime before Miles McPherson taught at Gateway about Satanic Agreements in 2015.

Father Bob

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Did you attend Clarksville, TN Immaculate Conception back in the 80’s or 90’s?  Even if you did not attend Mass there, it’s entirely possible many of you remember Father Robert J Roeser, aka “Father Bob.  One of my fondest memories is a conversation we had at the Old Joe B’s, in downtown Clarksville in the very early 1990’s.  Yes, it was a bar and restaurant. I would occasionally meet my parents there on a Friday night, as they winded down their week.

Context matters.   I was not in church on a regular basis between 1987 and 1995.  I was raped by three APSU Baseball players in March 1987. At the time, I was responsible for President Robert O. Riggs‘ children whenever he and his wife were away on weekends. Sadly, he voiced concern for “the young woman” and was relieved of his position shortly after serving as the 11th President of APSU for 11 years. 

Some old memories began to percolate this morning and those memories clarify, somewhat, why my “season of separation” extended over seven years.  

By August 1995, I was living on Blair Blvd in Nashville.  I was still volunteering at RSAC in Nashville, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Center.  For 24 consecutive hours every weekend, I would soberly take calls from all kinds of beautiful humans. Normally, I would get home from work around 6 on a Friday and continue until 6 on a Saturday Night.   Most of the victims I spoke with had been sexually abused in egregious ways, many by their own families. It was a very dark season, with only pinches of light.   The other 24 hours, I was most often not sober.  In truth, I would drink so much alcohol that I would occasionally black out.    It was not a good time.   It was more than half my lifetime ago. I was only 27. 

I am not sure if it was August 13 or August 20, 1995.  All I know is for the first time in more than seven years, I woke up with the compulsion to get myself to church.  The closest church to my old apartment was Christ the King Catholic Church at 3001 Belmont Blvd.    I can still sense the cold of the marble entry. I remember how my heart was racing as I kneeled, “crossed myself” and took my seat 2/3 back on the right- hand side. This was over 28 years ago!

I opened the bulletin for the day and reacquainted myself with the order of Mass.  On the right-hand side, there was notification that Father Bob had passed away on August 12, 1995.  He had an aneurism on Saturday the 12th, as he prepared his sermon for Sunday at St. Catherines in Columbia, TN.

My heart tells me it was August 13. Otherwise, why would it have impacted me so clearly?  Still, it COULD have been August 20, which happens to be the day my daddy passed away 14 years later.  I called Christ the King and spoke to someone who is going to dig for old bulletins.   Part of me recalls being shocked he had died within 24 hours of me getting back into church.  Part of me wonders if my memory is playing a trick on me.

I also looked up Char Creson, who I remember working with at RSAC in 1995.  As it turns out she still works for the same center, under a new name, Sexual Assault Center.   I am not surprised the new logo is purple with a prominent “yellow sunshine” symbol.   Oh, the sunshine symbolism which followed years to come!

By the summer of 1996, I was attending our Ten-Year High School Reunion for NEHS.  It was at that reunion my relationship with the father of my children began.  In 1997, we completed marriage counseling with Father James K Mallet.  In April 1998, he married us at Christ the King Catholic Church.  It is truly mind-numbing. In this moment, I realize I have my two amazing kiddos because HE brought me to church the day after Father Bob went to heaven.

Christ is King.  In this moment, I am still feeling that worn cushion underneath my knees.

Thank you, Lord, for the answered prayers with Pammie Sue this week for her brother, Kevin, as well as our customers/friends Jose and Sam. I am beyond grateful for your hand on Baby Malachi’s heart surgery, too! THANK YOU! I love the way you show up and show off when we invite you into our daily lives. I know you know exactly what I need for your purposes…so I am asking for more of you and less of me in the process. In the name of your son, Jesus, and every drop of blood shed for us, I ask for your will to be clear. Amen.