Tag: Holy Spirit

Covenant Care: Rob the Wolf

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

In Sunday’s Journey to Journey post, I briefly mentioned being propositioned while out of town. I was spirit-led to be intentional and restrained in what I shared at that time. This happened Saturday evening, and the Lord had me wait until Monday morning to speak about it with my earthly husband.

It is highly unusual for Him to keep me silent on something this significant. Obedience required silence from the world and for me to keep my mouth shut. For me, that’s a tough nut to crack and the Master Nut Cracker delivered.

Before sharing the details, I thank God for His Word—especially Scripture that repeatedly warns us to take heed: Deuteronomy 4:9; 27:9; Deuteronomy 4 & 12; Matthew 7:24–27; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Luke 8:18; Hebrews 2:1; James 1:22; and 1 Samuel 20:10.

I love, love, LOVE that expression in His Word—and the Hebrew depth behind “take heed,” especially throughout Deuteronomy.

The Lord had me take heed of this situation and wait for His answer. Because others may read this, please receive it as a warning: search His Word, listen carefully, and honor your covenants—whatever they may be. Especially if you are like me, a mama bear who would die protecting her cubs and her covenants.

The restraint required to reduce this incident to its essentials is not in my natural wheelhouse. All credit goes to God.

When He nudges me to speak or write, obedience is the only response. This is being shared in My God Room out of obedience alone. The nudge to treat this like a police report means something I don’t yet fully understand. Obedience isn’t always pretty.

I was dining alone at the bar of an upscale restaurant Saturday evening. I was not dolled up by any stretch of the imagination, not that it should matter. I was dressed casually in my Esther 4:14 T-shirt and rust-colored cotton pants. I was finishing a conversation with a lovely couple on my left before Rob sat down to my immediate right.

Initially, the conversation was light, appropriate and enjoyable. We discussed being foodies, chatted about our respective businesses and sports. Rob ordered the same entree I was enjoying and he prayed over his food before eating. He confirmed he was Catholic and shared about his Haitian roots. We shared some Godversation before discussing our personal lives.

He said he was not in a relationship because he was building his business. I shared how God gave my husband the easiest anniversary date and directed the business we have built together. He laughed when I suggested marriage can bless building anything together. When he shared a Facebook photo of him with Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, my response was to share a Facebook photo of my family wearing Dallas Cowboy jerseys.

In hindsight, his comments about the photo make my stomach churn. For example, Rob the Wolf is built like an NFL running back and he commented extensively of my tiny frame. While I am not often called “tiny”, it’s fair to point out the physical difference in our sizes. Rob has more than one hundred pounds on me. Still, when he asked me to add him on Facebook, I didn’t think much of it. I add friends to Facebook in many of my travels.

As the conversation continued, Rob became increasingly aggressive in pursuing something physical. He flirted by talking about his skilled hands and reminding me he was a doctor. I reminded him the Master Physician has my back and everything else. I utilized humor to deflect his advances several times. I reminded him more than once that I am old enough to be his mother.

I clearly stated my covenants with God and my husband are not negotiable. Repeatedly.

He persisted. More than once, he placed his hand on my right thigh. Each time, my spirit became more unsettled. It was a visceral and physical response to his refusal to accept “no means no”.

This situation was and remains deeper than a “big strong man against a physically weaker female”. Following Jesus means we must identify the wolves on our path. There are big, bad wolves running rampant in the world. I knew at this point I was sitting next to one.

I sought to leave and was conscientious about being a solo traveler. Safety matters. I used the ladies’ room as a prayer closet—-something my husband knows is my habit. When I returned, Rob was gone. The bartender told me he had left while I was away.

I praised God in that moment and returned to my hotel with gratitude in my heart.

I had forgotten we were now Facebook friends.

Later that evening, Rob messaged me asking where I went and saying he didn’t get to say goodbye. I responded politely. After that, I looked at his profile and learned he had lied—he was engaged.

When another message came through roughly an hour later, I did not respond.

I could not respond. It would have been a sin for me to respond when God was telling me to wait.

I needed a solid 36 hours of prayer before speaking to anyone other than God. For me, the entire situation felt like dynamite—something that had to be handled carefully to avoid further harm. I still don’t have the answer for “if, how or when” to share with his betrothed.

I felt spiritually mauled by the entire experience.

Monday morning, I shared the heart of the issue with my husband. He understood why I had to wait to discuss the details. He knows my relationship with Jesus better than anyone else on earth. Thank heavens, we are in agreement to wait on the Spirit leading us with regard to the fiancé. We don’t know what we don’t know. As we were talking, the hotel phone rang. We were both jarred by the volume of the ringtone.

It was the Hilton employee telling me they needed me to change rooms. I had less than an hour to shower, pack and get out of the room. Ultimately, I ended up changing hotels altogether.

In the midst of that earthly chaos, peace descended.

Before removing Rob from my friends list, the Holy Spirit compelled me to send him the following message. What follows is copied exactly as sent, without edits or revisions. The sole exception is marking X’s for her name.

Rob,

I had nothing to say yesterday, I simply could not reply to your 11 pm message. Quickly, I saw you have a beautiful fiancé —- it made me spiritually sick to consider your repeated behavior from Saturday night . Praise the Lord for getting me to a great church yesterday and restoring some of my peace.

The balance of my peace will only return after I speak some firm truths to you. I have spent most of the past 36 hours in prayer. Once I speak what He has placed on my heart, I will be deleting you from my friends list.

I am saying these things as a sister in Christ and pray you receive them as such.

It is one thing for a man to flirt and proposition—-totally different when there is a covenant involved. I was ultra clear with you—- my covenant with my husband will not be broken. My covenant with the Lord will not be broken, either. Repeatedly, you pursued and placed your hands on my thigh and that is NOT acceptable behavior for any person without understanding and permission.

You told me you had no girlfriend and acted as if marriage was not part of your foreseeable future. What a blasphemous lie! You are old enough to know better and do better.

I pray it’s not your habit to put your hands on the thighs of strangers repeatedly. But, I have a feeling I was not the first and will not be the last. You think you are too smart to get caught and that is a lie straight from the pits of Hell.

I want to encourage you to pray about the promises you have already made to God, XXXXXX and yourself. Ask yourself why you acted as you did and repent accordingly. Not for my sake, but for your own.

That’s the most loving thing I can express before “goodbye”. I will be praying for you both.

While I have prayerfully removed any details which could identify Rob the Wolf to the world, they are written in a private post for posterity.

As we navigate anything else, we will wait on the Lord to direct any steps. If my betrothed were a wolf in sheep’s clothing, I would be grateful to hear the truth. It does not mean she will receive the truth well.

She could know his character or even share in it. They could have an open relationship or agreements. There is much I do not know.

That said, I don’t need to know now. I have given the entire “Rob the Wolf” problem to Jesus. His timing is always supreme. I am happy to wait in silence for His response.

He gave me my earthly husband for His Good Purposes. This, I know to the depths of my being.

Thank you, Jesus.

Journey to Journey

On By mygodroomIn blessings, gratitude, music, obedienceLeave a comment

I came to Jacksonville for jiu-jitsu and to rest. I truly thought the Lord was sending me here for something entirely different—quiet, physical, restorative. He was clear in sending me to Jacksonville, specifically. Still, the “sunbeams and numbers” have been off the hook. 5-12-17 everywhere. Hwy 13 and 21.

I met Jenn and Trinity at Picassos yesterday after the Women’s Empowerment Self Defense class at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Baymeadows. Of course they mirror me and my own Ginger Beard Man. The Boss loves to show off in the details. I love that Picassos is closed today and I am forced to stay another two days due to ice storms in Nashville.

All this to say, I’ve found myself a little confused these past days. Not confused in the traditional sense, just waiting for His direction. I told my husband last night that I was wondering why the writing had gone quiet, as He was saying plenty. This is the first time in a long time that He has directed me to simply be instead of actually doing.

Chrissie has called me Sunbeam 22 years

Driving over the bridge, I was compelled to take a photo. Only now do I see that 17 was screaming the whole way because it’s been 17 days since I posted anything here. This is the longest gap in posting by a landslide since May 8,2025 . #ISWYD.

Holy Humor is the best and I pray for all to come to know Jesus well enough to laugh with Him.

Jesus wanted me to be still with Him, period. My job is to do whatever The Boss says. So, that’s what I have done.

Last night, I was inappropriately propositioned by a man young enough to be my son. At 35, he is surely old enough to know better. The main claimed to be Catholic and prayed over his meal immediately prior to propositioning me no less than four times. By the grace of God, I was able to kindly rebuke his repeated and ungodly behavior.

It should make sense that I felt sick in my spirit over his behavior last night. I told my husband if God wanted me at church today, He would wake me and take me.

Boy, of boy, did He take me on a journey to Journey Church today!

The drive over was across a bridge and the 5-12-17 connection. Highways 13 and 21. I knew something powerful was greeting me upon my arrival. I could feel it. The entire church home felt like a home and not a church campus. Their messaging is both beautifully clear and heartfelt. They understand the power of His Word and that makes all the difference to me.

I had to make many notes throughout worship and the sermon. Three times Pastor Adam used the expression “His great love”. The palpitations told me it mattered enough to write down. I wrote “Stay is a bridge” roughly seven weeks ago and there it was in the service in my spirit.

Hearing about their three day fast, prayer meetings and why the worship crew was wearing camo just made my spirit sing. No doubt the two men they’ve never seen again after speaking to Pastor Mike were angels. Felt that before he even finished sharing the story.

I need to listen to old sermons from JC and write out their “I love you Lord…let it be a sweet, sweet song” . His own little ditty beginning with the same line as the song God placed in my heart was, indeed, sweet. “I love you Lord, for all you’ve done—-for what you are doing —-and for what’s to come”… has been pouring out for over a year. #ISWYDT.

After service, I spoke with Jacob, the connections pastor. I shared that I felt I was supposed to have a Godversation with Pastor Adam. Not a meeting. Not an agenda. Just a conversation led by the Spirit. I shared a glimpse of the road that brought me here: Lamentations 3:58, an unexpected Joe Rogan episode, the long obedience of losing 100 pounds, and how God has been weaving discipline, surrender, and listening together in ways I never anticipated.

I’m sure it was a lot to process.

At one point, I did a cartwheel right there in the sanctuary. Not for attention—just joy. I told him I’ve felt thirteen all summer, free in a way that doesn’t need permission or explanation. Somewhere in the middle of all of it, I sliced my right palm open with an ink pen—an odd, accidental moment that left my hand covered in blood.

Even that felt symbolic somehow: words, ink, offering, cost.

What keeps stirring in my spirit is this simple truth—I think I’m meant to share Godversations with Journey Church. Godversations create space for healing, listening, laughter, repentance, and hope. Maybe the first Godversation Café will be born here. I don’t know anything for certain other than I was obedient. For me, praise God, that is always enough.

Church lasted roughly two hours. While far longer than I expected, I’m so glad it did. Some days aren’t about schedules or efficiency. They’re about staying when God lingers.

And, being extra blessed with a bandaid.

Today was one of those days. I pray if Jacob forgets all the other details, he shares Lamentations 3:58 and Zahriya Zachary’s “Stay”.

Thank you, Jesus, for a glorious Sunday at Journey Church and for the bajillion details omitted from this post. You know my prayers for JC (💜✝️💜) and their future. EVERYTHING we know as good is a gift of your great love. We surely didn’t deserve it and you loved us anyway. We could never thank you enough. I love you to the moon and back.

Stop Trying. Start Training.

On By mygodroomIn obedience, prayer, WooLeave a comment

Last night, I shared more details with my husband about Jiu-Jitsu Wilderness —-how Black Belt Wisdom is tied to White Belt Wilderness, 7 Stones and more. I was spiritually exhausted and a pinch teary-eyed over reaching the point where must write “ About the Author”.

I begged God for clarity and direction from a painful place last night. I cried while telling Mark about how He woke me to read “Give the Garden Away” a few nights ago—something He had me write more than two months ago. This has happened countless times since May 8, 2025.

To know, unequivocally, the Master of the Universe gave me this exact path and opportunity to serve—-well, it humbles me to tears.

That said, I struggle deeply with finding the balance of how much to share in an “About the Author”. I struggle because it’s not about me—-it’s all about The GrandMaster. I have been called to offer Black Belt Wisdom and it’s not easy to explain to the public how God works in our lives. Still, He is holding me steady and not letting the words flow.

I am listening. Waiting on His Timing is necessary.

In MyGodRoom, I can just be the hot mess I am without any reservation —-as proven by roughly 160 posts since May 8. I stand from the perception that we are all hot messes who need Jesus.

Why? Because the Lord directed every step of MyGodRoom. He brought me here to “write it down” for His Good Purposes over nine years ago! It’s okay that I don’t have all the answers, because I know The One who does. This has been a very safe place for me to grow closer and closer with Jesus.

Truth? I’m just a kid who loves Jesus more than anything else and my hearts desire is to please my Heavenly Father. Obedience isn’t always pretty, that’s for sure. And, He is directing me to begin sharing “MyGodRoom” type posts in the Jiu-Jitsu Wilderness.

As much as it makes perfect sense—-it feels like I am walking in naked to an open mat session with the entire world.

As if beginning jiu-jitsu at nearly 58 wasn’t enough of a challenge. 🤣. Still, I know that is precisely how He is placing the stones for me. I love that he is having my husband leave stones, too. Mark even offered to write a forward “about me”.

As I told Mark, the only thing truly special about me is how much God loves me—-He shows up and shows off, often. And, my husband was on point confirming it’s really the only special thing about any of us.

When He gives me the words, they will be written, period. He is the author of salvation and everything else.

This morning, I was nudged to flip before we ever left for church. I first prayed for two customers who both have babies named Ezra. But, it stood out to me that despite the other highly marked pages on Ezra—-He brought me to Ezra 8-9. Unmarked pages. Zero notes.

The nutshell for me is that Ezra 8 is all about training, discipline and alignment—-pure obedience Ezra 9 is about Holy Grief and repentance. Both pages were meant for me before we ever arrived at Creekmont Church.

We headed to church fully expecting to continue deep-diving into the Sermon on the Mount. We have literally been in Matthew every single Sunday since we began attending Creekmont.

Our first visit was September 21. Reading back through our first visit – HERE– brought Mark and I back to our beginning with them just over three months ago.

Before the service even began, Waymaker was playing softly in the background. Then Holy Forever. I was undone before the first word was preached—already humbled, already listening. Sometimes the heart knows before the mind catches up.

Singing Blessed Assurance—- knowing from the program we were NOT going to be in Matthew—-hit different. I have TRULY known for ten years that I am His and He is Mine. Today, it hit deeper still. 💜✝️💜

And then the message.

1 Timothy 4:7: train yourself to be godly. Not try. Train. The difference matters.

The words landed with weight. You can’t download Godliness. There are no spiritual shortcuts. Growth is promised—but it is not immediate.

Spiritual muscles must be trained, too!

Faith is a walk.

Faith is a race.

Faith is daily discipline.

One line in particular kept echoing:

Are you practicing repentance, or postponing it? That question stayed with me. So did the reminder that slow progress is not failure. Anyone who has trained—really trained—knows that truth in their bones.

The path of the righteous, Proverbs says, is like the morning light—shining brighter and brighter until full day. Not instant light. Progressive light. Rise and shine doesn’t mean rush. It means keep showing up.

What struck me most was obedience. That word has been reigning in my life since May 8th, and hearing it named again—clearly, boldly—felt like confirmation rather than correction. Habit, after all, is a God-given gift. And by His grace, my habits have changed.

After church, we shared lunch with our pastor and his wife. It tickled me Shad used the expression , “not a doctor and I don’t play a doctor on TV”. It’s something I have said for decades. What moved me most was his story about moths which led him to change up the message today. #ISWYDT 💜💜

When we finally got home, I slept for nearly three hours. That’s how I know something real happened. My spirit needed time to digest what my heart had received.

Spiritual muscle takes time to develop. It requires “PIE”- perspective, intention and execution. Good Lord, I’ve had pie for three years and lost 7 stones, 98 pounds. 🤗

As captured on video in July 2024—a little motion does a lot for the ocean. 🤣🤣

I think I was struggling last night because God wanted to show me—one more time—that He is paying attention. That He is faithful. That training looks a lot like obedience, repeated daily, in small unseen ways.

Today felt personal. Not because it was only for me—but because it reminded me I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Still training.

Still walking.

Still rising.

Thank you, Jesus, for every fiber of strength and conviction you provide. Thank you for EVERYTHING. Please heal Hester’s niece , your way and in your timing. Please answer Shad’s prayer of 15 years- whatever it may be. Forgive me for failing to ask “their story” at lunch, if I was suppose to ask. Thank you for weighing the silver and the gold in Ezra and for reminding me so beautifully how just your scales remain. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. I love you even more- MOLA.

Mama Carol Pocket Hugs

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

Wowza. I have not posted anything here about our Christmas Eve celebration with my family or Christmas Day with my husband yesterday. Tons to write out, but perhaps those stories are not meant to be shared here.

Instead, I will share my Christmas FB post:

Yesterday, we played “Santa’s Helpers” and delivered a gift to my hubby’s best friend and his wife before 10 am. We enjoyed a leisurely day of home cooked goodness and I napped on our couch with our dog. We then enjoyed Mexican lasagna (huge hit) and a sweet evening together. It was a peaceful Christmas.

Despite the amazing nap, I was exhausted and asleep before midnight. However, the Holy Spirit revved up His engine and woke me several times with clarity. The first nudge was to remember “Give the Garden away”. He has me write things down to not forget, because we all forget on occasion. So, I searched the phrase and found the blog HERE.

It’s so very true and bears repeating…the only truly special thing about me is how God loves me.

Throughout the wee hours, He led me to two other posts, as well. It felt like He was guiding me to create a “Welcome to Jiu-Jitsu Wilderness introduction video. In short, a simple explanation for why this BPC is supposed to “give the garden away” by offering personalized quote books for BJJ gyms.

What should be simple has felt complicated all day.

These are the three blogs from the past two months I was directed to read and pray about:

My husband received a timely invitation to play golf with friends. So, I am at the shop the day after Christmas.

Feels like I am on high alert …or something. 💜✝️

The visit I must detail is with two ladies who have been together for a decade, Cheyenne & Lauren. I love the sweetness and silliness they emulate. It has been fun getting to know them as individuals and as a couple. Our first meeting they learned my Morgan, her friends and other customers call me “Mama Carol.” I had not started jiu-jitsu yet. The second visit, I invited them to join me any Sunday @1:00 at ONJJ. They got a kick out of the invite , how BPC-157 is a “real thing” and why I have always embraced Ditka’s nickname for me. I sense they will take up the invite some day.

Today was our third meeting and our first Godversation.

After a fun visit and paying for their transaction, I felt a sudden nudge I couldn’t ignore.

I went and grabbed a Mama Carol “pocket hug” and gave it to Cheyenne, reminding her of what I told them when we first met back in early November—that my daughter, her friends, and so many customers call me Mama Carol.

When I placed that coin in her hand, she broke down. That’s when I learned her mama, Shawna, passed away on October 6th at just 55 years old.

It was all I could do to remain composed. I learned how her mom died and it broke my heart further. The depth of her loss was palpable. The three of us were in a group hug for an extended time. Lauren encouraged me that the pocket hug could not have been more perfect or at a more perfect time for her wife.

I told them “hey, I’m not religious- but I love, love. LOVE Jesus and clearly, Jesus loves you, too”. -#ISWYDT.

We chatted about My Mamaw Ruby and the significance of “55” to me. Then I shared how my Mamaw visited us in Germany when I was a kid and my favorite memory was going to Holland on a family trip so my Mamaw could see the tulips.

Cheyenne and Lauren looked at each other the way married couples do. Imagine my shock to learn they are honoring Shawna’s own deep desire to “see the tulips”. They are traveling to Amsterdam in May! Of course they are going in May. Only God orchestrates such intricate details. 💜✝️💜

After spending the past seven years in our Smyrna shop, getting to know our Boro customers has been a blessing for me. Though I do not need confirmation about my hobby’s awesomeness, it’s been a huge blessing to meet so many impacted by my husband’s huge heart. Today, I am thinking of Brother Mike —-who also has a baby named Ezra. I am so excited to meet Baby Ezra #2! George & Ashley also brought Luca and Teddy to visit.

Thank you, Jesus!

Lingering with Jeremiah 12

On By mygodroomIn blessings, obedienceLeave a comment

Happy Friday! The past 48 hours have been truly spirit filled in the best of ways. Lingering with Jesus yesterday was much needed to decompress. Our shop was incredibly busy today —– Praise God! I was late leaving, but need to post yesterday’s notes about Jeremiah 12.

When I made it home Wednesday night, Mark and I had a deep conversation about numbers, finances and budgets. Our least favorite type of conversation, yet necessary. We prayed together a little differently.

I woke extra early and it was the first day I had an opportunity to sleep in. I snuggled up with Mark, took a sip of coffee and told him I needed to go back to sleep. Ha! The Lord had other plans for me.

Within a few minutes, I was nudged HARD to have Mark flip open my Bible. I told him,”can’t rest until you flip for us”. He flipped to Jeremiah 12.

God Answers 💜✝️💜

God had already written His response in Jeremiah 12. Not rushed. Not harsh. Just steady, honest truth for a weary heart that’s learning how to listen instead of striving.

In my heart- just seeing 12:3 always makes me think of how Isaiah teaches “with JOY I draw from the wellspring of salvation.” And John 12:3 – reminding me that pouring out like Mary – for Jesus- is everything.

Jeremiah asked what so many of us ask quietly: Why do the wicked seem to prosper while the faithful struggle? And instead of correcting the question, God answered it—with perspective.

I read the entire chapter out loud to Mark and we agreed it was encouragement for us both. Then, I was not only able to rest, I slept until 10:20! The Good Lord woke me in just enough time to brush my hair and put on clothe for jiu-jitsu at 11. It was super nice to learn I am a good accountability partner for John and to get additional private instruction after class with Blackbelt John, as well.

Here’s what stayed with me about Jeremiah 12 all day.

First, God is not offended by honest questions. He welcomes them. But He also reminds us to stay rooted while we wait. Lament is allowed; accusation is not. The conversation itself is part of the relationship. Dedicating that time each day is super important to me.

Second, the pressure I feel is not punishment—it’s preparation. When God says, “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how will you compete with horses?” it’s not a rebuke. It’s a reminder that endurance is being built for something heavier, something ahead that requires stronger spiritual legs than I may have today.

And third, even God grieves. Jeremiah 12 reveals a Father’s heart that hurts over unfaithfulness—but still leaves the door open for restoration. Discipline doesn’t cancel mercy. Judgment is never His final word for those willing to return.

I didn’t wake up with clarity. Still, I woke up to answers—waiting patiently on the page. ISWYDT.

I love, love, LOVE when the Holy Spirit gets me with the old 1-2-3. I love His laws and precepts. I love that meditating on His Word is such a feast.

Thank you, Jesus.

1 Chronicles 21

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Yesterday, before the day ever unfolded, the Lord had me in 1 Chronicles 21. More specifically, this time my husband flipped to the same pages I flipped to 11/19/25. Do I see the difference a month can make? #YESSIR! Mistakes, mercy and consequences combined with a piercing note about being the HUB. It’s rare He has me wait to post, as He is doing this evening.

One of the sweetest surprises of the day was Miss Omie walking through the door. Last week was her birthday, and I had shared the 12:11 Scriptures with her. Yesterday, she returned exuberant and with three physical gifts—-A prayer journal with birds on it, a necklace, and a precious Christmas ornament from her Joy Club.

The greater gift was her literal presence and learning maybe, just maybe, why the Lord often has me write about cherries on top of His proverbial sundaes. #ISWYDT. That humbled me more than she could know. When she wanted us to take a selfie, I was tickled to pieces!

My sweet Omie

The rest of the day was…work. Real work. Problems that required attention, patience, and follow-through. Square issues. American Express issues. Product listings. Orders that needed fixing. Nothing dramatic—just one thing after another. And I handled them the only way I could: one thing at a time.

In the middle of all that, I learned something hard. We lost a substantial amount in business last month. That number landed heavy. It means we need to make some serious decisions, slow down, pray, and talk. At the current pace, it will be a blessing if we are still open a year from now. It is a reality which can’t be ignored.

There may be another sacrifice —yet to be determined.

And yet—this is what I don’t want to miss—I felt the Lord with me all day. Not loudly. Not urgently. Just steadily. I felt encouraged even when irritated. Corrected without condemnation. Strengthened without panic.

That’s the heart of 1 Chronicles 21 for me yesterday.

God does not abandon us in responsibility. He meets us there. He allows us to see clearly and feel the weight. Only then does He invite us to deeper connection. .

My obedience certainly isn’t glamorous and it doesn’t always make sense to those around me. I only know radical obedience has led to radical results.

Today, I was beyond blessed to simply linger with Him. Perfect peace. No work -not a stitch. He woke me just in time to make jiu-jitsu and resolve a financial matter at the bank. After that, it has been me and Jesus all day long and it has been glorious!

Thank you, Jesus!

Oh Isaiah

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Today Isaiah 60:1–4 sat with me like an “almost too heavy” dinner, or something.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”

I’ve known these words. I’ve shared them verbally and I have posted them. But today, I wasn’t being told to move—I was being told to notice. I noticed it was ten days before I watched the first half of Episode #2358 and everything went into warp speed .

This morning’s Jesus Calling spoke straight into the depths of my being. He reminded me that He speaks in the language of Love, that His words bring Life and Peace and Joy and hope—but only if I am still enough to hear Him. Living close to Him requires making Him my First Love, above all others.

When I realized that I had posted the original “Rise and Shine” on October 4, it didn’t feel accidental. I wasn’t trying to make something happen then. I was responding to something I could sense but didn’t yet understand. The light had already come; the meaning was still unfolding.

Isaiah says that darkness covers the earth and thick darkness the people, yet the LORD rises upon His own and His glory is seen.

Rising can be both a spiritual stance and a physical one.

Isaiah 60 tells me to lift up my eyes and look around, to see what is gathering, what is returning, what is coming from afar. That feels like this season: watching instead of striving, trusting instead of pushing.

Isaiah 54 holds me there.

It reminds me that this is a chapter of restoration, not performance. Of being re-established, not rushed. God speaks comfort before commission and peace before purpose. He assures me that I am not forgotten, abandoned, or required to prove anything to step into what He promised me. Isa 22:22 #ISWYDT

So today, I wait. I don’t rush the next step.

I let the Lord establish me in His timing. I trust the words are going to roll right off the keyboard when He says it’s time.

When He says arise, I will. Until then, I remain still—-secure in His covenant of peace.

Truly an exceptional focal point as I engaged with the world today. I learned someone else precious has gone to be with Jesus. Miss Rhonda’s is the third death in three weeks. My prayers are for loved ones, especially her husband and sons.

I shared with Becky and Miss Pam that I was in the best mood as I drove to the salon. As I drove, I compelled to tears singing “Trust in God-Radio Version”. I lost my voice and started crying with the lyric, “and what you did for me at Calvary as more than enough”.

It will always make me cry to consider the depth of the cross.

Thank you, Jesus, for this sweet nudge to look back. If only to acknowledge, “I see what You did there,” it would have been enough. But, you, in your infinite wisdom, seem to dole out extra portions to me. How could I not be in constant amazement of YOUR Great love. 💜✝️💜

Job 7:11

On By mygodroomIn blessings, gratitude, obedience, WooLeave a comment

In this season of doors closing and opening, it feels like my head is on a swivel. Everything feels like an ISA 22:22 “door”. Connection upon connection is both beautiful and similar to playing “memory jenga”.

Jesus holds EVERYTHING together, including me.

MySpace Memories converge with Our Gracie and BJJ Gracie’s, Jiu-Jitsu Wilderness, my 40 year NEHS reunion planning and everything else. Everything feels super-connected. Just this morning, I saw a post from 12 years ago from My Chrissie.

Thank you, Jesus, for My Chrissie. I know she is YOURS.

Yesterday, the best thing on my human brain would have been to sleep in after the week I experienced. That was NOT God’s plan. Instead, I needed to get up early to take Mark to pick up his vehicle. Despite feeling “off”, I went to One Nation Jiu-Jitsu and experienced great teaching. All in all, a stellar day, capped off with watching Tracker and another show with my husband. We went to bed early and I slept deeply.

Around 5 am, the Holy Spirit was nudging me back to Joe Rogan Episode #2358. “What did he actually say—-check the transcript”. Sometime during the last two weeks, I know I had already done this. So, I searched my photos for the screenshot “receipts”.

Luke 2:48 is a bridge…Jesus before 13 💜✝️💜

It’s not my first early morning rodeo with the Holy Spirit. That said, it is the first time I can recall being spurred further to see what I missed. Because, quite frankly, Jesus wasn’t happy with the receipt I kept on my phone. So, I searched that episode number on YouTube and was stopped dead in my tracks.

It also explains to me why WILDERNESS was attached to Jiu-jitsu—-without me ever fully knowing why.

Luke 2:51 💜✝️💜Obedience

After He started buzzing around my brain, I had two of the best hours of sleep possible. When I woke, I grabbed my Bible and flipped. I am meeting Miss Dottie to drop off her order before going to see Miss Becky and getting my hair cut.

I have the option of a leisurely day but MUCH to get accomplished. Best option for me is to ground my day in His Word. What fascinated me was learning most of the notes were from May 2025 onward.

Job or “JOBE” like my MySpace Friend —-now a pastor

At first glance, all I could do was wrestle with the vapor of 5/30/25, 7/27/35 @Casa Mull #ISWYDT, and “lingering” on 8/12/35. Almost instantly, it was contrasted against notes from 11/4/2018, “ Lord, teach me where and how I have been wrong so I may learn and be better reflection of you “

The note from 11/25/18, “Lord, please humble me and teach me why you brought me here again today.”

He had me wrote those notes SEVEN years ago for His good purpose. Not shocking to me was to see the red marker used on 7/27/25 —- the same day I made a Romans 8:28 note. Maybe it’s only funny if you know my habit of enlarging font when He makes a point. Romans 8:28 is actually in the study notes. For me to “write it down” larger is an inside joke, so to speak.

What stands out now are the green highlights from today—fresh, alive, and unmistakably present.

They don’t erase what came before; they build on it. It feels like God is saying, “ You learned what you needed then —-I’m teaching you something new. The same Scripture, the same voice—but a deeper invitation. Not to revisit old pain, but to recognize growth, and to keep learning with an open heart.

I see what He did there…relationship with Him is a whole lot like Jiu-Jitsu. The GrandMaster keeps showing off for The BPC in Tennessee.—-and I am ever-so-grateful. Good heavens, I don’t deserve it—-but boy, oh boy, am I grateful.

Thank you, Jesus.

14th and 15th Mats

On By mygodroomIn gratitude, obedienceLeave a comment

Yesterday was side control, toreando passing and ankle locks. Lindsey was a huge help amd pushed me to exactly the right amount to feel progress click.

This morning I didn’t really feel up to going to train. I pondered scriptures on signs because I felt strongly led that I was supposed to go anyway. I’m grateful I listened.

I ended up having one of the most meaningful drilling sessions I’ve enjoyed this far. I partnered up with John and we worked on moving from closed guard to a few transitions where the legs end up around your partners neck.

We quickly figured out we learn the same way—counting steps, slowing things down, letting understanding settle before moving on. It was easy, natural, and encouraging. I even joked that if we ever competed, we’d be the tortoise and the hare—me being the tortoise, and his last name being Hare.

Afterward, Brother John H. took time to help me drill through a few things and offered genuine encouragement. He showed me that for most real life situations, I would use the “praying hands” motion to break their posture and grab the elbow to drag to under my armpit while my core is engaged and in motion. Each person has a different view and it’s fun putting all the pieces together

Well, let’s back pedal a pinch—— the outline of the pieces I have this far. 🤣

What struck me most is that just two weeks ago I had written about a conversation John and I shared around Lamentations 3:58—about connection, and the Lord meeting us there. Today felt like a quiet continuation of that moment, without any overt Godversation.

I’m thankful for obedience, for faithful teachers, for unexpected partners, and for the gentle ways God confirms His leading—even on the mat.

Thank you, for all of it, Jesus.

Daddy’s Vapor

On By mygodroomIn gratitude, UncategorizedLeave a comment

While going through shop notes and tying up loose ends before Mark returns next week, I had a small but sweet reminder. A perfect reminder of how well the Lord handles details without me.

One of the products I needed was Heisenberg menthol. In tracking it down, I learned the company had been sold and is now owned by… Daddy’s Vapor.

That alone made me smile and pause for a moment of gratitude.

Come on, DADDY’S Vapor! 😀

What followed was even better. I developed a new relationship with Ms. Cammie and had a thoughtful conversation with their compliance officer, George.

I had a concern about excise tax charges—not accusatory, just honest—and instead of rushing past it, I took a breath and said, “I need to understand this better “ to myself. I recalled she told me she was new to the position and our industry.

That simple pause made all the difference.

By the end of the conversation, what had been charged at $2.75 per bottle was corrected to $0.25. A $2.50 difference, per bottle. Saving that hundred was nice, but being able to slow down and ask with more consideration feels like the treasure.

Integrity, clarity, and kindness opened the door—and God quietly took care of the rest. He really is that good

Thank you, Jesus, for always having my back. I love you.