Heavenly Father, thank you for the rest, whatever the hours it was delivered. Feasts, please! I would starve without your WORD. I would be lost without your law, precepts and direction. You ARE my “GPS” , Jesus, as you are God’s Perfect Son.
Thank you in advance for a smooth closing today on the HELOC for the obstacles YOU are removing through your past provision. The “He Is Loving Our Community” message comforts me, as we have opened our business on the Sabbath for eleven years. I trust you will make it clear IF our business hours are to change. Thank you for showing me the “reel” of the brothers and sisters who visit on Saturday. Our business is named Community because YOU gave us that WORD when we prayed about the business. You are honored every day in our business, perhaps more so on the seventh day.
Oh, yes, I see how you put the law in my non-Jewish heart. You drew me closer and closer to make it known in my heart that I am YOURS. It makes perfect sense to desire my life to look more like Jesus’ perfect example. You do not expect us to be perfect. You literally gave all your children a living, breathing example. You know the pain in my heart for those who deny your TRUTH.
What a clear answer. Praise Yah! When we encounter hearts of stone, we are to remember what you shared through Ezekiel. Those unwilling to engage in healthy discourse are not truly humbled and taught by your WORD AND SPIRIT They misapply the WORD without your SPIRIT.
Yes, the world would change for YOUR BETTER if every child woke up each day in a spirit of true submission to YOUR WILL. Sit in the bed or get on your knees…anytime, anywhere. Raise our hands to you and humbly praise you for the day before and pray for the day we face. COMPLETE SUBMISSION ensures we contend for our faith as you directed and clarified through Jude.
Thank you, Lord, for titling this post. Thank you for the bajillion things which rushed my heart as I greeted my day with you.
Oh, Yah, keep bringing your soldiers to my view!!! Let us armor up and march in unity. This is KEY.
Thank you for encouraging me to hang two different metals and remember YOUR WORD and your prophets and what you have taught me about dross and everything else. Thank you for reminding me yesterday, as I drove to my daughter’s earthly home. I love the armor you have given us. Okay, okay, I do love EVERYTHING about you that I know. I love what I didn’t know as well …love learning the HIDDEN THINGS.
Talk about CUTE 🤣🤣🤣. Yes, I see YOU are driving the perceptions of others when they have Godversations with me. When children are TRULY being CUTE, our hearts soften. You make me CUTE because that is what softens their heart to be open to truth. Thanks for helping me understand.
Sanctification is beautiful to you and confusing to the corrupted world. I hear you. I am listening.
Hanging in my car since March 2024
I have zero clue why you have brought me, of all people, so close to you. I am beyond humbled. Yes, you are WITH ME and FOR ME. How could I NOT shout that praise from every proverbial rooftop!!!
I love you with all I am and will ever be. Thank you for “sacred bowls” and how you are weaving it all together at this precise time.
Overwhelmed in the best of ways, YOUR WAY, Jesus, is the only way that is LIT! .
Father God, I know you heard my massive list of prayers this morning. I know you have Radical Rachel in your palm. You clearly love her radical love for You, Your WORD and Jesus. I FELT the TINGLING and the POWER you so graciously give all who seek you.
I love her so much! Your word has burned in my soul to pray without ceasing. I know it’s only been hour, but as I close for now, I beg again for your angels to surround and protect her with the Job and her family reconciliation. Please remove the obstacles for her and may it be YOUR WILL. If that is not your will, may you bring Rachel a word to guide her. In this moment, it very much feels like the answer will be made clear sooner than later. Still, I will pray, as I promised YOU and Rachel I would. Bring the rain and open the floodgates, please, for Rachel. As I stand in this gap and lift her to you, you know this same prayer applies to others. I trust you completely and offer this humble prayer in complete submission. May it be so, in the name of Jesus and every drop of blood He shed for us on the cross. Amen.
It is now 6:26 and I have been up since about 4 am. What the Lord showed me between 4-6 am was priceless. In this moment, praying for a Texas Brother and one in Arizona. Praying for all who disagree on The Bible to approach it with Godly and healthy discourse The Lord expects us to wrestle with our faith. As we mature, we gotta get “in the ring” of truth.
My daughter adopted a sweet gray kitten and named him Anubis roughly two years ago. He was her “Noob” and they have probably a dozen nicknames for him.
Last year, they learned Anubis had kidney issues and feline leukemia. It progressively worsened. Last week, she took him to an oncologist and they as told her had maybe a month to live.
For days, we have cried and talked through various details. Ultimately, I went to her this morning and was able to hold her hand. The mobile vet, Allison, was quite possibly the answer to what I prayed on the way this morning. Thank you, Lord, for making the entire process beautiful and encouraging, despite all the tears. Thank you for redemption at the cross, through your precious son. May those tears cleanse our souls, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
I spoke truth to my daughter in words she could hear. God willing, she will learn those words come from His Word. She has seen the changes in her mama the past few years. She knows why I count it all joy.
The details may be written later, but I needed to honor what God did for us this morning.
I thank God, again, for the five plus hours I was able to comfort and serve my daughter and her boyfriend. Beyond grateful for the healthy, loving relationships I am blessed to enjoy with my children.
Grateful Sarah could come cover the store today. Thank you, Lord, for removing the obstacle for us.
The shop struggled greatly before I arrived at 2:20.
First customer was trying to get in just as I pulled up. I had called Sarah and told her I was less than five minutes away if she needed to go pick up her kiddos. He was thrilled to see me pull in the parking lot. I am forgetting his name in the moment, but God knows every hair on his head. 💜✝️💜
Almost immediately after, Miss Pat visited. Oh, how I love picturing her being the adopted granny to the second graders. She is simply sweeter than honey. And, she knows how much I love Jesus. It was the perfect visit. Her purchases doubled the sales for the entire day at that time.
Bodacious Britney shared her Christian counseling sessions and the way God is moving in her journey to motherhood. When she told me her mom and lived with them the entire five years of their marriage, my heart hurt for them. It actually gave context to some issues they were experiencing.
Then, Britney told me the other day, her mom approached her and said it was time to return to NC. I praised God for removing the obstacle and she praised with me.
Tony, his daughter and granddaughter also visited the shop. It’s always good to see people who bolster our faith and build us up.
Unless God brings someone else in that He wants me to document, I am going to spend the remainder of tonight with Jesus. I need a fill up and The Holy Spirit is hungry for scrolls💜✝️💜
Good morning, mercy! Write it down. Pulled from slumber.
Sent my kids something funny last night about how my generation did not grow up with body wash. Sweet opportunity to share clear guidance given to me from The Bible. Not every conversation is required to be directly about God or scripture. I just aim to speak biblical truths in every day conversation because that is how YOU have directed me
Anointed Godversation with Mark last night. Thank you, ABBA!
After another door opened in Psalm 119. Awareness of post 6 pm time stamp. The hours with Him were defined to create a path for obedience? When faithfully following the narrow path and honoring Him daily, I TRUST the HOLY SPIRIT. I am not under the sundown or other time schedules. I work at ANY HOUR moved to work by Him. What a relief! Thank you, Lord!
I could not recall if sun was already set. Time warps and it feels light comes into our store I felt “sunshine”. Note the time. Romans 5:5 will be lesson while driving to see my son today. Yessir.
Because Mark was so moved by this prayer tied to Psalm 25 yesterday, I studied it while at work. Note for posterity. Studying, praying and praising with others is powerful. Yahweh deserves all praise and obedience. Holy, Holy, Holy.
I was blown away with how Jesus held my hand and nestled me between Numbers 11 and Exodus 17. Prime-prime has LITERALLY been a theme for two weeks.
Nudged to note the hour. At this moment 6:35 am.
Images of nestled birds (me?). 70 leaders given to Moses to share the burden. Jesus 70 – must compare the texts AFTER meeting obligations today. Return to bird and feather deeper dive. Jesus was with me reading Exodus 17. I know it is KEY. To the CROSS
I hear past lessons Yah taught me how being on fire 🔥 is, beautiful …obligations outside of praise, studying and worship to Him are also given to us by Him. We must meet our respective obligations. Those are different for each person. No one ought to judge another’s personal calling. Judge the fruits by THE FIRSTFRUIT. It’s ALL about JESUS.
Numbers 11 hit different, like a warm embrace.
So little sleep yet it was all with Him.
💜✝️💜
Jehovah-Jireh, thank you for the little ditty I sing and hum…the Lord WILL provide , be faithful, abide. So simple and sweet to sing it out loud. So beautiful how you change my singing voice when the spirit is moving. Thank you for this child-like wonder and utterly pure love for others. You just keep providing so much more than I deserve. Happy tears. Will hunt your Word for deep dive of Jeremiah’s tears, in your timing. No doubt, the lesson will grow me. You have heard all of my prayers, especially for my children. Thank you in advance for blessing my time with my son later today.
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.
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.
First, Sister Margie and the young man from Chattanooga. I mentioned them at the end of the last post.
Margie shared about her extensive travel challenges and joys of seeing her son, James Ezra, married after raising adult children. He has a 13 YO son at home and I found my self praying for little Ezra James, as his name is reversed. Praying for him to see God’s faithfulness. Giggling inside because “James, James and James” sounding like “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” from the Brady Bunch.
Miss Summer visited and immediately told me I was cute today. That particular word keeps being used by many who do not know me to describe me. I was inspired to share the silliness of last Sunday at my daughter’s apartment.
Sweet Summer shared a pinch more and the Holy Spirit moved me to give her Divisible by One, Exterminate the Hate and the poems in “the stack”. She feels irredeemable (her word) and whatever it was that came out of my mouth was used to persuade her otherwise. Praise God! Oh, Jehova Jireh! The Lord WILL provide💜✝️💜
Brother Wyoming Kurt visited for third time in six days. Huge Godversation and he was vulnerable in sharing his PTSD from Desert Storm. He was proud to share his Airborne tattoo on his calf.
While he was preparing to leave pick up his autistic grandson from school, Miss Amber arrived. She has a little nugget of faith. She is an introvert but spoke so sweetly of Wyoming Kurt.
Humbled to learn so much of her story today. She is working two jobs while her partner and his kids rely on her to do what their earthly father will not. He has not worked for over six months. How I long to tell her about Haggai and rebuilding the temple…”get to work” was on my heart. I was directed to be still and listen. Thank you, Jesus, for teaching the petulant child in me obedience!
When the Holy Spirit takes over my tongue, it is always a lesson for me. Usually, it is meant for others, as well. However, there is always something for me to learn. In this case, what Mark shared last night about getting his dad to eat food was applicable to encouraging her husband to see the circumstances through his children’s eyes. He is not a person of faith from what I understand, so therefore, an example he could relate to his own life. I may not be writing where others can understand, but this is what I need to write to remember and honor the moment.
Ultimately, Amber needs to see sacrificial love, agape love, from her partner. I boldly told her that I would be praying for Shawn to be nudged into action. Despite having a tough season of circumstances at our business, I asked if I could bless her day and give her the Orange Mango and GoMax. She was beyond moved by the Holy Spirit, despite the fact she credited me. When the spirit nudges me to bless others, it’s fun to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank you, God, for my husband who demonstrates sacrificial love 💜✝️💜
Luxe Joe came in and immediately commented on my countenance. I couldn’t stop smiling. We had a wonderful conversation where I believe the Holy Spirit was working, as well. Joe said he has always been so comfortable in our space and he was a loyal person, regardless, but he loved our store. Some part of me needed to be reminded of our loyal customers. Mark was reminded thru Lebanon Couple and I was personally told by Joe. Thank you, Lord, for another type of generous double portion.
Texas Brenda just left. What a radiant smile! She is visiting her sick 94 (3?) YO Mom and sister. She was thrilled to learn why her disposable was not ideal for her and more. We did enjoy a blessed Godversation. At one point, we both said, “Thank you. God!”
Father God, I know all good things and good knowledge come from you. Thank you for sharpening the discernment tool in my spiritual toolbox. Thank you for blessing us so outrageously today. UNITY. AGAPE. I am listening. You are Holy, Holy, Holy and I love you. I am completely yours.
(Prayer break)
Note: we have done more business at BOTH shops in five hours than we have done on our “good” days in ten hours.
Wowza! Just as I sat down to thank God for the phenomenal day thus far, Miss Angel W calls the shop. She has been visiting our other location for months. Today, of all days, she calls to check in with me. A product was lost in shipment the past two weeks. Well, one of those box a arrived just before she called. In that one box was what she was seeking. it was the sweetest way to tell her “God loves you so much!”
It was such a bubbly Godversation. She had seen me down in my back and she asked me how I was feeling. How awesome the Holy Spirit immediately put the 8/20/24 miracle healing into an explanation she could accept. Sharing Sweet Futina and that healing with her and Brother Leon was so fun! he immediately said “Hallelujah!”
Hallelujah! just received confirmation from Summer.
Dustin and Steve visiting today was special. I had Cousin Nathalie on my heart. Dustin works for a lab and Steve at First Watch. They have been legally married eleven years. Dustin has a giant cross tattooed on his right forearm. Just noting the image for posterity because it will remind me what we discussed. We are all more similar than we are different. For example, I joked with Steve about having a younger husband. When His Timing changes our conversations to Godversation, it will be interesting to see how much God has grown me from today.
Golden Timothy visited next. I could feel a weight on him but he was on the phone. We did not have a chance to talk. I quietly went to get his Golden Tobacco juice. Notable to me, he ordered half the size he typically does. This is small for many people, but it always draws my attention. Whatever “it” may be, something is impacting finances when established habits are changed. He ordered a 60 ml bottle instead of his normal 120.
When Timothy paid, it was with a ladies debit card. I asked if it was his wife’s and he said it was his aunts. He was still on the phone and conversation was limited for efficiency. I asked him to please wait one minute.
I went to the lab and poured another 60 ml. I brought it out and just handed it to him. He told me I did not have to do that. I told him his cross speaks to me differently and sacrificial love has been a residing theme of my last week.
My son called. That entire Godversation was beautiful to me. My son demonstrated great wisdom in some scheduling choices with his dad and how he interacts with his coaches. Lord, thank you for sending Miss Bella to be a Saint. Thank you for preparing her via her Nurse Mom to be empathetic toward GA coaches. Thank you for my wonderful son and his sweet heart describing Bella’s mom, Kim. Praise and more praise. Never enough! I told my son I had specific prayers for him last Monday and he just confirmed many of them were answered. Specific opportunities were added and specific obstacles subtracted. Between that and Morgan currently reading The Five People you meet in Heaven …I believe all those prayers will be answered in His Timing. 💜✝️💜
A new customer entered and typically I would immediately get off the phone. His name is Beaux. Not today, Satan! The answer was to let him know I was sorry for being on the phone, it was not my habit. I explained we had been struggling to get time on the phone with my son. Blake told me to put the phone down and he could wait the one minute it would take.
Shaggy Beaux is endearing in spirit. He told me “No! I think it is so CUTE how you want to talk to him. It is precious. Yessir, I see what you did there!
Sweet Summer returned after she ended work at five. She returned the stack of old writings to me and was truly impacted by the day. She hugged me three times. She said I was a Godsend. We shared more between us. I shared my Godroom post today with her. I prayed over her one near the table over specific issues and again before she left, right at the front door. Since she knew what was on this post today, she knew my day began praying at that very door.
Yes, Lord, the door is wide open.
Spunky Samantha shared her story. Her husband of 19 years left her last year. She had used grandfathers inheritance to pay off their family home. She must now refinance and give her husband half the equity. She is strong in her faith at Life Point Riverdale. Before knowing she had such deep faith, I shared the “ Seek Sunshine” story. We enjoyed a beautiful Godversation. She changed before my eyes from “down and out” to “smiling with light in her eyes”. I know what I saw was the Holy Spirit nudging her heart to accept unconditional love from me, a stranger.
Couldn’t let her pay for that purchase. When God is blessing us like there is no tomorrow, I trust that nudge implicitly.
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.
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.
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.
Driving to work today, I had four or five things in my head that I knew I needed to write out. Two have been percolating all week and three came to me in dreams. As is my habit, I chit-chatted with Jesus all way to the shop. There is no better way to prepare for any day, especially our 11-hour long Mondays and Thursdays. Pulling into the parking lot, I said “first fruits,” out loud. It’s like I heard myself saying it as if I was repeating what I had heard. Either that makes sense or it does not. Either way, I am supposed to include it here.
Clearly, all the good stored up in our hearts comes from the Master of the Universe. The plan given to me to write “Legacy of Love” or “Amazing Love” feels like a God-Directed inspiration. Still, none of it would be possible without Jesus as my plumb line. So, the first thing I write today must be how the Holy Spirit used an old post of mine earlier this week to set my heart. The word for the week is PLUMB.
Exactly one year ago, I posted a flip to Amos 7:7-8. Facebook memories showed me the scripture and my notes a few hours before meeting Kim and Dawn for lunch a few days ago. The study notes immediately caused me to think of the house three doors up from our which has an entire outside wall collapsing. While I wouldn’t wish that stress on anyone, I found it interesting that God gave me a physical, tangible example so close to our home to keep as a powerful image on my heart all day. It applied to human relationships as well as the mechanics of proper construction. As I drove the 1.5 hours to meet them for lunch, I considered the “hyped-up Carol” who met them with Marcy for lunch a few months ago. I prayed to be steadfast in perfect peace with my sisters-in-Christ and to have ears to hear, as my overexuberance months ago could have negatively impacted Marcy.
Our neighbors home
In the same breath, my notes about our own home reminded me of getting Mark onboard with painting all our ceilings, walls, cabinets and upgrading our guest bathroom when he returned from his birthday trip last year. For context, doing all of this in the thirty days prior to leaving for Italy was a ton to ask of a spouse. Suffice it to say, we just hung a mirror and two paintings this past Sunday and have been discussing how we need God’s help to bring order from chaos. This past week, Mark and I have prayed more often together, beginning with praying for Jason’s drive to the funeral. Thank you, Jesus, for the powerful testimony of Edward Sassano. Thank you for his entire family and the reminder to write a separate post about them and the Vitality of the Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, when I believe the Holy Spirit is putting a word or topic on my heart, I google whatever word that may be and the phrase “in the Bible”. I believe it prevents me from being misdirected. I just figure if God really is putting a random word in my heart or mind, I will look that word up in His Word. Worst case scenario, I learn new scriptures and the Holy Spirit uses every bit of it beautifully. I knew Amos 7:7-8. The punch in my spiritual gut this morning is studying Zechariah. Zechariah was such an encourager and yet his people killed him. I have study notes in Matthew 23:35 which remind me that he was the last martyr in the Hebrew Bible. Gut-punched, indeed. Thank you, Jesus!
Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV). ” For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” Oh, I see exactly what He did there, because there is conflict in my life when I get too excited about what others may perceive to be “small things.” To me, there is no “small thing” when it comes to God. Just like Joyce telling me about John with Tribe Trucking delivering the “missing food”. He is in every detail and literally holds EVERYTHING together! (COL 1:17) Zechariah’s vision was seeing God’s people being filled with the Holy Spirit and his heart was to encourage the Israelites. It was an angel of the Lord who told the prophet to not despite small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Baby steps are perfectly acceptable as long as they are aligned in His Will. In this moment, I am remembering conviction from Haggai and “get to work!”
Isaiah 28:17 (NIV) I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. Nutshell for me: There is only ONE PERFECT CORNERSTONE and those who reject that stone will be punished. 2 Kings 21 teaches us the mistakes of Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon and the people of Judah. The seven lessons on how to avoid backsliding are paramount. Pretty sure I am to note these scriptures and move on to the heart of the matter.
Much of the past two weeks have revolved around working through communication issues with various people in my life. Simply put, we can all strive to do better, and I am working on my shortcomings. Perhaps my biggest challenge for over 55 years has simply been reigning in my excitement over any number of things. I have been this way my entire life. I finally accept God made me “this way” for HIS PURPOSE. Sure, it can hurt my feelings, but inherently, I understand enthusiasm can be a positive or a negative. Just because He made me this way doesn’t mean He wants to leave me this way. I am starting to see my character as the toolbox God gave me. Not every “job” requires every “tool”.
There are two sides to every coin, like anything else. I have always been super-curious and gobble up knowledge like it’s trail mix, or something. The Good Lord has blessed me with a brain which can process a copious amount of new information and learn whatever it is He wants me to learn. I get amped up and excited every time the Holy Spirit is moving so clearly. To me, beauty is meant to be shared, period. It makes sense to me how I MUST share the power and beauty of the Holy Spirit. However, it now also makes sense that not everyone can process the same amount of information. I have been guilty of overwhelming more than a few people. I welcome this new direction and invitation to be still and to wait well. Since getting the Dwell Differently verse in January, Romans 12:12 has come to heart with piercing conviction, several times. “Carol, THIS is why I physically lowered your blood pressure for two months.” Yessir, I get it. Take a deep breath and make it digestible.
Today is my childhood friend’s birthday. Miss Marcy wrote so beautifully six years ago about how her Daddy taught her about plumb lines as they were laying the foundation to a new home. Knowing it was her birthday this morning, I had to search her Facebook for the word “plumb” to find what she wrote. Somehow, each word was even more beautiful today than it was six years ago. She wrote how her daddy would specifically say, “the plumb line must be perfect, and you should check it often.” Brilliant! The truth is simple. We ALL get off course in our lives. We all make mistakes. If we are constantly checking ourselves against THE PLUMB LINE and CORNERSTONE, we will grow into deeper spiritual maturity and be less likely to fall out of His Will for us.
Thank you, Jesus, for my friend and her relationship with you. Thank you for making all the visits go well on Tuesday and for all the other blessings, too. As I count down the five days until my own daddy’s 15th Birthday in Heaven, I treasure the memories of helping my dad install the drop ceiling in our basement on Kimberly Drive. I am beyond grateful for you, my PERFECT PLUMB and PERFECT LAMB…and for every breath you put into my LION LUNGS. You know my heart and what I am praying for without me writing it out. This is one time I will keep the details between us. I love you. You already know I ask for anything in the name of your perfect son, Jesus, and every drop of blood He shed for me. Amen.
P.S. Even AI on Co-Pilot reminds us “even small steps can lead to great outcomes. In the context of faith and perseverance, it suggests that God’s work often starts quietly and grows over time, ultimately bringing about rejoicing and fulfillment. ”
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.
My God Room 