God has a way of weaving old things—books, music, moments—into the tapestry of our present, speaking to us in seasons we least expect. A few days ago, I shared how The LORD paired two books, published 17 years apart, to stir my heart anew. Tonight, it was an old Jason Crabb Song from 2009 called “Sometimes I Cry”, which serenaded me on my drive. When I arrived home to an opportunity to write, the book at my bedside screamed the title of this post.
It made perfect sense. The latest thread in this divine weave is The Cost of Our Silence by David Fiorazo. Just the other day, I shared the book with a group of people.
I was nudged to check my purchases and confirmed I purchased this book on March 3, 2020. COVID times immediately came to mind. Then I recalled the season of change as my family transitioned churches. I recalled the questions the Holy Spirit placed in my heart and can see how certain specific prayers have undoubtedly been answered. Praise God!
It is the second “old” book in as many weeks that God has used to guide me—each over a decade old, yet piercingly relevant. In this moment, there is some Divine Humor at play from a text I sent my husband, reminding me my favorite book is a REALLY OLD and utterly timeless.
Merely four chapters (less than 60 pages) into The Cost of Our Silence, Fiorazo’s direct, compassionate voice makes complex issues accessible. He urges Christians to speak truth boldly. I’ve caught several things already which felt like personal hugs to me. Conversely, I have also been gently kicked in the butt. I have much to learn and am looking forward to what the Holy Spirit teaches me through this book.
What makes this book’s discovery profound to me is how MORE timely the content is,”ten years later”. Further compounding the timing is the fact I somehow joined a Facebook Group for the author and his wife, Rosanna, at some point in the past year. The group is to support them with prayer and for David to update their long term circle. I honestly don’t know how I was added. That said, learning of her health struggles, we were nudged to send what we could for financial support last month. Again, a nod to divine timing based on my experience.
Only this week have I opened the book. Holding this book, I’m in awe of God’s timing. It’s as if He placed The Cost of Our Silence in my hands to deepen my prayers for Rosanna’s joy, healing, and understanding, and for David’s strength, peace, and provision.
This book feels like a divine appointment to this Blonde, Polish Chick. Oh, how I love His Timing! God is using it to intensify my prayer for David and Rosanna and extend sister-ship to someone in the group who lives close to us. . So, I am going to continue to stand in the gap, pray fervently, and to trust His orchestration.
For more than two months, we offered our home, food and other resources to a divorced mom and her child. While challenging to share a home with anyone else, we thought we made it easy with simple rules about keeping dangerous things off the floor for our dog, not eating meals in the guest room and keeping certain doors closed.
Repeatedly, simple requests were met with backlash and gaslighting. I was called “militant” in our home care the second week she lived here. I rebuked it, of course. We simply respect nature and ants will invade if crumbs are left on the counter. We clean things when dirty and do our best to be good stewards with what we have been given. Over the next month, that seemed to be accepted and peace had seemingly been restored long before we left for our vacation.
We returned from our vacation to chaos and destruction in our home. Our sweet Stormy was vomiting up chocolates and things obtained from the guest suite. I won’t share all the photos of chaos, but this one reflects what caused our dog’s distress. The top photo was Sunday, 8/24/25: Stormy vomited the white truffles and we continue to find little pieces of tinfoil and other garbage in his hiding places.
The bottom photo shows the floor Monday morning. Clearly, a handful of trash was removed. That was the only thing cleaned up before she left Monday for work.
While at work on Monday, I prayed for more wisdom to proceed. The details are irrelevant, as the Good Lord gave US a plan together, as we discussed the situation in our master bedroom the evening prior. I knew whatever I did needed to meet with God’s Approval and my husband’s understanding. I was praying for help with MY PART of the plan God gave US.
Yessir!!! God will change a plan in the blink of an eye.
1 Corinthians 15:52. Yes and Amen!!!
Roughly two hours before closing, I was nudged to call our “tenant” and request the two bags worth of food garbage be removed from our guest suite. I asked for the filthy stained sheets from the guest suite and for them to be left in our laundry room for my attention. I reminded her of the three basic conditions for living under our roof and how she had broken all three in dramatic fashion. The call turned ugly.
I confess, the wrath which poured out of me Monday night did not make me feel sick. In fact, I felt “clean” the minute the call ended. It felt as if I had removed my body from a toxic chemical spill and just showered in those “clean rooms”. I know all too well how human anger has made me sick in the past. All that being said, my son’s perception of that wrath in the moment and how it impacted him broke my heart a wee little bit.
Praise God, we have since discussed since Rachel moved out on Tuesday afternoon. Originally, she was planning to be here another two months. Extra praise for cutting the exposure to chaos in half! Somewhat poetically, I was removing weeds in the front yard when they drove away. The minute her U-HAUL pulled away, the entry code was changed for our home. The house had been cleaned and restored to proper order. My son understood that sometimes, it takes dramatic tone to be a catalyst for change.
Ultimately, it was in her best interest to leave and we want the best for them. Still, we are not called to enable bad behavior, either. We are called to earn our way, period. 💜✝️💜
I have shared with both of my kids various things they have taught me in the past month. I probably need to make a list for the big lessons they have taught me. That’s for another day.
Simply put, returning home to so much chaos with so much peace and joy in my heart broke me wide open. To the world, it may have looked like I lost my temper. But in truth, what poured out of me that Monday night was not mine — it was His.
It has taken several days to sift through the debris and allow Him to direct my thoughts. How sweet it is to KNOW the peace I felt Monday night after raising my voice is so integrated to the peace I feel in this moment. Both come from Him. After such an intense lesson at his footstool, it’s rather glorious to literally have perfect peace on Shabbat. Shalom Shalom! 💜✝️💜
Thank you, Father God, for teaching me so much about Holy Grief this past week. It was holy anger, born of holy grief. I carried the weight of their disorder, neglect, and felt tormented by my responsibility to ensure safety for all under our roof. My heart was to protect YOUR CHILDRENand to be a good steward of what you have given our family. But, my heart can also get me into trouble and we both know it. It’s been a hard heart lesson, indeed.
The depth of that grief had been settling deep in my body for weeks. You clearly allowed it to manifest in my throat, in my voice, on my body and allowed me feel “sick with YOU”. May I always remember these “three sick days” as an honor and a blessing. Please keep breaking my heart for the things which break yours. Those tears are cleansing and good, as they come from you.
I was grieving the things that break your heart, and I could not carry it silently anymore. It is easy to see that simple truth today. I could never carry it alone. So, thank you for carrying me through this lesson so gently.
And when “all of it “ came out, it came out as wrath. Not petty frustration. Not selfish irritation. But the cleansing kind of wrath that overturns tables. The kind of wrath that clears out what doesn’t belong so YOUR SPIRIT can dwell in peace. Thank you for revealing the necessity, at times, for dramatic cleansing.
In the moment, it looked dramatic. It looked messy. But afterward, the air was clear. Peace returned. Only YOUR ANGER can deliver so much MERCY. Thank you for removing obstacles in any form. Thank you for teaching me that holy anger and holy grief aren’t things to be ashamed of — they are part of YOUR “Holy ToolKit” in restoring what is broken. Your wrath is restoring me.
As I inhale this fresh breath, I feel like there is a double rainbow above our home.
As I exhale, the promises held in our covenant are all that mater. Thank you a bajillion times over for all you have given us. I love, love, LOVE you.
On July 16th, I cleaned out an old trunk and found a book (2008) called Glory Revealed by David Nasser . The mustard yellow reminded me of sunshine and something in the artwork on the cover felt like a hug meant just for me. So I tucked it into my backpack and carried it everywhere. I knew deep down I wasn’t supposed to start it yet — that it was waiting for the plane — but I felt drawn to it.
Then on July 31st, I finally cracked it open, but only as far as the thank-you section. That’s where I discovered the artist Nicholas Wilton , who designed the cover and artwork inside. His words and spirit resonated so deeply that I shared his inspirational reels with an artist friend. Then, I closed the book again. Almost like God was saying, “That’s enough for today.”
Two weeks later, on August 16th, we boarded the plane to begin our vacation. As we lifted off around 8:30 that Saturday morning, I opened the book for real. And the very first words? Zephaniah 3:17 — the same verse God had already been weaving into my heart in fresh ways. Oh, how I adore the music He brings to my life! He had just given me Josiah Queen’s “Cloud and Fire”days prior…in the middle of my SEU Worship playlist 💜✝️💜
And if that wasn’t enough, three days later — on my husband’s birthday — I picked up a completely different book, Theo of Golden, and the exact same truth jumped out again. Two books, years apart, carrying the same message: honesty and humility matter.
It’s holy to say, “I’m ready to share,” and just as holy to say, “I’m not ready yet.” For me, the lesson was to be even more respectful of His Timing in others’ lives.
I am still learning Still, it rocked me. Only God. 💛
Maybe you’ve had this happen too — something hidden in plain sight until the exact moment you were ready. Or maybe He’s lining something up for you right now.
For two books 15-17 years apart to be in my hands on the Celebrity Beyond at this exact moment on the sea…I see what He did there. I pray YOU have had similar experiences and awareness of His Constant Presence.
So much has transpired and yet circumstances prevent proper documentation.
For today, I must at least note this message sent today. I sent an article to someone we love and he thanked me for sharing. This was the verbatim response:
While I pray it proves helpful, I can’t take credit for sending it in obedience. That’s the “💜✝️💜” . If I ever just send the emojis and no words- it’s because the Holy Spirit has urged a prayer outta nowhere. I don’t know why, but trust He does.
What you shared Monday about how certain friends can quote chapter and verse is still resonating for several reasons. Some new lesson is coming for me this week, courtesy of our Godversation. I can feel it in my bones.
Trusting our mutual Helper is going to translate what I am being nudged to share next.
Romans 8:26-27 was burned and etched deep into my heart many years ago. Every few years, it gets deeper and deeper, like scar tissue building up from standing in the gap and interceding. It “feels like” a spiritual muscle and I sense YOUR spiritual muscle is in a huge building season.
I see His Light on you and your beautiful family. I feel His Presence every time you come in the shop now. Father God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit are using your family to grow me in ways I may never be able to explain. The best I can do is be obedient.
I just want to encourage you to find a commentary on Romans 8 and let the Holy Spirit do what He does. In particular, focus deeply on Romans 8:26-27 before finalizing your presentation. Not sure why, just following His Direction.
Gary, not once have I quoted it verbatim that I can recall. Yet when others quote Romans 8:28 to me, as they often do, seldom do those people have a solid grasp of what His Word tells us of the Holy Spirit. There is a disconnect for many, contingent on the preaching they have heard.
It’s like He gave us an “easy button” to discern quickly how to respond. We just have to build our spiritual muscle to use the “easy button” effectively.
For me, obedience came so much easier when the full power and gift of the Holy Spirit expanded to a sacred quadrant in my heart. I am praying without ceasing for your “easy button” and peace with your Cursillo presentation. 💜✝️💜
I am also to write more about “righteous grievances”, PIE for Friends, DGM, spiritual sickness and training children. Lots of lessons this past week. As I praise Our Elohim for all of them, I pray you do, as well. Especially the parts that hurt and make us vomit.
Of all the changes to our itinerary, Mark was looking beyond forward to “Perfect Day at Coco Cay”. The port was canceled bright and early this morning, leaving us aboard to enjoy our day differently.
Tonight, we have reservations at Eden. These pics were from last night. What I most desire to write about is the beauty of how the Lord created this opportunity to give me an old book to draw me nearer than ever. On the plane to FLL, the first two chapters were about Zeph 3::17. 💜✝️💜
He is also leading me with an adventurous spirit to digest the book recommended by Jode last month. It’s like a Jesus hug with every chapter.
Pics from last night.
It was lovely to wear my wedding dress more than ten years after wearing it the first time. Dancing to Josiah Queen’s The Prodigal was a good use of early morning energy. Thank you, Jesus. 💜✝️💜
What a glorious first full day on the Celebrity Beyond. Thank you, Lord, for every perfect detail, especially this hour before dinner to linger privately with you in our cabin.
Thank you, Father God, for the sweet rest for five hours. I so appreciate the nudges to be silent, when appropriate. Thank you for waking me before such an early alarm! Thank you for all my friends, especially Joyce for visiting two days ago, Super Starr, Futina (💕) and JoJo for taking us all to the airport at six a.m.
How do I begin to express the depth of my gratitude for what you gave me on the airplane? You are the Master of the Universe and you touch me on the most profound levels of my being. You pull strings amd orchestrate so many details surely intended to awe me daily. On the plane, it was being nudged to read the opening of the book and the first chapter.
WOWZA. 💜✝️💜
First Chapter Zephaniah 3:17Oh, the lullabies you have given me! I see What You did there 🤣Beef carpaccio …I SWYDTT!!! 💜✝️💜Charred Brussels, asparagus, broccolini, goat cheese and more Signing off for now
We had a lovely lunch at North Italia. Walking back, there was the most gorgeous large dog in a young man’s lap at a bar. The dog was reddish and only four months old.! The dogs name was Gigi. I was not meant to get a photo, it’s really rather sweet how the puppy was given to me. 😇.
In many ways, I am on my fourth month of life. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit and thank you. Father God.
You know all my prayers and I trust your timing. Thank you for commanding this restful vacation. I love you with every nano particle of my being.
How excited we are to get this impending vacation! In the middle of countless big decisions at work, working on Legacy of a Badge, Godversations galore , home and other obligations, I feel like I am keeping Jesus all to myself!
Never have I experienced this drenching of my spiritual roots at this level for more than three months. It feels like a complete circumcision of everything that was not meant to be mine. Apparently, the Good Lord’s plan for me was to spend the last three years, ever-so-intentionally making me more and more aware of His Presence.
Oh, how I am beloved. Oh, how my heart loves my Savior, the spirit and Almighty God.
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
For the past three days, the Lord has showered me in blessings and favor beyond words. The songs He has given me are for this precise season. Josiah Queen was new Friday to Saturday. Constant videoing of my praise as I am driving and directing prayers which are clearly answered the next day. I just hit record when nudged.
What Jesus is teaching me is now going to an even more sacred place.
The surges are mighty and the power which is being poured into my spirit has once again caused dross removal via vomit. Sharing this with L’Tonya within minutes ended up blessing both of us far more than we could have imagined.
Right now, I am simply checking in, as directed. It feels like the writing will now become more structured and focused on what Jesus is teaching me. The nudges have been to share much on Facebook. I am easy to find there if you search Carol Osz…my Polish maiden name and Clements will pop up. Everything I share is public.
Today’s heartfelt lesson on Zephaniah has transformed a great Sunday to something other-worldly.
My God Room 