Iran’s Great Awakening

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Have you heard? God is moving in Iran! Being faithful to His word, the oppressive life in Iran is pushing people into the arms of Jesus. Dr. Hormoz Shariat and his wife are founders of Iran Alive Ministries. In the March 2023 issue of Today’s Christian Living magazine, I read an interview with Dr. Shariat. I was moved to donate to the ministry, which is broadcasting the gospel 24/7 into Iran, and revival is happening! Faithful to this organization’s promise, that after I donated, they gifted me Dr. Shariat’s book, Iran’s Great Awakening How God is Using a Muslim Convert to Spark Revival. Joel Rosenberg, who wrote the foreword to the book, begins with: “I consider Hormoz Shariat to be the Billy Graham of Iran.” In this book, you will read about the Doctor’s salvation experience and he walks you through the promises the Lord has given Iran, also known as Elam.

Check out https://iranalive.org/

Did you know God gave a similar promise to Iran as He gave to Israel? He promised Abraham that both Isaac and Ishmael would be blessed and prosper. In Genesis chapter 17, at the point where God had changed Abram’s name to Abraham, and Sari to Sarah, he laughed that they would have a child at such an advanced age, so Abraham asked the Lord to bless Ishmael. This is what He replied:

Genesis 17:19 Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. 

20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21 But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.” 

Jeremiah 49:34 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, saying, 35 “Thus says the Lord of hosts:

‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, (Iran)
The foremost of their might.
36 Against Elam I will bring the four winds
From the four quarters of heaven,
And scatter them toward all those winds;
There shall be no nations where the outcasts of Elam will not go.

39 ‘But it shall come to pass in the latter days:
I will bring back the captives of Elam,’ says the Lord.”

And what did God say about Israel, about the Jewish people?

“Hear the word of the Lord, O nations,
And declare it in the isles afar off, and say,
‘He who scattered Israel will gather him,
And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’
11 For the Lord has redeemed Jacob,
And ransomed him from the hand of one stronger than he.
12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion,
Streaming to the goodness of the Lord—

So, the children of Isaac and the children of Ishmael are both part of God’s plan. He has scattered them among all the nations, as they have gravely sinned and turned their backs on the Lord. He has a plan to bring them back into the Land God provided for them, after they’ve been used to bless all nations that they’ve taken up residence in. Both clans are coming to the Lord in numbers these days!

I hope you are experiencing the new era of revival and renewal, the current move of the Lord that is drawing people into the fold. In our area, churches, including ours, are dealing with buildings bursting at the seams. Some of the influxes of people are moving from other churches, but we also have many coming to salvation and prodigals returning to the fold. I am tithing on the books I’m selling, donating it to Airport Christian Fellowship Church’s Building Fund. Thank you to all who are buying my new book, Musings Along Life’s Journey. So far, I have sold 34, and given/gifted 32 books. Two of them were given to faithful waitresses at Cracker Barrel this morning during our breakfast!

I am donating two gift baskets with a crocheted lap robe, a clip-on book reading light… and whatever else the Lord prompts me to put in with a signed copy of my book, to the Beaver Camp Auction. The hybrid auction begins on-line June 1-8, with the on-site auction June 10th (viewing on Friday evening) at the Lewis County Fairgrounds, Lowville, NY. You can find full info at:

https://beavercamp.org/get-involved/annual-benefit-auction

Save the dates: Friday June 9th, and Saturday June 10th.

I will be at the auction, and you may buy a book from me if you see me!

Also, Saturday, August 12th, Henderson Heritage Day, I will be at a table on the Heritage Society lawn. https://hendersonnyhistoricalsociety.com/

I am at ACF Church in Dexter before/after church service, 6 PM Saturdays and 10 AM Sundays. https://www.airportchristianfellowship.org/

I celebrated my 60th birthday in Ottawa with 11 women from Henderson Garden Club. We enjoyed the beautiful tulips, the Byway Market, and toured the Senate that’s temporarily housed in the old train station on the Rideau River. The capital buildings and the statues are lovely. Mamma Teresa’s Italian restaurant and Roast & Curries Indian restaurant were two of our delicious dinner destinations in the Capital area. If you get the chance, I hope you get to experience the Ottawa Capital area yourself soon!

He Knows!

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The Bible says Jesus was tempted and tried in all the ways we are. God puts people around us and provides someone to help us when we can’t go on. Last week, I shared Jesus’s prayer in the garden, asking Father if there was any other way to reconcile fallen humanity with Him. His spirit was willing, but his flesh was weak, not wanting to endure the cross. Now I take you to his journey to Golgotha with the cross on his back. His beaten, abused body gave out, and he fell under the weight of the cross. God provided Simon of Cyrine to help him.

How many times have we been struggling, thinking we’re all alone? Have you ever convinced yourself that you can’t bother someone else? Maybe God had a person for you to call, that He had prepared to help you, and you didn’t reach out. He may even have brought someone to mind, or someone was right in front of you who could help, but you didn’t realize. Simon had no preconceived notion of helping Jesus carry his cross that day, but Father God caused him to be in just the right place, at a Kairos time. He was blessed for helping, and Jesus was blessed with the help he gave. Simon of Cyrene is still honored today as part of Jesus’s road to the cross.

Here is an important scripture that is in my devotions today. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free from our past and all regret. This would be a good prayer to pray for our nation right now!

Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake… Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the people turn from their wicked deads. Let them banish from their minds the very thought of doing wrong! Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:3a,6 NLT

As Jesus told the woman caught in adultery, “Neither will I condemn you-go and sin no more.” This is a new day, the past is gone. Regret is not a road you want to travel. It’s full of snares and sharp rocks. I prefer the Lord’s path of grace and obedience. It’s full of faith, hope, and love. (thanks to Uta Milewski & her devotional)

As for my book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, I have reached the mark of selling as many books as I’ve given away or gifted. On Monday, I found out Sabrina Adams, my publisher, had finished her battle with the cancer that ravaged her body and has been translated to heaven. I am praying for peace for her family and that her daughters and husband can keep her publishing company going.

There is much opposition to this book being sold. Must be God has great plans for it! I encourage you to get a copy from me or order one at http://www.zoelifebooks.org, read it, write a review, and share on social media. I currently have one event scheduled if you’d like to mark your calendar. Saturday, August 12th, from 9-3pm I will be at the Henderson Heritage Day, on the lawn by the Historical Society.

http://www.zoelifebooks.org

What Great News!

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1 John 3:1a. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

Photo by Frans Van Heerden on Pexels.com

Today, my devotions began with Luke 22:42, where Jesus was in the garden of Gesthemany. Three times, he asked Father God to let the cup of suffering pass by… if there was any other way… for us to be reconciled to the Father. Cara Whitney compares this to barn chores in the cold mid-winter. It’s not quite as extreme, but you get the picture.

Meditate on These Things
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

In Uta’s devotional, the Lord called her His child. He watches for His children to think or do these things listed in Philippians 8. It brings him joy when we do. He has a deep interest in each of us; each one of us is his precious child. His longing to be with you draws you back to him when you stray.

His heart hurts with you in your trials… not because he lacks hope, but because he longs for his hope to be in you. What a wonderful Father God we have! He loves it when we love him back, with all our heart, soul, and strength. When your heart is tender towards him and we receive all that he has for you, that’s the best!

May we grow deeper in our understanding of how greatly we are loved. Let this understanding overflow and pour out on those we encounter. This is no time to shrink back and cocoon, stewing in our own affairs. God is on the move! As the Moravians say, “Our Lamb has conquered let us follow him.”

Remember, you can purchase my new book at http://www.zoelifebooks.org

Random April Musings

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Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1

Stand fast… stedfast… half of this year’s word God gave me to concentrate on for 2023. Cara Whitney points out that wild horses seem to be free, but horses need help from humans to survive. Humans living without Jesus think they’re living free, but looking for love and provision in all the wrong places is not freedom. Knowing Christ frees us from the law of sin, death, and lack. God’s freedom offers us what we long for: unconditional love, purpose, and meaning. The yoke of Jesus is light, freeing, easy when you walk with him. Our adversary, the devil, is a hard taskmaster. Our selfish, fleshly nature is no better. Let’s surrender daily to our Lord and walk in true freedom.

‘Wild Horses’ pages 220-221 Cara Whitney from Unbridled Faith

9. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10. who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

11. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1Thessalonians 5:9-11

Uta Milewski titled today’s devotion, Courage. God sad he’s done his part, so whether we live or die, we live together with Jesus. Praying in the Spirit builds us up so we can encourage each other. Praying in tongues, even for a short while each day, results in big change over time. Join in and see how you will become a source of courage for others, participating in the Kingdom of God. This explains what’s happening in my life these days!

12. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2Timothy 3:12-13

As I’ve said, my first book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, is available for purchase. It is not without persecution… let me explain. I have been working with my publisher and librarian to schedule a date to promote my book. The date has changed three times, my book printing being delayed. My books came in God’s Kairos time, my second word for 2023. This brought the first snag, not enough time for the library trustee board to read my book before promoting the event. I immediately signed a book for each of the 9 trustees, thanking them for being my pre-readers. I checked in with the librarian about a week later to set another date. She said she’s not gotten my book to all the trustees yet. Also, she is not allowed to use the library name for any promotional materials if it’s a Christian book or church event. I could see if the person scheduling the community room would let me schedule, then she could do the promotion without the library name on it.

The second glitch was that my Facebook account got scammed, and when I tried to log in, the password I’d recently changed, due to another scam, was rejected. After going through Facebook security measures, I was totally locked out. So, I made a new page. In my first post, I told how privileged I was having my Facebook scammed and blocked just when I was promoting my Christian book. Several people commented, giving links to use to unlock my original account. My so, Chris, messaged me not to click on any of them, they’re scams! So, if you’re friends with me on Facebook and get a friend request from me, it’s legit! Look for the selfie of me with Joyce from Tanzania on the profile.

I’ve been playing phone tag with my publisher, Sabrina Adams, for a week. I finally got her on the phone. She’s in the hospital, and they’ve found cancer has spread throughout her body. Last week, she told me that on the way to her treatment for the first cancer, she was ready to give up. In a vision, God told her she had two choices. He could end this and take her to heaven, or he had a mandate for her to start a publishing company named Zoe Life and publish Christian books for His glory. We’ll, you know which she chose. In the middle of publishing my book, her breast cancer was reoccurring, and she had a radical mastectomy. She refused chemo but agreed to radiation. She went for treatments for about a month, but chose to quit because it was taking so much out of her. Join me in praying for a miracle, complete restoration of her health!

For such a time as this! Keep tuning in to my musings, I will be making dates for signing events and will keep you posted. You can purchase my book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, at http://www.zoelifebooks.org, and if it still says, “Coming Soon,” ignore it because you can still order my book there.

Jesus paid it all! His precious blood is still available. Let us appropriate it!

Kairos? Another Book Reveal Change!

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Spring has sprung, and the busy days have begun. Our Life Group is planning to have a Passover Seder tomorrow evening. I am helping Laurie prep lamb and vegetables for a stew. I will prepare the Charoset, a mixture of apple, cinnamon, and honey. This represents mud that the Hebrew slaves used to make bricks to build the pyramids. I’ll also make Beet Maror, a combination of beets, horseradish, and cider vinegar. This represents the blood and bitterness of slavery. It also balances the sweetness of the Charoset. It will be fun to use Grandma’s brass candlesticks.

That all God’s people will know the truth about our Messiah and His connection to the Passover!

Well readers, my shipment of books was delayed, so I WILL NOT be having a book reveal at Henderson library on Saturday, April 15th at 11:00. If you’d like to buy my book before the next event is scheduled, go to http://www.zoelifebooks.org where you can purchase one. I’m willing to sign your book if you can get it to me.

My first box of Musings Along Life’s Journey books arrived just as I was leaving to clean for Joe. I need to get some books to the library for the library board members and the librarian to pre-read. Tomorrow is Prayer Connection with the women in the morning, then finish preparing for the Seder. Saturday, I plan to work at the motel to begin spring cleaning. My grandson Caleb will accompany me. We have no Saturday night church, but two services on Easter Sunday.

As I said, this is the newest phase of this active life we’re living. Just got an email that Garden Club starts next Tuesday! I will see how the Lord helps me organize my schedule so everything gets done… in His perfect time.

I mark this day as the first day of being a published author of a manuscript. What an interesting journey I am on with my Lord. Have a truly wonderful Easter week.

Christ has risen! The tomb is empty, a. Christ Jesus is here!

He Established The People’s Boundaries… New Date

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Deuteronomy 32:8 When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, when he divided up the human race,
he established the boundaries of the    peoples according to the number in his heavenly court. [NLT]

Heavenly portals in gathering darkness

Signs in the heavens, God’s billboard. In the gathering darkness, I saw heavenly portals open in the clouds. Forgive the reflection of the truck dashboard lights in the photo. The veil between heaven and earth is becoming increasingly thin; Pastor Josh saw the glory cloud descend on our congregation at church Saturday evening.

Many people are moving and relocating these days. Maybe, like I am, things are shifting around and changing within your home. I believe God is shifting souls into place to line up with the plans He has for this new era we are in. Bounaries are being realigned and expanded, as in the popular “Prayer of Jabez”. Moving can be adventurous, overwhelming, and exciting, kind of like the road in the photo below.

Photo from Pixels

1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested

As things change in the natural, they’re also changing in the spiritual. Great spiritual hunger is being filled with false and demonic spirits, but those seeking the will of God in Jesus Christ shall find true spiritual life and peace. We must become mature in our faith, setting ourselves up to keep Jesus in our focus and growing in the things of God. This is the time to rise up as manifest children of God and do the works He’s planned for us. This means keeping close connection with Jesus and stepping out in faith and love. As we spread His light in the dark places, we shall bring hope and healing to many.

As for my book publishing, I have done the final read through. As soon as Sabrina calls today and we settle on the changes, the actual publishing shall commence. Musings Along Life’s Journey, Vignettes From The Road, is already on the Zoe Life website as “coming soon”. The new date for my reveal and book signing is Saturday, April 15th.

http://www.zoelifebooks.org

You Are Invited: What: the book debut & author signing Musings Along Life’s Journey When: Saturday, April 15th, 2023, Time: 11am to 1pm Where: Henderson Community Room, Henderson, NY

Change Of Plans

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Elephant crossing at Teringhetti Park from our safari trip.

🙊 Well, a new episode of Kairos, God’s perfect timing. I told you my book debut would be on Saturday, March 18th, but that plan is changing. My publisher Sabrina is starting a course of radiation, the assistant librarian left and a replacement has not been hired yet, and the librarian is taking a two week vacation. Not to mention, I’m in the middle of two dental appointments, getting a cap on a tooth, in transition with my office remodel, and still readjusting from reverse culture shock after my time in Tanzania. Yes, I’ll share more later of the construction team trip from Tanzania 2023 with Wall Builder’s missions.

😀 Wow! That was a mouthful! The new day for my reveal/ book signing will be in April, after Easter. This will give a chance to get the publishing done and books to me through the mail, which is a bit less predictable than it used to be. I will let you know new details as I get them. Due to these happenings, the part of steadfast I am using today is committed. I am steadfastly committed to seeing this publishing journey culminate in God’s perfect, Kairos time.

Galatians 6:9 Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. [NLT]

The back cover of the proof copy of my book.

Sabrina and I have been working on the final editing before printing for almost a week.  I’m glad the time pressure is not as intense as it was last week when Sabrina mailed the proof on Saturday, and I received it Thursday afternoon. 🙃 it would not have come together by March 18th at that rate!

🙂 I  finally chose and started my devotional books seven days ago. I am using two 100-day books that the Spirit is coordinating to bring good to me. They are: GODS heart for you by Uta Milewski and Unbridled Faith from the Horse Farm by Cara Whitney, wife of “Larry the Cable Guy”, Dan Whitney.

🧑‍💻 Today’s scripture in the first book starts with Jesus saying, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  You don’t need to be afraid that you can’t do what the Lord asks. He will make you… Use your gifts/talents he’s given you, and He will add things to your life as you humbly serve and follow.

Ephesians  3:20-21 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, Amen. [ESV]

💞 God is doing this in my life! I am letting Him use the talents and gifts I have, and He is making me what He needs and equipping as more opportunities come. Every time I’m close enough to my pastors, the Spirit uses them to speak forth the things God has… and is… doing, and confirming the gifts and graces manifesting in me.

😇 The second book uses Matthew 5:13, You are the salt of the earth…” We must protect the biblical truth in our life from the ideologies of this world, or we won’t have the salty flavor to bless the lives around us. Cara encourages us to grow and mature spiritually so we can minister to those God brings into our lives.  Let’s join Cara in this prayer:

🙏 Lord, I don’t ever want to lose my saltiness. Help me to grow that they may see Your good deeds. Amen.

🤠 God is really moving if you’ve been keeping track. I have been asking the Lord to rekindle the fire that burned through in other revival/renewal times. Asbury seminary is a case in point. I live close to Adams, NY, where Charles G. Finney was working in a law office when he caught the fire and was redeemed. I live in Henderson, where he had family and spread the fire to. Yesterday, we drove north to Brasher Falls to celebrate our daughter-in-love Joanna’s birthday, passing through a similar route as Finney, the bands of praying women, and revival fire that followed. I’ve had multiple trips that way and noticed  a couple of churches along the way that have recently “extended the corners of their tents” as the prayer of Jabez notes.

👮 Also, I hear of those in our federal government putting forth new legislation to bring down some of the evil things that have been put in place, as well as offenders being exposed and dealt with. This doesn’t mean things are going to be easy because there are adjustments that can’t be made without some things being torn down or demolished. Trust in the Lord and do not be dismayed. Good things are happening, and many more shall come if we do not faint!

A touch of Tanzanian beauty found at the lodge we stayed at.

Controlled Chaos! Tanzania 2023 Report

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NOTE: I began this page while in-country on my mobile app. I am just getting back to finishing it. Either there’s too much in 15 days to know what to report, or the enemy doesn’t want you to hear about this trip! I have included a smattering of photos since I was group photographer. This makes it a longer post than usual.

We are nearing the end of our team’s time in Moshi, Tanzania. The thing we noticed first here is the way they drive compared to back in the States.

Our view of Kilimanjaro from the lodge

First, they drive on the left side of the road, thanks to their time under British rule. Second, I have not seen a stop sign, but there are strategically placed speed bumps and roundabouts. There are “tap taps,” motor bikes, people walking, buses, and vans all crisscrossing each other or passing. After a few days of riding in the vans to and from the Bible College from our lodge, it came to mind that it’s organized chaos! Note: this was in Moshi. When we traveled three hours on the way to our safari in the Terenghetti Park, we were on the main roads and this chaos was much reduced! This monument gives thanks to those who brought clean water to this area from the mountains.

This has been an excellent mission trip. Our team meshed quickly. We all have worked well together and had each other’s backs, shifting to different positions when needed. We have had Godspeed and accomplished more work in the time we had than expected.

The money we paid for this trip has been well spent. We are staying at what they call a lodge. Americans would probably call them something like duplex cabins. Hannah and I, being the only women on this team, share room 12, directly across from the pool. We each have a three-quarter bed, bedside table, and lamp. There is a shower in the bathroom and a room off the bedroom with a place for our luggage, a counter, and a wardrobe. I’m told a big reason we are at this place is because it’s one of the few lodgings that have air-conditioning! This is helpful for drying my swimsuit overnight, and it’s lovely to be able to use the nice comforters on our beds.

Our room at the Ameg Lodge in Moshi Tanzania

Hannah and her dad Brian are using the most important piece of equipment we had for building the walls. Praise God for providing the cement mixer and fuel! The photo to the right shows Brian, Pat, Mickey, and Edwin with the wheelbarrow used for mortar. Below that are Logan, Muhamed, John Wicks, Brendon, and Jerry (sorry, I’m not sure the name of the other Fundi). On the bottom right is Bill, our foreman, resting during lunch break. He eventually found he’s also allergic to the malaria meds. On the bottom left is where we ate lunch. Those water bottles hold 1.5 liters and the crew each had several of these a day! No one went hungry on this trip unless they chose to.

In this collage are the preschool children. A woman from the school has started a preschool in the church. The Muslims are bringing their children, the children are finding Jesus, then the parents are finding Jesus! Under that photo is the monument to Kilimanjaro mountains where their water comes from. Bottom left you see Logan helping Edwin. In the foreground is the wire they twisted together to go in the lintels. Top right is Brian and Jerry putting together the forms for the lintels over the windows and doors. Bottom right shows Daniel getting some shade & hydration while John and (I’m not sure) Muhamed or Jean Claude finishing consult. Notice the ladder leaning on the water tank? Oh, and the Fundis do not like to use the power tools.

This is the evening we met King Ole Kunay, king of 6 million Maasai tribe people who live in 6 different East Africa countries, and his niece Joyce. He is a medical doctor, his son is attending medical college in Moshi, and Joyce is an engineer at an organic coffee farm at the base of Kilimanjaro.

I am glad Terry and Marilyn Weaver, who were missionaries at the Kilimanjaro Bible College for twenty-five years, are here to guide us through this trip. They have been friends with Dr. Kunay for ten years, giving us this chance of a lifetime to meet him.

I’ve been dealing with a rash that’s been spreading. This evening while we were waiting for dinner, the middle photos are from the sitting area, Marilyn said this is the kind of rash she gets from the malaria medicine. She said it’s more likely if you’re allergic to antibiotics, which I am, and malaria risk is low due to the dry weather. Did I mention it’s been in the high 90s here when it’s usually in the 80s? I’m glad I brought a box of antihistamine pills that I’m taking at bedtime, and anti-itch cream I can use during the day. My young partner, Logan, also has a rash. Some of it is caused by the lumber we’re working with. Thankfully, Terry was able to get us a corticosteroid cream that’s helping. Between that, stopping the antimalarial pills, and the bedtime antihistamines, my rash is clearing up quickly and I’ve no problem sleeping! It was a pleasure eating in the open-air dining room at the Ameg Lodge. We had a delightful buffet meal each breakfast and dinner, and the servers were very helpful and friendly. Oh, Marilyn got stung by a bee at breakfast one morning. She headed right back to the kitchen to get some papaya seeds to put on it. They work miracles on bee stings!

These are photos I took around the lodge the day I left. The pots on the posts are lit each evening. It’s a mixture of lavender and citronella. You can see they line the walkways.

Last but not least, here’s a smattering of photos from the safari. Those are Maasai tribesmen with their cattle. They have abodes all the way to the edge of the park.

I encourage you to check out John Wicks, Wall Builders, or Marilyn Wilson Weaver on Facebook to see more photos and stories of this endeavor. The second team was able to erect the trusses we built, make the smaller trusses, and finish the roof before they left.

A Peek at My Book & an Invitation

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Welcome Readers! My book publishing is moving right along. I’m leaving for Tanzania next Tuesday, so I won’t get the proof copy to prevue before I get back on the 22nd. BUT! We have a date for the debut, Saturday, March 18th at the Henderson Free Library. My publisher, Sabrina Adams of Zoe Life Publications, will be here and her daughter may also come with her. It looks like an informal time to share my book, sign your copy, and Sabrina and I will talk about what it takes to publish a book these days. So, you’re invited to come see the debut of my first published memoir, Musings Along Life’s Journey. Stay tuned for more details and other times you can meet me in person. Plans to be at The Little Bookstore in Clayton, NY and at the Henderson Heritage Day in July are shaping up.

Here is a small excerpt from the book. Note: this is from my manuscript and not the formatted book. Sorry, the photos of my granddaughters will not be in the book.

Becoming as a Child

I have been contemplating what it means to become as a little child. What did Jesus mean when He said that?

Matthew 18:2-4

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Now I’d like to talk about becoming as a child. What does this really mean? Jesus doesn’t say to become ‘childish’, but to become like a child. A child is trusting, believes that their Daddy has what they need and what’s best and will give them what they ask for. I’ve heard and can see: the biggest sin in the church today is unbelief. If we pray and don’t believe God is willing and able to answer those prayers, we are in unbelief. We serve a prayer hearing, prayer answering God. Let’s take Him at His word.

 I want to share this quote from K.P. Yohannan’s book Never Give Up; The Story of a Broken Man Impacting a Generation.

“All that is needed to be said [in defending God’s existence] is God is the Creator and we are His creation, and we as believers don’t ask God to prove Himself to us. We are like little kids. We don’t ask our mother and father if they are our parents-we are their children, and they are our parents, and that’s it-period!”

I found the two-way journal with the Lord that I wrote in from October 2019-July 2020. This is part of what the Lord told me on April 7th that goes with what I shared above.

Emmanuel-God is with you-I made you and love you for eternity! Yes, dance with Me and sing and laugh, it’s true you need to let go and trust Me as a child. Joy in the little things, trust in the big things. Behold, I do a new thing, it is marvelous in all eyes!

I hope you are encouraged and look forward to meeting many in person over the next year! Be blessed and be a blessing. May you prosper and have abundance to give away to those who need that God brings into your life. Yes, it may be as simple as a smile or a kind word! Shalom, dear readers, until next time. Oh, I leave for Tanzania on February 7th so I’m not sure what access I’ll have to write while I’m gone, we’ll see!

Prepare The Way!

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Prepare the way! Prepare the way of the Lord! Maybe you remember the musical Jesus Christ Super Star? It’s from my younger years with a sister almost a decade older than me and that’s where this song came from. I was just listening to Celtic Worship by Eden’s Gate from my iTunes library, which I’ve not heard for a while. Why am I listening to this? Because I’m working to wrap my mind around packing for Tanzanian 2023 and needed the company. I was supposed to do this two weeks before we travel, which would have been Tuesday, January 24th, and now it’s the 27th. Yesterday we were able to go into the city and get the last things I need to pack… hopefully! My checked bag weighs in at just over 41 lbs., and I have seven more pounds leeway. Lord, as I prepare, help me not forget what will be needed. Oh, the photo above is what our house looks like after a two- going on three- day snow event. I took the pics today when I went out to check the mail.

The constant questions I have been asked about this trip, “Are you anxious?” “Are you excited?” “Are you worried?”… No, No, and I don’t think so. I know I am right where I need to be today, and the Lord has proven He has gone before me to prepare the way. One example so far: the Public Health nurse rattled off the name of the malaria meds she was prescribing, one I hadn’t heard of. She said it’s really expensive, I should get Good RX or something to help pay for it. This brought me some anxious thoughts. When I called the drug store to ask what it was and how much, the pharmacist said it’s Malarone, a well-tolerated medicine combination, and it costs $15.00. Wow!

The Lord knows just how much money I need for things for the trip and for things that will come out of my account while I am gone. At each turn, the money has been there. John has been extremely generous, making sure I have what I need above and beyond my income I bring in. He just got his first Social Security check with the “raise” yesterday, the day I needed to take cash out of our joint account to pay the Visa when we get to Tanzania.

I’m looking forward to meeting the team I’ll be working with, especially a young woman named Hannah who will turn 18 while we are there, whom I am partnered with. Her father is also going, well versed in construction skills, and she told me she went to Mexico with her family on a mission trip when she was 10. We are part of the first team, the only women, the second team comes just before we leave Moshi, Tanzania and that team has no women on it. Our leader said there’s been a word already given that women are being called forth into ministry and Hannah and I are part of this calling forth.

We all need to be extremely sensitive to the Spirit of God, He’s already giving us words to speak forth to those around us. This encouragement is for my readers as well as for our team! We must be in tune with what He’s wanting to say, His spirit in tune with ours.

I am preparing my body to be used as needed on this trip. I was able to help shovel yesterday when the belt broke on the snowblower. I am designated Mason’s Helper on this team, so that mostly means carrying buckets of mud for the masons. It’s an adventure accumulating the clothing needed for this trip. The temps will be above 80 F. and lower 60s at night. We need to cover as much skin as possible since the malaria meds make you sun sensitive. Makes me think Amish dresses might be easier? The Lord led me to the medical scrubs in the thrift store. I found light weight pants with comfortable waists and pockets. I got light weight long sleeved men’s shirts that will keep me covered in the back, and I bought a safari hat with neck coverage and a good brim on the front. I also have some long skirts and summer blouses for church or dinner. Thank you for those who buy new clothes to donate to thrift stores!

I am preparing my spirit. Since I haven’t found a devotional to use before I go, I have spent many hours between 10 PM and 8 AM communing/dreaming with the Lord. I bless the Spirit to seal my dreams and reveal what I need when the time comes, since I’m not remembering much once I wake up. I am keeping a journal as I prepare for this trip and will keep it with me as I travel. I’ve also been playing a lot of Lauren Daigle and other worship songs. I spent my younger years of my walk with Jesus gleaning Scripture from songs, and I return to that in these days. reawakening what’s been planted. The Lord knows we are but flesh, I pray my spirit feasts on Him.

I leave you with the glory I captured this afternoon. Yes, my Musings book is on its way; I should have a proof copy before I travel or just after I come home.