Category: Community

volunteering, working, churches, schools, neighbors

David’s Kidz Uganda 2025

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As promised, in this post, I will share more about our team’s two weeks in Uganda. So much happened, I’m still unpacking – literally and figuratively! It may take several posts to share. At the end of this post, I will include a link to the Uganda Sharing video at Airport Christian Fellowship Church in Dexter, NY, so you can hear directly from 8 of us that are from the Watertown, NY area.

Instructions:

One of the first instructions we got during  our first breakfast at Source of The Nile Hotel in Jinja, UG, was “If you’re going to complain, you have to sing it in an operatic voice.”  I see this as good practice for “real life”.  What a mirth-inducing act!

Some other cautions while in-country were don’t use the tap water for brushing your teeth. There may be things in it that your body can’t handle. Thankfully, our hosts provided us with cases of water bottles that we could use.

Foods:

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

As the saying goes, “an army runs on its stomach” and we were blessed with good cooks, great servers and abundant food at the hotel.

We were told not to eat fresh vegetables or salads. We could only eat fruits that could be peeled due to the possibility of digestive disturbances. There was always watermelon and pineapple available; once in a while mango, and many bananas/plantains.

The hotel served cooked vegetables at each meal, including mixtures of carrots, green beans, cauliflower, onions, and sometimes green peppers.

Potatoes of some kind were usually part of the buffet, as well as rice. They offered cold  cereals, porridge, and sweet breads for breakfasts. There was a griddle where one employee made eggs to order and had sausages available.

We ate various versions of fish, goat, beef, chicken, and pork. It was not always easy communicating what exact meat or potatoes we were putting on our plates, but most of the food was excellent.

Note:

We were staying at a 4-star hotel, which sounds extravagant, especially for a mission trip. Actually, it’s part of the plan to keep the team as healthy as possible. It also frees us up to minister in the villages and not burden them or our team. As a contrast, on my trips to Ukraine, we stayed with trusted families in the villages.

Excursions:

Pastors John & Kristy wisely gave us time to assimilate before we dove into the intensity of 6 days of ministry in 3 villages. We had one day of shopping in a couple of shops where our leaders knew the two women who owned them. It is difficult financially and spiritually to shop in random shops that may put curses on their merchandise or try to take advantage of Americans.  Even at the approved shops, we prayed over our merchandise to cancel any curses when we got back on the bus.

One day, we went on a boat cruise on Lake Victoria and got to see where the lake met the Nile. Lake Victoria is large, second in size only to Lake Superior! It was an honor to get to see the fishing boats and the shacks by the water. Here’s a short video I took at the confluence.

https://videopress.com/v/fM8QeHGk?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

It’s nice that Pastor Kristy birthday is at the beginning of our trip. Bishop Makka said they enjoy the opportunity to have a party! We went to the village of Walukaba to meet the David’s Kidz staff and for them to meet our team. They fed us cake and sodas before taking us out to see the school and the new temporary housing. There was a fire that left some families homeless, so these units they’re building will have a couple to oversee things and several apartments for people to stay in temporarily.

After the tour, we went to their golf club for an even bigger party for Kristy. Joan had set up a balloon arch, and since Pastor Kristy had a vision of our team dressed in superhero capes, they put an actual cape on Kristy! It was a long day. Things in the restaurant began to get rowdy, so we headed back to the hotel.

David’s Kidz Uganda 25 team

Next time, I’ll share about the camps we did. Here’s the promised video link:

What does Jesus truly want from us?

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Welcome to another gathering of my thoughts for the week. Yesterday, my devotional chapter was Romans 15. Last evening, our Life Group worked through John 14:24 into John 15. Let’s see what the Spirit does with these passages.

Romans 15:1 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

Photo by Jonathan Andrew on Pexels.com

First, why did earlier revivals and outpouring of the Holy Spirit not last? I’ve heard that there wasn’t disciple making done after the Holy Fire hit people. I think maybe the pursuit of holiness that pierced hearts during the heavy outpouring eventually cooled, and worldly pursuits encroached.

If we’re the ones strong in faith, the weak ones new to faith need us to tone it down and be sensitive to their immature faith. Verse 2 tells us it will edify them if we please them and not ourselves.

The next section tells us that we learn from the things written before, prophecies fulfilled. These Scriptures,  when consumed, grow patience and comfort, giving us hope.

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

Jesus wants us to come into agreement as His body. We should all grow in faith and glorify the Lord together. I think this also points to exercising comfort and patience among ourselves, forgiving as Christ has forgiven us. This is how we will abound in hope, the power of the Holy Spirit teaching, leading, and guiding us.

As we travel through the book of John, we notice Jesus repeats His teaching several times from different angles, He truly wants his disciples to understand what’s ahead.

John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.

Jesus wants us to keep His word. Love Jesus, love others. Jesus walked with the Holy Spirit from the day He was baptized by John the Baptist.  He showed what is possible in our lives if we appropriate the Holy Spirit. We can learn to listen and speak only what the Spirit prompts us, as Jesus did only what the Father showed Him.

25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Jesus explains what is to come when His followers receive the promise. We are to walk in the Spirit. Also, to not be troubled or afraid. He is our peace!

God’s people are called to come together as the Body of Christ. This unity is not the same as all religions meeting in one building. It’s nothing like a one world government. That’s the world’s wisdom, the devil’s ultimate plan

So, let us truly come into agreement on the majors and lay down our rights on the minors. In previous revivals; outpourings of the Spirit, the theme was holiness. In this current move of God, we are called to holiness, communion with the Lord and His church, His bride. Take to heart Philippians 4.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Live in the love and admonition of our Lord, preferring others over our own interests. Live to radiate peace and patience. Refuse to be brought under the spirit of fear and anxiety.  Serve others in humility, and spend yourself to meet their needs as the LORD meets yours.

The view from our yard this evening.
Yes, I enhanced the photo to show
God’s magnificence!

Have i told you I’ve joined a team going to Uganda on January 1-16, 2025? We will be ministering to children through kids’ camps and medical & dental clinics in 3 communities. I’m traveling with David’s Kidz and hope to meet the young woman I’ve been sponsoring for a few years. We would appreciate your prayers. Health, provision, the team quickly coming into alignment, and wisdom in packing. Oh, last i heard, about 5 more people are needed to fill the 20-soul team. If you have medical experience or work with children, even youth are encouraged to apply. Maybe the Spirit is calling?

http://www.davidskidz.org

Hail to the Lion of Judah!

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Shalom to Israel!

Dear readers, I’m taking a break from the Bible Chaper 8:8’s study. My first actual speaking engagement was Saturday, April 27th. You probably knew about this event from my previous posts and sales page, and I want to share how it went. What a special day straight from heaven it was! 

I want to thank LiveMore Ministries for posting these photos on Facebook. My good friend Marta Cooper manned my book table and joyfully, graciously sold six books for me. My friend Pam Fowler was there for what I needed. My friend Delight Christman was an extra blessing, coming from Lowville, gifting me a lovely ceramic votive holder with bluebells on it. The Smithville women provided an excellent breakfast buffet, even offering cereal and oatmeal with both milk and almond milk ‐- along with crumb cake, a breakfast quiche, and fresh fruit ‐- offering something for everyone.

I will share the photos individually and explain them now.

This was from the press release. My husband John and I were each holding a book, I held the original, and John held the book from the second publishing. [He was cropped] By the way, if you have read my book, please leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, or any social network you use.

I was asked periodically during the weeks that  led up to this event if I was nervous, anxious, and prepared… well, I was too busy with life to be any of those things! I  had a good number of people praying for me, and I thank each one of you for your faithfulness.

I used the press release as a guide to jot some things on cards and put tabs in the proof copy of my book so I’d know where to find things quickly and the major things I wanted to share.  I decided which family pictures to take,  one of my parents, one of me with my four siblings, one with John and me with our children, and the collage I put together of our nine grandchildren. I also managed to make up a price list for the different versions of my book.  This all was challenging with my son Chris’s family coming to stay the weekend because my brother-in-law’s memorial service was also on Saturday. Thank God for Holy Spirit guiding and inspiration! I was blessed to be able to join the family after my speaking engagement.

Tammy Ditch, keyboard Joy Besaw guitar, Heidi and  Pam on backup

Tammy, Joy, Pam, and I made a great quartet to lead the women in worship.  I was so blessed to be able to help get us all in tune with the Spirit before I spoke. He really blended our harmonies well!

Heidi gets the spotlight

When I shared about “bananas and blessings,” I told about Cathy Connor gifting me with the cowboy boots, my former boss at the motel gifting me with the pants in a bag of cloths she gave me, and the beautiful sweater from the church rummage sale Pam and I attended last weekend. I said, “And this is how the Lord clothes us like the lillies of the field!”

I pray that everyone was as blessed as I was by all that went on at this event. It reminded me that in heaven, we’ll have eternity to spend time with each other. We all left with a small pot of peonies and a Save The Date card for the next LiveMore event.  You can check out their Facebook page and keep informed here:

https://www.facebook.com/LiveMoreMinistries?mibextid=ZbWKwL

I leave you with this prayer for Jerusalem from Psalm 122.

Psalm 122:6-9 NLT
Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. [7] O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. [8] For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.”[Shalom][9] For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

Bible Chapter 8:1-8, 1Corinthians

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Welcome to the next study in this series. These passages about things offered to idols stress the fact that each of us answers to God for our own actions. Let us dig in!

1 Corinthians 8:1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

So, knowledge makes us prideful, but love edifies others as well as ourselves. If we love God, we are known by God.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 

In other words, I believe an idol is only a god to the one who believes it is one. The wise, loving person has realized the truth, that there is no other God with a big ‘G’.

5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

Yes, there are many gods and lords worshiped in this world, but only one God, the Father, and one Lord Jesus Christ. Belonging to Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit and the word of God, we gain understanding. Then we realize that we truly live solely in and through Him.

7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

Let’s unpack this section. Not everyone has the knowledge that in God all things consist. He made us, and not we ourselves. If you do not understand this, you believe the idol has tainted the food. Having a weak conscience, which I understand as not having a good understanding of who Father God is, this person senses defilement if eating food dedicated/ consecrated to an idol.

Photo by NEOSiAM 2024+ on Pexels.com

8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

In other words, God doesn’t care about the food we eat. As Jesus said, what goes into the body comes out. Let’s look at Matthew 15.

Matthew 15:16 So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated?

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18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.

This is where Jesus was chastising the Pharisees. They made sure to wash the outside of the cup and ritually wash their hands, but neglected the inside of the cup and their heart. They followed religion, counting the tithe down to the smallest mustard seed, but forgot the weightier matters like mercy and grace. This leads to the rest of 1 Corinthians chapter 8. Let’s continue and see what Paul had to say.

1 Corinthians 8:9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 

The new believers were trying to find their way in the newness of salvation in Jesus Christ. They had formerly worshipped idols made with human hands, offering meat to them and then eating it without knowledge of God. This made them weak and susceptible to error. For them, it would lead them back to idol worship, away from Christ.

11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 

We wound our brethren by wounding their conscience, and thus wound Christ.

13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Just because Christ has given you freedom does not mean your brethren have the same freedom. You may be able to play computer games, but it is not good for me because it is clear that I cannot limit my time playing. I should not insist that you stop playing because I cannot. The food issue is a hot one these days. If your friends are vegan, vegetarian, paleo, Pegan… any restrictive diet choice, it’s a mine field to eat at the same table. I come from a marriage where we eat a lot of meat since John is an avid hunter and fisherman. My daughter-in-law is vegan and so is her daughter. When we visit their home, I aim to eat what she has prepared. I may not agree with her choices, but it is not my right to force my ideas on her.

Lord, forgive me when I assert my freedoms on others. Forgive me when I attempt to restrict others with my restrictions or damage them with my freedoms. Holy Spirit, help me love those I rub elbows with. Help me give them grace and love to live as unique individuals in Christ Jesus. Amen.

John and I had a friend take this picture. It will be used for publicity for my speaking engagement on April 27th. This will be the first actual event since my book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, was published just a year ago. [the other opportunities never panned out] I am holding the original paperback published by Zoe Life Publisher. John is holding the paperback from our Amazon KDP publishing he helped me with. If you are a woman in the area, [the church is in the Henderson/Adams, NY area] you are welcome to come! A complimentary breakfast will be offered from 9-9:45 a.m. The Program begins at 10:00 a.m. with worship to begin the presentation. Here is the Save The Date card:

The Hammer of God?

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This is what I saw in the sky on September 25th, 2023, on our way home from Brasher Falls, NY. God is doing a new thing in the earth these days, the beginning of the Kingdom age, when the sons and daughters of God shall be manifest on earth. He is putting down the hammer, the holy gavel, letting us know that judgment is here for those doing evil. It’s not time for the end time rapture, but the time for God’s people to tear down the dividing walls of religion, traditions, and offense.

There’s a great and mighty spiritual army in the earth today! We Believers are part of it!

In the words of a chorus I learned years ago: There’s a great and mighty army in the earth today, dressed in splendid armor, they’re in full array. The host of darkness tremble as we walk their way, there’s a great and mighty army in the earth today!

SO, let’s shout the victory. The enemy is under our feet… Great is our king… great is the King of kings!

As Kat Kerr says, Roll up your rapture rug and rule!

In other news, I was blessed to have my sisters, Gretchen and Trina, spend the weekend with me. They both live in Virginia, and we three haven’t all been together for a number of years. They were here to attend the burial service for our brother Karl’s wife, Debra McCoy Stahl. It often takes a cataclysmic event to bring family members together, but I’m not sure that’s the way God desires to bring us together.

We were able to sign Karl out of the hospital and take him to the service. It’s so hard when a loved one is confused and not understanding fully what’s going on. Reminds me a bit of traveling with our young children. My son Chris and his family also attended, which was a good help getting him out of the vehicle, settled in a graveside chair, and finding blankets to warm him.

I think it settled Karl to be there for the service, seeing Deb’s family, and hearing what the funeral director had to say. The ride back to the hospital was easier for us. We got Karl back in time for his lunch, visited our brother Fritz in the nursing home, and had a good meal together afterward at a local restaurant.

I was thankful for the day and enjoyed having Gretchen and Trina with me at our evening church service. It was a peaceful ending to the busy Saturday.

Yesterday, Sunday, my sisters helped John and myself organize things from Karl & Deb’s apartment. Gretchen suggested we go out to dinner to celebrate Trina’s birthday, which is today, October 2nd. So, after a long day of sorting and organizing, we went to Outback Steakhouse. We had an excellent waiter named Karl. I didn’t ask if his name is spelled with a K or C, but I did ask if it’s the joy of the Lord that he was sharing with us. He said, “Definitely! Please ask for me by name next time you come!”

A memory from fellowship in Tanzania

It is a blessing to recognize fellow Christians around us and give thanks to the Father for time together. Our pastor is doing a series called Better Together as we begin Life groups for the fall. If you would like to hear these messages, they are in the sermon archives at http://www.myacf.org. We have 19 different groups planning to meet this fall, which is an amazing number. Do you participate in a small group in your area? If you dont, I urge you to find a group to join or gather a few people together to start your own. I leave you with instruction and encouragement from the Word:

Colssians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him

John and our grandson Steven, on the 25th.

Better Together!

August Update

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Well, tomorrow is the day I have my first public outing with my book! My friend Pam is assisting me. We will have a table at the Henderson Heritage Day, so if you can, join us between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., we’d love to see you.

PLEASE READ THE UPDATE BELOW!

PLEASE READ THE UPDATE BELOW!

Update of an Update: The inclement weather forecast for Saturday, August 12th, in Henderson, NY, has caused a cancelation of the Heritage Day activities. BUT the Henderson Museum and the Peters Stevenson Antique Boat Annex, located next door, will be open from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. join us for the silent auction, local authors signing and selling their books, and the pie ladies coming to sell their pies.

In other news, John and I are enjoying blessing others with our garden’s abundance. Everything is outdoing itself, and I took a 5 gallon pail full of green beans to give away at last weekend’s church services. There was even enough for people who attended our new Spanish service on Sunday afternoon, and our pastor’s wife found some left during the week, which she took to bless someone else! This photo is just about a quarter of the pickings from a few days before last weekend. It’s taken me up to two hours to fully pick our bean plants!

What a joy it’s been to give things away this summer ☀️ All things come from the hands of our loving Father in heaven. No matter what your current circumstances are, you have been given something to give away, even if it’s just a kind word. We are truly blessed to be a blessing. I give thanks continually to our wonderful Lord and Savior for the opportunity to receive and then give.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

As my brother and his wife are facing challenging times, I am contemplating with the Spirit what a perfect solution might look like. I remember my grandfather, who I never consciously knew due to dementia. My grandmother took things in stride, caring for him at home until she found him dead. He was in his favorite chair, his hand atop his faithful Irish setter, Rusty, with his pipe in the standing ashtray on his other side.

My aunt and her family from Kansas spent a couple of years living there, which was an immense help when Grandma needed cataract surgery. My other aunt was close by. We visited a couple of times a year, and so did my uncle and his family.

It was another time, another place. Now, my brother and his wife have an aid come several days a week, a social worker that keeps tabs on them both. A couple of neighbors are helping when they can, but it’s not a good situation. Nursing home placement is looming.

My brother is used to doing a lot of walking, helping other people, and having intelligent conversations. His wife is content sitting in bed most of the day and using her phone and tablet. He seems to be declining mostly for lack of stimulus and erratic sleeping schedules. Being on disability, basically a ward of the state, there are few options.

Photo by Sarah Trummer on Pexels.com

These ideas are forming in my thoughts: What if there’s a family, a couple, or a widow that could take them into their home? A loving, godly atmosphere where they could be taken care of, have family meals, interact with others, or be alone for a bit as needed? A garden they could help with, some place safe for my brother to take a walk…

There was a time when family would take in family members, and there was a time when multiple generations lived together or close by. Is it possible to find a new way to create a solution other than a nursing home? Other than a person/couple living in an inadequate situation, spending our tax dollars? Can we find a way to identify those who would welcome others like my brother and his wife, bring them into their home, both sides of the equation benefitting from being together? What do you think?

Part of these thoughts were inspired by a story I heard about The Little Sisters, Disciples of the Lamb, located in the French countryside, whose members were all born with Downs syndrome. A few ‘normal’ sisters live with them to help. I read about this in the recent issue of ProLife Newsletter of Northern New York. You can find this at: http://www.liferight.org

I leave you to ponder how we can be the hands and feet of Jesus right where we are, using what God has given us to bless those around us. Lord, open our eyes to do the things that may be hidden from us. Amen.

Oh, my book can now be purchased at The Little Bookstore in Clayton, NY, where you can pay by card instead of cash or check. Also, please don’t try to buy my book on http://www.zoelifebooks.org until they get things settled with the business after the passing of my publisher. You may buy it from me, since I always have a few copies with me, or I can mail you one if you contact me with your address.

heidi.e.honey@gmail.com

As The Day Approaches…

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I have begun Pastor Penn Clark’s book, The Day, Living in Light of Eternity. You can find it at: http://www.pennclark.net and http://www.pennclark.study. He was my first spirit-led pastor, and I learned a lot about living in light of eternity from him. He has put his revelations and previous teaching on this subject, stemming from the Biblical fact that God has planted eternity in our hearts, into this newly published book.

Sunday, I went to church with my son Alex to the Methodist church he recently began attending. That experience, along with this book, brought the following Scripture passages to mind.

Ephesians 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Colossians 3:15 let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

We need to aim to encourage each other to live lives that encourage others. There’s a choice to make. Are we going to sit with others, sharing tales of what’s going on in the news, complaining about the weather, the government, our wayward loved ones,… or are we going to share testimony of what good things God is doing? Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs… the apostle Paul used these words to encourage the church in Ephesis and Colosse to live as those whom Jesus has redeemed. Living in hope, joy, and thanksgiving, having the assurance of our heavenly reward in Christ Jesus. Paul knew we would need to live in hope and give encouragement even more as our journey of faith continues.

The Methodist church is not what I’m used to, but I had a blessed time in the fellowship hall with the women of the church, getting to know their joys and challenges. I believe you can join hearts in the Lord no matter which congregation of believers you attend, even if it’s not your style service, becausethe Jesus in you meets the Jesus in them, even through religious trappings you’re not used to.

Alex’s service dog, Luna, has become Mascot for this small congregation. When she’s down in the fellowship hall, her official coat comes off, and everyone has doggie treats to give her and lots of love. It’s a good time for Alex to socialize. His wife, Joanna, said she encouraged Alex to go to church and has seen a good change in him. She said Luna doesn’t eat breakfast when she knows it’s church day and the treats are coming!

This Methodist church is on the trail of Charles G. Finney’s revival. He originated in Henderson, so our trip from Henderson to Alex’s church followed Finney’s path. We are all praying for God to do a new revival along this route, and Alex coming to church after so many years is a definite answer to prayer. I believe revival has truly begun, and many more prayers shall be answered quickly.. Catch the fire and pass it on through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, encouraging each other and living in the Spirit, overcoming the flesh, and spurring each other on to good works and faith! I leave you with a couple of beautiful photos my son Chris sent from fishing with his daughters in Vermont. Shalom dear ones.

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

Communication and Relationship

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I draw your attention to the twelfth chapter of 1 Corinthians. It has a lot to do with communication and relationship. Our first relationship should be with God, then with the people around us. Jesus died to restore our access to Father God, which was lost when Adam sinned, and also the power to join Jew and Gentile into one body.

1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.

Christ’s body is made up of many members, no matter what your background, no matter what your strengths and weaknesses are.

1 Corinthians 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

Yes, we have diverse giftings, different ministries, different activities, but we are all one in the Spirit of God. Which leads me to the book I’m reading this week. I met Dayna E. Mazzuca on LinkedIn. She did a two week zoom seminar on defining which of the five ministry gifts you belong to and mentioned her book, Write to be Read, Speak to be Heard A Communication Guide To The Five Filters. As a writer, I was interested!

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 

Dayna introduces you to The Scholar, The Social Connector, The Change Agent, The Adventurer, and The Mystic. Each of these types of readers has a filter they use when they read or listen. If you want your writing or speaking to be relevant, you need to know how these filters work, for yourself as well as them. The book is written in three sections. The first defines the types of readers, the second describes how these filters work in each type. The third section gives you a checklist to use when deciding how to reach your reader.

I quote two things Dayna points out at the end:

The onus is on you, the person aiming to be heard, to accommodate your various listener’s filters.

Page 82

Communication is an art, but it’s also work. The work of a committed soul hoping to reach another soul.

Page 83

Dayna Mazzuca has a passion to help us communicate with each other, to help us fulfill 1 Corinthians 12 by understanding what God has given us, how it fits with what others have been given, and using it to build up the body of Christ. This is a short 84-page book I recommend as a teaching and a tool, and you can get the Kindle edition for $2.99. Here is her website:

https://daynamazzuca.com/

I leave you all with a photo of our yard with its latest snow, which has already melted, and encourage you to read through 1 Corinthians chapter twelve this week. Be blessed and be a blessing!

Early March Musings

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I am busy doing a big editing job. The manuscript comes from a local Vietnam Vet who wants to share his personal account of a year in Nam and lay out the failure of our Nation to deal with the “police action” and its aftermath so the festering wound many veterans and activists- our nation as a whole-have can be cleaned out and reconciliation may come. The author’s wish is that we would learn from and correct the mistakes to keep from repeating them. I will let you know when this manuscript becomes a book; the author has wanted to speak out for decades and could use the encouragement!

Since I didn’t share any books I’m reading last post, here is one I finished over the weekend: 8 Keys to Kingdom Resources by Shawn Bolz. He begins with this:

“I have heard it said (and have said myself) that Heaven has an economy. A better statement is that Heaven is full of the best economic principles in existence.”

Shawn Bolz in 8 Keys to Kingdom Resources page 3.

This book is a condensation of Keys To Heaven’s Economy An Angelic Visitation from the Minister of Finance. In 8 Keys, Shawn covers:

1. Giving And Generosity

2. Finance, Resources, and Time

3. Favor, Relationship, and Influence

4. Hard Work

5. Creativity

6. Education

7. Risk and Faith

8. Intimacy With God

Have you ever thought about this many things being involved in Heaven Economy? It’s more than:

Malachi 3:10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

Add to it:

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25, adding:

Daniel 1:17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

And so much more. As we discover God’s storehouses are overflowing and He is our Father who loves to give good gifts to His children and what Mark shares about the abundant, and more abundant, life Jesus died to give to us,

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

8 Keys is a simple, but deep little book that goes far beyond the false “Prosperity Doctrine” many churches have adopted. Jesus does not want us to be poor, but to put our trust in Him to use what we’ve been given as the man with the five talents and the man with the three talents did. If you live in fear and hold tight to what God has given you to give away, invest, or share with others, the Kingdom cannot advance. This is illustrated by the man with the one talent who buried it because he knew it was a hard taskmaster that it belonged to.

Heaven’s economy has no lack. That means wealth is a renewable resource; the more you give, the more you have to give. The more you get and use knowledge, the more knowledge you have to give. It’s worth the risk, as long as you are intimately involved with God’s plan for you and those around you. The Gospel is free, but it takes finances to spread it! Let us do all things in the spirit of God’s love!

God’s Love Is All In All!

It is all we need!