Musings book – Musings along life's journey

It’s May!

May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Celebrate! It’s May, and God is on the move! I want to honor my youngest grandchild, Ashlynn Hope. Today is her 8th birthday 🎂. Friday the 10th is my youngest son Alex’s birthday. On May 14th, I will be 61. Then, on May 18th, grandson Jackson will be 12. Not to mention, my niece Kristen’s birthday is on the 17th, and don’t forget Mother’s Day on the 12th! What a busy month of blessings from Father God!

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. The nation of Israel’s anniversary is May 14th. Let all those who love Israel rejoice and be glad, for the LORD’S promises are truly Yes and truly Amen!

Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels.com

Joel 2:21 Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.

We have been experiencing a lot of rain these past few months. A few days ago, the above scripture came to mind. In the natural, I sense that the Lord is sending both the early and the latter rains at the same time! In the Spirit, I believe this corresponds with the reapers overtaking the sowers of the Gospel.

John 4:35Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! ³⁶And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.

Souls are so ripe for the harvest that many are eagerly accepting salvation with very little prompting. Check out testimonies from Iran Alive http://www.IranAlive.org and Voice of the Martyrs http://www.vom.org Ministries for some examples. Also, Crossroads Prison Ministry is looking for Spanish-speaking mentors because they have an increasing backlog of Spanish student lessons waiting for them. Most of these students have questions about their identity and salvation. They cannot wait! http://www.cmcarcelario.org

Sorry, I realize I have a book review page, but I’m going to share some reviews on this post. I recently connected with author Noel Williamson. His first book I read is, Love is Like a Bag of Popcorn. In this book, Noel shares from personal experience from his first attempts to ask a girl out, leading you through popcorn, sports, movie, TV shows, and pertinent Scripture references, all the way into his newlywed days. I recommend this book for everyone from teens to adults who are looking for tips on godly relationships, whether you are married already or not.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Next, I read Job Loss AppleSauce Trusting God after Job Layoffs and Finding Comfort in Applesauce. You’ll need to read to the end of the book to find why he capitalized the S in AppleSauce! The way Noel handled things will help others navigate the job market and other life changes. As with the popcorn references in the first book, Noel was clever with his apple references continuing in every chapter! I read each book in an afternoon [of course it was raining] they are short, interesting books. In the same Amazon order, I acquired Willamson’s third book, A Salad Bowl of Wisdom Life Advice from a Diverse Group of Adults. He begins with interviews from a couple people in their 90s, then a friend in her 60s and another in his mid-50s. His original plan was to interview people in their 80s, 90s, and above, but realized his younger-older friends have a lot of wisdom also! I have not had time to get far in this book yet [we were blessed with a dry day], but his easy, personable style is refreshing. I recommend you check out Noel Williamson on Amazon!

By the way, if you have read my book or listened to my audiobook, Musings Along Life’s Journey, please leave a review on Amazon, Facebook, Goodreads, or anywhere you post reviews. I thank you in advance!

If I wish you Jesus and Shalom, I wish you everything! May you be blessed and be a blessing, finding joy in all you give and receive from the loving hand of Father God. Until next time, Shalom!

Hail to the Lion of Judah!

April 29, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

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!

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 in Revelation

April 10, 2024April 13, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to the last Chapter 8 in the New Testament. This passage shares the beginning of God’s judgment on earth and the importance of the prayers of the saints.

Seventh Seal: Prelude to the Seven Trumpets
8 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

Silence! Would you expect silence as the seal was opened? We shall see that it was necessary.

2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.

These seven angels must hold a high status in the kingdom to stand before God. Can you imagine how loud the trumpets will sound after the silence? But hold tight! Before the Trumpet blasts, the angel with a golden censer comes to the altar with the prayers of the saints.

3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.

Our prayers are mixed with holy incense. Just as the incense the priests used in the temple, just a foreshadowing of what goes on in heaven, our prayers are a sweet smell that rises before our God. What happens when our prayers and the incense come into contact with fire from the altar?

5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.

This is where people come up with the term, “Acts of God”, awesome destruction and noise from the heavens. NOW the seven angels can blow the trumpets.

6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. First Trumpet: Vegetation Struck
7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

Vegetation Struck. Hail and fire mixed with blood thrown down from heaven, 1/3 of the trees, and all of the grass burn up. In an account from a woman who encountered Jesus in heaven, green is Jesus’ favorite color. Can you imagine Jesus mourning the need to destroy all that green because of the world’s evil, sinful ways?

Second Trumpet: The Seas Struck
8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

After one-third of the trees and all of the grass on the land were destroyed, something like a burning mountain hit the sea. One-third of the sea became blood: think of the plagues in Egypt when the waters turned to blood. Also, one-third of the living creatures and ships in and on the sea were obliterated.

I will not continue with the rest of the seven trumpets here, but let’s focus on the prayers of the saints that started all of this. We have been crying out for God to fix all that is wrong in this life and avenge the evil on earth for many generations. Those cries for help are piling up in heaven.

Worthy Is the Lamb
Revelation 5:8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

Golden bowls are full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. We who belong to Jesus are the set- apart, sanctified ones. We are the saints this verse refers to. Our prayers rise up to heaven; at least those prayed according to the will of God do.

Make sure you do not give up on praying the will of God on earth as it is in heaven. We tend to grow weary and disillusioned. This can stop us from continuing to pray, often just before breakthrough comes.

My dear readers, be encouraged. We serve a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering God who is faithful to all generations. Trust him to work on your behalf and keep bringing your concerns before the throne of grace. Evil will not prevail against God’s people. He will keep us through the days of peril and storm as He has done throughout all generations. Remember, Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to [God’s] wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. It is not for us to beg the Lord to act, but for us to pray according to His will and speak out declarations and decrees in the name and power of Jesus. We can’t go wrong using Scripture as the Spirit leads. If we do not take up and use what Christ has bought for us, it will not be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

I remind you; my first major book event is only two weeks away! If you cannot attend, please pray for me to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 Hebrews

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

In this edition of this series, we delve into the new Priestly Service we have obtained through Jesus Christ. Just a basic taste of the riches we have in His sacrifice.

New Priestly Service
8:1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

Who have I in heaven but You? Our ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, has now been seated at the right hand of our Heavenly Father in heaven. This is not the earthly tabernacle that was destroyed in 70 AD, but one that will never be destroyed. The earthly tabernacle was a shadow of the one we have now.

3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.

Paul is clarifying, comparing the earthly high priest with what we have in Jesus. What did Jesus offer?

4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law; 5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

God commanded Moses to follow His pattern, a copy/shadow of what is in heaven. Jesus came to earth to open the way to the actual tabernacle in heaven. Because Moses was obedient to all that the LORD instructed, we have a good idea of what it is. Although we need this background to understand what we have in Christ…

6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

He is now our Mediator, and we have a better covenant and better promises. Let’s see what this means.

A New Covenant
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—

So, the first covenant did not fit the bill, so a second covenant needed to be made. We are now in the days when we are heirs of this new covenant, along with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In this new era of God, it’s time to stand up as manifest sons and daughters of God and let His glory shine through us until it fills the whole earth.

My children Christopher, Harold, Eliza, and Alexander

We were blessed to have our four grown children together on Easter Sunday. If you have read my book, I introduced them with their families in the introduction. I pray that you experience a deeper intimacy and appreciation of the rich blessings we have in Jesus, our Christ. Shalom dear ones!

Bible Chapter 8:1-8, 1Corinthians

March 6, 2024March 6, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

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. ²And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. ³But 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.

⁴Therefore 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’.

⁵For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), ⁶yet 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.

⁷However, 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.

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?

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 8:9But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. ¹⁰For 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.

¹¹And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? ¹²But 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.

¹³Therefore, 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:

Bible Chapter 8:1-8 passages in the book of Acts

February 19, 2024February 20, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Welcome to the next section of Bible 8:1-8 passages. Let’s dive into Acts chapter 8.

Saul Persecutes the Church
Acts 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his [Stephen’s] death.
At that time, a great persecution arose against the church, which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

After the 120 who gathered in the upper room were immersed/baptized in the fiery Holy Spirit, hundreds upon hundreds of people were miraculously coming into the kingdom. All the things that Jesus told them would happen when He rose up to heaven were happening! This was a marvelous time to be part of what God was doing and the spirit of unity was strong within the body of Christ. Inevitably, we hear of persecution beginning with the arrest of James and John when they offered healing to the lame man at the temple gate. Next, Stephen was arrested and stoned to death, even though he was ministering to so many people and teaching with authority. God used this persecution to His advantage.

Christ Is Preached in Samaria
4 Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city.

See how God caused the believers to scatter? He wanted the good news of Messiah to spread to all the world, not stagnate in Jerusalem. He is still scattering and shifting His people around to where we are needed. It is a privilege to be part of this new era in the LORD, heaven coming down to earth; the veil between the two thinning as we speak!

The following is what Jesus taught not long before Acts 8 occurred:

Matthew 5:44But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Saul didn’t know it yet, but the Lord was using him in spite of himself. The one who was holding the coats of those stoning Stephen became the one the Lord used to reach multitudes of people in the name of Jesus the Messiah. Paul’s letters in the New Testament are still drawing, encouraging, teaching and training people today.

God is able to use everything for His glorious plans, even our enemies. Let us pray for those who treat us badly. Let us pray for and speak blessing over those our hearts want to condemn. As I said in my book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, If I don’t pray for them, they will be damned. The eternity of hell is so horrid, I don’t want even my worst enemy to go there! I will be speaking about my book at Smithville Baptist Church in Adams, NY in April if you are able to attend. Here is the “Save the Date” card.

2024 Fasting, Hope, and a few Book Reviews

January 1, 2024January 2, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

The Brownville, NY church Charles G. Finney spent a winter snowed -in at, preaching
and praying in the1800’s revival at its infancy.

New Year’s Eve, I spent about 6 hours at this old church, experiencing a taste of heaven on earth and the burgeoning revival in our area. I rejoiced in seeing people from my former church involvements and many from my current congregation, as well as many I met for the first time. Just thinking about how in eternity, we can fellowship with Everyone who follows Jesus!

What excellent fellowship we enjoyed as we packed the church sanctuary. The worship team was excellent, the Spirit heavy, and prayers effective. Baptisms were performed, and many children and young people were there, all behaving well for such a late evening! Oh, did I mention older saints and people from several different churches attended as well?

Our church has begun our annual January fast. Our concentration this year is Immanuel; Our God is with us, and we are with our God. You can check out http://www.myacf.org for Pastor’s sermon about this fast. I decided to begin fasting at sundown New Year’s evening, only drinking water. The Spirit and fellowship made it easy to pass up the snacks that were there at the church. This year, I decided to concentrate on no wheat, no dairy, and no sugars. I eat enough to take my supplements in the morning, then liquids until after 4 p.m. Liquids continue after sharing a curtailed dinner with my husband, John. The main idea is to take 21 days to make room in my life to grow closer to the Lord, feeding my spirit more than my flesh. Our church does not mandate that members fast or dictate how to observe it, but it helps knowing others are abstaining from food at the same time.

Now for the book reviews. I remind you that there’s a discount for my Musings Along Life’s Journey Kindle version starting January 17th, only 99cents!

The Lost Arts of Christianity by Mike Bartholomew is my current read. I met Pastor Mike at a joint prayer evening last week at our church. He pastors at a sister church in our area. This book was published in 2009 but still holds good advice for coming back to the truths of Christian Living many of us have left off from. Mike covers:

Beginning Correctly, Salty Living, The Spirit Filled Life, Self-control, Patient Faith, Serving, Hospitality, Disciple Making, Praying, Forgiving, Giving, Recognizing the Times, Loyalty, Contentment, Hard Work, Loving the Truth, Joyful Living, Discretion, Unity, Parenting, Submission to Authority, Finishing Correctly.

You will find I covered a few of these topics in my memoir, but Pastor Mike Bartholomew fleshes them out a bit more, since he’s been a Pastor as long as I’ve been a believer, which gives him more examples to share. If you want to find out how to help others find God’s way of living this Christian life or confirm/challenge the life you’re living, I recommend this book, which can be purchased on Amazon or Walmart.com.

The second book I want to share is the new devotional I started today. It’s Our Faithful God Devotional by Katie Davis Majors, 52 Weeks of Leaning on His Unchanging Character.

Katie says,”… we aren’t going to cover the whole Bible in a year. But we are going to read different parts of the Old and New Testaments, soaking our hearts and minds in God’s Word as we look for evidence of His unchanging character throughout the ages.” (From the introduction). Each week, you read one Scripture each day for four days. On day five, you read all four Scriptures. Two days a week, you can meditate/re-read the Scriptures, or use them as catch-up days. Katy starts each day by setting the stage for the chapter you will read, then offers questions to help you apply it to your life.

This seems to be a good place for me to start this new year. I have christened a new journal and look forward to what the Spirit will do with Katie’s prompts. My first assignment is to read Genesis 1 and start a habit of noticing God’s goodness all around, trusting Him to make the dark areas of my life light and good. This means seeing God as Creator of all, still speaking light and life, still declaring His creation is good. My second day, I read the first chapter of Matthew.

As I conclude these thoughts, I speak Shalom to you, my readers. 2024 is a year of expectation. God is on the move, and we are blessed to move with Him! Remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as Psalm 122 says, for the good of our brothers and friends. Also, they that touch Israel touch the apple of the Father’s eye. He will not let the enemy go much farther. His judgement is written in the Scriptures!

Wrapping up 2023

December 26, 2023 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

I got my puzzle board out for the first time since last winter. Around church service on Sunday morning and visiting with our son Alex’s family on Monday, we had a quiet couple of days. I got out the Christmas puzzles, choosing the nativity to keep my thoughts on what we’re celebrating. This puzzle was challenging, with lots of repeated colors and textures.

I actually gained control of the remote, and we watched some encouraging videos on Amazon Prime. I saw Agatha VonTrapp sharing the Sound of Music story from her own perspective with her grand niece. A real treat, since the Sound of Music was my Austrian Jewish grandmother’s favorite movie.

Archie the tomcat enjoying the box of wrapping paper and the lights on the tree at Alex & Joanna’s house yesterday.

Then we watched Noelle, the story of a priest who shuts down churches that aren’t thriving, sent to a small church led by a classmate from seminary. Turns out he’s haunted by a baby/young girl whom he’d encouraged his college girlfriend to abort. A real story of redemption and the true meaning of Christmas.

Going back to the Nativity puzzle, I point out that it gives the condensed version of the account that most of us grew up with. I didn’t realize until I started reading the Bible myself that the Christ child was about two years old, and the family was living in a house in Bethlehem of Judea, when the caravan of wisemen arrived.

Well, I finished the puzzle as I was heading to bed last evening. I won’t continue recounting the rest of the half-dozen videos we watched, but I go on to this morning. Following friend suggestions from Facebook, I spent an extended time cruising my feed, which I’ve not attended to lately. Lots of beautiful family Christmas photos as well as memorials to those who won’t be with the family this year. Children are growing quickly, those of a certain age are growing old gracefully, and I’m thankful for all God is doing in our lives these days. Here, I share a photo from my browsing. Since I got it from accessing a FB game, I had to have my husband John take a picture of it on my phone and send it to me. Trying to save the photo to my phone only took me back to the games!

This is definitely a choice verse for my life, and it must be what the Lord wants me to concentrate on for 2024. I’m happy that my friend Joyce from Kenya is part of this photo. I don’t recommend accessing Facebook games, but this was worth it for me today.

This New Year’s Eve, there will be a prayer vigil from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Wellspring Fellowship church in Brownville, New York. From the invitation, this stone church was built about 1823 and shared by all the churches in the area until 1826, when it was purchased by the Episcopal Church. It faithfully served the Brownville community until 2021.

Charles G. Finney came to Brownville in November 1823, following signs of revival that were beginning to manifest there. He was snow-bound for the entire winter and labored in this building in prayer and preaching until April 1824.

I am excited! Revival is beginning in our church, Airport Christian Fellowship, in Dexter, NY, which is just a few miles away from this church in Brownville. If you are in this area, join us for any or all of the time between 6p.m. and midnight, New Year’s Eve, 2023. The address is: 212 Washington Street, Brownville, NY 13615.

Wherever you are, you are right where God needs you. Or, He will prompt you to move soon into the position you need to occupy for this new erea in His plans. Oh, it’s official. My book, Musings Along Life’s Journey, Vignettes From The Road, is live on Amazon. You may purchase it in hardcover, paperback, Kindle, or as an audiobook read by myself.

Success in Fits ‘n Starts & Emmanuel

December 18, 2023 musingsalonglifesjourney2 Comments

I think we finally won the battle! After about a month of fits’n starts and my husband John coming to the rescue, my book is officially LIVE on Amazon. You can find the SECOND second printing in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle versions. The audiobook, read by me, is waiting for final quality checks, and then it will also be available on Amazon and ACX.

I hope this photo got your attention! Musings Along Life’s Journey Kindle version will be on a promotional sale from January 17th to 24th, 2024. The price will begin at $0.99, rise to $1.99, $2.99, then revert to the original $8.95. Thank you to all who have blessed me by buying the original version of my book. That money helped pay for the $1,200.00 for Dave Ficere to facilitate my audiobook creation.

Emmanuel, God with us! Let’s contemplate what that means. I will draw on Pastor Paul Gimtter’s sermon at ACF Church this morning. In the first chapter of the book of Matthew, we have the genealogy of Joseph and of Mary, proving they came from the line of David, tribe of Judah. As an aside, my elderly cousin told me our family believes we also came from David’s tribe.

God wanted to be with us so desperately that He reduced Himself to be placed in a human egg in Mary’s womb. Angel activity ministered well in the events pertaining to God becoming a man, Emmanuel.

Pastor Paul related it to a dirty, stinky diaper on a baby. Jesus, fully man and fully God, stepped into the dark, foul mess that mankind made. He came so we never haft to walk alone. Pastor Paul read Psalm 139 to reinforce the fact that there is no place we can go that He is not there.

Think of the deepest hole you have fallen into, the darkest night you’ve been in. He was there with you! He has never turned His back on you. Jesus did not come to condemn us in our sins and sorrows, but to save us. Ask the Holy Spirit to take you into the pains and hurts. Let Him show you where He was. Let God’s loving kindness turn those graves into gardens, your mourning into dancing. Jesus came to show us how much the Father loves us. Even the woman at the well, His messed up disciples… so many examples of the Father’s love and mercy through all generations!

Romans 8:38-39 AMPC
For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, [39] Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I’d like to share one more piece of the Christmas story we don’t usually ponder. Bethlehem of Judea is where the shepherds raised the Passover lambs for the temple sacrifice. The lambs without blemish were chosen, then wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger to keep them clean and unblemished. Sound familiar?

Luke 2:6-7 ASV
And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. [7] And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Revelation 13:8 KJ21
And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world.

Oh, how wonderful! Oh, how marvelous is my Savior’s love for me! I hope you experience a new dose of the great love of Emmanuel, God with YOU this Christmas season.

Publishing Success and Hanukkah

December 14, 2023January 1, 2024 musingsalonglifesjourneyLeave a comment

Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate this important holiday. It’s the feast of dedication, commemorating the re-dedication of the temple after the Maccabean victory. The temple had been desecrated by pigs, one of the most unclean animals.

My thoughts on this? How much cleaning of my soul, life, and possessions is needed at this time in my life? What do I need to dedicate or re-dedicate to my Lord and Savior? After all the earthly temple is no more, but it is now inside of each soul who names Jesus Christ as Savior.

Many have heard the name Jehovah Nissi. The common understanding of this name is The LORD is our banner. Moses held up the rod of the LORD during the war with the Amalekites. The Israeli army was winning as long as Moses held his hands up, but we’re losing when his arms got tired. Aaron and Hur assisted him. At the end of this battle, God spoke to Moses. This is when Jehovah Nissi is introduced in the Bible.

Exodus 17:14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and called its name The-Lord-Is-My-Banner; 16 for he said, “Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Jehovah Nissi also connotates the LORD’S war cry, the light breaking through. As Christians, we should join in with lighting a menorah for the 8 evenings of this festival, celebrating Jesus. He is the unending light of the world. Angels burn with holy fire. The love of God is a consuming fire. This holy fire, by the Spirit, cleanses us. It burns up the chaff, kindle the chaff. You can find a small menorah on Amazon. Mine uses birthday candles. You can find the Scriptures and prayers for each evening online.

This day, December 14th, 2023, is the final evening of the holiday, but this gives you time to prepare for next year. I got busy and have not climbed up to get my menorah down from the upper shelf in my kitchen.

Hallelujah, this day is also momentous for another reason. I declare my KDP adventure complete. My kindle, paperback, and hardcover versions are all submitted and going through quality checks. Musings Along Life’s Journey, Vignettes From The Road, will soon be available for purchase on Amazon!

You may see any, all, or none of these photos used in the KDP publishing. Each of the covers, including the audiobook, have different covers. I have not figured out how to use the photo from my original publishing or to reuse a cover made with the KDP cover creator. The top photo IS the cover for my audiobook. Top left is the first try at the hardcover. The green bordered one on the right is the first try at the paperback. The bottom left, of course, is the one from the original publishing by Zoe Life Christian Communications.

Stay tuned, and I shall soon begin my second book. I’ll take you through my publishing journey, sharing testimonies from along the road. I’m open to suggestions for a title & subtitle, as well as a cover photo. I also want testimonies or reviews of my first book to include. Stay tuned!

I leave you with a small portion of the cookies that the women from our life group decorated last Saturday. I was not able to attend due to family spending the weekend, but we got to share some of these at church last evening. We had a Q&A about our potential building plan at ACF Church. Shalom to you all!

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