Hubs and I were talking this week about our fun and interesting church tour in Texas. We moved a few hours away from my home town to be closer to Hubs’ job and expected that finding a new church home would be easy enough. And boy were we WRONG! (Now I know why people say NOT to move until you find a church).
Some people say you should just “go be” the local church as if WHERE you attend and WHO you serve under isn’t of much importance. To which I say, hogwash! The two most important decisions a woman can make is who she selects as her (1) husband and (2) pastor because those two men will absolutely influence your future mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, financially, etc. For me, any position of influence and authority over my life is taken seriously, most especially in the spiritual realm because there are A LOT of evil wolves out there pretending to be godly guys. I don’t expect perfection. I don’t even care if they drink, smoke or cuss. But I care deeply about intent and motives. If your intentions are pure but your execution is faulty, welcome to my world. But if your motives are evil and your intentions are for yourself and not the sheep, I can’t flourish there nor do I want to.
I call our decade between church homes “the wilderness journey”. I pulled up 20-30 churches in and around the city we moved to and watched their most recent online services. I could tell quickly whether it would meet Hubs’ approval (he’s actually more selective than I am). Then we started visiting a new church each month from the short list. If something seemed good (not abusive, not controlling, not a cult, free from “out of order” services, not weird, not religiously superior, etc.) we would visit consistently for months even joining a life group or two to TRY to somehow fit. We wanted it to work. We wanted it to fit. But it failed over and over again. I started calling the area we moved to “the land of the walking dead”. Even if the sermon was good, there was simply no LIFE or BREATH or POWER and the discipleship was lacking if present at all. They also taught a lot of uplifting messages and sermons that 99% of people wanted to hear. Grace and love but without warnings of repentance, judgement, and the need for discernment. Place after place felt like a motivational business leadership meeting rather than the gathering of disciples. Worship was often good but performative. It just wasn’t a place we could call “home”. There was also a church that I liked a lot but Hubs was adamant that the leadership didn’t really care about the sheep and wouldn’t even notice if we were gone. So we stopped going for a few months and sure enough, they didn’t notice. They didn’t even check on our teens who had been attending youth group weekly for months. He was right. They cared about their weekly performance, their numbers, their building fund, and their growth, but we saw zero concern for the actual sheep and zero concern for us. It was so odd and disappointing.
We were reading Awe of God (Ch. 34) by John Bevere this week about the Lord speaking to Moses face face. Moses said to God, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.” Exo 33:15. That was it!! God’s presence was not WITH US at any of these other churches. (I am not saying these churches weren’t Christian, that God wasn’t with them, etc. but He wasn’t with US there). Then suddenly He was.
On July 6, 2025, we were visiting a church and the presence of God made himself known during worship. Hubster began to sweat and almost faint. Yes, the Holy Spirit resides in us and is always with us but then there are times when the PRESENCE of GOD surrounds you and floods you and that happened that day. The Spirit of the Lord revealed Himself and made His presence known as if saying to us “I AM HERE”.
Like Moses, we had been through the wilderness but were back in God’s undeniable presence. In Awe of God, he writes that Moses in essence declared, “If I have to choose between Your presence and Your blessings, I’ll take Your presence!” God’s presence and direction is exactly what I have been actively pursuing since January 1, 2024 when I turned my face back toward Him. His plan. His path. His way. His PRESENCE. God’s presence did not appear to us at any of the prior churches during our tour in the land of the walking dead (which I had also become). I used to be sad about that, but now I’m glad. When you find the RIGHT spouse, you’re glad that prior relationship failed because you realize that wasn’t supposed to be your guy and God had a better plan and path for you. It reminds me that we aren’t supposed to put a period where God means for there to be a comma. Don’t build a brick house where you’re supposed to put a tent for the night. If you haven’t found your personal church home yet, keep pressing on. Don’t quit. Don’t give up. I pray you will KNOW when you know.
God y’all. Answering my million “but why” questions like a loving, patient father.
I was born and raised in Babylon (metaphorically) and was taught the ways of the world from a very young age. My stepfather possessed a lot of illegal drugs so people weren’t allowed to come over often. If you were smart, you would be seen, not heard and stay out of the way. They were also lots of fun. I had a great childhood over all. My stepdad and his friends were the life of the party. Took me to the lake, camping, taught me how to play pool, darts, and washers, gave me worldly life advice that I still use today, and he took me to my first concert to see Bon Jovi and Cinderella where I fell in love with live music. By no means was it abusive but it was dangerous and required a lot of lying and deception. I developed street smarts (survival skills) very early in life becoming legally emancipated at age 16. I have been the “least among you” living in the projects and rejected by those who were supposed to love me especially once I converted to Christianity. I do not say that for pity or empathy but for character illustration (the history behind the author). I’m actually thankful for the life experiences that have forged the person that I am today. That said, I’m working on a blended family book and am currently outlining the Chapter about Estrangement. There are a million reasons why estrangement can be a very healthy and necessary thing. Today, it’s too trendy and good families are being cut off left and right. I do not agree with that and that is not who or what I am talking about. I am talking about the need to cut off EVIL, wickedness and those who seek those they intend to devour. Jesus came with a sword and families will be divided. The Godly and the demonic are separated and that is a VERY GOOD thing.
Last night at Life Group when I was discussing being the “black sheep” of my family, the outcast, the one that doesn’t fit, my hands started shaking. It was odd. That doesn’t happen very often. I asked God why they still bothered me so much and I woke up knowing the answer. I cannot change them but I can teach you.
I am convinced that my DNA relatives are involved in a string of Fentanyl deaths and robberies. But they are so wise in “seeking those they may devour”. The female in the group dresses in scrubs and markets herself as a caregiver to people on hospice similar to the Visiting Angels program (she does NOT work for them). Keep in mind, if you die on hospice, there is no autopsy. Their victim selection is top notch. That is where they keep winning. They find the older senior citizens whose families cannot provide support, do not live locally, or those who don’t have family, church family, frequent visitors or funds. For the first month, she is SO HELPFUL. She does her job and does it well. She gains trust. She runs errands, separates their medication into a weekly pill planner, helps them pay bills, listens to stories about their lives, looks through their family photo albums and watches TV with them. Then she tracks visitors and calls to see if there are any security concerns or whether she can get away with robbing them. Once her security surveillance is cleared, she changes the medication in the pill bottles. She withholds life saving medications and increases the pain meds, morphine, oxy or whatever they’ve been prescribed. She keeps them sleeping for days while she goes through every nook and cranny of their house looking for valuables (wedding rings, gold, silver, cash, vehicle titles, keys, etc.) After one died, she was found driving around town in his Audi saying they gifted it to her for caring for them. And no one questions a thing OR they do have questions, but no evidence. She also does not act alone. There are at least 3-4 other people involved. The elderly person is their “mark”.
Every few months, I check public records to see if anyone on the team has been arrested again and sure enough, one of the team members was arrested for possession of fentanyl and I just knew. I know in my gut that they are putting fentanyl in their soup, killing them fast and then robbing them blind but I can’t prove anything.
I talked to the police about my concerns a few times. Each and every time with various different officers they have said that they are not in the crime prevention sector. If I have a known crime with a date of incident, they will take a report but they are merely law enforcement not crime prevention and their legal burden is high. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The proof simply doesn’t exist.
In one situation, I just knew they were doing this so I called Adult Protective Services and sure enough, when the worker arrived the elderly man said he was not safe and needed help. The “caregiver” was removed from the home and was given a criminal trespass warning. When the family arrived to check on the man, his check book had been taken, she had set up Zelle on his checking account and she was sending money from an online banking program he never authorized to be set up and did not know about. The title to his truck had been pulled out of the filing cabinet and his medication had been withheld. They had been caught! But no charges were filed and no arrests were made. She still got away with it.
Another one of my relatives also fully believes the team is killing and robbing people and she calls their team the “Angels of Mercy”. She said that she warned the sobriety community she’s involved with about them (the team often cries victim to addiction to get sobriety and faith based organizations to “help them” and they target new marks from those facilities and rob the very ones who are trying to give them a hand up in life). With the elderly, they act as though they are putting people out of their misery in their old age. They also see it as a victimless crime since most are dying soon anyway and do not have involved family and most don’t have much money (the families with money hire reputable, insured and bonded assistants not individual self-employed strangers in scrubs). But it can often yield a quick $5k-$10k after they sell their jewelry and sometimes they get vehicles or weapons out of the deal (they are all felons and can’t legally buy guns so this helps them stay strapped). They also consume or sell the person’s prescriptions for market value on the street. So even when the people are “indigent” the team still profits substantially temporarily until they run out of money again and need a new mark.
These people have not yet laid a hand on me because I have clocked them. But I do know their level of evil, their methods, their ways, I know it continues (on May 1, 2025 one team member had another arrest for credit card abuse of the elderly, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance) so I assume she robbed another mark of his/her valuables and medication. I did reach out to the victim’s daughter and confirmed their level of evil to any who have asked. I applaud them for having the courage to make reports and try to hold this team accountable. One elderly woman I called had been robbed at gunpoint in the middle of the night. Someone with the half-way house was trying to help felons get jobs and an older woman said she needed some work done on her garage door and help with clearing out shrubs. He did those tasks then came back a few nights later in the middle of the night with another felon and they stole her husbands possession (he’s in a memory care facility). It was so sad. But she didn’t make a report because it would put her in the position of proving the case against them and put her in more danger. She’s terrified of them and has good reason to be.
Pray with me that they will get caught, that they will be exposed, that their evil schemes and plans will be revealed to authorities and they will be removed from society. Pray that whatever plans they have for others will come back on them so that they will be caught in the trap they set for others. Pray for the elderly. Of course, I do pray for their salvation. If they were born again with the holy spirit living on the inside of them, they would have a great testimony. But for now, I must meet them where they are at and call a spade a spade and call evil, evil.
When I was talking to Hubster about it, we talked about the importance of the elderly having a strong, loving church family. It is so important to have people you know and can trust checking on you. The church we attend now has a program for seniors aged 55 & up and they check on their people. They visit them in the hospital, they gather once a month for lunch and events and they treat the elderly with respect and honor. They show them LOVE and protect them. They help them make repairs to their homes. They may not even realize it, but they may also unknowingly be saving their lives by keeping them from depending on the wolves who seek to devour them. The wolves are out circling right now.
Y’all… please keep a watchful eye on your aging parents and grandparents. Please use reputable caregiving services. Lock up your valuables. Be sure you call and visit WHILE the caregiver is there. Look them in the eye. Google them. Hire a PI to do a background check.
And finally, it is OK to be estranged from EVIL. Lysa TerKearst with Proverbs 31 Ministries has some great material on forgiveness versus reconciliation, forgiving what you can’t forget, boundaries, etc. The Boundaries book is really good too. One of my new favorite content creators Craft to Christ recently shared a post saying “we don’t dance with the devil… stay guarded and discerning” and she shared these verses. I hope they will comfort you with your estrangement if it’s truly a separation from evil (not revenge, immaturity, basic parenting mistakes and mishaps like we all have. People are choosing estrangement due to general offense rather than evil). You are absolutely called to be separate from EVIL and you do not need to feel guilty about it.
PS: For me, I am open to reconciliation with a few of my DNA relatives IF they have been reborn, IF they are actively being discipled, IF they are truly repentant and IF God gives me clearance and peace in doing so. Until then, who is my family? Those who do the will of my Father in heaven.
This clip is going around social media about James Talarico being a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I agree. And so it goes with most politicians regardless of their political affiliation. With his opponent, I also see a wolf in sheep’s clothing who is not a “we the people” kind of guy but a “we the corporations that can purchase me” philandering type of guy explaining his extreme net worth improvement since his time in “public service” and the statements made by his wife Angela recently during their divorce proceedings in Collin County. There are reasons the Bible warns us that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God”. The majority of conservative politicians are also wolves in sheep’s clothing and the sheep are often deceived by them. They SAY what they want to hear but they are only saying that to get your vote. They get the votes of Christians and elderly senior citizens, but then work on behalf of big insurance, big pharma, and big government (social security, medicare, medicaid) in a way that is best for the government rather than doing what’s best for the people. This often hurts senior citizens even leaving them indigent if they weren’t already. They say one thing and do another. They are liars. They are wolves.
Don’t get me wrong. I will vote a straight ticket for the conservative party rather than the liberal party because I’m anti-socialism and anti the open celebration of wickedness, but that does not mean that I support the candidates that benefit from my vote. I often know that I’m voting for a wolf when I vote but the conservative wolf represents my personal long-term interests more than the liberal wolf who seeks utter destruction and lawlessness. Many say it’s a battle of good versus evil but there is no one good and the righteousness of conservative politicians is as filthy rags (as is mine). They are not “good” either.
Regarding Talawhacko’s statements about God, I think they’re wrong and whacky. That said, I do have a prayer because my God is bigger than any whacked out political wolf. As a former hard core agnostic democrat, I didn’t believe in spiritual things (Jesus, Allah, Budda, Hinduism, Catholicism, Joseph Smith … you name it, I thought they were all equally nuts). As an agnostic democrat, if my candidate (Talarico) had started discussing God, the existence of God and Biblical principals, it may have prompted me to consider the existence of God again or open a Bible or listen to a sermon. He may have been able to influence me to consider that God’s existence was possible.
So my prayer is that the joke will be on the wolf because the Word says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” God uses what is intended for evil for His good and for His glory. God will not waste the opportunity to show Himself. WHOEVER (including liberal democrats) calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. If these agnostics give God another thought or start considering going back to church, what a beautiful harvest that could be for the Kingdom. Jesus says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day”. I believe God can use Talarico to help accomplish His ultimate purpose and I pray that He does. Democrats and agnostics, if you’re considering converting to real Christianity as a disciple, check out our New Believer’s Page for a list of helpful resources that you can explore at your leisure. After all, it is a matter of life and death because God is Real and Jesus is THE way, truth and life. I pray that you will find Him because I know He loves you more than you will ever know. If you’re feeling a softening of your heart and are considering talking to God maybe for the first time ever, He will be there.
P.S. Poli Sci 101 says that the U.S. election process in voting for candidates in elections allows individual citizens the ability to choose leaders who represent THEIR interests and values at the state and federal levels (not corporate interests) in government. If the conservative party doesn’t get out of bed with corporations, PACS, dark money, etc. and start focusing on individual citizens, they are going to lose ground and rightfully so. If they don’t start supporting minority candidates (something other than old rich white men), they are going to lose ground and rightfully so. There are so many things the conservative party could do to expand their realm of influence and to truly take care of citizens. They continue to lose ground over time because they refuse to take a hard look at themselves and they are dismissing the voters as a whole in exchange for their personal fame, glory, money and positions of power. They are oppressing the very ones they are elected to represent. Stop blaming democrats, look at yourselves, and start fixing the issues that citizens are concerned about (health care for profit, the social security fund, property taxes, the poisoning of our food supply, etc.) I don’t expect health care for FREE, but I do expect it to be fair. Retirees should not go bankrupt if they get a cancer diagnosis. But when the politicians own the medical facilities and serve on the boards and think in terms of profits over lives, that is what happens. They do not have clean hands. I know the Trump administration has started on these tasks, but you conservatives have had DECADES to handle these issues and failed to do so while throwing fits when the poor among you need medical care. It’s unacceptable. If your territory is taken from you, you really only have yourself to blame.
We are continuing to read the NLT Chronological Bible this year and are still in the Old Testament right now. Some of my highlights and reminders for June-August are:
Don’t be surprised when you see justice miscarried. There is evil in the courtroom. Even the courts of law are corrupt.
It’s a good thing to receive wealth from God & good health to enjoy it. Enjoy your work and accept your lot in life. God keeps people so busy enjoying life they take no time to brood over the past. This reminds me of the saying “happiness is the best revenge”.
Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest. Is there anything I’m postponing that I should go ahead and do now?
The men in charge of the RENOVATION worked hard and made steady progress. They restored the Temple of God (people) to its (their) original design & strengthened it (them).
Hosea. Israel’s future punishment. They cultivate wickedness and trust in their military power to keep them safe. When the terrors of war rise against them, I must remember that it must be this way to fulfill the LORD’s plans per prophesy rather than blame American politians or military leaders and nations. At the end of the day, what happens with and to Israel is between Israel and God and we know this is coming. Do not be surprised.
A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or attacking bear. When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes but the godly will live to see their downfall. Let the wicked be caught in the trap they set for others.
I am a friend to anyone who obeys the Lord’s commands. Psa 119.
You prophets won’t prophesy unless you are paid yet you claim to depend on the Lord.
You will no longer remember the shame of your youth.
His word produces fruit and prospers everywhere he sends it.
The Lord is coming with fire. The Lord will punish the world by fire and with the sword. He will judge the earth and many will be killed by Him.
The Lord says, those who wish to boast should boast in this alone. That they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love who brings justice and righteousness to the earth and I delight in these things.
The shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the Lord so they fail completely and their flocks are scattered. What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people – the shepherds of my sheep – for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for says the Lord. They do evil and abuse the power they have. I have not sent these prophets yet they run around claiming to speak for me.
You always give me justice when I bring a case before you.
On Monday July 16, 2007, I wrote myself a reminder on Myspace titled “Who We Are in Christ” because I was struggling to remember my new identity as a young believer. I realized that it’s something that I still struggle with today and that I should probably read this daily until my feelings catch up with my faith.
You are a new creation, created in Christ Jesus, with “new” things from God on the inside of you. 2 Cor. 5:17-18.
You are righteous and holy Rom. 5:17; Eph. 4:24. (To which Duane Sheriff would say, “now act like it”).
Sin no longer has power over you. Rom 6:1-6.
You have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16. (Renew your mind daily with the Word).
You are forever free from condemnation. Rom. 8:1 (I can see spiritual warfare at work against me with this one. Either the enemy continues to condemn me regularly or I’m doing his job for him.)
God is now your Father and you are His child. 1 John 3:1.
He has chosen you and you are blameless in His eyes. Eph. 1:4-5.
With Jesus, you are more than a conqueror. Rom 8:37.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Phil 4:13.
You have become a temple of God. 1 Cor. 6:19.
You are a friend of God. John 15:15.
You are a saint. Eph 1:1, 18; Phil 1.1.
You are a partaker of Christ; you share in His life and heavenly calling. Heb 3:1, 14.
You are a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession. 1 Peter 2:9.
You have direct access to God through the Spirit. Eph 2:18.
You have been redeemed and forgiven of all your sins. The debt against you has been canceled. Col 1:14.
You have been given everything you need to live a godly life. 2 Peter 1:3. (Now act like it).
You have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Tim 1:7. (Now act like it).
Reference material by Jacob Sheriff with Victory Life Church: Teaching 1 Lesson, Teaching 2 Lesson, Study Notes (50+ pages)
Last weekend, Hubster and I were talking about the recent 2026 Southern Baptist Convention that passed a ban on women pastors and leaders specifically forbidding them to speak on Sundays while men are in the audience. The Ministry Safe Article can be viewed HERE. Thankfully, I have evangelical roots where women are allowed to teach and preach and use their gifts with the equality of men. Specifically, with Duane Sheriff Ministries (Victory Life Church Durant, OK) and Mike Hayes with Covenant Church Carrolton. Mike’s daughter Amie Dockery is a lead pastor there and speaks many Sundays. Amie is who introduced Priscilla Shirer to us back in 2010-2011 at a women’s conference. Priscilla also speaks on Sundays to men. Hubster went with me to hear Priscilla preach on a Sunday in DFW and loved it. He supports it. But he tends to empower women and he helps encourage me. Women have been teaching men their entire lives. Their moms were their first teacher, then their teachers in school were often women. If you’ve been married any length of time, you know wives teach their husbands many things. Jesus protected, respected, honored and empowered women. Women were apostles and evangelists since the beginning of His ministry.
After watching the Deep End Podcast with LeCrae When Submission Becomes Abuse: Beth Moore Speaks Out all I could think was that I wish Beth had changed denominations. The evangelical groups would have welcomed her as an equal and would have empowered her just as the Holy Spirit does. She would have been loved, respected, honored and treated as an equal. But also, maybe she was supposed to be exposed to what she was so that she could share her testimony about it. God exposes me to MANY things because (1) he knows I can handle it and (2) he knows I will write about it sharing it with the world. He can trust me to do my part. It’s a pact we’ve had for a long time dating back to before I met and married my Husband. My husband loves that about me. He desires for me to minister with him alongside him as his partner. He does not want me to sit quietly on my hands with tape over my mouth (though often times that is what I want to do in large groups). He does not feel superior to me or that he’s better than me. God knew what He was doing when he connected us. (This is not to be confused with roles of husbands and wives. That’s a separate topic covered in the marriage series I’ve linked previously).
For decades I have said that the two most important decisions that a woman can ever make is who to choose as her (1) husband and who to choose as her (2) pastor. Those two men will have more influence over you and your life than anyone else besides your father (but you don’t get to choose him. He’s appointed to you at your birth). Personally, I wanted my husband to choose our church home. But we each get a vote thus we each have veto power. We agree before making big decisions. So basically, I just ask that he share HIS views and thoughts first before me so that I know that my views won’t influence his response. Once he shares his thoughts, then I will share mine. When we visited a local church last year, Hubster shared that he felt called to be there and felt the very real Prescence of God. I had too. The Holy Spirit was present. So we partnered with them.
It’s a bapticostal type church. It has the appearance and feeling of an evangelical church but it is also listed on the SBC website as being affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (noting that the list should not be used as an official list to verify cooperating status or eligibility for messengers to the SBC Annual Meeting), has deep baptist roots, and is very strongly male dominated. That connection almost made me faint because I didn’t find that out until recently. Had I known that beforehand, I likely would not have visited them in the first place. But I’m glad that we did. Plus, after 4-6 invites to attend, clearly God was working to get His point across that we were supposed to visit.
There are things there that I see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears. First and foremost, the lead worship pastor is a woman. And y’all, that’s her calling and gifting no doubt. She also ministers to us (both male and female) every single Sunday in that role regardless of what title she carries. I also see women there baptize new believers. I see women co-lead life groups. I see the pastor’s wife lead women’s ministry. At a minimum, I can say that the pastor empowers the women in his life. You can tell by looking at his daughters. He cannot help the denomination he was born into. He did not get to choose his religious background or roots. But his heart and spirit is not one of abuse or control. He’s genuinely lead by the Spirit. You can see it. He’s breaking chains and making progress in an area where so many have been resistant to make. One that I have never had to be concerned with because that’s not my church history.
I’m not here to persuade you one way or another. Each person will believe what they believe. Similar to the statement “in core beliefs we have unity. In non-core beliefs we have harmony. In everything, we show love”. Showing love also includes warning people that “the stove is hot” per se. If a church is abusive, please WARN people. Please speak out. Your word is your testimony. Share it! You may save 10 other people from the same abuse. Jesus would protect and correct if He were here. So for that, I’m so thankful that Beth Moore shared her story. I’m glad these women are opening up and supporting other women since the men in their lives have failed to do so. It’s a sad day when the sheep must align together with strength in numbers to protect the sheep since many sheppards (in name only) don’t. One story may not help or change anything but thousands can just like one sexual harassment claim against Harvey Weinstein wasn’t relevant but once there were 80-100 that came forward, there was accountability. As a victim’s rights advocate, I must side with the victims otherwise my words and actions won’t align and I will be double minded in all of my ways. A hypocrite.
PS: If you are a woman who has not yet joined a church, just know that you have denomination options. I don’t think it was ever supposed to be this way. I believe the intent was to be ONE church (the Way, Disciples, etc.) 1 Cor 1:10 says “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment”. Had that been followed, had that been honored, would there be 45,000 different Christian denominations or would there simply be one? But here we are. So, you do have options. Choose wisely. There are pros and cons to each and they should be looked at on a case by case basis.
PSS: My comments section has been turned off since the day this blog was created. This is my personal journal. You are welcome to create your own page and share your personal journal entries on your page but I do not engage in arguments with others about my views, life experiences, observations and encounters. My page. My testimony. Your page. Your testimony. Additionally, most dissenting opinion comments can be cleared up by watching the 2 linked videos above. If you can spend 2 hours of your time listening to them, you will see and hear Victory Life Church’s breakdown of 1 Tim 2:12 He does a much better job of explaining it than I ever could.
We are still reading the NLT Daily Chronological Bible this year. This week, I loved the Psalms. Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is worthy of praise! In today’s (July 9) reading it shared Psalm 109. Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.
Since I have a blog that reaches around the globe, I thought I’d publish some of the glorious deeds among the nations of the things the Lord has done for me. He saved my son at 8 years old after a stroke and brain surgery. When lies were being brought against me in family court, He revealed so much more evidence than in the average situation. He uncovered the truth and came to my rescue. He led me into so many “right place, right time” situations that only God could maneuver. He brought the right people into my life in different phases of my life to guide me for a season. Some were pastors, teachers, friends, lawyers, employers and neighbors. He’s supplied all of my needs according to his glorious riches. He gave me hugs when humans abandoned me. He filled every broken part of my heart with love in abundance running over. He provided a way of escape for me through his Son Jesus in exchange for my many sins that are too numerous to count. He restored me from my worldly identity as the Woman at the Well to a loved child of the Most High God. He changed my life.
Life – existence in this broken world system – is so far from perfect. But when I look at the chaos, it’s almost always man made. When I’m sipping an iced coffee on my back porch listening to the birds chirp and the squirrels play, it reminds me that life CAN be simple. There will still be seasons of pain, grief, difficultly and hardship but that’s part of the human experience. The storms of life hit all houses. No one is immune. But with God…
I praise you Lord. For you are good. You are Holy. You are Love. You are incredible. I’m so excited to be a daughter of the most High King of all the earth. What people mean for evil, you use for good. I will never be able to pay you back, but I can try to pay it forward.
Great is the Lord. He is worthy of all praise!!
P.S. I’m looking forward to ALL of the captives being set free. Amen.
I was born and raised in a small suburb on the outskirts of Milwaukee called Oak Creek, Wisconsin. It was mostly farm land and by no means were we a farming type of family. I was the youngest of five kids living in a single mom household. My mother had been divorced twice and struggled at making every dollar stretch. We often shopped at thrift stores, garage sales and K-mart blue light specials. It didn’t occur to me until much later in life that we didn’t have much growing up because I never felt any lack outside of my shoes and clothes.
We were raised in the Roman Catholic religion. I found the rituals interesting and a bit mystical. I went to all the catechism classes, received my first communion, and was even an alter boy for a season. But, we did not read the Bible and weren’t taught the importance of reading the Bible.
When I was 28 years old, my co-worker Devon Carter asked me if I had ever read the Bible. My immediate thought was that he was “one of those” religious weirdos. I was polite and responded that I had tried to read the Bible, but it didn’t make any sense to me. Devon answered, “because it’s a spiritual book and you are spiritually dead.” That took me back. Defensively, I quickly piped back with “what is that supposed to mean?” I’d never heard of being “spiritually dead” before. He went on to explain that humans are body, mind and spirit. Our spirit comes from our Creator and returns to our Creator upon our physical death.
Devon challenged me to get an easy to read New Living Translation (NLT) Bible and encouraged me to read the Book of John in the New Testament. That night, I had a “God Moment” as I read John Chapter 3 about a believer’s new birth. It said, Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. Those words hit me so hard! What did Jesus mean by being “born again”? I had serious questions about not even being able to SEE heaven without being born again. Over the next couple of days Devon took me through the Bible and showed me what “born again” means and how I could be born again.
I wanted this New Birth. I wanted to be Born Again. I wanted to have spiritual eyes so that I could see and understand these spiritual things. One evening in my bedroom it was just me and Jesus. I prayed and invited the Lord into my heart and life. I didn’t have any weird feelings and there wasn’t a breeze or anything crazy. But I believed it! I had faith at that moment that Jesus made me new. I knew at that moment something changed. Also, I now have eyes to see and ears to hear the spiritual things in the Bible. John 3:3 is now my life verse. In hindsight, I can see that God had strategically placed Devon in my life and used him to reach me.
I’d like to pay it forward and be a Devon in your life by encouraging you to read the Bible. That God Moment changed my life forever and I hope you realize this could be a God Moment for you right now. Don’t let it pass you by! The answers you seek are in the Word of God.
The Bible (the “Word of God”) has been studied and scrutinized more than any book ever written and it has never been proven to be false or inaccurate. Ongoing archaeological findings continue to affirm its accuracy. That’s cool! If you are like me and reading the Bible doesn’t make any sense, I can tell you now it is because you are a spiritually dead person trying to understand a book that is spirituality alive.
I hope and pray that you continue seeking the Lord.
I’m a “but why” girl. Not to be argumentative but rather to be able to fully understand a concept properly. Once I understand the WHY, everything just clicks. The puzzle is finished. My mind is at rest for five minutes.
For years I watched the shows Crossing Over with John Edward, Long Island Medium with Theresa Caputo & Tyler Henry’s show. I am convinced that they are genuine mediums and do, in fact, receive information from the spirit world. I don’t personally consult psychics or mediums, but I do watch the shows with curiosity about our unseen spiritual realm.
The Bible tells us not to consult with psychics or mediums. Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God. (Lev 19:31). I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community. (Lev 20:26). Anyone who consults the spirits of the dead is detestable to the Lord. (Deut 18:12.) C.S. Lewis official discusses the Finality of Death because the Bible teaches that the dead lack consciousness of earthly matters and cannot interact with the living (Ecc 9:5-6) and a chasm exists after death that prevents crossover (Luke 16:26).
So if our loved ones spirits cannot cross over to speak to mediums, who are these mediums speaking to? They must be hearing from unholy spirits or demons. Why is that a problem? I was watching a reading and the person’s loved one was NOT a believer when they passed yet the spirit told the medium that their loved one was at peace and happy. That sends a message that you don’t need to be saved to be in a better place when you die. It sends a message to the millions of people watching that you don’t need Jesus to be at peace after death and we know that is a lie. But what a brilliant tactic of the enemy to get you to believe that lie. The person being read is so excited to hear from their loved one, but it’s not their loved on at all. Instead, they’re receiving false messages from demons. Those demons did walk with your loved ones, they knew them, they can speak for them and share things with you that only invisible spirits would know. We know Satan patrols the earth, watches everything going on, and can go to and fro on the earth (Job 1:7). Therefore, Satan and his demons can speak to John Edwards, Tyler Henry and all the other psychics and mediums and tell them anything he wants to and people believe it. If you believe an atheist is enjoying life after death, then the enemy has done its job. We don’t fight against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12).
Our deceased loved ones cannot cross over and speak to mediums so anything you’re told is a lie even if that lie brings you peace. That’s called being deceived. And I cannot stand being deceived.
I’m so thankful the Lord closed my mind’s google browser on this topic and showed me WHY we shouldn’t consult mediums. And never forget, there is only ONE way to heaven.
P.S. For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son. Whosoever believes in Him shall not parish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
P.S.S. Since I posted this blog, I’ve come across a content creator on TikTok @crafttochrist, a former witch who now follows Jesus. Yesterday, I saw her video saying that when you visit a physic medium you’re receiving answers from a demon. Her page is checking out if you find yourself inclined to visit a medium to help you deal with grief from the loss of a loved one.
I often bounce around through life like a ping pong ball waiting to see what God has to show me. I’m looking for his people or the angels he may have among us. People watching. I LOVE people watching. It’s also very entertaining. Sometimes I will see people say or do things that amaze me or make an impression on me. That was my experience with Bob. He has a faith that shines through the darkness. He has been through wars and poverty and things our generation has not had to endure. He has buried two daughters (in their 50s) and his wife died after being involved in a car wreck (he was also in the wreck with her). Yet, I only see him rejoice. I am sure he has grieved. I’m sure he has wept. But all I have personally seen is him rejoice.
Recently, it was the anniversary of his wife’s passing and he made a social media post stating that it was the anniversary of his wife’s GRADUATION date. He treated the day as a celebration because he does not grieve as one with no hope. When we were texting about something else a few days later he said he calls it a Graduation day because no one died, they just transformed. Life is for the living and we are born to live life eternally.
Y’all. Yes. This. I need to remember this and look back on this when I experience grief or loss. When I graduate, I am going to be dancing with joy before the Lord (maybe a line dance) and partying with Jesus. It feels like life doesn’t even begin until we transform to the spiritual realm. What is hamster wheel life making money and spending money anyway? Aches and pains. Stress. Frequent bathroom breaks. It’s going to be a glorious day when I just get to roam free-spirited and uninhibited with my spiritual family and see the glory of God in person while earthlings get to sit in rush hour with honking car horns checking spam email messages listening to politicians argue about the future (even though I do love a good political conversation).
Iced coffee cheers your way. And thanks Bob for your incredible perspective.
godizreal 