Author: jonithetentmaker

Published author of the awesome Christian children's book, "The Tent Maker". I believe that life is a journey with a story to tell and I am here to tell it!

I Asked God for A Sign

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

On Tuesday, June 16, it was time for my five-year colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. Have you ever noticed how time flies when these medical re-checks come around? I thought about holding a protest over the “five-year” rule and demand it be every eight years. To my great disappointment, media interest was null, so I dropped my protest idea.

All joking aside, the day before the procedure had arrived and prep time was a “go!” After doing the first part of the prep for the colonoscopy, I had to wait until 3 am Tuesday morning for the second part of the prep. Knowing I would not sleep anyway, I found myself mindlessly channel flicking throughout and into the early morning hours. Can you imagine not one good old movie was on! Before my 3 am alarm went off, I thought it was the perfect time to read my bible and say my prayers.

During my prayers, I asked God to give me a sign everything was going to be okay, it was all under His control, and He was there with me. Also, to make it simple for me to understand. Even though the procedure would be at an outpatient facility, and we were notified of the protocol because of COVID 19, I was a little concerned.

After doing my 3 am prep, 6 am and time to leave for the facility arrived quickly, especially when you are in the bathroom the whole time. We left and made it to the facility with 15 minutes to spare, and by ten til 7, I needed to go inside and use the restroom. By 7 am, we were inside and going through the admittance procedures, and then we would sit in our socially distant seats to wait for the nurse to call me back. Buddy would have to go to the car to wait for me when I went to the surgical area. No sign had appeared yet.

About 15 minutes later, the nurse came to the doorway and called my name. I had my plastic insert from my purse, which contained my phone and some other items they wanted me to have with me, like my inhalers. Upon reaching the nurse, the first thing she says to me is, “Buc-ees!” The back of my phone has a Buc-ee the beaver button. I inhaled a deep breath and sigh. There was my sign!

Spending the last eight years in Texas, you get to know Bucees. It is a glorified gas station and store. Buc-ees sells items made by people in Texas, and it has some of the best food and BBQ, and the cleanest bathrooms in the world. I am not joking about the bathrooms because these are their pride and joy. Eighteen wheelers are not allowed, and there are spaces to walk your dog with poop bags provided. They pay above regular wages, give great incentives and insurance to their employees. Finally, a business done right! And the owners will never franchise because they have incredibly high standards that they do not want to depend on others to initiate.

You are probably wondering how Buc-ees can be a sign from God. My nurse was raised in Dallas and went to college at A&M at College Station, Texas. We talked about Texas and Buc-ees. And I felt very peaceful.

For this to be a coincidence is very unlikely, especially since we are in North Carolina now. And yes, I believe when God planned my future, He knew then that I would ask for a sign. So if you think about how every detail had to be aligned in both of our lives to make this happen, it is mind-blowing. And that is how much God loves all of us!

He loves you the same way!

As always, God Bless You!

Choosing Heros

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

What are the qualities of a hero? What classifies a person as a martyr? The dictionary defines a hero as “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” It describes a martyr as some who “who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs.” Here in America, we create our heroes from people who have personas, wealth, and tragedy. And we are not too picky in our choosing either, for in a moment of poor decisions and dreadful actions any situation can form a hero or martyr for us.

Since these are the individuals we use to model our own behaviors from and hold them up in a place of honor for our children, along with building our social beliefs and actions around, I think a set of guidelines should be followed. I am the first one to tell you that my own life is not one to emulate, honor, or even notice. My rocky path has been fraught with bad decisions and a huge learning curve. I did not come to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior until my children came along. Oh, as a child I longed for Him, I knew He was there and deep in my young heart was love and kindness. But my family was a more of a hit or miss type of Christianity, with more misses than hits.

Before I go on, I want to tell you a bible verse which if you read it each day, it will help you to move on from your destructive or cursed past and move forward into the path God has prepared for you. I recently found it and it is becoming my daily mantra.

“Nevertheless, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam, but the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your God loves you.” Deuteronomy 23:5. And as a side note, Balaam was a sorcerer during early times. The sorcerer for you could be anyone who has done harm to your life. Always remember, the Lord your God loves you!

Moving on concerning choosing our heroes and martyrs. You know me, I found a bible verse that I believe is a great guideline for their selection. It comes from the Apostle Paul in Philippians where he is describing how they should live their lives as Christians.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything of worthy praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received, and heard, seen in me, practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

The guidelines are that a person must be true, honorable, just, pure, lovely (kind), commendable in actions and beliefs, excellence, and is praiseworthy. And they must also put into their words, actions, and beliefs these qualities, not just one time or moment in their life but every day. Now I am not saying they must be these superhumans of biblical perfection, for they are fallen humans like you and me. But they strive to attain these qualities every day, even on the days they fall deep into the valley floor. Martin Luther King Jr is one of these individuals who comes to my mind and he had his human side too.

So before we take an individual and exalt them to the position of hero only because we so desperately need or desire one, step back, look at the whole picture and write the truth for history!

Mob Mentality Decisions Will Lead to Regret

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3 has some excellent advice for all Americans. Right now, America is riding a wave of tremendous force. If utilized for the good of all, the effect can be a significant turn in the history of the United States. But if the power gives into mob mentality and rash decisions, the wave will crash down and drown America forever.

During this frightening time for most people, I have an unusual calm and peaceful feeling. Each morning I meet with my Lord and put all of my trust in Him for my day’s decisions. And I ask for His guidance and directions, reminding Him that sometimes I require the direct approach when getting my attention. So, whether the wave is utilized for good or evil, I have God’s promises that He will be my shelter and stronghold.

In Psalm 91:2, it states, “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.”

There is no fortress, a castle, or any other type of humanmade stronghold which can withstand the power of God. He is not a humanmade by-product, but the One who created humans. And the universe in which we live. Realize if we turn to God for our decisions, we are safe. If those who are passing our laws, bringing about change, happen to turn to mob mentality decisions for deciding our local, state, and national laws, we still have God as our fortress to hide within.

In a time of uncertainty, we should make all of our voices heard. We must come together, to separate the wheat from the chaff, and rise to be and do our very best. God’s name and prayer must be at the center of these discussions for guidance and peaceful negotiations. The decision is yours to act on or to passively sit back and allow others to make the decisions for you. But either way if you trust in Lord with all of your heart, you will be OK!

As always,
God Bless You!

Defund the Police, No: Instead, Disperse the Money Properly!

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Like you, I have been watching the television news reports concerning the protests and rioting occurring throughout our nation.
While watching a peaceful protest, a young woman caught my eye with her sign, which read, “Defund the Police.” If it had not been so sad of a statement, I could have laughed out loud at the nativity and ignorance of her statement.

As a writer, I am going to write a story for you to consider.

Story Begins

A light spring breeze blew through the new green leaves on the aged oak trees lining Americana Avenue in the New Way neighborhood. A year had passed since COVID 19, the senseless murder of George Floyd, the protests and riots in America. The vaccine for COVID was developed in record time, as promised. And big cities, along with their suburban neighbors, were once again resting easy in the land of prosperity and dreams.

Porch lights went off one by one on Americana Avenue, as each homeowner locked their front doors and retired to their comfy, cozy beds. Deep sighs echo throughout suburbia streets as citizens touch their heads down into caressing pillows, propelling them into a deep sleep filled with mythical dreams.

The American people had decided to bring about drastic reform in America and met the demands of the rioters, protesters, and varied groups. A new administration was elected, new laws were written and initiated, and the old laws of order and justice were wiped clean from the books. People genuinely believed in this Kumbaya moment, peace was achieved, and total equality realized.

But like all fairy tales, the tail follows the fairy, and then the truth presents itself. And tonight reality was rising along with the moon, about to shatter the fairy tale into a million shards of razor-sharp pieces beginning with the New Way neighborhood. The plan of America’s destruction was not an in-the-moment plan, but one devised years ago.

It was around one am, about the time when the night creatures were emerging to roam their domain that cars and vans assembled at the entrance of the suburban neighborhoods. Humans dressed in all-consuming black began to materialize from their vehicles and started the assembly of their weapons for the carnage, which was about to occur. Only hand signals were utilized for communication purposes as they put on their gear. One last check of the watches and then the “go” signal. Evil descended upon American suburban neighborhoods like Satan’s cloak thrown across the land.

Sounds of breaking glass and front doors kicked in begin to fracture the night. Suburbia awakes to a night of horror; they will never live to retell. The panicked citizens reach for their cell phones and dial 911, only to have a recording tell them 911 is no longer in service. Realizing their only hope is a ragtag police department left behind from all of the government’s defunding. They search for weapons among the moonlight shadows while the screams for help grow louder within the pounding of their chests to defend their homes. It is too late for action.

In helpless horror, they see their spouses, children, pets, and neighbors dragged out to the front lawns to view the executions. The perpetrators want fear to claim the night, and some even stop along the way to rape or torture their victim before tossing their bodies out onto the soft, misty, green grass. As the water droplets of the earthen dew begin to turn a bright red, one by one families, mothers, fathers, children, grandfathers, and grandmothers are mercilessly killed.
It is nearing sunrise, and the assassins have accomplished their plan. A whistle signal is given to leave, and they casually walk by their victim’s bodies displaying the horror of the night frozen on their dead faces, strewn throughout the neighborhoods.

Phase one is done while phase two is waiting in the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific oceans for their “go” signal. Foreign battleships begin to come into view along the horizon of America’s coastline, while the sun rises on the East Coast. Reports of their successful night begin resounding throughout the main organizers, and their institutions. Initiation of Phase two is only hours away because, along with the police defunding, the military was also included. And America’s military was left stripped bare like the pandemic storage facilities from past administrations.

The End, But Not The End.

Ok, so you are probably thinking, “Joni, you have gone off the deep end.” I don’t think so, and I could have made it more graphic and more in-depth, but I thought this would be enough to get you thinking. When people utilize a man’s senseless death to benefit their own disgusting agendas for the procurement of money and wealth, these people, this person, or groups will stop at nothing! Evil is a bottomless pit of darkness, and there is no cushion at the bottom to stop you when you fall because there is no bottom!

What stands between democracy and anarchy is our laws and those who enforce them! You defund them, and America is gone forever! We should be providing them with more funding and better pay! That goes for our Military, Firefighters, Paramedics, and Teachers! And what we should be demanding is our elected official’s salaries come down to the average American’s income. Cities that have large police budgets probably have the higher-ups making more money than you can imagine and none of it trickles down to the workers!

If you want to research the “worth” of our elected officials here is one location and I am sure you can google to find the ones within your locale.

https://www.rollcall.com/2018/03/02/every-member-of-congress-wealth-in-one-chart/

The most important change which needs to be made is that Jesus Christ has to be put in the middle of all of it! If we had been teaching our children to love others as they love themselves, this would never happen. Homegrown terrorist groups, and power-hungry, wealthy individuals would have no footing here!  We have been lazy about protecting our rights, our families, and our communities from opportunists who use us, abuse us, and then throw us out with the trash.

So, what is next? That is for you to answer!

God Bless You and God Bless America!

My Prayer for Pentecost

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

As fires burned throughout America last night, bringing about more grief and destruction, there is another fire given to us today that can quench the burn of the other fires. God gave us the fire of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday not to promote the dominance of one skin color over another skin color, intelligence over simpler minds, or perfect physicality over malformed bodies. But this fire, the Holy Spirit, is the transformative power of God’s love. And He gives it freely to you and me.

Today is the day we desperately need to put God’s power into action with prayer. America needs it, and the world needs it too!

My Prayer for America

Heavenly Father,
I come before you today with praise and thanksgiving for Your gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Father. I ask for forgiveness of my sins, the ones I do knowingly, and the ones I do unknowingly. Please remove any obstacle that I may have created between You and me. I cannot live without you and need to come before You today upon my hands and knees.

Father, You know the situation in America right now. Satan has vigorously stirred the pot of racism and hate among the people. Evil has possessed the hearts of those who are burning city buildings, destroying property, and stealing. Forgive them, Father. Please take their angry hearts in Your hands and open their eyes to Your ways. Turn them away from their evil ways and bless them with your Holy Spirit.

Please send a cool healing mist across America today, Father. And touch all of us with it, to walk in love. For we are all one in You, and this is how we must learn to live. Could You help us to learn?

And Father, could you please bring healing and hope through the sowing of Your seeds of love? Show us what You require us to do to bring about America’s change and then send us out in Your Holy Name.

Thank you, Father, to listening to me
In Jesus Christ’s Name.
Amen!

George Floyd Protests

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Being brought to an area and paid to protest tells me that you have no clue what real justice is all about! As I watch the news reports from major cities across the United States tonight, my stomach churns, and I want to physically puke.  The scene resembles demons dancing in the street carelessly hurling solid objects meant to harm others and then spewing obscenity from the sewage of their foul mouths.  Kudos to you protesters because you just regressed on the food chain to a level lower than a slug!

I am upset that our country came so far helping one another during the Coronavirus pandemic, only to have Satan start his temper tantrum plots to destroy the good that was done. Obviously, it did not take him long to find his proxy and begin whispering in his ears, “show how powerful you are, make them be afraid of you, you are the man,” until there was a point of no return. Instead of protesting, we should be praying for hedges of protection from these demonic attacks America is experiencing. 

And also pray for those who watched the police officer kill George Floyd. I am angry with those who stood around and filmed the whole incident too.  Could not one person have used their cell phone and dialed 911? Then reported that a police officer was physically killing a civilian and the other officers were standing and watching.  What were you thinking, spectators?

Paul, my oldest son, reminded me of a bible verse tonight, Galatians 3:28.

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

If we are all “one” in Christ, then why do we act like we are the only one who matters in this world? We are not a party of one, but a party of many made into the One who died for all of us!  And when you meld into the party of many, race, sex, handicap, healthy and the rest of the things which are minor differences do not matter.

And if you want to know what really matters, I will tell you.

Jesus Christ matters!

It is time to come together as the body of Christ and love one another!

 

May God Bless and Protect You and Your Family!

God; To Believe or Not To Believe

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

It has been all over the internet concerning the Christian band member who announced that he no longer believes in God. He was even afraid to make the statement fearing condemnation and a boot to the outside realms of Christianity. How debilitating this dark and troubling secret must have been for him to endure. You know, believing in God takes a child-like faith when no clear answers are available for those tough universal questions. And sometimes, some can’t get past the world’s blockade for accessing God. Being a practicing Christian is a hard life.

The Christian community has impressed me thus far by offering him love, help, and a soft place to land. Kudos to each of you! World out there, did you take notice? His friends have painted us a picture of Christian love when put into action for one another. And Christians did you notice too?

There have been some tough decisions for all of us since January this year with the COVID 19 pandemic. Progressively the dark clouds kept hanging around, mucking the air we breathe. Slowing humanity to a crawl, terror to an overflow, and grief abundantly distributed. But there is hope! We have been given a chance to re-evaluate our way of life, monitor our necessity levels, and help others in need. God took what was meant to harm us, turned it around to stop the world, and gave us an opportunity for new beginnings.

I wish I could bond my heart with his and allow my soul to open the doors to what I have known and seen in this life. For it is a journey of years of ups and downs, knowing God and wondering where He is while being totally lost. And then the years of not caring, going into survival mode for myself and my children. I have smelled the fragrance of Jesus, had His love and light permeate every molecule of my physical body, and I have met the never-ending darkness of Satan. But these were my journeys, and the young Christian singer will have to walk his journey.

Prayer is the foundation of my life. I will pray for this young man and those around him. I will pray for people of the world to take this time and bring hope, healing, and love to themselves, their families, and others. I will pray for you too!

God Bless You!

God Said No

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

It has been a rainy week in Charlotte, NC, and I am feeling as blah as the weather because I have been painfully reminded that life is not all sunshine and roses. When someone you know and care about loses their child, and a sister loses her baby sister, life takes on a different meaning. And if you are human, you too can feel and understand their grief and sadness.

We prayed and prayed for Keri to be healed in our human meaning of healing. For God to give her back to us, her family, her husband, and her children. Keri’s human healing was not to be God’s will, and God is sovereign. I say it that blunt way because it is how I need to hear it. There are no arguments, no pleading when God’s will is going to be accomplished. And yet, the human side of me wants to argue and intends to plead one more time, even if it is to ask for resurrection. It is a hard lesson for me with my walk with Christ. I can always find a hundred ways from Sunday why He should listen to me one more time. God tells me to sit down, be still, and listen to Him. Yes, God is Sovereign. And He said, “No,” to Keri staying here.

In the bible, God tells us that His ways are not our ways, and I know God thinks and perceives on a level I am unable to comprehend. Knowing and trusting His sovereignty does not take away the pain or the grief felt by us humans. So I must remind myself that Jesus took our pain to the cross, experiencing every minute facet of human emotion. He knows our pain intimately, and He knows Keri’s family is suffering. I believe Jesus grieves with them and will continue to until they see Keri again.

For now, my choice is prayer for Keri’s family and throughout the next year to remember them as they move forward without her but with an amazing faith in our Savior.
For Keri.

You walked this earth with a heavenly grace that sparkled throughout the universe.
Generously illuminating the many lives, you touched with your hope, grace, and love.
Were you one of God’s earthly angels given this short amount of time?
And with your job well done, it was time for God to call you home?
We will not know for now.
Those you have left here find ourselves a little lost and our world somewhat dimmer.
But you, dear Keri, will carry on as the Guardian Angel shepherding over your precious loved ones.
Shining your angelic light through them, and watching their very steps, until the day you meet again in glorious Heaven above.