When Celebrities Threaten to Leave: Bless Their Hearts and Bon Voyage!”

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers,

And by travelers, I mean some of you might actually be hitting the road—or at least thinking about it. A few years back, I made a sign poking a little fun at celebrities who announced, quite dramatically, that they’d leave the country because an election didn’t go their way.

You know the ones. They stand tall on their platforms (sometimes literal, sometimes digital), wagging their fingers at the rest of us, as though they hold the key to life’s secrets simply because they can cry on cue or hit a high note. Apparently, they believe the entire American public is hanging on their every word.

So, I wrote this:

“Isn’t it funny how people believe their importance in the world has a bearing on what Americans say and do? They appear to believe we will fall to our knees and become despondent if they leave. Our country will crumble and be in ruin.”

Spoiler alert: it hasn’t.

From this Southern gal to all those high-and-mighty leavers, let me just say, “Bless your heart!” (And if you’re not Southern, let me translate: that’s the verbal equivalent of a polite side-eye.)

But wait—there’s more! Because I also have some parting advice from the real world: “Don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you!”

So, for anyone out there who’s thinking their absence would devastate the rest of us mere mortals, let me assure you: we’ll be just fine. America’s survived bigger storms than a celebrity tantrum.

Safe travels, y’all! Or, you know, don’t forget to unpack. 😊

Santas Magic hat

I DID IT!

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers!

Last week, I was silent online because I was busy. I finished the layout part on Amazon/ KDG publishing, which means my Christian Children’s book Santa’s Magic Hat will be live on Amazon in three days. It is time for the happy dance and then to move on to the novel.

I put this on Amazon to encourage parents to buy the book for their children.

Discover the Heartwarming Story Behind Santa’s Magic Hat!

In Santa’s Magic Hat, children will embark on a delightful adventure to the North Pole, where joy, kindness, and faith shine brightly! Watch as Santa and his cheerful elves prepare for Christmas with their fun-filled Countdown Dance, spreading the holiday spirit in every step. But the real magic begins with Santa’s extraordinary red hat—a gift with a heavenly purpose.

This enchanting story reveals how Santa’s hat helps him share love, kindness, and the true meaning of Christmas with children all over the world. Perfect for kids ages 4 to 8, this book combines festive fun, colorful traditions, and a heartwarming message about Jesus’s love.

Give your child the gift of a story that celebrates the magic of Christmas while pointing to the greatest gift of all!

What do you think?

Please in three days check out Santa’s Magic Hat.

God Bless You!

praise god

Hallelueigh

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers,

I’m so excited to step into this Hallelujah season together! God has graciously answered our prayers, giving us the reprieve we’ve longed for and filling our nation with His light once more. Can you feel the change in the air? The joy and hope are palpable!

This season is a precious gift, and it’s one we must cherish and nurture. As believers, we’re called to stand together in unity, celebrating a return to our roots in faith. Protecting these values is like guarding a fine diamond or a priceless pearl, handed to us by our Creator. We’re all members of the body of Christ, and this is the time to put aside differences and come together as one. Let’s show the world the love Jesus commanded us to share.

“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Now, more than ever, we must be steadfast in prayer. Together, our united prayers have made a difference, pushing back darkness and bringing God’s light into our homes, communities, and nation. But the work isn’t done. Our prayers need to continue, covering our families, cities, states, and leaders. We are the watchmen and women of this time!

As we pray and stand guard, let’s also reach out. Let’s move beyond the walls of our churches and small groups to touch those who haven’t experienced God’s love yet. Consider small acts of warmth and welcome—like setting up a little firepit at the end of your driveway on a Friday or Saturday night. Invite neighbors over to roast marshmallows, share hot chocolate, and enjoy the warmth of friendship. Whether they’re from your church, another church, or have yet to find their faith, let’s meet them with open hearts and listening ears. Small moments of kindness can make a big impact.

For now, let’s lift our voices in praise, singing hallelujah to the Lord Jesus Christ, who invites us to be part of His family.

God bless you abundantly in this season of Hallelujah!

Trump, Harris, or Jesus Christ?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers!

Today marks a pivotal moment in American history—a true test of values, where good and evil, right and wrong stand in contrast, with no Sword of Solomon in sight to make the division clear. As we weigh our choices between candidates and their myriad issues, the real victor should be the one who embodies truth, integrity, and the love of Jesus in their heart. This leader must prioritize America and its people, upholding freedom and democracy rather than veering toward ideals that threaten these foundations.

I feel a calm reassurance, knowing God holds me and that His will prevails in every decision. I have prayed and cast my vote. Yet, I recognize that silence can be a missed opportunity. From today on, I intend to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, standing against what is wrong and inviting others to join the Kingdom of God. My faith will be evident—not just in words but in actions. Let this day resonate as a defining moment for all Americans. Let us vote, pray, and open our hearts to the path Jesus has set for each of us.

Acts 4:31

 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Let’s do it and shake it up today!

God Bless You!

From God

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers!

How are you doing today? I pray you are well. This morning, I was sure what to write about on the blog. I thought it would be about Mary being an unwed mother. Then, during my prayer and worship time, God gave me something else. The message is relevant to what is occurring in America and worldwide. I am so tired of the election and the news of dissension and hatred. But God reminded me that He is in control. It will not matter who is elected, who bombs who, and what horrific actions are taken against the people. God has raised empires, and He has smitten them down. Well, let’s get to it. Can you tell me if this isn’t relative to today?

Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire[a]
    and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree:

He said to me, “You are my son;
    today I have become your father.
8 Ask me,
    and I will make the nations your inheritance,
    the ends of the earth your possession.
9 You will break them with a rod of iron[b];
    you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”

10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;
    be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear
    and celebrate his rule with trembling.
12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry
    and your way will lead to your destruction,
for his wrath can flare up in a moment.
    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

When I copied and pasted it, I left the breaks for emphasis. The last sentence says it all for you and me, “Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” Take refuge and rest in him, and God will care for the world!

God Bles You!

Rebuilding Our Foundation: How We Can Help America Heal

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Welcome, Fellow Travelers,

Have you noticed how deeply we Americans rely on our infrastructure? From the winding back roads to the highways and bridges, we depend on these structures to keep our country connected. However, as recent hurricanes have shown us here in Western North Carolina, a single storm can wash them away instantly, leaving devastation in its wake. It’s a sobering reminder of how fragile these man-made systems truly are.

Yet, while reflecting on this, I am deeply grateful that nothing—no storm or sin—can destroy our unshakable foundation in Jesus Christ. There were times in my past when I tried to tear down my relationship with Him, believing I was too far gone to deserve even a mustard seed of forgiveness, mercy, or grace. But in His boundless love, He reached down, pulled me from the muck and mire I had gotten myself into, and embraced my messy, broken self—inside and out.

When I look at the state of our country today, I sometimes wonder why God would want to do the same for us. Why would He want to pull us out of the murky, broken state we find ourselves in? It’s hard to imagine, especially when many Christians have gone silent or turned away from Him. And while there are many reasons for our spiritual disconnect, the most heartbreaking is the tragic loss of innocent lives through abortion. In 2023 alone, over a million children were lost, and who knows how many since 1973.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6 resonate so powerfully here: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Can you imagine the weight of the consequences that our nation carries for allowing such loss?

So what can we, as individuals, do to reverse the course of this devastation and seek healing for our nation? There are tangible steps we can take to make a difference:

  1. Pray – Ask God for guidance on how you can be part of the solution. Whether it’s through personal action, supporting others, or simply standing firm in your faith, prayer is where transformation begins.
  2. Support organizations that help pregnant mothers—Many nonprofits and ministries are dedicated to providing resources and support for expectant mothers, helping them choose life for their babies. Volunteering or donating even small items like a baby blanket or clothes can significantly impact.
  3. Give what you can – Whether it’s your time, talents, or financial resources, giving, even in small ways, can make a difference for someone in need.
  4. Join a community of believers – When we come together as a faith community, we tap into an abundance of ideas, resources, and strength. God has equipped us with unique gifts, and by joining forces, we can achieve more than we ever could.

In times of crisis, whether from natural disasters or spiritual battles, we are reminded of how fleeting the things of this world can be. But our hope in Christ is eternal; through Him, we can rebuild what has been lost and restore what has been broken.

Let’s commit to being part of that rebuilding process—not just for our country, but for each individual life we encounter. With compassion, prayer, and action, we can be healing instruments in a world that so desperately needs it.

God Bless You!

love and fed the people

Choosing Love Over Hate: A Call to Unite Against Division

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello Fellow Travelers,

It deeply saddens me to share that our nation—and my beloved home state of North Carolina—has become a breeding ground for anger, division, and hostility. Even those who serve the public, like FEMA employees, are facing threats to their lives. These are people who have dedicated themselves to helping others in crisis, yet they are now the target of misplaced rage. And what makes it worse is that our own government casts blame on these dedicated workers, who are simply following orders and trying to provide for their families.

If you’re angry, let it be at ourselves. We are the ones who have allowed this toxic environment to grow. We have let it fester through our votes, our silence, and our division. We need to survive not just the hurricanes; it’s the storm of hatred fueled by the leaders we have put in place.

Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Our duty is to help each other, to lift each other up in times of need—not tear each other down. The anger and division we see today are in direct opposition to this call.

In Leviticus 25:35, we are urged: “If any of your brothers become poor among you in any of your towns within your territory that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.” Yet, here we are, turning our backs on those who need our compassion the most. We have become hardhearted, not just toward the poor, but toward one another. This is not who we are meant to be.

1 Timothy 5:8 warns us: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” How can we claim to love our families and communities if we allow hate to poison our hearts? How can we stand by while our neighbors are torn down when it is our responsibility to build them up?

This is a call to action. We must reject the division and hatred allowed to take root. We must return to a place of love, compassion, and responsibility for one another. It’s not too late to change the path we’re on—but we must act now.

Let’s bear each other’s burdens, open our hearts and hands to our brothers and sisters in need, and remember that the storms we face, whether physical or emotional, can only be weathered together.

Let’s choose love over hate. Let’s choose unity over division for the sake of our families, communities, and country.

Together, we can be the change.

God Bless You!

God’s Hand

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello, Fellow Travelers!

How’s everyone doing today? I know the East Coast, especially Florida, has been going through some rough times lately. Nature seems to have its own way of resetting things. My dad used to say, “Nature always does its own house cleaning.” I’ve heard people call it global warming, while others see it as the hand of God. Since God is all-knowing—He sees the past, present, and future—I believe He understands everything happening now. But here’s the thing: He gave us free will, and with that comes the responsibility of how we treat this beautiful world He gifted us. So maybe it’s not just one thing. Perhaps it’s a mix of human choices, environmental shifts, and divine design. It’s hard not to worry about the destruction already taking place and how it might impact our economy, especially here in the South.

Whew! That’s a bit heavy, huh? But fear not! Let me shift gears and share a story of hope—a reminder that God’s hand is always guiding, even when we can’t see it immediately.

When the pandemic started, my family and I had just returned from Texas and moved into our camper for what turned into a few years of makeshift living. It was an adjustment, but we had bigger dreams on the horizon. I’d always felt drawn to the Western mountains of North Carolina—the fresh mountain air made me feel like I could finally breathe again, and the community there was so warm and welcoming. So, we made the decision to plant roots there and began hunting for our new home.

Let me tell you, everything that could go wrong did go wrong. It was almost like we had stepped into a storm that wouldn’t let up. First, we found a house we loved, but the deal fell through. The realtor—who also owned the house—got greedy and tried to pit us against another buyer. I remember looking at my husband and saying, “Enough. We don’t play those games.” So, we withdrew our offer.

Then, while house-hunting, we almost went over the edge of a mountain. I stood at the corner of that house, my heart pounding, and prayed, “God, please, we need Your help.” Moments later, as if out of nowhere, an old truck appeared, chains in hand. It was a neighbor from down the hill, a Christian man who just happened to be driving by when we needed help. It was nothing short of divine intervention. I know God sent him to us.

But the hits kept coming. Our car began having random issues, refusing to start without any clear explanation. After countless trips to the mechanic, they couldn’t figure out the cause. And then, the final straw—I had a heart attack. That’s when we knew it was time to head home. Looking back now, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t be here today if we hadn’t returned when we did. The blockage in my heart was 80% in the widowmaker artery. I needed immediate, specialized care, and being back home gave me access to that.

We had faced many challenges in the mountains, but in hindsight, I don’t think we would have survived the brutal storm, Hurricane Helene, if we had stayed. It wasn’t where we were meant to be, not then.

I’ve always believed that God has a purpose for each of us, and when the time is right, He will show us the path. Maybe now, after everything we’ve been through, it’s our time. Perhaps this is what He has been preparing us for all along.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Today marks one year since the tragic attacks on Israel by Hamas—a day forever seared in the collective memory of humanity. It was Israel’s own 9/11, a day of unspeakable horror when innocent lives were taken in cold blood. No one was spared from Hamas’ brutal rampage—young, old, men, women, and even children. Their thirst for blood knew no boundaries, and the world watched in shock as their violence spread like wildfire.

Three Americans remain in Hamas’ captivity, held as hostages. If they are still alive, it is a chilling reminder of a time when such an act would have stirred the full might of the United States. This nation once had an unshakable conviction—an understanding that no American life would be left behind. That was our unspoken promise, our collective creed. And now? Now we hear nothing but silence from our leaders—our President, Vice-President, Senators, and Representatives. The deafening silence will be replaced by the roar of righteous resolve.

But here is what Hamas underestimated: the iron will of the Israeli people. A resolve that refuses to crumble in the face of terror. And it should be a mirror to us. Once, America shared that same unwavering strength. Now, it feels as though we’ve traded it for whispers and complacency. If we don’t rise or speak out, the very freedoms that define us could slip away. We could wake up in a world where we are told where to live, where to work, and where to hide and worship. It is not a distant nightmare; it’s a clear and present danger inching closer by the day.

We must stand with Israel and for the values that shaped America—the same Judeo-Christian principles our nation was founded upon. If you question that, I urge you to study our history. Read the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the writings of our Founding Fathers. These are the bedrock of our liberties, and they are under threat.

Please pray for Israel. Pray for America. Pray for the strength to protect what is good and right in this world, and may we never be silent in the face of injustice.

Let us remember: Freedom is fragile, and silence in its defense is betrayal.

In solidarity,

Joni

God Bless Israel, America, and you

Helene, Mental & Physical Anguish

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello Fellow Travelers,

Well, it has been an active two weeks! Last week, I wrote three blog posts, and I deleted each one because it did not speak to what I wanted to say. What do I want to say/know, you ask? 

I want to know how you are doing mentally and physically. Rumors of war and rumors of storms, and you find yourself wondering how you can feed and protect your family. I understand, especially when Helene invaded the East Coast and Iran shot missiles at Israel last night. Take a deep breath and realize it is all under God’s control.

We reside in Charlotte, NC, but my husband and I have experienced storms in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Texas. No matter how much you prepare, there can always be the unexpected. My rule is that if they say evacuate, we leave (I mean animals, kids, and extended family/friends). If not, we hunker down with food, water, and gas in our car. The rest is in God’s hands. Oh yes, and we pray. We have friends who pray, and we pray for them. We pray a lot!

A bible verse I love and wish I had printed on my arm is Matthew 6: 25-27.

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you, by worrying, can add one cubit to his stature?”

You can’t get taller by worrying, but I am here to tell you that you can get sick and ruin your health.  And this is coming from a confessed control freak and fixer. So, if you want to worry, go ahead. God gave us free will to make our own decisions. But what if you live in the mountains of Western NC? Fall is their busy season. Families make yearly trips to ride through the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Now, homes and businesses are gone. Even after the cleanup, it will be a challenging year for the mountains. How will they provide food, shelter, and safety to their families? I think our government should give them the debit cards and the extra money they have been freely giving to illegal aliens! Just my opinion.

So, if you are feeling worried or anxious, it can get worse or better. My life is better when I do for others, pass out bracelets, or laugh with family. I am not speaking of those who lost loved ones, for grief is a different subject.  My reference is to us who are living and how we make life harder on ourselves with worry and anxiety. I include myself. Remember, you are worthy of a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically! Grab it with both hands and run!

If you are in the Western Carolina area, God Bless you! You are loved. Help has come and will continue until you and your land are whole.

Please pray for them and all who were affected by Helene.

Heavenly Father,

I come before your throne of mercy and grace. I praise you for the people willing and able to help the ones affected by Hurricane Helene.  I praise you for the love, kindness, and compassion that you have placed in their hearts! Please uphold your people with your righteous right hand in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and anywhere else Helene has affected. Give them strength and resilience to come through this praising You! Let them know we love them and care about their circumstances.

In Jesus Holy and Precious Name.

Amen!

God Bless You!