The Rainbow!

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

The other day, while standing outside at our daughter’s house, the sky became heavy with dark storm clouds. Myself, my husband, daughter, son-in-law, and our three grandkids watched as the storm approached, while enduring the hot, oppressive air. Typical for a summer afternoon rainstorm in the South. And then a breeze drifted down, wrapping us in a crisp, refreshing, rain-scented wave. I could feel my body releasing a satisfying Ahh from deep inside. Finally, the rain began to pour down.

We quickly took shelter under the edge of their garage and watched as our grandchildren delightfully danced in and out of the wet droplets. Then, as the storm began to pass by, there it was, right in front of us, The Rainbow! Not just any rainbow, but a vibrant, glistening show of color with a secondary one coming up behind it.  And to our amazement, we could see one end to the other. I mean, where it touched the ground on both sides! If I had not been so mesmerized by the rainbow, I should have jumped in the car and drove to at least one end! But, of course, the idea did not occur to me until later the next day.

The picture below shows the rainbow from end to end. Unfortunately my husband’s iphone does not display the magnificent colors.

As we stood there basking in God’s promise, I was overwhelmed by the fact that “ God keeps His promises,” “God says what He means and means what He says,” and that His love for us is so great, He signs His commitment to us with His fingerprints! And His fingerprints are everywhere in the universe if we take the time to notice!!

Yes, I am overwhelmed with holy excitement!

Sometimes in life, we need a rainbow to knock our socks off and remind us Who we belong to and that we are only visitors in this world. Psalm 19: 1-4 tells us about God’s earthly reminders that He is the Creator and we are the creation. And His love for us is bigger than the universe He created for us! 

Notice the part where it states that “God has pitched a tent for the sun?” I had to leave that verse in too. 

Psalm 19:1-4

The heavens declare the glory of God;

The skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day, they pour forth speech;

Night after night, they reveal knowledge.

They have no speech; they use no words;

No sound is heard from them.

Yet their voice goes out into the all the earth,

Their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens, God has pitched a tent for the sun.

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

Like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens

And makes it circuit to the other,

Nothing is deprived of its warmth.

Do you know that God has His fingerprints on you? He does! He loves you more than you will ever know. So go and find other reminders God has placed in your world to show you that He is there with you!


God Bless You!

I’M BACK! My Sight is Restored

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I never realized that having cataracts removed from both of my eyes would catapult my Van Gogh vision into clear Kodak moments! Since cataracts are gradual, you do not realize how much of your vision you are losing. I thought everything was fine and waiting on the surgery would not be a big deal. Looking back, I see a strain on my whole family, with my husband becoming my chauffeur and our son my texting assistant. And toward the end of the cataract invasion, I became the perfect enactment of a “cartoon old lady” by bumbling around, squinting, and placing objects almost on my eyeballs to identify them. Who needs cataract surgery? Then the day came when I could no longer recognize my keyboard or the letters on my computer screen, and writing in longhand across a page resembled intersecting lines. Surgery Please! Five years later.

Yes, the “old lady” is coming out in me. I see her every day in my mirror with my new corrected vision and notice her butting in on my decisions and actions. I am too young for cataract removal and old lady syndrome, but there she is squarely in front of me, staring back. Maybe with my cataracts removed, she will go away!

Unfortunately, my cataracts are disease-related from all of the years of steroids utilized to keep the GPA in temporary remission. But why wait so long on such a simple procedure? Maybe I could not bear the thought of one more surgical procedure and one more hit to our finances. Yes, we have health insurance through my husband’s job, but nothing is 100%. And with my infinite number of doctor visits, within my extensive catalog of physicians I have acquired, there are still co-pays and medical bills to be paid.

I should not complain, think of myself as unfortunate or resent the old lady staring back at me. There was a time in my life when I was a single parent, working for an hourly wage and with no health insurance. Those were some tough years because I strove not to be on assistance. So, being a single parent and paying our way meant my meals were infrequent, and I ate many a can of Spaghetti-0s. You could get those four for a dollar! But my children had everything they needed, and that was what kept me pushing forward every day. It may have been what kept me alive! I carry memories like these within my mind’s eye to help remind me just how blessed I am today! It also gives me empathy concerning single, hourly wage parents with the same struggles I have known.

I believe we are here to learn lessons and to try to be better people. By now, I should have acquired at least four or five PhDs. Lessons we see with our eyes and within our memories should help us move forward in life. And when you get that nagging feeling like you have been there before and it was a disaster…walk away!

The Apostle Paul had a physical sight impairment, and his memory sight must have been pretty horrific when he chose to follow Christ because of the torture and imprisonment he endured. He knew his destiny and passionately followed it until the end. One of Paul’s comments I wished I had learned early in my life is Philippians 4:11.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

I wish I could have said that during my past journeys.

What did I learn this time from my journey of sight to no sight and back to sight again? First, not wait for needed surgeries and graciously, not grumpily, depend on others for assistance and prayers. Second is the sanctity to have sight and not to have sight. Third, I learned to go deeper into my study of the bible, thanks to Audible and Chuck Missler, which brought me to a greater dependence on Jesus Christ and to know Him more.

We all have struggles in life, some of us more than others, and we must remember that when interacting with people. We don’t know what they are going through or went through in life which brought them to the place they are today. And it is how we see them and ourselves, either with our eyes or with our heart, that will make the difference.

If you are having some difficult times right now, step back and try to get a new view of the situation. Finding someone you trust to talk to and pray with will help you. And know as I know that God loves you!

Easter Is Done

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Well, did you survive your Easter weekend and the potential sugar overload you experienced?  Or did you graze your way through the delicious dishes and desserts on your Easter table?  Either way, those are the things we should allow to pass away and readjust our focus to our relationship with Jesus Christ after Easter.  I understand how easy it is to get the big “E” High related to last week’s activities and food.  But after the celebratory activities, you can either assume your CEO (Christmas and Easter Only) status or move forward to RRWJC ( Real Relationship With Jesus Christ!)

What is your choice?

Let’s start with, “How was your day today?” Did you think about God or Jesus in any way, shape, or form?  Did you struggle through the Covid cesspool of information, restrictions, and no restrictions?  Are you worried about the numbers going up in your area along with the hospitalizations and deaths?  Can you pay your bills, buy your groceries and get adequate healthcare for yourself and your family?  Do you see a future for your family or just the continual circle of Covid doom?  This pandemic alone can run you over, leaving a wide swath of a grimy tire print across your body.

And, I feel your pain on every level; financial, restrictive movement, and no end in sight.  If you are someone like me and have your daily health to consider what you can accomplish or not, these are frustrating times.  And to turn the molehill into a mountain at our home, we are watching our youngest adult child go through incredible health-related difficulties while the doctors are unsure as to what to do.  We have seen so many doctors and been in numerous universities and hospital facilities that it has become routine.  They know he is sick, and it is probably an offshoot of my disease, but no answer for cure or relief is in sight. Watching your child waste away is horrible. Like I said, “I can feel your pain.”

So what do I do to move forward each day during these frustrating times? I get up out of bed and begin my bible study each day, taking an hour to read, focus, and learn the bible.  Then there are my prayers, some I write in my journal, and some are silent between God and me.  I write my frustration down in my journal, too, because venting this way is better than venting on other people. My support is a close-knit group of sisters in Christ, two to three, who I rely on for advice.  I listen closely to Jesus and my husband because no matter what, they are always for me.  And I shut my ears to those who want to put their two cents in without understanding our burdens.  Happiness is something you have to search for each day and choose to present yourself to others with a smile and kindness.  I like myself better when I am this way.

God tell us…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

“All who rage against you

    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;

those who oppose you

    will be as nothing and perish.

Though you search for your enemies,

    you will not find them.

Those who wage war against you

    will be as nothing at all.

For I am the Lord your God

    who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

    I will help you. (Isaiah 41:10-13 NIV)

Meditate on these verses, write them on a piece of paper to carry around with you and say them over and over again.  They will help during your days of frustration and give you hope to go on!

God Bless You!

The Tent Maker Site

He Is Risen!

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Tomorrow the words, “He is Risen” will echo throughout the Christian world! Our joy is replenished, and our hope is restored within our Savior Jesus Christ and His promises.  Even in my own darkest days, before I knew Jesus, I knew He was there.  So I believe it is essential to re-read the bible concerning the empty tomb and bathe ourselves in its true meaning.

May this bible reading open your heart to the possibilities of your life with Jesus Christ leading your way.  May it bless you in all of His ways for the rest of your life here on earth.!

God Bless You!

Matthew 28:1-10

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Oh to fall at your feet and worship you, O Lord!

12 O’Clock Noon

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I love to watch classic movies because most are intricate stories. Not just slap some sex, profanity, blow a few things up, and shoot people type of movies, even though they can have the exact attributes. Last weekend I watched a 1949 Gregory Peck war movie called Twelve O’Clock High. The storyline concerned the American bombardiers at the beginning of WWII and the stress mentally and physically they had to endure. Planes, gas, and bombs were limited because our factories just began production on war materials.

And their leaders were also affected because they had to send the men out on dangerous missions without enough supplies and support. These commanders found themselves torn between commanding and caring for their crews. And imagine the young men who had never been in war and not knowing what to anticipate while watching their comrades go down in fiery flames each day.  

Gregory Peck’s group was the group of focus in the movie. At one point, morale and confidence are so low that excuses start to build up as to why they can not fly. Gregory Peck goes to the base’s doctor to report on who was fit to fly the next day. Now Peck is tough, but the doctor has babied the men, and he began to explain about their pseudo colds, etc., knowing most were mental avoidance. To which Peck replies,” Paint them with iodine and mark them for duty.”

Ouch! When I grew up in the sixties, iodine was one of the mainstays of a family’s medicine cabinet. The privilege of medical care was on a needed basis. And a little child did look “painted” with all their scratches and scrapes.

Tough times can test us in every area of life, and even our faith can undergo our scrutiny and doubt. During these difficult times, we need to “paint ourselves with iodine” or “paint ourselves with God’s word” to come out of the fire as pure as gold!

“These [trials] have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7).

Instead of whining and complaining, bite your tongue, and ask God what to do. Read your Bible so that God may reveal to you what path He wants you to pursue during this time. And each day discover something positive and write it down in a notebook. It is significant to reflect and realize how far God brought you, strengthens your faith!  And always remember, “this too shall pass.”

God Bless You!

Saved Soul Counter

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

In Romans 1:25, we are told, “I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, so that you may not be conceited; Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full numbers of the Gentiles have come in.”

Well, that is a mystery, or is it?

 What is God saying to us? If we break down the passage, we know Israel represents the Jewish people, and the Gentiles represent us, the Christians. We know Israel has endured some tough times since her birth as a nation and will continue until the new earth. A few known facts.  

Now, the phrase “the full numbers of the Gentiles” usually refers to the fullness of the Gentiles or our saved souls. The number of people worldwide who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ being their Lord and Savior. So, it appears God has an exact number of saved souls in mind before He sends Jesus halfway to earth in a cloud to take His Church, us, up to heaven. Since the bible tells us that only God knows when Jesus shall return for His Church, there is no sense in trying to guess.

But wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a Saved Soul counter in heaven similar to our United States debt counter? As the numbers roll, those in heaven could watch the counter and then look to God to see if He motions for Jesus. If I were in heaven, I would be cheering the people of the world, below, onward to saving souls.  

Chanting,

“Save those souls!”

“Save those souls!”

Then I will glance over at God, and if He does not motion to Jesus, I will have to start all over again.

My excitement for the rapture of the Church and what it will signal for Jews and Gentiles is like the excitement of a child anticipating a very special present. You see, for a very long time, I have not felt at home here on earth. My soul knows that I belong somewhere else and to someone else. And I have been known to get lost in my daydreams as I observe a daytime clear blue sky with white fluffy clouds passing overhead. For in my mind, I am in another dimension of space and time unknown to this world. And the peace that fills my soul is unexplainable in this dimension and time.  

So, what do you say that we get busy saving some souls? The first part is, have you been saved? If not, there is no time like the present to get things done. Who knows, you may be the one God is waiting for before He sends Jesus back! Your place in history can be cemented as “the” saved soul who began a new time for humanity! Just think about it! And if you happen to be saved, be sure to check on others you know. They might require an introduction to Jesus from you!

God Bless You!

Monarchs & American Royalty

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Does it not seem weird to you that in the 21st Century, the world still has monarchies? And the fact that they have amassed such a gross amount of wealth just because of who they are creates disgust within me for them. Yet America has its own ultra-wealthy families and stars who the public view as some created American royalty. I am disappointed that both are given such reverence for being who they are and what they do rather than who they help and how much better their actions make the world. This brings me to the question, does someone require one hundred million dollars to live out their lives in such a luxurious lifestyle? 

I understand there is a signed paper in which some of these affluent individuals pledge to give away their money.  From what I have read, administering their funds does appear more trickle than a waterfall event. But, the delegation of their funds is their choice. My husband delegates our funds because I have a slight problem of giving it all away, and then we can’t pay our bills! But we are very ordinary people with less than typical funds, and the amount we give away you can count in twenty, ten, and five-dollar bills.  Now before I get emails concerning my husband’s control over our finances, we are a team who discusses what goes out when, where, and how. If given a chance, I will see others’ needs before our own. Someone has to keep the roof over our heads!

Talking about wealthy people brings me to one of my favorite parables from Jesus.

Luke 12:13-21

The Parable of the Rich Fool

13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 

19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Just goes to show that there is no UHaul behind the hearse in this life! So love as many people as you can and give graciously to one another.

God Bless You!

Psalm 8

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

On Sunday mornings, from your Pastor’s pulpit, you probably hear the more known Psalms like 23, 46, and 139. As for myself, I cherish Psalm number 8.  Number 8 questions why God would have anything to do with us, much less do for us.  The Psalm goes on to explain our place in creation with “He crowns us with glory and honor.” Unbelievable! 

We are so undeserving, yet His love for us supersedes all of our mistakes, sins, and weaknesses. Praise God For Loving Us!

God Loves You!

Psalm 8 King James Version

 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;

The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

God Bless You!

Miserable Two Weeks, One Awesome God

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Sorry for not posting within the past two weeks. I have been at war with this disease of mine. At one point, I was a wrestler in the ring lying flat up under the opponent(Wegeners), who had jumped from the top of the upper ropes. I think “pancake” was the appropriate word for these weeks.

The past two weeks were not only a physical battle but emotional and mental too. And that is why I am so blessed that God gave me the spirit of never giving up. I despise the feeling of defeat! During my wrestling match one night, the nausea part would not relent, and I had taken the nausea medication two hours before. Instead, my body felt like I was on a listless ship rolling back and forth and up and over the tumultuous waves. As I lay on my side, my body curled up in a tight ball; tears began streaming down my face; I called out, “Oh, God, please, please help me!” “ I can’t do this anymore!” “God, Father, please help me!” The waves began to slow their roll, and there was a coolness to my face. Peace enveloped my body, and the nausea stopped.

Today, I am slowly inflating myself again and working my way back into everyday activities. But it is times like these that remind me, God is always with me, and if it is His will, it will be done. Don’t allow the busyness of life to take God away from you. For it is God who restores, it is God who is in control, and it is God who wants a relationship with you and me!

God Bless You!

Joy

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

“Joy to the world, all you boys and girls now, joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me!” Come on now, and sing the song with me. “Joy to the world, all you boys and girls, joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me!” You can dance while you sing!

Yep, I feel better! Sometimes I need a little singing and dancing to lift my heart up!

In Proverbs 17:22 it tells us, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit draws up the bones.” Now that is an “Amen” statement! How has your heart been lately? Are you carrying your burdens on your face, in your words, with your actions and within your soul?  I become this way from time to time.  We call it being Eeyore at our house.

I know life is challenging and uncertain right now.  But when you immerse yourself in Christ and God’s word, you will find the uncertainty fade away. He can take the road that you are on and change your direction. And this does not depend on governments or what is happening in this world. His loving assurance will give you confidence to face your trials and tribulations. But you have to let Him!

Did you know that God loves you with a love I cannot explain and it is not contained within this universe, only heaven.  You are so precious to Him!  And He does want you to find Joy in all circumstances of your life! Just ask Him. No special words required, talk to Him like you would a friend.

One thing I do when the Eeyore mentality takes over my mind is to read a book from one of my favorite authors, Barbara Johnson.  She is living in glory today with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  But what she wrote yesterday applies to today’s life.  Barbara knew about life’s difficulties, tragedies, and sorrows. God helped her deal with and transgress out of the murk and mire of her most trying times, even wanting to commit suicide. Then God sent Barbara on a lifelong crusade to help others find their Joy through Jesus Christ. It was a daunting task that she did so well! Sometimes, I think I should continue where she left off. Or, maybe all of us should embrace the Joy gauntlet and anoint others with it every day.

I will leave you with one of Barbara’s stories, and I hope it puts a smile on your face. If that does not work, go to YouTube and watch videos of babies laughing. Works for me.

While reading one of her books, Barbara told about the time she took her five-year-old granddaughter to a Church’s women’s gathering.  They opened the convention with hymns being sung.  Barbara looked over and was astonished to see her granddaughter belting out the hymns.  She knew she could not read the monitors and did not understand these hymns. So, afterward, Barbara asked her granddaughter if she knew the words to the hymns and her granddaughter responded no. She singing the words, “peppermint peanut butter” to the hymns!  And it worked.

Amazing Grace (Peppermint Peanut Butter) Works for me!

Find something that makes you happy and returns your Joy back to you! And then share it with a friend, or a relative. Spread the Joy around like peanut butter!

God Bless You!