A Time Will Come

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I have been studying the book of Daniel in the bible. It is just one of Dr. Chuck Missler’s many bible studies on Audible. His ability to bring the books to life by providing historical background and future foreground keeps me engaged. And he even points out the present relevance of what was said thousands of years ago. If you want to learn and understand the Bible’s books, I highly recommend Dr. Missler’s studies.

While listening to Daniel, Dr. Missler lightly touched on a future subject during my study today, and it perked my ears. He reminded us that times are coming when our freedom of religion and speech will be diminished at first and then eliminated. It is happening now. 

So, I want to ask you some questions which I have asked myself many times. First, will the coming events, led by our own leaders, wash over and carefully conform you to their ways? Or will your faith and reliance on God be so great that you will stand for truth and righteousness?  Even if it means your persecution or even death?  I have prayed before that I will stand knowing that even in death, I have victory!

What do you think or are you rolling your eyes at me and saying, “Really, Joni, when we are going through these hard times of the pandemic, you want us to focus on our freedoms? Please let us survive this first!” And I hear you.  But it is during these times when we can focus on strengthening our faith. And, it is during these times, the powers that be will sneaky snake your liberties away from you. So, what can we do? Strengthen your faith by reading your bible and pray every day.  Then be diligent about observing your online activity and the activity of “Big Tech,” your leadership’s actions, and bring to light any wrongdoing.

When I say pray, I mean pray during the day at least three times. Did you know Daniel prayed three times a day? You are probably questioning me with statements about Daniel having the time. Daniel wasn’t some prophet nomad wandering around like our televangelist, preaching God’s words. He had a job and a very important one too. He was President over the region, first for King Nebuchadnezzar and then at 83 years of age for King Darius.  All the while doing God’s work to set the stage for Jesus’ birth and the gentile’s conversions. Something to occur in hundreds of years, even thousands.  And he stopped every day, went to his upstairs room window, facing Jerusalem, and prayed three times a day!

Don’t allow this pandemic to fatigue you into believing you do not have time! Now can you find the time to pray? I know I can do better with my praying and immersing myself in God’s word.  In the morning, after I do all of my medications and shots, I lie back down to rest away the fatigue I endure from the disease. Prayer time number one. Once I am up, I do my bible study and prayers. That is twice. And at bedtime, I can add one more prayer moment.  Three times! These will be the stopping my forward motion, earnest prayers, not the short little ones I pray during my daytime activities.  All I have to do is to continue until it becomes a habit.  

What about you? Can you find extra minutes to stop and kneel down and pray to God?  Prayer and relationship with God are how we strengthen our faith and rely upon God.  We must prepare now by laying the foundation just like Daniel did, to stand firm in the future. For the time is coming.

This bible verse is for you!

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

God Bless You.

Inauguration Day, Are You Impressed?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Today’s Presidential Inauguration will be bringing joy to half of our country and distress to the other half.  Which group do you find yourself in? I am neither because I have my everyday life to attend to and could care less about one more political grandstand from anyone. Or has Covid brought you hardships that you are trying to deal with and navigate, and the inauguration means nothing to you? Either way, history will mark the event, news anchors will comment their slant on it, and life will go on. Ask yourself this question, “What will today’s inauguration actually bring to or take away from my life today?” Nothing.

Instead, let me tell you a more interesting story about a Princess who lived during the late 19th century and into the 20th century. She had schizophrenia, and during these early times, schizophrenia treatment was more barbaric torture than therapy.  When asked how she survived, she said she was never alone and that her faith and God were everything to her. She devoted the rest of her life living among the poor and serving their every need. I doubt if Inaugurations, Coronations, or other political moves worried her at all.

Her focus remained on Christ and following His loving ways, even when living and working in poverty. Her example of enduring with God is something we need to remember and emulate during these times of unrest, division, and disease. Keeping God as our focus keeps the stress of the world’s turbulent behavior away from our doorstep.

Here are some encouraging bible verses from Isaiah.

Isaiah 50:15

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble;

I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”

Isaiah 65:1

“I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me;

I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me.

I said, ‘Here am I, here am I,’

To a nation which did not call on My name.”

God is there even when you do not ask Him to be! Pretty impressive if you ask me!

My game plan for 2021 is to slide Jesus into the middle of my chessboard and focus on Him, pray to Him and ask Him which way I move.  The outside world will have to stop rattling my front door because I am not answering.  They do not make me, break me, nor feed my family.   How am I so sure?  Because I have seen God time and again at work in my own life. 

Here is an example for you.

 A year ago, Covid was ramping up, our son and my health were deteriorating, and we were living twenty- two hours away from family.  (Remember, this is not a one time on my knees praying. I had a prayer closet which I went into every day, continually asking for God’s help, for Him to show us where we should be, and to put into motion His plans for our lives.)  Just as Covid was beginning to lock the country down, our home sells, my husband’s new job is back in North Carolina, close to family. God provided the way and the means for the move. Since then, my son and I have amazing new doctors, and I believe we are entering a restoration phase of our lives!  It does not mean our daily lives are without struggle; it means that the struggle is doable with God.

Back to today’s inauguration.  For it is in God’s hands I shall take my refuge and dependence upon, not our elected leaders.  

God Bless You!

Prayer and Tears for America

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Yesterday was a day of sadness. Rioters took advantage of peaceful protesters and turned it into violence, death, and chaos. Why? Because they could. We gave the view of America to the world as a third world country without morals, standards, or respect for one another. What has happened is the political playground which both parties established, and they never expected their agendas to go this far. And it is because of the alliance of the democratic party with Black Lives Matter and Antifa to the republicans association with the Proud Boys. They assisted each group’s development and their rise to prominence. Do not blame one side over the other because they are both as wrong as their adversaries!

This picture is how I feel!

One fact to remember is God is always in control. He allowed America and Americans to make international fools of ourselves. Hopefully, to show us what we should do to change America back to “One Nation Under God.” Without doing so, we will see more violent rioters and groups like Antifa take over our country.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Please forgive us for our sins as a nation and as your children. We need You, Father, to guide us, protect us, and help us to understand who we are in You! Please restore our respect for one another, give us an abundance of love for one another, and open our leader’s eyes to their jobs at hand.  

Father, wrap those who lost loved ones yesterday in your arms and console them. Bless those who are cleaning up the mess at the White House.

I am standing on Your words in John 5:14 and 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

In Jesus Holy and Precious Name I Pray,

Amen!

Restoration

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Well, I finally did it! I had my nose, and the front facial structure was redone entirely, again. This is the third time the surgery has had to be done because of the Wegener’s disease. I would put a picture up for you to see, but it resembles an MMA fighter after a rigorous bout. Not a pretty sight to see.

.

So begins my restoration. I believe that my eight years in Texas were learning years where God truly opened my heart and soul to him. And now the return to North Carolina is my time of restorations, better health, and dreams realized. Throughout the eight years, it was a process of learning, suffering, and coming to lean completely on God for everything! My soul has also affirmed my belief, and shown me that restoration will be for my family. Sawyer, our son, will see his health restored and the plans God has for his life come to fruition. And like everything that God does, this new time of restoration will be a process in working progress.

Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. Hosea 6:1

So, how was your holiday and New Year’s Eve?  Do you see yourself a continuation of the old or a Godly restoration into the new? I pray you find restoration in your life this new year.  2020 may have left us weary and wounded but we can also find strength through God to pull up our boot straps and begin again. Anew, refreshed, and alive in Jesus Christ!

God Bless You!

How Are You Doing?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

How are you doing? Have you taken your temperature lately? Sometimes during a hurried life, not to mention a pandemic and the craziness of 2020, we forget to stop and breathe deeply. So, right now, you are not to move, think, or do any other action than to breathe. Can you do that for a few minutes?

Doesn’t it feel so cleansing to your soul, to take deep breaths with your eyes closed and maybe your head lying back? When I do it, I turn off all sounds within my control, like the tv, so that there is nothing to distract my attention for those few minutes. I can feel my body appreciating the new, clean oxygen, along with the momentary silence.

If I don’t take the time to breathe consciously, I begin to move like a freight train throughout my day. Before I know it, I am flying on an out of control physical and mental railway, barely hugging the curves and leaving sparks flying behind me. Ouch! What a way to start a fire! My responses become hurried and short, my movements are quick and jerky, and my attitude is cloudy with grumpiness. Why? Because I want to get it all done and solve all the problems. And what for? I am not happier. I do not have a little more money, nor have I won a Pulitzer Prize.

So this Christmas season, it was time for a conscious change to our holiday routines and traditions. First, it began because I am having major surgery in the middle of December to correct complications to my facial structure caused by Wegener’s disease. The recovery will be a long one, well into after the New Year. My husband and son will be responsible for packing up and putting away the decorations inside and out. Now, we are a family team. We put the decorations up together and take them down together, it is not a one-sided event, but they will have one less teammate. And this teammate is going to require them to care for her also. My plan of simplifying Christmas went into action.

The first decoration to go up was our family Christmas tree with the family ornaments and my mom’s nativity scene. No little trees, greenery up and down the stairs and over the doorways, knickknacks, jingle bells, villages, dancing Santas, snowmen, and bathroom decanters. Next, we adorned our front door with one lighted green wreath, and that is the total sum of our outdoor decorations. We are leaving us plenty of time to focus on family and the real reason for Christmas! Of course, I still have one “bucket list” Christmas to do, but it won’t be this year. That will be the Christmas when I decorate to the max and outdo the house in Christmas Vacation! Does anyone want some cat kibble jello? But that is for another Christmas and with the help of the grandkids!

After all, is said and done, I feel so good! I don’t feel like I am missing out on anything! We even took it one step farther with gift-giving. The grandkids will get their usual gift from us grandparents, which is part of my own enjoyment. Everyone else gets a 2020 ornament representing them or this crazy year for their tree. The ornament should cost between $10 – $15 or cheaper. Talk about a pressure release!

We even decided to keep the gift idea for future Christmases and spend the extra money we save on those in need. That is one-holiday tradition I miss terribly, going out feeding and helping others. Doing it through online contributions feels cold to me, even though I know it is helpful. I love hugging others, spreading hope, and feeling useful in their circumstances. It speaks to my inner problem-solver persona. Hopefully, next year will be different.

Now my train has slowed to a lyrical clickity-clack, and my oxygen meter is reading 100%. Not bad! Not bad at all!

How is your train running? Is it time for you to step back, take some deep breaths, and do away with overdoing? Enjoy your holiday moments, don’t worry if the decor or the food is not perfect! Spend time, even if it has to be virtual, with family and friends. Laugh, praise God for your blessings. And love that you are here, now, in this place.

God Bless You!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I found this group on YouTube and had to post them for you today! Their voices are angelic and they go to prove that when you are passionate about something, you can always find another way to go about doing it. Sometimes the worst of times brings about creativity and the very best in all of us. They have a virtual concert coming up, so be sure to check them out and subscribe. The Hymns Ensemble!

God Bless You!

Can 70 Million American Voters Be Wrong?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Four years ago, in November, a burst of fresh, promising winds blew across America. As the revitalizing air billowed back into American’s middle class’s flattened chests, a gasp was heard and resurrection began again. I can make these statements because I know “the proof is in the pudding,” and we have four years firmly congealed into America’s history books, Facts overrule opinions and assumptions. To prove my point, I will list a few of President Trump’s accomplishments and you can do your own due diligence and Google the information. 

Almost 4 million jobs created since Trump was elected.

400,000 manufacturing jobs.

President Trump brokered a historic peace agreement between Sudan and Israel.

Obamacare individual mandate penalty gone.

Under President Trump and Vice-President Pence, the American middle class woke up and discovered what it was like to again live the American dream.  We were no longer squashed beneath the thumb of the Democratic party and their socialist doctrine! It was so exhilarating to throw open our windows and breath powerfully into our souls the freedom winds of being an American.  We saw promise and hope in our new future and our children’s future.

But now the American winds are dissipating, and I am immensely disappointed at what will occur during the next four years under Biden/Harris. I visualize the next four years to mirror the Israelite’s forty years of aimlessly wandering in the desert; they even wanted to go back to Egypt. Is this our return to Egypt?  The promised land was blocked because God said “enough” to their disobedience. I can’t help but ask that since we removed God from our families, our communities, and our country, has God decided it is time for America to learn her lesson? Unfortunately, some of the best lessons learned are through experience and suffering.

Please indulge me while I peer into my imaginative crystal ball and  describe how I foresee America under Biden/Harris rule.

I see America blanketed by a stale, stagnant atmosphere with politically infused cliched methods, procedures, and language. Terrorists, once again, will walk the hallways as honored guests of the White House. And I don’t think that Bill and Hillary Clinton will mind if Biden/Harris use their preferred moniker of “Freedom Fighter.” when referring to these honored guests. It will help to ease the American people’s anxiety. That is until another 9/11 happens. Wealthy foreign leaders will assemble in our government halls for their slice of the American pie. At the same time, our leaders and their family members will amass more wealth from these alliances.  A win-win situation for everyone except the American people.

We will experience a new exercise movement sweep the nation and the White House lawn  called “The Comrade’s Yoga.” Bernie Sanders is head of the “Comrade’s Yoga” movement because we will do it for the good of all, and maybe they can incorporate Hitler’s high kick into it as they kick our jobs right back to China and other foreign countries. While over at the Senate and House, a carnival will ensue, and the favorite ride is the free ride called “The Pelosi’s Tilt A Whirl” ride. It is guaranteed to make you dizzy and crazy at the same time. Gas masks will replace medical masks, preventing us from noticing the stagnant air or contracting a virus or poison gas attack by foreign nations. And our schools will be replaced with “Youth Camps,” ensuring the mind-melding of our young into one ideal.

By now, you are probably going, “WOA Joni, Are you riding the crazy train?”

Not exactly, just venting out my frustrations through my politically charged imagination.  But you know, the things we deem so heinous and improbable as actions by man have come to fruition.  My example is the holocaust.  And, the Democratic party’s activities along with their future plans appear to be pointing in the direction of eliminating America’s Middle-Class.  Because unless the Democrats procreate a large group of zombie followers, Socialism, Marxism, and Dictatorships will not work. So, maybe we are the next holocaust. 

Can 70 million voting Americans who voted for President Trump and Vice-President Pence be wrong?

If I am still here throughout these next four years and not with Jesus, I see changes that will occur in our household.  Downsizing, frugality, and maybe even off-grid will become our new family objectives. It will depend on our financial situation and the American economy. But, our spiritual condition will always be the same, as we stay centered in Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior!  For, we will always draw closer and closer to Him, sheltering beneath His wings, because I know that He will protect and keep us in His care.

God Bless You!  God Bless America!

This Too Shall Pass

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Watching the antics over the past two weeks between the media, the politicians, and my fellow Americans, is like watching a bunch of witches at a cauldron frantically stirring their brew. I can see them grouped around the black cauldron of bubbling green goo, in their long black gowns, warted noses, and long black hair. Of course, their faces are the faces of the politicians, media, Black Lives Matter, and Antifa members. And up in the background with an orchestra leader’s baton in his hand is Satan, swaying and frantically gesturing with his baton. Faster and faster they churn, faster and faster they spew out almost unintelligible words, and faster and faster, my head sickeningly spins. What they believe they will accomplish and what they will accomplish, I pray, are two different results.

During this time, I have had to remind myself of the phrase “This Too Shall Pass.” when I feel the dizzying disgust of these events entering my brain and causing me to become angry. We will not forever be in an election year, we will not stay in the year 2020 like the movie “Groundhog Day,” and coronavirus will not stagnate our lives forever. You know, forever is a long time, and I have experienced the depressive feelings that I will never make it out of financial issues, medical problems, or even difficult human interactions alive and intact. Well, I am still here to affirm that they did not last, and working through them brought about valuable life lessons. 

This Too Shall Pass!

My sure-fire remedy for circumventing these moments, months, and even years is God! So, here I go again repeating myself. Put your trust in God, open your hands, and physically hand over your troubles, worries, stresses, and everything in your life. He can handle all of it! Remember, even though we don’t understand the evil and hardships of life, it all works together for the good of God. As a believer, I know this is momentary, but I get frustrated, stressed, and angry as a human. I am continually giving it back to God over and over again. As a certified control freak, I try to take the issues back from God to solve myself. So, handing it back to God, again and again, is not unusual. 

Utilize positive imaginary to help move you into a better place. Think of a time or a photograph that makes you smile and place it in the center of your thoughts. Lie back on a pillow and allow yourself to daydream. Sometimes short breaks during the day will help drive out the negativity and uncertainty.

And believe deep within in your soul that God Loves You! He wants You to be in a relationship with Him daily, to talk to Him, even if it is complaining that you cannot find your way! And always remember the phrase, “This Too Shall Pass!”

God Bless You!