Tag: #god

Nurturing Self and Others

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Hello there! As we find ourselves in the swift currents of February, it’s a good moment to pause, take a breath, and genuinely ask ourselves, “How are you doing?” This month is often associated with expressions of love, and in the spirit of “Give Love to Get Love,” it serves as a timely reminder to not only extend kindness to others but also to conduct a thoughtful mental health check-up for ourselves.

February, with its Valentine’s Day celebrations, is traditionally dedicated to love, affection, and connection. While expressing love to our friends, family, and partners is undoubtedly important, let’s not forget the significance of self-love and self-care. In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook our own well-being. This month encourages us to prioritize our mental health and emotional balance.

Taking a moment to reflect on your mental well-being doesn’t necessarily mean dwelling on challenges or stressors; it can also involve acknowledging your achievements, expressing gratitude, and embracing moments of joy. Cultivating self-awareness allows us to better understand our emotions and respond to them in healthy ways.

Consider incorporating simple yet effective practices into your routine, such as mindfulness meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. These activities can contribute significantly to your mental health by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and fostering a positive mindset.

In addition to focusing on self-care, February offers an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, can have a profound impact on our relationships and our own sense of well-being. Reach out to friends, family, or colleagues, not just to express love but also to genuinely inquire about their

well-being. Sometimes, a thoughtful conversation can be a powerful form of support.

Remember that mental health is a continuous journey, and checking in on yourself doesn’t have to be reserved for a specific month. However, the symbolism of February can serve as a gentle nudge to prioritize your emotional well-being and strengthen the connections that contribute to a fulfilling life.

As we navigate the rapid pace of the year, let’s make an intentional effort to give love, receive love, and nurture our mental health. May this month be a reminder that amidst the hustle and bustle, taking care of ourselves and each other is a meaningful and valuable pursuit.

God Bless You!

Joni

Romans 8:28 or Difficult Times

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans 8:28

I think God is trying to tell me something because Romans 8:28 keeps popping up everywhere I read, listen to, or go to today.  K-love sent it to my email and Dr. Missler, even though the study is Genesis, told us to bookmark Romans 8:28.  Then he read Romans 8 out loud and told us how important this section is concerning our covenant with God.

In layman’s terms, the verse states that the good, bad, and ugly journeys of our lives can be worked out for the good of God and us.  So, we have to believe it and allow God to be the one in control!  And, we also need to sit still and listen with our ears.  So very important. Some very difficult attributes to attain and keep, especially for me.

Right now, as a family, we are in a traffic circle with different avenues we can pursue.  It concerns our finances, my health, our son’s health, and our future.  We have been praying and waiting for God to answer, which is extremely difficult for me.  I want instant answers and instant results. So, I have to be especially careful not to allow Satan to push my buttons and cause me to charge ahead into my wants only and not my family’s decision.  The stress, for me, is unsurmountable while I hold the reins tight on myself.  And I find myself praying in my head and out loud throughout the day, trying to keep it together.

Maybe that is why God sent me Romans 8:28 today.  He has heard my prayers and I need to hold on while He is making the way, opening the doors, and clearing the pathways.  A little reassurance for one of His more difficult kids.

If you or your family is going through difficult times, bookmark Romans 8:28.  Pray, God hears your prayers and answers them!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Remember

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Today is a day of remembrance, grief, joy, and gratefulness for America. Tomorrow is the day after, a day of mourning and stories of fantastic survival concerning the events of September 11, 2001. We were hit where it hurts the most, on our own soil. Somehow our invisible protective field was removed, and we were at our most vulnerable. Evil patiently waited in the wings for its opportunity, and America had been setting the stage for decades.

It is not a new story in history but an old one dating back to Adam and Eve. God protects us until He tires of our disobedience, lack of faith, and selfish ways. When things are good, we turn away and ignorantly believe we have made it happen. We foolishly give in to our wants and desires only to believe there is time for repentance later. Greed and moral lacking become the day’s acceptable traits, while we blur the lines between right and wrong until there are no lines.

If that is not enough, we allow our leaders to set the table with our enemies, as President Clinton did when they welcomed Yassar Arafat as an honored guest into the White House. He became a frequent guest throughout Clinton’s Presidential years, and Arafat was also the money man behind funding the terrorists and planning the terror attack on 9-11. Talk about opening the door wide and welcoming evil inside our country, our communities, and our homes. Then we crawl, as we did after 9-11, back to God, begging for forgiveness and promising never to repeat the past, but only for a while until life becomes easy and money flows abundantly once more.

I believe this is our last chance for atonement, and that we are living in the end of times. Have you looked out your window lately? God has not only removed His hand of protection, but He is allowing tragic events to occur within nature and our culture, raining down despair, disease, and discord among us. These are not of His doing but our doing, even COVID and the fires. And still, as a nation, we have not come together to put God in His rightful place at the center of our country, communities, and families. How many times must you be knocked face down and trampled on before you scream, “Enough?” Before you establish a Godly home and community. Before you stand up for what is right and speak against what is wrong?

God has given us a promise, and He will help us, as stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Maybe today can not only be a remembrance but a new start for you and our country!

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

God Bless You!