My vision pre-Election 2020

I've asked Him often. "Can't You give me a vision of You?  Others get them, at least I've heard the stories in the Middle East where You have appeared to many Muslims, leading them to salvation ".  And then I hear Your quiet voice say, "Judy, My love, you are a woman of great faith. You don't need a vision of Me in order to see Me." 

I know He's right. I often imagine Him and me talking over coffee, sitting beside a mountain stream, sharing our hearts, or even galloping our horses across a grassy meadow laughing and whooping. So once again, I turn on a worship song and sing my heart out for my Savior, Jesus.

No one could have imagined  what would transpire in our country, in our world, in the six months since my last blog post!  The corona virus was just the first outrage to our lives.  Then came the shut-down.  Then came the the devastation to small businesses and the economy as a whole... due to the lack of social commerce and entertainment.  Then came the reports of the many deaths....sometimes dozens at a time. And the ravages of being locked up without any social interaction or schooling for the kids.  Being denied church attendance, excercise, education, working to provide food on the table and rent. Depression, suicide, anger, violence fomented in the cramped apartments, and small homes.  

The next assault on our generally peaceful lifestyles were the demonstrations, the anarchy, the rioting and looting, and worst of all the pitched battle between law enforcement and the mobs who wouldn't be silenced or stopped. Shootings, stabbings, atrocities on both side leaving grieving wives, parents and children. This was fodder for the politically motivated and they got involved. It spread to the upcoming presidential election and full-fledged war erupted. We were/are very close to a civil war in fact.

Then last Wednesday morning when I sat down in my prayer chair and sighed out my neediness to my precious Lord and Savior, I felt it again.  That extreme peace, the absolute quietness, the sense of His presence!  I relaxed, rested my arms on the chair with palms open, put my head back and closed my eyes. 

I've always thought that a vision would be sort of a trance-like state, or a semi-conscious  event.  This was neither.  But I could see this scenario in my mind behind my closed eyes.  

We (I don't know who) were in a huge old castle-like ballroom with dark wood paneling and trim everywhere, possibly even a stag head high on the walls. A huge object, covered or wrapped in shiny red paper, filling the room. It looked as though something  like a huge animal  was inside, moving ever so slightly.

As we tore off the wrapping paper of this gift, we saw that it was not at all what we thought...in fact it was indescribable as it moved outside into the open...spreading out in all directions.  It seemed to be an answer to our recent prayers, but so much more powerful and absolute than we had ever imagined.

Peace was restored across America.

President Trump wins the election, humbly accepting the challenge and going right into action.

Riots and demonstrations stop. Stolen goods were returned; thieves and hoodlums slink back into their holes; but some are humble and repentant.

There is no evidence of  Covid 19 or other illnesses.  People are happily rebuilding businesses and working together in peace.

Children are in school, both public and private...all having their curriculums now reflecting respect for our history and honor to God. Traditional couples are strolling together in love and happiness. No evidence of the sexual circus prevalent in recent times, and their dress and behavior is more modest.

The dark money sources, the tech dot coms, the media appear chastened and looking lost...looking for something of value.

I must interrupt this picture for a moment to tell you of another scene I have seen so often during my worship and praise times.  I am standing about a mile back from the shoreline which is completely littered with wreckage. Just off shore is a huge 50-80 foot wave just cresting....white foam bubbling at it's forward edge.  That is it.  What does it mean? When does it crash onto the beach? No answers.

Now back to my vision on last Wednesday.  When I look up from all the wonderful things occurring around me, I see huge crowds of joyful, and excited people coming out, leaping and running through the streets. They are all dressed in white.  They are stopping to share with the devastated.  They are teaching, praying with, and supporting the chastened, hiding and silent losers and victims of the violence and financial collapse.  These white-clad people are like a flood, everywhere filling in the empty places. 

Then, I knew what the bubbly white  foam in my prior picture is! The Church, the Bride, the people of God of course. The wave had crashed gently, rapidly bringing the grace of God to the terrible conditions of our America. The foam floated on the wave as it flattened out to minister and save the lost.  The great outpouring of God's saving grace.

I've only shared this with my prayer group today and they were encouraged by it. That is why I'm putting it our here.  That you might be encouraged.  HAVE FAITH!  HE WILL NOT FORSAKE US.!

Stopped dead in our Tracks

This afternoon I was sitting in my "war room" for a time with the Lord   It's really only a comfy chair next to a little side table piled high with journals, Bibles in several translations, prayer schedules from Master media for praying for a specific  media person each day of the year, notes and reminders to pray for so and so, Jesus Calling and other devotionals, my old IPOD being charged to play my favorite worship songs, pencils, glasses and lots more. 

On the left side is the side panel of my tall dresser, with a beautiful portrayal of Jesus painted when  Akiane was 8 or 9 (so real, I can see His eyes on me in a grin, or the stern look of a sergeant, or just the most passionate love for me). Along with the picture taped at my eye level, there are also three pieces of scrap paper taped next to the picture with special verses hand written as I work on memorizing them along with claiming them in my prayers.

Anyway, I was sitting there.... and I felt... heard...sensed such QUIET.  It was full of power and majesty.  Even the birds were silent, the traffic a few streets over, the constant roar of lawn care machines in the neighborhood were silent.  Not just for a minute, or five minutes.   It seemed as though time stood still.

And then I began to see in my thoughts America, with all the traffic, electronic noise, loud exploding music and dancing in an almost demonic nightmare, sex crazed ads for movies, horror filled television shows, clothing, and everything else.  These were all things that really bother me as I see our culture wildly looking for something to satisfy and not finding it.

Following that scene was this phrase that popped into my mind.  Stopped dead in our tracks.  We have been stopped dead in our tracks as most of us are staying home to stop the onslaught of the Corona Virus.  No classes, no meetings, no shopping (except for necessities), no meeting at a restaurant for lunch, not even church services.

And then the realization.  The enemy (who had his own plans to destroy the world with this pandemic) has also been stopped dead in his tracks.  He can't lead the thirsty to bars and hangouts. They're closed; college housing has been closed up;  there are many fewer people in the streets to be victimized,  as are thousands of other lairs for his activity.

Families are home together, getting to know one another again.  Classes like my watercolor classes are canceled, gyms and libraries are closed, restaurants are closed.  It reminds me of Sundays back in the 1950's (now you know how old I am if you hadn't already guessed).

So what should I be doing as a Christian.  My age prohibits me from getting involved in much outside my townhouse. BUT  I can pray!    So can you!

The Lord has gotten the show started, by stopping us all in our tracks, slowing us down, refocusing our physical and spiritual eyes.  He's saying to us, "Be My intercessory warriors!" 

"Because he loves me" says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me and I will answer; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.  Ps 91:15

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."  Mt 21:22

This is the time to find your own little "war room".   Go there often. Fill it with devotional, Bibles, notes, worship music, pencil, and anything else that you think of. Be quiet and listen to the quiet... listen for Him.  He has been waiting for you to come. He promises to listen and answer.

Make a list of things to pray for.

 Of course we need to pray for protection, health and healing for family and those close to us.
 But even more so we need to pray for God to send in an army of angel warriors to defeat this virus and the plans of the devil. 
 We need to pray that the quiet, powerful Spirit of the Lord keeps falling on us all.  We need His comfort and peace.
 We need to pray for those who don't know Him, who need to feel the comfort, peace and grace of God. 
 We need to pray for workers to go out into the world to harvest the fields "white with harvest".
 We also need to be one of those workers who prays first and then tells someone else about this powerful victorious God, who can take what the enemy meant for bad and turn it into good.

I am believing that this harvest of ripe fruit will be the beginnings of a great "awakening", of multitudes of people hungry for something to save them, something more, because the things of this world just don't satisfy. Holy Spirit, prepare their hearts to hear the good news.  We can pray for that!

 Even if things are really tough for awhile.  I can trust God in that because I dwell in His abiding place, in the shelter of the Most High God". I can be an intercessor.

Stressful times - what can we do?

As we look all around us we see chaos, plots, arguments, hatred, anger, riots, demonstrations....need I go on.  You can't really miss them.  However, occasionally, we see a display of compassion, real love, thoughtfulness, even self-sacrificing mercy to another.   It's like being jerked around on a rollercoaster, as it rises and then plummets, then rises, and plummets again jerking me over to one side, then another.  Will the seat belt hold, will the wheels stay on the track, will the somersaults in my stomach just please stop!

Recently, I read this September 19th entry from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:
    "There is a mighty battle going on for control of your mind.  Heaven and earth intersect in your mind; the tugs of both spheres influence your thinking. I created you with the capacity to experience foretastes of heaven...heavenly realms....As you concentrate on Me, My Spirit fills your mind with Life and Peace.
"The world exerts a downward pull on your thoughts.....Stay in continual communication with Me whenever you walk thought the wastelands of this world....Refuse to worry...Stay alert.....Look forward to an eternity of strife-free living, reserved for you in heaven,"

                                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

          Ephesians 2:6  (NIV) And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.

            Romans 8:6  New (NIV)  For to set your mind on the Spirit is Life and Peace.

           1 John 2: 15 - 17 (NIV)  ¹⁵ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father^[a] is not in them. ¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. ¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That is what I have been striving to do lately.

 In my quiet times, I find favorite scriptures and use them in my prayers.  Try Psalm 91. Your peace will be restored. I listen to Worship & Praise music and sing along, even dance to it. I imagine that I'm in the heavenlies with my Lord.

I've limited my TV news watching and turned on 90.3 FM for background noise.  Channel 8 (PBS) has a lot of wonderful, peaceful, things on it that are uplifting, educational, beautiful, interesting, and good watching....if you avoid the news and commentary.

When I teach my watercolor classes, I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill me and let His Light shine through me to each student, meeting their needs. A single student that is last to leave is often a field planted and growing, ready to be harvested. I talk to her and let the Holy Spirit lead the conversation.

As I finish up my daily prayers, I commit my way to the Lord, and ask him to direct my path. And I watch as opportunities and answers and small needs are filled throughout the day.

This is the way of peace, the cure for stress, the answer to all my questions.  God is faithful!

The Dirty Work of Childhood Molestation

The Dirty Work of Childhood Molestation

A loved one within my own family is a victim of this tragic crime. In the last month I have heard friends who were speaking of their own painful journeys, and news abounds about the latest serial rapist who has destroyed numbers of children and teenagers with his orgy parties. I've heard the reports of the border crises...most especially the child trafficking and raping of children and women who have paid an exorbitant and lifelong price to cross into the US.

Then last Saturday night, I was looking for a good mystery on PBS or on my DVR. I first watched Law and Order SVU, then PBS' 4 week series, “Unforgotten”. Once again, with gripping reality, the heart wrenching victims of childhood molestation and rape, and young women and boys who are lured into sex parties where unspeakable atrocities are performed on them were told. But it's not just what happens to them in these dark torture chambers (which, thankfully were not shown). These two shows clearly spelled out the life changing effects for those who were now middle aged. How do these things change their lives? I vaguely knew, but now I was being shown.

What happens to them after the perpetrators have had their fun? These victims are then turned out into the pasture of their lives to try to make sense of it all, to smother the tortuous feelings of guilt and shame (for it must have been their fault that “I was afraid but I felt something good....well not really good, but like a hot pepper that burns, but you go back for another taste”). Or it may have been immensely painful and no one listened to their cries. Then came the anger....anger against those that allowed them to get themselves into these situations, or the anger at the pervert who disgusted them but may have been a family member, or the anger at themselves because they let it happen. Some may have physical pain in their most intimate parts...will it get better?

Next question they ask is “should I tell someone,....mom?.....dad? Would they believe me? Would they blame me? Would they tell everyone else? “ Then how do they deal with the results of the stares, the quiet sneers, the gossip that would most certainly accrue. So most say NOTHING  for years, or decades, I mean NOTHING!

Children forced into these nightmares, especially when they live in fairly stable homes, may seem to recover, but not really. Often PTSD is just as real for them as for a marine coming off the battlefield... nightmares, sleeplessness, rage, anger, depression, withdrawal, insecurity, and rebellion are common mechanisms for coping with the pain of the memories... if they are not revisited by the same  relative, teacher, coach, or other sicko. However, if there is a chance of repeat performances, fear becomes a constant companion. How do you explain that you don't want to go stay at Aunt Nikki's house during summer vacation? How can you lock your bedroom door and keep him or her out?

There's another whole aspect that can also bring pain, or relief. That is how parents handle the thing their child has just tried to tell them, if indeed they ever do. Parents are all different and their reactions are all different. Going to the police is the obvious next step. But the anguish and the realities of infrequent convictions because nothing can be proved, the unwillingness of the victims to expose their already violated privacy, and the daunting aspect of confronting the monster in the room make this a difficult choice.

I'm sorry to expose you, my reader to these ghastly realities of the fruit of acts that at least 30% of our population experiences. These are only a fraction of details that describe the lives of victims of childhood molestation. We may have a friend or relative who has shared some of the nightmare with us, but most of us hear the stories, then, because we too, are pained by them, we go on to something else that will make us feel happier. But I implore you to keep reading and allow God to bring the Truth into your life. You may be able to pray more effectively for someone, or be a source of wisdom and help when most aren't comfortable to even talk about it.

For me, this was an answer to prayer. I wanted to understand more, I wanted to be honest with myself as to how I dealt with this in my own family. I wanted to enter into the reality of my loved one's sufferings. I wanted to understand more. I was seeing the devastation all around decades later. “God, help me understand”.

I'm not one to run from conviction. Conviction is a true sense of sorrow and regret and acknowledgment that I am at fault in some of my decisions even if I thought I was doing the best I could. I wanted to feel the extent of the pain and devastation that my loved one has borne for decades. I wanted healing, forgiveness for us all. Conviction should always lead to confession and God's forgiveness,,,,so that I can live without the pain of condemnation so that I, too, don't make things worse. I didn't want to live in condemnation.

Condemnation is NOT from God. It torments and twists its way into every part of these stories...the victims, the loved ones of the victims, and the perpetrators. Condemnation is a poison that weaves itself into our relationships, often those most important to us... parents, love relationships, siblings, and later our own children. It accuses, blames, fabricates, twists the knife deeper, then starts all over again.

Jesus came to us, as God's heartfelt gift, so that He could not only show us the Father, but that He could suffer and die for us. His sacrifice has purchased our forgiveness, miraculously bringing healing and restoration and reconciliation. This is the answer for everyone swept up in these horror stories. God cares, so much so that He's given us a way to recover, be healed, be free from pain, and be made new. That's why He gave us Himself, Jesus.

I believe and pray that many of you that read this will hear the heart of God in this writing and prayerfully ask Jesus to lead you through this process. I know of no other counseling, treatment, or book that will do what only our loving God can do.

Please share with me your thoughts about this.

The Blessings of Good Friday made real to me

Good Friday....as I sit here late in the afternoon, I've been so aware of the meaning of Good Friday and wanting to do something to honor it (since my church has no service). I've been reading  The Divine Dance by Richard Rohr- a deeply intellectual description of what our relationship with The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit should be in order to fully take part in Their life in me.

So many things stood out to me and as I read  I had to stop and express, "Oh, Lord, that's what is happening in me", or "I saw/experienced this today!"

I had to get up early and  arrived just barely awake by nine at the downtown Senior Center for my watercolor class.  When I walked in, I first saw two new women sitting at the closest table.  As I passed by I invited them to come paint with us when I got it all set up.  The one nearest me,  I realized, was very large, and had a clearly masculine face, long hair, feminine dress, and a very deep man's voice when she responded, "Maybe...what're you going to paint?"  I said I'd show her a picture in a few minutes, but it would be easy and I would help her.

I realize now, that a rush of love washed over me, along with an acknowledgement of her identity choice, and  I can honestly say at that moment and even more so later in the morning, even though she decided not to paint, that LOVE won out, as apposed to judgement.

Revelation One.....that's the way that God's LOVE always is....automatic and without judgement.

Just before we started the painting, our director came over to give a ten minute lesson on the History of Good Friday. Barbara, my new friend, crossed her knees in a very masculine way, and frequently spoke up to add accurate details of the Passover, and it's relevance to Good Friday where Jesus' spilled blood was our sacrifice for freedom from our sins, just as God had the Israelites put the spilled blood of a lamb on their doorposts to protect them from the angel of death (the final plague announced by Moses before the Egyptians freed them).  Other student painters stepped up and added their own additions to the theological discussion of  Christ's crucifixion,  and were very open to the short, beautiful prayer of thanksgiving as our director thanked God for this LIFE-giving sacrifice from our Lord.  I had been to church!!

Revelation Two....God has wonderful gifts for us everywhere we go.  This one was sooo obvious though!

Now, as I continue reading The Divine Dance, I see so clearly that living in the midst of the Trinity and sharing Their LIFE fills me up with non-judgmental love, and allows me to spill it out on everyone without thought, and along with the  Good Friday Sermon, I'm filled  with wonder as The Father, Son and Spirit dance around, in and through me.

I thought I might share the conversation The Lord and  I have been having back and forth over the last few months. It concerns His provision.....ie: my money (or lack of) problems.  Ever have that talk with The Lord?   I thought so.  So let me know what you think of these musings that I've written about in my Journal.  I put quotation marks around those words that I believe are His voice to me.

My words:
Every month, I'm just barley making it, with no assurance of income next month beyond my inadequate Social Security check. Lord, this is so hard! I do trust You, but I want to be free of the concerns that nag me constantly.

His answer:
"Judy, I AM providing your daily bread.  I have also asked you to live by faith for provision for [various specific expenses].  All these years you have trusted Me and I have been strengthening you...you ARE stronger than you think!  And I AM FAITHFUL.

Don't you think Paul and my other servants struggled like you, and yet they continued to see My power expressed in their lives?

Be careful that you don't over think and over analyze these things.  That will mean nothing when you stand before Me. I will ask, 'Did you trust Me?'  And I want you to answer, 'I did, in spite of my doubt and struggles.'

The answers to your provision do not include the 'absence of trials'. The trials cause you to stay close to ME, as/or while I AM providing. That is why you won't be able to reason, 'well now, that's taken care of.'

In your increasing maturity, the greatest element is the ability to know and follow MY WILL for you.  It doesn't matter what others think or how they judge you. I'm asking you to know MY WILL for you and to obey and follow that path.

       Romans 12: 1-2 I appeal to you, brothers, by the mercy of God to present your bodies as a living        sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to            this world, but be transformed, by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may be able to            discern what is the will of God...what is good and acceptable and perfect!

Judy, be an example of this truth, that you might be an example to many others who are also struggling with this matter.The ability to discipline yourself in this culture of plenty is as important as is  being faithful in other fleshly temptations. Pray for and receive MY help and strength to do this. I WILL NOT FAIL YOU. You are MY bride...remember that...don't doubt  MY help that is available to do this.  

I love you, my precious one."

I must say, that I really took this to heart, and now am much more able to throw off my concerns and just remember the many Words I've heard from the Lord.  I have written a number of verses out in long hand pertaining to the promises I am standing on, and taped them to my kitchen cabinets, where I often read them.  However, this last week, one morning I read all of them out loud with real conviction.  I even recopied these scriptures on matching notepaper and carefully re-taped them to my cupboard doors.  It take ten minutes or more to speak them out loud, and I have repeated this several times since then.

That first day, it seemed as though a huge dam broke and some answers that I have been trusting God for have broken loose!  Not just once, but several times this week.

I see my LORD grinning from ear to ear, as He sees me finally getting this "no concerns, no worries about finances" thing.  Halleluiah!

Try it...especially the written scriptures and speaking them out loud with conviction. My mind is being transformed and so will yours.

The obscurity of the stable

Why was Jesus born in a stable,    
          rather than a palace as the desperately longed for  king who would deliver Israel from the Romans,
          rather than the Temple as the long awaited Messiah prophesied about for centuries,
          rather than Mary and Joseph's comfortable, yet modest, home near to loving relatives            
                    any place other than a strange city where they knew no one,
                    any place other than an outside cow barn, cold, smelly, uncomfortable, and dark?
Why was He born in such obscurity?  It makes for a nice story, but let's be real here.

There are so many reasons,
          some now known with the help of common sense and  The Holy Spirit,
          so many more yet to be revealed at the Lord's knee!

The most obvious reason He wasn't born in Nazareth was that even though the scandal and whispers would have erupted again, there would have been little need to reach out in desperation for Jehovah's help. Mary and Joseph had all they needed right there.

With that in mind, let's consider the more treacherous reasons why He was not born in Nazareth, or a palace.
         How long would He have survived in Nazareth? When the shepherds came, would the Romans wonder why all the commotion, and investigate? Rumors run wild in a small town and everyone knows everyone. Herod, upon learning of the rumors, could have easily tracked the Child down and killed Him.
          The wise men may never have found Him. In fact many prophecies would have had to be changed if they were referring to the coming Christ.
Get's complicated, doesn't it?  But for sure, Herod would find Him and kill Him!

And a most tragic reason that Jesus was not born in The Holy Temple:
           The priests and other ruling hierarchy of temple greed, deception, legalism and politics, would have imprisoned Him in their doctrine, brainwashed His pure mind, and even if not successful at that, they would have made His life unbearable.
           Jesus could never have left their influence.

Soooo, the most precious and important reason was for us ....the need for us to have FAITH....to grow through uncertainty and misty memories to strong certainty that what God told us is true! Mary and Joseph lived it out!
        It was for Jesus to grow up as a normal child in order to display to the common man the TRUTH and LIGHT available for us as we live out our lives on earth.          

The many other reasons?  I'll ask Him when I see Him face to face in eternity.

But this I know...He whispered it to me as I was listening to O Holy Night, "You may think your life and ministry are unimportant, and shrouded in obscurity, but I, the Lord, have a plan for you, too. Trust Me as Mary and Joseph did.  Always keep growing in faith.  Your faith brings more glory to Me as I watch with such pleasure and joy.
Stay obscure so that My Father in heaven can be glorified.  Just listen and follow Me. If I choose to bring you out of the shadows....let it be into My light.
And it is up to Me, your Creator, to fill out the story in the perfect way."

"All is well, Immanuel." said I.
"All is well, My love." said Jesus.
       
         



     
                 

     So excited!!!  My Bible Study in the Song of Solomon has just been republished and the New Edition is now available on my web site (www.judylokits.com), Redemption Press, (redemptionpress.com), Amazon, Barnes & Noble and soon most book retailers. Watch for my special deal coming up in a week or two on my Facebook page.
     To be truthful I sound like I know what I'm doing with all of these online things, but I just limp along slowly, learning as I go.  Forgive any mistakes you spot, or delays, or even outrageous  errors in getting your books.
   
     A few days ago, midmorning, I was just sitting down in my prayer chair with a cup of coffee for my time with my Beloved, but found myself acting out in my mind how I would begin marketing the book(my main goal for today). Something became very clear in my thoughts regarding the shuffling of my finances to be able to buy some books, pay for my credit card charges regarding book publishing, and whether or not to separate out the money received for the sale of the books, etc.

I suddenly had the impression that the Lord and I had just had a corporate meeting and He had given me the answers that I had been very concerned about in the past few weeks. In fact, I could picture Him on the other side of the table with a big grin on His face, His big hands flat on the table saying, "Well, now that that is over, let's get on with the more important business......where do you want to start?"

     Every day, my heart is full of thanksgiving for how the Chairman of the Board of my book, the first Bible study using my book that I'm co- leading at my church, my art classes and all the other areas and activities  I am involved in   (JLokits, Inc  ... that's a joke)....how He manages to keep me from falling flat on my face!

      But....the best part is when I lean back in that chair, close my eyes as one of my incredible worship CD's play, and see Him, The Lord Jesus Christ, beckoning me to join Him in the garden. Once again I hear His gentle words of love and so much more.....the mysteries of Him.  This is what I live for, and desire most.  A lesson learned in the Song of Solomon. 

Be watching for the special coming up in the next week or two!  I'll announce it on Facebook.

The most incredible experience

     I just had the most incredible experience this morning...in my pajamas and in my own kitchen!
I prayed out loud and heard hundreds or thousands or more praying with me together.  No, I wasn't watching TV or a CD or some other electronic marvel.  Only a telephone....not even a cell phone!
     At 9:25 I suddenly remembered that I had planned last week to call in and join this First Friday Prayer Conference Call.  For over a year I have been led to start some kind of intercessory prayer group or team.  Some doors have closed, others haven't opened and I still believe God is calling me to do this!    Have you ever been in that spot?
     Intercessory prayer (prayer on behalf of others) is a big calling in my life...being a "watchman on the walls" to help guard, defend, and sound the alert in my part of the Kingdom of God.  I, like many others, however, get caught up in the duties of the day and our own flesh which keep distracting us, and I fall far short of the calling.
     Lately, God has confronted me with books, articles and other eye-opening reminders of God's power and promises to answer our prayers.  But He also keeps reminding me of the power that I have when doing battle with the heavenly forces of evil, and not just that I have this power...but that nothing may happen if I don't use this power.

     Enter:   Intercessors for America!  I read avidly their monthly news letters which give me the "inside scoop" about what is happening in this world of prayer, answers to prayer, and aids to help me join the thousands, maybe even millions of other intercessors for America. Being reminded about our Founding Fathers' belief in the power of prayer for their endeavors, about our current leaders and their personal and public needs, as well as knowing about what God is doing in answer to these prayers takes about 1/2 hour while I eat lunch.   That last issue was when I committed to join the monthly conference call.  This was a first for me!
     But it was so easy!  I called the phone number printed in the reminder box of the news letter, and when it answered and told me to click in the access code, I followed the directions.  And, voile, I was listening into the conversation! David Barton was asking for prayer for Wallbuilders, a wonderful organization which teaches churches, schools, and others about the spiritual foundation of our country.  I had heard him speak in my church in Florida almost ten years ago and was very moved.
     Then, they "turned off the mute button" which allowed me to hear hundreds, thousands or who knows how many others praying for Wallbuilders.  There was a cacophony of voices, even some singing, all praying in their own way.  I got goose-bumps.  After a minute or two, the mute button was turned on so that I could hear someone else offere up a concern for our youth who are being so influenced by deception and darkness.  Then we prayed, as the mute button was turned off so we could hear the multitudes of prayers and singing.  After a couple of other specific prayer requests for our leaders and the Congress and courts, once again, each time, we all prayed together.  Finally, one man  encouraged us all with the fact that there are several serious prayer groups in the White House and halls of Congress, and that the President, himself is not only open, but encourages prayers and Godly words of wisdom within the White House and personally for himself.
     I am so encouraged!  And now I know how to answer my Lord's calling.

     I am going to regularly write in this blog encouragements and helps, requests and needs for America, and we will together become Intercessory Prayer warriors. It's up to you as to whether you want to join, (there are no dues); however, remember the Bible is full of admonitions even from our Lord that we pray.  We are somehow His partners. We are His betrothed, His helpmate.  Amazing, isn't it?  Let me know if want to join.
      First suggestion:  Go online to
Pray for America's Leaders      or       Intercessors For America

Crude or Corrrupt: That is the question!

     This is another of those times when my procrastination is finally defeated by a LOUD shout from God!   Wherever I look, whatever I read or hear reminds me that God gave me the title of this post and He is waiting for me to do something about it.  He truly never gives up until He gets His way in my life.  How about you?
     I don't need to tell you we are in a presidential election season.  And as a Christian who wants to vote according to God's will for our country, I feel like I am in a dryer, being tumbled and twisted and overheated in every way.  All this,  just to get the wrinkles out?
     I believe a mighty prayer movement is just about to break out:  a prayer movement that cries out against the moral depravity that is smothering our country and others, the massive corruption in our local and state governments that threatens our constitution and national well-being, and a Holy Spirit awakening in the Church as we cry out for God to make Himself known as the only solution....the only resolution (thank you, Misty Edwards).... to our quaking world.
     But there's still this nagging question.  How should we vote in less than a month?  Crude or corrupt very aptly describes each of the two presidential candidates.
      I've read articles that remind us that God has used ungodly rulers a few times in the Old Testament to wake His people up.  Cyrus was one of those.   He was the Persian ruler that, as a heathen king, still heeded the call of God to release the captive Israelites to go back to Jerusalem and re-build their Temple.  Could a man who is crude and even vulgar in speech and attitude possibly be a modern day Cyrus?  Last night I heard Jerry Fallwell, Jr, president of Liberty University say that "we need to concentrate on America's future instead of Trump's past".
      I've also read many other articles from various Christian sources urging us to NOT take the easy way out.  David Kubal, President and CEO of Intercessors for America, wrote in the October 7, 2016 issue of their newsletter, "The fourth option, not voting, seems to be the only moral choice for some, but the action of taking no action by Christians could guarantee governmental leadership whose party platform will not protect life in the womb, will not support religious freedom, and will force you to forsake your traditional Christian values or face legal punishment if you resist.  Edmund Burke (1729-1797) is known for his famous saying:  'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'"  Can we ignore all the evidence of deception and corruption in the liberal leadership and in government in general?
      The conservative platform pledges to support and protect children before birth and to not support and fund abortion.  It pledges to support traditional marriage and family, protection from the policing of  tax-exempt organizations who espouse Christian values in the public arena, protection of individuals and businesses for acting  on the belief that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, and many other social issues important to Christians.
       There is also the concern that a future president will put forward  Supreme Court judges (a few are expected to retire in the next four years).  These judges can either pave the way for more liberal values or for protection of our Judaeo-Christian values and an adherence to the constitution's original intentions for America. They have the final say.....will we?
       The only thing I know for sure is that "God has a plan".  He is not and will not ignore our prayers. This He has promised those of us who walk humbly before Him and trust His promises. But there is more than that to our responsibilities.
        So.......I have carefully looked over the platforms of each candidate. As a Christian there is no ambiguity as to which platform most closely lines up with my views and desires for my government. I urge you to do the same.  If you don't know where to go for that information, you can go to the Intercessors For America, www.IFApray.org, and click on  "party platforms".  They have a great "2016 Presidential Election Voter Prayer Guide" and much more helpful information to help you in this most important decision.
     Most importantly, vote!    There is no excuse for not prayerfully making a decision, for being fully informed, for voting your choice.   Just as important, answer the call to join the dramatic and powerful movement of prayer in the Church.  God has blessed us with this country, and it is our responsibility as a Christian to do our part. I'm in....are you?

     I haven't submitted a new post for awhile. I know that being busy is no excuse.....but it's true.  I must be insane to try to run two businesses at the same time, when most people my age are playing golf, traveling, going to lunch with friends, etc.
     How did I find myself in this situation ten years past retirement? 
     Well, the Lord must have seen my inherent lazy nature and decided to sabotage my plans and get on with His project in me. He's certainly not finished with me yet....but this wasn't what I might have imagined a decade ago in South Florida.
      As with many of us in our seventies all my plans for income have been vastly changed....mostly due to forces beyond my control (the 2008 debacle in the stock market and then the housing values crash topped it off).  One of the many times I begged the Lord, "WHY?", He seemed to assure me that He had me exactly where He wanted me.  Dependent on Him.....for the rest of my life....single...aging....no career options....scared spitless.  
     "Oh Lord, what am I going to do?"  was a frequent beginning to my day.  And He would just remind me of all the past times (thousands) when I had uttered those words, and somehow He had carried me through.  All I needed to do was to trust...trust Him and His promises.
      And here we are, not 2006, but 2016 goin' on 17!  How has your life changed in the last ten years? Doesn't it seem like our lives are racing down a train track 200 miles an hour, and we're still trying to get our luggage on and put away in the luggage racks?
     It could be that you feel like you're left at the station and everyone else got on the train and they keep racing by but not stopping to pick you up.  That waiting time is often just as hard as being on the fast track to the unknown.
      For Christians, for those who have made Jesus Christ their Savior and Lord, it IS easier. We are to build up our knowledge of Who our faithful Lord is by reading His words to us. And we learn that He really cares....no, passionately, loves us.  He has a plan for each of us.  With faith as our shield we brush off the doubts and fears and take a little time out each day to lean back in His arms and let Him speak sweet words into our ears. It is these times that we are able to keep going down the path before us.
     If this is not happening for you (hearing the sweet words of the Lord spoken to you), try asking God to make it happen.  He loves a seeking heart and always responds.  But, beware, it will not happen the way you expect.
      This whole subject and my own needs are what led me into the writing career and the books I have written out of my own experience. Who would have imagined that?  Not me, for sure.
       And then part two of God's plan for me AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE also arose out of necessity....income.  But instead of a job that I hate, He gave me the opportunities to improve my art skills, the courage to believe the results were good, the strength to display them and teach others the joy of being creative. And I love doing it.
     So....two new careers in the "twilight" of my life!  And I am overjoyed!  I love what I do. I feel totally fulfilled!  And they're all centered around the love of Jesus for me...the One who has a plan for me!  He is truly fulfilling His promises of peace, joy, love, fulfillment, and the knowledge...the absolute knowledge, that He will never leave me because He is passionately in love with me.
       "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in HIm shall not die but have eternal life". (John 3:16) 
       "I have loved you with an everlasting love".  (Jeremiah 31:3)
      "I belong to Him, and His desire is for me".   (Song of Solomon 7:10)

COURAGE, MY DEARS, COURAGE!

I have a plan......

     After many months of ignoring my blog with all sorts of very credible excuses, I felt compeled to share some of my quiet time with the Lord today.  Like you, I am very concerned about all the things that are happening in my beloved America. I pray almost daily for her, and believe that God is hearing my prayers along with millions of others who are likewise concerned. 
     This is not a political opinion piece although it speaks of politics in our country.  I am not endorsing any candidate. But my heart is heavy as it was when I sat down to spend my time with my Beloved this morning.  Before I barely got started, I knew this was one of those times when I needed to write in my journal, to make note of this conversation with Jesus.  Here is what I wrote and what He answered
                                                   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     We're in the midst of an extremely heated and unprecedented Presidential race...an attempt by some (Cruz and Trump) on the establishment (the U.S. governmental and political ruling class with all it's connections, not the true constitutional framework set up by our founders).
     When I sat down for my quiet time, the Lord took me directly to Hebrews 8, 9, and 10.  Easter was last  Sunday and this seemed a perfect passage to speak to me again of what Jesus' resurrection means to us. As I kept on reading about the ending of the "Old Covenant" and the bringing of the "New Covenant" by Jesus' death and resurrection,  I began to relate it in some small way to what is happening in America.
      Paul (the supposed author) explains that the Temple...the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies....were shadows of the true Holy of Holies in Heaven.  Although they didn't know it yet the Old Testament high priests and the blood sacrifices were about to be replaced by the one time blood sacrifice of the willing Son of God, Jesus. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, meant that redemption has been made once and for all for sin!. 
     When this happened, the whole need for the Temple and all it's functions had ceased.  The "establishment" was threatened and sensed a major attack on their existence, their income, their power, their prestige, and their lifestyle. They were not monastic monks living in poverty and humilty, and they reacted with fear when Jesus began to attack their traditions and hypocrisy  and overturned the tax takers' tables and animal sellers, etc.  He spoke words of stinging truth and conviction.  They did not understand what He was saying about the Kingdom of God, but knew it was a threat to them. Thus they had to get rid of Him.  It was a matter of life and death for them.
    
     I believe, Lord, You are showing me that in much the same way, the establishment (political), Washington...the whole system of power and money exchangers...senses a serious attack on all they know, deserve and have worked for to benefit themselves. And they believe they must, at all costs, stop Cruz and Trump. I am not comparing Cruz or Trump to the Messiah, by the way. 

     "Judy, you got it!  The attack on America's political and governmental establishment  is the same sort of attack as on the Temple system.  It is a warning call to the power brokers and financiers and all their cohorts in the halls of government who are dependent on the process.
     The reason I showed you this is that the battle for America and the God breathed foundational stones on which it was founded and built is a matter of life and death!
     I AM calling you and all of My people to pray... not so much for one candidate...I have a plan and I have heard your prayers for your land.   I AM calling you to pray:
           ....to stand against the enemy who also has a plan to destroy America
           ....to pray for Christians to see the TRUTH and to join the battle to pray and vote
           ....to pray for wisdom and discernment when praying specifically
           ....to refuse to join emotion-based activities in the election but to wage spiritual warfare, protected by your spiritual armor.  (We battle not against flesh and blood, but against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, ... Eph 6)
           ....to understand by the help of the Holy Spirit who the real enemy is and take him out by the power of My Name and the TRUTH of My Word

     I have a plan! I will not be deterred.  Part of that plan is the calling forth of My people to join the battle:
        by prayer
        by seeking My marching orders
        by obeying My orders
        by trusting in the power of My Name and your prayers.

     Cover yourself in My blood.  I will protect and guide you.  Write this on your blog. As you do these things you bring me much glory.....you ravish My heart.
                                                                                                        Jesus"
                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So there you have it!  He commanded and I obeyed.   Will you?

A Testimony to my pastor.....

This is a copy of a recent email I sent to my pastor.  It was entitled: A testimony about lack. I thought you might like to read it also.

     I have been a little worried about my financial situation the last few months... income has been down and I don't want to be in debt. When I was praying, reminding God of my financial needs this month, the Lord allowed me to look in on the scene of His feeding the multitudes.  This is how I literally saw it.

     Thousands of men, women, children, healthy and sick, rich and poor were camped out for the day on the grass of a large hillside. It was getting late in the day.  They had already eaten their lunches and snacks much earlier, not wanting to miss anything that might happen there with Jesus, the Healer, the prophet-teacher, the miracle worker in their midst. 

     The disciples noted the subtle restlessness of the children who were tired and hungry, the undercurrent of concern among the parents, and even the unspoken questions of the more sophisticated about how long was He, this Jesus, going to go on.  They came to Jesus, turned Him aside and asked Him about this.  Should they try to go buy food?  Did they have enough money for such a large crowd?  Or would He dismiss them now, allow them to go home or to nearby inns? 

     I could see the wry little smile on Jesus' face as He turned around and said, "Well, why don't you go and see what you can gather up from those who had brought food," motioning them to, "go on now".  Then He continued on with His divine lessons, walking among them, laying a

hand on fussy children, stopping to touch a lonely widow, to pray for an aching back.  He seemed utterly unconcerned about the disciples' assessment of the gathering.  He had more, much more, to say, and the hearts were open and ready to feast on the real Bread of Life. 

     When one of the disciples came back with nothing in the basket he had borrowed, and another with only a half-eaten loaf of bread and a dried fish, Jesus smiled again and motioned them to sit down and wait for the others.  Then He went on to finish His parable.  Soon the others drifted back and compared their "catch".  Only a few more loaves of various shapes and kinds of bread and a couple more shriveled up fish. What were they going to do?  What would Jesus say? 

     Well, He didn't say anything.   He just grinned from ear to ear.   He actually picked up some of the bread and smelly fish and raised His arms up and gleefully kissed each piece.  Then He quietly began laughing to Himself as He gave the traditional blessing, replacing the food in the various baskets and continuing to thank The Father for these generous, sacrificial gifts...given with trusting hearts.  THEN, He said, "Take the baskets back out among the people and give them all they want." And all the time, He was chuckling quietly as He watched the blank faces of His helpers, who slowly backed away with their baskets, their eyes transfixed on His grinning face. Then suddenly one tripped on a nearby leg...falling backwards,  his basket flying through the air.  Bread, loaves and loaves of it, sailing  and then landed in the laps of those behind him! The joy of Lord began to break out on all sides. 

     And,  course, everyone ate their fill, with plenty of leftovers for those not fortunate enough to have been there to see it for themselves.  And joy filled the place, babies went to sleep, children quieted and watched this Miracle Worker as He seemed to reach out His arms to hug them all at once.  And the sun sank below the horizon  on a peaceful crowd as they packed up and went away for the night.

 

     I know this is a paraphrase, but it was the way I saw it.  Then Jesus seemed to be telling me that I must not be like the disciples as they looked at the huge need, and the minute supply.  He seemed to be saying that I must keep my eyes on His face...on the joy He felt, the glee that He experiences when we just trust Him. 

     Of course, I could go on and on with my assessment of what He meant.  But I think that's for each one of us to do as we  see that picture of His joy in responding to our trust, as we get our eyes off the needs....as we just keep looking at Him.  

     I hope this picture stays in your head and moves to your heart as quickly as it did mine.

 Blessings,

Judy Lokits

 

 

 

Deep Calls Unto Deep

     I finally submitted Deep Calls Unto Deep - How to respond to the Passionate Love of God to the publisher this week.  It is about the Song of Songs in the Bible, a book that intrigues most Christians with it's love story and evocative language, but leaves them with the question, "Why is this book in the Bible?"
     I believe most teachers avoid teaching on The Song because they really don't know quite what to do with it, afraid of offending some in their congregations, or dulling down the language and meaning so much that it becomes a misunderstood story. The truth is that the Song of Songs is the picture of the greatest love story there has ever been.  It is the love story of God and His people.
     This week I read an article in our local Ahwatukee Foothills News insert for seniors written by  Rabbi Dean Shapiro, spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel of Tempe,AZ, entitled the Gift of Torah. The title intrigued me and I was thrilled to read this passage.  "The Torah is the symbol of the love shared between God and the Jewish people.  Because Shavuot marks the night that symbol was given, the Kabbalists taught that it is our marriage night as well. We study into the night to achieve a mystical union with God. Just as Ruth bound herself to Naomi and her tribe, so do we bind ourselves, over and over again, to our God and our Torah".
     The rabbis and ancient Jewish leaders have understood this love story for centuries. That is why it is in The Old Testament of our Bible today. Continuing the revelation in The New Testament, Jesus is quickly recognized as the Bridegroom who has come for His bride.

     Being a person who learns best pictorially, I have to see it first.  I am a born romantic and need to get involved with the story. For me, the history of a place or event makes so much more sense when I can insert myself into that situation. 
     For example, learning about a place like Ephesus cannot compare to walking down a 2100 years old Roman boulevard with parts of marble pillars lining the street, a colossal Roman building around the corner, and coming upon an ancient marketplace now covered over with grass and weeds.  I can almost hear the sounds of people shopping, children playing, and soldiers clomping down the street while people scatter to get out of their path. I listen for Paul, the apostle, standing somewhere is this large city center, gathering a crowd as he preaches the Good News. I read a part of his book to the Ephesians as I stand here.  I now am in that crowd.

     That's how I see the Song of Songs.  A collection of conversations that give us a picture of a growing, responding, hesitant love is painted on the pages of this book.  A young woman learning to love the love of her life.  But that's only part of the story.  The other part of it is the royal lover, who gently teaches her of his love for her and what their marriage-covenant will produce. 
     Without the vibrant and sometimes erotic descriptions, I cannot really grasp the scene.  Jesus uses this same teaching technique over and over...speaking in parables, using the vernacular and local life experiences of his characters to teach an eternal lesson. He paints a picture for us...places us in the scene.  I guess it's my artistic nature that responds so passionately to these scenes.  I RELATE.  I CAN FEEL THE EMOTION.  I RESPOND WITH EMOTION.  I OWN IT!

     That's why I wrote this Bible Study.  I didn't want to interpret every one of the word descriptions

and dull down their impact. Yes, as in Jesus' parables, there are deep lessons in these word pictures. The words are a poetic vehicle, not meant to be sexual, but to arouse our passionate love, to fire up our heart to produce powerful fruit. I want to have my emotions aroused.  I want to feel God's love for me.  I want to respond to that love emotionally, as well as spiritually.  I want to love Him with a passion so great that I will do anything for Him...even give Him my whole life.  Then maybe my life will accomplish something really special and important...for the Kingdom of God.

Urgent...Tomorrow is National Day of Prayer

     I know you are busy.....so am I.
          I know you pray.....so do I.
                I know you care.....so do I.
But do we care enough to take at least 30 minutes tomorrow, May 7, 2015, to pray for our country?

If you want to go on line and join others, www.PresidentialPrayerTeam.org/ndp, is one choice.
      You can also google National Day of Prayer and join many other organizations.

If your church is holding a service, please sacrifice the time to attend.

If those are not good options for you, join me.  I plan to spend an hour from 1pm to 2pm MST.

If you don't know what to pray for, turn on the news tonight, read the paper, or go online to the    headlines.  Everywhere we look, there are things we need to place before the Lord.
      
He is the only solution....the only resolution  (the words from a worship song I know).
Start with the Lord's Prayer, and let the Holy Spirit quide you to amplify each of it's sentences.
Or start with Psalm 40, and read through several of them, and add the issues that come to your mind to those of David.

The important thing is that we pray
      with a humble and repentant heart
             with faith and a believing mind
                     with sincerity and pure motives
                           with thanks giving.....knowing He has heard and PROMISES to answer.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ( Phillipians 4: 6-7)

Chaos

     Do you sometimes feel that our country, yes, and the world are in chaos?  Well this is one of those days for me!
     Today the supreme court is deciding whether the centuries old definition of marriage should be changed to accommodate same sex marriage.  What's wrong here? I've had wonderful gay friends, but I never expected to have a major cultural tradition, let alone my personal Christian belief, demolished.....why?
     Today, I'm watching the riots in Baltimore.  Masses of police, National Guard units, and other law enforcement have come in to quell the lawless thugs who have destroyed their community in the guise of a protest against unjust treatment  by the police that resulted in a prisoner found dead in their custody.  There's no doubt the protest has real merit, but these thugs looted, set community services and improvements on fire, then cut the fire hoses in defiance as the outmanned police stood by trying to at least prevent harm to people.
      Just as you can, I can list a multitude of other major hits to my Christian world view.  That's most likely how people felt in 30 A.D. when Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem, especially when they saw a great crowd following this Holy Man being led to His crucifixion crushing all their hopes for a Messiah that would set things right.
      One thing is different, though.  We hold that Hope in our hands, our hearts, our very lives.  Why, because this Man, Jesus Christ, gave us the key to peace.   PRAYER in the Name of Jesus!
    
     As so many Christians have, I am lately compelled to my knees, on almost a daily basis, to pray for The Church, my country, and the world in crisis.  I'm praying for:
       The Church......The Church, the Body of Christ, is the holder of the LIGHT (Matthew 5:13 - 16).
However, what is the state of  The Church in America?  If you are hearing what the Holy Spirit is telling me, we need to pray for her.  Pray that she will be delivered from the things of this world (both material and spiritual) that are like rotten apples in a redeemed soul.     
     The Church......the hundreds of modern-day martyrs who are suffering from the extremist Islamic  terrorists all over the world, their families, their local churches who are under attack.
     America....that God will have mercy on us and give us, as His Church here, another chance to be a light in the world.  We can repent for our past apathy, pray for change, and get informed so that we can vote for godly and men and women who are culturally sensitive to the Judeo-Christian ethics as they are raised up and run for office.
      The African American community in this country.....that these communities where poverty and crime are rampant, leading to hopelessness, might be healed by a sovereign move of God.  There has to be local leaders from local churches that will teach the Christian values of traditional families who take responsibility for their children.  There must be encouragers from those Blacks who have been successful who will work with the young men and women who want a chance to succeed.  These and so many other elements, needing wisdom and enablement, must be prayed for by their fellow Americans who believe there is power in the Name of Jesus.

     There is so much more I could sermonize on in this serious entry today, but you are not ignorant of these things, I'm sure.  All I can do is join with you as you, too, pray... as you, too, commit to give up some time from your personal plans and pray each day.  Yes, I still have a quiet time most days for personal devotions, but the Holy Spirit has pressed me to take some additional time during my evening relaxation in front of the TV set watching a favorite series.  Thank God for DVR's so that I can record and go back to the show I missed....a gift of grace from my Beloved.
     There's one thing I know for sure.  Jesus, Himself, promises that these prayers will be heard and that they will be answered....because they bear His Name....the Name which causes the demons in Hell to shudder because He has already defeated them.  This Name is the stamp of Guarantee!

Giftings

     I've been thinking of gifts lately...not new jewelry, or a new jacket, or even a gift card. For instance, at my watercolor class, Saturday, I gave two students the same subject to paint... a beautiful hot pink hibiscus blossom.  I gave them step-by-step instructions and watched their progress.  It was not long before I realized that each would create a totally different painting.  However, each painting was beautiful...the kind that makes a teacher speak out, "Oh, I'm so proud of you both. These are each so gorgeous!" 
     Both students have a lot of artistic talent,  but both have very different personalities.  One is very careful, disciplined, and conscientious.  The other student is much more a free spirit.  And these characteristics were so obvious in their paintings.  The instructions and subject were the same, but the painter was true to who she is.
     Later, when I settled down after dinner, I tuned into a PBS Masterpiece Classic, Mark Morris Dance Group. It was not a traditional ballet. The costumes' woodsy color scheme was soft and muted and very pleasing to the eye, fitting the choreographer's conception of  the story of mankind.     
     The 30 or so dancers sometimes moved together and in unison, sometimes in groups, large and small, mirroring another group, and sometime a lone dancer told a story for a few moments.  The choreography was so ingenious and captivating that even though I wasn't sure about the story, I loved watching the movement of the incredibly talented dancers.
     And, if you're still with me, I want to share with you the revelation about gifts that I received as I watched ....spiritual gifts, that is. 
     First of all, our Creator designed us all to be unique and beautiful in His eyes. You need only to look around you to verify that.  However, we learn in the New Testament that the Holy Spirit also has gifts...spiritual gifts... for us as believers. And that's where my two artistic events on Saturday come in. 
      They showed me how, just as a good instructor or director or choreographer leads and guides the many talents of his artists or dancers to portray the vision of the composer or creator, the  Lord takes us each, equips us with unique giftings that will express His eternal plans. He allows our individual gifts  and talents  to express themselves through the uniqueness of who we are. The Holy Spirit is the director, carefully guiding us to fulfill the Master's plans.
     And that is what means so much to me.  I can be His bride....unique in who I am and in my gifts, and still, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I am His Bride...the corporate Body of Christ.  The dancers all have the same music, the same picture to present to the audience, but each must carefully follow the director in order to complete accurately the vision of the composer/choreographer.
      Whether our gift is teaching, serving, healing, hospitality, administration, leadership, or any one of a number of others, we must yield to the guidance of the Lord and His Spirit to learn how to use these gifts.  He wants to use them through our personality, our abilities, and our unique personage, making us each His "special one".  However, at the same time, He fits our uniqueness into the totality of His plan for His Creation... His eternal ballet.
     It will be a wonder to behold when we get to heaven and see the whole picture.  I can't wait!

New Beginnings

        Yesterday was Easter and what a glorious Arizona day if was!. After church, I joined my son and his family in the car as we drove to a friend's for a scrumptious Easter dinner in their beautiful back patio.  But the highlight for me was my son's question in the car.  "Mom, do you want to hear Handel's Hallelujah Chorus?'  I said, "Sure!"  And his wife fiddled around with her Iphone and he punched in some things on the car's fancy dashboard, and then at almost full volume, the glorious strains of the classic masterpiece of praise for the Resurrection filled our journey.  My daughter-in-law's mother opened her window a few inches so that the music could be heard by all who were walking or bicycling nearby.  We were all singing as the last strains caused us to want to stand and wildly applaud.....which of course doesn't work real well in a car.
      I was transported to the heavenlies as I sang along and, as it finally ended, I asked my son if he remembered that I always played that on Easter morning when he was growing up. He said, "Not really."  However, I knew his spirit remembered, prompting him to play this incredible piece for us on this Easter day.
       How often we don't know how vital our efforts to build a foundation of spiritual truths into our family are. It may be years from now, but each stone we place is not forgotten by the Lord.  And regardless of the immediate response, I believe He sets them with the mortor of His Spirit into those for whom they were intended. Those stones are permanent and living with the Life of the Holy Spirit. I, like you, am still waiting for dear ones to hear the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit as He draws them into the Truth of the Gospel and the Life and the Way.  Easter is a wonderful time to remember the faithfulness of God.
       So, I am taking this season of New Beginnings to be more consistent in my postings.  The Holy Spirit has been nudging me, also.  For my followers, I apologize for the gap in postings.  No really great excuse, just busy-ness with three watercolor classes I teach, double knee replacement, and other priorities that cause me to be lax in staying up on all the new ways to involve myself in social media.  But if you'll give me a second chance, I promise to be consistent.  I believe our Jesus has some things to say through this humble writer.

Photos of the British Isles

Read the posting that follows this one(these pictures) to find out where these were taken.