Spring is in the Air

 

There is a forecast for 100% rain on Wednesday, which is expected to continue for several days.

I'm okay with that. The more rain, the better! 

It was cold this Monday morning. 

I recently reconnected with my old friend, Tammy, after years apart. She moved from California to Colorado to Tennessee and now to Kansas, and we lost touch. Our paths crossed again after seven years, reminding us of the bond we share. We reminisced about our journeys through motherhood, navigating divorces around the same time, and raising our children without an active father. Despite the challenges, we created precious memories together.

Tammy is facing a difficult time after the tragic loss of her 2nd husband, but she is surrounded by a strong support system at her church in Wichita. As she shared her feelings, I listened. She just needs to be heard. 

The week ahead:

I completed my study of Revelation 17, which discusses the Fall of Babylon. 

✔Tomorrow, I plan to visit my eye clinic to adjust my glasses, as they are currently uneven and driving me crazy. I knocked them off my face and messed them up - They are closed today. 

✔On Wednesday, I will attend my Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) group, which has only eight weeks left before breaking for the summer. 

✔Thursday is designated for my Isaiah discussion and study group at my church, which I find very enriching. 

I particularly enjoy where we engage directly with the Bible. Instead of using a study book, we read each chapter, analyzing the text with the help of commentaries and concordances and exploring the Hebrew meanings of certain words. This approach allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the scripture, as I have never been interested in "feel-good" studies—I prefer to delve into the substance of the text. Sometimes we only get to a few verses, but I always walk out knowing more than ever before. 

✔I have a dental appointment scheduled for Friday to have my teeth cleaned.

I walked around the yard, looking for Spring...this morning. 

It's not up there in the neighbor's Redwood Trees. Some Ravens live in his trees. 

My first Poppy for 2025! 

My husband found the second one...

The Vinca on the hill continues to mock me...

And NO, I did not get out there and knock them down. 

I do nothing to these primroses, which are probably one of the easiest flowers to grow. You have to find the right spot! 

You can't put a square peg in a round hole, and similarly, you can't plant flowers that thrive in full sunshine in a shady spot and vice versa. These primroses were in flower boxes in the front, exposed to the intense southwest sun. All they needed was a northeast exposure to thrive.

I have learned the hard way - 

Here are Twin Cedars, looking over my roof into the front yard. They do look like two separate trees. The sweet Gum will start popping its spring greenery soon. 

New growth on the Pomegranate tree! 

I've got a few more days to enjoy this lovely 60-degree weather before the rain comes back! I've been spending time in my backyard, reading and listening to the birds sing in the afternoon. There's something special about the quiet, with a few bird chirps here and there. 

However, since Thursday evening, a house nearby has been playing music loudly enough for me to hear it—especially the bass and drums. I've experienced louder music in my life, so I’m not too upset, but I must admit, I prefer the peace and quiet of our usually quiet neighborhood. Sound tends to travel, and I'm still trying to figure out where it's coming from. So far, it's been every evening since Thursday. Grrrrr. 

I only hear it in my living room. 

My husband has trouble hearing, so he doesn't hear it. Sometimes, that's a good thing, but the thumping music does distract me. Luckily, they tend to turn it down at a reasonable hour. It could definitely be worse! I could find myself living right next to them!

May God's grace surround each of you, guiding your steps this week.

Debby

Finding Hope and Strength on a Monday

I had such a wonderfully relaxing weekend! On Saturday, I decided to stay in and focus on doing things that made me happy—it was exactly what I needed.

 Then, on Sunday, I went to church in the morning and later enjoyed a peaceful drive to French Gulch. It was so quiet and serene, with nobody else around. My husband spent a short time panning for gold and searching for interesting rocks. It's incredible to think that over 170 years ago, this area was where gold was first discovered in the French Gulch area. 

The weather had turned notably cooler, and the telltale sign of an impending rainstorm was evident. A smattering of droplets can be observed making contact with the water's surface.

After a brief shower, we could hear the distant rumble of thunder. We decided to head back and relished the cooler temperature by keeping the doors and windows open at home.

The two of us relaxed on the back patio, the air heavy with anticipation as we listened to the distant rumble of thunder. Suddenly, the sky opened up, and rain poured down, drenching everything. It was an intense thunderstorm that carried on throughout the evening and into the night, creating a cozy atmosphere.

At least, I thought so - Laydee didn't like it at all. 

After enjoying a couple of leisurely days, I woke up feeling rejuvenated and prepared for the upcoming week. 

I took the time to create personalized name tags for each member of my group. I then laminated them to ensure durability. Additionally, I prepared a few extra blank name tags in case new members join our group in the future. I'm glad to have completed this task!

I went to Dollar Tree to look for a journal in which I could record and organize my group's prayer requests.

I enjoy staying ahead of my schedule. The study is not until Wednesday. Right now, I'm trying to get into a comfortable rhythm.

I have a few hours before dinner. My husband is volunteering, and I'm doing the laundry while tidying up the house. Later, he will attend his Bible study.

✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️

In a world filled with evil, remember that God is Sovereign and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. Our hope is in the eternal kingdom of God, where justice, peace, and righteousness will reign forever (Revelation 21:4).

Until next time,

Debby

Fear Not

 

Lately, I've felt the Holy Spirit working in me, pulling me out of my introverted tendencies. I'm still an introvert, but now have a sense of purpose. When my BSF leader back in March asked me to "facilitate" a small group as we study the book of Revelations last year, my initial self-doubt and low self-esteem almost got the best of me.

"Thank you, but No - I am not qualified to teach the book of Revelations."

I'm not a teacher." 

"I'm looking to have someone else teach me."

"I'm too shy" 

She returned week after week, sharing the message that God kept impressing upon her to recommend me as a Group Leader.

I'm thinking, "Oh man..."

She reminded me to pray and emphasized that God qualifies those He has called. She also mentioned that I would be facilitating the study rather than teaching it, which was a significant point for me.

"Oh man..."

My husband was no help! He said I would be fantastic and that it was about time. It's been years since I have served in this capacity. 

• I am rusty. 
• I'm getting older. 
• I forget things. 

My friends in the Bay Area refused to entertain my excuses and gave me their support.

Mt Shasta Golf Resort with Mt Shasta in the distance 

One morning, I woke up full of confidence and trust that God would guide me through this—he would equip me. Once I accepted this, doors began to open. (more on that later) It's funny because I'm a private person, I explicitly told my husband not to share with anyone—I kept it to myself, and even the ladies in my Bible study at my new church didn't find out until last week.

As we age, we still have valuable contributions to offer. It's okay to stick with familiarity, but it's also important to have the courage to step out and have faith. Be strong and courageous.

Next week is our first leader's meeting, and I am fully prepared and confident. I choose not to entertain any nervousness or reservations. Even though I'll be leading a group of about 15 women whom I don't know and who will all have their eyes 👀on me, I am 100% out of my comfort zone. I am ready for the challenge. adventure.

To be continued...

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 41;10

Thursday Stuff

I just got my hands on the Isaiah commentary for the upcoming Bible study beginning on September 12. Additionally, today's study session finished by exploring the various names of God. It was an enriching study! 

I’m currently diving into the commentary on Revelation, and Amir’s insights make the complex text much more understandable. I truly believe that I will be fully prepared to facilitate the upcoming Bible study. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage in deep, meaningful study this year, especially given the challenging times we are living in.

We have three more weeks of study on Israel and the Anti-Semitism within the church and its teachings. No wonder God's chosen people have distrusted Christians for years! It makes me mad. 

On Tuesday evenings, our Friends of Israel team connected via Google Meet with participants from all over the United States, divided into four groups. In total, there are about 24 individuals involved. We were placed in the last group, group four, due to our location on the west coast. One of the participants is a Pastor from India, and it is morning for him. This past Tuesday, he shared with us how he and his congregation are fervently praying for the United States. It was fascinating to learn how they perceive the US, and especially moving to hear that they have even sent missionaries here. It's truly heartwarming to know that the US is being prayed for, especially during these challenging times.

Update on the Park Fire

427,067 Acres

34% Containment

 

This fire is incredibly persistent, much like the Dixie fire that raged on until the end of October 2021. It is affecting the same counties: Butte, Plumas, Shasta, Tehama, and Lassen.

The lack of information about the man who pushed his mother's car into a gully, causing this fire, is frustrating. It seems like he has a strong legal representation, as he was arraigned on the Monday after the incident - is pleading not guilty. Aside from that, there's been very little public information about the case. It will no doubt take a couple of years before he goes to trial. There is no such thing anymore as the Sixth Amendment and the right to a speedy trial. 

But that's California for you! 

This fascinating vintage lithograph features the town of old Shasta. It's amazing to see how few trees there were in the area at that time. This is most likely due to the town's history of recurring fires. Fortunately, most buildings were made from brick, and the ruins are still standing to this day. It's interesting to think about the long-standing presence of fires in this region, dating back as far as historical records can attest.

Today feels like a Friday to me, even though it's only Thursday. I'm feeling exhausted and could really use a break. I've scheduled a dental appointment for November, and I'm currently waiting for the prep materials for my colonoscopy on Tuesday. I had to transfer the prescription to another pharmacy, and I hope everything goes smoothly. I had a conversation with the clinic to inform them about the pharmacy not having it.  I don't have to start the preparation until Monday. I was open to rescheduling, but they preferred not to do that. I just hope I won't be charged if I do need to reschedule. At this point, I wish I had stuck to my long-time decision about not having one. What a hassle. 

I have to start preparing dinner now. I'll be making spaghetti. I hope you have a wonderful evening and get a restful night's sleep.

Take Care

Debby