Uncle!

 

The phrase "say, uncle" is a widely recognized expression in North America that signifies admitting defeat, surrendering, or giving up. It is often invoked in contexts where an individual is losing in a competition, argument, or physical struggle. When someone exclaims "Uncle!", it indicates their readiness to cease the effort and concede.

Okay, okay I tried to stick to that "blog hiatus," but life just had other plans, and I felt the urge to share! I'd be in the shower, and all these blog ideas kept bubbling up in my mind. Just when I thought I could take a break, a wave of inspiration hit me. I'd say: 

I had so much to do, but the ideas just kept coming. After yesterday, I realized it was a losing battle—I truly need to blog for my own peace of mind! 

So, instead of writing one super-long post, I’ve decided to break things down into smaller, more manageable pieces over the next few days. Once I start unloading my brain,  I might lose those sparks of inspiration again. Those are the risks! 

Have you ever tried to take a break from blogging and found it impossible?

 Honestly, I think I’d have to be completely off the grid in places like Papua New Guinea, Lapland, or Mongolia to really pull off a complete hiatus!

I really missed these relaxing afternoon moments to write a little something to you all. It's currently 3:34 p.m., and what a gorgeous sunny day it is at 85 degrees! It's been a bit windy in the mornings lately, which has made it messy to paint outside, so we stopped. 

Tomorrow marks the final day of BSF, a time cherished as "Sharing Day." It’s a beautiful opportunity for the ladies to express how profoundly God has enriched their lives this year through the study of Revelation. An hour filled with emotions and testimonies of transformation among these young women, moms, and the Titus women.

I feel a deep sense of emotion. This year has been a blessing as I’ve embraced leadership and connected with remarkable women who are strong in their faith.

Over the past year, Revelation has reinforced my faith, reminding me of our victory in Christ, His promised return, and the hope available in life’s challenges. It inspired a more profound commitment to biblical worship and enriched my relationship with God. The messages to the seven churches motivate me to persevere in faith, recognize the false churches that serve a different Jesus, and know God rewards endurance for keeping the faith!

Until tomorrow,

Debby

PS. Just a few of my flowers 

blooming in my yard today

Taking a Brief Hiatus

Do you see my little friend in the photo? 

He sits beside me in the gentle morning light, reveling in the warm embrace of the sun's golden rays.  

I shall call him Frog. 

Although he may not be the most beautiful frog in the pond, I've come to look forward to his froggy charm in the morning.  

In much the same way, I’ve developed a froggy affection for each of you.

The weather has been nothing short of spectacular lately, with clear skies and golden sunshine that seem to herald the promise of the upcoming months. I’m filled with excitement as we approach the conclusion of our Bible study fellowship (BSF) program this year. Next Wednesday marks our final class day, and while I won’t be leading my group, I will be assisting with the children's ministry as they prepare to conclude the year as well. The following week, May 7, brings our much-anticipated leadership banquet—a time of reflection and sharing as we celebrate the myriad ways God has blessed us, drawing inspiration from the Book of Revelation. 

 Additionally, with my church Bible study leader away next week, I have been honored with the opportunity to teach a lesson, which adds another layer of excitement and opportunity for me. I never believed I could lead a bible study group, yet here I am. 

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. 

Rev 1;3

God has truly blessed me this year with Revelations. I just could not read it and not apply it to my life. When I began this study, I told Him I wanted more of Him and less of me, which has been my prayer this year. I have found that there is more to this life when I choose to step out from the church bubble and mingle with the taxpayers and sinners. 

I feel a profound longing to share the gospel with those who have never encountered its message before and to  mentor women. This calling resonates deeply within me, and I am more convinced than ever of the urgency and importance of this mission.

You know, we never retire from sharing the gospel with non-believers. 

As I gaze at my calendar, I’m met with a vibrant tapestry of events, projects, and destinations awaiting me in the coming months. It’s become clear to me that now is the perfect time to step back from blogging. Lately, I’ve found myself investing excessive mental energy into this space, and going nowhere; always pondering over what to write, which photos to share, what questions to answer...and it has begun to overshadow my ability to accomplish other important tasks. Oh, how I yearn to tick off those to-do lists and embrace the ministry activities my husband and I have been eager to embark upon together before September rolls around again. 

This decision marks a unique first for me: a complete hiatus during the spring and summer seasons, a chance to reconnect with life outside the digital realm.

Taking a hiatus from this blog for a couple of months can be quite perilous — I risk losing connection with my loyal followers and engaged readers who have become part of this journey. The thought of stepping away feels like leaving behind a vibrant community, one that I've cherished over time. I anticipate that this brief hiatus will last only a few months, during which I can recharge and gain new perspectives. I’m hopeful that when I return, I’ll be invigorated and bursting with inspiration to blog passionately and creatively once again.

Love to you all have a wonderful Spring and Summer.

PS. Please be aware that comments will be disabled for the time being.  I intend to stay engaged by reading your wonderful blogs, and of course, I’ll always be reachable via email. I'm looking forward to our continued connection and I'll see you all sometime mid August to September.

 

Brighter Days are Coming

 

The other evening, I had a diverticulitis flare-up. It has been a while since the last one.  Diverticulitis can be quite challenging, especially for someone like me who enjoys a variety of high-fiber foods. Last week, I may have exceeded my tolerance by consuming many high-fiber items, including raw carrots, spinach, unsalted nuts, corn, artichokes, apples, avocado, and strawberries. While these foods are beneficial for overall health, in excessive amounts, they can lead to complications for someone with diverticulitis. 

I had to eliminate high-fiber foods and focus on a restricted diet temporarily. This typically includes clear fluids, broth, and low-fiber foods. I bought some white bread and cream of wheat to adhere to this restrictive way of eating.  Diverticulitis really knocks you out - I felt engulfed in fatigue.  After resting all weekend, and sleeping in until 11:30 a.m., I have begun to feel better. I cautiously reintroduced chicken breast sandwiches with lettuce and tomatoes on toasted white bread for lunch, which marked a positive step in my recovery. Although there is still some tenderness on the lower left side. It feels like my colon is bruised on the inside. 

My son (Foodie), who is a dietitian, frequently emphasizes the importance of being mindful of my food choices. I'm now beginning to think that is why he accompanies me during grocery shopping trips, which tend to take nearly twice as long due to his habit of reading labels diligently. Not my labels but his labels.  He points out various potentially harmful ingredients such as seed oils, artificial sweeteners, and high-fructose corn syrup. It makes me really think about all the artificial stuff in processed foods - While he acknowledges that moderation is key, he also believes that the typical American diet poses various nutritional challenges and contributes to our overall bad health.  

It’s a cool, rainy day, but it’s not the kind of winter rain that weighs you down. I can feel Spring peeking through—everything is so green, and the sight of trees with fresh leaves brings a sense of hope. It’s a reminder that even as old man Winter holds on, change is on the horizon, and brighter days are coming.

🎱 

The husband came back from church, ate lunch, took a nap, and is now down at the VFW playing pool and connecting with his buddies. 

Oh, April feels much busier than I prefer. I’m working on finding ways to reduce or even eliminate some of my activities.

We’re on Revelation 20:11-21:8 this week. With three more lessons and final reflections, it’s been a year filled with blessings for me and my ladies. What a wonderful study! 

We have one week off before we're done for the season.  I am eagerly anticipating the summer away from BSF, but not from studying God’s word. The Word Go app by BSF offers short Bible studies during the summer. Plus, I still have my study of Isaiah with the church Ladies, which I truly enjoy. 

False! 

One key takeaway from Revelation is the profound importance of staying close to God. By knowing Him, understanding His character, and immersing ourselves in His word, so we can guard against the deceptions of false teachers and teachings. These false teachers often mix just enough truth to create confusion. 

Are you confident enough in the word of God to recognize the false teachings and doctrines of these Christian cults and false teachers? 

That's it for this post. 

1Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2  I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 

Regarding what the false apostle Bill Johnson said: 

Jesus performed miracles as both fully God and fully man during His earthly ministry. Though He lived within human limitations, He retained His divine nature and authority. Philippians 2:6-7 emphasizes that He, while being God, chose to become a servant, limiting the use of His divine attributes and relying on the Father and the Holy Spirit.

His miracles served as signs of His identity as the Messiah, revealing His authority over nature, sickness, and death (John 20:30-31). They were also acts of compassion, reflecting His love for humanity and affirming that He was God in the flesh, come to bring salvation and reveal the kingdom of God.

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

Catching up on a Saturday

 

What a difference a day makes...

I drove up there real quick today because I wanted to get this photo and compare. 

Happy Saturday to one and all. 

Today, I feel fine. The husband is still coughing which takes a lot out of a person. He was doing something and got dizzy. He still needs to take it easy. 

There is no church tomorrow for both of us. I had previously arranged for someone else to pick up the bagels since we had planned to do something. Now, we'll just stay home. 

Garage Door

We ordered the 16x7 classic steel garage door in Charcoal. It does not have windows and has an insulated 18.4 R-value, so we've gone with bare insulation to really good. No windows should help with the summer heat. I have my freezer out there, and it gets so hot out there that the outside of the freezer feels warm to the touch. It should save us electricity by cooling the freezer. We aren't fortunate enough to justify an AC unit in our garage like others have. That would be nice. 

So now we wait till the contractor calls us - usually takes a week. 

Everything came to $2903.00 at Home Depot

They gave us the Behr paint color code for the exact color of the door so we can customize our front door and anything else. 

Lowes and the local garage door companies were way too expensive —upwards of $5000. So when we went into Home Depot and got the estimate, we knew.

 6 months of interest-free. 

It's our anniversary gift to each other! 👍

At the end of the month, on the 28th, we’re going out for a nice dinner with my son Navy, and his wife, Sara, to celebrate our anniversaries. Navy and Sara were married on February 29, 2020, (Leap Year) and we were married on February 16. I’m letting Sara choose the restaurant since we often get stuck going to the same places. I trust their judgment because they eat out frequently. Additionally, my 71st birthday is on the 2nd, so it will be a celebratory dinner for all of us.

Closing out in Worship

I’m reflecting on Revelations 15, which features the powerful Song of Moses. Although we can only imagine its true sound, it brought to mind a beautiful messianic worship song that embodies a magnificent Davidic dance.

The Song of Moses by Jonathon Settel. 

No one conveys emotion through song quite like Jonathon did. 

 It's a beautiful worship song. 

May this music bring you the same blessings it brings upon me.

Debby

God Hears Your Prayers

 

Countless prayers ascending to God’s ears…ever ponder the journey those prayers take?

In Revelation chapter 6, John witnesses the Lamb revealing the power of the first six seals on the scroll. In Revelation 8, he observes the opening of the seventh seal, where a profound silence envelops heaven for thirty minutes, creating a sacred pause before the seven trumpet judgments are unleashed. Following this moment of stillness, one of God's angels offers incense on the golden altar, as the smoke rises to God, carrying the heartfelt prayers of His people.

  

God hears His people when they pray, as our prayers rise like a sweet fragrance to Him. Prayer is our personal conversation with God, reflecting our faith and dependence on Him. Heartfelt prayer encompasses four essential elements: adoration (praise), confession, thanksgiving, and petition (or requests).

Through prayer, we embrace a profound connection with the Creator of heaven and earth.

Consider this for a moment... what an incredible privilege!

God has graciously welcomed us into a profound covenant relationship with Him through the person and work of Christ. With Jesus' sacrifice having removed the barrier of sin, we are empowered to communicate freely with God the Father in prayer.

As we lift our prayers for the LA fires, global conflicts, loved ones who are ill, grief, and the injustices many endure, let us find comfort in knowing that God hears every prayer and cherishes them in His heavenly storage.

_______________

“Be still, and know that I am God" 

Psalm 46;10

Clouds, Clouds and more Clouds

Source: X

Little did we know, but yesterday, my son texted me and said we had a tornado warning in Shasta and Tehama County. 

What? 

We don't typically experience tornadoes in this area, but it seems we did yesterday!  I guess the unusual combination of conditions sparked a breathtaking display of nature's power. Dark, billowing clouds roll in ominously, swirling overhead while brilliant flashes of lightning illuminate the insides of the clouds, creating a stunning contrast against the darkening sky. The air is charged with electricity, and the rumble of thunder echoes in the distance, adding an eerie symphony to the unfolding spectacle.

I missed it all.

By the time he sent me a text, it was already five minutes past the alert.  There were no sirens like they have in Alabama. A few people managed to capture images of the funnel cloud on the fire cameras, which I make a point to check regularly, but somehow, I missed it entirely! Most people found out afterward! 

Source: X

So, the beauty of these clouds got me thinking - The return of Jesus is a significant event in Christianity, and since I am currently studying the Book of Revelation, my thoughts went there immediately.

It will be spectacular! 

The imagery of clouds holds significance in both the (being caught up)  rapture and the second coming of Jesus. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, believers are beautifully depicted as being caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This moment highlights the glorious gathering of believers in Christ. The presence of clouds in this context reflects the majesty and divine essence of His return, where Jesus will come again, raising those who have passed and uniting them with the living to meet the Lord in the air. 

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 

Revelation 1:7 powerfully conveys the image of Jesus returning with the clouds, ensuring that every eye will see Him. This event is not shrouded in secrecy; it will be Christ's visible and glorious return. This majestic portrayal highlights the visibility and divine essence of His return, affirming the fulfillment of His promises and the ultimate restoration of all things.

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,
    and “every eye will see him."

No matter one's eschatology - despite the many beliefs and interpretations - what we can be sure of is the glorious coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ 

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;” Titus 2:13

Last night, as I was in bed, inspiration struck me so intensely that I couldn't fall back asleep, especially after reading and viewing the photos on X. 

I couldn't wait to piece it together - 

for a post. 

I often find that these powerful acts of God or nature not only affirm our Creator's existence but it also signals His return. Much like the rainbow symbolizes His promise, the clouds stand as a reminder that He is and will come back for us.

I hope you found some interest in this as I did -  I can say that I hope I never view a passing cloud with indifference again! Each cloud now carries a sense of wonder and significance that I hadn't appreciated before.

Keep Looking up!  👀

Debby

 

Starting to wrap things up...

Tomorrow, I have my final BSF study session for 2024! 

After that, we'll take a break for the next two weeks. I found a special gift for each of my ladies—beautiful scripture boxes at a great price. They fit perfectly in the mini gift bags I picked up at Dollar Tree.

I hope they like them. 

Since I have twelve ladies attending, I’ve decided against creating individual name tags for each of them, as the gifts are identical. Instead, I will tag each one with the various names of God in Revelations. These are the ones I chose. 

The Almighty, (Rev 1:8)

 Alpha and Omega (Rev 1:8; 21:6; 22:13

Beginning and End (Rev 21:6, 13)

Bright Morning Star (Rev 22:16)

Faithful and True (Rev 19:11)

Firstborn of the Dead (Rev 1:5)

King of the Ages (Rev 15:3)

Lamp (Rev 21:23)

Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev 5:5)

Living One (Rev 1:17b)

Root of David (Rev 5:5; 22:16)

Who Is and Was and Is to Come (Rev 1:4, 8)

So many to choose from. 

Naturally, Susie was unable to resist the urge to delve into the unfolding events. 

Those wild eyes of hers when I caught her ripping up the tissue paper...

Busted!

I’m feeling organized and prepared for tomorrow’s final Bible study for 2024 and our 2-week break! 

As I wrap up the day, my plan is to finish the laundry.  Meanwhile, my husband will take on the task of wrapping the gifts we’ve picked out for our adult children.  I didn’t even need to go out and buy any wrapping paper this year because we still have a good amount left over from last holiday season! 

I'm starting to feel that wave of excitement as Christmas approaches because my kids have no idea what I've planned for them this year. They think they are receiving gift cards because that is what they agreed on. I put a lot of thought into what I bought, paying attention to their interests and being observant throughout the year. I'm also looking forward to surprising them with a festive prime rib dinner on Christmas, which they certainly won’t see coming! They think it is ham. It feels great to have a few surprises up my sleeve this year.

I’m truly grateful that we purchased everything we needed and paid for all our expenses in full. This underscores the importance of saving throughout the year; it makes a significant difference! We even paid for Laydee’s surgery expenses, which was a big relief. As a result, we’re heading into the New Year feeling secure and in a great position.

I'll wrap things up here and see you back here tomorrow at the Hodgepodge. 

It's starting to be a lot like Christmas...

Debby