The Making of A Monarch

 The Making of a Monarch 

By Lori Green

Inching. 

Crawling my way.

Keeping my head above water.

It seems things never change.

Changing. 

Shedding my old way.

But still, I’m stuck here.

Will I ever leave this place?

Growing?

I don’t know how to know.

What do I measure myself by?

It’s hard to see the growth.  

Hanging. 

I’m being still like You said.

I’m trusting You with everything.

I’m shedding what you said to shed.

Wilting.

I’m shedding skin again.

My legs are gone, I’m holding on. 

Dear God, is this the end?

Quiet.

I’m covered and staying still.

It’s dark and cold but I’m trusting You.

Things are becoming more clear.

Shifting.

I’m beginning to see the light.

I feel a new day dawning.

I’m ready to emerge and fight!

Emerging.

I’m coming out brand new.

You told me I’d be different.

You gave me the light, the way, the truth. 

Transforming.

My past has become unrecognizable.

You’ve given me new abilities.

Your power is undeniable.

Joyful.

I’m bringing joy wherever I go.

You took something ugly and made it beautiful.

Now the world can truly know.

Glory. 

You give beauty for ashes.

Oil of joy for mourning. 

Garments of praise for heaviness. 

That you can receive the glory. 

I give you glory in this transformation. 

It’s not by might or power. 

It’s only by your spirit. 

I will be still and let you heal me. 

I’ll be empty so you can fill me. 

I’m yours. Every part. 

You’re making me a Monarch. 

1 Peter 2:9

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light

According to Merriam-Webster a monarch is:

1 : a person who reigns over a kingdom or empire: such as

1. a sovereign ruler
2. a constitutional (see CONSTITUTIONAL
   entry 1 sense 3) king or queen

1. one that holds preeminent position or power cotton, monarch of the textile world
   Wall Street Journal
2. MONARCH BUTTERFLY
3. 
   

May 29, 2024

Perhaps it’s time to meet my teacher, Grief.

Perhaps it’s time to meet my teacher, Grief. 

There is a time you come into in life where you will meet a teacher called grief. While some may meet this friend earlier,  most meet this friend for the first time in their late 20’s. 

Grief comes to teach us how to handle what we have lost, and also how to accept what we have never gained. We can only Grieve things we can NOT change: Maybe something as simple as hair loss or a scar. Maybe the loss of mobility, innocence or youthfulness. Maybe you grieve the years gone by. Or the moments that never came for you.  Maybe the dream wedding you didn’t get to have. The child you have never conceived.  Or the death of a pet, a loved one or family member.

This year has even been a year we could honestly grieve.  We have missed out on a lot of life moments and memories. We have seen death and disease like never before.  In a sense, our normality was lost. 

Grief comes in and almost forces you to face the facts. She seems to appear at the most inopportune times.  A friend’s wedding, a holiday, a new baby’s arrival, a birthday.   She shows up out of no where and requests your attention.  When we fight her teaching, we end up on a vicious cycle of denial, rejection and depression. 

However obtrusive she may feel, she is not your enemy. She is your companion.  Take her hand and let her be a part of your life this Season. Today.   While, she is a constant reminder of what you have never had, or had and then lost, she is also a teacher. 

What can she teach?   

She can teach you how to live life to the fullest.  

To treasure days of health and community.  

To be intentional with your family time. 

To connect to others in the ways that you can do. 

To build community in your world. 

Grief will not leave you wanting to never love again.  When she is done teaching, you will be ready to build another friendship, learn a new way to accept the new you, to reach out to someone, make time for the ones you love. 

Grief leaves you with a heart that is ready to and open to give and receive Love.  

Merry Christmas.  This year I pray that you can accept my friend, companion and teacher, Grief. 

She only offers night classes, for joy comes in the morning.  

Lori Green

#lorigreenworship

The Waiting Room

 

The Waiting Room 

The wondering. 

The curiosity 

The questions. 

The busy stillness. 

The quietness. 

The thinking. 

Mind racing.  

The waiting. 

The waiting room is not a comfortable quiet space. It’s a place of anticipation.  It’s a place to sit still but the mind is anything but still.  It’s a place where you know you are appointed but time and other people are obstacles.  The constant interruptions of others being called from their place of waiting only brings more attention to the fact that you’re still there, uncalled, and still waiting.   

I’ve done my part.  I’ve showed up.  I’m in my position.   Why the wait?   

It becomes almost offensive.  If I have an appointment time, why can’t I just go in at that time. My time is important! 

My whole day is now delayed because of this wait. I looked around searching for meaning.  Others, perhaps, annoyed as well but I’m isolated and don’t care to connect to their frustration because I have my own.  There are no true companions in the waiting room.  Waiting rooms are faced alone. And these days, the mask only add to the intensity of the wait.  

I tried to keep mental tabs on who was there before me and imagine when the door swings open next, it would be my name called. Someone who came in after me was called before me.  I wondered why.  Was their appointment earlier but yet they showed up later?  Is that fair?   Then, I began to plot and plan how I would run the scheduling and appointments if I was in charge.  I sat debating whether or not I should ask how much longer but fearing it may cause a scene in the silent solemn waiting room. 

Then I saw her.  Off in a corner she sat.  She had a soft countenance and didn’t seem too concerned about the long wait times. She had a long needle and a bag of yarn and her hands were busy winding stitch after stitch.  

Something beautiful was being created.  Although, I’m not certain, I believe it was a blanket.  The colors slowly shifted into different shades and the designs and patterns were captivating. Some stitches looked like rainbows, others were more like seashells. 

Her relaxed demeanor was convicting.  As I sat restless and anxious, she appeared comfortable and calm.  It’s almost as if she was enjoying herself.  Surely not! How could anyone enjoy the wasted time of this waiting room. 

My mind wandered:

If I could just get through this, I could get through that and then get back to my normal life.  

Almost instantly as she tucked her needle in her bag, they call her back. “Mrs. Anah.” The nurse at the door sounded happy to see her.  I could even see a smile in her eyes and the outline of a grin from behind her mask. Anah quickly gathered her canvas bag of yarn and her purse and headed to the door.  She gently patted the nurse on the arm and said, “How are you”.  The nurse giggled, “I’m good, how are YOU?”

One of the receptionists that checked me in lifted from her seat and stretched above the plexy-glass barricade, “Bye Mrs Anah, see you tomorrow”. 

Ahhh, she was a regular customer.  They all knew her by name.  She must have to come here a lot.  Then, the silence of the waiting room was interrupted by an abrupt celebration behind the walls.   There was a bell ringing. We all looked around curiously.  The receptionist bolted out of her seat and disappeared into the hallway behind her.  She came back smiling and rejoicing.  She happily told her co-worker, Mrs. Anah is cancer free!! 

A few minutes later Anah came back through the doors.  The bag of yarn was empty and in her hands was a beautiful blanket.  She presented it to them, the ladies ooohed and ahhhed over it.   It was absolutely beautiful handiwork. I couldn’t see all of the details but it looked like there was an inscription.  They thanked her for it and after several quick hugs and high-fives and hand shakes, she was gone.  

The lively chatter slowly died back down and things went back to business as usual.  It wasn’t long and my name was called.  The As I was leaving, they were hanging the beautiful blanket on a blank wall in the waiting room.  

As it was stretched out, I could read the words on the middle of the blanket, “Hope is Found Here.”  

Hope.  Hope.  Hope.  

Hope!  That was it.  The waiting room is a place of HOPE!!  Hope of healing, hope of treatment, hope of Life, hope of help, hope of a future!   

So, Whatever WAITING ROOM you find yourself in, whether it is for a companion, a ministry, a physical healing, etc, learn to build on HOPE.   Put your hands to work building hope for someone else.   Don’t fight the waiting room.  Don’t huff and puff.   Don’t pace and waste your time.   Get a bag of yarn and start being the emblem of Hope for yourself and for those around you and for those who will come after you.  

The name Anah means a master of patience and perseverence.  

Hope has come.  Hope is here.  Connect to Hope in your waiting room! 

Eye Want More

Judges 14:1 NLT

One of the philistine women caught his eye. 

He told his parents, “She caught my eye, I want to marry her.”

Judges 16:21

The philistines captured Samson and gouged our his eyes. 

When his eyes were gouged, Samson was limited in his distractions.  He was even willing to die to bring more victory to Israel. 

His eyes were the source of temptation and distraction. If he had figuratively gouged his own eyes, could he have been more effective? Job said, “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look on a young woman with lust.”

All that is in the world is the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.  We must be diligent in acknowledging our weaknesses and asking God for sufficient grace to help us.  He will give us strength!  

The View of a Glass Cleaner

The View of a Glass Cleaner

I drove to my favorite spot in Arizona. The Grand Canyon Sky Walk.
I waited in a long line, as usual, for my turn to access the glass skywalk that perches 4000 feet above the Grand Canyon.
The glass walkway had been a place of joy for me. The View was astounding. As the sun moved, the shadows would turn and would give a completely different version of the View every hour. I loved painting and sketching the different shades and documenting the different angles. I could stay there for hours, taking it all in.  

I had applied for jobs many times at the Grand Canyon Skywalk building so that I could be close to the View. The land was owned by the Hualapai Indian Tribe. The would not hire me because I was not an Indian.

Finally, I decided I would volunteer. I would do anything I could to serve there. The majesty of the View was worth my service. Every week, I contacted the group to see if there was anything I could do. My persistence paid off. I was contacted by the manager and they gave me a summer job. I would be working on the skywalk all by myself after closing at 4:30pm. I was going to be a Glass Cleaner. There could be no greater job for me. I could work until sunset and I had the View all to myself with no distractions.

I remember how much joy I felt that summer. At the end of the summer, I was approached by the manager. He acknowledged my love for the VIew and offered me a paid position. I would be the official Glass Cleaner during the day when patrons were present. I was ecstatic. There could be no better job, no better place. No better View. At the end of the meeting, he told me, “Pursue to view the View and not the view you view through." I had no idea what that meant but thanked him for the privilege to serve.

I stood on the skywalk as almost a greeter, welcoming patrons. I would point out the beautiful characteristics I had memorized and any hidden attributes I had found when studying the View. I was so happy and everyone was so happy there. I quickly cleaned up any spills or smears that may obstruct the View. 

As time went by, I was called by the manager during my lunch break. Someone complained about some boot footprints on the glass that were obstructing the beautiful View. He ended the call with the same phrase, “Pursue to view the View and not the view you view through." I raced out and washed the marks quickly and made the glass as good as new. I was so happy to see it sparkle again.  What a beautiful View.

That was the first of many calls.
A group of children came through and there were handprints on every square inch of the glass walkway.
Teenagers left lipstick marks. There were oily smears from people pressing their faces against the glass. 
It rained one day, and the smudges were endless. Then came the spring pollen. 

I began standing near the entrance of the bridge with my rag and spray. I began inspecting the shoes of the viewers. I let them know that keeping the glass clean was a very hard job. They needed to see me with cleaning supplies and maybe they would be more thoughtful of me.  

One day a baby dropped his bottle. I quickly picked it up and scolded the mother, pointing out the milk drops on the glass.
An elder man had a cane that had mud on it and left a trail from start to finish. I followed him cleaning up every dot of mud as he made it. A therapy dog made its mark on the skywalk. A group of soldiers came to visit wearing combat boots that left footprints and smudges everywhere. I had to get extra cleaning supplies and temporarily close the skywalk so I could clean up after them.

How could people be so inconsiderate?

Everywhere I looked I could only see smudges, drops and smears. 
I began pointing out every flaw to the patrons.
The harder I cleaned the worse the job got. It was never-ending. I even noticed how careless I had become with my own footprints. I was useless as a Glass Cleaner and could never have perfectly clean glass.

Something changed in me. I hated the people. I hated the glass. I even secretly began to hate the View that brought so many awful inconsiderate people into my life.

The manager called me into his office.
He asked a simple question.
"When you stand on that skywalk, what do you see?"

"SMUDGES, MUD, SMEARS and MESS. Never-ending Work," I quickly said.

"You have forgotten to pursue the VIEW," he said gently. “You now only view the view you VIEW THROUGH.”

“What does that mean? Speak English!” I said sharply.

The glass is not what we VIEW but is what we view THROUGH. People will always make that glass dirty. It’s part of having living creatures on our skywalk. If no one ever came to see the View, the glass would never be dirty.
Our job is not to accentuate or focus on the imperfections of those people, but to focus on the VIEW and help others do the same. Some people will never appreciate the View, but others will fall in love and will become a Glass Cleaner like you. 
I asked you to be a Glass Cleaner because of your love for the View, not your love for the Glass.  When you love the View, cleaning the glass is a privilege.

Don’t get distracted or sidetracked by people and their mistakes, their inconsistency, their shortcomings.
Take time falling in love with the View.
When they see your love for Him, and each other, they will know that you are HIS.

We must focus our eyes on Him.
His mercies are new every day. He is worth our praise and adoration. 
He is worthy of our complete worship and surrender.

“Pursue to view the View and not the view you view through."

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

The Day I Almost Dumped Him

We were engaged to be married and it had been roses and chocolates and love letters until this point. I had known him since I was a young girl.  We talked often. Well, I mostly talked and he listened.  The time with him was always good and so refreshing.  I felt like I wanted to be with him forever. I felt like there would never be a bad day with him. Ever!  Until that one day when he sat me down for the TALK. 

It started like most of our other talks with my naive giddy emotion. I was so happy to be spending time alone. Just the two of us!  I had a lot of meaningless chatter and silly questions. He waited patiently on me to finish.  

Then, I saw his expression change.  It was his turn to talk.  He told me there was a side of him that I didn't know and he was worried that if I ever found out about it that I would leave him.   I laughed it off! 

"Why so serious?   We've had so much fun together?  What could possibly ever make me leave you?   I would be crazy!  Look how well we get along!  Look at how good we communicate." 

I had many rebuttals. 

But, as he talked I started to see there was more. I couldn't ignore this.  It was a big deal. This was getting deep. I started to get uncomfortable.  This couldn't be.  It just couldn't.  

Even though we had known each other for quite some time, we really never talked much about his past.  I never asked or acted interested or concerned.  I'm sure if I would have asked he would have told me anything I wanted to know.  

I mainly talked to him about our future together.  He was a building contractor at the time and had already had the designs for our house after marriage.  Did he want children? (Thankfully, yes).   We talked about boundaries and relationships with others.  

I knew a little about his family. I knew he had a great mom and step dad.  I knew he had brothers and sisters.  I knew some of his friends that would be in the wedding party.  But I didn't realize what those same friends had put him through.  I had heard one of his friends committed suicide but I didn't know the whole story.  I didn't know about the jail time and court cases.  

As he talked to me more, I cried.  He said if I was going to be with him forever I would have to know him deeper.  He asked me if I would stay with him if he let me go through some of things he went through.  Knowing he could shield me and protect me from the pain, the emotions the affliction, the distress.  

I didn't know if I could stay.  How could he expect me to love him if he would just let bad things happen to me without stopping them?   He was strong!  He was so powerful. He could stop anything that could come against me.   This wasn't love.  This wasn't happy, fun, exciting flirty love.   I told him I would have to think about it. Really, I just wanted to run and never look back.

After a few days of thinking it over, I decided I would stay. I would choose to be with him over any pain or suffering I had to endure.  My whole goal was to marry him and live with him forever.  I wanted to be just like him.  If that is what it took, going through what he went through, then I was ready.  

Until this point, I had only known him in the Power of his resurrection and never known him in the Fellowship of his suffering.  (Philippians 3:10)

For now, I'm keeping my dress clean, protected and white and making sure I have plenty oil to spare.  I love flowers, chocolate and love letters.  And as for the suffering, I still don't much like it but I am realizing it makes me closer to Him and more like Him.  I just run to him and tell him about it and let him hold me through it.  Even though he doesn't always stop it, he sure does always help me through it. 

P.S. I can't wait to see our new home! 

Kintsugi: A Broken Chosen Vessel

A while ago, I was asked to speak at a Ladies tea.  All of the ladies were receiving their own unique teacup and saucer to take home.  The coordinator's vision was that the ladies would know that they are Beautifully made, vessels made by HIM, serving unique purposes but all important.  

I immediately began to research and study about china.  I found the process of how Lenox China is made.  (in the USA).  It was so intriguing to me.  

There are 4 elements used: Earth (Clay), Wind (Blowing the molds), Water (the Washing), Fire (the kilns.)

Then the process goes something like this:

Casting process:

Fill It, Let it sit, Remove the excess, Release the mold, Smooth the mold.

Now ready to be fired in the kiln. (About 20% of the china breaks or cracks during this phase)

Then it gets a Bath.

Then it gets polish with smooth stone and water to remove any rough exterior.

Then a dishwasher & dryer.

Then inspection.

Then preheated for Glazing.

Now back in the fire for the Glossing.

Now it can be decorated. (Decals or precious metals, gold platinum or both)

Final Inspection:  (If it doesn't pass it gets..)

Destroyed

Marked as Second and sold in an outlet

Fixed and sent through inspection

Typically we lock up our China in a display cabinet and take out for special uses, but China is actually quite tough after all the processes.  I loved this picture of 4 teacups holding a car.

Another discovery I made was that bone china is not a brand.  It really contains bones!  Usually cow bones, but if you have Spode china, it may contain human bones.  Cremated relative?  Turn them into a teacup (gasp)!

I also came across a process called "Kintsugi," the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver or platinum.  As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of the object, rather than something to disguise.  

The phrase "Wabi Sabi" centers around accepting IMPERFECTION.

As women especially, we focus on our imperfections and assume they are handicaps.  However, God can use you IN your imperfections, and HE is sure to get the glory!

For we preach NOT ourselves!  When you're broken, it's hard to hold things for yourself.  Things naturally and constantly are being poured from you!

I wrote this poem to describe my feelings about the process that the MASTER sometimes puts us through.  That HE in all things may be glorified!

KINTSUGI: a Broken Chosen Vessel by Lori Green

I was shapened in the Master's mold,

Made from the finest ingredients.

The beauty of His design was shown,

I was created in His image.

But I lacked the strength to hold any weight,

So from the mold I was taken,

To be fired with the hottest heat, 

And withstand it without breaking,

Just when I thought I couldn't take it,

The fire suddenly lost its glow.

Some of those around me sat broken,

But I just tried to just hold on.

Taken from fire I sat still and numb ,

Maybe now I was changed.

And I could be used by someone,

But instead I was taken to another phase.

The running water had a thunderous sound,

As it washed  me through and through.

I felt so clean all around.

I felt happy I felt new.

Then I was taken to a special place,

The temperature was just right.

I was given a glossy, glamorous glaze.

I glistened in the light.

Surely now I could be used!

I've been fired, glossed and cleansed.

But my deepest fears became true,

When I saw the fire heat up again.

I began to feel the heat,

As I slowly drew near.

This would be the death of me,

It would destroy me I feared.

It hurt. It burned. Pain seeped so deep.

I've never felt such suffering.

"Why me? Why now?" I said aloud.

"Do you care? Do You even hear me?"

I was too weary to even hear it,

When the fire was finally over.

I just hoped the end was nearing,

And that I wasn't totally broken.

I knew if i could just make it through,

I would finally be chosen.

Then I would be able to be used,

In the hands of a real person.

Then I passed inspection,

What a happy day for me!

Off to the artist for decoration,

And then finally I'd be free.

I caught a glimpse as we passed a glass,

How beautiful I had become!

I was truly a touch of class,

A work of art well done.

I was ready to be shipped for use,

When suddenly the box opened.

Then I was gently removed,

As the master said, "This One is Chosen."

It must have been my great design,

Or perhaps my form and shape,

Or maybe the gloss and glaze that shined,

Or maybe the artist's paint

Everything that I had been through,

It would now be worth it all.

The Master was taking me to,

His great works display hall.

I traveled in all of my splendor,

To a place quite dull and quaint.

Perhaps it was a little detour,

Before the Master put me on display.

Then He carefully released me,

Someone approached me with a large hammer.

Then the master let them break me,

And I was crushed forever.

"I don't understand this at all,

Why have I been through so much?

I should be in the display hall,

How could you ever allow such?"

"I thought you loved me and you had a plan!

Is this what you planned all along?

Just to build me up to tear me down,

To leave me all alone?"

But silently the master kept working on me,

I was under so much stress.

He glued me back piece by piece,

But now I looked a mess.

Why would people want to see me on display,

When I've been so cracked and broken?

Then I heard the Master say,

"Remember you were Chosen".

I wanted to be a chosen piece,

And I saw he was up to something.

So I began to let Him rearrange me.

And I started learning just to trust Him.

Then one day He was finally through.

Although I had been shattered,

I was put on display to view,

For the Only One that mattered.

I was just another broken vessel story,

I didn't think many people would care.

But it turns out that the Master received great glory,

For the work of art he shared.

So here I stand before you.

I'm nothing of my own.

But I can do all things through,

The one to whom I belong!

Lori Green

Achluophobia: FEAR OF THE DARK!!

My husband left to go out of town to hunt. He hunts in his hometown in East Texas where his parents still live.  He took both of our girls with him so they could spend some time with Grammie and Grampie.  This would be my first time in our new home...Home Alone!  (scary organ music playing)

I don't know if there have been so many practical jokes played on me or played BY me in the darkness that I'm terrified of the dark when I'm alone.  I can imagine Kurt being in every closet jumping out to scare me.  I have such a grand imagination.  I turn every noise into an animate creature.  Creaks and pops become footsteps and movement of a thief lurking in the darkness coming in to steal our not-so-valuables.    I can hear the toilet run, the air condition shift on and off and the ice maker making new ice.  I hear all of the neighbors in a 20 mile radius shutting car doors and garages.  I hear imaginary gun shots.  None of that seems so dramatic when the lights are ON!

What is it about darkness that I dread?

I've always imagined God and Heaven and there was never a trace of darkness in those imaginations.   It's the place where there is No Night - The Lamb is the Light!  AND, this is true!

HOWEVER, here are some other Scriptures to review.

Psalm 18:9-11
9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
10 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
11 He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
*Verse 12 talks about HIS brightness.


Psalm 97:2
2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

1 Kings 8:12
12 Then spake Solomon, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

Also, another interesting thought:
2 Corinthians 11:14
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.


I don't have to fear the dark. What I must pay more attention to is what is going on in the light. When I'm most comfortable, when I feel like I'm safe, when life is going good and smooth - that's when I need to be more aware. A lot of the time, that is where the attack comes - when the guard is down.

If you've found yourself in a dark situation or a storm, enjoy the secret place with HIM. (He made darkness his secret place) If you're enjoying the light with no troubles, no battles - either get ready - or WAKE UP BABY! You're not in Heaven yet!!

A New Nail for my Scarf Rack

I looked at the two nails on the wall about two inches apart.  One was old and rusty, one was new and silver.  I had heard about people stepping on rusty nails and getting infected or having to get a shot.  I shivered at the thought of the rusty nail, even in the wall.  I decided to go with the new nail.  I hung my vintage scarf rack up and stood back and looked with admiration.  I did it - on my own!  My husband would be so proud.  (Even though I used an existing nail - LOL!)

I unpacked my scarves and washed them and ironed them and then color-coded them.  As soon as they were ready I began hanging them.  The last scarf, my latest splurge, still had its tags on it.  I hung it and stepped back to look and, CRASSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH.   My clean, ironed and color-coded scarves were now on the floor in the bottom of my closet along with some flakes of sheetrock.

Kurt heard the crash.  As he ran to my closet upstairs, I explained what happened.  There was a gaping hole in the wall where the new and silver nail fell out.  I started cleaning up my mess.

"This nail wasn't in a stud," he explained.
I tried to look like I understood, slowly nodding my head. "Ok."

"Behind the sheetrock there is a wood frame.  If you're going to hang anything that is heavy or holding weight, you need to make sure the nail is in the stud.  If not, it will just rip through the sheet rock.  You should just use this old nail.  It's in the stud already."

My scarves weren't precious to me or even breakable.  But what if I had hung something more valuable on that new nail?  New Silver Nail or Old Rusty Nail, just make sure it's in the right place.

Are you secure?  Are you planted on a firm foundation?  Do you have an anchor?  

There is SOMEONE hanging on you.  If you fall, they will fall also.

This picture was from the blog Heynowwhoanow

^{Isaiah 22:23-25}

²³ And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house.

²⁴ And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.

²⁵ In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the Lord hath spoken it.

Oh Jesus - Bed Bugs!

6:00 AM.  It wasn't an alarm.  It was two words that woke me up.  "Bed Bugs."

"Oh Jesus," I exclaimed somewhat praying.  I immediately jumped out of bed.  I had a friend that had battled with bed bugs for months.  We were in a new house.  I did not want this.  I did not need this.

I started my Google search.  How do you detect them?  How do you cure them?

The detection part seemed easier than the curing part.  I already had a headache just reading about the hassle that bed bugs cause.  

Here's a few things that I learned.

1.  Bed bugs are a parasitic bug.  They can't live without a host.  (That would be me or you.)

2.  The host (me or you) receives no benefit, only harm from the parasite.  (Usually without killing)

3.  Feeding time is usually from 10 PM to 6 AM.  

4.  They can survive up to a year without a meal.
5.  Bed bugs aren't only found in filthy environments, they've been found in the nicest homes and hotels.

6.  You need a professional to help get rid of it.  Over-the-counter bug sprays and killers do not work.
According to one website, "Effective bed bug elimination usually includes vigilant monitoring, prevention, a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments, and teamworks."

Here's how you detect and prevent them according to ORKIN.

1.  Survey surfaces for signs of an infestation. 
2.  Lift and look underneath the surfaces.
3.  Elevate your personal items away from possible places of infestation.
4.  Examine your items when returning from any trips.
5.  Place all your clothing from your trip in the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 15 minutes.

I went to searching mattresses.  I pulled off all of our sheets in all three rooms.  I searched and surveyed and found no signs.  I was so confused.  

Later that day I was asked to speak to our College and Career class at church a few nights later.  I already had a lesson on "God and Your Gift" and so I quickly agreed.  After reading over my notes, I didn't feel the "FLOW."  I knew something was wrong.   Then it clicked.  BED BUGS!

We have them.  We are hosting them.  We are affected by them.  What can we do?

Here's a few things that I gathered on the spiritual aspect of bed bugs.
1.  We are HOSTS.  We keep it alive, whether by choice or by neglect.
2.  It's not benefitting us in any way.  It drains us and leaves us wounded.
3.  It's feeding on us in the evening times - while we should be in REST and PEACE.
4.  It may not show their head every day.  Sometimes it's only once a year.
5.  It's not just the "rank sinners" that are hosting, even some "solid saints".

6.  We need to be vigilant in detecting and destroying them.  We need outside sources to help us. 

(James 5:16)

Here's how you detect and prevent them.  According to the WORD.   The acronym is SLEEP.

1.  Search your heart for signs.  Ask HIM to search you!

Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

2.  Lift your eyes to the hills from which cometh your help.

Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the LORD.

3.  Elevate yourself and separate things or people that could transfer the infestation.

1 Peter 1:16 "...Be ye holy; for I am holy."

4.  Examine yourself and things that you do, places you go.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves...

5.  Place yourself in the Secret Place, and allow HIM to turn up the heat if necessary to make you as pure as gold.  

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  

Job 23:10 But He knoweth the way that I take; when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

Photo from Ideal Partners Tx 

The Day I Quit Drinking

I was finally away from my frenzied home.  There was no laundry.  There were no dishes.   There were no children crying, at least not mine.    I had escaped to my happy place of solitude, the grocery store.  I didn’t bother to make a list.  I walked up and down every aisle grabbing whatever seemed good in the moment.  I had to retrace a few aisles after I decided what meals I would be serving.  It would be hard to follow me around a grocery store as there was no rhyme or reason to my shopping cart navigation.  However, I started noticing I was passing this same gentleman on every aisle.  Was I subconcisouly following him or was he following me?

“You look tired,” he broke the ice.
“Well, THANK YOU,” I said with an energetic smile and a sarcastic tone.
I kept walking.  He backed his shopping cart to follow me backwards.
“You wish your life was more organized but you’re too tired to make it happen.  You wish you could sleep more.  You’re tired and weary all of the time.  It’s really getting to you.”
I stopped pushing my cart.  “You have my attention.  So what are you selling that will fix all of that?”
He continued.  “You’re not eating enough and you’re not taking care of your self.  Oh, and you’re drinking, but no one knows.”
I felt myself blush.  I wanted to run and hide but I couldn't move. 

"I can help you."  

I stood stunned and silent.

"First, sleep is not rest.  You need rest.  Second, if you don't eat, you're gonna wither away.  You need to eat, not just snack.  Also, skipping meals is very unhealthy.  And, if you're gonna eat junk food all day, what's the point of eating healthy meals?  As you begin to eat healthy and steadily you will feel strength.  You won't feel so bogged down.  You can start being more active and energetic.  Your family will appreciate the change."

"Oh and the drinking thing.  Here's something I want you to try.  You won't be thirsty for the other stuff ever again.  After you drink this, you'll want to share it with everyone that you meet."

He walked off very briskly and left me holding a small glass bottle with a cork.  Inside was a rolled up piece of paper.  It read, "John 4:14."

I quit drinking from other wells.  Now, He is my source and I am HIS fountain.

Matthew 11:8 - He will give you REST.

Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who HUNGER and THIRST after righteousness.

Psalms 42:1 - THIRST for HIM as a deer thirsts for the waterbrook.

John 6:35 - HE is the Bread.  You will never hunger and thirst again.

John 7:38 - Believers should have the flow of Living Water.

Jeremiah 2:13 - Don't forsake the FOUNTAIN, and repair yourself so that you can hold water.