Trouble for the Bride Before the Rapture?

Trouble—Pressure

In the movie The Music Man, a con artist is told that there isn’t any trouble in River City, so his reply is, “I’ll have to create some”. This is the plan of the global elite for the world. Their motto is, “Order out of chaos”; and we see the work of their hands in the world today. Their goal is to cause chaos and then introduce the Antichrist onto the world stage as the one to bring order.

Of course, the true God YHWH has all this in His more than capable hands. I believe that He is directing me to encourage the brethren as we see this happen for He will not forsake us in this season or ever! We see the pressure building in the world in all arenas—political and moral divide in our nation, geopolitical confrontations (wars and rumors of wars), and natural and manmade disasters.

What do I mean by manmade disasters? If you have never heard of it before, HAARP has technology said to be used to control the weather and the earth’s seismic activity.  

This is not to instill fear in the Bride, but to remind Her that she is also the Overcoming Church!

No one knows with certainty what kind of trouble the Bride will see before our Heavenly Bridegroom catches us away. We see dimly and only in part as it says in 1 Corinthians 13:12.

We are not appointed to the wrath of the Lamb or the winepress of God’s wrath, but we are not promised to escape the trouble caused by a group of elites who think they control the world.

The Bride Overcomes tribulation

The Bride will endure tribulation with a lower case “t” but is not subject to THE Tribulation with a capital “T”:

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33 KJV

Jesus reminds us that it is in the world that we shall have tribulation BUT that just as He overcame, so shall we! This is why the Bride is also referred to as “he who overcometh” in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3!

Tribulation is another word for “trouble” and “pressure”.

All wrath is Tribulation but not all tribulation is wrath.

(I give credit to the Holy Spirit for this phrase.)

This is why many students of the Bible refer to Daniel Chapter 9’s 70^th Week as THE Tribulation which is composed of the “wrath of the Lamb” (Revelation 6:16) in the first half of the 7 years and the second half (the “great winepress of the wrath of God”—Revelation 14:19) is referred to as The GREAT Tribulation. This is the period of time Jesus is referring to in Matthew 24:21.

Then Luke 21 repeats the events Jesus said would occur prior to His coming again to earth (including “the sea and the waves roaring”) but concludes with:

And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. - Luke 21:28 KJV

AND

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. - Luke 21:36 KJV

Overcomers are accounted worthy (read Who are the Tribulation Saints?). Their day of redemption is the harpazo.

The Wave of Glory

People on Youtube have told their stories of being threatened for bringing to light information the globalists wish to remain hidden in darkness. K.J. of the YT Channel The Scariest Movie Ever posted a video on June 8, 2013 about one such person who was arrested for posting warnings on the YT Channel OutrDemnDarknes of a plot to use technology to cause tsunamis in order to destroy both America’s West AND East Coasts!

On November 5, 2017, Todd of IT IS FINISHED warned of a HUGE EARTHQUAKE that is to occur prior to the rapture. He is not the only one to post this, but he is a brother in Christ and a source I trust. Even dutchsinse recently reported on the continued slow slip of the San Andreas fault and how this is what was seen in Japan that resulted in the 9.2 earthquake and tsunami of 2011 which he forecasted two days before it occurred (begin watching his video at ~24:30 minutes)!

As I was pondering all this today, the Spirit reminded me to focus on what He has shown me personally. The only disaster I have been shown is related to tsunamis:

When I first received my great wave dreams I thought it was related to other words being posted on the internet regarding a last days move of God. I now believe that my 'great wave' dreams might be related to the warnings other watchmen have been giving on Youtube of tsunamis to hit both the West and East Coasts of the United States. . .

If what was shown to me is both a spiritual and physical tsunami, it means the great waves will catapult our nation into a glorious revival. [Excerpt from The Sea Roaring]

And to confirm that the Spirit of the Lord is announcing both a spiritual and physical tsunami coming, I received the SEASON OF THE OVERCOMER rhema posted on the anniversary of Japan’s great tsunami.

A prophetic word through Kevin Mirasi came the closest to what I received from the Lord. In the video Tsunami in USA, California Earthquake, Russian Attack and Rapture, he says that he doesn't know whether the rapture is immediately during the tsunami or shortly after. This is very similar to what I reported:

Beloved, HEADS UP! The impression in my spirit is we might see Lk 21:25 (the sea roaring) b4 or at the same time we are raptured. IF it occurs I believe it will be a great wave caused by earthquake, asteroid, or nuclear detonation. I ask for forgiveness ahead of time if I am wrong. But would rather risk this than fail in my watch. I have been wrong b4 but at times I have been hearing right. Seek the Lord about this message, of course... [Excerpt from The Sea Roaring]

There have been numerous prophetic warnings about mega earthquakes and tsunamis to hit the United States. The Bride, however, will not be caught off guard and will continue to receive more and more details of what is coming. Seek the Lord regarding all prophecies and warnings—including mine. And ask for confirmation (Deuteronomy 19:15).

Anyone who has made Jesus Christ the Lord of their life has the Spirit of God dwelling within them (1 Corinthians 3:16) and can hear from God for themselves. He will guide you; and, if necessary, send angelic help your way when a disaster strikes!

You, the Bride, are much beloved by the Messiah! She is His reward (Revelation 22:12)!

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 11:2 KJV

Our task, should any disaster strike, is to respond as the Spirit leads bringing Christ’s love and the light of the glorious truth of eternity through Him to those with whom we come in contact.

Caveat: This blog is an attempt to share my spiritual journey and my understanding of the Scriptures. In the past few years that learning curve has been mostly in eschatology or the study of the end times. I do not pretend to have this all figured out. Also, I do not necessarily agree with all the beliefs of anyone whose material I reference. I seek to be led of the Spirit of God as to the sources I use, however, even Spirit-filled Christians only 'see in part' as it says in 1 Corinthians 13:12.

Billy Graham, Philadelphia, and a Passover Exodus

Even a Broken Clock…

Some of my readers might be wondering why I have not yet commented on the significance of Billy Graham’s death. At the time I first heard about it, I did believe it signaled the coming end to the Age of Grace. I wanted to wait, however, before sharing my two cents. I’m glad I did.

As I listened to what others in the Body of Christ were saying, I realized that my first impression may be correct—that the Age of Grace is quickly coming to an end and the catching away of the Church Bride may be this Passover.

Yes, I don’t blame you if you are rolling your eyes at that statement because I (and many others) have been talking about Christ coming for His Bride for over two years now; but even a broken clock tells the correct time twice a day! In other words, one day we are going to get the date right!

Why Passover?

The harpazo of those who are in Christ may or may not occur on a feast day. No one really knows the exact timing of the rapture, but let me share with you some extremely intriguing information I recently learned.

Promised Land Entry on Passover

Paul of the REVELATIONCHAPTER12dotCOM YT Channel pointed out that the children of Israel left Egypt on a Passover and entered the promised land on a Passover in his Considering a Passover Rapture - Part 2 video. This hit me square between the eyes when I heard it!

But why would I think that because the children of Israel got to enter their promised land on Passover mean necessarily that the overcoming church gets to enter the promised land of eternity THIS Passover?

watchfortheday.org

Billy Graham a Type of Moses

It was something Anne Graham Lotz said at her father’s funeral:

“My father’s death was as significant as his life and his life was very significant . . . February 21, 2018, was the date God chose to take my father home. Why? It is the day that Jews focus on Scripture readings that focus on the death of Moses. Moses was a great liberator. He brought millions of people out of bondage to slavery, got them to the edge of the promised land, then God took him to Heaven. And then God brought Joshua to bring them into the promised land to take them home.

My father also is a great liberator. He brought millions of people out of bondage to sin, and he gets us to the edge of Heaven, the edge of the promised land, and God has called him home. And then could it be that God is going to bring Joshua to lead us into the Promised Land—lead us into Heaven. And do you know what the New Testament name is for Joshua? It’s JESUS.

And I believe this is a shot across the bow from Heaven. God is saying, ‘Wake up world! Jesus is coming! Jesus is coming!” Billy Graham's Funeral - Anne Graham Lotz

2018 The Year of Redemption

Year to Fly Like an Eagle?

Last Friday I watched the Hal Lindsey Report Update _ Playing With Fire ( Feb 24, 2018 ) video. Near the end of his report Hal Lindsey spoke on how the NFL Patriots’ team had a Character Coach who helps estimate the character of the players before they are drafted and helps develop better character in the players already on the team.

I thought back on that recent Super Bowl Game and how two teams made up of several Christians (according to what someone told me) ended up at the championship game—the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams performed brilliantly, but the win went to the Eagles. A prophetic realization dawned on me—the Patriots were symbolic of the church who will lose; that is, be left behind when the harpazo/rapture occurs; and the winners—the Philadelphia Eagles were symbolic of the overcoming church who will fly to meet the Lord in the air!

Only those who are of the Philadelphia church will fly as eagles in the rapture:

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; -

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. -

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. - Revelation 3:7, 8, 10 KJV

Those who only appear to be of the Body of Christ who are not born again, their patriotism is to themselves and not to the Lord and are among the six churches warned by Jesus in Revelation Chapters 2 and 3! (To understand more about this please read Who are the Tribulation Saints?)

Along with the myriad of other signs in the heavens and the earth, here was yet another sign proclaiming the soon rapture!

50^th Year--Jubilee

This past Saturday I was loving on the Lord and singing to Him and He gave me a verse to look up—Leviticus 25:17. As I read it I realized it was the chapter about the jubilee year. “But why verse 17, Lord?” I asked.

Ye shall not therefore oppress one another [financially oppress is the context here]; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I [am] the LORD your God. - Leviticus 25:17 KJV

I believe He spoke to my spirit that the “17” referred to God sounding the trumpet of Jubilee in 2017, for Leviticus 17:8-10 records that in the 49^th year the Jubilee trumpet is to be sounded then the actual redemptive year is the 50^th year (our 2018).

Informedchristians teaches in Redemption Reminders about this being the year of redemption adding that March is the month of money redemption. Jesus was our kinsman redeemer. His death on the cross was the payment of our redemption, but He must come back to redeem our bodies and take us home:

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins. - 1 John 4:10 KJV

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, - Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. - Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV

The rapture is the day the Overcoming Church receives bodily redemption:

For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: - Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. - Philippians 3:20-21 KJV

When They Go Up We Go Up!

To top everything off, today as I took a break from writing to get my lunch I heard the most exciting news on Paul Begley’s YT channel--Prophecy Alert--Jews Allowed Prayer on Temple Mount!!!  [My apologies! In my excitement I posted the above without my usual double checking. Paul Begley later posted a Retraction Temple Mount will remain status quo in Jerusalem. Let us continue to watch Israel, especially Jerusalem, for much may happen still in a succinct amount of time.] 

Why this is so exciting to me as a follower of Christ is because:

Matthew Patrick Winfrey, a brother in Christ on Youtube who ministers in the Philippines, believes he was shown that “When you see the natural seed of Abraham ascend the natural Mount Zion, know that this is the sign that the spiritual seed of Abraham will ascend to the Heavenly Mount Zion”.

Brother Patrick added that this could either refer to when the Jews will be able to openly pray on the Temple Mount or it may refer to when the building of the Third Temple begins. [Excerpt from 2018 Final Signs.]

This might be what Brother Patrick’s above word indicates—that when we see the Jews being allowed to go up to the Temple Mount to pray know that THIS IS THE SIGN OF THE COMING RAPTURE OF THE OVERCOMING CHURCH!!!

Woohoo! Come Lord Jesus Come!

Caveat: This blog is an attempt to share my spiritual journey and my understanding of the Scriptures. In the past few years that learning curve has been mostly in eschatology or the study of the end times. I do not pretend to have this all figured out. Also, I do not necessarily agree with all the beliefs of anyone whose material I reference. I seek to be led of the Spirit of God as to the sources I use, however, even Spirit-filled Christians only 'see in part' as it says in 1 Corinthians 13:12.

2017 The Final Jubilee? [edited October 2018]

Recently I was seeking the Lord asking Him if He will come for His Church Bride in 2017. He did not give me a direct “Yes” or “No” answer, but I believe He wanted me to look into the Jubilee.

Many in the Jewish community believe that 2017 does mark the beginning of a Jubilee:

Before anyone ever thought Trump could win the US election or before he even thought of saying he would move the embassy to Jerusalem something very interesting happened here in Israel. The Sanhedrin has stated a while back that 2017 would be a Jubilee Year for Israel. Now we are seeing it come to pass. The Jubilee returns the land to the rightful owners, which is the Jews. thegoldenreport.net

Wikipedia has very interesting information related to the Jubilee:

The Jubilee (Hebrew: יובל‎ yūḇāl; Yiddish: yoyvl) year is the year at the end of seven cycles of shmita (Sabbatical years), and according to Biblical regulations had a special impact on the ownership and management of land in the Land of Israel; there is some debate whether it was the 49th year (the last year of seven sabbatical cycles, referred to as the Sabbath's Sabbath), or whether it was the following (50th) year.[excerpt Wikipedia.org]

If 2017 is a Jubilee year, it most likely will be the FINAL one if Genesis 6:3 means that God has given 120 Jubilees or 6,000 years for mankind to rule earth.

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. Genesis 6:3 KJV

What is a Jubilee?

What exactly is a Jubilee? The Biblical Jubilee was a year-long commemoration of liberty when land and possessions went back to the rightful owners and people who had indentured themselves returned to their own families.

Liberty to be Proclaimed

And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout [all] the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubile unto you; and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. - Leviticus 25:10 KJV

What does that remind you of? It reminds me of when Jesus went into the synagogue and read from Chapter 61 of the Book of Isaiah:

The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

And he closed the book, and he gave [it] again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. - Luke 4:18-21 KJV

Notice that Jesus did NOT read what followed:

… the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; - Isaiah 61:2 KJV

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. - Isaiah 61:3 KJV

“The day of vengeance” is referring to when Christ physically returns to earth to set up His Kingdom and war with the Antichrist and his army. Jesus came as a humble servant and as the SACRIFICIAL LAMB the first time. But He will come as the reigning KING of Kings at His second coming and reclaim Jerusalem!

Redemption

Redemption is another key component to the Jubilee as outlined in Leviticus Chapter 25:

In the year of this jubile ye shall return every man unto his possession. - Leviticus 25:13 KJV

And in all the land of your possession ye shall grant a redemption for the land. - Leviticus 25:24 KJV

This redemption could not be done by just anybody—it had to be done by a kinsman (Leviticus 25:25). We see this in the story of Ruth when Naomi seeks to have Boaz marry her daughter-in-law.

There was also an unusual procedure to assure the continuation of a family in the event of the death of a husband without issue. If a widow had no son, she could request the next of kin to take her and raise children to continue the family bloodline.

It is from this background that we understand Naomi’s opportunity in Ruth Chapter 3. She realizes that Boaz is a kinsman; therefore, there was an opportunity to regain the family properties lost by her deceased husband 10 years earlier and also a chance for Ruth to have a new life. khouse.org

Just as Boaz was Naomi’s kinsman, Jesus is the Kinsman Redeemer for All Mankind.

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: - 1 Corinthians 1:30 KJV

The Rapture is when The Redeemer takes home those He has ‘paid for’ with His own life.

re·demp·tion 

rəˈdem(p)SH(ə)n/

noun

1.

the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.

"God's plans for the redemption of his world"

synonyms: saving, freeing from sin, absolution

"God's redemption of his people"

2.

the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.

synonyms: retrieval, recovery, reclamation, repossession, return

Restoration and Return

…and ye shall return every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every man unto his family. - Leviticus 25:10 KJV

Then let him count the years of the sale thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to whom he sold it; that he may return unto his possession. - Leviticus 25:27 KJV

An Israelite who was forced to pay a debt by basically becoming an indentured servant was to be freed in the Jubilee year and RETURN HOME TO HIS FAMILY. God’s reasoning for this was because they were HIS SERVANTS (Leviticus 25:39-42).

What does that remind you of?

We are His servants also, and I believe we will be able to return to our Heavenly Home at the next Jubilee year!

Rest

But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. - Leviticus 25:4 KJV

A jubile shall that fiftieth year be unto you: ye shall not sow, neither reap that which groweth of itself in it, nor gather [the grapes] in it of thy vine undressed. - Leviticus 25:11 KJV

The Jubilee year was like an extension of the Sabbath Year and was a time of rest for the people and the land. This reminds us of the Sabbath rest of 1,000 years that will come to us through the Millennial Reign of our Messiah King—freedom from the labor and toil as a result of man’s disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden and the malevolent effects of sin as a result of the world being “under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19).

For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. - Hebrews 4:3 KJV

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. - Hebrews 4:9 KJV

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. - Revelation 21:4 KJV

 Jubilee=Day of Atonement

Assuming the Rapture occurs on the Feast of Trumpets, which is Tishri 1 on the Hebrew calendar, the Jubilee would be celebrated on the 10^th of the same month coinciding with the Day of Atonement:

Then shalt thou cause the trumpet of the jubile to sound on the tenth [day] of the seventh month, in the day of atonement shall ye make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. Leviticus 25:8-9 KJV

In Bible prophecy days can equal years [How a Day can Equal a Year]. Within the timeframe of the days between the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement, a seven-year Tribulation period could easily fit even taking into account that Rosh Hashanah is a two-day festival.

120^th Jubilee—Mind Boggling!

The year of Jubilee and the Day of Atonement speak of the fullness of the redemptive plan of God for man:

8. The year of Jubilee was the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 25:9-11).

Spiritual Application (Halacha). This was a year and day of liberty. Yeshua came to preach this liberty at His first coming (Isaiah [Yeshayahu] 61:1-3; Luke 4:17-21). From Adam, it has been almost 6,000 years and 120 Jubilees. The number 120 points to the end of the age of the flesh and the reign of the life of the spirit (Genesis (Bereishit] 6:3). The ultimate fulfillment of the year of Jubilee will take place at the second coming of Messiah. The earth will be redeemed and come into full and complete rest from the curse brought upon it by Adam's sin. Complete restoration of man's lost inheritance will take place. God's people will be totally set free -- set at liberty, from all sin, sickness and disease, death, and the curse. Satan (Ha satan), the source of all these things, will be bound and true rest will be realized. The tabernacle of God will be with men and He will dwell with them (Revelation 21:1-4). So, the year of Jubilee and the day of Atonement speak of the fullness of the redemptive plan of God for man. hebroots.org

The significance of the 120^th Jubilee is mind boggling!

This Law of Jubilee is the law that Jesus came to perform perfectly.  Jesus had to come as a “man” in order to be our “relative” which gave Him the right to redeem us according to the Law of Jubilee!  We are His brethren!...

By the same law, Jesus also will redeem ALL from the final and ultimate enemy - death - for death does not hold the right of redemption and has no choice but to turn every captive loose at Jesus Christ’s demand. goodnewsaboutgod.com

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 KJV

All creation is waiting for that day as described in Romans Chapter 8:

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation [apokalypsis=used of events by which things or states or persons hitherto withdrawn from view are made visible to all-blb] of the sons of God.

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

And not only [they], but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, [to wit], the redemption of our body. Romans 8:18, 22-23 KJV

Not only do we who believe on Christ await The Day of Redemption, but ALL of creation awaits it as well for the Law of Jubilee mandates the setting free of ALL Creation. Hallelujah! How glorious will be that day! Come Lord Jesus!

Caveat: I do not necessarily agree with all the beliefs of anyone whose material I reference. I seek to be led of the Spirit of God as to the sources I use, however, even Spirit-filled Christians only 'see in part' as it says in 1 Corinthians 13:12.

My Bonnie Friend

                               That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:15 KJV

This past Sunday, May 27, marked Pentecost. It also was the day when my dear friend, Bonnie, fell asleep in death. She was a handmaiden of the Lord Jesus Christ who had bravely raised two sons on her own after becoming a widow and who had heroically battled cancer never taking her eyes off of the King of Glory.

Her youngest son called me that same day to inform me of the severe downturn in her health neither of us realizing just how close to the end she was. As we spoke, I remembered a time several years ago when I had linked hands with members of the little country church we fellowshipped with to intercede for a brother who was dying of a brain tumor. "The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever," I quoted in part from 1 Peter 1:24-25 KJV. It was the verse that came into my spirit so I spoke it out. "I believe the Spirit of the Lord is saying that although this brother’s time to rest has come, the word of God that he has spoken will not fall to the ground."

This was the first time I had ever prayed in this manner for someone who was sick. I fellowshipped with Holy Spirit-filled people who believed in healing and who never gave up on the possibility of a miracle and I had been of the same mindset. I could sense that the others I was praying with were not in agreement with what I said and continued to pray for our friend’s healing; but I believed, for the first time in my life, that the Spirit of the Lord was saying that this good brother’s fight was over. Sadly, he did go to his eternal rest only days later.

The last time I talked with Bonnie she had been flown to a city in the Midwest where a group of brethren supplied her with housing and food and a peaceful room adjacent to the sanctuary where she could be ministered to and soak in the presence of Almighty Yahweh. “I’m doing what you said, Lyn.” Her voice sounded otherworldly yet joyful and light as she told me where she was and what she was doing. Although back at her hotel room when we spoke, she was still afloat in God’s river of love, but what had I said to her? I couldn’t remember even though I had talked to her only about a week before. “Remember, you spoke to me that the Lord said I should rest—that I had been mother and father and had done enough. Rest, rest, rest, you said.”

As I shared this with her son, he told me that he had said the same thing to her—that she had done enough and that she should simply rest. “I didn’t realize then that the Lord was referring to eternal rest.” I said remembering how I was taught that when the Lord repeats something three times, it is to indicate that something is complete. Even though she was still alive as we spoke, we both believed her time of struggle was coming to an end even though we had both sought the Lord for a miracle. 

Bonnie and I became friends while attending services at the same church for some years. At one point she began to attend a different fellowship. Although she moved in a different circle then, she stood by me through a terrible ordeal. I’ll never forget how she showed up at my doorstep by the leading of the Holy Spirit. She had no natural knowledge of what was going on but knew by the Spirit that I desperately needed her friendship and prayerful support.

"I wish that I had gotten to know her better," I said to my husband because we had moved to another state and Bonnie and I talked less frequently. But then I thought on how as sisters in Christ we were both born of incorruptible seed--the promise of life everlasting--and that we have an eternity to get to know one another better.
Hallelu-Yah!
 

Christmas--Lost & Found

My sister sent me a Christmas card as usual, but this time she wrote a comment that struck me. "Hey, doesn't this look like something Grandma B. would have sent?" Sure enough the angelic print trimmed in gold resembled the old fashioned Christmas cards our grandmother sent us when she was living.

Lately it has really hit me--the pain of loss many, many folks experience at the holiday season--the loss of loved ones who are no longer with us for various reasons. This year I realized that I have no mother, no father, no grandmothers, and no grandfathers to celebrate the season with. No uncles and no aunts.

Instead of dwelling on the loss, I decided to recall favorite memories, like the one my sister shared with me. I have the old--I mean really old--Christmas songs that my mother would sing to us when we were children like 'Here Comes Suzy Snowflake' and 'Hurrah for Captain Santa Claus'. The words and melody just crop up in me and I begin to sing them no matter where I am or what I am doing. And I have old ornaments and holiday decor. There's the corroding silver ball ornament with my name and birthdate that my Mom painted onto it with red nail polish the first Christmas after I was born. I still remember that my husband's mother gave us the golden-haired angel with the flowing crimson gown.

Our Heavenly Father has a way to redeem all loss. Some losses are redeemed in this earthly lifetime. I was witness to such a thing recently.

I have a sweet neighbor who lost her husband and her long-haired dachshund this past year. My daughter Rachel and I visited her a couple of weeks ago. Knowing how lonely she must feel I asked, "Have you been thinking about getting another dog?"

She smiled and said she had put a few calls into places looking for a small dog but that it was difficult to find one that was not a puppy. She didn't have the strength to train a puppy. "Somehow I think this dog will just come to me," she admitted with a shy grin.

Later that week, Rachel went out to the mailbox and spied a small white dog trotting down the street. The poor thing looked wretched with its matted coat wet from the day's rainfall. "Here, puppy," Rachel coaxed. But the dog scurried away in fear.

Two days later another neighbor called me and told me how she had trapped a small runaway dog and was going to take it to the groomer and the vet. On her way home from the vet, Gloria came by to see me. In her arms was the cutest little dog I have ever seen with red and green plaid bows tied to her ears.

As if reading my mind, Gloria asked, "So who wants her?"

"My daughter Rachel just reminded me that this little dog would be perfect for our neighbor acrossed the street!" I exclaimed and gave her a few details. Gloria's mind was made up when I repeated my neighbor's comment, "And she believes this dog will simply come to her!"

Tears sprung to my eyes as I watched Gloria ring the doorbell to my neighbor's door. "Oh, Mighty Father! How good You are that You would do such a thing to bless this dear woman at this holiday season!"

I decided to wait a couple of days before poking my nose in and seeing how they were doing. "Thank you so much," she said when I called, "And thank Rachel too for thinking of me! I've named the dog Holly." She shared more of Holly's story with me. I was so happy for her...and for Holly!

May yours be a Christmas of Holy Redemption!