I had my follow-up to "Crush Time" written [I wrote part 2 first]. However, my finger slipped, and it was gone.

I will be rewriting Crush Time 2, but I am taking time to dig a little deeper. Meantime, I hope you are digging a little deeper also, letting God work in you, transforming you into His image. Sometimes the process hurts; sometimes, you will not know whether to laugh or cry. The tests come either way. Some are big; others are small.

The Lord reminded me of that yesterday. A marketer called and made a big fuss over my first book, declaring it was an undiscovered jewel and that she wanted to present it at an international book fair and aggressively market it. I was, of course, flattered.

However, two things she said caught my attention. One was that she knew nothing about the book itself. She was going on the recommendation of Christian International [I have my license through Christian International; they are my spiritual covering]. So after talking to the marketer, I...

Have you suddenly had the ground pulled out from under you? Has a loved one hurt you deeply? Have close friends suddenly turned their backs on you or accused you of wretched motives over a simple misunderstanding? Do you feel like you are being crushed under heavy weights?

As Christians, we are called to walk in peace, but life is sometimes full of turmoil.

When this happens, I ask myself:  Have I sinned?  Is this a Satanic attack? Is God testing me?

Now, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was 18 [approximately 1000 years ago, according to some people]. I still remember feeling so light as if a heavy weight was off my shoulders, refreshed, and joyful.

My new life was free, paid for by Jesus with His blood. Yet I soon learned that Jesus "never promised me a rose garden." As I began to read the Scriptures, I discovered the Scriptures spoke of trials and a need for me to respond to the Lord in ways that I did not fully comprehend.

The first Bible book I read after...

I write this on Good Friday. . .

So much has gone on during the last three weeks. Tornadoes and other extreme weather, terror attacks in Israel, a former president under indictment, and children and their teachers murdered. Spring flowers have blossomed in South Carolina, but they bring little comfort.

A few people have wondered why I have not commented on the recent Nashville events or the public responses to those events. One reason was that I mourned; another was that I didn’t know what to say. I did not wish to write out of my feelings; I wanted to hear the Lord's words.

Yesterday morning, during a quiet time, the Lord began to speak softly to my spirit. It was not a big, solemn moment of His glory manifesting; it was more like a friend quietly pointing out the obvious. During this time, God did not comment directly on what was happening in the political realm or about the tragedy in Nashville. He did not even speak of His own sacrifice. Instead, the Lord gently but firmly...

I have been on the run, traveling and learning, and [I hope!] growing in the Lord. My last stop was at the  Leadership Summit for Prophets in Charleston, S.C. It was a fairly intense two days [think of the difference between condensed orange juice and regular juice to understand the level of intensity]. Pastor Samuel imparted wisdom to all those who attended to receive.

On the second day of the summit, we had a round table summit to discuss what God was doing in the nation and the world. My assigned topic was “What God is saying to His Leaders.”  The following is a copy of what God spoke at this round table:

The word of the Lord to those who call themselves “shepherds” concerning the heart, actions, and rewards of shepherds:

Know this, all who call themselves shepherds, my measuring rod is in My hand. I have measured you and am now separating you one from another as the shepherd separates the rams from his nursing ewes with lambs and...

People are on edge with the war in Ukraine, extended droughts, destructive floods, and increasingly violent storms in 2022. The sense of security in what is "normal" has been shaken. Thousands, maybe millions, suffer from anxiety and mental health issues. And most leaders growl and argue, blaming one another rather than helping those that suffer.

 Is Doomsday approaching? Now, those somewhat familiar with the Bible ask, "Does this mean the end of the world is coming? Is Jesus coming soon?"

 Some are excited that Jesus is coming; others are afraid. Others scoff, saying, "People have talked for years about Jesus' return, yet I haven't seen even a whisker of His face."

 These mockers don't realize that they are fulfilling prophecy. [Check out 2 Peter 3:3-7].

 Almost everything that Jesus said would occur before He returned seems to be happening now [Luke 21]. Jesus is coming soon, and His return is getting closer by the day. But if you ask me if...

Prophecy—August 11, 2022.

This prophetic word seems to be the last of a series that the Lord spoke to me from August 4, 2022-August 11, 2022. If I understand the Lord correctly, while the time of forbearance is ending for unjust, unrighteous leadership, God will rescue, affirm, and restore those who long for Him [even if they don’t realize it yet].

 Comfort. Speak “Comfort” to My people.

For just as I deal sternly with the proud, the rebellious, and the unrepentant, so I will deal with My people tenderly. I will touch them as you would handle a delicate rose without bruising a single petal of the rose. I will lift them in My arms as a mother cradles her newborn child, and I will walk beside them as a groom walks with his bride.

I will bring them joy and peace. I will break off all the heavy loads—the false expectations and deceptions that the enemy and the false ministers placed on My people so they may walk in freedom. Those who...

The month of July was a busy time for me.  I published and launched my new book, Out of the Ashes.  I also assisted [in a small way] in the launch of another book, Ambushed by Joy,  written by Hayley Hewitt.   So much of July focused on books, advertising, and promotional concerns that I began to dream about it all.

However, that was July.  Today is August 15, and a shift is happening in the heavenlies.  Now, natural, noticeable changes have occurred with the start of a new school year.  School buses are rolling, and parents must deal with new schedules and school supply costs.  However, I am speaking of a much more profound change [or shift].  The time of God's forbearance is coming to an end. 

Over the last few months, God spoke encouraging words to His people.  But, now, God is sending a warning:  It is time to repent, to evaluate our thoughts and actions, and change them if they disagree or fail...

We of all people have eternal hope.  While wars, deaths, and other troubles bring us sorrow, we do not have to be desolate.  We have the peace and strength of the Lord to draw upon.

I have lost a friend and mentor.  Yet while I will grieve, I know that I will see my friend again.  I know I can love and uphold my friends and the family, knowing we can all come to the Father and pour out our hearts to Him.

Blessed be the Lord who knows and carries our sorrow.

I hope I can explain this clearly....

I found my first red leaf of the fall yesterday. Our sycamores have been dropping yellow leaves, but I constantly look for the red and bright orange leaves that let me know that the cooler days of autumn are finally coming to release us of the humidity and mosquitos of summer.  This red leaf, even with its black spots of decay, grabbed my attention filled me with  the anticipation of breezy, cool autumn days.  

You know, in some ways I  resemble that leaf. I have areas of blackness and decay in my life--not just from aging, but from not yet being conformed to the image of Jesus in all areas of my life. I often try to ignore these dark areas, for these imperfections frustrate and embarrass me. However, I am sometimes so aware of my failures and shortcomings, that I am hesitant to speak of the greatness of God.  I think: How can I speak into this situation when I am so messed up myself?  I wonder if...