A Day In My Life: 2021

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

WISDOM PEARL

Abstinence is

life

Withholding is TRUTHTELLING!

You are WORTH the wait

WISDOM PEARL

Daughters of Eve,

Remember before He was a serpent

He was a nice looking angel..

#Wait4trucolors

#abstinenceislife

WISDOM PEARL

Traps rarely come clearly marked

but are always presented with beautiful

wrapping and shiny bows

TAPESTRY

A garment is made up of singular threads

Each beautifully unique

Precisely placed together in a complex

Exclusive, non-duplicatable pattern only

Visible to the Originator

#youmattertoGod

WISDOM PEARL

Race does not go beyond the grave

But Faith does

*Fight for what matters/FaithinGod

*God has no room for pride of any kind

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

CHANGES INTERRUPTIONS REDIRECTS CHANGES INTERRUPTIONS REDIRECTS CHANGES INTERRUPTIONS REDIRECTS PT. 2

Reader,

Please read part 1 before part 2. That way you will be familiar with where I left off.

It is a new day, the sun is shining with all of its early fall beauty! I awoke early this morning, around 4:25am, and immediately I started asking the Lord what was His desire.

I have learned that when the Lord shakes you before the day fully gets started that means He wants your attention. For you the time may be different. For me it is usually before dawn. I am okay with that.

Before my chore list appears I have the opportunity to speak with Jesus; pour on Him my concerns, fears, worries, praises; more importantly I get to hear Him. I am refreshed or stirred. Challenged or restored. Whatever, I know it is always right and I never regret that time.

Interestingly enough I didn't get any immediate answers to my questions. Instead I was flushed with a rush of energy..now this didn't happen all at once. I wrestled with myself, with God. I wasn't fully aware of what I was supposed to do at this intimate meeting. I confessed what I thought were sins, wrong motives, actions etc.. I asked for healing (spiritually, physically, emotionally) then nothing. Like complete silence back and forth for almost an hour. I contemplated going into another room but the blankets were warm and I was in my mattress's sweet spot. BLAM Blam blam...my husband's alarm started going off and by the second snooze delay I knew I needed to get going. Wake up the kids, what's posted for breakfast, get the ironing done. I did all of that plus cleaned out our daughter's/guest/storage room. Nathan decided he was ready to try having his own room. This was to be the boys Christmas gifts mini-makeovers ushering them into young adulthood. Now (in the middle of a school routine) was a great time to kick it off! Anthony, now fully awake, let out a deep sigh and asked "hun?". "Yes dear" "What are you doing?" "Oh nothing". "Net, you have moved the deep freezer and what?? Girl did you lift that by yourself". "No, I didn't. I enlisted Nate's help". We went on. I never stopped moving. Years of marriage has told him not to interfere, but let me go through my process. "Net", he said tenderly, "whatever is going on, just leave it up to Jesus. He has never let us down. You know that". I stopped. It was his tone of concern; of love; of his desire to help me through this. All I could say was yes, I know. I'm trying. With that we went about our morning getting the boys ready for school.

Pt. 3

Coming soon!

Pt. 3 Thank You Jesus for the Changes, Interruptions and Redirects!

Thank you for Changes, Interruptions and Re-directs!! Pt. 3

The whole time I was in my 'rush', I never stopped asking Him how could I bring Him glory?? What can I give the King today? I am so broken. So disillusioned...So full of hurt. God, but I know that I was made to bring You Glory. How Lord? How?

Kids are now dropped off at school. I decided not to power walk (my attempt to positively deal with my stress) but write and study; Making myself available to God. I dialed up a buddy and explained to her that I had about an hour I could kill if she wanted to meet for some quick coffee-talk. She we did a mini-catchup expressing both our concerns and challenges happening in our respective worlds. Then she mentioned that no matter what I do I need to understand that the enemy has control of this world and I need not get attached. Just think of work as a project.

I agreed to a point. I relayed that yes we have relinquished much of our dominion to the enemy (see the fall of man Gen.) still we can't forget the God we serve is sovereign in our lives because we have accepted His Son!

No matter where I am, what position I am serving in professionally or personally, I will give God glory! He has gone before me and made my crooked paths straight; He has created good works so that I may walk in them! Satan can not plan my life nor bring it to an expected end because I am no longer His! So I will succeed not in my strength but in the strength of El-Shaddai!

Success by His standards and not mine. I will go where I am called and rejoice always! She concurred and we promised to get together in the morning.

Since I was at a bread place I thought I might as well grab something for the family. While inside I ran into a young lady (beautiful latte colored black woman) she was dressed to the 9's in royal blue on her way to work. We struck up a conversation and as my order was nearing ready I was moved with compassion, laying my hands on her and prayed. Right there. In front of Heaven. I was able to encourage her and remind her that the Lord made no mistake putting her where she was. Go in His strength and show Him today to your client and her family (she is serving as a home health nurse). She smiled and thanked me for praying for her. I smiled reminding her God loves her. My feet never touched the ground as I left the bakery. I was so light! Smiling, laughing, telling God thank you! He reminded me of my purpose and showed me the How!! Hallelujah! I was light as air..I was excited! I was ready to write...

I hope you are encouraged with the by-product of my before-hours meeting!

Special Thanks to Jenny and Michael Jr. You all reminded me to not only know my 'why' but hold onto it. Claiming the promises of God that He is able to do exceedingly more than I can think to ask! Using my brokenness to build up His kingdom! Only the Living God can give beauty out of ashes.

WISDOM PEARL

Christianity is not a 'white man's' religion

Because Christ is not a white man's God

He is EVERYONE'S GOD!!!

At the name of JESUS, Every knee will bow!!! Every tribe, Every skin color, Every nationality!

Stop letting the enemy use RACE as a tool when GOD gave it to us for TRUE DIVERSITY!!!

HALLELUJAH! GLORY TO GOD! THE LION OF JUDAH!! PRAISE HIM

WISDOM PEARL

So wise, rich Kings

Searched for Jesus The Messiah

Road 700 or so miles

...Church is across the street

Jesus is even closer

What was your excuse again?

WISDOM PEARL

Why follow a man

Who doesn't follow God?

When you can arrive at Destruction all on your own.

WISDOM PEARL

Know one can write a Story

Like Our story

Like We can

- Carol (RCWW)

*Thank you for reminding me!

Wisdom Pearl

WISDOM PEARL

Attending Church

doesn't ensure a

Hell free eternity

WISDOM PEARL

The more pliable you are

The less broken you will feel

When the Lord

Places you

On His wheel...

Wisdom Pearl

Spoken by Tyler (7/21)

Seasons may change

Actually they will.

So will the way the Lord uses,

Speaks, encourages and sustains you;

We are to be pliable in His hands

WISDOM PEARL

Ask yourself Man,

How can you be proud of the thing you supposedly created

When true creation requires

The prior existence of .... nothing

Humble yourself Adam

Realize you are not a creator

But a consumer

A participant

An observer

A sinner saved by Grace

*Gen 1/ John 1

WISDOM PEARL

Knowledge can come from anywhere

Wisdom however, only comes from GOD!

WISDOM PEARL

Legalism is not CHRISTIANITY (CHRIST FOLLOWING)

Neither is love outside His bounds (structure)

WISDOM PEARL

Keep your faith insulted (wrapped in God)

but don't Hide it!

WISDOM PEARL

Rules without Relationship

will always lead to Rebellion

WISDOM PEARL

Knowing "Church" doesn't mean Christ is known!

Seek Jesus Christ then the church will be known!

WISDOM PEARL

One's Purpose has to be greater than one's present circumstances

Ask Him, The Anointed One, what it is..He never turns away those who seek Him!

Psalm 40:12-13 NKJV

For innumerable evils have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up;
They are more than the hairs of my head;
Therefore my heart fails me.

Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me;
O Lord, make haste to help me!

WISDOM PEARL

There are no coincidences

Just God instances

-D. Patton

WISDOM PEARL

Wisdom Pearl

There are no coincidences - they don't exist

Just like there is no such thing as luck

When the reality of truth is applied it shows that

Luck denies the Glory due GOD

Coincidences deny He is in control

WISDOM PEARL

Know your why...

- Michael Jr. (Selfie-Dad) Christian Comedian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytFB8TrkTo

know your why

WISDOM PEARL

When God DERAILS your plan,

REJOYCE

For He has better for you!!

CHANGES INTERRUPTIONS REDIRECTS CHANGES INTERRUPTIONS REDIRECTS.... pt. 1

CHANGES INTERRUPTIONS REDIRECTS CHANGES INTERRUPTIONS REDIRECTS...

Dear Reader,

As I am penning this post I must confess that I am in a season of alot of changes. I wish I could say that I am adjusting well but alas I am not. Call it mild OCD (Which all daughters of Eve carry some degree of it) comfortability or whatever. Right now I feel like I am in the passenger side of my life just watching events go by with little to no input or control.

Maybe you can sympathize with me. Maybe you need some more information or better yet maybe you need to see exactly where this post is going. I can agree with you there because if I am honest I don't know where it is going. I made myself available to GOD, asking Him how I could bring Him glory today and now I am writing. Let's discover together what YHWH does.

It is the fall of 2021 which always presents a great time to reflect on some of the challenges the Howard family have been through. It is very important that we don't forget How GOD has moved for us in the past. It gives us strength in the present and will serve as a basis of trust in the future. I smiled as I read about Nate's dilemma back in April and the Lord's name Sar Shalom. What a comfort as I sit now.

What is happening now? Good Question.

Our eldest son has graduated high school with all of the fanfare we could afford to give him. He has turned 19 and we have pursued and been granted guardianship over him. He still loves Dora the Explorer and all the good older Disney shows/movies can offer him. He has not been able to find a job that will support him (part-time) with a coach. So he has returned to school as a 'Super Senior'.
I TOTALLY thought this was the year for relocation from Virginia to the Pacific Northwest. I purged, sold furniture, downsized and packed all of our belongings. I reserved a u-haul trailer and car transport. The job I thought I was getting completely fell thru. So we will be wintering in Virginia and I am not partially unpacking unless necessary (1 box at a time because something is being looked for).
I took a job as a primary teacher (had no idea what I was doing). Ended up overwhelming my students because Mrs. Howard was teaching from a secondary level with secondary level expectations...oy-vey. Thru trial and error my students and I grew to love one another (most of them anyway) but it wasn't a the fit they or I needed. Reader I am pretty sure you can guess how it ended especially since I am blogging at 1:11 on a week day afternoon.
Our youngest son is several years from twenty and the oldest girl is the same distance from thirty. I have had a hard time accepting that my littles are gone, having been replaced by adults. Two of which may never leave our house.
Having adult children with ASD is a kick in the teeth. School offered some type of shelter but once they age-out then there are little choices offered vocationally. Frustrating and overwhelming to say the least.

Was that enough?? Did I mention that I am a COVID-19 long hauler. I still can't drink coffee or indulge in chocolate....oy-vey.

However I have JESUS and that is enough! Pt. 2 Tomorrow

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Wisdom Pearl

Wisdom Pearl:

You may be outnumbered but (take heart) because GOD never is! Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

Alsie O & Sj

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

SAR SHALOM

NAMES OF GOD / YHWH

Such a privilege to be here sharing one of the many names for YHWH! It was very difficult to choose just one name because God has shown Himself true in so many situations. As I live, I continue to learn varying facets of Adonai. He is a Wonderful Counselor and The King of Heaven yet His love cares about the most minute details of my seemingly insignificant life..which is crazy talk because my life meant so much to Him that He sacrificed Himself for me.

It was a great comfort to sit and study, read, and try to digest His word this morning and into the afternoon. What I came away with made me smile (giving me great comfort) and I hope what is shared is an equal comfort to you.

Tonight, we are going to focus particularly on His name: Sar Shalom which means Prince of Peace.

Traditionally when the term Prince of Peace is used, we think of all things Christmas right! the beautiful story of redemption begins, the lights, decorations and festive atmosphere turns most of us into big kids. However, there is another scene that God has revealed Himself without all the pageantry but with equal importance. Psalm 23 is our text. I encourage you to refresh yourself with this timeless scripture.

King David (before he was king) spent a lot of time alone tending to his father’s flock. In a typically dry and arid land. Someone had prepared the ground, tilled it, worked it until it yielded lush green grass and legumes which provided substance for the sheep.

Sheep are creatures of habit. They don’t eat or rest easily. If it is not enough to drink then that becomes an issue; if there is any threat, perceived or real, then that becomes a really big issue. So, the Shepherd must apply purposeful effort so that his flock will rest, digest, and reproduce. To be a successful herdsman diligent presence is key. It is a requirement that the shepherd appear and be available to protect and care for them. Any animal that spends most of its days outside will be prone to insects such as fleas, bot-worms or something even worse. He must apply oil along with other measures to ensure the sheep are not plagued with disease from these nuisances. He is then rewarded with a sturdy healthy flock that will yield a good profit for him. He has earned the trust and admiration (for lack of a better word) of the sheep. Proof is when with just an appearance squabbles usually cease and the sound of a contented heard fills the master’s ears. Without such persistent care the sheep would be frazzled, uneasy and physically reflecting poor upkeep. How does this relay to our Amazing Jesus? Simple:

· He is our Good Shepherd.

· He is Faithful to Feed His flock

o I shall not want because He provides all of my needs.

· He leads us by His way.

o Which allows us skittish sheep to rest (He leads me by still waters)

Even when I pass (walk) thru a dark valley His rod (guidance) and staff (protection) help me to not fear any evil because He is with me. I am assured of His presence because He has gone ahead and prepared a table before me, even in the face of my enemies (meaning I am prospering under His care). My soul takes comfort knowing that one day I will dwell in the House of the Lord Forever. I have joy, unspeakable joy, amid my trials and challenges that have come (in some instances) to usher in a lesson for a new name of Adonai.

How does this relate to peace?:

Peace breeds contentment.

Contentment leads to trust.

Trust leads to faith expansion.

Faith expansion leads to more works of obedience.

Obedience is an outward showing of love and admiration of YHWH.

Which leads to testimonies and heart felt discussion of why there is only One true and living God and He is worth serving.

I am at my close but if you get the chance to watch The Chosen tv series that is being streamed. One of the questions asked of Jesus was when He was going to make it all right. You know take away the sufferings of the world? His answer was that He had come to show the world the way and that in this life we will have hurts, disappointments, and brokenness but that is far from the end. With His grace we will be able to weather our storms. With His peace we will be able to smile despite of them.

Shalom

[1]NAME

DEFINITION

SCRIPTURE REFERNCE

ELOHIM

The strong, Creator GOD

Gen 1:1,2

JEHOVAH

LORD, MASTER and Relational GOD

Gen 2:4

ADONAI

Master over All

Deut 3:24

El Bethel

The God of the House of God

Gen 35:7

Elohim Chaseddi

The God of My Mercy

Ps 59:10

El Elohe Yisrael

The Mighty God of Israel

Gen 33:20

El Elyon

The Most High God

Dan 3:26

JEHOVAH IMMEKA

The Lord is with you

Judges 6:12

SAR SHALOM

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

JEHOVAH JIREH

The Lord Will Provide

Gen 22:14

JEHOVAH MACHSI

The Lord my refuge

Psalm 91:9

Jehovah Kanna Shemo

The Lord Whose Name is Jealous

Exodus 34:14

Jehovah Magen

The Lord my Shield

Deut 33:29

Jehovah Mauzzi

The Lord my Fortress

Jeremiah 16:19

PELEH YO’ETZ

Wonderful Counselor

Isaiah 9:6

[1] https://tonyevans.org/praying-and-pronouncing-the-names-of-god-page-2/

2. Keller Phillip W., A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. P. 52-55, 100-101

THE NEWNESS OF GRACE Pt. 3

Part III

Reader, you may be asking, 'why in the world would Souljourner break this up into 3 parts?? ' To which I can easily respond. I respect your time. It's alot easier to read small sections, being hungry for the end, than it is to read a book..

Thank you for your support. I hope these entries strengthen and encourage you. Please share among your friends, associates etc..

I mentioned in part 2 that the Lord, Jehovah God, sent me some help. It was kinda weird actually. I had taken off of work (until the latter part of the week) because I needed to breath; so I was free to clean my house, catch up on laundry, sleep, and visit a friend. It was in this visit that my help appeared.

We were having a coffee date. My purpose was to be an encouragement during her time of struggle. I'm sure we all have that friend where the conversation can just flow organically. It's not forced. It's really comfortable and no topic is off the table. We share in confidence. We love Jesus and striving to live for Him...failing miserably at times but we never stop trying. So, there I was talking and telling her about our experience with Covid-19. The miserable truth about it all. I mentioned God's grace. She asked about grace because she thought it was the thing we get but don't deserve. My reply was yes that is true just like mercy. We don't deserve it. She explained that she did not quite understand how His Grace fit in my covid experience.

The Lord had me take her to the book of Kings and visit the story of Elijah, Ahab and the drought. Focusing on the miraculous, God enabled Elijah to out run the king's chariot to deliver (herald) the news that God had delivered the rain not Jezebel! The story is recorded in I & II Kings.

God blessed the prophet Elijah with supernatural strength to out run king Ahab's chariots to boldly proclaim YHWH as GOD Supreme! The Lord by-passed human frailty and limitations to perform a great work that we are still talking about today. He graced me with a supernatural ability to care for three (3) other people in my house one being more ill than the rest. All the while caring for myself who also was dealing with the effects of covid-19. I was scared and miserable most of the time and at some point I asked God how was I to do this? We are all so sick especially Anthony. Jesus I am frightened. I don't know what to do is what I was telling the Most High. He heard me and replied that His Grace was sufficient. At first I wasn't sure what I had heard but my spirit was assured. From then on whenever I would tremble at a cough, or fever, or whatever. I spoke aloud to the Father that His grace was sufficient. Just hearing His promise got me thru each and every time I started to fear.

My "help" was in the testimony of God's beautiful greatness! His multifaceted grace. He is Jehovah Jireh, The Lord my Provider. He poured His spirit fresh on me and I was able to pass through a super tough time. Without Him there is no way the Howard family would have lived to tell the tale of survival and prosperity despite the dreaded virus.

I was able to be used and be blessed at the same time. Only an Incredible God could perform such an action act of love, service and refreshing!

THE NEWNESS OF GRACE Pt. 2

PART II

Where did I leave off? Oh, that's right. I was protesting, in a very undignified fashion, the route that needed to be traveled.

I did not want to go. I asked the Lord to remove this challenge by healing Nate immediately (pretty please). I know He can and I knew He would if it was in His will to do so. That's where it gets sticky. Often times what we want, more of God for instance, and how we get it don't match up. I would prefer a beautiful, serene and peaceful talk with God. He prefers to allow trials. His way is always better. His will is always perfect...whether I like it or not.

Fast forward after packing a few things I went and spoke to both boys informing them of our plan which included a visit to the emergency room. Because of Covid-19 Myles would need to stay home and wait for dad.

A few hours later we were being ushered into our room on the 7th floor. The pediatric ward. The physician on staff relayed his thoughts as I settled in for a long stay.

On our floor were many babies. Some as young as 2 months had already experienced the fear of surgery and the pain of recovery. Many had caregivers who were present for 90% of their day. Then there were the ones who hadn't seen a parent or guardian for days. Hoarse cries filled my nights and days. I wanted to reach out to these babies and let them know they were loved and have purpose in life. Of course I couldn't so I prayed. I prayed when the sun shone and when the clock struck 3 a.m. and every hour before and after that. Not sleeping until sometimes 7 or 8 a.m. A small price to pay. These patients needed intercession that only the Good Shepherd Jesus could orchestrate. That's why I was there.

Within a few days Nate was released and we were all united as a family. Together again. Did I mention that my beloved cousin had passed during this time. Too much for me to try and process. I needed to make sense of all that was happening. I couldn't.

But The Lord of All knew that. He sent me some help.

Tune into pt. III

THE NEWNESS OF GRACE P. I

THE NEWNESS OF GRACE:

It is April the year 2021...I have not blogged or set up a post since November 2020.

To say I was a bit distracted is an understatement. I have been splotchy, at best, with my writing every since the challenges of 2017-2019. I don't think I ever truly recovered until today. Let me share with you what I have learned..

On March 15th our youngest son, Nate, had surgery. The procedure was one that we knew he would eventually need to have but was never really healthy enough to have. It was a praise that the Lord had brought us this far to even consider it as it was cosmetic.

Because of his complicated medical history we knew that anesthesia and pain meds may cause an issue. Oh boy did they! Fast forward 2 weeks after surgery we are in the emergency room. He was released 3 days later.

We were enjoying spring break. I was out and about running errands and I happened to call the boys to make sure everything was okay at home. They are older now so it is not unusual for me to offer them the option of staying at home versus hanging out with mom. Most of the time I am less than 10 minutes away (a safe distance). When I spoke to Nate he told me he didn't feel well. I knew then we were in for a hospitalization. I rushed home cancelling anymore items left on my to-do list. I showered, prayed, cried....Lord, I will take call - a friend for the win!

I really didn't want my day, our break interrupted by a hospital stay. I fussed and whined like a 5 year old. My sister-friend from church, whom I love, got on the line with me and we prayed for healing and deliverance. I was sobbing as she prayed; we both knew this was happening. This is why you (reader) need to have a few sincere prayer buddies so that when you are going thru (and vice versa) you can be strengthened.

I suppose you will have to read part II to find out how this ended.