Blog Posts

Rise Up!

11/1/2020

Twelve years ago today, and 4,087 miles away
I stood on one of a thousand sun-bleached hills in Rosebud County, Montana. The day was exceptionally mild. The sun shone and shadows were long. I had arrived in the wee hours of the morning, with my son Drew and my brother Steve. We found ourselves in the middle of a real-life nightmare.

At noon the day before we had received word from the local sheriff that my father had "gone missing" while hunting with his "friend." Today finding him in this vast, almost featureless terrain seemed an impossible task. The nights since his disappearance had been frosty, and he might easily have died of exposure having survived an injury. The uncertainty was torturous. We spent the morning bouncing across the countryside in a jeep, frantically scouting the landscape for any sign of my father. It was entirely possible our searching would prove futile. We were hunting for the proverbial needle in a haystack. I prayed, "Lord, please let us find him!"

Around noon we noticed the search helicopter silhouetted against the bright mid-day sun. As it drew closer, landing in the adjacent field, my heart pounded wildly. Bill, a friend helping with the search jumped out, jogging toward us: "We found Doc...he's didn't make it."

The THIEF had struck, stealing a faithful husband, loving father, doting grandfather and beloved veterinarian. I had wanted to protect my firstborn from the agony of this moment, but Drew had insisted on traveling with me to Montana for the search and hoped for rescue. Drew was "Papa's boy." Now, in gut-wrenching shock, we stood next to my father's uninhabited body. Despite the sinister circumstances and unanswered questions surrounding his death, I was grateful to have found him. The gift of closure is denied to many in similar circumstances. We prayed together, giving thanks for the indescribable gift of Dad's life...and the assurance of his unwavering faith in Jesus.

Yesterday I was overcome by the sudden realization that the THIEF has struck again. This time the scope of his theft is almost immeasurable!

Henry and I have been attending this small, local church for the past few weeks. We commend the pastor and the leadership for their courage. It is the only church in the area that has made the decision to resume gathering! We are grateful.

The official government requirements for meeting border on the absurd. We are obliged to book ahead. As we arrive a friendly greeter stands at the door offering, not a handshake, but a generous dollop of hand sanitizer. I reluctantly don my disposable mask, knowing I may not enter without it. The floor is marked with directional arrows to ensure "social distancing." We are shown a map of the seating arrangement and choose our socially distanced seats.

As the service begins we are reminded that those of us in attendance may not sing with the prerecorded worship music, but must confine ourselves to meditating on the words as they are displayed on the screen. I find myself singing beneath the mask. If I don't sing, surely the rocks will cry out!

The scene is strangely redolent of a poorly written pantomime. The reluctantly masked actors are silent.  Suddenly, out of nowhere, I am CONSUMED with a perfect storm of GRIEF and OUTRAGE!  Where is the Church Militant? Where are the soldiers of the Cross? I want to stand up and scream:

*What has happened to the Church?
*When did we allow the enemy to consume us with fear?
*When did our allegiance shift from our Captain to the unwitting
servants of that cunning conniver, the devil of hell?

  The Bride has been bound and gagged
And we are worshiping the devil by default!

In his book "Worship As David Lived It" Judson Cornwall reminds us that:

FEAR AND FAITH
ARE EXACTLY THE SAME ENERGY
RUNNING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS.

Faith says, "I believe God."
Fear say, "I believe the enemy."

In August of 1527 the Bubonic Plague reached the small village of Wittenberg, the home of Martin Luther. Eighteen villagers died in the first seventeen days of the plague. Luther, married with a small son and a pregnant wife was encouraged to flee. Luther was not immune to fear, but chose faith, remaining in the village throughout the plague to serve the people. He wrote the following in a letter to a friend:

"I am concerned about the delivery of my wife...but He who is mighty has done great things for me; and so the endurance of great things is required of me. May Christ, whom I have purely taught and confessed, be my Rock and my Fortress. Amen."

It is thought that he wrote "A Mighty Fortress," his best loved hymn during this time, After having recovered from the plague himself, Luther wrote that the desire to flee death is a "natural tendency." He also wrote that "No neighbor can live alongside another without risk to his safety, property, wife, or child..." LIFE IS RISKY!

Friends, let us choose FAITH over FEAR!
Perfect love CASTS OUT FEAR!
Jesus' resurrection has removed the sting of death and the grave's victory!
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!
Let us worship the Lord our God and serve HIM only!

Held captive in Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, reserving their worship for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Their faith had them cast into a fiery furnace, but the Lord delivered them!

It is high time that we too take a stand, refusing to bow to the idol called Covid. Let us entrust ourselves in worshipful obedience to the Lord. He is perfectly sovereign and GOOD in ALL His ways! We are precious in His sight and we have been bought by the blood of the Lamb!
He is WORTHY of our praise!

"Oh Church Arise and put your armour on
Hear the call of Christ our Captain
For now the weak can say that they are strong
In the strength that God has given
With shield of faith and belt of truth
We'll stand against the devil's lies
An army bold whose battle cry is love
Reaching out to those in darkness!"
(by Keith Getty)

Soli Deo Gloria!

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The Tale of Two Kingdoms

9/28/2020

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25 September 2020
In the night I woke at 4:00 am, unable to sleep. It was the second night in a row in which I had an extended time of wakefulness. I probably should have got out of bed to read and pray--but didn't. The strangest phrase came to mind:
"The Covid Cult"
A cult is a religious system, including its adherents, an institutionalized system of beliefs, attitudes and practices...a cause, principle or belief held to with ardor.

As this strange episode known as "The Covid-19 Pandemic" lingers on, I sense an oppressive deception taking hold of many. MISINFORMATION and FEAR have invoked a slavish adherence to regulations which are often scientifically senseless. (If masks work, why social distancing? If social distancing works, why masks? Etc.)

Many have stopped using reason, and are
simply practicing unquestioning obedience.

It was this revelation that caused me to wonder:
Is the groundwork being laid for the kingdom of the 4th Beast
as prophesied in Daniel Chapter Seven???

I decided it was time to take another look at Daniel's prophecy. The fourth kingdom, Satan's last hurrah, is the platform for the rise of the anti-Christ.
What does Daniel tell us about this final kingdom? The account given to him was so disturbing that Daniel describes his 'spirit within' him being anxious, his thoughts were 'greatly alarming' and even tells us that his 'color changed.' The original Hebrew and Chaldean words help paint a vivid picture of the Fourth Beast, which Daniel describes as markedly different than the previously mentioned kingdoms of Ancient Babylon, Greece and Rome.

This final Kingdom, which precedes the return of Christ, is "dreadful." It is powerful and imposes great difficulties upon the entire world. It is mighty (the Hebrew here actually means 'well-loined,' which seems to indicate insolent boldness). Daniel says it is 'rabrab,' which means HUGE and DOMINEERING. It is well-armed and crushes everything within its reach, stamping what is left with its 'feet.' Unlike the previous kingdoms, this beastly kingdom is ruled by a group of ten or twelve (the Hebrew is ambiguous) rather than one leader.

Is there anything on the horizon that fits Daniel's description???

The World Economic Forum has taken center stage since the appearance of Covid-19.

What, or rather WHO exactly is the World Economic Forum? Below are a few of the facts:
*It is a group comprised of power-hungry, wealthy elites, led by Klaus Schwab
*They describe themselves as an "International Organization for Public/Private cooperation."
*It is funded by 1000 member companies, global enterprises with a turnover of more than $5,000,000,000.00 (That is FIVE BILLION DOLLARS)
*The vast majority of members are males, age 50+
*Membership fees are as follow:
$52,000.00 for Individual membership
$263,000.00 for Industrial membership
$628,000.00 for Strategic membership

The WEF has emerged from the shadows in the past few months, since the rise of Covid-19. They are admittedly using the epidemic at a self-described "PLATFORM" to launch "THE GREAT RESET," their multi-dimensional plan for restructuring the world. Their activity has been escalating in the last few years, with the goal of establishing a highly controlled, GLOBAL Marxist government. Here is Klaus Schwab's book, published at the beginning of July, which outlines their plan:

I am impressed by the fact that Mr. Schwab managed to conceptualize, write, edit and publish this book so quickly! Could it be that he might have anticipated a "plandemic?"

Schwab and his cronies have been busy in the last few years!

Here are a few of their grand ideas that they are imposing on us while we are distracted by the election and a myriad of other distractions:

"Happy Life" in Columbia

In 2016...The WEF published an article stating that "reducing consumption can increase life level." What does this mean??? They decided that an income of more than $75,000 per year 'does not increase well being.' They have predetermined our income in their re-ordered world. They have developed the "Happy Planet Index," for 'better measuring of well being.' This is NOT a measure of the happiness experienced by the inhabitants of the planet, rather 'a measure of environmental efficiency.'

According to their study, the highest ranking nations on their "Happy Planet Index" were Vanuatu, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Belize and El Salvador. For reference, more than HALF of the population in Columbia live BELOW the poverty line (defined at less than $143/month. According to the WEF: "Human well being is conceptualized as 'Happy Life Expectancy,' which is not found to be related to unemployment, income inequality, religiousness or trust in institutions."

In other words, these people, who are MULTI-BILLIONAIRES, don't care if you rot in poverty as long as your 'environmental impact' is minimized!

In 2017...The WEF launched "The Fourth Industrial Revolution." The Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution was opened in San Francisco. According to Klaus Schwab, this Revolution includes "4th era technologies that combine hardware, software and BIOLOGY." He calls these "Cyber-Physical Systems." Schwab continues:

"These systems are fusing the physical, digital and biological worlds...
EVEN CHALLENGING IDEAS ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HUMAN."

Also in 2017..."The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations" (CEPI) was launched at the annual meeting of the WEF. An initial investment of $460,000,000.00 was made by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, Germany, Japan, and Norway. It's stated goal? "To secure vaccines for Global Emergencies and Pandemics."

In 2018...the WEF launched PACE (the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy). According to Al Gore: "The version of capitalism we have must be reformed."

JANUARY 21-24, 2020... CEPI (The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) met with Moderna to establish plans for a COVID Vaccine. (Moderna uses MRNA technology to INSERT SYNTHETIC RNA into living cells to reprogram them).

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION!
At this time there were only 274 cases WORLDWIDE and only 16 deaths!!!
Six days later the World Health Organization declared a
GLOBAL EMERGENCY!

In December 2018 Moderna was valued at $7.5 Billion
In March of 2020 Moderna Executives met with President Trump
In May of 2020 Moderna's value had increased to $30 Billion
Moderna's CFO bought $3,000,000 in stock and immediately sold for $19,800,000.00
August 2020 - President Trump signed an agreement to buy 100 million doses of vaccine
IN A PHASE ONE TRIAL OF THE VACCINE
"MORE THAN ONE IN FIVE REPORTED ONE OR MORE SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS."

Impossibly powerful, evil, and unstoppable, it would seem the rise of the Fourth Beast is upon us. World leaders seem to be complicit! This beastly KINGDOM is characterized by an insidious form of modern slavery in which the ultra-rich create a global serfdom designed to multiply their personal wealth and comfort, while exerting complete control and depriving the rest of humanity of basic freedoms.

It is unlikely that those who refuse the "vaccine"/digital ID will ever live a "normal" life again. Permanent, irreversible restrictions will be imposed on worship, work, school, entertainment, travel, even our ability to buy and sell. God only knows what will become of those who submit to tracking and to the editing of their unique, God-given DNA!

In the midst of the darkness there is HOPE! Another Kingdom, not of this world, awaits! Unlike the Kingdom of the Beast, the Kingdom of God is for EVERYONE! There is no discrimination or favoritism (neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female Galatians 3:28)

Those who enter are not slaves, but sons and heirs! (Galatians 4:4)

This relationship as sons was made possible by God's sacrifice of His son for our forgiveness. We trade our sin and failings for His righteouness.

God's blessings and provision are made available to EVERYONE, even if they reject Him. (The sun shines and the rain falls on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45)

The Kingdom of God belongs to all those who do His will. (Matthew 7:21)

God honors the humble. (Matthew 5:3)

In God's Kingdom NOTHING is hidden in darkness. There are no secrets, but the mysteries are made known to ALL who belong to God.

God's Kingdom rule is marked by TRUTH, JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS!

There is NO FEAR in the Kingdom of God, because perfect love CASTS OUT FEAR!
(1 John 4:18)

Entrance into the Kingdom of God brings FREEDOM! (Galatians 5:1)

On the last and greatest day of the feast Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice:
'IF ANYONE IS THIRSTY, LET HIM COME TO ME AND DRINK.
whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said:
Streams of Living Water will flow from within him."
(John 7:37)

Are you thirsty?

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WATCH AND PRAY!

8/9/2020

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The disciples are basking in the presence of their Master and the warm spring sun as they leave the temple. Spirits are high. It's as though the disciples are seeing the Temple and its courts with new eyes:
"Teacher, look! What wonderful stones and wonderful buildings!"

Jesus' response must have been tossed as a bucket of ice water on the heat of the moment:
"You see these great buildings?
Not one stone will be left on another which will not be torn down!"

I can only imagine the climb up the Mount of Olives might have been a silent one. Jesus sits down in the shade, Peter, James, John and Andrew find the courage to speak:
"Tell us, when will these things happen
and what will be the signs when these things are about to be fulfilled?"

In Mark 13, Matthew 24 and Luke 21 Jesus speaks of wars, earthquakes, persecutions...

There is also a message within the message however, His tone is that of a concerned parent, or an army captain speaking to his troops as they go to battle:

"Be careful!"
"See that no one misleads you!"
"Be on your guard!"
"Stay constantly alert!"
"Pray!"
"Be on your guard; I have told you everything in advance!"

"Stay awake!!!"

If I am honest, after five months of confusion and concern in relation to Covid, most mornings I would prefer to roll over and go BACK TO SLEEP! That is not an option for me.

I (and many others) sense there is a massive, tyrannical tidal wave rolling in, which will bring fulfillment of prophecy, and decimate life as we know it. "Why the extreme reaction?" one might ask.

Jesus took great care to prepare us for what is coming. He warned John (in Revelation 13) about a time when everyone in the world would be required to receive a "mark" on the forehead or hand, without which no one can buy or sell. He also warned that those who receive the "mark" on his forehead or hand "will drink the wine of God's wrath."We cannot afford to ignore His warnings.

I fully believe the foundations for this "mark" have been laid. My goal in writing is that no one will be caught off-guard by the enemy, who is coming to steal, kill and destroy. May the Lord enable me to communicate clearly! He who has an ear, let him hear.

WHO is behind this agenda???
I don't pretend to understand this tangled web, but I will share what I have learned:

1) The World Economic Forum: It is a membership-based organization made up of the world's largest corporations. Their mission is as follows:

"committed to improving the state of the world
by engaging business political, academic and other leaders of society
to shape global, regional, and industrial agendas."

They meet annually in January in Davos, Switzerland. According to Wikipedia they are criticized for their formation of a 'global elite,' their undemocratic decision-making processes, and a lack of financial transparency. The focus of their meeting in 2018 was the development of a "UDI" (Universal Digital Identification). This has already been implemented in India and several other underprivileged nations.

2) The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

3) GAVI: "The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization." It was created in 2000 and is funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundations, Allied Governments and the Vaccine Industry. Though their stated goal is to provide "increasing access" to immunization," these private donors have exerted excess influence, having no experience in health care systems.

Their approach to public health has been described as "business-oriented and technology-focused, using market-oriented measures."

Wikipedia states: there are worries that GAVI was "undermining and paralyzing health care systems." It also states that GAVI tends to focus solely on vaccines, rather than supporting health care systems. A report in 2012 stated that GAVI "focused on funding expensive new vaccines and NEGLECTING TO GIVE CHILDREN CHEAP (proven) OLDER ONES." (Does this call to mind the more recent campaign against the use of hydrochloroquine and as a treatment for Covid?)

4) The ID2020 Alliance: "Helping to Define Good Digital ID"

"ID2020 is building a new global model for the design, funding
and implementation of digital ID solutions and technologies."

They are headquartered in New York City.

Founding Partners listed are as follows:
1) GAVI, The Vaccine Alliance (Gates)
2) Microsoft (Gates)
3) Accenture (A subsidiary of Microsoft)
4) The Rockefeller Foundation
5) IDEO.ORG

5) Mastercard: "World Beyond Cash"

WHAT is the AGENDA???

BIO-METRIC DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION. This platform was officially launched in 2018 and has been "adapted" for "Covid." (How convenient!)

GAVI and Mastercard have partnered to introduce a "WELLNESS PASS" or "CoviPass".
It is a digital vaccination record and identity system linked to a "click to pay" system. it links:
-Biometrical ID
-Vaccinations records
-Payment system

"Into a single, cohesive platform." This technology eliminates the need for use of "personal names" and is being pursued for use with prison systems for purposes of "surveillance" and "predictive policing."

It will eventually replace money entirely and will be required to BUY FOOD, TRAVEL, UTILIZE GOVERNMENT SERVICES, SEE A DOCTOR, ACCESS MONEYS, ETC.

Where will this be used?

This will be implemented globally.

Sadly it has already been introduced in unsuspecting, underprivileged countries in Africa and Asia. India has made it mandatory. A Christian man in India sued the Indian government, saying the UDI system went against his religious beliefs (suspecting it is the 'mark of the beast'. His case went to the supreme court, where his request for exemption was rejected.

Why is this happening?

It is the fruit of Satan's rebellion against God. Satan and those who serve him crave power and control. Universal Digital Identification will allow every person who submits to be continually tracked and monitored.

Romans 12:1 says:
"I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

The Lord has forbidden us to receive such a "mark" on our bodies. He has sealed us with the Holy Spirit. To receive the "mark" is to transfer our allegiance (worship) from God Almighty to the Prince of this world, forfeiting grace and inviting God's wrath.

This is a time of great testing among believers

When will this be implemented?

From now until the Lord returns. The net has been cast and the drawstring is pulled tighter by the day. The purpose of the restrictions related to "Covid" is to deprive us of the joys and even the necessities in life...to weaken our resolve so we will be more likely to submit to the Agenda.

How is the ID given?

The Gates Foundation has worked with Rice University, funding the development of a "Quantum Dot Infrared Tattoo" which is invisible to the naked eye. It delivers a unique array of tiny, encapsulated particles of copper. It is given, with the vaccine, via a small patch of 400 micro-needles. It is a bit like a small bandaid and will be attractive, as it is not as painful as receiving a regular injection or a microchip. Unlike a chip however, it cannot be removed.

By the way, several versions of the experimental Covid vaccine contain fetal cells derived from aborted babies. (I did't believe it until I did some research).

Why Am I Convinced that this is the Mark of the Beast?

There is one piece of the puzzle that put to rest any doubts I had:

On March 26 of this year (2020) Microsoft was granted a patent for a crypto-currency application for this "Trust Stamp."

It was filed under the patent number:
WO2020060606
(World Order 2020 060606)

Now What???

We have a short window of time to make preparations, to share the gospel, to network and prepare for a time of hardship. We have been warned by Bill Gates and government officials that "Life will not return to 'normal' until we have 'proof of immunity.'" We have been warned. I have been looking at Hebrews chapter 11 for inspiration...asking myself these questions:

Am I ready to joyfully accept the confiscation of my property in anticipation of an eternal reward in the Kingdom?

Is my faith strong enough to sustain me when I am destitute and clothed in rags?

Do I have the courage to suffer mocking, beating, chains and even imprisonment?

Would I rather die than betray my Lord, who bought me with His own blood?

I suspect the enemy will use the oldest trick in the book in tempting us to give in:

"Did God really say???"

May we not be surprised by the fiery trials ahead, but let us rejoice as we share in Christ's sufferings. He is worthy! His strength is made perfect in our weakness. As we are faithful our "momentary affliction" will result in an eternal reward. Keep your eyes on the prize.

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Remember Mount Nebo

6/13/2020

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Seven years ago today Henry and I were staying at Kinloch Lodge, on the Isle of Sky. After several glorious days in Edinburgh and a visit to my ancestral home in Orkney we were nearing the end of a long-dreamed of trip to Scotland. The former hunting lodge was shrouded in mist and midges were fierce, so we took the opportunity to sit by the crackling fire and prayerfully consider the unfolding events of the previous weeks and months...

The seventh anniversary of that fateful, life-altering trip has brought much cause for reflection. Our lives have changed dramatically, bearing little resemblance to what was familiar and beloved. There are many mornings when I wake up, looking out at the beauty of 'Walled Garden,' wondering

"How did we get here?"

Today we watch helplessly from 5,000 miles away as our home state of Washington is ravaged by division and anarchy. Friends and family who once secretly scoffed at our move (I can't blame them) are gently acknowledging the wisdom of our decision. We cannot take credit for this wisdom! The Lord began preparing us for our move LONG before we imagined it was a possibility. Leaving my home and family was the most difficult decision I have ever made!

A quote from A.W. Tozer's 'The Pursuit of God' comes to mind:

"Possessive clinging to things is one of the most harmful habits in life...we are often hindered from giving our treasures up to the Lord out of fear for their safety...
SO WE WILL BE BROUGHT TO THIS TESTING PLACE...
OUR WHOLE FUTURE WILL BE CONDITIONED BY THE CHOICE WE MAKE."

It was by God's grace that we made a very difficult decision,
one that we knew the Lord was calling us to...

This was our home in Graham, built on the homestead claimed by William Benston, my Orcadian great-great grandfather in 1863. He and his native wife, Sarah are buried here, along with six of their children, lost in one dreaded summer to diphtheria.

My grandmother, Thelma Benston, was born and raised here as well. My earliest memories include walking hand in hand with her through the tall, tickly grass in the hayfield, down to the creek. We caught crawdads and periwinkles and picked fresh mint.

This was the happy home that Henry and I built together. Henry, the kids and I spent countless weekends staining every shingle of that siding by hand! Our home was a silent witness to my children's birthday parties, scavenger hunts, bonfires, barbecues, Thanksgiving feasts and the arrival of our first grandchildren...

WHY WOULD WE EVER LEAVE???

Many will be aware of our story, but as I reflect, I feel compelled to share our journey once again, in abbreviated form.

My goal?
To encourage you to LISTEN to the Lord, to seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to OBEY Him, even if His instructions seem crazy at the time.

Below is a brief timeline of events leading up to our first trip to Scotland:

October 2012: I bought a copy of "Victoria" magazine, because I thought it was beautiful.

It simply caught my attention while in line at the craft store. I had not noticed that it was a "Special British Issue," or the words "Scotland Splendor."

November 2012: Henry picked it up from the coffee table. After thumbing through it, he announced: "I know you have always wanted to go to Scotland. I think we should go!" Little did we know that the Lord was going before us, paving the way for a journey we could never have imagined.

December 2012: Henry received the first phone call from a commercial real-estate broker, wanting to broker the sale of Sunrise Medical Campus, home of Woodcreek Pediatrics (the pediatric practice Henry founded) as well as The Oasis at Sunrise (the cafe that my daughter Kate and I operated for nearly ten years).

May 2013: The decision is unanimously made by the investors of Sunrise to sell the medical campus. In the words of one large investor: "If you have a buyer GET OUT! It's no longer a matter of 'if' but WHEN this nation will come crashing down!"

30 May 2013: (My journal entry. Henry had been reading through Revelation 17-18) Comforter, Helper, Counselor, Teacher: "I have NEVER been more aware of my great need for You! After 23 years of marriage--having weathered many storms of various types and intensity--we are facing by far the greatest test of all. My husband is convinced that You are warning us to "Flee Babylon." When I look at the state of our nation and the warnings in Scripture--I must say I am all but convinced that he is right...So much is at stake...everything we know...all that is comfortable and familiar! I need to know that this IS YOUR VOICE and not the Deceiver. If You say "GO!" we will go."

4 June 2013: (my journal entry the morning after we arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland)
"I had such a MELTDOWN last night when we were talking about leaving our home! At 4:00 this morning I heard distant church bells tolling the hour, and I sensed the need to look at the word 'hour' in Scripture. I began to realize that the church in America has ceased 'ringing the bell,' has lost track of time..." As I researched the word "hour" I was struck by Jesus' words to the church at Philadelphia: "Behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it..."

Sunday 7 June 2013: (Our first morning in Orkney. Up early, I spent time reading Spurgeon's exposition on Psalm 90) I recorded in my journal these words: "Moses says, 'wanderers though we be in the howling wilderness, yet we find our home in Thee, even as our forefathers did when they came out of Ur of the Chaldees..."

We decided to visit the Baptist church in Kirkwall, which had been recommended to us. The pastor was on sabbatical, so a retired pastor delivered the message that day. Henry and I glanced at one another, aghast, as he announced the text for his sermon:

"Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs."
Jonah 2:8

This was the exact verse that the Lord was using to help Henry release Sunrise Medical Campus.

Here are my notes from the sermon:
*We have absolute security because God is ON THE THRONE!
*He appoints/provides for us IF we TRUST Him.
*The Word of God, our Handbook, is a testimony of His power.
*We will see miracles if we are prepared to trust Him.
*"If God has called you to do something, lock your wings (like eagles do in the midst of a storm) and catch the wind of the Spirit."
His Conclusion:

"YOU DON'T WANT TO END UP ON MT. NEBO,
where Moses was granted a view
of the Promised Land,
but NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER
because of his disobedience."

Once home from Scotland we continued to pray and seek the Lord. I reviewed my prayer journal from the previous year, looking for any sign that He had been preparing me for this move. The evidence was UNMISTAKABLE:

Excerpts from my journal:
"I sense that I am at a strange crossroads, but haven't spent enough time with You to see my way ahead." (June 2012)

"I had a fantastic dream of a house...explored it room by room. I remember commenting, 'There's room for everyone." (July 2012)

"The Lord awakened me with a vision. The number 4 in two concentric circles and one word: ''PREPAREDNESS." (August 2012)

"I love the stillness of the house at this hour. I hear only the comfort of a gently simmering teapot. I am grateful for these days of relative peace, and I sense these carefree days are numbered..." (October 2012

"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. You come to the help of those who gladly do right." (Isaiah 64:3-4, December 2012)

There is so much more...

Exactly one year prior to the day we sat by the fire at Kinloch Lodge, I recorded Psalm 53:2 in my journal:

"God looks down from heaven on the sons of men
to see if there are any who understand,
any who seek God."

Friends, we must redeem the time, for the days are evil. He gives wisdom to all who ask and believe!

Ask, Seek, Trust, Follow,

and

Remember Mt. Nebo!

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Countdown

5/20/2020

1 Comment

I was just a little girl when NASA launched its first manned mission to the moon. I will never forget waiting, breathless in front of the television, counting down with NASA's control room for lift-off. Roughly three days later we found ourselves waiting and watching as the Lunar Module prepared for landing. No one knew what the astronauts would encounter! Some scientists feared the Landing Craft would just sink into layers and layers of lunar dust and disappear. Thankfully the astronauts found themselves on SOLID GROUND. The rest is history. Neil Armstrong marked the moment with these words:
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

The excitement of those days has vanished. We have tragically traded glory for shame. One look at the world today brings to mind Jesus' words to the Ephesian church in Revelation Chapter Two:
"Remember therefore from where you have fallen; REPENT!"

For years now, a few brave voices, modern day prophets, have been 'blowing the trumpet', warning of impending judgment and calling for repentance. They have been ridiculed and marginalized. Despite degeneration and apostasy, the Lord has been patient, merciful and kind, desiring that none should be lost!

Last autumn I began to wonder, "How much worse can it get???" Battles were raging over how many genders existed and which pronouns one might use in addressing those who considered themselves "non binary." It seemed as though the author of confusion, the devil himself had been loosed for one final battle against all that is true and right and good. I find it difficult to imagine a more pointed way to insult the Creator of the universe, who made us in His own image, 'male and female.' Henry and I wondered aloud:

'How long will God tolerate this kind of mockery?'
'What could be next???'

Enter Covid 19. The stage had been secretly, methodically set, and props were put in place. A carefully planned and finely orchestrated global drama ensued. Besides costing lives, the Plandemic has unleashed famine, killed dreams, robbed human beings of freedoms and paved the way for an unprecedented global tyranny. Unless I am gravely mistaken, another COUNTDOWN of sorts has begun. I believe the fulfillment of the Apostle John's prophecy in Revelation 13 is at hand:

"The second beast also forced all people, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to have a mark put on their right hand or on their forehead. No one could buy or sell without this mark. This mark is the name of the beast or the number of its name. Anyone who has understanding can fine the meaning of the beast's number. This requires wisdom. This number is the number of a man. It is 666." (Revelation 13:16-18)

The images of the quantum dot infrared tattoo, shown above, have been provided by Rice University, who partnered with MIT in developing this technology. The research and development were funded by the Gates foundation.

This is an artist's rendering of how the quantum dot infrared tattoo may be applied. A bandage-like device is placed on the skin that is embedded with 400 micro-needles capable of transmitting both vaccine, as well as nano-particles of copper. This will contain medical records, digital identification and proof of vaccination.

On March 26, 2020, Microsoft published a patent for a crypto-currency application. I don't fully understand how it works, but it tracks and interprets the movement of humans. The patent number for this app is:

WO2020060606
(World Order 2020 060606)

The prophet Daniel, who was dragged into captivity to Babylon in 605 BC, was given a vision of the end times. The vision was so disturbing that he became weak and was sick for several days. He saw a man who quickly gained unprecedented power and control, fueled by the devil himself. Below is the Easy to Read version of Daniel 8:23-25

"When the end is near for those kingdoms,
there will be a very bold and cruel king who will be very tricky.
This will happen when many people have turned against God.
This king will be very powerful, but his power does not come from himself
(it comes from Satan).
This king will cause terrible destruction.
He will be successful in everything he does.
He will destroy powerful people, even God's holy people.
This king will be very smart and tricky.
He will use his wisdom and lies to be successful.
He will think that he is very important.
He will destroy many people, when they least expect it.
He will try to fight even the Prince of Princes (Jesus).

But that cruel king's power will be destroyed,
and it will not be a human hand that destroys him."

Just read that last bit again! The deceiving beast, the one Daniel calls a 'master of intrigue,' will be DESTROYED!

Revelation 19:20 describes his final demise:

"And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown ALIVE into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur."

Friends, it's time to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. He has promised to be with us ALWAYS, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE! He gives strength to the weary and his MIGHTY POWER is made perfect in our weakness. Let us cast off EVERYTHING that hinders and RUN WITH ENDURANCE the race that is set before us.

The storm is coming. Jesus says:
"Not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven...on that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness!'" (Matthew 7:21-23)

Do you know Jesus?
DOES HE KNOW YOU???
How can you be sure?

He wants us to be sure:
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the Rock. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but IT DID NOT FALL, because it had been founded upon the Rock."

Lip service will get us nowhere.
Jesus calls us to be DOERS of the Word, not mere hearers.

The Lord's warning to Israel, spoken through the prophet Jeremiah rings loud and clear to us today:

"Hear and give ear; be not proud,
for the Lord has spoken.
Give glory to the Lord Your God
Before He brings darkness,
Before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains
And while you look for light
He turns it to gloom
And makes it deep darkness.
But if you will not listen
My soul will weep in secret for your pride;
My eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears,
Because the Lord's flock has been taken captive."
(Jeremiah 13:15-17)

The COUNTDOWN has begun. Where do you stand?

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Stela's Dream: Back to the Future

5/14/2020

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Stela Suzanna Reitzug

This is our daughter Stela. She spent the first 15+ years of her life in an orphanage in Shkoder, Albania. In February of 2000, after Henry's medical mission to Albania (during the Kosovo war) we learned of an orphaned girl who had been praying for a Christian family to adopt her. She was the first child to become a Christian in a Muslim orphanage and was suffering from persecution there.

The moment we heard about Stela, Henry and I knew instinctively that WE were the family she had been praying for. By the time we received permission from her living, non-custodial grandmother (in July 2000) we had only four months remaining to complete the screening, paperwork and legal procedures required for an international adoption. Children sixteen and older are not eligible for adoption and Stela would celebrate her 16th birthday on 3 January 2001. Time was short! Legal offices would close for several weeks over Christmas. The chances of us 'ticking all the boxes' by mid December were slim! But by a miracle of God's grace, we managed to complete all the requirements and flew to Albania in November 2000 to complete the adoption. After a waiting period of a month, Henry flew back to bring our new daughter home.

This is our first family photo, taken at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport when she and Henry arrived home from Albania. We had a few days of "honeymoon" before the normal challenges of adjustment began. Our mutual faith in Jesus carried us through some tough times.

Stela now lives in Colorado with her husband. Early yesterday morning I was praying for them and the Lord brought to mind a dream she had several years after arriving in the U.S.A. Before her adoption, Stela was discipled by missionaries in Albania and arrived with a passion for the Lord and for His Word.

It was October 2005 when Stela shared her dream with me. I sensed it was prophetic and had asked her to write it down. This was a challenge for her, as she was still learning English! She wrote it down and I tucked it in my Bible.

Yesterday, when the Lord brought it back to mind, I wondered if I still had it in my old Bible. Sure enough, there it was, a bit tattered, in the pocket of my NIV. I had saved it! For the first time in almost fifteen years I read those words, which had seemed so strange. The words and especially her drawing jumped off the page. I knew I had to share it with Stela. We spoke at length and both agree the dream was given for such a time as this. She has asked me to share it with you.

Here is the transcript of the dream:
"In my dream I saw six soldiers with black uniforms. They had guns in their hands. I was at one place, with some people that I don't recognize in real life. The soldiers came to us and they took us in captive in their place. It was a small room that they took people in. I saw the man that was in charge of the soldiers. He was about mid 30s years old. A handsome man. There was a woman that was his right hand, writing things down, as his secretary. He had a list that would call each of us. I was one of them, in the list, and they called my name. I went in that room, I saw the guy that was in charge of all the place, his secretary and other employment (I believe she meant employees) that worked for him. They had a gift for me, but this gift it was secret and it would made me to feel good in a sense toward other people. The shape was (here she drew a picture which I will share below) The color was blue, they asked me to put it like that in my mouth, or to eat and to let them know that I eat or that it was on my mouth, but truly it was inside my pocket. I had to lie, and it was a good lie, and they release me from that place or prizon. You could say I took a train to some place. I saw childrens activities all over the world this thing, or higher than anything you have seen in the world people had, it was a life with no sense. The God of all creation was in a little room. No one could hear and ignored that He was there because that blue mystiries thing had peoples' mind and will, by the attractive (I think she means attraction or attractiveness) of that.

The Lord of Creation is speaking to us but our ears and eyes are close to HIm. Let people hear Him He is coming and He is at the Door. The Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. Jesus Christ. Amen."

Stela's drawing of the "blue mystiries thing"

When I saw her drawing of the "mysterious" thing in the dream it brought images to mind of something else I have seen quite recently:

This is an image of the Quantum Dot Infrared Tattoo developed by Bioengineers at Rice University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, funded by The Gates Foundation. It is intended to be used as an "immunity passport" and will contain health/vaccine records. This image comes from an article in an Australian publication called TOTT News.

I will leave you to prayerfully draw your own conclusions. As for me, I sense Stela has taken us "BACK TO THE FUTURE." He who has an ear, let him hear.

Soli Deo Gloria

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The Fig Tree

4/3/2020

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"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves,
you know that summer is near..."
Matthew 24:32

Signs of spring are everywhere here at Walled Garden! Purple and white crocuses are beginning to fade, but cheery daffodils step up to take the baton in the unfailing, seasonal relay. Birds gather bits of moss, twigs, and even wool from nearby sheep to build their nests. Henry and I often find ourselves out working in the garden, yet in spite of the lengthening days, an unfamiliar darkness hangs overhead.

Weeks ago, as I heard news of the menacing virus that was devastating Wuhan, China, I never dreamed it would be followed by a viral hysteria which would sweep the entire world! The tourniquet of fear continues to tighten, squeezing the lifeblood out of lives, families, churches, businesses and the global economy. Reports coming out of Africa and India indicate that lock-down is leading to starvation...a much broader threat than the corona virus. Never before has the population of the entire world been so cleverly and tightly controlled...Fear is a powerful tool.

On 14 March I wrote the following in my journal:

"In reading Luke 21, I realize I can trust Your Spirit to speak to me about the times we live in. I see the dainty blossoms dangling on the hazelnut trees and the buds on our cherry trees are beginning to open. Spring is on its way! I will watch for the signs of the times and trust You to speak to me through Your Word...Lord, teach me. Please show me anything I need to be aware of!"

Sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock and un-know all I have learned in the past few weeks. The temptation is to bury my head in the sand like an ostrich, but the words of the prophet Joel come to mind:
"Blow a trumpet in Zion;
sound an alarm on my holy mountain!"

Jesus took great care in warning His disciples and us of the birth-pains leading up to the end of the age. After warning of earthquakes, famines, deceit and lawlessness, He spoke words of great encouragement: (Luke 21:28)

"Now when you these things begin to happen,
look up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption draws near!"

Jesus continues in Luke 21: 34-35 (I have amplified, using the original Greek)

"But pay attention! Watch yourselves so your thoughts and feelings
are not weighed down with the intoxication of the worries
and cares of this life, which will come on you unexpectedly,
like a trick or a trap.
For it will arrive upon all who live on the earth.
Stay awake, watch, praying that you may be counted worthy
and will have the strength to escape all these things
that are going to take place,
keeping your covenant with the Son of Man."

He knew what I would need to hear! I have found myself 'weighed down with the intoxication of worries!' It it certainly feels as though this 'day' has come upon us suddenly, like a trick, or a trap!

The information I am going to share is NOT intended to incite fear! Jesus has left great and precious promises (in Revelation 2 & 3) for those "...who overcome." My goal is to inform and encourage you (and myself) to stand strong in the Lord. He has promised that His grace is sufficient...

The key to winning any battle is anticipating the strategy of the enemy. Glory to God, Jesus has told us exactly what to expect!

Revelation 13 foretells of a powerful beast- man in the last days who will cause
"all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a MARK on their right hand or foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the MARK or the name of the beast or the number of his name."

In Revelation chapter 14, the third angel proclaims with a loud voice:
"If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his MARK on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God..."

We are warned of a coming world leader/government that will require digital identification in order to buy and sell.

For the first time in history, we have the necessary ability to travel and communicate, as well as the technology to implement this diabolical plan. I believe we are seeing it unfold before our very eyes!

I think it possible that the corona-virus was created and released for the purpose of promoting enough fear to institute global control/transformation. My suspicions are based on the following information:

1) Covid-19 was patented in November, 2018 by The Pirbright Research Institute (funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation).

2) In October of 2019 researchers from the Pirbright Institute met with researchers in China to discuss "research tackling issues such as the ways in which viruses become more damaging to hosts, cross species transmission and changes in clinical signs." Their stated goal was to 'help enhance food security.'

3) Also in October of last year Bill Gates co-hosted an event at Johns Hopkins in New York City, called "Event 201", where world leaders came together to rehearse every aspect of their response to a global pandemic.

4) This same man has conceived of and is promoting a program called "The ID2020 Alliance." He has resigned from his position on the board of Microsoft in order to spend more time on his 'philanthropy.' His plan (and that of the Alliance) is to link mandatory vaccination with "a good digital ID" for everyone in the world. They have just announced that work is completed on the first-ever 'Certification Mark.' An interesting choice of words if you know anything about the prophecies of Revelation!

5) The world is on lock-down because of the virus...even in areas where there are NO cases. Because of this people in India and parts of Africa are starving. They have no way to access food.

6) The military and police are being used to enforce the lock-down, including the use of drones for surveillance in China, Greece, Spain, the US and the UK. The Philippine president has ordered police to KILL citizens who defy the lock-down!

7) It has now been suggested that there will be no future travel without the appropriate 'certificate' of vaccination (and I presume the digital ID).

In reviewing ID2020 Alliance documents last night, one statement flew from the page at me:

"...Business as usual will be insufficient
to bring about transformative impact.
Changing the flow of funds is necessary
to re-align incentives."

READ THAT AGAIN!!!

Taken in context, it seems to indicate that the ID2020 Alliance sees the imposed interruption of "business as usual" as a necessary means to their end! One look at the stock market gives evidence of a drastic 'change in the flow of funds!'

What does this interruption of "business as usual" look like??? Travel is restricted. Businesses are closed. Countless people have lost their jobs. People are forbidden to meet for worship. Families and friends are separated. Food and even toilet paper are scarce. Fear is the prevailing emotion...

The assumption/plan is that their draconian measures will eventually wear us down, and we will be desperate enough to accept a "digital ID" in order to restore some semblance of normalcy to our lives!

Brothers and sisters, we must decide today whom we will serve. Like the GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES in Hebrews chapter eleven, we must overcome by faith. We must prepare ourselves to suffer if necessary. Nothing short of our eternal reward is at stake!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

He who has an ear, let him hear.

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Visitation

3/5/2020

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A peculiar word caught my attention several days ago as I read through Luke chapter 19. Jesus stands weeping over Jerusalem. He knows the devastating destruction which will soon overtake his beloved city.

He has spent the last three years feeding the hungry, healing the sick, calling people to repentance and inviting them to follow Him.

Now, about to face a torturous end, Jesus weeps, not for Himself, but cries out in anguish for the people He came to save:

"You did not know the time of your VISITATION!"

The word 'visitation' catches me off guard. It evokes images of angels appearing, or even an encounter with a U.F.O.

Perhaps a little investigation is in order...
What exactly does Jesus mean here? Why is He so grieved?
How does this relate to me?

There are times when I struggle to see Jesus as a real, flesh and blood person, but tend to think of Him in a more generalized, spiritual sense. It helps to read the Gospels in the first person, imagining I am right there, witnessing His encounters with people. What would His voice sound like? Does He have unique mannerisms? How tall is He? Would I recognize Him? Would I dare look Him in the eye?

Come with me as we follow Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, a three day journey by foot. This time of year the daytime temperature is around 80 F (26 C). The Roman roads are well traveled and dusty. Jesus enters a village and is immediately greeted by the desperate cry of ten lepers:
"Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"
They are outcasts, untouchable, so they keep their distance. They know their need for Jesus' touch. He answers:
"Go, and show yourselves to the priest."
Will they go? If they are not healed they will face the humiliation of hearing the priest crying out in Hebrew, "tawmay!" (meaning 'contaminated' or 'foul'). Hope overshadows their uncertainty, so they go.
And as they go they are healed!
The lepers knew the time of their visitation.

On His way to Jerusalem Jesus will encounter Pharisees, religious people who think they are righteous in their own right. They follow the rules and try to be good people. They do not see a need for Jesus, but ooze condescension and even contempt.

Jesus will welcome little children and challenge each of us to come to Him as they do, humble and helpless.

A wealthy young man will approach him, hoping to discover a simple formula for earning his way to heaven. Jesus' challenge to part with his wealth is unimaginable for him. He will sadly turn away to enjoy a short life of privilege then regret his choice for all of eternity. Jesus laments, how difficult it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom!
The Rich Young Ruler did not know the time of his visitation.

Jesus will meet another rich man, a chief tax collector, as He approaches Jerusalem for the last time. Like most tax collectors, Zacchaeus is hated by society. Jesus will find this man hanging from the branches of a sycamore tree, hoping to catch a glance of the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus catches his eye and calls him down from the tree:
"Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today."
Zacchaeus is undone by Jesus' unconditional love and acceptance. He confesses his sin and promises to repay those he has cheated. His encounter with Jesus has transformed him
Zacchaeus knew the time of his visitation.

Both the Hebrew and Greek words for "visitation" imply an official oversight, an inspection by someone in authority. The term is used both for individuals, as well as societies.

Israel experienced a "visitation" from God in the judgment following Korah's rebellion.

The prophet Jeremiah uses the term eight times, describing the coming judgment of Egypt, Moab (Jordan) and Babylon. Those living in modern Babylon the Great, take heed.

Jeremiah warns in chapter 48 that there will be no means of escape at the time of our "visitation"...
"He that flees from fear shall fall into the pit;
and he that gets up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare:
for I will bring...the year of their visitation, saith the Lord."
(Jeremiah 48:44)

A time of "visitation" is coming for us individually, and for the nations. One look at the headlines reminds us that our future here on earth is uncertain.

"Am I ready for final inspection by El Roi, The God Who Sees?"

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Tightrope Walkers

1/22/2020

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Among the stranger memories of my childhood are those of going to the circus with my grandfather. While the horses and performing elephants delighted me, the clowns filled me with abject terror. Clownish nightmares haunted me for years.

Lately I have begun to realize that life is a bit like walking the tightrope. Day after day we put one foot in front of the other, unaware of the obstacles and events that threaten to throw us off balance.

Last August Henry began to experience chest pain with moderate exertion. Having always been fit, he was shocked to fail his treadmill test. On 22 January we rose early and drove to the hospital for a scheduled angiogram. I packed reading material and was prepared to wait. "You cannot wait here!"
I was commanded. They would phone me around 5:00 or 6:00 pm, when he was ready to go home.

The receptionist firmly resisted my protests. I found myself walking back to the car with my bag of books, a volatile mix of emotions brewing. Raigmore (the local hospital in Inverness) is notorious for its paucity of parking spaces. I had managed to find a decent space and when I reached the car I burst into tears. I didn't want to leave Henry alone. I didn't want to give up the parking space (so silly, I know). Being new to the area, I wasn't completely sure I could find my way back to the hospital later that evening. It is a 45 minute drive under the best conditions and it would be dark. I sat until the flood of tears abated...waving off the poor souls hoping to seize my parking space.

When at last I managed to collect myself, I turned toward home, maneuvering my way through the myriad of roundabouts. What I needed was a hot cup of tea, time to pray and catch up on Bible reading. Just as I settled at my desk (in the corner of the conservatory) the sun broke through the clouds, filling the room and my heart.

My attempt to study was futile, but prayer came easily as I waited for the phone call. It was mid-afternoon when the phone rang. I picked up and was quite surprised to hear Henry's voice: "I guess I wrecked their schedule for the afternoon."

The angiogram had revealed that two of three major coronary arteries were 98% blocked. The cardiologist immediately cancelled his previously scheduled patients and placed two stents. When the procedure was complete, Henry was told he could have had "a fatal event" at any moment!

After a mandatory overnight in the hospital he was more than ready to come home! For several days we found ourselves engulfed in a strange mixture of gratitude and shock. We had packed up Little Halley and moved to Drumnadrochit in December. Henry had lifted more boxes than I care to think about! But God, in His mercy, protected him from a 'fatal event.' The Lord's purpose prevailed!

Life is like a tightrope walk! We are prone to losing our balance. Yet, as we navigate this circus we call 'life,' Christians are not alone. We know the One who goes before us and has numbered our days. Jesus is our Ballast and our Safety Net, our Rescuer. None can snatch us out of His hand. Hallelujah!

Now, let's fix our eyes on Him and keep walking!

Soli Deo Gloria!

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Journey to Walled Garden: Part Two

11/18/2019

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Grapevine at Walled Garden

This is the grapevine that brought me to tears. I still can't explain it. The moment I saw it, the resignation that had crept into my heart began to dissipate. Perhaps the Lord had heard my cry! Perhaps our time in this beautiful 'wilderness' was coming to an end. I sent Henry the link to Walled Garden. God's timing was perfect...he would be driving down to Kiltarlity for our grandson Paxton's birthday in just a few days. Maybe he and Kate could take a look at "Walled Garden!"

"Mom, I can see you and Dad living there!" Kate was enthused. Henry agreed. We would need to make another trip south when I arrived home from the States.

Soon after I visited Walled Garden I was assailed with doubt. It exceeded my expectations, but I could not explain the sudden, sharp conflict in my heart. Was it a warning from the Lord? Had I hoped in vain? We returned to Orkney and made the decision to put Little Halley on the market anyway. It seemed an irrational decision with nowhere to go! It must have been a step of faith the Lord needed us to take...we needed to walk by faith, and not by sight. The conflict I felt about Walled Garden disappeared when I released Little Halley. Autumn is not a particularly desirable time to list a home, so we expected a window of several months (or more) to prepare for the move. We had two viewings on Tuesday...and two offers by Friday the same week!

"Who told thee that night would never end in day? Who told thee that the winter of thy discontent would proceed from frost to frost, from snow and ice and hail to deeper snow, and yet more heavy tempest of despair? Knowest thou not that day follows night,
that flood comes after ebb, that spring and summer succeed winter?
Hope thou then! Hope thou ever! For God fails thee not!

"He was better to me than all my hopes;
He was better than all my fears;
He made a bridge of my broken works
And a rainbow of my tears."

These words from Streams in the Desert sprang to life for me! First, the name of 'Walled Garden,' which did not seem a coincidence in relation to my book...and now the word 'BRIDGE.' In my book, The King's Garden, Papa builds a bridge to bring His children home. In researching the name of Drumnadrochit, the village we are moving to, I discovered it is Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'The Ridge of the Bridge.'

The Lord has taken my broken works here in Orkney, and shined His light upon them. He has made a rainbow of my tears and is leading us to 'The Ridge of the Bridge' and to "Walled Garden".

I have repeatedly asked the Lord's forgiveness for my lack of faith these past few years in Orkney...and for the horrible witness I have given. I fell prey to the enemy's oldest lies: "God is not good. Just look at what He has allowed to happen to you! You have been abandoned...and will rot in uselessness for the rest of your days."

THE DEVIL IS A LIAR!

I am relearning to trust the Lord and His unfailing promises. Without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God:

"Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness,
You who seek the Lord:
Look to the Rock from which you were hewn,
And to the quarry from which you were dug.
Look to Abraham your father (who believed God)
And to Sarah who bore you...
For the Lord comforts Zion;
He comforts all her waste places
AND MAKES HER WILDERNESS LIKE EDEN,
Her deserts like the (Walled) Garden of the Lord;
Joy and gladness will be found in her;
Thanksgiving and the voice of song."
(from Isaiah 51)