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Good morning and Happy Easter!! God is good all the time! The last 4 weeks have been a time of healing from a lumbar spine disc replacement with 2 fusions and I don't know when I have felt more isolated. Which appears to be exactly how and where God wants me. This down-time of has given me time to dwell on past choices and experiences, not in the manner of Lot's wife in bemoaning what I have lost, but in the interactions of others in what I could have done better. For example... the similar back surgeries my mom went through. I can now appreciate how debilitating the recovery is. I ruminated on how I tried to be the supportive daughter in being with her as much as I could as I worked and lived 4 hours away. When I couldn't be with her, I sent flowers with cheery notes. When we talked I encouraged her to walk more than just a couple of trips around the dining table. After all, they say exercising even in the pain has to be done. This advice hit me now like a cold slap of water as I now I walk around my kitchen island. This slap of reality allowed me to continue to wallow through what I could have, should have, would have, done better by her led the door to open to guilt. And I was flooded with it. I cried out "JESUS!" And the Holy Spirit stepped in and reminded me that guilt is not of God. On a sidebar here... have you ever noticed that the Holy Spirit never speaks or refers to the enemy? But only of God? Anyways then, as I bemoaned to Jesus my then lack of compassion, The Holy Spirit showed me I had exhibiting fea over compassion. And so I gave the guilt to the cross of Jesus and asked Him to take it in accordance to 1 Peter 2:24, as Jesus personally carried the burden of our sins in his own body on the cross, to free believers from sin so they may live in righteousness and to do as I could and realize that mom chose to lean on others for reasons that had little to do with me. It's a hard lesson to accept that the tragedies that others experience cannot always be earthly fixed. No good intended advice can land always on their circumstances to help. No warnings can always prevent. Our paths to heaven are what they are and it is what it is. To get there we need to lean on Jesus. Happy Easter! He is risen. For you. And me.

Sharing from my latest blog entry, I write of my experience in enduring literal aftershocks from the Lumbar fusion surgery last week as my countless compressed nerves affected are trying to recalibrate to their original job function. First and foremost, I cannot wrap my thinking around how anyone can go through any surgery or any of the trials that come with aging without the prayers of others. This spinal surgery hit me hard and more than once I thought “is this the one that will do me in?” And yet again I personally witnessed Gods truth when He says “when I am weak He is strong” and its changing me to be okay with being His kind of “weak” When I needed comfort and compassion He sent me nurses to listen, to encourage, to be present. They continued their care even after leaving a 3 day stay at hospital and are part of the team of the neurosurgeon partnering with the orthopedic surgeon. They really are just a phone call away. And even with the setback of returning to a morning trip to Emergency Room to get realigned and back on the path, I am good to go and taking on the path a bit slowly- forward. Because of the harsh meds rendering my A-Game mentality Jesus provided me with my best friend and husband to keep track of the pills, the 24 hr timings of them, along with the ego busting use of a walker. Du has made true his vow of “in sickness and in health” and carries it out with a nurturing attitude. And throughout this all I relive my experiences with my mom. She went through similar surgeries and did not have the luxury of scientific advances that I just had. Even though I waited at her surgeries, prayed through them, drove miles and miles while still working my job, nothing will ever compare to seeing her eyes open each time to smile at me. It’s memories are untouchable. And then my friend reminded me that “This is the valley as in Psalm 23 and Jesus is with you through it all ... this is the place miracles happen ✨️ 🙌 🙏” and she is right. With Jesus no one is left alone. He has people who step up.

Heaven sent visual aids? On you walk your m path to heaven have you ever been graced with visual aids to let you know the state of your personal nation? We were recently going through a “time in the desert” with our last move and questioned it once or twice. But we knew we made the right move and were in The Plan regardless of how things looked or felt. I have this Fiddle Leaf Fig plant gifted to me by our friend, Favvy, and have taken great effort to care for it while we lived in our last home. It made it through the time of building this home as we resided in the RV and then the cabin, and finally moved into this new place. The fiddle fig did alright, it had little growth, but it didn’t die. I researched its care and also learned that the fig plant also signifies spiritual growth emphasizing the importance of bearing fruit in one's life And then a few weeks ago the leaves started to fall. Not all at once but more bi-weekly. And to make it harder to take… the bleakness of winter was being reflected in its vitality. At the point of of barely sustaining its last 3 leaves, we changed the dirt, gave it a bit more room, and disregarded googles recommended limited watering and flooded it with water every Saturday. At first there was no apparent change. But just as our own resolves to our decisions were going through their own new dirt and our thinking was be subjected to gaining more room, I suspected that this plant was being used in the way of John 15:1-6: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” Even though I did not consciously ask for a sign this time, God is a good and merciful God and still applied Isaiah 7:11 “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” And this plant… where there was once one dying leaf, now there are three new ones to take its place with more popping through the places where others fell. New life. Let the old go.

I was disappointed but trusted Gods plan. We were supposed to go to the Riviera Maya in December. But that didn’t work out and I was okay with not going as something seemed off. We rescheduled. It should have been a happy wooohooo moment but it wasn’t. Something still felt off. And yet we let the reservations ride in an effort in sustaining this endless winter by having something to look forward to… our annual trek to an earthly paradise. That “off” feeling lingered. And then we got the call that our plans for “da boyz” while we left were not going to work out. And how appropriate that the day we once again cancelled our 2 room, 2 bathroom, patio’d door to a deck on the beach to stay home was during yet another polar blast. This was a literal tough call but after years of experiencing Gods better plan, we complied with a smidgeon of hope still lingering in our hearts. Ahhh but then the human condition of employing loopholes when not getting ones way intervened and we changed our plans yet again to a month later in April. Three times the charm right?! And it will be even warmer but hey that okay!! Haha!! And said “thank you Jesus!” I deliberately did not check in with seeing if He was okay with this. I already knew. Meanwhile back on the home front… the spinal injections I have been receiving for the last 5 years are no longer doable and I was referred to a surgeon. My surgery is 2 weeks from today. The week before… a time of fasting from all things unhealthy will provide an easier 3 month recovery. Wouldn’t that have put a downpour of dreary on a vacation?! Did God know that paradise would become a war zone? Absolutely. Is He protecting only me? Nope. God is global. But this being a wicked wicked world it stands to reason the snake would also show up in this earthly paradise as well. IFYYK. Yes if you know you know. It choices. It consequences. Its all in with Jesus or its not. #artontheoutskirts #jeremiah29

Because it says in Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” that He actually goes through your trials and joys with you in the present tense?! Literally. So “Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently By puttin' your hand in the hand of the man from Galilee…” by Ocean Jesus is just so cool.

I lost my sunglasses! I don’t even know when. Du and I looked yesterday in all the usual places. Nothing! The worst part is the feeling of defeat that comes to me when I mess up. As I askedJesus for help I heard in my thoughts “do something else and let Du look.” And he did. And again today he looked. In the closets, my purses, the backpacks, the drawers, the vehicles, everywhere. And nothing. As I again began to think of helping him I heard in my thoughts “let Du look.” And I did not heed. I wanted them found. Now. So I suited up and went out in the polar vortex to the locked up RV as I could not recall the last time I had them. We scoured the frozen over space and unfortunately they were not there either. We walked back to the garage and I looked in the car again to no avail. I heard again “let him do the finding.” I finally relented. God has His reasons. And was apparently applying them to both of us. We stood there. Me at one car door, Du at the opposite. Then he looked across the seats at me and asked “is that them in the gray case there behind the radio instrument panel?” My mouth dropped open. He opened the case and yep! Yep! Yep! And I laughed big and for a long time. He simply smiled and then found me a white case so they no longer blended in with the gray dash. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21

The awareness of “an age of rage…where there are those who “knowingly created conditions for extremist views and, yes, extremist actions” (J. Turley) is being thrown onto my path on a daily basis. So who are “those” who do this? I don’t think I know any extremists. Most I know are “middle of the roads” like me. I don’t hate anyone. I wish no harm upon others. I try to live by the Golden Rule, and that as for me and mine, we serve the Lord hoping that they will know we are Christians by our love. And then I saw a clip, a reel, a tiktok sort of thing where it was revealed to me a demon speaking through a rather ordinary, average, nice enough gal in her early twenties. It was furious that the assassin failed. FURIOUS!! How or why this demon thing latched on to her is unknown to me but latch on to her it surely did. I surmise that it was able to lock on to this gal by To be latched upon results in dabbling with the dark side warned about in the bible. The seven deadly sins as outlined by Pope Gregory around 600AD. The Seven Sins and Their Biblical References Each traditional sin is considered "deadly" because it's seen as a root from which other sins stem, potentially leading to spiritual death without repentance. The table below summarizes each sin, its description, and example biblical references:  Sin  Description Example Biblical References Pride Excessive self-regard, often seen as the source of other sins. Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6-7 Greed Insatiable desire for material possessions, wealth, or power. Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:10 Lust Disordered or excessive sexual desire. Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18 Envy Intense desire for what someone else has. Proverbs 14:30, Galatians 5:26 Gluttony Overindulgence in consumption. Proverbs 23:20-21, Philippians 3:19 Wrath Uncontrolled anger or hatred. Psalm 37:8, James 1:19-20 Sloth Laziness, spiritual apathy, or neglecting responsibilities. Proverbs 6:6, Ecclesiastes 9:10 Anyways then a dark angel of Lucifer can harass, harangue, interfere with, afflict and so on only upon a child of God. Yes we are saved by our daily practicing of the bible, immersed in the ways of the Lamb, baptized in the fire of the Holy Spirit, forgiven and forgiving child of God. Yes, only upon. And upon is still pretty ugly. See Job. In Job 2:6 God set boundaries (sparing Job's life) even as He allowed Satan to test him further, emphasizing that God's protective boundaries exist for believers, even amidst severe hardship. But in? Available to everyone else. What? Why? How? The Holy Spirit will not dwell with the foul making it a pretty big deal “on whom you serve. Can we have our opinions? Yes! That freedom of will is a given. But opinions salted with hate, or malice, or offense are a doorway to allowing evil to walk on inside - and without removing its shoes. And yes even a minor irritation counts as evil lurks for any and all openings to propel its chaos. Choices are available… agree to disagree, keep scrolling, walk away, leave them with a blessing, and have a chat with God as to why their opinion tripped a switch in you and together get it fixed. It is possible that this was allowed so to address our reactions as convictions by the Holy Spirit to bring us up to His level. Go for it!

Late last night my dreams were distressing. I awoke from a horrible one and got up and prayed for God to take full control over my thoughts as I slept. I walked back to bed and picked up my phone to see what time it was. As I did, its screen light came on and illuminated an angel standing guard next to me! Oh it made me jump!! I laid back down thinking to Jesus “good! thank you!” And from then on it was a silent night! A holy night! with a radiant hosts causing all to be calm the rest of the night. Luke 4:10-11 (NIV): "It is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone'" (quoting Psalm 91:11-12). This is simply one promise of God's active care for us morning, noon, and night, as it is stated that He does use His angelic messengers as protectors for His people. It's good to be in the fold.

In every job there is the same people. Different names but same personalities. The good. The bad. And the ugly like Judas. Judas put on a good face but Jesus knew long before hand what he was and still loved him. Today I was sideswiped by a Judas persona who lives out on the fringes of my circle. And they said the meanest things! Seriously though these drive by attacks have ramped up since taking on the Jabez prayer. But the strategy of the evil one will not succeed! And then the lesson of offense came to my thoughts just as I was contemplating becoming offended. I thought to God “nope nope nope! I am not! I am okay! Of course I will forgive them, I don’t have to like them, I don’t have to live with them, I can do this because I have Jesus who takes care of me.” Instant inner peace. Outer peace was still a little sketchy but inner peace was there. And just then! I received a text from my circle who did a drive-by hi! Just because. Now thats a God move!! “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20 Yes, He redirected my focus ! Thank you Jesus! And then evil showed itself again determined to not be ignored and the Judas situation increased. And again I received another call, this time from my granddaughter. 😀 So with that, my beloved and I removed ourselves to the hot tub. It was warm, and relaxing and two bright red cardinals flew right over our heads. Oh so beautiful! What a treat! Thank you Jesus!! And we prayed for our Judas and his family good things and good blessings. Its in the job description.

I dreamed last night, I heard an alarm clock ring loud and clear. I told the Holy Spirit "here I am Lord awake but Father why I am I here. What am I to be doing What use am I?” Who do I paint for? Who do I write for? He answered, “For the 1 in 99.” I asked, “Tell me about the one.” And in my thoughts, I saw the one who was brave enough to look up as the rest were content to graze. I saw the one who wandered off looking for adventure. I saw the one who wanted more. I asked, “But I thought the 1 in 99 was about a lost sheep.” He showed me that Jesus yes Jesus came for the found, and the lost, but also for those convicted by the Spirit in helping others find His gift of salvation. These are those people who really get ”it.” They are awake and aware. Time is short. Gifts from the Father are in abundance. And while many are flourishing, just as many are languishing, His gifts to be used. And then I read this… about the 98... TIME TO WAKE UP - Romans 13:11 "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." It is time to "Wake up." There is such a great need for the slumbering saint to wake up from being glorified to glorifying. “A man came into church and he thought he would impress his pastor, so he said, "Pastor, give me a good prayer to pray unto entering the sanctuary." The pastor knew him and knew his habits, so the pastor suggested, "Why don’t you pray, ‘Now I lay me down to sleep.’” from http://preacherscorner.org/alarm.htm from my blog... https://artontheoutskirts.wixsite.com/home/post/time-to-wake-up-1

Its okay to get angry or “mad” at God or people. Its a true emotion. Its what you do with it that decides how you move up from it without lasting negative results. Me? I tell God on them…on Him. He will fix it. And you. Really. “He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.” – Mark 3:5

I relived again the joy in the Holy communion as a definite one on one experience with God this morning. Coming back to the pew, I had no more knelt to savor and appreciate the moment of the eucharist when I looked down to see a penny on the floor ahead of me when an instantaneous thought popped in saying “A penny for your thoughts.” I smiled and gave Him $10 worth. 😀 Say what you will about the church building as to being necessary or not to ones faith practice, but He sure makes it interesting when you show up.

PRAYER - No Wolves Allowed Thank You Lord for eliminating the plots of the wicked against my life, and the life of mine. Seen and unseen. I know that they are nullified, in the Name of Jesus Christ! Father, I know that whoever comes against me comes against You. O Lord, arise and contend with those that contend with me and I give you the glory and I know the victory is certain in the Name of Jesus Christ. By the authority of Jesus Christ, I frustrate every evil plot of darkness to destroy me. None shall not come to pass, in the Name of Jesus Christ as you my Holy Father, my God Almighty, my One True God said in Isaiah 59: 19 “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Let this be my portion, in the Name of Jesus Christ! By the power of God, I annul the assignment of the devourer released against me, in the Name of Jesus Christ as stated in Luke 10:19 “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” I receive power for victory as stated in 1 John 5:4 “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” – over every spiritual wolf be it financial, disease, brother against brother, child against parent, unfriendly friend, or anything seeking to kill or destroy, assigned to monitor, upset and launch attacks against me, or mine to be arrested now, in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, my savior, my Lord. Father God I say here I am Lord, your chosen child, born by your design, holding onto the hem of the gown of Jesus, plead His shed blood over me and mine and claim 100 generations of mine for your kingdom. Loose our beautiful counselor The Holy Spirit to aid us in claiming 1 Peter 1: 5 “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” for your Glory. With your grace grant us this in Jesus name, Amen Amen

I was raised Lutheran and was spiritually drawn to Catholicism in my pre-teens. Where being Lutheran met the needs of my family, it was lacking for me. I needed the ancient stand it gave and still do. My parents weren’t angered. My dad was raised Methodist and converted to being a Lutheran when he married my mom and it really mattered to her. He changed for love. The only time I was ever confronted by another’s rant attacking the rosary was by a middle aged lady who had no idea I was Catholic. I told her that as a Catholic I see the rosary as a tool in my hand to focus on my prayers rather than fighting off a mind distracted by the must-do’s, the shopping list, how I would rather be shoe shoppin’, what’s for dinner and a gigabyte more of distractions. She just stopped and left. People don’t seem to be interested in how I walk with God. I see the stats on when and why Martin Luther and others started their own churches and it all makes some sense. From an artistic standpoint there are only 3 basic colors; red, blue, yellow and 2 non-colors; black and white and these 5 have grown into thousands of unique and all equally beautiful colors with a myriad of names (well except puce -ewww- which was thankfully renamed taupe). I could rattle on and on but my position is one of my most favorite quote “ the White man goes into his church and talks about Jesus. The Indian goes into his tipi and talks with Jesus.” Quanah Parker, Comanche War Chief

You know about the gown of salvation right? Isaiah 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation… When we enter into heaven we will be issued the gown because of His grace. But! We can also get the robe of righteousness! “…he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” How? We need to grow in grace by the Spirit of Christ to be clothed in His righteousness This is where the “good works” comes in but there are yes but’s. We are to apply Psalms 18:28 “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” in seeking His will for us daily to accomplish the following. Matthew 5:16 —- good works for His glory, not ours. James 2:14-17 —- walk the talk Galatians 6:9 —- no complaining James 4:17 —- to not do right thing is a sin Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, After what I have endured I want the whole set!! 😀