I woke up to blood test results, and I couldn't be happier.

As I've mentioned before, I've weaned myself off of acid reflux meds completely (replacing them with Betaine hcl) and started lowering the other two meds' milligrams. My BP meds have been lowered from 40 mg/day to 10 mg/day, and my BP is consistently in the 120/68 range.

Next up is getting myself off the statins completely. I'm down from 40 mg (doubled from 20 mg/day when I was in the hospital from the stroke even though my cholesterol had registered 170 at the time & for the past year) down to 10 mg/day with no obvious spikes or changes in my cholesterol (I know they need to be out of my life for good, but weaning is the best way, in my opinion, to get them out of my system without repercussions). Another month & I hope to be off statins completely.

Keep in mind, I have changed my diet drastically, as well, since about March (zero alcohol, no pain meds, a low dose of aspirin daily, almost zero processed food or sugar, mainly sticking to carnivore/keto) and I believe that has been key to me getting back to 100%.

TBH, I think the acid reflux meds were causing problems with my A1c. I'd been on them for 4 decades, and my body wasn't taking in nutrients because I had no stomach acid.

Since I switched that up, the sleep has been longer & more restful, I'm slowly losing weight and the acid reflux flare-ups have been maybe once a month for about 10 minutes. Dropping my A1c back to non-pre-diabetes range (5.9, down from 6.3) is within reach. I can't prove it, but I think removing the PPIs are the reason.

Anyway, even though I still struggle with balance, coordination & the occasional brain issue, my body, for the most part, is righting itself with my consistency of diet.

I'm not there yet, but it'll just take some time. And some God-inspired guidance.

Someday, I hope to never refer to the stroke in casual conversation again.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace (Note: you can find this daily Bible reading on Youversion dot com)

Also: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

Additionally, from a previous day's study, here are God's character traits, or the fruits of the Spirit, that we are to strive for every day from Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:

📍love,
📍joy,
📍peace,
📍patience,
📍kindness,
📍goodness,
📍faithfulness,
📍gentleness,
📍self-control.

There is no law against these things!"

Until we can insert the phrase "[our name], you are" in front of each of God's characteristics, or *fruit*, we have work to do.
These character traits do not come naturally to most of us, and daily study of God's Word will help us understand more clearly.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Something is changing in me. My tendency towards procrastination seems less like habit, & more like the occasional signal that I'm just tired & need to take a rest instead.

I got one long-time thing off my to-do list yesterday (after 6 months of putting it off because I couldn't handle it in my brain), and now the floodgates of productivity have opened.

I've alsonbeen able to have my house professionally cleaned a couple of times in the last six months. Additionally, broken relationships have either been removed from my life (not by my choice) or been healed through love & forgiveness.

Coincidence? Perhaps not.

Chaos in the home leads to chaos in the heart, mind, & soul. I believe that. And it now seems there has been a new *level* unlocked in my life.

Lord, keep me on my toes before things get chaotic and unmanageable again. Amen.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace (Note: you can find this daily Bible reading on Youversion dot com)

Also: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

Additionally, from a previous day's study, here are God's character traits, or the fruits of the Spirit, that we are to strive for every day from Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:

📍love,
📍joy,
📍peace,
📍patience,
📍kindness,
📍goodness,
📍faithfulness,
📍gentleness,
📍self-control.

There is no law against these things!"

Until we can insert the phrase "[our name], you are" in front of each of God's characteristics, or *fruit*, we have work to do.
These character traits do not come naturally to most of us, and daily study of God's Word will help us understand more clearly.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Watched this in the middle of the night last night. Thought it was a good lesson.

Billy Graham expressed something similar. He emphasized the importance of preparing one's heart before speaking, stating he would prepare enough material for five talks so he could speak "out of the overflow". 

This concept is directly linked to Jesus' teaching in Matthew 12, which says, "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks". 

Graham's practice of filling his heart with material and spiritual preparation reflects the biblical principle that what is stored in the heart will eventually be expressed through words.

This is one of the best reasons for reading the Bible daily: preparedness & overflow.

Praying that your heart is overflowing with the Lord today.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace (Note: you can find this daily Bible reading on Youversion dot com)

Also: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Happy Saturday morning, y'all!

You ever notice how faith life & healthy life are very similar in that people are interested in your life *hacks* but never really have the fortitude to do the things that make life better for themselves?

Several times, my friends have asked me about my diet or prayer life, but it's only so much lip service they're paying me. I know they don't really have the determination to make these changes on their own. It was the same for me until I had a life altering event.

As much as I'd like to save themselves from heartache (or heartburn) and help prepare them more physically or spiritually, I'm more like a parent or grandparent, wanting to help but ultimately letting go and letting them learn the *hard way*.

I know many people here are parents & know exactly what I'm talking about, and probably more so because I'm *not* a parent.

I honestly don't know how y'all do parenting. I guess the good outweighs the bad, so you press on.

I, however, feel like walking away in frustration because I see where their destructive habits are leading them, and it's not pretty (I know first-hand about destructive habits). They don't see the connection of poor diet or not reading the Bible, for example, to their own situations.

But even in these relationships, God calls me to love like He does: unconditionally; a hard task to think about, let alone put into practice. So I'll just continue living my best life (as much as I can now), and hopefully, it rubs off on them.

/1 (I hope the above didn't sound condescending. I'm just working out my thoughts out loud.)

CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace (Note: you can find this daily Bible reading on Youversion dot com)

Also: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Anyone else notice that if you search for something like "earthquake" in your *top* file, you get the most popular account's news, not necessarily a *news* source, but if you look under *trending*, you get the crypt0 randos latching onto a current newsworthy hash tag or keyword?

Super-annoying when you're looking for news on a topic that perhaps your go-to sources haven't picked up on it yet.

Sorta reminds me of all the hundreds of thousands of accounts looking for answers to life on social media or from their followers, but rarely think to look at the main source for life's answers (Jesus and God's Word).

Why do we have to *hit a wall* of desperation or calamity before we admit our need for the Creator?

Reminds me of a pastor that said "Let God be your first line of defense, not your last resort."

Good advice.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace (Note: you can find this daily Bible reading on Youversion dot com)

Also: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Faced with so much godless fallacy this morning in my timeline makes me hyper-aware of my lack of earnest prayer for the lost, the deceiving, and those whose egos won't let them consider the wrongness of their theology.

This site is exactly as the devil wants it: self-absorbed bluster & chaos & obfuscation of the truth in God's word.

I've been challenged with my own understanding of God's Word here on X. This is why I study, year after year. God works out my understanding through constant study until I'm ready for the knowledge and grasp His meanings for useful context in daily conversation with others.

I will never be a theologian or a scholar, but in God's economy, I will be useful for His purposes in the Kingdom.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace (Note: you can find this daily Bible reading on Youversion dot com)

Also: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Does anyone else have a *soundtrack* song in their head as they go through their morning routine?

I've noticed mine every morning for the last few months is Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" as I'm filling the dog & cat dishes with food.

But this morning, I got to the lyrics "here I go again, on my own..." and I stopped for a moment.

I'm NOT getting through this new phase of life *on my own*. The Father is with me. There is no way I could have gotten through any of this without the hand of God on my life.

Faith, when you need it most, best serves one's life when it is worked through every day, not just on Sundays (or Saturdays). I am living proof of that.

I think it's time to change my soundtrack to something more accurate...like "Trust In God" by @elevation_wrshp

🎶Blessed assurance...
Jesus is mine...
He’s been my fourth man
in the fire
Time after time🎶

(Scriptural reference Daniel 3:25, when Daniel & friends were thrown into the furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar)

/1

music.youtube.com/watch?v=t2vK2X… CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

The more I let go of *stuff*, the happier I am.

It's amazing how so many of us have bought into the culture of advertising and the mesmerizing need to *keep up with the Kardashians*

As I was talking to my house-cleaner yesterday, she actually commented how nice it was to clean my now-uncluttered kitchen window sill. I explained to her my current purge mentality, and she admitted to me she loves collecting *stuff*.

I think I've found my new recipient of a few things. 😉

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Yes, I'm a little cranky this morning.

I have a teleppointment with my doctor at 10am, and I'm finally getting to tell her all the dietary and medicine (or lack thereof) changes I've been doing the past few months.

Not looking forward to the inevitable scolding.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

I pray for all of us to have the right words in our interactions today. Give is your wisdom, and let us be thoughtful before we speak. I pray this in your holy, loving name, Amen.

P.S. This actually kinda looks like my doc:

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

I love my quiet mornings, reading the Bible, drinking coffee.

I know many people on here hit the ground running the minute they wake up, either getting ready for work or getting the kids ready for school.

Have you ever considered how much more productive & peaceful your day might be if you spent a little alone time in a quiet place before everyone else got up? Just you & the Lord. Praying & talking.

That's how friendships start. That's how relationships are built.

I encourage you to find 15 minutes alone with God today, either this morning or tonight. Give it a week. The discipline will change your life.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Nine hours sleep and *bam*...

I'm feeling strong again.

Hadn't eaten since early breakfast yesterday and was struggling with an afternoon work project.

Told my boss I needed to eat lunch before I tried tackling it again...

So I ate something, and *bam*, figured out the problem and finished the project early.

Too many of us neglect or don't prioritize sleep & nutrition, not to mention a healthy, two-way faith life. Pray. Not a long list of wishes, but be still & listen for answers to your concerns and the guidance God freely gives.

The more you do this, the more you'll recognize God's voice deep inside your spirit.

A fuel-empty, unserviced car won't move forward, y'all (unless you're careening down an embankment, out of control).

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

It has been great spending time with my cousin. She has so many Bible questions, and it feels good that because of my own Bible study, I can either answer her questions, lead her to scripture that answers the questions, or tell her I don't know and then seek the answers in the Bible with her.

Talk about team-building. 🙌

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

My cousin is visiting & helping me get things out of boxes and out to display for the appraiser tomorrow.

To my delight, there were maybe 3 out of about 12 that had potential valuables in them. The rest were things like pictures, stuffed animals from childhood, and best of all, boxes with papers I no longer need.

Looks like I've got a lot of government work (shredding) to do this coming weekend.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

After watching a few *gotcha* videos from people like Tucker, et al...

...it reminds me of the saying "everybody has a price."

Meaning, there is a certain $ amount that people will sell out for: their morals, their integrity, their core belief system.

As people of faith, we would do well to remember that we have but one God, who will take care of our needs (not necessarily our wants & desires).

These others have chosen the god of money as their savior, a large and shady bank account the altar at which they serve.

Choose wisely, my friends. You can't take it with you.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Every morning now, I notice how long it takes my coordination to get it together. It usually takes me 20 minutes before my *stabilizers* kick in. Until that time, I hold onto whatever keeps me upright (countertops, door handles, door frames).

This is my new normal. Repetitive behavior until my brain kicks in.

Normally I despise acts of repetition, but I realize I read the Bible repetitively in my life, too, and for the same reason: it stabilizes my spiritual rudder for each day. (Not sure I used that metaphor correctly.)

Just like the physical limitations of my body, my spiritual life is bolstered every morning with reading and studying God's Word, good reminders of God's love, provision and guidance for me each day.

Let's stay upright today, shall we?

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Discussing some of the medical pharma evils foisted on us over the years makes me realize I am not 100% fear-free.

I still have the what-ifs:

1. What if eliminating this drug causes another stroke?

2. What if removing this drug causes problems I'm not willing to endure?

These two examples shine a bright light on the injustice and psychological warfare the medical industrial complex (including that behemoth drug wing of the complex) has levied against us.

And I'm angry.

But I'm also thankful, in a weird way. Had it not been for that evil Dr Gain of Function, we wouldn't have witnessed an honest-to-goodness gen*cide of our own and started truly questioning *the science*.

My eyes slowly began to open. The fact that I had to get over 300 pcr tests in 2 years in order to keep working should have been my wake up call. The bosses had no problem sending me into an area that *might have* been infected by a positive case so I could clean & sanitize things meant the producers all knew that this was just performance. It was all fabrication, but they went along with the kabuki because that's show biz and grovel for that almighty dollar at all costs.

Also, the fact that I, along with a few other enlightened co-workers, had to take a separate *unvaxxed* shuttle so we wouldn't spread our germs to the enlightened. What a crock.

5 years out from covid, the distortion of the big picture is more clearly focused. And with time, prayer, & pleas to God for wisdom, I am taking back my life from these tyrants.

I jokingly say *your results may vary*, but it's been the hoax of all hoaxes, and I still assert that it was a trial balloon for an even bigger power pull for when they want to give us all that ID implantation, better known as The Mark of The Beast.

Still don't understand? Time to educate ourselves. Stand up, stand firm, and start digging into some knowledgeable end-times biblical scholars' works. If you need some recommendations, I have loads.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

I woke up this morning with a couple thoughts:

1. It's weird that I haven't heard from my friend & (former) business partner since April. No return texts or calls after leaving messages, nothing.

2. After checking insta and seeing she's still around, I was looking at the settings on that account, and holy wow, have *they* (Meta) been following my every move. All my purchases & websites visited. They are so invasive.

*adds "delete insta" to list of things to do today*

It was only for event planning anyway. And the Lord certainly changed *those* plans for me.

Thankfully.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Something from Sunday's sermon keeps sticking in my head.

Pastor said he asked his wife to pray specifically for this one thing.

She honestly and openly said something to the effect of, "Why? You won't use it even if He answered the prayer."

She wasn't being mean or obstinate. She was being honest. She knew her husband well enough that he probably wouldn't utilize that answered prayer.

How many times do we pray for something specific, but because God didn't answer the prayer *our* way, we *assumed* He ignored our prayer?

We don't look at God as a deity that answers prayer according to our need and what's *best* for us. If He doesn’t answer in the way we anticipate, we look at the Lord as a punitive God.

If we remember that every single thing from God is in our best interest, even when it doesn't seem like it initially, long-term it is for our benefit.

If we look at things through His perspective, we start to understand His plan and purpose for our lives from an eternal perspective, not a temporal, instant gratification standpoint like so many of us are used to now.

I'm not going to tell you how to pray, but if you start to grasp that in every prayer, God has a *best plan* in store for your life, the frustrating things you're enduring seem more manageable.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

Monday.

I'm trying to be joyful, but instead I'm starting to dread Mondays because I usually have to reschedule clients at the last minute because of a certain person's inability to respect other people's time.

I've repeatedly told this person I won't lie for him. He laughs & just thinks I'm being bossy.

Why is truth so negotiable with younger generations? This verse, spoken by Jesus, as I said once last week, comes to mind:

Matthew 5:37 NLT
[37] "Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one."

IOW, don't make promises (or appointments) you have no intention of keeping.

Integrity is a lost art (and disappearing character trait) these days.

Them:
/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

As you've probably gathered, I've been opening up long-forgotten boxes shoved and stored into the garage lately in an effort to downsize my *stuff*: parents' belongings, grandma's belongings, my own belongings and pictures from my own long-ago life.

And while it's been sort of fun reminiscing, I'm largely over it.

As they say, life is looking through the car's large windshield but only occasionally checking the rear view mirror.

Forward. Only move forward. Don't get stuck in the past. That's not who we're meant to be, in God's eyes.

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2

I realized through a dream of being in a sleep study last night that I haven't had one leg cramp since I stopped my acid reflux meds.

I'm 100% positive now that my body has been deprived of nutrient absorption for decades. And my sleep is sound and restful.

Thank you, Lord, for your wisdom.

P.S. The wisdom still struggles to sink in during my wakeful hours: I forgot to put coffee grounds in the set-up last night. Anyone care for a nice, hot cup of coffee residue?

/1 CHRONOLOGICAL YEAR THROUGH THE BIBLE
with Daily Grace

Reminder: before you begin reading, pause for a moment to pray that God will help you know Him more today than yesterday. As you read today’s chapters, consider these questions:

1. What attributes of God’s character are revealed in the passage?

Consider places where the text directly states the character of God, as well as how His character is revealed through His words and actions.

2. How does the passage point to Jesus?

Consider how the passage reveals the problem of sin and the forgiveness of sins offered through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What do I learn about myself in light of who God is?

3. How should the truth of this passage change me?

Consider how you fall short of God’s character, how the text reveals your sin nature, and what it says about your new identity in Christ.

Consider how you might pray for God to change your heart or what practical steps you can take toward cultivating habits of holiness.

4. How do the events of today's reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?

/2