When was the last time you listened to a bowl of Rice Krispies® make their distinctive Snap-Crackle-Pop? For me, it’s every morning when I rise from bed. And every time I lift myself from my office chair or tractor seat. Perhaps I’m the only one who must rollover onto my belly, maneuver myself onto all fours, and hope there’s something nearby to grab onto to get up off the floor. Yes, I’ve gotten old.
Following my “Good morning God” and prayers of thanks and request, my morning consists of many items that remind me I’m getting older. These days, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, knee braces, grab bars, shoulder stretches, compression socks, and orthotic shoes depict my life. Because God apparently has a sense of humor, I’ve recently added yet another assistive device to my arsenal. How many of you know what I’m showing in the photo above? I’ll give you a hint, they’re not hay hooks; although I’m pretty sure I could’ve made them work too, if I could remember where I put them.
Instead, they’re boot hooks, designed to help a person more easily pull their boots on. There’s something sad about this admission. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined I would need these, but that reality is here. Without them, I lose my balance and topple forward, trying to pull on my boots. How sad is that? Even with them, I find myself pressing my back against something for stability.
I sometimes look in the mirror and ask, where did this old man come from? Other times, I remember that strong, young soldier who ran or marched for miles, parachuted onto a postage stamp, ran across a 2×4 edge-wise, and could bench press a truck. What happened, Lord? I remind myself that I did do all those things in my youth, which explains why I now need all those things listed above.
The reality of life is that the lucky ones will live to see their bodies wear out. Like the current world we live in, since the fall of man, all have an expiration date. Learning to accept that requires a sense of humor and gratefulness. I often tell folks, “It’s better to be over the hill than under it.”
All things, and people, in this world will eventually wear out. Have you upgraded to eternal life yet? #Aging #ExpirationDates #EternalLife Click To TweetLeaning against the wife’s SUV in the garage to get my boots on the other morning, I thought the time has come. I pondered that for a second, asking myself if it was time to sell the Cross-Dubya ranch and all the work that comes with it and return to retirement living. I recalled the 1/10th acre lot with ten feet of space between homes in the Del Webb community we moved from. Walking outside, I gazed across a thirty-acre expanse between our home and our nearest neighbor’s. I shuddered at the idea of city living again. Nope, not yet, Lord.
As I went about the morning chores, those eerie words haunted me. The time has come. Knowing that God has not yet released me from His calling to be a rancher and Christian writer in retirement, I considered other meanings. Could it mean that Christ’s return is imminent? It certainly could, I thought.
Far from being an eschatologist, I’ve learned enough of God’s word to know there is nothing more on the prophetic timeline that must happen before the rapture of His church. I don’t wish to debate pre-, mid-, or post-tribulation rapture theories with anyone. If you possess a true saving knowledge of Christ Jesus as your personal Savior, we can hold different manmade doctrinal beliefs and still love one another with His love. If the Holy Spirit sealed you (Ephesians 1:13), then I’ll see you there in the clouds, whenever that Day is.
Today could be the day. Are you ready? #Rapture #GoingHome #SecureSalvation Click To TweetAs I thought about those four words, they forced me to ask myself the same question that I’ll ask you to consider here.
Are you ready for the coming of the Lord?
This question is one that we must each answer honestly to ourselves. For only you and God know the condition of your salvation. In my simple, non-theologian mind, I fit most folks into one of four categories. Thinking about these foreboding words, I sought God’s guidance for a Scripture that I believe applies for each. I humbly offer the following observations for your consideration.
For the non-Christian, the unsaved man, woman, or child (who has reached the age of reason), the words of Mark 1:15 rang out.
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come
near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15 NIV)
Friends, if you have placed yourself in this category, know there is no judgment here. Only a sincere, heartfelt desire to help you come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Oh, how my heart breaks for friends and family who have not yet made their salvation secure. Please, I beg you, to find a Bible-believing church, friends, or anyone who can help you understand and heed the Holy Spirit’s conviction upon your life. None of us can save you, but we’ll be happy to make the introduction.
For the deceived Christian, the person who only has head-knowledge of salvation, God’s Word says this.
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.
I wish you were either one or the other! So, because
you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you
out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV)
If you’re not sure that’s you, allow me to generalize using these characteristics. You attend church when it’s convenient. You hope you can find that dusty Bible as you rush out the door on Sunday morning. The only time you bow your head to pray is when someone else might see you. Someone has convinced you that because God loves everyone, the religion you practice doesn’t matter, because being a good person who does good things is all you need. Often, deceived Christians busy themselves with doing Christian works, but for their own glory and not God’s. I pray that if you see yourself in any of these ways, that you seek counsel and help to nail your salvation to the cross of Christ today.
For the Christian who claims true salvation, who is indwelled with the Holy Spirit, but ignores His convictions and urgings, I urge you to heed these words.
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour
has already come for you to wake up from your slumber,
because our salvation is nearer now than when we
first believed. (Romans 13:11 NIV)
I call these Christians “pew dwellers” or “two-timers.” They’re the ones who have convinced themselves of their own righteousness but pompously sit in their pew every Sunday morning and that’s all they do. “Two-timers” are those “pew dwellers” who believe in their own spirituality and have no desire or need for fellowship. They’re the ones whose name appears in a church role, but only make it to church two times per year, Easter and Christmas. If you can honestly admit to yourself that you are a lukewarm, perhaps self-deceived Christian, then I exhort you in the same way as my previous characterization.
A true Believer, one whose salvation is secure and ensured, is one who is actively participating with God in His divine work of sanctification. We all have different levels of spiritual maturity, but growth is clear. In what I refer to as an “On Fire” Christian, you are not afraid to proclaim God’s lordship over your life. You are excited to take part in kingdom work, both in your church and your community. And last, you have a burning desire to help others find their way to true salvation and grow a stronger faith. To you, I offer these words.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20 NIV)
(emphasis on Christ’s words, mine)
As my friend, brother-in-Christ, and Pastor (Wilton McMorris of New Beginnings Fellowship Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, TX) is fond of saying …
“We can’t know when Christ is returning, but this I know.
We are closer today than we were yesterday.”
I pray you are ready because I believe The Time Has Come friends. If you’re not, or you’re not sure, please reach out privately and allow me to help you know for sure and for certain today. I love you that much. God loves you that much.
God’s blessings,
P.S. A friendly reminder that October is Pastor Appreciation Month here in America. Besides cards, notes, and gifts, might I suggest that the best gift you can give to your pastor is your presence, prayer, and participation. Oh, and bring a friend.
Let us all be like the sons of Issachar to stand at our post and “occupy until He comes.”
“Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.“. -1 Chron 12:32
“Occupy until He comes”; how well said my friend. I will not surrender the high ground that my God is exalted upon. One key to enduring until the Day is to keep going to His wellspring of life to “top off our tanks.” We need to spiritual refilling daily, don’t we? God’s blessings precious sister-in-Christ.
I am ready, come Lord Jesus. Thank you for this message as I think many of us are wondering the same thing. But it all happens in God’s timing so I try to keep my self as ready as possible. Thank you JD. May all your “devices” continue to make life easier until you reach the pearly gates
Thank you Ms. Yvonne. I’m finding that if I approach my day with a bit more sense of humor about what I’m faced with, it makes it a bit easier to handle it. As you said, we can’t know when He’s returning, but we can make sure we’re ready for Him when He does.
Good reminder, J.D. I am more ready today for Christ’s return than I was yesterday, but I am truly preparing still. Come, Jesus, come. On your other subject—”don’t let the old man in”. Toby Keith’s song, inspired by Clint Eastwood’s motto, sure hits the nail on the head. May we all rejoice in heaven!
Thank you Mr. Craig. I just listened to Mr. Keith’s song this past week, and I can sure appreciate his lyrics. Like you sir, I’m most ready to trade this perishable body in for my “eternal edition.” I’m ready for an upgrade! God’s blessings, and praying you are all healed up and feeling much better soon, sir.
I hope He’s coming soon! The signs of the times certainly seem to point that way. Great post, J.D.
Thank you Ms. Debbie. I pray that not only did I elicit hope for Christ’s soon return but also a moment or two of levity to lighten your load this week.
When you first began this post, I thought you’d hacked into my system, because you were describing what my life looks like at this stage. Other than the parachute stuff and the boot gadgets, I’m pretty familiar with everything else and we’re pretty much on the same track. I must admit, though, I was wondering if you were about to announce your retirement from the Cross-Dubya (but hopefully not from writing). But, then, you proceeded to unload a sermon they ought to let you preach next Sunday. It sounded the kind of things we used to hear in churches all over this land back when most of them still believed that the Bible is the Word of God.
I love the way you identified those categories so well, and unfortunately, I have to admit that I recognize and have personally occupied most of them at one point or another in my life. I’m so thankful that the living God sent people and circumstances into my life again and again that were instrumental in moving me out of those deceptive moral and spiritual swamps and displayed His power to redeem not just my soul, but my life.
Obviously, I’m at that point now where being “on fire” for Jesus looks more like a slow cooker than the blaze in an open fire pit. “Running the race,” in my case has devolved into a walkathon at best, but giving up and quitting is not an option that I’m about to consider any time soon. As you pointed out so well, the need for every born again follower of Jesus to be actively demonstrating and declaring God’s Truth could not be greater. The flame of even the smallest candle helps to push back the encroaching darkness.
Re. the rapture. It’s hard to watch the current global chaos unfolding in and around Israel and the rising threat of China not think about that moment when God says, “It’s time,” and the Church is called up to meet the Lord in the air. But until that moment, our mission doesn’t change, and it’s not just to get people to repeat “the sinner’s prayer.” It’s to make disciples, and as you know so well, that prayer, (assuming it’s even genuine) is just the beginning. At my age, I’m so glad that Jesus and His followers spent more time walking than running and I can still do that. 🙂
Thank you for making the case so clearly, Brother. We live in the midst of a rapidly expanding mission field. The schools in this country are sending out indoctrinated, deceived, and “activated” kids every semester and the leftist politicians and entertainers are working hand in glove with them. Add to that, the millions that are pouring across our so-called border are being disbursed all across the country. We have our work cut out for us, that’s for sure, and I am incredibly grateful for the leadership you display, the hearts you inspire, and the hope you work to keep alive. God bless you for hanging in there, my friend, and whether we get to share a meal in Texas or not I hope we get to go up together.
As always, I find myself in agreement with you my friend. Although we’ve never met in person, I find it uncanny how similar our lives have been and our worldviews are. Until, I remember that we have shared the same, unchanging instructor (the Holy Spirit) in our lives. His lessons never change, but He does find He has to find different delivery methods. Example, I’m pretty sure He had to pound them into my hard head a little harder than He did yours. 🙂
Perhaps I was able to describe those characteristics so well because I too have lived them. And yes, as Satan fights harder to deceive this world, we must stand on the wall more firmly and should God’s truth all the more loudly. I join arms with you in that battle sir. God’s blessings.
You challenged us today, my friend, to reflect and examine our beliefs. You’ve asked some hard questions. And you’ve also challenged us to reach out to the lost. These are all actions which Jesus calls us to do in response to His amazing gift of love to us–actions that fall into that, “Never Give Up!” category. Thank you, J.D.
Amen Ms. Katherine. I found I was challenging myself while writing this post ma’am, and am grateful to know I have friends like you who will stand with me as we endeavor to carry God’s Word forward in our lives, to the end of the age.
Wow, J. D., you’ve given us quite the wake-up call here, and I thank you most sincerely for that! No, we don’t know the day or the hour of Jesus’ return; all the more reason for us to be ready for the moment He calls us home. I want to do everything I can here on earth to please Him and serve His purposes for me.
And the signs of the times do certainly point to our Savior coming sooner than later. May our hearts be ready to receive Him the moment He arrives.
And all things considered, I’m glad you’ve decided to stick it out at your beloved ranch, my friend, in spite of all that aging has thrown at you. I feel the same way . . .
God’s blessings!
Thank you Ms. Martha. I’m convinced that until God calls me away from something He has previously called me to, I’ll follow General Order #1,”… I will quit my post only when properly relieved.”
I can’t recall who I heard this from or where I may have read it recently, but I loved this question. “What will Jesus find you doing when He returns?” I suspect that if we asked ourselves this question before each thing we did, each decision we made, we would all live very differently. I know I would.
God’s blessings sweet friend.
Yes, I knew what that device was from personal experience:(. Yes, give a loud, “Come Lord Jesus”- any day,, soon.
Now that surprised me Ms. Marilyn. Not that you would know, of course, but that you may have used them. And yes, Maranatha sweet sister.
My husband and I were trying to see the expiration date on a loaf of bread the other day when we got on the subject of our expiration dates. We agreed it might be nice to have one stamped on our feet. And shared a good laugh. As more than my eyesight starts to go, I strongly relate to your humorous, yet serious, post.
And yes, I am ready to go spiritually.
Amen! Looking most forward to seeing you there Ms. Candyce. And I’m glad you could find the humor in the shared maladies that is growing mature.
A beautiful and heartfelt message today that I am so happy and privileged t share. I find myself continually preparing and seeking to grow closer in my relationship with the Lord and for my Christian walk to become more consistent. Have not reached it by a longshot – but as you said, I try to be further along today than yesterday. Thank you for your genuine heart of love my friend.
Thank you Ms. Ann. None of us, sans Elijah perhaps, can say we’re nearing the completion of our journey in faith. Praise God that His Word promises to complete it for us on that Day my friend. Will see you along the journey ma’am.
I had no idea about the device. I might have guessed hay hook.
Your post is sobering as you describe so many categories of Christians at risk. I am assured that I know Jesus personally and have (finally) accepted His grace. I preached last week about Paul’s list of ‘credentials’ in Philippians 3:4-8 after which he says they’re all rubbish. “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
Amen Ms. Cathy. All that we go through here means nothing when we compare it to the glory that awaits us upon His return. We won’t even remember the struggles in the realm of eternity my friend. God’s blessings.
Let me just say, friend, if the rapture happens during my lifetime, I’ll be the one twirling in circles all the way up! My aunt resisted getting a cane for a few years until she just had to give in. Then she realized people would open doors for her or let her step ahead of them in line, etc. She said she should have gotten the cane sooner. 🙂 I hope you enjoy your boot-puller-uppers! Make life easy on yourself. 🙂
LOL I think your aunt and I would have been fast friends too Ms. Karen. And I don’t think they’ll be time to notice and acknowledge one another on the way up my friend, but I sure know that Ms. Diane and I can’t wait to see you and Mr. Russ there ma’am.
Hey I started to think you were going to quit ranching…LOL had me there for a second. I am very ready for Jesus to return when it is time to do so.
Not yet Ms. Teresa. I don’t feel God is ready for me to do so. I can see that day coming, but it’s not today my friend. And yes, when God says, “It’s time”, whether I’m alive or long gone from this world, I’ll be ready.
Never have seen anything like that. Guess I’m a Southern California girl who never put on boots.
But I love your application to Jesus coming soon.
I must admit for a second it was startling to think of you leaving the farm and ranch. Would we still hear from you? Not hearing from you is not acceptable. 🙂 But we all would want God’s will for you.
Aww shucks. Thanks Ms. Kathy. I’ve wondered, “What would be Christian writing look like without the Cross-Dubya.” I pray I’ll never have to find out ma’am.
Powerful words, J.D. and so relevant to the days in which we live.
So true Ms. Diana. We can’t know when, we can only be prepared my friend. God’s blessings.
J.D., thank you for this evangelical message. I’m definitely ready for the Lord to come back. And I’m praying for lost friends and family who need Jesus and those who read this message. I pray the Holy Spirit will open their hearts and eyes to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the biggest deceptions of the enemy is convincing people they are okay spiritually when they don’t know Jesus as Savior and Lord. I led a women’s Bible study once where one lady who was a pastor’s kid and married to a worship minister came to know Christ as Lord for the first time ever. She thought for years she was indeed already a follower of Jesus. This is not to make us question our salvation when we know-as 1 John 5:13 says, ” I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (ESV) We can know we have eternal life. God bless.
Amen Ms. Karen. Great point ma’am. There are lots of “followers”, but not a lot of heirs. Until you are adopted into God’s family through a personal relationship with Christ Jesus, you are but an onlooker. I pray many who may see this message move from “onlooker” to “partaker”. I pray they will join us in the air on that coming Day my sweet sister-in-Christ.
Amen. I pray He comes soon. Thank you for this inspiring message. God bless you.
Oh, but how you humble me Ms. Melissa. Thank you for all your kindness and encouragement ma’am.
My daughter once told me, Mom, you’re not growing old, you’re just growing up. That must be why my body aches–growing pains! Come, Lord Jesus!
😀 Love that. They’re “growing pains.” You daughter brought the biggest smile today ma’am. Thank you both.
Lord come quickly! I am ready, but I pray daily that more souls will be added to the list. Ranch (and write) on friend!
Yes. Until the last soul has been reached, the harvest waits. Like you sweet friend, I’m ready, but I’ll wait a bit longer if that means one more soul comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
We can’t express these warnings enough. John the Baptist preached to people about the coming of the Lord until life left his body. Jesus’ return must be so near. We are here to proclaim His love to all who will listen. Thanks for these heartfelt words, J.D. (I need help getting off the floor too!)
Agreed Ms. Barbara. Whenever His return is, may He find us in service to Him and in alignment with His will for our lives. God’s blessings ma’am.
“Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Amen!” I, too, believe we must be very close. Since I’ve researched the NAR’s infiltration into the church, I’m horrified at how much deception has spread so rapidly. Young people, sincerely seeking God, are being captured and led astray through music (Bethel, Jesus Culture, Upper Room, etc.) and the “sermons” without any reference to the Word of God. In the book that founds these cults, called “Culture of Honor,” they profess that we are all pigs who need a shower every Sunday so we can go out and wallow in the mud again. There is no conviction of sin, no repentance, and consequently no salvation. My heart is broken for them, especially because my own Cait has fallen into their deceptive trap. I’m praying for these kids to wake up before it’s too late.
Thank you for this great and informative post. It is very important that we be ready to give a defense of our beliefs and the story of our salvation. That’s what happened to me on Saturday night when two Mormon young men rang my doorbell. Fortunately, I understand what their religion teaches and was able to witness to them from their viewpoint. I witnessed with love and compassion, and they were very receptive. I think I’m on their training list because of several other talks we’ve had, lol. It’s good to be prepared with a list of points including scriptures for such unexpected visits.
Blessings to you, prayers for good health, and courage to make hard decisions regarding your ranching life. When it’s time, you’ll know. I hope I get out to see your cows before that time. 🙂
Thank you Ms. Karen. My heart breaks for all of us who have family members, loved ones, and friends who have been deceived. Satan, it seems, has done a masterful job at convincing the world that we are our own gods and that we can coexist with the world, partaking in all it has to offer, and God will still accept us. Such wrong thinking.
Perhaps all we can do is to show them through our lives that right alignment with God is not the sacrifice Satan wants them to believe, but a relationship that sacrifices ourselves to God, because He is God.
Thank you for all your encouragement and well wishes ma’am. Let us continue in the journey God has placed us on my friend.
“Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Amen!” I, too, believe we must be very close. Since I’ve researched the NAR’s infiltration into the church, I’m horrified at how much deception has spread so rapidly. Young people, sincerely seeking God, are being captured and led astray through music (Bethel, Jesus Culture, Upper Room, etc.) and the “sermons” without any reference to the Word of God. In the book that founds these cults, called “Culture of Honor,” they profess that we are all pigs who need a shower every Sunday so we can go out and wallow in the mud again. There is no conviction of sin, no repentance, and consequently no salvation. My heart is broken for them, especially because my own Cait has fallen into their deceptive trap. I’m praying for these kids to wake up before it’s too late.
Thank you for this great and informative post. It is very important that we be ready to give a defense of our beliefs and the story of our salvation. That’s what happened to me on Saturday night when two Mormon young men rang my doorbell. Fortunately, I understand what their religion teaches and was able to witness to them from their viewpoint. I witnessed with love and compassion, and they were very receptive. I think I’m on their training list because of several other talks we’ve had, lol. It’s good to be prepared with a list of points including scriptures for such unexpected visits.
Blessings to you, prayers for good health, and courage to make hard decisions regarding your ranching life. When it’s time, you’ll know. I hope I get out to see your cows before that time. 🙂
I couldn’t help but chuckle a bit as you share the story of the two young Mormon gentlemen who visited your home. I was reminded of why my adopted Mom kept a copy of the Bible on the back of the sofa near the front door. She was always prepared to defend the gospel of Christ to whomever crossed her path.
I’ll always remember a Saturday morning, which was Mom’s day off from the family service station. She used those mornings to clean our home, and had a standing hair appointment each afternoon. On this particular Saturday morning, I had to return home for something. While there, some ladies with the Jehovah Witnesses came to visit. My sweet mama, as hospitable as they came, invited them in and offered them coffee, tea, or a cold drink. She politely listened to them for a few minutes and then began making her way toward the sofa. I shouldn’t have, but I howled with laughter and shouted, “Come into my parlor said the spider to the fly” as I knew what about to happen. Mama wouldn’t let them get a word in edgewise for a full ten minutes.
When she finished, they took a deep breath, thanked her, and skedaddled out the door, and out of the neighborhood. Mama turned, smiled at me, and shewed me out of the house too.
J.D., I had no idea what was pictured in the photo 🙂 Wouldn’t have guessed hay hooks either 🙂 It’s been a few years that I have felt so burdened to pray for people to draw close (or closer) to the Lord. I have been so aware of the nearness of His return. Truly “We are closer today than we were yesterday.”
I will be praying for the Lord to guide you in your decision regarding the ranch. I will admit, I would miss all the ranching lessons you have brought to life. But I know the Lord will continue to use you, your words, your lessons, and your writing! I am so glad God brings His people together from all walks of life as we have so much we can learn from one another. You are a blessing, J.D.!
Thank you Ms. Joanne. Ranching has gotten more difficult for me, but God has also provided Mr. John, who has been such a great help with things. Honestly, I’m not sure which of us is blessing who.
I too have been greatly burdened of late for those who are yet lost to God. We can’t force them, we can’t convict them. All we can do is show them the benefits of having Him in our lives by the way we live each day, isn’t it? God’s blessings ma’am.
I didn’t know there were such things as boot hooks. But I am glad they were made for people who wear boots. 🙂
When we took care of my m-i-l, I was amazed at–and thankful for–all the devices available to help as we get older.
Someone once said good health is just the slowest way to die. No matter how long it takes and what state we’re in when our time comes, we all have to face the end of this existence. It’s so wise, and indeed vital, to make sure we’re prepared for that time.
Amen Ms. Barbara. However long God keeps us in this world, may our days bring Him glory and honor ma’am.
J.D.,
How I look forward to His shout from heaven calling the Bride home! Thank you for these heartfelt, true words, friend.
Blessings,
Tammy
Thank you Ms. Tammy. Always appreciate your encouraging words ma’am.
This is such a timely post, J.D. We need to wake up and sense the urgency of these days. I like the quote from your pastor. Each day we’re one step closer. Thanks!
Yes ma’am. We can’t know when, but we know with certainly it will happen. Until that day my friend. God’s blessings.
I’m ready! But, there’s so much work still to be done (not the saving kind of work, but the pointing to the Savior kind of work). Your words always do just that, Mr. J.D. Keep writing as long as you are able.
Now, when I first saw your photo of the book hooks, I thought they looked a lot like my husband’s meat hooks he uses when grilling. 🙂
Aww shucks. Thank you Ms. Sally. What a great point ma’am. We need to know, and do, our job, not God’s. LOL If Mr. Matheny has meat hooks like that to grill, I’ll be awaiting my invitation. I’ll bring a brisket. 😀
I had to laugh when I read your opening paragraphs. I desperately can relate over these past few months with my shoulder ailment, dancing heart rhythms, and multiple root canals! But we do what do, J.D. We press on. We will not be crushed. We find the positive in spite of the negative. Our season of life requires accommodation, so that’s what we finally resort to. Some things pass; others remain. But, praise the Lord, He never leaves us regardless. He sustains us through our weaknesses and inadequacies.
I cringed when I read your sentence about whether or not to sell the CrossDubya, but then breathed a sigh of relief when you determined not to do so. I love your honesty. We both write what we think in our heads. We both also often consider if today will be the day. I am proud to say, “I am ready.” C’mon, Lord Jesus. Make it soon. I’m tired of the world treating You with contempt.
Yes ma’am. I’m right there with you Ms. Karen. There are days when it might be tempting to sell the Cross-Dubya and just find a small home somewhere with very little maintenance and outdoor work. I could just wile away my days, dreamily creating prose. But the reality is, I’d be bored silly and wouldn’t get anything written because I would not have anything to write about. God put me here on the Cross-Dubya to be its caretaker and to learn in His classroom for me. Might life be easier? Maybe. Would it be as fulfilling? Not a chance. Until God moves me by releasing me from His callings upon my life, I’m not leaving until the rapture.