Journal of Joy ~ Lebanon, Tennessee ~ November 2003
11.04.2003, Monday ~ After overcoming a number of challenging circumstances, the flight departed through gate C-17 (Christ’s Victory), seat 20F (Redemption and Freedom) at 12:25 PM (Spiritual Authority and Forgiveness) and the plane cruised over America at 37,000 while I slept. We arrived safely in St. Paul, Minnesota for a plane change and I heard the Holy Spirit whisper loudly, “TURN TABLES” as I was walking through the airport praying for Minnesota. Flexibility was the key for the next flight - as we taxied onto the runway – the pilot announced a different flight pattern and a longer flight as there were thunder storms on the way to Nashville. We departed over thirty minutes late. During the flight, the storm subsided so we only arrived fifty-five minutes late, as they had revised the flight plan again during the flight. The Flight 1168 (Hebrews 11:6-8) with seat changes from 19F to 7F, the only factor that remained consistent on this flight was the airlines. It was a great parable to the life of one that belongs to CHRIST JESUS – HE never changes – yet we must always be flexible to move with HIM as the storms of life arrive unexpectedly.
As is the southern hospitality custom, Joyce welcomed me with a bouquet of fresh yellow roses and gifts, all prophetic and encouraging as is her nature. The Holy Spirit had given her the following Scriptures for my time in Lebanon, Tennessee: Psalm 92, along with...
Exodus 15:27, NASB, “Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters.”
Revelation 7:9, NASB, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands.”
I remain perpetually amazed by GOD’s attention to detail, although it seems ludicrous upon deeper reflection, as one may carefully observe and examine any portion of HIS creation and realize HE is a GOD of infinite detail. This is my 52nd year and in the upper room where I slept there were 52 palm trees on the bedspread. When I asked Joyce about the room, she said it was the LORD’s idea. Yes, I am at the place that HE has chosen for this time in my life. Tennessee is a place of the LORD’s oasis of Sabbath rest. As one who is extraordinarily task oriented, sometimes, I just need to leave home so that I will stop and rest. For this I am grateful!
11.05.2003, Tuesday ~ The day was spent in prayer, intercession and communion with my KING JESUS. I sensed HIS gentle refreshing wind around me. I soaked in HIS energy, strength, wisdom, knowledge, discernment and revelation. For this I give my utmost gratitude.
The news release of the day: The bill to end late term abortion was signed by President Bush. This is a huge victory. Praise GOD! The abortion law came into effect in 1973, thirty years later over forty million abortions. God forgive us. God heal our land.
11.06.2003, Wednesday ~ A second day of resting in HIS presence and I read Derek Prince’s book, They Shall Expel Demons. As one who is an avid reader and even more avid learner, it is common to see a book in my hands.
11.07.2003, Thursday ~ Friday held a delightful surprise as I was invited to go to Watertown to pray for a friend of DorotheLee, who is battling colon cancer (yes, she was healed and recovered over a season of time). When DorotheLee arrived, Melody and Marti were with her – the “M & M girls” from the Glory Ring Workshop in Old Hickory, Tennessee (2001). This was completely unexpected! I was overjoyed to see them again and have the rich opportunity to minister with them. The afternoon was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, much laughter, and much prayer.
11.08.2003, Friday ~ Lunar Eclipse (November 2003 held a lunar eclipse, a solar eclipse, meteor showers and sun spots as there is much activity in the heavens). Joyce and I drove to Watertown today to visit David. As we were walking into town, I inquired about the WWII planes flying overhead. David explained that it was a WWII reenactment which was a completely new experience to this Oregonian. As we walked along the bridge into town, a WWII tank rolled along beside us. Many people wore WWII uniforms and carried rifles, guns, ammunition from that era. They fired their weapons which made a horrendous noise. Amazed is the word! I am just completely amazed. In the enactment (role play), the city of Watertown represented a small French town that the Germans had overtaken. The Americans were coming in to set the captives free.
Joyce, David and I then walked over to the antique car show display. Amidst the rows of antiques cars was my “first car” a 1969 four-door, black Ford Fairlane. Somehow, I did not view myself or that era as being that long ago. Have I become an antique? I find it fascinating that our souls remain youthful as our spirits develop for eternal purpose, while our physical bodies slowly change over the span of our lives.
As we drove back to Lebanon, I was musing before the LORD about the WWII reenactment….is that what I do PAPA? Do I keep fighting wars that are over? Do I play them out in my mind over and over and over? Is it because I haven’t forgiven? Is it because I won’t let go? Is it because I am still trying to understand the why of it all? Is it because I am purposing to learn from my mistakes? Is it because I need life to be peaceful and settled? Does any of it really matter since JESUS has already won the victory hasn’t HE? My prayer is that each one that knows JESUS CHRIST as their personal LORD and SAVIOR will discontinue all reenactments and trust HIS VICTORY on the CROSS to be more than enough! The war is over move forward!
In the evening, we worshiped at River of Faith Church. After the worship and preaching, I was given an opportunity to share about HIS Glory Ring Ministries. The Holy Spirit opened up HIS gates and released prophetic words to many in attendance. I was surprised to find myself his vessel of encouragement, but then it is so like HIM. It was a delightful time of HIS presence, joy and peace.
11.09.2003, Saturday ~ We went over to visit Jerry and Mary and enjoyed a lovely afternoon of worshiping our KING JESUS. Kathie came down from Lafayette to join us. It was a sweet reunion as Joyce, Kathie and Mary visited Oregon this last July to share at our HIS Glory Reigns Worship Gathering in Gresham. Only GOD’s orchestration brings such beautiful harmonious music to one’s soul and spirit.
11.10.2003, Sunday ~ Beginnings and ending are not natural to me, and I find saying farewell to anyone difficult. Even though through faith and intellect, I know our relationships are eternal through the resurrection and ascension of Christ, I find myself in tears more times than not. Joyce took me to the airport and gratefully, the flight home had no delays, seat changes, gate changes, lost luggage or other airport maladies. We arrived at PDX at 8:00 PM, I am missing Tennessee already. I am purposing to convince myself these must be tears of joy upon arriving home in Gresham to my tiny 600 square-foot, one-bedroom apartment and not tears of sadness upon missing Tennessee.
Giving thanks to ABBA ADONAI for HIS gracious provision, blessings, favor, kindness, signs, wonders and miracles!