Thanksgiving 2024

Featured / humblevalleyranch / 5 Comments

In 2004, GOD led me to invite people I knew to come to my apartment for Thanksgiving. They were welcome for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — whatever worked for them. This way, they’d have a place to go. Then, GOD provided for me to buy the ingredients to make the food for those who would come. I was a bit concerned because my table had four chairs, I had a stool and my office chair. How was I to seat everyone? Well, it turns out, I never had more than six people at a time. And I was never alone during the day. Some people would arrive as other people were leaving. And I did not run out of food, and I was not overwhelmed with a bunch of leftovers either!

A Heart for giving people a place to be for Thanksgiving

And so it began, my heart for giving people a place to be for Thanksgiving. I did this again in 2005. I also continued in 2006 while I could still afford to live in an apartment in the Bay Area. It wasn’t until 2014 that GOD laid it on my heart again. I approached the lead pastor at my church. I asked if I could host a meal there for those who did not have a place to go. We had 17 people that year.

In 2015 I had just gotten out of the hospital, so the church’s “men’s house” hosted the night before Thanksgiving.
In 2016, we had 24 people.
In 2017, we had 23 people.
In 2018, we had 41 people.
In 2019, we had 42 people.
In 2020, COVID happened so no gatherings.
In 2021 and 2022, we had a big “Thanksgiving” potluck at the church on Sunday instead of on Thanksgiving day.
And in 2023, “We had 46 people at the church for Thanksgiving dinner + 5 others who came just to play some games and eat appetizers.”, I announced on our church Facebook page.

Thanksgiving 2024

Wow oh Wow! This year, Thanksgiving wasn’t even on my radar. I didn’t pray about whether to have Thanksgiving dinner at church or not. At one point, I spoke to a lady from the Care Team at church. I asked if they were interested in helping with it again. She said that another lady from the Care Team and our lead pastor had already been talking about it. The Care Team agreed to step up if I was willing to host it again this year.

Sign-ups start

The first week, sign-ups were slow. We had about 20 people signed up by the second week and hardly anyone was bringing food.

I am not eating turkey anymore because I found that most meat causes higher pain levels for me. So was asking GOD if I should cook the turkeys again this year or if I should do something else. The second Sunday, one of the ladies who had signed up the week before asked me, “What can I help you purchase?” I asked her if she wanted to buy the turkey. She said, “only if we buy it at Harry’s Hofbrau!” I was taken a little aback. “You mean, already baked???”, I asked. She said, “Of course, I’m not going to buy a turkey you have to cook!” Unfortunately, Harry’s Hofbrau no longer had turkeys available, so I searched online for other restaurants and some stores. I had her on the phone as I searched and thought we were buying from one store. I put one pre-baked turkey in my “cart”. She then asked about another store. I looked there, but I was going to have to go in-person to buy it. So, I went back to the original store and put a turkey in my cart because nothing was showing. Then at the checkout, there were suddenly two pre-baked turkeys. I went to take one out and she asked the cost. I let her know and she said, “I will just get two!” Yay JESUS! I was excited that I was not going to have to bake a turkey.

This year is going to be bigger than past years!

The third week, we had 10 more sign up. I found out that our Spanish church plant had 30 people coming. We were suddenly at 60 people. The most I have ever hosted were 46 people! In the past, I would have been stressed out. BUT GOD has given me an overwhelming peace. I feel an excitement this year. I was to trust Him, no matter what!

Sign-ups for food have been slower than the sign-ups for people coming, which has caused some concern to the team. Again, in the past, I would have been stressed. But this year I have an overwhelming confidence. I know that GOD will supply. He may even need to miraculously multiply the food. (I have seen it happen!)

Even before I knew that 60 people would be signing up, I had decided I would make 72 deviled eggs. They always get eaten and sometimes people at the back of the line don’t get one. Another lady asked what she could pay for. I asked her if she wanted to buy the eggs, so she paid for the eggs. I got 5 dozen at Costco. I figured that my Care Provider could help me make them. But then, another lady also signed up for deviled eggs. I asked her if she’d be willing to make 72 if I gave her the eggs. And she was willing to do that, so I did not have to make deviled eggs, though I did make 24, just in case.

By the week of Thanksgiving, we had sign-ups for two pre-baked turkeys and a ham. We also had 75 tamales and a roasted chicken. Additionally, we had all the sides and desserts. Ten more people signed up. Seventy people signed up to join us for dinner. I also had about six or so people say they might be there. I felt we would have enough food. GOD has always provided enough food plus leftovers for people to take home!

On Monday before Thanksgiving, we had 79 signed up to attend the dinner. I texted back and forth with one of the ladies from the Care Team about food. She was concerned we didn’t have enough turkey and her mom’s caregiver was looking into trying to find another one. I told her that I wasn’t concerned about it and not to worry about it. We would make do, there would be much fewer leftovers to give out, but it was ok.

Around 5 pm, I got a group text from the lady I had been texting with. “Guess what I just won?”. I jokingly texted, “a turkey?” She responded with a picture of a Thanksgiving giveaway contest for a complete holiday turkey dinner. “I entered late yesterday just on a whim and just got notified a little while ago that I won! Whole meal!” Then, “So, I’m contributing that to Thursday! Picking it up at Lunardi’s Thursday morning.” I text back, “I knew GOD was going to provide enough food! HE IS SO AWESOME! Thank you for sharing.”

I laughed and cried at the same time after I reread her text. I looked multiple times at the contest she had entered. She said that when she entered it that she thought there was no way she would win, but if she did that, she would bring it to the dinner at the church.

Soon after her texts, another text came in that two hams were purchased instead of one. Yay JESUS!

Make it 100 people!

The day before Thanksgiving, I got a clear message from GOD. We would feed 100. I wasn’t supposed to say anything to anyone. This was confirmed when the ladies putting together the plasticware said they made 100 sets. That’s also the day I found out that the dinner was posted online for people to see.

I was getting a little bit stressed by then. I did not feel I was a good hostess for the 46 who came the year before. I’d rather be in the kitchen getting stuff ready for the meal! I really needed GOD’s peace to move forward.

GOD showing up and showing off!

We still needed food – especially if we were going to feed 100 people! BUT GOD showed up and showed off!! I got a text from our lead pastor’s wife who bought extra food and left it at the church. Then about 2:40 pm, I was told to “come look what that family brought”. They apparently are caterers. They brought a whole beef brisket. They also brought 8 large pans filled with scalloped potatoes, sweet potato pie, and other food! One woman, who was possibly homeless, found us online. She brought a bag full of things that she personally microwaved at the church. She put out green beans, some nacho cheese, and some other items on the tables. (Reminds me of the widow in one of JESUS’ stories who brought all that she had, a widow’s mite, and gave more than all the rich people!)

I’m not going to tell you it was a perfect evening. The team butted heads often, we were “short staffed” and unorganized. There was no one to greet the people formerly or to make people feel welcomed. We had a breaker trip which slowed the warming process down – A LOT!

LOOK FOR THE GOOD

It’s easy to go on with the negative, BUT GOD is teaching me to look at the good. A woman who came with her daughter not only asked how she could help, but she also told me that her church does similar type dinners. She gave me some wonderful tips on how to better organize the volunteers if we have another dinner like this. The people were very hungry because of the delayed meal. Still, they were pleasant and seemed to be enjoying themselves talking amongst each other. One of my friends encouraged me to sit and eat. She told me to “go rest now” as she took pictures for me. Then her family got up together to help serve dessert.

Also, GOD granted me freedom from the migraine that was causing dizziness and nausea. I had mostly low pain while I was moving. I did not cry like I thought I would. For the most part, I had peace through the day.

When I got home, I told GOD that I did not want to do this again. It’s too much for me and our team is way too small to do all the work for this event. I complained about the things I saw that were missing in my skills. And I also complained to Him about how I felt things were missing at our Thanksgiving dinner.

In His grace, He let me see that He was pleased with the work. He was happy with the meal that was shared. He saw the faith our little team had to let me lead them. He saw the faith and trust that I had in Him. I knew He would provide, even when there would be more people to feed than we had food for.

Counting the people

From what I can tell from the pictures, 98 people attended the church for Thanksgiving dinner. And one hundred people were fed. This count includes one person who came just to get food for two others. They would have been at the dinner if his wife had not gotten ill.

GOD is not looking for us to have it all together. He is looking for those who have His heart for the lonely, the homeless, the family who doesn’t have enough money for a nice holiday meal, for the single who doesn’t have a family to be with, and for those who just want to be known and loved. I have a heart to give people a place to be for Thanksgiving. I’m not wonderfully skilled at the details of everything. And I have a few people working with me who have hearts to see others succeed in their GOD goals. That’s the kind of people GOD is looking for. So we were chosen. And I was extremely blessed to be part of GOD’s heart to feed 100 people for Thanksgiving 2024!

How have you been a part of doing the work of GOD’s heart in 2024?

What seeds of faith am I planting?

Featured / humblevalleyranch / Leave a comment

Recently, I became a co-admin of a seed library and found out that I would be planting seeds in order to have plants to sell as a fund-raising plant sale. My prayer for this started last year.

I was told that the seed library was receiving only 1/4 of the money raised at the plant sell and I became somewhat righteously angry. I started praying that if it be GOD’s will, that I would be able to donate plants towards the sell so that they would get 100% of the money raised. I was just thinking about a couple of dozen plants.

In March I was talking to the seed library lead and she was telling me that many of the plants that were started earlier in the year had been tossed around by the wind and were not going to make it for the sale. So I was given the “go-ahead” to grow some seeds for the sale. Reminder, I was only thinking a couple dozen plants. However, GOD’s plans are not our plans. I’d been given some Amazon gift cards for a class I took, so found myself looking at gardening supplies….and bought a 40 pack of twelve 1″x1″ square (40*12=480) peat planters. Plus I already had about 60 peat cups. So, I started planted seeds in 540 peat cups! Now mind you, just because you plant a seed doesn’t mean it will sprout or become a plant.

However, GOD’s plans are not our plans. I’d been given some Amazon gift cards for a class I took, so found myself looking at gardening supplies….and bought a 40 pack of twelve 1″x1″ square (40*12=480) peat planters.

Have you ever asked GOD to use something you are doing in the physical for the spiritual good?

As I was planting the physical seeds, I started praying that God would use the seeds that I was planting to bear spiritual fruit.

“ABBA FATHER LORD JESUS HOLY SPIRIT thank You that You are able to use what we do in the physical in spiritual ways. Physical seeds can be spiritual seeds planted! LORD remind us of this and empower us to sow generously in all we do.”

PLANT GENEROUSLY

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (TPT) “Here’s my point. A stingy sower will reap a meager harvest, but the one who sows from a generous spirit will reap an abundant harvest. Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty. Let it spring up freely from the joy of giving—all because God loves hilarious generosity!”

The Aramaic can be translated “the one who sows with a storehouse of seed” (remaining). This describes a farmer who is stingy with his sowing since he has a storehouse of seed he can afford to sow liberally.

All throughout scriptures, we see both natural and spiritual implications of this cycle.

NATURAL: if you plant a few seeds, you will reap a small harvest. If you plant hundreds or thousands of seeds, you will reap a large harvest.

SPIRITUAL: When we “plant” our time, money, talent, and energy into the Kingdom of GOD we are investing in Him and His plan – and He can certainly multiply our efforts.

Some of the seeds just did not come up, they composted (become soil again) or were no longer viable. Which surprised me, because I soaked all the seeds before I planted them (and they passed the viability test).

Some of the seeds became seedlings but either got too cold, too hot or munched by bugs.

And some seeds were slow in coming up because we had an unseasonably cold spring this year. These were brand new seedlings for the sale, so few were sold.

A lot of the seeds became seedlings and thrived to become plants ready to be sold.

Because of all the variables above (becoming compost, dying plants, slow germination), if I would have been stingy in sowing, I wouldn’t have had near as many plants I ended up with.

We shouldn’t give to get though, we are to sow with the right heart. I was not growing plants for me to receive money or acknowledgement, I was growing plants because I desired to see the seed library succeed in their plant sale, so they could succeed in their mission…and praying that GOD would use it to plant spiritual seeds in the community.

Proverbs 11:18 (BSB) The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.

Hosea 10:12 (HCSB) Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your unplowed ground. It is time to seek the Lord until He comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain.

I read this verse several days before the plant sale. I prayed that GOD would break up the unplowed land of our hardened hearts and to plant righteousness and faithful love. Before that, we had A LOT of rain and no more was expected for the season. In fact, it was unseasonably warm, in the upper 80’s and 90’s.

I was getting some signs printed for the plant sale at a store. I was talking with one employee and when she briefly walked away, I started fanning my face and another employee (who was busy with another customer, leaned over to me and said, “you know it’s going to rain next week!?!”

I laughed! I had not prayed the rest of the verse! “LORD, please send Your righteousness upon us like rain!” It not only rained one day, but on and off for a week!

WHAT ARE YOU CULTIVATING IN YOUR LIFE?

What am I cultivating in my life? Am I cultivating weeds of worldliness or a relationship with GOD? Cultivating a relationship with GOD will bear the fruit of the SPIRIT .

Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

The Sunday before the plant sale, I was writing my prayer request for the plant sale “Please pray that GOD will use the seeds I have planted physically for a spiritual harvest.” As I wrote, the person speaking just happened to read from First Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 36-9 (GNT) I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow. The one who plants and the one who waters really do not matter. It is God who matters, because he makes the plant grow. There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters; God will reward each one according to the work each has done. For we are partners working together for God, and you are God’s field.

It gave me great joy, belief and hope that He indeed was hearing my prayers and was already answering them.

I had well over 500 plants by the time the plant sale came. We raised over $700 and somehow I had well over 200 plants left. I know GOD was the One Who brought the success of the plant sale. And I believe that He is growing the spiritual seeds planted into a harvest for His Kingdom purposes.

Ask yourself, “How am I sowing spiritual seeds in my life and the lives of others? What types of seeds am I planting? Am I trusting God will multiply my efforts when I have harvested in his kingdom with the right heart?

Take some time today to reflect on what you’re planting and reaping and ask God to direct your steps.

Please let me know what GOD shows you, what you are sowing into His Kingdom as well as what harvest you see Him bring in through your planting and watering

The power of GOD’s Word, truth over deception

May 7, 2024September 23, 2024 / humblevalleyranch / 3 Comments

Have you ever found out that you were deceived in an area (or more than one area) of your life?

When I first became a Christian, I was so hungry for the Word of GOD. I read it and read it. It was like fresh bread that I was devouring. Yet even though I was in the Word, I had areas in my life where I was greatly deceived.

I believed that a certain guy was to be my husband. And I was fixated on him coming into my life. I even wrote him a very long letter and sent it to him – and then waited for him to come into my life. I was positive that eventually he would.

Now I look back and I see how sick it was, how sick I was! Above all, I was super deceived about what the truth was. And instead of letting GOD’s Word wash over me and bring truth, I continued to believe the lie and I made it my truth.

Above all, I was super deceived about what the truth was. And instead of letting GOD’s Word wash over me and bring truth, I continued to believe the lie and I made it my truth.

Even a year ago, I would not have been able to confess that on my blog because I was so embarrassed about it. And I thought people would judge me and maybe even push me out of their lives. But more and more, I am understanding that the enemy doesn’t want us to confess our sins to others because then he can continue to control us with the lie.

Have you ever found out that you were deceived in an area (or more than one area) of your life?

How did I get free? At one point, I was so broken that I started praying for GOD to reveal truth to me. I asked Him to break down the lies and bring truth and light into the dark places of my heart, mind and soul. I started fasting and praying. I started worshipping GOD and seeking to know Him. And little by little, as I did, I started to have His peace that surpasses all understanding. He started shedding light on the truth.

I confessed my sins over and over because I thought I was the worst of all sinners. And He showed me His grace. He showed me that “All have sinned and fall short (they missed the perfect mark) of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23). In other words, we all miss His mark and standard. I repented and received His forgiveness. I stopped speaking the lie and eventually stopped believing the lie.

I learned that the tongue has the power of good and evil. What we speak over and over becomes what we believe in our hearts. And when we are deceived, only the truth will set us free.

John 8:30-31 says, “So JESUS said to the Jews who had believed in Him, ‘If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

What I learned is that we can have a lot of Bible knowledge and not have a healthy relationship with GOD and others. If we are pushing our own way and our own agenda, trying to manipulate people into doing what we want, causing pain and heartache to others, and/or dwelling on and speaking/believing something other than what GOD’s Word says (or know people who are doing these things), we need to be asking GOD to reveal truth, to illuminate the lies, and to set us, and others free from deception.

I am also learning that it’s important to ask GOD, “What is truth?” regularly. Because we are sinful, we can easily be ensnared in the lies of the enemy. And I think we all have areas in our lives where we have traded the truth of GOD for a lie.

;BuT GOD…GOD is Sovereign, In Control, ALL-Knowing, ALL-Powerful, and He desires for us to walk in truth, so He is ready to help us when we seek Him.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that set itself up against the knowledge of GOD, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5). GOD and His Word is powerful to break the power of deception and sin when we speak it over our lives.

Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the GOD of peace will be with you.”

GOD wants us to be freed from damaging lies.

I challenge you to ask GOD, “What things am I (or others) speaking and believing that are not true?” Ask GOD to reveal the truth and to illuminate the lies in your life and in others’ lives too.

Sometimes we have to be completely broken before we will willingly ask GOD to reveal the truth. Be open to GOD and trust Him. Don’t be ashamed to seek help from a trusted friend or mentor.

GOD wants us to be freed from damaging lies. Be willing to fast and pray for breakthrough. Persevere in seeking GOD through His Word and praying for Him to illuminate deception for what it is.

‘If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

I pray that we will know the truth and that the truth will set us free so that we will be the people GOD created us to be to the fullest.

GOD Ran to reunite one with the community

March 1, 2024November 30, 2024 / humblevalleyranch / Leave a comment

The church where I attend started a new sermon series on prayer last week. One thing that really stood out to me was a question our pastor asked, “Do you pray to get to know GOD or just give Him your list?” Ouch 🤕! So, this week I have been asking GOD to show me something new about Himself.

Earlier this week it came to me that He is ALL the things I speak: He is Creator of everything, He is Sustainer of ALL things, He is All-powerful, He is Sovereign, He is in control, He is Eternal, He is Healer, He is Provider, He is Mighty…and so MUCH more! AND this is the GOD Who lives in me and in you, if you have received JESUS as your LORD and Savior.

This should not be new to me. It causes a new awe in me. And I just thought to ask Him, What does that mean? How should that change things for me and for others.

The other thing I learned last night as I was watching “When strivings cease” session 3. Ruth was reading the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) and talking about it.

I have heard about how the father must have habitually looked for the son because he saw the son while he “was still a long way off” and the father “filled with compassion, ran out to his son” (Luke 15:20). In JESUS’ time, it was a shameful thing for a man to lift his robes to run.

I had never really thought about the fact that the father ran because he knew if someone else met the son first, he would be publicly humiliated for shaming his family. It would have been shocking to everyone for the father to run to this son.

I didn’t know that a custom in JESUS’ day was, if a son lost his inheritance to Gentiles, and if he dared return to the community, the people would meet him at the gate with a vase. The vase would be thrown down so that it broke into many pieces to represent the guilt and shame – and the broken relationship – not just to the family, but also to the community. So the son would be basically excommunicated from the community.

The father in JESUS’ story saw the son from afar and ran to meet him. The father didn’t just want to mend a relationship with himself, but he wanted to mend the relationship with the community too! WHOA!!

This is SOOOOOO JESUS, SOOOO GOD! He didn’t just send JESUS to repair the relationship between Himself and man, but to repair the relationships between people. He desires us to love GOD with all our hearts, minds and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

JESUS was and is in the process of rescuing and restoring everything. He loves us so MUCH!

It’s so exciting to learn new things about GOD. I challenge you, if all your prayers to GOD are to go to Him with a list, spend the next week seeking GOD to know something new about Himself.

AND please share with me what He shows you!

GOD bless you supernaturally as you seek to know Him more.

Explore big questions about GOD and more

October 1, 2023November 11, 2023 / humblevalleyranch / Leave a comment

Check out ExploreGOD.com/BayArea

My favorite Word?

September 14, 2023 / humblevalleyranch / Leave a comment

What’s your favorite word?

Fathom!

Ephesians 3:20 Amplified version says: “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us”

Superabundantly more than all we dare to ask or think!

Infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes or dreams!

GOD’s imagination and creative power is greater than we could ever Fathom!

What’s your favorite Word and why?

Journaling

March 22, 2023May 22, 2023 / humblevalleyranch / 4 Comments

I didn’t realize that I have not added a new blog since last May! Crazy!

I seemed to have lost most of January and February of this year with Covid, bowel obstruction, minor eye surgery and minor flood in the house I live in! Interestingly, while I had Covid, I was reading about GOD’s goodness and love. In my desperation, I asked Him to “prove it”! And with each new thing, He proved to me a little bit more of His goodness and love.

I have been journaling again this year. I’d like to share what I have written.

Romans 5:6-8 (NIV) “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly (that’s us!). Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. BUT GOD demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

1 Yochanan (1 John) 1:9 (CJB) “If we acknowledge our sins, then, since He is trustworthy and just, He will forgive then and purify us from all wrongdoing.”

GOD’s MORAL STANDARD

Every human has sinned (except for Jesus). We’ve fallen short of GOD’s moral standard. “Sin” is an archery term which means “missing the mark”. None of us hit the bullseye, even when we are doing what we think is good and right, because none of us can live a perfect life. And missing the mark of GOD’s moral standard, sinning, separates us from GOD. That is, we can not have a right relationship with Him with sin in our lives.

BUT GOD…was not willing for us to be forever separated from Him! Jesus came, born of The Spirit and a virgin that He would be 100% GOD and 100% man – He lived a sinless, perfect life – He died a criminals death, even though He had not sinned. He took the sin of the world – from Adam to the last man – all our past, present and future sin – upon Himself on the cross. He died and was buried. Then on the third day, by the power of The Holy Spirit, He rose to life.

He was our “guilt offering”, the Lamb of GOD who takes away the sin of the world! All we have to do is, by faith believe in Jesus, receive Him and the work He has done for us on the cross then live in right relationship with GOD through Jesus.

Our forgiveness is not based on our faithfulness or goodness, it’s based on GOD’s faithfulness and His goodness. We can trust Him to forgive us and purify us from everything that keeps us from Him. In Christ Jesus, we are free from the guilt and shame of not living to GOD’s standard. His forgiveness should empower us to continue to live closely to Him, following His Word and being faithful to GOD.

Have you believed in Jesus? Have you received Him and the Work He has done for you on the cross? If not, it’s not too late. All you have to do is to call out to Him. Ask Him for faith to believe and to empower you to receive Him into your life as well as the ability to turn from your sin towards GOD. He is faithful and He will help you to do this. In fact, is anxiously awaits your call to Him.

Prayer: GOD, I confess that I have not always been the person You have created me to be. I sometimes fail to love You with my whole heart, mind and soul. I don’t always love my neighbor as You love them. Please forgive me. Please give me faith to believe Your Word and to receive Jesus as my LORD and Savior. Empower me to receive Him into my life and heart. Help me to repent, to turn from my sin and turn towards You. GOD transform my heart and renew my mind so that I can draw closer to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen

You might ask, “Why are you journaling about this if you have already made JESUS your LORD and Savior?”

I have been journaling about the Scriptures I read each day, so this has been what I have been writing about. Also, I believe that there is an urgency for this good news, the Gospel, to be known and received by those who have either not known about it or those who have read about it but refuse to believe.

GOD wants everyone to come to Him. He desires every person to choose Him. So, I am journaling about it and sharing it on here because, like GOD, I desire for you to choose Him too.

Please pray and ask GOD to reveal truth to you in such a way that you no longer doubt or disbelieve. Your eternity hangs on your choice!

How is GOD using the fire and storms in your life?

May 10, 2022March 18, 2023 / humblevalleyranch / Leave a comment

I’m not exactly sure when it was, but for a period of time, I kept finding myself reading verses in the Bible about being in the fire or storm. Daniel 3:9-30, Isaiah 43:1-5, Matthew 8:23-27, the book of Job and others. I’m not sure what I thought at the time, but looking back, I can see that GOD wanted to prepare me that I would be going into the fire…a hot 🥵🔥 one!

Since October 22, 2015 I feel like I have been in the fire. That is on-going pain from surgery with no answers to why, spinal pain which was in the 7-8/10 pain levels for several years (as well as occasionally now, but regularly around 4-6/10 pain levels), for several years inability to get regular sleep, doctors unwilling to help, insurance denials, workplace falsely accusing me of theft, loss of beloved animals, mental breakdown, weakness in my legs taking my freedom to drive, autoimmune disease, noise/light/smell sensitivities, depression, migraine headaches…

; BUT GOD has been faithful throughout. Majority of the verses I continued to see over and over were about being in a fire or storm, BUT most importantly the verses were about WHO IS WITH US WHEN WE GO THROUGH THE FIRE OR THE STORM!

Isaiah 43:1-5 -But now thus says the LORD, He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your GOD, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.

Remember Shadrach Meshach and Abednego; GOD didn’t put out the fire, in fact, the fire was stoked seven times hotter! ;BUT GOD was in the fire with them. It’s not about GOD putting out the fires, it’s about who is in the fire with you.

In Matthew 8:23-27, the One who controls all things, including the weather, was in the boat with the disciples. JESUS calmed the storm with a Word.

For just over six and a half years, I have been in what feels like a fire that’s gotten a little bit hotter over time. I’ve learned that the key to not fearing is to know that GOD is with us through it.

I have also started to see that going through the fire is about healing and restoration. This happens when we surrender every aspect of the fires and storms to GOD and allow Him to use it for our good.

Today it occurred to me that maybe GOD wants to use the fires in our lives to give others life. I was reading a devotional about “heaping coals on the heads of our enemies” and remembered that in the past it was a blessing to give someone a hot coal. It meant they would be able to warm their house, cook food, warm water for drinks and baths, etc.

I’m not quite sure what it would look like to use the fire I am in to give life to others. Maybe instead of just existing in the fires we are in, we can look outside of our fires to encourage others who are going through it and we can pray for others asking GOD to show Himself in their fire.

How is GOD using the fires and/or storms in your life? What is He teaching you? Please let me know in the comment section.

Despite the fires in my life, I desire to see the Church, the Bride of Christ, united together in love. I desire to see the Bay Area to become the Valley of GOD’s Heart’s Delight. I’m not sure how I can be part of this, other than prayer, but I am at least asking GOD to use me.

I pray that GOD will show Himself faithful to you. I pray that GOD will show you, that even though your fire might be getting hotter or that your boat is about to be overtaken by waves, He is with you, He is for you and He is in control of the fires and storms. I pray that GOD will empower you to stop crying out to be saved from the fire and the storm to see that you are safe in the fire and the storm BECAUSE HE IS WITH YOU. I pray that GOD will encourage you, strengthen you and show you purpose inside the fire and storm. I pray that GOD will remove all hopelessness, anxiety, fear, dejectedness, etc and give you His peace that surpasses all understanding to guard your heart and mind. I pray that GOD will soften any part of your heart and mind that has become hardened because of the fire and storm. And I pray that GOD will renew your love for Him, allow a fire to burn inside your heart and that He will show you new purpose. May He build something beautiful from the ashes, bringing healing and restoration in and through your life because of what you are going through.

Waiting for an answer – steps of faith to a sacrifice.April 9, 2015
For awhile now I’ve been getting email updates from my friend Hilda asking me to pray for her husband Lupe’s health. He’s had some liver issues so has had to get regular testing. Now he has liver cancer and had hoped to get on a list for a liver to be donated. Unfortunately, there are … Continue reading Waiting for an answer – steps of faith to a sacrifice.
Counting the cost – more steps of faith to a sacrificeSeptember 2, 2015
Have you ever been asked to weigh the costs of a decision? Maybe you have tried to weigh or count the cost of getting married, or having a child, or buying a home, or becoming a follower of Christ? I haven’t posted since April 9, 2015 because I have been in wait mode as far … Continue reading Counting the cost – more steps of faith to a sacrifice
Up the Ante – even more steps of faith to a sacrifice!September 14, 2015
Is there a blockade trying to stop me – trying to take steps toward a sacrificeOctober 2, 2015
It’s so weird what goes through my head sometimes. Is it just me or does God use the things we’ve had around us in our life times to speak to us? I would feel like it were more from Him if it were something from the Bible. But then, Satan knows God’s Word and can … Continue reading Is there a blockade trying to stop me – trying to take steps toward a sacrifice
Easy Butternut squash ravioliSeptember 6, 2016
I am so excited! I made butternut squash ravioli yesterday…and they actually look like ravioli. I have not tasted them yet…so maybe I should not be so excited. I found the idea for the recipe online. I like to tweak recipes most of the time and sometimes it works. The original called for Mascapone cheese, … Continue reading Easy Butternut squash ravioli
War Room party plans – shhhh! ConfidentialSeptember 6, 2016
I am so excited that I get to host a War Room viewing party for the ladies in my Bible study group this week. Wow, I use “excited” a lot! Is it proper to say, “I am inspirited to host a War Room Viewing party”??? Please leave me a comment below. I have wanted to … Continue reading War Room party plans – shhhh! Confidential
War Room Viewing PartySeptember 8, 2016
I am so INSPIRITED that I got to have a War Room viewing Party! I decided that I use the word “excited” way too often, so I came up with a new phrase, “I am so Inspirited…!” Maybe it will become the new craze. Then I can say that I was ahead of the curve … Continue reading War Room Viewing Party
Making Kingdom use of the timeSeptember 8, 2016
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Today I was reminded of something I prayed the other day. I am so tired of wasting my time on Facebook, playing games, looking at the guys on Christian Mingle, reading the funny pages…etc! I want to be using my time … Continue reading Making Kingdom use of the time
Attempt, not success but not failure!September 15, 2016
I am not sure why I named this what I did. Interestingly, I had a Bible verse come to mind as I typed the title: Proverbs 24:16 “For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; But the wicked are overthrown by calamity.” I have a confession to make. I am addicted to MyCupCakeAddiction. … Continue reading Attempt, not success but not failure!
Lessons from a sacrificeSeptember 19, 2016
Well, donating 60% of my liver was much, much different from what I thought it would be. I had done A LOT of research, I had gone through several rounds of explanation of what was to be expected from all levels of my medical team and even read a lot of stories from people who had … Continue reading Lessons from a sacrifice
Up for a Baking ChallengeOctober 2, 2016
I enjoy a good challenge every once in a while. Do you? Around November of last year a friend and I were out shopping when we came across a kit to make a pineapple upside down cake. I looked at the ingredients and didn’t know what a lot of them were so I put it … Continue reading Up for a Baking Challenge
The God of 10 cars (and more)October 16, 2016
In early 2015, my Mom offered $6000 towards a new to me vehicle, not to fix current vehicle or to have the cash but for her to wire the money to a dealer. My car at the time was a 1999 Volkswagen Passat. I had bought it with 4 miles on it in June of … Continue reading The God of 10 cars (and more)
Just being myselfOctober 30, 2016
One year I worked for a non-profit agency that had yearly fundraisers. The year I worked for them, they decided they wanted to hire a clown to be at the fundraising event. But they were unable to find one. I let my boss know that I was willing to be a clown at the event because … Continue reading Just being myself
The enemy’s Hand has been overturned!November 7, 2016
I don’t usually read prophecies but for a few weeks have been getting daily email from Spirit Fuel. Today I just read the title and it spoke to me, “The Enemy’s Hand Has Been Overturned!” I read what Edie Bayer had to say and it was different from what is in my head. She talked … Continue reading The enemy’s Hand has been overturned!
Christmas Baking Already! Yes!November 15, 2016
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…..well, I usually don’t think that way about this time of the year, but this year I do! A friend of mine got a Kitchen Aide at a fraction of the price and decided to invite some ladies over to her place to make Christmas cookies the first … Continue reading Christmas Baking Already! Yes!
Challenging you to create a PsalmNovember 16, 2016
At the beginning of August, I started reading a Psalm a day. Weeks before, I was asking God to increase my confidence in Him. I decided to use an older Bible that I had not used in a while and when I turned to Psalm 1, I read many notes that I had written in … Continue reading Challenging you to create a Psalm
This is the end….December 1, 2016
Ok, so you are probably wondering why I put a funny cheese commercial at the beginning of this blog post. Well, it’s kind of long story. So, my short-term disability ran out on October 21, 2016. I thought I was going to be getting a fantastic job, but not quite sure if I was ready … Continue reading This is the end….
On With the New….January 4, 2017
Wow, it’s been a month since I have written a blog! I have much happen, so I am surprised I have not written! Oh well… I was going to Nova Job Center throughout the spring and summer of 2016 but for some reason my badge was no longer valid which meant that I had to … Continue reading On With the New….
Handy PrayerFebruary 2, 2017
I was watching a video recently where the pastor was encouraging people to pray for breakthrough (as well as to fast from meats, sweets and breads for a period of 21 days). What struck me was the way the pastor was encouraging the people to pray. Here is a handy way to remember how to … Continue reading Handy Prayer
Encouraged to Write another PsalmMarch 19, 2017
I have been enjoying the “Sweeter Than Honey study of the Psalms” in Bible Study. Last Fall we were challenged to write a Psalm. I drew a picture but I also wrote a Psalm. This year we were encouraged to once again write a Psalm, but this time, we were given full reign to make … Continue reading Encouraged to Write another Psalm
Waiting on God was worth it….May 30, 2017
Oh my goodness, it’s been two months since I was on here! I am still in school at De Anza College getting my Accounting certificate. I am in my second of four quarters, well God-willing I will be able to finish in a year. It’s been 19 months since I donated 60% of my liver … Continue reading Waiting on God was worth it….
Wow, forgot to add something!May 30, 2017
Not sure how I forgot to add this, but I did (blame the pain medicine I guess!). When I posted the video from Encouraged to Write another Psalm, at the end I mentioned that I was expecting to get a van given to me by a friend during the summer and was just looking to see … Continue reading Wow, forgot to add something!
Are you wondering if you should pray???August 3, 2017
In early July I got a nudge to pray for the local airports – specifically that there wouldn’t be any accidents in the air or on the ground. A thought flashed through my head of a plane landing in San Francisco just shy of the runway and lives lost. I prayed right then that there … Continue reading Are you wondering if you should pray???
What’s Your SuperPower?July 9, 2018
Have you ever thought about what your superpower would be? I thought it might be cool to be like Jesus and be able to read people’s thoughts (Matthew 9:4, Luke 5:22). Or maybe to be able to be like something my Grandpa used to say, “I’d love to have been a fly on the wall
In GOD’S StrengthJuly 4, 2019
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 The Message “I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size — abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ … Continue reading In GOD’S Strength
THROUGH FIRE AND DELAYAugust 21, 2019
Have you ever felt like you were studying for a test through the things that repeat over and over during a week or season? This past week, I was starting to get that feeling through the repetition in the devotionals, sermons, verses, and songs I was reading and hearing. Devotional, sermon and verses on Delay! … Continue reading THROUGH FIRE AND DELAY
Waiting for the Right Wave?September 26, 2019
Waiting Preparing for the Right Wave 🌊🏄‍♀️ As I looked over the cliff to see the surfers in Capitola, California sometime between 2008 and 2015, I was spending time with GOD seeking His will in regards to a future husband, I believe that He told me to wait for the right wave. It was then … Continue reading Waiting for the Right Wave?
GOD’s goodness running after meMarch 10, 2020
In my life, I have had two recurring dreams. These are dreams that you have one night and it either replays the same dream over, adds to the dream or replays and adds. I was recently asked if I would be willing to write about some dreams I had when I was young. But I … Continue reading GOD’s goodness running after me
Gifts from GODAugust 7, 2020
In my last blog, I wrote about how GOD’S goodness and mercy are different than what we might think they are. Well, this time I want to write about how His gifts to us can sometimes be quite different than we think, imagine or fathom. Several months ago, a friend of mine was reading to … Continue reading Gifts from GOD
There’s MORE to come please be willing to go the distance.August 14, 2020
Recently I was at an outdoor church service. The breeze was pleasant, the worship music was wonderful and the Spirit of the LORD was present. It seems like I don’t experience the LORD’S presence as often as I used to. I closed my eyes to drink in every drop as though His presence was longed … Continue reading There’s MORE to come please be willing to go the distance.
5th Anniversary of a sacrificeOctober 21, 2020
If you have not already read my early writings, please check them out on my website, here’s the first one. I have written about the process and journey of becoming a live liver donor for a friend’s husband. October 22, 2020 will have been 5 years since we had surgeries. Here’s our update and story. … Continue reading 5th Anniversary of a sacrifice
Funny How GOD WorksJanuary 28, 2021
Few weeks ago, I was watching Christian comedians on YouTube. I was just letting the videos play one after another. I had never heard of Michael Jr, but thought I would give a listen. After the show, another video popped up and it felt sort of like Michael Jr was talking to me. He was … Continue reading Funny How GOD Works
Humble Valley Ranch..it is a real place…at least from a heavenly perspective for nowMarch 13, 2021
Okay, okay! Enough people have asked, “Where is Humble Valley Ranch?” and “What is Humble Valley Ranch?” So, let me tell you what I know. But be prepared, there are lots of details. In approximately 2003, I had my second ever recurring dream. (First one is here) It was the type of recurring dream where … Continue reading Humble Valley Ranch..it is a real place…at least from a heavenly perspective for now
L’Chayim!July 16, 2021
You might be thinking 🤔, “What in the world???🌎 No, I haven’t become Jewish. But ADONAI (the LORD) spoke to me through a Messianic Jewish daily devotional today. I have been struggling with higher pain levels again in my spine. Most days 6.5 or higher. I decided that I would be in pain whether at … Continue reading L’Chayim!
Black birdAugust 25, 2021
I love how the GOD of ALL creation can use anything…. ANYTHING to speak to us. I’ve been wanting to go on a GOD-date again. (That is where I get away from the normal day to day to spend time with GOD. But it’s been hard because I don’t drive. Hard to believe that I … Continue reading Black bird
Let your generosity be contagiousNovember 18, 2021
Today would have been my grandpa’s 100th birthday.
Christmas Christmas time is here…December 22, 2021
Are you having a hard time getting into the Christmas Spirit this year? SIGH, I’m not sure what to write or how to write it. I had a lot of hope and anticipation at the beginning of December. Then I suddenly found myself struggling with depression, yet again! I really thought I would get past … Continue reading Christmas Christmas time is here…
Knee-High to a GrasshopperFebruary 20, 2022
knee-high to a grasshopper phrase of knee-high informal very small or very young. When I was, well, knee-high to a grasshopper, my Grandpa would tell me stories of when he was young. He would usually use the term “knee-high to a grasshopper” to paint the image of how young he was. I was his caregiver … Continue reading Knee-High to a Grasshopper
How is GOD using the fire and storms in your life?May 10, 2022
I’m not exactly sure when it was, but for a period of time, I kept finding myself reading verses in the Bible about being in the fire or storm. Daniel 3:9-30, Isaiah 43:1-5, Matthew 8:23-27, the book of Job and others. I’m not sure what I thought at the time, but looking back, I can … Continue reading How is GOD using the fire and storms in your life?
JournalingMarch 22, 2023
I didn’t realize that I have not added a new blog since last May! Crazy! I seemed to have lost most of January and February of this year with Covid, bowel obstruction, minor eye surgery and minor flood in the house I live in! Interestingly, while I had Covid, I was reading about GOD’s goodness … Continue reading Journaling
What seeds of faith am I planting?May 22, 2023
Recently, I became a co-admin of a seed library and found out that I would be planting seeds in order to have plants to sell as a fund-raising plant sale. My prayer for this started last year. I was told that the seed library was receiving only 1/4 of the money raised at the plant … Continue reading What seeds of faith am I planting?
My favorite Word?September 14, 2023
What’s your favorite word? Fathom! Ephesians 3:20 Amplified version says: “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us” Superabundantly more than all … Continue reading My favorite Word?
Explore big questions about GOD and moreOctober 1, 2023
Check out ExploreGOD.com/BayArea
GOD Ran to reunite one with the communityMarch 1, 2024
The church where I attend started a new sermon series on prayer last week. One thing that really stood out to me was a question our pastor asked, “Do you pray to get to know GOD or just give Him your list?” Ouch 🤕! So, this week I have been asking GOD to show me … Continue reading GOD Ran to reunite one with the community
The power of GOD’s Word, truth over deceptionMay 7, 2024
Have you ever found out that you were deceived in an area (or more than one area) of your life? When I first became a Christian, I was so hungry for the Word of GOD. I read it and read it. It was like fresh bread that I was devouring. Yet even though I was … Continue reading The power of GOD’s Word, truth over deception
Thanksgiving 2024November 29, 2024
In 2004, GOD led me to invite people I knew to come to my apartment for Thanksgiving. They were welcome for breakfast, lunch, or dinner — whatever worked for them. This way, they’d have a place to go. Then, GOD provided for me to buy the ingredients to make the food for those who would … Continue reading Thanksgiving 2024

Knee-High to a Grasshopper

February 20, 2022May 22, 2023 / humblevalleyranch / Leave a comment

knee-high to a grasshopper

phrase of knee-high

informal

very small or very young.

When I was, well, knee-high to a grasshopper, my Grandpa would tell me stories of when he was young. He would usually use the term “knee-high to a grasshopper” to paint the image of how young he was. I was his caregiver for the last three weeks and of his life, so I heard many of such stories.

I then became a Senior Caregiver for several agencies as well as privately, so the language I used with my seniors was often terms that I heard my Grandpa say, like: Corn “as high as an elephant’s eye” and “knee-high to a grasshopper”

It’s been over 6 year since I have been a Senior Caregiver, but I recently read about the twelve spies in Numbers 13:25-33 going into the promised land and ten of them coming back with a disparaging report. And it reminded me about a sermon I heard by Dharius Daniels in 2019.

Just in case you don’t know the story about Moses sending twelve spies into the promised land in Numbers 13:25-33, here it is:
The Spies’ Reports
25When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days, 26they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. 27Thus they told him, and said, “We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28“Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29“Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.”
30Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.” 31But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.” 32So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. 33“There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

In Dharius’ sermon of this passage, he said “We are no longer knee-high to a grasshopper”. For those who have been following GOD for any length of time, we should no longer be immature in our faith.

I’m writing to myself as much as anyone else. I’ve had a lot of visions in my life and lately I’ve been feeling like none will come to pass, even though many already have come to pass. I want to see what GOD has shown me through visions come to pass for His glory…but I doubt.

Is this something that is happening in your life too? Or maybe GOD has spoken to you and it seems furthest than ever from what He spoke to you?

GOD wants us to be like Caleb and Joshua, the two spies who went into the land and saw how big the giants were, but knew that GOD is so much bigger than the giants. They knew that GOD would bring them safely into the land He promised to give them.

We are no longer knee-high to a grasshopper! We might be small compared to the enemy, but our GOD is the only One who is all-powerful. It might be getting darker in the world, but we know the Light of the World.

GOD wants us to get our focus off the promises, off the visions, off the darkness and off the enemy. GOD wants our focus to be on Him, to know who He is and to grow our relationships with Him. And in His time and His way, He will bring His plans to pass!

Christmas Christmas time is here…

December 22, 2021June 30, 2022 / humblevalleyranch / Leave a comment

Are you having a hard time getting into the Christmas Spirit this year?

SIGH, I’m not sure what to write or how to write it. I had a lot of hope and anticipation at the beginning of December. Then I suddenly found myself struggling with depression, yet again!

I really thought I would get past it this year and finally experience the hope and anticipation throughout the month. If you are like me, you need something, anything to anchor onto so that you can make it through the holidays.

I know we are to focus on Jesus, the reason for the season…and Christmas should be in our hearts and lives all year long. I can spend all morning reading devotionals and GOD’s Word. And worship and sing songs of praise to Him all while still struggling with depression.

I’m finding that looking back at past Christmases while asking GOD to shine a light on my memories to show me how He was in them is bringing some relief.

I was at my church’s Christmas Carol sing last week and people were asked to share memories. There seemed to be a theme this year where person after person shared about their family opening Christmas presents for hours for Christmas. My family didn’t do that.

Interestingly, GOD brought to mind not a time with lots of presents, but a Christmas when I was younger after my parents divorced and my Dad had remarried. We were at my Dad’s sister’s house. It was evening and the adults had the kids join them. The adults started to sing (and recorded it on a cassette tape).

GOD shined His light in the gift of His presence. You see, my family were not just singing the melody of the Christmas songs, but were harmonizing with one another. It was like a taste of what it will be like when we get to heaven.

GOD is reminding me of other Christmas memories too. Is it causing the depression to go away? No. BUT GOD is allowing me to have peace, hope, anticipation and even some joy despite the depression. He is able to do that when we let Him.

GOD has an adventure for each of us. He never promised life would be easy. Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble, but He has overcome the world. It’s our choice to take Him up on the adventure He has for us or try to do life on our own without Him.

Having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit? Ask GOD to shine a light on what He is doing as well as where He was in past seasons of your life. He will show Himself faithful. He will show you where He has been working in your life, even in the hardest parts of your life.

And one more thing, please know, it’s ok to be depressed. It’s ok to not be ok. But know this, you are not alone. GOD is with you and loves you. BUT if you are thinking about taking your life, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). GOD will help you get through this season. Trust Him.

I pray that GOD will show Himself faithful in your life. I pray that He will encourage you, strengthen you and give you hope and anticipation of what is to come. I pray that GOD will envelope you in His arms and lead you on the adventure of a lifetime. He is able and willing. I love you friend. Merry Christmas!