Still thinking...

 It takes me a long time to find a workable path, but when I finally decide on something I just keep going -- unless an unknow problem comes up.  :-)   I guess that seems to happen a lot when we are heading toward something.

This week I have been trying to remember what I said in all my statements online.  :-)  What days to post, what to post about, how to get it all organized, how to find the details for important sharing.  

I bought some lottery tickets this month, when I was shopping and the jackpots were very high.  I keep thinking it could be a good way for GOD to fund Working Together since it is a lot of money and doesn't have "strings attached" to it.  I would never be able to get a traditional loan... and I don't want debt anymore.  I tried several ways to accept donations over the years, but those efforts didn't work out.  And I have created products to sell that didn't turn into a purchase.  WT Memberships haven't worked either.  So, the lottery seems like my only hope... a possible way for GOD to provide... so I just buy one ticket and wait for what would definitely be a miracle for me.

I don't know if I would call one ticket gambling.  Some people say playing Bingo is gambling.  I don't see how that works for my level of playing.  Gambling is a tough topic.  It's like drinking.  Some people can only have one or two drinks, others can't stop if they have the first one.  

In my quest for trying to decide about GOD providing through the lottery I once used my tithe to purchase tickets to see what would happen.  That was a waste of money.  :-)  A lesson on the path of faith and financial need.

Eventually I decided buying a single ticket when it happened to cross my path and the prize was very high was not too much.  So that is where I am at today.  I buy a ticket so GOD can choose to provide that way, but I don't get obsessed with the option.  With the lottery you have to have a ticket just to have the option.  So I buy one ticket.

I still continue trying to sell things online as a way to create income... Etsy, Ebay, PayPal links.

I have a Patreon page for finding income through crowdfunding.

I have the membership link for WT.

And I am trying to decide how to ask for donations, other than my PayPal.me options.

At my age I wonder what I would do with GOD's blessings, if they happened, especially a large amount like the big jackpots with the lottery. and I figure GOD would help me spend it as fast as I could so Christians would be helped.  

These issues are more important than I ever thought about before.  It's the age issue.  I could die before I even get the check to spend!  Crazy.  After all these years.  And still I hope.

When we seek GOD for important things, the details seem to matter a lot.

We want to make sure we are in right standing with Him, and don't block His blessings.  We make all kinds of promises about the answer we want.  We look for all the ways He might bless us.  We pray with intensity.  We expect Him to do what we seek Him to do, or try to get a reasonable substitute for our desired solution.  Faith is not easy.

With all the problems in our nation, and the rest of the world, surviving is high on the list of my conversations with GOD these days.  There are problems we face now that have never been in our lives before.  The increase in evil, the separations within families, the needs of aging, and more, all create desperate prayers to a GOD that hasn't answered me in the ways I thought He would.  I don't know what to expect, what to plan for, what to do on my own.  Prayer is essential but doesn't always seem to "work."  :-)

I am wondering how all the other Christians in the world are doing in their prayers and blessings.  How is GOD going to care for us as times get worse... 

I guess there isn't much we can do to survive whatever is coming.  We have to trust that GOD will provide as each day passes.

My ongoing efforts to survive are continuing.

I'll end this post here, but may return for other details of my quest for GOD to provide.

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

https://work2gather.us

FAITH FRIDAY for 8 April 2022 - Looking for a home for some Christian magazines

 

This photo is showing some of my collected Christian magazines over the years. I want to find them a new home, somewhere they can be shared with other people (like a Mission or Prison).

I thought about sending them Media Mail to a prison Chaplain but discovered even Media Mail can be costly when the materials are heavy.  I also discovered periodicals info only pertains to new magazines... and there was no rate for old magazines in Media Mail.  I am trying to find another way to reach people and places where this information might help change a life.

If you know a good way to share them (Decision Magazine, Imprimis, War Cry, Voice of the Martyrs, and others), please let me know.

Not much Faith going on here... lots of Prayer.

Still downsizing my room. 

Working on increasing my sales listings at ETSY and EBAY.  

Trying to decide if I will make it to a Resurrection Sunday service this year.

Looking for a better end-of-life.  :-)  I wonder if anyone is ever happy with the end of their lives. 

Just trying to find God's Will for my days.

What more can we do?

FAITH FRIDAY :: 10 SEPT 2021 - Thinking about America and 9/11

 It is always a hard time for me when 9/11 gets here.  This year it is 20 years since it happened.  I feel it was a turning point for our nation because we have strayed from our spiritual foundations.  To me, it was a sign that GOD's Hand of Protection has left us.

In the flow of prophecies about the End Times, morality and spiritual commitments are going to go away.  Living in these times is hard.  I don't want my country to lose the blessings that are part of being dedicated to GOD, saved by Jesus, trusting ourselves to the Will of GOD.  There is nothing in the Bible that says GOD has to keep protecting us when we fail to keep Him first in our lives.  Even Israel fell away and was forced to endure judgments for their sins and faithlessness.

Last year I discovered a YouTube video about how people with boats rushed to help after the Twin Towers were hit and later collapsed. It was a short video, but was very inspiring.  I hoped it would become a good memory for this major Anniversary of the event.  I wanted a hard copy to keep forever.

I just searched for it... here is the link ::  https://youtu.be/18lsxFcDrjo

BOATLIFT - An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience (HD Version)

That's the best I can do with the copy and paste option for info from the video page.  :-)  Tom Hanks is the narrator.  It was the ten year anniversary production.

We are not a godly nation anymore.

It is good to see something like this.

So, I am still praying for a lot of the same things in my life.  Thinking about how GOD provides, and what causes the things you pray for to not get to you.  

We can find different views of prayer and provision in the Bible.  I think I must not have the faith that makes it possible -- you know, the faith that will move a mountain, the faith where Jesus says that whatever we ask will be done -- and then there's the part that says we don't get because we ask amiss, to fulfill our lusts for things.  Then there's the knocking on the door passage... knock, seek, find.  :-)   

Which one applies?  (to my prayers.)

Faith is not a simple thing, unless you are that child the Bible talks about.  haha

I am still kind of stuck on the concept of "Free Will" and how it affects us as a person, a nation, a world... even the fulfillment of prophecy.  I don't know if you read about what happened (this year, I think) when I was writing a statement about Herod killing all the innocent babies because he wanted to kill the baby Jesus.  Herod was fulfilling a prophecy.  Could anything change that?  I don't know... I don't think so.  What GOD did was to warn Joseph and send him to a safer place until Herod was dead... and that became the fulfillment of another prophecy.

It's a huge example of how GOD works in our world.

We want GOD to end our suffering, to bring us the things we need (or want) so we don't have to deal with the pain of not having them.  He can't do that.  What would it look like if every single prayer by every single person was answered?  It's an impossible event.

So what does that mean to our lives?

I have shared these things before, somewhere in my writings, but I finally came up with a statement to clarify the whole matter of sin and suffering and free will, at least in my mind. I want to make it into something that can be shared, something that will be read more than once, maybe something that will fit into a Bible.

We suffer because others choose to sin, 

others suffer because we choose to sin.

Think about it. We are responsible for the condition of our world because of our choices... all of us... everyone.  It isn't GOD that has made all the suffering in our lives... but it is easy to blame Him, to expect Him to fix the consequences of every sin.

9/11 is an example of this ripple effect I talk about.  Innocent people died because someone hated America.  That's what we think caused it.  Why did they hate us?  What did they hope to accomplish by doing these actions?

I want to see GOD's people protected... somehow... as the End Times get worse and become what prophecy tells us they will become.

How can we do that? 

Well, let me know your ideas.  

I say to become One Body of Christ, in each community... so we can make sure everyone that is Christian or Jew or in need of care/protection is safe.  We can be the answer to each other's prayers.

FAITH :: Prayer is not a fast or simple thing...

I am amazed it is already halfway through APRIL already.  I have been looking for GOD's answers to my questions and my needs, not doing a lot of the activities I need to do.  I don't know what the future will hold... I tend to work on surviving each day.

TBN has been focusing on God's Provisions for all of us... them included, and other ministries and families struggling because of the lockdowns.  I decided this year to send in the prayer form in their mailings... since February I think, but maybe I started in January.  I don't normally do this.  I want to see if it makes a difference.

This year I am also trying to increase my Monthly Giving Project amounts.  I started it at $10 a month, giving to different ministries each month, and doubling up for Christmas needs.  It has been very interesting for me to push myself to give more out of my small income.  I evaluate my budget each month and see what I can stretch into.

I have tithed since I made the commitment to test GOD and see what happened... in poverty, with kids, on Welfare, homeless, and more.  It's quite a test.  I kept trying to decide how GOD was working in my life in providing for my needs and honoring my faith.  When you are homeless, you really wonder what it means to enjoy GOD's promise to provide.  I searched the Bible so many times, pondered the things I knew and what was happening in my life.  I can't say there was the answers I wanted to find, but there were also provisions to get us through the days and the weeks and the months.  

I wanted to win the big lottery prize.  GOD provided through mission meals and thrift stores and church benevolence... through food stamps and food boxes... by finding ways to stretch my resources, and by enduring times I didn't know what to do or where to go.

I could share a lot of bad stories, too... but I won't do that here.  I learned from all of this and used it to apply to Working Together and the future of the Body of Christ -- if I ever am able to create anything worthwhile.  The burdens of people in need, everywhere in the world, are huge, and no one is prepared to help everyone.  That is part of why I wanted to build WT into a Christian Resource.

My prayers for this year about WT have been heavy on my life so far.  I shared on my WT homepage about finding workable options for building its finances and having to pray about if they are the right way to proceed.  I haven't found the right answers yet.  

I have been waiting on GOD to provide for so long I need to review the entire plan I created and see if it is the best one for now.  I am trying to find the best path for WT to live beyond me as a business/ministry for those who will exist after I am gone.  I am wondering what will happen if I die before I get all these things legalized, but then I remember GOD is the One in charge and it is His Ministry to build.  Faith is hard when GOD doesn't do what we think He should be doing.  :-)

I guess I just wanted to check in with the world and let you know I am still here and still praying.

We don't always get instant answers from God on our questions to Him.  

In the harder times I remember the saying that GOD never gets here too early or too late... His Plans always require timing... and we have to depend on that.

I wish I could help everyone who has needs, but even WT won't be able to do that.  My commitment is to meet as many needs as possible with the resources GOD provides... right now that isn't much, but it will be more if GOD decides to provide for this work.

Pray for me and GOD's blessings on WT for all of us.

Thanks.

Deborah Martin

http://work2gather.us

FAITH :: Thinking about what matters...

This has been a different kind of year.

In starting a PRAYER Journal for my kids and others, I began to see things differently.  I added old friends, and included some famous people I have prayed for over many years, and then decided to add ministries to my list.  I prayed for our nation and the election we faced.

The Internet has become a soft porn space, growing toward hard core porn.  I don't watch much TV anymore, but the ads I see when I'm online tell me it isn't a nice space.  I have tried to find some way to eliminate that problem from my life, my internet, my house, my work, but there isn't one that I can find, yet.  

I have to think it's organized crime hidden behind corporations, or the evidence of no GOD in our public spaces... or both.  This matters to Christians and their families.  I assume its a negative application of algorithms, purposeful, violating opposing opinions.  How it exists is beyond me.  I figure it is prophecy becoming reality.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand the lives of the wealthy, the famous, the "leaders" of our world.  What does it mean to find happiness for them... real happiness.

I was going to title something I wanted to write about this topic "The Blessings of Being a Nobody."  We don't have to worry about being photographed with "casual clothes" and "bad hair days."  I live in my socks most of the time.  I have taken to wearing a hoody sweatshirt so I can pull the hood up when I go outside with messy hair.  :-)  The pressure reaches us all at some level, I suppose. 

I suppose our popular preachers face the same pressures as the public famous.

Since many years ago I assumed I would become wealthy in order to operate Working Together, but that hasn't happened.  I prayed for so many years about the topic of money and the organization of any ministry I might create.  When GOD did not provide the funds I expected, I searched for answers about the why.  

I don't know why.

I have come to believe that GOD has His own reasons for the issue.

I have felt the wars going on in my life over spiritual matters, I just didn't have the ability to fight against them.  I trusted GOD for each day.

I look at the "images" we admire.  I try to find a matching moment in the Bible.  I wonder who will be the ones that Jesus never knew.  They are people who think they are doing all kinds of good things for GOD, for Jesus, for the faith of others.  But they don't make it into heaven.

Finding REAL people of faith in this world is more of a challenge than I ever thought it would be.

Before the LEFT BEHIND series appeared, the only "rapture" was the one at the end of our world's existence.  The Antichrist was the one to fear.  Now we have a world of Christians who are expecting to get out of standing for their faith, dying for their faith, believing in what others tell them without searching for their own answers in the Bible.  

I don't understand the reasons why some are lifted up and others are not.  

TRUTH seems to always be thwarted, hidden, covertly changed, misinterpreted....  What does it mean in our lifetime?  Who do we trust?  Where do we find answers?  With so much technology and the increasing dependence on the Internet, will we really know if what is there is the Truth?

I know what Hollywood does.  I didn't think they would have the same effect in the church, but it seems they do.  We produce our ministries like Hollywood produces a movie, advertisement, freebies to entice us into giving - even when they border on being idolatry. It's really a scary thing when you take the time to think about it.

In my looking more deeply at the lost in our public spaces, there is so much pain.  I don't know what they turn to in their despair.  I have GOD.  I have the deepness of my faith.  I have hope for my tomorrow.  I have faith that there is a purpose to all that happens.  I know the pain of today will help others tomorrow.  I don't see that kind of perspective in the lives of those we see in our news, movies, government, schools, and every other public influence.  How do they cope?  What is the basis for their decisions?  What do they value?

They seem to have more power than those who love GOD, are saved by Jesus Christ, and seek to make the world and the lives of others better.  This is talked about in the Bible, but seeing it in our lives is different.  

The big word is "seem" - like Satan's ongoing battle for supremacy.  Though He doesn't continually make an example of evil activities, GOD has the power to stop them.  My thoughts have led me to believe that the issue of "free will" is the reason.  It suddenly made sense to me when I was writing a statement about Herod.  GOD didn't stop Herod from killing all those innocent babies, but he warned Joseph to flee in order to save the baby Jesus.

GOD's interventions are always as small as they need to be, and work to preserve His Will and/or the lives of important people in the process of faith and history.  Search the Bible and think about how GOD actually moves in our world.  It changes the way you see everything.

So... What matters in our lives?  Faith in the GOD of the Bible.

When we don't have this foundation, life is miserable.  We ache and there is no one to help us.  We look for answers and cannot find them.  We struggle to find meaning in all that exists.  We vainly search for love and truth and hope and happiness.

Those famous people are willing to give up everything in their lives for money, fame, and the lives they are accustomed to.

Their children don't know any different.

How will GOD judge their souls?  I don't know.  

Do they know about Jesus?  I don't know.

They have until they die to find Him.  

We can pray for them, but who will reach them for salvation?

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

FAITH :: Changing....

Here I am again... on Saturday.

I was so focused on the Presidential debate and other things on Thursday, I forgot my Faith post.  Then I was inspired to change the day to something more meaningful... my Saturday Sabbath.  Now, officially, the real Sabbath is over at sundown, so next time I might do this in the morning.  

It seems like a good idea to make it a Sabbath activity because I am always searching for things to do that are spiritual instead of "work"... and we all know I like to ramble on about things.  After thinking about it, I decided making a post for Faith topics on my Saturdays might be a great idea... and leave the weekdays for other things.

I got out of my routine.  I was really surprised at the difference that makes.  So, I'm working on getting back into a reminder process... maybe a better wall calendar so I can always see my schedule.  I will have to see how this works out.

The election is our constant prayer project right now.  It's hard to watch the disintegration of all that is holy in my lifetime.  No one is a perfect candidate for any party, but this election is like the choice between freedom and faith and government control of our lives... which is my definition of socialism, communism, or whatever you call the government taking over every part of our lives using taxes and healthcare and regulations and police force and other parts of our civilization that we normally respect and honor.  I'm not talking about upheaval and revolt, just the idea that we become criminals just for not wearing masks, not staying home, wanting to go to church, and other recent actions taken by our governments.  

I really hate to think about our nation under the leadership of Biden and Harris. I am praying GOD will protect us for a longer time, as long as He can, until the requirements of Prophecy mean we these changes have to take place.

Not much time left until the 3rd of November.

It's late where I live.  I just wanted to make sure I posted today.  This is a fluid effort, so who knows what will happen to my postings online... at this and other blogs.  I am realizing I need a public option for free access to the things I write about.  My Patreon page is not really about public posts.  I am thinking about that this month and through the end of the year.  I like to make changes at the changing of each year, so I think about those issues for several months heading into a NEW year.

Patreon is meant to be my main fundraising effort and activity space, it is also meant to have lots of Patrons.  This year didn't happen the way I hoped it would.  Now I am working on ways to connect with the world in PUBLIC and PRIVATE ways... exclusive access seems important to my goals for the rest of my life.  I am still looking for the best path forward.

Until next time,

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

work2gather.us

and more...

Been THINKING a lot this week...

 It's been a tough week.

My thoughts have been captured by the people on the news feed I end up with every time I check my emails... they are a reflection of what people either want us to care about or what people really do care about... and none of it is godly.

I am so deeply saddened by the values they represent... 

Women, especially, are seen in their need to expose as much of their breasts as possible, as much of their legs and hips as possible, as much of their butts as possible.  The goal seems to be who can appear the most naked so they can get a photo in the media.

In my eyes they are demeaning themselves, and then I think about the difference betwee true Christian values and the values of the world and the values of Satan.

I lived in Hollywood for a short-ish time, but when I was a teen driver I use to travel those streets all the time.  I don't see much difference between their version of "selling" themselves and the prostitutes that line certain streets in the area.  

It pains my heart because I have been praying for some of these visibly public "stars" we look up to and emulate... well, some emulate them.

I guess this is high in my attention right now because I just finished my emails and browsed the long feed that shows up.  

I have been seeking GOD for how to deal with these issues... and my prayers.  We become emotionally involved with people that we pray for... like our mates, our kids, our families and our friends.  We so want the best in life, in GOD's blessings, for them.  Salvation changes all of us, a true salvation.  Wanting that best for others means we suffer when they stay in sin and increase the consequences that come of those sins.

I also have become so aware of those who don't really know the BIBLE, or what GOD really says in it.  It is just hated because it does not approve of those things that hurt us.  And, as a result, the things that cannot be seen with the eyes get focused on those who love GOD and all that He represents.  We become the targets of all that emotional bitterness and pain.

The headlines seem to point the world to this kind of hatred.

How do we, here in America, reach people in the headlines with what is true?  I think we assume they must already know everything in the Bible.  The conversations about ending the existence of GOD in our nation don't really include what matters most about our history.  Being a Christian doesn't make people perfect, so there's a lot of failure to discuss about us, but the inside difference that a real relationship with GOD and Christ creates is the true blessing our nation receives.  We are losing that blessing.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the TWIN TOWERS attack.  I have been filled with thoughts about that event, too.  PragerU had an email by a young adult about the lack of history his generation had about that attack.  I never thought about that before.  I just assumed they knew what happened and how it changed our world. 

I see that day as a turning point for our nation.  To me it is the evidence of GOD taking away His Hand of Protection for us.  We no longer love and serve Him so He has no responsibility to be our national protector, as promised to those who love and honor Him.  

Maybe it was a warning, like the battle that was lost when the Israelites didn't do what was required by GOD.  Even though most didn't know anyone had stolen the offering that was GODs, the entire nation was chastised.  ONE man's actions cause the loss of GOD's protection.  Eventually that one man was pointed out, and his whole family was destroyed because of it.  That was the "rule" in those days... like when the enemies of Daniel (think Lions Den) were all destroyed, including their whole families.

We don't really understand a lot of things in the Bible as GOD sees them, but we try to.  In the early days, it was a purging of sin... trying to keep sin from infecting the whole nation.  We understand the principle in the fact that children learn their morals and many of their views by the daily lives they live with their parents.  Now, GOD has changed the punishment to an individual accounting.  Whole families are not punished for one member's sins.  We are dealt with because of our own choices.  The influence of our choices still affect those around us, but we are held accountable for our own choices.

The people that Hollywood lifts up pay for their choices as well.  Their values are seen and felt by their families, but they also affect us.  Our media affects us.  The movies they make affect us.  The conversations that become "viral" affect us.  What we lift up is a statement about what we value... including the motivations behind it.

I don't have the desire or the power to "make" people choose what is right in GOD's eyes, but I can pray for them, hope they will find the blessings that are found in choosing GOD and salvation through Christ, and believe that at lease some of my prayers will help.

I might see the evidence of change in my children, possibly some changes in the public people I pray for, but only GOD knows the depths of each heart... what they want, need, hope for, and are struggling with.  We won't know until we get to heaven if anyone will be there... anyone we know and love.  Parents know that our children can pretend to be good.  GOD knows if they really are.

On another topic...

This is a design I had printed up to go with my MOUNTAINS writing.  It is nice to see my writing as a product, but I think I need to fine tune it for selling.  So, I am working on that.  I also has my CHOICES design printed up, and my TODAY statement (like the wallpaper I sell at ETSY).  My goal is to have it all on my selling sites by NOVEMBER... keep watching for these new listings.  (etsy.com/shop/work2gather) 

Where I live there are fires raging and imminent evacuation threats.  PRAY that GOD will help me to not lose everything again.  It has taken so many years to recover to this point.  I am hoping GOD will be kind and prevent this kind of loss... please add your prayers to mine.  Thank you.

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

work2gather.us

and more...

Update :: Continuing the quests... WT, Patreon, and CHRISTMAS !! :-)

I was busy with my emails again... and the links that lead to social media... and then social media... and then, suddenly, I remembered it was THURSDAY !!     :-)

One of my sons became my first Patreon supporter the other day.  On my end, it is a way to see how the Patreon system works with real people...  there is so much to learn about all the online connections and how to reach your goals with them.

In questions of Faith, and how GOD works in the middle of all our problems and desires, it is still a one day at a time plan, the only reality we can do.

I didn't get to my prayer journals today... I don't think.  Sometimes that happens... I get to them as soon as I can.  Prayers are not always an immediate topic.  I try to make a note of the time and date when I enter a late prayer, so I know it was a long day and busy.

I just shared (today) on Toby Mac's regular weekly Facebook post for audience prayer needs about how my journals have changed my life, and what they can mean to other Christians.  I hope others will try it.  I added my prayer needs at the bottom.

Prayer has always been a hard topic to deal with.  There are a lot of different view on it... and we all want GOD to give us what we pray for.  When He doesn't... it creates a theology problem.

I was busy with food today... I got to go to the grocery store, then had to decide what to do with what I bought.  I started keeping track of how many times I go to the store for food.  I want to go weekly, to certain stores throughout the month.  My food budget is government food benefits.  I have been trying to decide the best way to shop, store, and eat food within this very tight budget.  

Time just gets away from us.

I have problems I am working to overcome.

The battle between what I WANT to do and what I actually get done seems like a constant war.  Progress gets made, but in very tiny steps.

Working on CHRISTMAS is taking over my days, sometimes my nights.  I have been working on how to keep track of what I do, and deadlines for things.  I can only do my part.  GOD has to do His part.  What the results are reflect His Plan and Purpose for this time and place.

We all create the future... our choices, our actions, our opposition, our problems, our supporters, our goals, our failures, our faith....  it all leads to the bigger future.

I think my efforts to make paper mache items will be worth the effort. I am making them thick, and looking for my sanding paper supplies.  Once they are smooth, I will head into a primer layer then figure out some kind of design.  I am trying a "vase" and a bowl shape... plus some bracelet options.  I think smooth will be the critical issue with bracelets.  Then design.

My son has been sending me photos in emails.  Today they were like a blog on how to refurbish a wheelbarrow.  Inspired me to get better at my blogging.

So, for today, that is about it.

Sign up with my Patreon page, if you can.  Only $5.  That is the goal. 

You can do more if you want to, but the goal for 2020 is ONE MILLION supporters at the $5 level.  Think about it.  Thanks.

In Christ,

Deborah Martin

work2gather.us

and more...

Making GOALS and Prayer Journals, mostly.

This week I am trying to create some realistic goals for my CHALLENGE and my Christmas selling.  I recently found a CRUSH IT form I had from   LivingWellSpendingLess.com  and decided to use it to help me figure out THREE goals.

NOTE -- I found a link about it.  I don't know if you can find the download I got, but there should be something on this page to help you. 

(https://www.livingwellspendingless.com/how-to-crush-your-goals/)

NOTE II -- I don't follow her at any level. I explored her space awhile back.  I downloaded the form as a sign-up incentive, I think.

Making really good goals that I am able to achieve is such a hard thing for me.  I see all the obstacles, what I DON'T have.  I keep searching for goals I can do, but they aren't the goals I need to do.  SMART goals are similar to the CRUSH IT format... but not exactly.  The biggest issue in making goals is to do them.  How to make a goal you can do is what helps you move into another goal, and another, and another. 

My three CHRISTMAS goals are about  ART,  making JEWELRY, and creating ORNAMENTS for this season.  I am currently trying to decide HOW MANY and by WHEN.  I also have some PRO-LIFE design goals for the January anniversary event.

I've been going through my supplies and my collection of ideas.  Finding space is still a problem, but I'm working on that.

I'm working on the photo problems, too.

PRAY I am able to overcome all the obstacles I face.  Thanks.



Life is strange this year... as the months go by, the situation with the lockdowns gets really difficult.  I keep wondering where this year is leading us. 

I don't think it is a good place.



Election years are big ad spending years.  I see all those millions of dollars mentioned, and I cringe because of all the needs we have in our country.  The world suffers, but our elections are about us... so our needs are what that money could help.

I don't see any solution for this.



My daily Prayer Journals are really a great thing in my life still... I recommend them to anyone I can.  It has changed my forever goal to do some kind of Prayer Journal.  Next  year I will continue this habit.  Writing a name, then a short prayer for their day or their lives, is so easy. The biggest success element for me is limiting it to two pages -- one page for my family, one for others.

Try it for your family and friends.  OTHERS, for me, includes anyone and anything that is beyond my kids and me.



I guess that will do for now. It's getting to be time to sleep.
Let me know how you pray in a journal... I have always wondered how other people do this.  Every now and then someone I listen to, like Charles Stanly, says something about how they pray and record it to see how GOD answers. 

In Christ,
Deborah Martin
work2gather.us
and more...

Being the Body of Christ - TOGETHER !

I totally forgot it was Thursday.  I've been buy with other things and then got lost in the YouTube space.  Just an FYI... sorry about this growing habit that seems to be overtaking my life. I will try to do better with my schedule.

I picked a bunch of blackberries this morning, then had to wash and decide what to do with them.  I packed up 2 freezer containers (2-cup size) and put them in what I call the "big freezer" and then decided to add two of my small containers in my fridge freezer.  There was eight cups left so I decided to make a jam... or try to.  :-)   I ended up cooking it until it reached the "jelly" stage on my thermometer.  I put it in jars to freeze because I didn't have the energy to water bath them all (5).  I had about 3/4 cup of jam left, so I put that in the fridge.  I should have enough jam to last a long time!  (And blackberry harvesting has just begun!!  :-)



I am continuing my Prayer Journals.  My list of "Others" keeps growing.  Not sure where this will end up by the end of the year.  I mostly like this version of keeping a Prayer Journal for me... simple, limited, personal, focused... it helps me to think of what a day may hold for the person I pray for, and what my prayers for them might be.  I have started praying for some people to overcome my problems with them.  Prayer changes us as much as it changes others.  I am hoping to keep my Spirit from becoming hard and ungodly.  That will be something I find out by the end of the year also.

I don't recall if I shared that I wached the movie about Rich Mullins... Ragamuffin.  I think my most favorite song of his is MY DELIVERER.  I just found out tonight that it is on the record album of songs they found fully recorded (?) after his death... he had just made them.  It seems that My Deliverer is on that list!  I don't follow these things... and you can see how late I am in getting to movies and songs others have already known for years.  So, I checked the links attached to this discovery tonight and decided to buy the CD I found listed at eBay.  It is listed as in GOOD condition.  I hope it is.


Lots of things going on, lots of things being prayed for.  Sometimes I don't know how to pray in GOD's Will, but I sure wish He would listen to my will.  It is hard to wait, to wonder if and when GOD will act on our behalf.  I think of all kinds of things that are in the Bible, and try to decide what applies and what doesn't.  The bottom line always goes back to the fact that it is GOD's decision, according to His bigger Plan, and I am like an employee that needs to do what the BOSS says.  We all know that can be a challenge.  Pray that my life will become all the things I have prayed for it to become, and that I will see GOD's provisions for those things I know He has created me to do... somehow.


The AUGUST BUDGET is in draft form, but I know that will get changed.  I am going to try my first ad "campaign" online.  :-)  Just to see how it works.  I need to make the post that I want to share.

My PATREON Challenge continues to be my main financial quest.  It would solve so many problems I face... just that small $5 from so many people.  It would be the start-up financing I could never find.

I am busying myself with getting my CHRISTMAS lists done... what to make, what I need in supplies and space, how to ship things, what to paint, what to charge, how to list what I have, and all those issues for raising money through online sales.

My goal and planning notebooks keep evolving, getting better, getting sorted into a flow that will work for me.

Pray that GOD will provide.
Many thanks for any prayers that you share on my behalf.
If you can spare $5, that would be even greater.

In Christ,
Deborah Martin
work2gather.us
and more...

Remember... we are the Body of Christ TOGETHER... we all need each other... for many things, now and in the End Times and before the Antichrist gets here.

Thinking about GOD

It has been such a long week...  I can't even start to share the details.  These kinds of times make GOD a bigger part of life and the future... just getting through now, today, this moment, can be the only thing I focus on.

I guess that is a good comment to start a few thoughts on the death of Steve Bing by falling from his 27th floor apartment.  I haven't seen anything about why, but maybe Father's Day had something to do with it... He was declared the legal father of two, and recently they were allowed to receive a portion of his estate (by court order).  

Today I read he was selling off his possessions... a clear sign of something being thought about, possibly planned.  No one seemed to be in his support group in life... family, friends, even strangers in his path might have been able to see it was seriously considering suicide.

Is this because of his money?
Because of the person he was?
Outside influences?
Bad debts?
Family issues?
Hollywood issues?

I wonder if we will ever find out...  I doubt it.

We thing money is the solution to every problem.
It doesn't seem to be that way.


=====

The computers I uses seem to be coming up all kinds of gay issues, but I know that topic isn't in my wish list.  It seems to me that when I don't want something going across my feed, it becomes the will of the computer to make sure that is all I see, hear, think about.  I suppose its one of those "algorithms" and has been programmed that way.  Doesn't seem like it is the "right" thing to do, but who am I to say anything is planned so it can appear random.

I have been praying for Chastity Bono for many years.  Recently, I posted comments on the issues of sex changes.  I think I see the post about Cher talking about her "son" every time I turn the computer on, many times a day sometimes.

I focus on Christian activities 90+ percent of the time.  Why would that be at the top of my algorithms?  My Christian stuff always seems to be hidden, at the very end of my time spent online... for any reason, but mostly at social media.

I hope I can figure out how they apply those computer pathways, soon.


Faith is really hard in the age of the internet, especially when people of GOD are good, and the bad guys aren't.  Every time I watch these things happening, I wonder what it will become like.  Computers/technology is growing so fast we can't keep up with all the possibilities... ordinary people, I mean.

I know some of the things that can be done, but not how they are done.  Over the years, as I watched things evolve, trying to figure out how Christians could be protected from their harm, I remember when someone used a computer to hurt a man with a pacemaker.  I remember when the factory in Iran, I think it was, was attacked remotely.  When Obama had to keep the Blue Angels (one of the jet groups) from flying, I wondered if their computer systems had been hacked to make two of them crash.  My own activities on the computer seem to be compromised, but I have no way of "fixing" them.  As we live under the threat of our power grid being attacked, I wonder how much can be done via the computer... is it going to be an EMP attack, or just someone hacking from their global location?  It may not happen now, but one day the entire system will be "upgraded" and connected.

=====

I actually made it outside this week and did some yardwork.  I am hoping to get a routine going and do a small amount each morning when it is cooler.

Nature makes the world bearable.  :-)

On the first of JULY I start the third quarter prayer journal from the Presidential Prayer Team (.org) -- a new experience for me.  The book is about the size of a sheet of paper folded.  The space for the actual prayers is about one-third to one-half of the single page.  The rest of the pages have names, positions, information, and other things related to the government.  I don't know yet if it is all US GOVT in DC, but I will be finding out.

I made a commitment to do this through December. I could only commit to $5 each month, which equals the price they asked for the journal alone.

I have decreased my PATREON support choices down to one for now.  Soon I want to search for some others to support... to keep learning more about the people and processes and interactions of other Creators at Patreon.

July starts the Christmas countdown for me, too.  I don't have all the resources I want yet, but I am doing the process as I work toward a bigger customer base.  July is about INVENTORY, so I will get my supplies figured out.

My NOTEBOOKS are getting better organized and useful.  :-)  This is such a great thing.  I keep going through them, over and over, deciding what needs to be where to make it work for me.  I design new pages as I need them.

My budget for JULY made me create a new DRAFT page for planning the next month's budget.  This one is looking like the best one so far, and may become the one I use every month now.  I keep noticing what parts of all the different formats I have tried seem to need to be included.  It's a wonderful thing for me -- to find these parts, so I can make sure they end up on the final page for the future.

I am still having problems with the new subscription to Microsoft 365... It's not working, so that means I can't do any of the things I purchased it for.  :-(  Today I had to go back to the OPEN OFFICE app to be able to revise and create any spreadsheet forms.  I hope this all gets figured out soon.  I will make a decision about the payments by the next one, or maybe the one after that.  

I really need to win the big lottery or sell a LOT of my products or find my ONE MILLION new $5 supporters ---  that would help solve all these problems.  :-)

PRAY  FOR  ME !!!   :-)
I really really really need financial blessings.

So, I will end on that.

Until next time,
In Christ,

Deborah Martin
work2gather.us
and more...

27 OCT 2019 - How GOD moves in our world

I finally decided to do this Bible Verse post at my personal blog... and will share the link later.  It has been four days since I found these verses, and I have been thinking about them and what they represent during that time.  I may post one of the verses with the link, but I am not sure yet.

I opened my Bible on Thursday to a page in Haggai...Chapter 1:10-11 was going tobe my daily posting challenge.

"Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit.

"And I called for a drought upon the land, and upon the mountains, and upon the corn, and upon the new wine, and upon the oil, and upon that which the ground bringeth forth, and upon men, and upon cattle, and upon all the labour of the hands."

I was impacted by this because of my interest in the End Times and how GOD judges the world in His efforts to reach it, to turn their hearts to Him and change their eternal destiny.  It is a very big topic, and there are so many verses to quote, I couldn't even share them in one post anywhere.

I also noticed Chapter 2:6-7

"For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;

"And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come : and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts."

And Chapter 2:9

"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts : and in this place will I give peace."

I don't remember my impressions when I first read this section, but it seems to be about the next world... about the end of time as we know it... about the judgements of GOD.

Then I noticed across the page, in the book of Zephaniah (1:14-18) about the final judgments of GOD on earth and man.

"The great day of the LORD is near... the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

"That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thich darkness,

"A day of the trumpet and alarm...

"And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD : and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung.

"Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy : for he shall make a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land."

It's a scary thought, especially when the same message is repeated in so many places, and I understand they were shared many years apart.

GOD can bless or GOD can judge. It is something we have to understand and realize that we are not the ones in charge.  Ultimately, even though He has given us FREE WILL, He has the power to change things.

Drought is one of His tools, earthquakes can be one of his tools, floods can be a tool but not a global wrath, pestilence is listed as a means of judgment.  We like to say one of GOD's "lightning bolts" hit when we think GOD has judged someone we consider evil and deserving it.  I often wonder how GOD views my sins, my need for judgment, and how much His forgiveness takes away (an how much it doesn't - in consequences).

It took so many years of prayer and seeking and thought to find a place of peace about my own sins and forgiveness, to understand how GOD works in this world and our lives.  I am still learning, but I understand a lot more than when I first started looking for answers as a teen.  (I am now in retirement, past 65.) Now I search for answers about the End Times and the days of GOD's wrath in prophecy.

In my plans for Working Together, I knew that GOD had the ability to bless  one field over another, and food is such an important part of our survival.  Creating a separate community from our current world of urban conflicts seemed wise.  When I happened on the Haggai chapter as I randomly opened my Bible, I was struck by the difficult prophecies I know about, with famine and worse.  In times like that, we have no other resource by GOD... no human has the power to change our circumstances like this. We have one story of GOD providing overnight for one of His prophets, so there is a possibility of individual provisions whenever that happens, but I am not sure we can depend on that.

Who will be left on the earth when these things happen?  I don't know.  Right now, I am trying to recover my studies of the Bible and review all the foundations of my own decisions about End Time issues... because the battles have been hard in my own life. 

Whatever time I have left, I will continue to search for more answers, and to find some way to share them for the future.  I am not a scholar, just a regular Christian looking for answers.  We all have to find our answers.  We will all stand before GOD alone.

I a still trying to work through these passages.  I haven't spent a lot of time in my Bible for some time, so visiting these parts again is hard on my emotions.  I hate to see, think about, or know of suffering I cannot change, help, or eliminate.  Some things belong to GOD alone.  I pray when I can't act, and hope for His mercy on the innocent, and His provision for the suffering.

Christians will need to separate and gather to protect each other at some point.  I hope that time will be soon, all over the world.

Amen.

Tuesday, the 1st of MAY, 2018

Another month is here!

I have been going over my goal pages... and deciding where to focus my energies.  It is still a work-in-progress, but I am also in the process of moving things around in my room again... The addition of the mini-fridge has prompted other changes.  It is getting better with every change.  I am finding permanent places for my supplies and making crafting spaces I can use.  I hope I get this all done before the CHRISTMAS selling season!

I haven't looked elsewhere on the internet yet... I just logged on.  I thought it might be better to get this done first.

Not much to share... I don't even know what the weather is going to be, but it looks overcast and possibly rainy.  I better put that on my "list" :-)  for making plans.

Shopping is a necessity this week... I have to make my list of foods the have to be gotten, if possible.  My budget is very tight this month, I think I shared that, but I have to decide what is essential to buy with my cash budget.  Food is always under my SNAP/Food Stamp allotment... which is $192... for one person with a small income.  I have to be very careful... it doesn't go very far.  I can't buy everything I want to.

I took a shower a bit ago and it has renewed my energy a little.  :-)  I was up in the night, up early, then took a very brief nap...  very brief.

Earlier I made some of my rice mix to eat with the roasted veggie packs I was trying.  Three of them took 90 minutes in aluminum foil in a toaster oven at 350 degrees.  Interesting.  Next time I will try putting the food in parchment and later in a cover of aluminum foil.  Just to see what the difference is.  I had about a cup of carrot sticks, two small beets, and a quarter of a medium white onion in each package.  I still have enough for one more packet, but I can use that for soup.  It really tasted great!  I had some soy sauce in the rice, and I mostly just use my homemade garlic salt and pepper from one of those mills. I got mine at the Salvation Army store and it works great (so far). 

After I go shopping, the veggies in the next packages will be different.  It is really filling.  I have to learn how to NOT eat now... to wait until I am hungry... and see how that goes.  I tend to eat just to eat something I want to eat, whether I am hungry or not... mostly popcorn, but sometimes other foods.  I think I am losing a little of my extra weight, but I can't be sure.  I need more exercise... somehow.  :-)

This is my life right now... food changes, better health, exercise, crafting challenges, trying to increase my income, and other things.  It is a daily process, and trying to make it to my goals is a battle.

So, it is MAY and I have to start on my letter list all over again.

If I make it to JUNE, I will consider that a great WIN... :-)   --- without destroying my budget... which I am working at in a different way this month.  I'm sure I will be telling you about all my drama.  :-)

Until next time,
In Christ,

Deborah Martin
work2gather.us

*
*
*
May the GOD of all be kind to us, help us to know Him, discover His love for us, and willingly give our lives to His Plan for us... with salvation through Christ.
Amen.

Thursday, 1 February 2018

Budget time is here!

Good thing I checked my balances to figure out my February funds...  I had subtracted from the wrong amount in one category.  I have more money than I thought I had!  That is always nice to discover.  :-)

*
I did my laundry today, so I can last without buying some new-to-me clothes for a little longer.  :-) 

*
I had two sandwiches for my "lunch" today... the first one was just chard and pickles... I was still hungry.  I made my mushrooms (in butter... what can I say) and used half of my avocado and half of my tomato to make a second sandwich.  That filled me up!  ... for a long time! 

It is strange how some foods keep you feeling full for a long time.  I wish I understood all this food stuff when I was younger and searching desperately for ways to get through the month (with children).  After I discovered these differences, in my continued quest about food choices, I wanted to find ways to share my new-found awareness.  I'm not sure what I will do with it now, but it is still churning inside me... I did make a blog on food issues, so it may end up there.

Poverty is such a hard life.
Most of the world's poor are also illiterate.
How do they solve these kinds of problems for their families?
I don't know.

I watched a Taco Bell commercial this week... probably because of the Super Bowl coming up... and the product was fries and nacho cheese.  The fries looked great!  I want some!  ... but I hate nacho cheese.  What really impacted me is the knowledge from a food documentary that someone with an interest (financial interest) in cheese contracted with several of the fast food companies to increase their cheese sales... forcing some companies to add cheese to EVERY item they sold... kinda... well, the comment about that company was that they no longer offer any sandwiches without cheese.  Hint: that sounds like pressure to me.  Then I saw the commercial.  My opinion of Taco Bell and the other fast food companies I go to has changed.

I never would have thought that their food offerings were created by a cheese contract... I always thought the corporate offices worked diligently to create new food options to increase their customer base.  I guess this is like a subsidy program... maybe... kinda...  what would you call it?

*
I haven't been able to read in the Treasure Principle since my first effort.  I will try again this weekend... but it is hard to find enthusiasm for a book that violates basic principles on the first page.  I am still trying to understand why it was considered such a great book.  I have decided I need to read it to find out.  No book is perfectly agreeable.  I have to remember that.

Money issues are big with me... I guess.

We all can talk ourselves into bad decisions under the pressure of the dollar.

It is so hard... to keep our faith in GOD as our provider... to obey the commands of the Bible (from GOD).  I heard somewhere, probably a radio program, that most people in the church only tithe a small amount of the required 10%.  I don't know where they get that figure, but it may be true.  Every church seems to feel that their members don't give the full tithe to them.

Personally, I think our tithe is supporting any valid effort to provide for the work of GOD in our world... seeking GOD for where your money should be given, and only counting works that are created and operated because of their commitment to the Word.  Giving to the Red Cross is not a tithe... giving to Samaritan's Purse would be. 

My tithe and more has gone to Working Together since 1987, possibly longer.  I also give to other Christian works as I am able.  I try to keep records of my giving to make sure I am giving at least ten percent, but that is the only reason.  At my income level, tithing can sometimes feel like a sacrifice, but most of the time it is just what I do... because GOD commands it and because I depend on GOD for my day-to-day survival.

I have incorporated tithing for Working Together into some of its programs... benevolence, missions, caretaking, and lots of other things.  I can't imagine any other way to live.  Tithing in poverty is really like the woman giving her two mites, her only income....

I have always tried to think of ways to incorporate GOD into as many activities as possible.  In the church, I thought it would be better to have the costs of any field trip/mission trip/vacation camp fully paid and then let GOD choose who gets to go... kind of like a "lot" or something random.  I felt this would be best for everyone in the church... both rich and poor.  I think the rich need to experience the "No" of GOD as much as the poor need to experience His provisions. 

I use to think a lot about money issues as I was trying to plan the details of Working Together.  Money issues are a barometer of our faith.  They also witness to our internal values.

*
I finally found my staples for "construction" needs...  :-)  And I have started my first experimental silk screen thing... tomorrow I will try to figure out how to make a design with the materials I have.

My work tables are getting cleared off and I am beginning to find my tools again.  This makes me happy.  I may find a way through this long dark tunnel soon.

*
Well, that's enough for today.
Until next time...

In Christ,
Deborah Martin

*
*
*
Thank you, Lord, for the education I was able to get.
Help me to find a way to help others gain an education for their lives and futures, too.
Lead me to the best place for me, Lord.
Help me to find my own property and never have to move again...
Help me to provide for my son's future needs.
You know my prayers, Lord... help me to keep my faith in You, in your love for me and my sons, and in our future.
Amen.

Monday, 15 January 2018

Well, I suppose I should say something about MLK...
It is his designated holiday.
I always wonder about the "real" birthdays anymore.
I don't really know when his official birthday is...
today is a government convenience.

I have always admired his place in history,
and hated the events that are often associated with that battle.
When I see the films of police dogs attacking innocent marchers,
When I see the reports of bus explosions on documentaries,
When I think of little kids having to deal with the actions of adults that threaten them,
it just makes me ill.

In the years that have passed since his death,
there have been reports that he wasn't a perfect man...
imagine that.
His family continued for him... kept his dream alive, I guess.

I often wonder how GOD chooses the people He lifts up for leadership.
Moses, Daniel, David, Job, Noah, the Apostles, Zacheus, and all the ones I can't remember right now.
I don't see any of them were looking for a position of spiritual leadership.
Their relationship with GOD changed.
Their life changed.
They became His vehicles for achieving His Will for the world.

MLK became GOD's leader.
We see him, and how GOD used him to make the world better,
to make us better, to change a wrong into something better.

The problems of racism still exist... I think they always will.
But we have a better world, a better America, because he lived,
because he chose to be used by GOD in his time.

*
I discovered more of my ROKU options tonight...
there wasn't any good radio on, I didn't want to do my stuff in silence,
so I turned on the switch for my new "communications center" --
the place where I put the shared TV, computer, VHS, ROKU...
I decided to try some sermon shows, and wound up at Billy Graham TV.
This is good for me.  Better TV than secular options.
I should admit that I started with PBS but couldn't get it to work.  :-)  haha
This will give me some good things to do on my Sabbath night and day.

*
Today was a busy day of sorting the things in my room.
I really made a better "shipping area" in my closet.
The drawers of my four desk/tables are being organized for their particular uses.
It is getting to be useable.  I love it.

The future looks better...

*
May GOD help it to keep going in those directions,
fix the problems that still exist,
and provide for the rest of the things I still need.
Amen.

Until next time,
In Christ,
Deborah Martin

Wednesday, 29 November 2017

Finally, I get to sit down... well, I did watch part of a movie earlier... after some news.  I have been changing things around my room again... did four loads of laundry, including bedding and towels... let's see, what else... mostly just moving a lot of things around to have better access to my supplies and get everything into the best place. 

In the process of moving things today, I decided I am going to try to choose the most important stuff I have and then downsize my possessions to fit better in this small space.  When I shop at the thrift stores, I grab things I like, and then get too much.  I have to separate the kitchen stuff from the crafting supplies.  Somehow, I have to mark the crafting supplies to make sure I don't use them for food again.  I will be using stuff that is not good for eating... plaster, glues, etc.  I have an engraver, that might help.  I use a hole punch for my silicone molds that are for crafts only.

I have also been thinking about going through my food supplies at the end of every year to donate the stuff that is closest to expiring to the missions, then I can replace it for the next year's supplies.  I think that will help me deal with the stuff I want on hand and don't always use up fast enough... and, it will help with the FIFO (first in first out) problems I always have because I don't watch the labels.  Sound like a good idea?  I think so... at least, for me.

If you follow my Facebook page, you will know I changed my little Christmas tree decoration.  I put some Christmas wrapping paper as a background, more festive, because I changed the garland.  I wound up cutting my garland into three sections... one for the tree, one for the background, and one to hang by the neighboring window and make it more garland in that spot.

*
I really like my 6-cube shelf.  It is becoming a great organizing space.

*
Once I get through all my boxes of paperwork/records, there will be more space in my room.  It is a S.L.O.W process, and I wish I had more options, but this is where I am and this is what I have to deal with.

*
My thoughts are about Christmas presents...and about how GOD is working in the world.  What is there I can do within my small abilities... why doesn't GOD provide for the tasks He has put in my heart to do... how will I be able to accomplish anything in my current situation... it's a constant thought.  I wish I understood more about the path GOD has me on, past/present/future.

I am trying to figure out how to update webpage for my December Membership Drive.  I have to get that done tomorrow or the next day.  I am here in Portland, but my business address and plans are in Eugene.  It has been such a huge problem these years since I moved here.  I know GOD always has a purpose for things, but it has been hard for me to understand what that could be.

I hope to finally build a member base to start building all the resources in my plans for Working Together.  Poverty is a real challenge... it doesn't allow any kind of stretching into financial issues.

I always think it was the lack of start-up funding, and the inability to build a start-up financial base through sales.  These are the points where I wonder why GOD didn't provide.  Even the thought of crowd-funding was impossible as I would become homeless with every failed effort.

These must be thoughts of concern... thinking of my past efforts, the issues that have been part of my life, and the lack of visible help from GOD... the church... and others.  I guess my main focus has been to try, do the best I could, and leave the rest to GOD.  I end up saying that I will find out in heaven what my efforts created.  These are the time I cling to all the stories about people who died not seeing the promises of GOD... like Abraham... maybe others... I can't think of them right now.

I wish I had more faith... I only know how to deal with what I have today.  I guess I have always been a budgeting person... fighting to make it all fit into the budget... trying to cover the needs.  I figure there will be a lot of these things as the end gets nearer.

It has always been one of my goals to keep depending on GOD each year for the provisions we would need... but I wasn't sure how to structure that.  I have tentative plans, and will keep looking for better options.  Membership is the main criteria...and CORD.  These will limit our financial actions.  Members will pay the yearly fee, and we will use that to build resources.  Each year's members will be the ones who can access our efforts, our services, our benefits, our resources, at different levels. 

The public will have access to different benefits/products.

I have it all planned... pretty much.  I just need to get it started...  :-)   I think it will grow into whatever GOD has planned.  When the time comes for the Antichrist to kill us, we will be with each other and be able to face it together.

GOD willing, I will live long enough to get it going.

Time to go.
I hope you will become one of our members... especially if you are a Christian.

In Christ,
Deborah Martin

*
*
*
May GOD bless this new effort to build Working Together.
May I have the provisions I need, at a personal and work level, to do the tasks I need to do.
May there be a way to reach the place/s I need to be.
May we find enough members this December to start all the programs that are planned, and then create more in every region.
May Working Together be blessed in the world, reach Christians, bring us together, help us to grow into ONE BODY, and become the resource we all need as time passes.
May our enemies be thwarted.
May our goals be reached.
May our world become better because of us.
May time be our friend.
May life be protected, and disagreements be talked out, and differences be respected.
May GOD help me soon, now, this year, and always.
May I always be able to separate my life from the life of Working Together.
Amen.

Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Well, we (me, myself, and God) missed yesterday... I went to bed early, thinking I would get up and do my post later.  Never quite made it up again.  It seems the world survived.  :-)  I'm glad of that.  haha

Today has been another long and busy day, with a nap, but I am still very tired.

I will go ahead and write more in the morning, or some time before I am falling asleep in an upright position.

Until then,
In Christ,
Deborah Martin

*
*
*
May our heavenly Father be close to those who have no father.
May the lost find strength in the salvation of Christ.
May our holidays be good, and our benevolence (giving) be great...
there are so very many needs in our world, and these are the days those needs hurt more.
Amen.

I think I will try to add a photo, but I may have to do it as an edit.  I have my better photos on a different device.

Tuesday, 7 November 2017

I am praying for some really big things...
wondering what one small person can do...
looking for answers...
seeking the best path forward...
waiting for the blessings of God that are needed...
and not sure when God will show up.

Some days are like this.
You just pray, and pray, and pray, and pray, and pray....
Night gets here, and there are still no answers.

I will see you tomorrow.

In Christ,
Deborah Martin

*
*
*
May GOD find a way to meet the needs of our lives and guide us into the future we seek Him for.  Amen

12 September 2017

Today I have been trying to imagine living weeks without power...
I heard some news about the hurricane damages and recovery efforts
and some people may not have power for weeks, or longer!

I was remembering my few hours without electricity in a house without alternative options.
I was remembering my meals in my van as a homeless person.
I heard on the news that people are getting tired of crackers and peanut butter.

I am trying to create an emergency supply of things for different needs,
hoping to last a little while, depending on what emergency hits.

We might have earthquakes here.
Some places flood.
Fire is always a danger no matter where you are.
I'm not sure what other natural disasters might happen,
but economic disasters are always an issue when you are poor.

How to live without electricity... that is a really hard challenge.

Candles would have to serve as light,
and fireplaces,
and flashlights as long as you have batteries.
Some have oil lamps, lanterns, kerosene lamps, and things like that.
I have used my open cell phone for a light source,
but that would be for great needs as it would drain my battery.
I remember how dark it was without any options for light.
We forget how vulnerable it makes us.
How it limits the things we can do.
It makes us remember the people who lived before electricity...
they pretty much slept according to the sun's light.

When I heard the comment on peanut butter I laughed.
Yes, that would be one food option that wouldn't spoil without electricity.
I use dry milk, so that would allow me to eat things like dry cereal.
You can make just one cup of dry milk at a time.
You would need water to be able to make it.

Water was mentioned so many times.
It seems to be the first supply that everyone wants.
No one stores enough water for their families...
it would take so much space!
I use to fill my empty milk gallons with water and store it under my sink,
when I had my kids, when they were young.
I use a few of the big juice containers these days...
just to have some available.
I also bought some packaged water when I started this quest to prepare.
I need more.

Life is very different without all the communication devices we rely on without thinking.
When I was living in my van, it didn't seem to matter.
The news was always bad, always so much suffering,
and I had to find a way to survive.
One of the missions in Portland had a morning room with a TV
so homeless people could see what was happening at that time.
I guess the library would be the only other source,
with the free computer access,
but who watches the news when you only have 15 minutes of public access !?
Not me.
I guess we would find out from each other...
neighbors, maybe... anyone willing to talk to us, maybe...
I hope to buy one of those cranking radios someday...
they are suppose to be great for emergencies.
I am thinking of a walkie-talkie set, too.  :-)
That would be fun to try out, even now... without an emergency.

After water, food is a big need.
I could do with a little weight loss, so a short period of suffering might be ok,
but I don't know how my health would do without food.
No refrigeration...
No cooking...
No stores...
I use to have to buy meals one at a time as a homeless person.
It is very expensive... especially when you aren't near a regular, low-cost, grocery store.
I remember I had to pick a fruit from the produce section,
maybe some cheese and/or a sandwich meat package,
a tuna pouch would work,
something to drink, like juice or milk,
and sometimes I would use ramen noodles soaked in water
to make a pasta salad.
Of course, this would only be possible after the stores had power.
I discovered cooking over tea lights when I lived in my van.
I had one special bowl that I could heat stuff in.
I used five tea lights to make a stove...
in a small round pyrex dish with a small round metal grate-like thing over it.
It was quite the accomplishment... it allowed me to have warm/hot food.
Now my goal is to get one of those propane can stoves I have seen.

Peanut butter... not my most favorite food.
When I didn't have anything else,
I would make myself eat 2 tablespoons of it as my meat source,
my protein.
I like to eat real peanuts instead of peanut butter.

No money in an emergency is so hard.
Poverty doesn't allow you to have extra funds for things like that.
I guess we just suffer without the things we can't buy.
These days I am still working on Baby Step One
of the Dave Ramsey program.  (daveramsey.com)
It is to save $500 to $1000 as your initial emergency fund
to help you survive until you get to the main back-up fund.
Anything is better than nothing.
I have mentioned before (somewhere)
that I tried every month to save just $25,
but something drastic always happened.
I wonder if I would be able to achieve that goal now...
I don't know.
I am now trying to decide how much to save for things like that.
Is $20 enough?
Should it be in ones and fives?
You can't use a debit card when there isn't a machine to process it,
or can you?

I wondered about electric transit in situations like disaster recovery.
I travel by public transit.
Busses would eventually be running,
but until they do, there's not much you can do.
Here we have electric transit.
It's the main source for getting around.

*
Living without electricity for weeks would be tough.
I hope I don't ever have to do it.

In Christ,
Deborah Martin

*
*
*
Lord, help those people who have to endure so much as they recover their lives.
Bless the poor, bring them comfort, lead them to better place, use this tragedy to make their lives better.
Help us all to be patient with each other in the midst of so much hardship.  I heard that many people are getting tired of this event... cover our hearts and minds with your wings and help us to rely on you... keep us calm, and patient, and loving.
Lift up the needs of the poor and the elderly and the ill... bring the best people to help them.
Protect the innocent from those who take advantage of situations like this.  Judge the evil, have mercy on the desperate, and guide us all through our suffering, our needs, our recovery.
Bless America.
Help us to see your Hand in our lives.
Make us better people because of this.
Amen.