IF IT BE ELOHEI’S WILL …

This morning I was asked to join friends for breakfast.

It turned out to be a Call to Arms.

Fall foliage on Fall Creek Road ...

The drive over Fall Creek Road was filled with spotty Fall color. And after breakfast, I spent about 6 hours with them.

Talking.

Listening.

Debating.

Assessing.

Considering.

And left … still considering.

The situation is in Elohim’s hands; I will follow His Will – I always want to be in His Will. I don’t have to like it; I just have to obey the Ruach HaKo’desh’s lead. And nine times out of ten, the lead is uncomfortably necessary. I know this … I am a spiritual warrior.

Nearing Stella, I spotted 4 ships anchored off Willow Grove. They appear to be dredging ships.

Looking at them, a 1969 song popped into my thoughts 😉

Four ships; Stella.

Crosby, Stills & Nash – ‘Wooden Ships’ song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjqJV4j47-c)

Back at home, I spent some time reflecting …

I can give them an answer following the Thursday Jam Session up Spruce Creek; I can drive home via Oak Point Road, instead of Mill Creek Road (it's only a 5minute difference).

Asked to reconsider and go back ...

My black-n-white mindset is being courted.

We'll see; it's gonna be a BIG undertaking.

My body and mind are tired.

I don't like to spin my wheels.

But at least I do know that I will not be engaging in battle alone – even if I stand alone among the flames, I know at least six people will be covering my back with prayer 😊

Tonight, I’m going to relax with a movie, a tasty drink, and work on another preemie sacque gown: I finished one up last night, and started work on another in the wee hours of today’s early morning hours.

Finished this sacque gown last night.

Left off on this new gown around 2 A.M. this morning - picked up again after Supper tonight.

I’m going to get as far as I can tonight on that new design 😊

SHAMMES

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEt7I8tM97M)

The ninth candle (the middle candle) in the Hanukkah candelabra is called “the servant candle” because it represents Yeshua, Who is Light – and Who gives light to those seeking illumination. The shammes candle is lit first … then all the other candles are lit on their respective nights, one by one, from left to right.

Tonight, the last Hanukkah Night of 2021, I am going to refer to this shammes candle as “a private detective”.

Why would I do this?

Because this year, I am stepping aside in all areas of my life; and allowing the Ruach Ha’Kodesh to sort through the ruins of my life to strengthen and rebuild my new life, so that when the call comes, I can meet it in full confidence of purpose and promised fulfillment.

Til The Walls fall Down: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PceFpWeJ62o)

In survival mode to get through the hard months of widowhood I built walls around my heart, and my mind; to dull the pain, and blunt the maliciousness thrown my way. 

And those walls erected helped in my healing.

But it's time the walls come down, now.

I am much stronger this year – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

As the shammes candle is lit, I agree that it is time to step forward and provide assistance to those Elohim puts across my path, as the healing love of Yeshua continues to nourish my soul and restore my spirit; as I have been helped, so I will help.

So help me, God.

Last Night.

“I can do all things through Messiah Yeshua” (Philippians 4:13).

Philippians 4:13

As the first candle is lit, I pray that those who are feeling lost will find their way to The Light that will illuminate their way out of darkness.

As the second candle is lit, I pray that the Ruach Ha’Kodesh will bring the warmth of salvation and/or spiritual renewal to those who feel the chill of bitterness on their bodies, their hearts, and within their souls.

As the third candles is lit, I pray that those who are sorrowful will have their lives/spirits brightened again with the hope and joy that only Yeshua can give them.

As the fourth candles is lit, I pray that creativity and inspiration will once again flourish, despite the oppressive staunching of spirits during this age of covid madness, and era of political upheaval that has everyone at war with each other.

As the fifth candle is lit, I pray that Yeshua’s Light will bring clarity to places of confusion – and reveal truths that need to be known for healing.

As the sixth candle is lit, I pray that the Light’s bright flame will fuel the passions of those wishing to change their lives for the better: thereby improving their small corner of the world for all in their immediate vicinity.

As the seventh candle is lit, I pray that Yeshua’s love light will illuminate the places of brokenness that needs to be healed in ourselves, in others, in the world at large … and be a beacon that propels us forward in the journey to wholeness.

And as the last candle, the eighth wick is lit, I pray that Yeshua, the Light of the world, would brightly shine curative/restorative love upon those souls in conflict – to replace ignorance with knowledge, fear with peace, hatred with understanding … and bolster them with courageous love live Life abundantly with grace, joy, and prosperity.

PERIOD OF TESTING

It’s a good thing I like the Book of Job – it’s my “go to” Book when life gets tipsy-turvy.

All day long … too bad we can’t just cut to the chase and embrace the end result 😉

I was up at 4:30 AM: I had gone to be early the night before, and I just couldn’t sleep any longer.

I changed the sheets on the bed, showered, dressed – and even had time to paint my fingernails before leaving the house for Fellowship.

I was feeling pretty accomplished; and thinking about a Pumpkin Spice Latte as I rounded the backend corner of Highlander … and was brought up short with a gasp, and a quick frustration.

This was how I parked the Highlander last night, after topping the gas tank.

This is what greeted my eyes this morning as I rounded the back end of the Highlander. 7:50 AM.

candy scott does not vet new Park tenants - she just passes them in because she personally knows them.

candy and her pals must be demonrats – they show all the signs of devilry.

I top the gas tank $40.00 a trip ... I am on the road practically every day of the week.

The thieves did not get any of my gas; thank You, Yeshua!

The thieves have no fear; they know there will be no repercussions because they have it 'in' with the {manger}.

The Park is in a downward spiral with candy at the helm.

It would be so easy to get furiously angry with candy for her lackadaisical managing of the Park, but frankly I’m burned out on hot anger towards her for (1) my husband’s death, which she played a huge part in (2) her lax attitude when it comes to background checks on new tenants here – that is part of the Rules/regulations of this Park; a Manager’s responsibility (3) she is a sneaky, conniving, bullying thief herself … having her get after the thieves running rampant in this Park would be worthless: they are probably people she personally knows.

I had to be careful of my thoughts this morning, as I left for Fellowship.

Matthew Ward – “Moment By Moment”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN7AYTE2C0U

In this solo lobo life I live now, it’s a tightrope walk mentally, and spiritually, when it comes to dealing with candy and her ghetto minded cohorts.

I intend to get to Heaven: I can’t let being angry with candy 24/7/365 keep me from the goal.

Matthew Ward – “Trust In You”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDhvVCTdGmk

candy believes in karma.

I can let karma deal with her.

I saw the opened gas tank.

I got peeved; then gave it to God.

she won’t be able to tune Him out.

candy believes in karma.

I can let karma deal with her.

I thanked Elohim that I still had a full tank of gas as I drove to Fellowship.

The drive was lovely, with gently falling leaves. And the air was crisp, with a hint of Fall on the gentle breeze.

I was excited to be excited about Fall again: Fall was always my favorite time of year, but since Bob went into ER in the Fall of 2018 – and passed from this life to the next in the Winter of 2018; I haven’t felt anything but profound sadness when Fall comes around. Today, I was actually enjoying the swirling falling leaves, and tipping my nose to the Fall scent on the breeze.

My life is being infused with life again.

Fellowship was enjoyable, too.

I always enjoy time spent with people who love God as much as I do 😊

After Fellowship, I thought I’d change the drive home scenery, and enjoy driving the Astoria-Rainier loop drive home instead of the Raymond-Pe Ell loop I’ve been doing for months.

That turned out to be another surprise I wasn’t prepared for.

There was back-to-back slo-mo traffic on the Astoria-Meglar Bridge: traffic was backed up the entire 4-mile length … from the WA side, to the Or side.

Back-to-back slo-mo traffic on the Astoria-Meglar Bridge, this afternoon.

Stuck on the bridge in snail mode traffic.

Please don't let traffic stall at the high point of the bridge ...

And I got stuck for about 5 minutes at the tip-top!

Apparently, Elohim thought I needed a lesson in viewing that slice of Earth’s vantage view from the crow’s nest height of the Bridge.

I didn’t agree.

But what do I know of the outcome of that unwanted lesson?

I don’t mind being a BadAss … but I really hate the testing.

To my left; ships waiting to dock.

To my right; where I will eventually get to – Warrenton Shopping Complex.

Stuck on the bridge, my palms were sweaty on the steering wheel – deep water terrifies me … and I was literally stranded on the longest bridge in North America; and it spans seriously deep water (196 feet depth!) that leads to the Pacific Ocean. A sudden Pacific Ocean storm could slam the bridge with 150 mph winds.

I was not happy to be stopped on that bridge for any length of time!

I had kept wiping my sweaty hands on my skirt. It was rayon fabric: it was not a very good sweat absorbing fabric.

I prayed. 

A lot. 

I hate that bridge. 

A lot.

I was thankful when traffic started crawling forward again – and I was thankful Elohim mercifully graced me to get through that testing time without a panic attack. I get antsy being confined in any area without an escape route.

I’ve been over that bridge several times solo lobo since Bob graduated to Heaven … but this was the first time I was stranded on it (bottom and top) without Bob’s calming presence beside me.

Yeshua got me through 😊 

There was no wreck on the bridge: traffic was just not flowing smoothly due to cross-traffic at the bridge’s exit, in Astoria.

God will keep the minds/lives of those who love Him in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) – and He will make them to lie down is peace and safety (Psalm 4:8).

The flat tire (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/08/history.html).

Dudley Doright/Jim Dandy (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/08/jim-dandy-to-rescue.html & https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/gold-lining-day.html).

The scott’s (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/08/stay-my-hand-jesus.html).

The broken glasses (https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/blindly-moving-forward.html).

The attempted thievery of gas (this post). 

These are all testing interludes in my solo lobo life. 

Matthew Ward – “Psalm 61”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM3zOBd3s5A

Thank the Lord, I know HE has everything under control, and gives my spirit peace like a river 😊

Peace Like A River: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5B0MUGzxfs

Now, I’m going to put my Pj’s on; and snuggle under the bed covers with Clive 😉

Tonight's Read.

A BOARISH/BOORISH DAY ~ Freewheeling Friday 2021: Centralia Daytrip

 A few days ago, I stretched my comfort zone by broadening my driving distance, southward … today, I stretched my comfort zone by broadening my driving distance, northward: these are important steps in restructing a new life for myself.

The early part of today went smoothly. 

I decided to drive to Centralia today - BIG step; it's been 4 years.

The boarishness did not start until GPS went off the rails.

I punched in the address – chose my route … and GPS took me waaaaay out of the way to get to the address, which was relatively simple to navigate; but I used GPS because there is a lot of road work being done all over the place, and if there was a detour along the route, I wanted to be notified.

Also, I did not recognize the addy given for the location of the Centralia Farmer’s Market setup.

All I have to do is drive to downtown Chehalis (via Toledo or Winlock) and drive straight through to Centralia without touching the freeway anywhere: that is the route Bob drove … GPS had me going every which way – zigzagging over State Routes 506 & 503: which looped me from Vader to Winlock via an overpass in a convoluted way that was asinine.

GPS was hogging my precious time (and wasting unnecessary gas) in a boarish manner.

Buffalo farm route - State Route 503 - right turn at Vader, loops back to Winlock; freeway side.

Chehalis from Vader; via Winlock-Vader Rd and Pleasant Valley Rd - 38 mins: easy-peasy.

Today, GPS took me on a wild-goose chase.

Centralia from Chehalis; via backroad that parallels I-5 N and drops into Harrison Ave - 11 mins: this I had to refamiliarize myself with, again.

Bob always believed I could do anything: he always encouraged me with tenderness and love – I cherish his encouragements, and employ them every second of every day as I move forward in life without him.

And when I did reach Centralia, GPS did not notify me of the detour that was rerouting traffic around the Courthouse road due to the road being torn up! The only detour along the entire route from start to finish, and I had to figure that out all by myself – thankfully, my brain is not shrouded in missingness fog this year (the loss Bob in my life, loss of the kids in my life, loss of the grandkids in my life: my life was seriously altered & my thought process was similar to PTSD), and I can think clearly again.

THANK YOU, Yeshua for keeping me calm! 

Thank you, Babe for riding shotgun in spirit 😊 

Thank you brain cells, for kicking in this year 😉

When I finally reached my destination, there was nothing there that piqued my interest – that could have been because the vendors were skimpy due to the boorish weather. I’ll go back next week when the weather is a bit more stable, and see if things are a little more interesting, then.

I finally arrived at destination.

I decided that since it was after 1 PM; and I hadn’t eaten anything since I woke up, I better cross under the overpass and nip in at Country Cousin to settle the stomach juices that were making boorish noises 😉

Supper at Country Cousin Restaurant in the Outlet Mall area; I like this place and enjoy eating here.

Metal structure Country Windmill for country appeal.

Fake chicken coop for the country feel.

Interior of Country Cousin Restaurant - barn like decor; for a country vibe. I like it

As I settled into my booth, I happened to notice that I had been placed under a stained-glass-plaque that featured a boar. It tickled my funny bone.

Stained-glass Boar plaque.

I’ve been dropping 2 pounds a week for a while now … and this week, I managed to shed 4 pounds – even while eating on the road when I am out and about on all-day-ventures: those junk food meals are my {big meal} of the day, and I eat light the remainder of the day following those splurges 😊

So, even if I had a pig hanging over my table today – I am not behaving in a piggish way. I am being good, and sticking to my ‘lightening up’ goal 😉

While I ate half my Rueben meal (boxing the rest up for later tonight); I reflected on the convoluted route GPS took me on to get to where I was, and chalked the frustrating drive up to road experience. On State Routes 506 and 503– I saw landscape, and animals (notably the buffalo farm on 503), I hadn’t seen in 4 years.

Timely message on sugar packet; Bob’s favorite saying – Bob never let life’s hiccups frustrate him … he easily rolled with whatever life threw his way.

Reuben Sandwich & fries Supper.

State Route 603 was the route I take to the Adna Floral Sales – and I always like that drive.

Leaving the restaurant, I back-tracked under the overpass again, and familiarized myself with Bishop Road & Rush Road that would loop me back to Napavine … and home: again, roads I hadn’t driven, and landscape I hadn’t seen in 4 years.

Chehalis from Centralia; via S Gold St and N National Ave - 8 mins.

Frosty's from Chehalis; via Rush Rd - Chehalis - 16 mins. It took another 53 minutes to get home from Napavine (+ the 16 minutes).

It felt good to be on that route again.

When I go back to Centralia next week, I am not using GPS.

My next trip to Centralia won’t be boarishly-boorish 😊

Maybe I’ll go earlier in the morning, and take some time exploring both downtown Chehalis and downtown Centralia: Centralia is the largest of the two small-town-cities, and looks like a city … Chehalis is more countified, and I really like the throwback vibe of the old brick and false-front business buildings lining both sides of the shot-gun “downtown” main street – and I believe I saw inviting book nook-bookstores in both cities 😉

 

**Wandering Wednesdays ~ 2021:

#5 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-day-to-remember.html

Meaningful Mondays ~ 2021:

#4 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/meaningful-monday-mccormick-park.html

Traveling Thursdays ~ 2021:

#3 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/traveling-thursday-sulkum-huff-and-puff.html

#2 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/traveling-thursday-3-county-hopscotch.html

Sunday~Funday’s ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/sundayfunday-21soul-food-clandestine.html

#20 – The last of the 2020 Sunday~Funday’s – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020/09/sundayfunday-20-deep-river-eden-valley.html (plus 10^th thru 19^th SUNDAY~FUNDAY links)

#9 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020_04_27_archive.html (plus 1st thru 8th 2019 SUNDAY~FUNDAY links)**