Reborn 2 Write

The Doggie Chronicles - A Dog's Guide to Dating in 2026

2026-02-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Jessie and this is my....
Guide to Dating in 2026.

From a dog's point of view, and from what my human mom obsesses over on her social media reels, dating pretty much sucks for this generation. Dating APPS are torture devices and create PTSDA - Post Traumatic Social Dating Anxiety. And from the amount of "Single Dog Dads" and "Single Cat Mom" posts, there seems to be an epidemic of loneliness among singles of all ages. Which breaks my doggie heart.

Don't get me wrong, dogs and cats are awesome, and we want you to keep adopting us, but even GOD knew that we could not replace human to human connection. When God made Adam, he put him in charge of all the animals. Can you imagine riding on an elephant, lying down with a lion, swimming alongside whales, walking with the first dog ever created in the Garden of Eden. Jesus Himself walked with Adam in the cool of the evenings and yet God looked at Adam and said to Himself, "That Dude's lonely. The animals are not cutting it. It's not good for man to be alone, we must make him a suitable helpmate."

So, I figured I'd give you singles a little love advice from a dog's point of view. We are simple creatures, but God made us very wise. We understand everything our humans tell us, but we are not allowed to speak your language. God knew if we did, we'd replace every therapist out there.

And just so you know that I have the credentials to back up my advice. Let me introduce you to my girlfriend, Rue. She's a feisty, protective, gorgeous Dobie. I spotted that girl at the dog park, locked eyes and ran over a peed on her. I know...sounds gross to a human. My poor human mom was mortified, but a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do. I had to mark her as mine to keep the other hounds away! She ran after me, took a chunk out of my fluffy tail, and that was it, she had my heart forever. So, take it from me, I know what I'm talking about.

Number 1: If you are single, get a dog. We make great wingmen. It's a good thing my human mom and dad have been married for over 30 years and are as loyal to each other as dogs, because with adorable me, I draw so much attention. When I'm by their side, humans stop them on the street, on hikes, at the dog park, at cafes. You get the picture. Get yourself a wingman, just not a cat. Cats are not as effective as dogs in matchmaking. We rule when it comes to social interaction.

Number 2: Stick to dog people. Cat people are "special." Let them find love among one another. And not Chihuahuas. They are almost cats. First question on a date should be, "Are you a dog person or cat person?" Dog owners show that they are responsible, conscientious, active, and loving. Think about it, they have to feed us, walk us and pick up our poop.

Number 3: Be decisive. Stop swiping to the left and the right. The grass isn't greener on the other side. Trust me, I know grass. Pick one and commit. Mark her. Imprint. Don't pee on her because that only works for dogs. But you get the picture. Put a ring on her. Tell the world, "She's mine!"

According to my Doggie Chronicle research, the Greatest Generation was the WW2 generation. They were brave and steadfast. They survived the Great Depression; men stormed the shores of Normandy while the women held down the fort on the homefront. And they knew how to find everlasting love.

There are many tales of how they met their spouses at a dance hall. They locked eyes across the dance floor, danced all night, married two weeks later, had a zillion grandkids and great grandkids, and celebrated 60+ year wedding anniversaries. Yeah, they had seasons where life got hard and they fought like cats and dogs, but they jumped in and refused to cut and run.

They left legacies of great love stories and commitment that we should try and emulate.

So, men get a dog, learn to care for something besides yourself, take them with you wherever you go and find your Rue.

Number 4: It's OK to be a different breed than your helpmate. Rue is a Dobbie. I'm a Border Husky. I'm a lover and she's a fighter. I will go up to coyotes and ask them to play. She will kick their butt and then mine for being stupid. She eats horse poop on trails and roadkill. I stick to doggie treats I beg off strangers with my charming personality. But, where it counts, we are the same. We are loyal, loving, faithful, energetic, and believe and worship the God who created us. We value prayer walks our humans take us on because they pray for us too.

So, singles, it doesn't have to be Mr. Perfect or Misses Perfect. Trust me, they don't exist. Just pick a breed that has your same goals, values, faith and heart.

I wish you could be like a dog and have the supernatural gift of smelling butts. We can tell a loser from a winner with one sniff. But, since you don't have that super cool gift, use the supernatural gift God gave you - discernment. Spiritually sniff them out. Does their character stink or smell like treats and bacon?

Also, have them pass the dog test. Introduce them to us. We can smell a loser a mile away. If they are mean to us or rude to you, kick them to the curb or we cannot be held accountable for our bad doggie behavior.

Number 5: Lastly, don't be a couch potato dog owner. I feel sorry for those dogs. Those dogs get unhealthy and lazy. Get the leash, get us out of the house, go where the dog people go -the park, the beach, a hike, patio cafes and watch us reel them in. Then do your part and talk to the humans. Do a spiritual smell test. BUT don't pee on them or smell their butts because that will get you in human trouble. Learn to perfect the art of human communication. It's a lost and dying skill, revive it and inspire others. It will make you stand out in a sadly growing silent generation.

We, your dogs, will be here for you as you make your way through the losers until God brings you your suitable helpmate. And don't settle. Wait on God's timing.

My single fiends, Jessie loves you. He want's God to bring you your Rue. This is the prayer my human mom prays every day for the singles in her life:

Heavenly Father

You said it is not good for man to be alone. That you would make a helpmate suitable for them. You know it is not good for _________to be alone. I pray you bring them their helpmate created perfectly by You who is suitable for them. I pray for divine appointments for their paths to cross. Protect them from attack of the enemy who would try to distract them and lead them astray. Help them draw close to you, Jesus, so that they will not be lonely. Bring them godly friends to keep them accountable. Help them not grow discouraged in the wait but I pray that you bring them their spouse soon, LORD. In the meantime, prepare their hearts by Your Word to be a godly spouse in Your perfect timing. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Love,

Jessie

Follow me on Instagram @jessie_thedoggiechronicles

Psalm 121:1-2 I look to the hills. Where will I find help?

It will come from the LORD who created heaven and earth.

Unleashing My Inner Sophia

2026-01-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

Every year for my birthday, I like to write a blog post reflecting what personality trait or goal I want to accomplish that year. One year, when I was in my forties, I unleashed my inner bombshell. Then another year, I was jogging so I unleashed my inner runner, etc. etc.

This year, I couldn't figure out what it was that I had left to unleash. Maybe this was as good as it gets and there was nothing left.

But then a memory came to me of a character I admired and even remember thinking, "When I get older, I want to be Sophia." Now you probably think, Sophia Loren with her timeless beauty or even Sophia Vergara, with her amazing physique.

But no. My goal was to be Sophia Petrillo from the Golden Girls. I loved that show! I never wanted to grow old and be Blanche - the sexy one! My goal was to grow old and be Sophia - the quick witted one.

I remember thinking. “I can’t wait to speak without a filter and get away with it because I’m old.”

Her character is described as:

Sassy, quick-witted, and wise, she provides comic relief and surprisingly deep advice.

That's what I want. That's how I want to live out my senior citizen years. That's how I want to be remembered.

Sassy and quick-witted - to me that is not being mean but direct. You can be sassy and quick-witted by speaking truth and being blunt but by tempering it through the Holy Spirit to wake people up. To be like the Apostle Peter, where yes, he often spoke quickly before thinking but he was also called the Rock.

Bringer of Comic Relief - This is ME! I'm not good at the hugging and the crying. That usually makes me want to flee, but making people laugh and lightening the mood that is my job. Even when my dad was in a nursing home, my older sister was the soft touch, my younger sister the practical one, and I was comic relief. I think my dad needed all three and God knew it.

Giver of deep advice - this is my prayer for myself. Deep advice comes from being in close fellowship with Jesus, in tune to the Holy Spirit, and knowledgeable of the Word. All advice we give should flow through those three things. My prayer is that when someone comes to me for prayer or advise that I give them Godly counsel.

There are two types of elderly people. And we have all met them. There are those who are like Moses at 85 leading the people into the Promise Land and Caleb at 85 saying, "Give me the high country."

Or there is Naomi from the Book of Esther when she was bitter and depressed.

I want to be a Moses and a Caleb.

Now some of you elderly reading this will say, "Well, I don't have good health." And that is even me some days. Some days I wake up and look in the mirror and say, "What the hell is that on my face?" It's like in the middle of the night something new grows where it shouldn't. Or I get out of bed and there are weird aches and pains somewhere new, crazy unused places, and it wasn't like I ran a marathon the day before.

There is a lady at my church who is in a wheelchair. She is probably in her 80s and her husband pulls out her wheelchair at 6:30 am every Sunday so they can both serve as greeters. They are just starting a new ministry at our church for Grief Share during a weeknight. I can't even stay up past 8:30 pm most nights. I look at them, as I'm running into the church, late for my morning greeter position, and they are already at their post, and I am amazed. They are my inspiration.

So, as I enter my late 50s and approach 60, my life ambition is to embrace the Sophia Petrillo spirit - sassy, quick-witted, wise and comic relief. The world can be so heavy and dark at times. We need Sophias. We need to bring joy, laughter, and light to people who are struggling in their Naomi stage of life. When Naomi encountered a Ruth spirit - she changed from grumpy to blessed.

So, to quote Sophia:

"Gowing old is mandatory, but growing up is an option."

So, pray with me for my birthday:

Heavenly Father,

You gave Caleb and Moses the strength to lead people in their golden years, give me the strength to lead people to you in my golden years. Give me wisdom like Daniel in his golden years, that brought revelation to generations. Extend my years like Hezekiah so that I can be here for my daughter until you provide for her the Boaz I've been praying for and bless me with good health so I can run the race with endurance and reach for that prize - the crown of life set before me.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Love,

Yolanda

Countdown to Rapture

2026-01-01T16:59:00.000-08:00

In 2020, a friend and I went to a prophecy conference and heard a pastor talk about how he was convinced that the Abraham Accords signed in September of 2020 was the covenant mentioned in Daniel. When the covenant mentioned in Daniel is confirmed, it starts what the Bible calls the 70th week of Daniel, otherwise known as the 7 Year Tribulation.

I remember hearing that and having a mini heart attack. Now, I know and my friend knows that no one knows the day or the hour, so we took this information with a grain of salt. But it was like a warning blast of a shofar to keep oil in our lamps and be on watch.

As a private joke, we downloaded a countdown APP on our phones that tracked the proposed Rapture date like a hopeful coming event - like a wedding or graduation that you are anticipating. And over the last 5 years, we have texted each other screenshots when life gets hard or current events start reading like Matthew 24.

Now, I'm not upset with this pastor and won't even be mean and call him a false prophet. Like the apostles in the Bible, he thought the Second Coming of Jesus was imminent. He was convinced the Abraham Accords were the start of the countdown.

When you have the calling of being a Watchman on the Wall, you are constantly on the lookout and prepared to give a warning. Other people's lives depend on it. In Ezekiel 3 and 33, God commissions Ezekiel as a Watchman for Israel. God warns Ezekiel telling him if he sees danger approaching and doesn't warn the people, he will be accountable for their deaths. If he warns, and people don't listen, then he will not be held accountable.

So, this pastor's message was like a warning blast from the wall. It was a false alarm, but an alarm, nevertheless. It cemented in my mind, the need to be on high alert prophetically when "peace deals" are made that concern Israel. That's what a good watchman does, he scans the horizon for warning signs, Those who are called to be watchman should observe current events through the lens of scripture.

So, as my countdown APP is still moving towards this hypothetical date of 10/2/2026 - 9 am of course because who wants to be Raptured in their PJs - I decided this morning that my main goal for 2026 is to live my life like this countdown to the Rapture is not hypothetical but real.

What if every morning I wake up knowing that the day or hour to seeing Jesus is getting closer?

How would I live my life?

If you knew you were going to see Jesus face to face on October 2, 2026, how would you prepare for that meeting now?

I would:

1. Cut out all things in my life that will embarrass me or shame me when I meet Jesus: Bad habits, unforgiveness, fear, laziness, etc.

2. Get healthy - take care of my tent so that I can run the last leg of the race with endurance and win that prize.

3. Take my calling of a Watchman seriously. Warn everyone that Jesus is coming back soon. Be on guard for attack of the enemy. Be trained in Spiritual Warfare.

4. Reactivate my personal prayer language that has been neglected too long and pray in the Spirit again. This will strengthen my faith, empower my spirit and give me spiritual discernment and wisdom.

5. Blow may shofar again as a spiritual weapon of war.

6. Encourage and teach people to pray scripture.

7. Be a shepherdess for Jesus. Watch out for His sheep. Rescue the lost. Go after those who are wandering away. Bind the wounds of the broken. Do not let any of His sheep wander alone and be easy pickings for the enemy.

I was kind of dreading 2026 but after remembering my Countdown APP, I am kind of excited to walk into it with a whole new purpose. The Bible says to redeem the time (Ephesians 5:15-16), making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. We all can sense that 2026 is going to be a turbulent year, with elections and Israel becoming the stumbling block to the world mentioned in Isaish 8:14-15. Now is not the time to retreat but to engage in the spiritual battle before us.

So, when 10/3/2026 comes and I am still here, don't worry about me. I am not going to be disappointed or go crazy; I am using this as fuel to train - spiritually, mentally, and physically. Kind of like when I started to jog for a 5-K. I would tell myself, you just have to run to that bench or fence, then you can walk. Take it one step at a time. If that day comes, I will set another countdown and keep training.

Since the Bible tells us, don't cling to the things of this earth, let's start 2026 storing for ourselves treasures in Heaven. Live each day like you have a Countdown to meet Jesus face to face.

Ask yourself, if this is the year I meet Jesus either by Rapture or death, how do I want to be remembered? What jewels in my crown do I want to earn in the next 12 months?

Live this way in 2026 and it will be the best year ever.

God bless and happy New Year.

Love,

Yolanda

The Doggie Chronicles - Christmas Letter 2025

2025-12-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

I’m Jessie - And this is my story

Twas the night before Christmas and all thru the house
My humans were snoring as I played with a mouse.
I snuck to mama's computer to write down this tale of how I stole the hearts of my humans with my blue eyes and wagging tail.

You see, Christmas is a time to rejoice in the goodness of God
For He answers our prayers hidden deep in our hearts.

For the King of kings knows the future, aware of the trials that will come our way
And He provides comfort in advance of that difficult day.

That’s where I step into the story…
Born three years ago on a cold concrete floor
My siblings were all leaving with families out that backyard door.
They say I was the runt
A little special in the head, my human sister likes to jokingly say.
Left all alone, I prayed for a human family to be sent my way.

Unbeknownst to me, an hour drive away
A young human girl was praying to Jesus to bring a companion her way.
Begging for a dog from her parents who kept protesting
that volleyball always had her traveling far away.
She promised to care for him, train him, and pay for all his objects of play.

Mama held her ground until the tears broke her heart and she finally said, “OKAYYY!” Papa took one look at my blue eyes in a picture, and his heart melted right away. He said to his daughter, “Go get him today.”

So off went the daughter like a rocket in flight.
When I saw her, so joyful and sweet, my heart leapt in my chest
I knew God answers prayers
For he sent me the best.

I admit I’m special, but not in the way my sister likes to jokingly say.
My grandma says I’m almost human in my character and play.
I love all people and seem to sense who needs me most that day.
My head on their lap, getting close as they rub their troubles away.

It helps that I’m cute - actually winning a Calendar contest. I’m MR JULY 2026 I most humbly say.

Some say dogs are angels, but I wouldn’t go that far. Angels are God’s warriors fighting spiritual battles of war. I’d say God made dogs to show us a glimpse of His heart wrapped in fur. Unconditional love, forgiving, faithful and true. At the door of heaven, waiting in anticipation for His humans to come home.

God knew this family needed a tangible touch of Jesus’ care. So he sent me to their home to always be there.

My Papa had a health scare and every moment I lay next to him as he recovered in his chair. My head on his lap to give him comfort and care. When he got stronger, I was his companion on his recovery as we walked 5 miles a day and then I introduced him to friends at the dog park that helped take the stress away.
And when God healed him, Papa and I took a road trip to celebrate the news. Just two dudes in a car, worshiping Jesus for being able to live another day.

Sister human was my playmate and did not discipline me at all. She tried to train me, but it takes patience and consistency which she did not have at all. I’m a strong-willed child, like an ADHD kid off his meds. But don’t blame me, it’s the husky breed. So, I destroyed the furniture, the baseboards, the yard, and even my parent’s bed.

Thankfully, Papa was a big softy and forgave all my bad deeds.

Now Mexican Mama took longer to see how a house destroyed by a dog was an answer to prayer.
As all moms know, who’s kids ask for a pet
Mom becomes the caregiver and instantly has buyer’s regret!
As mama grumbled and maybe some Mexican curses were said
She picked up that leash and got out of her lazy bed.

First she was a slacker and just stood as I ran with my dog friends
But mama is a yacker and she soon made human friends.
She gathered a walking group and got them to pray
And now she climbs to the top of a mountain
Carrying her walking stick like a spiritual weapon to battle the day.
I am her Joshua faithfully waiting for her as she asks God to pour out His
blessings on her family, friends, country and even all of you I do say.

I even go on mission trips to a nursing home though some doubters said,
“He’s too wild and unruly, he will hurt them instead.”
Please, I’m Mr July and I know my charm!
I gently go to the elderly and kiss their hands and let them pet my head.

So yes, my parents live in a glorified Dog House they like to say
Their couches have duck tape and my fur flies every which way.
But, God knew they needed me in this season of life,
When sister would fly the coup to spread her wings leaving dad with just the wife.

I was the answer to prayer
They never knew they prayed.
God always answers in mysterious ways.
So what is your prayer, that you pray only in your heart?
God knows what it is before your words even come out.
He is preparing the answer, in ways we can’t see
It may not be His heart wrapped in fur, like me
But it will be a present from above, just have faith, keep praying, and wait and see.
He is saying, “Trust Me, let go and let me.”

Mama, Papa, Sister and I are praying that as you celebrate the Birth of Jesus this season, God’s greatest gift to the world, that you get the prayers of your heart answered and you can say, “Wow, Jessie was right. God really does hear the prayers of dogs and humans alike.”
Merry Christmas
Love,
Jessie and Mama

Every good and perfect gift comes from above. (James 1:17)

It's Time to Wield the Sword and Blow the Shofar

2025-04-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Dedicated to my Calvary Preschool Soul Sisters...

Back on 3/15/22, a missionary from Mexico was invited to my women’s Bible Study Group. This missionary was a pastor, but he also had the gift of intercessory prayer, healing, and words of knowledge. A Word of Knowledge is a gift of the Holy Spirit where the knowledge received can only be known through inspiration of the Holy Spirit to edify (strengthen, encourage, give guidance) the Body of Christ.

I had never met this pastor. He knew nothing about my Bible Study group just that we were excited to have him come share the Word with us.

After giving us an amazing message from the Word, he had us stand up and one by one he began to pray over each lady. It wasn’t in any specific order but as the Holy Spirit led him.
Well, he looks over at me intently and takes my hand and says,
“With you, God has a very special agreement. (He repeats) With you, God has a very special agreement. You have been called from your mother’s womb with a purpose, to serve Him. I see a shining sword in your right hand. He has given you power and authority to defeat serpents and scorpions. And, above all to defeat the devil that rises up against the will of God. In the Name of Jesus, continue to wield the sword and continue sounding the trumpet, says the LORD. Because you are a preacher of His Word. For this reason, God called you and through you, there will be healing and liberation.
You have been hurt. You have been beaten. You have been wounded severely, but you have been brave. God heals your heart tonight. And something new begins to happen in your life. In Jesus Name. Amen.”

Only God could have revealed to him through the Holy Spirit, that I was a Preschool Bible Teacher who loved to blow my shofar. I admit I play it very badly but I'm trying. I figured it was confirmation from the LORD that I was doing what the LORD had called me to do.

However, in December, I was told that I needed to step down from my position as Chapel Teacher because they did not want me to pray for Israel. In my chapel program, we would recite and memorize Psalm 122:6-8:
We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. May there be peace within her walls and prosperity. For the sake of my family and friends, I pray, "May she have peace."

Sadly, praying for Israel, which is Biblical, had become an offense at a Christian school.

I went back to my journal and reread the word from the pastor. I admit I was in a pit of despair and needed some encouragement from the LORD. I was crying out to God asking, “Who am I now? What is my purpose?”
Here is what I was reminded of:
My calling from God has not changed. I am to serve Him. I am a preacher of His Word. I must continue to wield the Sword which is the Word of God. And I must continue to blow the trumpet, my shofar, to come against the demonic forces that rise up against the will of God to silence me. He has given me power and authority as a child of God, co-heir of Christ, His ambassador to free those in spiritual bondage and to lay hands on the sick and pray for their healing. I’m not sure yet how God wants me to do that, but I know that is what I have been called to do.
So, here is the message for you. You have also been called from your mother’s womb with a purpose to serve Him. It may not be as pastor or evangelist but it’s God’s divine purpose for your life.
We have all been called for such a time as this to wield the Sword of the Spirit. As the days are growing darker and more and more people are falling away from the faith, it means we have to share the Word of God without compromise. We cannot water it down, omit parts that may offend, and play the politically correct game with the Gospel. Jesus said, “They will hate you because they first hated me. My Word offends. (John 15:18-25) I did not come to bring peace but a sword. (Matthew 10:34)”

The Apostle Paul wrote the following to young Timothy, but he also wrote this to us:
2 Timothy 4:2-4
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

The devil is trying to silence Spirit filled, Bible-Believing Christians all over the world, because there is power in the Word of God to heal the sick, free the captives, fight demonic attacks, and bring salvation to the lost.

To be Disciples of Jesus Christ, will cost us. Jesus told us, “Count the cost before you follow Me because you have to be prepared to pick up your cross daily.” When the pastor mentioned that I have been hurt, beaten, severely wounded, this is what resonated with my spirit. I have been hurt deeply over the years. Most of the time it has come when I have been sharing the Gospel, doing the work of ministry, or trying to spiritually grow. It has usually come from those who are close to me – family members, teachers, friends, and co-workers. This is part of the cost. I am sure you have all encountered it on some level. Whether it is rejection or mocking or verbal attacks.

But Jesus promises us that we will overcome by the word of our testimony and the Blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11). So, like the pastor told me, “You have been brave” I wanted to say “I have? I haven’t felt brave.” But maybe bravery is just getting up from the fetal position and putting one foot in front of the other. And God promised me, “something new begins now.” And I am going to trust Him on that. And so can you. God is going to use us all in ways we never expected. We are being stretched, strengthened, and equipped for every good work.

In the book of Acts, the church grew because it was persecuted. For the longest time, this preschool has been my refuge. My sanctuary. My family. Maybe God is calling me to expand my ministry. To take a step of faith into unknown territories. Whether that territory is right up the street, my own neighborhood, or into the community…. only God knows. What He is saying is “Be sure to pack your Sword and be armored up.”

As for the shofar. It is called the trumpet of God. It goes all the way back to Abraham and Isaac when a ram was sacrificed in place of his son. It is a symbol of Jesus being the ultimate Lamb of God and the power of His voice and name. The shofar was blown on Mount Sinai when God gave the Law. The shofar was blown to knock down the walls of Jericho. The shofar will be blown at the 2nd Coming of Christ when He rides in to save Israel from the nations who are attacking her and He rules and reigns from Jerusalem. We blow the shofar in faith because it is a call to return to the LORD, a call to action, a call to wake up the spiritually asleep, it’s a call to come together, it’s a battle cry to knock down the stronghold walls before us, and it is getting our spiritual ears ready for the Trumpet of God to blow and call us home.

In Psalm 89:15, David wrote: Blessed and happy are the people of who know the joyful sound [of the trumpet’s blast]! They walk, O LORD, in the light and favor of Your countenance!
So ladies, I am passing the baton so to speak and passing on the trumpets. It’s time to wield the sword and blow the shofars.

Love,

YOLANDA

(Written 1/25/2023)

I'm Officially an Empty Nester

2025-03-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

I’ve been promoted to the position and title “Empty Nester.”

My one and only baby bird has flown out of the security of our little nest into the great blue sky.

People have asked me how I feel and the best way to describe it is “I’m happy for her. Sad for me, but my happiness for her exceeds my sadness.” I know it’s a good thing in my head, but my heart is taking a while to agree. Wiser mentors have consoled me saying, “That is successful parenting.” Getting the baby eagle out of the nest to soar on her own. I guess my crazy parenting has been successful, in spite of my many, many mistakes. I have earned this promotion from “Hovering Mama Bird” to “Empty Nester.”

And like promotions or job changes, you know it’s for the best, but it is still bittersweet.
You leave behind everything you know, the familiar routines and responsibilities. You leave behind relationships that have been forged in the trenches. And you step out into a whole different season of life.

The last few years have been preparing me for this moment.

A few years ago, I had to step away from a job and coworkers who had become family to me. We were soul sisters, bonded like Jonathon and David. They were my Aarons and Hur in the spiritual battle of life. One day, after 14 years of ministry work, God made us all scatter like the Disciples in the Book of Acts to further the work of the Kingdom to our personal Judeas and Samarias and to the ends of the earth. And just like I imagine the disciples felt, it was scary and painful, but we all knew it was necessary. And I can say after a year of tears and personal struggle we all came up for air and started to bloom where we were planted.

One of things my soul sisters and I determined was that our bond was strong enough to survive the scattering. We were just going to have to get creative and be committed to making time for one another. And it has worked - Christmas potlucks, frozen yogurt dates, once a month hiking, and emergency prayer sessions. And even though we are not all under the same roof day to day, all it takes is a phone call and we fly back to the nest.

God is good. Even though we don’t realize it. He is preparing us for what’s ahead. With my daughter, He has been preparing me since she was born. The minute she cracked herself out of the egg, she was ready to fly the coop.

She hated to be swaddled. She wanted to feel free of restraints.
She held her own bottle at 4 months old. Little Miss Independence.
At two years old, she showed so much determination to climb what seemed impossible to her (it was a jolly jump mountain), crying in frustration with her little arms shaking, “I can do it.” She would not quit even though her mom and dad were telling her it was OK to quit. She kept at it until she reached the top. I knew then I was in trouble.
At 4 years old, she told Hovering Mama Bird, “You over there.” Basically, saying in 4-year-old talk, “I got this.”
In sports it was, “Do NOT talk to my coaches. I can handle it.”
When she wanted to drive, I wanted her to wait one more year. I told her, “Let’s take baby steps.” She looked me straight in the eyes with wisdom beyond her years and said, “You are going to have to let me go one day.” Arrow to the heart.
During the LockDown of 2020, she would not be contained. She went on a Rebellion Travel Tour. People were horrified that I was not sheltering her in place, but I knew that clipping my baby bird's wings would cause irrevocable harm to her mind and spirit.
Then it was sky diving and travel for work and pleasure and so on and so on.

When you are a Hovering Mama Bird who hatches a Wild Eagle, it takes Jesus to keep you sane. Through all the years of her trying to fly before her wings were fully developed, God was making her and I stronger. The two of us have had quite a journey over the last 23 years. And even though I loved every second, even the hard stuff, I know it was all for a purpose. I could sense it in my spirit that the nest had become too small for her and I. God had opened up ministry opportunities for me. I had a new passion for hiking and pickleball. I was learning to soar on my own and Papa Bird and I were flying in sync on new adventures.

So even though I have shed a few tears now and then, and a piece of my heart will always be soaring somewhere else, it’s all good. For God works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

For you Hovering Mama Birds out there with your little Baby Birds in the nest still, enjoy every moment but don’t clip their wings. One day when you see them soar to places you never imagined, you'll sit back in the nest and watch in amazement thinking it was all worth it.

Love,
Yolanda

2025 - TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH

2024-12-31T16:03:00.000-08:00

As we enter 2025, we are all like Indiana Jones, in the Last Crusade movie, looking across the seemingly impossible ravine. It looks uncertain and scary, but we know we have a divine mission to reach the other side, not only for ourselves but for our family and friends.

When we see the impossible, God, The Father, is urging us from His throne saying, “My Child, you have to believe.”

The Holy Spirit whispers to our hearts, “Take a leap of faith.”

And as we take that first step, the bridge appears. What is the bridge? It is the Word of God. The more we study it, the more we connect the dots from Genesis to Revelation, the clearer the bridge becomes beneath our feet.

This coming year, let's take that leap of faith, using the Word as a light unto our path. Let's make it to the other side, come what may. And like Indie, who brought back the cup of healing water to revive his dad, let's give the weary among us God's Living Water to revive their souls. The enemy is trying to wear down the saints and we can't let him win. In 2025, take a leap of faith with me!

Psalm 119:105-112 THE MESSAGE

By your words I can see where I’m going;

they throw a beam of light on my dark path.

I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back

from living by your righteous order.

Everything’s falling apart on me, God;

put me together again with your Word.

Adorn me with your finest sayings, God;

teach me your holy rules.

My life is as close as my own hands,

but I don’t forget what you have revealed.

The wicked do their best to throw me off track,

but I don’t swerve an inch from your course.

I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—

what a gift! And how happy it makes me!

I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—

I always have and always will.

Happy New Year!
God bless,
Yolanda

Redeem The Time

2024-11-06T09:16:00.004-08:00

This morning, I feel like we have been given a gift, a reprieve from judgment. What is the purpose of the reprieve? I believe it is for harvesting the wheat. God has been doing a work in the last four years of separating the wheat from the tares. The tares have become pretty obvious. I believe that Jesus is saying, "Go and make the most of this reprieve to bring in the wheat harvest. Gather up more souls for His Kingdom." I woke up with a Bible verse running in my head like my marching orders.

Ephesians 5:15-17 AMB

Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as the wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people, making the VERY MOST of your time [on the earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days [are fille with] evil. Therefore, do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.

Let's get to work today! Let's roll up our sleeves for the harvest is great and the workers are few. Let's be found working when Jesus returns, investing our talents and redeeming the time. Because when the reprieve is up, and the trumpet of God is blown for us to go home and rest, we want to be found worthy to escape the grape harvest.

God bless,

Yolanda

A New Year's Message for 2022

2021-12-18T17:13:00.003-08:00

Twas the night before the New Year and all through the world, the devil roamed like a lion seeking whom he could destroy.

His spirit of fear released in 2020 had succeeded in its dastardly deed, to deceive the nations to cower and concede.

The political puppets showed their alliance to the beast for they willingly enslaved, impoverished, and silenced the people as they robbed them of peace.

The devil smirked with glee for his biggest triumph was to blind God's shepherds so they could not spiritually see.

No gathering

No singing

No worship or praying aloud.

God's shepherds closed their churches leaving the addicted, despairing, and feeble to fend on their own.

The sheep without shepherds, no rod of protection to fend off the wolves.

The sheep left defenseless were now battered, bloody and worn.

The devil could not believe how easy the majority of God's shepherds had surrendered! Of this easy conquest the devil was most proud.

Within the span of a few months, many of God's children stopped going to church, neglecting the fellowship of believers as they lounged at home lulled into apathy.

The LORD knocked on the doors of his church, locked from within, pews empty of His children, no prayers lifted to the throne room. The LORD wept for His children, crying out, "Did I not command you, be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. In the midst of this deception, open your eyes to the truth and see."

In 2021, the love of God's children grew cold as they succumbed to the fears and cares of this world. The seed of God's word choked and strangled as they chose safely and security instead of faith and belief.

The devil raised a glass to himself and made a toast.

"Do what they will!" was his demonic boast.

The devil reflected on his greatest covert operation that deceived even some of the elect.

For as the churches were closed and pastors preached from the comfort of home, the devil slithered into some of their hearts and made them lukewarm. Deceived by demons to embrace social justice, globalism, and to preach "all roads lead to heaven" and there is no place as hell.

He deceived these pastors into doubting the truth of God's Word so that hell was non-existent and Jesus' 2nd coming a myth. The devil whispered into their hearts, "Preach prosperity gospel and focus on self. Teach them my demonic motto, do what they will, and make them forget eternity exists."

All seemed lost and hopeless at the end of 2021, and the devil could not be more pleased.

But, on the first day of 2022, a remnant of God's people arose from their slumber. "We are God's army," they seemed to remember.

Like the Sons of Issachar, they knew their God and knew what to do. Resist the devil and from you he must flee. Flee from your nation, state, city and family.

As this Gideon size army arose one by one, they put on their armor of God and recited Psalm 91.

As they lifted their eyes to the mountain of the LORD, they called out to Jesus and prayed, "Holy Spirit empower us, please."

Suddenly there appeared a bright light as a flame of fire came down from above, igniting every willing heart who was ready to fight.

The remnant shouted, "Jesus, not my will but Thy will be done."

The devil roared like a wounded lion before the battle even begun, for the LION of the Tribe of JUDAH had strengthened His army to restrain the powers of darkness until it was time for His return.

2022 is the year that the battle lines have been drawn.

You must pick a side.

Jesus said, "You are either for me or against me."

I know which side I am on, the side of the Victor who has already won.

Ephesians 6:10

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Strengthen us, LORD. Help us to stand. Give us wisdom and spiritual discernment. For You did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and self-control. In Jesus Name I pray Amen.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love,

Yolanda

Old Glory - Poem

2020-10-11T19:43:00.002-07:00

As the soul of America hangs in the balance between life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness OR death, tyranny, and socialism...

I figured there was no better time to share my poem, Old Glory, than on Columbus Day. There is so much controversy over a simple holiday that we used to embrace and celebrate. This day should be celebrated because it honors a man, flawed and imperfect just like the rest of us, but who was led by the Holy Spirit and by the Word of God to discover a new land. The LORD had is hand on the discovery and founding of America which is why this nation has been blessed. For that reason alone Columbus Day should be celebrated.

This poem came to me after my good friend and illustrator painted this picture of the cross and the flag. When I first looked at this picture, I felt the pain of America's faltering heart represented in our flag. People believe the flag stands for race or privilege. Our flag represents a spirit, a spirit of freedom and possibility. Yet, people are crucifying the flag as an object of horror and oppression so the flag has no option but to return to the outstretched arms of her creator. Her only Savior.

Pray for America. God says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Stand for the flag. She represents God's Divine Providence over our nation.

Teach your children patriotism. America may not be perfect but she is good. And, if she fails and falls, there is no going back. We are the last frontier of freedom. Your children will only realize what they have lost after they lose it. Then they will weep and mourn because of their ignorance. They will wake up in a world they will not recognize because they have not lived or learned about the history of communist countries.

VOTE. Evil triumphs when good people do nothing. The LORD says, "If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would." (Jeremiah 18:7-10)

Old Glory

They used to call me Old Glory

They flew me proudly from their city halls, schools, and baseball fields

On their front porch, I always felt like part of the family

All across America

From sea to shining sea

They would look up and see me flying proudly

I never touched the ground

I was folded reverently

In honor of the men and women

Who died protecting me

Oh, how they loved me

So long ago

Young and old sang songs about me

Their voices warmed my very soul

Just a piece of cloth,

Red, white and blue

Knit together by God above

An emblem of blessings and liberty

When America mourns a patriot lost

I fly half-mast to show respect

And for the brave who hold the line

On the battlefield or on the street

I have the honor of covering them when

it is time for them to go to their eternal home

Gifted to their families is the greatest honor I could bare

Proudly I am framed in their homes

A small token of the grief we all share

God inspired my colors, whispering the design into our Founder’s hearts

It must bare the colors of His Son, in order for God to take a part

God’s inspiration is evident for all the world to see

The image of His Son woven into me

The stripes are for the stripes He bore

Red is for the blood He shed for all humanity

White is for His holiness of the One who paid it all

Blue is for His celestial home

The stars remind us He is the creator of them all

Some may argue otherwise and claim the colors are not for Him

But I have seen the best of men

Propelled by His Spirit

To act in a manner worthy of Him

They run towards the fire while others flee to safety

They take the bullet meant for a friend

They jump on grenades to protect their brothers and sisters on the field

They stormed the beach

Climbed the wall

Carried the fallen

They gave their life for all

Oh America, America why have you forsaken me?

America, America God sheds a tear for thee

When they tear me down, rip me to shreds, beat, burn and stomp on me

I weep and mourn but let them be

For freedom is what I stand for

They have the right to trample me

And if they turned on the One who died for them

I guess I know why they would eventually turn on me

They called me Old Glory

And I’m beginning to feel my age

My very life is slipping away, I’m fading, thread bare, a forgotten treasure

Mocked and slandered for all the world to see

America, America will you stand for me as I have stood for you?

From my view above, I see a remnant who still love and protect me

But I don’t know if it is enough to breathe new life in me

So, I implore you, my brethren

Carry me to that old rugged cross and drape me on His outstretched arms

Return me to the One who inspired me

To the King of Glory

He is the only hope for me

Written by Yolanda Villafana

How to Run towards the Giant

2020-08-11T12:37:00.004-07:00

Ever wonder how David ran towards the scary, mean looking giant when he was just a youth? Lately, my prayer has been, "LORD, help me to run towards the giant." You see, my tendency is to want to run away from the giants in my life. But, in these dark days, there is a giant enemy facing Believers and the church. He is taunting us in the form of liberal judges, mayors and governor decrees to shut down churches, to stop the congregations from singing, to limit inside gathering. This giant is using the weapons of fear to paralyze the church into retreat, silence, and compliance.

In 1 Samuel 17, we see that Goliath taunted the Israelite army for 40 days, cursing the God of Israel. And the Israelite army was greatly dismayed and afraid. They were paralyzed with fear.

This is exactly what the majority of churches in America are doing. They are allowing the giant, who are the liberal government leaders, to curse the God of Israel and the majority of the church is living in fear of a "invisible enemy" with a 98-99% survival rate. The American church has been almost completely sidelined in this desperate hour over a virus, refusing to open their doors to the hurting and needy, while the persecuted church in China, North Korea, the Middle East continue to meet underground while risking life, imprisonment, and torture.

We return to the pages of 1 Samuel and see that on the battlefield, walks up a young teen who is looking at this cowering army and asks, "Who is this guy who would defy the armies of the living God?" David was incredulous! He could not believe that his brothers and the Israelites were letting this giant get away with cursing his God. So, David runs towards the giant and I love what he says,
You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. BUT, I come to you in the name of the LORD!"

So, how did David do this? We have to know how because the LORD is looking for Davids in these Last Days.

David remembered how the LORD had helped him defeat the bears and the lions while he tended sheep. Every time, David defeated a lion who dare to attack his sheep, his faith in the LORD was strengthened. Every time David, killed a lion who dared to come near his sheep, his faith in the LORD was empowered. By the time David entered that battlefield and ran towards the giant, his faith in God was so great that any doubt that God would let him down was non-existent. That is why he was able to tell Goliath, "You have defied the God of the armies of Israel. This day, the LORD shall deliver you into my hand....Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear, for the battle is the LORD's!!"

That is how we learn to run towards the giants in our life. We step out in faith - one lion, one bear at time. And every time we defeat those bears and lions that would dare come near our children, family, friends, and church, we build our strength. Because, you see, there is a giant enemy in America, taunting the church, pastors, and Believers. He is yelling across the battlefield,

"You better stay inside, if you wanna stay safe."

"You better not defy the government's mandates or we will shut you down."

"You better stay away from each other, not sing or pray, because it's for your own good."

"If you were really a good Christian, you would comply."

The giant wants the church to forget the POWER the GOD OF ISRAEL to defeat all of our enemies. Jesus said, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against My church!" (Matthew 16:18) If Jesus said, "The gates of hell shall not prevail," do you think that any government official has a chance to close down His church? Jesus said in Revelation 3:8, "See, I have set before you an open door that no one can shut!"

The only way that the church will be closed is if we close it in fear. Jesus warns the lukewarm church of Laodicean, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) Jesus is knocking at the door of the majority of the American churches and saying, "Hello....anyone in there? Anyone hear my voice and will open up?" Jesus told the lukewarm church, "Be ZEALOUS and repent."

It's time to pick up our slingshot and rock (Jesus is the rock) and run towards the giant yelling,

"You, enemies of God, come at me with your mandates of fear and intimidation! I come to you in the Name of the LORD! Jesus is my rock and my salvation. In Him will I trust!"

Rise up, Church, rise up! The world needs the American church to wake up, rise up, and run towards the giant. The assembly is watching on the sidelines. Let's show them that the God of Israel still reigns! He is alive and on the throne and He is coming back quickly for a church that is faithful, watching, and ready with oil in her lamps.

God bless,

Yolanda

Come Fly with Me - A new book of hope in these dark days

2020-07-02T14:29:00.004-07:00

Available on Amazon

In March of 2019, I was overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and having difficulty sleeping. I remember lying in bed, underneath a cocoon of blankets and asking the LORD for some much needed rest. This story was downloaded into my heart by the Holy Spirit in less than 10 minutes. I remember having to grab my phone and voice-record it as it poured out of me. Then, life went on and I left the recording on my phone for a year.

Fast-forward to March 2020, when the entire world came to a screeching halt because of an “invisible enemy.” As a spirit of fear gripped the world, economic hardships afflicted every family, businesses closed and unemployment skyrocketed, the LORD reminded me of this story. What I once thought was a nice little comfort story became a word from the LORD about the times we are living in. I'm calling this book my "Rapture" book because I believe that the LORD is preparing His Bride, the church, to be transformed. In these dark days, as the lies and schemes of the Devil are becoming more visible and deadly, Jesus is calling His Bride, the church, to prepare herself for His soon return.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54
But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

My question for you is are you ready? What we are seeing today in the streets, homes, and churches of America is the great divide: the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the tares, the lukewarm from the hot. The Bride of Christ is being purified and transformed. Those who hear the call of Christ in the breeze and recognize His voice will respond. They will spread out their wings of faith and soar high in the sky with Him. Sadly, those who are bound by the pleasures and desires of this world, who are content to stay down and low, will miss it. Jesus is calling us. He is knocking on the doors of our heart and asking us to open up our hearts to Him.

My prayer is that you respond to the call before it's too late.
This book has evolved into so much more than I originally intended.
It is a book of hope for the Christian reminding them of the blessed hope of the Rapture.
It is a book of love for the non-Believer to see the heart of God for humanity.
It is a book of hope for those struggling with fear, depression and anxiety.
It is a book of comfort for those who have lost a loved one because it beautifully illustrates heaven.

This may be my favorite book so far and I hope it becomes yours. Gift it to someone you know who needs message of love, hope, and peace today. Thank you.

God bless,
Yolanda
Book available on Amazon.

Book trailer: https://youtu.be/S5yN0LVa4VE
Backstory to the book: https://youtu.be/xkSAmn5nXRA

Pentecost - The Sequel

2020-05-17T16:41:00.002-07:00

Coming soon to an Upper Room near you - Pentecost, The Sequel.

Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He gathered with His followers and commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the Promised Holy Spirit to descend from the Father.
He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-8 KNJV)

In obedience, 120 Believers gathered together in the Upper Room to wait, pray and offer supplications.
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4 NJKV)

All who were gathered in obedience to Jesus' instructions were baptized in the Holy Spirit and empowered for the ministry. Peter, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, boldly stood up and preached one of the most anointed sermons ever recorded. He was transformed in that Upper Room from cowering denier to empowered bold pastor. Three thousand people were saved that first Pentecost Sunday, which gave birth to the church and established the Bride of Christ.

Sequels are usually released a few years after the initial release of a major blockbuster movie. Well, this sequel is being released 2000 years after the first but it has long been anticipated and never more necessary. This sequel is about to break all records and bust through every block the enemy has put in its path. This sequel is hitting churches throughout California on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020.

On this Pentecost Sunday, 3000 churches are opening up their doors in obedience to Hebrews 10:25, but in civil disobedience to the state government. Many Christians have criticized these pastors quoting Romans 13:1 about being subject to the government. Yet, when the state's laws violate God's law, we must be subject to God above all else.

I believe Jesus is calling His Bride to gather together in the Upper Room, to pray in one accord and to wait for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit promised in Joel chapter 2. It will be a rebirth of the church. I believe that flames of Holy Spirit righteousness will fall on all Believers present, the Spirit will come with healing power in His wings, and we will be empowered with boldness to preach the Gospel in these evil and oppressive Last Days. Just like the first church suffered and endured persecution, so will we. We already are seeing it and much of the world has already experienced atrocities against Christians. Just as Jesus knew His followers needed empowering to be effective in that political and cultural climate, He knows we need it now in our political and cultural climate.

It is not a coincidence that 3000 people got saved on the first Pentecost Sunday and 3000 churches are opening on Pentecost - The Sequel. God is about to do something BIG!! You do not want to miss it!

Sadly, on that first Pentecost Sunday many missed it. Some mocked because they did recognize the goodness and power of the Holy Spirit.

Don't let people's mocking keep you from the Upper Room this Pentecost Sunday.
Don't let the enemy's threats keep you from the Upper Room this Pentecost Sunday.
Don't let fear keep you from the Upper Room this Pentecost Sunday.
Respond to the commandment of Jesus to gather together in one accord and wait and see what God is going to do!
I, for one, am ready! Come, LORD Jesus, come! Your church and bride say, "Come!"

From now until May 31st, join me in praying Acts 4:29-31 (NLT) for every church and pastor stepping out in faith and obedience.
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Shake each meeting place, fill all those present with the Holy Spirit that they may preach the word of God with boldness. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Love,
Yolanda

Has Jesus Been Taken from Us This Easter

2020-04-05T09:44:00.001-07:00

This coming Resurrection Sunday, many of us are lamenting the fact that we cannot enjoy the fellowship of Believers in our places of worship. Everything that goes along with our Easter celebrations- family BBQs, games for the children, sunrise services, and dressing up in our Sunday best to bring our worship to the LORD – is gone this year.

I wonder if we feel as Mary Magdalene felt when she ran to the tomb that Easter morning intending to bring her offerings of spices and oils to bless Jesus and found it empty. She wept bitterly. When the angels asked her why, she was so distraught that she did see the miraculous around her, and said, “They have taken away my LORD, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” (John 20:11-18)

This Easter season many of us are fearful and feeling like we have lost our LORD and don’t know where to find Him. We feel as if they have taken Him from us. In our distress, we do not see the miraculous around us.

It is not until Mary hears the voice of Jesus call her by name, “Mary”, in that sweet, gentle, loving voice that she turns and sees Jesus standing before her.

This Easter season, perhaps Jesus needed to remove all the distractions from our lives to get us alone so that we could hear Him call us by name. He is not lost in this time of distress. He has not been taken away from us just because our church buildings have been restricted from us for a time.

He is in us!

However, just like Mary ran and clung to Him and would have joyfully stayed in His loving arms forever. He had to tell her, “Do not cling to Me…go tell My brethren I have risen.” So, Jesus is telling us in this season where people are looking into an empty tomb of fear and distress, wondering where God is, “GO! Tell them that I have risen! Tell them the good news of Salvation.”

When this time of uncertainty passes by, many of us will be the first to run into our places of worship and never again take that privilege for granted, but for now since we cannot go to church, Jesus is calling us to be His church. Let us open our eyes to the miraculous that God is working in this time for we know that He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

This Holy Week, let as pray that Jesus makes a triumphant entrance into our homes, communities, cities, country and world. Jesus, your church and Bride pray "Come, LORD Jesus, come."

In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

Love,

Yolanda

National Day of Prayer - March 15, 2020

2020-03-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

In response to the coronavirus, President Trump has declared March 15, 2020, as a National Day of Prayer.
"It is my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer. We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these...
No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!" President Donald J. Trump

God has gotten the attention of the whole world through this virus. The whole world is reacting in fear. Stores are being looted at night, shelves are being emptied, people are fighting over toilet paper, people are being quarantined, the world-wide economy is being affected.

Here in our state, a mandate from the Governor has closed schools, colleges, preschools. It has cancelled any events over 250 people. Sporting events have been canceled, tournaments, and extra-curricular school functions have been postponed. Churches are being forced to cancel onsite attendance and only offer church sermons online. The place of refuge - the church - has now been denied to a scared and lost people.

God is calling us to STOP, be still, be quiet, and look up. Last night while I lay in my bed unable to sleep...again...A stop sign kept appearing in my mind. Why has God called us to STOP and be still?
In the book of Revelation, chapter 8, there is silence in heaven for 30 minutes. Heaven stops, is still, and is quiet while an angel, some say Jesus because He is performing priestly duties, "having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand (Revelation 8:3-4 NKJV).

It's as if God says, "Quiet! Shush! My people are praying and I want to hear the prayers of my people! Their prayers are a sweet aroma to Me."

Sometimes, we know as Christians that we are supposed to STOP and be still but there is too much to do. We have work, school, our kid sporting events, vacation plans, concert and movie dates, etc. etc. As parents, we often see our children, spinning out of control, hyped up, getting cranky and grumpy, and we say, "It's time to take a rest time!" I think God said, "My children need to take a spiritual rest time." But, just like cranky toddlers will fight and cry, and moan and groan being forced to their beds, so we as God's children will fight going to rest.

God is a Good Father, a loving parent. This Sunday, He is bringing us back to the book of Acts. In the book of Acts, persecution was happening against Christians and the people of God would meet in small houses to have church. That is what will be happening this Sunday.

Our "church" where we worship the god of professional sports has been cancelled.
Our "church" where we worship the god of musicians and celebrity has been cancelled.
Our "church" where we worship the god of our children's sports has been cancelled.
Our "church" where we worship the god of academia has been cancelled.
Our "church" where we worship the god of money has been threatened.
Our "church" where we worship the god of self has lost control and we are being governed by others.
Even our churches where we can go to find refuge in the security of the church building has been taken away for a time.

Now, it's just us and God and a time to stop, be still, quiet our souls, and find rest in Him alone.

Every time there is a need for national prayer, we quote 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
... if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Yet, this morning was the first time I saw it quoted with verse 13 which actually makes it a complete sentence and puts it in context.
13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or SEND PESTILENCE AMONG MY PEOPLE, 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Reading the whole sentence stopped me in my tracks this morning!!!! What has been devouring farms in minutes in the Middle East??? LOCUSTS
What has brought the world to a stand still? PESTILENCE!

I think God is speaking loud and clear:
"STOP! Be still! You want the pestilence to stop? Then Christians, "people who are called by My Name" humble yourselves. Pray. Seek my face. Turn from your wicked ways and repent! THEN, I will silence heaven so I can hear your prayers, and I will forgive your sin and heal your land."

God has spoken through HIS Word. He has given us the answer to this world-wide problem.
Our President who has been appointed by God for such a time as this, has responded like Queen Esther calling for her people to stop and pray so that God would move to save her people from utter destruction. The Jews responded to Queen Esther's plea and fasted and prayed and God saved her people. The question today is will we? Will we respond to the "Esther" of our times and our nation and STOP and pray?

Tomorrow, Sunday 15th, let us respond to the Word of God, to the call for prayer. Gather in your homes with fellow Believers. All it takes is 2-3 people to gather in Jesus' Name and Jesus promises to be in your midst (Matthew 18:20). And pray! It does not take fancy words and long prayers. It just takes humility, reverence to God, repentance, sincere hearts, and crying out to God for his mercy and intervention.

We have been called for such a time as this, let's heed God's warning and respond.

God bless,
Yolanda

Has God's Arm Lost It's Power? Prayer For Your Children

2020-03-09T05:58:00.003-07:00

Have you ever found yourself whining to God about His manna? His daily provision he graciously provides us without having to think or ask for it. It just arrives every morning: our breath in our body, our comfy beds, roof over our heads, coffee waiting to be brewed...

This manna is small and pale. We have to go gather it, grind it, boil it, and bake it. Ugh….so much effort, LORD. In our daily grind of life, this heavenly provision can feel small, boring, insignificant. We become desensitized to the miracle delivery because it just shows up every morning.

We find ourselves wanting more!

Sometimes for earthly food and, even at times, for spiritual food.

I want God to speak to me with thunder and lighting from Mount Sinai. I get tired of waiting for the still small voice I hear confirmed in His Word.

I start to grumble and complain.

I start to cry out, "LORD, I want MEAT!"

In my heart of hearts, what I'm really crying out for is the world's food. I want a taste of the world because I'm not content or satisfied with God's food.

While reading my morning Bible reading, I read in Numbers 11 how the Israelites felt exactly how I felt yesterday: grumpy, whiny, discouraged, disappointed and ungrateful.

They were tired of the manna and they started cry out for meat.

God responded, "I've heard your grumbling. You want the world's food? I will give you so much meat you will gag!"

Moses, who was leading this group of whiners, tells God, "I can't handle this burden anymore. I didn't ask for it or want it. How can you possibly supply enough meat for all of these people?"

God responds to Moses, "Has My arm lost it's power? Now you will see whether My Word comes true."

You see, yesterday I had gone to the mountaintop expecting thunder and lightening. I wanted God to speak to me through a powerful cloud. I needed direction for my daughter's future since she is transitioning into adulthood, college, and career. There are so many choices to make in these last few months that I wanted God to speak in grand Exodus style.

Yet, what I got was scripture verses spoken calmly and quietly by two sweet sisters in the LORD. I walked away feeling very disappointed. Thinking to myself, "Is that all, God?"
Until I decided to put those scriptures together and pray them:

Dear God,
I pray that you would draw my daughter with unfailing kindness and help her to feel your everlasting love.
I pray you would give her a Cyrus anointing. That you would empower her right hand. That you would open up doors for her that no man can shut. That you would go before her and level the mountains and make crooked places straight. I pray you would smash down gates that the enemy puts before her. Give her treasures hidden in the darkness, secret riches.
I pray you do this, LORD, so that she will know that you are the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls her by name.
LORD, I pray that every plant, whether it be relationships, friendships, school and career choices, decisions, that the Heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted by the root. Surround her with godly friendships, relationships, and opportunities where she will grow in her faith, grow deep roots in the Word, and bear good fruit.
I pray this in Jesus' powerful name.
Amen.

So I will pray this prayer, this Manna given to me yesterday morning, lovingly carried down on dew from my Heavenly Father, that I almost left outside discarded to rot in the afternoon sun.
Because I can almost hear God's voice say, "Yolanda, has My arm lost its power? Pray My Word and see whether it comes true."

The fervent prayers of the righteous mom avails much! Do you have a child, teen, or adult child who needs a Cyrus anointing, then start to pray Manna. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He will nourish your child with the only spiritual food that will satisfy.

Love,
Yolanda

My new favorite song: https://youtu.be/4BpirBRWGUs

Seek a 2020 Revelation not Resolution

2020-01-02T10:23:00.001-08:00

So 2020...
As a young person, this year always seemed so futuristic.
I kind of never thought I'd get here and so far I'm not too excited about it.
Every other January 1st prior to this year, I have been excited about the new year. It always seemed like new beginning, new opportunities. This year it's almost as if I am apprehensive about what is coming.

Recently, I concluded a Bible study on the book of Daniel. Daniel is one of few people in the Bible who God does not list a short coming. Oh, it's not like he was without sin, because the Bible says that no one is without sin except Jesus. God just never records any shortcomings, such as anger issues, lying tendencies, or women problems. An angel actually told Daniel that "he was greatly loved by God."

When studying Daniel, I discovered that he was very young when he got captured and taken to Babylon. He was probably a teenager, but the Bible records that Daniel set his heart on GOD. He decided not to defile himself and was a man devoted to studying the Word of God and prayer. Daniel honored God in body, mind, and spirit and in turn God gave him favor in the eyes of those in authority, He gave him wisdom and the gift of interpreting dreams, and Daniel received visions, dreams, and revelations of future events.

When Daniel was in his 80s, he was studying the book of Jeremiah and he realized and understood that the time of Israel's captivity (70 years) was almost over. He went into a time of fervent prayer and fasting and seeking the LORD because he wanted to understand what the future held for himself and his nation. He fasted for 21 days. After 21 days, Gabriel, the angel, appeared to him and told him that a demonic angel had battled with him attempting to thwart his mission to come to Daniel and answer his prayer. But Gabriel, with Michael the archangel, he was victorious and came to Daniel and revealed to Daniel the future prophetic events that would be transpiring for Israel. Gabriel, the angel, revealed 490 years of prophecy to Daniel. Many Christians have gone on Daniel's Fast to draw closer to the LORD and seek wisdom, guidance, healiang, and revelation.

My family has decided to do the Daniel Fast starting January 1, 2020, because we are facing some big family decisions and we need wisdom and a spiritual breakthough. We want to make our decisions based on God's will. Also, like Daniel was concerned about the future of his nation, Israel, and his people, and felt burdened to fast and pray for them, so I am entering this new year and decade burdened for my nation and people.

I think the LORD is calling the remnant of His church to be Daniels in these last days. God's Word says, "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart are loyal to Him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) God wants to show up in our lives and show Himself strong, to send messenger angels to give us our answer to prayer, and to give us dreams and visions, and deeper revelation of His Word. He is searching throughout the whole world for hearts that are loyal to Him.

In Daniel 10:12-13, Gabriel tells Daniel, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, you words were heard, and I have come because of your words." However, demonic forces were keeping Gabriel from coming for 21 days. Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days, allowing Gabriel to break free and bring God's message. I feel like that is a message for me too. "Yolanda, don't fear, what is to come in 2020. For the first day you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard." I have set me heart to understand the Word and fasting is all about humility before our God. God's Word says we do not battle flesh and blood but demonic forces in the spiritual realm. So, if we are feeling weak, fearful, fatigued, anxious, it is a spiritual battle raging. But, God has promised to show up and make Himself strong on our behalf.

So, for the next 21 days, I'm keeping my heart, mind, and spirit focused on Jesus and I am praying for God to show Himself strong and to strengthen me. I'm not sure what trials or triumphs are coming in 2020 but I know who will be there with me to face them all.

Are you looking for a spiritual breakthrough this year? Why not do what Daniel did? Set your heart to understand, and humble yourself before God. His eyes are roaming the whole earth searching for someone just like you.

Love,
Yolanda

Rise of the Remnant

2019-12-30T11:20:00.001-08:00

So, I recently...along with millions of other people...watched the latest Star Wars film, "The Rise of Skywalker." As someone who at 15 years old fell in love with Han Solo and was enraptured by the Princess Leia and Han Solo love affair, I adored the last film.

While it fulfilled many sentimental fond memories, the film also inspired a prophetic Biblical message for 2020. The Star Wars films can always be viewed as having a Biblical message of good verses evil and the force being representative of the Holy Spirit, yet to me this film spoke of the prophetic battle that is raging in the world during these Last Days.

In these Last Days, it does seem as though evil is triumphing and multiplying. The evil empire is growing and recruiting blind followers who wear masks and are attempting to extinguish the Light. The good guys who have fought the good fight are dying off. Even those who are empowered by the "light force" are dwindling down. The pull of the dark side is enticing many to turn from The Way to the path of least resistance.

There is a scene at the end of the film when the evil Emperor Palpatine is attempting to sway Rey to the dark side, and in the crowd of this huge arena are all of his followers. They are shrouded in darkness, with hoods over their faces, and the are the silent majority that has been deceived by the power of the dark side.

Rey stands alone against him. And Emperor Palpatine says, "I am every Sith that has ever lived." And, as I'm watching this scene play out, I realize that he is fictionally representing what the Anti-Christ will say during his reign during the seven years of Tribulation. He will be empowered by the dark force, which is Satan, and he will represent every anti-christ that has come before him, from Antiochus IV Epiphanes to Hitler to those in power today who use their money and influence to push their globalist agenda. And when you look at the fictional character of Palpatine, whose face is contorted by evil, it's not a stretch to say that many in power today who are plotting to destroy nations resemble him in appearance and deed because their faces are contorted by the spirit of the anti-christ in them.

Just when you think that Palpatine is going to win, Rey replies, "And I am every Jedi." With the encouragement of all the Jedi's who have died fighting the good fight, she rises up to defeat the dark side.

The prophetic message I received while watching this scene is that God is raising up a remnant of Believers from His church. Who are the remnant? It's like that line in the movie, when all of these ships show up at the end to fight the First Order, General Pryde says, "Who is this army?" And, a soldier replies, "It's just people." That is the REMNANT!!

It was "just people" from all over the universe who heard the cry for help and responded, who decided it was worth it all to fight against the evil First Order. In the Bible, it says that the Anti-Christ will not be revealed until The Restrainer is taken away. The Restrainer is the Remnant. What is restraining the Anti-Christ from being revealed in this moment is a Holy Spirit filled Remnant of Believers. Just people all over the world who are willing to lay it all down for Jesus and to fight the One World Order. When Rey says, "And I am every Jedi." I pictured us, God's Remnant" saying, "We represent every Believer who has lived and died for Christ." We are using the Holy Spirit Force to push back against the Anti-Christ spirit that is pushing this One World Order system on the nations of the world.

Sometimes, we are going to feel like Rey, not sure if we can do it. Not sure if our past history makes us unworthy to be part of the Remnant. Sometimes we are going to feel tired of the fight. Sometimes, the fight against the enemy is going to take us to the point of near death, where it seems easier to just give in and stay down. But, just when it looks like we are down for the count, God sends another Holy Spirit Believer to breath life into us again. They will help us back up and we will partner together to fight the good fight until the end.

2020 is just around the corner. 2020 is going to be a spiritual battle of galactic proportions because the Anti-Christ spirit is raging against anyone who stands for nationalism, Israel, and Bible believing and following Christians. It's sad that I even have to make a distinction between Christians, but many are falling away from the faith. Many call themselves Christians but over 70 percent of people who call themselves Christians do not believe the Bible is the Word of God. So, God is sifting the church to see who are wheat (Spirit-filled/Bible Believing Christians) and who are tares (lukewarm). Just like when God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men, so that Israel would know that it was God who provided the victory, God will use a Remnant in these Last Days. It's all throughout scripture, the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, only 5 where ready, watching, and Spirit-filled. The 144,000 Spirit-filled men of Israel who God will seal in the Tribulation to share the Gospel in those 7 years. God always saves and uses a Remnant - Noah and his family, Lot and his daughters, 2 out of the 12 spies, etc. etc.

So, in 2020 it will be the Rise of the Remnant. Will you be part of God's Remnant?

Love,
Yolanda

Me, The Center of the Universe

2019-10-30T16:31:00.001-07:00

Meet Me. Me is the center of the universe.

Me believes the world revolves around his needs, wants, and emotions.
Sound like anyone you know?
I think we all know a Me.
Goodness, some of us may even be a Me!

As an early childhood educator, I have encountered many MEs in my classroom, which is developmentally appropriate for young preschoolers. Most young children socially develop and learn to share, care, and think of others. Every once in a while, I will encounter a child who cannot seem to see outside of their own universe. They are so focused on self that they have difficulty making friends and progressing in their social skills. This usually happens when parents have made their home child centered, meaning the child is the captain of the ship at home. When parents don't partner with teachers to teach their children humility, we see little to no progress in this area by the end of the school year. If these children do not learn to see outside their own small universe they will never see the big, beautiful world around them.

As we observe what is happening on our college campuses, we see the result of raising a generation of MEs. These young people are so used to being the center of the universe that when they encounter challenges, differences of opinion, and the real world they collapse in screaming fits and need safe spaces. As parents of "Mes" we have done them a disservice. By having them grow up thinking the world revolves around them, we are setting them up for disappointment, depression, anxiety, and failure.

One day in my class, a vision of this story came to me. I could see in my mind's eye a little astronaut trapped in a very small universe. I saw in my imagination his world getting bigger and bigger as his eyes opened to the people around him. My friend and gifted illustrator, Deborah Delaney, brought this story to life with her amazing artwork.

My hope and prayer for this book is that parents and teachers can use this cute children's book to expand their children's universe. Children will laugh at this little astronaut's antics while learning a valuable lesson on humility and kindness. Children are such a blessing from the LORD and they deserve for us to teach them how to look beyond themselves. When we have eyes to see others and have compassion, empathy, and humility, we become all that God intended for us to be.

This book will make a wonderful resource for a teacher's classroom. I know I plan to use it frequently in mine! The book is now available on Amazon.

God bless,
Yolanda

Check out our book trailer and reading:
https://youtu.be/LivAqiB8G4Y

Reluctant, Resigned, or Resolute

2019-09-20T08:06:00.002-07:00

In 2015, the LORD work me up about 3 a.m. burdened to pray for Israel's election. The Prime Minister of Israel was up for re-election and interference from my own government was trying to sway the election. I felt in the depth of my soul that Israel was at a cross-roads, either Israel would get a reprieve of time from the coming seven years of Jacob's Trouble (Tribulation) or it would move closer to that prophecy's fulfillment.
For the recent 2019 re-election of Israel's Prime Minister, I felt the need to pray but it was almost as if my spirit was resigned to prophecy unfolding. The Anti-Christ globalist, liberal agenda is already at work and is graining ground with those who are blind and spiritually asleep.

I sadly feel the same way for America's election in 2020. In 2016, it was that same burden to pray for God's intervention. I knew in my soul of souls that America would either get a reprieve from coming judgment or we would move rapidly towards it. The outcome of the 2016 election would depend on 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people who are called by My Name will humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land."

But, just like many in Israel, who in the midst of economic prosperity, strengthened borders and military force, and building bridges of trade with other nations, have fallen for the liberal, globalist agenda, I fear Christians in America will grow lukewarm and go back to sleep spiritually. Will their love for this world cause their love for God to grow cold?

I am almost resigned to the outcome of Israel's 2019 election being a foreshadowing of the 2020 presidential election in America. Will the globalist, left media and the anti-christ spirit sway the hearts, minds, and souls of the people and blind them to the prophetic events that are unfolding.

However, the Reluctant Watchman that arose in me in 2015 as a calling from the LORD refuses to step down from her post and go to sleep. Those of us who are called to be Watchman on the Wall (Ezekiel 33:1-9), we must continue to pray, sound the alarm to those who will listen, and to VOTE! We take our stand, we do our part, we fight the good fight until the LORD calls us home.

May the God of Israel have mercy on us. We pray, "Come, LORD Jesus, come."

Love,
Yolanda

Isaiah 35:3-4 (NLT)

With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.

Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.”

Buried But Not Forgotten

2019-07-22T16:09:00.004-07:00

Today, I was looking through some old files and I came across a poem my dad wrote years ago. That old poem had been buried in a mountain of paperwork - buried but not forgotten in my heart.

He wrote the poem soon after he accepted Jesus to be his LORD and Savior. My dad's salvation was a miracle. An answer to prayer of miraculous proportions. Here is why:
1. His age - He was 65 years old when he was born again. Statistically speaking only 4% of people get saved after 30.
2. His past - let's just say it was a little rough.
3. The language barrier - At the time, he lived in a house of mostly English speaking women and he spoke mostly Spanish.
4. My dad's personality - For as long as I can remember, my dad had always been a quiet, soft-spoken, in the background sort of guy. Growing up, he would sit quietly and listen while 3 strong, opinionated, talk-a-mile-a-minute daughters monopolized conversations. We often talked around him, not necessarily to him.

I remember the day my dad shyly, but proudly, presented us with his poem. He asked us to gather around the dining table while he read to us this beautiful poem of redemption that the Holy Spirit had downloaded into his heart. I recall sitting there reflecting on the spiritual journey my family had been on, each of us getting saved one by one with my dad being the lone holdout.

As the year 2000 approached, I become burdened in my heart for my dad to get saved. Reaching my dad was difficult. It was as if my mom, sisters and I were living on the opposite side of a large ravine with my dad stranded all alone on the other side. The message of the Good News of salvation never seemed to carry across the wide distance. The devil would steal away the seeds before they could get planted. Finally on Father's Day, 1999, my dad reluctantly agreed to go to a Spanish speaking church service with us. And on that day, the Holy Spirit carried the message of salvation across that ravine to penetrate my dad's heart. The very next Sunday, my dad was born again.

I often say that my dad's transformation was the fastest and most complete transformation I have ever witnessed. He literally changed heart, mind, and soul overnight. I soon realized that my dad could be my friend. He is not shy when he feels comfortable. He is actually quite a talented ham. He is funny, sarcastic, and along with my beloved mom, he has always been my biggest fan. What a gift from the LORD. God's Word proved true! In Christ, we are a new creation. The old man passes away and the new man lives!

Sometimes, our faith can be like my dad's old poem - buried but not forgotten in our hearts. Buried beneath the weight of this world. Buried by fear. Buried by worldly possessions and distractions. Buried by illness, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. When our faith is buried it's weak and open to attack of the enemy. The Devil comes to rob, steal, and destroy our peace, faith, and joy. Sometimes, people think that Christians shouldn't get depressed or that if they were truly saved they wouldn't have suicidal thoughts. Yet, the Bible tells us that some of the greatest heroes of the Bible suffered with depression, anxiety, fear, and even moments when they cried out to God for death.

Hannah was so depressed that when she sobbed at the temple Eli, the Priest, thought she was drunk.
Moses was burdened by the weight of caring for God's people for 40 years that in a moment of frustration he lashed out and lost his opportunity to go into the Promise Land.
David poured out his anxiety and depression in the Psalms, showing us that even giant-slayers have moments of weakness.
Gideon struggled with fear.
And, Elijah prayed to die.

I love the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. Elijah was a faithful prophet of God. He defeated 450 false prophets of Baal, he called down fire from heaven, and he did mighty miracles in God's name. Yet, when Jezebel, an agent of the Devil, threatened to kill him, his faith was buried by fear and he ran and hid in a cave. He cried out to God, "I have had enough, LORD. Take my life."

I get Elijah! I feel Elijah! Because, I have prayed that same prayer more times than I care to admit. When I have been in a cave of despair I have prayed to God, "I have had enough, LORD. I just want to go home and be with You in heaven." I know it's terrible and weak. I should be stronger and pray, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) When my faith is buried by my trials and burdens, in moments of sorrow death seems easier than the struggle.

Jesus never promised us we would have an easy life. He actually promised us that in this life we would have trials and persecution. However, He also promised that He would never leave us or forsake us, that He would be with us in the midst of the struggle. Sometimes, we just have to be reminded and strengthened just like Elijah. God did not reprimand Elijah. He didn't say "Why are you being such a coward? Why are you such a weakling?"

No, God sent an angel to provide nourishment for him. God let him sleep and rest. God does the same for us. God sends us angels who can appear in the form of a kind word from a friend, a prayer from a stranger, a hug from a child, or even speaking through the beauty of nature such as a sunflower smiling at you on the way to work. And, just like God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper, reminding him of His faith and purpose, God speaks to us. His gentle whisper is found in the pages of His Word. His Word jumps off the page and penetrates our heart.

When our faith is buried by burdens, it is Jesus who takes our burdens upon Himself. He says, "Fix your eyes on Me. Give me your burdens and I will carry them for you. Remember I have sealed you with my Holy Spirit. I will uphold you by my right hand. Call out to Me and I will answer. Seek Me with Your whole heart and I promise You will find Me. I am closer than you think, standing right beside You for I am near the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit."

So, I am going to frame my dad's poem and hang it in my prayer room so that the next time I'm in a cave of despair, before I pray the "get me out of here, Jesus" prayer, I will remember the poetic words of worship and gratitude penned by a baby Believer in love with Jesus. And my faith, that was temporarily buried but not forgotten, will be set aflame by the Holy Spirit.

I will be gifting my dad a framed copy of his poem. My prayer is that it will reignite that flame of Holy Spirit fire in his heart so that he can finish his race well. Lately, I have felt that the devil is trying to isolate my dad again and carry him across that ravine. I see him retreating into a cave just like Elijah - fearful, depressed, powerless. And just like Elijah temporarily forgot all the miracles God had done for him and through him, weakening his faith, so my dad seems to have forgotten the truth of the words to his own poem. But this time, the devil is not going to win because my dad is surrounded by mighty prayer warriors that will not him let go. We are forming a prayer chain grounding him to the firm foundation of Jesus. And, God is sending angels to minister to him in the form of a godly wife, family, friends, and kind neighbors. At 85 years of age, God still has a plan and purpose for my dad's life. Daniel was in his 80s when he was thrown in the lion's den. Moses was 80 when God called him to rescue His people. Sarah was in her 90s when Isaac was born. So, in God's timeline, it's not over until the chariot comes and takes us home, just like Elijah.

Sometimes, we all just need a reminder that our faith may have been buried by the schemes of the devil, but it is not forgotten in God's eyes or in our hearts. God has called us to be those nourishing angels for one another. If you have a friend or family member in a cave of despair, be God's messenger of hope. Feed them the Word of God, pray for them to have the Shalom Peace of Jesus so they can sleep and rest, point their eyes to Jesus, and remind them of who they are in Christ - a new creation! The old has passed away and the new man lives!!!

Finally, some of you reading this may be 60+ and your thinking it's too late for me to come to Jesus. If at 30, you only have a 4% chance, than for me it's impossible. Jesus said, "With Me, nothing is impossible." It is never too late. Until we take our last breath, Jesus is reaching out to you. He's that gentle whisper in the wind trying to get your attention. Saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love. I willingly laid down my life for you so that you could have eternal life with Me. I have gone to prepare a place for you so that where I am you can be also. Come home to Me." All it takes is confessing with your mouth that Jesus is LORD and believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved. Don't wait. Today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

Love,
Yolanda

Dad's Poem
Hermanos, quiero pedirles un poquito de atención.

Palabras que me salieron de aqui de mi corazón.

O Divino Padre Celestial, en que en ti todos debemos confiar.

Por que solo tu Señor eres grande y poderoso.

Por eso te alabo yo y así me siento dichoso.

Antes estaba mi mente un poquito equivocada

Pero hoy que creo en Ti, ya a hora no siento nada.

Señor, ya te hable todo lo que yo sentía

Hora quiero que a mis hermanos, junto con la esposa mía,

nos llenas de bendiciones y nos llenas de alegría.
Written by Alfonso Vasquez

My First Stalker Encounter - I'm Your Biggest Fan

2019-05-29T07:35:00.001-07:00

So, I had my first stalker incident...

and, surprisingly, it wasn’t me doing the stalking.

I’m heading to the grocery store and this guy in the car behind me starts honking at me - repeatedly, excitedly. He rolls down his window, waving at the stoplight so I roll down my window and he yells out, “I’m a writer, too.”

You see, my license plate frame identifies me as a writer.

So, I give him a thumbs up, say “that’s cool,” and keep driving. Well, he follows me.

I turn left, he turns left.

I turn right, he turns right.

I pull into grocery store parking lot, he turns into grocery store parking lot.

Now, I just start praying:

“LORD, if this guy is some crazy stalker, or has some deep seeded hatred towards Christian bloggers, and it’s my time to go, forgive me of my sins, into Your hands I place my life....If it’s not my time to go, let him be a publisher!”

Trepidatiously, I park and exit my vehicle. He jumps out of his car and asks me, “Hi, what do you write?”

No - “How do you do” or “Sorry I freaked you out by following you.”

So, I told him I’m a Christian writer and have several children’s books. He nods politely and then proceeds to tell me he’s a poet, with a published poetry book, and starts reciting to me his poetry. It is surprisingly very good! Stalker friend if you are reading this, “Your poetry is very good. I enjoyed it. Please, don’t track me down.”

Ok, better.

Now, this is my life.

My first stalked doesn’t really want to know about me. Isn’t really interested in my writing. He has a need to share his. I could be offended. I could feel sad. But, really this is my calling in life - To listen to others. To encourage others. To pray for others. That’s the life Jesus calls us to. He wants us to pour out our lives like a drink offering of sacrifice. Writers crave feedback. It’s a writer’s love language. So, if I get honked at, followed, and recited poetry too, that’s my Divine appointment for the day. I lived. I survived. I have a new blog post to write. It’s all good.

Philippians 2:1-4 MSG

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Love (not stalker love- just sisterly love of Christ),

Yolanda

Bea Kind - Children's Book on Kindness

2019-05-20T20:36:00.003-07:00

One day, a pocket full of sunshine walked through my classroom door. She was a breath of fresh air and unlike other children I'd met. What made this 4-year old child so special? She was filled with the Holy Spirit and God's love overflowed from her and touched everyone in our classroom.

Once during our preschool chapel, we prayed to accept Jesus into our hearts and as children went forward to pray she exclaimed, "I feel Jesus in my heart!"
As she said it, the atmosphere in our classroom was charged with the Holy Spirit's presence so much that I got literal goosebumps.

Her kindness to others inspired my new book called, Bea Kind. This children's book is beautifully illustrated by Deborah Delaney. She brought the spirit of this child to life in every page. As you follow Bea Kind through her day, you'll see her plant seeds of kindness on her way - impacting her family, school, and community.

This sweet little story will inspire children of all ages to plant their own seeds of kindness wherever they go.

Was the Bea Kind in my class a perfectly behaved child? No. As I recall, she stuck her tongue out at me twice. I probably deserved it. However, what made her special was that she reflected God's love so sweetly and purely. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is made up of ones such as these." (Luke 18:16) God is calling each of us to Bea Kind.

Jesus said, "The world will know you are my disciples by your love." (John 13:35) Not by our Bible knowledge, reciting memory verses, church attendance, or even positions in ministries. Jesus said, "It's your love for one another that will be a reflection of who I am."

Being kind is not always easy, especially as we get older. Sometime, we want to stick out our tongue at the world. The only way to Bea Kind is with Jesus in our hearts. Through His Spirit living in us, overflowing out of us, we can plant seeds of kindness wherever we go.

At a time when the world is becoming more and more unkind, with people having no regard or respect for the elderly, children, and even devaluing the life of the unborn, this book will hopefully inspire children to model for us older folks the love of Jesus for all of humanity. That is my prayer for this book.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Love,
Yolanda

Bea Kind available on Amazon

Let the Weak Say I Am a Warrior - National Day of Prayer 2019

2019-04-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

I love the story of Gideon. Gideon was a man full of fear, surrounded by cruel, enemy forces. When Jesus, The Angel of the LORD, appears to Gideon he is hiding in a winepress, which is a pit in the ground. He is safe in the pit. The pit is familiar, comfortable even.

When Jesus appears to Gideon, he doesn't rebuke him for his cowardly behavior. Jesus looks past the outward appearance to the heart within. Jesus sees the potential in Gideon, the hero Gideon can be if he merely puts his trust in Him.

Jesus says, "The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor."

Gideon does what many of us would do if Jesus appeared to us and called us a "mighty man or woman of valor."
Gideon basically says, "Who me?"
Immediately, we would start listing all of our faults to God:
I'm not a warrior - I'm weak.
I'm not brave - I'm fearful.
I'm a nobody from a nobody family.
You can't use me, God.
Just leave me in the pit.

Jesus tell Gideon, "Gideon, I have a job for you to do. Go in this might of yours. For surely I am with you and you will defeat your enemies."

Jesus looks at our inner potential and speaks life into that person. He looks past our mess-ups, shortcomings, fear, and doubts and calls us a "Mighty Warrior."

But, just like Gideon had to come out of the pit, we have to be willing to come out of our pit. We have to leave our safe place, comfort zone, our same-old-same-old level of faith. We have to reach higher and step up our faith.

Jesus does not want us to stay hiding in the winepress. The LORD is with us, but he is calling us out of fear and bondage into the spiritual battlefield. In Christ, with Christ, He fights our battles. The victory is already His, but we have to take that step of faith and walk out of our dark pit into the His marvelous light.

We have to put our feet in the water before He'll part the sea.
We have to pick up our stone and throw it at the giant before He'll slay the giant for us.
We have to risk it all and go before the King asking for His favor to save our people before the King will move on our behalf.

So, my life verse has become, "Let the weak say I am a warrior." (Joel 3:10)

Jesus is calling up Gideons in these last days. The enemy is surrounding us, trying to silence our voices, and robbing us of our harvest. The enemy wants us to live in fear in the winepress so that we are ineffective for God's Kingdom and we leave our family open to attack.

But, let the weak say I am strong. Let the weak put on their full armor of God. Let the weak come out of hiding and go forth in this might of ours that we have received by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. Let the weak become warriors of faith for the sake of their families, communities, and nations.

On Thursday, May 2nd, is the National Day of Prayer. Let us lift up our voices in prayer. Let's be bold and courageous, meeting at flag poles, school lunch tables, work break rooms, halls of government, parks, dinner tables, coffee shops, and living rooms. Let's lift our hands and pray and see The Angel of the LORD unleash His angel army and fight our battles. To Him be all glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen!!!

Love,
Yolanda

Jesus Calms the Storm

2019-04-04T21:35:00.004-07:00

Recently, I have been in the midst of a raging storm, waves of worry and hurricane winds of anxiety threatening to capsize my boat. I was fearful I would not reach land safely and I felt like I was drowning.

I understood how the disciples questioned Jesus in Matthew 8:23-27, "Jesus, don't you care if we drown?"

Psalm 77:2-4, 9 (NLT)
When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the LORD. All night long I prayed with hands lifted to heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. You don't let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!...Has God forgotten to be gracious: Has he slammed the doors on his compassion?

Yet, throughout the worst of the turbulent winds, I would remember how Jesus had come through for me in my past storms. Never early. Never coming by helicopter to life-flight me out of the boat, but always working all things for good in the end.

Psalm 77:10-12 (NLT)
But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

When I felt like I could not continue fighting the waves, Jesus would arise and say, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

My prayer in response, from the depth of my heart was, "I have faith, Jesus. I believe. Help my unbelief."

And Jesus would throw me a life-line...
A little miracle that would strengthen my faith.
A scripture promise in my daily Bible reading.
A dream.
A Word of Knowledge downloaded to my heart and mind.
A preschool chapel lesson inspired by the Holy Spirit to teach me a lesson on faith.
Prayer warriors standing with me in the boat.
Prayer warriors calling and texting prayers and words of encouragement from the distant shore.

While I had to row with all of my strength in the waves that crashed against me, Jesus was strengthening me. He was making me stronger so that the next storm that comes, because there will be a next storm, I will remember how Jesus was with me in the midst of this storm. How He never left me or forsook me.

And finally, at the very last moment, on the day before I needed my answered prayer, Jesus arose and said to my storm, "Quiet! Be still."
And the waves and wind stilled.

Who is this Jesus who even the winds and waves obey Him?
He is my Savior, Rescuer, Healer, Shepherd, and King.
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for loving me. Thank you that you hear me when I call. Thank you for forgiving me when I panic and I have a hard time scrounging up a mustard seed of faith. Thank you that you are strengthening me in the storms of my life. Thank you for being my Good Shepherd who cares and protects me. I love you, Jesus.

Psalm 77:13-15 (NLT)
O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you: You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people.

Are you in the midst of a storm?
Are you struggling with fear and stress and worry?
Call out to Jesus, "Jesus, Jesus help me!" No fancy prayers needed. Just a call of desperation from your heart will do.
He loves you. The Bible says that Jesus is near the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.
He wants to help you. Invite Him into your storm.
Keep your eyes, ears, and heart focused on Him, no matter how high the waves get.
Ask people around you to pray with you. They will keep you afloat.
And, you'll see Jesus arise and say, "Quiet! Be still" to your storm.

John 16:33 (AMP)
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you will have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world." [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Love,
Yolanda

Below you will find a preschool chapel lesson on Jesus Calming the Storm. Make the Bible come alive to children. They will understand God's Word and hide it in their hearts. And, God may use it to help you, like He helped me, hide it in your heart too. Link to video: https://youtu.be/9RjFUo7_IeY