Reba Bailes-Faith Filled Inspiration

Yes, this picture is of my husband at his “Piping Over” ceremony after 20 years of service in the US Navy.

Yesterday as I was going about my daily chores, I was thinking. I wasn’t thinking about anything specific; I was just thinking as usual. Am I the only one? 😉Someday I must write a poem titled “I Think, I think too much!” Lol! But amid my random thoughts, there was a shift to something I felt drawn to listen to and certain I needed to write about.

If you have read about me and some of my narratives you may remember that my husband, David, served 20 years in the US Navy. I considered this thought may have stemmed from seeing and hearing how the military operates. Whatever the cause, the Holy Spirit began to unfold a lesson, therefore a purpose for the shift in my thoughts.

So, here we go…

I was considering how a naval vessel operates, mainly the various tasks among the crewmembers that accomplish the ship’s purpose. There are various ships, therefore varying in their specific purposes. But in all instances, there is a chain of command. After requesting a brief review of this chain of command from David, I quickly realized that it has far more links than is necessary for this lesson.

Let’s just start with the Commanding Officer of the ship. He has the authority to use everyone and everything at his disposal to accomplish their mission. Each department has a department head with certain training and authority over his team. Each team member has his position among the crew. Power, authority, and control are used and alongside it, dedication, commitment, and discipline are necessary for success. Does this remind you of my recent blog where I mentioned the God of Order?

As I focused on just a few of the tasks that could appear quite menial, it was evident that each was significant in the overall “success” of the ship. Taking it another step, I was considering what it would be like if the crewmembers decided they didn’t want to do their task. Disobedient!

Here are some of the examples and thoughts I had about these few:

Let’s consider the Cook. We all know how vital meals are! He or she has limited food and utensils to prepare meals with. They have had training in that area and have agreed to do that task. They cooked and all ate.

Now let’s consider if the cook never got a “thank you” from the crew, only grumbling, complaints, and insults. Would the cook have the option of not cooking? Would it make his job less vital to the functioning of the crew? Or how about the laundry crew? I dare say they get accolades for their hard thankless task. What if they just quit or made excuses for everyone’s clothes being smelly and mildewed because they didn’t put them in the dryer? These two examples reminded me of the blogs I wrote titled Losing My Sight parts 1-3 and Appreciation. Please read them some time and see if you agree. You will need to scroll down on this blog page from January 31,2024 through February 16, 2024.

Then my thoughts shifted to the Missile Fire Control Officer, which was one of David’s jobs aboard a guided missile destroyer he served on. What if he told the Commanding Officer that he didn’t want to watch the radar scope for countless hours on end? Or he didn’t want to pull the trigger when he was told because he thought the timing wasn’t right? I think a dishonorable discharge would be in store for that person or worse yet, their ship blown up! This example reminds me of my poem “My Will Be Done?” in my book “Inspire Me”.

A few verses from it:

“This life I live renewed by Thee. Fulfilling my purpose Thy will for me

YOU’RE my daily portion, filling every need; Keep my heart humble, far away from greed

THY WILL BE DONE, YOUR will for me, from this day onward, my heartfelt plea!”

As my thoughts moved on to the various tasks, training, personalities, and experiences of the crew members, it was obvious it took commitment, dedication, discipline, and hard work from everyone. And the consequences, some being detrimental, of not doing their part. Disobedience! Of course, some were more dedicated and were bigger contributors to the overall functioning of the ship than others. Some received more awards, recognition, and fulfillment than others and were advanced more quickly and further than others. There are those whose motivation and purpose for joining the military were for all the wrong reasons. All of these were factors in the ability of the crew to accomplish the ship’s purpose and a reflection of our US Naval Forces.

So, the question is, “Why were my thoughts on such as this?” Could this be used as a parable? Right away I thought of the Church. In this instance, we believers would be the shipmates or crewmembers. (My Pastor says we call coming together “Fellowship” because we are all fellows in this ship together.) LOL! Do you see why I think that I think too much? Ha! Ha! 

But seriously, who has top authority over the church? Who is the Commanding Officer of the entire ship? God the Father in Ephesians 1:21 NKJV set Jesus “far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but in that which is to come.” And Colossians 2:10 NKJV says, “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”

As my thoughts were processing through the comparison, I was getting a clearer picture of how the body (crewmembers) should be dedicated to the Lord, committed to serve Him, trained (in the Word), and disciplined by the Holy Spirit to serve our purpose and accomplish our mission. We would be a “healthy” reflection of Who Jesus is therefore honoring Him. How about the Lord’s Great Commandment and the Great Commission? His will for us!

I stopped writing last night and I thought it was because it was getting late. That doesn’t usually stop me though!

This morning the Lord showed me why it was time to stop. He had more clarification of why I was drawn to listen to these thoughts and was certain that I needed to write about it. I will share today more of what was revealed about this parable.

As I was writing about God being the Commanding Officer of “we fellows in this ship together”, I knew there was more than I had written. And I’m sure that there is plenty more to discover as we seek a deeper understanding going forward.

Honestly, I wasn’t asking the Lord for more on that topic when I was “being still” before Him this morning. I was praying some specific verses of scripture for those who are in bondage, rebellion, and hardened hearts through pride and selfishness. Disobedience!

Then there it was…

The scripture that most directly addresses the Lord as the Captain is Joshua 5:13-15. Reading this passage gave me an excitement for the Lord’s Word that I could hardly wait to continue writing.

Joshua encountered a man with a drawn sword who reveals himself to be the Captain of the Lord’s host, signifying that the Lord is the commander of the heavenly army. Do you know we believers are in the Lord’s heavenly army here on earth? We are soldiers (crewmen and women) with the Armor of God and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God in Ephesians 6:17. We are equipped with Hebrews 13:21 “every good thing to do His will. And He may accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” And get this, my friends, Romans 8:11 NLT “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by the same Spirit living within you.” Doesn’t this give us an understanding of the power and authority given to us through Christ?

This, we know, is how we accomplish our mission, our purpose, the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission. But in God’s ship, we do have a choice. As my examples of the Cook, laundry crew, and Fire Control Officer, if we don’t do our part the whole ship suffers. Without our dedication to the Lord, committed to serving Him, trained (in the Word), and disciplined by the Holy Spirit, we will not be a “healthy” reflection of Who Jesus is and the power of the Holy Spirit in us. After all, our Captain of the Lord’s host gave us the Great Commandment NKJV Matthew 22:36-39  “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Next, the Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Now these truths, my friends, are how we are to live as dedicated, committed, obedient, disciplined members of the “crew”. Victory in Jesus, all to His glory!

On January 13^th,2017 I was inspired to write a poem I titled, “Sovereign Captain at the Helm.” It is in my first book “Inspire Me”. When I wrote this poem and noted the scripture references, I didn’t even know about the scripture in Joshua 5:13-15. But He showed me today! He promises us if we seek Him we will find Him, when we search for Him with all our heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV. I thank You, Lord for teaching me and giving me more desire for You.

Here are a few verses at the end of my poem “Sovereign Captain at the Helm”:

Allow Him to be the Captain of your life vessel

Storms, remember, are not yours to wrestle,

When LOVE, GRACE, AND PEACE in your ship reside

Your voyage successful, calmly into destiny you glide,

Till your sailing is over, Eternity on the other side.

Again, I trust by sharing my directed thoughts that I am fulfilling my mission statement, but most of all, the Great Commandment and Great Commission.

God bless you and thank you for joining me in this opportunity to commit, dedicate, and be obedient to our Sovereign Captain at the Helm. Will you join me in saying…AYE AYE, CAPTAIN? Aye aye captain is a nautical phrase that means “I understand and will comply with your order”. It is used in the US Navy and the Royal Navy. It is a way to show that the speaker understands the order and will carry it out. We use it in response to an order from a person of higher rank.

Until next time and as always in His name,

Reba

Greetings to you all everywhere,

Today I will write of a defining moment that began in November 2018.

Some of you might remember the picture I included of me in my Joy Ride With the Holy Spirit blog. There I sat at my desk with the unorganized files that I was searching through in piles all around me. I not only found the file I was looking for, but I also did a good deal of organizing. When I have things in order, I benefit in many ways. Another way specifically is finding the topic that I am writing about today.

But before I move on to this Defining Moment, I should mention the message in our sermon for last Sunday’s service. We have several pastors in our church, and on this day, Pastor Rusty Jones took the pulpit.

He spoke of our God, a God of Order. He began in Genesis, a great place to start, wouldn’t you agree?

God told Adam not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil (then Adam told Eve). I would like to point out in Genesis 2:16-17; and 2:20-22 that God told Adam not to eat that fruit before He had even created Eve. You might ask why point this out? I say it explains why the Bible says that sin came through Adam, not Eve. I am reminded that I pointed this out in my poem “Nothing New Under the Sun” in my book “Inspire Me”.  By not listening to God’s command to protect them, disorder came upon Adam and Eve and their lives in the garden. Before that time, everything was in God’s perfect order by His design.

As our Pastor progressed in his sermon, he used the word “order” as an acronym and a valuable teaching tool. It certainly resonated with me. Let’s look back at the first paragraph of this blog. “When I have things in order, I benefit in many ways.”

This sermon talked about order in our spiritual life and this is how he used the acronym:

Our responsibility: Psalm 69:32

Request God’s guidance: 1 Chronicles 15:11-15

Desire righteousness: Matthew 5:6

Engage our culture: 2 Samuel 6:18-19

Ready to dance: 2 Samuel 6:13-15

I have included a few of the scriptures that our Pastor used and I hope you look those up. We can see how we benefit from following God’s order, but it doesn’t stop there. We benefit physically and emotionally by following God’s order for our lives in those areas also. Just think of the joy King David had as he danced before the Lord and everyone! Spirit, Soul, and Body…oh how connected we are!

Now for the Defining Moment of this day…(although taken from what I wrote about in November 2018). Do you remember what was going on in your life during this month and year? I don’t remember many specific events, so I am glad I wrote this down.

Here is what I wrote:

One morning (I didn’t include the day) I headed for the couch with my devotional. My devotional was from the makers of the “Chosen” movies and it was titled “Chosen” also. As I settled myself on the couch, I noticed my Bible lying on the ottoman. I left it there and continued with my devotional.

The title for that day was “Wolves” on day #38:

As I read about false prophets, I was thinking of all the fake news and preachers that have “watered down” the Gospel and of course, the false prophets. The authors did an excellent job of describing the wolves and evil schemes.

The last paragraph jumped off the page at me! “But detect we must, lest we be deceived. So how do we do that? We stop opting for one-off Jesus stories and spiritual inspiration and go directly to the inspired WORD OF GOD!! We read His stories and meditate on His Words. We replace instant gratification with long-term soul satisfaction by allowing Christ to determine our preferences and desires. We reject any message promising ease or lack of resistance as contrary to Jesus’s example and message. We learn who He is and who we are in Him. WE ARE CHOSEN.  Not by wolves to be exploited, but chosen by the true and living God, to be with Him now and for all eternity.”

BAM! I was ready to get things in their proper order because I have to admit, I have been known to read a devotional and the verses of scripture referenced in it or listen to an online sermon or prophecy without really making time for just me and the Lord in His Word.

(I am adding this thought. It is not wrong to read a devotional or listen to a sermon as it may sound like I am suggesting. After all, this was taken from a devotional! Those things can land us right where the Lord wants us in His Word. But there are times we spend doing only those things that prevent us from simply being still before God (I’ve mentioned sitting still doesn’t come to me naturally) and letting Him speak to us personally through His Word. You know that One-on-one time.)

On with what I had written:

So I gladly picked up my Bible and started reading the book of John. I hand out Pocket Testaments which are the book of John and I had recently given one to two of my grandchildren, Drake and Anna.

I started in chapter 6…So much of Jesus’s righteousness, forgiveness, the truth of who He is, and before you know it, I’m in chapter 9. JESUS HEALS THE BLIND MAN. When I came to verses 39-41, I realized I needed a better understanding of those verses (remember I tend to make things somewhat complicated). I looked it up in Matthew’s Concise Concordance and several other reliable resources and this is their explanation…The Pharisees were full of pride and would not accept the Gospel of Grace. Still blind in the darkness. That brought clarity (no pun intended) and I could see it was pretty simple and I was complicating it as I had done previously. Thank you, Lord, for clarifying Your Word and helping me with my natural tendencies.

Then my thoughts went back to chapter 6 and the story of the boy with 5 loaves and 2 fish. I imagined how the boy’s mother, who had likely packed his lunch, felt when she either heard or saw how the Lord worked His miracle for the multitudes. It came alive to me and brought me so much joy even though I have read and heard this story many, many times.

By this time, David and I were ready for breakfast. As I am writing about this in this blog, again, a poem comes to mind… “Feasting At His Table” in my “Inspire Me” book. I feasted first on His Word and was filled. Then I was ready for the day.

Now continuing… Of course, I just had to tell David what I had walked through in my quiet time in God’s Word and yes, my Chosen devotional.

When I came to the part of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes my thoughts and discussion went to the meaning of numbers in scripture. 5+2=7; 5, meaning grace, 2, meaning unity, and 7, meaning finished or complete. David asked, “Where does it say, in the Bible the meaning of numbers?” I said, “God uses numbers, animals, colors, and everything He created to help us learn more about Him, for example, the Lion. Jesus is called the Lion of Judah but in other instances, the devil is like a lion roaming the earth to see whom he can devour.” We talked about the difference between the two lions; one lion being Jesus protecting and defending His people the church, and the other lion, the devil to kill, steal, and destroy. The false prophets in sheep’s clothing, and us listening to fake news and watered-down sermons instead of going straight to God’s Word referred to the wolves.

Ok, so we finished our conversation on wolves, lions, and numbers, over breakfast, and went about our busy morning. I, speaking for myself was still processing so much that was already packed in that morning, meditating on God’s Word.

Anna, our youngest grandchild was about 6 years old at that time. I sat down to visit with her as she ate breakfast that same morning. Immediately she was eager to tell me about her dream. She said, “I just had it, Grandma, so I can remember it easily.” In her dream, she was in her classroom and the teacher announced that it was time for recess. Anna was sitting on a couch and the wall behind her disappeared so she could see the children playing in the playground. She saw them playing with a lion! The lion appeared very tame and the children were petting it and talking to it. She was very concerned because she knew the lion was a wild animal and could seem harmless but suddenly attack them! Then she woke from her dream!

Wow! What a morning!

 First going to the inspired Word of God.

Reading about the wolves and not following them (false prophets, “watered down” sermons, or fake news.)

Seeking clarity of scripture and tendencies to complicate the message.

God is giving and using the meaning of numbers, animals, and everything He created. The example we discussed of the lions mentioned in the Bible and the difference.

The joy it brings when we see God work His miracles. Like the mother who packed the boy’s lunch of loaves and fish.

The Pharisees are blind due to their pride and not accepting the Gospel of Grace. And the ones that had been blind could see clearly as they accepted Jesus as their Savior. The power of the Gospel of Grace!

And my precious granddaughter had a dream with the wall disappearing so she could see the innocent children playing with a lion and the danger it posed. I would have thought that the lion was Jesus, but Anna was afraid of the lion and was very aware of how it could turn on them. So, we knew that was the roaming lion seeking whom he could devour and he is certainly after our innocent children!

These were all in my mind, messages from God. I praise Him and thank Him from the bottom of my heart!

The end of my 2018 writing.

So, in my New Year’s Eve blog, I started with unorganized files and the need to get things in order. I even included evidence of that mess! Lol! By getting better organized I benefited by finding what I consider a defining moment that I had written about. What a good way to start the new year!

Our sermon this past Sunday on “God is a God of Order” was the bonus just waiting for that day. I couldn’t have ever organized all of these events myself. I have learned some valuable lessons but mainly a deeper understanding of God’s ways. And that they are always the best in all areas of my life because He knows we benefit from order. He is a God of Order!

You may find this interesting also. What is a defining moment?

A defining moment is a point in your life when you’re urged to make a pivotal decision, or when you experience something that fundamentally changes you. Not only do these moments define us, but they have a transformative effect on our perceptions and behaviors.

I believe our time with the Lord and His Word, and the numerous other things He puts together for us should lead to defining moments. They should not only define us as His chosen ones but transform our perceptions and behaviors therefore changing us to look and live more like Jesus. Christians! Christ followers!

Reflecting on defining moments can help us understand how they have shaped us, and how we can continue to grow. What are some of your defining moments? Maybe you should write them down. I’m glad I did.

 I hope I have motivated you to not only do this but get your life in order by spending time with the Lord and His Word first, then include devotionals, videos, songs, blogs, testimonies, etc., and let’s certainly not leave out poetry! Lol!

Most of us have such busy lives! But even if you have to set an alarm to get up earlier God will help you get everything else in order and redeem your time. Let’s keep the acronym ORDER in mind. The first letter O represents Our responsibility and keeping God’s order has benefits we can’t imagine. Oh, my brothers and sisters let’s get Ready to dance!

Thank you again for spending your valuable time reading my blogs and books.

God bless you,

Reba

My greeting was going to be Good morning. But as I started writing,  I looked at the clock and it was 12:25 pm CST. So good afternoon! I wouldn’t say my morning got by me for surely nothing of great importance “got by me”. My morning has been in prayer and richly deep in the Word. I received forgiveness, correction, clarity, and a deeper relationship with my Lord and how to go forward in this new year.

 Now I am ready to write.

As a couple of weeks have passed since Christmas and I look at my first week of the new year, a certain poem came to mind that I would like to share with you. It is one I wrote on December 27^th, 2016, in my first book, “Inspire Me”. The title is “Post-Christmas Reflections”. If you have my book, it is found on page #27.

It goes like this…

When Christmas is over now what do you see?

Are we still laughing and singing our praises to Thee?

Or are we like old Scrooge, still living in greed

Are we living in peace where striving has ceased?

Where the love in our hearts, we have finally released?

Or are we back to the old ways of living for self?

As we mindlessly place our idols high on the shelves

Did the reason for the season slip quickly away?

As we, like sheep, go blindly astray?

    PLEASE LET IT NOT BE!

Now this day is a great place to start

To share all year long, the love of God, straight from our hearts!

As I read what I was inspired to write eight years ago, I have some thoughts about the message in this poem. You guessed it, I’m going to share them, also.

1. Are we still laughing and singing our praises to Thee? Were we ever doing this? Or instead stressed or worried about finding just the right gift for people that we love but didn’t need any material thing. Wearing ourselves out not only physically by shopping for gifts but how about decorating our yards and homes and writing cards and letters? Worrying about how we would pay for all of it and accumulating debt we should never have? We wear ourselves out not only physically but emotionally and financially. How about spiritually?
2. Old Scrooge? Greed? Maybe we need to consider the better gifts.
3. Living in peace? The peace of God is through His Son the Prince of Peace. He’s the only way to peace by having a relationship with Jesus Christ by faith. Through receiving and giving forgiveness, obedience, and loving others more than ourselves. And it is a fruit of the Spirit so allowing the Spirit of God to rule in our hearts will bring peace. No living in strife when walking by the Spirit. The Bible has much to say about peace and how to live in it.
4. How about releasing the love in our hearts? If we are lovers of ourselves, money, material things, greed, and unforgiveness, we don’t have the love of God. So how can we release something we don’t have?
5. Back to the old ways? Or were the old ways the only way we knew because we never knew the true meaning of Christmas, or Jesus Himself? We must not be deceived about this!
6. The “idols on the shelves”  are anything that we put before God, like pleasures of life, money, education, and even other people. Everything that people hold in high esteem or that can draw our attention away from God. Think about that for a while. Bring it to the Lord for correction. 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Revelation 3:19 ESV “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” I thank God for the love He poured out on me for the correction I received from Him again this morning by humbly repenting.
7. Again, did the reason for the season slip away? Or did we ever know the true meaning of the season? Was it Santa, snowmen, parties, and Disney movies? Hmm
8. Talk about blind sheep going astray! Or were we ever on the right path?

Wow! I don’t know about you but this was a very close examination of my heart, lifestyle, and where I’m heading in 2025 and thereafter.

Now, this day, this post-Christmas reflection with examination can be a great place to start!

Spend some time with Him in His Word first. Humbly letting Him examine our hearts giving us His loving correction. “To share all year long, the love of God, straight from our hearts!”

I recognize that there is a possibility of condemnation in my thoughts and words about this poem. And please know that I do not believe the Lord does not want us to enjoy any of the things I listed that we sometimes do. The point is why and how we do what we do to celebrate Christmas! This is the reason we come before God for reflection and examination. He knows us far better than we know ourselves. My poems “Dark to Light” and “Cleaning Out the Clutter” point out these truths.

And I would not dare finish this reflection and examination without pointing out some all-important facts about myself.

Some of you may remember that I have said the messages in my poems speak to me as well. As my Pastor has said, his sermons speak to him also. I only share these things as a way to draw us closer to Him, His Word, and a better understanding of who we are in Him. No casting stones here, as my poem says in “Casting Stones” in Blue Skies, Butterflies, and Battlegrounds. Books. Or how about “Harvest Seed” (in the same book)? “Your guiding Word to follow Jesus Showing others the way So there will be an abundant harvest For Your return on that glorious day!” pg. 156. Or the poem with the odd-sounding name, “Walking on My Knees”? “Walking on my knees might sound really odd, But it’s clearly a way to walk humbly before God. You see if I start in prayer on my knees His strength for this day is mine to be seized. Humbled, surrendered, dependent on Him…” pg. 77. “Distractions” gives us some explanations as to why we have so many distractions. Have you ever noticed how distractions are ramped up during Christmas? This poem helps explain why distractions and how we can overcome them.

Another fact about myself is I have done many of the wrong things that I listed starting with #1! Ouch, that would really sting, but again, let’s look at what God says when we are forgiven. FREE FROM INDWELLING SIN: Romans 8:1 “There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Only the enemy condemns, God lovingly corrects. And the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” What if Paul had allowed the regrets of his past mistakes to hold him back from his destiny in Christ? I need to consider the same for my life. Did you know Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament? That should speak volumes to those of us who would allow the enemy to condemn us of the past. It does to me! And I have heard Andrew Wommack say it this way, “I haven’t arrived yet, but I have left the station.” Lol! I’m joining Paul and Andrew in pressing forward and I hope you will too.

So back to the beginning of the day. My time with the Lord, His Word, and all that He has given me, prepared me to write. The purpose is for a deeper relationship with Him in His Word, Holy Spirit guidance correction, forgiveness, freedom from indwelling sin, and “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Here in this new year 2025 and thereafter.

Are you with me? I do pray that you are and that this time of reflection and examination has stirred you and given you a hunger like no other for His Word and His Way. Did you read my blog titled The Word, The Will, The Walk, The Way? I told my testimony of salvation and how you can be saved and I mentioned we all need clarity of the Word of God so we can know the Will of God and Walk with Him in His Ways.

I do look forward to our time together after my time with the Lord. Meanwhile, I am continuously grateful for your time and responses. If what I am sharing has benefitted you, please share my books and blogs with others.

God bless and keep you,

Reba

Good New Year’s Eve my friends,

Here I am reflecting on 2024 and something, in particular, came to mind that I want to share with you.

During this time of reflection, on this New Year’s Eve, I am reminded of a dream I had several years ago. I keep thinking that I should write about it. I confess my organizational skills are considered by some as “pathetic”. But that sometimes works to my benefit. As I wade through the piles of unfiled or filed in the wrong place documents, Bible Studies, letters, medical info, invoices… well that’s really telling on myself. Anyway, I discovered things that are nice additions to my dream story.

Yes, this is me although I don’t even recognize myself from the back view. My white hair hasn’t reached that far yet! Lol! But the evidence of my disorganization is apparent. I know some of you will get a laugh, and some can relate.

So, I will get to the story because there is no telling what will be added if I don’t. Ha! Ha!

First of all, the dream I titled “Joy Ride With the Holy Spirit”. I actually wrote the month and year the dream occurred, August 2014.

The winter weather outside was the most severe ice and snowstorm I had ever witnessed. Although it was nighttime, it appeared light because of the intensity of the white ice and snow. David and I stepped outside and saw our car sitting outside in the storm. I decided I had somewhere I must go. However, I could not fathom the destination, urgency, or purpose in ever considering the possibility of driving in those conditions. David was pleading with me not to go. It was far too treacherous! But I knew I had to get in the car and go anyway. Much to my surprise when I got in the car it started up and began moving on its own. I remember seeing David standing there as my car drove past him. With my hands gripping the steering wheel all I could see ahead was an ice-covered road with sharp jagged ice formations jutting along the narrow path. The road was very curvy as I was navigating through frigid snow-covered mountains. Despite the danger, I was unimaginably calm. The car was effortlessly gliding as it maneuvered through the danger. As I went around sharp curves, I could see the edge was a huge drop off the side of the mountain. But still no fear! I started praying and was so full of joy I could hardly contain it. Then I saw huge, jagged mountains ahead of me with razor-sharp peaks, but these mountains were barren and brown. At this point, I let go of the steering wheel and started praying in the spirit in an unknown tongue.  The joy elevated and the peace intensified. The ride with the Holy Spirit was thrilling beyond my wildest dreams (no pun intended). Then I woke up! As I lay in my bed, soaking in the experience, I said, “What a ride!” I didn’t want it to end. I just knew the Lord had a message in this incredible dream.

Here’s what I got:

Note about Ice and snow in the Bible: Ice represents God’s power over the elements and seasons. Job 37:10  NKJV “By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen”. Job 38:29 “From whose womb came the ice? And the frost of heaven, who gives it birth?” Psalms 147:17 “He casts out His hail like morsels; Who can stand against His cold?” Snow is also used to represent God’s power and purity. Isaiah 1:18 NKJV “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins be like scarlet, They shall be white as snow, Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” And in Psalms 51:7 David also uses this concept in his prayer. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” On the Desiring God link it points out in Psalms 148:7-8 “Snow is purposed by God to glorify Him and “do His bidding.” Snow has a Sender (Job 37:6), frost has a Scatter-er (Psalm147:16), and God uses both to showcase His supremacy (Job 38:22).

As I did this research and read each scripture, it gave me a much greater appreciation of, not only the dream but my heavenly Father Who blessed me with such a dream. Oh, what a ride!

Here’s another note about the dream to consider. I got in the car to travel somewhere. I didn’t know where I was going, but I knew I had to go! No matter sight or circumstances. That is called faith! That faith was in something bigger than me. It was the Spirit of God with me!

I searched the internet again but this time it was for the scriptures that tell the meaning of traveling. In the Bible, travel can mean a variety of things. First, in Genesis 1:28 God tells Adam and Eve to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. God wasn’t telling them to leave the Garden. It can be interpreted as a divine command to travel, or to extend the Garden of Eden. Travel can also be a pilgrimage of faith. It can be a metaphor for a spiritual journey, where God leads people toward a deeper relationship with Him and to learn to trust Him more. That’s where again I had the faith to get in the car when it didn’t seem rational under the weather conditions. And the letting go of the steering wheel came into play. Letting go and letting God bring me into a deeper relationship with Him, and trusting Him more. Traveling in the Bible also represents our life’s journey. In that journey, by trusting the Lord and seeking His will, He will show you the right path. Proverbs 3:5-6. Psalm 32:8 says He will guide you on the best pathway for your life. And He will advise you and watch over you. It gets better and better doesn’t it, my friend? I will list more scriptures I found and I’m sure you will find more to explore. Isaiah 30:21; Exodus 13:21; Psalms 121:82 Corinthians 5:7. And I have to write out Hebrews 11:8 “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going”. Oh to have the faith of Abraham, not just in my dream state, but in real life!

I believe the Lord is trying to convey an all-important message to us, don’t you? The Bible Repository link is where I found these verses, but they have 35 in total for us to read and further our understanding of God’s purpose in this dream.

And I believe this is why on this eve of the new year, I was reminded of this dream and was able to find where I had written about it amid the clutter.

As we look to the new year we can be confident that we have everything we need in this life’s journey. Have faith, and confidence in God’s Word, His promises, and His indwelling Holy Spirit that never leaves or forsakes us, no matter sight or circumstances. Be willing to surrender to Him and His plans and He guides us all the way on our journey home. It just can’t get better than that, can it?

AND WHAT A JOY RIDE IT WILL BE! Praising our Savior all the way, for making the way to the Father and our eternal home sweet home. It seems perfect for us to celebrate the new year right after celebrating the birth of the One who made the way for the Joy Ride With the Holy Spirit.

To finalize this blog I am adding a couple of things I discovered in my search through my files.

First is an article that Paul Thigpen wrote titled “Joy Stealers”. This is a good time to give this some prayerful reflection too.

If to see God is to know Him, to know Him is to love Him and to love Him is to enjoy Him, then anything that obscures our vision of God will inevitably diminish our joy in the Lord. 

Here are some common joy-stealers: 

GUILT. In loving God the Scripture says, we turn our heart toward Him, and in disobeying God we turn our heart and the “eyes” of our heart away from Him.(see for ex. 1 Kings 11:4,9). When we stand in unconfessed sin, we turn our back to God, and in losing our view of Him, we lose our joy. For joy to return, we must turn around again. The Bible calls it repentance; to face the Lord once more. 

FEAR.  Fear robs us of joy because it makes God seem far away. When the things that frighten us seem closer at hand than God, they also seem larger than God. Their proximity intimidates us and rivets our attention until we can no longer see the Lord who stands beyond them. 

For joy to return, we must gain some “analytical distance” on what frightens us by holding it up in the presence of God in prayer and redirecting our attention to God in worship. When we recapture a view of God near at hand(the vision of prayer) and on His throne reigning over the situation (the vision of worship), fear subsides, and we can once again take delight in God’s goodness and power. 

ANGER. When someone’s offense against us occupies our mental and emotional attention, we have little left over for the Lord. Anger clouds the eyes of our hearts and obscures our view of God, draining away our joy. The cure: We must forgive if we are to have our joy restored. 

DISCONTENT. At times our days seem filled with dull moments and insignificant concerns—fixing a child’s bike, doing the laundry, shuffling papers on an office desk. With our nose to the grindstone and our eyes to the ground, we fail to see the Lord in our daily movements, and so we move in a joyless routine. But if we lift our eyes to the Lord who rules over even “the day of small things”(Zech 4:10), our joy returns as we realize that the mundane moments we find so tedious are the common stuff from which we build a lifetime of faithfulness that pleases Him. 

DESPAIR. When we give up, concluding our situation is hopeless, we lose joy because we’ve taken our eyes off the all-sufficiency of God and fixed them on our own failure. We’re looking for God in a broken mirror. To find joy, we must throw away the mirror and instead, with hope to the great Artist who is making of us a masterpiece that is yet unfinished (Eph 2:10). 

SUFFERING. When we suffer, God suffers alongside us; that is, in part, the meaning of the cross of Christ. Yet grief, the ancients agree, is a “constriction” of the heart, and with it comes a narrowing of our sight, a loss of our heart’s peripheral vision, So if we would regain a vision of God in our suffering—and with it, our joy—we must turn to glimpse our hurting Lord right beside us, sharing our pain. In that moment, His face can stir in us a profound joy in the unsearchable love that would stoop to bear our sorrows as His own. 

Joy in suffering grows deeper still when we behold the Lord beside us in yet another sense, We are “seated… with Him in the heavenly realms” (Eph 2:6. The day will come when we will “reign forever and ever” with Him (Rev.22:5). Next to that triumphant eternity, the suffering of today or even of a lifetime grows infinitely small and so the joy of our vision of final glory can pour comfort and hope into the thirsty ground of our present pain. 

By Paul Thigpen 

I discovered some areas that I definitely needed to work on and I know I have the Holy Spirit (Helper) on that journey also. So let’s not let our JOY be stolen!

And I have a friend, Linda Greenler, who turns doodles into works of art. Glorifying Jesus! Joy in Him! Thank you, Linda, for sharing your talent with us!

I truly hope as you read what I have written that you will benefit by drawing closer to our Lord. And if you haven’t read my books, I hope you will in the new year. Just click on the word “books” and it will take you to my books page.

I have readers from 15 different nations (some of whom have already stepped into 2025), and I appreciate each one of you. I believe God will multiply that number and use what I write to serve His purpose for calling me to write. To Him is the glory!

Have the happiest New Year ever and enjoy the ride, in Jesus’s name,

Reba

Christmas already? I remember my Mom saying, “The older I get, the faster time flies!” Now I can relate.😊

Where do I begin? As I read this to David the first time, he suggested, “How about January?” LOL! So much happens in one year. Can you relate? As with every year, there’s rarely a dull moment. There are lots of activities but different events as we move through the seasons of life.

David has found a new “career” as chairman of the building committee for our new church sanctuary. He is certainly the guy for that job—dedicated to the fullest! I have continued to lead our Ladies’ Bible Studies and write. We completed a life-changing study by Andrew Wommack, “Spirit, Soul, and Body. Life changing, that’s what the study of God’s Word is about, right? My writing has shifted from poetry to blogs on my website (rebabailes.com). I hope you have read some and have benefited. If so, they are accomplishing my mission.

As for the rest of the bunch, I can hardly keep up with activities but I will try to name a few.

Andrea and Jared went on a mission trip to Brazil. A mission trip was a long-term goal of theirs. So, they jumped right into one of the most dangerous places they could go, the Amazon! Yes, they returned unscathed with testimonies of an incredible experience. Most importantly, winning souls for Christ! A successful and fulfilling mission indeed! We even got a taxidermied piranha. I named him Marco. 😊

With work, school, and play for the rest of the Bailes Clan the activities, and unexpected events continue. For those who don’t know, NWAR was struck by a tornado in May. Several of our family members were significantly impacted but thank God, all were safe. Through all of the damage to our families’ homes, only one broken finger resulted. Although our oldest granddaughter, Haley, and her husband Ry’s home (of less than one year) sustained substantial damage, Haley saw her husband rise to the occasion. He was a servant to their neighbors. They have camping gear that includes a coffee pot and alternatives to electricity. He was up bright and early each morning serving coffee from the tailgate of their truck. Something that most of us think we can’t live without and can’t make without electricity! They had coworkers, friends, and neighbors with whom he worked hand in hand to work through the destruction. Haley dealt with the insurance company and all of the business side of the disaster. What a team! The rest of our family and community experienced help from numerous sources, strengthening relationships with neighbors and strangers like no other event I know of. Rogers and Bentonville will never look the same but thank God, the storm was used to serve His good purpose. Realizing lives are most important, loving neighbors, acts of kindness, and building relationships. He takes what was meant for bad and turns it into good.                                           

In August Adrianna (our youngest grandchild) and I flew to Albuquerque, NM. She enjoyed many new experiences (like her first flight) to a place she had hoped to go. We lived there when her dad, Steven, was 8 and 9  years old. It was David’s last duty station before retiring. Adrianna and I stayed with our dear friends Bob and Joanna and were treated like family members. Joanna chauffeured and helped us visit all of the places on our list. And Bob treated us out to some fine meals. We even had Dairy Queen desserts for dinner a couple of times!

With our other children, their spouses, and GRANDS, we have an occasional get-together for games, dinner, and holidays. Cherished moments for us. They all have school, jobs, friends, and life in the fast lane. And yes, some are walking through some of the toughest times life can offer. We know that they are carried through by our Savior. We pray and we trust. We believe and we hope. The very reason we celebrate this season and the reason we have hope for us all.

We also had loved ones pass over, as many of you have, David’s dear Uncle Ralph and my Aunt Roberta. More reason for this hope I speak of so we don’t say goodbye. We say see you later on the other side. But until then they will certainly be missed.

And I quote last year’s letter, “They say we live in “uncertain times”. David and I say we stand on the “certainty” of the almighty God being all that we could ever need and more than we could ever ask for. This makes our hearts full of gratitude for this incredible gift of His birth, the Christ Child that we honor by making it all about Him!” We pray this is how you will spend your Christmas Season, making it all about Him! For God so loved the world that He gave His only son… John 3:16. We love you too! Merry Christmas to all!

And I will end with this…we had our presidential elections! Again, God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace for America. David says, “Can I get an Amen?”

From our home to yours,

Reba and David

Today I would like to share some of the many things I gained in my quiet time with the Lord this morning.

I could have hit the floor running from store to store trying to finish my gift shopping. I thank God that instead, I stayed focused on the Gift of His Son who has already been given. Jesus is the One whom Christmas is about. He also gave me the gift of this day. I have a choice of how I will use this gift. Suddenly shopping didn’t seem so appealing or a priority. If you have read my poems and narratives in Inspire Me and Blue Skies, Butterflies, and Battlegrounds, I point out that He even gives us ideas, talents, and resources for the gifts we want to give to others. My writing poetry began as a gift. So I will write and count on Him to help with my Christmas list. You know, first things first, right?

 Therefore, I began with some praise and worship songs. This is the place to start. As it says in Psalm 100:4 KJV “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him and bless His name.” I have much to thank Him for far beyond any material things I may or may not have.

Being still before God, entering His gates and courts with thanksgiving and praise, He is present. This brings me to the purpose of sharing this blog.

My first song of choice was “Be Still and Know” by CeCe Winans. The lyrics bring to our attention that we all “ Face many mountains, have been through trials, and shed many tears.” Sometimes I need to hear these words from someone as gifted, beautiful, and famous as CeCe. Do you ever think “those” people don’t have the same struggles we do?

I also viewed her short video about the Lord’s inspiration for her to write this song. I felt inspired to share her video and write this on Facebook “He gave her this song in the middle of the night, as so with many of the things I write. She also says she has to walk out the things she tells others…hmm, my experience as well. And I know that she and I are not alone in this! Can somebody say amen?” In the comments, I got some Amens!

The Lord says we are all more alike than we realize. He shows no favoritism toward His children. For God so loved the world that He gave to us…that’s to all of us. He continues to give to us. And we are to share what He has given. That’s why I am eager to share this with you today.

As I sat still and came into His presence with the song “Be Still and Know”, He revealed more of who He is and who we are in Him. When we look at how big our God is, the creator of the mountains, the mountains grow small.

In my lap, I had my  Evidence Bible and a notebook for my Bible study notes that were gifts from our daughter, Andrea, and her husband, Jared.

 Interesting title for my notebook, right? I opened both and continued my study “A Better Way to Pray” by Andrew Wommack. Today was lesson number 12. Andrew starts with Matthew 6:28 “So why do you worry?” He cares for us more than these things mentioned in V28-30 (lilies and clothing of the grass of the field).  V33 has the solution to worry. “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”. Like the words to CeCe’s song, “When I look around and it all seems hopeless, I won’t fear, I won’t fear. I’ll be still and know, know You are God. You’re right here with me through all my troubles. Be still and know.” The lyrics in the song get better as she goes on. God speaks to my heart through songs. How about you? Did you know that most songs are poetry set to music, and the Bible is one-third poetry?

Andrew continues in the study… Seek first and foremost our relationship with God. He supplies all of our needs. Make God the center and focus of my life. My primary reason for prayer should be to praise, worship, and fellowship with Him! Psalm 16:11 NKJV “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Did you notice the “is” and the “are” are in italics? This emphasizes two words that indicate a “state of being”.

The true Gospel of Jesus is to bring us into a close relationship with God. A state of being in the fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. Our Lord desires this more than we do! Andrew stated there is a Hebrew word for prayer/praise that means “Kiss the face.” Just imagine kissing the face of God! Incredible wouldn’t you agree? As in a few verses of “Intimacy (Into Me See)” in my first book Inspire Me…He beckons us draw nearer Helps us see our Father clearer. As into Him we see THE INTIMACY He has for you and me!

As I continued reading my Bible, I came across a profound comment that I will take the liberty to share. This comment is about using the Law in evangelism specifically in America. By Paris Reidhead “If I had my way, I would declare a moratorium on public preaching of “the plan of salvation” in America for one to two years. Then I would call on everyone who has use of the airwaves and the pulpits to preach the holiness of God, the righteousness of God, and the Law of God until sinners would cry out, “What must we do to be saved?” Then I would take them off in a corner and whisper the gospel to them. Don’t use Joh 3:16. Such drastic action is needed because we have gospel-hardened a generation by telling them how to be saved before they have any understanding of why they need to be saved.” Emphasis mine.

We Americans lose sight of why we need a Savior. Pretty prideful I would say! And the Lord says, Proverbs 16:18 NKJV “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” This is a warning about arrogance that can be interpreted in both physical and spiritual ways. I will point out the spiritual warning. Pride can lead to spiritual ruin: For example, assuming one does not need God’s forgiveness is an attitude of spiritual pride that can lead to ruin. Does anyone else notice the increase in Americans who believe they do not need God’s forgiveness? There again, they have been told how to be saved before they have any understanding of why they need to be saved!

 Living like this has caused many to turn from the history of our nation being founded on Godly principles. I believe the disasters we are facing are being used by God to turn us back to Him. 2nd 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.” I pray that it is so. Then there will always be those who decide not only do they not need forgiveness, but they don’t need God’s Word either. They say pridefully “I can do this by myself in my way, and my time. I live by my own moral compass. Who is God to tell me how to live?” Or I just don’t have time. And on and on…

Suddenly I remembered several poems that I wrote on this topic.  Beginning with “Peace Be Still” on page 18 of my first book. Then picking back up on page 20 there is a series of six poems that carry the same theme. My second book has more, but I would like to point out the bullet points on the back cover of it.

• Understand why God created you and that He has a purpose for your life.
• Know that He desires an intimate relationship with you.
• Come to know His never-ending love for you.
• Gain confidence in His provision for everything you need in life.
• Build your faith in Him through His Word.
• Discover He does have good plans for your life!

As my thoughts process through the day, while multitasking including meals and laundry, 😊 I know there is much more to gain from my experience. Yes, these times in His presence are causing an eagerness in me to get out of bed early each day, spend intimate time with Him through praise, worship, prayer, and His Word, and share my experience with you.  The excitement of celebrating His birth is ever-increasing, also.

I hope as you read through my books and blogs that it will increase your desire to be still and know that He is God. Enjoy the intimacy with our God like you’ve never known before. As Andrew says, “Get addicted to it by making it your primary reason for praying.”

And if you need a gift to share, please consider giving one of my books. Or maybe even both. They make great gifts any time of the year, but especially this season.

I appreciate as always that you have spent some time to still yourself in the hustle of the season to read what I desire to share. I love your comments also.

God bless you and keep you,

Reba

Hello again,

On this cold December night, I am returning to the testimonies of lost things being found. After all, three events came to mind, but I told of only two (other than the “Sound of Found” in Blue Skies, Butterflies, and Battlegrounds).

My first story was one titled “Appointments & Disappointments” where I told of finding a treasured Mother’s ring at an appointment during some very disappointing events.

The next story was when I lost the diamond from my engagement ring. I titled it “Unexpected Outcomes”. This event tells of how I believed in an outcome that I expected. God showed me how He sometimes blesses us in unexpected ways.

 I hope you have read or will read them. Each was written out of my desire to tell how God cares about everything we face. He shows us we can trust Him as Chuck Swindoll has stated, “Not only in the pit of dire circumstances but also in the pinnacle of abundance and success.”

After I gave testimony of these two events and before I could write about the third, I found myself in one of those pits of dire circumstances. Thus the blog “Heavy Hearts”. It was a timely reminder of how imperative it is to yoke up with Him and cast our cares on Him to free us from heavy hearts. After all, He lives in our hearts giving us peace and joy in the midst of it all. I am still in the circumstances that began the heavy heart, but I know what God says about not only yoking up with Him but not walking by sight or circumstances.

Then we moved into celebrating Thanksgiving with Christmas soon to come. It is pretty interesting how all of this comes together by telling of another experience with a lost item. This item was mine. Another treasured piece of jewelry. But this time it was recovered. The recovery story will always leave me with a sense of wonderment and a heart full of gratitude again.

During our first Christmas, as husband and wife, David bought me a diamond and ruby necklace. The diamond was in the center and encircled with deep rich rubies. It was dainty, perfect for my taste, and another big surprise for me. Can you tell that my husband enjoys surprising me with jewelry? As it turned out, diamonds are the birthstone for our oldest daughter and rubies are our second daughter’s. He could have never planned that out!

I valued it and wore it only on special occasions. Through the years I knew that one of our daughters, or granddaughters, would treasure it also. (Much like the Mother’s ring that was passed to the granddaughter.) My necklace was carefully kept in a cherry wood jewelry box David got me several years later. Throughout our numerous moves in the military and afterward, it was watchfully transported along with several other jewelry items.

In September of last year, we received word that a very dear friend’s mother had passed. The funeral was in Louisiana and we decided to attend. We planned to take advantage of the proximity to our families in east TX and visit with them after the funeral.

As I was selecting my clothing to wear for the funeral, I decided that I would also wear one of my special necklaces. The choice was between my diamond and ruby necklace or an emerald and diamond necklace that David had surprised me with on our 50^th wedding anniversary. I couldn’t decide at the time so my thought was to take them both and decide there.

I chose the emerald necklace to wear at the funeral and did not get my jewelry out for the rest of our trip. After returning home, while unpacking, my diamond and ruby necklace was missing! It was not with the other jewelry I had taken on the trip. I looked over and over again!  I turned the little travel bag inside out and to my dismay, it was not there! I  searched absolutely everywhere that I could think of. Even places that seemed somewhat absurd and unreasonable, like the top and bottom of my closet, drawers, pockets, trunk of the car, under furniture, etc. Then my thoughts went to the possibility of the cleaning lady at the motel taking it.  What was the likelihood of her confessing? I thought it may have fallen out of the little bag at my sister’s where we stayed in Texas. I even called her to see if she had found it knowing all along that I had not gotten it out at her house.

I was so desperate to find that necklace that I admittedly obsessed with my search. And the real anguish came with the thought of telling David that I had lost it! I just couldn’t! At one point I hoped he had forgotten he had given me the necklace! I’m telling on myself, I know, but that’s where I was at the time.

I finally settled in my mind that the ring was gone. Those things happen and we just need to get over it. Then I started examining myself and decided that I was placing too much value on material things and letting it rob me of my joy. Or worse yet my sanity! I told myself if God wanted me to have it, I would have found it after all of these months of searching. The conclusion was that He would teach me in this and I needed to let go and learn whatever it was He had as a lesson. Hmm…

An understanding of the lesson was not had, because I was confused about the lesson. Or even if there was a lesson! I hope some of you can relate! In my moment of desperation, I lost my ability to reason. Or worse yet, my ability to let go and let God carry me through. Talk about losing focus! They say hindsight is 20/20. Lol!

So I decided I must let go and chose to relinquish my pursuit. And there was no need to disappoint David by telling him unless the topic came up.

Eleven months passed and one day I decided it was time to clean out and organize my cherry wood jewelry box. I took everything out and selected numerous costume jewelry items to donate. I also have a jewelry armoire that I bought years ago that had collected a lot of clutter. My cleaning and organizing lead to include the armoire.

For most of the years that I had the armoire, my jewelry box sat on top of it. But I had recently moved the jewelry box to the vanity top. I pushed up on the top of the armoire as I was moving it to clean, revealing a forgotten hidden compartment! I hesitantly said “forgotten” because in my mind I never knew it was there. (And I have the reputation of having an elephant’s memory). LOL! Much to my shock and astonishment there inside this compartment was my cherished diamond and ruby necklace! I picked it up in momentary disbelief! If I was not holding it in my hands and seeing it with my own eyes, I would have never believed it was real. I had to sit down and catch my breath so that I would have more breath to say, “Thank You God” over and over again. Tears and laughter ensued!

I realize some might think I am being unnecessarily dramatic as I describe this event. I say the very definition of drama is what I experienced and am trying to convey. Drama is defined as an exciting, emotional, or unexpected series of events or sets of circumstances. For me, this event was filled with drama and dramatic expression was necessary.

After a few moments of sheer delight and wiping away some tears of joy, like the little boy with his ring in the “Sound of Found”, I eagerly told my husband from start to finish about the lost necklace he knew nothing about. He hugged me and we both soaked in the moment.

I must add that as I retell these events, I get to soak in these moments again. As I previously shared, “He shows us we can trust Him as Chuck Swindoll has stated, “Not only in the pit of dire circumstances but also in the pinnacle of abundance and success.”

Thank God for reminders because, I for one, need them regularly. How about you?

And as an additional reminder, listen to Do It Again by Elevation Worship. He never fails!  Your promise still stands, great is your faithfulness…Praise God! I hope this reminds you of His faithfulness.

May I remind you that I am blessed by your comments?

I will end with the title of this blog, He Did it Again!

Thank you for taking the time to read my stories and may God richly bless you,

Reba

Hello, and happy belated Thanksgiving!

Although it is never too late to give thanks, my delayed blog is about last Thursday, the special day we set aside for giving thanks to God for the Christian principles the United States was founded on.

Sadly, we’ve gone through a prolonged period of those who have been ruthlessly attacking, revising, deleting, and in some cases downright lying about our country’s history! Thank God, He is intervening for us again and we see many who are opening their eyes and discovering the truth. And, most importantly, the truth of the Gospel!

Instead of giving a traditional lesson here on our nation’s history, I would like to share something valuable I learned from Greg, a Messianic Jewish friend. I met Greg while visiting my sister in Texas and he recently posted this on Facebook. Since it was posted on social media, I took the liberty of helping him spread it further.

So here’s the interesting information straight from Greg and the reason for my blog title:

Thanksgiving is a Jewish Holiday by Greg Savitt, Rock of Israel.

Did you know that the first Thanksgiving in 1621 was patterned after the Jewish holiday the Feast of Tabernacles found in Leviticus 23:39-44?

First, both Thanksgiving and The Feast of Tabernacles are celebrated in the fall. The Pilgrims went to the New World to celebrate their religious freedom. Both holidays dealt with a harvest of food.

There is an old saying for all Jewish holidays. First, our enemies persecuted us; second, God gave us the victory, and finally, let’s eat. From historical writings and diaries from the Pilgrims, 1) the Pilgrims saw themselves as the children of Israel, 2) the New World was their promised land, 3) the Atlantic Ocean was there the Red Sea, 4) the Kings of England were the Pharaohs of Egypt, 5) the American Indians were the Lost Tribes of Israel, 6) the pact of the Plymouth Rock was God’s Holy Covenant, and 7) the Puritan ordinances were the Laws from Mount Sinai.

The Feast of Tabernacles or Sukkot, which is Hebrew for booths, was the last great harvest of the year. (Leviticus 23:39-44) On the First Thanksgiving, noted historian Diana Karter “The community joined together to bring the last loads of grain from the field and share a merry feast when the work was done.” Furthermore, on The Feast of Tabernacles, Jewish people had a feast from their harvest. They ate these delicious meals in booths to remind themselves that the sojourned in the desert for 40 years.”

The Feast of Tabernacles is also called in Hebrew Z’man Simchateinu, which means a season of our rejoicing, and of course, Thanksgiving is a time of our giving thanks for our blessings. The first Thanksgiving in 1621 was the Pilgrims giving thanks to a huge harvest and giving thanks to the Native Americans who had helped them.

So this year, as you pass around the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, give thanks to Aaron and Moses and the two million Jewish people who wandered around for 40 years. I always believed if Moses’s wife Zipporah had only asked for directions, they would have arrived at the Promised Land much earlier. Joshua and Caleb trusted in God’s Word. May we trust Him as well so that we won’t wander in circles.

I hope you find this as enlightening as I have. And I agree with Greg’s comment about Zipporah asking for directions. But we women know that Moses probably would not let her ask! Ha! Ha!

It would be fun to hear how you celebrate Thanksgiving (if you do). Yes, as Greg mentioned, we have turkey, cornbread dressing (a Southern tradition instead of stuffing), mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, etc.

As always, I love to hear your comments. Maybe you already knew what I have passed on. Tell me about it, I am interested. Thank you for spending time reading what I have to share.

God bless all of you everywhere,

Reba

Here I am again to write with so much on my mind to write about. But I know I don’t write from my many thoughts. I write from my heart.

So here we go…

My heart has been heavy. Yes, the attacks of the enemy are heavy. Darkness all around me, but only when I’m looking at the works of the enemy are they heavy. Again, while looking around me, I need reminders of who lives within. The power of the Holy Spirit lives in me and each who believes in Christ for salvation. We must understand that the Holy Spirit never leaves us or forsakes us. This is the “rebirth”. The “born again” spirit. The “new man” inside of us! Romans 8:11 “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

We just completed our Ladies Bibles Study by Andrew Wommack titled “Spirit, Soul, and Body”. It is a life-changing study like no other I have experienced. That is when I renew my mind and remember these truths. And I thank God for His many ways to remind me. (You can find this complete study at AWMI.net.)

Today instead of continuing with my testimonies of things found (we will save that for later), I am going to share how the Lord is lifting my heaviness. The Lord said in Matthew 11:29-30  NLT “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. V29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.V30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

As I walk in the “battlegrounds” and the Lord pours priceless reminders into my thoughts, He often takes me to what He has already given me, namely His Word, poems, narratives, and life experiences.

This time, and over again, He reminded me of several verses I wrote in my poem Blue Skies, Butterflies, and Battlegrounds (no wonder it is the title of my second book!).

At the beginning of the poem, I was thanking God for all of His wonderful works all around me. Then I quickly progressed to, “But my thanks are most of all when storms prevail”. As I wrote those words I immediately paused and said, “God, I don’t thank You most when storms prevail! Why would I write that?” I knew inside of me that He said, “Continue writing and you will see why.” It still takes my breath when I see where He took this. “For when I’m weak and battle-worn is, where I draw from You, Love strength, and faithfulness when friends are seemingly few. You grip my hand, guide me through, the very one I’m desperate for. While drenching me in Your cleansing power, You’re transforming me even more!” It goes on to say, “Now pure as blue skies, I glide with butterflies amid the beauty of You.” This is where I started in this poem. Praising Him for His beauty all around me! As we go full circle, we begin to see why…” Thankful through life’s battlegrounds, I’m homeward bound, beyond the sky so blue!”

Talk about lifting our burdens! This is how we glide with butterflies and see His beauty all around us again. And this is how we soar on eagles’ wings as it says in Isaiah 40:31 AMP “But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power. They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God} like eagles {rising toward the sun}; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not become tired”.

And I am also reminded of these verses in my poem Gain ( also in my second book), ”Only these will last forever…faith, hope, love (charity). Love is my hope and only way to true prosperity…By laying it all before Him, abiding Helper working in me, I gain everlasting bounty by giving all to Thee!”

Why would I even attempt to carry these burdens as I walk in the battlegrounds of life? He has told me, “Reba we will walk this out together.” I wasn’t designed to carry these burdens. He has given me everything I need and even more to glide, soar, and walk in victory over the darkness. Yoke up with Him! So I can honestly thank Him through life’s battlegrounds, I’m homeward bound! After all, this is not my home.

Hebrews 13:14-16 NKJV “ For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. V15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. V16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

I ended my narrative for Blue Skies, Butterflies, and Battlegrounds with this, and it stands true today… “The song, “To God be all blessings and honor, and glory and power. Forever! Amen!” came to my mind, so I was going to play it when I found it on YouTube. I found this scripture and decided it was perfect to end with. Please praise Him with the song also! “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13 NIV. Amen!”

I hope what I am sharing has helped lift any burdens you might be carrying unnecessarily. It helps me by sharing, reminding me, and confirming God’s promises to us. John 16:33 NKJV “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

I hope again, that my mission statement will be used by God to accomplish my purpose in sharing this: To glorify God through writing, sharing His Word, and my life experiences, communicating the love of Jesus Christ to add to His Kingdom.

The words escape me to express the impact of your reports on how God uses what I write. Last week a precious lady told me with tears in her eyes that she reads a poem or two with narratives each night. She has gained encouragement to face her own battlegrounds. Her home was majorly damaged in the May 2024 tornado and they are still dealing with repairmen. Meanwhile, her husband is having significant health problems that require surgery. She explained by my sharing, that she sees my heart for God and how He gets me through.

Then, today, as I was wrapping up this blog, a mutual friend called to update me on a situation with her unsuccessful surgery. She has had to limit her activities while seeking different opinions regarding her options. Through her disappointment in her failed surgery, and while waiting to discover her options, she has been reading the poems and looking up the scriptures in my first book “Inspire Me”. Her words of confirmation that God is touching lives with His Word and my poetry inspire me to keep writing. I thanked her and told her that our mutual friend had said the same last week. Then to my surprise, she said the two of them had lunch together and did not tell each other what they were experiencing from my two books. For them to individually thank me made it even more moving and heartwarming.

God is working in ways we don’t even know! Sometimes, He allows us to get a glimpse. And each of your comments adds to the glimpse and is just as much appreciated. As always, to God be the glory!

May God bless and keep you through your battlegrounds too.

Until our next time together,

Reba

Hello again, and happy Veterans’ Day to all who have served. You are appreciated more than you know. For the most part, I believe our nation has done a poor job expressing that in the past. But going forward, some of us are doing our best to change that.

So today, I want to post a poem I wrote on November 6, 2017. It is in my first book, “Inspire Me.” I hope it is a blessing to you and your families.

Veteran Tribute                                                                                               

 by Reba Bailes, a Navy Wife

To ALL military members, no matter branch you served

Few of you’ve been given, thanks that you deserve.

Some of you signed up because you lacked direction

Others were from a home, where you needed protection.

Then there were those, who were simply all alone

The ones supposed to love you, where had they all gone?

Even ones required, in country’s greatest need

Signing on the line, your will you did concede.

No difference who you were, no matter where you’d been

There you were in uniform, new IDENTITY did begin.

Some caught on and quickly climbed the ladder

Others were led astray, felt none of this did matter.

And you might not be decorated, with medals of glory

Pain, scars, and nightmares are more of your service story,

But on this special day, set aside for you

You gave the best you had, our support and thanks are due.

Sacrifices, struggles, even successes, may seem to go unnoticed

Woundedness and hurt you feel, in places not remotest.

Forgive us as a nation; our neglect has let you down

May through that forgiveness, appreciation of you be found.

And as we all move forward, honoring all of those who gave

We pray you receive your healing, and your soul our Lord will save.

Our people and our Nation, in the palm of His mighty hand

Until that fateful day, we reach the Promised Land!

May God bless ALL of You!