One Act of Obedience

(NOTE: Update Added - August 26/26:

I overlooked the part about the "tapestry" in my notes. The story has been added under 'Obedience - A Fruit of Love'. Also, three pictures have been added - BP)

ONE Act of Obedience

Around 2005, in a night vision (I dare not call it a dream since I was not asleep, but merely resting with closed eyes), I saw the word OBEDIENCE. The capital letters highlighted the importance of the word. And the warm, glimmering gold emphasized the purity and holiness in the act of obedience.

As I gazed upon the word in my spirit, Christ Jesus immediately came to mind. Because of the precious Holy Spirit, I was very aware of Messiah’s presence. The sense of great peace enveloped me. I wondered what the Lord was trying to show me.

My peace shattered abruptly as I witnessed a darkness moving downward from the top of the letters of ‘OBEDIENCE’. There was a wrestling with the fear of the unknown. What was that darkness? Jesus is the light of this world. [Jn 8:12]

It was all happening very quickly, and soon the entire word ‘obedience’ was covered in the dark fluid. Before confusion could consume me, a scripture came to mind. I could not recall it verbatim, but it had to do with Jesus stating that He is the light of the world, and when we follow Him, we will not walk in darkness, but have light (life). [Jn 8:12]

It all happened faster than I can even type. It was an open vision, so it was like watching a short movie. No sooner had the scripture come to mind than everything brightened, as a light revealed what the ‘darkness’ was that covered the word ‘obedience’ in its entirety.

BLOOD! Immediately, I understood that the precious blood was that of “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”. [Rev 13:8] Indeed, the precious blood of Jesus/Yeshua the Christ.

The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. [Jn 1:29]

Once seen and understood, fear fled.

The obedience of Christ Jesus was completely soaked (drenched) in the precious blood of the Lamb that was poured out for us when the Messiah was upon the cross. [Phil 2:8]

And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Obedience was a fruit [one of the fruits] of His love for His Father [Jn 14:31] and for us (humankind), as He willingly sacrificed His life, spilling His precious blood to redeem us from the penalty of death (the wages of sin is death) [Rom 6:23] and to break the power of sin.

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. [Rom 5:19]

And said to them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [Lk 24:46]

One act of obedience brings forth the greatest miracle of all – salvation!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ [Yeshua Mashiach], which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. [1Pet 1:3]

Obedience – A Fruit of Love

Right now, it is very important to practice obedience. Many of God’s people are being tested right now, and obedience will be part of that testing. Could our suffering be to bring up the dross? To challenge our faith? To test our heart?

Think upon it. We are in the beginning of sorrows…this is the time to do all the Lord asks.

If He instructs you to fast, prayerfully ask how long and what kind of fast – please be sure it is the Lord’s direction, especially if you are elderly or have limitations due to any physical reasons, such as diabetes or some other limitation. The Lord will lead you properly and according to your situation. There may be something else He requires of you instead.

Perhaps He has moved on you to pray earnestly. He gives instructions. Stay in the Word, pray.

This was to be posted by last Sunday [three days ago, the 23rd Aug], but it has been a great difficulty due to interruptions and distractions. Yet, all things are in God’s timing. Nothing takes Him by surprise... us, yes, the Lord - no.

For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called, according to His purpose. [Rom 8:28]

As often stated with this verse, it is not suggested that everything that happens is good, but rather Almighty God [El Shaddai], in His wisdom, works everything together to bring forth the good that He has purposed.

It is like the metaphor of the tapestry, which comes from a poem written by Grant Colfax Tullar [1869-1950] (an American hymn writer), but made famous/popular by Corrie Ten Boom.

Tullar wrote the poem after a dark season of despair, hopelessness, and discouragement. Corrie Ten Boom had many speaking engagements as a survivor of the Holocaust, a survivor of Ravensbruck Nazi concentration camp.

She used to carry the poem on a piece of paper, along with a piece of embroidery with knotted, messy threads on one side and a lovely golden crown on the upside. She would read the poem and then demonstrate the meaning with the piece of embroidered material she carried with her.

She explained the knotted side represented our perspective of life, which can be confusing, tangled, chaotic and random. The flip side represented God's master plan and the crown of eternal life.

Tullar had originally named the poem "The Weaver". Corrie Ten Boom simply renamed it "Life is But a Weaving" (The Tapestry Poem). Her famous quote was: "Although the threads of my life have often seemed knotted, I know, by faith, that on the other side of the embroidery is a crown."

Although Grant Tullar wrote the poem, it is famously, howbeit erroneously, credited to Corrie Ten Boom.

click any picture to enlarge
pic credit_TenBoom.org

My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors -
He weaveth steadily.

Oft' times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Now 'til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.

Does Your Character Pass the Litmus Test?

About four months ago, I mentioned that hearts are being tested (tried) right now. If someone questioned that God would not do such a thing, I will repost the scripture that I used then.

Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. [Ps 105:19] NLT (New Living Translation)

Today, during prayer this morning, before I opened the Bible, I mentioned a few things to the Lord. Then I asked Him to lead me to what He wanted me to know. Again, I was led to [Psalm 105:19]. 

I trust the Lord when we pray sincerely to Him, humbling ourselves the best way we know how, and then trusting Jesus to lead us by His Spirit and answer our prayer request.

We pray with thanksgiving. That is another lesson that has kept coming before my eyes, either in Scripture or in some of my writings from days gone by. The testing has not been easy at times. In fact, there are times I have broken down into tears. Pain has a way of wearing us down.

There is no desire in my heart to complain, but I do tell the Lord that I am at my wit’s end. Year after year rolls by. I listen to what is happening with brethren. So many are suffering in different ways.

Situations are arising that test the character, integrity, sincerity, and genuineness of each individual. It has always been said that a person’s true character is proven in times of adversity. I have seen people who are thought to be so macho, so brave, yet cower instead of protecting a woman or child when startled by a sudden loud noise at night, out in the country.

I have seen so-called ‘good men’ kick a helpless puppy for not ‘behaving’ right when no one could see them except ‘family’. Yet to their friends and business associates, they are the epitome of ‘charm’.

smiling charmer hides the truth
image credit_dreamstime.com
1 of 15 free images - trial

The same charming person can be someone we would never suspect. They could turn out to be a thief, a liar, an adulterer, a murderer or a humanoid. How often has someone been found guilty of something, and people could not believe it? It seemed completely out of character. That is how charming someone can present themselves – a most convincing mask.

Yet, I have seen a person who was always mocked and ridiculed as being a ‘wimp’ due to their quiet or laid-back nature, turn out to be a real trooper in times of need. God knows exactly what kind of litmus test will prove the character of each individual.

Many of us have been going through one situation after another. Has it felt like everything is a battle, and everyone is at odds with you? I went through a time like that recently. Many times, I would end up in tears, wondering why the onslaught would not stop.

More times than I can count, asking Jesus for help, I searched my heart to see what I could be doing wrong to bring all of it upon myself. It seems that there is this unspoken expectation that Christians are never supposed to be depressed, or get angry, or be stressed, or have negative days. Just smile the perpetual Joel Osteen smile and give thanks to God…

“I failed You, Lord…” I often found myself lamenting, but the Holy Spirit corrected me, especially when a wave of melancholy swept over the flesh, or I spoke forth the devil’s lies. The expectation to be positive and unmoved by even stressful and/or pressing situations is both exhausting and unrealistic. Even those who disagree with the false doctrines of the prosperity gospel can be affected by some teacher’s influence, without realizing it.

The Leftover Sting of the False Prosperity Doctrine

Many believers are stuck in the rut that faith heals everything and that it quietly subdues all kinds of suffering, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual pain, financial distress, marital problems, or wayward children. If not, then it must be the result of some hidden sin.

I remember being told that people who held bitterness inside suffered from arthritis, or that if anyone had cancer it was due to unforgiveness, and on and on and on it went. This is not true. Not only is it harmful, but it is unbiblical. It is the “hidden sin” mentality.

One time the disciples of Jesus asked him if a certain man was blind because of his parents’ sin or his own sin, to which Jesus responded with an adamant no. He stated that the condition was not caused by sin but that God’s love, power and work would be manifested through his healing, which would ultimately glorify God [Yahweh]. [Jn 9:2-3]

This has been something I have written about many times over the years because the first church I chose to attend after the orphanage happened to be a Word of Faith, prosperity-preaching church.

I was twenty-five years old and needed a job. An apartment building a few blocks from me was looking for a manager. I went in to apply for the job. The duties were simple enough. I would be responsible for cleaning all the apartments before and after occupancy, cleaning halls, lobby, and the laundry and mail rooms. I was to collect rent, deposit monies, and screen potential renters. The then-manager assured me that I practically had the job, but I would have to meet with the building owner after the weekend to make it official.

Going by the prosperity teaching that I had heard over the couple of months at the church, I gave notice to the manager at the apartment I had. The new job provided a furnished one-bedroom apartment and a small salary each month. 

I named-it-and-claimed-it (claimed the job and apartment as done in the spiritual; it will manifest in the natural). That is the teaching in a nutshell. I would have gotten the job too, but I had no husband. The job required a couple. The man would be responsible for maintenance for the building, something I could not do.

Desperately, I went back to the manager of the apartment where I had given notice, but sadly, he had already rented the place out. A woman at the church allowed me to stay at her place (on the couch) in exchange for light housework and babysitting her two school-aged boys.

That was my hard lesson with the “name-it-and-claim-it” prosperity doctrine. It was a rude and harsh awakening, but the Lord allowed me to find out very quickly after I had started at the church. I only went a few more times before I left it. Something happened that caused me to leave the church for the next 13 years, but I have spoken of that in past articles – not for now.

I have to admit that despite knowing that the doctrine is false and unrealistic, there have been times that the teaching has affected me, and I did not immediately recognize it. The Lord is truly so faithful. That is not just a Christian cliché; it is a beautiful reality.

If you have been going through interruptions, distractions, and opposition to the point that it has worn you down, be encouraged. You are most likely being tested. I asked the Lord about what was happening. Yet once again, He led me to a Scripture that I posted a couple of months back. It was confirmation of what I sensed, but I was not 100% sure about.

Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested (tried) Joseph’s character. [Ps 105:19]

Worship God Through Jesus

But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. [Jn4:23-24]

This song beats any AI song, although there actually are some good AI songs. Still, I hesitate and will not be promoting them often. Steve McWhirter put out a song that I only recently stumbled upon, but it was actually put out online in 2020.

It is called “Come Jesus Come” – it is our heart’s cry, especially as we see the evil that is flooding this world and knowing, as the Great Tribulation fast approaches, that according to the Word of God, it is only going to get worse. But thank God for Jesus and the Holy Spirit!

May it bless you as much as it does me. To God be the glory.

Click the link at the bottom of the lyrics to take you to McWhirter’s official YouTube channel.

Come Jesus Come

Sometimes I fall
To my knees and pray
Come Jesus come
Let today be the day

Sometimes I feel
Like I'm gonna break
But I'm holding on
To a hope that won't fade

Come Jesus come

We've been waiting so long
For the day You return
To heal every hurt
And right every wrong

We need You right now
Come and turn this around
Deep down I know
This world isn't home

Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come

There'll be no war
And there'll be no chains
When Jesus comes
Let today be the day

He'll come for the weak
And the strong just the same
And all will believe
In the power of His name

Come Jesus come

We've been waiting so long
For the day You return
To heal every hurt
And right every wrong

We need you right now
Come and turn this around
Deep down I know 
This world isn't home

Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come

One day He'll come
And you'll stand face to face
Come and lay it all down
'Cause it might be today

The time is right now
There's no need to wait
Your past will be washed
By rivers of grace

Come Jesus come

We've been waiting so long
...so long
For the day You return
To heal every hurt
And right every wrong

We need you right now
Come and turn this around
Deep down I know
This world isn't home

Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come
Come Jesus come

 Come Jesus Come - Stephen McWhirter (Official YT Channel)

for His glory alone
Bonita                     dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

While We Were Distracted, This Happened - Prt1

 (Note: Updated-starting at 9:15 May 2, 2026, two hours after post - May 31 also--BP)

Blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord, and whose hope Adonai is. [Jer 17:7]

What's a Distraction?

Going over the archives IF one had time (don’t worry, even I do not have the time lol), but often, especially since 2020, I would mention how distractions interfered with my work in such a way that I could not post in a timely manner.

However, it has gotten so bad over the past year and a half that I have asked the Lord more than once if I am to stop writing, if I am blind or deaf to what He wants me to see or hear (meaning, is He halting me and I cannot see it or hear properly?)

But instead, He reveals to me that all people (and especially His people) are perplexed over different things. Confusion, overwhelming thoughts and happenings, everything, including the weather is abnormal. Nothing makes much sense right now. It is a chaotic, corrupted, mind-boggling time we are in.

Many are suffering in various ways. Not everyone is suffering physically, mentally, or in the same manner that another is suffering. Many are suffering in different relationships and situations. 

Suffering is known universally; it can be experienced in every situation, and on every level. It can cross every boundary, whether one is isolated or in a crowd. Struggles can be hidden within or exposed without.

The lusts and pride of the flesh [1Jn 2:16] can cause suffering, whether the lusts are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, it can affect one or many. There is also a very real invisible enemy who tempts people in the areas of their flesh that are weak.

It can involve personal relationships [spouses, parents, siblings, various relatives], or close friends, or casual acquaintances, neighbours, work [co-workers and superiors], prison staff and inmates, as well as within the church community. It can even affect total strangers [road rage, competition, war]...every area.

The enemy seeks to divide; however, the Lord Himself separates as He sees fit. One common denominator is that faith is being challenged in ways that no one ever expected. 

As surely as a Samurai sword is tested, so is our faith - and rightly so. Is our faith authentic? Is our character genuine? Can we or will we endure a long and intense trial? 

Let us reflect upon Job and the severity of his testing, in every area of his life. Think upon Joseph. Both men lost everything. Both struggled inwardly, yet both endured. Neither one let go of God Almighty.

Until the time that his word came: the Word of the Lord tried him. [Ps105:19] KJV

Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph's character. NLT [New Living Translation]

Situations are arising that test the character, integrity, and sincerity, the genuineness of each person. It has always been said that a person’s true character is proven in times of adversity. 

I have seen people who are thought to be so macho, so brave cower instead of protecting a woman or child. I have seen so-called ‘good men’ kick a helpless puppy for not ‘behaving’ right.

And I have seen a person who was always mocked and ridiculed as being a ‘wimp’ turn out to be a real trooper in the time of need. I am 71, so yes, I have seen both. I wondered myself how I would be in an emergency situation, but I know the times I did well was ONLY because of Jesus…and I refuse to touch HIS glory. I am every grateful to Him.

On the other hand, my life is not over and I have not dealt with many situations. There is still room to mess up majorly - Lord, help me that I do not live to see that day lol. But seriously, we all want to think we will be brave and strong, not giving into emotions (which often override logic). Let us pray for God to give us strength, wisdom and courage in the face of adversity - for our sakes, yes, but for His glory!

Many are falling away, masses are being exposed for what they managed to hide behind charismatic smiles, polished images, and successful businesses or ministries. On the flip side, we also see an exceptional number are being baptized (Kayla Gabbard Ministry is but one of many- all glory to GOD), a stirring is occurring but it is not like a ‘tsunami revival’. It is happening in waves.

The masses that were moved a year ago were moved by emotions, but these baptisms are being carried out without the media spotlight, without the emotionalism that develops when cameras and music and other means cater to the ‘flesh’. This is of God, and meant to last for an eternity, not for a day, month, or year. 

So many were sure that the death of Charlie Kirk began a revival, but even back then red flags were waving furiously. It was a political rally more than a religious revival. Charlie Kirk was a believer, but he did not support Trump to bring him into God's kingdom. He supported him to win an election by appealing to all the youth. He was successful in his reach.

[Correction: The baptisms were being carried out without the media spotlight, but now we have hundreds of thousands being baptized this past year. It is being posted on social media, in news articles, with clips being shown on MSM.

I do not think John the Baptist would have allowed cameras to be a part of what he was doing. One might call these baptisms a revival, but I do not. People are motivated by publicity, motivated by crowds, motivated by sensationalism -- moved emotionally.

When I was 18, I got all excited saying I believed in Jesus. I was so excited, proclaiming marvellous things about Jesus. I was told that I was on a "spiritual high" and that I would "come down" (crash) soon - warning 'to be guarded against the devil' was given, but I rejected the words.

The person was right, and I fell into the deepest, darkest pit that one could ever imagine because there was no safety net, no church, no pastor, no fellow believers - only friends strung out on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex. 

It would be another 27 years before I committed to the Lord, and another 23 years before I surrendered (there is a difference between 'commitment' and 'complete surrender'). Praise God time as granted, but remember, none of us is promised tomorrow.

I look at the young people today who are not only committed, but wholly surrendered (and at no pretense). I marvel at the beauty of such loyalty to a holy King and Creator. Keep strong if that describes you. 

If the former describes you, do NOT allow Satan, the devil, the ancient serpent, to pound into your mind how much time you have wasted, how God no longer has a use for one such as you, claiming you are too old, too washed up, too useless, and that only the young are of value, or that He only has a plan now for their lives, not yours. You blew it.

Satan is the father of lies, and a murderer from the beginning. He will assassinate a character with his accusations. Remember Jesus/Yeshua warned us that he is an accuser of the brethren. [Rev 12:10] And the apostle Peter warned that he goes around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. [Pet 5:8]

Deception

Ah, it was a grand deception on the part of many participants. Drama, lies, manipulation, theatrics, all at the expense of human lives. Who would be behind such evil? One guess, and the book of Revelation said:

“Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows he has but a short time.” [Rev 12:12] Some are still clinging to the illusion, but God is the expert and master sorter. We must remember who [Satan] is the author of confusion.

There is much I intend to touch upon; however, it will have to go into more than one article. Distractions – it is a word I timidly used in an article about six years ago, around the time of Covid-19. 2020 was one of the worst years of my life, yet most of the reasons about why it was so horrific had nothing to do with the pandemic. 

I say "timidly" because at the time, I was pretty sure that I was the only one being distracted, unable to stay focused, especially when it was important. It is said that 'misery loves company'. Well, admittedly, when I found out more and more that these distractions were affecting everyone, everywhere - globally, I let out a great sigh of relief. I can serve tea and biscuits for my "miserable company" lol 

time of chaos and confusion

But it was like a paradigm shift, like the entire world got tipped on its side and everyone was out of sorts and acting irrationally. It was not just me that noticed. Numerous people reported unbelievable things taking place, things that normally would not have been allowed, or were unheard of before.

The word ‘distraction’ is seen or heard nearly everywhere now, as most people have become aware that what is being presented or shown to us is to divert our attention away from other very important things – but what things?

Guaranteed these “things” that they are throwing out are red herrings to feed the curiosity of the public, but they are NOT the important 'things' we need to know. Governmental leaders are covering up truth in many areas, all part of the plan (NOT conspiracy, but indeed the PLAN) for a one-world system and leader. 

Will it be a person or a possessed humanoid? Does that sound far-fetched? No, multitudes are beginning to see. One has to ask this question as AI speeds ahead… In 2008, I began posting about humanoid robots. Way back then robots had been created to accompany troubled children. 

They were exceptionally realistic with the facial expressions, remarkable with the emotions expressed, and the "skin" that looked real. I will be writing about this in upcoming articles because dear souls, this is but ONE of the things they do not want us to spend too much time dwelling on. Forget critical thinking - push it aside. Do not overthink the matter, simply accept what they tell us.

That is what they would like, and that is what they are aiming for - control of the people. Dystopian control of the masses, where a totalitarian government, or 'technological entity' puts in motion the suppression of individual freedom and thought. The "utopia" of the elites, even if it is maintained through surveillance, deception, fear, control (15-minute cities; own nothing, be happy - Schwab mentality, applauded by Yuval Noah Harari.

As in the Days of Noah

Yuval Noah Harari

Yes, the same man who stated once (with an interesting choice of words): "Never summon a power that you cannot control." [emphasis mine - critical thinking required]

Words of Yuval Noah Harari - he proudly shows people clearly, beyond any shadow of a doubt, whose side he is loyal to. Medium posted the article. It is written in such a way that it would be near impossible to not hear exactly what Harari is saying in that interview with Medium, regarding AI, mankind and the time we are in.

He starts off mildly, seemingly innocently, already deceiving the world as the serpent deceived Eve…it began with a seducing spirit bringing forth various temptations. He introduces Micky Mouse, none other than “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, appealing to the child in you, or at least, the part that likes to fantasize. Magic...a mighty wizard, sorcerer, call it as you will...apprentice.

Pass through Nazism, Stalinism, AI-built totalitarian regime, snaking a way through Hindu religion and what he calls ‘Trumpism’, claiming that Hinduism and Trumpism, both press emotional buttons. Who will be alpha?

Then, the slithering continues through economy where bad money drives good money out of circulation. This is fantasizing, isn't it? Interesting turn. He touches upon the “murderous witch hunting hysteria" between 1500-1700 (clearly opposed to the 'murderous' witch hunts... and it is true that many innocent died needlessly.

Almost cussing the new invention of the printing press when it came out in that timeslot. The anger was due to the fact that companies published about a vast Satanic witching conspiracy. It was read by millions... good is winning.

He then says, “Information, you see, need not be truthful. Something people can exploit for wealth and power, a big factor in the witch hunts." YH

So right there, Yuval Harari reveals to us that truth means nothing to him, for the truth is not in him. Is he the father of lies? To call him Satan, no, but to call him an antichrist. Most definitely. operating from the dark side, and proudly.

Surveillance, technologies, democracy, Walter Cronkite, GPT-4 AI system, alpha predator, global AI tyranny, upgrade or replacement, Humanity 2.0., Yuval Harari covers it all. I do not see too many stones, if any, left unturned.

Read at this link to get the context of Noah Harari’s statement: “Never summon a power you cannot control.”

We are already a 'global village' under heavy surveillance, with law enforcement more militant and given more freedom to do as they will with people, even shooting to kill if they so much as look sideways. After all, only "terrorists" look sideways, right? Forgive the sarcasm, but as evil rises, I will not applaud the cunning and craftiness Satan has employed to deceive the masses - just as Jesus foretold.

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [Mat 10:26] KJV (words of Jesus)

These things are prophetic for our time, and have been recorded in the Holy Bible long ago. The wars, the rumours of wars, the groaning of creation, the birth pangs felt by the world, much like a woman in travail. This is all occurring now.

That would mean that these things have to do with Yahweh [the Living God], Jesus, the Saviour, Satan, spiritual warfare, the prophetic written in scripture, and last, but not least, the Antichrist. 

Oddly, many people nowadays do not even want to say the word ‘Antichrist’ for a couple of reasons. The first reason is because many believe it is not one ‘person’ that Satan will possess. Instead, they believe it is a ‘system’, a beast system that will control mankind.

Some will say that there have been “many antichrists” since the days of the apostles, and that would be 100% accurate.

False Teachers - False Brethren

Dear children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming, and already many such antichrists have appeared. For this we know that the last hour has come. [1Jn 2:18]

John spoke of those who belonged to the church, people who were part of the Christian community, but left. “They went out from us, but they were not really of us,” [1Jn 2:19]– likely spoken with a heavy heart. False teachers, false brethren or ‘antichrists’, who came out of the church.

Today, many of them stay right in the church, ‘using’ the name of Jesus/Yeshua to promote themselves and their false teaching, a teacher that sounds so ‘true’ (because like Satan did in the desert temptation of Jesus, scripture is used).

I have no intention of expounding on any or ‘the’ Antichrist/Beast, or unholy pagan celebrations in this piece. Over the years, I have written and given information, but now, as I have stated, and which I firmly believe – Satan has not just blurred the lines between true and false, he has removed them. Jesus named him the ‘author of confusion’ for a good reason.

Some folks will take this to extremes and not trust any church. Just trust God. That is the best way for all of us, but Abba will grant discernment if our hearts are pure for the reason. We do not want to deceive, nor do we want to be deceived. It is a two-way street. 

We all need people we can trust. It is the way the Lord created things to be. The only one who thinks he can benefit from such a plan is the destroyer, that old serpent, the great dragon, Satan. [Rev 12:9]

What do I mean by that? By simply searching scriptures, we no longer have to be a scholar or theologian to see that we are tumbling quickly into the climax of the end times, the Great Tribulation.

It is so close that I would not be surprised if it breaks out at any time. Back when I wrote an article in 2008, I had mentioned how we have been seeing the puzzle pieces fall into place. 

For decades we saw the pieces put into position, like placing dominoes along a run/chain, in order to create the domino toppling, a spectacular art form that presents as a visual chain reaction – and all it takes is …just one push in the right place!

Domino Effect

Domino Effect--artist_Kovizel 1991

In 2008, I had written an article called “We Overcome”. Unfortunately, I removed five years’ worth of work when a woman promised to sponsor a new website. She changed her mind, which is her prerogative; however, I lost a good portion of those years due to ransomware, a nasty virus that destroys files within a certain time frame if the ‘ransom’ to spare them is not paid. 

By no means was any of that her fault. It was just the timing, but after a good cry at five years worth of research, reading for hours on end, phone calls, writing...all gone, no backup...hard lesson learned! Foolish me.

I am repeating myself, but there is an important point to be made here. Although I wept many tears due to the countless hours of research and work that was lost, I came to understand and accept that the only words that matter are Yahweh's (the Lord’s), and thankfully, we have those in the Holy Scriptures and hopefully, down in our hearts.

And they overcame him (the dragon) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. [Rev 12:11]

I reposted the 2008 article, We Overcome in 2015, and again in 2022.

Excerpt:

In 2022, I wrote about the domino effect. What I wrote was…

There is a folder that I have named "Domino Effect usage". I labeled it that because of the articles in it where the Lord used the word 'dominoes'.

The first article I placed in the folder was titled, "We Overcome"  (published in 2008). The Lord spoke of things happening, and it was the first time He emphasized dominoes to me (regarding things coming).

Excerpt of (We Overcome):

For they prepared their hearts for the 'suddenlies' and the unexpected. 

For He who loves His children will teach them, then test them. 

He will lead them and guide them. 

He will forewarn and protect them.  

Things that are coming will be positioned like dominoes, with intent, strategically

placed, with precision. Things coming will have the 'domino effect', but God prepares His people.

Source: We Overcome 

(posted April 2008 -- reposted May 1, 2015)

[End excerpt]

Seven years after the original post in 2008, I reposted. It is exactly 11 years ago to this date, the first of May, that I reposted it again. (May 1, 2015) I reposted: We Overcome

Beltane/May Day - Pagan Celebration

Egyptian, Greek, Roman origin
Beltane

Each year I write about the ‘highlighted’ days on the occult calendar; days such as May 1, which the world ‘innocently’ labels May Day, a day of dancing around a pole with pretty ribbons and flowers attached. It can be just a few souls dancing around a pole or a great number.

With the original pagan celebration, the ‘pole’ was a phallic symbol that represented the male organ, the penis. The pole originally was a tall tree, straight, such as a pine tree – considered positive masculine “energy”, the generative ‘powers’ (idol) bringing life to the earth.

The coloured ribbons, beautiful assortment of flowers and garlands represented the feminine “energies”, enveloping the ‘womb of the earth’. Together it stood for fertility. The dancers moving in and out were symbolic of the natural rhythm of rejuvenating and creating new life.

Pagan practices involved couples in the nearby fields, whilst the dancing and singing and chanting carried on, celebrating the new cycle of life…and the fertilization of the earth. Pagans and Wiccans celebrated Beltane, honouring the ‘forces’ of creativity in nature. In Rome, Flora, the goddess of flowers was celebrated.

The ancient Gaelic/Celtic celebration was also called Beltane/Walpurgis  [Germanic] Fire Festival. I have written about it in the past, but it is not my intention to glorify it. At one time, demonic and Satanic activity was more rampant around and on certain days of the year, but now Satan has proudly lifted himself up to spread it far past these days.

The lines are no longer blurred. They have been wiped clean so that there is no defining line; it all blends together – at least, that is the intent. As we approach the time of the Great Tribulation, witchcraft is exalted in public arenas such as the Olympics, many opening ceremonies, Hollywood and its various Award programs, and more.

It is no longer considered shameful or evil, but something to be ‘proud’ of and good. Christianity is looked down upon, and it is becoming increasingly worse. Rejoice, dear friends, because our redemption is so much closer. How we long to see our Messiah return, our Jesus, Yeshua of Nazareth, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of kings and Lord of lords, the true Christ (Anointed One).

I had wanted to warn of any backlash that may occur due to the celebration of this pagan (occult) day, but it is a time where every day now is a day to stand guarded. We need Jesus more than ever before. Without Him, I do not know how anyone will make it in the days ahead without Jesus. Eternity is a long time – this life is temporal. Time to choose. Choose wisely.

Much more coming up…about Trump, clones, humanoids, just a lot, but what I really want to get to is what all these ‘distractions’ have kept us from focusing on.  The leaders globally and the events are all connected – it is all part of the big plan; the very plan that Yahweh warned about. 

I am confident that God's people, children of salt and light, know exactly what the evil ones are distracting the world from. However, multitudes are in denial because they either do not believe in Jesus as God/Saviour/King and Lord, or they have fallen away, apostates - may God help them before they become reprobates.

Jesus forewarned that if it were possible, even the very elect will be deceived. People everywhere are shocked at how much we were deceived about; the depth and the coverage is mind-boggling. No wonder we were told that we have no idea of the depth of evil…none.

Remember this, dear saints:

The Lord brings the counsel of the heathen to nothing: He makes the devices of the people of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations. [Ps 33:11]

The Providential, Sovereign LIVING GOD rules forever; we can trust in Him.

Thank You Jesus/Yeshua - it is ALL because of You.

for His glory alone

Bonita                          dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com

Strong Ones

  

Strong Ones

[Update: ADDENDEM added---Jan. 31, 2026 - BP]

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. [1Cor 16:13] ESV

To those who have been standing strong, with silent cries, wailing silently [literally], holding back all sound so no one hears but God. Silent tears flowing down your face as if a leak had sprung somewhere in that invisible connection between the heart and the eyes.

It is written that Yahweh collects our tears in a bottle. (That is how precious our tears are to Him.) Does He send forth a holy angel to collect them? Does He command another holy one to mark that precious time in a book of records, for the day comes when you will be given a crown for it? 

credit_GoodSalt.com

You have kept count of my tossing [restlessness]; and put my tears in your bottle: are they not in Your book? When I cry to You, then shall my enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. [Ps 56:8-9]

Trials upon earth always end, even when they seem to be endless. The remnant of the Lord have groaned like Job, like Abraham, like Joseph, like Elijah, like so many of the remnant that have gone before you - groaning at what seems like a most difficult season that will never end.

Waiting and trust are two of the hardest lessons God's people must learn. Now is the time the enemy is doing all he can to make the true believers give up, to fall away. Ask Abraham. God is 'always' right on time. We are the impatient ones. Yes, waiting has always been a hard lesson. You are doing well.

Trusting anyone that we can see in a world such as this seems an impossibility, yet God is a profound teacher. He knows precisely how to teach us to trust Him, whom we cannot see. There are different levels of trust. Can you trust Yahweh that He will provide your next meal? 

Indeed, He fed the multitudes with two fish and five loaves of bread [miracle of the 5000] [Jn 6:13] with twelve baskets left over. When the godly widow of Zaraphath gathered up her mustard seed of faith, along with every ounce of trust in God she could muster, to selflessly make a little cake for Elijah the prophet, what happened?

She took the last of her oil and flour (which were to be the last meal for her son and her before they die in the famine). What was she thinking as it baked over the open fire and she glanced over at her young son? Yet, her faith and trust was rewarded. Indeed, Jehovah Jireh [the Lord will provide] came through.

He provided for the widow, making sure she had enough oil and flour to feed both her and her son for the duration of the famine. Yet, there are different levels of trust. How so? It is one thing to trust God for your next meal.

However, can you trust the same God if you have been given a diagnosis of a terminal illness? Leprosy in ancient times, and even in times not so long ago (late 1800s), was a death sentence.

Yet Jesus healed lepers. Can you trust God for healing? That is the different levels of trust. It is one thing to trust for your next meal and another to trust for something that has no cure. Whether you are healed on earth or when you meet the Lord, will you trust Him?

God will lead you. He will let you know. He speaks through His written Word (the Word is active, alive and speaks into today's situations). And even if you beg to be taken home, like Elijah, like Moses did, like many others who said, "It's enough!", you too will come through this time victoriously. 

You are already doing it; it just has not been easy, but you have not given up. You are still hoping, still trusting, still waiting. 

As everything in the world aligns for the prophetic time of the lawless one, so it is aligning for the promises many have been LONG waiting for...and never gave up, though it felt like it at times. You never let go when others did.

You hung in there with a mustard seed of faith [Mat 17:20], as small as it is, you held fast. That is why the opposition has been so strong, so chaotic, so confusing, so difficult. It is not punishment; it is a sure sign that you are about to enter into your promises.

When it was Stephen's time, or Paul's time, or Peter's time to leave this earth because of the hour of their persecution was upon them, as was their appointed time, God will give supernatural strength in that hour. They also 'knew' it was their time. They were not deceived. Fear not.

Whether you are walking into your promises or into eternity with the living God through Jesus Christ, His shalom covers - you will know. Give glory to a good and just God who watches over His own in this sinful, corrupted, defiled world.

Standing on the Word of God, speaking any one of the precious names or titles of our Creator, Yahweh, El Shaddai, running to Jesus, abiding  that is, clinging to Him like healthy grapes cling to a strong vine. You are a strong one.

The name above all names is like a strong tower, surrounding you with walls of strength and comfort – you sense the safety that lies in Him. You are a strong one for the joy of the Lord is your strength. [Neh 8:10]

                             

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and is safe. [Prov 18:10]

In God will I praise His Word: in the Lord will I praise His Word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do to me. [Ps 56:10-11]

The reality of the spiritual warfare you are involved in even stings your nose and eyes as you hold back emotional tears. You are not afraid; you are tired. You are not giving up; you need rest. You have asked Father to send forth holy angels and assign them to keep your arms lifted up in prayer much like Aaron and Hur kept up the arms of Moses. You are a strong one.

Our divine Creator will do something even more profound to remind you of His love and that no person, no demon, not even the devil himself can interfere and stop Yahweh’s love for you. The God of providence finds profound ways to assure you He is with you, such as stumbling across a random post out of billions on the internet – like this one.

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, [nothing] shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Rom 8:38-39]

Hold up your shield of faith, strong one; hold fast to trust.

Yea, before the day was, I AM He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand: I will work, and who can turn it back? [Is 44:13] ESV

Hold up your shield of faith, strong one; hold fast to trust.

For God [Yahweh] speaks once, yea twice, yet man perceives it not. [Job 33:14]

Yea, before the day was I AM He; and there is none that can deliver out of My hand: I will work, and who can turn it back? [Is 44:13]  KJV

For I AM the LORD, your Holy one, the Creator of Israel, your King. Thus says the Lord, which makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters; 

Who brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and warrior [power]; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinguished, they are quenched like a wick. [Is 43:15-16]

He tells us to forget the past. It can serve no purpose. Do not let it define you. Allow Abba  to mold you into a vessel unto honour through which He will be glorified. You did not allow the long wait to make you bitter. Instead you cut the bitter root to the quick with forgiving love [forgiveness].

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the rose sheds upon the heel of the one that has crushed it. [attributed most often to Mark Twain, although some challenge that as not factual.]

Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not perceive [know] it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.  [Is 43:15-19]  KJV                 

Hope for the hopeless; courage for the discouraged; strength for the weak; truth for those once deceived.

Yeshua/Jesus is the way the truth and the life, and no one goes to the Father but through (by) Him. [Jn 14:6] NSAB

for His glory alone

Bonita                                   dovesoftehvalleys4@gmail.com

Addendum:

Many Voices

In 1997 - 1998, during a custody battle (now called “parenting arrangement orders”), I was deeply discouraged. It was a season of learning to seek the Lord out of sheer desperation. 

Earnest prayer went up to the Lord because many different voices spoke fear.

"The courts don't like moving kids around.”

“They've already been with him for five years.”

“Times have changed. Courts want to give fathers more of a chance at custody. Children used to automatically go to the mother unless she was proven unfit.”

At the same time, I was also struggling under a serious misdiagnosis that left me heavily medicated and unwell. Even a well-meaning pastor spoke words without hope. I don’t fault him.

It likely did not help that he overheard someone say, “You ‘know’ it was a good sermon if Bonita stays awake.” It seemed that some saw me as the ‘sermon barometer’.  (Reality check: due to heavy medication)          

What mattered to me in that dark night of the soul was what Jesus had to say. It was during those years that the Holy Scriptures first came alive to me in a way they never had before.

The scriptures the Holy Spirit led me to pertained to Israel, yet the Lord used them to speak to me personally, as only He can do. This was not habitual, or some formula. 

It was a peaceful, calm assurance which I needed. Through His Word, Yahweh showed me He saw and understood my situation.

Abba was making promises through His Word: that is how He does it for all of us. The Holy spirit quickened the Word within my spirit.

His Word Speaks

Your children shall make haste; your destroyers and they that made you waste shall go forth from you. [Is 49:17]

I understood this was about Israel and her enemies, but the Lord was sending a message to me, letting me know that the adversary, who had wreaked havoc with lies, and had destroyed our marriage through alcohol, violence, and infidelity.

Then you shall say in your heart, Who has begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? and who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?   [Is49:21]                      

Thus says the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up My hand to the Gentiles, and set up My standard to the people: and they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. 

And kings shall be your nursing fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers: they shall bow down to you with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of your feet; and you shall know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me. [Is 49:22, 23]

In my newness, I understood things simply. I took those words and held them close to my heart. What I understood with those scriptures was this.

The standard (His banner over) meant a covering, His protection. He would direct my steps. Kings and queens: meant those who rule over me respond in caring ways as those who ‘nurse’ do. I could not predict how.

My sons and daughters being carried by them in their arms or on their shoulders meant my children are included. And as I wait, it would not end in shame.

By the seventh year, the circumstances could not look any worse. Even my Christian lawyer had lost confidence in the outcome. Then, suddenly, everything shifted!

The Call that Brought the Paradigm Shift

the shift

I received a phone call from this same lawyer telling me to pick the children up at a police station. There the children were returned to me. I went from temporary-temporary custody, to temporary custody, to full custody within a two-and-a-half-week period.

Two months after their return, a police officer came bearing gifts for the children. We did not know any of the police before this. Nor did we have any relatives working for them. 

The two girls received Olympic pro mountain bikes, and my son got professional skateboard. A small basket of goodies was given to me. Tucked inside was a wooden magnet that read: “The Lord is the strength of my life.”

Only God knows the end
from the beginning

I had never heard of the police doing such a thing before. That magnet is 27 years old now.

Only God knows the end from the beginning.

All glory, praise and honour belong to the Lord. Trust Him in what He promises. God knows that waiting upon Him, trusting, and never giving up is difficult. Yet, He also knows that if you persevere, you become one of the strong ones.

The scriptures the Lord gave me back when I was seeking Him, when everything was a frightening mess, were from the book of Isaiah. A couple of decades later, while I was living in another province, my son became a father for the first time.

My grandson is named Isaiah. That too is God! I keep the magnet on the side of my desktop tower, along with a picture of my grandson!

Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction. [Is 48:10]