Warning** Do Not Do the following or allow your children to do this!
Frazzled, shaken, unstable, wobbly and obviously fluffed! This is what my poodle Angel looked like after coming out of the dryer. Not the blow dryer either! When I was a young girl I had two brothers Doug and Keith. Keith decided one day that he was going to give Angel a little ride in the dryer. He did have mercy and put the dryer on fluff. It wasn’t long, but long enough that when she came out after her ride, that she stumbled around like a wobbly newborn deer. All she wanted was to get her balance back!
Have you ever felt like that? I know I have!
Maybe it was the trauma or she was just a little strange but she never seemed to ever get her nerve back. Every time she would see Keith or get near the dryer she would start to shake. Obviously Keith felt bad, and so I had to forgive him and show him mercy.
It’s been a while since I’ve thought about Angel. but, As I listened to the message in church this morning I realized like Keith, we all do things that sometimes we regret. Like Israel we get caught in situations where we either lose our way or we stumble and shake and lose our nerve. In this case Micah was called to share with the people how they had forgotten all the wonderful things He had done and they got caught up in their own delights, or as in Angel’s case, her own bad experience.
“Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say.
“Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel.”
Micah 6:1-2
The religious priests were the worst! Instead of pointing them to the only one who could save, deliver and heal them, they were telling the people what they wanted to hear in order to increase the offerings in the temple. Does this sound familiar in our pluralistic, self-centered and abusive society?
Justice – Hebrew word Mishpat “The way prescribed, rightful action.”
Mercy – Hebrew word Chesed “Kindness, goodness, loyal deeds, compassion.”
God is so relentless in His pursuit of us. He sent Micah to tell the people the truth. They had taken the wrong road and were pursuing things other than things that were unrighteous and deceitful. They had become cold, uncaring for the less fortunate, mean and arrogant.
There are times when I find myself in situations where if I’m not careful I begin to do and say the wrong things. I don’t set a good example of justice and mercy. In my mind, I can put people in the dryer and intenionally turn the temperature to high heat.
God wants us to be humble and upright before Him. He wants us to exhibit His character and to help those in need, the widows, the orphans, the backslidden and distressed. He wants us to love our enemies and not expect anything in return. The amazing thing about God is that He knows we can’t do this on our own. So when we come to Him and ask Him for help, He is faithful to supply and empower us with His love. This is what Micah was trying to get through to the people.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor tothehumble.”
I’m sure some of us can say, can’t believe this happened to me! Our world gets rocked and shaken. We are trembling, fearful, and weary. We are out of balance and maybe we can’t even think straight. We need to help one another to get back on God’s track. We need each other.
God has got us! He is pursuing us relentlessly, no matter what. The enemy is defeated and there is no way he can overcome us if we abide in Jesus.
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. 20 You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago.
What makes, clay pottery,
cow’s milk buttery,
butterflies fluttery?
It’s something in the process.
What makes, bologna lunchmeat,
a cane of sugar so sweet
a loaf of bread from whole wheat?
It’s something in the process.
What makes, dark clouds roll away,
the rooster crow at dawn each day,
us doubt and turn to God to pray?
It’s something in the process.
What makes, us lift our eyes toward the sky,
an eagle soar so high,
laugh aloud – when we want to cry?
It’s something in the process.
What makes us want to cleave to earth,
wonder how God planned our birth,
see the world in such a dearth?
It’s something in the process.
Why then, do we question the Potter’s plan,
the turn of His wheel,
the choice of His sand,
His pressure applied,
the crush of His hand?
It’s something in the process.
So then,
How can we look at all God’s done,
understand the truth,
yet feel so alone,
after all,
Isn’t the battle won?
It’s in the process.
from ashes to beauty ~ Cinderella Released
Lessons in Life from the World’s Wealthiest Single Mom!
“The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22
God has a purpose when it comes to the resources He provides in my life. Wealth is viewed very differently in every culture. I’ve had the blessing to visit other countries and places in the United States and to really realize how blessed I am and surrounded by such wealth. This post is about God’s provision for me. For many years, I felt being a single mom was one of the most difficult professions on the planet. But, today I am so thankful for all that God has provided for me and my family.
PaPa Baggs, Colt, Christopher, Maverick & Gary Jr. (My Boys)
Life’s Lesson # 1 – Provision
“But My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Colt & Maverick 1986
In 1991 after a financial crisis, my husband and I separated and my two youngest boys and I went to Tallahassee, Florida to live with my older brother, his wife and my nieces Dena and Adrienne. After a few weeks, the Lord provided me with a good job and a one bedroom apartment. My sister-in-law helped me figure out a weekly budget and so I would cash my check and put money aside each week in an envelope, one for each of my bills. 10% of my gross income went directly into the offering plate and $35 per week was our food budget. It seemed I always had more envelopes than money at the end of the end of the week but I knew God would provide.
“Touched by Two Angels”
Then our first month’s electric bill arrived and I went to get my envelope for the electric.
To my dismay, I had only put away $6. I thought to myself, “How did that happen?”
Holding my breath, I opened the bill and a big cry of relief came when I saw the charge of only $6. But, I did call the electric company immediately. They said the bill was correct and it was probably because it was just the first month’s bill.
I promised myself to put away more the next month. When the next month came, and I opened the electric bill it was only $12 this time. As you can imagine, I didn’t waste any time calling the electric company.
Their response was,
“Mrs. Hoenig, yes there is a problem. We never got your payment from last month!This is why it’s $12.”
I said, no, you don’t understand, “This has been the coldest winter in Tallahassee and I run my heat all the time.” The operator said, “I will check the meter and get back with you.”
Well, the fact is I never got a bill that went over $6 a month for the first nine months (the entire time we were in this little apartment). Our God supplied for our needs abundantly and above anything I could dream or imagine at the time.
God also supplied us with friends and family who provided food, fellowship and lots of fun! We opened up our home each week for dinner on Saturday nights where the boys and I provided the main course. Usually I got the BOGO which always provided a great meal and our friends brought side dishes, desserts and drinks. We always had plenty of leftovers for the rest of the week. Another way we saved money and had fun was going to a local restaurant which had a “Kids Eat Free” night on Wednesday nights. It was a hot food buffet and salad bar. My boys loaded their bellies with plenty of good food and we also had fellowship with many of the families we knew would eat there also.
Colt and Maverick
Amy, Maverick & Colt
Amy, Maverick & Jonah
This Life Lesson on Provision helped me become the World’s Wealthiest Single Mom!
The Coming Tsunami… Where will you be and what will you be doing?
I dreamed I was in a military vehicle being deployed when all of a sudden all I could see were vehicles going under what appeared to be an infinity pool.
One minute everything was normal and the next, all I could see was water and vehicles going under.
As I watched in horror I felt a tremendous need to yell and tell the driver not to turn onto the upcoming bridge because the water was coming that direction. The sound of the trucks and the approaching wave drowned out my voice. It was obvious we would turn onto the bridge and be directly in its’ path.
My next recollection was being out of the truck and walking not on the water but on vehicles, boxes, containers and debris that were submerged in the water. I felt young and able to lightly jump from one floating debris onto another as if I was walking on chunks of floating ice.
As I got to the end of all of the floating debris and the wave had passed, I looked out into the massive ocean of water beyond and thought to myself,
“Lord, is this my end? What have I done. Will the next thing I see be your face? Will the next thing I hear be ‘Well done, good and faithful servant?'”
The next thing I remember thinking is “I’ve waited too long to step out.” I don’t think I’m ready for this moment. There is something else I need to do, but I’m not quite certain what my assignment is?
Then, I remember The Parable of the Three Talents and the servant who buried their talent because of fear. (Matthew 25:14-30) I cried out in my sleep, “Lord, don’t let me be afraid, help me to risk it all.”
I felt the Lord saying,
Marlene, your talents aren’t any good if they are buried, or you are not using them for My purpose and plan. In order to be fully satisfied you must risk them all for MY SAKE.
So, with this said, I made the decision to risk it all, give it all, trust it all to Him. The author and finisher of my faith.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Searching for God’s Treasure,
Marlene
from ashes to beauty
Cinderella Released
New Giving Info Below!
For those who are interested in supporting us financially, whether monthly or one time donation, here are some information on how to do that: One Time and Recurring Monthly Donations
Online: www.give.gme.org and search Marlene Hoenig
Mailed Donations: can be sent to Globe International at
PO Box 3040
Pensacola, FL 32506
Notated for “Marlene Hoenig Missions”
*Checks also made out to Globe International
*Tax Deductible
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Luke 2:36-38
Hi, there…. (squinching at the lights) I’m so happy to be here tonight! I’ve been asked to tell you about the day my ministry really took off…
You see it is never too late…for us old timers. I’ve put in a lot hours…(fastin’ and prayin) before I got my big break…
It didn’t happen like I thought it would. All that work, fasting, praying, why I was a churcha, I mean workaholic for the church…I mean I was a faithful, trustworthy, God fearing Jewish woman who followed all the rules! I was even known as a prophetess, one who could forsee the future.
Wait a minute… I forgot my introduction… let me start over….”
My name is, Evangelist Anna. Anna is the Greek Version but actually came from Hanna, which means favor and grace. I’m from the tribe of Asher, which means happy.
In Deuteronomy, Moses prophesies that for the tribe of Asher, (my tribe), “your strength will equal your days” (Deuteronomy 33:25).
My life shows evidence of that!
With all that being said you would think my life would be perfect! I am Jewish and I go to the Temple regularly, even 24/7 to pray and I’m usually ALWAYS fasting too. I love to serve Yeshua in the temple…
It is my life… L_I_F_E -! Aah Life! LIVING_ IN_ FAITH_ EVERY DAY!
Why, Serving Him is what I was created to do. I come, I pray and I meditate on the Holy Scriptures… You see they are here and sometimes when no one is here but me, I will unroll them and hide them in my heart.
My father was Phanuel. His name meant Face of God. You will understand in a moment why that’s important.
When others talk about that day, my age is always mentioned! It’s even suggested that I was ancient! It has been of great discussion throughout the centuries. You see it is written that I was a widow of 84 years…. I was married for seven years before my husband passed…. And of course everyone tries to guess how old I was when I got married…. So, If I got married at 14, I could be maybe…105? Or some just think I was 84! What do you think? I think it really doesn’t matter, but what does matter is I had been around a long time and I had and continue to see a lot.
There were many times the enemy tried to distract me from what I was really doing and from purpose and plan God had ordained for me from the beginning. I realize that listening is more important than talking. You just need to listen to God’s voice.
Along with listening, I was waiting…. Waiting for the day that God had promised to me. As a forseer I knew the day would come when I would realize my purpose for serving God would be revealed. It took a long time for me. Maybe it’s taking a long time for some of you too.
Is it taking a long time?
My husband died seven years after we were married. That’s when I started spending a lot of time alone with Yeshua. After he passed, God spoke to me and told me He would provide. And He has. It’s actually an honor and custom to take care of widows and orphans in the Jewish faith. I was blessed to have a family of believers at my side. I’d go to the Temple every day. To Fast, To Pray, To Read the Holy Scriptures! Yes, I was a woman who could read, and very highly regarded by my community.
My ministry took off after one long eternal look that changed my life forever…
It set my feet to dancin’! I know what you are thinking. She’s way too old… she’s probably a grandma… Grandma’s sit on the porch and baby sit. Let the young people do the dancin’ and preachin! Well, I’m living proof you are never too old! There is great debate over my age…. At the time… Is she 84 or 105? If she got married at 12 she could be 107!
BUT SHE DOESN’T LOOK THAT OLD!
But that’s not the only reason I’m a little shocking! I’m quite infamous you know! Why in some churches today I would be considered eccentric, outlandish, out of place and even shameful! Being one of the first New Testament women evangelists! My name went down along with some others like Martha, Mary, oh and that Samaritan woman!
She was almost good as me, just kidding!
But one thing I know that my redeemer was alive, and continues to live…now and forever! No one is going to seal these lips…. I know who and what I saw that day!
You know some say women aren’t supposed to speak out, much less be one of the first to lay eyes on the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and the Creator of the Universe! Why that was shocking! But the truth is everyone was electrified that day.
When I looked down into those beautiful little eyes, and touched those rosy red cheeks, I knew, yes I knew what, where, whom and why this little baby boy was here! Emmanuel the prince of peace… God was finally with us! Thousands of years of prophecy fulfilled in a little tiny baby boy.
Imagine this! My heart nearly exploded in my chest! Yes, it was mixed with great joy, and great sorrow at the same time. I knew my life purpose had just been fulfilled and my service was nearly over. But, I was ready! Ready to go home, because God had just unleashed every promise He had ever made me right then before my very eyes!
Joseph and Mary brought that baby in and when they entered the temple the atmosphere changed. It was if I had heard a clap of thunder break the sound barrier. Simeon saw, felt and heard it too… and most likely everyone else.
And then I watched and listened in wonder to Simeon. Simeon and I had been waiting, waiting a long time for the consolation of Israel.
Simeon was full of the Holy Ghost and told me God had promised him, like me, that we would not see death before we saw the LORD’s Christ.
It was dedication day at the temple…. And when the young parents handed the baby to Simeon, Simeon began to bless God! Why he could barely contain himself! I thought to myself, well I’m the prophetess, but we were all blessing God! It was his jumping up and down that made me a little nervous….
Simeon was ancient like me, I was afraid he’d drop that baby! But he didn’t but I will never forget his words….
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
35Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
God himself spoke that day through Simeon and in one look from this Holy Child to us. I saw the Face of God! Praise God! My father Phanuel, that was what his name means Face of God!
My Father, My Redeemer , My Husband was right before us all! What a glorious day!
Seeking God’s Treasure,
Marlene Hoenig Cinderella Released from ashes to beauty to declare His Glory!
Giving Info Below!
For those who are interested in supporting us financially, whether monthly or one time donation, here are some information on how to do that: One Time and Recurring Monthly Donations
Online: www.give.gme.org and search Marlene Hoenig
Mailed Donations: can be sent to Globe International at
PO Box 3040
Pensacola, FL 32506
Notated for “Marlene Hoenig Missions”
*Checks also made out to Globe International
*Tax Deductible
I’m looking back a couple of years, when I took this picture. I had spent a year in Ohio working at a large ministry and the experience and friendships that I made while I was there are not measurable. There was probably not anything in Ohio that I didn’t love! I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life there and build a retreat where all of my friends could come. I already had my eye on a beautiful old farmhouse!
I had made many forever friends and were building more each day. I loved Ohio’s central location, the ability to travel practically anywhere in the U.S. quickly and had set up a very cute and cozy apartment in New Albany. Getting ready for my first fall and then winter set in as quickly as the next change did.
“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Change is always difficult and who can know when you are in a changing season how to plan. For a while after I left Ohio my heart was not open for planning. It seemed like every time I got my hopes up again for a home, a place to put roots down the season would change and I would be picked up like an autumn leaf and carried away on another adventure. Thus is the feeling in my spirit. Who can fight God? Acts 5:39 says,
But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!”
You see I didn’t know at the time that my youngest would be soon be getting married. But, I knew he was going to need me there. The excitement of living near all of my sons again was exhilarating! Yes, I can do this! I’m not too old. A position and plan opened up and yes, there it was God WAS once more directing my steps. There was also someone very special in Pensacola, that I would learn much from and whom needed and wanted me! So many things have happened since that drive after that cross appeared in the sky signaling the change that was coming.
[the mockers to Jesus at the Crucifixion:] “…Save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!”
“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.”Mat 27:40, 42 (NIV)
This must have been what the disciples thought when they saw Jesus up on that cross. I would have thought it. How many times had the disciples seen Jesus do miracles in their lives, and yet, even Peter had just denied him. Even after he had promised he would never do it.
John stood by with Jesus’ mother Mary and the other women. The grief the sadness, the sorrow, the change. This was what was in my soul that drive from Ohio until I looked up and saw the cross. It was like a signal in the Sky that everything was going to be ok. It didn’t matter how old I was, or what the future held, good or bad. I had hope that only the cross and the blood of Jesus can bring.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:19
Hope, I would be working for Globe Hope. Change for me is really never easy, but it is exciting. Once I get over the hump. Like a leaf, picked up by the wind in the fall…
Anchor – Hillsong Live
I have this hope
As an anchor for my soul
Through every storm
I will hold to YouWith endless love
All my fear is swept away
In everything
I will trust in You
CHORUS
There is hope in the promise of the cross
You gave everything to save the world You love
And this hope is an anchor for my soul
Our God will stand
Unshakeable
VERSE
Unchanging One
You who was and is to come
Your promise sure
You will not let go
BRIDGE
Your Name is higher
Your Name is greater
All my hope is in You
Your word unfailing
Your promise unshaken
All my hope is in You
(Maybe, just maybe God spared my life because He loves YOU and wants you to hear this..He wants you to believe that He loved you so much He gave His only begotten Son that if you would believe in Him you would have eternal life.)
“So, you still believe in a merciful God?” Some of the comments online are genuinely inquisitive, others are contemptuous in nature. Regardless of the motive behind the question, I will respond the same way.
Yes.
Yes, I do indeed.
Absolutely, positively, unequivocally.
Let’s get something straight: the theater shooting was an evil, horrendous act done by a man controlled by evil. God did not take a gun and pull the trigger in a crowded theater. He didn’t even suggest it. A man did.
In His sovereignty, God made man in His image with the ability to choose good and evil.
Unfortunately, sometimes man chooses evil.
I was there in theater 9 at midnight, straining to make out the words and trying to figure out the story line as The Dark NightRises began. I’m not a big movie-goer. The HH and I prefer to watch movies in the comfort of our own home…where I can use subtitles and get a foot rub. I don’t like action movies. And I don’t like midnight showings. But, as I wrote in my last post, parents sometimes make sacrifices for their kiddos and I decided I would take my fourteen year old and sixteen year old daughters who were chomping at the bit to see this eagerly anticipated third movie in the Batman Trilogy. Twice I had the opportunity to back out and twice I was quite tempted. But something in me said just go with your girls. I did.
So I was there with them, fidgeting in my seat, some forty or fifty feet away from the man with the gun. It’s still a bit surreal, but I do know that when the seemingly endless shooting started, as my girls were struggling from whatever gas or chemical had been released, and we figured out what was happening, we hit the floor. I threw myself on top of my fourteen year old who was on the end of the row, straight up the aisle from the shooter. In that moment, as the rapid-fire shots continued, I truly thought I was going to die. And I realized that I was ready. I have put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ as the redeemer of my soul, and there wasn’t the slightest doubt that I would be received into heaven, not because of any good thing that I have done but because of His merciful nature and the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Still, as I lay over my daughter, I began praying out loud. I don’t even remember what I prayed, but I don’t imagine it really matters. I’m sure it was for protection and peace. It drew me closer into the presence of God. When there was a pause in the shooting, people began to clamor for the exits. The girls and I jumped up and joined the masses. We had to step over a lifeless body, not knowing where the shooter was. We raced to our car and I dumped my purse, frantically searching for keys, looking all around, prepared to hit the ground. I yelled at Michelle to call Matthew and find out if he had made it out of the theater next door. She did. He did. We booked on out of there.
Why would you think such a tragedy would make me question the goodness of God? If anything, both of my girls said it made Him a much more real presence to them; the youngest shared this verse: Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your feet from being caught.
He is not the cause of evil, but He is the one who can bring comfort and peace in the midst of evil. It’s been amazing to see the outpouring of love from so many people after this unthinkable act. Yes, there was one evil act, but it is being covered by thousands, possibly millions of acts of kindness.
We have not yet slept, so the girls and I are overtired and a bit emotional. But overall, we are praising God and resting in His Goodness. I love this word of wisdom and encouragement from a former pastor of mine:
Up to this point I haven’t had words to say that would matter. Of course we are all glad that you and the family are safe. Of course we would all state the obvious that this is horrific and senseless. But those words still don’t carry weight that remain in the midst of the questions. Then it hit me… Do you know what the difference was between Job and his wife in their response to the tragedy of losing everything… Job 1:20 Job was the only one that worshiped in the midst of it. Marie, I know your heart and I’ve seen your worship lived out before your family. Before the weight of this becomes unbearable… worship. Your profile pic was not coincidence, not by accident that you changed it on July 15th, but a beautiful foreshadowing of your need to hear the cry of your heart and give Him praise.
Though we don’t have all the answers, we do indeed listen to the cry of our hearts: When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me? Psalm 56:3-4
God is always good.
Man is not.
Don’t get the two confused.
We will continue to praise and worship our mighty God, anticipating that He will bring beauty from ashes, as only He can do.
If you want to know how to pray for us: first and foremost, we need sleep. Somehow our bodies seem too wired. We also want the life that God has graciously allowed us to continue to live to not be a gift given in vain, we want our lives to draw others closer to Him. We do not want fear to dominate, for God has not given us a spirit of fear. We want His joy to be seen and experienced in all that we do.
Pray for the families who lost loved ones, and for young people who witnessed such horror. Pray for this to be an opportunity for God to manifest Himself in mighty ways.
As for you…we will pray that YOU might know His goodness.
