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The Twilight Zone

  • When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn't know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?' She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' John 20:14 WEB

    Mary and the disciples thought that Jesus would be made king and boot the Roman occupiers out of Israel. Instead He was beaten, crucified, and entombed. As she stood at the tomb, grief stricken and heartbroken, Jesus stood right in front of her and she did not recognize Him.

    When my Dad passed away, it was like life was suspended for a time, detached, unreal, and just wrong. Everything seemed surreal and I hoped to wake up soon. But as days turned into weeks, months, and years, life without him gradually became the new normal. It was not easy and I still miss him, but our life goes on and we must adapt to the changes.

    When traumatizing things occur in life like suddenly losing a loved one, we seem to step into the Twilight Zone for a bit. It is our way of not yet accepting the reality that we cannot face. We all have to face times like this in our life, and if you live long enough, you will see all of your friends pass on before you.

    Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die. If you want a sobering look at life, take a walk through a cemetery and look at the dates. This cycle is nothing new, but we are rarely prepared for it.

    The Holy Spirit is right there with us to bring comfort during these trying times, though we may not recognize Him, just as Mary did not recognize Jesus standing in front of her. He is 'The Comforter.' God gives us space during these times of grief and does not hold our anger or outbursts against us, because He understands what we are going through. He lost a loved One as well and He knows how it feels.

    Prayer: Father, send me the Comforter today for I need a touch from You. Fill me up God where I will not be so empty and dry my tears. Bring sunshine back into my life Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Happy Monday! The highlighted group of the week is the Haven of Hope, a wonderful private group to support those who have suffered under abuse. For any who would like to join, please go to the Groups link on the site menu to find it on the list. There may be a delay in approval, as all member requests are personally approved, for privacy purposes. ALSO, the Guideposts booklets are now on audio! Just go to the Guideposts link on the site menu and click on any booklet to see the link for the audio version. Many thanks to Dennis Hubbell of JIOS Radio for his excellent work with the audio! If you enjoyed the web version or the audio versions, please feel free to post a shoutout on the booklet page :). FINALLY, because of a life transition for Linda, our FAAD leader, the weekly FAAD chats will be suspended until August. The chatroom will still be free each week for any who would like to connect. There may also be special chat sessions, which will be announced as they are scheduled!

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47 comments
  • 2
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello I've been living in what seems to be the twilight zone going on 6 years now since my wife went home to heaven. It's true what someone wrote about grief,that it ebbs and flows just like waves on the sea shore. Sometimes unexpectedly,triggered by a song,a photograph or something seen on TV or a movie. Thank you Father,Son and Holy Spirit for helping me and teaching me through it all to be the man I should have been all those years and now....... 
May 16, 2016
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Becky  Hines
Becky Hines Amen brother.  Grief is like the ocean ebbs and flows, suffocating at times. Lifting you up in prayer my friend. Amen. 
May 16, 2016
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Kathie Byram Lopez
Kathie Byram Lopez Amen .
May 16, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God bless you, I will continue to lift you up in prayer, believing for peace to come, that will help you through each day. Love and prayers being sent to you my friend.
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Leslie McLea
Leslie McLea Even though it has been 20 years now since my daugter went to be with the Lord, there are still days, certain songs  " What a wonderful world by Louis Armstrong cuts me to the core and stops me in my tracks no matter where I am and the tears fall. I heard this song many years ago at Camp Sunshine for kids with cancer. Even as I write this, tears come to the surface.I look forward to heaven when I will be able to hug my saviour, and my two children whom have gone on before me. I know God has a reason for everything He allows, but it still hurts after all these years. As I deal with being unemployed and exaushted from the search, my emotions are more on the edge than usual. My sons surgery and the care of him has highlighted the time when I had to take care of his sister. Lots of memories stired up.  Prayer: Father, send me the Comforter today for I need a touch from You. Fill me up God where I will not be so empty and dry my tears. Bring sunshine back into my life Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. I am thankful that the Lord understands my pain. 
May 16, 2016
  • 2
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro Heavenly Father, I lift up Leslie in prayer for Your comfort, strength and peace.  Lord may Your presence be felt by her each and every minute of the day.  Amen
May 16, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello Amen
May 17, 2016
  • 2
Becky  Hines
Becky Hinesedited: May 16, 2016 Precious Prince of Peace  I lift up Leslie to you, hold her close my Lord, comfort her as only you can do. Fill her heart with joy, her body with strength and bless her with the perfect job . Amen. 
May 16, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello Amen
May 17, 2016
  • 2
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza That door leading to your perfect job is coming for it is going to be open up for you.  Trust our LORD GOD Almighty.  Amen
May 16, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Precious Jesus, I lift my precious friend, Leslie up to You, I pray for a divine touch upon her right now, give her that peace that surpasses all of our understanding, send healing to Asher and let the perfect job open up for Leslie, please give them all they need in an abundance, whether, spiritual, physical, financial, mental or emotional, in Jesus Name we pray and believe. Amen
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello Amen
May 17, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Blessing upon your heart and all losses and your son.  You sound to me like a special person in all you do on RHM.  I know God uses all things when listening & sharing with others.  We get it & God can use that moment.  I was at hair school to get my hair done & a very pretty young girl with sensitive spirit was so kind.  Then sharing began & here since 4-5 years she has dealt with diabetes.  At this time she has learned to give herself a shot four times a day to herself.  Her Mom & this girl did a recent walk for diabetes.  Continuing she shared he'd anxiety attacks she got very young .  None in her family believed her.  Her Mom & Dad divorced when she was so young.  He is an angry person and drinks.  As years went bye in her love it's I can't fathom what that must be like.  I started my anxiety attacks at 17 yrs...so we shared what they're like.   I said of what I Learned over years what was going on in my home life.  That books I read etc talked of traumas of different types that in 90% & better started out with mental & emotional traumas helped with start if hypothyroid, fibromyalgia, etc. She shared some of her memories.  Triggers bring attacks on.  Plead the blood of Jesus over me when these things happen. A lot can help us yet some of these disorders are like Paul's thorn God gave and didn't remove.
May 19, 2016
  • 2
Mike OBryan
Mike OBryan        Good Morning!! Its exciting too see how things work out-walking in FDaith!! The Battles we end up in, can make Our heads spin!! Amazingly never fails, that which is in Our Spirit is the key too the out come!! I said it in Recovery I rejoice in My lows because I know some one is with Me! As when I come out up-I truely Soar like a Eagle!!
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Becky  Hines
Becky Hines Amen, in all things give thanks. 
May 16, 2016
  • 4
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Losing a loved one is the most difficult experience; I know, first I lost my Dad who was the "Rock" and "Heart" of the family; saying good bye was just down right difficult; but I did not want to see him suffer any longer; and poof, just like that he was gone.  Then I lost my Mom and that just sent me into another "zone" well beyond the "twilight zone".  I to had to say goodbye and that crushed me; to loose the two people who brought me into this world are now gone!  I now know what it feels like to be an orphan; nevertheless, God continues to sustain me everyday and I am blessed with having had two wonderful parents and the gift of saying goodbye to both.  Life's journey is not always easy and we face many trials, challenges, joys and heartaches; but one thing I can say is this. . .God is always there and has NEVER left my side; that in itself helps me to focus on the "here and now".  I don't like this new normal with the loss of my parents and all other family members, but with prayer and hope, I know that "The Comforter" is always there when I have those very sad moments and he will continue to be with me ALWAYS!  That to me is the real "Blessing"!  Thank you Jesus!!  Amen
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen!
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Samantha Greer
Samantha Greer Amen.
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Kathie Byram Lopez
Kathie Byram Lopez Amen !
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Joseph Adams, Jr.
Joseph Adams, Jr. Amen
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen!
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli AMEN
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Rick Doran
Rick Doran Amen
May 16, 2016
  • 3
Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio Thank you for this beautiful and powerful word today Pastor Dion. To feel it in that perspective brings comfort to my soul. Amen ❤ 
May 16, 2016
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Darletha Kitchens
Darletha Kitchens Amen
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Amen Thanku
May 16, 2016
  • 2
Heide Garner
Heide Garner yes rember dad died wishing could b calfornia  and northcarlina wanted do something my  dad  and be there with my mom was hard because expect last see him was christmas  we left made realized never know when God take love saywhat want none know future only God dose for suffered with cancer for twelve half years  I just don,t knew who Jesue was thankful time  had last christmas now means so much more.
May 16, 2016
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Nicole Summers
Nicole Summers Amen!
May 16, 2016
  • 2
Diane Casey
Diane Casey Amen!!!!! Twilight zone is exactly where I was when I lost my youngest child. I stayed in it for a year, when the first year anniversary came and went, so did my spirit of grieving. I didn't realize it until God moved that feeling of lost and despair every time I thought about him or talked about him, I would tear up. I lost mom and dad years earlier, but the feeling of losing a child can't even compare. its so good one know we serve a God of love and understanding. God bless you!
May 16, 2016
  • 2
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thank You, Jesus for bringing Diane through the toughest storm, Your love is so great, greater than we could ever imagine, but even in the toughest storms, You never leave us, even we we feel like our lives are in a whirlwind or we have entered into The Twilight Zone, You are right there, never leaving us, but waiting until we can learn to find that inner peace again and to find the joy that once was there, God You never give up on us and we thank You so much for that. I send you lots of love, hugs and prayers and for many many blessings to continue in your life. Jesus loves you so much.
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Memberedited: May 16, 2016 LOVE THIS amazing devotional today, it so blessed my heart.
May 16, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd Thank you Tammy.  :)
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen. 
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen! Thank you Jesus!!
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Joey Smith
Joey Smith AMEN  
May 16, 2016
  • 3
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝edited: May 19, 2016 Amen!! Thank you Pastor Dion for you daily devotion. I know what you mean when you say everyone wants to go to heaven but no one wants to die. We as christians all do our best to please God on earth he gives us free will. When you look around we all see our loved feel their touch and it makes us feel safe. We have to keep praying to build our faith so when we have to let go of our loved ones we can. It's not easy. Sometimes I feel like I'm cheating my Father because I've had those feelings many  times in my life. I know that many have already passed away in my family. My small family is still here. So it tugs at my heart when I look at my loved ones here. I can see them hold them help them when they are ill you want to do everyhting you can. That's when I get  a heavy feeling in my heart and I feel like I don't want to die and leave them alone. I always think about my daughter she's an only child and loves us so deep she's a beautiful blessing. She's very close to the Lord. She always tell me mom you'll have to go before dad because you can't live with out him. I said that's why I had you to take care of me. I'll be moving in and telling you what to do for me. Then I think how close she really is to both of us. She told her husband when she married him my parents are my parents. My parents are my best friends too they have always been there for everything with me. When you have an only child you do tune into them more. My parents had five children so it hard to just tune into one. Then I think about my mother how she loved God her Father and always told us God is first before your husband or your children. Her faith was so deep and her love for us was pure, beautiful and honest. I had anxiety since I was a small child I would not leave her. So when I think about heaven I think of my mother, dad and brother and how much I love them. I know we will all be together in the end if I teach my children like mom taught us. In the end I want to go to heaven that's for sure. I can't lie i'm going to die one day but I feel in my heart that I don't want to leave my husband, daughter and grandchildren broken hearted. I don't know if anyone gets what I mean but it's hard either way but we are human and I think we would all want to live a long and blessed life then go to heaven. That's asking a lot Lord but it's your timing I do know that. So I just have to keep praying and asking my Father to help me along the way. I have flesh so I have feelings as we all do. Father I ask you to keep holding into me and don't let go. Because I have those feelings don't make me a bad person it makes me human. My Father will keep me in his string loving arms and help me threw this life as  he will my family. Amen! <3
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Lately Diane I feel due to me bring I'll physically then mental/emotional I can't see me making thru on my own.  I have five children.  Three are step.  I see none of them being of help.  I may get surprised but truly I don't.  Yet on the other hand I have prayed years my husband & I would leave long together & do special things together. We like simple things..simple life.  The Lord is good and knows our hearts, our weaknesses and dreams/hopes.  Bless you Diane!
May 19, 2016
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝edited: May 23, 2016 Cheryl, my husband and I are just down to earth too. We are a very close family that stays together and prays together. My health and mental health started to go down hill in 2010 after my total hysterectomy. I end up with many problems physical and mental problems for worse. I went threw so many test they thought that I had ovarian cancer like my mom. My blood test showed my CA-125 was going up higher. That's when they did a rush total hysterectomy. They did have it planned but I have many problems from it. I have a lot of nerve damage and can't walk well when it's bad. They thought that I had MS and did all the test for MS. I have lots of scar tissue and they won't remove it. They said i'll end up with more scar tissue to let it go. I live in pain a lot. I did another test you take your shoes off and hold on to these bars they turn it on it can tell everything that's going on with pain , how much water in the body, inflammation and a lot more that i'm not sure of. I have the result papers in my medical records. I have lots of inflammation. I have nerve damage and was told that I have fibromyalgia really bad. This was all new to me I tell my husband that they don't know what it is so they've been telling me. you have fibromyalgia. I can tell you the weather plays a big part in my life. When it's cold and damp I can't even get out of bed on those days. I bought a heating throw so it's not as big as a heating blanket. It's made out of fleece and I turn that on and wrap my body in it take some ibuprofen. I only take 200 mg. and try not to take a lot I know it's bad on the kidneys. I had a bone test two years ago because of my hysterectomy. I got a call I was told that I have osteoarthritis. My doctor said since I lost all my hormones so fast it cause the osteoarthritis. I'll be 57 at the end of the month I told my husband some days I feel that I can go. Then other days I just have to let him do what has to be done. I keep praying that my pain will get better.  Jesus, i'm asking you to heal me.Amen<3 I just do what I have to and let Jesus, have his hands in the midst with all my medical staff. So I say some days are diamonds, some days are pearls, and some are stones. One day at a time is all we can handel if it gets bad one hour, one minute, or one second. I did go to physical therapy for a year. I had to stop due to pain, hot flashes and dizzy spells. I will go back when i'm off of the last medication that i'm dropping now that's going to be a long time. I have things that I learned to do for pain while in physical therapy and breathingtechniques. I do push myself at times because I have loved ones like my grandson. He was here tonight and I just loved to see him. I hold his little hands and walk him around I even crawl on the floor with him. He's went home and I told my husband I can feel the pain. I can't help myself I just love him so much he makes me laugh sometimes I cry because I wish I could watch him. He goes to daycare I really don't like it but I can't watch him due to my health. Cheryl, I'll be praying for you. Father, I pray you wrap your loving arms around Cheryl and give her the comfort that she needs and heal her from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes. I pray a holy hedge around her to protect her from all evil. I pray in Jesus, Name. Amen! Thank You, Father. <3 Cheryl, I went over what I text at firrst I had many typos I fixed them if you want to read it again. Sorry! I always come back later and fix the typos if I can. Be Well ***hugs*** 
May 20, 2016
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Hi Diane, forget the typos.  When I hand write to someone which isn't to often I scribble mistakes, can't read my own writing & write it again aside of the word a little better...LOL!  From back surgery to knee replacement surgery I dealt with a lot of pain.  Therefore much crying to God, why don't they( medical world) help me?  Before I went to back surgery,  when praying I heard I would be drinking a cup.  What kind of cup, Lord?  Nothing.  Just know Jesus had a cup He didn't want to drink.  Of course, this cup would not compare to His.  But the cup came large to my mind as pain & painful situations happen.  Under sedation was nothing.  I had a nurse who did not want to come to my aid when I pushed the button.  A nurse station across from my room( not where my nurse was from) came & asked if I needed help.  I said, yes, thank you,  I had a board on the wall I read ...patient not allowed out of bed without assistance.  This repeatedly happen & a male nurse like C N A came & helped or checked in on me.  Here he was a Christian.  We talked some.  I was an overnite patient.  Sooo thru the night I did not do well.  I felt like a victim & being PTSD, I was an emotional mess.  My meds were given late, I then wondered would that happen in the morning.  I take synthroid $ needed it before b-fast.  I had to call a menu in at 6am.  Needed med then around 4am.  The male nurse came in to lean near to say he reported my nurse & he saw her get repermended.  Next in she came & asked if there was anything she could do for me.  She was not wanting to walk down the hall for I was last patient to attend too.  She wanted me to use a commode so she did not have yo come down.  I mentioned the board & she said you'll be alright.  I said I can't then she said she had three triage patients & couldn't keep running down. Found out there was no triage patients near area.  Doctor said you are reporting her...right?  Yes.  I did.  Then I needed pain help & he said all the patients say that...you'll be fine.  My fibro makes my pain overly painful.  No med.  My arthritis Doctor helped.  When home recouping watching news I said wow that one looks familiar!  Here my surgeon was arrested for child porn...having it & disributing it.  I saw him some days before that with my husband.  My husband asked why I had too go thru all the pain with no help?  He turned around quickly in his chair pointing his finger at me with disgusted face & said "you are the only patient I have had like that"!  I said, I have fibro...he said, I don't believe in it!  I left with sun glasses crying awfully.  Pain in my body,  most horrible treatment from a surgeon, and a mow day doc who does not believe in Fibromyalgia.   Days upon days to get over it.  The Lord knew.  And then he was arrested.  My arthritis gets upset with docs today who do not accept Fibro.  My knee surgeon on the other hand gave me a new knee for Fibro patients.  Now there is a statement! Lately I deal with tiredness since IBS diagnosis.  All tests & blood. No  give sign of anything.  I wondering about chronic fatigue which goes with Fibro.  Too much to think about. Sooo...one foot in front of the other, Lord.  Hold my hand, please Lord.  
May 23, 2016
  • 1
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
May 16, 2016
  • 3
Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord I can identify with the Twilight Zone feeling. I felt this way when my husband died suddenly some years ago. Everything seemed like it was in limbo and I'd wake in the morning thinking it had been a bad dream but then I'd realise it was reality and live it all over again. God is a great healer and in time I accepted this new norm. It is never easy and we all deal with things differently. But knowing that the Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way is so comforting and special. I have empathy for others going through loss and can use this experience to support them. Thank you Pastor Dion for this message.
May 16, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Very feeding to me. Main site was awesome!  I ate each word from.  From was like life was suspended for a time...detached...unreal.  To not being able to accept the reality tharpt we cannot face. I need these words to chew on awhile.  Their has been some big things changed recently over a period of months.  One thing after another including my health.  I got out to some appts I missed & that was good.  I did not my car no more because of the new IBS diagnosis & learning to eat certain foods.  I was weak a couple weeks.  Now I am out on a special bus that comes to the house.  I won it in a court deal years back due to fibromyalgia & some other things.  We have another car  & much better then my husband was driving.  I am happy for him.  I may drive again but right now I am in a twilight zone and beginning to peep out of it.  But as I did a lot of emotional trouble.  Got home to cry out to the Lord.  Managing grocery shopping & Charle needing sleep for work gets concern into the little sleep he gets.  Groceries are hard now for me to carry.  Weak.  I am so glad Jesus is there!  Always.  Helps my insanity to be sane;)   Thank you.  I wrote some of the words down so study cioo
May 19, 2016