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The Komondor and The Good Shepherd

      New Audio Version spoken by Lynn Brunk @ Horizon Wordcraft click HERE Unbeknownst to my readers, one of the things I do after a hard day of work that I find therapeutic is watching dog videos that depict animals that were abandoned or abused. Some of the dogs are unrecognizable due to... Continue Reading →

The Controlling Manipulator

Controlling, Manipulating, Relationships: Root Causes and how to react when dealing with these abusers. “With emotional abuse, the insults, insinuations, criticism, and accusations slowly eat away at the victim’s self-esteem until he or she is incapable of judging a situation realistically. He or she may begin to believe that there is something wrong with them... Continue Reading →

I’ll Have What They are Having!

Regardless of what’s going on in the world, we have to live. While we have breath in our bodies, we choose life— we work with all our might. We seek to have gratitude — goodwill.And I believe gratitude is one of the most potent words in the English vocabulary. Let us Be grateful for the... Continue Reading →

A Poopy Situation

To be low. To sink. To bow lowly. To be humbled. We mostly think in our innermost parts that we are good because of things we do and don’t do. Things we think and don’t think upon. How we see. How we hear. But none of us escape being toxic, bitter, angry, demanding, self-seeking, etc.... Continue Reading →

My Dad’s Sweater Holds Many Stories

When my husband was 19 or 20 years old, he went with his best friend Ray to Columbia, Kentucky, to visit with Ray's family. While visiting Columbia, Jeff never forgot the two-hour drive through corn fields and cow pastures that seemed never to end. The small country town seemed so foreign to Jeff. He thought... Continue Reading →

Enmeshment, Human Behavior Series Part VI

  Continuing in the Human Behavior Series, Part VI series concerns enmeshment and disengagement. These are vital for healing and boundary setting. What is enmeshment? Enmeshment is a term coined by family therapist Salvador Minuchin to describe a relationship pattern in which personal boundaries are unclear or nonexistent. This means the people involved are emotionally fused or dependent... Continue Reading →

Triangulation

  So far in this series concerning the study of human behavior/Psychology, I have covered "The Know It All," "Passive-aggressive behavior, Codependency, and the martyr complex. Today we are going to look at triangulation. I don’t have time to cover the golden child and the scapegoat in this session, but it has much to do... Continue Reading →

Satan Unmasked is Available.

Many of you have already received this newsletter, but for those who haven't, we wanted to let you know how excited we are to finally release Part I of the series. It has been a most difficult 3 months and we needed some joy. When women prepare for a baby they name it, clothe it,... Continue Reading →

CoDependency and freedom

Co-dependency is one topic I know firsthand, and it is a battle to get set free from, but he who the Son sets free is free indeed, and there is much freedom in looking inward and working on ourselves. Being born again is just the beginning of our journey. While writing this, my mind went... Continue Reading →

The Martyr Complex

The last time we talked, the topic was The Know it All. During this series, I want to discuss issues we all deal with due to places of the heart that are not whole, low self-worth, and defensiveness. All of us have issues. When reading this series, you might think of someone in your life who... Continue Reading →

Money, Money, Money

                                    Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash  A wise man saves for the future - Proverbs 21:20. Money little by little grows - Proverbs 13:11. Pay to everyone what is due them—tribute to whom tribute is due; tax... Continue Reading →

The Know it All

  The Know it All, is Part I of a series dealing with introspection. During this series, I want to discuss issues we all deal with due to places of the heart that are not whole, low self-worth, and defensiveness. All of us have issues. When reading this series, you might think of someone in your... Continue Reading →

New Update– Audiobooks

We are excited to introduce the new audiobook for The Spirit of Leviathan featuring Lynn Brunk from Horizon Wordcraft, a fellow believer in Messiah and one you will be hearing more of because she is currently working on Book I, Satan Unmasked, the 1st of the four-part series. Click HERE for Lynn's lovely voice. Amazon.com:... Continue Reading →

My Son’s Principal and Noah’s Ark

  A growing number of people today do not believe in the Bible. They have science, history, and logic. To them the Bible is just an outdated book that people use wrongfully. Religions under the name of "God" have caused many wars and bloodshed. The younger generation often look at the Bible and think "animal... Continue Reading →

Jumping for Joy is 99 Cents, for a Limited Time.

Can sorrow open the doorway to joy? Tekoa Manning peels back the layers of despair to reveal the key to finding and defining joy. Our suffering is often producing the fruit of the Spirit. Jumping for Joy highlights Harriet Tubman, Nicholas James Vujicic, Joni Eareckson Tada, and the author’s own personal journey and the beautiful lessons learned.... Continue Reading →

Who Can Stand Before Jealousy?

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash Anger and offenses can be settled and healed, but the Book of Proverbs states, "who can stand before jealousy?" "Wrath is cruel and anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?" (Proverbs 27:4, TLV). "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to... Continue Reading →

It’s Been a Long Time Comin

  One of the things I enjoy is music. I know some people do not like secular music. Others stick to one genre, but I love many different types of music. The following song is a favorite: I was born by the river, in a little tent  Oh, and just like the river  I've been... Continue Reading →

Death Valley Part II–Angels & Beasts

Part I HERE “And he was there in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by the Adversary, and he was with the beasts, and the messengers were ministering to him.” (Mark 1:13).  Angels and beasts.  In every trial, there are angels and beasts. Demonic strongholds and divine messengers. The Messiah comes out of the wilderness... Continue Reading →

Health Update and New Release

A few weeks ago, after sharp pain in my side, we went to the ER. I was given a cat scan that confirmed a hernia behind where my colostomy surgery was performed. We were given a surgeon's name, but that has significantly improved. And due to the complications of the prior surgery, we are not... Continue Reading →

Flow Freely on Me

To the tune of Adele, Go Easy on me: There is gold in His rivers They’ve been flowing through Bereshit forever I know there is hope in the healing Pishon waters I must bring myself to swim and be mikvehed in There’s no drowning in silence with Yeshua Messiah Oh, let me in! Flow easy... Continue Reading →

Gifts and callings, and Identity

  "Now Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own censer, put fire in it, laid incense over it, and offered unauthorized fire before Adonai—which He had not commanded them. So fire came out from the presence of Adonai and consumed them. So they died before Adonai" (Leviticus 10:1-2, TLV). This week while meditating on Nadab and Abihu, I... Continue Reading →

Those Who Fly Like Clouds

  Outside my window, doves are cooing, and birds are singing as I write this. It brings a smile to my face.  I am filled with joy due to creation, and creation is always out there calling us, and as spring burst forth with life, we too should be sipping on sunshine and singing praises... Continue Reading →

My Aunt Sophia’s Poetry

There have been many talented writers on my mother’s side of the family. I have several very creative cousins with a pen and aunts and uncles alike who have written beautiful songs, poems, and stories. I’ve often heard that the Loys were excellent storytellers, and I guess it’s true because I always loved listening to... Continue Reading →

The Journey of the Prophet Part II

Part I HERE   The prophet is in high regard when someone requires keen vision, hearing, and unraveling riddles then quickly forgotten until the loss of a donkey, or when the results or outcome of a battle is needed. The prophet wrestles at night and walks with a limp during the day. The Prophet dies... Continue Reading →

The Number 5 and Joseph

  The Number 5 and the Story of Joseph go hand in hand: Last week, we learned that Joseph was hated and then due to his dreams, he was hated more. The Bible says that his brothers hated him and could not speak a kind word to him, and they were jealous of him. How... Continue Reading →

But You Said!

  In my last blog, I shared many personal details of my journey with Gastroparesis. I received much encouraging feedback. I greatly appreciate everyone’s prayers and words. In my teaching today, Jacob is meeting his brother Esau. It’s been over 20 years. That’s a long time not to speak to a sibling. There are times... Continue Reading →

Widow–9th of AV

One of my mother’s favorite movies was Gone With the Wind. We watched it every year growing up, and I can almost recite the whole four-hour film verbatim. At one point in the movie, Scarlett sees that the one she is smitten with, Ashley, is to marry another. As war breaks out, she marries Mr.... Continue Reading →

Stones and Leadership Part VI

Stones were more than likely the weapon of choice in the beginning. Cain murders his brother, Abel. Abel's blood cries out from the ground, along with the blood of many more. We read of those angry at the words of Yeshua and they too pick up stones to cast at the Chief cornerstone. "Truly, truly,... Continue Reading →

Leadership and Bare Buttocks, Part IV

Leadership and Bare Buttocks “Hine Ma Tov” What could a disturbing story in II Samuel have to do with a Psalm on unity? One has oil dripping down the beard and covering the skirts of Aaron; the other has skirts cut to bare David's servant's nakedness. The king's servants had their beards shaved half off... Continue Reading →

Leadership and Titles– Part I

The Five-Fold leadership bears great accountability. No man or woman, when called, seemed to feel worthy of the calling. They knew the cost and said, "I can't speak, I am but a child--did I give birth to all these people?" Anarchy is a state of disorder due to the absence or nonrecognition of authority. Do... Continue Reading →

Beauty for Ashes

I found this poem from last year and wanted to post it. Maybe you have felt the same things at times? I gathered all my strength and tried to raise up from the ashes. I held ashes in my hands and raised them up to Him "Here, take these ashes-- I screamed!" "Give me beauty,"... Continue Reading →

The Naked King

A children’s book written by H. S. Anderson titled The Emperor’s new clothes is a writing concerning self-perception and denial. What does this story have to do with Naaman? “The name Naaman is derived from the verb נעם (na'em) meaning be pleasant, sweet, delightful, and beautiful” (Abarim Publications). We can be sweet and delightful and still... Continue Reading →

Bruised Plums #240

They were unpromising Words grated like cheese. Words reduced to small shreds. Words strung like pasta. Tossed like a salad Thrown together with a pinch of thyme And oregano The other morsels were small. Irritants Acidic Tomatoes, garlic, and onions Barely noticeable to the tall ones Their necks stretched out in the clouds. They see... Continue Reading →

Wholly Illuminated

How can we be wholly illuminated on our job, in our marriage, and with our families and friends? This week while scrolling through social media I read a meme (below) that described my week or parts of my whole existence. The meme, along with the raw words written by a friend, pierced me. Her vulnerability... Continue Reading →

Retribution

I am seeing an ostomy nurse who specializes in patients with acute and chronic “wound” care. Things in the natural often mimic things in the spirit. Wounds and pain are funny things. They have layers. They have smells and degrees of infection and pus. They can be covered up with a Band-Aid or douched in... Continue Reading →

Hate is?

Hate is like a piece of yeast. It permeates and puffs up with satisfaction It says, “I am right!” I hold truth! I carry all knowledge! I will rebuke! It wipes its mouth with a napkin And still, the juice runs Hate dripping off chins Spilling over into diaper bins And storefront shelves Magazine covers,... Continue Reading →

The Kidneys and the Ears

“For thou hast possessed my kidneys: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.” Psalm 139:13 JB. “I shall bless Lord Jehovah who counsels me and my kidneys teach me in the nights.” Psalm 16:7 AB. I’m five or six years old, and it hurts to breathe. I’m feverish. The doctor puts his stethoscope on... Continue Reading →

Pink Cotton Candy

"There's always a time to shine," she said, curling her bottom lip."You need to let the light shoot out of your hair like cracked eggshells covered in glistening white yolks." Sparkles. I pictured her hair standing up all over her head, illuminated and glistened like the moon draped over an armchair or a starfish on... Continue Reading →

1,000 Words

I am not sure when I started writing this poem or why or whose kitchen I stood in, but possibly it will help us think more about words. Ironically when I was finished, it had a word count of 1,000. I know with social media and texting, we often take words wrong or quickly respond... Continue Reading →

Who Has a Broken Heart?

Who Has a Broken Heart? Memoir Chapter One morning in 2010, I peered into the reflection of the mirror, and I wondered who the person was staring back at me. I had been too depleted financially to get my hair done at a beauty shop and was taken by a friend to a hair design... Continue Reading →

Boot Camp

~Memoir~ Chapter 5 Boot Camp It seemed like it only took months for my sickness to progress into a total meltdown. I felt depleted of every ounce of strength. Like wafting wet paper, I floated along drained. It was a weekday in winter, and the chill was all around me. I could smell death and... Continue Reading →

Leah the Wild Cow

A friend of mine sent me an intriguing podcast the other day about Rachel, Jacob's wife. She was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. She said, "I keep seeing Rachel everywhere!" When she said it, I thought, "that's funny" because "I keep seeing Leah." Oh, Leah, you break my heart. What can women learn from... Continue Reading →

My Funeral Plans

  A very peculiar thing began creeping into my brain a few months ago–something a person just shy of 50 years young doesn’t think about much unless they are terminally ill or just received a death sentence. Yes, the big D, and I don’t mean divorce. Death started creeping up on me when I was... Continue Reading →

Comfortable

I thought of a word to describe you. Comfortable Like a much-traveled shoe A blanket worn and soft A tree with old bark A coffee cup stained The coziness of a tattered chair The bare path much traveled upon Openly frank and unpredictable, yet predictable in every way Comfortable A rainy Monday splattered on a... Continue Reading →

Butterflies

  Gratitude. Thankfulness. Usually, neither of these exist without first experiencing heartache, loss, and trying times. You have to go through one to embrace the other in a manner worthy of noticing. Sometimes we miss the gratitude and turn bitter like lemons. This is the month of thankfulness. We try and become more aware of... Continue Reading →

The Servants Heart

  A couple of years ago, my aunt, Eva, who was in her 80's, was not feeling well. A dear cousin went to visit and took her to the doctor. While there, they discovered she had cancer. Our hearts were broken. My aunt never had children. Her neighbors had been checking on her. My cousin... Continue Reading →

Free Chapter, Hope Deferred

What can be learned from situations that seem bleak or hopeless?  Perhaps there is a reason tucked inside the changing tide that is higher than our human understanding? Joy can come from the darkest of places and ignite like a sparkler in the blackest sky. In my early 20s, this suburbia girl found herself living... Continue Reading →

Breathe! Awake and Live:

    When I came out of surgery, I came out fighting. The nurses kept giving me more and more Dilaudid (Oxycodone type drug) until finally, I stopped breathing. Along with my husband and sister, the nurse kept shaking me and repeating, "Breathe Bonnie (Tekoa)! Breathe!" I would jolt and gasp like a person who... Continue Reading →

Son’s of Spirit!

I have three sons of Spirit, Sons of lightning, sons of fame. I have three sons who live in a box on the corner begging for change. They play trashcan drums and acoustic guitars. They sing in the churches, and they sing in the bars. They rise sturdy with strength like Samson. They have arms... Continue Reading →

Finish Your Set!

We must finish our sets. Sometimes we learn life lessons from scholars and authors, teachers and the age. Today I learned valuable lessons from a popular pop star:  This past week, I watched a documentary and learned valuable lessons from a man who sings songs I mostly don't listen to. His name is Justin Timberlake.Master... Continue Reading →

The King’s Table

It's good to dine at the King's Table: Saul's grandson, the son of Jonathan, named Mephibosheth, was crippled as a child. When he was five years old, a report came that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle, and when the boy's nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as... Continue Reading →

Kentucky Book Fair

  It was an honor to be invited to the KY Book Fair. To be seated in a room full of authors like Wendell Berry was surreal.  His poetry has gotten me through many difficult times and caused me to become more aware of the beauty in creation. I had the pleasure of meeting Mary... Continue Reading →