PRAYER REQUESTS!

In this "aging" season of life, (Aren't they all!?) most of my prayer requests have been for energy or strength. 

Sometimes we need a second wind, to make it through the age-related storms of life. For me, too often even a "first" wind is needed!

Those who wait-ESV (hope -CEB) (trust-CEV) for the LORD (ADONAI-CJB, Jehovah-DARBY, NOG-Yahweh) shall renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Without His leading with His "second wind" strength, such hypervigilance/overstimulation can cause flat-out fatigue!

Strength needed! His Strength!!

Strength for His Service....not self.

BUT GOD!!!

Once again, I sense that I have been sent to time-out.

But God in His love and mercy has been there with me!

He has given prayer warriors who stand with me! Some lead me with encouragement. Others stand behind me ready to catch me If I fall.

"But God" is in control of every aspect of life's disappointments!

But God, the greatest short phrase uttered in history!*

God's mercy flows from His own loving heart......

....not from anything I have done to deserve it

Hallelujah!

*uttered by Paul in Ephesians

MONDAY MUSINGS FROM SUNDAY SERMONS!

Bits and pieces from compilation of journal jottings:

TX Buddy---Times of REFRESHING" come from the presence of the Lord. (Acts 3:17-26) AMEN!

• Unity--a longing for belonging 
• OK to write in Bible 😀
• Ambassadors-for-neighbors-next-generation 
• Togetherness--with one mind. God is our facilitator
• Let Acts go through us.

NC Pastor Dave (Luke 16:19-31) Rich man had no name. Ignored poor man's need. Poor man's name was Lazarus. When he died he was carried by angels to Abraham's side. Rich man died and was buried and in Hades in torment. A great chasm existed between the two. 

NC Cole A--Pastor's Corner--This in-between time of fall might be inviting us to slow down and savor moments inside and out. Find God in the ordinary things. remember God is not only "at work" in the things that lie ahead, but also right here in every breath we take.

NE Jim---often a Greek word specialist. "One of the lessons we've learned is that we have lots to learn"--quoting Jonathan Robbins pastor @ Summit Church in Triad of North Carolina--PTL now starting Daniel!

TN (Memphis) Pace--Recalls Mark 1:1  Jesus Christ the Son of God (his deity) to Son of Man (His humanity) When one encounters Jesus they are changed. (Mark 2:1-12) Friendship element seen in friends of paralytic who lowered him through roof to Jesus, who forgives his sins first (eternal effect) and then had him "rise" to walk (present day effect) Pace shared elements of friendship of David and Jonathan's soul to soul relationship (1 Samuel 18:1) to believers who are there for one another.

Best friends with believers will make us the best friends with God. "A friendship that is marked by edification." Friendship with non-believers is an essential friendship for evangelism. We all need friendship in the faith.

TN Nashville) Cole H. "Hebrews is a book of many layers like one of Lynn's casseroles." What! You don't know what a casserole is. Cole makes the deep things of Scripture relevant and can even throw in a humorus quip to catch attention. There is a difference between a covenant and a contract. Christ's sacrifice is once for all. 

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 18 Now where there is [a]remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin

(Hebrews 10:16-18 NKJV)

FRIDAY IN PHILIPPIANS!

Philippians: an encouraging epistle.

Ask self, "Do others see Christ in me" daily? 

Is my identity with Jesus Christ more than surface?

Certainly as others view believers through the lens of life, it's important that they see the life and hear the lips of Jesus. Lips that promote instruction. (Proverbs 16:23)

Manner of life is important. Being of same mind with other believers, who see others more significant than self. (Philippians 2:3)

Jesus Christ, dwelling deeply in me/you, is magnified by sacrificial, self-emptying servanthood. (Found in Philippians this Friday.)

GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING!

Fellowship, in an of itself, is a gift that keeps on giving!

Friend WH, who understands better that I, all my age-related maladies has a way of of giving that helps me embrace God's truths and my need for all of them.

Reminders wrapped in an acrostic!

A great focus to remind me to not lose sight of Who God truly is in my life (Psalm 46:10) even when I struggle to set myself aside and choose to surrender to Him! (James 4:7)

Remembering His promises is key! (2 Corinthians 1:20) Yes and Amen.

The outcome allows me to experience peace. His peace. (John 14:27)

A gift of joy in His presence! (Acts 2:28)

True peace regardless of circumstances. 

What a gift!

MORE LIGHT!

The LightFM---

A gospel ministry with far reaching effects, especially during Hurricane Helene, September 26, 2024.

Exit 55 off I-40 E take the first right. After we checked in at the Billy Graham Center, we took the first right and headed up the narrow, steep curvy road to Camp Cedar Creek Welcome Pavilion.

We felt welcome! 

Worth the drive1 

We were treated to a friendly reception, a delish Low Country Boil served with a beautiful mountain view! After a bit of a song fest, a devotional was shared by one of the team members. Powerful stories of hope and healing. 

Many "God Moments" were shared from the dark-out as Hurricane Helene hit to following up with feeding the communities and  providing shelter. One that stood out to me ------LightFM was only "off air" for 9 minutes! For many stranded in their listening area, it was the only news access they had to the outside world! 

Much more than meal.....it was a celebration of all that God had done through The LightFM ministry.

ANNIVERSARY TURNING POINT!

Today is the first day of autumn. A turning point in the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. It arrives at 2:19 EST in our town. I'm ready.........

The leaves of the dogwoods on our side of the  mountain are starting to turn. Hopefully, a refreshing "nip in the air" will come soon!

Today, for us, is the first anniversary of our residency in North Carolina.

Admittedly, it has not been an easy turning point for me. But God in His love and mercy has been with me in every distractible moment. 

Acts 17:26: has been my reminder......God has determined allotted periods and the boundaries of (our) dwelling place.

 

We are here, in this very location, for a reason. 

His reason!

A grace place of sorts.

May others see Christ in us, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27).....as

In Him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28a)

A true turning point regardless of where we live or how distractible my mind has become.

LIGHT!

Today we head to The Cove with neighbors John and Vicki for a Light FM dinner! May the LIGHT of God's Presence fill my mind today as we prepare to go.

Allow God's word to lead to the light needed.

Looking lightheartedly at the worries that flood my mind....I can walk through the day with lighter steps. The LORD will be my light. (Micah 7:8, emphasis mine)

Do not lose heart. See troubles as light and momentary.

Walk in the light and be a light for others!

BOX OF BLESSING!

Sometimes a gift box has its own blessing!

Looking forward to showing you the wisdom for me in this gift!

True wisdom is "rare" and comes from God's word!

God's Word.....a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. 

(Psalm 119:105)

Just 4 letters to help my short term memory focus! Not a random focus but one that is meant for me as a believer. Think "Believer's Apothecary" with a great acrostic.

Come back next Wordsmith Wednesday to see the gift that encourages me to continue to do small things that God leads me to do so they become great things In His name for His glory and my good as I have ways to serve other even if limited!

PERFORMANCE PRISON!

Growing up in a small town, with a beautiful mother, I learned early on to put my best foot forward! It's what was done. She was an expert at it.

Her paving the way, made it much easier! She was Sunday School director @ FUMC. A fashionista who selected my clothes. She kept everything together for me! She "bubble-wrapped" us all to make life easier. 

On my own through many seasons of life, I could often get caught up in trying to "work" for God, feeling useless if I did not "do" enough. Susan D., who discipled me, would remind me that God's grace is a free gift.

Performance Prison as Dallas Seminary prof Dr. Vic Anderson impressed on my friend, Dawn Dalton, can be so constricting. A great reminder for me that I needed to "play" my "Get Out of Jail Free" card.    

I know life is not a game but I also have learned that we are heirs of the Lord....with the Spirit of His Son in our hearts. 

Jesus is our Savior, Sustainer & Guide. He is enough.

Believers, don't be imprisoned by "doing" for the Lord. 

Remember Christ has set us free. Lean into Him in faith through love. 

Look to Him. Walk with Him as He directs us in serving others! 

"Do" only as He leads.

Stay outside of the "performance prison" cell.

We are set free!

ABIDE! A WAY OF WISDOM!!

Believers desiring to know God more deeply realize the need to turn to Scripture. For me, it also includes studying with other believers. 

Bible Study w/ others---A Way of Wisdom! Studying & Sharing together!

Allen Bible Church, Allen, TX

I don't remember the lady's name but she lived in a 2 story house on Park Ave. in Memphis, with a curved drive way in the front. Not my 1st Bible study but one that emphasized "abide" as a relationship key. Remaining in Him and loving one another! Abide and love are key words in John 15:1-17.

Our abiding relationship with God and other believers (fellowship) helps us to abound more! A shared joy!

It gives rhythm and "full joy" to our lives with Him and each other! (v.11)

ABIDE! REPEAT!

STAY! STAY!! STAY CONNECTED!!!

WOW=WORDS OF WISDOM!

WOW! Words Of Wisdom.

Wisdom. "My One Word" for 2025!

True wisdom is found in God's Word! 

(Romans 12:11 (NRSVA)

Versions might vary but can help broaden understanding;

Do not lag in zeal, In diligence, not slothful (ASV), Don't hesitate to be enthusiastic (CEB), Never give up (CEV) do not be lazy (ICB), Never flag in zeal (RSV) do not lagging in zeal; (TLV) not slow in business (WYC)

be ardent in spirit, fervent in spirit (ASV), be on fire in the Spirit (CEB), Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit (CEV), but work hard, (ICB) be aglow with the Spirit (RSV) be fervent in spirit, (TLV) fervent in spirit (WYC)

serve the Lord. serving the Lord; (ASV), as you serve the Lord! (CEB) serve the Lord with all your heart. (ICB) serve the Lord. (RSV) Keep serving the Lord. (TLV) serving to the Lord, (WYC)

In the final portion of the verse, regardless of the versions (American Standard Version, Common English Bible, International Children's Bible, New Revised Standard Version Anglican, Revised Standard Version, Tree of Life Version a Messianic Jewish translation, Wycliffe Bible) and varying  punctuation, Lord is always included and written with a capital L!

Written Wisdom. The Lord is the One to always serve!

MORNING--NOON--EVENING--NIGHT!

MORNING---What a great way to begin "my" day!

6:50 am wake-up.....because it is Saturday!

Serve one another humbly in love, (Galatians 5:13)

Be ye kind one to another, (Ephesians 4:32)

Set your minds on things above. (Colossians 3:2)

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Today my day will also start soon after with some of BB's yummy blueberry lemon poundcake with a candle in the middle.Hmmm! YUMMY! I could lick off the glaze after I blow out "my" candle! 

Calls. Cards. Texts. Emails, Gifts. 

Noontime lunch w/ hubby @ small place with outside patio and yummy spaghetti! (my fave) followed by more of BB's cake!! I did "share" a bit!

Some call it supper, others say dinner! I call it dessert on the porch with cake!!! I shared a bit with hubby and with grandson, Owen. He knew what was in store. After all she is "his" BB!

Nighttime. Lights out.....so no-one sees me taking a last serving of "my" cake!

Sunrise to sunset it was a glorious September 13!

INSPIRATIONAL READ!

Inspirational read!

Ever read a book that kept complaining at bay!?

Hope by the time I have finished the entire book, I will have set aside discontent, grumbling, murmuring and all complaining. 

No "kvetching" as Longreen Jewish neighbors, Brenda and Michelle would say. That present participle of persistent complaining doesn't need to be present in my life!

Inspirational read! The story of a 67 year old great-grandmother who was the  who was the first female to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone. She who could sleep, without a sleeping bag on the ground tucked into leaves (I would prefer a good mattress and ironed pillowcases) and awake to shake a field mouse out of her hair and eat breakfast picked from surrounding berry bushes. Hers was a story of triumph from pain and hope from suffering and that was life before she began her walk. 

Her walks were more than a "walkabout Wednesday' as she ended up "putting one foot in front of the other--five million times (Grandma Gatewood's Walk, p.253) usually with a smile on her face.

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, (ESV)

Do all things without complaining and disputing, (NKJV, emphasis mine)

Emma Gatewood did and her actions ended up saving the Appalachian Trail. (AT)

AMEN TRUTH BEING TAUGHT!

"A picture can be worth a thousand words" is an idiom that suggests actually seeing an object or event is more helpful for learning than hearing descriptive language. 

Think visualization over verbal.

As an "English as a second language instructor" on a short term mission trip learned, a "combo of words and pictures" can speak volumes.Amen!

Visual reminders to help one recall the gospel message. So Be It!

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, ESV)

SATURDAY SALVE!

A Saturday salve to soothe the soul.

A timely surprise! A kind, tenderhearted gift. (Ephesians 4:32a)

Easily seen from my prayer chair! .

Beautiful from any view!

A smiling bouquet!

A remedy. Think offering sustaining strength as I pray for others! 

Soul soothing!

FELLOWSHIP HERE & ABROAD!

Fellowship Focus---Whatever the Bible version, v19 uses many different words to describe believers and many aspects of fellowship shared by believers of Jesus Christ regardless of nationality or Christian affiliation. 

Photo from Cornerstone House, Hungary 1997

Koszikla = Hungarian for Cornerstone

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (EPHESIANS 2:19-22, NIV)

• God's people--members of his household (NIV)
• Fellow citizens with the saints (ESV)
• No more strangers and sojourners (ASV) 
• No longer strangers and foreigners (ISV)
• No longer called outcasts and wanderers (The Voice)

Fellowship is built on Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone, (NIV), with the cornerstone being Yeshua the Messiah himself (CJB).

*Searches in many of the 100 versions and a few of 50 languages at BibleGateway.com enriched my understanding of God's people and Jesus Christ as the cornerstone for believers.

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES!

Of all my blog entries through the years, this is right at the top of the list for blessing a grandmother's heart. 

"Keep your heart with all vigilance for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

Think words....prayerful words from a first-grader.

Just click below to see & hear.....

@ goodgollygal

......a prayer that shares a first-grader's version of John 3:16 to be heaven-bound, and thankful for dinosaurs, parents and his sibling as he hopes God has a good week. 

His words greatly blessed my heart; I hope they blessed yours.

*Thx to John McCormick of reminding me "out of the mouth of babes" label..

KEY TO PERSEVERANCE!

Moving! Think to another location.

Uprooting and relocation are easier for some than for others.

I am one of the others! Many in the last season of life might say that.

But God....in His love and mercy can provide grace needed for any of our uprooted moments when relocating. He has given us Himself!

Allow Him to change your new address into a "grace place" of refuge.

Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come. 

(Psalm 71:3, ESV)

Truth in His word provides refuge......the key to perseverance!

WISDOM

Life in the mountains continues to require strength......

often more than I have. When legs are weak, I need to focus on His strength! When the weather is too hot, I need to sit in the cool breeze and be still. Take heart....(Psalm 31:2)! Take heart....(John 16:33)

Allow boundaries to be blessings.

Simple wisdom. 

God's Word = valuable source of wisdom...a treasure trove of inspiration. 

Wise Words to Wise Actions.

Be a Wisdom Walker. 

Share intentionally. 

Maybe Miss Ruth on the Deep Creek trail heard my heart as I heard hers.

FRIDAY FOCUS!

Our relationship of trust with God is a result of focusing on Him in all situations.....

.......again and again! It's a biblical call. 

Focus on God not man......worship and serve Him with an undivided heart. Therein lies the problem/hurdle. From wisdom studies, "My One Word" for 2025, I have "learned" (still working" on this) wisdom is not in just knowing but in doing. Action is key! 

Wisdom is truth from God's Word. "You will know truth, and the truth will set you free," (John 8:32)

Recently, I read the distance from the brain to the heart was 20 inches but can't remember exact source. Google was my next step of validation.... varying distances 12", 14", 18" & 20" still emphasized to me that truth in the head (brain) is physically a short measure but spiritually/emotionally quite a stretch to turn into action! 

Continuous action needed to elicit change.!

Philippians 4:8 says it well. 

Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

Think on these things...... FOCUS again and again in order to transform "brain" knowledge into heart action, using God's grace as the glue to hold it there!

REFLECTIONS!

REFLECTIONS.....

......in God's creation can easily get one's attention!

In the beginning, God created! (Genesis 1) God separated waters (seas) and dry land. (earth)  How blessed we are to see the dry land vegetation of earth reflected in the waters gathered together.

Rocky Mountains National Park, 2019---

Waters reflect not only the dry lands but also the  beauty of the clouds and blue skies, as reflected in Anne B.'s amazing photography!

As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man. (Proverbs 27:19)

REFLECTIONS.......

.......are all around us! I tend to avoid the ones in the mirror first thing in the morning! Plus, the dark chocolate others see on my lips shows my  lack of discipline.

In Scripture, James 1:3 uses an analogy of man looking into a mirror & then forgetting. The mirror of God's word can reveal truth that needs to be remembered and reflected in one's life. One's life needs to reflect the glory of God----as Jesus is the perfect reflection of His Father.

REFLECTIONS.....

....from God's word, His creation, and one's own heart are the actions that need to reflect the applications of Biblical truths in one's on life!

AMEN!

STATIC KIND OF DAY!

Ever felt like this at the end of a day?

Photo by RK 2025

 Ever had a day as annoying as these flyaway frizzles?

Totally out of control?

Out of leaning in to God's control that is! The ONE who is truly in control!

Trusting God not only builds our faith but can turn our pain and fears into testimonies!

Knowing who is in control cultivates patience and peace.

For the physically and mentally wobbly....KNOW who is in control!

It's NOT you!

Let it go and enjoy the day God gives you......

......flyaway hair and all!!!

STEADFAST!

I love my steadfast bookmark! 

Not only for its  beauty and "steadfast reference" to its biblical context of being firm, unwavering and resolute in purpose, but for me it's the verse included that speaks to my heart. 

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB95)--Therefore, my beloved brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work is not in vain in the Lord.

The verse is so memorable to me because it was given to me in in 1997 in a gymnasium in Budapest, Hungary. Cots were spread out for us to sleep on until there until we could leave to travel to Kővágóörs, a village of 900 inhabitants. We would be at Cornerstone House, near Lake Balafon to teach English as a second language. 

Wide open showers were  provided in the gym but not a single shower curtain. Not to worry..... as a "just in case" gal I had packed a shower curtain. Plus, friend Pam had sent a large jar of peanut butter with me & I became everyone's friend because I had American peanut butter

A gentlemen helping us unload asked if this was a first time mission trip on a foreign field for anyone.  I raised my hand. That's when he gave me the note with the verse to encourage me to "keep on keeping on" in the work of the Lord!

That verse continues to speak to my heart.

SATURDAY SURPRISE!

Picnic in close-by Great Smoky Mountains National Park away from the weekend throngs.

A table all to ourselves with a tasty lunch I did not have to prepare!

Sharing Scripture --from a fave......Psalm 34. Glorifying the Lord and exalting His name together as chum WH had inspired us to do earlier this morn. Our focus was on verse 4 as I am seeking to "live" without fear with hubby's ongoing support.

We stopped by a floral wonderland in our "kin" BB & Poppy's yard! I took over 9 pix for my Seek collection! 

Her cosmos grabbed my heart! 

The BIG surprise was when hubby produced some Lowes' reward money and took me there to stock up on their "on-sale" flowers --total = $4.28! WOW! Some to share with neighbors who have continued to bless us and "keep me in the pink" day after day!

Surprise! Surprise!! We "ran-in" to (crossed paths with, not an accident) our daughter and son-in-law while gassing up to head home!

I thank we had moment after moment of tasting and seeing that God is good! (Psalm 34:8)

Maybe a better title for this entry would be a plural!

Saturday Surprises!!

ROAD REMINDERS!

ROAD REMINDERS......seen coming and going as we drive to our ridge of the mountain!

TRUST JESUS COMING!

TRUST JESUS GOING!

"Pithy with a Punch" at its best!

Trust Jesus---enough said!

LOOKING TO JESUS!

"Run the Race"! 

In this season of life, running isn't always an option! I would probably trip over my cane! Plus, endurance would probably be short-lived.

Bible Marginalia reminded me, "entrusting to Him is key to endurance."

Run the Race. Which race? Hebrews 12:1 gives the answer, "the one set before us."

Bible Marginalia again......Life of faith = long run...ie not a sprint or an easy run. 

Before discouragement set in, I read the answer to running the race in the life of faith. The all important phrase of Hebrews 12:2----looking to Jesus! 

Think focusing, trusting and relying on "Jesus, the name above all names" as the source of our life of faith. (Philippians 2:9)

Looking to Jesus at my life stage/age  needs more than a ck off the list quiet time.

It can require extended time.....often that includes being still, looking up and out the window that frames my prayer chair. Blue skies or rainy fog--the weather doesn't seem to matter.  

It's the condition of my heart that matters as I seek time with Him.

 

Know Peace. No Fear!

Looking to Jesus is soul affirming.