MEMORIAL DAY GRATITUDE!

Veterans are special!

Daddy being chief among them!

I still recall the story prim and proper Mother told of taking a bus to Indianapolis to greet my wounded in the leg Daddy. He was returning from Lety in the Philippines where he was shot by a sniper in a tree as he led his platoon. Some, Daddy included, had walked through their own shoes.

Mother was in a taxi approaching hotel with rollers still in her hair when she saw Daddy crossing the street. 

Forget the rollers! She jumped out of the "cab" and ran to him. Though injured, he picked her up and swung her around.

The most wonderful memory in her life!

FROM NC TO TN & TX.....

Whether North Carolina or Texas, God's Church is celebrated on the Sabbath in a variety of ways!

All services started with hymns---two led by a choir with a director; the other led by 3 young students.

Announcements & prayer given by adults; One prayer was lead by a deacon, an elder and another prayer was led by a high school student.

One celebrated communion led by 2 students and their father---the other two had communion a few weeks ago.

Scripture was read by 2 pastors. Scripture was read together.

Two sermons preached by pastors. Sermon was preached by Church Youth Director/Young Life Leader.

Pentecost is remembered in 2 churches! (Acts 2:1-21)

Don't forget--- "Happy Birthday, Church"

Students were encouraged to be rooted in Christ and radiant for Jesus!(Colossians 2:6, Matthew 5:13-16)

Don't forget--- "no root = no fruit" so water your roots by His goodness and grace!

ARGG---Pics not posting right now--Will try again later

Got one---Hmmmm! Guess which one?!

CAKE FOR BREAKFAST

Yesterday's Wal-Mart return of a purchase ended up taking a side-trip back home via a restaurant where Hubby had eaten and didn't want me to miss out. 

We stopped at.....

Entering the restaurant signs every where pleased my spiritual, physical and emotional appetite.

The message on the back of a patron's T-shirt sitting on one of the stools had me smiling all the way to my soul.

Jesus is precious!

He is to me as well!

The Wednesday Special was Spaghetti, a fave for me & was delish and the small portion was equal to a BIG take-home for me! Plus, Hubby's fave country-fried steak with 2 choice sides (fried okra & mac-n-cheese) are always on the menu.

Behind the counter, the stools faced a statement of FAITH!

Faith Putting our faith in God and one another, so our guests are comfortable putting their faith in us Honesty Our word is as good as our food Service Caring for our guests with a smile and our community with compassion Quality Making every decision that is best for our guests and our team Dependability Standing for what we believe and serve everyday Serious Fun We take our work seriously but ourselves not too seriously

Beside the register was a sign that gave me permission for a future treat.  

Therefore, when we turned off at I-74 W Exit 102 Hubby stopped @ Publix to "claim" his "late" birthday treat thanks to Johnny. 

A "free" Chocolate Overload Bar Cake with Nuts--YUM! 

OOPS---No cake for me....Wednesday is NOT a chocolate day!

But----the sign at 209 Haywood Cafe reminded me that today was a "Chocolate Day" so I could Eat Cake for Breakfast regardless of the flavor! 

But grateful to have that flavor available for my Thursday breakfast!

WEDNESDAY WORD!

Wednesday is often a betwixt day on the calendar for me. Friend Renee's morning text referred to it as "Hump Day" which for those still employed  gives hope that the work week is getting closer to the end. 

Today's Word A Day,  a gift from "my Molly" was convicting to me.

Too often, according to her, I say,"I am no longer who I once was!" Instead of enjoying my moments, I keep thinking of all I can no longer do. Think betwixt and between young and old or well and infirmed. Think two different states of being or realities.

Hoping to focus more on my God-given moments today, I opened my Bible.

Stop dwelling on past events and brooding on over times and brooding over times gone by; (Isaiah 43:18, (CJB)

His word has me no longer betwixt but basking in today's God-given moments but to look for new things springing up from His hand.

 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.( Psalm 32:8)

Think embracing the spiritual anchors God has planned for me as a way to help others.

TUESDAY TRUTH!

Few Words but the truth keeps jumping out at me!

Every needed preposition is present!

Abide in Jesus.

Be changed by Jesus.

Embody the ways of Jesus......

For the Glory of God and the Good of Others!

THE LORD IS____________

The LORD is _______________________________________.

____________________________________

____________________________________

____________________________________

Fill in the blanks of all the LORD is to you after reading and meditating on these verses.*

The LORD is my strength and my song; (Psalm 118:14)

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; (Psalm 16:5)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; (Psalm 28:7)

The LORD is near to all who call on Him, (Psalm 145:18)

Take those descriptors to heart as a part of your Monday musings. 

Later come up with you own "The LORD is" verses that speak to you and share with me or someone else.

THURSDAY THERAPY!

Be anxious for nothing.....

There's an RX for that!

Praise the Lord--

Trust RX refills are free for life.

SISTERS IN CHRIST!

Opening one's mail can incredibly lift one's spirit. 

Not only an encouraging card but a perfect "gift" for an avid reader was included! A bookmark!

A bookmark filled with words that resonate for all female believers....

.....not sisters by birth but by heart!

Sisters in Christ are Sisters for Life. 

Amen, Sisters!

THRUST OF TRUST REMINDER!

THRUST OF TRUST has me leaning in to the Lord for needed strength.

PRAISE GOD who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

(2 Samuel 22:33, emphasis mine)

This card in the morning mail did just that for me. 

Think trust (hope in; wait on).

May I use the Lord's strength today for His glory and the good of others as the joy of the Lord is my strength! (Nehemiah 8:10)

MORNING MUSINGS!

Beginning the week with BIG truth in few words!

FOR THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE GOOD OF OTHERS

ABIDE IN JESUS.

BE CHANGED BY JESUS.

EMBODY THE WAYS OF JESUS.

ENOUGH SAID!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

A blog to have you mostly use your imagination.....because I only took 1 pic.

Celebrating Mother's Day was special for BB and me & our spouses! 

Her son and my daughter treated us and our "joint grandboys" to nearby Deep Creek for picnic with all the fixin's! Plus, chatting, laughing, campfire s'mores and BB's lemon blueberry poundcake to take home!!

A perfect way to honor their father and mother. (Exodus 20:12)

Before the munching started, I followed the younger grand who removed his crocks & sat right in the water of the COLD creek. Nor far from him were LOTS of tadpoles on an underwater rock in the creek. 

We talked about tadpoles turning into frogs. 

I was unable to scientifically answer his question with eggs, gills or tails to answer his question, "How do they know how to do that?" 

I answered truthfully, "God made them to know how to do that!"

As we packed up to leave, a large pileated woodpecker joined our gathering. (photo by PopPop) 

A "Happy" time was had by all the mothers and their kin!

RIGHT TURN!

"RIGHT TURN" could be a directional turn that is opposite of left turn. 

In the journey of life it could be the correct turn that will have one going spiritually in the right direction.

Often times it helps when believers walk together!

Critical support in times of struggle.

Brethren, be followers together of me, (Philippians 3:17a)

Think, trust Jesus and walk with others who have the same mindset.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER 2026

National Day of Prayer!

1 Chronicles 16 suggested by First Evangelical Church 

with my "snippets of praise and petition" for today, (emphasis mine) 

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!
9 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
10 Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
11 Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
12 Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles and the judgments he uttered,

23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
    Tell of his salvation from day to day.
24 Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!
25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
    and he is to be feared above all gods.
26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
27 Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and joy are in his place.

28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
30     tremble before him, all the earth;
    yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
    and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” 
34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    for his steadfast love endures forever!

Intentional Worship teaches that God's Presence constantly calls for thanksgiving, and praise. Let's do it together today!

May we all be prompted to "Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All generations."

A perfect "prayer theme" for 2026.

CHOCOLATE DAY!

The results are in----"I am Weird" according to my family and folks who know me best. I only eat chocolate on certain days of the week. That's my discipline! AKA weird to others.

Tuesday. Thursday. One weekend day, can vary.

Never chocolate after 3pm---in whatever time zone I am located.

Do I ever "over do it" on those  days"? 

Today was one of those ('til now) rare days.

Ice Cream Station, 48 Big Cove Rd. Cherokee, NC 28719

https://icecreamstationandmore.com. 

Just look for the pink house!

Delish! Made with the cream from NC Jersey cows (Riverbend creamery) to give a naturally rich and creamy texture.

My perfect Tuesday Lunch! Yes--LUNCH! 

A waffle cone with a scoop of Mint Chocolate topped with a scoop of Rich chocolate with chocolate candies. Hubby's choice was butter pecan, the best he's ever had, topped with a scoop of toasted coconut.

In everything, give thanks! So grateful for family and friends who accept we with all my quirks.

So thankful to have found the pink house filled with the BEST ice cream ever! A fabulous "Tuesday Treat" for me!

LISTEN MORE!

 LISTEN MORE......

.......but discriminate when necessary!

Often many reels that come through on one's phone can be a waste of time. Instagram can lead one down rabbit trails. 

Look to God's Word to verify

Identify truth through Scripture

Summarize revelations

Take away fewest so as not to overwhelm

Embrace relevant parts

Nurture others with pertinent truths 

Some on-line pastor's spout self-serving messages.

Not this one. Consider words by each pastor to know his source. 

Listen closely and decide.

Pay attention to TRUTH! Truly Listen to Truth!

Psalm 143:8 is the wallpaper for my computer screen. 

A great reminder to refocus on Him anytime I open my computer!

Picture taken from my screen----I have no idea where I found it. Words below might be easier to read for those of us with "aging" eyes.

"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life,"   

MINDSET MATTERS---FILL IT UP!

Needing a refresher on the "mindset" citation for Colossians 3:2, I chose the New International Version. Think "Pithy with a Punch" for my choice with "Set" as the first word. (A transitive verb in the imperative mood acting as an action word commanding one to direct his attention toward something specific.....i.e. mind.)*

 

Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. (NIV)

I included other versions for readers to consider version that speaks to both their mind and heart!

Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. (AMP)

And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. (AMPC)

Focus your minds on the things above, not on things here on earth. (CJB)

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJ21)

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. (MSG)

Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here. (TLB)

* For my wordsmith readers.

ROCKY PATHS!

ROCKY PATHS.....

........some are worth the struggle. Some seem to lead nowhere.

Possibly learning patience in our struggles strengthens hope along the rocky paths.Hope is a much needed attribute of life. 

Think--- Mindset of hope often strengthened in our struggles comes as we lean into Him for Strength. Remember, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

Set your mind on it!

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Mindset #4 Allow struggles of life to remind us to rejoice even in our sufferings along life's rockiest paths.

God's word provides the best mindset on this Thankful Thursday!

MINDSET MATTERS #3!

"Mindset matters" for the 3rd day.....and beyond!

Awakening with a "muddled mind" this morning, I opened God's Word!

I praised! Think rejoiced in the Lord (Philippians 4:4)

I prayed & asked. Think supplication for my Wednesday Women. (in red ink) (Philippians 4:6)

I went back to God's Word. Eventually, I took a walk with my book of Philippians in hand. Picking up where I left off. At verse 7, words were "mindset" specific. "Peace to guard your heart and mind" in Christ!

Philippians 4:8 came immediately to mind---a familiar "mindset" (since March 1965, KJV) to think on these things.

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.

Perfect Mindset Words became BOLD in my mind!

"Wrap-up words" from Philippians 4:9 inspired action---

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Positive thoughts to fill my mind 

on this Wednesday Wisdom Walk! 

MINDSET MATTERS! #2

"Set my Mind, Lord."

Repetition is important in teaching! So is prayer.

Renewal of one's mind can transform one's mindset! (Romans 12:12)

Did the Preacher learn, if a mindset of wisdom doesn't give God glory it is vanity? 

Wisdom without faith is also vanity of vanities---a striving after the wind. What lies within your mind and heart counts and is visible to others in your actions.

Mindset does matter. But it's not a one-time end all. 

When all has been heard, the end of the matter is, "Fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man". (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

MINDSET MATTERS!!

Does one's mindset matter?

Be present where you are----not worrying about achieving the next thing on your to-do check list. Such things are fleeting! Transitory.  Unsatisfying. Meaningless.

Hebel (הֶבֶל) is a Hebrew word used 38x in Ecclesiastes translated as vanity, ie. "chasing after the wind" in life. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

Think striving after a vapor or mist. 

Live in the pleasant tense.

A wise man (Solomon) asks God for wisdom. (1 Kings 3:12)

Mindset does matter. 

Set your minds on things that are eternal!

LOL!

LOL---and it's not laugh out loud! 

It's my version of Language of Lament! (Think Lots of Lament)

My thrust of trust!  Too often, it's difficult to live without complaint. 

I beat myself up when I fail. If this idiom were true physically, I'd be black and blue daily. No one can criticize me or punish me more excessively than my own "self-critical" intense feeling of guilt. 

But God reminded me, through a Mark Vroegop article that part of the book of Psalms deals with the Language Of Lament. That's my LOL!

Vroegop states, A Psalm of lament "is pain that leads to trust." 

Self-criticism is never mentioned.

(No Bibliography info available on my torn out sheets)

Today for me, prayers prompted from Psalm 71 

also  focused on Vroegop's four elements of lament from Psalm 77, Psalm 22, and Psalm 13.

• Turn:---Talk to God while in Pain (Psalm 77:1-2) (I Think filled with fatigue as Psalm 71 subtitle, ESV p. 586) states, "Forsake me not when my strength is spent.")
• Complain:--Something I try not to do but Vroegop recommends as a part of Biblical lament---as one lays out the nature and depth of his.her sorrows.(Psalm 22:9-11)
• Embrace: biblical promises. (Psalm 22:9-11)
• Trust: Believe in God's trust worthiness (Psalm 13:5-6)

Mark Vroegop sees these elements as a legitimate framework for lament, a track of grief which allows a believer's prayers to move his/her journey from heartbreak to hope.