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!