Message received yesterday from Sarah Young's family. 

It's like sadness to gladness and back again.

Here's part of my response---because when I don't know how to express deep emotions, I turn to God's Word.

John 7:38, my paraphrase

I am sure all the family would appreciate prayers for strength and comfort during this time....her husband, daughter and son and their spouses, and her 6 grandchildren.

Sarah Young, whose life was served a cuppa fragili-TEA and frail-TEA, sweetened it with a heaping spoonful of faith and trust in Jesus and poured it out to others as a cuppa mo-TEA-vation to re-vi-TEA-lize their faith in Jesus.

To God be the glory!

positivi-TEA: A FRIDAY FOCUS

Positivity---I'm not talking conjuring up thoughts as you unfold your body from a yoga bend or depend on your own might. I'm talking about a lifestyle as a Jesus follower which allows others to be encouraged as they see Christ in you.

Is it a mindset? I think of it as a discipline. A choice made easier for me to make as I'm in the presence of those who already practice positivity and allow it to spill over to me. 

Or chat and pray with me over a cuppa.....of positivi-TEA.

Pic from my cuppa file

Ten years and one week ago today, August 25, 2013, a cuppa positive-TEA happened in my life in a special way.

Friend and prayer warrior, Sarah Young served me tea. But.....she served me much more than that. 

We lingered. 

She listened. Sarah is good at that. 

She comforted. She encouraged.

She exuded positivity, tailored for me. 

She was radiant. She shared how to take refuge in Him, never omitting pains and struggles but sharing coping strategies in a way that blessed me beyond measure. 

Sarah has prayed daily for years for those who read her books. Many us have been blessed by her writings as she, being still before the LORD and seeking the truth from his Word, has shared with us. 

I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. Oh, taste and see the LORD is good!  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:4–5, 8)

This is a a positive, encouraging verse of peace, joy and hope for Sarah.

Won't you join me in praying it for herald her and her family? 

Positivi-TEA---a great cuppa shared.

**I received this message from Sarah's family.

Thank you for prayers. Sarah graduated to heaven yesterday at 5:31 and in the presence of Jesus. 

I sought the LORD

GOD'S WAY......STEEP PATHS INCLUDED!

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk ye in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

Paths have descents as well as ascents. May faith never falter when the path becomes rocky and steep and our strength falters. 

Note Steep Path Signage. 

Don't miss warning signs in your own life.

Choose to walk, or even "dance" hand in hand, every step of the way with God along the path he has has planned for you.His plan is key--unique for you. Depend on that.

 

A path to love Him more and serve others well. (Titus 3:14)

May your (and my) ears continue to hear and follow, even if the trail is steep!

WORSHIPFUL WONDER!

God's creative wonder through my kitchen window can have me bowing in worship.

A new fledgling of bluebirds flitting back and forth for their mealworms.

A hairy woodpecker and goldfinch at the suet cakes.

A Carolina chickadee on the swing.

A new visitor--a house finch* with his red tuft caught in the sunlight.

Focusing on his creation by simply looking out my window, allows me "NOT to get tangled up in tomorrow's worry-webs," as Sarah Young reminds me. (Jesus Listens November 17)

Wonder of Wonders! Right outside my kitchen window! 

Worthy of Worship for their creator!

*Friend Anne B. said the little yellow bird might be a ruby crowned kinglet.Thx for the info! 

GRAPPLING WITH GRACE

Do you grapple with grace? Not the refinement of movement grace but the acceptance of unmerited goodwill grace. God given grace. Grace one doesn't have to work for or earn but......accept. Susan D. my discipler/mentor saw in me a works-centered struggle, like in no other of her acquaintances. Why do I work so hard for approval from others or God's approval? From God, it's a free gift. 

Sarah Young's words describe Jesus' garment of grace as a robe of His righteousness with which He covers us from head to toe.  (Jesus Listens, January 24, p. 25) The robe's color is blood red. The ultimate free gift of salvation for those who accept it.

Is that kind of grace in your vocabulary? What is your native tongue? More importantly what is your spiritual language?

GRACE

Be fluent in the language of grace. In today's culture grace is somewhat of a foreign language. Grace is the antithesis of our self-centered expressions.....whether communicating through words, gestures or actions. Allow others to see and hear your language of grace! (2 Corinthians 8:7)

BRACE FOR GRACE as you wait expectantly to see God's hand at work in those hard places life sends.

EMBRACE GRACE.....at every place.

Draw near with confidence at His THRONE OF GRACE! (Hebrews 4:16)

GET GRACE TO EXTEND GRACE!

GRAB GRACE.....don't let it pass you by because of guilt. 

PROPEL GRACE to others. (Jim Fleming, 1/23/22)

EXCEL IN GRACE & GRAPPLE NO MORE!

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE NEW YEAR'S DAY....

......of course, at our house, New Year's Day looks virtually the same every year. 

All the Christmas decorations are down---that's a Gigi rule. (Mother)

Familiar.........from prayer chair with new devotional guides. 

Starting with...

Rose Parade.....Theme: Dream. Believe. Achieve.

I dream this: Rise. Shine. Read.

I believe this.....Jesus Teaches!

Greens, Blacked-eyed Peas & Cornbread

Jesus Listens for morning prayer and evening gratitude journal, Dear God, today I am thankful for.

From beginning to end, it's the way New Year's day is in this traditional Southern household!