CLOSET COLLECTION!

Drizzly beginning to the day. Three tries to procure the right clothes for a much needed early (9am) morning walk. 

Decision making is not my strong suit. Emotional struggles can be more difficult than physical. How does one dress appropriately for each new day? Regardless of the weather or emotions?

Therein lies the question! 

The correct answer was a spiritual one. 

"Put on" a new self. Wear the clothing of Christ---humility and love each new day.

When one seeks the things above, one's mind becomes set on things above, appropriate apparel for all days. 

When I opened my closet door I had affirmation on the chest inside.

God's got this!

WHERE ARE YOU HEADED?

Do you sometimes feel at your wits end as if your falling headlong into the deep?

This signage reminded me of that question from a long ago journal entry.

I'm not even sure what this signage indicates. It certainly caught me off guard as it reflected those long ago feelings mixed with today's realities.

The answer 36 years ago, 13 years ago, 2 years ago and the answer now are the same.

God is with us.....regardless of the outcome.

This mirror which I see daily as I get our of bed was delivered by Art Bouck who was in Switzerland per a Hans Schaefer request from Michele Phoenix at the Black Forest Academy in Germany, has attested to that truth for over 13 years.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.(Isaiah 41:10)

 Ask self, "Where am I headed?

LIFE'S CHALLENGES

We all have our mountains to climb. Challenges and struggles in our daily lives.

For our "little nugget" it seems like play.....but his physical therapist said he needs this challenge each day to aid him in standing with stability, walking more than just 1 or 2 steps, and even squatting,

 The climb to the top might be easier with encouragers cheering along side BUT without doing it for him.

It's just so important to call down from the summit to those below in order to encourage them in their own struggles---that they, too, may see clearly how the climb is worth the struggle. (Michele Phoenix)

There will be applause from heaven or in the case of a child, who speaks "Jack-anese", applause from a loving family. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

"Special-TEA"

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)

All of us have our specialty (or speciality as the Brits (Princes) who are in Memphis for a weekend wedding would say). Those distinctive qualities are what make us unique. Art, music, even culinary expertise or physical prowess can set us apart from others, especially for those who fine tune these God-given traits.
In the spiritual realm, such aptitude takes on the term giftedness as the  characteristic is used to bless others.
A gift given by God, "fanned into flame" and passed on to others, often in the form of encouragement.
A God-given talent---a "special-TEA" to be served to others.

Not a recipient of the creative gift of "voice," I stand in awe of those who are---and even more so when they use this gift to serve the Lord. Such are the Phoenix ladies, mother Sally and daughter Michèle. who not only are blessed with this gift but share it with others. They minister around the world in any way needed---music, theater, culinary, MKs, writing, divorcee's, widows, other singles & ME!!

My only specialty, not exactly spiritual, but used to bless those who are, is to sniff out unusual "southern" food places and introduce their speciali-TEAS to others, who are not native to the region.

 Deep Fried Brownie Sundae at Puckett's Grocery
Blue Ribbon winner at the Southern Fried Festival
Yes, that's bacon on top.

Special-TEAS---we all have our own cuppa to pour out into the lives of others, especially those who are of the household of faith!