Above all, hold unfailing your love for one another, (1 Peter 4:8a, RSV)
Showing posts with label Widows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Widows. Show all posts
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
MINDSET MATTERS #3!
"Mindset matters" for the 3rd day.....and beyond!
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!
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)
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!
Monday, July 28, 2025
BUT GOD.....1
Blue skies. Green trees. Milder temps.
All magnified by a phrase from God's word on a car in the parking lot.
Walking slowly holding hubby's arm and praying for friends who last week were labeled wives and this week are leaning into the LORD even more as widows who will be attending the funeral of their late husbands this week.
Though all around them circumstances have changed, both have clearly understood the importance of "but God" who in His love and mercy has provided many prayerful saints as their prayer warriors and helpers.
O Lord continue to be their "refuge and the strength of their heart and portion forever."
Monday, August 14, 2017
CHOOSE: RSVP
I don't remember what all the fancy french words are for that acronym---I just understand what it means. In southern speak, it means just let us know whether or not you are coming.
This morning as I was checking an invite, my eyes were open to "see" more than that. To see what my widow ladies seem to invite me to do weekly, more so when homebound.
Reach Someone Very Personally.
They are that someone and they want more than my baked goodies, phone call or card.
They want my time. They want me. In the flesh.
They want my time. They want me. In the flesh.
Isn't that what we all want from friends? Especially when we are lonely.
Today, may I do that as God leads. It is more than ministry, it's a privilege. (James 1:27)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Home Alone
8/14/10 To some this phrase brings delightful anticipation. To many it brings sadness, fear and dread. To others, a calm resolve of acceptance.
For the last few days, I have been a member of the first group. My quiet house is a refuge---no one home but me. That’s a big contrast to last week’s hub-bub. (Which I also loved.) With everyone gone, even hubby, I’m going to milk it for all it’s worth. I’m going to enjoy “no cooking” needed---I can recycle pantry and fridge items for days. I plan on sleeping without a fan---hubby needs the noise to block the tinnitus induced ringing in his ears. I will not select channel 827 on the remote (PGA GOLF)---I probably won’t even turn on the TV. I can pray aloud and sing (a joyful noise) without worrying about being derisively labeled a “happy-clappy.”
Yet, I know I can feel this way because my “aloneness” is temporary and times of separation can be good. I have seen couples struggle when both retire and neither is ever home alone. Mother used to say she married Daddy for better or for worse but not for lunch----lunch/daytime was her time.
Others are facing a life of “home alone.” Just last week, high school chum, Candy Harned Wynn lost her hubby, Jack, only 7 months after onset of an illness. Her’s is not temporary. Her’s is not by choice. Yet, she has sought the only one who can comfort her in her time of aloneness. In an e-mail yesterday she wrote, “There were so many blessings throughout this whole journey, special "gifts" that gave us such encouragement, hope and affirmation that God was present with us every step of the way. I truly hope to share those with you someday in the near future.” Candy knows the God who “will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
My “home alone” time is not only temporary in nature, but also short in time frame. I know that the one who does dishes (a lot), listens to my laments and rubs not only my back but also my feet will soon be coming home. That makes this aloneness different from loneliness. I am not lonely, just alone---that’s a lot more bearable.
Plus, if I do get lonely I can always go turn on the golf channel loud enough so that I can still hear it when I leave the room. Then it will seem like I am no longer “home alone.”
For the last few days, I have been a member of the first group. My quiet house is a refuge---no one home but me. That’s a big contrast to last week’s hub-bub. (Which I also loved.) With everyone gone, even hubby, I’m going to milk it for all it’s worth. I’m going to enjoy “no cooking” needed---I can recycle pantry and fridge items for days. I plan on sleeping without a fan---hubby needs the noise to block the tinnitus induced ringing in his ears. I will not select channel 827 on the remote (PGA GOLF)---I probably won’t even turn on the TV. I can pray aloud and sing (a joyful noise) without worrying about being derisively labeled a “happy-clappy.”
Yet, I know I can feel this way because my “aloneness” is temporary and times of separation can be good. I have seen couples struggle when both retire and neither is ever home alone. Mother used to say she married Daddy for better or for worse but not for lunch----lunch/daytime was her time.
Others are facing a life of “home alone.” Just last week, high school chum, Candy Harned Wynn lost her hubby, Jack, only 7 months after onset of an illness. Her’s is not temporary. Her’s is not by choice. Yet, she has sought the only one who can comfort her in her time of aloneness. In an e-mail yesterday she wrote, “There were so many blessings throughout this whole journey, special "gifts" that gave us such encouragement, hope and affirmation that God was present with us every step of the way. I truly hope to share those with you someday in the near future.” Candy knows the God who “will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
My “home alone” time is not only temporary in nature, but also short in time frame. I know that the one who does dishes (a lot), listens to my laments and rubs not only my back but also my feet will soon be coming home. That makes this aloneness different from loneliness. I am not lonely, just alone---that’s a lot more bearable.
Plus, if I do get lonely I can always go turn on the golf channel loud enough so that I can still hear it when I leave the room. Then it will seem like I am no longer “home alone.”
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Mo Lips---
3/7/10 ….no “mo” lips’ stories. I’ve learned my lesson.
Have you ever made a serious sensitivity faux pas? Recently Larry and I (under duress) had our picture made for the church directory. It was relatively painless except Larry said I needed to relax so I wouldn’t look constipated. You get the idea of the trauma I was under.
After our couple pose, the photographer wanted to do a single shot of me. I, (with my"cancer mouth" surgery scars) less than graciously, declined. To make matters worse, we then went back out to the “holding” area to wait a turn to preview the pix. I and my big mouth (1/2 of it is big, anyway) preceded to announce that I declined to take the individual shot. “Why would anyone want a single picture of this old lady?” I asked in a somewhat deprecating manner. I guess I could use it as a coffin picture I jokingly said. Then I looked across the aisle at a precious, godly widow who no longer had someone to join her in her photo. I wanted to crawl under the chair. Where was my sensitivity? This world doesn’t revolve around my face and my surgeries---a mind’s eye photo of self-preoccupation loomed large and ugly.
That emotional shock really came home to me last week as I received the 8x10 picture in the mail. (At first, it loomed large and ugly to me.) I even saw Larry wince as he looked at it. But, it’s not about my semi-incorrectly aligned mouth any more. It’s about gratitude. I’m grateful that I don’t need a coffin picture yet. I’m grateful that God forgave my insensitivity faux pas. I’m grateful for life lessons taught by a loving God and embraced by a forgiving widow.
Have you ever made a serious sensitivity faux pas? Recently Larry and I (under duress) had our picture made for the church directory. It was relatively painless except Larry said I needed to relax so I wouldn’t look constipated. You get the idea of the trauma I was under.
After our couple pose, the photographer wanted to do a single shot of me. I, (with my"cancer mouth" surgery scars) less than graciously, declined. To make matters worse, we then went back out to the “holding” area to wait a turn to preview the pix. I and my big mouth (1/2 of it is big, anyway) preceded to announce that I declined to take the individual shot. “Why would anyone want a single picture of this old lady?” I asked in a somewhat deprecating manner. I guess I could use it as a coffin picture I jokingly said. Then I looked across the aisle at a precious, godly widow who no longer had someone to join her in her photo. I wanted to crawl under the chair. Where was my sensitivity? This world doesn’t revolve around my face and my surgeries---a mind’s eye photo of self-preoccupation loomed large and ugly.
That emotional shock really came home to me last week as I received the 8x10 picture in the mail. (At first, it loomed large and ugly to me.) I even saw Larry wince as he looked at it. But, it’s not about my semi-incorrectly aligned mouth any more. It’s about gratitude. I’m grateful that I don’t need a coffin picture yet. I’m grateful that God forgave my insensitivity faux pas. I’m grateful for life lessons taught by a loving God and embraced by a forgiving widow.
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