A LIFE WELL LIVED!

The celebration of "Gran Marje's" life began with a picture posted by her granddaughter, Clare.

It continued in Sunday School as her son, Rad, shared a tribute to his mother. There were tears and hugs along with lots of Scripture and memories bringing much laughter! 

Marje was an elegant lady of grace....full of love for her Lord, her family, (80+ grands, great grands and great, great grands) her church friends, and anyone else the Lord brought across her path. All who knew her know Marje is not gone; she just went to be with the Lord---and of course her Chubby & Queen Elizabeth II along with many friends, family and family in the faith who predeceased her!

3 Truths Marje lived by and shared with family...

1. In everything give thanks. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
2. I have learned whatever state I'm in therewith to be content...for I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11, 13)
3. And we know all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Together we shared a love of books and I still have many with her inscription as to why I would love each book!

Seeing her recently in Sunday School (she didn't miss a Sunday even as her maladies increased these past two months) she called me her "miracle girl."

She often called me that and it's a moniker I cherish as it meant she had prayed for me during some difficult times. 

Her prayers spread far and wide. Now she is face to face with the One who heard all her prayers!

Rad shared that as he was at her side as she drew her last two breaths, she smiled during both of them.

Such an example of a life well lived---'til her last breaths.

GRANDPARENTS' DAY!

Grandparents' Day! What a privilege! 

How many grandkids do you have you might ask. Well.....not all are mine by blood. All are mine in Spirit. 

James 1:27 has become a "lifesong" for orphans and widows. Regardless of the version in Scripture James 1:27, expresses  caring for orphans and widows in their troubles is pure and undefiled before God. 

A paraphrase says, "One of the purest and most undefiled demonstrations of the gospel is to move towards hard places and broken people, not away from them."

A daughter and a dear friend both do that. 

Sometimes I'm blessed to join the action. I received lots of treats!

 

Next time, I'll have to drive to North Carolina for a Grandparents' Day!

PRAYER SUPPORT!

Prayer support! Where does one find that?

"At the foot of the cross," many would say!

Others sing:

"What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear, What a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer!"

The BMH lobby sign says, "Bring your prayers to the Cross."

That's the prayer support one needs---to have a prayer friend/intercessor for our discouragement, sorrows, trials and temptations.

No specific direction given----anytime night or day......fill free to bring all prayer

requests to the cross and place them anywhere you desire! 

God all meet you there.

PREFIXES

Choose your prefixes carefully. 

For example, ""un" means "not."

Think. What happens when lawful is replaced by unlawful? 

A life-changing decision.  A prison sentence maybe. Followed by regret.

Just 2 simple letters added. Some by choice. Others not.

Healthy. Unhealthy.

Disciplined. Undisciplined. Apple or caramel? 

Hmmm....maybe a caramel apple. Is that a "worthy" compromise? Maybe occasionally.

Our choices matter this side of heaven. 

Forgiving is always the right choice!

An unforgiving spirit brings bondage. It can act like a poison to your soul.

Forgiveness gives life.

Cancel the debt; write a blank check of forgiveness.

Transform your unforgiving spirit to forgiving. Throw out the "un"--it's not needed. 

Turn that anger and hurt into healing and peace.

Jesus did. With Him, there is always forgiveness for His beloved----no prefix ever needed.

BLESSINGS IN THE NIGHT!

Surreptitiously they came. In the dark of night!

Four furtive friends..3 sneaky kids & 1 driver/mama.

But the ears of the victim were alert to the sounds of singing!

Their pursuit was foiled.

CAUGHT in the act of blessing with balloons and handmade cards!

SURPRISE! 

WAIT A MINUTE.....

.......Which side was more surprised? The Blessers or the Bless-ee?

Does it matter? 

Blessings abounded in both directions with kisses and hugs all around as laughter and dancing were mixed in. (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!

God did save Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022 when He welcomed her into heaven! Saved her for eternity with Him.

What a blessing!

I loved hearing them singing Psalm 23 at St. Giles' Cathedral in Scotland---as part of "her" plan to be followed after her passing.

I have known a few people who have met the Queen and new King Charles but my favorite connection is that of Dr. Chubby Andrews and  his wife and family. His son Dr. Rad Andrews teaches our Sunday School class. I recall at Chubby's funeral that his family received condolences from the gatekeeper of the Queen!

Thx Drew Holcomb for that tweet. I loved remembering the story. It's a great read!

Thanks be to God who "saved" the Queen for His glory!

MORE GRACE AND MERCY!

Thanks to Allen Bible Church for the reminder during this time of need for so many, me included!

SMILES! SMILES!! SMILES!!! SMILES!!!!

2 sisters on the way to school---first year in middle school and first year in pre-school. 

1 note

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” -Isaiah 41:13  NIV

1 pic with a verse 

From a friend who doesn't even know I am having a big test today!

2+1+1=4

4 big reasons to smile!

GRACE & MERCY!

Grace and mercy. Two road signs I choose to follow! How about you?

God's grace through Jesus is greater than all our sins! His mercies are new every morning! I know because I prayed thru the characteristics of God this morning as I exercised.

Anyway you say it, with whichever term you use, mercy and grace are both attributes of love. God's love! 

I want to stay on their paths, especially when those street signs are so obviously needed in my life.

For my "Wednesday Wordsmiths"............

Recently, I read that mercy and grace are 2 sides of the same coin!

Mercy withholds (intentional or unintentional) deserved punishment; grace endows unmerited favor. Greek word for mercy is eleos (pity and compassion); the Greek word for grace is charis (favor)

Mercy is compassionate love to the weak, and grace is generous love to the

unworthy. Humans are weak and unworthy - we all need God's mercy and grace. Mercy takes us to the path of forgiveness while grace leads us to reconcilliation.

(https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-the-difference-between-grace-and-mercy.html)

CELEBRATE READING!

    Read a Book! With encouragement and permission!! TODAY!!!

Thanks for the reminder from dear friend and author, Michèle Phoenix, whose books I would read any day!