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! 

STRICKLY SOUTHERN... OR NOT!

How does one know they are in the South? Usually it's when a "native" southerner opens his mouth. "Idinit" true!

Chitterlings and neck bones and sweet tea on a menu board could be another clue.

Jevver hear such!

Once one gets passed the joking, there's lots to appreciate about the place where God has placed you---be it north, south, east or west. Whether there's chitterlings or chateaubriand on your plate. 

From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. (Acts 17:26)

What was God's reasoning for this one might ask.

God did this so they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. (Acts 17:27)

Regardless of where one lives, as "God's offspring" (Acts:17:29) may he or she remember..."in Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28a) with a cuppa, cappuccino or a glass of sweet tea! May there always be kindness in your cup as you serve others.

OBIT! OBIT!! OBITS!!!

It's that time of life---at least for us! Three funerals in the last three days.

Last month there were 2 others we were unable to attend.

One was live-streamed which I so appreciated!

The beauty of the live-stream was that we not only saw our friend's family during the recessional but we were able to sing along as the words were on our screen. Gripping words. Beautiful words.

God teaches us in His word that our days are numbered. In Psalm 90 Moses prays, the value of knowing our days are numbered....."that we might gain a heart of wisdom." 

We might miss those who have passed on but to the Lord, but "precious in the sight of the Lord are the death of His saints; devoted, faithful servants, godly ones,  loved ones, righteous ones.(Psalm 116:15) regardless of the translation one uses.

Precious

יָ֭קָר (yā·qār)

in the sight

בְּעֵינֵ֣י (bə·‘ê·nê)

of the LORD

יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)

[is] the death

הַ֝מָּ֗וְתָה (ham·mā·wə·ṯāh)

of His saints.

לַחֲסִידָֽיו׃ (la·ḥă·sî·ḏāw) 

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?