SPECIAL ONES!

Some kids are seen as special!

These last few months, I have encountered one who is special beyond measure. His smile is the biggest and brightest I have seen whether in a school play, leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the Special Olympics, running or throwing shot put at several track meets.....even seeing his picture at the prom in the town paper.

 Did I mention he waves every time he sees hubby and me!

At the most recent track event, I saw his backpack open with its contents spilling out----there on the ground was the special evidence of who and whose he is.

His black spoon is part of his everyday ID. He has it with him during his classes as he changes rooms or goes to lunch or track practice. He had it with him on the stage in all 6 productions of the Wizard of Oz. He probably had it in the pocket of his pink vest he wore to prom but I don't know that for sure. According to his friends, the spoon is always with him like a part of him!

His true ID is shown in the Bible he carries everywhere. A backpack essential. I know because he told me that God helps him because he knows His Son, Jesus! 

How special is that?! Enough said!

GRADUATION: KINDERGARTEN STYLE!

KDG GRADS----SO MUCH STILL TO LEARN! Yet, so fun to watch the event---when it's one of your grands!  

Invitations were digital but appreciated.

Kids' sensibilities were respected! When names were called by the teacher to receive one's diploma, they could be last in line and choose to give a hug or a "high five" to principal/teacher. 

Guess who fit all aspects of those choices?

May we, Lord, as loving family of our young ones, share your steadfast love. May we also show gratitude for the teachers who care for and spend hours of planning for the individual lessons needed per child.

Father God, You know the plans You have for them. "Grace plans" from tears to shed and struggles to experience in order to trust you more and serve others well. We might have to keep our knees-bent for many years ahead to keep our over-controlling hands off.....choosing to embrace and encourage instead. 

Today's graduation bulletin had more than only the schedule for the service!

It had an eye-opening salute to the next graduation for these kids. 

A reminder to embrace our moments with our youngsters as many of us are in a season of life that might hinder our attendance in 12 years!

SLPPING AND SLOSHING!

A RAINY DAY---weather can be a deterrent for one who is on a cane and "not in the mood" to get drenched.

But God in His love and mercy had us in route. We grabbed an umbrella & stayed the course. (Ephesians 2:4)

It became more of an auditory walk----we heard raindrops and splashes with every step. We began to savor those quiet moments wrapped in rain. 

We even took our umbrella down to relish our sense of touch.

How grateful for a new "walk" perspective---muscle mass might not have been improved but my spirit was. 

I felt like singing in the rain----what a happy refrain....."singin' just singin' in the rain." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

SOVEREIGNTY!

SOVEREIGNTY, even for this Kentucky miss, is not a race horse!

For me, sovereignty is the royal rank of God in my life. He is my all in all!

I rest in His truth.

Today's devotional reminded me to "Relax in God's Sovereignty."

It was an AH-HA moment! He is with me. He goes before me. (Psalm 46:10)

During this season of medical maladies, remembering His words of truth are one's  best medicine. Soothing ointments. Balm of Truth!

GOD'S MERCY

Some days are a stay in one's jammies all day kind od day. 

Two days ago was such a day for me. Was that a "bad" thing for me to do? I certainly berated myself for each nap I needed.

Even though I was beyond being physically pooped, I certainly wore the guilt robe throughout the day!

But God in his love and mercy has us reading from the Allen Bible Church reading plan each night.

That night, April 30, had us reading from 1 Samuel 16!

When we got to verse 7, I knew I had been exonerated. Staying in one's "PJs" is not a crime. In spiritual terms, I could forgive myself because God does not look at one's outward appearance but at one's heart.

Hallelujah!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAY............................

So grateful for this day designated by US Congress when our country observes  a time for our people to turn to God in prayer and meditation. Memorable times for me have been in the pews at FEC, around the flag pole with students at Houston High School and at a cathedral in Albuquerque, NM with Okie Dokie and CharChar.

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13 NASB)

Above fave verse for focus on this National Day of Prayer!

ROAD TO NOWHERE!

The road to nowhere is a road no one needs to be on in his/her spiritual life. How do i know!? The Bible tells me so! It is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one as well! A faith path.  

It's a journey with a heavenly destination yet often includes struggles, and hardships along the way which we must embrace with the joyous ones. God's word gives us the wisdom to navigate all of life.

His word gives the "light" needed.

It might be a bit rocky at times....but Christ is the solid rock on which stand.

There is a "road to nowhere" in Bryson City not far from our home.  Somehow I only looked in as I didn't like the darkness even though we had a flashlight. The floor was muddy thus too slippery for a gal with a cane!

One must be cautious to choose the right roads in life!

As Jesus Calling reminds us on this National Day of Prayer, we are on the path of God's choosing. Every moment walking with Him leaves no time for worry as His Spirit directs our steps to walk along the path of peace. (Luke 1:79)

TABLESCAPE OF PRAYER!

Some days can be harder than others and I have to go back to bed right after my morning cuppa! This morning was one of those days. I returned to bed for a 4 hour snooze. (...a bit longer than Gilligan's 3 hour tour)

I might still be a sleep if hubby had not awakened me at 11:15 am to check my pulse. When I went into the kitchen I saw a very welcoming sight......much like spiritual sky-writing.

I sat at the small table by our eastern window and was greeted by a large greeting straight from heaven.

I didn't even need to leave the table to go to my prayer chair. I sat right there with a glass of my iced tea, Bible and  my prayer journal......warmed by sunshine from heaven.....in His very Presence!

A great reminder of National Day of Prayer coming tomorrow, 5/1/2025.  

I can begin early!

A perfect  tablescape for National Day of Prayer prep!

 28,490 days old according to hhis NY family!

Oh what a day!

FRIDAY FOCUS!

How does one keep his/her "balance" in life, both spiritual and physical?

Steps that are steady and sure are needed in the whirlwind of today's culture!

What is one to do?

Jesus has the answer.....He is the Answer!

 fix your eyes on me (Hebrews  2:12)

Enough said!