Choices???

1/25/11 Choices, mental or emotional? What made me choose the rich Bellagio hot chocolate (with whipped cream, no less) along with the cinnamon sugar sprinkled toast fingers made from Front Street’s Big Ono Bake Shop’s delicious butter rolls?
I chose them over the oatmeal, grapefruit and green tea.
In the 70s, Flip Wilson used to declare, “The devil made me do it!” It is a lot easier to “blame” others for our poor choices, even old Satan himself. Easier than taking responsibility for our own actions. I can even rationalize that the weather made me do it? Cold and snowy. Such conditions seem to call for something warm. Hm-m-m isn’t oatmeal with a “cuppa” green tea warm enough? Maybe it was my body’s craving for sugar, which admittedly is fairly prevalent lately. Regardless of the excuses, according to WW points or any other dietary programs, I made a poor choice.

So what do I do? Sticking my finger down my throat is not an appealing option to me. This choice has literally made me sick---too much sugar, maybe. It has just gotten me down. So, what’s next?

Do I metaphorically pick “myself up, dust myself off and start all over again?” Those lyrics, from an old song Mother used to sing, are about someone struggling to dance and seem most appropriate for one who dubs her life a “dance.”

Belt of Truth

1/24/11 Buckle up folks of faith---If we’re going to stand firm and hold our ground in the struggles of life we face, we need to put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6: 10-17) God’s word is a part of that body armor. Today, because it’s Monday, we’re going to “put on” the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:4a (w/different versions included to aid your meditation)

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, (NIV)

So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist, (Message)

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor, (NLT)

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth KJV

THOTS (Trusting Him On This Scripture)---God’s Word is His revealed truth. Is that the truth referred to here? Is it the belt of truth that holds everything else together? How about truthfulness in my own life? Is “standing” an aspect of practicing the truth that I do know? Does my lifestyle reflect His truth? Is knowing and understanding God’s truth the best defense for fighting those battles in my mind? Is “truth,” in and of itself, all the protection one needs? I think not. I think we need action with knowledge, thus the imperative to “stand” with the belt of truth. What do you think?

Kingly Prayers Needed

1/23/10 The Kate-William betrothal is on every one’s tongue. A royal wedding is planned this spring for Prince William and “commoner” Kate Middleton. “First Commoner to Marry Heir to Throne in 350 Years” is how the Atlanta Journal Constitution put it. It’s big news not only because everyone loves a royal wedding but because he is 2nd in line to the throne of one of the most powerful countries in the world. He could presumably be seated on the throne within my (and your) lifetime. That’s big. Big because though the monarch's authority over the Church of England is not strong, the position is still very relevant to the church. Possibly prayer could connect the monarch and the church in more than a symbolic capacity. That would be really BIG.
So what should one pray for a future king? Years ago, I purchased a Common Book of Prayer for a mere £1, from a little antique store in Horley, England.

The Book of Common Prayer is a permanent feature of the Church of England's worship, much loved for its beautiful language and its source for rituals and ceremonies. Since this book is a model and inspiration for worship throughout England and is also foundational for the tradition of common prayer for morning and evening, I thought this would be a good place to begin praying. These prayers, now even available on-line, are taken from scripture and some are the confessional prayers of King David himself in Psalm 51. The apostles’creed and Lord’s prayer are included as well.

Though the copy I have includes prayers for King George, Prince William’s great-great grandfather, my prayer is that the future King and his betrothed will add prayer to their daily agendas. Maybe just picking up The Common Book of Prayer will be a good, familiar place to start. Praying together could certainly be a great beginning for their own relationship as well as preparation for the future monarchy. Long live King Jesus!

Kingly Prayers

1/20/11 Years ago when I first joined a group of gals for a Bible Study, the “leader” (that’s using the term loosely) began with prayer. We all took turns leading from a prescribed text without much Bible knowledge to back us up, so prayer was a very smart place to start. That night in the small den on Swan Ridge Circle someone asked where Hezekiah was in the Bible. Several gals thumbed furiously through their Bibles assuming that Hezekiah was a book in the Old Testament. I having barely enough knowledge to find the Old Testament just sat there. As it turned out, I’m glad I did because together we all discovered that Hezekiah was a king, not a book in the Bible. I learned a lot that night about how limited I was in Bible knowledge.
This past Monday night at BSF, when Hezekiah was discussed I was immediately taken back to that previous time of embarrassment. Yet, I didn’t stay in that frame of mind. I was grateful for the Lord’s patience with me and for the tremendous Bible teaching I have been offered since those humiliating beginnings. So, I prayed that the Lord would teach me the truth he had for me through this “side” lesson on Hezekiah in Isaiah 37.

The Lord taught me how Hezekiah prayed----
laying his enemy’s words before the Lord (v.14),
with a focus in his prayer of:

• who God is….the God of Israel… (v.16),
  
• God’s uniqueness…a God who hears….the living God (v.17),
  
• a real God not like a god made by work of men’s hands (v.19)
  
• a true God to whom Hezekiah can make petition for deliverance.
  

Isaiah, the prophet, then sent word to Hezekiah from the Lord, the God of Israel….”Because you have prayed to me….” And He gave the answer.

All of this had me asking: Do I spread out everything before the Lord? Am I preoccupied with His greatness and glory when I pray or do I just ask and ask and ask?
God is teaching me that the heart of prayer is knowing Him and acknowledging His greatness, not personal petitions.

Hezekiah was a king and his prayers were kingly because he prayed to the King of Kings. Further study this week took me to the book of Kings, which is in the Old Testament, and relates to Hezekiah’s reign. When I opened my NAS Bible to II Kings 18, I found highlights from that study 30+ years ago when a gracious God helped me not only find Hezekiah but also helped me find a deeper personal relationship with the King of Kings.

PATHLESS IN MEMPHIS

1/17/11 Old Testament folks took to winding paths (Judges 5:6) and paths that lead nowhere….paths of all who forget God. (Job 6:18 & 8:13) I felt that way last week---wandering off path---sometimes just walking in circles, unable to see the right path----NOT the path of life. That path is sure whether I make a few deviations in my daily walk of not. I just didn’t seem to be on the best path---though I had more time available to spend with the Lord.

One day I had a glorious 4 hr. time but the rest of the time with Him seemed to be relegated to “time leftover” status. I was focused on self-stuff---a seemingly endless check list of completing projects, saving money, clearing clutter, family worries, doctor’s appointments, etc.

“Come, let us go 
up to the mountain of the LORD, (i.e. to a place for meditation) to the temple of the God of Jacob. (Why? So that He can teach us.) He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” (Isaiah 2:3) (We can’t walk it if we don’t clearly see/know His way.)

I like the verb tense here as Psalm 16:11 is quoted in Acts. It is indeed past tense for me because He has already made His path known to me---I just have to reconnect with Him so that He can refill me as I joyfully sit in His presence---not just marking off the time.

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ (Acts 2:28)

REAR VIEW REFLECTIONS

1/16/11 What’s in your “rear view” reflections of life? Pain? Disappointment? Fear? For those of us with cancer in our rear view mirror, we have to be careful. 
Just like in driving, we have to use our rear view mirror as a quick indicator of the next right thing. We don’t keep looking in the rear view mirror as we thrust forward. The results could be disastrous, even life threatening. For me this last week, it’s been a real temptation to do more than glance at my past---my cancer past. Maybe it’s because it’s been two years ago this month that my MAC Journey began.

Yet, though I know for preventative reasons, I need to continually be aware, I also know that it’s unhealthy to “dwell” on those thoughts. We can’t live a healthy life living in the past. Nor can we enjoy the present and future if our view is skewed by our rear view. Thoughts of cancer reoccurrences can really skew ones view.

Yesterday’s Jesus Calling reminded me that it’s all about focus. “If you gaze too long at the myriad of problems around you (past or present, Dotsy) you will sink under the weight…..”

A quote in my Bible attributed to Fran says, “Gaze on Jesus; glance at all else.” That is worthy of reflection.

Forgive Me....

1/14/11 Forgiving Fridays are easier to write about than to practice. Yesterday I semi-publically (is that a euphemism for a public of fewer than 5) made a comment that I very much regretted. It wasn’t exactly the words as much as the implication---the slight rolling of the eyes. It was the skepticism in my heart. I should have been rejoicing at the comment that someone was attending church.
CONVICTION had me return later in the day and ask forgiveness of the one whose comment I was somehow questioning. She was very gracious and said she hadn’t thought a thing about it. She did accept my forgiveness.
Now the next phase has entered, I can’t seem to forgive myself. I keep taking it around the block with me---can’t let it go----beating myself up about it. Is it fear of what others must think of me as I have shown my sinful self? Pride? Is there more I am to do?
God said do you believe my Word, Dotsy? I forgive you.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9)

Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. (Micah 7:18)

Forgive me Lord. Forgive me for not taking you at your Word and relishing your forgiveness and mercy, thereby forgiving myself.

Yearly Check-Up ✔

1/12/11 There are clear indicators that today is THE day----females of all ages can appreciate the meaning of the “yearly check up.”

Legs shaved--✔ (pits too)

Teeth brushed, even tongue ✔ (not sure why, he doesn’t look in my mouth*)

Breath mints close by ✔ (just in case nerves bring on bad breath)

Lingerie coordinated ✔ (only the hook in the curtained area sees these, but it’s part of the routine)

Pre-visit diet of “plain” foods ✔ (Don’t want to embarrass self on the table)

Anything else would be TMI so I’ll end my checklist. Besides more than just the mental dread of “stirrups looming” and the anticipation of pain, there is the ensuing panic (of being found out) brought on by answering those questions.

• Any weight changes? No comment. (Scared /dreading to face the scales----knowing that every piece of Christmas fudge & divinity would join me there.)
  
• Meds? Are you taking your calcium & multi-vitamin? Well……sometimes. (rationalization offered that the Centrum silver (for old ladies) makes my stomach hurt.)
  
• Exercise? Hm-m-m….does chasing 6 little boys under the age of 8 count?

I can rationalize and make excuses for all the questions asked during this yearly “physical” check-up, just like I could if I were taking a yearly spiritual check-up. I would dread admitting that I’ve put some “heavy” stuff in my mind that would not be nourishing. I would have to admit that the sometimes inconsistent antidote to make me strong & not frail, would be the daily consistent intake of God’s word. I would have to admit that I need more exercise in the area of “deep meditation” not just the running through of the daily devotional passage in order to ✔ if off of my spiritual to do list. Wow---this is convicting to me. How about you?

*1/13/11 He actually did look in my mouth and even probed my neck---looking for tumors, I guess.

WAR EAGLE!!

1/10/11 This is really NOT a blog about Auburn being in the BCS championship tonight. Though the game will certainly be viewed on our TV, our son, Buddy (Auburn, class of 92) and his “almost” 9 year-old son, Nathan (an avid Auburn tiger fan and future Auburn wannabe) will be in section 444, row 13, seats 3 & 4! Our son is a pastor in Allen, TX. He and his wife, Day, strongly believe in building relationships with their kids, all 5 of them, as well as sharing their heritage. This requires quality time and often more money than I assume a pastor’s earthly salary might provide----though he’s never mentioned a word to me about his salary or financial needs. (Wow---he doesn’t sound like my son, does he!) But God…..

Last month, a member of his church presented him with 2 tickets to the championship game. The game where this year’s Heisman winner will be on the field playing for Buddy’s alma mater against the team with the Heisman runner-up. The dream game!

The dream tickets---provided by a man who just a month before had buried his “almost” 9 year-old daughter. A man who knows the value of time spent with one’s kids.

To this I say, WAR EAGLE! To Auburn fans it’s a battle cry for their football team. To me it’s a battle cry for the importance of time spent with family, and for those who, even in the midst of pain and struggle pay it forward.

POSSIBLE ACCUMULATION

1/8/11 “Possible accumulation.” Those words can bring hope to the heart of a weary school teacher. Yesterday, Cathy C. said those words were music to her ears. In the past weeks I’ve blogged about words. Words of profanity. Words of resolve. Words of gratitude and encouragement. Words of delight---those prayerful words from John Parker, age 2, that delighted my heart.
Yesterday’s Commercial Appeal had an article about “Music for Aarvarks,” a music class I attended with Owen the week after my Jan. ’09 cancer diagnosis. It was a “gleeful” experience for all. The article was entitled “Songs in the key of Glee.” That title has resonated with me ever since.
This morning I knew I needed to live in the “key of glee” and the first step would be choosing words that reflect my heart’s choice. Not careless words that reflect my natural inclinations toward impatience, ungratefulness or a critical spirit but wise words. I need to practice letting my heart exult so that the overflow allows my words to sing as I speak in the key of glee. How about you?

David knew the song---

He sang to the LORD the words of this song ………………..He said: I love you, LORD, my strength. (Psalm 18:1)

Choose wisely---words matter. A “possible accumulation” of these choices, not based on circumstances, can have us all living & “dancing” in the “key of glee” as well. (even if it doesn’t snow)