SILENCE

8/30/11 As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, silence in conversation makes me a little nervous. My sad admission is that I too often suffer that malady even in my prayer times.

Silence seems to "pile up" as I try to "be still and know that He is God." (Psalm 46:10) Listening is hard. Distraction is easy. Supplication begins to flow, as if I need to jump in and ask, in order to fill the void.

I know that the "asking" is not the entire purpose of prayer. Prayer is so much more than the getting things/answers for ourselves----though I rationalize that mostly I'm asking for others. The purpose of prayer is to get to know God. As Oswald Chambers reminds me, (My Utmost for His Highest, 8/28) "It is not so true that 'prayer changes things' as that prayer changes me."

I need to try to get over trying to alter things externally and allow the silences to alter me internally as I listen for more of Him.

WORDS

8/29/11 What does one do when there is a “break in the conversation?” When the silence seems deafening? I, for one, too often take it upon myself to fill that void with words---probably more often than not, words classified in the inane category rather than profound.

Flavia de Luce, the 11 yr. old heroine in The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, (A. Bradley) states “silence is the best primer for a conversational pump.” For me, that rings true. Sometimes I talk just to fill in an uncomfortable silence. But God….has been teaching me that words, for the sake of words/talking is not always a good thing and the conversation that ensues can be utterly worthless. God’s word reinforces that.

There are man’s words. Peverse. (Proverbs 2:2) Flattering and seductive. (Proverbs 2:16) Grievous. (Proverbs 15:1) Gossiping. (Proverbs 26:22) Hasty . (Proverbs 29:20) The outcome of these often impulsive words can damage relationships with both mankind and God.

Reflect on fitting words, (Prov. 25:11) gracious words, (Prov. 16:1) pleasant words, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones, (Prov. 16:24) words of wisdom---few words. (Prov. 17:27)

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. (Prov. 10:19)

The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? (Ecclesiastes 6:11)

Wait for His words. Words given by Him. That’s scriptural. (Psalm 119:47)

The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. (Ecclesiastes 12:11)

Lighthouse Learnings

8/24/11 Lots of info from the lighthouses we saw on our trip gave insight to their importance in days of old when navigational instruments were the the sky at night and the sun by day.

The captain was always looking up for heavenly light, especially when no earthly ones were available.
Streams in the Desert alluded to that in yesterday's entry. (8/23) But, it was the verse that caught my attention.

By faith, Abraham...obeyed and went even when he did not know where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)

As I have been prayerfully trying to plot my "retirement course, I realize that I don't have a clue where I am going. I do sense "service" tugging at my heart but so far, I have no heavenly indication. Like the early captains I will just have to keep "looking up" as I sail along, try to avoid rocks and disasters along the way and continue to seek guidance from God's Son.

From moaning to meditating…….

8/22/11….is not always easy for me but it is necessary in order to receive the benefits of a quiet time.

Returning home last night after two weeks on the road, I was anxious to catch up with e-mail and even a couple of phone calls. That however was not possible due to ongoing Comcast™ problems. As the erratic connections continued throughout today, posting has been difficult. Will it never end? Un-verse where are you? I need you & you are not in my area. Enough moaning----time for meditating-----impossible to do both at once.

Solomon’s words remind me of God’s love for me. Knowing that, makes it easier to follow His way---with all my heart.

“LORD, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—You who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way. (I Kings 8:23)

Glad I chose to meditate----somehow moaning & groaning seem to be the antithesis of continuing wholeheartedly in God’s way.

Links to......

8/19/11 ..... the internet. (not golf courses) for the grandboys. Info to follow after a breakfast in the Ruddick-Nugent B&B (1884) in Columbus, IN.
Trouble uploading our images & creating links----will finish "sometime"

Where did Pop-Pop see a bald eagle?


Where is Jiffy Mix made---that Shug puts in her corn pudding?


What is the southern most point in mainland Canada where the mosquitos attacked Pop-Pop?
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Where is the kite museum located?











Where is an old ice cream parlor (1900) with a calliope where Shug and Pop-Pop met the Hezleps?







What “artsy” indoor playground did Shug take lots of pictures of for her grandboys? Wait ‘til the picture changes to see the playground.

Ann Arbor

8/16/11 These pix are for our "culinary kids," Josh & Megan----more info later

Light in the Mist

8/15/11 Through the early morning mist I could see it. The Marblehead lighthouse---the oldest, (1822) continually-operating lighthouse, on all the Great Lakes. Lake Erie. Indeed it has an important purpose. Provide the light for lost and needy vessels. Dispel the darkness. Clearly show the way. Guide on the right path.

God’s Word is a lighthouse. It dispels the darkness of this world. It provides light for the lost and shows the way to the One who is the Light. It remains steadfast---a lamp in the storms. It clearly shows the way to abundant life on earth. It guides us to the truth of eternal light with Him.

Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

May meditation on this verse be a light for you today.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

8/14/11 EVENING POST----picture taken from our window, per Texans' request, as out trip has become a geography lesson of of sorts for them.
Location: Port Clinton, OH overlooking Lake Erie, USA side----will post Canadian side on Tuesday or Wednesday from Kingsville, Ontario and Pelee Island. See if you can find those locations as well. Use an atlas----not the internet.

Sermon Summary

8/14/11 “when life hurts most……” What a sermon topic for needy folks. What do you do when life throws you a curve? Where do you turn when bombarded with BIG troubles? How do you navigate life’s journey when the bumps in the road are minor compared to the pothole that has just pulled you under. Death of a child. Infidelity. Cancer diagnosis. Chronic illness.
Pastor Bob Cherry of Northeast Christian Church addressed these issues because he and his wife had just been delivered one of those “bombs.” Breast cancer. Surgery needed. Surgery completed. Prognosis unclear until week after surgery.
Throughout the last month he and his wife spent their annual time together and apart in FL seeking the Lord. This year there was a new development that threatened to cloud this normally time set aside for family and church goals. Only a few faithful prayer warriors knew the angst/fear/concern that they carried with them to the shore.
Where does a pastor turn when the BIG trouble comes? After tears, prayers, praise music, searching scripture and a CD from a fellow pastor’s sermon, he was clearly reminded to turn to the cross.
In John 16:33 Jesus’ words spoke clearly of the truth that in this world one WILL have tribulation. Trouble comes to all. But that’s not the end of the story.
These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Those things Jesus had already taught in previous John chapters would lead to peace through Him. Abiding/remaining in Him. (John 15: 5) His love. (John 15: 9-13) Truth of eternity (John 14:1-4) Way to eternity. (John 14:6)
In times of BIG trouble, one needs the reminder of how much God loves us and how he can use the worst for eternal good as He gives peace along the way to those who reamin in Him.

Saturday sadness

8/13/11 Headin' north for more "birding" and a quick visit with familyand high school chum, Winslow. Yet, some disturbing news from a friend's diagnosis has my heart in Memphis. I've never even heard of the particular carcinoma that has been found---and I so understand her fears/concerns. But God.......already has her looking to Him and is covering her with His grace. How blessed to have the hand of such a God of comfort and hope.

Unable to sleep, I stood at the porch window looking out across the pasture as the sun rose. Four beautiful horses came to the fence and I began thanking the Lord for all He has created. I thanked Him for the life of this one who is "fearfully and wonderfully made." What an impact her love for the Lord and her life have had on me and others. Her teaching and her caring for her hubby, a blind paraplegic, are such testimonies to her love and trust in the One who anchors her soul.

Then I saw the quote, "Do not be afraid of tomorrow, God is already there."

What a great reminder. My Saturday sadness turned to hope and more prayer.