Life Stories: worthy of an eternal sequel

3/6/13 Everyone loves a good story---young and old alike.

A good book captivates the very young.....

....and books continue to captivate us as we age (gracefully)

Solomon warns readers that the "writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body." (Ecclesiastes 12:12)

As my 20 year old sweatshirt says, "So Many Books, So Little Time."
I take that to mean that with so many books "out there" in print, that quality selection becomes very important.  I have just finished reading a good one, one worthy of my precious limited time. And glory of glories, there's a sequel, which, so far, is proving to be even better than that first---because it's a continuation of what was already a good story. For avid readers, a sequel to a good book is an added bonus. 

Thanks to Holly, a fellow booklover, for sharing Swan House, and Beth who shared her copy of it's sequel, The Dwelling Place.  

Our own lives have one story in two locations. Our spiritual stories---one this side of heaven---our "here and now" moments to savor and our "sequel" will be that added bonus. When our earthly life has been lived according to God's purpose, our "sequel" will include eternity with Him.

Purpose of Friendship

3/5/13 What is the purpose of establishing friendships on an international spectrum?

Bridges built. Language barriers broken down. Kindnesses given and reciprocated. Fascinating backgrounds shared. Unique experiences of those from another culture but with a like-minded approach to the gospel of God.

All these aspects of friendship I witnessed yesterday at a playground.

Five year old Owen honestly asked, "Why do they talk weird?" I acknowledged that they were speaking Russian and Ukrainian but they had also learned to speak English so they could speak to him as well. Owen replied, "Then I"ll learn to speak English too!"

In the providence of God, it is no accident when our paths cross with internationals. All such meetings bring opportunity for acceptance of new and fresh cultural perspectives. We are so-o-o much more alike than we are different..........For God  pours out His Spirit upon all mankind (Acts 2:17)

Maybe more world leaders should participate in dialogue on a playground rather than in a conference center. The perspectives are certainly fresher there and the prospects of friendship probably much greater!

Purposeful Meditation

3/4/13 Part of my morning was spent in prayer and meditation of Psalm 30 with my "prayer for revival" group. The purpose this morning was also to pray over and encourage one of our own missionaries, who is the daughter of Sharon, one of our long time faithful prayer warriors. 

What a special time of prayer with a purpose---following a time of purposeful meditation. That's the purpose of our meditation on scripture---to lead us into rich times of prayer.

Psalm 30, shares praise as David declares what God had done on his behalf. David cried out. God heard him. God drew him out. Such declaration leads to much praise. Much praise leads to a grateful heart.

Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me;
O Lord, be my helper.” You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,
That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.                                                        O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.  (Psalm 30:10-12)

These final verses reflect that praise but the entire psalm is worthy of meditation, purposeful meditation, that is.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: "IN LIKE A LION"

3/3/13 "In like a lion" certainly described these first few days of March throughout our nation. What a week of crazy temps and other weather  phenomenon---from sun to snow we've had it all here in the mid-south. "So Memphis." I, for one, tend to enjoy diversity of weather though walking in sleet and snow was a little difficult as I struggled to reach my "40 days of walking" goal.

Snow falling (lightly) on redbuds, just down the street.....

Sleet falling on the hawthorn berries....during my "brisk walk"

 In like..."the Lion of Judah" also describes the variety of churches and missionaries who came to our church to share "worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24) of the One who is the Lion of Judah. (Revelation 5:5)

Missionary children of friends from "my" beloved Ukraine

Hymns sung in Swahili by kids in our GodSong choir

A cuppa "gentili-TEA"

3/2/13 I was brought up in a home where manners were the way. No opting out. One was to be polite and respectful in all areas of life, not just public. Always polite to others, even in attitude. No muttering under your breath. No eye-rolling allowed.

Today I've wondered if I am being "polite" to God when my "grumblings" continue to surface. I think I'm content but......"grumblings" seem to indicate a lack of satisfaction.

Marginalia from H2H notes (Seville, 2/27/13) was a glaring indicator of my "state."

• Discontent souls lack satisfaction! 

• Contentment comes to the heart of those who thank God.

 Whoa! I need a contentment makeover---I need to brew some gentiliTEA!

Thanks to Norman Mitchell who found this pic on-line.

Reverential awe and respect, or just good old fashion politeness, should be front and center in my relationship with a sovereign God. Such murmurings don't seem "gracious" or grateful.

Sometimes "Life is like a cup of tea" and I need to sweeten mine with a little more gratitude and politeness......

.........gentili-TEA needs to be sipped and savored toward God and others.

"ON PURPOSE"

3/1/13 "Intentionality" is the BIG buzzword in Christian circles. In our Heart to Heart  Bible study we have spent the '12-'13 year discussing intentionally "pressing on" in our spiritual maturity and "pressing on" with purpose.

Wednesday night's lecture (Ecclesiastes 5: 8-6:9) by Kim Seville reminded me of truths I needed to consider about God's goodness as I "press on with purpose" in my spiritual walk. God is the giver of gifts in our lives. God not only gives the gift of prosperity (blessings, even those in disguise) but He also gives the gift of enjoyment. 

• God often separates the enjoyment of the gift from the gift itself in order to draw our attention back to the Giver. 
• Love the Giver, not the gift.
• Two loves are commanded positively in scripture------Love God first and love people well. (Luke 10:27)

"My" thoughts are that God gave the greatest gift to draw all men unto Himself. He did it "on purpose."

"On purpose"----the way I intend to live my life of intentionality---it's just easier to say that way.

Aerobic Intercession

2/27/13 Winter 2012's Anglican Digest article "Aerobic Intercession" was sent to me by my friend Margie H. It "hit my prayer concern spot" as I have several friends in some very hard places physically and I am burdened to pray "without ceasing" for them. But...how do I pray continually? 

Rev. Harrelson's article offered some prayer points to ponder. As the spiritual seeker in The Way of the Pilgrim prayed along his journey by repeating simple prayers, Harrelson too realized that he could pray for others by synchronizing his prayers words with his physical movements while exercising on his treadmill.

Though the writer's choice of prayer words were very specific, I considered the value of his practice. I desire time for prayer and meditation and am often frustrated when my "urgent" schedule tends to interfere. Physical therapy has taken up a good deal of my allotted weekly hours both at the clinic and also at home when practicing my assigned exercises. 

Why not use this time as a reminder to practice ceaseless inner prayer and communion with God with a focus on prayers for those others for whom I am so concerned. 

Thus, my own brand of aerobic intercessory prayer. I begin in cadence with my inhaling and exhaling, using their names with my very breath, whether spoken or thought.  With my physical movements, I add my thankfulness for my relationship with them and this privileged time of prayer. 

Desires and petitions.....Mercy for _____. Diminished pain for______. Miracle for ______. No side effects for_______. Loving comfort for_______. Extra grace for_______. Healing from surgery for_______. 

Handaches. Headaches. Cancer pain. Heartaches. Barrenness. Ankles, shoulders, hips and knees. All placed at the throne of grace.

Ending with praising God for His love and mercy and thanking Him for His best in each situation.

It doesn't look like a prayer position but I sense that God "hears" my aerobic intercessions and will answer in His good and perfect will for each individual life.

MS Rand McNally "maps out" a new eatery

2/26/13 A light-hearted entry because I'm in desperate need of something light hearted today! 

Finally, in the Ecclesiastes study, I am seeing the importance of "gladness of heart." One needs to enjoy the moments that one has in the life that God has given him or her---eating would be included! (Ecclesiastes 5: 18-20)

I, aka Ms Rand McNally, found a place that won't be on your GPS---the address is on Summer Ave. but the entry is thru the Lowe's (Perkin's location) parking lot. Elwood's Shack. 

At Elwood's Shack, they "do" breakfast and pizzas as well as yummy barbeque. I've had 2 menu items so far, plus a bite of hubby's delish pulled pork sandwich.  Loved my Italian sub and my heavily smoked beef brisket "sammich" sans onion (and I ate my pickles separately)

 Plus, the decor was perfect for a map-lovin' gal. A US map comprised of original license plates from each state and all in their proper location. Checking out this "find" was a great way to wait for my order  prep---thus enjoying another God-given moment.

DRAWING NEAR.... to meditate

2/25/13......and to intercede for Jerusalem. Maybe it's because of my study of God's people in the book of Genesis, but.....it's where my heart is today!

16 O Lord, in accordance with all Your righteous acts, let now Your anger and Your wrath turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all those around us. 17So now, our God, listen to the prayer of Your servant and to his supplications, and for [b]Your sake, O Lord, let Your face shine on Your (desolate sanctuary. 18 O my God, incline Your ear and hear! Open Your eyes and see our desolations and the city which is called by Your name; for we are not presenting our supplications before You on account of any merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion. 19 O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” (Daniel 9:16-19)

As one of your redeemed O Lord, one called by your name, I ask that you lead us all in the paths of your righteousness.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: A COLORFUL WEEK

 2/24/13 From the colorful set up at church to the colorful set of UM's Russian play, Government Inspector, it's been a bright week!
But......the brightest moment came with 17 month old Lucy's addition to my literature presentation. Rhythmic language of books is a crucial reason for reading aloud books that appeal to children. The cadence of the words leads them into understanding of language sounds, even when they are just beginning to have that verbal aspect of language themselves. Lucy loves Llama Lama Red Pajama---& as she "read" I could hear the words baby and mama as well as llama. I could tell by her voice inflections when she reached the run, run page, she even dipped her head for "run" baby.

 Scroll to the bottom of the pix, click the play button/arrow and listen to Lucy read!!!