Camping out in the Psalms 9/2020

SEASONS OF FIRSTS

2020 has been a "FIRST" for our world as we have suffered through a COVID 19.

In our nation it has been a "first" of social unrest like I have never known.

At my age there are not too many "firsts" in my life......tho I did have my first visit to ICU.

But....I need to focus on fun firsts. 

So......I enjoy the "firsts" of the young, & younger. (Proverbs 17:6, Psalm 127:5)

Baby sister walks "big" sister to first day of "hybrid" school in NY.

First day of "home" pre-school. Laundry dumping must be part of the curriculum.

First year of tackle football for my youngest Texan.

First year of college at AUBURN for my oldest Texan.

Daughter's first Adobe sketch creation.

LOVE STEPS

Love steps are intimate......

baby steps 

giant steps 

single step

step back

step up

stumbling steps, limping steps

every step of the way.....first steps to last steps. (Job 23:11)

Love steps similar to having one foot on earth and one in heaven---can include slow steps to a toe tapping foot step that is in rhythm with the "new dance" the Lord is teaching you to follow his every lead. Follow His stepping stones on life's path so that you will not fall headlong. (Psalm 37:24)

Love-light tends to shine on the path when my steps are choosing to follow Him. Those are the love-steps I desire for every child on my "Kids for the Kingdom" prayer list to follow. (Psalm 16:11)

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS

Many medical questions still unanswered BUT this time it's an intriguing unanswered question!

A fun one no matter what the actual answer is.

#20 in 2020

Will let you now when I know!

And the answer is ......a "masked" expedition to explore Tannenbaum, trip # 20 for my T-Cup friends.

Behold how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity. (Psalm 133:1)

A HEAPING SERVING OF SALT FOR MEMPHIS

Who would have thought that a "social" magazine would have more than just pictures of the party crowd.

4memphis was left at the end of  my driveway a few days ago and I left it on the bench. It's free at the grocery stores but who "goes" to grocery stores these days? Who goes to parties these days?

But..........the editorial page had me at the get-go! Jim Walker writes from the heart and he starts with scripture. A scripture worth heeding for the sake of our city.

Seek the Peace and Prosperity of the City in which I have placed you.

 (Jeremiah 29:7, emphasis mine)

INFLUENCE--a word that can sound impressive but have no meaning. Today, especially in the media, influence can be used to move the heart or actions of someone else---whether for good or evil. Do these influencers care about truth anymore, he asks.

His next word, SALT reminded us of Lot's wife, who became a "pillar of salt" in Genesis 19:6. Salt, the very substance that preserves everything from decay. Salt, is not a flashy spice as Walker describes but an essential one, basic yet essential. Salt is not self-promoting but brings out the "flavor" of other ingredients. He commends the people and organizations he is associated with as full of salt, bringing joy and taste to the culture of our city. They are the seasoned with the "salt of service" often laboring and serving with little or no attention. Often underfunded, they continue to promote and nurture our city.

Jim Walter's editorial challenges all Memphians to be salt in the community by "ignoring the negative influence of the broadcast and social media and reach out in compassion to all God puts in your daily path. HEAR! HEAR! (Matthew 5:13)

Pick up a copy of "4MEMPHIS"from your driveway or  the next time you're at the grocery store. If you discarded it immediately, go dig it out of your recycle bin. Not for the social events though many of them are charities that benefit our 901 community, but for "From the Publisher" comments. 

For those of us who care about our city, it's worth the read. 

A CUPPA Tranquili-TEA Needed

More info when I calm the qualm with a cuppa.....

....a cuppa tranquili-TEA!

LAUGHTER IS CONTAGIOUS!

Laughter is also the best medicine! It lifts one’s spirit! It warms one’s heart!

Click the arrow, make sure it's unmuted and enjoy!
I bet it will change your countenance and have you chuckling. 

Laughter is contagious-there’s no doubt about it. 

SERENE SABBATH

Grace and Peace. Blessings from God’s hand. 

From Thessalonica, Philippi and Corinth of old to those in present - day Memphis, it’s available. 

So grateful to be a benefactor during this latest struggle 

“My” Molly’s pre-surgery (8/31/2020) pillow says it all for believers whose anxious thoughts multiply that within them.......

give it to God and go to sleep

.....allowing God’s Grace and Peace to envelop them

S. T. R. E. N. G. T. H.

S.

T.

R.

E.

N.

G.

H.

T.

In order to follow my newest medical protocol of keeping physically active and intellectually challenged, I will be working on an acrostic for S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H. A spiritually inclined acrostic. 

STRENGTH being our Women's Ministry word for next year is spot-on...as is the verse, Psalm 59:16.

 I shall sing of Your strength; I will sing of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. 

If anyone has some strength verses or strength acrostics to share I would appreciate the info.

*Crickett, our Women's Ministry director, used S.T.R.E.N.G.T.H. to show the attributes of God.
S tronghold
T trustworthy
R efuge
E verlasting
N ourishment
G ood
T triumphant
H elp

SMILING IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL & ONE'S HEALTH

When not feeling "up to snuff" I am grateful for encouraging friends and family who know me so well.

ljj is one of those! A "friend who loves at al times....(Proverbs 17:17)

Though miles now separate us, she has sent me creative little humorous clips or cartoons since I've been in the hospital. After she heard about my hallucinations in ICU, she texted a pic of one of "my" little people participants.....a cartoon of "The Family Circus," Jeffy sittng on an exam table with a doctor listening to his chest. Jeffy asks, "Do you need me to talk louder so you can hear me?" Not exactly the Dolly, Billy, Jeffy and PJ  dancing in a circle on grass at the foot of my bed but I liked the connection and poking fun at my crazy-mixed-up brain.

Today I received this gem from her. It defines me as I'm following doc orders "to rest"!

It made me smile!