2/27/10 A “Sip & See” is such a lovely Southern tradition. It gives folks a way to see baby #2 or #3 and delight in his/her arrival. Over a cup of tea or punch, friends and relatives come together to mingle and coo and goo over the family’s recent bundle of joy. It’s a time of celebration for all that a baby represents---from chubby toes and fingers, smacking lips, and sweet smells, (mostly), to purity, innocence and hope. It’s all about the baby. He or she is the focus of the event. Today was Watson’s “sip & see” and I was disappointed to have to miss it.
I thought about it this morning as I sipped my “cuppa” and prayed for this youngster, just over a month old. I was having my own sip and see---a cup of Bewley’s Irish Breakfst Tea in one hand and my prayer journal in the other.
A "spiritual sip and see" is a great way to begin my day. I delight in it---a robust cup of tea, one with a bold smooth flavor. A “cuppa” that’s a real eye-opener to get me focused---so that I have eyes to see the One who is not only pure and innocent but also the hope for eternal life. I’m disappointed if I can't attend.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Friday Frame of Mind
2/26/10 If you’ve ever worked in an educational setting you understand that phrase. When you awaken, you know. You’re step is lighter. The sun is brighter, even if there isn’t any. Dressing is easier because “casual” has been purchased to support St. Jude. All and all one’s mood is pretty upbeat. Those moods based on circumstance can reflect a "Friday Frame of Mind" any day of the week especially when life hands you a little "ease." The facts of Friday that aren’t conditional, it’s always right before the weekend. That thought of 2 days off can make most anything tolerable. Circumstances shouldn’t so greatly affect one’s moods but they can, and often do, whether you work outside the home or not.
So, what can one do about it? Make the most of it!! If you’re feeling good, help someone else feel good. If you find yourself with a lifted spirit because it’s Friday or you are rested or you found a stash of money you had forgotten you hid, use your joy---spread it---do something for someone else’s circumstance that might make their day a little easier or a little brighter. If a friend is struggling with exercise, show up and walk with him or her, a dieting friend might appreciate a cup of tea and a Weight Watchers 1 point snack, a worried friend, who can talk your ear off, might need you to listen just one more time.
Live out the good news. Be a light. Encourage someone. Do good to all especially to those who are partners in the gospel.
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," (Hebrews 3:13)
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
The question is……will you share your “Friday Frame of Mind” while it is still “today” or do you have an excuse.
So, what can one do about it? Make the most of it!! If you’re feeling good, help someone else feel good. If you find yourself with a lifted spirit because it’s Friday or you are rested or you found a stash of money you had forgotten you hid, use your joy---spread it---do something for someone else’s circumstance that might make their day a little easier or a little brighter. If a friend is struggling with exercise, show up and walk with him or her, a dieting friend might appreciate a cup of tea and a Weight Watchers 1 point snack, a worried friend, who can talk your ear off, might need you to listen just one more time.
Live out the good news. Be a light. Encourage someone. Do good to all especially to those who are partners in the gospel.
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," (Hebrews 3:13)
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10)
The question is……will you share your “Friday Frame of Mind” while it is still “today” or do you have an excuse.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday Mind Seeks Refuge
2/22/10 Our inner refuge is where we go when the world gets to be too much. It’s the place we turn to when the hurts /concerns seem to drive us away. It’s a place without walls. It’s our mind. That’s where our reasoning power resides. It also houses our beliefs and opinions and lots of feelings. To me it can only hold so much---something that seems to lessen with age. Thus it needs to be filled with “worthy” thoughts. A Monday Mind. That’s what meditating Mondays are about---filling our minds with His word which is worthy. We create a refuge of thoughts. Then the right thoughts are there when we need them.
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall
into the heart of the sea
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake
with their surging.
Today fill your mind to capacity with His truth.....
God is our refuge and strength,an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall
into the heart of the sea
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake
with their surging.
(Psalm 46:1-3)
.....and your mind will find refuge.
Friday, February 19, 2010
FFTF 2 (aka Food for Thought Friday)
2/19/10 Whom would you choose to be chained to 24/7? Why did that person come to mind? How would you bide your time during your “imprisonment?” Would anyone you know choose you, if asked the same question?
My dear friend, who is also doing the Philippians study, and I discussed this question. In Philippians 2:12-14 it describes Paul’s time in chains. The palace/praetorian guard would have been with the prisoner, under house arrest, 24 hours a day. Paul speaks specifically of chains. Thus the question.
You might even ask yourself, what other things in my life am I “chained” to and how are they affecting me?
My dear friend, who is also doing the Philippians study, and I discussed this question. In Philippians 2:12-14 it describes Paul’s time in chains. The palace/praetorian guard would have been with the prisoner, under house arrest, 24 hours a day. Paul speaks specifically of chains. Thus the question.
You might even ask yourself, what other things in my life am I “chained” to and how are they affecting me?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
His Name is........
2/18/10 ........John. Names are important. Adam gave names to all the animals. In Bible study last night we studied Philippians 2:5-11 and recalled that the Father gave the Son the name which is above every name---the name at which every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father. A good name is to be chosen rather than riches. (Proverbs 22:1)
To know someone by name and to be known by others who can call you by name is also a form of richness. Are their people whose paths you cross whose names you don't know---the checkout lady at Kroger or the clerk at the cleaners. Why not take the time to find out. Calling them by name just might make their day.
My mailman's name is John. What's your "postperson's" name?
To know someone by name and to be known by others who can call you by name is also a form of richness. Are their people whose paths you cross whose names you don't know---the checkout lady at Kroger or the clerk at the cleaners. Why not take the time to find out. Calling them by name just might make their day.
My mailman's name is John. What's your "postperson's" name?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Z=Zephyr (and you thought we'd never get here)
2/15/10 Last month in God Calling, the “two listeners” were encouraged to “Listen quietly.” “Cultivate silence. God speaks in silences.” A silence, a soft wind. Each can be a message to convey My meaning to the heart, though by no voice, or even word.”
Zephyr is from the Greek word Zephyros meaning a slight wind (usually refreshing). We need to attune ourselves to our Zephyr—whether His nudges are slight breezes or the whirlwind. He’s the wind beneath our wings, the wind in our sail and the wind at our back. He’s always there. We need to live in that truth.
Zephyr is from the Greek word Zephyros meaning a slight wind (usually refreshing). We need to attune ourselves to our Zephyr—whether His nudges are slight breezes or the whirlwind. He’s the wind beneath our wings, the wind in our sail and the wind at our back. He’s always there. We need to live in that truth.
The LORD is slow to anger and great in power,
and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty.
His way is in whirlwind and storm,
and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
(Nahum 1:3, ESV)
Monday, February 15, 2010
UNMASKED on MONDAY
2/15/10 Yesterday, sitting in the very intimate Hattieloo Theater, and getting drawn into the plot, I forgot that these were actors just dressed up. Playing parts. Taking on new personas to entertain the audience. These characters were not really who they seemed to be.
Just like actors, we are not who we appear to be. Most of us try to create an acceptable illusion. We hide reality of our lives behind masks.
When the curtain drops on our day or when the “show” closes forever, we will find ourselves confronted with our own actions. What will we say when the Lord says, “Show me your deeds?”
Just like actors, we are not who we appear to be. Most of us try to create an acceptable illusion. We hide reality of our lives behind masks.
When the curtain drops on our day or when the “show” closes forever, we will find ourselves confronted with our own actions. What will we say when the Lord says, “Show me your deeds?”
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (James 3:13)Our world/life can become a theatrical performance. We can wear ourselves out trying to be who we think others want us to be. We live under pretense so that others won’t know our shame or our wretchedness.
……..The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)Unmask before Him today. He already knows the heart. Play the role He gives. He is your audience of one. The only One who counts.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Food for Thought Friday
2/12/10
As a youngster did you ever fish around your bowl of “M’m! M’m! Good!” ™ vegetable soup trying to spell out words? Words are an important part of daily life. Our choice of words reflects who we are. But these things which proceed out of the mouth, come forth from the heart; (Matthew 1:18)
Mother used to threaten to put the “quietus” on my social life if I didn’t meet my curfew. (30 minutes after Teen Town closed) Those words came from her heart of love for me. Though they carried an ominous tone of threat, they got my attention.
My grandmothers cared greatly for me as well. Both were believers. Yet, their vocabulary was certainly different. Gena: “no good can come of a girl gallivantin' around with a painted face” or “if you get up and start fannin’ around before you’re good ‘n well, you’ll relapse;” Mama D.: “Always remember that God loves you.” During my growing up years no other adult I can recall spoke as easily of the Lord as Mama Davenport did. God was the most used word in her vocabulary. How easy it is to praise her God---Very God of Very God---her church creed, her heart creed, and thus her lifestyle creed.
What words do your family and friends hear coming from your mouth?
As a youngster did you ever fish around your bowl of “M’m! M’m! Good!” ™ vegetable soup trying to spell out words? Words are an important part of daily life. Our choice of words reflects who we are. But these things which proceed out of the mouth, come forth from the heart; (Matthew 1:18)
Mother used to threaten to put the “quietus” on my social life if I didn’t meet my curfew. (30 minutes after Teen Town closed) Those words came from her heart of love for me. Though they carried an ominous tone of threat, they got my attention.
My grandmothers cared greatly for me as well. Both were believers. Yet, their vocabulary was certainly different. Gena: “no good can come of a girl gallivantin' around with a painted face” or “if you get up and start fannin’ around before you’re good ‘n well, you’ll relapse;” Mama D.: “Always remember that God loves you.” During my growing up years no other adult I can recall spoke as easily of the Lord as Mama Davenport did. God was the most used word in her vocabulary. How easy it is to praise her God---Very God of Very God---her church creed, her heart creed, and thus her lifestyle creed.
What words do your family and friends hear coming from your mouth?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Y= Yahweh
2/10/10 Preparing to write a blog on “Y = yoke” I began to mull over all the ways the Lord had carried my burdens this past year. Indeed his yoke is easy and burden is light and I had learned much from His humble and gentle heart. (Matthew 11: 28-30) But God……………showed me Himself through Elijah via 1 Kings 17 and a devotional by St. Trphon the Martyr.
Elijah, whose name means “Yahweh is God,” was a prophet whose name is significant because he prophesied during a time when the worship of Baal threatened to extinguish the worship of God (Yahweh) in Israel. (Ryrie Study Bible)
“Some time later the brook dried up.” (v. 7) Have you ever had a brook dry up in your life? Maybe a brook of fellowship dried up as you attended the funeral of a believer with whom you had enjoyed the partnership of the gospel or stood at the grave of a beloved family member. During this time of recession many have seen a financial brook dry up. For some a business failure has completely dried up their river-beds. For others the “cuts” and years without raises have slowly eroded their “just in case” stockpile or retirement funds. A friend’s brook of a happy marriage no longer bubbled with happiness but dried up as she faced the ugly bare rocks left by adultery. Last year, fears of facing pain and surgery dried up my brook of good health.
But Yahweh…….speaks to us and provides for us just as He did for Elijah. “Then the word of the Lord came to him:” (v.8) Then (to me that’s almost synonymous with “in God’s timing”) God’s word came. Maybe Yahweh allows those dried up brooks in our lives to get us to the point where we’ll be able to hear Him.
Life is full of “dried-up brooks” but Yahweh is there. He is the Lord of life, even the dried-up brooks. For it’s in those dried-up brooks where we are attuned to clearly hear His word---if we’ll just listen.
Elijah, whose name means “Yahweh is God,” was a prophet whose name is significant because he prophesied during a time when the worship of Baal threatened to extinguish the worship of God (Yahweh) in Israel. (Ryrie Study Bible)
YHWH
Elijah had predicted a drought in the land, “neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” (1 Kings 17: 1) and the Lord provided a brook of fresh water and the ravens fed him while he hid in the place the Lord provided for him.“Some time later the brook dried up.” (v. 7) Have you ever had a brook dry up in your life? Maybe a brook of fellowship dried up as you attended the funeral of a believer with whom you had enjoyed the partnership of the gospel or stood at the grave of a beloved family member. During this time of recession many have seen a financial brook dry up. For some a business failure has completely dried up their river-beds. For others the “cuts” and years without raises have slowly eroded their “just in case” stockpile or retirement funds. A friend’s brook of a happy marriage no longer bubbled with happiness but dried up as she faced the ugly bare rocks left by adultery. Last year, fears of facing pain and surgery dried up my brook of good health.
But Yahweh…….speaks to us and provides for us just as He did for Elijah. “Then the word of the Lord came to him:” (v.8) Then (to me that’s almost synonymous with “in God’s timing”) God’s word came. Maybe Yahweh allows those dried up brooks in our lives to get us to the point where we’ll be able to hear Him.
Life is full of “dried-up brooks” but Yahweh is there. He is the Lord of life, even the dried-up brooks. For it’s in those dried-up brooks where we are attuned to clearly hear His word---if we’ll just listen.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
X = eXalted One
2/9/10 Why should we exalt (magnify, lift up and honor) the Lord and extol (exalt & glorify) His name at all times? The answer is found in scripture.
• He shows us the exceeding riches of grace through His kindness (Ephesians 2:7) (KJV)
• He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think… (Ephesians 3:20) (KJV)
• So we don’t exalt ourselves (Psalm 140:8) (KJV)
• His name is excellent in all the earth. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth. (Psalm 8:1) (KJV)
My grandmother’s concordance defines excellent as worthy and valuable. Even Webster defines excellent as of the highest quality, exceptional----“high and lifted up” came to my mind.
• He shows us the exceeding riches of grace through His kindness (Ephesians 2:7) (KJV)
• He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think… (Ephesians 3:20) (KJV)
• So we don’t exalt ourselves (Psalm 140:8) (KJV)
• His name is excellent in all the earth. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth. (Psalm 8:1) (KJV)
My grandmother’s concordance defines excellent as worthy and valuable. Even Webster defines excellent as of the highest quality, exceptional----“high and lifted up” came to my mind.
- He eXchanged our sins for His life. (2 Corinthian 5:21, John 1:29 ) NASB
- He left us an eXample to follow. (1 Peter 2:21) (KJV)
- Will you eXtol the Lord at all times and allow His praise always to be on your lips? (Psalm 34:1) (KJV)
The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God and I will praise Him, my Father’s God and I will exalt Him.He alone is worthy of our exaltation!
Monday, February 8, 2010
W=WAY
2/8/10 Did you notice all the “W” titles in my blog this week? Weeping over sin, walking for wrong reasons, weighty challenges in life, and worries of this world. Did you notice that the resolution to all those problems were from one Source? The way to the answer of all of life’s questions is through the One who is The Way. (John 14:6)
The only way to the Father in Heaven is through the ONE who is the Way!
He is the way of wisdom. His ways are just, holy and perfect. His way led the Israelites through the mighty waters though His footprints were never physically seen. This is the way, walk ye in it. (Isaiah 30:21) Commit your way to Him…(Psalm 37:5) He is The Way---so it makes sense to walk in His ways.
Choose each day to walk in the ways of The Way.
- He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful god who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (Deuteronomy 32: 4)
- Your ways O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? (Psalm 77:13)
- The Lord is righteous in all His ways and loving toward all He has made. (Psalm 145:17)
- As for God, His way is perfect;.….(2 Samuel 22:31)
Choose each day to walk in the ways of The Way.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
WORDLY WORRIES
2/6/10 Ice storms. Snow storms. Thunder storms. We have certainly been in a season of storms these last few weeks. Our sump pump has been “thumping” day and night. Our yard is still saturated from the most recent rain. Mommar, who is with us this weekend, really doesn’t like cold temps mixed in with soggy days. She’s longing for the sunshine. She wants to know if it’s ever coming. (She asks that question a lot.)
Just like our earthly weather, our lives have seasons of storms. We often wonder if they will ever end. Feeling “out of control," we began to worry. We lose hope for a better tomorrow. Many, I being chief among them, can begin worrying even before the storms come----approaching life with fear of what might happen tomorrow.
The sufferings of life are God’s winds. They are hurricanes taking us to higher levels…..when the storms of life appear, the atmosphere is changed, purified, filled with new life and part of heaven is brought down to earth. (Streams in the Desert, 2/4) Bring heavenly implications into your worldly worries.
The Israelites passed through the Red Sea and rejoiced. (Psalm 66:6) How many of us passing through a stormy season right now have already forgotten all the storms He has brought us through before? Focus on those times of seeing God’s goodness in the midst of the storm. Remember the relief and the rejoicing when you reached the other side. Remember that your hope is in Him. “I will only triumph in You once I have learned the radiance of the rain." (George Matheson) Find hope in the rain as well as the sunshine.
This past week I sent a card to a dear friend, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Dayspring said it well. “Hope dances in the puddles ‘til the sun comes out again.”
Just like the weather, we can’t control those “givens” in our lives. What we do when facing them is our part. Acceptance. Hope. “Worry not” in the midst of life’s storms. Just keep dancing “til the sun comes out. ☺
Just like our earthly weather, our lives have seasons of storms. We often wonder if they will ever end. Feeling “out of control," we began to worry. We lose hope for a better tomorrow. Many, I being chief among them, can begin worrying even before the storms come----approaching life with fear of what might happen tomorrow.
The sufferings of life are God’s winds. They are hurricanes taking us to higher levels…..when the storms of life appear, the atmosphere is changed, purified, filled with new life and part of heaven is brought down to earth. (Streams in the Desert, 2/4) Bring heavenly implications into your worldly worries.
The Israelites passed through the Red Sea and rejoiced. (Psalm 66:6) How many of us passing through a stormy season right now have already forgotten all the storms He has brought us through before? Focus on those times of seeing God’s goodness in the midst of the storm. Remember the relief and the rejoicing when you reached the other side. Remember that your hope is in Him. “I will only triumph in You once I have learned the radiance of the rain." (George Matheson) Find hope in the rain as well as the sunshine.
This past week I sent a card to a dear friend, recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Dayspring said it well. “Hope dances in the puddles ‘til the sun comes out again.”
Just like the weather, we can’t control those “givens” in our lives. What we do when facing them is our part. Acceptance. Hope. “Worry not” in the midst of life’s storms. Just keep dancing “til the sun comes out. ☺
Friday, February 5, 2010
WEIGHTY CHALLENGES
2/5/10 Life is full of challenges---from physical and mental to relational and spiritual. Last Saturday, the Commercial Appeal gave a review of the Mayo Clinic Diet which is divided into two phases; “Lose it!” and “Live it!’ The two week phase adds five habits, breaks five habits and adopts 5 bonus habits. One very challenging aspect (for 2 weeks) is no TV while eating and only watching as much TV as is equal to the amount of time you spend exercising---sort of a way to jump start exercising again---or just my awareness, maybe---- I’m giving it a try hoping that it will improve my energy level.
Of course, my first thought was what a bad week for a TV challenge with Super bowl coming up---but it made me realize what I needed to give up to accomplish my goal. Part of my solution has been to exercise (weights and stretching) while watching "Jeopardy" and "Nightly News." This allows me to “bank” my other swimming and walking times (so far only 1:25*) for the Super Bowl. At least I’ll get to watch the commercials. Though, I guess I’ll have to leave the room to eat all the goodies----hmmmm---really bad week for a challenge. Certainly not sustainable for me beyond the 2 week period. *(45 min. added since I first wrote this on my trusty light blue legal pad)
I guess life is always that way---never seems like a good time (easy time) to begin a discipline whether it’s a diet or finding time to exercise or be in the Word or in prayer---Challenges---some are easier than others (easy for you might be hard or"weighty" for me) but we all have them. What’s your greatest challenge in your spiritual life. Time? Interest? What spiritual discipline does your life need to make it a worthy/godly walk. What would help you sustain it.
God’s word says “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3) My little 2 week challenge is in no way real suffering but it has opened my eyes to something I have been able to do and that builds my confidence/character and hopefully that will spill over to other areas of my life.
In the spiritual realm we are told, “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials (challenges) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (sustainability) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be pure and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Challenge yourself for the next 2 weeks. Choose one habit to break----something that’s an obstacle to your spiritual growth. Add one habit that will benefit your spiritual growth. Your bonus will be a lifestyle change!
Of course, my first thought was what a bad week for a TV challenge with Super bowl coming up---but it made me realize what I needed to give up to accomplish my goal. Part of my solution has been to exercise (weights and stretching) while watching "Jeopardy" and "Nightly News." This allows me to “bank” my other swimming and walking times (so far only 1:25*) for the Super Bowl. At least I’ll get to watch the commercials. Though, I guess I’ll have to leave the room to eat all the goodies----hmmmm---really bad week for a challenge. Certainly not sustainable for me beyond the 2 week period. *(45 min. added since I first wrote this on my trusty light blue legal pad)
I guess life is always that way---never seems like a good time (easy time) to begin a discipline whether it’s a diet or finding time to exercise or be in the Word or in prayer---Challenges---some are easier than others (easy for you might be hard or"weighty" for me) but we all have them. What’s your greatest challenge in your spiritual life. Time? Interest? What spiritual discipline does your life need to make it a worthy/godly walk. What would help you sustain it.
God’s word says “suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3) My little 2 week challenge is in no way real suffering but it has opened my eyes to something I have been able to do and that builds my confidence/character and hopefully that will spill over to other areas of my life.
In the spiritual realm we are told, “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials (challenges) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (sustainability) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be pure and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Challenge yourself for the next 2 weeks. Choose one habit to break----something that’s an obstacle to your spiritual growth. Add one habit that will benefit your spiritual growth. Your bonus will be a lifestyle change!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
"WALK! WALK!!"
2/4/10 "Walk, walk." was one of Owen's first declarative sentences. However, declarative soon became imperative and as doting grandparents we followed his command. Last week Shug and Pop-Pop did just that. Although Owen’s sentence structure is now more complex, you still understand the “imperative mood” and we usually comply.
Walking with Owen is not exactly a walk. It’s more of an adventure. He ran to get ahead of me; he stooped down to investigate the crawly thing in the crack in the sidewalk; he picked an old stick (with dried leaves) out of a bush that was almost above his reach and then trotted along dragging it through the dust; he investigated the underside of an unusual wrought iron mailbox while he waited for the mail truck he could see in the distance. “It’s not Walter ,” he said.
Walter is Owen’s mailman and he doesn’t drive his mail truck but instead parks it at the end of O’s street. Walter walks on Owen’s block delivering mail through mail drops built into the old houses. There are no mailboxes on his street, thus Owen’s fascination with this new “delivery” method. The mailman didn’t know Owen ----yet. He answered his questions about “Where’s Walter?” and “Do you want to walk?” Owen got to know him and he seemed delighted to know Owen. We even crossed the street to “beat” him to another mailbox. We won. Actually we all won as we laughed with our new found friend.
There’s a lot to be learned from a walk with a grandson who is almost 3. He found joy along the way. When I go out for a walk it’s usually for the dreaded EXERCISE. For Owen, it’s like a dance---something to savor and enjoy every step of the way. I look at my watch. Owen revels in God’s creation. He looks down at bugs and up at the bushes. I hurry to finish my “goal” and return home. He makes new friends along the way.
" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " (Luke 10:27)
How can I love my neighbors if I don’t even know their names----I’ve decided to follow Owen’s lead. I’m going to find out my mailman’s name. It’s imperative that I do so.
Walking with Owen is not exactly a walk. It’s more of an adventure. He ran to get ahead of me; he stooped down to investigate the crawly thing in the crack in the sidewalk; he picked an old stick (with dried leaves) out of a bush that was almost above his reach and then trotted along dragging it through the dust; he investigated the underside of an unusual wrought iron mailbox while he waited for the mail truck he could see in the distance. “It’s not Walter ,” he said.
Walter is Owen’s mailman and he doesn’t drive his mail truck but instead parks it at the end of O’s street. Walter walks on Owen’s block delivering mail through mail drops built into the old houses. There are no mailboxes on his street, thus Owen’s fascination with this new “delivery” method. The mailman didn’t know Owen ----yet. He answered his questions about “Where’s Walter?” and “Do you want to walk?” Owen got to know him and he seemed delighted to know Owen. We even crossed the street to “beat” him to another mailbox. We won. Actually we all won as we laughed with our new found friend.
There’s a lot to be learned from a walk with a grandson who is almost 3. He found joy along the way. When I go out for a walk it’s usually for the dreaded EXERCISE. For Owen, it’s like a dance---something to savor and enjoy every step of the way. I look at my watch. Owen revels in God’s creation. He looks down at bugs and up at the bushes. I hurry to finish my “goal” and return home. He makes new friends along the way.
" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " (Luke 10:27)
How can I love my neighbors if I don’t even know their names----I’ve decided to follow Owen’s lead. I’m going to find out my mailman’s name. It’s imperative that I do so.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Weeping Wednesday 2010
2/3/10 Last Wednesday I confessed somewhat jokingly to my leadership group that during the past week I had spent a lot of those days in “contentment time-out.” Appropriately, they laughed. Yet it’s sad in a way. Actually by the time I got to the meeting I had moved from time-out to remediation. Thanks to that day’s earlier praise walk, I was on the threshold of Contentment 101. That’s still square 1---and that’s sad! Confession is good for the soul but often it’s enough to make you cry-----thus my weeping Wednesdays.
For the next few months I’ll be studying Philippians with my Heart to Heart group at church. Joy is woven throughout Paul’s entire epistle and he was certainly in dire circumstances. I had been “under my circumstances” (fatigue) which is nowhere for me to be. I know better--- I just couldn’t seem to get my head up. So I am going to hang out in Philippians and ask the Lord to re-teach me the contentment dance.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12) NIV
I know contentment is learned; I know that I am blessed beyond measure; I know that I was content throughout my cancer struggle so I know a few of the basic steps. I just have to get my eyes back on my dance partner because I’ve really been stepping on His toes a lot lately---not totally in sync. Maybe I’m trying to do the leading---and that’s a crying shame!
For the next few months I’ll be studying Philippians with my Heart to Heart group at church. Joy is woven throughout Paul’s entire epistle and he was certainly in dire circumstances. I had been “under my circumstances” (fatigue) which is nowhere for me to be. I know better--- I just couldn’t seem to get my head up. So I am going to hang out in Philippians and ask the Lord to re-teach me the contentment dance.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12) NIV
I know contentment is learned; I know that I am blessed beyond measure; I know that I was content throughout my cancer struggle so I know a few of the basic steps. I just have to get my eyes back on my dance partner because I’ve really been stepping on His toes a lot lately---not totally in sync. Maybe I’m trying to do the leading---and that’s a crying shame!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Meditative Meanderings
2/1/10 Last Wednesday I came home from work at 3:30 pm, with my usual mid-week “sinking spell, ” and sat down. Sitting is a costly mistake when one is tired, especially if Bible Study starts at 5:50. The lure of the couch and “This is……Jeopardy” continued to hold me. Rationalization: grant #2 was turned in; I deserved a break. Missing the “final jeopardy” question, I let my head fall back and was just about to kick my shoes off when I prayed for strength just to get up. I found my iPod and tried (unsuccessfully) to figure out how to get the ear bud to stay in my somewhat newly configured right ear. I put my coat on with the iPod in my pocket and started walking---just to the end of the street, I thought. When I got there, I chose my favorite praise music playlist and cranked up the volume. Before I knew it, I was walking down the sidewalk of busy, busy Kirby Parkway, without really even noticing the traffic. I had found Sanctuary “in the midst.” The sidewalk became a path of praise. Scripture from both the music and memory began to flood my mind and meditation followed. The walk only lasted 30 minutes but the musings stayed with me----that’s what meditation does---it stays with you and helps you figure things out. Bundle up and meander through your neighborhood today with meditation on your mind.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
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