BEACH WALK (aka---Q T on the move)

7/30/11 Notes to follow when I have "easy" access.

Sandcastles

7/28/11 Notes later...........lots of lessons in building your house upon the sand. Lessons that need to be passed on to the next generation!

Majestic Musings

7/26/11 "Oh Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth Oh Lord, OurLord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth"----those lyrics keep tumbling through my mind.

From the sunshine of the day bearing down on my shoulders to the dark expanse of night hovering over us as we sought out the sand crabs----I'm seeing His name written in the sands and the heavens. Evidence of His creation. Pin pricks of starlight----named and known by their creator. (Psalm 147:4) Big dipper to the 9 year old who studied constellations at Pine Cove.

The sun the earth the moon the stars you hold in place
The mighty works of your hand and for your grace, we sing
Oh Lord, how majestic is your name

Just glimpses of His majestic grandeur!

"Big Water" Reflections.......

7/25/11 .......our Monday verse for ruminating

Today's verse is the verse I am praying for friends Beth & Bill, who are on a short term mission trip in Panama.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

That verse has me considering the "aroma" that I leave with others. Is it filled with His goodness?Does it reflect HIs sweetness?

GONE FISHING!!

7/22/11 ......well not exactly fishing. Crabbing, maybe. More like corralling---with 6 little grandsons plus 1 nine-year-old friend. Factor in a big white sandy beach, "big water" (the Liles definition of ocean) a swimming pool, scooters, bikes, kites, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, Scrabble, Boggle, Bananagrams, stories (You should see our car!) and many mealtimes & snacks and it's obvious there will be lots of time with family and very little time for blogging.
After months of mourning and weeping, this will be a time to laugh, to embrace and maybe even to "dance" a little. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Hooray! Hooray!! We're on our way.
Our summer vacation begins today.

Relief to Joyful Expectation

7/21/11 Relief----my favorite emotion.

Lament with me awhile but await the hope of relief through God's mercy.

Selected verses from Lamentations 33:

19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:

22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
33 For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to anyone.

39 Why should the living complain......

40 Let us examine our ways and test them,
and let us return to the LORD.
41 Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
to God in heaven,

56 You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears
to my cry for relief.”
57 You came near when I called you,
and you said, “Do not fear.”

58 You, Lord, took up my case;
you redeemed my life.

I love what Steven Curtis Chapman said, "when our loved ones die they are a greater part of our future than they are of our past!" What a blessing and a relief to know that the grave is not the end of the story.
Trusting the Lord with not only relief but a renewed and joyful expectation knowing that He labors on my behalf to birth a new and greater grace from my grief.

Dotsy Tech Delays & Dilemmas

7/20/11 computer probs---will post as I have access---

There is no trouble so great or grave that it cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea. (Bernard Paul Heroux)

Normally I would agree with Mr. Heroux, whoever he is, but right now it would take the whole pot of tea and a side of Alleve, or some such drug to ease the tension of the in and out, off and on problems of our Comcast connections! It has me tense and that tension is spilling over big time to hubby because account is in his name and I want it FIXED----like yesterday or before.

How spiritual does that sound! Can you tell I have been reading two books and taking copious notes on the the thankful heart and transformation of grace in our lives when we have the right focus----God's viewpoint, specifically. I must have spiritual Alzheimer's. How quickly I'm forgetting these truths.

Here I was thinking that stress would no longer be the word that punctuated my thought life now that I am not working. Yet, this unreliable access to the internet has me stressed. E-mails going unanswered might send the wrong message, some e-mails needing to be written seem EXTREMELY important. Coupons need to be printed before they expire. I need to send the "work day" pics to church for a newsletter. A prayer letter with scripture references for our friends' mission trip had to be typed out because biblegateway.com was inaccessible,etc.

"In His presence is fulness of joy." (Psalm 16:11) Even sitting all knotted up in front of this computer, I need to get a spiritual grip! What gets me to that joy is seeing His goodness---even in the midst of technology snafus. I need a gratitude check right now----grateful I have a computer, grateful that (at this moment) green light (for on-line) is blinking. Grateful hubby had a cell so we could call Comcast when service went down. Grateful hubby was willing to wait on "hold" for a long time. Grateful hubby didn't tell me to "take a hike" when I said, I HAVE TO BLOG!

Sisterhood

7/19/11 Just what determines sisterhood. I’m not one to answer that---for I am sister-less----at least birth-wise.

Birth, for sure, is a determinant. Mother always said “blood is thicker than water.” I understand her thinking because Mother was always big on strong family relationships, which always included obligations to blood kin. Maybe that’s why I have such caring brothers----Mother “threatened” them. As she began to face her imminent death she did instruct them to “take care of me.” Since they were both already retired at the time, I joked that since I was the only one gainfully employed, the caretaking role might actually fall to me. Not so, they continue to watch over me and I am so-o-o grateful! I actually rather like my “only girl” position!

However, friends who have sisters seem to have a closeness and a connection, different from the relationship they have with their brothers. Some have told me that there’s no relationship quite like that of “sisters.” Yet, one friend with two sisters has that kind of relationship with only one of her sisters---the other sister not so much. A recent e-mail from a blog reader stated that she is not close to her “blood” sister at all but has a very close friend who is more like a sister to her----a solidarity in their relationship based on past experiences and unconditional acceptance. Though separated by miles, she says they can always pick up right where they left off----either face to face, or chat to chat on their computers or cells.

Two of my good friends, Jan and Ann, grew up with sisters. (Mary & Polly) Sisters who were special to them. Yet each has had to stand at the grave of her sister and now with deep understanding, they somewhat fill the void of that loss for each other. The shared remembrances and the shared losses have bonded them in a special way.

For those of us without sisters, Annette B. defined sisterhood well, “….there are sisters that God puts in our path....they become friends and then sisters. Those are the best kind because you get to "choose" them. These kind of sisters know your mind ...” Certainly there are those sisters in the faith who have a special bond.

How blessed are those who have both---by physical birth and by spiritual birth. Such is the “sisterhood” of JoLynn and Aleese. (often just Jo & Al to each other) They share everything---the good and the not so good, they’ve loved each other through it all. A past filled with childhood antics and grieving their parents deaths to almost daily phone calls filled with family updates & recipes to praying & sharing God’s goodness in their lives----are all important components of their “sisterhood.”

Sister-less by birth is certainly easier to bear when one finds that sister or sisters in the faith--- ones who accept you warts and all. One or ones who know all about you, but love you anyway. Sisterhood, it’s worth the risk.

At-TEA-tude adjustment

7/18/11 Friend Pam has a remedy for folks needing an attitude adjustment. She calls it a whirly and it involves a toilet and the head of the offender.

How does one recognize his/her own need for such an adjustment? Scripture is a good measuring stick.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 2:5)

The 2 verses preceding this describe such a mindset as humility; doing nothing out of selfishness or conceit, regarding others more important than self & putting others interests before your own.

Mull this over with a good cup of brisk tea. Use Philippians 2:5 today for your self examination. Follow-up with a self-imposed adjustment. It might be less painful than those suggested by others.

Sunday Synopsis

7/17/11 "Fellowship---the oneness of spirit enjoyed by friends on the same side of the struggle." Quote written in my NAS Bible & attributed to dear friend, Ellen C.
No where was this more evident than when entering church this morning. The smiles were wide. The groans were "felt" but the complaints in jest lightened our pains. We all knew what it was like to have bodies "crunked up" from the previous work day! What fellowship of joy we shared in our quips of suffering!

• Sermon morsel for mulling---1 John 5:1-5, esp. verse 2--- faith problems not always about assurance but often about allegiance and affection.
  

• allegiance + affection = abiding
  

• Baptism of 7 folks---not as a way of salvation but out of obedience. As Kathy T. reminded me those folks are just "going public."

• Prayerfully singing Isaac Watts, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" stirred my soul.

Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

"Being His Hands and Feet"

7/16/11 Young and old alike at the Bethesda Word of Life Christian Center carrying out the chorus of Lincoln Brewster's, "The Power of your
Name" & going way beyond religion/religiosity. Enjoy the "work day" in pix!

Message from the Heart

7/15/11 The report spread out on my bed is gibberish to me but the scrawled info at the bottom of the page indicates no cause for concern with my heart. Meds seem to be working. (Except I think they make me feel loopy.) But things are not always as they seem, especially in matters of the heart. Just a few months ago I looked the same on the outside but on the inside my heart/brain connections (via the carotid) were a little off kilter.
We can't always tell one's inward condition by outward appearance. But God....."God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
Tomorrow I hope the heart of the Lord will show through me as I venture, somewhat fearfully, out of my comfort zone. I hope His love and mercy will be read loud and clear as I stumble in an unfamiliar realm with little ability and strength. I'm counting on Him.

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is loyal to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Rethinking identi-TEA

7/14/11 Morning e-mail from a Hoptown chum included an adorable, animated, elderly couple "dancing" because dancers remind Diane of me. An afternoon delivery arrived from Acadia, ME filled with Jordon Pond tea canisters of their house blend because friend, Bernie, wanted me to have my favorite "cuppa" as I enter my retirement season.

Retirement. A season without identi-TEA for me at this point. A season where I'll need to "sit a spell" with my cuppa to adequately discern God's plan for me. My original plan was to care for loved ones---both recently deceased. Future plans are a jumble or a muddle. I have no idea what my new identi-TEA will be. Maybe I need ".....a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head...." (Charles Dickens)

Dancing and tea continue to be a part of my identity, but what about the big picture? My purpose? (Especially when my body feels worn out.) My significance? (I no longer have a job.) My ministry? (When I just received my Medicare card.)

My identi-TEA seems wrapped up in the answers of those three questions. Generally scripture gives me the answer. When he reveals His personal plan for me, I'll let you know.

"...Love the Lord and follow His plan for your lives. Cling to Him and serve Him enthusiastically." Joshua 22:5

Simply Trust

7/13/11 "Simply trust Him"----that's all I have to do according to today's Streams in the Desert entry. Not always so simple for me. I have too many "ifs and buts." Questions of distrust too often flood my head. Trust. Not always so simple, is it?
Simple faith enables me to simply trust Him. I need to simply take God at His word for His "right hand sustains me." (Psa. 18:35, NIV) It's heresy for me to think that He doesn't have the strength to sustain my poor, pitiful helpless soul when I just read in His word that He not only has the strength but it's mine for the taking. I need to take Him at His word and simply trust.
Today I plan to do just that!

"at-TEA-tude"

7/12/11 Brewing my cup of tea this morning in preparation for my "Tea with Thee" time, I began to mull over my "at-TEA-tude" about prayer. Recapping the week's assigned reading in Paul Miller's, Praying Life, one thought becoming more steeped in my mind was that prayer needs to be focusing on God, not my praying or method of praying. As Miller puts it,

"Prayer is simply the medium through which we experience and connect with God." (Praying Life, p. 20)

My attitude about prayer seems to be changing. Hopefully this new prayer at-TEA-tude will be a good one!

Thinking Continued = Meditation

7/11/11 A recent e-mail from Jennifer B. had a verse as part of her valediction/closing. It had me thinking about hope---the Source of hope, the result of hope. In fact, I keep thinking about it. That kind of thinking becomes meditation.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13, NIV)

Join me in thinking about this verse for our Monday meditation.

PEW OCCUPANCY

7/10/11 My Utmost for His Highest focused today on attending "church services" together. This morning my brothers* and their wives and hubby and I did just that. Adams pew---last row of center section in the family church where we grew up. Special---because as a 78 year active member of Hopkinsville FUMC, our father was a recognized fixture in that pew. Sad---because through hugs and tears, many familiar folks in the congregation commented how empty it had seemed these last 4 months.

With 6 of us very much occupying that row, we commented that either the pew had gotten shorter or we had gotten wider. It was the general consensus that the pew length had been shortened. How blessed I felt to share this "last" visit with family---Mother and Daddy must have been smiling down on us all.

...let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,...(Hebrews 10:24-25)

Hopefully the next family that "occupies" that pew will be as blessed by that church as our family has been over these many years. Maybe we should hang a shingle to encourage others to try out this special pew, to do more than just show up and warm the red velvet cushion. Encourage them to "grow" spiritually while opening their heart to God's truth. Rev. Williams quoted John Henry Newman this morning, " Growth is the only evidence of life." Living a spirit-filled life requires more than pew occupancy, though that's a good place to start.

*Clifton T. Adams Jr. occupies the pew where his dad, Clifton Thacker "Brud" Adams, sat for many years.

Packing Up

7/8/11 Walking out the door. Heading to Kentucky. Headed home, as I have known it, for the last time. There will no longer be an Adams resident at 2211 or 2422. I'm meeting family to "pack up" Daddy's things and all the household possessions that will be his no more. That makes me sad. One more step in the grieving and wrapping up of a life of a sweet daddy.

I'm packing my Houston High "Dotsy" quilt to take with me----the one with all the prayers. The one that offered solace for me all those months in Texas. The quilt and the continuing prayers of friends. I'm going to need them both.

Mammography Misery

7/7/11 Sitting in the waiting area of the Methodist Healthcare Breast Center, I was struggling with both fear and dread. "I know~ I know!" "In everything give thanks"(I Thessalonians 5:18) and that would include mammograms. I am grateful for this early detection, possibly life saving procedure. What I'm struggling with is past memories of the pain brought on by that tall, COLD, stainless pancake machine with the acrylic "flattener."

But God....had the receptionist hand me a "pile" of forms to fill out with the important stuff highlighted in pink. Forms to keep me "in the pink." Pink highlights to remind me that I use pink when I want to display text in my reading that has prayer references. I even had my pink highlighter with me, clipped to my "A Praying Life" book---already full of "pink." A gentle tap to remind me to pray.

I entered waiting area #3 (diagnostic side) in a spa-type robe, chosen over the dreaded hospital gown---thankful for a choice. The exam, though not exactly painless only required one "repeat" and was relatively quick for 8 views. I was then relegated to waiting area #4 until results were read and I could leave---depending on said results.

So....then I began to worry because it was done so quickly. Had the tech been thorough? (I forgot my thankful prayer for "speed" in this procedure.)
God covered that and had tech call me back for 2 ultrasounds. Dotsy wants thorough, Dotsy gets thorough! (and wet and time consuming and uncomfortable) Doctor reading results said "the girls" looked okay and she'd see me in a year.

A Germantown fire truck followed by an ambulance arrived as I was heading out the door. There are miseries worse than mammograms and I began to pray for the person that was getting ready to take that ride.

Thought Continuance

7/6/11 A bookmark fell out of my Bible as I was continuing to meditate on Monday's (7/4/11) verse. Continuing....that's what meditation is all about.

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

The Le Passees Children's Rehabilitaion Center bookmark was dated 1/6/91 and my faint pencil markings on the back read, "The truth makes you free by allowing you to live in the light of reality. (boldness mine, because I can't underline on the blog) Illusions are a form of slavery. The truth the world propounds is error."

Continuing in these thoughts.

“P”erfect “P”airing

7/5/11….and I’m not talking golf here. Today I received 2 books that have really piqued my spiritual interest. One by a pastor. One by a pray-er, as in one who prays. Unable to decide which one to read first, I dove into both and began to extract “plums” from each.

A Positive Life is written by Shane Stanford, who is set to become the senior pastor at Christ Methodist this month. It’s basically “his” story of living with HIV (from a transfusion) and how it taught him the simplicity and contentment of a life shared in a community of laughter and love.

• Positive Life plum---God’s healing passes understanding; it gets down on the floor with us and wipes away our tears and holds us, especially when the aches and pains of life seem too much to bear. (Positive Life, p.44)

Paul Miller’s, A Praying Life: connecting with God in a distracted world, is the focus of a 5 week book study that Kathy T. is leading in the east Memphis area for a group of like-minded women. She was drawn to the book on Fellowship Memphis’ pastor, Bryan Loritts recommendation as more than another “how to pray” type book.

• Praying Life plum---What does an unused prayer link look like? ANXIETY. (caps are mine) (A Praying Life p. 70)

With pink highlighter in hand, I’ll keep you posted as I partake of more of these powerful, though personal, plums/treasures.

FREEDOM

7/4/11

Today Americans all across our nation celebrate freedom. How thankful I am to live in a country founded on the freedom to worship. Many “freedom fighters” have laid down their lives for me to have that privilege. For this I am grateful. That freedom has made it easy for me to know truth that really makes me free.

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Grateful to be able to freely think on this verse today---a verse that sets me free from the bondage of sin.

“That’s for sure”……..

7/3/11 "That's for sure"……..3 words that were a big part of Daddy’s vocabulary. His confident response to so many things. Lately, I find myself confident in very little---second guessing nearly everything. Nothing much seems “for sure.” Circumstances change. People change. Even my mood can change without warning.

But God….He’s for sure. The real deal. His Word is for sure. Truth I can count on.

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

This is my “for sure” verse for today. One that can not only judge my thoughts but wipe away the cobwebs of yesterday and strengthen my heart for today.

Worry Webs

7/2/11 When life, as I had known it for most of my adult years , began to drastically change for me a little over 3 months ago, I had blogged (3/18) that I was in a tangle and worry–webs were about to consume me. 

Just like the spider’s sticky strands, my thoughts would begin with a single strand and then quickly begin to encircle my mind and entrap me. Why is it so hard for me to rid my thought life of this impertinence to God? (Oswald Chambers) 

A note in my Bible marginalia defines worry as a mild form of atheism. I hoped I had once and for all abandoned these cobwebs of anxiety, but for me, it’s a daily battle. Then, as now, I’m using God’s word to clear out this anxiety clutter and once again break down those “worry webs.”

We (I) demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Be Gone, Worry-Webs!