PRAYER PURSUIT

8/31/11 "THOU INCOMPREHENSIBLE BUT PRAYER-HEARING GOD,"----that first line (Valley of Vision, p. 11) hooked me yesterday. It was another affirmation that I might be struggling with "perfect prayer" but God....takes me as I am.

"To Thee I come in my difficulties, neccessitites, distresses;
possess me with Thyself,
with a spirit of grace and supplication,
with a prayerful attitude of mind,
with access into warmth of fellowship,
so that in my ordinary concerns of life my thoughts and desires may arise to Thee and in habitual devotion I may find a resource that will soothe my sorrows, sanctify my successes, and qualify me with all my dealings with my fellow man."

So much more in that short page that spoke to my concerns about my prayer life. A page out of a book that was Martha Bank's gift to our summer book club group. A gift from a real prayer warrior to a "wannabe" prayer warrior----a gift that is helping me in my prayer pursuit. May I find glory in this valley.

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?
h




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.

Disapointment, in a nutshell

8/11/11 Proverbs 13:12 speaks to unfulfilled expectations. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick,” rang true yesterday until I chose to see “change” as from God’s hand and asked Him to continue to direct our steps.
Nutshell synopsis:

• Difficulty enjoying the scenery-- Atlas needed to navigate as Mapquest didn’t have a clue, road signage was all but non-existent yet made the pursuit kind of fun.

• Nippersink Lodge on Lookout Mountain (long on my bucket list of places to visit) somewhat resembled a quaint but eerie lodge from a bygone era----think, “The Shining”---only a swinging saloon style door to “rustic” bedroom and NO AC

• 

• No lodging available in either of the only 2 options in quaint/artsy/adorable Mentone, AL & not a single picture
  

• Having to scratch next day’s brunch at the Wildflower Café

• No birds on the short birdwalk at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne
  

• Dusk coming with no “safe” place to stay

The end result was acceptance----“flying by the seat of our pants “as hubby continued to drive “Miss Dotsy” toward Gadsden, AL, where Josh, from a CE classroom in New York secured us a hotel with a great, think “very reasonable price” hotel right on the road to our next day’s original destination. We became joyfully expectant to see where disappointment would lead.

8/10 Remembrances

8/10/11 No room. No birds. No energy to post blog. But God…… gave reminders of the good memories of the day, all part of a great trip, thus far. Today alone we had breakfast in North Carolina, lunch in Georgia and dinner in Alabama.

• 59° temps.
  
• Uncle Larry using his dictionary (like I do, according to hubby) to “hoist his own petard” as we all laugh and create verb forms for that noun.
  
• Saying good-by to Larry and Marge with lots of hugs and pledges to “do this again.”
  
• Sam & JoLynn considerately stopping for one more “Kodak moment” as we bid farewell to our Blue Ridge Mountain vista.
• Hugging Don’s neck, JoLynn’s nephew, & rejoicing in his “no cancer” report at his new restaurant in Blue Ridge GA, SISTERS. Then the plans began to go somewhat awry.

Grateful for remembrance of God’s word.

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

42nd Anniversary

8/9/11


For 42 years--- it's been a great journey even through foggy and rainy times over bumpy terrain. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health.

The trek to the top. A great ride. A worthy view.

Another "anniversary celebrated."

MOUNTAIN MORNING MEDITATION

8/8/11 Location highly recommended for meditative moments: deck of a mountain hideaway, overlooking trees and streams with humming birds buzzing nearby along with a cuppa Red Rose tea, served with a cool morning breeze.

I rise before the dawn of the morning and cry for help. I hope in your word. (Psalm 119:147)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way. (Psalm 37:23)

GONE BIRDING

8/7/11 Hooray! Hooray!! Our “end of summer” anniversary/retirement jaunt begins today!

Our glorious trip begins in North Carolina with dear friends in their mountain home in NC. After we say good by to Sam, JoLynn, Marge & Larry, “flying by the seat of our pants” is the way the rest of the trek looks---AL mountain lodge (a Jerry Haughton rec from years past (20+ yrs.--takes us a while to get around to things but might cancel if TOO HOT, since lodge has no AC) TN farmhouse stays, KY city stays, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor, Ohio, Chelsea, MI Victorian B& B, & Pelee Island in Canada for more “bird watching” and “wine tasting”----two loves of hubby, my resident ornithologist and oenophile. (aka wine connoisseur.)

I’m packing his anniversary gift---the trip itinerary planned for him, new light weight but “strong” binoculars, 2 wine-stoppers, a lengthy book and a new “dual” book light. Nothing color coordinated this year just his favorites for his “birding” trip. Here’s to “42” years!

*Taking an old laptop but places might be too remote for wi-fi so not sure about blogs. If that’s the case, blog will return when I do.

Reckoning of Life Lessons…..

8/6/11 …….from the two most important men in my life.

The summer before I left my small town for college, my Daddy took just me to dinner in “big” Nashville. He shared two important revelations with me. The first was that meat did not have to be eaten well, well, well, well-done---think charred. He never criticized Mother; he merely advised me that there was such a thing as medium rare. He ordered me prime rib medium rare and I was hooked. Neither of us ever discussed that part of my education with Mother. At home we continued to eat beef that was very gray when you cut into it and thanked her graciously for cooking out all the e-coli or whatever the bacteria of the month was that we were avoiding.

The second revelation was a matter of linguistics. “I suppose so” was a more “educated” way to respond to questions he informed me. As opposed to “I reckon,” which never quite sounded even that formal when spoken by most folks in Hoptown.

Last week at the beach I struggled with the steep steps to the boardwalk that led over the dunes to the beach house----usually with a child in tow. A seemingly difficult task for all “mature” adults. Hubby revealed a secret to me. Don’t look up he said. (That view was pretty daunting.) Just focus on one step at a time. If you look back you can lose your balance and if you look forward too much (way up) you can actually get dizzy. Boy was he right about that! Looking up overwhelmed me---I feared the worse especially, when John Parker was on my hip. As the week went by I realized that those steep steps were a metaphor for life---take them one step at a time.

These are life lessons which I have taken to heart. I eat my premium beef medium rare and enjoy every bite. I use “I suppose” when appropriate and these days I’m taking life one step at a time.

I “reckon” I’ll never forget any of these lessons. I suppose that deep down, I’m still a “reckoning” kind of gal. Dontcha reckon?

Longing for Leisure

8/5/11 “I would love it if someone would pay me to stay home,” is a thought I averred for years. Now I’m paying myself from my retirement funds to do just that. Throwing in my 3^rd Wednesday Social Security check and that assertion has become a reality. Leisure looms in my future. Or does it? Hubby tells me that I can even make “work” out of leisure.

I am a, self-admitted, goal-oriented gal. Can one enjoy leisure times and still accomplish goals? “It’s okay to have a busy life. It’s crazy to have a busy soul.” (Miller p. 251) But how do you reconcile the two?

Today’s Jesus Calling (8/5) answered that. “A leisurely pace accomplishes more than striving.” What a great affirmation for one who would like both---productivity and a quiet soul. It just depends on your focus/priority. Put first things first.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; (Psalm 37:7)

How does the Lord love me?

8/4/11 Let me count the ways. Enumerating God’s blessings in my life keeps me focused on His goodness. That focus feels my heart with thanksgiving. A thankful heart brings peace.

Recent months have been a bit frayed if not totally unraveled. The above path was what brought me peace. This week I have begun to see that even past events that seemed too ugly to be a blessing are indeed just that. I just need to have my heart open wide in gratitude to allow God to bring the “beauty” in. Therein lies the “peace that passes understanding.” (Philippians 4: 7)

Life Interrupted

8/3/11 Isn't that what life is----just one interruption after another. At least of OUR plans and expectations. Thus, when Wynellen gave me this Priscilla Shirer's book Sunday night, it had me at the title. Life Interrupted--Navigating the Unexpected. You see, lately I seem to live in the realm of the unexpected. Just now internet went out and I lost draft of most of this blog. FRUSTRATION!! (Obviously I need this book!)
Just a peek inside to whet your appetite-----I'll blog more when I finish reading it. (if internet connection cooperates)

Page one hooked me as well. ...."would've recognized God's unseen hand in all of it....would've met the frustration or disappointment.....knowing He was behind it all, that this interruption was merely His way of laying a foundation for better things."

...I know I don't want to let one more interruption send me off frantically dodging God's will and missing out on what He's wanting to accomplish in me and through me. I want my life to radiate what happens when God has a person's heart at His full control, when every event or circumstance is simply another way to know Him better and show forth His glory. (Shirer p.13)

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.(Isaiah 64:4)

What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love him (I Corinthians 2:9)

I (you) can't begin to fathom God's goodness as He allows interruptions in life (both mine & yours) but we can be joyfully expectant in our waiting.

Pithy Prayer Points to Ponder

8/2/11 Points have to be pithy because computer, along with our phone, has been off "all most" all day. If the "bundle" does get reactivated, it's brief. Ongoing problem. Isolates me when I think I really need to be connected. I did spend part of my disconnected day reading the last few chapters of Paul Miller's, A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracted World.

Hm-m-m-m there's a point to ponder. Is my computer and the internet too often a distraction?

• There is nothing secret about communion with God---IF we live broken of our pride and self will and cry out for grace there will be communion with Him. (p. 147)
  
• It's okay to have a busy life. It's crazy to have a busy soul. (p. 251)
  
• Self-fulfillment apart from God can become an obsession of self as we become touch and supersensitive to self, but insensitive to others. (p. 252)
  
• I don't have control over my heart and life or the hearts and lives of those around me. But God......does! (emphasis mine) (p.257)
  
• Remember Life is both holding hands and scrubbing floors. It is both being and doing. Prayer journals are on the "scrubbing floors" side of life. Praying like a child is on the "holding hands" side of life. We need both. (p. 224)

I have been praying that I would be connected long enough to finish this entry. Pithy punch---in prayer, set the Lord always before you. (Psalm 16:8)----not the computer.

PAINTING BY THE SEA.....

8/1/11.........HIS sea! What a backdrop for the grandboys "painting by the sea night" which YaYa has for them every year.

The sea is His, for it was He who made it, And His hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:5)

What a variety of unique creatures God gave for our enjoyment during our week at "big water." The boys painted them all. It was good, indeed!

So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:1)