MOUNTAINTOP EXPERIENCES

1/30/12 Remembering my 2004 "mountaintop experience" at The Cove continues to draw me. Oh, how sweet are those mountaintop memories. I want to to return. I want to experience anew that rich experience I had as I encountered God afresh during my stay there. Yet, I know that it's down here, in good ole Memphis, where my life meets reality. Sometimes brutal reality. Admittedly, the glow of a life-changing experience can seem preferable to suffering, but God can meet us at our point of need.

Therefore, I need to continue in His Presence right here where "the rubber meets the road." Where the truth of my faith is fleshed out daily.  In the ordinary---in the mundane--- in the daily grind, even in the pain, I can find Him. His power is as real down here on the meager bluffs of the Mighty Mississippi as it was in the majestic Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina.

Like Peter in Matthew 17, it's easy for me to want to stay on that mountaintop---secure in the shelter of His love and majesty. 

1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

 4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

Peter was even willing to build a shelter for each of them. They couldn't stay there (v.9) and I can't either. Neither can you.

But God ....is allowing me to return, albeit briefly. I received my confirmation today. 

SABBATH SNAPSHOT: Faces of Thanksgiving

1/29/12 Celebrating my "new" face with Dr. Louis Carter, a compassionate man of God and world renowned plastic surgeon, who just this year received the Surgical Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Carter is THE doctor who spearheaded the search for my "team" to do my surgery when Memphis doctors and others declared me "beyond" them. I was unknown to him----but God.........brought him to Memphis---via Africa, Hawaii, Houston, TX & Chattanooga "for such a time" in my life. After a twisty, circuitous path, he found my team in Dallas, TX.

That path was "SEEING GOD'S HAND" in such a way that it still takes my breath and makes me smile at the same time. I will be forever grateful!

SATURDAY SURPRISE

1/28/12 Sitting in my usual Saturday morning spot with a cuppa and my Bible open to Psalm 1, I heard a loud clanking sound. It was the men from Macon Road Landscape delivering our memory tree. A Cherokee Princess white dogwood from 21 dear, dear friends. A gift in memory of both of our parents.

What a glorious surprise! 

How appropriate that I was meditating on Psalm 1, especially those first 3 verses.

¹Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

 ²But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

 ³And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

As they were leaving the driver said, "Have a blessed day." I feel blessed indeed. I hope the leaves on this special tree will flourish and not wither. Can't wait to view my "Saturday Surprise" this spring when it's in bloom!  

Hardhead, Bonehead, Numskull.....

1/27/12 ....any of those terms indicating an osteo diagnosis would be okay by me. The result desired, from my recent test, was bone in the forehead area---not anything tumorous. After a week of waiting, I just wanted to know the diagnosis.
Though I had prayed for, and requested prayer for, patience and calm as I awaited results, the silent phone was getting to me. So, after much prodding by Claudia and other friends, I called the doc just as his office was opening at 9am. I was instructed to leave a message.  More waiting ensued.
At 4:15 the phone rang. It was Dr. S's nurse. That voice was a good sign. Previous experience has taught me that when it's the doc who calls, the diagnosis can be pretty grim or at least unsettling. "Mrs. Liles, your skull scan showed ______ (fill in the blank with any of those "osteo" words) with an extra little boney knot on your forehead. Dr. S just wants to watch it---so he'll see you in 6 months." End of conversation.
Relief is such a great emotion.
Gratitude ensued---that's an even greater emotion for this numskull.

KNITTING IT FORWARD...a strand of service

 

1/25/12 Service has been popping up everywhere on my spiritual radar. The student ministry strategy at church this year is Seek God---Share Life---Serve Others. Hubby read last night's Allen Bible Church's NT2012 reading from John 13 and the example of Jesus "washing his disciples feet" 

was such an example of service over self. 

 

Last week I saw it up close and personal as a group gathered at Drenda's to knit dolls for the children who come to the Church Health Center. Spurred on by an article in the Commercial Appeal, they decided to use their talents to meet that need. Knitting for others is not foreign to this compassionate bunch. From preemie hats for a hospital and knit hats for needy school children along, with prayer shawls for folks like me, they just keep knitting it forward---in service to others.

It's had me asking myself, "What am I doing to serve others?" Can I do more? I want to serve the Lord with gladness. (Psalm 100:2) He's given the answer. I just need to pay it forward, even if my serving (knitting) is still in the "remedial" category.

humiliTEA

1/24/12 It's official---Micah 6:8 is going to be my focused verse for 2012.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

When it became part of Pastor Cole's message on January 15, I felt that strong NUDGE to take this verse to heart. I also was convicted of not only a lack of kindness in my heart but also a need to get a better grasp on humility.

So....this week I'll be serving up a cup of humiliTEA for self and any readers needing to imbibe. Hopefully even our individual hearts will begin to absorb it.

For too long my life progressed in a carefully planned (by me) venture. Concentration was on accomplishment of goals, all usually written down, for self and children. Right times, right ways, always safe, always under control. (my control, so I thought) Lists were made, checked off (even prayer ones) and I moved on. Then came a period of the realization of how off-course I was. What was I thinking?

God was in control----had always been and would always be. His will was being done. I needed to align my will with His. I needed to "walk humbly" with my God. Bendable and flexible for God's purposes. (Huffman, 1/15/12)

A cuppa of humiliTEA with a bit of humble pie sounds like a good start.

Connectors: Conduits of God's Power

Sunrise on Longreen as I read Genesis 1:14-16

1/23/12 But you are a CHOSEN PEOPLE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, GOD'S SPECIAL POSSESSION, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ..... now you are the PEOPLE OF GOD;.... now you have RECEIVED MERCY. (1 Peter 2:9-10)
Much more to say about God's power---but "taking a beating" with blog problems, so adding text is very difficult.
But God....
He is our source. We are just conduits. (Huffman, 1/22/12)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: AROUND THE BLOCK

Marion, a young NE Patriot's fan----maybe her enthusiasm spurred them on to victory against the Ravens today..

A "Special Delivery." Newborn picture of our Marion delivered to the door by John, our neighborhood's USPS postman.

Removing the old----making way for the new

Rebirth

New Birth

Having great difficulty getting any text on blog----had to add pics just to get a text box. Hope to figure it all out soon so that both Seeing God's Hand and regular blog posts can continue.

ENCOURAGEMENT

1/20/12 I love Really Woolly® . I like the Really Woolly® plush sheep for my Christmas mantle. The ones I have, adorn the place above my "grands'" stockings. Since, I don't have all of them, I keep my eyes open so that I can make sure I have all I need just in case there are future grands. Friend, Melody and sister-in-law, Carolyn, who have my "missing" ones---you'd better watch out!

I really love the " Really Woolly® " cards---that seem to lift encouragement to a new level for me.

Today, I needed just such a card. Especially when the sentiment indicates, "today I prayed for you." (Galatians 6:2) Carrying that encouragement with me as I head out the door to have my skull checked----or as daughter said, "Go and see about your brain!" Now there's some encouragement----how I love her dry wit. She has always had a way of encouraging me and "keeping me in my place" at the same time.

Technical difficulties in Seeing God's Hand preventing posting. Sorry.

Dancer's Delight

1/19/12 Psalm 87:7 says, "They that sing as well as they that dance shall say , All my fountains are in thee." (ASV)

---Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.” Psa. 87:7 (ESV)

May I be one who, though she can't sing a lick but loves to dance, recognizes the LORD as the source of living water. May I be one who declares, "springs of spiritual peace and refreshment are available to all who believe." May my delight in my "Lord of the Dance" overflow to others.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!

1/17/12 That's it----that's just what I want. His voice of direction. If I can't hear it, then I'd like to see it---something I can't miss! (My quote from yesterday's blog.)

Mail left on my kitchen table yesterday afternoon. A 2012 program booklet from the Billy Graham Training Center. (The Cove)
Can you hear me now, Dotsy?

My answer---As if on auto-pilot, I turned to Anne Graham Lotz seminar for next November.
I registered. Wouldn't you?

When reading the description, I stood amazed----actually, I had to sit down. "If we want to hear more of His voice....."

Could it be any clearer? Could it be any louder?

I think I can hear Him now.

CLEAR DIRECTIONS

1/17/12 I long to clearly understand God's plan for me, especially now that I am retired. Generally I know the Lord's requirements from Micah 6:8. But.....I want specifics for ministry. Service to others. I want to hear it loud and clear. So far, I've realized His plans for me, after the fact.
Last week's BSF lesson #14 gave a verse for understanding God's guidance.

Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

That's it----that's just what I want. His voice of direction. If I can't hear it, then I'd like to see it---something I can't miss! Like the signs at St. Jude that recently led me to the Grizzlies' House from the hospital.

You're headed in the right direction.

Keep going. Almost there.


None of the aforementioned options, verbal or visible, are occurring. So....what's a gal to do?

I will keep putting one foot in front of the other---after I've spent time with Him. Clearly directing me might not be a piece of cake for Him....but God....can use His principle of inertia on me. I am definitely one of those folks resistant to change. As long as I'm moving, maybe He can just continue to twist and turn and nudge me until I have ears to hear or eyes to see.

Maybe His "mapped out" plan for me isn't one of clear direction but one of plain ole trust.

SCRIPTURAL BIRD WATCHING

1/16/12 Can there be such a thing as scriptural bird-watching?

Not being the resident birder here, I missed National Bird Day this year---actually I’ve missed it every year. It always falls on January 5^th. I wonder, if on that day, anyone correlates Bible verses with bird habits. Probably not.

Married to a semi-birder (he’s never “done” a ”big year” like the one in the recent movie by that name) I’ve learned to make a budget line item for bird food and to house our bird books with the binoculars---both within easy reach of the kitchen table.

I have even come to enjoy the pleasures of bird watching.

Bird watching is calming----though I still find hubby’s bird clock a little grating.

Bird-watching is intriguing. I now see the beauty of the female cardinal as surpassing that of the showier male.

Bird-watching is insightful. One can learn a lot from the nesting, feeding and territorial habits of birds.

Most of my viewing takes place at my big kitchen window---as do some life lessons. When I combine what I am experiencing in life with bird watching and a correlating scripture--- "Voila!"

Today’s verses for meditation come from a combination of

one of my character flaws with the beauty I see in God’s creation of these feathered friends.

25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? (Matthew 6:25-27)

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: GIFTS:... ---ADDENDUM

A gift that can keep on giving warmth----but first it has to be given. Daughter Molly assumes she should receive her cowl by Christmas 2014.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: GIFTS.......

1/16/12 .....that keep on giving
Monthly floral gift received in May that is NEW every month---a little bit of sunshine for dreary days.Marion in her "Dotsy" togs---an e-mail attachment that makes her Shug keep on smiling!
Kisses from Katie----a good read of passion for the Lord and and ALL his children which warms the heart on a cold day and is continuing to challenge my thinking.
Morning entertainment--
Red Bellied Woodpecker returns for new food....
....along with an immature Hairy Woodpecker friend, I think
















Bible (ESV), Journal, Devotional books

INK JOY

1/13/12 Writing brings me joy as do great writing implements. Finely sharpened pencils. Ink pens with flowing ink. I no longer have my cartridge filled pens but I still have my flat top Sheaffer pen and ink from the 50s with the snorkel filling system----just put the tip in the bottle and pull the lever for it to slurp the ink up and in.

What brings joy to God? Prayers of His children? My prayers?

Prayers are important to God. His word tells us to pray without ceasing (1Thess. 5:17) Obviously God desires our prayers----continual communion with Him---even though they don’t add anything to who God is. He doesn’t need our prayers to complete His work, but He desires them. Revelation 5 passage, particularly verse 8, convinced me that our prayers are important to God. If they are kept in a golden bowl, I can only assume that they bring him delight and Joy.

When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (the prayers of God's people, true believers) (Revelation 5:8)

I desire to bring more joy to the Father this year. In my somewhat OC (obsessive compulsive manner), I have all the color-coded journals and albums that hopefully will keep me focused on Him and improve my "too easily distracted" prayer life. My purple Ink Joy pen for “inkings” (jottings) in my purple “Praises, Prayers and Petitions” journal plus a small one for my purse. Even my light purple (lavender doesn’t start with a p) motif photo album filled with pix of those Saturday kids (big & little) for whom I pray. Faces to focus on. Prayers for salvation, growth in grace and knowledge, godly spouses and anything else the Lord lays on my heart. Faces to bring me joy as I pray.

May my praises and prayers in purple “ink” bring Him joy as well in 2012!

STATUS WOE

1/12/12 Monday’s First Evan prayer time verse from Micah 7 reflected my musings. It took me awhile just to get beyond verse 1, “Woe is me!”

But God…..

⁷ But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; (more time in His Presence with Word open)
I will wait for the God of my salvation. (waiting for status woe “funk” to pass)
My God will hear me. (Keep crying out & allow others to cry out on your/my behalf)
⁸ Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. (despair, irritability, sadness)
Though I fall I will rise; (every year around this time seems to be the pattern)
Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me. (It’s there I see it!! Light for me from the One who created light and gives light to His children.)

Teetering emotions are on the upswing.

Status woe is NOT my status quo today!

"negativi-TEA"

1/10/12 negativiTEA is a cuppa that I serve others way too often as each new year begins. I know that because I have a post-it® note in my journal that warns me----a funk is coming. An irritability coupled with a darkness that is overwhelming. The scribble really serves as a reminder to accept it and not be blind-sided. Acceptance with preparation----know that there is a brighter day coming. (Usually within the 2nd week of the month.) Only a few more days, maybe.

I've been asking self, “Is it hormonal?” Is it because of the 1/9/09 cancer diagnosis? Emotional let down from holidays?

What ever the cause, the effect is one of pessimism. I become Negative Nelly or Dotsy Downer, as daughter dubs me. Life’s focus is one of disapproval---the flaws of others, the faults and foibles of self.

NegativiTEA is a hard cuppa to swallow. I choke on it myself. Why do I serve it to others, especially loved ones! I don't intentionally serve it but my cuppa seems to slosh over and "dampen" their lives, as well. I think negativiTEA must be the beverage of choice for those in the pit. So....I just need to get out of the pit.

My post-it® note had a suggestion---a spiritual RX of sorts. Time in word during holidays might help. (I wish I had dated that note to track the timetable of this annual malady.)

I need to remember the One "who redeems your (my) life from the pit, who crowns you (me) with steadfast love and mercy, (Psalm 103:4)

Praises for the One who can hear my cry, bring me up of the of the pit, and redirect my footsteps----even putting a new song in my mouth----a song of praise. (Psalm 40:1-3) If others see that in my life during this time may they know it flows from His cuppa, not mine. Grace: His antidote for my negitiviTEA.

Morning Visitor inspires Meditation

1/9/12 Morning visitor was an eye opener in several ways. A reminder to fear not. A sign that God is in control. A grateful heart hint. A fret not, Dots memo!
Morning visitor was a red bellied woodpecker---not a red headed. God knows the difference so I figured I should too!
25Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:25-27)

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS/Wise Men Worship

1/8/12

Twelfth Night (1/6/12) ended the season but not the
"reason for the season."

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

Wise men still do worship the King!

THREE KINGS DAY

1-6-12 "Three Kings Day" is celebrated on January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. Also called Epiphany, it's a Christian feast day, that celebrates the revelation of the Son of God as a human being in His son, Jesus Christ. It is often viewed as the last day of the Christmas season.
For centuries, churches have celebrated the twelve days of Christmas, beginning on Christmas Day and ending on January 6.

9After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod (the King), they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:9-12)

Hooray for the three kings who bowed down and worshiped and who did not heed Herod's instructions.

"O" No!----"O" has caught up with me.......

1/5/12 More bookstore browsing. New intriguing titles (I Remember Nothing)....because they reflect the state of my mind! (or lack there of)

Table of contents lure. The "O" Word. Before reading further, my mind was flooded with "O" words. Partly because....... I live with a man who communicates in "initialspeake"---HH for hard head, OP for old_ _ _ _, POW for piece of work, etc. He's been speaking text-talk since before there was such a thing.

And partly because........I used to "read" dictionaries when I was in elementary school. Some words came right to mind. Overkill, oxymoron, oreos----which lead me to obesity---which lead me to oatmeal, which lead me to oatmeal cookies---which lead me back to obesity.

Knowing Ephron, an "O" word could be anything from obscure to obscene---but knowing her age, 70 last year, I assumed the "O" word was OLD. Indeed it was. (Ephron, p. 127)

So much can be said about that "O" word---a lot of which is not pretty. Aging is good for wine and antiques. For the rest of us, it can be a pretty frightening prospect. Memory loss being tops in my book. As Mother used to say about aging, if you're not ailing now, it's just a matter of time. Life does have an expiration date."

As we age the awareness of our own "someday" or "expiration date" increases---which has both good and bad aspects. Someday keeps getting sooner and sooner so one doesn't need to put off that which is important----the Lord, family and friends.

Old, yes. Obsolete, not totally.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by. (2 Corinthians 4:16)