Brokenness addendum

2/29/12 Have you ever questioned whether you did all that God asked of you. I posted yesterday's "Brokenness" blog entry, but God...thought I omitted something important. His word. The main part of the passage that I was dealing with needed to be more clearly spelled out. Citations alone do not do that. I had even queried my self several times about just putting the jar of clay citation and not the verse itself. God answered that query. 

Tonight at Heart to Heart Bible study, the tech man was closing up and right there in front of me was God's answer to my query. Just citation or include the main verse?

I even had my camera. So, with "tech's" permission I documented God's answer. God wanted each blog reader to have the verse at hand. I think He assumed it was a verse too important to miss---or to be left in each reader's hands to look up for themselves. 

So here it is! His power to answer prayers specifically.You can thank God for His addendum. I did. 

FORGIVENESS

2/29/12    FORGIVENESS---it's all about grace.

Hearing from 3 blog readers who would underline forgiveness in this week's, Colossians 3:12-14, meditation passage, I decided to post a link to my "teaching" on that topic. I confess that I did not want to teach that topic---but God......and you know how that goes. How grateful I am that the Lord had me deal with this issue a few months before my cancer diagnosis. I can only imagine how difficult that journey and healing would have been without having been finally purged (over 20 years of trying) from the bitterness and resentment of my "wounded" spirit. 

Alliterative outline is included to help remember 1. Repent. 2. Release. 3. Refocus. Yet it goes beyond that---dealing with "deep hurts" and smoldering resentment. Listen if you have need. It will be my voice and my heart that you hear. 

http://www.firstevan.com/?s=Dotsy+liles

BROKENNESS

2/28/12 From my neighborhood walk to my backyard patio, I saw brokenness. In the physical realm brokenness seems like such a negative. Destruction. Disenchantment. Disappointment.

Bu† God…..these last few weeks has been showing me, once again, the necessity of brokenness in the spiritual realm. Brokenness is humility---our humble response to God’s conviction of sin in our lives. It’s one of His ways for accomplishing transformation in our lives.

In the BSF lesson scripture (2 Corinthians 4:7-10) reminded me of my “treasure within.” But how do others see that treasure within? They see it through my brokenness. When the Lord’s life flows through my weak and frail jar of clay, Jesus “sticks out all over.”

In my life, brokenness first had to occur through thick walls of self-protection that kept both earthly and heavenly relationships at bay. The distance was self-induced to ensure pain avoidance. For a long while, it worked. Bu†God began to tear away at the protective seal that I had tightly woven over my heart. He showed me my sin. The words in Dr.Larry Crabb’s, Inside Out, jumped off the page at me.  He called self-protection what it was. Self-protection is a sin. A sin requiring repentance in order for my relationship with the Lord to grow.

The demand to keep ourselves safe is strong.  We look in all the wrong places for the relief our soul desires so badly, developing a style of relating designed to protect ourselves from the pain we fear.  Although our self-protective strategies are foolish (even when we get the safety we want, we realize it’s not what we want), we still cling to our ‘right’ to protect ourselves.  We demand that our pain be relieved.  That core demand must be faced before we’ll give it up through repentance and learn to re-direct our energy into love. (Crabb p.142)

For me brokenness was a good thing. Painful, yes---but worth the suffering! A yielding. A willing submission. Rising from the dust of my shattered jar was the Spirit of the Living Lord. It was His filling in my life that fulfilled me. Brokenness was my path to wholeness. A dichotomy of sorts---a broken person ready to wholly serve in grace-filled ways.

When I am broken, the life of my Lord is put on display for others. Can you see Him?

Meditation Musings

2/27/12 When meditating on God’s Word, what is most important?  Scripture selection? Time? Place? Is amount of time more important than a place with no distractions? Is a long passage better than a few verses? Does posture matter? The answers to all these questions will vary from person to person based on individual situations and often even on one's season of life. Time frame might be decided based on one’s schedule or sleep patterns.  What matters is meditation. Spending time in God’s word.

Today I decided to read only 3 verses from Colossians chapter 3. Though it’s only 3 verses, Billy Graham emphasizes that the Lord can even use only “ a few verses at a time” to “reshape your life.” (Nearing Home p. 154)

Foster, too, states, “It is better to take small portions and digest them fully that to attempt to gorge yourself and get spiritual indigestion.” (Foster, p. 131)

I began by reading this passage aloud in its entirety----somewhat along the lines on an example given in Sanctuary of the Soul. (Foster, p. 124)

After reading aloud once, I went back and prayerfully asked God to focus my attention on verses that needed my attention. I reread, underlining words or phrases that stood out to me.

I waited in “listening silence” (Foster, p. 125)

Then I "steeped" some more by reading only the underlined words. 

The single phrase that stood out was “chosen of God” and that’s the 3 words I’m carrying with me to “think on” for the next few days. Already I’m asking myself if my actions are consistent with that privilege, “chosen of God” and what kind of heart does one “chosen of God” put on every day?

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

I’m still musing this verse. Muse with me. Let me know your meditation musings either on Colossians 3: 12-14 or whatever verses the Spirit has for you.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS; Singing a song of creation

2/26/12 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. …..Declare his glory…. the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. …..O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: …Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice (Psalm 96 1, 3. 5, 6, 9, 11, 12)

BOOK BYTES---Bits and Pieces from my current read…..

2/25/12  ….Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer, by Richard J. Foster.

The book....

This book accompanied me on my “retreat” week ---and influenced my desire for that still listening silence that can be difficult for me, especially in the midst of the “dailies” of life---even retired life.

This glimpse at the notes are there to whet your appetite for more of this book or just to use parts you can apply to your own prayer times. It is in no way an exhaustive commentary on this Richard Foster Book. Part of this disclaimer as well as his is that no one method works for everyone---if you desire to hear God’s voice

Inner sanctuary of the Heart---spiritual space

Meditative prayer opens door to heart---soul of that inner sanctuary

Divine Whispers---inward prayer filled listening—an interior knowing

1-2-3s of Worship (my label for his “group retreat” type experience)

• Center down---let go of all distractions & feelings 
• Be gathered in---into the power of God who can blend spirits and hearts together 
• Attend ---to the Holy spirit’s guidance, not running ahead (my enthusiasm to run ahead would be a “no-no”) nor lagging behind---be fully present/ silence mind from meandering thoughts & silence mouth of many words.

....the notes

3 steps to Meditative Prayer    

 I.   RECOLLECTION—“attempted meditation” will be indeed a time of warfare (E. Underhill’s quote on p. 62 ) very eloquently describes this & more) /Romano Guardini states---meditation is not easy. Unrest redoubles in intensity (similar to folks trying to sleep at night when cares of world enter head with a force they do not possess during the daylight hours. (my paraphrase)

p. 63 “Give up the need to watch out for number one because we have One who is watching out for us.”

II.            BEHOLDING THE LORD--inward steady gaze of the heart upon God, the divine Center

Richard Rolle (14^th C) “interior sweetness…spiritual flame that fed into his soul

Madame Jeanne Guyon (1685) p. 69. Guyon used scripture to quiet her mind but once in His Presence she says, “now hold your heart in God’s Presence”---by faith this can be done. Wait before Him. Turn all your attention toward your Spirit---Lord’s found within your spirit---in recesses of your being---this is where He dwells---continue to discipline mind to be quiet before the Lord---allow mind to rest…

If all this seems too hard Foster gave ways to “crack open the door to His Presence.

III.            PRAYER OF LISTENING---part of great interest t me---deals w/ discerning God’s voice---no formula given but scripture (Phil. 4:8) to understand that those nudges are from Him----the whispers of God---might lead us to simple acts of service and kindness---Portable sanctuary w/ Brother Lawrence (The Practice of the Presence of God)

Where is sanctuary? One possibility = Portable sanctuary, as answered at end of book along w/ more questions---“we are a portable sanctuary and by the power of God we can sanctify all places for meditation. (my THOTS--- Yes, but for me some places are more conducive, a place that draws me regularly)

So much more (including  list of resource books and an examples of Foster's forays into the experience)---but that’s your bits and pieces.  I would offer to share my book but I got it at my local library. Imagine that! It’s due March 1---so then it will be up for grabs.

GRUMBLE SEAT

2/24/12 This blog title had to be written in all caps because it can be a glaring problem for me. Most recently the inability to use our land line (my source of conversation) or my computer (my source of "blog" communication) had my grumblings rumbling,---thanks to a lack of perfection on Comcast's part. Aha, first clue---never expect perfection. 

This "grumbling" problem shows a deficiency in my spiritual conduct which I too often try to gloss over with a joke. But God.....is continuing to point it out so that I have to deal with it. Scripture has much to say about grumblings (Philippians 2:14) and contentment. (Philippians 4:11 & 1 Timothy 6:6) 

Even Anne Frank, who  could certainly justify her choice to complain, chose instead to remain positive. She, like Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:8, could be downcast without giving into despair.  In spite of her circumstances, Anne Frank chose not to grumble. 

• The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. 
• Go outside, to the fields, enjoy nature and the sunshine, go out and try to recapture happiness in yourself and in God. 
• Think of all the beauty that's still left in and around you and be happy. Look at these things, then find yourself again, and God, and then you regain your balance.
 
• And whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery! (www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3720.Anne_Frank)

My remedy is to refocus on  my Creator; to enlarge my heart with gratitude and be thankful, to find joy in the moments.

As someone recently said, so revealingly, "You (Dotsy) have no reason to complain." So, today I choose not to complain----I even choose not to "re-enter" yesterday's blog post. I don't even want to approach that "grumble seat," reminder of yesterday's frustrations and failures.

R & R Recollections #2

2/23/12 Intermittent internet service is preventing me from posting---will return when it does.

R & R = Retreat Reflections #1

2/22/12 Sanctuary. Meditation. Two words that speak loudest in their silence of what my 5 days of retreating became. With morning schedules cleared and no clocks to demand I check the time, I sought the Lord.

I learned that being still is hard and learning to listen is harder still. "Divine whispers," as Richard Foster calls prayer-filled listening, require both. (Sanctuary of the Soul, p.12)

My first morning, I learned in Nehemiah 9, that when the Israelites cried out.... , you (God) heard from heaven. (v.28) Yet they refused to listen (v.29) and weren't paying attention (v. 30) I chose then to make listening a priority and to pay attention to cultivating a spiritual place in my heart---an inner sanctuary of sorts where I could hear from Him.

  

Lots of time was spent in the psalms with meditation and praying the scriptures. Lots of time was spent searching out songs in an old hymnal as well as singing from memory. I sought sanctuary with changed venues, but always it was the place where I would meet God. I was drawn to it. I carried my sanctuary in my heart. 

I journaled---lots. I left tracks of my mornings with marginalia throughout my Bible. I even wrote a poem/prayer to the Lord.

Draw me, Teach me,
Show me Yourself behind my earthly eyes.
Close my ears
...that I might listen with my inmost being.
Still my heart that I might hear Thee from heaven
...loud and clear in the silence.
Open my ears
...only to the whispers and nudges of Your Spirit.
Open only the eyes of my heart, Lord
...and send me out.
Send me out
... filled with quietness and trust of these moments.
Send me out
...to refresh others with the refreshing that has come from Thee.

Meditation began. I was drawn near to the Lord. To that place of quiet confidence and rest. Where is that place? "Near to the heart of God." Sanctuary.

MEDITATE TODAY!

2/20/12 Plain and simple. It's Monday. I meditate. How about you? Have you gotten into the "Monday Meditation" habit yet? January 26, 2009 was this blog's first introduction to that daily designation series. Even on February 20 of that same year, I shared the BSF questions that can aid meditation? Somewhere along this blogging path, I must have decided not to veer from that alliterative requirement. Of all the days of the week, it's the one that has me blogging the most. Meditation on God's word is that important to me.

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide. (Genesis 24:63)

Do you have a special place that "calls" you to meditation? Do you have a particular time of day? Maybe establishing those factors might help you be consistent. For me, it's been establishing THE day. It's not always the only day but it is my one sure day. What's important is taking God's Word to heart and mulling it over under the guidance of His Spirit. That's meditation. It works for me.  What works for you?

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: LONGREEN LADIES

2/19/12 This sign says it all. So grateful that young parents on our street have chosen to raise their daughters in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. My Saturday's list of little "A" ladies---how special (and adorable) they are. My prayer privilege. 

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs: 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs: 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs: 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs: 22:6

A #1

A #2

A#3

GONE BIRDIN’ (GBBC)

Hubby would be birder in back w/binoculars & the glow in the dark white hair. 

 2/18/12 Hubby and I went birding yesterday. Daughter  says joining that type of group activity makes us officially OLD!  We joined folks from the Tennessee Ornithological Society for a brown bag lunch and training for this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count. These folks are serious birders. They count as much by sound as by sight. It was a real eye-opener for me----which says a lot because even with hubby’s 10x magnification binoculars---as “strong” as our leader’s, I could never quite focus in time to see the birds. Luckily some gorgeous wood ducks swimming lazily on the lake were most cooperative.


Of course, when an immature red-shouldered hawk was mistaken for a red-tailed, I was aghast! Yea, right. Though eventually I did find him in the top of a tree, I saw only a big hawkish type bird. They “heard” a red-shouldered hawk. We do have, according to hubby, a “resident” Cooper’s hawk, that preys on the songbirds at our feeders.

SMILE, Mr. Cooper's Hawk

Am I a birder? No. Have I ever done this before? No, though I did plan our summer trip around birding areas and it was an adventure.  Why did I go? It’s hubby’s thing and after my “retreat” week, I felt turn about was fair play. I enjoyed watching him watch his birds. Pop-Pop’s birds, his grands call them. 
Birding is a quiet activity. It’s a way of entering creation’s sanctuary. 

Yesterday was a way of seeing dwelling places that the Lord has created, especially “for the birds.” Plus, we were trained to “count.” Official certificates confirm our expertise. I even got to enter 5 American goldfinches that I saw at our feeder Friday morning, the first day of the “count.”

Not only did I get to see my husband in a new light but I also was able to experience quietness and reflect on the LORD. 

So…..birdin’ is a good thing.

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, 
 LORD Almighty! 
2 My soul yearns, …… 
for the courts of the LORD; 
…… 
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, 
   and the swallow a nest for herself, 
   where she may have her young— 
a place near your altar, 
 LORD Almighty, my King and my God. (Psalm 84:1-3)

Texts for knowing God

2/16/12 “This is my Father’s World and to my listening ears all nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres…..of rocks and trees and skies and seas, His hands thy wonders wrought….”  (lyrics from memory, but Chris Rice’s piano rendition is playing on my iPod, as I type)

An often said adage, “two texts of knowing God are His word,” (Psalm 119:38) and His creation. (Romans 1:20) has been clearly revealed to me this week---becoming truth in my own life. Whether seeing Who God is, in His Word, or seeing and hearing God on my walks, I have come to know and love Him more.

But it was that tune remembered from years ago that flooded me with the truth that is proclaimed in nature. Nature is that open book to the beauty not only of creation but also of the Creator Himself.

That hymn was introduced to me sitting in a pew at First Christian Church (Disciples of Chris) on Madison Avenue in Clarksville, TN. Probably elementary age. Probably winded from the long walk to get there from So. Second Street.
Sitting next to me was another “text” of knowing God, my grandmother. Jesus was written all over Mama Davenport’s life. 

How grateful I am for that “text” in her life. May I become such a “text” to others.

Are you reading me?

GOD SONG

2/15/12 Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty, Early in the morning my song shall rise to Thee…..If I were to “wager,” I’d say that hymn is the first, or at least on the first few pages, of every Methodist and Baptist hymnbook. You denominational folks, with hymnal access, will have to let me know.  It’s just stored in my mental hymnal bank---those recollections from my youth. God can certainly speak to my heart through those rich old melodies and familiar lyrics. 

So......this week, I've been using hymns to speak to God’s heart. I’m singing familiar verses and choruses to the Lord and praying the psalms, Bonhoeffer’s “prayer book of the Bible.” In a way it’s also a hymn book of the Bible……so I must be on the right track.

Holy, Holy, Holy’s lyrics have shown me the importance of executing this vocal exercise, my God Song, as morning "breaks". This week I’ve been composing my song “early”….whether it’s a praise song, a battle song or a song of comfort. Composition takes place before my feet even hit the floor!

How grateful I am, as one who can’t read music or “carry a tune,” that the Lord who hears from heaven, (Nehemiah 9:28) hears the God Song of my heart---not the pitch of my voice.

From FANTASY to REALITY

Fantasy Meets Reality

2/14/12…..or from NYTimes to Aldi. The NYTimes article (2/8) on lobster in a puff pastry momentarily had me considering that I could afford and create such a gourmet treat--- that, my friends, for me, is a delusionary state of mind.

When kids were younger, i.e. living here, Valentine’s Day “tradition” was a dinner using all the china, crystal, silver, etc. The rationale was that if they were ever invited to the White House for dinner, they wouldn’t embarrass themselves.

"New" Coconut pie recipe---created with what I had on hand.

Caleb, this is a place setting with more that one fork.

 Kids are gone from home and our newer tradition, dinner for two, is somewhat pared down. Seafood has become “bill of fare” along with fresh asparagus and whatever else is on sale though usually a “new” dessert to be served before after dinner “divinity, my fave gift from hubby. This year’s momentary deluded state of mind will hopefully include lobster, but not the NY way. Aldi’s Lobster tails, 2 for $12.99 is the reality---and even that’s a stretch because I’ve already gotten big scallops from Costco, hubby’s fave. 

V’day is right in the middle of “retreat” week for me so  I’m anxious to see where God leads me. At least the table is already set. 

The first thing He did, was to lead me from fantasy to reality. Then He allowed me to blog early so I could cut and paste this entry when the day comes---He reassured me that both He and hubby prefer my time and praise, not perfection. 

Perfection is not reality at 1152!

R & R = RETREAT

2/13/12 Reflecting and Refreshing-----that's the R & R I'm seeking this week. With the onset of funk #2 before 2012 was barely a month old, I knew a negative antidote was needed. "More of Thee, less of me." God affirmed that answer 3 times. #1 I received FOCUS newsletter from church. (p. 1) Cole's Pensées (a worthy read) included T. S. Eliot's poetic remarks in Choruses from the Rock. Although Cole didn't include, "The endless cycle of idea and action"----that was the hamster wheel I felt I was on. 

Endless invention, endless experiment, 
Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness; 
 

Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;
 Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word. 

Where is the Life we have lost in living? 
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? 
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?

  #2 My Utmost for His Highest entry  2/9. My THOTS, Trusting Him On This Subject/Scripture, (my version of penseés, though not as erudite) were: Spiritual exhaustion comes through service, though mine are not of the "headline" variety. Exhaustion depends on where you get your supply. Go back. Recollect where the source of power is. I need to be my best for God's sheep as well as God Himself.

#3 Guest speaker, Rob Bugh, author of When the Bottom Drops Out, took me to Lamentations 3 and reminded me that if my "strength has perished" I need to examine and probe my ways (activities, maybe) and return to the Lord. (v. 40) I need to.... seek Him, wait for Him, wait silently. So on Meditation Monday, I started there.

²⁴ “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
²⁵ The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
²⁶ It is good that he waits silently 

To me, it all boils down to stillness. Time with the Lord. 

What will it look like this week as I "retreat"? I'm not exactly sure. But God.......will meet me where I am. I sense that less (activity) will be more. Less information, more knowledge. Knowledge of stillness and silence, not constant motion. Deeper, richer times with Him. It might include digital detoxing with e-mail and "googling" and letting go of the NY Times, USA Today and "Nightly News." I might blog or I might not. 

Pray with me that my reflection on God's hand in my life as I align my will with His will, will be a time of stillness.....in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; (Acts 3: 19)

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: Scriptural Nudges

PRAYERS OF A 4 YEAR OLD
"Pray again, Pop-Pop. We forgot to pray for protection."

For wisdom is protection just as money is protection,

But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors. (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

NEARING HOME
 a book not just about dying but about living well as  one ages

And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,

Until I declare Your strength to this generation,

Your power to all who are to come. (Psalm 71:18)

HOPE BLOOMED!

The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,

“Therefore I have hope in Him. (Lamentations 3:24)

DRENDA'S FLOWERS
Light on her yellow tulips, my favorite, have me remembering the Lord.

……the LORD, 
Who gives the sun for light by day.......(Jeremiah 31:35)

PHOTO WORKSHOP ASSIGNMENT: SHADOWS

Keep me as the apple of the eye;

Hide me in the shadow of Your wings. (Psalm 17:8)

 

Playing with Light

2/10/12 Assignment #4 for Good Golly Mamarazzi photo workshop was "playing with light." Post workshop's assignment were offered by the teacher to keep us using the camera techniques we had learned during class. Following the description for this "in the dark" activity was a message from said instructor. "I want you to relax with this assignment.....Play with the light... see what you can create. Just have fun."

I obviously didn't have this technique "down pat" because I felt on the verge of a nervous break-down, metaphorically, at least.

To play with the light, one has to find the light. If and when the light is found, then the camera lens has to focus on the light. 

That old Hank Williams song began playing in my mind. (All about songs this week, aren't I?)

I saw the light, I saw the light

No more darkness no more light.

(____________don't know this line) 

Praise the Lord, I saw the Light.

  I couldn't see the light ----darkness surrounded me.....It wasn't incorrect aperture, or shutter speed. (those words still confuse me) I know, because teacher/daughter had set those for me.

Hubby came to the rescue. He found the light and followed my directions to "play with the light" while I stayed with the camera.

Praise the Lord---the camera "caught" the light.

Song of Deliverance

2/8/12 

Soothing sounds of “You Deliver Me” were being sung by Selah. They’re also the vocal group that sing, “You are My Hiding Place."

You are my hiding place

You always fill my heart

With songs of deliverance

Whenever I am afraid

I will trust in You          (http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/s/selah)

How interesting that this Dove Award winning trio is uniquely named with the exclamation that ends the Psalm verse from which " You Are My Hiding Place" was written. If there’s a story there, I don’t know it. I just know that today that song of deliverance spoke to my heart.

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah (Psalm 32:7)

Thank you Lord for delivering me from my self.

"Sing, Sing a Song"

2/7/12 

"Sing

Sing a song

Sing out loud Sing out strong

Sing of good things, not bad 

(Something ??) happy, not sad."

Scene: Mid-70s, our big ($212 a mo.) MSU faculty rental home at 3958 Central. Son, Buddy, in front of our console TV singing along, loud and strong (especially loud) with Bob as he sang to the Muppets on Sesame Street. After all these years, I still remember the words, at least some of them. I wonder if Buddy does.

Those words whirring in my head brought me up out of my sad song revery. Though not a hymn or a scripture, the lyrics seemed to provide deliverance from my song of complaint and frustration. I needed to change my thinking and my singing. Singing of good things, not bad, led to thinking of more things that were "good, honest just, pure, lovely." Thinking changed thus singing changed. Eventually my heart began to change "back" closer to where it needed to be. A grateful heart is reflected in songs of praise and joy, not sad songs. 

Soon I hope to be singing out those songs loud and strong.

New Song Needed

2/6/12 "Same old song." I need new lyrics for the same old song that I've been singing these last few days. Try as I might, I couldn't find a song of complaint, song of frustration or song of overwhelming anxiety in my Strong's Concordance. But.....I've certainly been singing them lately. I found songs of lament, songs of deliverance and lots of songs of praise. I know my songs haven't been songs of praise. When one's posture has her shoulders up around her ears, it's doubtful she's singing praises to the Lord.

Complaint. Despair. Frustration. Much like the "noise of thy song" (Tyre) which the Lord caused to cease (Ezekiel 26:13) I imagine my song grates on Him as well. A song of self. That music stinks.

My focus needs to look upward and not inward. Psalm 98 is a good place to start on this Meditation Monday---the sub-title naming it,  "A Call to Praise the Lord for His Righteousness."

I need a new song----a song of praise to my Lord.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: A Super week

My "first" daffodil---with hope of more to come!
"Consider the flowers of the field....Matthew 6:28, Arabic ver.)

Scripture nudge--For with Thee is the fountain of life....(Psalm 36:9a) 

Scripture nudge --"living water...a wellspring of water  of eternal life."
(John 4:11, 14) 

Good Golly Mamarazzi photography workshop class
http://goodgollyphotography.blogspot.com/

A SUPER bowl spread!

Super Bowl XLVI

2/5/12 

AFFIRMATION

2/2/12 Some days one's psyche could use a little encouraging or affirmation. I have recently had such a day----similar to Alexander's, "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." But a blast of guilt and shame came instead of affirmation. I sank right into self-pity.....and I know where that originates. Self-pity comes straight from the pit.
Affirming others is a biblical art---in Paul's letter to Philemon he commends him for affirming others in the faith.

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,.....For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. (vs. 4-7)

I know that my focus needs to be on affirming others. Refreshing others.....and not worrying about being refreshed myself! Easier to type than to do. In fact, I like Alexander, considered going to Australia. (To visit Sarah Young) But, like the wisdom of Alexander's mother, I know that some days are like that..... even in Australia.

Some days I could do with remembering that I need to please God, not man. (Galatians 1:10) My affirmation should come from Him. The only place I saw it that day was from my toothbrush. Maybe that was a "God wink"---His creative affirmation. At least I smiled.

ROR = an acronym lesson

2/1/12 In our abbreviated world of texting and e-mailing, acronyms are a way of life. Financiers know that the IPO for FB will result in millions for those young upstarts of the company. NASCAR folks know exactly what those letters stand for, but I don't have a clue. Internet slang has people LOL after their puns---just don't confuse it thinking it means lots of love or you could hurt someone's feelings.

Today's My Utmost for His Highest entry dealt with the "reality of redemption"---ROR in my marginalia. Christ's suffering was a reality that offered redemption for the whole world. ROR> Phonetically did you hear the "roar"? That's the sound of angels in heaven approving and applauding someone's acceptance of the Lord's redeeming grace. AKA the Reality Of Redemption.

He redeemed us through His death on the cross. That's the gospel....condensed.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)  

ROR is what keeps me AGOG---Awed by the Gospel Of God!