GONE CRUSIN'

8/27/13 Setting sail from Seattle in a few hours on an Alaskan inside passage cruise. A first ever "big" cruise for hubby and me.

The "surprise" team of 6 family and friends shocked my brother Buddy at the airport in Nashville yesterday, He thought that only he and his wife, Charlotte, were going on a leisurely cruise with their "regular" cruising buddies, Cindy and Billy. Char planned it all and he did NOT have a clue. I know, because he "puddled"----a few tears of joy and excitement for all of us. 

Praises for God's goodness!

See you in September.

Bon Voyage!

R.E.S.T.

8/26/13

REST---it’s the theme for our H2H (Heart to Heart) Women’s Ministry Bible Study this year. It’s so timely for so many. Tired people grow weary in trying, weary of forgiving, wearing of the pain and struggle. Weariness can be overwhelming.

People who need rest and refreshment often turn to pills, alcohol, even the spa to reenergize their sad lives as Max Lucado says in “Facing Your Giants.” But do they? There may be a reprieve from the weariness and the pain may be postponed, BUT is it removed?

Jesus Calling (8/3) reminds us that in such times, one should be quick to pray. Oswald Chambers “My Utmost….” entry (8/20) reminds us that our Lord is the One who establishes rest. Crickett, our WM director gave a helpful acronym to remember these truths

Re-order your priorities Lay all your burdens prayerfully before the Lord.

Exercise restraint. Learn to say, “No.”

Slow Down. God can redeem our time for His purposes.

Trust God. ‘Nuf said!!

“Are you tired? Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Lucado, 8/15)

R.E.S.T. might not have a tune but it has it’s own lyrics for the heart---and those words are meditation for today.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  (Matthew 11:28-29, NIV)

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: HOPE 2

8/25/13 Sabbath Snapshots (8/11/13) did not include a picture because at the time I could not find it. I asked each blog reader to create his/her own mental snapshot of the "Hope" wreath at Jones Cancer Clinic. Today I found it---on my iMac computer, which I rarely use anymore. Compare it with the one you imagined. Let me know how you fared. 

Hope is imbedded in the book of today's snapshot #2. Author Sarah Young's first book, Jesus Calling, is the "little" book that gave me BIG hope during that first year (2009) of my cancer struggle. It continues to be my daily devotional book, as it is of many.

 I hope to have a cuppa with her someday to share my thanks for allowing God to use her and her writings to bless so many of us.

ADDENDUM---WOW---ABOUT AN HOUR AFTER I HAD POSTED THIS BLOG ENTRY----SARAH YOUNG SENT A TEXT ASKING ME TO COME FOR TEA. SHE WAS IN NASHVILLE AREA AND SO WAS I! 

WE SPENT AN HOUR & A HALF TOGETHER OVER TEA! (CONSTANT COMMENT) WHAT A DELIGHTFUL DAY.

What an answer to the prayer of my heart! 

GOD STORIES

8/24/13 God Story #1. Or maybe it was just a "God Wink." Either term works for me because God blessed my socks of earlier this week.

It all started Tuesday morning while perusing the local section of the Commercial Appeal. A mere glance at a child posing for his first day of school caught my attention. The little fellow looked so familiar. The caption underneath gave the name of the child's parents. Oh my! No wonder he looked so familiar! He looked just like his daddy had looked when I had taught him at that very same school 39 years ago. My next thought was wondering how that young man was faring in life. I wondered how to get in touch with him----but with phone books obsolete & LinkedIn requiring an email address, I didn't have a clue. Oh well, I kept the sweet picture of the little one to show hubby, who allowed me to reminisce. I remember lots more about all those early years of teaching and making home visits than I do about more recent events.

That night I attended a Give365 event with my other like-minded folks and as I'm waiting to enter the auditorium.......there is that same little face all grown up. What are the chances? Coincidentally, I don't have a clue! I don't do numbers. But spiritually, to me, it was a God-incident and my chances for those seem to beat the odds of humanity's numbers.

I approached him and he remembered his "Miss Dotsy" saying that he and Ann, another "alum" of my class, had visited at a recent parent's meeting. What a fine young man,.....husband and Daddy of 3. What a blessing to meet him. What a God-wink!

He emailed me a picture so there's pictorial proof of this God Story.

BTW, it seems as if there might be a God Story #2 just around the corner. It's imbedded in hope. I'll let you know tomorrow.

APATHEISM

8/23/13 Even Pastor Cole can often throw out a 50¢ word. Probably some are his own creation. Recently he introduced us to apatheism. It's the belief/theology of one who knows God or knows a lot about God but God doesn't matter to him. It's evident in the way he/she lives his life. Not quite agnostic---just an apathetic approach to God. Believers without teeth for their belief.

I don't know about others, but I don't want my life to be seen as a life of one who practices apatheism. I want to know Him and I want others to know that I know Him when they see my lifestyle.

Apathy + theism. Not for me. I prefer to live a life worthy of the label---Christian. 

GIVE 365

8/22/13 Today's Commercial Appeal local interest story highlighted the "Give 365" philanthropy. Though the story correctly identifies most of the "philanthropists" as those in their 20s, 30s and 40s, there are also others.

I and other educators, especially retired ones with big hearts and not so deep pockets, find his a great way to provide grants for many worthwhile (and VERY CREATIVE, I might add) ideas all for the greater good of our city. The Tuesday night presentations confirmed the intent of so many of these programs. (17 finalists) Voting for my Top Five will be a hard task.

Members give $1 a day (minimum)----it seems the least I can do to give back as the child of One who continually gives  to me out of His goodness, 24/7--365 days a year and beyond.

BTW, a match from a generous philanthropist, is available for all who wish to join, regardless of age or depth of pockets. Check it out at GIVE365----Philanthropy on $1 a day seems like a great way to give back.

WHAT A MOON!

8/21/13 What a moon, indeed! Did you see it last night????
Friend Jerrie and I got more than a glimpse of that BIG moon as we drove home from the "Give 365" meeting in the downtown medical center area.
When I saw it, I thought back to those nights of soothing babies. Sitting in the rocking chair by the upstairs window, babe in arms I would recite that familiar little ditty.

I see the moon
and the moon sees me.
God bless the moon
and God bless me. (but I would complete rhyme w/ Buddy, or Josh(ie) or Molly) 

When I see the moon
and the stars so bright,
I thank the Lord
for day and night.

I wonder if they remember. Wonder if they share "I see the Moon" with their little ones.

BTW thanks to Batesville, MS friend for the info. Ck it out and if you miss it, you'll know when this "Blue Moon" will next be seen. (It only happens once in a "blue moon.") Also, thanks to blog reader Nancy E. who brought to mind the Psalm 19:1-2 verse. Both the poem and the verse acknowledge the Creator.

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.

What a moon! What a God!

Epitaph: inscribed on the heart

8/20/13
A recent “Best of Times” WKNO TV segment highlighted the life of Salvation Army brigadier, Gertrude Purdue, who died in May at the age of 104. The program listed many worthwhile accomplishments and her incredible energy, which was always directed toward serving others.

Yet, what stuck with me was her concluding quote. To me, a summary of her humility. It was the testimony of her life…..that little dash on her gravestone…..how she lived those 104 years.

I am a little pencil in the hand of a loving God who is writing a love letter to the world. (Gertrude Purdue, 1909-2013)

What a heartfelt inscription to remember. What an epitaph!

PERIPATETIC MOVEMENTS

8/19/13 Peripatetic is a Ronnie Steven's 50¢ word. He has a trove of them. It aptly describes my movements this summer, though I would use "hither and thither" to chart my journeys. Maybe even hither, thither and yon.

The journeys away from home have seemed to go in all directions yet they were meaningful and worth while because the purpose was to spend time with family and dear friends. Fait accompli.

But....the time at home, in between those trips & treks, has had me here, there and everywhere. Not much (purposeful, at least) accomplished. Running from pillar to post, as my grandmother, Gena, would have said---a linear description of walking in circles and therefore accomplishing very little. 

So what's the remedy? Meditation.

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. (Psalm 119:15)

God can redeem the time lost in my peripatetic, helter skelter, chaotic life when I take time to sit at His feet, head bowed and Bible opened on my lap. He can work everything together for good.....for His purposes. Even my hither and thither life style.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: Highlights & Mountain Lights

8/18/13 Timely. This year's "adult trip to the mountains was as eagerly anticipated as in years past. But God....used it this year to provide sanctuary for me. Time away----the day after I received my fall teaching assignment. Silence. Solitude. Listening. Simplicity.....my given topics.

WOW----perfect timing. Provision of a perfect place to experience those lessons.

Sanctuary can be a place of refuge and bring God into the mix (Me & Thee chairs) and it can become a sacred place in the early morning light. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. (Psalm 63:2)

 Firelight to provide warmth when the temps dipped to 55°.

The mountain valleys team with beautiful evidence of God's creation. Sheep. Horses. Even cows in a front yard.  

He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the grass grow in mountain pastures. (Psalm 147:8)

Fading evening light of the Smoky's as viewed from Catalooche Ranch. 

A Cuppa My T Leaf Ginger Twist tea for those twisty mountain roads. 

In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. (Psalm 95:4)

Sunset seen from atop "Little Hogback Mountain."In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. (Psalm 95:4)

Questions....with pictorial answers

8/17/13 QUESTIONS:

1. How do you know you're in the mountains? 
2. How do you know you're in a small town? 
3. What does 60 years of marriage look like?

ANSWERS:

1.   Honor jars serve as the till.

2.  There's diagonal parking on Main Street as in Franklin, NC. .

3.  60 years of marriage  looks like commitment and contentment, with a smile. So be happy with your wife and find your joy with the woman you married. (Proverbs 5:18, GNT)

MOUNTAIN TIME: ADDENDUM

7/16/13 
Mountain people, who live in cadence with mountain time, experience life in a timely manner---"whenever." "Soonish." Business might open one day and not the next---just check our the sign.
 "ish" is it's own hand on the clock.

Store sign in Cashier, North Carolina---8/14/13

Regardless of "time zone" parameters,  you know you're on mountain time when you......

• sleep when you're tired, 
• wake up rested with fewer hours of sleep, 
• have sounds of a running creek, heard though an open window, to "lull" you to sleep, 
• are as delighted with a rainy day as well as a sunny one, 
• understand that the march of time slows down to a walk or a rocking chair's rhythm and even a turtle crossing the road can catch your attention. 

Mountain Time----somewhere between resting and relaxing with lots of "fixin' to" intervals in its measurements.

NO SERVICE is "SWEET!"

8/15/13 The phone read "no service." Likewise, the computer.

Occasionally the BEST service is NO service.

Sounds like a "Heart to Heart" lesson taking root.

Disconnection with the world can enrich connection with the One who truly desires connecting with us. Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

"NO SERVICE" RESULTS: Silence, Solitude, Quietness of Soul, Serenity of Spirit, Listening Opportunities, Simplicity of Agenda---just to mention a few!!

 In His Presence is fulness of Joy. (Psalm 16:11)
SWEET SERVICE!

MOUNTAIN TIME

8/13/13 In the mountains---no time (little internet access and not much inclination to blog.)
More later....

HOPEFUL MEDITATION #1

8/12/13

Following yesterday’s entry about hope, I spent time in the Psalms.

Those who acknowledge God in their lives have a hope that others might not even understand. God matters to them. Hope for better tomorrows are a part of their lives, regardless of the trials or struggles they are facing this side of heaven. They acknowledge His goodness. Their hope is in Him.

Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me,
 
for you are God my Savior,and my hope is in you all day long Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,or they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good. (Psalm 25:4-7) 

Today, “think” on the hope offered by the Lord.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: HOPE

8/11/13

WHAT? No snapshot and this is Sunday. The entry advertises a photo, so where is it?

Due to a transfer snafu, the picture of hope will be different for each of you.

Imagine, if you will, a door wreath at Jones Clinic at the entry to the “chemo area.” See in your mind boa-type wisps of a feathery pink. Note embellishment of “pink breast cancer awareness” ribbons. Visualize words of encouragement & hope written in black on thin white ribbon.  There’s your picture.

A picture of hope.

Actually, over the last 12 months, I have seen faces of the Jones Clinic clientele who are pictures of hope themselves.  There’s nothing like the diagnosis of a terminal illness to increase one’s hope for life. An extension of life. 

I’ve also witnessed kind, caring, but honest nurses. I applaud each of the similarly encouraging patients, who are all on the same side of the cancer struggle. 

All are hopeful. Hopeful not only for themselves but for each other as well.

The patients I see most often are all a picture of Psalm 33:20-22.

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.

Picture that in your thoughts until I find the original snapshot of hope.

Research says….

8/10/13 Statistics show……Research indicates……Current research confirms…..

As an educator these phrases easily catch my attention. But also, as an educator, I’m skeptical because I understand that data can be manipulated or “read & interpreted” in order to substantiate what the researcher purports as truth.

Years ago a study that caught my attention claimed, “...family who plays together stays together.” Beyond that result, was the claim that the top activity under the “play” finding was camping. In other words, the camping aspect of play seemed to really seal the deal for keeping the family together. 

I liked that idea but…..after a week in the woods with 6 grands, the word “play” is a misnomer. Camping is work. Camping necessitates working together. Such work is probably just as valuable as the “fun.”  At least, that’s my experience.

This past week K-Love shared some “research findings” which experientially I have found to be true.  In a “Well Being” study, the research showed that well-being comes from doing for others. In others words “doing good” is better for you than feeling good.

Scripture calls it “one anothering”  in 30+ verses. 

Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13)

But if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. (1 John 4: 12)

Certainly God’s love in a person would enhance his/her well-being.

That research finding, based on truth of Scripture, rings true to me!

ANNIVERSARY ALTERNATIVE

8/9/13 44 YEARS! Happy Anniversary to us! 

But.....original anniversary plans went awry. So....we decided to celebrate locally----in our zip code. Around the corner. Convenient. Yet, a new culinary adventure.

Though we missed being with our friends, the "new" place turned out to be a delicious alternative. Southward has only been open a week but.....the chef knows his way around the kitchen. "Southward--Onward" is my take on it.

My halibut was the best I've ever had but my favorite thing on the plate, and it was all good, was the field pea cakes! Oh, my! Hubby's steak and shrimp risotto were also tasty and I ate off of his salad wedge topped with all kinds of goodies along with the Benton smoked ham. Too full for dessert.... though the unusual banana split was pretty tempting.

Though a negative complication necessitated a change, certainly the "fare" alternative was a positive for this anniversary couple.

Spirit of Complaint: addendum

8/8/13 Conviction was the impetus of yesterday's brief blog entry. "Complaint is not a spiritual gift."

Recalling that phrase, first heard from friend Ellen's hubby Dick and compounded by my own daughter's admonishment to NOT be a "Dotsy Downer," lead to some self-examination. I have been in the habit of defining, or more likely rationalizing, my "words" as concern or just observation. But God.....used others in my life to show me otherwise. A least no one used the "nag" word----at least not recently.

I do think that often the very same words can be used as either a comment/observation, or as an "all out" complaint. Hm-m-m.....as if there are degrees of difference. Hm-m-m-m....maybe once again rationalization is taking over.

Probably.....a complaint is a complaint, is a complaint, whether uttered through gritted teeth or "hidden" behind a grin. 

I do think that in my life the "light" has come on in this area of complaint. Where there's light there's usually conviction. I'm seeing it for what it is----sin. Complaint seems synonymous with ingratitude.

Recent trips to friend Claudia's chemo treatment and conversations with newly diagnosed friend, Mary B. were flood lights of conviction for me. Positive living. Living without complaint in the face of the dark diagnosis of cancer. Prayerful, grateful, trusting.

God sent  help in the form of a reminder. Aggie's blog comment from "across the pond" introduced me to 2 Samuel 22:29. (Which I have since prayed for myself and others.)

For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness. (KJV)

Suddenly, God, your light floods my path, God drives out the darkness. (The Message)

Complaint is NOT a spiritual gift. Complaint is a darkness that needs to be dispelled.

Spirit of Complaint

8/7/13 Spirit of Complaint...it's NOT a spiritual gift!

YaYa's Wisdom

8/6/13 Last week, the Texans' Texas grandmother, YaYa,  shared some insightful gems, gleaned from a counseling conference.

Two Questions---children have for their earthly parents.

• Do you love me?
• Can I have my way?

Two Questions---children (even adult ones) have for their heavenly Father.

• Do you love me?
• Can I have my way?

The answers are the same:

• YES, to the love question. 

Parents love their children unquestionably. 

In the same way, God's love for His children is indisputable. 

• NO, to the "have my way question."

Parents need to provide the foundational guidance, safety and moral direction for their children until adulthood is reached.

In the same way God provides the foundational truths needed for His children to live a life of purpose. His purpose. It's not about us! It's God's purpose for us as a part of His plan for humanity and His glory. God must continue to direct one's steps  until maturity in Christ is attained on the eternal timetable.

Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)

Thanks to YaYa for sharing her Allender Q & A. 

T-Shirt Theology

8/5/13 Nowadays a person's wardrobe has a way of espousing their belief's----at least in the T-shirt domain. More than advertising or designer logos. Sometimes a "cause" or a "beef" is front and center.

This past week I saw several T-Shirt "backs" that had me thinking and one that gave me pause for meditation. One was still hanging on a sale rack in the ice cream shop "gift" area. T-Shirt #2 was being worn by a VBS teacher eating lunch at Chick-fil-A (natch) in Lebanon, TN.

Life is bumpy. Enjoy the ride.
So true. Life sometimes offers twists and turns that we don't expect....but they are part of "our life story," as Taylor taught us on Sunday. So.......choose acceptance,  pray for God's strength and enjoy the ride as much as possible.

In order to get through the fear of those "bumps" in life that come our way.....one must choose to trust God. 

For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7) 

Focus (meditate) on God's love and power---not on those fearful bumps. Make that your theology and wear it on your own T-Shirt, if you choose.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: Family Fun, Deep Creek style

8/4/13 What makes a great family vacation? Anticipation. Making do. Outdoor activities---even sleeping outside. Hot chocolate around the morning campfire. S'mores and scary stories around the nighttime campfire. Ice Cream. A hammock. Glow in the dark games. Mining. Safety. Raining as we slept NOT during the day. Rolling with the punches. Packing up the tent on a "dry" day. It also helps when the scenery is spectacular, the temps are cool and pleasant and the kids have a blast in the "ordinary" days of "no agenda" creating their own games and adventures.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1

Even the youngest (2) helps set up the tent.

Mommy braves the COLD water to "tube the creek" with her  5 yr. old

S'mores, a Nightly Treat 

Hot Chocolate by the morning campfire when the it's  52° & chilly.

Taking RELAXING to new heights.....well, sort of.

Andrew's "El-wie"---our "lone" girl cousin, among 7 boys.

The "tooth fairy" found us even in Deep Creek.

Tubing all the way to the  ice cream shop.  

Lunch served "tubeside" for a quick return to the creek.

Watermelon Cooled in the Creek

Treasure Hunting

Tom Branch Falls, view from a tube looking up 

Glow in the dark ring toss 

Cooking a yummy breakfast on a "damp" morning.

Exploring

Suspension Bridge Fun 

The cousins minus one........ 

Missing cousin found.....still exploring.