CHOOSE: THE SHEPHERD'S LEADING

"Savior like a shepherd lead us...." would ring out many a Sunday in the sanctuary of Clarksville, TN's First Christian Church. I remember snickering when the word "bosom" would appear in the singing. As small as Mama Davenport was, she could give a BIG look to squelch any giggles.

I also remember the church was located on Madison. I remember the street name because I always walked there, with "Mama". She didn't drive and as far as I know, my grandfather's (Dang-Dang) feet never crossed the threshold of said church.

An early morning cuppa from my fave Mary Alice Hadley Country Collection''s
"lamb" reminds me of my gentle, godly grandmother, Mama Davenport.

Maybe that's why her tender voice would enthusiastically join with all the  worshippers, because she knew she needed the care of a Shepherd! 

I never knew a time when Mama Davenport did not choose to let her Shepherd lead her. (Psalm 23:3) My spiritual mentor, "Mama," showed me the importance of choosing the Shepherd's leading.

CHOOSE: HIS GUIDANCE

Hubby's high school chum, Norman Mitchell, introduced us (2009) to the "faith family's" definition for guidance. It certainly fit my cancer journey, which I had dubbed, "my dance."  Linguistically, it's use is probably metaphorical or maybe analogous, to my trusting the Lord to guide me during that time of the "unknown."
Each twist and turn seemed to be a new step in my "MAC Dance."

One lesson learned from that experience is that the dance of life never quits until heaven.
The dance might change steps and the music might go from lament and blues to doo-wop and gospel, but life, and all it's ruts and bumps as well as fun, frivolity and worship is always better when it's done with Him.

God, you and I definitely dance---and when You are doing the leading, it's a wonder to behold!

CHOOSE: TO BLESS IN ANY VERB TENSE

Choosing to bless is always a good choice---present, past or future tense.
God blesses me as I pray.
Many have blessed me with their faithful prayers.
I will bless others as I pray for them. A way of "praying it forward."

Starting the day by saying a prayer to bless others would be a worthy choice. 

Scripture prayers of blessing = a great choice to start one's early morning any day of the week.

• Lord, bless (choose name) and keep (___________)
• Lord, make Your face to shine upon (___________).
• Lord, be gracious to (___________).
• Lord, turn your face toward (___________).
• Lord, give Your peace to (___________)
• and put Your name on (___________) as you bless him/her. (Numbers 6: 24-26, paraphrased)

Conjugate the verb bless---infinitive, participle, gerund...........
.........then choose to bless others in any form.

CHOOSE: NOT TO CHOOSE!

Okay. maybe "choose not to choose" sounds like an oxymoron of sorts----but when it comes to choosing to believe all things you hear, exercise caution. Feelings can easily trump truth and many people spout off opinions or others, including celebrities, as if it's "gospel truth."

Somethings are just Hogwash!

Sign above the restrooms entrance at The Perfect Pig on FL 30A---
------it's a good place to go to wash off hogwash germs.

It's also common to hear sayings attributed to the Bible that are not part of God's word.

Money is the root of evil! Hogwash! Money can be used for good or evil. 

It's the love of money that is the root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10) Greed and power hungry come to my mind.

God helps those who help themselves is another such bit of "hogwash."

"Thus says the LORD, 'Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the LORD.' " (Jeremiah 17:5)

God helps those who depend on Him and call on Him and His strength in their weaknesses. (2 Corinthians 12: 9-11)

The only "real truth" is God's truth. The rest is "Hogwash." 

Therefore, I choose NOT to choose---NOT to let "HOGWASH" distort truth!

CHOOSE: TO LISTEN

Have you got your ears on?

In Disney World, LOTS of people of all ages "have their ears on." Some people even buy ears for "munching." With all that munching and the great clamor around them, they probably can only "listen to themselves."

Does the "clamor" of life keep you from truly listening to the Lord. 

How easy it is to call on Him to listen to us! Our cries for mercy and relief. (Psalm 4:1, 28:2, & 54:2)

But.....do we respond with a listening ear? More than--- "in one ear and out the other."

Listening with the intent to obey. 

May we be more like Samuel. "Speak Lord your servant is listening." (1 Samuel 3:10)

God speaks; man listens. (2 Samuel 7:25-28)
In Psalm 5:3, the psalmist waits expectantly to hear the from the Lord.

In the morning Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my request before you and wait expectantly.

That's what it's really like to have "your ears on" before the Lord. 

I'll take my pseudo ears with chocolate, please. Maybe each taste will sweeten the words I need to hear as I choose to listen to all, even the "hard truths," the Lord has for me.

CHOOSE: 4F

4-F, in it's military connotation, is negative---especially for those who want to serve, as did many of the young enlistees in WWII. (Hacksaw Ridge) It identifies one as physically or psychologically unfit. Not worthy. Unacceptable. Unfit to serve.

No one I know wants to be deemed unfit. 

In the spiritual realm, as a member of the household of faith, I am grateful for God's appointment into service, based on His strengths, not mine. (1 Timothy 1:12) I just need to be faithful to Him.

4-F in Christian service is a positive.

Indicators are found in Spirit-filled, Spirit-controlled life of faithful service. (George Verwer, Drops from a Leaking Tap)

• Focus---daily on Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 12:2)
• Forgiveness---His of me. Mine of others. (Matthew 6:12)
• Faith shield---available 24/7. (Ephesians 6:16)
• Fellowship---with other believers. (Hebrews 10:25)

Choosing 4-F in the Christian life is a winning situation as one faces battles each day.

CHOOSE: LIGHT

Friend and BSF teacher, Sally J., chooses to put on the armor of God everyday!

She uses Ephesians 6:13-18 as her head-to-toe guide: helmet of salvation (guard the mind); breastplate of righteousness (cover and protect the heart);  belt of truth (buckled at the waist w/ God's truth) and feet shod with the gospel of peace. She then takes up the shield of faith (to ward off attacks) and the sword of the Spirit (word of God) as she steps out to begin the day. What a great beginning!

I had never considered "light" as part of armor unit until reading Jesus Always (2/21)

Metaphorically, light is a necessary covering to "put on." Believers receive the light at salvation. Yet, sometimes in our lives we forget to clothe ourselves with His light. The light which dispels darkness.

Darkness is prevalent in our world. It can blind us or at least dim our vision so that we no longer see clearly. How easy it is to fall into the "worldliness" that surrounds us. His light is our protection from said world. (John 17:17)

God is light, in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:7)

Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. (Isaiah 2:5)

I choose the One who is Life and gives light.
I choose the "Light of the World" as my armor of defense for today. (John 8:12)

CHOOSE: FRUCTIFICATION OF FAITH

Wordsmith's unite. Do they ever!
Word-A-Day Flip calendars. YouVersion verse of the day. A.Word.A.Day which comes right to your email in-box. K-Love's Encouraging Word via radio waves. 
Wannabe wordsmith's even have their own twitter accounts and URLs.

Wordsmiths choose words that are not normally in their speaking vocabulary and learn from them. Sometimes one wordsmith will challenge another.
I, a fledgling word nerd, took the challenge though I am VERY weak in the spiritual "wordsmith" community, compared to my challenger. 

"Fructification." I started with my old stand-by, my hard copy American Heritage Collegiate, 2nd edition. (a gift from my Aunt Dot Seay)

Fructification--noun, the process of fructifying. (Wow, that was "un"-enlightening.)

More research opened my eyes to a synonym of growth. In the spiritual realm, that made sense. 
Growth in grace and knowledge of truth = fruit bearing in my faith.

Starting with knowledge of God and accepting Christ as the cornerstone of one's faith many Christlike virtues begin to take root. A new believer often begins studying God's word and seeking God's grace in order to grow in his faith.

Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

In my own faith walk, after I added knowledge, it was in the midst of struggles that God "ripened" my faith." Faith growth for me hurt deeply at times. 

Yet, for me, the real fructification of faith began when I chose to share my faith with others. 
Fructification of faith is, at its best, when it bears fruit in others.

Faith that was my anchor in my cancer journey gained strength as I shared it to encourage others.
Faith continues to give me strength and courage when I have no control in life's "hard places," knowing I can lean in to God's goodness in each new struggle. 

Sharing is a new branch/off shoot of choosing fructification of faith with each new struggle.


Before posting this blog entry, I opened my All to Jesus, devotional book for March 22 and read, 'The gospel....has come to you....bearing fruit...and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it.' (Colossians 1:6)

Not only was the "CO"incidence affirming, but it opened my eyes to the One who did the "choosing" for my "word" for today---certainly strengthening my faith as together He and I choose: fructification!

CHOOSE: READING ALOUD

Reading aloud might seem ordinary to some, but at our home we call it a "shared adventure."

There's nothing quite like having read the same book together to "bond" a family----whether a picture book or a novel. It's what we do!

When a grandchild "understands" his PopPop's unusual relationship with squirrels, he can take a turn and read aloud. Laughter bursts forth....! 

....there is a season for that, as well(Ecclesiastes 1:1, 4,)

It's all "part and parcel" of choosing a shared adventure, AKA "reading aloud."

CHOOSE: SINGING

Spring is officially here!

God is sovereign! 

The day is Yours, and Yours also the night; It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both summer and winter. (Psalm 74:16-17)

Regardless of the fluctuating winter to summertime temperatures, it is springtime in Memphis!

"He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting." (Psalm 104:19)

"My" Molly's azalea---almost 38 years old!

"For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. 

The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come...."(Song of Songs 2:12)

The sun is shining. The temps are rising.
How easy it is to choose "singing in the springtime!" 

CHOOSE: ENCOURAGEMENT

Blog readers continue to inspire and encourage me. 

So grateful Margie Horner chose to encourage me with this great text reminder!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact, you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11)

May I choose to pay forward this encouragement!

CHOOSE: TO ENCOURAGE

Where does encouragement end and self-aggrandizement begin?

Scripture reminds us the importance of doing 3 things in secret; fasting, giving and praying.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:6, KJV)

Certainly "the" closet, or war room as Priscilla Shirer states, is not just a "supply" closet. One doesn't just open the door to ask for "things" but rather to enter into the Lord's presence in order to strengthen one's relationship with Him.

My quandary yesterday was whether to tell someone "important" of my intercession on his behalf. While "lunching" with dear friend, Nancy E. downtown at The Little Tea Shop, Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings, came in.

He was greeted by many folks familiar to him. I, on the other hand, was in no way familiar to him. However, I felt compelled to approach him just to say thanks for  serving in a difficult position and working hard to protect our city. (Jeremiah 29:7)

My commendation was accompanied with a hug and the statement that I pray for him every Saturday. He replied saying, "I need at least 18 thank you hugs a day and I really need and appreciate your prayers."

Did I cross the line of encouragement? I hope not. I do think one's motive is revealed by one's heart attitude. I truly have been thankful for his intervention in so many impending crisis situations. Of course, blogging about it can up the level toward self-aggrandizement so I hope readers will see it as a reminder to choose encouragement----thank those who serve us and maybe even give them a hug.

First of all, then I urge that petitions, prayers and intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. Therefore, I want men everywhere to pray.....(1 Timothy 2:1-2, 8, BSB--emphasis mine)

Then, if you choose to pray for them as well, and choose to encourage by sharing this intercession with another.....well, that's between you and God.

CHOOSE: UNWINDING

So grateful to have found my "just laugh cup" picture this morning since yesterday that very special cup shattered.  I'm still finding stray pieces. I'm not laughing yet but I am thankful to have this image reminder of a favorite mug with an oft needed message from my dear Saturday prayer warrior, Wynellen. She knows my temperament and I can trust her to pray for my needs. This week I need to "chill" a bit. Hubby says just "unlax" so that all my self-imposed strain and tension will ebb away! Easier said that done for me.

To relax and unwind.

For sure choosing to unwind after a non-stop vacation with adult kids and 7 grands has been a must. As Jim Newman reminded me, "Keeping up with folks (16 for us) at Disney is like herding squirrels."

I think I'm better at herding than I am at unwinding and resting. 

O, that I had the wings of a dove. I would fly away and be at rest. (Psalms 55:6)

Many grandma friends seem to have the same propensity---to keep on feeling responsible for all their herd. Sweet friend, Angie, who gave me the My One Word book chose "Ease" as her one word. 

Her verse is Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me....and I will give you rest."

As we are "wired" similarly, I certainly understand her choices.

Also, we both understand the need for divine intervention.  It takes His power in order for some of us to slowdown.

For the tightly wound up, it's hard to choose unwinding but it's a must, especially as we age!

CHOOSE: SQUARE ONE

In order not to choose shattered as my word, with my recent calamity, I had to return to the basics of truth. 

Relationships are more important than things. Yet....when the "thing" reminds you of a very special relationship, sometimes it's hard not to "feel shattered."

But God.....reminded me that when the pieces are swept up, the friendship remains, sometimes stronger than ever.

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV)

This friendship has never failed because we are bound in fellowship by the One who is the ultimate Friend.

That's why I can choose to get back to square one. 

CHOOSE: TO RIDE

I don't do BIG "rides" well! (Think Dragon Challenge (below) Hulk, Popeye, Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls flume ride)

So, I stuck with my 5 year old granddaughter on our recent trip to Universal's Island of Adventure.

The first day found us on some spinning rides (Caro-seuss-el) and wet rides (One fish, Two Fish)  & slides (Camp Jurassic)

But then......"Swing gliding" with our feet dangling below us as we went through the trees on Pteranodon Flyers in Jurassic Park & roller coaster rides came next....

---though labeled family friendly they did some jerking and swerving after uphill and down hill speedy runs. Flight of the Hippogriff. Woody Woodpecker . A little unnerving for both a youngster & an "oldster."

When I felt Lucy's small hand grab my right hand, I so understood the need to "hold on to another for security" as the verse from Psalm 73:23 came to mind! (I had no idea of the citation at the time---I just now looked it up.)

Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.

That's the ONLY way I can Enjoy the Roller Coaster Ride of Life holding on to the Lord!

CHOOSE: MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Memorable moments---choose to think on these things.

Prepping to be a Princess is hard work.

BIG BAD Roller Coasters. Harry Potter. Safaris. Character Breakfasts.

Tea Time. T-Cup Rides.Dinners with Princesses. Painted Faces. Cat in the Hat. Dinner in a 50s convertible while watching 50s movies at a drive-in.

How good and pleasant it is when  the brethren dwell together in unity!!! 

Bountiful blessings of memories----an easy choice!

 (Will try to tweak later!)

CHOOSE: SADNESS

Sometimes one cannot help but to choose sadness. Sometimes sadness chooses you.

That's what happened with me when the "New Yorkers" had to leave Disney World a day early.

            

Impending SNOW in New York---a real nor'easter. It even has a name. Winter snow storm "Reggie."

"....a time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance" (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

That's life---"unto everything there is a season." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

All week we have had laughter and dancing and I need to focus on that. Great family memories.

But.....I also don't need to repress the sadness. I didn't.

The tears flowed as last year we only saw them once. Even this time "Mommy" had to stay home and teach. So, I cried for all of that. I don't even know when we'll see them again so I added that to the tears as well.

But God and other family members reminded me the importance of remembering the recent "season" of family celebrations.

What a "privilege" to be with Lucy as she met her favorite Elsa and Anna....... 

and had dinner in Cinderella's palace with her 6 male cousins and met lots of other princesses.

That helps me to smile through the sadness, though my heart still aches. 

CHOOSE: DANCING IN DISNEY # 2

Fun! Fun!! & more fun to come. 

CHOOSE: Dancing in Disney

There's LOTS of dancing in Disney.
In Epcot, at the International Flower and Garden Festival, even the flowers danced in the wind.

Epcot's World Showcase of 11 countries had music and dance at every turn.
Music is the international language and dance just interprets each countries culture in a unique way.

From the Mariachi bands, not to mention the Three Caballeros, "stepping out" in Mexico and the flag throwing dancers in Italy to the exquisite Japanese dancers accompanied by the matsuriza, taiko drummers,  added to the international experience.

Even our Japanese chef at Teppan Edo brought a form of dancing to the hibachi.

She had the onion volcano smoking and all the chicken dancing with the chopsticks drumming.

What an experience!

A "dancing" good time was had by all!

CHOOSE: "GRAND" DANCING

Words in books can be as lyrical as the words of a song. Toe tapping.

Riding through "Cat in the Hat" storybook tunnel listening to those rhythmic words and on the "High in the Sky Trolley Train" ride had us all rocking and rolling and dancing our way above, around and thru the Island of Adventure.

One of the advantages of having been an elementary school librarian for 20+ years is familiarity of many picture books.
"That Sam I am---that Sam I am!" can have one's toes tapping right along with her "grands" and the "Grinch.".

Even the One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish ride had Lucy and me dancing in our seats to avoid the water spouting at us!
Ending up at the bookstore with all the "Cat in the Hat" characters had us all dancing around those books---

until the characters corralled us all for a picture!

God has "made known to me the path of life;" and I know that "in His presence is fulness of joy; and at His right hand are pleasures ever more." (Psalm 16:11) 

How grateful I am for that truth----which I experienced as I "danced" throughout the day with my seven grandchildren....and shared with Lucy in our "Thank you, God" nighttime prayer, as we recounted our day. Praises that after the a-men, she wanted to "pray" again!

CHOOSE: TO BE A DANCING GRANNY

Choosing to dance---as dance is a "positive" metaphor for fully living the life the Lord has chosen for one, regardless of the "happenings" which come one's way.
Most people assume the "dancing choice" is easier the younger on is. 
However, experience is important as well. The experience one receives as she ages can bring an awareness of the importance of staying on the dance floor. Showing up counts. Being present in the midst of all circumstances. Trusting the One who leads you to keep you

Used by permission of the author/illustrator.

Choosing, always requires intentionality. For the "elder" set it can requires fitness, both physical and spiritual. It also requires energy. ENERGY to keep up with the younger set.

Let them praise His name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre (Psalm 149:3)

A "Dancing Granny" cannot be a wallflower. A true "Dancing Granny" needs to keep in step with the One who is her perfect partner so that her grandchildren can see and learn from her as she focuses on Him (not her feet/circumstances) and depends on His lead.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.(Jeremiah 31:13)

Maybe that verse could be an answer to the prayers of a grandmother who chooses to be a "Dancing Granny!"

CHOOSE: TO DANCE ONCE MORE

Many times, especially those of hardship, loss or health struggles, one wants to choose anything but dancing.
Choosing to dance is a metaphor for choosing to live life to the fullest in spite of the "falls" on life's dance floor .
For Christians it requires the right dance partner. Jesus Christ.

When we stumble our Partner is there to catch us. (His hand hold keeps us from going headlong)

When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, Because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. (Psalm 37:24)

Trust ensues and grows with every recovered struggle/slip.

Step adjustments are made and once again we can see what seemed like utter trial/pain, or devastation---take your pick) God can use for good.

Thanks be...."to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to make you stand in the glory, blameless with great joy." (Jude 1:24)

Choose to dance looking up into the face of the Ultimate Dance Partner who leads you in His chosen dance of love for you.

CHOOSE DANCING

Choosing dancing can be an easy choice when life is going well. 

It can also be an easy choice when one is at the Apple store getting help on a disabled computer while using their wifi. Apple Store wifi dances and does not drop----hooray for "dancing" wifi!"

But....do we sometimes get complacent and forget to choose dancing. Forget to celebrate. Forget to be thankful.

Dancing can be an expression of gratitude.

Gift from Ashley Bryan---Used with the Artist's Permission

A video with "my" Ukraine ladies dancing with the Lord with their ladies from India warmed my heart. They chose to take my D.A.N.C.E. dance to India. We often think we, the United States, are the only ones who send missionaries. At the missions conference this week the number of missionaries going out from South Korea was unbelievable.
Some are sent to the US. Just last year, I met, in Turkey, a lady from South Korea who, with her husband, had been a missionary in New York City.
Such news pleased me as NY is home to three of my most precious loved ones.
That kind of news makes is easy to "choose dancing!"

CHOOSE: UNITY

"What a fellowship, what a joy divine." (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms) Hebrew

English

The language doesn't matter----the truth is the same.

And all God's people said, A-MEN!!!