CHOOSE: FIVE FOR THE 5TH FRIDAY

Choose: Acts of Kindness could have been this entry because kindness is key in relationships.
According to a google search, I've already written 5 entries on kindness and according to the marginalia in my NKJV Bible, a needed reminder....
"Desire a life measured more by kindness than by competency."

So...you can "choose" to search through the links below for your favorite of the five:

Kindness Reciprocated pays it forward.
Mature in Kindness.
Kindle Kindness.
Kindness "gentles" responses of others, even family.
Be Kind.

https://dotsydetails.blogspot.com/2009/02/kindness.html (2/24/09)

http://dotsydetails.blogspot.com/2009/08/watermelon-kindness-analogy.html (8/18/09)

https://dotsydetails.blogspot.com/2011/11/kindness-kindled.html (11/7/11)

http://dotsydetails.blogspot.com/2014/11/loyal-tea-adams-family-cuppa.html (11/7/14)

http://dotsydetails.blogspot.com/2017/01/choose-kindness.html?m=0 (1/24/17)

Desire a life measured by kindness more than by competency. (Marginalia, NKJV)
Choose: To Be Kind in at least one of the 5 ways. It will bless your heart!

CHOOSE: FRETLESS

To be "Fretless in Memphis," one has to fret less and trust more. 
Cut out the worrying. That means fret NOT, Dots! (That's scriptural---just read Psalms 37: 1, 7, 8! Okay so it doesn't say Dots---feel free to insert your own name.

Choose faith not fretting.
Easier said than done, sometimes. Maybe if I were "more" fretless it would render me less sleeplessness. What a praise that would be!
But God....through Cole Huffman's  Philippians 4:4-7 sermon (3/19/17), reminded me of 2 things I know. Two things that give me peace.

1. I know I am not in control. (God is)
2. I know that I am cared for.  (By God)

Knowing those 2 truths reminds me that in the midst of fears (basis for much of my fretting) the Lord is at hand! (v. 5, ESV) Therefore, I not only can lean into His control but I can also lean into His care.

Fretless hot tea drinkers see their cuppa as 1/2 full, NOT 1/2 empty. A cuppa positive-TEA!

CHOOSE: WACKY WEDNESDAY

This was an easy choice as "my" Molly needed me to accompany Owen to today's "Wacky Wednesday" event at the Brooks Museum.

So....I've decided to look for God there---as Jenna Fergus taught us. Look for God everywhere, even in an art museum. (Job 34:21)

I'm headed out, having asked God for direction and will  report later on what I "see."
I'm back!
I thought God would have me use my "sense of seeing" in order to clearly see Him in works of art.
But God......impressed me with two "life lessons" using my sense of smell and sense of hearing. WOW, GOD!
As we approached our destination from the backside, a new direction, we stopped to smell the roses. Not knockout roses, which are pretty to look at but without even the barest scent of a rose.
Roses. Fragrant roses.

Roses along our journey to see museum art, which emphasized the sweet-smelling "life lesson" that goal-oriented, destination-bound folks need to enjoy the journey along the way.
As the old adage says, "Stop and smell the roses!"Which is exactly what Owen did.

The 2nd lesson was auditory and was gleaned from the voice of a school teacher who simply said, art classes are more than teaching painting or drawing.

"Art is teaching people to see."  

Wacky Wednesday---what a sensory experience, even beyond the visual!

CHOOSE: PRAISE

Signs of God's creation have a way of making my heart leap in praise. Such was the case this past weekend in Brentwood when God's sunset had me in awe!

They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy. (Psalm 65:8)

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised. (Psalm 113:3)

CHOOSE: FLEXIBILITY

"Nora's Day" is Thursday---at least it has been for the last 6 years!

For many years it was every Monday-Friday. Once Molly started kindergarten we only had her once a month and it was always on Thursday. She would spoil us on those days with the BEST fried chicken and pound cake or carrot cake for Larry. 

But....when I retired, those Thursdays became Elnora's Day. A "treat" day for her after 30+ years of her "treating" us! 

Then, this week a schedule snafu had us changing to Monday. What a laughing, eating, (Freddy's w/ Nancy) hugging (w/Margie) visiting, (at KDS nursing home) more laughing time----with laughter that even followed us from the movie, "Going in Style," all the way back home!!

God's Word says "there is a time for everything"---so grateful that our choice of flexibility allowed us a time to LAUGH! (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

CHOOSE: NEW EQUATION

New mug at brother Bobby's for my morning cuppa says it all as I begin the day and share "tea" with him, a fellow hot tea aficionado. A morning ritual  carry over from childhood days at 2211 in Hoptown!

Start the day grounded in faith (Colossians 2:7) and filled with hope (Colossians 1:23) to give joy for one's self that it might be poured out into the lives of others to bolster their faith. (Ephesians 3:17)

Equation of the heart: Rooted and grounded in faith + gospel hope = joy and love poured in to one's heart and then out to others!

Choose this equation daily!

CHOOSE: TO CELEBRATE

A Liles wedding.

There's nothing quite like them.
Sacred ceremonies. Vows before God and man. 
Then the dancing begins!
Tonight's wedding dance of Michael and Megan began with dancing down the aisle as the recessional music was played for these newlyweds----celebrating their new life together.

Dancing continued at the Old Natchez Country Club for all of us.
For them, the beauty of this new season in their lives is that from this time forth there is a new dance---regardless of the "music" life throws their way, that they will dance it together, led by the Lord.
How easy it is to choose to celebrate with Megan and Michael Liles.

CHOOSE: TO REMEMBER

More later but here's a hint.

CHOOSE: THE WAY

Choosing the Way of the Cross in last week's VBS was a way for children to begin to understand the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6)

Focusing on the "way" means to choose to do what God's word tells us to do or say. Following His way is easier when one understands, God loves us, God is for us and God is always with us.

Be kind. (Ephesians 4:32) Just two simple words---easy to say but sometimes hard for little ones to remember to do, especially to siblings. It's hard for all of us to choose the right way at certain times.

It's easier to choose the "right" way when our focus is on the cross----a great reminder for adults created by the hands of young children.

CHOOSE: accorDANCE

More often than not, I'm a rule follower. Years ago in a friendly game, participants described each other with adjectives that began with the same letter as one's name. Example--pretty Patricia.

If Siri had been playing, she would have named me "ditsy" Dotsy. I would have gladly settled for that or delightful or dancing....but the consensus for me was diligent. 

Diligent. How boring! 

Yet, as aging has set in, it is a trait that I tend to admire in others. Too many seem to see themselves beyond the rules---as if "rules" are for others, not them. They are a member of the "terminally unique." Think those who litter, park in handicap spaces, keep their phones on in theaters, or text while driving.

They don't "dance" according to the rules. Rules are for others. They are the exception.

Maybe young people need diligent rule following adults in their lives as good examples.

This young lady chose to "model" the "quiet" rule at the St. Jude golf-tournament recently---not just in accordance with this respectful rule but by encouraging others to do the same.

I, the diligent one, choose accorDANCE---to waltz through life in accordance with the rules set out in God's word, even though sometimes I do "trip" up. 

The good news is that when I stumble in my accorDANCE, God is there. (Psalm 37:24)

CHOOSE: FRAGRANCE OF CHRIST

First Evan's weekend "Gals and Galleries Tour " was a "scent-sational" exhibit. 

Dixon Gallery and Gardens' "Scent and Symbolism Exhibit" explored the world of fragrance in art and nature, displaying antique perfume bottles (140 from 17th -20th centuries) and fragrant flowering plants in the garden. 

Jenna Fergus, our G & G guide for our summer tours, emphasized the way painters through the ages explored the sense of smell in paintings, engravings, lithographs and even porcelain pieces. Prior to the tour, she sent us a link to Bible verses about fragrances, aromas and spices in the Bible. What a great way to "SPICE" up our tour. Jenna always gives us a way of looking at art from a "new" direction.

The engraving, "Smell: The Five Senses" (series#11,1736) caught my attention. It had a "story" that spoke to me. My story was a little different from the one with the display, but I was grateful for the info included by the museum.

 A rustic gardener, smelling a dianthus. (One of the flowers Mother had throughout her garden) Certainly the man is an employee of the owner of the formal gardens which he tends, but that doesn't stop him from enjoying "his" moment as he "sniffs" the dianthus.

Following the tour, Jenna reminded us that our actions can be a sweet aroma to the Lord and others but we can also "stink" it up. What an eye-opening exhibit to keep us focused on God's word about fragrances.

But thanks be to God, who always leads up in triumph in Christ and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. (2 Corinthians 2:14)

May I continue to choose to be a fragrance of Christ to others.

CHOOSE: SHARING GOD'S TRUTH

One is never to old to share truth from God's Word. I know because I have watched Miss Jean do it for the last 2 years and she is 20 years older than I. But.....what an inspiration she is to so many of us!

How special it is to share truth with young people through God's word, skits, sign language, crafts, games, music, art, science and puppets........

.....and even trading cards!

• God made you. (Psalm 139:14)
• God is for you. (Romans 8:31)
• God is always with you. (Joshua 1:9)
• God will always love you. (Psalm 89:2)
• God made you for a reason. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Choosing to share God's truth was important, meaningful and altogether FUN.

CHOOSE: LISTENING

At our home, the "S" word is not allowed---never has been since the children were old enough to talk. "Shut-up" is our "S" word. "We" don't see it as a kind word. So...we don't say it. That's the Liles' rule!

However, we acknowledge that there are times when all of us need to close our mouths in order to listen. When silence is necessary to get another's attention, we say HUSH!

Somedays I need to tell the world to "HUSH!" so that I can "hear" from the Lord. (Proverbs 19:29) Yet, sometimes even when I close out the world and am alone, I still have "noises" in my mind that whirr and drown out God's still small voice. Then, I need to open my Bible and tell my mind to "hush." His word is His voice---and it's the best way to listen to Him. Then, I need to heed what I hear.

"Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD." (Psalm 34:11)

More often, listening as to hear  and heed is more of a heart problem than an ear problem.

Choosing to listen needs to become the antecedent for choosing "heartfelt" action.

CHOOSE: PRAYER IN ANY POSITION

While VBS "campers" in Memphis were learning that "God is always with us," (Joshua 1:9) and acting out positions of sleeping, driving, playing, running everywhere and praying.............

..........congressmen in Virginia at a ball practice chose a pray stance as they prayed for wounded colleagues and Capitol police after a lone gunman shot at the participants early in the day. 

A standing position with heads bowed. 

I know because I saw it on my TV as the news was broadcast. People coming together to pray for others.

In biblical accounts of prayer many positions are noted: "Abraham fell on his face before God;" (Genesis 17:3) "Moses prayed with outstretched arms;" (Exodus 9:29) "King Solomon knelt before the altar with hands outstretched toward heaven;" (1 Kings 8:54) and Jesus prayed looking up to heaven." (John 17:1)

My 6 old attendees know that prayer is "talking to God," and there is not a required position. 

Prayer's the expression of the attitude of one's heart---a heart which is bowed in worship regardless of any certain physical position.

That's why believers can choose to pray any place, anytime and in any position. 

CHOOSE: GRATITUDE

There is nothing like prayer---when it comes from the lips and heart of others on one's behalf.
"I have prayed for you." (Luke 22:32) "I pray that God.....will fill you with joy...."(Romans 15:13)

How can I pray for you?
Do you have any specific prayer requests for this week?
I praised the Lord today for our friendship.
I'm rejoicing with you on God's answer to the prayers we've been praying over these last few years.

"I prayed for you today." (One of my warriors, 6/13/17)
 Those words are music to my ears----making it easy to choose gratitude.

CHOOSE: TRUTH WITH HOPE

Whether an adult reads it on their smart phone Bible app, or in the pew Bible or a teacher reads it to a first grader in the glowing artistic lighting of hallways at VBS, it's comforting for everyone to know we can hope in God who made us for a purpose.

.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

Hope is always a positive choice.

CHOOSE: HOPE

God's Word says it well. (Romans 15:13)

When I choose hope, I choose from within. 

I choose God, my source of hope! 

CHOOSE: NOSTALGIA, A REPRISE

A reprisal is usually musical but last Thursday....it became a resumption of an activity.
Waxing nostalgic.

Elnora and I ended ended up wandering around the square in Collierville and decided to peep in the log cabin on the green. That's what resumed my nostalgic recall and ramblings.
Nora is the perfect person to accompany on the memory journey because she's known us for years and is well acquainted with my mother. She didn't mind standing by the furniture that stoked my memory. A pie safe. 
The hinged doors on the front had those tin plates with punched holes just like on Mother's pie safe!

A few differences----most pie safes were located in kitchens and used to store pies or bread and other perishables. Ours was in the "backroom." It didn't hold pies or any kind of food items. 
Instead, our pie safe at 2211 held the crispest linens in town---tightly folded and ironed. Sheets and pillow slips, (as Mother called them) dried on a clothes line. 

Precious memories to share with a precious person---recalling God's goodness from days gone by and "all of His doings and musing on the works of His hand" in our shared lives. (Psalm 143:5)

CHOOSE: STILLNESS

This snapshot says it all.

My plan for today's quiet time. To sit before the Lord and allow Him to guide my thoughts.

In stillness. With an open Bible and an open heart. 

Speak (LORD) for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:10)

If I can't be still and listen with my heart, how else will I know Him?

CHOOSE: TO ANSWER TRUTHFULLY

Answering truthfully to people doesn't seem hard at all unless I'm trying to "spare" their feelings. But answering myself truthfully is not always so easy. Too often rationalization gets factored in to the equation. 

Tidying the pantry (not alphabetizing, tho that is often very helpful) had me questioning myself today. As I stacked the "NICE" products from a Walgreens sale with the Kroger "Home Sense" cheapies, I thought about being nice to others. 

Then, questions followed. Who are you nice to in your daily walk? 

My first thought was, "I "try" to be nice to everyone who crosses my path---from clerks and sales people to "late" repair men and sanitation workers." Friends are easy to be nice to as are church folks. 

Even people whom I don't know, can elicit a "nice" smile, especially if I see them showing patience & kindness to others. Sometimes, if I don't feel like being nice, I choose to "stuff" my negative emotions and smile anyway.

But.....what happens when I get home? Do I allow earlier negative emotions to roll out and steam roll over loved ones? I think the Dr. Nutcrackers of this world call it displaced anger or displaced aggression.

Do I choose to be nice to hubby when he's grumpy or he's been nice and emptied the dishwasher and I can't find where he's put things? Do I take that "minor" frustration out on him just because earlier in the day an unknown male behind the wheel cut me off and then raised his "not so nice finger "at me?. 

Why is it that family often get the brunt of our stress-induced emotions or our suppressed negative ones just waiting to vent?

Like my pantry shelving I need to choose to "mix" my "nice" in with "home" folks as a matter of course. It just makes sense to be NICE at home.

Love one another. (1 Peter 4:8) I think love includes being nice and "another" includes those folks both outside and inside the home----especially those who have been "patient and bearing with you" (Ephesians 4:2) for almost 48 years!

CHOOSE: TO WALK FAITHFULLY

Henry Blackaby says, "To walk faithfully with God will always bring a person to experience God's laying His heart over his." (hers)

Not my way, but His way, as my Jehovah-Jirah provides the path way through dashed hopes.
A FAITHWALK!

For we walk by faith not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Whether in tennis shoes or heels-----thank you, Lord for continung to guide my walk when my eyes are blinded with tears.

CHOOSE: HODGE PODGE

Some choices are  more of a defeat or...on a more positive note, an acceptance.

Such is the way with my "garden" and I do use the term loosely.

Living between "master gardeners" could be intimidating. In fact, it is only my thinking that drags me down that lane. They never do.

They're always encouraging but I'm sure it's difficult for them to imagine my interest in a printed page, even about gardening, greater than my desire to put gardening into practice.

Possibly because that's when my ineptness is front and center.
Think random placement. Harem-scarem. Hodge-podge. Jumble. I would put eclectic but I think that only pertains to furniture/ decor! Certainly not a pastiche of neighboring gardens. 

Just patio pots with my small garden of phlox, praying hands, lenten roses and Solomon seal as a backdrop.

Comparison is the "Thief of joy." (T. Roosevelt) ...or as Lo says, "If you compare, our despair."

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each should carry their own load. (Galatians 6:4-5)